cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generation of x-ray pulses with rapid rise times to pump inner-shell photo-ionized x-ray lasing in carbon at 45 {angstrom}

An investigation of the rapid rise time of x-ray emission from targets heated by an ultrashort-pulse high-intensity optical laser was conducted for use as a pump for inner-shell photo-ionized x-ray lasing. Results of x-ray rise times from instantaneously heated Au rod targets show little benefit for using optical pulse widths less than 30 fs. Gain calculations for inner-shell photo-ionized lasing show that large gains can be obtained for pulse widths between 30 and 100 fs. Calculated spectra, using the hydrodynamic/atomic kinetics code LASNEX, from a 1 J, 65 fs FWHM pulse optical laser incident on a structured Au target gave a gain of 1 1.5 cm{sup {minus}1} in C at 45 {angstrom}.
Anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin B variability during normal menstrual cycles.

Objective To describe anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) variation across normal menstrual cycles. Design Cohort study. Setting Academic environment. Patient(s) Twenty regularly menstruating women. Intervention(s) Serum AMH and inhibin B assayed daily during one normal menstrual cycle. Main Outcome Measure(s) Intracycle variability of AMH and inhibin B. Result(s) Data were classified into quartiles of AMH area-under-the-curve (AUCs). Mean AMH AUC was 15.7 ng/mL for quartile 1 versus 43.5, 80.9 and 144.9 ng/mL for quartiles 2, 3, and 4. Mean AMH levels (ng/mL) were 0.67, 1.71, 3.02, and 5.33, respectively. There was no variation in quartile 1 AMH rate of change from stochastic modeling, but in quartiles 2 to 4, there were increased rates of change in days 2 to 7. Women in quartile 1 had the lowest mean inhibin B (24.2 pg/mL vs. 44.3, 43.2, and 42.2 pg/mL), and had shorter menstrual cycles (24.6 days) than women in quartiles 3 and 4 (28.2 and 28.4 days). Conclusion(s) There were two menstrual cycle patterns of AMH. The "aging ovary" pattern included low AMH levels with little variation, lower inhibin B, and shorter cycle lengths. The "younger ovary" pattern included higher AMH levels with significant variation days 2 to 7, suggesting that for women with AMH >1 ng/mL, the interpretation of AMH levels is contingent upon the day of the menstrual cycle on which the specimen is obtained.
Effects of caffeine on FT-1 min schedule induced drinking at different body weights ☆

The effects of caffeine (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0, and 100.0 mg/kg) on lever pressing, schedule induced licking, and water consumption induced by a fixed time 1 min schedule of food reinforcement were studied. Changes in these dependent variables were assessed when animals were reduced to 80% of their initial body weight by partial food deprivation and when body weight recovered after the animals were returned to conditions of ad lib feeding. Results indicate similar decreases in licking and drinking at the highest doses of caffeine under both feeding and body weight conditions. The results were compared to previous research which evaluated the effects of caffeine on adjunctive behavior.
A defective HSV-1 vector expresses Escherichia coli β-galactosidase in cultured peripheral neurons

A defective herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) vector, pHSVlac, has been developed that contains a transcription unit that places the Escherichia coli lacZ gene under the control of the HSV-1 immediate early 4/5 promoter. The vector pHSVlac was propagated with the HSV-1 temperature-sensitive mutant ts K as helper virus. Infection of neurons from rat superior cervical ganglia and dorsal root ganglia in primary culture resulted in stable expression of high levels of beta-galactosidase without cell death. These HSV-1 vectors should be useful for introducing genes into postmitotic cells, such as neurons, in vitro and in vivo.
Design requirements for DICOM patient, study, and results management

The DICOM services for patient, study and results management are recent additions to the ACR-NEMA standard. Commercially available RIS systems and the HL7 standard do not match the DICOM state transition models for these management tasks well. The purpose of this effect is to model the interaction between a DICOM-compliant PACS and an RIS, based on the DICOM management models, to provide a basis for standards-based PACS-RIS integration. We report on a state transition model for a RIS that correlates both to the HL7 trigger events usually supported and to the major features of the various state transition models incorporated in DICOM.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Anion exchanger is present in both luminal and basolateral renal membranes

Binding of the anion-exchange inhibitor 3H2-labeled 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbene disulfonic acid (DIDS) to highly purified luminal and basolateral beef kidney tubular membranes was characterized. Specific binding of [3H2]DIDS is present in both luminal and basolateral membranes. Scatchard analysis revealed a Kd for [3H2]DIDS of 5.5 microM and 19.3 microM and a maximal number of binding sites of 10.9 nmol and 31.7 nmol DIDS/mg protein in basolateral and luminal membranes, respectively. To assess the role of this putative anion exchanger on transport we measured 35SO4 uptake by luminal and basolateral membranes. In both luminal and basolateral membranes sulfate uptake was significantly greater in the presence of an outward-directed Cl gradient, OH gradient or HCO3 gradient than in the absence of these gradients. There was an early anion-dependent sulfate uptake of five to ten times the equilibrium uptake at 60 min. The sulfate taken in could be released by lysis of the vesicles indicating true uptake and not binding of sulfate. No significant difference in SO4 uptake was found in the presence and in the absence of valinomycin, indicating that the anion exchanger is electroneutral. The anion-dependent sulfate uptake was completely inhibited by either DIDS or furosemide in both luminal and basolateral membranes. Dixon analysis of HCO3-dependent SO4 uptake by luminal membranes in the presence of different concentrations of DIDS revealed a Ki for DIDS of 20 microM. The similar values of the Kd for [3H2]DIDS binding and the Ki for DIDS inhibition of SO4 uptake might suggest an association between DIDS binding and the inhibition of SO4 transport. In addition, an inward-directed Na gradient stimulated sulfate uptake in luminal but not in basolateral membranes. The Na-dependent sulfate uptake in luminal membranes was also inhibited by DIDS. We conclude that, in addition to the well-known Na-dependent sulfate uptake in luminal membranes, there exists an anion exchanger in both basolateral and luminal membranes capable of sulfate transport.
More constructions of pseudorandom sequences of k symbols

We present some new constructions of families of pseudorandom sequences of k symbols, which generalize several previous constructions for the binary case.
Reversal of effects of 2-substituted thiadiazoles by nicotinamide analogues and precursors.

THE 2-substituted thiadiazoles have been found to produce a variety of biological effects—the inhibition of growth of transplanted tumours and leukaemias in mice1,2, the production of glossitis in man3, and an increase in de novo synthesis of uric acid in man3. These effects can be prevented by nicotinamide which has led some observers to regard the thiadiazoles as ‘nicotinamide antagonists’4,5.
A classification of forearm fractures near the wrist

Abstract The leverage effects of the hand and carpus in the production of suprastyloid fracture in the radius by a fall on the hand have been studied. Applied anatomy from original dissections; an analysis of all types of fractures of forearm bones for a two year period; and a series of x-ray films with illustrative circles drawn, have been presented in an effort to correlate the applied anatomy of the region with the known incidence and location of fracture as recorded by x-ray. A classification based upon a circle test used in anteroposterior films is submitted.
First (mediation) step: Stop the shooting

Violent Chicago streets are as tough a test for mediators as there is. Harry N. Mazadoorian, of Hamden, Conn., draws lessons for commercial ADR from the work of street mediators.
The myeloperoxidase system of human phagocytes generates Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine on proteins: a mechanism for producing advanced glycation end products at sites of inflammation

Reactive aldehydes derived from reducing sugars and peroxidation of lipids covalently modify proteins and may contribute to oxidative tissue damage. We recently described another mechanism for generating reactive aldehydes from free alpha-amino acids. The pathway begins with myeloperoxidase, a heme enzyme secreted by activated neutrophils. Conversion of alpha-amino acids to aldehydes requires hypochlorous acid (HOCl), formed from H2O2 and chloride by myeloperoxidase. When L-serine is the substrate, HOCl generates high yields of glycolaldehyde. We now demonstrate that a model protein, ribonuclease A (RNase A), exposed to free L-serine and HOCl exhibits the biochemical hallmarks of advanced glycation end (AGE) products -- browning, increased fluorescence, and cross-linking. Furthermore, Nepsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), a chemically well-characterized AGE product, was generated on RNase A when it was exposed to reagent HOCl-serine, the myeloperoxidase-H2O2-chloride system plus L-serine, or activated human neutrophils plus L-serine. CML production by neutrophils was inhibited by the H2O2 scavenger catalase and the heme poison azide, implicating myeloperoxidase in the cell-mediated reaction. CML was also generated on RNase A by a myeloperoxidase-dependent pathway when neutrophils were activated in a mixture of amino acids. Under these conditions, we observed both L-serine-dependent and L-serine-independent pathways of CML formation. The in vivo production of glycolaldehyde and other reactive aldehydes by myeloperoxidase may thus play an important pathogenic role by generating AGE products and damaging tissues at sites of inflammation.
Bending properties of a novel engineered composite from southern pine lumber

This paper presents the results of a study in which novel engineered composite lumber was developed, manufactured and tested. The engineered composite lumber was made by edge-laminating lower-grade No. 3 solid-sawn southern pine (SP) lumber with higher-grade tension chord material to yield tension chord lumber (TCL). Three groups of TCL (38 mm × 235 mm × 4.9 m) were made with varying combinations of SP lumber including machine stress rated (MSR) 2400Fb-2.0E, MSR 2400Fb-2.0E finger joint, and visually graded No. 1 finger joint material. One group of visually graded No. 3 control lumber (38 mm × 184 mm × 4.9 m) was also tested. All specimens were tested in static four-point bending on a universal testing machine. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) were determined. The TCL lumber had significantly greater MOE values as compared with the control lumber. The mean MOE values of TCL ranged from 12.4 to 12.6 GPa, as compared with 9.6 GPa for the control group. The mean MOR values of TCL ranged from 39.3 to 47.6 MPa, as compared with 35.9 MPa for the control group. Perhaps most importantly, the 5th percentile values of MOR of the TCL were approximately double those of the control group, 29.1, 27.0, and 27.4 MPa versus 11.8 MPa, respectively.
Additive Route to Lithographically Defined Nanoporous Silica, Polymer, and Carbon Films

A facile method was investigated for patterning microporous and mesoporous silica, polymer, and carbon films using a combination of lithography and solid-state chemistry. This process exploits the difference in chemical reactivity between the lithographically exposed and unexposed regions to control the reaction of a target precursor from the vapor phase. A block copolymer film loaded with a photoacid generator is utilized as a preformed template, and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and furfuryl alcohol (FA) are the silica and carbon precursors, respectively. Following UV exposure and reaction with vaporized precursors, thermal decomposition of the polymeric template yields a mesoporous film in the exposed regions. Dense line−space patterns down to 1.5 μm features were resolved with I-line lithography. Sharper features were formed using FA; this behavior is attributed to the requirement for water in the system during TEOS condensation. Moisture in the system appears to lead to enhanced diffusion of the pho...
Mechanisms Explaining Transitions between Tonic and Phasic Firing in Neuronal Populations as Predicted by a Low Dimensional Firing Rate Model

Several firing patterns experimentally observed in neural populations have been successfully correlated to animal behavior. Population bursting, hereby regarded as a period of high firing rate followed by a period of quiescence, is typically observed in groups of neurons during behavior. Biophysical membrane-potential models of single cell bursting involve at least three equations. Extending such models to study the collective behavior of neural populations involves thousands of equations and can be very expensive computationally. For this reason, low dimensional population models that capture biophysical aspects of networks are needed. The present paper uses a firing-rate model to study mechanisms that trigger and stop transitions between tonic and phasic population firing. These mechanisms are captured through a two-dimensional system, which can potentially be extended to include interactions between different areas of the nervous system with a small number of equations. The typical behavior of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the rodent is used as an example to illustrate and interpret our results. The model presented here can be used as a building block to study interactions between networks of neurons. This theoretical approach may help contextualize and understand the factors involved in regulating burst firing in populations and how it may modulate distinct aspects of behavior.
The isolation and characterization of a novel G protein-coupled receptor regulated by immunologic challenge.

Abstract Using a degenerate PCR based approach, a fragment of the novel G protein-coupled receptor, VTR 15–20, was identified from the rat ventral tegmentum. Hybridization screening and RACE PCR were employed to isolate the full length clone. The cDNA encodes a protein of 305 amino acids which shares homology to several orphan as well as known G protein-coupled receptors. Amino acid analysis demonstrates the VTR 15–20 contains specific regions conserved among the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Messenger RNA encoding VTR 15–20 is expressed throughout the mammalian nervous system. Using primary rat culture systems we have demonstrated the expression of VTR 15–20 mRNA in both microglia and astrocytes. The highest levels of VTR 15–20 mRNA expression are detected in peripheral tissues including the spleen. Moreover, we have found that the expression of VTR 15–20 mRNA in brain and spleen is regulated by immunologic challenge. Based on the cellular distribution and regulation by immune challenge and neuronal insult, we hypothesize that VTR 15–20 plays a role in neuroimmune function.
Validating an Assessment of Individual Actions, Postsecondary, and Social Supports of College Students with Disabilities

In this study, the authors developed, administered, and evaluated a measure of individual actions of college students with disabilities and their perceptions of postsecondary and social supports. An exploratory factor analysis resulted in nine reliable factors in these three areas. Follow-up regression analyses revealed that self-advocacy explained significant unique variance in predicting grade point average, indicating that self-advocacy is most crucial for college success. Implications for use in postsecondary environments are discussed.
Comment on "Silent soft mode in hexagonal barium titanate observed by hyper-Raman scattering"

The soft zone-center ${E}_{2u}$ mode was recently observed by means of hyper-Raman scattering by Inoue et al. [Phys. Rev. B 38, 6352 (1988)]. Knowing that the ${E}_{2u}$ mode drives the transition, we obtain the lower-symmetry space group of the transition, construct the free energy (including elastic coupling), and show the possible optical modes allowed by symmetry.
Muscle force distribution for adaptive control of a humanoid robot arm with redundant bi-articular and mono-articular muscle mechanism

Robot arms driven by bi-articular and mono-articular muscles have numerous advantages. If one muscle is broken, the functionality of the arm is not influenced. In addition, each joint torque is distributed to numerous muscles, and thus the load of each muscle can be relatively small. This paper addresses the problem of muscle control for this kind of robot arm. A relatively mature control method (i.e. sliding mode control) was chosen to get joint torque first and then the joint torque was distributed to muscle forces. The muscle force was computed based on a Jacobian matrix between joint torque space and muscle force space. In addition, internal forces were used to optimize the computed muscle forces in the following manner: not only to make sure that each muscle force is in its force boundary, but also to make the muscles work in the middle of their working range, which is considered best in terms of fatigue. Besides, all the dynamic parameters were updated in real-time. Compared with previous work, a novel method was proposed to use prediction error to accelerate the convergence speed of parameter. We empirically evaluated our method for the case of bending-stretching movements. The results clearly illustrate the effectiveness of our method towards achieving the desired kinetic as well as load distribution characteristics.
A comparison of phobic subtypes within panic disorder

Panic disordered patients with agoraphobia (n=81), with limited phobic avoidance (n=44), and uncomplicated (i.e., with no avoidance: n=19) were compared by demographic characteristics, panic and near-panic attack symptoms, behavioral response to panic attacks, course of panic disorder, and comorbidity. Mean vectors of the three groups differed significantly from chance (p<.01), and a discriminant function analysis with jackknife correctly classified 52.0% of patients. Although most of the individual variables did not differ significantly between groups, a cluster of symptoms associated with alterations in consciousness, including dizziness/unsteadiness, faintness/fear of passing out, and derealization during panic attacks were most often reported by agoraphobics. Agoraphobics were also significantly more likely to report help-seeking behavior in response to panic attacks and to report at least moderate anticipatory anxiety than were patients with limited or no avoidance. The results support the utility of categorizing extent of avoidance among patients with panic disorder. They suggest a relationship between agoraphobic avoidance and certain features of panic attacks and patients' responses to panic attacks.
Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy: insight from animal models.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and epilepsy are separated in the medical community, but seizures occur in some patients with AD, and AD is a risk factor for epilepsy. Furthermore, memory impairment is common in patients with epilepsy. The relationship between AD and epilepsy remains an important question because ideas for therapeutic approaches could be shared between AD and epilepsy research laboratories if AD and epilepsy were related. Here we focus on one of the many types of epilepsy, temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), because patients with TLE often exhibit memory impairment, depression and other comorbidities that occur in AD. Moreover, the seizures that occur in patients with AD may be nonconvulsive, which occur in patients with TLE. Here we first compare neuropathology in TLE and AD with an emphasis on the hippocampus, which is central to both AD and TLE research. Then we compare animal models of AD pathology with animal models of TLE. Although many aspects of the comparisons are still controversial, there i...
Reversible bridge-mediated excited-state symmetry breaking in stilbene-linked DNA dumbbells.

The excited-state behavior of synthetic DNA dumbbells possessing stilbenedicarboxamide (Sa) linkers separated by short A-tracts or alternating A−T base-pair sequences has been investigated by means of fluorescence and transient absorption spectroscopy. Electronic excitation of the Sa chromophores results in conversion of a locally excited state to a charge-separated state in which one Sa is reduced and the other is oxidized. This symmetry-breaking process occurs exclusively via a multistep mechanismhole injection followed by hole transport and hole trappingeven at short distances. Rate constants for charge separation are strongly distance-dependent at short distances but become less so at longer distances. Disruption of the A-tract by inversion of a single A−T base pair results in a pronounced decrease in both the rate constant and efficiency of charge separation. Hole trapping by Sa is highly reversible, resulting in rapid charge recombination that occurs via the reverse of the charge separation process:...
Presuppositions as nonassertions

Abstract It is commonly assumed that the assertion/presupposition distinction maps fairly directly onto the distinction between new and old information. This assumption is made doubtful by presupposing constructions that regularly convey new information: uniquely identifying descriptions, ‘informative presupposition’ it -clefts, reverse wh -clefts, announcements embedded under factives, nonrestrictive relatives. The presupposed content conveyed by these constructions can be regarded as part of the common ground only with an unconstrained principle of accommodation. But this reduces the claim that grammatical presuppositions are part of the common ground to vacuity. Presuppositions are a consequence of two factors. One is a tendency to limit assertion to one atomic proposition per rooted sentence. The other is the fact that almost any thought to be expressed will involve many atomic propositions. Depending on medium, genre and other contextual variables, new information will be presupposed if it is not necessary to assert it. The view is confirmed by evidence that written language, which would be expected to contain more new information per utterance than spoken language, contains a higher proportion of text in definite descriptions.
Scatter in Fatigue Crack Growth Rate in a Directionally Solidified Nickel-Base Superalloy

Directional solidification of nickel-base superalloy components for gas turbine rotor blades offers a significant improvement in creep strength while at the same time yielding an anisotropic, heterogeneous microstructure. In such a material, some of the continuum assumptions of linear elastic fracture mechanics begin to break down, and local (microscopic) conditions can lead to significant deviation in fatigue crack growth rate from the global (macroscopic) trend. Fatigue crack life prediction for a large population of fielded components requires a probabilistic treatment of the material fatigue crack growth behavior. A common approach to probabilistic fatigue crack life prediction involves sampling the Paris law coefficients from a large number of crack growth experiments, which can lead to effectively “smoothing” the local intraspecimen variability out of the model. The length scale of variability is discussed as it relates to material microstructure and crack life prediction. Results from fatigue crack growth experiments on a directionally solidified superalloy are presented and spatial variation in the fatigue crack growth rate is examined. Periodicity of the crack growth rate variation is compared with the scale of microstructural heterogeneity.
25 Years of Software

The column points to the November/December 2008 issue's many special features celebrating IEEE Software's 25th anniversary of publication. This overview summarizes how experts in requirements, design, architecture, software technology and tools, interface design, and more view their areas' notable milestones and accomplishments.
Gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptor function is modulated by cyclic GMP

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate nervous system. Modulatory effects of intracellular ATP on the GABA response in isolated bullfrog dorsal root ganglion neurons were examined using whole-cell voltage clamp. Investigation of the plausible mechanisms ATP might utilize to regulate the GABA response led to the discovery that intracellular cyclic GMP may play an important role in modulating inhibitory neurotransmission. This modulatory effect of cyclic GMP is likely to be mediated via a cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase.
Axisymmetric pressure-driven flow of rigid pellets through a cylindrical tube lined with a deformable porous wall layer

A closed-form analytic solution for the motion of axisymmetric rigid pellets suspended in a Newtonian fluid and driven under a pressure gradient through a rigid impermeable cylindrical tube lined with a porous deformable biphasic wall layer is derived using mixture and lubrication theories. The analysis details the velocity distributions in the lubrication and wall layers as well as the solid-phase displacement field in the wall layer. Expressions for the shear stress and pressure gradient are obtained throughout the lubrication and wall layers. Results are presented in terms of resistance, volume flow, and driving pressure relative to smooth-walled tubes for cases both with and without rigid spheres flowing in the free lumen. The analysis is motivated by its possible relevance to the rheology of blood in the microcirculation wherein the endothelial-cell glycocalyx – a carbohydrate-rich coat of macromolecules consisting of proteoglycans and glycoproteins expressed on the luminal surface of the capillary wall – might exhibit similar behaviour to the wall layer modelled here. Estimates of the permeability of the glycocalyx are taken from experimental data for fibrinogen gels formed in vitro. In a tube without pellets lined with a porous wall layer having a thickness which is 15% of the tube radius and having a permeability in the range of fibrinogen gels, approximately a 70% greater pressure drop is required to achieve the same volume flow as would occur in an equivalent smooth-walled tube without a wall layer. If, in the presence of this same wall layer, a rigid spherical pellet is introduced which is 99.5% of the free-lumen radius, the apparent viscosity increases by as much as a factor of four with a concomitant reduction in tube hematocrit of about 10% relative to the corresponding values in an equivalent smooth-walled tube having the same sphere-to-tube diameter ratio without a wall layer.
The sequence ofTetrahymena thermophila 5S ribosomal ribonucleic acid

The primary structure ofTetrahymena thermophila 5S rRNA is reported. A secondary structure model is presented which can encompass most published eukaryotic 5S rRNA sequences. Unlike other eukaryotic 5S rRNAs,Tetrahymena is found to contain the sequence-CGAAC- beginning at position 40. The presence of this segment had previously been thought to be an exclusive characteristic of eubacterial 5S rRNAs.
Monazite-containing oxide/oxide composites

Abstract An extremely simple processing route has been used to produce LaPO 4 (La-monazite)/alumina continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic composites. In this paper, the processing, microstructure and tensile properties are reviewed. In particular, the damage tolerance and notch insensitivity of this system, which contains monazite-coated fibers, will be compared to the properties reported for other oxide composites.
Strong solutions of stationary equations in abstract kinetic theory

An abstract differential equation with “partial range” boundary conditions, modelling a variety of plane-symmetric stationary transport phenomena, is studied in Hilbert space. The collision operator is assumed to be a positive compact perturbation of the identity. A complete existence and uniqueness theory for the abstract equation is presented and two examples from rarefied gas dynamics are detailed.
N.m.r. imaging studies of coal samples using solvent permeation

Abstract The diffusion and permeation of liquids into coal has important ramifications for a wide variety of industrial processes including coal liquefaction, combustion, coal transport in water slurries, and sulfur extraction. Each of these processes depends upon the maximum internal surface area of the coal coming into contact with the permeating liquid. In contrast to other techniques using indirect methods to follow permeation, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging can be used in a completely non-invasive and non-destructive way directly to visualize and measure the changes in internal structure as coal is swollen with organic and inorganic solvents. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging techniques have been used to follow the ingress of a variety of solvents into samples of coal. The images obtained show that considerable inhomogeneities exist within the coal sample with regard to the rate of solvent penetration.
Electron microscope and microfilter studies on infectious nuclear-polyhedrosis virus in Galleria mellonella larvae

Abstract Electron microscope and microfilter studies of the nuclear-polyhedrosis virus of Galleria mellonella, the greater wax moth, showed that the smallest infectious units in the cell cytoplasm and hemolymph of diseased individuals are rod-shaped virions 38 nm × 100 to 400 nm. These particles are not surrounded by membranes and are believed to be functional in spreading disease from cell to cell within the body of the host.
Synthesis of α-helix mimetics with four side-chains

Abstract The synthesis of a heterocyclic piperazine-based scaffold that mimics the i, i + 4, i + 8, i + 11 side-chain projections of an α-helix is described. The synthesis is designed to be modular to allow the targeting of a range of protein–protein interactions involving α-helices.
Characteristics of high-density recording using a single-layer perpendicular medium and a merged MR head

The combination of a merged MR head and a single-layer perpendicular medium is a promising technology for high-density recording. This paper describes a system that provides high-linear-density recording (over 150 kFCI) without requiring a contact recording method. Both-the large magnetic anisotropy and the large crystalline orientation of a Cr-rich Co/sub 72/Cr/sub 28/ medium hold out the promise of higher linear density. The large output signal also shows the possibility of increasing the track density. The baseline shift for narrow track widths is an issue that must be solved by equalization before this system can be used to realize future hard disk drive products.
A Comparative Analysis of Open Surgery vs Endoscopic Balloon Dilation for Pediatric Subglottic Stenosis

Importance Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques are an appealing alternative to open surgical management of pediatric subglottic stenosis (SGS), but more information is needed to understand the comparative risks, benefits, and limitations of such interventions. Objective To compare the effectiveness of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) and laryngotracheoplasty (LTP) in pediatric patients with SGS and to identify patient and disease factors that are associated with successful EBD. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective medical record review of children undergoing EBD and LTP for SGS in a tertiary care children’s hospital from 2006 through 2012. Main Outcomes and Measures Success was defined as decannulation or tracheotomy avoidance. Additional outcomes were total number of procedures and number of unplanned procedures. Univariate χ 2 analyses and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify patient and disease factors statistically associated with success within treatment groups. Results Overall, 86 of 90 patients (96%) successfully avoided tracheotomy or were decannulated. Fourteen patients were successfully treated with EBD, but for 13 patients, EBD failed, and they underwent LTP. A total of 76 patients underwent LTP. In univariate analyses, patients for whom EBD was successful were more likely to have mild (grade 1 or 2; n = 10) than severe (grade 3 or 4; n = 4) SGS compared with patients for whom EBD failed (grade 1 or 2, n = 0 vs grade 3 or 4, n = 13) ( P P = .01). Patients initially treated with EBD had a lower number of airway interventions and/or evaluations under anesthesia (mean, 6.7) during their course of treatment than patients initially treated with LTP (mean, 9.2) ( P = .003). In multivariate analyses, only severe SGS was significantly associated with failure of initial EBD (13 of 13 [100%] with type 3 or 4 vs 4 of 14 with type 1 or 2 [29%]) ( P = .002). Conclusions and Relevance For severe SGS, EBD has limited application compared with LTP, and in some cases failed EBD is even detrimental, increasing the risk of unplanned urgent interventions compared with LTP.
Solubility and phase behavior of nickel oxide in aqueous sodium phosphate solutions at elevated temperatures

A platinum-lined, flowing autoclave facility was used to investigate the solubility/phase behavior of nickel oxide (NiO) in aqueous sodium phosphate solutions between 290 and 560 K. A layer of hydrous nickel oxide was concluded to exist on the nickel oxide surface below 468 K; only at higher temperatures did the anhydrous nickel oxide phase control the nickel ion solubility behavior. The measured solubility behavior was examined via a nickel(II) ion hydrolysis/complexing model and thermodynamic functions for the hydrolysis/complexing reaction equilibria were obtained from a least-squares analysis of the data. The existence of two new nickel ion complexes are reported for the first time: Ni(OH)2(HPO4)= and Ni(OH)3(H2PO4)=. The positive entropy change associated with the formation of Ni(OH)3(H2PO4)= leads to its dominance in alkaline phosphate solutions at elevated temperatures.
Optimal Vertical Takeoff and Landing Helicopter Operation in One Engine Failure

This article presents optimal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) trajectories of a multiengine helicopter in the event of a single engine failure. A point-mass model of the UH-60A helicopter is used. Time derivatives of thrust coefficients are treated as control variables. A first-order response dynamics is assumed for the contingency power available after an engine failure. Ground effect is included in the study of landing trajectories. A linear backup procedure is assumed for normal takeoff and a straight-in procedure for normal landing. Nonlinear optimal control problems are formulated for flights of rejected takeoff, continued takeoff, continued landing, and balked landing after one engine failure. Constraints on rotor speed and thrust vector are included. In rejected takeoff and continued landing, the cost functional minimizes the distance between the touchdown point and the original takeoff point, subject to impact speed limits at touchdown. In continued takeoff and balked landing, two cost functionals are used subject to specified final speed components required for a steady climb. One minimizes the horizontal distance required to achieve the steady climb, whereas the other maximizes the minimum altitude during the transitional flight from engine failure to the steady climb. Extensive numerical solutions are obtained. In all optimal trajectories, the helicopter adjusts its power requirement to accommodate the contingency power available. The helicopter gross weight capability hi VTOL operation is limited by safe rejected takeoff or continued landing. A concept of balanced-weight takeoff and landing decision point is proposed from which the maximum gross weight hi emergency landing and in flying-out maneuver is the same.
Environmental effects on the CO2 flux and CO2—Water flux ratio of Alfalfa☆

Abstract Environmental effects on the CO2 flux (Fc) and CO2—water flux ratio (CWFR) of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were studied using micrometeorological techniques. The study was conducted in the east central Great Plains of North America. Fc was dependent on solar radiation, turbulent mixing and air temperature. The response of Fc to increasing irradiance was described by a diminishing returns curve. Increasing turbulent mixing caused a reduction in the boundary-layer resistance to CO2 transfer and increased light penetration into the canopy; both factors caused Fc to increase. Under high irradiance, Fc decreased with increasing air temperature in the range 23–32°C. This effect was due to both soil plus root and dark respiration increasing with air temperature. Fc was not limited by plant water potentials ranging between −7 and −17 bar. That alfalfa is relatively drought-tolerant is indicated by the fact that no significant stomatal closure seemed to have occurred at water potentials as low as −17 bars. CWFR was correlated with net radiation. Sensible heat advection, however, reduced CWFR since this additional source of energy contributed only to evapotranspiration.
Functional outcome of unstable distal radius fractures: ORIF with a volar fixed-angle tine plate versus external fixation.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of 2 treatments for unstable distal radius fractures: open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) through a volar approach with a fixed-angle implant and a standard external fixation (EF) method. Methods This study included patients with comminuted unstable intra-articular and extra-articular distal radius fractures treated by a single surgeon. Data were gathered retrospectively on 11 patients treated with EF who had been followed up for an average of 47 months (range, 12–84 mo). Prospective data were gathered on 21 patients who were treated with ORIF through a volar approach with a fixed-angle implant. Follow-up evaluation for this group averaged 17 months (range, 12–24 mo). The 2 groups were compared for range of motion (ROM), strength, and functional outcome as measured by the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH). Fracture reduction was evaluated from radiographs taken at the last follow-up visit and compared between groups. Results The mean passive wrist ROM at the final follow-up evaluation in EF patients was 59° extension and 57° flexion, compared with 63° extension and 64° flexion in patients treated with ORIF. Passive pronation/supination arc of motion was similar for the 2 groups, as were the DASH and PRWE scores. Grip strength as a percentage of the opposite wrist was significantly greater in the external fixation group, a possible consequence of longer follow-up evaluation. Final radiographic measurements for the EF group averaged 5° volar tilt and 25° radial inclination, with 2.2-mm ulnar-positive variance. The ORIF with volar plating group averaged 10° volar tilt and 22° radial inclination, with .5-mm ulnar-negative variance. Radial length and volar tilt were significantly greater for the ORIF group. The average final intra-articular step-off was significantly different, with 1.4-mm step-off in the EF group and .4 mm in the ORIF group. Conclusions The use of ORIF with a volar fixed-angle implant resulted in stable fixation of the distal articular fragments, allowing early postsurgical wrist motion. The PRWE and DASH scores for the groups were equivalent, whereas intra-articular step-off, volar tilt, and radial length were better in the ORIF group. There were few complications, implant removal was not necessary, and early postsurgical wrist ROM was initiated without loss of reduction.
Kinetic and Thermodynamic Forms of a Two-Dimensional Crystal

The first examples of self-assembled physisorbed monolayers containing a carbamate functional group have been imaged with atomic resolution by scanning tunneling microscopy. Two different conformational pseudopolymorphs and a clear structural transition between these packing structures are observed. Each of these minima is characterized by a different degree of van der Waals and electrostatic interactions. In addition, one of these modifications shows a pseudoperiodic change of column direction resulting from disordering of the packing structure associated with orientational flipping of the molecules. The phase transition behavior can be understood in the context of Ostwald's rule of stages, a widely observed phenomenon in three-dimensional crystallizations.
Computer simulated rate processes in copper vapor lasers

A computer model for metal vapor lasers has been developed which places emphasis on the change of excited state populations of the lasant through inelastic collisions and radiative interaction. Also included are an energy equation for the pumping electrons and rate equations for laser photon densities. Presented are results of calculations for copper vapor with a neon buffer over a range of conditions. General agreement with experiments was obtained.
Temperature distributions in liquid metals for turbulent flow in a horizontal pipe with free convection

Abstract A general method is developed for utilizing limited experimental data to obtain velocity or temperature distributions over the cross-section of a heated horizontal pipe, under conditions where distortion occurs due to superimposed free convection effects. The method is applied to available temperature data for five cases of constant-flux heating of liquid metals in turbulent flow, and the resulting isotherms and wall temperature distributions are presented. Substantial asymmetry is demonstrated for Reynolds numbers as high as 105, with a corresponding distortion of the wall temperature distribution, and it is found that local heat transfer coefficients may be as low as 30% of predicted values.
Condensed fish solubles as a supplement for corn and soybean oil meal chick rations.

Abstract BERRY et al. (1943), have shown that feeds of animal origin, in addition to their protein value, are excellent sources of several vitamins. Mishler et al. (1946), showed that rapid growth could be obtained with a ration containing 55 percent of corn and 40 percent of soybean oil meal, when supplemented with four synthetic B complex vitamins, a simple mineral mixture, and vitamin A and D fish oil. This result suggested that soybean oil meal is a satisfactory source of protein for rapid growth in young chicks. However, soybean oil meals show some variation in supplementary value for choline and methionine. Marvel et al. (1944), have pointed out that when methionine or choline deficiencies do occur they may be offset by additions of either choline chloride or methionine. Berry et al. (1945), using fish press water (now called condensed fish solubles) found that an ethanol extract of this product, which . . .
Suppression of Alcohol Intake after Administration of the Chinese Herbal Medicine, NPI‐028, and Its Derivatives

The Chinese herbal medicine, NPI-028, has been used for centuries in China to counteract alcohol intoxication. The present study used a number of different experimental conditions to determine whether NPI-028 and its derivatives might selectively influence alcohol intake in rodents that naturally exhibit high alcohol intakes. It was determined that intraperitoneal (IP) injections of NPI-028 (0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 g/kg) suppressed alcohol intake by up to 30% in both alcohol-preferring P and Fawn-Hooded (FH) rats during a continuous access schedule. These injections did not significantly affect food or water intakes, nor did the highest dose of NPI-028 (1 g/kg) alter blood ethanol levels after an IP injection of 2.5 g/kg of ethanol. In P rats, it was found that NPI-028 was orally active with the dose of 1.5 g/kg having a greater effect on ethanol intake than the 1.0 g/kg dose; once again, food and water intakes were not significantly altered. In FH rats maintained on a limited access schedule (1 hr/day), alcohol intake was completely abolished by 1.5 g/kg of NPI-028. Chronic IP administration of NPI-028 (0.75 g/kg) for four consecutive days in FH rats maintained on a continuous access schedule did not lead to any diminution of its alcohol-suppressant effects. Thus, NPI-028 has significant effects on alcohol intake without much effect on water and food intake, and tolerance does not readily develop to these effects. The IP administration of a partially purified extract (NPI-031) of NPI-028, obtained by countercurrent chromatography, also dose-dependently suppressed ethanol intake in FH rats, but the highest dose (200 mg/kg) also significantly decreased food intake. Finally, the IP administration of puerarin (NPI-31G), an isoflavone isolated from NPI-031 by countercurrent chromatography, significantly reduced ethanol intake in FH rats without affecting food or water intake. Therefore, NPI-028 and one of its pure components, NPI-031G, selectively reduced ethanol intake in alcohol-preferring rats.
The uptake of radionuclides by beans, squash, and corn growing in contaminated alluvial soils at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Pinto beans (Phaselous vulgaris), sweet corn (Zea mays), and zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo) were grown in a field pot study using alluvial floodplain soils contaminated with various radionuclides within Los Alamos Canyon (LAC) at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico. Soils as well as washed edible (fruit) and nonedible (stems and leaves) crop tissues were analyzed for tritium (3H), cesium (137Cs), strontium (90Sr), plutonium (238Pu and 239,240Pu), americium (241Am), and total uranium (totU). Most radionuclides, with the exception of 3H and totU, in soil and crop tissues from LAC were detected in significantly higher concentrations (p < 0.05) than in soil or crop tissues collected from regional background locations. Significant differences in radionuclide concentrations among crop species (squash were generally higher than beans or corn) and plant parts (nonedible tissue were generally higher than edible tissue) were observed. Most soil-to-plant concentration ratios for radionuclides in edible and nonedible crop tissues grown in soils from LAC were within default values in the literature commonly used in dose and risk assessment models. Overall, the maximum net positive committed effective dose equivalent (CEDE)--the CEDE plus two sigma for each radioisotope minus background and then all positive doses summed--to a hypothetical 50-year resident that ingested 352 lb ([160 kg]; the maxiumum ingestion rate per person per year) of beans, corn, and squash in equal proportions was 74 mrem y-1 (740 microS y-1). This upper bound dose was below the International Commission on Radiological Protection permissible dose limit of 100 mrem y-1 (1000 microS y-1) from all pathways and corresponds to a risk of an excess cancer fatality of 3.7 x 10(-5) (37 in a million), which is also below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's guideline of 10(-4).
The development of a feature-based fixture process planning system for flexible assembly

Abstract This paper presents a prototype feature-based fixture planning system for flexible assembly. Fixture process planning prepares the fixture clamping position and orientation for the base part. In a heuristic way, a group of guidelines were generated to help find the feasible solution for automated fixture planning based on the geometries of the workpiece and the nature of the selected fixtures. By representing the geometric and nongeometric properties of fixtures and workpieces in terms of features, a fixture process planning system was implemented using a knowledge-based approach. A rating technique for feasibility evaluation was used to include all the active facts into an optimal solution. Through this analysis, a product can be evaluated for its manufacturability, cost, and cycle time at the product design stage.