cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Limb Loss

In 2005, 1.6 million people were estimated to be living with limb loss; by 2050, the rate is expected to double to 3.6 million in the United States. Past data have shown that the rates of dysvascular amputations were increasing. However, recent studies looking at single diseases of peripheral arterial disease and diabetes mellitus show amputations related to these conditions are now decreasing. The authors think that it may not be a single disease process but rather the cumulative illness burden that is leading to amputations. In addition to cause, age, gender, and race continue to play a role in limb loss.
Relationship of periodontal disease and tooth loss to prevalence of coronary heart disease

Background: Studies relating periodontal disease to coronary heart disease (CHD) have provided equivocal results using tooth loss and/or clinical signs of periodontal disease as measures of periodontal exposure. Methods: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship of tooth loss and periodontitis to prevalent CHD at the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) visit 4 using both tooth loss and clinical signs of disease in a population-based sample of 8,363 men and women aged 52 to 75 years from four U.S. communities. Each subject participated in a complete periodontal examination, assessment of missing teeth, assessment of prevalent CHD, and a number of laboratory tests and questionnaires. High attachment loss was defined as ≥10% of sites with attachment loss >3 mm and high tooth loss was defined as fewer than 17 remaining teeth. Results: Individuals with both high attachment loss and high tooth loss (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1 to 2.0) and edentul...
Creation of a pilot metatranscriptome library from eukaryotic plankton of a eutrophic bay (Tampa Bay, Florida)

Analysis of the suite of genes expressed by natural populations of phytoplankton can potentially elucidate valuable information about the types, cellular activity, and biogeochemical impacts of organisms present in the marine environment. Here we describe the construction of a pilot metatranscriptome library created from eukaryotic planktonic organisms in Tampa Bay, FL, USA. RNA from cells greater than 2 µm was extracted and purified, and poly(A) tailed mRNA was concentrated and amplified using linear amplification chemistry. Amplified RNA was converted to double-stranded cDNA using reverse transcriptase and DNA polymerase I (Klenow fragment) and cloned, and 232 clones were sequenced. Sequences with significant GenBank BLAST homology revealed genes related to photosynthesis and nutrient acquisition, along with general cell functions. In total, 27% of sequenced transcript clones contained significant homology to GenBank sequences, 2% of the total were putatively derived from ribosomal RNA, and 1% were most similar to sequences originating from prokaryotes. About 70% of the identified transcripts were putatively derived from eukaryotic phytoplankton, including diatoms, chlorophytes, and dinoflagellates. Although small in scale, this study provides the basis for future efforts to characterize the metatranscriptome of marine phytoplankton populations.
Identification of a Regulatory T Cell Specific Cell Surface Molecule that Mediates Suppressive Signals and Induces Foxp3 Expression

Regulatory T (Treg) cells control immune activation and maintain tolerance. How Tregs mediate their suppressive function is unclear. Here we identified a cell surface molecule, called GARP, (or LRRC32), which within T cells is specifically expressed in Tregs activated through the T cell receptor (TCR). Ectopic expression of GARP in human naive T (TN) cells inhibited their proliferation and cytokine secretion upon TCR activation. Remarkably, GARP over-expression in TN cells induced expression of Treg master transcription factor Foxp3 and endowed them with a partial suppressive function. The extracellular but not the cytoplasmic region of GARP, was necessary for these functions. Silencing Foxp3 in human Treg cells reduced expression of GARP and attenuated their suppressive function. However, GARP function was not affected when Foxp3 was downregulated in GARP-overexpressing cells, while silencing GARP in Foxp3-overexpressing cells reduced their suppressive activity. These findings reveal a novel cell surface molecule-mediated regulatory mechanism, with implications for modulating aberrant immune responses.
Influence of dry and wet cleaning on the properties of rapid thermal grown and deposited gate dielectrics

Various silicon surface cleaning processes for rapid thermal in-situ polysilicon/ oxide/silicon stacked gate structures have been evaluated. Metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors were fabricated to assess the effects of cleaning on the quality of gate oxide structures produced by both rapid thermal oxidation (RTO) and rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition (RTCVD). Excellent electrical properties have been achieved for both RTO and RTCVD gate oxides formed on silicon wafers using either an ultraviole/zone (UV/O3) treatment or a modified RCA clean. On the contrary, poor electrical properties have been observed for RTO and RTCVD gate oxides formed on silicon wafers using a high temperature bake in Ar, H2, or high vacuum ambient. It has also been found that the electrical properties of the RTCVD gate oxides exhibit less dependence upon cleaning conditions than those of RTO gate oxides. This work demonstrates that initial surface condition prior to gate oxide formation plays an important role in determining the quality of RTO and RTCVD gate oxides.
Low temperature equilibrium isotope fractionation and isotope exchange kinetics between U(IV) and U(VI)

Abstract Measurements of the uranium (U) isotope ratio 238 U/ 235 U provide an emerging redox proxy in environmental and paleoredox studies, but many key parameters concerning U isotope fractionation are still poorly constrained. Here we report the equilibrium isotopic fractionation between dissolved U(IV) and dissolved U(VI), and rates of isotope exchange between solid-phase U(IV) and dissolved U(VI). We conducted one experiment at high concentration [35 mM U(IV) and 32 mM U(VI)] and low pH (0.2) in hydrochloric acid media at room temperature to determine the equilibrium isotopic fractionation between dissolved U(IV) and dissolved U(VI). Isotopic equilibrium was reached in about 19 days under such experimental conditions. The equilibrium isotope fractionation was determined to be 1.64 ± 0.16‰, with U(IV) being enriched in 238 U relative to U(VI). Applicability of the determined equilibrium fractionation is discussed. We also conducted a set of experiments to determine isotopic exchange rates between dissolved U(VI) and nanouraninite U(IV) under conditions closer to those in natural system, with lower concentrations and neutral pH. The exchange rate was found to conform to the rate law R = k [U(VI)] adsorbed , in which R is the isotopic exchange rate (μM day −1 ); k is the rate constant determined to be 0.21 day −1 ; and [U(VI)] adsorbed is the concentration of U(VI) adsorbed to nanouraninite (μM). Our results, combined with consideration of the variables controlling U(VI)–U(IV) contact in natural settings, indicate that the timescale for significant isotope equilibration varies depending on environmental conditions, mostly uranium concentrations. In natural uncontaminated sediments with low uranium concentrations, equilibration is expected to occur on a timescale of hundreds to thousands of years. In contrast, in U-contaminated aquifers with high U concentrations, significant equilibration could occur on timescales of weeks to years.
He stopping power and straggle in Al, Ti, Co, Cu, Ag, Ta and Au from 1.5 to 4 MeV

Abstract He stopping power and straggle were measured in Al, Ti, Co, Cu, Ag, Ta and Au between 1.5 and 4 MeV. Measurements were made in an RBS geometry. Target thickness was measured by RBS relative to a NIST standard. Energy spectra were recorded using the Albany high resolution magnetic spectrometer. SRIM is generally in good agreement with measured stopping, the rms deviation between SRIM and experiment is 1.6% at 4 MeV. Straggle is much less than the Bohr estimate in high Z targets at low energy but approaches Bohr for the low Z targets at 4 MeV. Chu’s calculated straggle are in better agreement with experiment, but generally predict straggle that is smaller than measured.
Stimulatory action of calcium L-threonate on ascorbic acid uptake by a human T-lymphoma cell line

The effects of preincubation of human T-lymphoma cells with increasing concentrations of calcium L-threonate on the uptake of L-[1-14C]ascorbic acid were examined. Calcium L-threonate (0-1,000 mg%) stimulated ascorbic acid (1.25 mg%) uptake in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that calcium threonate and possibly other ascorbic acid metabolites have biological activity and potential pharmacological applications.
Using Cognitive Models to Create Menus

This experiment was conducted to generate menus for a command language based on the cognitive structures of expert and naive users. Expert and novice menus were generated from networks derived by applying a network analysis algorithm (Pathfinder) to similarity ratings of command functions. The results of a second experiment to test the effectiveness of the menus as training (transition) devices for using the functions in a command-driven style will be reported.
Population biology of a data poor species, offshore hake (Merluccius albidus) in the northwest Atlantic, United States

Abstract Offshore hake (Merluccius albidus) is a data-poor stock and very little is known about its biology and life history. This paper provides a general synopsis of the data acquired during the National Marine Fisheries Service bottom trawl surveys between 1963 and 2008 for offshore hake in the northeast United States and is limited to those fish found in the northwestern Atlantic. Offshore hake are commonly distributed from southern Georges Bank through the Mid-Atlantic Bight, at depths of 160–550 m and temperatures ranging between 11 and 13 °C. They are known to co-occur with silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis) on the outer continental slopes of the Atlantic Ocean and are easily confused with silver hake because of their strong morphological resemblance. Spawning generally occurs between April and July. Maximum observed size was approximately 43 cm for males and 56 cm for females, and fish greater than 40 cm consist mainly of females, suggesting that they are sexually dimorphic. Length at 50% maturity (L50) also differed significantly between sexes with females maturing at larger sizes (28 cm) relative to males (23 cm). This basic life history information is critical to conserving the offshore hake population and managing sustainable fisheries.
Transition from shear to sideways diffusive instability in a vertical slot

Stability of the steady motion of a fluid confined between two differentially heated rigid vertical plates is considered. When a stable, constant vertical salinity gradient is also present, the steady mean velocity in the vertical direction and the mean lateral salinity gradient are characterized by the solute Rayleigh number, Rs. Experimental investigations (Elder 1965; Hart 1970) show that when Rs = 0 the instability is induced by shear and occurs in the form of two-dimensional convection cells. However, at moderate values of Rs, these shear instabilities are replaced by double-diffusive cellular convection (Thorpe, Hutt & Soulsby 1969; Paliwal & Chen 1980a). It is generally believed that the instability is stationary and cellular for all values of Rs (Hart 1971; Paliwal & Chen 1980b). We have solved the general eigenvalue problem, and our results indicate that, during transition from the stationary shear-induced instability to stationary double-diffusive cellular convection, overstable motion occurs. Furthermore, in this transition region, over a range of moderately small values of Rs, there is no preferred wavelength at the onset of instability.
Applications of conformal mapping to diverging open channel flows

A conformal mapping technique is used for predicting the width of the separation zone at a diverging open channel flow. The Schwarz-Christoffel transformation is used to transform the physical boundaries of the flow into a complex plane and the flow field is solved using modified boundary conditions utilizing a complex velocity potential in the resulting hodograph plane. The final solution gives the width of the separation zone in nondimensionalized form and provides an inviscid solution for comparative study.
Gene targeting using zinc finger nucleases

The ability to achieve site-specific manipulation of the mammalian genome has widespread implications for basic and applied research. Gene targeting is a process in which a DNA molecule introduced into a cell replaces the corresponding chromosomal segment by homologous recombination, and thus presents a precise way to manipulate the genome. In the past, the application of gene targeting to mammalian cells has been limited by its low efficiency. Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) show promise in improving the efficiency of gene targeting by introducing DNA double-strand breaks in target genes, which then stimulate the cell's endogenous homologous recombination machinery. Recent results have shown that ZFNs can be used to create targeting frequencies of up to 20% in a human disease-causing gene. Future work will be needed to translate these in vitro findings to in vivo applications and to determine whether zinc finger nucleases create undesired genomic instability.
A PREOPERATIVE NOMOGRAM IDENTIFYING DECREASED RISK OF POSITIVE PELVIC LYMPH NODES IN PATIENTS WITH PROSTATE CANCER

ABSTRACTPurpose: We developed a preoperative nomogram for prediction of lymph node metastases in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: The study was a retrospective, nonrandomized analysis of 7,014 patients treated with radical prostatectomy at 6 institutions between 1985 and 2000. Exclusion criteria consisted of preoperative androgen ablation therapy, salvage radical prostatectomy and pretreatment prostate specific antigen (PSA) greater than 50 ng/ml. Preoperative predictors of lymph node metastases consisted of pretreatment PSA, clinical stage (1992 TNM) and biopsy Gleason sum. These predictors were used in logistic regression analysis based nomograms to predict the probability of lymph node metastases.Results: Overall 5,510 patients with complete clinical and pathological information were included in the study. Lymph nodes metastases were present in 206 patients (3.7%). Pretreatment PSA, biopsy Gleason sum, clinical stage and institution represented predictors of lym...
A new analytic technique for 3-D heat transfer from a cylinder with two or more axially interacting eccentrically embedded vessels with application to countercurrent blood flow

Abstract A new approximate analytic solution technique is developed for treating the heat exchange between two or more axially interacting vessels which are eccentrically embedded in a cylinder. The cylinder exchanges heat by convection with the environment and has a non-uniform surface temperature due to the vessel eccentricity. The flow in the vessels can be either countercurrent or unidirectional. The solution is constructed by superposition of a new solution for a single embedded vessel which exactly satisfies the boundary conditions when the thermal conductivity of the fluid is equal to that of the cylinder material and is a very good approximation when these conductivities are not equal. Comparison with an exact solution for a single embedded vessel, when the conductivities are not equal, shows that the approximate solution results in very minor errors for a wide range of the governing parameters. As an application of the new technique the two-vessel solution is used to examine the countercurrent heat exchange in a human arm.
Acute diaphragmatic injuries.

Abstract A 5-year experience with 43 patients with acute diaphragmatic injuries is reviewed. Thirty-three of the patients had penetrating trauma, and 10 suffered blunt trauma. All but 1 of the patients had associated intraabdominal trauma. Fifteen had traumatic diaphragmatic hernia at the time of operation. The operative approach was uniformly through the abdomen. Mortality and morbidity were directly related to the number of associated organs injured. Chest roentgenograms in 26 of the 43 patients were interpreted as suspicious or diagnostic of diaphragmatic injury when presented as unknowns to fully trained radiologists, but only 7 of these were originally so interpreted. Delay in operation was a significant contributing factor to morbidity, particularly in patients with thoracic stab wounds. Guidelines suggested to prevent delay include: (1) increased awareness of the possibility of acute diaphragmatic injury, (2) careful evaluation of the plain chest roentgenogram and liberal use of appropriate contrast studies when indicated, (3) prompt repair of recognized diaphragmatic injuries, (4) laparotomy as the operative approach in the acute injury, and (5) appropriate contrast studies after recovery from massive thoracoabdominal trauma and prior to hospital discharge.
Proto-oncogene fos: a multifaceted gene

Abstract Both v- fos and c- fos proteins, despite their altered carboxyl terminus, are nuclear and can transform fibroblasts in vitro . The c- fos protein exhibits complex regulation involving interaction with 3′ non-coding sequences of c- fos RNA.
Soft-x-ray photoemission study of Cr-Ge intermixing on crystalline and amorphous Ge surfaces

We have investigated room-temperature interdiffusion and reaction induced by thin Cr films on Ge(111) and on amorphous Ge films of thicknesses between 20 and 120 A\r{}. Soft-x-ray photoemission results show that Cr and Ge intermix to form several Cr-Ge bonding configurations in the extended interfacial zone. Analysis of Ge 3d core-level shifts shows that the first and the terminal Cr-induced species which form on a-Ge have the same binding energies as those which form on Ge(111). In contrast, for Cr/a-Ge, we also observe an intermediate constituent which does not form on Ge(111). We attribute the differences in reaction products to microstructural differences in a-Ge which influence the diffusion of Ge and Cr. Comparison of the results as a function of substrate thickness shows that the reaction products are always the same but that the width of the interfacial zone varies with the availability of the semiconductor atoms.
Enhanced Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Functions in 3D Bioprinted Biologically Inspired Osteochondral Construct

Cartilage defects, which are caused by a variety of reasons such as traumatic injuries, osteoarthritis, or osteoporosis, represent common and severe clinical problems. Each year, over 6 million people visit hospitals in the U.S. for various knee, wrist, and ankle problems. As modern medicine advances, new and novel methodologies have been explored and developed in order to solve and improve current medical problems. One of the areas of investigation that has thus far proven to be very promising is tissue engineering. Since cartilage matrix is nanocomposite, the goal of the current work is to use nanomaterials and nano/microfabrication methods to create novel biologically inspired tissue engineered osteochondral scaffolds for facilitating human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation. 3D printed polymer constructs were designed to mimic the osteochondral region of articulate joint, and to have enhanced mechanical characteristics when compared to traditional designs. Fabricated scaffolds were also subject to surface modification, both with a chemically functionalized acetylated collagen coating and through absorption via poly-L-lysine coated carbon nanotubes. In vitro proliferation results demonstrated not only that incorporation of the biomimetic carbon nanotubes and poly L-lysine coating and acetylated collagen can induce more proliferation of MSCs than controls, but that more controlled and biomimetically designed features also enhance proliferation of MSCs.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
‘Some people don't deserve help’: service learning in Serbia

In post‐conflict, emerging democracies, service learning has great potential to promote intercultural understanding if projects encourage students to see each other as individuals rather than as members of marginalized groups. This paper evaluates a service learning project in a Serbian secondary school and suggests ways in which service learning might effectively be implemented in similar countries. U postkonfliktnim mladim demokratskim drustvima, “service learning” ima veliki potencijal da promoviŝe multikulturno razumevanje. Moj argument u ovom radu je da nastavno osoblje ukoliko želi da smanji netolerantnost kod ucenika, treba da primeni service learning projekte. Njima bi podstakli ucenike da ne posmatraju jedni druge kao marginzovane grupe vec kao pojedince. Moji zakljuŝci su zasnovani na iskustvu stecenom na Service learning projektu u srednjoj ŝkoli u Srbiji. Vrednovala sam projekat i sugerirala nacine na koje service learning može biti primenjen u Srbiji i drzavama slicnim Srbiji.
DO SOME EVALUATORS REPORT CONSISTENTLY HIGHER OR LOWER PCL-R SCORES THAN OTHERS? Findings From a Statewide Sample of Sexually Violent Predator Evaluations

This study examined whether some evaluators tend to report consistently higher or lower scores than other evaluators for offenders on the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; R. D. Hare, 1991, 2003). Data for the study were PCL-R total scores for 321 sex offenders, evaluated by 1 or more of 20 different state-contracted evaluators, during a process of screening for civil commitment as sexually violent predators. More than 30% of the variability in PCL-R scores was attributable to differences among evaluators, with mean PCL-R scores given by 2 of the most prolific evaluators differing by almost 10 points. In a subsample of 22 offenders evaluated with the PCL-R on 2 or more occasions, evaluator agreement (intraclass correlation -sub(A,1) = .47) was low. Together, these findings raise concerns about the field reliability of the PCL-R and suggest the need for research examining field reliability of other measures used in forensic assessment.
Magnetic and mossbauer spectral study of core/shell structured Fe/Au nanoparticles

Fe/Au nanoparticles have been chemically synthesized through a reverse micelle reaction and investigated by both conventional and synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and by magnetic and Mossbauer spectral studies. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns reveal both the presence of crystalline α-iron and gold and the absence of any crystalline iron oxides or other crystalline products. First-order reversal curves, along with the major hysteresis loops of the Fe/Au nanoparticles, have been measured as a function of time in order to investigate the evolution of their magnetic properties. The iron-57 Mossbauer spectra of both uncoated iron nanoparticles and the Fe/Au nanoparticles have been measured at 78 and 295 K and indicate that two major iron-containing components are present, namely, the expected α-iron and the unexpected amorphous Fe1-xBx alloy; several poorly crystallized ordered iron(III) oxide components as well as paramagnetic iron(II) and iron(III) components are also observed. These results indicat...
Comment on William C. Metz’“Potential Impacts of Nuclear Activities on Local Economics: Rethinking the Issue”1

This commentary examines points not presented in the paper Potential Impacts of Nuclear Activities on Local Economics: Rethinking the Issue', in particular why people don't move away from locations they see as dangerous. Reasons suggested by the author include: they do not feel they can; they feel that the fiscal and emotional costs of relocating will only place them within range of another peril; People feel that they knew less when they moved near the location that they know now about the risks. 1 ref.
Phase differential scattering from microspheres

Differential phase measurements on scattered light are possible using the two-frequency Zeeman effect laser. We refer to such measurements as phase differential scattering (PDS) in contrast to conventional intensity differential scattering measurements. PDS has certain significant experimental advantages for light scattering studies, most notably its simplicity. We find good agreement between experiment and theory for PDS from aqueous suspensions of polystyrene microspheres. The data show a strong dependence on concentration when the microspheres are larger than dipoles.
Development of the kidney vasculature

Renal vascularization and nephrogenesis occur simultaneously following a tightly regulated developmental program influenced by growth factors, extracellular matrix components and cell membrane receptors. Both processes of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis probably participate in the formation of renal vessels. The origin and fate of the various renal vascular cells and the molecular mechanisms that initiate and guide intrarenal vascularization are fundamental questions that remain to be answered.
Distinct cellular functions mediated by different VLA integrin α subunit cytoplasmic domains

Abstract To characterize VLA α subunit cytoplasmic domain functions, unaltered α 2 cDNA (called X2C2) and two chimeric cDNAs (called X2C5 and X2C4) were constructed with extracellular α 2 domains and cytoplasmic α 2 , α 5 , and α 4 domains respectively. Upon transfection into rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells, each construct yielded comparable expression levels, immunoprecipitation profiles, and avidity for collagen and laminin. However, while RDX2C2 and RDX2C5 transfectants mediated collagen gel contraction, RDX2C4 and a mock transfectant (RDpF) did not. Conversely, only RDX2C4 cells (but not RDX2C2 or RDX2C5) showed enhanced cell migration on collagen and laminin compared with RDpF cells. This indicates markedly differing roles for integrin α subunit cytoplasmic domains in post-ligand binding events. Furthermore, stable exertion of physical force (collagen gel contraction) may involve fundamentally different cellular machinery than the transient adhesion occurring during cell migration. Finally, these findings provide insight into a functional flexibility perhaps resulting from multiple integrins binding to identical ligands.
Optical Properties of Colloidal PbSe Nanocrystals

We present the structural and optical characterization of colloidal PbSe nanocrystals. The lowest-energy exciton transitions in these structures, with diameters between 3 and 8 nm, occur at wavelen...
Testing and Modeling the Short-Term Behavior of Lime and Fly Ash Treated Sulfate Contaminated CL Soil

In this study, the effects of calcium sulfate contaminated soil treatment methods on the index properties, compacted soil properties, free swelling and compressive stress strain relationship of a CL soil obtained from the field was investigated. Calcium sulfate concentration in the soil was varied up to 4 % (40,000 ppm) and the soil samples were cured for seven days at 25 °C and 100 % humidity before testing. With 4 % sulfate contamination the liquid limit and plasticity index of the soil increased by 44 and 81 % respectively. The free swelling increased from 7 to 18 % and the compressive strength decreased by 65 % with 4 % of calcium sulfate, Also the study investigated the effects of fly ash (class C) and hydrated lime treatment on the behavior of treated sulfate soils. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the soil and the reaction products of lime and fly ash treated soils. Based on XRD analyses, major constituents of the CL soil were calcium silicate (CaSiO3), aluminum silicate (Al2SiO5), magnesium silicate (MgSiO3) and quartz (SiO2). Addition of calcium sulfate resulted in the formation of calcium silicate sulfate [Ternesite Ca5(SiO4)2SO4] and aluminum silicate sulfate [Al5(SiO4)2SO4]. Treatment with lime resulted in the formation of ettringite [Ca6Al2(SO4)3(OH)12·26H2O]. Treating with fly ash resulted in the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (CaSiO3H2O) and magnesium silicate hydrate (Mg3SiO3H2O), cementing by products. Contaminated soil treatment with lime and fly ash reduced the index properties and free swelling and increased the short-term compressive strength of the soil. Behavior of the compacted sulfate soils, with and without treatment, has been quantified using a unique model that was used to represent both linear and nonlinear responses. Also the model predications were compared with other published data in the literature. Compressive stress–strain relationships of the sulfate soil, with and without lime and fly ash, have been quantified using a nonlinear constitutive model. The constitutive model parameters were sensitive to the calcium sulfate content and the type of treatment. Compared to the fly ash treatment, the lime treatment reduced the strain at peak stress making the lime treated soil more brittle.
Boundary scattering effects during electron thermalization in nanoporous gold

We study the electron relaxation processes in nanoporous Au structures using pump-probe thermoreflectance. Using a modified two temperature model, we determine that the electron Fermi relaxation time is unaffected by the ligament size and is an athermal process that is constant with laser pulse excitation, yet the electron-phonon relaxation is affected by boundary scattering and is dependent on electron temperature. The increased, temperature dependent electron-phonon coupling measurements can be explained by electron-boundary scattering and electron-electron scattering that alters the rate of electron equilibration with the surrounding media. These results lend insight into electron relaxation processes in high surface area nanostructures.
Dissociative and associative mechanisms of cope rearrangements of fluorinated 1,5-hexadienes and 2,2'-bis-methylenecyclopentanes.

The effects of fluorine substitution on the Cope rearrangements of 1,5-hexadiene and 2,2‘-bis-methylenecyclopentane have been examined computationally using (U)B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) and CASPT2/6-31G(d) methodology. The calculations indicate that fluorine substituents at the hexadiene termini generally stabilize the transition states relative to the ground states of the chair conformations and destabilize pathways that occur via boat conformations, in accord with the experimental observations of Dolbier. With meso-2,2‘-bis(difluoromethylene)cyclopentane, this destabilization is sufficient to favor a relatively dissociative concerted transition state resembling weakly interacting allyl radicals over a normal aromatic concerted boat transition state. This preference is due partly to an increase in the activation enthalpy for the concerted rearrangement coupled with the more favorable entropy for dissociation. In octafluoro- and decafluorohexadienes, the situation is reversed, and reaction through a cyclohexane-1...
High thermal conductive underfill materials for flip-chip application

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) was applied as a thermally conductive filler to increase the thermal conductivity of underfills. This paper is focusing on the relationship between the filler morphology and its effects on the thermal conductivity. In this study, two kinds of h-BN fillers with different morphologies were applied to generate an efficient thermal transfer path through the filler and epoxy resin interfaces. The microstructure, the dynamic mechanical properties and thermal conductivity for the h-BN filled underfills were characterized. The h-BN greatly increased the thermal conductivity of the underfill and their moduli were well controlled in a low level which can be greatly helpful to reduce thermal stress in flip-chip application.
Conditions for global stability of monotone tridiagonal systems with negative feedback

This paper studies monotone tridiagonal systems with negative feedback. These systems possess the Poincare-Bendixson property, which implies that, if orbits are bounded, if there is a unique steady state and this unique steady state is asymptotically stable, and if one can rule out periodic orbits, then the steady state is globally asymptotically stable. Two different approaches are discussed to rule out period orbits, one based on direct linearization and another one based on the theory of second additive compound matrices. Among the examples that illustrate the theoretical results is the classical Goldbeter model of the circadian rhythm.
One-way phase conjugation with partially coherent light and superresolution.

Limitations on the one-way phase-conjugation technique are described. These limitations are reduced or eliminated by reducing the spatial coherence of the light and by reducing the aperture of the imaging system. By introducing a suitable level of superresolution of the kind previously described as superresolution by incoherent-to-coherent conversion, the aperture and coherence reductions reduce the effect of the optical path inhomogeneities. However, the aperture reduction does not degrade the diffraction-limited resolution limit.
Should France be Ashamed of its History? Coming to Terms with the Past in France and its Eastern Borderlands 1

Abstract How to confront the past remains a critical question in twenty first century France. Over the past generation France has addressed the Vichy years head on, and the nation has begun to assess the legacy of the colonial enterprise, notably in Algeria, with mixed results. There remains one major blank spot in France's attempt to come to terms with its experience during the Second World War: the border province of Alsace and Lorraine, a region that has played a critical role in the French imaginary over the past 130 years. This article explains why amnesia, combined with an underlying discourse of victimisation, has defined the province's relationship to the Nazi annexation, and why border areas often remain immune to larger national debates about victims and perpetrators.
Initial Presentation and Management of Hilar and Peripheral Cholangiocarcinoma: Is a Node-Positive Status or Potential Margin-Positive Result a Contraindication to Resection?

Background Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) frequently presents at an advanced stage and the majority of patients are unresectable at diagnosis. We sought to examine our recent experience with surgical resection for hilar and peripheral CC.
Conditional probability densities for photon emission in resonance fluorescence

Abstract A two-state atom in a laser beam, near resonance with the atomic transition, emits fluorescent photons. We have obtained the probability density for the emission time of the n th photon, after the emission of an initial photon at time zero. It is shown that the behavior of these probability densities depends strongly on the laser power. For low irradiation, the functions have a single peak with a long tail, but for higher power oscillations are present. The probability density for the first photon has strong oscillations, whereas for subsequent photons the probability density oscillates moderately on a smooth background.
Hydrothermal syntheses and characterization of two layered molybdenum selenites, Rb2(MoO3)3SeO3 and Tl2MoO3)3SeO3

The hydrothermal syntheses of Rb2(MoO3)3SeO3 and Tl2(MoO3)3SeO3 are described. These compounds have structures built up from hexagonal-WO3-type sheets and are isostructural with the previously reported Cs2(MoO3)3SeO3 and (NH4)2(MoO3)3SeO3. Powder X-ray, thermogravimetric, and spectroscopic data are presented and discussed.
Effects of fire on long-unburned Florida uplands

Abstract. The widespread suppression of fire during the 20th century has created extensive areas of fire-prone ecosystems that are in long-unburned condition. Plant species of flatwoods and scrubby flatwoods (= oak scrub) in the southeastern USA possess adaptations that facilitate resprouting, clonal spread, or seeding following fire. While the majority of the woody species of these associations can persist for long periods without fire, fire suppression reduces the populations of ephemeral herbs. Long-unburned (> 35 yr) flatwoods and scrubby flatwoods were burned after five annual vegetation censuses. Both stands were resampled five times over a >8-yr recovery period. One recently burned (<20 yr) flatwoods and two recently burned scrubby flatwoods were censused prior to fire and were recensused over a 5-yr or 11-yr period following fire depending on the stand. In spite of the variety of recovery strategies and time since fire, there were limited changes in the compositions and structures of post-burn stands compared to their preburn states. Detrended Correspondence Analysis showed that recently burned stands returned to preburn states within 1–2 yr. However, the reintroduction of a single fire to long-unburned stands did not restore the populations of herbs typical of recently burned stands. Our results suggest that a single fire may not be effective in restoring flatwoods and scrubby flatwoods that have experienced fire suppression to states more characteristic of recently burned stands.
Proverbs 7,6–27: Vignettes from the cycle of Astarte and Adonis

Abstract In this passage scholarly attention has been given almost exclusively to the woman. Since Bostrom identified her as a devotee of Astarte, debate has ranged among those who accept, reject or modify this proposal. While affirming the mythological and cultic sources for the woman and her affection, this article concentrates on the potrait of the young man which emerges. This is depicted in four scenes — the street, the bed‐chamber, the hunt and, finally, the underworld from which there is no escape. These four scenes, supported by textual and iconographic evidence, are derived from stages in the mythological cycle of the Phoenician god, Adonis, Melqart or Eshmun, in his relationship with the goddess. This mythology is used to convey a terrible warning to those who follow the alien Astarte rather than Israelite divine wisdom. They will share the fate of Adonis, but only in part, for unlike him they will not return from the underworld.
Ecological Geography of the Sea

The programs of the first wave of global ocean programs, particularly the World Ocean Circulation Experiment and the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study, are coming to an end and the second wave is taking shape. Foci for the new programs include the variability at seasonal to decadal scales and the consequences of physical changes for biogeochemical and ecological processes. Will it be enough to describe the changes in these processes by relatively simple models of carbon and nutrient flux? Or do we need to know how the biology is coupled to the physics in different ocean regions, how species differ between these regions, and what data are available and at what spatial scales?
Burnishing of aerospace alloy: A theoretical–experimental approach

Abstract Burnishing is well known as a very effective surface enhancement method for manufacturing. The current work focuses on obtaining predictable models of surface roughness and residual stresses based on experimental data. Smoother surfaces of aerospace material modified by ball burnishing have been achieved and significant influences of process parameters on both surface roughness and maximum residual stresses are established. A second-order empirical model involving pressure, speed, and feed is developed for surface roughness prediction. The predictive values are compatible with experimental results. Pressure plays an important factor on compressive residual stresses; however, the empirical models only have qualitative compatibility with the experimental results.
NGOs in Bangladesh: Activities, resources, and governance

Summary This paper reports results from one of the first large, nationally representative surveys of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in a developing country. The NGO sector in Bangladesh is highly organized and relatively homogeneous. Most NGOs utilize a branch and headquarters structure in which branches have limited autonomy from headquarters. At the branch level, most NGOs in the country, whether big or small, focus on credit services, derive more of their income from fees for services than from grants, rely on salaried rather than voluntary staff, keep detailed financial accounts that are externally audited, and hire middle-class college educated men as managers. The convergence to a modal institutional form probably is the result of the persuasive power of ideas, sociological pressures toward acculturation and conformity, as well as material incentives.
Laryngeal elevation by selective stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve

Objective. Laryngeal elevation protects the airway and assists opening of the esophagus during swallowing. The GH, thyrohyoid, and MH muscles provide a majority of this elevatory motion. This study applied functional electrical stimulation to the XII/C1 nerve complex using a nerve cuff electrode to determine the capabilities of neural stimulation to induce laryngeal elevation. Approach. Multi-contact FINE electrodes were implanted onto the XII/C1 nerve complex at locations proximal and distal to the thyrohyoid branching point in five anesthetized canines. Motion of the thyroid cartilage and the hyoid bone was recorded during stimulation of nerve cuffs and intramuscular electrodes. Main Results. Nerve stimulation induced 260% more laryngeal elevation than intramuscular stimulation (18.8 mm versus 5.2 mm, p ≪ 0.01), and 228% higher velocity (143.8 versus 43.9 mm s–1, p ≪ 0.01). While stimulation at all cuff and electrode locations elevated the larynx, only the proximal XII/C1 nerve cuff significantly elicited both thyroid–hyoid approximation and hyoid elevation. In all proximal XII/C1 nerve cuffs (n = 7), stimulation was able to obtain selectivity of greater than 75% of at least one elevatory muscle. Significance. These results support the hypothesis that an implanted neural interface system can produce increased laryngeal elevation, a significant protective mechanism of deglutition.
Sediment resuspension in a shallow Thalassia testudinum banks ex König bed

Seagrass beds have been described as depositional environments due to their capacity to reduce current velocity and to attenuate wave energy. As sediment accretes in seagrass beds, they become shallower and may reach a depth where an equilibrium between deposition/erosion and plant mortality maintains the depth of the bed relatively constant. Although data on sediment deposition in seagrass beds is available, little is known about sediment resuspension in these plant communities. In the present study, suspended sediment concentrations in a Thalassia testudinum bed and an adjacent unvegetated area were compared over part of a neap tide and correlated with the prevailing hydrodynamic conditions. Sediment resuspension in the unvegetated area was induced mainly by waves while in the seagrass meadow it was caused by intensification of speed near the bottom during the flood tide. Under these conditions, suspended solid concentrations were higher within the meadow than in the adjacent unvegetated area. The sediment resuspension within the meadow during non-extreme conditions (neap tide and relatively calm winds) suggests that sediment resuspension is an integral part of sedimentary processes occurring in healthy seagrass beds which may be contrary to the commonly-held perception that seagrass beds are only sinks and not sources of suspended matter.
Quantitative Analysis of Human Internal Limiting Membrane Extracted from Patients with Macular Holes

We report the study of the morphology, topography, and adhesion properties of internal limiting membrane (ILM) from patients with macular holes. The quantitative analysis of human ILM could provide essential information toward the improvement of existing surgical instruments for more efficient and safer surgical removal of ILM. Imaging in air revealed the presence of globular structures in most of the samples analyzed which were coupled with fibrillar structures in some of the samples. Modification of silicon nitride AFM tips with oppositely charged functional groups showed changes in adhesion force at the membrane-tip interface. Defining the surface characteristics of the human ILM is an initial step in the development of improved surgical tools that may allow nontraumatic stripping of ILM during surgery.
A high-order compact formulation for the 3D Poisson equation

In this work we construct an extension to a class of higher-order compact methods for the three-dimensional Poisson equation. A superconvergent nodal rate of O(h6) is predicted, or O(h4) if the forcing function derivatives are not known exactly. Numerical experiments are conducted to verify these theoretical rates. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electromagnetohydrodynamic modeling of Lorentz Effect Imaging

Abstract Lorentz Effect Imaging (LEI) is an MRI technique that has been proposed for direct imaging of neuronal activity. While promising results have been obtained in phantoms and in the human median nerve in vivo , its contrast mechanism is still not fully understood. In this paper, computational model simulations were used to investigate how electromagnetohydrodynamics (EMHD) may explain the LEI contrast. Three computational models of an electrolyte-filled phantom subject to an applied current dipole, synchronized to oscillating magnetic field gradients of an LEI protocol, were developed to determine the velocity and displacement of water molecules as well as the resulting signal loss in an MR image. The simulated images were compared to images from previous LEI phantom experiments with identical properties for different stimulus current amplitudes and polarities. The first model, which evaluated ion trajectories based on Stokes flow using different mobility values, did not generate an appreciable signal loss due to an insufficient number of water molecules associated with the ion hydration shells. The second model, which computed particle drift based on the Lorentz force of charged particles in free space, was able to approximate the magnitude, but not the distribution of signal loss observed in the experimental images. The third model, which computed EMHD based on the Lorentz force and Navier–Stokes equations for flow of a conducting fluid, provided results consistent with both the magnitude and distribution of signal loss seen in the LEI experiments. Our EMHD model further yields information on electrical potential, velocity, displacement, and pressure, which are not readily available in an experiment, thereby providing a robust means to study and optimize LEI for imaging neuronal activity in the human cortex.
Pulmonary injury associated with antepartum pyelonephritis: can patients at risk be identified?

The development of pulmonary injury in cases of antepartum pyelonephritis is rare but serious. To date, factors that might identify patients at risk have not been determined. We compared 11 patients with pyelonephritis and pulmonary injury with 119 patients with pyelonephritis only. Pulmonary injury was more likely to occur in the more severe cases; however, the presence of a maternal heart rate >110 beats/min and a fever to 103° F 12 to 24 hours before the occurrence of respiratory symptoms in a gestation >20 weeks was highly predictive of pulmonary injury. The most significant predictive factors associated with pulmonary injury were elements of treatment such as fluid overload, use of tocolytic agents, and, to a lesser extent, choice of antibiotic. Therefore, if tocolytic agents are considered at all in the management of acute pyelonephritis in pregnancy, they should be used only in patients with documented cervical change. In addition, urinary output should be monitored very closely. These data also may suggest a cause of the pulmonary edema that is occasionally seen in the management of premature labor with the use of tocolytic agents and fluids in the presence of a possible occult infection.