cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fundamental Mechanisms Of Optical Damage In Short-Wavelength High-Power Lasers

Evidence has been accumulating for many years that the physical mechanisms responsible for damage to optical materials in and from high-power, short-wave-length lasers (SWLs) differ in fundamental ways from the thermal processes identified in infrared and visible-wavelength laser damage problems. We propose that this difference stems primarily from the electronic nature of the absorption and excitation processes which occur when SWL photons strike an optical surface, and that electrons, ions and uv photons generated in the laser excitation cycle also contribute to optical damage. In this paper, we present recent experimental results which have pinpointed specific electronic excitation mechanisms which can operate in the high-power laser environment. In many optical materials of interest for SWLs, the deposition of electronic energy creates self-trapped excitons which decay through the energetic expulsion of atoms and molecules from the surface of the material. This erosion process is accompanied by the creation of permanent electronic defects which become nucleation sites for further damage. The relationship between these microscopic mechanisms and observed macroscopic damage phenomenology is discussed, along with evidence for the existence of a surface overlayer which may point the way to radically new techniques for protecting SWL optical elements from laser damage.
A new bismuth magnesium vanadate with reduced vanadium: BiMg2.5V18.5O38

Abstract A new oxide containing Bi, Mg, and V has been prepared, and its structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The space group is R 3 with hexagonal cell dimensions of a=10.1985(9) and c=20.4875(14) A. The formula may be written as BiMg2(MgV)V18O38 to indicate that one crystallographic site is occupied by a 1:1 mixture of Mg and V. The vanadium on that site appears to be in an oxidation state of 2. Thus, the average oxidation state of vanadium on the other three vanadium sites would be 3.72+. The site occupied exclusively by magnesium is in tetrahedral coordination to oxygen. All sites occupied by vanadium are octahedrally coordinated by oxygen. The low electrical resistivity of this compound suggests itinerant electron behavior.
Evidence for Population-Based Perspectives on Children's Behavioral Adjustment and Needs for Service Delivery in Schools.

American schoolchildren show tremendous academic as well as intra- and interpersonal behavioral differences in the classroom. Current service delivery models within schools may be insufficient to m...
Racial Differences in BRAF/KRAS Mutation Rates and Survival in Stage III Colon Cancer Patients

Background: It is unknown if, after controlling for clinicopathologic variables and treatment, racial disparities in colon cancer outcomes persist. Molecular marker analysis in North American patients comparing Asians with other races has not been reported. Methods: BRAFV600E and KRAS mutations were analyzed in node-positive colon cancer patients (n = 3305) treated with FOLFOX-based chemotherapy in an adjuvant trial (Alliance N0147). Race categories included Asian, black, or white. Cox models were used to estimate disease-free survival (DFS) and time to recurrence (TTR). All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: BRAF mutation frequency in tumors from whites (13.9%) was twice that of tumors from Asians or blacks. KRAS mutation rates were highest in tumors from blacks (44.1%). KRAS/BRAF wild-type tumors were most common among Asians (66.7%) (P overall < .001). The prognostic impact of race differed by age and N stage (both P interaction < .02). Compared with whites, blacks had shorter DFS among patients younger than age 50 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.73 to 4.66) or with N1 disease (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.04 to 2.29), independent of BRAF, KRAS, and other covariates. Findings were consistent using TTR as the outcome. Asians had longer DFS among N2 tumors that was partly mediated by less frequent BRAF mutation. Conclusions: Colon cancers from Asians have a lower rate of BRAF and KRAS mutations than blacks or whites. We report a novel interaction of race with age and N stage in node-positive disease, indicating that racial disparities in survival persist despite uniform stage and treatment in a phase III trial.
Vascular Plant Survey of Cumberland Island National Seashore, Camden County, Georgia

Abstract Cumberland Island National Seashore, Camden County, Georgia, is administered by the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, and comprises 14,740 ha (36,415 acres) that include property and historic residences once owned by the Thomas Carnegie family. A floristic survey of the 7,880 ha (19,472 acres) owned by the National Park Service was conducted to provide Park Service personnel with a vouchered plant species checklist, supplemented with salient information such as relative abundance, locality data, and general community type. Six intensive collecting trips conducted in 2004–2006 yielded 498 species of plants, including 233 species not previously vouchered for the Island. The four largest families were Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae. Identifications of specimens in the Cumberland Island National Museum Herbarium were also verified and incorporated into the annotated list. Maps, descriptions, and photographs of the various plant communities are provided.
Seasonal differences and the effect of insulin on pyruvate uptake, oxidation and synthesis to glycogen by frog skeletal muscle

Abstract 1. 1. In frog sartorius muscle, insulin stimulated the uptake of pyruvate, the synthesis of pyruvate to glycogen, and in summer, but not in winter, the oxidation of pyruvate. 2. 2. Insulin shifted the utilization of pyruvate away from pathways not studied in this investigation. In summer muscles, the major shift was toward oxidation, while in winter muscles, the major shift was toward glycogen synthesis.
Nonthrombogenic Plastic Surfaces

Heparin has been chemically combined with a number of plastic surfaces rendering them nonthrombogenic as judged by Lee-White coagulation tests in vitro with human blood. Addition of quaternary ammonium groups to the plastic permitted formation of insoluble complexes with heparin. These heparinized surfaces were essentially nonthrombogenic and adsorb blood proteins to a significantly smaller degree from dilute solution than do the unmodified plastic surfaces. The affinity of the formed blood elements for these modified surfaces is much less than for the unmodified surfaces.
The acute medical management of detained Somali pirates and their captives.

ABSTRACTOver the last several years, piracy off the coast of East Africa has resulted in significant risks to merchant vessels and their crews. There have been multiple instances of both pirates being detained and captives being liberated by military vessels. The unique health concerns of this population have been minimally studied and military health providers must be prepared to identify and manage potential medical conditions. In an attempt to provide further guidance for providers, this article reviews the limited available literature and identifies potential health concerns of pirates and recently released captives. In addition to traumatic injuries, specific medical concerns that must be considered include infectious disease, wound management, dehydration, hypothermia, malnutrition, electrolyte disturbance, and potential psychiatric conditions. Infectious disease is also a major threat. Malaria, tuberculosis, and intestinal parasites likely pose the greatest risk. A careful medical screening along w...
Electron paramagnetic resonance and crystal structure study of bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium hexafluorouranate(V)

Abstract The new compound bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium hexafluorouranate(V), (PPN)(UF6), has been synthesized and characterized. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of a polycrystalline specimen at 100°K exhibited an unusual non-axial g-tensor with |g1| = 0.79, |g2| = 0.69, and |g3| = 0.65. A single crystal X-ray study has shown the structure of (PPN)(UF6) at room temperature to be triclinic with little crystallographically significant distortion of the UF6− octahedron. The average U-F distance is 2.03(2) A. The unusual EPR spectrum thus may be attributed to low site symmetry and/or very small distortions of the UF6− octahedron. Crystal data: P 1 , a = 14.553(9) A, b = 12.110(7) A, c = 12.384(8) A, α = 73.08(4)°, β = 95,40(5)°, λ = 64.65(4)°, R = 0.072 for 3565 reflections with I ≥ 2σ(I).
An effectiveness model of liquid-desiccant system heat/mass exchangers

Abstract This paper describes a computationally efficient model for packed-bed, liquid-desiccant heat and mass exchangers. The model is derived from an effectiveness model of a cooling tower. The paper includes the development and derivation of the effectiveness model, comparisons with experimental data and with a finite-difference model.
Visualization of protein-SDS complexes in polyacrylamide gels by chilling.

Abstract A method is described which gives direct visualization of protein bands in sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis gels. The procedure consists of chilling the gels to 0–4°C and observing the white opaque bands which correspond to the stained protein bands. Ovalbumin can be detected by this method at a minimum concentration of 0.2 μg per mm 2 of gel surface area.
GlobalTrust: An attack-resilient reputation system for tactical networks

Abstract : In a military tactical network where a trust authority (e.g., a commander) makes a decision during a mission, assessing the trustworthiness of participating entities accurately is critical to mission success. In this work, we propose a trust-based reputation management scheme, called GlobalTrust, for minimizing false decisions on the reputation of nodes in the network. In the proposed scheme, nodes may be compromised and provide incorrect opinions to the trust authority, who conducts reputation evaluation towards all nodes based on the provided opinions. GlobalTrust achieves three goals: (1) maintaining a consistent global view towards each node; (2) obtaining high resiliency against various attack patterns; and (3) attaining highly accurate reputation values of nodes. Through extensive simulations comparing GlobalTrust with other existing schemes, we show that GlobalTrust minimizes false decisions while maintaining high resilience against various attack behaviors. Specifically, under various attacks, GlobalTrust can achieve a highly accurate consistent view on nodes reputations even when the number of malicious nodes is up to 40 of all participating nodes.
Maximum a priori estimation of wavefront slopes using a Hartmann wavefront sensor

Current methods for estimating the wavefront slope at the pupil of a telescope using a Hartmann wavefront sensor (H- WFS) are based on a simple centroid calculation of the irradiance distributions (spots) recorded in each subaperture. The centroid calculation does not utilize knowledge concerning the correlation properties of the slopes over the subapertures or the amount of light collected by the H-WFS. This paper presents the derivation of a maximum a priori (MAP) estimation of the irradiance centroids by incorporating statistical knowledge of the wavefront tilts. Information concerning the light level in each subaperture and the relative spot size is also employed by the estimator. The MAP centroid estimator is found to be unbiased and the mean squared error performance is upper bounded by that exhibited by the classical centroid technique. This error performance is demonstrated using Kolmogorov wavefront slope statistics for various light levels.
New infrared sensors for ballistic missile defense

The MDA/AS is developing advanced capabilities in the IR sensor area for ballistic missile defense. Infrared sensors play an important role to every layer of ballistic missile defense systems. Current missile defense systems use infrared sensors with material systems such as InSb and HgCdTe. They are sufficient to counter current threat level. However, with the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) new capability based acquisition, the Advanced Systems (AS) of MDA is pushing the state-of-the-art of infrared technology to a higher level. The new infrared sensors will have the capability to cover a broad range of spectrum, have higher sensitivity, uniformity and operabilities, large format, multicolor, with a much better manufacturability and affordability. Examples are strained layer type-II superlattices, quantum well infrared photodetectors, HgCdTe on Si, PbSnTe, and other novel concepts. This presentation will discuss what IR sensors are used in current missile defense systems, what is new in technology development, and its system applications.
Untranslated T7 phage mRNA is stabilized in suA host.

IT has been shown1 that relief from the polar effect of nonsense mutations in the tryptophan Operon by the suA allele2 is associated with increased survival of mRNA operator distal to the nonsense mutation. Experiments described here confirm the effect of suA on mRNA distal to amber mutations and directly demonstrate the complete mRNA molecule only in the presence of the suA mutation.
Skeletal benign bone-forming lesions

The imaging features of benign osseous lesions of the bone are often characteristic and suggestive of a specific diagnosis. This is particularly true for skeletal benign bone-forming lesions such as enostosis, osteoma, osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma. Enostosis or bone island is an incidental finding in the axial skeleton (pelvis, spine, ribs) of asymptomatic patients; it appears as a small (0.2-2 cm) round to oval sclerotic area with irregular, radiating ('thorny') spicules peripherally. Osteoma is a benign slow-growth tumor and usually an incidental finding in cranial sinuses, vault and mandible, and presenting as a homogeneous, sharply defined bone mass arising from bone surface; its signs and symptoms are rare and depend on the tumor size and location--e.g. sinusitis, headache, exophthalmos, diplopia. Osteoid osteoma is a painful highly vascularized benign tumor usually affecting the long bone diaphysis cortex of young patients; it generally appears as a small radiolucent nidus with or without central calcification and surrounding bone sclerosis on radiographs, and as a 'hot' spot on scintigraphy. CT is the method of choice for the definite location of the nidus especially in sites of complex anatomy, such as the spine, pelvis and hindfoot. Osteoblastoma is a rare tumor, histologically similar to osteoid osteoma but with a significantly different clinical potential because of the possibilities of postoperative recurrence, of its locally aggressive behavior or, rarer still, malignant transformation; the spine and long bones are affected in more than half the cases. Its radiologic appearance is not always distinctive and usually characterized by a lytic lesion with varying bone production and expansile behavior; CT and MRI are required for the diagnosis of spinal osteoblastomas. When a bone-producing tumor or tumor-like lesion is suspected but no specific diagnosis can be made, the knowledge of the range of the imaging findings of these lesions will allow a suitably ordered differential diagnosis. Radiography is the single most effective imaging method in this respect. CT is required for the tumors in complex anatomical sites, such as the spine, pelvis and hindfoot, as well as for the optimal assessment of the tumor matrix. MRI is specifically required to study the lesion effect on the spinal canal.
Electrical conduction in amorphous boron and silicon

Abstract The pre-switching, non-linear current-voltage characteristics in amorphous forms of boron and silicon are analyzed. The role played by Joule heating and its effect on switching characteristics is investigated. It is demonstrated that during switching, a conducting filament, through the semiconducting film, is formed.
Theoretical investigation on the mechanism of LiH + NH3 → LiNH2 + H2 reaction

Abstract High level electronic structure calculations predict the molecular mechanism of H2 elimination in the LiH + NH3 → LiNH2 + H2 reaction. Geometries and energies of stationary points are obtained using second-order perturbation theory (MP2) and coupled cluster CCSD(T) theory with the aug-cc-pVTZ basis set. The reaction proceeds via intermediate molecular LiNH4 complexes, namely HLi NH3 (reactant side) and LiNH2 H2 (product side). Each reactant contributes one H atom to the product H2.
Cloud computing: networking and communication challenges

Over the past few years, cloud computing has rapidly emerged as a widely accepted computing paradigm built around core concepts such as on-demand computing resources, elastic scaling, elimination of up-front capital and operational expenses, and establishing a pay-as-you-go business model for computing and information technology services. With the widespread adoption of virtualization, service oriented architectures, and utility computing there has been a significant development in the creation of cloud support structures to deliver IT services within QoS bounds, service level agreements, and security and privacy requirements.
Silicon-controlled rectifiers from oxide-masked diffused structures

There is a considerable body of literature on the theoretical and experimental characteristics of 2- and 3-terminal p-n-p-n negative resistance switches.1?4 This paper describes a 2-impurity simultaneous-diffusion process for producing structures in silicon which are suitable for 2- or 3-terminal signal and power p-n-p-n switches (?controlled rectifiers?); the properties of the devices produced by this process are discussed in the following.
Putting the informal on the map: tools for participatory waste management

Informal urban infrastructures are a challenging environment for participatory design, both from an organizational and technical perspective. In this paper we reflect on a recent research project involving participatory sensing and design of participatory technologies for informal recycling cooperatives. We collaborated with COOPAMARE, a cooperative in central Sao Paulo, Brazil, on two goals: to map their spatial organization of waste collection, and to develop software tools for coordinating with clients and planning operations. We discuss how GPS tracking, web-based mapping, and mobile applications allow cooperatives to collect, manage, and interpret spatial data themselves, and to redesign their own system collaboratively with others. We argue for applying participatory design in international development projects, which often neglect design aspects, and discuss the social, economic and technical contexts that impact design.
Impact of fecal incontinence and its treatment on quality of life in women

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a physically and psychosocially debilitating disorder which negatively impacts quality of life (QOL). It bears a significant burden not only on patients but also on their families, caretakers as well as society as a whole. Even though it is considered a somewhat common condition, especially as women age, the prevalence is often underestimated due to patients' reluctance to report symptoms or seek care. The evaluation and treatment of FI can be also hindered by lack of understanding of the current management options among healthcare providers and how they impact on QOL. This article provides a comprehensive review on the impact of FI and its treatment on QOL in women.
Heterogeneous transmural distribution of beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes in failing human hearts.

BACKGROUNDDownregulation of myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor density does not occur in a spatially uniform distribution in patients with congestive heart failure. Rather, it results primarily from loss of receptors in the subendocardium. In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, beta 1-receptors have been found to be downregulated selectively. These observations suggest that considerable transmural heterogeneity in the distribution of beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes exists in the failing human heart. The present study was designed to test this hypothesis.METHODS AND RESULTSWe used quantitative autoradiography of radioligand binding sites to measure the distribution of beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes in transmural sections of left ventricular myocardium obtained from cardiac transplant patients with ischemic (n = 13) and idiopathic dilated (n = 12) cardiomyopathy and from 4 subjects with no history of cognitive heart failure. Analysis of radioligand binding isotherms revealed a significant reduction ...
Modeling variable blowing effects in the turbulent hypersonic boundary layer

Studies of the effects of variable blowing in turbulent hypersonic boundary layers are presented. Numerical calculations of the skin friction and surface heat transfer rates are compared to the experimental measurements of Holden (1990) for a slender cone at zero angle of attack in steady flows at Mach numbers of 11 and 13. An analysis of the transpiration feed system of the cone model was performed and showed that the blowing rate could be variable along the cone surface. This effect is confirmed by internal pressure measurements which were taken inside the cone model. The blowing rates are recalibrated using the internal gauge readings and used as the wall boundary condition for a compressible turbulent boundary layer calculation using the low Reynolds number k-epsilon model of Chien (1982). At low blowing rates, the boundary layer calculations indicate that a situation where both the effects of suction and blowing are present within the same flow. The results show excellent qualitative prediction of the experimental data.
Rotor-bearing dynamics of modern turbomachinery

Abstract High speed, high power-density machinery is subject to a number of vibration-producing forces. The fuel pump for the space shuttle is an example of such an advanced technology turbomachine. The low viscosity of the working fluid (liquid hydrogen) dictated novel solutions to the vibration problems which arose in the development of this pump
Update in General Internal Medicine

This Update in General Internal Medicine features 15 articles published in 2006. Topics include cardiovascular, pulmonary, diabetes, nephrology, infectious diseases, and preventive medicine.
A lesson in recursion and structured programming

Students in middle level courses in data structures and programming languages often do not have a full appreciation of recursion. The study of the simulation of recursion can be an excellent tool in improving this situation. It is shown how to construct a nonrecursive routine to solve a problem whose solution is naturally recursive. This nonrecursive routine is then used as a foundation from which one can construct a simpler and better structured program than the original version. The advantages of this activity are also discussed.
Energy optimization during early drug development and the relationship with environmental burdens

Process development in the pharmaceutical industry is oriented to several key objectives, like yield or purity; and energy usage is normally given only a secondary consideration. On the other hand, there is a growing interest to give a greater weight to environmental factors as an integral part of the decision-making process at the Research and Development (R&D) stages of design for drug manufacturing. Therefore, there is a need to assess the energy usage throughout the development stage, to be able to quantify the changes in the development phases and evaluate the total environmental benefits due to energy optimization. In the present work, energy life cycle information is developed to provide environmental input into process selection and development within the pharmaceutical industry. The evaluation and comparison of energy requirements and energy-related emissions at various stages of the development process for a pharmaceutical product was conducted. It was found that the main optimization in energy usage for this specific system takes place during the pilot scale stage in the process developments (about 70% energy reduction). The reductions in energy usage are translated in even higher reduction of total energy-related emissions (for the full-scale processes, around 80%). It could be clearly seen that energy optimization in the early stages of process design translates into a lower level of emissions related to the use of energy.
Proton injection studies in lithium hydrazinium sulfate

A novel technique for studying the basic mechanism of proton transport in hydrogen-containing solids is described. In this technique, which is termed “proton injection”, the hydrogen-containing material (here, lithium hydrazinium sulfate) is utilized as the electrolyte in an electrochemical cell. Deuterium ions (or deuterons, D+) are produced from deuterium gas present at the anode and injected into the crystal. The subsequent diffusion of deuterium into the bulk material is followed by Raman spectroscopy.
Structurally controlled hydrothermal dolomite reservoir facies: An overview: Discussion

One of the issues of the AAPG Bulletin (v. 90, no. 11) was concerned with “hydrothermal dolomite reservoirs,” specifically “hydrothermal dolomite fields” (Davies and Smith, 2006). The term “hydrothermal dolomite” is confusing and meaningless (Machel and Lonnee, 2002). To study the origin of dolomite and its hydrothermal depositional setting, I examined modern settings, including the Mediterranean Sea (Friedman, 1991) (Figure 1). The shallow-water facies in this modern setting consists of dolomite and gypsum. The rocks range from almost pure gypsum to pure tough dolostone so thoroughly cemented that sampling required hammer and chisel. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates the presence of minor anhydrite. Sporadic aragonitic gastropods occur, but fossils are otherwise absent. Under the microscope, it is a peloidal micrite (dolomicrite). The δ13CPDB of the dolostone is −39.3 to −31.2‰. These strongly negative δ13C values suggest that carbon of the dolomite came from methane. Methane forms when all sulfate has been reduced. Bacterial reaction was responsible for dolomite formation through the methane pathway. This syngenetic dolomite is like most dolomites of hydrothermal origin, but my students and I avoid this confusing bandwagon term. Figure 1 Approximate temperatures at which Holocene intertidal carbonate sediments formed, calculated from isotopic signatures. Three classes of dolostone have been recognized, which have been termed syngenetic, diagenetic, and epigenetic (Friedman and Sanders, 1967). The purpose of this classification has been for the orderly discussion of the subject and to facilitate descriptive study and genetic interpretation. The term “syngenetic” has been adapted for characterizing biological and chemical origin in its …
A generalized approach to designing specific-purpose Monte Carlo programs: a powerful simulation tool for radiation applications

Abstract Well-designed Monte Carlo simulation programs provide the most accurate means of predicting the response of radiation measurement systems. Such simulations can replace large sets of experiments for the purpose of design optimization, calibration and analysis of sensitivity to measurement interferences. The use of detector response functions can extend Monte Carlo simulation to systems involving spectral responses. Compared to the use of general-purpose Monte Carlo codes, our work on developing specific-purpose codes has shown various advantages: greater “user-friendlines”, use of an optimum set of variance reduction methods, superior code performance in most cases, and better understanding of the basic physics of the problem. The specific-purpose codes are relatively easy to develop using modules that we have developed for geometry, cross sections, detector response functions, standard as well as new and/or improved variance reduction schemes, etc. The measurement applications for which we have designed and used specific-purpose Monte Carlo simulation codes in recent years include on-line capture gamma-ray analysis of coal; X-ray fluorescence analyzers; nuclear tools for oil-well logging by neutron moderation, pulsed neutron lifetime analysis and by gamma-ray backscatter; and industrial tomographic scanners.
Control voltages for power switchgear

Standards for control voltages for closing and tripping power circuit breakers were established by the National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the American Standards Association (now the American National Standards Institute) many years ago. Subsequently these requirements were extended to other switchgear equipment such as motor operated disconnecting switches and capacitor switches. A working group (See Appendix I) under the auspices of the ANSI C37 committee has reviewed these requirements in light of modern technology, and has made certain recommendations for changes. The reasoning behind these proposed changes and some points of dissension voiced by both manufacturers and users are discussed.
Minimum metallic conductivity in a thin crystal

Electrical conductivities of thin crystals of Bi2(Te,S)3 measured from 4.2°K to 300°K fall into four regions: 1) σ 4×10−5 S with hardly any temperature dependence. A disproportionately high fraction of samples falls into the second range; 1.3×10−5 S < σ < 1.4×10−5 S.
Regularity of daily life in relation to personality, age, gender, sleep quality and circadian rhythms

A diary-like instrument to measure lifestyle regularity (the 'Social Rhythm Metric'-SRM) was given to 96 subjects (48 women, 48 men), 39 of whom repeated the study after at least one year, with additional objective measures of rest/activity. Lifestyle regularity as measured by the SRM related to age, morningness, subjective sleep quality and time-of-day variations in alertness, but not to gender, extroversion or neuroticism. Statistically significant test-retest correlations of about 0.4 emerged for SRM scores over the 12-30 month delay. Diary-based estimates of bedtime and waketime appeared fairly reliable. In a further study of healthy young men, 4 high SRM scorers ('regular') had a deeper nocturnal body temperature trough than 5 low SRM scorers ('irregular'), suggesting a better functioning circadian system in the 'regular' group.
Apparent molar volumes and apparent molar heat capacities of aqueous potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) and potassium sodium phthalate (KNaP) at temperatures fromT = 278.15 K toT = 393.15 K at the pressure 0.35 MPa

Abstract A vibrating-tube densimeter (DMA 512P, Anton Paar, Austria) was used to investigate the densities and volumetric properties of aqueous potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) and potassium sodium phthalate (KNaP). Measurements were made at molalities m from (0.006 to 0.66)mol · kg − 1, at temperatures from 278.15 K to 368.15 K and at the pressure 0.35 MPa. The densimeter was calibrated through measurements on pure water and on 1.0 mol · kg − 1NaCl(aq). We also used a twin fixed-cell, power-compensation, differential-output, temperature-scanning calorimeter (NanoDSC 6100, Calorimetry Sciences Corporation, Spanish Fork, UT, U.S.A.) to measure solution heat capacities. This was accomplished by scanning temperature and comparing the heat capacities of the unknown solutions to the heat capacity of water. Apparent molar volumes Vφand apparent molar heat capacities Cp, φof the solutions were calculated and fit by regression to equations that describe the surfaces (Vφ, T, m) and (Cp, φ, T, m). Standard state partial molar volumesV2o and heat capacities Cp,2owere estimated by extrapolation to the m = 0 plane of the fitted surfaces. Previously determinedCp, φ for HCl(aq) and NaCl(aq) were used to obtain (ΔrCp, m, T, m) for the proton dissociation reaction of aqueous hydrogen phthalate. This (ΔrCp,m, T, m) surface was created by subtracting Cp,φfor KHP(aq) and for NaCl(aq) from the sum of Cp,φfor KNaP(aq) and for HCl(aq). Surfaces representing (ΔrHm, T, m) and (pQa, T, m), where pQadenotes the molality equilibrium quotient, were created by integration of our (ΔrCp,m, T, m) surface using values for (ΔrHm, m) and (pKa, m) at T = 308.15 K from the literature as integration constants.
A comparison of the attitudes and motives of female and male gamete donors

Objective: To establish demographic data and to compare attitudes and motives between female and male gamete donors. Methods: A telephone questionnaire was designed to determine demographics, attitudes, and motives regarding oocyte donation. It was administered to volunteer, anonymous oocyte donors at the University of Cincinnati. Donors were included if they had undergone oocyte aspiration from June 1995 to February 2000. Similar data for male gamete donors were obtained from the literature, and a meta-analysis was performed. Values were calculated for demographics, motivation, anonymity, and attitudes toward potential offspring. Comparisons were made between female and male donors. The Student t test was used to compare means, and the χ2 test was used to compare proportional data. Results: Of 112 female subjects, 54 completed the questionnaire. The mean age of female donors was 27.0 years and of male donors, 27.9 years. The majority of female and male donors were Caucasian (85% and 94%, respectively). Men were significantly more likely to be single (P <0.001). Ninety-six percent of women versus 53% of men donated for altruistic reasons (P <0.001). Women were significantly more interested in knowing pregnancy outcomes than were men (96% and 55%, respectively). No differences existed between women and men regarding anonymity. Eleven percent of women reported feelings of responsibility toward a child resulting from their donation. However, 83% defined responsibility as related to medical need. Conclusion: Female and male gamete donors have different demographics, attitudes, and motives regarding gamete donation.
Active CMOS-MEMS AFM-like conductive probes for field-emission assisted nano-scale fabrication

In this paper, a method of fabricating active CMOS-MEMS AFM-like conductive probes with nanometer-sized probe tips for Tip-directed Field-emission Assisted Nanofabrication (TFAN) is reported. We envision an approach using tip-directed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for the deposition of Si nanowires (SNWs), using field-emitted electrons to locally crack adsorbed precursors (silane/disilane) through direct momentum transfer. This approach will enable control of nanowire geometry during fabrication. The designed active probe consists of three key parts: a thermal bimorph structure actuator, a capacitive sensor and a field emission (FE) probe tip. Unlike the past Spindt process for FE tip fabrication, a single-step probe tip fabrication process on CMOS-MEMS chips is introduced via electron-beam lithography and evaporation technique using PMMA as resist. The mechanism and key growth conditions for Spindt-type tip formation are investigated.
Studies of the mixing of glycerol in glycerol at the glycerol-vacuum interface using secondary ion mass spectrometry

Abstract The mixing of glycerol- d 5 in glycerol- d 8 has been found to be slow on the time scale of a typical secondary ion mass specrometry (SIMS) experiment. Surface renewal by processes such as diffusion is therefore an insufficient explanation of the exceptional sample longevity observed for SIMS spectra of molecules in glycerol solution. Other explanations for this longevity are suggested.
Return to the fetal gene program protects the stressed heart: a strong hypothesis

A common feature of the hemodynamically or metabolically stressed heart is the return to a pattern of fetal metabolism. A hallmark of fetal metabolism is the predominance of carbohydrates as substrates for energy provision in a relatively hypoxic environment. When the normal heart is exposed to an oxygen rich environment after birth, energy substrate metabolism is rapidly switched to oxidation of fatty acids. This switch goes along with the expression of "adult" isoforms of metabolic enzymes and other proteins. However, the heart retains the ability to return to the "fetal" gene program. Specifically, the fetal gene program is predominant in a variety of pathophysiologic conditions including hypoxia, ischemia, hypertrophy, and atrophy. A common feature of all of these conditions is extensive remodeling, a decrease in the rate of aerobic metabolism in the cardiomyocyte, and an increase in cardiac efficiency. The adaptation is associated with a whole program of cell survival under stress. The adaptive mechanisms are prominently developed in hibernating myocardium, but they are also a feature of the failing heart muscle. We propose that in failing heart muscle at a certain point the fetal gene program is no longer sufficient to support cardiac structure and function. The exact mechanisms underlying the transition from adaptation to cardiomyocyte dysfunction are still not completely understood.
Multicolor colloidal quantum dot based light emitting diodes using a solution processed electron transporting layer

We report a multilayered Quantum Dot (QD) based Light Emitting Diode structure with a solution processed zinc oxide nanoparticle based electron transporting layer, with subsequent patterning of the anode and cathode on the same substrate. The solution processed electron transporting layer improves the robustness of the device as compared to the use of sputtered thin films, resulting in LEDs with longer lifetimes. The use of spin coated zinc oxide layer and an insulating aluminum oxide layer allows for fabrication of LEDs using spin coating of quantum dots while patterning the anode and cathode. Zinc oxide shows low CB and VB edge energy levels, efficiently suppressing the hole leakage current. We have shown successful electroluminescence at 580nm and 600nm wavelengths, with a typical turn on voltage of about 12V. An array of individually addressable LEDs was fabricated on a single substrate, with the average size of each element of 800um × 200um. A potential application of such compact multicolor light source for cell characterizations is demonstrated by imaging of HEMA 3 stained MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells on-chip.
The insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene determines coronary vascular tone and nitric oxide activity

AbstractOBJECTIVESWe investigated whether the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene modulates vasomotor tone and endothelial function.BACKGROUNDThe d...
Effects of cattle grazing on ecology and habitat of Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis)

Dramatic declines in the endangered Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit, a genetically unique population of small, burrowing rabbits in Northwestern United States, are likely the combined results of habitat degradation and fragmentation, disease, and predation. A critical component of pygmy rabbit habitat includes big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), which constitutes 82–99% of their winter diet and 10–50% of their summer diet. Sagebrush also forms the bulk of hiding cover around burrow sites. Across the range of pygmy rabbits, sagebrush habitat is grazed extensively by cattle. However, grazing has unknown effects on pygmy rabbits inhabiting the remaining, fragmented shrub-steppe habitat. We evaluated the effects of four grazing treatments on the distribution of pygmy rabbit burrows, diets of pygmy rabbits, and quality and quantity of vegetation at Sagebrush Flat in central Washington. Ungrazed areas contained significantly more burrows per unit area than did grazed areas. Vegetation composition and structure differed little among treatments in early summer before annual grazing by cattle. However, cattle grazing in late summer through winter removed about 50% of the grass cover, and reduced the nutritional quality (e.g., increased fiber and decreased protein) of the remaining grass. Although pygmy rabbits ate <2% grasses in winter, grasses and forbs comprised 53% of late summer diets. Because these endangered rabbits avoided grazed areas, removing cattle grazing from key habitat locations may benefit efforts to restore this rabbit in Washington.
Oxidation of tryptophane by a-plus a-plus and aa Ephestia tissue.

IT has been shown previously that in the flour moth, Ephestia Kuhniella, the gene a in homozygous condition causes lack of kyrurenin and consequently a deficiency in the eye pigments depending on the presence of kyrurenin1. Since kyrurenin is derived from tryptophane by oxidation, it is assumed that the oxidation of tryptophane to kyrurenin is inhibited in aa animals. This is confirmed by the fact that an increased amount of tryptophane is found in the proteins of aa animals2,3.
Primary malignant melanoma of the vagina: a clinicopathological analysis of 10 cases.

Abstract We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological findings in 10 cases of primary malignant melanoma of the vagina. The main presenting symptoms were vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, and feeling of a mass. The tumors were predominantly located in the lowest one-third and in the anterolateral aspect of the vagina. Patients underwent various surgical procedures, radiation therapy, and chemotherapeutic modalities. The mean survival time and the recurrence time from the time of diagnosis were 15 and 8 months, respectively. The tumors were examined for histological characteristics of cell type, presence of melanin pigment, depth of invasion, vascular invasion, intraepithelial spread, junctional activity, and mitotic count. Of all these histological variables, the mean survival time had a significant correlation to mitotic count ( P
Better ways to handle customer support phone calls

Many organizations are challenged with effectively handling customer support phone calls. When Youngstown State University (YSU) hired its new Manager of Technology Customer Support and Training in the fall of 2009, one of the biggest complaints heard from customers was that the Help Desk was "never available to take calls". Upon closer investigation of this complaint, it became clear that many times technicians were not immediately available to take incoming calls, but became available in a short amount of time after the call had been routed to voice mail. Based on previous experience in help desk operations, the manager recommended the implementation of an Automated Call Distribution (ACD) system. The ACD has increased the efficiency of answering calls at the Help Desk and has decreased the number of callers being directed to voice mail. Since implementation the ACD system has given YSU valuable statistics that will enable the Help Desk to better manage future staffing levels, call volumes, work schedules, and performance metrics.
Sulfur isotope effects associated with protonation of Hs− and volatilization of H2S

The isotope effects associated with: (1) formation of H2S from HS- by protonation in aqueous solution; and (2) volatilization of H2S have been experimentally determined. Both isotopic distributions in closed systems at equilibrium and differential rates of volatilization of isotopic species in open systems were measured at 22 +/- 1 degrees C. It was found that, at equilibrium aqueous H2S is enriched in 34S by 2.0 - 2.7% relative to HS- and that H2S volatilized from solution is depleted in 34S by 0.5% relative to dissolved H2S. A small kinetic isotope effect accompanying volatilization of H2S was observed in the open-system experiments.
Early analysis tools for system-on-a-chip design

The paper describes the need for early analysis tools to enable developers of today's system-on-a-chip (SoC) designs to take advantage of pre-designed components, such as those found in the IBM Blue LogicÂ® Library, and rapidly explore high-level design alternatives to meet their system requirements. We report on a new approach for developing high-level performance models for these SoC designs and outline how this performance analysis capability can be integrated into an overall environment for efficient SoC design.
Time-optimal multi-stage motion planning with guaranteed collision avoidance via an open-loop game formulation

We present an efficient algorithm which computes, for a kinematic point mass moving in the plane, a time-optimal path that visits a sequence of target sets while conservatively avoiding collision with moving obstacles, also modelled as kinematic point masses, but whose trajectories are unknown. The problem is formulated as a pursuit-evasion differential game, and the underlying construction is based on optimal control. The algorithm, which is a variant of the fast marching method for shortest path problems, can handle general dynamical constraints on the players and arbitrary domain geometry (e.g. obstacles, non-polygonal boundaries). Applications to a two-stage game, capture-the-flag, is presented.
Aging Is Associated in the 344/N Fischer Rat with Decreased Stress Responsivity of Central and Peripheral Catecholaminergic Systems and Impairment of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

The effects of acute stress on various indices of sympatho-adrenal, sympathoneural functions and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis were examined both at central and peripheral sites in healthy, intact male Fischer 344/N rats of increasing age. Extracellular fluid (ECF) levels of norepinephrine (NE), its metabolites dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), and methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), and of the dopamine metabolite dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), were measured 24 h after implantation of a microdialysis probe in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, and samples collected at 30-min. intervals during immobilization (IMMO). ECF levels of NE, DHPG, MHPG, and DOPAC were at baseline similar in both age groups, and all increased significantly in response to IMMO. The IMMO-induced increases in ECF levels of NE and MHPG were, however, significantly smaller in old than in young rats. Plasma levels of the dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), -NE, epinephrine (EPI), DHPG, MHPG, dopamine (DA), DOPAC and HVA, were determined in different groups of young and old rats, cannulated in the tail artery, at baseline, and after 5, 30, 60, and 120 min of IMMO. Basal levels of DOPA, DHPG, MHPG, DA, DOPAC, HVA, NE and EPI were significantly higher in old than in young rats, and increased in plasma during IMMO. However, the magnitude of the increase in the majority of these compounds was significantly smaller in old than in young rats. Basal plasma levels of ACTH were similar among age groups, and basal plasma levels of corticosterone showed a significant aging-associated decline. Two i.v. doses (2 and 20 micrograms/kg BW) of rat CRF elicited significantly greater and delayed ACTH, and greater corticosterone responses in older rats, consistent with the pattern encountered in hypothalamic CRF deficiency. An i.v. injection of ACTH evoked lower corticosterone responses in the older (18 and 24 month old) than in the younger (2 and 8 month old) groups of rats, consistent with secondary adrenocortical atrophy in older animals. Steady-state mRNA levels of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors were significantly decreased in the hippocampus of the 8-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats, compatible with maturational rather than senescent changes. CRF mRNA levels in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and levels of POMC mRNA in the anterior pituitary were significantly reduced with age. In conclusion, in this strain of rats, aging is associated with diminished responsiveness of central, and peripheral catecholaminergic systems to acute stress, and progressive hypothalamic CRH deficiency.