cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Light-charged-particle emission in Ar 40 -induced reactions: A probe of the very early evolution of the collisions

Charged-particle emission was studied for the reactions 222, 274, and 340 MeV $^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$+$^{116}\mathrm{Sn}$, $^{154}\mathrm{Sm}$, $^{164}\mathrm{Dy}$, and $^{197}\mathrm{Au}$. Energy and angular distributions were measured for H and He and angular distributions for Li, Be, B, C, N, and O, fissionlike fragments and evaporation residues. For H and He the data are consistent with a lowtemperature evaporative component and a high-temperature forward peaked component. For Li through O the forward-peaked emission was studied for 340 MeV $^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$ only. The evaporation residue cross sections decrease strongly with increasing $Z$ reflecting the increasing fissionability. However, the cross sections for $^{1}\mathrm{H}$ and $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ in coincidence with fission are essentially constant with $Z$. Coincidence measurements, energy spectra, and $^{4}\mathrm{He}$/$^{1}\mathrm{H}$ ratios indicate that most H/He evaporation precedes fission. This implies that the energy thermalization is very rapid indeed and that the light particle spectra can probe the very early history of the composite systems.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{116}\mathrm{Sn}$, $^{154}\mathrm{Sm}$, $^{164}\mathrm{Dy}$, $^{197}\mathrm{Au}$ ($^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$; H/He, fission and evaporation residues), $E=222$, 274, and 340 MeV, measured energy and angular distributions in singles mode. For $E=340$ MeV, coincidence measurements between H/He and one fission-like fragment, and angular distributions for Li, Be, B, C, N, and O in the singles mode.
Taxonomic Structure, Distribution, and Abundance of the Soils in the USA

In this paper, we report the taxonomic structure, the spatial distribution, and relative abundance of soils in the USA. In the analysis, we used the STATSGO (1997 version) database, which contains information on 11 orders, 52 suborders, 232 great groups, 1175 subgroups, 6226 families, and 13 129 series. The analysis of taxonomic structure showed that the numbers of taxa in any category were distributed unevenly in relation to taxa present at the next higher category. This uneven distribution becomes more pronounced in the lower categories of the hierarchy. In addition, there is a trend for taxa to produce only one, or a very small number, of taxa in the next lower category at the lower categories of the system. The analysis of the spatial distribution of taxa showed that 10 662 (51.2%) out of 20 825 taxa exist only 1 Major Land Resource Area (MLRA), indicating that most soil taxa are not widely spread, and are specific to particular combinations of state factors. The area abundance of soil taxa is asymmetric with most taxa in a category having relative small area extent. Five (2.1%) greatgroups, 37 (2.1%) subgroups, 417 (6.7) families, and 827 (6.3%) series had total areas less than 10 km 2 , and were defined as rare taxa. Among the rare taxa, four (80%) rare great groups, 36 (97.3%) rare subgroups, 378 (90.6%) rare families, and 750 (90.7%) rare series were found in only 1 MLRA. The portion of rare soils might be much higher because not all the soils are included in STATSGO because of their too limited area. The spatial and area abundance analyses of the soils provides a perspective useful for discussions on the preservation of soil resources in the USA, a topic whose importance is likely to grow in conjunction with increasing interest in global biodiversity and more intense uses of the world's soil resources.
Experimental observation of extremely weak optical scattering from an interlocking carbon nanotube array.

We experimentally demonstrate a nearly wavelength-independent optical reflection from an extremely rough carbon nanotube sample. The sample is made of a vertically aligned nanotube array, is a super dark material, and exhibits a near-perfect blackbody emission at T=450 K-600 K. No other material exhibits such optical properties, i.e., ultralow reflectance accompanied by a lack of wavelength scaling behavior. This observation is a result of the lowest ever measured reflectance (R=0.0003) of the sample over a broad infrared wavelength of 3 μm<λ<13 μm. This discovery may be attributed to the unique interlocking surface of the nanotube array, consisting of both a global, large scale and a short-range randomness.
Base line for left heart catheterization

Abstract 1. 1. X-ray and somatic measurements show that the left atrium is at approximately the same elevation with the subject supine and lying on the right or the left side. The elevation is equal to 1 2 the chest thickness measured at the second costochondral junction. 2. 2. Left atrial and ventricular diastolic pressures recorded in relation to any fixed base line are the same in all three positions. 3. 3. A base line at an elevation above the table equivalent to 1 2 of chest thickness at the second or fourth costochondral junction minimizes variability of pressures recorded in subjects of different sizes. Hydrostatic error is probably least if the second costochondral reference level is used. 4. 4. A base line fixed in relation to the table top offers some advantage in simplicity with no loss of meaning and little sacrifice of consistency from patient to patient. Chest dimensions and reference level should be stated to permit correlation with measurements made against any other base line. 5. 5. Previously reported “normal” pulmonary “capillary” pressures provide a basis for judging the normality of left atrial and ventricular diastolic pressures measured with patients supine or lying on the right or left side. 6. 6. Hydrostatic pressure differences are not recorded against a common base line. Vertical displacement of pulmonary arterial catheter tip introduced no problem in interpretation of pressure records.
FUNCTIONALIZATION OF CP4FE4(CO)4 : CONTRASTS AND COMPARISONS WITH FERROCENE

Thermolysis of a xylene solution of Cp2Fe2(CO)4 and PPh3 yields primarily Cp4Fe4(CO)4 (1) together with smaller amounts of (C5H4Ph)Cp3Fe4(CO)4 and Cp3Fe3(CO)3(PPh2). Cluster 1 can be alkylated and arylated by using organolithium reagents to give the derivatives (C5H4R)Cp3Fe4(CO)4. This reaction is competitive with reduction of 1 by the organolithium reagent. A more versatile method for functionalizing 1 involves its deprotonation with lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) followed by treatment with electrophiles to give (C5H4X)Cp3Fe4(CO)4 (X = C(OH)HCH3, CO2H, CHO, SPh, PPh2). An excess of LDA gave increased amounts of the di- and even trifunctionalized derivatives (C5H4X)xCp4-xFe4(CO)4 (x = 2, 3). Treatment of (C5H4CHO)Cp3Fe4(CO)4 with the lithiated cluster gave the double cluster [(C5H4)Cp3Fe4(CO)4]2CHOH. The use of the cluster as a ligand was demonstrated by the synthesis of the adducts (C5H4PPh2MLn)Cp3Fe4(CO)4, where MLn = RuCl2(cymene), IrCl(1,5-C8H12). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was employed to chara...
A Classroom Training Revision Methodology

A methodology was described to revise program deficiencies in Army classroom training identified during training effectiveness evaluations. The baseline for its design approach was discussed. The revision methdology's content and structure was presented in detail.
Macrophase separation in styrene-butadiene block copolymers driven by thermooxidative reactions

Macroscopic phase separation has been observed in a commercial styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene (SBS) triblock copolymer (Kraton 1102) upon exposure to atmospheric oxygen at elevated temperatures. A thermooxidative reaction occurs in the unsaturated bonds of polybutadiene segments which in turn causes the copolymer chains to break, resulting in macrophase separation between polystyrene-rich copolymer and polybutadiene segments. The macrophase separation driven by thermooxidative degradation has been further confirmed in as-synthesized SBS triblock and also in as-synthesized SB diblock copolymers. While the first macrophase separation proceeds, the radicals that emerged from the thermooxidative chain breakage undergo cross-linking, thereby driving phase separation to occur for a second time. The occurrence of the second phase separation may be hereafter termed “cascading phase separation”. Despite the differences in copolymer types and total molecular weights, the structure and growth dynamics of the three st...
Thermogravimetric Measurement of the Vapor Pressure of Iron from 1573 K to 1973 K

The vapor-pressure data of iron was measured using the combination of a Knudsen effusion cell and a high-temperature, thermogravimetric balance. Most of the available vapor-pressure data for iron have been taken below 1600 K. In contrast, the current data have been collected from 1573 to 1973 K, and these values should help fill a void in the data near the melting point of iron. Although the measured vapor pressures have a similar temperature dependence as literature values of iron vapor-pressure data, the current data is consistently lower than these previous values by roughly a factor of 2.
Improved in vivo magnetic resonance imaging of acute myocardial infarction after intravenous paramagnetic contrast agent administration

Gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA), a paramagnetic relaxation agent, has been used in vitro to improve the detection of acute myocardial infarction (MI) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, the ability of Gd-DTPA to improve in vivo magnetic resonance imaging of MI was examined. Ten dogs with MI caused by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation were imaged 1 to 5 days after infarction. Imaging was performed before and for 2 hours after intravenous administration of 0.34 mmol/kg Gd-DTPA. One to 2 days after MI, Gd-DTPA improved visualization of the infarct in 3 of 4 dogs. This effect was more prominent in dogs imaged 4 to 5 days after MI, when 6 of 6 dogs showed substantially improved infarct definition after Gd-DTPA. At both times the intensity ratio, an objective measure of contrast between infarcted and normal tissue that is defined by the ratio of image intensity of infarcted area to that of noninfarcted area, was significantly better after Gd-DTPA administration. The intensity ratio at 24 to 48 hours after infarction was 1.4 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- standard deviation) before Gd-DTPA, and 1.7 +/- 0.6 after Gd-DTPA (p = 0.03). The intensity ratio at 4 to 5 days after infarction was 1.5 +/- 0.3 before Gd-DTPA, and 1.8 +/- 0.5 after Gd-DTPA (p less than 0.001). Thus, Gd-DTPA administration improves in vivo visualization of MI by MRI.
Environment, production and social difference in the Kalahari Thornveld, c1750-1830.

This article considers the food production activities of people in the Thlaping and Tlharo chiefdoms in the present-day Northern Cape and North-West Provinces between c1750 and 1830. It considers food production methods, their environmental suitability and how food produtction related to social difference. It is arguted that the Tlhaping and Tlharo chiefdoms did not arise through the migration of agro-pastoralists, but that indigenous inihabitants began stock keeping and cultivating as the chiefdoms were established in the mid-eighteenth century. Thereafter food production remained extensive and the products of pastoralism – milk – provided the staple of the diet. Food production did not provide support for all people, and a significant class of foragers, who were not ethnically differentiated from other members of the chiefdons, lived at the bottom of the society and outside of the towns. It was possible for men to move between stock keeping and foraging in a process similar to the “ecological cycle” des...
Interactions of the Heavy Nuclei of the Cosmic Radiation

Fragmentation probabilities have been obtained for the interactions of heavy nuclei with target nuclei of photographic emulsion and a light element absorber (gelatin and cellulose acetate). The predictions of a simple geometrical model for the fragmentation probabilities in light elements derived from those observed in emulsion are in agreement with experimental observations. Measurements of the interaction mean free paths of heavy nuclei at different latitudes indicate that the interaction cross section is energy insensitive and is smaller than geometric. Curves are presented showing the ratio of the secondary light element (Li, Be, B) flux relative to the medium element ($6l~Zl~10$) flux as a function of atmospheric depth.
Plasmonic coupling in noble metal nanostructures

Noble metal nanostructures display unique and strongly enhanced optical properties due to the phenomenon of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). In assemblies or complex noble metal nanostructures, individual plasmon oscillations on proximal particles can couple via their near-field interaction, resulting in coupled plasmon resonance modes, quite akin to excitonic coupling in molecular aggregates or orbital hybridization in molecules. In this frontier Letter we discuss how the coupling of plasmon modes in certain nanostructure geometries (such as nanoparticle dimers and nanoshells) allows systematic tuning of the optical resonance, and also the confinement and enhancement of the near-field, making possible improved refractive-index sensing and field-enhanced spectroscopy and photochemistry. We discuss the polarization, orientation, and distance-dependence of this near-field coupling especially the universal size-scaling of the plasmon coupling interaction. In addition to radiative properties, we also discuss the effect of inter-particle coupling on the non-radiative electron relaxation in noble metal nanostructures.
Compelled without direction: Compulsory voting and party system spreading

Much of the current literature on compulsory voting (CV) examines its effects by simulating complete turnout. We argue that these studies do not capture the full effects of CV, as there is something qualitatively different about compulsory voting rules as compared to only increasing turnout. Furthermore, CV and turnout have important, yet unexplored, interactive effects. To test this argument, we look at governments in 43 countries over the 1990–2006 period. Nine of these countries have some form of CV. We examine the effect of CV on the ideological position and range of governments, left party seat share, and the effective number of parties. We find that high turnout in the presence of CV laws spreads out the distribution of voters and leads to an increase in the effective number of parliamentary parties and a larger ideological range of governments. These results have important implications for how we study CV and its consequences for party strategy.
Controlled Microfluidic Interfaces for Microsensors

Lab on a chip has found many applications in biological and chemical analysis, including pathogen detections. Because these labs on chips involve handling of fluids at the microscale, surface tension profoundly affects the behavior and performance of these systems. Through careful engineering, controlled liquid-liquid or liquid-gas interfaces at the microscale can be formed and used in many interesting applications. In this talk, I will present our work on applying such interfaces to microsensing. These interfaces are created at hydrophobic-hydrophilic boundaries formed within microfluidic channels and pinned by surface tension. We have designed and fabricated a few microsensing techniques including chemical and biological sensing using dissolvable micromembranes in microchannels, chemical and biological sensing at liquid crystals interfacing either air or aqueous solutions, and collection of gaseous samples and aerosols through air-liquid microfludic interfaces. I will next introduce on-chip microlenses and microlens arrays for optical detection, including smart and adaptive liquid microlenses actuated by stimuli-responsive hydrogels, and liquid microlenses in situ formed within microfluidic channels via pneumatic control of droplets.
Glucose Diffusion in Pancreatic Islets of Langerhans

Abstract We investigate the time required for glucose to diffuse through an isolated pancreatic islet of Langerhans and reach an equilibrium. This question is relevant in the context of in vitro electrophysiological studies of the response of an islet to step changes in the bath glucose concentration. Islet cells are electrically coupled by gap junctions, so nonuniformities in islet glucose concentration may be reflected in the activity of cells on the islet periphery, where electrical recordings are made. Using a mathematical model of hindered glucose diffusion, we investigate the effects of the islet porosity and the permeability of a surrounding layer of acinar cells. A major factor in the determination of the equilibrium time is the transport of glucose into islet β -cells, which removes glucose from the interstitial spaces where diffusion occurs. This transport is incorporated by using a model of the GLUT-2 glucose transporter. We find that several minutes are required for the islet to equilibrate to a 10mM change in bath glucose, a typical protocol in islet experiments. It is therefore likely that in electrophysiological islet experiments the glucose distribution is nonuniform for several minutes after a step change in bath glucose. The delay in glucose penetration to the inner portions of the islet may be a major contributing factor to the 1–2-min delay in islet electrical activity typically observed after bath application of a stimulatory concentration of glucose.
Calculations find that tunneling plays a major role in the reductive elimination of methane from hydridomethylbis(trimethylphosphine)platinum: how to confirm this computational prediction experimentally.

DFT calculations, including the effects of small curvature tunneling, have been performed on the reductive elimination of methane from hydridomethylbis(trimethylphosphine)platinum (1d). The calculations find that at 250 K tunneling results in an increase in the rate constant for reductive elimination by a factor of 4, a lowering of Ea by 1.7 kcal/mol, and a decrease in A by a factor of nearly 10. Tunneling is also calculated to increase the primary H/D kinetic isotope effect (KIE) from k(1d)/k(1f) = 2.26 to k(1d)/k(1f) = 4.12 and to result in a large secondary KIE of k(1d)/k(1e) = 1.35. In addition, tunneling is predicted to result in a violation of the rule of the geometric mean, so that the secondary KIE for reductive elimination of methane-d1 from 1f is calculated to be k(1f)/k(1g) = 1.06, which is much smaller than the secondary KIE of k(1d)/k(1e) = 1.35 for reductive elimination of methane from 1d. Comparison of the measured values of k(1d)/k(1e) and k(1f)/k(1g) is therefore proposed as an experiment...
OLD BONES: THE EFFECTS OF CURATION AND EXCHANGE ON THE INTERPRETATION OF ARTIODACTYL REMAINS IN HOHOKAM SITES

Dietary choices are one subset of the factors that affect the proportion of artiodactyls in Southwestern faunal assemblages. This study of 23 Hohokam faunal assemblages suggests that, in fact, artiodactyls were highly valued as a source of bone tool material, hides, and ritual paraphernalia. The importance placed on artiodactyls as a source for raw material could lead to their over-representation relative to smaller taxa, due to the curation of tools and ritual items and the gathering of antler and bone for tool manufacturing. Faunal analysts can easily control for these behaviors by publishing tool and body part representation data when appropriate. This situation underscores the importance of explicit statements about the nature of artiodactyl remains when publishing faunal data, particularly how the analyst calculated counting units and in what archaeological contexts large game were recovered.
Atomistic modelling of plastic deformation of glassy polymers

Abstract A detailed atomistic approach has been used to investigate the kinematics of plastic deformation in glassy atactic polypropylene to 20% strain. The microstructural stress-strain behaviour was found to consist of smooth reversible portions bounded by irreversible sharp stress drops indicating plastic rearrangement of the structure. Averaging the stress-strain behaviour over an ensemble of 1-815 nm microstructures showed a yield point in the neighbourhood of 5-7% strain. The transformation shear strain for plasticistructural rearrangements was found to be broadly distributed, averaging 1-5% shear strain with a standard deviation of 2-6% shear strain. Combining this result with the activation volume measurements of common glassy polymers showed the size of the plastically transforming region to have a diameter of about 10 nm, thus involving several thousand segments. The transformation shear strain was independent of the system size. Scrutiny of the molecular segment motions associated with plastic ...
Sustainable Management of Algae in Eutrophic Ecosystems

The accelerated eutrophication of the world’s freshwater and marine ecosystems is a complex problem that results in decreased productivity, loss of biodiversity, and various economic woes. Controlling algae populations in a eutrophic water body has values in mitigating some of these negative effects. This paper reviews a number of strategies for algae management, with a focus on sustainable practices that have minimal environmental impact. The information in the literature is then used to propose a design for an integrated algae-aquaculture system to be used for the dual purposes of nutrient assimilation and production of fish and algal biomass. Effectiveness of the proposed system and possible revenue streams to offset capital costs are examined; other solutions that utilize the techniques in the literature are also explored.
SUPPRESSION OF FATIGUE CRACKING WITH NANOMETER-SCALE MULTILAYERED COATINGS

Department of Materials Scienceand Engineering Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218(Received March 1, 2000)(Accepted in revised form May 4, 2000)Keywords: Fatigue; Multilayers; Plating; Surfaces; Crack initiationIntroductionFatigue crack initiation in initially smooth samples of homogeneous ductile metals almost alwaysoccurs at the free surface as a result of surface roughening and the development of a critical surfacemorphology (1–3). For face centered cubic (FCC) metals with high stacking fault energies such as Cu,this critical morphology is the result of irreversible dislocation processes occurring during cyclic slipand consists of notches and peaks (intrusions and extrusions) formed at persistent slip bands (PSBs)(2,4). Recognizing that it should be possible to influence fatigue crack initiation by modifying theproperties or microstructure of the surface, investigators have examined the influence of variouscoatings and surface treatments such as shot peening, anodizing, oxidizing, nitriding, boriding, plasmaspraying, ion beam mixing, and ion implanting (5–10). While hard coatings prevent surface rougheningand crack initiation by the normal roughening mechanism, they usually result in modest improvementsbecause cyclic loading manages to initiate fatigue cracks by another mechanism. For example,Hornbogen and Verpoort (9) examined the influence of boriding, nitriding, and plasma spraying onfatigue crack initiation in austenitic stainless steels and found that while these coatings suppressedsurface roughening, fracture of the films resulted in slip localization and rapid initiation of fatiguecracks which actually degraded performance in some cases (9). Alden and Backofen (5) examined thickanodic films on Al and found that they could extend the fatigue life by periodically treating the surfaceto remove cracks in the films. This review of the literature (1–13) indicates that a surface film shouldhave five properties to maximize fatigue crack initiation resistance: (i) hardness - to prevent surfaceroughening, (ii) ductility (toughness) - to prevent cracking where PSBs intersect the film, (iii) cyclicwork hardenability - to prevent slip localization, (iv) residual compressive stresses - to reduce themagnitude of tensile stresses in the film, and (v) adherence - to stay on the substrate.The mechanical properties of nanometer-scale multilayered thin film coatings can be modified andadjusted by changing the composition and thickness of the layers (14–16). As a result, multilayeredcoatings can be developed that are optimized with respect to the properties identified above as beingdesirable in a coating for fatigue crack initiation resistance. In particular, a multilayer composed of thinlayers of two normally ductile FCC metals may have sufficient hardness to block surface slip yet retainsufficient ductility, toughness, and cyclic work hardening capacity, that cracking of the film or other sliplocalization mechanisms will not prevent this film from suppressing fatigue crack initiation. The
High-Momentum-Transfer Neutron-Liquid-Helium Scattering bose Condensation

Neutron inelastic scattering with high momentum transfers was used to probe the single-particle motions in liquid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ at temperatures ranging from 4.2 to 1.27\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The observed scattered neutron distributions below ${T}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ are consistent with a two-component model of liquid helium involving condensation into a zero-momentum ground state. A fractional condensate density of (7.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.5)% and an average kinetic energy per particle of 14.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for helium at 1.27\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K is deduced from a comparison of the experimental results with a theory for high-energy neutron-liquid-He scattering.
Subsolidus phase relations and dielectric properties in the SrO–Al2O3–Nb2O5 system

Abstract Subsolidus phase equilibria in the SrO–Al2O3–Nb2O5 system were determined by synthesis of 75 compositions in air in the temperature range 1200–1600°C. Phase assemblages were determined by X-ray powder diffraction at room temperature. Two new ternary compounds, Sr4AlNbO8 and Sr5.7Al0.7Nb9.3O30, were observed to form in addition to the known double perovskite, Sr2AlNbO6 ( Fm 3 m , a=7.7791(1) A). Sr4AlNbO8 crystallizes with a monoclinic unit cell (P21/c; a=7.1728(2), b=5.8024(2), c=19.733(1) A; β=97.332(3)°) determined by electron diffraction studies; the lattice parameters were refined using X-ray powder diffraction data, which are given. This compound decomposes above 1525°C; attempts to grow single crystals from neat partial melts, or using a strontium borate flux, were unsuccessful. The phase Sr5.7Al0.7Nb9.3O30 (Sr6−xAl1−xNb9+xO30, x=0.3) forms with the tetragonal tungsten bronze structure (P4bm; a=12.374(1), c=3.8785(1) A), melts incongruently near 1425°C, and occurs essentially as a point compound, with little or no range of x-values; indexed X-ray powder diffraction data are given. The tungsten bronze structure exhibits a narrow region of stability in the SrO–Al2O3–Nb2O5 system, which is probably related to the small size of Al3+. The existence of an extensive cryolite-type solid solution, Sr3(Sr1+xNb2−x)O9−3/2x, occurring between Sr4Nb2O9 (x=0) and Sr6Nb2O11 (x=0.5), was confirmed, with cubic lattice parameters ranging from 8.268(2) to 8.303(1) A, respectively. The dielectric properties of the three ternary compounds occurring in the system were measured using the specimen as a TE011 or TE0γδ dielectric resonator: Sr2AlNbO6: er=25, τf=−3 ppm/°C, tan δ=1.9×10−3 (7.7 GHz); Sr4AlNbO8: er=27, tan δ=2.8×10−3 (10.5 GHz); Sr5.7Al0.7Nb9.3O30: er=168, tan δ=3.8×10−2 (3.1 GHz). Sr2AlNbO6, when sintered in 1 atm oxygen, exhibited a reduced permittivity (er=21) and a significantly improved dielectric loss tangent (tan δ=5.2×10−4, 8.3 GHz), resulting in a four-fold increase in Q×f as compared to the specimen sintered in air.
Deformation-induced release of ATP from erythrocytes in a poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based microchip with channels that mimic resistance vessels.

The ability of nitric oxide to relax smooth muscle cells surrounding resistance vessels in vivo is well documented. Here, we describe a series of studies designed to quantify amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a known stimulus of NO production in endothelial cells, released from erythrocytes that are mechanically deformed as these cells traverse microbore channels in lithographically patterned microchips. Results indicate that micromolar amounts of ATP are released from erythrocytes flowing through channels having cross sectional dimensions of 60 × 38 μm (2.22 ± 0.50 μM ATP). Μicroscopic images indicate that erythrocytes, when being pumped through the microchip channels, migrate toward the center of the channels, leaving a cell-free or skimming layer at the walls of the channel, a profile known to exist in circulatory vessels in vivo. A comparison of the amounts of ATP released from RBCs mechanically deformed in microbore tubing (2.54 ± 0.15 μM) vs a microchip (2.59 ± 0.32 μM) suggests that channels...
Cognitive disturbances in Parkinson's disease.

To test the hypothesis that the cognitive impairments that accompany Parkinson's disease (PD) arise from frontal lobe dys function, patients with idiopathic PD and controls were tested on a neuropsychological battery that included measures of anterograde memory, visuospatial perception, and naming, as well as several tests that are known to be sensitive to lesions of the frontal lobes. PD patients of normal mental status as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination performed normally on the naming, line orientation, and verbal recognition memory tests but exhibited deficits on verbal recall. On tests of frontal lobe function, these patients showed mild deficits on a category fluency task and on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. However, their errors on the latter were not typical of patients with frontal lesions, and they performed nor mally on a letter fluency task and exhibited normal release from proactive interference. Patients of lower than normal mental status performed poorly on nearly all of th...
An assessment of the validity of densitometric measures of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase-positive fibers: relationship to apomorphine-induced rotations in 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats

The power of immunohistochemical staining as a tool for the study of the neurochemical anatomy of the brain would be greatly enhanced if quantitative measures of staining were to be developed. We have here assessed the reliability and validity of two population measures of extent of fiber innervation: percent area occupied by staining, and average optical density (AOD) of staining. We have evaluated these measures for tyrosine hydroxylase-positive staining of the striatum in relation to apomorphine-induced rotational behavior in 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats. We have found that inter-operator reliability for the area measure is high (r = 0.98). Apomorphine-induced rotations were observed when the area measured was reduced to 2% or less of the control side, and when the density measure was reduced to 15% or less. These results are similar to those obtained previously for biochemical assay of TH activity, which showed rotations at reductions to 10% or less. We conclude that these density measures provide valid relative indices of extent of fiber innervation on the same section. The AOD measure appears to be more sensitive at lower levels of innervation.
Mechanics and kinematics of soft tissue under indentation are determined by the degree of initial collagen fiber alignment

While several studies have evaluated how the degree of collagen alignment affects the response of soft tissues to tensile loading, the role of fibrillar organization in indentation is less understood. Collagen-based tissue-equivalents (TEs) provide a convenient model system to explore structure-function relationships since their microstructural properties can be easily controlled during fabrication. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of initial collagen alignment on the mechanical and structural behavior of soft tissues subjected to indentation using TEs as a model system. Cell-compacted TEs with either isotropic or highly anisotropic fiber alignment were subjected to four-step incremental stress-relaxation indentation tests. The mechanical properties, collagen reorganization and 2D strain patterns were quantified at each indentation step and compared between groups. While no differences were seen in the peak force response, significant differences were seen in relaxation behavior, fiber kinematics and tissue strain. Specifically, highly aligned samples exhibited a slower relaxation rate, smaller changes in collagen fiber orientation, larger changes in strength of alignment, and larger strain magnitudes compared to isotropic samples. Results demonstrate the significant role that microstructural organization plays in mediating the response of soft tissues to a non-tensile (i.e., indentation) mechanical stimulus.
Simultaneous determination of sodium and chloride ions by ion chromatography at the μg/l level

Methode de preconcentration simultanee en anions et cations et determination simultanee des deux pour des concentrations de l'ordre du ppb
Dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen in urban and rural watersheds of south-central Texas: land use and land management influences

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) concentrations were quantified in urban and rural watersheds located in central Texas, USA between 2007 and 2008. The proportion of urban land use ranged from 6 to 100% in our 12 study watersheds which included nine watersheds without waste water treatment plants (WWTP) and three watersheds sampled downstream of a WWTP. Annual mean DOC concentrations ranged 20.4–52.5 mg L−1. Annual mean DON concentrations ranged 0.6–1.9 mg L−1. Only the rural watersheds without a WWTP had significantly lower DOC concentrations compared to those watersheds with a WWTP but all the streams except two had significantly reduced DON compared to those with a WWTP. Analysis of the nine watersheds without a WWTP indicated that 68% of the variability in mean annual DOC concentration was explained by urban open areas such as golf courses, sports fields and neighborhood parks under turf grass. There was no relationship between annual mean DON concentration and any land use. Urban open area also explained a significant amount of the variance in stream sodium and stream sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Ninety-four percent of the variance in annual mean DOC concentration was explained by SAR. Irrigation of urban turf grass with domestic tap water high in sodium (>181 mg Na+ L−1) may be inducing sodic soil conditions in watershed soils in this region resulting in elevated mean annual DOC concentrations in our streams.
The origin of the Hubble sequence in ΛCDM cosmology

The galform semi-analytic model of galaxy formation is used to explore the mechanisms primarily responsible for the three types of galaxies seen in the local universe: bulge, bulge+disc and disc, identified with the visual morphological types E, S0/a-Sbc and Sc-Scd, respectively. With a suitable choice of parameters the galform model can accurately reproduce the observed local K_s-band luminosity function (LF) for galaxies split by visual morphological type. The successful set of model parameters is used to populate the Millennium Simulation with 9.4 million galaxies and their dark matter haloes. The resulting catalogue is then used to explore the evolution of galaxies through cosmic history. The model predictions concur with recent observational results including the galaxy merger rate, the star formation rate and the seemingly antihierarchical evolution of ellipticals. However, the model also predicts significant evolution of the elliptical galaxy LF that is not observed. The discrepancy raises the possibility that samples of z~1 galaxies which have been selected using colour and morphological criteria may be contaminated with galaxies that are not actually ellipticals.
The Stockholm Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics—Proceedings of the section of terrestrial magnetism and electricity

The Fourth General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics was held in Stockholm, Sweden, during August 15–23, 1930. The attendance was larger than at any previous meeting of the Union, there being present about 300 official delegates and guests representing 36 countries. The delegation from the United States, 14 delegates and three official guests, was also larger than at any previous assembly; with the accompanying members of families the total number from the United States was 27.
Unwrapping low-rank textures on generalized cylindrical surfaces

In this paper, we show how to reconstruct both 3D shape and 2D texture of a class of surfaces from a single perspective image. We consider the so-called the generalized cylindrical surfaces that are wrapped with low-rank textures. They can be used to model most curved building facades in urban areas or deformed book pages scanned for text recognition. Our method leverages on the recent new techniques for low-rank matrix recovery and sparse error correction and it generalizes existing techniques from planar surfaces to a much larger class of important 3D surfaces. As we will show with extensive simulations and experiments, the proposed algorithm can precisely rectify deformation of textures caused by both perspective projection and surface shape. It works for a wide range of symmetric or regular textures that are ubiquitous in images of urban environments, objects, or texts, and it is very robust to sparse occlusion, noise, and saturation.
Implementing advanced manufacturing technology in organizations: a socio-technical systems analysis

The socio-technical systems model is applied as a framework for analyzing the effective implementation process of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) in organizations. Through technical and social analysis of AMT in the organizational context, it is concluded that the joint optimization of the implementation is affected by four factors: quality of work life; congruency; concurrence; and flexibility. In order to achieve the joint optimization, seven design/redesign principles are proposed. >
Supratentorial low-grade glioma resectability: statistical predictive analysis based on anatomic MR features and tumor characteristics.

Purpose: To retrospectively assess the main variables that affect the complete magnetic resonance (MR) imaging–guided resection of supratentorial low-grade gliomas. Materials and Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained for this retrospective HIPAA-compliant study, with the requirement for informed consent waived. Data from 101 patients (61 men, 40 women; mean age, 39 years; age range, 18–72 years) who had nonenhancing supratentorial mass lesions that were histopathologically diagnosed as low-grade (World Health Organization grade II) gliomas and consecutively underwent surgery with intraoperative MR imaging guidance were analyzed. There were 21 low-grade astrocytomas, 64 oligodendrogliomas, and 16 mixed oligoastrocytomas. Initial and residual tumor volumes were measured on intraoperative T2-weighted MR images and three-dimensional spoiled gradient-echo MR images. The anatomic relationships between the tumor and eloquent cortical and/or subcortical regions and the influence of these relat...
Comparision of four different dose specification methods for high-dose-rate intracavitary radiation for treatment of cervical cancer

Abstract Purpose: To compare the dose delivered to target tissues and dose-limiting structures as defined by specific dose points with high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy using tandem and ring or tandem and ovoids applicators, and to provide a reasonable approach to dose optimization. Methods and Materials: Dosimetry was obtained using four different dose specifications: ( 1 ) 100% of the dose prescribed in a tapered fashion along the tandem and 140% at the ovoid/ring surface, ( 2 ) 100% of the dose prescribed along the tandem and 100% at the ovoid/ring surface, ( 3 ) 100% of the dose prescribed to point A without any additional applicator specification points, and ( 4 ) nonoptimized plan using relative dwell weighting to simulate classic Fletcher low-dose-rate (LDR) loading with the dose specified at point A. Point doses were recorded at A, B, and T (cervical tumor point), ICRU rectum, and ovoid/ring surface. Results: For the tandem and ovoids applicators, significant differences were found among the four different dose specification methods for point T and vaginal mucosal doses. When the dose was optimized to point A alone, the ovoid dwell weights were reduced, resulting in higher point T doses and underdosing of the vaginal mucosa. Fixed weighting based on Fletcher LDR loading specifications resulted in higher vaginal mucosa doses. For the tandem and ring applicators, significant differences were observed for vaginal mucosal doses and the ICRU rectal dose. Optimization to point A alone resulted in widely varying dosimetric distributions and vaginal mucosa doses up to 632% of the prescription dose. With nonoptimized fixed weighting, the vaginal wall dose and ICRU rectal dose were increased. Conclusion: Prescribing to dose optimization points in a tapered fashion along the tandem and at the ovoid/ring surface results in a pear-shaped dose distribution resembling classic LDR systems. The other dose specification methods may result in underdosing of important target tissues or overdosing of adjacent dose-limiting structures.
Cholesterol-Dependent Cytolysins, a Family of Versatile Pore-Forming Toxins

The cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are a large family of pore-forming toxins that are produced by more than 20 species from the genera Clostridium , Streptococcus , Listeria , Bacillus , and Arcanobacterium . The pore-forming mechanism of these toxins exhibits two hallmark characteristics:
Calcified plaque cross-sectional area in human arteries: correlation between intravascular ultrasound and undecalcified histology.

Background The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the amount of intralesional calcium detected by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) compared with undecalcified histology in human arteries. This method preserves intralesional calcium and reduces sectioning artifacts, thereby providing an accurate measure of calcium plaque morphology. Methods and Results Ten arterial segments (5 coronary, 5 iliac) were obtained at autopsy. IVUS imaging was performed with a 4.9F catheter at an automated pullback rate of 1.0 mm/s. The undecalcified arteries were dehydrated in ascending alcohol and polymerized in glycol methylmethacrylate. The arteries were cut into 200-μm sections with an Isomet low-speed saw and stained with Goldner’s trichrome. The lumen cross-sectional area, the calcium plaque cross-sectional area, the calcium plaque depth, length, and angle of arc of calcified plaque were measured from the IVUS images and histologic sections. In 24 selected cross sections, there were 38 separate calcium plaques. An independent observer correctly identified 34 of 38 calcified plaques for a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 97%. The total mean calcified plaque cross-sectional area measured from histology was 4.6 ± 4.1 mm2 compared with 2.8 ± 2.3 mm2 by IVUS (P = .002). Plaque depth measured by histology was 1.2 ± 0.4 mm versus 0.7 ± 0.2 mm by IVUS (P = .001). The length of calcium plaques measured by histology was 3.6 ± 1.78 mm versus 3.6 ± 1.5 mm for IVUS (r = 0.79). Conclusions IVUS accurately depicts circumferential calcified lesions with high sensitivity (89%) and specificity (97%). However, IVUS underestimates the total calcified plaque cross-sectional area by 39%. This is mainly because of the inability of the ultrasound to penetrate intralesional calcium, which leads to an underestimation of the depth of calcium by 45%. (Am Heart J 1999;137:482-8.)
Commentary: pushing a new classification schema for perpetrators of maternal filicide one step further.

In their paper, "Maternal Filicide in Quebec," Drs. Bourget and Gagne ´ 1 introduce a new schema for classifying mothers who kill their children. The au- thors reviewed eight years (1991 to 1998) of coro- ners' files in Quebec, Canada, as a basis for examin- ing and classifying the filicide cases during those years. They propose a system that is "flexible and easy to use," as a step toward standardizing a tool for clinicians. Specifically, 34 cases were identified, with 27 individual mothers represented. The cases in- cluded several multiple sibling homicides. The au- thors posit five classification groupings that include mentally ill filicide, fatal abuse filicide, retaliating filicide, mercy filicide, and other/unknown filicide. They further specify the presence of intent, suicide, substance use, and predictability as factors useful for classifying the mothers within each of the categories. How large a group the sample represents among the total number of coroners' cases for those years we are not told. Thus, the frequency of the event, a relevant variable when producing a coding schema from a small sample, is impossible to ascertain. Other sources of data in the article suggest that as many as 15 percent of the homicide victims in a given year in Canada are minors less than 18 years of age. The authors did not ferret out how many of those are young children versus adolescents, which may or may not be relevant to the classification schema. They were able to attribute most of the murders to family members. There is enough information to concur that maternal filicide specifically, and pater- nal filicide and infanticide, more generally, combine to represent a serious psychiatric and public health concern. Regardless of the actual incidence, the ca- pacity to kill one's own child arouses alarm at our deepest level of humanity. It is incumbent on mental health professionals to establish careful definition and understanding of persons who commit such crimes under various clinical circumstances. The oc- currence of such acts in first world countries around the globe marks it as a problem for further inquiry and scrutiny.
The distribution of body fat from childhood to adulthood in a longitudinal study population

SummaryBody fat distribution, its continuity from childhood (4–6 years) to 30 years of age, and its link to that of parents is described in a longitudinal study population. A computer-assisted image analysis technique was used to measure body fat distribution (as measured by waist and hip diameters) from somatotype photographs. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the association between the waist/hip diameter ratio (WHDR) and the body mass index (BMI) at all ages and between the WHDR of parents and offspring. Both Pearson correlation coefficients and the Foulkes-Davis tracking index were used to assess tracking of the WHDR from childhood to age 30 years. Stepwise regression analyses were performed to determine the predictability of the WHDR at age 30 years from WHDRs in childhood and adolescence. Among both sexes the WHDR decreased and BMIs increased with age from childhood to 18 years, then both increased from age 18 to 30 years. The correlation between the WHDR and BMI was significant o...
Radioactive Gases in the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function

The hydrodynamic performance of heart chambers can be noninvasively investigated by quantitative evaluation of tracer dilution curves. The application of nuclear medical procedures to cardiac dynamic measurements must begin with two fundamental decisions concerning the radiotracer and the detection system, chosen to measure the desired cardiac parameter with the greatest sensitivity. After these choices have been made, the statistical quality of the data will dictate the level of refinement that is justified in the quantitative modeling of the heart as a pump. In particular, the measurement of atrial and ventricular ejection fractions and detection of valvular insufficiencies stand apart from most nuclear medical procedures due to the severe demands placed on spatial and temporal resolution. Accurate diagnosis can hinge on seeing count-rate differences of several percent in successive 10 cm2 × 10 msec image slices, suggesting that observed data rates from the heart alone should be of the order of 1 MHz. The fundamental tracer/ detector choices determine how far short of this ideal a practical procedure will fall.