cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Composite Ferroelectric and Plasmonic Particles for Hot Charge Separation and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Gas Production

Plasmonic nanoparticles are excellent light absorbers for harvesting solar energy, resulting in hot electrons that can be utilized in photocatalytic hydrogen production. However, the hot electrons generated in a localized surface plasmon resonance process have a very short lifetime and are challenging to use efficiently. Herein, using near IR light irradiation, we show that by combining gold nanorods (AuNRs) with ferroelectric PbTiO3 particles that possess a large remanent electric dipole moment, hot charges generated on plasmonic particles can be injected into ferroelectric materials and drive the photocatalysis reaction. Compared to metallic Pt-end-capped AuNRs, the efficiency of using hot electrons for photocatalytic reactions is enhanced for the composite catalyst, which improves the light-to-chemical energy conversion efficiencies by about 1 order of magnitude for the same amount of plasmonic particles being used.
Reconsidering the Differences Between Shame and Guilt.

Although most researchers maintain that shame and guilt are distinct emotions, the debate on their differences is still open. We aim to show that some of the current distinctions between shame and guilt need to be redrawn, and their adaptive and social implications need to be revisited. We suggest the following distinguishing criteria: the kind of self-evaluation involved (inadequacy versus harmfulness); one’s focus on the perceived discrepancy between actual and ideal self versus one’s focus on the perceived responsibility for one’s fault; and consequently the different domains of self-esteem involved. Although these criteria have been in part suggested or alluded to in the relevant literature, we use and integrate them with each other in a novel way. This allows to better distinguish between shame and guilt, as well as to account for their possible coexistence or the shift from one emotion to the other.
Reliable density functional calculations for the electronic structure of thermoelectric material ZnSb

In this paper, we present the results of systematic test calculations for the electronic structure of thermoelectric material ZnSb using a first-principles full-potential all electron computational method. We used a linear combination of atomic orbitals (LACO) formalism, based on density functional theory (DFT). The exchange-correlation interaction potential of the many electron system was described by using a generalized gradient approximation (GGA). We compared the calculated indirect and direct band gaps as well as the effective masses of holes and electrons in ZnSb with experimental measurement results. The calculated indirect band gap of ZnSb is 0.56 eV, which agrees very well with the experimentally measured values of 0.50 eV ∼ 0.61 eV. The calculated direct band gap at X point is 0.89 eV. The calculated effective masses of electrons and holes in ZnSb also agree with experimental data. The systematical test calculations as well as the comparisons of the calculated results with experimental measurements show that the obtained electronic structure of ZnSb would be reliable. We did not observe a major deficiency of the first-principles DFT calculation for the electronic structure of ZnSb, using full-potential all electron LACO method. The reported electronic structure of single crystal ZnSb from this work may provide a fundamental knowledge base for further research and applications for this important thermoelectric material.
CE ν NS Search at the SNS

The previous chapters discussed all calibration and background measurements performed prior to the CEνNS search at the SNS, which is described in this chapter. The CsI[Na] detector was described in Chap. 5, which also included a schematic of the data acquisition system and the data format. The SNS beam facility was discussed in detail in Sect. 3.1. Between June 25th, 2015 and May 26th, 2017 data was almost continuously acquired at the SNS with a 60 Hz triggering rate. The total number of triggers acquired in this time period was 2,825,705,648.
Prediction of functional microRNA targets by integrative modeling of microRNA binding and target expression data

We perform a large-scale RNA sequencing study to experimentally identify genes that are downregulated by 25 miRNAs. This RNA-seq dataset is combined with public miRNA target binding data to systematically identify miRNA targeting features that are characteristic of both miRNA binding and target downregulation. By integrating these common features in a machine learning framework, we develop and validate an improved computational model for genome-wide miRNA target prediction. All prediction data can be accessed at miRDB ( http://mirdb.org ).
Complete Genome Sequence of Caldicellulosiruptor changbaiensis CBS-Z, an Extremely Thermophilic, Cellulolytic Bacterium Isolated from a Hot Spring in China.

ABSTRACT Here, we describe the complete genome sequence of Caldicellulosiruptor changbaiensis, isolated from a hot spring in the Changbai Mountain Range of China. Currently, only one other genome sequence representing a Caldicellulosiruptor species from China is available. Assembly of a continuous single contig used both Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing data.
Ekpyrotic Nongaussianity: A Review

Ekpyrotic models and their cyclic extensions solve the standard cosmological flatness, horizon, and homogeneity puzzles by postulating a slowly contracting phase of the universe prior to the big bang. This ekpyrotic phase also manages to produce a nearly scale-invariant spectrum of scalar density fluctuations but, crucially, with significant nongaussian corrections. In fact, some versions of ekpyrosis are on the borderline of being ruled out by observations, while, interestingly, the best-motivated models predict levels of nongaussianity that will be measurable by near-future experiments. Here, we review these predictions in detail, and comment on their implications.
Support tensor data description

Many problems in pattern/image recognition, fault diagnosis, signal processing, anomaly detection, and machine learning generate massive amounts of multidimensional data with multiple aspects and h...
Stochastic Optimal Load Shedding with Heterogeneous Load Zones

Reliability and resilience in power distribution networks are vitally important to ensure seamless electricity delivery to end users. In this paper, we provide an optimization framework for stochastic optimal load shedding in power distribution networks that consists of heterogeneous load zones. Considering uncertain estimates of power consumption and energy shortfall, we formulate the system planning task as a chance-constrained integer quadratic program. By leveraging binary decomposition and McCormick relaxations, we develop two efficient algorithms yielding minimum total load shedding cost while respecting fairness among different end users. Simulation results corroborate the merits of our proposed framework and algorithms, which outperform the off-the-shelf solver BARON.
Towards a Framework for Learning Systems in Smart Universities

In this paper we focus on the application of Knowledge Management (KM) techniques to the design and implementation of Smart Learning Systems. In this direction, we explore the application of Soft System Methodology (SSM) in the development of a Knowledge Management (KM) framework for Smart Learning Systems (SLS) in Higher Education (HE). The proposed framework aims at increasing the learning outcomes and the participation of teachers and students in academic life, at improving the services provided in the Smart University, and at establishing new innovative services. It also contributes to the bibliography of system thinking about Smart Learning and Smart Universities.
Perioperative management of elderly patients presenting with hip fracture during COVID-19 pandemic surge.

• Patients with hip fracture and COVID-19 infection may have higher combined morbidity and mortality • Universal testing with high level of clinical judgment should be used • Appropriate timing of surgery vs non-surgical approach should be decided based on risk and severity of COVID-19 and underlying medical condition • Universal contact and droplet as well as aerosol precautions, when needed, should be utilized • Optimal surgery and anesthesia techniques should be chosen, with regional preferred over general anesthesia
Mitophagy alterations in Alzheimer's disease are associated with granulovacuolar degeneration and early tau pathology

Introduction The cytoprotective PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)-parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (PRKN) pathway selectively labels damaged mitochondria with phosphorylated ubiquitin (pS65-Ub) for their autophagic removal (mitophagy). Because dysfunctions of mitochondria and degradation pathways are early features of Alzheimer's disease (AD), mitophagy impairments may contribute to the pathogenesis. Methods Morphology, levels, and distribution of the mitophagy tag pS65-Ub were evaluated by biochemical analyses combined with tissue and single cell imaging in AD autopsy brain and in transgenic mouse models. Results Analyses revealed significant increases of pS65-Ub levels in AD brain, which strongly correlated with granulovacuolar degeneration (GVD) and early phospho-tau deposits, but were independent of amyloid beta pathology. Single cell analyses revealed predominant co-localization of pS65-Ub with mitochondria, GVD bodies, and/or lysosomes depending on the brain region analyzed. Discussion Our study highlights mitophagy alterations in AD that are associated with early tau pathology, and suggests that distinct mitochondrial, autophagic, and/or lysosomal failure may contribute to the selective vulnerability in disease.
Spectrophotometry of H II Regions, Diffuse Ionized Gas, and Supernova Remnants in M31: The Transition from Photoionization to Shock Ionization

We present results of Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) 4 m optical spectroscopy of discrete emission-line nebulae and regions of diffuse ionized gas (DIG) in M31. Long-slit spectra of 16 positions in the northeast half of M31 were obtained over a 5–15 kpc range in radial distance from the center of the galaxy with special attention to the annulus of high star formation between 8 and 12 kpc. Slit positions were chosen such that several emission-line nebulae and large sections of diffuse gas could be studied without compromising the parallactic angle. The spectra have been used to confirm 16 supernova remnant (SNR) candidates from the Braun & Walterbos (1993) catalog. The slits also covered 46 H II regions that show significant differences among the various morphological types (center-brightened, diffuse, rings). Radial gradients in emission-line ratios such as [O III]/Hβ and [O II]/[O III] are observed most prominently in the center-brightened H II regions. These line-ratio trends are either much weaker or completely absent in the diffuse and ring nebulae. The line-ratio gradients seen previously in M31 SNRs by Blair, Kirshner, & Chevalier in 1981 and 1982 are reproduced well by our new data. The spectra of center-brightened H II regions and SNRs confirm previous determinations of the radial abundance gradient in M31. We use diagnostic diagrams that separate photoionized gas from shock-ionized gas to compare the spectral properties of H II regions, SNRs, and DIG. This analysis strengthens the earlier claims made by Greenawalt, Walterbos, & Braun in 1997 that the DIG in the disk of M31 is photoionized by a dilute radiation field.
Voting game experiments with incomplete information: a survey

This chapter surveys voting game experiments that involve incomplete information with regard to voters’ opinions about what the best course of action might be and characteristics, especially their private costs and benefits related to decision making and their group affiliations (i.e., which candidate or alternative they support). The literature discussed falls mainly into one of two different lines of research, namely experiments conducted within (i) the common value framework developed by Condorcet (1785) to derive his famous jury theorem on information aggregation in groups or (ii) the voter participation game of Palfrey and Rosenthal (1983, 1985). Starting already in the 1970s but then relatively neglected, the number of voting experiments has been growing during the past two decades. The present chapter brings the reader up to date to this second wave of voting experiments with a focus on the Condorcet and participation models, and can be used as a starting point for new directions.
Re: Effects of Implementing a Comprehensive Opioid Reduction Protocol on Overall Opioid Prescribing Among Patients with Chronic, Non-Cancer Pain in a Rural Family Medicine Clinic: A Controlled Crossover Trial

To the Editor: Stack et al[1][1] describe a comprehensive opioid reduction protocol in patients with chronic noncancer pain conducted by Family Medicine providers in a rural community. Although the authors describe a multifaceted approach with medical and psychoeducational components, 1 key element
Improving Resource Management for Unattended Observation of the Marginal Ice Zone Using Autonomous Underwater Gliders

We present control policies for use with a modified autonomous underwater glider that are intended to enable remote launch/recovery and long-range unattended survey of the Arctic's marginal ice zone (MIZ). This region of the Arctic is poorly characterized but critical to the dynamics of ice advance and retreat. Due to the high cost of operating support vessels in the Arctic, the proposed glider architecture minimizes external infrastructure requirements for navigation and mission updates to brief and infrequent satellite updates on the order of once per day. This is possible through intelligent power management in combination with hybrid propulsion, adaptive velocity control, and dynamic depth band selection based on real-time environmental state estimation. We examine the energy savings, range improvements, decreased communication requirements, and temporal consistency that can be attained with the proposed glider architecture and control policies based on preliminary field data, and we discuss a future MIZ survey mission concept in the Arctic. Although the sensing and control policies presented here focus on under ice missions with an unattended underwater glider, they are hardware independent and are transferable to other robotic vehicle classes, including in aerial and space domains.
Fuel convergence sensitivity in indirect drive implosions

In inertial confinement fusion experiments at the National Ignition Facility, a spherical shell of deuterium–tritium fuel is imploded in an attempt to reach the conditions needed for fusion, self-heating, and eventual ignition. Since theory and simulations indicate that ignition efficacy in 1D improves with increasing imploded fuel convergence ratio, it is useful to understand the sensitivity of the scale-invariant fuel convergence on all measurable or inferable 1D parameters. In this paper, we develop a simple isobaric and isentropic compression scaling model incorporating sensitivity to the in-flight adiabat inferred from shock strengths, to measured implosion velocity, and to known initial ablator and fuel aspect ratio and mass ratio. The model is first benchmarked to 1D implosion simulations spanning a variety of relevant implosion designs. We then use the model to compare compressibility trends across all existing indirect-drive layered implosion data from the facility spanning three ablators [CH, carbon (C), and Be], for which in-flight fuel adiabats varied from 1.6 to 5 by varying the number of drive shocks from 2 to 4, peak implosion velocities varied by 1.4×, capsule radii by 50%, and initial fuel aspect ratios by 1.4×. We find that the strength of the first shock is the dominant contributor setting the maximum fuel convergence. We also observe additional sensitivities to successive shock strengths and fuel aspect ratios that improve the agreement between the expected and measured compression for carbon and Be designs with adiabats above 3. A principal finding is that the adiabat 2.5 C-shell designs exhibit less convergence than CH-shell designs of similar inferred in-flight adiabat.
Basic materials corrosion issues

The use of corrosion tests that appropriately simulate the environment in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is discussed. Caution is advised in the interpretation of electrochemical corrosion tests. Metallic bi-polar plates typically achieve corrosion resistance by forming passive oxide films, which must be sufficiently conductive to allow high fuel cell current densities. Austenitic stainless steels are obvious candidate alloys. The key issue with regard to corrosion is that the alloy selected should exhibit passive behavior in its local chemical environment and at the electrochemical potentials imposed upon it by the anode or cathode. Different corrosion tests will yield differing corrosion rates of a given alloy for various reasons: (a), the test measures the corrosion rate at the alloy's natural corrosion potential rather than at an imposed potential; (b), insufficient exposure time was allowed for the alloy to fully develop its passive film; (c), other oxidation or reduction reactions may operate in parallel with the corrosion reactions, which will invalidate the inference of a corrosion rate from a measured net current density. Therefore, out-of-cell corrosion tests should be checked for self-consistency. Corrosion rates are typically slower in the cathode-simulating conditions than in anode conditions. Anode-side corrosion rates are predicted to be higher at low fuel cell power, but cathode-side corrosion rates are likely to be insensitive to power levels. A good, commercial grade stainless steel is unlikely to suffer perforation or collapse of the bi-polar plate within the design lifetime, but other corrosion-related failure modes may become important. Two of these are an increase in contact resistance and the release of corrosion product cations, which can reduce the conductivity of the membrane. A simple model was used to illustrate how the reduction of membrane conductivity was dependent upon corrosion rate and fuel cell power. Keywords: bi-polar plates; corrosion testing; passivation; corrosion potentials; long-term stability; Nafion; stainless steels
ROTARY COMBUSTION ENGINE HYDROCARBON SOURCE STUDIES

In an effort to improve the tradeoff between fuel economy and emissions in the rotary combustion engine, research was undertaken to identify unburned hydrocarbon sources in the exhaust. Flame photography was used in conjunction with extensive time-resolved exhaust gas sampling. Effects of air/fuel ratio, engine load, residual gas, and engine speed on combustion and hydrocarbon emissions were examined. At lean air/fuel ratios, flame extinction in the combustion chamber's trailing portion was an important source of exahust hydrocarbons; the importance of flame extinction was diminished at richer air/fuel ratios. At the richer air/fuel ratios, apex seal leakage appeared to be the dominant hydrocarbon source. Apex seal leakage was also significant at leaner air/fuel ratios. The earlier occurrence of peak time-resolved hydrocarbon concentration with increased apex seal leakage was probably the result of a more energetic jet of linkage gases which projected further forward into the exhausting combustion chamber. The findings indicate that the diagnostic use of time-resolved data is worthwhile, particularly when interpreted in combination with flame photography.
Invited Talk I Actuator Nets: Folding, Reconfiguring and Deploying Sensors

What happens when sensors can move around or otherwise change their geometry? When all sensors can move (a robot swarm), we would like to be able to determine and manipulate high-level properties, such as the boundary of the swarm or the connectivity of the communication network. When only a few sensors can move, we would like the mobile sensors to be able to deploy immobile sensors to improve or repair the network connectivity or coverage. When the sensors are attached to a connected substrate, and they can manipulate the substrate, we would like to be able to reconfigure the substrate into arbitrary shapes. I will describe several algorithmic projects to address all of these problems.
African American Turnout in Majority-Minority Districts

The 1965 Voting Rights Act has been a central part of Federal efforts to increase minority participation in the U.S. The latest phase of enforcement under the Voting Rights Act has been the creation of majority-minority Congressional districts. To fight vote dilution, these districts are drawn so that a majority of the voting age population are minorities. One open question about minority-majority districts is whether they increase citizen participation in the form of turnout. While much of the empirical literature on this question has produced inconclusive answers, recent studies suggest that residing in one of these districts can significantly increase minority turnout. We argue that much of the variability in these findings can be attributed to the different design choices of previous researchers. In this study we address the weakness of previous research designs and offer a new design that exploits the redistricting process to gain additional leverage on this question. Unlike previous research, our design accounts for possible variation in treatment specification by ensuring that voters who were moved into minority-majority districts through the redistricting process are comparable to voters that remained in existing districts. Our use of the redistricting process also allows us to correctly model the selection process that leads voters to be moved into minority-majority districts. We find little evidence that minority voter turnout increases when minority voters are moved into these districts.
The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM): technology development progress and plans

Optical and infrared interferometry will open new vistas for astronomy over the next decade. Space based interferometers, operating unfettered by the Earth's atmosphere, will offer the greatest scientific payoff. They also present the greatest technological challenge: laser metrology systems must perform with sub-nanometer precision; mechanical vibrations must be controlled to nanometers, requiring orders of magnitude disturbance rejection; a multitude of actuators and sensors must operate flawlessly and in concert. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory along with its industry partners, Lockheed Martin and TRW, are addressing these challenges with a development program that plans to establish technology readiness for the Space Interferometry Mission by the end of 2004.
Vocational Assessment Training in Terminal Master's-Level Counseling Psychology Programs: A Follow-Up to a Previous Study

To gather information about the vocational assessment training offered in terminal master's-level counseling psychology programs, 36 such programs were surveyed. Based on 29 returned questionnaires (81%), it was found that (1) most terminal master's programs did not offer discrete required/elective coursework in vocational assessment, (2) where vocational assessment instruction was offered, the Strong Interest Inventory was most frequently mentioned as being taught across programs, and (3) most training directors/assessment instructors (70%) viewed vocational assessment skills as being of moderate to no importance for the master's-level counseling psychology practitioner. These results are compared with results from an identical survey carried out on doctoral-level counseling psychology programs (Watkins, Campbell, & Manus, 1990), and some discussion of differences and similarities between the survey findings is provided.
Six Weeks Habituation of Simulated Barefoot Running Induces Neuromuscular Adaptations and Changes in Foot Strike Patterns in Female Runners.

Background The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-week training program of simulated barefoot running (SBR) on running kinetics in habitually shod (wearing shoes) female recreational runners.
Distributed Generation Applications of Fuel Cells

Fuel cells (FCs) are static energy conversion devices that convert the chemical energy of fuel directly into DC electrical energy. Among several types of fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) show great promise for distributed generation (DG) applications. These fuel cells have many advantages over conventional power plants. They have higher efficiency, zero or lower emission of pollutant gases and flexible modular structure, and they can be placed at desired sites in a distribution system for system reinforcement. This paper discusses the DG applications of the above three types of fuel cells and introduces the controllers needed to regulate the FC output voltage and control the real and reactive power flow to the utility grid.
Electron transfer dynamics of peptide-derivatized Ru(II) -polypyridyl complexes on nanocrystalline metal oxide films.

The performance of dye-sensitized solar and photoelectrochemical cells is strongly dependent on the electron transfer events at the electrode-sensitizer interface. Surface-bound peptides derivatized with chromophores have not been used in dye-sensitized solar and photoelectrochemical cells, but they have properties for these applications that could be advantageous by exploiting secondary structure and the attachment of multiple chromophores. In this manuscript, we have investigated structure–property relationships for three metallopeptide-based assemblies to solution and chemically bound to nanocrystalline MO2 (M = Ti, Zr) films. A particular interest was exploring the influence of increasing separation distance between a common chromophore, [Ru(bpy)2(4-Me-4′-(NHCO)bpy)]2+, and the underlying oxide substrate on excited and ground state electron transfer. Rates of Ru(II) oxidation to Ru(III) at the interface were measured by cyclic voltammetry on fluorine-doped tin oxide and cross-surface electron transfer on TiO2. Excited state injection by [RuIII(bpy)2(bpy−)]2+ was monitored by transient absorption and time-resolved emission. There are discernible trends in the electron transfer rate data with approximated, fully extended distances between the [Ru(bpy)2(4-Me-4′-(NHCO)bpy)]2+ sites and the interface. However, the distance dependences that are observed are smaller than anticipated, a result consistent with a lack of ordered secondary structure in the surface-bound peptide chains and a distribution of local orientations. For the surface-bound excited states, only a small fraction undergo quenching by electron transfer to TiO2, presumably from those oriented near the surface. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 100: 25–37, 2013.
Changes in 5-HT and 5-HIAA stores in maturing mouse brain following MAO blockade with pargyline

Abstract 1. 1. Levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in hemispheres and brainstems of maturing mice following monoamine oxidase (MAO) blockade with pargyline. 2. 2. 5-HT elevations were matched by 5-HIAA reduction in 1-, 2- and 6-week-old brains following blockade. 1 Day old brain did not show a 5-HIAA reduction; but did show a 5-HT elevation following blockade. 3. 3. It is suggested that neonatal brain may employ alternative pathway endproducts for 5-HT catabolism.
Women's anticipations of hormonal replacement therapy

Middle class Caucasian women's anticipations about hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) for perimenopausal symptoms were investigated to expand an understanding of elective use of HRT. This focused ethnography used both interviews and participation in discussion groups established for perimenopausal women as sources of data. Two investigators augmented validity. Inductive and deductive analysis yielded six typologies of anticipations: trusting in nature, fixing, skeptical experimenting, restabilizing, life enhancing, and trusting in science. These findings have clinical and theoretical implications related to issues of non-compliance, health seeking behaviour, provider-recipient interaction, and the focus of scientific investigation.
Cross-sectional Evaluation of Electrical Impedance Myography and Quantitative Ultrasound for the Assessment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in a Clinical Trial Setting

Abstract Background Electrical impedance myography and quantitative ultrasound are two noninvasive, painless, and effort-independent approaches for assessing neuromuscular disease. Both techniques have potential to serve as useful biomarkers in clinical trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, their comparative sensitivity to disease status and how they relate to one another are unknown. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of electrical impedance myography and quantitative ultrasound in 24 healthy boys and 24 with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aged 2 to 14 years with trained research assistants performing all measurements. Three upper and three lower extremity muscles were studied unilaterally in each child, and the data averaged for each individual. Results Both electrical impedance myography and quantitative ultrasound differentiated healthy boys from those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy ( P P = 0.029), whereas electrical impedance myography did not (rho = −0.31; P = 0.14). However, electrical impedance myography phase correlated with age in healthy boys (rho = 0.51; P = 0.012), whereas quantitative ultrasound did not (rho = −0.021; P = 0.92). In Duchenne muscular dystrophy boys, electrical impedance myography phase correlated with the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (rho = 0.65; P = 0.022); quantitative ultrasound revealed a near-significant association (rho = −0.56; P = 0.060). The two technologies trended toward a moderate correlation with one another in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy cohort but not in the healthy group (rho = −0.40; P = 0.054 and rho = −0.32; P = 0.13, respectively). Conclusions Electrical impedance myography and quantitative ultrasound are complementary modalities for the assessment of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; further study and application of these two modalities alone or in combination in a longitudinal fashion are warranted.
Evaluation of coarctation of the aorta by computed tomography

We used computed tomography (CT) after contrast medium administration to evaluate three adult patients with coarctation of the aorta. In preoperative scans, CT showed the aortic narrowing and deformity and the poststenotic dilation associated with coarctation. In postoperative examinations, CT was used to check for residual or recurrent narrowing and for the development of complications such as aneurysm or dissection. Since CT is noninvasive, it can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Its potential applications and its limitations with respect to aortography are discussed.
Dermatologic manifestations of Sjögren syndrome.

Background:Sjogren syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that involves primarily the exocrine glands, resulting in their functional impairment. SS typically presents as dry eye...
Spiral-vortex expansion instability in type-II superconductors

It is shown that a flux vortex, in the presence of a sufficiently large current density applied parallel to its axis, is unstable against the growth of helical perturbations. This instability, which has an analog in magnetohydrodynamics, may play a critical role in current-carrying type-II superconductors subjected to longitudinal magnetic fields.
Cranial nerve palsy and intracranial subdural hematoma following implantation of intrathecal drug delivery device

Background and Objectives: Complications related to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and low CSF pressure can occur following placement of an intrathecal drug delivery device. Methods: A 58-year-old man with chronic, intractable lower back pain underwent implantation of an intrathecal drug delivery device. On the fourth postoperative day, he developed a postural headache and diplopia with findings compatible with left sixth cranial nerve palsy. The headache subsequently became constant and nonpostural. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging was obtained that showed the presence of a posterior subdural intracranial hematoma. Conservative treatment for postdural puncture headache did not improve the symptomatology. Therefore, an epidural blood patch was performed that produced rapid improvement and eventual resolution of symptoms. Conclusions: Intrathecal catheter implantation can result in CSF loss that might not resolve promptly with conservative therapy. In this case, epidural blood patch proved to be a safe and effective form of treatment.
Comparison of macrobenthos collected with cores and suction sampler in vegetated and unvegetated marine habitats

A comparison of shallow water benthic macrofauna collected with hand-held cores and a suction sampler shoed that the core method provided the best estimate of macrofaunal density and composition. In a bare sand habitat, suction methods collected 72.8% fewer individuals per unit surface area of sediment. The difference was 32.6% in a seagrass (Halodule wrightii) habitat. At each site the number of species collected with the two devices was similar; however, population densities of numerically important species were underestimated with the suction device resulting in effects on community statistics. In addition to high sampling efficiency and statistical advantages associated with the use of the multiple cores, ease of operation and low construction cost make simple core tubes the preferred gear for sampling small macrobenthos in soft sediments, with or without vegetation.
Some novel windows and a concise tutorial comparison of window families

Some novel windows are introduced. A comparison of these and the well-known windows in terms of their frequency domain properties is given. It is concluded that Kaiser, modified Kaiser, Tukey, and three-coefficient window families appear to be the best of the known windows of 6, 12, and 18 dB/oct decay rates.
Parameter Estimation of a Spiking Silicon Neuron

Spiking neuron models are used in a multitude of tasks ranging from understanding neural behavior at its most basic level to neuroprosthetics. Parameter estimation of a single neuron model, such that the model's output matches that of a biological neuron is an extremely important task. Hand tuning of parameters to obtain such behaviors is a difficult and time consuming process. This is further complicated when the neuron is instantiated in silicon (an attractive medium in which to implement these models) as fabrication imperfections make the task of parameter configuration more complex. In this paper we show two methods to automate the configuration of a silicon (hardware) neuron's parameters. First, we show how a Maximum Likelihood method can be applied to a leaky integrate and fire silicon neuron with spike induced currents to fit the neuron's output to desired spike times. We then show how a distance based method which approximates the negative log likelihood of the lognormal distribution can also be used to tune the neuron's parameters. We conclude that the distance based method is better suited for parameter configuration of silicon neurons due to its superior optimization speed.
Carbon Isitope Discrimination, Water Relations, and Photosynthesis in Tall Fescue

Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) shows promise for estimating water-use efficiency (WUE) in crop species. Research was undertaken to examine Δ and water relations of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) accessions and to determine if low Δ is associated with high gas exchange WUE as predicted by theory. The accession PI 438522 had lower Δ than the accession PI 231522 in both a dryland and an irrigated field environment and at two sampling dates. Correlations among Δ, water potential, solute potential, and turgor pressure were not significant under irrigation (.)
Learning from the apes

Gavagai! Or the Future History of the Animal Language Controversy. By David Premack. MIT Press: 1986. Pp.164. 12.50, 12.50.Silent Partners: The Legacy of the Ape Language Experiments. By Eugene Linden. Times Books, New York: 1986. Pp.247. 17.95.
The asymptotic interaction between H, H2 or a noble gas atom and the surface of NaCl, KCl or MgO

Abstract A study is presented of the interaction between the gases H, H2, He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe and the surfaces KCl, NaCl, and MgO. First, we calculate the coefficient C3 of the asymptotic interaction V ∼ − C3z−3, using the frequency dependent polarizability and dielectric functions. Next, we show that these results can be accurately predicted with a very simple form of these functions. This allows extension to other systems. We then examine the correlation between C3 and the measured eigenvalue E0 of the most strongly bound vibrational state. Specific attention is paid to the adsorption of He on NaCl, where we attempt to resolve ambiguity about the value of E0. A brief discussion of multilayer He films is provided.
Individual Differences in Masculine Gender Socialization as Predictive of Men’s Psychophysiological Responses to Negative Affect

We investigated a long-theorized relationship between individual differences in masculine gender socialization and avoidance of vulnerable negative affect. Participants were thirty-six men (faculty, staff, and students, M age = 21.40, age range 18 – 30, SD = 3.00, 3% Hispanic, 11% Asian, 86% Caucasian) recruited from a small university in the Northeastern United States. Adherence to masculine norms was positively associated with participants’ physiological fear/avoidant responses to a video of a man violating masculine gender norms by expressing vulnerable negative affect (crying, asking for help, showing affection for another man). Results suggest that masculine gender socialization may cause some men to be fearful of expressions of negative affect, potentially limiting some men’s ability to experience and express their own negative affect.
CONCRETE CAPILLARY POROSITY AS IT RELATES TO DURABILITY OF PAVEMENTS BUILT WITH ALKALI-SILICA-REACTIVE AGGREGATES

Several concrete pavements have been constructed in southwestern Minnesota using aggregates that recently have tested as being potentially deleteriously alkali-silica reactive. Standard ASTM test procedures were used. Most of these pavements fail to meet their design life. However, the rate of deterioration varies. Six pavement sites varying in age and performance were selected for comparison. Alkali-silica gel is present in all six pavements, even in the 36-year-old pavement still in good condition. Similar aggregate types were used for all six pavements. The coarse aggregate was a low-grade metamorphic quartzite, and the fine aggregate was a glacial sand obtained from various local sources. The relative capillary porosity of the concrete paste was examined using fluorescent dye epoxy impregnated with thin-section samples from each pavement site. Preliminary results suggest that the capillary porosity is linked to the durability of the concrete pavement. The best-performing concretes had a homogeneous ca...
Nicotine and cotinine inhibit steroidogenesis in mouse Leydig cells.

Cigarette smoking alters plasma testosterone concentrations in men. The objectives of this study were to determine if nicotine and cotinine, two alkaloid products of cigarettes, affect luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated steroidogenesis in isolated adult mouse Leydig cells. Leydig cells from adult Swiss-Webster mice were isolated by linear density gradient and incubated (95% 02, 5% CO2) in minimum essential medium at 37 C for 3 hours with LH (10ng) and with or without nicotine or cotinine (10−5–10−7M). Both nicotine and cotinine produced dose response inhibition (P < 0.05) of LH-stimulated testosterone production (50–70%). The addition of 8-bromo-3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP, 500uM) stimulated steroidogenesis comparable to LH in the absence of the alkaloids, but both nicotine and continine significantly (P < 0.05) reduced testosterone production in response to cAMP, suggesting that the alkaloids inhibit testosterone production in response to LH distal to the formation of cAMP. In MEM without calcium, LH-stimulated testosterone synthesis was decreased, and neither nicotine nor cotinine significantly affected steroidogenesis. The addition of a calcium ionophore in MEM with normal calcium content enhanced (ifP < 0.05) the inihibitory effects of nicotine and continine on LH-responsive steroidogenesis. A calcium channel blocking agent, verapamil, at 10uM significantly (P < 0.05) reversed the inhibition of LH-stimulated testosterone production produced by both alkaloids when incubated in the medium with a normal calcium concentration. These results suggest that nicotine and cotinine either affect intracellular calcium content or block the effects of calcium on steroidogenesis in mouse Leydig cells.
Stochastic modeling of granular flow in seed sorting

The complexity of gravity separator mechanics precludes the use of a deterministic model for particle movement on a gravity separator. Particle movement is examined as a stochastic process; a distance-transition Markov probability model for particle movement is proposed. A linear programming method for estimation of the Markov model parameters is explained.
Reducing Sample Size for Cold In-Place Recycling Design and Testing

Many current methods of designing and testing cold in-place recycled (CIR) asphalt are undesirable because they require large amounts of material and significant preparation. In an effort to lessen the cost and time of materials testing, this research utilizes several different methods of small scale testing of creep stiffness. These methods include using a discovery hybrid rheometer (DHR) and a three point bending test to find the creep stiffness of emulsion based CIR. The new testing methods used samples on the scale of up to a hundredth the size of what the traditional methods of testing require. The two smaller scale tests were compared to the traditional indirect tension test (IDT) testing. In order to fully evaluate the two reduced sample size test methods, this research observed the effect of gradation, temperature, emulsifier type, and recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) content on creep stiffness. If successful, the use of these new test methods could significantly decrease the damage done to roads, and reduce the cost of material management incurred through the quality control testing methods for pavement. Results showed very good correlation between DHR and IDT testing with a proportional difference between the samples. The standard deviations between the DHR and IDT testing were 18.6 % and 19.2 % of the mean values, respectively, indicating similar accuracies of tests. The tests were also able to distinguish between types of material. The proportional difference between the IDT and DHR is expected and is due to the difference of sample and loading configuration. With the proper shift factor, it is suggested that the DHR can provide similar results with significantly less material versus the traditional IDT test.
Detection and differentiation of cross-link formation in an eucaryotic DNA population

Abstract A new method to differentiate an eukaryotic DNA population in terms of the frequency of cross-linking sites in each DNA or each class of DNA is presented. Selective cross-link formation can be introduced to a certain class of DNA or a certain region of DNA sequences by use of DNA cross-linking agents due to the differences in the frequency of cross-linking sites in eukaryotic DNA.
Physicochemical interactions at the interfaces between self-etch adhesive systems and dentine

Summary Objectives . The purpose of this study is to provide direct and comprehensive information regarding morphology, quality and chemistry of the interfaces between three self-etching primers/adhesives and dentine. Materials and methods . The occlusal one-third of the crown was removed from 18 unerupted human third molars. The prepared dentine surfaces were randomly selected for treatment with one of three commercial self-etching bonding agents according to manufacturers’ instructions. One two-step self-etching adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond) and two one-step self-etching adhesives (One-Up Bond F and Prompt L-Pop) were selected. Five-micron-thick sections of adhesive/dentine interface specimens were cut and stained with Goldner's trichrome for light microscopy. Companion slabs were analysed with micro-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results . It was shown that the difference in aggressiveness of these three contemporary self-etching systems produced different thickness of hybrid layer. Staining technique showed a distinct coloured line/zone at the adhesive/dentine interfaces for all three bonding systems. The width of this line varied, and was ∼1, 1–2, 2–3 μm for Clearfil SE Bond, One-Up Bond F and Prompt L-Pop, respectively. The colour differences in the stained interface sections, which is reflected by the extent to which the adhesive encapsulates the demineralised dentine matrix, indicated that collagen fibrils at the interfaces were not totally encased in all three self-etching adhesives. Raman results showed that Prompt L-Pop is the most aggressive systems in this study. It almost totally demineralised the 2-μm deep subsurface dentine, while Clearfil SE is mild, only partially demineralised the first micron deep dentine. Conclusions . The complementary techniques, i.e. SEM, staining and micro-Raman spectroscopy, hold considerable promise for comprehensive physicochemical characterisation of self-etching adhesive/dentine interfaces. In comparison with two-step self-etching system, the aggressive one-step system produces more complex interfaces.
Three-dimensional visualization of pulmonary blood flow velocity profiles in lambs.

For a better understanding of the characteristics of blood flow in the pulmonary artery, we constructed three-dimensional images of velocity profiles of blood flow in the pulmonary artery from pulsed Doppler ultrasound recordings in 14 lambs aged 28-40 days. In 8 lambs, pulmonary hypertension was created by the central venous injection of monocrotaline pyrrole. Six lambs served as unaltered controls. The velocity data were sampled in 2mm increments along both an anterior-posterior axis and a right-left orthogonal axis in the main pulmonary artery. Using a computer-generated cross-sectional velocity matrix consisting of 0.25mm square grids, the velocity of blood flow was estimated at each intersection. The cross-sectional velocity matrices were generated at 5 msec intervals during the entire cardiac cycle. In all animals, significant velocity reversal was detected near the posterior wall. In 7 of 14 animals, the peak forward velocity was located near the posterior wall. Three of 8 hypertensive models showed reacceleration during the mid-systolic phase at the center of the velocity waveform, but one reacceleration disappeared at a point only 2mm away from the center of the vessel toward the posterior wall. Acceleration time correlated well with the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) (r=-0.85) and the log10 PAP (r=-0.86). Corrected acceleration time (acceleration time divided by the square root of the cardiac cycle length) also correlated with PAP (r=-0.78) and the log10 PAP (r=-0.81).
The LCLS X-ray Correlation Spectroscopy Instrument

The X-ray Correlation Spectroscopy instrument (XCS) will be operated at the LCLS in 2011. The instrument is will probe dynamical phenomena in condensed matter system down to nanometric lengthscales. The design, status and capabilities of XCS are presented.
Reducing Student Bias Against Older Adults Through the Use of Literature

Human services educators must address the issue of students’ bias toward older adults to encourage interest and meet the growing need for professionals in the field. The use of literature can challenge students’ preconceptions of older adults while innovative teaching methods can guide their development of more tolerant views and introduce them to a field that they may have previously given little consideration. Based on a model of cultural competence development, teaching strategies, learning objectives, literature, and an evaluation are suggested.