cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface impurity removal from DIII-D graphite tiles by boron carbide grit blasting

During the latter half of 1992, the DIII-D tokamak at General Atomics (GA) underwent several modifications of its interior. One of the major tasks involved the removal of accumulated metallic impurities from the surface of the graphite tiles used to line the plasma facing surfaces inside of the tokamak. Approximately 1500 graphite tiles and 100 boron nitride tiles from the tokamak were cleaned to remove the metallic impurities. The cleaning process consisted of several steps: the removed graphite tiles were permanently marked, surface blasted using boron carbide (B/sub 4/C) grit media (approximately 37 /spl mu/m. diam.), ultrasonically cleaned in ethanol to remove loose dust, and outgassed at 1000/spl deg/C. Tests were done using graphite samples and different grit blaster settings to determine the optimum propellant and abrasive media pressures to remove a graphite layer approximately 40-50 /spl mu/m deep and yet produce a reasonably smooth finish. EDX and beta-backscattering measurements revealed that the blasting technique reduced the surface Ni, Cr, and Fe impurity levels to those of virgin graphite. Auger analysis of blasted tile samples does not show surface impurities within the first few atomic layers. An estimate of the depth of surface roughness due to the B/sub 4/C abrasive action is /spl plusmn/20 /spl mu/m. In addition to the surface impurity removal, tritium monitoring was performed throughout the cleaning process. A bubbler system was set up to monitor the tritium level in the exhaust gas from the grit blaster unit. Surface wipes were also performed on over 10% of the tiles. Typical surface tritium concentrations of the tiles were reduced from about 500 dpm/100 cm/sup 2/ to less than 80 dpm/100 cm/sup 2/ following the cleaning. This tile conditioning, and the installation of additional graphite tiles to cover a high fraction of the metallic plasma facing surfaces, has substantially reduced metallic impurities in the plasma discharges which has allowed rapid recovery from a seven-month machine opening and regimes of enhanced plasma energy confinement to be more readily obtained. Safety issues concerning blaster operator exposure to carcinogenic metals and radioactive tritium will also be addressed.
A New Framework for Hierarchical Segmentation Using Similarity Analysis

We present a new framework for hierarchical segmentation of multidimensional multivariate functions into homogeneous regions. Homogeneity is defined as constancy of n-th order derivatives (called features) of the function. The degree of similarity (measure of homogeneity) is used as a scale parameter to obtain a stack of segmentations. Hierarchical segmentation is represented as a tree which contains the geometric and topological information about the detected regions. Detected regions preserving their information in the tree over large range of scales are selected into a pyramid representation. Results showing noise robustness and computational efficiency of the proposed method are presented. Experiments to compare the method with three other segmentation techniques and applications to two- and three-dimensional images having one-, three- and six-variate data are described for the zeroth and first order region features.
Neurobiological Bases of Social Behavior across the Life Span

This review provides an analysis of the neurobiology of positive social behaviors, including social engagement, attachment, and bonding. In life-span developmental psychology, social behavior generally has been studied in the context of age-related changes associated with experience, maturation of motor systems, and learned skills. The current review takes a different perspective, discussing the critical role that physiological state plays in social behavior as the nervous system changes across the life span. In particular, the functions of neuropeptides (e.g., oxytocin and vasopressin), the autonomic nervous system, and the regulation and expression of social behavior and emotions are reviewed. Keywords: social behavior; polyvagal theory; autonomic nervous system; oxytocin; vasopressin
CONFORMATIONAL ANALYSIS PART 109, APPLICATIONS OF MOLECULAR MECHANICS TO THE STRUCTURES AND ENERGIES OF ALKYNES

Abstract An earlier described force-field has been extended to include alkynes. The structures and heats of formation of simple alkynes were calculated to approximately within experimental error for those for which data are available, and predictions are made for others. Rotational barriers and conformational equilibria were also adequately dealt with. Some macrocyclic alkynes were also examined.
A Simple Formula for Predicting Reading Potential.

ACCEPTING the challenge to teach every child to r ad to the limit of his ability creates the need to estimate how much each child ac tually could accomplish in a given time, so that actual achievement may be compared with potential. At present, there are two formu las commonly used to establish a child's reading potential, or reading level expectancy. The first of these, the Mental Grade Formula, is determined by taking the child's present age, multiplying it by his individual IQ score, subtracting his age at the time he started in first grade, and adding 1.0 (CA x IQ CA [September first grade] + 1.0 = Reading Level Expectancy). The second, the Years in School Formu la, is calculated by multiplying the number of years the child has been in school by his individual IQ score and adding 1.0 (YS x IQ + 1.0 = Reading Level Expectancy). Both of these formulas have proven valu able tools in the hands of educa tional diagnosticians, counselors, and reading teachers. The Mental Grade Formula, the Years in School Formula, and the Young Formula (described here) all predict reading potential satis factory within the bright, normal, and slow-learner IQ ranges (see Table). However, the Mental Grade Formula and the Years in School Formula have inherent limitations in certain rather common situa tions. The Mental Grade Formula
An Investigation of the Development of a Reflective Virtual Learning Community in an Ill-Structured Domain of Instructional Design

This article examines the development of novice instructional designers in a reflective learning community. The study was situated in a blended learning course, which utilized a web-based learning management system as a communication platform. Drawing from communities of practice as a theoretical framework, we examined (1) how individual and group characteristics influenced knowledge construction, (2) how members developed their epistemic frames of instructional design, and (3) the dynamics of group interactions during the knowledge constructions in the learning community. The findings highlighted issues related to the development of an online learning community, such as considering prior members’ knowledge and experience towards learning in a technology-mediated environment, enculturating minority groups in the learning community, providing structure to promote the formation and development of a learning community, and cultivating shared leadership behaviors.
Mediating Role of Satisfaction with Growth Opportunities on the Relationship Between Employee Development Opportunities and Citizenship Behaviors and Burnout

Theory and research from disparate areas were integrated to test if satisfaction with growth opportunities would mediate the influence of job- and company-provided development opportunities on citizenship behaviors and employee burnout. In a sample of professional employees, the results of structural equation modeling provided support for partial mediation. Job-provided development opportunities were significantly related to satisfaction with growth opportunities, which, in turn, was related to the citizenship behaviors of interpersonal helping, personal industry, and loyal boosterism and to the burnout dimension of personal accomplishment. Job- and company-provided development opportunities also had a direct and differential association with forms of citizenship behaviors and burnout dimensions. Implications of the results for theory and practice are discussed. Directions for future research are offered.
Hepatitis C infection associated with renal disease and chronic renal failure

Screening of blood products and attention to stricter infection control measures in hemodialysis units have reduced the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among dialysis patients. HCV can be transmitted via transplanted organs. Renal transplantation may accelerate the course of liver disease, which has an impact on patient and graft survival. Interferon (IFN) alfa monotherapy has produced promising results during treatment but disappointing long-term results in patients with HCV-associated glomerulonephritis. Dialysis patients with HCV infection respond well to IFN-based therapy, and there appears to be clinical benefit in clearing HCV in renal transplantation candidates. Larger prospective trials are required to fully determine the role of IFN in these patient groups, including the potential use of IFN plus ribavirin and pegylated IFNs. IFN therapy in renal transplantation patients is not recommended because of potential graft rejection.
Threshold discontinuities: Application to X-ray scattering

Abstract It is shown that, in contrast to elastic and partial reaction cross sections, the total cross section averaged over the Coulomb resonances is continuous at the threshold of a channel of two outgoing oppositely charged particles. An instance in which the effects discussed should be experimentally observable is the elastic scattering of x-rays near a photoelectric threshold. It is shown that the discontinuity in that case should equal the size of the photoeffect cross section.
Emerging Accountability Systems within Part C and Section 619 Programs

Within recent years, federal legislation has required schools to develop and implement standards-based accountability systems for the purposes of evaluating their performance. Although the implementation of accountability systems for K-12 programs is well underway, the design and implementation of such systems for Part C and Section 619 programs lag significantly behind. This article will provide a brief review of accountability-related laws and current efforts to design accountability systems for infants and young children with disabilities and will discuss the challenges inherent in the design of such systems for Part C and Section 619 programs. Finally, and most importantly, the article will address the implications of these accountability initiatives for personnel preparation programs within institutions of higher education.
Activity of marine psychrophilic bacteria at elevated hydrostatic pressures and low temperatures

Uptake and metabolic turnover of a variety of radioactively labeled substrates by a number of bacterial isolates from several depths in offshore Atlantic waters were studied in laboratory experiments. The variable conditions were hydrostatic pressure (1 to 400 atm), temperature (1.50 to 15.0°C), concentration of substrate (2 to 500 μg/ml), and time of incubation (4 h to 8 weeks). Elevated hydrostatic pressure and low temperature retarded the rate of metabolism (biosynthesis more than respiration) in all isolates tested, but considerably less in those of psychrophilic character.
Displaying the results from NMR pulse sequence simulations as stereo diagrams

In some situations, it is so easy to simulate a pulse sequence that the simulation is done even before one has developed an experimental “feel” for the imperfections of a given pulse sequence. Recalling the pedagogical nature of Bloch diagrams, it is beneficial to display calculated spin magnetizations in a similar manner. However, for spin systems with the potential for dipolar or quadrupolar order, the length and the, orientation of the spin magnetization vectors are variable. To indicate both the length and the orientation of a vector on a 2D display, be it on paper or a computer screen, requires some three-dimensional visual cuing. Herein, the possibilities of stereo diagrams are explored. Stereo diagrams are most commonly seen by chemists as ORTEP diagrams of crystal structures ( 1). As is known to many chemists, stereo diagrams may be viewed with the aid of a low-cost stereo viewer (2) or without any aid whatsoever, using the technique of naked-eye stereopsis (3). Naked-eye stereopsis is an easily learned technique for many people. As an introduction to stereo diagrams, the evolution of the deuterium spin magnetization for a solution-state spin-echo pulse sequence, 90,” -~~-180,0T~-ACQ, with e2qz,Q/ h = 0 kHz, is shown in Fig. 1. As the off-resonance condition increases, finite pulse length effects reduce the refocusing efficiency of the spin-echo pulse sequence. Since the quadrupole coupling constant is zero, there can be no quadrupolar order; thus the length of the spin magnetization vector will be constant, in the absence of relaxation effects, and equal to the equilibrium magnetization, MO. The radius of the sphere is set equal to MO. “X” marks the spot on the trace where signal acquisition is to begin. In viewing the stereo diagram with naked-eye stereopsis, the instructions of J. C. Speakman are helpful (3): “look at the diagram from your normal reading distance, with spectacles if these be worn ordinarily; be careful to keep the horizontal line relating the pair parallel to a line connecting your eyes. To foster the illusion, at first, it may help to hold a piece of card (say, 20 cm X 8 cm) as an extension of the nose, so that the right eye sees only the right-hand picture, and ‘vice versa’. Be sure the diagram is well illuminated and free from unilateral shadows cast by the card. When
The Insects and Other Inhabitants of Shelf Fungi in the Southern Blue Ridge Region of Western North Carolina. II. the Parasitic Hymenoptera

Eleven species of thrips were associated with sporocarps of woody shelf fungi ( Polyporus, Ganoderma, Stercuvi , etc.) in the area around Highlands, N. C. (a high rainfall region of about 4000 feet altitude in the southern Appalachian Mountains). These species are listed and their role in the micro-community is discussed. Phthirothrips morgani Hood, a rare species previously known only from Florida and Illinois, is recorded from 2 localities in North Carolina.
Time-sampling amplifier☆

Abstract A time-sampling and logic-program approach has been applied to a nuclear-event-processing amplifier system in order to provide excellent low- and high-counting-rate energy-resolution performance. This approach has also permitted practical inclusion of low-level input spectral subtraction having great simplicity and little loss of high-rate energy resolution.
Eliminating Mitochondrial DNA from Sperm

Most eukaryotes show uniparental inheritance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). In this issue of Developmental Cell, DeLuca and O'Farrell (2012) show that active elimination of mtDNA during sperm development in Drosophila ensures that mature spermatozoa are devoid of DNA.
Partial Discharge Testing under Direct Voltage Conditions

DC partial discharge (PD) (corona) testing is performed using a multichannel analyzer for pulse storing, and data is collected during increase of voltage and at quiescent voltage levels. Thus high voltage ceramic disk capacitors were evaluated by obtaining PD data interspersed during an accelarated life test. Increased PD activity was found early in samples that later failed catastrophically. By this technique, trends of insulation behavior are revealed sensitively and nondestructively in high voltage dc components.
Neurogenin2 regulates the initial axon guidance of cortical pyramidal neurons projecting medially to the corpus callosum

The formation of the mammalian central nervous system requires the establishment of complex neural circuits between a diverse array of neuronal subtypes. Here we report that the proneural transcription factor Neurogenin2 (Ngn2) is crucial for the proper specification of cortical axon projections. The genetic loss of Ngn2 in mice results in fewer callosal axons projecting towards the midline as well as abnormal midline crossing. shRNA-mediated knockdown of Ngn2 revealed its cell-autonomous requirement for the proper projection of axons from layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons to the midline in vivo. We found that the acute loss of Ngn2 in vivo induces the axon of superficial layer 2/3 neurons to project laterally towards aberrant cortical and subcortical targets. These and previous results demonstrate that Ngn2 is required for the coordinated specification of cardinal features defining the phenotype of cortical pyramidal neurons, including their migration properties, dendritic morphology and axonal projection.
Targeted Delivery of Glycine Receptors to Peripheral Neurons as Treatment for Pain

Neurotransmitter-gated receptors play a vital role in the regulation of nociception. In the adult CNS, the ionotropic glycine and GABA receptors are typically inhibitory and act to silence neurons by transiently permitting inward Cl− currents upon activation. However, depending on the Cl− equilibrium potential, these receptors may instead depolarize neurons. We hypothesized that targeted expression of the α1 subunit of glycine receptor (GlyR) in peripheral sensory neurons using a non-replicating herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based vector might reduce nociceptive behavior upon subsequent GlyR activation by exogenously-applied glycine. HSV-directed expression of the human α1 subunit of GlyR alone is sufficient to produce glycine-gated chloride currents in whole-cell patch clamp studies of infected mammalian cells. In cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons, expressed GlyRs are diffusely localized in the neuronal plasma membrane. In both a formalin footpad model of inflammatory pain or an osteosarcoma pain model, rats inoculated with the GlyR-expressing vector (vHGlyRα1) exhibited significantly reduced nociceptive behavior following subcutaneous injection of glycine into the footpad. This reduction in pain-related behavior was reversed following injection of the GlyR antagonist strychnine. Targeted expression of GlyRs and their modulation via mutagenesis and/or exogenous application of agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators offer a novel and potentially powerful method to alter neuronal activity. Here we show that selective activation of HSV-directed α1 GlyR expression in peripheral neurons eliminates pain-related behavior in two pain models, and has the potential to be used therapeutically for pain management.
Production and Evaluation of Virus-Like Particles Displaying Immunogenic Epitopes of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV)

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is the most significant infectious disease currently affecting the swine industry worldwide. Several inactivated and modified live vaccines (MLV) have been developed to curb PRRSV infections. However, the efficacy and safety of these vaccines are unsatisfactory, and hence, there is a strong demand for the development of new PRRS universal vaccines. Virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines are gaining increasing acceptance compared to subunit vaccines, as they present the antigens in a more veritable conformation and are readily recognized by the immune system. Hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) has been successfully used as a carrier for more than 100 viral sequences. In this study, hybrid HBcAg VLPs were generated by fusion of the conserved protective epitopes of PRRSV and expressed in E. coli. An optimized purification protocol was developed to obtain hybrid HBcAg VLP protein from the inclusion bodies. This hybrid HBcAg VLP protein self-assembled to 23-nm VLPs that were shown to block virus infection of susceptible cells when tested on MARC 145 cells. Together with the safety of non-infectious and non-replicable VLPs and the low cost of production through E. coli fermentation, this hybrid VLP could be a promising vaccine candidate for PRRS.
Visually Mapping the RMS Titanic: Conservative Covariance Estimates for SLAM Information Filters

This paper describes a vision-based, large-area, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm that respects the low-overlap imagery constraints typical of underwater vehicles while exploiting the inertial sensor information that is routinely available on such platforms. We present a novel strategy for efficiently accessing and maintaining consistent covariance bounds within a SLAM information filter, thereby greatly increasing the reliability of data association. The technique is based upon solving a sparse system of linear equations coupled with the application of constant-time Kalman updates. The method is shown to produce consistent covariance estimates suitable for robot planning and data association. Real-world results are reported for a vision-based, six degree of freedom SLAM implementation using data from a recent survey of the wreck of the RMS Titanic.
Discussion of interesting experiments on heavy-quarkonium systems.

As an aftermath of the debate between Voloshin and Kuang and Yan since 1986, we now have a fairly clear picture of the type of experiments in the {ital c{bar c}} and {ital b{bar b}} heavy-quarkonium systems (most of them accessible in the near future) which will give definitive guidance to theory. They include measurements of the rate {Upsilon}(3{ital S}){r arrow}{Upsilon}(1 {sup 1}{ital P}{sub 1}){pi}{pi} and {Gamma}({psi}(1 {sup 1}{ital P}{sub 1}){r arrow}{ital p{bar p}}){ital B}({psi}(1 {sup 1}{ital P}{sub 1}){r arrow}{ital J}/{psi}{pi}{pi}) {times}{ital B}({ital J}/{psi}{r arrow}{ital e}{sup +}{ital e}{sup {minus}}), {Gamma}({Upsilon}(1{ital D}){r arrow}{Upsilon}(1{ital S}){pi}{pi}), {Gamma}({psi}(1{ital D}){r arrow}{ital J}/{psi}{pi}{pi}), and at some future date a measurement of {Gamma}({psi}(1 {sup 1}{ital P}{sub 1}){r arrow}{gamma}{eta}{sub {ital c}}). If the Lipkin-Tuan model does have significance for heavy-quarkonium dipion mass spectra, measurement of the spectra in {Upsilon}(3{ital S}){r arrow}{Upsilon}(1{ital S},2{ital S}){pi}{pi}, {psi}(1{ital D},2{ital S}){r arrow}{ital J}/{psi}{pi}{pi} (and ultimately {Upsilon}(3{ital S}){r arrow}{Upsilon}(1 {sup 1}{ital P}{sub 1}){pi}{pi} mass spectrum) as well as the rate for {psi}(1{ital D}){r arrow}{ital J}/{psi}{pi}{pi} shall be quite revealing.
Inference of variations in the gravity field from satellite-to-satellite range rate

An analytic scheme for inferring variations of the gravity field from satellite-to-satellite range rate (low-low) is developed. As a test, it is applied to a pair of satellites in polar orbit, at altitude 160 km and spacing 100 km, with 72 data points per revolution. An assumed gravity field of tesseral spherical harmonics up to the eighth degree is completely recovered in three iterations over 64 revolutions. It is apparent that data points at regular intervals enable the use of data analysis techniques that avoid massive matrix inversions.
Effects of Light Intensity and Salinity on Growth, Survival, and Whole‐Body Osmolality of Larval Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma

The southern flounder Paralichthys lethosligma is a high-valued flatfish found in estuarine and shelf waters of the south Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Wide temperature and salinity tolerances exhibited by juveniles and adults make it a versatile new candidate for commercial culture, and studies are underway in the southeastern U.S. to develop hatchery methods for this species. The objectives of this study were to establish illumination and salinity conditions that optimize growth and survival of larval southern flounder reared through the yolk-sac and first feeding stages to 15-d post-hatching (15 dph). Early embryos were stocked into black 15-L tanks under light intensities of 5, 50, 100, and 1,000 Ix and at salinities of 24 and 34 ppt in a 4 ± 2 factorial design. Significant (P 0.05) effects of both light intensity and salinity on growth and survival were obtained, with no interaction between these effects. On 11 dph and 15 dph, growth was generally maximized at the intermediate light intensities (50 and 100 Ix) and minimized at the extremes (5 and 1,000 Ix). By 15 dph, growth was higher at 34 ppt than at 24 ppt. Survival to 15 dph showed trends similar to those of growth. Survival was higher at 100 Ix (avg. = 46%, range = 41–54%) than at 5 Ix (avg. = 11%, range = 6–17%) and higher at 34 ppt (avg. = 43%, range = 3145%) than at 24 ppt (avg. = 17%, range = 8–38%). Whole-body osmolality (mOsmol/kg) was significantly lower in larvae reared at 24 ppt (avg. = 304, range = 285–325) through 11 dph than in larvae reared at 34 ppt (avg. = 343, range = 296–405). Larvae reared under the extreme light intensity treatments (5 and 1,000 Ix) at 34 ppt appeared to exhibit osmoregulatory stress, particularly on 11 dph, when a marked increase in whole-body osmolality was observed. The mid-intensity treatments (50 and 100 Ix) at 34 ppt optimized growth and survival of larval southern flounder in this study; and elicited the most stable osmotic response. These conditions appear to be consistent with those that southern flounder larvae encounter in nature during this early developmental period.
Characteristics of patients presenting with ocular pain.

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of neuroimaging in patients with normal neuro-ophthalmic examinations referred to a neuro-ophthalmology clinic for complaints of chronic isolated eye pain. We were also interested in the prevalence of primary headache syndromes in these patients, particularly medication overuse headache (MOH). Methods: Charts of 125 consecutive patients referred to a neuro-ophthalmology clinic with some form of head or facial pain were reviewed to find patients meeting the criteria of having complaints of chronic eye with normal neuro-ophthalmic examinations. Excluded were patients with primary complaint other than eye pain. A single examiner performed all examinations in a standardized fashion. Each patient was queried about the use of prescription and over-the-counter analgesics. Results: Seventy-three percent of patients had some form of primary headache syndrome, and 21% of patients had some component of probable MOH. Another 4.5% had a presumed component of medication overuse. None of those who received imaging had any results explaining the ocular pain. Interpretation: Primary headache is present in most patients with chronic, isolated ocular pain. MOH is common and probably underrecognized in this population. It needs to be addressed if the patient is ever to be pain free. Neuroimaging has very low yield in this group of subspecialty referral patients.
Cell polarity and the mechanism of asymmetric cell division.

During development one mechanism for generating different cell types is asymmetric cell division, by which a cell divides and contributes different factors to each of its daughter cells. Asymmetric cell division occurs through out the eukaryotic kingdom, from yeast to humans. Many asymmetric cell divisions occur in a defined orientation. This implies a cellular mechanism for sensing direction, which must ultimately lead to differences in gene expression between two daughter cells. In this review, we describe two classes of molecules: regulatory factors that are differentially expressed upon asymmetric cell division, and components of a signal transduction pathway that may define cell polarity. The lin-11 and mec-3 genes of C. elegans, the Isl-1 gene of mammals and the HO gene of yeast, encode regulatory factors that determine cell type of one daughter after asymmetric cell division. The CDC24 and CDC42 genes of yeast affect both bud positioning and orientation of mating projections, and thus may define a general cellular polarity. We speculate that molecules such as Cdc24 and Cdc42 may regulate expression of genes such as lin-11, mec-3, Isl-1 and HO upon asymmetric cell division.
Studies on the digestive lipase of the surf clam Spisula solidissima

Crude molluscan lipase was prepared by homogenizing in tris buffer either fresh or lyophilized crystalline styles of Spisula solidissima. Both preparations showed specific activities less than 2% of standard hog pancreatic lipase, and pH and temperature optima of 8.0 and 20°C, respectively. When compared with mammalian hog pancreatic lipase, the clam lipase was found to be the more versatile enzyme on primary wax esters as well as methyl esters. Neither lipase was capable of hydrolyzing the oleate or palmitate esters of the secondary alcohols of glycerol, cholesterol or isopropyl alcohol; however, both showed activity on the oleate ester of isobutyl alcohol, a primary alcohol. S. solidissima lipase, hog pancreatic lipase, and a lipase isolated from the pancreas of the skate Raja erinacea, all demonstrated an inability to hydrolyze the methyl esters of eicosatetraenoic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. The lipase-resistant polyunsaturated fatty acid esters are discussed in terms of their role in the lipid biochemistry of marine organisms.
Extensional fault-propagation folds: mechanical models and observations from the Modoc Plateau, northeastern California

Extensional fault-propagation folds are produced by warping of material ahead of a growing normal fault. We use field observations of surface-breaking normal faults in the Modoc Plateau, California, in conjunction with three-dimensional linear elastic boundary element computer models, to address the mechanical controls on extensional fault propagation folds. Detailed topographic and structural maps of the near-tip regions of several kilometer-long faults reveal: throw decreases rapidly toward the tip, suggesting elliptical slip distributions; fault-parallel monoclinal folds are present beyond the tip, with axes offset into the hanging wall; and open fissures are common in the tip region. Parametric tests with the model show that the amplitude and form of folds at the fault terminations are influenced by slip distribution, fault dip, elastic properties of the rock, and the presence or absence of a blind portion of the fault. Models reproduce the form of observed folds to first order and suggest that the faults, both isolated and in relay zones, are probably blind for some lateral extent beyond the surface break.
Canadian executives' perceptions of the U.S. and Canadian free-trade agreement and their potential effects on decision-making

This study analyzes executives' perceptions of free trade negotiations and the potential effects of these perceptions on strategy. Top executives in 300 major Canadian industrial firms were surveyed to test two propositions. They are: (1) Executives tend to perceive that free trade would lead to market expansion which, in turn, would increase trade, production, and investment efficiencies and (2) Decisions in business strategy formulation and implementation may be influenced by the perceptions of the trade policy.
An organic electroluminescent device with a molecularly doped polymer hole transport layer

Electroluminescent(EL) devices have been fabricated using four different polymers with different glass transition temperatures (Tg) dispersed with N,N′-bis-(3-methylphenyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (TPD) as a hole transport layer and tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) as an emitting layer. It was found that the higher the Tg of the polymer, the longer the lifetime of the device. From observations of TPD-doped polymer films with optical microscope and atomic force microscope, dispersing TPD in the polymers was found to suppress the crystallization that causes the roughness of the film surface. It was also observed that the higher the Tg of the host polymers, the more difficult TPD crystallization was. The property of the EL device with polyethersulfone (PES) dispersed with TPD was also investigated. The lifetime of EL device with the TPD doped PES film was improved more than five times at a current density below 10 mA/cm2 compared with the device with a conventional TPD hole transport layer. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diode-pumped 275-watt average power Nd:YAG slab laser

We have developed and tested stackable microchannel cooled laser bar diode pump packages suitable for direct face pumping of slab lasers at high duty factor. A stack of 41 diode packages gives a pump array of 13.5 cm{sup 2} and produces a peak power of 3750 watts and an average power of 1000 watts, for an average irradiance of 75 watts/cm{sup 2}. A high average power, total internal reflection face pumped Nd:YAG laser using 80 diode packages has been constructed. Average power of 275 watts is obtained at 2.5 kHz pulse repetition rates and 100 microsecond current pulse widths.
NON-MEMBRANE ENCLOSED INTRAMITOCHONDRIAL DENSE BODIES.

Abstract Large intramitochondrial dense bodies of irregular shape and without limiting membranes were observed during the ethionine intoxication in rats. Sodium or potassium deficiencies superimposed upon the ethionine injury had no effect on the occurrence of these bodies, while hypoxic conditions caused a considerable increase. The dense bodies are considered to be responses to severe though non-specific cellular injuries. They appear to be derived, at least in part, from altered groups of cristae.
Structure of the Cetyltrimethylammonium Surfactant at Fused Silica/Aqueous Interfaces Studied by Vibrational Sum Frequency Generation

Utilizing vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG), we characterized the structure of adsorbed cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) at the silica/aqueous interface in the presence of 10 to 500 mM NaCl and as a function of surfactant surface coverage. For low ionic strengths (10 mM NaCl), results indicate that adsorbed aggregates do not change conformation with increasing surface coverage. Instead, the surfactant adsorbs as micelle-like structures at concentrations considerably lower than surface saturation and the CMC. At high ionic strengths (300−500 mM NaCl), the structure of the adlayer is considerably different: The SFG results indicate that for 30 μM bulk CTAC the surfactant packs with fewer gauche defects in the hydrocarbon backbone, which is attributed to reduced Coulomb repulsion between the positively charged surfactant headgroups, and the results also indicate that CTAC adsorbs as monomers at low surface coverage but then rearranges into aggregates at higher surface coverage.
The hydrolytic and transacylation activity of the phospholipase A1 purified from human post-heparin plasma.

This study demonstrated that the phospholipase A1 purified from human post-heparin plasma catalyzes the same reactions (hydrolysis and transacylation) and utilizes the same substrates as the phospholipase A1 obtained by heparin treatment of the plasmalemma of rat liver (Waite, M. and Sisson, P. (1973) J. Biol. Chem. 248, 7985). 1-acylglycerol was the preferred acyl donor and transacylation was the predominate reaction. The results strongly support our earlier conclusions that the phospholipase in plasma originates from the liver and that this enzyme is capable of using a variety of acyl acceptors, including water.
IL-27 and the generation of CD8+ T-cell responses to peptide vaccines.

It can be argued that the greatest increases in human longevity in the last 200 y have been the introduction of public sanitation and vaccination. Success in the latter has minimized the impact of a multitude of pathogens on human health. Historically, vaccine efficacy is equated with the generation of protective antibodies driven by immunization with attenuated pathogens or pathogen-derived toxins. Attenuated pathogens are not always without toxicity, which can lead to poor adoption of vaccines. Additionally, a major 21st century clinical goal is to generate therapeutic immunity to chronic viral infections and cancer. For these diseases, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, rather than antibodies, could have more utility. As these clinical conditions are often characterized by suboptimal or even compromised systemic immunity, there is considerable interest in developing noninfectious approaches to elicit T-cell responses. The short peptides that T cells recognize, when presented at the cell surface by MHC molecules, have served as the backbone for T-cell vaccines. However, our knowledge of how to immunize for CD8+ T cells is limited; current peptide vaccines, which commonly use adjuvants that were designed to support the generation of antibodies, can promote CD8+ T-cell responses in the range of 1–5% of the CD8+ T-cell population. In contrast, CD8+ T-cell responses to viruses can reach 50% of the total CD8+ T-cell population in a host. By defining the critical components that promote subunit vaccines, such as the critical contribution of IL-27 as reported in PNAS by Pennock et al. (1), mechanistic insight into the regulation of CD8+ T-cell responses and the opportunity to increase vaccine efficacy can be realized.
Enzymes of the human intestinal brush border membrane. Identification after gel electrophoretic separation

Abstract The position of a number of human intestine brush border membrane enzyme activities in polyacrylamide gels after electrophoresis has been determined. These activities are, in order from the origin, maltase/glucoamylase, lactase/phlorizin hydrolase, maltase/sucrase/isomaltase, enteropeptidase, trehalase and γ-glutamyltransferase. Leucylnaphthylamide hydrolyzing activity was inactivated by sodium dodecylsulfate and its position was not determined. The positions of the activities have been correlated with the positions of protein bands previously determined. One such band situated between enteropeptidase and alkaline phosphatase has not been identified.
Geometric Synthesis of Spatial Compliant Mechanisms Using Three-Dimensional Wide Curves

A three-dimensional wide curve is a spatial curve with variable cross sections. This paper introduces a geometric synthesis method for spatial compliant mechanisms by using three-dimensional wide curves. In this paper, every connection in a spatial compliant mechanism is represented by a three-dimensional wide curve and the whole spatial compliant mechanism is modeled as a set of connected three-dimensional wide curves. The geometric synthesis of a spatial compliant mechanism is considered as the generation and optimal selection of control parameters of the corresponding three-dimensional parametric wide curves. The deformation and performance of spatial compliant mechanisms are evaluated by the isoparametric degenerate-continuum nonlinear finite element procedure. The problem-dependent objectives are optimized and the practical constraints are imposed during the optimization process. The optimization problem is solved by the MATLAB constrained nonlinear programming algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed geometric procedures is verified by the demonstrated examples.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Ideology and Social Work Practice in Substance Abuse Settings

The profession of social work has a unique role in preventing and treating alcohol and other drug problems. In human services settings shared beliefs or ideologies of care are expected to have substantial influence over the way in which problems are perceived and the types of service technologies used. Thus, it is important that social work professionals be cognizant of what beliefs they hold and how their beliefs about substance abuse treatment and prevention may affect practice. This article discusses current ideologies of care in the substance abuse arena, including the disease/abstinence, psychosocial, ecological, and harm-reduction approaches. In addition, this article examines managers' beliefs about substance abuse programs to determine if there are differences between those who have a social work background (that is, hold at least one social work degree) and those who do not. Suggestions for social work practice and future research also are provided.
Approximate projection of physical states in the quasiparticle description of nuclear collective motion

Abstract A new method of treating the problem of number nonconservation in quasiparticle descriptions of nuclear collective motion is proposed. In this method, successive orders of approximate number projection are performed directly on the quasiparticle states in question. Even in the lowest orders of approximation, the number-projected states thus obtained turn out be quite accurate in producing physical quantities. Furthermore, by incorporating the number projections in the shell-model single-particle operators, we obtain a quantized version of the Bogoliubov transformation which can greatly simplify the task of restoring number conservation for various calculations using quasi-particle representations.
Gauge Theories and Integrable Lattice Models

Abstract Investigations of new knot polynomials discovered in the last few years have shown them to be intimately connected with soluble models of two dimensional lattice statistical mechanics. In this paper, these results, which in time may illuminate the whole question of why integrable lattice models exist, are reconsidered from the point of view of three dimensional gauge theory. Expectation values of Wilson lines in three dimensional Chern-Simons gauge theories can be computed by evaluating the partition functions of certain lattice models on finite graphs obtained by projecting the Wilson lines to the plane. The models in question — previously considered in both the knot theory and statistical mechanics — are IRF models in which the local Boltzmann weights are the matrix elements of braiding matrices in rational conformal field theories. These matrix elements, in turn, can be presented in three dimensional gauge theory in terms of the expectation value of a certain tetrahedral configuration of Wilson lines. This representation makes manifest a surprising symmetry of the braiding matrix elements in conformal field theory.
Tracking with two FM reticles

A tracking system is presented which uses two FM frequency-versus-radius reticle allowing the tracking of multiple targets or large targets. The results of computer simulations of both single and double reticle tracking systems are presented. The performances of the two systems are compared.
Regional differences in EpiPen prescriptions in the United States: the potential role of vitamin D.

Background The epidemiology of anaphylaxis is uncertain, especially its geographic distribution. Objective To address this deficit, we examined regional rates of EpiPen prescriptions in the United States. Methods EpiPen prescriptions in 2004 were obtained for all 50 states and Washington, DC, from NDCHealth, Pharmaceutical Audit Suite (Alpharetta, Ga). Data included the number of total filled prescriptions, including refills, and the actual number of EpiPens prescribed. Several data sets were used to obtain state-specific populations, as well as multiple demographic, health, and weather characteristics. State population was used to calculate the average number of prescriptions written per person. Results Overall, there were 1,511,534 EpiPen prescriptions filled during 2004. These prescriptions accounted for 2,495,188 EpiPens. On average, there were 5.71 EpiPens prescribed per 1000 persons. Massachusetts had the highest number of prescriptions per 1000 persons (11.8), whereas Hawaii had the lowest (2.7). In addition to state-to-state variation, there was an obvious regional difference: New England (Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine) had the highest values, with 8 to 12 EpiPen prescriptions per 1000 persons, whereas the southern states (between and including California and Mississippi) had only 3 prescriptions per 1000 persons. The New England finding persisted even when controlling for all available factors (eg, population demographic characteristics, number of health care providers, prescriptions for other medications). Conclusion A strong north-south gradient was observed for the prescription of EpiPens in the United States, with the highest rates found in New England. Clinical implications The regional differences in EpiPen prescribing may provide important etiologic clues (vitamin D status) and merit further investigation.
The value of a wound score for diabetic foot infections in predicting treatment outcome: A prospective analysis from the SIDESTEP trial

ABSTRACTScoring the severity of a diabetic foot wound infection may help assess the sever-ity, determine the type and urgency of antibiotic and surgical treatment needed,and predict clinical outcomes. We developed a 10-item diabetic foot infectionwound score (results could range from 3 to 49 [least to most severe]) incorporat-ingsemi-quantitativegradingofbothwoundmeasurementsandvariousinfectionparameters. Using data from a prospective diabetic foot infection antibiotic trial(SIDESTEP), we evaluated the score’s accuracy in predicting outcome, analyzedits components and tested it for consistency, construct, and validity. Woundscores for 371 patients signiﬁcantly correlated with the clinical response; it wasfavorable at the follow-up assessment in 94.8% with a baseline score 12 com-pared with 77.0% with a score >19. Scores demonstrated good internal consis-tency (Cronbach’s a >0.70 to <0.95). Patients with more severe wounds hadhigher scores, supporting construct validity. Excluding scores for wound dis-charge (purulent and nonpurulent), leaving an eight-item score, provided bettermeasurement statistics. This easily performed wound score appears to be a reli-able, valid, and useful tool for predicting clinical outcomes. Further validationstudies in different patient populations should reﬁne the items included.Footwoundsinpersonswithdiabetescanrangeinseverityfrom relatively minor to limb-threatening lesions.
Serial Neuropsychological Assessment and Evidence of Shunt Malfunction in Spina Bifida: A Longitudinal Case Study

Myelomeningocele is often accompanied by hydrocephalus (MMH), making it a potentially unstable neurological condition requiring shunt placement and possible revisions. Serial neuropsychological assessment is an important tool in monitoring children with MMH, as cognitive changes can indicate shunt malfunction and hydrocephalus. We present the case of a girl with MMH who had five neuropsychological assessments (ages 5, 7, 11, 12, and 14). Despite a lack of overt neurological symptoms or report of behavioral decline, testing at age 11 revealed decline in multiple neurobehavioral domains, and imaging at that time showed increased hydrocephalus, requiring shunt revision. Subsequent neuropsychological assessment conducted after a 2-year period of medical stability showed improvement and/or a return to baseline levels in some skill areas (i.e., working memory, verbal memory, visuomotor integration, and sustained attention), yet more lasting impairments in others (i.e., Verbal IQ, processing speed, organization, and response inhibition). These lasting cognitive deficits potentially impact independent completion of complex medical self-care tasks. This pattern of recovery highlights vulnerability of brain systems supporting executive functions in children with hydrocephalus and shunt failure.
Rescattering Effects and the Validity of the Sequential-Decay Model

A steady-state point of view is used to examine the conditions under which rescattering corrections to the sequential-decay model are important in considering direct reactions to unbound states. Expressions are derived which can give semiquantitative estimates of the size of these effects. A qualitative interpretation is provided for the factors which enter these expressions, and they are evaluated for two specific cases, one where the rescattering effects are expected to be large, and one where they are expected to be small.
From the Statehouse to the White House? Barack Obama's Bid to Become the Next President

This study examines Senator Barack Obama's record as an Illinois State Senator. Specifically, the authors look at his sponsorship and cosponsorship of legislation to determine his level of activity, type of legislation proposed, and overall legislative success. The authors find that Senator Obama was the most active in sponsoring social welfare legislation and using cosponorship as a way to address other substantive policy areas. These findings will be central in how his opponents for the Democratic nomination will characterize him during the nominations process.