cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A curve evolution-based variational approach to simultaneous image restoration and segmentation

In this paper, we introduce a novel approach for simultaneous restoration and segmentation of blurred noisy images by approaching a variant of the Mumford-Shah functional from a curve evolution perspective. In particular, by viewing the active contour as the set of discontinuities in the image, we derive a gradient flow to minimize an extended Mumford-Shah functional where the known blurring function is incorporated as part of the data fidelity term. Each gradient step involves solving a discrete approximation of the corresponding partial differential equation to obtain a smooth and deblurred estimate of the observed image without blurring across the curve. The experimental results based on both synthetic and real images demonstrate that the proposed method segments and restores the blurred images effectively. We conclude that our work is an edge-preserving image restoration technique that couples segmentation, denoising, and deblurring within a single framework. In addition, this framework provides an intellectual connection between regularization theory (used to solve the deblurring inverse problem) and the theory of curve evolution.
Applications Technology Satellites F and G

The objectives of the Applications Technology Satellite (ATS) Program are to advance space technology in areas of importance to mankind. A brief description of the planned satellites and experiments is presented. The experiments include instructional television, communications, navigation, meteorology, spacecraft technology and science. The ATS-F and -G satellites will have 30-foot deployable antennas and will serve as three-axis stabilized platforms in geostationary orbit with 0.1 degree pointing accuracy.
Modeling of an inductive adder kicker pulser for a proton radiography system

Summary form only given. An all solid-state prototype kicker pulser for a proton radiography system has been designed and fabricated at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Multiple solid state modulators stacked in an inductive-adder configuration are utilized in this kicker pulser design. Each modulator is comprised of multiple metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) which quickly switch the energy storage capacitors across magnetic induction cores. Voltage from each modulator is inductively added by a voltage summing stalk. To minimize losses, Metglas is used as the core material. A lumped element circuit model of the inductive adder has been developed to predict the performance of the pulser. The modeling results will be compared with experimental data.
Susceptibility of Different Coliphage Genomes to Host-controlled Variation

Twenty-eight coliphages were studied for their susceptibility to four systems of host control variation in Escherichia coli. Both temperate and virulent phages were studied, including phages with ribonucleic acid, double- and single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and glucosylated DNA. The systems examined were E. coli C-K, K-B, B-K, and K-K(P1). The C-K, K-B, and B-K systems affected temperate phages and nonlysogenizing mutants derived from temperate phages. In general, these systems did not restrict virulent phages. Phage 21e, a variant of phage 21, lost the ability to undergo restriction in the C-K and B-K systems, but retained susceptibility to the K-B and K-K(P1) systems. This suggests that the genetic site(s) on the phage, as well as in the host, determines susceptibility to host-controlled variation. Both temperate and dependent virulent phages were susceptible to the host control system resulting from the presence of prophage P1. The autonomous and small virulents were not susceptible. In a given system, the various susceptible phages differed widely in their efficiency of plating on the restricting host. If the few infections that occur arise in rare special cells, then different populations of special cells are available to different phage species. For most phage types, when a susceptible phage infected a nonrestricting host, the progeny showed the specificity appropriate to that host. Behavior of T3 was exceptional, however. When T3 obtained from E. coli K infected E. coli C or B, some of the progeny phages retained K host specificity, whereas others acquired the specificity of the new host.
Reasons for Eliminating the “Age 60” Regulation for Airline Pilots

The calendar age of 60 is no longer medically justifiable as an upper age limit for airline pilots. Advances in gerontologic studies, clinical medicine, and operational flight proficiency evaluations, now allow individual pilot assessments for health status and performance capability. Individualizing the career duration of pilots by eliminating the present age 60 upper limitation will enhance flight safety and efficiency as the highly qualified, experienced, and proficient older healthy pilots continue their productive careers.
Molecular Dissection of the FcRβ Signaling Amplifier

Human high affinity IgE receptors are expressed as two different isoforms: the tetrameric isoform, alphabetagamma(2), or the trimeric isoform, alphagamma(2). The alpha chain is the IgE binding subunit, whereas the FcRbeta and FcRgamma chains are the signaling modules. Both FcRbeta and FcRgamma contain immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAM), but the beta ITAM differs from canonical ITAMs in two ways; the spacing between the two canonical tyrosines harbors a third tyrosine, and it is one amino acid shorter than in canonical ITAMs, making it unfit to bind the tandem SH2 of Syk. We have shown that FcRbeta functions as an amplifier of the FcRgamma signaling function. However, the molecular mechanism of this amplification remains unclear. Here we show that mutation of the three tyrosines (Tyr-219, Tyr-225, and Tyr-229) in the beta ITAM essentially converts alphabetagamma(2)into an alphagamma(2) complex in terms of Lyn recruitment, FcRgamma phosphorylation, Syk activation, and calcium mobilization. Tyr-219 is the most critical residue in this regard. In addition, a detailed analysis of the dynamics of calcium mobilization suggests a possible inhibitory role for Tyr-225, which becomes apparent when Tyr-219 is mutated. Thus, the signaling amplification function of FcRbeta is mainly encoded in Tyr-219 and in its capacity to recruit Lyn. In turn, this Tyr-219-mediated Lyn recruitment enhances gamma chain phosphorylation, Syk activation, and calcium mobilization. The two other tyrosines appear to have a modulating function that remains to be fully assessed.
NOTE ON CONSTRUCTION OF AN ITEM ANALYSIS TABLE FOR THE HIGH-LOW-27-PER-CENT GROUP METHOD

This paper describes the construction of a new item analysis table for the high-low-27-per-cent group method. The table provides a ready means of translating the observed proportions of success in the two extreme groups (p H ,p L ) into measures of item difficulty and item discrimination (p, Δ, andr). The tabled values of both the difficulty index,p, and the discrimination index,r, have been derived from Karl Pearson's tables of the normal bivariate surface.
Using both an auditory and a visual short-term store to increase digit span

Can digit span be increased by storing digits nonredundantly in both an auditory short-term store and a visual short-term store (dual storage)? In Experiment 1, when four digits were presented visually and then the remaining digits were presented auditorily, digit span increased three digits over a baseline measurement, but only when the auditorily presented digits were reported first (inverted response). Normal order of response for this presentation was not as effective. Possible reasons for the advantage of inverted response are suggested, based upon dual storage. For all-auditory and all-visual presentations that controlled for parsing, digit span increased only 1 to 1.5 digits over baseline, and inverted and normal order of response did not differ. Experiment 2 demonstrated that an improvement for dual storage could occur when the type of presentation was held constant and the order of response was normal rather than inverted. The results are consistent with the idea of separate auditory and visual short-term stores.
Accurate force spectroscopy in tapping mode atomic force microscopy in liquids

Existing force spectroscopy methods in tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) such as higher harmonic inversion [M. Stark, R. W. Stark, W. M. Heckl, and R. Guckenberger, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 99, 8473 (2002)] or scanning probe acceleration microscopy [J. Legleiter, M. Park, B. Cusick, and T. Kowalewski, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 103, 4813 (2006)] or integral relations [M. Lee and W. Jhe, Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 036104 (2006); S. Hu and A. Raman, Nanotechnology 19, 375704 (2008); H. H\"olscher, Appl. Phys. Lett. 89, 123109 (2006); A. J. Katan, Nanotechnology 20, 165703 (2009)] require and assume as an observable the tip dynamics in a single eigenmode of the oscillating microcantilever. We demonstrate that this assumption can distort significantly the extracted tip-sample interaction forces when applied to tapping mode AFM with soft cantilevers in liquid environments. This exception is due to the fact that under these conditions the second eigenmode is momentarily excited and the observed tip dynamics clearly contains contributions from the fundamental and second eigenmodes. To alleviate this problem, a simple experimental method is proposed to screen the second eigenmode contributions in the observed tip deflection signal to allow accurate tip-sample force reconstruction in liquids. The method is implemented experimentally to reconstruct interaction forces on polymer, bacteriorhodopsin membrane, and mica samples in buffer solutions.
Responding to Religious Diversity: Some Possible Directions for the Interfaith Youth Core

The Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) is active on many college and university campuses in North America and throughout the world. Much of the focus of this effective and growing organization is on dive...
Studies of Quartz Sand Grains By Cathodoluminiscence: ABSTRACT

Surfaces and cross sections of individual quartz sand grains have been examined and compared in the cathodoluminiscence (CL) mode with the scanning electron microscope. Six kinds of nontopographic CL have been found; the presence of non-CL areas commonly is due to the occurrence of a disrupted lattice layer wherever grinding has taken place. This layer is shown to be irregularly distributed, both in cross sections and on grain surfaces; its distribution, depth, and intensity can be examined in detail for the first time. Reversal of CL contrast has been accomplished experimentally by raising the temperature of grains above the alpha-beta transition in quartz (573°C); a similar reversal, found in certain natural sedimentary grains, suggests that they likewise have been heated above the transition temperature. Fractures present on natural grain surfaces in the CL mode can be observed in omissive-mode photographs and probably could be used for environmental interpretation. Detail of the same kind, observed in the CL mode but not in the emissive mode on other grains, could further extend the use of sand-grain surface textures for environmental interpretation. End_of_Article - Last_Page 789------------
Regulatory issues of functional foods, feeds, and nutraceuticals.

The public policy process directly affects the regulation of functional foods, feeds, and nutraceuticals. The legislative process establishes the laws that form the framework for regulation, the executive branch implements the laws with detailed regulations and enforces the regulations, and the judiciary adjudicates disputes arising from regulations. The judiciary is a critical component of the public policy process, especially when the law, or implementation of the law by the executive branch, is challenged in some way. Although the judicial branch of the government is not discussed in detail here, it has and will continue to have profound effects on implementation of the regulations governing health messages made by food and dietary supplement manufacturers. The legislative branch is represented by the Senate and the House of Representatives, which comprise Congress. Lawmakers elected by the democratic process identify public policy problems that theoretically can be rectified by enacting a new law or amending an old one. The public policy process begins by identifying a significant societal problem and taking the necessary steps to correct it. Setting an agenda, identifying options, and implementing a policy that solves the problem are part of this process, which
Relationship between the degree of antigen adsorption to aluminum hydroxide adjuvant in interstitial fluid and antibody production

The effect of the degree of adsorption after exposure to interstitial fluid on the immune response in mice to model vaccines containing ovalbumin, alpha casein or dephosphorylated alpha casein adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide adjuvant was studied. Ovalbumin and dephosphorylated alpha casein were adsorbed in the vaccine but were completely eluted when exposed to interstitial fluid for 4 h. The presence of aluminum hydroxide adjuvant in the vaccine produced immunopotentiation compared to a solution of the protein even though the protein desorbed rapidly upon subcutaneous administration. In contrast, alpha casein was completely adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide adjuvant in both the vaccine and upon exposure to interstitial fluid. Immunopotentiation by aluminum hydroxide adjuvant was also observed in this model vaccine compared to a solution of alpha casein. The results indicated that antigen presenting cells can take up desorbed antigen from interstitial fluid as well as antigen adsorbed to aluminum-containing adjuvants.
Developmental Susceptibility of Neurons to Transient Tetrahydrobiopterin Insufficiency and Antenatal Hypoxia-Ischemia in Fetal Rabbits

Abstract Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH 4 ) is important for normal brain development as congenital BH 4 deficiencies manifest movement disorders at various childhood ages. BH 4 transitions from very low levels in fetal brains to higher “adult” levels postnatally, with the highest levels in the thalamus. Maternal supplementation with the BH 4 precursor sepiapterin reduces postnatal motor deficits and perinatal deaths after 40-min fetal hypoxia–ischemia (HI) at 70% gestation, suggesting that brain BH 4 is important in improving function after HI. We tested the hypothesis that the intrinsically low concentrations of BH 4 made fetal neurons vulnerable to added insults. Brains were obtained from naive fetal rabbits or after 40-min HI, at 70% (E22) and 92% gestation (E29). Neuronal cultures were prepared from basal ganglia, cortex, and thalamus, regions with different intrinsic levels of BH 4 . Cultures were grown with or without added BH 4 for 48 h. Cell survival and mitochondrial function were determined by flow cytometry. At E22, thalamic cells had the lowest survival rate in a BH 4 -free milieu, in both control and HI groups, whereas BH 4 supplementation ex vivo increased neuronal survival only in HI cells. Neuronal survival was similar in all regions without BH 4 at E29. BH 4 supplementation increased cell survival and cells with intact mitochondrial membrane potential, from basal ganglia and cortex, but not thalamus. After E29 HI, however, the benefit of BH 4 was limited to cortical neurons. We conclude that BH 4 is important for fetal neuronal survival after HI especially in the premature thalamus. Supplementation of BH 4 has a greater benefit at an earlier gestational age.
FBH1 affects warm temperature responses in the Arabidopsis circadian clock.

In Arabidopsis, the circadian clock allows the plant to coordinate daily external signals with internal processes, conferring enhanced fitness and growth vigor. Although external cues such as temperature can entrain the clock, an important feature of the clock is the ability to maintain a relatively constant period over a range of physiological temperatures; this ability is referred to as “temperature compensation.” However, how temperature actually is perceived and integrated into the clock molecular circuitry remains largely unknown. In an effort to identify additional regulators of the circadian clock, including putative components that could modulate the clock response to changes in environmental signals, we identified in a previous large-scale screen a transcription factor that interacts with and regulates the promoter activity of a core clock gene. In this report, we characterized this transcription factor, FLOWERING BASIC HELIX-LOOP-HELIX 1 (FBH1) that binds in vivo to the promoter of the key clock gene CIRCADIAN CLOCK-ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1) and regulates its expression. We found that upon temperature changes, overexpression of FBH1 alters the pace of CCA1 expression by causing a period shortening and thus preventing the clock from buffering against this change in temperature. Furthermore, as is consistent with the current mechanistic model of feedback loops observed in the clock regulatory network, we also determined that CCA1 binds in vivo to the FBH1 promoter and regulates its expression. Together these results establish a role for FBH1 as a transcriptional modulator of warm temperature signals and clock responses in Arabidopsis.
Spontaneous and evoked postsynaptic potentials in an embryonic neuromuscular system of the lobster, Homarus americanus.

The embryonic motor innervation to the deep extensor abdominal muscles was studied in lobster eggs in which reflex twitches and tail flips could be evoked by mechanical stimulation in early embryos. Recordings from impaled fibers during early and later stages of embryonic development revealed spontaneous depolarizing and hyperpolarizing potentials, suggesting the presence of excitatory and inhibitory axons. Stimulation of the extensor motor innervation produced a variety of EPSPs and IPSPs. The depolarizing responses included small and large EPSPs and nonovershooting spikes. Although moderate facilitation of the EPSP was sometimes observed, defacilatation was observed in the majority of fibers of all stages. Spiking could not be evoked by motor axon stimulation in embryos of early stages. These findings indicate that from the outset the deep abdominal extensor neuromuscular system of the lobster is phasic in its response to nerve stimulation and is functional as part of the tail flip reflex at least six months before hatching.
Ferritin levels in pediatric HIV-1 infection

Ferritin is an acute phase protein which is often elevated in acute and chronic inflammation, as well as in neoplastic disease. In adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, elevated serum ferritin levels indicate advanced or progressive disease. In the present study, ferritin levels were evaluated in 88 HIV-infected children. Ferritin levels greater than 100 ng/ml were found in 93% of patients with advanced disease. Increasing levels always accompanied or closely preceded rapid disease progression. Serum ferritin levels may prove to be a useful marker to monitor disease progression and therapeutic efficacy in HIV-infected children.
Effects of acetylene on hydrogenases from the sulfate reducing and methanogenic bacteria

The effect of acetylene on the activity of the three types of hydrogenase from the anaerobic sulfate reducing bacteria has been investigated. The (Fe) hydrogenase is resistant to inhibition by acetylene while the nickel-containing hydrogenases are inhibited by acetylene with the (NiFe) hydrogenase being 10-50 fold more sensitive than the (NiFeSe) hydrogenase. In addition the Ni(III) EPR signal (g approximately 2.3) of the "as isolated" (NiFe) hydrogenase was significantly decreased in intensity upon exposure to acetylene.
Some duality relationships for the generalized Neyman-Pearson problem

In 1963, Kuhn presented a dual problem to a relatively well-known location problem, variously referred to as the generalized Fermat problem and the Steiner-Weber problem. The purpose of this paper is to point out how Kuhn's results can be adapted to provide a dual to the generalized Neyman-Pearson problem, a problem of fundamental interest in statistics, which has applications in control theory and a number of other areas. The Neyman-Pearson problem, termed the dual problem, is a constrained maximization problem and may be considered to be a calculus-of-variations analog to the bounded-variable problem of linear programming. When the dual problem has equality constraints, the primal problem is an unconstrained minimization problem. Duality results are also obtained for the case where the dual problem has inequality constraints.
Why does hydrocephalus progress

Experimental results in rabbits support the hypothesis that occlusion of the cerebral subarachnoid space, resulting in an increased strain-stress ratio in the ventricular wall, is the mechanical basis of chronic progressive hydrocephalus within a rigid skull. When the cerebral subarachnoid space was drained through an artificial low-resistance fluid pathway, the wall of the olfactory ventricle showed edema that was indistinguishable from the edema of kaolin hydrocephalus. Increased CSF pressure did not produce edema of this grade when the cerebral subarachnoid space was patent. When the subarachnoid space surrounding the right olfactory bulb was occluded with silicone rubber, the right but not the left olfactory ventricle enlarged; resistance to cerebrospinal fluid absorption remained normal.
Critical heat flux (CHF) for water flow in tubes—I. Compilation and assessment of world CHF data

The nuclear and conventional power industries have spent enormous resources during the past fifty years investigating the critical heat flux (CHF) phenomenon for a multitude of pool and flow boiling configurations. Experimental CHF data form the basis for the development of correlations and mechanistic models and comparison with them is the sole criterion for a reliable assessment of a correlation or model. However, experimental CHF data are rarely published, remaining in the archives of the authors or in obscure technical reports of an organization. The Purdue University-Boiling and Two-Phase Flow Laboratory (PU-BTPFL) CHF database for water flow in a uniformly heated tube was compiled from the world literature dating back to 1949 and represents the largest CHF database ever assembled with 32,544 data points from over 100 sources. The superiority of this database was proven via a detailed examination of previous databases. A point-by-point assessment of the PU-BTPFL CHF database revealed that 7% of the data were unacceptable mainly because these data were unreliable according to the original authors of the data, unknowingly duplicated, or in violation of an energy balance. Parametric ranges of the 30,398 acceptable CHF data were diameters from 0.25 to 44.7 mm, length-to-diameter ratios from 1.7 to 2484, mass velocities from 10 to 134,000 kg m−2 s−1, pressures from 0.7 to 218 bars, inlet subcoolings from 0 to 347°C, inlet qualities from −3.00 to 0.00, outlet subcoolings from 0 to 305°C, outlet qualities from −2.25 to 1.00, and critical heat fluxes from 0.05 × 106 to 276 × 106 W m−2. An examination of the parametric distribution of data within the database identified diameters less than 5 mm, mass velocities greater than 10,000 kg m−2 s−1, and inlet qualities below −1.0 as those experimental conditions which at present have relatively little CHF data. The combination of these conditions most likely results in subcooled CHF conditions and relatively high CHF values. The PU-BTPFL CHF database is an invaluable tool for the development of CHF correlations and mechanistic models that are superior to existing ones developed with smaller, less comprehensive CHF databases.
Suitability of genetic based exploration in the creative design process

Abstract Finding creative solutions to design problems depends heavily on a fruitful exploration in early phases. Many aspects of evolutionary computation (EC) and in particular genetic algorithms (GA) make them highly suited as computational tools for discovering good solutions. This paper discusses specific aspects of the GA method which parallel traditional design methodologies described by creativity researchers including Gordon, deBono, Parnes, and Osborn among others. Because EC methods work with populations of ‘fairly good’ solutions, there is less danger that creativity will be harmed by design fixation, on one ‘best’ solution. An example application is demonstrated using the design of a small truss bridge. The solutions offered by the application are varied enough to allow the designer a choice of forms. At the same time, all of the solutions offered are ‘fairly good’. This demonstrates the aspects of EC which make it well suited for creative exploration of problems.
Estimating and controlling for the effects of volunteer bias with pairs of relatives

If pairs of relatives correlate in their liability to participate in a research project, it is possible to test for the effects of volunteering on the criterion variable of interest. Much of the information for this test comes from a difference in criterion variable mean between individuals with and those without a cooperative relative. Also, if data are available from more than one class of relative, it may be possible to discriminate between (i) volunteering that occurs as a consequence of the criterion variable and (ii) volunteering as a cause of the criterion. Likelihood formulae are presented that permit quantification and significance testing of volunteer bias. If data are collected from a genetically informative design such as a twin study, it is possible to estimate genetic and environmental parameters independent of the contaminating effects of such bias. We describe some methods of reducing the computational burden of multidimensional integration to allow extension to multivariate data. Implications for research design and management are discussed.
Minimum relative entropies of low-dimensional spin systems

Abstract Work of Band and Park in the mid-1970's in which they proposed — on information-theoretic grounds — an alternative to the von Neumann entropy measure, S(ϱ) = -Tr ϱ ln ϱ, of a density matrix (ϱ) has apparently not been further applied. In this paper, however, specific measures are generated of the information-theoretic entropy of spin - 1 2 , spin-1 and two-photon mixed states. For this purpose, the minimum relative entropies of arbitrary mixed states with respect to uniform prior distributions over the pure states are determined. Though Band and Park did not specifically discuss this approach, it is contended that it is harmonious with their position. The duality theory of convex programming is employed to interrelate the von Neumann entropy and the minimum relative entropy measure adopted. Some concluding remarks are made on the possible use of such relative entropy indices in modeling the nonunitary (irreversible) evolution of quantum systems.
A newly-discovered mode of colony founding among fire ants

Queen ants start new colonies either unassisted by workers (independent founding), assisted by workers from their natal nest (dependent founding), or assisted by the workers of other species (dependent, socially parasitic). The monogyne form of the fire ant,Solenopsis invicta, founds independently in summer, but in the fall it also produces a few sexuals some of which overwinter, then fly and mate in early spring. These overwintered queens lack the nutritional reserves and behaviors for independent colony founding. Rather, they seek out unrelated, mature, orphaned colonies, enter them and exploit the worker force to found their own colony through intraspecific social parasitism. Success in entering orphaned colonies is higher when these lack overwintered female alates of their own. When such alates are present, orphaning causes some to dealate and become uninseminated replacement queens, usually preventing entry of unrelated, inseminated replacement queens. Such colonies produce large, all-male broods. Successful entry of a parasitic queen robs the host colony of this last chance at reproductive success. Only overwintered sexuals take part in this mode of founding.
Characteristics Of The Deformable Mirror Device For Optical Information Processing

A new two-dimensional, fast, analog, electrically addressable, silicon-based membrane spatial light modulator (SLM) has been developed for optical information processing applications. This SLM, the deformable mirror device (DMD), consists of a 128x128 array of deformable mirror elements addressed by an underlying array of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors. Coherent light reflected from the mirror elements is phase modulated producing an optical Fourier transform of an analog signal input to the device. The DMD architecture and operating parameters related to this application are presented. A model is developed that describes the optical Fourier transform properties of the DMD. The calculated peak first-order diffraction efficiency of 8.2% is in good agreement with the value of 8.4% obtained from experimental optical Fourier transform measurements.
Late involvement of the alimentary tract by carcinoma of the kidney

Six cases of involvement of the digestive tract by hypernephroma are presented. In these cases bleeding was a prominent clinical finding. Involvement of the alimentary tract occurred from 6 months to 14 years after removal of the original tumor. In 5 patients, involvement was the result of direct invasion by local recurrence. In these cases, the characteristic roentgen findings were: (1) a large intraluminal lobulated or polypoid mass that occupied and distended the lumen; and (2) continuity of the intraluminal defect, with an extrinsic mass in the kidney bed.
Photoinduced charge separation reactions of J-aggregates coated on silver nanoparticles.

The photochemistry of cyanine J-aggregates on the surface of colloidal Ag nanoparticles is reported. The photochemistry is initiated through ultrafast photoexcitation of the plasmon band in Ag nanoparticles, producing an enhanced near-field that interacts with the J-aggregate monolayer. Through transient absorption spectroscopy, we show that photoexcitation of the plasmon in Ag nanoparticles leads to exciton dynamics that differ strongly from J-aggregates alone or for J-aggregate monolayers on bulk metal surfaces. Specifically, charge-separated states with a lifetime of ∼300 ps between the J-aggregate and Ag colloid are formed. The reduction of the Ag nanoparticles is shown to be a multielectron process.
The inhibition of calcium uptake and release by rat liver mitochondria by ruthenium red

The mucopolysaccharide stain, Ruthenium Red, was shown by Moore [l] to inhibit energy-dependent calcium transport without altering respiration or energy transfer in isolated mitochondria. The studies of Vasington et al. [2] confirmed these observations and further demonstrated that high concentrations of Ruthenium Red inhibit respiration. Currently there seems to be general agreement regarding the inhibitory effect of Ruthenium Red on mitochondrial calcium uptake but some degree of disagreement over the effect(s) of Ruthenium Red on the efflux of calcium from mitochondria. Rossi et al. [3] demonstrated that Ruthenium Red does not promote the release of calcium from mitochondria when added after the calcium uptake is complete. Other laboratories have presented evidence indicating that Ruthenium Red indeed causes the release of calcium from mitochondria pre-loaded with calcium [4,.5]. Also, it has been reported that Ruthenium Red has no effect on uncoupler-induced discharge of calcium from preloaded mitochondria [3,5]. Hence, the previous studies of the effects of Ruthenium Red on mitochondrial calcium metabolism suggest that influx but not efflux of calcium is sensitive to this compound. In the present study it was demonstrated that Ruthenium Red inhibits the release and the re-accumulation of endogenous calcium in rat liver mitochondria. Further, evidence is presented indicating
Some aspects of respiratory problems in the newborn.

Various aspects of respiratory problems in newborn infants are reviewed. In experimental animals there is apparently a relation between the carbohydrate content of the heart muscle and the likelihood of survival during periods of anoxia; the beneficial effect of the administration of glucose and bicarbonate to asphyxiated animals is commented upon. Certain features of resuscitation are discussed and recent theories regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of hyaline membranes are mentioned.
Variation in egg numbers between populations and between years in the holothurian Cucumaria curata

The relationship between egg number and latitude was studied in a common intertidal holothurian from the West Coast of North America. Nine populations of Cucumaria curata Cowles, 1907, ranging in location from Monterey, California to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, were sampled from 1972 to 1974. Egg number versus body weight regressions were determined for each population and examined within and between years for any patterns of variation. Very little variability was found in the slopes of the regressions, indicating a constant allometric relationship between egg number and body weight from year to year and population to population. However, the variability in the intercepts of the regressions indicated variable reproductive output between populations and from year to year.
Introduction of a Stat Laboratory Reduces Emergency Department Length of Stay

Objectives: Emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) impacts patient satisfaction and overcrowding. Laboratory turnaround time (TAT) is a major determinant of ED LOS. The authors determined the impact of a Stat laboratory (Stat lab) on ED LOS. The authors hypothesized that a Stat lab would reduce ED LOS for admitted patients by 1 hour. Methods: This was a before-and-after study conducted at an academic suburban ED with 75,000 annual patient visits. All patients presenting to the ED during the months of August and October 2006 were considered. A Stat lab located within the central laboratory was introduced in September 2006 to reduce laboratory TAT. The test TATs and ED LOS before (August 2006) and after (October 2006) implementing the Stat lab for all ED patients were the data of interest. ED LOS before and after the Stat lab was introduced was compared with the Mann-Whitney U-test. A sample size of 5,000 patients in each group had 99% power to detect a 1-hour difference in ED LOS. Results: There were 5,631 ED visits before and 5,635 visits after implementing the Stat lab. Groups were similar in age (34 years vs. 36 years) and gender (51% males in both). The percentages of patients with laboratory tests before and after Stat lab implementation were 68.7 and 71.3%, respectively. Test TATs for admitted patients were significantly improved after the Stat lab introduction. Implementation of the Stat lab was associated with a significant reduction in the median ED LOS from 466 (interquartile range [IQR] = minutes before to 402 (IQR = 296‐553) minutes after implementing the Stat lab. The effects of the Stat lab on ED LOS were less marked for discharged patients. Conclusions: Introduction of a Stat lab dedicated to the ED within the central laboratory was associated with shorter laboratory TATs and shorter ED LOS for admitted patients, by approximately 1 hour. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2008; 15:324‐328 a 2008 by the Society for Academic Emergency
Effect of SMA dampers on nonlinear vibrations of elastic structures

Shape memory allow (SMA) components can affect vibrations of structures through two mechanisms. The stresses in a SMA element that experiences phase transformations, as a result of vibrations, have an effect on the frequency-amplitude characteristics. In addition, a dissipation of energy due to hysteresis in a SMA element can reduce the natural frequency and affect forced vibrations. The present paper illustrates the mathematical foundations of these concepts. The method of solution of the equation of motion of flexible superelastic SMA dampers is discussed. Potential benefits to vibrating structures associated with a hysteresis in superelastic SMA dampers are illustrated. As follows from the results shown in the paper, the effectiveness of superelastic dampers increases with temperature, as long as the latter remains within the range where the martensite formation is possible.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Controlling chaos in the Belousov - Zhabotinsky reaction

DETERMINISTIC chaos is characterized by long-term unpredictability arising from an extreme sensitivity to initial conditions. Such behaviour may be undesirable, particularly for processes dependent on temporal regulation. On the other hand, a chaotic system can be viewed as a virtually unlimited reservoir of periodic behaviour which may be accessed when appropriate feedback is applied to one of the system parameters1. Feedback algorithms have now been successfully applied to stabilize periodic oscillations in chaotic laser2, diode3, hydrodynamic4 and magnetoelastic5 systems, and more recently in myocardial tissue6. Here we apply a map-based, proportional-feedback algorithm7,8 to stabilize periodic behaviour in the chaotic regime of an oscillatory chemical system: the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction.
Proposed Behavioral Model for Deicer Scaling Resistance of Slag Cement Concrete

This study was performed to define and evaluate specific mechanisms that control deicer scaling (freeze-thaw) resistance in slag cement concrete. Modified ASTM C672 procedures were used to measure the deicer scaling resistance of concrete made with grade 120 slag cement substituted for ordinary portland cement at equal mass replacement levels of 30 and 50%. Two types of coarse aggregate, two Type I portland cement brands, and several curing methods were studied. The effects of carbonation were found to be a main cause of reduced scaling resistance in slag cement concrete, as supported by trends among curing methods and by variations in the chemical composition of portland cement. For concrete cured under ambient and low-carbonation conditions, increased carbonation is correlated with an increase in the concrete's scaling loss. These experimental results supported a proposed behavioral model linking cement hydration, concrete carbonation, and deicer scaling resistance. Decreased scaling resistance in concrete cured under moist conditions did not correlate with carbonation, but was likely caused by other factors related to continuous moisture present during curing.
Characterization of Arsenic Implanted Epitaxially Aligned Polysilicon-on-Silicon Films

Nonuniformities in the polysilicon-to-silicon interface and in the polysilicon structure are expected to produce a nonuniform diffusion front when arsenic is diffused from polysilicon during epitaxial alignment. Using transmission electron microscopy, we find surprisingly uniform arsenic diffusion fronts in the underlying silicon substrate following high temperature annealing. Several explanations of this result are proposed. We also report new evidence of a strong reduction in the time to achieve complete epitaxial transformation of the polysilicon when the polysilicon thickness is reduced. A corresponding reduction in the associated arsenic penetration depth is demonstrated.
Modulating silicon resonators beyond the linewidth limit

We overcome the resonance linewidth limit in silicon ring modulators using photonic transitions between neighboring resonances. As an example, we demonstrate a silicon ring modulated at >20 GHz beyond its resonance linewidth of 11.5 GHz.
Towards quantitative comparison of computer number systems

This paper describes an evolving Arithmetic Design System (ADS) to support the quantitative evaluation of alternate number systems with respect to a given application and realization technology. In computer arithmetic we are concerned with establishing a correspondence between abstract quantities (numbers) and some physical representation (symbols), and with simulating the operations on these symbols. The ADS is intended to help study the cost and performance of alternate simulations. A finite number system is a triple consisting of a symbol set (elements are called "digit-vectors"), an interpretation set, a mapping between these two sets, and a set of operators (digit-vector algorithms) defined on its symbol set. A set of these digit vector algorithms are proposed for conducting arithmetic design. A number system matrix defines the digit vector algorithm for numerous number systems and a method for computing time and space complexity of compositions of these algorithms is proposed. An example of how the system could be used to compare addition, with and without overflow detection, for three number systems is given.
What Do We Know about Trade Promotions? Contributions, Limitations, and Further Research

The trade promotion area remains seriously under-researched compared with its share of the overall marketing mix budget. This review attempts to provide an up-to-date account of what we know about trade promotions. For eight major topics we elaborate on what that topic means in the context of trade promotions, why it has been deemed important, what empirical findings have emerged in that area, and proposeareas for future research.
The Door of Hope: Republican Presidents and the First Southern Strategy, 1877–1933. By Edward O. Frantz. (Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida, 2011. Pp. xii, 295. $69.95.)

From the end of the Civil War until the end of Reconstruction, the Republican Party had political control over the South, built with a combination of former slaves, Republicans moving in from the N...
Electrophysiological responses to feedback during the application of abstract rules.

Much research focuses on how people acquire concrete stimulus–response associations from experience; however, few neuroscientific studies have examined how people learn about and select among abstract rules. To address this issue, we recorded ERPs as participants performed an abstract rule-learning task. In each trial, they viewed a sample number and two test numbers. Participants then chose a test number using one of three abstract mathematical rules they freely selected from: greater than the sample number, less than the sample number, or equal to the sample number. No one rule was always rewarded, but some rules were rewarded more frequently than others. To maximize their earnings, participants needed to learn which rules were rewarded most frequently. All participants learned to select the best rules for repeating and novel stimulus sets that obeyed the overall reward probabilities. Participants differed, however, in the extent to which they overgeneralized those rules to repeating stimulus sets that ...
The Effect of Dicumarol on the Transvascular Exchange of T-1824-Labeled Protein in Rabbits

The effect of Dicumarol on the peritoneal transvascular transfer of T-1824-labeled plasma protein was investigated in the intact rabbit by a specially designed method. A significantly increased transfer rate was found in animals given two injections of Dicumarol 48 and 24 hours prior to testing; but determinations made 3 hours after a single injection demonstrated variable susceptibility to the drug. Prothrombin levels were depressed in every case.
The microbiome revolution

The collection of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in and on the human body, collectively known as the microbiome, has recently emerged as an important factor in human physiology and disease. The gut in particular is a biological niche that is home to a diverse array of microbes that influence nearly all aspects of human biology through their interactions with their host; new technologies are beginning to reveal important aspects of host-microbe interactions. Articles in this Review series address how perturbations of the microbiota, such as through antibiotic use, influence its overall structure and function; how our microbiome influences the impact of infectious agents, such as C. difficile; how our microbiome mediates metabolism of xenobiotics; how the microbiota contribute to immunity as well as to metabolic and inflammatory diseases; and the role of commensal microbes in oncogenesis.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma: a case report.

Objective The aim of this study was to discuss a case of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) that presented to a chiropractic teaching clinic and review the pathophysiology of diseases associated with asbestos exposure. Clinical Features An 86-year-old woman had right-sided back pain at the thoracolumbar junction for 3 months; this pain prevented her from exercising on a daily basis. She was alert and oriented but in obvious distress because of her back pain. Breath sounds were decreased on the right in the posterior and lower lobes, with dull percussion and increased tactile fremitus. A significant collection of pleural effusion was seen on the right side on plain film radiographs. A chest computed tomography with contrast showed a large right-sided pleural effusion with small consolidation at the right lung base suggestive of pleural or pulmonary malignancy and highly suspicious for MPM. Further questioning about asbestos exposure revealed that her husband was a maintenance worker. An extrapleural pneumonectomy was performed, and specimens of parietal and visceral pleura were sent for pathological, which revealed a definitive diagnosis of spindle cell mesothelioma. Intervention and Outcome The patient was diagnosed with MPM, and a surgical therapy option was considered because of the aggressive nature of the lesion and her advanced age. An extrapleural pneumonectomy was performed with removal of parietal and visceral pleura, right lower lobe, and right hemidiaphragm. Conclusion This is an unusual case of advanced MPM that is most likely from indirect asbestos exposure.
Emerging trends in the management of the impalpable testis.

Background: The management of the impalpable undescended testis is controversial. The study examines emerging trends in the management of this problem. Methods: Two groups of boys were treated consecutively and recorded prospectively from 1974 to 1984 and from 1990 to 1998 inclusive. A consistent policy of using the preperitoneal approach for impalpable testis was adopted during both time intervals but during the second study period examination under anaesthesia and diagnostic laparoscopy were introduced to ascertain testicular presence and location. Results: Some 919 boys were treated for cryptorchidism during the study period. Ninety boys in the first group (23 per cent) underwent preperitoneal explorations for impalpable testes. Anorchia was present in 18 and orchidectomy was performed in two boys. Thirty boys in the later group (5 per cent) were diagnosed as having impalpable testes. Fifteen boys underwent successful preperitoneal orchidopexy, anorchia was present in 11 and four underwent orchidectomy, carried out for high intra-abdominal testes. Conclusion: Examination under anaesthesia and subsequent laparoscopic assessment for all impalpable testes has reduced the need for preperitoneal exploration for the impalpable undescended testis. In this large series, division of the testicular vessels in order to secure scrotal placement of the testis was required in one instance only. © 1999 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
Effect of Counterion Valence and Polymer Charge Density on the Pair Potential of Two Polyions

A theory of attractive forces between identical highly charged polyions in a 1:1 supporting electrolyte, generated by the interaction of the layers of condensed counterions, is extended to a Z:Z‘ electrolyte and to rodlike polymer segments of any charge density. If the combined charge density of a polyion pair does not exceed the charge density critical for counterion condensation, then there is no attraction. But an attraction arises if the combined charge density does exceed the condensation threshold, even if the individual polymer charge densities lie below the critical value. The intensity of the attraction at a fixed ionic strength decreases with higher values of counterion valence. The effect of increased ionic strength is to decrease both the range and the intensity of the attractive force.