cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct laser writing of nanodiamond films from graphite under ambient conditions.

Synthesis of diamond, a multi-functional material, has been a challenge due to very high activation energy for transforming graphite to diamond and therefore, has been hindering it from being potentially exploited for novel applications. In this study, we explore a new approach, namely confined pulse laser deposition (CPLD), in which nanosecond laser ablation of graphite within a confinement layer simultaneously activates plasma and effectively confine it to create a favorable condition for nanodiamond formation from graphite. It is noteworthy that due to the local high dense confined plasma created by transparent confinement layer, nanodiamond has been formed at laser intensity as low as 3.7 GW/cm2, which corresponds to pressure of 4.4 GPa, much lower than the pressure needed to transform graphite to diamond traditionally. By manipulating the laser conditions, semi-transparent carbon films with good conductivity (several kΩ/Sq) were also obtained by this method. This technique provides a new channel, from confined plasma to solid, to deposit materials that normally need high temperature and high pressure. This technique has several important advantages to allow scalable processing, such as high speed, direct writing without catalyst, selective and flexible processing, low cost without expensive pico/femtosecond laser systems, high temperature/vacuum chambers.
Vagal Modulation of Epicardial Coronary Artery Size in Dogs A Two-Dimensional Intravascular Ultrasound Study

Background Because the role of tonic vagus nerve activity in regulating conduit coronary artery size remains undefined, we investigated the response of epicardial coronary artery size to changes in resting vagal tone resulting from vagotomy and muscarinic receptor blockade. Methods and Results Using intravascular ultrasound to measure left circumflex coronary artery cross-sectional area continuously, we examined the effects of vagotomy on left circumflex cross-sectional area in nine dogs. Lumen area decreased 20% from 8.70±2.81 to 6.92±1.97 mm2 after right vagotomy, 17% to 7.19±2.80 mm2 after left vagotomy (both P<.05 versus baseline), and 38% to 5.42±2.00 mm2 after bilateral vagotomy (P<.05 versus unilateral vagotomy). Vasoconstriction occurred despite increases in heart rate and an unchanged rate-pressure product. In six additional dogs, after acetylcholine (100 μg/kg IV), lumen area increased by 18%, although heart rate, blood pressure, and rate-pressure product were unchanged. Vasodilation was prevent...
ECONOMETRIC MODELING OF INTERREGIONAL LABOR MARKET LINKAGES

. This paper presents a statistical procedure for empirically establishing linkages between regional economies. Using Granger's definition of causality and the final prediction error technique for lag-length specification suggested by Hsiao, a linked, multiregional employment model is developed. The forecast performance of the linked model is compared to models which do not include interregional linkages. It is shown that forecast error is reduced by taking into account employment interrelationships between regions.
Importance of co-donor field strength in the preparation of tetradentate α-diimine nickel hydrosilylation catalysts

Although bis(α-diimine)Ni complexes were prepared when amine-substituted chelates were added to Ni(COD)2, the incorporation of strong-field phosphine donors allowed the isolation of (κ4-N,N,P,P-DI)Ni hydrosilylation catalysts. The crystallographic investigation of two different (κ4-N,N,P,P-DI)Ni compounds revealed that the geometry about nickel influences the observed degree of α-diimine reduction.
Adenosine Deaminase Inhibitors Enhance Cerebral Anoxic Hyperemia in the Rat

Cerebral blood flow in the rat was monitored by a venous outflow technique with an extracorporeal circulation, which allows for the continuous recording of flow over periods of several hours. The adenosine deaminase inhibitors erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA) (1.0–100 μg/kg) and deoxycoformycin (0.1–1 μg/kg) potentiated the reactive hyperemia elicited by a brief (24-s) anoxic challenge. Basal flow rate was unaltered by EHNA administration and slightly enhanced by deoxycoformycin. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that adenosine plays a significant role in cerebral vascular regulation and suggest that low doses of these deaminase inhibitors may be useful in the treatment of cerebral vascular insufficiency.
Rates of nuclear reactions in solid-like stars.

In stellar matter as cool and dense as the interior of a white dwarf, the Coulomb energies between neighboring nuclei are large compared to the kinetic energies of the nuclei. Each nucleus is constrained to vibrate about an equilibrium position, and the motion of the nuclei in the interior of a white dwarf is similar to the motion of the atoms in a solid or liquid. We propose a solid-state method for calculating the rate at which a nuclear reaction proceeds between two identical nuclei oscillating about adjacent lattice sites. An effective potential U(r) derived by analyzing small lattice vibrations is used to represent the influence of the Coulomb fields of the lattice on the motion of the two reacting nuclei. The wave function describing the relative motion of the two reacting particles is obtained by solving the Schrodinger equation containing the effective potential U(r). From this wave function, we derive an expression for the reaction rate. The rates of the p+p and C^(12)+C^(12) reactions calculated using this solid-state method are typically 1 to 10 orders of magnitude smaller than those calculated by the method previously suggested by Cameron.
STUDIES OF DNA-INDUCED HERITABLE ALTERATION OF MAMMALIAN CELLS

An intercellular interaction between mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor and non-malignant Chinese hamster cells occurred when these were co-cultured. That the intercellular processes which formed had emanated from the EA cells was revealed by immunofluoroscopy using anti-EA antiserum, and by direct microscopic examination. A passage of DNA from the EA to the CH cells was also observed. On long-term co-culture, new cell forms arose which were isolated, cloned, and propagated. They showed a CH karyotype and had acquired oncogenic potential and the ability to synthesize murine-specific antigens. These same heritable properties were also acquired by CH cells following their exposure to DNA isolated from EA cells.
Copper-oxide superconductivity: The mystery and the mystique

'Mottness' or a reconstructed Fermi surface? Nodes and arcs, or pockets? Both approaches to the pseudogap state of cuprate superconductors receive some support from specific heat data obtained up to 45 T. Can the two be reconciled?
Cheddar cheese as a vehicle for viruses.

Abstract Cheddar cheese was evaluated as a vehicle for viruses. Of poliovirus type 1, 98% and essentially 100% of influenza virus type A and of vesicular stomatitis virus were lost during cheddar cheesemaking on a laboratory scale. The poliovirus was persistent in cheese during aging but was inactivated a million-fold by minimal prior heat treatment of milk for cheese. Cheddar cheese does not seem more likely than other foods to transmit viruses.
Note on Relationships between Attitudes Toward the Scientific Method and the Background of Seminarians

First-year students in eleven Chicago seminaries indicated attitudes toward social scientific research in brief essays. Analysis revealed three major categories, later reduced to acceptance or rejection for the purpose of discovering possible relationships between certain factors in student academic and other socio-cultural background. ROTESTANT theological seminaries affiliated with the Association of Theological Seminaries expect entering students to have had at least six semester undergraduate courses in the social sciences. Actual preparation in the social sciences and an examination into the attitudes toward certain basic concepts held by first year students in 11 Protestant theological seminaries in the Chicago area' constitutes the focus of a study recently made by the writer. * Revision of papers read before the fifty-third annual meeting of the American Sociological Association, Seattle, Washington, August 29, 1959, and the twenty-second annual meeting of the Ohio Valley Sociological Society, Bloomington, Indiana, April 22, 1960. I Bethany Biblical Seminary (Church of the Brethren); Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary (United Lutheran); Chicago Theological Seminary (Congregational); Disciples Divinity House (Disciples of Christ); Divinity School of the University of Chicago (unThis content downloaded from 157.55.39.104 on Sun, 19 Jun 2016 05:45:57 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Studies on the relationship between estrogen receptor content, glutathione S-transferase pi expression, and induction by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and drug resistance in human breast cancer cells

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces both phase I and phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes in rodent liver and hepatoma cell lines and this induction is mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor. Induction of CYP1A1 by TCDD in human breast cancer cells has been reported and results of several studies suggest that the estrogen receptor (ER) may be required for Ah responsiveness. This study investigates the induction of GST pi by TCDD in human breast cancer cells and the role of the ER in mediating this response. TCDD did not induce chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) activity in ER positive (ER+) MCF-7 and ER- MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines transiently transfected with GST pi (human) or GSTP (rat) promoter-reporter constructs containing the -291/+36 and -2.9/+59 region, respectively, of the GST pi and GSTP gene promoters. Furthermore, TCDD did not induce GST pi or GSTP in MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells stably transfected with the ER. RT-PCR confirmed that GST pi mRNA levels were low in ER+ MCF-7 cells and high in ER- MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells; however, in MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells stably transfected with the ER GST pi mRNA levels remained elevated and were not inducible. MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells stably transfected with the ER exhibited increased GST activity and decreased GSH content compared to wild-type cells; however, in MDA-MB-468 cells stably transfected with ER, the susceptibility to doxorubicin, ellipticine, chlorambucil, malphalan, or cisplatin was similar to that observed in wild-type cells. Adriamycin accumulation was similar in wild-type and ER stably transfected cells and verapamil did not affect this response, suggesting that ER expression did not influence p-glycoprotein activity. Taken together these data suggest that not all GST isoforms are responsive to TCDD and stable transfection of ER- cells with ER is not sufficient to restore the ER+ phenotype in some breast cancer cell lines.
Aging and identity politics

Abstract In this essay, I reflect on multiple identities—woman, lesbian, old—as they interconnect at different life stages. I raise an issue of identity politics (Is “old” as fundamental an identity as “woman”?) and suggest that critical gerontology offers a lens through which to interpret my personal journey from a core feminist identity to a questioning and ambivalent identity as an old woman.
Energy transfer processes in reactions of He(23S) with triatomic molecules. II. H2O and H2S

Abstract The energy transfer reactions He(2 3 S) + H 2 O and He(2 3 S) + H 2 S were studied spectroscopically in the visible and ultraviolet ranges in a flowing afterglow apparatus. No primary triatomic ion emission was observed in this study. Only dissociative fragments were found to emit. In the He(2 3 S)/H 2 O system intense OH(A 2 Σ + → X 2 Π i ) emission bands and hydrogen Balmer series were observed while in the He(2 3 S)/H 2 S system intense HS + (A 3 Π i → X 3 Σ − ), weak hydrogen Balmer series and some atomic sulfur lines were found. It is concluded that dissociative processes are competitive with Penning ionization in these energy transfer reactions with other possible reaction channels playing inferior roles. The post-ionization process of ion—electron recombination in the flowing afterglow dominates the emission results in the He(2 3 S)/H 2 O system.
A finite element study of tidal flow data for the North Sea and English Channel

Abstract An implicit wave equation model has been applied to a data base for two-dimensional tidal flow in the North Sea and English Channel. The simulation was carried out for 190 days to allow for a direct comparison with field measurements over a one-day period and for decomposition of the tide into its fifty-one principal components. No attempt was made to tune the model to the data. The purpose of the study is to facilitate an intercomparison of numerical models of the data set as well as to demonstrate the ability of the current model to capture the flow physics.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Normative Beliefs as Predictors of Hookah Smoking Initiation: A Longitudinal Study of University Students

introduction: While cross-sectional studies have shown that hookah tobacco smoking (HTS) is an increasingly popular behavior among university students, little is known about factors associated with initiation. This study sought to determine associations between knowledge, attitudes, and normative beliefs and initiation of HTS among university students. Methods: Data were from a prospective longitudinal cohort study of 569 randomly selected first- and second-year university students. Online questionnaires developed according to our composite theoretical model were completed in September 2010 and April 2011. r esults: About one seventh (13%) of participants initiated HTS by follow-up. Positive attitudes and favorable normative beliefs were associated with increased adjusted odds of initiation (AOR = 4.12, 95% CI = 2.56, 6.59 and AOR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.35, 2.99, respectively), while negative attitudes were associated with decreased adjusted odds (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.80). Correct knowledge regarding toxicants associated with HTS was not significantly associated with initiation. conclusions: While positive attitudes and favorable normative beliefs are associated with initiation of HTS in a cohort of never users, increased knowledge about toxins is not associated with lower initiation. It may be particularly valuable for educational interventions to attempt to alter positive attitudes and normative beliefs related to HTS.
Observations on the bark of Remijia pedunculata

This bark of a Colombian tree, belonging to a genus related to Cinchona and which has been found to yield substantial amounts of quinidine and quinine, has become an important source of quinidine sulfate. Its physical characteristics, histology, the powdered bark and a test for the presence in it of Cinchona alkaloids are described.
Robotic Fish: Design and Characterization of an Interactive iDevice-Controlled Robotic Fish for Informal Science Education

In this article, we present the design, development, and characterization of a biomimetic robotic fish remotely controlled by an iDevice application (app) for use in informal science education. By leveraging robots, biomimicry, and iDevices, we seek to establish an engaging and unique experience for free-choice learners visiting aquariums, zoos, museums, and other public venues. The robotic fish incorporates a three-degree-of-freedom tail along with a combined pitch and buoyancy control system, allowing for high maneuverability in an underwater three-dimensional (3-D) space. The iDevice app implements three modes of control that offer a vividly colored, intuitive, and user-friendly theme to enhance the user experience when controlling the biomimetic robotic fish. In particular, the implemented modes vary in the degree of autonomy of the robotic fish, from fully autonomous to remotely controlled. A series of tests are conducted to assess the performance of the robotic fish and the interactive control modes. Finally, a usability study on elementary school students is performed to learn about students' perception of the platform and the various control modes.
Extraction and applications of statistical relationships in relational databases

Discusses the modeling and extraction of statistical relationships among attributes. Different methods are used for the extraction of different types of relationships. A complete methodology for extraction is developed by integrating widely-accepted statistical methods. Statistical relationships manifest the embedded relationships in data, and thus lend themselves naturally to estimating unknown attribute values and detecting unlikely values. We carefully examine these applications and evaluate the usefulness of statistical relationships in these applications using a real-life database.
TODAY'S CIRCUMSTANCES AND YESTERDAY'S THEORIES: MALTHUS ON ‘SERVICES’

SUMMARY Malthus argued that maintenance of employment required maintenance of balance between those employed in ‘services’ and those employed in other lines of production. The former stimulated the latter to produce and provided a market for part of their outfit. Today we find some empirical support for Malthus's thesis in that the relative growth of employment in ‘services’ is playing an increasingly important role in the preservation of’ full’ employment.
Carrier and spin dynamics in charged quantum dots

Carrier and spin dynamics are measured in meutral, positively and negatively charged quantum dots using polarization-sensitive time-resolved photoluminescence. Carrier capture rates are observed to be strongly enhanced in charged quantum dots, suggesting that electron-hole scattering dominates this process. For positive quantum dots, the enhanced spin-polarized electron capture rate eliminates loss of electron spin information in the GaAs barriers prior to capture, resulting in strong circularly-polarized emission. Comparison of spin relaxation times in positively charged and neutral quantum dots reveals a negligible influence of the large built-in hole population, in contrast to measurements in higher-dimensional p-type semiconductors. The long spin life-time, short capture time, and high radiative efficiency of the positively charged quantum dots indicates that these structures are superior to both quantum wells and neutral quantum dots for spin detection using a spin light-emitting diode.
Uptake of cadmium into calcite shells by planktonic foraminifera

Abstract Planktonic foraminifera were cultured in the laboratory and the uptake of Cd into their calcite investigated using Cd and Sr radiotracers. Best estimates of the effective distribution coefficient of Cd relative to Ca in planktonic foraminiferal calcite are ∼2–4 from these experiments and previously determined values of the Sr distribution coefficient. Within the uncertainty of these estimates, planktonic foraminiferal shells reflect seawater Cd/Ca ratios with a proportionality constant similar to that determined for benthic foraminifera. Cd/Ca ratios in planktonic and benthic foraminiferal shells from sediment cores may be useful therefore for reconstructing water-column profiles of Cd/Ca over time.
Dimensions of color harmony

Twenty-one subjects rated a random sequence of 144 color pairs on a categorical scale ranging from 1 (harmonizing) to 7 (clashing). Another group of 35 subjects rated each individual color on a set of semantic differential scales. The colors were also scaled objectively in terms of Munsell measures for hue, chroma, and value. The color harmony ratings were analyzed by using multidimensional scaling and invoking a weighted individual-differences Euclidean distance model. A two-dimensional solution accounted for 83.1% of the variability in the transformed data matrices. On the basis of supplementary regression analyses, it was found that hue, value (brightness), and the psychological attribute “pleasantness,” were the factors that influenced the color harmony judgments. In general, harmonious color combinations involved colors that were similar with regard to these attributes.
A versatile synthesis of C‐5 labeled ornithines

Using diethyl (2-cyanoethyl)acetamidomalonate prepared from either acrylonitrile or 3-tosylpropionitrile and diethyl acetamidomalonate, reduction with PtO2 and H2 in ethanol followed by acid hydrolysis affords ornithine in 70–95% yield. [5, 5–2H2]Ornithine and [5-13C, 5-15N]ornithine were prepared by these procedures.
Effect of perillic acid, a putative isoprenylation inhibitor, on the cultured rat lens.

Previous studies have demonstrated that agents affecting the cholesterol synthetic pathway can have cataractogenic effects. We have suggested that opacification of cultured lenses resulting from exposure to the cholesterol-lowering agent lovastatin is caused by inhibition of isoprenylation of small GTPases. To test that hypothesis we have investigated the effects of perillic acid, an agent reported to inhibit isoprenylation, on rat lenses in organ culture. Perillic acid caused dose and time dependent opacification of cultured lenses. While the opacities appeared grossly similar to those produced by lovastatin, they differed dramatically when analysed histologically. It also produced marked morphological changes to lens epithelial cells in culture. Analysis of small GTPases in the perillic acid treated cells failed to detect any accumulation in the water soluble fraction as would be expected if isoprenylation was inhibited. Further, studies on the isoprenylation of radiolabelled isoprenoids into proteins in cultured lenses showed no significant decrease following perillic acid exposure. It was concluded that perillic acid causes cataract in this system by a mechanism different from lovastatin and that inhibition of isoprenylation is unlikely to be a primary factor in the perillic acid cataract.
Voices and Bodies : The Afterlife of the Unborn

This article discuses the fate of a special class of child, the unborn, in the afterlife, as well as the gradual criminalization of abortion in Antiquity. Particular attention is paid to a possible prohibition of abortion in Orphism that may underpin the nekyiai in P. Bon. 4. and Vergil Aen. 6. Then it turns to depictions of the aborted in the Apocalypse of Peter and its late antique offspring to show how the aborted fetus gradually acquires a visible body and an articulate voice. At the same time, the theology of sentiment works out its solutions to mitigate the problem of the innocent in hell. The fate of the almost bodiless fetus in the Resurrection became a bone of contention by the early 5th C. The satirical questions posed Christians about the resurrection of the unborn may first have been raised by Porphyry. His interest in the embryo and its ensoulment in the Pros Gauron are adduced as evidence. Attention is drawn to Augustine's doubts about the status and fate of the human embryo, and some reasons are suggested about why he hesitated to adopt an unambiguous "human from conception" position. In the 5th C., after the Pelagian controversy, attention began to shift from the unborn to the unbaptized, who dominate the nekyiai of the Middle Ages. The rise of the Mizuko kuyo cult in Japan shows astonishing parallels to what happened in Late Antiquity.
An unusual case of neuroblastoma with angiomatoid features

Neuroblastoma is the most commonly occurring solid tumor in children. Most of these neoplasms are diagnosed within the first few years of life. The diagnosis of neuroblastoma may be difficult because of its ability to arise in different locations, its propensity to metastasize, and variable clinical signs and symptoms. Therefore, accurate and timely pathologic diagnosis is imperative. Herein, we present the rare description of an angiomatoid neuroblastoma. Only 1 other case has been previously reported.
Etk/Bmx, a tyrosine kinase with a pleckstrin-homology domain, is an effector of phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase and is involved in interleukin 6-induced neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer cells

Etk/Bmx is the newest member of Btk tyrosine kinase family that contains a pleckstrin homology domain, an src homology 3 domain, an src homology 2 domain, and a catalytic domain. Unlike other members of the Btk family kinases, which are mostly hemopoietic cell-specific, Etk/Bmx is preferentially expressed in epithelial and endothelial cells. We first identified this kinase in prostate cancer [Robinson, D., He, F., Pretlow, T. & Kung, H. J. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 5958–5962). Here we report that Etk is engaged in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) pathway and plays a pivotal role in interleukin 6 (IL-6) signaling in a prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP. Our evidence that PI3-kinase is involved in Etk activation includes: (i) Wortmannin, a specific inhibitor of PI3-kinase, abolished the activation of Etk by IL-6; (ii) a constitutively active p110 subunit of PI3-kinase was able to activate Etk in the absence of IL-6; and (iii) a dominant negative p85 subunit of PI3-kinase mutant blocked the activation of Etk by IL-6. Interestingly, IL-6 treatment of LNCaP induced a remarkable neuroendocrine-like differentiation phenotype, with neurite extension and enhanced expression of neuronal markers. This phenotype could be abrogated by the overexpression of a dominant-negative Etk, indicating Etk is required for this differentiation process.
Case specificity of the stimulus probability effect.

Four memory scanning experiments investigated the effect of the probability of occurrence of one case of a letter (e.g., “A”) on response time to the other case of that same letter (“a”). There was no effect: Responses to one case of a letter did not depend on the probability of occurrence of the other case of the letter. This finding indicates that facilitation of visual encoding by high probability of occurrence is not caused by increased activation at the level of the name code. Previous results rule out the possibility that facilitation occurs at the level of feature detectors responding to the individual visual features of the high-probability stimuli, and these results were replicated in the present experiments. It appears that facilitation is caused by activation along specific routes by which visual features activate letter names. This conclusion has implications for the locus of effect of stimulus probability in models of letter coding
Chemoselective oxidation of sulfides to sulfones with potassium hydrogen persulfate

Abstract Potassium hydrogen persulfate in aqueous methanol was found to be a convenient, inexpensive, and chemoselective reagent for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones and sulfoxides in the presence of other common functional groups.
Bis(subphthalocyanine)–azaBODIPY triad for ultrafast photochemical processes

Multi-modular supramolecular systems capable of undergoing photoinduced energy and electron transfer are of paramount importance to design light-to-energy and light-to-fuel converting devices. Often, this has been achieved by linking two or more photo-active or redox-active entities with complementary spectral and photochemical properties. In the present study, we report a new triad made out of two entities of subphthalocyanine covalently linked to BF2-chelated azadipyrromethene ((SubPc)2–azaBODIPY). The triad was fully characterized by spectral, computational, electrochemical and photochemical techniques. The B3LYP/6-31G* calculations revealed a structure wherein the donor, SubPc, and the acceptor, azaBODIPY, were well separated with no steric crowding. The different redox states were established from the differential pulse voltammetry studies and the data were used to estimate free-energy change associated with charge separation. Such calculations revealed the charge separation from either the 1SubPc* or 1azaBODIPY* to be thermodynamically feasible for yielding the (SubPc)SubPc˙+–azaBODIPY˙− radical ion-pair. Steady-state fluorescence studies revealed quantitative quenching of 1SubPc* in the triad and solvent dependent quenching of 1azaBODIPY* indicating participation of both fluorophores in promoting photochemical events. In nonpolar toluene, singlet–singlet energy transfer from the 1SubPc* to azaBODIPY was observed, while in polar benzonitrile, evidence of energy transfer was feeble. Femtosecond laser flash photolysis studies provided concrete evidence for the occurrence of ultrafast photoinduced electron transfer by providing spectral proof for the formation of the (SubPc)SubPc˙+–azaBODIPY˙− charge separated state. The charge recombination followed populating the 3azaBODIPY* prior to returning to the ground state.
Small gas-turbine combustor study - Fuel injector evaluation

As part of a continuing effort at the Lewis Research Center to improve performance, emissions, and reliability of turbine machinery, an investigation of fuel injection technique and effect of fuel type on small gas turbine combustors was undertaken. Performance and pollutant emission levels are documented over a range of simulated flight conditions for a reverse flow combustor configuration using simplex pressure-atomizing, spill-flow return, and splash cone airblast injectors. A parametric evaluation of the effect of increased combustor loading with each of the fuel injector types was obtained. Jet A and an experimental referee broad specification fuel were used to determine the effect of fuel type.
Saving behaviours: first wave baby boomers

The combination of lower saving rates in the 1980s, high consumer debt, and the impact of the baby boomer generation moving into retirement in an uncertain economic environment creates increasing concern for the financial state of the American household. This study explored the saving behaviours of baby boomers. The family management-systems model was used as the framework for the study. Research questions included whether saving behaviours were related to income, education and presence of dependent children. Data are from the 1983 National Survey of Consumer Finances. The 1980s represent a decade critical to first wave baby boomers and their continued influence on American society. A study of their saving behaviours provides information necessary to help plan for their future needs. Frequency counts and cross-tabulations of demographic data provide a profile of saving behaviours and attitudes toward risk and liquidity. Marital status and presence of children were significantly related to reasons for savings. Income, marital status, education and presence of children indicated a significant effect on net worth and attitude towards risk. Income and presence of children affected attitude towards liquidity. Income level was the strongest predictor of net worth as a measure of saving behaviours.
Atypical ϑ-protein kinase c displays a unique developmental expression pattern in rat brain

Abstract The expression of atypical ϑ-protein kinase C (PKC) was examined during prenatal and postnatal rat brain development. Immunoblot as well as transcript analysis revealed a dramatic increase in expression at 2–3 days post-birth, which declined thereafter and remained at levels observed in the adult brain. The expression of ϑ-PKC precedes that of the other PKC isoforms in developing rat brain. Subcellular fractionation of pup and adult brain documented distribution between all three distinct fractions (A,B,C), including the low speed pellet composed of nuclei. In adult brain, the kinase was enriched in the A fraction of the sucrose gradient. Specific substrate proteins of ϑ-PKC were characterized in each of the subccllular fractions from both pup and adult brain. Four predominant proteins pp76, pp60-doublet, pp54 and pp45 were identified as ϑ-PKC endogenous substrates. All four proteins were phosphorylated on serine residues, while the pp60-doublet was also phosphorylated on tyrosine. The pp60-doublet was the most predominant substrate, specifically enriched in the A fraction of a sucrose gradient of adult brain and immunoprecipitated by monoclonal antibody to pp60 c- src .
Lattice-based algorithms for number partitioning in the hard phase

Abstract The number partitioning problem (NPP) is to divide n numbers a 1 , … , a n into two disjoint subsets such that the difference between the two subset sums — the discrepancy , Δ , is minimized. In the balanced version of the NPP ( BalNPP ), the subsets must have the same cardinality. With the a j chosen uniformly from [ 1 , R ] , R > 2 n gives the hard phase, when there are no equal partitions (i.e., Δ = 0 ) with high probability (whp). In this phase, the minimum partition is also unique whp. Most current methods struggle in the hard phase, as they often perform exhaustive enumeration of all partitions to find the optimum. We propose reductions of the NPP and the BalNPP in the hard phase to the closest vector problem (CVP). We present a binary search algorithm that solves the original problems by making polynomial numbers of calls to a CVP oracle. Second, we propose a truncated NPP algorithm, which finds approximate minimum discrepancies. In place of the original instance, we solve a modified instance with a j = ⌊ a j / T ⌉ for some T ≤ R . We show that the expected optimal discrepancy of the original problem given by the truncated solution, E ( Δ T ∗ ) , is not much different from the expected optimal discrepancy: E ( Δ T ∗ ) ≤ E ( Δ ∗ ) + n T / 2 . Third, we propose a direct mixed integer programming (MIP) model for the NPP and the BalNPP . We solve a lattice-based reformulation of the original MIP model using standard branch-and-cut methods. Based on these results, we propose computational techniques that are efficient in practice. In place of the binary search, we implement a discrete search heuristic that applies basis reduction (BR) to several CVP instances (fewer than 2 n in most cases). This method finds near-optimal solutions without proof of optimality to NPP problems with reasonably large dimensions, up to n = 75 . The truncation algorithm can be used to find good quality partitions within a short time for problems of sizes up to n = 100 . The MIP model finds guaranteed optimum partitions efficiently for sizes up to n = 50 .
Comparative review of interferometric detection of plasmonic nanoparticles

Noble metal nanoparticles exhibit enhanced scattering and absorption at specific wavelengths due to a localized surface plamson resonance. This unique property can be exploited to enable the use of plasmonic nanoparticles as contrast agents in optical imaging. A range of optical techniques have been developed to detect nanoparticles in order to implement imaging schemes. Here we review several different approaches for using optical interferometry to detect the presence and concentration of nanoparticles. The strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches are discussed and quantitative comparisons of the achievable signal to noise ratios are presented. The benefits of each approach are outlined as they relate to specific application goals.
Zinc causes loss of membrane potential and elevates reactive oxygen species in rat brain mitochondria

Emerging evidence suggests that Zn2+ may impair neuronal metabolism. We examined how Zn2+ affects the activity of isolated brain mitochondria fueled with glutamate + malate, succinate or glycerol 3-phosphate. Submicromolar levels of Zn2+ dissipated membrane potential and inhibited oxygen utilization in all three substrate conditions. Zn(2+)-induced depolarization was reversed by the membrane-impermeant metal chelator, EGTA, and was inhibited by uniporter blockade. Cyclosporin A did not block Zn(2+)-induced depolarization. Added Zn2+ increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in glutamate + malate or glycerol 3-phosphate conditions, but inhibited succinate-supported ROS accumulation. These results show that Zn2+ blocks mitochondrial function in all physiologically relevant substrate conditions.
Enhanced ICBM Diffusion Tensor Template of the Human Brain

Development of a diffusion tensor (DT) template that is representative of the micro-architecture of the human brain is crucial for comparisons of neuronal structural integrity and brain connectivity across populations, as well as for the generation of a detailed white matter atlas. Furthermore, a DT template in ICBM space may simplify consolidation of information from DT, anatomical and functional MRI studies. The previously developed “IIT DT brain template” was produced in ICBM-152 space, based on a large number of subjects from a limited age-range, using data with minimal image artifacts, and non-linear registration. That template was characterized by higher image sharpness, provided the ability to distinguish smaller white matter fiber structures, and contained fewer image artifacts, than several previously published DT templates. However, low-dimensional registration was used in the development of that template, which led to a mismatch of DT information across subjects, eventually manifested as loss of local diffusion information and errors in the final tensors. Also, low-dimensional registration led to a mismatch of the anatomy in the IIT and ICBM-152 templates. In this work, a significantly improved DT brain template in ICBM-152 space was developed, using high-dimensional non-linear registration and the raw data collected for the purposes of the IIT template. The accuracy of inter-subject DT matching was significantly increased compared to that achieved for the development of the IIT template. Consequently, the new template contained DT information that was more representative of single-subject human brain data, and was characterized by higher image sharpness than the IIT template. Furthermore, a bootstrap approach demonstrated that the variance of tensor characteristics was lower in the new template. Additionally, compared to the IIT template, brain anatomy in the new template more accurately matched ICBM-152 space. Finally, spatial normalization of a number of DT datasets through registration to the new and existing IIT templates was improved when using the new template.
Scattering of Light from Assemblies of Truncated and Disordered Spherulites

The light-scattering patterns from two-dimensional statistically arranged spherulites have been examined by using a combination model which takes into account the size distribution, truncation, and disorder effects. From the computer simulation for assemblies of truncated spherulites, it is found that the distribution of their average radii can be fit by a logarithmic Gaussian frequency function, but their scattering patterns, based upon the estimated distribution parameters, do not represent those for the assemblies of the same truncated spherulites. Refinement of the model used in the previous works is possible in order to make a more quantitative estimation of light-scattering intensity for semi-crystalline polymer films and to clarify the origin of excess Hv scattering.
Review of some poroelastic effects in rock mechanics

Abstract This paper reviews by examples some critical pore pressure effects in rock mechanics. The influence of pore pressure on the shear, effective compressive and tensile stresses around a borehole are examined. The impact on hydraulic fracturing is also briefly explored.
Protein indentification using mass spectrometric information

In an effort to gain an understanding of the value of the information in different mass spectrometric measurements for protein identification, the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was studied in silico. We calculate how constraining the knowledge of the mass of a proteolytic peptide is as a function of mass and mass accuracy. We also assess the value for protein identification of additional information concerning a proteolytic peptide, including the presence or absence of a given amino acid, the number of exchangeable hydrogens, the N-terminal sequence, and the masses of mass spectrometrically produced fragment ions. Knowledge of the relative value of these different constraints is useful in the design of efficient protein identification experiments. Finally, we describe a software tool, PepFrag, for searching protein and DNA sequence databases that can use different types of mass spectrometric information to restrict the search.
Statistical precision of the intensities retrieved from constrained fitting of overlapping peaks in high-resolution mass spectra

Abstract. Least-squares fitting of overlapping peaks is often needed to separately quantify ions in high-resolution mass spectrometer data. A statistical simulation approach is used to assess the statistical precision of the retrieved peak intensities. The sensitivity of the fitted peak intensities to statistical noise due to ion counting is probed for synthetic data systems consisting of two overlapping ion peaks whose positions are pre-defined and fixed in the fitting procedure. The fitted intensities are sensitive to imperfections in the m/Q calibration. These propagate as a limiting precision in the fitted intensities that may greatly exceed the precision arising from counting statistics. The precision on the fitted peak intensity falls into one of three regimes. In the "counting-limited regime" (regime I), above a peak separation χ ~ 2 to 3 half-widths at half-maximum (HWHM), the intensity precision is similar to that due to counting error for an isolated ion. For smaller χ and higher ion counts (~ 1000 and higher), the intensity precision rapidly degrades as the peak separation is reduced ("calibration-limited regime", regime II). Alternatively for χ
Seismic Risk Assessment and Sensitivity Analysis in Terms of Life-Cycle Repair Cost

A probabilistic framework is discussed in this paper for assessment and sensitivity analysis of seismic risk, characterized as the life-cycle repair cost. A comprehensive methodology is initially discussed for earthquake loss estimation that uses the nonlinear time-history response of the structure to estimate the damage in a detailed, component level. A realistic, stochastic ground motion model is then adopted for describing the acceleration time history for future seismic excitations. In this setting, the life-cycle repair cost can be quantified by its expected value over the space of the uncertain parameters for the structural and excitation models. Estimation of this cost through stochastic simulation is suggested and a probabilistic sensitivity analysis approach is also presented, aiming to identify the structural and excitation properties that probabilistically contribute more to this cost.
Can thermodynamics be used to design control systems

Thermodynamics is a physical branch of science that governs the thermal behavior of dynamical systems. The laws of thermodynamics involving conservation of energy and nonconservation of entropy are two of the most useful and general laws in all sciences. In particular, the second law of thermodynamics is intimately connected to the irreversibility of dynamical processes, that is, the status quo cannot be restored everywhere. This gives rise to an interesting quantity known as entropy. Entropy permeates the whole of nature, and unlike energy, which describes the state of a dynamical system, entropy is a measure of change in the status quo of a dynamical system. Motivated by this observation, in this paper we use the entropy function for deterministic systems as a benchmark to design a semistable controller that minimizes the time-averaging of the “heat” of the dynamical system. We present both state feedback control and output feedback control based on the dissipative systems. Furthermore, we convert the control design into an optimization problem with two linear matrix inequalities.
Incidence and risk factors for hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection among inpatients in an orthopaedic tertiary care hospital

The aim of this retrospective study was to identify risk factors for hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (HA-CDI) in orthopaedic patients. Thirty-two HA-CDI cases were each matched with two controls. Incidence rate was 0.33 cases per 1000 patient-days. Univariate analyses showed that surgery >24 h after admission, antibiotics for treatment, and proton pump inhibitors were associated with HA-CDI. Multivariate analyses revealed that surgery >24 h after admission was associated with HA-CDI. Patients hospitalized before surgery had a greater risk of HA-CDI, suggesting opportunities to reduce environmental exposure to C. difficile by timelier preoperative medical optimization in the outpatient setting.
Higher impurity AdS/CFT correspondence in the near-BMN limit

Abstract The pp-wave/BMN limit of the AdS/CFT correspondence has exposed the Maldacena conjecture to a new regimen of direct tests. In one line of pursuit, finite-radius curvature corrections to the Penrose limit (which appear in inverse powers of the string angular momentum J) have been found to induce a complicated system of interaction perturbations to string theory on the pp-wave; these have been successfully matched to corresponding corrections to the BMN dimensions of N = 4 super-Yang–Mills (SYM) operators to two loops in the 't Hooft coupling λ. This result is tempered by a well-established breakdown in the correspondence at three loops. Notwithstanding the third-order mismatch, we proceed with this line of investigation by subjecting the string and gauge theories to new and significantly more rigorous tests. Specifically, we extend our earlier results at O ( 1 / J ) in the curvature expansion to include string states and SYM operators with three worldsheet or R-charge impurities. In accordance with the two-impurity problem, we find a perfect and intricate agreement between both sides of the correspondence to two-loop order in λ and, once again, the string and gauge theory predictions fail to agree at third order.
Capacity and cutoff rate for M-ray NCFSK signals on Rayleigh fading channels with GSC reception

In this paper, we calculate the channel capacity and cutoff rates for M-ary noncoherent FSK (NCFSK) signals on L-diversity Rayleigh fading channels when the receiver employs generalized selection combining (GSC). With GSC reception, the largest K samples among the available L square-law device outputs, for each decision hypothesis, are combined prior to the detection stage. Optimal code rates are found, based on channel capacity and cutoff rates with both hard and soft decision decoding. which minimize the required bit signal-to-noise ratio E/sub b//N/sub o/ for reliable communication. We show, through numerical results, that, for a given code rate, the GSC receiver complexity K (the order of noncoherent combining) and the modulation alphabet size M can be traded off to obtain minimum required E/sub b//N/sub o/. Also, for a given multipath diversity order L, and a given code rate, we show that diminishing returns in the minimum required E/sub b//N/sub o/ is observed by combining more multipaths.
Physical examination of high capacity nickel-hydrogen battery cells

In order to assess cell cycle performance and possible failure modes, some randomly selected nickel-hydrogen (Ni/H/sub 2/) battery cells of 83 Ah capacity were put through a rapid cycle test at 80% depth of discharge (DOD) using simulated low-earth-orbit conditions. A destructive physical analysis (DPA) was performed on several cells following the cycle tests. After nearly 1000 charge/discharge cycles, the cells from one manufacturer exhibited significant voltage performance degradation and internal stack damage. The cells from another manufacturer exhibited little voltage degradation and no significant internal damage. The authors summarize the important results of the cell DPAs. In particular, polarization test results show that active material extrusion from the pores of the positive plates can cause cell voltage performance degradation. Also, electrolyte (KOH) concentration gradients within a stack can be caused by a cell dome-to-dome temperature gradients, and nonuniform stack wearout can result. >