cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Polyimides in Molecular-Scale Confinement for Low-Density Hybrid Nanocomposites

In this work, we exploit a confinement-induced molecular synthesis and a resulting bridging mechanism to create confined polyimide thermoset nanocomposites that couple molecular confinement-enhanced toughening with an unprecedented combination of high-temperature properties at low density. We describe a synthesis strategy that involves the infiltration of individual polymer chains through a nanoscale porous network while simultaneous imidization reactions increase the molecular backbone stiffness. In the extreme limit where the confinement length scale is much smaller than the polymer’s molecular size, confinement-induced molecular mechanisms give rise to exceptional mechanical properties. We find that polyimide oligomers can undergo cross-linking reactions even in such molecular-scale confinement, increasing the molecular weight of the organic phase and toughening the nanocomposite through a confinement-induced energy dissipation mechanism. This work demonstrates that the confinement-induced molecular br...
Appraising Medical Literature: The Effect of a Structured Journal Club Curriculum Using The Lancet Handbook of Essential Concepts in Clinical Research on Resident Self-Assessment and Knowledge in Milestone-Based Competencies.

ABSTRACT Background: Training in literature appraisal and statistical interpretation is one of the residency training requirements outlined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Frequently, a journal club format is used to teach this competency although this teaching modality is not standardized or well studied in regard to its efficacy. Methods: This study sought to determine the effect of a structured journal club curriculum that incorporated The Lancet Handbook of Essential Concepts in Clinical Research on objective and self-assessed knowledge pertaining to study design and interpretation. The study was a retrospective observational study evaluating the effect of a structured journal club curriculum using the Lancet text with pre- and postimplementation assessment using a resident self-assessment survey. The study examined a monthly journal club curriculum that covered 1 topic/chapter from the assigned text, paired with a contemporary article to highlight the chapter topic. Resid...
Genetics and physiology of Varroa mites

Varroa destructor is the primary biological threat to domesticated honey bee colonies in much of the world, impacting host fitness both directly and by transmitting RNA viruses. Genomic, proteomic, and functional-genetic resources provide a framework for Varroa biology. When coupled with physiological analyses of development, host finding, and reproduction, these resources reveal general traits of arthropods and offer new strategies for mite control. Efforts to develop novel controls are focused on efficacy, efficient delivery, and the avoidance of both host impacts and the swift evolution of resistance by mites.
Adenosine has two faces: Regionally dichotomous adenosine tone in a model of epilepsy with comorbid sleep disorders.

Abstract Objective Adenosine participates in maintaining the excitatory/inhibitory balance in neuronal circuits. Studies indicate that adenosine levels in the cortex and hippocampus increase and exert sleep pressure in sleep-deprived and control animals, whereas in epilepsy reduced adenosine tone promotes hyperexcitability. To date, the role of adenosine in pathological conditions that result in both seizures and sleep disorders is unknown. Here, we determined adenosine tone in sleep and seizure regulating brain regions of Kv1.1 knockout (KO) mice, a model of temporal epilepsy with comorbid sleep disorders. Methods 1) Reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was performed on brain tissue to determine levels of adenosine and adenine nucleotides. 2) Multi-electrode array extracellular electrophysiology was used to determine adenosine tone in the hippocampal CA1 region and the lateral hypothalamus (LH). Results RP-HPLC indicated a non-significant decrease in adenosine (~50%, p = 0.23) in whole brain homogenates of KO mice. Regional examination of relative levels of adenine nucleotides indicated decreased ATP and increased AMP in the cortex and hippocampus and increased adenosine in cortical tissue. Using electrophysiological and pharmacological techniques, estimated adenosine levels were ~35% lower in the KO hippocampal CA1 region, and 1–2 fold higher in the KO LH. Moreover, the increased adenosine in KO LH contributed to lower spontaneous firing rates of putative wake-promoting orexin/hypocretin neurons. Interpretation This is the first study to demonstrate a direct correlation of regionally distinct dichotomous adenosine levels in a single model with both epilepsy and comorbid sleep disorders. The weaker inhibitory tone in the dorsal hippocampus is consistent with lower seizure threshold, whereas increased adenosine in the LH is consistent with chronic partial sleep deprivation. This work furthers our understanding of how adenosine may contribute to pathological conditions that underlie sleep disorders within the epileptic brain.
Mutagenesis of Reaction Center Histidine L173 Yields an L-Side Heterodimer

Molecular genetics has rapidly become an integral tool for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of photosynthesis. In the bacterial reaction center (RC) protein, structure/function questions, raised through an inspection of the X-ray crystallographic structure, have been addressed by the combined approaches of genetics and spectroscopy. This system is somewhat unique in that relatively simple, yet powerful, spectroscopic techniques can be used to evaluate the structure and function of these genetically altered proteins. Using recombinant DNA technology, mutations have now been constructed in the vicinity of all nine prosthetic groups in the reaction center from Rb. capsulatus. Mutations have also been directed at the bacteriochlorophyll binding sites of the associated light harvesting antennae. The spectroscopic characterization of genetically-altered RCs has been recently reviewed (1).
The Immune Response to HHV-6

Human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) and HHV-6B are betaherpesviruses widely spread in human populations. Both viruses can be differentiated by their biological properties, including host cell, outcome of primary infection, and interactions with the immune system. HHV-6A and HHV-6B are T lymphotropic and neurotropic viruses characterized by immunomodulatory properties mediated by direct effects in infected cells and indirect effects on uninfected cell, including suppression of antigen presentation, cytokine production, and T-cell proliferation. T-cell responses to HHV-6 have been difficult to measure ex vivo in peripheral blood cells, and most studies have characterized T-cell responses after in vitro expansion. These studies have identified primary and secondary polyfunctional CD4+and CD8+T-cell responses. As observed for other large DNA viruses, HHV-6 virion proteins seem to be major targets of the T-cell response. Recent studies have identified several epitopes for CD4 and CD8 T-cell recognition.
Health Risk Analysis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines public health assessment as: “A systematic approach to collecting information from individuals that identifies risk factors, provides individualized feedback, and links the person with at least one intervention to promote health, sustain function and/or prevent disease” (CDC 2010). Within this general framework, a health risk assessment is defined as “An analysis that uses information about toxic substances at a site to estimate a theoretical level of risk for people who might be exposed to these substances”. Similarly, the National Academy of Sciences defines health risk assessment as a process in which information is analyzed to determine if an environmental hazard might cause harm to exposed persons (NRC 1983). In essence a health risk assessment study provides a comprehensive scientific estimate of risk to persons who could be exposed to hazardous materials that are present at a contaminated site. The environmental information that is necessary to conduct a health risk study is extensive and is obtained from scientific modeling studies and also from data from the site.
Finite energy sum rules and scaling

A conjectured finite-energy sum rule is evaluated for deep-inelastic electron—proton scattering. The possibility that the sum rule is satisfied locally is also examined.
Is there adult development distinctive to women

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the adult development distinctive among women. Adulthood of women cannot be decided on the basis of any single investigation. There are three assumptions on women's adult development: (1) the assumption is that the biological differences as socially interpreted and elaborated by individuals produce lives with content that is substantially different for men and women. There are universal differences in the early socialization of male and female offspring. Women have almost always occupied a subordinate position in society. Women's sexual attractiveness to men and their childbearing function have always played key roles in the social construction of women's lives. (2) As per this assumption is that the lives of men and women are different in some cultures and in some periods of history. Today, both men and women are engaged in paid work. Even when gender differences are pronounced, however, men and women share experiences that give an important shape to adult development. They see their children mature and their parents die. (3) This assumption suggests that there are not only main themes but also main variations in women's life stories. There are women who emphasize mothering, those who emphasize the role of intimate companion, and those who emphasize work and career.
Identification and initial validation of empirically derived bipolar symptom states from a large longitudinal dataset: an application of hidden Markov modeling to the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) study.

Background Although bipolar disorder (BD) is a fundamentally cyclical illness, a divided model of BD that emphasizes polarity over cyclicity has dominated modern psychiatric diagnostic systems since their advent in the 1980s. However, there has been a gradual return to conceptualizations of BD which focus on longitudinal course in the research community due to emerging supportive data. Advances in longitudinal statistical methods promise to further progress the field. Methods The current study employed hidden Markov modeling to uncover empirically derived manic and depressive states from longitudinal data [i.e. Young Mania Rating Scale and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale responses across five occasions from the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) study], estimate participants' probabilities of transitioning between these states over time (n = 3918), and evaluate whether clinical variables (e.g. rapid cycling and substance dependence) predict participants' state transitions (n = 3229). Results Analyses identified three empirically derived mood states ('euthymic,' 'depressed,' and 'mixed'). Relative to the euthymic and depressed states, the mixed state was less commonly experienced, more temporally unstable, and uniquely associated with rapid cycling, substance use, and psychosis. Individuals assigned to the mixed state at baseline were relatively less likely to be diagnosed with BD-II (v. BD-I), more likely to present with a mixed or (hypo)manic episode, and reported experiencing irritable and elevated mood more frequently. Conclusions The results from the current study represent an important step in defining, and characterizing the longitudinal course of, empirically derived mood states that can be used to form the foundation of objective, empirical attempts to define meaningful subtypes of affective illness defined by clinical course.
Celestial Mechanics: A Tale for a Mid-Winter Night

William Least Heat-Moon. New York, NY: Three Rooms Press, 2018. 385 pp., map, illustrations. $19.95 paper (ISBN 978-1-941110-58-4).Don't let the stars get in your eyes,Don't let the moon break your...
When everything damaged and we didn't know why

This is a reminiscence of where things stood in the laser damage problem at the time when the laser reached its 10th birthday. All of the different types of lasers that we know today had been demonstrated and those that could reach high power were shown to destroy the optics used in the resonators or to manipulate the high power beams. If high power lasers were to be useful the problem of laser damage had to be solved but first it had to be understood.
Comparison of two cleaning and sterilization protocols of diamond burr tips used in debridement for canine superficial chronic corneal epithelial defects.

Objectives To serially evaluate morphologic and elemental composition changes to diamond burr tips (DBTs) comparing two sterilization protocols. Animals studied A total of 300 fresh cadaver porcine globes. Procedures Six DBTs were randomly, equally assigned into Group 1 or 2, and then analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) at 0, 25, 50, and 100 cycles. Diamond burr debridement (DBD) was performed for 120 seconds on corneal stroma using the Algerbrush®. DBTs were cleaned, and then: Group 1 was sterilized by Germinator 500™; and Group 2 underwent ultrasonic cleaning and pre-vacuum autoclave. A cycle is defined as one DBD, cleaning and sterilization protocol. Data were quantified using custom MatLab program. Results Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy revealed minor buildup of sulfur on both groups. Group 1 displayed major buildup of carbon and calcium. All DBTs were stippled with inorganic particulate at baseline. Particulates were no longer present on Group 2 by 25 cycles, but remained on Group 1 at all time points. There was significantly more buildup on Group 1 at all time points (P = 0.0000, 0.0009, and 0.0003 for 25, 50, and 100 cycles, respectively). More damage to Group 2 at all time points (P = 0.003, 0.002, and 0.003 for 25, 50, and 100 cycles, respectively) was observed. Conclusions No significant damage to Group 1 DBTs was noted after 100 cycles, however, particulate matter is not adequately removed using this sterilization technique. Ultrasonic cleaning is warranted between DBDs to achieve adequate particulate removal prior to sterilization; greater damage occurs with this technique which supports replacing DBTs regularly.
Synteny and Regional Marker Order Sssignment of 26 type I and Microsatellite Markers to the Horse X- and Y-Chromosomes

The hypothesis that the conservation of sex-chromosome-linked genes among placental mammals could be extended to the horse genome was tested using the UCDavis horse–mouse somatic cell hybrid (SCH) panel. By exploiting the fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) technique to localize an anchor locus, X-inactivation-specific transcript (XIST) on the horse X chromosome, together with the fragmentation and translocation of the X- and Y-chromosome fragments in a somatic cell hybrid panel, we regionally assigned 13 type I and 13 type II (microsatellite) markers to the horse X- and Y-chromosomes. The synteny groups that correspond to horse X- and Y-chromosomes were identified by synteny mapping of sex-specific loci zinc finger protein X-linked (ZFX), zinc finger protein Y-linked (ZFY) and sex-determining region Y (SRY) on the SCH panel. A non-pseudoautosomal gene in the human steroid sulfatase (STS) was identified in both X- and Y-chromosome- containing clones. The regional order of the X-linked type I markers examined in this study, from Xp- to Xq-distal, was [STS- X, the voltage-gated chloride channel 4 (CLCN4)], [ZFX, delta- aminolevulinate synthase 2 (ALAS2)], XIST, coagulation factor IX (F9) and [biglycan (BGN), equine F18, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)] (precise marker order could not be determined for genes within the same brackets). The order of the Y-linked type I markers was STS-Y, SRYand ZFY. These orders are the same arrangements as reported for the human X- and Y-chromosomes, supporting the conservation of genomic organization between the human and the horse sex chromosomes. Regional ordering of X- linked type I and microsatellite markers provides the first integration of type I and type II markers in the horse X chromosome.
Pediatric ACL Tears: Natural History

Background:Increased participation in youth sports is associated with increased rates of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the skeletally immature. Historically, ACL reconstruction was avoided in the skeletally immature, or delayed until skeletal maturity, to avoid physeal injury and growth
Lateral Meniscal Graft Transplantation: Effect of Fixation Method on Joint Contact Mechanics During Simulated Gait:

Background:Controversy exists regarding the optimal bony fixation technique for lateral meniscal allografts.Purpose/Hypothesis:The objective was to quantify knee joint contact mechanics across the ...
An Analytical Model for Predicting Turn-ON Overshoot in Normally-OFF GaN HEMTs

Recently, a major challenge in the adoption of wide bandgap semiconductors for power electronic applications is the need to trade device performance for device safety. In this article, methods for predicting gate voltage overshoot in normally-OFF gallium nitride (GAN) high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are derived in order to deliver optimal device performance. Two models are proposed; a simple, yet less accurate second order model and a complex, yet more accurate fourth order model. These models allow for the calculation of gate resistances necessary for a desired amount of gate voltage overshoot. The nonlinear capacitances of the device are considered in the analysis. The models are validated with an experimental double-pulse tester. These newly developed models allow design engineers to extract the best possible performance of commercially available GaN devices while keeping the devices in their safe-operating region.
Basic Needle Insertion Techniques

This chapter describes the basic techniques used to insert a needle or device percutaneously in the breast under ultrasound guidance. By far, the most common technique used is the freehand technique with in-plane insertion of the needle or device. However, the possibility of using a needle guide is addressed. Differences between the techniques for fine-needle aspiration, core-needle biopsy, and vacuum-assisted biopsy are discussed, as is the vertical or out-of-plane insertion technique. The optimal way of holding the transducer and the biopsy needle or other interventional device or probe is described. The necessity of training by practicing on phantoms is stressed. Techniques to prepare low-cost phantoms are illustrated.
An Efficient Focal Plane Alignment Methodology with Application to the ASTERIA Nanosatellite Space Telescope

The process of aligning an instrument focal plane to precursor optics such as a telescope can be a difficult and time-consuming process. The final alignment must achieve sufficient performance at multiple locations across the field of view. In the case of instruments with infinite conjugates, such as a space telescope, there are practical challenges in illuminating the system at multiple off-axis field points simultaneously. Iteration during the alignment process can cause a lengthy search for local minima within the performance cost function. This paper presents a focal plane alignment methodology that avoids the above difficulties and obtains the desired level of optical performance in an efficient manner. The approach is based on systematically measuring spot size across a set of field points and defocus positions, and then using a least squares fit to determine the optimal location for the focal plane. This approach has the additional benefit of revealing the amount of field curvature present in the instrument. It also provides the analyst with a direct calculation of the shims needed to place the focal plane at the computed best-fit location. This approach was successfully applied to the Arcsecond Space Telescope Enabling Research In Astrophysics (ASTERIA) payload. ASTERIA is a cubesat mission that was deployed into low-Earth orbit in November 2017 and operated until December 2019. In addition to presenting the theoretical basis for the methodology, this paper will present laboratory measurements obtained during the payload alignment campaign. This approach is applicable to future space-borne optical instruments that require an efficient methodology for focal plane alignment with limited cost or schedule resources.
Fantastic Voyage 2021: Using Interactive VR Storytelling to Explain Targeted COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery to Antigen-presenting Cells

Science storytelling is an effective way to turn abstract scientific concepts into easy-to-understand narratives. Science storytelling in immersive virtual reality (VR) can further optimize learning by leveraging rich interactivity in a virtual environment and creating an engaging learning-by-doing experience. In the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we propose a solution to use interactive storytelling in immersive VR to promote science education for the general public on the topic of COVID-19 vaccination. The educational VR storytelling experience we have developed uses sci-fi storytelling, adventure and VR gameplay to illustrate how COVID-19 vaccines work. After playing the experience, users will understand how the immune system in the human body reacts to a COVID-19 vaccine so that it is prepared for a future infection from the real virus.
Resolving F-region irregularity spectra using novel incoherent scatter radar methods

Plasma structuring in the high-latitude ionosphere impacts over-the-horizon radio communication and global navigation systems, and are an important space weather effect. Therefore, characterizing the formation and morphology of these structures is critically important. Irregularity spectra are useful for quantifying which plasma structures are abundant in the high-latitude ionosphere, as well as their drivers. From this information it is then possible to forecast the occurrence of irregularities and predict their impact on radio wave propagation. By leveraging phased array incoherent scatter radar (ISR) technology, and using the facts that, cross-field diffusion is slow at scale lengths greater than 10 km, and the magnetic field lines are nearly vertical at high-latitudes, we develop and apply a novel technique for ISR measurements to resolve high-latitude ionospheric irregularity spectra at a higher spatial-temporal resolution than has been previously possible with ground-based instruments. We will motivate the newly developed ISR technique, describe its methodology, and provide results demonstrating its effectiveness. This technique will enable future studies that will directly link high-latitude ionospheric plasma structure drivers to their impact on radio wave propagation.
Relationship Between Body Composition and Death in Patients with COVID-19 Differs Based on the Presence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms.

Patients with SARS-CoV-2 who present with gastrointestinal symptoms have a milder clinical course than those who do not. Risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease include increased adiposity and sarcopenia. To determine whether body composition risk factors are associated with worse outcomes among patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. This was a retrospective study of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who underwent abdominal CT scan for clinical indications. Abdominal body composition measures including skeletal muscle index (SMI), intramuscular adipose tissue index (IMATI), visceral adipose tissue index (VATI), subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI), visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio (VAT/SAT ratio), and liver and spleen attenuation were collected. The association between body composition measurements and 30-day mortality was evaluated in patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms at the time of positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Abdominal CT scans of 190 patients with COVID-19 were evaluated. Gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain were present in 117 (62%). Among patients without gastrointestinal symptoms, those who died had greater IMATI (p = 0.049), less SMI (p = 0.010), and a trend toward a greater VAT/SAT ratio. Among patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, those who died had significantly greater IMATI (p = 0.025) but no differences in other measures. Among patients with COVID-19, those without gastrointestinal symptoms showed the expected associations between mortality and low SMI, high IMATI, and trend toward higher VAT/SAT ratio, but those with gastrointestinal symptoms did not. Future studies should explore the mechanisms for the altered disease course in patients with COVID-19 who present with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Rethinking Public Opinion in Penal Policymaking: Recommendations for Research

Public opinion is often described as a powerful force in penal policymaking in the USA. Unfortunately, research on public opinion in penal policymaking has been limited by inattention to a number of important variables: definitions of public opinion, individual and interpersonal constructions of public opinion by political leaders themselves, state differences in historical contexts and political cultures regarding public engagement and political influence, and diversity in the roles of public opinion at different levels of government. This paper considers current dilemmas in this area of inquiry and reviews recent research in order to highlight potentially fruitful new directions for research.
Stem Cells and Female Reproduction

Several recent findings in stem cell biology have resulted in new opportunities for the treatment of reproductive disease. Endometrial regeneration can be driven by bone marrow derived stem cells. This finding has potential implications for the treatment of uterine disorders. It also supports a new theory for the etiology of endometriosis. The ovaries have been shown to contain stem cells that form oocytes in adults and can be cultured in vitro to develop mature oocytes. Stem cells from the fetus have been demonstrated to lead to microchimerism in the mother and implicated in several maternal diseases. Additionally the placenta may be another source of hematopoietic stem cell. Finally endometrial derived stem cells have been demonstrated to differentiate into non-reproductive tissues. While we are just beginning to understand stem cells and many key questions remain, the potential advantages of stem cells in reproductive biology and medicine are apparent.
Mechanochemical coupling in flagella: III. Effects of some uncoupling agents on properties of the flagellar ATPase☆

Abstract Sea urchin sperm flagella, after isolation and glycerination, are nonmotile, but dephosphorylate ATP at a rate which is 1 5 to 1 2 of the probable rate of ATP dephosphorylation in actively motile spermatozoa. Addition of O.3 m thiourea to the ATPase assay solutions, extraction with O.6 m KCl, and several other treatments which inhibit the motility of glycerinated spermatozoa, increase the rate of ATP dephosphorylation by 100% or more. This apparently represents an uncoupling of ATP dephosphorylation from other components of the system which generates movement. The uncoupled ATPase has a higher Km, greater specificity for Mg2+ ion activation, and other altered characteristics in addition to increased activity. Although uncoupling and extraction usually occur together, under some conditions the ATPase activity can be extracted in a less modified form, which is still activated by thiourea. Further work is required to gain complete control over the uncoupling process and understand its implications.
C$sup 12$(p,pn)C$sup 11$ CROSS SECTION FROM 3 TO 6 Bev

The ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}(p, pn){\mathrm{C}}^{11}$ cross section has been measured at proton energies of 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 Bev. The measured values are 29.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.6, 27.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.7, and 29.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.6 mb, respectively.
Nitric oxide pumps up calcium signalling.

Nitric oxide released by vascular endothelial cells in the liver potentiates calcium signalling in surrounding hepatocytes. This may represent a mechanism by which endothelial cells of the microvasculature can play an active part in coordinating the cellular function of an organ.
Public images of mental illness: A factor analytic study of causes and symptoms

Abstract While most studies of public images of mental illness have dealt with symptoms but not causes, and have largely been based upon asking the public the degree to which they agree with psychiatric definitions of mental illness, this study incorporates cultural inertia theory which states public images of mental illness reflect explanations of mental illness which have been dominant in various periods of Western Civilisation. These explanations are identified as moral, mental and psyche explanations. A battery of items are subjected to factor analysis and the resulting factors, in order of public preferences are (1) Kinship Causes, (2) Mental Causes, (3) Moral Symptoms, (4) Aggressive-Unstable Personality Symptoms, (5) Mental Symptoms, and (6) Moral Causes. The factor analysis largely confirms the hypotheses tested: classification of causes and symptoms used by the public to identify mental illness reflect moral, mental, and interpersonal explanations.
A pattern recognition approach to compare natural and synthesized speech

This paper presents some possible acoustic feature differences between natural and synthesized speech. Sentences spoken in a natural adult male voice and synthesized on VOTRAX ML-1 Speech Synthesizer were recorded in a sound proof booth. The recorded sentences were classified into voiced, unvoiced and silence regions contained in these sentences. Parameters like the zerocrossing, linear prediction coefficient and energy were used in making the classification. The results obtained indicate that the synthesized speech tends to contain more unvoicing than the natural speech. The classification accuracy was 99% in the natural speech and 85% in the synthesized speech.
Double-Layer Gadolinium Zirconate/Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coatings Deposited by the Solution Precursor Plasma Spray Process

Advanced thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with lower thermal conductivity, increased resistance to calcium-magnesium-aluminosilicate (CMAS), and improved high-temperature capability, compared to traditional yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) TBCs, are essential to higher efficiency in next generation gas turbine engines. Double-layer rare-earth zirconate/YSZ TBCs are a promising solution. From a processing perspective, solution precursor plasma spray (SPPS) process with its unique and beneficial microstructural features can be an effective approach to obtaining the double-layer microstructure. Previously durable low-thermal-conductivity YSZ TBCs with optimized layered porosity, called the inter-pass boundaries (IPBs) were produced using the SPPS process. In this study, an SPPS gadolinium zirconate (GZO) protective surface layer was successfully added. These SPPS double-layer TBCs not only retained good cyclic durability and low thermal conductivity, but also demonstrated favorable phase stability and increased surface temperature capabilities. The CMAS resistance was evaluated with both accumulative and single applications of simulated CMAS in isothermal furnaces. The double-layer YSZ/GZO exhibited dramatic improvement in the single application, but not in the continuous one. In addition, to explore their potential application in integrated gasification combined cycle environments, double-layer TBCs were tested under high-temperature humidity and encouraging performance was recorded.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LAKE MICHIGAN MACROBENTHOS1

ABSTRACIY A 1964 study of Lake Michigan benthos was conducted to compare with the results of studies made by Eggleton in 1931 and 1932. The dominant organisms, the amphipod Pontoporeiu affinis, oligochaetes, and sphaeriids, were the same in the two studies. In both cases there was a concentration of Pontopureia at approximately 40 m and indication of another at approximately 100 m. Neither our data nor Eggleton’s show significant differences in abundance of Pontuporeia or oligochaetes between May, June, and July. There were 1.5 times more Pnntoporeiu, 2.6 times more oligochaetes, and 4.3 times more sphaeriids, all significant differences, in 1964. At matched pairs of stations from the two studies, there were significantly more Pontoporeiu and oligochaetes in 1964, but this was not true for sphaeriids.
No-slip crack model for damaged bone/cement interface

Cemented hip and knee prostheses are glued to cancellous bone with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) adhesive. The PMMA fills the cavities of the porous bone leading to a rough interface. It has been postulated that flaws at the bone/PMMA interface lead to loosening of the prosthesis. Several researchers have modeled these flaws, but unfortunately they have not calculated the stress intensity factor (SIF) for all values of applied external loads. We redefine the model for the pressure acting on the crack so that this may be possible and calculate the effect on the SIF due to the rough nature of the bone/PMMA interface.
Proteolytic Activity of Some Milk-Clotting Enzymes on κ-casein

Abstract Proteolytic activity of some milk-clotting enzymes [calf rennet (chymosin), Mucor miehei rennet, and Cryphonectria parasitica rennet] on κ-casein was determined with reverse-phase HPLC. All enzymes were standardized to the same milk-clotting activity and incubated with κ-casein at 37°C for 1, 5, 15, 30, and 60min. Protein hydrolysis was stopped by addition of 10 –5 M pepstatin in 8 M urea. Chromatograms of hydrolysis products revealed that the enzymes hydrolyzed κ-casein differently. Chymosin hydrolysis was limited to formation of κ-macropeptide and para-κ-casein; the microbial rennets, particularly that from M. miehei , effected extensive nonspecific hydrolysis of both κ-casein and para-κ-casein.
Time-resolved 3D imaging of fluorescent objects in turbid media

We present a single-ended technique for three-dimensional imaging of objects embedded in a turbid medium using time-resolved fluorescence emission. The technique employs the earliest- arriving photons, which we show are not sensitive to the relatively long fluorescence lifetime and thus can be used to provide accurate spatial information even at a distance equivalent to 100 mean free paths (mfps). Experiments to combine fluorescence spectroscopy with time- resolved optical tomography are also presented. In addition, with the aid of the multichannel detection of a streak camera, we are able to accurately localize an embedded fluorescent object in a single measurement. Application of time-resolved Raman spectroscopy is also explored.
Dissociation of detection and discrimination of pure tones following bilateral lesions of auditory cortex.

It is well known that damage to the peripheral auditory system causes deficits in tone detection as well as pitch and loudness perception across a wide range of frequencies. However, the extent to which to which the auditory cortex plays a critical role in these basic aspects of spectral processing, especially with regard to speech, music, and environmental sound perception, remains unclear. Recent experiments indicate that primary auditory cortex is necessary for the normally-high perceptual acuity exhibited by humans in pure-tone frequency discrimination. The present study assessed whether the auditory cortex plays a similar role in the intensity domain and contrasted its contribution to sensory versus discriminative aspects of intensity processing. We measured intensity thresholds for pure-tone detection and pure-tone loudness discrimination in a population of healthy adults and a middle-aged man with complete or near-complete lesions of the auditory cortex bilaterally. Detection thresholds in his left and right ears were 16 and 7 dB HL, respectively, within clinically-defined normal limits. In contrast, the intensity threshold for monaural loudness discrimination at 1 kHz was 6.5±2.1 dB in the left ear and 6.5±1.9 dB in the right ear at 40 dB sensation level, well above the means of the control population (left ear: 1.6±0.22 dB; right ear: 1.7±0.19 dB). The results indicate that auditory cortex lowers just-noticeable differences for loudness discrimination by approximately 5 dB but is not necessary for tone detection in quiet. Previous human and Old-world monkey experiments employing lesion-effect, neurophysiology, and neuroimaging methods to investigate the role of auditory cortex in intensity processing are reviewed.
Social Process in the Italian Alps1

Past similarities in the outward appearance of domestic process in two adjacent villages of diverse origin in the Italian Alps resulted from shared ecological pressures, but contrasting modes of integration into the national political economy were decisive in producing differences between villages in the ways in which authority was developed and distributed within the domestic realm, and in processes of interaction between domestic groups. These contrasts have in turn influenced response to recent changes in the nature of village integration into the state, which have set domestic process moving in new directions.
New Surficial Sediment Maps of Pacific Ocean: Circum-Pacific Map Project (1:10,000,000): ABSTRACT

Surface-sediment maps, just completed, are the first depiction of sea-floor sediment distributions on a systematic and uniform scheme for the entire Pacific basin. Ten dominant sediment types are mapped, using a classification based on calcareous-biosiliceous biogenic components and conventional textural categories for nonbiogenic components (gravel/sand/silt/clay); three minor sediment types distinguish volcanic and organic-skeletal gravels/sands/silts. Primary data were from more than 4,000 Pacific Ocean cores in the Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory collection. Qualitative smear-slid analyses were done on these cores, using petrographic microscopes combined with laboratory determinations of CaCO3 for quantitative control; many additional data were taken rom unpublished smear-slide descriptions, the World Data Bank, and published information on sea-floor deposits. The maps depict unconsolidated sediments exposed on the ocean floor, presumably at the sediment-water interface, recovered by coring and do not necessarily represent Holocene material. Additional maps showing details of sediment types and the enormous data base, with an explanation of sea-floor sampling techniques and core samples of all 13 sediment types are also available for viewing. End_of_Article - Last_Page 976------------
Raloxifene increased bone mineral density in the spine and hips of postmenopausal women using long-term glucocorticoids

Source Citation Mok CC, Ying KY, To CH, et al. Raloxifene for prevention of glucocorticoid-induced bone loss: a 12-month randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011;70:7...
Beauty and Duty in Kant's Critique of Judgement

At the end of §40 of the Critique of Judgement, after a discussion of the sensus communis and its connection with taste, Kant writes:If we could assume that the mere universal communicability as such of our feeling must already carry with it an interest for us (something we are, however, not justified in inferring from the character of a merely reflective power of judgment), then we could explain how it is that we require from everyone as a duty, as it were (gleichsam), the feeling in a judgment of taste. (5: 296; 162)
Can simple population genetic models reconcile partial match frequencies observed in large forensic databases

A recent study of partial matches in the Arizona offender database of DNA profiles has revealed a large number of nine and ten locus matches. I use simple models that incorporate the product rule, population substructure, and relatedness to predict the expected number of matches in large databases. I find that there is a relatively narrow window of parameter values that can plausibly describe the Arizona results. Further research could help determine if the Arizona samples are congruent with some of the models presented here or whether fundamental assumptions for predicting these match frequencies requires adjustments.
Kℓ4 decays in light cone physics

Abstract Light-cone techniques are applied to the study of the K l4 decays. Scaling and Regge asymptotic behaviors are implemented to derive an expression for the deviation of the form factors from their chiral symmetry values. The result, in agreement with the present (rough) experimental data, is that only the form factor with a bad high-energy behavior receives sizeable correction from the light-cone.
Clinical crown length of the maxillary anterior teeth preorthodontics and postorthodontics.

Background: Prevalence information on excessive gingival display in postorthodontic patients is limited. By studying the size relationship of the clinical crowns of teeth, in an orthodontic population, we can begin to quantify their need for periodontal plastic surgery.Methods: Preorthodontic and postorthodontic crown dimensions were measured on 200 plaster models, and after 5 years, 31 of the subjects were recalled to repeat the measurements in a clinical examination. The measurements included clinical crown lengths and widths of the six anterior teeth, and these values were compared to known ideals.Results: This study revealed a significant increase in the length of the maxillary anterior crowns over the three examinations, yet these values were still ∼1.5 mm shorter than ideal. The mean crown width-to-length ratio was 87% to 88% for maxillary central incisors, clearly above the accepted “ideal.” In addition, 61% to 71% of maxillary central incisors exceeded allowable crown width-to-length ratios, and 6...
Synthesis and Characterization of Ge2Sb2Te5 Nanowires with Memory Switching Effect

Ge2Sb2Te5 nanowires (NWs) were synthesized by vaporizing GeTe, Sb, and Te precursors assisted by metal catalysts. Current−voltage measurement of the Ge2Sb2Te5 NW device displays fast and reversible switching between two distinct resistive states, which is due to the crystalline−amorphous phase transition nature of these materials
Investigation of the electron structures of 2-substituted 1,3-dioxanes by the method of modified neglect of differential overlap (MNDO)

The three-dimensional and electron structures of 2-substituted 1,3-dioxanes were investigated by the SCF MO LCAO method within the MNDO approximation. Satisfactory agreement between the calculated and experimental geometrical and energy parameters was obtained. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of 2-methyl-, 2-trichloromethyl-, 2-trifluoromethyl-, and 2,2-bis(chloromethyl)-1,3-dioxanes has A' symmetry. The results of the calculations were compared with data from electron-diffraction studies and the photoelectronic spectra.
Family Assistance and Autonomy in the Lives of Rural Elders

This research seeks to better understand how rural elders receive assistance from family members while still maintaining a sense of autonomy. In-depth interviews with rural elders explored both assistance and autonomy. Results indicate that rural elders are able to receive assistance from family members while maintaining autonomy through a range of strategies, including purposefully giving over control to others when needed and relinquishing control before it is taken away. Lessons learned here guide formal service providers to permit elders to direct their own care planning and implementation, thereby allowing them to maintain a level of autonomy.
Mutagenesis by O6-[4-Oxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butyl]guanine in Escherichia coli and Human Cells

Site-specific mutagenesis by O6-[4-oxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butyl]guanine (O6-pobGua), a product of DNA pyridyloxobutylation by metabolites of the tobacco-specific nitrosamines N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), was studied in Escherichia coli strain DH10B and human kidney cells (293) when the modified base was incorporated in either a double-stranded or a gapped shuttle vector. In the repair-competent E. coli strain, less than 3% of the colonies produced by double-stranded vectors harboring the modified base were mutant whereas 96% were mutant when DH10B cells were transformed with modified gapped vectors. By contrast, transformation of DH10B cells with plasmids derived from O6-pobGua-containing double-stranded and gapped vectors previously replicated in 293 cells produced 7 and 16% mutant colonies, respectively. These percentages increased to 42 and 82%, respectively, when the 293 cells were pretreated with O6-benzylguanine to inactivate the O6-alkylguanine−DNA ...
Flow dichroism of DNA: A new apparatus and further studies

A new apparatus for the study of flow dichroism of macromolecules is described. The flow is down a long, narrow channel and an unpolarized light beam propagates along the flow direction. For a molecule such as DNA, in which the transition moments of the chromophores are perpendicular to the axis of orientation, an increase of absorbance is observed during flow. The apparatus is best suited for macromolecules which are readily orientable or at high shear gradients so that the extinction angle is close to 0°. The apparatus has the following advantages: dilute macromolecule solutions can be used; high shear gradients are easily obtained; only small volumes of solution are needed. The flow can be stopped rapidly so that relaxation times for disorientation can be studied. The flow dichorism of native, two-stranded DNA has been measured for the molecular weight range of 0.6 × 106 to 125 × 106, and for the shear gradient range (in aqueous solution at 25°C) from 200 sec−1 to 21000 sec−1. At a fixed gradient the dichroism increases with molecular weight, but the curve is concave downwards. At a given molecular weight the dichroism increases with increasing shear gradient, but the curve is concave downwards. When the solvent viscosity and temperature are varied, the dichroism is a function of η〈G〉/T showing that the orientation is due to hydro-dynamic shear stress and that the flexibility of DNA in a flow field is not due to local denaturation. The Zimm-Rouse theory with no parameters taken from flow optical data predicts the correct order of magnitude of the dichroism but the experimentally observed shear gradient and molecular weight dependence do not fit the theory. This is an expected result, since the theory is believed to be applicable only at small distortions and extensions of the macromolecule.
Unilateral Black Hairy Tongue in Trigeminal Neuralgia

Unilateral hairlike discoloration of the tongue is described in a patient with ipsilateral mandibular division trigeminal neuralgia. This unusual physical sign coincided with the patient's painful trigger zone and was attributed to hypertrophy of keratinized filiform papillae, where guarded avoidance of mechanical stimulation over time prevented normal desquamation.
Treatment of Hypertension to Prevent Stroke: Translating Evidence into Clinical Practice

Although programs such as the National High Blood Pressure Education Project emphasize that all patients with hypertension should be treated, it is perhaps natural for physicians to question the usefulness of aggressively treating those patients who have modestly elevated blood pressure levels but are otherwise healthy, asymptomatic individuals. Using the example of stroke, this review summarizes the clinical trial data demonstrating the efficacy of antihypertensive therapy in patients with severe and nonsevere forms of hypertension. Suggestions are made that will help practitioners to apply results from the published literature in clinical practice. The evidence suggests that treating patients with nonsevere hypertension would prevent a larger proportion of the population-wide burden of stroke than treating only those with more severe hypertension. Helping physicians to understand and apply this evidence will bring us closer to the goal of population-wide treatment and control of high blood pressure.