cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anoxic pyrite oxidation by water radiolysis products — A potential source of biosustaining energy

Abstract Radiolysis on rocky planetary bodies provides chemical species across redox gradients that can supply energy for microbial life in subsurface environments. We investigated the oxidation of pyrite to aqueous sulfate (SO42−) by water γ-radiolysis products with concomitant production of molecular hydrogen (H2). The production of H2, the only gaseous product recovered at the end of pyrite–water irradiation experiments, was found to be dependent on pyrite/water ratios. The yield of radiolytically-produced SO42− correlated with the total irradiation dose. The effectiveness of γ-radiation in oxidative dissolution of pyrite is determined by (1) redox reactions between radiolytically-produced oxidants and pyrite, and (2) the interaction between γ-radiation and pyrite's crystalline structure. Radiolytic oxidation of reduced sulfur occurs with the oxidants HO● (hydroxyl radical) and Fe3+ (ferric iron) involving two different pathways. The radiolytic production of these two chemical oxidants is self-sustaining in the presence of water and Fe2+ in the system. Radiolytic oxidation can produce significant sulfur isotope effects by preferentially bringing 34S into solution as sulfate and leaving a 32S-enriched elemental sulfur layer on the pyrite surface. Experimental abiotic fractionations of sulfur isotopes between original pyrite and its sulfur oxidation products are significant and indicate that isotopically distinct sulfate is being produced during oxidation. Based on measured radiolysis constants for pyrite and radiation dose estimates for continental crust, we show that radiolysis of water coupled to oxidation of metallic sulfides could be a significant source of sulfate in many geological environments. Implications of this work are broad, impacting our assessment of the potential for life to exist in subsurface environments on Earth as well as in extraterrestrial environments.
Penetration and enzymatic barriers to peptide and protein absorption

Abstract The recent rise to prominence of therapeutic peptides and proteins as potential drugs of the future, coupled with their oral ineffectiveness due to proteolytic destruction, has focused attention on non-oral routes for routine drug administration. Although there was early optimism about these routes, the bioavailability of peptides and proteins from the non-oral mucosal routes is, in reality, poor when compared with the parenteral route, because of the formidable penetration and enzymatic barriers to mucosal peptide and protein absorption. The purpose of this review is twofold: (1) to describe the nature and magnitude of the penetration and enzymatic barriers to peptide and protein drug absorption, and (2) to review critically the effectiveness and limitations of the approaches that have been used to overcome such barriers.
Role of Physical Countermaneuvers in the Management of Orthostatic Hypotension: Efficacy and Biofeedback Augmentation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of various physical countermaneuvers in reducing orthostatic hypotension and its associated symptoms and to assess the efficacy of biofeedback training in enhancing the effectiveness of physical countermaneuvers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In nine study subjects with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, four training sessions on physical countermaneuvers were performed after tilt-up, three with visual feedback on the effect of physical countermaneuvers on blood pressure and other cardiovascular variables. Blood pressure change and orthostatic symptoms during tilt-up were determined, as were the changes in total peripheral resistance, stroke index, and heart rate. RESULTS: The five female and four male patients had a mean age of 53 years and a mean duration of symptoms of 4.2 years. On an orthostatic symptom scale of 0 to 10, these patients had a mean symptom score of 7.3. The increment in systolic blood pressure was better for some maneuvers (such as leg crossing and a combination) than others (such as neck flexion and abdominal contraction). Three patterns of responses to biofeedback were found. Simple maneuvers such as squatting did not improve with training; visual feedback was needed for maneuvers such as thigh contraction, and performance declined without biofeedback; the third pattern, seen in maneuvers such as leg crossing, showed continued improvement with training, even without biofeedback. A survey at 3 to 4 months after training revealed continued use of physical maneuvers (3.8 +/- 3.1 per day), increased standing time with each episode of presyncopal symptoms (8.3 +/- 5.8 minutes), and continued global symptomatic improvement. Total peripheral resistance, but not heart rate or stroke index, showed significant regression with blood pressure improvement. CONCLUSION: Physical countermaneuvers are efficacious in reducing orthostatic hypotension, can be augmented by use of biofeedback, and may significantly improve the functional outcome. The major mechanism of improvement is an increase in total peripheral resistance, presumably by reducing the vascular capacitance.
Ligand-exchange chromatography of nucleotides, nucleosides, and nucleic acid bases

Abstract Ligand-exchange chromatography, with a copper-loaded chelating resin (Chelex 100), is a useful technique for the rapid separation of nucleic acid components. Nucleotides are not retained on the column and are eluted with water. Weakly basic nucleosides and bases are only weakly retained and can be resolved by elution with water. More basic nucleosides can be separated by elution with 1 N NH4OH. Nucleic acid bases are more strongly retained but can be eluted and separated with 2.5 N NH4OH.
Olivo-cochlear inhibition during physostigmine-induced activity in the pontine reticular formation in the decerebrate cat.

Abstract The physiological role of the olivo-cochlear pathway has been questioned recently because this pathway has never been shown to be operative under natural conditions. In this study, cochlear potentials were recorded differentially between a wire electrode placed on the round window and an indifferent electrode attached to the nuchal muscles in decerebrate, decerebellate cats. Physostigmine was used to induce bout of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. REM bouts were verified by recording burst activity in the brain stem pontine reticular formation and the inhibition of lumbar monosynaptic reflexes. Intravenous physostigmine increased the inhibition of N1 caused by direct electrical stimulation of the crossed olivo-cochlear bundle in the absence of REM. Olivo-cochlear system inhibition was also recruited during physostigmine-induced REM sleep. It is concluded that the brain stem reticular formation can activate the olivo-cochlear bundle and can thereby produce inhibition in the cochlea.
Comparative study of characteristics, attitudes and opinions of neophyte British and American nurses

Resume Cette etude comparative de 106 infirmieres neophytes, dont 79 americaines et 27 britanniques, fait appel a des questionnaires et a des techniques d'interview pour evaluer les similitudes et les differences dans l'attitude et les caracteristiques demographiques d'infirmieres nouvellement diplomees. Un schema chronologique est employe afin d'obtenir des donnees peu avant la reception du grade et trois a quatre mois apres le debut d'emploi. Les resultats revelent des traits communs concernant la pratique, les problemes et les ideaux, depassant les limites culturelles et geographiques. Aussi bien les filles anglaises qu'americaines se dirigent vers la carriere d'infirmiere pour des raisons altruistes et romantiques, elles y restent parce qu'elles aiment se preoccuper des gens; elles acceptent l'inevitable des heures irregulieres; elles detestent les reglements, les regles et les occupations serviles et elles ont des idees bien determinees concernant la facon dont elles desireraient que les choses soient changees. Les caracteristiques demographiques des deux populations sont similaires, y compris un desir commun d'education superieure. Le role d'infirmiere est tres important pour les deux groupes. Dans les deux echantillons, on a constate une velleite d'identifier des collegues du personnel infirmier comme modeles de role apres trois ou quatre mois d'emploi. Bien que les infirmieres differaient quant aux caracteristiques fondamentales de leur infirmiere ideale l'orientation vers “le travail avec d'autres” et “la manipulation parfaite dans des situations d'urgence” fut apparent dans les deux groupes d'infirmieres apres l'engagement. Des differences majeures sont notees dans le type de la carriere debutante, les objectifs futures, la loyayte envers l'ecole locale, les modeles de role et les caracteristiques principales de modeles de role. Sans prejudice du systeme de distribution des soins aux patients—c'est-a-dire, travail en equipe avec des infirmieres aussi bien auxiliaires que professionnelles, comme c'est le cas en Amerique, ou travail fonctionnel avec pratiquement tous les soins distribues par des etrudiantes comme c'est d'usage en Angleterre—le grief majeur est l'existence de regles et reglements “mesquins ou excessifs”. Les infirmieres sont presque toutes d'accord que de telles regles etouffent l'initiative individuelle et le jugement et genent les soins apportes aux malades.
SEXUAL REPRODUCTIO IN CODIUM FRAGILE SSP. TOMENTOSOIDES (CHLOROPHYCEAE) FROM THE NORTHEAST COAST OF NORTH AMERICA1

Male and female gametes were formed within the same gametangiurn on reproductive plants of Codium fragile (Sur.) Hariot ssp. tomentosoides (Van Goor) Silva growing off Appledore Island in the Gulf of Maine, USA. The female gametes were approximately twice the diameter of male gametes and outnumbered male gametes in the same gametangium by approximately six times. Fusion appears to require gametes from different gametangia if not different plants.
Enzymic acylation of mucus glycoprotein with palmitic acid in rat submandibular salivary gland

Abstract The enzymic activity which catalyses transfer of palmitic acid from palmitoyl coenzyme A to mucus glycoprotein was found in Triton X -100 extracts of the microsomal fraction of rat submandibular and sublingual salivary glands. The acyltransferase activity of this fraction was 1.3–1.4 times greater in submandibular gland than in sublingual gland. Further subcellular fractionation of submandibular gland showed that the enzyme activity was associated with a Golgi-rich membrane fraction. Optimum enyzme activity for fatty acylation of mucus glycoprotein was at pH 7.4 using 0.5 per cent Triton X-100, 2mM dithiothreitol 25 mM NaF and 10 mM MgCl 2 ; higher concentrations were inhibitory. The apparent K m of the submandibular microsomal enzyme for mucus glycoproein was 5.9 × 10 −7 M, and for palmitoyl-CoA, 3.3 × 10 −5 M. The 14 C-labelled glycoprotein product of the reaction co-migrated on CsCl equilibrium, density-gradient centrifugation with submandibular mucus glycoprotein, and contained ester-bound palmitic acid. The fatty acyltransferase showed no activity with proteolytically-degraded glycoprotein; the acceptor capacity of reduced and S-carboxymethylated glycoprotein was only about 10 per cent lower than that of the intact mucus glycoprotein. This suggests that the acylation of salivary mucus glycoprotein with fatty acids occurs at its non-glycosylated, proteolysis-susceptible regions, and that the majority of these fatty acids are linked to the glycoprotein through hydroxyl esters.
Increasing Compliance in Students With Intellectual Disabilities Using Functional Behavioral Assessment and Self-Monitoring

Noncompliance in three elementary age students with intellectual disabilities was assessed using functional behavioral assessments. Escape was identified as the primary function of the behavior in all three students, and access to tangible items was identified in one of the students as a secondary function. Teacher-monitoring and self-monitoring interventions were implemented within a multiple baseline design across three students to increase compliance. Results demonstrated that the intervention was effective and that all three students increased compliance during teacher-monitoring and self-monitoring conditions. These results are discussed in terms of recent research on function-based self-monitoring interventions.
Transcutaneous cricolaryngeal illumination as an adjunct during orotracheal intubation.

Abstract Transcutaneous cricolaryngeal illumination is an adjunct visualization technique that is useful during orotracheal intubation. A pilot study demonstrated that light from an external high-intensity coollight source applied to the anterior neck, over the cricothyroid membrane, resulted in transillumination of the glottis in 70% of patients and provided enhanced laryngoscopic visualization of anatomic structures during oral endotracheal tube placement.
Delayed Onset Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Babesiosis

Reported herein is a second case of a patient who developed adult respiratory distress syndrome secondary to babesiosis. The features of acute lung injury after babesiosis will be described.
Photocaged pendent thiol polymer brush surfaces for postpolymerization modifications via thiol‐click chemistry

In this work, a postpolymerization surface modification approach is reported that provides pendent thiol functionality along the polymer brush backbone using the photolabile protection chemistry of both o-nitrobenzyl and p-methoxyphenacyl thioethers. Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) brushes were synthesized via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization, after which the pHEMA hydroxyl groups were esterified with 3-(2-nitrobenzylthio)propanoic acid or 3-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethylthio)propanoic acid to provide the photolabile protected pendent thiols. Addressing the protecting groups with light not only affords spatial control of reactive thiol functionality but enables a plethora of thiol-mediated transformations with isocyanates and maleimides providing a modular route to create functional polymer surfaces. This concept was extended to block copolymer brush architectures enabling the modification of the chemical functionality of both the inner and outer blocks of the block copolymer surface. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Medical Home Model and management of chronic disease using Electronic Medical Records

A Patient-Centred Medical Home Model has been implemented at Group Health Cooperative. The implementation includes integrated Electronic Medical Records, a team approach to primary care, and an emphasis on accessibility, chronic disease management, and patient education. The result has been decreased medical costs, improved patient satisfaction, increased clinician retention, and decreased emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
Interpretation of p − p Dibaryon Resonances at 2140, 2260, and 2430 MeV

Recent elastic $p\ensuremath{-}p$ ${C}_{\mathrm{LL}}$ measurements and other $p\ensuremath{-}p$ data indicate the existence of $^{1}D_{2}$, $^{3}F_{3}$, and $^{1}G_{4}$ resonances at energies of about 2140, 2260, and 2430 MeV, respectively. These resonances accurately correspond to nuclear-physics-type rotational levels of a virtual $\mathrm{pp}\ensuremath{\pi}(2020)$ bound state.
Point-of-care testing: Implementation and practice of cost-effective total quality management

In the United States of America, point-of-care testing (POCT) generally is defined as laboratory testing performed at or near the patient. The objective is to have results immediately available to clinicians for timely medical intervention. The widespread use of POCT is, in part, a response to advances in technology and increased patient acuity. Theoretically, in the context of the entire health care system, POCT improves "quality" by promoting cost through quicker diagnosis and treatment, which in turn leads to faster recovery, reduced length of stay, more efficient clinicians, and overall better utilization of resources. Total quality management (TQM) generally is associated with improving processes and, therefore in this context, improving patient outcomes. The TQM philosophy focuses on creating products or services, which meet or exceed customer expectations. The successful implementation of POCT in a manner consistent with TQM principles requires assessment of direct, measurable benefits including cost-effectiveness to the health care system.
A prior1 estimates in hyperbolic systems of conservation laws via generalized characteristics

Using the theory of generalized characteristics, we establish a prion' estimates on the variation of countably regular BV solutions to strictlyhyperbolic, genuinely nonlinear systems of two conservation laws without appealing to any particular approximating scheme. The derived estimates are similar to those obtained by Glimm and Lax for solutions constructed by the random choice method.
Does the basic color terms discussion su er from the stimulus error

This commentary raises the possibility of recent discussion on the issue of basic color terms suffering from the "stimulus error," first described by the English psychologist E. B. Titchener. It refers to confusion of the psychological experience with the physical description of the stimulus. Such confusion is routine in everyday language in situations where private sensory experiences are involved that cannot be objectively described, but is harmful in fundamental discussions about experiences.
Cotton fabric graft copolymerization using microwave plasma. II. Physical properties

Microwave plasma treatments were applied to lightweight cotton fabric with oxygen, nitrogen, and argon at various microwave power levels and exposure times. The results showed significant effects from the type of plasma, microwave power, and treatment time on the fabric weight loss. Oxygen plasma treatment generates higher weight loss than argon plasma and nitrogen plasma. The breaking strength of the treated fabric was affected mainly by longer exposure time to the plasma. The active centers created within the cellulose macromolecules were used to initiate copolymerization reactions with the vinyl laurate monomer [CH3(CH2)10COOCHCH2]. The grafted cotton fabric showed excellent water repellency properties. Repeated home laundering of the treated cotton fabrics revealed no significant effect on the water contact angle or on the quantity of grafted vinyl laurate monomer as determined by universal attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform IR, demonstrating the good durability of the treatment that was applied. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 896–902, 2005
Use of total abdominal hysterectomy and hormone replacement therapy in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers undergoing risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy.

Introduction Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) reduces the risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer in BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 (BRCA1/2) mutation carriers. The short-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after RRSO may relieve menopausal symptoms and does not appear to affect the breast cancer risk reduction gained by RRSO. Multiple factors may influence decisions regarding whether or not total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) is done at the time of RRSO, whether HRT is elected after surgery, and if so, which type of HRT is selected. Our investigation has been to examine factors associated with TAH and HRT use and to determine if the choice of TAH at the time of RRSO and the type of HRT that was chosen has changed since the report of data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) in 2002, which showed that the relative risk for breast cancer is higher in subjects who used combined estrogen–progestin HRT compared with those who used estrogen alone. Methods We identified 73 female BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who were known to have undergone RRSO between 1/1972 and 11/2005 who had no history of breast or ovarian cancer at the time of the surgery. Information regarding whether or not TAH was done in addition to RRSO, the type of HRT, and the subsequent diagnosis of breast cancer was collected. Results Of 73 unaffected BRCA1/2 carriers known to have had RRSO, 40 (40/73, 55%) also underwent TAH. Thirty-three of 73 (33/73, 45%) began HRT following RRSO. Of 33 HRT users, 17 (17/33, 52%) used estrogen only and 14 (14/33, 42%) used combined hormonal therapy. There was no difference in use of HRT in women with TAH (17/40, 43%) vs. those without (16/33, 48%) (P = 0.6). There was no difference in the proportion of women who underwent TAH before and after the WHI report in 2002. Use of HRT, most notably combined estrogen–progestin HRT, appears to have declined since 2002, although this result did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion In this single institution study, the majority of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers undergoing RRSO also underwent TAH, and a substantial number took HRT. TAH did not increase the likelihood of taking HRT compared to RRSO alone.
Magnetically Targeted Endothelial Cell Localization in Stented Vessels

OBJECTIVES A novel method to magnetically localize endothelial cells at the site of a stented vessel wall was developed. The application of this strategy in a large animal model is described. BACKGROUND Local delivery of blood-derived endothelial cells has been shown to facilitate vascular healing in animal models. Therapeutic utilization has been limited by an inability to retain cells in the presence of blood flow. We hypothesized that a magnetized stent would facilitate local retention of superparamagnetically labeled cells. METHODS Cultured porcine endothelial cells were labeled with endocytosed superparamagnetic iron oxide microspheres. A 500:1 microsphere-to-cell ratio was selected for in vivo experiments based on bromo-deoxyuridine incorporation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling assays. Stents were magnetized and implanted in porcine coronary and femoral arteries using standard interventional equipment. Labeled endothelial cells were delivered locally during transient occlusion of blood flow. RESULTS The delivered cells were found attached to the stent struts and were also distributed within the adjacent denuded vessel wall at 24 h. CONCLUSIONS Magnetic forces can be used to rapidly place endothelial cells at the site of a magnetized intravascular stent. The delivered cells are retained in the presence of blood flow and also spread to the adjacent injured vessel wall. Potential applications include delivering a cell-based therapeutic effect to the local vessel wall as well as downstream tissue.
Combined endoscopic pancreatic fluid collection and retrograde pancreatography in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis.

By endoscopic cannulation of the main pancreatic duct, the authors evaluated analysis of pancreatic fluid aspirates and pancreatography in 22 patients with chronic pancreatitis, 8 patients with pancreatic carcinoma, and 18 subjects without pancreatic disease. An important determination was the CEA content of pancreatic fluid. This combined endoscopic approach gives promise of reliably distinguishing between inflammatory and neoplastic disease in the pancreas and also yielding a diagnosis of relatively early pancreatic carcinoma.
Analysis of Coupling Between Axial and Torsional Vibration in a Compliant Model of a Drillstring Equipped With a PDC Bit

In this paper, we discuss results of rock drilling tests at Sandia National Laboratories’ Hard Rock Drilling Facility (HRDF). The HRDF incorporates a drillstring with axial and torsional compliance and is equipped with a coring bit having PDC (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) cutters. We measure and analyze chatter and show evidence of stick-slip as well as coupling between axial and torsional vibrations. We show the coupling signature in axial vibration data in the form of side bands indicating frequency modulation at the torsional natural frequency. The influence of operating conditions on the bit response is shown.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Some findings relevant to the hypothesis that topological spatial features are differentiated prior to Euclidean features during growth.

The Piaget & Inhelder hypothesis that topological spatial features are differentiated prior to Euclidean features ontogenetically was tested with samples of children between 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 years. On a comparative similarity task, subjects indicated which of two comparison figures differing in topological and Euclidean features looked ‘most like’ a standard figure possessing some features in common with either comparison. At all ages, the majority of similarity judgements were in terms of Euclidean features. This was especially true for the more highly familiar figures. In general, the findings do not support the Piaget & Inhelder hypothesis, but some trends in the data are consistent with a modified form of their hypothesis.
Influence of body mass index on skin grafting in pediatric burns

Abstract Background There is heterogeneous literature on the association of obese and underweight body habitus on burn outcomes in adult and pediatric literature. We examine the effect of standardized pediatric body mass index (BMI) categories skin graft utilisation. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on children who underwent burn treatment from January 1995 to November 2011. BMI was categorized by standard definitions: underweight ( 95%). Results There were 1164 patients: 77 underweight, 604 normal, 215 overweight, and 268 obese patients. No differences existed between group demographics. Grafts were performed in 39% of underweight, 27% of normal, 22% of overweight, and 27% of obese patients. Underweight children had nearly a 2 fold increase in their risk of full thickness burns and were 1.8 times more likely to undergo skin grafting than normal BMI children. Overweight children had a significant decrease in the incidence skin grafting by 23% then compared to normal weight children. There were no differences in percent TBSA burned or percent TBSA grafted using ANOVA. Conclusions Underweight pediatric burn victims have an increased risk for skin grafting while mildly overweight children are slightly protected from skin grafting.
Evolution of the Defense Satellite Communications System

Concepts for the next generation of the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) are out-lined. The approach is to improve the 7/8 GHz capability rather than evolve directly to extremely high frequency (EHF) (either 30/20 or 44/20 GHz). This approach eases transition problems, extends the useful life of the super high frequency (SHF) ground segment, and simultaneously improves system endurance and connectivity. The basic approach is to introduce dual polarization and extend frequency coverage of military terminals to the commercial Ku band.
Deficiency of functional messenger RNA for a developmentally regulated beta-crystallin polypeptide in a hereditary cataract

The messenger RNA for a beta-crystallin polypeptide with a molecular size of 27 kilodaltons, first detected 5 to 10 days after birth in the normal mouse lens and the Nakano mouse cataract, was not detected in the Philly mouse cataract with translation in vitro. The heterozygous Philly lens had intermediate levels of the 27-kilodalton beta-crystallin polypeptide and exhibited delayed onset of the cataract. The deficiency of functional 27-kilodalton beta-crystallin messenger RNA is the earliest lesion reported yet for the Philly lens and points to a transcriptional or posttranscriptional developmental defect in this hereditary cataract.
Understanding Behavior of System of Systems Through Computational Intelligence Techniques

The world is facing an increasing level of systems integration leading towards systems of systems (SoS) that adapt to changing environmental conditions. The number of connections between components, the diversity of the components and the way the components are organized can lead to different emergent system behavior. Therefore, the need to focus on overall system behavior is becoming an unavoidable issue. The problem is to develop methodologies appropriate for better understanding behavior of system of systems before the design and implementation phase. This paper focuses on computational intelligence techniques used for analysis of complex adaptive systems with the aim of identifying areas that need methodology customization for SoS analysis.
Material limitations to 193-nm lithographic system lifetimes

Several experiments are reported to better predict the 193-nm radiation-induced compaction rates of fused silica at lithographic intensities. Birefringence monitoring is capable of measuring the compaction-induced birefringence distribution from modest total fluences. For example, 6 hours at 350Hz with a per pulse energy density of only 1.1mJ/cm2 produces a relative compaction of about 38 ppB and corresponding relative refractive index change of 11 ppB which is easily measured. Moreover, this value of compaction is more than would be predicted by extrapolation from past higher fluence experiments. Compaction follows a non- linear dependence on pulse count. Compaction rates drop with continuing irradiation but do not saturate in the 1-10 ppm compaction range. The dependence of compaction on intensity is found to accurately follow an intensity squared rule that is all data over a wide range of pulse energy densities can be plotted via a single curve. Using this result, one can now scale higher energy density tests to predict damage rates of materials at lower fluences. Although compaction rates can vary by a factor of three over all sample types, we find less than 25 percent variation in compaction rate among UV grade samples.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Biomimetic FAA-certifiable, artificial muscle structures for commercial aircraft wings

This paper is centered on a new form of adaptive material which functions much in the same way as skeletal muscle tissue, is structurally modeled on plant actuator cells and capable of rapidly expanding or shrinking by as much as an order of magnitude in prescribed directions. Rapid changes of plant cell shape and sizes are often initiated via ion-transport driven fluid migration and resulting turgor pressure variation. Certain plant cellular structures like those in Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant), Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa tree), or Dionaea muscipula (Venus Flytrap) all exhibit actuation physiology which employs such turgor pressure manipulation. The paper begins with dynamic micrographs of a sectioned basal articulation joint from A. julibrissin. These figures show large cellular dimensional changes as the structure undergoes foliage articulation. By mimicking such structures in aircraft flight control mechanisms, extremely lightweight pneumatic control surface actuators can be designed. This paper shows several fundamental layouts of such surfaces with actuator elements made exclusively from FAA-certifiable materials, summarizes their structural mechanics and shows actuator power and energy densities that are higher than nearly all classes of conventional adaptive materials available today. A sample flap structure is shown to possess the ability to change its shape and structural stiffness as its cell pressures are manipulated, which in turn changes the surface lift-curve slope when exposed to airflows. Because the structural stiffness can be altered, it is also shown that the commanded section lift-curve slope can be similarly controlled between 1.2 and 6.2 rad−1. Several aircraft weight reduction principles are also shown to come into play as the need to concentrate loads to pass through point actuators is eliminated. The paper concludes with a summary of interrelated performance and airframe-level improvements including enhanced gust rejection, load alleviation, ride quality, fatigue life and flight safety.
Origin and evolution of the radio emission from immediate postoutburst supernovae

Several models for the radio emission from immediate postoutburst supernovae are examined under the assumption that the expanding remnant consists of a homogeneously mixed distribution of relativistic particles, magnetic field, and thermal plasma. The evolutionary models are: (1) an adiabatic expansion model; (2) a model incorporating the existence of a central pulsar; and (3) variations on the first two models in which relativistic electrons are accelerated either instantaneously or over an extended period of time and in which ionization, bremsstrahlung, synchrotron, Compton, and expansion losses are explicitly included. The character of the radio emission expected from these models is quite dissimilar. Whereas in adiabatic expansion models the emission is expected to increase slowly and become most intense at high frequencies, in models involving a central pulsar the emission should increase rapidly with a maximum flux density that is the same at all frequencies. The theoretical evolution of the radio emission for each model is compared with observations of SN 1970g.
Detection of methane and quantification of methanogenic archaea in faeces from young broiler chickens using real-time PCR

Aims: To detect the presence of methanogens in the faeces of broiler chicks during the first 2 weeks of age. Methods and Results: Chicken faecal samples from 120 broiler chicks were incubated for methane gas formation and methanogenic archaea were analysed using real-time PCR. The copy number of the order Methanobacteriales 16S rDNA gene in chicken faeces when the broilers were 3–12 days of age, litter and house flies collected in the bird house ranged from 4·19 to 5·51 log10 g−1 wet weight. The number of positive methane culture tubes increased from 25% to 100% as the birds aged. Conclusions: Methanogens were successfully detected in faecal samples from 3- to 12-day-old broilers, as well as litter and house flies using real-time PCR. The copy number of methanogenic 16S rDNA gene in these samples was also similar to the number observed in litter and house flies. Significance and Impact of the Study: The same methanogens consistently appeared in chicken faeces a few days after birth. Detection of the methanogenic bacteria in litter and house flies implicated them as potential environmental sources for methanogen colonization in broiler chicks.
Nitrogen fertility effects on Bt δ-endotoxin and nitrogen concentrations of maize during early growth

Nitrogen deficiencies interfere with protein synthesis and growth in general in maize (Zea mays L.). Transgenic maize hybrids with the Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) gene produce proteins that are solubilized and become insecticidal in the highly alkaline midgut of certain lepidopteran insects. The effect N fertility has on Bt δ-endotoxin and how whole-plant N concentrations relate to Bt 8-endotoxin levels has yet to be documented in early-growth maize. Two Bt maize hybrids ('Pioneer 33V08' 1 with Bt event MON-810 and 'Dekalb 626Bty' 1 with Bt event DBT 418) were grown in pots in duplicate greenhouse experiments with N fertility rates of 0, 112, 224, and 336 kg ha -1 N as NH 4 NO 3 . Fertilizer was blended into a potting mixture of a 2:1:1 ratio of peat moss/sand/soil at planting. Plants were harvested at growth stage V5 and assayed for Bt 8-endotoxin using a commercial quantification plate kit. Whole-plant N concentrations were determined by semimicro-Kjeldahl. Whole-plant N concentrations were 25.8, 33.1, 35.1, and 37.7 mg g -1 , and Bt 8-endotoxin concentrations were 350, 367, 486, and 534 μg kg -1 at N fertility levels of 0, 112, 224, and 336 kg ha -1 , respectively. Increased available N likely increases Bt δ-endotoxin-synthesizing proteins and thus increases the Bt δ-endotoxin concentration. The response of the two Bt hybrids to increased N fertility was similar. Adequate levels of N fertility during early growth appear essential for Bt 8-endotoxin production by the plant and may affect the ability of maize plants to resist insect predation.
Public Service Motivation: A Cross-Country Study

This article addresses the relevance of public sector motivation (PSM) among unemployed workers. Despite the growing research interest among many public management and human resource management (HRM) scholars in employment choice, efforts to understand the “working minds” and motivational factors among the unemployed in their pursuit of a future career choice have been almost non-existent in HR scholarship in the public sector, which is critical considering the growing number of unemployed workers both domestically and internationally. Using data from the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) on Work Orientation modules in 1997 and 2005, this article examines the effects of public service motivation and rewards-based motivation on career decisions among the unemployed in seven countries. Findings indicate that while PSM and extrinsic rewards are positive and significant predictors of choosing to work in the public sector, intrinsic rewards were shown to be in a reversed relationship. Results also ind...
Host-plant selection, diet diversity, and optimal foraging in a tropical leafcutting ant

A month-long study was conducted on the comparative foraging behavior of 20 colonies of the leafcutting ant, Atta cephalotes L. in Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica. The study was conducted during the middle of the wet season, when trees had mature foliage and the ants were maximally selective among species of potential host plants. The colonies always gathered leaves from more than a single tree species but on average one species constituted almost half the diet with the remaining species being of geometrically decreasing importance. Colonies exhibited greater diversity in their choice of leaves and lower constancy of foraging when the average quality of resource trees was lower, as predicted by elementary optimal foraging theory. Furthermore, the ants were more selective of the species they attacked at greater distances from the nest. However, the ants sometimes did not attack apparently palatable species, and often did not attack nearby individuals of species they were exploiting at greater distances.
Lasers with distributed loss have a sublinear output power characteristic

It is a generally accepted fact of laser physics that in a homogeneously broadened gain medium, above threshold the output power of the laser grows linearly with the pump power. The derivation requires only a few simple lines in laser textbooks, and the linear growth is a direct result of the fact that above threshold, the intracavity optical intensity will increase to the point that the gain is saturated to the level of the net loss—so-called gain pinning or clamping. Such a derivation, however, assumes that the mirror loss is distributed (the approximation of uniform gain saturation) which is only a good assumption for cavities whose end mirrors have reflectivities close to one. Furthermore, in gain media with a distributed loss there is a maximum achievable intracavity intensity that in turn limits the output power. We show that the approximation of uniform gain saturation leads to output powers that violate this limit. More generally, for lasers with low mirror reflectivities that also have distributed loss, we prove that the output power grows sublinearly with the pump power close to threshold. Furthermore, after threshold the output grows linearly, but with a slope efficiency that can be substantially smaller than predicted by the uniform gain saturation theory, with the largest deviation occurring for traveling-wave lasers and asymmetric Fabry–Perot lasers. These results are particularly applicable to semiconductor lasers, and specific applications to quantum cascade lasers are discussed.
Near-infrared laser diodes in monitoring applications

Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy has proven to be a valuable analytical tool for environmental and process monitoring. Several publications have addressed different spectroscopic applications related to process monitoring. Since most chemicals absorb in the UVIVis part of the spectrum, the majority of laser applications utilize this shorter wavelength region. Nevertheless, the utilization of the longer wavelength part of the electromagnetic spectrum may be advantageous due to its relatively low interference. The environmental and process monitoring applications of this spectral region may be especially advantageous if semiconductor lasers are utilized as light sources. Laser diodes have all the properties of other types of lasers with the added benefits of compactness, low power consumption, low cost and long lifetime. However, to utilize this spectral region for environmental or process monitoring applications, appropriate near-infrared (NIR) absorbing probe molecules need to be employed. These probes may be used to determine analytical properties important for environmental or process monitoring applications, e.g., pH, oxygen concentration, metal ion determinations, solvent hydrophobicity, just to mention a few. These NIR probes may be incorporated into polymers to form a stable probe arrangement for convenient monitoring using semiconductor lasers. The utility can be further enhanced using fiber optics. In this paper the use of MR absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy for monitoring applications will be demonstrated.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Methodological Orientations and Management Theory: An Analysis of Academic Opinion

In view of the contemporary emphasis on specific research techniques, it is interesting to note how little attention has been directed toward the more general problem of methodology in management t...
Gender Differences in the Relationship of Internalizing and Externalizing Psychopathology to Alcohol Dependence: Likelihood, Expression and Course

Objective To determine whether internalizing and externalizing psychopathology were differentially associated with alcohol dependence in men and women.
Landauer formula for the current through an interacting electron region.

A Landauer formula for the current through a region of interacting electrons is derived using the nonequilibrium Keldysh formalism. The case of proportionate coupling to the left and right leads, where the formula takes an especially simple form, is studied in more detail. Two particular examples where interactions give rise to novel effects in the current are discussed: In the Kondo regime, an enhanced conductance is predicted, while a suppressed conductance is predicted for tunneling through a quantum dot in the fractional quantum Hall regime.
Prevalence of Syncope in a Population Aged More Than 45 Years

Abstract Purpose Our current understanding of the prevalence of syncope is based on a few small studies of highly selected populations. We sought to estimate the prevalence and recurrence rate of syncope in the general population aged more than 45 years and to analyze their associations with age and sex. Methods We performed a cross-sectional survey of 1925 randomly selected residents of Olmsted County, Minn, 45 years or older, from January 1998 to August 2000. Results The median age of the 1925 participants was 62 years, and 905 (47.0%) were male. Overall, 364 subjects reported an episode of syncope in their lifetime, giving an estimated prevalence of 19% (95% confidence interval, 17%-21%). The age-specific prevalence rates were 45 to 54 years (20%), 55 to 64 years (20%), 65 to 74 years (15%), and 75 years or more (21%) (P = .86). Females reported a higher prevalence of syncope (22% vs 15%, P Conclusions The prevalence of syncope is estimated at 19% in the general population aged more than 45 years. Females have a higher prevalence, and there is no association of syncope prevalence with age.
Hemichannels in neurodegenerative diseases: is there a link to pathology?

Although originally considered a structural component of gap junctions, connexin hemichannels (HCs) are now recognized as functional entities capable of influencing metabolic gradients within the CNS, allowing direct communication between the intra- and extracellular milieus. Besides connexins, HCs can also be formed by pannexins, which are not capable of gap junction assembly. Both positive and negative effects have been attributed to HC activity in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. For example, HCs can exert neuroprotective effects by promoting the uptake of neurotoxic molecules, whereas chronic HC opening can disrupt molecular gradients leading to cellular dysfunction and death. The latter scenario has been suggested for multiple neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease and more recently, lysosomal storage disorders, which are the focus of this review. Currently available evidence suggests a complex role for HCs in neurodegenerative disorders, which sets the stage for future studies to determine whether targeting HC action may improve disease outcomes.
Principles of tumor biopsy

Tumor biopsy is the cornerstone of sound therapeutic decision making in oncology. Although there are multiple ways to obtain a biopsy from any given tumor, each individual procedure requires careful planning to ensure that the optimal treatment course is not compromised. Knowledge of the principles and techniques underlying biopsy is imperative to ensure an accurate diagnosis with minimal morbidity. This article describes the principles of biopsy and commonly used sampling techniques and where these procedures are most applicable. Appropriate tissue handling, interpretation of results, and some special techniques are also described.
PREDICTION OF SYMPTOMATIC PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS (sPDA) FROM PERINATAL RISK FACTORS

In order to quantify the relationship between perinatal risk factors and the incidence of symptomatic PDA (requiring digoxin) in preterm infants, linear discriminant analysis was used to devise a predictive scoring system. Using a training set of 100 consecutively admitted infants (44 with sPDA) with a birthwelght of 1500 g or less and who lived at least 72 hours, 5 factors were found that correlated significantly (P 852 as “non-sPDA", 80% were classified accurately. Sequential discriminant analyses adding one factor at a time yielded improved classification with each step, substantiating the independent discriminating power of each factor. This model may help identify population differences that are thought to contribute to the variable incidence of sPDA between neonatal intensive care centers, and may prove useful in clinical management and teaching.
Clinical technique: Amphibian hematology: a practitioner's guide.

Abstract Amphibian hematology is challenging because of a combination of several factors including small patient size, few venipuncture sites, lack of normative data, and basic variability of the amphibian leukocyte and erythrocyte counts. This variability in amphibian red blood cell and white blood cell counts is based on a number of extrinsic (e.g., temperature, diet, season, light cycle) and intrinsic (e.g., species, gender, life style) factors. If possible, to best guide amphibian hematological interpretation, a conspecific, same gender animal can be sampled for comparison to dispel extrinsic and intrinsic variability. However, the collection of hematological measurements in the single amphibian patient can still provide useful clinical information to guide therapy of even the most diminutive amphibian patient. Therefore, the following brief guidelines are presented in an attempt to guide the clinical practitioner as to collection and interpretive techniques, which can easily be adapted to clinical practice for these fragile jewels of nature. Equipment necessary for venipuncture, venipuncture sites, a venipuncture technique, a technique for determination of an estimated white blood cell count and differential, and a guide for differentiation of leukocytes of the amphibian are given. This guide should by no means supplant a thorough review of the literature or consultation with a clinical pathologist, but will provide general rules of thumb for quick interpretation. Excellent reviews of sampling and complete blood count interpretation are listed in the references.