cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time resolved photoluminescence in a-Si : H: A comparison between single layers and superlattices

Abstract We measured the spectral dependence of the steady state photoluminescence (PL) as a function of T, excitation energy and intensity, and the distribution of PL lifetimes g ( τ ) in a -Si : H layers, a -SiN x : H alloys, and silicon/siliconnitride superlattices. We conclude that the blue-shift of the PL peak energy with decreasing a -Si sublayer thickness is due to quantum-well effects and not due to nitrogen contamination because g ( τ ) of the multilayer is shifted to shorter τ, whereas g ( τ ) of alloys shifts to longer τ. Moreover the T-dependence of the PL peak energy of the alloys is much less than that of the multilayers.
Kinetics and morphology of precipitation AuPb3 from Pb(Au) solid solution

Abstract The kinetics of precipitation of AuPb 3 , from Pb(Au) solid solution were followed by quenching wires from 215°C and measuring the accompanying resistivity change as a function of time at constant temperature, between 60 and 130°C, on alloys with up to 0.105 at.% Au. The precipitation isotherms consisted of a small initial transient followed by a main term of the form x(t) = 1 − exp [−( t τ ) 3 2 ] . The morphology of the precipitate particles was determined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The precipitated phase consists of plates of the intermetallic compound AuPb 3 . The density of precipitation centers is N V ~ 4 × 10 10 cm −3 for slow oil quenches and N V ~ 2 × 10 12 cm −3 for fast water quenches. The Au precipitation is diffusion-controlled, with diffusivity D p ~ 45 exp (−20.8/ RT ) cm 2 sec −1 , which is 4–5 orders of magnitude greater than the self-diffusivity of Pb but 2 1 2 –4 orders of magnitude below the extrapolated tracer diffusivity of Au in Pb. To account for this disparity two models for the precipitation process are considered: 1. (1) In the first model the precipitation is controlled, after a free interstitial transient, by the diffusion of interstitial-vacancy pairs. This model requires that the spacing of vacancy sinks be about equal to or greater than that of the precipitate particles. 2. (2) In the second model it is supposed that at the precipitation temperatures Au has associated into small clusters. A specific model in which the precipitation is controlled by the diffusion of Au pairs in the form of split interstitial defects is developed. This model predicts that the Au diffusivity in Pb should decrease markedly with increasing Au concentration at fixed T .
Gainful employment and risk of mortality after spinal cord injury: effects beyond that of demographic, injury and socioeconomic factors.

To evaluate the association of three levels of gainful employment with the risk of mortality after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) while controlling for known predictors of mortality status (including education and income). Prospective cohort study A total of 20 federally funded SCI Model Systems of care in the United States. Participants included 7955 adults with traumatic SCI. Preliminary assessments were conducted between 1995 and 2006. Mortality status was determined by the Social Security Death Index (1308 deaths). A two-stage logistic regression model was used to estimate the chance of dying in any given year. Life expectancy was calculated under different economic assumptions. Compared with those who were working 30+ h per week, the odds of mortality was 1.37 for those who worked 1–29 h and 1.67 for those who were unemployed. The addition of gainful employment only modestly reduced the effects of household income and education, both of which remained significant. For instance, the odds of mortality for household income (referent $75 000+) decreased from 1.50 to 1.38 for $25 000–$75 000 and from 2.10 to 1.82 for <$25 000. Life expectancy varied widely depending on socioeconomic characteristics more than doubling under certain assumptions. Substantial variation in mortality is attributable to employment, above and beyond the effects of previously established demographic, injury and socioeconomic predictors. Although some excess mortality may be the inevitable consequence of SCI, risk is substantially increased with poor socioeconomic characteristics.
Measurement of aerosol optical extinction using diode laser cavity ringdown spectroscopy

Accurate measurement of optical extinction of atmospheric aerosols is important for quantifying the direct climate effects of aerosols. A portable cavity ringdown spectrometer utilizing a modulated multimode blue diode laser (linewidth ∼0.2 nm) is developed to measure the aerosol optical extinction. Laboratory generated ammonia sulfate particles (<1 μm in diameter) are characterized, with good agreements between the experimental measurements and Mie theory calculations. An optical extinction detection sensitivity of 0.24 Mm−1 (1σ) is achieved. Measurements of ambient aerosols are also carried out. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a compact, multimode diode laser cavity ringdown spectrometer for sensitive measurements of the optical extinction of atmospheric aerosols.
Crop identification using Landsat temporal-spectral profiles

Abstract A temporal-spectral profile is the multitemporal representation of Landsat data, optimally in the form of a green vegetation indicator, from a single labeling target. The profile is a detailed indicator of the physical state of a field or other landscape class through time. Through the examination of numerous sample segments in the United States Corn Belt, it was determined that individual corps have characteristic profiles which are recognizably different from those of other crops. Differences and similarities in profile-related features can be used to support crop identification at various levels. At the first level, annual crops are separable from other classes based on a general trajectory that starts below a green vegetation detection threshold, rises to some maximum amplitude, and then falls below the threshold once more; this trajectory is related to the sequence of development stages through which most crops pass. At the second level, annual crop profiles can be separated into crop groups based on the period during which the profile is above the detection threshold, which varies in timing and duration as a result of crop calendar differences from group to group. At the third level, individual crop types (e.g., corn and soybeans) can be identified based on the amplitude and distinctive shape of the profile.
Non-traditional approaches to the study of solid-electrolyte interfaces: Problem overview

Abstract This report was presented as the opening paper at the International Conference on “Non-Traditional Approaches to the Study of Solid-Electrolyte Interfaces” on September 24–27, 1979 in Snowmass, Colorado. The present status of understanding of solid-electrolyte interfaces is reviewed and the critical areas where non-traditional approaches are needed are identified. Electrochemical methods in general are highly sensitive to various features of the interface and can detect the adsorption of even a small fraction of a monolayer of an adsorbed species. They lack, however, sufficient molecular level specificity to gain the needed insight concerning the structure of the interface. Of the in situ non-electrochemical techniques, ultraviolet-visible reflectance spectroscopy (including ellipsometric methods) and Raman spectroscopy are promising. Unfortunately the various electron and ion surface physics techniques cannot be applied directly to the solid-electrolyte interface. Nonetheless, ex situ studies of the corresponding solid-electrolyte interface can provide information which is helpful in understanding the solid-electrolyte interface.
Revealed Religion and the Politics of Humanity in Hume's Philosophy of Common Life

Hume's philosophy of common life consists in two moments: philosophic agnosticism about deep irresolvable metaphysical issues and a willingness to assume the common sense of the matter so that philosophy can proceed. This method works so long as he maintains agnosticism in the metaphysical issues as he entertains the common sense assumptions. When Hume turns his attention to revealed religion, however, his common life philosophy breaks down as his anti-transcendent metaphysic contaminates his assumptions; his embrace of humanity as the chief virtue of the modern world illuminates this contamination, as does his suggestion that religious belief might be extinguished in the modern world.
Combined Internal and External Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

The treatment of distal radius fractures has changed over the last several decades as understanding of these common injuries has grown [1–4]. We have come to appreciate that pain and dysfunction following distal radius fracture are not as uncommon as was once believed [5–7] .W e have recognized that the degree to which preinjury anatomy is restored has a real bearing on the outcome of treatment [8–12]. At the same time, our patients, particularly those in the sixth decade and beyond, have grown more active and have developed higher expectations regarding their recovery. One need only look at the number of new devices marketed for the treatment of distal radius fractures over the last decade to realize the obvious change in attitude that has occurred concerning the treatment of these injuries. Although internal fixation devices have dominated the marketplace recently, advances also have been made in the technology of external fixation. As we consider the treatment of these injuries, we must remember that the specific device or surgical technique is, after all, only a means to an end. The continuing challenge remains the selection of the most appropriate method of treatment for a given fracture.
Nicotine is more reinforcing in smokers with a past history of alcoholism than in smokers without this history.

Background: Whether smokers with a past history (PH) but not current history of alcohol dependence are more nicotine dependent than smokers with no such history (NH) is unclear. The present study was an experimental test of this hypothesis. Method: Twenty PH and 10 NH smokers abstained from smoking for 16 hr on each of 4 days. On each of 3 days, participants received three doses per day of 0, 2, or 4 mg nicotine gum in a within-subjects, randomized, double-blind, crossover design. To examine subjective effects, participants completed the Profile of Mood States, Addiction Research Inventory, and other ratings before and after each dose. To examine nicotine reinforcement, participants reported preference among the gums, reported on money versus gum choices, and, on the 4th day, underwent a double-blind self-administration test. Results: Across the 21 subjective measures, with one exception, PH and NH smokers did not differ in subjective response to nicotine. However, across all three reinforcement measures, nicotine was a more potent reinforcer in PH than NH smokers. Conclusions: These results provide a behavioral mechanism to explain prior findings that PH smokers are more nicotine dependent than NH smokers.
Mild preischemia hypothermia adversely affects postischemic myocardial function in the neonatal piglet heart

Background: During cardiac surgery, operative hypothermia has been shown to be beneficial in certain situations, although in children perioperative hypothermia has been associated with several physiologic alterations that have proven detrimental to their postoperative function. Little attention has been given to the effects ofmild(34.5°C) perioperative hypothermia on postischemic myocardial function in the pediatric population. It was hypothesized that mild hypothermia would be detrimental to postischemic ventricular function in the neonatal heart. Methods: Neonatal (0–2 days old) piglets were subjected to mild perioperative hypothermia without rewarming (HT-only,n= 6), hypothermia followed by rewarming (HT-RW,n= 6), or continuous normothermia (NT,n= 8). The hearts were rapidly excised, suspended on an isolated perfusion apparatus, and allowed to spontaneously beat while being perfused with an asanguinous solution. All hearts were subjected to 20 min global, normothermic, zero-flow ischemia followed by 45 min oxygenated crystallite buffer reperfusion (I-R). Results: Compared to that of NT piglets, there were significant (P< 0.05) reductions in recovery of left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic function following ischemia and reperfusion in HT-RW animals. When the hearts were rendered ischemic without first rewarming, the degree of myocardial dysfunction was not as severe. In contrast to the NT piglets, HT-RW animals demonstrated significant (P< 0.05) reductions in the final recovery of LV developed pressure (71 ± 6 vs 105 ± 6 in NT), LV rate pressure product (52 ± 4 vs 102 ± 9 NT), and LV end diastolic pressure (32 ± 7 vs 3 ± 1 in NT) following I-R. When compared to the HT-RW group, HT-only piglets did not exhibit significant differences in systolic function, although diastolic function was minimally altered initially as evidenced by the slight elevation of LV end diastolic pressure at 5 min, with reperfusion in the HT-only group (P< 0.05). Conclusions: In this newborn piglet model, mild hypothermia significantly reduces recovery of systolic and diastolic left ventricular function when followed by an episode of global myocardial ischemia-reperfusion only when the animals are returned to normothermia prior to the ischemic insult. When hypothermia is immediately followed by the ischemic event, left ventricular function is unaffected.
Rheological changes during the polymerization of polyurethane based interpenetrating polymer network(IPN)

Experimental results on reactions forming polyurethanes and polyurethane-polyester Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) are discussed with particular interest in rheological and kinetic changes before the gel point. In the IPN formation, viscosity rise is affected by the amount of styrene and polyester in the reaction system. Plots of reduced viscosity vs. conversion do not fall into a single curve. The results may be explained by the concept of having intra-molecular reaction or ring formation. The existence of hydroxyl group at the end of polyester molecule causes the graft reaction between the polyurethane phase and the polyester phase, which may speed up the viscosity rise of the reactive system. A simple method which based on rheological measurements only is proposed. This method of plotting reduced viscosity vs. reduced reaction time provides similar results as in the plots of reduced viscosity vs. conversion.
Calpain inhibitors: a survey of compounds reported in the patent and scientific literature.

Introduction: Calpain is a cysteine protease that participates in normal signal transduction events, but deregulation of its action may result in pathologies such as neurological disorders, muscular dystrophies, cataract, cancer and diabetes. Inhibition of calpain is demonstrably beneficial in animal models of these diseases; hence, the enzyme has been proposed as a potential drug target. Areas covered: A comprehensive review of calpain inhibitors reported in the patent and scientific literature over the past decade (2001 – 2010) is presented in this paper. Peptides, peptidomimetics and nonpeptide inhibitors with and without reactive warheads are discussed. Advances made in enhancing the cellular uptake of peptide calpain inhibitors, improving the pharmacokinetic properties of the inhibitors and site specific targeting of calpain inhibitors are also discussed. Expert opinion: Calpain inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in animal models of calpain related diseases, but progression of the inhibitors into ...
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in C57BL/6 mice detected through proteomics screening of the amniotic fluid

BACKGROUND: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a severe consequence of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, is associated with craniofacial defects, mental retardation, and stunted growth. Previous studies in C57BL/6J and C57BL/6N mice provide evidence that alcohol-induced pathogenesis follows early changes in gene expression within specific molecular pathways in the embryonic headfold. Whereas the former (B6J) pregnancies carry a high-risk for dysmorphogenesis following maternal exposure to 2.9 g/kg alcohol (two injections spaced 4.0 h apart on gestation day 8), the latter (B6N) pregnancies carry a low-risk for malformations. The present study used this murine model to screen amniotic fluid for biomarkers that could potentially discriminate between FAS-positive and FAS-negative pregnancies. METHODS: B6J and B6N litters were treated with alcohol (exposed) or saline (control) on day 8 of gestation. Amniotic fluid aspirated on day 17 (n = 6 replicate litters per group) was subjected to trypsin digestion for analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption–time of flight mass spectrometry with the aid of denoising algorithms, statistical testing, and classification methods. RESULTS: We identified several peaks in the proteomics screen that were reduced consistently and specifically in exposed B6J litters. Preliminary characterization by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and multidimensional protein identification mapped the reduced peaks to alpha fetoprotein (AFP). The predictive strength of AFP deficiency as a biomarker for FAS-positive litters was confirmed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. CONCLUSIONS: These findings in genetically susceptible mice support clinical observations in maternal serum that implicate a decrease in AFP levels following prenatal alcohol damage. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
PARIS: path availability routing in sensors

In this paper, we propose a new energy-efficient routing algorithm for mobile ad hoc sensor networks. The network architecture is based on a two-tier energy-efficient clustering scheme. The number of active nodes is estimated in real-time based on signal power a node received from others. Each node tries to become a cluster head (CH) in an optimal probability that minimizes the total clustering energy consumption. For the multihop routing domain formed by the CHs, we propose a new routing algorithm, that is, path availability routing in sensors (PARIS), by incorporating the availability of mobile links into routing metrics, in addition to energy consumption metrics, to establish multihop routes between a source node and a sink node. It has been shown that the routing algorithm is not only energy-efficient but also avoids link breakages in moderate to high mobility scenarios, while the existing ad hoc routing algorithms fail to maintain the links. Compared to the existing routing algorithms, the proposed routing algorithm is more energy efficient and has 40 ~ 60% less link breakages, therefore significantly increases route reliability and extends network lifetime