cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Surface Processing on the Response of CZT Gamma Detectors: Studies with a Collimated Synchrotron X-Ray Beam

Using a microscale X-ray mapping technique incorporating a synchrotron beam, we are able to reveal the fine details of the surface properties in cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) semiconductor detectors. A detector, with various degrees of surface roughness, was irradiated by a high-spatial-resolution X-ray beam. The detector's response was analyzed and displayed as a two-dimensional (2-D) map, and the charge collection was obtained from the peak positions in the spectra versus the beam's location, which reflects the local material properties. We noted the correlation between the 2-D image and the spectral response of the charge collection at different locations on the surface area, which indicates that a rough surface tends to contain trapping centers, thereby enhancing leakage current and distorting the signal. We also discuss our observations on the transition effect at the boundary area of a rough and a smooth surface under identical conditions.
Structural characterization of [Fe(NO)(mnt)2]1−/2− salts

Abstract The iron dithiolene compounds [Fe2(mnt)4]2− [1]2− and [Fe(NO)(mnt)2]n (n = 1−, [2]1−; n = 2−, [2]2−) ([mnt]2− = maleonitriledithiolate = [(NC)2C2S2]2−) have been characterized structurally by X-ray diffraction as their [Et4N]+ salts at 100 K. Dianion [2]2− is prepared from [2]1− by reduction with Na[Et3BH] and is observed to have a bent Fe–N O angle at 149.9(5)° in contrast to the linear configuration of Fe–N O in [2]1− (180.0°). The change from linear to bent binding mode for NO, an increase of more than 0.1 A in the Fe–N bond length, and the relative invariance of the Fe–S distances for [2]2− versus [2]1− indicate that the NO ligand is the site of reduction. The [Et3NH]+ complex of [2]1− was also identified by crystallography and found to have hydrogen bonding contacts between [Et3NH]+ and the cyano nitrogen atom of an [mnt]2− ligand. Furthermore, relatively close S⋯S contacts (3.602–3.615 A) occur between [2]1− anions, which pack together in an offset, head-to-head fashion. These S⋯S contacts are absent in the structure of [Et4N][2]. Infrared spectra show an energy decrease for, and a significant broadening of, the N O bond stretching absorption peak in [2]2−, which is consistent with a bent NO ligand sampling a range of conformations both by facile pivoting about the Fe–N axis and by a breathing of the Fe–N O angle.
Anomalies and effective lagrangians of superconducting cosmic strings

Abstract We study the effective lagrangians of superconducting cosmic strings and the underlying anomaly structure leading to various effects. We show that fermionic superconducting cosmic (Nielsen-Olesen) strings arise as a consequence of a mixed anomaly of the form E · B ′ where E is the electromagnetic field strength and B ′ the core flux of the string. We show how this controls superconductivity, the index theorems, topological mass terms on domain walls, and string-axion interactions. We contrast this to global strinfs with Chern-Simons currents.
Different types of environmental enrichment have discrepant effects on spatial memory and synaptophysin levels in female mice.

Abstract Environmental enrichment paradigms that incorporate cognitive stimulation, exercise, and motor learning benefit memory and synaptic plasticity across the rodent lifespan. However, the contribution each individual element of the enriched environment makes to enhancing memory and synaptic plasticity has yet to be delineated. Therefore, the current study tested the effects of three of these elements on memory and synaptic protein levels. Young female C57BL/6 mice were given 3 h of daily exposure to either rodent toys (cognitive stimulation) or running wheels (exercise), or daily acrobatic training for 6 weeks prior to and throughout behavioral testing. Controls were group housed, but did not receive enrichment. Spatial working and reference memory were tested in a water-escape motivated radial arm maze. Levels of the presynaptic protein synaptophysin were then measured in frontoparietal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum. Exercise, but not cognitive stimulation or acrobat training, improved spatial working memory relative to controls, despite the fact that both exercise and cognitive stimulation increased synaptophysin levels in the neocortex and hippocampus. These data suggest that exercise alone is sufficient to improve working memory, and that enrichment-induced increases in synaptophysin levels may not be sufficient to improve working memory in young females. Spatial reference memory was unaffected by enrichment. Acrobat training had no effect on memory or synaptophysin levels, suggesting a minimal contribution of motor learning to the mnemonic and neuronal benefits of enrichment. These results provide the first evidence that different elements of the enriched environment have markedly distinct effects on spatial memory and synaptic alterations.
Polymer-coated microelectrodes and twin electrode thin layer cells applied to electron transfer cross-reaction and permeability rates

Abstract Electropolymerized films prepared from the monomers [Ru(4-methyl-4′-vinyl-2,2′-bipyridine) 3 ] 2+ and [Os(bpy) 2 (4-vinylpyridine) 2 ] 2+ are coated on 10-μm diameter Pt microdisk electrodes and on one (Pt) face of a twin electrode thin layer cell. These new forms of polymer-coated electrodes are applied to measurements of polymer/solution interfacial electron transfer mediation kinetics and of rates of permeation of ferrocene and ferricenium through the polymer films. The electron transfer rates agree with independently determined rates from polymer-coated rotated disk electrodes. The permeation rate of ferrocene through the poly-cationic films is about three times larger than that for ferricenium ion.
Temperature Dependence of the Backbone Dynamics of Ribonuclease A in the Ground State and Bound to the Inhibitor 5‘-Phosphothymidine (3‘-5‘)Pyrophosphate Adenosine 3‘-Phosphate†

The interaction of the dinucleotide inhibitor 5‘-phosphothymidine(3‘,5‘)pyrophosphate adenosine 3‘-phosphate (pTppAp) with bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNase A) was characterized by calorimetry and solution NMR spectroscopy. Calorimetric data show that binding of pTppAp to RNase A is exothermic (ΔH = −60.1 ± 4.1 kJ/mol) with a dissociation constant of 16 nM at 298 K. At this temperature, the binding results in an entropy loss (TΔS = −16.8 ± 7.3 kJ/mol) that is more favorable than that with the product analogue, 2‘-CMP (TΔS = −31.3 ± 0.9 kJ/mol). Temperature-dependent calorimetric experiments give a ΔCp for ligand binding of −230 ± 100 J/mol K. Binding of pTppAp results in noticeable effects on the backbone amide chemical shifts and dynamics. Amide backbone 15N NMR spin-relaxation studies were performed on both apo RNase A and RNase A/pTppAp as a function of temperature. At each temperature, the model-free-determined order parameters, S2, were significantly higher for RNase A/pTppAp than for the apo e...
In-line monitoring of moisture content in fluid bed dryers using near-IR spectroscopy with consideration of sampling effects on method accuracy.

In-line near-IR moisture monitoring of the dynamic, fluid bed drying environment has been reported in recent years by several research groups; however, analytical figures of merit with regard to prediction accuracy are discussed in only a subset of this work, and issues with sampling and sample presentation are scarcely addressed at all. In this study, experiments were performed at 65-, 300-, and 600-L drying scales using several different sampling configurations in an effort to better understand and improve in-line near-IR method accuracy. Findings from this work demonstrate that process heterogeneity plays a major role in determination of apparent prediction accuracy. This aspect is general to all in-line measurements and plays an especially important role in solids and slurry systems that are prone to heterogeneity. In addition to experimental results, simulations based on these findings and sampling theory demonstrate an interesting paradox: depending on the sampling configuration employed, the metho...
Discovery and characterization of the Crustacean hyperglycemic hormone precursor related peptides (CPRP) and orcokinin neuropeptides in the sinus glands of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus using multiple tandem mass spectrometry techniques.

The crustacean sinus gland (SG) is a well-defined neuroendocrine site that produces numerous hemolymph-borne agents including the most complex class of endocrine signaling molecules—neuropeptides. ...
The Appropriation of Interactive Technologies: Some Lessons from Placeless Documents

Appropriation is the process by which people adopt and adapt technologies, fitting them into their working practices. It is similar to customisation, but concerns the adoption patterns of technology and the transformation of practice at a deeper level. Understanding appropriation is a key problem for developing interactive systems, since it critical to the success of technology deployment. It is also an important research issue, since appropriation lies at the intersection of workplace studies and design. Most accounts of appropriation in the research literature have taken a social perspective. In contrast, this paper explores appropriation in terms of the technical features that support it. Drawing examples from applications developed as part of a novel document management system, it develops an initial set of design principles for appropriable technologies. These principles are particularly relevant to component-based approaches to system design that blur the traditional application boundaries.
Losses in Coplanar Waveguides

Conductor losses in coplanar waveguides have been calculated using a quasi-static Green's function approach. These calculations and others on dielectric and radiation losses are used to compute the quality factor of half-wavelength resonators, and comparison with measurements show good agreement.
MYOHEMOGLOBINURIA : A STUDY OF THE RENAL CLEARANCE OF MYOHEMOGLOBIN IN DOGS.

When myohemoglobin is injected intravenously into dogs, in amounts ranging from 0.75 to 1.50 gm., it is rapidly eliminated from the plasma and approximately 65 per cent is excreted by the kidneys in from 1½ to 2½ hours. Myohemoglobin does not appear in the urine below a threshold plasma concentration which is slightly under 20 mg. per 100 cc. but above this level the rate of renal excretion is directly proportional to the plasma concentration. The maximum myohemoglobin/creatinine clearance ratio averages 0.58 contrasted with a value of 0.023 for blood hemoglobin. This indicates that the rate of renal clearance of myohemoglobin is twenty-five times more rapid than that of blood hemoglobin. Evidence is presented that the excretory mechanism is essentially similar for the two substances but that differences in molecular weight account for different rates of glomerular filtration.
When Words Speak Louder Than Actions: Another′s Evaluations Can Appear More Diagnostic Than Their Decisions

Abstract When making decisions we often infer the value of the alternatives from the behavior of others. In some domains, however, we fail to make such inferences. Stock trading is a case in point-investors appear to undervalue the significance of the behavior of those who are willing to trade. A simulated market was developed to test this claim. Subjects made a series of portfolio reallocations on the basis of reports they read. Subjects in the experimental conditions also saw the responses of another person who based their responses either on the same information as the subject (high redundant information) or on different but equally predictive information (low redundant information). In fact, the responses subjects observed were identical in both conditions. A normative argument suggests that another′s decision is more diagnostic when it is based on information having low redundancy rather than high redundancy. The dependent measure was an index of the degree of conformity to the other′s decision. Results show that people become more sensitive to the diagnosticity of another′s responses when observing how the person evaluated their information rather than how the person acted on their information. A salience hypothesis is involved to account for the pattern of results. Additional studies were conducted to test various alternative explanations. Implications for the measurement of conformity and influence are discussed.
Inhibition of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis by oral administration of S-antigen and synthetic peptides.

S-Antigen, a photoreceptor cell protein, is highly efficient in inducing experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU), a severe inflammation of the uveal tract and retina of the eye. S-Antigen and six synthetic peptides, all of which correspond to known T-cell or B-cell recognition sites, were tested for their abiity to induce oral tolerance to EAU in LEW rats. Feeding three 1-mg doses of native S-Antigen or three doses of one synthetic peptide, designated BSA(343-362) (200 μ per dose), reduced the incidence and severity of EAU induced by immunization with 50 μ of S-Antigen. Another peptide, BSA(270-289), was able to inhibit EAU only when a low dose (10μ) of the uveitogenic S-Antigen was used to induce EAU. Animals which received 200 μ doses of four other immunologically active peptides, BSA(31-51), BSA (143-162), BSA(303-327) and BSA(333-352), were not significantly protected. Furthermore, animals fed BSA(343-362) were significantly less susceptible to EAU induced by adoptive transfer (tEAU) of the uveito...
Climate, land use and hydrologic sensitivities of stormwater quantity and quality in a complex coastal-urban watershed

We determined reference hydro-climatic and land use/cover sensitivities of stormwater runoff and quality in the Miami River Basin of Florida by developing a dynamic rainfall-runoff model with the EPA Storm Water Management Model. Potential storm runoff in the complex coastal-urban basin exhibited high and notably different seasonal sensitivities to rainfall; with stronger responses in the drier early winter and wetter late summer months. Basin runoff and pollutant loads showed moderate sensitivities to the hydrologic and land cover parameters; imperviousness and roughness exhibited more dominant influence than slope. Sensitivity to potential changes in land use patterns was relatively low. The changes in runoff and pollutants under simultaneous hydro-climatic or climate-land use perturbations were notably different than the summations of their individual contributions. The quantified sensitivities can be useful for appropriate management of stormwater quantity and quality in complex urban basins under a c...
Architectural integration of the components necessary for electrical energy storage on the nanoscale and in 3D.

We describe fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) multifunctional nanoarchitectures in which the three critical components of a battery—cathode, separator/electrolyte, and anode—are internally assembled as tricontinuous nanoscopic phases. The architecture is initiated using sol–gel chemistry and processing to erect a 3D self-wired nanoparticulate scaffold of manganese oxide (>200 m2 g−1) with a continuous, open, and mesoporous void volume. The integrated 3D system is generated by exhaustive coverage of the oxide network by an ultrathin, conformal layer of insulating polymer that forms via self-limiting electrodeposition of poly(phenylene oxide). The remaining interconnected void volume is then wired with RuO2 nanowebs using subambient thermal decomposition of RuO4. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that the three nanoscopic charge-transfer functional components—manganese oxide, polymer separator/cation conductor, and RuO2—exhibit the stratified, tricontinuous design of the phase-by-phase construction. This architecture contains all three components required for a solid-state energy storage device within a void volume sized at tens of nanometres such that nanometre-thick distances are established between the opposing electrodes. We have now demonstrated the ability to assemble multifunctional energy-storage nanoarchitectures on the nanoscale and in three dimensions.
Outcomes and Toxicity for Hypofractionated and Single-Fraction Image-Guided Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Sarcomas Metastasizing to the Spine

Purpose Conventional radiation treatment (20-40 Gy in 5-20 fractions, 2-5 Gy per fraction) for sarcoma metastatic to the spine provides subtherapeutic doses, resulting in poor durable local control (LC) (50%-77% at 1 year). Hypofractionated (HF) and/or single-fraction (SF) image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery (IG-SRS) may provide a more effective means of managing these lesions. Methods and Materials Patients with pathologically proven high-grade sarcoma metastatic to the spine treated with HF and SF IG-SRS were included. LC and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by the use of Kaplan-Meier statistics. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by the use of Cox regression with competing-risks analysis; all confidence intervals are 95%. Toxicities were assessed according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. Results From May 2005 to November 11, 2012, 88 patients with 120 discrete metastases received HF (3-6 fractions; median dose, 28.5 Gy; n=52, 43.3%) or SF IG-SRS (median dose, 24 Gy; n=68, 56.7%). The median follow-up time was 12.3 months. At 12 months, LC was 87.9% (confidence interval [CI], 81.3%-94.5%), OS was 60.6% (CI, 49.6%-71.6%), and median survival was 16.9 months. SF IG-SRS demonstrated superior LC to HF IG-SRS (12-month LC of 90.8% [CI, 83%-98.6%] vs 84.1% [CI, 72.9%-95.3%] P =.007) and retained significance on multivariate analysis ( P =.030, hazard ratio 0.345; CI, 0.132-0.901]. Treatment was well tolerated, with 1% acute grade 3 toxicity, 4.5% chronic grade 3 toxicity, and no grade >3 toxicities. Conclusions In the largest series of metastatic sarcoma to the spine to date, IG-SRS provides excellent LC in the setting of an aggressive disease with low radiation sensitivity and poor prognosis. Single-fraction IG-SRS is associated with the highest rates of LC with minimal toxicity.
Cultural competency: Agenda for Cultural Competency Using Literature and Evidence.

Abstract Background Cultural competency has been recognized as an important issue relevant to all health professions. A research agenda is needed to establish a systematic approach to developing an understanding of factors relevant to the delivery of culturally competent health care. Objective Within the context of existing literature, evidence-based, concrete recommendations are developed as an Agenda for Cultural Competency Using Literature and Evidence (ACCULTURE). Methods First, key points representing opportunities for intervening in promotion of cultural competent health care are discussed. Following is a review of existing literature with a focus on identifying next steps for future research. Recommendations for licensing, education, and continuing education requirements suggest developing educational research establishing course content and delivery strategies that have measurable impact on improving cultural competency. In addition, existing initiatives need to be evaluated regarding effectiveness in recruiting, retaining, and preparing a diverse workforce. Patient care recommendations focus on further developing an understanding of the factors impacting health outcomes for culturally diverse patients. Results Further work is needed for translating theoretically-based research into concrete curricula maintaining evidence-based outcomes. It is important to continue with promoting policies ensuring that research and clinical trials include diverse samples and a broad range of variables implicated in differential outcomes. Conclusions Based on connections between cultural competency and workforce diversity established within existing literature, data are needed regarding the effectiveness of existing initiatives promoting scholarships, grants, and incentives for improving workforce diversity and funding research on diversity issues. Finally, additional research is needed to evaluate existing and new policies for funding services and access for health services.
Relationship of Protease Activity to Shelf-Life of Skim and Whole Milk

Abstract This study was to investigate causes of a possible difference in shelf-life of pasteurized skim milk and whole milk. Samples of skim and whole milk were obtained the day of processing, in 235 ml containers, from commercial dairies throughout South Carolina. They were stored at 4.5°C for 0,4,8,10,12,14, and 16 days; 7°C for 0,4,6,8,10, and 12 days; and 10°C for 0,1,2,3,4,5, and 6 days. On each sampling day milks were tested for coliform count, psychrotrophic count, flavor score, and relative protease activity. The shelf-life of skim milk was significantly less than that of whole milk when both were stored at 4.5°C and 7°C, but not at 10 C. Bacteria counts were not significantly different; thus, they were of no predictive value as anticipated changes in flavor score. Relationship between flavor score and relative protease activity of skim and whole milk was linear. Also, relative protease activity was significantly higher in skim milk as compared to whole milk stored at 4.5 and 7° C. Therefore, a higher protease activity in skim milk may account partially for its decreased shelf-life.
Deletion of Lysine 121 Creates a Temperature-sensitive Alteration in Insulin Binding by the Insulin Receptor

Recently we reported the deletion of Lys-121 in one allele of the insulin receptor gene from a child with severe insulin resistance. In the present work, this mutant receptor (M121) was shown to have an abnormal sensitivity to temperature and an alteration in "negative cooperativity." In contrast to the wild-type receptor (HIRC), insulin binding by the M121 receptor was rapidly and irreversibly lost at temperatures above 30 degrees C with the phosphorylated form of the receptor being more temperature-sensitive than the nonphosphorylated form. Although insulin binding activity was lost, Western analysis and other studies showed that the mutant receptor remained intact. Measurements of 125I-insulin dissociation at 21 degrees C in the presence of native insulin (an estimate of negative cooperativity) demonstrated a difference between the mutant and wild-type receptor. Insulin dissociation from the mutant receptor was not as pronounced as that found with the wild-type receptor. Thus, an abnormality in insulin binding by the mutation was evident at lower "permissive" temperatures. The results of these and other studies argue that Lys-121 occupies an important position for the regulation of insulin receptor conformation. This regulation apparently influences negative cooperative interactions with insulin and modulates signal transduction.
Thrombotic cerebral vasculopathy associated with herpes zoster

We describe the clinical, radiographic, and pathological findings in 3 patients with large-vessel cerebral vasculopathy following herpes zoster. Two of the patients were studied at postmortem examination, and a brain biopsy was performed in the third. Each of the 3 patients suffered thrombotic occlusions of large vessels without notable inflammatory or granulomatous changes following trigeminal or segmental herpes zoster infection. In the 2 autopsied patients, varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antigens were detected by immunoperoxidase staining within the media of the affected cerebral arteries. Little or no inflammation was associated with the foci of the VZV antigens. These studies provide evidence that the vasculopathy following herpes zoster may result from direct VZV infection of the artery and the in situ thrombosis can develop within the infected vessels in the absence of clear inflammatory vasculitis.
Role of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipid peroxidation in LM fibroblast plasma membrane transbilayer structure.

Abstract The effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipid peroxidation on LM fibroblast plasma membrane individual leaflet sterol distribution and structural order were examined. The cytofacial (inner) leaflet was more rigid and contained more sterol than the exofacial (outer) leaflet. The static (limiting anisotropy) and dynamic (rotational relaxation time) structural components of diphenylhexatriene (DPH) motion in each leaflet were determined by phase and modulation fluorometry measurements combined with leaflet-specific quenching by trinitrophenyl groups. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, incorporated into the membrane phospho-lipids by culture medium supplementation, decreased the limiting anisotropy of DPH in the cytofacial but not the exofacial leaflet thereby abolishing the transbilayer difference in fluidity. Peroxidation by Fe(II) + H 2 O 2 resulted in a rigidification (increase in limiting anisotropy and rotational relaxation time) of the plasma membrane exofacial leaflet, regardless of whether the membranes contained saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids or were enriched in either linoleate or linolenate. The structure of the cytofacial leaflet reported by DPH was unaffected. Plasma membrane transbi-layer sterol distribution, measured by leaflet-specific quenching of dehydroergosterol fluorescence, indicated that 20–28% of the sterol was localized in the exofacial leaflet. Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation of LM fibroblasts resulted in a complete reversal of plasma membrane transbilayer sterol distribution (72–76% exofacial leaflet). Sterol transbilayer distribution between the membrane leaflets was completely resistant to alteration by exposure to crosslinking agents and peroxidation in control plasma membranes and by peroxidation in linoleate- or linolenate-supplemented membranes.
Kerr-nonlinearity optical parametric oscillation in an ultrahigh-Q toroid microcavity

Kerr-nonlinearity induced optical parametric oscillation in a microcavity is reported for the first time. Geometrical control of toroid microcavities enables a transition from stimulated Raman to optical parametric-oscillation regimes. Optical parametric oscillation is observed at record low threshold levels (174 micro-Watts of launched power) more than 2 orders of magnitude lower than for optical-fiber-based optical parametric oscillation. In addition to their microscopic size (typically tens of microns), these oscillators are wafer based, exhibit high conversion efficiency (36%), and are operating in a highly ideal "two photon" emission regime, with near-unity (0.97±0.03) idler-to-signal ratio.
Techniques Of Measurement Of The Polarization-Altering Properties Of Linear Optical Systems

This paper attempts to classify and illustrate with examples the techniques by which the polarization-altering properties of linear optical systems are found, and to point out some similarities of different applications.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Trends in the perception of ecological problems in the United Nations general debates

To what extent have recent warnings of deepening ecological problems become topics of discussion among international political elites? To address this question a content analysis was undertaken of the speeches comprising the general debates of the 1968, 1972, and 1976 sessions of the UN General Assembly to identify all instances in which ecological issues were mentioned. Despite other indications of an increase in environmental consciousness in the international community, it was found that ecological problems have not been discussed very extensively in the general debates and are far less salient than several other agenda items for which data were also collected. Moreover, the environment peaked as an issue in the 1972 session and declined in prominence in 1976. It was also found that the more developed a country is, the greater the tendency for its delegates to mention environmental problems in their speeches. The lack of prominence of ecological issues is interpreted on the basis of two alternative assumptions: first, that the degree of international awareness of environmental problems is not adequately represented in the general debates and, second, that the findings accurately reflect what is generally a low level of environmental concern in international circles.
Structural reanalysis via a mixed method

A study is made of the approximate structural reanalysis technique based on the use of Taylor series expansion of response variables in terms of design variables in conjunction with the mixed method. In addition, comparisons are made with two reanalysis techniques based on the displacement method. These techniques are the Taylor series expansion and the modified reduced basis. It is shown that the use of the reciprocals of the sizing variables as design variables (which is the natural choice in the mixed method) can result in a substantial improvement in the accuracy of the reanalysis technique. Numerical results are presented for a space truss structure.
Phase morphology development in a low interfacial tension immiscible polyolefin blend during die extrusion and melt spinning

We describe the development of phase morphology in polypropylene (PP)/ethylene–butene copolymer (EBM) blends in both extrusion through dies and in subsequent melt spinning to form filaments. This immiscible blend has a very low interfacial tension around 0.69 dynes/cm. In the die extrusion process, at low extrusion rates, the dispersed PP phase was sheared into fibrils; at higher extrusion rates, the PP fibrils formed an encapsulation layer near the die wall first, then it broke into droplets because of both interfacial tension and long residence time. These droplets agglomerated together to form a network. In melt spinning, the dispersed phase was also drawn down into fibrils, which coalesced into a continuous layer on the outer surface of the filaments at higher drawdown rates. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1969–1977, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nutritional evaluation of buffalo gourd: Elemental analysis of seed

Cucurbita foetidissima is a native American wild plant with potential as a protein food and oil source. Research has previously been done on the composition of its amino acids and oils and on methods for cultivating it. This paper provides a comprehensive mineral analysis of the seeds and whole gourds and demonstrates that nutritional qualities of the buffalo gourd compare favorably with dry cow-feed. Buffalo gourd seed was also found to contain a trypsin inhibitor.
Mechanisms underlying celiac disease and its neurologic manifestations

The extra-intestinal manifestations of celiac disease (CD), including ataxia and peripheral neuropathy, are increasingly being recognized as the presenting symptoms of this autoimmune disease. Although there is a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of the intestinal lesions in CD the mechanisms behind the neurologic manifestations of CD have not been elucidated. In this article, the authors review the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the histopathologic changes in the intestine, discuss the presentation and characteristics of neurologic manifestations of CD, review the data on the mechanisms behind these manifestations, and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of CD. Molecular mimicry and intermolecular help may play a role in the development of neurologic complications.
Inter-species cross-reactivity of the prothoracicotropic hormone of Manduca sexta and egg-development neurosecretory hormone of Aedes aegypti☆

Abstract The cross-reactivities of the big and small forms of prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) from pupal brains of Manduca sexta and egg-development neurosecretory hormone (EDNH) from heads of adult Aedes aegypti were examined for PTTH by the in vitro Manduca prothoracic gland assay and for EDNH by the in vitro and in vivo Aedes ovary assays. The synthesis of ecdysone by both larval and pupal prothoracic glands of Manduca was increased in a dose-dependent manner by crude extracts of Aedes aegypti heads, reaching a maximum of approx. 3- and 2-fold, respectively. Gel filtration chromatography of the Aedes head extract revealed a peak of EDNH activity with an apparent mol. wt of 11 kD. This partially purified EDNH did not possess prothoracicotropic activity in the in vitro prothoracic gland assay, nor did any other fractions from the gel filtration column. Similarly, partially purified big and small PTTH did not activate Aedes atropalpus ovaries to synthesize ecdysone in vitro , nor did they cause ovarian maturation in vivo . Thus, it appears that the structural differences between PTTH and EDNH are sufficient enough to prevent functional cross-reactivity. The apparent discrepancy in the results obtained with the crude and partially purified EDNH and PTTHs raises questions about the reliability of bioassays for screening the presence and cross-reactivity of peptide neurohormones in crude extracts.
Atmospheric mercury (Hg) in the Adirondacks: concentrations and sources.

Hourly averaged gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) concentrations and hourly integrated reactive gaseous Hg (RGM), and particulate Hg (HgP) concentrations in the ambient air were measured at Huntington Forest in the Adirondacks, New York from June 2006 to May 2007. The average concentrations of GEM, RGM, and HgP were 1.4 ± 0.4 ng m−3, 1.8 ± 2.2 pg m−3, and 3.2 ± 3.7 pg m−3, respectively. RGM represents <3.5% of total atmospheric Hg or total gaseous Hg (TGM: GEM + RGM) and HgP represents <3.0% of the total atmospheric Hg. The highest mean concentrations of GEM, RGM, and HgP were measured during winter and summer whereas the lowest mean concentrations were measured during spring and fall. Significant diurnal patterns were apparent in warm seasons for all species whereas diurnal patterns were weak in cold seasons. RGM was better correlated with ozone concentration and temperature in both warm (ρ RGM - ozone = 0.57, p < 0.001; ρ RGM - temperature = 0.62, p < 0.001) and cold seasons (ρ RGM - ozone= 0.48, p = 0.002; ρ ...
Soft error masking latch for sub-threshold voltage operation

Due to continuous technology scaling, the nodal capacitances reduction and power supply voltage lowering result in an ever decreasing minimal charge capable of upsetting the logic state of memory circuits. CMOS circuits operating under sub-threshold voltage region are more susceptible than ever to externally induced radiation that is likely to bring about the occurrence of soft errors. Therefore, the robustness of the circuits against the soft errors is a requirement in nanoscale circuit designs. Since the previous soft error masking designs result in significant cost penalties in terms of power, area and performance when they applied to under V th operation, the development of low-cost hardened designs for storage cells is important. In this paper, a novel radiation hardened latch is presented for high performance sub-threshold voltage operation. The critical charge is increased five times than that of the conventional latch with only 10% of area increment including 46% of power reduction. This result caused by shortening delay and reduced power loss arose from it.
Microvascular abnormalities in pediatric diabetic patients.

Microvascular abnormalities are associated with and causative of the development of end-stage organ complications in adult diabetic patients. Whether the same microvascular abnormalities are present in pediatric patients is not known and has not been studied because of a lack of real-time technology, methodology to study young patients, and availability of an appropriate noninvasive site for in vivo studies. We hypothesized that microvascular abnormalities should be present in pediatric patients despite their young age and the relatively short durations of the disease. In this study, computer-assisted intravital microscopy (CAIM) was adapted to blindly quantify microvascular abnormalities in 12 pediatric type 1 diabetic mellitus (T1DM) patients (ages = 6-16 years; mean +/- SD = 11.42 +/- 3.42; duration since diagnosis = 2-14 years; mean +/- SD = 6.75 +/- 3.79) in vivo, using the microcirculation of the bulbar conjunctiva as a noninvasive site. Microvascular abnormalities, commonly found in adult patients, existed in the conjunctival microcirculation of all pediatric T1DM patients in varying degrees despite their relatively young age. A severity index (SI) was developed to reflect the cumulative severity of the microvascular abnormalities and was computed as the summation of all microvascular abnormalities found in each patient. SI for the 12 T1DM patients (mean +/- SD = 7.42 +/- 1.88; median = 8; mode = 9) differed significantly from that for the nondiabetic controls (mean +/- SD = 0.67 +/- 0.78; median = 0.5; mode = 0; P < 0.0001). In addition, SI correlated with hemoglobin A1c levels (mean +/- SD = 9.18 +/- 1.57) of T1DM patients but did not correlate with the duration of disease since diagnosis of the same patients. This observation raises the possibility that diabetic pathogenesis may precede the onset of overt disease or clinical diagnosis. This study confirms that CAIM may represent the availability of a useful real-time technology to study conjunctival microvascular abnormalities in vascular diseases in juvenile as well as adult patients.
Axosomatic synapses in the spinal cord of the shark.

Abstract Previous published reports indicated that the shark central nervous system is atypical of other vertebrates with regard to its lack of internuncial neurons and the rare occurrence of axosomatic synapses. This study was undertaken to examine the general organization of the shark spinal cord and to examine the ventral horn with respect to the synaptic arrangement on motor horn neurons. Spinal cord segments from five juvenile Atlantic nurse sharks ( Ginglymostoma cirratum ) were removed at the pectoral fin level after mixed aldehyde perfusion and were subsequently processed for light and electron microscopy. Light microscopy of the spinal cord in transverse section revealed an oval cord with relatively discrete dorsal and ventral gray horns connected only by finger-like projections of gray matter. The absence of a definitive intermediate gray zone was the most distinctive structural peculiarity observed. The ventral motor neurons exhibited characteristic neuronal cyto-architecture, and electron microscopy revealed abundant synapses on both ventral horn cell perikarya and primary dendrites. These observations indicate that the shark spinal cord is prototypic of “higher” vertebrate species.
“Eskimo Words for Snow”: A Case Study in the Genesis and Decay of an Anthropological Example

Depuis F. Boas (1911), le premier a citer cet exemple, jusqu'a aujourd'hui (Amerique du Nord)
Plant regeneration from cultured immature embryos and inflorescences ofTriticum aestivum L. (wheat): Evidence for somatic embryogenesis

Tissue cultures ofTriticum aestivum L. (wheat) initiated from young inflorescences and immature embryos possessed the potential for regeneration of whole plants. Both a friable and a compact type of callus were produced on Murashige and Skoog's medium with 2 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. The friable callus contained meristematic centers in which the peripheral cells ceased dividing, elongated, and could be easily separated. Roots were frequently formed in this type of callus. The compact, yellowish, and nodular callus arose from the epithelial and sub-epithelial cells of the embryo scutellum, and the rachis and glumes of the young inflorescence. Such callus had a smooth surface and characteristic chlorophyllous areas. Plants were regenerated only from the compact callus. The first sign of differentiation in the compact callus was the formation of a cleft or notch on the smooth surface, followed by the appearance of trichomes and the direct development of leafy structures which were not associated initially with any shoot meristems. Multiple shoots subsequently arose at the bases of the leafy structures, which are considered modifications of the scutellum, a definitive part of the cereal embryo. Accordingly, we suggest that while typical bipolar embryos are generally not formed, plant regeneration nevertheless takes place through embryogenesis and the precocious germination of the embryoids. Plants regenerated from immature embryo and inflorescence cultures were grown to maturity in soil, and were shown to have the normal chromosome number of 2n=6x=42.
Identification of Sprout Damage in Oats

ABSTRACT Sprout damage of oats can occur when mature grain is left in the field after maturity and rainfall induces the germination process in the seeds. Although characteristics of sprout damage have been described thoroughly in many grains including wheat, rye, triticale, and barley, such characteristics have not been identified in oats. During a field study of oat quality, one site exhibited much higher rates of groat breakage during dehulling than other sites. Determination of falling number values on groat flour and a visual inspection of the grain suggested that the higher rates of groat breakage were associated with sprout damage. This hypothesis was confirmed with artificially sprouted oats, where sprouted grain exhibited lower falling numbers and lower stirring number values, suggesting increased α-amylase activity in the sprouted oats. Sprouted oats exhibited much more breakage during dehulling, decreased β-glucan concentration, and decreased β-glucan integrity, as evaluated from the viscosity o...
Density distribution in quenched polymers

Abstract This paper reports theoretical and experimental results on the density distribution in thermally quenched polystyrene. The thermal quenching process is a thermodynamically non-equilibrium process, so that the physical properties of the quenched polymer are not homogeneous. From non-equilibrium thermodynamics and the concept of change of free volume a theoretical analysis of the density change due to quenching is presented. A computer simulation of the theory is compared with experimental results. It is found that through incorporating heat transfer and differential thermal expansion calculations with analysis of the effects of mean pressure and cooling rate on density, the dependency of quenching on density can be quite accurately predicted.
Sex differences in locomotor effects of morphine in the rat

Sex differences in reinforcing, analgesic and other effects of opioids have been demonstrated; however, the extent to which sex differences in motoric effects of opioids contribute to apparent sex differences in their primary effects is not known. The goal of this study was to compare the effects of the prototypic mu opioid agonist morphine on locomotor activity in male vs. female rats. Saline or morphine (1-10 mg/kg) was administered s.c. to adult Sprague-Dawley rats, which were placed into a photobeam apparatus for 3-5 h to measure activity. Modulation of morphine's effects by gonadal hormones and by handling (either during the test session or for 4 days before the test session) were examined. Morphine initially suppressed and later increased locomotor activity in both sexes relative to their saline-injected controls, but males were more sensitive than females to the initial locomotor suppressant effect of morphine. Intermittent, brief handling during the 3-h test session blunted morphine-induced locomotor activation in both sexes. Females in proestrus were the most sensitive to morphine's locomotor-stimulant effect, with females in estrus showing the least response to morphine. Gonadectomized (GDX) males with or without testosterone were equally sensitive to morphine's effects, whereas GDX females treated with estradiol showed a blunted response to morphine's effects, similar to intact females in estrus. Brief handling on each of 4 consecutive days pre-test attenuated morphine's locomotor suppressant effect in males but had no effect in females, thereby eliminating the sex difference. These data suggest that sex differences in morphine's effects on locomotor activity can be attributed to gonadal hormones in females, and to differential stress-induced modulation of morphine's effects in males vs. females.
In vivo quantification of image enhancement and circulation kinetics for phase change perfluorocarbon agents using custom pulse sequences

Few investigations have been published demonstrating the in vivo contrast characteristics of phase-change perfluorocarbon droplets. In this study, we examine the properties of low boiling point nanoscale droplets compared to microbubbles with respect to image enhancement and circulation time. To accomplish this, we develop a custom pulse sequence to vaporize and image droplets using the Verasonics research platform. Results show that droplets can produce similar contrast compared to microbubbles, and can circulate for significantly longer than microbubbles, depending on formulation. Finally, this study demonstrates a novel concept in contrast-enhanced ultrasound: capture of droplet-generated contrast wash-out in the target organ.
Evaluation of the Culprit Plaque and the Physiological Significance of Coronary Atherosclerotic Narrowings

Clues to the identification of a plaque as dangerous (ie, vulnerable to sudden activation and/or rupture) before it becomes the culprit of a major, potentially life-threatening event currently must be gleaned from studies examining plaques after the fact.1 2 Although the risk of a given plaque causing a cardiac event, in particular a myocardial infarction, is closely related to the severity of luminal narrowing (complete occlusions excepted), it is incorrect to focus exclusively on the most conspicuous stenoses, that is, the angiographically significant (>70% diameter narrowing) lesions that compete with a larger number of nonsignificant (<50% diameter narrowing) and, at times, inapparent lesions. Because the aggregate risk of rupture associated with many nonsignificant lesions (each with an admittedly lower individual potential) exceeds that of the fewer significant lesions, a myocardial infarction will more likely originate from a nonsignificant lesion.3 In addressing atherosclerotic plaques, coronary interventionists strive to achieve the following 2 primary therapeutic goals: (1) the elimination of angina and (2) the prevention of myocardial infarction and death. The first goal may be readily achieved with revascularization, either by percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) or coronary bypass surgery. Methods to identify and neutralize a vulnerable plaque before it produces a coronary occlusion are new and as-yet unproven, and the therapeutic approaches in some cases are highly controversial.4 To these ends, the interventionist is handicapped when relying solely on contrast angiography to identify fine details of coronary artery disease because lumenology has an inherent inability to evaluate the vessel wall, atherosclerotic plaque dimensions, composition, distribution, and morphology. Arterial remodeling confuses the determination of the severity of segmental or diffuse coronary artery disease, because only an angiographically uninvolved lumen segment serves as a “normal” reference for comparison. To move our understanding beyond angiography, this review will discuss various current and …
Semiparametric Regression for Repeated Outcomes With Nonignorable Nonresponse

Abstract We consider inference about the parameter β* indexing the conditional mean of a vector of correlated outcomes given a vector of explanatory variables when some of the outcomes are missing in a subsample of the study and the probability of response depends on both observed and unobserved data values; that is, nonresponse is nonignorable. We propose a class of augmented inverse probability of response weighted estimators that are consistent and asymptotically normal (CAN) for estimating β* when the response probabilities can be parametrically modeled and a CAN estimator exists. The proposed estimators do not require full specification of a parametric likelihood, and their computation does not require numerical integration. Our estimators can be viewed as an extension of generalized estimating equation estimators that allows for nonignorable nonresponse. We show that our class essentially consists of all CAN estimators of β*. We also show that the asymptotic variance of the optimal estimator in our ...