cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opioid effects on activation of neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex

1. The effects of opioids have been characterized in portions of the neural circuitry proposed to underly the development and maintenance of addiction. One possible mechanism is modulation of function of endogenous transmitters. 2. Cells in the prefrontal cortex, a brain area involved in cognitive function and processes relevant to addiction, are described that exhibit morphine-associated attenuation of activation response to glutamate but not acetylcholine. 3. The predominantly excitatory response of prefrontal cortical cells to local application of glutamate and acetylcholine were differentially modified by systemic and local application of opioids. 4. Local mu opioid effects mimic those of systemic morphine to a more limited degree. 5. Morphine attenuates the response of prefrontal cortical cells to activation of excitatory afferents from the mediodorsal thalamus, and to a lesser degree, from the basolateral amygdala and the hippocampus. 6. Morphine modulation of prefrontal excitatory activation is naloxone-reversible.
Locations of mid‐oceanic earthquakes constrained by seafloor bathymetry

[1] Earthquakes associated with the creation of new oceanic crust are difficult to locate precisely because they normally occur far away from seismic stations. We assume that epicenters of these events can be constrained by seafloor topography and use the Harvard centroid moment tensor (CMT) focal mechanism of an interplate earthquake to relate the event to either a transform fault (a parallel in a coordinate system defined by the pole of rotation between two plates) or a mid-oceanic ridge (a meridian). Using arrival times from the International Seismological Center (ISC) Bulletin, we have relocated about 1500 globally distributed events for the time period 1976–1998. The ISC locations can be as much as 70 km away from appropriate topographic features. Our new locations support that large interplate earthquakes occur on or very close to the primary bathymetric features. For earthquakes with unknown mechanism or magnitude below the CMT threshold or predate the CMT catalog, we use a simultaneous Joint Hypocenter Determination procedure with respect to the already relocated Master Events (JHDME). We invert for earthquakes first for the Romanche Fracture Zone (RFZ) and then for a region extending from 30°N to 30°S. Seismicity agrees well with the main active ridge or transform. However, a small number of events might be related to the secondary bathymetry features. The improved locations for mid-oceanic earthquakes based on bathymetry could help improve our understanding of the oceanic crustal and deep Earth structure, seismic slip and budget constraint along plate boundaries, and dynamics of plate tectonics.
Adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase inhibition is protective in both sexes after experimental stroke

Sex differences in clinical and experimental stroke are now well recognized. Adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important energy sensor that is activated in times of energy demand. Increasing AMPK is deleterious in experimental cerebral ischemia, at least in males. Interestingly, studies in peripheral tissues have suggested that there are sex differences in the regulation of AMPK in muscle after exercise. PolyADP ribose polymerase (PARP), a key mediator of ischemic cell death, stimulates AMPK activation, yet activation of PARP appears to be selectively detrimental in male brain. As interference with sex specific cell death pathways can determine the efficacy of experimental neuroprotective agents, and AMPK inhibition is a novel neuroprotective target, we examined the effect of AMPK inhibition in male and female mice. In this study, AMPK alpha2 gene expression (mRNA) and pAMPK protein levels were examined and found to be comparable between both sexes after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Treatment with the AMPK inhibitor Compound C at stroke onset significantly reduced infarct size and neurological deficits 24h after stroke in ovariectomized female mice. Finally, genetic deletion of AMPK alpha2 in ovariectomized females was neuroprotective as assessed by smaller infarct volumes and improved neurological deficits when compared to wild type littermates. This work demonstrates that AMPK activation is deleterious in experimental stroke, and this effect is independent of sex.
A data model to predict HER2 status in breast cancer based on the clinical and pathologic profiles of a large patient population at a single institution.

Summary Recently published clinical trial data have produced compelling evidence for increased survival when Herceptin is administered to patients whose tumors are HER2 amplified. Therefore, the accuracy of HER2 status is essential to determine which patients should or should not receive Herceptin. Although HER2 results obtained by FISH and IHC are often in agreement, there is a persistent group of cases in which results are discordant, particularly among tumors with intermediate results. A multivariable analysis was undertaken to determine relative significance of various clinical and pathologic findings for patients diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, and a data model was produced that predicts which patients are most likely to have HER2 amplified tumors. Correlates of HER2 amplification were higher Scarff–Bloom–Richardson grade, younger age at diagnosis, and a comedo ductal carcinoma in situ component.
Cell survival as a determinant of tumor cure for rat 9L subcutaneous tumors following microwave-induced hyperthermia

Abstract The relationship of cell survival to tumor cure after local hyperthermia treatment was studied in subcutaneous 9L rat tumors. Tumors weighing 0.2–0.4 g were heated to 42.5, 43.0, 44.0 and 45.0°C by local exposure to 2450 MHz microwaves. Cell survival data was obtained by an in vivo to in vitro colony forming technique and a cell survival curve was constructed for each temperature as a function of exposure duration (0–180 min). Cell survival followed a simple exponential function with an increasingly steeper slope as temperature increased. At 44°C, it was observed that cells from large tumors (1.0–1.4 g) were inactivated at the same rate as those from small tumors. When tumor response was monitored in the small tumors for 90 days following treatment, a direct correlation between the percentage of tumor cures and time at 44°C (0–60 min) was observed; therefore, at 44°C, tumor cure was exponentially related to cell survival in this range. However, when approximately the same cell survival was obtained with 3 other temperature-time regimens, the resulting percentage of tumor cures was not the same. These results indicate that while cell survival is related to tumor cure, it is probably not the primary determinant of tumor response following local hyperthermia in these 9L subcutaneous tumors.
Using Paper‐and‐Pencil SOlutions to Assess Problem Solving Skill

Background Problem solving practice involving paper-and-pencil solutions is a common activity in undergraduate engineering training. This paper addresses three questions: What indicators of problem-solving skill are available in paper-and-pencil solutions, beyond a simple accuracy measure? Can these indicators distinguish between problem solvers in terms of their skill level? How can these indicators be used to improve the effectiveness of instructor feedback to problem-solving exercises? Purpose(Hypothesis) Based on the published literature on cognition and problem solving, several indicators were hypothesized to signal knowledge and skill: an accurate free-body diagram, specification of assumptions, accurate expansion of key principles, strategic (forward) inferences, and checking equations and solutions. Design/Method A mixed experimental methodology was applied that combined qualitative and quantitative analyses. The qualitative data was comprised of paper-and-pencil solutions and video recordings of participants while they solved problems. Frequency counts of skill indicators and grader-assigned scores comprised the quantitative data. Results Statistical tests confirmed that the hypothesized indicators were associated with individuals' level of skill. However, reliable evidence for these indicators was only partially found in the paper-and-pencil solutions and could only be firmly established by including data from the video recordings. Conclusion The results show that paper-and-pencil solutions can be diagnostic of the strengths and weaknesses of problem-solvers. However, to provide useful and reliable feedback to students, these solutions must be supplemented with additional input, possibly through regular structured sampling throughout a course, or through more extensive use of computer resources.
Tight-binding inhibitors-IV. Inhibition of adenosine deaminases by various inhibitors

Abstract Three ADA (adenosine deaminase) inhibitors, DHMPR (1,6-dihydro-6-hydroxymethyl purine ribonucleoside); EHNA [erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3 nonyl)adenine] ; and deoxycoformycin [(R)-3-(2-deoxy-β- d -erythro-pento-furanosyl)-3, 6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5- d ] [1,3-diazepin-8-ol] or Covidarabin, were compared with regard to their inhibitory behavior with ADAs from human erythrocytes and calf intestine. Marked differences in the times required for establishment of steady state between the enzyme and inhibitors were observed, e.g. DHMPR, virtually instantaneous; EHNA, 2–3 min; and deoxycoformycin, many hr. The parameters of the inhibition of human erythrocytic ADA by deoxycoformycin were as follows: the association rate constant ( k 1 ) = 2.6 × 10 6 M −1 sec −1 ; the dissociation rate constant of the enzyme-inhibitor complex ( k 2 ) = 6.6 × 10 −6 sec −1 ; K i (from k 2 k 1 ) = 2.5 × 10 −12 M and K i (from I 50 ) = 1.5 × 10 −11 M. The K i values for EHNA and DHMPR, as determined by classical methods after attainment of steady state, were 1.6 × 10 −9 and 1.3 × 10 −6 M, respectively, for human erythrocytic ADA. The kinetic parameters for EHNA and calf intestinal ADA were as follows: K i = 6.5 × 10 −9 M (by the method of I 50 ); k 1 = 0.7 × 10 6 M −1 sec −1 ' and k 2 = 4.6 × 10 −3 sec −1 . On the basis of K i values, the inhibitors. DHMPR, EHNA and deoxycoformycin (a transition state analog), were classified as readily reversible, semi-tight-binding and tight-binding inhibitors. The difficulties encountered in the kinetic analyses of different types of inhibitors and the methods for dealing with the problems of these inhibitors are discussed.
Cost, Effectiveness, and Cost-Effectiveness

Pluck the goose so as to obtain the most feathers with the least hissing . — —Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Minister of Finance to King Louis XIV of France Incremental or marginal cost-effectiveness ratios are founded on a number of assumptions that weaken their suitability as a way to balance competing economic and clinical priorities. We therefore propose a more relevant and responsible way to gauge the impact of clinical management strategies based on “consumer protection” principles—explicit disclosure of (1) the total magnitude of expected benefit in the target population (in life-years or quality-adjusted life-years), (2) the total monetary cost (in per capita inflation-adjusted dollars), and (3) a formal plan by which the added costs would be paid. Health policy decisions should therefore be based on the inherent trade-offs in the component measures of cost and effectiveness and not on a simple ratio of the two. Cost-effectiveness ratios are thereby rendered superfluous. Incremental or marginal cost-effectiveness ratios are widely viewed as rational ways to balance competing clinical and economic priorities that arise as a consequence of the inevitable disconnect between an individual’s wants and the society’s willingness to pay for those wants.1–5 The purpose of this essay is to question the practical relevance of these ratios with respect to strategic planning in health care, and offer a suitable alternative. In doing so, we will focus on the more pragmatic issues underlying cost-effectiveness analysis, and gloss over a variety of technical details such as the difference between a privately financed free market and the publicly financed healthcare market, between costs and charges, and between unadjusted and quality-adjusted outcomes. Our pragmatic perspective is not likely to be welcomed by orthodox experts in cost-effectiveness analysis. We believe, however, that any such criticisms can be blunted by recognizing the important distinctions between regulatory and clinical …
Vaporization and combustion in three-dimensional droplet arrays

Abstract The quasi-steady vaporization and combustion of multiple-droplet arrays is studied numerically. Utilizing the Shvab–Zeldovich formulation, a transformation of the governing equations to a three-dimensional Laplace’s equation is performed, and the solution to Laplace’s equation is obtained numerically to find the effects of droplet interactions in symmetric, multiple-droplet arrays. Vaporization rates, flame surface shapes, and flame locations are found for different droplet array configurations and fuels. The number of droplets, the droplet arrangement within the arrays, and the droplet spacing within the arrays are varied to determine the effects of these parameters. Computations are performed for uniformly spaced three-dimensional arrays of up to 216 droplets, with center-to-center spacing ranging from 3 to 25 droplet radii. As a result of the droplet interactions, the number of droplets and relative droplet spacing significantly affect the vaporization rate of individual droplets within the array, and consequently the flame shape and location. For small droplet spacing, the individual droplet vaporization rate decreases below that obtained for an isolated droplet by several orders of magnitude. A similarity parameter which correlates vaporization rates with array size and spacing is identified. Individual droplet flames, internal group combustion, and external group combustion can be observed depending on the droplet geometry and boundary conditions.
Effect of Seasonality of Snow Accumulation and Melt on Snow Surface Energy Exchanges at a Continental Alpine Site

Abstract Snow surface energy exchanges and snowmelt were measured during the 1994 and 1995 snowmelt seasons at an alpine site in the Colorado Front Range (3517 m MSL, 40°03′N, 105°35′W). Following a maximum accumulation of 0.49-m snow water equivalence (SWE), the 1994 snowmelt season began on 5 May and lasted 32 days until 6 June. In contrast, the 1995 maximum accumulation of 1.31-m SWE did not occur until 1 June, and the snowmelt season lasted 45 days until July 16. Thus, a nearly threefold larger snowpack ablated in only 41% more time in the later 1995 snowmelt season. In 1994, net radiation accounted for 75% of the energy available to melt snow, and sensible and latent heat fluxes accounted for the remaining 25%. During the 1995 snowmelt season the mean air temperature was warmer (+1.3°C) and the mean specific humidity was greater (+0.6 g kg−1) than during the 1994 snowmelt season. As a result, in 1995, sensible and latent heat fluxes accounted for 54% of the energy for snowmelt and net radiation accou...
A Model for Predicting the Results of Orthoptics in Patients with Equal Exodeviations

Stepwise discriminant and discriminant analysis of the data of a retrospective study of patients with equal (or basic) exodeviation has been completed. Based upon this calibration data, these analyses have allowed the formulation of a classification criterion for the success of orthoptic treatment. Included in the model were the following factors: the frequency of the deviation, the AC/A ratio, the angle of deviation at the nearpoint and the recovery value of the distance positive vergences. Patients with latent deviations, higher AC/A ratios, smaller near angles of deviation and smaller recovery values were more likely to be successful. The model in the form of a pair of linearised discriminant functions is presented. The possible relationship of the model to real-world processes, utility and limits are briefly discussed.
Salient and Emerging Developmental Tasks in the Transition to Adulthood.

Drawing on data from a normative sample of 205 children tracked into adulthood, this study examined the predictive links from 3 salient (friendship, academic, conduct) and 2 emerging (work, romantic) developmental tasks during the transition years around age 20 to adult adaptation 10 years later. Results (a) confirm the utility of salient developmental tasks for predicting adult success, (b) suggest that emerging domains have limited long-term predictive significance, and (c) more generally support a view that developmental tasks follow a course through life of waxing and waning salience and organization that has implications for future adaptation.
Effects of juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) on midgut morphology and glutathione status in Saturniid moth larvae

Actias luna and Callosamia promethea larvae were fed birch foliage supplemented with juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) to determine whether juglone causes oxidative stress in midguts of these species. Juglone is a substituent of walnut foliage. A. luna, but not C. promethea, thrives on walnut foliage, as well as birch foliage supplemented with juglone. After 2 and 3 days on juglone-containing diets, midgut samples from these animals were compared histologically and were analyzed for GSH and GSSG content. C. promethea, but not A. luna, midguts revealed partial loss of epithelial structure. In contrast, GSH and GSSG did not change significantly in either species. In a separate experiment, live midgut explants from each species were cultured for 4 h in 0, 0.05, and 0.25% juglone. In juglone-treated explants, GSSG increased 2.1 and 5.6-fold, respectively, for A. luna, and 1.6 and 2.7-fold, respectively, for C. promethea. There was also a small dose-dependent decrease in GSH in C. promethea, but not A. luna. Although histology indicates that the midgut is a target of juglone toxicity in C. promethea, GSH analyses from either species do not support the expectation that changes in GSH/GSSG explain differences in susceptibility to juglone toxicity.
Tracing fuel component carbon in the emissions from diesel engines

The addition of oxygenates to diesel fuel can reduce particulate emissions, but the underlying chemical pathways for the reductions are not well understood. While measurements of particulate matter (PM), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) are routine, determining the contribution of carbon atoms in the original fuel molecules to the formation of these undesired exhaust emissions has proven difficult. Renewable bio-derived fuels (ethanol or bio-diesel) containing a universal distribution of contemporary carbon are easily traced by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). These measurements provide general information about the emissions of bio-derived fuels. Another approach exploits synthetic organic chemistry to place {sup 14}C atoms in a specific bond position in a specific fuel molecule. The highly labeled fuel molecule is then diluted in {sup 14}C-free petroleum-derived stock to make a contemporary petroleum fuel suitable for tracing. The specific {sup 14}C atoms are then traced through the combustion event to determine whether they reside in PM, HC, CO, CO{sub 2}, or other emission products. This knowledge of how specific molecular structures produce certain emissions can be used to refine chemical-kinetic combustion models and to optimize fuel composition to reduce undesired emissions. Due to the high sensitivity of the technique and the lackmore » of appreciable {sup 14}C in fossil fuels, fuels for AMS experiments can be labeled with modern levels of {sup 14}C and still produce a strong signal. Since the fuel is not radioactive, emission tests can be conducted in any conventional engine lab, dynamometer facility, or on the open road.« less
CELLERITY: a fully automatic layout synthesis system for standard cell libraries

This paper describes a fully automatic standard-cell layoutsynthesis system, CELLERITY. The system is flexible insupporting a wide variety of process technologies and a range oflibrary template styles. The tool is fully automatic and providesseveral options to the user to customize the layout template. Thetool considers performance and yield and generates dense,design-rule correct layouts. Experimental results indicate that thearea of CELLERITY-generated standard cells is competitive withmanually designed cells in a majority of circuits. In block-leveltests of industrial circuits, standard-cell blocks generated usingCELLERITY cells are about equal to the block area produced byusing a manually-designed library. Recently, an embeddedmicrocontroller in a state-of-the-art sub-micron processtechnology was fabricated using CELLERITY-generated standard cells.
Erratum to: Did southerners favor slavery? Inferences from an analysis of prices in New Orleans, 1805–1860

Acknowledgments Data for this paper were made available, in part, by Robert Fogel and Stanley Engerman through the ICPSR. The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Earhart Foundation, as well as the National Science Foundation, SBER#9819061. We thank the editors of Public Choice and our anonymous reviewers for their excellent comments and suggestions. We are also grateful for the helpful comments on earlier drafts made by Tony Affigne, John Aldrich, Keith Dougherty, Michael Gillespie, Kerry Haynie, Cal Jillson, Robert Keohane, Paula McClain, John Tomasi, and Paul Zak. All errors that remain in the paper are the sole responsibility of the authors.
Morphology of aerosol particles generated from the evaporation of solution drops

Abstract Morphology of particles formed from the evaporation of solution droplets is examined. It is concluded that evaporation of solution droplets leads to initial shell formation. Final particle size, shape and structure are affected by rate of evaporation of the solution droplet and mass of solute present. Conditions conducive to solid particle formation include a nuclei-free environment, a high solubility solute and low drying rates. The frequent formation of non-solid particles necessitates the use of electron microscopy in particle size, shape and density verification.
PET imaging for attention deficit preclinical drug testing in neurofibromatosis-1 mice

Abstract Attention system abnormalities represent a significant barrier to scholastic achievement in children with neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1). Using a novel mouse model of NF1-associated attention deficit (ADD), we demonstrate a presynaptic defect in striatal dopaminergic homeostasis and leverage this finding to apply [ 11 C]-raclopride positron-emission tomography (PET) in the intact animal. While methylphenidate and l -Deprenyl correct both striatal dopamine levels on PET imaging and defective attention system function in Nf1 mutant mice, pharmacologic agents that target de-regulated cyclic AMP and RAS signaling in these mice do not. These studies establish a robust preclinical model to evaluate promising agents for NF1-associated ADD.
Multiple stationary states and NOx production for turbulent flames in refractory tubes

Multiple stationary states for the combustion of premixed propane and air in turbulent flow through a refractory tube were predicted by Chen and Churchill on the basis of a theoretical model. The primary objective of this work was to investigate the existence of such multiplicity experimentally. A number of stable stationary states were found in a 3/8-in. tube with the flame fronts grouped in two regions just as predicted. The exact number of stable, stationary states within these two groups is still uncertain because of the very close spacing of the flame fronts. The qualitative and quantitative confirmation of the predictions supports the premise of the model that the combustion process in the tube is controlled by wall-to-wall radiation, conduction in the tube wall, convection of heat between the wall and gas stream, and homogeneous chemical kinetics. A second objective was to determine the thermal and chemical characteristics of these flames. The thermal behavior was found to be essentially the same for each of the states, except for the location of the flame front. However the production of NO x (as NO) was found to vary from 32 to 5 ppm as the flame front location shifted down the tube from state to state at the same total flow rate and propane-to-air ratio, or with a decreasing propane-to-air ratio or with an increasing total flow rate. These concentrations are rationalized quantitatively on the basis of a gross kinetic model. The corresponding CO concentrations varied from 0.08 to 0.41%. These values are also found to be controlled by chemical kinetics. The very low NO x concentrations are attributed to the short residence times at high temperature, essentially planar flow, minimal back-mixing and minimal acoustic oscillations, all of which are characteristic of combustion in turbulent flow through a refractory tube. The sequence of the research reported herein is unusual in that a completely unexpected result was predicted by a theoretical model and subsequently confirmed by experiments.
Spatiotemporal environmental variation, risk aversion, and the evolution of cooperative breeding as a bet-hedging strategy

In cooperatively breeding systems in which some individuals delay reproduction to help raise others’ offspring, environmental variation in space and time influences individual reproductive strategies as well as interspecific patterns of sociality. Although most environmental explanations for cooperative breeding emphasize the mean fitness gains of living socially, the fittest individuals are not always those that produce on average the highest number of offspring. At times, variance in fecundity can influence fitness as much as mean fecundity, particularly in small populations like those of cooperative breeders. Cooperative breeding behavior could therefore be a risk-averse strategy to maximize fitness by reducing environmentally induced fecundity variance. Such a within-generation bet-hedging hypothesis for social evolution predicts that (i) variance in reproductive success should be related to environmental variation, (ii) variance in reproductive success should be related to the potential for cooperation in a group, and (iii) the potential for cooperation should be related to environmental variation. Using data from a 10-y study of cooperatively breeding superb starlings (Lamprotornis superbus) living in a temporally and spatially variable savanna ecosystem, I found that variance in reproductive success declined with increasing environmental quality (temporal variation), increasing territory quality (spatial variation), and increasing group size (potential for cooperation), which is itself related to environmental variation. To understand the adaptive value of cooperative breeding behavior in variable environments, researchers must consider both mean and environmentally induced variance in fecundity. Determining how spatiotemporal environmental variation drives risk-averse strategies may provide insights into the evolution of complex social behavior.
Biliverdin protects rat livers from Ischemia/Reperfusion injury

Abstract Objective To explore putative cytoprotective functions of biliverdin during hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat models. Material and methods Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rat livers were harvested and stored for 24 hours at 4°C in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution (n = 18), and then perfused with blood for 2 hours on an isolated rat liver perfusion apparatus equipped for temperature (37°C), pressure (13 cm H2O), and pH (7.3) maintenance. Biliverdin was added to the blood at concentrations of 10 and 50 μmol in two groups of six animals. Portal vein blood flow, bile production, and GOT/GPT levels were assessed serially. At the conclusion of the experiment, liver samples were collected for histologic evaluation using Suzuki criteria. Results BV exerted protective effects against liver I/R injury. Adjunctive biliverdin improved portal venous blood flow (mL/min/g) from the beginning of reperfusion (1.33 ± 0.17 versus 0.98 ± 0.15; P Conclusions Biliverdin attenuates the ischemia/early reperfusion injury of rat liver grafts as assessed by hemodynamics, function, enzyme analysis, and histology. This study provides the rationale for novel therapeutic approaches using biliverdin to maximize the organ donor pool through the safer use of liver transplants despite prolonged periods of cold ischemia.
Three carbon pairs in Si

Abstract Carbon impurities in Si are common in floating-zone and cast-Si materials. The simplest and most discussed carbon complex is the interstitial–substitutional C i C s pair, which readily forms when self-interstitials are present in the material. This pair has three possible configurations, each of which is electrically active. The less common C s C s pair has been studied in irradiated material but has also recently been seen in as-grown C-rich cast-Si, which is commonly used to fabricate solar cells. The third pair consists of two interstitial C atoms: C i C i . Although its formation probability is low for several reasons, the C i C i pair is very stable and electrically inactive. In this contribution, we report preliminary results of first-principles calculations of these three C pairs in Si. The structures, binding energies, vibrational spectra, and electrical activity are predicted.
Heterogeneous Atmospheric Reactions: Sulfuric Acid Aerosols as Tropospheric Sinks

The collisional reaction probabilities of several atmospheric species on bulk sulfuric acid surfaces indicate that heterogeneous processes may be important in tropospheric chemistry.
Experimental Testing of CFRP-Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Slab Elements Loaded by Close-In Blast

Strengthening reinforced concrete slab or wall structural elements with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) can improve their blast resistance. However, close-in blasts (blasts with a scaled range of less than 0.4 m/kg1/3) may undermine the effectiveness of the CFRP strengthening. This paper presents an experimental testing program on CFRP-strengthened reinforced concrete slab specimens that utilized fiber anchors. Two CFRP mitigation designs were tested under blast loads with a scaled range of 0.4 and 0.6 m/kg1/3. Tests on unmitigated reinforced concrete slab specimens provided baseline comparisons. The experimental results showed that the use of CFRP strengthening improved the blast resistance of reinforced concrete slab specimens. For a larger scaled range, 0.6 m/kg1/3, the CFRP successfully prevented flying debris and reduced the overall deflections of the slab specimens. However, for the closer scaled range, 0.4 m/kg1/3, the high shock blast pressures shattered the concrete through the thickness of the slab specimen and tore through the back-face CFRP. However, back-face velocity and overall deflections were reduced by about 75% compared to the baseline test slab specimen.
An Integrated Wipe Sample Transport/Autosampler to Maximize Throughput for a Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART)/Orthogonal Acceleration, Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (oa-TOFMS)

A wipe sample transport was designed and built to meet two objectives: to simplify collection, storage, and transport of cotton swab wipe samples and to provide a sample train of 72 wipe samples nearly ready for analysis when the swabs reach the laboratory. The cotton swabs are mounted on an Al rod that is the sample support for an autosampler used to perform direct analysis in real time (DART 1 )/orthogonal acceleration, time-of-flight mass spectrometry (oa-TOFMS) analyses. The goal is for one analyst to analyze 1000 wipe samples mounted on 14 Al rods in one 8-h shift. 1DART is a registered trademark of JEOL USA, Inc.
Azlocillin: In Vitro Studies of a New Semisynthetic Penicillin

Abstract The activity of azlocillin, a new semisynthetic penicillin, was determined against 582 clinical isolates of gram-negative bacilli and gram-positive cocci. Over 75% of the isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were inhibited at a concentration of 12.5 μg or less per ml. Azlocillin is also active against indole-negative and -positive Proteus spp., inhibiting 98 and 71%, respectively, at a concentration of 12.5 μg or less per ml. Isolates of Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp. showed less susceptibility than isolates of Escherichia coli and Serratia spp. Gram-positive cocci except penicillin G-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were susceptible to azlocillin. Azlocillin failed to inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacilli when large inocula were used. It was more active in alkaline pH, but the type of medium used had little effect on its activity. Azlocillin was more active than mezlocillin, ticarcillin, and carbenicillin and as active as BLP-1654 against isolates of P. aeruginosa. It was not as active as mezlocillin against the majority of the other gram-negative bacilli.
The canonical Ramsey theorem and computability theory

Using the tools of computability theory and reverse mathematics, we study the complexity of two partition theorems, the Canonical Ramsey Theorem of Erdos and Rado, and the Regressive Function Theorem of Kanamori and McAloon. Our main aim is to analyze the complexity of the solutions to computable instances of these problems in terms of the Turing degrees and the arithmetical hierarchy. We succeed in giving a sharp characterization for the Canonical Ramsey Theorem for exponent 2 and for the Regressive Function Theorem for all exponents. These results rely heavily on a new, purely inductive, proof of the Canonical Ramsey Theorem. This study also unearths some interesting relationships between these two partition theorems, Ramsey's Theorem, and Konig's Lemma.
Levoglucosan stability in biomass burning particles exposed to hydroxyl radicals

[1] Experiments were carried out in a smog chamber to investigate the oxidation of levoglucosan in biomass burning particles exposed to gas-phase hydroxyl radicals (OH). The experiments featured atmospherically-relevant particle and oxidant concentrations and both high and low relative humidity conditions. In every experiment, we observed levoglucosan decay in particles exposed to OH. The extent of decay ranged from ∼20% to ∼90% and was strongly correlated to the integrated OH exposure. Increased relative humidity did not enhance or impede reaction. Relative kinetics indicate that levoglucosan has an atmospheric lifetime of 0.7–2.2 days when biomass burning particles are exposed to 1 × 106 molecules cm−3 of OH (typical average summertime conditions). This implies that levoglucosan reacts with OH on a timescale similar to that of transport and deposition, which has important implications for the use of levoglucosan as a tracer for biomass burning emissions in source apportionment studies.
Inverse cascade in film flows

Developed interfacial dynamics of thin film flows with moderate Reynolds numbers exhibits a remarkable feature: the evolution is dominated by solitary-like pulses with a natural large wavelength between them. This phenomenon is robust and resembles the inverse energy cascade in two-dimensional turbulence. A new simple evolution equation is proposed to describe the film flow dynamics which captures such an inverse cascade. The equation combines the simplest kinematic nonlinearity with the exact linear term. The spectral kernel of the linear term is found from the numerical solution of the associated linear stability problem.
Individual Conceptions of Public Service Motivation

Many scholars and practitioners of public administration converge on the belief that some individuals are predisposed to perform public service. James L. Perry (1996) recently clarified the public service motivation (PSM) construct and proposed a measurement scale. The present study builds on and extends this important stream of research by examining how individuals view the motives associated with public service. Specifically, we use an intensive research technique called Q-methodology to examine the motives of 69 individuals. We identify four distinct conceptions of PSM: individuals holding these conceptions are referred to as samaritans, communitarians, patriots, and humanitarians. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Nitric oxide reduces seed dormancy in Arabidopsis

Dormancy is a property of many mature seeds, and experimentation over the past century has identified numerous chemical treatments that will reduce seed dormancy. Nitrogen-containing compounds including nitrate, nitrite, and cyanide break seed dormancy in a range of species. Experiments are described here that were carried out to further our understanding of the mechanism whereby these and other compounds, such as the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), bring about a reduction in seed dormancy of Arabidopsis thaliana. A simple method was devised for applying the products of SNP photolysis through the gas phase. Using this approach it was shown that SNP, as well as potassium ferricyanide (Fe(III)CN) and potassium ferrocyanide (Fe(II)CN), reduced dormancy of Arabidopsis seeds by generating cyanide (CN). The effects of potassium cyanide (KCN) on dormant seeds were tested and it was confirmed that cyanide vapours were sufficient to break Arabidopsis seed dormancy. Nitrate and nitrite also reduced Arabidopsis seed dormancy and resulted in substantial rates of germination. The effects of CN, nitrite, and nitrate on dormancy were prevented by the NO scavenger c-PTIO. It was confirmed that NO plays a role in reducing seed dormancy by using purified NO gas, and a model to explain how nitrogen-containing compounds may break dormancy in Arabidopsis is presented.
Cancer–Testis Antigen Expression in Digestive Tract Carcinomas: Frequent Expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Precursor Lesions

Cancer-testis (CT) antigens are attractive tumor antigens for cancer immunotherapy. They comprise a group of proteins normally expressed in germ cells and aberrantly activated in a variety of human cancers. The protein expression of eight cancer-testis antigens [MAGEA, NY-ESO-1, GAGE, MAGEC1 (CT7), MAGEC2 (CT10), CT45, SAGE1, and NXF2] was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 61 esophageal carcinomas (40 adenocarcinoma and 21 squamous cell carcinoma), 50 gastric carcinomas (34 diffuse and 16 intestinal type), and 141 colorectal carcinomas. The highest frequency of expression was found in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas: Positive staining for MAGEA, CT45, CT7, SAGE1, GAGE, NXF2, NY-ESO-1, and CT10 was observed in 57%, 38%, 33%, 33%, 29%, 29%, 19%, and 14% of squamous cell carcinomas, respectively. Similar staining patterns were observed in squamous dysplasias. Expression frequencies of cancer-testis antigens were seen in 2% to 24% of gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas and were not significantly different between adenocarcinomas of the stomach versus the esophagus, or between diffuse and intestinal types of gastric adenocarcinomas. Colorectal cancers did not express NY-ESO-1, CT7, CT10, or GAGE, and only infrequently expressed SAGE1 (0.7%) MAGEA (1.4%), CT45 (3.5%), and NXF2 (8.5%). We conclude that cancer-testis antigens are frequently expressed in esophageal squamous neoplasms. Although cancer-testis antigens are generally considered to be expressed later in tumor progression, they are found in squamous dysplasias, suggesting a potential diagnostic role for cancer-testis antigens in the evaluation of premalignant squamous lesions.
Production and physiological responses of heat-stressed lactating dairy cattle to conductive cooling.

Abstract The objective of this research was to test the effectiveness of conductive cooling in alleviating heat stress of lactating dairy cows. A conductive cooling system was built with waterbeds (Dual Chamber Cow Waterbeds, Advanced Comfort Technology Inc., Reedsburg, WI) modified to circulate chilled water. The experiment lasted 7 wk. Eight first-lactation Holstein cows producing 34.4±3.7kg/d of milk at 166±28 d in milk were used in the study. Milk yield, dry matter intake (DMI), and rectal temperature were recorded twice daily, and respiration rate was recorded 5 times per day. During wk 1, the cows were not exposed to experimental heat stress or conductive cooling. For the remaining 6 wk, the cows were exposed to heat stress from 0900 to 1700h each day. During these 6 wk, 4 of the 8 cows were cooled with conductive cooling (experimental cows), and the other 4 were not cooled (control cows). The study consisted of 2 thermal environment exposures (temperature-humidity index mean ± standard deviation of 80.7±0.9 and 79.0±1.0) and 2 cooling water temperatures (circulating water through the water mattresses at temperatures of 4.5°C and 10°C). Thus, a total of 4 conductive cooling treatments were tested, with each treatment lasting 1 wk. During wk 6, the experimental and control cows were switched and the temperature-humidity index of 79.0±1.0 with 4.5°C cooling water treatment was repeated. During wk 7, waterbeds were placed directly on concrete stalls without actively cooling the water. Least squares means and P -values for the different treatments were calculated with multivariate mixed models. Conductively cooling the cows with 4.5°C water decreased rectal temperature by 1.0°C, decreased respiration rate by 18 breaths/min, increased milk yield by 5%, and increased DMI by 14% compared with the controls. When the results from the 2 cooling water temperatures (4.5°C and 10°C circulating water) were compared, we found that the rectal temperature from 4.5°C cooling water was 0.3°C lower than the rectal temperature with 10°C cooling water, but the other measurements (respiration rate, milk production, and DMI) did not show a statistically significant difference between the cooling water temperatures. Placing waterbeds on concrete stalls without additional cooling did not have a measurable effect in alleviating the heat stress of the cows.
Phyletic Perspectives on Platyrrhine Origins and Anthropoid Relationships

As the editors of this volume describe in their preface (Ciochon and Chiarelli, 1980), the preceding papers were solicited from researchers in various disciplines so that we could collectively examine a set of interrelated questions: (1) What are the paleontological origins of the New World monkeys?, (2) what is the nature of the phylogenetic affinity between the catarrhine and platyrrhine primates?, and (3) what is the significance of these questions, and their resolution, for understanding the influence of continental drift upon the modern distributional patterns of the anthropoid primates? We have been asked to evaluate the status of Questions 1 and 2, which are essentially phylogenetic problems, on the basis of the foregoing contributions as well as our own respective researches. We have attempted to do so by reiterating some of the more salient arguments in capsule form and pointing out what we feel are their strengths and weaknesses (see summary in Tables I–III). Our conclusion—in brief—is that a substantial set of first steps has been taken, largely due to the multi-disciplinary persuasion of the contributors to this volume, but many important problems remain: the data on living platyrrhine comparative morphology is still meager; the fossil record of platyrrhines is sparse but tantalizing; comparisons of early catarrhines and platyrrhines have hardly begun; too little is still known of omomyid (and adapid) crania and postcrania; the somewhat better-known adapids (not to mention the rarer omomyids) are still poorly understood phyletically; and, especially, without a clear genealogical picture of platyrrhine, catarrhine, and interanthropoid relationships, no scientific model of their deployment can be synthesized.
Protecting TERS probes from degradation: extending mechanical and chemical stability

The detailed surface chemistry of aluminum oxide protected silver films for use specifically in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) was investigated. We have demonstrated that increased storage and scanning use lifetimes for silver plasmonic structures are directly connected with the elimination of chemical degradation at the plasmonic structure surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the metal films confirmed that a 2–3 nm thick coating of aluminum oxide prevented chemical attack of the underlying silver film for three months of storage in a desiccator, significantly increasing the storage lifetime of current probes. The scanning lifetime of a TERS probe when used to image a hard patterned silicon substrate was doubled with the addition of this protective coating. These measurements were performed without laser illumination in order to separate laser-induced heating degradation from pure mechanical degradation of the metallized probe currently encountered during TERS data collection. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability evaluation of hypercube multicomputers

An analytic model for the reliability evaluation of hypercube multicomputers is presented. The model is based on the decomposition principle, where a hypercube of a higher dimension is recursively decomposed into smaller hypercubes, until the reliability of the smallest cube is modeled exactly. The reliability of the large n-cube is then obtained from this smallest base model using a recursive equation. The reliability model used is task-based, i.e., it is assumed that the system is operational if a task can be executed on the system. Analytic results are given for n-dimensional hypercubes with up to 75% system degradation. The model is validated by comparison of analytic results with simulation results. >
Electrostatic Modeling of Vacuum Insulator Triple Junctions

Summary form only given. Triple junctions are often initiation points for insulator flashover in pulsed power devices. Two-dimensional finite-element TriComp and Maxwell modeling software suites were utilized for their electrostatic field modeling packages to investigate electric field behavior in the anode and cathode triple junctions of a high voltage vacuum-insulator interface. Both TriComp and Maxwell enable extraction of values from a macroscopic solution for use as boundary conditions in a subset solution. Electric fields computed with this zoom capability correlate with theoretical analysis of the anode and cathode triple junctions within submicron distances for nominal electrode spacing of 1.0 cm. This paper will discuss the iterative zoom process with TriComp and Maxwell finite-element electric field solvers and the corresponding theoretical verification of the results.
Recirculating Culture for Chondracanthus Exasperatus

The red alga Chondracanthus exasperatus is a source of the phycocolloid carrageenan as well as an ingredient referred to as ‘intralamellar gel’ in a recently developed cosmetic formula (US Patent 6136 329). The high value of the cosmetic product has sparked renewed interest in cultivation of this species. Previous cultivation methods for this species include open water culture on nets and immersed cultivation in tanks supplied with flow-through pumped seawater. The installation of a high capacity seawater supply, pumping and drain system is a major cost for flow through systems. Recirculating or re-use seawater systems that minimize seawater turnover may offer significant cost savings over single-pass, flow through seawater systems. In this research several options for minimizing seawater use have been tested: recirculating batch culture in which nutrient replenished (carbon dioxide and mineral nutrients) natural or artificial seawater is used with minimal turnover and spray culture in which plants are suspended in air saturated with nutrient replenished natural or artificial seawater medium. Small volume (<2 L), single-plant bioreactors and larger multiplant, 20, 80 and 320 L (sea water volume) immersion and spray systems have been developed and tested. Results from these systems will be presented. Research supported by Washington Sea Grant, Washington Biotechnology Center and Soliv International Corporation.