cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Believe It or Not On the Possibility of Suspending Belief

We present two experiments that cast doubt on existing evidence suggesting that it is impossible to suspend belief in a comprehended proposition. In Experiment 1, we found that interrupting the encoding of a statement's veracity decreased memory for the statement's falsity when the false version of the statement was uninformative, but not when the false version was informative. This suggests that statements that are informative when false are not represented as if they were true. In Experiment 2, participants made faster lexical decisions to words implied by preceding statements when they were told that the statements were true than when the veracity of the statements was unknown or when the statements were false. The findings suggest that comprehending a statement may not require believing it, and that it may be possible to suspend belief in comprehended propositions.
Fixation for Metacarpal Neck Fracture: A Biomechanical Study

There is no robust evidence of the best operative treatment for displaced unstable metacarpal neck fractures. Numerous constructs are used in the fixation of metacarpal neck fractures. Currently, two common methods are dorsal locking plate and K-wire fixation. A new metacarpal sled fixation system for metacarpal neck fracture was designed to provide fracture stability but limit dissection and avoid exposed hardware. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical integrity of the metacarpal sled versus standard locking plate fixation and retrograde K-wire fixation in a simulated porcine metacarpal fracture model. Transverse metacarpal neck fractures were created in 30 porcine second metacarpals. The specimens were randomly fixed with locking plates, metacarpal sleds, or retrograde K-wires. Constructs were then loaded to failure in three-point bending. Stiffness and peak load were measured from the load-to-failure deflection curve. Data were analyzed via ANOVA, followed by Tukey–Kramer’s post hoc pairwise comparison. The K-wire group had the highest initial stiffness followed by the sled group and then the plate group. Statistical difference was only found between K-wires and plate. Peak load for the K-wire group was lowest, followed by sled, and then by plate. A statistically significant difference was observed between the peak loads of the K-wires and plate, as well as the sled and plate. However, a difference in peak load was not detected between the K-wires and sled. For transverse metacarpal neck fractures, a metacarpal sled construct provides similar fixation to K-wires with limited dissection and without exposed hardware or the potential for soft tissue tethering. The new low profile construct using a minimally invasive technique would be suitable for unstable metacarpal neck fractures.
Increased Stokes pulse energy variation from amplified classical noise in a fiber Raman generator

We present an experimental and theoretical study of the transition from linear to nonlinear amplification of classical pump noise in a fiber Raman generator. In particular, we focus on the conversion of fluctuations in the fine temporal structure of Q-switched pump pulses into Stokes pulse energy fluctuations. We show that there is a distinct pump power domain where large scale fluctuations in the Stokes pulse energy result from the amplification of fluctuations in the temporal structure of pump pulses with stable energies. Dramatic changes in the shape of the Stokes pulse energy probability distribution also occur as the pump power is swept through the domain of large scale energy fluctuations.
Semi-kinematic rails for construction of optical test stands

We describe a new mounting technique for rapid alignment using semi-kinematic (SK) rails. Features of the technique include structures for positioning lens elements, beam splitters, mirrors, and the like. The SK rails are less complicated to machine than traditional v-groove technology.
The emergence of Ph-, trisomy -8+ cells in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with imatinib mesylate.

Abstract Objective. To describe clinical and laboratory features of a cohort of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who developed Ph − , trisomy 8 + metaphases while on treatment with imatinib mesylate. Patients and Methods. Conventional cytogenetics and triple-color interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to identify 5 of 310 studied patients who, on follow-up analysis, had Ph − , trisomy 8 + cells while on therapy. Results. None of the 5 patients had cytogenetic evidence of clonal evolution at the start of treatment with imatinib. All patients developed grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia during treatment. The emergence of Ph − , trisomy 8 + metaphases was seen at 3, 6, 13, 16, and 18 months from the start of treatment and was present at multiple time points. The maximum number of trisomy 8 metaphases ranged from 25 to 50%. Concomitantly, all patients had a profound suppression of Ph + cells (ranging from 0 to 65%) as well as the appearance of normal metaphases, ranging from 6 to 55%. None of the patients has shown clinical or hematologic signs of progression to a more advanced phase of CML. Conclusions. While on treatment with imatinib mesylate a small group (less than 5%) of patients with CML developed Ph − trisomy 8 + clone associated with pancytopenia. None of the patients developed clinical or hematological signs of progression to a more advanced phase of CML. These observations suggest that identification of trisomy 8 cells may represent clonal Ph − cells that were uncovered by treatment with a selective and potent inhibitor of Ph + cells.
Clarifying the Link Between Distress Intolerance and Exercise: Elevated Anxiety Sensitivity Predicts Less Vigorous Exercise

Anxiety sensitivity, one measure of distress intolerance, has been increasingly shown to play a role in a variety of health behaviors. A number of reports now suggest that individuals with higher levels of anxiety sensitivity (AS) are less likely to engage in exercise. However, this finding has been inconsistent across sex and limited by measurement strategy. This study examined the relationship between AS and self-reported exercise in a mixed-sex sample of 233 individuals. Consistent with prediction, AS was negatively associated with engagement in vigorous-intensity exercise; however, the strength of this association when covarying for sex was dependent on the measurement strategy used (continuous vs. categorical ASI scores). Sex did not moderate the AS-vigorous exercise association. AS was not associated with moderate-intensity exercise or walking. Results suggest a role of distress intolerance in exercise behavior and confirm the importance of continued research on this topic.
PeerShield: determining control and resilience criticality of collaborative cyber assets in networks

As attackers get more coordinated and advanced in cyber attacks, cyber assets are required to have much more resilience, control effectiveness, and collaboration in networks. Such a requirement makes it essential to take a comprehensive and objective approach for measuring the individual and relative performances of cyber security assets in network nodes. To this end, this paper presents four techniques as to how the relative importance of cyber assets can be measured more comprehensively and objectively by considering together the main variables of risk assessment (e.g., threats, vulnerabilities), multiple attributes (e.g., resilience, control, and influence), network connectivity and controllability among collaborative cyber assets in networks. In the first technique, a Bayesian network is used to include the random variables for control, recovery, and resilience attributes of nodes, in addition to the random variables of threats, vulnerabilities, and risk. The second technique shows how graph matching and coloring can be utilized to form collaborative pairs of nodes to shield together against threats and vulnerabilities. The third technique ranks the security assets of nodes by incorporating multiple weights and thresholds of attributes into a decision-making algorithm. In the fourth technique, the hierarchically well-separated tree is enhanced to first identify critical nodes of a network with respect to their attributes and network connectivity, and then selecting some nodes as driver nodes for network controllability.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A simple technique for the preparation of silicon thin foils for transmission electron microscopy

Abstract A simple technique has been developed for the preparation of silicom thin foils. X-ray topography examination has indicated that the finished foils are free from any defects introduced during the preparation process.
Purification of crude glucose solution from the enzymatic hydrolysis of potato waste, by solvent precipitation, ultrafiltration and ion exchange

Summary A crude, dilute glucose solution produced by the enzymatic hydrolysis of waste from a dehydrated potato plant, contained high concentrations of non-carbohydrate and coloured materials. Purification using solvent precipitation, ultrafiltration and ion exchange, reduced the concentration of non-carbohydrate materials from 27% to 3%, and increased the glucose concentration from 53% to 96% of the total dissolved solids. The purified material was suitable for use in some food applications or as a fermentation substrate.
An experience with a Prolog-based object-oriented language

This paper presents an experience with a programming language SPOOL which is based on the combination of object-oriented programming and logic programming. This language inherits the capability of knowledge base organization from object-oriented programming and its expressive power from logic programming.The experience of the application of SPOOL to the program annotation system showed that this combination was quite useful to formalize domain knowledge into declarative data types and make them reusable in different contexts. It also showed the need for further study such as better linguistic support to exploit the full power of this combination.
Progress in Impulse Testing of Transformers

Impulse testing of transformers has resulted in improvement of design and manufacturing methods. Not only should the test methods now given in American Standard C57.2 be simplified to effect a reduction in cost of tests, but the test code should be modified to give an adequate assurance of failure detection. The importance of failure detection and means available at present are discussed at length. A new method is proposed which is more sensitive than the older methods and appears to be less subject to individual interpretation.
Follow-up study on the carcinogenicity of vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride in rats and mice: tumor incidence and mortality subsequent to exposure.

Carcinogenic and other toxic effects in rats and mice were examined during a 12‐mo period following exposure to vinyl chloride (VC) or vinylidene chloride (VDC). Exposure of male and female mice to 50, 250, or 1000 ppm VC for 6 h/d, 5 d/wk, for 1, 3, or 6 mo resulted in increased numbers of deaths and increased moribundity at all dose levels during the exposure and postexposure periods, as compared with air‐exposed controls. Similar observations were made with rats after 1, 3, 6, or 10 mo exposure to VC. Cumulative tumor incidence at various organ sites also increased in both species during the postexposure period in proportion to dose or duration of exposure at higher dose levels. However, except for mammary gland tumors in female mice, no significant increase in cumulative tumor incidence occurred in either species at 50 ppm VC or 55 ppm VDC, regardless of duration of exposure. These results suggest that exposure to vinyl halides at dose levels lower than those that elicit a significant increase in canc...
Almost arcwise connected continua without dense arc components

Abstract A continuum M is almost arcwise connected if each pair of nonempty open subsets of M can be joined by an arc in M. An almost arcwise connected plane continuum without a dense arc component can be defined by identifying pairs of endpoints of three copies of the Knaster indecomposable continuum that has two endpoints. In [7] K.R. Kellum gave this example and asked if every almost arcwise connected continuum without a dense arc component has uncountably many arc components. We answer Kellum's question by defining an almost arcwise connected plane continuum with only three arc components none of which are dense. A continuum M is almost Peano if for each finite collection C of nonempty open subsets of M there is a Peano continuum in M that intersects each element of C . We define a hereditarily unicoherent almost Peano plane continuum that does not have a dense arc component. We prove that every almost arcwise connected planar λ-dendroid has exactly one dense arc component. It follows that every hereditarily unicoherent almost arcwise connected plane continuum without a dense arc component has uncountably many arc components. Using an example of J. Krasinkiewicz and P Minc [8], we define an almost Peano λ-dendroid that do not have a dense arc component. Using a theorem of J.B. Fugate and L. Mohler [3], we prove that every almost arcwise connected λ-dendroid without a dense arc component has uncountably many arc components. In Euclidean 3-space we define an almost Peano continuum with only countably many arc components no one of which is dense. It is not known if the plane contains a continuum with these properties.
Modeling of radionuclide and heavy metal sorption around low- and high- pH waste disposal sites at Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Modeling of mineral precipitation and metal sorption reactions using MINTEQA2 and the Fe oxyhydroxide diffuse-layer model has provided insights into geochemical processes governing contaminant migration from low-level radioactive waste disposal sites at the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 Plant at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Both acidic and basic nuclear-fuel reprocessing wastes, locally mixed with decontamination solvents, were disposed of in unlined trenches and lagoons. Model results show that as wastes move toward neutral pH due to reactions with surrounding soils and saprolite, mineral precipitation and sorption can limit the solubility of heavy metals and radionuclides. However, observed contaminant levels in monitoring wells indicate that at least locally, wastes are moving in faults and fractures and are not retarded by sorption reactions along such flow paths. Model results also support previous studies indicating that organic complexing agents used in decontamination procedures can enhance radionuclide and heavy metal solubility when mixed with nuclear fuel reprocessing wastes. However, complex interactions between metal-organic complexes and mineral surfaces and natural organic matter, biodegradation, and fracture flow complicate the interpretation of contaminant mobility.
Convergence of Newton-Cotes quadratures for analytic functions

We determine (Theorem 3) the smallest closed region, containing the interva of integration, such that the analyticity of the integrand in this closed region implies the convergence of the Newton-Cotes quadratures. By considering, in particular, certain ellipses as regions of analyticity, we obtain (Theorem 4) an improvement of Davis' result on the convergence of Newton-Cotes quadratures for analytic functions.
Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations, congener profiles, and ratios in the fat tissue, eggs, and plasma of snapping turtles (Chelydra s. serpentina) from the Ohio Basin of Lake Erie, USA

Concentrations and profiles of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in three tissues of adult snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina serpentina) from six locations in the Ohio Basin of Lake Erie to characterize tissue variation and geographic trends. The locations included the Ohio Areas of Concern, i.e., the Ashtabula, Black, and Maumee Rivers; the Ottawa River near Toledo; and two reference sites. Mean total PCBs were greatest in turtles from the Ottawa River followed by the Maumee, Ashtabula, and Black Rivers. All three types of samples-fat tissue (FT), eggs, and plasma-showed the same geographic trend in PCB levels. On a wet-weight basis, mean concentrations ranged from 2,148 to 18,669 ng/g in FT, from 183 to 3,683 ng/g in eggs, and from 18 to 201 ng/g in plasma. Across all sites, total PCB concentrations between the tissues were significantly correlated (0.001 40 congeners (0.001 < p < 0.05). The distribution ratios determined for these congeners from the slope of the regression lines averaged 1.235 +/- 0.279, 0.430 +/- 0.170, and 0.387 +/- 0.115, respectively. The plasma wet weight-FT lipid-normalized concentration ratios for these congeners averaged 0.012 +/- 0.006. Both egg-FT and plasma wet weight-FT lipid-normalized ratios regressed against log K(ow) showed significant decreases, with increasing log K(ow), indicating greater accumulation of highly chlorinated congeners in FT than in other compartments. The estimated 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents ranged from 0.007 ng/g at reference sites to 0.060 ng/g at contaminated sites and from 0.099 to 1.992 ng/g in plasma and eggs, respectively. In both plasma and eggs, coplanar-CBs were the major contributors to total toxic equivalents (TEQs). Eggs from all contaminated sites had TEQs that exceeded the lowest observed effect level TEQs proposed for bald eagle chicks, in addition to high SigmaPCB levels at some of these sites, especially the Ottawa and Maumee River sites, indicate potentially increased risk to turtles and possibly other wildlife species inhabiting these ecosystems. Significant correlations of total PCBs and individual congeners between FT, eggs, and plasma indicate that blood sampling can provide a good nonlethal measure of PCB exposure and can be used to monitor environmental contamination.
Sex Differences in Electric Signaling in an Electric Fish

The electric discharge of Sternopygus macrurus is distinctly different from the discharges of ten sympatric species of electric fish in Guyana, South America. Sternopygus is the first known example of a fish with sexually different electric discharges. Males and females differ in the steady-state frequency of their discharges, and males produce variations in their discharge during courtship. Playback experiments demonstrate that species and sex differences in electric discharges have communicative significance.
Issues in the Training of Alcoholism Counselors

The advent of alcoholism counseling as a new profession has led to increased enrollment in and upgrading of alcoholism counselor training. This article discusses the counselors' emotional and ideological problems and their relationship to training. Factors which predispose and precipitate stress are examined including: personal recovery from alcoholism, treatment ideology, professionalism, bureaucratic and social issues, personal and home life, the transition to being a counselor and problems with supervision. Some recommendations are presented which would reduce the occurrence of counselor stress and strengthen alcoholism counselor training.
Organic electro-optics: from molecules to devices

Employing guidance from quantum and statistical mechanics, the electro-optic activity of organic materials has been increased to values greater than 100 pm/V at telecommunication wavelengths (e.g., 130 pm/V at 1.3 microns). Electro-optic materials now afford significant advantages in terms of bandwidth and electro-optic activity over competitive inorganic materials such as lithium niobate. Organic materials have also been found to be quite processable permitting the fabrication by reactive ion etching and photolithographic techniques of 3-D active waveguide structures and integration with both VLSI semiconductor electronics and silica fiber optics. Both stripline and microresonator structures have been fabricated, as have low-optical-loss coupling structures. A number of prototype devices demonstrating superior performance have been demonstrated; however, the long-term, in-field performance of such devices still remains to be evaluated. This article focuses on statistical mechanical theoretical methods that have aided the design of improved materials.
The veterinarian’s role in surgical implantation of electronic tags in fish

The current role of veterinarians participating in the intracoelomic surgical implantation of electronic tags in fisheries research projects with researchers is limited, but could be expanded. Veterinary training is broadly applicable to conducting surgeries on any species, and there are increasing numbers of veterinarians with fish-specific experience. A few of the roles veterinarians can play include advising on surgical instrument selection and acquisition, interfacing with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, devising strategies for anesthesia, providing direction on disinfection and sterilization, complying with regulatory requirements, providing individualized surgery instruction, and occasionally performing field surgeries. Veterinarians and fish researchers bring different strengths and deficits to bear in a fish surgery project, and it is helpful to recognize these for successful collaborations. Engaging veterinary consultation for electronic tag implantation surgeries in fish can be a mutually beneficial experience for the researcher and the veterinarian, with dividends in data quality and welfare of the research subjects.
Parametric Studies for Thermal Design of Surface Mounted Components of Standard Electronic Modules

Parametric studies are performed on heat transfer in surface-mounted components of conduction cooled Standard Electronic Modules (SEMs). Thermal network models are developed for the various components that are used in the SEMs. The models are validated by comparing the results with available experimental results from various test modules. An interfacing software package for thermal analysis (IN-STAN) is used to generate the thermal network representations of the models and a thermal network analyzer is used to perform the analysis. Several studies are performed to analyze the effects of important thermal design parameters including: chip and carrier size, cavity floor thickness, air gap thickness, die and carrier materials, and solder material.
Two stages of word processing during eye fixations in the reading of prose

Two experiments explored word processing during the reading of prose. Word frequency and predictability were manipulated to assess lexical access and context-dependent word interpretation. A mask moved in synchrony with the reader's eyes. The effects of this mask combined additively with word frequency and predictability in the first fixation duration data. However, when the sums of the individual fixations on a word were computed, there was a consistent tendency toward a mask × predictability interaction, while the mask again combined additively with word frequency. It is argued that the on-line processing of individual words becomes increasingly differentiated as postlexical processing becomes implicated.
Potential Use of Low-Frequency Oscillations of Cortical Hemodynamics in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery

Low-frequency oscillations in cortical hemodynamics were observed from the cortex of pediatric patients undergoing epilepsy surgery; they may be used to identify the functional and/or the epileptic cortex intraoperatively.
Comment on Rank and Hirschl, “Rags or Riches”

Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), Mark Rank and Thomas Hirschl show that, over 25 years, about half the American population will be poor for at least one year. And about half will be affluent for at least a year, with affluence defined as having an income at least 10 times the poverty level. In broad outlines, this finding is not new. Previous compilations based on the PSID also showed that there is great fluidity in incomes over time. The overall numbers of poor people may change little from year to year, suggesting a stagnant pool, yet which individuals are poor varies a great deal (Duncan et al., 1984). The principal novelty of the current findings is the remarkable symmetry of the rich and poor populations: About 30 percent of Americans live without risk of poverty, and an equal number live without prospect of affluence.
Sapovirus-like particles derived from polyprotein

We expressed full-length sapovirus genome constructs in insect cells and analyzed their products. The capsid protein was cleaved from the ORF1 polyprotein from a native-like genome construct and two full-length genome constructs with mutations in an active polymerase motif, whereas the capsid protein was not cleaved from a full-length genome construct with a mutation in an active protease motif. Our results showed that the sapovirus protease-polymerase precursor protein cleaved the capsid protein from the polyprotein at the putative conserved capsid start. Importantly, the cleaved capsid protein formed empty virus-like particles that were morphologically and antigenically similar to native sapovirus.
Incentives and job redesign: the case of the personal selling function

Changes in the internal and the external environment of organizations are causing many of them to redesign individual jobs as team functions. Sales organizations, in particular, are responding to increased selling costs by redesigning the selling function to include a support person. The basic idea here is to let the support person perform important but relatively low-skilled tasks, such as lead generation, so that the salesperson's valuable time is freed up to perform important and relatively high-skilled tasks, such as product promotion. However, this trend gives rise to several interesting questions. Specifically, we ask: How are the incentives offered to the salesperson affected by the introduction of the support person? To what extent will the support person be utilized? And, how will the job be conducted under the new design? We find that the level of incentives and job redesign are related, albeit in a complex manner. We also find that the firm will not always fully utilize the support person, nor will the salesperson always fully delegate the low-skilled task to him. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining particle size spectra from a mesocosm experiment measured using photographic and aperture impedance (Coulter and Elzone) techniques

Particle size spectra provide the fundamental descriptions of particle distributions. They are essential for relating particles to such oceanic properties as light scattering, particle sinking fluxes, and aggregation rates. Particle size spectra measured on a sample by two or more different techniques are rarely combined. Ideas from fractal theory have been used in this study to relate particle sizes obtained simultaneously in a mesocosm by two aperture impedance instruments (Coulter and Elzone particle counters) with those obtained by a photographic and image analysis system. Assuming all particles are consistent with each other only if all particles have a fractal dimension of about 2.3. The transformation of measured particle sizes to those of equivalent diameter of volume-conserving spheres decreased the apparent size of the particles in the photographic data set. As a result, the transformed data showed a smaller change in total particle volume than the raw data. The distribution of mass with respect to particle diameter is bimodal, with most of the mass centered in particles of about 0.5 mm apparent diameter. The availability of particle size spectra over such a large range has helped in their interpretation.
The impact of a single seizure on health status and health care utilization.

Summary: Purpose: To assess the health status of patients after a single seizure. Methods: We compared single-seizure patients (SS) with patients who had well-controlled epilepsy (WC), and uncomplicated hypertension (HT). Patients were adults screened from emergency and outpatient units of two urban teaching hospitals using predefined criteria. The 83 patients (SS, 30; WC, 29; HT, 24) were interviewed by phone about functional status (SF-36), comorbid illness, cause of illness, number of visits to health providers, and drug side effects. Results: No significant differences were found among groups for health status, SF-36 domain, or occurrence of drug side effects. SS patients had significantly lower scores on vitality (p <0.03) and a trend toward lower role physical function (p <0.07) compared with age-adjusted population norms. SS reported more visits to health providers than WC or HT, and the number of visits remained high at interview 1 year later. Patient knowledge of the “reason” for the seizure was not associated with health status or number of visits. Conclusions: Health status of patients within 1 year of a single seizure is similar to that of patients with well-controlled epilepsy or hypertension, but SS patients have greater health care utilization.
Communications for low cost planetary missions

Abstract Does a science-rich planetary mission require a high downlink data rate? Answering in the affirmative tends to increase mission cost, requiring highly directional spacecraft antennas and sophisticated attitude control. However, as the current Galileo experience shows, it is possible to design science-rich mission around a low gain, wide-beam antenna, with a maximum downlink rate of 160 bits-per-second. Applying the techniques presented below to future planetary missions could significantly reduce their complexity and cost. JPL is currently implementing this new downlink design to support the Galileo mission, in response to the failure of the High Gain Antenna. The capabilities to be provided enable other low data rate missions, or mission phases. The new design features on-board data buffering to eliminate short-term peak demand on the downlink, onboard data compression, recording and automatic recovery of pre-detection data at the ground stations, antenna arraying, improved synchronization, demodulation, and errorcorrecting coding, and reduced sensitivity to errors in tracking predicts. The ground equipment, currently under development, will become operational in early 1996.
Amplitude squeezing by means of quasi-phase-matched second-harmonic generation in a lithium niobate waveguide.

We demonstrate that traveling-wave second-harmonic generation produces amplitude-squeezed light at both the fundamental and the harmonic frequencies. Quasi-phase-matched second-harmonic conversion efficiencies approaching 60% were obtained in a 26-mm-long single-mode LiNbO3 waveguide with pulses from a mode-locked laser at 1.53 µm. The amplitude noise of the transmitted fundamental field was measured to be 0.8 dB below the shot-noise level, and the generated 0.765-µm harmonic light was measured to be amplitude squeezed by 0.35 dB. The conversion-efficiency dependence of the observed squeezing at both wavelengths agrees with theoretical predictions. Waveguide losses appear to degrade the squeezing, but the maximum observed squeezing is currently limited only by the available input power.
Anomalous positive charge formation by atomic hydrogen exposure

Abstract The formation of anomalous positive charge (APC) near the Si SiO 2 interface by atomic hydrogen exposure at room temperature has been studied. The APC exhibits a range of charging/discharging times from fractions of a second to hours. Room temperature annealing of the APC is observed and cycling its charge state makes the annealing significantly more rapid. The charge state of APC is driven by the silicon surface potential but not by the oxide field.
Understanding the molecule-surface chemical coupling in SERS.

The enhancement mechanism due to the molecule-surface chemical coupling in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been characterized using time-dependent density functional theory. This has been achieved with a systematical study of the chemical enhancement of meta- and para-substituted pyridines interacting with a small silver cluster (Ag20). Changing the functional groups on pyridine enabled us to modulate the direct chemical interactions between the pyridine ring and the metal cluster. Surprisingly, we find that the enhancement does not increase as more charge is transferred from the pyridine ring to the cluster. Instead, we find that the magnitude of chemical enhancement is governed to a large extent by the energy difference between the highest occupied energy level (HOMO) of the metal and the lowest unoccupied energy level (LUMO) of the molecule. The enhancement scales roughly as (ωX/ωe)4, where ωe is an average excitation energy between the HOMO of the metal and the LUMO of the molecule and ...
Increase in feeding stimulants as the primary mechanism by which SO2 enhances performance of Mexican bean beetle on soybean

Relative consumption rate (RCR) and relative growth rate (RGR) were significantly higher for larvae of the Mexican bean beetle fed leaves from plants fumigated with SO2. The insects grew faster primarily because they ate faster, rather than as a result of change in nutritional value of affected host tissue. Soluble carbohydrate content of fumigated or glutathione-treated leaves was much higher than that of corresponding control leaves, and concentrations of sucrose, fructose, and glucose, major feeding stimulants for this insect, were increased 40–50% by the treatments; soluble protein was unchanged (fumigated leaves) or significantly lower (glutathione-treated leaves) than controls. Feeding choice assays using filter-paper discs demonstrated that the beetles can discriminate clearly and respond to differences in sugar content of the magnitude produced by exposure to the pollutant. Thus, the primary mechanism by which SO2 increases performance of Mexican bean beetle on soybean appears to be increase in foliar concentration of stimulatory sugars, which, at least in part, would be a consequence of the pollutant interfering with phloem loading and translocation of sugar from affected leaves. Resume Augmentation de la phagostimulation, premiere manifestation de l'accroissement de la consommation de feuilles de soja par Epilachna varivestis provoque par SO2 Les taux de consommation relative (RCR) et de croissance relative (RGR) sont significativement superieurs chez les larves d'E. varivestis apres fumigation des feuilles de soja par SO2. L'etude de la relation entre RCR et RGR a revele que les insectes se sont developpes davantage, avant tout parce qu'ils ont consomme plus, et non pas par modification de la valeur nutritive des tissus de l'hote. La teneur en carbohydrates solubles des feuilles traitees au glutathion ou ayant subi une fumigation etait bien superieure a celle des temoins; les concentrations de sucrose, fructose et glucose, principaux phagostimulants de cet insecte avaient augmente de 40 a 50%; la teneur en proteine soluble etait inchangee (cas de la fumigation) ou significativement reduite (cas des feuilles traitees au glutathion). Des experiences de choix avec des disques de papier filtre ont montre que les insectes pouvaient distinguer nettement des differences de concentration en sucres, du meme ordre d'importance que celles provoquees par le polluant, et y repondre. Ainsi, la cause primaire par laquelle SO2 augmente les performances d'E. varivestis sur soja semble etre l'augmentation de la concentration foliaire en sucres stimulateurs, ce qui serait, au moins en partie, la consequence de l'interference du polluant avec la charge du phloeme et le transfert du sucre a partir des feuilles atteintes.
Cost probability analysis of reprocessing spent nuclear fuel in the US

Abstract The methods by which nuclear power's radioactive signature could be reduced typically require the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. However, economic assessments of the costs that are associated with doing this are subject to a high degree of uncertainty. We present a probabilistic analysis of the costs to build, operate and decommission the facilities that would be required to reprocess all US spent nuclear fuel generated over a one hundred year time frame, starting from a 2010 power production rate. The analysis suggests a total life-cycle cost of 2.11 ± 0.26 mills/kWh, with a 90% and 99% confidence that the overall cost would remain below 2.45 and 2.75 mills/kWh respectively. The most significant effects on cost come from the efficiency of the reactor fleet and the growth rate of nuclear power. The analysis shows that discounting results in life-cycle costs decreasing as recycling is delayed. However the costs to store spent fuel closely counter the effect of discounting when an intergenerational discount rate is used.
The spatial variation of plasmalemma potential in a spherical cell polarized by a small current source

Abstract It is well known that a considerable angular variation in the plasmalemma potential can be caused by a point source of current located within a cell, but no computationally convenient expression for this variation has been found, except for the case when the point source is located on the plasmalemma itself: such an expression is derived here. In addition, the problem of a current source of finite extent is solved approximately for the case where the source is located on the plasmalemma, and it is shown that dendrites and plasmodesmata give rise to no physiologically significant angular variations in plasmalemma potential.
Mucosal Mast Cell Secretion Processes Imaged Using Three-Photon Microscopy of 5-Hydroxytryptamine Autofluorescence

The secretion process of the mucosal mast cell line RBL-2H3 was imaged using infrared three photon excitation (3PE) of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) autofluorescence, a measurement previously difficult because of the technical intractability of deep UV optics. Images of prestimulation 5-HT distributions were analyzed in loaded cell populations (those incubated in a 5-HT-rich medium overnight) and in unloaded populations and were found to be strictly quantifiable by comparison with bulk population high-performance liquid chromatography measurements. Antigenically stimulated cells were observed to characteristically ruffle and spread as granular 5-HT disappeared with no detectable granule movement. Individual cells exhibited highly heterogeneous release kinetics, often with quasi-periodic bursts. Neighboring granule disappearances were correlated, indicative of either spatially localized signaling or granule-granule interactions. In one-half of the granule release events, weak residual fluorescence was visible suggestive of leftover 5-HT still bound to the granule matrix. The terminal stages of secretion (>300 s) consisted primarily of unresolved granules and remainder 5-HT leakage from already released granules.
Comparative kinetic and electrophoretic properties of erythrocyte pyruvate kinases

Abstract 1. 1. We have determined the effect of variation of phosphoenolpyruvate ADP and ATP concentrations on the kinetics of erythrocyte pyruvate kinase from man, rhesus monkey, rabbit, dog, phalanger, beef, and oppossum. 2. 2. The enzymes show a wide range of kinetic and electrophoretic properties indicating the incorporation of genetically determined structural alterations in the various molecules during evolution. 3. 3. We propose that the functional consequences of these alterations can be interpreted on the basis of a molecular model for erythrocyte pyruvate kinase similar to that of hemoglobin.
Preparation of size-tunable, highly monodisperse PVP-protected Pt-nanoparticles by seed-mediated growth

We demonstrate a preparative method which produces highly-monodisperse Pt-nanoparticles of tunable size without the external addition of seed particles. Hexachloroplatinic acid is dosed slowly to an ethylene glycol solution at 120 C and reduced in the presence of a stabilizing polymer poly-N-vinylpyrollidone (PVP). Slow addition of the Pt-salt first will first lead to the formation of nuclei (seeds) which then grow further to produce larger particles of any desired size between 3 and 8nm. The amount of added hexachloroplatinic acid precursor controls the size of the final nanoparticle product. TEM was used to determine size and morphology and to confirm the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. Good reproducibility of the technique was demonstrated. Above 7nm, the particle shape and morphology changes suddenly indicating a change in the deposition selectivity of the Pt-precursor from (100) towards (111) crystal faces and breaking up of larger particles into smaller entities.
Short use of muscle relaxants following single stage laryngotracheoplasty in children.

Summary Objective: The postoperative management of children undergoing single stage laryngotracheoplasty (SSLTP) includes intubation and muscle paralysis to secure the airway and protect the wound. We reduced the period of postoperative muscle paralysis in an attempt to decrease the incidence of pulmonary complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the duration of muscle paralysis on pulmonary complications and outcome. Methods: Medical records of all children admitted, between 1994 and 2002, to the pediatric intensive care unit following SSLTP were analysed. Children were grouped according to the number of days muscle paralysis was used. Results: Thirty-six children (15 male, 21 female, mean age 32 months (9–162 months)) underwent SSLTP for laryngeal stenosis. Prior to surgery 29 needed a tracheotomy (mean duration 11.1 months). Shorter muscle paralysis leads to shorter intubation and mechanical ventilation and therefore PICU and hospital length of stay were 12.4 and 9.9 days shorter in the group with short use of muscle paralysis ( p p = 0.002, respectively). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications, but a trend towards fewer atelectases in children with short muscle paralysis could be recognised. Postoperatively we observed no auto-extubations in either group and success rate of SSLTP was comparable in both groups (94 and 95%). Conclusion: Children undergoing SSLTP can safely benefit from a postoperative strategy using a short duration of muscle relaxants. They have fewer days on mechanical ventilation with a concomitant decrease in duration of hospital stay.
Everolimus-induced hematologic changes in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Abstract Background Everolimus, which inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), is increasingly used in breast cancer and familiarity with its full range of toxicity is critical for practicing oncologists. Patients and Methods We studied hematologic changes in 31 patients with metastatic breast cancer treated in a phase II clinical trial using everolimus. Complete blood counts were collected at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, every 4 weeks during treatment, and 1 month after discontinuation. Adverse events were defined using Common Toxicity Criteria version 3. Linear mixed models with fixed effects of time and random intercepts and slopes were used to study trends and comparisons were conducted using paired t tests. Results Anemia was reported in 22 patients (71%), thrombocytopenia in 17 (55%), and leukopenia in 14 (45%). These were predominantly grade 1 or 2 and did not require dose modification. Red blood cell mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) both decreased significantly over time (P Conclusion In addition to anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, everolimus consistently induces red cell microcytosis and reduced hemoglobin content. Lymphopenia may contribute to immune suppression and increased risk of infection. Familiarity with these hematologic changes is prudent as more patients are treated with this class of drugs.
On the information-based complexity of optimal reconstruction for nonlinear systems

Abstract The information-based complexity of optimal reconstruction problems for general nonlinear systems is studied. Both lower and upper bounds for the worst-case reconstruction-error functional are given. The existence of an optimal reconstruction algorithm which achieves the infimum of the reconstruction-error is established.
Molecular engineering of organic reagents and catalysts using soluble polymers

Abstract The separation of the final product of a reaction from byproducts, catalysts, or excess reagents is a process common to all synthetic procedures. Various methods to facilitate such separations continue to receive increasing attention as avenues to refine synthetic protocols. This review discusses recent developments in one of these areas, the use of soluble polymers as supports for organic synthesis and catalysis. The general purpose of such work is to combine the principal beneficial features of heterogeneous and homogeneous systems to achieve facile product/catalyst recovery without the polymer affecting the chemistry of known solution-phase processes. The work described here demonstrates that it is often possible to engineer a desired solubility profile, phase behavior, reactivity/selectivity profile, and other beneficial properties into a synthetic reagent or catalyst system by an appropriate choice of soluble polymer support and recovery scheme. In this review, emphasis is given to research published within the last two years.
Evaluation of anterior chamber depth in aphakic and pseudophakic patients with Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis

Purpose To assess anterior chamber depth in aphakic and pseudophakic patients with Type 1 Boston Keratoprosthesis using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Methods Sixteen patients who underwent Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis implantation were evaluated for anterior chamber depth by the non-contact technique of AS-OCT. Longitudinal cuts were used in evaluation of AC depth. Functional AC depth was defined as the distance between the back plate of the KPro and the anterior surface of the iris. Anatomic AC depth was defined as the distance from the posterior surface of donor cornea to the iris. Both functional and anatomic AC depths were measured nasally and temporally. The distance between the back plate of the KPro and anterior surface of the posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) was also measured in pseudophakic patients. Results A total of 16 patients were included in this study. There were 9 pseudophakic and 7 aphakic patients. Anatomic AC depths ranged between 0.86mm to 3.2mm. Functional AC depths ranged from 0mm to 2.2mm. Pseudophakic patients had anatomic AC depths between 0.92mm and 3.1mm and functional AC depths between 0mm and 2.2mm. Aphakic patients had anatomic AC depths between 0.86mm and 3.2mm, and functional AC depths between 0mm and 2.2mm. The distance between the back plate of the KPro and PCIOL in pseudophakic patients ranged from 0.14mm to 2mm. Conclusion Anterior chamber depth measurement, combined with AC angle data provide valuable information in the setting of KPro implantation. This may be helpful in monitoring patients post-operatively for anterior segment complications such as crowding of the AC, or occlusion of the angle.