cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary care clinician responses to positive suicidal ideation risk assessments in veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Abstract Objective To examine primary care clinician actions following positive suicide risk assessments administered to Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans. Methods We identified OEF/OIF veterans with positive templated suicide risk assessments administered in primary care settings of three Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers. National VA datasets and manual record review were used to identify and code clinician discussions and actions following positive assessments. Bivariate analyses were used to examine relationships between patient characteristics and discussions of firearms access and alcohol/drug use. Results Primary care clinicians documented awareness of suicide risk assessment results for 157 of 199 (79%) patients with positive assessments. Most patients were assessed for mental health conditions and referred for mental health follow-up. Clinicians documented discussions about firearms access for only 15% of patients. Among patients whose clinicians assessed for substance abuse, 34% received recommendations to reduce alcohol or drug use. Depression diagnoses and suicidal ideation/behavior severity were significantly associated with firearms access discussions, while patient sex, military service branch, and substance abuse diagnoses were significantly associated with recommendations to reduce substance use. Conclusion Greater efforts are needed to understand barriers to clinicians' assessing, documenting and counseling once suicidal ideation is detected, and to develop training programs and systems changes to address these barriers.
The relationship of authority to decision-making behavior: implications for redesign.

Redesigning health care environments has occurred in response to cost and quality pressures. Efforts to redesign the nursing practice environment have focused on the structure and process of nursing care delivery. When redesign efforts address the structure of nursing practice systems to facilitate one important process, nurses' participation in decision making, better patient and organizational outcomes are expected. The purpose of this study was to determine if two dimensions of structure: administrative (decentralization) and professional authority (expertise) influence the process of participation in decision making for two kinds of decisions (caregiving and condition-of-work) that nurses make. The stratified sample consisted of 300 registered nurses working on medical-surgical units. Administrative and professional authority accounted for a small but significant amount of variation in participation in decision making. Because the extent of explained variation was small, the findings may challenge the prevailing assumption that greater authority for decision making results in the exercise of that authority. Redesign of the practice environment therefore must incorporate multiple factors in achieving greater participation in decision making.
Peripheral nerve and ureteral tolerance to intraoperative radiation therapy: clinical and dose-response analysis.

Abstract Between April 1981 and July 1984, 51 patients received intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) as a component of therapy for the management of primary or recurrent pelvic malignancies which were initially unresectable for cure. For these patients, curative surgical alternatives did not exist, or would have involved extensive procedures such as pelvic exenteration, distal sacrectomy, hemipelvectomy, or hemicorporectomy. The primary disease was colorectal in 38 patients. Treatment consisted of external beam radiation (range 3000 to 6890 cGy, median 5040 cGy), surgical debulking when feasible, and an intra-operative electron beam boost to the gross or microscopic residual disease (dose range 1000 to 2500 cGy, median 1750 cGy) utilizing 9–18 MeV electrons. The most common IORT associated toxicities were peripheral neuropathy and ureteral obstruction. None were life-threatening or fatal in severity. Of the 50 patients evaluable for neurotoxicity analysis, 16 (32%) developed peripheral neuropathy consisting of pain in 16 patients, numbness and tingling in 11, and weakness in 8. The pain, numbness and tingling resolved in about 40% of patients, while weakness resolved in only 1 of 8. Sixteen ureters were initially unobstructed by tumor at the time of IORT. Of these, 10 (63%) subsequently showed evidence of obstruction and hydronephrosis. The development of neurotoxicity was more common at IORT doses of 1500 cGy or more versus 1000 cGy. Ureteral obstruction with hydronephrosis occurred more frequently at IORT doses of 1250 cGy or more compared to 1000 cGy. There was no relationship between the likelihood of developing complications and the total external beam dose. The observed dependence of human nerve toxicity primarily on the IORT dose is consistent with data generated from animal experiments.
Microwave amplifiers and oscillators: a unified study

In an idealized model of a traveling wave amplifier operating in the linear regime, it is assumed that all the transients have decayed. This implies that the electromagnetic wave has an amplitude which is constant in time but it may vary in space according to the interaction process. In an idealized model of an oscillator, the situation is reversed. The amplitude of the electromagnetic wave is constant in space and i t may vary in time. We present a generalized formulation of the interaction in a traveling wave tube which includes reflections and spatial and temporal transients. Within this framework i t is shown that, in an amplifier, the reflections cause time variations of the amplitude that are ultimately revealed as broadening of the spectrum. The "transition" from an amplifier to an oscillator is also investigated. In the case of an oscillator, it is shown that in addition to the well known temporal transient (lethargy) there is a spatial transient. This is due to the fact that it takes some distance for the "fresh" electrons entering the oscillator to get bunched. Beyond this transient the amplitude is constant in space, as anticipated by idealized theory.
Experimental measurement of the solubility of bismuth phases in water vapor from 220 °C to 300 °C: Implications for ore formation

Abstract Preliminary measurements were carried out of the solubility of the O 2- buffering assemblage bismuth + bismite (Bi 2 O 3 ) in aqueous liquid–vapor and vapor-only systems at temperatures of 220, 250 and 300 °C. All experiments were carried out in Ti reaction vessels and were designed such that the Bi solids were contained in a silica tube that prevented contact with liquid water at any time during the experiment. Two blank (no Bi solids present) liquid–vapor experiments at 220 °C yielded Bi concentrations (±1 σ ) in the condensed liquid of 0.22 ± 0.02 mg/L, whereas the solubility measurements at this temperature yielded an average value of approximately 6 ± 9 mg/L, with replicate experiments ranging from 0.3 to 26 mg/L. Although the 6 mg/L value is associated with a considerable degree of uncertainty, the experiments do indicate transport of Bi through the vapor phase. Measured Bi concentrations in the condensed liquid at 250 °C were in the same range as those at 220 °C, whereas those at 300 °C were significantly lower (i.e., all below the blank value). Vapor-only experiments necessarily contained much smaller initial volumes of water, thereby making the results more susceptible to contamination. Single blank runs at 220 and 300 °C yielded Bi concentrations of 82 and 16 mg/L, respectively. Measured concentrations (±1 σ ) of Bi in the vapor-only solubility experiments at 220 °C were 235 ± 78 mg/L for an initial water volume of 0.5 mL, and at 300 °C were 56 ± 30 mg/L and 33 ± 21 for initial water volumes of 1 and 2 mL, respectively, suggesting strong preferential partitioning of Bi into the vapor. The results indicate a negative dependence of Bi solubility on temperature, but are inconclusive with respect to the dependence of Bi solubility on water density or fugacity. The experiments reported here suggest that significant Bi transport is possible in the vapor phase. Comparison of the liquid–vapor and vapor-only experiments further suggests that, at the conditions studied, the solubility of Bi in the vapor is significantly higher than that in the liquid phase (calculated distribution coefficients, i.e., C Vapor / C Liquid at 220 °C ranged from 81 to 168, where C is concentration in mg/L). The concentrations measured in the vapor-only experiments at 220 °C are approximately 11 orders of magnitude higher than those calculated from available thermodynamic data assuming no interaction between volatile Bi species and water molecules. This finding indicates that hydration of volatile Bi species probably occurs to a significant extent; similar to behavior observed previously in published vapor phase solubility studies of other metals. However, the interpretation of the results was complicated by the formation of Bi silicate phases and the lack of certainty that O 2 fugacity buffering was effective throughout the experiments.
Determination of cellulose accessibility by differential scanning calorimetry

The thermal behavior of various cellulose samples with different degrees of crystallinity as measured by X-ray diffraction techniques was studied with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The broad endothermic peak which appears between 110 and 160°C is due to loss of absorbed (bound) water. Since a direct relationship was observed between the area of this peak and the crystallinity of the sample, a new procedure for estimating cellulose accessibility (which is related to crystallinity) was proposed and developed. DSC curves obtained on cellulose samples preconditioned at certain constant relative humidities were used to determine sample accessibilities by the proposed method. The accessibility values obtained by DSC showed excellent agreement with crystallinity values determined by more traditional techniques. Completely amorphous cellulose was obtained by anhydrous deacetylation of cellulose triacetate and was used as the standard amorphous cellulose material.
Inhibition of voltage-dependent Na+ current in cell-fusion hybrids containing activated c-Ha-ras.

The electrophysiological properties of EJ (human bladder carcinoma), GM2291 (human fetal lung fibroblast), and of three hybrid cell lines obtained from their cell fusion were investigated using the patch-clamp technique. GM2291 cells, which are nontumorigenic, express voltage-dependent Na+ channels. The pharmacology and gating properties of the Na+ channels in GM2291 cells are distinct from neuronal and cardiac Na+ channels. EJ cells, which are tumorigenic and contain activated c-Ha-ras, express inward rectifier K+ channels. The three cell-fusion hybrid lines, named 145 (nontumorigenic), 145L (non-tumorigenic but morphologically altered), and 147TR2 (fully tumorigenic segregant), have been previously shown to express levels of activated c-Ha-ras similar to those of the EJ parental line. Voltage-dependent Na+ channels were observed in none of the hybrid cell lines, while inward rectifier K+ channels were observed in each of the hybrid cell lines. The possibility that c-Ha-ras inhibits expression of a voltage-dependent Na+ channel is discussed.
Chloride concentration and exchange in rabbit lens

Chloride content of fresh rabbit lenses was found to be 16·3 (meq/kg water). Upon incubation this increased to about 19·0 at 8 hr, there being no subsequent increase. No changes in sodium or potassium levels were observed. Capsular chloride content (91·4) did not change following incubation for 20 hr. That of the cortex rose from 17·4 to 20·2 and the nucleus chloride from 14·5 to 18·2. It is suggested that external chloride exchanges with intracellular bicarbonate. After correcting for the additional chloride it was found that about 17·5% of the total lens chloride is not free to exchange and can be considered “bound”. Capsular chloride was freely exchangeable (99·3%) while only 88·7 and 78·6% of chloride in cortex and nucleus, respectively, was available for exchange with 36Cl. Using previously published values of cortex and nucleus extracellular space the intracellular free and “bound” concentrations of chloride were calculated as follows: cortex, free 13·2 and bound 2; nucleus, free 8·2 and bound 3·1.
An assessment of the electrocardiogram as a screening test for large atrial septal defects in children

Abstract Background and Purpose The electrocardiogram (ECG) is commonly used as a screening tool for diagnosis of the ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). We sought to analyze the utility of conventional ECG criteria in detecting right ventricular enlargement (RVE) due to the presence of an ASD. Methods Patients who underwent transcatheter or surgical closure of an isolated ASD between 1997 and 2004 were included if an ECG was performed less than 9 months before ASD closure and had echocardiographic RVE. Results Of 99 children (aged 6.8 ± 4.7 years; range, 1-18 years) with RVE and ASD, 57% had an ECG that met 1 or more RVE criteria. The sensitivity of ECG increased to 70% in younger patients and to 80% for the largest defects. Conclusions Electrocardiographic criteria for RVE are present in just more than over half of young patients with large ASDs. Although ECG is more sensitive in younger patients, it is unreliable as a screen for this lesion.
Superficial bladder cancer.

Superficial bladder cancer can be resected with minimal morbidity, but the patients are at high risk for tumor recurrence. Tumors can be divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories based on tumor grade, stage, and pattern of recurrence. Low-risk tumors are best treated with a single instillation of chemotherapy such as thiotepa, doxorubicin, or mitomycin. Intermediate-risk tumors can be treated with chemotherapy, but, similar to high-risk tumors, will often require immunotherapy. High-risk tumors are best treated with intravesical bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) using a 3-week maintenance schedule. Side effects of BCG immunotherapy can be reduced by logarithmic reductions in the dosage of BCG. Patients who fail BCG may be rescued with BCG plus interferon-alfa or radical cystectomy.
Hydrocarbon links in an octet truss

We use the octet truss of R. Buckminster Fuller to develop a geometric placement method for synthesizing braid representations of knots and links of oligo (phenylene ethynylene)s using the 60° ortho, 120° meta or 180° para phenyl ring substitution angles and respecting the van der Waals repulsion constraints. We show that any knot or link can be realized by a phenylene ethynylene oligomer modeled on the octet truss. Use of this lattice is motivated by the structural constraints of these phenylene ethynylene units. Where in bio-organic chemistry, questions often involve identifying existing knots, for example in DNA strands, organic synthesis is concerned with assembling molecular structures that can be verified to exist in a desired knot topology. This physical realization of a knot as a construction of common organic molecular subunits then facilitates further study of the properties of knotted molecules in general.
Koch island fractal ultra wideband dipole antenna

In this paper the Koch island fractal ultra wideband dipole antenna properties are studied. A numerical analysis using finite difference time domain technique of the Koch island fractal ultra wideband dipole antenna geometries is carried out. A 3 dB fractional bandwidth of 0.2 or greater is achieved for the UWB fractal antennas presented.
Assessment of Striatal Extracellular Dopamine and Dopamine Metabolites by Microdialysis in Haloperidol-Treated Rats Exhibiting Oral Dyskinesia

Assessment of Striatal Extracellular Dopamine and Dopamine Metabolites by Microdialysis in Haloperidol-Treated Rats Exhibiting Oral Dyskinesia
Reflectance characteristics of arctic tundra vegetation from airborne radiometry

Abstract The objectives of this study were to (1) develop and test an airborne radiometer system for sampling spectral radiances over arctic tundra landscapes, (2) quantify variations in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as a function of tundra vegetation type and seasonal date, and (3) quantify variations of spectral radiance and NDVI in response to possible anthropogenic disturbance. Spectral radiometer data analyzed in this study were acquired over the northern foothills of the Brooks Range in Alaska. The radiometer was well suited to data acquisition in the arctic environment. Mean NDVI values for four major vegetation types during each of three seasonal dates were significantly different from each other. Seasonal trajectories of the NDVI for each vegetation type corresponded to general phenological characteristics of the vegetation. The spectral radiance in red and near infrared wavebands appears to respond to disturbance caused by dust deposition from the Dalton Highway.
New Potent Inhibitors of 3β-Hydroxy-Δ5-steroid Oxidoreductase with Short Duration of Action

The in vitro and in vivo effects of some new inhibitors of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroid oxidoreductase have been compared to the effects of the previously known inhibitors, 2α-cyano-4,4,17α trimethyl–5-androsten-17β-ol-3-one (I) and 17β-hydroxy- 4,4,17α-trimethyl–5-androsten-(2,3d)-isoxazole (II). All of the new inhibitors are as potent as I and II in inhibiting the conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone to androstenedione and pregnenolone to progesterone by testicular microsomes. All of the inhibitors, including I and II, also inhibit in vitro C17–20 lyase as manifested by diminished formation of androstenedione and testosterone from 17α-hydroxyprogesterone. in vivo, I, II, III (α, 16α-dicyano-4,4′-dimethyl–5-pregnene-3,20-dione) and VII (2α-cyano-4,4′-dimethyl-2′,3′-tetrahydrofuran- 2′-spiro-17–5-androsten-3-one) alters adrenal and ovarian steroidogenesis with a concomitant excretion of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroidal precursors for at least as long as 7 days after a single dose. The remaining three steroids produce sim...
The Sensitivity of the Nocturnal Minimum Temperature over Dry Terrain to Temperature and Humidity Changes Aloft

Abstract The sensitivity of the nocturnal minimum temperature over dry soil under clear calm conditions to changes in the distribution of temperature and humidity aloft is estimated. To make the estimates, the minimum temperature is calculated by means of a simple radiative-conductive model for thermal equilibrium at the surface. Changes due to systematic variations in the temperature and dewpoint depression of three tropospheric layers are computed. The results indicate that relatively small changes in temperature and humidity occurring aloft in the lower layers of the atmosphere produce changes of several degrees in the nocturnal minimum temperature at screen height.
Possible evidence for radial flow of heavy mesons in d + Au collisions

Abstract Recent measurements of particle correlations and the spectra of hadrons at both RHIC and the LHC are suggestive of hydrodynamic behavior in very small collision systems (p + Pb, d + Au and possibly high multiplicity p + p collisions at the LHC). The measurements in p + Pb and d + Au collisions are both qualitatively and quantitatively similar to what is seen in heavy ion collisions where low viscosity hot nuclear matter is formed. While light quarks and gluons are thought to make up the bulk matter, one of the most surprising results in heavy ion collisions is that charm quarks also have a large v 2 . Measurements of the transverse momentum spectra of electrons from the decay of D and B mesons in d + Au collisions show an enhancement in central collisions relative to p + p collisions. We employ the blast-wave model to determine if the flow of heavy quarks in d + Au and p + Pb collisions is able to explain the enhancement observed in the data. We find a reasonable description of the data with blast-wave parameters extracted from fits to the light hadron spectra, suggesting hydrodynamics as a possible explanation.
Chromosomal loop anchorage of the kappa immunoglobulin gene occurs next to the enhancer in a region containing topoisomerase II sites

Abstract Introduction of torsional stress into active chromatin domains requires that linear DNA molecules be anchored in vivo to impede free rotation. While searching for these anchorage elements, we have localized a nuclear matrix association region ( MAR ) within the mouse immunoglobulin x gene that contains two topoisomerase II sites and is adjacent to the tissue-specific enhancer. The same matrix contact occurs when the x locus is in germ-line (inactive) or rear-ranged (transcribed) configurations. This constitutive anchorage site partitions the gene into V-J and C region chromatin domains. We demonstrate that at least 10,000 similar and evolutionarily conserved MAR binding sites exist in the nucleus. We propose that these sites, in association with topoisomerase II and possibly in conjunction with enhancers, play fundamental roles in the functional organization of chromatin loop domains.
Encountering Culture through Gender Norms in International Education: The Case of Volunteers in Ecuador

Demonstrating how international education programs can be used to study theoretical issues relevant to comparative education, this article reports on a scholarly analysis of 83 handover letters written by US participants in a volunteer program in Ecuador to their incoming counterparts between 2006 and 2010. It applies Swidler's notion of ‘unsettled lives' to the comparativists' framework of undoing gender and argues that focused on cultural differences, participants are able to see gender inequality in a way they cannot at home. This increased gender consciousness is a key component in undoing gender. These programs stop short, however, of providing opportunities for less gendered or more equal social interaction.
Electron Microscope Studies on Lophomonas striata with Special Reference to the Nature and Position of the Striations

SYNOPSIS. The flagella of Lophomonas striata are arranged in circular rows in a tuft-like structure. Each one is continuous with a basal body located in the anterior region of the calyx. Each flagellum is limited by the surface membrane and is composed of nine double peripheral filaments and two central ones. The former continue below the surface and make up a large part of each basal body. Below and parallel to the calyx membrane are two layers of fibrils which appear to connect the basal bodies; the first is just below (250 m/x) the surface, the other is attached to the proximal ends of the basal bodies. Extending from the latter is a delicate network of fibers which gradually disappears from view as it continues in the direction of the nucleus. The calyx membrane appears continuous at the level of the basal bodies; however, below this point it seems to be made up of a series of discrete longitudinally arid obliquely arranged lamina or plates, a condition which permits direct continuity of the cytoplasm within and without the calyx. The body of Lophomonas striata is highly as well as tightly folded in its longitudinal axis and the striations or rods are clearly located on its surface; it is suggested that these are held in place by an agglutination reaction. The rods appear to divide by transverse fission and their fine structure resembles closely that reported for certain bacteria; in fact, because of this, we think they should thus be considered.
Aqueous Penetration and Biological Activity of Moxifloxacin 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution and Gatifloxacin 0.3% Solution in Cataract Surgery Patients

Purpose To measure the achievable perioperative aqueous concentration of the commercially available topically administered fourth generation fluoroquinolones, moxifloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution, and gatifloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution, and to correlate this concentration with the agents' biological efficacy in the aqueous humor of patients undergoing routine cataract surgery. Design Prospective, randomized, parallel, double-masked, clinical trial. Participants Fifty patients undergoing cataract extraction. Methods Patients (n = 25) were given perioperative topical moxifloxacin 0.5% or topical gatifloxacin 0.3% (n = 25). One drop of antibiotic was administered every 10 minutes for 4 doses beginning 1 hour prior to surgery. Aqueous humor was sampled via paracentesis and antibiotic concentrations were determined using validated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedures. Dilution analyses were performed to determine the biological efficacy of the agents in the aqueous against Staphylococcus epidermidis , the most common cause of postcataract endophthalmitis. Main Outcome Measures Aqueous humor antibiotic concentrations were measured using HPLC and microdilution bioassay techniques. Biological activity was measured as minimal inhibitory dilution and minimal bactericidal dilution. Results Aqueous humor concentrations for moxifloxacin via HPLC analysis were 1.80 (±1.21) μg/ml, whereas those for gatifloxacin were 0.48 (±0.34) μg/ml. This 3.8-fold difference in aqueous humor antibiotic concentrations was statistically significant ( P = 0.00003). Similarly, the biological dilution analysis of the aqueous humor samples showed that moxifloxacin attained an estimated activity of 2.1 μg/ml, whereas the gatifloxacin activity was approximately 0.4 μg/ml, which represented a 4.9-fold difference. Conclusions This study demonstrated that after topically administered perioperative antibiotics with cataract surgery, moxifloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution achieved a statistically significantly higher concentration in aqueous humor compared with gatifloxacin ( P = 0.00003). Results from the broth dilution analysis showed that moxifloxacin 0.5% was biologically more active against S. epidermidis than gatifloxacin 0.3% in aqueous humor after topical application. There were no adverse events reported, and incision wounds healed quickly and as expected.
Thebesian Drainage of the Septal Artery

Direct right ventricular drainage of I131 serum albumin injected into the septal artery of the normally beating dog heart has been demonstrated. By the application of standard dilution equations to the time-concentration curves recorded in the pulmonary artery, estimates of the magnitude of this Thebesian drainage have been made. Approximately 80% of septal artery outflow has been estimated to drain directly into the right ventricle; this amount comprises about 12.8% of total common left coronary flow and, in part, explains the discrepancy found between common left coronary inflow and coronary sinus outflow. The implications of Thebesian drainage of a branch of the common left coronary artery relative to the use of coronary sinus sampling for left ventricular metabolic studies have been discussed.
An algorithm for computing a two-sample test based on empirical probability measures

An algorithm is presented for computing a test statistic based on empirical probability measures that is appropriate for the two-sample problem.
Spin-liquid phase for the frustrated quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a square lattice.

The existence of a spin-disordered ground state for the frustrated ${\mathit{J}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathit{J}}_{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathit{J}}_{3}$ quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a square lattice is reconsidered. It is argued that there is a unique action that is continuous through the whole phase diagram, except at the Lifshitz point, so that the N\'eel and helicoidal states cannot coexist and that there has to be an intermediate spin-liquid state. To show it, a detailed study combining spin-wave theory, Schwinger-boson mean-field theory, and a scaling analysis of the appropriate hydrodynamic action is performed. When done carefully, all these theories agree and strongly support the existence of the spin-liquid state.
Sex-Biased Gene Expression in a ZW Sex Determination System

Studies of the transcriptome have shown that a substantial fraction of interspecific differences in gene expression is the result of sex-biased gene expression. These results suggest that sex-dependent selection may be an important force in generating differences between species but to date all studies have focused on Drosophila. We examined a sample of the transcriptome in the gonads of two species of Xenopus to provide an additional test of how sex-biased gene expression may contribute to differences in gene expression between species. In contrast to Drosophila, Xenopus provides an example of a ZW system with morphologically indistinguishable sex chromosomes. About 81% of the transcriptome was differentially expressed between X. laevis and X. muelleri and there were more genes that were male-biased compared to the number of genes that were female-biased or non-sex-biased. While there were more genes up-regulated in males of Xenopus, the largest magnitude difference in expression between species occurred in female-biased genes, and male-biased genes were proportionally more abundant for the smallest changes in expression between species. Our results suggest that more genes have a role in the function of the testis compared to the ovary and female-biased genes play a principle role in expression divergence between species. These results differ from those in the Drosophila XY system in that more female-biased genes had >4-fold difference of expression between species than male-biased genes, suggesting that ZW sex chromosomes may facilitate enhanced gene expression divergence between species.
Evidence for redox forms of the Aequorea green fluorescent protein

Highly purified recombinant Aequoreagreen fluorescent protein is able to undergo a reversible oxidation-reduction reaction in the presence of molecular oxygen. In the oxidized form in near UV light, the protein is highly fluorescent, but when reduced with sodium dithionite, it becomes completely non-fluorescent. On exposure to molecular oxygen the reduced, non-fluorescent protein reverts to its original fluorescent state.
Experimental Investigation on Combined “Dent and Gouge” Defects on Vintage Steel Transmission Pipelines

Mechanical Damage on pipelines is the most frequent in service failure cause, at least in Europe. The category of Mechanical Damage actually covers on one hand rock dents, on the other hand, combined “Dent and Gouge” defects resulting from an impact by a ground moving machinery. The latter are complex defects in terms of geometry and mechanical behavior. Improved understanding of toughness reduction in these defects and their vicinity, especially in the case of vintage pipelines, and its impact on burst pressure and remaining fatigue lifetime is crucial in order to ensure a high safety level at the best economic conditions for transmission pipelines. PRCI and DOT/PHMSA supported a large experimental program to investigate the burst and fatigue strength of such defects in modern pipes as well as in vintage pipes by producing very detailed reference experimental data in order to support improvement of current burst and fatigue strength models for these defects.This paper focuses on experimental results data for two vintage pipes removed from service, one 26″ in diameter, X52 grade (from US) with high carbon content and sulfur content involving very low toughness and another 24″ in diameter, X63 grade (from Europe) characterized by alternated pearlite and ferrite bands. In each pipe, two different types of combined “Dent and Gouge” defects were created, “shallow dent with shallow gouge” and “severe dent with moderate gouge”. Each defect was reproduced three times:• One for destructive metallurgical investigation;• A second one for highly instrumented burst test;• A third one for highly instrumented fatigue test.The defect profile was monitored during pressure increase until burst, and a camera recorded pictures at each fatigue cycle to detect crack initiation at the gouge bottom and its further propagation. The different features of the experimental work and results described in this paper are:• Material characterization;• Metallurgical and residual stress investigation on combined dent and gouge defects;• Burst tests conditions and results;• Fatigue tests conditions and results.• Comparison with results from modern pipes containing the same types of defects.All this experimental data is made available for an in-depth understanding of the “Dent and Gouge” type defects leading to improved models, as well as reference data for validating these improved models for burst and fatigue strength of these defects.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Structural properties of Fe crystals.

We calculate the structural and magnetic properties of iron crystals with body-centered-cubic and face-centered-cubic structures using an approach that combines the tight-binding formalism with the Stoner model of itinerant ferromagnetism. We determine the Slater-Koster parametrization of the tight-binding Hamiltonian using ab initio density-functional band-structure calculations for bulk Fe. Our Hamiltonian gives the bcc structure of Fe as the equilibrium phase, and correctly reproduces structural energy differences between bcc and fcc Fe, as well as the stable magnetic states. The predicted lattice constant, cohesive energy, bulk modulus, and magnetic moment are in good agreement with experimental data.
Omission training (negative automaintenance) in the rat: Effects of trial offset

The role of trial offset in omission training was studied in hooded rats using two types of omission training procedures. In both procedures a lever contact during a trial canceled food delivery at the end of the trial. In one omission procedure trials were of fixed duration (15 sec), whereas in the second omission procedure a lever contact terminated the trial (retracted the lever). Each omission subject was yoked with a second subject. Additional groups of rats were exposed to one of two types of random control procedures. In one random control procedure a contact with the lever terminated the trial, and in a second procedure trial duration was fixed. Higher response probabilities were generated by the omission procedure in which trials were terminated by lever contacts than by the fixed-trial omission procedure. No differences were observed between the two random control procedures.
Quark Models and Chiral Lagrangians

Abstract We consider the description of low-energy hadronic physics in terms of quark models, and explore its connection with chiral lagrangians. The chiral lagrangians with four derivatives arising from the interactions of the Goldstone bosons with quarks are calculated. The results are compared with experimental findings by studying π-π scattering amplitudes.
Growth of hydrogenated amorphous silicon and its alloys

Abstract Significant advances have been made in characterizing, optimizing, and understanding plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and its alloys, a-Si 1−x C x :H and a-Si 1-x Ge x :H. In particular, progress has been made in developing materials with improved properties, stability, and device performance through H 2 dilution of SiH 4 , controlled ion bombardment, and atomic H processing. Highly sensitive probes of the microstructure and bonding,including scanning tunneling microscopy, real time and in situ infrared and optical spectroscopies, and small-angle X-ray scattering, have led to a better understanding of the physical origins of these improvements.
Experimental Evaluation of the Variable-Feedrate Intelligent Segmentation Method for High-Speed, High-Precision Micromilling

This study will present an experimental evaluation of the variable-feedrate intelligent segmentation (VFIS) method described by Mayor and Sodemann (2008, "Intelligent Tool-Path Segmentation for Improved Stability and Reduced Machining Time in Micromilling, "ASME J. Manuf. Sci. Eng., 130(3), p. 031121). The apparatus for the tests will be identified and the approach to the testing procedure will be laid out, including the means of evaluation of the method. A detailed explanation is then given for the choice of process parameters. This is followed by the introduction of the β parameter as an additional factor in the VFIS implementation. Results are presented from cutting tests. The first set of test results presented is from a complete set of evaluation tests performed on sine wave geometries. The second set is an evaluation of the fan and airfoil shapes used previously in the numerical simulations of the VFIS method. It is found that the VFIS method is able to successfully constrain geometric error to within specified bounds in most cases. The cutting time for the VFIS method shows as much as 53% reduction relative to the nonuniform rational B-spline-based trajectory generation method.
Reprogramming cellular phenotype by soft collagen gels

A variety of cell types exhibit phenotype changes in response to the mechanical stiffness of the substrate. Many cells excluding neurons display an increase in the spread area, actin stress fiber formation and larger focal adhesion complexes as substrate stiffness increases in a sparsely populated culture. Cell proliferation is also known to directly correlate with these phenotype changes/changes in substrate stiffness. Augmented spreading and proliferation on stiffer substrates require nuclear transcriptional regulator YAP (Yes associated protein) localization in the cell nucleus and is tightly coupled to larger traction force generation. In this study, we show that different types of fibroblasts can exhibit spread morphology, well defined actin stress fibers, and larger focal adhesions even on very soft collagen gels (modulus in hundreds of Pascals) as if they are on hard glass substrates (modulus in GPa, several orders of magnitude higher). Strikingly, we show, for the first time, that augmented spreading and other hard substrate cytoskeleton architectures on soft collagen gels are not correlated with the cell proliferation pattern and do not require YAP localization in the cell nucleus. Finally, we examine the response of human colon carcinoma (HCT-8) cells on soft collagen gels. Recent studies show that human colon carcinoma (HCT-8) cells form multicellular clusters by 2-3 days when cultured on soft polyacrylamide (PA) gels with a wide range of stiffness (0.5-50 kPa) and coated with an extracellular matrix, ECM (collagen monomer/fibronectin). These clusters show limited spreading/wetting on PA gels, form 3D structures at the edges, and eventually display a remarkable, dissociative metastasis like phenotype (MLP), i.e., epithelial to rounded morphological transition after a week of culture on PA gels only, but not on collagen monomer coated stiff polystyrene/glass where they exhibit enhanced wetting and form confluent monolayers. Here, we show that HCT-8 cell clusters also show augmented spreading/wetting on soft collagen gels and eventually form confluent monolayers as on rigid glass substrates and MLP is completely inhibited on soft collagen gels. Overall, these results suggest that cell-material interactions (soft collagen gels in this case) can induce cellular phenotype and cytoskeleton organization in a remarkably distinct manner compared to a classical synthetic polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogel cell culture model and may contribute in designing new functional biomaterials.
Factors which regulate net hepatic glucose uptake in vivo.

The regulation of net hepatic glucose uptake in vivo occurs by way of the hormonal milieu (insulin and glucagon), the glucose level, and the route of glucose delivery. Hyperglycemia in the absence of changes in pancreatic hormones (i.e., increased insulin and/or decreased glucagon) does not elicit significant glucose uptake by the liver. Net hepatic glucose uptake is augmented in a dose-dependent manner by a rise in insulin and is further stimulated by the presence of a "portal signal." The presence of coordinated changes in insulin, glucagon, and the glucose level in combination with the "portal signal" ensures adequate glucose uptake by the liver in response to a meal.
Studies of the phonon spectra in Si/Ge small-period superlattices

Abstract The phonon spectra and phonon densities of states for Si/Ge small-period superlattices are calculated using the tetragonal supercell and the two-parameter Keating-type interaction in a three-dimensional formalism. We studied the Si10/Ge2 and Si9/Ge3 [001] superlattices, where the subscript indicates the number of atomic layers. The phonon spectra along the growth [001] direction agree with the previously calculated one-dimensional results. Phonons along the direction perpendicular to the growth direction are also studied. However, we focus on interface modes and Ge confined modes. The interface modes propagating in the (001) plane are nearly dispersionless, so the corresponding large density of states can be important for the electron-phonon interaction in modulation-doped superlattices.
Online work tools: A look at 20 academic libraries technical services Web pages

The 21st century technical services librarian has access to a plethora of electronic and online work tools from which to choose to complete daily tasks. An assessment of the Western Kentucky University Libraries (WKUL) 19 benchmark institutions shows a great disparity of online work tools made available through university libraries technical services departmental Web sites. Four areas (technical services, cataloging, serials, and acquisitions) are discussed. Outcomes indicate that (1) few of these institutions list online work tools and (2) of those that do, there is very little overlap. This paper investigates this phenomenon of inconsistent technical services online work tools.
Evolution of a new signal transduction pathway in Candida albicans

The evolution of new signal transductions pathways is poorly understood. Here I present a rare glimpse into the evolution of one such pathway, namely the white-cell pheromone response pathway in Candida albicans. In this pathway, the upper portion has been derived intact from the ancestral pathway for mating, the targeted transcription factor from an ancestral filamentation or biofilm pathway, and the upregulated genes from an ancestral biofilm pathway. Each component of this pathway, therefore, has been derived from a conserved pathway. I suggest that the evolution of this new pathway provides one possible paradigm for the evolution of other signal transduction pathways in new cell types.
Similar permeability responses to nitric oxide synthase inhibitors of venules from three animal species.

Abstract The influence of nitric oxide (NO) on microvascular permeability remains unclear. NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors have been reported to increase as well as to decrease permeability in different experimental models and animal species. We tested the hypothesis that NOS inhibitors influence venular permeability differently in amphibians and mammals. Permeability coefficients to albumin ( P alb s ) were measured on in situ mesenteric venules of the frog and rat and excised pig coronary venules before and after exposure to NOS inhibitors. Despite individual variability in magnitude of responses, NOS inhibitors resulted in a reduction in P alb s in each species. Superfusion with 10 −5 M N G -monomethyl- l -arginine ( l -NMMA) reduced P alb s of frog mesenteric venules by 42% (from a median of 11.4 × 10 −7 cm s −1 , n = 12, P −7 cm s −1 , n = 5, P −4 M N G -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME) reduced P alb s by 23% (from 7.6 × 10 −7 cm s −1 , n = 9, P = 0.01). The inactive d -enantiomers of the NOS inhibitors were without effect on P alb s in each model. In pig venules, perfusion with blood modified the permeability responses to l -NMMA, suggesting that effects of NO on permeability are modified by one or more elements of blood. These data support a role of nitric oxide release on venular permeability to albumin that is conserved among the three animal species.
Characteristics of an autonomous underwater vehicle with a towed hydrophone array

This paper presents the performance results of a REMUS AUV, a proven low noise vehicle with precise navigation, that was modified by the addition of a prototype towed hydrophone array. A quiet, acoustically sensitive synthetic aperture sonar at low frequencies required a 10 m long acoustic section of the array separated from the vehicle with a 10 m long tow cable. A drogue was used to produce an initial drag and to minimize motions at the end of the array. REMUS was designed to carry a wide variety of sensors but, the 10 meter towed array presented many challenges. Unlike vehicles with thrust vectoring, REMUS requires forward motion using three axis control to maintain constant depth without the added drag of fin control. In light of this, several hardware and software adjustments were required to ensure successful long-range missions with the system. The vehicle adjustments, along with the results from at-sea engineering trials of the vehicle-array system are presented and demonstrate the ability of the system to maintain a constant depth with a stable array tow. Effects of the added drag on the vehicle were evident in the on board recorded data, which enabled the adjustment of vehicle control through software and mechanical considerations such as attachment point of the array to the vehicle. Rapid improvement in vehicle performance in between missions was achieved on board the support ship as a direct result of the ability to view and interpret mission data in the field. Based on the engineering trials with this vehicle array system, estimates of the vehicle and array system performance including power requirements, diving capability, turning capability, effects of currents, and navigational errors are discussed
The elastic tensor of given symmetry nearest to an anisotropic elastic tensor

Given an arbitrary tensor in an n-dimensional Euclidean space, it is required to find its 'nearest' tensor of some preassigned symmetry, i.e. the tensor of this symmetry which has the minimum invariant 'distance' from the given tensor. General theorems are given concerning the construction and properties of these nearest tensors. The theorems are applied, in the case of elastic tensors, for the construction of the nearest isotropic and cubic tehsors to a given anisotropic elastic tensor, and the nearest hexagonal polar tensor to a cubic elastic tensor.
Curriculum-Based Measurement A Methodology for Evaluating and Improving Student Programs

This article provides an overview of one form of curriculum-based assessment, known as Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM). First, CBM is described. Then, three strategies for using CBM to formulate instructional decisions are reviewed. Next, potential contributions of CBM to special education practice are described. Finally, important areas of additional research on CBM are identified.
Creating high performance organizations

The relationship between people and the organizations they work for is changing. Corporations no longer can offer the job security and career paths they used to. A new relationship needs to be developed that rewards performance and skills in ways that contribute to organizational effectiveness.
Engaging Students in Guided Science Inquiry Discussions: Elementary Teachers' Oral Strategies.

This study explores how elementary teachers perceive and use engaging oral strategies (i.e., manners of speaking that encourage students to participate and become engaged in science discussions). It is reported that the strategies employed as well as their frequency varied substantially depending upon on the teachers’ grade level and perceptions. While a kindergarten teacher viewed such strategies negatively and employed only a few figurative directives, fourth-grade teachers viewed them positively, frequently resorting to a variety of speech figures, parallel repetition and engaging questions. It is argued that teachers’ engaging oral strategies are multifunctional, serving important social and cognitive functions.