cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENT FORMS OF EFFECTIVE HAMILTONIANS

The eigenvalues of atomic or molecular Hamiltonians often occur in clusters, corresponding to various kinds of fine structure. A convenient description of these clusters is obtained by transforming the original Hamiltonian to a block-diagonal effective Hamiltonian, where the eigenvalues of each diagonal block correspond to the set of levels within a cluster. At each step in the perturbation expansion, the off-diagonal blocks of the transformation operator are determined by the perturbation equation, but the diagonal blocks are not determined. Thus various solutions are possible. In particular, the Bloch solution gives an effective Hamiltonian that is non-Hermitian and is unsatisfactory for use in fitting observed energy levels. Unitary transformations give Hermitian effective Hamiltonians that are still not unique. This non-uniqueness can lead to indeterminacies in fitting the energy levels.
Are renewables portfolio standards cost-effective emission abatement policy?

Renewables portfolio standards (RPS) could be an important policy instrument for 3P and 4P control. We examine the costs of renewable power, accounting for the federal production tax credit, the market value of a renewable credit, and the value of producing electricity without emissions of SO2, NOx, mercury, and CO2. We focus on Texas, which has a large RPS and is the largest U.S. electricity producer and one of the largest emitters of pollutants and CO2. We estimate the private and social costs of wind generation in an RPS compared with the current cost of fossil generation, accounting for the pollution and CO2 emissions. We find that society paid about 5.7 ¢/kWh more for wind power, counting the additional generation, transmission, intermittency, and other costs. The higher cost includes credits amounting to 1.1 ¢/kWh in reduced SO2, NOx, and Hg emissions. These pollution reductions and lower CO2 emissions could be attained at about the same cost using pulverized coal (PC) or natural gas combined cycle ...
38 EFFECT OF OOCYTE MATURATION DURATION ON BLASTOCYST RATES AFTER EQUINE SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER

In equine cloning, the scarcity of equine oocytes places emphasis on development of the most efficient nuclear transfer (NT) methods possible. In other species, using oocytes matured for the shortest duration needed to reach metaphase II has increased NT efficiency. In the present study, we examined the effect of duration of oocyte maturation at the time of enucleation on equine cloned blastocyst production. Oocytes were collected from live mares by transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of all visible follicles ≥5 mm in diameter. The oocytes were held overnight (16–22 h) at room temperature, matured in vitro, and reconstructed with donor cells as described in our previous study (Choi et al. 2013 Theriogenology 79, 791–796). In Experiment 1, oocytes were divided into 2 groups and matured for 20 or 24 h. After enucleation, oocytes were reconstructed by direct injection of donor cells. Reconstructed oocytes were held for 5 h and then activated by treatment with 5 μM ionomycin for 4 min, then injection with sperm extract, followed by incubation in 2 mM 6-DMAP for 4 h. The activated reconstructed oocytes were cultured in global human embryo culture medium under 5% CO2, 6% O2, and 89% N2 at 38.2°C for 7 to 11 days (20 mM glucose was added at Day 5) and blastocyst rate was recorded. Because a low maturation rate was found at 20 h in Experiment 1, in Experiment 2 oocytes were denuded at 20 h and those that were mature were enucleated and used for NT; those that had not cast out a polar body at 20 h were cultured for an additional 3 h (20 + 3h) and then evaluated for polar body formation and used for NT, which was conducted as in Experiment 1. Data were analysed by Fisher's exact test. In Experiment 1, 203 oocytes were collected in 46 aspiration sessions. The rate of oocyte maturation to metaphase II was significantly lower for oocytes cultured for 20 h (35/116, 30%), than for those cultured for 24 h (47/80, 59%). However, the rate of blastocyst development was significantly higher for oocytes cultured for 20 h (11/27, 41%) than for 24 h (2/38, 5%). In Experiment 2, 89 oocytes were collected in 18 aspiration sessions. After 20 h of maturation culture, 22 oocytes were mature (25%). After an additional 3 h of culture, 21 additional oocytes had matured. There were no significant differences between the two treatments (20 and 20 + 3h) in reconstruction rates (77%, 17/22, and 90%, 19/21, respectively) or blastocyst rates (24%, 4/17, and 32%, 6/19, respectively). These results indicate that duration of in vitro maturation, or the duration of presence of cumulus cells, influences blastocyst development after somatic cell NT in the horse. This appears to be due to a benefit of using oocytes immediately after they reach metaphase II; if this is ensured as in Experiment 2, the duration of maturation itself had no effect. This work was supported by the American Quarter Horse Foundation, the Link Equine Research Endowment Fund, Texas A&M University, and by Ms. Kit Knotts.
Deformation mechanism of graphene in amorphous polyethylene: A molecular dynamics based study

Abstract The current paper focuses on investigating deformation mechanism of graphene sheets in a graphene reinforced polyethylene (Gn–PE) nanocomposite. Classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was conducted on large Gn–PE systems. Different spatial arrangements of graphene sheets were considered in order to study the effect of nonlocal interaction among the graphenes. In all the cases 5% weight concentration of graphene was considered in order to prepare atomistic models for Gn–PE. As expected, graphene seemed to enhance the overall Young’s modulus and tensile strength of the Gn–PE nanocomposite. Randomly oriented graphenes with strong nonlocal interaction were observed to be comparatively preferable than the other spatial arrangements of graphenes. The high strength and stiffness of graphene sheets can be properly utilized if the graphenes are randomly oriented and have strong long range interactions. Finally, the failure mechanism of the graphene and role of voids in the polymer were discussed both qualitatively and quantitatively. It was seen that the randomly oriented graphenes were firstly pulled out from the polyethylene matrix during deformation prior to breaking into pieces. This can explain the loss of stiffness and strength in graphene sheets embedded in the polymer matrix. From the current work it is clearly understood that the necessity of the long range graphene–graphene interaction is important in both elastic as well as plastic regime of the deformation.
The East ridge system 28.5–32°S East Pacific rise: Implications for overlapping spreading center development

Abstract We report here on geophysical data from the East ridge and surrounding areas of the large-offset overlapping spreading centers (OSCs) that accommodate Pacific-Nazca opening between 28.5° and 32°S. The East ridge overlaps and is offset from the West ridge system by ∼ 120 km, forming the largest known pair of OSCs. In this area spreading rates reach the fastest currently active on Earth of ∼ 149 mm/yr. Although the East ridge is composed of 4 morphologically defined segments separated by 3 small OSCs, other geophysical characteristics imply 1 upwelling segment. All the active ridge segments in this area (including the propagating tips of the East and West ridges) form relative topographic highs with respect to the flanking sea floor; however, identified abandoned ridge tips form deeps. We interpret these data in terms of a model in which the propagating segment represents an overshoot of a surficial rupture of the brittle lithospheric layer, only partially coupled to the diverging flow of a more broadly distributed ductile deformation zone (DDZ), surrounding the steady-state ridges and crossing the offset between the OSCs. The topographic high of the propagating segment may be maintained primarily by along-axis melt migration from the stable spreading segments rather than by direct upwelling from beneath the ridge. The large overlapping ridges are inherently unstable and continued extension causes the overlapping axes to become offset from the stably spreading segments, cut off from the supply of melt, and replaced by a new set. The failed rift tips, for a period of time, overlie the broad DDZ and preferentially undergo continued extension and subsidence. The DDZ surrounding the ridge axes may be very broad in this area because of the very fast spreading rate, creating a very thin lithosphere susceptible to perturbation by relatively small mantle heterogeneities advected near the ridge axis, leading to the formation of the smaller OSCs observed.
Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination in the Snapping Turtle: Manipulation of the Embryonic Sex Steroid Environment

Abstract In certain reptiles with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), estrogens act as a signal for female differentiation. Because aromatase produces estrogens from androgens, this enzyme plays a pivotal role in TSD. Whether androgens act as the signal for male differentiation in TSD species is not yet clear. We manipulated the hormonal environment in eggs of the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) to determine the effects of an estrogen (estradiol 17-β), an aromatase inhibitor (fadrozole; CGS 16949A), and androgens (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) on sex determination in this TSD species. Test solutions were applied topically to representative eggs (total tested = 1054 from 27 clutches) and incubated at two male-producing temperatures (24 and 26.5°) and at a predominantly female-producing temperature (29°). In this species, application of an estrogen induced female development at all temperatures tested. In contrast, the aromatase inhibitor had no effect at the male-producing temperatures, but induced male development at the predominantly female-producing temperature. At this temperature, aromatase inhibitor plus testosterone had a similar male-producing effect, but when applied alone, testosterone failed to augment male production. Dihydrotestosterone had a similar effect, in contrast to its reported androgenic effects in other TSD species. In the snapping turtle, male differentiation may not be androgen dependent; rather, it may proceed in the absence of female differentiation. In this species, female development is clearly estrogen-dependent and is altered by aromatase inhibition at female-producing temperatures. Our results not only provide additional evidence that sex steroids mediate gonadal differentiation in TSD species, but also suggest caution with respect to generalizations about the proximal mechanisms of TSD in reptiles.
ProKinO: an ontology for integrative analysis of protein kinases in cancer.

Background Protein kinases are a large and diverse family of enzymes that are genomically altered in many human cancers. Targeted cancer genome sequencing efforts have unveiled the mutational profiles of protein kinase genes from many different cancer types. While mutational data on protein kinases is currently catalogued in various databases, integration of mutation data with other forms of data on protein kinases such as sequence, structure, function and pathway is necessary to identify and characterize key cancer causing mutations. Integrative analysis of protein kinase data, however, is a challenge because of the disparate nature of protein kinase data sources and data formats.
Serotonergic and peptidergic inputs to the primate ventral spinal cord as visualized with multiple chromagens on the same tissue section

Primate spinal cord tissue sections were sequentially incubated in serotonin (5-HT), substance P (SP) and methionine-enkephalin antisera and reacted immunocytochemically. The findings indicate that virtually all SP-like immunoreactivity coexists with 5-HT in the ventral horn, while an additional group of 5-HT terminals do not contain SP immunoreactivity.
Re: Oelschlager BK, Yamamoto K, Woltman T, Pellegrini C. Vagotomy During Hiatal Hernia Repair: a Benign Esophageal Lengthening Procedure. J Gastrointest Surg. 2008;12(7):1155–62.

Response to Dr. Herbella We would like to thank Dr. Herbella for his response to our recent article published in this journal concerning the use of vagotomy as an esophageal lengthening procedure. In this letter, he describes his experience with vagotomy, vagectomy, and vagal dissection in cadavers. His findings provide further evidence for what we have observed: that vagotomy increases the length of the esophagus after mediastinal esophageal mobilization. This is a phenomenon well known to us and many surgeons who deal with complex upper gastrointestinal diseases who encounter a foreshortened esophagus. This finding has not been well described in the literature, which is why we felt compelled to report this benefit, as well as the potential detriment (or in the case of our findings the lack there of), of vagotomy. Therefore, Dr. Herbella’s findings are an important confirmation of our study and addition to the literature. We are intrigued by Dr. Herbella’s finding that vagal dissection away from the esophagus (as done in a vagal sparing esophagectomy) provides as much length as vagotomy. These finding by Herbella should be reproduced in patients, especially those with short esophagi. Vagal dissection is clearly more difficult and he did not show a difference in the increased esophageal length. Therefore, we prefer the ease of a unilateral vagotomy in the rare cases of short esophagi and are comforted by the lack of negative consequences reported in our study. We appreciate the opportunity to comment.
Chronic corticosterone administration enhances behavioral sensitization to amphetamine in mice

Abstract The role of corticosterone (CCS) in regulating sensitization to ampetamine's locomotor activating effects was measured in female DBA/2 mice that had been sham-operated or adrenalectomized and implanted with CCS-containing or cholesterol pellets. Three days following surgery, the mice were injected with saline and circular open field locomotor activity was measured for a 5-min time period starting 15 min after injection. Over the next 4 days, amphetamine (1.0–10.0 mg/kg) was injected and locomotor response measured. Control animals (sham-operated, cholesterol pellet) showed increased locomotor activity following their first injection of 5.0 mg/kg and 10.0 mg/kg amphetamine, while ADX animals showed increased activity only after treatment with the 10 mg/kg dose. Chronic CCS treatment did not significantly alter initial responsiveness to amphetamine in either sham-operated or ADX animals, but it did alter the dose-dependent sensitization to amphetamine. Both sham-operated and ADX animals implanted with cholesterol pellets showed increased locomotor respponse to amphetamine (sensitation) following injection with 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg doses of amphetamine. However, the enhancement of locomotor activity was greater in the sham-operated control animals. CCS-treated sham-operated animals exhibited sensitization to the locomotor-activating effects of amphetamine at the lowest dose used (1.0 mg/kg) and increased stereotypy following treatment with the higher doses. ADX/CCS animals developed sensitization to the locomotor-activating effects of amphetamine following chronic injection with the 2.5 mg/kg dose, and showed sensitization to amphetamine-induced stereotypy at higher doses. These data demonstrate that adrenocortical status modulates the effects of chronic and acute amphetamine administration and suggest that CCS may be an important component of stress-induced alterations in amphetamine sensitivity.
Influence of sulfur on the carbon deposition in steam reforming of liquid hydrocarbons over CeO2–Al2O3 supported Ni and Rh catalysts

Abstract This study was performed to elucidate the influence of sulfur on the carbon deposition in steam reforming of liquid hydrocarbons over CeO 2 –Al 2 O 3 supported Ni and Rh catalysts at 800 °C. The characteristics of the carbon deposits on the used catalysts after the reactions without and with sulfur were investigated by temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM), temperature-programmed hydrogenation (TPH), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Though abundant carbon deposits can accumulate on the pure CeO 2 –Al 2 O 3 support due to fuel thermal cracking, the addition of Ni or Rh metal greatly reduced the carbon deposition in the sulfur-free reaction. The presence of sulfur increased the carbon deposition on both catalysts, which has a much more significant impact for the Ni catalyst. Carbon XANES study on the used catalysts revealed that graphitic carbon was dominant in the presence of sulfur, while oxidized carbon species (quinone-like carbon, carboxyl and carbonate) prevailed without sulfur. Meanwhile, the formation of carboxyl and carbonate more dramatically dropped on the Ni catalyst than that on the Rh catalyst. Our results strongly suggest that (I) the presence of sulfur can suppress carbon gasification and promote the formation of graphitic carbon on reforming catalysts due mainly to its poisoning effect on metals, and (II) Rh catalyst possesses stronger capability to maintain carbon gasification activity than Ni catalyst in the presence of sulfur.
A LIGHT AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDY OF LONG-TERM ORGANIZED CULTURES OF RAT DORSAL ROOT GANGLIA

Dorsal root ganglia from fetal rats were explanted on collagen-coated coverslips and carried in Maximow double-coverslip assemblies for periods up to 3 months. These cultured ganglia were studied in the living state, in stained whole mounts, and in sections after OsO4 fixation and Epon embedment. From the central cluster of nerve cell bodies, neurites emerge to form a rich network of fascicles which often reach the edge of the carrying coverslip. The neurons resemble their in vivo counterparts in nuclear and cytoplasmic content and organization; e.g., they appear as "light" or "dark" cells, depending on the amount of cytoplasmic neurofilaments. Satellite cells form a complete investment around the neuronal soma and are themselves everywhere covered by basement membrane. The neuron-satellite cell boundary is complicated by spinelike processes arising from the neuronal soma. Neuron size, myelinated fiber diameter, and internode length in the cultures do not reach the larger of the values known for ganglion and peripheral nerve in situ (30). Unmyelinated and myelinated nerve fibers and associated Schwann cells and endoneurial and perineurial components are organized into typical fascicles. The relationship of the Schwann cell and its single myelinated fiber or numerous unmyelinated fibers and the properties of myelin, such as lamellar spacing, mesaxons, Schmidt-Lanterman clefts, nodes of Ranvier, and protuberances, mimic the in vivo pattern. It is concluded that cultivation of fetal rat dorsal root ganglia by this technique fosters maturation and long-term maintenance of all the elements that comprise this cellular community in vivo (except vascular components) and, furthermore, allows these various components to relate faithfully to one another to produce an organotypic model of sensory ganglion tissue.
Ligand-Induced Conformational Changes in Tetrameric IP3R1 Revealed by Single-Particle Cryo-EM

A functional hallmark of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), the main Ca2+ release channels in the endoplasmic reticulum of virtually all eukaryotic cells, is the coupled interplay between the binding of primary ligands, IP3 and Ca2+, and channel gating. IP3Rs are exceptionally large integral membrane proteins, comprising four subunits of over 300 kDa each. A central mechanistic question of IP3R function is how IP3 binding in the N-terminal sequence of the channel protein is communicated to the ion-conduction pore, which is formed close to the C-terminus. Using single-particle cryo-EM, we have performed structural analysis of purified tetrameric IP3R1 vitrified in the presence of micromolar Ca2+ and saturating concentration of adenophostin A (AdA), a structural mimetic of IP3, that is a high-affinity, full agonist of IP3Rs. Cryo-EM images of IP3R1 were recorded on a Gatan 4k x 4k CCD camera in the JEM2010F cryomicroscope operated at low-dose conditions. Using EMAN2, ∼40,000 particle images were merged to generate a preliminary 3D map of ligand-bound IP3R1 at ∼15 A resolution. A comparison with our recent structure of IP3R1, determined without the addition of any channel ligands (Ludtke et al., 2010: Structure 19, 1192-99), reveals structural rearrangements in the cytoplasmic domains of the ligand-bound IP3R1 channel. Furthermore, we have performed docking studies of available crystal structures of the ligand-binding domains into reconstructed cryo-EM density maps of the entire IP3R1. All together our studies suggest that AdA/Ca2+ binding induces conformational changes in the quaternary structure of tetrameric IP3R1 that might underlie the long-range allosteric mechanism of agonist-mediated activation of the ion-conducting pore of IP3R. Supported by grants from NIH (R21AR063255, R01GM072804, R01GM080139, P41GM103832) and by AHA (12GRNT10510002).
Basic investigation into the production of oxygen in a solid electrolyte process

Mission analyses indicated that by extracting oxygen from the Martian atmosphere, which consists primarily of carbon dioxide, the launch mass of a spacecraft can be reduced by such an amount that samples from the planet can be returned to earth. The solid electrolyte process for producing O2 from CO2 was investigated. A model of the thermodynamic and electrochemical processes in the electrolyte cell was postulated, thereby establishing the parameters influencing the effectiveness and efficiency of an in situ O2 production system. The major operating parameters were investigated over a wide range of temperature and pressure. Operating limits imposed by the solid electrolyte material, 8% yttria stabilized zirconia, were determined as a function of the operating temperature.
‘For every border, there is also a bridge’: overturning borders in young Aboriginal peoples' lives

In this paper, I offer thoughts and insights on young people, border spaces and revolutions. Following Anzaldua, I explore how different types of borders – the borderlands of the mind – have disrupted young people's lives, particularly the lives of indigenous youth. While global in context, my emphasis is upon Canada where the magnitude of Aboriginal poverty is astounding given that the nation is often ranked as one of the best places to live in the world. Yet, despite a dismal outlook, I point toward optimistic futures as young people use their revolutionary imaginations to overturn internal borders and work for positive change. I suggest that youth are playfully reworking borders to build bridges between communities.
Vision-based superresolution for recognizing small targets

Regions of interest that contain small targets often cover a small number of pixels, e.g., 100 or fewer. For such regions vision-based super-resolution techniques are feasible that would be infeasible for regions that cover a large number of pixels. One such technique centers basis functions (such as Gaussians) of the same width on all pixels and adjusts their amplitudes so that the sum of the basis functions integrated over each pixel is its gray value. This technique implements super-resolution in that the sum of basis functions determines the gray values of sub-pixels of any size. The resulting super-resolved visualizations, each characterized by a different basis function width, may enable the recognition of small targets that would otherwise remain unrecognized.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Primary hemiepiphytism and gametophyte morphology in Elaphoglossum amygdalifolium (Dryopteridaceae)

Elaphoglossum amygdalifolium holds a critical phylogenetic position as sister to the remaining ca. 600 extant species of Elaphoglossum and may provide important insight into the evolution of epiphytism in this clade of ferns. Here, we present the first examination of growth habit and gametophyte morphology for this species. We show that the cordate to elongate-cordate gametophytes occur up to 0.5 m above the ground on the base of tree trunks. Unlike the gametophytes of all other studied species of Elaphoglossum, rhizoids are absent along the thallus margin and the hairs present on the margin lack whitish waxy caps; both differences are pleisiomorphic for the genus. Sporelings of E. amygdalifolium produce a single long root that grows straight into the soil where it branches profusely. Mature sporophytes have long-creeping rhizomes that climb to heights of at least 3 m and produce two types of roots: “feeding roots” that reach the ground and “clasping roots” that anchor the sporophyte to its host plant. Our observations reveal that E. amygdalifolium is a primary hemiepiphyte, the first example of this growth habit to be documented in Elaphoglossum. Results of an ancestral state reconstruction of growth habit in bolbitidoid ferns show that both primary hemiepiphytism and holoepiphytism are equally likely to be the ancestral character state for Elaphoglossum.
Phase-slip states in the normal-superconducting relaxation of current-biased microstrips

We have solved the generalized time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) equations of Kramer and Watts-Tobin numerically. The solutions are used to predict the relaxation behavior of a microstrip biased below its dc critical current and excited into the resistive state by the application of a supercritical current pulse of a fixed duration. We have studied the relaxation behavior of the gap parameter and voltage along the microstrip as a function of the current pulse amplitude and bias magnitude. The relaxation is found to occur through a succession of phase-slip oscillations. The relaxation behavior is determined by the initial phase-slip state created by the current pulse. The maximum resistance attained increases rapidly, then saturates at a value less than the normal state resistance. The numerical solutions exhibit a region in which a relaxation time anomaly occurs with respect to the current pulse amplitude. In this region, the more highly excited states were found to relax faster. These features of the resistive relaxation behavior are found to be in qualitative agreement with our previous experimental measurements.
Utilization of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in the Medical Intensive Care Unit

We conducted a prospective survey of the utilization of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in 152 Medical ICU (MICU) patients. Utilization of prophylaxis was recorded daily, and commonly accepted risk factors for VTE were noted. Only 32.9 percent of patients received prophylaxis, and there was a delay of 2.0 ± 2.8 days prior to institution. Eighty-seven percent of patients had one VTE risk factor and 52 percent had multiple factors. We conclude that utilization of prophylaxis is low in MICU patients even though they are at high risk for VTE.
THE STRUCTURE AND INTERDIFFUSIONAL DEGRADATION OF ALUMINIDE COATINGS ON OXIDE DISPERSION STRENGTHENED ALLOYS

Abstract A study of the effects of the composition and coating processing of oxide- dispersion-strengthened superalloys on the structure and diffusional stability of aluminide coatings was undertaken. Increasing the aluminum content of the substrate resulted in the formation of a more typical nickel-base superalloy aluminide coating structure that is more resistant to spallation during high temperature isothermal exposure. The coating application process also affected the coating stability; a low aluminum outward diffusion type resulted in greater apparent stability. A scanning electron microscopy deep etching and fractography examination technique was used in an attempt to establish the location and kinetics of void formation. Aluminide protective lifetimes are still found to be far short of the mechanical property capabilities of the alloy.
Coal liquefaction by molybdenum catalyzed hydrogenation in the absence of solvent

Abstract Dry catalytic hydrogenation, using an impregnated molybdenum catalyst, has been used to explore the processes of coal liquefaction and their relation to coal structure. It was found that for high activity the molybdenum must be present as MoS 2 and that the conditions used for impregnation can strongly influence catalyst dispersion and activity. At temperatures of 400°C and lower, a subbituminous coal was more readily converted to liquid products and gases, than a coal of bituminous rank. The low-rank coal products were comparatively richer in hydrogen, possessed higher oil to asphaltene ratios and were more aliphatic than the bituminous coal liquids. It is considered that the higher reactivity of the low-rank coal is attributable to the initial reactions being conducted under conditions which promote hydrogenation while minimizing condensation and cracking reactions. Examination of reacted coals by reflected fluorescent light microscopy showed a close correlation between the yield of extractable liquids and the maximum intensity of vitrinite fluorescence. The fluorescence appears to be directly related to the liberation of relatively low molecular weight species within the coal structure. Coal pretreatment by low-temperature dry hydrogenation, prior to higher temperature liquefaction in the presence of solvent, improved the overall conversion and product selectivity of both bituminous and subbituminous coals. It is suggested that subtle control of the initial conversion reactions can lead to more efficient liquefaction of coals of different rank.
Semi-1 thermoplastic interpenetrating polymer networks of physically crosslinked poly(n-butyl acrylate) and polystyrene

Poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PnBA) chemically crosslinked with tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDM) and physically crosslinked PnBAs produced by neutralization of poly(n-butyl acrylate-stat-acrylic acid) with NaOH or Ca(OH)2 were prepared as a polymer I network. Each polymer I was swollen with styrene and cured in situ into semi-IPN-TEGDM, semi-IPN-Na, or semi-IPN-Ca, respectively. Both physically crosslinked polymers maintained their shapes during the swelling procedure. Dynamic mechanical spectroscopy indicated that good mixing of the two polymers took place in the semi-IPN-Ca as well as in semi-IPN-TEGDM, but a distinct phase separation occurred in the semi-IPN-Na. These results were supported by their transparent or optical opaque appearances, respectively. Annealing at 180°C developed further phase separation in the semi-IPN-Na, but very little in the semi-IPN-Ca. Analyses by the incompatibility number (based on the modulus–temperature curve) and the calculation of individual phase compositions (from the glass transition temperature shifts) were used in estimating the extent of molecular mixing.
Advances in testing the statistical significance of mediation effects.

P. A. Frazier, A. P. Tix, and K. E. Barron (2004) highlighted a normal theory method popularized by R. M. Baron and D. A. Kenny (1986) for testing the statistical significance of indirect effects (i.e., mediator variables) in multiple regression contexts. However, simulation studies suggest that this method lacks statistical power relative to some other approaches. The authors describe an alternative developed by P. E. Shrout and N. Bolger (2002) based on bootstrap resampling methods. An example and step-by-step guide for performing bootstrap mediation analyses are provided. The test of joint significance is also briefly described as an alternative to both the normal theory and bootstrap methods. The relative advantages and disadvantages of each approach in terms of precision in estimating confidence intervals of indirect effects, Type I error, and Type II error are discussed.
Direct Measurement of the Current-Phase Relation of a Superfluid 3He-B Weak Link

Direct measurements of the current-phase relation, I versus Deltaphi, for a weak link coupling two reservoirs of B-phase superfluid helium-3 (3He-B) were made over a wide range of temperatures. The weak link consists of a square array of 100-nanometer-diameter apertures. For temperatures T such that T/Tc >/= 0.6 (where Tc is the superfluid transition temperature), I approximately sin(Deltaphi). At lower temperatures, I(Deltaphi) approaches a straight line. Several remarkable phenomena heretofore inaccessible to superconducting Josephson junctions, including direct observation of quantum oscillations and continuous knowledge of Deltaphi, were also observed.
The Potential Pitfalls of Concurrent Rhinoplasty and Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Objective As the largest portion of the population is becoming middle aged and our society becomes increasingly interested in youth and appearance, so does the number of esthetic surgeries. Rhinoplasty is being performed with increased frequency in recent years. Many surgeons are performing rhinoplasty combined with endoscopic sinus surgery as a means to decrease operating times, healing times, as well as patient cost. Many surgeons may be unaware of several potential life-threatening complications when these two safe procedures are performed concurrently. Study Design A rare but illustrative case depicting a serious complication of concurrent surgery. A retrospective review of our experience and an extensive literature review were performed documenting the type and incidence of minor and serious postoperative complications. Results A case demonstrating multiple near-fatal complications after rhinoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery, which are two safe, commonly performed procedures when performed individually. A review of our 268 rhinoplasties performed between 1997 and 2001 demonstrated 11 cases with concurrent surgery. There were no complications noted in this population. Conclusion We conclude and agree with the literature that concurrent surgery is safe and effective.
Interactive installations as performance: inspiration for HCI

This paper identifies a theoretical framework of interactive installations as inspirational artistic probes for human-computer interaction (HCI). It develops interstices of interactive installations by drawing from new media and digital art. Performance studies provides key terminology -- in constitutive, epistemic, and critical characteristics of performance -- to illustrate how interactive installations can reference their audiences' social and cultural contexts and foster physical and emotional engagement, and influence critical thinking. This overlaps with HCI concerns but provides an approach that originates in the art-based community, highlighting the relevance of interactive installations to HCI. This connection and the inspirational role of interactive installations are discussed and supported by examples.
Influencing student understanding of the nature of science: Data from a case of curriculum development

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the first-year field test BSCS middle school science program on student understanding of the creative, developmental, testable, and unified nature of science. The experimental group, which was exposed to the BSCS program, and the control group, which was taught using a more traditional middle school science curriculum, were administered a pretest and posttest using the Modified Nature of Scientific Knowledge Scale (MNSKS). Analyses of the results showed that the understanding of students who experienced the BSCS science program decreased significantly in regard to the developmental and testable nature of science. The understanding of students who experienced the control-group science program decreased significantly in regard to the creative nature of science. Analyses of covariance indicated that students in the control group possessed a significantly better understanding of the testable nature of science than did students who used the BSCS science program. Implications of these results are related to the constructivist view of learning, the development of curricula designed to facilitate scientific literacy, and future research endeavors.
Providing Pharmaceutical Care to the Multiple Sclerosis Patient

Objective To review the pathophysiology, symptoms, and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Data Sources Recently published clinical literature identified through review of articles abstracted at MEDLINE. Search terms included multiple sclerosis, interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, mitoxantrone, treatment, symptoms, steroids, etiology, and neutralizing antibodies. Study Selection Performed manually by the authors. Data Extraction Performed manually by the authors. Data Synthesis MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that most often strikes patients in their early 30s. Noticeable geographic, ethnic, racial, and sex differences in incidence remain unexplained. Diagnosis relies heavily on the presence of neurologic signs and symptoms, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain is increasingly useful. Treatment with steroids, interferon beta-1b (Betaseron—Berlex) and interferon beta-1a (Avonex—Biogen; Rebif—Serono), and glatiramer acetate (Copaxone—Teva) can produce periods of remission in patients with MS. Management of adverse medication effects and disease-related symptoms of fatigue, pain, and bladder dysfunction is important in these patients. Conclusion MS is currently incurable but largely treatable. Research has produced promising new medications, and investigational therapies hold promise for better treatment of this debilitating condition.
Strain Differences in the Behavioral Effects of Antidepressant Drugs in the Rat Forced Swimming Test

Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats provide a model of stress-induced depressive behavior, because they show enhanced vulnerability to the effects of stressors. The present study examined differences in the behavioral response to different types of antidepressant drugs between WKY and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats in the forced swimming test (FST). WKY rats displayed significantly greater immobility than SD rats during their exposure to the FST. The noradrenergic antidepressant, desipramine, produced a dose-dependent reduction of immobility and increase of climbing behavior in the SD rats. In WKY rats, desipramine reduced immobility at a lower dose and produced increases of both swimming and climbing behavior. The serotonergic compounds, fluoxetine and 8-OH-DPAT, produced dose-dependent reductions of immobility and increases of swimming behavior in the FST in SD rats, but the response to the serotonergic drugs were blunted in WKY rats. These results indicate that genetic or constitutive differences may determine the distinct behavioral profiles for antidepressant compounds with selective pharmacological effects in different rat strains, and these effects may be related to genetic heterogeneity of antidepressant responses in depressed patients.
The performance of a sequential procedure for the estimation of the median survival time with specified accuracy

A bound on the order of convergence of the remainder term in the coverage probability of a fixed quantile of the survival distribution is obtained as the prescribed tolerance on the width of the interval shrinks to zero.
EROSIVE WEAR OF DUCTILE METALS BY A PARTICLE-LADEN HIGH-VELOCITY LIQUID-JET

LBL-11959 Pre print Submitted to Wear EROSIVE WEAR OF DUCTILE METALS BY A PARTICLE-LADEN HIGH-VELOCITY LIQUID-JET Simon Ka-Keung Li, Joseph A.C. Humphrey, and . Alan Levy TWO-WEEK LOAN COPY December 1980 This is a Library Circulating Copy which may be borrowed for two weeks. a personal retention copy, call Tech. Info. Dioision, Ext. 6782 I Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract W-7405-ENG-48
Properties of strain hardening ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHP-FRC) under direct tensile loading

Abstract Enhanced matrix packing density and tailored fiber-to-matrix interface bond properties have led to the recent development of ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHP-FRC) with improved material tensile performance in terms of strength, ductility and energy absorption capacity. The objective of this research is to experimentally investigate and analyze the uniaxial tensile behavior of the new material. The paper reviews and categorizes a variety of tensile test setups used by other researchers and presents a revised tensile set up tailored to obtain reliable results with minimal preparation effort. The experimental investigation considers three types of steel fibers, each in three different volume fractions. Elastic, strain hardening and softening tensile parameters, such as first cracking stress and strain, elastic and strain hardening modulus, composite strength and energy dissipation capacity, of the UHP-FRCs are characterized, analyzed and linked to the crack pattern observed by microscopic analysis. Models are proposed for representing the tensile stress–strain response of the material.
Solving the Heterogeneous VHTR Core with Efficient Grid Computing

This paper uses the coarse mesh transport method COMET to solve the eigenvalue and pin fission density distribution of the Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR). It does this using the Boltzmann transport equation without such low-order approximations as diffusion, and it does not simplify the reactor core problem through homogenization techniques. This method is chosen as it makes highly efficient use of grid computing resources: it conducts a series of calculations at the block level using Monte Carlo to model the explicit geometry within the core without approximation, and compiles a compendium of data with the solution set. From there, it is able to solve the desired core configuration on a single processor in a fraction of the time necessary for whole-core deterministic or stochastic transport calculations. Thus, the method supplies a solution which has the accuracy of a whole-core Monte Carlo solution via the computing power available to the user.The core solved herein, the VHTR, was chosen due to its complexity. With a high level of detailed heterogeneity present from the core level to the pin level, and with asymmetric blocks and control material present outside of the fueled region of the core, this reactor geometry creates problems for methods which rely on homogenization or diffusion methods. Even transport methods find it challenging to solve. As it is desirable to reduce the number of assumptions necessary for a whole core calculation, this choice of reactor and solution method combination is an appropriate choice for a demonstration on an efficient use of grid computing.
Open Repair of Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury Remains Relevant in the Endovascular Era

Background Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) has been a major advance in the treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI), although many patients still undergo open repair. This study was undertaken to evaluate outcomes with open repair and TEVAR for BTAI. Study Design A retrospective review of all patients with BTAI at a single Level I trauma center from 2001 through 2009 was performed. Patients were grouped according to treatment modality, ie, open repair, TEVAR, or medical management. Direct comparison using standard statistical methods was made between patients undergoing open repair and TEVAR since late 2006 when TEVAR began at our institution using standard statistical methods. Outcomes variables included mortality, paraplegia, length of stay, ICU stay, and ventilator requirements. Results There were 69 patients in the study, with 36 (52.2%) undergoing open repair, 10 receiving TEVAR (14.5%), 10 patients managed medically (14.5%), and 13 (18.8%) who died during triage. Overall mortality in the pre-TEVAR era was 29.6%. Since the introduction of TEVAR, there have been 8 open repairs. Patients undergoing open repair were significantly younger (32 vs 58 years; p=0.002) and had smaller aortic diameter (18 mm vs 24.5 mm; p Conclusions TEVAR and open repair should be viewed as complementary rather than competing modalities for the treatment of BTAI. Having both available allows selection of the most appropriate management technique for each patient, with subsequent improvement in outcomes.
Calcium Channel Blocker-Related Peripheral Edema: Can It Be Resolved?

Calcium channel blocker (CCB)-related edema is quite common in clinical practice and can effectively deter a clinician from continued prescription of these drugs. Its etiology relates to a decrease in arteriolar resistance that goes unmatched in the venous circulation. This disproportionate change in resistance increases hydrostatic pressures in the precapillary circulation and permits fluid shifts into the interstitial compartment. CCB-related edema is more common in women and relates to upright posture, age, and the choice and dose of the CCB. Once present it can be slow to resolve without intervention. A number of strategies exist to treat CCB-related edema, including switching CCB classes, reducing the dosage, and/or adding a known venodilator such as a nitrate, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, or an angiotensin-receptor blocker to the treatment regimen. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been best studied in this regard. Diuretics may alter the edema state somewhat, but at the expense of further reducing plasma volume. Traditional measures such as limiting the amount of time that a patient is upright and/or considering use of graduated compression stockings are useful adjunctive therapies. Discontinuing the CCB and switching to an alternative antihypertensive therapy will resolve the edema.
Why Students Pursue the Business Degree: A Comparison of Business Majors Across Universities

Abstract In this study, the authors sought to investigate (a) which factors were most important in students' choice of a business major, (b) how well students understood their major and the business world, (c) how that understanding affected their expectations of career success, and (d) whether differences among students affected their choice of different business fields. The authors surveyed business students majoring in accounting, finance, marketing, management information systems/computer information systems (MIS/CIS), management, and general business.
Putting Faulty Cores to Work

Necromancer, a robust and heterogeneous core coupling execution scheme, exploits a functionally dead core to improve system throughput by supplying hints regarding high-level program behavior. Necromancer partitions a chip multiprocessor system's cores into multiple groups, each of which shares a lightweight core that can be substantially accelerated using execution hints from the faulty core.
Development of chemically assisted dry etching methods for magnetic device structures

There is a strong need for advanced pattern transfer methods for magnetic devices such as magnetic random access memories, sensors for avionics and mine detection, and read/write heads for high density information storage. As the critical dimensions in these devices are decreased, the use of ion milling for pattern transfer presents major obstacles, including sidewall redeposition (which degrades magnetic performance) and poor mask selectivity. Most magnetic materials do not form volatile etch products in conventional reactive ion etching. We have recently found that high density plasmas provide efficient ion-assisted desorption of metal chloride etch products, provided that the etch production formation and removal are balanced by correct choice of ion/neutral ratio. We have completed the survey of plasma chemistries for etching of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) (NiFe, NiMnSb) and collossal magnetoresistance (CMR) (LaCaMnO3,LaSrMnO3,PrBaCaMnO3) materials. The optimum choices are Cl2/Ar for CMR oxides, SF6...