cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The selective solar absorptance of in situ-grown oxide films on metals

Abstract The solar absorptance and emittance were measured for a number of generic oxides growin in situ on a variety of pure metals and alloys. The surface films were formed by reacting the substrates in air, pure oxygen, or high-temperature, high-pressure water to give a range of thickness for each oxide. The oxide/metal systems investigated included ZnO and/or Cu2O on brass, Cu2O on Cu-30 Ni, Cu2O on aluminum bronze and Cu-5 Al, NiO on nickel, TiO2 on titanium, ZrO2 on Zircaloy-2, Fe2O3 on iron, Fe2O3 on type 201 stainless steel, Fe3O4 on Kovar, Cr2O3 on chromium-coated steel and Al2O3 on Kanthal A-1. Optical properties depended markedly on film thickness. Only two oxides, NiO and ZrO2, had a combination of high solar absorptance (greater than 0.8) and low 100°C emittance (less than 0.3). A third oxide, Cu2O, had an α of 0.74 and an ϵ of 0.25, which combination also appeared interesting. The oxide films were tenacious and exhibited no tendency to spall. Although the optical properties were encouraging, they were not optimum. All films had been formed on polished substrates, and no attempts were made to improve the solar absorptance by changing the surface topography. Attempts to rationalize selective solar absorption on theories involving the index of refraction of the films or the band-gap energies were only partially successful. There is little basis for selecting candidate oxides based on physical properties.
Oral misoprostol or vaginal dinoprostone for labor induction: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness, safety, and side effects of low-dose oral misoprostol with vaginal dinoprostone for cervical ripening and labor induction. Study Design: Women with Bishop score 6 or less admitted for labor induction at term were eligible for this randomized controlled trial. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, breech, fetal distress, or previous uterine scar. The allocation to the oral misoprostol group (20 μg given every 2 hours increased to 40 μg depending on uterine contractions) or to the vaginal dinoprostone group (2 mg twice, 6 hours apart) was contained in a sealed, opaque, and consecutively numbered envelope. Results: Two hundred women (100 in each group) were included. The proportion of vaginal delivery within 24 hours was 56% in the misoprostol group and 62% in the dinoprostone group (relative risk 0.90, 95% CI 0.72-1.14). The risk of cesarean section was 18% and 19%, respectively. The median interval to delivery, calculated from survival analysis, was longer in the misoprostol group (1305 minutes) compared with the dinoprostone group (1080 minutes). The log-rank test was not significant (P = .35). Uterine hyperstimulation occurred in 9% of women in the misoprostol group compared with 14% in the dinoprostone group (P = .27). The only significant difference in neonatal outcomes was a more frequent presence of thick meconium in the misoprostol group (P = .03). Conclusion: We found no difference in terms of effectiveness and safety between low-dose oral misoprostol and vaginal dinoprostone used for induction of labor. This regimen avoids the excessive uterine contractility noted in previous studies, where higher doses of misoprostol were administered at longer intervals. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:162-7.)
Direct evidence that oxygen-derived free radicals contribute to postischemic myocardial dysfunction in the intact dog

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to investigate whether (i) the free radicals produced in the "stunned" myocardium (myocardium with postischemic contractile dysfunction) are derived from O2, (ii) inhibition of radical reactions improves function, and (iii) i.v. spin traps are effective. Open-chest dogs undergoing a 15-min coronary occlusion received an i.v. infusion of the spin trap, alpha-phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) (50 mg/kg). In group I (n = 6), EPR signals characteristic of radical adducts of PBN appeared in the coronary venous blood during ischemia and increased dramatically after reperfusion. In group II (n = 6), which received PBN and i.v. superoxide dismutase (SOD; 16,000 units/kg) plus catalase (12,000 units/kg), myocardial production of PBN adducts was undetectable during ischemia (delta = -100%, P less than 0.01 vs. group I) and markedly inhibited after reperfusion (delta = -86%, P less than 0.001). This effect was seen at all levels of ischemic zone flow but was relatively greater in the low-flow range. In group III (n = 8), the same dosages of SOD and catalase without PBN markedly enhanced contractile recovery (measured as systolic wall thickening) after reperfusion [P less than 0.01 at 3 hr vs. controls (group IV, n = 7)]. Systemic plasma activity of SOD and catalase averaged 127 +/- 24 and 123 +/- 82 units/ml, respectively, 2 min after reperfusion. PBN produced no apparent adverse effects and actually improved postischemic contractile recovery in group I (P less than 0.05 at 3 hr vs. controls). This study shows that (i) SOD and catalase are highly effective in blocking free radical reactions in vivo, (ii) the radicals generated in the "stunned" myocardium are derived from univalent reduction of O2, and (iii) inhibition of radical reactions improves functional recovery. The results provide direct, in vivo evidence to support the hypothesis that reactive oxygen metabolites play a causal role in the myocardial "stunning" seen after brief ischemia.
Development of a Model for Predicting Team Performance

The present investigation attempted to develop and test a model for competitive team success which would be capable of prediction regardless of the skill level of the players. The first hypothesis predicted that successful volleyball teams would have greater team cohesion and would be coached by a task-oriented leader. Initially, data were analyzed by means of a 2 × 2 (team success × level of skill) multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with five dependent variables. Dependent variables consisted of two measures of cohesion and three measures of leadership. Results confirmed the presence of greater team cohesion within successful teams. All winning teams also perceived their coaches to exhibit a greater degree of initiating structure. The second hypothesis proposed that measures of cohesion and leadership could be identified which were most capable of discriminating between successful and unsuccessful teams. Results of the discriminant function analysis with stepwise F tests showed that the two measu...
Efficient symbolic differentiation for graphics applications

Functions with densely interconnected expression graphs, which arise in computer graphics applications such as dynamics, space-time optimization, and PRT, can be difficult to efficiently differentiate using existing symbolic or automatic differentiation techniques. Our new algorithm, D*, computes efficient symbolic derivatives for these functions by symbolically executing the expression graph at compile time to eliminate common subexpressions and by exploiting the special nature of the graph that represents the derivative of a function. This graph has a sum of products form; the new algorithm computes a factorization of this derivative graph along with an efficient grouping of product terms into subexpressions. For the problems in our test suite D* generates symbolic derivatives which are up to 4.6 x 103 times faster than those computed by the symbolic math program Mathematica and up to 2.2x105 times faster than the non-symbolic automatic differentiation program CppAD. In some cases the D* derivatives rival the best manually derived solutions.
A simple model of a propagating crack

Abstract A model of a crack is developed in which the surface energy in the Griffith treatment is taken to depend on the temperature and strain rate. It is shown that such a crack shows a transition from brittle to ductile behaviour as the temperature is raised.
The Nyquist robust sensitivity margin for uncertain closed‐loop systems

The Nyquist robust sensitivity margin is proposed as a new scalar indicator of robust stability that also provides a meaningful quantitative assessment of the worst sensitivity realized by the uncertain closed loop. After formulating and discussing in detail the underlying optimization problem required for the calculation of the margin, the approach is applied to the characterization of the robust stability of a closed-loop featuring a linear system with an affine uncertainty structure and a parametric uncertainty set described by a real rectangular polytope. The capabilities of the methodology are illustrated through examples, which include an approach for quantifying alternative robustness margins, such as a parametric stability margin. The computational algorithm is systematic and can be carried out with high numerical precision. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein-Polymer Interaction Studied By Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)

Research at our labs concerning studies of protein adsorption onto surfaces was just beginning when we presented a paper at the 1977 International FT-IR Meeting. Since that time, a quantum leap has occurred in our ability to study protein adsorption from flowing protein solutions (including whole blood) onto various surfaces. The work we will present involves using ATR in conjunction with FT-IR to study adsorption of blood proteins in real time as it adsorbs onto polymer coated ATR crystals. Through multiple subtraction and other data reduction techniques, meaningful data concerning how proteins interact with surfaces and with each other is obtained. Polymers have been found to influence protein adsorption patterns, and FT-IR is being used to study these effects. This type of study is assisting in the development of theory concerning the fabrication of surfaces with enhanced biocompatibility.
Thomson Effect in Zinc Crystals

The Thomson coefficient, $\ensuremath{\sigma}$, is directly determined for a group of zinc crystal rods with orientations distributed fairly uniformly over the entire possible range. At 49.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and at 125\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C the values of $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ seem to obey the Voigt-Thomson symmetry relation, although not as good a check is obtained at the higher temperature on account of increased experimental error. The principal values obtained are: ${\mathrm{At} 49.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}, {\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}},=0.98\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}\mathrm{cal}.{\mathrm{coul}.}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{\mathrm{deg}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}=0.38\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}}{\mathrm{At} 125\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}, {\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}},=2.09\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}=1.08\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}}$The values at 49.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C are found to compare favorably with values for polycrystalline zinc calculated from Sommerfeld's theory of conduction, (0.32\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ cal. ${\mathrm{coul}.}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. ${\mathrm{deg}.}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$), and found by Borelius experimentally, (0.88\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ cal. ${\mathrm{coul}.}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. ${\mathrm{deg}.}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$). The increase of $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ with increased temperature is greater than has been previously reported for polycrystalline zinc but is in approximate agreement with some earlier determinations by the writer. In addition, specific resistivity and temperature coefficient of resistivity are determined.
Intriguing nonlinear dynamics of a controller with a sluggish actuator

We apply a bifurcation-theoretic approach to the standard Moore-Greitzer compressor model in effort to understand a curious phenomenon. When one forces the actuator to respond sluggishly to commanded inputs, performance of the controller improves dramatically. We show that the behavior can be explained via Hopf-Hopf interactions of surge and rotating stall. Also, we argue that there is a broad class of controllers which possess the general dynamic features responsible for the surprising effectiveness of sluggish actuators.
First structural authentication of third-sphere coordination: [p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene]5- as a third-sphere ligand for Eu3+

Abstract The central feature of the complicated structure of Na[Eu3(p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene)2(OH2)18(ONC5H5)3]·14 H2O is the coordination sphere of one of the three independent europium atoms. Its first coordination sphere consists of seven water molecules, the oxygen atom of a pyridine N-oxide molecule, and a sulfonate oxygen atom from one of the two independent calix[4]arenes. The second-sphere coordination consists of the second calix[4]arene which is bound to the coordinated pyridine N-oxide via hydrophobic interactions, and a second pyridine N-oxide which is hydrogen bonded to a coordinated water molecule. The third-sphere coordination consists of the binding of the second-sphere coordinated pyridine N-oxide to the cavity of the first-sphere coordinated calix[4]arene. Na[Eu3(p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene)2(OH2)18(ONC5H5)3]·14 H2O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 20.973(2), b = 18.678(2), c = 29.502(4)A, β = 109.19(1)°, and Dc = 1.74 g cm−3 for Z = 4. Refinement based on 10,043 ob...
Indexing on modern hardware: hekaton and beyond

Recent OLTP support exploits new techniques, running on modern hardware, to achieve unprecedented performance compared with prior approaches. In SQL Server, the Hekaton main-memory database engine embodies this new OLTP support. Hekaton uses the Bw-tree to achieve its great indexing performance. The Bw-Tree is a latch-free B-tree index that also exploits log-structured storage when used "beyond" Hekaton as a separate key value store. It is designed from the ground up to address two hardware trends: (1) Multi-core and main memory hierarchy: the Bw-tree is completely latch-free, using an atomic compare-and-swap instruction to install state changes on a "page address" mapping table; it performs updates as "deltas" to avoid update-in-place. These improve performance by eliminating thread blocking while improving cache hit ratios. (2) Flash storage: the Bw-tree organizes secondary storage in a log-structured manner, using large sequential writes to avoid entirely the adverse performance impact of random writes. We demonstrate the architectural versatility and performance of the Bw-tree in two scenarios: (a) running live within Hekaton and (2) running as a standalone key value store compared to both BerkeleyDB and a state-of-the-art in-memory range index (latch-free skiplists). Using workloads from real-world applications (Microsoft XBox Live Primetime and enterprise deduplication), we show the Bw-tree is 19x faster than BerkeleyDB and 3x faster than skiplists.
Utilization of optical emission endpoint in photomask dry etch processing

Use of accurate and repeatable endpoint detection during dry etch processing of photomask is very important for obtaining good mask mean-to-target and CD uniformity performance. It was found that the typical laser reflectivity endpoint detecting system used on photomask dry etch systems had several key limitations that caused unnecessary scrap and non-optimum image size performance. Consequently, work to develop and implement use of a more robust optical emission endpoint detection system for chrome dry etch processing of photomask was performed. Initial feasibility studies showed that the emission technique was sensitive enough to monitor pattern loadings on contact and via level masks down to 3 percent pattern coverage. Additional work was performed to further improve this to 1 percent pattern coverage by optimizing the endpoint detection parameters. Comparison studies of mask mean-to-target performance and CD uniformity were performed with the use of optical emission endpoint versus laser endpoint for masks built using TOK IP3600 and ZEP 7000 resist systems. It was found that an improvement in mean-to-target performance and CD uniformity was realized on several types of production masks. In addition, part-to-part endpoint time repeatability was found to be significantly improved with the use of optical emission endpoint.
Greater plasticity in lower-level than higher-level visual motion processing in a passive perceptual learning task

Simple exposure is sufficient to sensitize the human visual system to a particular direction of motion, but the underlying mechanisms of this process are unclear. Here, in a passive perceptual learning task, we found that exposure to task-irrelevant motion improved sensitivity to the local motion directions within the stimulus, which are processed at low levels of the visual system. In contrast, task-irrelevant motion had no effect on sensitivity to the global motion direction, which is processed at higher levels. The improvement persisted for at least several months. These results indicate that when attentional influence is limited, lower-level motion processing is more receptive to long-term modification than higher-level motion processing in the visual cortex.
Energized Configurations of Heart Mitochondria in situ

Changes in the configurational state of the cristal membranes of rat heart mitochondria within the living cell can be induced by imposing energizing conditions. An exact correlation has been established between the configurational states of the cristal membrane and the energy states of the mitochondrion. The configurational changes observed in mitochondria in situ are comparable to those established for beef heart mitochondria in vitro and are consistent with the postulate of the conformational basis of energy transductions in membrane systems. The formation of paracrystalline arrays is one of the noteworthy features of configurational changes of mitochondria in situ .
Residential visual privacy: Traditional and modern architecture and urban design

Abstract Colonial rule in the early to mid 1900s brought to the Middle East, as to other non‐Western cultures, a deluge of Western values, new technology and urban design. This study examines residential visual privacy in two middle‐class neighbourhoods in Damascus, one, based on its architecture and urban design, considered to be ‘traditional’, and the other ‘modern’. Findings indicate that despite significant cultural changes and subcultural differences between the compared groups, the majority of women regard visual privacy at home from outsiders as extremely important. Women surveyed who live in the modern neighbourhood often modify the original design of their homes in order to increase the level of privacy. Thus, current urban design practices and ordinances resulting in the development of the modern sections of Damascus do not adequately meet women's desired level of visual privacy. This study concludes that urban designers need to understand and incorporate core values of the culture in which they...
Microcomputer Database Management Systems That Interface with Online Public Access Catalogs

Since they started to appear in the 1970s, online public access catalogs (OPACs) have developed in sophistication and increased greatly in number. Yet most experts on the subject agree that these OPACs are still clearly in their infancy. One of the areas that has been explored very little in either the literature or the marketplace is the development of microcomputer software packages designed specifically for searching and managing records from OPACs. Uploading and downloading, of course, have been around for some time but have been focused on library automation systems (e.g., derived records from OCLC) and online searching services (e.g., building personal reference files from DIALOG searches).
John Locke and Public Administration

John Locke, whose thought greatly influenced the American founding, makes an important contribution to contemporary public administration theory and to our understanding of the history of American public administration. Locke's theory gives an account of why it is legitimate for public administrators to sometimes perform functions that are legislative or judicial in nature and encourages public administrators to interpret directives from those with greater political authority in light of a respect for rights and the public good. Historically, Locke put his ideas into practice as he helped oversee the administration of the early American colonies and made proposals for administrative reform.
Dynamic simulation: a positive feedback mechanism for experimental research in the biological sciences.

Abstract The focus of this paper is on the application of system theory and computer technology to the area of experimental research in field crops through the medium of process-oriented dynamic simulation models. Conjointly, specific experimental hardware has been devised to facilitate not only the development of a data base for building these types of model but also to produce data which can be used to validate these models in a real-time mode. This system is called a SPAR system: soil-plant-atmosphere research system. The SPAR system, the computer systems, and the modelling effort result in a synergistic process in which experimental research into field crops is amplified above and beyond the normal scientific method by the nature of the iterative, positive feedback mechanisms that are present in this new methodology.
Apneic oxygenation associated with patient-controlled analgesia

We report a case in which morphine in combination with intravenous diazepam delivered via patient-controlled analgesia resulted in complete apnea and carbon dioxide narcosis in a patient admitted for cervical traction. A patent airway and high flow oxygen face mask maintained oxygenation despite complete apnea, thus rendering the pulse oximeter useless in detecting the respiratory depression. The case illustrates the limitations of pulse oximetry in detecting opioid induced respiratory depression when the conditions necessary for apneic oxygenation are present.
Psychology and pseudolearning

“Learning curves” were generated from a table of random numbers to represent chance behavior in a two-choice situation. It was found that seemingly adequate criteria such as seven correct in eight consecutive trials allowed more rapid chance “learning” than might be expected by superficial statistical considerations.
Prostaglandin E1 for alleviating symptoms of ergot intoxication: a case report.

A woman was admitted after ergotamine tartrate overuse for migraine headaches and her symptoms of arterial vasospasm were treated with PGE1, the first reported use of the vasodilator for ergot intoxification. The advantages of producing local vasodilatation without systemic effect, as well as inhibiting the formation of arterial microthrombi, suggest PGE1 as the agent of choice for relief of symptoms due to peripheral vasoconstriction caused by ergot. Treatment with PGE1 may allow sufficient collateral to preserve limb function and integrity, while awaiting remission of anatomic changes after withdrawal of ergot.
The Effect of Viscosity in Hypervelocity Impact Cratering

Numerical method for time dependent compressible Navier-Stokes equations applied to axisymmetric flow field produced by hypervelocity impact, examining viscous effects
Evidence of specificity of radiolabeled phage display peptides for the TAG-72 antigen.

The TAG-72 glycoprotein is highly expressed in many tumor types and has been considered a target for tumor imaging. In this work, we used the f88-4/Cys6 phage library of constrained 16 mer peptides to select those that demonstrate binding to TAG-72. Three consensus peptides were identified: NPGTCKD-KWIECLLNG (clone A); NLIWCRKEFARCTSDM (clone B); and LKNYCRKCSNRCTPTG (clone C). The phage of clones containing these peptides were radiolabeled with technetium-99m (99mTC) at 90% radiochemical purity and were incubated with TAG-72-positive LS174T colon cancer cells. The phage of clones A and B bound significantly higher by 4.5-fold and 1.5-fold than that of a nonspecific control phage. The 99mTc-labeled phage of clones A, B, and control were also administered intravenously to mice with LS-174T tumors. The accumulation of phages from clone A showed a slightly statistically higher accumulation in the tumor (0.51% ID/g), compared to phages of clone B and control phage (0.28% and 0.29% ID/g; p = 0.049 for both). I...
Cytolytic antitumor effector cells in long-term cultures of human tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in recombinant interleukin 2.

Lymphocytes infiltrating human solid tumors (TIL) and autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes (A-PBL) were cultured with 1000 units/ml of recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL2) in long-term cultures. TIL isolated from 26 primary squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck expanded better (P<0.01) and achieved higher total lytic units of activity against fresh tumor cell targets (P<0.05) than A-PBL. TIL obtained from primary hepatocellular carcinomas (n=7) showed a higher degree of expansion than those from metastatic liver tumors (n=7). Further, TIL from metastatic tumors of the head and neck, liver, and ovary were delayed up to 50 days in their proliferative response to rIL2. Long-term mass cultures in rIL2 of TIL, A-PBL, or normal PBL were serially monitored for cytotoxicity with different cultured and fresh tumor cell targets and for phenotypic markers of the predominating cell populations. Antitumor cytotoxicity was found in cultures enriched in CD3 + Leu19 + and/or CD3-Leu19 + cells. Two-color sorting of such cultures followed by cytotoxicity assays confirmed that the human antitumor effectors expressed either the CD3 + Leu19 + or CD3-Leu19 + phenotype. CD3 + Leu19- cells had little or no antitumor cytotoxicity. The two types of Leu19 + effector cells were present in low numbers in fresh TIL, A-PBL, or normal PBL; in contrast, in some rIL2-expanded long-term cultures, they represented a majority of proliferating cells. This study identifies for the first time two types of antitumor effector cells in rIL2 cultures of human TIL, one of which may represent activated natural killer cells on the basis of the absence of the CD3 and expression of the Leu19 antigen. These antitumor effector cells mediate non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity of fresh or cultured tumor cell targets of different histologic types.
The synthesis of hydrocarbons and oxygenates during CO hydrogenation on CoCuZnO catalysts: Analysis at the site level using multiproduct SSITKA

Abstract This paper addresses the effect of component interaction in CoCuZnO catalysts on oxygenate synthesis during CO hydrogenation. Formation of the various products was investigated for the first time using in-situ multiproduct SSITKA. CO hydrogenation was carried out in a fixed-bed differential reactor at 250 °C and 1.8 atm. Reaction results indicate that the activities for all products decrease with the combination of Co with Cu, possibly, based on SSITKA results, due to partial blockage of the Co surface by Cu. ZnO alone, on the other hand, seems to serve primarily as a support for Co but may increase slightly the intrinsic activities for higher oxygenates. The effects of Cu and ZnO on Co, however, were not additive. The Co–Cu–ZnO combination resulted in a synergy that greatly increased selectivities for higher oxygenates by significantly decreasing the ability for hydrocarbon formation. Interestingly, the rate of synthesis for C2 oxygenates on Co/CuZnO was identical to that on Co/Al2O3 (considered by most to be only a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst)—but without the high production rate of hydrocarbons.
Additional regression equations for predicting seed yield of moist-soil plants

Laubhan and Fredrickson (1992) describe a regression-based method for predicting seed yield of moist-soil plants from measurements of inflorescence morphology and provide predictive equations for 11 species. Using methods similar to Laubhan and Fredrickson (1992), we developed predictive equations for seed production of six additional herbaceous wetland species. Five of our six equations had precision greater or equal to those of Laubhan and Fredrickson (1992). Thus, applying the two sets of available regression equations simultaneously should not produce biased seed-yield estimates. We evaluated the effect of assessing seed production with both sets of equations using a data set collected at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia, USA. Addition of seed-production estimates for the 6 species we describe resulted in a 12% higher total seed production, suggesting that the originally published method may underestimate total seed yield for some plant communities. We encourage other investigators to develop and publish similar regression models to enhance the utility of this method across habitats and regions.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Using Commercially Available Au Colloids

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has received considerable attention in recent years as an analytical technique and was the subject of a recent review article. The principal reasons for this attention are the sensitivity of the technique and the considerable information inherent in a Raman spectrum. Many different types of SER substrates have been described for analytical purposes including metal electrodes, metal colloids, and metal-coated substrates, such as Ag-coated microspheres and microspheres deposited on filter paper, as well as Ag-coated paper and fumed silica. Of these substrates, metal-coated fumed silica, metal colloids, and filter paper are particularly attractive because of the ease of sample preparation. The use of metal-colloid solutions has the added advantage that conventional liquid sample cells, may be used. Although sample preparation is simple with metal colloids after they are made, it is time consuming to prepare the colloids themselves. To obtain reproducible and optimal results, it is necessary to sort the colloids according to size before they are used. Although simple sorting methods have been described, they are time consuming, requiring many days for the colloids to settle and separate. On the other hand, some colloids can be stable for months once they are prepared and sorted.
Written emotional expression : Effect sizes, outcome types, and moderating variables

A research synthesis was conducted to examine the relationship between a written emotional expression task and subsequent health. This writing task was found to lead to significantly improved health outcomes in healthy participants. Health was enhanced in 4 outcome types--reported physical health, psychological well-being, physiological functioning, and general functioning--but health behaviors were not influenced. Writing also increased immediate (pre- to postwriting) distress, which was unrelated to health outcomes. The relation between written emotional expression and health was moderated by a number of variables, including the use of college students as participants, gender, duration of the manipulation, publication status of the study, and specific writing content instructions.
Comparative antirhinoviral activities of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and chimeric ICAM-1/immunoglobulin A molecule.

Abstract We conducted a comparative study of the antirhinovirus activities of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and a chimeric ICAM-1/immunoglobulin A (IgA) molecule (ICI-5D/IgA) for nine major receptor group human rhinovirus (HRV) serotypes and for a variant of HRV-39 relatively resistant to inhibition by sICAM-1. ICI-5D/IgA inhibited the infectivity of eight of the nine wild-type HRVs and the resistant HRV-39 variant and was 60 to 170 times more potent than sICAM-1 on a molar basis. In contrast to sICAM-1, ICI-5D/IgA directly neutralized the infectivity of the representative HRVs by approximately 1 log10. These results expand on the antirhinovirus spectrum of ICI-5D/IgA, confirm that dimeric forms of sICAM-1 have a higher antirhinoviral potency than monomeric sICAM-1, and indicate that cross-linking of two adjacent receptor binding sites on the virus capsid by a divalent receptor enhances the direct inactivation of viral infectivity.
Spin Injection and Magnetoresistance in Organic Semiconductor Devices

In magnetic OLEDs, nanodot ferromagnetic cobalt(Co) electrode that provides highly efficient spin injection into organic semiconducting polymers in the study of magnetic field-dependent electroluminescence is found. Using spin injection and magnetoresistance to magnetically control the dynamic processes of singlet and triplet excited states in organic semiconductor devices is reported.
The albumin binding of unconjugated bilirubin in serum

1. The limited bilirubin binding capacity of human serum albumin, and the fact that kernicterus can occur once the serum unconjugated bilirubin concentration exceeds this capacity, makes the assessment of non-albumin bound free bilirubin valuable in cases of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. 2. Present methodology for this assessment utilizes Sephadex column chromatography, and is somewhat tedious and slow. 3. We have developed a procedure for assessing the albumin binding capacity of serum by titrating a sample of the serum with T-20 Dextran coated charcoal. 4. The method requires 2 ml of serum, takes 90 minutes to complete and is highly reproducible. 5. By this method, we can determine the reported secondary loose binding capacity of the albumin as well as the tight binding capacity which is determined by existing methods. 6. The tight binding capacity of a pool of normal adult human serum was found to be 20 mg/dl of serum. 7. This is in agreement with existing methods. The loose binding capacity was found to be an additional 10 mg/dl of serum. Added phenobarbital was found to lower the tight binding capacity, but not the secondary capacity.
The influence of glove and hand position on pressure over the ulnar nerve during cycling.

Abstract Background Chronic ulnar nerve compression is believed to be the primary cause of sensory and motor impairments of the hand in cyclists, a condition termed Cyclist's Palsy. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the effects that hand position and glove type can have on pressure over the ulnar nerve, specifically in the hypothenar region of the hand. Methods Thirty-six experienced cyclists participated. Subjects rode at a constant cadence and power output on a stationary bicycle with their hands in the tops, drops and hoods of a standard drop handlebar. A high resolution pressure mat was used to record hand pressure with no gloves, unpadded gloves, foam-padded gloves and gel-padded gloves. Wrist posture was simultaneously monitored with a motion capture system. Laser scans of the subject's hand were separately acquired to register pressure maps onto the hand anatomy. Findings Average peak hypothenar pressures of 134–165 kPa were recorded when cyclists did not wear gloves. A drops hand position induced the greatest hypothenar pressure and most extended wrist posture. Padded gloves were able to reduce hypothenar pressure magnitudes by 10 to 28%, with slightly better pressure reduction achieved using thin foam padding. Interpretation The hand pressure magnitudes and loading patterns seen in steady-state cycling are of sufficient magnitude to induce ulnar nerve damage if maintained for long periods. Wearing padded gloves and changing hand position can reduce the magnitude and duration of loading patterns, which are both important to mitigate risk for Cyclist's Palsy during extended rides.
Levels in the N = 82 nucleus 139La populated in 139Ba decay

Abstract The decay of 139Ba to levels in 139La was investigated using Ge(Li) gamma-ray detectors. On the basis of energy, intensity and coincidence measurements, a new decay scheme is proposed. In addition to well-known levels at 166 and 1420 keV, 12 new levels between 1200 and 2100 keV were observed. The results are compared with those for other odd-mass N = 82 isotones.
Synergistic modulation of ectoCa2(+)-ATPase activity of hepatoma (Li-7A) cells by epidermal growth factor and cyclic AMP.

Abstract A mercurial-insensitive ectoATPase, which was more active with CaATP than with MgATP, was induced when human hepatoma (Li-7A) cells were cultured in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and cholera toxin. Cholera toxin could be replaced by forskolin, 8-Br-cAMP, butyryl-cAMP and dibutyrylc-AMP. Requirement for EGF was specific, but EGF was ineffective if added more than 24 h after the addition of forskolin or cholera toxin. It was concluded that induction of the ectoCa2+-ATPase was a consequence of the synergistic actions of EGF and cyclic AMP. The tyrosine kinase activity of the EGF receptor was essential for the induction of ectoCa2+-ATPase, since enzyme induction was abolished by a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein. Cycloheximide and actinomycin D were also inhibitory to enzyme induction, indicating that enhancement of enzyme activity by EGF and cAMP was not due to post-translational modification. The results of this and previous investigations established that the two ectoATPases of Li-7A cells are under different regulation.
Heart, heart-lung, and lung transplantation in the first year of life

Abstract Seventeen infants less than 1 year of age have undergone heart (12), heart-lung (3), and lung (2) transplantation for end-stage cardiopulmonary disease. The infants undergoing heart transplantation had a mean age of 4.5 months (range, 19 days to 12 months) with the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy in 4 and congenital heart disease in 8. Four of the 8 patients (50%) bed hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Actuarial survival at 1 and 2 years was 74% and compared favorably with the survival of older children at 1 and 2 years of 82% and 69%. The linearized rejection rate was less in infants as compared with children more than 1 year of age (0.61 versus 1.48 episodes per 100 patient days). In intermediate follow-up, no graft atherosclerosis has been noted. Immunosuppression has included a three-drug protocol of cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone. A steroid taper to alternate day steroids or off completely by 6 months has been the goal and has been accomplished in 6 of 12 infants. Heart-lung and lung transplantation has been performed in 5 infants. One infant in each group died: 1 infant secondary to airway complications and sepsis and another due to pulmonary sepsis. A pulmonary lobe from a larger and older donor was transplanted into a 4-week-old infant as a single-lung transplant with good outcome. The 3 surviving infants are well 24, 18, and 2 months after transplantation. Obliterative bronchiolitis has not been clinically apparent in this group. These data support the clinical efficacy of heart, heart-lung, and lung transplantation in the first year of life.
A general computer program for fitting the Pearson system of frequency functions.

Abstract A general computer program is described which fits the Pearson System of frequency functions. A technique for the selection of the appropriate Pearson Curve as dictated by the data is described and examples are given which illustrate the program.
Structural Response of Bovine Growth Hormone to Dead-Ended Ultrafiltration

Bovine growth hormone (bGH) was used as a model pharmaceutical protein to assess protein structural stability during dynamic ultrafiltration. Two popular membrane materials of different wettabilities, poly(ether sulfone) (PES) and regenerated cellulose (RC), are exposed to acidic and basic bGH solutions in a dead-ended filtration. After a three-fold concentration run, samples of the feed, permeate, and retentate are subjected to a series of spectroscopic and physical analytical techniques, permitting quantitative characterization of the secondary and tertiary structure of bGH as well as the aggregation state of the bGH in these streams. At pH 4, where the monomeric form predominates in the feed, bGH loses helix and gains sheet content as it passes through the membranes. At pH 9, where the feed contains mainly dimers, bGH in the permeate is mainly monomeric and also gains sheet content at the apparent expense of helix content. Tertiary structure analyses suggest that passage through the membranes induces b...
Physical and sensory characteristics of cookies prepared with flaxseed flour

BACKGROUND: Flaxseed has many health benefits and is considered a functional food ingredient. Flaxseed flour (0‐18%) was used to partially replace wheat flour in cookies and its effects on the physical and sensory characteristics of the cookies were investigated. A correlation analysis was conducted between the instrumental and sensory data. RESULTS:Thecookiedoughstickinesssignificantly(P < 0.05)decreasedinrelationtohigherpercentagesofflaxseedflour.The 18%flaxseedcookieshadthefirmesttexture,darkestcolorandlowestwateractivity.The18%flaxseedcookieshadthegreatest spread ratio. However, this resulted in cookies of unacceptable quality properties. In consumer acceptance tests, cookies made with 6% and 12% flaxseed flour had the highest rating among all sensory attributes, while the 18% flaxseed cookies had the lowest sensory scores. The flavor attribute was most highly correlated with the overall acceptability (r = 0.90). CONCLUSION: Results indicated that flaxseed flour can be incorporated in cookies as a partial replacement up to 12% of wheat flour without negatively affecting the physical and sensory quality. The correlation results suggest that the flaxseed flavor attributes best predict consumer preference for overall acceptability, though texture and color attributes also contribute. c � 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of the MTT Assay in Adult Ventricular Cardiomyocytes to Assess Viability: Effects of Adenosine and Potassium on Cellular Survival ☆

This study used the colorimetric MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide)] assay to assess cell viability in isolated quiescent adult guinea-pig ventricular myocytes exposed to different insults or cardioprotective conditions, including adenosine and hyperkalemic-cardioplegia. Optical density (OD), reflecting intracellular reduction of MTT into formazan pigment formation, was a function of the number of viable cells (coefficient of linear correlation approximately 0.99), with MTT reduction preferentially carried out by rod-shaped cardiomyocytes (absorbance at 1.009 +/- 0.013 and 0.006 +/- 0.001 OD units for populations containing 50 and 0% of rod-shaped cells). Following prolonged mechanical (pressure of 1 lb/min for 40 min), chemical (10% DMSO or ethanol) or hypoxic injury (N2-saturated solution), the MTT reductase activity reflected reduction in the number of viable cells by 87%, >50%, and 77%, respectively. In cardiomyocytes exposed to a 40 min hypoxia (with CO2), the MTT reductase activity was 0.056 +/- 0.009 in the absence, and 0.074 +/- 0.008 OD units in the presence of adenosine (1 mM), i.e. adenosine reduced the number of non-viable cells. Also, the MTT assay revealed that the effect of potassium-containing solutions (16 and 32 mM K+) on cellular viability may depend on the extent of insult imposed on cardiomyocytes; i.e. a approximately 24% and 49% increase under mild hypoxia (0.03% CO2), or an 18% decrease in cell viability under severe hypoxia (N2) in pre-injured cells. Thus, the MTT assay used to assess viability of isolated adult cardiomyocytes revealed a direct cytoprotective effect of adenosine and hyperkalemic-cardioplegia by promoting cell survival under certain conditions in vitro.
Migration of intravascular trophoblast cells in uterine arteries of the golden hamster: a scanning electron microscopic study.

Intravascular trophoblast (IVT) cells, derived from the trophoblast of the developing hamster embryo, are known to migrate in retrograde fashion into the uterine arteries. There they migrate to a certain point, destroy and replace the endothelial lining, and modify the smooth muscle of the arteries. The dilated vessels that result presumably enhance the flow of blood to the placental exchange area. The morphology of IVT cells in the hamster placenta was investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Although occasional single migrating cells were observed, the IVT generally appear as sheets of large, contiguous, sometimes overlapping cells that spread over the endothelial surfaces of the uterine central terminal arteries and vascular knot arteries. This process seems to be aided by the appearance of filopodia, which make contact either with other intravascular trophoblast cells or the endothelium. After consolidation, the IVT cells act as a functional part of the vessel lining and are readily distinguished from the surrounding endothelium by their numerous microvilli. The final distribution of the IVT cells is patchy rather than uniform. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Progressivism and the History of the Public House, 1850–1950

ABSTRACTIn a recent article, Alistair Mutch suggests that twin concepts – ‘control’ and ‘interpretation’ – explain the evolution of the public house over a century of dramatic changes between 1850 and 1950. This article argues that these concepts are confusing, ambiguous and misleading. It was not regulatory pressures, the temperance movement, local politicians, pressure groups or magistrates that most shaped the history of drinking premises, but developments outside the brewing industry, most notably Progressivism. Emerging in the late nineteenth century, Progressives set out to reform drinkers and drink premises, first in the trust house movement, and then in the Liquor Traffic Central Control Board during the First World War. Appropriating their ideas and philosophy immediately following the war, England's foremost brewers launched the public house improvement movement, the most far-reaching attempt to transform the nature of public drinking in the twentieth century.
Sea otter population declines in the Aleutian archipelago

Sea otter (Enhydra lutris) populations were exploited to near extinction and began to recover after the cessation of commercial hunting in 1911. Remnant colonies of sea otters in the Aleutian archipelago were among the first to recover; they continued to increase through the 1980s but declined abruptly during the 1990s. We conducted an aerial survey of the Aleutian archipelago in 2000 and compared results with similar surveys conducted in 1965 and 1992. The number of sea otters counted decreased by 75% between 1965 and 2000; 88% for islands at equilibrial density in 1965. The population decline likely began in the mid-1980s and declined at a rate of 17.5%/year in the 1990s. The minimal population estimate was 8,742 sea otters in 2000. The population declined to a uniformly low density in the archipelago, suggesting a common and geographically widespread cause. These data are in general agreement with the hypothesis of increased predation on sea otters. These data chronicle one of the most widespread and precipitous population declines for a mammalian carnivore in recorded history.
DETECTION OF FORMATION AND DISINTEGRATION OF MICELLES BY OBLIQUE-INCIDENCE REFLECTIVITY DIFFERENCE MICROSCOPY

An oblique-incidence reflectivity difference (OI-RD) scanning microscope was developed for label-free detection of the formation and disintegration of micelles upon solid substrates. Micelles are made of polymers with hydrophilic heads in contact with the surrounding solvent and hydrophobic tails in the micelle center. This characteristic makes them very efficient drug carriers. Streptavidin molecules were first printed on glass slides for capturing biotinylated polymers. Micelles were formed when the concentration of polymers was higher than a critical value. The formation of micelles resulted in an increase in the oblique-incidence reflectivity difference signals. As the concentration of polymers decreased below the critical value, micelles were disintegrated, and a corresponding decrease in the oblique-incidence reflectivity difference signals was observed. This microscope was employed for the real-time monitoring of the formation and disintegration of two different micelles. The critical concentration...