cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photoexcited tautomerization of vinyl alcohol to acetylaldehyde via a conical intersection from contracted Schrödinger theory.

The photoexcited tautomerization of vinyl alcohol to acetylaldehydevia a conical intersection is analyzed through the direct calculation of two-electron reduced density matrices (2-RDMs) from solutions to the anti-Hermitian contracted Schrodinger equation (ACSE). The study utilizes the recent generalization of the ACSE method for the treatment of excited states [G. Gidofalvi and D. A. Mazziotti, Phys. Rev. A, 2009, 80, 022507]. We computed absolute energies of the critical points as well as various intermediate points along the ground- and excited-state potential energy surface of vinyl alcohol and acetylaldehyde. The ACSE, MCSCF, second-order multireference many-body perturbation theory (MRMP2), and various coupled cluster methods all demonstrate the existence of a family of pathways from vinyl alcohol to acetylaldehydevia a conical intersection that are monotonically decreasing in energy. The conical intersection, proposed for the first time in this paper, is both structurally and energetically similar to the ground-state transition state. We observe a relationship between conical intersections and transition states both in this paper and in our previous work on bicyclobutane's ring conical intersection [J. W. Snyder, Jr. and D. A. Mazziotti, J. Chem. Phys., 2011, 135, 024107]. To treat multireference correlation, we seeded the ACSE with an initial 2-RDM guess from a multiconfiguration self-consistent field (MCSCF) calculation. The ACSE recovers more single-reference correlation energy than MRMP2 and more multireference correlation energy than comparable single-reference wave function methods. The 2-RDMs from the ACSE nearly satisfy all necessary N-representability conditions.
Beyond Black and White: How White, Male, College Students See Their Asian American Peers.

This research is a cross-site analysis of how white, male, college students see their Asian American peers. Semi-structured interviews with 43 white males were conducted at two universities that differed substantially in their representation of Asian American students. The interviews were theoretically framed by Critical Whiteness Studies and Bobo and Tuan's conception of prejudice as group positioning. At the institution where Asian American population was higher (almost 1/3 of the undergraduate population), the participants described Asian Americans as not true minorities and blamed them for campus segregation, while also subscribing to many racial stereotypes about Asian Americans (e.g., being bad drivers). At both universities, the participants subscribed to the myth of the model minority. The high concentration of Asian Americans at one of the universities corresponded to an increased prevalence of stereotypical/racist beliefs regarding this population, which was predicted by the theoretical framewor...
Left ventricular function in infants and children with symptomatic Ebstein's anomaly.

small size could not be explained by small parents, pulmonary vascular obstructive disease, profound failure to thrive in infancy, and intrauterine growth retardation may have caused their small size. The relation of intrauterine growth retardation and profound growth failure in infancy, and poor ultimate growth was observed by Levy and co-workers.8 The association between pulmonary vascular obstructive disease and small adult size was not reported previously. Patients in the operated group had a more marked growth response than did those in the nonoperated group, and all patients’ mean height and weight were similar as adults. “Catch-up” growth in operated patients during short and intermediate follow-up periods has been reported.ld The present study is the first to report patients followed to ultimate adult size. Time of operation, and presence of congestive heart failure in infancy did not independently influence adult size. Because these patients were observed in the 1960s and underwent operation “late,” it was gratifying to learn that most responded well to late operations. It remains to be learned whether operations in the lirst 2 years, which is a common practice currently, will have any independent effect on later size.
Effect of cooperative problem-based lab instruction on metacognition and problem-solving skills

While most scientists agree that laboratory work is an important part of introductory science courses, there is scant evidence for the relationship between laboratory work and student learning, particularly at the college level. This work reports the quantitative component of a mixed-methods study of the effect of cooperative problem-based laboratory instruction on problem-solving ability and regulatory metacognitive activity. For this purpose, a previously reported assessment, IMMEX, was used. Mixed-methods evidence suggests that students in such an environment showed improved problem-solving skills and strategies, and showed increased regulation of metacognitive skills, despite a lack of explicit instruction. This work puts forth the proposal that providing an environment that is conducive to social interaction and reflection allows students to develop these desirable skills.
Checking GNSS-determined positions with EDM-observed distances

Standard surveying practice in Connecticut requires that positions determined using global navigation satellite system methods be checked by comparing their inversed distance against an electronic distance measuring device distance, but no guidance was provided how to do this. A statistical test is called for, which requires means, variance and a probability density function for the test statistic. The electronic distance measuring device distance can be assumed to follow a normal distribution, but inversed distances belong to an unnamed distribution (it would be akin to a chi distribution). This paper first formulates a standard statistical test to perform the check using a maximum likelihood ratio that turns out to be not very practical. Several simplifying assumptions are shown to be warranted that allow a much simpler, but practically equivalent, z-test. Formulas for three-dimensional, geocentric Cartesian and two-dimensional, topocentric Cartesian positions are developed with allowable limits placed ...
Reversible inhibition by hyaluronidase of the insulinotropic action of tolbutamide in isolated hamster pancreatic islets.

SummaryExposure of hamster pancreatic islets to a low concentration of hyaluronidase during isolation by means of collagenase causes reversible inhibition of the insulino-tropic action of tolbutamide without apparently affecting glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. This inhibition is not attributable to the collagenase. These findings suggest that the inhibitory action of hyaluronidase on the insulinotropic action of tolbutamide may be exerted through a mechanism involving a cellular receptor for tolbutamide, possibly associated with the beta cell plasma membrane, different from that for glucose.
The New Drift Chamber for the Mark II Detector at the SLAC Linear Collider

The design of the new cylindrical drift chamber for the Mark II detector at the SLAC Linear Collider is described. Prototype tests to determine the working parameters of the chamber and to study possible gas mixtures are discussed.
Globalization and Taxation: Challenges to the Swedish Welfare State

Many have argued that the increased international mobility of both capital and labor witnessed in recent years will force advanced capitalist democracies to cut taxes and, thus, ultimately roll bac...
Computational Studies on the Flow Field of Various Shapes-Bladed Vertical Axis Savonius Turbine in Static Condition

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) is the least efficient conventional wind energy generator. But the inherent advantage of facing the wind direction and capability to operate in low wind speed and non-smooth wind flow regions are two main reasons to research on it and to find more efficient design. The simplest form of VAWT is known as Savonius turbine and difference of the drag force on its blades is the operating principal. The main objective of this study is to analyze the performance data (numerically obtained) Savonius turbine blades. This study is in preliminary stage; experiment will be performed in near future. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis has been used. Effect of changing the inlet velocity and mesh dependency is observed in this study. These models are simulated with CFD software ANSYS/FLUENT. Comparing previous models it has been found that, airfoil shaped three bladed rotor produces better result than regular semi-circular wind turbines. Changing the airfoil shape may show more interesting result in future.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Comparison of fentanyl and butorphanol for outpatient anaesthesia.

Equianalgesic doses of butorphanol (40 μg·kg-1) and fentanyl (2.0 p.g·kg-1) were compared as supplements to balanced general anaesthesia for outpatient laparoscopic procedures. Thirtysix adult female patients (ASA physical status I or II) participated in the study. The study drugs (butorphanol or fentanyl) were given just prior to induction of anaesthesia in a doubleblindfashion. Following induction with a standard dose of thiopentone and tracheal intubation using succinylcholine, nitrous oxide in oxygen and a succinylcholine infusion were used for maintenance of anaesthesia. Seventeen of the IS patients in the butorphanol group and 14 of the 18 patients in the fentanyl group showed signs of light anaesthesia and required supplementation with isoflurane. Induction, maintenance and recovery characteristics were not different in the two groups except that the post-intubation arterial pressure and heart rate in the fentanyl group were significantly higher than the base line values and the patients receiving butorphanol were more drowsy and also more pain-free in the postoperative period. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was high in both groups. Overall, butorphanol (4 0 y,g · kg-1) used as part of a standard balanced general anaesthetic for a standard outpatient procedure was not superior to fentanyl (2 u,g ·kg-1) used in the same fashion.
Selective inhibition of glial versus neuronal uptake ofl-glutamic acid by SITS

Abstract SITS, an inhibitor of anion exchange, was found to be a potent and selective inhibitor of l -glutamic acid uptake by cultured LRM55 glioma cells and rat brain astrocytes. Synaptosomal uptake of glutamate was relatively insensitive to inhibition by SITS. This differential effect indicates that the glutamate transport system in glia differs from that in neurons and that SITS may provide a tool for investigating the exclusive neuronal transport and metabolism of l -glutamic acid.
Comparative effects of alpha-tocopherol, DPPD and other antioxidants on muscular dystrophy in guinea pig.

SummaryDPPD, Santoquin and DBH delayed but did not prevent the occurrence of muscular dystrophy in guinea pigs fed a highly purified diet deficient in vit. E. In contrast to these results, alpha-tocopherol acetate was fully protective in this regard.
Characteristics of magnesium polyphosphate cements derived from ammonium polyphosphate solutions

Magnesium polyphosphate cement pastes prepared by mixing MgO powder and ammonium polyphosphate (AmPP) solutions yielded early strengths of 2000 psi (13.78 MPa) at an age of 1 hr. The major reaction products responsible for the initial strength development at room temperature were found to be ternary phases of NH4MgPO4·6H2O and Mg3(PO4)2·4H2O. The former exhibited morphological features resembling interlocking crystals composed of thin plates ∼ 7 μm in length. The use of sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax) as an additive to reduce the rate of reaction between MgO and AmPP was demonstrated. The inclusion of 20% borax by weight of AmPP extended the reaction time to 20 min, compared with a reaction time of <3 min for specimens without borax.
Potential for reduction in morbidity and cost with total leucocyte control for cardiac surgery

The economics of health care in the USA and abroad has caused a shift in the focus on therapeutic interventions that transcend issues of safety and clinical efficacy. Now, cost justification is emerging as a major consideration to influence clinical practice. This brief review of the medical literature attempts to identify leucocyte-mediated adverse reactions that develop in open-heart surgery, quantify the costs incurred to manage such reactions and infer the savings that may accrue by controlling the burden of leucocytes presented to the open-heart surgical patient using commercially available leucocyte reducing filtration technology.
Improvements in scanning infrared thermography

Scanning infrared thermography systems have the potential to analyze materials and parts, quickly, accurately, and at a reduced cost compared to other systems. Scanning infrared thermography uses Fourier’s law of conductive heat transfer to detect both material and geometric anomalies in a particular sample. The current system has been developed to create an easy to operate physical system and an interface utilizing commercial software packages. New hardware components have been designed to work in concert with specially developed analytical models to treat surfaces with changing emissivity and uniformly finished surfaces like those used in traditional infrared scanning systems. The system has been successful at detecting defects on coated surfaces where cracks were oriented parallel to the heating element and at sub-optimal angles. In addition, new experimentation has shown the new camera shroud and LabView program to be successful at removing reflected radiation from variable emissivity, diffuse surfaces. However, the system has only been marginally successful at removing artifacts of reflected radiation from thermographic images of surfaces that show a high degree of specularity, making temperature correction and crack detection difficult. In these cases, coatings have shown to be a potential solution to eliminate specular effects and allow for continued use of the developed system.
RbSr ages of igneous rocks from the Apollo 14 mission and the age of the Fra Mauro formation

Internal Rb-Sr isochrons were determined on four basaltic rocks and on a basaltic clast from a breccia from the Fra Mauro landing site. An internal isochron was determined for rock 12004 and yielded a value in agreement with previous results for basaltic rocks from the Apollo 12 site. The crystallization ages for Apollo 14 basalts are only 0.2 to 0.3 AE older than were found for mare basalts from the Sea of Tranquility. Assuming these leucocratic igneous rocks to be representative of the Fra Mauro site, it follows that there were major igneous processes active in these regions, and presumably throughout the highlands, at times only slightly preceding the periods at which the maria were last flooded.
(silox)3RePMe3 (silox = tBu3SiO) is carbonylated to the double insertion product (silox)(Me3P){cis-(CO)2}Re{trans-(CO2SitBu3)2}

A rare example of the migratory insertion of a O-bound ligand, OSitBu3, to a carbonyl occurred in the carbonylation of (silox)3RePMe3 to afford the double insertion product (silox)(Me3P){cis-(CO)2}Re{ trans-(CO2SitBu3)2 }.
The time and place for prayer: evangelical urbanism and citywide prayer movements

This article explores a recent trend in evangelical revivalism known as ‘citywide prayer,’ a movement organized around prayer networks and public rituals that highlight religious concerns deemed specific to cities and metropolitan regions. Building on research that includes ethnographic fieldwork in Knoxville, Tennessee, and focusing on the discourse and practical strategies of citywide prayer, the article argues that advocates of this movement promote a style of evangelical urbanism in which prayer serves as a key medium for reimagining one's sense of place, against the disorientation and alienation associated with urban life. Moreover, prayer is presented as a medium for marking time in non-secular terms, as is demonstrated in the use of technologies of religious discipline such as annotated prayer calendars, which invite participants to inhabit multiple coexisting temporalities. It is further suggested that when enacted this evangelical urbanism constitutes a form of urban praxis, enabling projects of ...
Causality restrictions on relativistic extensions of particle symmetries

Relativistic extensions of internal hadron symmetry groups are investigated from the viewpoint of causality requirements. Zeeman's group theoretical definition of causality is adopted and various physically interesting structures of relativistic extensions are studied from the viewpoint of whether they preserve or violate causality. Four theorems that guarantee causality preservation, and three theorems that violate it are deduced. It is concluded that there does not exist a non-trivial coupling of the Poincare group and an internal symmetry group, such asSU(3) orSU(6), preserving causality in a Minkowski space. Extensions in complex or in curved manifolds are briefly discussed.
Gemcitabine reverses cisplatin resistance: demonstration of activity in platinum- and multidrug-resistant ovarian and peritoneal carcinoma.

Abstract Objective. Preclinical models in an ovarian cancer cell line (A2780) demonstrate synergistic activity with the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin compared to either single agent alone. Platinum resistance is related to expression of excision repair proteins, one of which (ERCC-1) has been identified as playing a critical role in the synergy of gemcitabine and cisplatin. We evaluated the cisplatin and gemcitabine regimen in patients with platinum refractory and multidrug refractory ovarian and peritoneal carcinoma. Methods. Gemcitabine (750 mg/m 2 ) was administered intravenously over 30 min followed by cisplatin (30 mg/m 2 ) on Days 1 and 8 every 21 days. Day 8 therapy was canceled for an absolute neutrophil count 3 or platelet count 3 . Sequential dose reductions of gemcitabine to 600, 400, and 300 mg/m 2 were prescribed in the event of canceled therapy, neutropenic sepsis, or severe thrombocytopenia (platelets 3 ). Results. Thirty-six platinum- and paclitaxel-resistant patients were studied. Thirty-five were evaluable for response, of which 6 had progressed on gemcitabine as a single agent. Fifteen of the patients responded (42.9%, 95% CI 28.0–59.1%). Eleven were partial clinical responses and 4 were complete clinical responses, with 4 of the 6 patients who had failed gemcitabine as a single agent responding. Among the responding patients the median response duration was 11 months (range 4–14 months). For all patients the progression-free interval was 6 months (range 1–14 months). The median survival was 12 months. Conclusion. The combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin is active in patients who are platinum resistant. Additionally, activity is demonstrated even in patients who have previously been resistant to gemcitabine.
Effects of an Inductive Versus a Deductive Instructional Approach on the Constructive Feedback and Problem‐Solving Skills of Supervisors

This study investigated the effects of an inductive versus a deductive instructional approach on the constructive feedback and problem-solving skills of supervisors. Sixteen supervisors were randomly assigned to either an inductive or a deductive instructional group for one of the instructional units in a supervisory training program. The topic of the unit was the constructive feedback process. Supervisors' acquisition and transfer of skill in giving constructive feedback, problem-solving skill, facilitation of subordinate problem-solving skill, and attitudes toward training were assessed. The findings showed that while supervisors in the deductive group demonstrated greater ability to transfer their learning, supervisors in the inductive group perceived that the quality of their training experience was better. No significant differences were found on either measure of problem-solving skill. Implications of these findings for instructional design theory, research, and practice are discussed.
First demonstration of device-quality symmetric N-MOS and P-MOS capacitors on p-type and n-type crystalline Ge substrates

Ge interface nitride passivation.Si passivation layer thickness.SiON surface on Si passivation layer.Anneal to eliminate Ge-N bonds.Symmetric NMOS and CMOS capacitors. Three significant issues with respect to the ultimate scaling limitations of CMOS devices are (i) the channel or transport material, (ii) high-? compatible gate stacks: (a) the interface with the semiconductor substrate; (b) the high dielectrics, and (c) the gate metal, and (iii) the topological structure, planar, nano-tube, or in, etc. Two of these are high-lighted, focusing on (i) crystalline Ge, and transition metal dielectrics including specifically non-crystalline Hf Si oxynitrides, and nano-grain (a) ultra-thin 2nm thick HfO2 and TiO2. The research has demonstrated shallow trap interfacial slow trap densities of ~5i?1010cm-2, no detectable negative bulk fixed charges, and symmetric N- and P-MOCAPS in planar geometries. EOT values <0.5nm were obtained for low-leakage current for N-MOSCAPS with ng-TiO2 in contact with plasma processed c-Ge substrates.
Strained Si CMOS (SS CMOS) technology: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract Strain-induced enhancement of current drive is a promising way to extend the advancement of CMOS performance. Fabrication of strained Si MOSFET has been demonstrated with key elements of modern day’s CMOS technology. Significant mobility and current drive enhancements were observed. Recent advancements in the SS devices are summarized, and the challenges in device physics/design issues as well as in materials/process integration are highlighted.
A theoretical investigation of chlorine-oxygen compounds. Part 1. G2 and G2(MP2) energies of ClO, Cl2O, ClO2 and Cl2O2

Abstract The energies of ClO, two isomers of Cl 2 O, two isomers of ClO 2 and three isomers of Cl 2 O 2 have been determined at the G2 and G2(MP2) levels of theory. The purpose of this paper is three-fold. The first is to determine the energies of these atmospherically important molecules at a consistent and accurate level of theory. Previously determined G2 and G2(MP2) energies are used to study bond strengths (dissociation energies), and an increasing body of G2 and G2(MP2) energies allows for future use of these results in other studies. The second goal is to determine the accuracy of these energies. This is done by comparing these results with previous theoretical and experimental studies. In agreement with earlier theoretical results, OClO is 2.0 and 3.0 kcal mol −1 more stable than ClOO at the G2 and G2(MP2) levels. In addition, for Cl 2 O, the ClOCl isomer is found to be 17.0 and 16.2 kcal mol −1 more stable than the ClClO structure at the G2 and G2(MP2) levels, respectively. Also, for the three structural isomers of Cl 2 O 2 , both levels of calculation predict the ClOOCl isomer to be the most stable. The (O) 2 ClCl structure is the next highest in energy (by 6.9 and 4.3 kcal mol −1 at the G2 and G2(MP2) levels, respectively), while the ClOClO structure is 11.7 and 11.1 kcal mol −1 above the ClOOCl conformation at the G2 and G2(MP2) levels, respectively. The final purpose of this study is to critically compare the results obtained at the G2 and G2(MP2) levels. It is found that the G2(MP2) results for relative energies and dissociation energies are in good agreement with the G2 values. This strongly suggests that the computationally less-intensive G2(MP2) method can be used in larger studies of chlorine oxides without a significant loss of accuracy.
HOPE VI New Communities: Neighborhood Relationships in Mixed-Income Housing:

To what extent are people of different incomes and housing tenures engaged in social relationships in new mixed-income, New Urbanist HOPE VI communities? In Seattle's NewHolly Phase I, neighboring relationships are generally more frequent than in other mixed-income situations. Yet systematic differences among housing tenures by language, family composition, and patterns of local facility use and community involvement curtail social interactions. Most important, lack of proximity curtails relations among public housing residents and others on site, implying that the level of physical integration of housing units for the various tenures and incomes in a mixed-income development has repercussions for social interactions.
TH-D-M100E-05: Realistic Estimation of Proton Range Uncertainties and Dosimetric Implications

Purpose: This study aims to obtain a realistic estimate of proton range calculation uncertainties resulting from the calibration curve of CT‐number to protonstopping power conversion, which determines the accuracy of proton dose distribution prediction. Range in tissue is determined by integration of protonstopping power along its path, and uncertainties on the CTcalibration curve translate directly into ambiguities on the range. Uncertainties of calibration curves arise mainly from dependence of CT number on the size of imaged object. Method and materials: Materials used include an electron density phantom (CIRS) scanned on Brilliance CT (Philips) and irradiated on Proteus235 proton therapy system (IBA). The modular phantom can simulate a head, a medium and a large body and houses inserts made off 13 tissue substitutes. Hounsfield numbers were measured for different phantom configurations. Mean value and standard deviation established for each insert over all configurations were used to generate three calibration curves. Insert material stopping powers were measured and calculated. All curves were applied to patient data and resulted to three proton ranges from the skin to PTV distal edge. Results:CT number uncertainties were found to increase with physical density, from 3 CT numbers standard deviation for lung (0.5g/cm3) to 140 for dense bone (1.8g/cm3). Range uncertainties for different patients, treatment sites and field orientations vary from 1.5 to 2.4% or 1.6 to 4.5mm. Modulation uncertainties, for every case were less than 1mm and depended on bone in the PTV. Conclusion: Range uncertainties due to CT number variability as a result of beam hardening artifacts are significant for tumor local control as well as sparing of neighboring critical structures. Future work includes patient size specific curves that will reduce the range uncertainty.
Do intensivists in ICU improve outcome

Despite considerable investment of resources, there remains wide variation in organization of Intensive Care Units (ICUs). One key domain is the physician staffing. In particular, does staffing with physicians trained in critical care (intensivists) improve clinical outcomes? The rationale for improved outcome with intensivist staffing is that physicians who have the skills to treat critically ill patients, and who are immediately available to detect and treat problems, may prevent or attenuate morbidity and mortality. Intensivist staffing may also yield benefits through a leadership role at the intensive care unit organizational level. The improved sense of continuity and close attendance to patients may also bolster improved patient and family satisfaction. Intensivist-led or intensivist-staffed ICUs may also realize decreased resource use because these physicians may be better at reducing inappropriate admissions, preventing complications that prolong length of stay, and recognizing opportunities for prompt discharge.
Sources and biological fractionation of Silicon isotopes in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific

Abstract Silicon isotopes in dissolved silicic acid were measured in the upper four kilometers between 4°N and 3°S latitude at 110°W longitude in the eastern Equatorial Pacific. Silicon isotopes became progressively heavier with silicic acid depletion of surface water as expected from biological fractionation. The value of e estimated by applying a steady-state isotope fractionation model to data from all stations between 4°N and 3°S was −0.77 ± 0.12‰ (std. err.). When the analysis was restricted to those stations whose temperature and salinity profiles indicated that they were directly influenced by upwelling of the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC), the resulting value of e was −1.08 ± 0.27‰ (std. err.) similar to the value established in culture studies (−1.1‰). When the non steady state Rayleigh model was applied to the same restricted data set the resulting value of e was significantly more positive, −0.61 ± 0.16‰ (std. err.). To the extent that the equatorial system approximates a steady state these results support a value of −1.1‰ for the fractionation factor for isotopes of Si in the sea. Without the assumption of steady state the value of e can only be constrained to be between −0.6 and −1.1‰. Silicic acid in Equatorial Pacific Deep Water below 2000 m had a near constant δ 30 Si of +1.32 ± 0.05‰. That value is significantly more positive than obtained for North Pacific Deep Water at similar depths at stations to the northwest of our study area (0.9–1.0‰) and it is slightly less positive than new measures of the δ 30 Si of silicic acid from the silicic acid plume centered over the Cascadia basin in the Northeast Pacific (Si(OH) 4 > 180 μM, δ 30 Si = +1.46 ± 0.12‰ (SD, n = 4). We show that the data from the equator and Cascadia basin fit a general trend of increasing δ 30 Si(OH) 4 with increasing silicic acid concentration in the deep sea, but that the isotope values from the Northeast Pacific are anomalously light. The observed level of variation in the silicon isotope composition of deep waters from this single ocean basin is considerably larger than that predicted by current models based on fractionation during opal formation with no isotope effect during dissolution. Confirmation of such high variability in deep water δ 30 Si(OH) 4 within individual ocean basins will require reassessment of the mechanisms controlling the distribution of isotopes of silicon in the sea.
Effects of independent pad displacement on fretting fatigue behavior of Ti–6Al–4V

Abstract A fretting test setup was developed which was capable of applying independent pad movement under a normal force and stress amplitude condition. The independent control of pad movement was achieved by dual actuators in a servohydraulic test frame where one of the two actuators was directly connected to the fretting fixture. This setup could perform both fretting fatigue (stick and stick-slip) and fretting wear (gross slip) tests. Cylinder-on-flat contact configuration was used to characterize the effects of pad displacement on the fretting fatigue behavior of a titanium alloy, Ti–6Al–4V. Several tests, at different pad displacements, were conducted at two normal forces but at one stress amplitude. For both normal forces, the fretting fatigue life decreased initially as the relative slip range increased. A minimum fretting fatigue life was observed at relative slip range of 50–60 μm, and then it increased with the increase of relative slip range. When the relative slip range was greater than 60 μm, the gross sliding occurred and the specimen did not fail. The fretting life versus relative slip range relationship was independent of the normal force used in this study. Fretting regimes (stick, partial slip, mixed, gross slip) were identified using the evolution, not the shape, of fretting loops (tangential force versus relative slip).
Phylogenetic relationships among short wavelength-sensitive opsins of American chameleon (Anolis carolinensis) and other vertebrates

The vertebrate opsins have been classified into four major phylogenetic groups. One of them, a short wavelength-sensitive (SWS) opsin group, is further divided into two subgroups, SWS-I and SWS-II, having the wavelengths of maximal absorption of about 420 and 450 nm, respectively. Here we report the DNA sequences of the SWS-I and SWS-II genes from the lizard Anolis carolinensis. The shorter wavelengths of absorption by the two SWS subgroup opsins seem to be achieved by different sets of amino acid replacements in the transmembrane regions.
Interactions between 't Hooft-Polyakov monopoles

We use the stress-energy tensor and the associated energy-momentum conservation to study the interactions between two widely separated monopoles (or monopole and antimonopole). By defining a set of minimal conditions to represent the above systems, we show how the problem reduced mathematically to a known electrostatic problem. The force between the monopoles (or monopole and antimonopole) is then, to the leading order, the expected repulsive (attractive) Coulomb force. We also discuss how the Prasad-Sommerfield limit alters the problem, leading to twice the Coulomb force between a monopole and antimonopole and zero force between two monopoles.
Methylglyoxal as substrate and inhibitor of human aldehyde dehydrogenase: Comparison of kinetic properties among the three isozymes

Methylglyoxal was demonstrated to be a substrate for the isozymes E1, E2 and E3 of human aldehyde dehydrogenase. Pyruvate was the product from the oxidation of methylglyoxal by the three isozymes. At pH 7.4 and 25 degrees C, the major and minor components of the E3 isozyme catalyzed the reaction with Vmax of 1.1 and 0.8 mumol NADH min-1 mg-1 protein, respectively, compared to 0.067 and 0.060 mumol NADH min-1 mg-1 protein for the E1 and E2 isozymes, respectively. The E2 isozyme had a K(m) for methylglyoxal of 8.6 microM, the lowest compared to 46 microM for E1 and 586 and 552 microM for the major and minor components of the E3 isozyme, respectively. Both components of the E3 isozyme showed substrate inhibition by methylglyoxal, with Ki values of 2.0 mM for the major component and 12 mM for the minor component at pH 9.0. Substrate inhibition by methylglyoxal was not observed with the E1 and E2 isozymes. Methylglyoxal strongly inhibited the glycolaldehyde activity of the E1 and E2 isozymes. Mixed-type models of inhibition were employed as an approach to calculate the inhibition constants, 44 and 10.6 microM for E1 and E2 isozymes, respectively.
Copper(II) acetate complexes, [CuLm(OAc)2]n (L = HNPPh3), stable in the solid state either as a dimer (m = 1, n = 2) or a monomer (m = 2, n = 1).

The synthesis and X-ray structures of two novel copper(II) phosphinimine acetate complexes, monomeric Cu(HNPPh3)2(OAc)2 and dimeric [Cu(HNPPh3)(OAc)2]2, are described. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding between acetate ligands and the imino hydrogen stabilizes Cu(HNPPh3)2(OAc)2, whereas the copper(II) tetraacetato core of [Cu(HNPPh3)(OAc)2]2 possesses neither intra- nor intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
Renovascular Responses to High and Low Perfusate Calcium Steady-State Experiments in the Isolated Perfused Rat Kidney with Baseline Vascular Tone

Acute hypercalcemia is commonly observed in surgical patients after calcium infusion while acute hypocalcemia is common during rapid citrated blood transfusion. Although high and low ionized calcium ([Ca2+]) within the clinical range produce an increase or decrease in cardiac performance and systemic vessel resistance, respectively, their effects on renal vessels have not been quantified. A possible renal vasoconstriction that might occur with high [Ca2+] is of clinical interest because it is a factor which may contribute to impaired renal circulation and decreased function. In this study we examined the renovascular responses to [Ca2+], which was varied within the clinical range under hemodynamically controlled conditions. We instituted high and low [Ca2+] in the per fusate, which consisted of Krebs–Henseleit buffer containing albumin, 60–65 g/liter. Stable high (n= 10) or low (n= 7) [Ca2+] (1.93 ± 0.02 and 0.59 ± 0.01 mM,respectively) was instituted for 10 min and preceded and followed by normal [Ca2+] of the same duration. In a separate protocol (n= 8) verapamil (10−5M) was added to the perfusate 10 min before high [Ca2+] was tested. We measured changes in renal flow at a constant perfusion pressure of 110 mm Hg and also characterized the renal vessels over a range of pressures by pressure vs flow plots. High [Ca2+] was associated with a small decrease in flow (from 28.8 ± 2.4 to 26.9 ± 2.6 ml/min/g,P< 0.02), indicating a small vasopressor effect. This effect was also shown by a leftward shift in the pressure vs flow plots. These changes were prevented by verapamil. GFR decreased (from 0.35 ± 0.04 to 0.28 ± 0.06 ml/min/g,P< 0.01) without a significant change in sodium excretion or fractional sodium excretion. Low [Ca2+] was associated with increased renal flow (from 30.8 ± 2.1 to 35.2 ± 2.7 ml/min/g,P< 0.02), indicating a vasodilator effect. This effect was also shown by a rightward displacement of the pressure vs flow plots. GFR increased from 0.51 ± 0.03 to 0.56 ± 0.04 ml/min/g,P< 0.01, as did sodium excretion (from 2.32 ± 0.22 to 3.87 ± 0.49 μEq/min,P< 0.01) and fractional sodium excretion (from 2.33 ± 0.26 to 3.61 ± 0.49%,P< 0.01). We conclude, first, that in the isolated perfused rat kidney, high [Ca2+] is a weak vasopressor while low [Ca2+] has vasodilator action. Second, high [Ca2+] effects are abolished by verapamil pretreatment. These findings illuminate mechanisms of high [Ca2+] effects on renovascular tone.
Psychiatric supervision of casework therpay

This study has shown that psychiatric social workers with good basic training, with proper motivation, and with proper selection of cases, can perform effective psychotherapy in a mental hygiene clinic with adequate psychiatric supervision. The professional ability of the individual social worker has improved, as well as the efficiency of the clinic.
The variations in δD of tree rings and the implications for climatic reconstruction

Abstract The δD values of cellulose nitrate of tree rings (δDcn) have been used to reconstruct the climate records, because trees obtain hydrogen from meteorologically derived water that contains information on atmospheric conditions (e.g., temperature). However, many hydrological and biological factors may affect how hydrogen isotopic characteristics of meteoric water are recorded in tree rings as hydrogen from precipitation is transferred into cellulose. In addition, these factors may cause random isotopic variations within a single site or between different species. In this study, the δDcn was analyzed for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) trees from five sites within the Olympic Mountains located in the northwest of Washington State, USA. These sites are distributed on both west and east sides of the mountains, which differ in climatic regimes (e.g., dry and wet) and non-climatic conditions (e.g., hydrology, topography and soil permeability). We found that within-site variations of δDcn differ from one site to another, depending upon the degree of hydrological homogeneity. A relatively flat and wet site has smaller isotopic variability than a dry, rocky, and hilly site. For limited observations, the variation between Douglas-fir and subalpine fir is no greater than the within-species variation of Douglas-fir. A one-to-one relationship between the δDcn and the δD of source water (δDsw) exists among sites. Most of our δDcn time series significantly correlate with annual mean temperature, but temperature only explains up to 26% of the total variance in δDcn. The sensitivity of the δDcn response to temperature ranges from 4.7 to 13.4‰/°C, which is typically higher and more variable compared to the isotopic response of precipitation to temperature (4.0–5.2‰/°C). We argue that the more sensitive response of δDcn to temperature is caused by inter-annual covariation of humidity with temperature.
Impact of chemical mechanical polishing on the quality factor of Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5 TiO 3 solidly mounted resonator

A voltage activated barium strontium titanate solidly mounted resonator was fabricated and measured. The barium strontium titanate was deposited on a chemical mechanical polished acoustic Bragg reflector with a surface roughness of 0.504nm RMS. Data was collected on the device at a dc bias voltage range of 0V to 25V in 5V increments. The barium strontium titanate solidly mounted resonator showed an effective quality factor of 100 to 180 over the bias range.
Non-Variceal Upper GI Hemorrhage: Doorway to Diagnosis

Endoscopy plays a central role in diagnosis and therapy of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Safe and effective endoscopy depends on appropriate pre-procedure assessment and management. The initial evaluation of patients with severe upper gastrointestinal hemmorrhage depends upon effective communication between the Gastroenterologist and Intensivist. Rapid assessment of the patient, including focused history, vitals, and physical exam should be followed by initiation of resuscitation with well defined endpoints. Medical therapy aimed at correction of coagulopathy, elevation of gastric pH, and lowering portal pressure is appropriate during resuscitation and stabilization. Plans for airway management, patient monitoring, and management of complications must be in place prior to endoscopy, and all personnel involved in endoscopy in active gastrointestinal bleeding should be familiar with both the equipment and techniques which may be required to localize and control bleeding lesions.
Rapid regulation of dopamine transporter function by substrates, blockers and presynaptic receptor ligands

Abstract The extracellular actions of dopamine are terminated primarily through its binding to dopamine transporters and translocation back into dopamine neurons. The transporter thereby serves as an optimal target to regulate dopamine neurotransmission. Although acute pharmacological blockade of dopamine transporters is known to reversibly inhibit transporter function by preventing the binding of its endogenous substrate dopamine, it recently has become clear that dopamine transporter substrates, such as amphetamines, and blockers, such as cocaine, also have the ability to rapidly and persistently regulate transporter function after their direct pharmacological effect has subsided. Presynaptic receptor ligands can also regulate dopamine transporter function. This has been investigated most extensively for dopamine D2 receptors, but there is also evidence for regulation by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) GABAB receptors, metabotropic glutamate, nicotinic acetylcholine, serotonin, σ2- and κ-opioid receptors. The focus of this review is the rapid, typically reversible, regulation of dopamine transporter velocity by substrates, blockers and presynaptic receptor ligands. The research discussed here suggests that a common mechanism through which these different classes of compounds regulate transporter activity is by altering the cell surface expression of dopamine transporters.
Regulation of Transcription of the Bacillus subtilis pyrG Gene, Encoding Cytidine Triphosphate Synthetase

The B. subtilis pyrG gene, which encodes CTP synthetase, is located far from the pyrimidine biosynthetic operon on the chromosome and is independently regulated. The pyrG promoter and 5′ leader were fused to lacZ and integrated into the chromosomes of several B. subtilis strains having mutations in genes of pyrimidine biosynthesis and salvage. These mutations allowed the intracellular pools of cytidine and uridine nucleotides to be manipulated by the composition of the growth medium. These experiments indicated that pyrG expression is repressed by cytidine nucleotides but is largely independent of uridine nucleotides. The start of pyrG transcription was mapped by primer extension to a position 178 nucleotides upstream of the translation initiation codon. A factor-independent termination hairpin lying between the pyrG promoter and its coding region is essential for regulation of pyrG expression. Primer-extended transcripts were equally abundant in repressed and derepressed cells when the primer bound upstream of the terminator, but they were much less abundant in repressed cells when the primer bound downstream of the terminator. Furthermore, deletion of the terminator from pyrG-lacZ fusions integrated into the chromosome yielded elevated levels of expression that was not repressible by cytidine. We suggest that cytidine repression of pyrG expression is mediated by an antitermination mechanism in which antitermination by a putative trans-acting protein is reduced by elevated levels of cytidine nucleotides. Conservation of sequences and secondary structural elements in the pyrG 5′ leaders of several other gram-positive bacteria indicates that their pyrG genes are regulated by a similar mechanism.
SDS‐PAGE Conditions for Detection of Titin and Nebulin in Tender and Tough Bovine Muscles

Purified myofibrils were prepared from infraspinatus (tender) and rhomboideus (tough) muscles at 7 days postmortem and examined for myofibrillar/cytoskeleta1 protein degradation by using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyactylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Four acrylamide/bisacrylamide ratios (37:1, 50:1, 75:l and 100:1) and two SDS-PAGE gel buffers (Tris-HCl, pH 8.0 and 8.9) were used to determine the optimum conditions for detection of titin and nebulin. Titin was degraded to a greater extent in myofibrils from the infraspinatus than in myofibrils from the rhomboideus. Very little nebulin was detected in either muscle. Use of acrylamide/bisacrylamide ratio of 37:1 and a gel buffer of pH 8.0 provided the most optimum conditions for detecting differences in the resolution of titin, nebulin and their apparent degradation products.
Model analysis of the factors regulating the trends and variability of carbon monoxide between 1988 and 1997

We used a 3-D model of chemistry and trans- port to investigate trends and variability in tropospheric car- bon monoxide (CO) for 1988-1997 caused by changes in the overhead ozone column, fossil fuel emissions, biomass burn- ing emissions, methane, and transport. We found that the de- creasing CO burden in the northern extra-tropics ( 0.85%/y) was more heavily influenced by the decrease in European emissions during our study period than by the similar in- crease in Asian emissions, as transport pathways from Eu- rope favored accumulation at higher latitudes in winter and spring. However, the opposite trends in the CO burdens from these two source regions counterbalanced at lower latitudes. Elsewhere, the factors influencing CO often compete, dimin- ishing their cumulative impact, and trends in model CO were small or insignificant for our study period, except in the trop- ics in boreal fall (1.1%/y), a result of emissions from major fires in Indonesia late in 1997. There was a decrease in the ozone column during the study period as a result of the phase of the solar cycle and the eruption of Pinatubo in 1991. This decrease contributed negatively to the trend in model CO by increasing the hydroxyl radical (OH). The impact of this neg- ative contribution was diminished by a positive contribution of similar magnitude from increasing methane. However, the trends in these two factors did not cancel for tropospheric OH, which responded primarily to changes in the ozone col- umn. oxidant. In this study we explore the causes of trends (or lack thereof) of CO for 1988-1997. There were relatively large trends in fossil fuel emissions of CO in Asia and Eu- rope during this period, as well as several large biomass burn- ing events that contributed to regional trends and interannual variability (IAV) in CO. The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 caused variations in tropospheric OH and subsequently CO for a few years. We deconvolve the impacts on CO of trends in fossil fuel emissions, biomass burning, methane concen- trations, and the ozone column with a series of sensitivity simulations using the tropospheric 3-D chemistry and trans- port model (CTM) described in Duncan et al. (2007). During the 1980s and 1990s there was an expansion of the routine measurements of CO, especially surface observations from the flask sampling program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Earth System