cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of neighboring domains in determining the magnitude and direction of Tg-confinement effects in binary, immiscible polymer systems

Abstract The glass transition temperature (Tg) of a polystyrene (PS) nanolayer is shown to be strongly tuned by the presence of neighboring immiscible polymer layers over a 100 °C range spanning temperatures above and below the bulk PS Tg. Fluorescence spectroscopy is used to measure the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the ultrathin dye-labeled PS layers at specific regions within multilayer films of immiscible polymers. The Tg of a 14-nm-thick PS layer is 45 °C atop poly(n-butyl methacrylate) and 144 °C atop poly(4-vinyl pyridine). Additionally, the Tg of an 11- to 14-nm thick PS layer is shown to be the same as that reported by a near-infinitely-dilute PS blend component [Evans and Torkelson Macromolecules 2012, 45, 8319] with the same neighboring polymer, which indicates a common physical origin of Tg perturbations in both systems. The magnitude of Tg-confinement effects depends not only on the Tg of the neighboring domain but is also strongly correlated with neighboring domain fragility, a fundamental property of glass formers which provides a link between medium-range structural order and dynamics.
Normalization of glutamate decarboxylase gene expression in the entopeduncular nucleus of rats with a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion correlates with increased GABAergic input following intermittent but not continuous levodopa.

Abstract The expression of mRNA encoding for the 67 kilodalton isoform of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD67) was examined by in situ hybridization histochemistry in the entopeduncular nucleus (EP) of adult rats with a 6-hydroxydopamine unilaterally lesion of dopamine neurons. Our results provide original evidence that continuous or intermittent levodopa administration is equally effective at reversing the lesion-induced increase in GAD67 mRNA expression in the EP when compared with vehicle controls. To characterize the GABAergic interactions that may mediate levodopa-induced alterations in the EP, double-labeling in situ hybridization was conducted with a combination of GAD67 radioactive and preproenkephalin or preprotachykinin digoxigenin-labeled complementary RNA probes in the striatum. Levels of GAD67 mRNA labeling were significantly increased by intermittent, but not continuous levodopa. Analysis at the cellular level in a dorsal sector of the striatum revealed that GAD67 mRNA levels increased predominantly in preproenkephalin-unlabeled neuronal profiles, presumably striatal/EP neurons (+99.3%). Saturation analyses of 3 H-flunitrazepam binding to GABA A receptors in the EP showed that the increase in GAD67 mRNA in preproenkephalin-unlabeled neurons by intermittent levodopa paralleled a significant decrease in number of GABA A receptors (Bmax) in the EP ipsilateral to the lesion. Continuous levodopa failed to alter striatal GAD67 mRNA levels, or the number or affinity of GABA A receptors when compared with vehicle-treated controls. These results suggest the normalization of GAD gene expression in the EP by intermittent levodopa involves an increase in GABAergic inhibition by striatonigral/EP neurons of the direct pathway. Conversely, the effects of continuous levodopa on GAD mRNA levels in the EP do not appear to be mediated by GABA.
A NOVEL ANALYTICAL SPACE-VARIANT POINT SPREAD FUNCTION MODEL FOR UNDERCORRECTED OPTICAL SYSTEMS

An analytical model is developed for the space-variant (SV) point-spread-function (PSF) of an undercorrected optical system with a rectangular aperture. The model accommodates broadening and shifting of the central lobe, as well as sidelobe asymmetry of the PSF, as field angle increases. These effects are exhibited by diffraction-based PSF models. The proposed model uses eight parameters for any specific field position, compared to ~ 210 parameters required for direct sampling of an individual PSF. The model is adapted to PSFs developed from diffraction theory using an adaptive system with gradient descent parameter adjustment. Consequently, the model is useful for applying certain SV digital image restoration methods because it significantly reduces the memory required to store PSF sample functions. In addition, the model does not require samples of the PSF or a DFT operation to obtain samples of the optical transfer function (OTF). Thus, the efficiency of SV restoration methods applied in the frequency domain, such as sectioning approaches, is further improved. Data presented confirms the accuracy and the computational advantage of the model by quantifying its adaptation to a physical PSF over a range of field angles.
Referral of emergency department patients for pneumococcal vaccination.

Objectives: To determine what proportion of eligible patients, when referred to a primary care physician for pneumococcal vaccination with a prescription, actually obtain the vaccination. To ascertain the number of eligible patients who would receive the vaccination in the emergency department (ED), if available. Methods: The authors surveyed a convenience sample of patients presenting to an urban ED during a four-month period. Eligible patients were referred to specific sites with a prescription to be immunized. Data on those referred were collected by review of medical record and telephone follow-up. Results: A total of 2,299 surveys were distributed; 338 patients declined to participate, yielding an 85% response rate. The total number of patients identified as having an indication for the pneumovax was 711 (36%). Of these, 411 were not previously vaccinated; 167 of the 411 had a contraindication to vaccination. The remaining 244 qualified for referral to receive the pneumococcal vaccine. One hundred thirty-one of these accepted referral prescription. Of the patients given prescriptions, 12 followed up and received the vaccine, 81 did not follow up, and 38 were lost to follow-up. Seventy-four percent of patients would have received the pneumovax in the ED if it had been available. Conclusions: The percentage of ED patients who used prescription referral to the primary care network for pneumococcal vaccination was approximately 10%. The use of a referral by prescription method in this setting was not a reliable means of increasing the number of patients receiving the pneumococcal vaccination.
Simpler technique for serological detection of H-Y antigen on mouse lymphocytes.

THE serological detection of the H–Y (male) antigen in the mouse has been demonstrated1 using the cytotoxicity test against mouse spermatoza, and that work has been confirmed2 by the demonstration of H–Y on male (not female) mouse epidermal cells. There are, however, technical difficulties associated with both assays and these are hard to overcome. We report here a simplified method for the serological detection of H–Y antigen on mouse lymphocytes using Staphylococcus aureus (SA) as a marker. We do this in the interests of other investigators who may wish to investigate the H–Y system by a relatively simple method.
Micro-laparoscopic colectomy: initial experience.

Single-port surgery (SPS) has been growing in acceptance as an alternative to traditional laparoscopic surgery. With SPS, there are technical skills required that are not routine to standard laparoscopy. We explored the feasibility of micro-laparoscopic colectomy (MLC) using 3 mm instruments in patients eligible for standard laparoscopic surgery. We performed an IRB approved retrospective review of all segmental colectomy performed by a single surgeon in selected patients using a micro-laparoscopic technique. We utilized two 3-mm trocars and one 12-mm Hasson umbilical incision, which was later widen for specimen extraction. Eighty patients underwent MLC: Twenty-six for diverticulitis, 26 for cancer, 22 for polyps, 3 for Crohn’s disease, and 3 for volvulus. Eight patients were converted into either laparotomy or hand port (10 %) and three patients required the addition of one 5-mm trocar. Mean final extraction incision length was 3.9 cm. In cancer patients, the average lymph node harvest was 26 (range 13–70). The 30-day mortality was zero and the anastomotic leak rate was 1.3 %. MLC is safe and feasible when performing colon resections for benign and oncologic pathology. Extraction incision length is small and offers similar cosmesis to SPS without the steep learning curve needed to learn this technique.
Rapid Action of Carbamate Herbicides Upon Plant Cell Nuclei

IPC (O-isopropyl N-phenyl carbamate), CIPC (isopropyl N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate), and barban (4-chloro-2-butynyl N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate) are selective herbicides which inhibit growth of young seedling plants without causing immediate death. We find these compounds useful in making determinations of plant chromosome number and studies of their morphology in root tips. Treatment is with aqueous solutions ranging from 2.5 to 80 ppm for periods of 0.5 to 6 hours, followed by staining by the aceto-orcein squash method. IPC and CIPC cause mitotic activity to cease almost immediately. Chromosomes undergoing mitosis contract, in all species of plants studied, including some that have been reported to show no response to colchicine, 8-hydroxyquinoline, para-dichlorobenzene, and other chemicals used for this purpose. Metabolic nuclei show changes, also, suggesting that the herbicidal action of these compounds may be due to inhibition of messenger RNA synthesis by the DNA template. Uniformly good results to date on many species of plants suggest that IPC and CIPC may well replace chemicals now commonly used for facilitating cytological studies of plant cells. They are decidedly less hazardous to health than colchicine, and considerably cheaper to use.
US Teaching Hospitals in the Evolving Health Care System

AMONG the surprises in the last 2 years' health care debate was the extensive controversy engendered by proposals related to teaching hospitals and their associated academic health centers. Of more than 6500 hospitals nationwide, only some 300 nonfederal hospitals are generally considered to be "major teaching hospitals" (hospitals whose ratio of the number of interns and residents to the number of beds is ≥0.25)1and fewer than 1250 participate in graduate medical education.2Nevertheless, the importance of these institutions and their medical school partners in the national dialogue soon became clear. They play a central role in workforce training, research, and patient care, especially for disadvantaged populations. As centers of excellence, they epitomize the high-technology care that many US citizens associate with worldwide leadership in the quality of their medical care. Most of the policy interest and controversy centered on two key issues: the financial viability of teaching
Experimental evolution and genome sequencing reveal variation in levels of clonal interference in large populations of bacteriophage φX174

In large asexual populations where beneficial mutations may co-occur and recombination is absent, the fate of beneficial mutations can be significantly affected by competition (i.e., clonal interference). Theoretical models predict that clonal interference (CI) can slow adaptation, alter the distribution of fixed beneficial mutations, and affect disease progression by impacting within-host evolution of pathogens. While phenotypic data support that CI is a significant determinant of adaptive outcome, genetic data are needed to verify the patterns and to inform evolutionary models. We adapted replicate populations of the bacteriophage φX174 under two levels of CaCl2 to create benign and harsh environments. Genomic sequences of multiple individuals from evolved populations were used to detect competing beneficial mutations. There were several competing genotypes in most of the populations where CaCl2 was abundant, but no evidence of CI where CaCl2 was scarce, even though rates of adaptation and population sizes among the treatments were similar. The sequence data revealed that observed mutations were limited to a single portion of one gene in the harsh treatment, but spanned a different and larger region of the genome under the benign treatments, suggesting that there were more adaptive solutions to the benign treatment. Beneficial mutations with relatively large selection coefficients can be excluded by CI. CI may commonly determine the fate of beneficial mutations in large microbial populations, but its occurrence depends on selective conditions. CI was more frequent in benign selective conditions possibly due to a greater number of adaptive targets under this treatment. Additionally, the genomic sequence data showed that selection can target different types and numbers of phenotypes in environments that differ by only a single continuous variable.
Human sound localization: measurements in untrained, head-unrestrained subjects using gaze as a pointer

Studies of sound localization in humans have used various behavioral measures to quantify the observers' perceptions; a non-comprehensive list includes verbal reports, head pointing, gun pointing, stylus pointing, and laser aiming. Comparison of localization performance reveals that in humans, just as in animals, different results are obtained with different experimental tasks. Accordingly, to circumvent problems associated with task selection and training, this study used gaze, an ethologically valid behavior for spatial pointing in species with a specialized area of the fovea, to measure sound localization perception of human subjects. Orienting using gaze as a pointer does not require training, preserves the natural link between perception and action, and allows for direct behavioral comparisons across species. The results revealed, unexpectedly, a large degree of variability across subjects in both accuracy and precision. The magnitude of the average angular localization errors for the most eccentric horizontal targets, however, were very similar to those documented in studies that used head pointing, whereas the magnitude of the localization errors for the frontal targets were considerably larger. In addition, an overall improvement in sound localization in the context of the memory-saccade task, as well as a lack of effect of initial eye and head position on perceived sound location were documented.
Reactions to facial expressions: effects of social context and speech anxiety on responses to neutral, anger, and joy expressions

Male and female participants (n=19) high or low in speech fear viewed pictures of faces posed in anger, neutral, and joyful expressions for 8s each. Zygomaticus major and corrugator supercilii EMG, skin conductance, and heart rate were measured during picture viewing, and subjective ratings were made after each picture. Compared to anger expressions, joy expressions were responded to with greater zygomatic EMG, less corrugator EMG, and greater heart rate and skin conductance. Physiological response to neutral expressions was similar to response to anger expressions. Expressions posed by women were responded to physiologically more negatively than expressions posed by men. More fearful participants exhibited more negative and less positive facial expressions, and skin conductance responses suggesting greater attention when viewing negative expressions. Results suggest that reactions to facial expressions are influenced by social context, and are not simple mimicry.
Long-term survival of Streptococcus pyogenes in rich media is pH-dependent

The mechanisms that allow Streptococcus pyogenes to survive and persist in the human host, often in spite of antibiotic therapy, remain poorly characterized. Therefore, the determination of culture conditions for long-term studies is crucial to advancement in this field. Stationary cultures of S. pyogenes strain NZ131 and its spontaneous small-colony variant OK171 were found to survive in rich medium for less than 2 weeks, and this inability to survive resulted from the acidification of the medium to below pH 5.5, which the cells did not tolerate for longer than 6–7 days. The growth of NZ131 resulted in acidification of the culture to below pH 5.5 by the onset of stationary phase, and the loss of viability occurred in a linear fashion. These results were also found to be true for M49 strain CS101 and for M1 strain SF370. The S. pyogenes strains could be protected from killing by the addition of a buffer that stabilized the pH of the medium at pH 6.5, ensuring bacterial survival to at least 70 days. By contrast, increasing the glucose added to the medium accelerated the loss of culture viability in strain NZ131 but not OK171, suggesting that the small-colony variant is altered in glucose uptake or metabolism. Similarly, acidification of the medium prior to inoculation or at the middle of exponential phase resulted in growth inhibition of all strains. These results suggest that control of the pH is crucial for establishing long-term cultures of S. pyogenes.
Time scale decomposition of a class of generalized stochastic Petri net models

A time-scale decomposition (TSD) algorithm of a class of generalized stochastic Petri net (GSPN) models of systems comprising activities whose duration differ by orders of magnitude is presented. The GSPN model of a system can be decomposed into a hierarchical sequence of aggregated subnets, each of which is valid at a certain time scale. These smaller subnets are solved in isolation and their solutions are combined to get the solution of the whole system. A degradable multiprocessor system which would be intractable using conventional techniques, is analyzed using TSD. The complexity of the TSD algorithm can be orders of magnitude smaller without any significant loss in the accuracy of the result. In general, the error due to aggregation is proportional to the maximum degree of coupling between aggregates. An expression of the error due to aggregation is also given in terms of the ratio of fast and slow transitions in the GSPN model. The algorithm is easy to use and can be easily automated. >
The c-Rel transcription factor and B-cell proliferation: a deal with the devil.

Activation of the Rel/NF-κB signal transduction pathway has been associated with a variety of animal and human malignancies. However, among the Rel/NF-κB family members, only c-Rel has been consistently shown to be able to malignantly transform cells in culture. In addition, c-rel has been activated by a retroviral promoter insertion in an avian B-cell lymphoma, and amplifications of REL (human c-rel) are frequently seen in Hodgkin's lymphomas and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, and in some follicular and mediastinal B-cell lymphomas. Phenotypic analysis of c-rel knockout mice demonstrates that c-Rel has a normal role in B-cell proliferation and survival; moreover, c-Rel nuclear activity is required for B-cell development. Few mammalian model systems are available to study the role of c-Rel in oncogenesis, and it is still not clear what features of c-Rel endow it with its unique oncogenic activity among the Rel/NF-κB family. In any event, REL may provide an appropriate therapeutic target for certain human lymphoid cell malignancies.
Handedness and immune function

Geschwind, Galaburda, and Behan (GBG) have suggested that in utero levels of testosterone influence both cerebral and immune system developments (Geschwind and Behan, 1982; Geschwind and Galaburda, 1984; Geschwind and Galaburda, 1985). According to this theory, high levels of testosterone result in greater incidences of left-handedness, deviations from standard distribution of cerebral functions (known as anomalous dominance), and increased autoimmune dysfunction. While the original data supported these assertions, more recent tests of the hypothesis have been equivocal. One criticism of these studies is that the definition of both handedness and anomalous dominance are too vague. It was one of the aims of this project to investigate and clarify the GBG model by examining four different aspects of handedness as well as a more direct measure of anomalous dominance. In order to extend the GBG model, degree of left-handedness, general immune system functioning, and current testosterone levels were also examined. First, it was predicted and found that left handers had a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases in their immediate families than did right handers. Second, those left handers with an incidence of at least one autoimmune disease were more strongly left-handed than were those with no incidence of autoimmunity. Finally, it was observed that higher testos terone levels were supportive of general immunity. The present findings both support and expand the GBG model.
MRI of Central Venous Anatomy: Implications for Central Venous Catheter Insertion

Study objectives: To determine normative values for superior vena cava (SVC) length and the utility of radiographic landmarks for identifying the boundaries of the SVC for assisting central line placement. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Urban tertiary care medical centers. Patients: Patients undergoing thoracic MRI scanning for various indications. Interventions: None. Measurements and results: The SVC dimensions and relationship to radiographic landmarks were determined from MRI scans of 42 patients (22 men, 20 women; median age, 57 years). The median length of the SVC was 6.8 cm (range, 4.4 to 10.0 cm) and did not correlate with gender or other measured cardiovascular dimensions. The right tracheobronchial angle was the best radiographic landmark for determining the cephalad origin of the SVC being always caudad and within a median of 1.5 cm (range, 0.1 to 3.8 cm) of the upper SVC. It was always at least 2.9 cm above the atriocaval junction. The right superior heart border was formed by the left atrium in 38% (95% confidence interval, 23 to 53%) of patients and did not reliably identify the atriocaval junction. Conclusions: The right tracheobronchial angle is the most reliable landmark for the upper margin of the SVC. Venous catheters placed caudad to this landmark and cephalad to the right superior cardiac silhouette or no more than 2.9 cm caudad to the tracheobronchial angle result in catheter tips within the SVC. (CHEST 1998; 114:820–826) Abbreviations: CI=confidence interval; CSE=conventional spin echo; ICC=intraclass correlation coefficient; SVC=superior vena cava
New Method for Classifying and Quantifying Cracking of Flexible Pavements in Automated Pavement Condition Survey

The automated pavement condition survey is gradually replacing traditional visual surveys in many highway agencies. Incompatibilities between existing survey manuals and computer imaging technologies must be addressed to obtain maximum benefits from the new survey method. Existing survey manuals are based on the ability of human surveyors to subjectively recognize distresses by identifying crack patterns in various locations on the pavement surface. New imaging technologies provide grayscale images with precise location identification and therefore computer algorithms can be used with the imaging technologies to aid and (currently) partially replace the human. A newly developed method for the classification and quantification of flexible pavement cracks is being implemented by the California Department of Transportation to take maximum advantage of new technologies while strengthening the application of the pavement condition survey in separating cracks caused by different mechanisms. Cracks are categoriz...
Signal transduction in the early Drosophila embryo: when genetics meets biochemistry

An elegant combination of genetic and biochemical approaches has been used to investigate a variety of signal transduction pathways in developmental processes. Here, we describe the 'terminal' signaling system in the Drosophila embryo, which is responsible for pattern formation in the polar regions of the embryo. This pathway involves a membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that is similar to other Drosophila RTKs, such as sevenless, and the mammalian RTKs, such as the epidermal growth factor or platelet-derived growth factor receptors.
Events observed and evidence for crystallite migration in PtAl2O3 catalysts

Abstract The sintering behavior of model Pt Al 2 O 3 catalysts when heated in hydrogen, and alternately in H2 and O2 was investigated at different temperatures (between 300 and 800 °C) by means of transmission electron microscopy. At both relatively low (500 °C) and high temperatures (750 °C), shortdistance migration (usually 1–3 particle diameters) and coalescence of particles was observed to contribute considerably toward sintering. At 500 °C and following two or three cycles of alternate heating in H2 and O2, significant migration of particles (up to 8-nm particles migrating over 25 nm) were observed on exposure of the oxidized particles to H2 and/or of the reduced particles to O2. Sintering is fast and pronounced in the initial 4 to 6 h of heating of a fresh sample; then it becomes slow. However, further continuous heating for extended periods of 12 h or more causes additional significant sintering by particle migration and coalescence among other mechanisms. This suggests that investigations based on only 1 or 2 h of heating, as often reported in the literature, yield incomplete information. The present results indicate that at both 500 and 750 °C, sintering by ripening (apparently only of a localized kind) also occurs. The present results are evidence of the occurrence of a variety of phenomena such as short-distance migration and coalescence of particles, migration toward or away from another particle, decrease in size and/or disappearance of larger particles near unaffected smaller particles, decrease in size and/or disappearance of both small and larger particles, decrease in size and/or disappearance of small particles near larger particles (ripening), decrease in size and subsequent migration of particles or vice versa, collision without coalescence, and collision-coalescence-separation into two particles again. The particles seem to feel the presence of other nearby particles via long-range interparticle forces that induce the migration of a particle toward another or emission of atoms toward a nearby particle. The two major mechanisms of sintering of supported metal crystallites appear to be (i) short-distance, direction-selective (in contrast to random) migration of particles followed by (a) collision and coalescence or (b) direct transfer of atoms between the two approaching particles, or (ii) localized ripening (direct ripening) between a few stationary, adjacent particles.
GROWTH OF RHIZOPUS SUINUS AS AFFECTED BY CERTAIN GROWTH FACTORS.

A relatively large amount of work has been done relevant to definite compounds which show growth-promoting activities. A review of the investigations dealing with the effects of these known growth factors for lower plants, exclusive of yeast, reveals several interesting aspects. The degree of the necessity of any factor referred to is limited by the conditions of the test conducted and by the strain of the organism used. Although many authors list certain substances as being essential for certain species, the possibility that said compound can be substituted for by another compound is not obviated. It is of interest to note that the bios-complex (including thiamin and its fractions) was the first discovered and that it has been shown to be of primary importance not only for yeasts, but also for many other fungi, bacteria, certain animals, and even non-chlorophyllous parts of higher plants. The inclusion of mesoinosite as a growth factor might be considered as fallacious. Mesoinosite has proved to be essential to none of the test organisms used ; it is inert to the majority ; and in those cases where it induces increase in growth, it is used in great enough concentrations to be classified as a nutrient. Biotin, on the other hand, does accelerate growth in certain organisms even when supplied in very minute quantities. This latter compound has been shown to be especially effective in conjunction with alanine and other growth factors. K?gl and T?nnis (4) report that biotin is the most potent growth factor known, in certain cases, being effective in concentrations of one part in 400 million. Thiamin (anuerin), or vitamin B_, has proved to be the most universally effective, not only with respect to the components of the bios complex, but also to all known growth factors yet tested on the lower plants. In the majority of cases, this compound has proved to be either essential or stimulatory for the growth of the test organisms. In several instances it exerts no effect, and in other cases it is reported as being inhibiting. Thiamin is a complex molecule composed of two ring nuclei each of which may exist as an individual compound ; viz., as pyrimidine and thiazole. A study of this compound and of its components reveals an interesting diversity among those fungi for which the vitamin is effective as an essential growth factor. In this respect, fungi may be divided into the following five categories: (a) Those which require the intact thiamin molecule. A substitution of the two components is non-effective; (b) that group which requires both com-
Evaluation of a prototypical mechanical wood truss ladder

Wood trusses are used on a large number of residential and commercial projects throughout the United States. Trusses are typically hoisted from the ground to the level on which they are to be erected using a crane, extended boom forklift, or hand lifting. These current methods of hoisting do not uniformly address market demands of low costs, worker safety, erection speed, and reduced risks for the parties to the construction contract. This research examines a wood truss ladder developed at Auburn University that moves trusses from the ground to the level at which they will be erected. A prototype version of the truss ladder was constructed and tested at two residential housing projects. Speed, ease of use, safety, and worker fatigue were investigated for these two projects using qualitative measures. The truss lifter offers potential increases in safety and reduced worker fatigue. Additional trial versions, along with key improvements in specific areas, are needed for the ladder.
Advanced development of explicit FEA in automotive applications

Abstract Today, nonlinear analysis is no longer new to finite element society, but the explicit finite element method could still be fresh. Since DYNA3D was developed, the explicit finite element method for nonlinear transient dynamics has found its successful applications in automobile safety simulations. Ford Motor Company is one of the pioneer industry companies that uses a great deal of CAE in product design and manufacturing. This helps Ford engineers make faster and better design, eliminates a large number of prototype vehicle tests and significantly reduces the costs. Presented in this report are selected examples of our applications in safety simulations and other CAE activities, all done by Ford in-house crash simulation code FCRASH.
Electron Energy Distribution in a Helium Plasma Created by Nuclear Radiations

An integral balance technique for calculation of the electron energy distribution in a radiation-induced plasma is described. Results predict W-values reasonably well and compare favorably with more complicated Monte-Carlo calculations. The distribution found differs from that in a normal electrical discharge and is of interest in radiation-pumped laser research.
Zirconia-Supported MoOx Catalysts for the Selective Oxidation of Dimethyl Ether to Formaldehyde: Structure, Redox Properties, and Reaction Pathways

Dimethyl ether (DME) reacts to form formaldehyde with high selectivity at 500−600 K on MoOx−ZrO2 catalysts with a wide range of MoOx surface density (0.5−50.1 Mo/nm2) and local structure (monomers, oligomers, MoO3 crystallites, and ZrMo2O8). Reaction rates (per Mo-atom) increased markedly as MoOx surface density increased from 2.2 to 6.4 Mo/nm2 and two-dimensional polymolybdates and MoO3 clusters became the prevalent active species. The rate of incipient stoichiometric reduction of MoOx−ZrO2 samples in H2 also increased with increasing MoOx surface density, suggesting that catalytic turnovers involve redox cycles that become faster as the size and dimensionality of MoOx domains increase. DME reaction rates (per Mo-atom) decreased as MoOx surface densities increased above 6.4 Mo/nm2, as MoO3 and ZrMo2O8 clusters with increasingly inaccessible MoOx species form. On MoOx and ZrMo2O8, areal reaction rates reach a constant value at MoOx surface densities above 10 Mo/nm2, as the exposed surfaces become covered ...
Observational signatures of loop flows driven by asymmetric heating

The observational consequences of highly asymmetric heating in small transition-region loops is studied using time-dependent numerical simulations. It is found that the plasma at C IV-emitting temperatures appears to be redshifted to an observer looking down on the loop. It is shown that the observation of a blueshifted emission line in the upper transition region of the sun or other late-type stars may not be evidence for the initial acceleration of the solar wind, but rather part of a closed circulation system.
L-929 Cells Under Hyperosmotic Conditions Water, Na+, and K+

Changes in cell water content resulting from sorbitol addition to the environment of L-929 cells were evaluated gravimetrically using14C-labeled polyethylene glycol as a probe of extracellular space. Reductions in cell water were proportional to sorbitol supplements up to 0.6 molal, above which no further measurable decrease occurred. No volume regulation occurred for at least 1 h but the percentage of cell water lost was quickly regained when physiological conditions were restored. The amount of cell water lost because of a given hyperosmotic exposure was found to exceed the loss of cell volume. That discrepancy could be the result of an overestimation of extracellular space and/or an underestimation of cell volume reduction as a result of infolding of the cell surface. Na+ and K+ were also measured in cells of variable water content and volume: no significant change occurred in the amounts of these ions per cell, but large increases in total cell concentration resulted from hyperosmotic exposure. The sum of Na+ and K+ concentrations exceeds the total osmotic pressure of the medium indicating that an appreciable fraction of Na+ and K+ must be bound to fixed charges within the cells. The results are evaluated in the context of intracellular organization.
A Quiet Counterrevolution in Land Use Regulation: The Origins and Impact of Oregon's Measure 7

Abstract In November 2000, Oregon voters adopted Measure 7, the nation's most absolute definition of a regulatory “taking” and the compensation required for any and all loss of potential property value because of state or local regulations. Although the Oregon Supreme Court later invalidated Measure 7 on technical grounds, it is important to understand the origins and meaning of this drastic action. This article describes the proplanning consensus that has dominated Oregon since the 1970s, examines the Measure 7 campaign and its political consequences, and analyzes the emerging tensions within the Portland metropolitan area and across the state that led to this grassroots counterrevolution. We conclude that Measure 7 does not signal the end of Oregon's land use planning system, but that it is likely to force a rebalancing of the regulatory system to address the real hardships that regulations governing land development can impose.
Radar observations of asteroid 1 Ceres

Radar observations of asteroid 1 Ceres were made at a 12.6-cm wavelength from the Arecibo Observatory in March/April 1977. The measurements, made with a received circular polarization orthogonal to that transmitted, yield a radar cross section of (0.04 + or- 0.01) piR-squared, for R = 510 km. The corresponding radar reflectivity is less than that measured for any other celestial body. Within the accuracy of measurement, no significant variation of cross section with rotational phase is apparent. The shape of the power spectrum suggests that Ceres is rougher at the scale of the observing wavelength than the moon and inner planets, but smoother than the outer three Galilean satellites.
Water Turnover and Core Temperature on Mount Rainier

OBJECTIVE.-: Hydration is an important logistical consideration for persons performing in austere environments because water demands must be balanced with the burden of carrying water. METHODS.-: Seven novice climbers participated in a study to determine the hydration kinetics and core temperatures associated with a successful summit of Mount Rainier. Ingestible radio-equipped thermometer capsules were swallowed to monitor core temperature, and an oral dose of deuterium (0.12 ± 0.02 g·kg(-1) body weight) was administered to determine hydration kinetics. RESULTS.-: Mean core temperature throughout the 5.5-hour climb to Camp Muir (3000 m) was 37.6 ± 0.3°C. Water turnover was 95.0 ± 17.5 mL·kg(-1)·24 h(-1) over the duration of the 43-hour study. There was a trend for reduced body mass from before (75.9 ± 13.0 kg) to after (74.8 ± 12.5 kg) the climb (P = .06), and urine specific gravity increased from before (1.013 ± 0.002) to after (1.022 ± 0.006) the climb (P = .004). CONCLUSIONS.-: Hydration demands of climbing Mount Rainier are highly elevated despite modest fluctuations in core temperature. Participants experienced hypohydration but were able to maintain sufficient hydration to successfully summit Mount Rainier and return home safely. Language: en
Site matters: winning the hearts and minds of patients in a cardiology clinic.

Background In medical care settings, mental health symptoms of depression and distress are associated with poor medical outcomes, yet they are often underrecognized. Objective Authors sought to examine the effect of having immediate mental-health screening in the cardiology clinic. Method The Patient Health Questionnaire and the Impact of Event Scale were used to screen for depression and distress in 316 patients at an urban cardiology clinic. Because of poor follow-up rates, a psychiatrist was placed on the premises of the cardiology clinic to facilitate referrals. Results Placing a psychiatrist within the cardiology clinic significantly improved the rate of successful referrals. Conclusion Because 45 patients (14%) endorsed suicidal thoughts, authors conclude that mental health screening programs should include an immediate evaluation by a clinician.
Statistical inference in nonlinear regression under heteroscedasticity

Nonlinear regression models are commonly used in toxicology and pharmacology. When fitting nonlinear models for such data, one needs to pay attention to error variance structure in the model and the presence of possible outliers or influential observations. In this paper, an M-estimation based procedure is considered in heteroscedastic nonlinear regression models where the standard deviation is modeled by a nonlinear function. The methodology is illustrated using toxicological data.
Comparison of tomato phenolic and ascorbate fractions on the inhibition of N-nitroso compound formation

Whole tomato juice has previously been shown to inhibit N-nitrosoamino acid formation in vivo to a greater extent than expected on the basis of its ascorbate content. The present work compares in vitro inhibition of nitrosation by ascorbate and phenolic fractions from tomatoes. Tomato extracts were separated into phenolic and ascorbate portions, and the phenolic portion was further fractionated. Fractions were tested for inhibition of N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) formation. Several phenolic fractions as well as the ascorbate fraction inhibited NMOR formation. Most of the inhibition from the phenolic fraction was due to p-coumaric and chlorogenic acids. The ascorbate fraction contained unidentified compounds that inhibited nitrosation
Moving truncations barrier-function methos for estimation in three-parameter lognormal models

A method of centres algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation in the three-parameter lognormal model is presented and discussed, The algorithm is a member of the class of moving truncations algorithms for solving nonlinear programming problems and is able to move the numerical search out of the region of the infinite maximum of the conditional likelihood function, thereby permitting convergence to an interior relative maximum of this function. The algorithm also includes an optimality test to locate the primary relative maximum of the likelihood function.
Microstructure and nano-mechanical properties of Mn-doped (Ba,Sr)TiO 3//Ba(Zr,Ti)O 3 layered films on MgO

The microstructures of two layered films consisting of 2% Mn doped (Ba,Sr)TiO3 (Mn:BST) and 2% Mn doped Ba (Zr, Ti)O3 (Mn:BZT) layers on a MgO (001) substrate deposited by pulsed laser deposition were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM and nanoindentation. The films contained four alternating layers of Mn:BST and Mn:BZT either the former or the latter as the first layer. The film deposited with Mn:BST as the first layer has a rough surface, an epitaxial continuous layer structure for the first two layers next to the interface and columnar structures for the top two layers. The first layer has a single oriented crystal structure with an in-plane lattice mismatch of ∼−5.70% and an atomically sharp interface with respect to the substrate. The second layer exhibited twin-induced domain structures. The columnar structures in the top two layers have an average width of ∼70 nm and are tightly attached to their adjacent...
Silicon for photonics

The path for silicon materials development has been charted. By the year 2010 we will have fabricated integrated circuit chips contained 109 transistor with 40 angstrom thick gate oxides and 1000 angstrom minimum feature sizes running at 4GHz clock speeds. It is conceivable that incremental advances on the current chip architecture will satisfy the required materials and process improvements. The interconnection problem is the only challenge without a proposed solution. The signal propagation delay between devices is now longer than the individual device gate delay. The resistance and capacitance associated with fine line Al interconnects limit speed and increase power consumption and crosstalk. High power line drivers are limited by the reliability constraint of electromigration. There is no current paradigm for 4GHz electronic clock distribution. Optical interconnection can remove the electronic transmission bandwidth limit. The main challenge is development of a silicon-compatible, microphotonic technology. Rare earth doping has provided a means of sharp- line electroluminescence from silicon at (lambda) equals 1.54 micrometers . Silicons high index of refraction and low absorption in the near infrared yield an ideal optical waveguide. As with microelectronics, the silicon/silicon-dioxide materials system allows high levels of integration and functionality. The applications of silicon materials to light emission, optical waveguides, photonic switching and photon detection are reviewed. These developments are discussed in the context of systems applications to communications and computation.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Interstellar C IV and Si IV column densities toward early-type stars

Equivalent widths and deduced column densities of Si IV and C IV are examined for 18 early-type close binaries, and physical processes responsible for the origin of these ions in the interstellar medium are investigated. The available C IV/Si IV column density ratios typically lie within a narrow range from 0.8 to 4.5, and there is evidence that the column density of C IV is higher than that of N V along most lines of sight, suggesting that C IV is not formed in the same hot region as O VI. In addition, the existence of regions with a narrowly defined new temperature range around 50,000 deg K is indicated. The detection of the semitorrid gas of Bruhweiler, Kondo, and McCluskey (1978, 1979) is substantiated, and the relation of this gas to the observations of coronal gas in the galactic halo is discussed.
Nucleotide sequence of Rattus norvegiens mitochondrial DNA that includes the genes for tRNAile, tRNAgln and tRNAf-met

Abstract The nucleotide sequence of a segment of mtDNA from Rattus norvegiens (rat) which contains the genes for tRNAile, tRNAgl and tRNAf-met has been determined. A detailed comparison has been made between this sequence and the corresponding sequences of mouse, human and bovine mtDNAs with regard to the primary and secondary structure of the tRNA genes, the regions connecting the tRNA genes, and the regions flanking the tRNA genes which code for the carboxyl terminus of URF-1 and the amino terminus of URF-2. No differences were found in the nucleotide sequences of the genes for tRNAile, tRNAgln and tRNAf-met in mtDNAs from three different female lines of rats (SASCO-1, SASCO-2 and Wild-UT) that differ by substitutions of 0.8% to 1.8% of their total nucleotides.
Near-infrared light as a possible treatment option for Parkinson's disease and laser eye injury

Studies in our laboratory demonstrate that the action spectrum for stimulation of cytochrome oxidase activity and cellular ATP parallels the near-infrared absorption spectrum of cytochrome oxidase and that 660-680 nm irradiation upregulates cytochrome oxidase activity in cultured neurons. Treatment with nearinfrared light augments cellular energy production and neuronal viability following mitochondrial injury linking the actions of red to near-infrared light on mitochondrial metabolism in vitro and cell injury in vivo. NIR light treatment represents an innovative therapeutic approach for disease processes in which mitochondrial dysfunction is postulated to play a role including Parkinson's disease, laser eye injury and Age-related macular degeneration.
Semicompeting risks in aging research: methods, issues and needs

A semicompeting risks problem involves two-types of events: a nonterminal and a terminal event (death). Typically, the nonterminal event is the focus of the study, but the terminal event can preclude the occurrence of the nonterminal event. Semicompeting risks are ubiquitous in studies of aging. Examples of semicompeting risk dyads include: dementia and death, frailty syndrome and death, disability and death, and nursing home placement and death. Semicompeting risk models can be divided into two broad classes: models based only on observables quantities (class \(\mathcal {O}\)) and those based on potential (latent) failure times (class \(\mathcal {L}\)). The classical illness-death model belongs to class \(\mathcal {O}\). This model is a special case of the multistate models, which has been an active area of methodology development. During the past decade and a half, there has also been a flurry of methodological activity on semicompeting risks based on latent failure times (\(\mathcal {L}\) models). These advances notwithstanding, the semicompeting risks methodology has not penetrated biomedical research, in general, and gerontological research, in particular. Some possible reasons for this lack of uptake are: the methods are relatively new and sophisticated, conceptual problems associated with potential failure time models are difficult to overcome, paucity of expository articles aimed at educating practitioners, and non-availability of readily usable software. The main goals of this review article are: (i) to describe the major types of semicompeting risks problems arising in aging research, (ii) to provide a brief survey of the semicompeting risks methods, (iii) to suggest appropriate methods for addressing the problems in aging research, (iv) to highlight areas where more work is needed, and (v) to suggest ways to facilitate the uptake of the semicompeting risks methodology by the broader biomedical research community.