cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modification of electrical conductivity and surface structure in polymers using ultraviolet laser radiation

Abstract Irradiation of most polymers with ultraviolet lasers results in permanent changes in their surface morphology and electrical conductivity. Using KrF (248 nm) excimer laser radiation, the electrical conductivity of polyimide (Kapton) and polybenzimidazole (PBI) has been increased by as much as sixteen orders of magnitude, obtaining values on the order of 10 Ω -1 cm -1 . This laser-induced conductivity exhibits a threshold both in fluence and in the number of laser shots and has a saturation conductivity which is slightly fluence dependent. Periodic line structures with a period of 167 nm and linewidths varying from 30 to 100 nm have been produced in polyimide by direct ablation with a KrF laser using an interferometric technique. This experiment establishes the optics- and materials-dependent spatial resolution limits for laser ablation and for the modification of the electrical conductivity in polymers. An array of sub-micron wires has been produced in polyimide, demonstrating the ability to modify electrical conductivity in polymers with high spatial resolution.
Progeny Tests of Sires in the United States and in Mexico

Abstract Sire summaries were calculated from records of 14,054 Mexican Holstein cows. Of 265 bulls with 10 or more daughters in Mexico, 142 United States and Canadian bulls also had summaries in the United States. Correlations and regressions between these independent proofs showed no interaction between sire and country. The genetic correlation was 1.006. Predicted Differences in Mexico for milk yield of the 92 bulls from the United States averaged 79kg higher than those of the 126 bulls from Canada and 204kg higher than those of the 47 bulls from Mexico. Corresponding superiorities for bulls from the United States in Modified Contemporary Deviations were 184 and 341kg. Cows imported into Mexico from the United States or Canada were superior or to nonimported Holsteins; United States cows produced the highest. Mexican dairymen can make the most rapid genetic progress for milk yield by using superior germ plasm regardless of origin. Increased attention to the genetically superior bulls and cows available in the United States is warranted.
Changing End Points in Breast-Cancer Drug Approval — The Avastin Story

In December 2007, the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met to discuss the risks and benefits of Genentech's Avastin (bevacizumab) for use in combination with paclitaxel for first-line treatment of locally recurrent or metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer. In an unusual move, Genentech and the FDA proposed that the committee (on which I serve as a voting consultant) consider progression-free survival rather than overall survival as the primary end point. In the key study submitted, bevacizumab plus paclitaxel was statistically superior to paclitaxel alone in terms of progression-free survival but not overall survival. Surprisingly, . . .
Lactate dehydrogenases of Atlantic hagfish: physiological and evolutionary implications of a primitive heart isozyme

Isozymes of lactate dehydrogenase from heart and muscle of Atlantic hagfish show less functional divergence than those from other fishes and higher vertebrates. The enzyme from hagfish heart (B4) displays a higher Michaelis constant for pyruvate and lower substrate inhibition at moderate pyruvate concentrations than heart isozymes from other species. These properties support the hypothesis that the ancestral vertebrate lactate dehydrogenase was a muscle (A4)-type enzyme and also suggest a role for the B4 enzyme in the unusual physiology of hagfish cardiac tissue which functions under sustained hypoxic conditions.
BDNF and Exercise Enhance Neuronal DNA Repair by Stimulating CREB-Mediated Production of Apurinic/ Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes the survival and growth of neurons during brain development and mediates activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and associated learning and memory in the adult. BDNF levels are reduced in brain regions affected in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases, and elevation of BDNF levels can ameliorate neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in experimental models of these diseases. Because neurons accumulate oxidative lesions in their DNA during normal activity and in neurodegenerative disorders, we determined whether and how BDNF affects the ability of neurons to cope with oxidative DNA damage. We found that BDNF protects cerebral cortical neurons against oxidative DNA damage-induced death by a mechanism involving enhanced DNA repair. BDNF stimulates DNA repair by activating cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), which, in turn, induces the expression of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), a key enzyme in the base excision DNA repair pathway. Suppression of either APE1 or TrkB by RNA interference abolishes the ability of BDNF to protect neurons against oxidized DNA damage-induced death. The ability of BDNF to activate CREB and upregulate APE1 expression is abolished by shRNA of TrkB as well as inhibitors of TrkB, PI3 kinase, and Akt kinase. Voluntary running wheel exercise significantly increases levels of BDNF, activates CREB, and upregulates APE1 in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of mice, suggesting a novel mechanism whereby exercise may protect neurons from oxidative DNA damage. Our findings reveal a previously unknown ability of BDNF to enhance DNA repair by inducing the expression of the DNA repair enzyme APE1.
Sensory, instrumental texture profile and cooking properties of restructured beef steaks made with various binders.

Restructured steaks made with various binders were evaluated using subjective and objective texture profile analysis of the following treatments: intact ribeye muscle, calcium alginate, salt/tripolyphosphate, crude myosin extract, whey protein, wheat gluten, soy protein isolate, surimi and no additives. Steaks made with calcium alginate or crude myosin extracts had superior binding. Steaks with 1.5% surimi had similar textural properties to those with calcium alginate or crude myosin extract. Whey, wheat gluten or soy isolate protein in restructured steaks detrimentally affected product flavor. Calcium alginate, crude myosin extract and surimi could be potential binders in the manufacture of restructured steaks without deterimental effects on quality.
Development of self-monitoring essential for vocal interactions in marmoset monkeys

In humans, self-monitoring is essential for conversations [1] and this ability is fully developed only after 2 years of age [2]. How vocal self-monitoring changes over the course of development, how it evolved, and how it is mediated by neural mechanisms are not known. In this study, we use marmoset monkeys to address these issues. We recorded natural vocal exchanges between parent and infant monkeys and looked for evidence of self-monitoring in both the adults and the infants. Our results show that, similar to humans, adult marmosets have the capacity to self-monitor whereas infants do not. Using a computational model of marmoset vocal exchange dynamics [3] we investigated possible neural mechanism underlying the development of self-monitoring. Our model is based on the interactions between three neural structures (representing limbic, motor and auditory regions) with feedback connectivity inspired by published physiological and anatomical data. The simulations show that strengthening the inhibitory connection between auditory and limbic regions drives the development of self-monitoring and, ultimately, adult-like vocal behavior.
Lipoic acid formulations for the removal of arsenic and mercury from museum artifact materials

Abstract Museums currently face a tremendous task of identification, mitigation, and remediation of pesticides from artifacts in order to protect museum workers and the general public. Additionally artifacts are being repatriated by Native American tribes for use in cultural ceremonies which may subject the practitioner to health risks. Arsenic and mercury salts are among the most persistent poisons used and so a critical challenge is removing these hazardous metals without damaging the material composition or decorations of the objects. At this time, there are no feasible procedures that can meet both of these objectives. Reported here is the development of a procedure involving concentrated aqueous reduced lipoic acid solutions for the removal of arsenic and mercury pesticides from substrate materials commonly encountered in museums. Sample materials comprised of cotton, wool, paper and feathers (models of real artifact materials) were artificially contaminated with sodium arsenite and mercuric chloride and evaluated for removal treatment with aqueous reduced lipoic acid solutions. A Niton Xli handheld X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) was used to monitor metal contamination levels before and after treatment. The methods developed were capable of removing over 1000 μg/cm 2 arsenic (of sodium arsenite) from simulated artifacts to levels near the lower detection limit of the XRF (1 μg/cm 2 ). Similar results were achieved in removing mercury (of mercuric chloride) from cotton and paper; however, the solutions and processes developed were not capable of removing mercury from sulfur-bearing materials such as wool and feathers.
Physical Constraints on GRB 970508 from Its Radio Afterglow

Model-independent lower limits on the energy stored in the electrons emitting the radio afterglow from GRB 970508 are derived. These limits arise from the optically thick synchrotron source function and the synchrotron cooling timescale. The primary free parameters for these limits are the dimensionless synchrotron frequency, the bulk Lorentz factor Γ, and the source diameter θ. When one assumes θ is related to Γ alone, one finds that the energy stored in electrons is more than 1051 ergs for a 3 μas source size and more than 1049 ergs for a 6 μas source size. These limits are inconsistent with the energy storage expected for a relativistic shell from a destructive solar mass source.
Detection and Longevity of Uncured and Cured Visible Implant Elastomer Tags in Larval Pacific Lampreys

Abstract Studies of the biology, ecology, and status of the Pacific lamprey Lampetra tridentata may require effective means of tagging larval Pacific lampreys. However, few assessments of the methods suitable for tagging larval Pacific lampreys have been conducted. We evaluated the performance of visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags in larval Pacific lampreys, specifically testing the effects of elastomer treatment (uncured versus cured VIE) and inspection light source (ambient light versus blue light-emitting diode [LED] flashlight) on tag detection in 40 larvae. Through day 251 after tagging, tag detection was 100% for both uncured and cured VIE tags observed under ambient light and blue LED light. Longevity of uncured VIE tags was assessed in a second cohort of 32 VIE-tagged larval Pacific lampreys over a 2-year captive rearing period. Percent VIE tag detection was 91% for red tags, 90% for orange tags, and 64% for green tags through day 699 after tagging. This study affirms that both uncured and cured...
UK and Ireland experience of cochlear implants in children with Down syndrome.

Objectives: Down Syndrome (DS) is associated with a high incidence of hearing loss. The majority of hearing loss is conductive, but between 4 and 20% is sensorineural, which in the main is mild or moderate and is managed with conventional behind-the-ear hearing aids. Cochlear implantation is an elective invasive procedure, performed to provide some form of hearing rehabilitation in individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, and initially candidacy criteria were strict—excluding patients with additional disabilities. With good results and expanding experience, more candidates with additional disabilities are now being implanted. A survey of UK and Ireland Cochlear Implant Programmes sought to identify the number of individuals with DS who have been implanted with a cochlear implant (CI) and to provide relevant information on outcomes of implantation in these individuals. Methods: E-mail survey of all programmes within the British Cochlear Implant Group (BCIG). Postal questionnaire to programmes identified to have implanted a child with Down Syndrome, with data collection on pre-operative assessment, surgical and post-operative outcomes. Case series review. Results: Three of 23 BCIG programmes have implanted a child with Down Syndrome. Four children have received implants. No intraoperative or post-operative surgical complications were encountered. All children had middle ear disease, but no problems with implantation were associated with their middle ear condition. All children remain implant users, 12 months to 4 years post-implantation. Conclusion: Cochlear implantation is an option for a child with Down Syndrome and associated severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Clinicians caring for these children and their families should consider referral for assessment by a Cochlear Implant Programme.
Optimization of Cav1.2 screening with an automated planar patch clamp platform

Abstract Introduction: Ca v 1.2 channels play an important role in shaping the cardiac action potential. Screening pharmaceutical compounds for Ca v 1.2 block is very important in developing drugs without cardiac liability. Ca v 1.2 screening has been traditionally done using fluorescence assays, but these assays have some limitations. Patch clamping is considered the gold standard for ion channel studies, but is very labor intensive. The purpose of this study was to develop a robust medium throughput Ca v 1.2 screening assay in PatchXpress ® 7000A by optimizing cell isolation conditions, recording solutions and experimental parameters. Under the conditions established, structurally different standard Ca v 1.2 antagonists and an agonist were tested. Methods: HEK-293 cells stably transfected with hCa v 1.2 L-type Ca channel were used. For experiments, cells were isolated using 0.05% Trypsin. Currents were recorded in the presence of 30 mM extracellular Ba 2+ and low magnesium intracellular recording solution to minimize rundown. Ca v 1.2 currents were elicited from a holding potential of − 60 mV at 0.05 Hz to increase pharmacological sensitivity and minimize rundown. Test compounds were applied at increasing concentrations for 5 min followed by a brief washout. Results: Averaged peak Ca v 1.2 current amplitudes were increased from 10 pA/pF to 15 pA/pF by shortening cell incubation and trypsin exposure time from 2.5 min at 37 °C to 1 min at room temperature and adding 0.2 mM cAMP to the intracellular solution. Rundown was minimized from 2%/min to 0.5%/min by reducing the intracellular free Mg 2+ from 2.7 mM to 0.2 mM and adding 100 nM Ca 2+ . Under the established conditions, we tested 8 structurally different antagonists and an agonist. The IC 50 values obtained ranked well against published values and results obtained using traditional clamp experiments performed in parallel using the expressed cell line and native myocytes. Discussion: This assay can be used as a reliable pharmacological screening tool for Ca v 1.2 block to assess compounds for cardiac liability during lead optimization.
High-temperature vibration damping of thermal barrier coating materials

Abstract The damping behavior of several materials used in current thermal barrier coating systems are reported from room temperature up to 1200 °C. The effect of long-term aging at 1150 °C on the damping behavior of a PWA-1484 single crystal superalloy is presented as well as the effect of a platinum-modified diffusion nickel aluminide bond-coat and an electron-beam evaporated, yttria-stabilized zirconia (EB-YSZ) thermal barrier coating. The nickel aluminide bond coat is shown to enhance the damping of the superalloys at all temperatures while the EB-YSZ shows a damping peak at ∼ 220 °C. The damping behavior of two top-coat materials, tetragonal-prime YSZ and gadolinium zirconate is compared. The latter exhibits a damping peak at a higher temperature (∼ 350 °C) than zirconia giving it the potential of being used as a damping coating for compressor blade.
Clinical case report: psychosocial issues in adolescent bariatric surgery.

s e i W During the past several decades, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has steadily increased [1]. Approximately 4% of American children and adolescents are extremely obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) 99th percentile for their age. Obese children and adolescents are likely to become obese adults and, as a result, be at risk of premature morbidity and mortality [2,3,4]. Although dietary, behavioral, and pharmacologic interventions might help some overweight and obese adolescents, they are most likely of little help for those with extreme obesity. For this group, more aggressive intervention is needed, such as bariatric surgery, that produces a greater and more sustainable weight loss. Studies examining bariatric surgery performed on adolescents have shown dramatically positive short-term results in terms of weight loss, the resolution of co-morbidities, and increased quality of life. The complications have generally been few [5–7]. However, more research is needed on the long-term outcomes after surgery, both medical and behavioral. In general, adolescents presenting for bariatric surgery must meet the same general BMI and co-morbidity criteria for surgery as adults [8,9]. Additionally, the adolescent must have attained or nearly attained physical maturity and have a history of organized attempts at weight management without success. Also, adolescent patients should demonstrate reasonable decision-making abilities and be willing to commit to the comprehensive medical and psychological assessment process before surgery. During the psychological evaluation, consideration of the family support system is of
Spastic mutant axolotl: identification of a phenocopy pathway with implications for the control of axolotl swimming by the vestibulocerebellum.

The spastic mutant axolotl shows abnormal swimming behavior, which includes a preponderance of “embryonic” swimming elements (coils) versus mature swimming elements (sinusoids) and a failure to entrain sinusoids into a prolonged swimming sequence. The mutant also shows anatomical disorganization in the area acousticolateralis and cerebellar auricle, but it is unclear (1) to what extent the behavioral abnormalities are traceable to the vestibulocerebellar defect or (2) how the vestibulocerebellar pathway modulates swimming behavior in the normal axolotl. We have performed quantitative cine analysis of electric shock-induced swimming bouts in normal axolotls, spastic mutants, and a variety of neurosurgically altered wild-type axolotls. We scored the incidence of coil elements (25% in controls, 70-90% in spastics) versus sinusoid elements, as well as length distributions of coil-free intervals (short to long trains of sinusoidal swimming) and of sinusoid-free intervals (of brief to prolonged coiling). We found that bilateral VHIth nerve lesions or surgical undercutting of the cerebellar auricle in wild-type axolotls almost exactly reproduced the behavioral deficit seen in spastic (75-81% coils, loss of long sinusoid trains, and appearance of prolonged coiling intervals at least some of which coupled several coils into trains of thrashing behavior). By contrast, neither complete transection of the CNS at low midbrain levels nor section of cranial nerves V, VII, or X (lateral line) resulted in an increased incidence of coil elements beyond 26% nor significantly altered the length distributions of S-intervals and C-intervals. Nor did any of the latter lesions disrupt the spasticlike swimming patterns of axolots already subjected to auricle or VIIIth nerve lesions. Our data suggest that spastic behavior is attributable to some defect(s) in the vestibulocerebellar pathway, and that this pathway plays a rather subtle role in the control of swimming that involves, among other features, the selection and entrainment of mature swimming elements over embryonic ones.
ETHNIC PLACES, POSTMODERNISM, AND URBAN CHANGE IN HOUSTON

For decades the nemesis of city managers, ethnic places were perceived as undesirable districts of congestion, vice, and other social pathologies. From the interwar to the postwar period, they generally faced the wrecking ball and bulldozer under the auspices of federal policies of slum clearance and urban renewal. These practices of developmental modernization and urban decentralization were joined with the design aesthetic and planning ideology of modernism, which sought to raze deteriorated ethnic places in the name of cultural assimilation and progress. Since the 1970s, however, ethnic places have reemerged as districts of significance in a "postmodern" developmental environment in which local urban culture has a stronger potential for preservation and persistence. The urban ecological context is one of partial recentralization, accompanied by the revitalization of central places. Though these ethnic places may no longer be neighborhoods of great economic or social vitality, they have acquired a new local salience in terms of sentiment and symbolism, as much representations
Effects of grazing by Diadema antillarum Philippi (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) on algal diversity and community structure

Abstract In Discovery Bay, Jamaica W.I., densities of Diadema antillarum Philippi were experimentally manipulated over a range of 0–64 individuals · m −2 with the aid of enclosures in shallow water. The effects of grazing by this echinoid on the algal community structure of a coral reef were compared under conditions of primary and post-primary succession. Algal biomass decreased as Diadema density was increased, particularly under primary succession conditions. A similar response was noted under post-primary conditions, but here biomass was also dependent on species composition and abundance of algae prior to experimental alterations of Diadema density. Peyssonnelia sp. was found to be particularly resistant to echinoid grazing, surviving even the most intense grazing. Within 11 months, algal diversity decreased significantly in an exponential fashion as Diadema density increased. This occurred under conditions of both primary and post-primary succession. Diversity, irrespective of index, was not maximized at intermediate grazing pressures. No single species of alga dominated the benthic community at even the lowest Diadema densities. Species composition of algae in the benthic community prior to changes in grazing pressure and lack of successful recruitment of a potential dominant were found to have a major influence on the response of the algal community to the treatments. Each of these factors can influence both the relationship between algal diversity and grazing pressure and the rate at which the community approaches an initial plateau of diversity in its earliest stages of succession.
Interaction of prolactin, estrogen and progesterone in a human mammary carcinoma cell line, cama-1—I. cell growth and thymidine uptake

Abstract The growth and thymidine uptake of a mammary carcinoma cell line (CAMA-1) in long term monolayer culture were investigated. These cells were maintained in the log phase for 7 days in Eagles' MEM medium with Earles' salts, supplemented with 15 or 25% fetal bovine serum (FBS) without further feeding. The growth rate of cells increased proportionally according to the amount of serum added (0–25%) and further increase was facilitated by 1 nM 17β estradiol added either to FBS or dextrancharcoal treated FBS (DCFBS). CAMA-1 cells propagated better in a 10% serum substitute (SS) plus 1% DCFBS than in 10% DCFBS. However, estrogen induced a smaller increase in cell growth in the former condition than in the latter. Prolactin (ovine) had no stimulatory effect on cell growth by itself or in combination with estradiol. Estrogen stimulated a dose-dependent increase of thymidine (TDK) uptake into cells: the stimulation was not observed in straight SS unless 1% or more FBS or DCFBS was added. In the absence of serum, prolactin or insulin had a permissive action for estrogen-induced TDK uptake. Progesterone added with or without estradiol had a slight proliferative activity on CAMA-1 cells at low levels but was inhibitory at high levels (10 μM) when cultured in SS condition. These results show that (a) CAMA-1 cells are estrogen-dependent, and respond to prolactin and progesterone in TDR uptake in culture, (b) estrogenic effect on cell growth and TDK uptake may require serum factors, (c) synergism or antagonism of estrogen action by prolactin and progesterone occurs in human breast cancer cells in culture, and (d) CAMA-1 cell line is a good alternative model for the investigation of hormonal interaction.
Economic analysis of biomass torrefaction plants integrated with corn ethanol plants and coal-fired power plants

Torrefaction technologies convert assorted biomass feedstocks into energy- concentrated, carbon neutral fuel that is economically transported and easily ground for blending with fossil coals at numerous power plants around the world without needs to retrofit. Utilization of torrefied biomass in conventional electric generating units may be an increasingly attractive alternative for electricity generation as aging power plants in the world need to be upgraded or improved. This paper examines the economic feasibility of torrefaction in different scenarios by modeling torrefaction plants producing 136,078 t/year (150,000 ton/year) biocoal from wood and corn stover. The utilization of biocoal blends in existing coal-fired power plants is modeled to determine the demand for this fuel in the context of emerging policies regulating emissions from coal in the U.S. setting. Opportunities to co-locate torrefaction facilities adjacent to corn ethanol plants and coal-fired power plants are explored as means to improve economics for collaborating businesses. Life cycle analysis was conducted in parallel to this economic study and was used to determine environmental impacts of converting biomass to biocoal for blending in coal-fired power plants as well as the use of substantial flows of off-gasses produced in the torrefaction process. Sensitivity analysis of the financial rates of return of the different businesses has been performed to measure impacts of different factors, whether input prices, output prices, or policy measures that render costs or rewards for the businesses.
Conclusions from the discussions on observational results of heterodyne spectroscopy in astronomy

Experimental results in astronomy obtained with the aid of infrared heterodyne detection techniques are considered, taking into account the detection of thermal emission with no dispersion at the intermediate frequency and observations involving molecular line detection. The tuning range of a heterodyne spectrometer and of a Fourier transform spectrometer is considered and attention is given to the selection of the appropriate technique for a specific investigative problem.-
Snowpack controls on nitrogen cycling and export in seasonally snow-covered catchments

Here we provide an overview of current research activities on nitrogen (N) cycling in high-elevation catchments of the Colorado Front Range. We then use this information to develop a conceptual model of how snow cover controls subnivial (below snowpack) microbial processes and N leachate from the snow-soil interface to surface waters. This model is based on research that identifies subnivial processes as a major control on the leaching loss of N from soil during snowmelt. These subnivial soil processes are controlled by the development of the seasonal snow pack that insulates soil from cold air temperatures and allows heterotrophic microbial activity in the soil to immobilize N. In this model the duration of snow-cover is divided into four snowpack regimes; zone I is characterized by shallow-short duration snowpacks. zone II is characterized by high interannual variability in snow depth and duration, zone III is characterized by early developing, continuous snow cover, and zone IV is characterized by deep, long-duration snow cover verging on perennial snowpacks. In zone I, soils remain frozen and there is little microbial activity and N leachate is high. In zone II, total microbial activity is highly variable and the amount of N leachate is highly variable. In zone III, total microbial activity is high and there is little N leachate. In zone IV, microbial activity is reduced because of carbon limitation and N leachate is high. This model suggests that a portion of the spatial and temporal variability observed in N export from these seasonally snow-covered systems is due to variability in winter snow cover across landscape types and inter-annually within a landscape type.
FIR-median hybrid filters with polynomial fitting

Abstract We propose FIR-median hybrid filters with polynomial fitting (HFPF) for nonlinear filtering applications. These techniques combine linear prediction and linear smoothing operations and median filtering to preserve the jump point and edge information in the signal, and at the same time to attenuate noise. The linear prediction and smoothing operations are based on polynomial fitting. Through numerical experiments, the proposed HFPF methods are shown to outperform the previously proposed FIR-median hybrid filters and the wavelet shrinkage algorithm in stationary and nonstationary Gaussian/impulsive noise environments.
A Multi-Layer Transient Model of Coastal Upwelling

Abstract The transient development of wind-driven coastal upwelling in a rotating, stratified ocean is simulated using a four-layer numerical model. All longshore derivatives in the velocity field are neglected as are mixing processes between layers. The neglect of mixing effects necessarily limits the applicability of the model to short time scales of several days. The beta effect and longshore pressure gradients are included. The vertical structure of the nearshore upwelling zone is emphasized and offshore Ekman drift is found to be confined to the surface layer while onshore flow is evenly distributed in the lower three layers. An investigation of the baroclinic coastal current reveals an equatorward surface jet and a weaker poleward undercurrent in the β-plane solutions. The vertical structure of these coastal currents is dependent upon the stratification imposed. A pronounced tilt away from the coast with depth is observed in the coastal jet. A noticeable down-warping of the lowest interface is detec...
Diurnal changes in brain noradrenalin.

Brain noradrenalin concentration diurnal changes in cat hypothalamus and cervical spinal cord, noting axon terminals of neurons
Aortoesophageal fistula after thoracic endovascular aortic repair and transthoracic embolization.

Endografts are more commonly being used to treat thoracic aortic aneurysms and other vascular lesions. Endoleaks are a potential complication of this treatment modality and can be associated with aneurysmal sac expansion and rupture. This case report presents a patient who developed a type IA endoleak after endograft repair of a descending thoracic aneurysm. The endoleak was successfully treated through computed tomographic-guided transthoracic embolization, although the patient experienced lower extremity paraparesis postprocedurally. The patient's endovascular repair was complicated by the development of an aortoesophageal fistula and endograft infection necessitating operative debridement and endograft explantation.
High-order harmonic generation with short-pulse lasers

Recent progress in the understanding of high-order harmonic conversion from atoms and ions exposed to high-intensity, short-pulse optical lasers is reviewed. We find that ions can produce harmonics comparable in strength to those obtained from neutral atoms, and that the emission extends to much higher order. Simple scaling laws for the strength of the harmonic emission and the maximium observable harmonic are suggested. These results imply that the photoemission observed in recent experiments in helium and neon contains contributions from ions as well as neutrals.
Multiresponsive supramolecular nanogated ensembles.

A new multiresponsive supramolecular nanogated ensemble has been developed by introducing β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) into polymer-grafted mesoporous silica. The cross-linked polymer produced by host−guest interaction between β-CD and diazo-linker works as a gatekeeper to control the release of trapped molecules from hybrid materials. The presence of UV light, α-CD, or disulfide reducing agent can effectively open the polymeric network and release the loading with different dynamics.
The Inefficient Use of Power: Costly Conflict with Complete Information

Recent work across a wide range of issues in political economy as well as in American, comparative, and international politics tries to explain the inefficient use of power—revolutions, civil wars, high levels of public debt, international conflict, and costly policy insulation—in terms of commitment problems. This paper shows that a common mechanism is at work in a number of these diverse studies. This common mechanism provides a more general formulation of a type of commitment problem that can arise in many different substantive settings. The present analysis then formalizes this mechanism as an “inefficiency condition” that ensures that all of the equilibria of a stochastic game are inefficient. This condition has a natural substantive interpretation: Large, rapid changes in the actors' relative power (measured in terms of their minmax payoffs) may cause inefficiency.
Periodic multilayer gratings of arbitrary shape: comment

Although the recently proposed theory of multilayer gratings by Preist et al. [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. A12, 1740 ( 1995)] is capable of generating reliable numerical results in many practical cases, its formulation implies the Rayleigh hypothesis in a generalized sense. For the case in which the groove depth of the upper boundary of a corrugated layer is comparable to the grating period and much greater than the groove depth of the lower boundary, their theory is, in general, invalid.
Heat transfer from superheated vapors to a horizontal tube

Experimental data are reported for condensing Freon-114 (tetrafluorodichloroethane) and steam at several pressures. The condition of the vapors ranged from saturation to 180°F. of superheat. The condensing tube containing embedded thermocouples was 3/4 in. in diameter and 3 ft. long. Visual observation showed that steam condensed by dropwise condensation in part. Increase of superheat in the vapor at constant pressure caused a lowering of the tube-wall temperature, which was indicative of a lowering of the surface temperature of the condensate. The lowering of the condensate-surface temperature below the saturation temperature was computed from the experimental tube-wall temperatures, the heat flux, and Nusselt's equation for the condensate-film resistance. The lowering of the condensate-surface temperature is correlated with degree of superheat. An interfacial coefficient of heat transfer between the superheated vapor and the condensate surface is reported based on the computed surface temperatures. Schrage's analysis and equations for relating mass and heat transfer with conditions at an interface were simplified and used to correlated the experimental condensing load with the degree of superheat.
The Impact of External Pressure on Voting Outcomes in Transition Economies: The East European Experience 1990-2001

The public choice model developed in this paper explains how increased external intervention and monitoring may lead to lessening of the intrinsic motivation within transitional economies to pursue reforms as prescribed by the Washington Consensus. This may lead to the slowdown of economic and institutional reforms sometimes followed by a lack of support for reform in popular votes at election time. Conditions under which this situation may occur are identified. The model is empirically tested for the period 1990-2001, encompassing more than fifteen East European countries. Results of the analysis suggest that the impact of external pressure expressed as the amount of U.S. loans on voting outcomes in transitional countries is significant. Consistent with prior expectations, a new class of private landowners and farmers support further privatization and market orientation and consequently vote for Western-oriented parties. Likewise, a new system of market based economies brings along more volatility and un...
Simultaneous nuclide indentification and energy measurement of nuclear reaction products

Abstract A system of particle detectors has been developed which measures the kinetic energy of nuclear reaction products and identifies their charge and mass. The method of identification is based on the Bethe-Bloch equation for the rate of energy loss of a fast heavy particle. These detectors extend this method to the identification of the isotopes of heavy reaction products such as lithium, beryllium, boron, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.
PAX6 suppresses growth of human glioblastoma cells.

Purpose: Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common primary malignant brain tumors. Majority of GBMs has loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 10. The PAX6 encodes a transcription factor that involves in development of the brain, where its expression persists. We have reported that the expression of PAX6 was significantly reduced in GBMs and that a low level of PAX6 expression is a harbinger of an unfavorable prognosis for patients with malignant astrocytic glioma. Interestingly, PAX6 expression was increased in suppressed somatic cell hybrids derived from introducing a normal human chromosome 10 into U251 GBM cells. Thus it is interesting to determine if repression of PAX6 expression is involved in anti-tumor suppression function in GBM.
Chemical bonding, magnetic moments, and local symmetry in transition-metal-metalloid alloys

A model is proposed that quantitatively accounts for the moment variation in transition-metal---metalloid ($T\ensuremath{-}M$) crystals and glasses. The model, formulated from valence-bond theory, assumes that each $T$ atom surrounding an $M$ atom contributes a $d$ orbital to participate in $p\ensuremath{-}d$ hybrid bonding. If each bonded $d$ orbital in Co alloys is occupied by $\frac{{n}_{B}}{5}$ nonmagnetic holes, then the moment of a Co-$M$ alloy is $\ensuremath{\mu}(\frac{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}}{T\mathrm{at}.})={n}_{B}\ensuremath{-}{Z}_{M}(\frac{{n}_{B}}{5})\frac{{N}_{M}}{{N}_{T}}$. Here ${n}_{B}$ is the effective moment of pure Co in Bohr magnetons, and ${Z}_{M}$ is the number of $T$ atoms in the first shell around an $M$ atom. Hence the moment variation in Co-$M$ alloys is determined by the local symmetry of the $M$ atom and not by the valence of $M$. For Ni alloys it is found that both hybridization and the $p$ valency are responsible for the moment reduction. Symmetry arguments are used to derive the relation $\ensuremath{\mu}(\frac{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}}{T\mathrm{at}.})={n}_{B}\ensuremath{-}{Z}_{M}(\frac{{n}_{B}}{5})\frac{{N}_{M}}{{N}_{T}}\ensuremath{-}\frac{({V}_{p}{N}_{M})}{{N}_{T}}$ for Ni-$M$ alloys where ${V}_{p}$ is the $p$ valency of the metalloid. The models use the hybridization concept of electron sharing rather than electron transfer so that the solid is not ionic. The decrease in magnetization comes from formation of nonpolarizable $p\ensuremath{-}d$ hybrid bonds from polarizable $3d$ transition-metal states. Therefore the model is in agreement with experiments and theories that indicate a constant number of unoccupied $3d$ levels regardless of metalloid concentration. Excellent quantitative agreement is found when the model is compared with experimental data for crystalline and amorphous Co- and Ni-metalloid alloys. It is found that amorphous alloys retain the same local environment around the metalloid atom as in the crystalline cases, and that the bonding in crystalline alloys and amorphous alloys is equivalent. The bond model predicts zero moment change for dilute bcc Fe alloys because the bonding levels in the Fe band have no uncompensated spin. Reasonable agreement with experiment is obtained for concentrations of metalloid less than 10%, but it is apparent that moment changes in many Fe alloys are caused by more complicated changes in the exchange.
Coding and Centering of Time in Latent Curve Models in the Presence of Interindividual Time Heterogeneity

The coding of time in latent curve models has been shown to have important implications in the interpretation of growth parameters. Centering time is often done to improve interpretation but may have consequences for estimated parameters. This article studies the effects of coding and centering time when there is interindividual heterogeneity in time such as when longitudinal responses are dependent on a point of origin that varies between individuals. Using representative examples that differ in their degree of interindividual time heterogeneity, we compare different models based on alternative forms of coding and centering of time to evaluate potential for biased estimates. Recommendations are made for studies marked by heterogeneity in time measures.
Ferreting out stem cells from their niches

Over the past decade, it has become increasingly clear that many tissues have regenerative capabilities. The challenge has been to find the stem cells or progenitors that are responsible for tissue renewal and repair. The revolution in technological advances that permit sophisticated spatial, temporal and kinetic analyses of stem cells has allowed stem cell hunters to ferret out where stem cells live, and to monitor when they come and go from these hiding places.
Effects of electron‐beam irradiation on the properties of CVD Si3N4 films in MNOS structures

The influence of energetic electron‐beam irradiation on the trap properties of CVD Si3N4 films in MNOS structures has been investigated by means of charge‐centroid and conduction measurements. Within the limit of our measurements, the results indicate that electron‐beam radiation up to 6.6×10−5 C/cm2 does not affect the trap properties of the nitride, such as the density, capture cross section, and average capture distance, although the charging of these traps may be altered. Furthermore, the effects of radiation in the Si‐SiO2 interface properties of MNOS structures have been examined by the C‐V method. For an MNOS capacitor with relatively thick oxide, radiation was found to cause a significant increase in the density of surface states, the effective insulator charge, and the slow states. For an MNOS capacitor with very thin oxide, by contrast, the radiation causes a significant change only in the insulator charge—none in the surface states. Since the properties of the nitride have not been affected by ...
Post Mortem Human Surrogate Injury Response of the Pelvis and Lower Extremities to Simulated Underbody Blast

Military vehicle underbody blast (UBB) is the cause of many serious injuries in theatre today; however, the effects of these chaotic events on the human body are not well understood. The purpose of this research was to replicate both UBB loading conditions and investigate occupant response in a controlled laboratory setting. In addition to better understanding the response of the human to high rate vertical loading, this test series also aimed to identify high rate injury thresholds. Ten whole body post mortem human surrogate (PMHS) tests were completed using the University of Virginia’s ODYSSEY simulated blast rig under a range of loading conditions. Seat pan accelerations ranged from 291 to 738 g’s over 3 ms of positive phase duration, and foot pan accelerations from 234 to 858 g’s over 3 ms of positive phase duration. Post-test computed tomography (CT) scans and necropsies were performed to determine injuries, and revealed a combination of pelvic, lumbar, thoracic, and lower extremity injuries. The research in this paper discusses pelvis and lower extremity injuries under high rate vertical loads.
The Antebellum Money Market and the Economic Impact of the Bank War: A Reply

In their comment Curran and Johnston raise two general points. They suggest (1) that my main conclusions are not substantiated by statistical tests of stability, and (2) that the specifications used in my analysis are inappropriate. Let me summarize my reply. With regard to Curran and Johnston's statistical tests for the structural stability of my money model, there are three major points. First, in using the Chow test for structural stability the authors do not use the relevant statistical information to carry out the test, so the results they derive are not the appropriate test of the economic hypotheses. I on the other hand report and interpret the results of the relevant Chow test that uses the appropriate statistical information and lends support to my hypothesis that the Bank War altered the public's liquidity preference. Second, Curran and Johnston do not correctly analyze and interpret their own results. Actually, the implications of their own evidence support my original hypothesis that the Bank War caused a shift in the liquidity preference of the public. Third, although the Chow test is a statistical test for stability, in this case it is not a direct test of the economic question at hand; that is, it is a weak test. I therefore provide a more direct statistical F test that provides evidence to support my hypothesis that the Bank War caused the Panic of 1837 and that refutes the Temin hypothesis that the Bank War left monetary behavior unaffected.' Furthermore, the empirical evidence demonstrates that banks were quite interest sensitive during the years prior to the Bank War and that the Bank War altered commercial bank behavior before 1837 in a manner that, coupled with the shift in the public's liquidity preference, culminated in the Panic of 1837. With regard to Curran and Johnston's comments about the theoretical framework of my model, I explain that their analysis is inconsistent with contemporary monetary modeling and simple IS-LM macroeconomics. Moreover, their criticism that my models are not sufficiently complex is inappropriate since the empirical evidence supports the applicability of my theoretical models to the pre-Bank War period in general and the interest sensitivity of bank reserves in particular. The empirical evidence, in my view, is consistent with the general theoretical model presented in my original paper, and it supports the conclusion that the Bank War altered both the public's pattern of liquidity preference and the commercial banking sector's willingness to supply liabilities in a way that induced a monetary contraction and made the Panic of 1837 inevitable.