cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 0.1 TW gas-breakdown plasma-anode ion diode

A magnetically insulated extraction-geometry ion diode using inductive breakdown of a gas layer to produce a magnetically confined anode plasma has been successfully operated on the LONGSHOT pulser. The pulse parameters were 120 kV, 30 kA, and 500 ns, and improved on all other characteristics except beam divergence. The plasma anode has now been integrated into a similar diode to operate on the Neptune pulser, to produce pulses of 700 kV, 3 Omega , 100 ns, and >0.1 TW. The goal is to investigate the scaling of this diode to the higher voltage and to current density above 0.5 kA/cm/sup 2/. The major scaling issue is whether good control of the anode surface shape and position, and the resulting ion canonical momentum and divergence, can be maintained. The beam from this diode will be used to form diamagnetic ion rings, and will allow good diagnosis of beam quality. >
Workshop Summary: Poleward Flow-Observational and Theoretical Issues

I will summarize from my own perspective what I think the essence of the workshop has been, to help set the stage for discussion of scientific futures. With that, let me fill in some of the historical background leading to this workshop.
Personalised real-time idle motion synthesis

In this paper, we propose an animation approach based on principal component analysis that allows generating two layers of subtle motions: small posture variations and personalised change of balance. Such a motion generator is needed in many cases when one attempts to create an animation sequence out of a set of existing clips. In nature there exists no motionless character, while in computer animation we often encounter cases where no planned actions, such as waiting for another actor finishing his/her part, is implemented as a stop/frozen animation. We identify many situations where a flexible idle motion generator can help: from synchronisation of speech/body animation duration, to dynamic creation of stand still variations in between two active plays. Our approach overcomes the limitations of using a small set of existing clips as a basis for synthesizing idle motions, such as unnatural repetition of movements and difficulties to insert idle motions into an animation without breaking its continuity. A realistic animation is obtained by blending small posture variations with personalised balance shifting animations.
Engagement in group sex among geosocial networking mobile application-using men who have sex with men

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) remain the group most affected by the HIV epidemic in the United States. At least one-quarter of MSM report engagement in group sex events (GSEs), which can pose a risk for HIV transmission and acquisition. In this study, identification of event-level correlates of sexual and drug use behaviours at GSEs was sought to better inform prevention activities. Methods: For this study, participants were recruited via banner and pop-up advertisements placed on a geosocial networking mobile phone application that MSM use to meet men. Results: Of the 1997 individuals who completed the study screener, 36.0% reported participating in at least one GSE in the prior year. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, attendance at a GSE in the past year was significantly associated with older age, full/part time employment and being HIV positive. Of the men who attended a GSE, more than half reported condomless anal sex (CAS) with at least one of their partners (insertive: 57.7%; receptive: 56.3%). MSM who indicated drug use had significantly higher odds of having insertive CAS [odds ratio (OR) = 2.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37–4.39] and receptive CAS (OR = 3.60; 95% CI: 1.96–6.63) at their last GSE. Conclusions: The high prevalence of HIV-positive MSM engaging in group sex, coupled with their greater odds of CAS, poses a significant risk for HIV/STI transmission within the group sex setting. More research is needed to determine patterns of condom use at these events and whether seroadaptive behaviours are driving CAS.
Stability of multiloop LQ regulators with nonlinearities--Part II: Regions of ultimate boundedness

This note investigates the closed-loop stability of linear time-invariant systems controlled by linear quadratic (LQ) regulators when there are nonlinearities in the loops which escape the ( 0.5, \infty ) stability sector in a bounded region containing the origin. An estimate of the region of ultimate boundedness is obtained, which provides methods for selecting the performance function weights to get better regulator designs.
MECHANISMS OF 1,2-DIOXETANE DECOMPOSITION: THE ROLE OF ELECTRON TRANSFER

Abstract— The chemiluminescence from the cleavage of a number of 1,6-diaryl-2,5,7,8-tetraoxabicyclo[4.2.0]octanes 1 has been examined. The ease of oxidation of (object) the aryl moiety strongly influences both the stability and chemiluminescence efficiency of these 1,2-dioxetanes. When Ar is difficult to oxidize, 1 is comparable in stability to simple. alkyl-substituted 1,2-dioxe-tanes and affords triplet excited states in moderate yield. Both biradical and concerted cleavage mechanisms have been suggested to explain this behavior. However, when Ar is a readily oxidized group, 1 is substantially destahilized and gives excited singlet states in high yield. In this instance 1 is analogous to a number of bioluminescent systems. Cleavage mechanisms involving intramolecular electron transfer are proposed to account for this observation. In certain cases thermolysis of 1 occurs by both types of mechanism in competition, and the electron transfer mechanism may be selectively catalyzed by polar, protic media.
A molecular model for the vibrational modes in chalcogenide glasses

Abstract We demonstrate the use of molecular models for calculating the optic mode frequencies in elemental and compound chalcogenide glasses. Our model gives good agreement with the optic mode frequencies reported for As 2 Se 3 , and for the polymeric fraction in liquid S and amorphous Se and Te. The model is not applicable to amorphous Si and Ge and III–V semiconductors.
The Emerging Landscape for Retail E-Commerce

On-line retail sales of goods and services are projected to grow from $45 billion in 2000, or 1.5 percent of total retail sales, to $269 billion in 2005, or 7.8 percent of total retail sales projected for that year (Dykema, 2000). In addition to this substantial growth in on-line sales, consumers increasingly rely on information collected on-line to research a lot of purchases that are concluded over traditional “bricks and mortar” channels, especially for high value durable goods, such as electronics and automobiles. Such purchases influenced by the Internet are estimated to grow from $13 billion in 2000 to $378 billion in 2005 (Dykema, 2000), or 10.8 percent of projected retail sales. This would bring the total retail sales affected by e-commerce in 2005 to $647 billion, or 18.5 percent of total retail sales. Retail e-commerce is evolving to encompass a wide variety of goods and services. Leisure travel will be the leading category in 2000 with 27.2 percent of on-line sales, followed by books, music, videos and software (14.9 percent), computers and electronics (13.6 percent) and apparel (11.3 percent). By 2005, consumables (like food, beverages, supplies, health and beauty aids, and pet supplies) are projected to amount to 18 percent of on-line retail sales, followed by apparel (16 percent), computers and electronics (12.4 percent), automobiles (12.2 percent) and leisure travel (12.1 percent), while the share of books, music, videos and software will fall to 9.6 percent (Dykema, 2000). Given the growing role that e-commerce will play in retail markets, this paper focuses on how the Internet is affecting these markets, and how the resulting
Mathematical models for cellular systems the Von Foerster equation. I.

This is the continuation of Part I, which was published in the September, 1965, issue of theBulletin. The birth rate, α(t), is now assumed to be a linear functional of the age density,n. This gives a simple model of self-replenishing stem cell compartments, and leads to a necessary condition for the existence of a steady state. Some examples are presented to illustrate the formalism. They include: (a) An equivivant population with life spanD and no losses from death or migration. The total number of cells is multiplied by 2 in each time intervalD. As a special case, frequently realized in practice, the population may be increasing exponentially with time (“log-phase” of growth). (b) A compartment with “random” emigration of cells and gamma distribution of life spans. (c) An oversimplified version of L. G. Lajtha’s model describing stem cell kinetics. In section IV a simple case in which the loss function depends explicitly onn is discussed very briefly.
Trust in Government in the Aftermath of 9/11: Determinants and Consequences

Among the most notable changes in U.S. public opinion that occurred after 11 September 2001 was a significant increase in trust in the national government. This study extends existing research on the causes of such changes in public opinion to include the post–9/11 period. The results indicate that a shift in public focus from domestic to international concerns was an important factor in the decline in cynicism that occurred after 9/11, and that public support for expending resources to address issues such as homeland security will be greater if increased trust in government can be sustained.
A small-gain theorem with applications to input/output systems, incremental stability, detectability, and interconnections

Abstract A general input-to-state stability (ISS)-type small-gain result is presented. It specializes to a small-gain theorem for ISS operators, and it also recovers the classical statement for ISS systems in state-space form. In addition, we highlight applications to incrementally stable systems, detectable systems, and to interconnections of stable systems.
Histochemical localization of lactate dehydrogenase isozymes in human skeletal muscle fibers

Abstract Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was histochemically localized in fibers of the vastus lateralis muscle of men and for comparative purpose in the soleus and plantaris muscleo of rats. Human muscle fibers were identified as fast twitch (FT) or slow twitch (ST) from the histochemical stain for myofibrillar adenosine triphosphatase activity. Rat skeletal muscle fibers were classified as fast-twitch-oxidative-glycolytic (FOG), fast-twitch-glycolytic (FG), or slow-twitch-oxidative (SO) on the basis of NADH-diaphorase and myofibrillar adenosine triphosphatase activities. Heart-type (H) LDH was identified by inhibition of the muscle-type (M) isozyme with 4 M urea. Total LDH as estimated histochemically was highest in the human FT and rat FG fibers. This was predominantly the M-LDH isozyme. ST fibers of human and SO fibers of rat skeletal muscle had the least total LDH but the most H-LDH activity. The FOG fibers of rat muscle contained a total LDH activity intermediate to that of the FG and SO fibers and a combination of H- and M-LDH. There were no fibers in the human muscle samples studied that had LDH activities similar to the FOG fibers of rat muscle.
A Critique of the IQ / Achievement Discrepancy Model for Identifying Specific Learning Disabilities

When the United States Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act in 2004 (IDEIA 2004), local educational agencies (LEA) were permitted to use a Response-to-Intervention (RTI) approach for identifying children with possible learning disabilities for special education. Furthermore, IDEIA 2004 no longer required LEAs to establish an IQ-achievement discrepancy for determining a Specific Learning Disability (SLD). Although federal law no longer mandates the need for an IQ-achievement discrepancy for determining an SLD, most school psychologists continue to employ this approach for the assessment of children at-risk for SLD. Furthermore, some researchers suggest that although the IQ-achievement discrepancy model may not be the best approach for identifying children at-risk for SLD, school psychologists should continue to use intelligence tests as part of the assessment process. The current paper (a) provides a brief review of the IQ-achievement discrepancy model, (b) reviews concerns of using intelligence tests within a RTI framework, and (c) reviews some of the major criticisms regarding the IQ-achievement discrepancy model.
Governments and Markets in Economic Development Strategies: Lessons From Korea, Taiwan, and Japan

Preface The Superiority of Export-Oriented Regimes: Neoclassical Interpretation and Dissent South Korea Taiwan Japan An Export-Oriented Strategy for All? Bibliography Index
Modeling the Carbonitriding of Steel

A software model, CarbNitrideTool, has been developed to simulate the carbonitriding process. In this paper the fundamentals of the model will be presented and discussed including the experimental determination of the surface boundary conditions and the diffusivities of carbon and nitrogen as a function of alloy composition and temperature. The need for accurate databases is emphasized. The experimental verification of the model is also presented.
Block of oxytocin-induced parturition and oviposition by prostaglandin inhibitors.

Abstract The possibility that oxytocin-induced labor is mediated, at least in part, by endogenous release of prostaglandins was investigated in two animal models using inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis. Term pregnant rabbits failed to deliver after an i.v. oxytocin challenge (100 mU) when they were pretreated with an oral dose of indomethacin (10–25 mg) 45–60 minutes prior to oxytocin, while control rabbits began to deliver within a few minutes. Similarly, oxytocin- but not prostaglandin E 1 -induced oviposition in the coturnix quail was inhibited by indomethacin. 5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraynoic acid, another inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, was also effective in blocking oxytocin-promoted oviposition. Based on these observations on two quite diverse species, it is suggested that prostaglandins may play a universal role in the expulsion of the uterine content.
Mitochondrial enzymes in hereditary ataxias.

As a test of the hypothesis that mitochondrial abnormalities are common in patients with hereditary ataxias, the activities of two mitochondrial enzymes were studied in platelets from an unselected series of patients. For the group of ataxies, the activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) was 68% of the control (P < 0.01) and that of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) was 81% of the control (P < 0.05). Of the ataxies studied, 30% had activities of either or both mitochondrial enzymes more than2 SD below the control mean. Immunoblots of PDHC revealed antibody cross-reacting material in platelets and fibroblasts very similar to those in human brain and appeared normal in platelets from patients with ataxias. Immunoblots of GDH showed a single antibody cross-reacting material in brain but at least two species in normal fibroblasts and platelets. The pathophysiology of hereditary ataxias may often involve mitochondrial damage associated with secondary decreases in the activities of mitohcondrial enzymes.
Dynamic buffering of mitochondrial Ca2+ during Ca2+ uptake and Na+-induced Ca2+ release

In cardiac mitochondria, matrix free Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]m) is primarily regulated by Ca(2+) uptake and release via the Ca(2+) uniporter (CU) and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCE) as well as by Ca(2+) buffering. Although experimental and computational studies on the CU and NCE dynamics exist, it is not well understood how matrix Ca(2+) buffering affects these dynamics under various Ca(2+) uptake and release conditions, and whether this influences the stoichiometry of the NCE. To elucidate the role of matrix Ca(2+) buffering on the uptake and release of Ca(2+), we monitored Ca(2+) dynamics in isolated mitochondria by measuring both the extra-matrix free [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)]e) and [Ca(2+)]m. A detailed protocol was developed and freshly isolated mitochondria from guinea pig hearts were exposed to five different [CaCl2] followed by ruthenium red and six different [NaCl]. By using the fluorescent probe indo-1, [Ca(2+)]e and [Ca(2+)]m were spectrofluorometrically quantified, and the stoichiometry of the NCE was determined. In addition, we measured NADH, membrane potential, matrix volume and matrix pH to monitor Ca(2+)-induced changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics. Our [Ca(2+)]e and [Ca(2+)]m measurements demonstrate that Ca(2+) uptake and release do not show reciprocal Ca(2+) dynamics in the extra-matrix and matrix compartments. This salient finding is likely caused by a dynamic Ca(2+) buffering system in the matrix compartment. The Na(+)- induced Ca(2+) release demonstrates an electrogenic exchange via the NCE by excluding an electroneutral exchange. Mitochondrial bioenergetics were only transiently affected by Ca(2+) uptake in the presence of large amounts of CaCl2, but not by Na(+)- induced Ca(2+) release.
Effects of growth hormone treatment on final adult height in boys with short stature and transitory partial growth hormone deficiency

Data are conflicting regarding the results of treatment with growth hormone (GH) in patients with short stature and partial or transitory growth hormone deficiency. A retrospective analysis was performed to compare final adult height in GH-treated short boys to an untreated matched control group. 12 boys (group 1) had maximal GH-responses to insulin- and arginine stimulation tests between 4 – 10 ng/ml. At a mean chronological age (CA) of 13.09 ± 1.87 (SD) and a bone age (BA, Greulich-Pyle) of 10.25 ± 1.89 years GH-treatment was started for an average time of 2.44 ± 1.05 years (range 1.17 - 4.08 years). All patients had normal GH-responses following exercise when tested after discontinuation of therapy. Comparison was made to an untreated control group (group 2) matched for BA (10.04 ± 1.80 years) and height at initial visit (136.00 ± 6.17 cm group 1 vs. 135.75 ± 7.86 cm group 2). Height predictions using the Bayley-Pinneau method were similar in group 1 (168.48 ± 9.14 cm) and group 2 (170.09 ± 6.73 cm). Final adult height was 164.15 ± 5.31 cm in group 1 and 168.87 ± 4.66 cm in group 2. We conclude that GH-treatment of transitory partial GH-deficiency does not increase final adult height.
Role of metal-binding domains of the copper pump from Archaeoglobus fulgidus.

Abstract CopA from the extreme thermophile Archaeoglobus fulgidus is a P-type ATPase that transports Cu+ and Ag+ and has individual metal-binding domains (MBDs) at both N- and C-termini. We expressed and purified full-length CopA as well as constructs with MBDs deleted either individually or collectively. Cu+ and Ag+-dependent ATPase assays showed that full-length CopA had submicromolar affinity for both ions, but was inhibited by concentrations above 1 μM. Deletion of both MBDs had no effect on affinity but resulted in loss of this inhibition. Individual deletions implicated the N-terminal MBD in causing the inhibition at concentrations >1 μM. Rates of phosphoenzyme decay indicated that neither the dephosphorylation step, nor the E1P–E2P equilibrium accounted for this inhibition, suggesting the involvement of a different catalytic step. Alternative hypotheses are discussed by which the N-terminal MBD could influence the catalytic activity of CopA.
Coherent transition radiation diagnosis of electron beam microbunching

Abstract The action of the free-electron laser instability (FEL) on an electron beam produces a longitudinal density modulation with a periodicity near the resonant radiation wavelength. This modulation, which can produce femtosecond or shorter microbunches inside of a macroscopic picosecond electron pulse, has been proposed for use as a prebunching injector for both higher harmonic FELs and short wavelength accelerators. Standard methods involving streak cameras or beam sweeping with dipole mode cavities will certainly fail to provide information about this longitudinal microstructure, however. In this paper we explore the use of coherent transition radiation generated from a foil at the exit of an FEL undulator to diagnose both the longitudinal and transverse electron microbunch structure.
Common Loon (Gavia immer) Nesting Habitat Models for North-Central Minnesota Lakes

Abstract. Shoreline attributes and extensive field surveys of aquatic vegetation and animal presence were used to determine probabilities of Common Loon (Gavia immer) nesting for segments of lakeshore on 35 lakes in north-central Minnesota. Model development used both a general linear mixed model and random forest classifier approach. The resulting nesting habitat models were used to predict nesting sites for a small set of independent lakes. Shoreline segments with low mean fetch and littoral slope, fewer developed shoreline parcels, and higher aquatic plant richness had higher probabilities of nesting. In addition, significantly more nesting sites were on islands than on mainland shoreline segments. The locations of predicted nesting sites on the independent lake set compared favorably to the locations of observed nests. The ability to predict suitable Common Loon nesting sites should lead to the greater protection or restoration of these valuable areas and enhance conservation efforts across the state.
Effects of doubling the portion size of fruit and vegetable side dishes on children's intake at a meal.

Increasing the portion size of energy-dense entrees has been shown to increase children's energy intake during a meal. It remains to be investigated whether serving larger portions to children can be used to promote intake of more healthful foods, such as fruits and vegetables (F&V). The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of increasing the portion size of F&V side dishes on children's intake. Forty-three children (22 boys, 21 girls), aged 5–6 years, were served dinner once a week for 2 weeks. Each dinner consisted of pasta with tomato sauce, three F&V side dishes (broccoli, carrots, and applesauce), and milk. The portion size of the F&V was doubled between experimental conditions whereas the size of the pasta remained constant. Doubling the portion size of the side dishes resulted in a 43% increase in children's intake of the fruit side dish (P = 0.001), but did not affect children's intake of the two vegetable side dishes (P > 0.60). Further, when the portion size of F&V side dishes was doubled, children ate significantly less of the pasta (P = 0.04). The difference in meal energy intake between portion size conditions (19.5 ± 16.3 kcal) was not significant (P = 0.24). Although more studies are needed to understand whether increases in portion size can influence vegetable intake, children did eat more in response to a large quantity of a preferred low energy-dense fruit side dish at meals. Thus variations in portion size can be used strategically to help children achieve the recommended intake of fruits.
Nonlithographic micro- and nanopatterning of TiO2 using polymer stamped molecular templates.

The polymer-on-polymer stamping technique was used to template patterned TiO2 onto polymer thin films. Polystyrene-b-polyvinyl pyridine diblock copolymer (PS-b-PVP) was stamped on a layer-by-layer assembled thin film of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(acrylic acid). After rinsing the surface with a good solvent for the block copolymer, an adsorbed PS-b-PVP monolayer remained on the polyelectrolyte film, resulting in a pattern of alternating hydrophobic and carboxylic acid containing hydrophilic regions. The surface was used as a template for the selective deposition of TiO2 on the multilayer surface, using an acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of (NH4)2TiF6. Using this novel approach, we have successfully demonstrated the patterning of TiO2 film on a polyelectrolyte multilayer. Finally, nanoscale features consisting of 200 nm lines alternating with a 350 nm period was accomplished. This paper represents the first such attempt to create an all-polymer nonlithographic template for the directed deposition of ...
Cross-sectional geometry and morphology of the mandibular symphysis in Middle and Late Pleistocene Homo.

Studies of the evolutionary emergence of the human "chin" have been investigated from a phylogenetic perspective during the later Pleistocene or from a biomechanical perspective across extant primates. Since it was during the Middle and Late Pleistocene that the distinctive human mentum osseum emerged, the relationship between mentum osseum form and resistance to mechanical stress at the mandibular symphysis was examined for forty-two Middle and Late Pleistocene human mandibles. Mentum osseum variation was scored on a five-point ordinal scale (mentum osseum rank). Resistance to bending was represented by second moments of area calculated from symphyseal cross-sections. Relative strength in bending was represented by second moments of area divided by estimated moment arm or beam length. Vertical bending resistance in the coronal plane was maintained across the range of mentum osseum variation within and between later Pleistocene human groups. In contrast, resistance to lateral transverse bending (wishboning) was significantly negatively correlated with the emergence of a protruding mentum osseum. However, Neandertals and early modern humans were equivalent in their abilities to resist this bending regime, while both groups were less resistant in wishboning than earlier archaic humans. In addition, symphyseal inclination, which decreased throughout the later Pleistocene, was highly correlated with mentum osseum rank. Although the overall pattern of differential stasis and change in vertical bending and wishboning resistance at the symphysis is consistent with aspects of the current biomechanical model of the "chin," the decoupling of bending resistance and mentum osseum form in the Late Pleistocene suggests that the evolutionary emergence of the modern human "chin" was at least partly independent of the biomechanical demands placed on the symphysis.
Vacuum filtration and centrifugal dewatering of materials extracted from drainage in refractory plants

With vacuum filtration the following apply: For dewatering the effluent (drainage) residue the concentration of the original suspension should be not less than 700 g/liter. The suction method can be used to dewater only residues based on chamotte dust or mixtures of chamotte and clay (not more than 20%); on the drum vacuum filter even with a mixture of chamotte and clay (not more than 20%) we obtain unsatisfactory results. To dewater suspensions containing chamotte and clay dust it is possible to use vacuum-filters with a residue feed using the overflow method, but such vacuum-filters are not being made by Soviet industry. Vacuum filtration as a method of dewatering residues from drainage contaminated with chamotte and clay is not recommended. Using centrifuging: The residues of the effluents can be dewatered on centrifuges; it is best to dewater residues formed from the coagulation of drainage water than residues formed from noncoagulated drainage. Centrifuging is affected by the nature of the formation of the original material. It is necessary to continue the research into laboratory and production centrifuges.
Beyond Balancing and Bandwagoning: Thailand's Response to China's Rise

Abstract This article examines Thailand's response to China's rise. Contrary to predictions made by power transition theories that states respond to rising powers by balancing against or bandwagoning with them, Thailand has reacted to China's rise with no fundamental change in its alignment posture. Thailand sees little threat but much opportunity in China's rise. Thailand is clearly not balancing; it has taken few measures to enhance its military capability or strengthen its alliance with the United States. This article argues that Thai policy can be classified as bandwagoning only under definitions that cannot be distinguished from foreign policy writ large. The policy implications of these findings are that the United States should not to take access to Thai bases or Thai support for a balancing coalition against China for granted.
Effect of iron oxides on the service life of periclase-spinellide refractories

The conducted tests showed that low-silica periclase-spinellide refractories having an excess iron content in the chromium-containing component are not suitable for use because of their rapid slag-induced chemical corrosion. In continuously operating metallurgical units where splitting of the lining due to the action of the slags is not a decisive factor, it is advisable to use refractories having the optimum content of iron oxides for the formation of a homogeneous spinellide matrix. In units operating cyclically under the most severe conditions (for example, in the ASEA-SKF type installations), the periclase-spinellide products in which the spinellide having the minimum content of iron oxides acts as a fused synthetic chromium-containing component are suitable since they exhibit the best high-temperature thermomechanical properties and stability.
A note on velocity inversion of diffracted waves

Abstract A previously proposed velocity inversion scheme is successfully tested on two synthetic data sets which correctly include diffraction effects.
Left atrial kinetic energy in AL amyloidosis : Can it detect early dysfunction?

In conclusion, re-elevation and retarded recovery of CRP levels were considered to reflect an instability of intramural thrombus or hematoma, defined as enlargement of localized contrast filling, transition to classic dissection, or expansion of hematoma in the aortic wall. In classic dissection, the abnormal behavior of CRP levels could be partly explained by gradual thrombosis in false lumen. The evaluation of CRP levels may serve as a useful marker for early and noninvasive detection of aortic events and for conservative management in patients with acute aortic dissection and intramural hematoma.
Experiments probing fundamental mechanisms of energetic material initiation and ignition

Two fundamental processes associated with shock compression of energetic materials (EM) are initiation and ignition. Initiation occurs just behind a shock front and ignition occurs anywhere from a few nanoseconds to hundreds of nanoseconds later. Experiments are described that probe the fundamental mechanisms of these processes on relevant length and time scales: picosecond vibrational spectroscopy of nanometer thick layers of energetic materials (EM) with laser-driven shock waves, and nanosecond emission spectroscopy of micrometer thick layers of EM using laser-driven flyer plates.
Arctic sea-ice variability revisited

This paper explores spatial and temporal relationships between variations in Arctic sea-ice concentration (summer and winter) and near-surface atmospheric temperature and atmospheric pressure using multivariate statistical techniques. Trend, empirical orthogonal function (EOF) and singular value decomposition (SVD) analyses are used to identify spatial patterns associated with covariances and correlations between these fields. Results show that (1) in winter, the Arctic Oscillation still explains most of the variability in sea-ice concentration from 1979 to 2006; and (2) in summer, a decreasing sea-ice trend centered in the Pacific sector of the Arctic basin is clearly correlated to an Arctic-wide air temperature warming trend. These results demonstrate the applicability of multivariate methods, and in particular SVD analysis, which has not been used in earlier studies for assessment of changes in the Arctic sea-ice cover. Results are consistent with the interpretation that a warming signal has now emerged from the noise in the Arctic sea-ice record during summer. Our analysis indicates that such a signal may also be forthcoming during winter.
Vibrational Spectra of Liquid Crystals VI. Relative Intensities in Raman Spectra of Cholesteric and Nematic Solutions(1)

Abstract The Raman spectra of solutes in cholesteric solvents show differences in relative intensity from those in isotropic liquids. These are discussed in terms of a polarization scrambling model. Similar effects should be seen for solutes in some nematic phases. The intensity perturbations may occur for liquid crystal modes as well as for solute modes.
Evaluation of selectivity changes in HIC systems using a preferential interaction based analysis

It is well established that salt enhances the interaction between solutes (e.g., proteins, displacers) and the weak hydrophobic ligands in hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) and that various salts (e.g., kosmotropes, chaotropes, and neutral) have different effects on protein retention. In this article, the solute affinity in kosmotropic, chaotropic, and neutral mobile phases are compared and the selectivity of solutes in the presence of these salts is examined. Since solute binding in HIC systems is driven by the release of water molecules, the total number of released water molecules in the presence of various types of salts was calculated using the preferential interaction theory. Chromatographic retention times and selectivity reversals of both proteins and displacers were found to be consistent with the total number of released water molecules. Finally, the solute surface hydrophobicity was also found to have a significant effect on its retention in HIC systems.
Effect of continental sources on nitrate concentrations over the Pacific Ocean

ESTIMATES of atmospheric nitrogen budgets, based largely on nitrate measurements, suggest that over half of the reactive nitrogen is derived from anthropogenic sources1. As there are so few data for the oceans it is difficult to assess the impact of continental sources on the marine atmosphere. Here we present data from several years of continuous sampling in a Pacific island network. The lowest concentrations, 0.11μgm−3 (ref. 2), were consistently obtained at three South Pacific stations, where the effect of continental sources is minimal3. By contrast, in the North Pacific, nitrate concentration was about three times greater and was co-seasonal with Asian dust transport, suggesting that much of the nitrate over the North Pacific is derived from continental sources3–5. If we assume that the South Pacific nitrate values are representative of oceanic 'background' sources and that these background values are applicable to the North Pacific, then we conclude that continental sources, which are predominantly anthropogenic1, are responsible for 40–70% of the atmospheric nitrate over this region.
eBat: A Technology-enriched Life Sciences Research Community

We are leveraging Web-based technology to create an online community for Life Science research. Our prototype community for cardiovascular research with live bats, called eBat, consists of local researchers as well as remote collaborators. The eBat project offers scientists and students a remote-controlled microscope for conducting experiments, a message board and a chat system for scheduled as well as spontaneous communication, and an online peer-reviewed manuscript repository. In this paper, we report our observations of the use of the eBat infrastructure by local researchers over a period of six months. Resident researchers quickly adopted the eBat infrastructure. eBat technology has now become an indispensable part of the local research group and is used extensively for coordination, communication, and awareness. eBat complements face-to-face interactions well and has resulted in improved communication amongst lab members. We are currently exploring the extension of eBat technology to include distant researchers in live cardiovascular research experiments. We discuss our initial experiences with adapting the eBat infrastructure for research-at-a-distance and the lessons learned from these initial interactions.
Can Theism Survive Without the Devil

As the title suggests, the thesis of this essay is that any view which would affirm the orthodox concept of a theistic God and yet deny the existence of a devil is inherently untenable; or, alternatively put, that ‘fundamentalism’ (if it may be so called), which affirms the existence of both God and a devil, and atheism, which denies the existence of both, are the only viable options with respect to the question of the theistic God. The support for this conclusion comes from the problem of evil, together with considerations drawn from common sense.
Formation of covalently closed cyclic dimers and catenanes of Escherichia coli phage lambda in the absence of known recombination systems.

Abstract Escherichia coli lysogenic for λ was superinfected with radioactive λ and the covalently closed DNA circles were studied by zonal centrifugation in an alkaline sucrose gradient. A fraction sedimenting more rapidly than monomer circles was observed. By a variety of tests these were shown to be mostly circular dimers; a small fraction of catenated dimers was also seen. Both structures are probably formed by joining of cohesive ends. The possible significance of these structures in genetic recombination is discussed.
Photophysics and Bonding in Neutral Gold(I) Organometallic Complexes with an Extended Aurophilic Supramolecular Structure

This work represents a synergistic experimental/computational study of the molecular spectroscopy and bonding in Au(CO)Cl in solution and the solid state. The luminescence behavior for crystalline solids is similar for Au(CO)Cl and related (RNC)AuCl complexes that likewise stack in infinite chains, and both exhibit orange-red unstructured phosphorescence bands with extremely large Stokes shifts ((15−20) × 103 cm-1). The long aurophilic distances computed for the ground state (∼3.2 A) are contracted in the phosphorescent excited state (∼2.6 A), demonstrating excimeric Au−Au covalent bonds. The spectral data suggest phosphorescent species in which the excimeric Au−Au bonding is extended beyond two adjacent molecules in the solid state. Controlling the concentration in frozen solutions attains phosphorescent bands due to dimeric species for which the emission energies are higher (in the blue region) than those for crystalline solids and are reproduced by ab initio calculations. The spectral findings herein s...
Factors affecting population size and vitality of Hamatocaulis vernicosus (Mitt.) Hedenäs (Calliergonaceae, Musci)

Hamatocaulis vernicosus, a rare moss species, was monitored in 33 fens in the Czech Republic for five to six years. Population size, vitality and trends of population development were recorded. Water chemistry, water level fluctuation, vegetation type and cover, as well as mowing regime were assessed and the effect of these potential predictors on the species populations was examined. Populations of H. vernicosus were affected mainly by the density of vascular plants, the species thrived best in habitats with sparse herb and abundant “brown moss” cover. Other important factors included water table fluctuation and water concentration of iron. Populations were more vital and prospered better in sites with a stable water table and more iron-rich conditions. Dependence of population parameters on other measured characteristics of water chemistry was not detected.
Simple majority voting isn't special

Abstract Simple majority voting is compared with several other representative voting systems with respect to the frequency with which various anomalies occur. Whether strong or weak preferences are used, for each anomaly type simple majority voting yields neither highest nor lowest frequencies.
Vegetation, topography and daily weather influenced burn severity in central Idaho and western Montana forests

Burn severity as inferred from satellite-derived differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) is useful for evaluating fire impacts on ecosystems but the environmental controls on burn severity across large forest fires are both poorly understood and likely to be different than those influencing fire extent. We related dNBR to environmental variables including vegetation, topography, fire danger indices, and daily weather for daily areas burned on 42 large forest fires in central Idaho and western Montana. The 353 fire days we analyzed burned 111,200 ha as part of large fires in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2011. We expected that local “bottom-up” variables like topography and vegetation would influence burn severity, but that our use of daily dNBR and weather data would uncover stronger relationships between the two than previous studies have shown. We found that percent existing vegetation cover had the largest influence on burn severity, while weather variables like fine fuel moisture, relative humidity, and wind...
Anatomic relationships of the human nucleus of the solitary tract in the medulla oblongata: a DiI labeling study

The nucleus of the solitary tract (nTS) is a major site of brainstem control of vital functions (e.g., cardiovascular reflexes and respiration). We examined anatomic relationships of the human nucleus of the solitary tract, using a bidirectional lipophilic fluorescent tracer 1-1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) in 10 postmortem human fetal midgestational medullae oblongatae. Labeling by diffusion of DiI from the nucleus of the solitary tract included: (1) neuropil of all future subdivisions of the nucleus of the solitary tract ipsilateral to the DiI crystal; (2) stellate cells in the caudal raphe at the junction of the nucleus raphe pallidus and the arcuate nucleus at the ventral medullary surface, as well as single fibers along the caudal raphe and the arcuate nucleus; (3) cells and fibers in other medullary areas related to autonomic and respiratory control, including the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, nucleus ambiguus complex/ventral respiratory group, rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM), and medullary reticular formation. The pattern of connections of the nucleus of the solitary tract already established by midgestation in the human fetus is consistent with the pattern previously demonstrated in adult experimental animals. A major finding of the study is that of the stellate cells at the junction of nucleus raphe pallidus and the arcuate nucleus at the ventral medullary surface, which project to the nucleus of the solitary tract, and could be homologous to chemosensitive serotonergic neurons at the midline ventral medullary surface of experimental animals. This connection between the ventral caudal raphe and the nucleus of the solitary tract may participate in chemoreception and central regulation of cardiorespiratory reflexes during human perinatal development; it is, therefore, relevant to the study of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy at the Mayo Clinic Arizona: Follow-up Surveillance of Positive Margin Disease

OBJECTIVES There is no consensus as to the management of positive surgical margins after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). A recent study revealed no evidence of malignancy in radical nephrectomy specimens removed for this reason, pointing out that a positive margin does not always translate to residual disease. We present results from our institution for the first 80 LPN performed with minimum 2 years' follow-up, focusing on patients with malignancy noted to have positive margin on final pathology. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review for patients who had undergone laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for malignancy and a minimal follow-up of 2 years. Patient demographic, operative, and perioperative data were collected. Those cases with positive margins were selected for specific oncologic analysis. RESULTS Of the 80 LPN performed, 50 were performed for malignancy. Mean tumor size was 2.2 cm. Five patients were found to have positive margin for renal cell carcinoma. All five of these masses were excised without hilar clamping using thermal dissection with energy ablation of the tumor bed. All patients underwent surveillance with a mean follow-up of 56.4 months with no recurrences. One patient with a negative surgical margin experienced a metachronous lesion in the contralateral kidney 3 years later. CONCLUSIONS Surveillance in selected patients may be adequate without sacrificing oncologic control. However, long-term follow-up is essential. Hilar clamping may allow optimal visualization for tumor excision and allows excision to be performed without energy, potentially decreasing the rate of true- and false-positive margins.
On partial sliding along a planar crack: the case of a circular sliding zone

A problem of partial sliding along a planar crack with a local drop in frictional resistance is investigated. A sliding zone initiates in the area of reduced friction, and then propagates as the applied shear load is monotonously increased. The problem is formulated in general terms, and then solved for the case when sliding spreads as a penny-shaped zone. Conditions under which the front of the zone stays circular during sliding are analyzed. It is observed that the axisymmetry of the profile of frictional resistance does not necessarily guarantee uniform propagation of sliding in the radial direction. The circular shape becomes the most favorable growth condition only if the shear modes are related in a certain way. The problem is studied based on the criterion of propagation that stress intensity factors(SIFs) for II and III modes vanish on the boundary of the sliding zone. The singular integrals in expressions for the SIFs are reduced to non-singular ones. Analytical solutions are derived for a number of special cases where the radius of the sliding zone is related to the applied shear load.
Coordination dimers constructed from metal(II) halides and the organic ligand 1,2-dimethoxy- 4,5-bis(2-pyridylethynyl)benzene

A series of new coordination compounds has been synthesized using the organic ligand 1,2-dimethoxy-4,5-bis(2-pyridylethynyl)benzene (dmpeb). The compounds all form dimers consisting of two metal cations bridged by two ligand molecules. Charge balance is provided by halide ligands, and the four-coordinate metal centers are distorted from the ideal tetrahedral environment. [CoCl2(dmpeb)]2 (1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with a = 8.5272(6) A, b = 18.3653(13) A, c = 13.3493(9) A, β = 103.574(2)∘, V = 2032.2(2) A3, Z = 2. [ZnCl2(dmpeb)]2 (2) is isostructural to 1 and has the cell parameters a = 8.5495(4) A, b = 18.4049(8) A, c = 13.3692(6) A, β = 103.4460(10)∘, V = 2046.01(16) A3, Z = 2. [ZnBr2(dmpeb)]2 (3) is also isostructural to 1 with a = 8.7882(5) A, b = 18.7260(12) A, c = 13.3857(8) A, β = 102.5990(10)∘, V = 2149.8(2) A3, Z = 2. Additionally, the compounds [ZnI2(dmpeb)]2 (4, cell parameters: a = 8.9650(5) A, b = 19.1251(10) A, c = 13.4160(7) A, β = 101.1660(10)∘, V = 2256.7(2) A3, Z = 2), [HgCl2(dmpeb)]2 (5, cell parameters: a = 8.8457(7) A, b = 18.4030(15) A, c = 13.3711(11) A, β = 104.246(2)∘, V = 2109.7(3) A3, Z = 2), and [HgBr2(dmpeb)]2 (6, cell parameters: a = 9.0576(5) A, b = 18.8634(11) A, c = 13.4535(8) A, β = 102.9780(10)∘, V = 2239.9(2) A3, Z = 2) are also isostructural to 1. A seventh dimeric compound, [HgI2(dmpeb)]2, not isostructural to the others was also characterized by X-ray crystallography. [HgI2(dmpeb)]2 (7) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 with a = 8.8028(5) A, b = 12.0990(7) A, c = 12.4082(7) A, α = 109.7240(10)∘, β = 107.3680(10)∘, γ = 93.0880(10)∘, V = 1169.57(12) A3, Z = 1.