cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Variable Stiffness PZT Actuator Having Tunable Resonant Frequencies

A new approach to a variable stiffness actuator with tunable resonant frequencies is presented in this paper. Variable stiffness actuators have become increasingly important to meet safety requirements and achieve adaptive manipulation or locomotion. For cyclic motion, exploiting dynamic resonance can lead to high power transmission, high energy efficiency, and large motion amplitude. Resonance and variable stiffness characteristics have yet to be incorporated into a single actuator design. In this paper, a cellular artificial muscle actuator that achieves both variable stiffness and variable resonance capabilities is presented. The design is based on piezoelectric stack actuators. First, the principle of variable stiffness and variable resonant frequencies is described. The static and dynamic performance are then quantified with theoretical models. Theoretical analysis reveals that the proposed actuator can be tuned over a broad range of resonant frequencies by selectively turning specific units on or off. Initial prototypes are tested experimentally and exhibit 15% static strain, over 300% static stiffness tunability, and over 100% dynamic resonance tunability.
Simulation of MOSFET lifetime under AC hot-electron stress

A substrate current model and a quasistatic hot-electron-induced MOSFET degradation model have been implemented using the Substrate Current And Lifetime Evaluator (SCALE) package. It is shown that quasistatic simulation is valid for a class of waveforms that includes those encountered in inverter-based logic circuits. The validity and limitations of the model are illustrated with experimental results. SCALE is linked to SPICE externally in a pre- and postprocessor fashion to form an independent simulator. The preprocessor interprets the input deck and requests SPICE to output the transient node voltages of the user-selected devices. The postprocessor then calculates the transient substrate current and makes a lifetime prediction. >
Methods for Detecting Botulinum Toxin with Applicability to Screening Foods Against Biological Terrorist Attacks

Seven serologically related, but antigenically different, botulinum toxins (BoNTs) have been identified including types A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. The bacterium Clostridium botulinum along with some strains of Clostridium baratti and Clostridium butyricum are known to produce botulinum toxins responsible for 4 forms of botulism poisoning including food-borne botulism, inhalation botulism, wound botulism, and infant botulism. Botulism toxins consist of a heavy chain (100 kDa), responsible for binding to target cells, and a light chain (50 kDa) responsible for catalytic protein cleaving activity. Light chain has been identified as a zinc endopeptidase that cleaves proteins forming the synaptic vesicle docking and fusion complex (Simpson 1996; Lacy and Stevens 1997). The standard for detection of BoNT toxins is the mouse bioassay, which is able to detect as little as 0.02 ng of toxin. Strengths of the mouse bioassay include conceptual simplicity and sensitivity. While the non-selectivity of the mouse bioassay enables it to detect any BoNT serotype, additional neutralization assays are necessary to determine serotype. Other limitations of the mouse bioassay include expense, expertise related to maintaining mouse-rearing facilities, and time, because as much as 4 d may be required to obtain results (Hallis and others 1996; Witcome and others 1999). Several attempts to replace the mouse bioassay have been made. Methods that have been developed and hold promise for future replacement of the mouse bioassay include mass spectroscopy, immunoassays, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, and assays based upon protease activities of BoNTs. Currently, no single assay appears to be capable of replacing the broadly applicable mouse bioassay.
NMDA-receptor activation increases cytoplasmic calcium concentration in cultured spinal cord neurones

Excitatory amino acids act via receptor subtypes in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). The receptor selectively activated by N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) has been best characterized using voltage-clamp and single-channel recording; the results suggest that NMDA receptors gate channels that are permeable to Na+, K+ and other monovalent cations. Various experiments suggest that Ca2+ flux is also associated with the activation of excitatory amino-acid receptors on vertebrate neurones. Whether Ca2+ enters through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels or through excitatory amino-acid-activated channels of one or more subtype is unclear. Mg2+ can be used to distinguish NMDA-receptor-activated channels from voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, because at micromolar concentrations Mg2+ has little effect on voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels while it enters and blocks NMDA receptor channels. Marked differences in the potency of other divalent cations acting as Ca2+ channel blockers compared with their action as NMDA antagonists also distinguish the NMDA channel from voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. However, we now directly demonstrate that excitatory amino acids acting at NMDA receptors on spinal cord neurones increase the intracellular Ca2+ activity, measured using the indicator dye arsenazo III, and that this is the result of Ca2+ influx through NMDA receptor channels. Kainic acid (KA), which acts at another subtype of excitatory amino-acid receptor, was much less effective in triggering increases in intracellular free Ca2+.
Design considerations for subsidence control

Subsidence planning and control must be an integral part of mine design in order to minimize the economic impact of underground mining on the surface. Precalculation of surface deformations which may cause damage to surface structures must be performed and damage criteria must be established, if the response of structures to such movements is to be determined and the extent of damages to be assessed. In this paper the Surface Deformation Prediction System (SDPS), which can be used to predict accurately the vertical and horizontal parameters of surface movements due to underground mining, is discussed. The Subsidence Response Modelling Program (SRMP), which can be applied to evaluate the response of buildings to subsidence-induced movements, is also reviewed. Finally, an example is presented demonstrating the applicability of these techniques for subsidence design and control.
Cytological assay of c-mitotic and prophase poison actions

1. ThePisum test was used in an endeavor to set up cytological criteria for c-mitotic and prophase poison actions on a qualitative and quantitative basis. Colchicine was chosen as the standard type c-mitotic agent, and actidione as the standard type prophase poison. 2. The effects of colchicine and actidione as reported by previous investigators were confirmed. By assigning weights to the configurations obtained with colchicine, and by measuring the change in the ratio of configurations and the configurations themselves plus a combination of the two in the case of the actidione, a linear relationship between time and dose is obtained. 3. A series of cytological characteristics are suggested which a drug or chemical should satisfy to fall within the classification of a c-mitotic agent or a prophase poison. 4. The possible involvement of the nuclear membrane and/or wall in prophase poison action is suggested. 5. The fact that c-mitotic reactions and prophase poison actions are clearly and distinctly separable reactions is re-emphasized.
Lower bone mass detected at femoral neck and lumbar spine in lower-weight vs normal-weight small-boned women.

Abstract Sixty-one nonsmoking, healthy, young, menstruating women aged 18 to 30 years generally considered at peak skeletal bone mass were screened for diseases and drugs known to adversely affect bone mineral density (BMD). Anthropometric measures, BMD of the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN), exercise time, selected nutrient, and energy intake were compared. The women were categorized by frame size and body mass index (BMI), with the upper range for normal weight (NW) being BMI 23.0 to 25.9 (n=30) and lower weight (LW) being BMI 16.0-19.9 (n=31). Multivariate t tests, Pearson correlations, and independent sample t tests were used for statistical analysis. Ten of 21 in the LW group, all with small frames, had varying degrees of low BMD of the LS and/or FN. The amount of exercise time was greater in the NW group. Energy and nutrient intakes did not differ significantly between groups. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103:742-744.
A method for studying immunoglobulin synthesis by gingival cells

A method was developed for the culture and the measurement of immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis by the relatively small numbers of mononuclear cells recoverable from periodontal disease tissues. In this system, we demonstrated that mononuclear cells actively synthesize Ig, remain viable and proliferate. The sensitivity of the quantitative Biotin-Avidin enzyme linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) procedure developed was tenfold greater than the conventional ELISA for IgG, IgM and IgA measurement. Studies of Ig synthesis by varying cell numbers indicated that 25,000 cells synthesized at least as much IgG, IgA and IgM as any higher number of cells (50-500,000) tested. Varying the numbers of cells cultured also did not alter the kinetics of Ig synthesis in this system. The composition of the gingival mononuclear cells was studied. These cells consisted of approximately 21% T4 positive cells, 20% T8 positive cells, 42% Ig-positive cells and 6% adherent, NSE-positive cells. Ig synthesis by gingival and PB cells in the presence and absence of mitogen was used as an indicator of functional capability of the resident population derived from diseased periodontal tissues.
The risk of stroke in young adults: An analysis of the contribution of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption

A case-control study of stroke in young adults, 15–40 years of age, was undertaken to determine the relative risk due to cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Cases were selected from four community hospitals in northern Illinois and consisted of 54 stroke patients admitted between 1975 and 1983 without previous record of hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disorders. Cases were frequency matched to 864 community controls for a case-control ratio of 1:16. Among females, cigarette smoking was associated with an approximate four-fold increase in the risk of stroke (OR = 4.30; 95% CI = 1.99−9.27). There was strong interaction between smoking and oral contraceptive use, and females who smoked and used oral contraceptives were 17–18 times more likely to suffer a stroke than those who did neither. Overall, approximately 37% of the incidence of stroke in females could be attributed to cigarette smoking, after adjustment for oral contraceptive use. Cigarette smoking was not significantly associated with stroke in males (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 0.48−2.74). The relationship of alcohol consumption to stroke in young adults was not clear. Overall, drinkers were 1.5 times more likely than nondrinkers to have had a stroke, after adjusting for smoking status, but the association was not statistically significant (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 0.82−2.80).
A platform of deep ecology

What is the movement known as ‘deep ecology’? A point form summary of some of its more basic intuitions is presented, followed by some suggestions on how these basic beliefs can be elaborated and put into action. Basic references in the field are listed.
A Method of Concentrating Ripened Cheese Volatiles for Gas Chromatography

Summary A method has been developed for concentrating the volatile organic compounds in ripened cheese for gas chromatographic analysis. The method consists of a rapid, room temperature churning of a cheese slurry and centrifugation of the resulting heated butter. The dry aromatic oil which is obtained is subjected to high vacuum distillation and the distillates are fractionated. With fully mature Blue Cheese, an organic layer separates from the distillate and is easily isolated and dried. With Cheddar Cheese and immature Blue Cheese, the distillates are extracted with ether and the extract evaporated in the presence of a small amount of high-boiling solvent, benzyl alcohol, which acts as a carrier for the volatiles to be analyzed.
A π-Stacking Terthiophene-Based Quinodimethane Is an n-Channel Conductor in a Thin Film Transistor

A terthiophene-based quinodimethane, 3‘,4‘-dibutyl-5,5‘ ‘-bis(dicyanomethylene)-5,5‘ ‘-dihydro-2,2‘:5‘,2‘ ‘-terthiophene (1) was synthesized and crystallized. Compound 1 has a planar quinoid geometry that is stabilized by dicyanomethylene groups at each end of the molecule. In the crystal each molecule is part of a dimerized face-to-face π-stack, with intermolecular spacings of 3.47 and 3.63 A, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry showed that 1 could be reversibly reduced and oxidized in methylene chloride solution. Thin film transistors (TFTs) were prepared by vacuum evaporation of 1 onto SiO2(300 nm)/Si substrates, followed by evaporation of Ag source and drain contacts. The doped Si substrate served as the gate electrode. X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy indicate the films are polycrystalline, with the long axes of the molecules approximately perpendicular to the substrate. The TFT measurements revealed n-channel conduction in films of 1, with room-temperature electron field effect mobilities ...
Effect of floral orifice width and shape on hummingbird-flower interactions

Nectar guides are common among insect-pollinated plants, yet are thought to be rare or absent among hummingbird-pollinated plants. We hypothesize that the lower lips and trumpet-shaped orifices of many hummingbird flowers act as nectar guides to direct hummingbirds to the flowers' nectar and orient the birds for pollination. To test this hypothesis we conducted laboratory experiments using flowers of Monarda didyma (bee balm) and M. fistulosa (wild bergamot), which have orifice widths of about 4 mm and 2 mm, respectively, and latex flowers with orifice widths of 4 mm and 2 mm and three orifice shapes (trumpet, lipped, and lipless). Rubythroated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) made fewer errors during bill insertion and spent a smaller proportion of their feeding visit in error at M. didyma flowers than at M. fistulosa flowers, and at unaltered flowers of both species than at flowers with lower lips removed. Handling times were longer at both lipped and lipless flowers of M. didyma than at those of M. fistulosa, and at lipped than at lipless flowers of M. didyma. The average duration of contact between a hummingbird and a flower's anthers and stigma was longer at M. didyma than at M. fistulosa for both lipped and lipless flowers, and at lipped than at lipless M. didyma flowers. Hummingbirds missed the openings of latex flowers with their bills more frequently and spent a greater percentage of their total feeding visit in error at (i) 2-mm than at 4-mm flowers of all three shapes, (ii) lipless flowers than at trumpet or lipped flowers, and (iii) lipped flowers than at trumpet flowers of both widths. The duration of hummingbird/anther contact was longer at (i) 2-mm than at 4-mm flowers of all shapes, (ii) lipped than at trumpet or lipless flowers, and (iii) lipless than at trumpet flowers for both widths. No significant differences in handling times of hummingbirds were observed among any of the latex flower shapes or widths. Our results demonstrate that orifice shapes can act as guides by reducing the frequency of feeding errors by visiting hummingbirds, and that effects of orifice shape on pollination must be considered in conjunction with flower widths and locations of anthers and stigmas.
Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Project No. 242. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the marginal fit of cast ceramic, porcelain-shoulder, and cast metal full crown margins

Abstract The primary objective of Veterans Administration Cooperative Studies Program No. 242 was to evaluate, in vitro and in vivo, the suitability of new dental materials and techniques used in making crowns and fixed partial dentures. Because inaccurate margins can lead to changes in the periodontal tissues and/or to recurrent caries, it is important to assess the accuracy of margins resulting from the use of new, improved materials or techniques. This segment of the project compared the marginal fit associated with the use of Dicor Crowns, Cerestore crowns, and porcelain-shoulder metal ceramic full coverage restorations using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Statistically significant differences were found among these materials following analysis of the quantitative data. The ranking in mean marginal opening from smallest to largest was: metal margins (27.5 μm), Dicor crowns (63.5 μm), porcelain shoulder restorations (66 μm), and Cerestore crowns (75 μm). The rank order based on the qualitative evaluation method was the same.
Adenovirus type 5 intrinsic adsorption rates measured by surface plasmon resonance.

Abstract Intrinsic adsorption rates of whole adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) onto a diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) anion exchange surface are measured for the first time by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Fitting SPR sensorgrams to a two-compartment mass transport reaction model distinguishes intrinsic adsorption rates from slow diffusive Ad5 mass transport. Ad5 is a widely used viral vector for gene therapy that binds electrostatically to surfaces of cells and synthetics such as membranes, chromatographic resins, and glass. Increasing NaCl concentration from 4.8 to 14.4 mM shifts binding of whole Ad5 from diffusion control to a regime where both sorption and diffusion affect binding. Intrinsic adsorption rates for Ad5–DEAE interaction are 16 times faster than intrinsic adsorption rates for Ad5 fiber knob interacting with soluble extracellular domain of coxsackievirus adenovirus receptors (s-CAR).
Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone affect the endogenous release of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone and the ovarian secretion of inhibin in rats.

FSH-inhibiting activity (FSH-IA) has been demonstrated in ovarian vein plasma (OVP) of cyclic rats, and such activity varies inversely with plasma FSH concentrations. Since FSH-IA rapidly declines in OVP during proestrous preovulatory LH and FSH surges, it is possible that these gonadotropins may affect the ovarian secretion of such material. The present study has examined the parallel changes produced in endogenous plasma FSH concentrations at 0900 h on estrus concomitant with alterations in OVP FSH-IA after the iv pulse injection of phosphate-buffered saline, 0.4 or 1.0 μg highly purified rat FSH, or 8.0 μg highly purified rat LH into phenobarbital-blocked proestrous rats. Phenobarbital administration on proestrus (1245 h) effectively blocked the spontaneous release of LH and FSH that afternoon. At 0900 h on estrus, plasma FSH levels in salinetreated proestrous control rats were elevated above values at 1400 h on proestrus, whereas they were basal in rats previously injected with phenobarbital. The puls...
MRI findings of bilateral proximal radial physeal injury in a gymnast

Recent advances in imaging techniques shed light on anatomical variants considered normal historically in medical literature. We present an 11-year-old gymnast with unilateral left elbow pain and unusual symmetrical radiographic findings of both elbows that initially raised the question of normal variant cleft epiphysis of the proximal radius. Further imaging with MRI demonstrated bilateral elbow injury that is likely repetitive and chronic rather than an anatomical variant. Post-treatment MRI showed improved changes with rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These findings emphasize the need for vigilance and further investigation when diagnosing a normal variant, particularly in an athlete.
Density matrices for states in the lowest Landau level of a two-dimensional electron gas

We show that possible forms for the density matrices of states of a two-dimensional electron gas (2D EG) are profoundly limited when the electrons are constrained to lie in the lowest Landau level. In particular for any number of particles the matrices may be expressed in terms of their diagonal elements in a position representation. The simplification which is known to occur for Hartree-Fock calculations in a single Landau level of the 2D EG is a specific consequence of this general property.
Elastic interaction stresses: parti. the influence of bicrystal size on stresses in [213] Iso-Axial 70-30 alpha-brass bicrystals

The shear and normal strains which are created around the circumference of a [213] 70-30 alpha brass single crystal were determined. Bicrystal orientations were then selected which would maximize incompatibility parallel to and normal to the bicrystal boundary. Finite element method (FEM) analysis was carried out to determine the distribution of resolved shear stress for a given elastic strain on each of the 12 possible slip systems, and the slip systems with the highest total resolved shear stress were determined. From these data the volume fraction of the bicrystal in which an enhanced grain boundary resolved shear stress zone existed was ascertained. The greatest enhancement of resolved shear stress at the grain boundary, σgb, occurred for shear incompatibility parallel to the bicrystal boundary. Similarly, largest volume fractions of enhanced grain boundary resolved shear stress zones,V gb, were found for this incompatibility. The effects of changes in bicrystal size normal and parallel to the grain boundary on both σgb andV gb were ascertained. Both σgb andV gb pass through a maximum as dimensions normal and parallel to the boundary were changed. Values of σgb at the surface were found to be both higher and lower than σgi, at the interior depending on which bicrystal component is considered.V gb at the interior was found to be much larger thanV gb at the surface. Application of these results to polycrystalline yielding is discussed.
OF ASPHALT FRACTIONS OBTAINED BY SUPERCRITICAL AND SOLVENT EXTRACTION

ABSTRACT Supercritical extraction with n-pentane was used to separate asphalt into distinct fractions having different physical and compositional properties. A pilot-scale supercritical unit capable of processing thirty kilograms of asphalt per day was designed and fabricated specifically for asphalt fractionation. The operation and design of the unit is similar to the ROSE (Residuum Oil Supercritical Extraction) process of Keer-McGee. This unit was used to separate asphalt into five different fractions ranging from soft greases to asphaltene-like solids. Supplemental room-temperature solvent fractionation of the hardest of these five using binary pentane/cyclohexane mixtures produces, a total of eight fractions. A variety of analyses provide chemical and physical ctauracterization of the fractions. These include: (1) Corbett Fractionation, (2) FT-IR spectroscopy, (3) size exclusion chromatography, (4) nickel and vanadium atomic absorption, and (5) viscosity
Density and temperature dependence of carrier dynamics in self-organized InGaAs quantum dots

We have used two- and three-pulse femtosecond differential transmission spectroscopy to study the dependence of quantum dot carrier dynamics on temperature. At low temperatures and densities, the rates for relaxation between the quantum dot confined states and for capture from the barrier region into the various dot levels could be directly determined. For electron–hole pairs generated directly in the quantum dot excited state, relaxation is dominated by electron–hole scattering, and occurs on a 5 ps time scale. Capture times from the barrier into the quantum dot are of the order of 2 ps (into the excited state) and 10 ps (into the ground state). The phonon bottleneck was clearly observed in low-density capture experiments, and the conditions for its observation (namely, the suppression of electron–hole scattering for nongeminately captured electrons) were determined. As temperature increases beyond about 100 K, the dynamics become dominated by the re-emission of carriers from the lower dot levels, due to the large density of states in the wetting layer and barrier region. Measurements of the gain dynamics show fast (130 fs) gain recovery due to intradot carrier–carrier scattering, and picosecond-scale capture. Direct measurement of the transparency density versus temperature shows the dramatic effect of carrier re-emission for the quantum dots on thermally activated scattering. The carrier dynamics at elevated temperature are thus strongly dominated by the high density of the high energy continuum states relative to the dot confined levels. Deleterious hot carrier effects can be suppressed in quantum dot lasers by resonant tunnelling injection.
Endophthalmitis: an unusual presentation of bacteremia.

Abstract Life-threatening diseases can present in benign ways. In this study, a case of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis, associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, is presented. The patient's only presenting complaint was pain and redness in his left eye. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with an infected pacemaker wire. He did well after treatment with appropriate antibiotics and removal of the infected pacemaker. Endophthalmitis is an unusual complication of systemic bacterial infections with severe consequences if left unrecognized. Patients at high risk for bacteremia (ie, intravenous drug users and hemodialysis patients) who present with ocular complaints should have a thorough funduscopic examination to rule out endophthalmitis. Delay of diagnosis and inappropriate antibiotics are associated with poor outcomes, such as blindness.
MICROINJECTION OF CLONED SV40 DNA FRAGMENTS IN THE STUDY OF CELL PROLIFERATION

DNA recombinant technology and the manual microinjection technique were used to study the base sequences in the SV40 early gene coding for cell DNA replication and nucleolar activation. Sequences critical for rRNA gene activation are located between nucleotides 3826 to 3506 (0.39-0.33 m.u.). Base sequences from nucleotide 4350 to 4190 (0.49-0.46 m.u.) are required for cellular DNA replication. Major T antigen determinant is coded by a sequence extending from nucleotide 4190 to 3880 (0.46-0.42 m.u.). Considering that an increase in cell size is regularly accompanied by an increase in the cellular amount of rRNA, nucleolar genes should be a target for growth-in-size signals. Therefore, the SV40 early gene presents a domain responsible for cell growth in size, and another separate but proximate region coding for cellular DNA replication.
Making sense of qualitative geometry: The case of Amanda

Abstract This article presents a case study of a seven-year-old girl named Amanda who participated in an eighteen-week teaching experiment I conducted in order to model the development of her intuitive and informal topological ideas. I designed a new dynamic geometry environment that I used in each of the episodes of the teaching experiment to elicit these conceptions and further support their development. As the study progressed, I found that Amanda developed significant and authentic forms of geometric reasoning. It is these newly identified forms of reasoning, which I refer to as “qualitative geometry,” that have implications for the teaching and learning of geometry and for research into students’ mathematical reasoning.
Numerical implementation of the variational formulation for quasi-static brittle fracture

This paper presents the analysis and implementation of the variational formulation of quasi-static brittle fracture mechanics proposed by G. A. Francfort and J.-J. Marigo in 1998. We briefly present the model itself, and its variational approximation in the sense of -convergence. We propose a numerical algorithm based on Alternate Minimizations and prove its convergence under restrictive assumptions. We establish a new necessary condition for optimality for the entire time evolution from which we derive the Backtracking algorithm. We give some elements of analysis of the Backtracking algorithm on a simple problem. We present realistic numerical simulations of a traction experiment on a fiber-reinforced matrix, and of the propagation of cracks in a perforated sample under mode-I loading.
Parallel processing for implicit solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations

An implicit scheme employing superposition of two (three) one-dimensional solutions in two (three) dimensions is proposed for the solution of Navier-Stokes equations is proposed. Boundary conditions are implemented in the discrete governing equations before the super position takes place, hence no boundary conditions are needed for the one-dimensional solutions. Details of the method as well as numerical confirmation of the analytical developments are discussed. 9 refs.
Molecular Detection of PPARγ Rearrangements and Thyroid Carcinoma in Preoperative Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsies

The pathologic diagnosis of thyroid follicular tumors is difficult, particularly in preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsies. To investigate whether the molecular diagnosis of PPARγ rearrangements can detect thyroid carcinomas in fine-needle aspiration biopsies, we performed interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization on 24 thyroid fine-needle aspiration and 17 follow-up thyroidectomy specimens. Two of the 24 fine-needle aspiration biopsies contained PPARγ rearrangements, and both were diagnosed suggestive of a thyroid follicular neoplasm by cytology. The two corresponding thyroidectomies each contained PPARγ rearrangements in all tumor cells and, both were diagnosed follicular-patterned thyroid carcinomas—one a follicular carcinoma and the other a follicular variant of papillary carcinoma, the latter by majority of expert endocrine pathologists. Our experiments demonstrate that PPARγ rearrangements can detect a subset of follicular-patterned thyroid carcinomas in preoperative thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsies. The ultimate utility of mutations such as PPARγ rearrangements in diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma must be proven by direct correlation of mutation status with thyroid tumor biology and not just with thyroid tumor morphology, a subjective and imprecise marker of clinical behavior. The application of specific mutations to preoperative diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma is predicted to improve the accuracy and reduce the costs of treating patients with thyroid tumors.
Methods for Quantifying Variability and Uncertainty in AP-42 Emission Factors: Case Studies for Natural Gas-Fueled Engines

Abstract Quantitative methods for characterizing variability and uncertainty were applied to case studies of oxides of nitrogen and total organic carbon emission factors for lean-burn natural gas-fueled internal combustion engines. Parametric probability distributions were fit to represent inter-engine variability in specific emission factors. Bootstrap simulation was used to quantify uncertainty in the fitted cumulative distribution function and in the mean emission factor. Some methodological challenges were encountered in analyzing the data. For example, in one instance, five data points were available, with each data point representing a different market share. Therefore, an approach was developed in which parametric distributions were fitted to population-weighted data. The uncertainty in mean emission factors ranges from as little as ~±10% to as much as -90 to 21+180%. The wide range of uncertainty in some emission factors emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accounting for uncertainty in em...
Patterns of Indian Ocean sea-level change in a warming climate

Sea-level rise is not globally uniform. A combination of observations and climate-model simulations reveals a pattern of sea-level changes in the Indian Ocean, with a decrease in the southern tropical Indian Ocean and a rise elsewhere, that can be attributed to changes in the atmospheric overturning circulation. Global sea level has risen during the past decades as a result of thermal expansion of the warming ocean and freshwater addition from melting continental ice1. However, sea-level rise is not globally uniform1,2,3,4,5. Regional sea levels can be affected by changes in atmospheric or oceanic circulation. As long-term observational records are scarce, regional changes in sea level in the Indian Ocean are poorly constrained. Yet estimates of future sea-level changes are essential for effective risk assessment2. Here we combine in situ and satellite observations of Indian Ocean sea level with climate-model simulations, to identify a distinct spatial pattern of sea-level rise since the 1960s. We find that sea level has decreased substantially in the south tropical Indian Ocean whereas it has increased elsewhere. This pattern is driven by changing surface winds associated with a combined invigoration of the Indian Ocean Hadley and Walker cells, patterns of atmospheric overturning circulation in the north–south and east–west direction, respectively, which is partly attributable to rising levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases. We conclude that—if ongoing anthropogenic warming dominates natural variability—the pattern we detected is likely to persist and to increase the environmental stress on some coasts and islands in the Indian Ocean.
A NORMATIVE THEORY OF REPARATIONS IN TRANSITIONAL DEMOCRACIES

: This essay outlines a normative theory of reparations for transitional democracies. The article situates the theory within current critical-theory debates on recognition and redistribution, and it argues that any model of reparations should aim to achieve what Nancy Fraser calls “status parity.” Such a model should be conceptualized according to a typology of acknowledgment along one axis (symbolic and material) and a typology of recipients (individual and collective) along the other. I conclude by identifying several key contributions that reparations can make to transitional societies.
Anti‐incontinence surgery in females with detrusor instability

Fifty-eight females with clinical stress or stress and urge incontinence were evaluated urodynamically and treated surgically. Forty-six females (group A) presented with a stable detrusor or low-pressure instability (below 25 cm of water), and 12 (group B) had high-pressure instability (above 25 cm of water). Overall surgical results were worse in group B. Analyzing the urodynamic and surgical results, detrusor pressure recording may have surgical predictive value.
Evidence for amylase in avian salivary glands

Four glands of the house sparrow, chicken and turkey were examined histologically and for their content of amylase. These were the external and intermediate mandibular glands, the maxillary gland and glandula anguli oris of the sparrow and the anterior and posterior mandibular, maxillary and anguli oris glands of the chicken and turkey. Amylase was determined by a starch substrate slide method and by biochemical assay. General morphology and mucopolysaccharide staining are described. All four glands of the sparrow demonstrated significant amylolytic activity by the assay. In the external mandibular and anguli oris glands this activity could be traced to mucous and seromucous cells of origin by means of the starch substrate slide procedure. None of the glands of the chicken or turkey displayed significant amylolytic activity.
Improved renormalization group equations with dimensional regularization and the ε expansions

Abstract Due to the absence of dimensional cut-off parameters in the dimensional regularization scheme, vanishing of the renormalized mass of the scalar boson implies vanishing of its renormalized mass; thus the masses of both bosons and fermions in renormalizable field theories can be made finite by multiplicative mass renormalizations. The improved renormalization group equations in D dimensions are derived in such a way that both the large (or the small) momentum limits and the Wilson ϵ expansions can be uniformly treated for the fermion as well as the boson cases. We discuss the improved equations for φ 6 3 theory, φ 4 4 theory, quantumelectrodynamics, massive vector-gluon model, and non-Abelian guage theories incorporating fermions. For the latter three classes of theories, the gauge dependent problem of the coefficient functions in the improved renormalization group equations is discussed.
Integration and cooperation of Army logistics simulations, for multiphased military deployments

Military deployment planners and analysts must consider the constraints, options, and available infrastructure of a network of installations and ports, from the beginning of the transportation system in the United States to the end of the deployment in the host country. Argonne National Laboratory developed a suite of models that simulate and visualize these deployments. There are discrete event simulations (the Enhanced Logistics Intra-theater Support Tool, the Transportation System Capability model, and the Port Simulation model) as well as several data editing and visualization tools. This paper presents the models, and discusses how they interact and leverage their shared data and technologies, to facilitate deployment analysis.
Tris(bis(trimethylsilyl)amido)samarium: X-ray structure and DFT study.

The compound Sm[N(SiMe3)2]3 has been investigated experimentally by X-ray crystallography and computationally by DFT methods. The structure is analogous to that of other tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)amido]lanthanides, featuring positional disorder of the metal atom above and below the plane defined by the three N donor atoms, resulting in a trigonal pyramidal configuration. One of the methyl groups of each amido ligand is placed above the apex of the pyramid at close distance to the metal center suggesting the presence of agostic interactions. The DFT calculations have been carried out on the real molecule and on a Si[N(SiH3)(SiH2Me)]3 model where the unique Me group was placed above the apex of the pyramid to probe the agostic interaction. In both cases, the optimized geometry reproduces very well the experimental structure and indicates the presence of β-Si−C agostic interactions. A comparison of the optimized geometries obtained in the presence/absence of the Sm d and the Si d orbitals serves to illustrate ...
The Lopsided Continent: Inequality in Latin America

▪ Abstract Latin America has the most unbalanced distribution of resources of all regions in the world. This review defines a set of common elements characterizing social structures on that continent, suggests some lines for analysis and theorizing, and supports the integration of regional studies into broader discussions of stratification. We begin with an overview of the situation on the continent as a whole, including a short discussion of the relationship between poverty and inequality, where we also address some concerns with data availability. We then devote a section each to class, gender, and race. We conclude by identifying three critical factors that explain Latin American inequality: its position within a global economic system, internal colonialism with maintenance of racial categories, and the underdevelopment of state structures.
La integracion social y economica de los inmigrantes españoles en Brasil

La gran ola de migraciones europeas y asiaticas que siguio a la abolicion de la esclavitud en 1888 llevo hasta Brasil a unos cinco millones de inmigrantes nacidos en el extranjero. En este masivo movimiento migratorio, los inmigrantes espanoles tuvieron un papel decisivo. Los tres cuartos de millon de espanoles que fueron a Brasil en los setenta anos comprendidos entre 1880 a 1950, participaron de forma notable en la expansion de la economia cafetera brasilena y, posteriormente, en la construccion de una gran economia urbana y agricola en el Estado de Sao Paulo. Los espanoles eran los terceros en importancia, tras italianos y portugueses, en toda la nacion, pero debido a su concentracion en Sao Paulo ocupaban el segundo lugar en este fundamental Estado. El ritmo de esta inmigracion, como el de la italiana, estuvo del todo ligado a la demanda de mano de obra agricola no especializada para los campos de cafe en expansion del planalto occidental, en el hinterland de la ciudad de Sao Paulo. Con la desercion en masa de los 150.000 esclavos de las fazendas cafeteras paulistas, en proceso de ampliacion, los fazenderos forzaron al Estado a iniciar la subvencion de inmigrantes foraneos, una labor que el gobierno federal acometio en los anos siguientes, y que no se interrumpio hasta 1926.
Low temperature growth of single-crystalline cubic SiC on Si(111) by solid source molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract Single-crystalline cubic SiC Layers have been grown on Si(111) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) using graphite and silicon solid sources at relatively low substrate temperatures (800°C). The growth process employs initial carbonization of the (111) Si surface followed by direct deposition of both Si and C. Reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED), X-ray diffraction, cross-sectional and plan-view transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and optical Nomarski microscopy were used to characterize the films. Atomic ratio of Si to C during the growth was found to be critical in terms of the crystalline quality as well as surface morphology of the films. To the extent of the instrumental accuracy, AES shows the SiC films to be stoichiometric. X-ray diffraction and TEM measurements confirm the crystalline nature of the SiC films.
Reduced Oxy Intermediate Observed in D251N Cytochrome P450cam

Cytochrome P450s are ubiquitous heme proteins responsible for various oxidative metabolic processes. The overall rate-determining step in the catalytic cycle of native cytochrome P450cam is the reduction of the dioxygen complex, which has made detection of catalytic intermediates after this reduction impossible. However, for the site-specific mutant D251N cytochrome P450cam (which affects proton transfer near the catalytic center), the overall rate-determining step occurs after the reduction of oxy-P450. As a consequence, we have observed in the UV-visible spectrum during catalytic turnover a new intermediate that is one electron reduced from oxy-P450 with an intact dioxygen bond.
First chemical events in pyrolysis of wood

Abstract Wood has been heated at 250°C on a thermal balance and the evolved gases have been analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The heated wood has been analyzed for glycoses, uronic acids and by nitrobenzene oxidation to vanillin and syringaldehyde. About 60% of the weight loss is accounted for by five compounds, which are the only products detected in the gases by FTIR. These products are water, carbon dioxide, methanol, acetic acid and formic acid. By relating the rates of formation of these compounds to weight loss, the following major conclusions are reached regarding the first chemical events in pyrolysis of wood. Uronic acids in the hemicelluloses and pectic substances decompose very readily to yield carbon dioxide, water, char (or char precursors) and perhaps some methanol. This decomposition may lead to further pyrolysis of the xylose units to which the uronic acids are attached in the hemicelluloses. Acetyl ester groups in the hemicelluloses are much more resistant to pyrolysis, but are released slowly as acetic acid. A small proportion of the potential methanol product is released very readily and at least part of this product is derived from lignin. Formic acid is released at a slow and continuing rate at 250°C by unknown mechanisms and is probably derived from degradation of hemicelluloses.
“A Pesar de las Fronteras”/“In Spite of the Boundaries": Exploring Solidarity in the Context of International Service Immersion

The move to "internationalize" United States universities has contributed to increased interest in global service-learning. This article presents qualitative data collected by a team of faculty and students during a service immersion in Nicaragua. The solidarity model of service-learning attempts to address shortcomings of earlier approaches and deserves further examination. This study illuminated the dynamics of solidarity from a largely unexplored perspective: host families and community leaders. The analysis revealed that difference and inequality are salient themes and shape the relationships and possibilities for joint action between U.S. students and their hosts. A typology is suggested that includes symbolic, instrumental, and pragmatic performances of solidarity. By highlighting the perspective of Nicaraguan hosts, this study fills an important gap in the literature on service-learning. It also contributes to the conceptual elaboration of an often heard but rarely defined concept: solidarity.
Three-dimensional simulations of geometrically complex subduction with large viscosity variations

The incorporation of geologic realism into numerical models of subduction is becoming increasingly necessary as observational and experimental constraints indicate plate boundaries are inherently three-dimensional (3D) in nature and contain large viscosity variations. However, large viscosity variations occurring over short distances pose a challenge for computational codes, and models with complex 3D geometries require substantially greater numbers of elements, increasing the computational demands. We modified a community mantle convection code, CitcomCU, to model realistic subduction zones that use an arbitrarily shaped 3D plate boundary interface and incorporate the effects of a strain-rate dependent viscosity based on an experimentally derived flow law for olivine aggregates. Tests of this implementation on 3D models with a simple subduction zone geometry indicate that limiting the overall viscosity range in the model, as well as limiting the viscosity jump across an element, improves model runtime and convergence behavior, consistent with what has been shown previously. In addition, the choice of method and averaging scheme used to transfer the viscosity structure to the different levels in the multigrid solver can significantly improve model performance. These optimizations can improve model runtime by over 20%. 3D models of a subduction zone with a complex plate boundary geometry were then constructed, containing over 100 million finite element nodes with a local resolution of up to 2.35 km, and run on XSEDE. These complex 3D models, representative of the Alaska subduction zone-transform plate boundary, contain viscosity variations of up to seven orders of magnitude. The optimizations in solver parameters determined from the simple 3D models of subduction applied to the much larger and more complex models of an actual subduction zone improved model convergence behavior and reduced runtimes by on the order of 25%. One scientific result from 3D models of Alaska is that a laterally variable mantle viscosity emerges in the mantle as a consequence of variations in the flow field, with localized velocities of greater than 80 cm/yr occurring close to the subduction zone where the negative buoyancy of the slab drives the flow. These results are a significant departure from the paradigm of two-dimensional (2D) models of subduction where the slab velocity is often fixed to surface plate motion. While the solver parameter optimization can improve model performance, the results also demonstrate the need for new solvers to keep pace with the demands for increasingly complex numerical simulations in mantle convection.