cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mitogenic factors of corpora lutea

The mammalian corpus luteum (CL), which plays a central role in the reproductive process because of its production of hormones such as progesterone, appears to be an exceptionally dynamic organ. Its rate of growth and development are extremely rapid and, even when the CL is functionally mature, its rate of cell turnover remains relatively high. Associated with this high rate of cell turnover, the mature CL receives the greatest blood supply per unit tissue of any organ, and also exhibits a relatively high metabolic rate. Although numerous growth factors have been identified in luteal tissue, their role in growth and differentiation of this dynamic organ remains unclear. Recently, while attempting to identify mitogenic factors of ovine and bovine CL, we have found that they produce several mitogens during the estrous cycle as well as pregnancy. The majority of these luteal-derived mitogenic factors are heparin-binding, and although some may represent previously identified factors, several appear to be novel heparin-binding growth factors. Isolation and purification of mitogenic factors produced by the CL will enable us to determine their roles in luteal growth, development and differentiated function, which will contribute to our understanding not only of the regulation of fertility but also of tissue growth and development in general.
Rate equations analysis of vibrational quenching in IR multiphotion dissociation of pure SF6

Abstract A rate equations model was used to calculate the pressure dependence of SF 6 multiphoton dissociation yields caused by vibrational self-quenching. Between 1000 and 3000 cm −1 of energy is removed from SF 6 excited to ⩾ 60 kcal/mole by collision with a cold SF 6 molecule at gas kinetic rate. Calculations have shown that the fluence dependence of dissociation varies strongly with pressure, and the decrease of dissociation at higher pressures can be approximated exponentially only for narrow pressure ranges.
The responses of a community to disturbance: The importance of successional age and species' life histories.

The responses of different successional stages of a temperate intertidal algal community to disturbance were investigated with a field experiment. The experiment was conducted in a low intertidal boulder field in southern California. In this habitat, the top surfaces of boulders are covered with algae. The composition of the assemblage on any particular boulder depends on the length of time since it was last overturned by wave action. When a boulder is overturned, the algae on what was formerly the top surface, are killed in whole or part by a combination of sea urchin grazing, anoxia, light levels below compensation intensity, and mechanical damage caused by crushing or abrasion. The length of time that a boulder remains overturned and the local abundance of sea urchins determines the intensity of the disturbance. When the boulder is righted, recolonization begins either by vegetative regrowth of survivors and/or by spores from outside.
A Crash Recovery Scheme for a Memory-Resident Database System

Database systems normally have been designed with the assumption that main memory is too small to hold the entire database. With the decreasing cost and increasing performance of semiconductor memories, future database systems may be constructed that keep most or all of the data for the database in main memory. The challenge in the design of these systems is to provide fast transaction processing, to effectively use multiple processors, and to perform a fast restart after a crash. This correspondence presents a method of performing crash recovery for these systems.
Opinion on Proposed Rulemaking: CRI Should Not Become Law

On May 16, the United States Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) issued Test Procedures for Integrated Light-Emitting Diode Lamps; Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [EERE...
Communication by neural control

People who are completely paralyzed are able to control a computer using technology which harnesses brain signals. This paper describes research in developing a system to allow such a person to communicate. We gathered and analyzed data on the communicative needs of our users, finding that style and content of interactions vary according to the role of the person with whom the user is communicating.
Effects of home visits by paraprofessionals and by nurses on children: follow-up of a randomized trial at ages 6 and 9 years

Importance The Nurse-Family Partnership delivered by nurses has been found to produce long-term effects on maternal and child health in replicated randomized trials. A persistent question is whether paraprofessional home visitors might produce comparable effects. Objective To examine the impact of prenatal and infancy/toddler home visits by paraprofessionals and by nurses on child development at child ages 6 and 9 years. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized trial in public and private care settings in Denver, Colorado, of 735 low-income women and their first-born children (85% of the mothers were unmarried; 47% were Hispanic, 35% were non-Hispanic white, 15% were African American, and 3% were American Indian/Asian). Interventions Home visits provided from pregnancy through child age 2 years delivered in one group by paraprofessionals and in the other by nurses. Main Outcomes and Measures Reports of children’s internalizing, externalizing, and total emotional/behavioral problems, and tests of children’s language, intelligence, attention, attention dysfunction, visual attention/task switching, working memory, and academic achievement. We hypothesized that program effects on cognitive-related outcomes would be more pronounced among children born to mothers with low psychological resources. We report paraprofessional-control and nurse-control differences with P Results There were no significant paraprofessional effects on emotional/behavioral problems, but paraprofessional-visited children born to mothers with low psychological resources compared with control group counterparts exhibited fewer errors in visual attention/task switching at age 9 years (effect size = −0.30, P = .08). There were no statistically significant paraprofessional effects on other primary outcomes. Nurse-visited children were less likely to be classified as having total emotional/behavioral problems at age 6 years (relative risk [RR] = 0.45, P = .08), internalizing problems at age 9 years (RR = 0.44, P = .08), and dysfunctional attention at age 9 years (RR = 0.34, P = .07). Nurse-visited children born to low-resource mothers compared with control-group counterparts had better receptive language averaged over ages 2, 4, and 6 years (effect size = 0.30, P = .01) and sustained attention averaged over ages 4, 6, and 9 years (effect size = 0.36, P = .006). There were no significant nurse effects on externalizing problems, intellectual functioning, and academic achievement. Conclusions and Relevance Children born to low-resource mothers visited by paraprofessionals exhibited improvement in visual attention/task switching. Nurse-visited children showed improved behavioral functioning, and those born to low-resource mothers benefited in language and attention but did not improve in intellectual functioning and academic achievement. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00438282andNCT00438594.
Deoxycytidine protects normal bone marrow progenitors against Ara-C and gemcitabine cytotoxicity without compromising their activity against cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer cells

Abstract The intracellular metabolism and cytotoxic effects of Ara-C and 2′-difluorodeoxycytidine (dFdC or Gemcitabine) administered with or without deoxycytidine (dCyd) were examined in cisplatin-resistant (2008/C13) and -sensitive (2008) human ovarian cystadenocarcinoma cells. Compared to 2008 cells, 2008/C13 cells possess 2.1-fold higher glutathione (GSH) levels, enhanced expressions of GSH S-transferase (GST)-π mRNA and protein, and significantly greater activity of GST, GSH peroxidase, and GST reductase. Although 2008/C13 cells were slightly cross-resistant to 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide, the drug displayed a steep dose-response (colony growth inhibition) effect toward these cells. 2008/C13 cells expressed greater sensitivity toward Ara-C and Gemcitabine. This was associated with intracellular Ara-CTP and dFdCtriphosphate levels in 2008/C13 significantly higher than those in 2008 cells. Against bone marrow progenitor cells, the cytotoxic effects of submicromolar levels of Ara-C or dFdC, produced in plasma following intraperitoneal administration of the drugs, were significantly reversed by cotreatment with high levels of dCyd achieved in plasma following intravenous administration. In contrast, the metabolism and cytotoxic effects of Ara-C and dFdC in 2008 and 2008/C13 cells were not significantly altered by dCyd concentrations that are reached in the peritoneum following intravenous administration. These in vitro data suggest that systematically administered dCyd might protect bone marrow progenitor cells against Ara-C cytotoxicity without impairing antitumor activity of intraperitoneal Ara-C.
Initial Stages of V(D)J Recombination: The Organization of RAG1/2 and RSS DNA in the Postcleavage Complex

To obtain structural information on the early stages of V(D)J recombination, we isolated a complex of the core RAG1 and RAG2 proteins with DNA containing a pair of cleaved recombination signal sequences (RSS). Stoichiometric and molecular mass analysis established that this signal-end complex (SEC) contains two protomers each of RAG1 and RAG2. Visualization of the SEC by negative-staining electron microscopy revealed an anchor-shaped particle with approximate two-fold symmetry. Consistent with a parallel arrangement of DNA and protein subunits, the N termini of RAG1 and RAG2 are positioned at opposing ends of the complex, and the DNA chains beyond the RSS nonamer emerge from the same face of the complex, near the RAG1 N termini. These first images of the V(D)J recombinase in its postcleavage state provide a framework for modeling RAG domains and their interactions with DNA.
Determination of 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic and α-ketoglutaramic acids in human cerebrospinal fluid by gas chromatography

Abstract A gas chromatographic method is described for the quantitation of some substituted 2-pyrrolidones of biological interest. These compounds are converted to the trimethylsilylated derivatives with N,O -bis(trimethylsily)-trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA). The derivatized pyrrolidones are well separated by gas chromatography, and flame ionization provides a sensitive technique for their detection. The method was applied to the simultaneous estimation of 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid and 5-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid (the cyclic lactam and predominant form of α-ketoglutaramic acid) in human cerebrospinal fluid. Both compounds were found to be increased in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with hepatic encephalopathy. It is suggested that the increases are secondary to elevated amino acids in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma.
Electrostatic Clustering and Free Energy Calculations Provide a Foundation for Protein Design and Optimization

Electrostatic interactions are ubiquitous in proteins and dictate stability and function. In this review, we discuss several methods for the analysis of electrostatics in protein–protein interactions. We discuss alanine-scanning mutagenesis, Poisson–Boltzmann electrostatics, free energy calculations, electrostatic similarity distances, and hierarchical clustering of electrostatic potentials. Our recently developed computational framework, known as Analysis of Electrostatic Similarities Of Proteins (AESOP), incorporates these tools to efficiently elucidate the role of electrostatic potentials in protein interactions. We present the application of AESOP to several proteins and protein complexes, for which charge is purported to facilitate protein association. Specifically, we illustrate how recent work has shaped the formulation of electrostatic calculations, the correlation of electrostatic free energies and electrostatic potential clustering results with experimental binding and activity data, the pH dependence of protein stability and association, the design of mutant proteins with enhanced immunological activity, and how AESOP can expose deficiencies in structural models and experimental data. This integrative approach can be utilized to develop mechanistic models and to guide experimental studies by predicting mutations with desired physicochemical properties and function. Alteration of the electrostatic properties of proteins offers a basis for the design of proteins with optimized binding and activity.
Role of Anions in Inducing Noncentrosymmetry in 4-Dimethylaminopyridinium Salts for Quadratic Nonlinear Optics

A novel organic nonlinear optical material 4-dimethylaminopyridinium l-tartrate dihydrate (DMAPT·2H2O) (C11H16N2O6·2H2O) was synthesized and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, FT-NMR, FT-IR, and FT-Raman spectral studies. Single crystals of average dimensions 15 × 2 × 2 mm3 were grown by the solvent evaporation method from an aqueous solution at pH 3.60 at constant temperature (30 °C). The crystal structure was solved by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method and belongs to the orthorhombic, noncentrosymmetric space group P212121 with unit cell dimensions of a = 7.2903(5) A, b = 11.7980(7) A, c = 16.2981(10) A, and Z = 4. Thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) showed that the compound decomposes at 75 °C. The optical transmittance window was found to be 310−1100 nm. The Kurtz and Perry powder test illustrates the phase matching property of DMAPT·2H2O, and the powder second harmonic generation efficiency is 1.13 times greater than that of KDP. The laser induced surface dam...
Improved efficiency in room temperature >3µm diodes using highly strained quantum wells

We present experimental comparison of Type-I diode lasers emitting <3 μm wavelength in room temperature with increased strain in quantum wells (QWs). Due to diminishing hole confinement in the barrier, the performance of mid- IR Type-I diode laser is generally poor. Here we improve the hole confinement using quinary alloy in the barrier in conjunction with highly strained QWs. By using molecular beam epitaxial growth method, we achieve up to 2.3% strain in the QWs. At near room temperature, highly strained laser structure shows approximately 4 times improved laser performance than regular strained laser under the same testing condition. The study demonstrates significant improvement in laser efficiency using highly strained QWs in the GaSb-based type-I mid-infrared laser diodes.
Rational protein design: Combining theory and experiment

The rational design of protein structure and function is rapidly emerging as a powerful approach to test general theories in protein chemistry (1). De novo creation of a protein or an active site requires that all the necessary interactions are provided. The design approach is therefore a way to test the limits of completeness of understanding experimentally. Furthermore, if the experiments are devised in a progressive fashion, such that the simplest possible designs are tried first, followed by iterative additions of more complex interactions until the desired result is achieved, then it may be possible to identify a minimally sufficient set of components. At the center of the design approach is the “design cycle,” in which theory and experiment alternate. The starting point is the development of a molecular model, based on rules of protein structure and function, combined with an algorithm for applying these. This is followed by experimental construction and analysis of the properties of the designed protein. If the experimental outcome is failure or partial success, then a next iteration of the design cycle is started in which additional complexity is introduced, rules and parameters are refined, or the algorithms for applying them are modified. The paper by Dahiyat and Mayo (2) in the current issue of these Proceedings describes such a design cycle. Sequences predicted to repack the interior of a small protein were generated by a computer design algorithm using different sets of parameters describing the packing interactions, thereby establishing a direct experimental correlation between the design parameters and the properties of the resulting proteins. This work is the latest addition to a series of efforts in which objective computational techniques developed to create protein structure (3–8) or function (9, 10) are being tested directly by experiment. The ultimate goal of such …
A normalized description of the direct effect of key aerosol types on solar radiation as estimated from Aerosol Robotic Network aerosols and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer albedos

[1] The interactions between aerosols and solar radiation are determined by a combination of aerosol properties (i.e., types), surface properties (i.e., albedo) and clouds. These determining factors vary for different regions. We examine how these differences contribute to the impact of aerosols on the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) and surface radiation. In this study, the AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) aerosol climatology is used, in conjunction with surface albedo and cloud products from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), to calculate the aerosol direct radiative effect (ADRE) and its normalized form (NADRE). The NADRE is defined as the ADRE normalized by optical depth at 550 nm and is mainly determined by internal aerosol optical properties and geographical parameters. These terms are evaluated for cloud-free and cloudy conditions and for all-mode and fine-mode aerosols. Single-scattering albedo is an important variable determining ADRE of biomass burning. Because of stronger absorption by the smoke over South Africa the average NADRE over South America is ∼35% larger at the TOA but ∼38% smaller at the surface than that over South Africa. The surface albedo is another important factor in determining ADRE, especially for mineral dust. As the surface albedo varies from ∼0.1 to ∼0.35, it is observed that the dust NADRE ranges from −44 to −17 Wm−2 τ−1 at the TOA and from −80 to −48 Wm−2 τ−1 at the surface over the Saharan deserts, Arabian Peninsula, and their surrounding oceans. We also find that the NADRE of fine-mode aerosol is larger at the TOA but smaller at the surface in comparison to that of all-mode aerosol because of its larger single-scattering albedo and smaller asymmetry factor. Cloudy-sky ADRE is usually not negligible for the observed cloud optical thickness, but the TOA ADRE with clouds is sensitive to the relative location of aerosols and cloud layer.
“Indeterminate” cystic lesion of the kidney partially lined by small cells with clear cytoplasm—malignant or benign?

Abstract Complex renal cysts, which present radiographically as “indeterminate for malignancy” (Bosniak category III), can prove challenging both pathologically and clinically. We report a case of a renal cyst that, by standard radiographic and histologic criteria, should have been diagnosed as a malignant cystic renal cell carcinoma. However, the cytogenetic profile appeared more closely consistent with cystic renal adenoma or low-grade papillary renal cell carcinoma—tumors with limited metastatic potential. We postulate that other, similarly complex, renal cysts might also be more precisely defined by meticulous histopathologic examination, supported by cytogenetic study.
Direct numerical simulation of ignition in turbulent n-heptane liquid-fuel spray jets

Direct numerical simulation was used for fundamental studies of the ignition of turbulent n-heptane liquid-fuel spray jets. A chemistry mechanism with 33 species and 64 reactions was adopted to describe the chemical reactions. The Eulerian method is employed to solve the carrier-gas flow field and the Lagrangian method is used to track the liquid-fuel droplets. Two-way coupling interaction is considered through the exchange of mass, momentum, and energy between the carrier-gas fluid and the liquid-fuel spray. The initial carrier-gas temperature was 1500 K. Six cases were simulated with different droplet radii (from 10 to 30 μm) and two initial velocities (100 and 150 m/s). From the simulations, it was found that evaporative cooling and turbulence mixing play important roles in the ignition of liquid-fuel spray jets. Ignition first occurs at the edges of the jets where the fuel mixture is lean, and the scalar dissipation rate and the vorticity magnitude are very low. For smaller droplets, ignition occurs later than for larger droplets due to increased evaporative cooling. Higher initial droplet velocity enhances turbulence mixing and evaporative cooling. For smaller droplets, higher initial droplet velocity causes the ignition to occur earlier, whereas for larger droplets, higher initial droplet velocity delays the ignition time.
Optically induced AM and FM in IMPATT diode oscillators

Optical modulation of an IMPATT oscillator is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Detailed computer simulations of the oscillatory dynamics are used to determine the basic mechanisms responsible for optical modulation and to examine the extent of and means for optimizing the optical response. It is shown that optically induced changes in the conduction current minimum and in the levels of carrier slowdown or depletion-region modulation are the primary mechanisms responsible for optical modulation. Amplitude modulation via an optical quenching of the oscillations is found to be the dominant response, although optical enhancement is also possible under certain conditions. It is demonstrated that substantial levels of FM can also be produced, despite the fact that the IMPATT susceptance is insensitive to illumination. The experimental results are found to be in general agreement with the predictions of the theory. It is concluded that the optical response of the IMPATT is sufficient to make optical modulation a useful technique.
A note on asymptotics of discounted value function and strong 0-discount optimality

We consider a Markov decision process with a Borel state space, bounded rewards, and a bounded transition density satisfying a simultaneous Doeblin-Doob condition. An asymptotics for the discounted value function related to the existence of stationary strong 0-discount optimal policies is extended from the case of finite action sets to the case of compact action sets and continuous in action rewards and transition densities.
The impact of gender on hospitality undergraduates´perceived career barriers

The purpose of this study was to examine whether gender is associated with hospitality undergraduates' perceived career barriers and how gender affects two career-related variables (career decision self-efficacy and tendency to foreclose) when considering internal or external career barriers. Results revealed that female and male students perceived career barriers differently: Females were more sensitive to gender issues than males, whereas males were less likely to explore their career options as fully as females. Implications and recommendations for hospitality educators and career advising are included in this study.
‘Only connect’: Emotional strength and health in Mansfield Park

(1983). ‘Only connect’: Emotional strength and health in Mansfield Park. English Studies: Vol. 64, No. 2, pp. 144-152.
Accelerated recovery from doxacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade in patients receiving chronic anticonvulsant therapy

Abstract Study Objective: To determine whether a drug interaction exists between doxacurium and anticonvulsants. Design: Open-label controlled study. Setting: Inpatient neuroanesthesiology service at a university medical center. Patients: Three groups of nine patients each, consisting of those chronically receiving carbamazepine, phenytoin, or no anti convulsant therapy. Intervention: Intravenous administration of doxacurium 60 μg/kg during anesthesia with nitrous oxide (N 2 O), fentanyl, and droperidol. Measurements and Main Results: The adductor pollicis mechanical response to single 0.2-millisecond supramaximal pulses delivered to the ulnar nerve at 0.15 Hz was recorded. Patients receiving phenytoin or carbamazepine recovered neuromuscular function more quickly than did the control group. The times from doxacurium injection to 50% recovery of mechanomyographic response, for example, were as follows: control group, 161 ± 55 minutes (mean ± SD); phenytoin group, 76 ± 31 minutes; and carbamazepine group, 66 ± 27 minutes ( p vs 86.4 ± 45.2 minutes, respectively). Conclusion: Chronic treatment with anticonvulsants results in more rapid recovery from neuromuscular blockade produced by doxacurium.
Oxygen consumption during submaximal exercises of equal intensity and different duration

Twenty-six young male subjects performed work on a bicycle ergometer at a rate of 640 mKg/min. There were two tests per subject; one used a five-minute work period and the other a ten-minute work period. Oxygen uptake curves were obtained during the work and for seven minutes of recovery. Statistical analysis showed that no true steady state was reached even at this relatively low level of work. The deficit part of the average O2 uptake curve was an almost exact mirror image of the repayment curve. The correlation between the individual deficit and pay-off values of oxygen uptake was found to be significant.
Observation and implications of nonlinear elastic wave response in rock

Experiments in rock show a large nonlinear elastic wave response, far greater than that of gases, liquids and most other solids. The large response is attributed to structural discontinuities in rock such as microcracks and grain boundaries. The magnitude of the harmonics created by nonlinear interactions grows linearly with propagation distance in one-dimensional systems. In the earth, a large nonlinear response may be responsible for significant spectral alteration of a seismic wave at amplitudes and distances currently considered to be within the linear elastic regime. The authors argue, based on observations at ultrasonic frequencies, that the effect of nonlinear elasticity on seismic wave propagation may be large, and should be considered in modeling. 19 refs., 3 figs.
Gamification of emergency response training: A public health example

Training is an important part of emergency preparedness activities. Unfortunately the budget cuts and economic downturn is taking a toll on government agencies' ability to conduct large scale exercises. The use of ICT in emergency preparedness can seriously lower the training costs if the trainees are motivated to use the systems. In this study we present an ongoing research we are carrying out with a county public health department to streamline their trainings. We use motivational affordances theory to guide our design efforts.
Pharmacologic and mechanical strategies for preventing venous thromboembolism after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

We sought to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of pharmacologic and mechanical strategies to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. We searched (through August 2012) for primary studies that had at least 2 different interventions. Of 30 902 citations, we identified 8 studies of pharmacologic strategies and 5 studies of filter placement. No studies randomized patients to receive different interventions. One study suggested that low-molecular-weight heparin is more efficacious than unfractionated heparin in preventing VTE (0.25% vs 0.68%, P 40 mg daily or 30 mg twice daily) are more efficacious than standard dosing, with a trend toward increased bleeding. Of note, for both filters and augmented pharmacologic dosing strategies, patients at highest risk for VTE were more likely to receive more intensive interventions, limiting our ability to attribute outcomes to prophylactic strategies used.
Onset of seafloor spreading in the Iapetus Ocean at 608 Ma: precise age of the Sarek Dyke Swarm, northern Swedish Caledonides

Abstract The Sarek Dyke Swarm (SDS) crops out in the Sarektjakka Nappe (SN) of the Seve-Kalak Superterrane in the northern Swedish Caledonides. The SN has two main components: (1) a 4–5 km thick succession of rift-related sedimentary rocks, which is intruded by (2) a suite of tholeiitic dykes (the SDS) constituting 70–80% of the nappe. The nappe was deformed during Caledonian thrusting, but dykes and sedimentary rocks in the interior of the eastern parts of the SN are preserved in a pristine state. The tholeiitic dykes of the SDS commonly occur in sheeted dyke complexes, and up to 11 successive generations can be identified from crosscutting relations. The SN represents the fossil continent–ocean transition between the Baltic craton and the Iapetus Ocean, marking the initiation of seafloor spreading. Bubble-shaped pods and veinlets of diorite are present in the SDS sheeted dyke complexes. The pods are absent in the oldest dykes, but the younger a dyke, the more frequent the pods. The diorite pods are the equivalent of gabbro pegmatites, and both cogenetic and coeval with the dykes. The rapid successive emplacement of tholeiitic magma raised the ambient temperature in the dyke complex, so that crystallization in the youngest dykes mimicked similar processes in gabbro plutons. Six zircon fractions, from the diorite pods including two single grains, were analysed geochronologically by the U–Pb thermal ionization mass spectrometry method. The data yield a linear array of points that are 0.4–0.8% normally discordant, indicating a crystallization age of 608±1 Ma (207Pb/206Pb=607.9±0.7 Ma, MSWD=0.33). This age is inferred to date the onset of seafloor spreading in the Iapetus Ocean along the Baltoscandian margin.
Activation energy for diffusion and welding of PLA films

The bonding of polylactic acid (PLA) films was investigated for a broad range of temperatures and contact times above the glass transition temperature in a lap shear joint geometry using an impulse welding system. It was observed that interfacial strength was linearly dependent to the fourth root of welding time until it approached the bulk material strength. Using models based on reptation theories, the interfacial strength of lap shear welds was estimated based on thermal histories. In more detail, the activation energy for interfacial healing and self-diffusion coefficient was calculated based on shear strength measurements of samples welded with well-defined thermal histories. The parameters were then used to predict interfacial strength with varying temperature histories. This is the first work to measure the activation of energy for the interfacial welding PLA. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Status and plans for the PRIME Lab AMS facility

Abstract The operation, status, performance, and upgrade plans for the Purdue Rare Isotope Measurement Laboratory (PRIME Lab) are described. The AMS system is in routine operation for all of the commonly-used AMS nuclides. Chemical preparation is being performed for all nuclides measured in many different matrices. Construction of a new injector and terminal stripper system is in progress; a fast-isotope-switching system is in the final design stage.
Information Similarity as a Moderator of the Effect of Gender on Participation in Small Groups A Multilevel Analysis

This study examined if information similarity, treated as a group-level phenomenon, moderates the effect of gender on participation and related perceptions (e.g., satisfaction) in small groups. Participants responded privately to a psychological profile task, writing their impressions of the person described in it, and then interacted in three-person groups to reach a consensus concerning the target’s characteristics. The written profiles were evaluated for their similarity within groups. Discussions were coded for substantive (task-related) and nonsubstantive contributions. Results of the multilevel analysis revealed that substantive participation was affected by the interaction of one’s gender with that of his or her partners in different ways at high and low levels of information similarity. The effect of gender on the perception variables was also moderated by information similarity. Discussion addresses a dual-process approach to the study of participation.
SU‐GG‐I‐136: Theoretical Limits to System Performance of High Efficiency, Direct Detection, Megavoltage Active Matrix Flat‐Panel Imagers Based on Polycrystalline Mercuric Iodide

Purpose: Megavoltage active matrix, flat‐panel imagers (MV AMFPIs), in which a phosphor screen/copper plate serves as the x‐ray detector, are the de facto gold standard in portal imaging. Nevertheless, the poor efficiency of conventional MV AMFPIs, which detect only ∼2% of the incident radiation at 6 MV, has stimulated efforts to develop more efficient detectors, potentially facilitating high‐contrast tomographic imaging at low, clinically practical doses. In one approach, multiple thick layers of polycrystalline mercuric iodide (HgI2) photoconductor replace the phosphor screen to increase x‐ray detection efficiency. In this presentation, theoretical limits to MTF and DQE for this approach are examined through variation of photoconductor thickness and the composition and thickness of the metal plate. Method and Materials: Monte Carlo simulations of the interaction of a 6 MV beam with various photoconductor/metal plate combinations were performed. From the resulting MTF and NPS for HgI2 (in the form of particle‐in‐binder, PIB) up to 6 mm thick, in combination with metal plates up to 3 mm thick, DQE was determined. Results: Various trends are apparent. Increasing the thickness of the PIB layer results in lower MTF and higher DQE, as expected. However, for a given thickness of PIB, MTF is observed to decrease with increasing plate thicknesses — with this effect becoming less pronounced as PIB thickness increases. Moreover, increasing plate thickness enhances DQE at low spatial frequencies while diminishing it at higher spatial frequencies — with the absolute changes in DQE becoming greater as PIB thickness increases. Conclusion: As thicker PIB detectors exhibiting good mechanical and signal properties are developed, the composition and thickness of the overlying metal plate (which also serves to absorb scattered radiation) will require optimization, based on considerations such as the trade‐off of DQE at low spatial frequencies against DQE at high spatial frequencies.
Closure in a Hilbert space of a prehilbert space Chebyshev set

Abstract Let E denote the real inner product space that is the union of all finite dimensional Euclidean spaces. There is a bounded nonconvex set S , that is a subset of E , such that each point of E has a unique nearest point in S . Let H denote the separable Hilbert space that is the completion of space E . A condition is given in order that a point in H have a unique nearest point in the closure of S . We shall also provide an example where the condition fails.
Optimal Control of Speed Conversion of a Valve Controlled Cylinder System

It can generally cause a great pressure surge and noise when the speed of an actuator is quickly changed in a large-scale hydraulic system. In this paper, the pressure surge is considered as a response of the system to the input signal in order to obtain an optimal control for the minimum pressure surge in the shortest speed conversion time. The dynamic performance of the valve controlled cylinder system studied is described by space state equations, and the optimal control is obtained by the simplex method for 3 performance indices. The microprocessor is used for the optimal control in the speed conversion of the test system. The results of the numerical computer simulation and the experimental results are similar. It also shows that within the same or shorter settling time, using the optimal control can reduce the pressure surge to about one fifth of the pressure response amplitude to the step input signal.
Imaging of oxide and interface charges in SiO2–Si

Abstract Charges arising from single electrons and holes localized in SiO 2 gate oxides and at the SiO 2 –Si(111) interface were imaged with a non-contact atomic force microscope (AFM). The polarity of the charge was ascertained from simultaneously recorded Kelvin images. The bias dependent position of the Fermi level controls the trap occupancy in general, as well as the state of charge of interface states (P b centers) and their polarity. Temporary trap occupancy caused by the extreme band bending beneath the AFM tip can lead to an appreciable enhancement in the apparent resolution of the charge image.
A prospective study of physical activity and breast cancer incidence in African-American women.

Background: Physical activity has been associated with reduced risk of breast cancer. Evidence on the association in African Americans is limited. Methods: With prospective data from the Black Women's Health Study, we assessed vigorous exercise and walking in relation to incidence of invasive breast cancer overall ( n = 1,364), estrogen receptor–positive (ER+, n = 688) cancer, and estrogen receptor–negative (ER−, n = 405) cancer, based on 307,672 person-years of follow-up of 44,708 African-American women ages 30 years or older at enrollment. Cox proportional hazards models estimated incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Vigorous exercise at baseline was inversely associated with overall breast cancer incidence ( P trend = 0.05): the IRR for ≥7 h/wk relative to <1 h/wk was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.57–0.96). The association did not differ by ER status. Brisk walking for ≥7 h/wk was associated with a reduction similar to that for vigorous exercise. Vigorous exercise at the age of 30 years, 21 years, or in high school was not associated with breast cancer incidence. Sitting for long periods at work or watching TV was not significantly associated with breast cancer incidence. Conclusion: High levels of vigorous exercise or brisk walking may be associated with a reduction in incidence of breast cancer in African-American women. Impact: These results provide informative data on a potential modifiable risk factor, exercise, for breast cancer in African-American women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2522–31. ©2014 AACR .
Education and Acculturation in Highland Guatemala.

The roles of formal education (years of schooling) and nonformal education (mass media exposure and travel) in the acculturative process are examined by employing both qualitative and quantitative data. (1) Social and economic variables, (2) traditional and modern behavioral variables, (3) psychological variables, and (3) environmental variables are analyzed to identify alternative sequences of change which are common and idiosyncratic to differentially developed towns in the western highlands of Guatemala. Although data from eight other towns are included, the analysis focuses on San Juan la Laguna and Panajachel.
Nonlinear Gust Response of Highly Flexible Aircraft

The paper presents a methodology for calculating the gust response of highly flexible aircraft. Two types of gust analyses are considered, viz. frequency domain and time domain. This work is a continuation of past work 1 in which we presented analysis and results illustrating the linear response of a flying wing configuration to continuous gust based on frequency domain analysis. The linear aeroelastic system was obtained by calculating the trim state of the fully nonlinear aeroelastic/flight mechanics model followed by linearization at the trim state. In the present work, time-domain simulations are used to derive the stochastic gust response estimates. The methodology starts by creating a gust input time series based on the assumed gust power spectral density. The response stochastic parameters can be calculated from the response time series. The calculated time domain response to linearized system matches with frequency domain response calculated earlier. Furthermore, time simulations can be conducted on time marching schemes (e.g., CFD based aeroelastic computations) and can be used to predict the response of the nonlinear system. The aeroelastic model is based on a geometrically-exact, nonlinear beam model coupled with large angle aerodynamic model. The details of the model are shown in Ref. 2 This model has been implemented into a code called NATASHA (Nonlinear Aeroelastic Trim and Stability Analysis for HALE Aircraft). Frequency (linear) and time (linear as well as nonlinear) domain simulations have been added to the formulation and incorporated into the code.
Temporal variations of bomb radiocarbon inventory in the Pacific Ocean

Abstract The natural and anthropogenic components of the radiocarbon measurements from seawater samples can be successfully separated by an improved method, which is based on a very well-defined relationship between natural radiocarbon and dissolved silica observed mainly during the GEOSECS survey for waters beneath 1000 m depth. This relationship is further reconfirmed by the 14 C measurements from large volume samples taken in the deep waters in the Pacific Ocean during the recent WOCE survey program. Analysis of upper ocean 14 C measurements made along 152°W, and north of 20°N, in the northeastern Pacific Ocean during the NOAA's CGC91 cruise, which is a part of the WOCE survey program, indicates that the bomb 14 C inventory in this part of the ocean has increased by 22% since the GEOSECS measurements made in 1974. This increase is consistent with the model prediction of 25% for the northern hemisphere ocean. Change of the surface water bomb Δ 14 C values during this period is insignificant. This feature is also consistent with the model simulation. Results of this new analysis will provide useful information of the temporal variations of bomb 14 C inventory in the ocean, in addition to the spatial distribution, which can be used as powerful constraints in calibrating the global ocean carbon cycle models, especially those based on three-dimensional ocean general circulation models, for estimating the uptake of CO2 by the ocean.
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Investigation of the Conversion of Ethylene to Carbon Clusters and Graphite on Pt(111)

The dehydrogenation of ethylene on Pt(111) was studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) under ultra-high vacuum conditions. Previous experiments have shown that thermal dehydrogenation following saturation exposure of ethylene on Pt(111) resulted in the formation of well-defined carbon clusters. The aggregation to form the carbon clusters leaves open Pt areas that could be available for additional adsorption. It had not been previously determined whether the adsorption and dehydrogenation of additional ethylene would lead to the growth of the initial clusters or the nucleation of additional clusters of the same size. The present study confirms previous reports that the initial carbon clusters are 15 ± 2 A in diameter, 2.5 ± 0.3 A in height, and contain an average of 34 ± 9 carbon atoms per cluster. We show that exposing this surface to additional ethylene at room temperature and annealing leads to an increase in the number of particles of the same size, with no growth in size of the initial particle...
Optimal structural design for given deflection in presence of body forces

Abstract Optimal design of elastic structures for given deflection is discussed under the assumption that some of the loads acting on the structure depend on the design (e.g. weight or inertia forces of elements of structure). A necessary and sufficient condition for local optimality is established, and its use is illustrated by examples.
Characterization and Clinical Management of Clozapine-Induced Fever:

Objective:To characterize clozapine-induced fever and suggest clinically relevant management recommendations.Data Sources:Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–June 2007) using the terms clozapine, fever, and adverse effects. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All English-language articles about human studies ot fever associated with the use of clozapine were evaluated.Data Synthesis:Mild to high-grade fever frequently accompanies clozapine therapy. Fever usually occurs within 10–15 days after treatment initiation and has been reported to last between 2 and 4 days. The mechanism and clinical implications of clozapine-induced fever are unclear. The primary concern for clinicians, with regard to these fevers, is the possibility of 2 serious conditions: agranulocytosis with infection or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). However, the presence of fever during clozapine therapy does not appear to predict agranulocytosis, NM...
Full Cell Mathematical Model of a MCFC

Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy and have the advantage of continuous operation due to continuous supply of reactant gases. The high temperature molten carbonate fuel cell ~MCFC! like any other fuel cell offers clean and efficient energy and is currently used in stationary power applications. The state-ofthe-art MCFC includes NiO cathode, Ni-Cr anode, stainless steel ~SS! current collectors and 32-68 mol % of Li2CO3 /K2CO3 electrolyte held in LiAlO2 matrix. Current research efforts are aimed at increasing the performance and the lifetime of the MCFC through development of better cell components. Researchers interested in improving MCFC performance need to focus on cell components that have scope for yielding the maximum decrease in cell polarization. A full cell model would prove useful in analyzing the performance of MCFC in detail and in determining voltage losses in different regions of the cell. Previous modeling work in MCFC was focused on studying the performance of individual electrodes under different gas compositions and temperature. Yuh and Selman 1 modeled the performance of the MCFC cathode
Unifying fossils and phylogenies for comparative analyses of diversification and trait evolution

Summary 1. The aim of macroevolutionary research is to understand pattern and process in phenotypic evolution and lineage diversification at and above the species level. Historically, this kind of research has been tackled separately by palaeontologists, using the fossil record, and by evolutionary biologists, using phylogenetic comparative methods. 2. Although both approaches have strengths, researchers gain most power to understand macroevolution when data from living and fossil species are analysed together in a phylogenetic framework. This merger sets up a series of challenges – for many fossil clades, well-resolved phylogenies based on morphological data are not available, while placing fossils into phylogenies of extant taxa and determining their branching times is equally challenging. Once methods for building such trees are available, modelling phenotypic and lineage diversification using combined data presents its own set of challenges. 3. The five papers in this Special Feature tackle a disparate range of topics in macroevolutionary research, from time calibration of trees to modelling phenotypic evolution. All are united, however, in implementing novel phylogenetic approaches to understand macroevolutionary pattern and process in or using the fossil record. This Special Feature highlights the benefits that may be reaped by integrating data from living and extinct species and, we hope, will spur further integrative work by empiricists and theoreticians from both sides of the macroevolutionary divide.