cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Defect-induced carbon nanoscroll formation

Abstract Carbon nanoscrolls (CNSs), a graphitic structure formed by rolling of a graphene plane, must overcome an energy barrier in order to form. This energy barrier is the result of competing interactions between the van der Waals force, which wants to cause overlap of the graphene, and the torsional or bending force, which resists bending of the graphene plane. In this study we used molecular dynamics simulation to examine the effect of vacancies on the CNS formation dynamics. We found that the energy barrier, which must be overcome to obtain a stable scroll structure, can be lowered or completely eliminated by introducing vacancies. Individual vacancy and divacancy configurations are studied and found to reduce the torsional bending energy by allowing local stress relaxation around the defect site. A structural transition diagram is created in which we show the energy barrier height for a range of vacancy concentrations and CNS rolling widths. These results provide the theoretical backing for a new method of fabricating CNSs using a focused ion beam and shed new light on the self-rolling phenomenon in graphene.
Functional and phylogenetic analysis of a DREB/CBF-like gene in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

The dehydration-responsive element binding proteins (DREB1)/C-repeat (CRT) binding factors (CBF) function as transcription factors and bind to the DRE/CRT cis-acting element (core motif: G/ACCGAC) commonly present in cold-regulated (COR) genes and subsequently upregulate the expression of such genes in Arabidopsis. We identified a DREB1A/CBF3-like gene, designated LpCBF3, from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) by using RT-PCR and RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA end). The LpCBF3 gene contains all the conserved domains known to exist in other CBF genes. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis using known and computationally identified CBF homologs in this study revealed that all monocot CBF genes are separately clustered from eudicot CBF genes and the LpCBF3 is the ortholog of rice OsDREB1A/CBF3 gene. Similar to other DREB1A/CBF3 homologs, expression of the LpCBF3 is induced by cold stress, but not by abscisic acid (ABA), drought, or salinity. Overexpression of the LpCBF3 cDNA in Arabidopsis induced expression of the Arabidopsis DREB1A/CBF3 target COR genes, COR15a and RD29A, without cold acclimation. Ion leakage in leaves of the overexpression transgenic plants was significantly reduced, an indication of enhanced freezing tolerance. Our data demonstrated that LpCBF3 not only resembles DREB/CBF genes of Arabidopsis, but is also capable of functioning as a transcriptional regulator in Arabidopsis, a species distant to the grass family.
Risk Factors Associated With Abscess Formation in Children 5 Years of Age and Younger

From 1997 to 2009, hospitalization rates have doubled for pediatric patients with soft tissue abscesses requiring incision and drainage. Despite this increasing national burden, few studies have been conducted to identify the risk factors associated with abscess formation. Our study evaluates a collection of physiological and lifestyle parameters that may serve as risk factors for abscess formation among pediatric patients 5 years of age or younger. Our results indicate family history and age 2 years and younger are associated with higher risk of abscess formation. Furthermore, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus were prevalent pathogens associated with abscess in our study group. Pediatricians may employ these novel parameters to educate parents and/or guardians of high-risk groups on preventing abscess formation to alleviate the burden of incision & dragining requiring abscess on health care costs.
Abstracts From the Proceedings of the 2006 Annual Meetings of the Association for Surgical Education

Abstract Thirty-eight abstracts were accepted for presentation at the 26th Annual Meeting of the Association for Surgical Education, held in Tucson, Arizona. Based on common themes, 10 abstracts were chosen for publication under the auspices of the Alliance for Clinical Education. Two abstracts involved operating room simulations. Authors of the 1st abstract used the simulated environment to evaluate team training, whereas the 2nd abstract assessed intraoperative stress and coping strategies during a carotid endarterectomy. Six abstracts explored aspects of newer teaching models used for instructing medical students and residents. Cognitive task analysis and computer-based video training were used to teach and assess procedural skills. Preliminary results were reported, assessing the impact of Web-based, multimedia problem-based teaching modules on clinical reasoning skills. A preclinical skills course improved students' assessment of their proficiency, confidence, and anxiety levels. A student-s ability ...
Use of Fatigue Fuses for Prediction of Fatigue Life of Steel Bridges

The fatigue fuse is a device for predicting the fatigue life of steel highway bridge members when the bridge is subject to variable loads. The fuse is calibrated so that the cracking of each of its four legs can be related to damage in the structure. In a preliminary laboratory study, fatigue fuses are attached to eight steel girders, selected to represent three types of structural details found in existing highway bridges. The fuses are cemented to the girders and the girders subjected to a constant-amplitude fatigue loading. Cracking of the fatigue fuses is monitored by checking electrical continuity across each fuse leg. Tests are continued until girder failure or until all fuse legs are broken and the mean fatigue life of the girder as predicted by AASHTO is reached. The breaking of the fuse legs is used to predict the fatigue life of each girder, which is then compared with the actual cycles to failure of the girder and the AASHTO mean life. The prediction gives satisfactory agreement with the AASHTO...
Finite-Amplitude Equilibration of Baroclinic Waves on a Jet

Abstract A two-layer quasigeostrophic model is used to study the equilibration of baroclinic waves. In this model, if the background flow is relaxed toward a jetlike profile, a finite-amplitude baroclinic wave solution can be realized in both supercritical and subcritical regions of the model’s parameter space. Analyses of the model equations and numerical model calculations indicate that the finite-amplitude wave equilibration hinges on the breaking of Rossby waves before they reach their critical latitude. This “jetward” wave breaking results in an increase in the upper-layer wave generation and a reduction in the vertical phase tilt. This change in the phase tilt has a substantial impact on the Ekman pumping, as it weakens the damping on the lower-layer wave for some parameter settings and enables the Ekman pumping to serve as a source of wave growth at other settings. Together, these processes can account for the O(1)-amplitude wave equilibration. From a potential vorticity (PV) perspective, the wave ...
High Temperature Flux Crystal Growth of Uranium-Containing Perovskites: Sr 3 UO 6 and Ba 2 M UO 6 ( M = Cu, Ni, Zn)

Single crystals of four uranates, Sr3UO6 and Ba2 MUO6 (M = Cu, Ni, Zn), were grown out of reactive carbonate melts. The compounds crystallize in the perovskite structure type as determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Ba2ZnUO6 and Ba2NiUO6 crystallize in the cubic double perovskite structure, the Cu analog is tetragonal and the Sr3UO6 compound is monoclinic. The crystal growth conditions and single crystal structures of these complex uranium-containing double perovskites are reported. Single crystals of four uranates, Sr3UO6 and Ba2 MUO6 (M = Cu, Ni, Zn), were grown out of reactive carbonate melts. The compounds crystallize in the perovskite structure type as determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Ba2ZnUO6 and Ba2NiUO6 crystallize in the cubic double perovskite structure, the Cu analog is tetragonal and the Sr3UO6 compound is monoclinic. The crystal growth conditions and single crystal structures of these complex uranium-containing double perovskites are reported.
Generation of natural pH gradients in microfluidic channels for use in isoelectric focusing

As a part of an ongoing investigation of the use of isoelectric focusing (IEF) in microfluidic devices, pH gradients were electrochemically formed and optically quantified in microfluidic channels using acid−base indicators. The microchannels consisted of two parallel 40-mm-long electrodes with an interelectrode gap of 2.54 mm; top and bottom transparent windows were separated by 0.2 mm. Gradients in pH were formed as a result of the electrochemical decomposition of water at an applied potential not higher than 2.5 V to avoid generation of gas bubbles. Solutions contained low concentrations of a single buffer. The stability of the pH gradients and their sensitivity to changes in initial conditions were investigated under static (nonflow) conditions. Isoelectric focusing of sample biological analytes, bovine hemoglobin and bovine serum albumin, was performed to illustrate the potential of “microfluidic transverse IEF” for use in continuous concentration and separation systems.
Effects of Estradiol and Progesterone on Calcitonin Secretion

Estrogen therapy has been used to inhibit bone resorption and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Previous studies have disagreed as to whether the mechanism of estrogen action involves stimulation of calcitonin (CT) secretion. We evaluated the direct effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Prog) on CT secretion from the thyroid C cells of 8-day-old rats in vitro. Both E2 and Prog caused a significant stimulation of CT secretion within 1 h, which was progressive for the 3-h observation period. The responses were dose related from 10−7 to 5 × 10−10 m. There was no CT response to 10−7 m α-estradiol, estriol, 3-methoxyestriol, estrone, testosterone, or 20α-hydroxyprogesterone, indicating specificity of the responses to E2 and Prog. There was a minimal CT secretory response to 10−6 m cortisol. The E2 receptor antagonist tamoxifen did not inhibit the E2 effect on CT secretion. This observation plus the rapid CT response suggest that this hormonal effect may not be via the conventional intrace...
Effect of nimodipine on cerebral blood flow and metabolism in rats during hyperventilation.

Nimodipine shws promise in the prevention and treatment of brain ischemia. We examined the interaction of nimodipine pretreatment in a dose sufficient to prevent postischemic hypoperfusion and hyperventilation. We studied four groups of rats: normocarbia plus vehicle (Group 1, n = 5), hypocarbia plus vehicle (Group 2, n = 4), normocarbia plus nimodipine (Group 3, n = 7), and hypocarbia plus nimodipine (Group 4, n = 6). Groups 3 and 4 received 1 mg/kg i.p. nimodipine, and Groups 1 and 2 received an equivalent amount of vehicle. Ventilation was left unaltered in Groups 1 and 3 or increased to lower PaCO2 to 21-24 mm Hg in Groups 2 and 4. Determination of regional cerebral glucose utilization (rCGU) was carried out using the [3H]2-deoxyglucose method, and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was determined by the indicator fractionation method using [14C]iodoantipyrine. The brain regions studied were the cerebral hemispheres, the diencephalon, the cerebellum, and the brainstem. Hyperventilation in Groups 2 and 4 from approximately 38 to 22 mm Hg reduced rCBF to 60% of normocarbic levels (p less than 0.05). The slope and intercept of this response were similar in vehicle- and nimodipine-pretreated rats. Nimodipine modestly decreased mean arterial blood pressure by 20% and increased plasma glucose concentration by 60% (p less than 0.05). Although nimodipine tended to increase rCBF and decrease regional cerebrovascular resistance (rCVR), this was significant only for hemispheric rCVR (p less than 0.05). There was a borderline effect for nimodipine to increase rCGU, especially during hypocarbia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Toward an integrated approach to simulation model engineering

Abstract We discuss the problems and partial solutions to developing simulation models over time (a process we term “simulation model engineering”). Simulation models are developed over a long period of time, and different disciplines tend to use different modeling and analysis methods as they refine their models. Many of the solutions to constructing or engineering models involve specific paradigms; however, we have determined that the user requires a more flexible, integrated system that aids him in the process of model construction. We propose an information retrieval system containing an embedded expert system that serves to both guide and advise the user as to which modeling methods are available and appropriate for his task. First, we discuss related areas of interest to model engineering, then we outline issues and problems existing in the area and finally we propose a solution involving an integrated approach where various familiar modeling methods, and not a single paradigm, may be utilized.
VLIW architectures for video signal processing

This paper surveys the state-of-the-art in very long instruction word (VLIW) architectures for video signal processing (VSP). Several factors make VLIW and video a good match, including the large amounts of data parallelism in video programs and the ability to implement VLIW VSPs on a single chip. The paper first introduces the canonical VLIW architecture, then considers several alternative architectural approaches for video processing, and finally discusses some VLIW VSP architectures in more detail.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Algorithm for automating the selection of a temperature dependent change point model

Abstract An algorithm was developed to automate the process of selecting a temperature dependent change point model. Regression models based solely on outdoor air temperature for monitoring and verification purposes are common. The correct change point model shape is determined through a series of three tests. The first test checks whether the coefficients of the model are the correct sign for the shape. The second test checks if the coefficients for the model are significant. The final test checks whether enough data points are present in each temperature region of the model. The algorithm was tested with synthetic EnergyPlus electricity and natural gas data for an outpatient hospital, medium office building, large office building, large hotel, secondary school, and warehouse, with weather data from Chicago, Miami, Seattle, and Fairbanks. The algorithm was able to select the most appropriate temperature dependent change point model for all 48 cases tested. The algorithm can be used in an automated energy modeling routine for monitoring and verification or for checking human decision-making in the energy modeling process.
Stable and fault-tolerant object allocation

Support for efficient dynamic migration and replication of objects is essential for achieving adequate performance and scalability. Traditional solutions to the problem focused on competitiveness. This means that the algorithm's complexity matches the offline adversary's complexity within an acceptable ratio. We define and study the allocation problem under two new measures: stability and fault tolerance. Stability considers the performance of an object allocation algorithm when the object access patterns at the individual nodes of a distributed system stabilize. We present a new algorithm for uniform networks based on the idea of sliding windows. Besides being optimally competitive, the algorithm also exhibits good stability. For fault-tolerance, we consider the performance of allocation algorithms when at least t copies need to be maintained. We derive a lower bound on the competitiveness of such algorithms. Finally, we modify our earlier solution so that it is also optimally fault-tolerant.
Engineered liquid crystal anchoring energies with nanopatterned surfaces

The anchoring energy of liquid crystals was shown to be tunable by surface nanopatterning of periodic lines and spaces. Both the pitch and height were varied using hydrogen silsesquioxane negative tone electron beam resist, providing for flexibility in magnitude and spatial distribution of the anchoring energy. Using twisted nematic liquid crystal cells, it was shown that this energy is tunable over an order of magnitude. These results agree with a literature model which predicts the anchoring energy of sinusoidal grooves.
Characteristics of the Flow-Induced Vibration and Forces With 1- and 2-DOF Vibrations and Limiting Solid-to-Fluid Density Ratios

We studied various characteristics of the flow-induced vibration (FIV) of a spring-mounted cylinder, and the fluctuating lift and drag forces exerted on the cylinder due to the periodic changes in the fluid motion and vortex structure. We compared two conditions, which represent the limiting cases for the solid-to-fluid density ratio: the cylinder density is negligible relative to the fluid density, and the fluid density is negligible relative to the cylinder density. For both conditions, we examined the changes in these characteristics over a wide range of nondimensional mass-damping for one degree of freedom (I-DOF cross-flow) and 2-DOF (cross-flow and in-line) vibration. The four cases exhibit differences (especially at low mass-damping) but also have some similarities in the characteristics of the FIV, induced forces, and energy extraction from the flow. We examined these differences and similarities, the implied errors when the in-line DOF is neglected, and the feasibility of using a single mass-damping parameter to describe the FIV.
An analysis of spatial variability of the dominant ions in precipitation in the eastern United States

Data of the Multistate Atmospheric Power Production Pollution Study (MAP3S) and the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) were utilized to develop wet deposition spatial distribution patterns for the eastern United States for 1979. The ions of SO4 =, NO3 −, H+, and NH4 + were selected for study since they are the most prominent ones found in precipitation.
Wavebands selection for a hyperspectral reflectance and transmittance imaging system for quality evaluation of pickling cucumbers

Hyperspectral imaging under transmittance mode has shown promising results for detecting internal defect in pickling cucumbers, however, the technique still cannot meet the online speed requirement because it needs to acquire and process a large amount of image data. This study was conducted on selecting important wavebands as a basis for developing an online imaging system to detect internal defect in pickling cucumbers. 'Journey' pickling cucumbers were subjected to mechanical stress to induce damage in the seed cavity. Hyperspectral transmittance/reflectance images were acquired from normal and defective cucumbers using a prototype hyperspectral reflectance (400-740 nm)/ transmittance (740-1,000 nm) imaging system. Optimal wavelengths were determined by correlation analysis on single, ratio, and difference of two pairs of wavelengths. A global image thresholding method was applied to the selected spectral images to identify defective cucumbers. Images at 740 nm were the best for single waveband classification with an overall accuracy of 87%. For ratios of two wavebands, 925 nm and 940 nm resulted in an overall classification accuracy of 85%, and for differences of two wavebands, images at 745 nm and 850 nm were the best with a classification accuracy of 91%. All the selected wavebands were in the near infrared region, which is more effective for internal defect detection compared to the visible region.
On macrotubule structure.

The number of protofilament pairs in macrotubules was calculated as a function of macrotubule diameter, protofilament angle to the long axis, and pair width. A comparison of these calculations with published observations suggests utilizasion of all 13 microtubule protofilaments in the formation of macrotubules in vivo.
Palliative care for patients with advanced pancreatic and biliary cancers

Because most patients with pancreatic and biliary cancer have advanced disease, the palliation of debilitating symptoms is critically important in patient management. A multidisciplinary team consisting of representatives from surgery, medical oncology, gastroenterology, radiology, and palliative care medicine is essential for the optimal palliation of symptoms. In this article, the key issues in palliative care for patients with advanced pancreatic and biliary cancer are discussed. In particular, the prevention and amelioration of suffering due to obstructive jaundice, gastric outlet obstruction, cancer-related pain, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, and thromboembolic disease is addressed. To this end, an algorithm for the multidisciplinary management of these challenging patients is proposed with the goal of providing clinicians with a useful framework for providing palliative care for patients with advanced pancreatic and biliary cancer.
Novel genes for specialized organelles

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a genetically heterogeneous disease affecting the biogenesis of lysosomes and lysosome-related organelles, including melanosomes and platelet-dense granules. Clinical features include oculocutaneous hypopigmentation, fibrotic lung disease, and prolonged bleeding
Functional expression of a Rhodospirillum rubrum gene encoding dinitrogenase reductase ADP-ribosyltransferase in enteric bacteria

Abstract The function of the cloned draT gene of Rhodospirillum rubrum was studied by placing it under the control of the tac promoter in the vector, pKK223-3. After induction with isopropyl-β- d -thiogalactopyranoside, dinitrogenase reductase ADP-ribosyltransferase (DRAT) activity was detected in crude extracts of the heterologous hosts Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae . In addition, the expression of draT produced a Nif − phenotype in the otherwise wild-type K. pneumoniae strains, the result of the ADP-ribosylation of accumulated dinitrogenase reductase (DR). DR from a nifF − background was also susceptible to ADP-ribosylation, indicating that the oxidized form of DR will serve as a substrate for DRAT in vivo. A mutation that changes the Arg-101 residue of DR, the ADP-ribose attaching site, eliminates the ADP-ribosylation of DR in vivo, confirming the necessity of this residue for modification.
OVARIES SECRETE MALE HORMONE. IV. EFFECT OF OVARIAN ANDROGENS ON ACCESSORY SIZE IN THE MOUSE1

It has been well established that in some animals grafted ovaries can furnish sufficient androgens to maintain normal size and function of the sex accessories of castrate males (1, 2, 3, 4)2 (5, 6). Such results are now produced consistently by Hill (7), and a positive correlation between temperature and androgenic function of ovaries has been proven. Parkes (8) has been successful in obtaining androgenic activity with an extract of pig ovaries. However, it seems that temperature is probably only a guiding factor in the control of androgenic function of ovaries, a factor which serves to magnify or to bring to the surface a type of physiology potentially incorporated in the constitution of the female gonad. The chemical identity of the reacting androgen from the ovary is still a mystery, but recent evidence leads us to believe that it may be different from that secreted by the testis. Part of that evidence is presented and discussed in this paper, and more will appear soon.
Relationship between solvent-derived and compound-class fractions in coal-derived distillates and vacuum still bottoms

Abstract High-boiling SRC-1 process-derived distillable liquids and nondistillable vacuum still bottoms (VSB) from Wyodak and Kentucky 9/14 coals were separated into solvent-derived and compound-class fractions using Chromatographic techniques. The fractions were characterized using infrared spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, field ionization mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Emphasis was placed on the determination of the composition of oils and asphaltenes. Results showed that oils and asphaltenes consist of the same compound classes: hydrocarbons, nitrogen compounds, and hydroxyl aromatics. The main differences between the oil and asphaltene fractions are in concentrations of compound classes. It was found that oils are rich in hydrocarbons while asphaltenes are rich in hydroxyl aromatics. Also, oils and asphaltenes contain compounds of the same homologous series, and molecular weight is not a factor which differentiates oils and asphaltenes. Components in VSB oils have higher molecular weights than components in distillate asphaltenes. Molecular structure rather than molecular weight is a major parameter that determines solubility of coal-derived liquids.
Refactoring at the core of agile software development

Refactoring code to make it more maintainable and extendable has become a more mainstream practice. Refactoring is the process of changing software without altering its external behavior. It is done in such as way to improve the structure of the code to allow for later extensions or to make maintenance of the code easier. It is important to refactor your code in a disciplined way to minimize disruptions and to allow the system to safely evolve. Improving a systems structure and readability through refactoring enhances its comprehensibility, readability, and maintainability.
Recent crustal deformation in the Ethiopian rift valley

Abstract Three geodimeter networks have been established in the Ethiopian rift: at latitude 8 1 2 ° N , in 1969; at latitude 7 1 2 ° N , in 1970; and at latitude 6°N, in 1971. All three networks have been remeasured annually since their inception. Line-length changes, previously analyzed on a semi-quantitative basis, have now been obtained from a least-squares adjustment program. A rather complex but hopefully realistic weighting scheme has been applied, and the overall network adjustment sigmas (dimensionless) are close to unity. With reference to an arbitrarily selected datum for each network, station vectors have been derived, each with its appropriate foot point curve. The results confirm a significant motion of station RABBIT in the Wolenchiti quadrilateral, a region of episodic ground cracking and subsidence. Significant motions of stations in the Adama region ( 8 1 2 ° N ) form a complex pattern, but a component of longitudinal motion along the rift seems to be a common feature. In the Langana network ( 7 1 2 ° N ), motions are perpendicular to the rift faults, at rates of up to 12 mm/yr.
FGF signalling during embryo development regulates cilia length in diverse epithelia

Cilia are cell surface organelles found on most epithelia in vertebrates. Specialized groups of cilia have critical roles in embryonic development, including left-right axis formation. Recently, cilia have been implicated as recipients of cell-cell signalling. However, little is known about cell-cell signalling pathways that control the length of cilia. Here we provide several lines of evidence showing that fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling regulates cilia length and function in diverse epithelia during zebrafish and Xenopus development. Morpholino knockdown of FGF receptor 1 (Fgfr1) in zebrafish cell-autonomously reduces cilia length in Kupffer's vesicle and perturbs directional fluid flow required for left-right patterning of the embryo. Expression of a dominant-negative FGF receptor (DN-Fgfr1), treatment with SU5402 (a pharmacological inhibitor of FGF signalling) or genetic and morpholino reduction of redundant FGF ligands Fgf8 and Fgf24 reproduces this cilia length phenotype. Knockdown of Fgfr1 also results in shorter tethering cilia in the otic vesicle and shorter motile cilia in the pronephric ducts. In Xenopus, expression of a dn-fgfr1 results in shorter monocilia in the gastrocoel roof plate that control left-right patterning and in shorter multicilia in external mucociliary epithelium. Together, these results indicate a fundamental and highly conserved role for FGF signalling in the regulation of cilia length in multiple tissues. Abrogation of Fgfr1 signalling downregulates expression of two ciliogenic transcription factors, foxj1 and rfx2, and of the intraflagellar transport gene ift88 (also known as polaris), indicating that FGF signalling mediates cilia length through an Fgf8/Fgf24-Fgfr1-intraflagellar transport pathway. We propose that a subset of developmental defects and diseases ascribed to FGF signalling are due in part to loss of cilia function.
Laminin immunized monkeys develop sera toxic to cultured rat embryos and fail to reproduce.

In a previous study antilaminin antibodies in a monkey with a poor reproductive history were found to be the cause of serum toxicity to cultured rat embryos. In the present study four monkeys were immunized with murine tumor laminin and a fifth with bovine serum albumin. Subsequently, sera from only the laminin immunized monkeys became toxic to cultured rat embryos. This serum toxicity was not mediated by complement but did require the antibody to have a divalent structure. Finally, mating trials were conducted with two of the laminin immunized monkeys - that previously had excellent reproductive histories. Based on progesterone levels and observation the monkeys continued to have normal menstrual cycles but failed to initiate a successful pregnancy following immunization in over 2 years of mating trials. These data demonstrated that antibodies against laminin could have prevented conception or could have interrupted pregnancy because of embryotoxicity or failure of implantation.
Demographic structure and stock prices

Abstract This paper investigates the relationship between the demographic structure and stock prices, incorporating demand and supply factors. The results show that the proportion of the population in the prime earning age has had a direct influence on stock prices.
Constraints on New Macroscopic Forces From Gravitational Redshift Experiments

The anomalous gravitational redshift arising from hypothetical vector and scalar fields with macroscopic, finite ranges and couplings to matter weaker than gravity is derived. The constraints which could be imposed by redshift experiments on such interactions are analyzed.
An Important Fraction of the Mammalian Skeletal Muscle Chloride Conductance is Located in the Transverse Tubules

The actual density of chloride (ClC1) channels in the surface and transverse tubular system (TTS) membranes of mammalian skeletal muscles is still unknown. To investigate this issue, we simultaneously recorded fluorescence signals and chloride currents (ICl) in enzymatically dissociated FDB muscle fibers, stained with the potentiometric indicator di-8-ANEPPS, and voltage-clamped using a 2-microelectrode configuration. The external solution contained (in mM) 150 TEA-Cl, 15 CsMOPS, 2 CaCl2, 0.5 CdCl2, and 200nM TTX. Internally, the fibers were equilibrated with a solution containing 60 CsCl, 40 CsEGTA, 40 CsMOPS, and 5 MgCl2 and voltage-clamped at the chloride equilibrium potential (−20mV). gCl was maximally activated by a pulse to +60mV (150ms) and its voltage-dependence calculated from 9-ACA-sensitive tail currents (measured at the onset of a pulse to −100mV) after 200ms test pulses (−100 to +80mV in amplitude). Boltzmann distributions fitted to the data (n=8) yielded: gClmax=-2.1±0.4 S/F, or 8.1±1.5 mS/cm2; V1/2=73±11 mV and k=24±4 mV. The amplitude (in detaF/F) of di-8-ANEPPS fluorescence transients recorded at the onset of the test pulses were plotted as a function of the pulse amplitudes. In the presence of 9-ACA, the deltaF/F vs. voltage relationship was linear over the entire range of pulse amplitudes explored (slope= −0.124±0.015 /100mV), whereas in the presence of ICl the slope of the linear dependence was less steep. For hyperpolarizing pulses, associated with large instantaneous inward currents, the slope was −0.099±0.03 /100mV; for depolarizing pulses (smaller positive currents) the slope was −0.11±0.025 /100mV. The differential attenuation of the average TTS voltage change in the presence of ICl was predicted by a radial cable model provided that ∼30% of the total gCl was in the TTS. Supported by NIH grants Supported by NIH grants AR07664, and AR054816.
Isotope materials availability and services for target production at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Materials available through the Isotope Distribution Program include separated stable isotopes, byproduct radioisotopes, and research quantities of source and special nuclear materials. Isotope products are routinely available in the forms listed in the product description section of the Isotopes Products and Services Catalog distributed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Different forms can be provided in some cases, usually at additional cost. Routinely available services include cyclotron target irradiations, fabrication of special physical forms, source encapsulation, ion implantation, and special purifications. Materials and services that are not offered as part of the routine distribution program may be made available from commercial sources in the United States. Specific forms of isotopic research materials include thin films and foils for use as accelerator targets, metal or other compounds in the form of bars or wires, and metal foils. Methods of fabrication include evaporation, sputtering, rolling, electrolytic deposition, pressing, sintering, and casting. High-purity metal forms of plutonium, americium, and curium are prepared by vacuum reduction/distillation. Both fissionable and nonfissionable neutron dosimeters are prepared for determining the neutron energy spectra, flux, and fluence at various locations within a reactor. Details on what materials are available and how the materials and related services can be obtained from ORNL are described.
The effect of plastic deformation on the resistivity and hall effect of copper-palladium and gold-palladium alloys

Plastic deformation effect on resistivity and Hall effect of copper-palladium and gold- palladium alloys
Performance of a commercial recirculating alligator production system employing a paddle-washed floating bead filter

Abstract A 2.83 m3 prototype paddle-washed bead filter for combined solids capture and biological filtration was successfully operated in a commercial recirculating alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) facility. The bead filter was originally designed and operated as a downflow filter but due to operational and water quality problems, it was reconfigured to operate in an upflow mode. Water quality conditions and filter performance improved dramatically, with the upflow bead filter capable of handling the equivalent loading of 10.3 kg m−3 beads per day of 40% protein feed, despite oxygen limitations and hydraulic problems associated with the retrofitted alligator system.
A Highly Stable, Diode-Pumped Master Oscillator for the OMEGA Laser Facility

A new OMEGA highly stable, diode-pumped master oscillator has been developed. The OMEGA master oscillator is a completely solid-state, computer-controlled, compact design device. It has been operating in OMEGA for six months without operator intervention.
Multi-scale Analysis of Collaborative National Forest Planning Contexts in the Rural US Mountain West

This research analyzes regional and sub-regional contexts of the United States Mountain West where community-based forms of national forest planning are emerging to ameliorate conflict related to New West rural transformations characterized by high population growth and increasing service and amenity-based economies. A county-level typology is developed using cluster techniques applied to demographic, economic, and environmental indicators and a novel measure of spatial accessibility to forest lands. Results identify three types of contexts with differential characterestics relevant to community-based forest planning. A local scale analysis compares characteristics for counties surrounding a national forest with an ongoing community-based collaboration and its participant characteristics. Results show some key differences between participants and their ambient contexts as well as local-scale contextual heterogeneity. A framework for incorporating multi-scale data and analyses to address current research needs for the emergent topic of community-based collaboration is presented.
SELF-PERCEPTIONS OF MEMBERS OF A GRADUATE FACULTY WHOSE PUBLICATION RATES ARE HIGH OR LOW

Members of a Graduate Faculty with high and low publication rates (ns = 95) described themselves in terms of a list of 33 adjectives to determine possible differences in their self-perceptions. Seven adjectives discriminated at significant levels between the two groups. The group with a high rate described themselves as more efficient, excitable and original, while those with a low rate chose adjectives indicating more humorous, friendly, dignified and mischievous.
Soil microbial community response to drying and rewetting stress: does historical precipitation regime matter?

Climate models project that precipitation patterns will likely intensify in the future, resulting in increased duration of droughts and increased frequency of large soil rewetting events, which are stressful to the microorganisms that drive soil biogeochemical cycling. Historical conditions can affect contemporary microbial responses to environmental factors through the persistence of abiotic changes or through the selection of a more tolerant microbial community. We examined how a history of intensified rainfall would alter microbial functional response to drying and rewetting events, whether this historical legacy was mediated through altered microbial community composition, and how long community and functional legacies persisted under similar conditions. We collected soils from a long-term field manipulation (Rainfall Manipulation Plot Study) in Kansas, USA, where rainfall variability was experimentally amplified. We measured respiration, microbial biomass, fungal:bacterial ratios and bacterial community composition after collecting soils from the field experiment, and after subjecting them to a series of drying–rewetting pulses in the lab. Although rainfall history affected respiration and microbial biomass, the differences between field treatments did not persist throughout our 115-day drying–rewetting incubation. However, soils accustomed to more extreme rainfall did change less in response to lab moisture pulses. In contrast, bacterial community composition did not differ between rainfall manipulation treatments, but became more dissimilar in response to drying–rewetting pulses depending on their previous field conditions. Our results suggest that environmental history can affect contemporary rates of biogeochemical processes both through changes in abiotic drivers and through changes in microbial community structure. However, the extremity of the disturbance and the mechanism through which historical legacies occur may influence how long they persist, which determines the importance of these effects for biogeochemical cycling.
The Use of an α-Cyclodextrin Mobile Phase in the Thin-Layer Chromatographic Separation of Ortho, Meta, and Para Substituted Phenols

Abstract An aqueous solution of α-cyclodextrin (cyclohexaamylose) is demonstrated to be a very effective mobile phase in thin-layer chromatographic separations. The chromatographic behaviors of twenty-six substituted phenolic and naphtholic compounds using polyamide thin-layer stationary sheets are described. The Rf values were found to be dependent upon both the structural features of the phenolic compounds and the concentration of α-cyclodextrin in the mobile phase. A possible mechanism that accounts for the observed chromatographic behavior is presented. The advantages and disadvantages of the aqueous α-cyclodextrin mobile phase over the traditional pure or mixed organic solvent systems typically employed are discussed.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer: A Review of Clinicopathologic Characteristics And Treatment Options

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Approximately 15-20% are triple negative breast cancer (TNBC: no protein expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, nor human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), representing one of the most challenging molecular subtypes of breast cancer. TNBC encompasses a heterogenous group of breast cancers that are not generally responsive to targeted therapies for hormone and growth factor receptors. Compared to their hormone receptor-positive counterparts, TNBC cases are associated with poor prognosis, worse overall survival and earlier recurrence. The purpose of this review is to describe the clinicopathologic features, molecular variants, associations with the BRCA genes, and therapeutic approaches for TNBC. New TNBC-targeted drug therapies are currently under investigation and include poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, platinum-based drugs, anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF) inhibitors. Both clinical trials and basic research are needed to further our understanding of the best treatment options for patients with TNBC. Keyword: Triple negative breast cancer.
Growth in Vascular Cells and Cytokine Production by Chlamydia pneumoniae

The proposed pathogenesis of Chlamydia pneumoniae in atherosclerosis is supported by the finding that C. pneumoniae can initiate and sustain growth in human vascular cells. In vitro growth of C. pneumoniae is found in macrophages, peripheral blood monocyte (PBMC)-derived macrophages, endothelial cells, and aortic artery smooth muscle cells. U-937 macrophages infected with C. pneumoniae are capable of transmitting the infection to human coronary artery endothelial cells (CAEC) with direct cellular contact. Production of cytokines by cells infected with C. pneumoniae indicates that the organism can stimulate the immune system. CAEC infected with C. pneumoniae produce more interleukin-8 than cells sham inoculated with negative control cells. When interferon-γ is used to stimulate HEp-2 cells, U-937 cells, and PBMC (before infection with C. pneumoniae), inhibition of a productive growth cycle occurs in a dose-related response. Studies are needed to learn the relationship between productive infection and persistence, the ability of C. pneumoniae to affect the immune response, and the potential for C. pneumoniae to influence atheromatous lesions.
Efficient implementation of decoupling capacitors in 3D processor-dram integrated computing systems

Three-dimensional (3D) integration of a single high performance microprocessor die and multiple DRAM dies has been considered as a viable option to tackle the looming memory wall problem. Meanwhile, on-chip decoupling capacitors are becoming increasingly important to ensure power delivery integrity, particularly for high-performance integrated circuits. Targeting at 3D processor-DRAM integrated computing systems, this paper proposes to use 3D stacked DRAM dies to provide decoupling capacitors for the processor die. This can well leverage the superior capacitor fabrication ability of DRAM to eliminate the area penalty of decoupling capacitor insertion on the processor die. For its practical implementation, a simple uniform decoupling capacitor network design strategy is presented, and circuit SPICE simulations and computer system simulations are carried out to quantitatively demonstrate the effectiveness and illustrate various design trade-offs.
A hybrid approach to constraint reasoning in bio-ontologies

The term Semantic Web refers to the web of linked data whose semantics can be understood by machines for further automatic process. As an expressive knowledge representation language for Semantic Web, Web Ontology Language (OWL) is intensively used for model construction and data exchange in biomedical field. However, the problem of maintaining integrity constraints arises because OWL employs the Open World Assumption (OWA) as well as the Non-Unique Name Assumption (NUNA). Integrity constraints (ICs) on ontologies have to be enforced; otherwise conflicting results would be derivable from the same knowledge base. In this study, we examined characteristics of commonly used bio-ontologies. Then this paper proposes a hybrid architecture integrating semantic knowledge base technologies and forward rule reasoning, to better serve the purpose of maintaining integrity constraints in bio-ontologies. A design and prototype implementation are introduced. As a preliminary result, our demonstration shows the feasibility of efficient, composable, and easy-to-use bio-ontology constraint checking method from expressive rules reasoning.
Catalytic activity and selectivity on heterogeneous surfaces with mass transfer

Effective reaction rates and selectivities on surfaces having active and inactive regions are calculated for systems in which diffusion of reactants and products through a boundary layer is significant. With a single reaction it is shown that rates are larger than those calculated assuming area weighted averages. The selectivity of production of an intermediate in a series of reactions on a heterogeneous surface is higher than on a homogeneous surface, and with parallel reactions selectivities may be lower or higher depending on the kinetics of the competing reaction. Numerical examples from NH3 oxidation on a Pt gauze and CO oxidation in the automotive converter indicate that these effects may be important in determining selectivities and conversions in some industrial reactors.
X-Band TRAPATT Amplifier

The design and performance of broad-band TRAPATT amplifiers in X-band are described along with a discussion of critical circuit parameters. Bandwidths of 10% and peak powers up to 38 watts have been achieved using coaxial circuits with single and multichip diodes.
Cesarean Delivery and Its Impact on the Anomalous Infant

Although cesarean deliveries frequently are performed for anomalous fetal conditions, available data do not always support a fetal benefit from this delivery management. The literature on cesarean delivery for anomalous infants reports insufficient information on comorbid neonatal conditions, so these complications are unknown in this population of newborns. In a minority of cases, a cesarean delivery is reasonable to prevent dystocia or optimize outcome. Areas for future investigation include prospective, randomized, controlled trials of prelabor cesarean compared with vaginal deliveries for myelomeningocele and anterior abdominal wall defects. The rarity of other lesions likely precludes randomized controlled trials.
Comparing the performance of distributed hash tables under churn

A protocol for a distributed hash table (DHT) incurs communication costs to keep up with churn – changes in membership – in order to maintain its ability to route lookups efficiently. This paper formulates a unified framework for evaluating cost and performance. Communication costs are combined into a single cost measure (bytes), and performance benefits are reduced to a single latency measure. This approach correctly accounts for background maintenance traffic and timeouts during lookup due to stale routing data, and also correctly leaves open the possibility of different preferences in the tradeoff of lookup time versus communication cost. Using the unified framework, this paper analyzes the effects of DHT parameters on the performance of four protocols under churn.
Privacy Preserving Data Communication Model

Encryption has been a widely used technology for protecting secure data. However, recent threats show that encrypted data are being hacked and decrypted. A 128-bit encryption can be broken by a few weeks of supercomputing processing. These data are very critical to an organization and could be lethal if accessed by unauthorized group. Here a new transmission model is proposed for securing structured data over sensitive networks. The model uses simple mathematical operations to secure data segments, obtained after segregating the whole data and transmitting the segment in parts.