cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Nanoporous Metal Oxide Particles by a New Inorganic Matrix Spray Pyrolysis Method

In this paper we describe a new approach for the formation of nanoporous particles in which a thermally stable, water-soluble, and therefore easily leached second component is employed during spray pyrolysis to produce a composite particle. We demonstrate the new synthetic approach for synthesizing nanoporous aluminum oxide (Al2O3) by spray pyrolysis of aluminum nitrate (Al(NO3)3·9H2O) and sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions. The characteristics of the nanoporous material such as surface area, pore volume, and particle morphology are investigated as a function of relative humidity, temperature, and salt fractions. Specific surface area of the product particles increased significantly from 10 m2/g for the produced composite particles to over 370 m2/g for the remaining Al2O3 particles following aqueous leaching to remove the NaCl filler. Nanoporous particles could be produced at relatively low temperature (<550 °C) and high relative humidity (or low evaporation rate of aerosolized droplets) when followed by th...
Multifunctional hybrid neural net

Abstract New associative processor, optimization, and adaptive learning neural net algorithms are presented. A new symbolic correlator and production system optical neural net to handle multiple objects in the field of view is also reviewed. Attention is given to optically-generated input neuron representation spaces and to the implementation of a wide variety of neural net functions on a multifunctional hybrid optical/digital neural net system.
Resistance of a measles virus mutant to fusion inhibitory oligopeptides is not associated with mutations in the fusion peptide

Abstract The nucleotide sequence and predicted amino acid sequence has been obtained for the fusion (F) protein gene of the R93 strain of measles virus and compared to that of the parental strain, Edmonston B. The R93 strain is a mutant measles virus which is able to grow and induce cell fusion in the presence of the fusion inhibiting oligopeptide, Z- d -Phe- l -Phe- l -(NO 2 )Arg (SV4814). Primer extension sequencing on isolated R93 mRNA demonstrated the presence of three nucleotide changes leading to three amino acid changes, none of which are in the hydrophobic NH 2 -terminal region of the F 1 polypeptide.
Ignition criterion for turbulent high velocity, combustible gases with pilot-stabilized flames

An ignition criterion has been derived for flowing, high velocity, combustible gases with pilot stabilized flames at low pressure.
Intrinsic origin of spin echoes in dipolar solids generated by strong π pulses

In spectroscopy, it is conventional to treat pulses much stronger than the linewidth as delta functions. In NMR, this assumption leads to the prediction that $\ensuremath{\pi}$ pulses do not refocus the dipolar coupling. However, NMR spin echo measurements in dipolar solids defy these conventional expectations when more than one $\ensuremath{\pi}$ pulse is used. Observed effects include a long tail in the CPMG echo train for short delays between $\ensuremath{\pi}$ pulses, an even-odd asymmetry in the echo amplitudes for long delays, an unusual fingerprint pattern for intermediate delays, and a strong sensitivity to $\ensuremath{\pi}$-pulse phase. Experiments that set limits on possible extrinsic causes for the phenomena are reported. We find that the action of the system's internal Hamiltonian during any real pulse is sufficient to cause the effects. Exact numerical calculations, combined with average Hamiltonian theory, identify terms that are sensitive to parameters such as pulse phase, dipolar coupling, and system size. Visualization of the entire density matrix shows a unique flow of quantum coherence from nonobservable to observable channels when applying repeated $\ensuremath{\pi}$ pulses.
Solving Critical Lifts Utilizing 3D Modeling Software

AbstractThe acceptance of utilizing three-dimensional (3D) modeling programs for planning purposes in the heavy civil construction industry is on the rise. The ability to play out all possible construction process scenarios in a virtual world rather than in reality and to remove conflicts prior to the start of the work is a priceless construction planning tool. This paper explains the successful use of a 3D modeling program to plan and execute a critical lift on the Moses Wheeler Bridge project located in Connecticut. The critical lift examined here consisted of four drop-in girders. Specifically, 3D modeling was used to examine the placement of these four girders by two cranes positioned on each side of the river channel. During the planning stage, a virtual construction site was created in a commercial 3D modeling program utilizing contract plans and actual as-built survey data. Over a period of 3 days, four girder lines were erected safely and ahead of the planned project schedule. Besides the schedule...
Local response of a glacier to annual filling and drainage of an ice-marginal lake

Ice-marginal Hidden Creek Lake, Alaska, USA, outbursts annually over the course of 2-3 days. As the lake fills, survey targets on the surface of the 'ice dam' (the glacier adjacent to the lake) move obliquely to the ice margin and rise substantially. As the lake drains, ice motion speeds up, becomes nearly perpendicular to the face of the ice dam, and the ice surface drops. Vertical movement of the ice dam probably reflects growth and decay of a wedge of water beneath the ice dam, in line with established ideas about jokulhlaup mechanics. However, the distribution of vertical ice movement, with a narrow (50-100 m wide) zone where the uplift rate decreases by 90%, cannot be explained by invoking flexure of the ice dam in a fashion analogous to tidal flexure of a floating glacier tongue or ice shelf. Rather, the zone of large uplift-rate gradient is a fault zone: ice-dam deformation is dominated by movement along high-angle faults that cut the ice dam through its entire thickness, with the sense of fault slip reversing as the lake drains. Survey targets spanning the zone of steep uplift gradient move relative to one another in a nearly reversible fashion as the lake fills and drains. The horizontal strain rate also undergoes a reversal across this zone, being compressional as the lake fills, but extensional as the lake drains. Frictional resistance to fault-block motion probably accounts for the fact that lake level falls measurably before the onset of accelerated horizontal motion and vertical downdrop. As the overall fault pattern is the same from year to year, even though ice is lost by calving, the faults must be regularly regenerated, probably by linkage of surface and bottom crevasses as ice is advected toward the lake basin.
Myofibril Acquisition from Primary Rat Cardiomyocyte Culture for Mechanical Studies

Introduction: Myofibril based mechanical studies allow targeted evaluation of sarcomeric protein function. Here we describe a novel method of obtaining myofibrils from primary cardiomyocyte culture.Methods: Adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVMs) were obtained by enzymatic digestion and maintained in serum free environment for 72 hours. ARVMs were homogenized in relaxing solution (pCa 9.0) with 20% sucrose, and myofibril suspension was made. Myofibrils, mounted on a force recording apparatus, were Ca2+-activated and fully relaxed by fast solution switching at 15°C and 2.1 μm initial sarcomere length.Results from ARVM myofibrils were compared to those myofibrils obtained from ventricular tissue with traditional skinning method (0.05% Triton-X100). Results: At maximal Ca2+-activation (pCa 4.5) myofibril mechanical parameters from ARVMs were 8 mN/mm2 (resting tension), 156.4 mN/mm2 (maximal active tension, Po), 5.4 s-1 (rate of force activation, kACT), 5.2 s-1 (rate of force redevelopment following release-restretch, kTR), 41.6 ms (linear relaxation duration), and 13.6 s-1 (exponential relaxation rate). The parameters of the myofibrils isolated from the ventricular tissue were not significantly different. Degree of run-down (decrease in Po and kACT between subsequent activation-relaxation cycles) was evaluated. Between first and third activations, we noted the following % changes in myofibrils from ARVM cultures: −23.6% (Po), −29.6% (kACT). The magnitude of run-down was not statistically different between myofibrils from ARVMs versus the traditional Triton skinned samples. Finally, pCa50 from Triton skinned, ARVM culture day 0, and ARVM culture day 3 myofibrils were 5.76, 5.74, and 5.71, respectively.Conclusion: Myofibrils obtained from ARVMs is a viable method to study myofibril mechanics. This culture based approach to obtaining myofibrils will allow pharmacological and genetic manipulation of the cardiomyocytes to correlate biochemical and biophysical properties.
The potential risks of liquefied natural gas

Imported liquefied natural gas can provide needed supplements to diminishing domestic gas supplies as well as being a convenient means for the storage and transportation of natural gas. LNG vessels and facilities are, however, costly and present the risk of potentially large accidents. We describe these risks and the impacts of LNG operations, summarize the safety issues, and make several policy recommendations for the responsible use of this premium fossil fuel.
Northwest coast indigenous institutions that supported resilience and sustainability

Abstract Indians of the Northwest Coast of North America had cultural continuity for at least two millennia before contact with people from the old world. This archeological fact suggests that their societies had achieved sustainability and resilience in relationships to their ecosystems and the salmon runs. The governance principles used by Northwest Indians in managing fisheries and other resources provided resilience. In addition to a land ethic, these principles included exchange systems based on public reciprocity. Property rights were clear and trespass was a capital offense. Chiefs and titleholders had to be generous facilitators. Leadership authority over land was contingent upon adherence to ethical and generous behavior as well as good management. These indigenous institutions were quite different from the rules currently governing the management of most ecosystems. In critiquing current institutions, many ideas similar to those in the indigenous systems have been proposed in isolation; the example described in this paper suggests the importance of combining them.
COGNITIVELY BASED ASSESSMENT OF, FOR, AND AS LEARNING: A FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING READING COMPETENCY

This paper presents the rationale and research base for a reading competency model designed to guide the development of cognitively based assessment of reading comprehension. The model was developed from a detailed review of the cognitive research on reading and learning and a review of state standards for language arts. A survey of the literature revealed three key areas of reading competency: prerequisite reading skill, model building skill, and applied comprehension skill. Prerequisite reading skill is the ability to read text accurately and fluently. Model building skill is the ability to construct meaning from either decoded text or spoken language. Applied comprehension skill is the ability to use and apply the information contained in text for some particular purpose. The framework is discussed in terms of 7 key principles that have implications for the design of a modern assessment of reading.
Behavioral treatment of childhood trichotillomania a case study

The two year compulsive hairpulling of a 7‐year‐old boy was treated using behavioral procedures which were implemented by the significant adults in his environment (mother and teacher). The undesired behavior was rapidly eliminated within several days and suppression of this habit was maintained during an eleven month follow‐up period. The present case study is described as supporting Taylor's (1963) behavioral interpretation of obsessive‐compulsive neurosis. In addition, the few behavioral interventions for trichotillomania which have been reported in the literature are discussed. Future research trends which are needed regarding trichotillomania are also presented.
The development of morphosyntactic ability in atypical populations: The acquisition of tag questions in children with early focal lesions and children with specific-language impairment

We examined the development of some features of morphosyntactic ability, specifically the acquisition of auxiliaries and use of agreement marking, along with sentence processing capacity. We used a conceptually simple task called the Tags Question Task, which is a method for evaluating a number of language processes in the production of a commonly used, familiar linguistic device. We compared the performance of children with early focal lesions (N=21), children with specific-language impairment (N=24), and typically developing children (N=24) matched in age and nonverbal ability; additional analyses involved comparisons of children matched on performance level. The data converge to support a "delayed" development of language behavior in our clinical groups, as overall patterns of performance and age-related changes on individual tag features and tag questions were strikingly similar in all three groups across a number of methods of comparison. Implications for theories of the development of brain-language relationships as they pertain to early focal brain damage, specific-language impairment, and the language acquisition process in typically developing children are discussed.
Microstructure-property relations of alumina-zirconia eutectic ceramics

Abstract The microstructure-property relations were determined for specimens of the Al2O3ZrO2 eutectic composition as a function of Y2O3 stabilizer content. Specimens were produced from rapidly solidified powders via hot pressing. In unstabilized specimens, the microstructure consisted of dispersed and interconnected regions of monoclinic ZrO2 in an α-Al2O3 matrix. Similar microstructural features were observed in stabilized specimens; however, tetragonal ZrO2 was present rather than monoclinic ZrO2. In unstabilized specimens, fractographic analysis indicated that microcracking was the primary toughening mechanism. Fractographic analysis clearly revealed remnants of a deformation process in the crack wake of the stabilized specimens. Because transformation toughening was not observed in the stabilized specimens, the operative deformation process offers the potential of a novel toughening mechanism for brittle materials.
Isolation of Specific Cranberry Flavonoids for Biological Activity Assessment

Abstract Characterisation of cranberry compound biological activity is constrained by limitations in isolation methodology. A single rapid procedure for polyphenolic isolation was developed using semi-preparative-HPLC. Non-flavonoid compounds were removed by pre-purification procedures prior to semi-preparative-HPLC. Fractions were analysed to ascertain purity (99%) with HPLC and ESI mass spectrometric detection in negative ion mode and on-line diode array ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Isolated cranberry flavonols included quercetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-rhamnoside, myricetin-3-galactoside, myricetin-3-arabinofuranoside, and quercetin-3-O-(6″-p-benzoyl)-β-galactoside. Proanthocyanidin isolates contained monomers, dimers, trimers, and larger polymers. Anthocyanins consisted largely of galactoside and arabinoside conjugates of cyanidin and peonidin. Identities were confirmed using 1D-NMR- and 2D-NMR-spectrometry as well as reference standards. Flavonol fractions exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in a dosedependent manner, while the anthocyanin fraction exhibited the least activity. Biological activity studies of cranberry phenolics will benefit from the improved isolation procedures described in this study and the confirmation of antioxidant activities of various cranberry constituents.
Substance use and victimization: Street-involved youths' perspectives and service implications

Abstract Homeless youths' use of substances is highly related to experiences of trauma and the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms. The current study approached homeless young people to elicit their perspectives regarding how their substance use and trauma experiences are interrelated. Recruited from a homeless youth service settings, youth (n = 50) participated in qualitative, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews that queried youth on two broad topics: how substances might place youth at risk for victimization and how substances may be used as a coping strategy. Youth identified several ways substance use placed them at further risk (e.g., decreasing awareness of potential danger, increasing physical risk through overdose or addiction, disconnecting them from support systems, and increasing risk for violence related to criminal behavior). They also described multiple ways in which substances temporarily helped them cope with past trauma (e.g., escaping difficult thoughts, improving negative moods, relaxing, and socializing with others). Many youth (68%) described using substances as a “temporary fix” or “band-aid” to cope with memories of past trauma that eventually placed them at higher risk for further victimization. Adaptations to existing prevention services that incorporate the interconnectedness between substance use and trauma are suggested.
Installation effects upon orifice flowmeters

Abstract An experimental study has been undertaken to quantify the effect of the inlet velocity distribution upon the coefficient of discharge, C d . A two inch (50.8 mm) diameter orifice run was operated at a Reynolds number of 91 000 with a beta ratio, β, of 0.75. The upstream pipe section was replaced with a one inch pipe mounted concentrically inside the two inch pipe. The mass flowrate was held constant by an array of sonic nozzles upstream of the concentric pipes and was split between the two. By varying the ratio of the flow split, various inlet velocity profiles were generated. The results show that the change in coefficient of discharge is related to first-, second- and third-order moments of momentum: ∫ 0 R ∫ 0 2π i=1,2,3, Analysis of data presented by Morrow et al. (Flow Measurement and Instrumentation 2 (1) (1991) 14–20) shows the same relationship. This paper proposes the use of this correlation to develop criteria for correcting the discharge coefficient given the variation of the inlet velocity profile from ‘fully developed’ flow. The velocity profile can be measured at the upstream flange tap location with the orifice plate removed, and that profile can be used to generate the moment of momentum to be used to correct the coefficient of discharge.
Phylogenetic relationships within the suborder Dermanyssina (Acari: Parasitiformes) and a test of dermanyssoid monophyly

ABSTRACT Dermanyssina is a speciose and ecologically diverse cohort of mesostigmatid mites. Primitive dermanyssoid mites are free-living predators in soil and litter, but the more diverse members of the group form facultative and obligate parasitic associations with a variety of vertebrate and arthropod taxa. This study uses molecular sequence data from the 18S and 28S gene regions of the nuclear ribosomal DNA array in an attempt to test dermanyssoid monophyly and establish phylogenetic relationships between Dermanyssoidea and the other dermanyssine superfamilies. Results from the phylogenetic analyses suggest that the families Spinturnicidae and Spelaeorhynchidae are both more closely related to Eviphidoidea than to other dermanyssoid mites and that Dermanyssoidea as currently defined is paraphyletic. The analyses also indicate that Eviphidoidea is sister to Dermanyssoidea and should be used as an outgroup for future phylogenetic studies of Dermanyssoidea.
T-cell receptor gene rearrangement and expression in human natural killer cells: natural killer activity is not dependent on the rearrangement and expression of T-cell receptor α, β, or γ genes

To test the hypothesis that the T-cell receptor (Tcr) λ gene encodes a natural killer (NK) cell receptor molecule, three human NK clones and fresh peripheral blood lymphocytes with NK activity from two patients with a CD16+ lymphocytosis were analyzed for rearrangements and expression of the human Tcr α, β, and λ genes. Two of the clones displayed distinct rearrangements of their Tcr β and λ genes and expressed mature Tcr α, β, and αl RNA. However, one of the clones and both patient samples displayed marked NK activity but failed to rearrange or express any of their Tcr genes. These findings demonstrate that human natural killer activity is not dependent on Tcr λ gene rearrangement and expression. In addition, they confirm previous findings concerning the lack of Tcr α and β gene expression in some natural killer cells. Thus, they suggest the existence of additional NK-specific recognition molecules.
Effects of 0.25 PPM Nitrogen Dioxide on the Developing Mouse Lung. Part 2: Quantitation of Elastic Tissue and Alveolar Walls

AbstractA colony of 3-wk-old mice (Swiss-Webster) was divided into young adult mice exposed to intermittent 0.25 ppm NO2 for 6 wk and a control group. The left lungs of 186 control and 186 exposed animals were perfused-inflated with glutaraldehyde at 6, 10, and 32 wk post-exposure, and elastic fibers in paraffin sections were stained with aldehyde fuchsin. Image analysis quantitation of elastin content at the first test period showed significant increases in lung elastin for the NO2-exposed animals, that is, fiber number (p = .001), elastin area (p = .007), and elastin alveolar perimeters (p <.008). Internal surface area (alveolar wall perimeters) decreased (p = .05) and lung volume increased slightly but not significantly. There were also nonsignificant trends toward a larger fiber size, and higher elastic fiber/ wall area ratios. A reversal occurred at the 10-wk postexposure test. All elastic fiber measurements for the exposed animals were significantly less than those for the control group, namely, ela...
Effects of acute gastric distention and recovery on tendency for ventricular arrhythmia in dogs.

The gastric distention-volvulus (GDV) syndrome occurs commonly in large-breed dogs and may prove fatal in 15-68% of cases. Approximately 43% of cases with gastric distention (GD) or volvulus develop cardiac arrhythmias that can contribute to mortality. Most of these arrhythmias are ventricular in origin and ventricular fibrillation (VF) may be the cause of death. This study used an iatrogenic model of acute GD to investigate the prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias during acute GD and its recovery, if programmed electrical stimulation (PES) may uncover tendency to VF, if the Q-T interval corrected for heart rate (Q-Tc) of the electrocardiogram (ECG) predicts tendency to VF, and if hemodynamic changes predate VF. Eleven beagles, anesthetized with morphine and alpha-chloralose, and instrumented so that vascular pressures, cardiac output, and PES could be recorded, were used. Five were unperturbed, whereas acute GD to a pressure of 30 mm Hg for 1.5 hours was produced in 6 others. The results were as follows. No dogs with GD developed spontaneously occurring arrhythmias. VF was produced in no dogs by conventional PES, but occurred in all dogs (P < .05) with GD and none of the controls, using accelerated ventricular pacing. The Q-Tc interval of the ECG prolonged minimally in dogs with GD, and shortened (P < .05) in controls. Some hemodynamic changes did predate VF. In conclusion, dogs with acute GD have a tendency for VF, which may be uncovered by accelerated PES. The mechanism for the vulnerability to arrhythmia with GD is unknown.
Isomerisation of deuterated cyclopropanes : The possibility for stereochemical control

The direct dynamics technique, based on an AMI semiempirical Hamiltonian modified with specific reaction path parameters, has been employed to study the constant energy and thermal isomerisation of S,S-trans-cyclopropane-1,2-d 2 and cyclopropane-1,2,3-d3. At a classical energy of 48.25 kcal mol -1 above the conrotatory saddle point, the dynamics is mode specific. This raises the possibility of stereochemical control in this energy regime. The sensitivity of the reaction mechanism to the character of the excited normal mode eigenvector is also apparent under thermal conditions at 695 K. Similar product branching ratios are obtained for the d 2 and d 3 species at this temperature, when the trajectories are initialised at the conrotatory saddle point.
Self-broadening of water vapor transitions via the complex Robert–Bonamy theory

Abstract Calculations of self-broadened half-widths and self-induced pressure shifts are made using the complex Robert–Bonamy formalism. The results of calculations using different approximations of the intermolecular potential indicate that this is a strong collision system. The effects of the imaginary components on the half-widths are studied. The temperature, vibrational, and rotational state dependence of the half-width are investigated. Results are compared with measurements from the database of self-broadening of water vapor [Gamache RR, Hartmann J-M. An intercomparison of measured pressure-broadening and pressure-shifting parameters of water vapor. Can J Chem 2004; 82: 1013–27].
No Radio Afterglow from the Gamma-Ray Burst of 1997 February 28

We present radio observations of the gamma-ray burster GRB 970228 made with the Very Large Array and the Owens Valley Radio Observatory which span a range of postburst timescales from 1 to 300 days. A search for a time-variable radio source was conducted covering an area that included a fading X-ray source and an optical transient, both of which are thought to be the long-wavelength counterparts to the gamma-ray burst. At the position of the optical transient, sensitive limits between 10 μJy and 1 mJy can be placed on the absence of a radio counterpart to GRB 970228 between 1.4 and 240 GHz. We apply a simple formulation of a fireball model which has been used with some success to reproduce the behavior of the optical and X-ray light curves. Using this model, we conclude that the radio nondetections are consistent with the peak flux density of the afterglow lying between 20 and 40 μJy, and it requires that the optical flux peaked between 4 and 16 hr after the burst.
Numerical Simulation of the Effects of Rotor-Stator Spacing and Wake/Blade Count Ratio on Turbomachinery Unsteady Flows

A two-dimensional time-accurate Navier-Stokes solver for incompressible flows is used to simulate the effects of the axial spacing between an upstream rotor and a stator, and the wake/blade count ratio on turbomachinery unsteady flows. The code uses a pressure-based method. A low-Reynolds number two-equation turbulence model is incorporated to account for the turbulence effect. By computing cases with different spacing between an upstream rotor wake and a stator, the effect of the spacing is simulated. Wake/blade count ratio effect is simulated by varying the number of rotor wakes in one stator passage at the computational inlet plane. Results on surface pressure, unsteady velocity vectors, blade boundary layer profiles, rotor wake decay and loss coefficient for all the cases are interpreted. It is found that the unsteadiness in the stator blade passage increases with a decrease in the blade row spacing and a decrease in the wake/blade count ratio. The reduced frequency effect is dominant in the wake/blade count ratio simulation. The time averaged loss coefficient increases with a decrease in the axial blade row spacing and an increase in the wake/blade count ratio.
Measurement and analytical validation of interfacial bond strength of PAN-fiber-reinforced carbon matrix composites

Carbon/carbon composites are well suited to high-friction applications due to their excellent mechanical and thermal properties. Since interfacial shear strength is critical to composite performance, characterization of fiber/matrix interface is a crucial step in tailored design of composites. This article presents a hybrid experimental/analytical study to evaluate the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of PAN-fiber-reinforced carbon matrix composites. Microstructure was studied by light and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). A series of push-out tests were conducted to examine the fiber/matrix debonding process. The residual fiber displacement was confirmed by scanning electron microcopy (SEM). The validity of the calculated IFSS value was demonstrated by a simplified analytical approach, where the components contributing to the measured displacement were analyzed considering the mechanics of the indentation. The method described in this article has been successfully used for determining the IFSS of PAN-fiber-reinforced carbon matrix composites.
Reynolds Stress Deflections of the Bivane Anemometer

Abstract We show that a bivane anemometer or other elevation angle sensing device records a nonzero mean angle when responding to cross-correlated fluctuations in a mean wind. Our analysis shows how this mean offset can be used to derive the wind-aligned Reynolds stress directly. This theory is applied to a historical data set. It is first shown that the prior derivation of a mean vertical wind component is erroneous, and then that reinterpretation of results in terms of the Reynolds stress response is consistent with other aspects of the record.
Studies of Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (KDP) Crystals Doped with Potassium Dichromate (PD) using ICP and UV Spectrophotometer

This paper reports on preparation and characterization of Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (KDP) crystals doped with Potassium Dichromate (PD). The crystals were grown at room temperature by solution evaporation technique. The grown crystals were polished, sliced, and analyzed using UV-Spectrophotometer, which showed high concentration of PD impurities in KDP crystals at 200-280 nanometer. These concentrations were then verified using ICP measurements to determine specific amount in ppm of chromium ions in KDP crystals. In additional to that, the UV-transmittance data of these crystals were then converted to absorbance per thickness, and used to calculate absorption coefficients, extinction coefficients, and refractive index as a function of wavelength. The results showed that the presence of PD impurities in the crystal matrix of KDP has played a key reformative role in the UV sensing of Potassium Diphosphate crystals.
Kinases as drug targets in the treatment of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is one of the most severely debilitating of all medical illnesses, and is increasingly recognized as a major public health problem. For many patients with bipolar disorder, current pharmacotherapy is insufficient. Exciting recent data suggest that regulation of signaling molecules may be involved in the pathophysiology of the disorder, and in the mechanisms of action of mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Through our developing understanding of the biochemical targets of effective medications, several potential targets for new therapies have emerged. This short review will focus on two of the most promising such targets: glycogen synthase-3 and protein kinase C.
Diuretic hormone 44 receptor in Malpighian tubules of the mosquito Aedes aegypti: evidence for transcriptional regulation paralleling urination

In the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.), the molecular endocrine mechanisms underlying rapid water elimination upon eclosion and blood feeding are not fully understood. The genome contains a single predicted diuretic hormone 44 (DH44) gene, but two DH44 receptor genes. The identity of the DH44 receptor(s) in the Malpighian tubule is unknown in any mosquito species. We show that VectorBase gene ID AAEL008292 encodes the DH44 receptor (GPRDIH1) most highly expressed in Malpighian tubules. Sequence analysis and transcript localization indicate that AaegGPRDIH1 is the co-orthologue of the Drosophila melanogaster DH44 receptor (CG12370-PA). Time-course quantitative PCR analysis of Malpighian tubule cDNA revealed AaegGPRDIH1 expression changes paralleling periods of excretion. This suggests that target tissue receptor biology is linked to the known periods of release of diuretic hormones from the nervous system pointing to a common up-stream regulatory mechanism.
Progressive multiresolution meshes for deforming surfaces

Time-varying surfaces are ubiquitous in movies, games, and scientific applications. For reasons of efficiency and simplicity of formulation, these surfaces are often generated and represented as dense polygonal meshes with static connectivity. As a result, such deforming meshes often have a tremendous surplus of detail, with many more vertices and polygons than necessary for any given frame. An extensive amount of work has addressed the issue of simplifying a static mesh: however, these methods are inadequate for time-varying surfaces when there is a high degree of non-rigid deformation. We thus propose a new multiresolution representation for deforming surfaces that, together with our dynamic improvement scheme, provides high quality surface approximations at any level-of-detail, for all frames of an animation. Our algorithm also gives rise to a new progressive representation for time-varying multiresolution hierarchies, consisting of a base hierarchy for the initial frame and a sequence of update operations for subsequent frames. We demonstrate that this provides a very effective means of extracting static or view-dependent approximations for a deforming mesh over all frames of an animation.
An Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Reactions OIO + NO and OIO + OH

The kinetics of the reaction OIO + NO were studied by pulsed laser photolysis/time-resolved cavity ring-down spectroscopy, yielding k(235-320 K) = 7.6+4.0-3.1 × 10-13 exp[(607±128)/T] cm3 molecule-1 s-1. Quantum calculations on the OIO + NO potential-energy surface show that the reactants form a weakly bound OIONO intermediate, which then dissociates to the products IO + NO2. Rice-Ramsberger-Kassel-Markus (RRKM) calculations on this surface are in good accord with the experimental result. The most stable potential product, IONO2, cannot form because of the significant rearrangement of OIONO that would be required. The reaction OIO + OH was then investigated by quantum calculations of the relevant stationary points on its potential-energy surface. The very stable HOIO2 molecule can form by direct recombination, but the bimolecular reaction channels to HO2 + IO and HOI + O2 are closed because of significant energy barriers. RRKM calculations of the HOIO2 recombination rate coefficient yield krec,0 = 1.5 × 10-27 (T/300 K)-3.93 cm6 molecule-2 s-1, krec,8 = 5.5 × 10-10 exp(46/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1, and Fc = 0.30. The rate coefficients of both reactions are fast enough around 290 K and 1 atm pressure for these reactions to play a potentially important role in the gas phase and aerosol chemistry in the marine boundary layer of the atmosphere.
Diagonalization Modulo Norm Ideals with Lipschitz Estimates

Abstract Suppose that ( X , d ) is a compact metric space and that μ is a regular Borel measure on X . Let Lip( X ) denote the collection of Lipschitz functions on X . In this paper, we investigate the problem of simultaneous diagonalization of the multiplication operators { M f : f ∈Lip( X )} on L 2 ( X , μ ) modulo norm ideals of compact operators.
Evolution in the Caribbean Classroom: A Critical Analysis of the Role of Biology Teachers and Science Standards in Shaping Evolution Instruction in Belize.

A survey of the literature on evolution instruction provides evidence that teachers’ personal views and understandings can shape instructional approaches and content delivered in science classrooms regardless of established science standards. This study is the first to quantify evolutionary worldviews of in-service teachers in the Caribbean, specifically in Belize, an English-speaking nation with a high school system guided by a regional biology syllabus and strict standardized tests. Using the Measure of Acceptance of the Theory of Evolution (MATE) instrument and knowledge test, we investigated (1) the current level of acceptance and understanding of evolution as given by 97% of high school biology teachers in Belize; (2) the factors associated with acceptance and understanding of evolutionary theory. With an average MATE score of 64.4 and a mean knowledge score of 47.9%, Belizean teachers were classified as having both ‘Low Acceptance’ and ‘Low Understanding’ of evolutionary theory. A positive correlati...
The effect of plastic anisotropy on flange-wrinkling behaviour during sheet metal forming

Abstract During the drawing of sheet metal between a die and a blankholder, compressive hoop stresses are developed which attempt to thicken or wrinkle the flange. Previous work on this behaviour has ignored any effects due to normal or planar plastic anisotropy. In this paper it is shown that the blankholder pressure necessary to suppress wrinkling increases with decreasing normal anisotropy ( r ) and increases with increasing planar anisotropy ( Δr ). The approximate plane strain conditions ( de z = 0 ) operating in the flange can be simulated by an edge-notched tensile specimen and this simulation demonstrates the effect of texture hardening and softening upon flange-wrinkling behaviour. The results obtained can be interpreted qualitatively by the use of anisotropic plasticity theory. The speed of drawing also affects wrinkling, in general, the number of wrinkles decreases with increasing drawing speed.
Gastric electrical stimulation is safe and effective: a long-term study in patients with drug-refractory gastroparesis in three regional centers.

Background: Drug-refractory gastroparesis has previously been without acceptable alternative therapies. Although gastric electrical stimulation has been used for over a decade, no l
Isolated Low HDL Cholesterol As a Risk Factor for Coronary Heart Disease Mortality A 21-Year Follow-up of 8000 Men

For the purpose of screening individuals at high risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), serum total cholesterol (TC) of 5.2 mmol/L, has been set as a value dividing "desirable" from intermediate high or elevated levels, and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) 0.9 mmol/L was contained in the high-density fraction. In men with TC > 5.2 mmol/L, abnormally low HDL-C was associated with a virtually identical CHD mortality risk ratio, 38%. These findings persisted after adjustment for multiple CHD risk factors. The excess CHD risk associated with isolated low HDL-C appeared particularly increased in men with diabetes mellitus, whose death rate was 65% higher than in diabetics with HDL-C > 0.9 mmol/L. A second subgroup result was consistent with equal CHD mortality risk among men in the "desirable" TC range, with or without low HDL-C, if systolic blood pressure was > 160 mm Hg. These are post hoc findings, and hypotheses arising from these observations would require independent examination. Total mortality was not increased in men with isolated low HDL-C compared with men who had HDL-C 5.2 mmol/L at baseline. These results indicate that an increased risk of CHD death is associated with abnormally low HDL-C for cholesterol ranges both below and above 5.2 mmol/L. For the individual, therefore, the risk is multiplied by the same amount regardless of TC. Quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, and decreasing body weight would all contribute to raise HDL-C in individuals of most or all age groups. When examined from a community perspective, the results are consistent with a relatively low population-attributable fraction among CHD-free men. This would tend to support the recommended practice of considering a TC level of 5.2 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) as a threshold for further evaluation in screened individuals without manifest CHD.
Binaural masking effects in bone conducted noise

When pure tones are masked by bone-conducted noise presented at the midline of the forehead, it is possible that binaural unmasking may occur due to the interaural phase relations of the noise. To ...
Consultation times in emergency telemedicine using realtime videoconferencing

We reviewed 2135 consecutive emergency teleconsultations, which were received at an academic emergency department from state correctional facilities. During the 52-week study period, an average of 5.8 video-consultations per day were performed. A total of 1522 consultations (71%) had complete start and end consultation times, and were included in the analysis. Of these, 923 were managed primarily by emergency medicine residents and physician assistants, while the remaining 599 were managed by attending physicians alone. Following consultation, the disposition of the patients included 940 who were transported to the emergency department, 351 who were discharged to the general facility population and 193 who were admitted to the local infirmary. Overall, 38% of patients avoided a journey to the emergency department. The average consultation time was 17 min (95% confidence interval [CI], 10–24). The average consultation time for residents and physician assistants was 16 min (95% CI, 8–24) and it was 19 min (...
Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy Further Reduces Normal Tissue Exposure During Definitive Therapy for Locally Advanced Distal Esophageal Tumors: A Dosimetric Study

Purpose We have previously found that ≤ 75% of treatment failures after chemoradiotherapy for unresectable esophageal cancer appear within the gross tumor volume and that intensity-modulated (photon) radiotherapy (IMRT) might allow dose escalation to the tumor without increasing normal tissue toxicity. Proton therapy might allow additional dose escalation, with even lower normal tissue toxicity. In the present study, we compared the dosimetric parameters for photon IMRT with that for intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) for unresectable, locally advanced, distal esophageal cancer. Patients and Methods Four plans were created for each of 10 patients. IMPT was delivered using anteroposterior (AP)/posteroanterior beams, left posterior oblique/right posterior oblique (LPO/RPO) beams, or AP/LPO/RPO beams. IMRT was delivered with a concomitant boost to the gross tumor volume. The dose was 65.8 Gy to the gross tumor volume and 50.4 Gy to the planning target volume in 28 fractions. Results Relative to IMRT, the IMPT (AP/posteroanterior) plan led to considerable reductions in the mean lung dose (3.18 vs. 8.27 Gy, p p ≤ .0006) but did not reduce the cardiac dose. The IMPT LPO/RPO plan also reduced the mean lung dose (4.9 Gy vs. 8.2 Gy, p p ≤ .02), and the liver dose (mean hepatic dose 5 Gy vs. 14.9 Gy, p p ≤ .005), heart ( p ≤ .003), and liver ( p ≤ .04). Conclusions Compared with IMRT, IMPT for distal esophageal cancer lowered the dose to the heart, lung, and liver. The AP/LPO/RPO beam arrangement was optimal for sparing all three organs. The dosimetric benefits of protons will need to be tailored to each patient according to their specific cardiac and pulmonary risks. IMPT for esophageal cancer will soon be investigated further in a prospective trial at our institution.
Poles of rotation

Abstract One of the concepts introduced into the theory of plate tectonics is that of poles of rotation. It is supposed that the relative motion between two rigid plates can be described by the rotation of one of the plates about a pole of rotation, which shows the direction of the rotation vector. It has been pointed out that in general poles of rotation will not remain fixed. The consequences of poles of rotation which move slowly with time are examined. In particular, it is shown that fracture zones may lie very close to small circles, but that the centers of these small circles may lie as much as 20° away from the average pole of rotation. The establishment of poles of rotation from individual fracture zones is thus an inaccurate method unless it can also be shown that the pole of rotation has remained fixed.
Microdialysis analysis of effects of loop diuretics and acetazolamide on chloride transport from blood to CSF.

Abstract With the hypothesis that the NaCl cotransporter in mammalian choroid plexus (CP) has a role in CSF formation, we postulated that loop diuretic agents would curtail transport of Cl from blood to CSF. Microdialysis in the cisterna magna of Sprague-Dawley rats was used to assess the ability of furosemide and ethacrynic acid (i.e. loop agents that interfere directly with cotransport) to inhibit 36 Cl transport from blood to CSF over a 3-h period. Cl uptake by CSF was quantified as % volume of distribution ( V d ) of 36 Cl, i.e. 100 ×cpm/g CSF÷cpm/ml plasma. Uptake curves of V d vs. time were constructed for the various treatments; then, to compare drug effects, the curves were analyzed for: (i) the early slope of uptake ( K d ), (ii) the steady-state value for V d , and (iii) the area-under-curve (AUC). Assessment of the curve parameters collectively revealed that at 5 mg/kg, both furosemide (FUR) and ethacrynic acid (EA) reduced Cl penetration into CSF by one quarter; at 50 mg/kg, these loop agents decreased Cl uptake by about a third. On the other hand, 50 mg/kg of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, acetazolamide, reduced Cl uptake into CSF by 55–60%. Thus, NaCl cotransport inhibitors maximally reduced Cl transport in the rat by about 35%; this inhibition was less extensive than that brought about by acetazolamide, which interferes with CSF secretion by a different mechanism.
Chronic insulin treatment of diabetes does not fully normalize alterations in the retinal transcriptome

Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in working age adults. Approximately 95% of patients with Type 1 diabetes develop some degree of retinopathy within 25 years of diagnosis despite normalization of blood glucose by insulin therapy. The goal of this study was to identify molecular changes in the rodent retina induced by diabetes that are not normalized by insulin replacement and restoration of euglycemia.
Detection and identification of monochromatic stimuli under chromatic contrast.

Abstract Detection thresholds for monochromatic stimuli superimposed on an achromatic background were determined under conditions of simultaneous color and brightness contrast. Chromatic annuli selectively raised the thresholds for stimuli of similar wavelength composition relative to that of stimuli of different wavelength composition. The stimuli were then equated for detectability at near-threshold intensity levels under all annulus conditions and their discriminability from one another was evaluated. All the stimuli were readily discriminated at threshold intensities under all annulus conditions, indicating that the chromatic mechanisms were active at threshold levels. The different annulus conditions did not differentially affect stimulus discriminability beyond the selective effect on detection thresholds. The selective effects on the detection thresholds may therefore have occurred within the chromatic visual mechanisms rather than the achromatic mechanism.
Simulation visualization through dynamic instrumentation

The goal of the instrument composition system is to allow a simulation user to dynamically create instruments as a simulation executes. Instruments can include graphical displays, data collectors, and debugging aides. Instruments are made up of small building blocks which can be easily combined into larger, more complex instruments. Through the sue of an Attribute Server (a distributed publication/subscription mechanism), the actors and instruments in a simulation can interact without direct knowledge of each other. Instead, each actor publishes the attributes which it has available. An instrument subscribes to the attributes in which it is interested, and is notified whenever the value of one of these attribute changes. An instrument can also publish attributes for use by other instruments. Since the Attribute Server is distributed, the publisher of an attribute need not execute on the same machine as the subscriber. This allows CPU intensive data visualization to execute on separate machines from the simulation, minimizing the impact on the simulation.