cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Planar channeling in superlattices: Theory.

The well-known continuum model theory for planar channeled energetic particles in perfect crystals is extended to layered crystalline structures and applied to superlattices. In a strained-layer structure, the planar channels with normals which are not perpendicular to the growth direction change their direction at each interface, and this dramatically influences the channeling behavior. The governing equation of motion for a planar channeled ion in a strained-layer superlattice with equal layer thicknesses is a one degree of freedom nonlinear oscillator which is periodically forced with a sequence of \ensuremath{\delta} functions. These \ensuremath{\delta} functions, which are of equal spacing and amplitude with alternating sign, represent the tilts at each of the interfaces. Thus upon matching an effective channeled particle wavelength, corresponding to a natural period of the nonlinear oscillator, to the period of the strained-layer superlattice, corresponding to the periodic forcing, strong resonance effects are expected. The condition of one effective wavelength per period corresponds to a rapid dechanneling at a well-defined depth (catastrophic dechanneling), whereas two wavelengths per period corresponds to no enhanced dechanneling after the first one or two layers (resonance channeling). A phase plane analysis is used to characterize the channeled particle motion. Detailed calculations using the Moliere continuum potential are compared with our previously described modified harmonic model, and new results are presented for the phase plane evolution, as well as the dechanneling as a function of depth, incident angle, energy, and layer thickness. General scaling laws are developed and nearly universal curves are obtained for the dechanneling versus depth under catastrophic dechanneling.
Erythropoietin levels in patients with renal tumors or cysts

Increased erythropoietin (ESF) values have been observed in 49 plasma samples and in 14 cyst fluids of 92 patients with renal cell carcinomas or renal cyst. High levels of ESF and, sometimes, erythrocytosis were observed in patients with renal carcinoma. Patients with renal cysts frequently had highly elevated ESF levels but not erythrocytosis. The elevated levels of ESF and erythrocytosis subsided upon the removal of the renal carcinomas. Elevated ESF levels fell following cyst excision. The highest levels of ESF were observed in patients developing metastasis after the removal of renal carcinoma. Moreover, androgen therapy in these patients with metastasis produced further substantial elevations of ESF levels. These studies provide evidence that renal neoplasms and renal cysts serve as aberrant sites of ESF production and/or storage of ESF. Also, the erythrocytosis seen in some of these patients with renal disorders is ESF-dependent. This is unlike the erythrocytosis of polycythemia vera, which is not ESF-dependent.
CHOICE OF ANCHOR TEST IN EQUATING

It is a widely held belief that anchor tests should be miniature versions (i.e., minitests), with respect to content and statistical characteristics of the tests being equated. This paper examines the foundations for this belief. It examines the requirement of statistical representativeness of anchor tests that are content representative. The equating performance of several types of anchor tests, including those having statistical characteristics that differ from those of the tests being equated, is examined through several simulation studies and a real data example. Anchor tests with a spread of item difficulties less than that of a total test seem to perform as well as a minitest with respect to equating bias and equating standard error. Hence, the results demonstrate that requiring an anchor test to mimic the statistical characteristics of the total test may be too restrictive and need not be optimal. As a side benefit, this paper also provides a comparison of the equating performance of post-stratification equating and chain equipercentile equating.
Testosterone, intelligence and behavior disorders in young boys

Abstract Levels of testosterone were compared with behavioral measures among 45 boys aged 5–11 yr, 25 from a psychiatric group with disruptive behavior disorders and 20 from a normal control group. The boys provided saliva samples for testosterone assay and were evaluated on cognitive ability, academic achievement and behavioral symptoms. Testosterone levels were higher in the psychiatric than the normal group, but only among older boys, aged 9–11. In the overall sample, testosterone was associated with withdrawal and aggression (especially among older boys) and low social involvement in activities (especially among younger boys). After controlling for intelligence, testosterone accounted for 16% of the variance in aggression and 36% of the variance in social withdrawal. Testosterone was not directly related to cognitive ability, but boys with less cognitive ability appeared more adversely affected by high testosterone levels. Findings suggest testosterone may be a useful biological marker for children at risk for disruptive behavior disorders. Whether girls would show similar relations, and whether testosterone levels in young children predict later development and behavior, remains to be determined.
Temperature distributions and thermal stresses in a partially filled annulus - Photothermoelasticity was used to evaluate the analytical calculations of temperature and stress distributions in an annulus partly filled with cold fluid. Stress-intensity factors in annuli with radial cracks were also determined

The problem consists of determining the temperature distribution and the thermal stresses in an annulus partly filled with a cold fluid with free convection in air as the outer thermal-boundary condition. An iterative computer solution provided temperature distributions which were compared to those measured experimentally. Analytical calculations of the stresses using Fourier series expression for the temperature distribution agreed with experimental results by photothermoelasticity. The stress-intensity factors determined by photothermoelasticity for partly filled annuli with a crack extending radially 1/5 of the wall thickness were compared with approximate analytical methods.
Language processing in reading and speech perception is fast and incremental: Implications for event-related potential research

An overview of language processing during reading and listening is provided. Evidence is reviewed indicating that language processing in both domains is fast and incremental. We also discuss some aspects of normal reading and listening that are often obscured in event-related potential (ERP) research. We also discuss some apparent limitations of ERP techniques, as well as some recent indications that electroencephalographic (EEG) measures can be used to probe how lexical knowledge and lexical or structural expectations can contribute to the incremental process of language comprehension.
Birefringence and pressure drop for the orifice flow of a polymer solution

Abstract By means of laser illumination, we have measured the birefringence and tractracer-particle trajectories in the converging flow of a concentrated poly-acrylamide solution just upstream of a small circular orifice. For different orifice diameters D and mean discharge velocities V we obtain a close correlation between the birefringence, based on D, and the strain-rate parameter V/D for values of V/D up to 50s−1. However, the local values of axial extension rate, as deduced approximately from tracer streakline photographs, appear much smaller in magnitude than V/D. Our birefringence measurements also reveal what appear to be flow instabilities of the type observed in previous experiments on converging flow of polymer solutions. As an especially surprising and interesting result, we find that measured pressure drops across various orifices do not conform to predictions based on general dimensional arguments for inertialess viscoelastic flow from infinite reservoirs. This leads to the tentative conclusion that a filamentary- core structure associated with viscoelastic flow may generally give rise to pronounced hydrodynamic interactions with the upstream flow-chamber walls, even for nominally large contraction (chamber/orifice diameter) ratios.
Acylated anthocyanin pigments in Vitis vinifera grapes: Identification of malvidin-3-(6-p-coumaroyl) glucoside

Abstract A reinvestigation of the position of acylation in malvidin-3-glucoside p-coumarate from V. vinifera variety Tinta Pinheria grapes using GLC and NMR techniques has shown that the p-coumaric acid is attached at the six position on the glucose moiety of the pigment. The GLC analysis of 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-p-coumaroyl glucose esters as the trimethylsilyl derivatives is described. The chemical shifts of the specific aliphatic acetate protons were established using the NMR spectra of completely acetylated synthetic 3-, 4- and 6-p-coumaroyl d -glucoses and 4- and 6-p-coumaroyl-methyl- d -glucosides. Comparison of this data with the chemical shifts of the completely acetylated p-coumaroyl- d -glucose moieties of partially degraded pigment established the position of acylation.
A note on lateral transshipment under point-process driven demand

Abstract We analyze lateral transshipment for items whose demand is driven by an arbitrary point process. We find conditions under which lateral transshipment stochastically lowers the cost of a system of demand centers. Our main structural result is that transshipment works best for slow-moving items, such as spare-parts, when the demands are driven by non-homogeneous or homogeneous Poisson processes. We also obtain general results that apply when demand is driven by an arbitrary point process.
Addressing the Hidden Curriculum in Scientific Research

(2002). Addressing the Hidden Curriculum in Scientific Research. The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 58-59.
Interfacial interactions of evaporated iridium thin films with (100) GaAs

We report a systematic study of thermally activated solid phase reactions between (100) GaAs and evaporated iridium thin films (100 and 550 A thick). The investigation is carried out with Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, x‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Interfacial interactions are observed after annealing the system at temperatures higher than 500 °C. Complete reaction at 700 °C results in the formation of Ir3Ga5 and IrAs2 phases. Intermediate phase IrGa is formed in the annealing temperature range of 500–650 °C. Vertical phase segregation is also observed with the IrAs2 phase at the interface and the Ir‐Ga phases on the surface layer. Specific information on the reaction kinetics, transformation, and structures of different phases and phase distributions are also discussed. Comparisons with interfacial reactions of other near noble metal/GaAs systems are presented. Based on the metallurgical information obtained, the potential applications of this contact system are suggested.
A mathematical model of the Drosophila circadian clock with emphasis on posttranslational mechanisms.

Abstract Experimental evidence points increasingly to the importance of posttranslational processes such as phosphorylation and translocation in the molecular circadian clocks of many organisms. We develop a mathematical model of the Drosophila circadian clock that incorporates the emerging details of the timing of nuclear translocation of the PERIOD and TIMELESS proteins. Most models assume that these proteins enter the nucleus as a complex, but recent experiments suggest that they in fact enter the nucleus separately. Our model reproduces observed patterns of intracellular localization of PERIOD and TIMELESS during light–dark cycles and in constant darkness, as well as phenotypes of several clock mutants. We also use the model to demonstrate how the Drosophila clock can exhibit robust oscillations with constant mRNA levels of period or timeless, and propose a possible mechanism for oscillations in double-rescue experiments of per 01 – tim 01 mutants. The model also explains (via posttranslational processes) the counter-intuitive observation that total dCLOCK levels are at their lowest at the circadian time when active nuclear dCLOCK must be peaking in order to activate transcription of other clock genes, implying that for dCLOCK a posttranslationally generated rhythm is more important than the transcriptionally generated rhythm. These results support the idea that posttranslational processes play key roles in generating as well as modulating robust circadian oscillations. While it appears that posttranslational mechanisms alone are not sufficient to generate rhythms in Drosophila, posttranslational mechanisms can greatly amplify a very weak transcriptional rhythm.
Providing Mobile Librarian Service to a College of Nursing to Increase Interactions and Transactions: One Wayne State University, Science and Technology Librarian's Experience

A mobile librarian service to the Wayne State University College of Nursing was developed to provide in-person reference and research support. This service has been successfully used for eight semesters by College of Nursing faculty, graduate students, and some undergraduates for support of research and course work. This article will address the details and provide a description of the service.
Stability of commensalistic systems.

The response of two-species commensalistic systems in a chemostat has been investigated after perturbations in steady state conditions and after step changes in dilution rate. The system is inherently stable with not more than three overshoots and undershoots possible. More complicated commensalistic systems are less stable, with limit cycle response occurring after dilution rate changes when feedback inhibition and feedforward activation occurs. In general variation of feedback parameters is more effective in changing the behavior of the systems than variation of feedforward parameters. Limited agreement with the experimental data of Chao and Reilly was obtained.
Systematic studies of fractal dimension parameters, absorption and scattering coefficients for cancerous and normal prostate tissues

The optical coefficients (μs, μa, s μ′ and g) of human cancerous and normal prostate tissues were investigated and compared in the spectral range of 750nm – 860 nm. The fractal dimensional parameters including fractal dimension (Df), cutoff diameter (dmax) and the most efficient diameter 〈dm〉 between the cancerous and normal prostate tissues were determined based on the extinction and diffusion reflection intensity measurements and the determination of μs, μa, s μ′ and g. The results are in good agreement with prostate cancer evolution defined by Gleason Grades. The difference of fractal dimensional parameters and optical coefficients of cancerous and normal prostate tissues may present a potential criterion for prostate cancer detection.
Homer proteins accelerate Ca2+ clearance mediated by the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump in hippocampal neurons.

The plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA) is responsible for maintaining basal intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and returning small increases in [Ca2+]i back to resting levels. The carboxyl terminus of some PMCA splice variants bind Homer proteins; how binding affects PMCA function is unknown. Here, we examined the effects of altered expression of Homer proteins on PMCA-mediated Ca2+ clearance from rat hippocampal neurons in culture. The kinetics of PMCA-mediated recovery from the [Ca2+]i increase evoked by a brief train of action potentials was determined in the soma of single neurons using indo-1-based photometry. Exogenous expression of Homer 1a, Homer 1c or Homer 2a did not affect PMCA function. However, shRNA mediated knockdown of Homer 1 slowed PMCA mediated Ca2+ clearance by 28% relative to cells expressing non-silencing shRNA. The slowed recovery rate in cells expressing Homer 1 shRNA was reversed by expression of a short Homer 2 truncation mutant. These results indicate that constitutively expressed Homer proteins tonically stimulate PMCA function in hippocampal neurons. We propose a model in which binding of short or long Homer proteins to the carboxyl terminus of the PMCA stimulates Ca2+ clearance rate. PMCA-mediated Ca2+ clearance may be stimulated following incorporation of the pump into Homer organized signaling domains and following induction of the Homer 1a immediate early gene.
Toughness of Graphs and [2,b]-Factors

A sharp bound of the toughness of a graph for the existence of a [2,b]-factor is given in this paper, whereb > 2.
On noninferior performance index vectors

The noninferior vector index problem of optimal control theory is investigated in an effort to establish some basic properties of the noninferior index surface in the generalN-dimensional index problem. The vector performance index problem is first converted to a family of scalar index problems by forming an auxiliary scalar index as a function of the vector index and a vector of weighting parameters. The functional relationship between noninferior vectors and the weighting vectors of the auxiliary index problem is investigated for the particular case in which the auxiliary index is a weighted sum of the vector index elements. Special attention is devoted to the noninferior index problem for whichN = 2.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT NONTRADITIONAL VOCATIONAL ENROLLMENT AMONG WOMEN

This study identified the internal (personality) and external (social support) factors that differentiate women who enter male-dominated (Nontraditional) vocational training programs from those who only consider entering such programs (Considereds) and from those who enter female-dominated (Traditional) programs. Four hundred seventy women who were enrolled in California vocational training programs and were stratified on both social class and type of vocational training site completed a self-administered questionnaire covering (1) demographic/family background, (2) social support/encouragement from others, (3) peer experience with nontraditional programs, and (4) personality and sex-role orientation. Results revealed that the student subgroups differed most significantly in the amount of support, encouragement, and discouragement they received from the important others in their lives. Nontraditional students differed from Traditional students primarily in the support of female friends and family members,...
EFFECTS OF FENTANYL, DROPERIDOL, AND INNOVAR ON CANINE CEREBRAL METABOLISM AND BLOOD FLOW

The effects of droperidol and fentanyl given individually and in combination (Innovar) on the rate of cerebral oxygen consumption (CMRo,) and cerebral blood flow (c.b.f.) were studied in dogs anaesthetized with nitrous oxide (70 percent) and oxygen. Fentanyl (0.006 mg/kg) decreased both the CMRo, and the c.b.f. (mean decreases at 15 minutes were 18 per cent and 47 percent, respectively). The duration of effect was approximately 30 minutes. Droperidol (0.3 mg/kg) produced a decrease of 40 per cent in c.b.f. due primarily to a 30-40 per cent increase in cerebrovascular resistance, and this effect persisted for the period of observation (60 minutes). No significant change in CMRo, occurred after droperidol was administered. With the combination drug (Innovar), the effects were partially additive. After 15 minutes, CMRo, had decreased 23 per cent; c.b.f. had decreased 50 per cent; and cerebral vascular resistance had increased 85 per cent. After 30 minutes, the effects of Innovar were indistinguishable from those of droperidol alone. No significant changes occurred in the rate of cerebral glucose consumption or the oxygen-glucose index. The effect of increased and decreased Paooj on c.bi. after Innovar was compared widi that observed during halothane anaesthesia. With halothane, hypercapnia (Pacoi=60 tnm Hg) increased c.b.f. 40 per cent and hypocapnia (Pace = 20 mm Hg) decreased c.b.f. 40 per cent. Innovar at normocapnia reduced the c.b.f. 65 per cent. With hypercapnia, the c.bi. doubled, but with hypocapnia, little further reduction in c.b.f. occurred. It is concluded that droperidol is a potent cerebral vasoconstrictor, that this effect dominates when it is given in combination with fentanyl, that hypocapnia causes little further reduction in c.b.f., and that the reduction in c.bi. produced by Innovar is not accompanied by alterations in normal cerebral metabolic pathways
Molecular recognition of trigonal oxyanions using a ditopic salt receptor: evidence for anisotropic shielding surface around nitrate anion.

A ditopic, macrobicyclic receptor with adjacent anion and cation binding sites is able to extract a range of monovalent salts into chloroform solution. The structures of the receptor complexed with KAcO, LiNO3, NaNO3, KNO3, and NaNO2 are characterized in solution by NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. The sodium and potassium salts are bound to the receptor as contact ion-pairs, with the metal cation located in the receptor's crown ether ring and the trigonal oxyanion hydrogen bonded to the receptor NH residues. The solid-state structure of the LiNO3 complex has a bridging water molecule between the cation and anion. In all solid-state structures, the trigonal oxyanion is not located symmetrically inside the receptor cavity. It appears that anion orientation is controlled by a complex interplay of steric factors, coordination bonding to the metal cation, and hydrogen bonding with the receptor NH residues. An important feature with this latter effect is the fact that hydrogen ...
Homomorphisms of progenerator modules

Abstract Homomorphisms defined on progenerator modules over a commutative ring are studied through the introduction of a relation called homotopy, which is coarser than the usual notion of equivalence. The set of homotopy classes of homomorphisms forms a commutative monoid with operation induced by tensor product. For a given commutative ring, classification of homomorphisms is carried out by determining the algebraic structure of the monoid of homotopy classes and then giving a representing homomorphism for each class. This classification is carried out explicitly for Dedekind domains.
On a class of pursuit-evasion games

A class of pursuit-evasion games is studied. The problem is to find an optimal control pair which is a saddle point of the terminal miss distance functional, minimizes cost functionals of the pursuer and the evader, and steers the pursuer and the evader to their respective targets. Necessary conditions for an optimal control pair are obtained.
Formation of bubbles in a fluidized bed

Abstract A bubble of a given radius in a gas-fluidized bed is shown to be sustained by the balance of an electric surface tension around the cavity produced by the electric charges on the particles in the fluidized bed, and the increase in static pressure in the cavity where the gas slows down as it flows through the cavity. The bubble radius is correlated to an electric Reynolds number, the dielectric constant, and the material densities of the phases. The magnitude of interacting parameters of bubble dynamics shows that the bubble motion is not influenced by this electric surface tension.
Performance Variances of Galvanized Steel in Mortar and Concrete

Abstract Mild steel is used as reinforcement in concrete structures because it is passivated by the highly alkaline cement paste system, preventing typical corrosion. Two processes can corrode the ...
An experimental computer architecture supporting expert systems and logic programming

This paper describes a set of function primitives which have been designed for support of expert systems and logic programs. The functions could be offered as part of the computer architecture by implementing them in microcode and partially in hardware. The functions are primarily (but not exclusively) oriented towards support of logic programming languages such as Prolog for implementing expert systems. Particular emphasis is given to supporting the parallel execution of expert system applications by multiple processors. The concepts described are based on the Concurrent Data Access Architecture (CDAA). It is shown that OR-parallelism, as well as AND-parallelism, can be supported.
Sorption of uranium by brine-saturated halite, mudstone and carbonate minerals

Abstract Batch and column sorption experiments were conducted to quantify the retardation of uranium in brine-saturated halite, LSA-4 carbonate, Wolfcamp carbonate, and mudstone from Palo Duro Basin, Texas, one of the three sites originally nominated by U.S. Department of Energy for construction of a civilian nuclear waste repository. The data indicated a very strong retardation of uranium by all media. Retardation factors computed from batch experiments were 4.32, 17.2, and 10.3 for halite, LSA-4 carbonate, and Wolfcamp carbonate, respectively. Due to nonlinearity of the log-transformed batch data, no retardation factor was computed for mudstone. Predictions with an advection-dispersion-sorption model did not agree with the halite experimental data, but were in partial agreement with the LSA-4 carbonate experimental breakthrough curves.
Fair Trade and Eastern Caribbean Banana Farmers: Rhetoric and Reality in the Anti-Globalization Movement

With the impending removal of tariff quotas that formerly guaranteed access to the UK market, the Eastern Caribbean banana industry faces the prospect of direct price competition with cheaper Latin American bananas. Some farming communities in the region have embraced Fair Trade as an alternative marketing strategy. Certified Fair Trade farmers receive higher prices than do conventional growers, as well as a social premium for local development. In exchange, they must conform to extensive social and environmental criteria. This article compares the rhetorical claims of the Fair Trade movement with the experiences of Fair Trade farmers on St. Lucia. By examining the price differential between conventional and Fair Trade fruit and appropriateness of certifying criteria, I offer a preliminary assessment of Fair Trade as a form of anti-globalization politics.
Collective Intelligence Applications in IT Services Business

IT outsourcing enables companies to contract out IT services, such as infrastructure and application management to external providers. IT services delivery relies on knowledge that is in the collective possession of application and infrastructure specialists. With recent advances in harnessing the expertise of network-connected humans, services businesses have also started to seek strategies to efficiently utilize the collective knowledge of their employees. In this paper, we present the application of collective intelligence to three different service types: 1) automation (translation solution), 2) infrastructure management (asset inventory discovery) and 3) application management (software development). We extrapolate a set of salient properties (i.e., input, output, and size of the collective input) as the key elements for employing collective intelligence within the services business. We discuss some of the differences amongst the disparate collective intelligence services and present the resulting distinctive properties as challenges that may inspire further research in services business.
The art of adaptation: Living with climate change in the rural American Southwest

Abstract As adaptation has come to the forefront in climate change discourse, research, and policy, it is crucial to consider the effects of how we interpret the concept. This paper draws attention to the need for interpretations that foster policies and institutions with the breadth and flexibility to recognize and support a wide range of locally relevant adaptation strategies. Social scientists have argued that, in practice, the standard definition of adaptation tends to prioritize economic over other values and technical over social responses, draw attention away from underlying causes of vulnerability and from the broader context in which adaptive responses take place, and exclude discussions of inequality, justice, and transformation. In this paper, we discuss an alternate understanding of adaptation, which we label “living with climate change,” that emerged from an ethnographic study of how rural residents of the U.S. Southwest understand, respond to, and plan for weather and climate in their daily lives, and we consider how it might inform efforts to develop a more comprehensive definition. The discussion brings into focus several underlying features of this lay conception of adaptation, which are crucial for understanding how adaptation actually unfolds on the ground: an ontology based on nature–society mutuality; an epistemology based on situated knowledge; practice based on performatively adjusting human activities to a dynamic biophysical and social environment; and a placed-based system of values. We suggest that these features help point the way toward a more comprehensive understanding of climate change adaptation, and one more fully informed by the understanding that we are living in the Anthropocene.
Variations in the composition of spinal anesthetic solutions: The effects of drug addition order and preparation methods

Adjuvants such as opioids or epinephrine are commonly added in small volumes to multicomponent spinal anesthetic solutions.In this study, we tested the hypothesis that final adjuvant concentrations vary depending on the devices and techniques used to prepare the anesthetic solution. We compared two aspiration devices, the filter needle and the filter straw, in a laboratory study. Two techniques for drawing up and estimating adjuvant volumes were assessed, as was variation in the composition of a model spinal anesthetic solution resulting from intra- and interindividual variability. A model hyperbaric anesthetic solution consisting of tetracaine, dextrose, and methylene blue (MB) as a small-volume tracer solution was studied. The components were drawn up into a syringe through one of two commercially supplied aspiration devices, a filter straw or a filter needle. The effect of the order of aspiration of the components into the syringe was measured by determining the MB concentration in the final solution by optical absorbance. Ten experienced anesthesiologists then prepared samples of the test solution using one of two different techniques to estimate tracer volume in the aspiration syringe. In comparison studies, the MB tracer was added to the hyperbaric solution with a tuberculin syringe. The order of aspiration of the solution components had a large effect on the final concentration of the MB tracer in the ultimate mixture. Variation in the MB concentration was on the order of four- to fivefold. Effects were larger for the filter straw compared with the filter needle. A comparison of 10 anesthesiologists revealed large intra-and interindividual variations in the final composition of the model anesthetic solution. The concentration of tracer added to the mixture with a tuberculin syringe approximated the planned yield. We conclude that the devices and techniques used to prepare mixtures of drugs for delivery to the cerebrospinal fluid may influence the concentrations of drugs in the anesthetic and, thus, the dose supplied to the patient receiving spinal anesthesia. Variation in clinical effects of spinal anesthetics may be attributable, in part, to variation in the composition of the anesthetic. Implications: This laboratory study demonstrates the potential for large variation in the composition of spinal anesthetic mixtures. (Anesth Analg 1998;87:1326-30)
Secondary scattering of low energy electrons by rows of atoms

Secondary scattering of low energy electrons by rows of atoms, obtaining diffraction pattern
GENDERED RELATIONS IN THE MINES AND THE DIVISION OF LABOR UNDERGROUND

This article focuses on how men's sexualization of work relations and the workplace contributes to job-level gender segregation among coal miners. The findings suggest that sexualization represents men's power to stigmatize women in order to sustain stereotypes about them as inferior workers. In particular, supervisors use stereotypes to justify women's assignments to jobs in support of and in service to men. Once in these jobs, men's positive evaluations of women workers become contingent upon their fulfillment of men's gendered expectations. These processes foster the gender typing of jobs and lead to the gendered division of labor underground.
Structural relaxation in amorphous alloys - compositional short range ordering

Abstract Effects of annealing treatment on the physical properties of amorphous alloys obtained by splat cooling are discussed. Three mechanisms, diffusion, topological short range ordering, and compositional short range ordering, have been identified to cause these effects, and the physical properties are classified accordingly. A more detailed discussion is given on the compositional short range ordering, and magnetic data which supports our view is presented.
Tweed microstructure of copper-beryllium☆

Abstract The tweed microstructure in aged copper-beryllium alloys has usually been associated with the formation of disk-shaped Guinier-Preston zones on {100} planes, and the coherency strain fields surrounding them. However, tweed contrast and/or diffraction effects have been observed by electron microscopy in as-quenched material and in samples subjected to reversion treatment in which the GP zones redissolve. A Cu-1 wt. % Be alloy has been examined by transmission electron microscopy and diffraction to test the hypothesis that GP zones are not responsible for the tweed contrast.
N-terminal amino acid sequence of human prothrombin: Implication for thrombin formation

Abstract The N-terminal amino acid sequence of human prothrombin, Ala - Asn - Pro - Phe - Leu -, was determined by Edman degradation. It differs totally from published N-terminal sequences of thrombin, providing evidence that the mechanism of thrombin formation entails proteolytic removal of an amino terminal part of the prothrombin molecule.
Convex decompositions of polyhedra

An important direction of research in computational geometry has been to find methods for decomposing complex structures into simpler components. In this paper, we examine the problem of decomposing a three-dimensional polyhedron P into a minimal number of convex pieces. Letting n be the number of vertices in P and N the number of edges which exhibit a reflex angle (i.e. the notches of P), our main result is an O(nN3) time algorithm for computing a convex decomposition of P. The algorithm produces O(N2) convex parts, which is optimal in the worst case. In most situations where the problem arises (e.g. graphics, tool design, pattern recognition), the number of notches N seems greatly dominated by the number of vertices n; the algorithm is therefore viable in practice.
Differential susceptibility of human primary aortic and coronary artery vascular cells to RNA interference.

Abstract Background RNAi technology is a promising tool for gene therapy of vascular disease. However, the biological heterogeneity between endothelial (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) and within different vascular beds make them differentially susceptible to siRNA. This is further complicated by the task of choosing the right transfection reagent that leads to consistent gene silencing across all cell types with minimal toxicity. The goal of this study was to investigate the intrinsic RNAi susceptibility of primary human aortic and coronary artery endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells (AoEC, CoEC, AoSMC and CoSMC) using adherent cell cytometry. Methods Cells were seeded at a density of 5000 cells/well of a 96well plate. Twenty four hours later cells were transfected with either non-targeting unlabeled control siRNA (50 nM), or non-targeting red fluorescence labeled siRNA (siGLO Red, 5 or 50 nM) using no transfection reagent, HiPerFect or Lipofectamine RNAiMAX. Hoechst nuclei stain was used to label cells for counting. For data analysis an adherent cell cytometer, Celigo was used. Results Red fluorescence counts were normalized to the cell count. EC displayed a higher susceptibility towards siRNA delivery than SMC from the corresponding artery. CoSMC were more susceptible than AoSMC. In all cell types RNAiMAX was more potent compared to HiPerFect or no transfection reagent. However, after 24 h, RNAiMAX led to a significant cell loss in both AoEC and CoEC. None of the other transfection conditions led to a significant cell loss. Conclusion This study confirms our prior observation that EC are more susceptible to siRNA than SMC based on intracellular siRNA delivery. RNAiMax treatment led to significant cell loss in AoEC and CoEC, but not in the SMC populations. Additionally, this study is the first to demonstrate that coronary SMC are more susceptible to siRNA than aortic SMC.
Uptake of plasma IgG by CNS motoneurons Comparison of antineuronal and normal IgG

We studied the uptake of antisynaptosomal and nonspecific IgG by ventral horn motoneurons in rats, using immunohistochemical and radionuclide techniques. Plasma antisynaptosomal IgG is taken up to a much greater extent than nonspecific IgG by motoneurons that project outside the blood-brain barrier, as is radiolabeled antisynaptosomal IgG injected intramuscularly. Competition with unlabeled antisynaptosomal IgG inhibits the uptake of radiolabeled antisynaptosomal IgG. By contrast, competition with unlabeled nonspecific IgG does not inhibit the uptake of radiolabeled nonspecific IgG. These results support the hypothesis that certain neurons in the CNS take up IgG from the systemic circulation, and that IgG which binds to elements of the synaptic plasma membrane is taken up in greater amounts than nonspecific IgG through a process of adsorptive endocytosis at the nerve terminus. An increase in intraneuronal IgG may serve as an index of the action of antineuronal IgG at the presynaptic membrane.
Flows, droughts, and aliens: factors affecting the fish assemblage in a Sierra Nevada, California, stream

The fishes of Martis Creek, in the Sierra Nevada of California (USA), were sampled at four sites annually over 30 years, 1979-2008. This long-term data set was used to examine (1) the persistence and stability of the Martis Creek fish assemblage in the face of environmental stochasticity; (2) whether native and alien fishes responded differently to a natural hydrologic regime (e.g., timing and magnitude of high and low flows); and (3) the importance of various hydrologic and physical habitat variables in explaining the abundances of native and alien fish species through time. Our results showed that fish assemblages were persistent at all sample sites, but individual species exhibited marked interannual variability in density, biomass, and relative abundance. The density and biomass of native fishes generally declined over the period of study, whereas most alien species showed no significant long-term trends. Only alien rainbow trout increased in both density and biomass at all sites over time. Redundancy analysis identified three hydrologic variables (annual 7-day minimum discharge, maximum winter discharge, and number of distinct winter floods) and two habitat variables (percentage of pool habitat and percentage of gravel substrate) that each explained a significant portion of the annual variation in fish assemblage structure. For alien taxa, their proportional contribution to the total fish assemblage was inversely related to mean annual streamflow, one-day maximum discharge in both winter and spring, and the frequency of springtime floods. Results of this study highlight the need for continuous annual monitoring of streams with highly variable flow regimes to evaluate shifts in fish community structure. Apparent successes or failures in stream management may appear differently depending on the time series of available data.
Motion artifact removal algorithm by ICA for e-bra: a women ECG measurement system

Wearable ECG(ElectroCardioGram) measurement systems have increasingly been developing for people who suffer from CVD(CardioVascular Disease) and have very active lifestyles. Especially, in the case of female CVD patients, several abnormal CVD symptoms are accompanied with CVDs. Therefore, monitoring women’s ECG signal is a significant diagnostic method to prevent from sudden heart attack. The E-bra ECG measurement system from our previous work provides more convenient option for women than Holter monitor system. The e-bra system was developed with a motion artifact removal algorithm by using an adaptive filter with LMS(least mean square) and a wandering noise baseline detection algorithm. In this paper, ICA(independent component analysis) algorithms are suggested to remove motion artifact factor for the e-bra system. Firstly, the ICA algorithms are developed with two kinds of statistical theories: Kurtosis, Endropy and evaluated by performing simulations with a ECG signal created by sgolayfilt function of MATLAB, a noise signal including 0.4Hz, 1.1Hz and 1.9Hz, and a weighed vector W estimated by kurtosis or entropy. A correlation value is shown as the degree of similarity between the created ECG signal and the estimated new ECG signal. In the real time E-Bra system, two pseudo signals are extracted by multiplying with a random weighted vector W, the measured ECG signal from E-bra system, and the noise component signal by noise extraction algorithm from our previous work. The suggested ICA algorithm basing on kurtosis or entropy is used to estimate the new ECG signal Y without noise component.
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy: does the scientific literature support efficacy claims made in the advertising media?

Traction therapy has been utilized in the treatment of low back pain for decades. The most recent incarnation of traction therapy is non-surgical spinal decompression therapy which can cost over $100,000. This form of therapy has been heavily marketed to manual therapy professions and subsequently to the consumer. The purpose of this paper is to initiate a debate pertaining to the relationship between marketing claims and the scientific literature on non-surgical spinal decompression. Only one small randomized controlled trial and several lower level efficacy studies have been performed on spinal decompression therapy. In general the quality of these studies is questionable. Many of the studies were performed using the VAX-D® unit which places the patient in a prone position. Often companies utilize this research for their marketing although their units place the patient in the supine position. Only limited evidence is available to warrant the routine use of non-surgical spinal decompression, particularly when many other well investigated, less expensive alternatives are available.
Rapid Collection of Spatially-Explicit In-Situ Water Quality Data Using a Programmable Towed Vehicle

ABSTRACT Towed vehicles have been used extensively for marine surveys, yielding the advantages of rapid data collection in three dimensions. Similar application in freshwaters could yield similar advantages but the limitations of such application in freshwater lakes and reservoirs have not been studied extensively. We employed a towed sensor array to conduct spatially-referenced in-situ water quality investigations in the forebay region of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, SC/GA. The vehicle was computer controlled from the surface and was capable of either programmed or manual control of depth as well as ascent and descent rate. The vehicle was fitted with a sensor array which allowed internal logging of in-situ data. GPS positions were logged separately and the resultant datasets were merged to form a comprehensive three-dimensional descriptive dataset. The use of the towed vehicle and the technological limits imposed by sensors on the water quality sonde were studied for strengths and weaknesses.
Experimental resolution of the 145Gd ϵ/β-decay branching ratio anomalies

Abstract Previously reported large anomalies in 145 Gd ϵ/β + decay branching ratios can be completely explained by improved experimental data. New, high-statistics decay-scheme data show conclusively that the anomalies resulted from numerous, formerly unobserved, weak transitions from levels in 145 Eu fed primarily by ϵ-decay. In addition, the 145 Gd β + endpoint is measured by β - γ coincidence techniques to be 240 keV lower than originally reported.
Psycholinguistic Performances of Subjects with Alzheimer's Disease/Multi-Infarct Dementia and Ischemic Dysphasia

Psycholinguistic performances from subjects with Alzheimer's Disease/Multi-InfarctDementia, dysphasia from single-episode ischemic cerebrovascular accident, and no reported brain pathology, were obtained using the Mini-Max Procedure and the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination. Results identified some strengths of the Mini-Max Procedure, recognizing its potential benefits for evaluation of Alzheimer's Disease and Multi-InfarctDementia patients. In addition, the subject-groups differed significantly on the psycholinguistic variables of short-term memory, long-term memory, verbal expression, and auditory comprehension. The Alzheimer's Disease/Multi-Infarct Dementia subjects reflected the greatest impairment followed by the dysphasic group.
Computer simulations and in vivo convection-enhanced delivery of fluorescent nanoparticles demonstrate variable distribution geometry

Abstract Objective Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) has emerged as a promising technique for bypassing the blood–brain barrier to deliver therapeutic agents. However, animal studies and clinical trials that utilize the technique suggest that it may require further optimization before it can be safely used in humans. In particular, while volume of distribution in the target tissue can be controlled, the geometrical spread into a desired target region is highly variable from experiment to experiment. In the present paper we have sought to characterize the non-uniform distribution geometry using fluorescent nanoparticles in both a rat model and computer simulations. Methods Using diffusion tensor imaging MRI data of the rat brain, we performed computer simulations of a 0.5 μL/min CED infusion. A step design catheter targeting the striatum was simulated to infuse 20 μL of infusate. Using the same infusion parameters, we then performed in vivo CED experiments where we infused fluorescently labeled polyethylene glycol-polylactide-polycaprolactone nanoparticles (FPNPs) into the rat striatum. Fluorescence microscopy was used to examine the distribution geometry histologically. Results The computer simulations demonstrated large variations in distribution patterns when catheter placement was shifted by only 1 mm. Animal infusions also exhibited highly irregular and variable distribution geometries despite the use of relatively small flow rates. Conclusion Computer simulations and repeated in vivo infusions demonstrate the difficulty of achieving desired drug distribution in target tissue. We have proposed a calculation for sphericity which, along with the ubiquitous volume of distribution measure, may prove helpful in describing distribution geometry. Taken together, our results suggest that CED's limitations must be considered and further optimization may be required before the technique sees widespread use in humans.
Experimental and Simulation Investigation of RFID Blind Spots

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) blind spots are the regions within the maximum operating range of the RFID system where the RFID reader fails to read the RFID tag. The existence of blind spots have troubled supply chain management and RFID system engineers because any failed or omitted reading of RFID tag would slow down the inventory tracking process. This paper studies the potential locations of blind spots as well as the effectiveness of several blind spots remedy methods such as frequency diversity, spatial diversity, polarization diversity, and antenna beam steering. Using the blind spots creation approach introduced in this paper, the locations of the blind spots can be calculated and visualized. From our simulation results, spatial diversity and polarization diversity are found to be better than all other aforementioned approaches.