cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of Conductive Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode: A microscopic, Spectroscopic, and Voltammetric Study.

Building on diamond characteristics such as hardness, chemical inertness and low electron emission threshold voltage, the current microscopic, spectroscopic and voltammetric investigations are directed towards improving the properties of electrode coating materials for their future use in clinical studies of deep brain stimulation via fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV). In this study we combine the capabilities of confocal Raman mapping in providing detailed and accurate analysis of local distributions of material constituents in a series of boron-doped polycrystalline diamond films grown by chemical vapor deposition, with information from the more conventional techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared absorption spectroscopy. Although SEM images show a uniform distribution of film crystallites, they have the limitation of being unable to differentiate the distribution of boron in the diamond. Values of 10 18 -10 21 atoms/cm 3 of boron content have been estimated from the absorption coefficient of the 1290 cm −1 infrared absorption band and from the 500 cm −1 Raman vibration. The observed accumulation of boron atoms and carbon sp 2 impurities at the grain boundaries suggests that very high doping levels do not necessarily contribute to improvement of the
Asynchronous photonic A/D converter

This paper presents a hybrid opto-electronic asynchronous delta-sigma modulator, implemented in the form of a fiber-optic Analog-to-Digital converter (ADC). This architecture was chosen for its independence of an external clock and ease of demodulation through a single low-pass filter stage. The fiber-optic prototype consists of an input laser (wavelength λ 1 ) which is modulated with an input RF signal, a high-speed comparator circuit working as bistable quantizer, and a fiber-optic loop that includes a SOA and a band-pass filter that act as a leaky integrator. The fiber-optic loop acts as a fiber-ring resonator (FRR), and defines the resonance wavelength λ 2 of the system. The gain within this loop is modified through cross-gain modulation (XGM) by the input wavelength λ 1 , and thus achieves the desired modulation effect. The proposed architecture has been constructed and characterized at a sampling rate of 15.4 MS/s processing input analog signals in the range of dc-3 MHz with a signal-to-noise ratio of 36 dB and an effective number of bits of 5.7.
The automation of thought: information technology holds the key to global maturity1

Authoritative forecasts show that artificial intelligence is likely to automate routine human thought at about 2020, just as automation reduced farm work a century ago, manufacturing work decades ago and services today. This long-term trend suggests that attention is likely to shift from its present focus on knowledge to high-order concerns beyond knowledge – values, beliefs, ideologies and other subjective aspects of consciousness itself. This historic move seems essential to address the ‘global crisis of maturity’ – the need for a global order able to curtail climate change, energy shortages, WMD and other massive threats of our time.
Automated search for moonlets orbiting about asteroid Eros

The NEAR (near Earth asteroid rendezvous) spacecraft was launched on February 17, 1996 for subsequent orbit insertion about the asteroid Eros. During the approach and preliminary flyby prior to the insertion, a continuous series of images will be taken of a region within a few hundred kilometers of Eros. These images will be processed to detect the presence of small orbiting moonlets which could seriously affect the safety and orbit stability of the spacecraft. These moonlets would, of course, also be of great interest to astronomers and space physicists. This paper discusses the image processing and motion discrimination (track processing) techniques that will be applied to the time series of images and reviews the NEAR Eros encounter simulation used for the development of these algorithms. Image processing techniques include frame registration, background detrending, object detection, feature extraction for both point and extended sources, and preliminary object classification. Motion discrimination algorithms include pattern matching of observations, kinematic tracking of observations via proximity gating, removal of observations determined as stars, inertial velocity estimation of moving objects, and final moonlet classification. The simulation models a variable number of synthetic moonlets, Eros orbit and kinematics, an 80,000-plate shape model of the rotating Eros, spacecraft orbit and attitude, solar illumination, star catalog, and imaging sensor characteristics.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Wavelength modulated cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy of ammonia at 1994 nm

We describe the sensitive detection of ammonia by wavelength modulated cavity enhanced infrared tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy at 1994 nm. The spectrometer can measure a fractional absorption of ∼10-5 for an absorption pathlength of a few kilometers. The spectral resolution and sensitivity are sufficient to measure ammonia isotopomers (14NH3, 15NH3) in planetary atmospheres. The spectrometer is miniaturisable, so a future multiple-species version will be highly suitable for in situ planetary exploration and life-detection.
Clinical examination could not accurately predict neonatal jaundice

Source Citation Moyer VA, Ahn C, Sneed S. Accuracy of clinical judgment in neonatal jaundice. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2000 Apr;154:391-4. 10768679
A High Data Rate Integrated Optical Vector Matrix Multiplier

A dynamically programmable IOC vector matrix multiplier for high data rate transmission and high throughput is proposed. The multiplier is based on a channel configuration and is compared to previous systems utilizing planar geometries. The extension of this device to digital operation is considered and a discussion of the necessary requirements for optical or electrooptical algebraic processors to supercede electronic digital computers is undertaken.
Two experimental models for generating abdominal adhesions.

Purpose To develop dependable rat models for generating abdominal adhesions that allow for objective evaluation and quantification. Methods Two adhesion models were devised and compared with conventional side-wall models involving cecal abrasion and peritoneal excision or abrasion. model T (tissue): removal of a 2.5 by 2.5 cm segment of full-thickness abdominal wall with overlying skin closure, exposing the viscera to subcutaneous tissue; model M (mesh): removal of an identical segment, replacing the defect with a 2.5 by 2.5 cm polypropylene mesh sewn to the cut edges. This exposed the viscera directly to the mesh surface. Seven days after operation, the character and extent of the adhesions were assessed at autopsy. Results were expressed as the percent area of subcutaneous tissue involved (T) or of mesh surface involved (M). For model T the percent involvement of the circumference of the defect edge was also recorded. The extent of omental and intestinal adhesions were evaluated individually. Results The classical side-wall models showed inconsistent patterns of adhesion formation and were difficult to evaluate. Every animal from both models M and T developed extensive adhesions. The mean coverage of mesh surface (M) was 93% and subcutaneous surface (T) 82%. In model T the mean involvement of the defect cut edge was 80% of the circumference. All model T animals had both intestinal and omental adhesions whereas there were no intestinal attachments in model M. Tenacity of adhesions did not differ significantly between animals or models. Conclusions Adhesion models M and T are consistent, predictable, and dependable. They each yield extensive adhesion coverage to a defined site, which allow for standardized measurement.
Care of the Obstetric Patient

I a g A t p l c w T t t f p THE OBSTETRIC PATIENT may be an every day occurrence for some postanesthesia nurses or an unusual occurrence for others. Providing the appropriate environment, the nursing competencies, and the multidisciplinary approach necessary for the care of this patient population may vary depending on the hospital where the care is delivered as well as the individual circumstances of a particular patient.
Functional assessment of rabbit alveolar macrophages following intermittent inhalation exposures to sulfuric acid mist.

Abstract Sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) aerosols are common in both ambient and occupational environments. This study examined the numbers and selected in vitro functional properties of alveolar macrophages recovered from rabbits undergoing inhalation exposure to 0.5 mg/m 3 submicrometer (0.3 μm) H 2 SO 4 for 2 hr/day. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on Days 3, 7, and 14 during the exposure period (specifically, 24 hr after either 2, 6, or 13 exposures). Total cell numbers and macrophage counts were increased on Day 3, but returned to control levels by Day 7; no change in polymorphonuclear leukocytes was observed at any time point. Macrophage substrate attachment was not affected by exposures to H 2 SO 4 , but random mobility was severely depressed at Days 7 and 14. The numbers of phagocytically active macrophages and the level of such activity were increased on Day 3, but became depressed by Day 14. These results demonstrate significant alterations in important functional properties of alveolar macrophages due to short-term intermittent exposures to H 2 SO 4 aerosols; these changes have implications for the ability of the lungs to maintain adequate defense against deposited viable and nonviable particles.
Endocrine therapy testing of human breast cancers in the soft agar clonogenic assay.

The human tumor soft agar cloning assay has been used to assess the biological effects of cytotoxic drugs and other agents on human cancers. In this study we have examined the effects of two hormonal agents, tamoxifen (Tam) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), on colony growth of the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line as well as fresh human breast cancer specimens. Using standard criteria for a colony (>50 cells or >60 microns in diameter) Tam (1.0µM) reduced MCF-7 colony formation by only 30% to 50%, and MPA (1.0µM) had no effect. However, both agents dramatically reduced the formation of larger colonies; less than 10% of colonies larger than 124 microns survived Tam exposure, and less than 25% survived with MPA.In vitro sensitivity (< 30% colony survival) of fresh human breast cancer specimens was observed infrequently with either Tam (1/39 evaluable assays) or MPA (3/36 evaluable assays). Colony growth of human breast cancer was unaltered when cells were plated in charcoal-stripped serum to reduce the endogenous estrogen concentration.In vitro sensitivity to Tam or MPA was not increased under these conditions. No correlation was found between estrogen receptor (ER) concentration and inhibition of colony survival with Tam or MPA. None of 16 assays from ER-positive specimens treated with Tam and 2 of 18 ER-positive specimens treated with MPA were sensitivein vitro. In contrast, 2 of 12 ER-negative specimens tested with Tam and 3 of 7 ER-negative specimens tested with MPA were sensitivein vitro. Stimulation of colony growth was observed in about 20% of Tam or MPA-treated specimens. Of the assays with ER data available, 10 of 11 with enhanced colony growth were ER-positive. Human breast cancer specimens did not grow well enough to assess the effect of these agents on large-sized colonies. These data suggest that the standard human tumor cloning assay will need modification before it can be used to predict hormonal sensitivity of fresh human breast cancer specimens.
Estimating Total Quality Factor of 2D Photonic Crystal Slab Cavities with 2D Simulation Techniques

We propose a fast numerical method to evaluate total quality factor of photonic-crystal-slab-based microcavity. Cavity mode and in/out plane losses are calculated by 2D-FDTD and 3D-PWE methods. Results are compared with Full 3D-FDTD simulations.
Employer Attractiveness in Latin America: The Association Among Foreignness, Internationalization and Talent Recruitment

Abstract Rapid economic development is provoking a skilled talent shortage in Latin America, causing firms to compete intensely for scarce talent (Manpower Group, 2011). While foreign-headquartered firms may bear a “liability of foreignness” (Zaheer, 1995), the question remains whether this alleged liability extends to attracting workers in the Latin American context. We propose an interactionist model grounded on person–organization fit and marginalization theories. Our model, which distinguishes between foreignness and internationalization, argues that they interact with marginalization variables to impact employer attractiveness. Our multi-level analysis of 76,191 individual evaluations of 80 firms within five Latin American countries supported hypotheses that members of marginalized groups based on gender, education, and income were relatively more attracted to foreign headquartered and more international firms. Our findings contribute to an emerging body of evidence suggesting that the impacts of foreignness and internationalization are not necessarily monolithic across all contexts.
Use of muscle fibrillation for tracking nerve regeneration

Individual muscle fibers in denervated muscle demonstrate repetitive, spontaneous contraction. Such fibrillation activity disappears in denervated muscle if reinnervation occurs, but this relationship has not been formally studied. To test whether the disappearance of fibrillation can be used to track nerve regeneration, we quantified the presence and subsequent disappearance of electromyographic (EMG) fibrillation potentials and fibrillation-related movement in the rat tongue after unilateral hypoglossal nerve crush at two locations. In mice, fibrillation movement of vibrissae were monitored after unilateral facial nerve crush and compared with the return of symmetrical vibrissae sweeping movements. In both of these rodent cranial motor systems, there was a conspicuous loss of fibrillation at a time when reinnervation is known to take place, suggesting that the visual appearance of fibrillation-related movement can be used as a simple, noninvasive means of tracking nerve regeneration in these popular experimental motor systems.
Fully developed turbulence and Brownian motion

Abstract A new general construction of one-dimensional Brownian motion is introduced. The construction is based on: (a) a general mathematical relationship that links arbitrary multinomial multifractals with the Gaussian distribution, and (b) the observed multifractal nature of one-dimensional fully developed turbulence. It is shown, via simulations, that the new construction provides realizations which satisfy all desirable statistical properties.
IL6 gene-wide haplotype is associated with susceptibility to acute lung injury.

Experimental and clinical studies support the key role of interleukin 6 (IL-6), a potent proinflammatory cytokine, in the development of acute lung injury (ALI). Plasma IL-6 levels are influenced mainly by genetic determinants, and a −174G/C polymorphism of the gene has been recently associated with susceptibility to ALI. Here we aimed to validate the association of the IL6 gene with ALI in a case-control sample from Spain. DNA was isolated from 67 consecutive patients who fulfilled international criteria for severe sepsis and for ALI and 96 population-based controls drawn from the general population. Genotypes of the −174G/C polymorphism along with other 14 tagging variants of the IL6 gene were evaluated. Twenty polymorphisms unlinked to IL6 gene were additionally compared between cases and controls to rule out population stratification. None of the individual single-nucleotide polymorphisms was significantly associated with susceptibility to ALI. However, we found that a common haplotype from −1363 to +4835 from the transcription start site, and spanning the gene, conferred risk for susceptibility to ALI (odds ratio, 2.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.39–5.37; P = 0.003). Adjustment for relevant covariates did not modify this result. These data support the association of the IL6 gene with ALI susceptibility and illustrate the value of haplotype analysis as a robust approach for evaluating IL6 gene effects in association studies.
Quantum transport through one-dimensional double-quantum-well systems.

We investigate the lateral tunneling properties of electrons through a one-dimensional double-quantum-well system using the recursive Green's-function technique. The conductance exhibits a number of interesting quantum-interference effects, including a strong resonance at the onset of conductance, a ``beating'' effect due to competing characteristic times for the system, and a finite conductance at large Fermi energies, where the densities of states for the individual wells is small. It is shown that the last property may be exploited to use this system as a quantum-interference transistor.
Effects of an operational application of Dimilin® on non-target insects

Effects of an operational application of Dimilin® on non-target insects were evaluated in eastern West Virginia in 1988 and 1989. Dimilin was applied in 1988 (70,75 g AI per ha). Insects were collected by light-traps at seven pairs of Dimilin-treated and control sites. Lepidoptera experienced the greatest impact, displaying reduced abundance and species richness at treated sites. No effects were observed among Coleoptera, Diptera, or Hymenoptera.
Contamination of aqueous samples with formate and acetate from ambient air

Abstract A sensitive ion chromatographic technique with detection limits of 1.9 and 6.2 μgl−1 has been developed for the determination of formate and acetate ions, respectively, in aqueous solution. Using this technique, uncovered aqueous solutions have been found to absorb the corresponding acids readily from ambient air at rates of approximately 0.02–0.1 nM cm−2 h−1. Consequently, to prevent vapor diffusion and subsequent contamination of environmental samples with these organic acids, casual exposure to ambient air, particularly in a laboratory, should be minimized.
Interpretation of the transport properties of Ln2NiO4 and Ln2CuO4 compounds

Abstract Resistivity and thermoelectric-power data for the tetragonal compounds Ln2NiO4 and Ln2CuO4 are interpreted qualitatively in terms of narrow energy bands of strongly correlated d-like electrons.
CD34− Blood-Derived Human Endothelial Cell Progenitors

A subset of adult peripheral blood leukocytes functions as endothelial cell progenitors called angioblasts. They can incorporate into the vasculature in animal models of neovascularization and accelerate the restoration of blood flow to mouse ischemic limbs. Earlier reports suggested that CD34-expressing (CD34+) but not CD34+ cell-depleted (CD34-) leukocytes can differentiate into endothelial cells (EC) in vitro and in vivo. Recent findings suggest that CD14+ cells, which are typically CD34-, also have angioblast-like properties in vitro. To determine the identity of angioblasts, the potential of CD34+, CD34-, CD34- CD14+, and CD34- CD14- cells to produce EC was compared. We show that a subset of monocyte (CD34- CD14+)-enriched cells can take on an EC-like phenotype in culture, but that the EC-like cells also express dendritic cell antigens. These findings suggest that monocytes differentiate into macrophages, dendritic cells, or EC depending on environmental cues. The data also demonstrate that angioblasts are more abundant in the blood than previously thought. Finally, we demonstrate that CD34- and CD34- CD14+ cells incorporate into the endothelium of blood vessels in mouse ischemic limbs. However, incorporation of these cells requires co-injection with CD34+ cells, indicating that leukocyte-leukocyte interactions may play a critical role in governing angioblast behavior in vivo.
PKCε inhibits the hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis signal in adult rat ventricular myocytes

Recruitment of the protein kinase C (PKC) family of isozymes is an integral component of the signaling events that direct cardiac phenotype expressed during postnatal development and in response to pathologic stimuli. Hyperglycemia is a potent activating signal for cardiac PKC isozymes and induces the apoptosis program in cardiac muscle cells. To determine whether cardiac PKC isozymes modulate transmission of the hyperglycemia apoptosis signal, we have employed isozyme-specific peptide modulators to selectively inhibit (PKC βI/βII, ζ and e) or activate (PKCe). PKC peptides were delivered to primary cultures of serum starved adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM), by conjugation to the homeodomain of drosophila antennapedia. As expected, hyperglycemia induced a 35% increase in ARVM apoptosis. Peptide inhibitors of PKC βI/βII and ζ blocked transmission of the hyperglycemia apoptosis signal, whereas the isozyme specific inhibitor of PKCe (eV1-2) did not alter the magnitude of glucose-induced ARVM apoptosis. Alternatively, the PKCe translocation activator (ψeRACK) abolished hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis, strongly suggesting a cardioprotective role for PKCe in this system. Therefore, we conclude that cardiac PKC isozymes modulate hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis and activation of cardiac PKCe protects ARVM from the hyperglycemia-induced death signal. (Mol Cell Biochem 268: 169–173, 2005)
Neurocognitive Effects of HIV Infection on Young Children Implications for Assessment

As the number of children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to grow, it is important for early childhood practitioners to understand the potential effects of this disease on infants' and children's functioning. Infants and children with symptomatic HIV disease may exhibit a wide range of neurocognitive, social-emotional, and behavioral difficulties. Therefore, assessment professionals must be prepared to build a profile of the child's functioning that reflects current strengths and weaknesses and provides a baseline for comparison in future evaluations. Because the effects of this disease are direct (e.g., neurological impairment) as well as indirect (e.g., personal or parental anxiety from living with the disease), professionals may need a wide range of assessment tools to perform valid evaluations. This article provides a guide to help early interventionists to understand the basic pathology of this disease, to recognize the direct and indirect manifestations of the disease,...
Osler and ophthalmology

Sir William Osier (1849–1919) has been called the father of American medicine (Fig. 1). This Canadian from Dundas, Ontario is remembered as a great clinician, scientist and teacher*. His name survives as a burden for medical students and forgetful clinicians who must distinguish between the Osler-Weber-Rendu disease, the Osler-Vasquez disease, the Osler phenomenon, the Osler sign, Osler’s triad, and of course Osler’s nodes. Nevertheless, his most enduring contributions probably lie in the structures he imposed on medical education and medical practice. He was an active, but gentle reformer with an abiding affection for medical students and for the common physician engaged in general practice. He was instrumental in organizing a system where American medical students would first obtain a general education before going to medical school. He also changed the nature of the medical curriculum to include significant clinical experience — allowing students to actually examine and care for patients on the wards. To his credit, the institutions which he established in medical education have survived largely unchanged to the present day. In addition, he wrote The Principles and Practice of Medicine (1892) a seminal textbook that served as the standard reference for generations of physicians. Nevertheless, before he had done any of these things, the young Willie Osler had different plans.
The Anodic Dissolution of a Ni-Base Superalloy

Abstract A single phase nickel base superalloy, HASTELLOY Alloy C-276, was anodically polarized in 0.5 N NaCl at 70 C, and the concentrations of metal-ion complexes in solution were determined. Rel...
Improved state estimation for high-mix semiconductor manufacturing

High-mix manufacturing in semiconductor industry has driven the development of several non-threaded state estimation methods, which share information among different manufacturing context and avoid data segregation that threaded methods require. However, existing non-threaded methods consider either white noise disturbance or integrated white noise disturbance. In this work, we derive the state-space representation of the non-threaded state estimation problem which not only considers the integrated moving average disturbance, but also considers the fact that if a context item is not involved in a process run then its state does not change. In addition we develop an improved non-threaded state estimation method based on the Kalman filter. Simulation examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The performance of the proposed approach is also compared with the existing Kalman filter approach that considers the integrated white noise only.
Molecular beam epitaxial growth and characterization of lead telluride for laser diodes

The characteristics of PbTe films grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) have been investigated. These films were grown on (100) oriented Tl-doped PbTe substrates under UHV conditions (~5×l0−9 Torr during deposition). Substrate surface contamination levels were studied with Auger electron spectroscopy. Oxygen, the dominant impurity observed, is rapidly thermally desorbed from PbTe, but is stable on Pb1−xSnxTe up to at least 410°C. Carrier concentration and mobility were measured with the Van der Pauw technique. The electron mobility increased strongly with increasing film thickness, varying from 4,000 to 14,000 cm2/volt-sec as the thickness increased from 2.0 to 7.3 µn. The film surface also became smoother with increasing film thickness. These results suggest the need for a buffer layer in a laser structure. Lasers grown with 6 μm thick buffer layers have exhibited extremely low threshold current densities (40 A/cm2 at 13 K) and very high junction resistancearea products at zero-bias (0.7 Ω−cm2 at 77 K), indicative of very high junction quality.
Innate Immune Responses of the Dental Pulp to Caries

Various cells and inflammatory mediators are involved in the initial pulpal responses to caries. This review focuses on the cellular, neuronal, and vascular components of pulpal innate responses to caries. Discussion will include dentinal fluid, odontoblasts, neuropeptides, and neurogenic inflammation, which are not classic immune components but actively participate in the inflammatory response as the caries progress pulpally. Summaries of innate immune cells as well as their cytokines and chemokines in healthy and reversible pulpitis tissues are presented.
Stratification in thermoplastic olefins (TPO); photoacoustic FT-IR depth profiling studies

Abstract Photoacoustic Fourier Transform infrared (PA FT-IR) depth profiling experiments ranging from 3 to 50 μm into the surface of thermoplastic olefin (TPO) show that the crystalline polypropylene (PP) phase resides at approximately 7–9 μm below the TPO surface, while ethylene-polypropylene rubber (EPR) layer is present at 15 μm, and extends into the bulk. In an effort to determine the distribution of PP and EPR components, a calibration method was developed by ratioing pure PP and EPR bands at 2953 and 2849 cm −1 at 10/90, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25, and 90/10 ratios. Comparison of this numerical data and the experimental results allows determination of the distribution of EPR and PP components across the film thickness. It appears that the EPR region is predominantly present at 15 μm below the surface, while PP is located at shallower depths. Concentration variations of talc can be also followed by monitoring the band at 1019 cm −1 caused by Si–O stretching modes and its content is higher near the TPO surface. Based on these studies, a stratification model for TPO is proposed.
Reliability-Based Serviceability Limit State Design of Spread Footings on Aggregate Pier Reinforced Clay

Despite the availability of numerous methods to predict the load-displacement response of aggregate pier reinforced clay, accurately modeling the nonlinear displacement response remains challenging. Moreover, the uncertainty in the bearing pressure-displacement prediction has not been satisfactorily estimated, preventing the generation of reliability-based design (RBD) procedures. This study proposes a simple RBD procedure for assessing the allowable bearing pressure for aggregate pier reinforced clay in consideration of the desired serviceability limit state. A recently established bearing-capacity model for aggregate pier reinforced clay and its uncertainty is incorporated into a bivariate bearing pressure-displacement model appropriate for a wide range in displacement and calibrated using a high-quality full-scale load-test database. Several copulas were then evaluated for goodness of fit to the measured dependence structure between the coefficients of the selected two-parameter bearing pressure-displacement model. Following the generation of an appropriate performance function, a combined load and resistance factor is calibrated in consideration of the uncertainty in the bearing pressure-displacement model, bearing capacity, applied bearing pressure, allowable displacement, and footing width using Monte Carlo simulations of the respective source distributions. An example is provided to illustrate the application of the proposed procedure to estimate the bearing pressure for an allowable displacement at the desired serviceability limit probability.
Plastic flow around an expanding crack

Abstract The problem of a central crack expanding at both ends in a uniformly stretched plate is examined for the case when the material along the lines of expected crack extension flows plastically and moves with the crack at a different velocity. The variations of the plastic zone size with crack speeds and applied stress to yield stress ratios P Y are determined. For a given value of P Y , an increase in crack velocity is found to cause a decrease in the length of the traveling plastic zone. The amount of energy released by the moving crack is also estimated for the purely elastic and elastic-plastic crack models and is shown to diminish to zero at the Rayleigh wave speed. The present results support the expected conclusion that for a given amount of available energy a crack can be driven at a high speed without plastic dissipation. This effect is demonstrated quantitatively for the strip model of an expanding crack.
Renal urate excretion in patients with Wilson's disease

Renal urate excretion in patients with Wilson's disease. Because many patients with Wilson's disease have hypouricemia, a study was made of 10 patients and 10 control persons to determine the nature of the renal excretory defect. Uric acid excretion was studied before and after the administration of pyrazinamidem—an agent which is postulated to selectively block urate secretion. Urate excretion was also correlated with the quantity of various types of amino acids excreted. In the presence of pyrazinamide, total urate excretion is decreased markedly just as in normal individuals. It appears that proximal reabsorption of urate may not be impaired. There is a positive correlation between excessive urate excretion and that of serine, arginine, valine, and glutamine. Excretion renale des urates chez les malades atteints de maladie de Wilson. Du fait que beaucoup de malades atteints de maladie de Wilson ont une hypouricemie une etude a ete realisee chez dix malades et dix sujets temoins afin de determiner la nature du trouble de l'excretion des urates. L'excretion d'acide urique a ete etudiee avant et apres l'administration de pyrazinamide, agent dont on suppose qu'il bloque electivement la secretion d'urate. L'excretion d'urate a ete aussi correlee avec la quantite de divers acides amines excretes. En presence de pyrazinamide l'excretion totale d'urate est notablement diminuee, comme chez les temoins. Il apparait que la reabsorption proximale des urates n'est probablement pas diminuee. Il existe une correlation positive entre l'excretion excessive d'urate et l'excretion de serine, d'arginine, de valine et de glutamine.
Similarity and cooperation received as determinants of cooperation rendered

S’s perception of high similarity between himself and a fictitious P produced high cooperation and high expectation of cooperation by P. A similar P’s ostensible competitive behavior produced retaliation, and a dissimilar or control P’s cooperation produced some exploitation. Cooperation by a similar P, and competition by dissimilar or control Ps led to no changes in S’s previous strategy.
Plastic behavior of copper under impulsive heating

Es wird eine Methode zur Bestimmung der dynamischen Fliesspannung in Abhangigkeit von der Temperatur beschrieben. Stossartig erzeugte Elektronenstrahlen werden benutzt, welche simultan Warme und Stossenergie produzieren. Dabei wird kein hydrodynamisches Modell fur das Material benutzt. Die Methode wird auf die Bestimmung der Abhangigkeit von Fliesspannung und Temperatur fur Kupfer angewandt.
Image reconstruction from nonuniform data and threshold crossings using Gram-Schmidt procedure

This paper addresses the problem of reconstructing an image from its nonuniform data and threshold crossings. The problem of reconstructing a two-dimensional signal from its nonuniform data arises in certain medical image problems where either the measurement domain is nonuniform or the measured data are translated to nonuniform samples of the desired image. Reconstruction from threshold crossings has significance in reducing the size of database (image compression) required to store medical images. In this paper, we introduce a deterministic processing via Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization to reconstruct images from their nonuniform data or threshold crossings. This is achieved by first introducing non-orthogonal basis functions in a chosen two-dimensional domain (e.g., for band-limited signal, a possible choice is the two dimensional Fourier domain of the image) that span the signal subspace of the nonuniform data. We then use the Gram-Schmidt procedure to construct a set of orthogonal basis functions that span the linear signal subspace defined by the above-mentioned non-orthogonal basis functions. Next, we project the N-dimensional measurement vector (N is the number of nonuniform data or threshold crossings) into the newly constructed orthogonal basis functions. Finally, the image at any point can be reconstructed by projecting its corresponding basis function on the projection of the measurement vector into the orthogonal basis functions.
Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes After Fetal Tracheal Occlusion in Rabbits

Abstract Background/purpose Late-gestation lung remodeling is associated with alveolar type II cell apoptosis early in the saccular stage (day 28 in fetal rabbits). Intrauterine tracheal occlusion (TO), a potent stimulus of fetal lung growth and maturation, significantly increases type II cell apoptosis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fetal TO on the spatiotemporal expression of key apoptosis-related signaling molecules. Methods Tracheal occlusion of fetal rabbits was performed at gestational day 25 (term, 31 days), and apoptotic gene expression was studied between days 26 and 28. Results At days 26 and 27, the protein levels of Fas and Fas-ligand (FasL) in lung lysates were similar in TO fetuses and sham-operated controls. At day 28, however, synchronous with the onset of TO-induced pulmonary distension and type II cell apoptosis, the FasL protein content was 8-fold higher in TO lungs compared with controls ( P Conclusions Our findings show that TO results in time-specific increase of both cellular and soluble FasL in fetal lungs and implicate the Fas/FasL pathway as a pivotal autocrine and/or paracrine regulator of TO- induced type II cell apoptosis.
64-year-old woman with diarrhea and increased abdominal girth.

64-year-old woman presented to our institution for evaluation of diarrhea and increasing abdominal girth. She had a 1-month history of postprandial diarrhea unrelated to the type of foods she consumed. Her stool was watery, with no evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Concurrently, she also noted increasing abdominal girth requiring new pants with a larger waist size. She had no abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, flushing, light-headedness, or constitutional symptoms. Her medical history was notable for a previous stroke with a mild residual right hand tremor. She was a lifetime nonsmoker, had no history of illicit drug use, and drank alcohol rarely. She had no history of recent travel, infectious exposures, new medications, or herbal supplement intake. Her blood pressure was 136/83 mm Hg, and herheart rate was 98beats/min.Heroxygensaturation was 95% while she breathed room air, and her respiratory rate was 18 breaths/min. Her temperature was 36.9C. Her mental status was normal. Her abdomen was soft, nontender, and mildly distended with hyperactive bowel sounds. Shifting dullness with a fluid wave was present. 1. Which one of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic approach to evaluate the patient’s abdominal symptoms? a. Paracentesis b. Colonoscopy c. Clostridium difficile toxicology screen or polymerase chain reaction d. Serology testing for transglutaminase antibody e. Abdominal radiography
Ribonuclease Activity of Stressed Tomato Leaflets

Homogenates of leaflets of desiccated tomato plants show increased ribonuclease activity compared to homogenates of turgid controls. Much of this increase is independent of changes in translocation to and from the leaflet. Interruption of translocation through living cells by detachment of leaflets or steam damage to the petiolules produces increased ribonuclease activity, but this activity is increased further when excised leaflets are allowed to wilt. Increases in ribonuclease often parallel or precede increases in the soluble nitrogen content. Further increases in activity occur when excised leaves become yellow. Exposure of leaflets to CO(2)-free air has little effect on activity at low-light intensity (120 ft-c). These results suggest that water stress directly affected ribonuclease activity at the cellular level.
Procedure for enzymatic synthesis and isolation of radioactive long chain acyl-CoA esters☆

Abstract A method is described that yields pure long chain fatty acyl-CoA esters. It utilizes a partially purified long chain acyl-CoA synthetase that can be obtained from various sources. Product isolation involves butanol extraction and thin-layer chromatography. It is applicable to a wide range of fatty acids and is particularly suitable in preparing radioactive acyl-CoA esters.
Adaptive-wall wind-tunnel development for transonic testing

Experimental techniques for rapid assessment and correction of wall interference in an adaptive-wall wind tunnel are described. The experimental arrangement allows laser velocimetry measurements on two control surfaces and incorporates a dedicated computer for data processing. The apparatus and its instrumentation are described, and typical results from an experiment on a nonlifting NACA 0012 airfoil at M = 0.78 are discussed. It is concluded that the time to acquire laser Doppler velocimeter data should be decreased, and the possibility of using one-step algorithms should be investigated.
Effect of a methoxy substituent on the vinylcyclobutane carbon migration.

Over the temperature range 250−300 °C, 8-exo-methoxybicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene (1a) undergoes a [1,3] sigmatropic rearrangement to 5-exo- and 5-endo-methoxybicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-enes, 2a and 2b, respectively, with a clear preference for the si product: si/sr = 3.2. Both 1a and its 8-endo epimer 1b experience appreciable epimerization and fragmentation. A long-lived intermediate with weakly interacting diradical centers, one of which is stabilized by a methoxy substituent, can account for all such observations.
Bill size polymorphism and intraspecific niche utilization in an African finch

The African estrildid finch, Pyrenestes ostrinus, shows a non-sex-linked polymorphism of bill size. Within P. ostrinus and its congeners, P. sanguineus and P. minor, variation in bill size is extreme, bimodally distributed and not determined by sex, age, body size or geographical origin. P. ostrinus appears to mate randomly with respect to bill size. Bill morphs differ with respect to diet and feeding performance on hard and soft seeds of sedges, Scleria spp. (Cyperaceae), the bird's principal food. The novel pattern of intraspecific divergence in trophic structure contrasts sharply with patterns of morphological variation in Darwin's finches (Geospiza) and other avian species not showing bill size polymorphisms. Coefficients of variation (CVs) for bill size are extraordinarily large while CVs for body size are small and typical of other passerine species. Differences in bill size between morphs exceed those reported for several sympatric species of Darwin's finches believed to show character displacement1, and like many co-occurring congeneric species the morphs differ in diet. Discrete intrapopulation variation in the trophic structures of birds usually consists either of differences between the sexes (sexual dimorphism)2, or of morphological asymmetries, such as bill crossing3,4. Here I describe a third pattern of discrete variation previously hypothesized to occur in the hook-billed kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus)5, and found only in a few species of other vertebrates6–10, in which size differences in trophic apparatus are not determined mainly by sex. Polymorphisms of trophic apparatus have been correlated with differential resource utilization and, despite the scarcity of reports, have been postulated to be important in reducing intraspecific competition and in promoting speciation6.
Electromigration in solder joints and solder lines

Electromigration may affect the reliability of flip-chip solder joints. Eutectic solder is a two-phase alloy, so its electromigration behavior is different from that in aluminum or copper interconnects. In addition, a flipchip solder joint has a built-in currentcrowding configuration to enhance electromigration failure. To better understand electromigration in SnPb and lead-free solder alloys, the authors prepared solder lines in v-grooves etched on Si (001). This article discusses the results of those tests and compares the electromigration failure modes of eutectic SnPb and SnAgCu flip-chip solder joints along with the mean-timeto-failure.
Accountably Other: Trust, Reciprocity and Exclusion in a Context of Situated Practice

The first part of this paper makes five points: First, the problem of Otherness is different and differently constructed in modern differentiated societies. Therefore, approaches to Otherness based on traditional notions of difference and boundary between societies and systems of shared belief will not suffice; Second, because solidarity can no longer be maintained through boundaries between ingroup and outgroup, social cohesion has to take a different form; Third, to the extent that Otherness is not a condition of demographic, or belief based, exclusion in modern societies, but rather something that happens to people otherwise available to one another in interaction, othering is a processthat occurs over the course of interaction, turn by turn, not a set of beliefs or a state of mind; Fourth, othering may be supported by accounts and narratives, and these may exist before the fact – or be articulated after the fact. But, over the course of an ongoing interaction, beliefs and narratives do not explain what goes wrong with practices; Fifth, practices require reciprocity and trust. Therefore, practices require a morestringent form of morality – not a less stringent form – and moresocial cohesion – not less – than traditional society.
Myocardial salvage: retrospection, resolution, and radio waves.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is established as a major technique in clinical cardiology.1 An ongoing pipeline of new clinical indications is being fed from clinical and basic research that is throwing new light on pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and solving clinical problems. One such advance in the last 5 years has been the clinical uptake of late-gadolinium-enhancement CMR, which yields exquisite high-resolution imaging of infarction in the necrotic (acute) or scarred (chronic) phase,2 making CMR the clinical gold standard technique for assessing infarct size3 and valuable for assessing potential regional functional recovery (viability).4 In this issue, Aletras et al5 indicate that CMR also may be used to measure myocardial salvage during acute infarction. Article p 1865 Myocardial salvage is defined as the difference between the actual and potential infarct size, the latter defined as the initial area at risk during acute coronary occlusion. It is an important concept because its measurement can be used to determine strategies to optimize management of acute myocardial infarction (MI) based on the idea that eventual clinical outcome is related to the size of infarction and that minimization is therefore beneficial. Clinical trials of minimization of infarction have a long and distinguished pedigree.6 Myocardial salvage can be measured in several ways, but some are applicable to individuals and others only to groups of patients. Thus, an intervention in acute MI can be tested for benefit by randomization of a cohort of patients to intervention or not, with follow-up of final infarct size surrogates such as ejection fraction or enzyme release. Alternatively, the same intervention can be tested for its direct effect on salvage, which allows assessment of the individual response in relation to the outcome variables and group outcomes. This strategy allows a much clearer assessment of confounding factors; …
IAR3 Encodes an Auxin Conjugate Hydrolase from Arabidopsis

Amide-linked conjugates of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) are putative storage or inactivation forms of the growth hormone auxin. Here, we describe the Arabidopsis iar3 mutant that displays reduced sensitivity to IAA-Ala. IAR3 is a member of a family of Arabidopsis genes related to the previously isolated ILR1 gene, which encodes an IAA-amino acid hydrolase selective for IAA-Leu and IAA-Phe. IAR3 and the very similar ILL5 gene are closely linked on chromosome 1 and comprise a subfamily of the six Arabidopsis IAA-conjugate hydrolases. The purified IAR3 enzyme hydrolyzes IAA-Ala in vitro. iar 3 ilr1 double mutants are more resistant than either single mutant to IAA-amino acid conjugates, and plants overexpressing IAR3 or ILR1 are more sensitive than is the wild type to certain IAA-amino acid conjugates, reflecting the overlapping substrate specificities of the corresponding enzymes. The IAR3 gene is expressed most strongly in roots, stems, and flowers, suggesting roles for IAA-conjugate hydrolysis in those tissues.
Alterations in enzymes involved in fat metabolism after acute and chronic altitude exposure

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acute (24 h) and chronic (5 wk) hypobaric hypoxic exposure equivalent to a simulated altitude of 4,300 m (446 mmHg) on the enzymes of fat meta...
Phantom redundancy: a high-level synthesis approach for manufacturability

Abstract: Phantom redundancy, an area-efficient technique for fabrication-time reconfigurability is presented. Phantom redundancy adds extra interconnect so as to render the resulting microarchitecture reconfigurable in the presence of any (single) functional unit failure. The proposed technique yields partially good chips in addition to perfect chips. A genetic algorithm is used to incorporate phantom redundancy constraints into microarchitecture synthesis. The algorithm minimizes tire performance degradation due to any faulty functional unit of the resulting microarchitecture. The effectiveness of the technique is illustrated on benchmark examples.