cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elastic and plastic properties of thin films on substrates : nanoindentation techniques

Recent progress in understanding the mechanical properties of thin films on substrates is briefly reviewed. We describe nanoindentation techniques that have been developed for measuring the elastic and plastic properties of thin films with thickness on the order of micrometers. We also report on efforts to understand the strength properties of thin metal films in terms of the motion and interaction of dislocations within them. The well-known size dependence of the hardness of soft, strain-hardenable metals is described in terms of the geometrically necessary dislocations created in small indentations. The very high strengths typically observed for thin films are interpreted in terms of the mechanics of dislocation motion and interaction in thin metal layers.
The Natural History of Charcot's Neuroarthropathy

The goal of this article is to outline the progression of Charcot's neuroarthropathy. A historical background is detailed, with an emphasis on the current trends in the literature. Acute Charcot's neuroarthropathy requires a prompt diagnosis with the proper practical offloading methods of the affected limb. This, coupled with directed medical and surgical approaches designed to prevent or mitigate deformities, may subsequently reduce the risk of amputation in this high-risk population.
A Service-Learning Project in Chemistry: Environmental Monitoring of a Nature Preserve

A collaborative environmental service-learning project was implemented between upper-level undergraduate science majors and graduate chemistry students at a large state school and first-year students at a small private liberal arts college. Students analyzed the water quality in a nature preserve by determining the quantities of 12 trace metals, seven anions including nitrate and phosphate, and Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria. Dissolved oxygen, temperature, and pH were recorded in the field as well. Students publicly communicated their results by creating deliverables such as a standard operating procedures manual, a PowerPoint presentation, and a professional-quality poster. The project was successful and student learning and interest in environmental chemistry were enhanced. The community response was particularly positive.
Phenotype associated with ring 10 chromosome: Report of patient and review of literature

A 15-month-old infant's peripheral blood chromosome analysis showed the following defects: 46,XY,r(10)(p15.3q26.1) in 84 cells, 45,XY,-r(10) in 13 cells, and 47,XY,r(10),+r(10) in one cell. Clinical abnormalities included growth retardation, microcephaly, prominent nasal bridge, macular hypoplasia, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and posterior urethral valves with hydronephrosis. Comparison of the phenotype of five other patients with a ring chromosome 10 with the present case showed the following common manifestations: growth retardation, microcephaly, undescended testes, hydronephrosis, and, in males, posterior urethral valves. To date, this last anomaly has not been seen in patients with either a del(10p) or a del(10q) abnormality.
Shear strength of lunar soil from Oceanus Procellarum.

Soil from the scoop of Surveyor 3, returned to earth by Apollo 12 astronauts, has been tested in a miniature shear box at five bulk densities, from 0.99 to 1.87 g/cu cm. Cohesion increased with bulk density from .03 to .3 N/sq cm; internal friction angle increased from 13 to 56 deg. Shear stress vs normal stress data fit a logarithmic relationship better than a linear one, at normal stresses of .003 to 3 N/sq cm. Results of these tests, in air, show no systematic differences from those for tests made elsewhere in vacuum and nitrogen. Results agree with those obtained in remotely controlled lunar surface operations with Surveyor 3 and other spacecraft provided that the bulk density was slightly underestimated for the on-surface measurements.
Applications of the saturability technique in the problem of stability of nonlinear systems

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the applications of the saturability technique in the problem of stability of nonlinear systems. It discusses the nonlinear Volterra equation. An important special case is given by the nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations. It is assumed that Φ is nondecreasing, satisfies a global Lipschitz condition, and Φ(0) = 0. The assumptions about g and f are very relaxed. The principal condition, 10, gives the counterpart (valid for nondecreasing functions Φ) of a well-known frequency-domain criterion of absolute stability.
Validation of the Integration of Stressful Life Experiences Scale–Short Form in a Bereaved Sample

The Integration of Stressful Life Experiences Scale (ISLES) is an assessment of meaning made of stress that has been used successfully with bereaved individuals and other vulnerable populations. Drawing upon information from 741 bereaved respondents, the present study tests the validity of the ISLES-Short Form (ISLES-SF), which is a 6-item version of the original 16-item measure. Tests of concurrent and incremental validity yielded highly similar patterns of results for the full ISLES and ISLES-SF, supporting the use of this briefer version of the scale. Results also highlighted the unique association (controlling for demographics, circumstances of the death, and prolonged grief symptoms) between greater meaning made of loss and higher levels of mental and physical health. These findings add to a growing body of literature that supports theoretical models that view meaning-making as a crucial determinant of adjustment to loss among many grievers.
Silica polymer bonding of stressed silica grains: An early growth of intergranular tensile strength

Laboratory tests on microscale are reported in which millimeter-sized amorphous silica cubes were kept highly compressed in a liquid environment of de-ionized water solutions with different silica ion concentrations for up to four weeks. Such an arrangement simulates an early evolution of bonds between two sand grains stressed in situ. In-house designed Grain Indenter-Puller apparatus allowed measuring strength of such contacts after 3–4 weeks. Observations reported for the first time confirm a long-existing hypothesis that a stressed contact with microcracks generates silica polymers, forming a bonding structure between the grains on a timescale in the order of a few weeks. Such structure exhibits intergranular tensile force at failure of 1–1.5 mN when aged in solutions containing silica ion concentrations of 200- to 500-ppm. The magnitude of such intergranular force is 2–3 times greater than that of water capillary force between the same grains.
Aluminum effects on six wheat cultivars in Kenyan soils

Six cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Kenya Nyumbu, Kenya Zabadi, Alondra, Kenya Swara, Kenya Tumbili, and Kenya Fahari, were tested for their susceptibility to Al. They were grown in a gl...
A spoonful of bitter helps the sugar response go down.

Sweet and bitter taste distinguishes good food sources from potential toxins, but what happens when these tastants are mixed? In this issue of Neuron, Jeong et al. (2013) show that in Drosophila, bitter compounds act through an extracellular odorant-binding protein to inhibit sweet-responsive neurons and block the response to sweet taste.
Raised Leg Exercises for Leg Edema in the Elderly

Leg edema is a common problem in the elderly and requires further evaluation and management. Method: From October 1990 to July 1992, 245 patients presented to the Cleveland Clinic Florida with leg edema. All patients were counseled about the benefits of twenty-minute, three-times-a-day raised-leg exercises. Fifty seven (57) of the 245 patients were not compliant with this regimen (nonexercise group). Although not true controls, they formed a comparison group for those who performed the exercise regimen. The exercise group was composed of 188 patients with a mean age of 73 ±6.8 years, 25 (13%) men and 163 (87%) women; the nonexercise group was composed of 57 patients with a mean age of 71.9 ±4.3, 19 (33%) men and 38 (67%) women. Workup for leg edema included: comprehensive history, clinical examination including prostate or pelvic examination, complete blood count, chemistry profile, thyroid profile, electrocardiogram, chest radiograph, and, when indicated, pelvic or leg ultrasound and pelvic computed tomo...
The Clinical Significance of Anti-H in an Individual with the Oh (Bombay) Phenotype

To evaluate the clinical significance of anti-H present in individuals with the Oh (Bombay) phenotype, red blood cell 51chromium survival studies and related serological tests were undertaken in an Oh (Bombay) individual. A small sample of group O donor red blood cells was labeled with 51chromium and infused into the patient. The T ½ of the infused cells was six minutes, with two per cent of the cells surviving at 24 hours. A similar study using the patient's own labeled red blood cells demonstrated 100 per cent survival at 24 hours. Initial laboratory studies indicated that the anti-H was active in saline at 4, 22 and 37 C and by the indirect antiglobulin test. Analysis of the antibody in both pre-and posttransfusion specimens showed it to have both IgM and IgG components. The anti-H titer at 37 C rose from 1:4 prior to the infusion of the O cells to 1:32 one week postinfusion, and a partial hemolysin appeared. Saliva inhibition studies demonstrated that the antibody was neutralizable prior to the group O exposure but was not neutralizable one week post exposure. We conclude that the anti-H present in this individual rapidly destroyed infused group O red blood cells. Individuals with the Oh (Bombay) phenotype should be transfused only with Oh (Bombay) blood.
Suspensions of fluor-containing nanoparticles for quantifying β−-emitting radionuclides in non-hazardous media

Nanoparticles containing scintillants were prepared from oil-in-water microemulsions in which styrene-divinylbenzene comprised the oil phase. Primary and secondary fluors [2,5-diphenyloxazole and 1,4-bis(2-methylstyryl) benzene] were dissolved in the oil phase, which was emulsified with dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide or sodium dodecyl sulfate before polymerization by the addition of sodium persulfate. The resulting suspension qualified as non-hazardous waste by testing against US EPA standards for reactivity, pH, ignitability, and toxicity characteristic leaching.14C-glycerol was added to the aqueous nanoparticle suspension and to a conventional organic scintillation cocktail, and the relative efficiency of detection was obtained by liquid scintillation counting. The results were compared with a mathematical model that predicted the effect of particle size and concentration on the probability of an emitted β− particle interacting with a suspended particle. The use of these nanoparticle suspensions represents an opportunity to reduce mixed low-level radioactive hazardous waste generated by liquid scintillation counting.
Messenger and aminoacylation functions of brome mosaic virus RNA after chemical modification of 3' terminus.

THE ability of RNA from several plant viruses to bind a specific amino acid in a manner like tRNA is now well established. All members of the tymovirus group so far examined contain RNA which can bind valine1–3; all members of the bromovirus group bind tyrosine (ref. 4 and T.C.H., in preparation), and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) RNA binds histidine5. The ubiquity of the reaction, and the similarity of the esterification to that of aminoacylation of tRNA indicates that a significant biological function for the property exists. A tRNA-like function such as that of a virus-specific tRNA, or a missense tRNA seems plausible. Although there is evidence that turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) RNA, or a fragment containing the 3′ terminus of TYMV RNA, may donate valine to nascent polypeptides6, it has been established that tyrosine, bound to brome mosaic virus (BMV) RNA, is not donated to peptidyl material in a cell-free system from wheat embryo when directed by viral, plant, or synthetic messenger RNA (ref. 7).
An Illustrative Legacy: Art Education and Zulu “Crafts”

This article addresses the stylistic selection and the reproduction of art illustrations in the publications of John W. Grossert, and situates his work in the history of South African art education...
Demonstration of C3b receptor-like activity and of decay-accelerating factor-like activity on rabbit erythrocytes.

C3b receptor activity and decay-accelerating activity for the C3 convertase, C3b, Bb, were demonstrated on rabbit erythrocytes (erab). Particles bearing C3b agglutinated ERAB if the C3b was of rabbit origin, but not if it was of human origin. The reactivity of rabbit C3b was abolished by enzymatic conversion of C3b to C3bi. Deposited on ERAB. rabbit C3b, but not human C3b, was cleaved by factor I in the absence of factor H. Similarly, decay acceleration of the C3b, Bb complex on ERAB occurred when the complex was of rabbit origin, but not when it was of human origin. Soluble immune complexes in the presence of rabbit serum were bound to and then released from the erab. Binding of the complexes is presumed to be mediated by immune complex-bound C3b and release to be the consequence of degradation of C3b by Factor I. These findings suggest that ERAB, like human erythrocytes, are endowed with membrane-associated complement regulators that protect these cells against homologous complement attack and participate in the clearing mechanism of circulating immune complexes.
Exserohilum Leaf Spot on Tiger Grass

Tiger grass [Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) Kuntze] is a popular ornamental grass grown throughout landscapes in South Florida. In the summer of 2006, a leaf spot was observed on tiger grass in the landscape and a commercial nursery in Homestead, FL. The causal agent of the leaf spot was isolated and characterized morphologically and molecularly as Exserohilum rostratum (Drechsler) Leonard & Suggs. At high inoculum densities, symptoms were apparent as early as 12 h after inoculation, and caused widespread necrosis. Germinating conidia of E. rostratum and appressoria were observed in direct association with lesions. This newly discovered disease could potentially have a dramatic effect on the aesthetic quality and salability of this landscape ornamental.
ENERGY GAP AND CRITICAL FIELD OF SUPERCONDUCTING MOLYBDENUM OBTAINED BY ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENTS

A molybdenum single crystal prepared by electron-beam zone refining was examined using ultrasonic measurements. Longitudinal pulses of 239-Mc/sec were propagated along the STA100! crystallographic direction at temperatures from 1.1 to 0.5 deg K to obtain energy gap and critical field data. The critical field at absolute zero was determined as 114 plus or minus 5 oersteds. Measurements of the ultrasonic attenuation as a function of temperature give 3.5 plus or minus 0.2 kT/sub c/ units for the energy gap at absolute zero. Critical field measurements on a pure zinc single crystal yielded a value of 55 plus or minus 3 oersteds. (H.D.R.)
Pleural anesthetics given through an epidural catheter secured inside a chest tube

Pain management after thoracic surgical procedures is a difficult clinical problem. A variety of pain management methods are used with variable efficacy. This paper presents an effective method of pleural anesthetic administration using a pleural catheter inserted through a chest tube.
Musculoskeletal: what's different in children? Fall from water park slide: limping

This 18 month-old female actually was in a motor vehicle accident. She was in a restrained car seat, and when all was considered, she seemed to be normal. However, the mother then indicated that earlier in the day, the patient fell off of a waterslide and was limping. Because of this, the mother requested that radiographs be obtained. The patient had a little limp and really did not want to run and indeed, she favored her left lower extremity. There was no real swelling, but there was a little pain to palpation over the lower leg. Radiographs were obtained (Fig. 1). Do you see a fracture?
Function of the Escherichia coli msbB gene, a multicopy suppressor of htrB knockouts, in the acylation of lipid A. Acylation by MsbB follows laurate incorporation by HtrB.

Overexpression of the Escherichia coli msbB gene on high copy plasmids suppresses the temperature-sensitive growth associated with mutations in thehtrB gene. htrB encodes the lauroyl transferase of lipid A biosynthesis that acylates the intermediate (Kdo)2-lipid IVA (Brozek, K. A., and Raetz, C. R. H. (1990) J. Biol. Chem.265, 15410–15417). SincemsbB displays 27.5% identity and 42.2% similarity tohtrB, we explored the possibility that msbBencodes a related acyltransferase. In contrast to htrB, extracts of strains with insertion mutations in msbB are not defective in transferring laurate from lauroyl acyl carrier protein to (Kdo)2-lipid IVA. However, extracts ofmsbB mutants do not efficiently acylate the product formed by HtrB, designated (Kdo)2-(lauroyl)-lipid IVA. Extracts of strains harboring msbB + bearing plasmids acylate (Kdo)2-(lauroyl)-lipid IVAvery rapidly compared with wild type. We solubilized and partially purified MsbB from an overproducing strain, lacking HtrB. MsbB transfers myristate or laurate, activated on ACP, to (Kdo)2-(lauroyl)-lipid IVA. Decanoyl, palmitoyl, palmitoleoyl, and (R)-3-hydroxymyristoyl-ACP are poor acyl donors. MsbB acylates (Kdo)2-(lauroyl)-lipid IVA about 100 times faster than (Kdo)2-lipid IVA. The slow, but measurable, rate whereby MsbB acts on (Kdo)2-lipid IVA may explain why overexpression of MsbB suppresses the temperature-sensitive phenotype ofhtrB mutations. Presumably, the acyloxyacyl group generated by excess MsbB substitutes for the one normally formed by HtrB.
An introduction to the WEKA data mining system

This is a proposal for a half day tutorial on Weka, an open source Data Mining software package written in Java and available from www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/~ml/weka/index.html. The goal of the tutorial is to introduce faculty to the package and to the pedagogical possibilities for its use in the undergraduate computer science and engineering curricula. The Weka system provides a rich set of powerful Machine Learning algorithms for Data Mining tasks, some not found in commercial data mining systems. These include basic statistics and visualization tools, as well as tools for pre-processing, classification, and clustering, all available through an easy to use graphical user interface.
Activation and inactivation of bovine caudate acetylcholinesterase by trivalent cations.

Abstract Kinetic analysis of the interaction of trivalent cations with mammalian brain acetyl-cholinesterase revealed at least three distinct concentration-dependent effects on enzyme activity. Acetylcholinesterase was purified from bovine caudate nucleus by affinity chromatography to a specific activity of 1.1 mmoles acetylthiocholine · hr −1 · (mg protein) −1 . The cations studied included the chloride salts of lanthanum, terbium, yttrium and scandium in low and high ionic strength buffers (2mM Pipes ± 0.1 M NaCl). At low ionic strength, high affinity noncompetitive or allosteric activation was observed at very low cation concentrations (1–10 μm); at higher concentrations (50–200 μM) these cations were noncompetitive inhibitors; and at 200–500 μM they exerted a mixed competitive-noncompetitive inhibition. Activation by low cation concentrations was not evident in high ionic strength buffers, while enzyme inhibition by all the trivalent cations was similar at low and high ionic strength. Inhibition by all of the multivalent cations was fully reversed by a 10-fold excess of EDTA or by a 100-fold dilution of the inhibited enzyme. The water-soluble carboxyl group affinity reagent, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide, was shown to specifically block the activating effect of the multivalent cations supporting the suggestion that the β- or “activator” peripheral anionic sites (P 1 ) involve a carboxyl group outside the enzyme active site.
Molecular-scale soft imprint lithography for alignment layers in liquid crystal devices.

We describe molecular-scale soft nanoimprint lithographic replication of rubbed polyimide substrates to form alignment layers for liquid crystal devices. Systematic studies of the surface relief morphology of the polyimide and molded structures in three different polymers illustrate good lithographic fidelity down to relief heights of several nanometers, and with some capabilities at the level of ∼1 nm. Collective results of experiments with several polymer formulations for molds and molded materials and process conditions indicate that this molecular-scale fidelity in replication can be used to produce surfaces that will effectively align liquid crystal molecules. Good electro-optical responses from liquid crystal light modulators that are formed in this manner suggest utility for fundamental studies and potential practical application.
A randomized, double blind study of interleukin 10 for the prevention of ERCP-induced pancreatitis

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory cytokines are released during acute pancreatitis. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities. IL-10 has been shown to attenuate pancreatitis in an animal model. A double blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low dose IL-10 for the prevention of ERCP-induced pancreatitis. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive a single i.v. dose of recombinant human IL-10 (8 μg/kg) or a placebo i.v. bolus injection 15 min before the procedure. Pancreatitis was defined as abdominal pain radiating to the back associated with elevated amylase or lipase two or more times the upper limit of normal requiring hospitalization for ≥2 days. Severity of pancreatitis was based on days of hospitalization. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were enrolled (101 IL-10, 99 placebo). No difference in age, gender, degree of pancreatic duct filling, therapeutic intervention, or complication was detected between the two groups. Eleven patients in the IL-10 group and nine patients in the placebo group had pancreatitis ( p = 0.65). The median length of hospitalization was 4 days in the IL-10 group and 3 days in the placebo group ( p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: IL-10 at the 8-μg/kg i.v. dose was not effective in reducing the incidence or severity of ERCP-induced pancreatitis. Further investigations are necessary to determine if manipulation of the cytokine pathway can prevent ERCP-induced pancreatitis.
DYNAMICS OF DELAMINATED COMPOSITE PLATES WITH PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATORS

A ree ned higher-order-theory-based e nite element model is developed for modeling the dynamic response of delaminated smart composite plates. The theory assures an accurate description of displacement e eld and the satisfaction of stress-free boundary conditions at all free surfaces including delamination interfaces. A nonlinear induced strain model is used. Vibration control is obtained through piezoelectric layers bonded on the composite plate. The theory is implemented using a e nite element technique, which allows the incorporation of practical geometries and boundary conditions, various sizes, and locations of delaminations, as well as discrete sensors and actuators. The resulting model is shown to agree well with published experimental data. Signie cant changes in dynamic properties are observed due to the presence of delamination.
Separating sensory and cognitive components of decision making in a study of salt taste

Abstract Separating sensory from non-sensory components of decision making allows us to develop more accurate chemical models of perception. Identification experiments with feedback provide probabilities that a stimulus will be correctly identified or confused with another stimulus. From these probabilities, stimulus distributions (sensory component) and decision boundaries (non-sensory component) can be estimated using Decision Boundary (DB) theory, a multidimensional generalization of signal detection theory. Stimuli consisted of nine deionized water-gum systems including one non-ionic gum level and two ionic gum levels, to which three levels of NaCl or NaCl + KCl were added. Twelve subjects identified ten replicates of randomly presented samples, judged the degrees of similarity between all pairs, and rated taste intensities. The DB model accounted for 99.2% of the variance of the data, a significantly better fit than deterministic multidimensional scaling models. Two sensory dimensions (due to salt and gum levels/type) were not perceptually correlated within stimuli. DB theory is applicable to basic and applied research in both academic and food industry settings. The DB identification study was easy to manage and subjects were motivated by the task, perhaps contributing to the success of the method.
The use of the general image quality equation in the design and evaluation of imaging systems

The design of any modern imaging system is the end result of many trade studies, each seeking to optimize image quality within real world constraints such as cost, schedule and overall risk. The National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (NIIRS) is a useful measure of image quality, because, by characterizing the overall interpretability of an image, it combines into one metric those contributors to image quality to which a human interpreter is most sensitive. The main drawback to using a NIIRS rating as a measure of image quality in engineering trade studies is the fact that it is tied to the human observer and cannot be predicted from physical principles and engineering parameters alone. The General Image Quality Equation (GIQE) of Leachtenauer et al. 1997 [Appl. Opt. 36, 8322-8328 (1997)] is a regression of actual image analyst NIIRS ratings vs. readily calculable engineering metrics, and provides a mechanism for using the expected NIIRS rating of an imaging system in the design and evaluation process. In this paper, we will discuss how we use the GIQE in conjunction with The Aerospace Corporation's Parameterized Image Chain Analysis & Simulation SOftware (PICASSO) to evaluate imager designs, taking a hypothetical high resolution commercial imaging system as an example.
Protein phosphatase 2A in stretch-induced endothelial cell proliferation

We previously proposed that activation of protein kinase C is a key mechanism for control of cell growth enhanced by cyclic strain [Rosales and Sumpio (1992): Surgery 112:459-466]. Here we examined protein phosphatase 1 and 2A activity in bovine aortic endothelial cells exposed to cyclic stain. Protein phosphatase 2A activity in the cytosol was decreased by 36.1% in response to cyclic strain for 60 min, whereas the activity in the membrane did not change. Treatment with low concentration (0.1 nM) of okadaic acid enhanced proliferation of both static and stretched endothelial cells in 10% fetal bovine serum. These data suggest that protein phosphatase 2A acts as a growth suppressor and cyclic strain may enhance cellular proliferation by inhibiting protein phosphatase 2A as well as stimulating protein kinase C.
A Variable-Ratio Microwave Power Divider and Multiplexer

A microwave circuit is presented which provides continuous variation of microwave power between two outputs in any desired ratio. A typical device utilizing the circuit is described, and other uses of the circuit are discussed. An X-band power divider was constructed which had a vswr of less than 1.2 at all times over the frequency range of 8.6 to 9.6 kmc, divided the total input energy between the outputs in any ratio from 1/10,000 to 1, and had less than 0.4-db total insertion loss. No other losses were present. Adjustment could be made under maximum power levels of the waveguide. Another use of the circuit is to couple two high-power transmitters into one output, thus providing a dual frequency antenna coupler or diplexer. By cascading diplexers, multiplexing can be accomplished.
Shruti: A Self-Tuning Hierarchical Aggregation System

Current aggregation systems either have a single inbuilt aggregation mechanism or require applications to specify an aggregation policy a priori. It is hard to predict the read and write access patterns in large systems and hence applications built on such systems suffer from inefficient network usage. We present Shruti, a system that demonstrates a general approach for self-tuning the aggregation aggressiveness to the measured workload in the system, thus optimizing the overall communication costs (e.g., the number of messages exchanged on read and write operations).
Degradation of Biological Weapons Agents in the Environment: Implications for Terrorism Response

We investigate the impact on effective terrorism response of the viability degradation of biological weapons agents in the environment. We briefly review the scientific understanding and modeling of agent environmental viability degradation. In general, agent susceptibility to viability loss is greatest for vegetative bacteria, intermediate for viruses, and least for bacterial spores. Survival is greatest in soil and progressively decreases in the following environments: textiles, water, hard surfaces, and air. There is little detailed understanding of loss mechanisms. We analyze the time behavior and sensitivity of four mathematical models that are used to represent environmental viability degradation (the exponential, probability, and first- and second-order catastrophic decay models). The models behave similarly at short times (<30 min for our example case) but diverge to significantly different values at intermediate to long times. Hence, for a release event in which the majority of atmospheric expos...
Hypersensitivity Responses in Humans to Electromagnetic Fields [Health Effects]

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) was the subject of many scientific studies about a decade ago [1], and several research investigations have appeared since then. The syndromes of EHS consist of nervous-system symptoms, such as headache and fatigue; skin symptoms, like facial irritations and rashes; as well as other nonspecific health-related symptoms. Also, there have been reports of problems with concentration, loss of memory, and dizziness. Exposure of the affected persons was generally below the recommended standard promulgated in internationally accepted guidelines.
Desflurane enhances reactivity during the use of the laryngeal mask airway.

Background Desflurane and sevoflurane have markedly different pungencies. The tested hypothesis was that patients breathing equivalent concentrations of desflurane or sevoflurane through a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) would have similar responses. Methods After institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained, 60 patients were enrolled and given intravenous midazolam (14 microg/kg) and fentanyl (1 microg/kg) 5 min before induction of anesthesia. The LMA was inserted at loss of consciousness after 2 mg/kg propofol. When spontaneous breathing returned, a randomly assigned volatile anesthetic was started at an inspired concentration of either 1.8% sevoflurane or 6% desflurane at a fresh gas flow of 6 l/min in air:oxygen (50:50). After 5 min, a controlled movement of the LMA took place. Three minutes later, the inspiratory anesthetic concentration was changed to either 3.6% sevoflurane or 12% desflurane for 3 min. A blinded observer recorded movements and airway events during the start of anesthetic, LMA movement, deepening of the anesthetic, and emergence before LMA removal. Results There were no differences at anesthetic start and LMA movement. Desflurane titration to 12% increased heart rate, increased mean arterial blood pressure, and initiated frequent coughing (53% vs. 0% sevoflurane) and body movements (47% vs. 0% sevoflurane). During emergence, there was a twofold greater incidence of coughing and a fivefold increase in breath holding in the desflurane group. Conclusions When airway responses to sevoflurane and desflurane were compared in elective surgical patients breathing through an LMA, there were significantly more adverse responses with desflurane at 12% concentrations and during emergence.
Transfer of Calibration Between Hand and Foot: Functional Equivalence and Fractal Fluctuations

Transfer of competency in a perceptual task often depends on shared information between anatomically different perceptual subsystems. The problem of studying transfer involves isolating conditions of similarity and then trying to account for any resulting differences in transfer. To respect this twofold aspect, this article takes a two-pronged approach to transfer in dynamic touch. The present research first tests the hypothesis that functional equivalence supports the transfer of dynamic touch. Participants were trained to wield unseen objects with the hand or foot and were then tested on anatomically disparate limbs (i.e., the foot or hand, respectively). Next, we examined motion capture of these wielding behaviors for predictors of any asymmetry in transfer. Temporally fractal fluctuations of exploratory behavior can modulate information detection, and we tested whether the fractality of wielding might predict asymmetries in transfer across disparate limbs. Results suggest that transfer of training to anatomically disparate limbs respects functional conditions of similarity and also that the degree of temporally fractal fluctuations predicted limb differences in transfer.
Fabrication of holographic gratings in As 2 S 3 glass by photoexpansion and photodarkening

The spatial dynamics of the photo-induced surface relief and phase gratings in As/sub 2/S/sub 3/ glass are described. Excursion amplitudes up to 150 nm and grating efficiencies up to 27% are observed. Depth and resolution limits for the effect are measured and a model for the resolution limit is proposed.
Hormonal effects on the quantitative transplantation of monodispersed rat thyroid cells.

Functional thyroid follicles develop at the site of inoculation of adequate numbers of isologous monodispersed rat thyroid cells. Under fixed hormonal conditions, the proportion of graft sites in which follicular units (FU) develop is quantitatively related to the number of monodispersed cells inoculated. The current studies were designed to assess the effect of various hormonal conditions on FU formation from grafted thyroid cells. Approximately 9 times as many cells were required to produce FU in 50% of the graft sites in intact animals as were required in thyroidectomized recipients. The slope of the cell dose-FU response curves in the two types of recipients were not significantly different, however. The hormone-dependent decrease in transplantation efficiency in the nonthyroidectomized recipients was not the result of cell loss from the transplant site or death of potential clonogens. Rather, it was demonstrated that potential thyroid clonogens remain quiescent at the transplant site in intact animal...
Rheology of Gelatin Films

A procedure has been developed for the evaluation of the viscoelastic properties of gelatin films employed in soft gelatin capsule formulations. It involves the measurement of the tensile relaxation modulus of the film and the fitting of the resultant curve on an analog computer to obtain the appropriate constants. A theory was proposed for the mechanism of stress relaxation in gelatin films. Based upon this theory, an equation for the tensile relaxation modulus was derived. This equation was of the same form as the empirical equation which fit the stress relaxation curves of the gelatin films.
Differential roles of peripheral and spinal endothelin receptors in the micturition reflex in rats.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We investigated the effects of endothelin (ET) receptor activation in the bladder and the spinal cord on the micturition reflex in urethane anesthetized rats.Materials and Methods: The effects of ET receptor activation on bladder activity were examined during continuous infusion cystometrograms. ET-1 was administered intrathecally or intravesically in normal rats or rats pretreated with capsaicin. The effects of intravenous injection of the selective ETA receptor antagonist ABT-627, or selective ETB receptor antagonist A-192621 (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois) intrathecal injection of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone hydrochloride on changes in bladder activity induced by intravesical or intrathecal ET-1 administration were investigated.Results: Intravesical injection of ET-1 (0.1 to 10 μM) induced detrusor overactivity, as evidenced by a decrease in intercontraction intervals, in a dose dependent manner. ET-1 induced detrusor overactivity was suppressed by intravenous ...
Demographics of Preschoolers Who Require AAC

Purpose The purpose of the investigation was to gather demographic information pertaining to preschoolers who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Method To obtain this informa...
Optic Atrophy in End-Stage Giant Axonal Neuropathy: A Case Report

A 32-year-old woman with a history of biopsy-proven giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) and no past ocular history presented after failing a vision-screening test conducted by her primary doctor. Bilateral optic atrophy was observed on fundus examination with cup-to-disc ratio of 0.7. Kinetic visual fields showed moderate constriction in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) exhibited diffuse thinning, a pattern atypical of glaucomatous or nutritional optic atrophy and most likely secondary to the optic atrophy associated with GAN. Serial OCT to monitor RNFL thickness may offer a non-invasive means of monitoring progression in GAN for future therapeutic studies.
Quantitation of tetrahydrocannabinol in hair using immunoassay and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection

A quantitative analytical procedure for the determination of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in hair has been developed and validated using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectral detection (LC-MS/MS). Specimens that were determined as containing cannabinoids following immunoassay testing were quantified using solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatographic separation and tandem mass spectral detection in positive electrospray ionization mode. For confirmation, two transitions were monitored and one ratio determined. Samples being reported as positive were required to have both transitions present, the ratio of quantifying transition to qualifying transition being within 20% of that determined from known calibration standards. The limit of quantitation and the limit of detection was 10 pg/mg. The percentage recovery of the THC from hair at 20 pg/mg was 56% and a matrix effect of the hair showed an ion suppression percentage of -51%. The immunochemical screening method was performed following a rapid aqueous extraction, requiring only 10 mg of hair; the confirmatory procedure required 20 mg of hair. The methods were applied to proficiency specimens from the Society of Hair Testing, which had been received in August 2008.
Implementing the research budget

Reworking a reduced budget after the award and monitoring and managing the budget once funds are received are critical to the success of a research project. Few resources are available to help principal investigators and research teams deal with these components of grant implementation. This article will address strategies and concerns related to the revision of the postaward budget and the implementation of the budget. Among the strategies discussed for the revision of the postaward budget are cost sharing, renegotiation with administration, and reallocation of funds. Also addressed are topics related to monitoring and managing the budget, including understanding budget guidelines, account management and documentation, tracking expenditures, and challenges in grant budget management.
Optimum Vehicle Suspension With a Damped Absorber

The performance characteristics of vehicle suspension with optimum damped absorber are evaluated and compared with those of the pertinent optimized conventional and optimal active suspension system. A one-dimensional two-degree-of-freedom linear model, subjected to random guideway disturbance, is adopted. Optimization is based upon the rms tire-terrain normal force (a measure of controllability), constrained by the rms sprung mass acceleration (a measure of ride comfort). The rms rattle displacements between suspension components (a measure of dynamic excursion) and the power spectral density of the sprung mass acceleration (an addition measure of ride comfort) are evaluated to provide for additional vehicle performance criteria. The comparison demonstrates that both optimum damped absorber and optimal active suspensions, in general, improve vehicle performances. And, the optimal active is better when controllability is emphasized, but the optimum damped absorber suspension is superior when ride comfort is of prime importance.
Transient Grating Measurements of Excitonic Dynamics in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: The Dark Excitonic Bottleneck

Transient grating measurements affirm the excitonic model for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) by identifying the dark exciton (D) as the population relaxation bottleneck in semiconducting-SWNT (S-SWNT). The data allow the reconstruction of the kinetics of excitonic cascade and cooling, from band continuum to vibrational cooling in the ground electronic state. In S-SWNT, the intraband relaxation occurs in 40 fs, localization into the 2 g exciton occurs in 50 fs, followed by the excitonic cascade: 2g f 1u f D f 1g with time constants of 175 fs, 3 ps, 300 ps, respectively. Fluorescence from the 1 u state is quenched by efficient population transfer to 1D dark exciton. In metallic tubes, cooling is completed on the time scale of 1 ps.
Uncorking the muse: Alcohol intoxication facilitates creative problem solving

That alcohol provides a benefit to creative processes has long been assumed by popular culture, but to date has not been tested. The current experiment tested the effects of moderate alcohol intoxication on a common creative problem solving task, the Remote Associates Test (RAT). Individuals were brought to a blood alcohol content of approximately .075, and, after reaching peak intoxication, completed a battery of RAT items. Intoxicated individuals solved more RAT items, in less time, and were more likely to perceive their solutions as the result of a sudden insight. Results are interpreted from an attentional control perspective.
Anisotropic metamaterials for purely 2D optics

We develop an approach to utilize anisotropic metamaterials to solve the fundamental problem of parasitic scattering of surface waves into freespace modes, paving the way for purely 2D optics.
Football injuries in a Big 10 university.

A series of 2000 football injuries were observed during a 10 year period at one university. Only 1 of 80 injuries required surgical correction; 1300 were minor. Knee injuries were the most common and caused the greatest disability. Injuries of the head and cervical spine are potentially serious. Serious accidents rarely occur with proper equipment, training and medical care.
Fractionation of Lignocellulosic Biomass Materials With Wet Explosion Pretreatment

Lignocellulosic biomass resources have great potential for the widespread production of sustainable biofuels, chemicals, and bioproducts worldwide. However, the deconstruction of the cell wall components to facilitate microbial conversion has been a major challenge due to its recalcitrant nature. Thus pretreatment is a prerequisite for efficient hydrolysis of lignocellulose, and the cost for such treatment is about one-third of the overall processing costs in a cellulosic biorefinery. The development of a cost-effective pretreatment method is essential to bring the lignocellulosic biorefineries into commercial reality. Wet explosion (WEx), a thermochemical pretreatment method using oxygen as a catalyst, has been successfully applied in combination with microbial fermentation/digestion processes using agricultural/forest residues as well as manure fibers. Presented here is a review of the parameters involved in WEx pretreatment and its performance on varieties of biomass materials.
Investigating Display Integration in Candidate Synthetic Vision System Displays

Displays augmented with Synthetic Vision System (SVS) technologies are being examined as a means to reduce the potential for low visibility aviation incidents and accidents. A study was conducted at NASA Langley Research Center to examine how display integration in candidate SVS display layouts affect flight performance and subjective mental workload. Display layout (integrated/ less integrated), display view (SVS/ Traditional), and workload (high/low) were manipulated in a within subjects design resulting in eight possible display configurations. Sixteen commercial pilots flew multiple approaches under simulated IMC conditions in a fixed-base flight simulator. As expected, the more integrated display layout facilitated superior performance on an integrated flight task. Displays augmented with SVS technology produced better flight performance independent of the amount of workload imposed on the pilot. Subjective workload was also affected by display integration such that less workload was reported for the...
Comparative Ethology of the Ciconiidae. Part 6. The Blacknecked, Saddlebill, and Jabiru Storks (Genera Xenorhynchus, Ephippiorhynchus, and Jabiru)

Studies of comparative behavior are particularly rewarding if all or most of the species in a group can be encompassed. The stork family (Ciconiidae) is well suited for such a study, for it contains only 17 living species (Peters 1931). In addition to elucidating the evolution of behavior patterns within the group, ethological data furnish clues to taxonomic relationships that may be obscure or ambiguous from morphological evidence alone. This paper reports on field studies of the behavior of the Blacknecked Stork (Xenorhynchus asiaticus) in Asia, the Saddlebill Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) in Africa, and the Jabiru Stork (Jabiru mycteria) in South America. It is the sixth contribution in this series of papers (Kahl 1966, 1972a,b,c, d), which have now covered all 17 species in the family. Other data on the breeding biology of Xenorhynchus, Ephippiorhynchus, and Jabiru were published in Kahl (1970, 1971a).
Transtibial Powered Prostheses: Single and Dual Actuator Configurations

The actuator derived powered prosthesis configuration enables a diversity of contextually specified applications. Current configurations incorporate single and dual actuator strategies. These types of powered prostheses satisfy mission specific objectives. Single actuator powered prosthetic designs generally enable powered plantar flexion and actuator established control of the prosthetic ankle-foot complex. Another unique single actuator powered prosthesis emphasizes dorsiflexion control primarily enabling toe clearance during swing phase. With trend toward miniaturization dual actuator configuration powered prostheses are now feasible. These powered prostheses provide more biomimetic representation as the ankle-foot complex is inherently segmented. Dual actuator powered prostheses have been demonstrated to provide further advances respective of lifestyle activity opportunities.