cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energetics and structure of 4He droplets at a finite temperature.

Bound quantum-liquid (/sup 4/He)/sub n/ droplets (n = 57, 120, and 270) at 3 K coexisting with saturated vapor are studied with use of quantum path-integral molecular dynamics. The diffuse nature of the droplets and their pachydermatous behavior extends to larger sizes in comparison to the corresponding clusters at zero temperature. For the largest droplet a core liquid region develops, exhibiting properties in agreement with bulk data.
Separating Rhetoric from Reality Supporting Teachers in Negotiating Beyond the Status Quo

Across the country, new and experienced teachers find themselves losing the confidence and energy it takes to challenge an unacceptable status quo. Too often, dynamic educators disappear within systems that are antithetical to what they envisioned when they entered the profession or they leave the profession altogether. This article describes the experiences of teachers from two 3-year studies: a study of the early years of teaching and a study of experienced teachers involved in a long-term professional development experience. Grounded in sociocultural and critical perspectives, data from both studies illuminate barriers teachers find to negotiating beyond the status quo and ask teacher educators to examine realities behind the rhetoric—to take an honest look at how they might work with teachers, administrators, and districtpersonnel to effect significant change.
Obstacle Detection Algorithms for Low Altitude Flight

This paper describes an approach to collision avoidance for rotorcraft flying at low altitudes. The method is based on extracting information from passive image-based sensors. These methods can be used to alert a pilot about obstacles and provide inputs to navigation and guidance systems for further processing.
State of research for prostate cancer : Excerpt from the report of the prostate cancer progress review group

The following is an excerpt from a report entitled: "Defeating Prostate Cancer: Crucial Directions for Research." The report, which was submitted to the Advisory Committee to the Director of the National Cancer Institute, summarizes the findings and recommendations of the Progress Review Group.
A hybrid catalytic membrane reactor for destruction of a chemical warfare simulant

Abstract The possibility of use of chemical weapons has increased in recent years, both as a result of potential terrorist attacks as well as of ongoing international conflicts. The successful application of a flow-through catalytic membrane reactor (FTCMR) as an individual protection system for the destruction of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), which is known as a chemical precursor (and used to simulate its characteristics) for Sarin (GB), a toxic chemical warfare agent (CWA) was previously investigated and reported by this group. As part of the study, the effect of the DMMP concentration in the feed on its complete combustion in the FTCMR was investigated. The studies indicate that the protection (complete conversion) time is a function of the DMMP concentration, with longer times observed for the lower concentrations, and shorter protection times associated with the higher concentrations. In this study a novel hybrid system is being developed that combines the FTCMR with a surface-flow membrane system (SFMS). Preliminary experimental results presented here manifest the main advantage of this hybrid system, combining the SFMS, capable of the physical removal of a large fraction of the CWA from contaminated air streams, and the FTCMR which completely oxidizes the remaining amount, which is the continuous CWA destruction for extended time periods which are appropriate for both individual and collective protection applications. The study investigates the impact on performance of the membrane characteristics, the transmembrane pressure gradient and the sweep ratio. Hybrid system performance is also compared with that of a sole FTCMR showing the superiority of the hybrid system in terms of offering higher destruction rates for DMMP and prolonged protection times.
An Analysis of Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratory Seizures in Oklahoma

This study examines the characteristics and geographical distribution of clandestine methamphetamine laboratory seizures in Oklahoma during the height of the clandestine manufacturing problem and after legislative restrictions on precursor chemicals were implemented. Data on clandestine laboratory seizures in Oklahoma from 2001 to 2005 were analyzed to understand the characteristics of laboratories with regard to seizure location, laboratory size, laboratory type, manufacturing processes, and type of equipment utilized. County-level thematic maps of the geographical distribution of laboratory seizures before and after the passage of legislation placing restrictions on the sales of precursor chemicals across the state are presented.
Plasma catecholamines and hyperglycaemia influence thermoregulation in man during prolonged exercise in the heat.

1. We manipulated plasma catecholamines (combined adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations) to three levels during prolonged exercise to determine their effect on cutaneous and forearm vascular conductance (CVC and FVC), oesophageal temperature (T(oes)) and cardiovascular responses. 2. On three occasions, seven endurance-trained men cycled at 65% VO2, max in the heat (33.1 +/- 0.7 degrees C) for 120-150 min. During the control trial (150 min duration), 0.45% saline was intravenously infused (SI) starting at 30 min, at a rate that replaced a third of the fluid losses. The infusion start time and rate were identical in all three trials. During SI, plasma catecholamine levels increased progressively and were 18.2 +/- 2.7 pmol ml-1 at 150 min. In another trial (120 min duration), adrenaline was infused (AI) at 0.1 microgram kg-1 min-1 and plasma catecholamine levels were elevated 6 pmol ml-1 above SI during the 60-120 min period. In a third trial (150 min duration), an 18% glucose solution was infused (GI) at a rate that maintained plasma glucose levels above 11 mM and plasma catecholamine levels were 5.0-5.5 pmol ml-1 lower (P < 0.05) than SI from 120-150 min. 3. Heat production and sweat rate were not different during the three trials and neither was the decline in stroke volume, cardiac output and mean arterial pressure. 4. Soon after beginning AI, CVC decreased 15%, T(oes) increased by 0.4 +/- 0.1 degree C and heart rate increased by 6 +/- 1 beats min-1; these significant (P < 0.05) differences from SI were maintained throughout the bout. As a result of GI, FVC was 15% higher than SI and T(oes) and heart rate were attenuated by 0.3 +/- 0.1 degree C and 7 +/- 1 beats min-1 at 150 min compared with SI (P < 0.05). 5. In conclusion, large increases in plasma catecholamine levels cause hyperthermia during exercise by vasoconstricting the skin. The mechanisms by which hyperglycaemia (i.e. 11 mM) attenuates hyperthermia are less clear and may be due to others factors besides attenuation of the plasma catecholamine response to exercise.
On relative periodic solutions of the planar general three-body problem

We describe two relatively simple reductions to order 6 for the planar general three-body problem. We also show that this reduction leads to the distinction between two types of periodic solutions: absolute or relative periodic solutions. An algorithm for obtaining relative periodic solutions using heliocentric coordinates is then described. It is concluded from the periodicity conditions that relative periodic solutions must form families with a single parameter. Finally, two such families have been obtained numerically and are described in some detail.
Heat transfer and friction coefficients for tomato puree

Abstract We believe that there is a need for engineering data involving fluids which are processed in large quantities, but which do not follow the laws of Newtonian fluids. Tomato puree is such a fluid and it was selected for the present investigation. Heat transfer and friction coefficients were obtained for a range of operating conditions and it was possible to present the results in the customary way by defining an apparent viscosity, and by computing a Reynolds number and a Prandtl number based on that viscosity. The apparent viscosity depends on the shear rate and this effect was taken into account. Additional experiments were conducted with tomato puree containing small amounts of polymeric additives. The experimental heat transfer and friction coefficients were compared with those of Newtonian fluids. It is hoped that the results will provide some guidance to the engineer who is faced with designing heat exchange equipment for complex fibrous fluids such as tomato puree.
NEW AUSTRALIAN SPECIES AND RECORDS OF THE PROMONTORII GROUP OF THE GENUS BEMBIX F. (HYMENOPTERA: SPHECIDAE: NYSSONINAE)

Bembix eucla sp.n. and B. tangadee sp.n., belonging to the promontorii group, are described from Western Australia. Brief notes are presented on two other species of this group, B. buntor Evans and Matthews and B. goyarra Evans and Matthews. A key is presented to the males of the 12 species known from that sex.
On the local solvability and the local integrability of systems of vector fields

On etudie des systemes surdetermines de champs vectoriels dans un sous-ensemble ouvert Ω de R n+1 , de type L j =∂/∂t j +λ j (t,x)∂/∂x, j=1,...,m, ayant des coefficients analytiques. On suppose que les champs de vecteurs L j satisfont la condition de Frobenius
Data Mining for Signal Detection of Adverse Event Safety Data

The Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) is the primary database designed to support the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) postmarketing safety surveillance program for all approved drugs and therapeutic biologic products. Most current disproportionality analysis focuses on the detection of potential adverse events (AE) involving a single drug and a single AE only. In this paper, we present a data mining biclustering technique based on the singular value decomposition to extract local regions of association for a safety study. The analysis consists of collection of biclusters, each representing an association between a set of drugs with the corresponding set of adverse events. Significance of each bicluster can be tested using disproportionality analysis. Individual drug–event combination can be further tested. A safety data set consisting of 193 drugs with 8453 adverse events is analyzed as an illustration.
Molecular photoionization cross sections by the complex-basis-function method

The photoionization cross section can be expressed as a particular matrix element of the resolvent of the molecular electronic Hamiltonian. By using a mixture of real and complex Gaussian basis functions to form a matrix representation of the Hamiltonian it is possible to use this expression to compute molecular photoionization cross sections from the results of a matrix diagonalization. This procedure is based on a variational principle for the resolvent matrix element from which the photoionization cross section is calculated, and can be applied in the presence of coupling between ionization channels. The interference between resonance features and the electron-ion scattering background is naturally incorporated by this method, and it is easily implemented for polyatomic systems. Results are reported for valence- and K-shell ionization of N/sub 2/ at the static exchange level which demonstrate the utility of this method for molecular problems. Agreement with most other calculations is adequate and is especially good with those which compute the photoionization cross section directly from the electron-ion scattering wave function. The complex-basis-function technique is particularly successful in reproducing resonance features in these cross sections. A discussion of the variational behavior of the amplitude is given, and it is shown that the variationalmore » nature of these calculations provides a useful computational diagonostic.« less
Relations between Executive Function and Academic Achievement from Ages 5 to 17 in a Large, Representative National Sample

This study examined age-related changes in complex executive function (EF) in a large, representative sample (N = 2,036) aged 5 to 17 using the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS; Naglieri & Das, 1997a). Relations between complex EF and academic achievement were examined on a sub-sample (N = 1,395) given the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement-Revised (Woodcock & Johnson, 1989). Performance on the three complex EF tasks improved until at least age 15, although improvement slowed with increasing age and varied some across tasks. Moreover, the different developmental patterns in the correlations between completion time and accuracy provide clues to developmental processes. Examination of individual achievement subtests clarified the specific aspects of academic performance most related to complex EF. Finally, the correlation between complex EF and academic achievement varied across ages, but the developmental pattern of the strength of these correlations was remarkably similar for overall math and reading achievement, suggesting a domain-general relation between complex EF and academic achievement.
Evaluating the Agronomic Potential of Chickpea Germplasm for Western Nebraska

The chickpea or garbanzo bean (Cicer arietinum L.) shows promise as an alternative crop for Nebraska because it fits well with existing equipment, processors, and infrastructure. Initially chickpea production grew rapidly in Nebraska, but it declined in recent years because of Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labr.] and concern about the variability in yield, seed size, pest resistance, and quality of current varieties. Therefore, we evaluated existing chickpea germplasm (Western Regional Chickpea Trial provided by USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA) under irrigated and dryland conditions at 11 environments in western Nebraska during 2005 to 2007 to identify lines that are well adapted to this region, have desirable yield and quality characteristics, and are resistant to Ascochyta blight. This paper reports findings of the agronomic characteristic portion of the study. CA0090B347C and W6 17256 were the top yielding entries under both irrigated and dryland conditions and showed some resistance to Ascochyta blight however, their seed size did not meet commercial standards. Nevertheless, these lines show promise as parental germplasm for ongoing breeding efforts. 'Sierra', a commercial cultivar, may be an acceptable alternative, though fungicides treatments will likely be needed to control blight. During these trials, only irrigated production was economically viable. Returns from the higher yielding entries were competitive and if achieved on a consistent basis would make chickpea a viable crop for this region. For dryland production to be feasible, the cost of production needs to be reduced and/or varieties need to be developed with improved yield and seed size under limited moisture conditions.
Human heme oxygenase-2 : characterization and expression of a full-length cDNA and evidence suggesting that the two HO-2 transcripts may differ by choice of polyadenylation signal

We show by Northern blot analysis that human HO-2 is encoded by two transcripts (1.3 and 1.7 kb) and is a single-copy gene as judged by Southern blot analysis. We further provide evidence based on Northern blot and sequence analysis of a cDNA representing the larger transcript that the transcripts differ in the 3' untranslated region. A 274-base-pair DNA fragment from the rat heme oxygenase-2 gene (I. Cruse and M.D. Maines, 1988, J. Biol. Chem. 263, 3348-3353) was used to isolate a human HO-2 cDNA from a fetal kidney library in lambda gt11. The clone, designated hK-1, was sequenced and the cDNA insert was determined to be 1625 base pairs in length, encoding a protein of 313 amino acids. Two consensus polyadenylation signals separated by 440 nucleotides were identified in the 3' untranslated region. The size of the cDNA insert closely approximated the larger of two mRNAs. The nucleotide sequence was 88% identical to the rat HO-2 gene within the predicted coding region and the putative translation product was also estimated to be 88% identical to the rat gene product (M. O. Rotenberg and D. Maines, 1990, J. Biol. Chem. 265, 7501). The predicted size, 36 kDa, corresponded well with HO-2 detected in human testis microsomes by Western blot analysis. Further, the fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli displayed significant heme oxygenase activity, which was inhibited by Zn- and Sn-protoporphyrins, known inhibitors of eukaryotic heme oxygenase, but not by sulfhydryl reagents.
Heavy Beasts and the Garden of Culture: Remembering Eco: Revista de la cultura de occidente

What is culture? What is "the West"? These two questions form a repeated refrain throughout the pages of the journal Eco: Revista de la cultura de occidente , which was published in Bogota, Colombia, from i960 to 1984Although the terms of this refrain may seem antiquated and even reactionary today (who, after all, would subtitle their journal "Journal of Western Culture" today?), it is instructive to examine these questions and the different attempts to answer them that appear across the pages of Eco. In historical terms, it is interesting to see how Latin American cultural criticism evolved from the 1960s to the 1980s, from the archaic belief that "culture" is exclusively European, to the explosion of Latin American culture on the global scene. It is also interesting to observe how this particular group of Latin American intellectuals reacted to social
State-of-the-art post-accelerators for radioactive beams

Abstract The increased availability of rare isotope beams in the field of low energy nuclear physics has enabled dramatic advancements in the understanding of nuclear matter during the last decade. The energy required for these nuclear physics experiments range from thermal energies to energies around the Coulomb barrier, as well as fast beams from 50 MeV/nucleon to several hundred MeV/nucleon generated by fragmentation facilities. This paper focuses on radioactive ion beam facilities utilizing rare isotope post-accelerators which cover beam energies ranging from a few hundred keV/nucleon to about 20 MeV/nucleon. An overview of the various existing post-accelerator facilities is given and the design features and challenges associated with these facilities are explored. A dedicated section of the paper will focus on describing the ReAccelerator facility (ReA) at Michigan State University as an example of a recently installed state-of-the-art post-accelerator.
Emergent themes in a UI design hybrid-studio course

The goal of our research and teaching collaboration has been to learn more about how key aspects of pedagogy commonly incorporated in architecture and industrial design classes might positively impact the teaching of user interface (UI) design within a standard computer science curriculum. Toward that end, we studied a number of studio design courses, developed a set of curriculum guidelines, and analyzed the effectiveness of these guidelines as implemented in a UI design course. We discovered three emergent themes: 1) students need early and constant reminders that design is an iterative process involving user feedback and testing; 2) instructor modeling is critical; and 3) technology needs to be carefully managed at critical junctures throughout the class.
The Relationship between Sex-Role Orientation and the Type A Behavior Pattern: A Test of the Main Effect Hypothesis.

Examined the relationship between sex-role orientation and the Type A behavior pattern. Eighty undergraduates were classified as high or low on masculinity and femininity on the basis of Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) formed on student Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) scores for pooled Ss, for males, and for females; each yielded a main effect for masculinity. JAS scores were correlated positively with BSRI Masculinity scores and not correlated with BSRI Femininity scores across pooled Ss, across males, and across females. These results are discussed in terms of their research and treatment implications.
Inclusion of Gene-Gene and Gene-Environment Interactions Unlikely to Dramatically Improve Risk Prediction for Complex Diseases

Genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of common genetic variants associated with the risk of multifactorial diseases. However, their impact on discrimination and risk prediction is limited. It has been suggested that the identification of gene-gene (G-G) and gene-environment (G-E) interactions would improve disease prediction and facilitate prevention. We conducted a simulation study to explore the potential improvement in discrimination if G-G and G-E interactions exist and are known. We used three diseases (breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis) as motivating examples. We show that the inclusion of G-G and G-E interaction effects in risk-prediction models is unlikely to dramatically improve the discrimination ability of these models.
Malignant urothelial tumors in childhood

Abstract A case is presented of an adolescent male with a transitional cell tumor in a solitary kidney. This is the first such case reported in the literature. A brief review of epithelial tumors in children is included.
A kinetic model for the field-activated synthesis of MoSi2/SiC composites: simulation of SPS conditions

Abstract A modeling study was carried out to simulate the direct synthesis of MoSi 2 –SiC composites from the elements using field activation. The study was made to simulate the experimental process of spark plasma synthesis (SPS), which has been utilized previously to simultaneously synthesize and densify materials, including nanophases. The results show a temporal dependence for the formation of the two products. The dependence of the reaction wave dynamics on composition was also investigated. A transition from volume combustion, in which the reactants are converted instantly to the products throughout the entire sample, to a wavelike reaction, in which the conversion front traverses the sample in a finite time, is shown to depend on sample size and product. Conversion fronts traverse the sample as concentric waves propagating outward or inward depending on the composition of the composite and on the die conductivity.
TOGA COARE Upper-Air Sounding Data Archive: Development and Quality Control Procedures

Abstract One of the most important datasets to wine from the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE) is the most complete, high-resolution upper-air sounding dataset ever collected in the equatorial western Pacific Ocean. The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research/Office of Field Project Support ‘UCAR/OFPS (recently combined with the UCAR/Joint International Climate Projects Planning Office and renamed the Joint Office for Science Support)’ was given the responsibility of processing, quality controlling, and archiving the dataset. OFPS, in consultation with the TOGA COARE scientific community, developed a four-stage process to provide the community with a thoroughly quality controlled dataset. The TOGA COARE sounding dataset includes over 14 000 soundings, collected from 14 countries, in over 20 different original formats. The first OFPS processing step was the conversion of all soundings to a single, easy to use format, the OFPS quality control ...
Stabilization of the hexameric form of Escherichia coli protein rho under ATP hydrolysis conditions

Abstract The state of oligomerization of Escherichia coli transcription termination protein rho has been studied under various conditions by velocity sedimentation, gel filtration and protein cross-linking. The sizes of the cross-linked products formed after reaction of rho with dimethyl suberimidate or dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate) indicate that it can exist as a hexamer of its single polypeptide. However, the results of the sedimentation and gel filtration studies indicate that rho readily dissociates into free monomers (with M r = 50,000) and the fraction of molecules in the hexameric form depends on the conditions. Although rho appears to be always partially dissociated whenever it is free, it migrates distinctly as a hexamer when it is bound to poly(C) and is primarily, if not exclusively, in that form whenever it catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP. These conditions of hydrolysis include: at very low rho concentration (~1 μg/ml), which favors complete dissociation of free rho; in 0.5 m -KCl, which destabilizes the binding to poly(C) and favors the dissociation of free rho; and with a mutationally altered rho ( ts15 ), which in the free form is more fully dissociated than wild-type rho. We conclude from these results that the functionally active form of rho is a hexamer which has a molecular weight of 288,000 ± 12,000.
Synthesis of d-erythroascorbic acid from d-glucose

Abstract Reaction of a 4:1 mixture of d -ribono- and d -arabinono-1,4-lactones with benzaldehyde and hydrochloric acid gave 59% crystalline 3,4- O -benzylidene- d -ribono-1,5-lactone. This acetal was oxidized with manganese dioxide in acetone to its 2-keto derivative ( 6 ) in 76% yield. Acid-catalyzed methanolysis of 6 gave a syrupy mixture of products, which upon tautomerization in hot methanolic sodium acetate followed by removal of sodium ions gave 78% d -erythroascorbic acid ( 7 ). The overall yield of 7 starting from d -glucose was 20%.
Toward a romantic science: the work of Oliver Sacks.

Excerpt Medicine is the oldest of the arts and the oldest of the sciences, writes neurologist Oliver Sacks. But the growth of the science has threatened the art. There is a subtle opposition betwee...
Linkage of a clinical surgical registry with Medicare inpatient claims data using indirect identifiers

Background A variety of data sources are available for measuring the quality of health care. Linking records from different sources can create unique and powerful databases that can be used to evaluate clinically relevant questions and direct health care policy. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a deterministic linkage algorithm that uses indirect patient identifiers to reliably match records from a surgical clinical registry with Medicare inpatient claims data. Methods Patient records from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP), years 2005–2008, were linked to claims data in the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review file (MedPAR) by the use of a deterministic linkage algorithm and the following indirect patient identifiers: hospital, age, sex, diagnosis, procedure and dates of admission, discharge, and procedure. We validated the linkage procedure by systematically reviewing subsets of matched and unmatched records and by determining agreement on patient-level coding of inpatient mortality. Results Of the 150,454 records in ACS-NSQIP eligible for matching, 80.5% were linked to a MedPAR record. This percentage is within the expected match range given the estimated percentage of ACS-NSQIP patients likely to be Medicare beneficiaries. Systematic checks revealed no evidence of bias in the linkage procedure and there was excellent agreement on patient-level coding of mortality (kappa 0.969). The final linked database contained 121,070 patient records from 217 hospitals. Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility and validity of a method for linking 2 data sources without direct personal identifiers. As clinical registries and other data sources continue to proliferate, linkage algorithms such as described here will be critical for quality measurement purposes.
A history of endoscopic surgery.

Surgery has experienced a revolution in the eight years since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This procedure was followed rapidly by the development of laparoscopic appendectomy, herniorrhaphy, bowel resection, and other abdominal procedures, and by a resurgence of interest in thoracoscopy, a procedure which had decreased in popularity after the introduction of chemotherapeutic agents for tuberculosis in the 1940s.
Postoperative surveillance of small appendiceal carcinoid tumors

Abstract Background The necessity and frequency of postoperative surveillance for appendiceal carcinoid tumors ≤1 cm are undetermined. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of all patients with appendiceal carcinoid tumors ≤1 cm managed at an academic, tertiary referral center. Clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment, surveillance, recurrence, and survival were assessed and analyzed. Results Over a 16-year period, 31 patients met the inclusion criteria. Appendicitis (n = 17) and pelvic mass (n = 5) were the most common presentations. Median tumor diameter was 5 mm (range, 1–10 mm). Two patients had mesoappendiceal involvement. No patients had regional lymph node involvement or distant metastasis. Postoperatively, 14 patients (45%) received follow-up recommendations, including ≥1 of the following: imaging (n = 9), medical oncology referral (n = 7), colonoscopy (n = 5), and laboratory studies (n = 5). There were no recurrences or disease-specific deaths during a median follow-up period of 5 years (range, 0–15 years). Conclusions Appendiceal carcinoids ≤1 cm are unlikely to recur. Therefore, postoperative surveillance may be unnecessary.
The future of whole-cell modeling

Integrated whole-cell modeling is poised to make a dramatic impact on molecular and systems biology, bioengineering, and medicine--once certain obstacles are overcome. From our group's experience building a whole-cell model of Mycoplasma genitalium, we identified several significant challenges to building models of more complex cells. Here we review and discuss these challenges in seven areas: first, experimental interrogation; second, data curation; third, model building and integration; fourth, accelerated computation; fifth, analysis and visualization; sixth, model validation; and seventh, collaboration and community development. Surmounting these challenges will require the cooperation of an interdisciplinary group of researchers to create increasingly sophisticated whole-cell models and make data, models, and simulations more accessible to the wider community.
Non-linear behaviors of dark current slope in P + N GaAs solar cells following proton irradiations

In this paper, the dark current responses of p+n GaAs solar cells are measured before and after 2MeV proton irradiations. The responses indicate that the dark current slope is not only a function of applied forward bias, but changes with proton fluence. The change in the dark current slope behavior can be modeled by Shockley-Reed-Hall (SRH) recombination statistics as a buildup of bulk traps in the space charge region having energies away from the mid-gap level. The model also suggests that the energy of proton-induced bulk traps is a signature of radiation type but not the particle fluence.
Methods of Measuring Ionospheric Absorption and Other D-Region Parameters

The essential elements of the theory of absorption of electromagnetic waves in the ionosphere, including both deviative and nondeviative absorption, have been presented in Section 2.2.2, and in considerable detail by Davies (1969,1990). The absorption coefficient (per unit length) for EM waves propagating in an unmagnetized plasma is $$ k = \left[ {\frac{{e^2 }}{2}\varepsilon _0 mc\mu \cdot\frac{{Nv}}{{\omega ^2 + v^2 }}} \right]. $$ [Eq. (2.46)] For a QL wave, nondeviative absorption, and μ2 ” X2, Eq. (2.53) describes the absorption coefficient in a magnetoionic medium, $$ k = \left[ {\frac{{e^2 }}{{2\varepsilon _0 mc}}\cdot\frac{{Nv}}{{\left( {\omega \pm \omega _L } \right)^2 + v^2 }}} \right], $$ [Eq. (2.53)] where all the quantities are defined in Section 2.2.2.
Determinants of Financial Performance: A Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis of results from 320 published studies relates environmental, strategic and organizational factors to financial performance. Some factors e.g., concentration and growth have been studied widely and have a relatively consistent positive impact on performance. Other widely-studied factors e.g., size have few consistent effects. Many factors particularly organizational variables are understudied. We suggest implications for research and management practice.
START, a double blind, placebo-controlled pharmacogenetic test of responsiveness to sapropterin dihydrochloride in phenylketonuria patients.

Abstract Sapropterin dihydrochloride, a synthetic tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), works as a chaperone of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) in phenylketonuria (PKU) to facilitate and stabilize folding of PAH into its most active conformation. No standard pharmacogenetic tests exist to identify responsive genotypes. Previous studies have failed to identify genotypes that consistently predict response; they are weakened by varied: 1) doses; 2) response definitions; 3) duration; 4) phenylalanine (PHE) test times during different protein catabolic states; 5) control of dietary PHE. START (sapropterin therapy actual response test) protocol is a double blind, placebo-controlled, 4-week clinical test that obviates the confounders aforementioned. START results were evaluated for response-genotype correlates and trends in molecular characteristics. Results Seventy-four patients completed START. Thirty-six patients (48.6%) responded, 55 patients' genotypes are known, 38 unique genotypes are present. Alleles consistently associated with response include Y414C (8/8 patients, 6 genotypes) and I65T (9/9 patients, 6 genotypes). The p.R408W mutation, in which substitution of straight chain arginine with bulky aromatic amine, tryptophan, at the crux of a strategic hinge site activating folding of PAH, amino acid sequence 408, was strongly associated with non-response (21/29 patients non-responsive, 12/17 genotypes non-responsive). Genotypes containing at least one allele with ≥ 25% residual activity compared to wild type, were strongly associated with response. Conclusions The START protocol provides a rigorous pharmacogenetic test to identify sapropterin responsiveness and genotypes associated with responsiveness and non-responsiveness. Some genotypes were found to be predictive of responsiveness or non-responsiveness, and responsiveness was associated with specific alleles. The START protocol provides a reliable test for sapropterin responsiveness and will continue to improve understanding of how PKU mutations impact PAH protein-folding dynamics and enhance understanding of PKU disease and its management.
Antimicrobial activity of cotton fabrics treated with curcumin

Curcumin, a yellow pigment known to have various biological activities, was applied onto cotton as an antimicrobial agent. Curcumin could provide both color and antimicrobial activity to cotton and can be dyed using a batch or continuous process. However, curcumin and cotton have low affinity and therefore the ability of curcumin to impart durable antimicrobial activity on cotton needs to be studied. In this research, the ability of curcumin dyed onto cotton fabrics to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was studied. Relationships that can predict the rate of inhibition based on the curcumin concentration or shade depth (K/S values) were developed without the need for an antimicrobial test. Durability of antimicrobial activity to laundering and to light was also studied. Curcumin was more effective in inhibiting S. aureus than E. coli. The reduction of bacteria and durability of antimicrobial activity of curcumin to laundering was inferior on cotton fabrics compared with wool. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Inhibition of growth of cervical cancer cells using a dominant negative estrogen receptor gene.

Abstract Objective. Estrogen stimulates human papilloma virus oncogene expression, promotes cervical cancer (CC) cell proliferation and prevents apoptosis. Therefore, blockage of estrogen function may have therapeutic application to CC. Methods. CasKi CC cells were transfected with an adenovirus expressing a dominant negative estrogen receptor gene (Ad-ER-DN) and their responses were investigated by RT-PCR, Flow Cytometry and Western blot assays. Result. Transfected cells showed disturbance of cell colony morphology, reduced HPV E6 and E7 mRNA, interruption of cell proliferation, reduced cyclin D1 protein and expression of apoptosis. Conclusion. We report, for the first time, the use of Ad-ER-DN to block estrogen receptors which led to dramatic changes in CC cells that are consistent with the possible reactivation of cellular p53 and Rb function. Their reactivation most likely allowed the recognition of existing chromosome abnormalities as a serious stress signal and the initiation of a cascade of cellular events in response to the stress, including the activation of the core apoptotic machinery which led to self-destruction of the CC cells.
Multifunctional integrated photonic switches

Traditional optical-electronic-optical (o-e-o) conversion in today's optical networks requires cascading separately packaged electronic and optoelectronic chips and propagating high-speed electrical signals through and between these discrete modules. This increases the packaging and component costs, size, power consumption, and heat dissipation. As a remedy, we introduce a novel, chip-scale photonic switching architecture that operates by confining high-speed electrical signals in a compact optoelectronic chip and provides multiple network functions on such a single chip. This new technology features low optical and electrical power consumption, small installation space, high-speed operation, two-dimensional scalability, and remote electrical configurability. We present both theoretical and experimental discussion of our monolithically integrated photonic switches that incorporate quantum-well waveguide modulators directly driven by on-chip surface-illuminated photodetectors. These switches can be conveniently arrayed two-dimensionally on a single chip to realize a number of network functions. Of those, we have experimentally demonstrated arbitrary wavelength conversion across 45 nm and dual-wavelength broadcasting over 20 nm, both spanning the telecommunication center band (1530-1565 nm) at switching speeds up to 2.5 Gb/s. Our theoretical calculations predict the capability of achieving optical switching at rates in excess of 10 Gb/s using milliwatt-level optical and electrical switching powers.
Estimating principal components of large covariance matrices using the Nyström method

Covariance matrix estimates are an essential part of many signal processing algorithms, and are often used to determine a low-dimensional principal subspace via their spectral decomposition. However, for sufficiently high-dimensional matrices exact eigen-analysis is computationally intractable, and in the case of limited data, sample eigenvalues and eigenvectors are known to be poor estimators of their true counterparts. To address these issues, we propose a covariance estimator that is computationally efficient while also performing shrinkage on the sample eigenvalues. Our approach is based on the Nystrom method, which uses a data-dependent orthogonal projection to obtain a fast low-rank approximation of a large positive semidefinite matrix. We provide a theoretical analysis of the error properties of our estimator as well as empirical results.
The Kindling of Electric Sparkover Based on Lichtenberg Figures

THE MECHANISM of the electric sparkover process lately has become a much discussed problem. Townsend's theory of the formation of electric sparkover has been challenged and at least in some respects found wanting. Several well-known investigators have given ample evidence that the sparkover process is very complex; that the speed of formation is in the order of 108 cm. per sec. instead of 104 or 105; that polarity and shape of electrodes, ionization, space charges, voltage gradients air pressure, temperature, and other factors enter into the problem. The results of investigations on the early stages of electric sparkover throw light on certain phases of the initial or kindling stage of an electric spark formation, but a comprehensive explanation of the mechanism or process involved in the formation of electric sparks or sparkover still is lacking.
Measuring Impulse Loads On The Human Spine In Vivo

Currently used static and dynamic spinal models have been reviewed and found to be inadequate to explain spinal loading in vivo . Thus, a new method of measuring human spinal loading, via an impulse-response paradigm, is presented. The model chosen to provide a more detailed analysis is explained and then the subsequently designed measurement device is described. Research areas in which this device will be used are noted.
Do Structural Inequalities Contribute to Marital Violence? Ethnographic Evidence From Rural South India

Ethnographic research was conducted in rural communities in Karnataka State, South India, to explore the contexts in which marital violence occurs and the relationships between structural inequalities (gender, caste, and class inequalities) and marital violence. Research highlighted that (a) marital violence is intimately linked to experiences of gender, caste, and class inequalities; (b) women's ability to resist violence hinges on access to economic and social resources; and (c) health care providers need to be actively involved in responding to violence. This study demonstrates the urgent need for violence prevention initiatives, particularly those that address the contribution of structural inequalities.
MAX-SAT for formulas with constant clause density can be solved faster than in O (2 n ) time

We give an exact deterministic algorithm for MAX-SAT. On input CNF formulas with constant clause density (the ratio of the number of clauses to the number of variables is a constant), this algorithm runs in ${\mathcal{O}}(c^n)$ time where c<2 and n is the number of variables. Worst-case upper bounds for MAX-SAT less than ${\mathcal{O}}(2^n)$ were previously known only for k-CNF formulas and for CNF formulas with small clause density.
Enantioselective microbial asymmetric reduction of pentacyclo[5.4.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecane-8,11-dione

Abstract Baker's yeast promotes moderately enantioselective but diastereorandom reduction of the title compound (1) via preferential hydrogen transfer to the exo - Si and endo - Re faces of one of the two C=O groups.
Seasonal pollen flow and progeny diversity in Amianthium muscaetoxicum: ecological potential for multiple mating in a self-incompatible, hermaphroditic perennial.

The ecological potential for multiple mating is high in Amianthium muscaetoxicum. The percentage of long-distance pollinations (20–100 m) is greater than reported for most insect-pollinated systems. Estimations of neighborhood area are at least an order of magnitude larger than any previously reported for plant species. Seasonal effects on fluorescent dust dispersal indicate that neighborhood areas change during the flowering season. The number of flowers marked with fluorescent dust on an inflorescence increases with increasing inflorescence size, and the proportions of available inflorescences that are marked decrease with distance from the source. Allozyme analysis indicates that heterozygosity levels are typical of outcrossing plants. The diversity of seed genotypes is increased by increasing the size of the floral display. The present investigation is the first to consider the effects of floral display on seed diversity and adds to existing data indicating that inflorescence size is important to fecundity and/or pollen donation in some systems.
Effect of grafting on phase volume fraction, composition, and mechanical behavior: Epoxy/poly (n‐butyl acrylate) simultaneous interpenetrating networks

Grafted simultaneous interpenetrating polymer networks (SINs) were prepared from Epon 828 epoxy resin and n-butyl acrylate monomer. The amount of grafting monomer (glycidyl methacrylate) was found to effect profound changes in the morphology and mechanical behavior of these materials. While the size of the dispersed rubbery phase increased from approximately 2 microns to 20 microns, the number of domains decreased, with increasing amounts of grafting agent. The total dispersed phase volume decreased with increased grafting. At the highest level of grafting, the two-phase morphology disappeared, and only one phase was observed. With increased grafting, dynamic mechanical spectroscopy showed a movement of the loss modulus peaks toward each other, confirming an increase in compatibility in the system and showing that the compositions in each phase were becoming more alike. The SIN with the most glycidyl methacrylate (3.0 percent) showed only one peak in the loss modulus curve, supporting the single phase morphology found through microscopy. At the point of compatibility between the two networks, the SIN supermolecular structure may be visualized as becoming one complex network, where the number of grafts between the two polymer chains outnumbers the number of homopolymer crosslinks. The chemical grafts were also shown to significantly alter the free energy of mixing of the two polymers. A grafting level-composition phase diagram showed that at well defined levels of grafting the free energy of mixing goes from a positive value to a negative value.
The mab-21 gene of Caenorhabditis elegans encodes a novel protein required for choice of alternate cell fates

The gene mab-21, which encodes a novel protein of 386 amino acids, is required for the choice of alternate cell fates by several cells in the C. elegans male tail. Three cells descended from the ray 6 precursor cell adopt fates of anterior homologs, and a fourth, lineally unrelated hypodermal cell is transformed into a neuroblast. The affected cells lie together in the lateral tail epidermis, suggesting that mab-21 acts as part of a short-range pattern-formation mechanism. Each of the changes in cell fate brought about by mab-21 mutants can be interpreted as a posterior-to-anterior homeotic transformation. mab-21 mutant males and hermaphrodites have additional pleiotropic phenotypes affecting movement, body shape and fecundity, indicating that mab-21 has functions outside the tail region of males. We show that the three known alleles of mab-21 are hypomorphs of a new gene. Mosaic analysis revealed that mab-21 acts cell autonomously to specify the properties of the sensory ray, but non-autonomously in the hypodermal versus neuroblast cell fate choice. Presence of cell signalling in the choice of the neuroblast fate was confirmed by cell ablation experiments. Mutations in mab-21 were shown previously to be genetic modifiers of the effects of HOM-C/Hox gene mutations on ray identity specification. The results presented here support the conclusion that mab-21 acts as part of a mechanism required for correct cell fate choice, possibly involving the function of HOM-C/Hox genes in several body regions.
Postcardiotomy mechanical support: risk factors and outcomes.

Abstract Background . The need for postcardiotomy mechanical support is uncommon, with an incidence of 0.5%. Methods . Multivariable logistic regression analysis of factors associated with postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support was investigated in 19,985 patients, of whom, 97 required ECMO. Results . Younger age, number of reoperations, emergency operation, higher creatinine, greater left ventricular dysfunction, and history of myocardial infarction were significant predictors. Overall survival was 35%, but significantly better (72%) in the subgroup converted to an implantable system and then bridged to transplantation. Conclusions . Patients at increased risk for mechanical support can be identified preoperatively and patient management modified as indicated. Improvement in postcardiotomy survival has been realized by bridging to transplantation. In nontransplant candidates, permanent support may be the only option for increasing survival.