cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Copper--alumina--organic matter mixed systems: alumina transformation and copper speciation as revealed by EPR spectroscopy.

The chemical forms and solubility of Cu in alumina−organic matter systems were studied separately (Cu/Al and Cu/OM) and in mixtures (Cu/Al/OM) during long-term (up to 8 years) equilibrations at pH 6 and 7.5. The transformation of alumina was monitored by XRD, while the chemical forms of Cu were probed by EPR spectroscopy. Total dissolved Cu was determined by voltammetry. Alumina transformation to gibbsite was more rapid and complete in the Cu/Al system equilibrated at pH 7.5 than at pH 6. The presence of colloidal organic matter (Cu/Al/OM) retarded the transformation of alumina. This effect was more pronounced in the system aged at pH 7.5, likely due to the higher pH that promotes formation of Al3+−organic matter coordination complexes. As expected, the systems at pH 7.5 resulted in lower dissolved Cu concentrations than corresponding systems at pH 6. After long-term equilibrations (8 and 5 years) at pH 6 and 7.5, however, the alumina-containing coprecipitates resulted in the lowest concentrations of Cu i...
Influence of glycosaminoglycans on endogenous DNA synthesis in isolated normal and cancer cell nuclei. Differential effect of heparin

Abstract The influence of exogenously-added glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins on DNA synthesis in isolated nuclei, from normal and malignant tissues, was investigated. Heparin stimulated DNA synthesis in normal cell nuclei at concentrations (heparin/DNA (w/w) 0.9) heparin inhibited DNA synthesis in both normal and tumor cell nuclei. The chondroitin-4 and 6-sulfates, heparan sulfate, cartilage proteoglycan, N-desulfated heparin, and glycophorin caused inhibition of DNA synthesis at all concentrations tested and in all nuclei examined. Hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate, keratan sulfate, α1-acid glycoprotein and fetuin had no significant influence on DNA synthesis in isolated nuclei.
Fishing for cancer models

A comparative study of gene expression in hepatocellular carcinomas underscores the utility of zebrafish for human cancer research.
THE USE OF UNIT VALUES TO MEASURE DEVIATIONS OF TRANSACTION PRICES FROM LIST PRICES

The results reported in the Searle report have stimulated me to carry out an extensive study of unit value indices, based on a much more extensive body of data and much improved procedures as compared to the preliminary evidence contained in my “Measurement Bias in Price Indices for Capital Goods,” published in this journal in June, 1971. Once again, the new study confirms the hypothesis that transaction prices of capital goods exhibit procyclical fluctuations relative to list prices. Machinery prices appear to have been considerably more flexible downward during the period of weak investment demand between 1957 and 1963 than indicated by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), and more flexible upward during the subsequent expansion during 1963–1969. This brief paper is a summary of the study. A complete and detailed report or results is contained in my forthcoming monograph, Measurement of Durable Goods Prices, to be published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Phase II study of etoposide and alpha-interferon in patients with advanced measurable colorectal carcinoma

Based on encouragingin vitro andin vivo data, 14 consecutive patients with measurable metastatic previously untreated colorectal carcinoma were treated with a combination of intravenous etoposide and subcutaneous alpha-interferon. Etoposide was given at 60 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1–5 and alpha-interferon at 5 million units/m2 subcutaneously on days 1–5; courses were repeated every 21 days. All 14 patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. None of the patients achieved a complete or partial remission. Toxicity of this combination was moderate. Our data suggest that this combination is ineffective against colorectal carcinoma.
Clinical significance of QS complexes in V1 and V2 without other electrocardiographic abnormality.

Background In the absence of other electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities, QS deflections simultaneously in both of the leads V1-V2 may have multiple possible causes. Despite much information in the literature indicating that this is an unlikely pattern for pure septal infarction, such an ECG diagnosis is frequently given. Methods Ninety-nine cases having QS deflections in both leads V1 and V2 but no other ECG abnormality were compared to 99 other patients with entirely normal ECGs, to whom they were matched by age, gender, and the presence or absence of septal Q waves. Retrospective analysis of medical records was performed to determine the nature of any cardiovascular disease in these two groups, and to find a possible explanation for the ECG abnormality. Results Because of its intermittence in subjects with multiple ECGs, QS deflections in leads V1-V2 appeared most often to be an artifact of precordial lead placement. Prior myocardial infarction, or presence of clinical coronary disease was present in only about 20% of the cases. Neither the intermittence of Q wave in V2 on repeated ECGs nor the absence of septal Q waves was useful in distinguishing between those with and without coronary heart disease. Conclusions This ECG pattern is a sign of prior myocardial infarction in only a minority of cases, and in the latter, infarction limited to the interventricular septum is exceptional. This ECG finding should be interpreted as a nonspecific QRS abnormality with multiple possible causes. Clinical correlation and repeat tracings with attention to lead placement will help to clarify its significance.
American Airlines' "Sabre" electronic reservations system

The American Airlines Sabre System, a joint development of American Airlines and IBM, is a major step into the field of total data processing. This system is designed to solve the problems confronting the airlines in passenger sales, seat inventory control, and maintenance and retrieval of passenger records.After six years of joint effort, a complex of programs and hardware has been developed which will be the largest commercial data processing system in existence. At the heart of this duplexed system are two IBM 7090's. At the extremeties are agent consoles built to American Airlines specifications. This system will automate all of the daily reservations processes with the exception of the vital agent-customer contact.The Sabre System will give, in addition to the obvious customer advantages, the availability of current, detailed and summarized data for the use of American Airlines' management in their constant endeavor to improve passenger service.
Teen contraceptive decisions: childbearing intentions are the tip of the iceberg.

ABSTRACT Objective: To validate a model we developed while trying to understand why pregnant teens so often report that they did not want to become pregnant and could have obtained contraceptives before they conceived. Method: The study enrolled a racially/ethnically diverse group of 351 teenagers. Participants completed a questionnaire that asked about teen pregnancy risk factors, the expected effects of childbearing, the desire to remain non-pregnant, deterrents to contraceptive use, and contraceptive plans. Results: Most participants were capable of using contraceptives but at high risk for unintended conception because they exhibited numerous sociodemographic risk factors, were unsure that pregnancy would affect their lives adversely, and were ambivalent about remaining non-pregnant. Believing a boyfriend wanted a baby and the anticipated effect of childbearing on 5 specific aspects of life explained 63% of the variance in the desire to remain non-pregnant, which, in conjunction with fears about using...
Amygdala kindling after ligation of the middle cerebral artery in the rat

Cerebral infarcts were produced in rats by ligation of the right or left middle cerebral artery. A significant increase in seizure threshold and in the number of days required to develop kindled seizures was found in rats stimulated in the amygdala contralateral to the infarct. However, no significant changes in threshold or kindling rates were found in animals kindled ipsilateral to the ligation. These results were found to be independent of whether the infarct was in the right or left cerebral cortex. These data suggest that contralateral frontoparietal cerebral infarct may have inhibitory influences on seizures originating from the amygdala.
Structure-activity relationships for three macrolide antibiotics in Haemophilus influenzae.

A prior study examining differences in the activities of erythromycin and azithromycin on cellular functions in the Gram-negative pathogen, Haemophilus influenzae, revealed a marked difference in their inhibitory activities. The study revealed that protein synthesis and 50S ribosomal subunit assembly were equal targets for inhibition by azithromycin while erythromycin was a preferential inhibitor of translation. This contrast in inhibitory activities stimulated a comparative analysis of three additional antibiotics: clarithromycin, flurithromycin and roxithromycin. Each compound was tested over a concentration range for inhibitory effects on cellular processes. Clarithromycin was the most effective inhibitor of protein synthesis with an IC50 of 5.6 μg/mL, followed by flurithromycin at 6 μg/mL, and roxithromycin at 9 μg/mL. IC50 values for antibiotic effects on viable cell counts and growth rates were similar to those obtained for protein synthesis. Flurithromycin had the strongest effect on 50S ribosomal subunit formation with an IC50 of 8 μg/mL, followed by clarithromycin and roxithromycin, at 9.0 μg/mL and 12.5 μg/mL respectively. 30S ribosomal subunit formation in cells treated with flurithromycin and roxithromycin was also reduced to some extent. Pulse-and-chase labeling kinetics examining subunit assembly rates verified the slower synthesis rate of the subunits in the presence of each macrolide. The results are discussed in terms of structural differences of these macrolides and their differential inhibitory effects on both cellular targets.
Post‐natal development of the median eminence of the guinea pig

The ultrastructure of the median eminence of neonatal (newborn) 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-day old) and adult guinea pigs was studied to determine the dynamic changes occurring in this structure during early life. At birth the portal vasculature consists of the Mantelplexus and a few, non-fenestrated capillary loops. The number of ansae and the degree of fenestration increase rapidly after birth. The abundance of cytoplasmic and ciliary projections into the ventricular recess and the large numbers of organelles indicate that the ependymal cells are more active in the neonatal period than in the adult male. Moreover, the ependymal endfeet cover most of the surface area of the primary portal plexus during this time. The neuronal layers of the median eminence are difficult to distinguish at birth due to the lack of myelinated fibers in the zona interna. Significant myelination appears on day 3 but is not complete until day 10. There is a progressive increase in the numbers of Herring bodies and large neuro-secretory granules (1,500-1,700 A) during this same time period. In the zona externa, few nerve terminals abut on the perivascular space until day 3. Increases in numbers of granules per axon profile were noted for each day after birth. Despite the relatively long gestation period of the guinea pig (68-72 days), the morphologic appearance of the median eminence at birth suggests that the neurovascular link controlling anterior pituitary function is not yet complete.
WHY ONLY THE STATE MAY INFLICT CRIMINAL SANCTIONS: THE CASE AGAINST PRIVATELY INFLICTED SANCTIONS

Criminal sanctions are typically inflicted by the state. The central role of the state in determining the severity of these sanctions and inflicting them requires justification. One justification for state-inflicted sanctions is simply that the state is more likely than other agents to determine accurately what a wrongdoer justly deserves and to inflict a just sanction on those who deserve it. Hence, in principle, the state could be replaced by other agents, for example, private individuals. This hypothesis has given rise to recent calls to reform the state's criminal justice system by introducing privately inflicted sanctions, for example, shaming penalties, private prisons, or private probationary services. This paper challenges this view and argues that the agency of the state is indispensable to criminal sanctions. Privately inflicted sanctions sever the link between the state's judgments concerning the wrongfulness of the action and the appropriateness of the sanction and the infliction of sufferings on the criminal. When a private individual inflicts punishment, she acts on what she and not the state judges to be a justified response to a criminal act. Privately inflicted sanctions for violations of criminal laws are not grounded in the judgments of the appropriate agent, namely the state. It is impermissible on the part of the state to approve, encourage, or initiate the infliction of a sanction (for violating a state-issued prohibition) on an alleged wrongdoer on the basis of a private judgment. Such an approval grants undue weight to the private judgment of the individual who inflicts the sanction.
New decision algorithms for finitely presented commutative semigroups

Abstract A new solution of the uniform word problem for finitely presented commutative semigroups is constructed from a completion procedure for commutative-associative term rewriting systems. The completion procedure transforms a finite presentation into a uniformly terminating equivalence class term rewriting system which is Church-Rosser (terminates uniquely) and therefore decides equivalence of words 7in the given finitely presented commutative semigroup. Words are expressed in multiplicative exponential form, i.e. as finite vectors, so that fixed uniformly terminating Church-Rosser equivalence class term rewriting systems decide equivalence of words in constant space. Since the uniform word problem for finitely presented commutative semigroups requires exponential space on infinitely many instances, a Church-Rosser term rewriting system must be exponentially larger than its presentation for infinitely many presentations. This solution of the uniform word problem for finitely presented commutative semigroups, in addition to being conceptually simpler than previous solutions, is another small step towards the systematic application of uniformly terminating Church-Rosser term rewriting systems to the solved and open decision problems of algebra.
Quadrophobia: Strategic Rounding of EPS Data

Earnings management to round up reported EPS causes under-representation of the number four in the first post-decimal digit of EPS data, or "quadrophobia." We develop a simple measure of earnings management based on a firm's history of quadrophobia. Quadrophobia is pervasive and persistent, and predicts future restatements, SEC enforcement actions, and class action litigation. Quadrophobia, even if the result of proper accounting practices, thus appears correlated with a propensity to engage in other problematic accounting practices. The incidence of quadrophobia increases (declines) when firms gain (lose) analyst coverage and is more pronounced in pro forma earnings in a manner consistent with capital market pressure causing strategic rounding.
SNR Walls for Feature Detectors

It is known that model uncertainties impose fundamental limits on the sensitivity of purely energy-based detectors. Feature detectors are sometimes proposed as being robust to uncertainties of the type that limit energy detectors because they can exploit more detailed structures of the signals to be detected. We show that natural model uncertainties for wireless environments lead to fundamental limits on the sensitivity of cyclostationary feature detectors as well - leading to "SNR Walls" beyond which robust detection is impossible, no matter how long the observations are.
Chromatin Higher Order Folding: Wrapping up Transcription

Eukaryotic genomes are organized into condensed, heterogeneous chromatin fibers throughout much of the cell cycle. Here we describe recent studies indicating that even transcriptionally active loci may be encompassed within 80- to 100-nanometer-thick chromonema fibers. These studies suggest that chromatin higher order folding may be a key feature of eukaryotic transcriptional control. We also discuss evidence suggesting that adenosine-5'-triphosphate-dependent chromatin-remodeling enzymes and histone-modifying enzymes may regulate transcription by controlling the extent and dynamics of chromatin higher order folding.
Receptive Field Structures for Recognition

Localized operators, like Gabor wavelets and difference-of-gaussian filters, are considered useful tools for image representation. This is due to their ability to form a sparse code that can serve as a basis set for high-fidelity reconstruction of natural images. However, for many visual tasks, the more appropriate criterion of representational efficacy is recognition rather than reconstruction. It is unclear whether simple local features provide the stability necessary to subserve robust recognition of complex objects. In this article, we search the space of two-lobed differential operators for those that constitute a good representational code under recognition and discrimination criteria. We find that a novel operator, which we call the dissociated dipole, displays useful properties in this regard. We describe simple computational experiments to assess the merits of such dipoles relative to the more traditional local operators. The results suggest that nonlocal operators constitute a vocabulary that is stable across a range of image transformations.
Investigation of heterogeneous electrochemical processes using multi-stream laminar flow in a microchannel.

A multi-component microfluidic electrochemical cell is shown to be a useful analytical tool for probing complex coupled processes in electrolytic systems. We recently reported an enzymatic signal amplification phenomenon that may provide increased sensitivity when detecting bio-analytes (M. S. Hasenbank, E. Fu and P. Yager, Langmuir, 2006, 22, 7451–7453), but to fully harness this method requires an improved understanding of the underlying electrochemical and chemical processes. We use spatial control of electrolyte streams on patterned conductive substrates in a microfluidic platform to elucidate the coupling of homogeneous chemical steps to heterogeneous electrochemical charge transfer processes. Because the gold surface was observable using SPR imaging, electrochemical phenomena could be monitored optically in real time. Based on these and additional results, we propose a mechanism for the novel amplification phenomenon that involves direct electron transfer between surface-immobilized enzyme molecules and the gold surface. This improved understanding of the underlying mechanism should enable the future implementation of this phenomenon in signal amplification schemes for highly sensitive lab-on-a-chip biosensors.
PDGF signaling in pulmonary arterial hypertension

The pathobiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) includes endothelial cell dysfunction and proliferation and migration of VSMCs. As PDGF has been implicated in these processes, Schermuly et al. hypothesized that altered PDGF signaling may be involved in the vascular remodeling observed in PAH. To explore this notion further, the authors evaluated the effects of the PDGF receptor inhibitor STI571 in 2 different animal models of pulmonary hypertension. In both models, after development of pulmonary vascular disease, administration of STI571 reversed pulmonary vascular changes. These studies provide preclinical proof of concept for the clinical development of a PDGF inhibitor as a targeted therapy for PAH patients.
Mild postischemic hypothermia prolongs the time window for gene therapy by inhibiting cytochrome C release.

Background and Purpose— We showed previously that Bcl-2 overexpression with the use of herpes simplex viral (HSV) vectors improved striatal neuron survival when delivered 1.5 hours after stroke but not when delivered 5 hours after stroke onset. Here we determine whether hypothermia prolongs the therapeutic window for gene therapy. Methods— Rats were subjected to focal ischemia for 1 hour. Hypothermia (33°C) was induced 2 hours after insult and maintained for 3 hours. Five hours after ischemia onset, HSV vectors expressing Bcl-2 plus β-gal or β-gal alone were injected into each striatum. Rats were killed 2 days later. Results— Striatal neuron survival of Bcl-2–treated, hypothermic animals was improved 2- to 3-fold over control-treated, hypothermic animals and Bcl-2–treated, normothermic animals. Neuron survival among normothermic, Bcl-2–treated animals was not different from control normothermics or control hypothermics. Double immunostaining of cytochrome c and β-gal demonstrated that Bcl-2 plus hypotherm...
“The Workingman's Bible”: Robert Blatchford's Merrie England , Radical Literacy, and the Making of Debsian Socialism, 1895–1900

Turn-of-the-century socialists radicalized literacy. Unlike middle-class reformers, whose desire for mass literacy arose from the need for a hardworking, compliant workforce, socialists used it to undermine capitalism. Through their printed culture of dissent, they not only sought to transform individual lives, but an entire social system. They took up the task of using literacy to convert workers with a mis sionary zeal. Moral indignation fueled their crusade. In a nation of such wealth, they asked, why was it that so many industrious people did not have enough to provide themselves and their families with adequate food, clothing, and shelter? Their answer was that America's political and economic institutions had been corrupted by the nation's monied power. In their minds, only an enlightened, educated working-class could challenge the prerogatives of capital and make these institutions fully socially accountable to the people. Literacy could emancipate workers from wage slavery. An 1895 article in the popular socialist newspaper, the Appeal to Reason, underscored literacy's importance to the socialist movement: "Read the books on political economy that your masters do not want you to read. The truth will make you free a condition you do not even know of."1 For socialists, literacy was a revolutionary act. It subverted dominant values, promoted working class self-activity, and provided a viable means of securing a new moral order, one in which human beings came before the almighty dollar. Radical literacy shaped American history at a crucial juncture, the moment that marked the heyday of the book as well as organized socialism in the United States. At no time did print have as much potential to shape workers' lives as it did between 1880 and 1917. In "New Readers in the Nineteenth Century," Martyn Lyons called the late nineteenth century the '"golden age' of the book in the West." He
The Effects of Gap-Wind-Induced Vorticity, the Monsoon Trough, and the ITCZ on East Pacific Tropical Cyclogenesis

AbstractTropical cyclogenesis in the eastern North Pacific (EPAC) basin is related to gap-wind-induced surface relative vorticity, the monsoon trough, and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). There are several gaps in the Central American mountains, on the eastern edge of the EPAC basin, through which wind can be funneled to generate surface wind jets (gap winds). This study focuses on gap winds that occur over the Gulf of Papagayo and Gulf of Tehuantepec. Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) 10-m equivalent neutral winds are used to identify gap wind events that occur during May through November of 2002–08. Dvorak fix locations, Gridded Satellite (GridSat) infrared (IR) data, and National Hurricane Center (NHC) tropical cyclone (TC) reports are used to track the disturbances during the study period. Surface vorticity is tracked using the QuikSCAT winds and the contribution of surface vorticity from the gap winds to the development of each disturbance is categorized as small, medium, or large. Cross-calib...
The Impact of Advanced Biofuels on Aviation Emissions and Operations in the U.S.

This work is funded by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Defense Logistics Agency Energy (DLA Energy) through Project 47 of the Partnership for Air Transportation Noise and Emissions Reduction (PARTNER). The Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and a consortium of government and industrial sponsors (for the complete list see http://globalchange.mit.edu/sponsors/all).
Air leak is associated with poor adherence to autoPAP therapy

We tested the hypothesis that greater levels of air leak are associated with poor adher-ence to autoPAP therapy. Knowledge derived from such an as-sociation could identify a potentially reversible determinant of non-adherence to autoPAP therapy and define a target for future studies aimed at enhancing adherence to such therapy.METHODSNinety-six patients at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System with a high probability of OSA received home-based autoPAP therapy for one week, followed by 5 weeks of CPAP therapy set at the 90th percentile of pressure derived from the week of autoPAP therapy.
Simultaneous Detection of Single Attoliter Droplet Collisions by Electrochemical and Electrogenerated Chemiluminescent Responses

We provide evidence of single attoliter oil droplet collisions at the surface of an ultra-microelectrode (UME) by the observation of simultaneous electrochemical current transients (i-t curves) and electrogenerated chemiluminescent (ECL) transients in an oil/water emulsion. An emulsion system based on droplets of toluene and tri-n-propylamine (2:1 v/v) emulsified with an ionic liquid and suspended in an aqueous continuous phase was formed by ultrasonification. When an ECL luminophore, such as rubrene, is added to the emulsion droplet, stochastic events can be tracked by observing both the current blips from oxidation at the electrode surface and the ECL blips from the follow-up ECL reaction, which produces light. This report provides a means of studying fundamental aspects of electrochemistry using the attoliter oil droplet and offers complementary analytical techniques for analyzing discrete collision events, size distribution of emulsion systems, and individual droplet electroactivity.
Break-through of the Si limit under 300 V breakdown voltage with new concept power device: super 3D MOSFET

In this paper, we present a new conceptual power MOSFET named "super 3D MOSFET", breaking the R/sub on/ Si limit under 300 V breakdown voltage. It has a super wide current path in the depth direction of the substrate. The electrical characteristics of this device were verified by 3D device simulation. In the super 3D MOSFET with 30 /spl mu/m current path width, the simulated results showed that the drift resistance was 6.6 m/spl Omega/-mm/sup 2/ for 70 V breakdown voltage. For this breakdown voltage, the R/sub on/ Si limit is 23 m/spl Omega/-mm/sup 2/. The total specific on-resistance containing the other elemental resistances was 19 m/spl Omega/-mm/sup 2/, and even this value was below the R/sub on/ Si limit. Moreover, we fabricated the super 3D MOSFET experimentally, and the I-V characteristics were verified.
Smooth muscle myosin heavy chains combine to form three native myosin isoforms

Two smooth muscle myosin heavy chains (MHC; SM1 and SM2) of approximately 204 and 200 kDa exist in smooth muscle cells and can be visualized on reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gels. Chymotryptic digestion of the native myosin molecule results in two fragments: heavy meromyosin (HMM) and light meromyosin (LMM). LMM is the alpha-helical coiled-coil carboxy terminal half of the molecule containing the difference peptide between SM1 and SM2. Electrophoresis of the LMM fragments on a reducing SDS-polyacrylamide gel resolves two subunits from the two MHC [LM1 from SM1 (approximately 100 kDa) and LM2 from SM2 (approximately 95 kDa), where LM1 and LM2 are LMM from SM1 and SM2, respectively]. CuCl2 oxidation of the LMM fragment forms intramolecular disulfide bonds between adjacent cysteines on the two LMM fragments. When the native LMM is oxidized with CuCl2 and run on a nonreducing SDS-polyacrylamide gel, three bands are observed, which migrate at approximately 195, 190, and 185 kDa (bands 1, 2, and 3). Excision of these bands and electrophoresis on a reducing SDS-polyacrylamide gel show their subunit composition. Band 1 is composed solely of LM1. Band 2 is composed of an equal ratio of LM1 and LM2, and band 3 is composed solely of LM2. Using a variety of biochemical procedures, along with nonreducing SDS-polyacrylamide gels, we interpret these results to indicate that there are three smooth muscle myosin isoforms that result from the various combinations of the two smooth muscle MHC (SM1 homodimer, SM1-SM2 heterodimer, and SM2 homodimer).
Reduced state joint iterative equalization and multiuser detection in dispersive CDMA channels

Communications in dispersive multiuser CDMA channels suffer from both intersymbol and multiuser interference. MAP equalization and multiuser detection with error control coding can be used to combat this interference and achieve optimal performance. For reducing the high computation complexity of the optimal algorithm, a reduced-state trellis search, which exploits decision feedback from the decoder is proposed. Simulations show that this low complexity algorithm can obtain near-optimal performance under medium signal-to-noise ratio and has larger system load capacity than parallel interference cancellation.
Ultra-Low Field NMR of ${\rm UF}_{6}$ for $^{235}{\rm U}$ Detection and Characterization

We have demonstrated the first ultra-low field (ULF) nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of uranium hexafluoride (UF6), which is used in the uranium enrichment process. A sensitive non-invasive detection system would have an important role in non-proliferation surveillance. A two-frequency technique was employed to remove the transients induced by rapidly switching off the 50 mT pre-polarization field. A mean transverse relaxation time T2 of 24 ms was estimated for the un-enriched UF6 sample measured at a mean temperature of 80degC.
Three-dimensional tracking of cardiac catheters using an inverse geometry x-ray fluoroscopy system.

Purpose: Scanning beam digital x-ray (SBDX) is an inverse geometry fluoroscopic system with high dose efficiency and the ability to perform continuous real-time tomosynthesis at multiple planes. This study describes a tomosynthesis-based method for 3D tracking of high-contrast objects and present the first experimental investigation of cardiac catheter tracking using a prototype SBDX system. Methods: The 3D tracking algorithm utilizes the stack of regularly spaced tomosynthetic planes that are generated by SBDX after each frame period (15 frames/s). Gradient-filtered versions of the image planes are generated, the filtered images are segmented into object regions, and then a 3D coordinate is calculated for each object region. Two phantom studies of tracking performance were conducted. In the first study, an ablation catheter in a chest phantom was imaged as it was pulled along a 3D trajectory defined by a catheter sheath (10, 25, and 50 mm/s pullback speeds). SBDX tip tracking coordinates were compared to the 3D trajectory of the sheath as determined from a CT scan of the phantom after the registration of the SBDX and CT coordinate systems. In the second study, frame-to-frame tracking precision was measured for six different catheter configurations as a function of image noise level (662-7625more » photons/mm{sup 2} mean detected x-ray fluence at isocenter). Results: During catheter pullbacks, the 3D distance between the tracked catheter tip and the sheath centerline was 1.0{+-}0.8 mm (mean {+-}one standard deviation). The electrode to centerline distances were comparable to the diameter of the catheter tip (2.3 mm), the confining sheath (4 mm outside diameter), and the estimated SBDX-to-CT registration error ({+-}0.7 mm). The tip position was localized for all 332 image frames analyzed and 83% of tracked positions were inside the 3D sheath volume derived from CT. The pullback speeds derived from the catheter trajectories were within 5% of the programed pullback speeds. The tracking precision of ablation and diagnostic catheter tips ranged from {+-}0.2 mm at the highest image fluence to {+-}0.9 mm at the lowest fluence. Tracking precision depended on image fluence, the size of the tracked catheter electrode, and the contrast of the electrode. Conclusions: High speed multiplanar tomosynthesis with an inverse geometry x-ray fluoroscopy system enables 3D tracking of multiple high-contrast objects at the rate of fluoroscopic imaging. The SBDX system is capable of tracking electrodes in standard cardiac catheters with approximately 1 mm accuracy and precision.« less
A viscoelastic flowline model applied to tidal forcing of Bindschadler Ice Stream, West Antarctica

Abstract The motion of Bindschadler Ice Stream, West Antarctica, is dominated by sliding over a nearly plastic bed, according to analysis of kinematic GPS data using a new viscoelastic flowline model. Inversions of time-averaged velocity data with viscous ice-flow models can be consistent with multiple sliding laws, but propagation of velocity perturbations in a viscoelastic model can distinguish between sliding laws with different exponents. We develop such a model and apply it to a time series of velocity for the tidally modulated flow of Bindschadler Ice Stream (formerly Ice Stream D). Observed velocity perturbations are found to be consistent with a flow-law exponent m ≥ 8, which indicates basal motion with a relatively weak till bed; lower exponents consistent with motion dominated by deformation within the ice over a hard or frozen bed are found to be unlikely. This result suggests that Bindschadler Ice Stream would respond rapidly and significantly to any future loss of buttressing from the Ross Ice Shelf.
The Ecology of Inquilinism in Communally Parasitic Tamalia Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

I report the Þrst example of communal parasitism in galling aphids and quantify the effects of gall invasion by the inquiline aphid Tamalia inquilina Miller on its host, Tamalia coweni (Cockerell). On populations of the host plants Arctostaphylos spp., both T. coweni and T. inquilina exhibited facultatively communal behavior and co-occupied galls with no apparent agonistic inter- actions. Although total reproductive output of adult offspring was similar between galls containing T. coweni alone and galls with both species, the allocation of brood was skewed toward that of the inquiline; hence, T. inquilina is a parasite of T. coweni. The presence of T. inquilina had no signiÞcant effect on survivorship of T. coweni in mixed-species galls. T. inquilina successfully reproduced in open galls abandoned by T. coweni, and under these circumstances was best characterized as commensal rather than parasitic. My data indicatedT.inquilina was signiÞcantly more likely to move between galls, supporting the hypothesis that the inquiline actively seeks galls to invade. As frequent occupants of unsealed galls, T. inquilina may incur higher risks of predation and desiccation than T. coweni: experimental evidence showed that at least one specialist predator preferred T. coweni to T. inquilina and that T. inquilina withstood experimental dessication for signiÞcantly longer periods than did T. coweni. I suggest the distinctive morphology of T. inquilina is a correlate of the ecology of its parasitic life history on T. coweni.
Sleep system sensitization: evidence for changing roles of etiological factors in insomnia.

Abstract Objectives To test for sensitization of the sleep system in response to insomnia development and major life stress. In addition, to evaluate the impact on depression and anxiety associated with sleep system sensitization. Methods A longitudinal study with three annual assessments. The community-based sample included 262 adults with no history of insomnia or depression who developed insomnia one year after baseline (67.6% female; 44.0 ± 13.4 yr). Measures included the Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test to assess sleep reactivity, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Insomnia classification was based on DSM-IV criteria. Sleep system sensitization was operationally defined as significant increases in sleep reactivity. Results Sensitization of the sleep system was observed from baseline to insomnia onset at 1-yr follow-up among insomniacs with low premorbid vulnerability (p Conclusions Evidence supports sensitization of the sleep system as a consequence of insomnia development and major life stress among individuals with low premorbid sleep reactivity. Sleep system sensitization may serve as a mechanism by which insomnia is perpetuated. Harmful effects of the sensitization process may increase risk for insomnia-related depression and anxiety.
Progesterone and "the pill".

The progestational agents of oral contraceptives retain many of the biologic properties of progesterone but are not naturally occurring progesterone. The physiologic effects of ovarian progesterone are reviewed and the development of orally active progestational agents is described.
Source Seeking for Nonholonomic Unicycle With Speed Regulation

The simplest strategy for extremum seeking-based source localization, for sources with unknown spatial distributions and nonholonomic unicycle vehicles without position measurement, employs a constant positive forward speed. Steering of the vehicle in the plane is performed using only the variation of the angular velocity. While keeping the forward speed constant is a reasonable strategy motivated by implementation with aerial vehicles, it leads to complexities in the asymptotic behavior of the vehicle, since the vehicle cannot settle—at best it can converge to a small-size attractor around the source. In this paper we regulate the forward velocity, with the intent of bringing the vehicle to a stop, or as close to a stop as possible. The vehicle speed is controlled using simple derivative-like feedback of the sensor measurement (the derivative is approximated with a washout filter) to which a speed bias parameter Vc is added. The angular velocity is tuned using standard extremum seeking. We prove two results. For Vc in a certain range around zero, we show that the vehicle converges to a ring around the source and on average the limit of the vehicle’s heading is either directly away or towards the source. For other values of Vc > 0, the vehicle converges to a ring around the source and it revolves around the source. Interestingly, the average heading of this revolution around the source is more outward than inward—this is possible because the vehicle’s speed is not constant, it is lower during the outward steering intervals and higher during the inward steering intervals. The theoretical results are illustrated with simulations.© 2010 ASME
The Fine Structure of Gonyaulax Polyedra, a Bioluminescent Marine Dinoflagellate

An electron-microscope study of Gonyaulax polyedra , a holophytic marine dinoflagellate which is bioluminescent, has revealed 2 structures not previously described in free-living dino-flagellates: a polyvesicular body occuring at intervals along the cell9s periphery, and a large spherical body which may function in intracelluar digestion. Coated vesicles were found in the nuclear-Golgi region. Chloroplast lamellae were widely and regularly spaced in portions of the chloroplasts at the interior of cells harvested during the light period of the culture cycle. The lamellae were closer together and not so regularly arrayed in peripherally located chloroplast branches, or in chloroplasts harvested during the dark period. Other aspects of the ultrastructure of G. polyedra are described and discussed.
PATERNITY ANALYSIS OF OPEN- AND CONTROL-POLLINATED SEEDS COLLECTED FROM A SEED ORCHARD OF PINUS TABULAEFORMIS

Aims Our objective was to develop theory for design and reestablishment of high-generation seed orchard by discussing the relationships between pollen dispersal distances and genetic composition of seed orchard progeny under open-and control-pollinated situations. Methods Open-and control-pollinated seeds were collected from two maternal trees. Microsatellites markers (SSRs) were used in paternity analysis. A total of 281 progenies were analyzed, of which the paternity could be accurately identified for just 126. Paternity inference was conducted using CERVUS software. Important findings Analysis of open-pollinated seeds of two clones, Nos.11 and 24, showed the effective dispersal distance of pollen is within 30 m and the longest dispersal distance is 85 m. 11.1%–12.8% of pollen-father comes within a radius of 10 m from the seed tree, 37.0%–40.4% within 10–20 m and 17.2%–22.2% within a radius of 20-30 m. In order to discover the key factor to selection fertilization, the paternity analysis of control-pollinated seeds for two clones, Nos.11 and 24, was estimated too. Four clones. Nos. 50, 7, 25 and 33, applied 50.62% and 61.54% pollen to control-pollinated seeds collected from two mother trees, but the reason is not yet clear. We analyzed the influence of pollen size, weight and vigor on selection fertilization, but no significant correlation was found. We suggested detailed study of influence of pollen-tube growth rate on selection fertilization.
HgS and HgS/CdS Colloidal Quantum Dots with Infrared Intraband Transitions and Emergence of a Surface Plasmon

HgS colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are synthesized at room temperature using a dual-phase method. The HgS CQDs ranging from 3 to 15 nm exhibit air-stable n-doping and infrared intraband absorptions. For HgS CQDs of small sizes, the doping density is close to 2 electrons per dot, while for larger ones, their intraband absorption peaks shift to as far as 10 μm and exhibit Lorentzian line shapes. Under reducing potentials, these long-wavelength absorption peaks increase in strength and blue shift. This behavior can be explained through a classical model of the local field, showing how the degenerate single-electron transitions shift to a frequency that is the quadratic mean of the individual transition and a surface plasmon coming from a number of oscillators. This indicates that the intraband absorption of large, n-doped HgS CQDs is therefore becoming a surface plasmon. The same synthetic method works for HgS/CdS core/shells. Encapsulating HgS in a CdS shell removes the natural n-doping of the HgS cores, res...
Effect of operation pressure on the specific impulse of tactical missile solid motors

The effect of operation pressure on the specific impulse of tactical missile solid motors is analyzed from several factors, such as characteristic velocity, thrust coefficient, impulse coefficients of the chamber and nozzle. Two examples are provided for verifying the analyzed result. Finally, some suggestions and design principles are given for reference to relevant engineering design.
Neurochemical changes during discontinuation of lithium prophylaxis. II. Alterations in platelet serotonin function.

Pour clarifier l'effet du traitement a long terme du lithium, la captation de la serotonine, la fixation d'imipramine marquee, et le contenu en serotonine des plaquettes sanguines ont ete etudies chez des patients recevant un traitement chronique par le lithium, pendant et apres traitement. Apres arret du lithium on observe une baisse de la captation de serotonine et une augmentation du contenu en serotonine des plaquettes de facon inversement proportionnelle a la duree du traitement
Patient response to sleep apnea screening in a dental practice.

Objective This study investigated patient response to a recommendation for physician evaluation following screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a dental practice. Methods In a community-based dental practice in Raleigh, North Carolina, 119 patients were recruited by nonprobability purposive sampling and administered both a validated subjective (STOP questionnaire) and objective (pulse oximeter) screening instrument for OSA. Patients who screened high-risk for OSA on either instrument were recommended to consult their physician within three months. All patients were contacted via telephone after three months to determine if they had consulted a physician regarding their screening results. Multivariate log-binomial models estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95 percent confidence limits (95% CL) for physician consultation according to OSA risk, adjusting for potential confounders. Results Overall, 18.5 percent of patients screened high-risk on the STOP questionnaire alone, 26.1 percent on pulse oximetry alone, and 31.9 percent on both instruments. Follow-up of 111 subjects (93.3%) found that 40 (47.1%) of those high-risk for OSA on one or both instruments sought physician evaluation. Patients who screened high-risk on pulse oximetry were 2.55 times as likely to seek physician evaluation compared with those who screened low-risk on both instruments (PR = 2.55, 95% CL: 1.02, 6.37). Screening high-risk on the STOP questionnaire did not significantly increase the likelihood of physician evaluation. Conclusions Nearly, half of dental patients who screen high-risk for OSA may be responsive to a recommendation to seek physician evaluation.
Learning and Evolution in Games: An Overview

The theory of learning and evolution in games provides models of disequilibrium behaviour in strategic settings. Much of the theory focuses on whether and when disequilibrium behaviour will resolve in equilibrium play, and, if it does, on predicting which equilibrium will be played. But the theory also offers techniques for characterizing perpetual disequilibrium play.
Equity Structure of Noncorporate Entities

This article identifies and classifies various types of equity structures of noncorporate entities. It recognizes that equity structures fall into two general groups: allocation-dependent structures and distribution-dependent structures. The article describes the differences between those two general groups of structures and the typical types of structures within each of those groups. As noncorporate entities continue to gain prominence more and more such entities appear to be adopting distribution-dependent structures. Such structures can become quite complex, often incorporating finance concepts. The article therefore provides the financial tools needed to properly understand the more complex structures, especially those that incorporate internal rate of return (“IRR”) and Microsoft Excel’s XIRR function. After identifying some of the shortcomings that can appear in such structures, the article recommends a better way to incorporate IRR in situations where business owners insist upon using it. Finally, the article briefly discusses some of the basic tax issues that distribution-dependent equity structures raise.
STARTER CULTURES FOR CHEDDAR CHEESE1,2,3

Summary Starter bacteria play very important roles in the cheese vat including major contributions to flavor development and control of harmful microorganisms; hence, starter production is the single most important operation in Cheddar cheese production. Thus, the proper selection, blending, preservation, and packaging of starter strains by the culture suppliers and the adoption of strict sanitation, temperature control, and standardized procedures in cheese plants for bulk starter production would contribute toward ensuring a sound and unfailing starter program in the cheese industry.