cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The ultrastructure and organization of methionine-enkephalin immunoreactive profiles in the interpeduncular nucleus of the cat

An ultrastructural analysis of the dorso-intermediate (CDIZ) and dorso-median zones (CDMZ) at the caudal end of the interpeduncular nucleus was undertaken. Serial vibratome sections were stained for met-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity by using the indirect antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase method of Sternberger, and ultrathin sections were examined electron microscopically. Met-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity was observed in two different types of somata in the two regions. The dendritic architecture of the dorso-intermediate zone was characterized by the presence of many dendritic crests. A large number of these dendritic crests were immunostained for met-enkephalin. A variety of terminals was also seen in the CDIZ and CDMZ and they are categorized according to their vesicular morphology into three classes. One class contained mainly clear round vesicles. The met-enkephalin-like immunoreactive (MELI) terminal profiles in both regions were of this class and contained small round vesicles which were less than 35 nm in diameter. These MELI terminals appeared in significant numbers, sometimes in close proximity to unlabeled somata and dendrites. The dorso-median zone had, in addition, two more classes of terminals. One class was characterized by a large number of dense-cored vesicles--class II, and the other group had a large proportion of flat clear vesicles--class III. The possible neurochemical identities of some of the unlabeled terminals in relation to the MELI dendritic structures are discussed in the light of known neurochemically established afferent projections to the CDIZ and CDMZ of the interpeduncular nucleus.
Universal auto-calibration for a rapid battery impedance spectrum measurement device

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been shown to be a valuable tool for diagnostics and prognostics of energy storage devices such as batteries and ultra-capacitors. Although measurements have been typically confined to laboratory environments, rapid impedance spectrum measurement techniques have been developed for on-line, embedded applications as well. The prototype hardware for the rapid technique has been validated using lithium-ion batteries, but issues with calibration had also been identified. A new, universal automatic calibration technique was developed to address the identified issues while also enabling a more simplified approach. A single, broad-frequency range is used to calibrate the system and then scaled to the actual range and conditions used when measuring a device under test. The range used for calibration must be broad relative to the expected measurement conditions for the scaling to be successful. Validation studies were performed by comparing the universal calibration approach with data acquired from targeted calibration ranges based on the expected range of performance for the device under test. First, a mid-level shunt range was used for calibration and used to measure devices with lower and higher impedance. Next, a high-excitation current level was used for calibration, followed by measurements using lower currents. Finally, calibration was performed over a wide frequency range and used to measure test articles with a lower set of frequencies. In all cases, the universal calibration approach compared very well with results acquired following a targeted calibration. Additionally, the shunts used for the automated calibration technique were successfully characterized such that the rapid impedance measurements compare very well with laboratory-scale measurements. These data indicate that the universal approach can be successfully used for onboard rapid impedance spectra measurements for a broad set of test devices and range of measurement conditions.
Optical spectroscopy for quantitative sensing in human pancreatic tissues

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma has a five-year survival rate of only 6%, largely because current diagnostic methods cannot reliably detect the disease in its early stages. Reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopies have the potential to provide quantitative, minimally-invasive means of distinguishing pancreatic adenocarcinoma from normal pancreatic tissue and chronic pancreatitis. The first collection of wavelength-resolved reflectance and fluorescence spectra and time-resolved fluorescence decay curves from human pancreatic tissues was acquired with clinically-compatible instrumentation. Mathematical models of reflectance and fluorescence extracted parameters related to tissue morphology and biochemistry that were statistically significant for distinguishing between pancreatic tissue types. These results suggest that optical spectroscopy has the potential to detect pancreatic disease in a clinical setting.
Association of alleles with chromosomal complexes in the permanent translocation heterozygote, Oenothera laciniata

Association of alleles with chromosomal complexes in the permanent translocation heterozygote, Oenothera laciniata
Thermo-adaptive functionality of graphene/polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites

Thermo-adaptive materials exhibit transformative structures/properties in response to an external thermal stimulus and thus are very promising for many industrial applications. In this paper, we present a new strategy to develop a thermo-adaptive material using polymer-coated graphene sheets. Nanocomposite platelets were fabricated through multilayer deposition, laser patterning, and lift-off. The resultant micro-platelets rolled up to a microtube structure after they were released from the substrate. They can evolve from a tube to a flat plain sheet structure under heating, and can also roll up to a tube again under cooling. Both experimental and modeling results indicated that the geometrical evolution under a thermal stimulus was significantly dependent on the structure and morphology of the graphene/polymer nanocomposites. The reversible geometric evolution demonstrates a great potential for drug delivery, sensors, and other functional devices.
Strategy for expert system literacy

The growing business community interest and activity in implementing expert systems creates a need for relevant business school educational activity at undergraduate, graduate, and professional development levels. In some cases, expert systems concepts will have to be integrated into existing courses. In other situations new courses will be developed to present the material. Because of the scarcity of appropriately educated faculty, the material will often be presented by instructors with no formal academic background in artificial intelligence or expert system concepts. Thus, there is a need for a flexible, integrated set of educational support materials to allow business schools to update their curricula. The market for such materials is significant. All 230 business schools accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (the AACSB), re required to include information systems content in their curricula. This paper describes a set of educational modules that provide a basis for a brief introduction to the topic, a major course, and an entire quarter/semester presentation. We discuss our experience with educational software and provide recommendations on using it effectively in expert system courses.
The brain α7 nicotinic receptor may be an important therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: studies with DMXBA (GTS-21)

Abstract A large decrease in brain nicotinic receptor levels occurs in Alzheimer's disease, relative to muscarinic and other receptors. Neurons possessing high affinity nicotinic receptors seem particularly vulnerable. The low affinity nicotinic receptors which selectively bind α-bungarotoxin are not significantly affected. The major nicotinic receptor subtype which binds this toxin is a homo-oligomer composed of α7 subunits. Due to its exceptionally high calcium ion selectivity, this particular receptor can be considered as a ligand-gated calcium channel. α7 receptors are found in regions of the brain which are important for cognition, including cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Hippocampal receptors are largely confined to GABAergic interneurons. α7 receptors seem less likely than α4–β2 receptors to be up-regulated in number and down-regulated in function as a result of chronic agonist exposure. A family of nicotinic agonists based upon the marine animal toxin anabaseine have been synthesized and investigated. One of these compounds, DMXBA [3-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)-anabaseine; code name GTS-21] has displayed promising characteristics during phase I clinical tests. In the rat DMXBA is selectively agonistic upon α7 nicotinic receptors. In addition it is a moderately potent antagonist at α4–β2 receptors. DMXBA enhances a variety of cognitive behaviors in mice, monkeys, rats and rabbits. It also displays neuroprotective activity upon cultured neuronal cells exposed to β-amyloid or deprived of NGF. The compound is much less toxic than nicotine and does not affect autonomic and skeletal muscle systems at doses which enhance cognitive behavior. Phase I clinical tests indicate that large doses can be safely administered orally without adverse effects. Psychological tests on healthy young male subjects indicate a positive effect of DMXBA on some measures of cognition. While DMXBA is a much weaker partial agonist on human α7 receptors than upon rat α7 receptors, its 4-hydroxy metabolite has been shown to have excellent efficacy on both receptors. Thus, some of the physiological and behavioral effects of GTS-21 may be due to the actions of this primary metabolite.
Reducing depot-related costs of large bus operators a case study in Bangkok

Abstract Despite high passenger levels, many bus operators in large cities operate at a loss because of low fares and inefficient operations management. Methods to reduce the operating costs need to be adapted to the operational environment. This paper addresses one such “unproductive” cost: the idle running of buses between depots and routes. Models are developed to tackle the bus allocation problem in which many different brands of buses exist for which maintenance is organised in the depots. Based on an assessment using 1992 data for the city of Bangkok, a hierarchical modelling approach is retained. It is shown that important cost savings can be made.
Mechanisms of the adult respiratory distress syndrome: selectins.

The acute lung injury of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterised by inflammatory cell accumulation and activation in the lung. Selectins are a family of adhesion molecules implicated in leucocyte-endothelial adhesion, whose receptors can exist in a cleaved, soluble form. We investigated whether circulating soluble selectin adhesion molecules, obtained from ARDS at-risk patients, were associated with subsequent ARDS development. Eighty two patients, at risk of ARDS, were enrolled from three well-defined groups (multiple trauma, pancreatitis, perforated bowel). Plasma samples were obtained on hospital presentation and soluble L, E, and P, selectins were quantified with a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fourteen patients subsequently developed ARDS. Initial plasma soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin) levels were significantly lower in patients who progressed to ARDS compared to those who did not (p = 0.0001 ; 95% CI for mean in ARDS patients as percent of that in non-ARDS patients, 27-61%). Moreover concentrations were lower than in 62 normal volunteers (range 0.37-6.55, median 1.83 μg/mL, n=62), suggesting that a selective reduction of sL-selectin correlates with susceptibility. In addition, a significant correlation was found between low values of sL-selectin and indices of subsequent lung injury including requirement for ventilation (p = 0.0001) and degree of respiratory failure (p = 0.0001). A significant correlation was also found between low values of sL-selectin and patient mortality (p = 0.002). These results elucidate the inflammatory cell endothelial interactions in the early stages of ARDS and may be of prognostic value. (Lancet 1994 ;344 :215-9)
Behavior of cold-formed steel built-up I-sections

Abstract An experimental investigation was conducted to study the behavior of built-up cold-formed steel studs and to assess the current design provisions of the North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members. Typical applications include framing for windows, doorways, shear walls, and multi-story cold-formed steel framed buildings in which the lower floor utilizes built-up studs to carry the load. The built-up studs in this study consisted of two C-sections oriented back-to-back forming an I-shaped cross-section. For each specimen, the studs were connected to each other with two self-drilling screws spaced at a set interval. A cold-formed steel track section was connected running perpendicular to each end of the built-up stud with a single self-drilling screw through each flange of the C-sections. The purpose of the track section was to keep the ends of the studs together and represents a common end attachment. As a result of the investigation, the current design requirements were found to be conservative in predicting the ultimate capacity of built-up studs.
Clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic indicators of the development of progressive acute graft-versus-host disease.

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality following bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The goal of this study of 69 cyclosporin-treated, allogeneic BMT patients was to identify early clinical, laboratory, or histopathologic indicators of the development of progressive, fatal GvHD. Peak values within 100 d of allogeneic BMT for total bilirubin, stool volume in a day, clinical stage of cutaneous GvHD (based on extent of rash), and overall clinical stage of GvHD (based on a combination of graft-versus-host reactions in the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract) were most useful (p less than 0.05, by logistic regression) in identifying those patients with clinically progressive and fatal GvHD. Peak values for each of these parameters were reached an average of 40 d or less after BMT. Each unit increase in peak clinical stage of rash (e.g., stage 2 versus stage 3) was associated with an odds ratio incremental risk of 5.8 for clinical progression of GvHD, and each tenfold increase in peak total bilirubin (e.g., 2 mg/dl versus 20 mg/dl) or stool output in a day (e.g., 100 cm3/d versus 1000 cm3/d) was associated with an incremental risk of 8.4 and 10.6, respectively, for a fatal outcome from GvHD. Number of exocytosed lymphocytes and dyskeratotic epidermal keratinocytes (DEK) per linear millimeter of epidermis, the presence of follicular involvement, and the degree of dermal perivascular lymphocytic infiltration in 121 skin biopsy specimens were not associated with the development of progressive or fatal GvHD. Pretransplant total body irradiation was associated (p = 0.03, by Mann-Whitney U testing) with an increased number of DEK in skin biopsy specimens taken less than 20 d after BMT. This study demonstrates that monitoring of total bilirubin, stool output, extent of rash, and overall clinical stage of GvHD is most useful during the first 40 d after BMT in formulating the prognosis of early acute GvHD in allogeneic BMT patients receiving cyclosporin.
Gene transfer to interfere with TNFα signaling in neuropathic pain

We examined the role of spinal tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) in neuropathic pain of peripheral nerve origin. Two weeks after selective L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL), rats exhibiting mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia showed a marked increase in full-length membrane-associated TNFalpha (mTNFalpha) in the dorsal horn of spinal cord, in the absence of detectable soluble TNFalpha peptide. Local release of the soluble p55 TNF receptor, achieved by herpes simplex virus vector-based gene transfer to dorsal root ganglion, resulted in a reduction of mTNFalpha and concomitant reductions in interleukin-1beta and phosphorylated p38 MAP kinase. Subcutaneous inoculation of soluble p55 TNF receptor expressing HSV vector into the plantar surface of the hind foot ipsilateral to the ligation 1 week before SNL delayed the development of both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia; subcutaneous inoculation into the hind foot ipsilateral to the ligation 1 week after SNL resulted in a statistically significant reduction in mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia that was apparent 1 week after inoculation. These results suggest a novel 'reverse signaling' through glial mTNFalpha, which may be exploited to downregulate the neuroimmune reaction in spinal cord to reduce chronic neuropathic pain.
Allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. Is there a connection between allergy and infection

PREVIEWEach year allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis account for millions of office visits and billions of dollars spent on prescription and nonprescription drugs. Although the causes and symptoms of these two ailments differ, there is evidence that they are linked. The authors explain how effective control of allergy symptoms can reduce the incidence and severity of rhinosinusitis.
Intramuscular methylprednisolone acetate for the prevention of relapse in acute asthma

Study objective: To examine the hypothesis that an IM long-acting steroid injection will decrease the relapse rate of asthma patients. Design: A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: The emergency department of an urban academic medical center. Type of participants: Acute asthma patients aged 18 to 45 years who were treated successfully in the ED. Interventions: Participants received either IM saline placebo or 240 mg methylprednisolone acetate suspension at the time of discharge. Measurements and main outcome: Relapse, defined as the need to seek nonroutine medical care for asthma within seven days of discharge, was the main outcome measure. Of 70 patients entered, 56 (80%) completed follow-up, including 30 in the steroid group and 26 in the placebo group. The groups had similar characteristics and peak expiratory flow values on arrival and at discharge. Relapse occurred in two steroid patients (6.7%) and eight placebo recipients (30.8%) ( P Conclusion: IM long-acting steroids reduced the rate of relapse in patients with acute asthma.
Current status of chronic analgesic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug nephropathy.

The long-term use of analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) results in distinct renal abnormalities. The principal lesions induced by both groups is a tubulointerstitial nephropathy which, in the case of analgesics, results in renal papillary necrosis and progressive chronic re
Kinetics of Thermal Gas-Phase Isomerizations and Fragmentations of cis- and trans-1-(E)-Propenyl-2-methylcyclobutanes at 275 °C

Kinetic studies of the thermal isomerization and fragmentation reactions exhibited by cis- and trans-1-(E)-propenyl-2-methylcyclobutanes at 275 °C in the gas phase have provided first-order rate constants for cis,trans interconversions of the cyclobutanes, 1,3-carbon migrations leading to 3,4- and 3,6-dimethylcyclohexenes, isomerizations providing directly and indirectly four acyclic dienes, and fragmentations to ethylene, propene, and mixtures of pentadienes and hexadienes. Both cis and trans isomers of 1-(E)-propenyl-2-methylcyclobutane form trans-3,4-dimethylcyclohexene faster than they are converted to cis-3,4-dimethylcyclohexene; the trans reactant gives rise to cis-3,6-dimethylcyclohexene in preference to its trans isomer, while the cis starting material gives neither at measurable rates; both form the relatively minor product 1,6-(Z)-octadiene. The rate constants derived from 35 kinetic runs starting with four distinct 1-(E)-propenyl-2-methylcyclobutane samples are consistent to within narrow error...
Low-temperature transient thermal anomalies in vitreous quartz

Fast-time (10–100 microseconds) heat-pulse methods have been employed to obtain simultaneously the specific heats and thermal diffusivities of vitreous quartz at low temperatures. The experiments were designed to look for a time dependence in the specific heat as predicted by the tunneling model used to describe the low-temperature thermal properties of amorphous materials. No time dependence was observed over the range 0.6 to 3.4 kelvins when the pulses were analyzed using the response predicted by standard heat-diffusion theory. However, a large, reproducible, and systematic dependence on the input energy of the heat pulse was observed in the measured properties of our samples.
Oral cancer inhibition by micronutrients. The experimental basis for clinical trials.

Abstract Extensive research has been carried out in experimental animals to demonstrate the anticancer activity of retinoids, carotenoids and tocopherol on oral cancer and oral precancerous leukoplakia. The anticancer properties of these micronutrients have been studied in experiments dealing with inhibition of carcinogenesis, prevention of oral cancer development and regression of established oral carcinoma. Synergism has been demonstrated in the anticancer activity of beta carotene and alpha tocopherol. Synergism has also been demonstrated between beta carotene and anticancer alkylating agents such as melphalan and cyclophosphamide. Micronutrients such as beta carotene have been found to inhibit both major phases of carcinogenesis—initiation and promotion. Animal studies of oral cancer inhibition, prevention and regression have been substantiated by tissue culture studies, using animal and human derived oral cancer cell lines and normal epithelial cells. Mechanisms of the anticancer activity of the micronutrients on experimental oral cancer have been explored. They include stimulation of elements of the immune system to kill cancer cells, and enhanced expression of heat-shock proteins and repressor genes such as P 53.
Interaction of substance P with tubulin

Binding of the peptide neurotransmitter substance P to brain tubulin in vitro inhibits self-assembly of the protein into microtubules and disrupts preassembled microtubules. This cooperative inhibition of the maximum extent of self-assembly by substance P is explicable in terms of preferential binding to the protomer state as compared to the polymer state of tubulin. The inhibition is relieved by the microtubule-associated protein MAP2, which evidently acts in a mixed competitive-noncompetitive fashion. Substance P interacts directly with the isolated C-terminal 4-kDa peptide fragment of tubulin, which appears to contain the specific binding area for MAP2, but is without effect on the self-assembly of the larger (48-kDa) part of the tubulin molecule called S-tubulin. The results are consistent with the C-terminal fragment having a binding site for the cationic substance P as well as for MAP2. However, factors other than electrostatic interaction must be operative, since the sulfoxide of substance P, a derivative with oxidized methionine but similar electrostatic characteristics, is inactive in inhibiting the extent of microtubule assembly.
A polynomial-time algorithm for optimizing channel selection in Cognitive Radio Networks

Cognitive Radio Network (CRN) technology allows secondary users (SUs) to transmit data exploiting the wireless resources not utilized by licensed primary users (PUs). Channel exploration by SUs for finding transmission opportunities incurs non-negligible costs and is a key challenge in successful operation of CRN. In this paper, we investigate the joint effect of channel exploration order and stopping rule for channel selection with the goal of maximizing SUs' throughput. The main contribution of this paper is the near optimal exploration order and optimal stopping rule, paired with a new and more general characterization of PUs' traffic configurations in CRN. The proposed algorithm uses an analytical model that incorporates channel and PUs' activity history to make the best decision at each decision point, according to the current SUs' exploration results. The simulation study shows that the proposed algorithm significantly improves the SUs' throughput over the existing methods. The proposed optimal stopping algorithm runs in polynomial-time, which is another major contribution of this paper, since it is a significant complexity reduction from the typical exponential order of backward induction algorithms.
Object/relational mapping 2008: hibernate and the entity data model (edm)

Object/Relational Mapping (ORM) provides a methodology and mechanism for object-oriented systems to hold their long-term data safely in a database, with transactional control over it, yet have it expressed when needed in program objects. Instead of bundles of special code for this, ORM encourages models and use of constraints for the application, which then runs in a context set up by the ORM. Today's web applications are particularly well-suited to this approach, as they are necessarily multithreaded and thus are prone to race conditions unless the interaction with the database is very carefully implemented. The ORM approach was first realized in Hibernate, an open source project for Java systems started in 2002, and this year is joined by Microsoft's Entity Data Model for .NET systems. Both are described here.
Comparison of three directly coupled HPLC MS/MS strategies for identification of proteins from complex mixtures: single-dimension LC-MS/MS, 2-phase MudPIT, and 3-phase MudPIT

Abstract One of the most effective methods for the direct identification of proteins from complex mixtures without first having to resolve them by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is to separate proteolytically generated peptides by microcapillary HPLC and then collect data directly on the eluent using a tandem mass spectrometer. Multidimensional HPLC separation techniques provide access to even more complex mixtures of proteins. A set of techniques for multidimensional analysis was developed in our lab; collectively they are known as multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT). These strategies employ a biphasic column with a section of reversed phase (RP) material flanked by strong cation exchange (SCX) resin and allow for multidimensional separation of peptides. A variation on MudPIT adds an additional section of RP material behind the SCX and RP. This 3-phase column can be used for “online” desalting of the sample. We compare the analysis of a complex mixture of proteins purified by their association with bovine brain microtubules using a single-dimension LC-MS/MS column, a 2-phase (standard) MudPIT column, and a 3-phase MudPIT column. We find that the 3-phase MudPIT column yields a greater number of protein identifications for this test sample and allows data to be collected on a set of hydrophilic peptides not sampled using the 2-phase MudPIT column.
Fewer CTL, not enhanced NK cells, are sufficient for viral clearance from the lungs of immunocompromised mice

Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) causes numerous defects in anti-viral immunity, including suppressed CTL generation and impaired host resistance. However, despite a reduced CTL response, mice that survive infection clear the virus. Therefore, we examined the contribution of NK cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines to viral clearance in influenza virus-infected mice exposed to TCDD, the most potent AhR agonist. Infection caused transient increases in pulmonary TNFalpha, IL-1, and IFNalpha/beta levels, but neither the kinetics nor magnitude of this response was affected by AhR activation. No IL-18 was detected at any time point examined. Exposure to TCDD enhanced NK cell numbers in the lung but did not affect their IFNgamma production. Furthermore, depletion of NK cells did not alter anti-viral cytolytic activity. In contrast, removal of CD8+ T cells ablated virus-specific cytolytic activity. These results demonstrate that the pulmonary CTL response to influenza virus is robust and few CTL are necessary for viral clearance.
Patient preference in the decision to place implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) reduce mortality in certain patients with symptomatic heart failure and no history of sudden cardiac death (SCD).1 This trial evidence has led to guidelines recommending placement of an ICD for primary SCD prevention in patients with heart failure meeting specific criteria.2 More patients are receiving ICD therapy as indications for this therapy have expanded.3 However, ICDs are associated with important risks, including short-term procedural complications, the potential for worse quality of life if shocked, and increased hospitalization rates.4,5 Not surprisingly, patient preferences around ICD therapy vary.5 Patients who are older, have multiple comorbidities, or live with a higher burden of daily symptoms may see a trade-off between sudden cardiac death and living longer.6 In some cases, a patient’s decision to forgo ICD therapy may create a conflict between the physician’s desire to do good (beneficence) and the patient’s preference (autonomy). We conducted a study to determine how physicians weigh patient preferences and the evidence of mortality benefit in their decision to recommend an ICD for primary prevention to potentially eligible patients.
Electrical manipulation of spin -orbit coupling in semiconductor heterostructures

The spin-orbit interaction offers an avenue for the electrical generation and manipulation of electron spin polarization in semiconductors without magnetic materials or magnetic fields. In semiconductor heterostructures, the spin-orbit coupling modifies the electron g factor and introduces momentum-dependent spin splittings. In addition, spin-orbit coupling enables the electrical generation of spin polarization through these spin splittings and the spin Hall effect. Here we present an overview of recent measurements of spin dynamics, spin splittings, and electrically generated spin polarization. We demonstrate manipulation of the spin-orbit coupling using electric and magnetic fields to change the orbital motion of the electrons and using strain and quantum confinement to tune the spin splittings in semiconductor heterostructures.
Atomic and electronic structure of Fe films grown on Pd{001}

The atomic and electronic structure of Fe films grown on Pd{l brace}001{r brace} is investigated by means of low-energy electron diffraction and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). The films grow pseudomorphically, probably by way of nucleation and growth of flat islands, which ultimately coalesce to form continuous Fe{l brace}001{r brace} films. The structure of these continuous films, if grown at slow rates (of the order of 0.1 A/min), is body-centered tetragonal and is shown to be a distortion from the stable bcc structure of Fe: the in-plane lattice constant is 2.75 A, as dictated by the Pd{l brace}001{r brace} substrate, and the bulk interlayer spacing is 1.50--1.53 A. In 10--12-layer films the first interlayer spacing is expanded by 3.6% above bulk, but with increasing thickness that spacing contracts progressively to about 6.3% below the bulk value in 40--50-layer films. Films as thick as 60--70 layers can be grown pseudomorphically at slow rates despite the large misfit (4.2%) between bcc Fe{l brace}001{r brace} and fcc Pd{l brace}001{r brace}. ARPES data indicate that these films are electronically indistinguishable from bulk bcc Fe. Thick (about 200-layer) films grown at fast rates are essentially bcc, with in-plane lattice constants of 2.87 A, but with slightlymore » expanded (3%) interlayer spacing, attributed to the presence of carbon impurities.« less
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Zirconium and Hafnium Imido Metalloporphyrins

The zirconium and hafnium porphyrin imido complexes (TTP)MNAriPr [TTP = meso-tetra-p-tolylporphyrinato dianion, M = Zr (1), Hf (2), AriPr = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl] were synthesized from (TTP)MCl2 and 2 equiv of LiNHAriPr. The zirconium imido complex, (TTP)ZrNAriPr, was also obtained from the preformed imido complex Zr(NAriPr)Cl2(THF)2 and (TTP)Li2(THF)2. Treatment of (TTP)HfCl2 with excess LiNH(p-MeC6H4) resulted in the formation of a bis(amido) complex, (TTP)Hf(NH-p-MeC6H4)2 (3), instead of an imido complex. In the presence of excess aniline, 2 formed an equilibrium mixture of bis(amido) compounds, (TTP)Hf(NHPh)(NHAriPr) and (TTP)Hf(NHPh)2. The nucleophilic character of the imido moiety is exhibited by its reaction with tBuNCO, producing isolable N,O-bound ureato metallacycles. The kinetic product obtained with zirconium, (TTP)Zr(η2-NAriPrC(NtBu)O) (4a), isomerized to (TTP)Zr(η2-NtBuC(NAriPr)O) (4b) in solution. Upon being heated to 80 °C, 4a produced the carbodiimide AriPrNCNtBu and a transient Zr(IV) ox...
Headspace-gas chromatography: The influence of sample volume on analytical results

The role of the volume of the sample and the sample vial in equilibrium headspace-gas chromatography is discussed. A new term, thesample phase fraction (ΦS) is introduced. It is shown that if the value of ΦS is kept constant, the vial's volume has no influence on the “sensitivity” of the headspace analysis (which is proportional to the concentration of the analyte in the headspace). In a given headspace sampling system, concentration of the compound of interest in the headspace (cG*) at equilibrium is related to the value of ΦS: a higher ΦS will increase cG*. However, the influence is important only in the case of low distribution coefficients: in the case of higher distribution coefficients this influence is negligible. This conclusion is also true for small changes in the sample volume in duplicate analyses: exact reproducibility of the sample volume is important only in the case of low distribution coefficient values.
System analysts' orientations and perceptions of system failure

Abstract System analysts approach tasks with different orientations to their actions. Likewise, system failures are perceived to be because of a variety of causes. A survey of 239 analysts is conducted to explore the similarities between these orientations and perceptions of failure reasons. The findings indicate that analysts’ perceptions of failure reasons and their approach to development fall along similar lines. This trait enables information system management to select project teams to help avoid failures. The variety of orientations needed for success can be chosen from within the organization or training of analysts can be targeted more effectively to consider missing elements based on current orientations.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: Convergence of γ-Aminobutyric Acid and Glutamate Alterations

Impairments in certain cognitive functions mediated by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, such as working memory, are core features of schizophrenia. Convergent findings suggest that these disturbances are associated with alterations in markers of inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid and excitatory glutamate neurotransmission in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Specifically, reduced gamma-aminobutyric acid synthesis is present in the subpopulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid neurons that express the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin. Despite presynaptic and postsynaptic compensatory responses, the resulting impaired inhibitory regulation of pyramidal neurons contributes to a reduction in the synchronized neuronal activity that is required for working memory function. Several lines of evidence suggest that these changes may be either secondary to or exacerbated by impaired signaling via the N-methyl-d-aspartate class of glutamate receptors. These findings suggest specific targets for therapeutic interventions to improve cognitive function in individuals with schizophrenia.
A mechanism for forming deep cracks in comets

Abstract A low temperature structural change in amorphous water ice, the high density to low density amorphous transition, is proposed as a mechanism for the formation of deep cracks in cometary nuclei. Such cracks are proposed to underlie active vents in the cometary crust and to play a role in the splitting of cometary nuclei.
Short-term sandbar variability based on video imagery: Comparison between Time-Average and Time-Variance techniques

Abstract Time–exposure intensity (averaged) images are commonly used to locate the nearshore sandbar position (xb), based on the cross-shore locations of maximum pixel intensity (xi) of the bright bands in the images. It is not known, however, how the breaking patterns seen in Variance images (i.e. those created through standard deviation of pixel intensity over time) are related to the sandbar locations. We investigated the suitability of both Time–exposure and Variance images for sandbar detection within a multiple bar system on the southern coast of Brazil, and verified the relation between wave breaking patterns, observed as bands of high intensity in these images and cross-shore profiles of modeled wave energy dissipation (xD). Not only is Time–exposure maximum pixel intensity location (xi-Ti) well related to xb, but also to the maximum pixel intensity location of Variance images (xi-Va), although the latter was typically located 15 m offshore of the former. In addition, xi-Va was observed to be better associated with xD even though xi-Ti is commonly assumed as maximum wave energy dissipation. Significant wave height (Hs) and water level (η) were observed to affect the two types of images in a similar way, with an increase in both Hs and η resulting in xi shifting offshore. This η-induced xi variability has an opposite behavior to what is described in the literature, and is likely an indirect effect of higher waves breaking farther offshore during periods of storm surges. Multiple regression models performed on xi, Hs and η allowed the reduction of the residual errors between xb and xi, yielding accurate estimates with most residuals less than 10 m. Additionally, it was found that the sandbar position was best estimated using xi-Ti (xi-Va) when xb was located shoreward (seaward) of its mean position, for both the first and the second bar. Although it is unknown whether this is an indirect hydrodynamic effect or is indeed related to the morphology, we found that this behavior can be explored to optimize sandbar estimation using video imagery, even in the absence of hydrodynamic data.
Asymptotic Formula for the Coordinates of the Zeros of Sections of the Zeta Function, ζN(s), Near s = 1

Abstract The sum, Σ1Nn-8 = ζN(s), s = σ + it, is called a section of the Riemann zeta function, ζ(s). Here an asymptotic formula, for large N, giving the location of the zeros of ζN(s) near s = 1 will be demonstrated. In particular these zeros will lie in σ < 1. Relationships between the location of the zeros of ζN(s) and the zeros of ζ(s) were discovered by Turan. The location in σ < 1 will also be demonstrated directly, without the asymptotic formula, together with results valid also when s - 1 is not small.
The diffusion of moisture in sorbent solids part II. activated alumina

Ordinary and thermal diffusion of moisture in activated alumina are investigated using a new diffusion cell design and scheme of analysis reported earlier. The specific form of the mass flux equation has a pronounced effect on the magnitude of the associated thermal diffusion ratio. In the case of activated alumina-moist air, if a partial pressure gradient is used, then the thermal diffusion term is small if not zero. Free, Knudsen and surface diffusion all play a part in the diffusion through activated alumina. However, surface diffusion makes the major contribution and for this reason the model in this case can be simplified to a two parameter surface model. The activation energy for surface diffusion is constant and is approximately equal to the mean isosteric heat of absorption. In addition, mean pore radius, turtuosity, and other physical constants are computed from the least square fit of experimental data. Furthermore, the model is theoretically consistent over the entire concentration range (0≦ CA ≦ CAsat). A new fact about activated alumina (Grade F1) it that it does not transfer moisture in a nonisothermal condition so long as the partial pressures of moisture on the two sides of the pellet are the same. There appears to be no previous report of this fact in the periodical literature.
FCER2: A pharmacogenetic basis for severe exacerbations in children with asthma

Background Although inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) generally protect against severe exacerbations in asthma, they may result in elevated IgE levels, which are associated with exacerbations. Objective To determine whether variation in the low-affinity IgE receptor gene, FCER2 , is associated with severe exacerbations defined as emergency department visits and/or hospitalizations in patients with asthma on ICSs. Methods We resequenced, then genotyped 10 FCER2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 311 children randomized to inhaled budesonide as part of the Childhood Asthma Management Program. We evaluated the association of FCER2 variants with IgE levels and presence or absence of severe exacerbations over the 4-year clinical trial. We also evaluated differences in cellular expression of the novel FCER2 SNP, T2206C. Results In white subjects, 3 FCER2 SNPs were significantly associated ( P P = .004). T2206C was also associated with decreased FCER2 expression ( P = .02). Conclusion FCER2 predicts the likelihood of treatment protocol success in asthma. The associations of T2206C with IgE level, severe exacerbations, and FCER2 expression may provide a mechanistic basis for the observed findings. Clinical implications Genetic variation in FCER2 may help form a prognostic model for ICS response in asthma.
Effect of slip boundary condition on flow computation in the presence of rotational body forces

Abstract The slip boundary condition often used in numerical computation of flow problems is examined to find its influence on the solution when there is a rotational body force field. Two specific examples are considered having different force distributions that are generated electromagnetically. The numerical study shows that in a fluid region weakly affected by the body force, a slip wall can be used to approximate a realistic no-slip solid surface if the reynolds number is reasonably large. On the other hand, in a region where the body force has a strong effect, a no-slip wall may never be replaced by a slip wall even if the Reynolds number is extremely high.
TPO based nanocomposites. Part 2. Thermal expansion behavior

The linear thermal expansion behavior of thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO, nanocomposites based on a polypropylene/elastomer/masterbatch mixture was examined using a thermomechanical analyzer (TMA). For these experiments the masterbatch consisted of a mixture of organoclay and maleated polypropylene. The nanocomposites were prepared in a twin-screw extruder. The effects of both the elastomer domains and the filler particles on the thermal expansion behavior of the nanocomposites were investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The addition of elastomer tends to increase the linear coefficient of thermal expansion, CTE. On the other hand, the addition of clay significantly reduces the thermal expansion in both the flow (FD) and transverse directions (TD) of injection molded specimens; however, the extent of reduction of CTE in the FD is much greater than in the TD. The CTE in the normal direction (ND) increases when either the clay or elastomer content is increased. The trends in thermal expansion for the nanocomposites are discussed in terms of the morphology of both dispersed clay and elastomer phases based on TEM and AFM observations and subsequent particle analyses.
The therapeutic values of plants.

(2005). The therapeutic values of plants. Pediatric Rehabilitation: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 235-237.
A stochastic approach for modeling incident gust effects on flow quantities

Abstract The uncertainty in gust loads on a rigid, flat-plate airfoil at zero angle-of-attack due to imprecise knowledge of the gust parameters is quantified. The loads are computed using the unsteady vortex lattice model, which includes temporal variations in wake vorticity and the associated downwash on the airfoil. The non-intrusive formulation of the polynomial chaos expansion in terms of the multivariate Hermite polynomials is employed to quantify the uncertainty in the predicted unsteady lift. The expansion coefficients were estimated through Latin hypercube sampling of the parameters in the vertical and streamwise gust spectra. The first-order chaos expansion in terms of the uncertain spectral parameters was found to be sufficient for representing the stochastic aerodynamic lift, which was found to be most sensitive to imprecision in the standard deviation of the vertical component of the gust. These conclusions were found to be unaffected by ignoring the effects of gusts on the locations of the shed vortices in the airfoil’s wake.
Prediction of the pKa’s of Aqueous Metal Ion +2 Complexes

Aqueous metal ions play an important role in many areas of chemistry. The acidities of [Be(H2O)4](2+), [M(H2O)6](2+), M = Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Hg(2+), and [M(H2O)n](2+), M = Ca(2+) and Sr(2+), n = 7 and 8, complexes have been predicted using density functional theory, second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2), and coupled cluster CCSD(T) theory in the gas phase. pKa's in aqueous solution were predicted by using self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) calculations with different solvation models. The most common binding motif of the majority of the metal +2 complexes is coordination number (CN) 6, with each hexaaquo cluster having reasonably high symmetry for the best arrangement of the water molecules in the first solvation shell. Be(2+) is tetracoordinated, but a second solvation shell of 8 waters is needed to predict the pKa. The Ca(2+) and Sr(2+) aquo clusters have a coordination number of 7 or 8 as found in terms of the energy of the reaction M(H2O)7(2+) + H2O → M(H2O)8(2+) and the pKa values. The calculated geometries are in reasonable agreement with experiment. The SCRF calculations with the conductor-like screening model (COSMO), and the conductor polarized continuum model (CPCM) using COSMO-RS radii, consistently agree best with experiment at the MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ and CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVDZ levels of theory. The CCSD(T) level provides the most accurate pKa's, and the MP2 level also provides reliable predictions. Our predictions were used to elucidate the properties of metal +2 ion complexes. The pKa predictions provide confirmation of the size of the first solvation shell sizes. The calculations show that it is still difficult to predict pKa's using this cluster/implicit solvent approach to better than 1 pKa unit.