cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modern tools for precise γ-ray spectrometry with Ge detectors

Abstract Over the past few years, several data evaluations and method developments have improved the capability to do precise γ-ray spectrometry and some of these are described here. For energy calibration, an evaluation of a large set of consistent γ-ray energies, generally with uncertainties of less than 10 ppm, has been published. A program to produce high-quality, well-documented decay data is the Decay Data Evaluation Project (DDEP) which is an informal collaboration of evaluators from six countries with the goal of producing evaluations of the decay data for about 250 nuclides of interest in various applications. As an aid in more precise efficiency calibration, new measurements have improved the relative emission probabilities for the strong γ rays from the decay of 56 Co and 66 Ga which extend up to 4.8 MeV. Also, new studies have demonstrated the use of Monte Carlo calculations along with measured data in the determination of efficiency curves at a precision approaching 0.1% over an extended energy range. A Catalogue of new γ-ray spectra, the associated decay schemes, and the energies and emission probabilities is being made available on the Internet.
Subversive Genealogy : The Politics and Art of Herman Melville

In this major reconsideration of Herman Melville's life and work, Michael Rogin shows that Melville's novels are connected both to the important issues of his time and to the exploits of his patrician and politically prominent family.
Turbo Equalization with Prediction and Iterative Estimation of Time-Varying Frequency-Selective Channels

Turbo equalization that cooperates with channel prediction and iterative channel estimation is investigated for mobile wireless communications. Frames of information bits are encoded, interleaved, and mapped to symbols for transmission over time-varying frequency-selective fading channels. At the receiver, the Turbo equalizer consists of a maximum a posteriori probability equalizer/demapper and a soft-input soft-output maximum a posteriori probability decoder. With initial channel estimates and sparse pilot insertion across a number of frames, the receiver predicts the channel of the current frame. The effect of error propagation of channel prediction is mitigated by the de-interleaver that is embedded in the Turbo equalizer. The predicted and interpolated channel is refined through a channel estimator that uses the soft estimates of data symbols at each Turbo iteration. Due to the bandlimiting feature of channel variation, the channel estimation error can be smoothed by low-pass filters that follow the channel estimator. Simulation results show that incorporating Turbo equalization with channel prediction and iterative channel estimation can combat time- and frequency-selective fading and improve reception performance.
Fire regimes of China: inference from statistical comparison with the United States

Aim Substantial overlap in the climate characteristics of the United States and China results in similar land-cover types and weather conditions, especially in the eastern half of the two countries. These parallels suggest similarities in fire regimes as well, yet relatively little is known about the historical role of fire in Chinese ecosystems. Consequently, we aimed to infer fire regime characteristics for China based on our understanding of climate–fire relationships in the United States. Location The conterminous United States and the People's Republic of China. Methods We used generalized additive models to quantify the relationship between reference fire regime classes adopted by the LANDFIRE initiative in the United States, and a global climate data set. With the models, we determined which climate variables best described the distribution of fire regimes in the United States then used these models to predict the spatial distribution of fire regimes in China. The fitted models were validated quantitatively using receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC). We validated the predicted fire regimes in China by comparison with palaeoecological fire data and satellite-derived estimates of current fire activity. Results Quantitative validation using the AUC indicated good discrimination of the distribution of fire regimes by models for the United States. Overall, fire regimes with more frequent return intervals were more likely in the east than in the west. The resolution of available historical and prehistorical fire data for China, including sediment cores, allowed only coarse, qualitative validation, but provided supporting evidence that fire has long been a part of ecosystem function in eastern China. MODIS satellite data illustrated that fire frequency within the last decade supported the classification of much of western China as relatively fire-free; however, much of south-eastern China experiences more fire activity than predicted with our models, probably as a function of the extensive use of fire by people. Conclusions While acknowledging there are many cultural, environmental and historical differences between the United States and China, our fire regime models based on climate data demonstrate potential historical fire regimes for China, and propose that large areas of China share historical fire–vegetation–climate complexes with the United States.
Exercise, diet, health behaviors, and risk factors among persons with epilepsy based on the California Health Interview Survey, 2005

Based on the 2005 California Health Interview Survey, persons with a history of epilepsy report lower educational attainment, lower annual income, and poorer health status, similar to other state-based epidemiological surveys. Previous studies have found persons with epilepsy exercise less and smoke more than the nonepilepsy population. The medical literature has also shown that antiepileptic drugs may cause nutritional deficiencies. Persons with a history of epilepsy in the 2005 CHIS report they walk more for transportation, drink more soda, and eat less salad than the nonepilepsy population. Exercise and dietary behaviors at recommended levels have been found to reduce mortality from many comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and osteoporosis for which persons with epilepsy are at increased risk. Health professionals in the epilepsy field should step up their efforts to engage patients in health promotion, especially in the areas of exercise, diet, and smoking cessation.
Elastic scattering of protons by argon-36

Absolute differential cross sections for the elastic scattering of protons by Ar36 were measured for laboratory proton energies from l.0 to 1.8 Mev at a center-of-mass angle of 158.4 deg . The cross sections are equal to the Rutherford value except in an anomalous region near E/sub p/= 1.494 Mev, corresponding to a level in K/sup 37/ with 3.34Mev excitation. Cross sections were measured as a function of energy at angles THETA /sub cm = 90.0 deg , 125.3 deg , and l60.l deg over the anomalous region, and an angular distribution was taken at E/sub p/ = 1.494 Mev. The data were analyzed in terms of dispersion theory to assign j/sup pi = 1/2- to the K/sup 37/ state. (auth)
Radiation-induced cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers in solution: 4. Polymerization of isopropyl vinyl ether in bulk and in various solvents

Abstract The influences of the polymerization media, the monomer and solvent concentrations and the temperature on the radiation-induced polymerization of isopropyl vinyl ether (IPVE) have been studied in detail under super-dry conditions. Rates of polymerization were measured and estimates of the rate constants of polymerization were calculated according to the simplified Hayashi-Williams equation. A comparison of the results with those previously reported for ethyl vinyl ether (EVE) is made. The much higher reactivity of IPVC in low polar solvents is interpreted by a drastic reduction of the polymer intramolecular solvation of the growing chain ends. This is ascribed to the bulkiness of the isopropyl side-chain groups. The radiation-induced polymerization of IPVE in bulk and in various solvents with different physical and solvating properties was studied. This was to obtain further information on the kinetics and the mechanisms involved with this monomer and also the role of the polymerization media. The influence of the monomer and solvent concentrations and of the polymerization temperature on the rate of polymerization have also been investigated.
Perinatal problems (excluding neonatal withdrawal) in maternal drug addiction: A study of 830 cases

However, not every child with ambiguous genitalia needs a bone marrow karyotype. Determination of the chromosomal sex is only one factor in the evaluation of such an infant, and the sex of rearing may depend on the prospect for functional repair, rather than the genetic sex. Bone marrow karyotyping on the first day of life, before a complete evaluation of the external and internal genitalia and the metabolic status have been carried out, could lead the parents to over-value this one piece of information and might interfere with their ability to make a rational decision in choosing the most appropriate gender for their child. We recommend that bone marrow chromosome analysis in newborn infants should be utilized only when the following three criteria have been met: (1) There is a strong clinical suspicion of a chromosomal syndrome known to be associated with a severe defect in brain development. (2) Immediate surgical treatment or assisted ventilation or both are required to sustain life. (3) The parents and physicians are prepared to take action depending on the outcome of the procedure.
High doping effects on in-situ Ohmic contacts to n-InAs

We present the effect of active carrier concentration on the specific contact resistivity (ρ c ) of in-situ molybdenum (Mo) Ohmic contacts to n-type InAs. It is observed that, although the Fermi level pins in the conduction band for InAs, the contact resistivity decreases with the increase in InAs active carrier concentration. The lowest ρ c obtained through transmission line model measurements was (0.6±0.4)×10−8 Ω-cm2 for samples with 8.2×1019 cm−3 active carrier concentration. The contacts were found to remain stable on annealing at 250 °C for 1 hour.
Integration of genomic analysis and in vivo transfection to identify sprouty 2 as a candidate tumor suppressor in liver cancer.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is 1 of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, yet the molecular genetics underlying this malignancy are still poorly understood. In our study, we applied statistical methods to correlate human HCC gene expression data obtained from complementary DNA (cDNA) microarrays and corresponding DNA copy number variation data obtained from array-based comparative genomic hybridization. We have thus identified 76 genes that are up-regulated and show frequent DNA copy number gain, and 37 genes that are down-regulated and show frequent DNA copy loss in human HCC samples. Among these down-regulated genes is Sprouty2 (Spry2), a known inhibitor of receptor tyrosine kinases. We investigated the potential role of Spry2 in HCC by expressing dominant negative Spry2 (Spry2Y55F) and activated β-catenin (ΔN90-β-catenin) in the mouse liver through hydrodynamic injection and sleeping beauty–mediated somatic integration. When stably expressed in mouse hepatocytes, Spry2Y55F cooperates with ΔN90-β-catenin to confer a neoplastic phenotype in mice. Tumor cells show high levels of expression of phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), as well as deregulation of genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Conclusion: We identified a set of candidate oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes for human HCC. Our study provides evidence that inhibition of Spry activity cooperates with other oncogenes to promote liver cancer in mouse models, and Spry2 may function as a candidate tumor suppressor for HCC development in vivo. In addition, we demonstrate that the integration of genomic analysis and in vivo transfection is a powerful tool to identify genes that are important during hepatic carcinogenesis. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.)
Effect of High Temperatures for Short Periods on the Quality of Infertile Eggs

Abstract TEMPERATURE and humidity are probably the two most important factors responsible for maintaining or destroying the interior quality of eggs. Eggs that are stored in places where the temperature is high and the humidity is low soon develop large air cells due to excessive evaporation. Under such conditions the thick albumen structure also breaks down rapidly, causing a greater precentage of thin white than is found in fresh eggs. The rate of deterioration in quality is dependent on the extent to which the storage conditions deviate from the optimum. In this study the author has sought to show the effect of incubation temperatures for short periods of time on the percentage of thick albumen of infertile eggs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Infertile eggs laid by a trap-nested flock of crossbred pullets at the National Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland, during the first two weeks in November, 1937, were used for this . . .
Laboratory measurement of posture allocation and physical activity in children.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to validate the combined use of inclinometers and accelerometers to measure body posture and movement in children in a laboratory setting. Methods: We performed two separate experiments. In the first experiment, we tested the hypothesis that four inclinometers (tilt sensors) could be used to capture body posture in children. We observed and recorded body posture in eight healthy children (mean +/- SD; body mass index (BMI), 18 +/- 3 kg[middle dot]m-2) on 2880 occasions and compared these records with the inclinometer data. In the second experiment, the hypothesis was that two inclinometers could be used to determine whether 18 children (BMI, 21 +/- 5 kg[middle dot]m-2) were sedentary. We observed and recorded sedentariness (sitting/lying compared to standing) on 5575 occasions and compared these records with the inclinometer data. In both of these experiments, we also addressed the hypothesis that accelerometer output, when measured at varying velocities, correlated with walking energy expenditure. Results: In experiment 1, body posture was correctly identified in 2880 out of 2880 inclinometer measurements. In experiment 2, sedentary behavior was correctly identified in 5575 out of 5575 occasions. For the entire group, acceleration and body weight correlated well with energy expenditure (r2 = 0.84). Conclusion: The inclinometer-accelerometer system that we tested can be used to measure body posture and movement. We can measure sedentary behavior using two inclinometers instead of four inclinometers. This monitoring system may be useful for measuring energy expenditure, body posture, and physical activity in children.
Hierarchical fuzzy control

Abstract In a conventional rule based fuzzy control system, the rules are of the following form: if (condition) then (action), and all rules are essentially in a random order. The number of rules increases exponentially as the number of the system variables, on which the fuzzy rules are based, is increased. In this paper, the rules are structured in a hierarchical way so that the total number of rules will be a linear function of the system variables. The hierarchical fuzzy control algorithm developed in this paper is applied to control the feedwater flow to a steam generator of a power plant. The simulation results show that the hierarchical fuzzy controller yields superior performance over the conventional PID controller.
Testing for antibodies to AIDS‐associated retrovirus (HTLV‐III/LAV) by indirect fixed cell immunofluorescence: Specificity, sensitivity, and applications

Seropositivity to the AIDS-associated retrovirus, HTLV-IIULAV, has profound implications. Simple and reliable tests are needed to detect such antibodies. A rapid, sensitive indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) on acetone-fixed virusproducing CEM/LAV-N1 cells was adapted for detection of human antibodies to HTLV-III/LAV. Specific and nonspecific patterns of immunofluorescent reactivity were easily distinguished, and results paralleled those obtained by Western blotting and radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP), indicating that there is no need to confirm IFA positivity. In contrast, the commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was less reliable. False positives occurred with sera from seven hemophiliacs that were negative on Western blots, and false-negative reactions were observed on two occasions. These involved low-titer AIDS-patients' sera that were positive on Western blots, and from one of which virus was successfully isolated. Our results emphasize the requirement for confirmatory assays when the ELISA test is used for primary screening of sera for antibodies to HTLV-LII/LAV. The IFA method is especially well-suited to quantitative analysis of serum antibody levels. Our data suggest that serum antibody titers rise as disease progression occurs, ultimately falling as severe complications ensue. It is suggested that in laboratories where the demand for HTLV-III/LAV antibody testing is not excessive (1,000–2,000 serahonth), IFA could serve as the only serological assay for both screening and epidemiological purposes.
Cardiovascular Pathology: A Subspecialty of Surgical Pathology.

cl in ic s. co m For hundreds of years, anatomists, physiologists, and physicians studied the cardiovascular system at autopsy. Cardiovascular pathologists were autopsy pathologists. Within only the last 50 years, the advent of cardiopulmonary bypass, cardiovascular surgical techniques, endomyocardial biopsy, and cardiac transplantation has brought cardiovascular specimens to the surgical pathology bench. These specimens range in size from 0.2 cm (endomyocardial biopsy) to the entire heart (explant). Compared to other areas of surgical pathology, cardiovascular pathology is a “new” subspecialty. I can remember opening a surgical pathology specimen container in 1984 and seeing an entire heart for the first time. Unfortunately, many surgical pathologists did not embrace the arrival of cardiovascular specimens. Cardiovascular pathology, for the most part, is not tumor pathology. It requires knowledge of cardiac anatomy, cardiac physiology, cardiology, and cardiac surgical procedures. In fact, in some European countries, it is common for cardiovascular pathologists to be trained in clinical cardiology. The increasing importance of making a diagnosis on cardiovascular specimens from living patients put pressure on surgical pathology divisions to find someone to deal with these specimens. Cardiovascular diagnoses could now impact living patients. Additional pressure came during the 1980s from the widely expanding cardiac transplant programs that insisted on cardiac pathology expertise. In more recent years, cardiovascular pathologists have not only had to deal with cardiovascular tissue itself, but with the results of interventional procedures—we must
Mixed metal oxide inorganic/organic coatings

Mixed metal oxide ceramer coatings were developed using linseed oil as the organic phase with titanium i-propoxide, and zirconium n-propoxide as the inorganic sol-gel precursors. The overall goal of this study was to develop a primer that will provide corrosion protection and better adhesion to metal substrates with minimal environmental impact. Zinc acetate dihydrate was introduced to the system as an anticorrosive agent. Various coatings properties such as adhesion, hardness, impact resistance, flexibility, and tensile properties were investigated as a function of sol-gel precursor type and content. In addition, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to evaluate the corrosion properties of these mixed metal oxide inorganic/organic coatings.
Accuracy and dimensional stability of a silicone rubber base impression material

Abstract The accuracy and dimensional stability of a silicone rubber base impression material have been investigated. Nonrecovery of silicone after setting under compression in a tray is less than 1 per cent compared to approximately 2 per cent for a mercaptan and approximately 4 per cent for alginate (irreversible hydrocolloid) materials. The elasticity or strain in compression of the rubber base impression materials in the tray became less as setting time was increased. The elasticity of the silicone and mercaptan are within the same range. The setting time of the silicone material can be accurately controlled by varying the amount of catalyst. The range of working time of silicone can be varied for use by the dentist. Temperature did not seem to change the setting time or accuracy significantly. The manipulation of the silicone materials was easier than the mercaptan rubber. There was no evidence of gas production or surface tackiness in the silicone impressions made on a silver-plated model. When a silicone impression material was being used, greater accuracy was obtained in custom trays or with wash techniques than with impressions made in stock trays. Second casts made in the same impression were only one half as accurate as the first casts. When casts were poured at different time intervals, impressions poured within 30 minutes demonstrated a much greater accuracy than casts poured 1 hour or longer after the impression was made.
Pharmacokinetics of ondansetron in very young pediatric patients

Background/Aims Ondansetron (OND) is indicated in patients as young as 2 yr of age for the prevention of nausea and vomiting. There is an unmet need for antiemetic therapy in very young oncology and surgical patients, and off-label use of OND in patients aged less than 2 yr has been documented; therefore, characterization of OND pharmacokinetics (PK) in this age group was warranted. Methods Intravenous OND PK was evaluated in oncology and surgical patients aged 1–48 mo, 727 samples from 115 patients were analyzed using nonlinear mixed-effect modeling. Results A 2-compartment model describing interindividual variability on clearance (CL) and volumes of distribution (V) adequately described the data. Covariate analysis suggested CL was positively correlated with weight, though negatively correlated with age. CL and half-life (95% CI) for a typical patient (10 kg, 20 mo) were 0.57 L/h/kg (0.50–0.66) and 4.9h (4.2–5.8), respectively, compared with ~0.5 L/h/kg and ~2.6 h in patients aged 3–7 yr. The modest extension of OND half-life observed is secondary to increased V/kg. Implementing a posterior-predictive check, the median observed AUC (a correlate of OND efficacy) was well captured by the model, which could therefore be used to select efficacious doses of OND. Conclusions Weight-normalized CL of OND in patients aged 1–48 mo was comparable to that observed in patients aged >3 yr, suggesting similar exposure and efficacy should be achieved in patients aged 1–48 mo by dosing OND at the same mg/kg doses. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P97–P97; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.01.002
Directionally constrained or constrained energy minimization adaptive matched filter: theory and practice

The constrained energy minimization (CEM) algorithm and the closely related matched filter processor have been widely used for target detection in hyperspectral data exploitation applications. In this paper, we look at the key assumptions underlying the derivation of each algorithm and the effect these assumptions have upon their performance. To illuminate and better understand their operation, we compare both algorithms to Fisher's linear discriminant and the quadratic Bayes classifier. Bayes classifier reduces to Fisher's linear discriminant when the target and background covariances are equal. Furthermore, Fisher's linear discriminant is reduced to the matched filter, when we look for low probability targets. These interrelations can be used to justify the use of the matched filter, which has been developed for the detection of known signals in additive noise, for hyperspectral target which are not corrupted by additive noise. Finally, we investigate under what conditions the output of the matched filter follows a normal distribution.
Radial keratotomy increases outflow facility in the porcine eye in vitro

PURPOSE. To investigate the biomechanical effect induced by radial keratotomy on outflow facility in paired, enucleated whole porcine eyes. METHODS. Freshly enucleated porcine eyes were perfused at a constant pressure of 10 mm Hg. Radial keratotomy (RK), with a 3.5 mm central clear zone and eight radial incisions, was performed using a diamond knife with the blade length set at 100% of the paracentral corneal thickness, as measured by pachymetry. The fellow eye of each pair received sham RK as a control. RESULTS. Seven pairs of eyes were perfused (RK group n = 7, control n = 7). There was no significant difference in the mean baseline of outflow facility between the paired experimental and control eyes preoperatively (p = 0.5). After RK, outflow facility increased by 46% (p < 0.001) in the treatment group, compared to a 7% (p < 0.04) increase in the control group, resulting in a 39% increase in outflow facility attributed to RK (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS. Radial keratotomy produced a statistically ...
Development of Solid Particle Thermal Energy Storage for Concentrating Solar Power Plants that Use Fluidized Bed Technology

Abstract The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is developing a thermal energy storage (TES) system that uses solid particles as the storage medium for a concentrating solar power plant. This paper focuses on the particle-TES performance in terms of three efficiency metrics: first-law efficiency, second-law efficiency, and storage effectiveness. The paper presents the derivation of the efficiency expression and their application in assessing the particle-TES performance and design. The particle-TES system uses low-cost stable materials that withstand high temperature at a fraction of the cost of the salt and metal containment vessels for high-temperature TES. Cost analysis indicates that particle TES costs less than $10/kWhth, which is less than half the cost of the current molten-salt-based TES and just a fraction of liquid heat transfer fluid storage at a similar high temperature of >700 °C, due to its low cost of storage medium and containment. The fluidized-bed TES can hold hot particles of > 800 °C with >95% exergetic efficiency, storage effectiveness, and thermal efficiency.
A 7% Decrease in the Differential Renal Uptake of MAG3 Implies a Loss in Renal Function

Objectives To address the fact that a decrease in the relative renal uptake of 99mTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) on serial MAG3 scans may indicate a loss of function and require a change in management by providing guidance as to what constitutes a meaningful change in serial relative function measurements as well determining the normal variation of other common MAG3 renogram parameters. Methods A prospective study was conducted in 24 male urology patients with stable renal function. The mean age was 66.5 ± 7.9 (SD) years; the mean serum creatinine was 1.38 ± 0.57 (SD) mg/dL, and the MAG3 renal scans were performed a mean of 11 ± 8 days apart. Each MAG3 scan included a measurement of relative function as well as the time to maximum counts and 20 minutes to maximum count ratios for both cortical and whole kidney regions of interest. Results The Pearson and intraclass correlations for the baseline and repeat measurements of relative renal function were both 0.98. Bland-Altman plots showed no bias between the baseline and repeat relative uptake measurements. The mean difference between 2 repeated measurements of the relative MAG3 uptake was 0.04 ± 2.88% (SD) for the left kidney and 0.08 ± 3.07% (SD) for the right kidney. Comparable results were obtained for the other renogram parameters. Conclusions Measurements of relative renal uptake of MAG3 and common renogram parameters are highly reproducible; a decrease in relative uptake ≥7% (ie, 50%-43%) implies a loss in renal function.
The role of visual representations during the lexical access of spoken words

Do visual representations contribute to spoken word recognition? We examine, using MEG, the effects of sublexical and lexical variables at superior temporal (ST) areas and the posterior middle temporal gyrus (pMTG) compared with that of word imageability at visual cortices. Embodied accounts predict early modulation of visual areas by imageability--concurrently with or prior to modulation of pMTG by lexical variables. Participants responded to speech stimuli varying continuously in imageability during lexical decision with simultaneous MEG recording. We employed the linguistic variables in a new type of correlational time course analysis to assess trial-by-trial activation in occipital, ST, and pMTG regions of interest (ROIs). The linguistic variables modulated the ROIs during different time windows. Critically, visual regions reflected an imageability effect prior to effects of lexicality on pMTG. This surprising effect supports a view on which sensory aspects of a lexical item are not a consequence of lexical activation.
Linguistic Cohabitation: Frenglish in the Mauritius Press

RESUMELa Cohabitation linguistique: "Frenglish " dans la presse mauricienne"Frenglish" se refere a l'emprunt frequent de mots et d' expressions anglaises dans le francais ecrit. C'est un phenomene que repoussent les puristes linguistiques, particulierement en France et au Quebec. Dans la societe multilingue de l'Ile Maurice, au contraire, le "Frenglish" est un fait commun et non controverse. Il est le resultat linguistique naturel d'un colonialisme diachronique et du developpement postcolonial. Paradoxalement, peut-etre represente-il aussi un havre pour l'anglophonie mauricienne.L'analyse de l'utilisation du "Frenglish" a travers la presse mauricienne a permis de distinguer dix categories. Ainsi avons nous pu degager le caractere unique de la societe locale en abordant sous l'angle linguistique les divers niveaux de la vie sociale, economique, politique, legale et administrative. La situation a Maurice est differente de celle des Seychelles puisque oux Seychelles la presse est de preference anglophone et donc le "Frenglish" reduit au minimum. L'americanisation, la globalisation, et "l'anglais rampant" se joignent actuellement aux heritages du colonialisme francais et britannique pour expliquer le developpement et l'extension du "Frenglish" mauricien.RESUMOLa frangla en la maŭritania gazetaro"Frenglish", la frangla - la ofta uzado de anglalingvaj vortoj kaj terminoj en franclingvaj tekstoj - estas tabuo por lingvaj puristoj, aparte en Francio kaj Kebekio. Tamen, sur la multlingva insulo Mauritanio ĝi estas tiel nekontroversa kiel komuna. La frangla evoluis kiel la natura lingva rezulto de diakrona koloniismo kaj la postkoloniisma situacio sur Maŭritanio. Paradokse, ĝi ankaŭ reprezentas lingvan havenon por maŭritania anglalingveco.Esplorado ĉe la loka gazetaro dum naŭmonata periodo elmontris dek kategoriojn de la frangla. La frangla en la maŭritia gazetaro evidentigas la unikecon de la loka societo, donante lingvistikan kuntekston por vastaj gamoj de la socia, ekonomika, politika, leĝa kaj administra vivo. La frangla maŭritania diferenciĝas de la situacio sur la Sejŝeloj, kie la gazetaro estas pli anglalingva ol franclingva kaj la frangla minimumas. Hereditaĵoj de la koloniismoj franca kaj angla — nuntempe akompanate de usoniĝo, tutmondiĝo kaj "angla alrampo" — eksplikas la evoluon kaj kreskadon de la frangla maŭritia.
Thermally induced substrate release via intramolecular cyclizations of Amino esters and Amino carbonates

The relative cleavage of an alcohol from a panel of amino esters and amino carbonates via intramolecular cyclization was examined as a mechanism for substrate release. Thermal stability at 37 °C was observed only for the 7-membered ring progenitors. Applicability of the approach was illustrated by δ-lactam formation within a poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchannel for release of a captured fluorescent probe.
Mechanical and Environmental Degradation of Self-Assembled Monolayer Coatings for Microelectromechanical Systems

Self-assembled monolayer coatings have shown great promise for dramatically reducing the tribological forces of adhesion and friction in microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS). However, monolayer coatings often display significant degradation when exposed to extreme environments, dynamic sliding contact, and dynamic impact loading. This degradation is coupled with a corresponding increase in the tribological properties. In this study, the degradation of tridecafluorotri(dimethylamino)silane is examined under the typical operating conditions of MEMS technology using a specialized microdevice designed for characterizing the tribological behavior surface micromachines. Results of friction and adhesion degradation under normal loading and sliding contact are interpreted in relation to the primary degradation mechanisms of self-assembled monolayers.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The delayed effects of phencyclidine enhance amphetamine-induced behavior and striatal c-Fos expression in the rat

The ability for the delayed effects of phencyclidine to model schizophrenia-like symptomatology was investigated by assessing the effects of phencyclidine pretreatment on amphetamine-induced behavior. Corresponding changes in striatal, nucleus accumbens and anterior cingulate cortex c-Fos induction were also assessed in order to test the hypothesis that alterations in the neurochemistry of these regions accompany phencyclidine-induced changes in amphetamine-induced behaviors. Rats were treated with 15.0 mg/kg phencyclidine or vehicle 24 h prior to behavioral testing following vehicle, 0.5, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg amphetamine. Phencyclidine pretreatment significantly increased amphetamine-induced locomotion and rearing in response to 0.5 mg/kg amphetamine. Likewise, phencyclidine pretreatment produced an increase in the number of striatal cells expressing c-Fos following treatment with 0.5 mg/kg amphetamine. Phencyclidine pretreatment did not alter c-Fos induction in the nucleus accumbens, but did decrease the basal number of c-Fos-containing cells in the anterior cingulate cortex. While stereotypy rating revealed that phencyclidine pretreatment enhanced the behavioral response to 5.0 mg/kg amphetamine over time, no other alterations in behavior or c-Fos expression in response to the higher doses of amphetamine were induced by phencyclidine pretreatment. These data demonstrate that the delayed effects of a single dose of phencyclidine alter anterior cingulate cortex neurochemistry, and enhance the behavioral and striatal c-Fos response to a low dose of amphetamine. These findings suggest that the delayed effects of a single dose of phencyclidine may produce a reasonable animal model for schizophrenia.
Effective Hamiltonian approach to hyperon beta decay with final-state baryon polarization

Using an effective Hamiltonian approach, we obtain expressions for hyperon {beta} decay final-state baryon polarization. Terms through second order in the energy release are retained. The resulting approximate expressions are much simpler and more compact than the exact expressions, and they agree closely with them. (c) 1999 The American Physical Society.
Compact mid-infrared trace gas sensor based on difference frequency mixing

The development of compact mid-IR sources using frequency- converted diode lasers has been demonstrated to be applicable for the ultra sensitive, selective, and real time detection of many trace gas species in the infrared spectroscopic fingerprint region, which contains virtually all the fundamental vibrational modes of molecules. This development of infrared laser sources has taken advantage of recent significant technological advances of semiconductor diode lasers and solid state lasers, new nonlinear optical materials, optical fiber and novel data acquisition techniques. Such sensors are able to detect molecules at the parts-per-billion level in ambient air using infrared absorption spectroscopy either by monitoring trace gases in an open path or multi-pass cell configuration. Real world applications ranging from urban, industrial, rural emission studies to spacecraft habitat monitoring are described.
High-Energy-Utilization, Dual-Mode System Concept for Mars Missions

A high-energy-utilization, dual-mode, electric power and propulsion system concept is described for a future crewed missions to Mars. The system uses a gas-cooled, nuclear reactor heat source and closed Brayton cycle (CBC) engines to convert thermal power to electricity. The He–Xe working  uid for the CBCs is also the nuclear reactor coolant. The fuel temperature and the inlet temperatures of the He–Xe of the nuclear reactor core and the CBC engines are kept almost constant during the propulsion and electric power modes to minimize thermal stresses. The temperature of the He–Xe exiting the nuclear reactor core is kept at least 200 K below the maximum fuel temperature. The electric power generated is kept the same during the propulsion and the power modes, but the reactor thermal power in the former could be several times higher. During the propulsion mode, the system’s electric power, minus » 1–5 kWe for housekeeping, operates a variable speci c impulse magnetoplasma rocket (VASIMR). In addition, the reactor’s thermal power, plus more than 85% of the heat load of the CBCs’ radiators, is used to heat hydrogen. The hot hydrogen is mixed in the plasma exhaust of the VASIMR to provide both high thrust (>4000 N) and Isp > 45;000 N ¢ s/kg ( » 4,500 lbf ¢ s/lbm), potentially reducing the travel time to Mars to 3 months. The system’s electric power could also be used to support surface exploration of Mars. A dual-mode system based on the Pellet-bed reactor has a speci c energy utilization of 400–500W/kg and no single point failure. The system can be tested fully assembled in a ground facility using electric heaters in place of the nuclear reactor. Operation and design parameters of a 40-kWe prototype are presented to illustrate the operation principle and demonstrated performance potential of the dual-mode system concept.
Bottom Habitat Mapping Using Towed Underwater Videography: Subtidal Oyster Reefs as an Example Application

Abstract Towed underwater video has become a widely used method for bottom habitat mapping in coastal waters, but very little has been published on this relatively new and effective approach. We use a case study on two oyster reefs to illustrate the pros and cons of towed video, visualization techniques, and future research topics. Towed video is deployed in similar fashion to single-beam sonars, yielding narrow swaths of video imagery that are recorded concurrently with global positioning system (GPS) data for georeferencing. The major advantages over acoustic (sonar) methods are that image processing and interpretation are relatively simple, and there is little or no need for subsequent ground-truthing. The system used in the present study consists of an underwater black and white camera mounted on a steel frame, differential GPS unit, and digital video camera for recording. It was assembled from off-the-shelf items, and total cost was approximately $3500 (2006 US$). The imagery from both study reefs wa...
Social interaction interventions for youth with severe disabilities should emphasize interdependence.

An emphasis on independence may be limiting the outcomes achieved by social interaction research. Given the lack of correlation between intellectual or adaptive functioning level and meaningful social outcomes for people with severe disabilities, a focus on increasing skills as a mechanism for increasing social outcomes seems misplaced (or, at least, inefficient). It is argued here that a more productive route for researchers to follow will be to emphasize interdependence. Implications of such a focus will change where interventions are implemented, curricular foci, and the types of instructional strategies used to improve the social life of youth with severe disabilities. MRDD Research Reviews 7:122–127, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Loss of DNA behind the growing point of thymine-starved Bacillus subtilis 168

Abstract Bacillus subtilis 168 thyA, thyB cells degrade and lose from 10 to 15% of their DNA in four hours of thymine starvation. Degradation appears to be initiated at the DNA replicating point and to continue back along the chromosome. First the newly synthesized strands of DNA are degraded to acid-soluble material, then both the new strands and the template strands are degraded to double-strand segments with sedimentation rates, S 0 20,W , of 6 to 22 s. Cell death is coincident with the loss of DNA. Both start within the first ten minutes of starvation. It is possible that cell death is caused by the irreversible loss of DNA from the region behind the replicating point.
Perioperative interstitial irradiation in the conservative management of early breast cancer.

Abstract Conservation of the breast in early breast cancer with limited resection and radiation is proving to be as effective as modified radical mastectomy in survival and in loco-regional control. Management at the University of Kansas Medical Center consists of an interstitial implant at the time of lumpectomy to facilitate perioperative irradiation with Iridium-192 to the tumor bed. An axillary node dissection is also performed at that time. Two to 3 weeks later external beam irradiation is delivered to the entire breast. One hundred and twenty-three breasts in 120 patients have been treated between June 1982 and June 1986. There were 49 pathological Stage I, 63 Stage II, 8 Stage III carcinomas, and 3 carcinomas in situ , consisting of 72 T1, 43 T2, 5 T3, and 3 TIS lesions. Patients have been followed for a median of 30 months. One patient had a "true" recurrence in the breast. Another patient developed recurrence in a different quadrant. Ninety percent of the patients had good to excellent cosmetic results, 7% were considered fair, and 3% had poor results. Seven patients developed mild arm edema, 4 were found to have moderate edema, and 1 had severe arm edema. Our preliminary results indicate that interstitial irradiation immediately after excision results in excellent local control, with very satisfactory cosmesis and no morbidity due to the simultaneous excision and irradiation.
End-to-end layered multicast of streaming media in heterogeneous networks

There has been a growing demand for streaming media distribution over the Internet, which consists of heterogeneous end hosts with different capabilities and using various last-mile network connections. To provide end-to-end differentiated services of streaming media among heterogeneous users, an application-layer multicasting of layered encoded streams is presented. The proposed basic scheme incorporates the existing NICE protocol proposed by Banerjee el al. (2002) with layered multicasting similar to receiver-driven layered multicast (RLM) proposed by McCanne et al. (1996). The resulting protocol is further enhanced with an improved cluster-leader selection process and prioritized control packet treatments. By applying cumulative video encoding scheme, the enhanced protocol provides service differentiation among end hosts of different capabilities, allowing them to receive different video qualities corresponding to one or more layers of encoded streams. When compared with the basic scheme via simulation, the enhanced protocol provides better video quality, higher bandwidth usage, and lower loss rate.
Localized Field Enhancements in Guided and Defect Modes of a Periodic Slot Waveguide

We present a periodic slot waveguide for achieving enhanced light-matter interaction that provides significant localized field and power density enhancements over traditional slot waveguides. The basic structure is based on a slot waveguide with 1-D periodic holes. The slot effect provides strong field enhancement and subwavelength confinement, and the periodicity of the structure is exploited to locally magnify or “pinch” the electric field distribution, resulting in additional enhancements. Characteristics of the modes presented by this structure are examined by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling. Distinct optical gradients and localized enhancements, which are up to 4-5 times greater than comparable slot waveguides, can be achieved. Potential application of the periodic slot waveguide structure to fields, including optical manipulation, sensing, and nonlinear or active material integration, is discussed.
Evidence Against Linkage of Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia to the Apolipoprotein AI-CIII-AIV Gene Complex

Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) was originally described as a disorder characterized by elevated levels of either plasma cholesterol or triglyceride (TG) or both in members ofthe same family. More recent studies have indicated that apolipoprotein B levels (apoB) are also elevated in these individuals. Although a dominant mode of inheritance was originally proposed, recent studies have questioned this simple mode of inheritance, and the genetic basis of the disorder has eluded investigators. A study that reported evidence that FCHL is linked to the apolipoprotein AI-CIII-AIV region on chromosome 11 is therefore of interest. We have attempted to replicate this finding in three large, well-characterized FCHL kindreds by using a highly polymorphic marker in the apoCIII gene. Using the same definitions and parameters as were used in the initial report, we obtained strong evidence against linkage of FCHL to the apolipoprotein AI-CIII-AIV region on chromosome 11 (combined lod score of -7.87 at 0% recombination). Two other models, one based on total cholesterol (TC) levels alone and one based on the joint distribution of TC and apoB levels, also gave evidence against linkage of FCHL to this region (lod scores at 0% recombination of -8.95 and -2.58, respectively). An additional regression-based linkage analysis also gave no support for the existence of a locus in this region that influences these lipid levels in these pedigrees. Explanations for the differences in results between these studies include genetic heterogeneity, differences in clinical phenotype used to select the pedigrees, and ascertainment bias.
Protection from Alzheimer's-like disease in the mouse by genetic ablation of inducible nitric oxide synthase.

Brains from subjects who have Alzheimer's disease (AD) express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). We tested the hypothesis that iNOS contributes to AD pathogenesis. Immunoreactive iNOS was detected in brains of mice with AD-like disease resulting from transgenic expression of mutant human β-amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) and presenilin-1 (hPS1). We bred hAPP-, hPS1-double transgenic mice to be iNOS+/+ or iNOS−/−, and compared them with a congenic WT strain. Deficiency of iNOS substantially protected the AD-like mice from premature mortality, cerebral plaque formation, increased β-amyloid levels, protein tyrosine nitration, astrocytosis, and microgliosis. Thus, iNOS seems to be a major instigator of β-amyloid deposition and disease progression. Inhibition of iNOS may be a therapeutic option in AD.
Flexible Graphite as A Strain/stress Sensor

Flexible graphite sandwiched by copper, after stabilization by two cycles of compressive stress, is an effective piezoresistive compressive strain/stress sensor for stresses up to 4 MPa and strains up to 25%. The stress sensitivity (fractional change in resistance per unit stress) is up to 5.4 MPa-1 and strain sensitivity (fractional change in resistance per unit strain) is up to 6.2 in the direction perpendicular to the sheet. The electrical resistance decreases reversibly upon compression, due mainly to reversible decrease in the contact resistivity between graphite and copper. Stabilization removes most of the irreversible effects. The strain/stress sensitivities decrease with increasing strain/stress.