cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating Life Cycle Assessment with Green Building and Product Rating Systems: North American Perspective

The development of green building rating systems (GBRS) and sustainability metrics for buildings, including building products, is reviewed from a North American perspective. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system and the Living Building Challenge (LBC) are highlighted as primary examples of different levels of GBRS. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is introduced as a preferred method of quantifying sustainability, and its integration into current GBRS is examined a prominent building example. Two example applications of LCA to building products associated with GBRS – carpet and roof membranes – are provided. In the first example, conventional carpet was compared with carpet meeting the standards of the LBC's materials exclusion criteria (Red List, via the Declare product labeling system). In the second example, LCA was applied to both the manufacture and use phases of roof membrane alternatives for a building retrofit project, one of which would have aided in achieving LEED certification. The Declare-listed products did not perform better in every LCA impact category, and the GBRS-preferred roof system performed more poorly in all LCA impact categories, while suggesting the need for additional LCA categories. Both examples help to illustrate the complexity and tradeoffs encountered while integrating the quantitative perspective of LCA and the qualitative perspective of GBRS.
Contribution of Particle-Bound Bacteria to Total Microheterotrophic Activity in Five Ponds and Two Marshes

We examined the abundance and heterotrophic uptake of bacteria attached to particulate matter suspended in five coastal ponds and two marshes near Woods Hole, Mass. Although the number of particle-bound bacteria was low ( 40%) of [14C]glucose and [14C]glutamate in selected aquatic systems. The uptake per cell was significantly higher for epibacteria than for unattached bacteria in all systems. Two groups of the aquatic environments sampled were statistically different in the contribution made by particle-bound bacteria to total bacterial abundance and to total assimilation of [14C]glucose and [14C]glutamate. Particle-bound bacteria were more important in those waters with a high particle concentration and not flushed regularly by tides than in waters with a low particle concentration and flushed regularly.
Inclusion particle size effects on the cyclic compaction of powder composites

Powder metallurgy has been widely used to produce complex net or near-net shaped parts that require minimal or no machining. A critical step in powder metallurgy is compaction, which broadly includes die-filling, pressing and ejection. During die-filling process, powder flowability is very important to approach high and uniform packing density. It is closely related to particle characteristics [1]. To optimize inter-particle flow during die-filling, particles with broad size distributions, low surface area, low surface roughness and high mass are preferred [1–5]. In the compaction of metal matrix composites, the green density invariably decreases with increasing volume fraction of reinforcement particles. These low densities often lead to insufficient strength to support secondary processing such as sintering, machining or extrusion. The inhibition of densification is largely a result of extra deformation being needed in soft particles to fill voids between hard inclusion particles [6–10]. Using plasticene spheres and various rigid inclusions, Turner and Ashby [8] found that composites with (1) high volume fractions of hard inclusions, (2) inclusion particles that are small relative to the deformable phase, and (3) high aspect ratio inclusion particles are most difficult to densify. Using metal and ceramic particles, Singh [7] found decreased density with smaller inclusion particles and illustrated that a non-deforming layer of inclusions between two deforming contactsurfaces when inclusion particle size is much less than the matrix particle sizes. Lange et al. [6] found that at higher volume fractions, inclusions can form clusters or even a continuous network shielding densification. Lastly, Li and Funkenbusch [9,10] modeled bimodal particle file distributions and argued that the smaller particles will deform more heavily. Compaction under cyclic pressure has been shown to improve density [11–17], reduce the density gradients [11,13,16], and produce a more uniform reinforcement distribution [15,16,18]. When a composite, where constituent phases have very different properties, is subjected to a change in temperature or pressure, the differences in coefficients of thermal expansion or compressibility change the sizes of both types of particles differently. This leads to an internal mismatch strain. This volume mismatch leads to large deviatoric stresses which aid plastic behavior deformation and thereby affects the consolidation of composites. The plasticity caused by volume mismatch was first seen in creep, and then was applied to consolidation of iron where the driving mismatch was developed by allotropic transformations [19,20]. The volume mismatch plasticity was reviewed in [19]. Daehn and Wagoner et al. [11–16] shown that enhanced densification and improved mechanical properties of metal matrix Scripta mater. 44 (2001) 1117–1123
Prevention of DMBA-induced rat mammary carcinomas comparing leuprolide, oophorectomy, and tamoxifen

Leuprolide, a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist, is currently being evaluated in a pilot study of premenopausal women for the prevention of breast cancer. However, little data is available regarding the efficacy of leuprolide in experimental animal models of carcinoma when administered prior to the carcinogen. In the present study the capacity of leuprolide to prevent tumor development was evaluated by comparing its pretreatment effects in the DMBA-induced rat mammary carcinoma model to pretreatment with tamoxifen and oophorectomy. Fifty-five day old, female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to one of four groups: 1) no treatment; 2) oophorectomy two weeks prior to DMBA; 3) leuprolide, 40 µg/kg/day; and 4) tamoxifen, 10 mg/kg/week. All animals received four 5 mg doses of DMBA for a total dose of 20 mg. Leuprolide and tamoxifen treatments began two weeks prior to DMBA and ended one week after DMBA administration. Animals were assessed weekly to determine palpable tumor onset, number, size, and volume. At the conclusion of the study (16 weeks), autopsies were performed and tumor tissue was collected for confirmation of malignancy. Seventy-eight percent of the untreated rats developed tumors. No tumors developed in the oophorectomy group, while the number of rats with tumors was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) with both leuprolide (30%) and tamoxifen (21.9%) compared to controls (77.8%). There were no significant differences in the tumor number for each tumor-bearing rat or in tumor volume between treated and control groups. Using our dosage regimen, 'chemical oophorectomy' with leuprolide was not as effective as surgical oophorectomy in the prevention of chemical carcinogenesis by DMBA but was comparable to the results obtained with tamoxifen.
Field research on aldicarb management practices for upstate New York

The need to develop aldicarb management practices in upstate New York potato fields, which would continue the benefits associated with the pesticide while protecting drinking water wells, led to a three-part research program conducted in 1983: Samples from 57 wells and three test holes were collected near potato fields in six counties; aldicarb residues were monitored in water from a tile-drained field near Willsboro; and a study of aldicarb residues in the unsaturated zone was conducted in a potato field near Phelps. Results show that aldicarb residues from applications made in June degrade with a half-life of about one month in surface soils. The persistence and transport of aldicarb residues from these later applications is shown to be less compared to the usual previous practice of applying aldicarb at planting. The potable well sampling indicates that where applications are made at the usual planting time in midspring, aldicarb residues may appear in drinking water wells located very near the treated fields. The results of this and other related studies confirm the soundness of later applications of aldicarb when the soils are warmer and when there is less soil water percolation. This practice is embodied in the current North Eastern regulations, which require application of aldicarb at plant emergence and prohibit applications within 150 m of drinking water wells.
The long-term results of Swanson silicone rubber interpositional wrist arthroplasty.

Fifty-three Swanson silicone rubber interpositional wrist arthroplasties were done in 42 patients. A painful rheumatoid wrist was the most common operative indication. Very acceptable clinical results were obtained early in follow-up, with more than 90% of the wrists obtaining significant pain relief. However, in the group of wrists followed for more than 2.5 years, only 61% had good or, excellent results. The reoperation rate in this group was 25%. Postoperative complications included prosthetic breakage (9.4%), ulnar cap breakage (71%), and a very high incidence of progressive radiographic deterioration (70%).
Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Phenol, Phenylglucuronide, and Phenylsulfate in Urine and Plasma by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Phenol and related compounds are toxic agents to which humans are exposed. Analysis of phenolic compounds may be used as an index of exposure. In this report a method for analysis of phenol, phenylglucuronide, phenylsulfate, and related mono- and dihydroxybenzenes as their propanoate esters by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is presented. The use of this derivatization technique increases the sensitivity of the analysis by improving chromatographic performance and introducing a traceable "reporter" group into the analyte. This method has also been adapted, by using selected ion monitoring (SIM), to the quantitative analysis of phenol.
Removal of the 26-methyl group from 19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 markedly reduces in vivo calcemic activity without altering in vitro VDR binding, HL-60 cell differentiation and transcription

Twelve new analogues of 19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (5-16) were prepared by convergent syntheses, employing the Wittig-Horner reaction. The necessary Grundmann type ketones (45-48), possessing fixed configurations of the hydroxyl group at C-25, were obtained by a multistep procedure from commercial vitamin D₂ and enantiomers of 1,3-butanediol (23 and 24). We have examined the influence of removal of one of the methyl groups located at C-25 on the biological in vitro and in vivo activity. The in vivo tests showed that the synthesized vitamin D compounds (5-16) exhibit reduced calcemic activity both in bone and in the intestine. However, in vitro potency of 2-methylene and 2α-methyl compounds (5-10, 13, and 14) remained similar or enhanced as compared to that of 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃.
Some effects of telling preschool children to self-question in a matching task

Abstract Five preschool children were presented with a constantly changing matching task based on the abstraction of what two stimulus displays have in common and proved unable to perform the task correctly. They were then taught to ask themselves a series of questions about the salient features of each display and answer their own questions, as a result of which they became able to perform such problems with great accuracy while observably using those self-questions and answers. When told not to use their self-questions and answers, they once again performed very poorly, except for one child who almost always performed accurately and was hypothesized to be using covert self-questions and answers. Three of the remaining children were then taught covert self-questions and answers, and as a result performed similarly to that fifth child when told to self-question and answer silently and when given no instructions about self-questioning.
Nuclear changes occurring during bud-formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as revealed by ultra-thin sectioning.

Nuclear Changes occurring during Bud-formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as revealed by Ultra-thin Sectioning
Growth of Trypanosoma lewisi in the heterologous mouse host

Abstract Trypanosoma lewisi from the rat (homologous) host may be induced to grow abundantly in the mouse (heterologous) host by an homologous serum supplement to the mouse. The trypanosomes are found only about 24 hours after inoculation in the normal, healthy mouse, and up to a week or more in such mice that have been supplied with serum intraperitoneally. Restriction of the mouse's diet and a supplement of rat serum combine to favor luxurious growth of the parasite. The action of serum may be wholly protective, or that of a blocking agent for the reticuloendothelial system, or it may be metabolic providing the trypanosome with necessary nutritional elements unavailable in heterologous hosts.
Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome Related to Ampicillin Sensitivity

A patient with the adult respiratory distress syndrome was found to have an alveolar allergic reaction demonstrated by transbronchial lung biopsy. The clinical course and subsequent skin test reactivity suggested ampicillin as the cause. This is an unusual presentation of ampicillin allergy, and drug sensitivity is suggested as another cause of the adult respiratory distress syndrome.
On Detecting Demand Awareness by Postexperimental Questionnaire

Summary The most serious error that can occur in assessing demand awareness by postexperimental questionnaire is to score an actually aware subject as unaware (false-negative problem). Compared to this the scoring of an actually unaware subject as aware (false-positive problem) is of minor importance. In this study 576 subjects were exposed to a deception experiment and then given one of three types of awareness questionnaire (indirect, direct, or funnel). Each questionnaire type either included or did not include an orienting paragraph and saliency-control questions. The funnel questionnaire was found to be the most accurate method of assessing awareness. It misclassified few subjects who were aware by an objective criterion, while not picking up too many false positives in the process. The belief that an extended-funnel questionnaire will “suggest” too much demand awareness after the fact is challenged; the data do not support this notion.
An Evolutionary Game Theoretic Analysis of Difference Evaluation Functions

One of the key difficulties in cooperative coevolutionary algorithms is solving the credit assignment problem. Given the performance of a team of agents, it is difficult to determine the effectiveness of each agent in the system. One solution to solving the credit assignment problem is the difference evaluation function, which has produced excellent results in many multiagent coordination domains, and exhibits the desirable theoretical properties of alignment and sensitivity. However, to date, there has been no prescriptive theoretical analysis deriving conditions under which difference evaluations improve the probability of selecting optimal actions. In this paper, we derive such conditions. Further, we prove that difference evaluations do not alter the Nash equilibria locations or the relative ordering of fitness values for each action, meaning that difference evaluations do not typically harm converged system performance in cases where the conditions are not met. We then demonstrate the theoretical findings using an empirical basins of attraction analysis.
Process Induced Disorder in Crystalline Materials:Differentiating Defective Crystals from the Amorphous Form of Griseofulvin

This research investigates milling induced disorder in crystalline griseofulvin. Griseofulvin was subjected to cryogenic milling for various lengths of time. For comparison, the amorphous form of griseofulvin was also prepared by the quench melt method. Different analytical techniques were used to study the differences between the cryomilled, amorphous and crystalline forms of the drug. Cryogenic milling of griseofulvin progressively reduces the crystallinity of the drug by inducing crystal defects, rather than amorphous materials. Raman analysis provides evidence of structural differences between the two. The differences between the defective crystals produced by milling and the amorphous form are significant enough as to be measurable in their bulk thermal properties. Defective crystals show significant decrease in the heat of fusion as a function of milling time but do not exhibit a glass transition nor recrystallization from the amorphous form. Crystal defects undergo recrystallization upon heating at temperatures well below the glass transition temperature (Tg) in a process that is separate and completely independent from the crystallization of the amorphous griseofulvin, observed above Tg. Physical mixtures of defective crystals and amorphous drug demonstrate that the thermal events associated with each form persist in the mixtures, unaffected by the presence of the other form.
Why minimally invasive skin sampling techniques? A bright scientific future.

Background: There is increasing interest in minimally invasive skin sampling techniques to assay markers of molecular biology and biochemical processes.Objective: This overview examines methodology strengths and limitations, and exciting developments pending in the scientific community.Materials and methods: Publications were searched via PubMed, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Website, the DermTech Website and the CuDerm Website. The keywords used were noninvasive skin sampling, skin stripping, skin taping, detergent method, ring method, mechanical scrub, reverse iontophoresis, glucose monitoring, buccal smear, hair root sampling, mRNA, DNA, RNA, and amino acid.Results and conclusions: There is strong interest in finding methods to access internal biochemical, molecular, and genetic processes through noninvasive and minimally invasive external means. Minimally invasive techniques include the widely used skin tape stripping, the abrasion method that includes scraping and detergent, and reverse iontop...
Structural interactions of trophoblast and uterus during hemochorial placenta formation

It is argued that the successful placental arrangements are those that decrease the exposure of the trophoblast to the efferent side of the cellular immune response. Examples are taken from three different groups with hemochorial placentation, to show that their placental morphology places most of the trophoblast in contact with maternal blood, not maternal connective tissue. In addition, maternal cells of the junctional area are modified either before contact with trophoblast (rat) or just after trophoblast invasion (primate), or the region of contact is limited as in the armadillo, in which maternal blood sinuses are expanded to form intervillous spaces.
Altered expression of the mRNA stability factor HuR promotes cyclooxygenase-2 expression in colon cancer cells

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is normally tightly regulated. However, constitutive overexpression plays a key role in colon carcinogenesis. To understand the molecular nature of enhanced COX-2 expression detected in colon cancer, we examined the ability of the AU-rich element-containing (ARE-containing) 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of COX-2 mRNA to regulate rapid mRNA decay in human colon cancer cells. In tumor cells displaying enhanced growth and tumorigenicity that is correlated with elevated COX-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and IL-8 protein levels, the corresponding mRNAs were transcribed constitutively and turned over slowly. The observed mRNA stabilization is owing to defective recognition of class II-type AREs present within the COX-2, VEGF, and IL-8 3'UTRs; c-myc mRNA, containing a class I ARE decayed rapidly in the same cells. Correlating with cellular defects in mRNA stability, the RNA-binding of trans-acting cellular factors was altered. In particular, we found that the RNA-stability factor HuR binds to the COX-2 ARE, and overexpression of HuR, as detected in tumors, results in elevated expression of COX-2, VEGF, and IL-8. These findings demonstrate the functional significance rapid mRNA decay plays in controlling gene expression and show that dysregulation of these trans-acting factors can lead to overexpression of COX-2 and other angiogenic proteins, as detected in neoplasia.
Existence of trichohyalin-keratohyalin hybrid granules: Co-localization of two major intermediate filament-associated proteins in non-follicular epithelia

Trichohyalin is a protein of relatively high molecular weight (-200 kDa), associated with intermediate filaments, that was for many years thought to be expressed only in the inner root sheath and medulla of the hair follicle. We show here, however, that this protein is expressed in association with (pro)filaggrin in the granular layer of many non-follicular, keratinizing, stratified epithelia which also express keratins K6/K16, including those of the filiform papillae of dorsal tongue epithelia. In this epithelium, which elaborates morphologically heterogeneous keratohyalin granules in its upper cell layers, trichohyalin forms hybrid granules with filaggrin, the major intermediate filament associated protein found in keratohyalin granules, which is normally expressed in advanced epidermal differentiation. These two intermediate filament-associated proteins remain physically segregated in the hybrid granules, but they share the same fate, as they both become dispersed in transitional cells, and are undetectable in cornified cells. Trichohyalin was also detected in nail matrix epithelia, the epithelium of Hassal's corpuscles of the thymus, and newborn foreskin epidermis. It is essentially absent from normal trunk and scalp epidermis, but is expressed in a few scattered cells of the granular layer that are also filaggrin-positive. In addition, trichohyalin is expressed in the epidermis in a number of hyperplastic skin diseases. These findings demonstrate that trichohyalin is not peculiar to a small number of hair follicle cells, but is expressed in a number of normal and pathological epithelia where it is uniquely associated with filaggrin. In addition, since all these trichohyalin-expressing keratinocytes also synthesize keratins K6 and K16 (the markers for an “alternative” pathway of keratinocyte differentiation), this raises the possibility that the trichohyalin protein is specifically (or preferentially) involved in aggregating intermediate filaments containing the K6/K16 keratins.
Meningioma Metastatic to the Lung

Meningiomas constitute 15% to 18% of all primary intracranial and intraspinal tumors. Distant extracranial metastases are reported to occur in fewer than 1 in 1000 cases. Of 1992 primary intracranial meningiomas seen at Mayo Clinic Rochester from 1972 through 1994, we identified 3 (0.15%) with documented extracranial metastasis. A review of the literature suggests that previous craniotomy, venous sinus invasion, local recurrences, histological malignancy, and papillary morphology may be risk factors for systemic spread, as demonstrated in our cases. Although rare, metastatic meningioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abnormal findings on chest radiography in patients with known or suspected intracranial meningioma.
Primary culture of adult mouse olfactory receptor neurons

Olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) are unique because they can be replaced by stem cells throughout life. Previous studies have demonstrated that adult mouse olfactory epithelium (OE) injured by exposure to ZnSO4 through nasal irrigation can stimulate stem cell mitotic activity in situ, which continues when placed in culture. We report on an improved ZnSO4 delivery method, mist inhalation, which produces more consistent and greater yields of OE cells. Cultures established following this method contained bipolar, nest, fusiform, and giant cells. The bipolar cells usually underwent asymmetric process development. Some bipolar cells reacted positively to neuron-specific antibodies and were immunonegative for keratin and glia-specific proteins, suggesting that they were ORNs. Those that were negative for the neuron-specific proteins may represent either neuron progenitors or olfactory ensheathing cells. The fusiform cells were relatively small and undifferentiated, exposure to brain-derived neurotrophic factor resulted in their decrease and an increase in bipolar cells. Therefore, they might be the stem cells. The nest cells had morphological characteristics of epithelia and bound keratin antibodies. The giant cells had the morphology of epithelial cells but were negative for keratin; they may represent a unique cell population induced by the ZnSO4. These results indicate that the major cell types of intact OE are present in our cultures, and each retains characteristics found in situ. The mist inhalation method provides an in vitro population of adult mitotically active neurons for study.
A set-indexed process in a two-region image

We investigate the problem of edge estimation in a two-region image in the setting of a fixed design regression model. The edge estimation problem is equivalent to estimating one of the plateau sets where the regression function is constant, and we define a global set-valued estimator by finding the partition which maximizes a weighted distance measure. An investigation of the weak convergence of the random sets generated by this estimator shows that a properly scaled stochastic process in symmetric differences between estimated and true partitions converges in the limit to a set-indexed Brownian motion with drift in Rd.
Complexity, communication between cells, and identifying the functional components of living systems: Some observations

The concept of ‘complexity’ has become very important in theoretical biology. It is a many faceted concept and too new and ill defined to have a universally accepted meaning. This review examines the development of this concept from the point of view of its usefulness as a criteria for the study of living systems to see what it has to offer as a new approach. In particular, one definition of complexity has been put forth which has the necessary precision and rigor to be considered as a useful categorization of systems, especially as it pertains to those we call ‘living’. This definition, due to Robert Rosen, has been developed in a number of works and involves some deep new concepts about the way we view systems. In particular, it focuses on the way we view the world and actually practice science through the use of the modelling relation. This mathematical object models the process by which we assign meaning to the world we perceive. By using the modelling relation, it is possible to identify the subjective nature of our practices and deal with this issue explicitly. By so doing, it becomes clear that our notion of complexity and especially its most popular manifestations, is in large part a product of the historical processes which lead to the present state of scientific epistemology. In particular, it is a reaction to the reductionist/mechanistic view of nature which can be termed the ‘Newtonian Paradigm’. This approach to epistemology has dominated for so long that its use as a model has become implicit in most of what we do in and out of science. The alternative to this approach is examined and related to the special definition of complexity given by Rosen. Some historical examples are used to emphasize the dependence of our view of what is complex in a popular sense on the ever changing state of our knowledge. The role of some popular concepts such as chaotic dynamics are examined in this context. The fields of artificial life and related areas are also viewed from the perspective of this rigorous view of complexity and found lacking. The notion that in some way life exists ‘at the edge of chaos’ is examined from the perspective of the second law of thermodynamics given by Schneider and Kay. Finally, the causal elements in complex systems are explored in relation to complexity. Rosen has shown that a clear difference in causal relations exists between complex and simple systems and that this difference leads to a uniquely useful definition of what we mean by ‘living’. Rosen makes it very clear that the class of systems which are complex is a much larger class than those which we call living. For that reason, the focus of this review will be on complexity as a stepping stone towards the deeper question of what makes a system alive.
Effect of pH on plating efficiency, serum reguirement, and incorporation of radioactive precursors into human cells.

The plating efficiencies of two cell lines (HeLa-AT and WI26 Va) and one cell strain (KL2) appeared to be optimal at pH 7.6 At the optimal pH, ,sing organic buffers, the serum concentration could be reduced by one-half without affecting the initial growth rate or the final population density of the human skin fibroblast strain, KL2. It is suggested that an optimal pH lowers the serum requirement of the cells. The incorporation of [3-H]thymidine, [3-H]uridine, [-3H]fucose and [-14C]amino acids into KL2 was maximal at the pH which normally permits optimal growth of this cell strain. Protein turnover, as measured by loss to the medium of amino acids from prelabeled cells, was pH-independent. Thymidine incorporation did not correlate with culture growth in the cell strain, MS2A.
A qualitative exploration of adolescent perceptions of healthy sleep in Tucson, Arizona, USA

Adolescents in the United States are known to be sleep deprived; early school start times, a biological propensity to stay up late, and a variety of wake-inducing activities lead to teens who often do not sleep enough. This chronic lack of sleep has measurable negative effects on health and well-being for adolescents. Though research has documented adolescent sleep behavior, few studies have addressed perceptions of sleep. The purpose of this study was to identify common sources of sleep information for a sample of Southwestern adolescents and examine general message content delivered to adolescents by each source. A convenience sample of 51 adolescents (mean age 14.5) completed a semi-structured, in-person interview between October 2006 and November 2007 in a Tucson, Arizona high school. Participant observation and a brief questionnaire regarding parent behavior were used to triangulate results. Parents, teachers, and in some cases the media stressed the importance of sleep for teens, while friends typically complained of tiredness. Individual experiences of sleep were reported to shape future sleep behavior. Rationales for adequate sleep included value placed on alertness, health, and achievement. Improving sleep in adolescents will not only require further education of the "sleep messengers" about the negative health consequences of inadequate sleep, but a larger cultural shift in how healthy sleep for teenagers is conceived and prioritized by schools, families and adolescents themselves.
Fluorescence studies of poly(3-hexylthiophene) solutions

Abstract We report luminescence studies of a non-degenerate ground-state, poly(3, n-hexylthiophene), in solution. Photoexcitation of the polymer in solution at room temperature results in luminescence decay that is relatively short-lived (∼600 ps). The fluorescence quantum yield decreases with decreasing temperature. From studies of the temperature-dependence of the emission profiles, we calculate the formation energy, which is associated with the observed fluorescence, of ∼1.4 KCal/mole.
High Copper Content Bulk Glass Formation in Bimetallic Cu-Hf System

We report in this article that strip-shaped amorphous samples with thicknesses from 0.5 to 2 mm were successfully synthesized for binary Cu-Hf alloys containing 60 to 68 at. pct Cu by the traditional copper mold casting method. The best glass former Cu66Hf34 with casting thickness up to 2 mm has an undercooled liquid region (ΔT=T x −T g , where T g is the glass transition temperature and T x is the onset temperature of the first crystallization event) of 51 K, which is somewhat narrow compared with other neighboring alloys in the same system. The bulk glassy Cu66Hf34 alloy exhibits Vicker’s Hardness (H v ) ∼779 kg/mm2, Young’s modulus ∼108 GPa, fracture strength ∼2.1 GPa, and an almost constant elastic elongation ∼1.8 pct upon compression. The discovery of Cu66Hf34 as a bulk glass confirms the existence of rather simple bulk-glass-forming metallic systems. Moreover, the present Cu-Hf alloys may be the highest copper content bulk metallic glasses reported to date, to the best of our knowledge.
Resistance training to reduce the malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome of chronic kidney disease.

Abstract Background: Systemic inflammation and protein-energy malnutrition may be associated with poor outcomes in kidney disease. Methods: We studied 26 adults (age, 65 ± 10 [SD] years) with chronic kidney disease, not on dialysis therapy. Subjects were randomly assigned to resistance training (n = 14) or a control group (n = 12) for 12 weeks, while counseled to consume a low-protein diet (protein, ∼0.6 g/kg/d). We determined whether resistance training reduces levels of inflammatory mediators (serum C-reactive protein [CRP] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]), in addition to previously reported improvements in nutritional and functional status in this same subject population. Results: Serum CRP levels were reduced in subjects undergoing resistance training (−1.7 mg/L) compared with controls (1.5 mg/L; P = 0.05). Similarly, IL-6 levels were reduced in the resistance-exercise group versus controls (−4.2 versus 2.3 pg/mL; P = 0.01). Resistance training lead to skeletal muscle hypertrophy, shown by increases in type I (24% ± 31%) and type II (22% ± 41%) muscle fiber cross-sectional areas, compared with control subjects (−14% ± 34% and −13% ± 18%, respectively; P P = 0.001). Conclusion: Resistance training reduced inflammation and improved nutritional status in individuals with moderate chronic kidney disease consuming a low-protein diet. These results need to be investigated further in larger cohorts of patients with varying stages of kidney disease to determine whether resistance training can improve disease outcomes long term.
Men With Nonobstructive Azoospermia Have Leydig Cell Hypertrophy But Not Hyperplasia

ABSTRACTPurpose: We determined whether testicular histology in men with spermatogenic failure due to nonobstructive azoospermia shows true Leydig cell hyperplasia.Materials and Methods: Testicular biopsy specimens from 17 patients evaluated for infertility were retrospectively analyzed. Interstitial, tubular and Leydig cell volume were quantitatively evaluated. The total volume and number of Leydig cells per testicle were then calculated.Results: In 10 patients with obstructive azoospermia testicular histology showed normal spermatogenic function, while 7 had nonobstructive azoospermia. Average testicular volume plus or minus standard deviation was significantly larger in those with obstructive versus nonobstructive azoospermia (18.0 ± 7.0 versus 9.3 ± 8.7 cc, p = 0.025). Interstitial versus tubular volume was 32% of the total testis in the obstructive and 63% in the nonobstructive groups (p = 0.003). Although Leydig cell volume was proportionally greater in men with nonobstructive versus obstructive azoo...
A latent class analysis of single-vehicle motorcycle crash severity outcomes

Unobserved heterogeneity has been recognized as a critical issue in traffic safety research that has not been completely addressed or often overlooked, and can lead to biased estimates and incorrect inferences if inappropriate methods are used. This paper uses a latent class approach to investigate the factors that affect crash severity outcomes in single-vehicle motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle crash data from 2001 to 2008 in Iowa were collected with a total of 3644 single-vehicle motorcycle crashes occurring during that time period. A latent class multinomial logit model is estimated that addresses unobserved heterogeneity by identifying two distinct crash data classes with homogeneous attributes. The estimation results show a significant relationship between severe crash injury outcomes and crash-specific factors (such as speeding, run-off road, collision with fixed object and overturn/rollover), riding on high-speed roads, riding on rural roads, riding on dry road surface, riding without a helmet, age (riders older than 25 years old) and impaired riding (riders under the influence of drug, alcohol or medication). The model fit and estimation results underline the need for segmentation of crashes, and suggest that the latent class approach can be a promising tool for modeling motorcycle crash severity outcomes.
Neurology was there in the 1930s.

T he years of the Great Depression resulted in unparalleled worldwide disaster. Dictatorial centralization of power occurred most notably in Germany when Hitler and his Nationalist Socialist Party took control of the government. In the United States in 1933, unemployment was estimated at 12 million people, and all social groups experienced the consequence of economic catastrophe. Payment to physicians was least in the order of priority of those able to pay their bills. During the Depression years, neurology was there.
Nonlinear viscoelastic modelling of the fiber-matrix interphase in composite materials

A nonlinear viscoelastic analysis of the carbon fiber-thermoset (or thermoplastic) matrix interphase is presented. The second order nonlinear partial differential equation governing the state of stress at the fiber-matrix interphase is solved by using an iterative scheme involving successive differentiation and Taylor expansions to satisfy the boundary conditions
Nuclear energy, environmental problems and the hydrogen energy economy

Abstract Transition to the hydrogen energy economy is justified from environmental and energetic viewpoints, its cost is estimated, and various means to finance it, including various synergies, are discussed. Planetary sources of renewable energy (wind, water, sun) are estimated and deemed sufficient to more than replace all fossil fuel. Cost and magnitude of required infrastructure then imply long construction times during which pollution and global warming may have time to become unacceptable. Advantages of nuclear energy as a transition facilitator which avoids them are examined, along with means to alleviate public anxieties about its use. The conclusions are that the main obstacles to a healthy hydrogen-based world are less scientific, technical or economic than due to inertia, ignorance, blindness, stupidity, fear and mistaken narrow interests, and that there will be enough time to overcome them if we attack the problems more energetically and each other less so.
SU‐GG‐I‐37: Organ and Effective Dose in Pediatric Patient in 64‐Slice Computed Tomography

Purpose: The absorbed dose for the pediatric patient has been reported to be 1 to 2.6 times higher than in the adult using Monte Carlo simulations of head, chest, abdomen and pelvis examinations on single and/or 16‐slice computed tomography(CT)scanners. In the UK, a study investigated the effective dose for studies on a 4‐slice CTscanner using thermoluminescent dosimeters(TLDs). Our goal was to measure the organ dose and calculate the effective dose from clinical pediatric chest‐abdomen‐pelvis (CAP) and chest examinations on 64‐slice CTscanners.Method and Materials: An ATOM one year old anthropomorphic phantom with mimic biological tissue (Model 704‐D, CIRS, VA; phantom loaned courtesy of T. Yoshizumi, Duke University) was scanned using clinical protocols on two 64‐MSCT scanners(GE LightSpeed VCT and Toshiba Aquilion). Absorbed dose and effective dose were measured by loading 19 TLDs inside and 1 on the surface of the phantom at selected radiation sensitive organs according to ICRP publication 60 methodology, including TLDs to estimate the remainder tissues, and using the published tissue weighting factors. Results: Standard pediatric clinical protocols with adaptive mAs methods were utilized on each scanner (120kVp, mAs of 22–55, and collimation of 32 and 40 mm). Doses to the lens of the eye were 0.4 to 1 mGy in CAP examination. The effective doses were 7 to 16.5 mSv in CAP examination and 4.5 mSv in chest examination and 2.3 to 6.4 mSv in chest examination. Conclusion: Our study results for effective dose and organ absorbed doses, including to the eye, for a one year old anthropomorphic phantom may help in the evaluation of radiation risk in any clinical studies of small children undergoing 64‐slice CT examinations.
The finite deformation of nonlinear composite materials. I: Instantaneous constitutive relations

This work deals with the development of effective constitutive models for two-phase nonlinearly viscous and rigid-perfectly plastic composites subjected to finite deformations. The main new feature of the model is the ability to account approximately for the evolution of the microstructure resulting from the finite changes in geometry during a given deformation process. The model is formulated in terms of instantaneous constitutive relations for the composites, which depend on appropriate variables characterizing the state of the microstructure, together with evolution equations for these state variables. This first part of the work is concerned with the development of the instantaneous constitutive relations for classes of microstructures that are sufficiently broad to capture the changes in microstructure associated with general triaxial finite-deformation histories. Simple formulae are given for the effective potentials and stress-strain rate relations of power-law viscous composites made of aligned ellipsoidal inclusions of one phase dispersed in a matrix of a second phase. In addition, effective yield surfaces are computed for the special case of two-phase rigid-perfectly plastic composites with aligned spheroidal inclusions. The effects of the phase volume fractions, inclusion shape and yield strength ratio on these effective yield surfaces are considered. These effects will turn out to be important in the understanding of the effective response of the composites with evolving microstructures, which is considered in Part II of this work.
Forest moth taxa as indicators of lepidopteran richness and habitat disturbance: a preliminary assessment

The conservation of hyperdiverse taxa such as arthropods may prove frustrating for land managers who lack the taxonomic expertise to perform species-level identifications. Therefore, interest has turned towards selecting indicator taxa that can be monitored as surrogates for detecting changes in entire communities. In this study, we examined whether several moth families or subfamilies were significant indicators of lepidopteran species richness and habitat disturbance in Eastern deciduous forests of North America. We screened moth families to identify assemblages that are easily sampled and primarily comprised of species that can be identified by non-experts. Using existing field data collected over 3 years, we tested four taxa that met our initial requirements with regard to their performance as an indicator of total observed lepidopteran species richness and levels of forest disturbance. We determined that the Arctiidae and Notodontidae hold promise as potential indicator taxa in Eastern deciduous forests. The Arctiidae functioned best as an indicator of moth species richness, while the Notodontidae performed best as a coarse-scale disturbance indicator. Additional research will be required, however, before species within either family have practical significance as tools for assessing forest condition.
The binding mechanism of glutathione and the anti-tumor drug L-(αS.5S)-α-amino-3-chloro-4.5-dihydro-5-isoxazoleacetic acid (AT-125; NSC-163501) to γ-glutamyltransferase

The glutathione-protein binding interactions of rat renal gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma GT) were studied by examining the effect of phenylglyoxal (PGO), a chemical modifying agent for arginyl residues. PGO inactivation of gamma GT followed pseudo-first order kinetics and the rate was dependent upon the concentration of PGO. Glutathione (GSH) protected the enzyme from inactivation by PGO. The anti-tumor drug L-(alpha S, 5S)-alpha-amino-3-chloro-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxazoleacetic acid (AT-125) inactivated purified gamma GT. The inactivation capability of AT-125 was abolished by esterification of the carboxyl moiety and was regained upon incubation of AT-125 methyl ester with a carboxyl esterase. AT-125 and glutathione may bind to gamma GT via the electrostatic interaction of their respective carboxyl group(s) and an arginyl residue at the active site.
An algebraic restoration method for estimating fixed-pattern noise in infrared imagery from a video sequence

The inherent nonuniformity in the photoresponse and readout-circuitry of the individual detectors in infrared focal-plane-array imagers result in the notorious fixed-pattern noise (FPN). FPN generally degrades the performance of infrared imagers and it is particularly problematic in the midwavelength and longwavelength infrared regimes. In many applications, employing signal-processing techniques to combat FPN may be preferred over hard calibration (e.g., two-point calibration), as they are less expensive and, more importantly, do not require halting the operation of the camera. In this paper, a new technique that uses knowledge of global motion in a video sequence to restore the true scene in the presence of FPN is introduced. In the proposed setting, the entire video sequence is regarded as an output of a motion-dependent linear transformation, which acts collectively on the true scene and the unknown bias elements (which represent the FPN) in each detector. The true scene is then estimated from the video sequence according to a minimum mean-square-error criterion. Two modes of operation are considered. First, we consider non-radiometric restoration, in which case the true scene is estimated by performing a regularized minimization, since the problem is ill-posed. The other mode of operation is radiometric, in which case we assume that only the perimeter detectors have been calibrated. This latter mode does not require regularization and therefore avoids compromising the radiometric accuracy of the restored scene. The algorithm is demonstrated through preliminary results from simulated and real infrared imagery.
Religious Change and the Renaissance Elegy

AbstractStudy of the Renaissance English elegy can be enhanced by considering both the medieval antecedents of the genre and the shifts in religious thought and practice brought about by the Protestant Reformation and by examining continuities as well as changes. Medieval English elegies, drawing on Catholic traditions, commonly registered a sense that living and dead persons can interact with one another. In later years, Protestant reformers would claim that purgatory and the cult of saints impugned the sovereignty of God and that the Bible offered no evidence for the Roman understanding of works as a means to salvation. Therefore, a fully purified faith could find no place for purgatory, the intercession of saints, or prayers for the dead. These attacks on traditional religion would shape poetic responses to death and mourning, including Henry King's “An Exequy” and Milton's Lycidas. (S.W.)