cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipid peroxidation does not appear to be a factor in late radiation injury of the cervical spinal cord of rats

Abstract Purpose: We tested the role of lipid peroxidation in the demyelination and white matter necrosis associated with radiation injury of the central nervous system. Methods and Materials: We irradiated the cervical spinal cords of female F344 rats (23 Gy) and assayed for the accumulation of the peroxidation byproducts malondialdehyde and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, and for the consumption of the endogenous free radical scavengers vitamins E and C. We further tested the role of lipid peroxidation in radiation injury of the central nervous system by determining the sensitivity of the cervical spinal cord to radiation in rats on diets containing deficient, normal, and supplemental levels of the antioxidant vitamin E. Rats were placed on these diets at 4 weeks of age and irradiated (18.5-21.5 Gy) 16 weeks later. Results: During the 5 months between irradiation and the onset of paralysis, no accumulation of peroxidation byproducts or consumption of endogenous scavengers was seen in the cervical spinal cords of the irradiated rats. The cervical spinal cords of some of the rats placed on the diets with deficient, normal, and supplemental levels of vitamin E were analyzed at the time of irradiation and contained 197 ± 57, 501 ± 19, and 717 ± 35 pmol vitamin E/mg protein, respectively. Despite the statistical differences in these levels, the radiation sensitivity of the cervical spinal cord (ED5 50 for white matter necrosis) in rats receiving the three diets was not different (20.4, 20.7, and 20.6 Gy). Conclusion: These data do not support a role for free radical-induced lipid peroxidation in the white matter damage seen in radiation injury of the central nervous system.
Diagnostic and surgical challenge: Middle ear dermoid cyst in 12 month old with branchio-oto-renal syndrome and multiple middle-ear congenital anomalies

Described is the first case report, to our knowledge, of a middle-ear dermoid in a child with branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome. Radiographic, pathologic, and intraoperative figures are shown. This was a diagnostic and surgical challenge as the presentation was similar to a congenital cholesteatoma and the child had numerous significant temporal bone abnormalities. After the intraoperative findings suggested a non-destructive process, the treatment strategy was altered. This case reiterates the need for a cautious, flexible operative approach in a syndromic child. Included is a relevant review of the literature and a detailed clinical analysis.
Inhibition of drinking by septal stimulation in rats

Abstract Bilateral electrical stimulation of the septal forebrain inhibited drinking to extracellular stimuli thought to be mediated, at least in part, by renin-angiotensin. Stimulation at 60 μA but not at 40 μA also inhibited drinking to cellular dehydration. Feeding was not disrupted by either current intensity. The contribution of the septal area to drinking inhibition in rats is discussed.
Clay petrology of the Upper Triassic/Lower Jurassic terrestrial strata of the Newark Supergroup, Connecticut Valley, U.S.A.

Abstract The clay mineralogy of the Newark Supergroup (Upper Triassic/Lower Jurassic) in the Connecticut Valley was studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. Clay minerals identified in 126 samples are illite, chlorite, smectite, kaolinite, vermiculite, expandable chlorite, mixed-layer illite/smectite, mixed-layer chlorite/smectite, and mixed-layer chlorite/vermiculite. In general, the rocks are illitic with subordinate amounts of chlorite. However, the various lithofacies in the Newark Supergroup are characterized by distinct clay-mineral assemblages. Red beds of floodplain origin contain clays mainly of detrital nature with 2M illite most abundant. Subordinate amounts of chlorite, smectite, vermiculite, kaolinite and mixed-layer illite/smectite are also present. An interstratified chlorite/vermiculite occurs in red mudstone underlying basalt flows. Lacustrine gray beds are generally characterized by the clay-mineral assemblage 1Md illite + chlorite with minor amounts of smectite ane expandable chlorite. An interstratified chlorite/smectite predominates in gray mudstone associated with perennial lake cycles in the East Berlin Formation. Black shales of deeper lacustrine origin contain the assemblage 1Md ifillite + trioctahedral smectite and traces of chlorite. Illite and smectite also occur as mixed-layer phases. In many respects, the distribution of clay minerals in the Connecticut Valley can be likened to the general scheme proposed for the Permo-Triassic basins of Europe and Africa. These display both vertical and horizontal variations in clay-mineral assemblages that reflect the chemical and spatiotemporal evolution of intrabasin depositional and diagenetic environments. Chemical data indicate that magnesium, especially, was concentrated in the black muds of large perennial lakes that intermittently occupied the Connecticut rift valley. Pore waters derived from these sediments played an important role in the development of Mg-rich 2 : 1 and interstratified clay minerals during early diagenesis.
Transient lasing without inversion

It has been known for two decades that coherence can yield lasing without inversion (LWI), which could be useful for making lasers at shorter wavelength. However, excitation of extreme ultraviolet and x-ray atomic transitions typically requires a plasma medium with rapid collisions, which destroy atomic coherence. Here we demonstrate LWI on a time scale shorter than the decoherence time. We show that in such a regime LWI is possible in a V -scheme with a strong coherent drive on the low-frequency transition and obtain an analytical expression for the gain of the laser pulse at high frequency. We propose an experiment in which such LWI can be realized in He plasma.
Scientific Achievement and Aptitude

THE excellent editorial in NATURE of Nov. 13 suggests a few comments. Several years ago, Lady Gregory came to the University of Colorado and lectured on the Irish drama. She insisted on the importance of each country or region fostering its own dramatic art, and cultivating dramatic expression among its citizens. Under such conditions, she urged, not only is there a quickening of the general intelligence, but also genius finds its appropriate setting and chance for appreciation. Surely the same argument may be used with reference to science. It is not possible to determine the native ability of various nations from such statistics as are cited by Dr. Slosson. Very much depends on popular recognition, and even the discovery of new chemical elements is largely controlled by opportunity. Although the genius is an asset of incalculable value, he is only of value to communities intelligent enough to profit by his labours. In 1914, 105,681 infants under one year died in Great Britain. In 1924 the number was only 65,259. In the same period the deaths per thousand were cut down from 23.9 to 19.3. This was not done through the brilliant inspiration of some genius, but by the incessant labours of thousands of relatively or absolutely obscure persons using the knowledge communicated by scientific men of all grades of distinction.
CORRELATION OF HIND III RESTRICTION DIGEST PATTERNS OF CHROMOSOMAL DNA FROM TYPE III GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI WITH INVASIVE DISEASE. • 1101

Aside from the polysaccharide capsule, little is known about bacterial factors that contribute to the virulence of group B streptococci (GBS). In an effort to identify bacteria more likely to cause invasive disease, we determined GBS C5a-ase activity and HindIII-derived restriction digest patterns (RDPs) of chromosomal DNA from 41 invasive type III GBS strains isolated from sterile body sites (blood, CSF, or joint) and 29 colonizing strains isolated from vaginal secretions. The similarity between RDPs was expressed as a Pearson product moment coefficient that compares densitometric analyses of RDPs between strains (J. Med. Microbiol. 35: 297, 1991). Bacteria were grouped into one of four RDP types: III-1 (4.3%), III-2(25.7%), III-3 (58.6%) and III-4 (11.4%). Bacterial RDPs within each type were similar at a coefficient value ≥0.93. There was no obvious correlation between expression of C5a-ase and invasiveness in any of the RDP types. All type III-1 and III-2 strains tested expressed C5a-ase, while all of the type III-4 strains did not express C5a-ase activity. 66% of the III-3 strains expressed C5a-ase, but C5a-ase negative and positive strains were equally likely to be invasive isolates. Type III-3 strains that were very similar to each other by RDP typing (coefficient ≥0.99) were concordant for the presence or absence of C5a-ase, supporting the assertion that the RDP typing identifies closely related strains. Invasive isolates were significantly more likely to be type III-3 (78%) than were colonizing isolates (33%) (p<.001, Chi-squared). These data suggest that RDP type III-3 strains are more likely to cause invasive disease in human infants than other RDP types. Further characterization of these strains may help identify type III GBS virulence factors.
Antiandrogen therapy in prostate cancer

Abstract Antiandrogens are an important class of therapeutic agents for treatment of prostate cancer. While traditionally used as a second-line hormonal therapy following androgen deprivation treatment, they have been studied in a number of other settings. Antiandrogens continue to be a class of highly selective agents with relatively little toxicity compared to non-hormonal therapies for advanced disease. Compounds in development that target androgen receptor activation hold great promise for men with prostate cancer.
Upconversion dynamics in Pr-doped YAlO3 and Y3Al5O12 laser crystals

Abstract The praseodymium ion in solids exhibits emission from a number of levels located in different regions of the spectrum and presents various spectral features that include anti-Stokes emission, otherwise called upconversion. We have examined this phenomenon in two laser crystals YAlO 3 and Y 3 Al 5 O 12 doped with praseodymium. We studied the dynamics of the upconversion of the exciting energy by measuring decay patterns and emission intensities as function of excitation and temperature in the range 24–300 K. The experimental data indicate that the mechanisms responsible for the upconverted emission are energy transfer in YAlO 3 and excited state absorption in Y 3 Al 5 O 12 . The mechanism of upconversion for each system persists at all temperatures. We observed upconverted emission in both samples when exciting the system in the 1 D 2 level with light from a dye laser at ∼599 nm. In YAlO 3 :Pr this emission is due to transitions originating in 3 P 0 , a level more energetic than the 1 D 2 level. We found the intensity of this emission to be proportional to the square of the intensity of the excitation energy. In Y 3 Al 5 O 12 :Pr we observed upconverted emissions originating in the 3 P 0 level and in the (4f5d) band. We found the former emission to be proportional to the square of the excitation energy, and the latter to the cube of this energy.
Effect of Thyrotropin on Thyroid Clearance of Iodide and Pertechnetate: Comparative Observations at Normal and High Plasma Iodide Concentrations

The effect of TSH on thyroid clearance of circulating iodide at physiologic and at high concentrations of plasma iodide was studied in the dog by a method permitting rapid sequential sampling of arterial and thyroid venous blood. Two hr before cannulation of an inferior thyroid vein, a tracer dose of radioiodide (131I o r 126I) was injected intravenously, either carrier-free (“normal iodide group”) or with a substantial quantity (2–10 mg) of stable iodide (“high iodide group”); in many experiments 99mTcO4− (radiopertechnetate) was given together with the labeled iodide. Intravenous injection of 10 U of TSH induced a prompt decline in the glandular clearance of pertechnetate in both normal and high iodide dogs. Iodide clearance by the thyroid was unaffected by TSH in the normal iodide group. In the iodide-loaded animals TSH induced an initial decline in iodide clearance, followed in less than 20 min after injection by a 50% increase over pre-TSH values. The results suggest that TSH promptly enhances thyroi...
A Self-Consistent Approach for Necking Correction in Tensile Specimens With Rectangular Cross-Section Using a Novel Mirror Fixture

True stress–true strain cannot be computed beyond necking, unless the effects of necking on the geometry of the tensile specimen and the stress state are accurately quantified. Necking produces a triaxial stress state that does not reflect the true uniaxial flow stress of the material. Therefore, the true stress must be multiplied by a correction factor to correct for the effect of the triaxial stresses and obtain the true uniaxial flow stress. While necking effects are easily quantified for specimens with circular cross-sections, specimens with rectangular cross-sections can exhibit complex necking geometry. In this paper, the necking behavior of pure Sn and Sn-3.5Ag-0.7Cu solders was studied to: (1) quantify necking geometry in rectangular specimens using a novel mirror fixture and a high speed camera during tests conducted at 10−3 to 30 s−1, and (2) develop a self-consistent method of necking correction that incorporates strain rate effects and can be applied to many materials.
Role of heat shock protein Hsp25 in the response of the orofacial nuclei motor system to physiological stress

Although expression of the small heat shock protein family member Hsp25 has been previously observed in the central nervous system (CNS), both constitutively and upon induction, its function in the CNS remains far from clear. In the present study we have characterized the spatial pattern of expression of Hsp25 in the normal adult mouse brain as well as the changes in expression patterns induced by subjecting mice to experimental hyperthermia or hypoxia. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a surprisingly restricted pattern of constitutive expression of Hsp25 in the brain, limited to the facial, trigeminal, ambiguus, hypoglossal and vagal motor nuclei of the brainstem. After hyperthermia or hypoxia treatment, significant increases in the levels of Hsp25 were observed in these same areas and also in fibers of the facial and trigeminal nerve tracts. Immunoblot analysis of protein lysates from brainstem also showed the same pattern of induction of Hsp25. Surprisingly, no other area in the brain showed expression of Hsp25, in either control or stressed animals. The highly restricted expression of Hsp25 implies that this protein may have a specific physiological role in the orofacial motor nuclei, which govern precise coordination between muscles of mastication and the pharynx, larynx, and face. Its rapid induction after stress further suggests that Hsp25 may serve as a specific molecular chaperone in the lower cholinergic motor neurons and along their fibers under conditions of stress or injury. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
Finite element model of subsynovial connective tissue deformation due to tendon excursion in the human carpal tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a nerve entrapment disease, which has been extensively studied by the engineering and medical community. Although the direct cause is unknown, in vivo and in vitro medical research has shown that tendon excursion creates microtears in the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) surrounding the tendon in the carpal tunnel. One proposed mechanism for the SSCT injury is shearing, which is believed to cause fibrosis of the SSCT. Few studies have reported quantitative observations of SSCT response to mechanical loading. Our proposed model is a 2-D section that consists of an FDS tendon, interstitial SSCT and adjacent stationary tendons. We believe that developing this model will allow the most complete quantitative observations of SSCT response to mechanical loading reported thus far. Boundary conditions were applied to the FEA model to simulate single finger flexion. A velocity was applied to the FDS tendon in the model to match loading conditions of the documented cadaver wrist kinematics studies. The cadaveric and FEA displacement results were compared to investigate the magnitude of stiffness required for the SSCT section of the model. The relative motions between the model and cadavers matched more closely than the absolute displacements. Since cadaveric models do not allow identification of the SSCT layers, an FEA model will help determine the displacement and stress experienced by each SSCT layer. Thus, we believe this conceptual model is a first step in understanding how the SSCT layers are recruited during tendon excursion.
The changing face of the cost-utility literature, 1990-2012.

Abstract Objectives Cost-utility analyses (CUAs) have been published widely over the years to measure the value of health care interventions. We investigated the growth and characteristics of CUAs in the peer-reviewed English-language literature through 2012. Methods We analyzed data from the Tufts Medical Center Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) Registry, a database containing more than 3700 English-language CUAs published through 2012. We summarized various study characteristics (e.g., intervention type, funding source, and journal of publication) and methodological practices (e.g., use of probabilistic sensitivity analysis) over three time periods: 1990 to 1999, 2000 to 2009, and 2010 to 2012. We also examined CUAs by country, region, and the degree to which diseases studied correlate with disease burden. Results The number of published CUAs rose from 34 per year from 1990 to 1999 to 431 per year from 2010 to 2012. The proportion of studies focused on the United States declined from 61% during 1990 to 1999 to 35% during 2010 to 2012 (P Conclusions Our review reveals considerable growth and some change in the cost-utility literature in recent years. The data suggest growing interest in cost-utility methodology, particularly in non-Western countries.
Study on Ultrasonic Cavitation Based Solidification Processing and Nanoparticle Feeding for High Volume Fabrication of Aluminum Matrix Nanocomposites

Lightweight metal matrix nano-composites (MMNCs) (metal matrix with nano-sized ceramic particles) can be of significance for automobile, aerospace and numerous other applications. It would be advantageous to produce low-cost as-cast bulk lightweight components of aluminum based MMNCs. However, it is extremely difficult to disperse nano-sized ceramic particles uniformly in molten aluminum. In this paper, a high power ultrasonic probe is used to disperse nano-size SiC particles in aluminum alloy A356. Experiment results show that the ultrasonic cavitation based dispersion of naoparticles in molten aluminum alloy is effective. The uniform nano particle dispersion resulted in significantly improved mechanical properties. Various nanopartilce feeding techniques were investigated and experimental results are presented.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Experimental Studies on Vertical Dense Jets in a Flowing Current

Experiments were performed using three-dimensional laser-induced fluorescence on turbulent vertical dense jets in flowing currents typical of brine disposal from seawater desalination plants. The flows are complex and different phenomena can dominate at different locations and at different current speeds, indicating that predicting these flows numerically will be quite challenging. At low current speeds, the rising and falling flows are almost vertical with some interference between them and the bottom flow spreads upstream as a wedge. At higher current speeds the wedge is expelled; the ascending flow is still almost vertical, but the descending flow is more gradual so the jet impacts the lower boundary farther downstream. Dilutions at the terminal rise height and impact point increase with increasing current speeds. Cross-sectional profiles of tracer concentration are neither axially or self-similar. In the descending flow, at low or intermediate current speeds, the plume is much taller than it is wide, the peak concentration occurs much closer to the top, and fluid can detrain from the jet. At higher current speeds, the profiles initially approach radial symmetry, but develop a kidney shape due to formation of two counter-rotating vortices farther downstream. These vortices cause the jet to almost completely bifurcate after impacting the bottom.
Hamycin: separation of toxicity and antifungal activity in mice.

Abstract Hamycin, either alone or in suspension as hamycin-cholesterol complex, was intravenously administered to mice in a single dose. Plasma antifungal activity at different time intervals and LD 50 at varying drug: cholesterol proportions were studied. Hamycin alone was eight-fold more toxic than the hamycin-cholesterol complex. While the antifungal activity of hamycin in plasma rapidly declined by first order kinetics, the activity of hamycin-cholesterol complex in plasma was maintained at the initial high level for a prolonged period and with a 12-fold increase in the apparent volume of distribution of the drug. The therapeutic implications of these findings are discussed.
Use of mutually inductive coupling in probe design

An analysis is presented of mutually inductive coupling in probe design. It is assumed that near field couplings predominate and that lumped constants may therefore be employed. Using three published designs as examples, analytic techniques are presented for assessing B1 field strength, losses, and signal-to-noise ratio in increasingly complex situations. The perturbing effect of the B1 field from a matching coil is examined and it is shown that if the coil is too close to the sample there can be an asymmetry introduced in the rotating frame B1 field. It is then shown that such asymmetries are potentially a general feature of inductively coupled, loaded coils. The importance of suppressing unwanted resonances is highlighted if tuning and matching are to be orthogonal, a potential advantage of mutually inductive matching. Finally, a lumped-constant simulation is briefly described for those situations where an analytic approach becomes too cumbersome. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts in Magnetic Resonance (Magn Reson Engineering) 15: 262–285, 2002
Nicotine withdrawal increases stress-associated genes in the nucleus accumbens of female rats in a hormone-dependent manner.

Introduction: Previous work led to our hypothesis that sex differences produced by nicotine withdrawal are modulated by stress and dopamine systems in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). We investigated our hypothesis by studying intact females to determine whether the mechanisms that promote withdrawal are ovarian-hormone mediated.
Apnoea and bradycardia in preterm infants following immunisation with pentavalent or hexavalent vaccines

There is a lack of data regarding the incidence and clinical significance of apnoea or bradycardia (AB) following immunisation with combination vaccines containing an acellular pertussis (Pa) component in respiratory stable preterm infants. Medical records of respiratory stable preterm infants who received a first dose of a combined diphtheria (D) and tetanus (T) toxoids, Pa, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine with or without hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the University Children’s Hospital Basel between January 2000 and June 2003 were analysed. For each infant, clinical data were recorded for a 72 h period before and after immunisation. Of 53 infants with a mean gestational age of 28 weeks, 7 (13%) showed a transient recurrence of or increase in episodes of AB following immunisation. Five of these seven infants required intervention ranging from tactile stimulation to bag and mask ventilation. Regarding risk factors, children with recurrent or increased AB were indistinguishable from those without such events. The rate of fever (>38°C) following immunisation was higher in affected infants compared to those without recurrence of or increase in AB (3/7 vs 2/46, P =0.01). Conclusion:Although most infants tolerated immunisation well, the incidence of recurrent or increased apnoea or bradycardia in respiratory stable preterm infants following the first immunisation with penta- or hexavalent vaccines was 13%. Most apnoea or bradycardia events required intervention but did not have serious consequences. Monitoring of all preterm infants following immunisation in the neonatal intensive care unit is recommended.
Comparison of predicted and adult heights in short boys: effect of androgen therapy.

Summary: We evaluated the accuracy of height predictions based on the tables of Bayley and Pinneau (2) in 43 boys with short stature. Sixteen boys were treated with androgens and 27 received no treatment. In 17 boys whose bone ages were within normal limits, and who received no treatment, the mean ± SE predicted height of 164.9 ± 1.5 cm was not significantly different from the mean adult height (166.5 ± 1. 5 cm). The predicted height exceeded the actual adult height by more than 5.1 cm in only one instance [5.1 cm is the degree of accuracy reported by Bayley and Pinneau (2)]. In 10 boys, whose bone ages were severely delayed (more than 2 SD below their chronologic age) and also were not treated, predicted height overestimated adult height by more than 5.1 cm in five of them. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In five boys with normal bone ages, androgen therapy had no significant effect on either predicted height (168.1 ± 4.1 before, 166.8 ± 4.4 cm after) or actual adult height (166.5 ± 4.1 cm). The 11 boys with severely delayed bone ages had a significant increase in predicted height during androgen therapy (165.4 ± 1.5 to 169.8 ± 1.7 cm, P < 0.01), but actual adult height (162.4 ± 2. 4 cm) was not significantly greater than pretreatment predicted height. Further, the number of boys whose predicted height exceeded their adult height by 5.1 cm was not significantly different in treated (4/11) or untreated (5/10) boys. The Bayley-Pinneau method of predicting adult height markedly overestimates adult height in about one-half of boys who have a bone age delay of more than 2 SD. Short-term therapy with androgens does not alter this outcome.
Experimentally created incipient species of Drosophila.

By means of selection in many generations, ethological (sexual) isolation has been built between strains of Drosophila which were formerly not reproductively isolated.
Optimum grip of a polygon

It has been shown by Baker, Fortune and Grosse that any two-dimensional polygonal object can be prehended stably with three fingers, so that its weight (along the third dimension) is balanced. Besides, in this paper we show that form closure of a polygon object can be achieved by four fingers (previous proofs were not complete). We formulate and solve the problem of finding the optimum stable grip or form closure of any given polygon. For stable grip it is most natural to minimize the forces needed to balance through friction the object''s weight along the third dimension. For form closure, we minimize the worst-case forces needed to balance any unit force acting on the center of gravity of the object. The mathematical techniques used in the two instances are an interesting mix of Optimization and Euclidean geometry. Our results lead to algorithms for the efficient computation of the optimum grip in each case.
Effect of carbon nanomaterials on calcium carbonate crystallization

The addition of the water-soluble carbon nanomaterials, fullerenol (C60(OH)n), hydroxylated single walled carbon nanotubes (HO-SWNTs) and isophthalic acid functionalized-SWNTs (IPA-SWNTs), alter the morphology and crystal phase of CaCO3 precipitates form aqueous solution. CaCO3 precipitation in the presence of C60(OH)n results in the formation of spherical features, 5-pointed flower shaped clusters, and triangular crystals as opposed to the usual rhombic crystals. In addition, the meta-stable vaterite phase is observed with the addition of C60(OH)n. The effect on crystal growth of the C60(OH)n is not a simple function of the pH of the solution, although it may be due to reactivity of the hydroxyl groups. Precipitation with water-soluble HO-SWNT and IPA-SWNTs produces CaCO3 coated SWNTs with the CaCO3 being amorphous rather than crystalline.
Studies on the functional role of tintinnids in the Southern California Bight. II. Grazing rates of field populations

The feeding behavior of relatively undisturbed natural populations of tintinnids was studied in a series of experiments which utilized water samples collected in Southern California coastal waters. Dilute suspensions of corn starch were presented to the tintinnids and the rates of ingestion of this visual tracer determined after short (5 to 20 min) incubations followed by fixation in Lugol's iodine fixative. Tintinnids were observed to ingest particles of diameters up to approximately 43% of their lorica oral diameter and at rates proportional to their oral diameters. Grazing rates observed in these experiments ranged up to approximately 10 μl tintinnid-1 h-1, and generally agreed well with the rates observed in experiments utilizing laboratory cultures of tintinnids. No significant diel periodicity in feeding rates was observed in the one study extending over a 24 h period.
The significance of resonant scatter in the measurement of N2+ first negative 0–1 emissions during auroral activity

Abstract Ionized nitrogen molecules are readily created by incoming primary and secondary electrons during auroras. Photometric measurements of emissions in the first negative system, which originates from the B state, have been widely used to make an estimate of the energy flux of precipitating electrons. Some emissions from the A state of ionized molecular nitrogen occur in the meinel bands in the near infrared. In this study we have compared simultaneous observations of the first negative system in the 0–1 band with the Meinel 0–0 band during aurora at Poker Flat, Alaska. Since both upper states have short lifetimes, compared to the inverse of the collision rate at heights of the emission, and the ratios of their excitation cross sections by electron impact is not sensitive to energy above 10 eV, it was expected that their emission rates should be strictly proportional. We have found that the brightness of the first negative 0–1 increases above the proportionality rate during moderate auroral activity. After careful consideration of a number of possible causes, this increase is credited to the resonant scattering of the first negative emission due to a possible elevation of N2+ into the sunlit or twilight region.
1.7.2 An Integrated Risk Management Process

When the risk management process was introduced at the Boeing Airlift And Tanker (A&T) Programs, many obstacles were encountered. It was determined to overcome these obstacles and improve the process. While the process of risk analysis and mitigation is well known, implementation is more challenging than just establishing the process and procedures. The detailed steps of implementation are presented. Visibility of critical risk to program level manager and customer is vitally important for both program management and timely and effective resolution. The company profit as well as customer budget control depend on close monitoring of project spending. The project cost risk is converted to impact assessment of Estimate At Completion (EAC) at the earlier stage of the project progress. The integration of project risk with program level risk and with business risk is discussed.
Control of membrane fusion by phospholipid head groups II. The role of phosphatidylethanolamine in mixtures with phosphatidate and phosphatidylinositol

Membrane fusion induced by Ca2+ and Mg2+ in large unilamellar vesicles composed of mixtures of phosphatidylethanolamine with phosphatidate and phosphatidylinositol was studied by means of a fluorescence assay for the intermixing of internal aqueous contents of the vesicles. The threshold concentrations of Ca2+ or Mg2+ required for fusion increased only moderately when up to 80 mol% phosphatidylethanolamine was included with phosphatidate at pH 7.4, but no fusion could be detected in vesicles containing 70 mol% phosphatidylcholine even at high concentrations of Ca2+ or Mg2+. Phosphatidate-phosphatidylethanolamine (1 : 4) vesicles could be induced to fuse by 0.1 mM Ca2+ in the presence of a Mg2+ concentration which alone was insufficient for fusion. When equimolar amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine was included with phosphatidylinositol, the vesicles were susceptible to fusion by Ca2+, although pure phosphatidylinositol vesicles themselves merely aggregate and do not fuse (Sundler, R. and Papahadjopoulos, D. (1981) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 649, 743–750, accompanying paper). The role of phosphatidylethanolamine acyl chains, and hence the possible involvement of the bilayer-hexagonal (HII) transition in membrane fusion, was examined by the temperature dependence of Ca2+-induced fusion in phosphatidylinositol-dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine (1 : 1) vesicles. Fusion was strictly dependent on the gel-liquid crystalline transition of the mixture and not on the phase behavior of the phosphatidylethanolamines. Comparable fusion rates were obtained for both egg yolk phosphatidylethanolamine and dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine at 50°C. As the dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine does not convert to a non-bilayer phase in this temperature range, we conclude that the bilayer-hexagonal transition is not necessary for membrane fusion. We propose that the dehydration characteristics of the phospholipids and their metal ion complexes are the critical factors determining fusion suceptibility of phospholipid membranes.
Observations on vitamin C activity of D-ascorbic acid.

Conclusion and summary1) Some activities of L-ascorbic acid can be replaced by D-ascorbic acid when administered in relatively small doses under conditions of these experiments. For instance, weight and survival of scorbutic guinea pigs can be maintained with D-ascorbic acid, but hemorrhages about the joints are not prevented. The most striking effect of D-ascorbic acid was revealed with histochemical studies of teeth. The dentin produced in animals receiving D-ascorbic acid was normal in morphology and staining properties. However, the Vit. C effect of D-ascorbic acid was not complete in that predentin formed in these animals was still abnormal in its reactivity to acid mucopolysaccharide stain though it was eventually converted to normal staining dentin. 2) These results furnish further evidence for multiple actions of Vit. C; those that are specific, for which only L-ascorbic acid will serve, and those that are non-specific in which D-ascorbic acid and presumably other compounds with the same redox pro...
Income inequality and crime in the United States

Abstract This paper investigates the relationship between income inequality and crime. Results show that there is a strong and robust effect of relative income inequality on burglary. Effect on robbery is also strong and robust in most cases.
Activity and Reactivity of Carbon Formed by the Thermal Degradation of Poly(vinyl butyral) in Alumina Pellets

This paper discusses the kinetics of the oxidation of carbon formed by the thermal degradation of poly (vinyl butyral) (PVB) in alumina pellets. The kinetics, studied in a flow reactor using wet nitrogen as the oxidant, followed zero-order kinetics. The carbon was found to be very reactive, and it possibly was a form of Dent carbon. The activity of this carbon compared with graphite in alumina pellets showed that the carbon formed by the thermal degradation of PVB to be 4 to 6 times more active than graphite. The total organic content of the pellets was varied from 0% to 15% and the kinetics was studied in the temperature range of 873 to 1073 K. Activation energies were expressed as a function of the weight percent of carbon in the pellet. Experimental data with two particle sizes of alumina gave different activation energies.
An Intelligent Sensing Network of Distributed Swarming Agents for Perimeter Detection and Surveillance

Perimeter detection and surveillance by a distributed swarm of autonomous agents offers a solution in multiple cases where human safety or environmental protection is of concern. An algorithmic method is developed for detection and surveillance of one or more dynamic perimeters via distributed control under local-area sensing and communication. Local graphs among neighbors are formed based on proximity, at which point communication among graph members becomes possible. Hardware-in-the-loop mixed-simulation experiments validate the method utilizing iRobot Create® ground robots and a NaturalPoint OptiTrack vision system.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A cultured affair: HSV latency and reactivation in neurons

After replicating in surface epithelia, herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) enters the axonal terminals of peripheral neurons. The viral genome translocates to the nucleus, where it establishes a specialized infection known as latency, re-emerging periodically to seed new infections. Studies using cultured neuron models that faithfully recapitulate the molecular hallmarks of latency and reactivation defined in live animal models have provided fresh insight into the control of latency and connections to neuronal physiology. With this comes a growing appreciation for how the life cycles of HSV-1 and other herpesviruses are governed by key host pathways controlling metabolic homeostasis and cell identity.
Effect of barcode-assisted medication administration on emergency department medication errors.

Objectives Barcode-assisted medication administration (BCMA) is technology with demonstrated benefit in reducing medication administration errors in hospitalized patients; however, it is not routinely used in emergency departments (EDs). EDs may benefit from BCMA, because ED medication administration is complex and error-prone. Methods A naive observational study was conducted at an academic medical center implementing BCMA in the ED. The rate of medication administration errors was measured before and after implementing an integrated electronic medical record (EMR) with BCMA capacity. Errors were classified as wrong drug, wrong dose, wrong route of administration, or a medication administration with no physician order. The error type, severity of error, and medications associated with errors were also quantified. Results A total of 1,978 medication administrations were observed (996 pre-BCMA and 982 post-BCMA). The baseline medication administration error rate was 6.3%, with wrong dose errors representing 66.7% of observed errors. BCMA was associated with a reduction in the medication administration error rate to 1.2%, a relative rate reduction of 80.7% (p < 0.0001). Wrong dose errors decreased by 90.4% (p < 0.0001), and medication administrations with no physician order decreased by 72.4% (p = 0.057). Most errors discovered were of minor severity. Antihistamine medications were associated with the highest error rate. Conclusions Implementing BCMA in the ED was associated with significant reductions in the medication administration error rate and specifically wrong dose errors. The results of this study suggest a benefit of BCMA on reducing medication administration errors in the ED.
Vlasov Simulations Using Velocity-Scaled Hermite Representations

The efficiency, accuracy, and stability of two different pseudo-spectral methods using scaled Hermite basis and weight functions, applied to the nonlinear Vlasov?Poisson equations in one dimension (1d-1v), are explored and compared. A variable velocity scaleUis introduced into the Hermite basis and is shown to yield orders of magnitude reduction in errors, as compared to linear kinetic theory, with no increase in workload. A set of Fourier?Hermite coefficients, representing a periodic Gaussian distribution function, are advanced through time with anO(?t2)-accurate splitting method. Within this splitting scheme, the advection and acceleration terms of the Vlasov equation are solved separately using anO(?t4)-accurate Runge?Kutta method. The asymmetrically weighted (AW) Hermite basis, which has been used previously by many authors, conserves particles and momentum exactly and total energy toO(?t3); however, the AW Hermite method doesnotconserve the square integral of the distribution and is, in fact, numerically unstable. The symmetrically weighted (SW) Hermite algorithm, applied here to the Vlasov system for the first time, can either conserve particles and energy (forNueven) or momentum (forNuodd) as ? t ? 0, whereNuis the largest Hermite mode number. The SW Hermite method conserves the square integral of the distribution and, therefore, remains numerically stable. In addition, careful velocity scaling improves the conservation properties of the SW Hermite method. Damping and growth rates, oscillation frequencies, E-field saturation levels, and phase-space evolution are seen to be qualitatively correct during simulations. Relative errors with respect to linear Landau damping and linear bump-on-tail instability are shown to be less than 1% using only 64 velocity-scaled Hermite functions. Comparisons to particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations show that as the number of particles increases to more than 106, the PIC solutions converge to scaled SW Hermite solutions that were found in only 1/10 of the run-time. The SW Hermite method with velocity scaling is well-suited to kinetic simulations of warm plasmas.
Digital chemical analysis of dilute microdroplets

The concept of digital molecular detection, the ability to count individual molecules, is described and the mathematical framework for defining detection limits under various experimental constraints presented. The authors show that with modest signal-to-noise ratio for detection of single molecules, significant advantages accrue when using a digital detection strategy versus a conventional approach. Concentration detection limits decrease inversely with total sample volume for digital detection versus reduction as the inverse square root for conventional measurements. This advantage could yield detection limits that are reduced by orders of magnitude if sample volume is limited. In addition, they present experimental results demonstrating the concept of digital molecular detection using [beta]-phycoerythrin molecules and levitated microdroplet fluorimetry. Single [beta]-phycoerythrin molecules are detected with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 4. 17 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
Developmental Premises for Adult Involvement in Adolescent Leisure

(1985). Developmental Premises for Adult Involvement in Adolescent Leisure. World Leisure & Recreation: Vol. 27, No. 6, pp. 10-14.
Plant remains, alluvial chronology, and cave speleothem isotopes indicate abrupt Holocene climatic change at 6 ka in midwestern USA

Abstract Sediments along 1st–5th-order streams in Midwestern USA contain excellent records of abrupt climatic change in the Holocene. Cutbank exposures provide “snapshots” of areal paleovegetation based on assemblages of well-preserved pollen and plant macrofossils; when these sites are radiocarbon dated and arranged chronologically, a detailed picture of Holocene vegetational change emerges that is consistent with regional patterns. Lithologically distinct alluvial sediments and periods of rapid change from aggradation to entrenchment occur at intervals of rapid vegetational change, and are coeval with changing values of carbon isotopes from both cave speleothems and stream alluvium, indicating that climate is the major forcing function.
Observation of change in the oxidation state at ferromagnet/insulator interface upon thermal annealing.

It is reported that the magnetoresistance (MR) of magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) like Co1 − xFex/Al2O3/Co1 − xFex improves upon thermal annealing. We investigate the mechanism of this improvement by comparing the X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) of half-MTJ structures (Co84Fe16/Al2O3) before and after annealing. Before annealing, XAS show the presence of few angstroms of Co- and Fe-oxides, which disappeared after annealing at 250 deg C for 1/2 hour. We attribute enhanced MR upon annealing to the disappearance of Co and Fe oxides at the interface which reduce the spin-polarization of the conduction electrons and cause spin-flip scattering, both leading to inferior performance of MTJ.
Effect of N-acetyl-cysteine on liposomal and muscle model oxidation induced by reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), a naturally occurring thiol, is found in some fruits and vegetables, sometimes in concentrations higher than glutathione. The objective of this research was to determine the antioxidative effect of NAC in liposomal and muscle models challenged by different oxidizing systems, three that produce reactive oxygen species, two that produce reactive nitrogen species, and two that produce reactive sulfur. The antioxidative effect of cysteine and NAC was compared in the liposomes and NAC and BHT were compared in the muscle homogenates. Lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), TBARS, and sulfydryls (protein and non-protein) were analyzed. Results indicated that NAC is a more effective inhibitor of lipid oxidation in systems induced by free radicals and reactive nitrogen than those that are induced by peroxides. NAC appears to be at least mildly antioxidative in both liposomal and muscle models, although it did not completely inhibit oxidation in liposomes and generally was not as effective as BHT in the muscle models.
Focus on basic plasma science.

In the article “Fusion plan gathers steam” describing the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Environment Subcommittee hearing on restructuring the fusion energy program ([22 Mar., p. 1660][1]), Andrew Lawler quotes me as “warn[ing] that the lack of small-scale university fusion experiments is keeping young people from entering the field.” While this statement is likely correct, it was not part of my written testimony nor my remarks at the hearing. As co-chair of a recent National Research Council (NRC) study, Plasma Science: From Fundamental Science to Technological Applications (National Academy Press, 1995), I focused my remarks on small-scale basic research in plasma science. Of all of the areas considered in the NRC study, this was found to be the area of plasma science most in need of support. Because the fusion program is the largest nondefense user of plasma science, the study recommended that the program provide increased support for research in the underlying basic science. Rather than being a critic of the new Department of Energy (DOE) program, I am pleased to say that both the report of DOE's Fusion Energy Advisory Committee, and the testimony of Martha Krebs at the hearing, indicate that they recognize the need to increase support for basic plasma science. Krebs, director of the Office of Energy Research, outlined DOE's plans to significantly increase funding for basic plasma science, beginning in fiscal year 1997, which will be an important step in remedying the current situation. [1]: /lookup/volpage/272/1660a
Refractories from Verkhne-Shchugorsk bauxite deposits

Fabrication de briques refractaires a partir de ces bauxites, etude de leurs caracteristiques physico-chimiques
Model of a thin-film optical fiber fluorosensor

The efficiency of core-light injection from sources in the cladding of an optical fiber is modeled analytically by means of the exact field solution of a step-profile fiber. The analysis is based on the techniques by Marcuse (1988) in which the sources are treated as infinitesimal electric currents with random phase and orientation that excite radiation fields and bound modes. Expressions are developed based on an infinite cladding approximation which yield the power efficiency for a fiber coated with fluorescent sources in the core/cladding interface. Marcuse's results are confirmed for the case of a weakly guiding cylindrical fiber with fluorescent sources uniformly distributed in the cladding, and the power efficiency is shown to be practically constant for variable wavelengths and core radii. The most efficient fibers have the thin film located at the core/cladding boundary, and fibers with larger differences in the indices of refraction are shown to be the most efficient.