cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A tritium gas target as an intense source of 14 MeV neutrons

Abstract A windowless tritium gas target has been built to produce 10 13 14 MeV nutrons/s. Gas escaping from the target chamber through the beam entrance apertures is recirculated in a closed system. A 10 torr pressure gradient is maintained between the target and accelerator vacuum system by differentially pumping the apertures. The target has a minimum aperture diameter of 4 mm, beam acceptance of 1.8 cm mrad, and circulates 150 Ci of tritium gas. A tritium handling system designed to load and unload the target precludes atmospheric release. When a 7.5 torr target is bombarded by 210 keV deuterons, an extended source is formed nominally 50 cm in length. Under these conditions and with the beam current of (3.6 ± 0.3) mA, (1.8 ± 0.3)×10 12 neutrons/s have been produced.
Electric field generated by a rotating magnetized sphere.

The electric field outside a steadily rotating, uniformly magnetized sphere is determined for the general case in which the magnetic and rotational axes, though both passing through the center of the sphere, may be oriented at any angle relative to each other. The sphere is perfectly conducting and is surrounded by a conducting plasma of charged particles constrained to move along the magnetic field lines. The electric field generated by the rotating sphere is found to be exactly that required to cause the surrounding plasma to rotate with the sphere. When the magnetic and rotational axes are parallel or antiparallel, co-rotation of sphere and plasma is caused by the E×B drift. For all other orientations Fermi acceleration plays a role in causing co-rotation. The electric field in a reference frame rotating with the sphere is identically zero for the symmetric (dipole) magnetic field under consideration. Therefore, charged particles in the plasma do not change energy in this frame, although they appear alternately to gain and lose small amounts of energy in a nonrotating frame. It is concluded, however, that the electric field generated by the earth's ‘wobbling’ magnetic axis in the real magnetosphere, distorted by the solar wind, probably does cause charged particles to experience net energy changes over a number of revolutions around the earth. It thus provides a mechanism for diffusion of plasma and of higher-energy particles through the magnetosphere. Calculations of such effects must take into account the high conductivity of the plasma in the magnetosphere if they are to give correct results.
Poly(zwitterionic)protein conjugates offer increased stability without sacrificing binding affinity or bioactivity

Treatment with therapeutic proteins is an attractive approach to targeting a number of challenging diseases. Unfortunately, the native proteins themselves are often unstable in physiological conditions, reducing bioavailability and therefore increasing the dose that is required. Conjugation with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is often used to increase stability, but this has a detrimental effect on bioactivity. Here, we introduce conjugation with zwitterionic polymers such as poly(carboxybetaine). We show that poly(carboxybetaine) conjugation improves stability in a manner similar to PEGylation, but that the new conjugates retain or even improve the binding affinity as a result of enhanced protein-substrate hydrophobic interactions. This chemistry opens a new avenue for the development of protein therapeutics by avoiding the need to compromise between stability and affinity.
Microcellular model evaluation for the deformation of dynamically vulcanized EPDM/iPP blends

The origins of elasticity in thermoplastic vulcanizates have been debated for the past decade. Previous modeling attempts provide numerical solutions that make assessment of constituent concentration and interactions unclear. A microcellular modeling approach is proposed and evaluated herein to describe the steady-state behavior of dynamically vulcanized blends of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) and isotactic polypropylene (iPP). This approach provides an analytic result including terms for composition and cure state. Three types of deformation are accounted for: elastic and plastic deformation of iPP, elastic deformation of EPDM, and localized elastic and plastic rotation about iPP junction points. The viability of the constitutive model is evaluated in terms of iPP concentration and EPDM cure state.
Glucocorticoid augmentation of prolonged exposure therapy: rationale and case report

Rationale: Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy has been found to reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, it is difficult for many patients to engage fully in the obligatory retelling of their traumatic experiences. This problem is compounded by the fact that habituation and cognitive restructuring the main mechanisms through which PE is hypothesized to work are not instantaneous processes, and often require several weeks before the distress associated with imaginal exposure abates. Case reports: Two cases are described that respectively illustrate the use of hydrocortisone and placebo, in combination with PE, for the treatment of combat-related PTSD. Based on known effects of glucocorticoids on learning and memory performance, we hypothesized that augmentation with hydrocortisone would improve the therapeutic effects of PE by hastening ‘‘new’’ learning and facilitating decreases in the emotional impact of fear memories during the course of treatment. The veteran receiving hydrocortisone augmentation of PE displayed an accelerated and ultimately greater decline in PTSD symptoms than the veteran receiving placebo. Conclusions: While no general conclusion can be derived from comparison of two patients, the findings are consistent with the rationale for augmentation. These case reports support the potential for an appropriately designed and powered clinical trial to examine the efficacy of glucocorticoids in augmenting the effects of psychotherapy for PTSD. Keywords: Glucocorticoids; PTSD; cortisol; treatment; prolonged exposure; learning; memory (Published: 27 December 2010) Citation: European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2010, 1 : 5643 - DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v1i0.5643 For the abstract or full text in other languages, please see Supplementary files in the column to the right (under Reading Tools).
Is Technology Blowing the Library to Bits

The business of librarianship is the development of relationships and trust between the staff and its constituents through the purposeful application of services. Presently, these interactions are being negatively impacted by a profession that is being swept by a tide of circuitous technology. The Internet, Google, Yahoo, and all of the other online systems, coupled with the profession's seeming reluctance to fully embrace technology, are working against libraries and librarianship. It is not, however, too late.
Charge-transfer effects on the fluorescence spectra of 9-aminocamptothecin steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence studies

Abstract The steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence of 9-amino-20 (S)-camptothecin (ACAM) were measured in a series of organic solvents. The molecule exhibits charge-transfer (CT) fluorescence in nonhydrogen-bonding polar solvents. The solvatochromic data have been utilized to estimate the dipole moment of the molecule in the lowest excited singlet state. The CT fluorescence of ACAM is quenched in polar and hydrogen-bonding solvents. The fluorescence quenching of ACAM by methanol, water, and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol were studied in 1,4-dioxane. The quenching efficiency is linearly related to hydrogen bond-donating capacity of the quencher molecule. Semiempirical AMI molecular orbital calculations have been performed to calculate excitation energies, oscillator strengths, and ground and excited-state dipole moments of ACAM as well of the parent drug, camptothecin.
A major wintertime (1983) pollution episode in Northern New Jersey: Analyses of the accumulation and spatial distribution of Inhalable Particulate Matter, extractable organic matter and other species

Abstract A major wintertime episode occurred 13–17 February 1983 in northeastern NJ. The spatial extent was defined by the meteorological conditions and the levels of indicator pollutants such as CoH's, SO 2 and CO. Data from the Airborne Toxic Elements and Organic Species (ATEOS) sites (Newark, Elizabeth, Camden and Ringwood) were examined to determine if any were located in the affected area. The chemical composition of the Inhalable Particulate Matter (IPM), d 50 = 15 μm , for both inorganic and organic species are described and differences from mean composition analyzed. Comparable data were heretofore unavailable for any winter episode occurring in the NY-NJ metropolitan area since 1971. Using information available from the 1953 and 1966 metropolitan area episodes, the magnitude of the February 1983 episode is classified, and clear-cut differences are noted.
Aortic collagen synthesis in rabbits following removal of atherogenic diet

Abstract Male adult rabbits were divided into five experimental groups and were fed a 2% cholesterol diet using the following schedule: (A) two groups, normal control diet; (B) one group, 60 days continuous diet (60 day); (C) one group, 30 days cholesterol 30 days control diet (30-30); (D) one group, 60 days cholesterol, 30 days control diet (60-30). Aortic collagen synthesis was estimated by measuring tissue prolyl hydroxylase activity and tissue cholesterol was measured following thin layer chromatography. In the 30-30 and 60-30 animals, the removal of cholesterol from the diet caused a rapid fall in serum cholesterol values which slowed the rate of aortic cholesterol accumulation. Collagen synthetic activity was significantly elevated in the 60-30 rabbits but was at control levels of both the 60 day and 30-30 rabbits. The results demonstrate that the onset of increased aortic collagen synthesis is accompanied by an increase in the rate of cholesterol accumulation.
Effect of added cold shocked cells upon the viability of pony stallion spermatozoa

Abstract Cold shocked pony stallion spermatozoa, which had been warmed to room temperature, were found to have a detrimental effect upon the survival and motility of spermatozoa stored at 21°C. Within the first twenty minutes of storage, aliquots with added dead cells declined from their initial mean percent alive by 50.5 percent. Controls, however, only exhibited a decline of 8 percent from the original value. Motility, in aliquots with added dead spermatozoa, virtually ceased by the end of 60 minutes storage, whereas controls showed substantial motility after 80 minutes storage. These results indicate that removal of dead cells from semen or inactivation of their toxic products could help extend spermatozoan viability.
Distribution of virus in blood components during the viremia of measles.

Measles virus was isolated from four cases of human measles 8 hours to 29 hours after the onset of exanthem when the washed leucocyte fraction of blood was employed as inoculum, but isolation was not obtained from the RBC or plasma components even with larger inocula. In one case, virus was isolated from all fractions of blood drawn at the onset of rash, but in significantly higher quantity from the WBC component.
Extended Roof snap-off for a continuous nonwetting fluid and an example case for supercritical CO2

A dominant mechanism for residual trapping of a nonwetting fluid in porous media during imbibition is snap-off or the disconnection of a continuous stream of the nonwetting fluid when it passes through pore constrictions and when a criterion based on capillary pressure imbalance is met. While quasi-static criteria for Roof snap-off have been defined for pores based on the imbalance between capillary pressure across the front/tail meniscus and local capillary pressure at the pore throat, and expressed in terms of pore body to pore throat ratio for simplification, we extended the previous quasi-static snap-off criterion by considering the local capillary pressure imbalance between the pore body and the pore throat for both circular and noncircular pores when the wetting film exists. We then used the criterion to analyze results from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of multi-phase flow with supercritical CO2 as the nonwetting fluid and water as the wetting fluid. The extended criterion successfully described most situations we modeled. Furthermore, we compared fluid interface shape for a noncircular 3D pore predicted by the minimum surface energy (MSE) theory against 3D CFD simulations. While the fluid interface shape at the pore throat for 3D simulation was consistent with the shape predicted by MSE theory, the shape could not be successfully predicted by the MSE theory at the upstream and downstream pore body. Moreover, film flow existed for the noncircular pore at the downstream pore body.
Cataclysmic Variables from SDSS: A Review and A Look Forward to LSST

The past and current projects of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey are reviewed in the context of applicability and results for cataclysmic variables. Ongoing and future time domain surveys that will have impact on the field are also briefly discussed.
Supra Optical Nonlinearities of Photosensitive Nematic Liquid Crystals

Abstract A critical review of laser induced nonlinear index changing mechanisms in liquid crystals is presented. In some azo-compound doped nematic films, we have observed nonlinear index coefficient » 1 cm2/W. The supra optical nonlinearities are attributed to photorefractivity, order parameter modification and dopant-nematic intermolecular torques. Using these nematic films, we show that it is possible to perform image processing with μW/cm2 optical intensity, and optical limiting with μW power lasers.
Locally efficient estimation of the quality-adjusted lifetime distribution with right-censored data and covariates.

Summary. Zhao and Tsiatis (1997) consider the problem of estimation of the distribution of the quality adjusted lifetime when the chronological survival time is subject to right censoring. The quality-adjusted lifetime is typically defined as a weighted sum of the times spent in certain states up until death or some other failure time. They propose an estimator and establish the relevant asymptotics under the assumption of independent censoring. In this paper we extend the data structure with a covariate process observed until the end of follow-up and identify the optimal estimation problem. Because of the curse of dimensionality, no globally efficient nonparametric estimators, which have a good practical performance at moderate sample sizes, exist. Given a correctly specified model for the hazard of censoring conditional on the observed quality-of-life and covariate processes, we propose a closed-form one-step estimator of the distribution of the quality-adjusted lifetime whose asymptotic variance attains the efficiency bound if we can correctly specify a lower-dimensional working model for the conditional distribution of quality-adjusted lifetime given the observed quality-of-life and covariate processes. The estimator remains consistent and asymptotically normal even if this latter submodel is misspecified. The practical performance of the estimators is illustrated with a simulation study. We also extend our proposed one-step estimator to the case where treatment assignment is confounded by observed risk factors so that this estimator can be used to test a treatment effect in an observational study.
Local Is Better Than General Anesthesia During Endovascular Acute Stroke Interventions

The aim of endovascular reperfusion techniques for acute ischemic stroke is to improve clinical outcomes. Reperfusion grade, age, earlier time to reperfusion, and location of vessel occlusion have been implicated in impacting clinical outcome.1,2 Interestingly, much of the focus in acute stroke protocols has been in the emergency room and stroke units, but the endovascular specialist does not typically adhere to a standard medical or technical protocol. Arguably, the time spent in the endovascular suite may be the most critical portion of patient care and the medical management (ie, blood sugars, blood pressure readings, neurological assessments, etc) is likely not monitored as rigorously as in the intensive care unit. The use of general anesthesia (GA) is common for such interventions ranging from 23% to 44% in recent publications.2,3 Proponents of GA have argued that the procedure is safer due to patient immobility, that hemodynamics are more tightly controlled, anesthesia may offer cerebral protection, and that the airway …
Pulmonary Arteriovenous Fistulas: Mayo Clinic Experience, 1982-1997

Objective To describe the results of analysis of clinical, physiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects and complications in patients with pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas (PAVFs). Patients and Methods Retrospective review of medical records of all patients with the diagnosis of PAVF evaluated at Mayo Clinic Rochester from 1982 through 1997. Demographic characteristics, presence or absence of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, clinical features, and results of imaging studies and blood gas analyses, treatments, and complications related to PAVFs were reviewed. Results Among the 93 patients, 44 were male and 49 female. The mean age at the time of evaluation was 40 years (range, 5-83 years). Fifteen patients (16%) were asymptomatic. History of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia was present in 52 patients (56 %). Notable clinical findings included epistaxis in 46 (49%), hemoptysis in 14 (15%), cyanosis in 27 (29%), clubbing in 18 (19%), dyspnea in 53 (57%), and pulmonary bruits/murmurs in 32 (34%). Chest x-ray films with or without tomograms showed abnormal findings in 87 (94 %), of which 68 (73 %) suggested PAVF. Polycythemia was detected in 12 (13 %). Pretherapy arterial POl measured on room air averaged 56 mm Hg (range, 32-95 mm Hg), and the posttherapy Po 2 averaged 77 mm Hg (range, 46-110 mm Hg), Echocardiography with indocyanine green dye was diagnostic of extracardiac right-to-left shunt in 26 (90 %) of 29 patients tested. Diagnostic studies revealed single lesions in 32 patients (34 %) and multiple lesions in 61 (66 %). The most prominent complications of the disease were neurologic events in 34 patients (37 %). These complications included transient ischemic attacks, hemiplegia, brain abscesses, and seizures. Surgical resection alone was carried out in 18 patients (19%), embolization therapy alone in 41 (44%), and both therapies in 7 (8 %). The 48 patients treated with embolization required 78 embolization sessions with more than 200 lesions occluded. Complications of treatment included postembolization hemothorax in 1 patient and right-sided hemiparesis in another patient. Follow-up disclosed that 1 patient died from PAVF-related complications. Conclusions Among our patients with PAVFs, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia was observed in more than half and neurologic complications in more than one third. Because of the considerable risk of neurologic and other complications, definitive treatment should be considered in patients with PAVFs. Embolization is currently the preferred treatment in most patients. Frequent follow-up of treated patients is necessary because PAVFs tend to increase both in number and in size over time.
TOWARD A SOCIOLOGY OF CULT FILMS: Reading Rocky Horror

This article provides a sociological reading of cult films, in particular, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Cult films are secular documents, celebrated as sacred texts by audiences and used as shared foci to collectively create rituals and belief systems. They differ from popular re-releases, fad films, films with cult qualities, and critical cult films in that they involve typical people in atypical situations, sympathetic deviance, challenges to traditional authority, reflections of societal strains, and paradoxical and interpretable resolutions. Examination of the Rocky Horror text and the cult activities that occur during its viewing, reveal it as a paradoxical indictment and validation of traditional societal arrangements.
High-performance OPCPA laser system

A high-performance optical parametric chirped-pulse amplifier (OPCPA) system has been demonstrated as a prototype for the front end of the OMEGA Extended Performance (EP) Laser System.
The role of the adrenal cortex in the normal adaptation to dietary sodium deprivation.

During short periods of rigid dietary sodium deprivation, there was no significant change in the urinary output of total 17-hydroxycorticoids in a normal subject and in a patient with intact adrenals given a constant quantity of cortisone orally. The urinary excretion of cortisol and cortisone was also unaffected under these circumstances. The administration of a constant dose of prednisone or deoxycorticosterone to patients with Addison's disease did not permit normal adaptation to acute dietary sodium deprivation, although the latter was much more effective than the former. These observations tend to emphasize the physiologic importance of a rise in the urinary excretion of aldosterone in the adaptation to sodium restriction, and it would appear that the rise in urinary levels of aldosterone during a low sodium diet is a reflection of an increased secretion of this hormone rather than a result of alteration in its intermediary metabolism.
HELPING ALIENATED CHILDREN WITH FAMILY BRIDGES: PRACTICE, RESEARCH, AND THE PURSUIT OF “HUMBITION”

This article briefly summarizes and responds to feedback offered by Joan Kelly regarding Family Bridges: A Workshop for Troubled and Alienated Parent–Child Relationships™. We emphasize principles that promote an educational atmosphere, as opposed to a therapeutic one, and the court's role in contributing to successful interventions with severely alienated children. Among the considerations discussed are: working with favored parents, economic comparisons of Family Bridges with counseling approaches, modifying the program for use in prevention and with milder cases of alienation, and issues related to training additional team leaders and conducting outcome research.
DYNAMIC NMR STUDY OF TRANS-CYCLODECENE

The slow-exchange 13C spectrum of trans-cyclodecene at −154.9 °C shows eight peaks for the olefinic carbons, and these are interpreted in terms of five conformations. Three of the conformations are of C1 symmetry, and two are of C2 symmetry. Further evidence for the number of conformations and their symmetries came from a proton NMR spectrum of the olefinic hydrogens taken at −154.9 °C with decoupling the allylic hydrogens. Populations ranged from 3.0% to 37.6%, with the least-populated conformation having a free energy of 0.59 kcal/mol, relative to the most stable conformer. The conformations studied by Saunders and Jimenez-Vazquez using Allinger's MM3 force field are described, and the calculated strain energies and populations are discussed. Energies for six conformations were also obtained from ab initio calculations at the HF/6-311G* level.
Detuning conditions for negative dielectric in optical metamaterials

The study of theoretical optical metamaterials provides no detail insight of the atomic and molecular level of bulk matter with respect to negative n. Instead, most theoretical research starts from a different point of departure; an elemental metallic artificial structure that exhibits R, L and C and thus resonance. Manipulating the size and the periodicity of such elements in a larger structure, the phase relationship of a propagating electromagnetic wave through it and for a specific range of frequencies causes the phase to move in opposite direction of the Pointing vector. This phenomenon, demonstrated for microwave but not for optical frequencies yet, has certain interesting properties among them negative permeability and negative dielectric constant. In this paper, in contrast to this approach, our point of departure is on the atomic level of matter based on which we express the negative dielectric constant e(o) in terms of frequency detuning and also in terms of atomic density and we derive the detuning conditions for e(o)<0. We believe that these conditions provide a useful guide towards the design of optical metamaterials.
Chaos during the Growth of an Artificial Pit

This paper reports that the current vs. time behavior of a silver electrode in a one-dimensional artificial pit configuration was followed under potentiostatic control in 1M HClO{sub 4}. The current decay followed power law behavior in time, i {congruent} t{sup {minus}y}, with y {congruent} 0.5. Within specific regimes of applied potential and pit depth, the current was found to oscillate both periodically and chaotically with time. The oscillations result from an instability of a salt film on the metal surface. Owing to the instability of the salt film, a porous metal laver develops on the electrode surface, and this has a variety of implications in the field of corrosion.
Plasma α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Predicts Outcome in Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose—α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is an endogenously produced neuropeptide derived from the same precursor as adrenocorticotropic hormone. α-MSH has profound immunomodulatory properties and may also be neuroprotective. Nothing is known about α-MSH and changes in its plasma concentrations in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods—In this prospective observational study, plasma concentrations of α-MSH, adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, and interleukin 6 were assessed longitudinally over the course of 1 year after stroke onset in 111 patients. Logistic regression was used to the effect of initial plasma α-MSH, adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, and interleukin 6 on long-term outcome. Results—There was an early decrease in plasma α-MSH in patients with severe stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥17) that normalized over the course of the year; these same patients evidenced elevations in plasma cortisol and interleukin 6. Higher initial plasma α-MSH, ...
Status of MICE, the international Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment

Abstract The Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment (MICE) will demonstrate transverse muon ionization cooling and is thus a strategic R&D project for future muon facilities. It is under development at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in the United Kingdom.
A new genus of Chthamalidae (Cirripedia, Balanomorpha) from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean*

A new four-plated chthamalid genus, Tetrachthamalus, is described. The arrangement of wall plates is identical to that seen in the Lower Miocene chthamalid, Tessarelasma, but the two are not closely related. While Tessarelasma has been derived from the Hexelasma-Pachylasma group, Tetrachthamalus is derivable from the Chthamalus stellatus group. An analysis of four-platedness in the Balanomorpha suggests that a four-plated organization plan is in part an adaptation to an intertidal existence. Two populations of Tetrachthamalus are known; one from the upper end of the Red Sea, the other from the islands of the Seychelles-Mauritius Ridge in the Indian Ocean. No significant differences between the two were found, and they have been assigned to the same species; Tetrachthamalus oblitteratus gen. et sp. n. The disjunct and restricted distribution suggests T. oblitteratus is not presently competitive with six-plated chthamalids occupying the same habitat in the intervening areas–that is, the species is presumed to be a biological relict that at one time enjoyed a wider distribution than it does today.
Black Adolescents' Significant Others.

The significant others of 113 Black 10-14 year olds were compared. Differences between males and females, and older (12-14) and younger (10-11) participants revealed gender and developmental variation.
Attachment rate of thermal electrons to SF6

Abstract A model for two-body attachment rates, which depends upon a competition between stabilization and detachment by a third body, has recently been shown to be invalid. This had led to a re-examination of previous thermal electron attachment rates determined for SF 6 where the model was cited as a possible explanation of these rates. It was found that the significantly lower attachment rates determined when CO 2 and C 2 H 4 were used as carrier gases resulted from the failure to correct for the non-ideal compressibility of these gases.
Nonwoven wheel polishing of Ti-6Al-4V AND Co-Cr-Mo alloys

This research investigates the nonwoven wheels polishing of Ti-6Al-4V and Co-Cr-Mo alloys, which are biocompatible materials for medical implants. The structure of the high porosity nonwoven wheels consisting of the nonwoven fibers and abrasive grains are characterized. The compressibility and stiffness of the wheel are measured. The stiffness of the wheel is nonlinear depending on the wheel surface speed and compression depth. Polishing tests at two levels of wheel surface speed and compression depth are conducted. Surface roughness and polishing forces are studied. Results demonstrated that polishing of Ti-6Al-4V is difficult, which has twice larger surface roughness than that of Co-Cr-Mo. The nonwoven wheel operating at lower surface speed and smaller compression depth is beneficial to generate a better surface roughness for Ti-6Al-4V and Co-Cr-Mo.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Daylight Visibility of Stars from a Long Shaft

Photometric measurements indicate that the presence of a long shaft causes no real change in the contrast of a star against the daytime sky. Moreover, physiological data suggest that contrary to popular opinion such a shaft may actually have an adverse effect on the daylight visibility of stars.
PRIMARY REACTIONS IN BACTERIAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS—III. REACTIONS OF CAROTENOIDS AND CYTOCHROMES IN ILLUMINATED BACTERIAL CHROMATOPHORES

Summary Washed or air-dried chromatophores of photosynthetic bacteria show a reversible light-induced bleaching and red shift of the absorption bands of carotenoids. This change is sensitized by light absorbed by bacteriochlorophyll (BChl). The carotenoid reaction is abolished by exposure to deoxycholate. In dried preparations, the reaction is optimal in the presence of an extremely low water vapor concentration. All of the light-induced absorbancy changes in chromatophores are suppressed reversibly by exhaustive desiccation. Deoxycholate treatment and drying do not affect the efficiency of energy transfer from carotenoids to BChl in Rhodopseudomonas spheroides chromatophores, nor do these treatments affect the way in which carotenoids modify the absorption spectrum of BChl. The carotenoid reaction in washed or dried chromatophores is interpreted as arising from the diffusion of electrons or holes from the neighborhood of a special BChl component (BChl,) to the carotenoid molecules. Dark-adapted Chromatium chromatophores show, in addition to the light-induced alteration of BChl2 the reversible light-induced oxidation of a cytochrome. Correspondingly, R. spheroides chromatophores show the oxidation of cytochrome c553. The cytochrome reaction occurs reversibly in dried films of Chromatium chromatophores; it is absent in dried chromatophores of R. spheroides. In Chromatium the reactions of cytochrome and BChl, show a close kinetic relationship. It is inferred that BChl, is a photosynthetic reaction center that traps excitation energy and initiates the electron-transfer processes of photosynthesis.
Provider perceptions of the social work environment and the state of pediatric care in a downsized urban public academic medical center.

The author's purpose through this study was to document and analyze health provider perceptions of their social work environment and the state of pediatric care at Los Angeles County King/Drew Hospital and Medical Center in 2000, after the restructuring and downsizing of the hospital and its community clinics. The research results showed nurses and physicians reporting that both the quality of pediatric care and the provider social work environment were poor. Negative factors in the social work environment included: low employee morale, poorly staffed clinical teams, lack of professional autonomy, perceptions of low quality of care for pediatric patients, and interpersonal issues of poor communication and collaboration among providers. Providers also perceived a non-supportive work environment, sense of powerlessness, poor quality of work, lack of goal clarity from leadership, lack of fairness in leadership behavior, and an organizational leadership that is abandoning its core mission and values, thereby ...
Vision For Control Of A Manipulating End Effector

An algorithm is presented for using a robot system with a single camera to position in three-dimensional space a slender object for insertion into a hole; for example, an electrical pin-type termination into a connector hole. The algorithm relies on a specially-designed end effector to achieve the required horizontal translations and rotational motion, and it does not require camera calibration. A force sensor in each fingertip is integrated with the vision system to allow the robot to teach itself new reference points when different connectors and pins are used.
Centrifugal Fibers to the Eye in a Nonavian Vertebrate: Source Revealed by Horseradish Peroxidase Studies

A source of efferent fibers to the eye of snakes of the genus Thamnophis has been identified by the use of the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. Cell bodies of the contralateral nucleus of the ventral supraoptic decussation accumulate horseradish peroxidase after intraocular but not intraorbital injections. Intraocular injections also result in anterograde transport of horseradish peroxidase to retinofugal axon terminals. Intraorbital injections result in accumulation of horseradish peroxidase in the cell bodies of the cranial nerve nuclei of extraocular muscles.
Restenosis: The cost to society

Restenosis occurs in 20% to 55% of arteries subjected to percutaneous intervention procedures and is an important cause of recurrent symptomatic angina. More than half of the patients in whom angiographically defined restenosis develops will require an additional revascularization procedure within 6 months, and as many as 80% of patients with angiographically defined restenosis will need to undergo repeat revascularization within 6 years. It has been calculated that a treatment that would reduce the risk of restenosis by 25% would save $1400 per patient in hospital, procedural, and professional fees, and a 33% risk reduction would save $2000 per patient. An economic analysis of the Evaluation of 7E3 for the Prevention of Ischemic Complications (EPIC) trial results has demonstrated that the 26% reduction in the 6-month rate of restenosis achieved with c7E3 treatment translated into a saving per patient of more than $1000 in medical costs, not counting the cost of the drug, which reflects a reduced incidence of rehospitalization and substantial declines in the need for repeat angioplasty and bypass surgery. Although few other therapies have been subjected to a prospective cost analysis in several thousand patients, future and past therapies should be initially evaluated with use of the same methods. According to an economic analysis of a small sample of patients in the Stent Restenosis Study (STRESS) trial, similar cost savings may be achieved by stent implantation.
Self Assembly and Encoding of Polymer Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles with Surface-Enhanced Raman Reporter Molecules

Polymer-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared and encoded with a range of surface-enhanced Raman reporter molecules. A range of as-synthesized polymers produced by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization were demonstrated to self-assemble at the surface of AuNPs dispersed in water. The method involved the coprecipitation of polymer−gold conjugates by the addition of polymer dissolved in a water-miscible solvent to gold AuNPs dispersed in water. This method represents a simplification of the preparation of polymer-stabilized AuNPs compared with other published methods, in that the AuNPs do not need to be first transferred to an organic solvent. The process enabled the polymer stabilized AuNPs to be easily recovered by filtration or by phase transfer of the AuNPs to an organic solvent in which the RAFT polymer was soluble. The polymer-stabilized AuNPs were characterized by a range of methods including UV−visible spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy...
RESULTS OF THE RECTUS FASCIAL SLING AND WRAP PROCEDURES FOR THE TREATMENT OF NEUROGENIC SPHINCTERIC INCONTINENCE

AbstractPurpose: We assessed the early results of the rectus fascial sling and modified rectus fascial wrap for treating neurogenic sphincteric incontinence in a pediatric population.Materials and Methods: We restrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent a rectus fascial sling or wrap procedure for neurogenic incontinence at our institution. Most recent status was confirmed by telephone interview as successful-complete day and night dryness, partially successful-occasional daytime wetting and/or nocturnal enuresis and failed-frequent daytime incontinence. Results were analyzed with regard to patient sex, associated bladder augmentation and previous or subsequent anti-incontinence surgery.Results: A total of 27 patients underwent 10 sling and 18 wrap procedures. Five patients in each group were dry after 1 to 4.5 years of followup. Six of the 7 boys were wet and 1 was partially dry postoperatively, while 10 of the 20 girls became dry (p = 0.026 Fisher's exact test), resulting in an ove...
Quantifying growth and transformation frequency of oncogene-expressing mouse hepatocytes in vivo.

Gene changes can affect cancer cells in many ways, but changes that increase disease severity—by allowing cells to proliferate when they should be quiescent, by enhancing their rate of growth under growth permissive conditions, or by increasing the risk that they will accumulate additional carcinogenic alterations—must be identified so that strategies to counter their effects can be developed. We describe a novel in vivo assay system based on hepatocyte transplantation that permits us to accomplish this objective for genetically modified hepatocytes. We find that the oncogenes c-myc and transforming growth factor α, but not simian virus 40 T-antigen, increase the rate of hepatocyte growth under growth permissive conditions. However, no single oncogene can induce hepatocyte growth in quiescent liver. In contrast, at least one oncogene combination, transforming growth factor α/T-antigen, was sufficient to direct cell autonomous growth even in this nonpermissive environment. Furthermore, we could quantify risk for progression to neoplasia associated with oncogene expression; increased transformation frequency was the principal carcinogenic effect of T-antigen. Conclusion: This system identifies biological mechanistic role(s) in carcinogenesis for candidate genetic changes implicated in development of human liver cancer. The quantitative and comparative evaluation of gene effects on liver cancer allows us to prioritize targets for therapeutic intervention. (HEPATOLOGY 2010;)
Religion, Entrepreneurship, Income and Employment

This exploratory study compares the entrepreneurial tendency and family income across religious denominations in the United States. Information from the General Social Survey (GSS) database on self-employed and a matched sample of those employed by others is used to compare the family income and incidence of entrepreneurship by religion. We show that Protestants are more likely to be self-employed than Catholics, although both are less likely than those that are not religious or Jews. Religious affiliation has a mixed result on income, although increased attendance at religious services increases income for those employed by others. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i1.8641 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(1) 2014 3-9
Ischemia-reperfusion and immediate T cell responses

The pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is complex and not well understood. Inflammation plays an important role in IRI, with involvement of leukocytes, adhesion molecules, chemokines and cytokines. Emerging data suggest a role of T cells as mediators of IRI both in renal and extra-renal organs. Divergent roles of T cell subsets have also been elucidated, suggesting a more complicated role of T cells in the different phases of IRI. This review presents recent evidence from various animal models that advances our understanding of the role T cells play in IRI. These findings entertain the possibility of using immunotherapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of IRI.
Making Tradition of an Ass. Zênôn the Alexandrian, a White Donkey, and Conversion to Hellenism

Modern discussions of religious change in the ancient Mediterranean have frequently focused on the steady increase in Christian authority and numbers, and the related decrease in the number of 'pagans.' This is frequently paired with a supercessionist logic that suggests Christianity is a new thing in contrast to the older, static, Jewish and pagan cultures. Looking at an invented conversion ritual (one moving from Judaism to Hellenism), we can begin to question the standard ideas of tradition and innovation in Late Antique religious cultures, and to see the ways that some Jews and Hellenes used Christian discourses to assert their own independence and agency.
Chip-to-chip optical interconnects

Terabus is based on a silicon-carrier interposer on an organic card containing 48 polymer waveguides. We have demonstrated 4/spl times/12 arrays of low power optical transmitters and receivers, operating up to 20 Gb/s and 14 Gb/s per channel respectively.
Dynamic detector selection for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) multimode fiber links

We propose a dynamic greedy selection algorithm to reduce computational requirements in multimode MIMO fiber links employing a photodetector array. Simulations reveal that ∼90% of capacity is achievable from only a small subset of photodetectors.
Proterozoic crustal history of the western United States as determined by neodymium isotopic mapping

Initial Nd isotopic ratios of crystalline rocks from an area of ∼ 1.5 × 10 6 km 2 of the western United States have been determined in order to map Precambrian age province boundaries and thus document the growth and modification of the North American continent in the Proterozoic. The use of three representative rock suites of different ages— Mesozoic and Tertiary peraluminous granitic rocks, middle Proterozoic (ca. 1.4 Ga) “an-orogenic” granitic rocks, and lower Proterozoic (ca. 1.7 Ga) igneous and metamorphic rocks—allows the ages of the provinces to be distinguished on the basis of different Nd isotopic evolution paths rather than solely on the basis of model ages. Three age provinces have been delineated, each generally northeast-southwest trending, having decreasing crystallization ages and increasing initial e Nd values with increasing distance southeastward from the Archean craton. Province 1 is composed of crustal rocks of central Utah and northeastern Nevada, which are characterized by average values of e Nd (1.7 Ga) ≈ 0 and T DM ≈ 2.0–2.3 Ga. Province 2 covers Colorado, southern Utah, and northwestern Arizona and has e Nd (1.7 Ga) ≈ +3 and T DM ≈ 1.8–2.0 Ga. Province 3, which comprises the basement rocks of New Mexico and southern Arizona, has e Nd (1.7 Ga) ≈ +5 and T DM ≈ 1.7–1.8 Ga. An additional region of province 1-type isotopic characteristics, herein named “Mojavia,” is found in eastern California and western Nevada. Crust formation in each province involved a large component of mantle-derived material plus a moderate amount (∼20%) of pre-existing crust. As the new crust was built outward from the Archean nucleus, however, contributions of Archean material to the newly forming crust were more effectively screened, so that the most distal province (3) is derived almost entirely from Proterozoic mantle. The province boundaries are subparallel to the crystallization age trends determined by other workers. An exception to this is the Mojavia region of province 1, which crosscuts and truncates the other provinces in the region of the lower Colorado River. This region appears to be displaced relative to other areas of the North American basement that have similar isotopic characteristics. This suggests the presence of a previously unrecognized large-scale, left-lateral, north-south–trending basement offset of Proterozoic age in the vicinity of the California-Arizona border.
From Antidote to Anecdote: Montaigne on Dissemblance

ring that the speller might be tempted to find a hidden truth in the difference between the -tiand -ecthat distinguish their middle syllables. In the age of analogy, in what might be the childhood or adolescence of the printed book, interpreters of the former would somehow find within its meaning and essence the virtues of the latter. An anecdote must be an antidote for something, but for what? Or else, if an antidote is an anecdote, what would be the medical cause inspiring the telling of an offhand tale in the drift of pleasant conversation? According to the logic of association, an anecdote can be a gentle remedy to a strong proposition or, in itself, in its own wit, a reflection that needs to be countered, corrected, or tempered by an antidote. In the medical realm of the same age a good story or a lively narration inspired by the force of debate would have both social and medicinal virtue.1 Or too, it could be, in a paradoxically oblique sense, an antidote to melancholy or a means of diverting the pain of a chronic illness. If the speller stumbles on the resemblance of the two words, the etymological dictionary offers a clear and true corrective: in French antidote is borrowed from the medical Latin antidotum and the Greek antidoton. The word becomes a substantive, following the path of pharmacon, from the adjective antidotas or "given against." The history of anecdote is far less noble and of more recent vintage. Dating to 1751 and attributed to Voltaire, it is said to be taken from a work by Procope in the seventh century (and perhaps at the same time spoken about over dinner at a table in the Parisian restaurant of that name, the oldest of the city that dates to the time of Voltaire and the philosophes): "en grec Anecdota, plur. Neutre puis Substantiv., propr. 'choses inedites7 )," a work full of details on the history and character of his time, to be compared to the imitation of the title Anecdotes de Florence by the same historian Varillas,
Comparing capsid assembly of primate lentiviruses and hepatitis B virus using cell-free systems

Many viruses that assemble their capsids in the eukaryotic cytoplasm require a threshold concentration of capsid protein to achieve capsid assembly. Strategies for achieving this include maintaining high levels of capsid protein synthesis and targeting to specific sites to raise the effective concentration of capsid polypeptides. To understand how different viruses achieve the threshold capsid protein concentration required for assembly, we used cell-free systems to compare capsid assembly of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and three primate lentiviruses. Capsid formation of these diverse viruses in a common eukaryotic extract was dependent on capsid protein concentration. HBV capsid assembly was also dependent on the presence of intact membrane surfaces. Surprisingly, not all of the primate lentiviral capsid proteins examined required myristoylation and intact membranes for assembly, even though all contain a myristoylation signal. These findings reveal significant diversity in how different capsid proteins assemble in the same cellular extract.