cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quenching kinetics and small signal gain spectrum of the ZnI photodissociation laser

Abstract By photodissociation ZnI 2 with 193 nm (ArF) laser radiation, the rate constants for quenching of the upper and lower energy levels of the ZnI (B → X) laser by ZnI 2 have been measured to be (1.7 ± 0.2) × 10 -9 and (1.4 ± 0.4) × 10 -9 cm 3 s -1 , respectively. Although the former rate constant was found to be laser intensity-dependent for I ⪆ 10 5 W cm -2 , the ZnI(B) state radiative lifetime was determined to be 26 ± 4 ns. Also, the small signal gain coefficient, g 0 , of this molecular laser has a peak value of ⋍ 15% cm -1 at λ ⋍ 602 nm and exceeds 5% cm -1 for 591 nm ≤ λ ≤ 608 nm for a potential tuning range of at least 170 A.
Sorting of Lipids and Proteins in Membrane Curvature Gradients

The sorting of lipids and proteins in cellular trafficking pathways is a process of central importance in maintaining compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells. However, the mechanisms behind these sorting phenomena are currently far from being understood. Among several mechanistic suggestions, membrane curvature has been invoked as a means to segregate lipids and proteins in cellular sorting centers. To assess this hypothesis, we investigate the sorting of lipid analog dye trace components between highly curved tubular membranes and essentially flat membranes of giant unilamellar vesicles. Our experimental findings indicate that intracellular lipid sorting, contrary to frequent assumptions, is unlikely to occur by lipids fitting into membrane regions of appropriate curvature. This observation is explained in the framework of statistical mechanical lattice models that show that entropy, rather than curvature energy, dominates lipid distribution in the absence of strongly preferential lateral intermolecular interactions. Combined with previous findings of curvature induced phase segregation, we conclude that lipid cooperativity is required to enable efficient sorting. In contrast to lipid analog dyes, the peripheral membrane binding protein Cholera toxin subunit B is effectively curvature-sorted. The sorting of Cholera toxin subunit B is rationalized by statistical models. We discuss the implications of our findings for intracellular sorting mechanisms.
Adult mesenchymal stem cells and the NO pathways

Adult marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were named by me in the late 1980s, and data were published in the 1990s by our group and others (1, 2) to indicate that these cells were capable of differentiating into a number of mesenchymal phenotypes in culture. At that time, it was the dogma that only one adult stem cell could be found, the hematopoietic stem cell. We now know that there are a number of tissue- or organ-specific progenitors, including neural, cardiac, liver, epidermis, and gastrointestinal stem cells, to name the most obvious. Moreover, we now appreciate that MSCs originate in many tissues as perivascular or mural cells (pericytes) (3). Importantly, these pericytes, when detached from their blood vessel nest, become activated MSCs that secrete large amounts and a substantial array of bioactive molecules. These MSC injury site-secreted molecules have profound effects on the host’s immune system and trophic effects that serve to establish a regenerative microenvironment (4). Indeed, in searching ClinicalTrials.gov, more than 285 MSC trials were listed for a vast array of clinical symptoms and diseases. For this reason, I have suggested that the stem cell activity of these cells was relatively minor, and that MSCs should be short for “medicinal signaling cells” (5).
International Negotiations and Plural Societies: The Cases of Estonia and Tatarstan

Multi-ethnic societies create special contexts for international negotiations. Chief governmental officers (CGOs) , domestic constituencies, and public protest may affect both the nature of agreements and the domestic structures of regimes. Employing a two-level negotiations perspective, the role of third parties and the ability of CGOs to modify domestic constituencies is highlighted. The contraction of participation and the cooptation of nationalism by CGOs distinguishes these cases which involve plural societies from other international negotiations.
Simple Generation of One-Parameter Pseudoterrain Surfaces

A simple method for generating digital terrain surfaces as a function of only the terrain standard deviation is presented. This is accomplished by fitting a postulated autocorrelation model to actual terrain data. Observed relations between model parameters are used to obtain a one-parameter model.
Aggregation resistant zwitterated superparamagnetic nanoparticles

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) are promising for biomedical applications since they can be directed toward the organ of interest using an external magnetic field. They are also good contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging and have potential for the treatment of malignant tumors (i.e., hyperthermia). Therefore, there is a need to produce stable, non-aggregating superparamagnetic nanomaterials that can withstand the in vivo environment. In this work, the colloidal stability of a dispersion of iron oxide NPs was enhanced by functionalizing them with a short zwitterionic siloxane shell in aqueous media. The stabilization procedure yields superparamagnetic nanomaterials, ca. 10 nm in diameter, with saturation magnetization of about 54 emu/g that resist aggregation at physiological salt concentration, temperature, and pH. The loading of the zwitterionic shell was established with diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. X-ray and electron diffraction verified the starting magnetite phase, and that no change in phase occurred on surface functionalization.
Dynamics of early and late left ventricular filling determined by Doppler two-dimensional echocardiography during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Abstract To study the influence of ischemia on both early and late left ventricular filling, Doppler 2-dimensional echocardiography was used to measure filling parameters during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in 26 patients. Doppler recordings were taken immediately before balloon inflation and continuously during balloon inflation and deflation until 60 seconds into the recovery period. During PTCA of the left anterior descending artery (16 patients) there was a 35% decrease in early peak filling rate from 269 ± 88 to 169 ± 55 ml/s (p
Acute obstructive hydrocephalus caused by cerebellar infarction. Treatment Alternatives

The treatment alternatives for the patient who becomes comatose following nontraumatic infarction of the cerebellum are discussed. The acute hydrocephalus produced by the swollen cerebellum is readily diagnosed by computed tomography scan and is identified as a hypodense mass without contrast medium uptake that obliterates the fourth ventricle. Two typical cases are described, one managed medically and one surgically. All available reports in the world literature of similar patients treated surgically are reviewed. Based on the outcome analysis of the foregoing, a strategy is offered for the handling of future cases.
A Bubble-Powered Micro-Rotor: Manufacturing, Assembly and Characterization

This paper demonstrates experimentally the feasibility of a novel micro-rotor actuation concept. We demonstrate how a fluid flow, created by the interactions between a bubble and acoustic waves, can be exploited to assemble and power a micro-rotor at a speed as high as 625 rpm. The 65μm microrotor is manufactured in SU-8 using photolithography, all inspired by a biological structure: the winged seed of the maple tree. Variables controlling the rotation speed are investigated, such as the bubble diameter, the acoustic excitation amplitude and frequency, as well as the rotor geometry. The extractible power is estimated to be in the femtowatt range. Finally, steps are outlined to develop this micro-rotor into a MEMS-based motor delivering tunable, rotary power at the microscale.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Classical odderon in QCD at high energies

We show that the weight functional for color sources in the classical theory of the color glass condensate (CGC) includes a term which generates odderon excitations. Remarkably, the classical origin of these excitations can be traced to the random walk of partons in the two dimensional space spanned by the SU(3) Casimirs. We compute dipole and baryon odderon operators in the CGC and show that contributions from the classical color sources to these are suppressed in the limit of very large parton densities.
Anterior subluxation of the cervical spine

Anterior subluxation (AS), or hyperflexion sprain, generates a disproportionate level of concern in emergency medicine. Anxiety related to this injury arises from the fact that AS may produce delayed mechanical instability of the cervical spine, with resultant pain and neurological impairment. Furthermore, its radiographic presentation may be very subtle, and it may be impossible to reliably diagnose or exclude this injury using standard screening radiographs. Additional studies, such as flexion–extension (FE) radiography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, are often used in the acute setting to assess injury status and radiographically exclude AS injury. There are a number of reasons to discourage this latter practice, which can represent an impossible attempt to “radiographically clear the cervical spine” of blunt trauma patients with “100 % certainty.” This is because AS is an uncommon lesion, and the neurological deficits secondary to delayed instability are almost always minor and transient. Furthermore, AS is usually not entirely occult on screening plain films (which are typically “abnormal” even if in nonspecific ways). Finally, FE imaging, done acutely in the presence of spasm, is probably unable to exclude this diagnosis reliably, even when plain films are normal, and emergent MR, probably the most accurate technique, is not widely available. Risk stratification provides a rational alternative approach for assessing injury status. Low-risk patients may be spared further imaging provided they are given appropriate precautionary return instructions. High-risk patients require emergent evaluation by an experienced spine specialist, and may benefit from advanced imaging. Patients at moderate risk may be best managed with symptomatic treatment, warnings to avoid significant physical activity, and delayed FE imaging and evaluation by a spinal specialist. They should also be instructed to seek immediate medical attention if they develop any indications of delayed instability, including severe pain and /or neurological signs. This stratified approach not only increases the likelihood that delayed subluxation will be recognized before it leads to chronic instability, but frees clinicians and radiologists from the quixotic burden of trying to “clear” the cervical spine with 100 % certainty in the acute setting.
3,4‐Diaminopyridine is more effective than placebo in a randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over drug study in LEMS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and electrophysiological efficacy of 3,4-diaminopyridine (DAP) in patients with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over drug trial. The diagnosis of LEMS was made based on the combination of fluctuating muscle weakness, diminished or absent reflexes, and more than 60% increment of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude after brief exercise or 50-HZ stimulation on a repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) test. Evaluations were done at baseline, with placebo, and with 3,4-DAP (up to 75-80 mg/day). Assignment of placebo or 3,4-DAP was done in a double-blinded manner. Measurements included subjective symptoms score, objective clinical measurements [LEMS classification, muscle strength score, quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score] and RNS test and single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG). The differences between placebo and baseline values (placebo change) were compared with the differences between 3,4-DAP and baseline or placebo values (DAP change). Seven patients with LEMS (QMG score >9) participated in the study. One patient had major side-effects with 3,4-DAP and withdrew from the study. Statistically significant efficacy was noted with DAP change (N = 13) compared with placebo change (N = 7) according to the subjective symptoms score (P = 0.01), LEMS classification (P < 0.001), muscle strength score (P < 0.006), QMG score (P = 0.02), and CMAP (P = 0.03). For long-term treatment, 2 patients preferred 3,4-DAP, 1 chose guanidine hydrochloride, 1 preferred pyridostigmine, and 2 chose no treatment. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over drug trial of 3,4-DAP showed significant efficacy over placebo in patients with LEMS. As a long-term treatment, however, not all patients preferred this drug.
Perturbation method for the floquet eigenvalues and stability boundary of periodic linear systems

Abstract A multiple parameter perturbation method is developed to determine the Floquet eigenvalues and stability boundary of a linear discrete system that is described by a system of ordinary differential equations with periodic coefficients. In the method, the state of the system is determined by solving a number of decoupled problems and, as a result, implementation of the method is computationally efficient even when the dimension of the system is large. The method is first applied to Mathieu’s equation in order to illustrate its application to a relatively straightforward, standard problem. It is then applied to the torsional analysis of a boat’s drive train to show application to a large scale system of some practical importance.
Protocolo diagnóstico de los trastornos del sueño

This article reviews the diagnostic approach to patients with sleep disorders including history and physical examination, sleep questionnaires and objective diagnostic testing. Although physical examination may suggest the presence of sleep-disordered breathing, the history is the most important part of the initial evaluation of these patients element. Polysomnography is the most important diagnostic test; domiciliary polysomnography may be indicated in selected populations. Other tests include the Multiple Sleep Latency Test, test maintenance of wakefulness test and actigraphy. Understanding the benefits and limitations of different modalities is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Virtual reality helmet display quality influences the magnitude of virtual reality analgesia.

Abstract Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) distraction can be used in addition to traditional opioids to reduce procedural pain. The current study explored whether a High-Tech-VR helmet (ie, a 60-degree field-of-view head-mounted display) reduces pain more effectively than a Low-Tech-VR helmet (a 35-degree field-of-view head-mounted display). Using a double-blind between-groups design, 77 healthy volunteers (no patients) aged 18-23 were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Each subject received a brief baseline thermal pain stimulus, and the same stimulus again minutes later while in SnowWorld using a Low-Tech-VR helmet (Group 1), using a High-Tech-VR helmet (Group 2), or receiving no distraction (Group 3, control group). Each participant provided subjective 0-10 ratings of cognitive, sensory, and affective components of pain, and amount of fun during the pain stimulus. Compared to the Low-Tech-VR helmet group, subjects in the High-Tech-VR helmet group reported 34% more reduction in worst pain ( P P = .001), 29% more reduction in "time spent thinking about pain" ( P P Perspective Pain during medical procedures (eg, burn wound care) is often excessive. Adjunctive virtual reality distraction can substantially reduce procedural pain. The results of the present study show that a higher quality VR helmet was more effective at reducing pain than a lower quality VR helmet.
Multiple antigen-presenting system (MAPS) to induce comprehensive B- and T-cell immunity

Vaccines are among the most effective approaches to prevent and control many infectious diseases. Because of safety and reproducibility concerns, whole-cell vaccines (WCVs), made from live or killed microorganisms and including hundreds of antigenic components, have been mostly replaced by acellular or subunit vaccines composed of well-defined, purified antigen components. The efficacy of acellular vaccines is inferior to that of WCVs, however, for two major reasons: limited antigen diversity and reduced immunogenicity, especially in a lack of activation of antigen-specific T-cell immunity, which plays an important role in protection against mucosal and intracellular pathogens. Here we present the multiple antigen-presenting system (MAPS), which enables the creation of a macromolecular complex that mimics the properties of WCVs by integrating various antigen components, including polysaccharides and proteins, in the same construct and that induces multipronged immune responses, including antibody, Th1, and Th17 responses. Using antigens from various pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis), we demonstrate the versatility of the MAPS system and its feasibility for the design of unique defined-structure subunit vaccines to confer comprehensive protection via multiple immune mechanisms. Moreover, MAPS can serve as a tool for structure-activity analysis of cellular immunogens.
Gα13 Signals via p115RhoGEF Cascades Regulating JNK1 and Primitive Endoderm Formation

The heterotrimeric G-protein G(13) mediates the formation of primitive endoderm from mouse P19 embryonal carcinoma cells in response to retinoic acid, signaling to the level of activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase. The signal linkage map from MEKK1/MEKK4 to MEK1/MKK4 to JNK is obligate in this G alpha(13)-mediated pathway, whereas that between G alpha(13) and MEKKs is not known. The overall pathway to primitive endoderm formation was shown to be inhibited by treatment with Clostridium botulinum C3 exotoxin, a specific inactivator of RhoA family members. Constitutively active G alpha(13) was found to activate RhoA as well as Cdc42 and Rac1 in these cells. Although constitutively active Cdc42, Rac1, and RhoA all can activate JNK1, only the RhoA mutant was able to promote formation of primitive endoderm, mimicking expression of the constitutively activated G alpha(13). Expression of the constitutively active mutant form of p115RhoGEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor) was found to activate RhoA and JNK1 activities. Expression of the dominant negative p115RhoGEF was able to inhibit activation of both RhoA and JNK1 in response to either retinoic acid or the expression of a constitutively activated mutant of G alpha(13). Expression of the dominant negative mutants of RhoA as well as those of either Cdc42 or Rac1, but not Ras, attenuated G alpha(13)-stimulated as well as retinoic acid-stimulated activation of all three of these small molecular weight GTPases, suggesting complex interrelationships among the three GTPases in this pathway. The formation of primitive endoderm in response to retinoic acid also could be blocked by expression of dominant negative mutants of RhoA, Cdc42, or Rac1. Thus, the signal propagated from G alpha(13) to JNK requires activation of p115RhoGEF cascades, including p115RhoGEF itself, RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1. In a concerted effort, RhoA in tandem with Cdc42 and Rac1 activates the MEKK1/4, MEK1/MKK4, and JNK cascade, thereby stimulating formation of primitive endoderm.
The use of intravitreal thrombin to control hemorrhage during vitrectomy.

Abstract The ability of intravitreal bovine thrombin to control intraoperative bleeding was investigated by a prospective double blind study of 28 consecutive patients with vascularized preretinal membranes undergoing vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy. Addition of thrombin (100 units/ml) to the vitrectomy infusate was associated with a significantly reduced intraocular bleeding time after cutting vascularized membranes. The mean bleeding time without thrombin was 111.5 seconds, compared to 12.3 seconds with intravitreal thrombin ( P
Shape effect of mesoporous silica nanoparticles on cellular and in vivo functions

The design of smart functional nanosystems for theranostics requires a thorough understanding of the interaction between nanoparticles (NPs) and biological systems. Recent observations suggest that physical parameters of NPs, like size, shape and surface charge, can dramatically affect the behaviors of NPs in biological systems and might, in part, determine the bioapplications of NPs. Among various factors, particle shape has been considered to play an important role in both cellular interactions with NPs and systemic distribution of NPs. However, limited information is available regarding the effects of particle shape on these biological behaviors.
A model for lumpy demand parts in a multi-location inventory system with transshipments

The inventory system considered in this work is single echelon, N-location and continuous review in which complete pooling of stock is permitted among the locations. A model is developed for slow moving, expensive items that are common to two or more locations. The model developed focuses on parts that have a lumpy demand pattern; that is, the number of units demanded at each demand occasion is a random variable. The motivating case for this research has been a real-life situation presented by a large utility company having 29 power generating plants in five southeastern states. Data analysis from the company reveals that there are a substantial number of parts that have low usage, are expensive, and have a lumpy demand pattern. At present, each location operates independently and maintains enough stock to meet its own requirements. Transshipments take place between locations whenever there is an emergency requirement for a part, but no explicit consideration is given to this effect while deciding on the inventory control policies at different locations. A model, using analytical and simulation techniques, is developed for this situation. Limited experimentation, performed on a set of problems, shows an average savings of about 31% as a result of pooling.
The Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (FIND): Design and methods

Abstract Background The Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (FIND) is a multicenter study designed to identify genetic determinants of diabetic nephropathy. It is conducted in eight U.S. clinical centers and a coordinating center, and with four ethnic groups (European Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, and American Indians). Two strategies are used to localize susceptibility genes: a family-based linkage study and a case–control study using mapping by admixture linkage disequilibrium (MALD). Methods In the family-based study, probands with diabetic nephropathy are recruited with their parents and selected siblings. Linkage analyses will be conducted to identify chromosomal regions containing genes that influence the development of diabetic nephropathy or related quantitative traits such as serum creatinine concentration, urinary albumin excretion, and plasma glucose concentrations. Regions showing evidence of linkage will be examined further with both genetic linkage and association studies to identify genes that influence diabetic nephropathy or related traits. Two types of MALD studies are being done. One is a case–control study of unrelated individuals of Mexican American heritage in which both cases and controls have diabetes, but only the case has nephropathy. The other is a case–control study of African American patients with nephropathy (cases) and their spouses (controls) unaffected by diabetes and nephropathy; offspring are genotyped when available to provide haplotype data. Conclusions Identification of genes that influence susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy will lead to a better understanding of how nephropathy develops. This should eventually lead to improved treatment and prevention.
A fluorescence-based screening assay for DNA damage induced by genotoxic industrial chemicals

A rapid screening assay to detect chemically-induced DNA damage resulting from exposure of surrogate DNA to genotoxic compounds is reported. This assay is based on changes in the melting and annealing behavior observed for damaged DNA. Exposure of calf thymus DNA to genotoxic industrial chemicals reduced the extent to which the DNA annealed as measured using a double strand DNA selective fluorescent indicator dye. Formaldehyde, acrolein, crotonaldehyde and bromoethane showed the most prominent effects, chloroacetone and allylamine exhibited lesser effects, and acryrlonitrile showed no statistically significant assay response. The assay response for formaldehyde and crotonaldehyde were measured over the concentration range of 10-100 mM and 50-300 mM, respectively. This assay showed little response for the cytotoxic compounds phenol, cyclohexane and toluene but was sensitive to the effects of DNA damaging compounds such as mitomycin C and glutaraldehyde.
Wall conditioning experiments on TFTR using impurity pellet injection

Abstract This work describes experiments intended to optimize the limiter conditioning for TFTR supershots. It is shown that deposition of thin layers of lithium on the limiters by impurity pellet injection changes the plasma-wall interaction and improves supershot performance. Series of up to ten Ohmic plasmas each with two lithium pellets were useful in pre-conditioning the limiter. Generally, plasma performance increased with the amount of lithium deposited up to the maximal amount which could be deposited. Experiments were performed with different materials being deposited (carbon, boron and lithium) and with different methods of deposition.
The Implications of Conjunctive and Disjunctive Forgiveness for Sexual Abuse

This article examines the relationship between forgiveness styles (conjunctive and disjunctive models) and sexual abuse. Surveys from 114 university students were analyzed for differences between non-sexually abused and sexually abused subjects on a number of psychological and physical well-being variables. A number of differences were found including higher levels of reported verbal and physical abuse for the sexually abused subjects. Only one sexually abused subject was found that fit the pattern of conjunctive forgiveness (one of reconciliation) towards the offender. The majority of sexually abused subjects preferred to keep their distance from the abuser, regardless of the extent to which the abuser had been forgiven. The results suggest that reconciliation within forgiveness may not be an appropriate goal for all subjects.
Recurrent Psammocarcinoma of the Peritoneum with Complete Response to Tamoxifen Therapy

Psammocarcinoma is a rare type of serous carcinoma arising from the ovary or peritoneum, characterized by massive psammoma body formation, invasiveness, and low-grade cytological features. A case of primary peritoneal psammocarcinoma is presented. Aspects of clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management are described. Emphasis is placed on successful management of recurrent disease using tamoxifen therapy.
Relation of heart rate recovery after exercise to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation in otherwise healthy adolescents and adults: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2004

Insulin resistance (IR) and chronic inflammation are inversely related to heart rate recovery (HRR), a marker of cardiac autonomic function. Little is known, however, about the joint effects of IR and inflammation on HRR. The study sample consisted of 2649 healthy individuals aged 12–49 years with measures of submaximal cardiopulmonary fitness testing from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. HRR 1-min (HRR1) and 2-min (HRR2) after recovery were recorded (bpm). IR was defined if homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was ≥2.73. C-reactive protein (CRP) was quantified by latex-enhanced nephelometry. In the fully adjusted model, participants with IR had attenuated HRR compared to those without (mean HRR1 11.8 vs. 12.7, p = 0.011; mean HRR2 31.2 vs. 33.4, p 0.3 mg/dL, CRP 0.1–0.3 mg/dL, and CRP 0.3 mg/dL to those with no IR/CRP <0.1 mg/dL were 10.5 and 13.1 (p < 0.001), while the mean HRR2 for the same comparison were 29.1 and 33.8 (p < 0.001). HRR (especially HRR2) was inversely correlated with various metabolic risks. Insulin resistance and CRP levels were inversely associated with HRR in healthy adolescents and adults. Participants with IR and elevated CRP had the worst HRR. Our findings suggest a joint effect of IR and inflammation on cardiac autonomic dysfunction.
The Mechanical Properties of Individual Crosslinked and Uncrosslinked Fibrin Fibers

Blood clots have the mechanical task of stemming blood flow; yet despite decades of work our understanding of the mechanical properties of blood clots is still poor. In fact, currently there is no good mechanical model of a blood clot available. One of the key missing elements in constructing a model of a blood clot is knowledge of the mechanical properties of the clots constituents, fibrin fibers.We have used a combined atomic force/fluorescence microscopy technique to determine numerous mechanical properties of single fibrin fibers both crosslinked by clotting factor XIIIa and uncrosslinked. In this technique, fibers are suspended across grooves and the atomic force microscope is used to stretch the fibers and record force data. Meanwhile, the fluorescence microscope records images of the stretching process.We have determined uncrosslinked fibers are very soft, with a modulus of 3.9 MPa, but increase in modulus (stiffness) at ∼100% strain by a factor of 3. They also have a sigmoid shape to their energy loss, at low strain fibers display little energy loss while at high strains 70% of the energy used to stretch the fiber is lost. In comparison, crosslinked fibers were stiffer, with a modulus of 8.0 MPa, less extensible, deformed at strains as low as 10%, strain hardened by a factor of 1.9 and showed large energy loss beginning at low strains. The viscoelastic properties of fibrin fibers were determined and it was shown crosslinking has the effect of decreasing extensibility and increasing modulus and dissipated energy.
Improvements to differential voltage contrast and light and electron scanning beam analysis of solar cells

Differential voltage contrast (DVC) in conjunction with light and electron beam scanning (LEBEAMS) technique were used for measuring the electric potential, field, and charge distribution in solar cells. The DVC is based on enhancement or retardation of secondary electron emission, generated by an electron beam, due to local changes in the potential of a semiconductor device. The information provided by this technique is invaluable to the development of any device. Solar cells have been studied by the DVC technique, both under electrical bias (DVC) and under illumination (DVC in conjunction with LEBEAMS); however, the conditions of the previous did not replicate the normal illumination conditions of a solar cell. The goal of this research was to redesign and expand the previous LEBEAMS experiments to produce accurate profiles of quasi Fermi energies on solar cells.
Appropriate Use Criteria For Stress Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Sestamibi Studies A Quality Improvement Project

Background—We previously reported the application of the 2005 American College of Cardiology Foundation appropriate use criteria for stress single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging to patients at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) in 2005 and 2006. A subsequent internal quality improvement project focused on physician education in an attempt to reduce the rate of inappropriate SPECT studies. Methods and Results—Our 2008 physician education effort, focused on 4 specific indications that accounted for 88% of the inappropriate SPECT studies, included a presentation at medical grand rounds, a publication in the staff newsletter, meetings with physician administrators, and focused presentations to departments/divisions with many ordering physicians. We then remeasured the appropriateness of SPECT studies using previously published methods.The general categories of study indications, eg, after revascularization, were similar in 273 SPECT patients in 2008 and in our 2005 (n=284) and 2006 (n=284) cohor...
The infrared spectrum of Nova Cygni 1975

GRASDALEN and Joyce1 have observed emission lines from Nova Cygni 1975 in the 2 and 3 µm spectral regions. In mid-September 1975, the dominant spectral features were recombination lines of hydrogen. Grasdalen and Joyce noted the presence of a number of additional lines in a later spectrum and identified these with forbidden transitions in highly ionised forms of Mg, Ca, Al, and Si. The prerequisite for formation of such coronal lines is an emitting region of low density and extremely high temperature, T∼106 K, which, moreover, must span a considerable range of temperature in order for species such as A1 V, VI, VIII and IX to exist simultaneously. This would seem to preclude an isothermal shock as the mechanism responsible for a high temperature region in Nova Cygni. We propose a more conservative identification of these new lines, namely that they are all lines of He I with one possible exception. Furthermore, their sudden appearance and increase in relative intensity are in accord with somewhat more temperate conditions ranging from T∼104 K in September 1975 to T∼105 K in October. This identification is also more consistent with the known behaviour of very fast novae, which rarely exhibit optical coronal emission lines2.
Chemotactic Methylation and Behavior in Bacillus Subtilis: Role of Two Unique Proteins, CheC and CheD

We characterized mutants in two novel genes of Bacillus subtilis, cheC and cheD. Mutants in CheC had a high smooth swimming bias and exhibited poor adaptation to positive stimuli. Analysis of tethered cells revealed two distinct subpopulations which differ in their prestimulus bias and extent of adaptation. The receptors, the methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs), of this mutant strain were overmethylated, as a result of an increase in CheR activity. We speculate that CheC helps to control tumbling frequency by regulating CheR, perhaps by a feedback mechanism through the MCPs. In contrast, a cheD mutant exhibited very tumbly behavior, and many of the MCPs were unmethylated. It seems that some B. subtilis MCPs require the presence of CheD for CheR to methylate them, a unique feature of B. subtilis chemotaxis. It is hypothesized that CheD is part of a complex that facilitates methylation of some of the MCPs, and dissociation of CheD from this complex affects CheA activity and may help bring about adaptation.
Serine Phosphorylation and Suppression of Apoptosis by the Small Heat Shock Protein αB-Crystallin

A poptotic death of cardiac myocytes is a central feature of ischemic heart disease and a prime target for therapeutic intervention. Multiple stress factors are associated with ischemic stress and a battery of intrinsic pathways work to attenuate damage. These include antioxidants, antiapoptotic factors such as Bcl-2 proteins, and endogenous caspase inhibitors such as ARC (see review1). αB-crystallin is a relative newcomer to this defensive arsenal; it has strong antiapoptotic properties and, when fully induced, may constitute as much as 5% of total cardiac myocyte protein. As such, αB-crystallin may have critical structural as well as protective functions in the heart. The signaling pathways that regulate αB-crystallin activity and the molecular mechanism of protection are not understood and some aspects of these are presently controversial. In this issue of Circulation Research , Morrison et al2 describe the involvement of a critical serine residue at position 59 of the αB-crystallin protein that is targeted by the p38β-MAPKAP-K2 pathway during ischemic stress. They show that phosphorylation of this serine may be the key step for the activation and regulation of the antiapoptotic function(s) of αB-crystallin during ischemia. The crystallins are a family of dual function proteins responsible for the transparent and refractive properties of the eye lens. At least 11 vertebrate crystallins have been described and several of these have secondary chaperoning and antioxidant activities that serve to protect the lens from light-induced oxidative stress (see reviews3,4). αB-crystallin is also a small heat shock protein (smHSP) structurally related to other smHSPs including αA-crystallin, hsp27, hsp20, hsp22, myotonic dystrophy protein kinase binding protein, and HSPB3.5,6 All of these except αA-crystallin are abundantly expressed in muscle where the chaperone activity plays a key survival role in response to stress. αB-crystallin is also strongly expressed lung, kidney, brain, and heart. It …
Quantum‐Mechanical Treatment of Inelastic Collisions. I. General Theory and Application to Nonreactive Collisions

A general method for the quantum‐mechanical treatment of the inelastic collision of composite particles is presented. The method, which is applicable to both nonreactive and reactive collisions, consists of constructing the total stationary scattering wavefunction describing the collision as a linear combination of linearly independent functions which satisfy the Schodinger equation and also arbitrary boundary conditions specified in the asymptotic region. The formalism is developed for nonreactive collisions using a collinear model to simplify the mathematical treatment. In this paper, it is applied to two examples of impulsive collisions. In one case, for which a comparison is possible, calculated transition probabilities agree well with previously published values.
Supporting computational algorithmic thinking (SCAT): development of a complex cognitive capability in african-american middle-school girls (abstract only)

Computational algorithmic thinking (CAT) is the ability to design, implement, and assess the implementation of algorithms to solve a range of problems. It involves identifying and understanding a problem, articulating an algorithm or set of algorithms in the form of a solution to the problem, implementing that solution in such a way that it solves the problem, and evaluating the solution based on some set of criteria. Supporting Computational Algorithmic Thinking (SCAT) is a research project that explores how African-American middle-school girls develop CAT capabilities over time in the context of game design. SCAT is also a free enrichment program designed to expose middle school girls to game design. Spanning three years, participants, also called SCAT Scholars, develop CAT capabilities as they design more and more complex games. This poster presents the Supporting Computational Algorithmic Thinking (SCAT) project, which is an on-going longitudinal between-subjects research project whose goals are: 1) to guide African-American middle school girls through the iterative game design cycle over three years resulting in a set of complex games around broad themes, and 2) to expose them to the broad range of opportunities that exist for them in all types of industries and areas if they develop their CAT capabilities.
A Generalized Landauer Formalism of Nanoscale Thermal Radiative Transfer

Though the dependence of near-field radiative transfer on the gap between two planar objects is well understood and that between curved objects is becoming clearer, a general theory of micro and nanoscale radiative transfer is still unavailable. Here, I describe a general framework based on Rytov’s theory of fluctuational electrodynamics that can be used to analyze radiative transfer between any two structures, independent of their length scale.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A hyperbolic tangent quadrature rule for solving singular integral equations with hadamard finite part integrals

Abstract Stenger's formula is adapted for singular integrals defined as Hadamard finite part. Convergence of the revised quadrature is studied. A scheme for solving singular integral equations with Hadamard finite part integrals is proposed, based on the revised hyperbolic tangent quadrature rule. The integral equation is reduced to a system of linear equations, by taking the same points as quadrature nodes and collocation points. The coefficient matrix of the system is shown to be nonsingular.
Completions of commutative topological rings

Let R be a commutative ring and f a filter of ideals of R. We characterize when the Hausdorff completion of R with the f topology is a product of local Hausdorff completions. This generalizes a theorem of E. Matlis dealing with the completions of an integral domain relative to the topology of the classical torsion theory.
The Oxygen Defect Chemistry of La2-xSrxCuO4-x/2+δ

The equilibrium oxygen stoichiometry of La2-xSrxCuO4±y (x=O, 0.2, 0.4, and 1.0) has been determined by TGA at temperatures between 800 and 1050°C and oxygen partial pressures between 1 and 10-4 atmospheres. The changes in oxygen content with temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and strontium concentration are evaluated in terms of a defect model.
SPECTROSCOPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF INORGANIC HOST:ORGANIC DOPANT FILMS FABRICATED VIA LASER-ASSISTED MOLECULAR BEAM DEPOSITION

Thin films of hybrid inorganic:organic composites [TiO2:copper phthalocyanine, Al2O3:6-propionyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene, and Al2O3:rhodamine 6G] were fabricated by mixing the constituents in the gas phase via the technique of laser-assisted molecular beam deposition. These films were characterized by UV−visible, infrared, and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. UV−visible and infrared spectra of TiO2:copper phthalocyanine films indicate that the organometallic compound, copper phthalocyanine, is trapped within the host TiO2 matrix without degradation. The local microenvironment of the organic components in these composite films were studied by steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. Emission spectra indicate that the organic dye molecule, rhodamine 6G, is trapped within the Al2O3 matrix as the monomer without aggregation. The spectral red shift of the emission peak and the full width at the half maximum suggest the environmentally sensitive probe, 6-propionyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphtha...
In-plane shear testing of thick-section pultruded FRP composites using a modified Arcan fixture

Abstract A modified Arcan fixture with butterfly specimen geometry is designed to measure the in-plane shear response of thick-section pultruded FRP composites. The objective of the proposed testing method is to determine both the material shear stiffness and its non-linear stress–strain response up to ultimate stress. The tested pultruded specimens include two alternating layers in the form of a unidirectional glass roving and continuous filament mat layers. Finite element models for the butterfly specimen are generated to examine the effects of the notch radius and material orthotropy on the uniformity and distribution of stresses in the gage area. Butterfly geometry with a blunted notch and roving orientation parallel to the applied load is found to have a uniform shear stress in the gage section. The axial-shear response is measured under different biaxial stress states by varying the angle of the applied load. The tested non-linear shear stress–strain responses compare favorably to results previously obtained from off-axis compression tests used to calibrate a multi-axial constitutive model for this material. Results from strain gage and Infrared thermography measurements provide confirmation for the effectiveness of the fixture and the specimen geometry.
Ubiquity of the relative equilibrium line dynamic and amplified cyclicity in Earth sedimentary systems

A distinctive feature of Earth’s sedimentary systems is that they all involve the interaction between a nearly-horizontal “equilibrium line,” controlling mass supply, and a dynamic sedimentary surface. For glacial systems, this is the snow line or firn line, approximating a zero-degree atmospheric isotherm. For sedimentary basin systems it is sea level or baselevel. For deep ocean carbonate sediments it is the calcite compensation depth or lysocline. First-order considerations in each case suggest a positive feedback on mass supply as the surface builds upwards (and negative feedback if the surface drops). In the first two cases, outstanding paleo-climate problems exist wherein recorded past sedimentary cycles have asymmetric amplitudes that appear too large compared to deduced vertical movements of the respective equilibrium lines. These problems are familiarly known as the “100-kiloyear Pleistocene ice age cycle” and the “million year high-order Cretaceous relative sea level cycles.” Here, I discuss the emerging commonalities that surround these two amplified cycles, emphasizing the ubiquitous presence of a relative equilibrium line dynamic, and which for glacial systems has long been seen as providing a mass supply feedback that can reconcile the disparity between the forcing and the response. I suggest that, in the same way that continental ice sheets have been modeled as passive sedimentary systems that can freely oscillate with little or no snowline forcing, sedimentary basin systems may be capable of similar behavior without vertical sea level change and illustrate the concepts with a low-order model. Sedimentary indicators for relative sea level change may be displaying disproportionately large responses to small eustatic sea level changes, due to internal positive feedbacks.
A SINGLE‐MACHINE SCHEDULING MODEL WITH FIXED‐INTERVAL DELIVERIES

We consider an environment where a production facility modeled as a single machine needs to assign delivery dates to several orders and find a feasible sequence. Tardy jobs are not allowed. The delivery dates are to be at prespecified fixed intervals. The objective is to minimize the due date penalty and the cost of earliness. We provide a dynamic programming-based solution procedure that runs in polynomial time. We develop several dominance results that reduced the computational requirement by an order of magnitude in our computational study.
Geochemical arguments for an Earth-like Moon-forming impactor.

Geochemical evidence suggests that the material accreted by the Earth did not change in nature during Earth9s accretion, presumably because the inner protoplanetary disc had uniform isotopic composition similar to enstatite chondrites, aubrites and ungrouped achondrite NWA 5363/5400. Enstatite meteorites and the Earth were derived from the same nebular reservoir but diverged in their chemical evolutions, so no chondrite sample in meteorite collections is representative of the Earth9s building blocks. The similarity in isotopic composition (Δ 17 O, e 50 Ti and e 54 Cr) between lunar and terrestrial rocks is explained by the fact that the Moon-forming impactor came from the same region of the disc as other Earth-forming embryos, and therefore was similar in isotopic composition to the Earth. The heavy δ 30 Si values of the silicate Earth and the Moon relative to known chondrites may be due to fractionation in the solar nebula/protoplanetary disc rather than partitioning of silicon in Earth9s core. An inversion method is presented to calculate the Hf/W ratios and e 182 W values of the proto-Earth and impactor mantles for a given Moon-forming impact scenario. The similarity in tungsten isotopic composition between lunar and terrestrial rocks is a coincidence that can be explained in a canonical giant impact scenario if an early formed embryo (two-stage model age of 10–20 Myr) collided with the proto-Earth formed over a more protracted accretion history (two-stage model age of 30–40 Myr).