cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Sensitivity Combined with Extended Structural Coverage of Labile Compounds via Nanoelectrospray Ionization at Subambient Pressures

Subambient pressure ionization with nanoelectrospray (SPIN) has proven to be effective in producing ions with high efficiency and transmitting them to low pressures for increased sensitivity in mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. Here we present evidence that the SPIN source not only improves MS sensitivity but also facilitates the detection of more labile compounds. The gentleness of conventional heated capillary electrospray ionization (ESI) and the SPIN designs was compared in conjunction with the liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis of colominic acid and N-glycans containing sialic acid. Prior experiments conducted with the SPIN interface demonstrated the ability to detect labile glycans such as heavily sialylated and polysialic acid N-glycans, which are difficult to detect with a conventional ESI-MS interface. Colominic acid is a mixture of sialic acid polymers of different lengths containing labile glycosidic linkages between monomer units necessitating a gentle ion source. These la...
Natural and unnatural parity states of small trapped equal-mass two-component Fermi gases at unitarity and fourth-order virial coefficient

Equal-mass two-component Fermi gases under spherically symmetric external harmonic confinement with large $s$-wave scattering length are considered. Using the stochastic variational approach, we determine the lowest 286 and 164 relative eigenenergies of the $(2,2)$ and $(3,1)$ systems at unitarity as a function of the range ${r}_{0}$ of the underlying two-body potential and extrapolate to the ${r}_{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$ limit. Our calculations include all states with vanishing and finite angular momentum $L$ (and natural and unnatural parity $\ensuremath{\Pi}$) with relative energy up to 10.5 $\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\Omega}$, where $\ensuremath{\Omega}$ denotes the angular trapping frequency of the external confinement. Our extrapolated zero-range energies are estimated to have uncertainties of 0.1$%$ or smaller. The $(2,2)$ and $(3,1)$ energies are used to determine the fourth-order virial coefficient of the trapped unitary two-component Fermi gas in the low-temperature regime. Our results are compared with recent predictions for the fourth-order virial coefficient of the homogeneous system. We also calculate small portions of the energy spectra of the $(3,2)$ and $(4,1)$ systems at unitarity.
Conformational analysis. 23: A gas-phase electron-diffraction and ab initio molecular orbital investigation of 3-fluoropropan-1-ol. Is there significant internal hydrogen bonding? ☆

Abstract There are 14 possible rotational conformers of 3-fluoropropan-1-ol, based on the assumption of three potential minima for rotation about single bonds. Of these, only the g G − G form ( g ,G= gauche , a ,A= anti ) where the sequence indicates rotation around the C–O, the C O –C, and the C–C F bonds, with the minus sign indicating clock-wise rotation has the hydrogen and fluorine atoms in position for formation of a hydrogen bond. Analysis of gas-phase electron-diffraction data obtained at a sample temperature of 20°C indicates the dominant form to be a GG (41 (2σ=19)% of the sample). The hydrogen-bonded form g G − G comprises 2 (19)% of the sample. These values reflect the assumption that the amounts of the remaining components of the system exist in proportions given by the results of ab initio (B3LYP/6-311+G(3d,2p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d)) calculations. Weighted average parameter values ( r g /A, ∠ g /deg) for all forms are r (C–C)=1.528(3), r (C 1 –C 2 )− r (C 2 –C 3 )=0.066(12), r (C–H)=1.115(4), r (C–O)=1.380(8), r (C–F)=1.450(6), ∠(COH)=105.9(assumed), ∠(CCF)=109.7(8), 〈∠(CCC), ∠(CCO)〉=111.8(6), ∠(COH)−∠(COH)=3.1(assumed), ∠(CCH)=109.4(7). Torsion-angle parameters could not be refined. Weighted average theoretical torsion angles for conformers with G or G − orientations are ∠(OCCC)=63.2(3), and ∠(CCCF)=61.0(3). Ab initio calculations at several levels of theory with several basis sets predicted substantially different amounts of the g G − G form. Best agreement with experiment was given by the B3LYP/6311++G(3d,2p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) calculations.
Proton implantation intermixing of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells

We have investigated proton implantation enhanced intermixing of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells for H+ doses ranging from 5×1013 to 1×1016 ions/cm2. Implantation of 20 keV H+ followed by a high temperature rapid thermal anneal leads to enhanced diffusion of Al into the GaAs quantum well. Shifts of electron–heavy hole recombination energies due to compositional changes were observed using room temperature cathodoluminescence. Diffusion lengths of longer than 2 nm were calculated from energy shifts in a 5 nm well and were found to vary with both implanted dose and anneal time, as expected if the enhanced interdiffusion is caused by implantation introduced defects.
Epidemiology of systolic and diastolic systemic blood pressure elevation in the elderly.

The percentage of the U.S. population older than 65 years has increased faster than the U.S. population as a whole, from 8.1% in 1950 to 11.2% in 1979. Primary among the many factors contributing to increased life expectancy are the improved detection, treatment and control of blood pressure (BP), which has contributed to lower cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality in the elderly. The relation of elevated diastolic BP to increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the elderly is well documented; recent findings show increased risk associated with systolic hypertension, as well. More than half of the elderly population of 22 million has borderline or definite systemic hypertension. Almost 60% of the mortality associated with elevated BP is attributable to mild hypertension, i.e., diastolic BP of 90 to 104 mm Hg. In addition, more than 10% of persons older than 65 years have isolated systolic hypertension, i.e., greater than or equal to 160 mm Hg. The value of treating mild, moderate and severe elevation of diastolic BP in reducing mortality in the elderly is well known; the value of treating isolated systolic hypertension in this population is under investigation.
Direct-coupled interstitial ultrasound applicators for simultaneous thermobrachytherapy: a feasibility study

This study presents the design and performance evaluation of interstitial ultrasound applicators designed specifically for thermal therapy with simultaneous brachytherapy. The applicator consists of a multielement array of piezoceramic tubular radiators, each with separate power control, surrounded by thin layers of electrically-insulating and biocompatible coatings (≤ 2·6 mm OD). A catheter which is compatible with remote afterloaders and standard brachytherapy technology forms the inner lumen. These ‘direct-coupled interstitial ultrasound applicators’ (DCIUA's) are placed within the tumour or target region, with the coated transducer surface forming the outer wall of the implant catheter. Thermocouple sensors embedded in the coating over each transducer can be used for continuous monitoring of the tissue/applicator interface temperatures for feedback control of power to each transducer segment. Theoretical acoustic power deposition and corresponding temperature distributions from thermal simulations hav...
An empirical investigation of the economic payoffs of e-business and CRM innovations

While the question of the benefits of e-business initiatives has been an issue in both the academic and business worlds, there has been little empirical research on the value created from such initiatives. Using Information Week's annual data set of innovative IT users, this study empirically examines the contribution of e-business initiatives to firm performance, measured by gross margin, revenue per employee, ROA, and ROE. The measure of e-business initiatives is constructed by combining e-business and CRM innovations. Data are analysed for the full sample and for both the manufacturing and service industry sectors for the 2 years of 1999 and 2000. The results show that e-business and CRM innovations contribute to firm performance significantly. The results indicate that when firms deploy e-business technologies and practices early and creatively, namely when their e-business initiatives are innovative, they can generate significant economic returns.
Development of an anti-vitellin ELISA for the assessment of reproduction in the ridgeback shrimp, Sicyonia ingentis.

To investigate the reproductive regulation of the ridgeback shrimp, Sicyonia ingentis, vitellin (Vn) synthesis was studied. Using gel filtration chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Vn was found to have a molecular mass of 322 kDa and to be composed of three subunits of 182, 91 and 85 kDa. Purified Vn was used to prepare anti-Vn antiserum, which was used to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a dynamic range of 0.3–300 ng. The ELISA was used to measure hemolymph levels of yolk proteins. The mean hemolymph concentrations in fresh caught animals ranged from 256 (±36.6 S.E.M.) to 1073 (±87.6 S.E.M.) mg/ml in stage 2 and 4 animals, respectively. The ELISA was also used to determine the effects of steroid hormone injections in adult non-reproductive female shrimp. One milligram injections of progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone or 17β-estradiol were administered for three consecutive days to individual females. There were no changes in hemolymph vitellogenin levels during the successive 7-day period following the first injection of any steroid.
Role of the nurse reviewer in the preoperative setting in a specialty hospital

As today's health care professionals, we are constantly challenged to provide high quality, yet cost-effective, care. Long-forgotten are the days of preadmission and extended length of stay. Health care providers are hard-pressed to accomplish much more in less time. Our hospital has taken this challenge seriously. One of the many steps that has been taken is the development of a preadmission center. The focus of this article is to describe the role of the nurse reviewer in this center, emphasizing how this pivotal role has increased efficiency, enhanced staff relations, and promoted patient satisfaction.
Multiple roles of Spo11 in meiotic chromosome behavior

Spo11, a type II topoisomerase, is likely to be required universally for initiation of meiotic recombination. However, a dichotomy exists between budding yeast and the animals Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster with respect to additional roles of Spo11 in meiosis. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Spo11 is required for homolog pairing, as well as axial element (AE) and synaptonemal complex (SC) formation. All of these functions are Spo11 independent in C.elegans and D.melanogaster. We examined Spo11 function in a multicellular fungus, Coprinus cinereus. The C.cinereus spo11-1 mutant shows high levels of homolog pairing and occasionally forms full-length AEs, but no SC. In C.cinereus, Spo11 is also required for maintenance of meiotic chromosome condensation and proper spindle formation. Meiotic progression in spo11-1 is aberrant; late in meiosis basidia undergo programmed cell death (PCD). To our knowledge, this is the first example of meiotic PCD outside the animal kingdom. Ionizing radiation can partially rescue spo11-1 for both AE and SC formation and viable spore production, suggesting that the double-strand break function of Spo11 is conserved and is required for these functions.
Fabrication and testing of metal micromechanisms with rotational and translational motion

Microactuators ideally produce large output forces per unit chip area. This requires processing procedures which lend themselves to structures with large structural heights. Processing which also produces large edge acuities is required for low friction, low wear sliding bearing surfaces. Both attributes are accommodated in a processing sequence which uses thick photoresist technology, X-ray exposure, and metal plating together with a surface micromachined sacrificial layer. The end results are thick precision metal structures which can be assembled to achieve submicron tolerances in sliding bearing surfaces. The process has been used to fabricate rotational planar magnetic micromotors with low friction. Linear reluctance drives with spring returns have also been achieved and are in the testing phase.
In Vivo Delivery of Lenti-Cre or Adeno-Cre into Mice Using Intranasal Instillation

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women, with a lower rate of survival than both breast and prostate cancer. Development of the Cre/lox system and improved mouse models have allowed researchers to gain a better understanding of human disease, including lung cancer. Through the viral delivery of Cre, gene function in adult mice can be precisely studied at a specific developmental stage or in a specific cell/tissue type of choice. This protocol describes how to produce adenovirus-Cre precipitate. Using this adeno-Cre (or lentivirus-Cre), Cre can be expressed in mouse lungs. The virus is delivered by intranasal instillation.
Synthesis of Cyclic Py-Im Polyamide Libraries

Cyclic Py-Im polyamides containing two GABA turn units exhibit enhanced DNA binding affinity, but extensive studies of their biological properties have been hindered due to synthetic inaccessibility. A facile modular approach toward cyclic polyamides has been developed via microwave-assisted solid-phase synthesis of hairpin amino acid oligomer intermediates followed by macrocyclization. A focused library of cyclic polyamides 1–7 targeted to the androgen response element (ARE) and the estrogen response element (ERE) were synthesized in 12–17% overall yield. The Fmoc protection strategy also allows for selective modifications on the GABA turn units that have been shown to improve cellular uptake properties. The DNA binding affinities of a library of cyclic polyamides were measured by DNA thermal denaturation assays and compared to the corresponding hairpin polyamides. Fluorescein-labeled cyclic polyamides have been synthesized and imaged via confocal microscopy in A549 and T47D cell lines. The IC_50 values of compounds 1–7 and 9–11 were determined, revealing remarkably varying levels of cytotoxicity.
Resonant tunneling through rare earth arsenide, semimetal quantum wells

Abstract Resonant tunneling is observed in double barrier resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) with semi-metallic ErAs quantum wells. Magnetic field dependence distinguishes two different resonant channels. From the thickness dependence of the voltage for resonant tunneling the dispersion of the channels is found to be hole-like. The dispersion agrees well with the theory that identifies the two channels with m j = ± 1 2 and m j = ± 3 2 , hole states.
Nuclear spin echo experiments in solid H2

Measurements of the nuclear spin echo decays are reported in solid H2 after two-pulse and three-pulse sequences. The characteristic times T2 and τE describe the spin-spin interaction and the stimulated echo decay respectively. A sharp increase in τE is observed upon cooling into the long-range orientationally ordered phase, and a continuous one during freezing into a quadrupolar glass. However, no significant change is observed for T2 during either process.
The color of cancer

Abstract Optical spectroscopic techniques examine different types of light–tissue interactions and provide biochemical and morphological information that can be used to characterize changes that take place as tissues become diseased. Tissue is a turbid medium with significant levels of scattering and absorption. To understand the origins of the spectroscopic signals emitted from tissue, it is necessary to use models that take into account the manner in which tissue components interact with light. Using such model-based methods, we extract quantitative information related to different tissue parameters that change with progression to cancer. Specifically, we combine information from simultaneously measured fluorescence and reflectance spectra using a model based on Monte Carlo simulations of light propagation in tissue to remove distortions introduced in the fluorescence spectra by tissue scattering and absorption. We can then extract in a quantitative way differences in the biochemical composition of healthy and pre-cancerous tissues. Tissue reflectance spectra are analyzed using a diffusion-theory-based model to describe changes in the corresponding scattering and absorption properties of normal and diseased sites. Information on the spectra of light singly backscattered from tissues is extracted and analyzed to detect changes in the size and refractive index of cell nuclei. The combined use of intrinsic fluorescence, diffuse reflectance and light scattering spectroscopy yields complementary information which can be used to detect pre-cancers.
Aberrant retinothalamic projections resulting from unilateral tectal lesions made in fetal and neonatal rats.

Abstract Aberrant retinothalamic projections after unilateral tectal lesions made in fetal animals are described. The results confirm, for the rat, Schneider's findings of aberrant projections to nucleus lateralis posterior and to the medial geniculate nucleus. In addition, it is shown that these projections occur even if the lesion is made just as the first retinal axons arrive in the tectum and that the projection to n. lateralis posterior is heavier in these animals compared with those receiving lesions at later times. The size of the projection also appears to vary according to the size of the tectal lesion and the amount of retinotectal recrossed projection. The relation of these findings to Schneider's theory of conservation of terminal space is discussed.
Adsorption of polysomes to bacterial membranes

The in vitro adsorption of polysomes to isolated membranes has been examined largely in preparations from Bacillus megaterium . Water-washed membranes suspended in 0·01 M -magnesium readily adsorb polysomes. The initial rate of adsorption varies with the source of polysomes. Those derived by deoxycholate extraction of protoplast membranes adsorb more readily than so-called soluble polysomes. Extensive treatment of membranes with deoxycholate, pronase or in boiling water reduces the capacity to bind. The capacity of polysomes to be adsorbed depends somewhat on size, but more importantly on the presence of nascent polypeptide.
Iterative direction-of-arrival estimation with wideband chirp signals

Amin et. al. recently developed a time-frequency MUSIC algorithm with narrow band models for the estimation of direction of arrival (DOA) when the source signals are chirps. In this research, we consider wideband models. The joint time-frequency analysis is first used to estimate the chirp rates of the source signals and then the DOA is estimated by the MUSIC algorithm with an iterative approach.
Cell adhesion to nanoligands: effects of ligand size and concentration in solution.

Cells interact with both tethered and motile ligands in their extracellular environment to initiate and regulate signaling, adhesion, and migration. A quantitative and fundamental understanding of these receptor−ligand interactions is necessary for drug discovery, tissue engineering, and biomaterial fabrication. In this paper, we present a mean field approach to quantify the fundamental thermodynamics of interaction between the cell surface receptors and motile ligands in solvent. Our studies show that the free energy of interaction between the receptors and the nanosized ligands depends strongly on the ligand size and the effects at lower and higher concentrations show completely opposite trends that cannot be explained by simple scaling laws. In addition, we also observe various regimes of strong and weak adhesion as a function of ligand size and concentration. Our calculations provide insights into understanding cell−matrix interactions at a fundamental level as well as to identify potential avenues fo...
Optimum notch configurations for the chevron-notched four-point bend specimens

The failure sequence following crack formation in a chevron-notched four-point bend specimen is examined in a parametric study using the Bluhm slice synthesis model. Premature failure resulting from crack formation forces which exceed those required to propagate a crack beyond α is examined together with the critical crack length and critical crack front length. An energy based approach is used to establish factors which forecast the tendency of such premature failure due to crack formation for any selected chevron-notched geometry. A comparative study reveals that, for constant values of α1 and α0, the dimensionless beam compliance and stress intensity factor are essentially independent of specimen width and thickness. The chevron tip position α0 has its primary effect on the force required to initiate a sharp crack. Small values for α0 maximize the stable region length, however, the premature failure tendency is also high for smaller α0 values. Improvements in premature failure resistance can be realized for larger values of α0 with only a minor reduction in the stable region length. The stable region length is also maximized for larger chevron base positions, α1, but the chance for premature failure is also raised. Smaller base positions improve the premature failure resistance with only minor decreases in the stable region length. Chevron geometries having a good balance of premature failure resistance, stable region length, and crack front length are 0.20⩽ α0⩽0.03 and 0.70⩽α1⩽0.80
A demonstration of bacterial conjugation within the alimentary canal of Rhabditis nematodes

Rhabditis nematodes fed a diet of Escherichia coli defecate viable undigested bacteria. These bacteria retain phenotypic characteristics, including those encoded on plasmids. Nematodes can survive a 2-min surface sterilization with 2% chlorine bleach; internalized bacteria also survive this treatment and are released in the nematode wastes. Bacteria alone or on the surface of dead nematodes are unable to survive incubation with this solution. There were 3.2 × 105 viable bacteria per nematode, indicating that sufficient bacteria were present for gene transfer. Transconjugants (lac− nalR strR cmR) were recovered in the nematode fecal material following a protocol where nematodes were initially fed a plasmidless lac− nalR strS cmS E. coli and then, after surface sterilization, a lac+ nalS E. coli plasmid donor containing the conjugative R100JA (strR cmR) plasmid. The presence of plasmids in the transconjugants was confirmed by gel electrophoresis. The occurrence of conjugation in the gut was confirmed by dissection of individual surface-sterilized nematodes and isolation of transconjugants.
Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis in asthma: differential effects on symptoms and pulmonary function.

Background Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are frequently associated with asthma. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of self-reported allergic rhinitis and sinusitis on lower airway disease in a large cohort of participants with well-characterized asthma. Methods A cohort study of participants in two trials of the American Lung Association-Asthma Clinical Research Centers: 2,031 asthmatics in the Safety of Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Asthma in Adults and Children (SIIVA) trial and 488 asthmatics in the Effectiveness of Low Dose Theophylline as Add-on Treatment in Asthma (LODO) trial. At baseline, participants reported the presence of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, and then lung function and asthma control were measured. During the trials, participants were monitored for asthma exacerbations. Results More than 70% of participants reported either allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. Sinusitis was more common in female patients (odds ratio, 1.46 [SIIVA]), those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (odds ratio, 2.21 [SIIVA]), and those of white race (odds ratio, 1.53 [SIIVA]). Similar associations were seen for allergic rhinitis. LODO participants with allergic rhinitis and sinusitis had increased asthma symptoms and a trend toward more sleep disturbance. Participants with allergic rhinitis had higher baseline lung function than those without allergic rhinitis measured by peak flow (91.2% vs 95.8% in the SIIVA trial). Participants with sinusitis had similar lung function to those without sinusitis. Participants with and without allergic rhinitis had similar exacerbation rates. In the LODO trial only, participants with sinusitis had increased asthma exacerbations (5.68 per patient per year vs 3.72 per patient per year). Conclusion Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are associated with more severe asthmatic symptoms and, in patients with poorly controlled asthma, more exacerbations but are not associated with low lung function.
Equilibrium thermodynamic correlations in coal hydrogenation to pipeline gas

Abstract A Fortran IV computer program was developed to calculate the composition at equilibrium of products from a single-stage coal gasification process involving coal, H 2 and steam. This program was used to develop equilibrium concentration profiles for various components and heating values of dry product gas as a function of temperature, pressure and percentage steam in a hydrogen-steam mixture feed gas. Based on the results, a useful range for the variables, from the thermodynamic point of view, has been established.
An Efficient Stochastic Bayesian Approach to Optimal Parameter and Uncertainty Estimation for Climate Model Predictions

Abstract One source of uncertainty for climate model predictions arises from the fact that climate models have been optimized to reproduce observational means. To quantify the uncertainty resulting from a realistic range of model configurations, it is necessary to estimate a multidimensional probability distribution that quantifies how likely different model parameter combinations are, given knowledge of the uncertainties in the observations. The computational cost of mapping a multidimensional probability distribution for a climate model using traditional means (e.g., Monte Carlo or Metropolis/Gibbs sampling) is impractical, requiring 104–106 model evaluations for problems involving less than 10 parameters. This paper examines whether such a calculation is more feasible using a particularly efficient but approximate algorithm called Bayesian stochastic inversion, based on multiple very fast simulated annealing (VFSA). Investigated here is how the number of model parameters, natural variability, and the d...
Analyzing the effect of a metamaterial surface on electric and magnetic dipole emissions using Green's function and spatial harmonic analysis techniques

An approach for calculating the fields radiated from either electric or magnetic dipoles placed inside or at the surface of a multilayer structure arranged of arbitrary elemental materials, including metamaterials, is presented. A combination of Green's function technique and Spatial Harmonic Analysis method is used. The electromagnetic behavior of the dipole sources in the vicinity of the metamaterial surface is studied. This approach is applicable to the important case when the near field of fluorescent molecules is coupled to a multilayer single-periodic or bi-periodic nanostructure.
Endogenous pain facilitory systems Antianalgesia and hyperalgesia

Abstract Pain inhibition has been the focus in research concerning endogenous mechanisms of pain modulation. However, recent electrophysiological, anatomical, and neurochemical studies suggest the existence of pain facilitory mechanisms as well. These should have environmental triggers, just as do pain inhibition mechanisms. There are multiple pain inhibition systems with different environmental activators, and the authors argue that a parallel situation exists with regard to pain facilitation. The authors propose two different pain facilitation mechanisms: one that is activated by environmental signals for “safety” and involves a descending pathway that opposes opiate action at the level of the spinal cord—an antianalgesia system—and another that is activated by illness and increases pain sensitivity—a hyperalgesia system. The level of pain experienced would result from the balance of activity in analgesia, antianalgesia, and hyperalgesia circuitries.
Student migration and institution control as screening devices

Abstract This paper considers two measures of educational attainment that firms may use as ‘screens’ of a worker’s future productivity level. Results suggest that both private and out-of-state public college graduates receive significant wage premiums over similar in-state public college graduates.
Analysis of Linear Non-Adaptive Projective Visual Signal Sampling

We present a first empirical analysis on the best sampling strategy, progressive or random for sensing unknown visual signals of which we can have no more than m linear, non-adaptive measurements.
The relationship between sexual insecurity, the alcohol expectation for enhanced sexual experience, and consumption patterns

Alcohol expectancies have been shown to correlate with and predict a range of drinking behaviors. This investigation expanded on previous research by examining the differential reinforcement value of alcohol as a means of achieving enhanced sexual pleasure. Results from 303 participants showed that the expectation of enhanced sexual experience was a significant predictor of typical quantity, maximum quantity, and frequency of drinking by sexually secure men. For insecure men and women (both insecure and secure), the expectation that alcohol enhances sexuality was not a significant predictor of drinking patterns. Gender differences are highlighted and the clinical implications for intervention are presented.
High-resolution far-infrared study of DNA films

Rutgers EEL will be used to develop an important new class of FIR photon echo experiments.We are especially interested in the FIR spectra of DNA. Both theoretical and experimental studies have shown broadbands of low lying vibrating modes inhomogeneously broadened in the FIR in DNA films. Photon echo techniques applied tocarefully prepared samples will permit a determination of whether the natural line widths of these modes are small compared totheir frequencies. The 50 psec pulses enable us to observe modes where the life time is longer than 50 psec; theoretical studieshave shown that low lying FIR active modes in DNA may have long life times. When the FEL is operated optimally, a icf2 and
Metagenomic Analysis of the Structure and Function of the Human Gut Microbiota in Crohn’s Disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease, are chronic, immunologically mediated disorders that have severe medical consequences. The current hypothesis is that these diseases are due to an overly aggressive immune response to a subset of commensal enteric bacteria. Studies to date on IBD have suggested that the disorder may be caused by a combination of bacteria and host susceptibility; however the etiologies of these diseases remain an enigma. In this application, we propose to develop and demonstrate the ability to profile Crohn’s disease at an unprecedented molecular level by elucidation of specific biomarkers (bacterial strains, genes, or proteins) that correlate to disease symptoms. To achieve this goal, we will employ a multidisciplinary approach based on metagenomic and metaproteomic molecular tools to elucidate the composition of the commensal microbiota in monozygotic twins that are either healthy or exhibit Crohn’s disease (for concordant, both are diseased; for discordant, one is healthy and one is diseased). The central hypotheses of this proposal are (1) that specific members and/or functional activities of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota differ in patients with Crohn’s disease as compared to healthy individuals, and (2) that it will be possible to elucidate microbial signatures which correlate with the occurrence and progression of this disease by integration of data obtained from 16S rRNA based molecular fingerprinting, metagenomics, and metaproteomics approaches. To address these hypotheses, three specific aims are proposed: 1) Obtain data on community gene content (metagenome) in a subset of healthy twins and twins with Crohn’s Disease to assess potential differences in the metabolic capabilities of the gut microbiota associated with CD, 2) Obtain data on community protein content (metaproteome) in a subset of healthy twins and twins with Crohn’s Disease to assess the state of expressed proteins associated with CD, 3) Apply various statistical clustering and classification methods to correlate/associate microbial community composition, gene and protein content with patient metadata, including metabolite profiles and clinical phenotype. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to identify novel biomarkers for non-invasive diagnostics of CD and to eventually identify drug targets (i.e. bacterial strains) for cure or suppression of disease symptoms.
NMR studies and rotational isomerism in fluoroacetones. III. 1,3-difluoroacetone and 1,1,3,3-tetrafluoroacetonet

Abstract Complete, precise analyses of the NMR spectral parameters of the title compounds (AXX′X″X′A′ type spectra) are reported, both as neat liquids and in solutions of widely different polarities. Although it was impossible to assess the relative amounts of each rotational conformer present, it was possible to apply knowledge of the rotational behavior in related molecules to removing ambiguities in the signs of some coupling constants. Also, the effects of various substituents on long-range H-F couplings in these and several related fluoroacetones are discussed and a correlation between these parameters and the Huggins electronegativities of the substituents reported.
Assessing Surgical Performance in Healthcare Institutions using Fuzzy Composite Programming

This paper applies fuzzy composite programming (FCP), which is a multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) model, to comprehensively assess the surgical performance of 6 hospitals. FCP allows the integration of qualitative and quantitative data and provides a better decision model for assessing complex scenarios like surgical outcomes in a hospital setting. The hierarchical fuzzy model is built based on Donnabedian's model of the quality of medical care, which measures the contribution of structures, processes and outcomes of care. The model is extended by adding a qualitative measure of the patient's perceived treatment experience using patient survey data. By fitting the FCP model using the quantitative data from measurements of the surgical cases, it was found that structures of care plays the most important role in assessing the surgical performance compared to the other second level indicators - processes of care and outcomes of care. Among third level indicators in the structures of care, wait time prior to surgery was the largest contributor to the structures of care indicator.
Does psychological well-being change with age? Longitudinal tests of age variations and further exploration of the multidimensionality of Ryff’s model of psychological well-being

Using two population-based surveys, we provide the first test of longitudinal age variations in Ryff’s model of psychological well-being (RPWB) across three midlife to later-life transitions. Through these analyses we explore: (a) age variation in RPWB, (b) the structure of RPWB, and (c) the potential for methodologically driven age patterns. In general, RPWB dimensions do not consistently exhibit distinct age profiles; further, longitudinal age variations are exceptionally small, never accounting for more than 4% of the variance. We observe far greater variation within ages or periods than between subscales across age or time – providing strong evidence against substantively different age profiles of RPWB. Moreover, heterogeneity among positively and negatively worded items yield varied age patterns indicating that the small age variations of RWPB could be driven, at least in part, by methodological artifacts rather than maturation.
The Educative Potential of Ecological Militancy in an Age of Big Oil: Towards a Marcusian Ecopedagogy

This paper begins by tracing the conjunction between the birth of radical ecological politics and the New Left, then moves to a reconsideration of whether a Marcusean politics and culture of intolerance and resistance are legitimate under contemporary circumstances. Following, I outline a call for the reconstruction of a Marcusean 'pro-life' politics, and then close with a discussion of how Marcuse provides ecological educators with a theory of politics as education and a revolutionary conception of humanitas through which Marcuse sought to work to overcome the historical struggle and dichotomy between culture and nature, as well as the human and non-human animal. The conclusion offered is that Marcuse is a founding figure of a revolutionary ecopedagogy that seeks an end to the violent destruction of the earth, as it works to manifest a critical utopian posthumanism based upon new life sensibilities that attempts to displace domination and repression broadly conceived with ecological and just social alternatives.
Improving parallel I/O autotuning with performance modeling

Various layers of the parallel I/O subsystem offer tunable parameters for improving I/O performance on large-scale computers. However, searching through a large parameter space is challenging. We are working towards an autotuning framework for determining the parallel I/O parameters that can achieve good I/O performance for different data write patterns. In this paper, we characterize parallel I/O and discuss the development of predictive models for use in effectively reducing the parameter space. Applying our technique on tuning an I/O kernel derived from a large-scale simulation code shows that the search time can be reduced from 12 hours to 2 hours, while achieving 54X I/O performance speedup.
Ammonia oxidation over Cu(II)NaY zeolites

Abstract Ammonia oxidation to nitrogen and water over CuY zeolites has been studied in the temperature range from 160 to 185 °C. The reaction rate was first order in NH 3 and zero order in O 2 . The rate was proportional to the degree of Cu 2+ ion exchange up to a level of about one ion per large cavity. An activation energy of 36.7 ± 2.6 kcal/mol was observed for the three exchange levels which were studied (3, 14, 44%). For the 14%-exchanged sample a turnover number of 0.169 NH 3 molecules per minute per Cu 2+ ion was observed at 175 °C and an ammonia pressure of 300 Torr. Infrared and electron paramagnetic resonance studies indicate that a [Cu(II) (NH 3 ) 4 ] 2+ complex was formed in the large cavities of the zeolite. The slow step in the reaction mechanism was the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) by the NH 3 . The reoxidation of the Cu(I) complex to a Cu(II) complex was very rapid under the reacting conditions. A detailed mechanism is proposed which is consistent with the experimental data. These results show that Cu 2+ ions can be extracted from hidden positions within the zeolite framework to form complexes within the large cavities of the zeolite where catalytic reactions can freely occur.
Hurricane hardening efforts in Florida

The 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons wrecked havoc on power systems in Florida, destroying tens of thousands of structures and resulting in very costly and lengthy restoration efforts. Since some weather experts are forecasting a cycle of increased hurricane activity, Florida utilities are starting to ldquohardenrdquo their infrastructure so that future hurricanes will cause less damage. Presently most transmission and substations are built to extreme wind criteria. This is not the case for distribution system, and most hardening efforts are focusing on damage to distribution facilities. This presentation will (1) give an overview of extreme wind hardening in terms of criteria and tactics; (2) discuss the progress of one utilitypsilas hardening initiative, and (3) discuss ongoing collaborative research efforts on cost/benefit models for hurricane hardening.
Explaining brightness illusions using spatial filtering and local response normalization

We introduce two new low-level computational models of brightness perception that account for a wide range of brightness illusions, including many variations on White's Effect [Perception, 8, 1979, 413]. Our models extend Blakeslee and McCourt's ODOG model [Vision Research, 39, 1999, 4361], which combines multiscale oriented difference-of-Gaussian filters and response normalization. We extend the response normalization to be more neurally plausible by constraining normalization to nearby receptive fields (models 1 and 2) and spatial frequencies (model 2), and show that both of these changes increase the effectiveness of the models at predicting brightness illusions.
A family therapist in the People's Republic of China

The author, a psychiatrist, recently visited the People's Republic of China, and reports some impressions about the status of the Chinese family, Chinese psychiatry, and the current use of the family model.
Modeling the Temperature Kinetics of Aerobic Solid-State Biodegradation

This study evaluated three models of microbial temperature kinetics using CO2 respiration data from aerobic solid-state biodegradation experiments. The models included those of Andrews and Kambhu/Haug, Ratkowsky et al., and the Cardinal Temperature Model with Inflection (CTMI) of Rosso et al. A parameter estimation routine implemented the Complex-Box search method for each model on 48 data sets collected during the composting of synthetic food waste or sewage-sludge (biosolids) mixed with maple wood chips at different oxygen concentrations and extents of decomposition. Each of the three nonlinear temperature kinetic functions proved capable of modeling a wide range of experimental data sets. However, the models differed widely in the consistency of their parameters. Parameters in the CTMI model were more stable over the course of the degradation process, and that variability which did arise was directly related to changes in the microbial process. Additional benefits of the CTMI model include the ease of parameter determinations, which can be approximated directly from laboratory experiments or full-scale system analysis, and the direct value of its parameters in engineering design and process control under a wide range of biodegradation conditions.
Gulf Coast Residents Underestimate Hurricane Destructive Potential

AbstractMost people do not realize that hurricane destructiveness increases nonlinearly with increases in storm intensity. Three studies were conducted to examine people’s perceptions of hurricane destructive potential and their likelihood of evacuation. In the first study, undergraduate students (n = 349) provided damage ratings of hurricanes in each Saffir–Simpson category. A majority (84%) of students produced only linearly increasing damage profiles by hurricanes. In the second study, a simple random sample of Gulf Coast residents (n = 402) who participated in a telephone survey when a tropical storm was affecting the U.S. east coast revealed that a majority (77%) thought hurricane damages increased linearly with hurricane category and hence underestimated the damage major hurricanes could produce. In the third study, a simple random sample (n = 396) of Gulf Coast residents participated in an experiment over the telephone during an active phase of the 2008 hurricane season. One-half of the sample rece...
Optimum array detector for a weak signal in unknown noise

We study the design of constant false-alarm rate (CFAR) tests for detecting a rank-one signal in the presence of background Gaussian noise with unknown spatial covariance. We look at invariant tests, i.e., those tests whose performance is independent of the nuisance parameters, like the background noise covariance. Such tests are shown to have the desirable CFAR property. We characterize the class of all such tests by showing that any invariant decision statistic can be written as a function of two basic statistics which are in fact the adaptive matched filter (AMF) statistic and Kelly's generalized likelihood ratio statistic. Further, we establish an optimum test in the limit of low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the locally most powerful invariant (LMPI) test. We also derive the bound for the probability of detection of any invariant detector, at a fixed false-alarm rate, and compare the LMPI and the published detectors (Kelly and AMF) to it.
Semi-empirical correlation for quench time of inductively coupled fault current limiter

Experimental results on the quench time of an inductively coupled fault current limiter are presented. The quench time is defined as the period between the initiation of the fault and the time when the device begins to limit the current. The experimental results show that the fault current limiter begins to limit the current well before the superconductor is fully quenched. A semi-empirical model, based on a lumped-parameter circuit analysis, is developed to predict the quench time. The model assumes that the average power dissipated in the fault current limiter is used to heat up the superconductor. The derived equation indicates that the quench time depends on the properties of the superconductor, the design parameters of the fault current limiter, and the system parameters. There is very little dissipation in the superconductor when the system voltage is less than the critical voltage of the superconductor. Therefore, the overvoltage (system voltage minus the critical voltage), instead of the system voltage, should be used in calculating the quench time. The quench time calculated from the semi-empirical correlation agrees well with experimental data.
Evidence for phytodegradation of MTBE from coupled bench-scale and intermediate-scale tests

This paper presents methodologies and demonstrates the need to couple bench-scale and intermediate tree-scale experiments, to fully understand the transport and fate of organic contaminants, specifically methyl tert butyl ether (MTBE), in mature trees. Bench-scale experiments showed MTBE to be optimally taken up by small poplar saplings with a transpiration stream concentration factor of approximately 1, little or no degradation in soils and, nearly 100±20% recovery in the coupled water-plant-air system, indicating no measurable phytodegradation at the bench-scale. A large 14 ft tree chamber was designed to evaluate MTBE transport and fate through intermediate-scale ( 12 ft tall) poplar trees. Abiotic MTBE volatilization tests conducted in the tree chamber showed 100±20% MTBE mass recovery, thereby demonstrating the integrity of the large chamber and its air monitoring technique. In contrast, replicate intermediate-scale experiments conducted with large (12 ft) trees irrigated with a known mass of MTBE sh...
A numerical study of scattering from an object above a rough surface

A numerical model is applied in a Monte Carlo study of scattering from a three-dimensional penetrable object above a lossy dielectric rough interface. The model is based on an iterative method of moments solution for equivalent electric and magnetic surface current densities on the rough interface and equivalent volumetric electric currents in the penetrable object. Both time-and frequency-domain results are investigated to illustrate the relative importance of coherent and incoherent scattering effects in the sample problem considered. Results show that a four-path model using a reduced-reflection coefficient can be reasonable for coherent scattering predictions and that incoherent object/surface interaction effects can make significant contributions to received cross sections.