cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High resolution imaging of biomagnetic fields generated by action currents in cardiac tissue using a LTS-SQUID microscope

We have developed a scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscope for imaging magnetic fields of room-temperature samples with sub-millimeter resolution. In our design, we use hand-wound niobium pickup coils coupled to commercially available low temperature SQUID sensors. The SQUID sensor and the pickup coil are located in the vacuum space of the cryostat and are separated by a 25 lm sapphire window from the room-temperature sample. The spacing between the tip of the pickup coil and the sample is typically <100 lm. We have used pickup coil diameters of 250 and 500 lm with various numbers of turns depending on the desired spatial resolution. For a 500 lm diameter pickup coil we achieved a field sensitivity of 330 fT Hz � 1=2 for frequencies above 1 Hz. This allows us to record magnetocardiograms (MCGs) on the surface of an isolated Langendorff perfused rabbit heart. We recorded MCGs at 1600 locations on a 16 � 16 mm 2 grid on the surface of an isolated rabbit heart stimulated with a point electrode in the center of the grid. The MCGs were combined to produce a time series of two-dimensional magnetic field maps, which show a clear, octopolar pattern during the current injection, a similar pattern with a reversal in currents immediately after current injection, and the generation and propagation of an elliptical action-current wave front. 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Burning rate of homogeneous energetic materials with thermal expansion and varying thermal properties in the condensed phase

We present a study of the one-dimensional flame structure of combusting solid propellants that focuses on the effects of thermal expansion and variable thermal properties in the condensed phase. A nonlinear heat equation is derived for a burning thermo-elastic solid with temperature-dependent specific heat, thermal expansion, and thermal conductivity coefficients. It is solved for different modelling approximations both analytically and numerically. Explicit expressions are derived for the regression rate of the propellant surface as functions of surface temperature and thermal expansion parameters. A simple one-step reaction model of the gas phase is used to study the full structure of propellent flame and illuminate the influence of temperature-dependent material properties on the regression rate, surface temperature, and flame stand-off distance. Results are displayed for HMX and compared with experimental data and numerical simulation with fair success.
Molecular Mapping of Russian Wheat Aphid Resistance from Triticale Accession PI 386156

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia Mordvilko, is an economic pest of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in some western growing regions. Sources of resistance occur within the wheat gene pool, but there are also high levels of resistance in wheat relatives. including rye (Secale cereale L.). An F 2 population between PI 386156, a Russian wheat aphid-resistant triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) from Russia and NE88T222, a susceptible triticale, was used to examine the inheritance of resistance. Five distinet classes of reaction to the RWA were observed, suggesting this trait is not controlled by a single dominant gene in this population. Bulked segregant analysis was performed with DNA from plants representing the most resistant (R') and most susceptible (S') classes. A co-dominant marker amplified by primer OP-M09 explained more than 55% of the variation observed for resistance. Sequencing results revealed a deletion in the S' parent relative to the R' parent. Using a set of wheat-rye addition lines, we mapped the target fragment to chromosome 4R, which has previously been identified as the critical chromosome for RWA resistance from PI 386156 and other Russian triticales.
Clearance of Yellow Pigments Lutein and Zeathanxin in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Reared at Different Water Temperatures

A study was conducted to determine the clearance time of yellow pigments lutein and zeaxanthin in channel catfish at various temperatures. Fish of initial weight of 13.4 g were stocked into flow-through aquaria and fed daily with a pigment-enhanced diet for 11 wk when yellow color became visible in the flesh. All fish were then transferred into tanks in three recirculating systems that were assigned one of the three temperatures (10, 20, and 30 C). During the pigment clearance period, fish were fed a control diet without added pigments daily to satiation for 12 wk. Every 4 wk, fish from three randomly chosen tanks per temperature were euthanized and fillets were analyzed for yellow color intensity (Commission Internationale de I’Eclairage [CIE] b*) and lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations. The b* values of fillets of fish reared at 20 and 30 C decreased linearly as time progressed. There was no significant linear regression of b* value against time for fish raised at 10 C. The rate of pigment clearance was similar for fish reared at 20 and 30 C. Results demonstrate that about 8 wk were needed for catfish to “purge” most of yellow pigment at warm temperatures (20 and 30 C). A longer period of time (> 12 wk) was required at 10 C.
Effect of DDT on induction of microsomal enzymes and deposition of calcium in the domestic chicken

These results show that PB pretreatment induced microsomal enzyme activity in all stages studied (as measured directly or by decreased sedation time), induction of microsomal enzymes by DDT was inconsistent in the enzyme assays and pretreatment with DDT and its analogs increased sedation time of PB inin vivo tests, an apparent inhibition of microsomal enzymes. Dieldrin and insecticides of a similar mode of action were found to decrease the sedation time of PB in young chicks, but dieldrin did not alter the sedation time of PB in mature birds. Addition of DDT-DDE to the food of laying hens had no effect on eggshell calcium. These experiments lend additional support to the hypothesis that alteration of oxidative enzyme activity and/or calcium deposition by chlorinated hydrocarbons does not appear to be a general phenomenon among the class Aves.
Preparation and characterization of mordenite thin films via pulsed laser deposition

Zeolite thin films are interesting for their potential application in membrane based separations, catalysis, and molecular sensing. Mordenite is a one-dimensional channel type zeolite that has been used in alcohol/water separations. Pulsed-laser deposition has been used to prepare partially oriented, crystalline mordenite thin films on stainless steel foil, and frits as well as carbon fibers and DAM-1 particles. Preliminary results for pervaporation of isopropanol/H2O mixtures using mordenite membranes indicate separation factors of 133 and 459 at room temperature and 76°C, respectively.
Germanide formation by thermal treatment of platinum films deposited on single-crystal Ge〈100〉 substrates

Abstract The reaction of platinum films about 450 A thick which had been vacuum deposited onto Ge〈100〉 substrates was investigated by backscattering spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. It was found that the procedure for cleaning the germanium is critical. If the cleaning is inadequate, no reaction is observed on thermal annealing in vacuum up to 300–350°C, and a laterally non-uniform reaction starts suddenly above that temperature. A cleaning process is described that reproducibly leads to laterally uniform compound formation above 250°C. The compounds Ge 2 Pt 3 , GePt, Ge 3 Pt 2 and Ge 2 Pt are observed by backscattering spectrometry in sequential order for 30 min annealings up to 450°C. The GePt phase formed at 300°C was identified by X-ray diffraction. These results are relevant to the formation of contacts to high purity germanium radiation detectors.
Studies of polyethylene shish-kebab structures

An experimental method initiated by Williamson and Busse has been extended to produce veil-free shish kebab structures in linear polyethylene without need for severe recovery treatments. The technique involves the dilution of polymer in a concentrated solution of low molecular weight paraffin followed by a simple isothermal shear. The resulting shish kebab structures are isolated from the wax matrix and subjected to electron microscopical and electron diffraction study. From the diffraction patterns, it is shown that the shish-rich ordered structure is similar to the orthorhombic structure of crystalline linear polyethylene, but with certain significant deviations. The resolvable morphology of the shish appears to be characterized by a length-to-diameter ratio which is consistent with a prediction based upon Wulff's theorem utilizing certain relevant surface energy values which have been obtained by others for polymeric crystals.
The photo-oxidation of automobile emissions: measurements of the transformation products and their mutagenic activity

Abstract Dilute mixtures of automobile emissions (comprising 50% exhaust and 50% surrogate evaporative emissions) were irradiated in a 22.7 m 3 smog chamber and tested for mutagenic activity by using a variant of the Ames test. The exhaust was taken from a single vehicle, a 1977 Ford Mustang equipped with a catalytic converter. Irradiated and nonirradiated gas-phase emissions were used in exposures of the bacteria, Salmonella typhimurium , strains TA100 and TA98. A single set of vehicular operating conditions was used to perform multiple exposures. The mutagenic activities of extracts from the particulate phase were also measured with the standard plate incorporation assay. (In most experiments only direct-acting mutagenic compounds were measured.) The gas-phase data for TA100 and TA98 showed increased activity for the irradiated emissions when compared to the nonirradiated mixture, which exhibited negligible activity with respect to the control values. The particulate phase for both the irradiated and nonirradiated mixtures showed negligible activity when results were compared to the control values for both strains. However, the experimental conditions limited the amount of extractable mass which could be collected in the particulate phase. The measured activities from the gas phase and particulate phase were converted to the number of revertants per cubic meter of effluent (i.e. the mutagenic density ) to compare the contributions of each of these phases to the total mutagenic activity for each strain. Under the experimental conditions of this study, the mutagenic density of the gas-phase component of the irradiated mixture contributed approximately two orders of magnitude more of the total TA100 activity than did the particulate phase. For TA98 the gas-phase component contributed approximately one order of magnitude more. However, caution must be exercised in extrapolating these results to urban atmospheres heavily impacted by automotive emissions, because the bacterial mutagenicity assay was used as a screening method, and additional assays using mammalian systems have not yet been conducted. In addition, only limited number of conditions were able to be tested. The significance and limitations of the results are discussed.
Effect of dialysis and ferricyanide on the redox titrations of hemoglobin.

Dialysis affects the shape of hemoglobin redox titration curves, thus leading to different end point determinations. At pH 7.9, the oxidation of ferrohemoglobin by ferricyanide is not a simple reversible reaction but appears to proceed through an irreversible stepwise mechanism.
The standard Gibbs energy of dissociation of TeCl4 between 670 and 1170 K

The standard molar Gibbs energy of dissociation for the gaseous reaction: TeCl4=TeCl2+Cl2 has been determined from pressure measurements in a quartz spiral manometer. For an initial gas concentration of 0.0105 mol dm−3 dissociation of TeCl4 is very small below 870 K but increases to about 54 per cent at 1170 K. The standard molar Gibbs energy of dissociation is given by ΔG°(T)/calthmol−1=42600−35.4T/K which is considerably greater than previously estimated values.
Infrared spectroscopy studies of the photooxidation of a polyethylene nonwoven fabric

The photooxidation of a nonwoven polyethylene fabric was investigated using Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy. The infrared spectroscopic data indicated that hydroperoxide, alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, carboxylic acid, and anhydride groups were formed as the products of the photooxidation of the polyethylene fabric and that the relative amount of carboxyl among all carbonyls increased as the photooxidation progressed. The distribution of the photooxidation products was inhomogeneous between the two surfaces of the fabric. The highest degree of photooxidation occurred on the surface of the fabric facing the UV radiation source, whereas the lowest degree of photooxidation was on the back surface of the fabric. We also found that the polyethylene nonwoven fabric showed a slower photooxidation rate than the polypropylene nonwoven fabric. The UV radiation at 254 nm caused photooxidation of polyethylene. No photooxidation was observed in the fabric exposed to the UV radiation at 350 nm under the same conditions.
CR-Warped Products in Complex Projective Spaces with Compact Holomorphic Factor

A submanifold of a Kaehler manifold is called a CR-warped product if it is the warped product NT ×fN⊥ of a complex submanifold NT and a totally real submanifold N⊥. There exist many CR-warped products NT ×fN⊥ in CPh+p, h = dimCNT and p = dimRN⊥ (see [5, 6]). In contrast, we prove in this article that the situation is quite different if the holomorphic factor NT is compact. For such CR-wraped products in CPm (4), we prove the following: (1) The complex dimension m of the ambient space is at least h + p + hp. (2) If m = h + p + hp, then NT is CPh(4). We also obtain two geometric inequalities for CR-warped products in CPm with compact NT.
Techniques for X-Ray Fluorescence Tomography

New techniques are being explored to improve the sensitivity, resolution and diagnostic information content of currently available x-ray fluorescence techniques for imaging the stable iodine distribution within the thyroid gland. A new source and detector collimation system has been fabricated for a 9-element array of high purity germanium detectors to provide simultaneous longitudinal section images of uptake (Tc-99m pertechnetate) and iodine content. An added feature of this new system is the capability of performing stationary counts to plot vertical profiles of iodine content through any portion of the gland. This new system should be very useful for studies designed to differentiate between malignant and benign thyroid nodules on the basis of iodine content.
Oxidatively induced insertion of an alkylidyne unit into the tungsten tris(pyrazolyl)borate cage

Abstract The oxidation of the complexes W(CHPh)(X)(BHPz 3 )(Br) (X=NCMe 3 , N -1-adamantyl, NC 6 H 2 -2,4,6-(CH 3 ) 3 , O) with Br 2 was investigated. The net outcome of the reactions is insertion of the benzylidyne unit into one of the WN bonds of the tungsten tris(pyrazolyl)borate cage to afford the complexes W{[C(Ph)C 3 H 3 N 2 BHPz 2 )](X)(Br 2 ). The crystal structures of two compounds of this type of complex with X= N -1-adamantyl and X=O have been determined by X-ray crystallography.
Modeling biogenic emissions of isoprene: exploration of model drivers, climate control algorithms, and use of global satellite observations

Abstract An improved global budget for isoprene emissions from terrestrial vegetation sources is fundamental to a better understanding of the oxidative capacity of the lower atmosphere and changes in the concentration of major greenhouse gases. In this study, we present a biosphere modeling analysis designed to ascertain the interactions of global data drivers for estimating biogenic isoprene emissions. We have integrated generalized isoprene emission algorithms into a process-based simulation model of ecosystem carbon fluxes, the NASA-CASA (Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach) model. This new modeling approach for predicting isoprene emissions operates on scales designed to directly link regional and global satellite data sets with estimates of ecosystem carbon cycling, hydrology, and related biogeochemistry. The NASA-CASA model results indicate that the annual isoprene flux from terrestrial plant sources is 559 Tg C . Three ecosystem types, broadleaf evergreen forest, dry tropical forest, and wooded grassland (savanna), account for approximately 80% of these global vegetation isoprene emissions. Based on analyses to improve understanding of the relative influence of climatic (e.g., light and temperature) versus biotic (NPP) controllers on predicted isoprene emission estimates, it appears that the largest portion of total biogenic flux to the global atmosphere is emitted from ecosystems that are mainly light-limited for isoprene emissions. These modeling results imply that, along with better process understanding of base emission factor controls for volatile organic compounds, improvements in global fields of solar surface radiation fluxes in warm climate zones will be needed to reduce major uncertainties in isoprene source fluxes.
Model systems to study a superantigen-induced disease: Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a life-threatening illness, is caused by excessively high concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines released after superantigen stimulation of T-cell populations. Owing to the systemic cascade of effects initiated by these cytokines, TSS is an extremely complex pathologic condition, with no model equivalent to the human disease. Progress has been made, however, in understanding TSS by combining information of data obtained from in vitro, in vivo and in silico model systems.
Young African-American Male Suicide Prevention and Spirituality

This article addresses the increased rates of suicide among young African American males during the 1980s and 1990s that has influenced a call for suicide prevention strategies. A review of the literature about substance abuse as a risk factor for the trauma of suicidal behavior and spirituality as a potential protective factor are discussed. An original report of research findings by the authors, which suggest a relationship between spirituality and healthy drug attitudes, are discussed along with implications for suicide prevention programs with young African Americans.
A Water Vapor Index from Satellite Measurements

Abstract A method for deriving a water vapor index is presented. An important feature of the index is the fact that it does not rely on radiosondes. Thus, it is not influenced by problems associated with radiosondes and the extent to which the horizontal variability of moisture invalidates the extrapolations from radiosonde measurements to satellite measurements. The index is derived by using channels that are insensitive to changes in moisture to predict a brightness temperature for one of the moisture channels and then by subtracting this predicted value from the observation. The predicted value represents the moisture value expected for the given temperature profile, and the difference between the predicted and measured values is the index. The subtraction removes the variability due to changes in atmospheric temperature from the moisture signal. This separation greatly enhances the ability to monitor atmospheric moisture patterns, especially near the ground and at high latitudes where some alternative...
Mantle values of thermal conductivity and the geotherm from phonon lifetimes

A model for thermal conductivity κ, based on phonon lifetimes obtained from infrared reflectivity, replicates experimental data at ambient conditions. The pressure and absolute temperature dependences of transport properties are accurately obtained from the Gruneisen parameter γTh, bulk modulusKT, and thermal expansivity α: The lattice contribution κlat equals κ298(298/T)aexp[−(4γTh + 1/3) ∫298Tα(θ)dθ] witha = 0.33 for silicates (or 0.9 for MgO), and ∂[ln(κlat)]/∂P = (1/3 + 4γTh)/KT. The smaller, pressure-independent radiative contribution κrad equals 0.0175 – 0.0001037T + (2.245T2/107) – (3.407T3/1011), in units of watts per meter-kelvin, if Fe2+ is present. The resulting lithospheric geotherm is steep. Consequently, the mantle geotherm is hot if the low-velocity zone is anhydrous, but cold if hydrated.
DARP: dynamically adaptable resilient pipeline design in microprocessors

In this paper, we demonstrate that the sensitized path delays in various microprocessor pipe stages exhibit intriguing temporal and spatial variations during the execution of real world applications. To effectively exploit these delay variations, we propose Dynamically Adaptable Resilient Pipeline (DARP)--a series of runtime techniques to boost power performance efficiency and fault tolerance in a pipelined microprocessor. DARP employs early error prediction to avoid a major portion of the timing errors. Using a rigorous circuit-architectural infrastructure, we demonstrate substantial improvements in the performance (9.4--20%) and energy efficiency (6.4--27.9%), compared to state-of-the-art techniques.
Correlation scales of laser speckle in heterodyne detection.

Laser speckle is a prominent source of fluctuations in heterodyne-detection imaging and differential absorption lidar systems. This paper calculates the transverse and longitudinal degrees of coherence between pairs of speckle intensities obtained, in different observation conditions, with a monostatic heterodyne-reception sensor.
Characterizing Naphthalene via Material Flow Analysis

An Environmental Protection Agency-funded project centers on the material flow analysis of naphthalene-containing products in an effort to eliminate, reduce, or replace the sources of naphthalene. The analysis commences with manufacturers who use naphthalene-containing products in their processes. Also, the analysis works in reverse by starting with the naphthalene user, as the material will be traced to the source in an effort to identify elimination/reduction opportunities throughout the material’s life cycle. A particular focus is the potential for removal of naphthalene from the primary processor’s raw material. A completed material flow accounting of naphthalene in the United States is the product of this work. The paper highlights the preliminary part of the study. It identifies the basic characteristics of naphthalene as one of the largest polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons that is released to the environment. Included are likely sources of naphthalene emissions and releases as they are identified for further investigation.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Plasma resistivity profile measurement from an external radio-frequency magnetic coil

Plasma resistivity is obtained by measuring the change in circuit behavior from a simple loop placed externally to the plasma. The loop is part of a series-driven oscillator that can be tuned over a wide range of frequencies with a very low internal impedance. By varying the frequency, and observing both the detuning and loading of this circuit, the location and resistance of the screening currents can be determined. A two-dimensional resistive magnetohydrodynamic code calculation is performed to obtain both the plasma interaction with the oscillating field as well as the effects of nearby conductors. The plasma resistance in the numerical calculations is adjusted to match the data from the experiment and, in this way, obtain a measure of the plasma resistivity profile.
SYNTHETIC HYBRIDS OF AGROPYRON ALBICANS X A. DASYSTACHYUM, SITANION HYSTRIX, AND ELYMUS CANADENSIS

A B S T R A C T Emasculated crosses of Agropyron albicans Scribn. & Smith with A. dasystachyum (Hook.) Scribn., Sitanion hystrix (Nutt.) J. G. Smith, and Elymus canadensis L. yielded 34, 5, and 9 viable hybrid seeds from 66, 45, and 52 florets, respectively. The hybrids were for the most part morphologically intermediate between their respective parents. The parents behaved cytologically as allotetraploids, 2n = 28; but meiosis in A. albicans was somewhat more irregular than in the other three species. Chromosome pairing was good in all hybrids and indicated that the genomes of the parent species were closely homologous, but only the A. albicans X A. dasystachyum hybrids set seed. Although closely related, A. albicans and A. dasystachyum are not fuilly conspecific. Agropyron albicans was considered to be a subspecies of A. dasystachyum, as were A. riparium Scribn. & Smith and A. griffith8ii Scribn. & Smith ex Piper. AGROPYRON ALBICANS Scribn. & Smith is a seldom-collected range grass native to M\Iontana and surrounding states. It is morphologically similar to the more widespread and better known A. dasystachyum (Hook.) Scribn. The two taxa are differentiated primarily on the basis of lemma awns. Agropyron albicans has rather long strongly divergent awns, whereas A. dasystachyum is either awnless or mucronate (Hitchcock, 1951). Although most agrostologists treat A. albicans and A. dasystach.yum as distinct species, the validity of such a separation is questionable. A comprehensive biosystematic study of Agropyron species native to MXontana led Collins (1965) to conclude that A. albicans may be nothing more than a variety of A. dasystachyum. Cytogenetic data for A. albicans are scarce, whereas the cytogenetic characteristics of A. dasystachyum are well documented. Both are tetraploid, 2n = 28 (Bowden, 1965). Agropyron dasy.stachyum is a meiotically regular alloploid with one genome derived from A. spicatum (Pursh) Scribn. & Smith (Dewey, 1965). Collins (1965) also concluded that A. albicans was an alloploid. Hybrids of A. albicans with other species have not been reported previously. In contrast, A. dasystachyum has been hybridized with diploid and tetraploid A. spicatum (Dewey, 1965), Elymus canadensis L. (Dewey, 1967b), Elymus glaucus Buckl., and Sitanion hystrix (Nutt.) J. G. Smith (Dewey, 1968). In view of the close morphological and cyto
Measures of Problem-Solving Performance and of Problem-Solving Instruction

This chapter discusses three paper-and-pencil measures of problem-solving performance. These measures were characterized as Measure 1, Measure 2, and Measure 3. All three measures include matched pretests and post-tests that focus on what the student does while trying to solve problems, rather than on the final solution he or she produces. The two versions of Measure 1 contain five problems, each of which can be solved in two or three, sometimes four or five different ways. Problems on the two examinations are matched not by form or by subject matter but by solution methods; the same problem-solving approaches yield solutions to corresponding pretest and post-test problems. Measure 1 explored performance on problems related to those studied in the course. Measure 2 asked for students' qualitative reactions to their work on the problems in Measure 1. It determines how familiar they perceived each problem to be, whether or not they planned their solution to the problem, whether their work on the problem was organized or disorganized, and how difficult they thought the problem was. The two versions of Measure 3 each containing nine problems that, similar to those in Measure 1, were paired by solution type. All these three measures were used to evaluate the before and after performance of students in a course in mathematical problem solving.
Supply chain collaboration: what's happening?

Purpose – Collaboration has been referred to as the driving force behind effective supply chain management and may be the ultimate core capability. However, there is a fairly widespread belief that few firms have truly capitalized on its potential. A study was undertaken to assess the current level of supply chain collaboration and identify best practice.Design/methodology/approach – Supply chain executives provided insights into collaboration. Survey data, personal interviews, and a review of the collaboration literature were used to develop a conceptual model profiling behavior, culture, and relational interactions associated with successful collaboration.Findings – Positive collaboration‐related outcomes include enhancements to efficiency, effectiveness, and market positions for the respondents' firms.Research limitations/implications – The small sample size represents a limitation, but is balanced by the quality of the respondent base and their expertise/experience. Another limitation involves securin...
A Systems Approach to Defining Operator Roles

This paper briefly describes the elements of a systems approach for defining the role of the operating crew of a nuclear power plant. A systems approach aims at solving the multifaceted and interrelated problems produced by complex man-machine systems. Through systems analysis and engineering, an organized and systematic approach to the proper allocation of roles between man and machine can be made. This approach is utilized here to develop a methodology for specifying the optimum role of the crew in a nuclear plant system and also defining the internal structure of the crew for the purpose of ensuring the safe and economic operation of the plant.
The RSK family of kinases: emerging roles in cellular signalling

The 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family of proteins is a group of highly conserved Ser/Thr kinases that regulate diverse cellular processes, such as cell growth, cell motility, cell survival and cell proliferation. RSKs are downstream effectors of the Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling cascade. Significant advances in the field of RSK and ERK/MAPK signalling have occurred in the past few years, including biological insights and the discovery of novel substrates and new RSK regulatory mechanisms. Collectively, these data expand the current models of RSK signalling and highlight potential directions of research in RSK-mediated survival, growth, proliferation and migration.
Paraprosthetic Abscess and Gangrenous Left Colon: A Unique Late Complication of Abdominal Aortic Resection—A Case Report

Many complications related to the use of prosthetic aortic grafts in the treatment of aneurysmal and occlusive disease of the abdominal aorta have been reported. Early complications include bleeding, thrombosis, embolization, and infarction of the left colon. Late complications may be more difficult to diagnose and include graft infection, pseudoaneurysm formation, and aortoenteric fistula. We describe here a unique late complication following aortic reconstruction for aortofemoral occlusive disease. A brief review of the literature is presented.
Protonation at the Aqueous Interface of Polymer Nanoparticles with Second Harmonic Generation

The protonation reaction of the carboxyl (−COOH) functional group fixed at the surface of polystyrene carboxylate (PSC) microspheres, with a radius of 457 ± 14 nm, dispersed in aqueous medium has been studied using the nonlinear optical method of second harmonic generation (SHG). We have demonstrated that the “χ(3) method,” along with the use of the Gouy−Chapman model describing the surface potential, can be used to determine the pKa of carboxyl groups at the particle−liquid interface. A surface pKa of 5.4 ± 0.3 has been determined for the PSC colloidal particles, which corresponds to a decrease in the acidity; that is, Ka is a factor of 4 smaller at the interface than that of long chain carboxyl acids in bulk aqueous solution.
Conventional threats and conventional missions: The case of the B‐2

The case of the B‐2 bomber is a useful exploration of the issues surrounding the implementation of new technology given political and budgetary constraints. Here Ken Freeman discusses in detail the deployment tactical operability and probable outcome of the interaction of the various factors involved concluding that more objective research and analysis must be carried out to determine whether the large amounts of taxpayers money required should in fact be invested in the B‐2 bomber.
Iterative and direct solvers for interface problems with lagrange multipliers

Abstract Special purpose iterative and direct solvers are proposed for solving nonpositive definite symmetric linear systems arising from the three-field hybrid variational principle, which enforces compatibility between independently modeled substructures in the weak sense. The basic idea of the proposed family of solvers is to transform a nonpositive definite linear system into an equivalent positive definite system, which can then be solved by either the iterative or direct method without pivoting. The two-level iterative approach proposed in this paper consists of resolving the lower frequency response of the source problem by means of the equivalent positive definite collocation problem and capturing higher frequency response using projected conjugate gradient method. Numerical experiments in 2-D and shells indicate that the total CPU time of the two-level iterative process is less than 20% higher than that of a corresponding collocation problem, but the benefit from increased accuracy and modeling flexibility clearly overshadows this increased cost.
Age differences in the acquisition and retention of concurrent discriminations by monkeys

The performances of adult and aged macaque monkeys were compared on several tasks requir­ ing acquisition and retention of concurrent object discriminations. Cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons between ll-year-old and over-20-year-old animals were conducted on the acquisi­ tion of several 16-problem concurrent tasks, and after 2 weeks, retention by the different age groups was also evaluated. Although the retention tests indicated no age-related impairment, acquisition tests showed that aged animals made reliably more errors-to-criterion than did adult animals. The relative contributions of intersession and intrasession improvement and preference phenomena were considered and contrasted to some previously reported age-specific outcomes. Although the present results affirmed the contention that old animals were selectively impaired on intersession task requirements, some earlier interpretations of preference effects were ques­ tioned. Old animals did not show a potentiation of specific object preferences; rather, they tended to be nonsystematic in maintaining their selection of initially preferred objects. Concurrent dis­ crimination was indicated to be a behavioral measure that is, under appropriate circumstances, selectively sensitive to aging and may offer an appropriate comparative model of information­ processing characteristics. Decline in performance on learning and memory tasks has been a persistent concern when investigating the is­ sue of aging (e.g., Kubanis & Zornetzer, 1981; Stein, 1980), and although questions have been raised regard­ ing the comparability of animal outcomes (see Bartus, 1988, for a review and clarification of this issue), non­
Analysis of biogenic carbonates by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Flow injection on-line solid-phase preconcentration for trace element determination in fish otoliths

The aragonite deposits within the ear bones (otoliths) of teleost fish retain a chemical signal reflecting the life history of fish (similar to rings of trees) and the nature of fish habitats. Otoliths dissolved in acid solutions contain high concentrations of calcium and a variety of proteins. Elimination of matrix salts and organic interferences during preconcentration is essential for accurate determination of trace elements in otolith solutions by inductively coupled plasma–quadrupole mass spectrometry. An iminodiacetate-based chelating resin (Toyopearl AF-Chelate 650 M) has been used for on-line preconcentration and matrix separation for the determination of 31 transition and rare elements. Successful preconcentration of the elements was achieved at pH 5 by on-line buffering, except Mn which required pH 8.8. Sample solutions were loaded on to the column for 1 min at 3.2 mL min–1, and then eluted directly into the mass spectrometer with 4% v/v nitric acid. This procedure enabled up to 25-fold preconcentration with successful removal of the calcium matrix. The effect of heat-assisted oxidation with concentrated nitric acid was investigated to eliminate the organic matrix. It was found that heating to dryness after dissolution and further mineralization with the acid significantly improved the retention of the transition elements. The method was validated by analysis of a certified reference material produced from saggittal otoliths of emperor snapper (Lutjanus sebae), and then applied to the determination of trace metal concentrations in juvenile bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from the Western Pacific Ocean.
Separation from supported employment: a retrospective chart review study.

AbstractPurpose: The objective of this study was to examine job separations from supported employment (SE). The aim was to identify the types and nature of separations and precipitating events leading to the separation. Methods: A retrospective chart review methodology was utilized. The study was conducted in a metropolitan area in the Southeast United States by a university-based SE program. Participants were 47 SE clients who had been placed into and separated from 67 jobs. Using a coding form, information regarding the type of separation and issues that preceded the separation were recorded. Data were aggregated using descriptive statistics. Results: The largest number of separations was due to termination, followed by resignation and mutual consent of the employer and employee. The mean number of issues leading to the separation was 2.2, ranging from one to five. Only eight positive issues were found (compared to 116 negative and 20 neutral), the most prevalent being entry into an educational or train...
Numerical investigation of the effects of thermal creep in physical vapor transport

It has been recently recognized that the nonisothermal conditions present in physical vapor transport ampoules can give rise to a slip flow of gas over the side walls of the ampoule. This phenomenon, known as thermal creep, is usually insignificant relative to buoyancy-induced flows under similar nonisothermal conditions, and has therefore been neglected in previous PVT numerical models. However, thermal creep can, in principle, become a dominant convection mechanism in buoyancy-free environments such as those encountered in microgravity experiments. We present here a numerical investigation of the effects of thermal creep on the growth process in axisymmetric, binary component PVT systems. A continuum-based model, which includes buoyancy and Soret diffusion, is developed. We show that thermal creep can result in recirculating bulk flows within the ampoule. For relatively high values of the Schmidt number and large wall temperature gradients, these flows can result in significantly nonuniform distributions of mass flux at the crystal interface, and can also be comparable to or exceed the flow velocities generated by buoyancy under normal gravity. The effects of thermal creep on buoyant convection, and on the Soret transport of the vapor, are examined.
The effect of force on thermodynamics and kinetics of single molecule reactions

The usual variables chemists use to affect a chemical reaction are temperature and pressure. We consider here an additional variable: force, F. By attaching a molecule to the tip of a cantilever of an atomic force microscope, or to a bead in a laser light trap, we can control the force on a single molecule. This mechanical force can drive a reaction to completion, or stabilize the reactants. Force changes the thermodynamic stability of a molecule; it can thus increase or decrease the free energy change for the reaction. Force can also speed or slow rates of reactions; it changes the free energy of activation of the reaction.
Honoring Eugene O'Neill (1888–1953): A Centennial Review of Literature

When Eugene O'Neill died, theatre critic Brooks Atkinson said of him, “A giant writer has dropped off the earth….He shook up the drama as well as audiences and helped to transform the theatre into an art seriously related to life.” (New York Times, 30 December 1953).
The Care of the Self and Environmental Politics:Towards a Foucaultian Account of Dietary Practice

This essay appropriates the understanding of ethics developed by Michel Foucault in his courses at the College de France from 1980 until his death in 1984, with the aim of formulating a progressive environmental politics. As such, it attempts to navigate some of the long-standing divides between the movement for animal rights and environmental ethics proper, finding in the practice of vegetarianism a form of self-relation that is conducive to critical forms of speech and politics. The final phase of Foucault's work is replete with insights into how the care of the self can serve as a resistance to forms of power and political stasis. This paper presents these unpublished materials, allowing for a glimpse of the unknown Foucault, and reinterprets vegetarianism as a form of self-practice that is linked with truth and critical speech.
Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake in the Aortic Wall at PET/CT: Possible Finding for Active Atherosclerosis

PURPOSE: To evaluate fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the thoracic aortic wall at combined positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and compare uptake with aortic wall calcification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 85 consecutive cancer patients who underwent FDG PET/CT were evaluated retrospectively. One hour after FDG injection, CT followed by PET was performed from ear to middle of the thigh. CT, PET, and fused PET/CT images were generated. FDG uptake and calcification were evaluated visually and semiquantitatively. FDG uptake was graded according to intensity; calcification, according to thickness. Unpaired t test was used for comparison of patient age with and without FDG uptake and with and without calcification. The relationship between the score (sum of grades along all aortic segments) of positive FDG uptake and calcification and patient age was analyzed with Spearman rank correlation. Comparison of frequency of FDG uptake and calcification with age, sex, risk f...
Scanning electron microscopic studies of the surface morphology of the vomeronasal epithelium and olfactory epithelium of garter snakes.

Fixed vomeronasal and olfactory epithelia from normal adult garter snakes were microdissected, fractured, and examined with a scanning electron microscope. The method permits a detailed comparative study of the structural organization and morphological characteristics of the constituent cells of the vomeronasal and olfactory epithelia. Despite similarities in the nomenclature of the constituent cells in both epithelia, significant differences exist in their surface morphology. A unique columnar structure composed of non-neuronal elements is present in the vomeronasal epithelium. These columns house the bipolar neurons and undifferentiated cells. Such a columnar organization is absent in the olfactory epithelium. In the vomeronasal epithelium the bipolar neurons possess microvillous terminals at their dendritic tips, while the dendritic tips of the bipolar neurons of the olfactory epithelium possess cilia. Vomeronasal supporting cells are covered with microvilli, while olfactory supporting cells are covered with cytoplasmic protuberances in addition to the microvilli. In the vomeronasal epithelium the pear-shaped neurons have a grossly smooth surface and are organized into clusters, while in the olfactory epithelium the elliptical bipolar neurons are spinous, aligned side-by-side and interdigitate. The basal (undifferentiated) cell layer in the vomeronasal epithelium has a high packing density and is composed of several layers of irregularly shaped cells. In the olfactory epithelium the basal cell layer is loosely organized and composed of a single layer of oval cells. This information on the three-dimensional cell structure of both epithelia provides a basis for experimental observations on changes in morphology of the bipolar neurons during genesis, development, maturation, degeneration, and regeneration in postnatal, adult animals.
Optimization of doped silicon and germanium thermistors

We have tested a variety of ion-implanted silicon thermistors and a much smaller selection of nuclear transmutation doped germanium devices over a wide range of temperatures and power densities. A small number of melt-doped silicon and germanium devices have also been tested, but these usually show evidence for small-scale doping inhomogeneities that make their behavior unpredictable and generally less desirable for cryogenic detectors. The behavior of the thermistors falls into fairly simple and predictable patterns. Many of these are not readily explained in terms of current theory, but empirical descriptions permit predictions of thermistor behavior and optimization of the design for best performance in a particular situation. Both silicon and germanium thermistors show strong non-ohmic effects that severely limit the performance of these devices at low temperatures. This most directly affects the maximum speed of detectors employing them, and appears to limit the response time of detectors operating at 100 mK to the order of 1 ms. We have also observed excess low-frequency noise in both types of thermistor that appears to be an intrinsic property of the bulk material, since it scales as the square root of the device volume. We have not yet determined how this noise varies with doping density or temperature, but it appears that this phenomenon has a significant effect on detector performance, and will need to be taken into account in an optimum design. The material for this talk was taken entirely from the following two papers: J. Zhang, W. Cui, M. Juda, D. McCammon, R. Kelley, H. Moseley, C. Stahle, and A. Szymkowiak, “Hopping Conduction in Partially Compensated Doped Silicon,” Phys. Rev.B48, 2312 (1993) J. Zhang, W. Cui, M. Juda, D. McCammon, R. Kelley, H. Moseley, C. Stahle, and A. Szymkowiak, “Non-Ohmic Effects in Hopping Conduction in Doped Silicon and Germanium: .05 – 1 Kelvin,” Phys. Rev.B (submitted) (1993/94) This research is supported by NASA grants NAG5-629 and NAG5-679.
The Cult(ture) of the Second Sun: Remembering, Repeating, and Performing the Past Imperfect

This paper advances a pragmatic semiotic understanding of memory. By focusing on what is done with the real-time act of commemoration (or, the selective citation of memories), I analyze the multifunctional and multi-layered semiosis in society that presupposes and creates one’s experiential continuity between past, present, and future despite sudden (and catastrophic) change. I argue that the 2011 tsunami and ensuing nuclear meltdown in Fukushima, Japan, have unearthed parallels between the semiosis of regimentation and commemoration with regard to their interpretability, performativity, and repetitiveness. Following Parmentier, regimentation is a struggle of interpretants for the proliferation of a certain belief associated with the act of remembering/forgetting in grounding the socio-cultural continuity. I conclude by making a cautious suggestion to apply both Saussurean semiology and Peircean semiotics to study the real-time, historically represented and stochastically determined social life of signs.
Functional requirements of a desktop clinical image display application.

The requirements for a clinical viewing station have some similarities to requirements of an interpretation workstation, but have some important differences. The user base is a heterogeneous group, and the tasks the clinicians perform vary substantially, increasing the variation in the requirements. However, it is possible to determine a list of requirements that satisfy most clinicians under most circumstances. In addition to the standard image manipulation tools, we have found that integration with the other clinical tools is essential to maintaining or increasing their efficiency. Providing for varying levels of functionality/complexity is also useful, because of the variation in the user base.