cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A semi-analytical method to compute surface elastic properties

Abstract In this paper, a semi-analytic method is developed to compute the surface elastic properties of crystalline materials. Using this method, surface elastic properties, such as the intrinsic surface energy density, intrinsic surface stress and surface elastic stiffness, are given analytically in terms of the inter-atomic potentials of the material. To evaluate these analytical expressions, one needs to know only the equilibrium (or relaxed) positions of the atoms near the free surface. The relaxed positions of the atoms near the free surface can be obtained by conducting a standard molecular simulation of a free surface. In comparison with existing methods, the semi-analytical method developed here reduces the amount of computation significantly. More importantly, because of the analytical nature of the method, it can provide us with a much better understanding of the surface characteristics. To illustrate the methodology, low-index surfaces (1 1 1), (1 0 0) and (1 1 0) of face-centered cubic metals Cu, Ni, Ag, and Pd are considered. A full set of data on surface elastic properties including the intrinsic surface energy, the intrinsic surface stress tensor, and the surface elastic stiffness tensor have been computed and are reported here for these materials. It is believed that such a complete set of surface property data for these materials are new to the literature.
The common fragile site FRA16D and its associated gene WWOX are highly conserved in the mouse at Fra8E1.

Recently, several common fragile sites (CFSs) have been cloned and characterized, including the two most frequently observed in the human population, FRA3B and FRA16D. In addition to their high frequency of breakage, FRA3B and FRA16D colocalize with genes crossing large regions of breakage. At FRA3B, the fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene spans more than 1 Mb, and at FRA16D, the WWOX gene spans more than 750 kb. It has also been shown that in Mus musculus, a CFS Fra14A2 and the mouse Fhit gene are conserved in the orthologous region of the genome. In this study, we positioned the ortholog to WWOX (Wox1) at chromosome band 8E1 in the mouse genome. To determine whether, like Fra14A2 and Fhit, Fra8E1 and Wox1 colocalized in the mouse, we prepared bacterial and yeast artificial chromosome probes, and we hybridized them to aphidicolin-treated mouse metaphase chromosomes. Our data demonstrate that Wox1 colocalizes with Fra8E1. Furthermore, the sequence from this region, including introns, is highly conserved over at least a 100-kb region. This evolutionary conservation suggests that the two most active CFSs share many features, and that CFSs and their associated genes may be necessary for cell survival. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Self-assembled peptide nanofibers raising durable antibody responses against a malaria epitope.

Abstract Biomaterials that modulate innate and adaptive immune responses are receiving increasing interest as adjuvants for eliciting protective immunity against a variety of diseases. Previous results have indicated that self-assembling β-sheet peptides, when fused with short peptide epitopes, can act as effective adjuvants and elicit robust and long-lived antibody responses. Here we investigated the mechanism of immunogenicity and the quality of antibody responses raised by a peptide epitope from Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite (CS) protein, (NANP) 3 ,conjugated to the self-assembling peptide domain Q11. The mechanism of adjuvant action was investigated in knockout mice with impaired MyD88, NALP3, TLR-2, or TLR-5 function, and the quality of antibodies raised against (NANP) 3 -Q11 was assessed using a transgenic sporozoite neutralizing (TSN) assay for malaria infection. (NANP) 3 -Q11 self-assembled into nanofibers, and antibody responses lasted up to 40 weeks in C57BL/6 mice. The antibody responses were T cell- and MyD88-dependent. Sera from mice primed with either irradiated sporozoites or a synthetic peptide, (T1BT*) 4 -P3C, and boosted with (NANP) 3 -Q11 showed significant increases in antibody titers and significant inhibition of sporozoite infection in TSN assays. In addition, two different epitopes could be self-assembled together without compromising the strength or duration of the antibody responses raised against either of them, making these materials promising platforms for self-adjuvanting multi-antigenic immunotherapies.
Correlative transmission and scanning electron microscopy study of microglia activated by interferon-,y and tumor necrosis factor-cx in vitro

SUMMARY Microglia, in response to cytokines, demonstrate a number o f enhanced biochemical and functional properties which reflect a state o f activation. In this study, we evaluated the ultrastructural alterations o f murine microglia that were associated with activation by interferon-gamma (IFN-y) plus tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a). Microglial cell culture treated with these cytokines generated significant amounts o f the free radical nitric oxide (NO), a biochemical marker o f activation. Correlative transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopic analyses o f these cytokine-activated microglia demonstrated two prominent features: proliferation o f cell processes and increased formation o f membrane bound dense bodies typical o f lysosomes. Since activated microglia have been implicated in the pathogenesis o f a number o f neurodegenerative diseases, application o f the ultrastructural findings in the in vitro study may prove useful in determining the state o f activation o f microglia in brain specimens from patients with these neurological disorders.
Discrete-Decision Continuous-Actuation Control: Balance of an Inverted Pendulum and Pumping a Pendulum Swing

In some practical control problems of essentially-continuous systems, the goal is not to tightly track a trajectory in state space, but only some aspects of the state at various points along the trajectory, and possibly only loosely. Here we show examples in which classical discrete-control approaches can provide simple, low inputand low outputbandwidth control of such systems. The sensing occurs at discrete stateor time-based events. Based on the state at the event, we set a small set of control parameters. These parameters prescribe features, e.g. amplitudes of open-loop commands that, assuming perfect modeling, force the system to, or towards, goal points in the trajectory. Using this discrete decision continuous actuation (DDCA) control approach, we demonstrate stabilization of two examples: 1) linear dead-beat control of a time delayed linearized inverted pendulum; and 2) pumping of a hanging pendulum. Advantages of this approach include: It is computationally cheap compared to real-time control or online optimization; it can handle long time delays; it can fully correct disturbances in finite time (deadbeat control); it can be simple, using few control gains and set points and limited sensing; and it is low bandwidth for both sensing and actuator commands. We have found the approach useful for control of robotic walking.
Efficient Multiple Object Tracking Using Mutually Repulsive Active Membranes

Studies of social and group behavior in interacting organisms require high-throughput analysis of the motion of a large number of individual subjects. Computer vision techniques offer solutions to specific tracking problems, and allow automated and efficient tracking with minimal human intervention. In this work, we adopt the open active contour model to track the trajectories of moving objects at high density. We add repulsive interactions between open contours to the original model, treat the trajectories as an extrusion in the temporal dimension, and show applications to two tracking problems. The walking behavior of Drosophila is studied at different population density and gender composition. We demonstrate that individual male flies have distinct walking signatures, and that the social interaction between flies in a mixed gender arena is gender specific. We also apply our model to studies of trajectories of gliding Myxococcus xanthus bacteria at high density. We examine the individual gliding behavioral statistics in terms of the gliding speed distribution. Using these two examples at very distinctive spatial scales, we illustrate the use of our algorithm on tracking both short rigid bodies (Drosophila) and long flexible objects (Myxococcus xanthus). Our repulsive active membrane model reaches error rates better than per fly per second for Drosophila tracking and comparable results for Myxococcus xanthus.
A cost decision analysis of 4 tocolytic drugs.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal tocolytic agent, based on a cost decision analysis. Study Design A PubMed search of commonly used tocolytics was performed to determine the probability of adverse events. Cost for an agent was determined by acquisition cost and the probability and cost of adverse events. A decision tree was constructed to determine which tocolytic had the lowest total costs, with subsequent sensitivity analysis. Results A total of 19 clinical trials combined for a cohort of 1073 patients (indomethacin, 176 patients; magnesium sulfate, 451 patients; nifedipine, 176 patients; and terbutaline, 270 patients). The probability of adverse events was 57.9% for terbutaline, 22.0% for magnesium sulfate, 27.2% for nifedipine, and 11.4% for indomethacin. Nifedipine ($16.75) and indomethacin ($15.40) were the least expensive treatment options, compared with magnesium sulfate ($197.90) and terbutaline ($399.02) because of the cost of monitoring and treating adverse events. Conclusion If one elects a tocolytic, both nifedipine and indomethacin should be the agents of choice, based on a cost decision analysis.
A Direct Determination of the Magnetic Moment of the Protons in Units of the Nuclear Magneton

A direct measurement of the proton magnetic moment in units of the nuclear magneton has been made, using the method of Alvarez and Bloch. The experiment consists of comparison of the nuclear magnetic resonance frequency of protons with the orbital frequency of protons revolving in the same homogeneous field. The resonance frequency of protons in water has been measured by the method of nuclear induction; the orbital frequency has been measured by a special device: a small decelerating cyclotron operated at an odd multiple of the fundamental cyclotron frequency.
Validation of the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory Brain Tumor Module (MDASI-BT).

Background Symptom occurrence has been shown to predict treatment course and survival in patients with solid tumors. Primary brain tumor (PBT) patients are unique in the occurrence of neurologic symptoms. Currently, no instrument exists that measures both neurologic and cancer-related symptoms.
Plastic flow in glassy polymers

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts 02.139 The phenomenology of plastic deformation in glassy polymers is described, and a theory based on a molecular model for such deformation is presented and contrasted with other published theories. A phenomenological yield criterion is presented which is consistent with the theory. It is shown that the theory is in very good accord with experimental results on the temperature dependence of the plastic shear resistance of a large group of glassy polymers with widely different molecular structures. Finally, the formation and growth of shear deformation bands is described, based purely on the mechanics of localization processes in inelastically deforming continua.
Evidence for the potentiation of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase activity by association with the detergent-insoluble cellular cytoskeleton: analysis of intact and carboxy-terminally truncated receptors.

The ligand-stimulated tyrosine kinase activity of the normal human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and a truncated EGF receptor lacking 164 carboxy-terminal (C-terminal) amino acids was examined in intact cells and after Triton X-100 extraction into Triton-soluble and -insoluble (cytoskeletal) preparations. Detergent extraction of the intact and truncated receptors appeared complete using 0.3% Triton as demonstrated by anti-EGF receptor immunoblots, tyrosine kinase assays, and marker enzyme (alkaline phosphatase) solubilization. Higher Triton concentrations yielded no additional EGF receptor extraction and began to inhibit EGF-stimulated kinase activity toward angiotensin II (AII). Furthermore, the tyrosine kinase activity of the truncated EGF receptor exhibited increased sensitivity to Triton extraction, suggesting a lower affinity or a more labile association of this receptor with the cytoskeleton. However, both EGF receptor forms had altered catalytic activity when associated with the cytoskelet...
Phase Relationships Support a Role for Coordinated Activity in the Indirect Pathway in Organizing Slow Oscillations in Basal Ganglia Output after Loss of Dopamine

The goal of the present study was to determine the phase relationships of the slow oscillatory activity that emerges in basal ganglia nuclei in anesthetized rats after dopamine cell lesion in order to gain insight into the passage of this oscillatory activity through the basal ganglia network. Spike train recordings from striatum, subthalamic nucleus (STN), globus pallidus (GP), and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr) were paired with simultaneous local field potential (LFP) recordings from SNpr or motor cortex ipsilateral to a unilateral lesion of substantia nigra dopamine neurons in urethane-anesthetized rats. Dopamine cell lesion induced a striking increase in incidence of slow oscillations (0.3-2.5 Hz) in firing rate in all nuclei. Phase relationships assessed through paired recordings using SNpr LFP as a temporal reference showed that slow oscillatory activity in GP spike trains is predominantly antiphase with oscillations in striatum, and slow oscillatory activity in STN spike trains is in-phase with oscillatory activity in cortex but predominantly antiphase with GP oscillatory activity. Taken together, these results imply that after dopamine cell lesion in urethane-anesthetized rats, increased oscillatory activity in GP spike trains is shaped more by increased phasic inhibitory input from the striatum than by phasic excitatory input from STN. In addition, results show that oscillatory activity in SNpr spike trains is typically antiphase with GP oscillatory activity and in-phase with STN oscillatory activity. While these observations do not rule out additional mechanisms contributing to the emergence of slow oscillations in the basal ganglia after dopamine cell lesion in the anesthetized preparation, they are compatible with 1) increased oscillatory activity in the GP facilitated by an effect of dopamine loss on striatal 'filtering' of slow components of oscillatory cortical input, 2) increased oscillatory activity in STN spike trains supported by convergent antiphase inhibitory and excitatory oscillatory input from GP and cortex, respectively, and 3) increased oscillatory activity in SNpr spike trains organized by convergent antiphase inhibitory and excitatory oscillatory input from GP and STN, respectively.
The Effects of Personal Heterosuggestion and two Forms of Autosuggestion upon Postural Movement

Resume On a etudie les mouvements posturaux de 30 etudiants universitaires sous trois formes de la suggestion que le sujet, les yeux bandes, tombait en avant: l 'heterosuggestion personnelle directe, l 'autosuggestion verbale, et l 'autosuggestion subvocale ou imaginative. On n 'a obtenu aucunes differences signifiantes entre les reponses sous les trois formes de suggestion. L 'exercice a cede plus de reponses positives; les sujets donnant d 'abord des resultats negatifs ont tendu a montrer des reponses positives dans les tests subsequents. Nulle relation ne s 'est montree ni entre la suggestibilite mesuree par les reponses posturales et les resultats du test d 'intelligence de Thorndike, ni entre la suggestibilite et la facilite de la formation des reactions conditionnelles des paupieres.
Temperature and composition dependence of the elastic constants of dilute alloys of manganese in copper

Abstract The elastic constants of several dilute alloys of manganese in copper have been measured in the temperature range from 4.2°K to 300°K by the pulse ultrasonic method. The three measured moduli show temperature dependences similar to those of pure copper. They all exhibited a linear decrease with increasing manganese concentration. The variation of the Debye temperature which was calculated from the 4.2°K values of the elastic constants was found to be about -0.6°K/at. per cent Mn. This implies an increase in the lattice specific heat within the “ T 3 ” temperature region of about 0.5 per cent per at. per cent Mn. The composition dependence of the shear moduli indicates that the charge of the Mn ion in the copper lattice is +3 e . Since it has been found from magnetic and specific heat measurements that the spin of the ion is s = 4 2 , it is concluded that there are four 3 d electrons remaining on the Mn ion with parallel aligned spins.
Rotational invariance constraints on the Green functions for the Heisenberg magnet

Abstract A relation is derived which the Green function for the Heisenberg magnet must satisfy in order that the dynamical approximations are consistent with rotational invariance.
Site Planning for Planners: The View from the Other Side

AbstractCritically reflecting on how to teach students site planning in a one semester course within a policy-oriented graduate planning programme led to seeking out “the view from the other side”. The ‘view’ is the perspective of a sample of landscape architects with extensive training and experience as site designers whose plans are routinely reviewed by city planners. Ten practising landscape architects were interviewed to find answers to questions such as, “what are the basic skills needed to be a good site planner?” and “what do you wish city planners knew about site planning?” The purposes of this research were to gather information to help reconstruct a site planning course using the concept of ‘cognitive apprenticeships’ as well as to appreciate how planners can work with landscape architects to create better site plans. The concept of cognitive apprenticeships alerts teachers to the different ways novices and experts understand skills and situations. The interviews showcased the importance of exp...
On the structure of thromboxane A2

Abstract The reactions of the 2-alkoxyoxetane 5 with sodium azide and methanol yield the α-azidoether 7 and the dimethyl acetal 8, respectively, paralleling reactions reported for TXA 2 . The hydrolysis of 5 reported by Bruice to involve general acid catalysis proceeds at a rate similar to that reported for TXA 2 . All these cleavage reactions are most likely to proceed by the same mechanism. These findings support structure 1 for TXA 2 .
Endogenous MMTV Proviruses Induce Susceptibility to Both Viral and Bacterial Pathogens

Most inbred mice carry germline proviruses of the retrovirus, mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) (called Mtvs), which have multiple replication defects. A BALB/c congenic mouse strain lacking all endogenous Mtvs (Mtv-null) was resistant to MMTV oral and intraperitoneal infection and tumorigenesis compared to wild-type BALB/c mice. Infection of Mtv-null mice with an MMTV-related retrovirus, type B leukemogenic virus, also resulted in severely reduced viral loads and failure to induce T-cell lymphomas, indicating that resistance is not dependent on expression of a superantigen (Sag) encoded by exogenous MMTV. Resistance to MMTV in Mtv-null animals was not due to neutralizing antibodies. Further, Mtv-null mice were resistant to rapid mortality induced by intragastric inoculation of the Gram-negative bacterium, Vibrio cholerae, but susceptibility to Salmonella typhimurium was not significantly different from BALB/c mice. Susceptibility to both MMTV and V. cholerae was reconstituted by the presence of any one of three endogenous Mtvs located on different chromosomes and was associated with increased pathogen load. One of these endogenous proviruses is known to encode only Sag. Therefore, Mtv-encoded Sag appears to provide a unique genetic susceptibility to specific viruses and bacteria. Since human endogenous retroviruses also encode Sags, these studies have broad implications for pathogen-induced responses in mice and humans.
Radiology workstation for mammography: preliminary observations, eyetracker studies, and design

For the last four years, the UNC FilmPlane project has focused on constructing a radiology workstation facilitating CT interpretations equivalent to those with film and viewbox. Interpretation of multiple CT studies was originally chosen because handling such large numbers of images was considered to be one of the most difficult tasks that could be performed with a workstation. The authors extend the FilmPlane design to address mammography. The high resolution and contrast demands coupled with the number of images often cross- compared make mammography a difficult challenge for the workstation designer. This paper presents the results of preliminary work with workstation interpretation of mammography. Background material is presented to justify why the authors believe electronic mammographic workstations could improve health care delivery. The results of several observation sessions and a preliminary eyetracker study of multiple-study mammography interpretations are described. Finally, tentative conclusions of what a mammographic workstation might look like and how it would meet clinical demand to be effective are presented.
Structure of forssman hapten glycosphingolipid from sheep erythrocytes

Abstract The structure of Forssman glycosphingolipid hapten of sheep erythrocytes was worked out as follows. Earlier composition data showing it to be a pentahexosyl ceramid containing 2 mole of N-acetylgalatosamine, 2 mole of galactose and 1 mole of glucose per mole of hapten were confirmed. Positions of linkages between monosaccharides were determined by methylation-gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis. Results of this study were confirmed by periodate oxidation which also established the sequence of monosaccharide residues. Double-labeling of Forssman hapten with 3 H and 14 C followed by selective enzymatic hydrolysis determined anomeric configurations of the acetal linkages. These results were verified by chromium trioxide oxidation of peracetylated hapten. The propose structure was supported by sequential enzymatic hydrolysis and assay of the products by inhibition of complement-medited hemolysis. It agrees with the carbohydrate sequences reported by Siddiqui and Hakomori [ J. biol. Chem. 246 , 5766 (1971)] for horse kidney Forssman hapten and by Sung et al. [ J. biol. Chem. 248 , 6528 (1973)] for canine kidney hapten. Gas chromatographic analysis revealed that sphinganine and lignoceric, nervonic and behenic acids were components. A limited interchangeability of fatty acid moieties is suggested. The structure proposed for Forssman hapten from sheep erythrocytes is N-acetylgalactosaminosyl-( α 1 → 3)-N-acetylgalactosaminosyl-( β 1 →3)-galactosyl-( α 1 → 4)-galactosyl -( gb 1 → 4)-glucosyl-( β 1 → 1)-O-(acyl-N-sphinganine).
Decision rules and service delivery in small cities

The research presented here describes the spatial distribution of parks and recreation services in four suburbs of the City of Detroit, Michigan. This comparative perspective suggests that the “dec...
Performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine fuelled with biodiesel–ethanol and biodiesel–methanol blends at elevated air temperatures

Abstract Effects of intake preheat engine on performance and emissions of a compression ignition engine running on biodiesel (85%)–alcohol (15%) fuels were investigated and compared to baseline results of standard diesel and neat biodiesel. Emissions were compared at two elevated intake air temperature and results indicate that high heat of vaporization of alcohol fuels affect emissions significantly. Intake air preheat was proved to be one of the effective solutions to reduce CO and HC emissions. Reduction of alcohol concentration in biodiesel–alcohol blends also showed similar effects to preheating intake air temperature.
Absence of a seasonal cycle in the sonic neuromuscular system of the oyster toadfish

No seasonal pattern was found in total swimbladder weight, sonic muscle weight, or spinal sonic motor nucleus neuron soma size of the oyster toadfish Opsanus tau, indicating that additional nonsteroidal factors are also involved in the development of the toadfish sonic neuromuscular system.
PIC9 The Economic Impact of A Drug Information Service

OBJECTIVE: A cost-avoidance model was developed to determine potential cost savings (PCS) of a drug information service (DIS) that results from answering a drug information request. DESIGN: Patient-specific questions received by the drug information service were reviewed and evaluated. A panel determined whether or not appropriate drug therapy would have been employed if the DIS had not been consulted. Potential outcomes of drug information requests were classified using a decision-tree model. A severity rating with potential cost avoidance was then attached to each applicable request to predict PCS of the DIS. RESULTS: Seventy-seven of the 570 drug information responses in the six-week study period had assessable PCS to the institution. During the study interval, PCS were estimated to be $196,000. Projected to one year, PCS reached $1.7 million. Of the savings noted, most were in the categories of increased monitoring and additional treatment. Annual PCS using a sensitivity analysis ranged from $423,601 to $1,922,560 per year. CONCLUSIONS: This model demonstrates that the DIS at our institution does provide substantial cost avoidance. This model may be modified to evaluate PCS in other areas of pharmacy practice.
Optimal Cool-Down in Linear and Nonlinear Thermoviscoelasticity and the Effects of Initial Stress

This article concerns the minimization of residual thermal stresses in geometrically constrained adhesive layers and thin polymeric composite lay-ups with emphasis on the role of initial stresses. Such residual stresses evolve during cure and subsequently during post-cure cool-down. The cure stresses play the role of initial stress superimposed on the thermoviscoelastic response that governs to cool-down phase. Optimization is achieved by following a time-temperature path that achieves the best counter play between temperature as a stress inducing and a stress reducing agent. When viscoelastic nonlinearity is considered such contradictory effect is played by stress itself, in which case an initial stress may have a beneficial effect.
HDAC inhibitors enhance the apoptosis-inducing potential of TRAIL in breast carcinoma.

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors induce differentiation and/or apoptosis in a variety of cell types by activating transcription of target genes. Activation of the death receptor (DR) pathway by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis preferentially in cancer cells. Here, we investigated the intracellular mechanisms by which HDAC inhibitors (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, m-carboxycinnamic acid bis-hydroxamide, MS-275 and trichostatin A) enhance the apoptosis-inducing potential of TRAIL in breast cancer cells in vitro. A synergism in apoptosis was observed in both TRAIL-sensitive and -resistant cells upon sequential treatments with HDAC inhibitors followed by TRAIL. HDAC inhibitors synergized with TRAIL by inducing DRs DR4/TRAIL-R1 and DR5/TRAIL-R2 through NFκB activation and some of the proapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family, and engaging the mitochondrial pathway. The ability of HDAC inhibitors to sensitize TRAIL-resistant cells suggests that HDAC inhibitors may induce fundamental alterations in cell signaling pathways. Thus, the sequential treatments with HDAC inhibitors followed by TRAIL may be used as a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of human cancers.
Control of Free Fatty Acids in Human Surface Lipids by Corynebacterium Acnes

Aerobic bacteria were excluded as a major source of lipases when it was found, in a previous study, that their virtual eradication by topical neomycin did not lower the free fatty acids (FFA) in scalp lipids. We now report the reciprocal experiment in which an oral tetracycline was used to suppress the anaerobic organisms. Nine healthy adults received 600 mgm of demethylchlortetracycline (DMCT) daily for 6 weeks. During this time we followed the composition of scalp lipid by thin layer chromatography and the densities of C. acnes , aerobes and yeasts on scalp and forehead. Six subjects had high initial levels of C. acnes . In these the FFA fell from 43% to 23% with a more than 99% reduction in the density of C. acnes . In three who initially had insignificant quantities of C. acnes the FFA were at the start only 25% and did not decline with treatment. The density of the aerobic population was not affected by DMCT owing to development of resistance. Yeasts were also unaffected. The finding that the FFA were proportional to the level of C. acnes suggests that these organisms are the chief source of lipolytic enzymes. The FFA levels began to decline earlier than the density of C. acnes . This might be explained either by enzyme inhibition or by bacteriostatic effect.
Non-equilibrium Dynamics of Interacting Tunneling States in Glasses

After the temporary application of a strong electric bias field to a glass sample at temperatures in the milli-Kelvin range its dielectric constant is increased and then decays slowly back to its equilibrium value. We studied these dielectric non-equilibrium properties of the polyester glass Mylar and the borosilicate glass BK7 as a function of bias field and temperature. We find that the decay to equilibrium depends on the duration of the applied bias field substantially only if the sample has been biased for several thousand seconds or longer. The decay curves after shorter bias field applications are influenced rather by the rate by which the field has been changed. Following the ”dipole gap” theory1 we assume that the observed excess dielectric response originates in the non-equilibrium dynamics of tunneling states (TSs) that are strongly coupled. Our analysis of the data within the framework of strongly coupled pairs of TSs indicates three competing equilibrium destroying processes, leading to the observed dynamics. Obviously the energy relaxation rate of TSs depends on the bias field since it changes the energy splitting of TSs by coupling to their dipole moments. In addition, a quick enough field sweep can drive TSs non-adiabatically between their energy eigen-states yielding sweep rate dependent decay times. The third process results in decay times independent of temperature and the bias field sweep rate and duration. We propose a picture where the field lifts the tunneling particle in potential wells beyond its original double well as the cause of the third contribution. The decay towards equilibrium is by quantum mechanical tunneling. Moreover, our observations indicate that below a material dependent temperature the relaxation of TSs is caused primarily by interactions between them. PACS numbers: 61.43.Fs, 05.70.Ln, 66.35.+a, 77.22.-d
Margin removal in grinding the ends of a single blank

A model for the margin removal and grinding forces in bidirectional machining of the ends of a single blank is proposed. The dependence of the margin removal on the reduced rigidity of the machine tool’s elastic system and the grinding conditions is considered.
An analysis of research institutional roles in developing countries

Five distinct roles have been identified for research institutions in a representative developing country. The analysis is based on a framework which combines a social research and development model with a social systems engineering model. The result suggests a complementarity of roles to be played by universities, research centers, and government authorities.
Intergenerational financial exchange and the psychological well-being of older adults in the Republic of Korea

Objectives: This study examined whether the exchange of instrumental support (i.e., financial resources) among older adults and their children was related to the psychological well-being of older Koreans.Methods: Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing were employed. Older adults who were aged 65 and older and who had at least one living child who did not live in the respondent's household were included (N = 3791). Well-being was measured with depressive symptoms (CES-D-10) and life satisfaction. For the direction model of exchange, giving and receiving support was assessed with financial aid (cash and non-cash). For the reciprocity model of exchange, four patterns of financial exchanges were identified: both giving and receiving, receiving only, giving only, and no exchange.Results: The results from the direction model showed that older adults who give financial support were less likely to be depressed and reported higher levels of life satisfaction. The effect of receiving support was not sign...
A novel electrode placement strategy for low-energy internal cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: A simulation study

highlights the importance of implementing early general cardiovascular health monitoring. Monitoring and treatment of these risk factors may reduce the incidence of aortic dissection and its consequences, although diagnosis still relies on a high degree of clinical suspicion given the paucity of clinical signs and rapid progression to fatal outcomes. Further, post-menopausal women were noted to have the same risk as age matched males, highlighting the need for similar vigilance in cardiovascular monitoring in this population. Only 11.9% of the cases involved dissection associated with an area of aneurysmal dilatation. Previous clinical studies have demonstrated that aortic diameters are similar when comparing aneurysmal cases with and without dissection, further supporting the theory that aneurysm and dissection develop independently [1]. While current recommendations for aneurysm risk monitoring include annual imaging of the aorta of Marfan patients with an aortic diameter less than 4.5 cm, screening for aortic dissection in high risk demographics is not currently within the scope of published guidelines [3,5]. The diagnosis of aortic dissection remains clinically challenging and the outcomes from this disease are often fatal and in particular can apply to young men, where modifiable risk factors have been identified prematurely. Improved imaging of atherosclerotic changes within the thoracic aorta may have a role in improving diagnosis and management of aortic dissection in the future.
The response of cylindrocladium conidia to soil fungistasis

Abstract Direct observation of washed conidia of Cylindrocladium scoparium on non-sterile soils, air dried and rewetted immediately before deposition of conidia, indicated that peak germination (33–58%) occurred after 24 h incubation at 26°C. Peak germination on continually moist soils was lower (18–26%) than on rewetted soils. Lysis of germ tubes and germinating conidia on continually moist soils at 26°C was evident with 48 h. Conidia did not germinate on continually moist soils at 6°C and lysis did not become apparent until 168 h. Conidia germinated at a high level (93–99%) in axenic culture in the absence of exogenous C and N sources. The inhibition of conidial germination on soils may be attributed, in part, to the presence of soil volatiles. Germination of conidia placed on washed agar disks and exposed to volatiles from four soils ranged from 51 to 86% of the no-soil controls. Addition of carbon (13 ng C per conidium as glucose) and nitrogen (65 pg N ng −1 C as NH 4 C1) nullified the inhibitory effect of the soil volatiles. Germinability assayed on a selective medium at 26°C of conidia in artificially infested soils (approximately 10 4 conidia g −1 soil) decreased progressively during incubation at 26°C from 1 week to 4 months. No germinable conidia were recovered from artificially infested soils after 2 months incubation at 6°C. Conidia of C. floridanum and C. crotalariae responded similarly to C. scoparium in many assays.
Androgenic progestins in oral contraceptives and the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer

Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been consistently linked to reduced risk of ovarian cancer. Oral contraceptive formulations display varying degrees of androgenicity. Data linking androgens to ovarian cancer suggest that OC androgenicity may impact efficacy in preventing ovarian cancer. The authors investigated whether OC efficacy might differ according to androgenicity by using data from a large population-based case-control study (the Steroid Hormones and Reproductions {SHARE} Study). Detailed data on OC formulation was obtained by an in-person interview for 568 cases and 1026 controls. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of OC androgenicity with ovarian cancer while controlling for the known potential confounders of age parity family history of ovarian cancer and tubal ligation. Androgenic and nonandrogenic OCs conferred a similar and significant reduction in ovarian cancer risk (odds ratio 0.52 95% confidence interval 0.35– 0.76 and odds ratio 0.59 95% confidence interval 0.45– 0.78 respectively). No differences in duration of use age at first use and time since last use were found between androgenic and nonandrogenic formulations. In general the androgenicity of an OC does not alter chemopreventive efficacy. (authors)
A New Approach to Solving Applied Location/AIIocation Problems

Facility location and customer allocation problems are pervasive in industry and in the private sector. In this paper, the authors outline a new approach to solving these problems that avoids the need to resort to integer programming techniques. The approach exploits the mathematical structure of the problem as well as characteristics frequently found in applied location/allocation problems. Using this approach, large scale problems are readily solvable on personal computers. This paper illustrates the approach on a small example and provides computational results based on a real-world application of the technique. Extensions to include additional problem features are also discussed.
186Re: Nuclear structure and an isomer of half-life 2 × 105 y

Abstract A long-lived isomer of 186 Re was isolated from neutron-irradiated rhenium metal. The existence of this isomer is attributed to a 50 keV E5 transition from a level assigned the configuration 8 + { 5 2 + [402↑] p ; 11 2 + [615] n }. A half-life of 2 × 10 5 y was determined by a combination of mass-spectrometric analysis and γ-ray spectrometry with Ge(Li) detectors. The decay properties are compared with earlier studies of the low-level structure of 186 Re. This isomer is formed in approximately 0.3 % of the thermal-neutron captures in 185 Re.
EM Calorimeters for SoLID at Jefferson Lab

Several approved experiments at Jefferson Lab for the 12 GeV era will use the proposed Solenoid Large Intensity Device (SoLID) spectrometer. Two EM calorimeters with a total area of 15 square meters are required for electron identification and electron-pion separation. The challenge is to build calorimeters that can withstand high radiation doses in high magnetic field region and bring photon signals to low field region for readout. Several types of calorimeters were considered and we are favoring Shashlyk type as a result of balancing performance and cost. Our preliminary design and simulation of SoLID EM calorimeters are presented.
Hydrolysis of TiCl4: Initial Steps in the Production of TiO2

The hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) to produce titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles has been studied to provide insight into the mechanism for forming these nanoparticles. We provide calculations of the potential energy surfaces, the thermochemistry of the intermediates, and the reaction paths for the initial steps in the hydrolysis of TiCl4. We assess the role of the titanium oxychlorides (TixOyClz; x = 2−4, y = 1, 3−6, and z = 2, 4, 6) and their viable reaction paths. Using transition-state theory and RRKM theory, we predicted rate constants including the effect of tunneling. Heats of formation at 0 and 298 K are predicted for TiCl4, TiCl3OH, TiOCl2, TiOClOH, TiCl2(OH)2, TiCl(OH)3, Ti(OH)4, and TiO2 using the CCSD(T) method with correlation consistent basis sets extrapolated to the complete basis set limit and compared with the available experimental data. Clustering energies and heats of formation are calculated for neutral clusters. The calculated heats of formation were used to study co...
Hard x-ray imaging of laser plasmas using medical technology.

Hard x-ray (>20 keV) filtered pinhole images have been obtained in the Los Alamos Helios CO2 laser facility. The images are recorded on Kodak Ortho-Tri-X film using a rare-earth screen as an intensifier. This technique, borrowed from the medical profession, offers the advantage of high SNR relative to no-screen film but with a loss of spatial resolution.
Planning and Scheduling of Parallel Semicontinuous Processes. 2. Short-Term Scheduling

In part 1 of this series, it was seen how minimum run length constraints may complicate conventional multiperiod models. For short-term scheduling, these constraints, along with sequencing issues, ...
Philosophy and information science: The basics

Judging by the reception of recent special issues of Social Epistemology (16, no. 1, 2002), Library Trends (52, no. 3, 2004), and the Journal of Documentation (61, no. 1, 2005), current levels of interest in philosophical topics among information scientists are high. Yet it can be difficult for the non-specialist to gain effective entry to a literature that is sometimes perceived to have limited practical application and to be characterized by a forbidding technical vocabulary. In this panel session, four speakers with expertise in both information science and philosophy (Fallis, Ph.D. Philosophy, UC Irvine; Furner, M.A. Philosophy, Cambridge; Mathiesen, Ph.D. Philosophy, UC Irvine; Renear, Ph.D. Philosophy, Brown) will introduce attendees to the disciplinary intersection of the two fields by considering current issues, inviting comments, and provoking discussion among the panelists and the audience. The general questions to be discussed will include the following: What can information scientists learn from the advances being made in contemporary analytical philosophy? What relevance do ontology, epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of art have for the practicing information professional? What distinguishes “philosophy of information” from related fields? What are the issues and trends that are revealed as significant when we look at information-related phenomena, practices, and scholarship from a philosophical viewpoint? What are the various ways in which taking a philosophical approach can help us to understand information-related problems? How may philosophical work in information science be evaluated? And in what directions is such work likely to proceed in the future?
Studies of heteroepitaxial growth of diamond

Abstract Large-scale heteroepitaxial growth of diamond depends critically on the development of a suitable lattice-matched substrate system. Oxide substrates, notably MgO and SrTiO3, on which thin epitaxial films of iridium serve as a nucleation layer for diamond have already shown considerable promise. We describe here improvements in the growth of single crystal diamond by low-pressure microwave plasma-enhanced CVD. Oxide substrates with flat, low-index surfaces form the initial basis for the process. Iridium was deposited on heated substrates in a UHV electron-beam evaporation system resulting in epitaxial films, typically 150–300 nm thick, with Ir (1 0 0) parallel to the surface of all substrates as confirmed by X-ray and electron backscattering diffraction. Following Ir deposition, the samples were transferred to a CVD reactor where a bias-enhanced nucleation step induced a dense condensate that completely covered the Ir surface. Uniform nucleation densities of order 1012 cm−2 were observed. Interrupted growth studies, carried out at intervals from seconds to minutes subsequent to terminating the nucleation step, revealed a rapid coalescence of grains. One hour of growth resulted in a smooth, nearly featureless, (0 0 1) diamond film. For extended growth runs, slabs of diamond were grown with thickness as great as 38 μm and lateral dimensions near 4 mm. The crystals were transparent in visible light and cleaved on (1 1 1) planes along 〈1 1 0〉 directions, similar to natural diamond. Of particular significance is the successful use of sapphire as an underlying substrate. Its high crystalline perfection results in epitaxial Ir films with X-ray linewidths comparable to those grown on SrTiO3. However, Al2O3 possesses superior interfacial stability at high temperatures in vacuum or in a hydrogen plasma with a better thermal expansivity match to diamond. Since sapphire is available as relatively inexpensive large diameter substrates, these results suggest that wafer-scale growth of heteroepitaxial diamond should be feasible in the near future.
Interface between membrane biology and clinical medicine

Many enzymes that are embedded within membranes of cells are sensitive to the chemical and physical properties of the lipid components of the membrane. Because of this, the functions of these integral membrane-bound enzymes can be regulated to some extent by changes within the lipid portions of biologic membranes. That the functions of membrane-bound proteins can be manipulated by modifications of their intimate environment is not surprising. It is well known, for example, that the properties of the surrounding aqueous phase can modulate the function of proteins that are soluble in the cytosol of cells. In contrast, whereas significant changes in the chemical composition and physical properties of the aqueous portion of the cell (e.g., ionic strength and pH) are not allowed, normally tolerable fluctuations of diet appear to influence significantly the composition and properties of the lipid portions of intracellular membranes to the extent of altering the function of some membrane-bound enzymes. In addition, it appears that changes of this type can be induced by diseases that alter dietary intake and/or intermediary metabolism. In other words, it is likely that the functions of at least some integral membrane proteins can be manipulated in patients. Such manipulations may prove to be efficacious. Alternatively, the importance of diet and processes of intermediary metabolism for altering the course of certain diseases may not be fully appreciated. It is worthwhile to review, therefore, current ideas of how the lipid portion of a membrane interacts with integral proteins. The property of the lipids that appears to be most important in this regard is their viscosity. The types of manipulations of function of membrane-bound enzymes that can be achieved are illustrated by in vitro effects secondary to varying the lipids used to reconstitute pure, delipidated forms of these enzymes. The functions of pure delipidated enzymes are discussed for the hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme uridine diphosphoglucuronyltransferase. In addition, data are presented to indicate that the function of this enzyme can be modified extensively in intact animals by changing the diet.