cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The absurdity of sin and the creaturely life of faith in Karl Barth's theological epistemology

This article critically takes up the reaffirmation of Barth's reaction to the analogia entis in the recent work of Keith L. Johnson in order to question Johnson's appeal to human sin as the pivotal factor in Barth's rejection of the Catholic doctrine. By explicating what I call Barth's ‘theological particularism’, it will become more apparent that Johnson's reference to sin in Barth functions abstractly in the very ‘as such’ way that Barth sought to methodologically foreclose while also conflating ordinary creaturely knowledge and being with a view of sin that places God and creatures in epistemic and ontological contradiction. By filling out Johnson's missing account of Barth's view of the shadow of sin, a positive account of creatureliness has the chance to emerge that highlights faith and prayer as the fulfillment of creaturely life in the life of God.
Molecular dynamics investigation of adhesion between TATB surfaces and amorphous fluoropolymers

Atomistic simulations are used to study the adhesion properties of amorphous perfluoro- and fluoropolymers onto two different crystal surfaces of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB). Properties of the bulk amorphous polymer melts are also investigated. The fluoropolymers studied in this article include Kel-F 800, Teflon AF, Hyflon AD, and Cytop. Simulations of the bulk polymer melts were performed over a wide range of temperatures including the volumetric glass transition temperature, so as to validate the interaction parameters used. The computed glass transition temperatures and densities compare well with experiment. The solubility parameters for the various polymers also compare well with calculations based on group additive methods. The local molecular structure at the TATB interface as well as the degree of adhesion varies from one polymer to another. All polymers except Hyflon show a propensity to readily wet the two TATB surfaces studied.
Phonon density of states of V3Si

The phonon density of states of V3Si at 300°K has been calculated from a microscopic model. It exhibits three pronounced peaks, in qualitative agreement with experimental results of Schweiss obtained from inelastic neutron scattering. By reducing the effective charges of both ions the agreement can be improved, but at the expense of agreement for the mode softening.
Activation of PPARγ increases PTEN expression in pancreatic cancer cells

The PI3K pathway contributes to the invasive properties and apoptosis resistance that epitomize pancreatic cancers. PPARgamma is a ligand-activated transcription factor with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects; the mechanisms of tumor suppression are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine whether activation of PPARgamma can increase the expression of the tumor suppressor PTEN and inhibit PI3K activity. AsPC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells, transfected with a PPRE-luciferase construct, demonstrated increased luminescence following treatment with PPARgamma ligands, indicating the presence of functional PPARgamma protein. The selective PPARgamma ligand rosiglitazone increased PTEN expression in AsPC-1 cells; concurrent treatment with GW9662, which inhibits PPARgamma activation, prevented the increase in PTEN protein levels. Levels of phosphorylated Akt decreased as PTEN levels increased, indicating inhibition of PI3K activity. Taken together, our results suggest that activation of PPARgamma may represent a novel approach for the treatment of pancreatic cancer by increasing PTEN levels and inhibiting PI3K activity.
Pattern transfer to silicon by microcontact printing and RIE

Microcontact printing techniques employing self-assembled alkanethiol monolayers in the production of metal masks have been combined with reactive ion etch for subsequent pattern transfer to silicon. Silicon feature sizes of about 300 nm have been demonstrated. Some inadequacies in the self-assembled monolayers (SAMs)-formed metal masks have been characterized by electron microscopy. Particularly, nickel etch control and metal feature edge definition remain problems to be solved if the process is to be employed in submicron feature production. Nickel patterns produced in the process and used as masks without the gold overlayer were successful as masks in the reactive ion etching (RIE) process. They also appear to give a somewhat improved edge definition over processes in which the gold layer remains.
The use of cryopreserved lymphocytes in the leukocyte adherence inhibition assay. I. Evaluation of specificity of responses in cancer patients

Frozen-stored mononuclear cells were utilized in the leukocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) assay in studies which were designed to determine (1) the optimal concentration of breast adenocarcinoma and colon adenocarcinoma extracts, (2) the specificity of frozen-stored cell responses to these extracts, (3) the optimal criteria for defining a positive response, (4) reproducibility of day-to-day testing, and (5) comparison of fresh mononuclear cells and frozen-stored mononuclear cells obtained from individual bleeds. The optimal protein concentration of 3 M KCI extracts was found to be 100 μg/ml. Specificity studies were performed using frozen-stored cells from cancer patients with positive reactivity to either breast or colon cancer extracts In contrast, normal donor frozen-stored cells were prepared from blood specimens with no reactivity to breast or colon cancer extracts. In frozen-stored cells of breast cancer patients a selected breast cancer extract elicited reponses in 27 of 30 cases (90%). In contrast, with these same cells, a colon cancer extract elicited responses in 3 of 13 cases (23%). In cells from colon cancer patients colon cancer extract elicited responses in 13 of 18 cases (72.2%) whereas breast cancer extract elicited responses in 3 of 18 cases (16.6%). One out of the 15 (6.7%) normal donor frozen-stored cells was positive to breast cancer extract and none out of 12 were positive to colon cancer extract. Two-way analysis of variance established the reproducibility of day-to-day testing in studies of samples obtained from four individual donors. Rank correlation established the dependence between fresh and frozen-stored cells in studies of 15 individual donors. It is anticipated that studies using replicate frozen-stored cell aliquots may aid in identifying antigenic activity following fractionation of antigenic extracts or in studying the properties of serum factors which specifically suppress responses to tumor extracts.
An integrated system for treating nitrogen supersaturated water

Abstract Groundwater is commonly supersaturated with nitrogen and must be treated before it is used for culturing fish–especially sensitive species such as lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). We treated water with an integrated system that passed water through a packed column aerator, then through a vacuum degasser, and finally through another packed column aerator (installed as a backup system). Packed-column aeration prior to vacuum degassing provided increased efficiency because only a small amount of vacuum was required to remove the remaining excess nitrogen, and oxygen levels were not affected by the vacuum degasser. In well water passed through packed columns, nitrogen gas was reduced from 131 to 105% of saturation and oxygen was increased from 23 to 86% of saturation. With a vacuum pressure of 3 in Hg, the degasser further reduced the nitrogen gas from 105 to 99% of saturation, and oxygen saturation remained near 86%. The integrated system provided water in which a...
Polyoma gene function required for viral DNA synthesis.

The ts-a mutant of polyoma virus, and other mutants of the ts-a type, are defective in viral DNA synthesis, T-antigen synthesis and stable transformation at the restrictive temperature. Viral DNA synthesis ceases in mutant-infected cells following a shift from the permissive to the restrictive temperature. Inhibition of RNA or protein synthesis during a shift up in temperature has no effect on the cessation of viral DNA synthesis. Pulse-chase experiments suggest that initiation of new rounds of viral DNA synthesis is blocked at the restrictive temperature. Completion of rounds of viral DNA synthesis at the restrictive temperature occurs at the same rate in mutant-infected cells as in wild-type infected cells.
Intelligence-Led Policing As a Framework for Responding to Terrorism

Leading police associations in the United States and the United Kingdom have advocated that law enforcement adopt an intelligence-led policing model (ILP). Much like the situation with community policing, there does not appear to be a commonly accepted definition of ILP nor of the practical implications for police agencies' mission, structure, and processes. This article presents a model of ILP that builds on community policing, problem solving, and continuous improvement business models that have been adopted by police departments. Examples of these practices are reviewed as a method of illustrating the promise of an ILP approach. A broad conceptualization of ILP is presented under the belief that ILP will be most likely integrated into law enforcement and will have the greatest impact if it is adopted from an “all crimes” perspective. The article concludes with illustrations of the utility of ILP for addressing threats of domestic and international terrorism.
An Investigation Into the Use of Springs and Wing Motions to Minimize the Power Expended by a Pigeon-Sized Mechanical Bird for Steady Flight

We gratefully acknowledge support from the Army Research Office through Grant No. W911NF-05-1-0066. The first author is grateful to his parent organization, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, for the support provided for his sabbatical.
Botulinum toxin type B (MyoBloc) in the management of hyperkinetic facial lines.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type B (BTX-B) in the management of hyperfunctional facial lines.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-four patients from a...
Modeling of Formaldehyde Formation From Crevices in a Large Bore Natural Gas Engine

Formaldehyde emissions from stationary natural gas engines are regulated in the United States, as mandated by the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. This work aims to advance the understanding of formaldehyde formation in large bore (>36 cm) natural gas engines. Formaldehyde formation in a large bore natural gas engine is modeled utilizing computational fluid dynamics and chemical kinetics. The top land crevice volume is believed to play an important role in the formation mechanisms of engine-out formaldehyde. This work focuses specifically on the top land crevice volume in the Cooper-Bessemer LSVB large bore 4-stroke cycle natural gas engine. Chemical kinetic modeling predicts that the top land crevice volume is responsible for the formation of 22 ppm of engine-out formaldehyde. Based on a raw exhaust concentration of 80 ppm, this constitutes about 27% of engine-out formaldehyde. Simplifying assumptions made for the chemical kinetic modeling are validated using computational fluid dynamics. Computational fluid dynamic analysis provided confirmation of crevice volume mass discharge timing. It also provided detailed pressure, temperature and velocity profiles within the top land crevice volume at various crank angle degrees.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Will novel agents for ALL finally change the natural history

Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cure rates have markedly improved over the past years to approximately 85%, but remain at 40%–50% in adults. Redefining current adult chemotherapy regimens is likely to improve the natural course of the disease, but new agents are needed. Immunotherapy approaches for pre-B ALL are in the forefront of research on novel agents; in particular, advances are being made in manipulating autologous T cells either by infusion of a bifunctional antibody (eg, blinatumomab) or by ex vivo genetic modification of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). The natural course of Philadelphia positive ALL has already improved by targeting ABL/BCR1. Other mutated genes are being discovered and novel small molecules that target their products are being studied in clinical trials. Finally, ALL is a heterogeneous disease and novel agents are likely to impact the natural course of smaller populations of biologically defined ALL subtypes.
Optimization Approaches to the Determination of Arsenic and Selenium by Hydride Generation and ICP-AES

Simplex optimization, factorial design, regression analysis, and canonical analysis are applied to the determination of arsenic and selenium by hydride generation with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. For each element, four factors governing the operation of the plasma (outer, intermediate, and carrier gas flow rates, and rf power) and two chemical factors governing the hydride generation (quantity of acid and of sodium borohydride) were optimized by the simplex algorithm. A mapping study was conducted for the two chemical factors which consisted of a factorial design followed by regression analysis and canonical analysis. The results provided precise locations of the optima and gave information regarding the effects of the two factors.
Empirical study of the relationship between residential lot price, size and view

Real estate researchers have suggested that the law of diminishing marginal utility applies not only to consumption of property but to the characteristics of the properties consumed as well. Employs a unique data set to empirically model the functional form of the price effects of marginal additions to lot size and view. Shows that the relationships between lot price, size and view are non‐linear, and that marginal price effects diminish as lot size and view quality increase. The results imply that traditional valuation models allow only for the existence of view, rather than the quality of view, and are too simplistic and imprecise. Appraisers should be cognizant of this implication, and devise valuation techniques which allow them to consider differences in the quality of view from property to property.
Deterministic assessment for environmental impact of yucca mountain repository measured by radiotoxicity

Environmental impact of the Yucca Mountain Repository (YMR) has been quantitatively and deterministically evaluated in terms of the radiotoxicity of transuranic (TRU) and fission-product radionuclides existing in the environment after released from failed packages. Inventory abstraction has been made based on the data published in Final Environmental Impact Statement by US Department of Energy (DOE). Mathematical model and computation code have been developed based on analytical solutions. Environmental impact from the commercial spent nuclear fuel (CSNF) packages is about 90% of the total impact including the contribution from defense waste (DW) packages. Impacts due to isotopes of Cm, Am, Pu and Np, and their decay daughters are dominant, compared with those from fission-product nuclides. Numerical results show that reduction of the TRU nuclides by a factor of 100 makes the impact from CSNF smaller than that from DW.
Trematode infections in a gastropod host misrepresented by observing shed cercariae.

Abstract Cercarial emergence is often used to determine trematode infections in gastropods. Specimens of Ilyanassa obsoleta (Say) ( n = 206) were examined for trematode infections by two methods, cercarial emergence and dissection. Dissection revealed five trematode species in 18 infection combinations. Cercarial emergence failed to reveal many infections and thereby severely underestimated parasitism. Percent failed determinations for each trematode species found were: Himasthla quissetensis (Miller and Northup)= 10.8; Lepocreadium setiferoides (Miller and Northup)= 30.6; Zoogonus rubellus (Olsson)= 43.8; Gynaecotyla adunca (Linton)= 80.2; and Austrobilharzia variglandis (Miller and Northup)= 64.7. Infections in snails harboring two and three trematode species were misrepresented in 80 and 93% of cases, respectively. Overall, cercarial release wrongly determined parasitism in 59.1% of infected snails examined. Thus, as a method, cercarial emergence severely underestimates parasite prevalence and overlooks many species that are present.
An AFM Force Pulling Study of Riboflavin Receptor Targeting Nanoparticles

Riboflavin ligands present an alternative pathway for targeted drug delivery as riboflavin receptors are over-expressed in breast and prostate cancer cells. We have examined a riboflavin-conjugated PAMAM dendrimer (generation 5) for targeting riboflavin binding protein (RFBP), which acts as a model protein for the riboflavin receptor. A single molecule force spectroscopy study using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was performed to examine the binding interactions between riboflavin-conjugated dendrimers and RFBP. Using multiple theoretical models, the apparent kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the riboflavin-conjugated dendrimer system were estimated.
Narrow- and broad-band satellite measurements of shortwave radiation - Conversion simulations with a general circulation model

The Oregon State University/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory general circulation model has been employed as a vehicle for suggesting and exploring various means of converting narrow-band measurements of reflected solar radiation from the earth-atmosphere system to broad-band quantities. For purely illustrative purposes within the model's solar radiation routine, a narrow-band filter function consisting of a square-wave window extending from 0.5 to 0.9 microns is adopted. A limitation of the model, for this sort of endeavor, is that it does not include the wavelength dependence of surface albedos. Nevertheless, the model simulations tend to mimic the calibration of a narrow-band instrument, utilizing reflected solar radiation from the earth-atmosphere system as simultaneously measured by a collocated broad-band instrument; for the model, however, this is done in terms of fluxes, in contrast to instrument-measured radiances. The model results suggest that it might be preferable to perform narrow- to broad-band conversions in terms of planetary albedo (or an equivalent quantity), rather than in terms of reflected fluxes or radiances. Further improvement is achieved if, for instruments that can differentiate between clear and overcast conditions, separate clear and overcast calibrations are performed.
A multi-modality sensor platform approach to detect epileptic seizure activity

We report on the initial development of a multi-modality wireless sensor platform for epileptic seizure detection using a microcontroller. Our platform approach adds sensors to detect physiological changes due to the clinical manifestation of a seizure activity to improve upon the accuracy of embedded implementations of a seizure detection system based solely upon EEG signals. Thus far, the platform prototype incorporates three sensors — a galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor, temperature sensor, and rotational sensor — to test the feasibility of gathering and subsequently transmitting multiple sensor data via Bluetooth wireless for further processing.
Yellowstone: Seismic Evidence for a Chemical Mantle Plume

Arrivals of P waves from a recent event at the Nevada Test Site, recorded at a distance of 15.3°, passed beneath the Yellowstone caldera at depths of 200 and 400 kilometers. The travel time anomalies are modeled by a vertical cylindrical structure with a high-velocity core and a low-velocity collar as compared with the more normal mantle. The velocity structure and vertical extent of this feature are consistent with a chemical mantle plume beneath the Yellowstone caldera.
Joint Iterative Channel Allocation and Beamforming Algorithm for Interference Avoidance in Multiple-Antenna Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper, we consider the problem of interference suppression by performing a joint iterative beamforming [1] and channel allocation (JIBCA) strategy for wireless nodes under contracted quality-of-service (QoS) constraints in an ad hoc network. The objective is to maximize the signal to interference plus noise ratios (SINRs) between two communicating nodes under constant transmit power considering the interference from other nodes in the network. For this purpose, the interference impaired network is modeled as a noncooperative joint beamforming and channel allocation game, in which the payoff includes the maximization of the target SINR and the limiting factor is related to the interference caused by other nodes. The proposed JIBCA algorithm is shown to give better SINR efficiency both with the assumptions of perfect and imperfect channel information availability at the transmit/receive units over the network. It is also shown through simulation results that the JIBCA algorithm converges to Nash equilibriums (NE) and results in SINR efficiency improvement.
Ordinary electromagnetic mode instability

The instability of the ordinary electromagnetic mode propagating perpendicular to an external magnetic field is analyzed for a single-species plasma with ring velocity distribution. The marginal instability boundaries for both the purely growing mode and the propagating growing modes are calculated from the instability criteria. The dispersion characteristics are derived for a cold plasma and a very strong static magnetic field. The point is determined at which the real parts of the complex frequency band are centered. The typical growth rates are found to be of the order of the cyclotron frequency and can be enhanced by increasing the ratio of parallel kinetic pressure to magnetic pressure.
Indomethacin suppresses the coronary flow response to hypoxia in exercise trained and sedentary rats

Study objective – The aim was to determine if prostaglandin like activity might be involved in changes due to exercise training in the coronary flow responses to hypoxia. Design – The coronary flow response to hypoxia was measured under constant perfusion pressure in isolated perfused hearts from 12 endurance exercise trained rats and 12 control rats. Eight hearts were perfused with a solution containing indomethacin, a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, to determine its effect on any training induced changes in the coronary flow response to hypoxic stress. Experimental material – 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats, 517 (SD 51) g, were used for this study. The animals were anaesthetised and the hearts rapidly excised and perfused with a modified Langendorff perfusion system. Measurements and main results – Under constant perfusion pressure, the hearts of endurance exercise trained rats had a greater increase in coronary flow during hypoxia relative to normoxia than did hearts of untrained rats, at 13.52(2.15) v 9.56(1.05) ml·min−1·g−1 dry heart weight. Indomethacin treatment abolished this difference and lowered coronary flow: exercise −3.81(3.75) ml·min−1·g−1; control 0.38(2.44) ml·min−1·g−1. Conclusions – The inhibition by indomethacin of the endurance exercise training induced potentiation of the coronary fluid flow response to hypoxia suggests that prostacyclin or a related compound may be involved in this adaptation to exercise.
Effects of P32 Decay on Transduction by Salmonella Phage P22.

Abstract In heavily P32-labeled phage particles, plaque formation and abortive transduction activities are inactivated at similar exponential rates. The rate of inactivation of abortive transduction is uninfluenced by the recipient utilized in the transduction assay (single-site or multi-site mutations) or by preadsorption to, and subsequent growth of, recipient bacteria. It is concluded that P32-inactivating lesions are almost exclusively confined to the DNA and simultaneously inactivate the functioning of the entire genetic element or inactivate the ability of the genetic material to be carried by recipient bacteria in functional form. Abortive transducing elements are considered to be comprised of double-stranded DNA and to be transferred as completely conservative units during the duplication of recipient bacteria. The formation of complete transductional clones is exponentially inactivated in P32-labeled free particles at 0.08 to 0.2 the rate of inactivation of plaque formation. Like abortive transducing elements, those involved in complete transduction are inactivated at rates uninfluenced by the recipient (single-site or multi-site mutations) utilized in the assay. During P32 decay, no appreciable changes occur in the frequency of joint transduction of two linked markers. Complete transductions are inactivated with approximately single-hit kinetics; thus P32 lesions do not appear to “convert” abortively transducing elements into ones capable of complete transduction. It is concluded further that P32 lesions do not have as their prominent inactivating effect a permanently incapacitating damage to the bacterial genes actually incorporated to engender the wild-type recombinant, but rather affect gene function and the recombination process in some more indirect manner.
Nimbus 4 michelson interferometer.

The Michelson interferometer, IRIS-D, flown on Nimbus 4 in April 1970 is an improved version of the interferometer, IRIS-B, flown on Nimbus 3 a year earlier. Thermal emission spectra of the earth are being recorded between 400 cm−1 and 1600 cm−1 with a nominal spectral resolution of 2.8 cm−1 and a noise equivalent radiance between approximately 0.5 and 1 erg sec−1 cm−2 ster−1 cm. This paper describes the design and performance of the IRIS-D and concentrates on the design differences that exist between the interferometers flown on Nimbus 3 and 4. The performance is demonstrated by examples of spectra obtained while in earth orbit.
Immunoglobulin M-Mediated, Temperature-Dependent Neutrophil Agglutination as a Cause of Pseudoneutropenia

ABSTRACT The authors report the case of a 77-year-old man in whom intermittent neutropenia developed during a prolonged hospitalization. Laboratory records revealed wide variations in the patient's routine leukocyte counts. Examination of the peripheral smear revealed clumps of 2-3 polymorphonuclear leukocytes throughout the slide and large aggregates (> 50 cells) along the smear edges. Neutrophil clumping also was observed in blood anticoagulated with citrate or heparin. Replacement of patient plasma with saline prevented agglutination. Addition of patient plasma or serum to normal cells induced neutrophil agglutination. Holding the patients blood at 37°C prevented agglutination, which occurred spontaneously and more exuberantly as the temperature was reduced to 22°C. Flow cytometry revealed immunoglobulin M on neutrophil surfaces. Spontaneous agglutination resolved 6 months after resection of the patient's subsequently diagnosed colon cancer. This is the first report of immunoglobulin M-induced neutrophil clumping occurring in the setting of malignancy, and the first reported immunoglobulin M not to require ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as a cofactor for agglutination.
Representing Advances in Systems Engineering by Using an Electronic Process Guide

Systems Engineering is a discipline that never stops growing. Systems Engineers are just like students or life-long learners who have to keep themselves up to date with new best propositions. With recent additions of novel concepts in systems engineering such as Social Networking concepts, Value-Based Requirements Prioritization, and Program Model, it is often challenging to translate these concepts into practices. An Electronic Process Guide (EPG) for Incremental Commitment Spiral Model (ICSM) aims to define clear systems engineering practices by providing necessary roles, tasks, step-by-step practical guidance to perform each task, and input, output, and supporting artifacts. This paper introduces the advances in systems engineering field and reports on how this EPG helps in expediting the learning process and supports the process authors in continuous maintenance and enhancement of the process guide.
Endangered forest resources in the U.S.: Integrated strategies for conservation of rare species and genetic diversity

Abstract A substantial number of woody taxa are presently at risk of extinction, representing a potential loss of forest genetic resources as well as contributing to reduction of overall biological diversity. Endangered taxa are found in a large number of genera and families, including many of importance in forest industries, horticulture, and crop production. Many of these endangered taxa are endemic to a single state and face severe threats to their continued survival. Rare and endangered species of plants often represent special problems for conservation, reflecting characteristic differences from common plants in their biology, patterns of threat, and resources available for conservation. Moreover, rare plants are as a group poorly represented in the scientific literature, making formulation of biologically sound conservation strategies difficult. An emerging trend in biological-diversity programs is toward integrated conservation strategies, which are grounded on three precepts. First, conservation methods can be applied to different levels of biological hierarchy. Second, conservation strategies should be tailored to the particular threat faced by the subject concerned. And finally, available resources must be assessed and combined to provide the highest possible degree of protection. A mix of conservation actions should be designed and executed to fit the biology and threat of a given situation, in order to achieve the maximum protective value. Such integrated strategies are inherently multidisciplinary, and are best carried out by collaboration among several agencies. Integrated conservation strategies render obsolete the dichotomy between in-situ and ex-situ conservation, by joining them in a more powerful, unified approach.
Analytics of period doubling

Approximate analytic solutions for periodic orbits of the quadratic mapx→rx(1−x) are developed using algebraic methods. These solutions form the basis of an exact algorithm which predicts the quantitative order of periodic points characteristic of the Feigenbaum scenario. The algorithm holds for any one dimensional unimodal map. A general procedure is developed which permits calculation of period doubling parameters for large period orbits from those of low period to any desired degree of accuracy. Explicit equations are given through second order.
Oxidation processes in magneto-optic and related materials

The surface oxidation processes of thin films of magneto-optic materials, such as the rare-earth transition metal alloys have been studied, starting in ultrahigh vacuum environments, using surface analysis techniques, as a way of modeling the oxidation processes which occur at the base of a defect in an overcoated material, at the instant of exposure to ambient environments. Materials examined have included FeTbCo alloys, as well as those same materials with low percentages of added elements, such a Ta, and their reactivities to both O2 and H2O compared with materials such as thin Fe films coated with ultrathin adlayers of Ti. The surface oxidation pathways for these materials is reviewed, and XPS data presented which indicates the type of oxides formed, and a critical region of Ta concentration which provides optimum protection.
A novel measure of socioeconomic status using individual housing data to assess the association of SES with rheumatoid arthritis and its mortality: a population-based case–control study

Objectives To assess whether HOUSES (HOUsing-based index of socioeconomic status (SES)) is associated with risk of and mortality after rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Design We conducted a population-based case–control study which enrolled population-based RA cases and their controls without RA. Setting The study was performed in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Participants Study participants were all residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with RA identified using the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA from 1 January 1988, to 31 December 2007, using the auspices of the Rochester Epidemiology Project. For each patient with RA, one control was randomly selected from Olmsted County residents of similar age and gender without RA. Primary and secondary outcome measure The disease status was RA cases and their matched controls in relation to HOUSES as an exposure. As a secondary aim, post-RA mortality among only RA cases was an outcome event. The associations of SES measured by HOUSES with the study outcomes were assessed using logistic regression and Cox models. HOUSES, as a composite index, was formulated based on a summed z-score for housing value, square footage and number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Results Of the eligible 604 participants, 418 (69%) were female; the mean age was 56±15.6 years. Lower SES, as measured by HOUSES, was associated with the risk of developing RA (0.5±3.8 for controls vs −0.2±3.1 for RA cases, p=0.003), adjusting for age, gender, calendar year of RA index date, smoking status and BMI. The lowest quartile of HOUSES was significantly associated with increased post-RA mortality compared to higher quartiles of HOUSES (HR 1.74; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.74; p=0.017) in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Lower SES, as measured by HOUSES, is associated with increased risk of RA and mortality after RA. HOUSES may be a useful tool for health disparities research concerning rheumatological outcomes when conventional SES measures are unavailable.
The hyperbola-flattening transform

A characteristic of vehicle-based ground-penetrating radar is the hyperbolic signature generated by targets such as landmines. The hyperbola provides a significantly different shape from most false alarms. Here an approach is introduced that seeks to utilize all of the energy contained in this characteristic hyperbolic signature. We propose a Hyperbola Flattening Transform (HFT) that transforms hyperbolic signatures of interest into straight lines, which are in turn detected using the Radon transform. The algorithm is applied to both simulated and real data. Encouraging results are presented when applying the HFT to the problem of detecting low signal-to-noise ratio plastic mines.
Gas Scintillators for Imaging of Low Energy Isotopes

We have constructed a large area (25 cm diameter), pressurized (4 atmosphere) xenon-helium gas scintillator for imaging shortlived isotopes in the 60 - 80 keV range. The scintillator is viewed by an array of quartz windowed PMT's arranged in a simple Anger type readout. The energy and time resolution have been measured for various mixtures of xenon-helium. For Xe-133 (81 keV), an energy resolution of 6% FWHM has been obtained. The light output of the detector is a Gaussian shaped pulse with a width of 2 ?s at the base. Spatial resolution has been measured at 3 - 4 mm FWHM. The physical limitations of the detector as well as design changes which will improve energy and spatial resolution are discussed. These improvements should permit the development of imaging detectors with simultaneous high rate and high energy resolution for applications such as first-pass studies with shortlived isotopes or imaging of low energy isotopes where contrast is reduced by scatter.
Gas Chromatographic Separation of Meta -and Para -Xylenes in Aromatic Mixtures

THE xylene isomers have resisted all previous attempts at resolution by gas-liquid chromatography. An approach to their separation was made recently by Scott and Cheshire1, who used a column with a calculated efficiency of 12,000 theoretical plates. Indeed, the chromatogram showed a very slight separation for meta- and para-xylene.
Variable-range hopping in Si : B: A temperature-independent prefactor in three dimensions

For Si : B with dopant concentrations ranging from 0.75n c to the critical concentration for the metal-insulator transition, the conductivity ranging over five orders of magnitude is shown to collapse onto a single universal curve of the form a(T) = σ 0 f(T * /T) with a prefactor σ 0 that is independent of temperature and dopant concentration. The function f(T * /T) = exp[-(T * /T) β ] with β = 1/2 when T * > 10T, corresponding to Efros-Shklovskii variable-range hopping. For T * < 8T the exponent β is 1/3, the value expected for Mott variable-range hopping in two rather than three dimensions. The temperature-independent prefactor implies hopping that is not mediated by phonons.
Pseudophase Liquid Chromatography: Applications to TLC

Abstract The technique of pseudophase liquid chromatography is described. In this type of separation, a substance does not partition to the bulk mobile phase but rather to discreet aggregates or other substances (i.e., micelles or cyclodextrins) which are dissolved in the mobile phase. Advantages of this technique include high selectivity, low cost, and low volatility and toxicity of the mobile phase. Appropriate previous TLC separations are reviewed and new data on the separation of quinones are presented.
Free-standing carbon nanotube/graphene hybrid papers as next generation adsorbents

The adsorption of a series of aromatic compounds from aqueous solution onto purified, free-standing single-walled carbon nanotube/graphene nanoplatelet hybrid papers is studied both experimentally and theoretically. Experimental data is obtained via changes in optical absorption spectra of the aqueous solutions and is used to extract all parameters required to implement a semi-empirical mass-transfer model. Agreement between experiment and theory is excellent and data from all compounds can be cast on a universal adsorption curve. Results indicate that the rate of adsorption and long-time capacity of many aromatic compounds on hybrid paper adsorbent significantly exceeds that of activated carbon by at least an order of magnitude. The combination of carbon nanotubes and graphene also promotes on the order of a 25% improvement in adsorption rates and capacities than either component alone. Hybrid nanocomposites show significant promise as adsorption materials used for environmental remediation efforts.
Perivascular and intravenous administration of basic fibroblast growth factor: vascular and solid organ deposition.

Abstract The in vivo mitogenicity of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for arterial smooth muscle cells relies on the removal of endothelium, raising the question of whether the endothelium serves as a mechanical barrier preventing contact of circulating bFGF with underlying smooth muscle cells or as a biochemical barrier that produces a local inhibitor of bFGF activity. To better define the role of the intact endothelium in modulating the vascular and tissue deposition of bFGF, we compared the fate of intravenous injections of 125I-labeled bFGF with perivascular controlled growth factor release. Peak serum bFGF levels were detected within 1 min of injection, and the growth factor was cleared thereafter with a serum half-life of almost 3 min. Polymeric controlled release devices delivered bFGF to the extravascular space without transendothelial transport. Deposition within the blood vessel wall was rapidly distributed circumferentially and was substantially greater than that observed following intravenous injection. The amount of bFGF deposited in arteries adjacent to the release devices was 40 times that deposited in similar arteries in animals who received a single intravenous bolus of bFGF. Endothelial denudation had a minimal effect on deposition following perivascular release, and it increased deposition following intravenous delivery 2-fold. The presence of intimal hyperplasia increased deposition of perivascularly released bFGF 2.4-fold but decreased the deposition of intravenously injected bFGF by 67%. In contrast, bFGF was 5- to 30-fold more abundant in solid organs after intravenous injection than it was following perivascular release. Deposition was greatest in the kidney, liver, and spleen and was substantially lower in the heart and lung. Thus, bFGF is rapidly cleared following intravenous injection and is deposited within both solid organs and the walls of blood vessels. Unlike the mitogenic potential of bFGF within blood vessels, vascular deposition is virtually independent of the presence of endothelium. Perivascular delivery is far more efficient than intravenous delivery at depositing bFGF within the arterial wall, and an increased neointima may provide added substrate for potential bFGF deposition but has limited contact with intravascular growth factor as a result of dilutional and flow-mediated effects.
A survey of experimental hydrologic optics

This paper describes current experimental methods and instrumentations used to measure the constructs of radiative transfer in the sea as specified by theory. Experimental data are presented to illustrate the salient properties of the underwater light fields and to show the application of radiative transfer theory to the determination of some of the optical properties of natural waters. Applications of the theory to practical problems in biological and physical oceanography are discussed briefly.
The Role of Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics in Cancer Chemotherapy with 5-Fluorouracil

There is increasing evidence supporting the important role of genetics in determining the effect (response and toxicity) to cancer chemotherapy. This has included both pharmacogenetics, where the alteration of a gene coding for an important drug metabolizing enzyme results in increased toxicity (and occasionally altered efficacy), and pharmacogenomics, where knowledge of the expression of genes critical to the action of the cancer chemotherapy drug can be used to individualize therapy. This manuscript focuses on the widely used cancer chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to illustrate the following concepts: (1) The effect of the pharmacogenetic syndrome known as dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency on 5-FU pharmacology; (2) the role of pharmacogenomics in individualizing 5-FU therapy, and (3) the potential value of pharmacogenomics in designing new drugs.
Theory and Policy: Reply to Tanzi

AM PLEASED that Vito Tanzi takes my article (Dixit (1991)) sufficiently seriously to comment in such detail (Tanzi (1992)). Perhaps he takes it too seriously. I do not believe that in any foreseeable future a finance minister or ministry official will justify a high inflation rate by appealing to my results: if any made the attempt to read my article, they would surely quit at the first equation. And if one did persevere and try the argument, the IMF need only point out that the policy that emerges as optimal in my model is a package-a combination of inflation and commodity taxes-and one cannot pick the former aspect and ignore the latter.
Reciprocity in Impression Formation

Summary Premeasures of self-acceptance, acceptance of others, and a self-rating were obtained from 134 male students. After working with a confederate on a standard task, each received a favorable, a neutral, or an unfavorable rating from the confederate. A multivariate analysis of variance showed that persons high in self-acceptance reciprocated, rating a confederate lower after receiving his average or unfavorable evaluation. They agreed with a favorable evaluation and disagreed with an unfavorable one. Those low in self-acceptance not only started with a less favorable first rating of the confederate but decreased the favorability in their second rating consistently even after a favorable evaluation from the confederate. They agreed only slightly more with a favorable than with an unfavorable evaluation of themselves. Individual differences in response to evaluations were viewed from the perspectives of social exchange and dissonance theories. A control group showed no significant differences between t...
System Design of Adjustable Speed Drives, Part 2: System Simulation and ac Line Interactions

Part 1 of System Design of Adjustable Speed Drives [1] investigated the second-order effects that occur as interactions between adjustable speed drives (ASDs) and system-connected equipment, specifically with regard to commonmode (CM) voltage and ground noise current injected in the system and differential-mode (DM) voltage spikes on the load due to ASD semiconductor switching [1]. This article (Part 2) continues the investigation by proposing high-frequency ASDs, cable, and motor models used in system simulation to identify and mitigate the complex DM or CM injected. Theoretical component models were bridged with field experience to simulate and resolve a practical low-voltage (LV) field example of parallel high horsepower inverters having instantaneous overcurrent (IOC) trip issues due to circulating CM currents between inverters and ground. Component models are also used in a system electromagnetic interference (EMI) simulation example of a power structure, which induced line-to-ground noise current in an industrial plant ground grid.
Interface evolution during electrochemical oxidation-dissolution

We present results from an experimental study on the roughening of Al thin film during electrochemical oxidation reduction. The surface reaction occurred in two stages. Anodic alumina forms during oxidation of aluminum followed by immediate dissolution of alumina. The surface image using AFM showed randomly oriented grains with lateral feature size ∼280 nm at early stage (30 s) of oxidation-dissolution (OD). As farther dissolution of alumina (90 s) progressed, oriented rectangular grains were observed with lateral feature size ∼400 nm, indicating a disordered to ordered transition at the surface. The roughness exponent at the earlier stage found to be 0.44 ± 0.02, consistent with nonlinear KPZ equation. However, for the later case, roughness exponent increased to 0.84 ± 0.03, which is close to the value derived in continuum model. The value of dissolution exponent (growth exponent) β found to be 0.47 ± 0.1. These values are slightly different from the theoretical values but they are consistent with the theoretical models within the experimental error. Shadow instability found to be a dominant feature in this experiment and contributed to the discrepancy. Interface instabilities are discussed in terms of local and non-local effects.
High voltage insulation system monitoring and diagnostics: generators, power transformers

During last decades a variety of different practices having the main intention to assess the expected reliability and remaining life span of large units in the power system have been introduced and implemented. During the first period a so called Timely Based Diagnostics (TBD) with a defined periodicity was practiced. Further on the development and introduction of improved testing and measuring methods and tools brought on the Condition Based Diagnostics (CBD). Finally, the Reliability Oriented Diagnostics (ROD) fostered by appropriate methods and tools is practiced by many utilities. The article depicts the most important testing and measuring procedures reported during the last years and particularly those which were long-term practiced in the Milan Vidmar Electric Power Research Institute contributing to an appropriate and efficient asset management.
TCM for frequency-selective, interleaved fading channels using joint diversity combining

The severity of frequency-selective fading channels necessitates the combining of multiple diversity sources to achieve acceptable performance. Traditional techniques often perform the combining of different sources of diversity separately, resulting in significant performance degradation. Algorithms for the joint optimal combining were reformulated in a form suitable for practical implementation. We investigate the applicability of these algorithms for the specific problem of interleaved TCM systems in frequency-selective fading channels with or without external diversity. It is demonstrated that soft decision equalization techniques are necessary and sufficient for the application of TCM techniques over such channels. In addition, it is shown that the design trade-offs associated with the resulting TCM techniques are significantly different than those associated with memoryless channels.