cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase separation in SiO2B2O3Na2O system

Abstract Isothermal studies of the phase separation occurring in the SiO 2 B 2 O 3 Na 2 O system near the center of the miscibility gap are made at three temperatures. Early stage observations of the phase morphology indicate that phase interconnectivity is probably due to nucleation and subsequent intersecting growth of silica-rich particles. It is found also that the extent of interconnectivity is strongly dependent on the volume ration of the coexisting phases. Evidence is also presented that the glass of present composition is in a two-phase region rather than the three phase region previously reported. It is also shown that there is very little rotation of the tie-lines between 748°C and 650°C.
Absence of Debye screening in the quantum Coulomb system

We present an approximation to the quantum Coulomb plasma at equilibrium which captures the power-law violations of Debye screening which have been reported in recent papers. The objectives are (1) to produce a simpler model which we will study in forthcoming papers, and (2) to develop a strategy by which the absence of screening can be proven for the low-density quantum Coulomb plasma itself.
Development of Lhermitte's sign after bone marrow transplantation

The authors observed Lhermitte’s sign in four patients after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for hematologic malignancies. Three patients had acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and one had chronic myelogenous leukemia. Before BMT, the patients with AML received daunorubicin, cytosine arabinoside and etoposide, whereas the patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia received hydroxyurea. One patient with AML received MY-9 antibody-depleted autologous BMT. The other patients received human lymphocyte antigen-identical, allogeneic BMT. Preparative therapy for BMT was cytosine arabinoside, cyclophosphamide, and total body exposure to radiation for two patients, and busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and no exposure to radiation in two other patients. Lhermitte’s sign appeared 4 to 8 months after BMT and resolved spontaneously after 2 to 5 months. Neurologic sequelae had developed in none of the patients 16 to 34 months after BMT. No unifying etiologic factor could be identified in these patients. The development of Lhermitte’s sign after BMT appears to be a benign, self-limited phenomenon that requires no specific treatment. Cancer 1992; 69:2262-2266. Lhermitte’s sign is characterized by a sudden electric sensation traveling down the spine to the arms and legs, produced by flexion of the neck. It was first reported in 191 7 by Mane and Chatelin’ in a patient who had been shot in the head; the condition was subsequently emphasized by Lhermitte as a symptom of multiple sclero
THE EFFECT OF PARTICLE SHAPE ON MEASURES FOR THE SIZE AND CONCENTRATION OF SUSPENDED AND SETTLED PARTICLES.

Abstract A wide variety of recognized measures has come into use to describe the sizes of particles and the concentration of aerosols. Their choice is determined not only by the physical principle employed for the measurements, but also by the property or effect of the aerosol in relation to which the information on particle size and concentration is desired. The relationships between some of these measures are discussed, and examples are given of the influence of particle shape. In particular, the complexity of the relation between morphological and aerodynamic measures of particle size is emphasized.
Direct observation of the effective chi (2) grating in bulk glasses encoded for second-harmonic generation

The effective χ(2) grating responsible for second-harmonic generation in bulk glasses was spatially resolved with a charge-selective etching technique. We observed a spatially varying structure with a period equal to the coherence length of the material. The measured period of the grating showed excellent agreement with the expected value. In addition, cross-sectional etching patterns show that in this regime of encoding intensities the flux responsible for the intense electric field is not unidirectional as predicted by most models.
Parameterization of diffusion-limited electron-transfer quenching in the finite sink approximation

Abstract The electron-transfer quenching of 9,10-dicyanoanthracene fluorescence by a series of amine donors in 1,2-ethanediol has been investigated. Application of the finite sink modification of the time-independent Smoluchowski—Collins—Kimball expression both establishes the diffusion-limited condition and permits independent recovery of the relative diffusion coefficient D and effective transfer distance R from the quenching data. The increase in R from 420 pm for benzylamine ( E Q + /Q =1.2 V) to 840 pm for N,N′-dimethylaniline ( E Q + /Q =0.81 V) is consistent with (long-range) electron transfer in the solvent separated reactant pair for the more exergonic system, which may effectively mask activated electron transfer in the “inverted” region at the encounter separation. Alternatively a concomitant increase in diffusion coefficient may signify different quenching encounter trajectories of these ellipsoidal diffusants.
Blood transfusions decrease the incidence of acute rejection in cardiac allograft recipients.

Background Cardiac transplant recipients frequently receive a large number of transfusions. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is an association between total number of blood transfusions and cardiac allograft rejection. Methods A retrospective analysis of all cardiac transplants between October 1, 1997, and December 31, 2001, was performed. Total number of transfusions, total number of rejection episodes Grade 3A or more, rejection-free survival, and overall survival were analyzed. Comparisons between patients bridged to transplantation with a Novacor left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and the primary transplant group were also made. Results Eighty-two patients were transplanted. Fifteen were bridged to transplantation, and 67 underwent primary heart transplantation. Age and sex were similar for the LVAD group and the primary transplant group (45 ± 11 vs 47 ± 15 years and 67% vs 58% male sex, respectively). Mean follow-up was 658 ± 486 days for the LVAD group and 708 ± 548 days for the primary transplant group. Transfusions received were 50 ± 34 U of packed red blood cells for the LVAD group and 7 ± 12 for the primary transplant group ( p p = .28). Freedom from rejection was 71% at 1 year in the LVAD group compared with 59% for the primary transplant group ( p = 0.39). In all 82 patients, the total number of transfusions was inversely correlated with the development of acute rejection ( p = 0.011). Survival was 80% and 62% for the LVAD group at 1 and 3 years after transplantation and 88% and 85%, respectively, for the primary transplant group ( p = 0.045). Conclusions The number of blood transfusions received by heart transplant recipients is inversely related with the number of acute rejection episodes.
Biocatalytic synthesis of multi-block copolymer composed of poly(tetrahydrofuran) and poly(ethylene oxide)

Multi‐block copolymers consisting of poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTHF) as the hydrophobic part and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as the hydrophilic part were synthesized using lipase‐catalyzed polymerization. The self‐assembly micelle of the synthesized copolymer in the presence of water was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements suggested that the copolymers were associated in water to form polymeric micelles, and the critical micelle concentrations (CMC) value of the block copolymers was 0.0005–0.005 mg/ml. †Dedicated to the memory of Professor Sukant K.Tripathy
The "Cajun" Subculture: Microtrends for the 1990's

The Cajun population of Louisiana exceeds a half million today. This ethnographic research is an effort to compare and document select forms of acculturation in 13 Cajun communities in southern Louisiana. Approximately 60 individuals were interviewed-representing a cross section of occupations, social classes, educational backgrounds, and age groupings. Interviews were unstructured-focusing more on "qualitative" than "quantitative" changes. All interviews were completed and archival data collected between spring 1991 and summer 1992. The Cajuns in this study are not opposed to modernity, but they have legitimate concerns in wanting to preserve and protect their cultural "roots," i.e., language, folkways, values, norms, and lifestyle. Special emphasis has been given to the challenges facing the contemporary Cajun family in its struggle to maintain a delicate balance between tradition and economic survival.
Sci—Fri AM: Mountain — 03: Current status of the NRC primary standard for 192Ir HDR brachytherapy sources

The Canadian primary standard for 192Ir HDR brachytherapy sources has been recently revised in a more accurate manner allowing for more realistic uncertainty estimation. Air-kerma strength Sk is derived from measurements of the source's output using a graphite-walled spherical ionization chamber (2S) at several distances. Traceability to NRC primary standards for the 192Ir calibration coefficient Nk is insured by estimating it as the inverse arithmetic mean of the inverse of the calibration coefficients for a 137Cs beam and the medium energy x-ray beam quality N250, both of which are traceable to NRC primary standards. The multiple-distance method is combined with a non-linear least squares fit to determine St, while at the same time removing the effects of room scatter and position offset. The previously used shadow-cone method for directly measuring the room scatter is found to be inadequate due to the increased scatter contribution from the lead cone itself, especially at short source-detector distances. Rather than including the reported 1% difference in source strength for 192Ir HDR sources of different construction into the total uncertainty, users are cautioned that the calibration coefficient provided by NRC is only valid for a microSelectron V2 model. A comprehensive uncertainty budged shows that the total one sigma uncertainty of the standard is actually 0.6% rather than the previously assumed 1.2%. NRC measured Sk agrees within 0.03% of the manufacturer's value.
Combined weather and vegetation modification promises synergistic streamflow response

Abstract Satterlund 1) proposes that forests be managed to decrease potential evapotranspiration (PET) and thereby to increase streamflow. I must take issue with the context in which PET was used in Satterlund's paper. By definition, potential evapotranspiration is a climatically determined concept that is safe, at the moment, from tampering by forest managers.
Quantitation of thrombogenicity of hemodialyzer with technetium-99m and indium-111 labeled platelets.

Abstract The platelet thrombogenicity of a hemodialyzer was quantified with 99m Tc- and 111 In-labeled platelets. The platelets collected from blood of Beagle dogs, Yorkshire pigs and human volunteers were labeled with 111 In-tropolone (detergent-free) and 99m Tc-HMPAO. Hemodialysis was performed with a hollow-fiber dialyzer (HFD) in a flow-loop, the temperature of which was maintained at 37 °C, with flow-rates of 7, 150 and 270 mL/min; after dialysis, the HFD radioactivity was measured with an ionization chamber and imaged with a γ-camera. The radioactivity of samples of hollow-fibers taken from the top, middle and bottom of the dialyzer was determined with a γ-counter. The mean values of hemodialyzer-adherent platelet radioactivity were calculated for both radionuclides. The canine platelets were found to be more thrombogenic than porcine and human platelets. The adhesivity of porcine platelets to the biomaterial (cellulose-acetate) of the dialyzer approximated that of human platelets. The 99m Tc label underestimated the thrombus formation ( P 111 In- and 99m Tc-labeled platelets suggests that both radionuclides could be used for measurement of device-induced thrombogenicity and may provide an estimation of prosthesis-induced thrombogenicity of human platelets from animal studies.
Pitavastatin: evidence for its place in treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Statins, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, are the most potent pharmacologic agents for lowering total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). They have become an accepted standard of care in the treatment of patients with known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (secondary prevention) and also those at increased risk of cardiovascular events. There are currently six statin drugs commercially available in the US. Although they are chemically similar and have the same primary mechanisms of action in lowering TC and LDL-C, there are differences in their efficacy or potency, metabolism, drug–drug interactions, and individual tolerability. Considering the numbers of patients who need LDL-C-lowering therapy and questions of individual tolerance and therapeutic response, having a variety of agents to choose from is beneficial for patient care. This paper presents background information on statin treatment and reviews data regarding a new agent, pitavastatin, which has recently been approved for clinical use.
The Public Expression of Citizen Teachers

The imposition of the audit culture on schooling has severely limited teachers’ freedom and dignity, exacerbating traditions of teacher education and employment that are infantilizing. If teachers are to participate in the politics that determine curriculum and pedagogy, education programs must provide differentiated credentials that welcome adults into teaching and offer insight into the processes of political organizing and public speech.
Organelle inheritance in a test tube: the yeast vacuole

Abstract Vacuoles (lysosomes) of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are low copy-number organelles which are inherited from mother to daughter cells. We are interested in the molecular basis of the division and segregation of vacuole material and in the coordination of these events with the cell cycle. Using microscopic, genetic and biochemical methods, we have shown that vacuole inheritance is a regulated process, described several genes and gene products involved in the course of inheritance, and developed a cell-free system which allows an in-vitro reconstitution of events that occur during vacuole inheritance in vivo .
The Ins and Outs of Cellular Ca2+ Transport

The cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals that participate in nearly all aspects of plant growth and development encode information as binary switches or information-rich signatures. They are the result of influx (thermodynamically passive) and efflux (thermodynamically active) activities mediated by membrane transport proteins. On the influx side, confirming the molecular identities of Ca2+-permeable channels is still a major research topic. Cyclic nucleotide-gated channels and glutamate receptor-like channels are candidates well supported by evidence. On the efflux side, CAX antiporters and P-type ATPase pumps are the principal molecular entities. Both of these active transporters load Ca2+ into specific compartments and have the potential to reduce the magnitude and duration of a Ca2+ transient. Recent studies indicate calmodulin-activated Ca2+ pumps in endomembrane systems can dampen the magnitude and duration of a Ca2+ transient that could otherwise grow into a Ca2+ cell death signature. An important challenge following molecular characterization of the influx and efflux pathways is to understand how they are coordinately regulated to produce a Ca2+ switch or encode specific information into a Ca2+ signature.
Enzymatic transesterification of triolein and stearic acid and solid fat content of their products

Two systems were investigated and compared as models for making margarine-type fats. Two immobilized lipases, IM60 from Rhizomucor miehei and SP435 from Candida antarctica, were used to catalyze the transesterification of triolein with stearic acid and stearic acid methyl ester, respectively, in n-hexane. The optimal reaction temperature for both enzymes was 55°C at a mole ratio of triolein to acyl donor of 1:2. Equilibria were reached at 18 h for IM60 and 24 h for SP435. Analysis of the overall yield and incorporation of fatty acid at the sn-2 position indicated that the triacylglycerol products contained 38.4 and 16.2% 18:0 for acidolysis and 34.2 and 11.3% for interesterification reactions, respectively, at the 2-position. With SP435, the softest fat was produced after 18 h of incubation, and the hardest after 30 h. For IM60 system, 18 h of incubation gave the most plastic fat.
A novel method for the measurement of linear body segment parameters during clinical gait analysis

Clinical gait analysis is a valuable tool for the understanding of motion disorders and treatment outcomes. Most standard models used in gait analysis rely on predefined sets of body segment parameters that must be measured on each individual. Traditionally, these parameters are measured using calipers and tape measures. The process can be time consuming and is prone to several sources of error. This investigation explored a novel method for rapid recording of linear body segment parameters using magnetic-field based digital calipers commonly used for a different purpose in prosthetics and orthotics. The digital method was found to be comparable to traditional in all linear measures and data capture was significantly faster with the digital method, with mean time savings for 10 measurements of 2.5 min. Digital calipers only record linear distances, and were less accurate when diameters were used to approximate limb circumferences. Experience in measuring BSPs is important, as an experienced measurer was significantly faster than a graduate student and showed less difference between methods. Comparing measurement of adults vs. children showed greater differences with adults, and some method-dependence. If the hardware is available, digital caliper measurement of linear BSPs is accurate and rapid.
The Spacious Active Site of a Y-Family DNA Polymerase Facilitates Promiscuous Nucleotide Incorporation Opposite a Bulky Carcinogen-DNA Adduct ELUCIDATING THE STRUCTURE-FUNCTION RELATIONSHIP THROUGH EXPERIMENTAL AND COMPUTATIONAL APPROACHES

Y-family DNA polymerases lack some of the mechanisms that replicative DNA polymerases employ to ensure fidelity, resulting in higher error rates during replication of undamaged DNA templates and the ability to bypass certain aberrant bases, such as those produced by exposure to carcinogens, including benzo[a]pyrene (BP). A tumorigenic metabolite of BP, (+)-anti-benzo-[a]pyrene diol epoxide, attacks DNA to form the major 10S (+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N2-dG adduct, which has been shown to be mutagenic in a number of prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. The 10S (+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N2-dG adduct can cause all three base substitution mutations, and the SOS response in Escherichia coli increases bypass of bulky adducts, suggesting that Y-family DNA polymerases are involved in the bypass of such lesions. Dpo4 belongs to the DinB branch of the Y-family, which also includes E. coli pol IV and eukaryotic pol κ. We carried out primer extension assays in conjunction with molecular modeling and molecular dynamics studies in order to elucidate the structure-function relationship involved in nucleotide incorporation opposite the bulky 10S (+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N2-dG adduct by Dpo4. Dpo4 is able to bypass the 10S (+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N2-dG adduct, albeit to a lesser extent than unmodified guanine, and the Vmax values for insertion of all four nucleotides opposite the adduct by Dpo4 are similar. Computational studies suggest that 10S (+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N2-dG can be accommodated in the active site of Dpo4 in either the anti or syn conformation due to the limited protein-DNA contacts and the open nature of both the minor and major groove sides of the nascent base pair, which can contribute to the promiscuous nucleotide incorporation opposite this lesion.
A 1.5-megabase yeast artificial chromosome contig from human chromosome 10q11.2 connecting three genetic loci (RET, D10S94, and D10S102) closely linked to the MEN2A locus.

Abstract The genetic loci RET, D10S94, and D10S102 from human chromosome 10q11.2 are very closely linked to a locus responsible for the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2A and MEN2B) and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC1) familial cancer syndromes. We have constructed a 1.5-megabase contig consisting of six genomic yeast artificial chromosome clones which include these loci and define their physical order. A critical crossover event has been identified within the map interval; this event places the MEN2A locus centromeric to D10S102 and defines the orientation of the physical map on the chromosome. The orientation of the contig and order of the markers are centromere-RET-D10S94-D10S102-telomere. In addition, a microsatellite repeat polymorphism with a heterozygosity of 71% at the RET locus and a restriction fragment length polymorphism with a heterozygosity of 42% detected by a lambda clone from the D10S94 locus have been developed for high-resolution genetic linkage mapping and predictive diagnostic testing. These data place three important markers on a contiguous physical map, narrow the MEN2 disease locus interval, and provide a framework for further candidate gene identification efforts. Placement of these genetic loci along a clone-based map and continued expansion of the contig will also facilitate efforts to determine the relationship of physical to genetic distance near the centromeres of human chromosomes.
Mapping life events: temporal and geographic context for biographical information

Digital Libraries often fail to connect their contents to the wider context of information resources available that are about the same persons, related persons, places, or time periods and the events that happen to those persons, at those places and in a given time period. This demostration will show prototype systems that can perform these tasks, linking the user to relevant contextual information.
Enhanced sensitivity and resolution in (1)H solid-state NMR spectroscopy of paramagnetic complexes under very fast magic angle spinning.

High-resolution NMR spectroscopy for paramagnetic complexes in solids has been rarely performed because of its limited sensitivity and resolution due to large paramagnetic shifts and associated technical difficulties. The present study demonstrates that magic angle spinning (MAS) at speeds exceeding 20 kHz provides unusually high sensitivity and excellent resolution in 1H solid-state NMR (SSNMR) for paramagnetic systems. Spinning-speed dependence of 1H MAS spectra showed that very fast MAS (VFMAS) at 24−28 kHz enhanced sensitivity by a factor of 12−18, compared with the sensitivity of 1H SSNMR spectra under moderate MAS at 10 kHz, for Cu(dl-alanine)2·H2O and Mn(acac)3, for which the spectral ranges due to 1H paramagnetic shifts reach 200 and 1000 ppm, respectively. It was theoretically and experimentally confirmed that the absolute sensitivity of 1H VFMAS for small paramagnetic complexes such as Cu(dl-alanine)2 can be an order of magnitude higher than that of equimolar diamagnetic ligands because of short...
Assessing the IT training and development climate: an application of the Q-methodology

The Q-methodology was employed to address the managerial problem of deciding which of the firm's personnel development resources should be aimed at which personnel, or groups of personnel, through the various venues of development that are available to the firm for the development of its IT workforce. The procedure identified six interpretable groups of IT professionals that seem to be associated with the development priorities of the IT management, analytical, development & programming, and operations functions. Opportunities are identified for both future research and the practical application of the Q-methodology, its associated instrumentation, and analytical procedure as a managerial decision tool in the context of the internal development of the firm's IT personnel to meet the firm's goals.
Programs and Facilities for Physically Disabled Inmates in State Prisons

This article reports the results of a national study on the accessibility of prison facilities and programs for physically disabled inmates in state correctional systems. Survey methodology was utilized to determine the numbers and types of disabilities among inmates in such systems. Results suggest that fewer than one percent of either male or female inmates in state prisons are identified and classified as physically disabled. Inmate access to programs and facilities was assessed through use of an accessibility scale. Based on reports from prison administrators, access for disabled inmates is very limited both as to programs and as to facilities. Specific recornmendations are included to improve accessibility and to avoid litigation.
Postoperative confusion and basilar artery stroke

Non-focal postoperative mental status changes can be challenging. Single patient case report and medical literature review. We describe a 67-year-old male who was admitted for radical cystectomy and ileal conduiturinary diversion. General anesthesia was uneventful and the patient remained hemodynamically stable throughout the procedure. At the end of the procedure, the patient's tracheal was extubated. Initially, he was arousable, able to move all extremities, and answer questions appropriately. Over the next 2 hours, his mental status waxed and waned and respirations became irregular. An emergent head computed tomogram without contrast revealed a hyperdense basilar artery consistent with acute thrombosis. Vascular radiology intervention occurred approximately 9 hours after the onset of symptoms, but there was no improvement in the patient's neurological status and the subsequently died. Although nonfocal postoperative mental status changes are common and often secondary to benign etiologies, they may herald more significant pathology, including stroke. Patients with postoperative mental status changes should be evaluated carefully to identify like-threatening and treatable etiologies. Recent advance in the acute care of stroke such as thrombolysis and angioplasty, can improve outcome if instituted promptly.
Zweig suppression and statistical factors in pison and φ production

Abstract Central production of J/ψ, ψ,′, … is suppresed by Zweig's rule. One can also argue that statistical factors suppress these reactions. We search for a prescription which incorporates both types of suppression, and is consistent with the data on psion production as well as the analogous data on φ production. A consistent prescription is possible only if we adopt the mild form of Zweig suppression implied by the Einhorn-Ellis proposal that psions and φ's are produced by the gluon constituents of the incoming hadrons. The prescription leads to simple predictions for production of both Zweig-forbidden and Zweig-allowed combinations such as ψ, D D , ψ D D , … .
Performance improvement of rf MEMS capacitive switches with high-dielectric-constant materials

A novel approach to improve the performance of a capacitive shunt switch using high dielectric constant materials and monolithic integration based on copper interconnection process is investigated here. To get a high isolation and low actuation voltage, a high dielectric constant material (Ba 0.65 Sr 0.35 TiO 3 ) was used in the MIM (metal- insulator-metal) structure, which determines switching isolation characteristics. The realized dielectric constant of this BST thin film was 367 for a thickness of 1500a. When the BST film is used between the membrane and transmission line instead of silicon nitride, the air gap can be reduced into 1.85 μm with isolation ratio of 4500:1 and actuation voltage of 18 V. In case of 0.85 μm air gap, it is expected to give the isolation ratio of over 2000:1 and actuation voltage less than 7 V. We have also investigated a monolithic integration process of RF MEMS switch with CMOS circuitry using a back-end-of-line process of Cu interconnection technology. This process integration is based on the 6 level Cu interconnection process that includes the MIM capacitor structure.
Stabilising surface-wave devices against temperature variations

Surface-elastic-wave devices can be temperature-stabilised with a feedback circuit which includes a phase comparator for a reference signal and a deposited thin-film heater. In a 50 MHz yz lithium-niobate test delay line, the phase variation corresponded to a maximum temperature change of ±0.017°C, while the ambient temperature varied from 25 to 35°C.
Some notes on systems models and modelling

Abstract This paper discusses the basic concepts of models and modelling. The difference in information contents between a model and the real or imagined situation it is intended to represent is pointed out, and the fact that a model should not be divorced from its intended purpose is strongly emphasized. The act of modelling is defined and discussed. It is concluded that even though formalized approaches to modelling (such as the systems approach) exists ; modelling, as well as the use of models, remains very much an art rather than a science.
Eco green flexible hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric solar cells with nanoimprint technology and roll-to-roll manufacturing

This paper explores the technical and commercial feasibility of nanotechnology based, high-efficiency, photovoltaic-thermoelectric hybrid solar cells as an environmentally-friendly, renewable energy source for residential and commercial buildings. To convert as much as possible of the usable photovoltaic (58% of the Energy Density) and thermoelectric (42% of the Energy Density) solar spectrum into electricity, a hybrid multilayer system is presented which comprises of 1) carbon nanotube (CNT) embedded in conducting polymers such as P3HT (poly(3-hexylthiophene) or P3OT (poly3-octylthiophene), 2) 3D gold nanostructures exhibiting plasmonic resonances for energy conversion, 3) nanoantenna architecture to capture IR energy, 4) a composite of Bi2Te3, SiGe nanocrystals and Au nanoshells as thermoelectric energy conversion layer, 5) configuration of the above items engineered in the form of meta-material designs that by virtue of their 3D structures ensure that incident light is neither reflected nor transmitted, but is rather all absorbed, 6) a multilayer arrangement of the above layers in a fractal architecture to capture all the wavelengths from 200 to 3000 nm8 and the matching electronic interface for each layer. The roll-to-roll manufacturing method presented will enable economical large-scale production of solar panels. This potentially transformational technology has the ability to replace the Si solar cell technology by reducing costs from $0.18/KWh to $0.003/KWh while introducing a more environmentally-friendly manufacturing process.
Investigation on proteins and polymers. VIII. Remarks on the denaturation of proteins

Summary In the past, there has been a widespread belief that the denaturation of a protein in the presence of normal chemical conditions is a separate function of several environmental conditions. Thus, reference has been made to heat denaturation and acid denaturation as independent processes. However, such a treatment has led to various misconceptions as to the nature of the forces binding a protein molecule in the native state. The proposition has been made that the denaturation of a protein molecule occurs at different rates for different states of the protein. Thus, each individual molecular type has its own rate of denaturation. The effects of pH are readily explainable in terms of equilibrium systems, wherein certain dissociation states of the protein are conductive to marked changes in the over-all reaction rate because they are states of great or little stability. It is also indicated that reactions other than those immediately connected with the interactions with hydrogen ions play an important part in the denaturation of the protein. However, from a consideration of the complexity of the systems involved, it is often extremely difficult to obtain sufficient data to determine fully the standard state for a given process. From a realization of the many paths whereby a protein may become denatured, it is a simple matter to show why the apparent heat of activation of denaturation can vary over such wide ranges. In actuality, the apparent heat of activation is not at all representative of the true denaturation reaction, but signifies only a composite value for many reactions, of which only the final one is the actual denaturation step.
Current speeds near the ocean floor west of Oregon

Abstract Near-bottom current speeds were measured at distances of from 1–3 m above the ocean floor west of Oregon. The instrument used was a temperature-current probe designed to measure temperatures at 8 levels and current speeds at either 1 or 2 levels near the sea floor. Sampling was carried out at 6 positions. A distribution of recorded current speed versus water depth (from 725 to 2900 m) reveals a systematic and significant increase in current speed with decreasing depth. Mean current speeds for depths from 2700 to 2900 m were approximately 2 cm/sec with maxima of up to 6 cm/sec. Mean current speeds for continental slope stations, with depths from 725 to 1700 m, range from 5 to 20 cm/sec with maxima of 20–40 cm/sec depending on water depth.
Convergence and confidentiality? Limits to the implementation of mixed methodology

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to identify and explain a rather large impediment to the use of mixed method research designs that begin with survey data. Although supplementing quantitative survey analyses with insights derived from qualitative work is increasingly popular, there is also heightened concern about ethical issues in research, particularly the confidentiality of human research subjects. Surprisingly, there has been little discussion about how these two trends intersect, and the extent to which they are compatible. In this paper I argue that because of the important obligation to protect human research subjects’ identities (and, to a lesser extent, the proliferation of publicly available datasets), few researchers are actually in a position to implement this type of mixed methodology. Despite their noted advantages over mono-method designs, mixed method designs that start with quantitative data and subsequently supplement it with qualitative insights may not achieve the dominance that many have supposed and desired.
EEG Background as Predictor of Electrographic Seizures in High-Risk Neonates

Summary: Purpose: Experience with continuous EEG monitoring in 29 consecutive infants at risk of neonatal seizures demonstrated that background abnormalities on the initial EEG were strongly associated with electrographic seizures in the subsequent 18–24 h. To test this association prospectively, we examined the relationship between EEG background and the presence of electrographic seizures in the next 22 at-risk infants monitored for seizures. Methods: A standard EEG was recorded for each infant at risk for seizures. Based on specific criteria, the background was graded as normal; immature for age; or mildly, moderately, or severely abnormal. The EEG was then monitored continuously until no electrographic seizures were recorded for 18–24 h. Results: Findings in the retrospective group of 29 infants and the prospective group of 22 infants did not differ. For the combined 51 infants, a normal or immature initial EEG background predicted the absence of seizures in the subsequent 18–24 h with a sensitivity of 96% [confidence interval (CI) 0.88, 1.01 and specificity of 81% (CI 0.67, 0.96). Administration of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) before the start of the EEG recording did not affect this association. Conclusions: In 51 consecutively monitored infants at risk for neonatal seizures, a normal or immature EEG background strongly predicted the absence of electrographic seizures in the subsequent 18–24 h; background abnormalities strongly predicted the occurrence of electrographic seizures concomitantly or in the subsequent 18–24 h of recording. Screening infants at risk for neonatal seizures with a routine EEG allows identification of infants at highest risk for seizures, thus conserving resources required for continuous EEG monitoring and facilitating early intervention for seizures.
A mode approximation method for the dynamic response of a strain-hardening cantilever☆

An instantaneous mode solution is developed for a rigid, strain-hardening cantilever beam. The response progresses through phases analogous to those for a perfectly plastic beam. In particular, the concentrated hinges and hinge bands for the perfectly plastic beam become regions of variable curvature and uniform curvature when strain hardening is introduced. Governing differential equations are derived for the time dependence of the mode amplitude and plastic region sizes.
Interaction of the fibrinolytic receptor, annexin II, with the endothelial cell surface. Essential role of endonexin repeat 2.

Abstract Endothelial cells express a cell surface co-receptor for plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) which we recently identified as annexin II (Hajjar, K. A., Jacovina, A. T., and Chacko, J. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 21191-21197). This protein enhances the catalytic efficiency of t-PA-dependent plasmin generation by 60-fold (Cesarman, G. M., Guevara, C. A., and Hajjar, K. A. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 21198-21203). Here, we demonstrate that annexin II is constitutively translocated to the endothelial cell surface within 16 h of biosynthesis, and that cell surface annexin II comprises 4.3 ± 1.0% of the total cellular pool. Exogenous 125I-annexin II bound to EGTA-washed endothelial cells with high affinity (Kd 49 n) and in a calcium-dependent (I50 = 3 μ), phospholipid-sensitive manner. Peptides KASMKGLGTDED and YDSMKGKGTRDK, mimicking the calcium-binding “endonexin” motif (KGXGT) of annexin II, blocked its interaction with endothelial cells. Recombinant annexin II, bearing the calcium-binding site substitution D161A of core repeat 2, failed to compete with binding of the wild type protein to the cell surface, while E246A and D321A mutants, corresponding to core repeats 3 and 4, behaved as effective competitors. These data suggest that translocated annexin II interacts with cell surface phospholipid via a high affinity calcium-dependent binding site that includes residues 118-122 (KGLGT) and the coordinating Asp161 of core repeat 2. Thus, calcium-regulated expression of annexin II on the endothelial cell surface may play a central role in control of plasmin-mediated processes.
Cells with hemopoietic potential residing in muscle are itinerant bone marrow-derived cells.

Abstract Objective The nature of cells residing in muscle giving rise to hemopoietic colonies in vitro or hemopoietic reconstitution in vivo has been unclear. The goal of the present study was to characterize these cells and uncover their potential site of origin. Materials and Methods Cells prepared from muscle were characterized for surface antigens (CD45, CD34, c-kit, Sca-1, CD31, VCAM-1), for their in vitro clonogenic capacity and in vivo repopulation potential either as unpurified cells or sorted subsets (CD45 + , CD45 − ). The presence of bone marrow (BM)–derived cells in muscle of mice reconstituted with marked BM cells before and after cytokine-induced mobilization was also examined. Results Our data show: 1) The yield of CD45 + cells is higher in muscle of neonates and young animals. Their composite phenotype does not favor contamination by blood. 2) The capacity of fresh muscle cell explants to give rise to colonies in vitro and hemopoietic reconstitution in vivo is associated with CD45 + cells. 3) Irradiated recipients reconstituted with marked BM cells harbor marked BM-derived cells (CD45 + or CD45 − ) in their muscle several months after transplant. 4) Cytokine-induced mobilization of transplanted animals modestly increases the yield of BM-derived cells recovered from muscle, unlike the yields from spleen, liver, or peripheral blood (PB). Conclusions Our data suggest a reinterpretation of previously published conclusions: hemopoietic colonies derived from fresh muscle explants do not originate from transdifferentiated muscle cells, but from BM-derived cells residing in muscle; the hemopoietic reconstituting potential of muscle cells is likewise attributed to these cells.
Overwhelming casualties: medical ethics in a time of terror.

(2003). Overwhelming Casualties: Medical Ethics in a Time of Terror. Accountability in Research: Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 57-68.
Accuracy and Power Consumption Tradeoffs in Video Rate Adaptation for Computer Vision Applications

This paper analyzes and compares the rate-accuracy and rate energy characteristics of various video rate adaptation techniques in computer vision applications. The analyzed rate adaptation techniques include spatial, spatial with up scaling, temporal, and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). We experiment with standard video sequences as well as 300 security, surveillance, news, and speech videos. These videos total 19.15 hours of recording time. We consider both MPEG-4 and H.264 compression standards.
Comparing measures of model selection for penalized splines in Cox models

This article presents an application and a simulation study of model fit criteria for selecting the optimal degree of smoothness for penalized splines in Cox models. The criteria considered were the Akaike information criterion, the corrected AIC, two formulations of the Bayesian information criterion, and a generalized cross-validation method. The estimated curves selected by the five methods were compared to each other in a study of rectal cancer mortality in autoworkers. In the stimulation study, we estimated the fit of the penalized spline models in six exposure-response scenarios, using the five model fit criteria. The methods were compared on the basis of a mean squared error score and the power and size of hypothesis tests for any effect and for detecting nonlinearity. All comparisons were made across a range in the total sample size and number of cases.
Scale Model of a Soil Aggregate and Associated Organisms: A Teaching Tool for Soil Ecology

Soil is a complex habitat for diverse biota. A significant challenge in teaching soil ecology is our inability to observe organisms as they live and interact in the soil. The objective of this article is to describe an interactive class project to help students visualize the sizes of different groups of soil organisms and to relate these to soil structural components. This project was carried out by students in an upper-level undergraduate soil ecology class. It involved the design and construction of a 4000× scale model of a soil aggregate and its associated organisms. The body of the model was made from inexpensive, lightweight materials and had a diameter of approximately 1 m to depict a 0.25-mm aggregate. Students identified and discussed appropriate size ranges and construction materials for the model’s bacteria, fungi, nematodes, mites, springtails, and other components. Instructorguided questions addressed size and arrangement of sand, silt, and clay particles; pores; and organic matter in a typical soil aggregate. The model is a useful tool for conveying physical and ecological relationships among soil organisms and is adaptable for use at diverse educational levels.
Low (60 cGy) Doses of 56Fe HZE-Particle Radiation Lead to a Persistent Reduction in the Glutamatergic Readily Releasable Pool in Rat Hippocampal Synaptosomes

Abstract Exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) is considered to be a potential health risk in long-term space travel, and it represents a significant risk to the central nervous system (CNS). The most harmful component of GCR is the HZE [high-mass, highly charged (Z), high-energy] particles, e.g. 56Fe. In ground-based experiments, exposure to HZE-particle radiation induces pronounced deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory in rodents. The mechanisms underlying these impairments are mostly unknown, but some studies suggest that HZE-particle exposure perturbs the regulation of long-term potentiation (LTP) at the CA1 synapse in the hippocampus. In this study, we irradiated rats with 60 cGy of 1 GeV 56Fe-particle radiation and established its impact on hippocampal glutamatergic neurotransmissions at 3 and 6 months after exposure. Exposure to 60 cGy 56Fe-particle radiation significantly (P < 0.05) reduced hyperosmotic sucrose evoked [3H]-glutamate release from hippocampal synaptosomes, a me...
Finite precision effect on performance and complexity of particle filters for bearing-only tracking

The complexity reduction of particle filters and their performance due to infinite precision effects are investigated. A method for dynamic range scaling of importance weights is proposed as well as ways for its integration with computation of the weights. Functions are approximated in a way to mitigate dynamic range scaling problems. To reduce complexity, redundant operations of particle filters are correspondingly modified. The sample importance resampling (SIR) method of particle filtering applied to the bearings-only tracking problem is also considered.
Is lost lean mass from intentional weight loss recovered during weight regain in postmenopausal women

Background: Despite the well-known recidivism of obesity, surprisingly little is known about the composition of body weight during weight regain. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether the composition of body weight regained after intentional weight loss is similar to the composition of body weight lost. Design: The design was a follow-up to a randomized controlled trial of weight loss in which body composition was analyzed and compared in 78 postmenopausal women before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 6 and 12 mo after the intervention. Results: All body mass and composition variables were lower immediately after weight loss than at baseline (all P , 0.05). More fat than lean mass was lost with weight loss, which resulted in bodycomposition changes favoring a lower percentage of body fat and a higher lean-to-fat mass ratio (P , 0.001). Considerable interindividual variability in weight regain was noted (CV = 1.07). In women who regained 2 kg body weight, a decreasing trend in the lean-to-fat mass ratio was observed, which indicated greater fat mass accretion than lean mass accretion (P , 0.001). Specifically, for every 1 kg fat lost during the weight-loss intervention, 0.26 kg lean tissue was lost; for every 1 kg fat regained over the following year, only 0.12 kg lean tissue was regained. Conclusions: Although not all postmenopausal women who intentionally lose weight will regain it within 1 y, the data suggest that fat mass is regained to a greater degree than is lean mass in those who do experience some weight regain. The health ramifications of our findings remain to be seen. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;94:767‐74.
Properties of constitutive matrices for electrostatic and magnetostatic problems

Constitutive matrices allow one to write the constitutive relations, in an algebraic form, in some finite-volume-based numerical methods, such as the cell method and the finite integration technique. This paper shows some properties that link a general class of constitutive matrices to the finite-element stiffness matrices. One of these properties can be exploited to provide an alternative sufficient condition for the stability of a generalized finite-difference time-domain algorithm set up by these numerical methods.
Induction functor in noncommutative equivariant cohomology and Dirac cohomology

Abstract The aim of this paper is to put some recent results of Huang and Pandzic (conjectured by Vogan) and Kostant on Dirac cohomology in a broader perspective. This is achieved by introducing an induction functor in the noncommutative equivariant cohomology. In this context, the results of Huang–Pandzic and Kostant are interpreted as special cases (corresponding to the manifold being a point) of more general results on noncommutative equivariant cohomology introduced by Alekseev and Meinrenken.