cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamics of correlated systems. Emptiness Formation Probability and Random Matrices

A hydrodynamic approach is used to calculate an asymptotics of the Emptiness Formation Probability - the probability of a formation of an empty space in the ground state of a quantum one-dimensional many body system. Quantum hydrodynamics of a system is represented as a Euclidian path integral over con- figurations of hydrodynamic variables. In the limit of a larg e size of the empty space, the probability is dominated by an instanton configur ation, and the prob- lem is reduced to the finding of an instanton solution of class ical hydrodynamic equations. After establishing a general formalism, we carry out this calcula- tion for several simple systems - free fermions with an arbitrary dispersion and Calogero-Sutherland model. For these systems we confirm the obtained results by comparison with exact results known in Random Matrix theory. We argue that the nonlinear hydrodynamic approach might be useful even in cases where the linearized hydrodynamics fails.
U and Xe transport in UO 2 ± x : Density functional theory calculations

The detrimental effects of the fission gas Xe on the performance of oxide nuclear fuels are well known. However, less well known are the mechanisms that govern fission gas evolution. Here, to better understand bulk Xe behavior (diffusion mechanisms) in UO${}_{2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}x}$ we calculate the relevant activation energies using density functional theory techniques. By analyzing a combination of Xe solution thermodynamics, migration barriers, and the interaction of dissolved Xe atoms with U, we demonstrate that Xe diffusion predominantly occurs via a vacancy-mediated mechanism. Since Xe transport is closely related to the diffusion of U vacancies, we have also studied the activation energy for this process. To best reproduce experimental data for the Xe and U activation energies, it is critical to consider the active charge-compensation mechanism for intrinsic defects in UO${}_{2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}x}$. Due to the high thermodynamic cost of reducing U${}^{4+}$ ions, any defect formation occurring at a fixed composition, i.e., no change in UO${}_{2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}x}$ stoichiometry, always avoids such reactions, which, for example, implies that the ground-state configuration of an O Frenkel pair in UO${}_{2}$ does not involve any explicit local reduction (oxidation) of U ions at the O vacancy (interstitial).
Corneal and stomach expression of aldehyde dehydrogenases: from fish to mammals.

Abstract We have studied the distribution of the ALDH3A1, ALDH1A1 and ALDH2 proteins in the cornea and stomach of several animal species, including mammals (C57BL/6J and SWR/J mice, rat and pig), birds (chicken and turkey), amphibians (frog) and fish (trout and zebrafish). High ALDH3A1 protein levels and catalytic activities were detected in C57BL/6J mouse, rat and pig. We found complete absence of the ALDH3A1 protein in SWR/J mice, which carry the Aldh3a1c allele characterized by four amino acid substitutions (G88R, I154N, H305R and I352V) and lack of enzymatic activity. This indicates that the SWR/J mouse strain is a natural gene knockout model for ALDH3A1. Traces of ALDH3A1 were detected in rabbit, whereas expression was absent from chicken, turkey, frog, trout, and zebrafish. Interestingly, significant levels of the cytosolic ALDH1A1 and mitochondrial ALDH2 proteins were detected by immunoblot analysis in all examined species that are deficient in ALDH3A1 expression. In contrast, no ALDH1A1 or ALDH2 protein was detected in the species expressing ALDH3A1. It can, therefore, be concluded that corneal expression of ALDH3A1 or ALDH1A1/ALDH2 occurs in a taxon-specific manner, supporting the protective role of these ALDHs in cornea against the UV-induced oxidative damage.
Multifunctional nanofibrous scaffold for tissue engineering

In tissue engineering, scaffolds with multiscale functionality, especially with the ability to release locally multiple or specific bioactive molecules to targeted cell types, are highly desired in regulating appropriate cell phenotypes. In this study, poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) solutions (8% w/v) containing different amounts of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with or without collagen were electrospun into nanofibres. As verified by protein release assay and fluorescent labelling, BSA and collagen were successfully incorporated into electrospun nanofibres. The biological activity of functionalised fibres was proven in the cell culture experiments using human dermal fibroblasts. By controlling the sequential deposition and fibre alignment, 3D scaffolds with spatial distribution of collagen or BSA were assembled using fluorescently labelled nanofibres. Human dermal fibroblasts showed preferential adhesion to PCL nanofibres containing collagen than PCL alone. Taken together, multiscale scaffolds with diver...
Weighted trigonometric approximation and inner—Outer functions on higher dimensional Euclidean spaces

In this paper we consider a class of weighted trigonometric approximation problems in ip,(~%‘~). Many of these questions go back to the classic papers of Beurling [ 1,2]. One may describe the general problem as that of finding the best approximation to an arbitrary function from the closed subspace generated by functions of the form er@‘.‘+‘)f(w), where f is a fixed function and where the arguments u are to be taken from a given set S. For 9z(9”) and S a half-line, these problems, and their solution, are intimately related to the theory of inner and outer functions. The latter theory does not exist for 9”, n > 2. However, by use of functional analytic and group theoretic methods we are able to treat the trigonometric approximation problem for 4p2(9”) with S either a half-space or a quadrant. In so doing, we also arrive at a beginning of a new theory of inner and outer functions for 9”. The theory of inner and outer functions also plays a central role in the prediction problem for one-parameter processes; see Dym and McKean [4]. In Gustafson and Misra [5] regular one-parameter processes were characterized in terms of the canonical commutation relations of quantum mechanics. Particular emphasis was placed on the use of cyclic vectors. This approach enables us to investigate the weighted trigonometric approximation problems via several-parameter regular processes without appeal to the theory of several complex variables. As a byproduct, we obtain an abstract characterization of the regular representation of 9”. This answers a question raised by Chatterji [3, p. 241. We also observe a new proof for the existence and uniqueness of outer functions on 9’. This comes out of our (new) formulation and results for inner and outer functions on 9”. The theory of inner and outer functions for compact abelian groups whose dual is linearly ordered has been developed. See, for example, Helson and
Controlled nanoporous Pt morphologies by varying deposition parameters

We synthesize nanoporous platinum (np-Pt) through electrochemical dealloying in aqueous HF from cosputtered PtxSi1−x amorphous films for different initial composition and sputter bias conditions. We demonstrate that, in addition to the expected isotropic open cell np-Pt foam, anisotropic (columnar and Voronoi) np-Pt is obtained. There are two levels of anisotropy: on the micron scale, 100 nm columns or 1 μm Voronoi polygons form. Inside the columnar and Voronoi hyperstructures, the ligaments and pores are anisotropic ranging from 5 to 25 nm. The ligament diameter and grain size is 5 nm for all reported structures. A processing-structure map is developed that correlate np-Pt structures to processing conditions.
Alkaline Hydrolysis/Polymerization of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene: Characterization of Products by 13C and 15N NMR

Alkaline hydrolysis has been investigated as a nonbiological procedure for the destruction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in explosives contaminated soils and munitions scrap. Nucleophilic substitutions of the nitro and methyl groups of TNT by hydroxide ion are the initial steps in the alkaline degradation of TNT. Potential applications of the technique include both in situ surface liming and ex situ alkaline treatment of contaminated soils. A number of laboratory studies have reported the formation of an uncharacterized polymeric material upon prolonged treatment of TNT in base. As part of an overall assessment of alkaline hydrolysis as a remediation technique, and to gain a better understanding of the chemical reactions underlying the hydrolysis/polymerization process, the soluble and precipitate fractions of polymeric material produced from the calcium hydroxide hydrolysis of unlabeled and 15N-labeled TNT were analyzed by elemental analysis and 13C and 15N nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Spect...
Analysis of SLC19A2, on 1q23.3 encoding a thiamine transporter as a candidate gene for type 2 diabetes mellitus in Pima Indians

Abstract Mutations in the SLC19A2 gene cause thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia (TRMA) frequently combined with diabetes mellitus and deafness. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is heritable and a region on 1q21–q23 encompassing SLC19A2 was linked with the disease in Pima Indians and Caucasians. We therefore investigated this candidate gene in selected diabetic and nondiabetic Pimas and found no variants. We conclude that mutations in SLC19A2 do not contribute to type 2 diabetes in this population.
Effects of Fe/Mg on the compressibility of synthetic wadsleyite: β-(Mg1-xFex)2SiO4(x≤0,25)

Four crystals of synthetic wadsleyite, β-(Mg,Fe)2SiO4, were mounted together in one diamond-anvil cell for the determination of unit-cell parameters as a function of pressure. The Fe/(Fe+Mg) are 0.00, 0.08, 0.16, and 0.25 (the most iron-rich stable composition). Unit-cell refinements were made at 12 pressures up to 4.5 GPa. No phase transitions were observed and all crystals remained dimensionally orthorhombic. Of the three axes, c is the most compressible (0.000239(3) GPa-1), whereas compressibilities of a and b are both about 30% less. The Fe content has no systematic effect on volume or linear compressibilities. Bulk moduli, based on a Birch-Murnaghan equation of state (K′ assumed to be 4.00) are 160(3), 169(3), 164(2), and 165(3) GPa for the four crystals in order of increasing Fe. Substitution of Fe for Mg, therefore, does not appear to have a systematic effect on bulk modulus. Other factors, especially Fe3+/Fe2+ and other deviations from the strict Mg2SiO4-Fe2SiO4 binary, may have a greater influence on compressibility.
Theory of the Low-Voltage Impedance of Superconductor-Insulator-Normal Metal Tunnel Junctions

A theory for the low-voltage impedance of a superconductor-insulator-normal metal tunnel junction is developed that includes the effects of charge imbalance and of quasiparticle fluctuations. A novel, inelastic, charge-imbalance relaxation process is identified that is associated with the junction itself. This new process leads to the surprising result that the charge-imbalance component of the dc resistance of a junction becomes independent of the electron-phonon scattering rate as the insulator resistance decreases.
Characterization of limited-diffusion-volume HgCdTe/CdTe photodiodes

Thin epitaxial HgCdTe/CdTe photodiodes are shown to have lower dark current noise than similar thick devices. This is explained by the limited-diffusion-volume model which requires a thin diode and a low surface recombination rate. Electron beam induced current is used for characterizing minority electrons distribution; the characteristic interface recombinations(L/D) has been found to be equal to 0.05 at 80 and 210 K.R 0 A measurements give values consistent with this model.
Multiple Plane Detection in Image Pairs Using J-Linkage

We present a new method for the robust detection and matching of multiple planes in pairs of images. Such planes can serve as stable landmarks for vision-based urban navigation. Our approach starts from SIFT matches and generates multiple local homography hypotheses using the recent J-linkage technique by Toldo and Fusiello, a robust randomized multi-model estimation algorithm. These hypotheses are then globally merged, spatially analyzed, robustly fitted, and checked for stability. When tested on more than 30,000 image pairs taken from panoramic views of a college campus, our method yields no false positives and recovers 72% of the matchable building walls identified by a human, despite significant occlusions and viewpoint changes.
Greater Sage-Grouse Select Nest Sites to Avoid Visual Predators but not Olfactory Predators

Abstract. Birds can hide from visual predators by locating nests where there is cover and from olfactory predators where habitat features create updrafts, high winds, and atmospheric turbulence, but sites optimal for hiding from visual and olfactory predators often differ. We examined how Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) balance the dual needs of hiding from both visual and olfactory predators on Parker Mountain, Utah, where the Common Raven (Corvus corax) is the main visual predator and the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and American badger (Taxidea taxus) are the main olfactory predators. By comparing nest sites to random sites during 2005 and 2006, we found that sage-grouse nest at sites where their nests were obscured from visual predators but were exposed to olfactory predators. To validate these findings, we replicated the study in southwest Wyoming during 2008. Again, we found that visual obscurity at nest sites was greater than at control sites but olfactory obscurity was less. O...
A reevaluation of the roe procedure for the determination of fructose

Abstract In an examination of the Roe procedure for determining fructose the following were established: 1. 1. The sensitivity of the assay can be increased 2-fold by increasing the HCl concentration from 6.1 to 7.3 N . 2. 2. A reaction temperature of 77°C is optimum for maintaining sensitivity and at the same time holding the contribution by glucose to less than 1% on a molar basis when the reaction mixture contains both glucose and fructose. 3. 3. The ratio of resorcinol to fructose influences the absorbance observed. A broad peak is observed with a maximum at a molar ratio of 45 to 1. 4. 4. Conditions were established which allowed a quantitative determination of fructose in the range of 0.02 to 0.25 μmole.
The Slitmask Alignment Tool: robust, efficient, and astronomer-friendly software for aligning multi-object slitmasks

Multi-object spectroscopy via custom slitmasks is a key capability on three instruments at the W. M. Keck Observatory. Before observers can acquire spectra they must complete a complex procedure to align each slit with its corresponding science target. We developed the Slitmask Alignment Tool (SAT), to replace a complex, inefficient, and error-prone slitmask alignment process that often resulted in lost sky time for novice and experienced observers alike. The SAT accomplishes rapid initial mask alignment, prevents field misidentification, accurately predicts alignment box image locations, corrects for flexure-induced image displacement, verifies the instrument and exposure configuration, and accommodates both rectangular and trapezoidal alignment box shapes. The SAT is designed to lead observers through the alignment process and coordinate image acquisition with instrument and telescope moves to improve efficiencies. By simplifying the process to just a few mouse clicks, the SAT enables even novice observers to achieve robust, efficient, and accurate alignment of slitmasks on all three Keck instruments supporting multislit spectroscopy, saving substantial observing time.
Temporal variation in aerosol composition at summit, Greenland, summer 1989

At a high altitude site at Summit, Greenland, aerosol sulfur, chlorine, and potassium were found to occur mainly during sporadic high concentration episodes, lasting less than 24 h, over a much lowwer background level. Particle size resolved time sequence sampling was performed by automated two-stage streaker and high sensitivity elemental analysis by proton induced X-ray emission, PIXE, with a detection limit of 9 ng m−3. In a series of 165 4-h samples during one summer month in 1989, peak concentrations in the fine <2 μm diameter fraction were sometimes coincident and sometimes not, indicating different degrees of association of those elements in air masses passing over the site. Most of the S, Cl, and K was measured during the short high concentration episodes. This finding could not have been made by using a long time average sampling strategy.
Bremsstrahlung and Transition Radiation from Ag Foils Bombarded by Non-Normal Incidence Electrons

The radiation emitted by self-supporting Ag foils 700 to 1700 \AA{} in thickness was investigated as a function of angle of electron incidence, foil thickness, and degree of polarization. For a foil 700 \AA{} in thickness, the peak at 3300 \AA{} characteristic of transition radiation was found in the emission spectrum when the foil was bombarded by normally incident electrons (${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{i}={0}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$). The wavelength at which the peak appeared increased monotonically with increasing angles of electron incidence until it appeared at $\ensuremath{\lambda}=3400$ \AA{} for ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{i}={87}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$. For a foil 1680 \AA{} in thickness, the transition radiation peak at $\ensuremath{\lambda}=3300$ \AA{} was found to decrease in intensity as ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{i}$ increased from normal incidence and finally disappeared at ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{i}={80}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$. For ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{i}g{75}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$, another peak appeared at 3500 \AA{}, which increased in intensity for ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{i}g{85}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$, and finally became an intense peak at $\ensuremath{\lambda}=3600$ \AA{}, for ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{i}={89}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$. The dependence of the peak at 3500-3600 \AA{} for large angles of electron incidence on ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{i}$, electron energy, and polarization agrees with details predicted by a model due to Howe and Ritchie based upon the production of bremsstrahlung in a semi-infinite slab, and leads to the conclusion that the optical emission observed from Ag foils bombarded by grazing-incidence electrons is bremsstrahlung, and not radiation from the decay of surface plasmons, as hypothesized by Boersch et al.
Blocked impurity band detectors applied to tunable diode laser spectroscopy in the 8- to 28-micron range

A novel tunable diode laser spectrometer operating at 8-28 microns is described. A blocked impurity band Si:As chip is employed as detector. This device operates in this wavelength range with high detectivity and adequate frequency response for the high-sensitivity techniques used. A combination of sweep averaging and second-harmonic detection at 22 kHz yielded signal-to-noise ratios of 1200 at wavelengths above 20 microns. The sensitivity and spectral resolution achieved are an order of magnitude better than those of Fourier instruments in this range, with an improvement in instrument time response of about 3000. Several molecular bands of CO2 and N2O are observed for what is, to our knowledge, the first time with this instrument. Examples of spectral line measurements are presented.
Kinetic growth percolation: Epidemic processes with immunization.

Nonequilibrium phase transitions of kinetic growth percolation, a kinetic growth process which exhibits a percolating-nonpercolating phase transition, are investigated on the basis of a mean-field theory and/or a real-space renormalization-group method. Phase diagrams, critical exponents, and spreading velocities are calculated explicitly for several models describing epidemic processes with immunization or autocatalytic chemical reactions. The existence and the nature of phase transitions and critical behavior are clarified.
Student‐Control of Learning: a Review of Research

Research comparing individualized instruction with “traditional” instruction has proved largely worthless and no longer can be tolerated. It has been indicated that improvements in instruction will result only when researchers begin evaluating the separate variables comprising these multi‐faceted systems. The following review of research demonstrates the complexities involved with the’ variable of student‐control of learning.
The depository library program in the 21st century: The issue is one of which services to offer

There has been extensive discussion of the depository library program administered by the US Governement Printing Office (GPO) becoming, by the early 21st century, an electronic depository program. Both Congress and the GPO support change. The purpose of this essay is to assess the climate of change, raise key issues missing from the national and local discussion, and encourage greater focus on services and less attention to visions of structural change
Emission of organic substances from indoor surface materials

Abstract A wide variety of surface materials in buildings can release organic compounds. Examples include building materials, furnishings, maintenance materials, clothing, and paper products. These sources contribute substantially to the hundreds of organic compounds that have been measured in indoor air. Their emissions have been directly connected to complaints of odors or hyperreactivity and are presumed to contribute to the problems in many ‘sick buildings’ where the cause complaints is uncertain. Significant progress has been made in the past decade in developing procedures for measuring emissions from such materials, in controlled experiments where factors affecting emission rates can be determined and quantified. Emissions data are still limited but are being accumulated gradually by research groups in Europe and North America. It is clear from the recent data gathered in research and modeling studies that one of the most effective ways to limit indoor concentrations of organic compounds is to limit the content of volatile compounds in materials that are used in buildings. Limiting the original residual content of volatile compounds in the materials, or conditioning such materials prior to use in buildings, or (perhaps) conditioning such materials in place before occupancy of a new or renovated building, are most likely to prevent excessive indoor concentrations. If emissions testing and product certification procedures are available and there is sufficient market demand for low-emitting materials caused by indoor air quality concerns, significant reductions of indoor concentrations of vapor-phase organic compounds could be achieved within the next decade.
Ground target classification using moving target indicator radar signatures

The comparative performance of two target-classification algorithms relative to the ultimate performance obtainable through comprehensive use of the spectral data base is presently examined through empirical upper-bound calculations for the case of X-band radar signatures of a variety of military vehicles moving in the 5-15 mph range. This analysis indicates that performance does not significantly change when the number of measurements is reduced to 2/3 the initial number. Target classification with the present algorithms is found to be restricted to favorable aspect angles only; the computationally simple algorithm based on the double-Doppler signal is effective in a sector of favorable aspect angles, if the signal is not masked.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Protection against Radon-222 at Home and at Work. ICRP Publication 65

(1994). Protection against Radon-222 at Home and at Work. ICRP Publication 65. International Journal of Radiation Biology: Vol. 66, No. 4, pp. 413-413.
Reflections on health care consumerism: insights from feminism

Health care consumerism is a movement concerned with patients' interests in health care, crucially those that are repressed or partly repressed by dominant interest-holders. Like feminism, health care consumerism attracts dislike and confusion as well as enthusiasm. But just as the voicing of women's repressed interests leads to their gradual acceptance by dominant interest-holders, so does the voicing of patients' repressed interests.
Isoreflectance contours for medical imaging

With the use of microcomputer-based computer imaging hardware and software, it was found that the reflectance of an object could be stretched such that isoreflectance contours were generated, indicative of minute light-intensity variations. Such a reflectance imaging technique is noncontact and noninvasive. Isoreflectance contours are very sensitive to small displacements, with the detection limit being 160 mu m with the present hardware implementation. With the proper setting and orientation of an illuminating light source, tiny body pulse motions can be detected and observed in real time. The contours of equal reflectance can also provide biogeometrical information which can be used to quantitate formerly qualitative observations about body morphology, and in particular, bilateral symmetry of the human body. >
PREDICTING NETWORK FORMATION OF FREE RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL MONOMERS

Free radical polymerization of multifunctional monomers leads to the formation of crosslinked polymer materials. These crosslinked polymers are heterogeneous networks caused by varying pendant reactivity and primary cyclization reactions. A kinetic model was utilized to probe the manner in which pendant double bonds react throughout the polymerization and to characterize the cycle size. The effects of crosslinking agent size, copolymerization, and solution polymerization were each examined. Increasing crosslinking agent size causes fewer small cycles to form and diminishes the total number of cycles that are created. Increasing the solvent concentration during polymerization has the converse effects of increasing the number of cycles that form within the first couple of repeat units and increasing the total fraction of pendants that form cycles. The model was further used to predict the molecular weight between crosslinks as a function of polymerization conditions.
Anti-primer quenching-based real-time PCR for simplex or multiplex DNA quantification and single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping.

Nucleic acid amplification and detection plays an increasingly important role in genetic analysis of clinical samples, medical diagnostics and drug discovery. We present a new quantitative PCR method that allows versatile and flexible nucleic acid target quantification. One of the PCR primers is modified by an oligonucleotide “tail” fluorescently labeled at the 5′ end. An oligonucleotide complementary to this tail, carrying a 3′-quencher (“anti-primer”), is included in the PCR along with the two primers. Following primer extension, the reaction temperature is lowered such that the anti-primer hybridizes to and quenches the fluorescence of only the free primer and not the double-stranded PCR product, allowing real-time fluorescent quantification of the latter. This anti-primer-based quantitative real-time PCR (aQRT-PCR) allows simplex or multiplex quantification or single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping in clinical samples of widely differing quality (e.g., fresh samples, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples and plasma-circulating DNA) and provides a practical alternative to existing, more expensive approaches. The process of aQRT-PCR takes 1.5–2 h.
Structural failure criterion for solid propellants under multiaxial stresses.

The phenomenon of structural failure of viscoelastic solid rocket propellants is considered, and an analytical criterion is developed for predicting the failure conditions. Because of the similarity in the failure behavior, the results obtained are valid for unfilled polymers as well as for solid propellants. The failure criterion takes into consideration general multiaxial loading conditions and a time-dependent cumulative damage phenomenon. The criterion is based on the postulate that at any time the rate of the structural damage of the material depends on the instantaneous state of stress and the past history of damage. The failure condition is denned when the damage rate reaches a critical value. The failure relationships corresponding to this criterion are compared to available experimental data for a homogeneous polymer and two solid-propellant materials. The experimental data used are from constantstrain-rate tests under uniaxial, biaxial, and triaxial stress conditions and uniaxial variablerate tests. The agreement obtained, using various semiempirical functions, indicates that the suggested failure criterion is of the proper form.
An overview of alternative type-reduction approaches for reducing the computational cost of interval type-2 fuzzy logic controllers

Interval type-2 fuzzy logic controllers have demonstrated better abilities to handle uncertainties than their type-1 counterparts in many applications; however, the high computational cost of the iterative Karnik-Mendel algorithms in type-reduction may hinder them from certain real-time applications. This paper provides an overview and comparison of 11 alternative type-reducers, which have closed-form representations and are more convenient in analysis. Experiments demonstrate that 10 of them are faster than the Karnik-Mendel algorithms. Among them, the Wu-Tan and Nie-Tan methods are the fastest, and they are only about 1.2–1.7 times slower than a type-1 fuzzy logic controller.
Corticosterone levels in mice exposed to high-intensity electric fields.

Plasma corticosterone concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay from mice exposed to 60 Hz electric fields from 0 to 50,000 V/m for durations ranging from 5 min to 6 weeks. Responses of mice exposed to known stressors such as handling, social mixing, and high-level noise were also assessed. An acute, transient increase in circulating corticosterone was apparent immediately after activation of a high-intensity electric field. The increase was apparent only for a matter of minutes, and corticosterone concentration after exposure of several hours, days, or weeks was normal. In contrast, mice which were moved, socially mixed, and exposed to high-level noise had corticosterone levels which were consistently two or three times greater than those of undisturbed mice or mice exposed to the high-intensity electric fields. Results were interpreted as meaning that mice may perceive high-intensity electric fields and exhibit orientation reactions to the onset of such fields.
A Finite Element Model for Estimating Axonal Damage in Traumatic Brain Injury

There has been an ongoing effort to reduce the occurrence of sports-related traumatic brain injury. These injuries are caused by an impact to the head and often lead to the damage of neural axons in the brain. This type of damage is classified as diffuse axonal injury (DAI) or traumatic axonal injury (TAI) [1]. One of the difficulties in studying the progression of axonal injury is that the structural signature of DAI cannot be readily visualized with conventional medical imaging modalities since the damage occurs at the cellular level [2]. This also makes the injury difficult to diagnose. Many researchers have turned to finite element (FE) models to study the development of diffuse axonal injury. FE models provide a means for observing the mechanical process of injury development from the loads to the head at the macroscale to the damage that results at the cellular level. However, for a finite element model to be a viable tool for studying DAI, the model must be able to accurately represent the behavior of the brain tissue, and it must be able to accurately predict injury. In this work, we address both of these issues in an effort to improve the material models and injury criteria used in current FE models of TBI. We represent the white matter with an anisotropic, hyper-viscoelastic constitutive model, incorporate the microstructure of the white matter through the use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and estimate injury using an axonal strain injury (ASI) criterion (Figure 1). We also develop a novel method to quantify the degree of axonal damage in the fiber tracts of the brain.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Reliability sensitivity-based correlation coefficient calculation in structural reliability analysis

The correlation coefficients of random variables of mechanical structures are generally chosen with experience or even ignored, which cannot actually reflect the effects of parameter uncertainties on reliability. To discuss the selection problem of the correlation coefficients from the reliability-based sensitivity point of view, the theory principle of the problem is established based on the results of the reliability sensitivity, and the criterion of correlation among random variables is shown. The values of the correlation coefficients are obtained according to the proposed principle and the reliability sensitivity problem is discussed. Numerical studies have shown the following results: (1) If the sensitivity value of correlation coefficient ρ is less than (at what magnitude 0.000 01), then the correlation could be ignored, which could simplify the procedure without introducing additional error. (2) However, as the difference between ρ s, that is the most sensitive to the reliability, and ρ R , that is with the smallest reliability, is less than 0.001, ρ s is suggested to model the dependency of random variables. This could ensure the robust quality of system without the loss of safety requirement. (3) In the case of |E abs|>0.001 and also |E rel|>0.001, ρ R should be employed to quantify the correlation among random variables in order to ensure the accuracy of reliability analysis. Application of the proposed approach could provide a practical routine for mechanical design and manufactory to study the reliability and reliability-based sensitivity of basic design variables in mechanical reliability analysis and design.
Discussion on Security Protection Technology of Smart Distribution Grid

Smart distribution grid is an open grid, in the process of its deployment must be fully consider its safety problems. Based on the technical system and features of smart distribution grid, the security of smart distribution grid is divided into three levels, smart distribution grid may be the emergence of new safety issues, from data acquisition and processing, information transmission and information applications, this paper expounded on the security technology of the future smart distribution grid.
Progesterone blocks multiple routes of ion flux.

The administration of progesterone as a neuroprotective agent following traumatic brain injury has recently entered phase III clinical trials. Previous work has demonstrated that therapeutic concentrations of progesterone decrease excitotoxicity through direct inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels, an action independent of the nuclear progesterone receptor. Here we report using cultured rat striatal neurons that these same concentrations of progesterone also block voltage-gated potassium channels, sodium channels and GABAA currents. The actions of progesterone act at the surface membrane of neurons in a steroid specific, voltage-independent, concentration-dependent manner. Notably, these broad actions of progesterone on ion channel and neurotransmitter receptor function mirror those of dihydropyridines, and indicate potential shared mechanisms of action, the prospective of additional therapeutic applications, and possibly, untoward effects.
Dysfunctional emotion processing may explain visual memory deficits in alexithymia

Abstract While past research implicates weakened memory in alexithymia, the verbal nature of most memory tasks is problematic, as there is also evidence of a generalized verbal deficit underlying alexithymia. To address this confound, the current study compared groups of high- and low-alexithymic individuals on a neuropsychological memory assessment that included both verbal and nonverbal tasks. Contrary to the hypothesis, participants performed equivalently on verbal subtests, but the high-alexithymic group, relative to the low-alexithymic group, demonstrated a deficit for visual short- and long-delay memory that involves remembering pictures of people in social situations. Implications and ideas for future research are discussed.
Age, marital status, and risk of sexual victimization: similarities and differences across victim-offender relationships

By now, age and marital status are well-established correlates of criminal victimization, including adult women's sexual victimization. National crime statistics, as well as a large body of scholarly literature, have specified that younger women and unmarried women are at comparatively higher risk of sexual victimization than older women and married women. Few studies, however, have examined the relationship between age, marital status, and risk of victimization across diverse situational contexts of sexual victimization. The current study used data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) to examine whether the relationship between age, marital status, and risk of sexual victimization varied across victimization experiences involving three victim-offender relationships: stranger, acquaintance, and intimate partner. Results indicate both similarities and differences in the relationship between age, marital status, and risk of victimization across these three situational contexts of victimization. As expected, age was a significant predictor of victimization in all models; however, younger women's increased risk of victimization was far more pronounced for acquaintance and intimate partner victimization experiences as compared with stranger experiences. Also, consistent with prior research, unmarried women were at higher risk of victimization in all models; however, within unmarried status categories, separated women were at highest risk of both intimate partner and acquaintance victimization experiences as compared with never married or divorced women.
Impact of defect creation and motion on the thermodynamics and large-scale reorganization of self-assembled clathrin lattices

We develop a theoretical model for the thermodynamics and kinetics of clathrin self-assembly. Our model addresses the behavior in two dimensions and can be easily extended to three dimensions, facilitating the study of membrane, surface, and bulk assembly. The clathrin triskelia are modeled as flexible pinwheels that form leg-leg associations and resist bending and stretching deformations. Thus, the pinwheels are capable of forming a range of ring structures, including 5-, 6-, and 7-member rings that are observed experimentally. Our theoretical model employs Brownian dynamics to track the motion of clathrin pinwheels at sufficiently long time scales to achieve complete assembly. Invoking theories of dislocation-mediated melting in two dimensions, we discuss the phase behavior for clathrin self-assembly as predicted by our theoretical model. We demonstrate that the generation of 5–7 defects in an otherwise perfect honeycomb lattice resembles creation of two dislocations with equal and opposite Burgers vectors. We use orientational- and translational-order correlation functions to predict the crystalline-hexatic and hexatic-liquid phase transitions in clathrin lattices. These results illustrate the pivotal role that molecular elasticity plays in the physical behavior of self-assembling and self-healing materials.
Influence of the aqueous-phase pressure on the freezing and thawing of pore moisture in highly disperse media

The freezing and thawing of sandy (frozen) rock is considered, taking account of the temperature and pressure correlation at the phase-transition front.
A clinical evaluation of an improved TFA micromethod for plasma and serum vitamin A

Abstract An improved TFA method for the determination of vitamin A in serum or plasma has been presented. The method variability has been shown to be about 1%, whereas the extraction variability is about 3%. Both of these variabilities are significantly lower than in other published methods for vitamin A. Analysis of vitamin A in 304 plasma samples prepared from bloods obtained by finger prick showed that these mean values of vitamin A compared favorably with published mean values on other children whose blood samples were obtained by venipuncture. It appears that plasma prepared from bloods obtained either by finger prick or by venipuncture are essentially equivalent for the purposes of vitamin A assay.
Quality of life with and without aphasia

Background: Although the social approach to managing aphasia is designed to improve the quality of life (QOL) of the aphasic person, the influence of being aphasic on different facets of QOL is unknown. Aims: To delineate socially valid therapy targets, we examined 24 facets of QOL proposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to determine which facets differentiate QOL between aphasic and nonaphasic people. Methods & Procedures: A prospective, observational, non-randomised group design was employed. Two measures--the WHO QOL Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Psychosocial Well-Being Index (PWI)--were administered to 18 adults with chronic aphasia and 18 nonaphasic adults. Indices of determination (ID) and degrees of overlap (DO) were calculated to determine which of the 24 facets were best in differentiating between the aphasic and nonaphasic groups. Outcomes & Results: Facets within three domains--level of independence, social relationships, and environment--were best in distinguishing QOL b...
Assessment of tolerance to and physical dependence on pentobarbital, induced by multiple pellet implantation

Abstract Tolerance to pentobarbital was assessed in male ICR mice using a subcutaneous pellet implantation technique. Mice received 75 mg/kg pentobarbital pellets for different durations of time; 3 days (1 pellet), 6 days (2 pellets) or 9 days (3 pellets). Tolerance or dependence was assessed at 0,24 or 48 h after the removal of pellets. Significant tolerance to a 75 mg i.p. challenge of sodium pentobarbital was observed in all groups at all time points following pellet removal. In mice implanted with 3 pellets for 9 days, the sleeping time after i.p. challenge dose of pentobarbital at 24 or 48 h after the removal of pellets was significantly decreased as compared with that of the 3 day group. A significant decreased narcosis was also observed in 6 and 9 day groups at 6 h following an intracerebroventricular injection of sodium pentobarbital (400 μg/mouse). Dependence as assessed by the convulsion induced by pentylenetetrazol was demonstrated in all groups 24 h following pellet removal. The incidence of convulsions of both 6 and 9 day groups at this time point was higher than that of the 3 day group. Hepatic microsomal enzyme activity was evaluated by five different substrates at 1, 3 and 9 days of pentobarbital pellet implantation and also at 48 h after pellet removal. Hepatic microsomal enzyme activity was fully induced by three days of pellet implantation. At 48 h after pellet removal the 3 day pentobarbital implanted group had elevated hepatic microsomal enzyme activity over 6 and 9 day groups. Thus marked tolerance and dependence are observed following long term pentobarbital administration by pellet implantation technique but the type of tolerance persisting following barbiturate discontinuation seems to be more functional than dispositional in nature.
A New Line of Thyratrons

THE WIDE ambient-temperature range, small size, and quick heating of gas-filled thyratrons are important characteristics that encourage their use in many industrial applications. Experience has shown, however, that available gas-filled thyratrons have suffered from gas cleanup and short tube life when used in circuits that apply a high inverse anode voltage immediately after current conduction. When these conditions obtain, cleanup is caused by ion bombardment of the anode so severe that ions penetrate the anode surface and permanently become trapped.
Rationality and Freedom, Weber and Beyond

In the tradition of German social thought from Kant and Hegel through Toennies and Simmel, the development of rationality in modern Europe is associated with an increase of human freedom. Weber's work departs from that tradition by providing an incomparably differentiated framework for the analysis of rationality and by associating modern European rationalization with a curtailment of freedom. More careful examination of Weber's oeuvre, however, indicates that he, too, connected rationalization with the growth of freedom in many respects. His amended argument remains valuable today, although ways in which it stands to be improved by incorporating subsequent analyses are suggested.
Ascorbic acid accumulates in cartilage in vivo.

Abstract Background : Ascorbic acid plays an important role in collagen synthesis. Though ascorbic acid concentrations in many tissues and in plasma have been characterized, little is known about in vivo levels in cartilage. Materials and methods : To discern the role of ascorbic acid in cartilage, we conducted a dose–response study measuring ascorbic acid levels in various guinea pig tissues and fluids in response to this vitamin. To our knowledge, this is the first such study in cartilage. Results : Ascorbic acid was higher in synovial fluid compared to paired plasma, and higher in cartilage than paired synovial fluid. Tissue levels were normalized to DNA to compare ascorbic acid concentrations relative to a measure of tissue cellularity. Normalized cartilage ascorbic acid concentrations were intermediate between liver (lowest) and adrenal (highest), two well-known concentrators of ascorbic acid. All tissues and fluids showed a saturation-effect characterized by large differences in ascorbic acid concentrations between low- and medium-dose groups and smaller concentration differences between medium- and high-dose groups. Conclusions : Cartilage, a tissue dependent on ascorbic acid for extracellular matrix production of collagen, concentrates ascorbic acid. This concentrating ability is consistent with the chondrocyte expression of SVCT2, a sodium-dependent ascorbic acid transporter.
Eigenspaces of the Laplacian; integral representations and irreducibility

Abstract An integral representation is given for eigenfunctions of the Laplacian on a noncompact two-point homogeneous space. For the flat case an irreducibility criterion for the eigenspace representations is proved, complementing an earlier result [6a, p. 143] for the nonflat cases.
Histological changes in cells infected with Columbia SK virus.

ConclusionsThe changes produced in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells by Columbia SK virus are described, using various staining technics including fluorescent antibody staining.
Consistent strongly implicit iterative procedures for two-dimensional unsteady and three-dimensional space-marching flow calculations

Abstract First and second-order accurate time consistent versions of the coupled strongly implicit procedure (CSIP) have been developed and investigated for diffusion, potential flow and reduced Navier-Stokes (RNS) equations. Typical examples for the flow over an airfoil and a flat plate at incidence are presented. The method is also applicable to space marching for 3-D flows. Primitive variable forms of the (RNS) and the boundary region equations are considered for low speed flow near the trailing edge of a finite-span plate and for supersonic flow over a cone at incidence, respectively. The composite velocity formulation is considered for flow over a cylinder of rectangular cross-section.