cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bound excitons in Cu 2 O : Efficient internal free exciton detector

We report the spectroscopic observation of bound excitons in natural ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ samples, which are generated by impurity capture of free excitons. Due to the broken symmetry of a bound exciton, its radiative recombination rate increases, causing a greatly enhanced luminescence intensity compared with that for a free exciton. Moreover, the bound exciton luminescence serves as an internal monitor of the free ortho- and free para-exciton densities, whereas the free para-exciton luminescence is allowed only via weak ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{25}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ phonon emission. At high excitation levels, the bound exciton luminescence shows a density-dependent loss of excitons that is well explained by a recently proposed biexciton formation model. The temperature dependence of the bound ortho- and bound para-exciton luminescence indicates a ${T}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$-dependence for the exciton-impurity capture rate.
Using DE-Optimized LFS Processing to Enhance 4G Communication Security

Wireless communication networks remain under attack with ill- intentioned "hackers" routinely gaining unauthorized access through Wireless Access Points-one of the most vulnerable points in an Information Technology (IT) system. The goal here is to demonstrate the feasibility of using Radio Frequency (RF) air monitoring to augment conventional bit-level security at WAPs. The speciﬁc networks of interest include those based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), to include 802.11a/g WiFi and 4G 802.16 WiMAX. Proof-of-concept results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of a "Learning from Signals" (LFS) classiﬁer with Gaussian kernel bandwidth parameters optimally determined using Differential Evolution (DE). The resultant DE- optimized LFS classiﬁer is implemented within an RF "Distinct Native Attribute" (RF-DNA) ﬁngerprinting process with both Time Domain (TD) and Spectral Domain (SD) features input to the classiﬁer. The RF-DNA is used for intra-manufacturer (like-model devices from a given manufacturer) discrimination of IEEE compliant 802.11a WiFi devices and 802.16e WiMAX devices. A comparative performance assessment is provided using results from the proposed DE-optimized LFS classiﬁer and a Bayesian-based Multiple Discriminant Analysis/Maximum Likelihood (MDA/ML) classiﬁer as used in previous demonstrations. The assessment is performed using identical TD and SD ﬁngerprint features for both classiﬁers. Preliminary results of the DE-optimized classiﬁer are very promising, with correct classiﬁcation improvement of 15% to 40% realized over the range of signal to noise ratios considered.
Capture of Attention by Visual Onsets

The appearance of a new object within a multiple item display has been shown to capture attention in a stimulus-driven manner. Capture may be either beneficial or detrimental to performance depending on whether the new object is a target or distractor. In the present study we show that the ability of new objects to capture attention is mediated by the number of objects that change or morph. This finding establishes a boundary condition of the phenomena of attentional capture and has implications for the design of complex displays.
Public Funding and Budgetary Challenges To Providing Universal Access To Primary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

Budgetary capacity that would allow for the public funding of the provision of universal access to primary education is lacking in many sub-Saharan economies. National revenues significantly lag behind the overall economic productivity measure of GDP. Analysis of data derived from UNESCO and UNDP for 2004 shows that governments in the region spend far less in US dollars per unit cost on primary education than do developed countries. Increasing the unit cost of education in order to enable a government to guarantee universal primary education would take away resources from other tiers of the education system in many countries in the region. The alternative is to universalise access, despite existing budget allocation constraints, and thereby further compound the problems of poor infrastructure and limited human resource capacity that continue to compromise education quality in sub-Saharan Africa.
Changes in the sugars and amino acids in chips made from fresh, stored and reconditioned potatoes

An investigation of the sugars and amino acids in fresh, cold stored, and reconditioned Wisconsin Kennebec potatoes showed a constant level of total nitrogen but an increasing free amino acid nitrogen from protein degradation. A constant level of free amino acid nitrogen in chips fried from these potatoes indicated an increasing formation of polymeric material. Cold storage increased the reducing sugars to 90% of the total potato sugars. At this point, chip frying caused a decrease of 88.4% of amino acid nitrogen with a corresponding decrease of 88.7% of reducing sugar. The ratio of this decrease was 1∶1.35 μmols. Acid hydrolysis indicated that part of this loss was due to reaction of amino acids with sugars. Twenty-four free amino acids and amides were identified and measured in these potatoes and in their corresponding chips.
Absence of human herpesvirus 8 and Epstein‐Barr virus genome sequences in cutaneous epithelial neoplasms arising in immunosuppressed organ‐transplant patients

Recent studies have implicated herpesvirus 8 and Epstein-Barr virus in the development of cutaneous malignancies in immunosuppressed patients. In order to examine the strength of this association, we examined 37 malignant, pre-malignant and benign cutaneous epithelial neoplasms removed from immunosuppressed organ recipients for the presence of human herpesvirus 8 and Epstein-Barr viral genome sequences using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization. We examined 2 actinic keratoses, 1 benign keratosis, 11 invasive squamous cell carcinomas, 17 squamous cell carcinomas in situ and 6 basal cell carcinomas. We also examined 4 basal cell carcinomas, 1 invasive squamous cell carcinoma and 3 squamous cell carcinomas in immunocompetent hosts. In contrast to findings reported by other investigators, we were unable to detect viral genome sequences in any of the biopsies examined. Our findings suggest that human herpesvirus 8 and Epstein-Barr virus likely do not play an etiologic role in cutaneous epithelial oncogenesis in immunocompromised patients.
Ovine endometrial expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 and conceptus expression of FGF receptors during early pregnancy.

Abstract In ruminants, conceptus development beyond the blastocyst state requires input from uterine-derived factors. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is expressed by the bovine endometrium throughout the estrus cycle and early pregnancy and stimulates trophectoderm expression of interferon-tau, the maternal recognition of pregnancy factor in ruminants. The objective of this study was to examine the expression of FGF2 in ovine endometrium and peri-attachment conceptuses and FGF receptors (FGFR) in conceptuses. FGF2 mRNA was present in the ovine endometrium with specific localization within the luminal and glandular epithelium. No pregnancy-dependent changes in endometrial FGF2 mRNA abundance were detected until placental attachment was well underway. FGF2 protein was detected in the uterine lumen throughout the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Concentrations of luminal FGF2 protein did not differ based on pregnancy status. However, uterine luminal FGF2 protein levels increased at days 12–13 after estrus in both cyclic and pregnant ewes. Ovine conceptuses collected at days 14–19 after mating contained transcripts for FGF2 and FGFR types 1, 2 and 3. In summary, FGF2 is expressed by the ovine endometrium and conceptus during early pregnancy, and peri-attachment conceptuses possess several FGFR types. Concentrations of FGF2 protein in the uterine lumen increase coincident with the initiation of pregnancy recognition in ewes. These observations support the concept that FGF2 and potentially other FGFs may affect conceptus development and/or gene expression during early pregnancy in ruminants.
Ion-induced damage accumulation and electron-beam-enhanced recrystallization in Sr Ti O 3

Damage accumulation in strontium titanate $(\mathrm{Sr}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})$ from $1.0\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}$ Au irradiation has been investigated at temperatures from $150\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}400\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. The relative disorder on the Sr and Ti sublattices at the damage peak has been determined as a function of local dose and temperature. A disorder accumulation model has been fit to data from this study and from the literature, indicating that defect-stimulated amorphization is the primary amorphization mechanism up to $\ensuremath{\sim}360\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. High-dose irradiation at $400\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ leads to formation of an amorphous surface layer. Analyses of the temperature dependence for amorphization indicate that the amorphization kinetics are consistent with irradiation-enhanced and thermal recovery processes with activation energies of $0.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ and $0.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$, respectively. Under $200\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{keV}$ electron-beam irradiation, the epitaxial recrystallization rates are orders of magnitude higher than thermal rates, and an activation energy of $0.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ is determined for the e-beam enhanced recrystallization processes.
Experimental determination of planar compliance values of flexures. Exp. determ. of planar compliance vals.

Abstract The experimental validation of analytical models for the planar compliance of flexure hinges is extremely valuable in the design and optimization of compliant mechanisms. These mechanisms are used in many precision actuation systems. Such systems are used extensively in micro- and nano-scale applications such as MEMS, robotics, manufacturing, microscopy, and aerospace. A general procedure for the experimental determination of planar compliance values of flexures is presented. The method described uses three displacement sensors and three unique loading configurations to generate the data necessary to determine the compliance matrix. An appropriate experimental apparatus is proposed. The results of pre-experimental simulations and a sensitivity analysis of systematic uncertainty are reported in an illustrative case study.
Six-month variability of the dark-adapted pupil diameter.

Purpose To determine the individual variability of the dark-adapted pupil diameter over 6 months using a standardized dark-adaptation protocol. Setting Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA. Methods This prospective observational cohort study comprised volunteers with no history of ocular disease, surgery, or injury other than requirement for refractive correction. The right eye was tested. A standardized dark-adaptation protocol was used that controlled for accommodation and patient alertness. Infrared, still digital photographs were taken after 10 minutes of dark adaptation at 1 lux and were analyzed using digital image software. Testing was performed at baseline in the afternoon, at 3 months in the afternoon, and at 6 months in the morning. Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise were not controlled. Results Mean intersession differences were 0.04 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.68-0.146), 0.15 mm (95% CI: −0.001-0.297), and 0.09 mm (95% CI: −0.048-0.236) for baseline–3 month, baseline–6 month, and 3 month–6 month comparisons, respectively. None of these differences was significantly different from zero (P>.05, 2-tailed Student t tests). The likelihood that the mean intersession difference was >.25 mm was negligible for all comparisons (P = .9996, .9099, and .9829 respectively, 1-tailed Student t tests). Conclusion When a consistent dark-adaptation protocol that controls for alertness and accommodation is used, normal young individuals showed no significant variation in the dark-adapted pupil diameter over a 6-month period.
Uniform and complex bids for demand response and wind generation scheduling in multi-period linked transmission and distribution markets

Power markets serving 70% of US load operate today on period-specific uniform price-quantity bids (UPQBs). However, UPQBs result in a poor representation of utility accruing to many multi period market participants. UPQB can adequately represent utility of consumption only under the restrictive condition that it is additively separable over time. In fact, the additive separability condition is particularly untrue for emerging smart-grid-enabled flexible demands with storage-like characteristics such as EV battery charging and HVAC. We claim that such types of flexible demand exhibit a utility of consumption related to a period-specific state variable - e.g. the battery charge state - whose dynamics are a function of past consumption trajectories. We also claim that wind generation should not be only credited for its energy bids; it should be also charged for the incremental reserves that the Independent System Operator (ISO) must procure to secure system integrity against bids based on volatile wind output forecasts. Appropriate debiting and charging rates equal the market clearing prices resulting from co-optimizing energy and reserve costs. We argue that flexible demand and wind farms that participate in the day-ahead market by submitting UPQBs are motivated to self-dispatch on the basis of energy and reserve clearing price trajectory forecasts. Since actual clearing prices may differ significantly from the forecasts used in the self-dispatch, oscillatory behavior can easily result if actual clearing prices are used as the next forecast. Nevertheless, a smoother price forecast updating process can lead towards Nash Equilibrium. The paper's contribution is the proposal of tractable complex bid rules that (i) allow market participants to reveal their true inter temporal utility of consumption and their net revenue from wind generation, and (ii) enable the market operator to compute the actual Nash equilibrium in a single solution of the market clearing algorithm. The tractability and reasonableness of the complex bid rules are demonstrated through numerical examples.
On brittle crack advance by double kink nucleation

A Mode I brittle crack is simulated by a pile-up of edge dislocations. The leading dislocation is a perfect lattice dislocation and the remaining dislocations are sub-dislocations with fractional Burgers vectors. A double kink at the crack-tip is represented by a set of double jogs on the dislocations. The equilibrium jog array is determined for several examples. The calculations give results for the activation energy for double-kink formation and for the elastic field of double kinks. The results are applicable to theoretical estimates of crack-growth rates and in providing boundary conditions for atomic simulations.
The Polyuric Syndromes

The purpose of this chapter is to consider the pathophysiology of polyuric syndromes, a term used to encompass those disorders which limit the kidney’s ability to form a hypertonic urine, i. e., to excrete solutes in a minimal volume of water. To the extent that this homeostatic mechanism is impaired, polydipsia is required to avoid the development of body fluid hyperosmolality and its potentially lethal sequelae. Depending on the severity of the concentrating defect, the maintenance of a normal body fluid osmolality may require only a modest increase in the amount of solute-free water ingested, e. g., in hypercalcemic or hypokalemic states, or the daily intake of 50–85% of total body water, e. g., in infants with familial nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
Activation analysis opportunities using a 5·1012 to 5·1013 n/sec 14 MeV generator

Capabilities of 14 MeV neutron activation analysis with a high output generator are evaluated and found to be comparable with conventional activation analysis regarding sensitivity and precision; additional elements are instrumentally accessible at trace levels. Nuclear reactions featuring higher selectivity are listed and their sensitivity is compared to the present state of 14 MeV activation. Quasi-promt activation (T<1 sec) expands the scope of the technique to rapid nondestructive assays of trace species in bulk samples.
Proteolytic modification of laminins: functional consequences.

The laminin family contains a number of complex, multi-domain proteins that participate in a large variety of biologic processes. Limited proteolysis has been utilized extensively as a tool with which to determine laminin structure/function relationships. In addition, proteolytic modification of laminins may occur as a component of heterotrimer assembly and secretion, or may follow incorporation of mature laminin into the extracellular matrix. Conversely, laminin binding to cellular receptors may also influence proteinase expression. This review will highlight specific examples to demonstrate the functional interplay between laminins and proteinases in the regulation of laminin structure and function as well as in the subsequent control of proteinase expression.
Effect of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on Civil Engineering

Congress passed the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and signed it into law on February 17, 2009, as part of the Obama administration’s recovery plan to create new jobs, spur economic activity, invest in long-term economic growth, and foster an unprecedented level of accountability and transparency of government spending, according to the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board (2009). This official website provides easy access to data related to ARRA spending and exists to deter potential fraud, waste, and abuse. The site was developed to report grants, contracts, and bids of all kinds that resulted from funding provided by the ARRA. This reporting requires cooperation from each state, and holds governors accountable for where the money is spent. Before investigating how the money is spent, it is important to look at the exact language of the legislation.
A Collaborative Approach to Planning in the Content Areas for Students with Learning Disabilities: Accessing the General Curriculum

The purpose of this article is to describe a collaborative approach to planning in the content areas to include and allow students with learning disabilities access to the general education curriculum. Procedures for selecting and organizing content, determining activities, identifying accommodations and modifications necessary to enhance content learning, and assessing student performance are presented. In addition, a sample unit plan and a lesson plan are included to illustrate the outcomes of collaborative planning based on effective teaching practices.
Sex, age, and progression of drug use in adolescents admitted for substance use disorder treatment in the northeastern United States: comparison with a national survey.

ABSTRACT. Background: National adolescent drug use surveys are distributed in United States schools. Survey results determine trends in drug use and inform research and prevention efforts; however, students who have dropped out of school or were truant the day of the survey are excluded. Examining drug trends in a high-risk population (adolescents admitted for drug treatment) may better characterize drug users and their use patterns. Methods: The current study examined questionnaires completed by 939 adolescents admitted for substance abuse treatment between 1995 and 2010. Results: Age of first use (ranging from 13.2 years for alcohol to 15.1 years for cocaine) was significantly younger for cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis than for “harder” drugs such as cocaine and heroin, and adolescents increased their use of almost every substance (except inhalants) with increasing age. This was not true of national data. Additionally, in the national data, less than 1.5% of participants reported using any of the ha...
The β2 Adrenergic Receptor Regulates Morphine Tolerance and Physical Dependence

Adaptations to the chronic administration of opioids reduce the utility of these drugs in treating pain and support addiction. Recent genetics-based approaches have implicated the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) in controlling some of these responses. We do not know, however, whether this receptor can modulate tolerance, dependence or changes in gene expression caused by chronic opioid administration. For our studies we used C57BL/6 mice and β2-AR knockout mice in the FVB background. Morphine dose response relationships were established both prior to and after chronic morphine treatment. In some cases, the selective β2-AR antagonist butoxamine was administered along with or after morphine. Physical dependence was assessed using naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. The expression of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) were measured in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues using both real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Both the co-administration of butoxamine with morphine and the administration of butoxamine after chronic morphine reversed morphine tolerance. Morphine failed to cause tolerance in β2-AR knockout mice. Physical dependence was reduced under the same circumstances. The chronic administration of butoxamine with morphine reduced or eliminated the normally observed up-regulation of CGRP and SP in spinal cord and DRG tissues. Our results suggest that the β2-AR modulates both opioid tolerance and physical dependence. Activation of β2-ARs appears to be required for some of the key neurochemical changes which characterize chronic opioid administration. Therefore β2-AR antagonists show some promise as agents to enhance chronic opioid analgesic therapy.
Retinotectal plasticity in Xenopus: Anomalous ipsilateral projection following late larval eye removal

The left eye was removed from Stage 56 Xenopus tadpoles. Two to 9 months after metamorphosis, electrophysiologic analysis showed that the surviving (right) eye mediated a normal visual field projection to the left (contralateral) optic tectum. In addition, a peripheral region of the same retina innervated the entire right (ipsilateral) tectum. Primary evidence that indicates this anomalous ipsilateral projection was due to direct retina-to-tectum innervation comes from singleunit analysis, latency measurements, and tectal lesion studies. Thus, the peripheral retina simultaneously connected in much different patterns to the two optic tecta, solely on the basis of the presence (in the left tectum) or absence (in the right tectum) of central retinal fibers. This documents a role for fiber-fiber interaction (such as repulsion or competition) acting in combination with fiber-tectum interactions in the formation of the retinotectal map.
The recognition of nucleotides with model β-hairpin receptors: Investigation of critical contacts and nucleotide selectivity

We have investigated the factors that contribute to binding of ATP by a designed 12-residue β-hairpin peptide, WKWK, and have determined its selectivity for binding to the naturally occurring nucleotide triphosphates. We have previously shown that WKWK creates an ATP binding pocket on one face of the β-hairpin consisting of two Trp and two Lys residues. Mutation of the two Lys residues on the binding face of the β-hairpin resulted in a lower affinity, indicating that each is involved in ATP binding and that each residue contributes approximately −1.5 kcal/mol to the energy of complexation. Replacement of either Trp residue of the ATP binding pocket with Phe or Leu destabilizes the complex formed with ATP by approximately 1 kcal/mol, indicating that both Trp residues participate in interactions with ATP. For binding to the nucleotide triphosphates, the order of binding affinity was shown to follow dTTP > GTP > ATP > CTP, with differences in binding energies spanning as much as 1.6 kcal/mol. NMR analysis de...
Community violence and aggression in dreams: an observation

Dream reports were obtained from two groups of female college students. Data from the first group were obtained during a period in which life in the community was more or less normal. Dreams from the second group were reported during and after a period of extensive community violence. Dreams for both groups were analyzed for the presence of aggressive content. Findings indicated that there was less aggression in the dreams of the second group.
Biliary and pancreatic secretions influence experimental duodenal ulcer without affecting gastric secretion in the rat.

The effect of the absence of biliary and/or pancreatic secretions in the duodenum or the enhanced presence of bile at the proximal duodenum on the incidence, severity, number, and location of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers was investigated in the rat. Cysteamine produced ulcers on the anterior wall of the duodenum in 75% and on the posterior wall (“kissing ulcers”) in 50% of the animals. Diversion of biliary and/or pancreatic secretions from the duodenum increased both the severity and the incidence of the posterior duodenal ulcers. Diversion of bile to the proximal duodenum, on the other hand, decreased the severity as well as the incidence of the anterior duodenal ulcers. Mortality in rats receiving cysteamine correlated with the severity of ulcers. Taurocholic acid at nontoxic doses given subcutaneously or orally to nonoperated rats and rats which had bile diverted to the proximal duodenum aggravated the cysteamine-caused duodenal ulcers. Neither proximal nor distal diversion of bile had a major effect on gastric secretion of acid and pepsin in normal or cysteamine-treated rats. We conclude that both bile and pancreatic secretions may directly influence the development of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in the rat.
QTIPS: A novel method of unsupervised determination of isotopic amino acid distribution in SILAC experiments

Stable incorporation of labeled amino acids in cell culture is a simple approach to label proteins in vivo for mass spectrometric quantification. Full incorporation of isotopically heavy amino acids facilitates accurate quantification of proteins from different cultures, yet analysis methods for determination of incorporation are cumbersome and time-consuming. We present QTIPS, Quantification by Total Identified Peptides for SILAC, a straightforward, accurate method to determine the level of heavy amino acid incorporation throughout a population of peptides detected by mass spectrometry. Using QTIPS, we show that the incorporation of heavy amino acids in baker’s yeast is unaffected by the use of prototrophic strains, indicating that auxotrophy is not a requirement for SILAC experiments in this organism. This method has general utility for multiple applications where isotopic labeling is used for quantification in mass spectrometry.
Development and Validation of a Brief Computer-Administered HIV-Related Health Literacy Scale (HIV-HL)

Health literacy is related to a number of health status variables and has been associated with medication adherence in persons treated for HIV infection. Currently-available measures of health literacy require lengthy administration or have content or format limitations. In this paper we report the preliminary development and validation of a brief computer-administered health literacy test that includes content focused on medication adherence as well as questions based on a video simulation of an HIV-related clinical encounter. The measure shows significant relations with other measures of health literacy, HIV-related knowledge, and electronically-measured medication adherence. We also present receiver operating characteristic analyses that provide estimates of various scores’ sensitivities and specificities so that the HIV-Related Health Literacy Scale can be used as a screening measure.
Light and electron microscopic demonstration of phospholipase B activity in the mouse eosinophil

Phospholipase B (EC 3.1.1.5) which hydrolyzes phospholipids in the α and β positions was demonstrated in murine leukocytes using light and electron microscopic histochemical techniques. Leukocytes (neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, eosinophils) were harvested from peritoneal exudates of mice. Cells were fixed in 4% calciumformol fixative for 10 min at 4° C for light microscopy and 30 min at room temperature for electron microscopy, after which they were incubated at 37°C in medium at pH 6.6 containing 2 μM lysolecithin and CaCl2. The fatty acids released during the hydrolytic reaction were trapped as a calcium precipitate and were converted to a cobalt precipitate for light microscopy by treatment with cobalt acetate or to a lead precipitate for electron microscopy by treatment with lead nitrate. The reaction products were observed to be present in eosinophils and absent in neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages. It is concluded that the eosinophilic leukocyte is the carrier cell for phospholipase B in inflammatory reactions.
Monoligated monovalent Ni: the 3d(Ni)9 manifold of states of NiCu and comparison to the 3d9 States of AlNi, NiH, NiCl, and NiF.

A dispersed fluorescence investigation of the low-lying electronic states of NiCu has allowed the observation of four out of the five states that derive from the 3d N i 9 3d C u 1 0 σ 2 manifold. Vibrational levels of theground X 2 Δ 5 / 2 state corresponding to v = 0-11 are observed and are fit to provide ω e = 275.93 ′ 1.06 cm - 1 and ω e x e = 1.44 ′ 0.11 cm - 1 . The v = 0 levels of the higher lying states deriving from the 3d N i 9 3d C u 1 0 σ 2 manifold are located at 912, 1466, and 1734 cm - 1 , and these states are assigned to Q values of 3/2, ½, and 3/2, respectively. The last of these assignments is based on selection rules and is unequivocal; the first two are based on a comparison to ab initio and ligand field calculations and could conceivably be in error. It is also possible that the v = 0 level of the state found at 912 cm - 1 is not observed, so that To for the lowest excited state actually lies near 658 cm - 1 . These results are modeled using a matrix Hamiltonian based on the existence of a ground manifold of states deriving from the 3d 9 configuration on nickel. This matrix Hamiltonian is also applied to the spectroscopically well-known molecules AlNi, NiH, NiCI, and NiF. The term energies of the 2 Σ + , 2 Π, and 2 Δ states of these molecules, which all derive from a 3d 9 configuration on the nickel atom, display a clear and understandable trend as a function of the electronegativity of the ligands.
Unnecessary inferences in associative-commutative completion procedures

Theoretical results for identifying unnecessary inferences are discussed in the context of the use of a completion-procedure-based approach toward automated reasoning. The notion of a general superposition is introduced and it is proved that in a completion procedure, once a general superposition is considered, all its instances are unnecessary inferences and, thus, do not have to be considered. It is also shown that this result can be combined with another criterion, called the prime superposition criterion, proposed by Kapur, Musser, and Narendran, thus implying that prime and general superpositions are sufficient. These results should be applicable to other approaches toward automated reasoning, too. These criteria can be effectively implemented, and their implementation has resulted in automatically proving instances of Jacobson's theorem (also known as the ring commutativity problems) usingRRL (Rewrite Rule Laboratory), a theorem prover based on rewriting techniques and completion.
High-quality ZnS thin-film growth for flat-panel displays

A comprehensive study is reported of the chemical-beam epitaxy (CBE) and metalorganic molecular-beam epitaxy (MOMBE) growth of undoped and Mn-doped ZnS on (100) silicon and GaAs substrates for applications in advanced electroluminescent displays and optoelectronic device integration. Low-temperature photoluminescence studies on undoped ZnS at 10K show highly pronounced excitonic and band-edge emission bands with several orders of associated longitudinal optical phonon replicas. The homogeneously Mn-doped ZnS layers showed the characteristic orange luminescence which depended on the concentration of Mn. However, Mn delta-doped ZnS exhibited much brighter luminescence than the ZnS homogeneously doped with a comparable number of Mn ions. The temperature dependence of the Mn luminescence was investigated in detail. Different temperature dependences were observed from the homogeneously and delta-doped ZnS layers. A single-parameter configuration model was applied and found to explain the luminescence properties of homogeneously doped ZnS. For delta-doped ZnS, the configuration coordinate model failed and the antiferromagnetic interaction between the Mn ions must be considered to explain the observed results.
Effect of Adsorbed Donor and Acceptor Molecules on Electron Stimulated Desorption: O2/TiO2(110)

The role of band bending on the efficiency of charge transfer across the TiO2(110) single crystal surface has been measured in ultrahigh vacuum, in the absence of a wide range of surface site inhomogeneities, surface impurities and solvent effects, and particle size effects. The adsorption of the Cl2 (electron acceptor) molecule and the O2 (electron acceptor) molecule have been found to enhance hole transport from TiO2 to 18O2 molecules adsorbed on oxygen vacancy sites, increasing the rate of electron stimulated desorption (ESD) of 18O2. This confirms that O2-ESD is hole mediated. Conversely, adsorption of CH3OH, a donor molecule, reduces the transfer rate for holes to the adsorbed O2, reducing its rate of ESD to near zero. The maximum effect of donor and acceptor molecules occurs near 1 monolayer coverage.
The intracellular pH of the blood cells of the tunicate Boltenia ovifera

Abstract 1. 1. The intracellular pH of the blood cells of the tunicate Boltenia ovifera was determined using the intracellular-extracellular distribution of a weak base. 2. 2. For blood with a plasma pH of 7.14, an average intracellular pH of 7.19 ± 0.15 was obtained using this method.
Legal Guarantees of Individual Freedom: A Cross-National Study of the Development of Political Thought

American, British, and German adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 were asked to weigh the merits of two potentially intrusive laws and to state whether or not individual freedoms ought to enjoy certain legal safeguards. Older subjects were both more aware that the proposed laws might constitute an invasion of privacy and more interested in obtaining legal guarantees of individual liberties, even in the event of an emergency. While the developmental results were more striking than the cross-national ones, the concern for preserving individual liberties was especially marked among American adolescents. These findings are taken as evidence for the development of an “ideology” or “feeling for ideals” during adolescence.
Effect of Increasing Pitch-to-Diameter Ratio on the Film Cooling Effectiveness of Shaped and Cylindrical Holes Embedded in Trenches

The continuous push for higher gas turbine inlet temperatures and operating efficiencies has led to increasingly sophisticated film cooling schemes. One such setup—trench cooling—consists of having film cooling holes embedded inside a gap, commonly called a trench. The coolant hits the downstream trench wall which forces it to spread laterally, resulting in more even film coverage downstream. Recent literature has focused on the effect that trenching has on cylindrical cooling holes only. In addition, researchers have limited their findings to a narrow range of pitch-to-diameter ratios (P/D). The current trends in the turbine industry of increasing or maintaining film cooling effectiveness while reducing the amount of coolant used dictate that P/D be increased, meaning less holes per row. In this study, we address both cylindrical and fan-shaped holes embedded in trenches. Tests have been conducted on 8 test plates with one row of cooling holes each varying the pitch-to-diameter ratio from 4 to 12 (12 configurations in total), and the blowing ratios from 0.5 to 2.0. We investigate the effect that P/D has on film cooling effectiveness for both hole geometries and compare them to similarly pitched baseline plates—fan and cylindrical—not in trenches. It is a known fact that increasing the pitch between holes, while maintaining all other conditions constant, decreases the average film effectiveness, however trenching has been shown to significantly increase film coverage. In this study, it has been shown that film cooling effectiveness of a cylindrical configuration can be maintained by the addition of a trench while cutting the number of holes in half. We also explore the behavior of shaped trenched holes, of which little has been said and find that their performance is actually hurt by trenching.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Molecular Mechanics and Molecular Cross-Sectional Areas: A Comparison with Molecules Adsorbed on Solid Surfaces

Abstract A convenient method for estimating van der Waals cross-sectional surface areas was developed using a molecular modeling program. Relative and absolute (argon reference) cross-sectional areas for 105 compounds were determined and compared by regression analysis with areas obtained by adsorption methods on various adsorbent surfaces. A plot of the entire set of 105 different compounds yielded a slope of 0.946 and a correlation coefficient, r , of 0.885. Excellent correlation is realized between calculated and experimental areas when the comparison is limited to graphitized carbon as the adsorbent and adsorbates are limited to n -alkane, branched alkane, and cyclic alkane compounds (slope = 1.010 and r = 0.974). Correlations were also found from subsets of data for varied adsorbents and adsorbates including alkanes, alkenes, aromatics, noble gases, alkyl halides, amines, and alcohols.
The Chiral Potential of Phenanthriplatin and Its Influence on Guanine Binding

The monofunctional platinum complex cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl(Am)]+, also known as phenanthriplatin, where Am is the N-heterocyclic base phenanthridine, has promising anticancer activity. Unlike bifunctional compounds such as cisplatin, phenanthriplatin can form only one covalent bond to DNA. Another distinguishing feature is that phenanthriplatin is chiral. Rotation about the Pt–N bond of the phenanthridine ligand racemizes the complex, and the question arises as to whether this process is sufficiently slow under physiological conditions to impact its DNA-binding properties. Here we present the results of NMR spectroscopic, X-ray crystallographic, molecular dynamics, and density functional theoretical investigations of diastereomeric phenanthriplatin analogs in order to probe the internal dynamics of phenanthriplatin. These results reveal that phenanthriplatin rapidly racemizes under physiological conditions. The information also facilitated the interpretation of the NMR spectra of small molecule models of phenant...
Overexpression of the rat sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase gene in the heart of transgenic mice accelerates calcium transients and cardiac relaxation

The Ca2+ ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SERCA2) plays a dominant role in lowering cytoplasmic calcium levels during cardiac relaxation and reduction of its activity has been linked to delayed diastolic relaxation in hypothyroid and failing hearts. To determine the contractile alterations resulting from increased SERCA2 expression, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing a rat SERCA2 transgene. Characterization of a heterozygous transgenic mouse line (CJ5) showed that the amount of SERCA2 mRNA and protein increased 2. 6-fold and 1.2-fold, respectively, relative to control mice. Determination of the relative synthesis rate of SERCA2 protein showed an 82% increase. The mRNA levels of some of the other genes involved in calcium handling, such as the ryanodine receptor and calsequestrin, remained unchanged, but the mRNA levels of phospholamban and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger increased 1.4-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively. The increase in phospholamban or Na+/Ca2+ exchanger mRNAs did not, however, result in changes in protein levels. Functional analysis of calcium handling and contractile parameters in isolated cardiac myocytes indicated that the intracellular calcium decline (t1/2) and myocyte relengthening (t1/2) were accelerated by 23 and 22%, respectively. In addition, the rate of myocyte shortening was also significantly faster. In isolated papillary muscle from SERCA2 transgenic mice, the time to half maximum postrest potentiation was significantly shorter than in negative littermates. Furthermore, cardiac function measured in vivo, demonstrated significantly accelerated contraction and relaxation in SERCA2 transgenic mice that were further augmented in both groups with isoproterenol administration. Similar results were obtained for the contractile performance of myocytes isolated from a separate line (CJ2) of homozygous SERCA2 transgenic mice. Our findings suggest, for the first time, that increased SERCA2 expression is feasible in vivo and results in enhanced calcium transients, myocardial contractility, and relaxation that may have further therapeutic implications.
Hacker Curriculum : How Hackers Learn Networking

This two-part article discusses the factors distinguishing the hacker culture from the IT industry and traditional academia, using networking examples. This first part describes the starting points of the hackers' approach to layered computer systems.
Synthesis and pharmacology of the isomeric methylheptyl-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinols

Abstract The synthesis of the 3-heptyl, and the eleven isomeric 3-methylheptyl-Δ 8 -tetrahydrocannabinols ( 3–7, R and S methyl epimers, and 8 ) has been carried out. The synthetic approach entailed the synthesis of substituted resorcinols, which were subjected to acid catalyzed condensation with trans - para -menthadienol to provide the Δ 8 -THC analogue. The 1′-, 2′- and 3′-methylheptyl analogues ( 3–5 ) are considerably more potent than Δ 8 -THC. The 4′-, 5′- and 6′-methylheptyl isomers ( 6–8 ) are approximately equal in potency to Δ 8 -THC.
Apnea MedAssist II: A smart phone based system for sleep apnea assessment

We have developed a real-time sleep apnea monitoring system called “Apnea MedAssist II”. This has three independent sensors: ECG, SpO2 and Breath sensor. These sensors are connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The signal processing of the sensor signals and automated classification of a sleep epoch as an apnea event or a non-apnea event are done in a smart phone. The soft ware for signal processing and automated classification can be imported to an Android OS based smart phones as an `app' that we have developed. The system has accuracy well over 97% when tested on Physionet database. The system is being readied for limited patient trial.
Mass Spectrometry of 2,4-Substituted Carcinogenic Thiazoles and Their Metabolites.

The fragmentation pattern of some selected 2,4-substituted carcinogenic thiazoles and their metabolites are described. Multiple modes of cleavages are seen when the 2-amino group in thiazole is substituted.
Superconducting nucleation fields and proximity effect of normal-superconducting-normal triple layers

Superconducting nucleation fields for normal-superconducting-normal (nsn) triple layers are calculated when the static magnetic field is applied parallel to thens boundaries, thes layer is of arbitrary thickness, and then metals are identical and very thick. Comparing these results with experiments by Jain and Tilley on Cu-Pb-Cu triple layers, one finds that Zaitsev's microscopicns boundary conditions apply (at least approximately) over a wide range of temperatures at the nucleation field. This implies thatpFδG is continuous across ans boundary for diffuse and δG for specular electron scattering (δG is the Gor'kov pair potential, pF the Fermi momentum). Furthermore, the magnitudes of the order parameters on thens boundary are similar for Cu and Pb over a wide range of temperatures in large magnetic fields.
Development and validation of a classification approach for extracting severity automatically from electronic health records

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) contain a wealth of information useful for studying clinical phenotype-genotype relationships. Severity is important for distinguishing among phenotypes; however other severity indices classify patient-level severity (e.g., mild vs. acute dermatitis) rather than phenotype-level severity (e.g., acne vs. myocardial infarction). Phenotype-level severity is independent of the individual patient’s state and is relative to other phenotypes. Further, phenotype-level severity does not change based on the individual patient. For example, acne is mild at the phenotype-level and relative to other phenotypes. Therefore, a given patient may have a severe form of acne (this is the patient-level severity), but this does not effect its overall designation as a mild phenotype at the phenotype-level. We present a method for classifying severity at the phenotype-level that uses the Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine – Clinical Terms. Our method is called the Classification Approach for Extracting Severity Automatically from Electronic Health Records (CAESAR). CAESAR combines multiple severity measures – number of comorbidities, medications, procedures, cost, treatment time, and a proportional index term. CAESAR employs a random forest algorithm and these severity measures to discriminate between severe and mild phenotypes. Using a random forest algorithm and these severity measures as input, CAESAR differentiates between severe and mild phenotypes (sensitivity = 91.67, specificity = 77.78) when compared to a manually evaluated reference standard (k = 0.716). CAESAR enables researchers to measure phenotype severity from EHRs to identify phenotypes that are important for comparative effectiveness research.
OP11.03: Can the severity of the maternal anti‐angiogenic state of pre‐eclampsia be detected by Doppler velocimetry?

statistically significant correlation between maternal serum PAPP-A, free β-hCG and uterine artery resistance indices. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates a positive correlation between first trimester uterine artery resistance, pulsatility indices and second trimester MSAFP. Uterine artery Doppler measurement during the first trimester prenatal sonography may be a prognostic screening method. The potential application of first trimester uterine artery blood flow in conjunction with maternal biochemistry such as MSAFP for prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes will be further evaluated with increasing number of patients in the current study.