cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of annealing on track density in unirradiated and gamma irradiated CR-39 when used for fast neutron detection

Abstract The effect of annealing on track density in unirradiated CR-39 and gamma irradiated CR-39 neutron detectors was investigated. One group of CR-39 detectors (25.4 × 12.7 × 0.635 mm) was irradiated with 1.3 kGy of 60Co gamma rays. The other group of detectors was not irradiated with gamma radiation. The two sets of detectors were then annealed at temperatures ranging from room temperature (20) to 150°C for 30 min. The detectors were then overlaid with 0.77 mm of polyethylene and exposed to 252Cf spontaneous fission neutrons. Eight detectors were used as controls for the determination of background track density. All detectors were then etched in 6.25 N sodium hydroxide solution at 70°C for 4 h. The track densities were determined with an optical microscope. In the case of gamma irradiated detectors the net track density increased non-linearly with temperature until 150°C. For the unirradiated detectors the net-track density initially decreased with increasing temperature up to 60°C, increased between 60 and 120°C then sharply decreased between 120 and 130°C, remaining constant thereafter. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry measurements showed significant changes in light absorbance indicating heat induced structural changes in the detector for both annealed CR-39 detectors and gamma irradiated annealed CR-39 detectors.
Do wind power producers have market power and exercise it

In most electricity markets, wind power producers can participant in real-time markets without the need of being committed in the day-ahead. This setup could potentially lead to market power of these producers as the penetration of wind increases. In this paper, we developed a theoretical framework to measure the ability and willingness of wind power producers in manipulating the market price. Through a case study of the ERCOT control area, we demonstrate these producers do posses market power even at relatively low penetrations.
A market approach to conserving biodiversity

Abstract The policy now used to implement the Endangered Species Act (ESA) only prohibits actions that are harmful to listed species. While doing far too little to advance the cause of biodiversity, such prohibitions, or the prospect of them, seem to be imposing significant costs on many regional economies, and much greater impacts are feared. The article describes a market mechanism for simultaneously internalizing the social cost of eliminating especially scarce habitat, and the social benefits of protecting or producing it. For landowners with low value non-habitat land uses, the market mechanism transforms habitat from a major liability into a money-making asset. For landowners with high value non-habitat uses, the market mechanism would be a very attractive alternative to the current slow and expensive case-by-case consultation process. Environmentalists will appreciate the market process because it is less subject to politicization, or being gutted budgetarily or administratively, while assuring that agreed-upon, safe biological minimums cannot be violated.
Merging State and Preserving Timing Anomalies in Pipelines of High-End Processors

Many embedded systems are subject to temporal constraints that require advance guarantees on meeting deadlines. Such systems rely on static analysis to safely bound worst-case execution (WCET) bounds of tasks. Designers of these systems are forced to avoid state-of-the-art processors due to their inherent architectural complexity (such as out-of-order instruction scheduling) that results in non-determinism.This work addresses this problem by providing novel pipeline analysis techniques for characterizing the worst-case behavior of real-time systems on modern processor architectures. We introduce methods to capture (ldquosnapshotrdquo) pipeline state and to subsequently perform a ldquomergerdquo of previously captured snapshots. We prove that our pipeline analysis correctly preserves worst-case timing behavior on out-of-order (OOO) processor pipelines. We further specifically show that anomalous pipeline effects, effectively dilating timing, are preserved by our method. To the best of our knowledge, this method of pipeline analysis and interactions between hardware/software for obtaining WCET bounds on OOO processors is the first of its kind.
Optical phonon attenuation in impure metals and superconductors.

The electron-phonon induced attenuation of optical phonons, arising in impure metals and superconductors under laser irradiation, is investigated. The electron-phonon interaction is considered in the frame of reference moving together with the lattice. The screening of the longitudinal and transverse electromagnetic fields is taken into consideration for various values of the electron mean free path l, the optical phonon frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$, and wave vector q. .AE
Magnetic vs. structural fabrics, Whipple detachment structure, Whipple Wash, California

Abstract Orientations of ellipsoids of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) are compared with those of mesoscopic structural features for the breccia and upper mylonite zones for the Whipple detachment zone in Whipple Wash, Whipple Mountains, eastern California. The anisotropy of the breccia, which ranges up to 5%, is much less than that of the mylonitic gneiss, which can exceed 100%. Slight differences in trend are evident between the AMS ellipsoid elongations and those of mineral lineations. Maximum axes (χ 1 ) of the AMS ellipsoids, for both breccia and mylonite, trend generally SSW-NNE with shallow plunge, whereas mineral ‘stretching’ lineations in the mylonite gneiss have trends near NE-SW with shallow plunge. Measured fold axes are close to the χ 1 axes, SSW-NNE. χ 1 axes in the breccia show more variation, E-W and SSW-NNE, at different structural levels. Mesoscopic mineral lineations in the breccia were not discernible. For the planar elements, AMS ellipsoid flattening is generally more closely parallel to foliation surfaces in the mylonite than in the breccia. This is evident from overlapping minimum susceptibility axes (χ 3 ) and foliation pole clusters. χ 3 axes are more scattered than are poles of foliation. The scatter in χ 3 is possibly the superimposed susceptibility effect of several structural surfaces of different ages: joints, small faults, transposed metamorphic foliations, and mylonitic foliation. Especially interesting are the discovery of good χ 1 definitions in the breccia, the apparent lack of correlation of χ 1 axes with the very prominent ‘stretching’ lineations in the mylonite, and the similarity of the χ 1 axial trends with those of the fold/fracture pole patterns.
Neuronal/glial plasticity in the supraoptic dendritic zone: Dendritic bundling and double synapse formation at parturition

Abstract The magnocellular neurosecretory cells of the supraoptic nucleus increase production and release of oxytocin and/or vasopressin under such conditions as parturition, lactation and dehydration. These stimuli have been shown to result in increased direct apposition of neuronal membranes and the formation of double synapses (one presynaptic terminal contacting two postsynaptic elements) within the supraoptic nucleus at the level of the cell bodies. These morphological changes are due to the retraction of the thin glial processes which are normally interposed between adjacent neurons. The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether, and to what extent, neuronal/glial plasticity occurs in the dendritic zone (i.e. the ventral glial laminar area) of the supraoptic nucleus. The instances of two or more dendrites with membrane in direct apposition (dendritic bundles), the number of dendrites per bundle, the amount of dendritic membrane in direct apposition and the percentage of dendrites contacted by double synapses were quantified at the ultrastructural level in virgin female, prepartum (21 days of gestation), postpartum (day of parturition) and lactating rats. All parameters measured varied significantly with the hormone demand states created by pregnancy and lactation, apparently due to glial retraction. Moreover, in the 2–24 h period between pre- and postpartum there was a significant increase in the number of dendrites per bundle, dendritic membrane in direct apposition and the percentage of dendrites contacted by double synapses. This time course corresponds to the known increased release of oxytocin and vasopressin at parturition. These findings constitute the first demonstration that dendritic bundles and double synapses occur in the ventral glial lamina/dendritic zone of the supraoptic nucleus and vary under the physiological conditions of pregnancy, parturition and lactation.
Molecular cloning of four cDNAs encoding prepro-crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) from the eyestalk of the red rock crab Cancer productus: identification of two genetically encoded CHH isoforms and two putative post-translationally derived CHH variants.

Recently, we demonstrated that the four known sinus gland (SG) isoforms of Cancer productus crustacean hyperglycemic hormone precursor-related peptide (Capr-CPRP I–IV) are differentially distributed in conserved patterns among individual crabs. This finding strongly supported the presence of multiple prepro-crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (chh) transcripts in each crab, as well as the translation and processing of the encoded prepro-hormones. Whether these transcripts contained common or distinct isoforms of CHH remained unknown. To address this question, molecular analyses of the C. productus eyestalk prepro-chhs were undertaken. Using a PCR-based cloning strategy, four prepro-chh cDNAs were characterized: one encoding CPRP I, one encoding CPRP III (found to possess Ile26 rather than Leu26 as reported previously), and two encoding CPRP II. No cDNA encoding CPRP IV was identified. The deduced CHH present in the prepro-hormones containing CPRP I and III were identical (Capr-CHH I) and differed from that (Capr-CHH II) present in the two prepro-hormones containing Capr-CPRP II at a single residue, a Thr5 for Ser5 substitution. As both CHH isoforms possess Glu at position 1, a cyclization of this residue to pyroglutamine is likely as the peptides mature, as has been seen for the CHHs of other brachyuran species. Likewise, homology to other CHHs suggests all C. productus isoforms are C-terminally amidated. These post-translational modifications would result in four SG isoforms of CHH: Capr-CHH I, Capr-pyro-CHH I, Capr-CHH II, and Capr-pyro-CHH II. Southern blotting supported the hypothesis that at least three prepro-chh transcripts are present in each crab, while dual in situ hybridization-immunohistochemistry localized the transcripts to previously mapped CHH immunopositive somata in the X-organ, the major source of innervation to the SG.
Fundamental limits of image denoising: Are we there yet?

In this paper, we study the fundamental performance limits of image denoising where the aim is to recover the original image from its noisy observation. Our study is based on a general class of estimators whose bias can be modeled to be affine. A bound on the performance in terms of mean squared error (MSE) of the recovered image is derived in a Bayesian framework. In this work, we assume that the original image is available, from which we learn the image statistics. Performances of some current state-of-the-art methods are compared to our MSE bounds for some commonly used experimental images. These show that some gain in denoising performance is yet to be achieved.
Child Care Subsidies and Employment Behavior Among Very-Low-Income Populations in Three States

Using merged administrative data from welfare reform evaluations in three states, we estimate the effects of child care subsidy use on the length of time it takes for a welfare applicant to move into substantial employment. Findings show that the use of a child care subsidy during an unemployed or marginally employed spell of welfare receipt is associated with between a 0.6 and 1.7 quarter (or 11% to 34%) reduction in the time to substantial employment in two of the three state samples. The positive influence of subsidy use on transitions to substantial employment is strongest for those welfare applicants with the lowest earnings who are mixing welfare and work prior to subsidy receipt.
Phase-sensitive polymer-based controlled delivery systems of leuprolide acetate: In vitro release, biocompatibility, and in vivo absorption in rabbits

Abstract Leuprolide acetate (LA) is a synthetic analog of gonadotropin releasing hormone. It is effective in prostrate cancer treatment only when its desired concentration in blood is maintained for longer duration. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro release, biocompatibility, and in vivo absorption of LA from phase-sensitive polymer delivery systems capable of delivering it at a controlled rate for longer duration. Phase-sensitive formulations were prepared by dissolving dl -polylactic acid ( dl -PLA) in a mixture of organic solvents, benzyl benzoate (BB) and benzyl alcohol (BA). LA was incorporated into the polymer solution by homogenization. In vitro release was studied into 15 ml of releasing media contained in a vial which was maintained at 37 °C in a reciprocal shaking water bath. The amount of LA in the released samples was analyzed by stability indicating HPLC method. The biocompatibility of polymer formulations was investigated by in vitro 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In vivo absorption of LA from delivery systems was studied in rabbits. Blood samples were analyzed for LA and testosterone contents by commercially available immunoassay kits. In vitro release studies showed a greater release of LA from formulations containing a greater proportion of BA (hydrophilic fraction) in the solvent mixture. In vitro biocompatibility study showed significantly ( p
Detailed record of SO2 emissions from Pu'u `O`o between episodes 33 and 34 of the 1983?86 ERZ eruption, Kilauea, Hawaii

A tripod-mounted correlation spectrometer was used to measure SO2 emissions from Pu`u `O`o vent, mid-ERZ, Kilauea, Hawaii between Episodes 33 and 34 (June 13 to July 6, 1985). In 24 repose days, 906 measurements were collected, averaging 38 determinations/day. Measurements reflect 13% of the total 576 hours of the repose and 42% of the bright daylight hours. The average SO2 emission for the 24-day repose interval is 167±83 t/d, a total of 4000 tonnes emitted for the entire repose. The large standard deviation reflects the “puffing” character of the plume. The overall rate of SO2 degassing gently decreased with a zero-intercept of 44–58 days and was interrupted by two positive peaks. The data are consistent with the gas emanating from a cylindrical conduit of 50 meter diameter and a length of 1700 meters which degasses about 50% of its SO2 during 24 days. This is in support of the Pu'u `O`o model of Greenland et al. (1987). 36 hours before the onset of Episode 34 (July 5–6, 1985), elevated SO2 emissions were detected while the magma column was extremely active ultimately spilling over during dome fountaining. A “mid-repose” anomaly of SO2 emission (June 21–22, 1985) occurs two days before a sudden increase in the rate of summit inflation (on June 24, 1985), suggesting magma was simultaneously being injected in both the ERZ and summit reservoir until July 24 when it was channelled only to the summit reservoir. This implies degassing magma is sensitive to perturbations within the rift zone conduit system and may at times reflect these disturbances. Periods of 7–45 min are detected in the daily SO2 emissions, which possibly reflect timing of convective overturn in the cylindrical magma body. If the 33–34 repose interval is considered representative of other repose periods, the ERZ reposes of Jan 1983–Jan 1986 ERZ activity, contributed 1.6 × 105 tonnes of SO2 to the atmosphere. Including summit fuming from non-eruptive fumaroles (2.7 × 105 tonnes SO2); 28% of the total SO2 budget from Kilauea between Jan 1983 to Jan 1986 was contributed by quiescent degassing, and the remainder was released during explosive fountaining episodes.
Symbols and units for integrated absorbance in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ET-AAS)

Abstract The importance of using integrated absorbance for peak evaluation under thermal equilibrium conditions in ET-AAS has been reviewed. In view of the increasing acceptance of integrated absorbance it is important that a uniform terminology, accepted symbols and the appropriate units are used. The symbol A · s for the integrated absorbance is against the rules of IUPAC. The unit for the integrated absorbance is s (seconds). However, the introduction of a new unit such as Lv (L'vov) might be considered. The symbol A int or A i is proposed for integrated absorbance in analogy to A peak or A p for peak absorbance.
Heart rate variability predicts sleep efficiency

Introduction Heart rate variability (HRV) provides information about autonomic nervous system function, and has been shown to vary across the sleep-wake cycle. Measures of HRV have also been found disturbed in sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia. However, it remains unclear whether HRV could be used as a biomarker of sleep quality. Here we evaluated the association between HRV and sleep efficiency in a group of healthy volunteers. Materials and methods 39 (9 men) young university students with a mean age of 23.85 (SD = 6.92) completed a psychological distress questionnaire (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, DASS), and a sleep diary for seven consecutive days. At the end of the daily diary period, participants completed a laboratory visit between 9 AM and 12 PM. During the visit, participants wore a digital interbeat interval recorder (Polar 800CX) and were instructed to relax as they remained seated during 7 min. Average sleep efficiency (time asleep/time in bed) over one week was computed for each participant from the aggregated sleep diary data. The HRV parameters rMSSD, pNN50, and Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) were extracted using Kubios HRV (version 2.1, University of Eastern Finland) and CardioBatch (University of Illinois at Chicago). The association between HRV parameters and sleep efficiency was tested by Pearson correlations and linear regressions on log-transformed variables. Results rMSSD, r = .44 p = .007, pNN50, r = .50 p = .002, and RSA, r = .45 p = .005, were positively correlated with average sleep efficiency. In hierarchical regressions, rMSSD, p = .01, pNN50, p = .002, and RSA, p = .005, predicted sleep efficiency over and above differences in age, sex, ethnicity, and current psychological distress. Conclusion Greater HRV during resting wakefulness is associated with better sleep efficiency measured with sleep diaries over one-week period in healthy young individuals. This relationship remains significant after taking into account demographic and psychological variables. Therefore our results indicate that HRV during a short resting period is an independent index of sleep efficiency, and could be used as a clinical biomarker of sleep quality. Future studies should reassess this relationship in various clinical populations. Acknowledgements Support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Fonds de Recherche du Quebec – Sante (FRQS), the Sleep Research Society Foundation (SRSF), and the Petro-Canada Young Innovators Awards Program.
Isometric strength and endurance during the menstrual cycle.

Seven healthy young women, 3 of whom had been taking oral contraceptives, were examined during the course of 2 menstrual cycles to assess their isometric strength, their endurance during a series of 5 fatiguing isometric contractions at a tension of 40% MVC, and their blood pressures and heart rates during those fatiguing contractions. Two sets of experiments were performed, one in which the subject's forearm temperature was allowed to vary as a function of TA, and one with the muscle temperature stabilized by immersion of the forearm in water at 37‡ C. During exposure to ambient temperatures, isometric strength and both the heart rate and blood pressure responses at rest and at the end of a fatiguing, sustained isometric exercise, were not significantly different during any phase of the menstrual cycle in any subject. In contrast, the isometric endurance in the women not taking oral contraceptives varied sinusoidally in all 5 contractions with a peak endurance midway through the ovulatory phase and the lowest endurance mid-way through the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The isometric endurance of the women taking oral contraceptives did not vary during their menstrual cycle. After stabilization of the temperature of the muscles of the forearm in water at 37‡ C, the isometric endurance of the “normal” subjects showed a hyperbolic response with the maximal endurance at the beginning and end of their cycles, and the shortest endurance at mid-cycle. Here again, however, the isometric endurance of the women taking oral contraceptives did not vary after immersion of their forearms in the 37‡ C water.
Agonistic properties of low doses of antifertility compounds in male rats.

Male Wistar Strain rats of known fertility were given subcutaneous dosage of three drugs, alpha-chlorohydrin, amino-alpha-chlorohydrin, and busulphan alone or in combination for a period of thirty days. Males were housed overnight with females at various times during the treatment and ninety days after cessation of treatment. There were significant differences in levels of glycerylphosphorylcholine in the epididymides of two treatment groups as well as differences in numbers of spermatozoa recovered from the reproductive tracts of female rats mated with males from four treatment groups. Treatment had no effect on the weights of the testes or sex accessory organs or sialic acid levels in the epididymis, fructose levels in dorsolateral prostate and coagulating gland, or citric acid levels in seminal vesicle and ventral prostate of the treated males when compared to controls. The antifertility activity was probably mediated by an effect on epididymal spermatozoa and thereby subsequent change in sperm transpo...
Heligmosomoides polygyrus (= Nematospiroides dubius): Humoral and intestinal immunologic responses to infection in mice

Measurements of serum IgG1, IgG2a, IgM, and IgA levels and antibody titers in these immunoglobulin classes were made at intervals after initial infection and challenge infection of mice immunized by two or three previous infections. Identical measurements were made on the content of the small intestine in mice which had been exposed to the same infection schedule. Sections of small intestine taken after initial infection and challenge infection were examined by the fluorescent antibody technique for changes in populations of immunoglobulin-containing cells and by routine histologic procedures for histopathologic changes. In serum, only IgG1 was consistently increased after initial infection, and antibody in IgG1 was detected within the first 2 wk of infection. In immunized animals, only IgG1 and antibody of this class always responded to challenge infection, although antibody in other immunoglobulin classes was detected. IgA concentration of the intestinal content did not differ significantly after initial infection or challenge infection of immunized mice. Immunized mice had about twice the IgG1 concentration in intestinal content as singly infected animals. No intestinal antibody was detected after initial infection; only IgG1 antibody was detected in the intestinal content of immunized and challenged mice. Cell infiltrates in the intestinal mucosa and submucosa of immunized animals contained numerous IgG1-containing cells. Mast cells and globular leukocytes were observed in the intestine of immunized animals.
Simplified estimation of the octanol-air partition coefficient

The octanol−air partition coefficient is commonly used to understand the extent of chemical partitioning between the atmosphere and organic matter in the environment. In this study, octanol−air partition coefficients were estimated by generating an expression from combining empirical equations for the molar octanol solubility and saturated vapor pressures of organic compounds. The resultant equation simply estimates octanol−air partition coefficients from boiling points, entropies of boiling, and heat capacity changes on boiling.
Becoming “One of the Girls” The Transition to Lesbian in Midlife

In the lesbian community, there are many women who entered same-sex relationships in midlife after previously identifying as heterosexual. This article reviews the state of knowledge regarding this unique group of women. Attention is given to the impact of this life-changing event on the woman; her relationships with family members and friends; her awareness of status-related oppression; and the process of becoming a cultural insider given her new identity. Suggestions are included for providing support to women who are undergoing the transition and for future research with this understudied population
Cities, Space, and the New World of Urban Law Enforcement Technologies

Advanced technologies developed for use within military and defense applications are becoming commonplace within urban police departments. Technologies like photonics, thermal imaging, facial and behavioral recognition systems, remote monitoring by satellite, DNA testing, and retinal scans have found their place among the traditional crime-fighting weapons in police agencies. These technologies are being diffused among cities, aided by organizations like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, NASA, the US military, national research laboratories, the Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization of the National Institute of Justice, and others. Biometric, imaging, and monitoring technologies can be examined as stationary and roving surveillors, extra-local surveillors, and are often originated and controlled outside the metropolitan area in which they are applied. With this diffusion, the treatment and partitioning of urban space and urban citizens by public police agencies are changing substantially. Police technologies and personnel are creating machine systems that code and decode the information embedded in urban spaces, uncover patterns of movement by selected individuals, and locate and identify the invisible physical remnants left by targets of these surveillance machines.
THE LANGUAGE OF SPECIATION

The literature on speciation has expanded dramatically in recent years, catalyzed by the emergence of new conceptual frameworks, new theoretical approaches, and new methods for characterizing pattern and inferring process. As a consequence, the language used to describe the speciation process has become more complex. Increasing complexity may be an accurate reflection of current thinking with respect to how phenotypic differences limit gene flow, how selection results in the evolution of reproductive isolation, and genetic changes that contribute to speciation. However, increased language complexity has come at a cost; old definitions have been reconfigured and new terms have been introduced. In some instances, the introduction of new terminology has failed to recognize historical usage, leading to unnecessary ambiguity and redundancy. Although the writings of Mayr and Dobzhansky remain a reference point in the language of speciation, the last decades of the 20th century saw substantial changes in our thinking about the speciation process. During that period, the language of speciation remained relatively stable. In contrast, the first decade of the 21st century has witnessed a remarkable expansion of the language of speciation. Here, the origin and evolution of ideas about speciation are viewed through the lens of changing language use.
Navigating treatment impasses at the disclosure of incest: combining ideas from feminism and social constructionism.

This article describes an approach to the social and emotional schisms that characterize the disclosure of intrafamilial sexual abuse (incest). It argues that ideas from social constructionism and feminism can be combined in such a way that what appear as either/or choices become both--and possibilities. These include: social control versus therapy, shame versus pride, attachment to one's abusive partner versus attachment to one's injured child, and "justice" versus "care." Language: en
Local Heat Transfer in Enclosed Co-rotating Disks With Axial Throughflow

Local heat transfer in enclosed co-rotating disks with axial through flow is investigated. The rotating cavity has two plane disks and a cylindrical rim (shroud). The ratio of the rim span to the disk outer radius is 0.4 and the ratio of the disk inner radius to outer radius is 0.25. The objectives of this study are to investigate the effects of axial coolant flow rate, rotation speed, and disk surface temperature on the local heat transfer coefficients inside the disk cavity. Both uniform disk surface heat flux and uniform disk surface temperatures are tested for axial flow Reynolds numbers between 2500 and 25, 000 rotational Reynolds numbers between 0 and 5.11×10 5 , and rotational Grashof numbers between 5×10 6 and 1.3×10 10
Two-dimensional study of drop deformation under simple shear for Oldroyd-B liquids

The effect of viscoelasticity on the deformation of a circular drop suspended in a second liquid in shear is investigated with direct numerical simulations. A numerical algorithm based on the volume-of-fluid method for interface tracking is implemented in two dimensions with the Oldroyd-B constitutive model for viscoelastic liquids. The code is verified against a normal mode analysis for the stability of two-layer flow in a channel; theoretical growth rates are reproduced for the interface height, velocity and stress components. Drop simulations are performed for drop and matrix liquids of different viscosities and elasticities. A new feature is found for the case of equal viscosity, when the matrix liquid is highly elastic and surface tension is low; hook-like structures form at the drop tips. This is due to the growth of first normal stress differences that occur slightly above the front tip and below the back tip as the matrix elasticity increases above a threshold value.
Experimental and theoretical determination of the opto-acoustic spectrum of silicon

Knowledge of the photon energy-dependent photo-elastic (PE) response for a wide range of semiconductors is essential for the development of opto-electronic platforms. Coherent acoustic phonon spectroscopy provides a novel approach to measure depth-dependent optical properties in semiconductor materials with high resolution. Here we report measurements and calculations for bulk silicon in the photon energy range 1.5–3.4 eV. First-principles calculations of the PE spectra show remarkable agreement with the opto-acoustic measurements. These results show promise that this combined experimental and theoretical approach can be effective in characterizing defect induced modification in PE response as a function of depth and defect concentration.
Symmetry of Wurtzite

The symmetry analysis of wurtzite, performed originally by Dresselhaus at the origin of the Brillouin zone, is extended. A method is employed at the zone boundaries which is considerably simpler than the standard procedure. Optical selection rules for band-to-band transitions in the neighborhood of k=0 are re-examined. It is found that light polarized perpendicular to the $c$ axis should be absorbed more strongly than light polarized along the $c$ axis, independently of the symmetry types of the initial and final states, unless they have the same symmetry, which is unlikely. This result is in agreement with experiment for CdS and ZnS.
Modeling anaerobic digestion of dairy manure using the IWA Anaerobic Digestion Model no. 1 (ADM1)

The Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1) can be used to describe treatment of dairy manure once manure characteristics have been incorporated in the model. In this paper a parameter set is presented that can be used with ADM1 for simulation of dairy manure digester performance. Model results have been verified with bench-scale experiments and reported data from full-scale systems. Model predictions fit experimental data best for biogas composition and digester effluent COD. Simulated biogas productions were inconsistent with measurements from three different digesters. The model overpredicted acetogenesis, resulting in higher simulated than observed acetate concentrations. However, total volatile acid concentrations were simulated reasonably well. The model consistently predicted higher inorganic nitrogen than measured or reported results, indicating a need for further research in that area. The presented model and associated parameter set can be used to simulate and optimize the performance of full-scale dairy manure digesters.
An arbitrary waveform stimulus circuit for visual prostheses using a low-area multibias DAC

Attempts are underway to construct a retinal prosthesis to recover limited vision for blind patients with retinitis pigmentosa using implantable electronic devices. These microchips provide electrical stimulation to damaged retinal tissues using an array of stimulus circuits. This paper describes improvements to conventional circuit designs with significantly decreased implementation area and the ability to support arbitrary stimulus waveforms where an array of such stimulus circuits is required. This yields greater spatial resolution in stimulation owing to more stimulus circuits per chip area. Also introduced are digital-to-analog converter gain prescalar and dc-offset circuits which tune the stimulus circuits to an optimally effective range due to variation in retinal degradation. The prototype chip was fabricated by MOSIS in 1.2-/spl mu/m CMOS technology.
Growth, condition and reproduction in the Impala ram (Aepyceros melampus)

The relationship between reproductive activity, body growth and condition in the male Impala is examined. Body growth is described by the use of the von Bertalanffy equation, and asymptotic values for each parameter are given together with the age at which these are attained. Seasonal changes in body condition are determined by the use of the kidney index and the fat content of the bone marrow, and this is related to body weight and the time of the rut. Growth and development of the reproductive organs with age and season are described in relation to reproductive activity.
Walk pattern analysis of cryptodiran turtle gaits.

Abstract The terrestrial gaits of turtles are compared by combining the walk patterns and gait formulae. Analysis of the gaits by average distance coefficient yielded five similarity groups. The groups do not correspond to known taxonomic or behavioural groups.
LearnIT: An Instance-Based Approach to Learning and Reusing Design Strategies

We describe LearnIT, a computer program that can observe an iterative solution to a parametric design problem and learn the design strategy employed. When the design requirements change, the program uses the learned strategy to automatically generate a new solution in the style of the original. The program uses a specialized instance-based learning method based on the observation that iterative design is often a form of debugging-each iteration is an attempt to repair a particular flaw in the design. Thus, the program learns the design strategy by observing what actions are taken in response to each kind of flaw.
Toward Defining Discrepancies for Specific Learning Disabilities: An Analysis and Alternatives:

According to the United States Office of Education, the only generally accepted manifestation of a specific learning disability is the existence of a significant discrepancy between expected and actual achievement. Within this context methods for determining the significance of any achievement discrepancies in children's performances become important. The research reported here attempted to evaluate the utility of two procedures for determining severe discrepancy levels; the benefits and liabilities of each are discussed.
Precipitate-Free, Dilute Aqueous Solutions of Stannous Fluoride for Topical Application: I. Simple and Mixed Mediums

Sodium fluoride, glycerol, and tartaric acid maintained dilute aqueous solutions of stannous fluoride precipitate-free under the conditions of this experiment. In the absence of any precipitate, a "loss" of either stannous ions or both stannous and fluoride ions, indicates the possibility of the formation of water-soluble complexes in these solutions.
Electrostatic and van der Waals Contributions to Protein Adsorption: Comparison of Theory and Experiment

Electrostatic and van der Waals interactions are important in many colloidal phenomena and as such have been studied and described extensively. In a previous paper (Langmuir 1993, 9, 962), we described a model for the adsorption equilibrium constant of proteins at charged surfaces based on these effects, calculated using molecular properties of the proteins. Here, we compare the predictions of this model to experimentally determined equilibrium constants obtained using total internal reflectance fluorescence (TIRF) spectroscopy. With this surface-sensitive technique, equilibrium constants were obtained over 4 orders of magnitude as the ionic strength was varied over a decade and a half. Lysozyme adsorbed preferentially compared to chymotrypsinogen A at low ionic strengths while the opposite trend was observed at high ionic strengths. The model, in its various degrees of complexity, is able to predict the trend observed in equilibrium constant with varying ionic strength, to predict the values approximately, and to discern differences between the behaviors of the proteins studied. The utility of this model in understanding the interplay between charge and size-dependent forces is demonstrated, as is its potential for predictive calculations.
Cloward technique for obtaining iliac crest bone graft in hand surgery.

The Cloward method for obtaining autogenous iliac crest bone graft requires a smaller incision, less dis­ section, is technically simple, can be performed more rapidly, and has a lower morbidity than conventional open procedures. The graft is a high quality bicortical plug, suitable for use in compression arthrodesis tech­ niques. We have used this technique for obtaining iliac crest bone graft for intercarpal arthrodeses. scaphoid osteotomies and fusions, phalangeal and metacarpal lengthening, grafting of distal radius fractures, and re­ construction of bone tumors of the hand. This method is an excellent alternative to standard open harvesting of iliac crest bone graft and. is well suited for surgery in the hand and wrist. Technique Cloward device is perpendicular to the outer table of the blade of the ilium when obtaining the bone graft. Because of the curvature of the blade of the ilium, the drill will be pointing in a superior direction (Fig. 2). It is for this reason that the incision is made inferior to the iliac crest. The fascia overlying the gluteus medius is incised transversely and the muscle fibers are bluntly split longitudinally exposing a small area of the outer table of the iliac crest. The split in the muscle is no larger than is necessary to admit the dowel cutter. Be­ cause the muscle is bluntly split in the direction of its fibers rather than cut the bleeding is minimal. The Cloward device is positioned perpendicular to the blade of the ilium and the center pin is drilled into the outer table until the teeth of the dowel cutter are seated into the bone. The slider is then released and the dowel cutter drilled through the inner table. With continued rotation of the brace the bone plug is avulsed extra­ periosteally from the iliacus muscles within the pelvis. The ejector is used to remove the bone graft from the dowel cutter. The resulting bicortical plug is shown in Fig. 3. After the bone plug is withdrawn absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) soaked in thrombin solution is placed within the hole in the iliac crest. The remainder of the surgical procedure on the upper extremity is completed and then the iliac crest incision is closed. The excess hemostatic material is removed before clo­ sure. No drains or bone wax are necessary.
The Use of Psychopathy in Violence Risk Assessments of Adolescent Females

Forensic mental health clinicians frequently are called on to conduct assessments of youths' risk for future violence and offending. The fastest rising demographic group requiring these risk assessments is adolescent girls. This case report illustrates how the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV) can be used in risk assessment, as in the case of a 15-year-old girl. As is illustrated, the benefit of using the PCL:YV in a young offender case should be weighed against the potential detrimental effects on the life of the youth. This case report provides specific recommendations about how to apply the PCL:YV with extreme caution when conducting such risk assessments.
Supermicroporous silica-based SiO2–Al2O3–NiO materials: Solid-state NMR, NMR relaxation and magnetic susceptibility

Abstract Microporous materials SiO 2 –Al 2 O 3 –NiO with a pore size of 8–20 A, prepared by the sol–gel method at wide variation in Ni 2+ concentrations, have been studied by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements and multinuclear NMR. It has been shown that the MAS NMR spectra and particularly NMR relaxation in amorphous paramagnetic solids can be successfully used for their characterizations. The 1 H and 29 Si spin-lattice NMR relaxation is always non-exponential and governed by direct dipolar interactions with paramagnetic centers while the spin-diffusion mechanism is negligible. The 29 Si relaxation rates, obtained in the limits of the stretched exponential, reflect distribution of paramagnetic centers. It has been found that aluminum atoms are incorporated into the silica matrix of the materials while nickel centers are accumulated within pores. The nature of the nickel centers has been studied by magnetic susceptibility measurements supported by the XPS and X-ray experiments. These centers represent NiO and Ni 0 (observed at high nickel loadings) aggregated into nanoparticles. The Ni 0 nanoparticles are responsible for the room-temperature ferromagnetic behavior of the materials prepared with high nickel loadings.
15N-labeled brain enables quantification of proteome and phosphoproteome in cultured primary neurons.

Terminally differentiated primary cells represent a valuable in vitro model to study signaling events associated within a specific tissue. Quantitative proteomic methods using metabolic labeling in primary cells encounter labeling efficiency issues hindering the use of these cells. Here we developed a method to quantify the proteome and phosphoproteome of cultured neurons using 15N-labeled brain tissue as an internal standard and applied this method to determine how an inhibitor of an excitatory neural transmitter receptor, phencyclidine (PCP), affects the global phosphoproteome of cortical neurons. We identified over 10,000 phosphopeptides and made accurate quantitative measurements of the neuronal phosphoproteome after neuronal inhibition. We show that short PCP treatments lead to changes in phosphorylation for 7% of neuronal phosphopeptides and that prolonged PCP treatment alters the total levels of several proteins essential for synaptic transmission and plasticity and leads to a massive reduction in ...
Induction of DNA repair in human and rat hepatocytes by 1,6-dinitropyrene.

Abstract 1,6-Dinitropyrene (DNP) was found to be an extremely potent genotoxicant in metabolically competent primary cultures of human and rat hepatocytes. Dose-dependent increases in DNA repair as measured by unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) were observed in the range from 0.05 to 5 μM 1,6-DNP for both species, indicating that the rat-hepatocyte assay is an appropriate model for assessing genotoxic potential in human hepatocytes for this class of compound. Unlike some nitro-aromatic compounds, 1,6-DNP did not require gut flora for metabolic activation. No DNA repair was observed in hepatocytes isolated from rats treated with 50 mg/kg 1,6-DNP in corn oil by gavage 2, 12 or 24 h previously. The reason for the lack of a response in vivo is not known, but may relate to detoxification or distribution of the compound in the animal.
Motivating the unmotivated for health behavior change: a randomized trial of cessation induction for smokers

Background—Many smokers remain unwilling or unable to make a quit attempt. For these smokers, novel strategies to induce quit attempts are necessary to achieve further reductions in smoking prevalence. Purpose—This article describes the design and methods of an ongoing nationwide telephone-based clinical trial for cessation induction, the principal aim of which is to test the hypothesis that samples of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), can induce quit attempts among smokers otherwise unmotivated to quit. Methods—Smokers are recruited proactively through online channels. A ‘behavioral filter’ is used to identify and separate motivated versus unmotivated smokers, the latter of whom (N = 750) are formally entered into the clinical trial. Participants are randomized to one of two treatment conditions designed to promote self-efficacy and motivation to quit: (1) practice quit attempt (PQA) or (2) PQA plus NRT sampling. The primary outcome measure tested over a 6-month follow-up is the incidence of additional quit attempts as well as hypothesized mediators of treatment effects. Results—This study details the challenges of identifying and treating smokers who are unmotivated to quit. Strengths include a novel treatment approach, tested among a group of proactively recruited smokers nationwide, with a unique method of identifying cessation-resistant smokers. Limitations—The omission of a true control group, testing the effect of the PQA itself, is an inherent limitation to the study design. Online recruitment presents additional study challenges, all of which are discussed in detail. Conclusions—The study has translational potential to guide both clinical and policy recommendations for cessation induction. Further, while the focus is on smoking, this trial may serve as an example to researchers and clinicians who focus on other health behaviors, and who themselves are challenged with motivating people who are unmotivated for change.
Nibbanic (or Pure) Consciousness and Beyond

Pike’s phenomenology of mystical experiences articulates sharply where theological content may enter the structure of Christian mystics’ experiences (as characterized in their own words). Here we look to Buddhist (and other) accounts of “pure” or “nibbanic” consciousness attained in experiences of deep meditation. A contemporary “modal” model of inner awareness is considered whereby a form of pure consciousness underlies and embraces further content in various forms of consciousness, including mystical experiences in different traditions and experiences of “full union” (with God).
Allium Chemistry: Synthesis and Sigmatropic Rearrangements of Alk(en)yl 1-Propenyl Disulfide S-Oxides from Cut Onion and Garlic1

Reduction (LiAlH4) of propyl 1-propynyl sulfide (8) to (E)-1-propenyl propyl sulfide ((E)-10), C−S cleavage (Li/NH3) to lithium (E)-1-propenethiolate (Li (E)-11), and reaction with MeSO2Cl gives (E,E)-bis(1-propenyl) disulfide ((E,E)-2); i-Bu2AlH reduction of 8 to (Z)-10 and reaction with Li/NH3 and then MeSO2Cl gives (Z,Z)-2 via Li (Z)-11. Reaction of MeSO2SR (R = Me (12a), n-Pr (12b), CH2CHCH2 (12c), CHCHMe (12d)) with K (E)-11 gives (E,Z)-2 from (Z)-12d; Li (E,Z)-11 gives alkyl (E)- and (Z)-1-propenyl disulfides (MeCHCHSSR, R = Me (3a), n-Pr (3b), CH2CHCH2 (3c)) from 12a−c, respectively. Oxidation at −60 °C of (E,E)-, (Z,Z)-, and (E,Z)-2 gives (E)-1-propenesulfinothioic acid S-(E)-1-propenyl ester ((E,E)-13, (E,E)-MeCHCHS(O)SCHCHMe) from (E,E)-2, (Z,Z)-13 from (Z,Z)-2, and ca. 2:1 (E,Z)-13)/(Z,E)-13 from (E,Z)-2. Warming (Z,Z)-13 gives (±)-(1α,2α,3β,4α,5β)-2,3-dimethyl-5,6-dithiabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane 5-oxide (1a), endo-5-methyl-exo-6-methyl-2-oxa-3,7-dithiabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (14a), and exo-5-methyl-e...