cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RAPID TREATMENT OF TWO CASES OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Abstract Two cases of anorexia nervosa were successfully treated by making reinforcement contingent on weight gain. Reinforcement took the form of ward priveleges and the granting of off-ward passes.
FTS infrared measurements of alkali halides in the gas phase: Rubidium fluoride and cesium fluoride

Abstract High-resolution Fourier transform spectroscopy measurements have been made on rubidium fluoride and cesium fluoride vapor in the region of the fundamental vibrational bands between 290 and 360 cm −1 . The measurements were made at temperatures between 1020 and 1180 K. Vibrational transitions covering the range from v = 1-0 to v = 9-8 were observed. Dunham potential and rovibrational constants were determined for CsF and for 85 RbF and 87 RbF.
The Midfoot Is Really Deformed After Hindfoot Arthrodesis: How to Salvage?

Concomitant hindfoot and midfoot deformity is common. Hindfoot fusion is associated with prolonged recovery and significant disability. Further surgery is often required to obtain a plantigrade foot. Understanding normal structural and kinematic relationships between the midfoot and hindfoot, as well as recognizing common combined patterns of midfoot and hindfoot deformity, can minimize the unanticipated consequences of hindfoot fusion. Treatment of residual or resultant midfoot deformity requires a thorough analysis of the deformity and familiarity with a variety of operative techniques for correction.
Smoothed nonparametric estimation in window censored semi-Markov processes

Consider a process that jumps among a finite set of states, with random times spent in between. In semi-Markov processes transitions follow a Markov chain and the sojourn distributions depend only on the connecting states. Suppose that the process started far in the past, achieving stationary. We consider non-parametric estimation by modelling the log-hazard of the sojourn times through linear splines; and we obtain maximum penalized likelihood estimators when data consist of several i.i.d. windows. We prove consistency using Grenander's method of sieves.
A physiological model of binocular rivalry

This paper presents a modified reciprocal inhibition model for the temporal dynamics of binocular rivalry. The model is based on neurophysiological mechanisms and is derived from human psychophysical data. A simple reciprocal inhibition oscillator may be described with a set of four coupled differential equations with a neurophysiological interpretation. However, such a circuit does not account for some aspects of the temporal behavior of binocular rivalry, including the effects of contrast change on alternation rate and on the magnitudes of changes in duration of the suppressed and dominant phases. To better account for these phenomena, the equations and their stimulation are modified to include three new components: (1) presynaptic inhibition of the reciprocal inhibition by the input, (2) the motor delays that occur when a human observer tracks rivalry and (3) a minimum threshold for each neuron's state variable. The result is a much improved fit to psychophysically-obtained data on the temporal behavior of binocular rivalry. Finally, the model is incorporated into a larger model to suggest how rivalry might occur in a network that usually exhibits binocular fusion.
The role of microhabitat preference and social organization in determining the spatial distribution of a coral reef fish

Both habitat preferences and social organization can influence the spatial distributions of individuals. We explored effects of individual behavior and social organization on distributions of arc-eye hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus) in lagoons of French Polynesia. Analysis of habitat selectivity data obtained during surveys revealed that the most highly preferred microhabitat of arc-eye hawkfish was large Pocillopora coral with an open branching morphology. However, such corals were rare and most hawkfish occupied smaller, less preferred Pocillopora. Indeed, total abundance of Pocillopora explained nearly two thirds of the lagoon-wide variation in abundance of hawkfish and the derived relationship between the numbers of hawkfish and Pocillopora predicted 86% of the spatial variation in hawkfish abundance during subsequent surveys. In contrast, large, open-branched Pocillopora explained little of the spatial variation in abundance of hawkfish. Individual behavior and social organization significantly impacted use of the most highly preferred Pocillopora. During a colonization experiment set up outside hawkfish home ranges, all colonizers resided on the most highly preferred corals. Following addition of the most highly preferred Pocillopora corals to areas occupied by hawkfish, only the largest, socially dominant individuals obtained access to added corals, spending significantly more time and increasing both aggressive acts and prey attacks from these substrates. These results illustrate the importance of understanding the modulating effects of social behavior on habitat use and explain why most hawkfish individuals do not occupy their most preferred microhabitat type.
Fisher-Information-Based Performance Bounds of Certain Integrated Imaging Systems

Integrated, computational imaging systems are designed to maximally exploit system trade-offs for improved image quality. Applications of Fisher information to characterize the performance upper bounds of three specific integrated imaging systems will be discussed.
Important Considerations for SEM Total Dose Testing

The kilovolt electron beam utilized in a scanning electron microscope has been of interest as a tool for total dose screening of semiconductor devices for hardness assurance because of its convenience and because devices can be selectively irradiated directly at the wafer level. A number of factors such as the depth-dose distribution of kilovolt electrons, the dose-rate, uniformity of exposure, and device biasing must be considered when applying this technique. This paper is devoted to these and other aspects of SEM total dose testing.
An ultrastructural investigation of spermiogenesis and the mature sperm in the anthozoan Bunodosoma cavernata (cnidaria)

Testicular cysts located within the mesoglea of the mesenteries of Bunodosoma cavernata contain cells in all spermatogenic and spermiogenic stages. Cells in early maturational stages occupy the peripheral region of the cyst while spermatids and mature sperm are more centrally located. The young spermatid possesses a large, uncondensed nucleus within cytoplasm containing multivesicular-like bodies, mitochondria, lipid-like inclusions, and a Golgi complex. The sperm flagellum is present in this early stage of spermiogenesis, arising from the distal centriole which is surrounded by two pericentriolar specializations, centriolar satellites, and a system of branching processes. During spermiogenesis, the nucleus condenses to form the compact nucleus of the mature sperm. The Golgi complex produces “donut” shaped vesicles which become located near the nucleus. No distinct acrosome is formed. The pericentriolar processes persist during the development of the spermatozoon and are associated with a cytoplasmic collar which surrounds the anterior region of the tail.
DPP-4 (CD26) inhibitor alogliptin inhibits TLR4-mediated ERK activation and ERK-dependent MMP-1 expression by U937 histiocytes.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)/CD26, a cell surface glycoprotein, is expressed by a variety of cells including T cells, B cells, NK cells, and macrophages. Although it has been shown that DPP-4/CD26 is involved in T cell activation, its role in biological functions in macrophages has not been well investigated. In this study, we used alogliptin, a specific inhibitor of DPP 4/CD26, to study the effect of DPP-4/CD26 on the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) that plays a critical role in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in U937 histiocytes. Results showed that 1 nM of alogliptin inhibited ERK phosphorylation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a ligand for toll-like receptor (TLR)4, by 91%. Furthermore, results showed that alogliptin inhibited LPS-stimulated MMP-1 expression in a concentration-dependent manner and 1 nM of alogliptin inhibited MMP-1 expression by 60%. To confirm the involvement of the ERK pathway in MMP-1 expression by U937 cells, we showed that PD98059, a specific inhibitor for the ERK pathway, blocked LPS-stimulated MMP-1 expression. In addition to MMP-1, our study showed that alogliptin also inhibited MMP-9, -12 and -15, but had no effect on TIMP-1 and -2 expression. Taken together, this study showed for the first time that the inhibition of DPP-4/CD26 by alogliptin suppressed TLR4-mediated ERK activation and ERK-dependent MMP expression by U937 cells, suggesting that DPP-4/CD26 may play an important role in macrophage-mediated inflammation response and tissue remodeling.
Correlation between surfactant/micelle structure and the stability of bacteriorhodopsin in solution

The rate of solubilization and isothermal bleaching of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) in a series of nine alkylammonium surfactants is studied by using time-resolved optical spectroscopy. The surfactant series RN(+)R'(3) covers a range in tail length (R = C(12)H(25), C(14)H(29), or C(16)H(33)) and headgroup size and hydrophobicity (R' = CH(3); C(2)H(5), or C(3)H(7)). The rate of bleaching increases initially with increasing surfactant concentration but decreases at higher concentrations. Possible explanations for this behavior are discussed. The kinetic data are consistent with the penetration of the surfactant into the protein interior. Interaction of the surfactants with the protein is a complicated, multistep process, and the rate curves are a function of at least four variables: 1) the micellar environment, 2) the length of the surfactant tail, 3) the size of the headgroup, and 4) the hydrophobicity of the headgroup. Our data provide new insights into the molecular characteristics that help define the performance of surfactants in the solubilization and denaturation of membrane-bound proteins.
DNA fragmentation and Prolonged expression of c-fos, c-jun, and hsp70 in kainic acid-induced neuronal cell death in transgenic mice overexpressing human CuZn-superoxide dismutase.

Top of pageAbstract Kainic acid (KA) neurotoxicity was examined in transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing human CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD-1). The doses of KA required to produce seizures, the severity of the seizures, and the regions damaged were similar in SOD-1 Tg and non-transgenic wild-type mice. Intraperitoneal KA injection induced seizure-related neuronal damage in the CA3 and CA1 regions of the hippocampus and in other regions of the brain in both SOD-1 Tg and wild-type mice. These damaged neurons were labeled with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5′-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique up to 72 h, although no significant difference in the number of TUNEL-positive neurons was observed between SOD-1 Tg and wild-type mice. In situ hybridization showed that c-fos, c-jun, and hsp70 genes were expressed in the hippocampus, cortex, and other regions of the brain after KA treatment. The expression of these genes was maximal 1 to 4 h following KA treatment but persisted longer in the hippocampus and other regions in SOD-1 Tg compared with wild-type mice; however, cell death in the hippocampus, assessed using cresyl violet staining, was similar in SOD-1 Tg and wild-type mice. The data show that superoxide radicals modulate both immediate early gene and heat shock gene expression after KA-induced seizures. The prolonged expression of c-fos, c-jun, and hsp70 in SOD-1 Tg compared with wild-type mice may indicate that hippocampal neurons survive longer in SOD-1 Tg than in wild-type animals: however, cell death as well as the seizure threshold, seizure severity and the pattern of regional vulnerability were not affected substantially by increased levels of SOD in the brain. Keywords: Apoptosis; Heat shock protein; Immediate early gene; Kainic acid; Phagocytosis; Superoxide dismutase; Transgenics Abbreviations: AMPA, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid; DAB, diaminobenzidine; EAAs, excitatory amino acids; H & E, hematoxylin and eosin; H2O2, hydrogen peroxide; HSP, heat shock protein; IEG, immediate early gene; KA, kainic acid; MCA, middle cerebral artery; NMDA, N-methyl-D-aspartate; O2−, superoxide anion; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; SSC, standard saline citrate; SOD-1, CuZn-superoxide dismutase; TdT, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase; Tg, transgenic
What Makes a Citizen? Critical and Multicultural Citizenship and Preservice Teachers' Understanding of Citizenship Skills

Utilizing a framework of critical and multicultural citizenship, this qualitative study investigates how preservice teachers at a Midwestern university defined ideal citizenship, how these definitions influenced which civic skill they valued most, and how they envisioned teaching for this skill in the classroom. Findings indicated that participants adopted either a conservative-values-based or awareness-based definition of citizenship. Conservative-values-based approaches related ideal citizenship to possessing various character traits and good morals. Awareness-based approaches centered on the citizen being aware of issues in the community so as to be able to change the community. The data revealed that participants held different civic worldviews, which served as the primary motivation underlying their beliefs about civic education. Findings suggest that teacher educators must work to increase civic competence among preservice teachers to foster more critical and multicultural citizenship.
Rhabdomyosarcoma of the heart.

A case of rhabdomyosarcoma of the heart diagnosed through biopsy material and confirmed by autopsy is reported because of the few recorded instances and the unusually diffuse nature of the neoplasm. The heart with tumor weighed 1450 g. There was a single metastasis to a mediastinal lymph node.
One-Way Time Synchronization via Geostationary Satellites at UHF

This paper describes an experiment designed to evaluate the accuracy of one-way clock synchronization using geostationary satellites with the propagation delays calculated from the satellite's orbital elements. Propagation delays from a ground transmitter via satellite to each of five locations in the North and South American continents were measured and compared with the calculated values. Three months of data are presented along with descriptions of the equipment, timing signal format, and methods for delay calculation and time recovery. The results show that within two weeks of epoch for the orbital elements, clocks can be synchronized to 150 ??s using the Tactical Communications Satellite (TACSAT). If one of the observers of the timing signals was already synchronized to the master clock, his delay measurement could improve the results for TACSAT to 75 ??s. By the same method and within 12 hours of epoch, the results for the Lincoln Experimental Satellite-6 (LES-6) indicated that synchronization to 25 ??s was possible.
Nonsurgical Treatment of Closed Mallet Finger Fractures

Purpose Surgical repair of closed mallet finger fractures has been favored for displaced injuries involving more than one third of the articular surface and for injuries with palmar subluxation of the distal phalanx. This study analyzed the results of nonsurgical treatment for closed and displaced mallet finger fractures with greater than one-third articular surface damage, comparing cases with and without concomitant terminal joint subluxation. Methods Twenty-two closed mallet finger fractures in 21 patients who were treated nonsurgically and involving more than one third of the articular surface were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were treated by continuous extension splinting of the distal interphalangeal joint for a mean of 5.5 weeks. The average patient age at the time of injury was 35.2 years, with a mean delay to treatment of 21 days. Nine cases showed a reduced distal interphalangeal joint at presentation (type IB) and 13 cases showed palmar subluxation of the distal phalanx (type IIB). Complications from splinting were limited to 2 cases of transient skin irritation. All patients returned for new finger radiographs and completed a survey to assess pain, function, and satisfaction at an average of 24.5 months after injury. Results Patients expressed negligible pain, minimal difficulties with activities of daily living and work, relatively high satisfaction with finger function and treatment outcome, but only marginal satisfaction with finger appearance. The differences between type IB and type IIB cases were not significant. The resultant terminal joint extensor lag improved in both groups. Moderate and large joint prominences, swan-neck deformities, and moderate arthritis were seen more commonly in type IIB cases but the differences between groups were not significant. Conclusions This study supports the rationale for nonsurgical treatment of closed and displaced mallet finger fractures with greater than one-third articular surface involvement. Pain likely will be negligible and patient satisfaction with finger function and treatment outcome is projected to be relatively high at 2-year follow-up evaluation. A dorsal joint prominence, terminal joint extensor lag, swan-neck deformity, and degenerative joint changes, however, may develop, particularly in cases with palmar subluxation of the distal phalanx.
Can a statin neutralize the cardiovascular risk of unhealthy dietary choices

The cardiovascular risk reduction associated with different statins for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and the cardiovascular risk increase associated with excess dietary intake of fat have been quantified. However, these relative risks have never been directly juxtaposed to determine whether an increase in relative risk by 1 activity could be neutralized by an opposing change in relative risk from a second activity. The investigators compared the increase in relative risk for cardiovascular disease associated with the total fat and trans fat content of fast foods against the relative risk decrease provided by daily statin consumption from a meta-analysis of statins in primary prevention of coronary artery disease (7 randomized controlled trials including 42,848 patients). The risk reduction associated with the daily consumption of most statins, with the exception of pravastatin, is more powerful than the risk increase caused by the daily extra fat intake associated with a 7-oz hamburger (Quarter Pounder) with cheese and a small milkshake. In conclusion, statin therapy can neutralize the cardiovascular risk caused by harmful diet choices. In other spheres of human activity, individuals choosing risky pursuits (motorcycling, smoking, driving) are advised or compelled to use measures to minimize the risk (safety equipment, filters, seatbelts). Likewise, some individuals eat unhealthily. Routine accessibility of statins in establishments providing unhealthy food might be a rational modern means to offset the cardiovascular risk. Fast food outlets already offer free condiments to supplement meals. A free statin-containing accompaniment would offer cardiovascular benefits, opposite to the effects of equally available salt, sugar, and high-fat condiments. Although no substitute for systematic lifestyle improvements, including healthy diet, regular exercise, weight loss, and smoking cessation, complimentary statin packets would add, at little cost, 1 positive choice to a panoply of negative ones.
Nursing the spirit: the Framework of Systemic Organization.

Aims. To elucidate the concept of spirituality as an essential and integrated dimension of the functioning of individuals and families through the Framework of Systemic Organization (Friedemann 1995) and to demonstrate with a case example, how a nurse can integrate spirituality in the care of a terminally ill patient. Background. Spirituality is the focus of discussion in nursing and other health professions in the United States of America, but whether or not it should be generally included in patient care is heavily debated. Also unanswered is the question about how spirituality should be addressed. The Framework of Systemic Organization (Friedemann 1995) is introduced here as an organizing structure to guide nurses in caring for the spiritual needs of patients. Implementation of the theoretical framework. Spirituality is defined as connecting to systems such as God, nature or other people, and thus finding meaning through relationships. Key to spiritual care is the establishment of a balance between control and spirituality that is tailored to an individual patient's history, values and needs. A case example is used to show how a nurse intervenes with a patient who faces death. Findings. The example shows that control remains important in a patient's life process until death arrives. Nevertheless, a dying patient benefits from an increasing focus on spirituality to gain self-acceptance, reconciliation with the family and restoration of emotional health. Nurses are instrumental in finding the balance between control and spirituality that a patient desires. Conclusion. Nurses who have explored and reconciled their own spiritual beliefs can learn to address their patients' unique needs within the broad context of family and environment. Nursing the spirit by using the Framework of Systemic Organization is a client-directed and intimate process that leads to growth of both patient and nurse.
In vitro insulinogenic effect of material harvested from incubated gut loops of rats

Abstract Inverted gut loops from normal rats were incubated in low glucose concentrations. The serosal material was added to pieces of rat pancreas incubated in vitro, with resultant doubling of assayable insulin in the medium, an effect not due to added glucose.
Molecular Shape as a Critical Factor in Structure-Property-Activity Studies

Abstract The dominant role of molecular mass in determining many physical properties of substances often masks significant variations of these same properties with molecular shape. Here attention is drawn to the important influence of molecular shape on molecular properties. The interdependences of the heats of vaporization, boiling points, molar volumes, molar refractions, critical temperatures, critical pressures and surface tensions of alkanes in general, and of the octanes in particular, are used to illustrate the different roles of molecular mass and shape in influencing bulk properties. The advantages of using a hierarchical separation of influences by means of orthogonal descriptors in structure-property studies are emphasized. The high interrelatedness of many physical properties in alkanes does not extend to isomeric variations, but rather reflects the dominant influence of mass on these properties. When the role of mass is removed, the influence of other structural factors is more readily discerned.
Public policy influences on the formation of international joint ventures

The literature on international joint ventures (IJVs) and “strategic alliances” has devoted little attention to the reasons for the recent growth in their number and importance. Where IJVs have been discussed, most scholars have emphasized changes in the competitive and technological environment as causal factors. For example, Hagedoorn and Schakenraad (1990) argue that domestic and international strategic alliances burgeoned during the 1970s and 1980s because of the need to shorten development times for new products and because of growing complementarities among previously separate technologies.
An Applesoft BASIC program for theG statistic: An alternative to the chi-square test

Description d'un programme en BASIC pour APPLE faisant le test du G. Discussion par rapport a l'utilisation du test du χ 2
Computational methods in constrained multibody dynamics: matrix formalisms

Abstract A matrix-based analysis of multibody dynamics is presented. The analysis is applicable to large systems subjected to both geometric and kinematic constraints. The matrix formulation leads directly to algorithms for computational procedures. It also presents the analysis in a format where the dynamical behavior of the system is evident. An example of a towing chain is presented as an illustration.
Effects of dimples on laminar boundary layers

A series of direct numerical simulations of the flow past a flat plate with two and eight rows of dimples in a staggered arrangement is carried out. The Reynolds number based on the boundary layer thickness and freestream velocity near the inflow plane is 1000 and the dimples are spherical with a depth to diameter ratio of 0.1. The incoming flow is laminar and the boundary layer thickness before the dimples is half the dimple depth. At this low Reynolds number the flow is expected to remain laminar over a smooth flat plate. The presence of the dimples triggers instabilities that cause significant momentum transport. It is shown that the shear layer that forms as the flow separates over the first two rows of dimple becomes unstable and sheds coherent vortex sheets. The vortex sheets become unstable and are transformed into packets of horseshoe vortices. When these vortices evolve over a flat plate or over a series of dimples the flow dynamics are very different with important changes in momentum transport ...
Gleason's histologic grading asclinical prognostic marker in patients with advanced prostatic carcinoma

Abstract We have found that the Gleason's histologic grading system is a good clinical markerto predict long-term response and prognosis in symptomatic Stage D-2 adenocareinoma of the prostate. In this retrospective study, 56 cases were reviewed and correlated with bone scan, acid phosphatase, and symptomatology following bilateral orchiectomy.
Lipoprotein disorders associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance

Type 2 diabetes is associated with a marked increase in coronary artery disease (CAD). In subjects with type 2 diabetes, the characteristic lipoprotein abnormality is increased triglycerides, increased small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, and decreased concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol but relatively normal absolute concentrations of LDL cholesterol. In observational studies, both increased LDL and decreased HDL cholesterol predict the development of CAD. In clinical trials, both fibric acids and statins have been shown to reduce CAD in subjects with diabetes. An interesting future clinical trial would be to assess whether fibric acids make an additional contribution to reduce CAD in patients already on statin therapy.
Transverse myelitis associated with Acinetobacter baumanii intrathecal pump catheter-related infection.

Objective: To describe a late neurologic complication of intrathecal pump implantation and show the methods used for the diagnosis and successful treatment of transverse myelitis in this setting. Case report: A 32-year-old man with a chronic abdominal pain syndrome presented with right lower-extremity numbness 2 months after the placement of an intrathecal morphine pump. This progressed to bilateral lower extremity and ascending sensory loss to T12-L1 dermatome, significant lower-extremity weakness, constipation with overflow incontinence, and detrusor instability causing urinary incontinence in discrete episodes over the following 2 months consistent with a myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracic spine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were consistent with transverse myelitis. The intrathecal pump was removed and an Acinetobacter baumanii catheter-tip infection was diagnosed. Clinical course improved with the co-administration of intravenous corticosteroids and antibiotics, with significant clinical improvement within 30 days. Conclusions: Clinicians should recognize transverse myelitis as a possible late complication of intrathecal pump placement. Early medical intervention and removal of the intrathecal pump may be necessary to prevent irreversible spinal cord damage and may support good recovery.
Multiple spectral window mirrors based on Fibonacci chains of dielectric layers

The unique properties of one-dimensional (1D) Fibonacci chains of dielectric layers are experimentally demonstrated and exploited for the design of new mirrors with multiple reflection spectral windows. The new mirror structures are simple, straightforward to make and enable a wide variety of multiple spectral window device performance to be achieved. By changing the thickness of the layers or the order of the Fibonacci chain, tens or even hundreds of windows can be obtained with the same approximate reflectivity over a very broad spectral region. These mirrors have numerous applications in photonics and optoelectronics.
Determinants of the Therapeutic Bond: How to Engage Patients:

The present discussion enunciates several determinants which influence the degree to which bonding (between patient and therapist) takes place within a psychotherapeutic interaction. These paramete...
Varieties of Apocalyptic Experience in Reformation Europe

Recent studies have created an ever-fuller picture of Western apocalypticism in its various forms. Scholars have become more aware of the need to understand how apocalyptic conceptions have shaped and expressed group identities. In Reformation and early modern studies, one current challenge is to analyze end-time outlooks in relation to the formation of confessional cultures, and with regard to the broader social process of “confessionalization.” Differences in the character and intensity of apocalyptic expectancy among the major confessional cultures raise questions about their so-called “functional equivalence” so far as promoting social change was concerned.
Time-resolved X-ray diffraction of solid-state reactions: The effect of atmosphere on product particle growth during CdCO3 decomposition

Abstract Time-resolved X-ray diffraction is extended to solid-state reactions in different atmospheres. The method is applied to the decomposition of CdCO3 in CO2 and He. Product particle growth by reaction is observed in CO2, but not in He. It is suggested by these preliminary measurements that CO2 broadens the reaction interface and decreases strain at the interface.
A compact beam profile probe using carbon fibres

Abstract A beam profile monitor based on the use of carbon fibres is described. It has been designed to be compatible with the operation of the Mark II particle detector at the SLC, including high-resolution secondary vertex detectors mounted 25 mm radially from the beam.
Technology Readiness Index (Tri): A Multiple-Item Scale to Measure Readiness to Embrace New Technologies

The role of technology in customer-company interactions and the number of technology-based products and services have been growing rapidly. Although these developments have benefited customers, the...
INTERIONIC FRICTION COEFFICIENTS IN MOLTEN SALTS

Interionic friction coefficients for a number of pure molten salts were calculated from available data and are summarized In tabular form. The list includes all of those salts for which results of self-diffusion experiments were reported, as well as a number of examples for which only conductivity and density were measured. The effects of 3 experimentally variable conditions on the magnitudes of the friction coefficients are discussed separately; that is, size of the thermodynamic force, temperature, and pressure. A simple exponential relation is shown to describe the temperature dependence of both cation-anion and like-ion coefficients. A criterion for association between the oppositely charged species in pure binary salts, based on the occurrence of negative like- ion friction coefficients, is shown to give evidence for the existence of such association in molten ZnBr2. The interionic friction coefficients for completely dissociated salts are discussed with regard to their possible correlations with the microscopic properties of the ions; that is, charge, size, shape, and mass. A semiquantitative discussion of the friction coefficients in molten salt mixtures is based on the incomplete transport data currently available for a number of systems. Cation-anion friction coefficients are shown to approximate ideal concentration dependence in the AgNO3-NaNO3more » system, while such behavior is ruled out by the data for the system LiCl-KCl. Association between ions in the KBr-AlBr3 system is demonstrated by the occurrence of negative coefficients, while the case of KCl-PbCl3 is seen to remain ambiguous in the absence of complete transport data.« less
Security through Diversity: Leveraging Virtual Machine Technology

Biologists have long recognized the dangers of the lack of diversity or monocultures in biological systems. Recently, it has been noted that much of the fragility of our networked computing systems can be attributed to the lack of diversity or monoculture of our software systems. The problem is severe. Because it is virtually inevitable that software will ship with flaws, our software monoculture leaves systems open to large-scale attacks by knowledgeable adversaries. Inspired by the resilience of diverse biological systems, the authors developed the genesis software development toolchain. An innovative aspect of genesis is the use of an application-level virtual machine technology that enables the application of diversity transforms at any point in the software toolchain. Using Genesis, they authors demonstrated that diversity, when judiciously applied, is a practical and effective defense against two widely used types of attacks - return-to-libc and code injection.
A sulfhydryl group is not the covalent catalyst in the thymidylate synthetase reaction.

Summary The total sulfhydryl content of the covalent complex formed between thymidylate synthetase and 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridylate was found to be identical to that of the free enzyme. This result demonstrates that cysteine is not the amino acid residue which links the nucleotide to the enzyme. Since covalent binding of 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridylate to thymidylate synthetase proceeds by a mechanism similar to the initial stages of the normal enzymic reaction, it is concluded that a sulfhydryl group is not the nucleophile which adds to the 6-position of 2′-deoxyuridylate. This conclusion refutes proposals of other workers.
An apparatus for aeration of tissue cells in suspended culture with controlled gas mixtures

An apparatus is described for the aeration of a series of tissue cultures at rates which may be varied independently for each vessel. The composition of the aerating gas can be adjusted to any desired percentages of CO2 and O2. While designed particularly for study of the aeration requirements of submerged tissue growth, the equipment is equally adaptable for study of submerged growth of bacterial and other systems. The apparatus has been designed for future scale-up and is adaptable to both the overlay and bubble-through types of aeration. Flow rates necessary for producing mixtures of 5.0% CO2 and 95.0% air or 5.6% CO2, 14.0% O2, and 80.4% nitrogen are given. The described system has been operated satisfactorily and has proved to be an inexpensive and useful research tool.
Temperature dependence and polarization of fluorescence from Photosystem I in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

To determine the fluorescence properties of cyanobacterial Photosystem I (PS I) in relatively intact systems, fluorescence emission from 20 to 295 K and polarization at 77 K have been measured from phycobilisomes-less thylakoids of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and a mutant strain lacking Photosystem II (PS II). At 295 K, the fluorescence maxima are 686 nm in the wild type from PS I and PS II and at 688 nm from PS I in the mutant. This emission is characteristic of bulk antenna chlorophylls (Chls). The 690-nm fluorescence component of PS I is temperature independent. For wild-type and mutant, 725-nm fluorescence increases by a factor of at least 40 from 295 to 20 K. We model this temperature dependence assuming a small number of Chls within PS I, emitting at 725 nm, with an energy level below that of the reaction center, P700. Their excitation transfer rate to P700 decreases with decreasing temperature increasing the yield of 725-nm fluorescence.
Differential contributions of somatic and dendritic calcium-dependent potassium currents to the control of motoneuron excitability following spinal cord injury.

The hyperexcitability of alpha-motoneurons and accompanying spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI) have been attributed to enhanced persistent inward currents (PICs), including L-type calcium and persistent sodium currents. Factors controlling PICs may offer new therapies for managing spasticity. Such factors include calcium-activated potassium (KCa) currents, comprising in motoneurons an after-hyperpolarization-producing current (IKCaN) activated by N/P-type calcium currents, and a second current (IKCaL) activated by L-type calcium currents (Li and Bennett in J neurophysiol 97:767–783, 2007). We hypothesize that these two currents offer differential control of PICs and motoneuron excitability based on their probable somatic and dendritic locations, respectively. We reproduced SCI-induced PIC enhancement in a two-compartment motoneuron model that resulted in persistent dendritic plateau potentials. Removing dendritic IKCaL eliminated primary frequency range discharge and produced an abrupt transition into tertiary range firing without significant changes in the overall frequency gain. However, IKCaN removal mainly increased the gain. Steady-state analyses of dendritic membrane potential showed that IKCaL limits plateau potential magnitude and strongly modulates the somatic injected current thresholds for plateau onset and offset. In contrast, IKCaN had no effect on the plateau magnitude and thresholds. These results suggest that impaired function of IKCaL may be an important intrinsic mechanism underlying PIC-induced motoneuron hyperexcitability following SCI.
Phase studies of model biomembranes: Macroscopic coexistence of Lα + Lβ, with light-induced coexistence of Lα + Lo Phases

Abstract Phase diagrams of 3-component lipid bilayer mixtures containing cholesterol reveal major differences among the different types of lipids. Here we report that mixtures of cholesterol together with POPC and a high-melting temperature PC or sphingomyelin show different phase behavior from similar mixtures that contain DOPC or di-phytanoyl-PC instead of POPC. In particular, only one region of macroscopic phase coexistence occurs with POPC, a region of coexisting liquid disordered and solid phases, {Lα + Lβ}. Fluorescence microscopy imaging is useful for these studies, but is subject to artifactual light-induced domain formation, as reported by Ayuyan and Cohen [A.G. Ayuyan, F.S. Cohen, Lipid peroxides promote large rafts: Effects of excitation of probes in fluorescence microscopy and electrochemical reactions during vesicle formation, Biophys. J. 91 (2006) 2172-2183.]. This artifact can be attenuated by decreased illumination and low dye concentration. The use of the free radical scavenger n-propyl gallate can reduce the artifact, but this molecule enters the bilayer and itself perturbs the phase behavior. We suggest that the light-induced domain separation artifact might actually arise from pre-existing lipid clusters that are induced to coalesce, and therefore indicates highly nonrandom mixing of the lipid components.
Effects of deposition conditions on the superconducting properties of r.f. and d.c. magnetron sputter-deposited YBa2Cu3O7−x films☆

Abstract Thin films of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x were r.f. and d.c. magnetron sputter deposited onto silicon, Al 2 O 3 , MgO, BaTiO 3 and SrTiO 3 substrates at up to 700°C from a stoichiometric oxide target in an argon and O 2 mixture. Stoichiometric films were obtained using a substrate-to-target configuration so that bombardment of the growing film by energetic particles is minimized. These films show an ending T c of about 87 K when deposited on SrTiO 3 (100) at 300°C and after annealing in flowing O 2 at 900°C for about 1 min, or an ending T c of 76 K when deposited on Si(100) at 650°C without further high temperature treatments. The effects of substrate, deposition temperature, and substrate bias on the superconducting properties of these films are presented.
Outsider assistance needs of pre-ventures and established small businesses: a comparison of minority and non-minority clients *

This study compares minority and non-minority clients of a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in the USA with respect to the assistance received and its perceived value. Results indicate that consulting services are equally accessible to both groups. Assistance needs are not related to the clients' racial or ethnic group and minorities perceive assistance received to be just as valuable as do non-minorities. The primary implication of this study is that special programmes aimed at specific groups may be largely unnecessary.
DMD4B-HYDRA: Toward a Novel Discrete Molecular Dynamics Protein Model

The task of protein structure prediction is computationally demanding, particularly for intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which by definition lack a well-defined folded structure. IDPs include amyloidogenic proteins associated with human disease, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, which are known to be critically involved in the corresponding pathologies. For most protein and peptide sequences with significantly more than 100 amino acids, it is not yet possible to examine the details of the folding landscape by fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) in explicit solvent. This problem can be solved through a two-stage MD, first exploring the protein dynamics using coarse-grain (CG) protein models to sample the phase space at a diminished computational effort and second by using a wide range of CG structures converted into fully atomistic representation as initial conformations for all-atom MD in explicit solvent. We here use the four-bead protein model in combination with discrete molecular dynamics (DMD), known as DMD4B-HYDRA force field, which has been previously successfully applied to studies of amyloid b-protein folding and assembly, to examine protein folding dynamics of five proteins with known native structures. We elucidate both the ability of DMD4B-HYDRA force field to capture the folded structure of these proteins and aspects that are less well reproduced by the current force field. We then demonstrate that the follow-up all-atom MD dynamics compensates for structure prediction difficulties of the DMD4B-HYDRA force field itself and provides feedback to be used in the future DMD4B-HYDRA force field development. Our preliminary results thus confirm that DMD4B-HYDRA combined with fully atomistic MD in explicit solvent presents a powerful computational approach to studying IDPs and elucidate structural dynamics of a broad range of amyloidogenic proteins.
Variable group delay and pulse reshaping of high bandwidth optical signals

We present the dispersive characteristics of an electronically tunable optical filter, with application toward delaying high speed digital and analog signals. Square waves can be dynamically delayed and reshaped through a change in injection current to the filter. Since the filter is of an all-pass nature, its usable bandwidth is limited primarily by the phase response (dispersion). We show that for 2-GHz square waves, dispersion is not a limiting factor and the filter can be operated over the full range of delays. At 5 GHz, the pulses can still be delayed, however the range of operation is dispersion limited. Additionally, at 5 GHz this dispersion can be harnessed for pulse reshaping applications. The filter is studied both experimentally and theoretically, demonstrating good agreement.
Microstructure and composition of mixed GaAsN/GaN films

Future Air Force RF links will require the speed, cost, reliability, weight, and EMI-immunity advantages of a monolithically integrated optical-electronic technology. GaAsN is a direct band-gap compound semiconductor material which potentially can be lattice-matched to silicon. This would permit true monolithically integrated optical-electronic circuits to be fabricated. To date, films of GaAsN grown by MBE under most conditions exhibit segregation into coexisting GaAsN, GaN and GaAs phases. The composition, microstructure, and signatures of these films in X-ray diffraction, Auger, and TEM analyses are reported. The possible ordering of these films is analyzed.
The Water in the Fishbowl: Historicizing "Ways with Words.".

Arguing that the immediate historical context of desegregation is vital to an understanding of Shirley Brice Heath's Ways with Words, this article reports on materials from the archives of Heath's research housed at the Dacus Library of Winthrop University. What emerges from reading Heath's letters and other materials at the time she was researching Ways with Words is a portrait of an ethnographer trying to negotiate existing stereotypes and raw tensions in the scholarly and public discourse on race while attempting to adhere to the tenets of the ethnographic approach of the 1970s. Taking a critical race theory approach, the article suggests that these materials indicate that Ways with Words could most fruitfully be read at this point as a story of the persistence of prejudice—a story that suggests the failure of the arguments in favor of desegregation to broker lasting reforms toward equity, and one that reveals the different and racialized meanings literacy acquires in response to historical shifts.
Observation of a spin-wave sideband in the optical spectrum of mnf 2

Spin wave sideband in absorption spectrum at low temperatures for transition of manganese ion in antiferromagnetic manganese fluoride
Species difference in hormonal control of intestinal weight and food intake of rats and pigeons.

SummaryIn rats voluntary daily food intake per 100 g body weight varied by a factor of 4-fold, from 4 g in rats with mammotropic tumors (MtT) on a high fat diet to 15 g of regular rat chow in 80% pancreatectomized rats with MtT and diabetes. The weight of the empty intestine per 100 g body weight varied proportionally and was independent of the high blood levels of pituitary hormones from MtT. The empty intestinal weight was roughly one-half of the weight of the daily food intake in all rats whether partially pancreatectomized, adrenalectomized, diabetic or normal. In pigeons the intestinal weight is not changed much in weight by merely altering food intake, and its weight is nearly doubled by injections of 1 to 5 mg of growth hormone or prolactin daily or equivalent without change in food intake. No explanation other than species difference for these results is possible from the current data. These experiments suggest that food intake data studies are a necessary supplement to intestinal weight studies.
Effect of Surge Wave Reflection Inside a Motor On Voltage Distribution Across Stator Windings

A study was conducted to evaluate the need for surge protection of large motors in NGL plants. Power system analysis indicated that motor winding insulation can withstand lightning and switching surges. Motor surge protection was not installed as a result. The investigation of subsequent failure of four 21,000 HP motors indicated that motor winding failures occurred due to high magnitude switching surges. The test results of winding insulation surge withstand level and voltage distribution across coils are presented. The repetitive insulation failure of the second coil in all four motors is explained.