cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of boundary conditions on the MD simulation of nanoindentation

Abstract The present work investigates the effect of different boundary conditions on the simulation of nanoindentation using molecular dynamics (MD). The MD simulations of nanoindentation on Ni single crystal thin films are conducted using various boundary conditions and thicknesses. The coupling effects of indenter size and boundary conditions are studied using the spherical indenter with different radii. Silicon substrate is used as one of the boundary conditions. Three different atomic potentials including embedded-atom method (EAM), Tersoff, and Lennard–Jones (LJ) are incorporated to model the atomic interactions of Ni–Ni, Si–Si, and Ni–Si, respectively. The effect of boundary conditions on the elastic behavior of thin films with various thicknesses is investigated. The results show that the effect of boundary conditions on the elastic response is a function of the film thickness and indenter radius, such that as the thickness increases and the indenter radius decreases, the boundary conditions effects become less significant. Next, the nucleation and early evolution of dislocations in the simulated samples is addressed. Three different patterns of dislocation structures are observed which are governed by two mechanisms of indentation and bending. Finally, the incipient plasticity in thin films with different boundary conditions and thicknesses is investigated. The results show that the dislocation structure controls the mean contact pressure at the onset of plasticity.
Substrate and procedural predictors of outcomes after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is often accompanied by atrial fibrillation (AF) due to diastolic dysfunction, elevated left atrial pressure, and enlargement. Although catheter ablation for drug-refractory AF is an effective treatment, the efficacy in HCM remains to be established. Methods: Thirty-three consecutive patients (25 male, age 51 ± 11 years) with HCM underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (n = 8) or wide area circumferential ablation with additional linear ablation (n = 25) for drug-refractory AF. Twelve-lead and 24-hour ambulating ECGs, echocardiograms, event monitor strips, and SF 36 quality of life (QOL) surveys were obtained before ablation and for routine follow-up. Results: Twenty-one (64%) patients had paroxysmal AF and 12 (36%) had persistent/permanent AF for 6.2 ± 5.2 years. The average ejection fraction was 0.63 ± 0.12. The average left atrial volume index was 70 ± 24 mL/m2. Over a follow-up of 1.5 ± 1.2 years, 1-year survival with AF elimination was 62%(Confidence Interval [CI]: 66-84) and with AF control was 75%(CI: 66-84). AF control was less likely in patients with a persistent/chronic AF, larger left atrial volumes, and more advanced diastolic disease. Additional linear ablation may improve outcomes in patient with severe left atrial enlargement and more advanced diastolic dysfunction. Two patients had a periprocedureal TIA, one PV stenosis, and one died after mitral valve replacement from prosthetic valve thrombosis. QOL scores improved from baseline at 3 and 12 months. Conclusion: Outcomes after AF ablation in patients with HCM are favorable. Diastolic dysfunction, left atrial enlargement, and AF subtype influence outcomes. Future studies of rhythm management approaches in HCM patients are required to clarify the optimal clinical approach.
Effects of property variation and ideal solution assumption on the calculation of the limiting current density condition of alkaline fuel cells

Abstract A computational study of the electrochemical hydrodynamic process in an alkaline fuel cell was conducted. The computation relaxed the ideal solution assumption, accounted for thermodynamic solubility of the reactants, and allowed for property variations due to temperature and concentration effects. The results showed that the ideal solution assumption is not adequate for calculation of the transport process of the concentrated electrolyte considered, 7 M. The ideal solution formulation resulted in a lower limiting current density condition by about 50% than that predicted by the non-ideal solution formulation. The study also showed that the thermal condition is important to the calculation of the limiting current density condition. The calculated limiting current density increased by about 30% when the boundary condition was changed from isothermal to adiabatic. The computational results suggest that maintaining a uniform KOH concentration in the electrolyte (for example, at design point of 7 M) be an effective measure to increase the limiting current density condition.
Effects of relative hardness and moisture on tool wear in soil excavation operations

Abstract This paper presents an experimental study of tool wear using a laboratory tester which simulates the operating conditions of cutting tools in soil excavation operations. The testing is performed in a test chamber that allows high contact stress between soil and cutting tools. The test conditions mimic the condition of pressurized face shield machines used in soft ground tunneling, where the impact of wear is costly and crucial. Various tool to soil hardness ratios were obtained by changing both the tool material and the percentage of soil's constituent minerals, i.e. quartzetic and limestone grains. In dry soil conditions, when the tool wear is plotted against the relative hardness, an inverted S band bounded by curves of highest and lowest tool hardness is formed. As hardness of cutting tools in actual soil excavation applications, including soft ground tunneling, lies in a narrow range, the expected S band becomes thinner which better helps in the design and selection of the cutting tools and materials used for inner components of these machines which come to contact with soil during the operation. The results of testing on this tester also show that as the moisture content of the soil increases to 10%, the tool wear drastically increases. The trend is reversed as the moisture content further increases and reaches full stauration of soil where the tool wear is smaller than that experinced in the dry soil.
Association Between Colchicine and Risk of Diabetes Among the Veterans Affairs Population With Gout

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to determine the association between colchicine use and the incidence of diabetes in a cohort of patients with gout. Methods This is a retrospective study of 27,876 adults with gout identified via the Veterans Integrated Services Network 16 data warehouse. Patients had up to 11 years of follow-up (January 1999 through December 2010). The final study sample consisted of 1046 pairs of 1:1 propensity score–matched patients from the colchicine treated and control cohorts. Time to first diabetes development since the first gout diagnosis was modeled. Results After the propensity score matching, the 12-month baseline variables (eg, age, sex, race, index year, body mass index, serum uric acid, antigout drug use, and health care use) were comparable between the matched cohorts ( P > 0.05 for all). Among the 1046 matched pairs, 234 patients who had taken colchicine and 224 patients who had never taken colchicine developed diabetes; the incidence rates were 38.95 and 39.02 per 1000 patient-years, respectively. In Poisson and Cox proportional hazards regression, the risk of incident diabetes was reduced with increased duration of colchicine use, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). In a time-varying Cox proportional hazards model, the hazard ratio for incident diabetes among patients who had taken colchicine was 0.877 (95% CI, 0.662–1.163; P = 0.362) compared with those who had not taken colchicine. Conclusion This study suggests a possible duration- or dose-related association between colchicine use and reduced risk of diabetes in adults with gout even though the risk reduction was not significant. Further studies are needed to confirm findings from this study.
A Molecular Dynamics−Empirical Valence Bond Study of an SN2 Reaction at the Water/Chloroform Interface

Using a recently developed empirical valence bond (EVB) model for the nucleophilic substitution reaction (SN2) in solution, we study the benchmark Cl− + CH3Cl reaction at the water/chloroform liquid/liquid interface. The reaction free energy profile is determined as a function of the reagents’ location relative to the interface. We find that the activation free energy is very sensitive to the reagents’ location and to the orientation of the nucleophilic attack. The barrier height at the interface is equal or slightly larger than the barrier in bulk water and approaches the value in bulk chloroform only when the solute is a few nanometers deep into the organic phase. We show that this is due to the ability of the nucleophile to keep part of its hydration shell. This suggests that for the catalytic effect of the nonpolar solvent to be appreciable, the nucleophile must be transferred away from the interface. The dynamical correction to the rate, the variation in the system’s electronic structure and other sy...
Sensitizing regimens of (+/-)3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) elicit enduring and differential structural alterations in the brain motive circuit of the rat.

Abstract Repeated, intermittent exposure to the psychomotor stimulants amphetamine and cocaine induces a progressive and enduring augmentation of their locomotor-activating effects, known as behavioral sensitization, which is accompanied by similarly stable adaptations in the dendritic structure of cortico-striatal neurons. We examined whether repeated exposure to the increasingly abused amphetamine derivative 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) also results in long-lasting behavioral and morphological changes in mesocortical (medial prefrontal cortex) and ventral striatal (nucleus accumbens) neurons. Rats received two daily injections of either 5.0 mg/kg (±)-MDMA or saline vehicle, ∼6 h apart, for 3 consecutive days, followed by 4 drug-free days for a total of 3 weeks. Following a 4-week drug-free period, MDMA-pretreated rats displayed behavioral sensitization, as well as large increases in spine density and the number of multiple-headed spines on medium spiny neurons in core and shell subregions of nucleus accumbens. In medial prefrontal cortex, the prelimbic subregion showed increased spine density on distal dendrites of layer V pyramidal neurons, while the anterior cingulate subregion showed a change in the distribution of dendritic material instead. Collectively, our results show that long-lasting locomotor sensitization to MDMA is accompanied by reorganization of synaptic connectivity in limbic-cortico-striatal circuitry. The differential plasticity in cortical subregions, moreover, suggests that drug-induced structural changes are not homogeneous and may be specific to the circuitry underlying long-term changes in drug-seeking and drug-taking behavior.
The comic poet Pherecrates, a war-casualty of the late 410s BC

The comic poet Pherecrates does not appear to have been active after the mid 410s. I suggest that he is to be identified with an epigraphically-attested war-casualty from a few years later.
A combined QM/MM study of the nucleophilic addition reaction of methanethiolate and N-methylacetamide.

Abstract A combined quantum mechanical (QM) and molecular mechanical (MM) method was used to study the nucleophilic addition reaction of methanethiolate to N-methylacetamide (NMA) in the gas phase and aqueous solution. At the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ//HF/6-31+G(d) level, the ion-dipole complex was found to be the global minimum on the potential energy surface in the gas phase with a binding energy of 21.2 kcal/mol. The complex has a C-S distance of 4.33 A, and no stabilized tetrahedral intermediate was located. The computed potential of mean force in water shows that solvent effects stabilize the reactants over the tetrahedral adduct by 36.5 kcal/mol, and that the tetrahedral intermediate does not exist for the present reaction in water. The present study provides an initial step for modeling the cysteine protease hydrolysis reactions in enzymes.
Monotone convergence of operator semigroups and the dynamics of infinite particle systems

Abstract Convergence of strongly continuous contraction semigroups on a Banach space X is considered. The starting point is a family { A γ } γϵΓ of infinitesimal (semigroup) generators, indexed by a directed set Γ. If there is a dense subspace of vectors x such that A γ ( x ) is defined for γ sufficiently large, and lim γ A γ ( x ) exists, then additional conditions are considered which ensure the existence of an infinitesimal generator which may be regarded as the limit of the net { A γ }. In case X is known to have a complete order structure, a monotone convergence theorem of a general nature is proved and it is shown how it applies to a particular existence problem for the dynamical semigroup in lattice gasses of classical statistical mechanics. A second type of results is also proved. These results are based on resolvent convergence and are applied to the corresponding existence problem in quantum statistical mechanics. Here the C ∗ -algebraic formalism is introduced, and the dynamics is given by a strongly continuous one-parameter group of ∗ -automorphisms. At both levels (the classical and quantum), the solution to the time-Cauchy problem is obtained as a natural operator extension of the given partially defined, unbounded, infinitesimal operator. The extensions reflect particular boundary conditions for the problems under consideration. Finally, a distinguished, and canonical, extension operator is obtained, and its infinitesimal generator properties are analyzed.
The role of glutathione in brain tumor drug resistance.

Abstract Chemotherapy is central to the current treatment modality for primary human brain tumors, but despite high-dose and intensive treatment regimens there has been little improvement in patient outcome. The development of tumor chemoresistance has been proposed as a major contributor to this lack of response. While there have been some improvements in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying brain tumor drug resistance over the past decade, the contribution of glutathione (GSH) and the GSH-related enzymes to drug resistance in brain tumors have been largely overlooked. GSH constitutes a major antioxidant defense system in the brain and together with the GSH-related enzymes plays an important role in protecting cells against free radical damage and dictating tumor cell response to adjuvant cancer therapies, including irradiation and chemotherapy. Glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), glutathione synthetase (GS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferases (GST), and GSH complex export transporters (GS-X pumps) are major components of the GSH-dependent enzyme system that function in a dynamic cascade to maintain redox homeostasis. In many tumors, the GSH system is often dysregulated, resulting in a more drug resistant phenotype. This is commonly associated with GST-mediated GSH conjugation of various anticancer agents leading to the formation of less toxic GSH–drug complexes, which can be readily exported from the cell. Advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of drug resistance and patient selection based on biomarker profiles will be crucial to adapt therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes for patients with primary malignant brain tumors.
Limiting Answer Review and Change on Computerized Adaptive Vocabulary Tests: Psychometric and Attitudinal Results

Previous simulation studies of computerized adaptive tests (CATs) have revealed that the validity and precision of proficiency estimates can be maintained when review opportunities are limited to items within successive blocks. Our purpose in this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CATs with such restricted review options in a live testing setting. Vocabulary CATs were compared under four conditions: (a) no item review allowed, (b) review allowed only within successive 5-item blocks, (c) review allowed only within successive lO-item blocks, and (d) review allowed only after answering all 40 items. Results revealed no trust-worthy differences among conditions in vocabulary proficiency estimates, measurement error, or testing time. Within each review condition, ability estimates and number correct scores increased slightly after review, more answers were changed from wrong to right than from right to wrong, most examinees who changed answers improved proficiency estimates by doing so, and nearly all examinees indicated that they had an adequate opportunity to review their previous answers. These results suggest that restricting review opportunities on CATs may provide a viable way to satisfy examinee desires, maintain validity and measurement precision, and keep testing time at acceptable levels.
Correction of Large Amblyopiogenic Refractive Errors in Children Using the Excimer Laser

Purpose: We sought to determine whether laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) are effective methods for correcting amblyopiogenic refractive errors in children. Methods: Thirty-six eyes in 35 amblyopic children, who ranged in age from 4 to 16 years (mean, 8.4 years), received treatment for large magnitude ametropia. Seventy-two percent (25/35) of the children had a neurobehavioral disorder and/or were noncompliant with spectacle or contact lens wear. Myopia ranged from −3.25 to −24.25 D (mean, −11.48 D); one patient had hyperopia of +5.87 D. Correction was tailored to match the refractive error of the nonamblyopic eye. VISX Star S2/S3 excimer lasers were used in manual or auto-tracking modes, and corneal centration was achieved using brief, general anesthesia. Mean follow-up was 29.2 months (range, 4–42 months). Results: Myopia correction averaged −8.95 ± 2.89 D (range, −3.25 to −15.50). Eighty-nine percent (31 children) were corrected to within ± 1.00 D of goal refraction and the remaining 11% to within 2.0 D of the goal (most were undercorrected). Acuity improved postoperatively in 97%; by 1 optotype line in 37% and by 2 or more in 60%. No child lost acuity. Binocularity improved in 69% (24/35) and remained the same in 31%. Corneal haze measured grade 0–1 in 78%, grade 2 in 14%, and grade 3–4 in 8%. Myopic regression exceeding ≅ 1.0 D/year (0.08 D/month) occurred in 50% (18/36) of eyes treated. No substantial differences were observed in PRK- (n = 18) versus LASEK- (n = 17) treated children. Conclusions: Laser refractive surgery is effective for correcting anisometropic myopia in amblyopic children. Recurrence of myopia is common. Further study is indicated to determine long-term stability and safety of the procedure in this population.
A general method for cloning DNA fragments in multiple copies

Abstract A general method for the cloning of DNA fragments in tandem arrays is presented. Synthetic directional adapters are attached to the fragment ends to establish complete control over fragment orientation during ligation. Use of these directional adapters thereby ensures the production of direct repeats, an arrangement essential for clone stability. The technique involves a protocol that is both less complex and less time-onsuming than previous methods. Using this technique, a 10-min ligation has yielded a plasmid containing 20 copies of a 151-bp fragment.
HYDROLYTIC AND RADIOLYTIC DEGRADATION OF OCTYL(PHENYL)-N,N-DIISO-BUTYLCARBAMOYLMETHYLPHOSPHINE OXIDE AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

ABSTRACT The hydrolytic and radlolytic degradaton of octyl(phenyl)-N,N-dIIsobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide [0ϕD(lB)CMPO] has been investigated by measuring the distribution ratio of Am, D., between degraded organic solutions and aqueous solutions of selected HN03 concentrations and by measuring the concentration of OϕD(IB)CMPO In degraded solution using gas chromatographic analysis. Hydrolysis was performed by continuous stirring of decalin and CCH solutions of 0ϕD(lB)CMP0 with 5 M HNO3 at 50°C. Radiolysis was performed in a similar manner while irradiating the biphasic system with gamma rays from a 60Co source. From the experimental data, evidence was obtained for a degradation scheme of 0ϕD(iB)CMPO which Involves the formation of methyl(octyl)-(phenyl)-phosphine oxide (MOϕPO) and octyl(phenyl)phosphinic acid (H[0ϕP]). The proposed degradation scheme has been experimentally verified by measuring DAm from mixtures of MOϕPO and OϕD(iB)CMPO and of H[ϕP] and OϕD(iB)CMPO. Evidence was found that MOϕPO ca...
The effect of larval photoperiod on pupal colour and diapause in swallowtail butterflies

. 1 There are significant differences in the effects of larval photo-period on diapause and pupal colour among the species Papilio polyxenes Fabr., P.troilus L., Battus philenor (L.) and Eurytides marcellus (Cramer). 2 Diapause and pupal colour in P.polyxenes and P.troilus are strongly influenced by larval photoperiod, short photophase eliciting brown diapausing pupae. Photoperiods of 15L:9D permit the expression of the green and brown pupal colour alternatives. 3 Pupal colour in B.philenor and E.marcellus is not affected by larval photoperiod, but short photophase induces diapause in these species. 4 All species except B.philenor show an association between brown pupal colour and diapause: Emarcellus when reared on long (midsummer) photophase, P.polyxenes and P.troilus when reared on short (autumnal) photophase. 5 In P.polyxenes, short photophase can affect pupal colour responses directly, whether the individual enters diapause or not. 6 Differences among the species are related to differences in the ecology of their natural pupation sites.
Solving the Puzzle of Metastasis: The Evolution of Cell Migration in Neoplasms

Background Metastasis represents one of the most clinically important transitions in neoplastic progression. The evolution of metastasis is a puzzle because a metastatic clone is at a disadvantage in competition for space and resources with non-metastatic clones in the primary tumor. Metastatic clones waste some of their reproductive potential on emigrating cells with little chance of establishing metastases. We suggest that resource heterogeneity within primary tumors selects for cell migration, and that cell emigration is a by-product of that selection. Methods and Findings We developed an agent-based model to simulate the evolution of neoplastic cell migration. We simulated the essential dynamics of neoangiogenesis and blood vessel occlusion that lead to resource heterogeneity in neoplasms. We observed the probability and speed of cell migration that evolves with changes in parameters that control the degree of spatial and temporal resource heterogeneity. Across a broad range of realistic parameter values, increasing degrees of spatial and temporal heterogeneity select for the evolution of increased cell migration and emigration. Conclusions We showed that variability in resources within a neoplasm (e.g. oxygen and nutrients provided by angiogenesis) is sufficient to select for cells with high motility. These cells are also more likely to emigrate from the tumor, which is the first step in metastasis and the key to the puzzle of metastasis. Thus, we have identified a novel potential solution to the puzzle of metastasis.
Interpretations of Child Emotion Expressions and Coercive Parenting Practices Among Adolescent Mothers

This study examined the relation between adolescent mothers’ interpretations of various child emotion expressions and coercive parenting practices (n = 4 mother-child dyads, child ages = 10–34 mos.). The more coercive mothers decoded a range of child emotion expressions as exhibiting greater anger, and attributed greater defiant intentions to the child, compared to less coercive mothers. The findings for attributions of defiance were robust, as they were independent of both emotion decoding and level of child difficulty. Findings are discussed with regard to (a) mothers’ basic assumptions about the child; (b) the robust character of attributions of defiance in relation to coercive parenting; (c) the potential implications of this study for research with adult mothers; and (d) investigation of temporal precedence and developmental pathways in the interrelations among child behavior, maternal cognition, and parenting behavior.
A Systolic Array-Based FPGA Parallel Architecture for the BLAST Algorithm

A design of systolic array-based Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) parallel architecture for Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) Algorithm is proposed. BLAST is a heuristic biological sequence alignment algorithm which has been used by bioinformatics experts. In contrast to other designs that detect at most one hit in one-clock-cycle, our design applies a Multiple Hits Detection Module which is a pipelining systolic array to search multiple hits in a single-clock-cycle. Further, we designed a Hits Combination Block which combines overlapping hits from systolic array into one hit. These implementations completed the first and second step of BLAST architecture and achieved significant speedup comparing with previously published architectures.
Endoscopic ureteroureterostomy for obliterated ureteral segments.

AbstractPurpose: Advances in endourological techniques and instrument design have made the endoscopic treatment of complete ureteral obstruction a reasonable alternative to open surgery. We report our experience with endourological management of 10 cases of obliterated ureteral segments.Materials and Methods: Endoscopic ureteroureterostomy was performed in 8 patients with complete ureteral obstruction and it was attempted in 2 because of the length or orientation of the obliterated segment.Results: Access, incision and stenting of the obliterated segment were technically successful in 8 patients. Two patients had patent ureters but required a stent, including 1 who underwent nephrectomy due to problems with stent management. Endoscopic treatment achieved long-term patency in 7 of the 8 cases and it was completely successful in 6 (75 percent) at a median followup of 87 months (range 4 to 126).Conclusions: Endoscopic ureteroureterostomy is a safe and effective technique for the management of obliterated ure...
Secondary convection in a Hele Shaw cell

A convective instability is produced by salt water diffusing onto the surface of a fresh-water layer in a Hele Shaw cell. Although the horizontal wavelength of the initial instability is small, an increase in the horizontal wavelength of the convective flow with time and depth is observed as the resulting two-dimensional convection develops. The phenomenon of wavelength variation is confirmed numerically, but quantitative observational and theoretical comparison is limited to small Rayleigh numbers. It is shown that perturbations in the density field cause horizontal pressure gradients, which in turn cause convective elements to combine.
Characterization and tectonic evolution of a Mesoproterozoic island arc in the southern Grenville Orogen, Llano uplift, central Texas

Abstract Integrated field and U-Pb geochronologic data document the presence and tectonic evolution of a distinct lithotectonic terrane in the southeastern Llano uplift, here termed the Coal Creek Domain (CCD). The CCD consists of tonalitic and amphibolitic gneisses, foliated gabbroic, tonalitic, and granodioritic intrusions, and the structurally emplaced Coal Creek Serpentinite. The oldest rocks in the CCD consist of tonalitic gneisses with protolith crystallization ages of 1326 Ma and 1301 Ma and pre-1292 Ma amphibolitic gneisses (all ages are U-Pb zircon). They were intruded by dominantly mafic and intermediate with subordinate amounts of felsic low-K plutonic rocks between 1286 Ma and 1275 Ma. High-temperature metamorphism and local anatexis that resulted in the formation of gneisses and migmatites occurred between 1301 Ma and 1286 Ma and is suggested to have occurred at ∼1292 Ma. Metamorphism at 1256 Ma resulted in the growth of zircons in mafic rocks. The regional significance of this metamorphic event is unclear but it may be related to dynamothermal metamorphism of the CCD. The contemporaneous emplacement of low-K gabbro, tonalite, and granodiorite and their spatial association with serpentinite, combined with published geochemical data, strongly suggest that the CCD represents an ensimatic arc. The Coal Creek Serpentinite is interpreted as a fragment of oceanic crust that formed either basement to the arc, or in a related back-arc or intra-arc setting. Combined field, U-Pb geochronologic, isotopic, and geochemical data indicate that the magmatic, metamorphic, and structural history of the CCD differs from that of coeval rocks elsewhere in the Llano uplift. The boundary between the CCD and deformed and metamorphosed granitic and supracrustal rocks to the north is a zone of intense mylonitization and polyphase deformation. This zone is interpreted as the structural boundary between the arc terrane and units to the north.
Teacher as mediator

As a bilingual resource teacher, I have been concerned about problems facing students of Mexican descent in U.S. schools. Why is the dropout rate higher for Mexican students than it is for Anglos? Why are test scores so much lower? Why are so many bilingual education programs subtractive in their effect—emphasizing the learning of English versus the maintenance and development of two languages?
Preclinical Assessment of a 980-nm Diode Laser Ablation System in a Large Animal Tumor Model

Purpose To characterize the performance of a 980-nm diode laser ablation system in an in vivo tumor model. Materials and Methods This study was approved by the institutional animal care and use committee. The ablation system consisted of a 15-W, 980-nm diode laser, flexible diffusing-tipped fiber optic, and 17-gauge internally cooled catheter. Ten immunosuppressed dogs were inoculated subcutaneously with canine-transmissible venereal tumor fragments in eight dorsal locations. Laser ablations were performed at 79 sites where inoculations were successful (99%) at powers of 10 W, 12.5 W, and 15 W, with exposure times between 60 and 180 seconds. In 20 cases, multiple overlapping ablations were performed. After the dogs were euthanized, the tumors were harvested, sectioned along the applicator tract, measured, and photographed. Measurements of ablation zone were performed on gross specimen. Histopathology and viability staining was performed with hematoxylin and eosin and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen staining. Results Gross pathologic examination confirmed a well circumscribed ablation zone with sharp boundaries between thermally ablated tumor in the center surrounded by viable tumor tissue. When a single applicator was used, the greatest ablation diameters ranged from 12 mm at the lowest dose (10 W, 60 seconds) to 26 mm at the highest dose (15 W, 180 seconds). Multiple applicators created ablation zones as large as 42 mm in greatest diameter (with the lasers operating at 15 W for 120 seconds). Conclusions The new 980-nm diode laser and internally cooled applicator effectively create large ellipsoid thermal ablations in less than 3 minutes.
Low Dose Radiation and Cancer

Contrary to a widespread notion that only leukemia plus certain rare cancers are radiation-induced in man, the evidence now points strongly to the induction of all forms of human cancer plus leukemia by ionizing radiation. These data amply justify the following three general laws of radiation-induction of cancer in man.
Displayed Objects, Indigenous Identities, and Public Pedagogy

In this article, I describe how one group of student examines indigenous identity formation as dynamic and open to reinterpretation. Drawing on field observations and interviews with students in a 16-month ethnographic study, I examine how one group of students worked toward understanding how indigenous identity was determined by curatorial authority and historically defined museum practices. I argue that students can question the traditional pedagogical conceptions of indigenous culture that ought to be reconsidered within the public museum, and that working to historicize such conceptions makes more explicit student knowledge production of identity.
Post mining subsidence abatements in Wyoming abandoned coal mines

Abstract Coal has been mined continuously in Wyoming since 1865. Nearly all the coal produced in the first 90 years of mining was from underground bituminous mines. Subsidence has been a threat in Wyoming since the beginning of coal mining; constituting an extreme danger to public health, safety and property. As a consequence, Wyoming mine subsidence problems qualify for the highest priority of funding under the Surface Mine Control of Reclamation Act of 1977. Abatement projects have been undertaken by the Wyoming Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program to prevent or minimize further subsidence in Wyoming communities. This paper gives a brief historical account of mining activity in Wyoming. Subsidence characteristics and occurrences in various communities are presented. The locations of key abatement projects and the reasons for their selection are then given. The selection criterion for the backfilling and grouting methods and the techniques themselves are presented, and the problems encountered during various projects are discussed. Successful projects are analyzed and recommendations for future projects are given.
How do emergency managers use social media platforms

Social media platforms are increasingly becoming a useful tool for victims, humanitarians, volunteers, and the general public to communicate during disasters. Research has shown that there are multiple advantages to using social media and the applicability of these platforms crosses several different types of disasters (human-caused, natural, and terrorist) here in the United States and abroad. However, some emergency management agencies have been reluctant to use social media as one of their many communications tools. In this study, the usefulness of social media for emergency management was examined over a 30-day period following a series of tornadoes. Using an observational approach, the public posts disseminated from an emergency management agency were analyzed to determine how two social media platforms were used. The findings show how emergency management agencies could leverage the connectedness of social media to reach victims and make unlikely partnerships.
Positional variability in redundant lumbar nerve-root syndrome

A case of redundant lumbar nerve roots associated with lumbar canal stenosis is described. At myelography, the redundant nerve roots proximal to a site of blockage were noted to disappear on flexion and extension while similar redundancy developed distally. The etiology of this condition is discussed along with the differential diagnosis.
Encephalofacial Angiomatosis Sparing the Occipital Lobe and Without Facial Nevus: On the Spectrum of Sturge-Weber Syndrome Variants?:

We report two cases of leptomeningeal angiomatosis in atypical frontoparietotemporal locations without an associated facial port-wine stain. Evidence of a leptomeningeal angioma was found in each when they were evaluated for headaches and seizures. The diagnosis of a leptomeningeal angioma was suggested by calcifications noted on computed tomographic scan of the head and confirmed with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images of the brain. We hypothesize that given the lack of occipital involvement with the angioma, and therefore the noncontiguous nature of this lesion with the developing upper facial ectoderm, the failure to develop a facial angioma would be expected. We found that the useof an anticonvulsant along with a migraine prophylactic medication appeared to have the greatest efficacy in these two cases, whereas anticonvulsants alone were less helpful. This diagnosis should be considered in any child presenting with seizures or complicated migraines and intracranial calcifications.
O(+) acceleration due to resistive momentum transfer in the auroral field line plasma

An analytical model is defined to demonstrate that parallel acceleration of an O(+) ion beam in the ionosphere can occur naturally due to the presence of a quasi-static parallel electric field. Momentum equations are defined for friction between hydrogen ions and electrons, which produces a quasi-static electric field. The field can accelerate ions, e.g., the O(+) ions, which do not participate in the frictional momentum exchange. The conditions are shown to be applicable to the auroral field line plasma if a current is present along the magnetic field. A simulation performed with the equations shows that the field line plasma exhibits dynamic behavior after a field-aligned current appears. The resulting momentum gain by O(+) ions can be sufficient for causing a potential drop of several kilovolts along the field line.
Sound propagation in critical mixtures

Abstract A modification of the Fixman's theory for the low frequency sound propagation in binary critical mixtures is proposed. The results obtained are significantly different from those derived by a straight forward transcription of the Kawasaki theory.
Ischemic preconditioning at a distance : Reduction of myocardial infarct size by partial reduction of blood supply combined with rapid stimulation of the gastrocnemius muscle in the rabbit

Background Limitation of myocardial infarct size by an earlier brief complete occlusion of a coronary artery is defined as ischemic preconditioning. However, myocardial protection also can be achieved by partial reduction of coronary flow, rapid cardiac pacing, or brief ischemia-reperfusion of a remote region of the heart. Our study assesses the effect on myocardial infarct size of preconditioning at a distance induced by partial reduction of blood flow to a hind limb with or without increase of demand by electrical stimulation of a skeletal muscle. Methods and Results Anesthetized rabbits were randomized to 30 minutes of waiting period (controls), 55% to 65% reduction of femoral artery blood flow (stenosis), electrical stimulation of the gastrocnemius muscle at a rate of one per second (stimulation), or stenosis+stimulation. Thereafter, rabbits underwent 30 minutes of coronary artery occlusion and 4 hours of reperfusion. Each group included 8 rabbits. Risk zones were comparable among groups. However, the...
An X-ray powder diffraction study of the YbCl2YbI2 system

Abstract The YbCl2 YbI2 system has been investigated over the entire composition range by examining at room temperature both slowly cooled and quenched fused samples of the reactants. The system may be described in terms of mole% YbI2,Y, as follows: forY = ∼85to100, a YbI2 (CdI2-type) solid solution region prevails; forY = ∼55to∼85, “YbCl0.3I1.7,” YbCl2, and 6R-“YbCl0.5I1.5” are found; forY = 10to∼55, the YbCl2 and 6R-“YbCl0.5I1.5” phases coexist; and forY = 0 to 10, a YbCl2 solid solution region is found. The unusual behavior of the system is discussed and compared with that of related systems.
Plane-parallel ionization chamber response in the buildup region of obliquely incident photon beams

Fixed-separation plane-parallel ionization chambers have been shown to overestimate the dose in the buildup region of normally incident high-energy photon beams. This work shows that these ionization chambers exhibit an even greater over-response in the buildup region of obliquely incident photon beams. This over-response at oblique incidence is greatest at the surface of the phantom and increases with increasing angle of beam incidence. In addition, the magnitude of the over-response depends on field size, beam energy, and chamber construction. This study shows that plane-parallel ionization chambers can over-respond by more than a factor of 2.3 at the phantom surface for obliquely incident high-energy photon fields.
Hippocampal grafts into the intact brain induce epileptic patterns

Spontaneous hippocampal EEG activity and evoked field potentials were investigated in intact rats and in animals with fetal hippocampal grafts. Pieces of hippocampal grafts, derived from 15- to 16-day-old fetuses, were used to prepare cell suspensions and grafted directly into the intact hippocampus. Control animals received suspension grafts of the cerebellum derived from fetuses of identical age. Host hippocampal electrical patterns were monitored with chronic single electrodes or with a 16-microelectrode probe from 7 to 10 months after grafting. In contrast to previously reported high survival rates of fetal grafts in studies with damage to the host brain prior to grafting, survival of both hippocampal (60%) and cerebellar grafts (20%) was very poor in the intact hippocampus. In animals with cerebellar transplants or without surviving grafted neurons the electrical activity of the host hippocampus was indistinguishable from normal controls. In rats with hippocampal grafts short duration, large amplitude EEG spikes (up to 10 mV) were recorded, predominantly during immobility. When the EEG spikes (putative interictal spikes) were of large amplitude and contained population spikes, test evoked responses delivered to the perforant path were suppressed after the spontaneous events. In contrast, evoked responses were facilitated by interictal spikes without population spikes. The threshold of electrically induced afterdischarges did not differ significantly between groups of intact rats and animals with or without hippocampal grafts. However, in three rats with hippocampal grafts the evoked afterdischarges were associated with behavioral seizures. In two of these rats spontaneously occurring seizures were also observed. Synaptophysin-immunoreactivity demonstrated growth of the host mossy fibers into the graft.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
COMPARATIVE ASPECTS OF INTEGUMENTAL PTERIDINE DISTRIBUTION AMONG AMPHIBIANS.

Abstract 1. 1. Comparative study of pteridine distribution in more than fifty species of amphibian larval and adult skins has been made using paper chromatography and electrophoresis. 2. 2. Biopterin, 2-amino-4-hydroxypteridine, hynobius-blue, sepiapterin, ranachrome-3 (2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-methoxypteridine), bufochrome (2-amino-6-1′, 2′, 3′-trihydroxypropylpteridine), xanthopterin, 2-amino-4-hydroxypteridine-6-carboxylic acid and three drosopterins were found. 3. 3. Genus, family or group specificity was observed both with respect to patterns and to the presence of given pteridines. Bufochrome is specific to Bufo, Scaphiopus and Xenopus, and ranachrome-3 is characteristic of Rana, Ambystoma and Xenopus. 4. 4. Pteridine patterns are discussed with respect to amphibian phylogeny, to evolution of pteridines, and pteridine metabolism.
Effect of Interaction Modeling in AFM-Based Nanomanipulation

AFM-based nanomanipulation is very challenging because of the complex mechanics in tip-sample interactions and the limitations in AFM visual sensing capabilities. In the present paper, we investigate the modeling of AFM-based nanomanipulation emphasizing the effects of the relevant interactions at the nanoscale. The major contribution of the present work is the use of a combined DMT-JKR interaction model in order to describe the complete collision process between the AFM tip and the sample. The coupling between the interactions and the friction at the nanoscale is emphasized. The efficacy of the proposed model to reproduce experimental data is demonstrated via numerical simulations.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Comparison of band structures and charge distributions of copper and silver

The band structures of copper and silver calculated using the empirical-pseudopotential method are presented. The density of states for silver obtained from the band structure is compared with photoemission experiments. The charge distributions of the two metals were calculated in the (100) plane. A comparison of the distributions is made with reference to the results of the band structures.
The microstructure and fracture of a carburized steel

The case microstructure and fracture of a coarse-grained 8620 steel carburized to 1 pet surface carbon are quite sensitive to austenitizing conditions. Reheating martensitic speci-mens below theAcm produces in the case a refined austenitic grain size, a very fine mar-tensite, spherical carbide particles and a minimum of retained austenite and microcrack-ing. Overload fracture through the latter microstructure is transgranular and scanning electron microscopy shows both microvoid coalescence around thecarbide particles and an apparent fine cleavage in other areas. As-carburized specimens and specimens re-austenitized above theAcm developed a case microstructure characterized by a coarse austenitic grain structure in which plate martensite with microcracks developed on cool-ing within a large amount of retained austenite. The overload fracture through this mi-crostructure followed a predominately intergranular path and effectively by-passed the retained austenite and microcracked martensite. Auger electron analysis showed that C and P were present on the intergranular fracture surfaces at concentrations above bulk, an observation consistent with literature reports of P segregation during austenitizing.
Humanistic psychology and personal construct theory

Abstract This article describes the strong bond which exists between humanistic psychology and George Kelly's personal construct psychology. First, it examines humanistic concepts found in personal construct psychology such as constructive alternativism, the credulous approach, role relationships, the invitational mood, transitive diagnosis and the anti‐reductionistic, holistic approach to understanding the person. Next, it reviews Kelly's impact on the development of other humanistic theories. Lastly, it examines humanistic elaborations of personal construct theory.
Stable isotope ratios of carbon in phytoliths as a quantitative method of monitoring vegetation and climate change

The 13C/12C ratios of occluded carbon within opal phytoliths from the northern Great Plains show potential as a basis for paleoclimatic reconstruction. A significant correlation exists between the carbon isotopic composition of a host plant and that of the organic matter in its phytoliths. The 13C/12C ratios for phytoliths from surface layers of soils along climatic gradients reflect the current proportions of C3 and C4 plants. Variations in the δ13C values of phytoliths with soil depth are caused by a variety of processes: burial of soil surface by dust, bioturbation, and possible illuviation by percolating water. Also, contributions of phytoliths by dust and roots have unknown isotopic effects. The δ13C values of phytoliths from soils increase with decreasing 14C age, suggesting that the proportion of C4 plants in this region has increased during the Holocene. Phytoliths of apparent mid-Holocene age suggest exclusive dominance by C4 plants which agrees with paleoclimatic interpretations of an arid middle Holocene climate.
Seizure ending signs in patients with dyscognitive focal seizures

AimSigns indicating the end of a focal seizure with loss of awareness and/or responsiveness but without progression to focal or generalized motor symptoms are poorly defined and can be difficult to determine. Not recognizing the transition from ictal to postictal behaviour can affect seizure reporting accuracy by family members and may lead to delayed or a lack of examination during EEG monitoring, erroneous seizure localization and inadequate medical intervention for prolonged seizure duration.
Bandwidth-efficient modulation for improved ISI protection in high-data-rate SFH spread-spectrum communications

This paper addresses the performance of a slow-frequency-hop spread-spectrum system with Reed-Solomon coding in a channel that exhibits frequency-selective fading within each frequency slot. The transmitter employs QPSK modulation. An adaptation of the parity-bit method to QPSK for erasure insertion and errors-and-erasures decoding is investigated, and its performance is compared with that of errors-only decoding. The performance of the system is also compared with the performance of two SFH systems that employ BPSK modulation.