cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-Level Primary Blast Induces Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration in Rats.

OBJECTIVE Mild blast traumatic brain injury is commonly prevalent in modern combat casualty care and has been associated with the development of neurodegenerative conditions. However, whether primary lower level blast overpressure (LBOP) causes neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation remains largely unknown. The aim of our present study was to determine whether LBOP can cause neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. METHODS Anesthetized rats were randomly assigned to LBOP group (70 kPa, n = 5) or sham group (without blast, n = 5). Histopathological and cytokine changes in brain tissue at 5 days post-injury were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Bioplex assay, respectively. RESULTS Histopathological assessment revealed neuronal degeneration and increased density of inflammatory cells in frontal and parietal cortex, hippocampus and thalamus in rats exposed to LBOP. LBOP exposure significantly elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (EPO, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α) and chemokines (GRO and RANTES) as well as of an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-13) in the frontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a role of neuroinflammation in neurodegeneration after mild blast traumatic brain injury. Therapies that target this process might in warfighters might function either by attenuating the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic traumatic encephalopathy and Alzheimer's disease, or by slowing their progression.
Fracture properties of foods: Experimental considerations and applications to mastication

Abstract Foods are broken down during oral processing, which for solid foods often involves fracture. The aim of this article is to review previous research applying fracture mechanics to mastication, the effect of selected physiological variables on the fracture of foods in the mouth, and certain experimental methods that can be used to quantify the fracture properties of foods relevant to mastication. Fracture mechanics defines food properties that influence mastication, such as fracture stress, fracture strain, and toughness. Additionally, fracture mechanics provides a quantitative way to interpret the effect of physiological variables that influence the fracture of foods in the mouth, for example saliva, temperature change, and variations in strain rates applied by the teeth for different types of food. Previous research has determined displacement and stress-limited indices to link fundamental fracture properties of foods to their behavior during mastication. There are several experimental methods to measure the fracture properties of foods, which include compression, wedge, puncture, and tensile tests. Finally, there are opportunities for future studies to establish structure—property—oral processing relationships, which could inform the design of novel processes and products.
Hardening Particulate Ti Media Through Controlled Oxidation

Oxygen in titanium is a potent alpha stabilizer that provides solid solution strengthening. This study presents a method of exploiting surface hardening of titanium particulate media. Hardening was measured on particulate matter and compared to a bulk specimen with nanoindentation. Thermal exposure parameters increased surface hardness from ≈ 3 GPa to over 8 GPa as measured via nanoindentation. This process produced solid solution strengthening without creating a distinct oxide layer or significant sintering of particles.
Mary Shelley’s ‘Romantic Spinozism’

Mary Shelley (1797–1851) developed a ‘Romantic Spinozism’ from 1817 to 1848. This was a deterministic worldview that adopted an ethical attitude of love toward the world as it is, must be, and will...
Protein Kinase C-η Deficiency Does Not Impair Antiviral Immunity and CD8+ T Cell Activation.

We reported that protein kinase C-eta (PKCη) forms a novel signaling complex with the checkpoint inhibitory protein CTLA-4 in regulatory T cells (Tregs). This complex is required for the contact-dependent suppressive activity of Tregs, including suppression of anti-tumor immunity. However, the importance of PKCη in protective immunity mediated by T effector (Teff) cells remains unclear. We used mice with germline or conditional, Treg-specific deletion of Prkch, the PKCη-encoding gene, to explore CD8+ T cell-dependent antiviral immunity using the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus Armstrong strain acute infection model, as well as the in vitro activation of murine or human CD8+ T cells. Five days following infection, germline Prkch−/− mice displayed enhanced viral clearance compared to control mice. Similarly, Prkch Treg-specific conditional knockout (cKO) mice also showed improved viral clearance and displayed enhanced expression of granzyme B (GzmB) and interferon-γ (IFNγ) by both virus-specific and total CD8+ T cells, demonstrating that enhanced viral clearance in germline Prkch−/− mice is caused by PKCη deficiency in Tregs and the resulting functional defect of Prkch−/− Tregs. In addition, purified Prkch−/− mouse CD8+ T cells as well as PRKCH knockdown human CD8+ T cells displayed intact, or even enhanced, T cell activation in vitro as measured by proliferation and expression of GzmB and IFNγ. Thus, global PKCη deletion does not impair overall CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity, including antiviral immunity, implying that selective pharmacological PKCη inhibition could be safely used in vivo to inhibit undesired contact-dependent suppression by Tregs and, thus, enhance tumor-specific and, likely, virus-specific immunity.
Novel methods for global water safety monitoring: comparative analysis of low-cost, field-ready E. coli assays

Current microbiological water safety testing methods are not feasible in many settings because of laboratory, cost, and other constraints, particularly in low-income countries where water quality monitoring is most needed to protect public health. We evaluated two promising E. coli methods that may have potential in at-scale global water quality monitoring: a modified membrane filtration test followed by incubation on pre-prepared plates with dehydrated culture medium (CompactDryTM), and 10 and 100 ml presence–absence tests using the open-source Aquatest medium (AT). We compared results to membrane filtration followed by incubation on MI agar as the standard test. We tested 315 samples in triplicate of drinking water in Bangalore, India, where E. coli counts by the standard method ranged from non-detect in 100 ml samples to TNTC (>200). Results suggest high sensitivity and specificity for E. coli detection of candidate tests compared with the standard method: sensitivity and specificity of the 100 ml AT test was 97% and 96% when incubated for 24 h at standard temperature and 97% and 97% when incubated 48 h at ambient temperatures (mean: 27 °C). Sensitivity and specificity of the CompactDryTM test was >99 and 97% when incubated for 24 h at standard temperature and >99 and 97% when incubated 48 h at ambient temperatures. Good agreement between these candidate tests compared with the reference method suggests they are suitable for E. coli monitoring to indicate water safety.
Bleeding pneumonia: diffuse alveolar hemorrhage due to human metapneumovirus

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is a condition with high morbidity and mortality. The majority of cases are caused by pulmonary capillaritis associated with systemic vasculitis. Infection disease has also been associated with this condition. A 62-year-old woman with a history of chronic alcohol abuse presented with shortness of breath, hemoptysis, constipation, and icterus. Chest x-rays on admission showed diffuse patchy opacities concerning for diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. The patient quickly developed acute respiratory failure requiring intubation. PCR identified human metapneumovirus and bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed alveolar hemorrhage. Despite all efforts, the patient ultimately developed multi-organ failure and died. Human metapneumovirus is usually associated with mild upper and lower respiratory tract infections in young children. Nevertheless, clinicians should recognize that this virus has recently emerged as a significant pathogen, particularly in adult patients with underlying conditions and the elderly population.
Evaluation of the Emergency Severity Index (Version 4) in Postpartum Women after Cesarean Delivery.

Objective The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) version 4 is a 5-level triage system (1 being the highest acuity and 5 being the lowest acuity) used in the emergency department (ED). Our goal of the study was to compare rates of readmission according to ESI in postpartum women. Study Design This was a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study of all women who presented to the ED within 6 weeks after cesarean delivery. The acuity level was assigned by triage nurses at the time of triage presentation. Our primary outcome was postpartum readmission. To examine if the addition of blood pressure to vital sign abnormalities would improve the prediction for readmission, we created a modified ESI. We identified women who had an ESI of level 3 and reassigned to a modified ESI of level 2 if blood pressure was in the severe range. Receiver operating characteristic curves with area under the curve (AUC) were created and compared between ESI and modified ESI. Results Of 439 women, ESI distribution was 0.2% ESI 1, 23.7% ESI 2, 56.0% ESI 3, 19.4% ESI 4, and 0.7% ESI 5. Readmission rates by ESI level were 100% ESI 1, 47% ESI 2, 18% ESI 3, 2% ESI 4, and 0% ESI 5 (p Conclusion The ESI was a useful tool to identify women who required postpartum readmission. Incorporation of severe range blood pressure as a parameter of acuity improved the prediction of readmission. Key Points
The irony of Spain’s imperial denouement : afrancesamiento in Leopoldo Alas Clarin’s La Regenta (1884)

This article discusses the ironic portrayal of afrancesamiento in Leopoldo Alas Clarin’s La Regenta (1884) as a commentary on geopolitical realities. A well-known Francophile in his time, Clarin frequently employed elements of French culture and language in his literary works. The ironic use of these French elements in La Regenta is viewed as criticism of Spain’s patriarchal system and lack of modernization. I discuss how the afrancesamiento of the Spanish bourgeoisie thematized in La Regenta allows Clarin to comment ironically on attempts to fashion an image of Spain as occidental and superior to orientalized Latin America and its people. This evocation of an imperial context is Clarin’s critique of Spain’s unreadiness to accept the loss of its colonial possessions and to build a modern, post-imperial national identity for itself.
Elite Competition, Social Movements, and Election Violence in Nigeria

Election violence varies significantly within countries, yet how and why are undertheorized. Although existing scholarship has shown how national-level economic, institutional, and contextual facto...
The role of social determinants in timely herpes zoster vaccination among older American adults.

CDC recommends that U.S. adults ≥50 years receive the herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine; but few are vaccinated at the recommended age. Little is known about how social determinants of health (SDH) influence timely vaccination. This retrospective observational study included U.S. adults aged ≥50 years who were vaccinated against HZ between 2014 and 2016 from IBM MarketScan commercial claims and Medicare supplemental databases. The cohort was classified into three groups based on age of vaccination: earlier (50-59 years), timely (60-64 years), and later (65+ years). Select SDH data from publicly-available sources were linked and included in multinomial logistic regression assessing the impact of SDH on timely vaccination. The final cohort comprised 549,544 individuals, 49.5% of whom were vaccinated at the age of 60-64. Odds of later HZ vaccination increased with higher poverty (OR: 1.035, 95% CI: 1.031-1.038), more democratic voters (OR: 1.011, 95% CI: 1.010-1.012), and lack of Internet access (OR: 1.028, 95% CI: 1.024-1.032), but decreased with higher health literacy (OR: 0.971, 95% CI: 0.970-0.973). Conversely, higher health literacy and lower poverty were associated with higher odds of earlier vaccination. Being male, not receiving a seasonal influenza vaccine, and higher healthcare utilization were associated with later vaccination. Individuals on an EPO/PPO vs. HMO plan, or who resided in regions other than the Northeast were more likely to receive the vaccine earlier. This study demonstrates the influence of SDH on time of HZ vaccination, but further research is needed to fully understand the impact of SDH on vaccination.
A Rare Case of Lance Adams Syndrome Post PEACardiac Arrest

There is an increasing number of patients who have survived after suffering cardiac arrest. Some surviving patients experience prolonged neurological complications due to hypoxic brain injury
Data Sources for Population and Exports before 1914

Population The quality of population census data in nineteenth-century Latin America leaves much to be desired. Enumeration was often incomplete, the indigenous population was occasionally ignored, and the margin of error was substantial. In Guatemala, for example, it was standard practice until the 1950 census for the president to “request” the jefes politicos in the provinces to inflate the results. All estimates of total population must therefore be regarded with caution. However, recent scholarship has done much to remedy the deficiencies of pre-1914 statistics. As a result, figures exist for Latin American countries that can be combined to give estimates for all of Latin America at various intervals. For this Appendix, I chose the years 1850, 1870, 1890, and 1912. For most of the period before the First World War, Puerto Rico was part of the Latin American community, and Panama did not exist as an independent country. In the interests of consistency, I therefore include figures for Puerto Rico after 1898 (following its annexation by the United States), and I continue to include Panama in the Colombian figures after 1903 (following its declaration of independence from Colombia).
Solvent retention capacity: Supplemental solvents for evaluation of gluten quality

Abstract Solvent retention capacity (SRC) is a solvation test for wheat flour in which functional contributions of different polymeric components are predicted based on their swelling behavior with different diagnostic solvents. To assess the functionality of individual gluten components, four solvents have been proposed: 1) 55% aqueous ethanol for gliadins; 2) 0.75% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for glutenin macropolymer; 3) 0.006% sodium metabisulfite (MBS) for gluten strength; and 4) 0.75% SDS + 0.006% MBS for glutenin macropolymer without disulfide network. This research aimed to study the gluten functionality of commercial wheat flour samples by the four proposed supplemental diagnostic solvents. Commercial wheat samples were purchased in 2020 at a grocery store in Fargo, North Dakota. Four different brands from three flour types (bread flour, all-purpose flour, and cake flour) were analyzed. These flour types represent wheat flour from three different U.S. wheat classes, hard spring wheat, hard winter wheat, and soft wheat. SRC was measured according to the AACC-approved method 56–11.02 with modifications. The supplementary solvents 55% aqueous ethanol, 0.75% SDS, 0.006% MBS, and 0.75% SDS +0.006% MBS were used instead of the traditional SRC solvents. Highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) and positive correlations between SDS SRC, MBS SRC, and SDS + MBS SRC solvents and the analyzed rheological and baking quality traits, especially water absorption and loaf volume. Additionally, when protein composition was assessed, the three previously mentioned supplementary SRC solvents denoted a significant (p ≤ 0.01) and positive correlation with the glutenin polymers fraction, which is associated with dough functionality. These results highlight the importance of assessing specific flour polymers' functional contributions to predict each flour type's end-use potential.
Diagnosis and disposition are changed when board-certified emergency physicians use CT for non-traumatic abdominal pain ☆

Abstract Objectives To determine the effect of abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scan results on diagnosis and disposition of patients with non-traumatic abdominal pain who were evaluated by board-certified emergency physicians (EPs). Methods Prospective, observational study conducted at a safety-net facility with an emergency medicine residency and 65000 annual adult visits. Patients with non-traumatic abdominal pain who underwent an abdominal CT from 3/2011 through 8/2011 were included. Decision to obtain CT was made by the EP. The computer order entry system required the EP to report the most likely diagnosis, and the management and disposition plan. After CT results, the same EP electronically again entered the most likely diagnosis and the planned management and disposition. CTs were interpreted by an attending radiologist. Descriptive statistics and χ 2 tests were used. Results Six hundred twenty-nine patients were entered and 547 remained after exclusions; 298 (54%) subjects had a change in diagnosis. In 6 categories, there was a statistically significant change, with non-specific abdominal pain the most common( P P P P P P Conclusions Abdominal CT use by board certified EPs for nontraumatic abdominal pain changed diagnosis and disposition, with more sent home in lieu of admission. Diagnostic accuracy did not appear to be related to years of clinical experience.
Planning to Learn: The Role of Interior Design in Educational Settings

This design case is about re-engaging with the fundamental role of the built environment in order to support the educational process and overall learning experience in a private Catholic school. Advanced level interior design students were provided an opportunity to work with a school whose administrator had requested assistance in setting priorities for needed changes to their grade school facility. The current building presented limitations in reflecting the high quality curriculum teachers delivered to their students, and they sought ideas for improvements that would support their goals. The design case describes a sequence of pedagogically based steps that were strategically employed through a service-learning project to help students explore user experience, apply theory, and develop design solutions using an evidence-based research framework. The goal was to plan learning spaces for pre-kindergarten through third grade school children. The interior design students first explored the theoretical perspectives of early childhood education and the role of the built environment as a significant component of the educational process. They then analyzed the existing conditions to create priorities for change, verifying this information with multiple user-groups. A comprehensive design program was developed from this information. Finally, student teams prepared design solutions that visually represented potential answers to the identified problems. Student, faculty, and client perceptions of the design process are presented in text and audio formats. Outcomes of the case study are discussed in the context of the benefits to the various user groups and participants, as well as the value of returning to the fundamentals of the educational experience through the human perceptual and physical interactions with the built environment.
NaCl-Induced Alterations in Both Cell Structure and Tissue-Specific Plasma Membrane H+ -ATPase Gene Expression

NaCl-induced plasma membrane H+-ATPase gene expression, which occurs in roots and fully expanded leaves of the halophyte Atriplex nummularia L. (X. Niu, M.L. Narasimhan, R.A. Salzman, R.A. Bressan, P.M. Hasegawa [1993] Plant Physiol 103: 713-718), has been differentially localized to specific tissues using in situ RNA hybridization techniques. Twenty-four-hour exposure of plants to 400 mM NaCl resulted in substantial accumulation of H+ pump message in the epidermis of the root tip and the endodermis of the root elongation/differentiation zone. In expanded leaves, NaCl induction of plasma membrane H+-ATPase message accumulation was localized to bundle-sheath cells. Ultrastructural analyses indicated that significant cytological adaptations in root cells included plasmolysis that is accompanied by plasma membrane invaginations, formation of Hechtian strands and vesiculation, and vacuolation. These results identify specific tissues that are involved in the regulation of Na+ and Cl- uptake into different organs of the halophyte A. nummularia and provide evidence of the intercellular and interorgan coordination that occurs in the mediation of NaCl adaptation.
Teaching principles of inference with ANOVA

Summary Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is a test of mean differences, but the reference to variances in the name is often overlooked. Classroom activities are presented to illustrate how ANOVA works with emphasis on how to think critically about inferential reasoning.
Monitoring Changes in Stressed Ecosystems Using Spatial Patterns of Ant Communities

We examined the feasibility of using changes in spatial patterns of ants-distribution on experimental plots as an indicator of response to environmental stress. We produced contour maps based on relative abundances of the three most common genera of ants based on pit-fall trap captures. Relative abundance of Conomyrma spp. decreased, relative abundance of Solenopsis spp. increased, and relative abundance of Pogonomyrmex spp. remained relatively unchanged. The contour maps showed long-term changes in foraging activity and/or distribution of colonies of ants in response to grazing by domestic livestock. This study demonstrated that analysis of spatial patterns of ant activity derived from relative abundances of ants in pit-fall traps provided interpretable data for developing an indicator of exposure to ecosystem stress.
Preacceleration in electron theory

The phenomenon of preacceleration or precognitive response of an electron in classical Lorentz-Dirac theory is discussed. This occurs when the electron reacts to an applied force before the onset of the force. (R.E.U.)
Efficacy of phosphodiesterase inhibition with milrinone in combination with converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with heart failure

Abstract We describe the results of two placebo-controlled trials (MIL-1077 and MIL-1078) designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of oral milrinone administered together with converting enzyme inhibitors to patients with congestive heart failure. Although these trials were terminated prematurely, they provide the only controlled data regarding the effect of oral milrinone on exercise capacity in patients receiving converting enzyme inhibitors. Of the 254 patients randomized, 140 completed one of the trials or reached an end point and are the basis of this report. In both trials, there was a clear trend for an increase in exercise capacity in the milrinone-treated patients (+ 26 ± 8% vs. +5 ± 7% in MIL-1077 and + 11 ± 5% vs. + 2 ± 4% in MIL-1078). Symptoms of congestive heart failure were decreased in one trial but not the other. Quality of life, as assessed by a questionnaire, was not effected in either trial. There was an increased incidence of adverse events in milrinone-treated patients. Adverse events related primarily to hypotension and vasodilation led to discontinuation of drug in 18 milrinone-treated patients vs. 1 placebo-treated patient. Milrinone had little or no proarrhythmic effect and cardiovascular deaths were distributed equally between the milrinone and placebo groups. These data suggest that when used in combination with a converting enzyme inhibitor, oral milrinone improves exercise capacity but is associated with a high incidence of adverse events that appear to be related to excessive vasodilation.
Erythropoietin mimics ischemic preconditioning

Ischemic preconditioning is a powerful endogenous phenomenon in which brief periods of a sub-toxic ischemic insult induce robust protection against future, lengthy, lethal ischemia. The cardioprotective effects of ischemic preconditioning are manifest in all species studied so far, including humans. The ability to reproduce the cardioprotective effects of ischemic preconditioning with pharmacological agents raises the possibility that a drug may ultimately be introduced into clinical practice to treat human hearts undergoing ischemia/reperfusion. This chapter focuses on erythropoietin (Epo), a drug that has already been approved for humans and is in current use for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic renal failure, HIV infection, cancer patients on chemotherapy, and to reduce allogenic blood transfusion in surgery patients. Several recent studies have suggested that this cytokine possesses properties far beyond its capacity to produce red blood cells such as the ability to protect tissues including brain, kidney and heart against injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion. Cardioprotection conferred by Epo has been shown to be equal in magnitude to that conferred by ischemic preconditioning. However, the underlying mechanisms by which Epo protects the heart against injury caused by ischemia remain unknown.
Forces on lumbo-vertebral facets.

The forces acting on the human lumbar vertebrae in a variety of postures are analyzed using the principles of engineering statistics. It is concluded that the pressures exerted on the interarticular joints can be at least as large as the pressures on the intervertebral discs when lifting heavy weights in flexion. Since 1934, the ruptured disc has been the focus of interest. The stresses and pressures incurred by the intervertebral discs remain undisputed and have been well documented by several authors. More recently, an autoimmune reaction has been demonstrated to occur in cases with degenerative disc protrusion. The possibility that such a reaction may actually occur prior to rupture of the disc has also been entertained. The purpose of this paper is not to detract from the importance and significance of the intervertebral disc, but to include the equally important synovial joints in our comprehension of the biomechanics and the pathophysiology of the lumbar spine. It is postulated that the facets may be injured simultaneously whenever there is a disc injury or may be injured exclusively without a disc injury. Injury to the facets is bound to produce a painful state of affairs which may lead to degenerative arthritis and contribute to the chronic low-back-pain syndrome.
Multiple births and risk of breast cancer

Data from a large, multicenter, population-based case-control study were analyzed to investigate the relation between multiple birth pregnancies and subsequent breast-cancer risk in the gravidas. Women less than 75 years old who had breast cancer were identified from statewide tumor registries in Wisconsin, western Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire. Controls aged less than 65 years were selected randomly from lists of licensed drivers, and controls aged between 65 and 74 were selected randomly from lists of Medicare beneficiaries. Information on reproductive history and other factors was obtained by means of telephone interviews. After excluding nulliparous women, 5,880 case subjects and 8,217 controls remained for analysis. Multiple birth pregnancies occurred in 146 cases and 218 controls. Adjusted for the number of full-term pregnancies and other confounders, the odds ratio (OR) for any multiple birth pregnancy was 0.94 (95% confidence interval, 0.75 to 1.17). The null association between multiple birth pregnancies and breast cancer remained if the mother's first pregnancy or last pregnancy resulted in a multiple birth. In addition, no trend in risk emerged for age at first multiple birth or time since last multiple birth. While other investigators have suggested biological mechanisms to explain both protective and detrimental effects of multiple births and subsequent development of breast cancer, this study does not support either assertion.
Neuropsychological impairment in racial/ethnic minorities with HIV infection and low literacy levels: effects of education and reading level in participant characterization

Educational attainment is an important factor in the interpretation of cognitive test scores but years of education are not necessarily synonymous with educational quality among racial/ethnic minority populations. This study investigated the comparability of educational attainment with reading level and examined whether discrepancies in education and reading level accounted for differences in neuropsychological test performance between HIV+ racial/ethnic minority and nonminority participants. Study participants (N=200) were derived from the Manhattan HIV Brain Bank (MHBB) where 50% of the cohort had < or =8th grade reading level but only 5% had < or =8 years of education. Significantly lower reading ability and education was found among African Americans and Hispanics, and these participants were more likely to have discrepant reading and education levels compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Discrepancy in reading and education level was associated with worse neuropsychological performance while racial/ethnic minority status was not. As years of schooling overestimated racial/ethnic minority participants' educational quality, standard norms based on education may inflate impairment rates among racial/ethnic minorities. Identifying appropriate normative standards is and will continue to be important in the detection of cognitive impairment in racial/ethnic minorities with HIV.
Surface spectroscopy and temperature-programmed desorption studies of the interaction of water vapor with Ni3(Al, Ti) (100) and (111) surfaces as a function of temperature

Abstract The interaction of water vapor with single crystal Ni 3 (Al, Ti) has been studied with Auger electron spectroscopy, photoemission spectroscopy and thermal desorption. Water adsorbs molecularly onto the (111) and (100) surfaces at 140 K. When warmed up to room temperature, water remains as an intact molecule on (111), but dissociates to surface hydroxyl and atomic oxygen on (100). The latter process is accompanied by the evolution of hydrogen and oxidation of Al. It appears that the dissociation of water is structure-sensitive and that Al is the active species in controlling the dissociation of water on Ni 3 Al surfaces.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Velar Muscle Tissue Distribution in Healthy Adults.

Objectives: To examine muscle tissue distribution along the length of the velum in living individuals using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Design: Using the three-dimensional MRI data acquired from 10 normal white adults, two area measures including the muscular area and the total velar area were obtained from 10 oblique slices running perpendicular to velar length. A polynomial regression analysis was performed where the proportion of the muscular to the total velar area was regressed on the slice numbers running along the length of the velum. Results: The proportion of the muscular to total velar area increased from the anterior section of the velum, reaching a maximum (33.24%) in the midsection, and decreasing in the posterior section of the velum. A third-order (cubic) polynomial function that best illustrated the proportional data (R2 = .47) was derived. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that MRI is a viable tool to examine the muscle tissue distribution of the velum in living individual...
An empirical examination of factor substitutability

This paper looks at the issue of factor substitutability versus complementarity from the point of view of directional causality. That is, prior to estimating a production function, is there any empirical support for the belief that capital, labor, energy and materials are substitutes or complements for one another in the production process? The results suggest that capital is a substitute for the other factors of production but when the other factors are compared pairwise, such a conclusion does not follow.
Special issue of selected papers from visualization and data analysis 2011

This special issue features the best papers that were selected from the 18th SPIE Conference on Visualization and Data Analysis (VDA 2011). This annual conference is a major international forum for researchers and practitioners interested in data visualization and analytics research, development, and applications. VDA 2011 received 42 high-quality submissions from around the world. Twenty-four papers were selected for full conference papers. The top five papers have been expanded and reviewed for this special issue.
Antigens in human renal allografts.

Abstract While the anatomic location of renal autoantigens is well established from routine immunopathological studies of biopsy material, until recently the location of alloantigens on renal structures was not clearly defined. In this paper we review the literature concerning the distribution of allo- and autoantigens within the kidney and their possible role in the rejection of renal allografts. Most, if not all, alloantigenic systems for which there is considerable evidence to imply them as clinically important histocompatibility antigens assessed on the basis of matching, presence of serum antibodies in relation with rejection, or antibodies in eluates from rejected grafts, are localized on the renal endothelium. These include the ABO blood group determinants, HLA-A,B,C, and DR, LB antigens, and endothelial-monocyte antigens. Other alloantigenic systems such as Lewis, Rhesus, MN, I i , and HT-A have not been demonstrated on the renal endothelium and may be less important in graft rejection. Antigens on the tubular basement membrane, collecting duct epithelium, proximal tubular brush borders, arterial smooth muscle cells, and nuclei appear to be unrelated to rejection.
Textile-Based Flexible Electroluminescent Devices

Flexible and transparent textile-based conductors are developed by inkjet printing poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) mesh fabrics. The conductivity‐transparency relationship is determined for textile-based conductors with different thicknesses of the printed PEDOT:PSS fi lm. The function of these textile-based conductors is studied in the alternating current powder electroluminescent (ACPEL) devices and compared with indium tin oxide (ITO) glass in an ACPEL device of the same confi guration. Textiles coated with conducting polymers are a potential alternative to coated polymer fi lms for fl exible, transparent conductors.
Self-Esteem and Men's Negative Stereotypes of Women Who Work

The relationships between self-esteem and attitudes toward women who work were explored using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth for 4,386 young adult males Significant, negative associations were found among the measures, which suggests that men with low scores on self-esteem tend to oppose the employment of women, while men with high self-esteem scores are likely to approve of women working. These findings support previous research on the relationship between self-esteem and prejudice as well as indicate possible sources of unequal treatment of men and women in the workplace.
Mutationally Altered Signal Output in the Nart (NarX-Tar) Hybrid Chemoreceptor

Signal-transducing proteins that span the cytoplasmic membrane transmit information about the environment to the interior of the cell. In bacteria, these signal transducers include sensor kinases, which typically control gene expression via response regulators, and methyl-accepting chemoreceptor proteins, which control flagellar rotation via the CheA kinase and CheY response regulator. We previously reported that a chimeric protein (Nart) that joins the ligand-binding, transmembrane, and linker regions of the NarX sensor kinase to the signaling and adaptation domains of the Tar chemoreceptor elicits a repellent response to nitrate and nitrite. As with NarX, nitrate evokes a stronger response than nitrite. Here we show that mutations targeting a highly conserved sequence (the P box) in the periplasmic domain alter chemoreception by Nart and signaling by NarX similarly. In particular, the G51R substitution converts Nart from a repellent receptor into an attractant receptor for nitrate. Our results underscore the conclusion that the fundamental mechanism of transmembrane signaling is conserved between homodimeric sensor kinases and chemoreceptors. They also highlight the plasticity of the coupling between ligand binding and signal output in these systems.
Distributed Real-Time Power Flow control with renewable integration

We formulate an Optimal Real-Time Power Flow (ORPF) problem that integrates renwable energy generation and energy storage. In the ORPF problem, we seek to minimize the costs of energy storage and of power generation from fossil fuel that are required to balance the loads and generation from renewable sources. We present a novel decentralized algorithm for this problem, using tie-set graph theory. Tie-set graph theory significantly reduces the complexity of the ORPF problem by dividing a power network into a set of independent loops referred to as “tie-sets.” Simulation results demonstrate real-time power production responses and flow controls that lead to reliable use of battery systems and reduce the cost of using fossil fuel.
Thermal stresses in frozen organs.

Abstract An analysis was performed to determine the thermal stresses in the solid region of an organ frozen so that a constant cooling rate is imposed on its outer surface. The analysis shows that at the instant the water freezes at a certain location in the organ, compressive azimuthal stresses develop in the region close to the change of phase front. The compressive asimuthal stresses decrease and become tensile at that location as the change of phase front propagates further. The radial stresses are always compressive. It is hypothesized that those stresses might induce mechanical damage to the cellular components of the organ. The analysis shows that the magnitude of these stresses is a function of the material properties and the product of the outer surface cooling rate and the square of the outer surface radius.
Digital-to-analog converter having common-mode isolation and differential output

A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is described that has transformer-coupled isolation for both power and data inputs and provides a true differential output. The DAC provides a 10-bit, 10.23-V unipolar output of either polarity, depending on which of the two output lines is used as the load reference potential. The common-mode potential may be as large as 250 V, and below 120 Hz the common-mode rejection typically exceeds 100 dB. The isolated, balanced circuit eliminates environmental noise problems and permits long cabling lengths without loss of dc accuracy. The DAC is an analog output feature available on the IBM System/7, a small computer designed for data acquisition and real-time automation applications.
Synthesis and study of isomers of bis(4-aminosalicylato)copper(II)

Abstract Synthesis of bis(4-aminosalicylato)copper(II) from 4-aminosalicylic acid yields two isomers of the complex that have different physical characteristics, but similar chemical properties. Characterization of the isomers indicates that both are monomeric with coordination to the metal ion occuring through the carbonyl oxygens of the ligand. Both complexes are essentially square planar with normal magnetic moments. Both isomers are thermally stable in the solid state and are insoluble in common solvents. The isomer produced during synthesis is determined by the concentration of reactants.
Two-dimensional microcolumn HPLC coupled to a single-quadrupole mass spectrometer for the elucidation of sequence tags and peptide mapping†

The system described here uses comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography to separate the mixture of peptides resulting from the enzymatic digestion of a protein. This system couples size exclusion liquid chromatography (SEC) to reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) to affect first a separation based on size followed by a separation based on hydrophobicity. The microcolumn RPLC allows the use of second-dimension flow rates 20-fold less than previously reported, which concomitantly increases the concentration of the peaks. This second dimension of chromatographic separation is directly coupled to an electrospray mass spectrometer for the detection of peptides as well as for the determination of their molecular weights. High-resolution peptide maps have been from as little as 15 pmol of digested protein. The high sensitivity which results from the increased peak concentrations on the reversed-phase microcolumns permits individual peptides to be sequenced using in-source collision-induced dissociation (CID) on this single-quadrupole mass spectrometer. A low orifice voltage in the electrospray source's interface region is used for intact peptide molecular weight determination. A high orifice voltage on a subsequent scan dissociates the peptide and determines the sequence of about three residues. Knowing enzyme specificity, peptide molecular weight, and a partial sequence allows protein databases to be searched for the protein's identity with a high level of accuracy. Tryptic digests of bovine serum albumin are used to demonstrate the elucidation of sequence tags as well as for traditional peptide mapping experiments. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 10: 365–375, 1998
Acute alcohol intoxication suppresses the CXC chemokine response during endotoxemia.

Background CXC chemokines play an important role in host defense against infections. Alcohol is a frequently abused drug that inhibits numerous immune functions of the host. This study investigated the effects of alcohol on CXC chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) responses in rats challenged with intravenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods Acute ethanol intoxication was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of 20% alcohol (5.5 g/kg). Thirty minutes thereafter, LPS (500 microg/kg) was administered intravenously. In another set of experiments, rats were intravenously administered an anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) neutralizing antibody (10 mg per rat) 2 hr before the LPS challenge. Results At 1 and 2 hr after the LPS challenge, MIP-2, CINC, and TNFalpha concentrations in the plasma were significantly increased. Alcohol intoxication suppressed the MIP-2, CINC, and TNFalpha responses in the bloodstream during endotoxemia. Alcohol also suppressed the increase in plasma chemotactic activity and polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion molecule expression in rats with endotoxemia. MIP-2 and CINC messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was significantly increased 1 hr after endotoxemia in the lung, liver, and spleen. Alcohol suppressed the up-regulation of MIP-2 mRNA expression in all of these organs and CINC mRNA expression in the lungs of rats with endotoxemia. TNFalpha neutralization minimally inhibited plasma CINC and MIP-2 responses during endotoxemia and did not suppress the increase in plasma chemotactic activity. Conclusions These results show that alcohol suppresses the systemic CXC chemokine response to LPS, which is not primarily mediated by ethanol-induced suppression of TNFalpha. This disruption of host-defense function may serve as one mechanism underlying the increased risk of infectious diseases in hosts who abuse alcohol.
Lightweight routing with dynamic interests in wireless sensor and actor networks

Wireless sensor and actor networks (WSANs) have been increasingly popular for environmental monitoring applications in the last decade. While the deployment of sensor nodes enables a fine granularity of data collection, resource-rich actor nodes provide further evaluation of the information and reaction. Quality of service (QoS) and routing solutions for WSANs are challenging compared to traditional networks because of the limited node resources. WSANs also have different QoS requirements than wireless sensor networks (WSNs) since actors and sensor nodes have distinct resource constraints. In this paper, we present, LRP-QS, a lightweight routing protocol with dynamic interests and QoS support for WSANs. LRP-QS provides QoS by differentiating the rates among different types of interests with dynamic packet tagging at sensor nodes and per flow management at actor nodes. The interests, which define the types of events to observe, are distributed in the network. The weights of the interests are determined dynamically by using a nonsensitive ranking algorithm depending on the variation in the observed values of data collected in response to interests. Our simulation studies show that the proposed protocol provides a higher packet delivery ratio and a lower memory consumption than the existing state of the art protocols.
Nondestructive Evaluation: Past, Present, and Future

In ancient Egypt, the builders of the Great Pyramid needed to verify and correct for the levelness of the stone foundation on which the great casing blocks now rest. In order to do this, they flooded the entire foundation area with water, identified selected surface points that were a consistent distance from the still surface of the water, and then dressed the entire area with respect to those points ~Clarke and Englebach 1990!. Thus, an important structural condition ~foundation levelness! was accurately determined by an independent and nondestructive phenomenon; this is the essence of nondestructive evaluation ~NDE!. Today, NDE for civil engineering materials and structures is a well-established and critical need: several technical conferences and workshops dedicated strictly to this topic are held each year. Modern civil engineering structures incorporate complicated multimaterial components that require special monitoring, e.g., corrosion activity of cables in posttensioned concrete girders, tension force in high-strength cable stays, and bond quality of fiber composite strengthening wraps adhered to concrete columns. Defective components or improper construction could lead to complete structural failure, with significant consequence. These new structural components require sophisticated nondestructive tests, which must be drawn from a range of physical phenomena.
Finding latent performance bugs in systems implementations

Robust distributed systems commonly employ high-level recovery mechanisms enabling the system to recover from a wide variety of problematic environmental conditions such as node failures, packet drops and link disconnections. Unfortunately, these recovery mechanisms also effectively mask additional serious design and implementation errors, disguising them as latent performance bugs that severely degrade end-to-end system performance. These bugs typically go unnoticed due to the challenge of distinguishing between a bug and an intermittent environmental condition that must be tolerated by the system. We present techniques that can automatically pinpoint latent performance bugs in systems implementations, in the spirit of recent advances in model checking by systematic state space exploration. The techniques proceed by automating the process of conducting random simulations, identifying performance anomalies, and analyzing anomalous executions to pinpoint the circumstances leading to performance degradation.By focusing our implementation on the MACE toolkit, MACEPC can be used to test our implementations directly, without modification. We have applied MACEPC to five thoroughly tested and trusted distributed systems implementations. MACEPC was able to find significant, previously unknown, long-standing performance bugs in each of the systems, and led to fixes that significantly improved the end-to-end performance of the systems.