cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen Purification for Fuel Cells by Carbon Dioxide Removal Membrane Followed by Water Gas Shift Reaction

In this study, a process combining carbon dioxide removal by using a polymeric membrane with a subsequent water gas shift (WGS) reaction was developed to purify hydrogen for fuel cells. The polymeric CO2-removal membranes were synthesized by incorporating amino acid salts and polyamine into crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol). The membranes showed high CO2 permeability and CO2/H2 selectivity in temperatures ranging from 110 to 170°C. A rectangular membrane permeation cell with well-defined countercurrent gas flows was used to study the CO2 removal. A feed gas consisting of 1% CO, 17% CO2, 45% H2, and 37% N2 was used to simulate the synthesis gas from autothermal reforming of gasoline with air. With this permeation cell running at 120°C, the CO2 concentration in the gas mixture was reduced from 17% to as low as 10 ppm, resulting in more than 99.5% of CO2 removed. Then, with another feed gas consisting of 1.19% CO, 0.10% CO2, 53.87% H2, and 44.84% N2 used to simulate the synthesis gas after the CO2-removal step, a reactor packed with a commercial low-temperature WGS catalyst was operated at 140–150°C to convert CO to H2. With such a low CO2 concentration in the feed gas, the reversible WGS reaction was shifted forward so that the CO concentration was decreased from 1.19% to less than 10 ppm (on dry basis), which met the requirement of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. The WGS reactor had a gas hourly space velocity of 7650 h–1 at 150°C, and the H2 concentration in the exit was more than 54 mol% (on dry basis).
Work in progress — The impact of time on building community in an ALN

The importance of establishing a sense of community is accepted as a central element in establishing an effective learning environment, impacting student persistence, satisfaction, and achievement. Although there is a body of research on building learning communities within an asynchronous learning network (ALN), that research is rather one-dimensional in that it is based upon a sample taken at a point in time and does not adequately address the dynamic characteristics of interpersonal relationships. The impact of shared experiences over time on feelings of community within an ALN is not clearly understood. This baseline information is necessary for providing context for an analysis of how to build community. This work in progress addresses that lack of context through a causal-comparative study that addresses the research question, “How does the sense of community change throughout the semester in a course offered in an ALN?” In deriving an answer to the research question, students in twelve graduate-level courses offered as part of the curriculum in a school of computer and information sciences completed the Classroom Community Scale twice during their 12-week terms: once at the midterm point, and again at the end of the term. A MANOVA analysis of the data did not suggest a change in community over the course of the semester.
X-PERT NCT advanced logic tonometer valuation

The air pulsed automatic tonometer X-PERT NCT has been tested in hospitals on glaucomatous patients. This new technique avoids direct contact with the patient's eyes and therefore avoids any risk of contamination. The population studied consisted of 118 eyes of 60 patients whose intraocular pressure (I.O.P.) is measured by applanation with the Goldmann tonometer and then by the air pulsed tonometer. The average I.O.P. obtained by Goldmann tonometer is 17.5 +/- 5 mmHg while by X-PERT tonometer, the average I.O.P. is 17.4 +/- 1.5 mmHg. Statistical analysis of these data showed a very good correlation (r = 0.969) in the two methods of measurement.
Suppression of lordotic responsiveness in the female rat during mesencephalic electrical stimulation

The effects of biphasic electrical stimulation of the mesencephalic median (MRN) and dorsal raphe (DRN) nuclei, as well as the adjacent periaqueductal gray (PAG), on lordotic behavior were investigated in ovariectomized rats primed with three daily injections of estradiol benzoate (2 micrograms). Animals were tested between 4-8 hours after a progesterone (0.5 mg) injection on day four which normally facilitates high levels of receptivity during this period. Although stimulation of the MRN had no significant effect on lordosis, DRN activation at 100 Hz (0.5 msec pulse duration) or 10 Hz (2 msec pulse duration) caused a marked and immediate suppression (53% and 56%, respectively) in receptivity. This suppression does not appear to be due to activation of serotoninergic neurons originating in the DRN since pretreatment with an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis (parachlorophenylalamine, 320 mg/kg) essentially did not modify the suppression, thus providing no evidence in support of an inhibitory role for serotonin in lordotic behavior. Activation within the PAG adjacent to the DRN at 10 Hz (0.5 or 2 msec pulse duration) produced an immediate, dramatic decrease (81% and 80%, respectively) in receptivity. The suppressions induced by DRN and PAG stimulation appear most likely to be due to activation of a descending pathway inhibitory to the lordosis reflex at medullary or spinal cord levels.
Cisplatin and cytarabine administered intrapleurally as treatment of malignant pleural effusions

Eight patients with histologically-documented malignant pleural effusions received a total of ten courses of intrapleurally administered chemotherapy with cisplatin (100 mg/m2) and cytarabine (10(-2) M). Sodium thiosulfate was simultaneously administered intravenously to protect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. There was no local toxicity observed and the only significant systemic toxicity (bone marrow depression) developed in a patient with poor marrow reserve prior to the initiation of therapy. Six of seven evaluable patients exhibited major reductions (greater than 75%) in the size of their effusions lasting for 2 to 10 plus months (median: 4 months). We conclude that the intrapleural administration of this chemotherapy regimen results in objective and subjective improvement in patients with malignant pleural effusions with minimal local and systemic toxicity (except for cisplatin-induced emesis) and does not require chest tube drainage or prolonged hospitalization.
Predictive Models for the Summer Activity of Vitacea polistiformis in Concord Grape Vineyards

The summer activity (pupa development and adult emergence) of Vitacea polistiformis (Harris) in 3 north central Georgia Concord grape vineyards is presented as a set of regression models of pupal development and grape berry sugar accumulation as state variables forced by degree-day input. The significant correlation between these 2 phenological progressions is a useful pest management tool which can predict the pupal developmental state from the accumulated berry sugar content.
On the conversion of ruble trade flows into dollars

Abstract A simple approach is developed for analyzing the possible bias involved in converting CMEA countries' statistics on transferable ruble (TR) trade into dollars. This bias is a function of the degree of price distortion in TR trade and whether the conversion is made “backward” using the TR/dollar rate set by the CMEA, or “forward” using the country's official cross rate between the TR and the dollar. Illustrative calculations of conversion bias for the European members of the CMEA for 1983 show considerable differences in “forward” conversion bias among some of these countries, given identical hypothetical price distortions in each country's TR trade.
Future long-range transports: Prospects for improved fuel efficiency

A status report is provided on current thinking concerning potential improvements in fuel efficiency and possible alternate fuels. Topics reviewed are: (1) historical trends in airplane efficiency; (2) technological opportunities including supercritical aerodynamics, (3) vortex diffusers, (4) composite materials, (5) propulsion systems, (6) active controls, and terminal-area operations; (7) unconventional design concepts, and (8) hydrogen-fueled airplane.
Is there life after technetium: What is the potential for developing new broad-based radionuclides?

The use of radionuclides for medical and for a multitude of other basic research applications has continued to grow at a very rapid pace. Procedures, based on their use as radiotracers for nuclear medicine imaging and for radiotherapy of cancer and other pathology, have become firmly established as important clinical modalities. It is estimated that on an annual basis in the United States alone, radionuclides are used medically in over 13 million imaging procedures, in over 100 million laboratory tests, and in an ever increasing number (>100,000) for therapeutic administrations. One out of every four hospital patients undergoes a procedure that involves the use of radionuclides. Diagnostic imaging methods using planar/single-photon emission computed tomography and positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging, as well as the measurement of in vivo organ function, physiology, or biochemistry, have become indispensable tools in patient workup and management. More than 80% of all imaging studies (mostly anatomic) currently use technetium-99m ( 99m Tc), because it has turned out to be the ideal isotope from various considerations. However, over the past few years, nuclear medicine has experienced a slow but steady evolution towards functional studies, quantitative PET imaging, and novel therapeutic approaches. New radionuclides are required for these applications, and their development has attracted considerable interest. This article reviews the current status and future prospects for the development of many new potential isotopes. Practical issues, such as the feasibility of large-scale production and widespread availability in a continuous reliable fashion, are addressed. To date, the data are not sufficient to answer the question as to whether any of these radionuclides (or their applications, for that matter) will eventually assume as broad-based a role as that of 99m Tc. Nonetheless, there are a number of promising radionuclides that could assume an important place in the future practice of nuclear medicine.
The Naturalist Center: Proof that museums can do more to maximize the learning potential of their collections

Abstract There may not be a more passionate group of learners than museum scientists, historians or artists. What if museum visitors had the same freedom to learn from museum collections as researchers do? At the Smithsonian Institution's Naturalist Center we not only examined the environmental factors that have nutured such passion for learning in museum researchers but also successfully reproduced them in a publicly accessible, open storage study collection. Three major functional elements were critical to the Center's success: (1) building a critical mass of information (collections, books, images, databases, etc.) (2) providing access to that information in ways that motivates the public to want to seek information out, and (3) fostering the cognitive skills of inquiry based learning to make the whole experience meaningful to the learner. By incorporating more elements of the learning ecosystem into public offerings, the public not only experiences what fuels museum researchers' unique passion for learning, but also heightens the public's understanding of the subject matter and the learning potential of museums.
The effects of concurrent classroom and home instructional video-game use on student achievement: a preliminary study

(1999). The Effects of Concurrent Classroom and Home Instructional Video-Game Use on Student Achievement. Computers in the Schools: Vol. 14, No. 3-4, pp. 65-78.
Multiplexed Spectral Signature Detection for Microfluidic Color-Coded Bioparticle Flow

Here, we report a high-speed photospectral detection technique capable of discriminating subtle variations of spectral signature among fluorescently labeled cells and microspheres flowing in a microfluidic channel. The key component used in our study is a strain-tunable nanoimprinted grating microdevice coupled with a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The microdevice permits acquisition of the continuous spectral profiles of multiple fluorescent emission sources at 1 kHz. Optically connected to a microfluidic flow chamber via a multimode optical fiber, our multiwavelength detection platform allows for cytometric measurement of cell groups emitting nearly identical fluorescence signals with a maximum emission wavelength difference as small as 5 nm. The same platform also allows us to demonstrate microfluidic flow cytometry of four different microsphere types in a wavelength bandwidth as narrow as 40 nm at a high (>85%) confidence level. Our study shows that detection of fluorescent spectral signatures at high speed and high resolution can expand specificity of multicolor flow cytometry. The enhanced capability enables multiplexed analysis of color-coded bioparticles based on single-laser excitation and single-detector spectroscopy in a microfluidic setting. The fluorescence signal discrimination power achieved by the optofluidic technology holds great promise to enable quantification of cellular parameters with higher accuracy as well as enumeration of a larger number of cell types than conventional flow cytometric methods.
The effects of self-reference versus other reference on the recall of traits and nouns

Although self-reference often facilitates recall, this effect is not always obtained, and the present experiments were designed to discover when self-reference produces better memory than other reference does. In Experiment 1, subjects decided either whether trait adjectives described themselves, their mothers, and Ronald Reagan, or whether each of these persons used different objects (nouns). On an incidental recall task, traits that had been paired with the self were remembered better, but the opposite effect was obtained for nouns. In Experiment 2, an imagery explanation of the differential effects of nouns and traits was investigated. Regardless of imagery instructions, self-reference enhanced recall for traits but not for nouns. Self-reference seems to facilitate memory only when the to-be-remembered materials are part of the self- or some other known-person schema. Traits—but not nouns—fit this description.
Control of large spaceborne antenna systems with flexible booms by mechanical decoupling

A simple practical method for designing antenna-feed attitude control systems for large deployable spaceborne antenna systems with long flexible booms is proposed. The basic idea is to mechanically decouple the antenna-feed from the boom so that the feed-attitude control system can be designed without taking the boom dynamics into consideration, thus avoiding a complex control problem involving an infinite-dimensional distributed parameter system. The validity of the proposed method is substantiated by analytical and numerical studies using a mathematical model for the flexible boom which could undergo both bending and torsional vibrations. This approach leads to simple antenna-feed attitude control systems which are amenable to physical implementation.
Experimental Evidence for Hydrogen Bonding in Polyaniline: Mechanism of Aggregate Formation and Dependency on Oxidation State

Aggregation in the nondoped polyaniline, emeraldine base (EB), as observed by GPC in a N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) solution, was found to be closely related to the fraction of the imine nitrogen atoms in the nondoped polymer, i.e., to the oxidation state of the polymer. As EB was reduced to leucoemeraldine base (LEB), the degree of aggregation was significantly reduced. The results of gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and infrared studies suggest that the aggregation of the polymer is due to interchain hydrogen bonding between the imine and amine nitrogen sites on adjacent polymer molecules. The degree of hydrogen bonding and, thus, aggregation found in the polymer is greatly affected by solvents, LiCl, and the oxidation state of the polymer.
Transgenic mice with cerebral expression of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 coat protein gp120 show divergent changes in short- and long-term potentiation in CA1 hippocampus.

Abstract The human immunodeficiency virus type-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 is shed from the virus and from infected cells and thus can diffuse and interact with a variety of central nervous system cells. Transgenic mice constitutively expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein-driven gp120 from brain astrocytes display neuronal and glial changes resembling abnormalities in human immunodeficiency virus type-1-infected human brains. [50] To assess the neurophysiology of these transgenic mice and determine whether gp120 expression impairs synaptic plasticity, we examined CA1 population excitatory postsynaptic potentials in hippocampal slices from transgenic mice and from non-transgenic controls, using a double-blind protocol. Compared with slices from non-transgenic littermate controls, slices from gp120 transgenic mice showed four significant alterations: (i) increased mean slopes of normalized population excitatory postsynaptic potentials; (ii) larger paired-pulse facilitation after induction of long-term potentiation at 50 ms interpulse intervals; (iii) markedly elevated short-term potentiation after 10 and 20 shocks at 100 Hz; and (iv) a significant reduction in the magnitude of CA1 long-term potentiation. In slices from transgenic mice expressing Escherichia coli β -galactosidase from the same promoter, paired-pulse facilitation and long-term potentiation were normal. These results indicate that brain slice preparations from gp120 transgenic mice can be used to assess pathophysiological effects of gp120 on neuronal networks. Because short-term potentiation involves presynaptic mechanisms, our results suggest that gp120 expression in these mice enhances either presynaptic glutamate release or postsynaptic glutamate receptor function, or both. These changes could lead to increased Ca 2+ influx, thereby contributing to neuronal dysfunction and injury. As long-term potentiation is a cellular model of learning and memory, our results may be relevant to memory (cognitive) impairments seen in patients with AIDS.
[Comment on “Explosive magnetic reconnection: Puzzle to be solved as the energy supply process for magnetospheric substorms?” by Syun‐Ichi Akasofu] The other side of the substorm

There is in magnetospheric physics today a controversy of sorts, involving the nature of the process by which the kinetic energy of the solar wind is tapped to power magnetospheric phenomena and related geomagnetic disturbances. The controversy is conveniently described in the language of signal processing [Akasofu, 1985]: an input signal composed of a suitable combination of solar wind variables is processed by the magnetosphere to produce an output signal consisting of a suitable combination of geomagnetic activity indices and/or magnetospheric variables. Akasofu advocates the view that the output signal, when properly measured, is a linear function of the input signal, and that the magnetosphere is therefore “directly driven” (i.e., it responds passively, after a fixed time lag, to a given solar wind energy input). In the alternative view the magnetosphere plays a more active role: the system response depends not only on incident solar wind variables (allowing a suitable time lag) but also on the recent dynamical history of the system. This second view is described by Akasofu as the “unloading” scenario because it corresponds to a physical model in which solar wind kinetic energy is collected and stored temporarily in the magnetic field of the magnetospheric tail and is subsequently— in a manner determined at least in part by internal magnetospheric processes—“ unloaded” to the ionosphere and inner magnetosphere to produce readily observable geomagnetic effects.
Photonic integrated-circuit elements for phased-array steering systems

Progress will be presented regarding circuit elements to be eventually incorporated into a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC). Data from elements such as phase modulators and couplers will be reviewed. They have been developed employing ridge waveguides in MBE grown GaAs/AlGaAs material structures. A general approach to PICs will be discussed as well as their incorporation into optical frequency translation (OFT) modulation circuits for coherent optical systems. Detailed theoretical discussion of one, two, and four-arm phase-modulator-based OFT circuits is included.
Why Europe matters, why the third world doesn't: American grand strategy after the cold war

(1990). Why Europe matters, why the third world doesn't: American grand strategy after the cold war. Journal of Strategic Studies: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 1-51.
The unheralded power of cloudlet computing in the vicinity of mobile devices

With the popularity of smartphones and explosion of mobile applications, mobile devices are becoming the prevalent computing platform for convenient communication and rich entertainment. Because mobile devices still have limited processor power, computing-intensive applications need to be offloaded to either remote clouds or nearby cloudlets for processing. But, remote cloud computing is hindered by the long latency and expensive roaming charges of cellular radio access. Therefore, cloudletcomputing becomes appealing to provide instant and low- cost service through resource-rich devices (e.g., desktops) in the vicinity of mobile devices. It is evident that cloudlet computing is challenged by the intermittent connection between cloudlets and mobile devices due to user mobility. The question ishow to evaluate the impact of user mobility on cloudlet computing perfor- mance. In this paper, we examine the cloudlet access probability, task success rate, and task execution speed to measure the impact of mobility. We discover that the cloudlet access probability is µTC/(µTI +µTC ) determined by mean connection time µTC and mean inter-connection time µTI between the mobile device and the cloudlet. Furthermore, we find that the task success rate and execution speed depend on not only task computation demand and cloudlet computing speed but also cloudlet access probability. Our findings reveal that the ratio µTC/(µTI + µTC ) quantifies the impact of node mobility on both cloudlet access probability and cloudlet computing performance. I. INTRODUCTION
Differences in safety belt use by race

The purpose of the study was to identify daytime differences in safety belt use by race. Safety belt use was investigated in a direct observation survey of drivers and front-outboard passengers throughout Michigan. Data were weighted to calculate statewide safety belt use rates by race. Race was assessed visually by trained observers. The study showed that motor vehicle occupants identified as Black had significantly lower safety belt use than those occupants identified as White or Other.
PUVA bath therapy strongly suppresses immunological and epidermal activation in psoriasis: a possible cellular basis for remittive therapy.

Psoriasis is characterized by alterations in both the epidermis and dermis of the skin. Epidermal keratinocytes display marked proliferative activation and differentiate along an "alternate" or "regenerative" pathway, while the dermis becomes infiltrated with leukocytes, particularly interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor-bearing "activated" T cells. Psoralens, administered by the oral route, have therapeutic effects in psoriasis when photochemically activated by ultraviolet A light (PUVA therapy). Recently psoralen bath therapy has been introduced to more effectively deliver this agent to the diseased skin. We have correlated the efficacy of PUVA bath therapy with its effects on specific molecular and cellular parameters of disease, in 10 consecutive patients with recalcitrant psoriasis. Rapid clearing of lesions occurred in 8 out of 10 patients. Biopsies were taken from lesional and nonlesional skin before and after a single round of therapy, and observation was continued in our Clinical Research Center at The Rockefeller University. Enumeration of cycling keratinocytes with the Ki-67 monoclonal antibody showed that PUVA reduced cell proliferation by 73%. The pathological increase in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptors was reversed, whereas epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors, which are also increased in psoriasis, remained unchanged. Keratinocyte proteins that are expressed in abnormal sites of the epidermis during psoriasis, i.e., keratin 16, filaggrin, and involucrin, were, after PUVA treatment, localized to their normal sites. Epidermal and dermal T-lymphocytes (CD3+), as well as CD4+, CD8+, and IL-2 receptor+ subsets, were strongly suppressed by PUVA, with virtual elimination of IL-2 receptor+ T cells in some patients. Consistent with diminished lymphocyte activation, HLA-DR expression by epidermal keratinocytes was markedly reduced in treated skin. In comparison to cyclosporine treatment of psoriasis, PUVA therapy leads to more complete reversal of pathological epidermal and lymphocytic activation, changes which we propose to be the cellular basis for a more sustained remission of disease after PUVA treatment.
Novel square pyramidal copper(II) complexes of the stereospecific linear NSNN tetradentate ligand, N-[(2-pyridyl)methyl]-2-[(2-aminoethyl)thio]acetamide (pygeH). The crystal structures of [Cu(pyge)X] (X = Br, N3)

Abstract The preparations of complexes of type [Cu(pyge)X] and [Cu(pyge)(OH2)]BF 4, where pygeH is N-[(2-pyridyl)methyl]-2-[(2-aminoethyl)thio]acetamide and X is Br, N3, NCO, NCS, OC6H4NO2-p, and NO2, are described. The new complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and electronic spectroscopy, magnetic moment, and in two cases (X = Br and OC6H4NO2-p), EPR spectroscopy. The available data suggest that the complexes are of tetragonal, probably square pyramidal geometry in solution. X-ray structural analyses of [Cu(pyge)Br] (1) and [Cu(pyge)N3] (2) were undertaken. Complex 1 crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/n, a = 9.676(2), b = 9.147(2), c = 15.171(3) A, β = 106.73(2)°, V = 1286.0(5) A3, Z = 4. Refinement was based on 1594 reflections and converged at R = 0.059, Rw = 0.058. Complex 2 crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/c, a = 9.925(2), b = 9.354(3), c = 15.141(4) A, β = 106.96(2)°, V = 1344.3(6) A3, Z = 4. Refinement was based on 1196 reflections and converged at R = 0.065, Rw = 0.065. The geometry of the complexes is best described as very slightly distorted square pyramidal, with the terminal amino group of the tetradentate ligand occupying the apical site. Origins of the observed stereospecificity and structural comparisons to octahedral [Co(pyge)(NO2) 2] are discussed.
The “Shirt-Weenie” A Note on Teaching the Power of Face-Work and Tact in Social Interaction

ERVING GOFFMAN Is one of the most im portant sociologists of the twentieth century. Popular textbooks in sociology (e.g., Gid dens, Duneier, and Appelbaum 2005; Ma cionis 2007) and social psychology (e.g., Aronson, Wilson, and Akert 2006; Cahill 2007; DeLamater and Myers 2007) devote large sections and entire chapters to Goff man's ideas concerning the presentation of self, face-work, the management of stigma and framing, among others. However, with the exception of Brown (2003), no pub lished teaching articles or notes exist that offer in-class teaching techniques concern ing Goffmanian sociology. We feel that sociology instructors need more teaching techniques concerning Goffmanian sociol ogy in order to enliven the material and make it relevant to students' ordinary be haviors and everyday lives. To this end, we discuss in this note the teaching technique we call the "shirt-weenie" demonstration. We found this demonstration helpful in teaching social psychology undergraduates the power of face-work and tact in influenc ing and structuring their own individual behavior.
Stochastic inverse thermographic characterization of sub-pixel sized through cracks

Abstract The present paper describes an approach for inferring the presence and nature of tiny flaws in thin metallic panel components. The flaws are selected to be reminiscent of nascent-stage through cracks that might appear in the thin aluminum skins of aircraft, for instance. A laser heating source is used in conjunction with a low cost microbolometer-based digital IR imaging system in order that image processing might be applied to uncover promising locations to examine further, for the possible occurrence of tiny flaws. These local regions are subsequently considered during the solution of a stochastic inverse problem; aimed at inferring the existence and character of these “unseen” flaws that fit within an individual pixel associated the imaging field of view. The study is computational; employing surrogate experimental data.
Lanthanum-induced alterations of cellular electrolytes in ehrlich ascites tumor cells, a new view.

We have shown previously that Ehrlich ascites tumor cells maintained at room temperature under an oxygen atmosphere lose Na+, K+ and Cl− isosmotically when exposed to La+++ (0.1 to 1.0 mM). Concomitant with these changes there is an increase in the recorded membrane potential (increasing intracellular negativity). The present studies further characterize the effect of La+++ on electrolyte distribution. Ehrlich ascites tumor cells were maintained at 0.5° C to permit Na+ gain and K+ loss. The addition of 1 mM La+++ to low temperature cells induces rapid loss of Na+, K+ and Cl−. This net loss of cellular electrolytes occurs even in cells depleted of ATP content using 2-deoxyglucose (5 mM) and rotenone (10−6M). Analysis of the appearance of tracer 22Na in the environment of cells preloaded with the radioisotope shows that La+++-induced changes in membrane permeability or in active ion transport mechanisms are not responsible for the dramatic loss of electrolytes from experimental cells. The electrolyte loss occurs only when the cells are resuspended mechanically during the washing procedure used to prepare the cells for electrolyte determination. We conclude that the results of La+++ interaction with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells are twofold. As we have previously reported, La+++ stabilizes and causes a hyperpolarization of the membrane potential. Secondly, La+++ predisposes the cell membrane to become highly permeable when subjected to mechanical stress.
The effect of recoverin-like calcium-Binding proteins on the photoresponse of retinal rods

Abstract The rod photoresponse is triggered by an enzyme cascade that stimulates cGMP hydrolysis. The resulting fall in cGMP leads to a decrease in CaSU2+ which promotes photoresponse recovery by activating guanylate cyclase, causing cGMP resynthesis. In vitro biochemical studies suggest that CaSU2+ activation of guanylate cyclase is mediated by recoverin, a 26 kd Casu2+-binding protein. To evaluate this, exogenous bovine recoverin and two other homologous Casu2+-binding proteins from chicken and Gecko retina were dialyzed into functionally intact Gecko rods using whole-cell recording. All three proteins prolonged the rising phase of the photoresponse without affecting the kinetics of response recovery. These results suggest that recoverin-like proteins affect termination of the transduction cascade, rather than mediate Ca 2+ -sensitive activation of guanylate cyclase.
Reduced absolute uncertainty in the irradiance of SURF-II and instrumentation for measuring linearity of X-ray, XUV and UV detectors

Abstract The uncertainty in the number of stored electrons was the major component of the absolute uncertainty (except at the shortest wavelengths) in the photon flux from SURF-II. A highly linear silicon diode with spectral sensitivity from 200 nm to 1150 nm, and a quartz window and lens which collect 70 mrad of radiation are used as a beam current monitor. The combination of the diode (selected ones known to be linear to within 0.2% over nine decades), the wide band width and collection angle (providing a sensitivity of 0.2 pA per electron) is the foundation for the improvement in measurement accuracy. The high sensitivity is used to detect incremental changes in detector output as the number of stored electrons is reduced one by one for stored currents from 10 4 electrons to zero. The diode linearity is used to scale the current up to 5 × 10 9 electrons (45 mA). The use of these linear diodes (with in situ calibration), at SURF and other storage rings, to determine the linearity of photon detectors which are sensitive to any radiation emitted by that storage ring will be discussed.
Adrenogenital syndrome: the anatomy of the anomaly and its repair. Some new concepts.

Abstract Female hermaphrodites with congenital adrenalcortical hyperplasia have normal internal genitalia, i.e., tubes, ovaries, uterus, and upper vagina, but the degree of virilization of the lower genitalia can vary greatly. Similarly, we believe that the degree of masculinization of the lower urinary tract can vary greatly in these female patients. In many the vagina lies just beneath the perineum and can be exteriorized by a simple “cutback” procedure. This, together with clitorectomy which is usually desirable, is all that is required. In other infants, however, the vagina enters the urethra quite high and proximal to the external urethral sphincter. This anatomic variant may be much more common than previously realized. A transperineal operation is presented by which the high placed vagina can be brought down to the perineum without injury to the external sphincter. It has been employed in 7 cases with satisfactory results.
Matrix metalloproteinase 9 opposes diet-induced muscle insulin resistance in mice

Aims/hypothesis Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen is a characteristic of muscle insulin resistance. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 is a primary enzyme that degrades collagen IV (ColIV). As a component of the basement membrane, ColIV plays a key role in ECM remodelling. We tested the hypotheses that genetic deletion of MMP9 in mice increases muscle ColIV, induces insulin resistance in lean mice and worsens diet-induced muscle insulin resistance.
Design and analysis of static memory management policies for CC-NUMA Multiprocessors

In this paper, we characterize the performance of three existing memory management techniques, namely, buddy, round-robin, and first-touch policies. With existing memory management schemes, we find several cases where requests from different processors arrive at the same memory simultaneously. To alleviate this problem, we present two improved memory management policies called skew-mapping and prime-mapping policies. By utilizing the properties of skewing and prime, the improved memory management designs considerably improve the application performance of cache coherent non-uniform memory access multiprocessors. We also re-evaluate the performance of a multistage interconnection network using these existing and improved memory management policies. Our results effectively present the performance benefits of different memory management techniques based on the sharing patterns of applications. Applications with a low degree of sharing benefit from the data locality provided by first-touch. However, several applications with significant sharing degrees as well as those with single processor initialization routines benefit highly from the intelligent distribution of data provided by skew-mapping and prime-mapping schemes. Improvements due to the new schemes are found to be as high as 35% in stall time.
Exposure to camptothecin breaks leading and lagging strand simian virus 40 DNA replication forks.

Abstract To better understand aberrant simian virus 40 DNA replication intermediates produced by exposure of infected cells to the anticancer drug camptothecin, we compared them to forms produced by S1 nuclease digestion of normal viral replication intermediates. All of the major forms were identical in both cases. Thus the aberrant viral replicating forms in camptothecin-treated cells result from DNA strand breaks at replication forks. Linear simian virus 40 forms which are produced by camptothecin exposure during viral replication were identified as detached DNA replication bubbles. This indicates that double strand DNA breaks caused by camptothecin-topoisomerase I complexes occur at both leading and lagging strand replication forks in vivo .
Seasonal abundance, distribution and growth of postlarval and juvenile grass shrimp ( Palaemonetes pugio ) in a Georgia, USA, salt marsh

Postlarval and juvenile grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio Holthuis) ≦15 mm total length (TL) were abundant at low tide in shallow aquatic microhabitats (i.e. puddles and films of residual tidal water) in the intertidal zone of a salt marsh on Sapelo Island, Georgia, USA from 1982 to 1984. The highest concentrations of young P. pugio occurred at 190 to 200 cm above mean low water, ∼10 to 20 cm below mean high water. The intertidal distributions of young grass shrimp expanded and contracted with changes in tidal amplitude. Postlarval grass shrimp (6 to 8 mm TL) continuously recruited into the intertidal marsh population from May until October, but densities varied in a regular pattern with peaks in abundance occurring at ∼2-week intervals, corresponding to spring tide periods in the lunartidal cycle. Although present nearly year-round in the intertidal marsh, juveniles (9 to 15 mm TL) were most abundant from August to October. Apparent growth rates of individuals up to 15 mm TL averaged 0.268±0.026 (mean±95% C.I.) mm d-1 from May to October and 0.070±0.032 mm d-1 in November and December. Unlike larger aquatic organisms, which can forage in the emergent marsh only when it is flooded by the tide, juvenile grass shrimp have constant access to intertidal resources. Although potentially important predators in this system, the role of young P. pugio in the trophic organization of salt marsh benthic invertebrate assemblages has yet to be examined.
Tripartite synapses : Glia, the unacknowledged partner

According to the classical view of the nervous system, the numerically superior glial cells have inferior roles in that they provide an ideal environment for neuronal-cell function. However, there is a wave of new information suggesting that glia are intimately involved in the active control of neuronal activity and synaptic neurotransmission. Recent evidence shows that glia respond to neuronal activity with an elevation of their internal Ca2+ concentration, which triggers the release of chemical transmitters from glia themselves and, in turn, causes feedback regulation of neuronal activity and synaptic strength. In view of these new insights, this article suggests that perisynaptic Schwann cells and synaptically associated astrocytes should be viewed as integral modulatory elements of tripartite synapses.
Successful shock-wave lithotripsy of bile duct stones using ultrasound guidance.

Eighteen patients with 41 gallstones in the common bile duct, common hepatic, cystic, and intrahepatic ducts underwent shock-wave lithotripsy using the electrohydraulic Sonolith 3000 lithotripter. Lithotripsy was performed using ultrasound guidance alone under intravenous analgesia/sedation. All patients previously had failed stone extraction via retrograde endoscopy, T-tube, or cholecystostomy., Lithotripsy was performed according to an FDA-approved protocol allowing a maximum of two 2500 shock-wave treatments at a 48 hr interval. Following the final lithotripsy or cholangiographic evidence of stone fragmentation, residual fragments were removed via endoscopic or percutaneous route within 24–72 hr. Ultrasound localization of gallstones was aided by continous infusion of the common bile duct with saline solution. In 15 of the 18 patients, complete fragmentation of the stones was accomplished, two had minimal fragmentation, and one with an encysted stone had no fracturing. No serious complications were encountered. Overall nonsurgical stone-free success rate was 17 of 18 patients, indicating biliary duct stones can be successfully treated using an ultrasound-guided lithotripter and intravenous sedation alone.
Assessing stressful life events associated with childbearing: The peripartum events scale

Abstract A new measure, the Peripartum Events Scale (PES), was developed to index stressful events experienced by women in the peripartum period. The PES included 11 subscales assessing a variety of stressful events related to childbearing (eg medical risk factors, obstetric risk factors, progress in labour, method of delivery). An initial study to assess the reliability and validity of the measure was carried out with 98 women who were followed from the second trimester of preganancy through nine weeks postpartum. The PES could be objectively rated by two obstetricians (Pearson r = 0.92) and it was found to correlate significantly with pre- and postpartum measures of depression and women's self-ratings of upset with labour and delivery. It was concluded that the PES shows promise as a measure of peripartum stressful events for future research on psychological disorders of the puerperal period.
The characterization of high generation poly(amidoamine) G9 dendrimers by atomic force microscopy (AFM)

Scanning force microscopy (AFM) has been employed to characterize the generation-9 (G9) poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer packing on a mica surface under various conditions. Well ordered 2-D arrays from hexagonally packed particles of PAMAM (G9) dendrimers (11.4nm in diameter) were deposited on the mica surface. This may be one of the smallest regular monolayer arrays ever observed. The mechanism considered to be responsible for this 2-D array packing is the interaction of forces between the dendrimer and the mica surface and between dendrimer molecules as well. Other factors such as molecular interpenetrating and the rigidity of the branch structure obviously play an important role in the 2-D array formation.
Effects of fruit ellagitannin extracts, ellagic acid, and their colonic metabolite, urolithin A, on Wnt signaling.

Recent data suggest that ellagitannins (ETs), a class of hydrolyzable tannins found in some fruits and nuts, may have beneficial effects against colon cancer. In the stomach and gut, ETs hydrolyze to release ellagic acid (EA) and are converted by gut microbiota to urolithin A (UA; 3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzopyran-6-one) type metabolites, which may persist in the colon through enterohepatic circulation. However, little is known about the mechanisms of action of either the native compounds or their metabolites on colon carcinogenesis. Components of Wnt signaling pathways are known to play a pivotal role in human colon carcinogenesis, and inappropriate activation of the signaling cascade is observed in 90% of colorectal cancers. This study investigated the effects of UA, EA, and ET-rich fruit extracts on Wnt signaling in a human 293T cell line using a luciferase reporter of canonical Wnt pathway-mediated transcriptional activation. The ET extracts were obtained from strawberry (Fragaria annassa), Jamun berry (E...
Utilizing Disk Shaped Thermistors to Experimentally Determine the Prandtl Number Dependence Ranging From Vapors to Liquids

The current research utilizes disk-shaped thermistors to indirectly measure the convective heat transfer coefficient in the case of natural convection. Thermistors are resistors which have a resistance that is extremely temperature sensitive, so that experiments can be run with exceptional resolution. Not only can the convective heat transfer be indirectly measured, but so can the surface temperature, without the need for external temperature sensors which can interfere with the phenomena itself. Utilizing these themistors, heat transfer data was taken utilizing a variety of fluids from gasses (Pr = 0.72) to heavy oils (Pr ~ 1000). From the experimental data, it was shown that the classical Nusselt-Rayleigh type correlation does not accurately predict the Prandtl number dependence for this geometry, and a new dimensionless correlation is proposed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
A ferroelectric liquid crystal conglomerate composed of racemic molecules

We describe the design and synthesis of a ferroelectric liquid crystal composed of racemic molecules. The ferroelectric polarization results from spontaneous polar symmetry breaking in a fluid smectic. The ferroelectric phase is also chiral, resulting in the formation of a mixture of macroscopic domains of either handedness at the isotropic-to-liquid crystal phase transition. This smectic liquid crystal is thus a fluid conglomerate. Detailed investigation of the electrooptic and polarization current behavior within individual domains in liquid crystal cells shows the thermodynamically stable structure to be a uniformly tilted smectic bow-phase (banana phase), with all layer pairs homochiral and ferroelectric (SmC S P F ).
Finding the edges of the surfaces of three-dimensional curved objects by computer

Abstract This paper presents an algorithm for finding the edges of the surfaces of simple curved or planar three-dimensional objects. The object is viewed by an image dissector camera controlled by a computer. The algorithm is divided into four steps—edge marking, edge refining, edge tracing and edge completion. Each step is described in detail and examples are given illustrating each step. The output of the algorithm is a two-dimensional array in which the edges are marked. The performance of the algorithm on scenes composed of simple objects like coffee cups, a hammer, a coke bottle or a block is presented and compared to the performance of other methods.
PROGRESS IN FUSION TECHNOLOGY IN THE U.S. MAGNETIC FUSION PROGRAM

The U.S. Fusion Technology Development Program integrates the diverse technology activities within the Office of Fusion Energy. The program contains essentially all the technology activities, both to support the scientific efforts and to resolve a limited number of critical technology feasibility issues. There has been a significant amount of progress in the last few years in the development of reactor-scale fusion technologies. For example, in the area of gyrotron development for radio frequency (RF) heating, 28 gigahertz (GHz) gyrotrons at 200 kW continuous wave (cw) and 60 GHz gyrotrons at 124 kW cw have been operated. Present plans call for continuing development of 100 GHz gyrotrons at higher power levels. In the magnetics area, construction of the Large Coil Test Facility (LCTF) will be completed and initial operations with two coils should begin in 1983. The other four large coils should be delivered to permit full 6 coil torus testing to begin in 1984. The research and development plans for the Magnetic Fusion Energy Program are contained in the Fusion Technology Development Plan (FTDP) which is being distributed. In order to assure that the activities described in the FTDP are consistent with the overall fusion program strategy and to optimizemore » resource allocation recognizing budget constraints, the Fusion Technology Program has prioritized its activities. This paper will review some of the recent progress and future plans in fusion technology in the U.S. Magnetic Fusion Program.« less
Encouraging Young Women to Stay in the Mathematics Pipeline: Mathematics Camps for Young Women

For two summers, week-long residential mathematics programs were held for high school women, with the primary goal of encouraging them to continue their study of mathematics. The activities were designed to rekindle their excitement about mathematics and to support the idea that women should learn advanced mathematics. This paper reports the findings of the data collected to assess the programs. Statistically significant changes were found in student attitudes, confidence level, willingness to continue working on a problem, and perception of the value of group work. Journal entries confirmed the statistical analysis. Follow-up surveys also indicated that the summer programs changed the way the participants perceived mathematics and mathematics courses.