cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role for mucosal immune responses and cell-mediated immune functions in protection from airborne challenge with Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus.

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) replicates in lymphoid tissues following peripheral inoculation and a high titre viraemia develops. Encephalitis develops after the virus enters the central nervous system from the blood, with the earliest neuronal involvement being via the olfactory nerve. Following aerosol challenge with virulent VEEV, the virus is thought to replicate in the nasal mucosa and there could be direct entry into the olfactory nerve via infected neuroepithelial cells. Protection from VEEV infection is believed to be primarily mediated by virus specific antibody. The correlation between protection and neutralising serum antibody titres is, however, inconsistent when the virulent virus is administered by the airborne route. This study demonstrates a link between antibody in serum and the nasal mucosa and protection by means of passive immunisation studies. Intra-nasal administration of antibody increased protection against airborne virus in Balb/c mice. Vaccination of μMT strain mice that do not have functional B cells and cannot produce antibody revealed normal proliferation of spleen cells in vitro and robust cytokine production. Aerosol challenge of μMT mice demonstrated that complete protection was only achieved when passive immunisation with antibody was supplemented with active immunisation with the TC-83 vaccine strain of the virus. This implies that cell-mediated immune functions are required for protection against airborne challenge with virulent VEEV. J. Med Virol. 67:384–393, 2002. Copyright © Crown Copyright 2002. Recorded with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Clotrimazole (Bay b 5097): In Vitro and Clinical Pharmacological Studies

Clotrimazole (Bay b 5097) is a new synthetic antifungal drug with in vitro activity against Candida spp., Torulopsis glabrata , and Saccharomyces spp. Pharmacological studies in man after the oral administration of 1.5 and 3 g of clotrimazole produced mean peak concentrations in the serum of 1.16 and 1.29 μg/ml, respectively, 2 hr after administration. In six patients taking 1.5 g of clotrimazole every 6 hr, there was a progressive decline in the serum concentrations after administration of a dose on days 1, 4, and 8. Nine other patients begun on a similar schedule manifested gastrointestinal symptoms attributed to the clotrimazole and were unable to complete the study. Concentrations of active drug in the urine were less than 1% of the administered dose.
Zr-rich layers electrodeposited onto stainless steel cladding during the electrorefining of EBR-II fuel

Abstract Argonne National Laboratory is developing an electrometallurgical treatment for spent nuclear fuels. The initial demonstration of this process is being conducted on U–Zr alloy fuel elements irradiated in the Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II). We report the first metallographic characterization of cladding hull remains for the electrometallurgical treatment of spent metallic fuel. During the electrorefining process, Zr-rich layers, with some U, deposit on all exposed surfaces of irradiated cladding segments (hulls) that originally contained the fuel alloy that was being treated. In some cases, not only was residual Zr (and U) found inside the cladding hulls, but a Zr-rind was also observed near the interior cladding hull surface. The Zr-rind was originally formed during the fuel casting process on the fuel slug. The observation of Zr deposits on all exposed cladding surfaces is explained with thermodynamic principles, when two conditions are met. These conditions are partial oxidation of Zr and the presence of residual uranium in the hulls when the electrorefining experiment is terminated. Comparisons are made between the structure of the initial irradiated fuel before electrorefining and the morphology of the material remaining in the cladding hulls after electrorefining.
Mechanical Occlusion of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Jackson Coils

The effectiveness and safety of a protocol for transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure was assessed. Our goal is complete mechanical occlusion of the PDA in the catheterization laboratory by adding coils until it is no longer possible to cross the PDA with a guidewire. Detachable coil closure of a PDA with a narrowest diameter of 2.4 ± 0.1 mm was attempted in 83 patients with a median age of 2.8 years (0.7 to 27.8 years) and whose median weight was 14.5 kg (6 to 61.6 kg). Coils were successfully implanted in 82 of 83 patients, and in 1 patient a large Rashkind double umbrella was used instead. Complete closure was obtained in 80 (97.6%) patients, 48 of those (59%) received more than one coil. Reintervention for residual shunting was required in only 1 patient and another patient has a trivial residual shunt. Device embolization occurred in three cases. Despite the use of multiple coils there was no evidence of significant left pulmonary artery stenosis. The fluoroscopy time increased from 14.0 ± 2.0 minutes for a single coil to 25.3 ± 2.9 minutes for multiple coils (p < 0.01). Attempting to obtain complete mechanical occlusion of the PDA during the implant procedure by adding extra coils reduces the need for reintervention for residual or recurrent shunting.
A flash analog to digital converter on stainless steel foil substrate

In an effort to increase the integration level of large area digital and mixed-signal systems on flexible substrate, we designed and successfully fabricated and characterized a 3-bit flash analog to digital converter on stainless steel foil substrate. High quality laser crystallized polysilicon Thin Film Transistors (TFT) as well as carefully designed comparator circuit made it possible for a high performance flash ADC with maximum sampling rate of 3 Ms/s to be developed on stainless steel foil substrate. Both Integral and Differential Non-Linearity were extracted to be less than or equal to 0.25th of a Least Significant Bit (LSB), which makes it possible to increase the number of bits to 5-bits while keeping the same design structure and operating voltages. The same 3-bit design can also be used along with a 3-bit digital to analog converter in a two-step flash ADC structure to implement a 6-bit converter.
Evaluating TRIZ as a Provider of Provocative Stimuli

The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (known by its Russian acronym TRIZ) is used across the globe to help engineers working on product design and development. In previous papers the authors developed a Function-Based TRIZ method and began a validation process. A single innovative feature was identified in a sample of innovative products, and these features were traced backwards on the Function-Based TRIZ matrix. The Function-Based TRIZ matrix was deemed successful in cases where any inventive principle suggested by the matrix could have produced the innovative feature. During this process, the authors observed that no matter which principle was used, some mental leap was needed to apply it. Additionally, many different inventive principles can lead to the same concept. This paper examines a new hypothesis: that the provocative stimulus presented by any randomly selected inventive principle facilitates concept generation just as effectively as using the historical contradiction matrix to guide inventive principle selection. This paper presents a study on the benefits of using the TRIZ contradiction matrix to select the “correct” principles during concept generation. During this study, participants were asked to come up with concepts using one of two TRIZ matrices: the real one that contains historical knowledge from an extensive patent search, or a randomly populated one. The results of this exercise were then examined using modified versions of two concept evaluation metrics set forth by Shah: quantity and variety. This paper offers two contributions to the field. The first is a step toward understanding the role and importance of conflict mappings in TRIZ and TRIZ-like problem-solving methodologies. The second is a method for evaluating process variety (as opposed to outcome variety) when TRIZ is used to generate ideas.© 2012 ASME
Scavenging abyssal benthic amphipods trapped under oligotrophic central North Pacific Gyre waters

Two traps baited with fish were placed on the bottom (5720 m) of the central North Pacific Gyre. A total of 1793 lyssianassid amphipods were collected no ovigerous females and no identifiable males were caught. Five amphipod species were represented [1 undescribed species of Orchomene; 2 undescribed species of Paralicella; Eurythenes gryllus (Lichtenstein); and Cyclocaris sp.], 2 by single specimens. Amphipod samples give no evidence of size-classes. Evidence for scavenging as the amphipods' primary mode of existence is discussed. Forty-four copepods, of a single harpacticoid genus (Tisbella), were also collected.
Influence of hyperosmolar agents on hypoxic cat papillary muscle function

The influence of hypertonic agents on 64 isolated hypoxic cat papillary muscles was examined under isometric conditions in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution with 18 mM glucose at 29°C. Nine papillary muscles pretreated before hypoxia and eight muscles exposed to hypertonic mannitol 6 min following hypoxia demonstrated a significantly reduced decline from prehypoxia control values for developed tension and its first derivative compared to the same muscles in the control solution. There was no significant change in resting tension. This improvement in muscle performance during hypoxia was present at osmolalities of 60 mOsm above control values. The performance of papillary muscles during hypoxia was similar for hypertonic mannitol, sucrose, and urea when the muscles were exposed to the agents for 30 min before hypoxia. However, longer periods (2 hours) of exposure to hypertonic mannitol or urea before hypoxia resulted in a reduced decline in developed tension and its first derivative during hypoxia only in the case of mannitol. These studies suggest that the beneficial effect of hyperosmolar agents on muscle performance during hypoxia may not be totally dependent on blood flow changes and may be associated with changes in cell size.
Silver Sulfadiazine: In Vitro Antibacterial Activity

Isolates (657) representing 22 bacterial species were tested for susceptibility to silver sulfadiazine. All of the strains tested were inhibited by concentration levels of the drug which are easily achieved topically. It is suggested that silver sulfadiazine may be useful as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial substance for the prevention and treatment of infections of burns and wounds.
Do Plasmodium ookinetes invade a specific cell type in the mosquito midgut

Abstract Recent debate in Plasmodium ookinete invasion has been centered on whether the parasite chooses a specific cell type to cross the midgut epithelium in the mosquito. A few publications have described the mosquito midgut being composed of complex surface-structures, histochemically and biochemically diverse cell types, and have proposed that Plasmodium gallinaceum ookinetes prefers a specific cell type (Ross cell) in Aedes aegypti for crossing the midgut epithelium. Two recent publications reported, however, that with differential interference contrast microscopy, all midgut epithelial cells in uninfected mosquitoes appear structurally similar and argued that ookinetes do not invade a specific cell type. These observations are discussed here in the context of the ‘Ross cell' hypothesis.
Psychology: The clamorous mind

Susanne Ahmari reviews a personal and scientific journey through obsessive–compulsive disorder.
Screening patients for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug misuse: the role of brief interventions.

Dealing with patients who misuse tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs often seems frustrating and unrewarding. Physicians feel powerless when patients with alcoholic cirrhosis continue drinking or when patients with chronic obstructive airways disease continue smoking despite being on continuous oxygen therapy. Notwithstanding what may seem like a futile exercise, research is beginning to show that medical professionals can make a difference in patients who misuse alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Several studies indicate that brief interventional techniques can identify patients at risk of misusing these substances, markedly reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption, lead to positive changes in health behaviors, and even improve recovery after treatment.1, 2, 3, 4
Normal-state transport properties of fullerene superconductors

The normal-state transport properties of alkali-metal-doped fullerene crystals are explored. The Hall effect has been measured in KxC60 from room temperature toT c . The electrical resistivityρ for K3C60 and Rb3C60 has been measured over a wide temperature range (20–650 K), and notable differences are observed for the materials at both low and high temperatures. The electrical resistivity of Rb3C60 has been measured in hydrostatic pressures up to 9 kbar. The resistivity is highly pressure sensitive. The transport results give an insight into the normal-state conduction mechanism and thus have consequences for the superconductivity mechanism.
Targeting Mitochondrial STAT3 with the Novel Phospho-Valproic Acid (MDC-1112) Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Growth in Mice

New agents are needed to treat pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal human malignancies. We synthesized phospho-valproic acid, a novel valproic acid derivative, (P-V; MDC-1112) and evaluated its efficacy in the control of pancreatic cancer. P-V inhibited the growth of human pancreatic cancer xenografts in mice by 60%–97%, and 100% when combined with cimetidine. The dominant molecular target of P-V was STAT3. P-V inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK2 and Src, and the Hsp90-STAT3 association, suppressing the activating phosphorylation of STAT3, which in turn reduced the expression of STAT3-dependent proteins Bcl-xL, Mcl-1 and survivin. P-V also reduced STAT3 levels in the mitochondria by preventing its translocation from the cytosol, and enhanced the mitochondrial levels of reactive oxygen species, which triggered apoptosis. Inhibition of mitochondrial STAT3 by P-V was required for its anticancer effect; mitochondrial STAT3 overexpression rescued animals from the tumor growth inhibition by P-V. Our results indicate that P-V is a promising candidate drug against pancreatic cancer and establish mitochondrial STAT3 as its key molecular target.
Copper solubility in a basaltic melt and sulfide liquid/silicate melt partition coefficients of Cu and Fe

The solubility of copper in a sulfur-saturated basaltic melt has been determined at 1245°C as a function of fO2 and fS2. Copper solubilities at log fO2 values between −8 and −11 fall into two distinct populations as a function of fS2. At log fS2 values < −1.65, sulfide liquid that coexists with the basaltic glass quenches to sulfur-poor bornite solid solution. At log fS2 values in excess of −1.65, the sulfide liquid quenches to a complex intergrowth of sulfur-rich bornite and intermediate solid solution. Copper solubilities in the low-fS2 population range from 594 to 1550 ppm, whereas those in the high-fS2 population range from 80 to 768 ppm. Sulfide liquid/silicate liquid partition coefficients (D) for Cu and Fe range from 480 to 1303 and 0.7 to 13.6, respectively. Metal-sulfur complexing in the silicate liquid is shown to be insignificant relative to metal-oxide complexing for Fe but permissible for Cu at high fS2 values. On log DFe (sulfide-silicate) and log DCu (sulfide-silicate) vs. (log fS2 − log fO2) diagrams, both fS2 populations show distinct but parallel trends. The observation of two D values for any fS2/fO2 ratio indicates nonideal mixing of species involved in the exchange reaction. The two distinct trends observed for both Cu and Fe are thought to be due to variations in activity coefficient ratios (e.g., γFeO/γFeS and γCuO0.5/γCuS0.5). Results of the experiments suggest that accurate assessments of fS2/fO2 ratios are required for the successful numerical modeling of processes such as the partial melting of sulfide-bearing mantle and the crystallization of sulfide-bearing magmas, as well as the interpretation of sulfide mineralogical zoning. In addition, the experiments provide evidence for oxide or oxy-sulfide complexing for Cu in silicate magmas and suggest that the introduction of externally derived sulfur to mafic magma may be an important process for the formation of Cu-rich disseminated magmatic sulfide ore deposits.
Iterative detection for interpage interference in imaging page-oriented optical data storage

Higher packing densities in page-oriented data storage are achieved by reducing pixel pitch and inter-page spacing. We present iterative detection algorithms that combat inter-page interference.
Evaluating dose response from flexible dose clinical trials

The true dose effect in flexible-dose clinical trials may be obscured and even reversed because dose and outcome are related. To evaluate dose effect in response on primary efficacy scales from 2 randomized, double-blind, flexible-dose trials of patients with bipolar mania who received olanzapine (N = 234, 5–20 mg/day), or patients with schizophrenia who received olanzapine (N = 172, 10–20 mg/day), we used marginal structural models, inverse probability of treatment weighting (MSM, IPTW) methodology. Dose profiles for mean changes from baseline were evaluated using weighted MSM with a repeated measures model. To adjust for selection bias due to non-random dose assignment and dropouts, patient-specific time-dependent weights were determined as products of (i) stable weights based on inverse probability of receiving the sequence of dose assignments that was actually received by a patient up to given time multiplied by (ii) stable weights based on inverse probability of patient remaining on treatment by that time. Results were compared with those by unweighted analyses. While the observed difference in efficacy scores for dose groups for the unweighted analysis strongly favored lower doses, the weighted analyses showed no strong dose effects and, in some cases, reversed the apparent "negative dose effect." While naive comparison of groups by last or modal dose in a flexible-dose trial may result in severely biased efficacy analyses, the MSM with IPTW estimators approach may be a valuable method of removing these biases and evaluating potential dose effect, which may prove useful for planning confirmatory trials.
The cough reflex and its relation to gastroesophageal reflux

Each cough involves a complex reflex arc beginning with the stimulation of sensory nerves that function as cough receptors. There is evidence, primarily clinical, that the sensory limb of the reflex exists in and outside of the lower respiratory tract. Although myelinated, rapidly adapting pulmonary stretch receptors (RARs), also known as irritant receptors, are the most likely type of sensory nerve that stimulates the cough center in the brain, afferent C-fibers and slowly adapting pulmonary stretch receptors (SARs) also may modulate cough. RARS, C-fibers, and SARs have been identified in the distal esophageal mucosa; however, studies have not been performed to determine whether they can participate in the cough reflex. Although gastroesophageal reflux disease can potentially stimulate the afferent limb of the cough reflex by irritating the upper respiratory tract without aspiration and by irritating the lower respiratory tract by micro- or macroaspiration, there is evidence that strongly suggests that reflux commonly provokes cough by stimulating an esophageal-bronchial reflex. Theoretically, the pathways of this reflex may be modeled in a variety of ways, and these are speculated upon in this article. The predominant role of acid in triggering cough by means of this reflex is unclear because of conflicting results from provocative challenge studies. It is interesting to speculate that a distal esophageal-bronchial reflex evolved as an early warning defense so that coughing could be started, just in case the refluxate were to reach the inlet of the lower respiratory tract. That is, thinking teleologically, it is possible that an esophageal-bronchial reflex evolved as one of several mechanisms designed to protect the lungs from aspiration of gastric contents.
The M. I. T. air shower program

A general description and preliminary results con cerning the size of the speotnum and the zenith angle distribution are presented. The M.I.T. air shower program includes three experiments: (1) a preliminary experiment performed on the M.I.T. campus (latitude 42 deg N, sea level) by means of four detectors arranged at the vertices of a square 36 m on the side. (21 The Agassiz experiment' which covers a circular area 460 m in diameter on the grounds of the Agassiz Astrononfical Station of Harvard University (latitude 42 deg N, 183 m above sea level. (3) The Kodaikanal experiment'' using four detectors at the vertices of a square 35 m on the side in operation at Kodaidanal, India (latitude 8 deg N, 2800 m above sea level). Some results concerning the size spectrum and the zenith angle distribution are preserted. The results on the arrival directions of air showers cover a range of prirnary energies from 10/sup 14/ ev to lO/sup 18/ ev and a range of celestial declinations from -30 deg to + 80 deg . Below primary energies of about 10/sup 17/ ev, the data are consistent with the hypothesis that the primary flux is isotropic. Within statistical accuracy, thismore » result is in agreement with results obtained in other experiments. On the other hand, the distribution of the arrival directions of showers with N > 3 x lO/sup 7/ recorded by the large experiment, gives evidence of a lack of isotropy in the flux of primaries with energies greater than 10/sup 17/ ev. (A.C.)« less
Columnar track damage in YBCO

Ion damage tracks (columnar damage) in the high T_c superconductors have proven useful in understanding better the effect of crystalline imperfections in these materials-both in terms of the fundamental nature of the superconducting mechanism and in modifying their properties for technological applications. In this paper I present a model for the process by which the damage is created, which allows reasonable estimates to be made of the irradiation conditions required to achieve a desired type of track/columnar damage.
Magnetic-field--induced surface transport on laser-irradiated foils

Electrons heated by absorption of laser energy are shown to generate intense magnetic fields which rapidly spread from the edge of the laser spot along the target surface. The fields convectively transport hot electrons and confine a major fraction of the deposited laser energy in the corona. Eventually, this energy is lost to fast-ion blowoff or deposited at large distances from the spot. This model qualitatively explains many experimental observations of thermal-transport inhibition and fast-ion loss.
BASIC-PLUS-2 programs to perform experimental procedures for paired associate verbal learning

These programs were designed to demonstrate standard methods for paired associate learning. They are also suitable for use in experiments in which individual subjects are exposed to the material to be learned and tested at a video computer terminal. The programs are written in BASIC·PLUS·2 for the Digital Equipment Corporation DECsystem 2060 computer under the Tops-20 operating system. The four programs in the package include (1) FILEMAKER, used to create input files holding the paired associates to be learned, (2) ANTICIPATION, used to present paired associates and record learning progress with the standard method of anticipation, (3) DISPLAY, used to present paired associates under controlled conditions and specifications, and (4) RECOGNITION, used to present a multiplechoice recognition test procedure for paired associates learned during a run of DISPLAY.
Culturing ultrastructure and colony formation in pectodictyon cubicum chlorophyceae chlorococcales

Pectodictyon cubicum Taft collected in California develops typical eight-celled, cuboidal colonies only in alkaline media. Vegetative cell ultrastructure is similar to that in other genera of the Chlorococcales, except for an extensive endoplasmic reticulum system paralleling the plasmalemma (termed a paramural ER). Autosporogenesis proceeds inside the parent cell wall by three mitotic divisions producing eight nuclei in two tiers of four. Cleavage furrows following paths delineated by long ER segments and indistinct microtubules bisect and then radically separate the protoplast into eight pyramidal units. Walls comprised of a thick, presumably cellulose layer and a thinner trilaminar layer (not acetolysis resistant) form as cells become rounded, except where touching. A gelatinous matrix is produced around and between cells with concentration at the three sites of prior cell contact 90 degrees apart. Pulsed production of mucilage in three solid strands forces cells to separate, and the expanding colony becomes a hollow cube with a cell at each corner.
Time-dependent changes in dopamine D2-receptor mRNA in the arterial chemoreflex pathway with chronic hypoxia

The hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) can be modulated by dopamine D(2)-receptors (D(2)-R) in both the carotid body arterial chemoreceptors and the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), the primary synapse site of carotid body afferents. We hypothesized that chronic hypoxia alters D(2)-R gene expression to initiate changes in D(2)-R modulation of the HVR and enhance ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia. Thus, we used a competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to quantify changes in D(2)-R mRNA levels in the rat carotid body and NTS after 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, or 168 h of hypobaric hypoxia (P(IO(2))=80 Torr). In the rostral NTS, hypoxia significantly increased D(2)-R mRNA at all time points. In the caudal NTS, D(2)-R mRNA levels initially increased in response to hypoxia and then significantly decreased to 71+/-5% and 71+/-6% of control after 48 and 168 h of hypoxia, respectively. In the carotid body, D(2)-R mRNA levels significantly decreased to 59+/-2% of control after 48 h of hypoxia; however, they significantly increased to 274+/-22% of control after 168 h. These results suggest that changes in D(2)-R mRNA in the arterial chemoreflex pathway and corresponding changes at the protein and signaling levels may contribute to the time-dependent changes in ventilation observed with chronic hypoxia. Specifically, decreased carotid body inhibition by D(2)-R could increase the HVR after 2 days of hypoxia.
An Atomic-Level Engine that Accounts for Kinesin Motility and Catalysis

Kinesin motor proteins convert the energy of ATP hydrolysis into stepping movement along microtubules. In this process, the microtubule can be considered as kinesin's regulatory partner, responsible for activating the enzyme's functional behavior. In the absence of atomic resolution structures describing the kinesin-microtubule complex, the mechanism of this activation has remained unknown. We use cryo-electron microscopy to derive atomic models describing the complete, microtubule-attached, kinetic cycle of a kinesin motor. The resolution of our reconstructions (∼8A) enabled us to unambiguously build crystallographically-determined conformations of kinesin's key subcomponents into the density maps. The resulting models reveal novel arrangements of kinesin's nucleotide-sensing switch loops and of its microtubule binding element known as the switch II helix. Based on these models, we present a detailed molecular mechanism accounting for kinesin's force generation cycle. In this mechanism, the switch loops control a seesaw-like movement of the catalytic domain relative to the switch II helix, which remains fixed on the microtubule surface. Microtubules couple the seesaw movement to ATP binding by stabilizing the formation of extra coils at the N terminus of the switch II helix, which interact directly with the switch loops. Tilting of the seesaw to assume the ATP-bound orientation in turn elicits a power stroke by the motor domain's force-delivering element known as the neck linker. This sequence of events accounts for the essential mechanics of kinesin's force-delivery cycle, and also yields a new model for the catalytically active conformation of kinesin's ancestral relative, myosin.
Remote Sensing Open Access Journal: Increasing Impact through Quality Publications

Remote Sensing, an open access journal (http://www.mdpi.com/journal/remotesensing) has grown at rapid pace since its first publication five years ago, and has acquired a strong reputation. It is a “pathfinder” being the first open access journal in remote sensing. For those academics who were used to waiting a year or two for their peer-reviewed scientific work to be reviewed, revised, edited, and published, Remote Sensing offers a publication time frame that is unheard of (in most cases, less than four months). However, we do this after multiple peer-reviews, multiple revisions, much editorial scrutiny and decision-making, and professional editing by an editorial office before a paper is published online in our tight time frame, bringing a paradigm shift in scientific publication. As a result, there has been a swift increase in submissions of higher and higher quality manuscripts from the best authors and institutes working on Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), GIScience, and all related geospatial science and technologies from around the world. The purpose of this editorial is to update everyone interested in Remote Sensing on the progress made over the last year, and provide an outline of our vision for the immediate future. [...]
Medical Records and Software Trust

The rapidly growing use of medical software raises many ethical and privacy issues. This column builds on a previous IT Ethics column, which presented a model of trust focused around software. The authors map out different trust relationships that exist between stakeholders in medical record automation to master the trust issues in this complex sociotechnical system.
Mitigating Reflection Cracking in Asphalt Overlays using Geosynthetic Reinforcements

ABSTRACT A coordinated laboratory and numerical investigation was conducted to simulate the growth and propagation of reflection cracking in asphalt overlays reinforced with stiff geosynthetic inclusions. The objectives of this research were: (a) to evaluate the behavior of asphalt overlays placed over concrete joints under cyclic loadings; (b) to assess the effects of construction conditions and placement locations of the geosynthetic layers within the overlay; and (c) to determine the effects of debonding between the AC and the underlying concrete pavement on the inducement of critical stresses. Results indicate that for all testing conditions, specimens reinforced with high stiffness geosynthetics offered greater resistance to reflection cracking when compared to unreinforced specimens. ABAQUS finite element analysis suggested that the Von Mises stresses in the AC layer are significantly higher when the layers are debonded, and that the Von Mises stresses can be meaningfully reduced by placement of sti...
FETAL OXYGEN CONSUMPTION IN LATE GESTATION

In acute experiments the oxygen consumption (ml./min) of pregnant, lightly anesthetized ewes has been determined under steady state conditions before and after occlusion of the umbilical circulation with the fetus in utero. At the conclusion of the experiment the fetus was delivered and weighed. The regular decrease in oxygen consumption which occurred with this procedure was linearly related to the fetal weight over a 4 kg range. On the assumption that this decrease represented the oxygen consumption of the fetus during the control period, the rate of fetal oxygen consumption ranged from 7·7 to 11·3 ml./kg/min. These results are in good agreement with those previously obtained when the umbilical blood flow was estimated and the (V-A)O2 determined across the umbilical circulation with the fetus in utero. They indicate that the oxygen consumption of the near term fetal lamb represents a significant fraction of maternal (6 to 22 per cent in this series) and is of the same order of magnitude as that of the newborn animal.
LOCAL THERMODYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM IN AN RF ARGON PLASMA.

The existence of local thermodynamic equilibrium in the center half of an inductively sustained RF argon plasma was investigated using emission spectroscopy as the diagnostic tool. The experiment was conducted for a fixed oscillator frequency of 4·2 MHz, a fixed plate input power of 2·0 kW, a constant average gas velocity of 9·0 cm/sec, and for pressure levels of 0·01, 0·1, 0·5, and 1·0 atm. Four emission lines and the continuum centered at three different wavelengths were used in the investigation to show that local thermodynamic equilibrium exists at 1·0 and 0·5 atm and that within the experimental error the bound states 3p6 and above are populated with a Boltzmann distribution at all the pressures investigated.
Synthesis and characterization of high-purity, single phase hexagonal Bi2Te3 nanostructures

In order to synthesize defect free, highly crystalline single phase nanostructured bismuth chalcogenides, we have investigated the effects of several reaction conditions including, solvents, temperatures, reaction time, and reducing agents. A small variation in the reaction method resulted in Bi2Te3 with different morphologies, ranging from nanosize particles, rods, platelets, and tubes to nanosheets. The materials were characterized by powder X-ray crystallography, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and four-probe current (I)–voltage (V) analysis. An optimized reaction condition allowed the synthesis of single-phase, impurity-free hexagonal nanoplates with size varying between 50 nm and 500 nm and thickness varying between 45 nm and 55 nm in a reproducible manner. The Raman spectra of the optimized hexagonal plates and sheets showed infra red (IR)-active modes around 118 cm−1 resulting from symmetry breaking, a characteristic feature of nanostructured Bi2Te3. Additional peaks at 94 cm−1 in the nanosheets, resulting from the surface phonon mode further confirmed the ultrathin Bi2Te3 structures. The I–V measurements on the optimized surface showed an n-type semiconducting behavior. The surface current measured as a function of applied voltage is two orders of magnitude higher than that across the stacked pellet in ambient conditions and much higher compared to previously published data on few quintuplet-thick Bi2Te3 nanofilms. The highlights of this study are the optimal solvothermic reaction conditions and their impact on obtaining defect free, highly crystalline single phase bismuth chalcogenides.
Evaluation of thermal injury to liver, pancreas and kidney during irreversible electroporation in an in vivo experimental model

Background Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a new technique for tumour cell ablation that is reported to involve non-thermal-based energy using high voltage at short microsecond pulse lengths. In vivo assessment of the thermal energy generated during IRE has not been performed. Thermal injury can be predicted using a critical temperature model. The aim of this study was to assess the potential for thermal injury during IRE in an in vivo porcine model. Methods In vivo continuous temperature assessments of 86 different IRE procedures were performed on porcine liver, pancreas, kidney and retroperitoneal tissue. Tissue temperature was measured continuously throughout IRE by means of two thermocouples placed at set distances (0·5 cm or less, and 1 cm) from the IRE probes within the treatment field. Thermal injury was defined as a tissue temperature of 54°C lasting at least 10 s. Tissue type, pulse length, probe exposure length, number of probes and retreatment were evaluated for associations with thermal injury. In addition, IRE ablation was performed with metal clips or metal stents within the ablation field to determine their effect on thermal injury. Results An increase in tissue temperature above the animals' baseline temperature (median 36·0°C) was generated during IRE in all tissues studied, with the greatest increase found at the thermocouple placed within 0·5 cm in all instances. On univariable and multivariable analysis, ablation in kidney tissue (maximum temperature 62·8°C), ablation with a pulse length setting of 100 µs (maximum 54·7°C), probe exposure of at least 3·0 cm (maximum 52·0°C) and ablation with metal within the ablation field (maximum 65·3°C) were all associated with a significant risk of thermal injury. Conclusion IRE can generate thermal energy, and even thermal injury, based on tissue type, probe exposure lengths, pulse lengths and proximity to metal. Awareness of probe placement regarding proximity to critical structures as well as probe exposure length and pulse length are necessary to ensure safety and prevent thermal injury. A probe exposure of 2·5 cm or less for liver IRE, and 1·5 cm or less for pancreas, with maximum pulse length of 90 µs will result in safe and non-thermal energy delivery with spacing of 1·5–2·3 cm between probe pairs. Surgical relevance In this experimental investigation, irreversible electroporation (IRE) is studied in a porcine model to establish set device and probe guidelines, so that any type of thermal damage can be avoided. This IRE device is currently in use in the treatment of locally advanced soft tissue tumours, and the issue of potential thermal damage is therefore of clinical interest. This is further underlined by the fact that there is an underestimation among some IRE end-users that IRE energy delivery is non-thermal regardless of the circumstances. It is shown here that IRE can generate thermal energy, and even thermal injury, based on tissue type, probe exposure lengths, pulse lengths and proximity to metal (clips and stents).
Who's Minding the Gate? Pool Feeds, Video Subsidies, and Political Images

Camera pools and video feed systems allow news institutions to receive video imagery with greater efficiency and lower costs. Such arrangements are frequently managed and negotiated through politically engaged institutions. The resulting video is transmitted and traded with the underlying assumption that images are discrete, objective representations of real events, an assumption that is called into question when the practice is carefully examined. Unlike facts or ideas, which are intangible and constructed entirely in language, video images are constructed both discursively and materially. Consequently the power to grant physical access to events for photographic coverage grants political actors an advantage as they negotiate their image, literally and metaphorically.This qualitative study describes several such feeds and politically regulated video subsidies, their use by news organizations, and the means by which political agents influence their own image through such feeds. Data in the form of extende...
Al-O-F materials as novel adsorbents for gaseous radioiodine capture.

Abstract Re-processing used nuclear fuel requires a method to effectively capture and dispose of gaseous radioiodine. Previous work has shown that nanoporous Al–O materials are effective at capturing gaseous iodine; molecular dynamics simulations have shown that the addition of fluoride to the Al–O surface should increase the amount of iodine capture. Twelve different materials with different ratios of F:Al were created. These materials were chemically characterized and functionally characterized with respect to gaseous iodine uptake. The addition of fluoride does in fact lead to a substantial (10–100×) increase in iodine uptake per unit surface area. However, the amount of uptake does not appear to be directly related to the total fluoride content of the solid phase material.
Is vaginal birth after cesarean less expensive than repeat cesarean delivery

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to compare total medical costs of trial of labor after cesarean with those of elective repeat cesarean without labor, with both short- and long-term neonatal costs associated with such procedures taken into account. Study Design: Costs associated with All Patient Refined diagnosis-related groups and Current Procedural Terminology for a large not-for-profit health care system were applied to an algorithm describing maternal and neonatal outcomes of trial of labor. Perinatal morbidity rates and cost estimates for long-term neurologic damage associated with uterine rupture were derived from published literature. Results: If a 70% vaginal birth rate for women undergoing a trial of labor and delivery in a tertiary center with a mean uterine rupture to delivery time of 13 minutes is assumed, the net cost differential ranged from a saving of $149 to a loss of $217, depending on morbidity assumptions. For vaginal birth after cesarean success rates Conclusions: When costs as opposed to charges are considered and the cost of long-term care for neurologically injured infants is taken into account, trial of labor after previous cesarean is unlikely to be associated with a significant cost saving for the health care system. Recent government-mandated length-of-stay requirements are likely to make the economic benefit of vaginal birth after cesarean even less favorable. Factors other than cost must govern decisions regarding trial of labor or repeat cesarean. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:599-602.)
Metabolic labeling of fucosylated glycoproteins in Bacteroidales species

Members of the Bacteroidales order are among the most abundant gram-negative bacteria of the human colonic microbiota. These species decorate their cell-surface glycoproteins with fucosylated glycans, which are believed to play important roles in host intestinal colonization. Currently, there is no method for the enrichment of these glycoproteins for their identification. Here, we describe a chemical approach directed toward labeling and detecting fucosylated glycoproteins from cultured Bacteroidales species, namely Bacteroides fragilis and Parabacteroides distasonis. We treated these bacteria with an alkyne-bearing fucose analog, which is metabolically integrated into the bacterial surface fucosylated glycoproteins. The alkyne-tagged glycoproteins can then react with azide-bearing biophysical probes via bioorthogonal click chemistry for detection or glycoproteomic analysis.
Synthesis and characterization of cationic PNA bearing 5-ω-aminopropyl-uracil

Abstract 5-ω-Aminopropyl-uracil bearing PNA monomers are synthesized for solid phase oligomer synthesis using FMOC protection. Several PNA oligomers with differing amounts of aminopropyluracil modification were prepared. These oligomers were found to associate with complementary DNA oligonucleotides.
Teratogenicity of Hexachlorophene in Rats

A suspension of 45%, 12%, or 3% hexachlorophene (HCP) was introduced into the vagina of pregnant rats on days 7 through 10 of gestation. The highest concentration produced a significant number of malformed offspring, 12% HCP was slightly teratogenic, but 3% had no effect. Pregnant animals from the two highest dosage groups developed moderate to severe toxicity during treatment. Uptake of HCP labeled with radioactive carbon (14C) was significant after vaginal or oral treatment and resulted in plasma concentrations six to ten times higher than did dermal application of the same dose. Concentrations of HCP were highest in vagina and liver after vaginal treatment, but extremely low in maternal brain and embryos, suggesting a transport barrier against HCP to these tissues. One third of the administered radioactivity was excreted in feces and 3% in urine within six days after a single vaginal treatment.
Wetting of iron aluminide alloys by Ag, Au, and Cu

Because successful integration of alloys into engineering structures often relies on joining technologies this study was done to learn about behavior relevant to brazing of iron aluminide alloys. Brazing processes are largely controlled by the wetting phenomenon, i.e. how well a liquid spreads over the surface of a solid. These experiments involved melting pure silver, copper and gold on the surfaces of Fe 0.748 Al 0.252 and Fe 0.589 Al 0.411 by induction heating in a vacuum chamber. The wetting contact angles were measured as a function of time. These Fe x Al y alloys were wetted by Ag and Au (contact angles, θ < 90°). The Ag and Au droplets both dissolved Al from the Fe x Al y substrates. Silver melted near its reference temperature of 960°C and immediately formed a contact angle < 90°. Within minutes, the Ag droplets attained contact angles near 10°. Gold began melting below its reference temperature of 1063°C and this was attributed to Al diffusion into the solid Au. The Au alloy droplets formed contact angles of ∼ 10° in < 1 min. Liquid from both Ag and Au droplets penetrated the grain boundaries of the Fe x Al y alloys. A substantial reaction zone also formed under the Ag and Au droplets. In contrast, liquid Cu did not wet the Fe x Al y alloys.
Management of Tracheobronchial Disruption Secondary to Nonpenetrating Trauma

The pathogenesis, pathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of tracheo-bronchial injuries secondary to nonpenetrating thoracic trauma are discussed.
A finite element model for thick beams

Abstract A general method for obtaining higher order beam theories is reviewed and cast in a form for creating a finite element model. Reissner's principle and Legendre polynomial series expansions are key features in the development. A thick beam element is produced having capabilities of representing nonlinear distributions, through the thickness, of all stress and deformation variables. The model can be used to analyze most thick beams and localized stress conditions. Beam problems are solved and the performance of the thick beam element model is assessed.
Elastic p-p scattering at 796 MeV in the Coulomb-nuclear interference region

By measuring the energy spectra of recoil particles, the following data have been obtained at an incident proton energy of 796 MeV: (1) the differential cross section for proton-proton (p-p) elastic scattering at laboratory angles between 1.37/sup 0/ and 6.40/sup 0/, and (2) the analyzing power for p-p elastic scattering at laboratory angles between 3.13/sup 0/ and 6.40/sup 0/. Analyses of these data have determined certain parameters characterizing the nuclear amplitude for p-p elastic scattering. The ratio, rho, of the real to the imaginary parts of the forward p-p spin independent amplitude was found to be +0.005 +- 0.04. The ratio R of the summed moduli squared of the forward p-p double spin flip scattering amplitudes to the modulus squared of the forward p-p spin independent amplitude was found to be 0.16 +- 0.03. The real and imaginary parts of the p-p spin orbit scattering amplitude divided by sintheta were found to be 0.72 +- 0.05 and 0.18 +- 0.11 fm, respectively. These values are compared with results of recent phase-shift analyses and forward dispersion relation calculations.