cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling shows a distinct epigenetic signature associated with lung macrophages in cystic fibrosis

Lung macrophages are major participants in the pulmonary innate immune response. In the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung, the inability of lung macrophages to successfully regulate the exaggerated inflammatory response suggests dysfunctional innate immune cell function. In this study, we aim to gain insight into innate immune cell dysfunction in CF by investigating alterations in DNA methylation in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells, composed primarily of lung macrophages of CF subjects compared with healthy controls. All analyses were performed using primary alveolar macrophages from human subjects collected via bronchoalveolar lavage. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation was examined via Illumina MethylationEPIC (850 K) array. Targeted next-generation bisulfite sequencing was used to validate selected differentially methylated CpGs. Methylation-based sample classification was performed using the recursively partitioned mixture model (RPMM) and was tested against sample case-control status. Differentially methylated loci were identified by fitting linear models with adjustment of age, sex, estimated cell type proportions, and repeat measurement. RPMM class membership was significantly associated with the CF disease status (P = 0.026). One hundred nine CpG loci were differentially methylated in CF BAL cells (all FDR ≤ 0.1). The majority of differentially methylated loci in CF were hypo-methylated and found within non-promoter CpG islands as well as in putative enhancer regions and DNase hyper-sensitive regions. These results support a hypothesis that epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation at a multitude of gene loci in lung macrophages, may participate, at least in part, in driving dysfunctional innate immune cells in the CF lung.
Transnational non-state actors as “alt agents” of public diplomacy: Putin’s Russia versus Open Russia

This paper argues that non-state actors (NSAs) that challenge their respective states can claim a stake in their country’s public diplomacy by introducing and promoting narratives that (a) disrupt the official state-supported narratives and (b) present a more complex picture of their country-of-origin to the foreign publics. To conceptualize this type of engagement with foreign audiences, this project proposes the term “alternative agents” or “alt agents” of non-state public diplomacy. The paper combines Kelley’s (Agency change: diplomatic action beyond the state, Owman & Littlefield, London, 2014) framework of diplomatic capabilities of NSAs with Miskimmon et al. (Strategic narratives: communication power and the new world order, Routledge, New York, 2014) concept of strategic narratives to develop the definition of alt agents of public diplomacy. Using the case study of the transnational movement Open Russia, the paper illustrates how the work of alt agents aimed at connecting with foreign constituencies in order to achieve their political goals might look like in practice. The paper contributes to the scholarship on non-state public diplomacy by engaging with the relatively unexplored question of the role of adversarial non-state actors in public diplomacy, and the dynamic of their engagement with foreign stakeholders.
Chondroblastoma-like Osteosarcoma

Context.— Chondroblastoma-like osteosarcoma is an exceedingly rare variant of osteosarcoma, with 22 cases reported in the English-language literature. The tumor is slightly more common in males, wi...
An approach to large-scale Quasi-Bayesian inference with spike-and-slab priors

We propose a general framework using spike-and-slab prior distributions to aid with the development of high-dimensional Bayesian inference. Our framework allows inference with a general quasi-likelihood function. We show that highly efficient and scalable Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms can be easily constructed to sample from the resulting quasi-posterior distributions. We study the large scale behavior of the resulting quasi-posterior distributions as the dimension of the parameter space grows, and we establish several convergence results. In large-scale applications where computational speed is important, variational approximation methods are often used to approximate posterior distributions. We show that the contraction behaviors of the quasi-posterior distributions can be exploited to provide theoretical guarantees for their variational approximations. We illustrate the theory with some simulation results from Gaussian graphical models, and sparse principal component analysis.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Diastolic Heart Disease

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is highly prevalent in heart failure (HF), and the coexistence of these two disease conditions increases mortality. The purpose of this review is to examine the mechanistic interactions and associations between SBD, specifically obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), obesity hypoventilation (OHS), left ventricular (LV) diastolic heart function, and pulmonary hypertension (PH), as factors that directly contribute to the development of HF. The mechanistic interactions may be thought of as direct and indirect effects. The direct effects are related to abnormalities caused by sleep-disordered breathing that induce LV remodeling. Recent studies support the notion that the severity of OSA and recurrent hypoxia enhance LV remodeling even after accounting for age, weight, and underlying cardiorespiratory comorbid conditions. Indirect effects are due to the mechanical alterations intrathoracic organs during sleep due to negative intrathoracic pressure, obesity, as well as multiple derangements causing activation of the sympathetic nervous system and endothelium. The review also delineates multiple mechanisms that eventually lead to pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH. The severity of daytime arterial oxygen levels and/or duration of nocturnal hypoxia, rather than the severity of SDB, seems to be the major determinants of PH in SBD, after adjusting for other cardiorespiratory diseases. Mechanisms by which hypercapnia contributes to PH and diastolic dysfunction need to be explored. Moreover, interactions between central sleep apnea and diastolic heart function are not well delineated. Further investigations are needed to elucidate any direct effect of hypercapnia on pulmonary pressures and potential cardiovascular consequences. There is limited evidence on the impact of PAP or oxygen therapy on these intermediary mechanisms of HF in SDB populations. The collection of evidence indicates that PAP may enhance diastolic function and reduce pulmonary artery pressure in OSA whereas studies in OHS populations are sparse and inconclusive. Thus, future research should delineate whether pathophysiology-based therapies can alleviate HF and HF related mortality in these SDB populations.
Belief Space Metareasoning for Exception Recovery

Due to the complexity of the real world, autonomous systems use decision-making models that rely on simplifying assumptions to make them computationally tractable and feasible to design. However, since these limited representations cannot fully capture the domain of operation, an autonomous system may encounter unanticipated scenarios that cannot be resolved effectively. We first formally introduce an introspective autonomous system that uses belief space metareasoning to recover from exceptions by interleaving a main decision process with a set of exception handlers. We then apply introspective autonomy to autonomous driving. Finally, we demonstrate that an introspective autonomous vehicle is effective in simulation and on a fully operational prototype.
CodeTracesure—Combining Gaming, CS Concepts, and Pedagogy

This paper presents an overview of the objectives and design of a video game, CodeTracesure, that we have used in a summer camp for elementary school African-American children. The game is designed to help children practice CS concepts as they play and to help teachers learn about their difficulties. It combines engaging elements of good games with pedagogy to provide a platform where students can practice CS concepts learned in class. It covers such concepts as assignment, variables, sequencing, and operators. The game is equipped with a database to facilitate collection of data that can be analyzed for trends and patterns. The current goal is for it to be a supplementary tool that can help the students practice while allowing teachers to collect useful data that can help improve the learning process. An initial study was conducted using this game with about 40 African-American elementary school children. Findings show that the game was useful in motivating the students to practice code tracing and learn CS concepts. The backend end data that was collected on the performance of the students helped to identify potential pitfalls.
The Enhancement of Verbal Immediacy in Online University Classes: A Student-Generated Taxonomy

The goal of this research was to find written strategies online educators can use to create higher levels of immediacy between themselves and their students. Written strategies are simple and do not require anything other than e-mail or a feedback textbox. Students ( N = 194) completed open-ended surveys asking them to list examples of written communication used by online instructors that created a sense of closeness. A subset of the data was independently coded by the authors to induce a set of 13 categories, some of which were unique to this study, in not being discovered in previous research. All of the surveys were coded using the agreed on categories. Statistical analysis suggested strategies students favored the most: encouragement, personalized feedback, and instructor availability. Other analyses also showed that such immediacy variables were associated with factors such as attitude toward online classes and tendency to enroll in them.
Privacy Protection and Efficient Incumbent Detection in Spectrum Sharing Based on Federated Learning

Spectrum sharing techniques can greatly promote spectrum efficiency and mitigate the congested wireless spectrum. During spectrum sharing, the lower access users, e.g., commercial users, must protect the privilege of the incumbent users, e.g., navy ship radar operators. To achieve this task, environment sensing capability (ESC)-based incumbent detection is a commonly used method, where multiple ESC nodes with a fixed geo-location sense the spectrum and upload the spectrum events to the spectrum access system (SAS). However, existing ESC-based methods may incur a high communication overhead and lead to the leakage of sensitive information, e.g., navy ship route information. To tackle these issues, in this paper, we propose a compressed sensing (CS)-based federated learning framework to achieve incumbent user detection for improving communication efficiency while protecting the privacy of training samples. In particular, the local learning models transmit the updating parameters instead of the raw spectrum data to the central server, and these parameters are aggregated based on a multiple measurement vector (MMV) CS model. The central server can gain a global learning model based on the aggregation of the parameters and get the updating of global parameters back to the local learning models to achieve federated learning. The security analysis and simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes. In the proposed CS-based federated learning framework, the detection performance is as good as the scheme under the raw training samples, and the communication and training efficiency can be significantly improved.
Brokering Inequity: Knowledge Distribution as Policy Limitation

Little is known about the role of intermediary organizations (IOs) in knowledge mobilization for education policymaking. By consequence, community, family, student, and educator voices are at risk of further marginalization. This study uses document analysis and bibliometrics to explore the knowledge base circulated by federally-funded IOs to influence powerholders at the state level. Findings indicate a high degree of overlap between the research promoted by federally-funded IOs and the research cited within state education agencies’ equitable access plans. Federally-funded IOs elevated research evidence that valued policy ideas related to human capital management and neglected others, such as the working conditions for teaching and learning. This research has implications for knowledge utilization in educational policymaking, particularly in the context of state and federal power. The ways in which federally-funded IOs advance policy ideas that are in line with federal policy priorities reinforces the importance of examining whose knowledge is shared and how this knowledge filters into state policy ideas.
Ley 20.606: Efectos en el conocimiento de etiquetado nutricional en consumidores de un supermercado en Valparaíso de Chile: estudio descriptivo, cuanticualitativo, antes y después de 5 meses de la implementación de la ley

Introduction: The aim was to describe changes on the reading, knowledge and interpretation of the nutritional labeling of foods among consumers of a supermarket in Valparaiso, before and after the entry into force of Law 20,606, during June and December of 2016.Materials and methods: Descriptive, non-experimental study, with a quantitative-qualitative approach. A convenience sample of 200 consumers who attended the same supermarket was surveyed using a questionnaire. The survey mode was an interview before and after the entry into force of the Law. The questionnaire included questions aimed to evaluate the knowledge and interpretation of the labels “HIGH IN”. Responses were categorized as: i) It contains a great amount of the nutrient/is high in the nutrient; ii) The amount represents a risk for health; iii) It contains more than necessary/above the allowed level; iv) It has such nutrient added; v) I don’t know/don’t understand; vi) Other responses. Changes were assessed taking into account difference between proportions and confidence interval was set to 95%.Results: There was no significant increase in the reading of the nutritional labeling (11%). Respecting the knowledge and interpretation of the labels, knowledge increased significantly regarding the label “HIGH IN CALORIES” in i and iii; regarding “HIGH IN SODIUM” in i, ii and v; regarding “HIGH IN SUGARS” in ii and iii; and regarding “HIGH IN SATURATED FATS” in i. Responses showed that 62% stated they have stopped consuming a certain food because of the number of stamps that the label contained and 34% indicated the need for more education on the new labeling.Conclusions: There were changes in the consumers’ understanding of labels indicating “HIGH IN” of the new labeling system; reading of the labels and food choice were also modified. Consumers indicated that food and nutritional education is required. At the health policy level, qualitative studies and indicators are required to assess the understanding and interpretation of the seals in the medium and long term and food and nutrition education.
Indigenous People in Pluricultural Nations of Latin America

In the context of neoliberal democracy, the concept of an autonomous, indigenous multicultural democracy co-existing with the nation state is truly revolutionary. This occurred in the state of Chiapas and was brought to global awareness with the Zapatista uprising of 1994. The Chiapas experiment provides an alternative model to accepted neoliberal doctrine. My engagement in the area was carried out over decades, which enabled me to see beyond the immediate circumstances to understand the larger ongoing cultural/political changes as they arose, developed, lingered, or disappeared. I was able to assess culture in a processual way. The Maya people’s ability to resist the attempt by the government to take away indigenous lands, their means of production, and exchange systems, and to retain their culture while finding new markets under these circumstances, admirably illustrates their ability to retain cultural premises, while responding to global influence. This is particularly important today, with the tendency of countries to respond to the pressure of global trade through the homogenization of production. The Maya motivation and success in linking their own culture with global aspirations provides a model for expanding local and global exchange, without the loss of identity.
Social isolation alters behavior, the gut-immune-brain axis, and neurochemical circuits in male and female prairie voles.

Abstract The absence of social support, or social isolation, can be stressful, leading to a suite of physical and psychological health issues. Growing evidence suggests that disruption of the gut-immune-brain axis plays a crucial role in the negative outcomes seen from social isolation stress. However, the mechanisms remain largely unknown. The socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) has been validated as a useful model for studying negative effects of social isolation on the brain and behaviors, yet how the gut microbiome and central immune system are altered in isolated prairie voles are still unknown. Here, we utilized this social rodent to examine how social isolation stress alters the gut-immune-brain axis and relevant behaviors. Adult male and female prairie voles (n = 48 per sex) experienced social isolation or were cohoused with a same-sex cagemate (control) for six weeks. Thereafter, their social and anxiety-like behaviors, neuronal circuit activation, neurochemical expression, and microgliosis in key brain regions, as well as gut microbiome alterations from the isolation treatment were examined. Social isolation increased anxiety-like behaviors and impaired social affiliation. Isolation also resulted in sex- and brain region-specific alterations in neuronal activation, neurochemical expression, and microgliosis. Further, social isolation resulted in alterations to the gut microbiome that were correlated with key brain and behavioral measures. Our data suggest that social isolation alters the gut-immune-brain axis in a sex-dependent manner and that gut microbes, central glial cells, and neurochemical systems may play a critical, integrative role in mediating negative outcomes from social isolation.
Fracture behavior of 3D printed carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Abstract This study examines the inter-layer and cross-layer fracture behavior of 3D printed short CFRP composites using both experimental and numerical methods. First, the orthotropic mechanical response of the 3D printed CFRP samples was characterized by tensile tests. The out-of-plane Young's modulus and yield strength were measured to be about 25% and 32% of the in-plane counterparts, respectively. Second, compact tension fracture tests were performed to characterize the fracture behavior of the CFRP composite samples. The crack resistance curves of inter-layer and cross-layer fracture were independently derived using the elastic-plastic fracture theory. Both cross-layer and inter-layer fracture exhibited stable crack growth with the rising crack resistance curves. Finite element simulations incorporating a cohesive zone method was used to numerically determine the critical cohesive strength and fracture toughness from the experimental results. The experimentally measured and numerically calibrated cross-layer fracture toughness was found to be three-fold of the inter-layer counterparts. In addition, fracture surface morphology and the crack-tip strain field evaluated by the digital image correlation technique revealed three important observations: (1) the cross-layer fracture resulted in a larger fracture process zone ahead of the crack tip compared to the inter-layer fracture, (2) the cross-layer fracture exhibited a fibril-bridging toughening mechanism along with fiber pull-out failure at the micro-scale, and (3) the inter-layer fracture showed a uncracked-ligament toughening mechanism arising from the locally enhanced inter-layer adhesion due to short fiber-bridging. The fracture mechanisms reported in this study provide practical strategies for designing and 3D printing CFRP composites with superior fracture-resistance.
Clinical outcomes of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, minocycline, or fluoroquinolone monotherapy.

Abstract Objectives The historical treatment of choice for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection is trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and this is primarily based on preclinical studies. The objective of this study was to examine the clinical outcomes of patients receiving monotherapy with different agents. Methods This was a retrospective study of adult patients receiving monotherapy for S. maltophilia infection with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), a fluoroquinolone, or minocycline from 2010 to 2016. The primary outcome was clinical failure, a composite of recurrence, alteration of therapy due to adverse reaction or concern for clinical failure, or 30-day in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome was 30-day in-hospital mortality. To account for treatment selection bias, multivariate regression and propensity score weighting were conducted. Results 284 patients were included (217 received TMP/SMX, 28 received a fluoroquinolone, and 39 received minocycline). The TMP/SMX and minocycline groups appeared to include similar patients whereas the fluoroquinolone group appeared to represent a slightly less severely ill population. Clinical failure was similar between groups (36%, 29%, and 31% in the TMP/SMX, fluoroquinolone, and minocycline groups, respectively, P=0.69) as was 30-day mortality (15%, 7%, and 5% in the TMP/SMX, fluoroquinolone, and minocycline groups, respectively, P=0.16). After controlling for confounding factors, receipt of minocycline (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=0.2 [0.1-0.7]) but not a fluoroquinolone (adjusted OR=0.3 [0.1 to 2.1]) was associated with lower mortality compared with TMP/SMX. This association persisted after propensity score weighting. Conclusions Outcomes were similar or better with alternatives to TMP/SMX monotherapy, which indicates this may not be the treatment of choice for infections caused by S. maltophilia.
Drivers of Polarized Discussions on Twitter during Venezuela Political Crisis

Social media activity is driven by real-world events (natural disasters, political unrest, etc.) and by processes within the platform itself (viral content, posts by influentials, etc). Understanding how these different factors affect social media conversations in polarized communities has practical implications, from identifying polarizing users to designing content promotion algorithms that alleviate polarization. Based on two datasets that record real-world events (ACLED and GDELT), we investigate how internal and external factors drive related Twitter activity in the highly polarizing context of the Venezuela’s political crisis from early 2019. Our findings show that antagonistic communities react differently to different exogenous sources depending on the language they tweet. The engagement of influential users within particular topics seem to match the different levels of polarization observed in the networks.
Relative Effects of IFRS Adoption and IFRS Convergence on Financial Statement Comparability

One of the primary objectives of both adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and convergence between IFRS and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP) is to increase financial statement comparability. Using a unique setting in Germany, we compare the effectiveness of these two approaches in achieving this desired outcome. Our empirical tests show that both adoption and convergence lead to an increase in comparability after the new enforcement regulation in 2005. However, difference-in-differences tests show that adoption does not lead to a significant incremental increase in comparability beyond convergence. The findings of this study should be of interest to regulators and standard-setters as they assess alternative methods of aligning domestic standards with IFRS.
Yoga therapy as a supportive care strategy for family caregivers of patients with primary brain tumor: Results of 3-arm pilot randomized controlled trial.

156Background: Seeking to address the well-documented burden of caring for a loved one with a high-grade glioma, this pilot RCT compared the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a dyadic versus ...
A topography-based scaling algorithm for soil hydraulic parameters at hillslope scales: Field testing

[1] Soil hydraulic parameters were upscaled from a 30 m resolution to a 1 km resolution using a new aggregation scheme (described in the companion paper) where the scale parameter was based on the topography. When soil hydraulic parameter aggregation or upscaling schemes ignore the effect of topography, their application becomes limited at hillslope scales and beyond, where topography plays a dominant role in soil deposition and formation. Hence the new upscaling algorithm was tested at the hillslope scale (1 km) across two locations: (1) the Little Washita watershed in Oklahoma, and (2) the Walnut Creek watershed in Iowa. The watersheds were divided into pixels of 1 km resolution and the effective soil hydraulic parameters obtained for each pixel. Each pixel/domain was then simulated using the physically based HYDRUS-3-D modeling platform. In order to account for the surface (runoff/on) and subsurface fluxes between pixels, an algorithm to route infiltration-excess runoff onto downstream pixels at daily time steps and to update the soil moisture states of the downstream pixels was applied. Simulated soil moisture states were compared across scales, and the coarse scale values compared against the airborne soil moisture data products obtained during the hydrology experiment field campaign periods (SGP97 and SMEX02) for selected pixels with different topographic complexities, soil distributions, and land cover. Results from these comparisons show good correlations between simulated and observed soil moisture states across time, topographic variations, location, elevation, and land cover. Stream discharge comparisons made at two gauging stations in the Little Washita watershed also provide reasonably good results as to the suitability of the upscaling algorithm used. Based only on the topography of the domain, the new upscaling algorithm was able to provide coarse resolution values for soil hydraulic parameters which effectively captured the variations in soil moisture across the watershed domains.
Screening the Silly: The Christian Iconography of Roberto Rossellini’s Francesco, giullare di Dio

This paper examines the image of St. Francis created by Roberto Rossellini in his film Francesco, giullare di Dio by comparing and contrasting it to the traditional iconography of the saint. It progresses through three parts: 1) a brief overview of the emergence of the traditional iconography of St. Francis; 2) an in-depth discussion of Rossellini’s film, beginning with the director’s comments on the film followed by a structural breakdown of the film itself and its film style; and 3) a comparison of the findings in the second part with the first part. This article is available in Journal of Religion & Film: http://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/jrf/vol15/iss1/7
Connecting the Distant Universe with the Local Fossil Record

This review considers implications regarding galaxy formation and evolution that can be drawn from study of the ages, abundances, and kinematics of stellar populations in the Local Universe. The wide abundance range in the Galactic bulge and in the halo of M31 is consistent with chemical evolution in a starburst with wind outflow. We question the notion that the Galactic halo population is assembled from disrupted dwarf spheroidal galaxies, based on the presence of metal rich stars in Local Group halos. The alpha-element enhancements of bulge giants are those expected from a system forming on a timescale of less than 1 Gyr. Direct measurement of the star formation history from turnoff photometry in Local Group galaxies is not in complete agreement with the universal star formation rate inferred from high redshift studies. We argue that the properties of the Local Universe constrain galaxy formation theory just as strongly as the findings gleaned from high redshift galaxies.
The development and psychometric properties of a new measure of perceived stigma toward substance users.

A self-report measure of perceived stigma toward substance users was developed and studied. An initial measure was created based on a previously developed scale that was rated by experts for content validity and quality of items. The scale, along with other measures, was administered to 252 people in treatment for substance problems in the United States during 2006–2007. Refinement efforts resulted in an eight-item scale with good face validity, construct validity, and adequate levels of internal consistency. Most relationships with other constructs were as expected. Findings suggest that perceived stigma is distinct from other forms of stigma.
Yaw Rate and Velocity Tracking Control of a Hands-Free Bicycle

The control of a bicycle has been well studied when a steer torque is used as the control input. Less has been done to investigate the control of a hands free bicycle through the rider’s lean relative to the bicycle frame. In this work, we extend a verified benchmark bicycle model to include a rider with the ability to lean in and out of the plane of the bicycle frame. A multi-input multi-output LQR state feedback controller is designed with the control objective being the tracking of a reference yaw rate and rear wheel angular velocity through the use of rider lean torque and rear wheel (pedaling) torque. The LQR controller is tested on the nonlinear model and numerical simulation results are presented. Conclusions regarding the required lean angle of the rider relative to the bicycle frame necessary to execute a steady turn are made, as well as observations of the effects of right half plane zeros in the transfer function from rider lean torque to yaw rate.© 2008 ASME
Cryogenic On-Wafer Microwave Characterization of GaAs MESFETs and Superconducting Coplanar Resonance and Transmission Lines Structures

make s-parameter measurements of passive coplanar circuits as well as to characterize the performance of GaAsMESFETs at 80K. Comparisons were made between measured data and theoretical results for passive YBCO andAluminum structures. The YBCO film was also measured using a parallel plate technique to determine microwave
STUDIES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOXICITY IN INTESTINAL SECRETION

1. Intestinal secretion, collected by the method described in this paper, is non-toxic when fresh. 2. This secretion, when heated immediately to 90-95 degrees C. and kept sterile, remains non-toxic. 3. This secretion, when not heated, remains non-toxic when kept under chloroform and toluene, even if incubated at 37 degrees C. 4. This secretion, when not heated, but collected in a sterile flask, becomes toxic upon incubating 18 hours, producing symptoms like those of closed loop fluid. 5. The secretion, when treated with chloroform and toluene, and later incubated for 18 hours, after these preservatives have been removed by distillation at 60 degrees C., does not produce lesions typical of closed loop fluid.
The Bloomington (LL6) chondrite and its shock melt glasses

The shock melt glasses of the Bloomington LL-group chondrite were examined using electron-beam microscopy and compared with data from studies of other shock melt glasses. Petrologic and mineralogic characterizations were also performed of the samples. The metal contents of the meteorite were almost wholly Ni-rich martensite. The glasses resembled shock melt glasses in L-group chondrites, and were indicative of isochemical melting during one melt phase, i.e., a very simple history.
Canine protozoan polyradiculoneuritis.

Four pups in a litter of eight Labrador Retrievers suddenly developed hind limb weakness. In three, paralysis ascended rapidly resulting in quadriplegia, cervical weakness, dysphagia and death. Postmortem examination revealed a severe polyradiculoneuritis in which roots, ganglia, and spinal and cranial nerves were heavily infiltrated by lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages and contained abundant protozoan pseudocysts. On sections of the brain and spinal cord protozoa were less frequent and appeared independent of the glial nodules which marked focal areas of necrosis. The organisms innitially were thought to beToxoplasma gondii, but this supposition was not supported by serological, immunocytochemical, or electron microscopic findings. Ultrastructurally the organisms resembled an unidentified sporozoan parasite, which has been reported in the CNS of dogs in Scandinavia. The inflamed spinal roots contained many degenerated and demyelinated axons. Electron microscopic studies indicated that the tachyzoite-like organisms, through their invasive and proliferative activities, brough about many of the degenerative changes in the Schwann cells and axons of the spinal roots and nerves.
Flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid due to a stretching sheet in the presence of a free stream velocity

Abstract We consider the flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid occupying the space over an elastic sheet, due to the stretching of the sheet, in the presence of a constant free-stream velocity. By introducing a similarity transformation for the velocity field, as well as the three components of the stress tensor, the governing equations are reduced to a system of coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations. The resulting equations are solved numerically and by means of a perturbation in the Weissenberg number. A comparison of the two solutions shows exceedingly good agreement.
Analysis of vibration mode shapes on a memory-sharing multiprocessor

Abstract This paper describes the strategies of Luo methods for parallelizing the mode-shape analyses on a memory-sharing multiprocessor. Luo methods based upon two quotient iterations decompose an eigenvalue problem into a system of related subproblems. Then, a mode shape is computed by an iterative procedure, in which independent subproblems have the potential to be implemented in parallel. Schematic interpretations and computational considerations of this new approach are included.
The enigma of lunar magnetism

Current understandings of the nature and probable origin of lunar magnetism are surveyed. Results of examinations of returned lunar samples are discussed which reveal the main carrier of the observed natural remanent magnetization to be iron, occasionally alloyed with nickel and cobalt, but do not distinguish between thermoremanent and shock remanent origins, and surface magnetometer data is presented, which indicates small-scale magnetic fields with a wide range of field intensities implying localized, near-surface sources. A detailed examination is presented of orbital magnetometer and charged particle data concerning the geologic nature and origin of magnetic anomaly sources and the directional properties of the magnetization, which exhibit a random distribution except for a depletion in the north-south direction. A lunar magnetization survey with global coverage provided by a polar orbiting satellite is suggested as a means of placing stronger constraints on the origin of lunar crustal magnetization.
How to Test Scaling in Asymptotically Free Theories

It is shown how, in asymptotically free gauge theories, one can, given the deep-inelastic structure functions for values of ${q}^{2}$ in the asymptotic region, calculate explicitly the structure functions for all larger ${q}^{2}$. The ratio of structure functions for ${q}^{2}=50 \mathrm{and} 5$ ${\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}$ is estimated. Substantial deviations from scaling are found, as well as a dramatic $\ensuremath{\omega}$ dependence, for values of $1l~\ensuremath{\omega}l~4$.
Low-resolution molecular transmission model for atmospheric water vapor in lowtran

A 20 cm-1 resolution band model is presented for the calculation of water vapor molecular transmittance in the spectral region from the near infrared to zero frequency. It was developed for replacing the empirically-obtained, look-up transmission tables presently in LOWTRAN 6. The model consists of an exponential function whose exponent is expressed in terms of atmospheric pressure, temperature and absorber amount, as well as of four defining parameters. Of these parameters, only one is allowed to account for spectral variability over 5 cm -1 spectral intervals. The model was developed using both FASCODE-generated transmittance data and laboratory measured spectra. The parameters are presented in tabular and graphical form. Comparisons are made between line-by-line calculations, LOWTRAN predictions, and new-model generated transmittance.
Frontal EEG Coherence, H-Reflex Recovery, Concept Learning, and the TM-Sidhi Program

This study investigated the relationship between frontal bilateral EEG coherence, H-reflex recovery (an index of CNS flexibility), and solution of a concept learning problem on which the correct concept is reversed during the task. It also assessed the longitudinal effect of the TM-Sidhi program on concept learning among the same sample of college students. Frontal EEG coherence and H-reflex recovery were significantly correlated with flexible performance on the concept learning task following the reversal. Instruction in the TM-Sidhi program significantly improved efficiency of concept-learning performance before the concept was reversed, although not afterward.
Testing in the program development cycle

A program design methodology is presented that advocates the synthesis of tests hand-in-hand with the design at every stage of program development, and uses them for early detection of design flaws. Formal specifications are advocated at every stage of the development process. It is illustrated on an example that• formalisation allows for a systematic derivation of black-box, design and abstract data tests• higher-level testing leads to significant structural coverage of the final code but does not eliminate the need for structural testing• abstract data testing allows a more natural selection of tests than concrete data testingExcept for the last stage, the method is of manual nature; however, the formal approach opens a way for its automation and rapid prototyping. Also, it can be combined with formal verification.
Minority Population Concentration and Earnings: Evidence From Fixed-Effects Models

Consistent with the hypothesis that heightened visibility and competition lead to greater economic discrimination against minorities, countless studies have observed a negative association between minority population concentration and minority socioeconomic attainment. But minorities who reside in areas with high minority concentration are likely to differ from minorities who reside in areas with few minorities on unobserved characteristics related to economic attainment. Thus, this association may be a product of differential skills, behaviors and networks acquired during childhood or of selective migration. Applying fixed-effects models to a quarter century of panel data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, we find that for Blacks and Latinos the inverse association between minority population concentration and earnings is eliminated when unobserved person-specific characteristics are controlled. The findings suggest that the negative association between Black population size and Blacks’ earnings is driven largely by the selection of high-earning Blacks into labor markets with relatively small Black populations. Most of the association between Latino population concentration and earnings is attributable to the level of Latino population concentration experienced during childhood.
Magnetic model of the tetragonal-orthorhombic transition in the cuprates

It is shown that a quasi-two-dimensional (layered) Heisenberg antiferromagnet with fully frustrated interplane couplings (e.g., on a body-centered tetragonal lattice) generically exhibits two thermal phase transitions with lowering temperature-an upper tr
Lithologic and climatologic controls of river chemistry

Abstract The chemistries of rivers draining a variety of lithologic and climatic regions have been surveyed for the purpose of quantifying the fluxes of bicarbonate and silica from rivers with respect to bedrock lithology and runoff. In all, 101 different rivers, each draining a primary lithology, were examined across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Iceland. To minimize seasonal effects, only rivers with at least two years of data were used. Basaltic catchments were examined in the greatest detail. In a survey of Hawaiian Island watersheds, the average river chemistries could be related to the distribution of soil associations within each catchment. An analysis of cation activity relationships among rivers draining basaltic catchments shows that the river compositions define slopes which are consistent with an equilibrium (ion exchange) control on cation ratios. Among different lithologies, unique weathering rate relationships were developed with yields at typical present-day runoff rates (1–100 cm/y) increasing in the order sandstones, granites, basalts, shales, and carbonates. The bicarbonate and silica fluxes for each of these lithologies have been quantified for use in global studies of chemical denudation. Our study confirms that the dissolved yield of a given drainage basin is determined by a balance between physical and chemical weathering; thus, a warm, wet climate, or the presence of abundant vegetation cannot guarantee high rates of chemical denudation unless accompanied by high rates of physical removal.
Effects of ibuprofen on postoperative bowel motility and propulsion.

Eighteen mongrel dogs were randomized into two groups, and all underwent right segmental colectomy. One group received ibuprofen, 12 mg/kg, preoperatively and postoperatively q6h for 24 hours; the second group served as a saline control. Propulsion was measured radiographically (q8h×24h, then q12h) by following intraluminal radiopaque markers. Motility was measured with a multilumen monometric catheter on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3 for a 3-hour period. Propulsion, as defined by movement of more than 80 percent of the markers to the rectum, averaged 46 hours in the saline animals vs. 40.8 hours in the ibuprofen animals for an average decrease of 13 percent (P=.42). Postoperative motility showed a significant increase in the ibuprofen-treated animals on the first postoperative day (26.8 percent,P=.043), most marked at the level of the ileum (48 percent,P=.005), with insignificant differences on the second and third days. Studies comparing ileum, proximal, and distal colon suggest that ileum and proximal colon may be the major site of ibuprofen effect (10.7 percent,P=.23 and 11.96 percent,P=.41 respectively). The data suggest that ibuprofen may have a beneficial effect on postoperative bowel motility but the clinical significance of this still needs to be determined.
Semi-high throughput method of measuring proteasome inhibition in vitro and in cultured cells

The ubiquitin proteasome–proteolytic pathway has emerged as one of the most significant pathways in modulating protein homeostasis under both normal and disease states. The use of proteasome inhibitors (PI) has played a pivotal role in understanding protein turn over. The main objective of this work was to develop a comprehensive, fast, and reliable, yet simple in vitro assay that would allow for the identification and characterization of a wide range of PIs. The assays consist of a 96-well plate high throughput (HTP) method to assess proteasome activity in Hs578T breast cancer cell extracts, purified 20S proteasome, using a fluorogenic substrate, Suc-leu-leu-val-tyr-7-AMC, specific to the chymotrypsin-like enzymatic activity of the proteasome. We showed that the chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome was inhibited in the two in vitro systems, albeit to different degrees. The assay system also includes two cell-based assays consisting of a vector expressing a fusion protein of green fluorescent protein (gfp) and Mouse Ornithine Decarboxylase (MODC) in Zs578T (parental Hs578T carrying the vector that expresses the fusion protein). In the cell-based assay analyses (qualitatively by microscopy and quantitatively by flow cytometry), treatment of Zs578T with PIs prevented the degradation of MODC, accumulated gfp, indicative of increased proteasome inhibition. Because no single assay represents a definitive proof of proteasome inhibitory activity, combined, these assays should serve as a comprehensive benchmark for the identification and partial characterization of novel inhibitors. In summary, the four-step assay protocol can easily be adapted into a high throughput format to rapidly screen unknown inhibitors.
Thin Film Synthesis Using Miniature Pulsed Metal Vapor Vacuum arc Plasma Guns

Metallic coatings can be fabricated using the intense plasma generated by the metal vapor vacuum arc. We have made and tested an embodiment of vacuum arc plasma source that operates in a pulsed mode, thereby acquiring precise control over the plasma flux and so also over the deposition rate, and that is in the form of a miniature plasma gun, thereby allowing deposition of metallic thin films to be carried out in confined spaces and also allowing a number of such guns to be clustered together. The plasma is created at the cathode spots on the metallic cathode surface, and is highly ionized and of directed energy a few tens of electron volts. Adhesion of the film to the substrate is thus good. Virtually all of the solid metals of the Periodic Table can be used, including highly refractory metals like tantalum and tungsten. Films, including multilayer thin films, can be fabricated of thickness from Angstroms to microns. We have carried out preliminary experiments using several different versions of miniature, pulsed, metal vapor vacuum arc plasma guns to fabricate metallic thin films and multilayers. Here we describe the plasma guns and their operation in this application, and present examples of some of the thin film structures we have fabricated, including yttrium and platinum films of thicknesses from a few hundred Angstroms up to 1 micron and an yttrium-cobalt multilayer structure of layer thickness about 100 Angstroms.
Characteristics of a horizontal circular loop antenna over a multilayered, dissipative half-space

The problem of a horizontal loop antenna located above a stratified dissipative half-space is investigated. Current distribution is formally obtained by cosinusoidal expansion around the loop. The effect of the lower half-space on each modal current is discussed in the case of a small loop ( k_{0}b = 0.3 ) and a resonant loop ( k_{0}b = 1 ). Change in input admittance as a function of height and as a function of the electric parameters of a homogeneous dissipative haft-space are presented. Such change is found to be very pronounced when the loop is close to the interface and when the loop is near resonance. The effect of a second layer in the lower half-space is then discussed.
Invasive aspergillosis demonstrating the air crescent sign: occurrence in a previously healthy alcoholic.

A case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a previously healthy alcoholic patient is presented. The air crescent sign was extremely useful in directing the diagnostic work up and establishing the correct diagnosis. The air crescent is a result of vascular invasion by Aspergillus with subsequent infarction and necrosis. In an immuno-compromised or alcoholic patient, the air crescent sign should suggest the possibility of invasive aspergillosis.