cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Researching Biology and Evolution in the Gulf States: Networks of Science in the Middle East

Many people associate the medieval Arabic lands with a flourishing of science. However, when people think of the contemporary Arab world, they are more likely to think of political and religious conflicts than of scientific discoveries. In contrast to these common associations, however, the oil-rich Gulf monarchies in particular have made enormous investments in research and higher education in recent years and decades. These investments raise an array of pertinent questions: Is the Arab world about to regain its past position as a leading producer of science in the world? Do politics and religion in the region support or resist the proliferation of science? Are the Gulf's universities and research centers new 'houses of wisdom' like the libraries of the medieval Arab world? Or are they houses built on sand? As science is crucial to the creation of knowledge societies, answering these questions is important for understanding the future of the Arab world. Answering these questions requires an in-depth anal...
Ethylene Production by Cytoplasmic Particles from Apple and Tomato Fruits in the Presence of Thiomalic and Thioglycolic Acid

DESPITE several tracer studies1,2 and the use of very sensitive techniques for the detection of ethylene3,4, there has been no clear indication of a biosynthetic pathway that can evolve ethylene in fruits. Spencer5 reported ethylene production by cytoplasmic particles from tomato fruit in the presence of malate and co-factors. This suggested that the biosynthesis of ethylene could be related to the metabolism of organic acids in the cells. Tracer experiments by Burg2, however, showed no evidence linking ethylene evolution to Krebs cycle metabolism. Meigh et al.4 could not detect ethylene in incubation mixtures containing apple mitochondria, malate and co-factors. The latter experiments are especially significant since they used apple mitochondria known to metabolize Krebs-cycle substrates, and the system for detecting ethylene was considerably more sensitive than that used in any of the other investigations. It therefore appears that ethylene synthesis in fruits must be associated with some other aspect of organic acid metabolism.
Does opening the peritoneum at the time of renal transplanation prevent lymphocele formation

Abstract Background The occurrence of lymphocele formation following renal transplantation is variable, and the optimal approach to treatment remains undefined. Opening the peritoneum at the time of transplantation is one method of decreasing the incidence of lymphocele formation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether creating a peritoneal window at the time of transplantation decreases the incidence of lymphocele formation. Methods We performed a retrospective review of renal transplants conducted at our institution between 2002 and 2004. Records were reviewed to obtain details regarding opening of the peritoneum at the time of transplant and occurrence of lymphocele. Every patient underwent routine ultrasound imaging in the peri-operative period. Graft dysfunction secondary to the lymphocele was the primary indication for intervention. Data were analyzed by chi-square. Results During the initial transplant the peritoneum was opened in 35% of patients. The overall incidence of fluid collections, identified by ultrasound, was 24%. Opening the peritoneum did not decrease the incidence of lymphocele. However, more patients with a closed peritoneum required an intervention for a symptomatic lymphocele. In the 11 patients with an open peritoneum and a fluid collection, only one required an intervention. In patients whose peritoneum was left intact, 24% of fluid collections required intervention. Graft survival was equivalent. Conclusion Creating a peritoneal window at the time of transplantation did not decrease the overall incidence of postoperative fluid collections. However, forming a peritoneal window at the time of transplantation did decrease the incidence of symptomatic lymphocele.
High-Density Lipoprotein and Atherosclerosis: The Role of Antioxidant Activity

Levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are generally inversely associated with the risk for the development of atherosclerosis. The mechanism by which HDL imparts protection from the initiation and progression of occlusive vascular disease is complex and multifactorial. The major anti-atherosclerotic effect of HDL is felt to be reverse cholesterol transport. HDL has been demonstrated to scavenge cholesterol from the peripheral vasculature with transport to the liver, where is it excreted in the biliary system. However, HDL exhibits multiple other physiologic effects that may play a role in the reduced risk for atherosclerosis. HDL has been demonstrated to exhibit beneficial effects on platelet function, endothelial function, coagulation parameters, inflammation, and interactions with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Increasing amounts of clinical and experimental data have shown that HDL cholesterol has significant antioxidant effect that may significantly contribute to protection from atherosclerosis.
Thermal expansion behavior in fabricated cellular structures

Thermal expansion behavior of cellular structures is of interest in applications where undesirable deformation and failure are caused by thermal expansion mismatch. This report describes the role of processing-induced effects and metallurgical aspects of melt-processed cellular structures, such as a bi-material structure designed to contract on heating, as well as uni-material structures of regular and stochastic topology. This bi-material structure utilized the principle of internal geometric constraints to alter the expansion behavior of the internal ligaments to create overall contraction of the structure. Homogenization design method was used to design the structure, and fabrication was by direct metal deposition by laser melting of powder in another part of a joint effort. The degree of porosity and grain size in the fabricated structure are characterized and related to the laser deposition parameters. The structure was found to contract upon heating over a short range of temperature subsequent to which normal expansion ensued. Also examined in this report are uni-material cellular structures, in which internal constraints arise from residual stress variations caused by the fabrication process, and thereby alter their expansion characteristics. A simple analysis of thermal strain of this material supports the observed thermal expansion behavior.
Do collaborators' annotations help or hurt asynchronous analysis

Our study investigated the use of annotations in an asynchronous crime-solving task. In Study 1, regardless of whether they anticipated a partner, participants had better performance if they annotated more about connections across documents. In Study 2, annotations that pointed to more connections across documents improved the performance of the second participant. Annotations that pointed to few connections across documents hurt performance, especially when people were more aware of their partners. This research suggests that future collaborative tools should help people discern useful from useless annotations.
Self-diffusion of tris-naphthylbenzene near the glass transition temperature.

We present a direct measurement of self-diffusion of a single-component glass-forming liquid at the glass transition temperature. Forward recoil spectrometry is used to measure the concentration profiles of deuterio and protio 1,3-bis-(1-naphthyl)-5-(2-naphthyl)benzene (TNB) following annealing-induced diffusion in a vapor-deposited bilayer. These experiments extend the range of measured diffusion coefficients in TNB by 6 orders of magnitude. The results indicate a decoupling of translational diffusion coefficients from viscosity or rotation. At ${T}_{g}$, ${D}_{T}$ is 400 times larger than expected from the Stokes-Einstein equation.
Particulate organic compounds emitted from motor vehicle exhaust and in the urban atmosphere

The emission rate of particle-phase petroleum biomarkers in vehicular exhaust compared to the concentrations of these biomarkers in ambient air is used to determine the particulate organic compound concentration due to primary particle emissions from motor vehicles in the southern California atmosphere. A material balance on the organic particulate matter emitted from motor vehicle traffic in a Los Angeles highway tunnel first is constructed to show the proportion which is solvent-extractable and which will elute from a GC column, the ratio of resolved to unresolved compound mass, the portion of the resolved material that can be identified as single organic compounds, and the contribution of different classes of organic compounds to the overall identified fraction. It is shown that the outdoor ambient concentrations of the petroleum biomarkers track primary emissions measured in the highway tunnel, confirming that direct emissions of these compounds from vehicles govern the observed ambient petroleum biomarker concentrations. Using organic chemical tracer techniques, the portion of fine organic particulate matter in the Los Angeles atmosphere which is attributable to direct particle emissions from vehicle exhaust is calculated to vary from 7.5 to 18.3% at different sites throughout the air basin during a summertime severe photochemical smog episode. A similar level of variation in the contribution of primary motor vehicle exhaust to fine particulate organic matter concentrations during different times of day is seen. While peak atmospheric concentrations of fine particulate organic carbon are observed during the 1200–1600 PDT afternoon sampling period, only 6.3% of that material is apportioned to the directly emitted particles from vehicle exhaust. During the morning traffic peak between 0600–1000 PDT, 19.1% of the fine particulate organic material is traced to primary emissions from motor vehicles.
Endogenous Opioids May Modulate Catecholamine Secretion During High-Intensity Exercise

To determine the effect of endogenous opioids on catecholamine response during intense exercise [80% maximal oxygen uptake ( $$\dot V$$ O2max)], nine fit men [mean (SE) ( $$\dot V$$ O2max, 63.9 (1.7) ml · kg−1 · min−1; age 27.6 (1.6) years] were studied during two treadmill exercise trials. A double-blind experimental design was used with subjects undertaking the two exercise trials in counterbalanced order. Exercise trials were 20 min in duration and were conducted 7 days apart. One exercise trial was undertaken following administration of naloxone (N; 1.2 mmol · l−1; 3 ml) and the other after receiving a placebo (P; 0.9% saline; 3 ml). Prior to each experimental trial a flexible catheter was placed into an antecubital vein and baseline blood samples were collected. Immediately afterwards, each subject received bolus injection of either N or P. Blood samples were also collected after 20 min of continuous exercise while running. Epinephrine and norepinephrine were higher (P < 0.05) in the N than P exercise trial with mean (SE) values of 1679 (196) versus 1196 (155) pmol · l−1 and 24 (2.2) versus 20 (1.7) nmol · · l−1 respectively. Glucose and lactate were higher (P < 0.05) in the N than P exercise trial with values of 7 (0.37) versus 5.9 (0.31) mmol · l−1 and 6.9 (1.1) versus 5.3 (0.9) mmol · l−1 respectively. These data suggest an opioid inhibition in the release of catecholamines during intense exercise.
PEN: A hierarchical document editor

Three terms in common usage in computerized text processing are text-editing, word-processing, and computer controlled typesetting. This paper deals with a fourth term, manuscript preparation, that has important intersections with the above three. A computerized manuscript preparation system is one that supports an author in the preparation of a manuscript. In what follows we deal with one such, the PEN system, directed towards the preparation of manuscripts containing significant mathematical notation.
Measurement of free radicals from smoke inhalation and oxygen exposure by spin trapping and ESR spectroscopy.

Research in smoke inhalation has established that free radicals are produced from gases released during combustion and these species impair lung function. Using spin traps and their adducts in an animal model free radicals were measured. Various hyperbaric oxygen regimens were tested in an attempt to attenuate pulmonary damage caused by free radical reactions. Our data demonstrated that persistent oxygen- and carbon-centered free radicals are detectable in intravascular fluids after smoke inhalation. The smoke inhalation model showed however, clearing of spin trap adducts one hour after smoke exposure. Other researchers have found that when 100% oxygen is given at 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA) for 1 h, free radicals were not detectable. However, oxygen given at 2.5 ATA does produce detectable free radicals. With continued exposure at this pressure, the levels of free radicals increase for up to 60min. This study suggests that the level of free radical induced oxygen toxicity may be a function of oxygen pres...
Variability and Location

In a world of constant variation, locational patterns of firms and industries affect the cost of required adaptations. The efficiency of a locational decision is influenced by the extent and character of the variation with which a firm must cope. Adaptation to change is defined here in the context of the theory of the division of labor. Labor must be allocated both to tasks and to locations. A set of stylized examples for multiplant firms demonstrate that the advantages of a geographically decentralized pattern depend on the extent and frequency of change. Spatial variation in the pattern of change also has important effects.
Compositional analysis of Hyperion with the Cassini Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer

Abstract Compositional mapping of the surface of Hyperion using Cassini Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) observations reveals a heterogeneous surface dominated by water ice accompanied by additional materials. Carbon dioxide, as evidenced by a prominent absorption band centered at 4.26 μm, is distributed over most of the surface, including icy regions. This does not represent exposures of pure CO2 ice, but concentrations of CO2 molecules adsorbed on other materials or complexed in H2O, perhaps as a clathrate (Cruikshank, D.P., Meyer, A.W., Brown, R.H., Clark, R.N., Jaumann, R., Stephan, K., Hibbitts, C.A., Sandford, S.A., Mastrapa, R., Filacchione, G., Dalle Ore, C.M., Nicholson, P.D., Buratti, B.J., McCord, T.B., Nelson, R.M., Dalton, J.B., Baines, K.H., Matson, D.L., The VIMS Team [2010]. Icarus 206, 561–572). Localized deposits of low-albedo material in subcircular depressions exhibit spectral absorptions indicative of C–H in aromatic (3.29 μm) and aliphatic (3.35–3.50 μm) hydrocarbons. An absorption band at 2.42 μm that is also seen on other saturnian satellites, tentatively identified as H2 (Clark, R.N. et al. [2011]. In: Proc. AAS-DPS Meeting, 43, 1563; Clark et al., in preparation, 2012) adsorbed on dark material grains, is also prominent. Our best spectral models included H2O and CO2 ice, with small amounts of nanophase Fe and Fe2O3. Weaker and more spatially scattered absorption features are also found at 4.48, 4.60, and 4.89 μm, although no clear molecular identifications have yet been made. While strongest in the low-albedo deposits, the CO2, hydrocarbon and putative H2 bands vary in strength throughout the icy regions, as do the 4.48-, 4.60- and 4.89-μm bands, suggesting that this background ice is laced with a complex mixture of non-ice compounds.
Personal recollections of Otto Schmitt

The author discusses his personal recollections of Otto Schmitt, a scientist and an engineer, who contributed a lot in the advancement of biomedical engineering. The author recounts his use of Schmitt's scientific achievements such as the Schmitt trigger and the radiofrequency stimulus-isolation unit which he used in stimulating motor nerves and recording muscle action potentials with nearby electrodes. Other scientific achievements of Schmitt that the author discusses are the differential amplifier and the vectorcardiography which sprung from Schmitt's interest in electrocardiography.
Phylogeny and the evolution of flower symmetry in the Asteridae

Abstract Phylogenetic trees imply that flowers with a single plane of symmetry (zygomorphic flowers) have evolved several times independently from radially symmetrical (actinomorphic) ancestors within the Asteridae. However, there also appear to have been reversals to actinomorphy. A few evolutionarily derived actinomorphic flowers resemble mutants caused by loss-of-function mutations in genes such as CYCLOIDEA . However, a majority of the shifts from zygomorphy to actinomorphy appear to have entailed a reduction in petal number and flower size, implying a mechanism other than loss of CYCLOIDEA function. Within the Asteridae there appear to be three common forms of zygomorphy. An explanation for the virtual absence of other forms rests on the near universality of the basic orientation of the flower in the Asteridae.
Explicit bounds for second-order difference equations and a solution to a question of Stević

This note gives explicit, applicable bounds for solutions of a wide class of second-order difference equations with nonconstant coefficients. Among the applications is an affirmative answer to a recent question of Stevic.
Disappearance of Guard Cell Chloroplasts in Ultraviolet-Irradiated Leaves

Ultraviolet irradiation of kidney-bean leaves results in the disappearance of chloroplasts from guard cells. The evidence indicates that ultraviolet irradiation causes plastid breakdown indirectly through an effect on guard-cell metabolism.
Rectifier locomotives for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad

IN DECEMBER 1954, delivery was begun on an order of ten rectifier-type locomotives for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. These are high-speed passenger locomotives operating over the Railroad's electrified line between New York City and New Haven.
Telling Her Story: Lucy Aikin's Epistles on Women (1810) and the Rewriting of Western History

Lucy Aikin was the most eminent feminist historian and poet of her day. As the product of two of the leading dissenting Unitarian families in England, she fully embraced the principles of the Enlig...
Chemically driven cavity growth

This article deals exclusively with methane bubbles in ferritic steel, since this is the system most studied. The fine scale of the bubbles and the large volume of material homogeneously attacked makes it a useful model system for comparision with systems undergoing creep. Cavity growth kinetic models, and their relation to those derived for creep cavities, are treated first since much more work has been done on growth than on nucleation. Growth kinetics is a means of making inferences about nucleation. Chemically driven cavity growth (CDCG) enables the observation of the development of cavities more directly than in creep.
FORWARD- AND MID-RAPIDITY JET-LIKE CORRELATIONS

Mid-rapidity azimuthal correlations probe di-jets originating mainly from gluon-gluon hard-scattering. Measurements of such correlations have revealed significant (gluon-)jet modification in central Au+Au collisions. Azimuthal correlations of hadrons at forward rapidity with a mid-rapidity high-p⊥ hadron, on the other hand, probe asymmetric partonic scatterings involving large-x quarks and small-x gluons. We present preliminary results from STAR on correlations of charged hadrons at forward rapidity in the forward TPCs (2.7 3 GeV/c) in pp, d+Au, and Au+Au collisions at . The implications of the results for small-x gluon distributions (Color Glass Condensate formation) and the energy loss of quark jets at forward rapidity in nuclear medium are discussed.
Dynamic two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. Part II: Morphological assignments in melt-crystallized nylon 11 spectra

Abstract Melt-crystallized and deuterated nylon 11 are studied using dynamic two-dimensional FTIR spectroscopy in the region below 1500 cm −1 of the infrared spectrum. The splittings observed in the methylene rocking-amide V (760-640 cm −1 ) and methylene bending (1500-1400 cm −1 ) regions are explained on the basis of morphological features. These morphological assignments are corroborated by correlating methylene rocking-amide V and methylene bending regions with the morphological assignments of amide I-amide II (1680-1500 cm −1 ) region of nylon 11 established in an earlier work.
Progressive image transmission using variable block coding with classified vector quantization

The progressive image transmission allows an approximate image to be built up quickly and details to be transmitted progressively through several passes over the image. This paper describes progressive image transmission scheme using the variable block coding technique in conjunction with variety of quantization schemes in the transform domain. The proposed scheme uses a region growing to partition the images so that regions of the different sizes can be addressed using a small amount of side information. This segmentation divides the image into five different regions that vary in size based on the details within the image. High-detail blocks are classified into four different categories using the energy distribution followed by classified vector quantization (CVQ), and low-detail blocks are encoded with scalar quantization. Simulation results show that the reconstructed images preserve fine and pleasant qualities based on both subjective and mean square error criteria. Also, the receiver reconstructs more details in each stage so that the observer can recognize the image quickly.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Theorizing national preference formation

This article seeks to explain through the contextualized comparisons of a few critical cases how national preferences on an interstate bargaining issue are formed domestically. It proposes an interaction framework of national preference formation (NPF), which emphasizes the government's policy autonomy, the size of the ruling party or coalition, and the party unity in aggregating divergent domestic preferences for interstate bargaining. The framework is tested against major European Community members' preference formation on Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Case studies reveal that the interaction framework quite accurately describes the national preferences of Germany, Britain, and France over EMU.
The Syllabus Builder: A hypertext resource for teachers of literature

AN ELECTRONIC HYPERTEXT PROGRAM is the ideal environment for the creation of a resource for teachers of literature because it allows faculty users access to all of the multidimensional components that make up teaching knowledge. In designing and building an electronic teaching resource calledSyllabus Builder, we tried to maximize the fluid capabilities of a hypertext database to break down the artificial boundaries that exist between scholarly, critical, and pedagogical information, and allow users to trace paths between specific information about authors and their implementation in classroom practice.
Wage determination under plan and early transition: Bulgarian evidence using matched employer–employee data

By using a large panel containing matching employer-employee information, noncompetitive forces are found to dominate wage determination during planning. During early transition the process becomes much more market driven, though a significant role remains for other factors. The preferred specifications are not baseline models restricted to conventional dimensions of human capital, but always include firm-and person- specific fixed effects and other firm and individual attributes. Depending on the particular specification, returns to education at least double during transition and the significance of human capital variables is insensitive to the inclusion of firm effects. However, findings for other variables are sensitive to specifications that do or do not include firm effects as well as person effects.
Rational Designs of Multifunctional Polymers-Conjugated Photorefractive Polymers

A novel type of photorefractive polymers, containing a conjugated backbone and a second order NLO chromophore, has been developed. A new polymerization method based on the Stille coupling reaction was explored to synthesize these materials. It was expected that the conjugated backbone would absorb photons in the visible region and play the triple role of charge generator, charge transporter and backbone. Several physical measurements demonstrated this expectation. Two beam coupling experiments clearly indicated an asymmetric optical energy exchange between two beams without applying an external electrical field. This is a conclusive demonstration for photorefractivity. Also, large optical gain of 5.7 cm -1 was observed under zero-field condition, which is comparable to most inorganic photorefractive materials. The versatility of the reaction makes possible the advancement of new polymer structures.
Spectacular Productions: Community and Commodity in the Beijing Olympics

This article examines how Chinese intellectuals experienced the 2008 Beijing Olympics, arguing that the games were a key site for the construction and analysis of two forms of spectacle—the commodity spectacle and the collective spectacle. Considering the case studies of Olympic architecture and traditional Chinese products (laozihao), it suggests that “culture,” debated and defined within the context of the Olympics, emerged as a mechanism through which the commodity spectacle was, albeit perhaps paradoxically, used to produce moments of national collectivity for intellectuals in contemporary China. This research also suggests that although this collective form represents a classic Marxist commodity fetish, labeling the resultant form of that community “inauthentic” because of its commodity nature, represents a theoretical fetishization of the theory of the spectacle itself.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of measurement of reactive oxygen species in neat semen.

REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES IN NEAT SEMEN Ramadan A. Saleh, Navid Esfandiari, Rakesh K. Sharma, David R. Nelson, Anthony J. Thomas, Ashok Agarwal, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Objective: Oxidative stress (OS)-induced damage to sperm plays a major role in the pathogenesis of male infertility. Seminal OS is more likely caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, via abnormal sperm and activated leukocytes, rather than reduced antioxidant capacity. We postulate that ROS measurement in neat semen is reflective of OS in vivo as it represents the balance between ROS generation and scavenging. The objective of our study was to examine the correlation of ROS levels in neat semen with standard semen parameters.
An investigation of virtual worlds adoption: A research framework and empirical study

A virtual world is an Internet-based simulated environment which users inhabit and where they interact via avatars. As a new information technology innovation, it has developed very fast and has brought about economic success for organizations and individuals. Very limited research has been done to date to investigate virtual worlds. This paper presents a research framework to investigate the acceptance of virtual worlds from the perspectives of individual users. In order to cater to the special features of virtual worlds, a framework based on the technology acceptance and diffusion of innovation models is presented from a synthesis of the extant literature. An empirical study is employed to test each hypothesis. The results show useful implications.
Rapid accumulation of intracellular 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate in an Entner-Doudoroff aldolase mutant results in bacteriostasis

The accumulation of 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate, the key intermediate of the Entner-Doudoroff pathway, has long been thought to inhibit growth of bacteria, but careful measurements of 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate accumulation by growing cells and the correlation of intracellular 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate levels to growth inhibition had not been made. A system designed for this purposed was developed in Escherichia coli strains, allowing 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate accumulation to be experimentally induced and measured by extraction of the cell pool. Addition of gluconate to a strain which lacked 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate aldolase and overproduced 6-phosphogluconate dehydratase resulted in an increase in the intracellular concentration of 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate from undetectable levels to 2.0 mM within 15 s, as measured by anion-exchange HPLC. The accumulation of 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate was correlated with an immediate and significant decrease in growth; this inhibition was determined to be bacteriostatic and not bactericidal. It had been proposed that the mechanism of 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate toxicity involves competitive inhibition of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and the consequent block of the pentose phosphate pathway. An experiment addressing this hypothesis failed to provide any supporting data.
Ecological Requirements of the Zapata Bladderpod Physaria thamnophila, an Endangered Tamaulipan Thornscrub Plant

Abstract A significantly greater proportion of brush-cleared plots had the Zapata bladderpod Physaria thamnophila than did uncleared plots. However, density of P. thamnophila, especially density of seedlings, was correlated positively with a canopy-cover index on the four sites studied. These apparently contradictory results may have been due to facilitation of seeds and seedlings of P. thamnophila by litter. Litter, normally associated with shrubs, was spread across the site by brush-clearing. Beneficial effects of brush-clearing (without disruption of soil) on P. thamnophila suggest that fire may have been part of its environment in the past. The four populations of P. thamnophila that we studied fluctuated widely in size and in rates of reproduction and establishment from year to year.
Constructed wetland treatment systems applied research program at The Electric Power Research Institute

The Electric Power Research Institute's (EPRI) Environmental and Health Sciences Business Unit, within the Environment Group, has initiated a multi-disciplinary applied research program to develop constructed wetland treatment systems as a cost-effective technology for the treatment of metal-bearing electric utility aqueous discharges. EPRI's program involves the building of constructed wetland treatment systems, collection of field data from these systems, and conduct of controlled laboratory experiments to more fully understand their functions and the factors affecting these functions. Both data collected through this program and existing data will be used to develop and deliver design criteria for the effective use of this technology to reduce or eliminate the risk that electric utilities will not meet regulatory-imposed effluent discharge limits. Currently, EPRI along with one of its members, is funding the construction of a state-of-the-art constructed wetland treatment system to treat a discharge from a closed dry ash management facility in Pennsylvania. This constructed wetland treatment system, along with existing ones located in California and Tennessee, will be used to collect data on the cycling of trace metals. Controlled laboratory experiments are underway to develop trace element uptake curves for wetland plant species, to determine which plant species one should plant in a wetland in a particular geographic area to maximize trace element removal. Plants also will be identified that are high volatilizers for selenium, arsenic and lead. As part of this research, the best plant/microbe associations (i.e., best plant species with the best microbe species) will be identified for achieving the highest rates of trace metal removal. Once this work is completed, these plants will be introduced into the three constructed wetland treatment systems mentioned above and the wetlands will be monitored to determine if any improvement in trace metal uptake is occurring. Additionally, EPRI is coordinating its research program with the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) program, where design criteria for manganese rock drains for the removal of manganese and successive alkalinity-producing constructed wetlands for the treatment of acidic aerobic discharges will be developed. TVA is also supporting the development of EPRI's Wetland Environmental and Management (WEM) Model and is conducting research on anoxic limestone drains.
Proteomic Characterization of the Interstitial Fluid Perfusing the Breast Tumor Microenvironment A Novel Resource for Biomarker and Therapeutic Target Discovery

Clinical cancer proteomics aims at the identification of markers for early detection and predictive purposes, as well as to provide novel targets for drug discovery and therapeutic intervention. Proteomics-based analysis of traditional sources of biomarkers, such as serum, plasma, or tissue lyzates, has resulted in a wealth of information and the finding of several potential tumor biomarkers. However, many of these markers have shown limited usefulness in a clinical setting, underscoring the need for new clinically relevant sources. Here we present a novel and highly promising source of biomarkers, the tumor interstitial fluid (TIF) that perfuses the breast tumor microenvironment. We collected TIFs from small pieces of freshly dissected invasive breast carcinomas and analyzed them by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in combination with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, Western immunoblotting, as well as by cytokine-specific antibody arrays. This approach provided for the first time a snapshot of the protein components of the TIF, which we show consists of more than one thousand proteins—either secreted, shed by membrane vesicles, or externalized due to cell death—produced by the complex network of cell types that make up the tumor microenvironment. So far, we have identified 267 primary translation products including, but not limited to, proteins involved in cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammation, protein synthesis, energy metabolism, oxidative stress, the actin cytoskeleton assembly, protein folding, and transport. As expected, the TIF contained several classical serum proteins. Considering that the protein composition of the TIF reflects the physiological and pathological state of the tissue, it should provide a new and potentially rich resource for diagnostic biomarker discovery and for identifying more selective targets for therapeutic intervention.
Validity of large-deformation high dimensional brain mapping of the basal ganglia in adults with Tourette syndrome

The basal ganglia and thalamus may play a critical role for behavioral inhibition mediated by prefrontal, parietal, temporal, and cingulate cortices. The cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical loop with projections from frontal cortex to striatum, then to globus pallidus or to substantia nigra pars reticulata, to thalamus and back to cortex, provides the anatomical substrate for this function. In-vivo neuroimaging studies have reported reduced volumes in the thalamus and basal ganglia in individuals with Tourette Syndrome (TS) when compared with healthy controls. However, patterns of neuroanatomical shape that may be associated with these volume differences have not yet been consistently characterized. Tools are being developed at a rapid pace within the emerging field of computational anatomy that allow for the precise analysis of neuroanatomical shape derived from magnetic resonance (MR) images, and give us the ability to characterize subtle abnormalities of brain structures that were previously undetectable. In this study, T1-weighted MR scans were collected in 15 neuroleptic-naive adults with TS or chronic motor tics and 15 healthy, tic-free adult subjects matched for age, gender and handedness. We demonstrated the validity and reliability of large-deformation high dimensional brain mapping (HDBM-LD) as a tool to characterize the basal ganglia (caudate, globus pallidus and putamen) and thalamus. We found no significant volume or shape differences in any of the structures in this small sample of subjects.
Interferon γ and Interleukin 4 Have Contrasting Effects on Immunopathology and the Development of Protective Adaptive Immunity against Mycoplasma Respiratory Disease

For vaccine development, it is critical to understand the regulatory mechanisms determining resistance and immunopathology against mycoplasma respiratory diseases. The present study evaluated the contribution of the polarizing cytokines interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) in the regulation of mycoplasma-specific immunity. The absence of a single cytokine (either IFN-gamma or IL-4) uniquely altered the expression of multiple chemokines and cytokines in the lungs of uninfected mice and influenced responses to mycoplasma infection. Most importantly, prior nasal-pulmonary immunization of IFN-gamma(-/-) mice led to exacerbated mycoplasma disease, whereas immunized IL-4(-/-) mice were dramatically more resistant than wild-type mice. Helper T cell type 2 responses in IFN-gamma(-/-) mice corresponded to immunopathologic reactions that developed after mycoplasma infection or immunization. Thus, adaptive immunity clearly can independently promote either protection or immunopathology against mycoplasma infection, and optimal vaccination appears to be dependent on promoting protective IFN-gamma-dependent networks (perhaps helper T cell type 1 responses) while minimizing the effect of IL-4-mediated responses, which dampen the generation of protective immunity.
Refined theory for linearly elastic plates: Laminae and laminates

It is well known that bending and stretching modes of deformation in linearly-elastic plates decouple at leading order in thickness provided that the mid-plane is a plane of reflection symmetry of the three-dimensional material properties. This situation being the exception rather than the norm, it is important to have a model that accommodates coupling in a manner consistent with the three-dimensional nature of the problem while retaining the analytical tractability of conventional engineering plate theory. Here, this is achieved through an expansion of the potential energy of the plate in powers of its thickness to derive an optimal approximate two-dimensional model for equilibria. The variables are the displacement field of a surface parallel to the lateral surfaces of the plate and associated director fields that emerge naturally in the expansion procedure. To achieve a model that is as accurate as possible, the directors are constrained in accordance with necessary conditions arising in the exact thr...
Global Poverty and Hunger: An Assessment of Millennium Development Goal #1

A considerable number of people worldwide live in conditions of dire poverty. The United Nations Millennium Development Goals are a global policy initiative undertaken to address vulnerability by setting benchmarks for United Nations member-states to follow. This article focuses specifically on Millennium Development Goal #1, which targets poverty and hunger. Using a systematic review of the literature, the authors examine progress, or lack thereof, that regions have made toward the goal. Four case studies are used: Colombia, Indonesia, Jamaica, and Uganda. Policy recommendations are provided to facilitate realization of Millennium Development Goal #1.
Volatiles from Unpasteurized and Excessively Heated Orange Juice Analyzed with Solid Phase Microextraction and GC‐Olfactometry

Commercial orange juice was divided into unpasteurized (no heat treatment) and excessively heated (240 s at 96 °C) samples. Juice headspace volatiles were collected using a carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber and thermally desorbed into a gas chromatograph. Aroma active components were evaluated by three trained panelists using the Osme system. Some aroma active peaks (18) were common to both heat treated and untreated juice headspace extracts. Other peaks (6) were observed only in unheated extracts or were unique (5) to heated juice headspace extracts. The carboxen fiber was more selective for terpenes than early eluting alcohols and aldehydes compared to pentane-ether liquid-liquid extraction.
Electron Collisions in the Plasma as a Major Factor in the Growth of Amorphous Hydrogenated Carbon

We have measured the dependence of the optical bandgap of amorphous hydrogenated carbon as a function of self-bias voltage and external bias voltage. It is observed that there is a much stronger variation in the optical bandgap with self-bias voltage than external bias voltage. We explain this observation in terms of collisions in the plasma between electrons and precursor molecules and ions that break carbon-hydrogen bonds. Increased self-bias voltage causes increased collisions, more broken CH bonds, precursor ions and molecules more deficient in hydrogen, leading to grown films with lower hydrogen concentrations and thus smaller optical bandgaps. This interpretation is further supported by plasma emission spectroscopy where the intensity ratio of CH to H lines decreases with increasing self-bias voltage, demonstrating that increased self-bias voltage does lead to increased electron collisions in the plasma and more broken CH bonds.
Pathophysiology, pleotrophy and paradigm shifts: genetic lessons from Parkinson's disease

PD (Parkinson’s disease) is an aetiologically heterogeneous disorder characterized by a clinical phenotype consisting of resting tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia. Motor symptoms are associated with a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, with Lewy body inclusions within surviving neurons. Although heritability studies have shown evidence of familial aggregation, twin studies have provided limited support for a genetic aetiology. Nevertheless, classical linkage methods have nominated 11 regions of the genome and pathogenic mutations have been identified in several genes, including α-synuclein, parkin, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1, oncogene DJ-1, PTEN-induced protein kinase 1 and microtubule-associated protein tau. Most recently, heterozygous mutations in LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2) were found to cause lateonset, autosomal-dominant PD. Despite their consistent clinical phenotype, family members with LRRK2 mutations can have variable α-synuclein and tau pathologies. Lrrk2 is a member of the Roc (Ras of complex proteins) family, with Ras GTPase and MAPKKK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase) catalytic domains. Thus its discovery highlights vesicle dynamics and secondary-messenger signalling in disease pathophysiology. To diagnose a disease accurately and effectively treat it, requires an understanding of its molecular pathogenesis. Herein, we provide an overview of the genetics of PD, how these discoveries are revolutionizing long-held beliefs and more importantly how this knowledge may be translated into patient therapy. James Parkinson (1755–1824) first described a clinical syndrome characterized by resting tremor and bradykinesia in his 1817 publication ‘An Essay on the Shaking Palsy’. The renowned French neurologist Jean Martin Charcot (1825– 1893) defined the syndrome, noting the presentation of rigidity and in tribute named the disorder Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder after AD (Alzheimer’s disease), with approx. 1% of the population older than 50 years being affected. Predominant motor symptoms are the result of a profound deficiency of dopamine neurons in the basal ganglia with degeneration of the substantia nigra pars compacta. The disease is typically asymmetric at onset and gradually progressive. In most patients, proteinaceous Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites are found within remaining neurons post mortem. While a family history of Parkinsonism is an important contributor to risk [1,2], most cross-sectional twin studies have not supported a genetic aetiology [3]. However, smaller longitudinal studies do not concur, with disease concordance rates in monozygotic and dizygotic twins of 75 and 22% respectively [2]. Reduced/age-associated disease penetrance within mutation carriers and a lack of sufficient statistical
Threshold voltage shift due to low energy electrons used in SEM voltage contrast testing

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) voltage contrast testing is being developed for functional design verification, failure analysis, and development of VLSI devices. This technique imparts little electrical loading and requires no physical contact to the chip, both of which are advantages for device testing via internal nodes. One area of concern, however, is the effect of the low-energy electrons (<5 keV) on the transistor parameters. Even for incident electrons below 8 keV which do not penetrate to the gate oxide, a threshold shift has been observed in SOS MOSFET's. The parameter shift is a result of damage to the gate oxide by secondary X-rays generated by the electrons. Limits on the electron energy and fluence are set to minimize the threshold shift during SEM testing. It is found that under the proper conditions sufficient time is available to perform both voltage contrast imaging and nodal waveform measurements without incurring serious threshold voltage shifts.
Large-Area Nanoparticle Films by Continuous Automated Langmuir-Blodgett Assembly and Deposition.

The operating parameters and resulting surface morphology of automated Langmuir–Blodgett deposition of monosized micrometer-scale silica colloids from an aqueous suspension are investigated. This apparatus allows continuous roll-to-roll deposition of particles into well-ordered arrays. The reproducible deposition of particle monolayers at low to moderate deposition rates at web speeds of less than 10 mm/s is possible and accurately characterized by a simple mass balance of particles deposited from solution. At faster deposition rates, Landau–Levich flow increases the film thickness such that flow instabilities hinder uniform particle deposition. A simple phase diagram outlines transitions from dispersed to multilayer coatings and from uniform to erratic deposition patterns. While the threshold of maximum deposition rate is well-defined for these conditions, changing operating parameters, particle size, and fluid viscosity and evaporation rate, the maximum speed can be increased significantly.
Severe Blunt Trauma of Upper Urinary and Intestinal Tracts in a Child

AbstractA 7½-year-old boy sustained severe trauma to the upper abdomen, including transection of the common bile duct, transection of the second part of the duodenum, contusion of the head of the pancreas, traumatic thrombosis of the left renal artery, thrombosis of the right lower pole renal vasculature and avulsion of the right renal pelvis. A staged elective repair of the upper urinary tract, and later the upper gastrointestinal tract, was accomplished when he was referred 5½ months after the initial injury.