cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of 14.7 MeV neutron-activation cross sections for fusion

Abstract The activation method has been used to measure 14.7 MeV cross sections for the following 21 reactions which are important for fusion-energy applications: 7 Li(n,n′t) 4 He, 27 Al(n,p) 27 Mg, 27 Al(n,α) 24 Na, Si(n,X) 28 Al, Ti(n,X) 46 Sc, Ti(n,X) 47 Sc, Ti(n,X) 48 Sc, 51 V(n,p) 51 Ti, 51 V(n,α) 48 Sc, Cr(n,X) 52 V, 55 Mn(n,2n) 54 Mn, 54 Fe(n,α) 51 Cr, Fe(n,X) 56 Mn, 59 Co(n,p) 59 Fe, 59 Co(n,2n) 58 Co, 59 Co(n,α) 56 Mn, 58 Ni(n,2n) 57 Ni, 65 Cu(n,p) 65 Ni, 65 Cu(n,2n) 64 Cu, Zn(n,X) 64 Cu, and 64 Zn(n,2n) 63 Zn. The results of this investigation are compared with corresponding recently evaluated cross-section values. Within the combined errors of the measured and evaluated results, the agreement is generally quite acceptable although some problem areas remain to be resolved. Significant improvements in the knowledge of the cross sections are achieved as a result of the present investigation for the reactions Ti(n,X) 47 Sc, 59 Co(n,p) 59 Fe and 65 Cu(n,p) 65 Ni. In the case of 7 Li(n,n′t) 4 He, the present measurement supports a recent evaluation in which a number of other n + 7 Li processes were simultaneously considered in conjunction with neutron-induced tritium production.
Doped poly(thiophene): Electron spin resonance determination of the magnetic susceptibility

Abstract E.S.R. studies of poly(thiophene) doped with AsF 5 and iodine are reported. At high AsF 5 concentration (∼ 24 mole % AsF 5 ), we find a temperature-independent Pauli spin susceptibility indicative of a metallic density of states. Measurements on iodine-doped samples in the intermediate regime (below 10 mole % I 3 − ) indicate Curie spin concentration independent of the doping level, but significantly larger than in pristine poly(thiophene). The relaxation of these Curie spins is relatively fast (faster by several orders of magnitude with respect to that of pure poly(thiophene)) and temperature dependent. These features are discussed in terms of charge storage in polarons and bipolarons, and the possibility of formation of a finite density of electronic states in the gap.
Evaluation of rapid DNA extraction methods for the quantitative detection of fungi using real-time PCR analysis

Three comparatively rapid methods for the extraction of DNA from fungal conidia and yeast cells in environmental (air, water and dust) samples were evaluated for use in real-time PCR (TaqMan) analyses. A simple bead milling method was developed to provide sensitive, accurate and precise quantification of target organisms in air and water (tap and surface) samples. However, quantitative analysis of dust samples required further purification of the extracted DNA by a streamlined silica adsorption procedure.
Evaluation of an electronic message strip to recruit smokers to a smoking cessation program.

Abstract Knowledge of outcome is essential when analyzing effectiveness of educational programs. Although quantitative data can be analyzed more rigorously than other forms of data, quantitation of behavioral processes is often difficult. To promote our smoking‐cessation program we designed a method that relies on electronic message strips and a dedicated telephone line capable of providing quantitative outcome information. This approach appears quite versatile and shows that the electronic message strip is a surprisingly ineffective method of enlisting subjects into a smoking‐cessation program in our hospital.
A linear relation between the cloud point and the number of oxyethylene units of water-soluble nonionic surfactants valid for the entire range of ethoxylation.

Abstract The following linear equation correlates the cloud point (CP) of water-soluble polyoxyethylated nonionic surfactants (NSs) with the average number p of oxyethylene units per molecule: (p−p 0 )/ CP =a+b(p−p 0 ). Here p0 is the smallest value of p that confers solubility in cold water: In a homologous series of NSs, it belongs to the surfactant with CP=0 °C. Plots of CP versus p for five representative homologous series of NSs consist of three segments: A steeply ascending, nearly straight line, a transition region that ranges from p=15–22 to p=20–28, and a nearly horizontal plateau that approaches asymptotically the CPs of polyethylene glycols with molecular weights between 30,000 and 4400. These CPs range from 113 to 130 °C. Most CPs for NSs were taken from the literature or measured on commercially available samples; eight CPs above 100 °C were measured on newly synthesized surfactants. Previously published linear equations correlating CP with p cover only NSs with p
Minimum Energy per Bit for Wideband Wireless Multicasting: Performance of Decode-and-Forward

We study the minimum energy per bit required for communicating a message to all the destination nodes in a wireless network. The physical layer is modeled as an additive white Gaussian noise channel affected by circularly symmetric fading. The fading coefficients are known at neither transmitters nor receivers. We provide an information-theoretic lower bound on the energy requirement of multicasting in arbitrary wireless networks as the solution of a linear program. We study the broadcast performance of decode-and-forward operating in the non-coherent wideband scenario, and compare it with the lower bounds. For arbitrary networks with k nodes, the energy requirement of decode-and-forward is within a factor of (k-1) of the lower bound regardless of the magnitude of channel gains. We also show that decode-and-forward achieves the minimum energy per bit in networks that can be represented as directed acyclic graphs, thus establishing the exact minimum energy per bit for this class of networks. We also study regular networks where the area is divided into cells, each cell containing at least k_{\min} and at most k_{\max} nodes placed arbitrarily within the cell. A path loss model (with path loss exponent &#945;>2) dictates the channel gains between the nodes. It is shown that the ratio between the upper bound using decode-and-forward based flooding, and the lower bound is at most a constant times (k_{\max})^(&#945;+2)/(k_{\min}).
A conserved rRNA methyltransferase regulates ribosome biogenesis

In contrast to the diversity of most ribosomal RNA modification patterns and systems, the KsgA methyltransferase family seems to be nearly universally conserved along with the modifications it catalyzes. Our data reveal that KsgA interacts with small ribosomal subunits near functional sites, including Initiation factor 3 and 50S subunit binding sites. These findings suggest a checkpoint role for this modification system and offer a functional rationale for the unprecedented level of conservation.
The gamma‐ray spectrum of the Sun

Gamma ray spectrum emitted by Sun and prediction of approximate fluxes at Earth based on solar flare model
Primary cultures of rabbit renal proximal tubule cells: II. Selected phase I and phase II metabolic capacities

Abstract Specific characteristics of cells vary as a function of time in culture. We have determined the stability of selected Phase I and Phase II biotransformation capacities in rabbit renal proximal tubule cells in primary culture. When grown in hormonally-defined medium, proximal tubule cells lost Phase I metabolic capacity. Cytochrome P-450 content and associated mixed-function oxidase activities present in kidney cortex microsomes were not detectable after 14 days in culture. Phase II glutathione-dependent metabolic functions were well retained in cultured cells compared with freshly isolated proximal tubules (FIPT). Cellular total glutathione content was 2.8 μg/mg protein in FIPT compared with approximately 10 μg/mg protein in stable confluent cultures. A higher total glutathione content of 20.6 μg/mg was noted in preconfluent cultures. The glutathione redox state was initially perturbed in FIPT with 37% of the total glutathione present found in its oxidized form. Tubule cells recovered to a normal ratio (6–13% of total glutathione in the oxidized form) while in culture. The glutathione S-transferase activity in 4-day-old cells in culture was reduced to 50% of the 4 U/mg protein level found in FIPT. No appreciable further decline in glutathione S-transferase activity was detected during 15 days in culture. The level of γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase (a brush-border enzyme necessary for glutathione uptake into proximal tubule cells) declined from 1499 mU/mg protein in homogenates of FIPT to 636 mU/mg in homogenates of 8-day-old cultured cells. A further decline in activity occurred during the next 7 days in culture. In conclusion, although Phase I metabolic functions were diminished in primary cultured rabbit proximal tubule cells, Phase II metabolic functions were retained at levels comparable with FIPT and well above those found in several established kidney cell lines.
Ionic Pairs in Polyphosphoric Acid (PPA)-Modified Bitumen: Insights from Model Compounds

The reaction between polyphosphoric acid (PPA) and bitumen is ill understood. To help define possible reactions, model compounds, isoquinoline and 1 -methyl-2-quinolinone, were reacted with PPA. Both compounds formed salts with PPA. An infrared study of the salts revealed that PPA releases a terminal proton, as opposed to an internal one, and that, with isoquinoline, the charges of the ionic pair are localized but stabilized by bound water. With l-methyl-2-quinolinone, the charges are delocalized and stabilized by resonance. This study demonstrates that ionic pairs need an environment of high dielectric constant to form in bitumen.
The Fluids Experiment Apparatus (fea) and Rockwell's Industrial Space Processing Research Program

Rockwell International has long endeavored to stimulate industrial utilization of space for materials processing. A successful introductory briefing program to acquaint nonaerospace industry with the space environment, microgravity process phenomena, experiment hardware, and the programs available to conduct research in space has encouraged several companies to initiate space processing research projects. To help satisfy industry’s microgravity experiment hardware requirements, Rockwell has developed a multipurpose materials processing laboratory for use on the Space Shuttle. The Fluids Experiment Apparatus (FEA) has been flown to perform floating zone crystal growth and purification research and is currently being used to support further crystal growth research with advanced materials for Rockwell. Other companies are preparing experiments that are expected to be conducted in the FEA on future Space Shuttle missions. Rockwell is developing, with NASA, a program that will allow industry to plan and fly microgravity materials processing experiments within a few months–much faster than the current one to two year lead time. This low-cost program, patterned after the NASA Joint Endeavor Program, provides Space Shuttle flight services and use ot the FEA to conduct scientific investigations. Rockwell plans to offer experiment integration and support services to industry as needed.
Multi-layered resonators for optimized electric field detection

In this study, we carry out an analytical investigation to determine the efficacy of multi-layer dielectric micro-sphere resonators as high-resolution electric field sensors. The use of a large number of layers with different electrical and mechanical properties allows for optimum dielectric constant and elastic modulus gradients within the sphere to optimize sphere resonator’s sensitivity to external electric field. The external electric field applied to a dielectric sphere induces an elastic deformation of the resonator (electrostriction effect), leading to shifts in its whispering gallery optical modes (WGM). The non-uniform distribution of the dielectric constant leads to a gradient in the electric field within the sphere. This in turn induces non-uniform body force on the sphere when subjected to an external electric field. By also appropriately varying the elastic modulus of the layers, the electrostictive deformation of the sphere can be optimized. In this paper we present a mathematical model describing the effect of the electric field on the WGM shift of layered micro-spherical resonators.
Progesterone and allopregnanolone improves stroke outcome in male mice via distinct mechanisms but neither promotes neurogenesis

Based on the outcome of a number of experimental studies, progesterone holds promise as a new therapy for stroke. To understand more about the mechanisms involved we administered progesterone (or the major metabolite, allopregnanolone), intra-peritoneally, for a period of 24 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion to male mice variably expressing intracellular progesterone receptors A/B. Effects on infarct volume and neurogenesis were then assessed up to one month later. Predictably, infarct volume in wild-type mice receiving either drug was significantly smaller. However, mice heterozygous for intracellular progesterone receptors A/B showed protection by allopregnanolone but not by progesterone. There was robust amplification of cell division in the wall of the lateral ventricle on the injured side of the brain, these cells migrated into the striatum and lateral cortex, and a significant number survived for at least three weeks. However, very few doublecortin-positive cells emerged from the subventricular zone and subsequent expression of NeuN in these newborn neurons was extremely rare. Neither progesterone nor allopregnanolone amplified the rate of neurogenesis, suggesting that the long term benefits of acute drug administration results from tissue preservation.
Rate, composition and efficiency of growth in mice selected for large and small body weight

Mice selected for high (H6) and low (L6) 6-week body weight and a randombred control population (C1) were characterized for rate, composition and efficiency of growth. Individual body weights were obtained from birth to 8 weeks of age on 682 mice representative of the three lines. Individual whole carcass determinations of water, fat, ash and protein (residual) were obtained for 180 mice sampled weekly from 3-8 weeks of age. Efficiency of feed utilization was estimated from individual body weight and feed consumption data obtained on 189 mice from 3-8 weeks of age. Growth curves for body weight and gain in body weight, constructed by line and sex, showed a temporary retardation of maximum growth rate in the L6 line, which was attributed in part to an extended depression in growth following weaning. The composition of growth yielded no evidence that the more rapid growth rate in the H6 line resulted from an increase in fat deposition relative to the other carcass components. A decrease in fat percent at 7 weeks of age in the H6 and C1 lines was not evident in the L6 line until 8 weeks of age. Females had a higher percentage carcass fat than did males during the 4-7 weeks growth period, but this difference was essentially reduced to zero by 8 weeks of age. Percentage water was highly correlated negatively with percentage fat. Percentages protein and ash were essentially constant across lines and ages. A positive relation between rate and efficiency of growth was observed between lines. Consistent sex differences, males more efficient than females, were observed prior to 6 weeks of age, but were not evident in the later (6-8 week) data.
Morphometric studies of heavy ion damage in the brains of rodents

The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of different heavy ions for the mammalian brain was determined in mice irradiated at 100 days of age with He-4, C-12, Ne-20, Fe-56, Ar-40, or Co-60 gamma photons (with the primary particle LET values ranging from 2 to 650). Brain preparations were examined 16 months later for volume changes in the external plexiform layer (P-zone) of the olfactory bulb and an internal region (G-zone), which consists of the granule cells, the internal plexiform layer, and the mitral cell layer. The result indicate that the volume changes did occur in the olfactory bulb, not only in absolute terms but also when expressed as the ratio of the structures to each other and to the bulb as a whole. While the observed increased neuronal loss in mice receiving 700 cGy of Co-60 support the earlier data from irradiated rabbits, the increases observed in bulbar volumes and in the volume ratios of the P and the G zones measured in the mice given lower doses (320 or 160 cGy of He or C), were not expected.
Morphology Development in Polymer Fibers undergoing Solvent/Non‐solvent Exchange

The solvent/non-solvent interchange across the fiber surface affects the morphology of the fiber in various ways. In this paper, simulations have been performed to elucidate the diverse morphologies obtained during spinning of polymer fibers under the presence of a non-solvent. The proposed model deals with a ternary system derived from Cahn-Hilliard equation, alternatively known as Time Dependent Ginzburg Landau-TDGL model B equation, involving the spatio-temporal evolution of concentration order parameter. Depending on the coexistence region of the ternary phase diagram, various fiber morphologies including concentric bands, internal microfibrillar structures, and porous structures were discerned. It may be inferred that the formation of the aforementioned diverse morphologies is a direct consequence of the initial conditions of the starting mixtures in a manner governed by the relative rates of solvent/non-solvent exchange and the dynamics of phase separation.
The Treatment-Delivery System and Alcohol Abuse in Women: Social Policy Implications

This article presents a theoretical model of the treatment utilization process which assumes that individual predisposing factors, perceptions and beliefs, personal enabling traits, social enabling characteristics, and structural features of treatment services all affect the alcoholic's ability to secure and propensity to use services. This theoretical model is used to describe characteristics of women alcoholics and the treatment delivery system that may serve as barriers to treatment for women. Results of a study of the structural characteristics of 53 alcoholism treatment facilities in two California counties showed women congregate in agencies that hire more professionals, provide treatment for children, and provide after-care services.
Video content characterization and compaction for digital library applications

In digital libraries and the Internet, large amount of data in various modalities has to be transmitted and delivered across the networks, and is subject to bandwidth constraints and network congestion. Among all multimedia data, video is the most difficult to handle, both in terms of its size and the scarcity of tools and techniques available for efficient delivery, storage and retrieval. Providing tools to help users search and browse large collections of video documents is important. Equally important are the means to deliver and present the essence of video content to the user without noticeable delay. In this paper, we focus on the characterization of video by means of automatic analysis of its visual content and the compact presentation of the underlying story content built upon the derived characteristics. We develop models to capture and characterize video by temporal events, namely, dialogues, actions and story units. We then present these events using succinct visual summaries that depict and differentiate the underlying dramatic elements in an intuitive manner. The combination of video characterization and visual summary offers significant compaction of data size in video far beyond the numbers achieved by traditional video compression, while retaining essential meanings and semantics of the content, and is particularly useful for digital library and Internet applications.
Antitumour drug-DNA interactions: NMR studies of echinomycin and chromomycin complexes.

The intelligent design of new families of DNA-binding antitumour agents must await an understanding at the molecular level of the structure, dynamics and energetics of drug-DNA interactions on currently available systems. Recent progress in this area has been significant and reflects the interplay between footprinting methods that identify the sequence specificity of drug binding, structural approaches that define conformational features in the crystalline and solution states, hydrogen exchange techniques that monitor transient base pair opening and calorimetric methods that partition the enthalpic and entropic contributions to the binding isotherm.
Measurement of intracellular Ca2+ in BC3H-1 muscle cells with Fura-2: Relationship to acetylcholine receptor synthesis

Abstract Synthesis of acetylcholine receptors (AChR) can be affected by calcium, but the role played by this cation is controversial. The effect of changes in extracellular calcium, [Ca2+]o, on AChR synthesis was examined in a cultured mouse muscle cell line, BC3H-1. Reduction of [Ca2+]o for long periods (∼22 h) leads to a decrease in total surface AChR levels, a finding that is consistent with inhibition of AChR synthesis. A half-maximal reduction in surface AChR levels is observed when [Ca2+]o is decreased from 1.8 to ∼ 50 μ M. Under these conditions, however, total protein synthesis is also largely inhibited, suggesting that the effect of [Ca2+]o on AChR synthesis may be relatively non-specific. Increasing [Ca2+]i by adding the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187 (in the presence of 1.8 mM [Ca2+]o) also gives similar and significant reductions of both AChR and protein synthesis. Since the time course of changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) produced by these manoeuvres is unknown, we examined the effects of briefer (1–6 h) reductions in [Ca2+]o and achieved a more specific reduction in AChR synthesis. A direct measurement of the changes in [Ca2+]i resulting from changes in [Ca2+]o was made using the fluorescent indicator Fura-2 and video fluorescence microscopy. Our results show that in BC3H-1 muscle cells the resting intracellular calcium decreases reversibly over 20 min when [Ca2+]o is decreased. We suggest that a reduction of [Ca2+]i produced by the lower [Ca2+]o underlies the reduction in AChR synthesis observed in these experiments.
Effect of process conditions on the spray characteristics of a PLA + methylene chloride solution in the supercritical antisolvent precipitation process

Abstract A high-resolution imaging system was used to study the supercritical antisolvent precipitation process (SAS). The spray of a 1 wt% solution of poly( l -lactic) acid (PLA) in methylene chloride into carbon dioxide was visualized at several distances from the nozzle outlet. Experiments were performed at a fixed density of 0.33 ± 0.02 g/cm 3 with select pressure and temperature combinations and at a fixed temperature of 323 K with select pressure and density combinations. Jet break up was observed to occur by either atomization or as a gas-like plume depending on the process conditions. In the case of atomization into distinct droplets, the average droplet diameter was observed to increase and then decrease as distance from the nozzle increased. In both sets of experiments, the shift from atomization to a gas-like plume occurred as the temperature and pressure were increased. Despite large variations in the spray characteristics there was little variation in the properties of the PLA particles produced during these experiments.
Large and inverted spin signals in nonlocal spin valves

A nonlocal spin valve (NLSV) is a nanoscale planar heterostructure, consisting of a spin injector, a spin detector, and a nonmagnetic channel. A pure spin current can be induced in the nonmagnetic channel by electrical spin injection. We report large but inverted spin signals in a set of NLSV structures. The interface between the ferromagnetic spin detector and the nonmagnetic channel is found to be a break junction formed by electrostatic discharge. A large (g80%) but negative tunneling spin polarization across the break junction is inferred. The large magnitude is due to a strong coupling between the charges and spins at the low-conductance break junction. The inverted sign results from the specific interfacial atomic structures and bonding states, which influence the spin-dependent tunneling matrices.
The good, the bad, or the useful? the examination of the relationship between the feedback-related negativity frn and long-term learning outcomes

According to the reinforcement learning account of the error-related negativity ERN, the ERN is a manifestation of a signal generated in ACC as a consequence of a phasic decrease in the activity of the mesencephalic dopamine system occurring when the monitoring system evaluates events as worse than expected. This signal is also hypothesized to be used to modify behavior to ascertain that future events will have better outcomes. It is therefore expected that this signal be correlated with learning outcomes. We report a study designed to examine the extent to which the ERN is related to learning outcomes within a paired-associates learning task. The feedback-related negativity FRN elicited by stimuli that indicated to the participants whether their response was correct or not was examined both according the degree to which the associates were learned in the session and according to whether participants recalled the associations on the next day. The results of the spatio-temporal PCA indicate that, whereas the process giving rise to the negative feedback elicited a FRN whose amplitude was not correlated with long-term learning outcomes, positive feedback was associated with a FRN-like activity, which was correlated with the learning outcomes. Another ERP component that follows the FRN temporally and shares its spatial distribution was found associated with long-term learning outcomes. Our findings shed light on the functional significance of the feedback-related ERP components and are discussed within the framework of the reinforcement learning ERN hypothesis.
Endothermic reactions of uranium ions with N2, D2, and CD4

An ion beam apparatus is employed to study the reactions of uranium ions with N2, D2, and CD4 at laboratory energies up to 335 eV. The endothermic reaction of U + with nitrogen leads to the product UN + for which a bond dissociation energy D (UN + ) =4.7±0.2 eV is determined, corresponding to DeltaHf(UN + ) =272±7 kcal/mole. Endothermic reactions of U + with D2 and CD4 lead to formation of UD + with D (UD + ) =2.9±0.1 eV and DeltaHf(UD + ) =254±6 kcal/mole. The dependence of experimental reaction cross sections on relative kinetic energy is discussed in terms of simple models for reaction. The proton affinity of uranium is determined, P.A.(U) =238±5 kcal/mole, and this exceptionally high value is compared to other atomic and molecular base strengths.
An investigation of Beirut soil properties

The aim of this study is to set a foundation for mapping Beirut soils using available soil reports obtained from excavations. With the availability of a certain number of excavations and soil reports, one could attempt to gather soil data in order to understand the subbase and map the stratigraphy of the city. However, only a limited number of boreholes and soil data are available. Consequently, the use of innovative methods to analyze and assess limited numbers of heterogeneous data is necessary for developing countries where data is generally scarce. The paper investigates the available soil report data, specifically soil cohesion (c), soil friction angle (φ), and soil type classification. The results show that soil cohesion and the soil friction angle of Beirut have a high negative correlation r2 = -0.71. Then, a mixture of Gaussians (MG) clustering approach is utilized to find meaningful patterns in the data, and thus resulting in three categories according to which the soil is to be mapped in future work. The categories are related to ranges in values of c and φ and their corresponding soil types.
Fractionation and characterization of biologically-active polysaccharides from Artemisia tripartita

The leaves of Artemisia species have been traditionally used for prevention and treatment of a number of diseases. In this study, five polysaccharide fractions (designated A-I-A-V) were isolated from the leaves of Artemisia tripartita Rydb. by the sequential use of hot-water extraction, ethanol precipitation, ultra-filtration, and chromatography. The homogeneity and average molecular weight of each fraction were determined by high performance size-exclusion chromatography. Sugar composition analysis revealed that Artemisia polysaccharides consisted primarily of xylose, glucose, arabinose, galactose, and galactosamine. Moreover, all fractions contained at least 3.4% sulfate, and fractions A-II-A-V contained an arabinogalactan type II structure. All fractions exhibited macrophage-activating activity, enhancing production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and release of nitric oxide, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1. In addition, all fractions exhibited scavenging activity for reactive oxygen species generated enzymatically or produced extracellularly by human neutrophils. Finally, fractions A-I and A-V exhibited complement-fixing activity. Taken together, our results provide a molecular basis to explain at least part of the beneficial therapeutic effects of Artemisia extracts, and suggest the possibility of using Artemisia polysaccharides as an immunotherapeutic adjuvant.
Speed-independent vibration-based terrain classification for passenger vehicles

Terrain physical characteristics can have a significant impact on passenger vehicle handling, ride quality, and stability. Here, an algorithm is presented to classify terrain using a single suspension-mounted accelerometer. The algorithm passes a measured acceleration signal through a dynamic vehicle model to estimate the terrain profile, and then extracts spatial frequency components of this estimated profile. A method is introduced to identify and remove terrain impulses from the profile that are caused by ruts and potholes. Finally, a supervised support vector machine is employed to classify profile segments as members of pre-defined classes (such as asphalt, brick, gravel, etc.). The classification algorithm is validated with experimental data collected with a passenger vehicle driving in real-world conditions. The algorithm is shown to classify multiple terrain types with reasonable accuracy at a range of typical automotive speeds. It is also shown that the removal of terrain impulses prior to classification improves classifier performance.
Segregation of cauliflower mosaic virus symptom genetic determinants.

Abstract We have created a series of hybrid cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) genomes between a severe virus strain (Cabb B-JI) and a mild strain (Bart 1) to map the virus genetic loci responsible for specific systemic symptom characters produced in infected turnip plants. Recombinants were generated in vivo by recombinational rescue and in vitro by restriction enzyme fragment exchange. On infection, hybrids induced either parental (wild-type) symptoms or segregated parental characters. Some of the engineered hybrid genomes produced novel symptomatic effects not observed in either of the parental strains whilst others reverted to express parental symptom characters following passaging. Determinants defining differences between the two CaMV strains in respect of four specific symptom characters were delimited to separate genome regions. A locus involved in determining the rate of spread of systemic vein clearing symptoms mapped to a region containing part of gene VII and gene I (nts 109–780). This phenomenon is consistent with the putative involvement of the CaMV gene I product in mediating virus movement within infected plants. Determinants influencing the degree of leaf chlorosis were located in a separate genome domain encompassing part of gene VI together with the large intergenic region and part of gene VII (nts 6103-90). Determinants controlling timing of initial systemic symptom appearance were mapped to a region between nts 2150 and 4438 containing part of gene III, gene IV, and part of gene V. Plant stunting was influenced by loci in at least two separate regions, one containing parts of gene I and II, and a second within the reverse transcriptase gene (V). We conclude that symptoms produced by CaMV infection can be subdivided into individual characters, the genetic determinants of which segregate to different virus genetic loci and are not restricted to a single gene product.
Value of radiation therapy in the management of chemoresistant intermediate grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the probability and extent of response to radiation therapy in patients with chemotherapy-resistant intermediate grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Thirty-five patients with chemotherapy-resistant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma received local radiation therapy after initial treatment with at least six cycles of systemic chemotherapy. There were 17 men and 18 women in our study. Ages ranged from 15 to 68 years, median age was 42 years. Chemotherapy resistance was defined as relapse after initial chemotherapy (11 patients) or failure to achieve complete remission (partial response in 18 patients, stable disease in 1 patient, and disease progression in 5 patients). Radiation doses were between 1,980–5,040 cGy (median dose of 3,200 cGy). Treatment outcome was evaluated with respect to any subsequent relapse either within or outside the irradiated region. The 2-year actuarial survival was 65%. The cumulative incidence of isolated local failure and any local failure at 2 years were 33% and 54%, respectively. Tumors that responded to initial chemotherapy had a better local control probability than tumors that did not respond. The 2-year actuarial local failure rates for these two groups were 51% and 83%, respectively (P = 0.01). There was a trend for improved local control with radiation doses ≥3,960 cGy, suggesting the presence of a dose–control relationship. The rate of disease progression within an irradiated region in patients with intermediate grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that relapsed after or failed to respond completely to full course chemotherapy was substantially higher than the historical in-field failure rates when radiation therapy was used as the sole modality of treatment. Prior response to initial chemotherapy was a predicting factor for local control following radiation therapy. Radiat. Oncol. Invest. 7:186–191, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Metallic materials as plasma facing components — A review☆

Abstract The design and fabrication of suitable plasma-facing components for fusion devices is a difficult task with often conflicting requirements. Most operating devices utilize stainless steel as the first wall material and graphite for the main limiters. There are potential problems with the extrapolation of graphite to power producing reactors and, hence, the evaluation of metallic alternatives is important. Prime candidate metals are beryllium and tungsten for plasma interactive components. There are several potential advantages to metallic components over graphite or ceramics. In general, metals have superior fracture toughness, are inert chemically to the hydrogen atmosphere, have a better developed fabrication and joining technology, and better resistance to neutron damage. Metals are limited, however, in their ability to withstand disruption damage and, with the exception of beryllium, require a very low edge temperature to avoid sputtering problems. The current status of research in the areas of erosion, tritium permeation and inventory, thermal stress and fatigue, off-normal events, neutron irradiation and fabrication on these and other metals is reviewed and compared to the prime non-metal choice of graphite.
Lead isotope analysis of intra-skeletal variation in a 19th century mental asylum cemetery: diagenesis versus migration

Living bone sequesters environmental lead (Pb) from both inhalation and ingestion, providing a record of Pb exposure over a lifetime. Questions about the effects of diagenesis and how to remove them have hampered most isotopic and elemental determinations. As a result, researchers often restrict their analyses to tooth enamel, despite its limitations. We report Pb isotopes in teeth and bones in a frontier population of 15 individuals from a late 19th century mental hospital graveyard in Pueblo, Colorado, a town active at that time in the smelting of ores. Analysis of lead isotopes sequestered in healing bone from rib fractures gives an isotopic fingerprint from the last few months of individual's lives. When bone tissues or teeth from different stages of life are analysed, life history trajectories such as migration routes can be developed which are partially self-correcting for diagenesis. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Twenty-foot fall averts fatality from massive hydrogen sulfide exposure.

Abstract Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless irritant and asphyxiant gas with a noxious odor of “rotten eggs.” Acute hydrogen sulfide exposure may cause, depending on the level and duration of toxicity, symptoms ranging from mild mucous membrane irritation to permanent neurologic impairment and cardiopulmonary arrest. We present a case of an oil refinery worker exposed to a typically fatal concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas (>1000 ppm) while working on top of a 20-foot ladder. The “knockdown” effect of exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide caused him to lose consciousness and fall from the top of the ladder. He was transported to the Emergency Department as a major trauma victim. Ironically, this 20-foot fall saved his life and possibly those of the rescuers by immediately removing him from the source of the hydrogen sulfide. Treatment of hazardous materials incidents and the pathophysiology and treatment options for hydrogen sulfide poisoning are discussed.
Effect of chronic nitrate treatment on retinal vessel caliber in open-angle glaucoma

Purpose A recent report has suggested that nitrate therapy may delay the progression of glaucomatous damage. To investigate the mechanism that may mediate this effect, we sought to determine whether nitrate therapy is associated with retinal vasodilatation in patients with glaucoma. Methods Retinal venous and arterial diameters were determined from color fundus photographs of the optic nerve head obtained during a retrospective study designed to investigate any potential effects of chronic nitrate treatment on the progression of glaucomatous pathology. Fourteen eyes of 14 patients who were receiving chronic nitrate therapy for systemic diseases unrelated to glaucoma were randomly selected. Vascular measurements were compared with those of 15 eyes of 15 control patients with glaucoma who did not receive any nitrate therapy. Results In comparison with control patients, nitrate-treated patients showed significant average vasodilatation of 17% ( P = .008) and 13% ( P = .01) in the superior and inferior temporal retinal veins, respectively. A 5% increase in average retinal arterial diameter was also detected, but this was not statistically significant. Conclusion Chronic nitrate treatment is associated with retinal venous dilatation in patients with glaucoma. Although not assessed in this study, it is possible that a protective effect of nitrates may be mediated by a vasoactive effect leading to improved perfusion of the retina and perhaps the optic nerve head, in a similar fashion to what has been observed in the circulation of the heart. Additional studies of the effect of nitrates on the ocular circulation are needed, however, to support this speculation.
Surface and near-surface chemical analysis of cobalt-treated iron oxide

A method has been developed for determining the depth profile of Fe+2and Co in cobalt-treated iron oxides non-destructively using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Cobalt-treated oxides for magnetic recording were prepared from iron oxides containing various levels of Fe+2. The surface and near-surface layers of these oxides were analyzed by XPS. The Fe and Co 2p and 3s XPS spectra were resolved into multiplet splitting and shake-up components consistent with theoretical calculations and spectra for standard materials. The atomic ratios Co/Fe and Fe+2/Fe+3were then calculated for the surface and near-surface layers, and compared with those for the bulk sample in order to determine the Fe+2and Co depth profile. It was found that high Fe+2contents in the near-surface layers and cores of the particles increase diffusion of Co from the surface toward the core. This deeper penetration of cobalt is accompanied by increases in coercive force, magnetic moment, and tape conductivity, but also by higher magnetostriction, poorer print-through, and a broader distribution of particle Hc.
Challenges facing the biologist doing chemical genetics

The goal of high-throughput screening (HTS) from the perspective of the biologist is to identify a highly specific small molecule that can be used to inhibit a protein in its normal biological context. Although several useful small molecules have been identified with HTS, there are many challenges to be considered when contemplating a screen, especially by those unfamiliar with chemical biology.
Fiber-Bragg-grating-based four-bit optical beamformer

In this paper we implement and characterize a two-channel optical programmable beamformer. The system is designed to achieve four-bit resolution. The architecture of the programmable dispersion matrix is based on an array of four delay-lines each having two spliced fiber Bragg gratings. We have experimentally investigated the optical signal processing performance of the optical beamformer in receive and transmit modes. Beampatterns for RF range 40 - 200 MHz are presented along with the theoretical calculations. The main lobe of the beampattern is shown to be independent of frequency for several target positions thus demonstrating a “squint-free” characteristic of this optical processor.
Suppression of the shear band instability during plastic flow of nanometer-scale confined metallic glasses

The shear band instability that occurs during plastic deformation of metallic glasses limits the application of these high-strength materials. We show that this instability can be suppressed in nanometer-scale metallic glasses constrained by ultrafine crystalline layers. Free-standing Cu/amorphous Pd0.77Si0.23 multilayers consisting either of 10∕90nm glass/Cu or 100∕100nm glass/Cu were deformed to layer thickness reductions greater than 75% by cold rolling or bending, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy showed uniform reduction in the layer thickness with no shear band formation in the amorphous layers. The mechanisms that allow homogeneous codeformation of metallic glasses with nanoscale crystalline layers at high stresses are discussed.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay quantification of cytokine concentrations in human meningiomas.

Objective To gain insight into the network of cytokine gene expression in the brain tumor microenvironment, we investigated the presence of the following cytokines in freshly excised brain tumors: interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6. Methods Tumor specimens from nine meningiomas were grown as tissue explants. The supernatants from the explants were tested for the presence of the aforementioned cytokines via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results IL-6, which is thought to stimulate acute protein phase synthesis, neovascularization, and cell proliferation, was found in all of the samples in greater concentrations than the other cytokines tested. IL-1 beta, another stimulatory cytokine thought to be involved in acute protein phase synthesis and cell proliferation, was also found in 100% of the samples tested, in concentrations significantly lower than those of IL-6. As expected, the presence of IL-2 and IL-4 was not detectable in any of the samples. Conclusion This study is the first to clearly determine the relative concentrations of IL-1 beta and IL-6, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay quantification. These findings are an important precursor to future studies using antibodies to IL-1 beta and IL-6 and antibodies to IL-6 receptors to modulate neoplastic growth both in vitro and in vivo.
Pulverization of rubber granulates using the solid-state shear extrusion (SSSE) process:: Part I. Process concepts and characteristics

A single screw extruder was used to pulverize rubber granulates at high shear and compression without using cryogenic fluid for cooling. This process, solid-state shear extrusion (SSSE), is based on the large compressive shear deformation of rubber granulates, which results in the storage of a large amount of strain energy and the formation of cracks. When the stored energy reaches a critical level, the granulate cannot sustain itself. As a result, the stored elastic energy is converted into surface energy through the formation of new surfaces and, in turn, pulverization occurs. The stored elastic energy is dependent on the viscoelastic response of rubber granulates to the processing condition. The independent variables of the process were identified as the degree of compression of the rubber, number of extruder passes, barrel wall temperatures, rotation rate of the extruder screw, and feed rate of the granulates. The effects of these variables on the dependent variables, such as material and screw temperatures, particle size distribution (PSD), torque, and mechanical power consumption at steady state, were systematically studied. Fine rubber particles were obtained when the granulates were compressed sufficiently, and loss of strain energy due to viscoelastic stress relaxation was minimized by significant cooling in the pulverization zone. Agglomeration of rubber particles was found to be competing with the pulverization process.
What Is the Score

The authors lament the fact that there does not seem to be much agreement as to the proper method of scoring tests. The use of the scoring formula is advocated by some and criticized by others. Literature is reviewed showing that the basic assumptions behind the scoring formula (namely that all wrong answers are due to chance guessing) are false. Arguments are presented for and against the continued use of the formula, with the conclusion that its use cannot be justified. A new aspect of this question, that use of the formula may create behavior patterns detrimental to ingenuity and creativity, is also presented. THE INCREASING tendency to view tests as measures of a student's ability to succeed makes it vitally important that meaningful scores be derivable from all test procedures. Alarmingly, however, there does not seem to be much agree ment as to the proper method of scoring tests. Con siderable research, almost totally statistical in nature has been directed at the problem of the efficacy of the scoring formula, but it has not yet settled the question of whether or not that formula should continue to be used. That the question has not been satisfactorily re solved even in the minds of those who are re sponsible for the creation of tests, was demon strated by Greaser (1), who conducted a survey of published directions governing the use of standardized tests. He found that test designers tended to recommend the use of scoring formulas less than they have in the past, but at the same time there was obviously great ambivalence about what to tell the student concerning "guessing." No consistent relationship was observed between these directions and the method of scoring. That there should be a close relationship between the two is discussed later. The present paper has the primary purpose of reviewing some of the arguments for and against the use of the formula and describing one important aspect of this con troversy which seems to have been overlooked by most researchers.