cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pre-landfall evacuee perception of the meteorological hazards associated with Hurricane Gustav

In this study, evacuees from the path of Hurricane Gustav were surveyed to determine which meteorological hazards most influenced their decision to leave. Surveys were conducted along two major evacuation routes on August 30 and 31, 2008, to collect time-sensitive data on individual evacuation decisions related to the meteorological hazards from Hurricane Gustav. The regions of New Orleans, Houma, and Lafayette were represented most frequently, as determined by zip code data collected from the surveys. Responses were evaluated first by meteorological hazard for the entire dataset and then by three-digit zip code region. Overall, storm surge was the most important meteorological variable, followed by the size of the storm, wind, rain, and tornadoes. When separated into three-digit zip code regions, analyses revealed evacuees from in and around New Orleans were driven to evacuate as a result of the perceived threat from storm surge and storm size; residents in the Houma, Louisiana region were motivated to leave due to the threat from storm surge; and Lafayette and the surrounding areas were most-concerned with the threats posed by hurricane-force winds. Given the forecast track and intensity, survey respondents understood the meteorological hazards from Gustav and were motivated to leave based on personal evaluations of risk associated with the storm.
The opto-electronics which broke the efficiency record in solar cells

As solar cells exceed 25% efficiency, photon management becomes far more important than electronic properties. Surprisingly, maximizing external fluorescence increases efficiency, the key behind the recent single-junction efficiency record of 28.4%.
A Phosphorus Budget for Bahiagrass Pastures Growing on a Typical Florida Spodosol

Despite evidence that forage crops can access P from the Bh horizon, routine soil testing focus only on P concentrations in the top 15 cm. We evaluated the role of the Bh horizon on the overall P budget for 2 yr in a bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fliigge) pasture grown on a Spodosol. Treatments consisted of three P rates (0, 5, and 10 kg ha -1 ) arranged in a completely randomized design with each plot receiving a basal application of 56 kg N ha -1 and 47 kg K ha -1 . Phosphorus application had no effect on bahiagrass P uptake (P = 0.2). Average P mass leached below the 45-cm soil depth was 0.08, 0.08, and 0.09 kg P ha -1 for the 0, 5, and 10 kg P ha -1 treatments, respectively. In 2007, the net balance of P in the Ap horizon was -10.8 kg P ha -1 for the control and -0.8 kg P ha -1 for the 10 kg P ha -1 treatment. The same treatments had net P balances of -6.6 and 7.2 kg ha -1 in 2008. When soil P held in the Bh horizon was included in the P budget computation, the net P balance was positive for all treatments including the control. Results indicate that soil P concentrations were sufficient to maintain bahiagrass production with no additional P fertilization required. Phosphorus held in the Bh horizon is a significant supply of P to low-input pastures growing on Spodosols in Florida and should be considered in nutrient management programs for perennial grasses.
Nonlinear optical properties of conjugated polymers from ab initio finite oligomer calculations

A review of our own work on ab initio calculation of nonlinear optical properties by the finite oligomer method is presented. Various computational considerations such as geometry determination and choice of basis set are discussed as well as extrapolation to the long-chain limit. For cases where the extrapolation is problematic, two potential solutions are suggested. We also analyze several important areas ripe for investigation including the frequency-dependence, the effect of vibrational distortion, and the role of electron correlation.
Is there a sharp phase transition for deterministic cellular automata

Abstract Previous work has suggested that there is a kind of phase transition between deterministic automata exhibiting periodic behavior and those exhibiting chaotic behavior. However, unlike the usual phase transitions of physics, this transition takes place over a range of values of the parameter rather than at a specific value. The present paper asks whether the transition can be made sharp, either by taking the limit of an infinitely large rule table, or by changing the parameter in terms of which the space of automata is explored. We find strong evidence that, for the class of automata we consider, the transition does become sharp in the limit of an infinite number of symbols, the size of the neighborhood being held fixed. Our work also suggests an alternative parameter in terms of which it is likely that the transition will become fairly sharp even if one does not increase the number of symbols. In the course of our analysis, we find that mean field theory, which is our main tool, gives surprisingly good predictions of the statistical properties of the class of automata we consider.
Polarized Absorption and Fluorescence Spectra of Crystalline Anthracene at 4°K: Spectral Evidence for Trapped Excitons

The long-wavelength absorption and fluorescence spectra of anthracene crystal have been examined in the $\mathrm{ab}$ (cleavage) plane at 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The spectra are compared with those reported previously, and are related to the spectra of the solid solution. The spectra of the crystal and the mechanism of the fluorescence process are interpreted in terms of Frenkel's theory of free and trapped excitons. The relative shift of the electronic transition in the vapor, mixed crystal, and pure crystal is related to the possibility of detecting trapped exciton states in molecular crystals.
Emerging new therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.

Abstract Purpose The goal of this article was to review the safety, efficacy, and potential for utilization of the newly approved once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Methods Published articles for Phase III trials were found by performing a MEDLINE search using the search terms exenatide , exenatide once weekly , DURATION, albiglutide , and HARMONY as key terms. Search results were restricted by using filters to include clinical trials in humans. A search of relevant diabetes journals (including Diabetes Care and Diabetologia ) was also performed to find abstracts for studies that did not have complete published articles at the time of this review. Findings Exenatide once weekly reduced glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) by –1.0% to –2.0% when used as monotherapy and add-on therapy; it also provided significant weight loss ranging from 2 to 4 kg and maintained a relatively low risk of hypoglycemia. Albiglutide was able to reduce glycosylated hemoglobin levels between –0.5% and –0.84% when used as monotherapy and in combination with other antidiabetic medications. The newest once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist, dulaglutide, reduced glycosylated hemoglobin levels between –0.78% and –1.51% and demonstrated noninferiority to once-daily liraglutide. Implications The GLP-1 receptor agonists have proven efficacy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and may provide patients with additional nonglycemic benefits, including significant weight loss and decreased systolic blood pressure. The newer once-weekly formulations are more convenient than the BID and once-daily medications, which could improve adherence and may be more attractive to providers and patients.
Promoting community involvement at brownfields sites in socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods

Brownfields programmes provide environmental justice to distressed communities by applying private sector remediation and real estate expertise to abandoned and contaminated properties. This study examines how brownfields developers and community support organisations operating in socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods work to increase awareness of projects in the community, build trust between stakeholders and create mechanisms for community members to participate in brownfields decision making. Analysis of case study data from brownfields sites in four US cities shows that developers and non-governmental organisations can play important roles in fashioning redevelopment outcomes which benefit both developers and communities. When standard required outreach efforts are combined with non-traditional community involvement mechanisms, the result is often long-term support for redevelopment projects.
Investigation of the Impact of Sintering on SOFC Charge Transfer

Solid oxide fuel cell electrodes are porous composites commonly produced by the sintering of powder compacts. Particle contact geometry within the electrode microstructure has been noted to impact electrode performance, particularly with respect to charge transfer. An analytical modeling concept has been applied to charge transport within the SOFC electrode microstructure using an approach similar to thermal fin analysis. This approach has the ability to account for variable cross-section solid geometry and replicates experimentally observed behavior related to SOFC electrode sintering quality. Microstructural geometries simulated by periodic structures composed of iterated base units with variable cross-section are investigated using two approaches: an axisymmetric one-dimensional analytical solution and an axisymmetric two-dimensional finite element solution. Results are cast in terms of dimensionless parameters and performance metrics that have been developed to assess the quality of SOFC electrode microstructures. Comparison of the one-dimensional and two-dimensional results demonstrates the predictive capabilities of the simplified approach.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Aldose reductase inhibition counteracts nitrosative stress and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation in diabetic rat kidney and high-glucose-exposed human mesangial cells.

Both increased aldose reductase (AR) activity and oxidative/nitrosative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, but the relation between the two factors remains a subject of debate. This study evaluated the effects of AR inhibition on nitrosative stress and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation in diabetic rat kidney and high-glucose-exposed human mesangial cells. In animal experiments, control (C) and streptozotocin-diabetic (D) rats were treated with/without the AR inhibitor fidarestat (F, 16 mg kg−1 day−1) for 6 weeks starting from induction of diabetes. Glucose, sorbitol, and fructose concentrations were significantly increased in the renal cortex of D vs C (p < 0.01 for all three comparisons), and sorbitol pathway intermediate, but not glucose, accumulation, was completely prevented in D + F. F at least partially prevented diabetes-induced increase in kidney weight as well as nitrotyrosine (NT, a marker of peroxynitrite-induced injury and nitrosative stress), and poly(ADP-ribose) (a marker of PARP activation) accumulation, assessed by both immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, in glomerular and tubular compartments of the renal cortex. In vitro studies revealed the presence of both AR and PARP-1 in human mesangial cells, and none of these two variables were affected by high glucose or F treatment. Nitrosylated and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated proteins (Western blot analysis) accumulated in cells cultured in 30 mM D-glucose (vs 5.55 mM glucose, p < 0.01), but not in cells cultured in 30 mM L-glucose or 30 mM D-glucose plus 10 μM F. AR inhibition counteracts nitrosative stress and PARP activation in the diabetic renal cortex and high-glucose-exposed human mesangial cells. These findings reveal new beneficial properties of the AR inhibitor F and provide the rationale for detailed studies of F on diabetic nephropathy.
Glycopeptides of human immunoglobulins. II. Contribution to the antigenicity of the heavy chain.

Abstract A series of glycopeptides derived by enzymatic digestion of six human immunoglobulins (3 IgG, 2 IgM, 1 IgA) were examined for immunogenicity and antigenic contribution to the heavy chains using passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, inhibition of passive hemagglutination, and inhibition of precipitin reaction. Although the glycopeptides were very poor immunogens in the rabbit it was shown that they make a small but definite contribution to antigenic determinants on the H-chain. In addition evidence for subclass and class cross-reactivity between glycopeptides was obtained and suggests common structural features among some of these carbohydrate moieties.
Simplified matrix for Class V amalgam restorations.

Abstract A simplified matrix technique and its modifications for extensive Class V amalgam restorations have been described.
Developmental changes in the submicroscopic morphology of the cytoplasmic components during microsporogenesis in Tradescantia

Abstract The ultrastructure of the cytoplasm has been compared at various stages of microsporogenesis in Tradescantia paludosa in an effort to trace the development of the cytoplasmic organelles during the dividing phases of the pollen mother cells and during the differentiation of the pollen grain. It has been observed that the density of the cytoplasmic organelles reaches a maximum at the binucleate stage of the pollen grain, when mitochondria and Golgi bodies are found in abundance, along with small vesicles, endoplasmic reticulum, and some oblong bodies (possibly remnants of amyloplasts). The development of mitochondria has been traced from “promitochondria” which have poorly defined or no cristae. The “promitochondria” have been found to divide by “budding.” The text also deals with the formation and degeneration of Golgi bodies in the cells at different stages of development. Their formation is visualized as taking place through the coalescence of small vesicles; and degeneration is reflected in the reciprocal process of the breaking up of the organelles into small vesicles. The large plemorphic bodies in the prophase stages accumulate starch within lamellar structures and give rise to amyloplasts.
Biomass of deepwater demersal forage fishes in Lake Huron, 1994–2007: Implications for offshore predators

We estimated the biomass of deepwater demersal forage fishes (those species common in the diets of lake trout and Chinook salmon) in Lake Huron during the period 1994–2007. The estimated total lake-wide biomass of deepwater demersal fishes in 2007 was reduced by 87 percent of that observed in 1994. Alewife biomass remained near the record low observed in 2004. Biomass of young-of-the-year rainbow smelt was at a record high in 2005, but little recruitment appears to have occurred in 2006 or 2007. Record-high estimates of young-of-the-year bloater biomass were observed in 2005 and 2007, and an increase in the biomass of adult bloater in 2007 suggests that some recruitment may be occurring. The biomass of other potential deepwater demersal forage fish species (sculpins, ninespine stickleback, trout-perch and round goby) has also declined since 1994 and remained low in 2007. The forage fish community in 2007 was dominated by small (< 120 mm) bloater and rainbow smelt. These results suggest that lake trout and...
The Production and Utilisation of Cytokinins in Rootless, Dormant Almond Shoots Maintained at Low Temperature

Summary The possibility that cytokinins are synthesised in rootless almond shoots ( Prunus amygdalus ) during cold storage was examined. By using intact and disbudded shoots evidence was obtained which indicates that cytokinins are apparently both produced and utilised at low temperatures. It would appear that their production occurs in the bark (which included the cambial tissue) and that they are utilised within the buds. This is supported by disbudding the shoots which resulted in large increases in the levels of cytokinin in both the xylem and bark tissues. The buds apparently do not synthesise cytokinins but do seem to have the capacity to hydrolyse storage cytokinins. As a result the levels of those cytokinins which co-chromatograph, with zeatin increased in the buds prior to bud burst.
Variance approximation for volume fraction estimators from areal sampling

Areal sampling of three-dimensional figures generates information for the estimation of volume fractions.The volume fractions estimators are unbiased. and asymptotic variances are developed for the estimators under general modeling conditions This results in a variance approximations based on information from a single planar section. The variance expressions are compared to others developed in the literature under more restrictive modeling conditions. Nunerical examples are given.
Prion Amplification and Hierarchical Bayesian Modeling Refine Detection of Prion Infection

Prions are unique infectious agents that replicate without a genome and cause neurodegenerative diseases that include chronic wasting disease (CWD) of cervids. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is currently considered the gold standard for diagnosis of a prion infection but may be insensitive to early or sub-clinical CWD that are important to understanding CWD transmission and ecology. We assessed the potential of serial protein misfolding cyclic amplification (sPMCA) to improve detection of CWD prior to the onset of clinical signs. We analyzed tissue samples from free-ranging Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) and used hierarchical Bayesian analysis to estimate the specificity and sensitivity of IHC and sPMCA conditional on simultaneously estimated disease states. Sensitivity estimates were higher for sPMCA (99.51%, credible interval (CI) 97.15–100%) than IHC of obex (brain stem, 76.56%, CI 57.00–91.46%) or retropharyngeal lymph node (90.06%, CI 74.13–98.70%) tissues, or both (98.99%, CI 90.01–100%). Our hierarchical Bayesian model predicts the prevalence of prion infection in this elk population to be 18.90% (CI 15.50–32.72%), compared to previous estimates of 12.90%. Our data reveal a previously unidentified sub-clinical prion-positive portion of the elk population that could represent silent carriers capable of significantly impacting CWD ecology.
The Current Crisis in the Former Soviet Union and the Perspectives of Its Resolution

Gives a brief account of what has happened, what is happening and what is going to happen in the country formerly called the Soviet Union. Analyses the socio‐economic nature of the Soviet system and its evolution prior to Gorbachev′s reforms. Presents the causes for the emergence of perestroika and for the collapse of the system and the State. Discusses the reasons for the arrival of Yeltsin and his policies to the political scene. Examines the core of the current crisis and the means to resolve it. Speculates on the country′s distant future.
The long term, proactive effect of preshock and ECS as determinants of subsequent responses to punishment.

Abstract Following alleyway food training, Group 1 was given 3 min of preshock plus ECS (25 mA) 10 sec later on each of 5 days. Group 2 was given preshock and no ECS. Group 3 was given ECS only, and Group 4 was untreated. Group 2 evinced slower alleyway running times than Group 1 and both were more suppressed than Groups 3 and 4 on early food retraining trials prior to test shock. Following retraining, test shock in the alley resulted in the slowest running times for Group 2, and an intermediately slow performance for Group 1 relative to the ECS-only and control groups on early shock recovery trials. For Experiment 2 ECS durations of 0.4 and 0.8 sec were combined factorially with ECS administration on each of 5 or 10 days (4 groups of 9 rats each). No-ECS and hip-shock control groups were included. Test shock given 7 days after treatment resulted in marked suppression of a stable free operant response in both 0.4 sec groups relative to the remaining four. Experiment 3 involved a replication of Experiment 1 with the single exception that the ECS duration was increased from 0.4 to 0.8 sec. The results of Experiment 3 basically paralleled those of Experiment 1.
An observation on possible photooxidation of ascorbic acid in strawberry leaves

Abstract Photooxidation of ascorbic acid in vivo failed under conditions intended to duplicate those used in the work of Mapson and Swain, 3 which was reported as successful.
Spectroscopy and Structures of Copper Complexes with Ethylenediamine and Methyl-Substituted Derivatives

Copper complexes of ethylenediamine (en), N-methylethylenediamine (meen), N,N-dimethylethylenediamine (dmen), N,N,N‘-trimethylethylenediamine (tren), and N,N,N‘,N‘-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmen) are synthesized in laser-vaporization supersonic molecular beams and studied by pulsed-field ionization zero electron kinetic energy (ZEKE) and photoionization efficiency spectroscopies and second-order Moller−Plesset perturbation theory. Precise ionization energies and vibrational frequencies of Cu−en, −meen, and −dmen are measured from the ZEKE spectra, and ionization thresholds of Cu−tren and −tmen are estimated from the photoionization efficiency spectra. The measured vibrational modes span a frequency range of 35−1646 cm-1 and include metal−ligand stretch and bend, hydrogen-bond stretch, and ligand-based torsion. A number of low-energy structures with Cu binding to one or two nitrogen atoms are predicted for each complex by the ab initio calculations. The combination of the spectroscopic measurements and a...
State Teacher Evaluation and Teacher Education.

Current accountability trends suggest an increasing role in state mandates regarding teacher evaluation. With various evaluation models and components serving as the basis for quality teaching, teacher education programs need to recognize the role teacher evaluation plays and incorporate aspects where appropriate. This article makes that case and presents some of the models and components that can inform teacher preparation. Although teacher evaluation should never drive teacher education, it can provide meaningful direction and useful tools.
Nanoscale Island Formation during Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide Adlayers at Ordered Electrochemical Interfaces: A Dipole-Coupling Analysis of Coverage-Dependent Infrared Spectra

Model dipole - dipole coupling calculations of infrared spectra for various ordered CO packing arrangements on Pt(111) have been undertaken as a function of the spatial dimensions of isolated nanoscale adlayer domains. Comparisons of some of these predictions with coverage (θ co )-dependent infrared spectra obtained upon partial adlayer oxidation on low-index Pt-group surfaces in aqueous electrochemical environments enable approximate estimates of densely packed CO island sizes to be obtained. The evidence for CO island formation, described in several earlier reports, is based on the observation of C -O stretching bands, ν CO , whose frequency, band shape, and relative intensity exhibit markedly smaller alterations upon progressive electrooxidative removal in comparison with corresponding ν CO frequency-coverage data obtained for increasing θ CO by means of dosing with dilute CO solutions. The dipole-coupling calculations indicate a significant sensitivity of the ν CO frequency and related parameters to island size even for domains containing sizable numbers (100-200) of CO molecules, suggesting the value of the procedure for providing at least rough estimates of nanoscale island dimensions. While the domain size-dependent ν CO spectra should be dependent inevitably upon the microscopic CO packing geometry, the (relative) changes in the ν CO frequency for atop (i.e. terminal) adsorbate are predicted to be dependent on the island dimensions, yet relatively insensitive to the adlayer structure, suggesting the practical utility of this parameter for island size diagnosis. The resulting estimates of average island dimensions, along with their stability as gleaned from experimental time-dependent spectra, are seen to vary widely on different low-index Pt-group electrodes. Interestingly, the metastable CO domains formed on Pt(100), estimated to contain 20-50 atop CO's, have dimensions roughly compatible with the restructured substrate mesas seen to form by scanning tunneling microscopy.
Observed generation of an atmospheric gravity wave by shear instability in the mean flow of the planetary boundary layer

Observations of a single boundary-layer event — the generation of an atmospheric gravity wave by an unstable shear flow at Haswell, Colorado on November 12, 1971 — are briefly described and discussed. The observations were made using: (a) an acoustic echo sounder, (b) anemometers mounted at two fixed levels on a 150-m tower, (c) an anemometer and a thermometer mounted on a movable carriage on the tower, and (d) a microbarograph array, including one microbarograph mounted atop the tower. The wave phase velocity (−3.5–4.0 m s−1) was found to equal the wind velocity in the middle of the shear flow, as assumed by other authors. The wave-associated vertical fluxes of momentum and energy measured just above the wave critical layer were estimated to be −5 dyn cm−2 and −800 erg cm−2 s−1, respectively. These are large values. The annual average vertical flux of momentum at temperate and high latitudes is −0.25 dyn cm−2, while the average kinetic energy dissipation rate in a unit column of atmosphere is −5 × 103 erg cm−2 s−1. If the region of wave generation was itself propagating horizontally, its propagation velocity was large compared with the horizontal phase speed of the small-scale waves generated. Wave generation appeared to occur over an area large compared with the size of the microbarograph array (i.e., ≫ 2 km).
Drosophila Arginase Is Produced from a Nonvital Gene That Contains the elav Locus within Its Third Intron

A Drosophila gene encoding a 351-amino acid-long predicted arginase (40% identity with vertebrate arginases) is reported. Interestingly, the third intron of thearginase gene includes the elav locus, whose coding sequence is on the complementary DNA strand to that of thearginase. Terrestrial vertebrates produce two arginases from duplicated genes. One form, essentially present in the liver, is a key enzyme of the urea cycle and eliminates excess ammonia through the excretion of urea. The function of the extrahepatic arginase, more ubiquitous, is not well understood. In macrophages, arginase competes with nitric-oxide synthase, which converts arginine into nitric oxide. Most organisms, including insects, produce only one type of arginase, whose function is not centered on ammonia detoxification. ADrosophila cDNA encoding a predicted arginase was isolated. It produces a 1.3-kilobase transcript present with highest levels toward the end of embryogenesis and thereafter. During embryogenesis, the arginase transcripts localize to the fat body. The first mutant allele of the Drosophila arginasegene was identified. It is predicted to produce a 199-amino acid-long C-terminally truncated protein, likely to be inactive. Preliminary characterization of the mutation shows that this recessive allele causes a developmental delay but does not affect viability.
Application of PIXE in the study of shellfish

Abstract The Bartol in-air Pixe system has been used to study the elemental composition of many varieties of sea life; the sensitivity for the elements from Na to Sr is good, a reasonable spatial resolution is attainable and little preparation of the samples is required. Two examples are cited. First, the composition of the inner nacreous and prismatic regions of mussels ( Mytilus edulis ) taken monthly (1981–1982) from the Damariscotta River, Maine, has been measured and, second, the shell and soft tissues of oysters ( Crassostrea virginica ) grown under laboratory conditions on substrate of compacted residues from coal-fired power plants have been analysed. The mussel study shows a rather large anomaly in the Sr/Ca ratio for the nacreous region for May which suggests a possible connection with the reproduction cycle. Oysters grown on metal-containing coal-ash substrata gave tissue and shell metal concentrations similar to natural oysters, an indication of no anomalous uptake of metals from the coal-ash substrata.
The Borehole Jack—Is It a Useful Arctic Tool?

As the working temperatures in ice are very close to its melting point, it behaves viscoelastically and experiences what is commonly known as high temperature embrittlement. Its mechanical properties are rate sensitive and analysis must include load and displacement history. Borehole jack tests can be improved by the use of an electrohydraulic pump in conjunction with simultaneous recording of pressure and diametral displacement as a function of time. These small but significant modifications in the test procedures permit analysis of the response of a borehole jack test system under operational conditions in the High Arctic in first-year and multi-year sea ice.
Liver X receptors as therapeutic targets in metabolism and atherosclerosis

The liver X receptors (LXRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors belonging to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Since their initial identification more than a decade ago, LXRs have been characterized as key transcriptional regulators of lipid and carbohydrate homeostasis. LXRs are activated by the intracellular accumulation of cholesterol derivatives to stimulate cholesterol efflux and reverse cholesterol transport and excretion into the bile. Glucose functions as an LXR ligand in carbohydrate metabolism, and receptor agonism suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis and improves insulin sensitivity. In addition to these beneficial metabolic effects, LXR ligands suppress inflammatory and proliferative responses of vascular cells and prevent the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. In this review, we summarize the important roles of LXRs in metabolism and vascular biology and discuss their implications as potential molecular drug targets for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Vector Subtraction Implemented Neurally: A Neurocomputational Model of Some Sequential Cognitive and Conscious Processes

Although great progress in neuroanatomy and physiology has occurred lately, we still cannot go directly to those levels to discover the neural mechanisms of higher cognition and consciousness. But we can use neurocomputational methods based on these details to push this project forward. Here we describe vector subtraction as an operation that computes sequential paths through high-dimensional vector spaces. Vector-space interpretations of network activity patterns are a fruitful resource in recent computational neuroscience. Vector subtraction also appears to be implemented neurally in primate frontal eye field activity, which computes dimensions of saccadic eye movements. We use this apparent neural implementation as a model and construct from it a general neurocomputational account of an important type of sequential cognitive and conscious process. We defend the biological plausibility of all components of the general model and show that it yields testable anatomical and physiological predictions. We close by suggesting some interesting consequences for consciousness if our model characterizes correctly the neural mechanisms producing a common type of episode in our conscious streams.
A Pilot Rolling Mill Designed for High Strength Steels

High strength steels, such as austenitic stainless steel, Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) steel and silicon steel, have significant work hardening during cold rolling, which in turn induces a quickly increased rolling force. Tension plays a very important role in the reduction of the rolling force. However, coiler tension control system used in the classic experimental rolling mill requires long-scale strip, which cannot be satisfied for most experimental cases. To overcome this drawback, a new pilot rolling mill has been developed. The horizontally located hydraulic cylinders and clamps have been used to apply tension to the rolled short-scale strip. With this rolling mill, the austenitic stainless steel strip, TRIP steel strip and other high strength strips have been studied.
Secondary malignancy among seminoma patients treated with adjuvant radiation therapy

Purpose : Early-stage testicular seminoma is among the most radiosensitive tumors, with an overall cure rate of over 90%. Among those cured of the disease by orchiectomy and postoperative irradiation, there is a risk of having a second malignancy. We conducted a study to determine the relative risk of the occurrence of secondary malignancy. Methods and Materials : From 1964 through 1988, 128 patients with histologically confirmed early-stage seminoma of the testis underwent orchiectomy and postoperative irradiation at the Radiation Oncology Center, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, and affiliate hospitals. The follow-up periods ranged from 5 to 29 years, with a median of 11.7 years. The expected rate of developing a second cancer was computed by the standardized incidence ratio using the Connecticut Tumor Registry Database. The rate is based on the number of person-years at risk, taking into account age, gender, and race. Results : Nine second nontesticular malignancies were found ; the time of appearance in years is indicated in brackets : two squamous cell carcinomas of the lung [3, 11], one adenocarcinoma of the rectum [15], one chronic lymphocytic leukemia [2], one adenocarcinoma of the pancreas [14], one diffuse histiocytic lymphoma of the adrenal gland [7], one sarcoma of the pelvis [5], and two transitional cell carcinomas of the renal pelvis and ureter [14, 17]. One patient who developed a contralateral testicular tumor was excluded from risk assessment. The actuarial risk of second nontesticular cancer is 3%, 5%, and 20%, respectively, at 5, 10, and 15 years of follow-up. When compared with the general population, the overall risk of second nontesticular cancer in the study group did not reach the 0.05 significance level, with an observed/expected (O/E) ratio of 2.09 (95% confidence interval, 0.39-3.35). When analyzed by the latency period after radiation treatment, during the period of 11 to 15 years, the risk was higher (O/E ratio of 4.45, 95% confidence interval, 1.22-11.63) than expected. The median duration for developing a second cancer was 11 years for tumors arising from tissues outside the irradiated field and 14 years for those within or near the irradiated area. Conclusions : The overall observed incidence of second nontesticular malignancy among patients with early-stage testicular seminoma treated with adjuvant radiation therapy was not significantly increased in comparison with the expected incidence. Clinical implications are discussed.
Hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia: Effects of drug treatment on fatty acid composition of plasma lipids and membranes

The effect of atorvastatin, simvastatin and gemfibrozil on fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids (PL), cholesterol esters (CE), triglycerides (TG) and red cell membrane ghosts (G) has been determined in appropriate sample populations of individuals with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) or hypercholesterolemia (HCHL). Treatments were appropriate for the condition, gemfibrozil for HTG and a statin for HCHL. Modifications depend on the drug and lipid fraction examined. Both classes of drugs modify fatty acid composition but gemfibrozil modifications are more numerous and dramatic than are the modifications by statins. Gemfibrozil produces major modifications in fatty acid composition, which are both fatty acid and lipid class specific but generally decreases SFA and increases PUFA (mainly n6) and increases the proportion of fatty acids with chain length of 18C or more. Statins tend to increase chain length but have less effect on saturation. Notably, all three drugs increased arachidonic acid (AA) in PL and CE. Statins decreased gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) in PL and CE but gemfibrozil only increased GLA in TG.
The Assessment of Reliability Under Range Restriction: A Comparison of α, ω, and Test–Retest Reliability for Dichotomous Data

Though much research and attention has been directed at assessing the correlation coefficient under range restriction, the assessment of reliability under range restriction has been largely ignored. This article uses item response theory to simulate dichotomous item-level data to assess the robustness of KR-20 (α), ω, and test–retest under varying selection ratios. These estimators, both corrected and uncorrected for range restriction, were compared in terms of both bias and precision. Test–retest reliability was usually the best estimator of reliability across a variety of conditions. Only under indirect range restriction did KR-20 and ω performed well. All estimators suffered imprecision as a function of range restriction, above and beyond the reduction in sample size. Based on the results, a set of recommendations are proposed.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of neutral and acidic oligosaccharides with collision-induced dissociation

Abstract Using ribonuclease B and human α 1 -acid glycoprotein (AGP) as model glycoproteins, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry with collision-induced dissociation (CID) is validated here as an effective tool for oligosaccharide sequencing. The spectra acquired for high-mannose and complex oligosaccharide structures show characteristic fragments resulting from cleavages of the glycosidic bonds and a few cross-ring cleavages. Esterification of the sialic acid residues is essential in stabilizing the acidic N -linked oligosaccharides. An important analytical feature observed in all acquired spectra is the occurrence of cleavages on the same antenna up to the branching point, as deduced from the absence of fragmentation due to the simultaneous cleavages on two or more antennas.
Increased efficiency of leukocyte collection from patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia.

The continuous flow centrifuge extracorporeal circulating system presently used for the collection of large quantities of leukocytes from patients with leukemia has been modified to increase operating efficiency. A feedback loop was designed and incorporated into the system, which has increased the efficiency of collecting leukocytes from 31 to 47 per cent. This improvement has reduced the treatment time required for a given patient.
Reduced productivity in adult yellowfever mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) populations

Male and female Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquitoes of the laboratory strain ROCK were irradiated with 130 mw of argon 514.5 nm laser microbeams for 0.04, 0.25, 0.4, and 0.5 s, respectively. Egg production, percentage hatch, and productivity (average number of adults surviving after 3 wk) were used to assess mutagenic effects. Mortality was high for males in all laser radiation groups and increased with time of exposure. Except for the group treated for 0.25 s, significant reductions in total F1 progeny also were demonstrated for all other experimentals when male parents were exposed to laser radiation. Females showed a high mortality when subjected to 0.4- and 0.5-s laser radiation. No F1 progeny were produced when parental females were exposed for 0.25, 0.4, and 0.5 s. Numbers of F1 progeny from females exposed to 0.04 s of laser radiation were significantly reduced. A comparison of weekly mean number of progeny showed that the important differences in productivity occurred during the first and second week, respectively, when either male or female adult parents were subjected to laser radiation.
The non-hydrolytic pathway of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator ion channel gating

It has been suggested that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel may utilize a novel gating mechanism in which open and closed states are not in thermodynamic equilibrium. This suggestion is based on the assumption that energy of ATP hydrolysis drives the gating cycle. We demonstrate that CFTR channel gating occurs in the absence of ATP hydrolysis and hence does not depend on an input of free energy from this source. The binding of ATP or structurally related analogues that are poorly or non-hydrolysable is sufficient to induce opening. Closing occurs on dissociation of these ligands or the hydrolysis products of those that can be cleaved. Not only can channel opening occur without ATP hydrolysis but the temperature dependence of the open probability (Po.) is reversed, i.e. Po. increases as temperature is lowered whereas under hydrolytic conditions, Po. increases as temperature is elevated. This indicates that there are different rate-limiting steps in the alternate gating pathways (hydrolytic and non-hydrolytic). These observations demonstrate that phosphorylated CFTR behaves as a conventional ligand-gated channel employing cytoplasmic ATP as a readily available cytoplasmic ligand; under physiological conditions ligand hydrolysis provides efficient reversibility of channel opening.
Hyperglycemia with hyperosmalal dehydration in nondiabetic infants

Hypernatremia with simultaneous hyperglycemia resulted in nonketotic hyperosmolal dehydration in 3 nondiabetic infants. Gastroenteritis was the precipitating illness. The hyperglycemia was transient but caused significant osmolal changes. Hyperglycemia was attributed to a stress reaction modified by the hypernatremia. Hydration alone appears to correct the hyperglycemia.
Smoke exposure of human macrophages reduces HDAC3 activity, resulting in enhanced inflammatory cytokine production.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating condition resulting from exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke. Pulmonary macrophages secrete a plethora of inflammatory mediators that are increased in the lungs of COPD patients, but whether this phenotype results directly from smoke exposure remains unknown. Using an in vitro model for alveolar macrophages (AM) derived from human peripheral blood monocytes with granulocyte-macrophage stimulating factor (GM-MO), we analyzed the mechanistic connection between cigarette smoke exposure and histone deacetylase (HDAC) regulation, hypothesized to be a contributing factor in COPD pathophysiology. Here we show that acute smoke exposure inhibits HDAC enzymatic activity in GM-MO. Analysis of mRNA and total cellular proteins for expression of class I (1, 2, 3 and 8), class II (4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10), and class IV (11) HDAC revealed no effect of smoke exposure, whereas nuclear HDAC3 protein content was reduced. To better understand the physiological significance of reduced HDAC3 activity, we utilized siRNA to knockdown HDAC1, 2 and 3 individually. Interestingly, siRNA-mediated reduction of HDAC3 resulted in increased production of IL8 and IL1β in response to LPS stimulation, while HDAC2 knockdown had no effect on either cytokine. Lower nuclear content of HDAC3 in the context of equivalent total HDAC protein levels following smoke exposure may reflect increased nuclear export of HDAC3, allowing increased nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB ) driven cytokine expression that can contribute to inflammation.
Soft X-Ray Transmission Gratings

A technique has been developed for producing transmission diffraction gratings suitable for use in the soft x-ray region. Thin self-supporting films of a transparent material are overlaid with several thousand opaque metallic strips per mm. Gratings with 2100, 2400, and 5600 1/mm have been produced and tested. Representative spectra over the wavelength range from 17.2 to 40.0 nm are given for a grating consisting of a 120-nm-thick Al support layer overlaid with 2400, 34-nm-thick, Ag strips/mm. The absolute transmittance is rblp at 30 nm, and the efficiency in the first order is ~16%. The observed resolution of rb2A is acceptable for many of the potential applications. These gratings have several advantages over the two presently available alternatives in the soft x-ray region (i.e., reflection gratings used at grazing incidence and free-standing metallic wire transmission gratings). Fabrication is relatively quick, simple, and cheap. The support layer can also serve as a filter and help conduct excessive heat away. Higher line densities and hence higher resolutions are possible, and when used at normal incidence the spectra are aberration free. Suitable materials, component thicknesses, and line densities can be chosen to produce a grating of optimum characteristics for a particular application.
Structural control of floating wind turbines

Abstract The application of control techniques to offshore wind turbines has the potential to significantly improve the structural response, and thus reliability, of these systems. Passive and active control is investigated for a floating barge-type wind turbine. Optimal passive parameters are determined using a parametric investigation for a tuned mass damper system. A limited degree of freedom model is identified with synthetic data and used to design a family of controllers using H ∞ multivariable loop shaping. The controllers in this family are then implemented in full degree of freedom time domain simulations. The performance of the passive and active control is quantified using the reduction in fatigue loads of the tower base bending moment. The performance is calculated as a function of active power consumption and the stroke of the actuator. The results are compared to the baseline and optimal passive system, and the additional achievable load reduction using active control is quantified. It is shown that the optimized passive system results in tower fore-aft fatigue load reductions of approximately 10% compared to a baseline turbine. For the active control, load reductions of 30% or more are achievable, at the expense of active power and large strokes. Active control is shown to be an effective means of reducing structural loads, and the costs in power and stroke to achieve these reductions are demonstrated.
Regional Clay Mineral Patterns in the Gulf of Mexico

A semiquantitative study of the surficial clay mineral distribution from 79 cores in the Recent sediments in the Gulf of Mexico shows a regional pattern which can be related to source and environment. The dominant factor controlling distribution of these surflcial sediments appears to be source. Montmorillonite is the most abundant clay mineral, and illite, chlorite, kaolinite and mixed-layer minerals are present in almost every sample.
A Note on George Gissing

Young explains the context of a George Gissing postcard written on May 7, 1899 from Paris to his collaborator on a new edition on Charles Dickins works.
CALCULATION OF TURBULENT BOUNDARY LAYERS OVER FLAT PLATES WITH DIFFERENT PHENOMENOLOGICAL THEORIES OF TURBULENCE AND VARIABLE TURBULENT PRANDTL NUMBER

Abstract Three different hypotheses representing turbulent transport are investigated. The three models are the Van Driest model of turbulence, a modified Nee-Kovasznay hypothesis and a combination of the kinetic energy of turbulence and the mixing length hypotheses. A model for the variable turbulent Prandtl number is developed. Numerical solutions are obtained using a modified Spalding-Patankar finite difference method. Several empirical constants are evaluated and predictions are then tested against experimental data and show very good agreement. The importance of a variable turbulent Prandtl number is demonstrated.
Computing the P-value of the information content from an alignment of multiple sequences

Motivation: The efficient and accurate computation of P-values is an essential requirement for motif-finding and alignment tools. We show that the approximation algorithms used in two popular motif-finding programs, MEME and Consensus, can fail to accurately compute the P-value. Results: We present two new algorithms: one for the evaluation of the P-values of a range of motif scores, and a faster one for the evaluation of the P-value of a single motif score. Both exhibit more reliability than existing algorithms, and the latter algorithm is comparable in speed to the fastest existing method. Availability: The algorithms described in this paper are available from http://www.cs.cornell.edu/~keich Contact: keich@cs.cornell.edu