cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Humor in Discourse

Three main approaches to humor in discourse will be discussed in this article: (1) the semantic/pragmatic analyses, which seek to identify the necessary and sufficient properties for a text to be potentially humorous and the modalities of distribution of humor within the texts; (2) the conversation and discourse analysis-based functionalist theories, which see the affiliative and disaffiliative social functions of humor as the primary functions of humor; and, (3) the corpus-based approaches that supplement the functional analysis with an emphasis on quantitative questions. Keywords: cognitive processes; group communication; humor; interpersonal communication; language and social interaction
An MPI version of the BLACS

In this paper, issues related to implementing an MPI version of the Basic Linear Communication Subprograms (BLACS) are investigated. A set of routines, the MPI Linear Algebra Communication Subprograms (MLACS), are presented, and these are used to implement an MPI version of the BLACS. The MLACS provide the same functionality as the BLACS, but extend the functionality of the BLACS to include both blocking and nonblocking communication, and all four of the MPI communication modes. >
Optimized polynomial expansion for scattering amplitudes

In devising the most efficient way to determine a scattering amplitude from experimental data, it is important to make full use of the analyticity properties of the amplitude. The amplitude $f(x)$ considered here is given by data on a connected part of the real $x$ axis, and $f(x)$ is assumed to be analytic in a simply connected part of the $x$ plane; there are branch cuts on part of the remainder of the real axis. For convenience in practical calculations it is simplest to expand in polynomials, but for greater flexibility one may consider polynomials of some function $z(x)$. The polynomial expansion will converge as rapidly as possible if $z(x)$ maps the domain of analyticity in the $x$ plane onto the interior of a certain ellipse in the $z$ plane. More precisely, the expansion will then have the greatest possible geometric rates of convergence, both to $f(x)$ in the physical region, and also at any arbitrary point away from the physical region to which one may wish to extrapolate. Formulas are given that enable the mapping from a cut plane to an ellipse to be calculated quickly and easily. Some properties of the transformation that are relevant to partial-wave analysis are examined in detail. A method is suggested whereby the requirements of unitarity may be explicitly incorporated.
Propeller tip vortex interactions

Propeller wakes interacting with aircraft aerodynamic surfaces are a source of noise and vibration. For this reason, flow visualization work on the motion of the helical tip vortex over a wing and through the second stage of a counterrotation propeller (CRP) has been pursued. Initially, work was done on the motion of a propeller helix as it passes over the center of a 9.0 aspect ratio wing. The propeller tip vortex experiences significant spanwise displacements when passing across a lifting wing. A stationary propeller blade or stator was installed behind the rotating propeller to model the blade vortex interaction in a CRP. The resulting vortex interaction was found to depend on the relative vortex strengths and vortex sign.
ON THE PUBLIC AND CIVIC PURPOSES OF EDUCATION

In this review essay, Kathleen Knight Abowitz discusses three recent books related to democratic public life and schooling: Susan H. Fuhrman and Marvin Lazerson’s The Public Schools, Walter C. Parker’s Teaching Democracy: Unity and Diversity in Public Life, and Kevin McDonough and Walter Feinberg’s Education and Citizenship in Liberal-Democratic Societies. Abowitz details how each text is inspired by meanings of liberal democracy that evolved during the Enlightenment era, in which individual rights were constitutionally coded and equality came to be a powerful social and educational ideal, and how each book also takes up different sorts of Enlightenment traditions of public life and education, attempting to revitalize their meanings for public education today. Yet while these books are inspiring and instructive in numerous ways, they are also notable for the issues they fail to take into theoretical account, particularly the colonization of public spheres by the private and market-based spheres of commerce, and the ways in which increasing ecological crisis calls for new ways of conceiving our political and educational frameworks.
Electronic Research Libraries

Three distinct electronic libraries offering on–line access to financial scholarly research publications are discussed: the Social Science Research Network, JSTOR, and Elsevier Science.
Bronchogenic carcinoma complicating lung transplantation

Abstract Background Malignancy is a well-recognized complication of solid-organ transplantation. Although a variety of malignancies have been reported in lung transplant recipients, a paucity of information exists regarding the incidence and clinical course of bronchogenic carcinoma in this patient population. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of our lung transplant experience at the University of Pennsylvania. Results We identified 6 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma detected at the time of, or developing after, transplantation. The incidence of bronchogenic carcinoma was 2.4%. All patients with lung cancer had a history of smoking, with an average of 79 ± 39 pack-years. A total of 5 patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 1 had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Lung cancers were all of non–small-cell histology and first developed in native lungs. Three patients had bronchogenic carcinoma at the time of surgery. The remaining 3 patients were diagnosed between 280 and 1,982 days post-transplantation. Of the 6 patients, 4 presented with a rapid course suggestive of an infectious process. The 1- and 2-year survival rates after diagnosis were 33% and 17%, respectively. Conclusion Lung transplant recipients are at risk for harboring or developing bronchogenic carcinoma in their native lungs. Rapid progression to locally advanced or metastatic disease commonly occurs, at times mimicking an infection. Bronchogenic carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pleuroparenchymal processes involving the native lung.
Characterization of X-ray emission from aluminum x-pinch plasmas driven by the 0.5 TW lion accelerator

Abstract Intense bright x-ray sources from dense z-pinch and x-pinch plasmas are being investigated for photo-pumping x-ray laser media. Crossed Al wire X-pinches with mass line density up to hundreds of micrograms per centimeter have been imploded by up to 600 kA current for 40 ns using a 0.5 TW pulsed power generator. High density bright spots are observed. Soft x-ray spectroscopy was used to infer plasma density of up to ∼10 20 cm -3 , and temperature of 100 -300 eV. The optimum mass loading for different ionization stages of Al ions was examined. Parallel wire z-pinches yielded both lower density up to ∼10 19 cm -3 , and lower temperatures (70 - 200 eV), than the X-pinch plasmas.
Best practices for enterprise social software adoption

In this case study, we present the results of a longitudinal study of the end-user adoption of social software within a large global enterprise. Existing Technology Adoption Models (e.g., UTAUT) were extended and used as a general framework for studying user adoption. Several "best practices" to promote end-user adoption are identified and discussed, including: integration with company intranet, email notifications, evangelism programs, executive support, mandatory migration and usage, and corporate-sponsored campaigns or events.
Cranial capacity and neuron number: a critique and proposal.

Some recent studies correlating cranial capacity with behavioral development and more molecular parameters such as neuron number are critically examined. These studies are found lacking in terms of basic assumptions and empirical support from other studies. In general, it is shown that these studies have overlooked an important aspect of brain evolution in the Primate Order, i.e., reorganization, or the shifting quantitative relationships of subsystems and components of the nervous system. A distinction is made between two approaches to the problem of the evolution of brain and behavior: (1) the “quantitative-specific” and (2) the “quantitative-general.” Attempts to derive specificity in terms of estimates of the number of cortical neurons in different pongid and hominid brains are premature unless basic data regarding organizational shifts are known. A supporting argument for the priority of the “quantitative-general” approach for all levels of the primate nervous system is made. Such a descriptive level is more amenable to synthesis with current neurophysiological knowledge and primate field and laboratory studies than the “quantitative-specific” approach.
Boson Method in Superconductivity: Application to the Study of Vortex Lines

The boson method in superconductivity, developed in previous articles, is extended and applied to the problem of vortices in neutral and type-II superconductors. In the approximation considered, the distributions of current and magnetic field of a single vortex are given in the whole domain, up to the center of the flux line. Expressions for the vortex self-energy and the interaction energy between two vortices are also derived. In the limiting case in which $\ensuremath{\kappa}\ensuremath{\gg}1$ (where $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ is the Ginzburg-Landau parameter) and the structure of the core is approximated by a $\ensuremath{\delta}$ function, our results agree with those of Abrikosov's theory, based on the Ginzburg-Landau equations.
Magnetic Thermometry with Cerium Magnesium Nitrate and Its Relation to the Properties of He 3

Direct comparison of the magnetic temperature of one cerium-magnesium-nitrate powder thermoeter with that of a single-crystal sphere shows that the former is less than the latter by $\ensuremath{\Delta}=+(0.46\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05)$ mdeg K. Comparison of other powdered thermometers suggests that $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ may vary from thermometer to thermometer by 0.1 to 0.2 mdeg K. These values of $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ do not lead to serious difficulties when comparing experimental properties of ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ with theories of the Fermi liquid.
An 121Sb Mössbauer study of metal antimonates

Abstract A series of metal antimonates crystallizing in the rutile (M(III)SbO4), trirutile or lead antimonate (M(II)Sb2O6), and pyrochlore or weberite (M(II)Sb2O7) structures have been studied by 121Sb Mossbauer spectroscopy. All of these structures contain Sb(V)O6 units which differ slightly but are essentially octahedral. The observed line widths are correlated with either distortion of the octahedra or the presence of multiple sites for antimony. The isomer shifts with respect to InSb were found to fall in the following ranges: pyrochlores, 9·14–9·36 mm/sec; trirutiles 8·65–8·99 mm/sec; rutiles 8·35–9·02 mm/sec; weberites, 8·74–8·82 mm/sec; lead antimonates, 8·33–8·75 mm/sec. The most striking effect is the remarkable variation of over 1 mm/sec in isomer shift in compounds in which the local environment is basically the same. This variation is related not only to structure type but also to the nature of the positive ion.
Butter Fat in Dermatitis-Producing Diets

SummaryThe anti-dermatitis action of fresh butter fat has been confirmed. Destruction of the anti-dermatitis potency of butter fat has been demonstrated in a diet in which the butter fat was allowed to become rancid.
Multiple Ruby Laser System For High Speed Photography

A multiple ruby laser system is used to provide intense, extremely short (30 ns) highly monochromatic light pulses for high speed photography. The light output from the lasers is transmitted to the two optical systems with fiber optic light guides. The ruby lasers are employed with a conventional Cranz-Schardin system in dynamic photoelastic studies of stress waves and in studies of crack branching in tempered glass. The ruby lasers are employed with an unorthodox Cranz-Schardin system in ballistics studies of armor penetration. Of particular importance is the use of a microprocessor which provides precise synchronization by computing in real time the anticipated arrival time and controlling the Q-switching of the lasers. Variations in projectile velocity due to projectile weight, charge density, and drag are accommodated by programming the microprocessor.
Qualitative Mikroanalyse organischer Substanzen

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird ein Schema fur die systematische qualitative Mikroanalyse organischer Substanzen angegeben. Es erfolgt eine genaue Schilderung der Mikrotechnik der qualitativen Elementaranalyse und der Ausfuhrung der verschiedenen Klassifikationsreaktionen. Ebenso werden die Verfahren zur schlieslichen Identifizierung der Verbindung beschrieben.
The development of expert face processing: Are infants sensitive to normal differences in second-order relational information?

Sensitivity to second-order relational information (i.e., spatial relations among features such as the distance between eyes) is a vital part of achieving expertise with face processing. Prior research is unclear on whether infants are sensitive to second-order differences seen in typical human populations. In the current experiments, we examined whether infants are sensitive to changes in the space between the eyes and between the nose and the mouth that are within the normal range of variability in Caucasian female faces. In Experiment 1, 7-month-olds detected these changes in second-order relational information. Experiment 2 extended this finding to 5-month-olds and also found that infants detect second-order relations in upright faces but not in inverted faces, thereby exhibiting an inversion effect that has been considered to be a hallmark of second-order relational processing during adulthood. These results suggest that infants as young as 5 months are sensitive to second-order relational changes that are within the normal range of human variability. They also indicate that at least rudimentary aspects of face processing expertise are available early in life.
Magnetic Levitation and Noncoalescence of Liquid Helium.

We describe experiments in which drops of liquid helium-4, as large as 2 cm in diameter, are magnetically levitated. We have found that, when two or more drops are levitated in the same magnetic trap, the drops often remain in a state of apparent contact without coalescing. It appears that this effect is caused by the slow evaporation of liquid from the drops.
Student Projects with Real-time Sensor Data

Applications of mobile computing in education go far beyond being a motivating and engaging tool, introducing fundamental programming concepts, or teaching basic mobile application development. Mobile devices also provide an excellent platform for a broad class of advanced student projects leveraging the real-time data streamed from embedded hardware sensors.
An electron microscopy study of chip formation

Chip formation or metal cutting is a unique large strain, high strain rate plastic deformation process. Almost all the previously reported studies of chip formation have examined the problem from the point of view of the mechanics of the deformable bodies using the mathematical theory of plasticity. This study, recognizing the heterogeneous nature of chip formation as encountered in course of machining metals, examines the problem from the metal physical or metallurgical view point. Electron microscopy studies were carried out on steel as well as nonferrous metal chips produced by shop machining conditions and compared to those chips produced by ultramicrotomy. This thin film orthogonal cutting process was employed to produce chips for microscopic examinations under well controlled and repeatable experimental conditions. The experiments carried out were designed to clarify the details of the heterogeneous plastic deformation activity occurring on the microscopic level during machining. The morphological (external surface) characteristics of the chips observed with the scanning electron microscope were correlated with the internal, dislocated structure of the chips observed by transmission electron microscopy methods. The effect of a stacking fault energy (SFE) change in an Ag-Sn alloy on chip thickness ratio(ν t) is presented for the first time, demonstrating that this deformation process is sensitive to changes in SFE. The essentially discontinuous nature of the chip formation process observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy is analyzed with a model involving dynamic dislocation behavior in a metal in the presence of large energy dissipation arising from plastic flow to account for the observed instability.
Degradation of poly(acrylates) under SF5+ primary ion bombardment studied using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. 3. Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) with chemical derivatization

Molecular depth profiling of polymers by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) has focused on the use of polyatomic primary ions due to their low penetration depth and high damage removal rates in some polymers. This study is the third in a series of systematic characterizations of the effect of polymer chemistry on degradation under polyatomic primary ion bombardment. In this study, time-of-flight SIMS (ToF-SIMS) was used to assess 5 keV SF5+-induced damage of ∼90 nm thick spin-cast poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and ∼130 nm thick trifluoroacetic anhydride-derivatized PHEMA (TFAA-PHEMA) films. The degradation of these polymers under extended SF5+ bombardment (∼2 × 1014 ions cm−2) was compared to determine the effect of the pendant group chemistry on their degradation. The sputter rate and ion-induced damage accumulation rate of PHEMA were similar to a poly(n-alkyl methacrylate) of similar pendant group length, suggesting that the addition of a terminal hydroxyl group to the alkyl pendant group does not markedly change the stability of poly(n-alkyl methacrylates) under SF5+ bombardment. The sputter rate and ion-induced damage accumulation rate of TFAA-PHEMA were much higher than a poly(n-alkyl methacrylate) of similar pendant group length, suggesting that derivatization of the terminal hydroxyl group can significantly reduce degradation of the polymer under SF5+ bombardment. This result is in good agreement with the literature on the thermal and radiation-induced degradation of fluorinated poly(alkyl methacrylates), which suggests that the electron-withdrawing fluorinated pendant group increases the probability of depolymerization. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bubble Acceleration in the Ablative Rayleigh-Taylor Instability

The highly nonlinear evolution of the single-mode Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) at the ablation front of an accelerated target is investigated in the parameter range typical of inertial confinement fusion implosions. A new phase of the nonlinear bubble evolution is discovered. After the linear growth phase and a short constant-velocity phase, it is found that the bubble is accelerated to velocities well above the classical value. This acceleration is driven by the vorticity accumulation inside the bubble resulting from the mass ablation and vorticity convection off the ablation front. While the ablative growth rates are slower than their classical values in the linear regime, the ablative RTI grows faster than the classical RTI in the nonlinear regime for deuterium and tritium ablators.
DCs in the Driver’s Seat

Efforts to understand the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases have centered largely on effector T cells—T cells that differentiate to produce proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 17 (IL-17). The nature of how these T cells are driven to become inflammatory effectors is less characterized
Epigenetic silencing of HSulf-1 in ovarian cancer:implications in chemoresistance.

To investigate the mechanism by which HSulf-1 expression is downregulated in ovarian cancer, DNA methylation and histone acetylation of HSulf-1 was analysed in ovarian cancer cell lines and primary tumors. Treatment of OV207 and SKOV3 by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine resulted in increased transcription of HSulf-1. Sequence analysis of bisulfite-modified genomic DNA from ovarian cell lines and primary tumors without HSulf-1 expression revealed an increase in the frequency of methylation of 12 CpG sites in exon 1A. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed an increase in histone H3 methylation in cell lines without HSulf-1 expression. To assess the significance of HSulf-1 downregulation in ovarian cancer, OV167 and OV202 cells were transfected with HSulf-1 siRNA. Downregulation of HSulf-1 expression in OV167 and OV202 cells lead to an attenuation of cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, patients with ovarian tumors expressing higher levels of HSulf-1 showed a 90% response rate (27/30) to chemotherapy compared to a response rate of 63% (19/30) in those with weak or moderate levels (P=0.0146, χ2 test). Collectively, these data indicate that HSulf-1 is epigenetically silenced in ovarian cancer and that epigenetic therapy targeting HSulf-1 might sensitize ovarian tumors to conventional first-line therapies.
Integrating productive activities into aftercare programs for chronic patients: The oregon linc model

Oregon's LINC program for chronic patients shows how productive activities can be integrated into a comprehensive aftercare program. The spectrum of LINC activities in each segment of the support network is described, with special emphasis on the productive activities.
Abnormal pattern of amphetamine locomotion after 6-OHDA lesion of anteromedial caudate.

Abstract 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injections into the anteromedial caudate nucleus (AMCN) produced severe loss of dopamine (DA) fibers in this region of the caudate. After a low dose of d-amphetamine (1.5 mg/kg), AMCN 6-OHDA rats made fewer traverses of the length of the activity cage than control rats. In contrast, AMCN 6-OHDA rats interrupted a photocell beam that passed across the middle of the long axis of the activity cage as often as control rats. 6-OHDA injections into the nucleus accumbens (NAc) produced severe loss of DA fibers in NAc without significantly damaging the adjacent anteromedial caudate or olfactory tubercle. After d-amphetamine (1.5 mg/kg), NAc 6-OHDA rats interrupted the photocell beam and traversed the length of the activity cage as frequently as control rats. We conclude that the DA innervation to the anteromedial caudate, but not to the nucleus accumbens, is necessary for that part of the normal locomotor response to a low dose of d-amphetamine that is required for the performance of long traverses of an activity cage.
High-cell-density cultivation of an engineered Rhodococcus opacus strain for lipid production via co-fermentation of glucose and xylose.

Abstract An engineered strain MITXM-61 of Rhodococcus opacus PD630 capable of utilizing xylose was used to produce biofuel precursor-triacylglycerols (TAG) from mixed glucose–xylose substrates. Optimal nitrogen source and carbon source concentrations were investigated for cell growth and microbial lipid production by MITXM-61 in flask cultures. In a two-stage batch culture, the maximum lipid yield (0.152 g TAG per g consumed carbon source) was achieved by utilizing a mixture of glucose and xylose. The fed-batch culture featured intermittent feeding of refined xylose solution during the lipid accumulation stage provided 45 g L−1 of cell dry weight, 54% (g TAG per g cell dry weight) of lipid content, 0.179 g g−1 (g TAG per g consumed carbon source) of lipid yield, and a 6.9 g L−1 day−1 of lipid productivity. Fatty acids extracted from microbial lipids produced by MITXM-61 were predominately palmitic and oleic acids, which are the major components in TAG-derived biofuels.
Stress Relaxation and Dynamic Properties of Polymers

The mechanical behavior of an idealized linear polymer is discussed in terms of the Maxwell relaxation theory. When a simple rectangular distribution of relaxation times is assumed, it is shown that the dynamic properties can be related to those deduced from stress relaxation data by the equation: where ηdyn is the dynamically measured internal friction or viscosity, ω the radian frequency, and E° the negative slope of the relaxation curve plotted as reduced stress vs. log10 time. Appli cation of this equation to values of ωηdyn and stress relaxation data on rubbers obtained by Dillon, Prettyman, and Hall [5] and data on textile fibers by Dunell and Dillon [6] is made. Better than order-of-magnitude agreement was obtained between dynamically measured values of ωηdyn and those calculated by the above equation for the series of rubber stocks and fibers considered. The theory presented has interesting implications in regard to the structures of the various polymers studied, most of which would not a priori b...
On the conversion of high molecular weight urokinase to the low molecular weight form by plasmin.

Abstract The conversion of high molecular weight urokinase (HMW-UK) to low molecular weight urokinase (LMW-UK) by plasmin in vitro has been studied. The two forms of urokinase were separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis and active enzyme was extracted from 5 mm gel segments into isotonic saline and analyzed by the fibrin plate method. Electrophoretic separation of the two forms was complete, as indicated by comparison with the migration of purified standards and by the absence of lytic activity in extracts of intervening gel segments. HMW-UK was incubated with plasminogen and fibrinogen for various time intervals, after which enzymatic activity was inhibited with aprotinin and the samples subjected to electrophoresis. Conversion from HMW-UK to LMW-UK was apparent in the first sample at 2.5 minutes and continued for the 10 minute duration of the experiments. Similar experiments starting with LMW-UK showed no change in molecular weight. Incubation of HMW-UK without plasminogen resulted in no conversion to LMW-UK, indicating that plasmin was the active agent and that the reaction was not autocatalytic.
The use of acetone-benzene infiltration in histological technic.

(1951). The Use of Acetone-Benzene Infiltration in Histological Technic. Stain Technology: Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 89-90.
High temperature tensile and creep behaviour of low pressure plasma-sprayed NiCoCrAlY coating alloy

The high temperature tensile and creep behavior of low pressure plasma-sprayed plates of a typical Ni-Co-Cr-Al-Y alloy has been studied. From room temperature to 800 K, the Ni-Co-Cr-Al-Y alloy studied has nearly a constant low ductility and a high strength. At higher temperatures, it becomes weak and highly ductile. At and above 1123 K, the behavior is highly dependent on strain rate and exhibits classic superplastic characteristics with a high ductility at intermediate strain rates and a strain rate sensitivity of about 0.5. At either higher or lower strain rates, the ductility decreases and the strain rate sensitivities are about 0.2. In the superplastic deformation range, the activation energy for creep is 120 + or - 20 kJ/mol, suggesting a diffusion-aided grain boundary sliding mechanism. Outside the superplastic range, the activation energy for creep is calculated to be 290 + or - 20 kJ/mol.
Releasable vascular plasminogen activator and thrombotic strokes

Releasable vascular plasminogen activator was measured in 28 patients (14 males and 14 females) with a history of thrombotic strokes documented by computed tomographic scanning. Levels were compared with those in a control population of 126 healthy subjects with no history of thromboembolic disease. The patient population tended to have higher levels of activator than the control population, 0.53 Committee on Thrombolytic Agents (CTA) units/ml of plasma for patients versus 0.21 CTA units/ml for control subjects; however, there was a wide distribution of values, as reported in all previous populations. Since plasminogen activator levels distribute in a non-Gaussian manner, patient values and control values were stratified into deciles. By this approach, the distribution among the patient was not significantly different from that among the control subjects except in females, who demonstrated skewing to higher deciles (p = 0.019). It is concluded that thrombotic strokes are not associated with low levels of releasable vascular plasminogen activator, and in fact, these patients may present with levels considerably above the mean for normal subjects.
Empirical equations for moisture absorption of a rigid substrate

Abstract One of the reliability limitations of an FBGA package is its sensitivity to moisture, i.e., popcorn failure. This paper studies the moisture absorption behavior of thin FBGA substrate materials in order to improve the package's moisture performance. A set of empirical equation is developed to estimate the amount of moisture absorbed in two different states–the steady state and the transient state–under different environmental conditions. For the steady– or saturation–state, the soldermask volume is used to estimate the saturation point because of its higher sensitivity to moisture absorption as compared to the thin core material. For the transient state, non-Fickian law is employed to estimate the moisture content by computing the constants b and n in the non-Fick equation. Since the empirical equations obtained apply well to different humidity conditions, they can also be applied in a desiccator environment. These equations provide a good and quick calculation on the amount of moisture in the substrates at various steps in the assembly process, improving process control and, hence, the package's overall moisture performance.
Reductions in Ichthyoplankton Entrainment with Fine-Mesh, Wedge-Wire Screens

Abstract The exclusion efficiency of cylindrical wedge-wire screens was investigated at the Chalk Point Steam Electric Station in Aquasco, Maryland, by measuring entrainment of larval bay anchovies Anchoa mitchilli and naked gobies Gobiosoma bosci through screens with slot sizes of 1, 2, and 3 mm and through an unscreened intake. The degree of exclusion by the screens increased with fish size. Fish less than 5 mm long were not excluded by any of the screens. In contrast, more than 80% of larger ichthyoplankton were excluded by all screens. Virtually no ichthyoplankton larger than 10 mm were entrained through the 1-mm screen even when fish of this size were abundant and were entrained through the unscreened intake. The 2-mm and 3-mm-slot screens were not as effective at excluding ichthyoplankton as the 1-mm screen, but the effect of slot size on exclusion efficiency was small relative to the effect of fish size. These results suggest that entrainment through water intake structures can be successfully redu...
Void fraction and pressure drop in two phase stratified flow

A procedure for computing the void-fraction and pressure drop in two-phase stratified flow over the whole range of flows from turbulent-turbulent to laminar-laminar, has been put forth. The results are in excellent agreement with those of previous investigators in flow situations where data are available. Simple curve fits of the theoretical results have been developed to compute the required quantities, as functions of the Lockhart - Martinelli parameters.
Sampling methods to estimate stem length and surface area of tropical tree species

Abstract Sampling strategies to provide unbiased estimates of individual tree characteristics have received increased attention in the past decade. Sampling-based estimation is appealing for many tropical species owing to the dearth of appropriately fitted models from which one can obtain an accurate prediction of these characteristics. Two methods, namely randomized branch sampling and importance sampling, are described in this paper. Their application to estimate surface (bark) area and average stem length is elucidated. Extensions to a stratified design are briefly discussed.
Value of information method for optimization and experimental design using surrogate models

Abstract Experimentation is required for modeling empirical functions and optimization. In manufacturing, experiments are costly and time-consuming, thereby limiting the number of function evaluations. This paper describes a value of information method for experimental design and optimization using surrogate modeling. Value of information is defined as the absolute difference between optimal value before experiment and the expected optimal value after experiment, or, the expected improvement in the optimum after experiment. The value of information based experimental design performs better than the traditional statistical design of experiments such as Taguchi orthogonal arrays, and central composite design, especially in three or more dimensions.
Three-dimensional migration of human adult dermal fibroblasts from collagen lattices into fibrin/fibronectin gels requires syndecan-4 proteoglycan.

Fibroblast migration from the peri-wound collagenous stroma into the fibrin-laden wound is critical for granulation tissue formation and subsequent healing. Previously we found that fibroblast transmigration from a collagen matrix into a fibrin matrix required fibronectin (FN). Integrins α4β1, α5β1, and αvβ3 and dermatan sulfate CD44 were required for this invasive migration. Here we demonstrated that syndecan-4, a transmembrane heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan, known to bind FN, is also required for fibroblast invasive migration of a fibrin/FN gel. This conclusion was based on fibroblast migration using two independent means of disrupting syndecan-4: heparinase degradation of HS glycosaminoglycans or suppression of syndecan-4 core protein with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides. Isolated syndecan-4 from these fibroblasts bound Hep II recombinant constructs FN III12-V15>FN III12-15>FN III12-14 but did not bind the IIICS (V) domain. Furthermore, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which is required to stimulate fibroblast migration, markedly increased cell levels of syndecan-4 core protein in a time and concentration-dependent fashion. PDGF also induced upregulation of syndecan-4 at transcriptional level as determined by RT-PCR. These results demonstrate that syndecan-4 is essential for fibroblast invasive migration into fibrin clot and that PDGF, the stimulus for migration, induces increased syndecan-4 core protein expression.
Fractionation of sulfur isotopes during laboratory synthesis of pyrite at low temperatures

Abstract The reaction products and the accompanying sulfur isotope fractionations during the reaction of H 2 S with goethite in aqueous media at 22–24°C for periods from 0.5 hr to 65 days were studied. Fine-grained pyrite formed within two days and was isotopically 0.8‰ lighter than the H 2 S source. After 65 days reaction time the pyrite had nearly the same isotopic value as the H 2 S. Aqueous precipitation of pyrite from H 2 S and goethite at room temperature involved three major steps, namely: (1) the rapid oxidation of H 2 S and reduction of Fe 3+ during which elemental S is formed; (2) the formation of acid-volatile sulfides and the disappearance of elemental S; and (3) the formation of pyrite at the expense of acid-volatile sulfides.
The Three-dimensional Structure of the Warm Local Interstellar Medium. II. The Colorado Model of the Local Interstellar Cloud

In this second paper in a series on the structure of the local interstellar medium (LISM), we construct a three-dimensional model of the local interstellar cloud (LIC) based on Hubble Space Telescope (HST), Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE), and ground-based Ca II spectra. Starting with hydrogen column densities derived from deuterium column densities measured with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph instrument on HST for 16 lines of sight to nearby stars, we derive a model consisting of the sum of nine spherical harmonics that best fit the data. We then rederive the model by including the lines of sight to three hot white dwarfs observed by EUVE and 13 lines of sight with Ca II column densities at the projected LIC velocity. The LIC model is clearly not a long thin filamentary structure like optical images of some interstellar clouds (e.g., reflection nebulae in the Pleiades), but neither is it spherical in shape. As seen from the north Galactic pole, the LIC is egg-shaped with an axis of symmetry that points in the direction l ≈ 315°. Since the direction of the center of the Scorpius-Centaurus association is l = 320°, the shape of the LIC could be determined by the flow of hot gas from Sco-Cen. The model shows that the Sun is located just inside the LIC in the direction of the Galactic center and toward the north Galactic pole. The absence of Mg II absorption at the LIC velocity toward α Cen indicates that the distance to the edge of the LIC in this direction is ≤0.05 pc and the Sun should cross the boundary between the LIC and the Galactic (G) cloud in less than 3000 yr. We estimate that the volume of the LIC is about 93 pc3 and its mass is about 0.32 M☉. The physical parameters and hydrogen column density of the LIC are roughly consistent with theoretical models of the warm interstellar medium that assume pressure and ionization equilibrium. However, the empirical hydrogen ionization of the LIC is much higher and the gas temperature lower than the theoretical models predict. Therefore, the ionization is likely due to shock activity from a nearby supernova that has not yet reached equilibrium. The higher ionization increases the gas cooling, which can explain why the gas is 2400 K cooler than the ionization equilibrium models predict. Computed and observed temperatures are in agreement for a model with the observed LIC electron density.
Hypogonadism in male patients with cancer

BACKGROUND Patients with cancer often develop anorexia, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass. These signs and symptoms are nonspecific, and they frequently occur in other conditions, including hypogonadism. METHODS The objectives of this study were 1) to measure testosterone levels in patients with cancer and 2) to examine the correlations between testosterone, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), ghrelin levels, and appetite in patients with cancer patients and in a noncancer control group. This was designed as a cross-sectional study in the setting of a university-affiliated Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The study population included 31 male patients with cancer and 25 gender-matched noncancer controls of similar age. The variables total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (cFT), calculated bioavailable testosterone (cBT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), TNF-α, IL-6, IGF-1, and active ghrelin were measured in fasting morning plasma samples. Appetite was measured according to a visual analog scale. The main outcome measures were cFT and cBT. RESULTS Cancer patients had mean TT levels similar to levels in the noncancer control group but significantly lower levels of cFT, cBT, IGF-1, and appetite. SHBG, LH, TNF-α, IL-6, and ghrelin levels were increased in patients with cancer compared with the control group. cFT and cBT levels were correlated inversely with IL-6 and ghrelin levels and were correlated directly with IGF-1 levels and appetite. CONCLUSIONS Patients with cancer had lower levels of biologically active testosterone. TT was not adequate for the evaluation of hypogonadism, because SHBG levels were increased. A reliable measurement of FT and/or BT should be used. LH was elevated in the patients with cancer, indicating that low FT levels were caused by primary testicular dysfunction. The authors postulated that high IL-6 or ghrelin levels inhibit testosterone synthesis, although a secondary effect at the hypothalamic-pituitary levels cannot be excluded. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Patterns of epipelic algal distribution in an acidic adirondack lake

The biovolume and species composition of epipelic algae along sediment depth gradients were sampled seasonally in an acidic oligotrophic lake in the Adirondack Park in New York State. The epipelic algal community of Woods Lake (Herkimer Co., NY) was dominated by diatoms and cyanobacteria. Distinct depth zonation patterns of community composition were evident. Total algal biovolume increased with depth due to a dense cyanobacterial mat on the sediments in deeper water (5–8 m). This mat was dominated by a single species of cyanobacteria, Hapalosiphon pumilus (Kutz.) Kirchner, which accounted for the late summer maximum in total biovolume at 7 m. The shallower (1–4 m) epipelic communities were dominated by diatoms, which showed a spring maximum in total biovolume and were dominated by Fragilaria acidobiontica Charles, Navicula tenuicephala Hust. and N. subtilissima Cl.
In vitro interference of the red cell substitute pyridoxalated hemoglobin-polyoxyethylene with blood compatibility, coagulation, and clinical chemistry testing

Abstract Objectives: Pyridoxalated hemoglobin-polyoxyethylene (PHP) is a prototypical red cell substitute approved for phase I studies. Peripheral blood smears of human blood mixed with PHP in 1 to 4 g/dL concentrations showed dose-dependent red cell aggregation and rouleaux. Whether this aggregation limits interpretation of blood compatibility testing and whether the intense coloration of serum or plasma containing PHP affects routine coagulation and clinical chemistry measurements was tested. Design: In vitro studies. Setting: University hospital laboratory. Participants: Four healthy volunteers, blood types A, B, AB, and O. All were Rh+. Measurements and Main Results: ABO typing, Rh typing, and antibody screening and coagulation studies were performed on blood: PHP admixtures having final concentrations of 1, 2, and 4 g/dL. For clinical chemistry interference studies, known concentrations of analytes were added to a serum matrix containing PHP ABO (forward) and Rh typing showed no interference in the three concentrations tested. Reverse ABO typing and antibody screening showed rouleaux at 4 g/dL, which corrected with routine saline replacement. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT), prothrombin time (PT), and fibrinogen showed no clinically significant differences from the controls. Results for electrolytes, renal function analytes, and markers of cardiac injury were acceptable by standard laboratory methods. However, results of liver function tests were unacceptable in PHPcontaining specimens. Conclusions: PHP-induced aggregation was observed with high PHP concentration; however, compatibility testing was not affected because agglutination was corrected by saline replacement, which is standard practice. Although routine blood banking, coagulation, and most clinical chemistry analytes can be measured reliably, alternative methods and strategies are needed for assessing liver function in the presence of PHP.
High-speed and high-resolution UPLC separation at zero degrees Celsius.

The conformational properties of proteins can be probed with hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HXMS). In order to maintain the deuterium label during LC/MS analyses, chromatographic separation must be done rapidly (usually in under 8−10 min) and at 0 °C. Traditional RP-HPLC with ∼3-μm particles has shown generally poor chromatographic performance under these conditions and thereby has been prohibitive for HXMS analyses of larger proteins and many protein complexes. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC) employs particles smaller than 2 μm in diameter to achieve superior resolution, speed, and sensitivity as compared to HPLC. UPLC has previously been shown to be compatible with the fast separation and low temperature requirements of HXMS. Here we present construction and validation of a custom UPLC system for HXMS. The system is based on the Waters nanoACQUITY platform and contains a Peltier-cooled module that houses the injection and switching valves, online pepsin digestion column, an...
The unusually high proton affinity of aza-18-crown-6 ether: implications for the molecular recognition of lysine in peptides by lariat crown ethers.

Recent studies have shown that 18-crown-6 ether (18C6) will selectively form adducts in the gas phase with small, lysine containing peptides. The present study extends this work by investigating the ability of aza-18-crown-6 ether (A18C6) and L1 (a simple lariat crown ether derivative of A18C6) to form similar noncovalent adducts with the side chain of lysine in model peptides in the gas phase. The substitution of nitrogen for oxygen greatly increases the proton affinity of A18C6 relative to 18C6 and inhibits the formation of noncovalent adducts with small lysine containing peptides. The proton affinity of A18C6 is determined by the kinetic method to be 250 ± 1 kcal/mol. This value is much higher than that for diethanolamine (228 kcal/mol) or for 18C6 (231 kcal/mol). This unusually high basicity is rationalized by semi-empirical calculations that suggest a highly symmetrical structure for protonated A18C6 in which the three most distant oxygens are able to fold back and hydrogen bond with the protonated nitrogen. In the case of L1, the lariat side chain is attached by an amide bond, lowering the proton affinity of L1 relative to that of A18C6. This allows L1 to form noncovalent adducts with lysine despite the fact that steric repulsion within the cavity of the crown is increased to some extent. The relative ammonium ion affinities of these various crown ethers are shown to serve as qualitative predictors for the molecular recognition of lysine. The order of the relative ammonium ion affinities is 18C6≫L1>A18C6 as determined by the kinetic method. These results suggest that the substitution of nitrogen for oxygen in the crown ether is not beneficial for the molecular recognition of lysine.
Familial complex chromosomal rearrangement resulting in a recombinant chromosome.

Familial complex chromosomal rearrangements (CCRs) are rare and tend to involve fewer breakpoints and fewer chromosomes than CCRs that are de novo in origin. We report on a CCR identified in a child with congenital heart disease and dysmorphic features. Initially, the child's karyotype was thought to involve a straightforward three-way translocation between chromosomes 3, 8, and 16. However, after analyzing the mother's chromosomes, the mother was found to have a more complex rearrangement that resulted in a recombinant chromosome in the child. The mother's karyotype included an inverted chromosome 2 and multiple translocations involving chromosomes 3, 5, 8, and 16. No evidence of deletion or duplication that could account for the clinical findings in the child was identified. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reflective and Polarimetric Characteristics of Urban Materials

A spectropolarimetric reflectometer is used to measure the monostatic bidirectional reflectance distribution function (mBRDF) and the complete Mueller matrix of a number of urban type materials over a broad spectral region. Derivative features from these measurements are computed and stochastic models of each material are constructed. The models are then used to generate data for separability studies by implementation of a kernel-based linear discriminant classification technique. The purpose for this study, selection of materials, measurements process, analysis techniques, and concluding results are all presented.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.