cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated segmentation of anterior lamina cribrosa surface: How the lamina cribrosa responds to intraocular pressure change in glaucoma eyes?

The lamina cribrosa is a sieve-like structure where retinal ganglion cell axons and central retinal vessels exit from the eye through the scleral canal. The lamina cribrosa has been known to play an essential role in the physiopathology of glaucoma and has been investigated as a potential location to identify early glaucomatous damage. Many researchers have been studying how the lamina cribrosa responds to intraocular pressure change, leading to axonal insults. Recently, 3D spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) Enhanced depth imaging (EDI), an optical imaging technique, has been proposed to improve OCT imaging of deeper retinal structures such as the choroid and the lamina cribrosa. However, the shadowing from vasculature and other reflective structures make the segmentation of the anterior lamina cribrosa surface difficult. In this paper, we present a new approach for the segmentation of the anterior lamina cribrosa surface. To deal with the complexity of the surface segmentation, we propose the use of a shape-constrained surface evolution method where the surface is refined iteratively using a non-local Markov random field based segmentation. The estimation of the model parameter is addressed using a Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. Our experiments showed a significant correlation between change in the intraocular pressure level and change in the position of the lamina cribrosa over time.
Ceramics, Material Properties of

The article contains sections titled: 1 Introduction 2 Ceramic Science and Technology 3 Categories of Ceramic Materials 3.1 Silicate Ceramics 3.2 Nonsilicate Oxide Ceramics 3.3 Nonoxide Ceramics 3.4 Glass–Ceramics 3.5 Ceramic Composite Systems 3.5.1 Cermets 3.5.2 Ceramic–Matrix Composites 4 Ceramic Processing 4.1 Traditional Methods 4.2 Recent Advances 5 Mechanical Properties 5.1 Brittle Fracture 5.1.1 Elastic Constants 5.1.2 Fracture Strength 5.1.3 Fracture Mechanics 5.2 Static Fatigue 5.3 Creep Deformation 5.4 Thermal Shock 5.5 Viscoelastic Deformation of Glassy Phases 6 Optical Properties 6.1 Refraction 6.2 Reflection 6.3 Transmission 7 Electrical Properties 7.1 Conductivity of Traditional Ceramics 7.2 Superconducting Ceramics 7.3 Dielectrics 7.4 Ferroelectrics and Piezoelectrics 8 Magnetic Properties 8.1 Ferrimagnetism 8.2 Superconducting Magnets
Neural Control of Renal Function

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that efferent renal nerve stimulation affect both proximal tubular transport of salt and water and the resistance of the renal vessels. It highlights the possibility of a neural mechanism, a renorenal reflex, being responsible for the coordination of the excretory activity of the two kidneys that occurs when the function of one of the kidneys is altered. The condition under which the mechanism becomes operative requires further identification, but it is not restricted to the anesthetized state. Renal chemoreceptors and the mechanoreceptors provide an afferent mechanism for ipsilateral and contralateral renorenal reflexes integrated at the spinal cord level. This appears to be the operative mechanism in at least one instance of coordination of renal excretory activity. The full extent of the neural mechanism, involving different neurotransmitters with opposing effects, almost certainly exceeds in complexity of the simple system.
Effect of exercise training on chronic inflammation

Persistent, sub-clinical inflammation, as indicated by higher circulating levels of inflammatory mediators, is a prominent risk factor for several chronic diseases, as well as aging-related disability. As such, the inflammatory pathway is a potential therapeutic target for lifestyle interventions designed to reduce disease and disability. Physical exercise is well recognized as an important strategy for reducing the risk of chronic disease, and recent research has focused on its role in the improvement of the inflammatory profile. This review summarizes the evidence for and against the role of increasing physical activity in the reduction of chronic inflammation. Large population-based cohort studies consistently show an inverse association between markers of systemic inflammation and physical activity or fitness status, and data from several small-scale intervention studies support that exercise training diminishes inflammation. However, data from large, randomized, controlled trials designed to definitively test the effects of exercise training on inflammation are limited, and results are inconclusive. Future studies are needed to refine our understanding of the effects of exercise training on systemic low-grade inflammation, the magnitude of such an effect, and the amount of exercise necessary to elicit clinically meaningful changes in the deleterious association between inflammation and disease.
“Library anxiety” and “computer anxiety:” Measures, validity, and research implications

Abstract The phenomena of “library anxiety” and “computer anxiety” have been sometimes hypothesized as emotional responses to new technology. This research investigated the construct validity of two instruments, a Computer Anxiety Index and a Library Anxiety Scale. The criterion measure of anxiety was the Institute for Personality and Ability Testing (IPAT) Anxiety Scale. Undergraduate students enrolled in English, psychology, and philosophy courses participated in the research. For the men, there were no significant correlations between the IPAT and the Computer Anxiety Index or the Library Anxiety Scale. For women, there were significant medium-effect size correlations between the IPAT Anxiety Scale total score and Computer Anxiety Index as well as Library Anxiety Scale scores. Additional analyses are reported, and their implications are discussed.
Message-based priority access to local networks

Hyperchannel interfaces are designed to interface computer mainframes and peripheral equipment to a high speed bus to form a local network. Each interface executes a distributed control contention access algorithm operation revolves about fixed priorities assigned to the individual interfaces. The access algorithm is extended to provide for message-assigned priorities, to provide better bus access rights for higher classes of messages at the expense of degraded access rights for the lower classes of messages. The extension requires little additional new hardware but instead employs a replication in each interface of existing hardware. The original hyperchannel interface access mechanism is explained. The algorithm extension is described and two models are developed to assess its effect on message transmission access rights, and via these models the viability of the extended algorithm can be demonstrated quantitatively.
Descartes's Reply to Gassendi: How We Can Know All of God, All at Once, but Still Have More to Learn about Him

At the crux of Descartes's general metaphysics and epistemology are his accounts of substances, attributes and ideas of substances and attributes. In spite of the centrality of these theories, there is wide disagreement among scholars about how to interpret them. I approach these debates by focusing on Descartes's theory of the infinite substance – God. I argue that God's attributes are neither individual, inseparable properties that inhere in God (contra Kenny, Wilson, Curley, Hoffman) nor deductions from God (contra Lennon), but attributions that can consistently be made to God. On this account, the diversity of God's attributes is due to how meditators refer to the various cognitive routes they take to clear and distinct perceptions of God; what makes a meditator's clear and distinct perception of God more distinct is that it becomes more stable – the meditator can more easily retain and regain the perception. Other virtues of this interpretation include accounts of the following: the puzzling remarks ...
Exchange-rate management and monetary-policy mismanagement: A study of Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States after plaza

William Poole argues that international agreements-in particular, the Plaza and Louvre agreements-importantly affected the monetary policies of the United States, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. In addition, he shows that bond and stock markets were little affected by important events in the foreign-exchange market. While I agree with many of Poole’s arguments, I disagree with some of his conclusions. At a basic level, our differences can be seen in the title of the paper: “Exchange-Rate Management and Monetary Policy Mismanagement: A Study of Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States After Plaza.“ I think a better title would be: “Exchange-Rate Mismanagement and Monetary Policy Management: A Study of Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States After Plaza.” Exchange-rate mismanagement applies because agreements to stabilize or depreciate the exchange rate could lead to bad monetary policy. Various macro policies-such as fiscal or monetary policy, exchange-market intervention, or capital controls-could be used to stabilize or depreciate the dollar.
A qualitative study of resilience and posttraumatic stress disorder in United States ICU nurses

Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses are at increased risk of developing psychological problems including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there are resilient individuals who thrive and remain employed as ICU nurses for many years. The purpose of this study was to identify mechanisms employed by highly resilient ICU nurses to develop preventative therapies to obviate the development of PTSD in ICU nurses. Qualitative study using semi-structured telephone interviews with randomly selected ICU nurses in the USA. Purposive sampling was used to identify ICU nurses who were highly resilient, based on the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and those with a diagnosis of PTSD, based on the posttraumatic diagnostic scale. New interviews were conducted until we reached thematic saturation. Thirteen highly resilient nurses and fourteen nurses with PTSD were interviewed (n = 27). A constructivist epistemological framework was used for data analysis. Differences were identified in four major domains: worldview, social network, cognitive flexibility, and self-care/balance. Highly resilient nurses identified spirituality, a supportive social network, optimism, and having a resilient role model as characteristics used to cope with stress in their work environment. ICU nurses with a diagnosis of PTSD possessed several unhealthy characteristics including a poor social network, lack of identification with a role model, disruptive thoughts, regret, and lost optimism. Highly resilient ICU nurses utilize positive coping skills and psychological characteristics that allow them to continue working in the stressful ICU environment. These characteristics and skills may be used to develop target therapies to prevent PTSD in ICU nurses.
Technology and Medicine: Academic Dishonesty and Risks to Global Health

Technology has promoted global health. Yet advancing technology has also allowed physicians and trainees to cheat, and inappropriate experimentation with medical technology has resulted in study patient deaths. Further, journal editors have not made significant inroads in employing technology to identify dishonesty. Unfortunately, this continues to be strongly within the culture of the profession. Due to corruption of medicine, global health promotion will be severely retarded by falsified and suspect data that lower-and-middle income countries cannot afford to reproducethemselves and must rely upon for clinical decisionmaking. Further, clinical environments that facilitate dishonesty will result in poorer patient care. In addition, emerging markets rely on research to produce advanced therapeutics such as biosimilars that will be used by developed and developing economies, compounding the potential risks of dishonesty globally. By employing relevant antiplagiarism technology and accessing funding sources for all parties including authors, reviewers, and journal editors; â€œhonestyâ€ accreditation that includes mandated participation by journals; and external audits and whistleblowing of dishonesty, medical culture globally can move toward honesty and take advantage of technological evolution to promote global health.
Evaluation, modeling, and analysis of shipping container building structures

Abstract Currently, guidelines for safely using shipping containers for building applications do not exist. The shipping container’s structural integrity, modification properties, foundation limits, building code regulations, and reinforcing limits are mostly unknown. As a result, this research begins the investigation of shipping containers’ structural limitations thus aiding the development of container building construction and design requirements. The main research objective is to develop structural guidelines for International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shipping containers used for non-shipping applications. This paper provides insight into the ISO shipping container’s structural strength which is further investigated using finite element computer modeling. The finite element analysis shows how both modified and unmodified container models respond under given loading scenarios. The loading scenarios incorporate the effect of gravity and lateral loading, and the computer simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the container walls and roof to resist the loads. Structural engineering considerations, foundations, and connections for shipping containers used in building applications are presented.
An update on the processing of high‐protein rice products

The component of protein in rice, at 7-9% by weight, is relatively low, but the total amount of rice protein potentially available is significant because the production of rice worldwide, at 380 million tons annually, is huge. Rice proteins are recognized as nutritional, hypoallergenic, and healthy for human consumption, and rice protein products have been in demand in recent years. However, because of difficulties in the processing, rice protein products, particularly high-protein content ones, have not been readily available. Two of the main sources of rice protein, rice bran and, to a lesser extent, broken rice kernels, have been under-used and under-priced. This report provides an update on the processing of these sources for rice proteins. Methods of protein processing are highlighted including the traditional alkaline extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and the novel uses of physical treatment prior to water extraction. Also discussed are effects of processing on the functional and nutritional properties of rice protein.
Linkages between restriction fragment length, isozyme, and morphological markers in lentil

A genetic linkage map of lentil comprising 333 centimorgans (cM) was constructed from 20 restriction fragment length, 8 isozyme, and 6 morphological markers segregating in a single interspecific cross (Lens culinaris × L. orientalis). Because the genotypes at marker loci were determined for about 66 F2 plants, linkages are only reported for estimates of recombination less than 30 cM. Probes for identification of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were isolated from a cDNA and EcoRI and PstI partial genomic libraries of lentil. The cDNA library gave the highest frequency of relatively low-copy-number probes. The cDNAs were about twice as efficient, relative to random genomic fragments, in RFLP detection per probe. Nine markers showed significant deviations from the expected F2 ratios and tended to show a predominance of alleles from the cultigen. Assuming a genome size of 10 Morgans, 50% of the lentil genome could be linked within 10 cM of the 34 markers and the map is of sufficient size to attempt mapping of quantitative trait loci.
Selective detection of 2-deoxyribonolactone in DNA

2-Deoxyribonolactone (L) is an oxidized abasic lesion that is produced by a variety of DNA damaging agents. It exhibits unique biological effects with respect to its proclivity to form DNA−protein cross-links and promutagenic base pairs. Recent evidence suggests that the levels of this lesion caused by oxidative stress are underestimated. We have developed a simple, selective method for detecting subpicomole amounts of L in DNA. The method takes advantage of the selective reaction of the butenolide (2) derived from β-elimination from L with a biotinylated derivative of cysteine. This method will be useful for analyzing the levels of this oxidized abasic site in DNA.
PDGF mediates TGFβ-induced migration during development of the spinous process

Mechanisms mediating closure of the dorsal vertebrae are not clear. Previously, we showed that deletion of TGFβ type II receptor (Tgfbr2) in sclerotome in mice results in failure in the formation of the spinous process, mimicking spina bifida occulta, a common malformation in humans. In this study, we aimed to determine whether missing dorsal structures in Tgfbr2 mutant mice were due to defects in mesenchymal migration and to clarify mechanism of TGFβ-mediated migration. First, we showed that gross alterations in dorsal vertebrae were apparent by E16.5days in Tgfbr2 mutants. In addition, histological staining showed that the mesenchyme adjacent to the developing cartilage was thin compared to controls likely due to reduced proliferation and migration of these cells. Next, we used a chemotaxis migration assay to show that TGFβ promotes migration in mixed cultures of embryonic sclerotome and associated mesenchyme. TGFβ stimulated expression of PDGF ligands and receptors in the cultures and intact PDGF signaling was required for TGFβ-mediated migration. Since PDGF ligands are expressed in the sclerotome-derived cartilage where Tgfbr2 is deleted and the receptors are predominantly expressed in the adjacent mesenchyme, we propose that TGFβ acts on the sclerotome to regulate expression of PDGF ligands, which then act on the associated mesenchyme in a paracrine fashion to mediate proliferation, migration and subsequent differentiation of the adjacent sclerotome.
Range-ambiguous clutter suppression with Pulse-diverse waveforms

Conventional pulse-Doppler waveforms are the standard for radar detection in clutter due to their inherent robustness, especially to extended-range ambiguous clutter. The attendant drawbacks include coherent ambiguities and blind zones in range and/or Doppler, which require multiple coherent precessing intervals to resolve. Pulse-diverse waveforms, using techniques such as phase coding and nonuniform time offsets, can mitigate these drawbacks but at the cost of a significant reduction in clutter suppression using matched filtering. It is shown here that receive filtering optimized on a per-interval or per-range/Doppler-cell basis can provide these waveforms with clutter suppression over multiple range intervals, at the cost of significantly increased computation. Several examples illustrate the tradeoffs between different types of pulse diversity.
Genotypic Rankings for Aluminum Tolerance of Soybean Roots Grown in Hydroponics and Sand Culture

Screening methodology remains a practical barrier in the breeding of Al-tolerant soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Our objectives were to (i) develop a repeatable sand-media culture method for Al tolerance screening of plants, (ii) compare Al response of genotypes in sand culture to a standard hydroponics-based seedling culture, and (iii) establish a practical guide for the use of hydroponics and sand-culture screening methods in the selection of Al-tolerant soybean. We developed a sand-media culture method and imposed 0 and 450 μM Al 3+ activity treatments upon 10 diverse soybean genotypes. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design with nine replications. Root weight and relative root surface area (RRSA) were determined at 18 d after transplanting (DAT). In hydroponics, the genotypes were compared for taproot elongation after 3 d of exposure to 0, 2, and 5 μM Al 3+ activity treatments in a split plot design with six replications. Aluminum stress was imposed successfully (approximately 57% of the growth in control) in hydroponics and sand culture, but discrepancies between methods were apparent. The hydroponics-based seedling screen produced an inflated range of genotypic response and altered Al tolerance rankings in comparison with sand culture. 'Perry', which was tolerant to Al in sand culture, was remarkably sensitive to Al in hydroponics. Despite the discrepancies, seedling-based screening successfully identified three (PI 417021, PI 416937, and Biloxi) of the four genotypes that were most tolerant to Al in sand culture. Results suggested that seedling screens can play a practical role in breeding. However, their application to a specific breeding population should be validated with older plants and solid media. The RRSA appeared to be a promising measure of Al tolerance for soybean roots.
Role of YidC in folding of polytopic membrane proteins

YidC of Echerichia coli, a member of the conserved Alb3/Oxa1/YidC family, is postulated to be important for biogenesis of membrane proteins. Here, we use as a model the lactose permease (LacY), a membrane transport protein with a known three-dimensional structure, to determine whether YidC plays a role in polytopic membrane protein insertion and/or folding. Experiments in vivo and with an in vitro transcription/translation/insertion system demonstrate that YidC is not necessary for insertion per se, but plays an important role in folding of LacY. By using the in vitro system and two monoclonal antibodies directed against conformational epitopes, LacY is shown to bind the antibodies poorly in YidC-depleted membranes. Moreover, LacY also folds improperly in proteoliposomes prepared without YidC. However, when the proteoliposomes are supplemented with purified YidC, LacY folds correctly. The results indicate that YidC plays a primary role in folding of LacY into its final tertiary conformation via an interaction that likely occurs transiently during insertion into the lipid phase of the membrane.
Conceptualizing the Counseling Training Environment Using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory

While learning environment research has been growing in popularity over the past few decades, little attention has been given towards the learning environment of graduate students, and virtually no attention has been given specifically towards graduate counseling and related programs such as professional counseling, clinical and counseling psychology, and marriage and family therapy. In this paper we propose using Bronfenbrenner’s (1979, 1992) ecological theory as a model to conceptualize the training environment of such counselor preparation programs. Through the application of Bronfenbrenner’s theory, counselor educators and counseling trainees can better understand the systemic nature of the training environment that they create and where they train. Implications and recommendations for future research are provided to further advance the knowledge and awareness of the counseling training environment.
The Effect of the Impeller‐Driver Magnetic Coupling Distance on Hemolysis in a Compact Centrifugal Pump

Blood trauma is one of the important performance parameters of centrifugal pumps. To investigate the blood trauma induced by these pumps, in vitro hemolysis tests have become an important procedure and are increasingly used for pump development and comparisons. The Baylor compact eccentric inlet port (CIE) centrifugal blood pump was developed as a long-term centrifugal ventricular assist device (VAD) as well as a cardiopulmonary bypass pump (CPB). The Baylor CIE pump incorporates a seal-less design with a blood stagnation-free structure. This pump can provide flows of 5 L/min against 350 mm Hg of total pressure head at 2,600 revolutions per minute. The pump impeller is magnetically coupled to the driver magnet in a seal-less manner. The latest hemolysis study revealed that hemolysis may be affected by the gap distance between the driver and the impeller magnet. The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of the magnetic coupling distance on the normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) with the CIE model and to obtain an optimal gap distance. The NIH value was clearly decreased by alteration of the magnetic coupling distance from 7.7 to 9.7 mm in CPB and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) conditions. The NIH, when using the pump as an LVAD condition, was reduced to a level of 0.0056 from 0.095 when the magnetic coupling distance was extended. The same results were also obtained when the pumps were used in a CPB condition. The magnetic coupling distance is an important factor for the CIE model in terms of hemolysis. Different coupling forces effect the bearings and impeller stability. These results suggest that an optimal driving condition with a proper magnetic coupling and an optimal force between the impeller and driver is necessary to develop an atraumatic centrifugal pump.
Prediction of NO Formation in Spark-Ignited Engines—An Analysis of Methods of Control

Abstract Lavoie, Heywood and Keck (1970) have recently shown how one can calculate the amount of NO formed during the combustion and subsequent expansion stroke of an IC engine. In this paper we have applied the method of Lavoie el al. to a spark-ignited carburetted IC engine and have incorporated into the computer program the engine variables; fuel type, fuel air equivalence ratio, humidity content of inlet air, % exhaust gas recirculation, inlet manifold temperature, inlet manifold pressure, RPM, compression ratio, piston connecting rod to crank ratio, and duration and position of combustion in the cycle. In addition to NO, we calculate indicated mean effective pressure and indicated specific fuel consumption. Brake specific values are calculated from an empirical correlation. Calculated NO levels show good agreement with data in the literature for the effect of the variables of air-fuel ratio, manifold pressure, spark timing, and humidity. Control methods capable of reducing NO emissions to the 100 ppm...
SU(3) Clebsch-Gordan coefficients with definite permutation symmetry

Abstract Multiquark wave functions representing physical particles must not only have the correct transformation properties under the Poincare, SU(3)flavor and SU(3)color groups, but must also be antisymmetric under the interchange of quark labels induced by these groups. Under the interchange of just space-time, flavor, or color labels, the multiquark wave functions may be of mixed permutation symmetry, as long as the effect of interchanging all types of labels is antisymmetric. It is shown how to construct multiquark wave functions as irreducible representations of SU(3) (or more generally any compact group) that have a definite permutation symmetry. The multiquark wave functions are realized as polynomials in a generalized Bargmann space, and it is shown that the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients arising in the n-fold tensor product decomposition can be obtained by differentiating these polynomials in a prescribed way. Tables are given for two to six multiquark states with definite SU(3) and permutation symmetry. The question of decoupling these multiquark states into quark-antiquark or three-quark states times ocean states is also discussed.
Historic milestones of electrotherapy and cardiac pacing

T HE origins of electrotherapy are lost in time. It is possible its initial use was by application of electric fishes able to “unloose a convective blast which was violent enough to stun other animals into immobility.“’ An early “case report” describes relief of gout in a Roman slave from stepping on an electric torpedo fish. Its use in the treatment of anal prolapse by the direct application of electric fish to the affected part was a marvel of medical intrepidity and imagination.2 Interest in electro ichthyology as therapy for all manner of disorders, including headache, fevers, and epilepsy, persisted beyond the mid19th century.3 William Gilbert introduced the term “electricity” to describe his studies in 1 600.4 In the 18th and 19th centuries, interest in the genesis and effects of electricity grew rapidlysm9 and development of the capacitor Leyden jar and Voltaic electric cell (1799) provided additional resources for initiation of muscular contraction by electrostimulation.’ Electroresuscitation was first reported in 1774.‘j Later, Nysten” and Aldini” established the responsiveness of human cardiac tissue to electrostimulation with the atria being the last chambers to lose contractility following death, and Duchenne noted (1872) that “the therapeutic deduction is: electrocutaneous excitation of the precordial region which overlies the apex of the heart is one of the best means for combating syncope from arrest of the heart and other functional disorders of the cardiac circulation.“‘2
Cultural Competence Clinic: An Online, Interactive, Simulation for Working Effectively With Arab American Muslim Patients

This pilot study investigates the impact of an online, interactive simulation involving an Arab American Muslim patient on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of 2nd-year medical students regarding culturally competent healthcare, both in general and specific to Arab American Muslim patients. Participants (N=199), were 2nd-year Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine students enrolled in a behavioral medicine course that included instruction on culturally competent healthcare. Students were randomly assigned to a control (N=102) or an experimental group (N=97). The experimental group was directed to an online, interactive patient simulation that featured an Arab American Muslim patient, and both groups completed a modified Clinical Cultural Competence Questionnaire to assess their knowledge, skills, and attitudes about culturally competent healthcare in general and specific to Arab American Muslim patients. There were knowledge and skills differences on two outcome measures for Arab American Muslim cultural competence measures in the experimental group. Across all of the measures, bilingual participants scored higher than English-speaking—only participants. Preliminary data support the hypothesis that an online, interactive patient simulation involving the care of an Arab American Muslim patient has the potential to improve the knowledge and skills of 2nd-year medical students regarding the care of Arab American Muslim patients beyond the basic cultural-competence curriculum.
Far-Infrared Interferometer for the Measurement of High Electron Densities*

The average electron concentration of a gas-discharge plasma can be inferred from the phase change suffered by an electromagnetic wave in its passage through the medium. With available microwave generators, the maximum electron density that can be measured is approximately 3×1014 cm−3. On the other hand, interferometers that operate at optical wavelengths become insensitive at electron densities less than approximately 1016 cm−3. An infrared interferometer is described here which operates at 0.03 cm wavelength and is able to detect densities above 5×1013 cm−3 in a plasma column 1 cm thick. In the design, incoherent radiation from a mercury arc lamp is split by a diffraction grating and the plasma placed in one of the diffracted beams. The beams are then recombined and fringe shifts measured by a Golay detector.
New Technology Advances For Brighter Color CRT Displays

An integrated taut shadow mask color CRT has been developed for head down displays in jet fighter and helicopter applications. Completely viewable in fall sunlight ambient environment, this CRT can display high resolution maps and tactical information while withstanding the rugged vibration environment of a military aircraft.
Transformation of Paramecium by microinjection of a cloned serotype gene.

Abstract Paramecia of a given serotype express only one of several possible surface proteins called immobilization antigens (i-antigens). A 16-kilobase plasmid containing the gene for immobilization antigen A from Paramecium tetraurelia, stock 51, was injected into the macronucleus of deletion mutant d12, which lacks that gene. Approximately 40% of the injected cells acquired the ability to express serotype A at 34 degrees C. Expression appeared to be regulated normally. The transformed cells, like wild type, could be switched to serotype B by antiserum treatment and culture at 19 degrees C; on transfer to 34 degrees C, they switched back to serotype A expression. Many of the lines retained the ability to express serotype A until autogamy, when the old macronucleus is replaced by a new one derived from the micronucleus. DNA from transformants contained the injected plasmid sequences, which were replicated within the paramecia. No evidence for integration was obtained. The majority of replicated plasmid DNA comigrated with a linearized form of the input plasmid. Nonetheless, the pattern of restriction fragments generated by transformant DNA and that generated by input plasmid DNA are identical and consistent with a circular rather than a linear map. These conflicting observations can be reconciled by assuming that a mixture of different linear fragments is present in the transformants, each derived from the circular plasmid by breakage at a different point. Copy-number determinations suggest the presence of 45,000-135,000 copies of the injected plasmid per transformed cell. These results suggest that the injected DNA contains information sufficient for both controlled expression and autonomous replication in Paramecium.
Phase transitions of elastic solid materials

In recent years the analysis of phase transitions for mixtures of two or more non-interacting fluids has been successfully undertaken within the Van der Waals-Cahn-Hilliard gradient theory of phase transitions (see Baldo [1], Fonseca & Tartar [5], Gurtin [9], Kohn & Sternberg [11], Modica [12], Owen [13], Sternberg [15]). If the nonnegative Gibbs free energy W vanishes only at two points a and b, this theory permits us to select among all the minimizers of $$\int\limits_\Omega\ \ W(v(x))\ \ dx$$ with prescribed total mass $$m=\int\limits_\Omega\ \ v(x)\ dx={\rm meas}\ (\Omega)\ (\theta_{a}+(1-\theta)b),\ \ \ \ {\rm with}\ \theta \in\ (0,1),$$ those that have minimal interfacial area, i.e. it singles out those solutions v ∈ {a, b} a.e. such that the set {v = a} minimizes Per Ω(ω) among all subsets ω of Ω with meas (ω) = θ = meas ({v = a}).
Modified Van der Waals theory of fluid interfaces

A modified version of the Van der Waals theory of fluid interfaces is presented. The modified theory is shown to retain the qualitative simplicity of the original theory while yielding a much more quantitative description of fluid properties.
Mechanisms for extreme heat transfer conditions in water-cooling of fusion reactor components

Abstract In existing fusion reactors conceptual designs, water-cooled impurity control components employ operating heat fluxes up to 15 MW m −2 , coolant velocities above 5 m −1 , subcoolings more than 100 K, and pressures below 5 MPa. These conditions are quite different from those most used to obtain existing correlations for subcooled nucleate boiling and critical heat flux. In addition, some available data in the range of interest for fusion reactor components show that extrapolations of the correlations cannot be used. This paper suggests that two heat transfer mechanisms must be incorporated in developing correlations for fusion reactor high heat flux components. First, boiling can be suppressed, resulting in observed non-boiling wall temperatures far above those expected for nucleate boiling. Second, critical heat flux (CHF) can apparently occur with no prior boiling, when the wall temperature reaches the temperature of homogeneous nucleation (THN) while a single phase liquid is adjacent to the wall. A limit of this nature can apparently occur only under conditions of a very high mass flux and a very high bulk subcooling. These two mechanisms must be incorporated in fusion thermal-hydraulics analysis: suppression of nucleate boiling and critical heat flux caused by homogeneous nucleation.
Sex and birth order differences in filial behavior

Personal interviews were conducted with 499 children of elderly white widows. Results showed no birth order differences in the provision of assistance to the elderly; however, there were significant sex differences. Daughters performed more caretaking activities and social services and provided more emotional support for their mothers than did sons. Sons had a tendency, though insignificant, to provide more advisory assistance to their mothers. After adjusting for situational differences between daughters and sons a sex difference remained only for the provision of emotional support.
Parkinsonism Due to Chronic Subdural Hematoma —Case Report—

A 75-year-old male presented with bilateral parkinsonism due to chronic subdural hematoma. The hematoma was removed through a small craniotomy. The parkinsonism rapidly improved following operation, suggesting a strong relationship between the hematoma and parkinsonism. We recommend surgical intervention in such cases.
Short Term Memory Demands in Processing Synthetic Speech

The purpose of the present experiment was to investigate the demands placed on the short term memory system by synthetic speech. We compared performance in a typical auditory short term memory task as a function of whether the items were presented by a human voice or by a text-to-speech computer voice generator. Immediate serial recall of digit strings was significantly poorer when presented by synthetic speech than when presented by natural speech. The results are consistent with the idea that comprehension of synthetic speech imposes increased resource demands on the short term memory system.
Variability of soil physical quality in uneroded, eroded, and depositional cropland sites

Abstract Erosion and deposition processes affect the physical quality of the soil. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of these processes on a long-term no-till corn agroecosystem in a humid-temperate region of the Midwest U.S. The study was conducted under on-farm conditions, in a field which experiences erosional and depositional processes. At the end of the dormant season, soil characteristics were tested for two depths (0–5 and 5–10 cm) in uneroded (UN), eroded (ER), and depositional (DP) sites. The data showed that UN and ER were characterized by the highest and lowest soil shear strength (137.3 and 78.1 KPa, respectively) and organic carbon concentration (35.6 and 30.3 g kg− 1, respectively). The highest and lowest aggregate stability (85.4% and 73.6%, respectively) and mean weight diameter (2.9 and 1.6 mm, respectively) were observed in UN and DP. The highest and lowest penetration resistance (4.82 and 4.57 MPa, respectively) and bulk density (1.49 and 1.33 Mg m− 3, respectively) were measured in ER and DP. An opposite trend was observed for the C:N ratio (8.2 and 9.6, respectively), and the value's color variable (4.6 and 4.9, respectively). No significant differences among the erosional phases were measured in the soil's total nitrogen concentration, hue and chroma color variables, texture, hydraulic conductivity, and intrinsic permeability. The erodibility factor was the lowest and highest in DP and ER (0.00326 and 0.00397 Mg ha h ha− 1 MJ− 1 mm− 1, respectively), and the effect of erosional phase on this factor was close to significant. In general, the effect of erosion and deposition on soil characteristics decreased with an increase in soil depth. This study suggests that the occurrence of positive feedbacks in ER and DP have led to accelerated erosional and depositional processes and the continuous degradation of the soil quality. A range of management practices should be considered in order to mitigate these processes and reduce negative impact on crop yields in such agroecosystems.
Nodal and leukemic small B-cell neoplasms

The small B-cell neoplasms represent some of the most frequently encountered lymphoproliferative disorders in routine surgical pathology practice. This report reviews the current diagnostic criteria for classifying small B-cell neoplasms and distinguishing them from newly recognized precursor conditions that do not appear to represent overt lymphomas. Newly available immunohistochemical stains and molecular studies that may assist in the diagnosis and classification of these neoplasms are also discussed.
TCDD induces dermal accumulation of keratinocyte-derived matrix metalloproteinase-10 in an organotypic model of human skin.

The epidermis of skin is the first line of defense against the environment. A three dimensional model of human skin was used to investigate tissue-specific phenotypes induced by the environmental contaminant, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Continuous treatment of organotypic cultures of human keratinocytes with TCDD resulted in intracellular spaces between keratinocytes of the basal and immediately suprabasal layers as well as thinning of the basement membrane, in addition to the previously reported hyperkeratinization. These tissue remodeling events were preceded temporally by changes in expression of the extracellular matrix degrading enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10). In organotypic cultures MMP-10 mRNA and protein were highly induced following TCDD treatment. Q-PCR and immunoblot results from TCDD-treated monolayer cultures, as well as indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblot analysis of TCDD-treated organotypic cultures, showed that MMP-10 was specifically contributed by the epidermal keratinocytes but not the dermal fibroblasts. Keratinocyte-derived MMP-10 protein accumulated over time in the dermal compartment of organotypic cultures. TCDD-induced epidermal phenotypes in organotypic cultures were attenuated by the keratinocyte-specific expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, a known inhibitor of MMP-10. These studies suggest that MMP-10 and possibly other MMP-10-activated MMPs are responsible for the phenotypes exhibited in the basement membrane, the basal keratinocyte layer, and themore » cornified layer of TCDD-treated organotypic cultures. Our studies reveal a novel mechanism by which the epithelial–stromal microenvironment is altered in a tissue-specific manner thereby inducing structural and functional pathology in the interfollicular epidermis of human skin. - Highlights: • TCDD causes hyperkeratosis and basement membrane changes in a model of human skin. • TCDD induces MMP-10 expression in organotypic cultures of human keratinocytes. • Keratinocyte-expressed MMP-10 accumulates in the dermal compartment. • Keratinocyte K14 promoter-driven TIMP-1 expression ablates TCDD-induced phenotypes.« less
High-level disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes: are current guidelines adequate?

Abstract OBJECTIVE: For a germicide to obtain a high level disinfection (HLD) claim, FDA requires demonstration of a 6-log reduction of mycobacterial inoculum under worst case conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess the adequacy of current guidelines for high level disinfection of GI endoscopes using alkaline glutaraldehyde in simulated-use testing. METHODS: Various gastrointestinal endoscopes were contaminated with Mycobacterium chelonae in 46 experiments. Quantitative cultures were obtained from each endoscope channel separately after each step: inoculation, standardized manual cleaning, immersion in 2% glutaraldehyde (Cidex) for 10, 20, or 45 min at room temperature, 70% isopropanol rinse, and drying. RESULTS: Manual cleaning alone achieved a 4-log reduction. After 10 min of glutaraldehyde exposure, but before alcohol rinse, two of 10 experiments failed to achieve a 6-log reduction. However, after alcohol rinse, all 10 experiments achieved HLD. After 20 min of glutaraldehyde exposure, but before alcohol rinse, one of 18 experiments failed to achieve a 6-log reduction. After alcohol rinse, all 18 experiments achieved HLD. After 45 min of glutaraldehyde exposure, but before alcohol rinse, one of 18 experiments failed to achieve a 6-log reduction. After alcohol rinse, all 18 experiments achieved HLD. Thus, if the entire reprocessing protocol including manual cleaning, glutaraldehyde exposure, alcohol rinse, and drying was taken into account, the required 6-log reduction of mycobacteria was achieved with a minimum of 10 min of glutaraldehyde exposure at room temperature. CONCLUSIONS: Current guidelines for high level disinfection using glutaraldehyde are appropriate. Alcohol rinse is a valuable adjunctive step for drying and for its bactericidal effects.
A simple method for the growth of mouse neuron monolayer cultures.

SummaryA simple method is described for the preparation of primary and secondary monolayer cultures of neurons from embryonic mouse brain and cord tissues. Key points of technic were the use of culture dishes containing a thin layer of serum to facilitate cell adherence and a medium selective for neurons that contained 600 mg% of glucose and 0.06% Tween 80. Evidence is presented to show that neurons underwent limited cell division in vitro. Primary and secondary cultures survived 10 to 12 days. Cultures could be transferred 2 to 6 times.
The Evolution of Large, Complex Groups: A Hypothesis

Abstract Societal evolution has been the subject of long and vigorous debate. This paper examines the question of why large, complex groups, appearing late in human history, have become relatively more frequent at the expense of smaller groups over time. Based on a modified Darwinian theory which takes into account cultural transmission, it is suggested that for large, complex groups to become established and to persist, the joint presence of three factors was necessary and sufficient. The paper discusses each factor and suggests some tentative predictions and also some questions for further research.
SeaWinds validation with research vessels

[1] The accuracy of the SeaWinds scatterometer's vector winds is assessed through comparison with research vessel observations. Factors that contribute to uncertainty in scatterometer winds are isolated and examined as functions of wind speed. For SeaWinds on QuikSCAT, ambiguity selection is found to be near perfect for surface wind speed (w) > 8 m s−1; however, ambiguity selection errors cause directional uncertainty to exceed 20° for w 7.5 m s−1 (w > 18 m s−1). This approach also shows that spatial variability in the wind direction, related to inexact spatial co-location, is likely to dominate rms differences between scatterometer wind vectors and in situ comparison measurements for w > 4.5 m s−1. The techniques used herein are applicable to any validation effort with uncertainty in the comparison data set or with inexact co-location.