cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonhistone chromosomal protein interaction with DNA/histone complexes. Transcription.

Abstract Various fractions of nonhistone chromosomal proteins (NHCP) were isolated from rabbit liver chromatin and were tested for their effects on the template activity of DNA/ histone complexes. We found that M 0 and M 3 enhanced RNA synthesis from DNA/ histone complexes by different mechanisms. While M 0 stimulated RNA synthesis by an overall effect on the conformation of DNA/histone ( Samal and Bekhor, 1977, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 179 , 000-000 ), M 3 enhanced RNA synthesis by increasing the amount of RNA polymerase binding to DNA/histone. The third fraction of NHCP, M 1 affected RNA synthesis from DNA/histone to a lesser degree than M 0 and M 3 . The effect of M 0 and M 3 on the synthesis of RNA from DNA/histone with RNA polymerase B was also found to be species specific.
Dayside Auroral Dynamics During Reconfiguration of the Auroral Oval

This paper presents a case study of the dayside auroral behavior during a rapid expansion of the auroral oval. An unstructured auroral form characterized by a large I(630.0 nm)/ I(557.7 nm) ratio is observed to rapidly drift from the east into the field of view of a set of ground based instruments. Corroborating sets of DMSP satellite particle precipitation and ion drift measurements are presented to show that the cusp is probably located to the east of the ground station and that the diffuse auroral forms observed at the ground site may be related to magnetic merging in the polar cusp.
Assessment of Weighted Quantile Sum Regression for Modeling Chemical Mixtures and Cancer Risk

In evaluation of cancer risk related to environmental chemical exposures, the effect of many chemicals on disease is ultimately of interest. However, because of potentially strong correlations among chemicals that occur together, traditional regression methods suffer from collinearity effects, including regression coefficient sign reversal and variance inflation. In addition, penalized regression methods designed to remediate collinearity may have limitations in selecting the truly bad actors among many correlated components. The recently proposed method of weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression attempts to overcome these problems by estimating a body burden index, which identifies important chemicals in a mixture of correlated environmental chemicals. Our focus was on assessing through simulation studies the accuracy of WQS regression in detecting subsets of chemicals associated with health outcomes (binary and continuous) in site-specific analyses and in non-site-specific analyses. We also evaluated the performance of the penalized regression methods of lasso, adaptive lasso, and elastic net in correctly classifying chemicals as bad actors or unrelated to the outcome. We based the simulation study on data from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Program (NCI-SEER) case–control study of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) to achieve realistic exposure situations. Our results showed that WQS regression had good sensitivity and specificity across a variety of conditions considered in this study. The shrinkage methods had a tendency to incorrectly identify a large number of components, especially in the case of strong association with the outcome.
GPS estimates of microplate motions, northern Caribbean: evidence for a Hispaniola microplate and implications for earthquake hazard

SUMMARY We use elastic block modelling of 126 GPS site velocities from Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and other islands in the northern Caribbean to test for the existence of a Hispaniola microplate and estimate angular velocities for the Gonave, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico-Virgin Islands and two smaller microplates relative to each other and the Caribbean and North America plates. A model in which the Gonave microplate spans the whole plate boundary between the Cayman spreading centre and Mona Passage west of Puerto Rico is rejected at a high confidence level. The data instead require an independently moving Hispaniola microplate between the Mona Passage and a likely diffuse boundary within or offshore from western Hispaniola. Our updated angular velocities predict 6.8 ± 1.0 mm yr−1 of left-lateral slip along the seismically hazardous Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault zone of southwest Hispaniola, 9.8 ± 2.0 mm yr−1 of slip along the Septentrional fault of northern Hispaniola and ∼14–15 mm yr−1 of left-lateral slip along the Oriente fault south of Cuba. They also predict 5.7 ± 1 mm yr−1 of fault-normal motion in the vicinity of the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault zone, faster than previously estimated and possibly accommodated by folds and faults in the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault zone borderlands. Our new and a previous estimate of Gonave-Caribbean plate motion suggest that enough elastic strain accumulates to generate one to two Mw∼ 7 earthquakes per century along the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden and nearby faults of southwest Hispaniola. That the 2010 M= 7.0 Haiti earthquake ended a 240-yr-long period of seismic quiescence in this region raises concerns that it could mark the onset of a new earthquake sequence that will relieve elastic strain that has accumulated since the late 18th century.
Forms/3: A first-order visual language to explore the boundaries of the spreadsheet paradigm

Although detractors of functional programming sometimes claim that functional programming is too difficult or counter-intuitive for most programmers to understand and use, evidence to the contrary can be found by looking at the popularity of spreadsheets. The spreadsheet paradigm, a first-order subset of the functional programming paradigm, has found wide acceptance among both programmers and end users. Still, there are many limitations with most spreadsheet systems. In this paper, we discuss language features that eliminate several of these limitations without deviating from the first-order, declarative evaluation model. The language used to illustrate these features is a research language called Forms&#002F;3. Using Forms&#002F;3, we show that procedural abstraction, data abstraction and graphics output can be supported in the spreadsheet paradigm. We show that, with the addition of a simple model of time, animated output and GUI I&#002F;O also become viable. To demonstrate generality, we also present an animated Turing machine simulator programmed using these features. Throughout the paper, we combine our discussion of the programming language characteristics with how the language features prototyped in Forms&#002F;3 relate to what is known about human effectiveness in programming.
Pathogenic roles of CD14, galectin-3, and OX40 during experimental cerebral malaria in mice.

An in-depth knowledge of the host molecules and biological pathways that contribute towards the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria would help guide the development of novel prognostics and therapeutics. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling of the brain tissue during experimental cerebral malaria (ECM ) caused by Plasmodium berghei ANKA parasites in mice, a well established surrogate of human cerebral malaria, has been useful in predicting the functional classes of genes involved and pathways altered during the course of disease. To further understand the contribution of individual genes to the pathogenesis of ECM, we examined the biological relevance of three molecules – CD14, galectin-3, and OX40 that were previously shown to be overexpressed during ECM. We find that CD14 plays a predominant role in the induction of ECM and regulation of parasite density; deletion of the CD14 gene not only prevented the onset of disease in a majority of susceptible mice (only 21% of CD14-deficient compared to 80% of wildtype mice developed ECM, p<0.0004) but also had an ameliorating effect on parasitemia (a 2 fold reduction during the cerebral phase). Furthermore, deletion of the galectin-3 gene in susceptible C57BL/6 mice resulted in partial protection from ECM (47% of galectin-3-deficient versus 93% of wildtype mice developed ECM, p<0.0073). Subsequent adherence assays suggest that galectin-3 induced pathogenesis of ECM is not mediated by the recognition and binding of galectin-3 to P. berghei ANKA parasites. A previous study of ECM has demonstrated that brain infiltrating T cells are strongly activated and are CD44+CD62L− differentiated memory T cells [1]. We find that OX40, a marker of both T cell activation and memory, is selectively upregulated in the brain during ECM and its distribution among CD4+ and CD8+ T cells accumulated in the brain vasculature is approximately equal.
Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation in Eyes With Inactive and Active Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

We reviewed the records of 2,100 consecutive eyes that had undergone extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation between January 1981 and December 1989. Of these eyes, 21 had inactive and four had active proliferative diabetic retinopathy at the time of cataract extraction. Twenty-one eyes with inactive proliferative diabetic retinopathy received extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, and four eyes with active proliferative diabetic retinopathy had both extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and pars plana vitrectomy with endophotocoagulation. The mean follow-up period was 27 months. Final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 12 of 25 eyes (48%). Of 25 eyes, five (20%) showed progression of the retinopathy after the operation, and two (8%) developed macular edema. Extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was well tolerated in most eyes.
Understanding the Improvement in the Electrochemical Properties of Surface Modified 5 V Limn1.42Ni0.42Co0.16O4 Spinel Cathodes in Lithium-ion Cells

The 5 V spinel cathode LiMn1.42Ni0.42Co0.16O4 with cation disorder in the 16d octahedral sites has been surface modified with 2 wt % nanosize Al2O3, ZnO, Bi2O3, and AlPO4 by an electrostatic self-assembly method. The bare and surface-modified samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), charge−discharge measurements in lithium cells, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface-modified samples exhibit better cycling performance, better rate capability, and better rate capability retention during cycling compared to the bare sample. EIS and XPS studies show that the inferior electrochemical performances of the bare LiMn1.42Ni0.42Co0.16O4 are closely related to the formation of thick solid-electrolyte interfacial (SEI) layer at the high operating voltages of ∼5 V. Surface modifications with nanosize Al2O3, ZnO, Bi2O3, and AlPO4 supp...
Spirit and self

This article is the second in a series of two on the topic of Christian anthropology as it relates to pastoral theology. In this article I shall continue to try to address some fundamental issues in the development of a Christian anthropology in a manner which is consistent with, and grows out of, the bedrock of the Christian tradition about human beings, and, when correlated with some modern reflections on the nature of the self, can prove useful in providing a relatively consistent theory of human life for pastoral care and counseling and other aspects of practical theology. First, a conception of spirit will be presented, as representing a central motif of the Christian tradition's understanding of human beings. This conception of spirit will then be discussed in relation to a conception of self which was developed in the first essay, “The ‘Self,’ Its Vicissitudes and Possibilities: An Essay in Theological Anthropology,” published inPastoral Psychology (Lapsley, 1986).
Effect of Bacterial Exposure on Acellular Human Dermis in a Rat Ventral Hernia Model

Background Effectiveness of acellular human dermis (AHD) as an alternative to synthetic mesh in contaminated fields has been described. Cellular migration after implantation and corresponding strength of attachment is not well documented. Our aim is to correlate AHD vascularization, fibroblast migration, and strength of attachment with presence of inflammatory cells in clean and contaminated fields. Materials and Methods Lewis rats were randomized to a control and three experimental groups. AHD was placed as an onlay over the intact abdominal wall. Experimental groups ( n = 72) were exposed to Staphilococcus aureus at 1 × 10 4 , 1 × 10 5 , or 1 × 10 6 by direct application; controls ( n = 12) were not exposed. At 5 and 28 d, abdominal walls were explanted and tissue ingrowth assessed via tensiometry measuring energy (E) and max stress (MS) at the AHD–tissue interface. Vascularity, fibroblast migration, and inflammatory cell migration were compared using light microscopy. Results Shear strength reported as energy and max stress were significantly greater at 28 versus 5 d in all experimental groups, remaining unchanged in controls. Plasma cells and histiocytes significantly increased in all groups; macrophages increased in experimental groups only. Vascular ingrowth increased significantly in all groups; fibroblast migration was greater in controls and 1 × 10 6 exposed group only. Conclusions Contamination of AHD results in inflammatory cell influx and a surprising increase in shear strength. Interestingly, shear strength does not increase without contamination. Inflammation stimulates vascular ingrowth, but not equally significant fibroblast migration. Longer survivals are required to determine if energy and max stress of controls increase, and fibroblast migration follows vascular ingrowth.
Down-modulation of the ZAP-70 protein tyrosine kinase in macaque T lymphocytes infected with SIVsmmPBj14.

: The simian immunodeficiency virus SIV-PBj14 is the most virulent primate lentivirus identified to date. Other SIV strains, including the parental SIVsmm9, require mitogen-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for replication in vitro; however, SIV-PBj14 replicates in quiescent pig-tailed macaque PBMC and induces cellular proliferation, consistent with its in vivo pathogenesis. To identify mechanisms involved in SIV-PBj14-induced T-cell proliferation, kinases important in early T-cell receptor-mediated activation pathways were studied. Immunoblot analyses showed that ZAP-70 protein, a tyrosine kinase, was downregulated, primarily in CD8+ T cells, as early as 30 minutes after in vitro infection of quiescent macaque PBMC with SIV-PBj14. Furthermore, this downregulation required the presence of either CD4+ T cells or adherent cells or both cell populations. In agreement with the in vitro results, ZAP-70 expression was downregulated in macaque PBMC, spleen, and rectal lymph node cells as early as 2 days after rectal inoculation of pig-tailed macaques with SIV-PBj14. This phenomenon, however, was not observed in cells obtained from distal lymph nodes to which the virus had not disseminated, implying that the presence of SIV-PBj14 is necessary to induce downregulation of ZAP-70.
Electromagnetic effects of the nucleon spin-orbit interaction☆

The nucleon spin-orbit potential is examined for its effects on electromagnetic processes of H2, H3, and He3. Since only magnetic terms are affected by velocity-dependent potentials, the magnetic dipole moment operator due to the spin-orbit potential is derived and the contributions to the N-P capture cross-section and to magnetic moments of H2, H3, and He3 are calculated. Only the T = 0 component of the spin-orbit force has any effect on these quantities. The contribution to the unpolarized capture cross section for the Signell-Marshak (SM) and Gammel-Thaler (GT) potentials is much too small to be measured and even in a polarization measurement the effect is somewhat too small to be observed. Any hope of increasing the range and depth of the spin-orbit potential to bring agreement between theory and experiment for N-P capture must be abandoned because of the enormous contribution to the magnetic moments. The contribution to the three-body moments—−0.07 n.m. for the SM potential and −0.06 n.m. for the GT potential—is too large to be reconciled with present experimental knowledge of the magnetic moments and theoretical knowledge of the three-body wave function and meson and relativistic effects.
Concentration changes of thorium, uranium and other metals in hydrothermally altered Conway granite, New Hampshire

Abstract Concentrations of Th, U, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, Co and Cu are significantly different in two sections of a 1000 foot core sample of Conway granite. The differences, attributable to the action of weak hydrothermal fluids, indicate that the fluids, though weak, caused effective redistribution of these elements.
Interaction techniques for musical performance with tabletop tangible interfaces

We present a set of interaction techniques for electronic musical performance using a tabletop tangible interface. Our system, the Audiopad, tracks the positions of objects on a tabletop surface and translates their motions into commands for a musical synthesizer. We developed and refined these interaction techniques through an iterative design process, in which new interaction techniques were periodically evaluated through performances and gallery installations. Based on our experience refining the design of this system, we conclude that tabletop interfaces intended for collaborative use should use interaction techniques designed to be legible to onlookers. We also conclude that these interfaces should allow users to spatially reconfigure the objects in the interface in ways that are personally meaningful.
Heterogeneity of Lung Mononuclear Phagocytes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease defined by an aberrant inflammatory response to inhaled cigarette smoke and other noxious particles. The factors triggered in the lungs that drive inflammation and lung tissue destruction are not fully understood, but mononuclear phagocytes play a central role by releasing mediators that promote both inflammation and tissue-destructive emphysema. Although conflicting studies on alveolar macrophages exist regarding chronic cigarette smoke exposure and its effects on macrophage polarization patterns, we have recently identified a cell type in mice defined by CX3CR1 expression. The population of this cell type expands in the lungs and elaborates M1 signature cytokines in response to cigarette smoke exposure in vivo. In addition, the absence of functional CX3CR1 provides protection from tissue-destructive emphysema in a murine model of chronic cigarette smoke exposure. The heterogeneity and plasticity of discrete macrophage subsets, in terms of immunophenotype and function, may explain the seemingly disparate findings showing a suppressed inflammatory profile on the one hand and a heightened inflammatory response on the other. This review examines the evidence that discrete mononuclear phagocyte subsets develop in response to cigarette smoke exposure, and that the spatial cues provided by the lung tissue microenvironment in which the mononuclear phagocytes reside may influence the distribution and function of these subsets.
Androgen-supported estrogen-enhanced epithelial proliferation in the prostates of intact noble rats

Using a stathmokinetic in vivo metaphase-arrest technique, we studied cell proliferation and histological changes in the ventral (VP) and dorsolateral (DLP) prostate lobes of intact Noble (Nb) rats following a 16 week treatment with testosterone (T) or 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) administered separately or in combination with various estrogens. The combined treatment of rats with T and either estradiol-17 beta, estradiol-17 alpha, or moxestrol induced florid dysplasia and markedly elevated the mitotic index (MI) in affected regions of the DLP. In contrast, joint DHT and estrogen treatment caused only mild proliferative lesions in this lobe. The separate administration of either androgens or estrogens suppressed epithelial proliferation in both the VP and DLP, but they differed in their histological effects on these tissues. Thus DHT or T alone maintained the morphological integrity of VP and DLP, whereas E2-17 beta or moxestrol caused massive atrophy of both lobes. Although dysplastic foci were randomly scattered throughout the DLP, the most dramatic lesions occurred in periurethral ducts. With the exception of joint T and E2-17 alpha treatment, which induced proliferative alterations in the VP, dysplasia was always restricted to the DLP of all animals receiving both androgens and estrogens. Concomitant comparative stathmokinetic studies of the prostates of T-treated castrates suggest that protracted androgen-supported estrogen stimulation of the DLP is necessary to overcome factors that normally limit cell proliferation.
Outcomes of mandible fracture treatment at an academic tertiary hospital: a 5-year analysis.

Purpose To analyze the outcomes of mandible fractures treated using open reduction and internal fixation. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of the medical records from patients with mandibular fractures treated surgically during a 5-year period for demographics, systemic illness, history of substance abuse, etiology, fracture location, any associated facial injury, type and timing of repair, antibiotic treatment, and interval to repair. The development of complications such as infection, malunion or nonunion, hardware failure, and wound dehiscence were recorded. Results Of the 560 patients, adequate data were collected for 363 patients. Of the patients, 60% were white. The male/female ratio was 7.4:1. Systemic illness was noted in 10.5% of the cohort. More than 80% of the subjects had sustained their injury because of assault. The mandible angle was the most common site of fracture (56%). Most (64%) of the patients had sustained multiple fractures. When multiple sites were involved, the angle and body were more commonly involved. The overall complication rate was 26.45%. Hardware failure (15.4%) was the most common complication, followed by infection (15.15%). The revision rate was 8.1% in this cohort. Antibiotic usage and the infection rate were not statistically associated with each other. A greater complication rate was noted among smokers ( P = .0072) and patients with systemic illness ( P = .0495). Conclusions A greater rate of hardware failure was noted in our study. The use of antibiotics did not decrease the incidence of infections. Smokers and patients with systemic medical conditions had a greater risk of complications. Finally, a slight delay in surgical repair was not related to an increased complication rate.
Lymphocyte subpopulations of atopic children and the effect of therapy upon them.

Abstract Recent reports note decreased T cell function in association with certain atopic conditions in man. This study was performed to determine whether numbers of circulating T cells are decreased in atopic children and adolescents in comparison with nonatopic age-matched control subjects. The subjects were not selected on the basis of a particular atopic diagnosis, but relatively more had allergic rhinitis and/or asthma (52) than had atopic eczema (7). Numbers of circulating T cells were not found to be significantly different in allergic children aged 2 to 10 yr than in control subjects. Atopic children and adolescents over age 10 yr had significantly fewer T cells in relative percentages (p
Creating a Family-Like Ninth-Grade Environment Through Interdisciplinary Teaming

This qualitative multisite case study examined how three high schools within one large urban district supported ninth-grade students’ needs through interdisciplinary teaming. Data collected during ...
Functional receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide on human osteosarcoma cells

We have previously reported that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) stimulates bone resorption in organ culture via a cAMP-dependent mechanism. Here we describe functional receptors for VIP on a clonal line of human osteosarcoma cells, SaOs-2. SaOs-2 cells respond to VIP with an increase in cAMP. The effect was rapid (2 min) and dose dependent from 0.15–15 nM VIP, with half-maximal stimulation at 1.4 nM. SaOs- 2 cells produce prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and respond to exogenous PGE2 with increases in cAMP approximately one third as great as those induced by VIP. However, the VIP-stimulated increases in cAMP occurred without detectable increases in PGE2 production, and increases in cAMP were unaffected by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. SaOs-2 cells pretreated with VIP for 24 h were significantly less responsive to a second acute challenge with VIP, but retained their ability to respond to PGE2. Similarly, pretreatment with PGE2 induced homologous desensitization to PGE2, but had no effect on the V...
Mass-fabricated one-dimensional silicon nanogaps for hybrid organic/nanoparticle arrays

Optical lithography based on microfabrication techniques was employed to fabricate one-dimensional nanogaps with micrometre edge lengths in silicon. These one-dimensional nanogaps served as a platform on which organic/nanoparticle films were assembled. Characterization of the gaps was performed with high-resolution TEM, SEM, and electrical measurements. Novel self-assembling attachment chemistry, based on the interaction of silicon with a diazonium salt, was used to iteratively build a multi-layer nanoparticle film across a 7 nm gap. By using nanoparticles capped with an easily displaced ligand, a variable conductive path was created across the 1D nanogap. Electrical measurements of the gap showed a dramatic change in the I(V) characteristics after assembly of the nanoparticle film.
Recording puff volume in smoking

Recent research on nicotine self-administration has highlighted the need to accurately assess within-cigarette topography in order to estimate changes in puff profiles that occur in response to varying nicotine content. This paper describes equipment and techniques that may be used to record puff volume in the laboratory and discusses methods used by other researchers to study puff volume with an emphasis on methodological advantages of the present technique.
Treatment of Produced Water from Unconventional Resources by Membrane Distillation

Unconventional resources (Shale gas/oil) use significant volumes of water for hydraulic fracturing (fracking). While some of the water used is fresh groundwater, there are more environmental pressures to use brackish water sources for fracking. This brackish water may need to be treated to lower the saturation levels and to allow mixing of field chemicals. Unconventional resources also produced high volume of flow-back water (produced water). This produced water (PW) contains high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) and desalination may be needed to allow recycling or reuse of this water source. Membrane Distillation (MD) is an innovative process that can desalinate highly saline waters (30,000–100,000 mg/L TDS) more effectively than reverse osmosis. As a proof of concept, bench-scale MD testing were performed on brackish and produced water samples (30,000 mg/L-60,000 mg/L TDS) obtained from Texas. Results have shown excellent TDS rejection (99.9 %) on all the water samples that were tested without impacting membrane’s flux performance. To evaluate the O&M and scale up issues, two one m3/day MD pilot units are currently operating side by side at a local desalination plant in Doha. Brine from the thermal desalination plant was used as representative high salinity water (70,000 mg/L), similar salinity levels could be found in brackish groundwater and/or flow-back water. It was assumed that all other contaminants that could cause membrane fouling (such as suspended oil, solids, organics, microorganisms) will be removed in a pretreatment step prior to MD. Preliminary results showed that the pilot units were successful in completely removing salt. Flux was very stable for more than 2 weeks. However, it was concluded that pretreatment is critical for stable performance of the MD units. This presentation will provide up to date data on MD bench and pilot-scale performance with O&M issues and projected cost estimates.
The Location and Purpose of Wars Around the World: A New Global Dataset, 1816–2001

A critical question in the quantitative study of war is how to choose appropriate units of analysis. While most studies link wars to the sovereign states that fight them, several authors have recently offered alternative perspectives, focusing on the the properties of rebel organizations and armies or tracking events in fine-grained geographic spaces. We contribute to these developments by introducing a new dataset of wars fought from 1816–2001 on fixed territorial units of observation that conform to the grid of states in 2001. Compared to standard datasets, we expand the geographic purview to include states not recognized by the international system. We provide location codes that identify the territories on which conflicts are fought, which is especially important for the analysis of imperial wars and colonial rebellions. We also introduce a new typology of wars based upon the aims of warring parties rather than their status in the state system. This dataset is uniquely suited to explore new questions ...
THz-bandwidth tunable slow light in semiconductor optical amplifiers.

We report tunable fractional delays of 250% for 700 fs pulses propagating in a 1.55 µm semiconductor optical amplifier at room temperature. This large fractional delay is attributed to a spectral hole created by the propagating pulses for pulses with duration shorter than the carrier heating relaxation time. Delay can be tuned electrically by adjusting the current with low amplitude variation across the tuning range.
Reciprocating Feed System Development Status

The reciprocating feed system (RFS) is an alternative means of providing high pressure propellant flow at low cost and system mass, with high fail-operational reliability. The RFS functions by storing the liquid propellants in large, low-pressure tanks and then expelling each propellant through two or three small, high-pressure tanks. Each RFS tank is sequentially filled, pressurized, expelled, vented, and refilled so as to provide a constant, or variable, mass flow rate to the engine. This type of system is much lighter than a conventional pressure fed system in part due to the greatly reduced amount of inert tank weight. The delivered payload for an RFS is superior to that of conventional pressure fed systems for conditions of high total impulse and it is competitive with turbopump systems, up to approximately 2000 psi. An advanced version of the RFS uses autogenous pressurization and thrust augmentation to achieve higher performance. In this version, the pressurization gases are combusted in a small engine, thus making the pressurization system, in effect, part of the propulsion system. The RFS appears to be much less expensive than a turbopump system, due to reduced research and development cost and hardware cost, since it is basically composed of small high- pressure tanks, a pressurization system, and control valves. A major benefit is the high reliability fail-operational mode; in the event of a failure in one of the three tank-systems, it can operate on the two remaining tanks. Other benefits include variable pressure and flow rates, ease of engine restart in micro-gravity, and enhanced propellant acquisition and control under adverse acceleration conditions. We present a system mass analysis tool that accepts user inputs for various design and mission parameters and calculates such output values payload and vehicle weights for the conventional pressure fed system, the RFS, the Autogenous Pressurization Thrust Augmentation (APTA) RFS, and turbopump systems. Using this tool, a preliminary design of a representative crew exploration vehicle (CEV) has been considered. The design parameters selected for a representative system were modeled after the orbital maneuvering system (OMS) on the Shuttle Orbiter, with an increase of roughly a factor of ten in the delta- V capability and a greater thrust (30,000 lbs, vs. 12,000 lbs). Both storable and cryogenic propellants were considered. Results show that a RFS is a low mass alternative to conventional pressure fed systems, with a substantial increase in payload capability and that it is weight-competitive with turbopump systems at low engine pressure (a few hundred psi); at high engine pressures, the APTA RFS appears to offer the highest payload. We also present the status of the RFS test bed fabrication, assembly, and checkout. This test bed is designed to provide flow rates appropriate for engines in the roughly 10,000 to 30,000 lb thrust range.
Treatment of Epilepsy with Multiple Subpial Transections: An Acute Histologic Analysis in Human Subjects

Summary: Multiple subpial transection (MST) is a new surgical technique for treating seizures that arise from functionally critical cortical areas. It has a reported efficacy comparable to that of standard temporal lobe resections. Although the mechanism through which MST works is unknown, the carefully controlled lesions, placed 5 mm apart at the midlevel of the cortical gyri, could produce fiber damage that would prevent horizontal synchronization and spread of epileptic discharges while allowing normal cortical functions such as those related to movement or speech to be preserved. We studied the acute neuropathological features associated with MST in 8 patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy. Transections were made along major, temporal gyri just before standard lobectomy was performed. After resection, tissue was processed by conventional histological and immunocytochemical techniques. Macroscopically, subpial transections (STs) were perpendicular to the main gyral axis and had an appropriate spacing. Microscopically, most of the lesions were perpendicular and at midlevel. However, many transections involved the lateral aspects of the small gyri, resulting in oblique or deep STs, some of which reached the gray-white matter junction due to the complex microscopic neocortical architecture, in which small gyri are superimposed on major lobar gyri, and to the variable cortical thickness. Extensive acute pyknosis and tissue edema were also evident adjacent to the transections. These changes were variable and extended 1–3 mm laterally as irregular columnar blocks. In the deep lesions, myelin pallor and decreased neuro-filament immunoreactivity were observed in the white matter. Based on the distribution of STs and their adjacent parenchymal injury, we conclude that this technique produces block-type lesions that probably disrupt propagation of epileptogenic activity. In most instances, midlevel horizontal fibers are damaged; one third of the cases showed additional deep injury that would sever afferent and efferent axons. Therefore, in addition to horizontal desynchronization, a deafferentation mechanism involving different fiber systems may contribute to the antiseizure effects of MST. We hypothesize that preservation of cortical function is mediated by cortex remaining in the sulcus and gyral crown and possibly by reorganization of tissue adjacent to transections.
International Engineering Services 1982–92:

Engineering services are important venues for international flows of capital and specialized forms of knowledge, and are extensively traded internationally. In this paper the geography of global supply and demand for engineering services for the years 1982–92 is examined. First, trends in six major world market areas are highlighted. The US, by far the world's largest provider, generated more than $3 billion in foreign engineering sales in 1992. Second, I examine the domestic employment impacts of US engineering sales abroad using input—output analysis. Third, I explore the theoretical implications of the relatively few linkages to manufacturing that engineering, like other services, exhibits. As a subtext, I attempt to forge linkages between the literatures on global trade in services and world systems theory.
The inability of Fusarium species extracts to induce dieback in pines

Cultures of F. moniliforme var. subglutinans, F. moniliforme, F. lateritium, F. equiseti, F. semitectum and F. solani from pine and F. moniliforme and F. graminearum from southern U.S. corn were grown on rice and corn, extracted, and checked for toxicity in mice, chicken embryos, and pine seedlings, and for mutagenicity by the Ames test. While extracts from both fungal groups contained toxins, none of the extracts induced dieback in pine seedlings. Almost all of the cultures isolated from corn in contrast to those from pine, were mutagenic. Thin-layer chromatography did not detect T-2 toxin, moniliformin, or vomitoxin, indicating that these toxins do not elicit dieback symptoms in pine.
Reproductive hormones associated with the ovarian cyst response to GnRH.

Abstract Eighteen cows with ovarian cysts were administered 100 μg of GnRH and bled prior to treatment, at half hour intervals for 4 hours posttreatment and on days 1, 5 and 9 posttreatment. Blood plasma was analyzed for estradiol-17β, progesterone and LH by radioimmunoassay. Response to treatment was recorded as positive if ovulation was detected within 30 days posttreatment. Fourteen cows (78%) initiated ovarian cycles by 30 days posttreatment. Mean pretreatment concentrations of estradiol-17β, progesterone and LH and the GnRH induced LH release were not different for positive or no response cows. However, all seven cows that had pretreatment progesterone concentrations greater than 1.0 ng/ml had a positive response to treatment. Eight of the remaining eleven cows had a progesterone response (mean progesterone concentrations on days 5 and 9 posttreatment) greater than 1.0 ng/ml; seven had a positive response to treatment. In summary, most cows with ovarian cysts administered GnRH will initiate ovarian cycles within 30 days if: 1) pretreatment progesterone concentrations are greater than 1.0 ng/ml or 2) if progesterone response is greater than 1.0 ng/ml.
Synthesis and cellular studies of polyamine conjugates of a mercaptomethyl–carboranylporphyrin

Seven polyamine conjugates of a tri(p-carboranylmethylthio)tetrafluorophenylporphyrin were prepared in high yields by sequential substitution of the p-phenyl fluoride of tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (TPPF), and investigated as boron delivery agents for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). The polyamines used were derivatives of the natural-occurring spermine with different lengths of the carbon chains, terminal primary amine groups and, in two of the conjugates, additional aminoethyl moieties. A tri(polyethylene glycol) conjugate was also synthesized for comparison purposes. The polyamine conjugates showed low dark cytotoxicity (IC(50) >400 μM) and low phototoxicity (IC(50) >40 μM at 1.5 J/cm(2)). All polyamine conjugates, with one exception, showed higher uptake into human glioma T98G cells (up to 12-fold) than the PEG conjugate, and localized preferentially in the cell ER, Golgi and the lysosomes. Our results show that spermine derivatives can serve as effective carriers of boronated porphyrins for the BNCT of tumors.
Reducing emissions from in-use vehicles: an evaluation of the Phoenix inspection and maintenance program using test results and independent emissions measurements

Abstract Various federal regulations require states to evaluate the effectiveness of their vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs in reducing in-use emissions. One method to evaluate program effectiveness is to compare initial and final program test results of individual vehicles. Unscheduled emissions measurements, from remote sensing measurement or roadside pullover testing, can also be used to provide an independent assessment of program effectiveness. We compared emissions reductions from the Arizona IM240 program measured by program data and a large set of remote sensing measurements. Remote sensing measurements indicate smaller emission reductions from the program than those calculated directly from program test results. We discuss some possible causes of the differences obtained from the two sets of measurements.
Phenolic resin–trisilanolphenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) hybrid nanocomposites: Structure and properties

Abstract The structure and properties of organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposites prepared from a resole phenolic resin and a POSS mixture containing >95 wt% trisilanolphenyl POSS was investigated by POM (polarized optical microscopy), SEM, TEM, WAXD, FT-IR, DSC, and TGA techniques. Composites with 1.0–10.4 wt% of POSS were prepared by dissolving the POSS and the phenolic resin into THF, followed by solvent removal and curing. Both nano- and micro-sized POSS filler aggregates and particles were shown to be heterogeneously dispersed in the cured matrix by POM, TEM, SEM, and X-EDS. POSS was found everywhere, including in both dispersed phase domains and in the matrix. The nanocomposite morphology appears to form by a multi-step POSS aggregation during the process of phase separation. Both the matrix and dispersed ‘particulate’ phase domains are mixtures of phenolic resin and POSS. POSS micro-crystals act as the core of the dispersed phase. The bigger dispersed domains consist of smaller particles or aggregates of POSS molecules that exhibit some order but regions of matrix resin are interspersed. A WAXD peak at 2θ∼7.3° indicates crystalline order in the POSS aggregates. This characteristic peak's intensity increases with an increase in POSS loading, suggesting that more POSS molecules have aggregated or crystallized. FT-IR spectra confirm that hydrogen bonding exists between the phenolic resin and POSS Si–OH groups. This increases their mutual compatibility, but H-bonding does not prevent POSS aggregation and phase separation during curing. TGA measurements in air confirmed the temperature for 5% mass loss in increases with increase of POSS loading and at T>550° the thermal stability increases more sharply with POSS loading. The nanocomposite glass transition temperatures (Tg) are only slightly be affected by the POSS filler.
Ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent degradation of D-type cyclins is linked to tumor necrosis factor-induced cell cycle arrest.

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) is well known for its cytotoxic effect on malignant cells. Its role in cell cycle control is relatively less known. In this study, we found that TNF induced G1 arrest of TF-1 and MV4–11 cells while simultaneously causing apoptosis. Treatment of the cells with TNF for 48 h caused cell cycle arrest, accompanied by dephosphorylation of pRb and reduction in D-type cyclin expression. The down-regulation of the D-type cyclins resulted in ∼50–80% decrease of the cyclin-dependent kinase activities. Cells treated with calpain-dependent inhibitor ALLN and apoptosis inhibitor zVAD-FMK suppressed degradation of IκBα and activation of caspase 3, respectively. However, treatment of cells with these two inhibitors was not able to prevent TNF-induced down-regulation of the D-type cyclins. In contrast, proteasome inhibitor MG-132 and lactacystin blocked both TNF-induced degradation of IκBα and down-regulation of D-type cyclins. These data suggest that down-regulation of D-type cyclins by TNF may be proteasome-proteolysis dependent. Additional support for this conclusion was obtained from experiments showing an increase of proteasome activity in TNF-treated cells and in vitro degradation of cyclin D3 by 26 S proteasome.
Hanbury-Brown and Twiss intensity correlations of parabosons

Abstract For a parabosonic field in a dominant single-mode, there is a diagonal P p -representation in the | α even , odd 〉 coherent state basis. It is used to analyze zero-time-interval intensity correlations of parabosons in a maximum-entropic state. As the mean number of parabosons decreases, there is a monotonic reduction to 2 p of the constant bosonic “factor of two” proportionality of the second-order versus the squared first-order intensity correlation function.
The osmotic coefficients of the sodium form of some biopolymers

The osmotic coefficients phi p,Na of dilute solutions of the sodium form of some weakly acidic polymers are theoretically predicted in this work. Based on the measured value 0.73 of gamma Na, the activity coefficient of free Na+, of the completely ionized humic acid (sodium salt) in a salt-free solution, the effective interligand distance b is calculated to be 11.34 A by using Manning's counterion condensation theory [Manning, G. S. (1969) J. Chem. Phys. 51(3), 924]. The corresponding values of gamma Na (measured experimentally) and b for the completely ionized exopolymer of Pseudomonas atlantica are 0.624 and 7.57 A when cultivated at a dilution rate D = 0.015 h-1, 0.647 and 8.19 A at D = 0.025 h-1, and 0.613 and 7.29 Aat D = 0.06 h-1. For alginic acid (in the completely ionized sodium form), gamma Na = 0.40 and b = 4.71 A. The osmotic coefficients phi p,Na for the partially and the completely ionized polymers are then predicted with Manning's theory as well.
Impact of olefin content on criteria and toxic emissions from modern gasoline vehicles

Abstract Olefins are an important component of gasoline and an important property with respect to the development of reformulated gasolines using regulatory models. Currently, the coefficients used in regulatory gasoline development models are primarily based on studies conducted in the early 1990s, as an extensive study of olefin gasoline effects has not been conducted since that time. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of gasoline fuel olefin content on modern vehicles compliant with US EPA Tier 2 standards. Vehicles were tested with two fuels with different olefin contents, nominally 3% and 15% by volume, over the LA92 test cycle. The results showed that changing the olefin content with the range in this study had a relatively minor impact on exhaust emissions of these latest technology vehicles, including total hydrocarbons (THCs), nitrogen oxides (NO x ), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions as well as toxic emissions such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene. Only exhaust 1,3-butadiene emissions showed significantly higher emissions at higher olefin levels, consistent with a correlation between olefins in the fuel and in the exhaust. This information from this study will be used to provide updates of fuel properties effects for use in the EPA Complex Model and the CARB Predictive Model.
Observations of Methane and Ethylene Diffusion Flames Stabilized Around a Blowing Porous Sphere Under Microgravity Conditions

This paper presents the experimental and theoretical results for expanding methane and ethylene diffusion flames in microgravity. A small porous sphere made from a low-density and low-heat-capacity insulating material was used to uniformly supply fuel at a constant rate to the expanding diffusion flame. A theoretical model which includes soot and gas radiation is formulated but only the problem pertaining to the transient expansion of the flame is solved by assuming constant pressure infinitely fast one-step ideal gas reaction and unity Lewis number. This is a first step toward quantifying the effect of soot and gas radiation on these flames. The theoretically calculated expansion rate is in good agreement with the experimental results. Both experimental and theoretical results show that as the flame radius increases, the flame expansion process becomes diffusion controlled and the flame radius grows as gamma t. Theoretical calculations also show that for a constant fuel mass injection rate a quasi-steady state is developed in the region surrounded by the flame and the mass flow rate at any location inside this region equals the mass injection rate.