cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
American Airlines’ use of mediated employee channels after the 9/11 attacks

Abstract This study investigates American Airlines’ employee response to the 9/11 attacks. Interviews with corporate communicators at the airline and analysis of electronic publications released internally within the airline reveal how mediated communication channels supported the supervisory communication efforts after the 9/11 attacks. An internal employee campaign called Good Words is used to illustrate how emerging technologies can support the emotional needs of employees after a crisis. The article concludes with lessons American Airlines learned from the terrorist attacks and implications for crisis communicators.
Anthropometric survey of high-altitude Bolivian porters

SummaryThis paper presents the results of an anthropometric survey of 138 rural Aymaran high-altitude males who were working as porters in La Paz, Bolivia (3700 m). All subjects were measured for stature, weight, upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfolds. The body size and composition of the porters were then compared to an Aymaran rural population from the Bolivian highlands, and urban mestizo labourers from La Paz. The porters were smaller than the urban sample, but appeared to be generally representative of rural Aymaran natives with respect to body size and composition, and nutritional status. It is suggested that towards one extreme of nutritional variability, some degree of undernutrition may be indicated, which should be considered in future studies of adaptation to hypoxia among these Andean highlanders.
Synthesis, structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical characterization of high oxidation state diruthenium complexes containing four identical unsymmetrical bridging ligands.

Six Ru26+ derivatives of the form Ru2(L)4(C⋮CC6H5)2, where L = 2-Fap, 2,3-F2ap, 2,4-F2ap, 2,5-F2ap, 3,4-F2ap, or 2,4,6-F3ap, are synthesized and characterized as to their electrochemical, spectroscopic, and/or structural properties. These compounds are synthesized from a reaction between LiC⋮CC6H5 and Ru2(L)4Cl. Two of the investigated complexes exist in a (4,0) isomeric form while four adopt a (3,1) geometric conformation. These two series of geometric isomers are compared with previously characterized (4,0) Ru2(ap)4(C⋮CC6H5)2, (4,0) Ru2(F5ap)4(C⋮CC6H5)2, and (3,1) Ru2(F5ap)4(C⋮CC6H5)2. The overall data on the nine compounds thus provide an opportunity to systematically examine how the electrochemical and structural properties of these Ru26+ complexes vary with respect to isomer type and electronic properties of the bridging ligands.
A corrugated horn antenna using V-shape corrugations

Corrugated horns use corrugations on the E -plane walls that are operating in the cutoff condition. In this paper, attention is focussed on replacing the rectangular shaped corrugation with a V-shaped corrugation. The properties of the V corrugations are obtained using an integral equation solution; the results of the computational studies indicate that for operation of the V corrugations in the forbidden zone the depth of the corrugations lie between 0.3125 \lambda to 0.625 \lambda in contrast to the rectangular corrugations where the corresponding depth is 0.25 \lambda to 0.5 \lambda . The radiation patterns and impedance of two identical rectangular horns with corrugated E - plane walls using either V or rectangular corrugations are directly compared.
Travel-time estimation using cross-correlation techniques

Abstract This paper demonstrates the viability of using cross-correlation techniques with inductance loop data to measure the propagation time of traffic. The propagation time between loops separated by 0.5 miles is measured by using time-average activation counts (“volume”) from inductance loops. The resulting time delay is used to estimate the mean speed. This independent speed estimate can be used to improve the volume/occupancy ratio estimate of speed from single loops.
An Electron Beam Penetrating an Overdense Plasma Simulated with Fine Resolution on a Long Timescale

Summary form only given. When an electron beam encounters an overdense plasma, the beam is quickly destabilized by the two stream instability and dispersed. However, it was shown previously by means of 2D simulations that over long time scales the beam ejects the background electrons from the region where the beam is propagating, leaving the background ions to neutralize the beam charge, thus stabilizing the beam propagation over timescales that are long compared to the electron-electron two stream instability growth time. Subsequently, long timescale simulations with coarse spatial resolution were presented which seemed to show that the behavior carried over to 3D, although a firm conclusion was not possible because of the coarse resolution. The purpose of this paper is to present simulations of the interaction between the beam and the overdense plasma in 3D with a spatial resolution comparable to the resolution of the 2D calculations. It is shown that some 3D modes grow to a moderate amplitude, but that these do not cause disruption of the plasma on the simulated timescale. These simulations thus show that the stable beam propagation at longer times that was found in the 2D simulations is also found when 3 dimensional perturbations are included
Mitotic arrest induced by XK469, a novel antitumor agent, is correlated with the inhibition of cyclin B1 ubiquitination.

XK469 (NSC 697887) is a novel antitumor agent with broad activity against a variety of tumors. Previous studies suggest that XK469 is a topoisomerase lip poison with functional activity similar to that of 4'- (9-acridinylamino) methanesulfon-m-anisidide (m-AMSA). The goal of our study was to investigate its mechanism of action further using a human HCT-116 (H116) colon tumor cell model. Concentration-survival curves with continuous exposure indicated that XK469 had low cytotoxic activity against H116 cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed that XK469 is a phase-specific cell cycle blocker that is associated with increased levels of cyclin BI, cyclin A and p53 but not CDKI (cdc2) or cyclin E. In contrast, treatment of H116 cells with m-AMSA caused a total degradation of both cyclin A and BI but enhanced expression of cyclin E and p53. Accumulation of cyclin BI in XK469-treated cells was correlated with the inhibition of cyclin BI ubiquitination, a metabolic process mandatory for proteasome-mediated protein turnover. However, no inhibition of cyclin BI ubiquitination was detected in cells treated with rn-AMSA or colchicine, a known mitotic inhibitor. Furthermore, unlike rn-AMSA, XK469 did not induce caspase activation or apoptotic cell death in H116 cells. Our results suggest that XK469 is a phase-specific cell cycle inhibitor with a unique mechanism of action that is correlated with the inhibition of cyclin BI ubiquitination and its accumulation at early M phase. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Quantitative determination of secondary amines: Measurement of N-methylalanine

Abstract A simple, rapid method for the quantitative estimation of secondary amines was developed based upon the reaction of this group of compounds with sodium nitroprusside and acetaldehyde. The conditions for optimal color production are described and the extent of interference by various primary and tertiary amines is evaluated. No appreciable interference from other compounds commonly found in biological tissues was found. This assay permits estimation of 0.05–0.80 μmoles of N -methylalanine. The possible application of this method to the measurement of proline and hydroxyproline is suggested.
Phosphorus metabolism in experimental atherosclerotic plaque reversal.

Summary A study of phosphate components in experimental atherosclerotic plaque reversal of the rabbit aorta reveals a shorter half-life for total aortic phosphate, phospholipid phosphorus, and TCA-soluble phosphate in MgEDTA-treated animals compared to normal and atherosclerotic controls. In MgEDTA-treated animals these phosphorus components in absolute amounts lie well between that of the normal and untreated atherosclerotic animal.
Structure-activity studies of carbamate and other esters: agonists and antagonists to nicotine.

Abstract A number of aromatic, cycloalkyl, and heterocyclic carbamic acid esters, thiocarbamic acid esters, and carboxylic acid esters of di- and trial-kylaminoalkyl and heterocyclic amino alcohols have been synthesized and tested for their pharmacologic and receptor binding characteristics at the nicotine receptor. Receptor binding was measured in rat brain membranes using (−)-3H-nicotine or 3H-methylcarbamylcholine as radioligands. The compounds were tested for their ability to produce seizures and prostration and to antagonize the nicotine-induced prostration and seizures as well as the hypertensive action of nicotine in rats. Among the potent agonists were the N-methylcarbamyl and N-methylthiocarbamyl esters of choline (trimethylaminoethanol), with the tertiary amino derivatives between considerably less potent than the quaternary. Potent antagonists included trimethylaminoethyl benzoate, 3-quinuclidinyl benzoate, and trimethylaminoethyl esters of phenyl and phenylthiocarbamic acids. One of the most potent antagonists to nicotine was α-lobeline.
The effects of stress and physical aging on the creep compliance of a polymeric composite

An experimental study was performed to determine the effects of stress and physical aging on the matrix dominated viscoelastic properties of IM7/8320, a high temperature fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite. Established creep/aging test techniques developed for polymers were adapted for testing of the composite material. The transverse and shear compliance for an orthotropic plate were found from creep compliance measurements at constant, sub-Tg temperatures. These compliance terms were shown to be effected by physical aging. Aging time shift factors and shift rates were found to be a function of applied stress.
Bionomics of Trochus niloticus , Linn

I HAVE been greatly interested in Dr. C. Amirtha-lingam's communication1 about the breeding of Trochus niloticus in the Andaman Sea. My own statements on the breeding of this species in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef were based on work done by Mr. F. W. Moorhouse, at that time a member of the Great Barrier Reef Expedition and now Marine Biologist to the Government of Queensland. This work has recently been published,2 and in addition to much information about the habits and growth of this animal, Mr. Moorhouse states that it appears “to be a winter-breeder, the season extending from March to July at least, and each animal possesses a protracted spawning period”. During this period the surface temperature of the water round about Low Isles where these observations were made ranged from about a maximum of 28° C. in March to a minimum of about 20° C. in July.
High power, high reliability electron accelerators for industrial processing

Abstract A new generation of high power high reliability electron beam accelerators is being used for a variety of industrial processes. A wide range of products at high throughput rates is processed at low unit costs. Currently 150 kW of electron beam is routinely available at 4.5 MeV with higher power now practical. Reliability is a key factor in the acceptance of these machines in the industrial sector. Highlighted are subsystem and component developments that have allowed improved built-in reliability to be achieved. Microprocessor control now provides the capability to coordinate all the operations of the irradiation facility including the accelerator, the material handling system, various auxiliary services as well as the personnel safety system.
PARAMYLONSYNTHESISAND CHLOROPLAST STRUCTURE ASSOCIATEED WITH NUTRIENTLEVELSINEuUGLENA(EUGLENOPHYCEAE)

A System has been developed to study the photoheterotrophic synthesis of paramylon, a β-1,3 glucan storage product found in the euglenoid flagellates. The amount of paramylon in the cells is controlled by manipulating the levels of nutrients in the culture medium. During experimental conditions, when cells are transferred from an incomplete to a complete medium, the transferred from an incomplete to a complete medium, the paramylon concentration increases at least seven-fold relative to the controls. Electron microscopic studies demonstrate that the pyrenoid disperses concomitantly with the period of paramylon increase. The pyrenoid of Euglena is labeled by a ribulose-1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase(Ru-BisCO)antibody. The distribution of ruBisCO in the clocrplast is directly related to pyrenoid dispersal.
Chinese Caregiving Burden and the Future Burden of Elder Care in Life-Course Perspective

This article uses the life course perspective to combine micro- and macro-levels of analysis of caregiving burdens experienced by Chinese baby-boom cohort and then explores their elder care prospects. Based on survey interviews during 1997 and 1998 with 110 caregivers providing care to dependent parents or parents-in-law, this study finds that lower family income, fewer family members to assist with parental care, and care-recipients' higher levels of disability are contributors to higher levels of caregiver financial burden. Caregivers' greater involvement in provision of personal care contributes to their higher levels of objective burden. Interestingly, as duration of providing care lengthened, a reduction is noted in caregivers' subjective burden. Caregivers' report of social pressure in provision of parental care was found to increase their subjective burden. One can conclude that larger family size has been an important factor in relieving caregiver financial burden in the current caregiving situati...
Private Practice Rates Among Pediatric Subspecialists

OBJECTIVE: Historically, most pediatric subspecialists have conducted their clinical work in academic health centers. However, increases in the absolute numbers of pediatric subspecialists in past decades, combined with greater concentrations of children in urban and suburban settings, might result in more opportunities for pediatric subspecialists to enter private practice. Our goal was to assess the proportions of subspecialists in private practice. METHODS: We surveyed a stratified, random, national sample of 1696 subspecialists from 5 subspecialties and assessed the ownership of their current clinical practice settings. RESULTS: The response rate was 77%. Two-thirds of respondents (65% [n = 705]) reported that they work in academic hospitals or outpatient clinics. Compared with other subspecialists, greater proportions of neonatologists (38% [n = 92]) and critical care physicians (19% [n = 44]) reported that they work in community hospitals. Larger proportions of cardiologists (27% [n = 58]) and gastroenterologists (24% [n = 47]) reported that they work in private outpatient practices. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant proportions of pediatric subspecialists in private practice in most of the 5 subspecialties studied. Ensuring children9s access to pediatric subspecialists likely will require a robust workforce in both academic and private clinical settings. Ongoing studies of the career trajectories of pediatric subspecialists with respect to their venues of practice will be essential for future workforce planning.
Bronchocentric granulomatosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome

We describe a case of bronchocentric granulomatosis in a young woman with several unusual features. She developed spontaneous pneumothoraces, diffuse interstitial infiltrates and the adult respiratory distress syndrome during the course of her illness. A pathological diagnosis was not made until treatment with corticosteroids had led to a marked improvement in the patient's condition and an open lung biopsy was performed.
CHALK CULTURE METHOD FOR PRESERVING BACTERIA CULTURES AND ITS APPLICATIONS1

A simple and efficient chalk culture method was developed to preserve bacterial cultures in this study. The stability of Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 43895, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25619, Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus chalk cultures at 25C and 4C was evaluated at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 9 months on Tryptic Soy Agar and a specific agar for each organism. During drying process, B. cereus, E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus chalk cultures showed less than 1.0 log CFU/g reduction, while E. aerogenes, E. coli, L. monocytogenes, P. aeruginosa and S. Typhimurium showed between 1 to 3 log CFU/g reduction. In the shelf-life study of chalk cultures, B. cereus and E. coli O157:H7 were stable (< 1 log CFU/g reduction) at both 25C and 4C during the first 3 months. E. aerogenes, E. coli, L. monocytogenes, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus had better stability at 4C (<1 log CFU/g reduction) than 25C (<3 log CFU/g reduction) (P<0.05) during the first 3 months. S. Typhimurium was not stable at 25C and 4C during the first three months (P<0.05). From the third month to the ninth month, B. cereus, E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium were stable at both 4C and 25C (<1 log CFU/g reduction), while E. aerogenes, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were more stable at 4C than at 25C. E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, S. Typhimurium and S. aureus chalk cultures were inoculated into milk, ground beef and dry pet food, and retained constant (< 1 log CFU/mL or g reduction) after 5 days storage indicating that chalk cultures are stable in these foods. For the heat treatment (55C for 5 min) study, the counts of chalk cultures in milk and ground beef reduced approximately 2 log CFU/mL or g, and about 1 log CFU/g in pet food after heating. The difference was statistically significant compared to the unheated-inoculated sample (P<0.05). The chalk cultures are easy to prepare, stable in storage and convenient to use for challenge studies especially for dry solid food samples.
Competing in the ACM scholastic programming contest (abstract)

The Scholastic Programming Contest was conceived as a vehicle to showcase the talents of some of the brightest young computer scientists in the world. Its founding precept was to provide a competition that is challenging, exciting, and most of all, enjoyable for the contestants.The recent addition of the contest sponsor, ATT Chavey, Darrah; Mourey, Thomas L.; Van Brackle, David; and Werth, John. Preparing a team for the ACM Scholastic Programming Contest. Proceedings CSC '91, 5-7 March 1991, page 701.
Soluble TNFα Receptors Are Increased in Chronic Renal Insufficiency and Hemodialysis and Inhibit Neutrophil Priming by TNFα

The oxidative burst of neutrophils from azotemic patients is refractory to priming by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha). Soluble TNF alpha binding protiens (sTNFR) accumulate in the plasma of azotemic patients. To test the hypothesis that these increased sTNFR concentrations inhibit TNF alpha priming of oxidative burst activity, we measured plasma sTNFR concentrations in nondialyzed azotemic patients, hemodialysis patients, and normal subjects, and determined TNF alpha priming of fMet-Leu-Phe-stimulated superoxide production in neutrophils incubated in plasma with differing levels of sT-NFR. These sTNFR concentrations increased significantly as creatinine clearance decreased and were significantly greater in hemodialysis patients than could be accounted for by loss of renal function alone. TNF alpha primed superoxide production by normal neutrophils in normal plasma, but this effect was significantly reduced in plasma with increased concentrations of sTNFR. Neutrophils from azotemic and hemodialysis patients were refractory to priming by TNF alpha in autologous plasma, and incubation in normal plasma only partially corrected this defect. We conclude that sTNFR accumulate as a result of the loss of renal function and hemodialysis and inhibit TNF alpha priming of neutrophils in azotemic and hemodialysis patients, but that these cells also have an intrinsic functional defect.
A Methodology for the Evaluation of Real-Time Speech Digitization

Real-time speech digitizing technologies underlie such modern communications products as voice store and forward systems and digital PBX's. Among the human factors design issues associated with this technology, three of particular importance can be identified: i) speaker identifiability, ii) acceptability of speech quality, and iii) speech intelligibility. An experimental method for addressing issues of identifiability and intelligibility was developed and used to compare a commercial speech digitizing device with a standard toll quality telephone channel. It was found that the identifiability and acceptability of the telephone was slightly superior to the digitized speech. Additionally, results on an MRT showed intelligibility scores somewhat below optimal.
Adaptive enrichment meshfree simulation and experiment on buckling and post-buckling analysis in sheet metal forming

Sheet buckling, a form of instability, is one of the major considerations in the design of part shape, die geometry and processing parameters of sheet metal forming. In this study, an adaptive enrichment meshfree method is developed to capture wrinkling and post-buckling behavior in sheet metal forming. A three-dimensional meshfree continuum approach is applied to the large deformation of plate/shell structures. A stress-based wrinkling predictor is used to predict the onset of buckling within effective compressive regions. Enrichment particles with a proper enrichment function are inserted/deleted in those regions to capture the buckling mode and therefore post-buckling behavior. For verification of the simulation results, a high-resolution wedge strip test is designed to study the onset and post-buckling behavior of a sheet under different boundary conditions.
Pretransplant bilateral nephrectomy and adjuvant operations.

Pretransplant bilateral nephrectomy by the posterior approach has been associated with minimal morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately the posterior approach is not applicable to all patients, e.g., patients with polycystic renal disease or patients who need simultaneously another intraperitoneal adjuvant operation such as splenectomy or vagotomy and pyloroplasty. This article presents 34 patients who had a transperitoneal bilateral nephrectomy and 29 other concurrent adjuvant operations. Morbidity and mortality are comparable to that reported for simple bilateral nephrectomy performed posteriorly. The reduction in morbidity and mortality was believed to be due to a careful application of the basic principles of surgical care and an appreciation of the special problems posed by patients on chronic hemodialysis. Perioperative care will be discussed in detail.
Abstract 2884: Resveratrol, a red wine polyphenol, suppresses pancreatic cancer by inhibiting leukotriene A4 hydrolase

Considerable attention has focused on the anticancer effects of red wine. Resveratrol (3,5,4’-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a well-known polyphenolic compound found in red wine and recognized as a key substance for cancer chemoprevention. Leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) is a bi-functional zinc enzyme that is regarded as a relevant target in certain types of human cancers. Our data indicate that knockdown of LTA4H decreased production of leukotriene B4 (LTB4), the enzymatic product of LTA4H, and suppressed anchorage-independent growth of MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells. An in silico prediction using a shape-similarity approach suggested that LTA4H might be a potential target of resveratrol. Results showed that resveratrol directly bound to LTA4H in vitro and ex vivo and suppressed proliferation and anchorage-independent growth by inhibiting LTA4H activity in MIA PaCa-2 cells. Importantly, resveratrol exerted stronger inhibitory effects compared to bestatin, a well-known inhibitor of LTA4H activity. The inhibitory effects of resveratrol were reduced in MIA PaCa-2 cells transfected with sh-LTA4H compared with sh-mock transfected cells. Notably, in an in vivo xenograft mouse model, resveratrol suppressed MIA PaCa-2 tumor formation by inhibiting LTA4H activity. These findings suggest that LTA4H is a novel target for the preventive and/or therapeutic effects of resveratrol on pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2884. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2884
A shock tube study of DF dissociation

The dissociation rate for DF in argon has been studied with shock tube experiments at temperatures between 3600 and 7200 K. The data were best fitted by the rate coefficient equation k1=2.7×1022 T−2 exp (−137 130/RT) cm3/mol s. A few experiments performed at ∼5000 K indicated that DF dissociates more rapidly in a helium bath than in argon by a factor of 2.9–4.1. A comparison of recombination rate coefficients for several hydrogen halides at 4000 K reveals only small deviations from a value of 1014.4 cm6/mol2 s.
Association between the neuron-specific RNA-binding protein ELAVL4 and Parkinson disease

Inflammatory processes have been implicated in the cascade of events that lead to nerve cell death. In the nervous system, a number of genes involved in inflammation pathways are regulated post-transcriptionally via the interaction of their mRNAs with specific RNA-binding Hu proteins, the vertebrate homologues of the Drosophila ELAV (for embryonic lethal abnormal vision). The gene encoding ELAVL4, a member of the Hu family of proteins, is located 2 Mb from the chromosome 1p linkage region peak for age-at-onset (AAO) of Parkinson disease (PD) (LOD=3.41). Nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ELAVL4 were genotyped for 266 multiplex families (1,223 samples). Additional genotyping in 377 singleton families was performed for a subset of five SNPs (SNPs 1–5) that were not in linkage disequilibrium. SNP 2 (located in the first intron of ELAVL4) showed a strong significant association with AAO of PD (P=0.006), and SNP 5 (a coding SNP in ELAVL4) showed a moderately significant association (P=0.035). Haplotype analysis revealed that the A-C haplotype at SNPs 2 and 3 has the strongest significant association with AAO (P=0.0001) among all combinations of two or three loci. The A-C haplotype remained significant for AAO after the inclusion of the C allele at SNP 5 to this haplotype (A-C-C haplotype, P=0.00018). Although SNP 5 was found to associate with PD risk in the early-onset subset of PD families (at least one affected with AAO <40 years, 60 families), we believe that it is a by-product of its association with AAO. Taken together, these results suggest a potential role for ELAVL4 as a modifier gene for AAO of PD.
Radiative transfer modeling of lunar highlands spectral classes and relationship to lunar samples

[1] Tompkins and Pieters (1999) identified eleven spectral classes present on the surface of the Moon. Here we model these spectral classes to determine the compositions that define them. We do this by mathematically matching spectral classes to radiative transfer computed spectra using spectral shape, contrast, and excursion parameters as defining characteristics. Model spectra are based upon known mineralogies, mafic-mineral Mg′s (molar (Mg/(Mg + Fe)) · 100), and maturities. We compare these compositional results to a compilation of ∼100 Apollo samples to determine plausible representative samples for these spectra. Results indicate that unique mineralogic solutions for several spectral classes can be determined unambiguously; however, classes previously interpreted to be pyroxene-rich are compositionally ambiguous. Results suggest these ambiguous mineral assemblages are not random, but correlate with variations in absolute reflectance. These data further suggest absolute reflectance is a compositionally diagnostic spectral parameter that should be used in conjunction with relative reflectance analysis to constrain mineralogy. Although absolute reflectance for the eleven spectral classes is not available to constrain their composition, we detail mineral, chemical (i.e., Mg′), and absolute reflectance variations of matching model relative reflectance spectra to narrow the possibilities. This information is used in a pilot study of Bullialdus crater, for which Clementine absolute reflectance is known. Results indicate Bullialdus's central peak consists of Tompkins and Pieters' spectral classes AN, AGN, and N. Bullialdus's spectra that match class N are roughly consistent with previous compositional interpretations; however, matches to classes AN and AGN indicate more mafic assemblages typical of Mg-suite norite/gabbronorite rocks.
A regulatory element in the 5'UTR directs cell-specific expression of the mouse alpha 4 gene.

Abstract Transfection experiments showed that the mouse α 4 promoter contains a downstream element in its 5′UTR which is essential for efficient promoter activity. DNaseI footprinting and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) demonstrated that the region from nt +113 to +148 can bind a cell type-specific factor (MIII-3) present in the α 4 m expressing cell line L1210 but not in the non-expressing cell lines A9 and LMTK − . Two consensus SP1 sites in this 5′UTR were recognised in L1210, A9 and LMTK − , and with extracts from A9 and LMTK − , an AP2-like protein was shown to bind a downstream AP2 site. Thus both ubiquitous and cell type-specific factors regulate the expression of α 4 m.
Reducing dissolved phosphorus loading to the Salton Sea with aluminum sulfate

The primary productivity of the Salton Sea. California is excessively high, leading to lowoxygen conditions, low clarity, and odors associated with algal decomposition. Treating the inflow water with aluminum sulfate (alum) to remove soluble phosphorus (P), the limiting nutrient, is being considered to improve water quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of alum to remove dissolved phosphorus from New River water, and the potential for the Al-bound P to be released into the Salton Sea. The New River is dominated by agricultural wastewater and has a salinity somewhat higher than normally encountered for alum treatment (total dissolved solids=2,300 mg l−1), thus, evaluation of alum’s effectiveness is needed. In addition, alum may be dosed directly into the New River and the floc allowed to flow into the Salton Sea if the precipitated P is stable in Salton Sea water. In this study, we evaluated the potential for floc-bound P to be desorbed in Salton Sea water, which has an unusually high salinity (46 g l−1). Aluminum at a 5-mg l−1 dose was effective in removing over 90% of the soluble phosphorus from the New River water. However, when the alum floc was added to Salton Sea water, up to 100% of the Al-bound P was released into the Sea water due to desorption, dissolution, and recrystallization of the alum floc. These results indicate that treatment of agricultural drainage water to reduce P-loading can be effective if the alum floc is settled and not allowed to enter the saline Salton Sea. In addition to alum costs, estimated at US$13 million year−1, settling basin construction and maintenance for floc removal would be required.
Buckling of anisotropic laminated cylindrical plates

On presente une solution analytique pour le flambage de plaques cylindriques anisotropes sous des combinaisons arbitraires de charge axiale, pression interne et charge de cisaillement dans le plan. Des equations du type Donnell en combinaison avec la methode de Galerkin sont utilisees pour determiner les charges critiques de flambage
Teaching Psychological Defenses: An Interactive Computerized Program

An interactive computerized teaching program with which students learn to analyze behaviors as examples of psychological defense is described. Students are presented with a short paragraph describing a fictional situation in which a defensive behavior is enacted. These behaviors are analyzed in terms of actor-action-object propositions. The transformations in these three terms generate psychological defenses such as projection and reaction formation. Students' satisfaction with the program and their subsequent performance in identifying defense mechanism indicated that it was useful for developing analytic skills.
Measuring Soft Tissue Contour Information

An inexpensive computer imaging system is being developed which is capable of accurately recovering the three-dimensional surface of the human body. This system uses biologically safe structured white light. In structured light, a uniform square grid pattern is projected onto the skin and an image of this pattern is recorded using a single camera. The squares in the camera image appear distorted due to the curvature of the skin. By locating the intersections of the grid stripes and matching them correctly to the projected grid pattern, the three-dimensional positions of points on the skin surface can be determined by triangulation. Triangulation is the method by which an illuminated point on the object surface may be located in space as the intersection of two lines: the illuminating ray from the projector and the line of sight determined by the location of the point in the camera image. This system has been applied to measure facial swelling and the surface area of burns. This paper summarizes the steps in processing an image to reconstruct a surface patch of a portion of the skin. We discuss the geometry of the imaging system and show how three-dimensional information can be recovered. Next, we describe the actual processing steps and algorithms used to locate the data used to reconstruct the patch. A unique feature of the system is the compensation for the reflectance of the skin. Experiments are discussed figures are presented illustrating the various processing steps. These preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of the imaging system in accurately reconstructing a surface patch of the skin. Finally, we summarize the present state of our project and discuss work in progress and future plans.
Mechanical detrending by Hodrick-Prescott filtering: A note

The Hodrick-Prescott filter is widely used to extract cyclical movements about trend in macroeconomic time series. The filter is based on the assumption that nonstationary movements in time series are captured by smooth and slowly changing trends. This note shows that applying the Hodrick-Prescott filter to time series with stochastic trends may extract cyclical movements which are entirely spurious.
Keeping multiple moving objects in field of view of a mobile robot

This paper presents a visual servo controller designed to keep multiple moving objects in the field of view of a wheeled mobile robot. A set of task-functions are presented based on the distribution of targets in the image. The task functions are regulated through the mobile robot's velocity inputs to deter targets from leaving the field of view. Experimental results of the method in this paper show that the objectives are achievable. This provides motivation for the implementation of a robust, nonlinear control algorithm.
Evidence for Kynurenine in Milk

Abstract Kynurenine, a potential precursor to o-aminoacetophenone in dry and sterile concentrated milks, was found to be a constituent of fresh milk. Employing alkaline degradation studies on the basic fraction of milk serum, obtained by negative pressure dialysis and ion exchange extraction, concentration of kynurenine was found to be in the order of one μM per liter of raw milk serum. Evidence is presented to show that the concentration of kynurenine in milk serum decreases as the original milk is heated at temperatures exceeding 93.3C for 15sec.
Hypertonic saline/dextran for cardiopulmonary bypass reduces gut tissue water but does not improve mucosal perfusion

Gut mucosal ischemia has been associated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and may contribute to postoperative systemic inflammatory response and multiorgan dysfunction. Hypertonic saline/dextran (HSD) has been previously shown to selectively increase mucosal blood flow in circulatory shock. To determine whether adding HSD to the prime solution for CPB improves gut mucosal blood flow and oxygenation, we performed normothermic, non-cross-clamped CPB in pigs with 1 ml/kg of HSD (25% NaCl/24% dextran 70) (HSD group, n = 9) or lactated Ringer's solution (LRS group, n = 9) as control added to a standard prime. Animals were instrumented with ultrasonic flow probes on the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), laser Doppler mucosal flow probes in the ileum, and indwelling portal vein catheters and tonometers for mucosal hydrogen ion measurements and pH calculations in the stomach, ileum, and rectum. The total infused volume and net fluid balance was significantly lower in the HSD than in the LRS group (649 ± 171 ml vs 2075 ± 385 ml and 502 ± 182 ml vs 1891 ± 363 ml, respectively, P 0.01). SMA flow in the LRS group increased to 110-123% of baseline during CPB and was significantly higher than that in the HSD group which remained unchanged. Ileal mucosal blood flow decreased significantly to 70-50% of baseline in both groups with no difference between groups. Gut oxygen (O2) delivery decreased during CPB in both groups, but O2 consumption remained unchanged. Gastric ileal, and rectal mucosal pH decreased progressively, and portal venous blood pH also decreased in both groups, but there was no significant difference between groups. The HSD group had 34.5% less water content in the duodenum (P < 0.01), 28.2% less in jejunum, and 18.9% less in colon than the LRS group (P < 0.05). We conclude HSD added to the prime for CPB-reduced volume requirements and gut tissue water, but did not improve mucosal perfusion or prevent mucosal acidosis.
Dual energy X-ray beam accelerators in radiation therapy: An overview

Abstract The use of high energy megavoltage photon beams alone or in combination with low energy mega voltage X-ray beams and/or electron beams has become a standard practice in the radiation treatment of cancer for selected disease sites. This multi-modality treatment approach has prompted medical accelerator manufacturers to begin producing treatment machines capable of generating both a low energy megavoltage X-ray beam (e.g. 6 MV) and a high energy X-ray beam (18 MV), in addition to a range of electron beam energies. This paper will review the current methods used in accelerators to produce dual energy X-ray beams and multiple energy electron beam modalities. This overview will also review several of the physical characteristics of these dual energy units.
ESTROGEN IMPAIRS GLUCOCORTICOID DEPENDENT NEGATIVE FEEDBACK ON THE HYPOTHALAMIC–PITUITARY–ADRENAL AXIS VIA ESTROGEN RECEPTOR ALPHA WITHIN THE HYPOTHALAMUS

Numerous studies have established a link between individuals with affective disorders and a dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, most notably characterized by a reduced sensitivity to glucocorticoid negative (-) feedback. Furthermore there is a sex difference in the etiology of mood disorders with incidence in females being two to three times that of males, an association that may be a result of the influence of estradiol (E2) on HPA axis function. In these studies, we have examined the effect of E2 on glucocorticoid-mediated HPA axis (-) feedback during both the diurnal peak and the stress-induced rise in corticosterone (CORT). Young adult female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and 1 week later treated subcutaneous (s.c.) with oil or estradiol benzoate (EB) for 4 days. On the 4th day of treatment, animals were injected with a single dose of dexamethasone (DEX), or vehicle. EB treatment significantly increased the evening elevation in CORT and the stress-induced rise in CORT. In contrast, DEX treatment reduced the diurnal and stress induced rise in CORT and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and this reduction was not apparent following co-treatment with EB. To determine a potential site of E2's action, female SD rats were OVX and 1 week later, wax pellets containing E2, the estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN), or the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) agonist propylpyrazoletriol (PPT), was implanted bilaterally and dorsal to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Seven days later, animals were injected s.c. with a single dose of DEX, or vehicle to test for glucocorticoid-dependent (-) feedback. Results show that E2 and PPT increased, while DPN decreased the diurnal peak and stress-induced CORT and ACTH levels as compared to controls. Furthermore, E2 and PPT impaired the ability of DEX to inhibit both the diurnal and the stress-induced rise in CORT and ACTH, whereas DPN had no effect. Neuronal activation was measured by c-fos mRNA expression within the PVN following restraint. E2 and PPT increased c-fos mRNA, and impaired the normal DEX suppression of neuronal activation in the PVN. Taken together, these data indicate that estradiol causes a dysregulation of HPA axis (-) feedback as evidenced by the inability of DEX to suppress diurnal and stress-induced CORT and ACTH secretion. Additionally, the ability of E2 to inhibit glucocorticoid (-) feedback occurs specifically via ERalpha acting at the level of the PVN.
Gas bag concept for a stowable, omnidirectional, multiple-impact landing system.

A landing system consisting of a payload surrounded by a radially compartmented spherical gas bag is proposed. Vehicle kinetic energy is dissipated as a consequence of gas flow characteristics through orifices in the compartment walls. Multiple-impact capability is obtained by retaining the gas within the bag. The impact characteristics of a simple test vehicle were investigated experimentally to determine the energy dissipation capabilities of such a system. Analytical expressions were obtained for acceleration, velocity, stroke, and compartment pressures for the test vehicle as well as for spherical gas bag landing systems. Computed and experimental values of kinetic energy dissipated by the test system agreed within 5%. In the experiments the kinetic energy dissipated was as great as 90% of the kinetic energy of the test vehicle at touchdown. Comparable energy dissipation was also obtained from preliminary computations for an earth landing of the proposed system. A C KI m P V
The Reproducibility of Observational Estimates of Surface and Atmospheric Temperature Change

Although concerns have been expressed about the reliability of surface temperature data sets, findings of pronounced surface warming over the past 60 years have been independently reproduced by multiple groups. In contrast, an initial finding that the lower troposphere cooled since 1979 could not be reproduced. Attempts to confirm this apparent cooling trend led to the discovery of errors in the initial analyses of satellite-based tropospheric temperature measurements.
Expression of human arginine decarboxylase, the biosynthetic enzyme for agmatine

Agmatine, an amine formed by decarboxylation of L-arginine by arginine decarboxylase (ADC), has been recently discovered in mammalian brain and other tissues. While the cloning and sequencing of ADC from plant and bacteria have been reported extensively, the structure of mammalian enzyme is not known. Using homology screening approach, we have identified a human cDNA clone that exhibits ADC activity when expressed in COS-7 cells. The cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence of this human ADC clone is distinct from ADC of other forms. Human ADC is a 460-amino acid protein that shows about 48% identity to mammalian ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) but has no ODC activity. While naive COS-7 cells do not make agmatine, these cells are able to produce agmatine, as measured by HPLC, when transfected with ADC cDNA. Northern blot analysis using the cDNA probe indicated the expression of ADC message in selective human brain regions and other human tissues.
Characterization of a large animal aerosol exposure system for aerosolizing four strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei

Abstract Burkholderia pseudomallei is a Gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming, aerobic bacteria found in contaminated water, soil, and on market produce. It is the causative agent of melioidosis, an infectious disease endemic to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, and may occur in other tropical and subtropical regions. The spray factor (SF) for four strains of B. pseudomallei and the reproducibility of a large animal exposure system were evaluated. The SF value is the ratio of aerosol concentration to the starting concentration of the nebulized material (spray factor=Conc aerosol /Conc neb ). This relationship provides an indication of the aerosol system to deliver a consistent B. pseudomallei aerosol concentration. From the data, a SF value was determined that can be used as a measure of aerosol system reproducibility and for dose predictions by determining the degree of variability in the predicted Intraday and Interday SF variability. Based on the data between test days, the aerosol system is expected to produce a mean measured dosage within the range of 0.67 to 1.5 times (95 percent probability) the mean estimated/targeted dosage for a future test day with ten aerosol runs at a particular targeted nebulizer concentration. Additionally, for the variability within a ten run test day at a targeted nebulizer concentration, the ratio of the maximum-to-minimum aerosol concentration should be no greater than 3.7-fold (95 percent probability). The inhalation delivery of these four B. pseudomallei strains using the aerosol system is anticipated to provide consistent and reproducible dosages within a test day, between test days, and between studies.
On The Metal Aversion of LGRBs

Recently, it has been suggested that the metallicity aversion of long-duration gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs) is not intrinsic to their formation, but rather a consequence of the anti-correlation between star-formation and metallicity seen in the general galaxy population. To investigate this proposal, we compare the metallicity of the hosts of LGRBs, broad-lined Type Ic (Ic-bl) supernovae (SNe), and Type II SNe to each other and to the metallicity distribution of star-forming galaxies using the SDSS to represent galaxies in the local universe and the TKRS for galaxies at intermediate redshifts. The differing metallicity distributions of the LGRB hosts and the star-formation in local galaxies forces us to conclude that the low-metallicity preference of LGRBs is not primarily driven by the anti-correlation between star-formation and metallicity, but rather must be overwhelmingly due to the astrophysics of the LGRBs themselves. Three quarters of our LGRB sample are found at metallicities below 12+log(O/H) < 8.6, while less than a tenth of local star-formation is at similarly low metallicities. However, our SN samples are statistically consistent with the metallicity distribution of the general galaxy population. Using the TKRS population of galaxies, we are able to exclude the possibility that the LGRB host metallicity aversion is caused by the decrease in galaxy metallicity with redshift. The presence of the strong metallicity difference between LGRBs and Ic-bl SNe largely eliminates the possibility that the observed LGRB metallicity bias is a byproduct of a difference in the initial mass functions of the galaxy populations. Rather, metallicity below half-solar must be a fundamental component of the evolutionary process that separates LGRBs from the vast majority of Ic-bl SNe and from the bulk of local star-formation.
High-Damage-Threshold Beam Shaping Using Optically Patterned Liquid Crystal Devices

The development of liquid crystal beam-shaping devices employing an optically aligned high-damage-threshold coumarin photoalignment layer is described. Devices for amplitude-beam-shaping and cylindrical vector-beam generation have been fabricated.
Temporal Resolution in Normal-Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Listeners Using Frequency-Modulated Stimuli

This study compares the temporal resolution of frequency-modulated sinusoids by normal-hearing and hearing-impaired subjects in a discrimination task. One signal increased linearly by 200 Hz in 50 ...