cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simplistic Design Methods for Moderate-Sloped Stepped Chutes

AbstractNumerous research contributions have been made on the hydraulic properties for steep, stepped chutes. Stepped chutes applied to more moderate slopes like those for aging embankment dams are a growing trend, and research activities as a result have increased in this arena. Although numerous stepped chute design guidelines are available, some of them are complicated and somewhat cumbersome to use. A multiyear, large-scale physical model study was conducted for a broad range of step height (h) to critical flow depth (dc) ratio and chute slope (θ) (i.e., 0.035≤h/dc≤2.27 and 14°≤θ≤26.6°). The objectives of the study were to (1) evaluate the step height to critical flow depth ratio and the chute slope affect on the surface inception point, clear water and bulked flow depth, air concentration, and energy coefficient; and (2) develop practical, straight-forward design relationships for practicing engineers. Detailed flow measurements were collected during testing, and the results were compared in terms of...
Stimulation of liver catalase synthesis in rats by ethyl-α-p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate

Abstract In male rats fed 0.25% CPIB in diet 1 to 2 weeks, the concentration of catalase protein in liver extract was 2.1 times that of controls. With immunochemical methods, it was shown that CPIB enhances the rate of synthesis of hepatic catalase by more than 80% in three days and maintains this enhanced synthesis throughout the duration of its administration.
A new spin on magnets

Electrons have spin as well as charge. Interactions between electrons in ferromagnets (such as iron) can vary according to their spin. These interactions provide a new mechanism for magnetoresistance, the effect used to store information on a computer’s hard disk.
Transport Properties of Rodlike Particles

The transport properties of rodlike particles have been of interest since the origins of polymer science. Indeed, Staudinger initially believed that polymers had exclusively this structure, although Onsager soon discounted this possibility through direct computation of the transport properties of slender (ellipsoidal) particles and comparison with early polymer solution measurements. History is apparently repeating itself in the study of carbon nanotubes, which are also often assumed to be generally rodlike. Computations of the transport properties of rods have often assumed such structures could be described by ellipsoids or have relied on slender body calculations of uncertain accuracy. To clarify the situation, we apply a path-integration method to compute the intrinsic viscosity [η] and friction coefficient f of right rectangular cylinders, cylinders with rounded ends, and other fiberlike structures having a variety of cross-sections. We then determine convenient approximants that describe these basic...
Interleukin-2 secretion by KHT sarcoma cells leads to loss of their vaccine potential

We have investigated the effect of interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion by KHT sarcoma cells upon their vaccine potential in syngeneic C3Hf/He mice. Parental KHT tumor cells were transfected with the plasmid pBCMG-neo-mIL-2 to obtain a transfectant KHT-2-3-7 that secreted 20 units IL-2. KHT-2-3-7 cells elicited protective immunity in only 10% of the immunized mice, compared with 40% of mice immunized with irradiated parental KHT tumor colls. To minimize the contribution of potential antigenic differences between the KHT-2-3-7 transfectant and parental KHT cells, a clone of KHT cells (KHT-C21) was isolated and used in subsequent experiments. A number of transfectants secreting various amounts of IL-2, ranging from 2 units to 200 units, were obtained following transfection of KHT-C21 cells with plasmid pBCMG-neo-mIL-2. Two of the transfectants, C21-13-4 and C21-1, each secreting 200 units IL-2, elicited protective immunity in a significantly lower fraction of mice than did irradiated KHT-C21 parental tumor cells (P<0.01). Two other transfectants C21-10 and C21-11, secreting 2 and 23 units IL-2 respectively, also showed lower vaccine potential compared with the parental KHT-C21 clone (P<0.05). To minimize further any role for potential antigenic or other molecular differences between the individual transfectants and the clonal KHT-C21 parental cells in lowering their vaccine efficacy, mice were immunized with a mixture of five transfectants, and the results again showed significantly lower vaccine efficacy of the mixture compared with the irradiated parental C21 cells (P<0.01). In view of published studies showing enhanced or unchanged efficacy of IL-2-secreting tumor cell vaccines, our observation of the lower vaccine potential of IL-2-transduced tumor cells indicates that the vaccine efficacy of IL-2-secreting tumor cells depends on the individual tumor. Such variability/unpredictability would hamper the clinical use of IL-2-secreting tumor cells as vaccines.
The Continuous Spectrum of Hydrogen

I NOTE with great interest in NATURE of February 23 a letter by Dr. F. Horton and Miss A. C. Davies referring to their paper in the Philosophical Magazine of November 1923 entitled “Critical Electron Energies in Hydrogen”. I wish to acknowledge their undoubted priority in the publication of the description of the continuous spectrum of hydrogen in the visible region. As this reference was buried in the text of this paper, it was overlooked in a rather cursory first reading of their work.
Telomerase reconstitution immortalizes human fetal hepatocytes without disrupting their differentiation potential

Background & Aims: The availability of in vitro expandable human hepatocytes would greatly advance liver-directed cell therapies. Therefore, we examined whether human fetal hepatocytes are amenable to telomerase-mediated immortalization without inducing a transformed phenotype and disrupting their differentiation potential. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein that plays a pivotal role in maintaining telomere length and chromosome stability. Human somatic cells, including hepatocytes, exhibit no telomerase activity. Consequently, their telomeres progressively shorten with each cell cycle until critically short telomeres trigger replicative senescence. Methods: The catalytic subunit, telomerase reverse transcriptase, was expressed in human fetal hepatocytes. Transduced cells were characterized for telomerase activity, telomere length, proliferative capacity, hepatocellular functions, oncogenicity, and their in vivo maturation potential. Results: The expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase restored telomerase activity in human fetal hepatocytes. Telomerase-reconstituted cells were capable of preserving elongated telomeres, propagated in culture beyond replicative senescence for more than 300 cell doublings (to date), and maintained their liver-specific nature, as analyzed by a panel of hepatic growth factors, growth factor receptors, and transcription factors as well as albumin, glucose-6-phosphatase, glycogen synthesis, cytochrome P450 (CYP) expression profiles, and urea production. Moreover, the immortalized cells exhibited no oncogenicity, and no up-regulation of c-Myc was detected. The cells engrafted and survived in the liver of immunodeficient mice with hepatocellular gene expression. Conclusions: Reconstitution of telomerase activity induces indefinite replication in human fetal hepatocytes and offers unique opportunities for examining basic biologic mechanisms and for considering development of stable cell lines for liver-directed therapies.
Comparison of linear and nonlinear models for coherent hemodynamics spectroscopy (CHS)

A recently proposed linear time-invariant hemodynamic model for coherent hemodynamics spectroscopy1 (CHS) relates the tissue concentrations of oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin (outputs of the system) to given dynamics of the tissue blood volume, blood flow and rate constant of oxygen diffusion (inputs of the system). This linear model was derived in the limit of “small” perturbations in blood flow velocity. We have extended this model to a more general model (which will be referred to as the nonlinear extension to the original model) that yields the time-dependent changes of oxy and deoxy-hemoglobin concentrations in response to arbitrary dynamic changes in capillary blood flow velocity. The nonlinear extension to the model relies on a general solution of the partial differential equation that governs the spatio-temporal behavior of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in capillaries and venules on the basis of dynamic (or time resolved) blood transit time. We show preliminary results where the CHS spectra obtained from the linear and nonlinear models are compared to quantify the limits of applicability of the linear model.
Okun's ladder reexamined

Abstract The empirical characterization of the American labor market made by Okun (1973) is reexamined. Industries which experience disproportionate employment growth during expansions pay high wages and employ disproportionate numbers of prime-age, white and male workers. These proportions do not vary over the business cycle.
Synthesis of B-Substituted β-Zeolite Membranes

Alumium-free, B-β-zeolite membranes with high quality and reproducibility were prepared for the first time. In situ crystallization from an alkali medium and a tetraethylammonium hydroxide template was used. The membrane selectively separated organic mixtures in the liquid and gas phases, including both structural isomers and stereoisomers.
Gender, prior knowledge, interest, and experience in electricity and conceptual change text manipulations in learning about direct current

The present study investigated relationships between gender, interest and experience in electricity, and conceptual change text manipulations on learning fundamental direct current concepts. Conceptual change text has been shown to lead to better conceptual understanding of electrical concepts than traditional didactic text, but previous research suggested that the effect interacted with the gender of the participants. We hypothesized that interest moderated this interaction. In this study, men and women who had higher or lower interest in electricity and greater or lessor experience with electricity read conceptual change or traditional text. When interest level, experience, and prior knowledge were not included in the analysis, both gender and text type produced significant main effects. When interest level, experience, and prior knowledge were included in the analysis, conceptual change text led to better understanding of electricity concepts than did the traditional text, and the effect of gender was eliminated. This finding supports the hypothesis that prior interest level, experience, and knowledge mediate apparent gender differences in learning about electricity. It suggests that conceptual change text manipulations are likely to be effective for both men and women. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 34: 107–123, 1997.
Tough blends of polylactide and castor oil.

Poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) is a renewable resource polymer derived from plant sugars with several commercial applications. Broader implementation of the material is limited due to its inherent brittleness. We show that the addition of 5 wt % castor oil to PLLA significantly enhances the overall tensile toughness with minimal reductions in the modulus and no plasticization of the PLLA matrix. In addition, we used poly(ricinoleic acid)-PLLA diblock copolymers, synthesized entirely from renewable resources, as compatibilizers for the PLLA/castor oil blends. Ricinoleic acid, the majority fatty acid comprising castor oil, was polymerized through a lipase-catalyzed condensation reaction. The resulting polymers contained a hydroxyl end-group that was subsequently used to initiate the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide. The binary PLLA/castor oil blend exhibited a tensile toughness seven times greater than neat PLLA. The addition of block copolymer allowed for control over the morphology of the blends, and even...
Endothelium-dependent modulation of angiotensin II-induced contraction in blood vessels.

Abstract The influence of endothelium on angiotensin II-induced contraction was investigated in rings of rat aorta, bovine coronary artery, bovine intrapulmonary artery and bovine intrapulmonary vein. Destruction of endothelium significantly enhanced angiotensin II-induced contraction in rat aorta and bovine coronary artery, but not in bovine intrapulmonary artery and bovine intrapulmonary vein. Indomethacin (10 −5 M) did not alter angiotensin II-induced contraction in rat aorta or bovine coronary artery. However, hemoglabin (10 −5 M) or methylene blue (10 −5 M) significantly enhanced angiotensin II-induced contraction in rat aorta and bovine coronary artery with, but not without, endothelium. Intimal rubbing did not affect stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis by angiotensin II in rat aorta. The findings demonstrate that angiotensin II-induced contraction in vascular rings can be modulated by endothelium. However, the effect of endothelium apparently depends upon the species and vascular bed from which the vessel is isolated. Results obtained using inhibitors suggest that in rat aorta and bovine coronary artery release of endothelium-derived relaxant factor (EDRF), rather than cyclooxygenase products, is involved in mediating the inhibitory influence of endothelium. Further, similar stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis in intimally rubbed and unrubbed rat aorta suggests that EDRF does not modulate angiotensin II-induced contraction in this vessel by inhibiting angiotensin II stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis.
Select-HVAC: knowledge-based system as an advisor to configure HVAC systems

Abstract A knowledge-based system is presented that has been developed to be used as an advisor in the preliminary design stage of HVAC systems. It enables designers to configure and size HVAC equipment for different climatic conditions, in terms of building type, indoor requirements, outdoor and indoor air pollution. A new approach has been used in building the system, using a modified knowledge engineering methodology and a menu-driven front-end to a full frame-based system.
Common-volume measurements of mesospheric winds: 2. Small scale structure implications

Abstract Two common volume experiments were conducted in August 1996 and July 1997 between the Durham meteor wind radar (43.1°N, 70.9°W) and the Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar, (42.6°N, 71.5°W) to compare the techniques in measuring neutral winds at an altitude of 100 km. For this comparison the vertical winds are assumed to be zero and only the horizontal components of the radar line of sight velocities are used. Analysis of the data reveals overall general agreement, but some large deviations in the wind components are observed at specific times and these are examined closely. Error analysis of the radar measurements is presented here, and emphasis is placed on the careful delineation of the effect of spatial variations in the wind field observed by the two radars. Since the spatial resolution of both radars is
A solution for noncooperative games

In this paper, we study solutions of strict noncooperative games that are played just once. The players are not allowed to communicate with each other. The main ingredient of our theory is the concept of rationalizing a set of strategies for each player of a game. We state an axiom based on this concept that every solution of a noncooperative game is required to satisfy. Strong Nash solvability is shown to be a sufficient condition for the rationalizing set to exist, but it is not necessary. Also, Nash solvability is neither necessary nor sufficient for the existence of the rationalizing set of a game. For a game with no solution (in our sense), a player is assumed to recourse to a standard of behavior. Some standards of behavior are examined and discussed.
Hierarchical graphics databases in sort-first

Sort-first architectures for parallel rendering use the natural frame-to-frame coherence of primitives on the screen to increase performance by grouping primitives that are close together on the screen onto the same processor. This technique reduces processor-to-processor communications overhead. As primitives move on the screen, they may also be moved to other processors. This migration poses many problems for the editing and traversal of hierarchical graphics databases (HGDs) such as PHIGS. The author describes the major problems associated with implementing an HGD on a sort-first system. He discusses the basics of HGDs and how they extend to parallel graphics systems. He shows why bookkeeping for HGDs is a more complex issue for sort-first than for other parallel architectures. He then examines two possible solution branches for this issue and delve into the design choices and implementation issues that arise with either method. The methods differ in the amount of bookkeeping that they do versus the amount of primitive cull-testing that must be performed.
Exercise echocardiographic detection of coronary artery disease in women

The utility of exercise echocardiography for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease has been demonstrated in populations consisting largely of men with a high prevalence of disease. To determine the diagnostic value of exercise echocardiography in women, 57 women who presented with chest pain were studied with coronary cineangiography and echocardiography combined with either treadmill (n = 38) or bicycle exercise (n = 19). Significant coronary artery disease (greater than or equal to 50% reduction in luminal diameter) was present in 28 (49%) of 57 patients, including 16 (84%) of 19 who had typical angina, and 12 (32%) of 38 who had atypical chest pain. The overall sensitivity and specificity of echocardiography were both 86%. Exercise echocardiography correctly determined the presence or absence of coronary artery disease in 32 (84%) of 38 patients who had atypical chest pain and in 17 (89%) of 19 who had typical angina (p = NS). The exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) was nondiagnostic in 17 patients (30%) who had rest ST segment depression or ST depression with exercise that could also be induced by hyperventilation or changes in position. The correct diagnosis was made by echocardiography in 14 (82%) of 17 patients with a nondiagnostic exercise ECG. In conclusion, exercise echocardiography has a clinically useful level of sensitivity and specificity for the detection of coronary artery disease in women. The technique provides diagnostic information in women presenting with atypical chest pain and in those who have a nondiagnostic exercise ECG.
Transcription factors that regulate memory in humoral responses

Summary: At least three types of B lymphocytes are important for providing memory in a humoral immune response: ‘classical’ memory cells that do not secrete immunoglobulin (Ig), long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) in the bone marrow, and ‘innate-like’ B-1 cells. In this review, our work on B-lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1), a critical regulator of terminal B-cell differentiation, is discussed in the context of current knowledge of all transcriptional controls that regulate these three types of B cells. Blimp-1 is not required for formation of memory cells, but it is required for them to progress toward becoming plasma cells. Blimp-1 is required for Ig secretion in plasma cells and in B-1 cells. Induction of the activator X-box-binding protein-1 and formation of µ-secreted mRNA depend on Blimp-1 in both cell types. Finally, even after their formation, LLPCs in the bone marrow continue to require Blimp-1 for their maintenance.
Progress in the Development of Adaptive Nitride-Based Coatings for High Temperature Tribological Applications

Adaptive tribological coatings were recently developed as a new class of smart materials that were designed to adjust their surface chemical composition and structure as a function of changes in the working environment to minimize friction coefficient and wear between contact surfaces. This paper provides an overview of the current research developments in this field, including: (1) Chameleon nanocomposite coatings which are produced by depositing a multi-phase structure whereby some of the phases provide mechanical strength and others are lubricious; (2) Micro- and nano-textured coatings which consist of hard nitride films with highly ordered micropores and nanopores that are subsequently filled with solid lubricants using various techniques such as lithography, reactive ion etching, laser texturing, pulsed air arc treatment, and ceramic beads as placeholders for sputter deposition; and, (3) Carbon and nitride nanotubes that are filled electrochemically with solid lubricants. The frictional and wear properties of the above three classes of newly developed adaptive structures, tested in various controlled environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), will be discussed in detail.
Delay to formalin fixation effect on breast biomarkers

Delay to formalin fixation may invalidate hormone receptors and HER2 analyses. Invalid results of tumor markers could significantly alter the type of adjuvant therapy a patient receives and potentially impact outcome. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of progressive delay to formalin fixation on breast cancer biomarkers. Ten palpable invasive breast cancers were resected and underwent immediate gross evaluation. For each case, the procured tumor was divided into eight parts and consecutively fixed after 0, 10, 30 min, 1, 2, 4, and 8 h; one section was kept in saline and stored overnight at 4°C. Two tissue microarray blocks were constructed. Estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2 immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization were carried out. Statistical analyses including non-parametric sign test, exact McNemar's test and Page's L test were used. All 10 cases were invasive ductal carcinomas. Q score ⩾6 was identified in five cases for estrogen receptor and four for progesterone receptor. Mean Q score started to decline at the 2 h mark for estrogen receptor and 1 h mark for progesterone receptor. Lowest score was at 8 h mark for estrogen receptor and overnight for progesterone receptor. HER2 fluorescence in situ hybridization started to be compromised for interpretation at the 1 h mark and became statistically significant at the 2 h mark (P<0.03). To avoid delay to formalin fixation as a factor negatively affecting on breast biomarkers, we recommend not to delay formalin fixation for more than 1 h and not to store specimens overnight.
Effects of platelet-derived growth factor on Ca2+ in 3T3 cells.

Abstract The effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on cellular Ca2+ was examined in BALB/c-3T3 cells. PDGF induced: 1. 1. A decrease in cell 45Ca2+ content. 2. 2. An apparent increased rate of efflux of preloaded 45Ca2+. 3. 3. A decrease in residual intracellular 45Ca2+ remaining after rapid efflux. 4. 4. When added after the rapid phase of efflux of 45Ca2+ had occurred, an immediate decrease in post-efflux residual intracellular 45Ca2+. All of the observed changes in 45Ca2+ induced by PDGF are consistent with a rapid release of Ca2+ from an intracellular Ca2+ pool that has the slowest efflux and is relatively inaccessible to extracellular EDTA. When incubated with chlortetracycline (CTC), a fluorescent Ca2+ probe, 3T3 cell mitochondria became intensely fluorescent. Addition of PDGF resulted in a rapid decrease in CTC fluorescence intensity in both adherent and suspended 3T3 cells. The effects of PDGF on 3T3 cell Ca2+ stores and CTC fluorescence intensity were identical with the effects of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 and of the proton ionophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone. Serum, which contains PDGF, also altered intracellular Ca2+ stores, but platelet-poor plasma, which does not contain PDGF, had no effect. EGF, insulin, and tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA), other factors which stimulate 3T3 cell growth, did not alter 3T3 cell Ca2+ stores. Release of Ca2+ from intracellular sequestration sites may be a mechanism by which PDGF Stimulates Cell growth.
Infection with a trematode parasite differentially alters competitive interactions and antipredator behaviour in native and invasive crayfish

Summary Parasites can have profound effects on host behaviour and species interactions, but the consequences of these impacts are inadequately understood. Three common crayfish in northern Wisconsin and Michigan (native Orconectes virilis, non-native O. propinquus and non-native and invasive O. rusticus) are intermediate hosts for trematode parasites, Microphallus spp. Some species in the genus Microphallus alter host behaviour, increasing their predation risk, but the effects of microphallids on crayfish are unknown. Orconectes propinquus replaces O. virilis in most lakes where they are introduced, and O. rusticus replaces both. These species replacements have major effects on macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and fish. Therefore, differential parasite impacts on crayfish could have community-level effects if competitive outcomes are altered. We examined the shelter affinity of infected and uninfected individuals of all three species in laboratory experiments in the presence and absence of a conspecific. We also observed behaviour during agonistic interactions, and measured boldness by quantifying how quickly crayfish emerged from shelter with a predatory fish present. Infection with Microphallus substantially altered crayfish shelter affinity, shelter competition and boldness, though infection affected each species differently. Infection reduced shelter affinity in O. propinquus and the ability of O. virilis to compete for shelter against uninfected conspecifics. Infected crayfish were bolder in the presence of a predatory fish. Our results suggest that infection with Microphallus alters crayfish behaviour so that all three species are more vulnerable to predation. Orconectes propinquus is likely to suffer the greatest increase in predation when infected, due to a reduced affinity for shelter coupled with increased boldness. In lakes where crayfish species coexist, O. rusticus will probably be less affected by the parasite than either congener. Therefore, crayfish parasites could alter crayfish abundance and species composition in north temperate lakes via behavioural modifications.
Amplification of a gene related to mammalian mdr genes in drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum

The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum contains at least two genes related to the mammalian multiple drug resistance genes, and at least one of the P. falciparum genes is expressed at a higher level and is present in higher copy number in a strain that is resistant to multiple drugs than in a strain that is sensitive to the drugs.
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter observations of light-toned layered deposits and associated fluvial landforms on the plateaus adjacent to Valles Marineris

Abstract We have used data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to study 30–80 m thick light-toned layered deposits on the plateaus adjacent to Valles Marineris at five locations: (1) south of Ius Chasma, (2) south of western Melas Chasma, (3) south of western Candor Chasma, (4) west of Juventae Chasma, and (5) west of Ganges Chasma. The beds within these deposits have unique variations in brightness, color, mineralogy, and erosional properties that are not typically observed in light-toned layered deposits within Valles Marineris or many other equatorial areas on Mars. Reflectance spectra indicate these deposits contain opaline silica and Fe-sulfates, consistent with low-temperature, acidic aqueous alteration of basaltic materials. We have found valley or channel systems associated with the layered deposits at all five locations, and the volcanic plains adjacent to Juventae, Ius, and Ganges exhibit inverted channels composed of light-toned beds. Valleys, channels, and light-toned layering along the walls of Juventae and Melas Chasmata are most likely coeval to the aqueous activity that affected the adjacent plateaus and indicate some hydrological activity occurred after formation of the chasmata. Although the source of water and sediment remains uncertain, the strong correlation between fluvial landforms and light-toned layered deposits argues for sustained precipitation, surface runoff, and fluvial deposition occurring during the Hesperian on the plateaus adjacent to Valles Marineris and along portions of chasmata walls.
The extinction program for Homo sapiens and cloning humans: trinucleotide expansion as a one-way track to extinction.

It has been uncovered that expansion of trinucleotide repeats in the human genome are causing a variety of genetic diseases. They are also identified in other loci that are not clearly related to particular diseases, which indicates such repeat expansion is one of the general forms of evolution occurring throughout the human genome. Trinucleotide repeat expansion has been shown to occur during meiosis, and is generally irreversible. In consequence, every human chromosome suffers from the burden of accumulating trinucleotide repeats along with the passage of generation, which eventually ends up in a deficiency of replication. Thus, all the human chromosomes are predicted to be 'mortal', so far as they replicate through meiosis. Naturally, the mortality of human chromosomes leads to the mortality of Homo sapiens as a species on earth. Although it is quite controversial, a radical breakthrough for humans to survive might be found through cloning reproduction without meiosis.
Entrapped on the Web? Applying the Entrapment Defense to Cases Involving Online Sting Operations

Many law enforcement agencies are currently responding to the problem of online crime by establishing proactive investigative units that track criminals on the Internet. Not only do these specialized teams face problems in the area of emerging technology, they are also faced with handling emerging legal issues. The current research examined the issue of the entrapment defense, and how previously established physical realm doctrine could be applied to the investigation of online crimes such as child pornography. Relying on previous case law it would appear that entrapment claims related to online sting operations involve consideration of: a) did the law enforcement officer continuously contact the suspect with the intention of trying to convince the individual to engage in a particular type of behavior, b) how long was the relationship between the undercover officer and the suspect, and c) how much, if any, reluctance to commit the criminal act did the suspect provide evidence of?
Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates among smokers: data from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Abstract Objective Smoking is associated with increased risk for respiratory infections. The objective of this study was to determine if differences in influenza and pneumoccocal vaccination rates exist based on smoking status. Methods Data from the 2006 Behavior Risk Fact Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used to examine Influenza vaccinations among respondents 50-years-old and older (n = 198,500) and pneumococcal vaccinations among adults 65-years-old and older (n = 61,894). Differences in vaccination rates were tested among current smokers, former smokers and never smokers using chi-square analyses and multivariate logistic regression models. Results Current smokers were found to have lower influenza and pneumoccocal vaccination rates compared to former smokers and never smokers in bi-variate associations (p Conclusions It is important for current smokers to receive both influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. Health care providers should assess and advise current smokers to quit, as well as promote receipt of vaccinations among current smokers to help prevent respiratory infections.
Microchannel plate performance and life-test results for the TIMED Solar EUV experiment

The EUV grating spectrograph (EGS) as part of the Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) solar EUV experiment (SEE) presents a number of performance challenges for its microchannel plate (MCP)- based detector. The EGS measures the solar spectral irradiance from 25 to 200 nm. The intensities of the line and continuum emissions over this spectral range vary by up to five orders of magnitude. While a variety of transmission filters are strategically used to bring the signal over the entire spectrum into the dynamic range of a single chevron pair of MCPs, a number of concerns regarding the characteristic behavior of MCPs remain. The nominal TIMED mission is two years while the extended mission potentially doubles to four years. Over this period, the MCP response is expected to change to some extent. Detailed changes in MCP performance are notoriously application dependent,however. In order to better anticipate and accommodate these changes over the duration of the mission as well as to potentially enhance detector performance, we are performing a series of life-tests on a variety of MCPs. In these tests we characterize MCP gain, pulse height distribution, quantum detection efficiency, and linearity as function of accumulated charge and exposure to atmosphere. Here we report on the result of these test.s
Multidisciplinary optimization in aircraft design using analytic technology models

An approach to multidisciplinary optimization is presented which combines the Global Sensitivity Equation method, parametric optimization, and analytic technology models. The result is a powerful yet simple procedure for identifying key design issues. It can be used both to investigate technology integration issues very early in the design cycle, and to establish the information flow framework between disciplines for use in multidisciplinary optimization projects using much more computational intense representations of each technology. To illustrate the approach, an examination of the optimization of a short takeoff heavy transport aircraft is presented for numerous combinations of performance and technology constraints.
Risk-Based Assessment of Sustainability and Hazard Resistance of Structural Design

AbstractThis paper provides a risk-based assessment of the sustainability of structural design alternatives in hazard-prone regions. Little systematic research has been done to assess the economic, social, and environmental cost of sustainable construction in relation to hazard resilience or the impacts of hazard-resilient design on system sustainability. However, some studies have suggested that green construction practices might compromise the objective of the design of hazard resistance of a building, whereas others have highlighted that the impacts of natural hazard damage are unsustainable, given the costs of reconstruction and threats to public safety, among other consequences. This paper extends the performance-based engineering paradigm beyond traditional metrics of structural performance to quantify such sustainability metrics as monetary cost, embodied energy, emissions, casualties, and downtime. The upfront environmental and economic costs of sustainable design alternatives are then compared wi...
Renal function and oncologic outcomes in nephron sparing surgery for renal masses in solitary kidneys

With low life expectancy rates in hemodialysis patients, the preservation of renal parenchyma must be weighed against the oncological outcomes in considering partial nephrectomy (PN) in solitary kidneys. The main objective of this study was to assess the oncologic and functional outcomes after PN in patients with solitary kidneys. A retrospective analysis of the Columbia University Medical Center Urologic Oncology database found 38 patients who underwent PN in the setting of a solitary kidney from 1988–2008. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as GFR of <60 cc/min/1.73 m2. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and local recurrence-free survival. The study group was followed for a median of 29 months, with a mean age of 63.2 years (range 35–83). Only one patient required postoperative long-term hemodialysis. Two out of 38 patients had a Clavien III postoperative complication. Twenty-one (55.3%) of the patients had preoperative CKD, while 29 (76%) patients had CKD postoperatively. Those who had CKD at the most recent follow-up had significantly larger tumors removed (P < 0.05). Of the 32 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), 6 (18.8%) had a local recurrence at a median 32.6 months. The 5-year overall, disease-specific, and recurrence-free survival rates were 59.6, 77.5, and 45.7%, respectively. PN in the setting of a solitary kidney poses difficult challenges for surgical and clinical management. Nephron sparing surgery for the treatment of RCC is feasible with low surgical complication rates, satisfactory disease-specific survival rates, and acceptable preservation of renal function.
Dual Selectivity Expressed in [2 + 2 + 1] Dynamic Clipping of Unsymmetrical [2]Catenanes

A π-templated dynamic [2 + 2 + 1] clipping protocol is established for the synthesis of [2]catenanes from two parts dialdehyde, two parts diamine, and one part tetracationic cyclophane. It is further diversified for the selective formation of an unsymmetrical [2]catenane showing great translational selectivity by employing two different dialdehydes in a one-pot reaction. The dual selectivity and the dynamic nature are verified by 1H NMR spectroscopy, X-ray single-crystal structural studies, and exchange experiments.
U-Pb Studies of Zircon Cores and Overgrowths, and Monazite: Implications for Age and Petrogenesis of the Northeastern Idaho Batholith

U-Pb isotopic studies of zircons, many containing xenocrystic cores with euhedral overgrowths, and monazite from igneous rocks and metasedimentary inclusions of the northeastern Idaho batholith yield linear arrays on concordia diagrams. We interpret these as mixing lines between an old component (cores) and a young component (overgrowths and zircons without cores). The lower intercept of such arrays with concordia may yield the minimum age of the rocks if the overgrowths and zircons without cores are discordant, or the crystallization age if they are concordant. Monazites yield apparently concordant ages either equal or less than the lower intercept zircon ages. The samples studied yield lower intercept ages ranging from $73.5 \pm 6 m.y.$ (foliated quartz diorite) to $46.5 \pm 1 m.y.$ (feldspar megacryst granite); ages obtained are consistent with crosscutting relations observed in the field. Upper intercepts yield ages of 1700 to 2349 m.y. These are interpreted to indicate the mean age of xenocrystic zir...
Two-dimensional numerical simulation of shear-layer optics

Two-dimensionnal Euler equations are solved directly using the second-order, explicit, MacCormack predictor-corrector and Godunov methods alternately for the investigation of free-shear-layer optical properties. The optical effects of coherent structures in the mixing layer are identified.
Characterization of the immunotoxicity of chlorothalonil to striped bass phagocytes following in vitro exposure

Abstract The fungicide chorothalonil (TCIN), with both agricultural and horticultural applications, is a common aquatic pollutant in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The immunotoxic potential of TCIN was investigated following 20 h in vitro exposure of striped bass (Morone saxatilus) macrophages to a range of sublethal concentrations. Cells from the anterior kidney were separated by density-gradient centrifugation to obtain phagocytes. Following TCIN exposure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated using luminol-augmented chemiluminescence; phagocytic capacity was measured by ingestion of FITC-conjugated yeast; and NADPH production was estimated by monitoring the reduction of a water-soluble tetrazolium, MTS. Results indicate that TCIN decreased ROS production in both zymosan- and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated cells in a dose-dependent manner. Significant decreases were observed with both stimulants at or above 0.9 μM. PMA-stimulated NADPH production coincident with the respiratory burst was also decreased at or above 0.9 μM. TCIN did not appear to alter phagocytic ability. Taken together, these results indicate that the mechanism of toxicity affects the activation or function of the NADPH oxidase, but not the uptake of particles by phagocytosis, and that these effects can probably be localized to the signal transduction pathway or the assemblage of NADPH oxidase.
Clinical features of bacterial conjunctivitis in children.

Objectives Conjunctivitis is a common cause of primary care and emergency department (ED) visits. There is a paucity of data in recent literature on the prevalence of pediatric bacterial conjunctivitis, and there are no evidence-based clinical guidelines for empirical treatment. The study objective was to describe clinical features most predictive of bacterial conjunctivitis. Methods This was a prospective study in a children's hospital ED. Conjunctival swabs for bacterial culture were obtained from patients aged 1 month to 18 years presenting with red or pink eye and/or the diagnosis of conjunctivitis. Results A total of 111 patients were enrolled over one year. Patients had a mean (±SD) age of 33.2 (±37.5) months, and 55% were male. Eighty-seven patients (78%) had positive bacterial cultures. Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae accounted for 82% (71/87), Streptococcus pneumoniae for 16% (14/87), and Staphylococcus aureus for 2.2% (2/87). Five clinical variables were significantly associated with a positive bacterial culture. Regression analysis revealed that the combination of a history of gluey or sticky eyelids and the physical finding of mucoid or purulent discharge had a posttest probability of 96% (95% confidence interval = 90% to 99%). Subjective scoring by physicians for a positive culture was 50.6%. Conclusions Conjunctivitis in children is predominantly bacterial, with nontypeable H. influenzae being the most common organism. A history of gluey or sticky eyelids and physical findings of mucoid or purulent discharge are highly predictive of bacterial infection. Based on the above data, empirical ophthalmic antibiotic therapy may be appropriate in children presenting with conjunctivitis.
Seed treatment application-timing options for control of fusarium decay and sprout rot of cut seedpieces

The efficacy of application timings of a commercially formulated mixture of fludioxonil plus mancozeb (Maxim MZ) applied prior to planting for the control of seedpiece decay and rotting of sprouts, caused by the dry rot pathogenFusarium sambucinum, was evaluated over two years. Cut potato seedpieces were inoculated with a virulent strain ofF. sambucinum and either treated with the fungicide mixture or not. Treatment applications were made 10, 5 or 2 days prior to planting. Seedpiece and sprout health were evaluatedin vitro and agronomic impacts were evaluatedin vivo in field experiments. Overall, thein vitro experiments indicated that inoculation withF. sambucinum did not have an effect on the mean number of sprouts per seedpiece but did affect the incidence of rotting sprouts and seedpiece decay. However, treatment of seedpieces with the fungicide mixture 10, 5 or 2 days before planting significantly reduced the percentage of diseased sprouts per seed-piece and seedpiece decay. Inoculated seedpieces treated with the fungicide mixture produced similar numbers of healthy sprouts as did the non-inoculated seedpieces. The experiment, conducted in 2003, showed that final plant stand, RAUEPC and RAUCCC were similar for non-inoculated seedpieces and inoculated fungicide-treated seedpieces. Overall, there were no significant differences among treatment timings, and these results suggest that applying a fungicide seed treatment up to 10 days prior to planting can provide effective control of both Fusarium seedpiece decay and sprout rot.
Optimal response planes and canal convergence in secondary neurons in vestibular nuclei of alert cats

Responses to natural stimulation were studied in electrically identified secondary vestibular neurons of awake cats. A class of neurons was identified whose response dynamics and responses to rotations in several vertical and horizontal planes indicated that they received semicircular canal input. Each canal neuron had clearly defined planes of maximal and null sensitivity to rotation. The orientation of these planes indicated that 44% of the neurons received input from one pair of canals, 40% from two, and 16% from all 3 canal pairs. Many cells also had oculomotor-related discharges and/or responded weakly to neck rotation.
Effects of motion blurring in x-ray fluoroscopy

In conventional fluoroscopy, continuous x-ray exposure blurs moving objects, while in pulsed fluoroscopy, short duration x-ray pulses acquire images without motion blur. Many perception experiments on noisy image sequences are consistent with low-pass temporal filtering by the human visual system, and this is anticipated to cause visual system "blurring" of moving objects. With moving cylinders in spatially white noise, we simulated 30 acq/s (acquisitions per second), continuous fluoroscopy having both x-ray and visual system motion blur. We also simulated pulsed fluoroscopy at 30 acq/s (pulsed-30) having visual system but not x-ray system motion blur. For both continuous and pulsed-30 acquisitions, with increasing velocity, detectability of small cylinders decreased by as much as approximately 50%, while detectability of large cylinders increased and then decreased. Detectability of pulsed-30 was only slightly higher than continuous, indicating that visual system motion blurring dominated x-ray system blurring. For the case of stationary objects, blurring greatly reduced detectability, indicating that last-image-hold of moving objects deteriorates with continuous acquisitions. With no free parameters, a human observer model with an independently measured spatio-temporal contrast sensitivity function accurately described all effects.
Self-estimation of weight parameter in multiattribute analysis

Abstract Although weight parameters are widely used in multiattribute analysis, there is little definite evidence about the validity of various methods for estimating weights. The present study of job satisfaction employed two common methods of self-estimated importance weights, namely, rating and allocation, as well as the trade-off method. Functional measurement theory was applied to derive true weights from the overall judgments of job satisfaction; these were used as a validity criterion for the self-estimated weights. The rating method produced valid weights, whereas the allocation method did not. Two types of inconsistencies were found in the trade-offs. An attractive method of self-estimated part-worths showed mixed promise. Overall, these results show the importance of empirical studies to develop valid methods of assessing weight and illustrate the usefulness of functional measurement for this purpose.
Search behaviors in different task types

Personalization of information retrieval tailors search towards individual users to meet their particular information needs by taking into account information about users and their contexts, often through implicit sources of evidence such as user behaviors. Task types have been shown to influence search behaviors including usefulness judgments. This paper reports on an investigation of user behaviors associated with different task types. Twenty-two undergraduate journalism students participated in a controlled lab experiment, each searching on four tasks which varied on four dimensions: complexity, task product, task goal and task level. Results indicate regular differences associated with different task characteristics in several search behaviors, including task completion time, decision time (the time taken to decide whether a document is useful or not), and eye fixations, etc. We suggest these behaviors can be used as implicit indicators of the user's task type.