cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Interaction between Integrin Mac-1 (αMβ2, CD11b/CD18) and Sirpα Mediates Macrophage Fusion

Abstract Macrophage fusion leading to the formation of multinucleated giant cells is a hallmark of chronic inflammation. While a number of membrane proteins have been implicated in mediating cell-cell attachement during fusion, their binding partners are not yet clear. Recently, we have demonstrated that IL-4-induced fusion of mouse peritoneal macrophages depends on integrin Mac-1 (αMβ2, CD11b/CD18). Surprisingly, the genetic deficiency of ICAM-1, an established ligand of Mac-1, resulted in no decrease of macrophage fusion, suggesting the involvement of other counter-receptors for Mac-1. In the present study, we demonstrated that SIRPα, which like ICAM-1 belongs to the Ig superfamily and was previously implicated in fusion, interacts with Mac-1. Expression of Mac-1 on the surface of HEK293 cells resulted in their adhesion to recombinant ectodomain of SIRPα and this process was mediated through the αMI-domain of Mac-1. In addition, adhesion of RAW264.7 mouse macrophages to SIRPα was dependent on Mac-1. Direct interaction between the αMI-domain and SIRPα was shown by biolayer interferometry. Analyses of the interaction of αMI-domain with a peptide library spanning the ectodomain of SIRPα showed that recognition of SIRPa conforms to general principles that govern binding by Mac-1 of many of its ligands. SIRPα reportedly interacts with CD47; however, adhesion of Mac-1-expressing HEK293 cells, which express CD47, to SIRPα was not dependent on CD47 and an anti-CD47 function-blocking mAb produced only a limited inhibition of adhesion of RAW264.7 cells. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that Mac-1 forms a complex with CD47 on the surface of RAW264.7 and Mac-1-expressing HEK293 cells. Finally, co-culturing of SIPRα- and Mac-1-expressing HEK293 cells resulted in cell fusion. Collectively, these data identify SIRPα as a novel counter-receptor for Mac-1 and suggest that the Mac-1-SIRPα interaction may be involved in macrophage fusion. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Modeling Therapeutic Alliance in the Age of Telepsychiatry

Increasingly, online platforms are being used to deliver psychotherapy. This, along with the growth in computational psychiatry, provides scientists with new opportunities to quantify how patient–therapist relationships relate to treatment outcomes. We argue that it is necessary to investigate markers and mechanisms that enable successful psychotherapy, and the establishment of therapeutic alliance in particular, using computational tools.
Increased Behavioral Deficits and Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Co-Morbid Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder with traumatic brain injury (TBI) produce more severe affective and cognitive deficits than PTSD or TBI alone. Both PTSD and TBI produce long-lasting neuroin...
Comprehending the Cost: Are Application Fee Waiver Statements Readable?

As the cost of college rises, students and their families seek new ways to save money. Application fee waivers are offered by many postsecondary institutions in the United States, but higher education as a field has not examined whether or not the application fee waiver statement published on each institution’s website is readable. This study examined the readability of application fee waiver statements of the public and private institutions charging the highest undergraduate application fees for the 2015-2016 academic year (n = 39). The results suggest that the majority of application fee waiver statements are unreadable by prospective postsecondary students, and no statements were translated into a language other than English. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are addressed.
Refractory Status Epilepticus Secondary to Atypical Rasmussen Encephalitis Successfully Managed With Aggressive Immunotherapy (P5.084)

Objective: To describe the role of immunotherapy in refractory status epilepticus (SE) due to atypical Rasmussen encephalitis. Background: Hemispherectomy is the most effective treatment option for medically refractory epilepsy due to Rasmussen’s encephalitis (RE) and is typically performed when the patients are hemiplegic. In atypical patients without dense hemiparesis, hemispherectomy is only rarely considered when the seizure burden is extreme. The role of immunotherapy in SE due to RE is limited. Method: A 19-year-old male with refractory epilepsy was transferred to our hospital for treatment of SE. His epilepsy started at 11 years of age and has remained refractory since the onset. MRI findings and brain biopsy at age 14 supported the diagnosis of RE. Despite mild progressive right hemisphere atrophy over 8 years, he had intact motor, cognitive and visual function. At baseline, he had multiple seizures weekly despite medications. He developed SE which was managed with propofol and pentobarbital burst suppression. As seizures recurred on weaning of medications, he was transferred to our center. Seizures occurred at a rate of 10-15 per hour, each lasting for 30-180 seconds despite 7 anti-epileptic medications. He also developed moderate left hemiparesis after the recent increase in seizures. In view of resistant SE, hemispherectomy was considered. Further aggressive immunotherapy was attempted prior to proceeding with surgery. Patient was treated initially with high dose intravenous methylprednisolone and immunoglobulin, and Tacrolimus was added. Results: Seizures markedly decreased after initiation of combined immunotherapy. Both clinical and EEG seizures stopped 8 days after Tacrolimus therapy. At discharge after 30 days of hospitalization and rehabilitation, he had only subtle left hand weakness and discharged with 5 anti-epileptic medications. Conclusion: Aggressive immunotherapy with methylprednisolone and immunoglobulin, and Tacrolimus may be tried for patients with refractory SE due to RE. Disclosure: Dr. Cho has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zeft has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pestana Knight has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kotagal has received research support from UCB Pharma, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Ovation Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Wyllie has nothing to disclose. Dr. Naduvil Valappil has nothing to disclose.
The ‘Star Wars’ initiative: Problems and prospects

Abstract This article examines the long-term ‘Star Wars’ R&D programme initiated by President Reagan - the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). The nature of this initiative and the research programme that has been approved are described. There is still considerable uncertainty over where the SDI research will eventually lead - whether it be a limited BMD system designed to protect military targets or a comprehensive shield to protect the USA and its allies. The feasibility and potential implications of the SDI are examined with this caveat in mind.
Ceramic and Coating Applications in the Hostile Environment of a High‐Temperature Hypersonic Wind Tunnel

A Mach 7, blowdown wind tunnel was used to investigate aerothermal structural phenomena on large to full scale high speed vehicle components. The high energy test medium, which provided a true temperature simulation of hypersonic flow at 24 to 40 km altitude, was generated by the combustion of methane with air at high pressures. Since the wind tunnel, as well as the models, must be protected from thermally induced damage, ceramics and coatings were used extensively. Coatings were used both to protect various wind tunnel components and to improve the quality of the test stream. Planned modifications for the wind tunnel included more extensive use of ceramics in order to minimize the number of active cooling systems and thus minimize the inherent operational unreliability and cost that accompanies such systems. Use of nonintrusive data acquisition techniques, such as infrared radiometry, allowed more widespread use of ceramics for models to be tested in high energy wind tunnels.
Reticular Activating System

The reticular activating system consists mostly of ascending noradrenergic and cholinergic projections originating in the brainstem. These projections enter the cortex, thalamus and basal forebrain, and mediate increases in wakefulness and arousal. Contemporary hypotheses describe these systems as actively regulated afferent components of forebrain circuits mediating defined cognitive processes. Keywords: midbrain reticular formation; thalamus; cortex; basal forebrain; arousal
Gene Frequency Clines Produced by Kin-Structured Founder Effects

Two mechanisms are commonly invoked to explain geographic gradients in gene frequencies (clines): gene flow and natural selection. Thus gene frequency clines in Europe have been attributed to gene flow because expanding Neolithic farmers from the Near East spread and absorbed resident foragers, a process Cavalli-Sforza and his colleagues labeled demic diffusion. Alternatively, gradients in natural selection can produce the same genetic pattern. A third mechanism to explain European clines has recently been proposed by Barbujani et al. (1995). They found that European allele frequencies were consistent with distributions generated by a simple model of total replacement of foragers by expanding farmers. Clines were produced by repeated founder effects in colonizing farmer groups. Here, I present a simulation model using different population parameters to test the generality of the Barbujani model. Results of the simulation show that steep clines (measured by spatial autocorrelation statistics) can be produced by kin-structured founder effects. The implication of these findings is that several genetic mechanisms are consistent with the allele distributions in Europe. To discriminate among these alternatives, other information, such as better archeological and demographic characterization of interactions between farmers and foragers, is required. In any case, the mere presence of genetic clines does not necessarily validate the demic diffusion model.
Metabolomics by mass spectrometry based molecular networking and spatial mapping

Direct measurement of metabolites from diseased tissue remains a challenge owing to structural diversity of the large number of primary and secondary metabolites present. These metabolites represen...
Chapter 6 and Default Rules

Because the ALI Domestic Partnership rules don't seem to meet the criteria for default rules, we might be tempted to think of them instead as a set of penalty default rules, designed to insure that the parties would contract around them, or at least that they would reveal privately held information? This theoretical possibility was suggested in the commercial context by Professors Ian Ayres and Robert Gertner. Thus setting a default quantity at zero, as the UCC does, forces the parties to specify some other quantity. Similarly, setting the availability of consequential damages at zero forces the party for whom they matter to contract for their recovery (probably at a higher contract price). After reviewing the arguments against using Chapter 6 rules as a default rule in the typical sense, I'd like to discuss why even a penalty default explanation is not likely to work as a practical matter. Further, it appears that to the extent that Chapter 6 was designed to give some relief to same-sex couples (certainly one of its goals), it may have the unintended consequence of moving states toward same-sex marriage. Were a state to desire such a change, they seemingly could do so directly by amending their statutes rather than dragging along the far larger number of cohabiting couples.
The Impact of Outages on Prices and Investment in the US Oil Refining Industry

This paper considers the effects of refinery outages (due to planned turn-arounds or unplanned events) on current petroleum product prices and future refinery investment. Empirical evidence on these relationships is mixed and highly dependent on the size and duration of the outage, the geographic area considered, the level of inventories available at the time of the outage, and the tightness of the market as measured by the capacity utilization rate. Using a detailed database of plant-level refinery outages for both upstream and downstream refining units, I estimate the effects of outages on product prices controlling for the crude oil price and the ability of operating plants to respond to the outage. I also consider the effect of current market profitability on the likelihood of planned refinery outages and the effects of high utilization rates and planned maintenance on the prospects for unplanned outages. I then use plant-level capacity data to analyze the effects of outages, profitability, and utilization rates on future investment decisions of the refinery.Results based on OLS and probit models show that planned outages tend to occur during the spring and fall and during times of relatively low margins as measured by the crack spread. The length of time since the last plant turn-around is positively associated with future unplanned outages. Price regressions show that atmospheric distillation and catalytic cracking outages are positively associated with gasoline prices and the association is stronger the higher is the utilization rate at the time of the outage. The relationship between both upstream and downstream investment and outages is mixed though refiners tend to invest less when nearby plants have made investments in the prior year. While causal relationships between outages, prices, and investment are difficult to estimate due to simultaneity and unobserved variables, these descriptive results show that outages are an important factor affecting refined product prices and future refinery investment.
State legislations that limit the use of thimerosal in vaccines for pregnant women and their infants.

Thimerosal is a mercurial preservative that was widely used in vaccines in the United States and Europe until 2001. By 1999, expanding recommendations for infant vaccinations indicated that United States children who received a complete series of vaccines that contained thimerosal received up to 187.5 μg of ethyl mercury during the first six months of life. This cumulative exposure could exceed the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended safe intake level, estimated in 1997, to be no more than 0.1 μg of mercury per kilogram of body weight per day. This observation lead to a recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics that thimerosal is removed to all vaccines that are administered to infants in the United States. Realizing the potential dangers of thimerosal in vaccines, six states have enacted legislations that have limited the amount of thimerosal that can be used in vaccines in their States (Iowa, California, New York, Missouri, Delaware and Washington). In 1987, Congress established the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program to provide compensation to family of individuals who suffer injuries from vaccines. Until recently, these judgments have been paid only to families of non-autistic children who received complications due to the vaccines. In 2008, the Government conceded its first vaccine-autism case in Federal Court. Scientific studies of this autistic child suggested that the autism was related to a mitochondrial disorder. The Federal Government should enact legislation that prohibits the use of thimerosal in vaccines given to pregnant women and their infants.
Biofilm Formation of O157 and Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Multidrug-Resistant and Susceptible Salmonella Typhimurium and Newport and Their Inactivation by Sanitizers

This study compared biofilm formation by 7 serogroups of pathogenic Escherichia coli and 2 or 3 phenotypes of Salmonella (susceptible, multidrug-resistant [MDR], and/or multidrug resistant with ampC gene [MDR-AmpC]). One-week mature biofilms were also exposed to water, quaternary ammonium compound-based (QAC), and acid-based (AB) sanitizers. Seven groups (strain mixture) of above-mentioned pathogens were separately spot-inoculated onto stainless steel coupons surfaces for target inoculation of 2 log CFU/cm2, then stored statically, partially submerged in 10% nonsterilized meat homogenate at 4, 15, and 25 °C. Biofilm cells were enumerated on days 0, 1, 4, and 7 following submersion in 30 mL for 1 min in water, QAC, and AB. Counts on inoculation day ranged from 1.6 ± 0.4 to 2.4 ± 0.6 log CFU/cm2 and changed to 1.2 ± 0.8 to 1.9 ± 0.8 on day 7 at 4 °C with no appreciable difference among the 7 pathogen groups. After treatment with QAC and AB on day 7, counts were reduced (P < 0.05) to less than 0.7 ± 0.6 and 1.2 ± 0.5, respectively, with similar trends among pathogens. Biofilm formation at higher temperatures was more enhanced; E. coli O157:H7, as an example, increased (P < 0.05) from 1.4 ± 0.6 and 2.0 ± 0.3 on day 0 to 4.8 ± 0.6 and 6.5 ± 0.2 on day 7 at 15 and 25 °C, respectively. As compared to 4 °C, after sanitation, more survivors were observed for 15 and 25 °C treatments with no appreciable differences among pathogens. Overall, we observed similar patterns of growth and susceptibility to QAC and AB sanitizers of the 7 tested pathogen groups with enhanced biofilm formation capability and higher numbers of treatment survivors at higher temperatures.
Hoyle state and rotational features in Carbon-12 within a no-core shell-model framework

Abstract By using only a fraction of the model space extended beyond current no-core shell-model limits and a many-nucleon interaction with a single parameter, we gain additional insight within a symmetry-guided shell-model framework, into the many-body dynamics that gives rise to the ground state rotational band together with phenomena tied to alpha-clustering substructures in the low-lying states in 12C, and in particular, the challenging Hoyle state and its first 2 + and 4 + excitations. For these states, we offer a novel perspective emerging out of no-core shell-model considerations, including a discussion of associated nuclear deformation and matter radii. This, in turn, provides guidance for ab initio shell models by informing key features of nuclear structure and the interaction.
Democratic Models for International Environmental Institutions: Challenges, Taxonomies, and Citizen Advisory Groups

This discussion paper was prepared for the May 2008 UNITAR/Yale Conference on Environmental Governance and Democracy and presented to a panel on public participation in international environmental governance. It examines efforts to engage non-state actors more fully in the work of international environmental institutions as a means of making those institutions more responsive to the broader constituencies that they, and their states parties, serve. The paper is concerned not simply with non-state actors as collaborators who support institutional goals and implement institutional projects, but as meaningful participants in deliberative decision-making processes traditionally reserved to states. The paper describes practices of international institutions drawing on data gathered from recent global, European and Inter-American experiences. It offers a basic taxonomy of access mechanisms on the basis of these data and outlines some of the questions researchers might ask as they examine whether these approaches serve to make international institutions more democratic. The paper also highlights one emerging access mechanism - citizen advisory groups - that may hold particular promise. It suggests that this alternative may be one key to building democratic mechanisms in the international context by engaging citizens in direct dialogue about environmental decisions rather than leaving them as passive observers. The paper outlines potential opportunities and challenges of citizen advisory groups, and poses questions which might be asked where citizen advisors are engaged as access points to international institutions.
Mind and Social Practice: Selected Writings of Sylvia Scribner

Mind and Social Practice: Selected Writings of Sylvia Scribner. Ethel Tobach, Rachel Joffe Falmagne, Mary Brown Parlee, Laura M. W. Martin, and Aggie Scribner Kapelman, eds. New York Cambridge University Press, 1997. 425 pp.
EXPERIMENTAL HYBRIDIZATION OF XANTHIUM STRUMARIUM (COMPOSITAE) FROM ASIA AND AMERICA. I. RESPONSES OF F1 HYBRIDS TO PHOTOPERIOD AND TEMPERATURE.

Responses to photoperiod and temperature were compared for hybrids between Asiatic plants in the indigenous strumarium morphological complex and plants in five American complexes: oviforme, italicum, chinense, cavanillesii, and pennsylvancium. The F1 hybrids between Hong Kong plants and various American plants showed intermediacy in photoperiodic response; however, the hybrid night requirement was more similar to that of the American parent. The Hong Kong plants are difficult to evaluate photoperiodically but showed a night length requirement of 9.25-9.50 hr. Day-neutral plants from India in the strumarium complex produced day-neutral F1 hybrids in crosses with most American plants having night requirements less than 10 hr. The F1 hybrids involving the day-neutral Indian plants and either Indian or Australian chinense plants showed a night requirement of 8.25-8.75 hr. The chinense parental plants had apparent critical nights of 10.25-10.50 hr. Crosses between the day-neutral Indian plants and Mexican plants with apparent critical nights of 10.75-11 hr produced F1 hybrids requiring nights of 8.75-9.00 hr. The various hybrids tended to show the broader temperature tolerances of the American parents. The ripeness-to-flower (maturity) responses of seedlings tended to show the genetic controls of the parent with the faster developmental rate. The hybridization evidence suggests that photoperiodic responses are quantitatively controlled and inherited independently of morphology and ripeness-to-flower responses. The populations of India are highly diverse and probably reflect recombinations of photoperiodic and temperature responses between indigenous day-neutral plants and photoperiodic chinense plants introduced from North America.
The neuroanatomical substrate for information processing in macular endorgans

Ultrastructural study of inner-ear gravity receptors shows that they are functionally organized as weighted neural networks for parallel distributed processing of acceleratory information. Receptive fields, consisting of type I and type II hair cells, were reconstructed as three-dimensional shaded solids using an IRIS workstation. Three patterns occur in the striola-border direction: rounded, oblong, and nearly linear. No two fields are identical. Type II cells distribute information to 2-4 nerve terminals. Findings suggest that receptive field morphology results from an interaction between genomes and spatial containment of growth. Resulting randomness and redundancy are important to the robustness of the neural network, The end product of afferent processing is probably a highly redundant communication in which noise is reduced by efferent inhibition. >
Fault parameters and tsunami excitation of the May 23, 1989, MacQuarie Ridge Earthquake

The Macquarie Ridge earthquake of May 23, 1989, is one of the largest events in the last decade. Furthermore, it is the largest strike-slip earthquake ever recorded instrumentally. We analyzed long-period surface waves and body waves recorded at global networks (GDSN, IRIS, GEOSCOPE, and IDA) to estimate the fault parameters and computed tsunamis from the estimated parameters. The Centroid Moment Tensor (CMT) solution from surface waves shows that the mechanism is almost pure strike-slip with one of the nodal planes parallel to the strike of the Macquarie Ridge. The seismic moment is 1.6 × 10^(21) Nm (× 10^(28) dyn•cm) and the corresponding moment magnitude is M_w =8.1. Teleseismic P and S waves from 10 stations with good azimuthal coverage are used to model the temporal and spatial distribution of the subevents. Four subevents are located sequentially from south to north along the ridge system in about 30 sec. All of them have a mechanism similar to the CMT solution. The fault length is estimated to be about 120 km from the subevent and the aftershock distributions. The rapture propagates from south to north at a relatively high speed. The average slip on the fault depends on the estimate of the fault width, but is probably larger than 9 m. A large strike-slip earthquake like this event produces significant vertical displacements on the ocean bottom and excites tsunamis. Computation of tsunamis using the estimated fault parameters predicts that small tsunamis are expected at Australia and New Zealand. In fact, small tsunamis were observed on the southern coast of Australia.
Preparation and properties of uniform mixed and coated colloidal particles

Colloidal dispersions of uniform spherical particles of zirconium basic sulphate and zirconium oxy-basic carbonate were prepared by ageing zirconium sulphate solutions at elevated temperatures in the presence of urea. Different chemical compositions of the above products resulted when the ageing temperature was altered. Depending on the nature of the original solids, calcination at 800° C resulted in the formation of tetragonal or monoclinic zirconia. Under certain conditions a mixed phase, including cubic zirconia, has also been identified. The particle morphology was retained during these transformations. Coprecipitation in mixed solutions of zirconium and yttrium salts aged at 80° C yielded composite spherical particles of basic carbonate with a zirconium to yttrium ratio of the solid similar to that used in the initial solution. Zirconium basic sulphate particles coated with yttrium basic carbonate were prepared by ageing, in the presence of urea, a Zr2(OH)6SO4 dispersion containing yttrium nitrate.
Regression of radiation-induced macular edema after systemic bevacizumab.

Abstract Case report: A 59-year-old patient with a coexisting primary choroidal melanoma and colorectal cancer was treated with external beam radiation (EBR) of his choroidal melanoma and systemic chemotherapy with leukovorin/5 fluorouracil (FU) for treatment of his metastatic colorectal cancer. Eight months following EBR, he showed evidence of radiation retinopathy with macular edema. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed macular edema and subretinal fluid. Subsequently, systemic bevacizumab (5 mg/kg) was added to his leukovorin/5FU chemotherapy. After the addition of bevacizumab, OCT showed complete resolution of the macular edema and subretinal fluid. Comments: Bevacizumab may have a role in the treatment of radiation retinopathy, but further investigation is needed before any definitive conclusions can be made.
Antenatal exposure of maternal secondhand smoke (SHS) increases fetal lung expression of RAGE and induces RAGE-mediated pulmonary inflammation.

Background: Receptors for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) are immunoglobulin-like pattern recognition receptors abundantly localized to lung epithelium. Our research demonstrated that primary tobacco smoke exposure increases RAGE expression and that RAGE partly mediates pro-inflammatory signaling during exposure. However, the degree to which RAGE influences developing lungs when gestating mice are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) has not been determined to date. Methods: Timed pregnant RAGE null and wild type control mice were exposed to 4 consecutive days of SHS from embryonic day (E) 14.5 through E18.5 using a state of the art nose-only smoke exposure system (Scireq, Montreal, Canada). RAGE expression was assessed using immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and quantitative RT-PCR. TUNEL immunostaining and blotting for caspase-3 were performed to evaluate effects on cell turnover. Matrix abnormalities were discerned by quantifying collagen IV and MMP-9, a matrix metalloprotease capable of degrading basement membranes. Lastly, TNF-α and IL-1β levels were assessed in order to determine inflammatory status in the developing lung. Results: Pulmonary RAGE expression was elevated in both dams exposed to SHS and in fetuses gestating within mothers exposed to SHS. Fetal weight, a measure of organismal health, was decreased in SHS-exposed pups, but unchanged in SHS-exposed RAGE null mice. TUNEL assessments suggested a shift toward pulmonary cell apoptosis and matrix in SHS-exposed pups was diminished as revealed by decreased collagen IV and increased MMP-9 expression. Furthermore, SHS-exposed RAGE null mice expressed less TNF-α and IL-1β when compared to SHS-exposed controls. Conclusions: RAGE augmentation in developing pups exposed to maternal SHS weakens matrix deposition and influences lung inflammation.
228 FETAL HEMODYNAMIC AND BRAIN FUNCTION(EEG) EFFECTS OF DIAZOXIDE(D) INFUSION INTO THE OVINE FETUS

D has been used to stop premature labor. D crosses the placenta. Bolus intravenous D(8.4mg/kg±0.57SE)was given near term to 6 fetal lambs during an acute experiment. Post-infusion changes ±SE of baseline fetal carotid(FC)pH,pO2,O2 saturation(O2%),pCO2,blood pressure(FBP) are presented in this table: Isoelectric EEG occurred within 5 min. post D infusion in 3 experiments. Conclusion: D infusion into the fetus may cause hypoxia, acidosis and isoelectric EEG.
Characteristics of a Dual-Slotted Circulation Control Wing of Low Aspect Ratio Intended for Naval Hydrodynamic Applications

Abstract : An experimental investigation was conducted in a water tunnel to explore the application of Coanda-effect circulation control to low aspect ratio wings. The facility was the Large Cavitation Channel in Memphis, TN. The intended application is to high-lift control surfaces (appendages) on underwater naval vehicles. Test results are interpreted in light of both theory and the extensive experience with circulation control (CC) technology at NSWCCD. The semi-span wing test model with a taper ratio of 0.76 was mounted on a load cell; a reflection plane provided for an effective aspect ratio of 2. Dual upper/lower trailing edge tangential jet slots were incorporated for bi-directional force generation. Findings include: finite-span effects on CC augmented lift are consistent with the effects on conventional lift-due-to-angle-of-attack, and cavitation in the Coanda wall jet region does not result in jet detachment or an abrupt lift stall. Wing lift augmentation ratios are up to 36 and meet expectations. Unexpected virtues of a dual-slotted configuration were found that enhance the value of CC to ship and VSTOL aircraft applications. A small flow from the second slot will significantly extend the lift capability beyond that of single slot operation by preventing what is believed to be the adverse effects of excessive turning of the wall jet at high momentum coefficients. Dual slot flow produces a merger of the two wall jets into a free planar jet that enables static thrust vectoring of the jet momentum flux over the full 0-360 degree range. This steerable-jet provides a jet-flap mode of lift development for use at very low vehicle speeds, as an extension of the high efficiency CC mode.
Organotypic distribution of stem cell markers in formalin-fixed brain harboring glioblastoma multiforme

The role of stem cells in the origin, growth patterns, and infiltration of glioblastoma multiforme is a subject of intense investigation. One possibility is that glioblastoma may arise from transformed stem cells in the ventricular zone. To explore this hypothesis, we examined the distribution of two stem cell markers, activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) and CD133, in an autopsy brain specimen from an individual with glioblastoma multiforme. A 41-year-old male with a right posterior temporal glioblastoma had undergone surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The brain was harvested within several hours after death. After formalin fixation, sectioning, and mapping of tumor location in the gross specimen, histologic specimens were prepared from tumor-bearing and grossly normal hemispheres. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry and colorimetric staining were performed for ATF5 and CD133. Both markers co-localized to the ependymal and subependymal zones on the side of the tumor, but not in the normal hemisphere or more rostrally in the affected hemisphere. ATF5 staining was especially robust within the diseased hemisphere in histologically normal ependyma. To our knowledge, this is the first in situ demonstration of stem cell markers in whole human brain. These preliminary results support the hypothesis that some glioblastomas may arise from the neurogenic zone of the lateral ventricle. The robust staining for ATF5 and CD133 in histologically normal ventricular zone suggests that an increase in periventricular stem cell activity occurred in this patient on the side of the tumor, either as a localized response to brain injury or as an integral component of oncogenesis and tumor recurrence.
Biological Control of Fungi Causing Alfalfa Seedling Damping-Off with a Disease-Suppressive Strain ofStreptomyces

Abstract Biological control of alfalfa seedling diseases by a disease-suppressive strain of Streptomyces was evaluated in vitro, in controlled environments, and in the field. Streptomyces strain 93 inhibited the growth of soil-borne pathogens causing seed rot and seedling damping-off in vitro but did not affect the growth of the symbiont Rhizobium meliloti. Treating seeds of a susceptible alfalfa variety with Streptomyces spores inhibited the development of Pythium damping-off in a rolled paper towel assay. Control of Phytophthora root rot was achieved by infesting soil with Streptomyces at the time of planting under greenhouse conditions. The frequency of healthy plants increased significantly for the susceptible variety and the average disease severity index decreased significantly for both the resistant and susceptible varieties tested. Field experiments were performed in 1993 and 1994 to evaluate the effect of Streptomyces alone and in combination with the fungicide metalaxyl on disease control and plant performance. In 1993, neither treatment alone improved seedling establishment or disease control over controls. However, the combination of fungicide and Streptomyces resulted in the highest seedling survival, dry matter production, and frequency of healthy plants with no or slight symptoms of Phytophthora root rot. In the 1994 field experiment, plots receiving the combination of Streptomyces and fungicide were not significantly different from the untreated control in seedling survival or in incidence or severity of root rot. These studies indicate that a potential exists for utilizing Streptomyces to control alfalfa seedling diseases.
Influences of the Age of the Trap and Pheromone on Capturing Males of the Lesser Peachtree Borer in Sticky Traps

Pherocon® 1C sticky traps baited with pheromone became less attractive in time to males of the lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson), but could be made effective again with fresh pheromone. The baited traps decreased in attractiveness with time; the oldest traps and pheromone were the least attractive. The largest number of males was caught when both traps and pheromone were replaced every 3 wk.
Emerging Patterns in Complement-Mediated Pathogen Recognition

Protection from acute infection requires an immediate response by the host innate immune system. Two recent Cell papers, including one in this issue, provide new insight into the role of the complement system in response to blood-borne pathogens.
Where Somalia works

Abstract Somalia is not entirely dysfunctional. Indeed, select parts of the Somali economic, social and political landscape work quite well. Ironically, where the country works best also reflects some of what is most wrong.
Tests of a two-stage model of visual matching.

Srrmmasy.-Predictions from a model of visual matching were tested in two experiments. The model consists of a wholistic comparison process followed by an element-by-element comparison process. All stimuli are processed by the first stage but only those that permit a decision based on a wholistic comparison produce responses. When discrimination is difficult and a decision cannot be reached by a wholistic comparison, the second stage of processing is initiated. Degree of discriminability and stimulus duration (100 and 1000 msec.) were varied in both experiments. In Exp. 1, the stimulus elements were arranged in a square configuration to facilitate a wholistic comparison. As predicted, the hard-different stimuli took longer to match than the same or easydifferent stimuli. The hard-different stimuli presented for 1000 msec. took longer to march than those presented for 100 msec. There was no difference in accuracy between responses to hard-different pairs at the two durations. In Exp. 2, the stimulus elements were arranged in a horizontal row and placed one above the other to facilitate element-by-element comparison. As predicted, these stimuli produced slower and more accurate responses for same and hard-different stimulus pairs only when they were exposed for 1000 msec. Responses to easydifferent stimulus pairs were made quickly and accurately. Visual-matching experiments frequently produce "same" responses faster
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma CVD of Amorphous Hydrogenated Silicon Carbonitride (a‐SiCN:H) Films Using Triethylsilane and Nitrogen

Amorphous hydrogenated silicon carbonitride (a-SiCN:H) thin films are synthesized by atmospheric pressure plasma enhanced chemical vapor (AP-PECVD) deposition using the Surfx Atomflow{trademark} 250D APPJ source with triethylsilane (HSiEt{sub 3}, TES) and nitrogen as the precursor and the reactive gases, respectively. The effect of the substrate temperature (T{sub s}) on the growth characteristics and the properties of a-SiCN:H films was evaluated. The properties of the films were investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) for surface morphological analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for chemical and compositional analyses; spectroscopic ellipsometry for optical properties and thickness determination and nanoindentation to determine the mechanical properties of the a-SiCN:H films. Films deposited at low T{sub s} depict organic like features, while the films deposited at high T{sub s} depict ceramic like features. FTIR and XPS studies reveal that an increases in T{sub s} helps in the elimination of organic moieties and incorporation of nitrogen in the film. Films deposited at T{sub s} of 425 C have an index of refraction (n) of 1.84 and hardness (H) of 14.8 GPa. A decrease in the deposition rate between T{sub s} of 25 and 250 C and increase inmore » deposition rate between T{sub s} of 250 and 425 C indicate that the growth of a-SiCN:H films at lower T{sub s} are surface reaction controlled, while at high temperatures film growth is mass-transport controlled. Based on the experimental results, a potential route for film growth is proposed.« less
Chemical boundary lubrication in chemical–mechanical planarization

Abstract Chemical–mechanical planarization (CMP) is a synergistic tribological process. It occurs between a polymeric polishing pad, a solid body to be made smooth, between which is a chemical slurry containing nanoparticles of abrasive materials. CMP functions similar to chemical boundary lubrication of mechanical systems, except that the objective of the CMP is to remove materials in a controlled manner. In this article, the lubricating behaviors of CMP are reviewed.
Simulation study of the effects of model uncertainty in variational assimilation of radar data on rainfall forecasting

Recent developments in data assimilation techniques make use of cloud models initialized with radar data an attractive alternative for real-time quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF). Before such approaches are used operationally, there are a number of aspects that need to be addressed to understand better the benefits and drawbacks of the practical applications of cloud models in QPF. One aspect is the effect of various sources of uncertainty on the forecasting performance. Data assimilation formulations based on variational techniques allow accounting for uncertainty in observations but have no efficient mechanism of accounting for uncertainty in the model on which they are based. To investigate the issue, a simulation-based Monte Carlo methodology, suitable for the analysis of complex nonlinear models, is used. A one-dimensional stochastic-dynamic cloud model, derived by considering stochastic terms in a physically based cloud model is used to simulate rainfall and radar reflectivity data. A deterministic version of the model is then initialized by a variational assimilation technique and used for forecasting. The differences between the forecasts and actual realizations of the stochastic cloud model are statistically analyzed to assess the effect of cloud model uncertainty on forecasting. In this paper this methodology is also used to study additional effects of other types of uncertainty, such as those in radar observations and in the description of rain drop size distribution, for a more complete understanding of the impact of uncertainties on rainfall forecasting. Based on the scenarios investigated in the paper, conclusions and recommendations concerning the use of complex cloud models in real-world applications are made.
On CIPA Research Tradition

Considering the CIPA research agenda, this paper recognizes shortcomings in the biannual symposium scholarship in the areas of documentation represented in the research and in the robustness of the scholarly outcome. The purpose of this study was to assess and-as applicable-make recommendations on the research associated with CIPA's symposium from the viewpoint of the areas of documentation researched (topical affinity) and the level of scholarly robustness (research thoroughness). Symposia proceedings were utilized as a primary source of data; Excel statistical functions were used for data analysis. The research design involves: a) selecting representative symposia out of past symposia population, b) reducing the number of symposium proceedings papers through random-selection sampling, and, c) evaluating sampled papers through devised measures and procedure. The results pointed to a working premise of the study. Recommendations for improving CIPA research program were made in light of this conclusion.
Till Death Do Us Part: Getting Married at the End of Life

At the end of life, patients often reflect on the meaning of their lives and decide how to best take advantage of the remaining time to accomplish their life goals. We report the case of a patient with advanced cancer who got married in our acute palliative care unit weeks before her death. Our interdisciplinary team was able to support her physically and emotionally, thereby assisting her in achieving her life goals. The wedding gave her the opportunity to acquire further meaning in life, deepen her connection with her loved ones, and enhance her sense of dignity, self-worth, and pride. It also was associated with a significant improvement in her symptoms and had a positive effect on the health care team. This example illustrates the effectiveness of a palliative care team in helping patients to achieve their life goals and supporting their families during a time when two major life events, marriage and end of life, occur concurrently.
Approximation methods in the problem of light propagation in 2D media with sharply anisotropic scattering

The depth mode of light propagation in a 2D-medium with strong absorption and sharply- anisotropic scattering is studied analytically outside the framework of the small-angle diffusion approximation. We propose and realize a regular procedure for optimum determination of the parameters of a postulated approximate angular spectrum in the depth mode. The dispersion in the depth mode and the depth damping coefficient are found. Our results are in good agreement with the exact solution to the transport equation written in the quasi-diffusion approximation, that has been obtained recently in the particular case of the Henyey-Greenstein phase function.
Contentious Challenges and Government Responses in Latin America

This article examines how seven Latin American governments responded to 827 contentious political challenges. The research goes beyond most previous research by considering four governmental responses: concession, repression, toleration, and the combination of concession and repression. The results show that challengers can increase their chances of winning concessions by making limited demands and utilizing nonviolent occupations and hunger strikes. Violent challenges are ineffective and tend to result in repression. Governments also tend to offer concessions under democratic regimes or when they have recently been criticized for human rights abuses while also receiving substantial foreign aid and investment.
Characterization of organometallic copolymers and copolymerization by size-exclusion chromatography coupled with trace metal- and mass-sensitive detectors

Abstract An important class of controlled-release, biocidal triorganotin-containing copolymers (OMPs) is produced by the free radical initiated reaction of a triorganotin methacrylate (typically tributyltin methacrylate, TBTM) with methyl methacrylate. In earlier studies, we have demonstrated that size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) on μStyragel, coupled with an in-line graphite furnace atomic absorption detector (GFAA) quantifies at least two well-resolved tin-bearing molecular weight fractions observed in many different commercial OMP formulations: a polymer fraction, and, probably, unreacted TBTM. When tetrahydrofuran is used as the eluent, a third component, believed to be an ionic tin-containing compound, is adsorbed and slowly eluted. We now verify that a dilute solution of acetic acid in the tetrahydrofuran efficiently desorbs this species. If a one percent solution of acetic acid in tetrahydrofuran is introduced into the mobile phase as a discrete, injected volume several minutes after the injection of the polymer formulation, there appears in the SEC—GFAA chromatogram: the polymer peak, the monomer peak, several minutes of tailing, and, finally a spike, with little additional tailing. However, when a one percent solution of acetic acid in tetrahydrofuran is used as the eluent, the high polymer peak is substantially reduced in size owing to acid hydrolysis of polymeric esters to which the tributyltin is chemically bonded; the low-molecular-weight peak is substantially increased. Thus, delayed injection of acetic acid serves the purpose of avoiding acid hydrolysis of the polymer. In the work described, only trace amounts of acetic acid (0.5 μl to 5.0 μl) were introduced by injection into the tetrahydrofuran mobile phase, whereas prolonged exposure to dilute solutions of acetic acid in tetrahydrofuran — e.g. , introduced by a gradient method— could be expected to shorten column life. Partial decomposition of esters was found in partially reacted OMPs after one year of storage at −780°C.
Size analysis of heterogeneous nuclear RNA in an aqueous gel system

Abstract We have analyzed the size distribution of heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) from cultured murine cells in an aqueous gel system consisting of 1.8% polyacrylamide and 0.5% agarose. hnRNA, labeled in vivo with 32P at a low specific activity, was labeled in vitro at its 3′-end with NaB3H4, and fractionated by gel electrophoresis. The ratio of log 32 P 3 H cpm was determined for each gel fraction and shown to be linearly related to distance migrated. The ratio of 32 P 3 H cpm was used to predict the molecular weight of 28-S and 18-S RNAs and shown to be within approx. 10% of the known molecular weight. Denaturation of hnRNA with heat or dimethyl sulfoxide gave similar number and weight average molecular weight when analyzed by gel electrophoresis. The same hnRNA analyzed by sucrose gradient velocity sedimentation had a similar number average molecular weight but much higher weight average molecular weight.