cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling in-vehicle reaches perturbed by ride motion

Abstract : Aside the capital investment and without the ability to otherwise simulate, motion capture is the preferred method by which to model human movements in a digital environment. However, these capture sessions are almost universally conducted in stationary environments. While this may be adequate for modeling many industrial applications of digital modeling, many other jobs require operators to perform tasks while being exposed to a moving environment (e.g. postal drivers, flight attendants, and numerous military and transportation operations). The Ride Motion Simulator (RMS) at the US Army-Tank Automotive and armaments Command (TACOM) simulated single-axis sinusoids and 6DOF ride motion, in which twelve participants were asked to perform extended reaches to eight push-button targets. In order to better ascertain the effects of dynamic ride motion on in-vehicle reaching tasks, we used a twelve-camera VICON optical motion capture system to record and UGS PLM Solutions' JACK to analyze the associated kinematic and kinetic motions. Recent studies have presented methodologies and results from motion capture studies of human reach performance under ride motion perturbation (Rider et al. 2003a, 2003b). Additional studies are underway to augment the development of regression models predicting movement time and the required target size based on task and ride conditions. Results of the reach data reveal the critical nature of the design and layout of controls, with respect to torso-included motions, ellipsoid-shaped buttons, and an increase in movement time required to successfully complete an in-vehicle task under ride motion.
On robust Hurwitz polynomials

Certain unified results on stability robustness aspects of linear time-invariant systems with the corresponding numerical issues regarding the applications of these results are reviewed. An efficient method for generating a perturbation scheme to change the coefficients of a Hurwitz polynomial is presented. The results can be applied equally to stable matrices or stable polynomials, both with real-valued parameters and without any additional transformation. >
Astrophysics of Planet Formation

Preface 1. Observations of planetary systems 2. Protoplanetary disk structure 3. Protoplanetary disk evolution 4. Planetesimal formation 5. Terrestrial planet formation 6. Giant planet formation 7. Early evolution of planetary systems Appendixes References Index.
Clinical practice: Herpes zoster.

A 65-year-old man presents with a rash of 2 days duration over the right forehead with vesicles and pustules, a few lesions on the right side and tip of the nose, and slight blurring in the right eye. The rash was preceded by tingling in the area and is now associated with aching pain. How should this patient be evaluated and treated?
High-Level Dietary Vitamin A Enhances T-Helper Type 2 Cytokine Production and Secretory Immunoglobulin A Response to Influenza A Virus Infection in BALB/c Mice

Vitamin A supplementation during acute pneumonia has not improved recovery in most human clinical trials. We hypothesize that high vitamin A intake may decrease the production of T-helper type-1 (Th1) cytokines and thereby inhibit antiviral responses. Such decreases might impair recovery from viral respiratory infections. We thus examined the effect of three interventions on viral pneumonia: 1) a high level vitamin A [250,000 IU/kg diet or 75,000 retinol equivalents (RE)/kg], or 2) control diet (4000 IU/kg diet or 1200 RE/kg) given before and during infection, and 3) initiating the high level diet upon infection to simulate the adjuvant therapy used in clinical trials. No difference was seen among the interventions in severity of disease (weight loss, lung virus titers and survival). However, both the high level diet group and the group in which vitamin A was increased at the time of infection had greater salivary immunoglobulin (Ig)A responses (geometric means, 166 and 105 microg/L, respectively) than did the control group (59 microg/L) (P = 0.0019). In contrast, the serum IgG response was higher in the control group (324+/-158 mg/L) than in the high level group (225+/-95 mg/L) (P = 0.028), although it did not differ from the group in which the diet was changed upon infection (230+/-163 mg/L) (P = 0.084). The production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a Th1 cytokine, was lower in the high level diet group (median, 0.153 microg/L) compared with the control group (median, 0.839 microg/L) (P = 0.014), whereas the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10), a Th2 cytokine, was higher with the high level diet (median, 0.304 microg/L) than with the control (median, 0.126 microg/L) (P = 0.022). This change in the Th1/Th2 pattern was not sufficient to affect recovery from viral pneumonia but may account for the increased IgA and decreased IgG responses seen with high level dietary vitamin A in this study. These data reinforce the lack of utility of vitamin A in treating acute pneumonia in children and suggest that high dose vitamin A supplements may enhance Th2-mediated immune responses, which are particularly beneficial in the case of extracellular bacterial and parasitic infections and IgA-mediated responses to mucosal infections.
Cultural Diversity in the Appraisal and Expression of Trauma

The challenge that we face, when considering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from a cross-cultural perspective, is to find an appropriate balance between modern and traditional conceptualizations of traumatic exposure and its consequences. Each perspective has a richness and complexity that must be respected and understood if we hope to provide effective clinical interventions for trauma survivors from traditional backgrounds.
On the correct calculation of present value-based measurements in accounting

Abstract Schadler and Wertheim (An intuitive appeal for the correct calculation of present value-based measurements in accounting. Journal of Accounting Education, 3, 367–378, 1995) discussed problems with the manner in which introductory and intermediate accounting texts deal with present values of sub-annual cash flow streams. They presented an analytical and pedagogical approach that, though correct, may be unnecessarily complex. This note demonstrates a “correction constant” approach to computing present values of sub-annual cash flow streams that students may find simpler than the Schadler and Wertheim method.
A Technique for Intrapartum Monitoring of Fetuses with Congenital Bradycardias

Our objective was to construct from readily available components a system that would allow determination of P-wave to P-wave intervals in fetuses with congenital heart block. Using a fetal monitor, bedside patient monitor, spiral electrode, and a special cable described herein, we obtained direct fetal electrocardiograms from two fetuses with autoimmune heart block. Measurement of the atrial rate was made by determining the P-wave to P-wave interval. These determinations were compared to atrial rates measured by M-mode echocardiography in utero and neonatal electrocardiograms. Atrial rates determined by direct fetal electrocardiogram were identical to rates obtained by M-mode echocardiography and within 10 beats/min of rates calculated from neonatal electrocardiograms. Premature ventricular contractions in one fetus were also detected. It is possible to perform continuous and accurate assessments of sinoatrial node activity in fetuses with congenital heart block using components readily available to most obstetricians.
Family-Level Divergences in the Stinging Wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata), with Correlations to Angiosperm Diversification

Diversification in insects has often been linked to the evolution of angiosperms. The majority of studies reporting this link, however, have been done on herbivorous insects. It remains unclear if the diversification of angiosperms was also influential in the diversification of species-rich, carnivorous insect groups. Here we investigate the timing of the origin and diversification in the stinging wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata). We employ a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo relaxed clock approach to estimate divergence times for 13 wasp families and eight superfamilies. Divergence times are calibrated with 12 fossils representing groups in various lineages. Our results indicate that many of the modern aculeate families originated during the Cretaceous and in concert with the diversification of angiosperms. This similarity between diversification ages in wasps and in angiosperms may be due to an increased habitat complexity and prey diversity that early angiosperm forests provided.
Residual strength prediction of composite materials: Random spectrum loading

Abstract The goal of this project is to identify if and how load order impacts residual strength in an E-glass/vinyl ester composite laminate subjected to variable amplitude fatigue loading. This paper presents results for constant amplitude loading data which, are used to fit parameters for a phenomenological model that can then applied to the spectrum loading cases. The residual strength distribution shape, in addition to median values, is modeled using Weibull statistics. Three cases are run experimentally and modeled for a 735,641 cycle spectrum containing 22 stress levels. The first two are ordered block loading, from highest stress to lowest and from lowest stress to the highest. In both cases, the model predicts the resulting residual strength distribution very accurately. A final case where the entire spectrum was randomized produced unexpected results with every specimen failing after 200,000–400,000 cycles while the model predicts identical residual strength when compared with the block loading case. This work points to a dire need for focus on developing a better understanding of load order impacts in design of composite structures based on constant amplitude fatigue tests.
Structure of the rat glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor gene

Abstract 1 The Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) is a member of the secretin-vasoactive intestinal polypeptide family of G-protein coupled receptors possessing seven transmembrane domains. We report here the cloning and the exon-intron structure of the rat GIPR gene, along with the identification and characterization of its 5′-flanking region. The coding region of the GIPR gene spans approximately 10.2 kilobases and contains 13 exons. Three additional exons, two encoding either 5′ or 3′ untranslated sequences and one contained in a novel alternatively spliced mRNA, were identified. The 5′-flanking sequences contained a number of transcription factor binding motifs, including a cAMP response element, an octamer binding site, three SP1 sites and an initiator element. However, neither a CAAT motif nor TATA box were found. Transient transfection assays demonstrated that the 5′-flanking region of the GIPR gene can efficiently promote transcription in RIN38 cells and that deletion of 50 base pairs containing a potential SP1 binding sites leads to a 2.4-fold loss of transcriptional activity. In addition, transient transfection experiments comparing the relative promoter activities of 5′-flanking sequences of the GIPR gene in RIN38 and rat-2 cells suggests that distal negative regulatory sequences may control cell-specific expression.
Fenestrated felt facilitates anastomotic stability and safety in “off-pump” coronary bypass

Metal stabilizing devices used in beating heart surgery, although largely effective, occasionally slip or cause lacerations of epicardial veins or myocardium, resulting in blood loss that requires time-consuming corrective maneuvers. The use of a fenestrated felt as a cushion in conjunction with the stabilizers eliminates slipping and/or trauma, thus facilitating coronary anastomoses on the beating heart.
Transient heat conduction in a medium with two circular cavities: Semi-analytical solution

This paper considers a transient heat conduction problem for an infinite medium with two non-overlapping circular cavities. Suddenly applied, steady Dirichlet type boundary conditions are assumed. The approach is based on superposition and the use of the general solution to the problem of a single cavity. Application of the Laplace transform results in a semi-analytical solution for the temperature in the form of a truncated Fourier series. The large-time asymptotic formulae for the solution are obtained by using the analytical solution in the Laplace domain. The method can be extended to problems with multiple cavities and inhomogeneities.
CSF somatostatin in Alzheimer's disease.

Studies have previously demonstrated low somatostatin levels in autopsy cortical tissue from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and low somatostatin levels in CSF obtained from subjects with dementia. We evaluated levels of this peptide in 21 non-depressed subjects, 10 with AD, 2 with Parkinson's disease (PD), and 9 with other neurological conditions. The AD patients had significantly lower mean CSF somatostatin than the "other" neurological patients (14.6 +/- 1.5 S.E.M. versus 26.7 +/- 3.2 pg/ml, p less than 0.005). A demented PD subject had a level in the range of the AD group, while the non-demented PD patient had a value above this range. Thus, all 11 patients with AD or PD dementia, analogous disorders, had levels below 21.8 mg/ml, while 7 of the 10 remaining patients had values above 21.8 pg/ml. Age did not explain this finding.
Visualizing DNA Disassociation from the Nucleosome Core Particle

The organization of DNA in nucleosome core particles (NCP) is understood to play crucial regulatory roles in transcription, replication, recombination and repair. High resolution crystal structures deliver detailed snapshots of the NCP in its most stable conformations and reveal thousands of electrostatic interactions that mediate the stability of NCPs. However, many of the techniques that have been applied thus far are ill-suited for directly monitoring the intermediary and dissociated conformations of the NCP. To this end, we applied small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) - a powerful technique for delivering low resolution structural details of biological molecules. Since SAXS studies of protein-nucleic acid complexes are complicated by the differences in scattering lengths between proteins and nucleic acids, we applied a contrast variation approach where we matched the solvent and protein contrasts to effectively probe the DNA component of the NCP alone. We systematically modulated the electrostatic interactions by adjusting the salt concentration of the solvent and visualized the conformational transition of the DNA from a bound to unbound state during NCP disassembly.
Upgrading malic acid to bio-based benzoates via a Diels–Alder-initiated sequence with the methyl coumalate platform

The conversion of naturally-occurring malic acid to the 2-pyrone methyl coumalate was optimized using a variety of acid catalysts. Coupling methyl coumalate with electron-rich dienophiles in an inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA)/decarboxylation/elimination domino sequence resulted in an investigation of the scope and limitations of the methodology. The thermal, metal-free, and one-pot procedure allows regioselective access to diverse aromatic compounds including tricyclic, biphenyl, and pyridinyl systems for elaboration. A comparison with analogous pyrones demonstrates the striking efficacy of methyl coumalate as a versatile platform for the generation of biorenewable functionalized benzoates.
Comparison of the toxins of the blue-green alga Aphanizomenon flos-aquae with the Gonyaulax toxins

A toxic strain of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (NH-1), isolated from a toxic bloom in a pond in Durham, New Hampshire, has been mass cultured in the laboratory. The toxin was extracted by ultrasonic disruption of the cells and purified by; (a) filtration through a 10 kilodalton filter, and (b) chromatography on a strong cation exchange resin column using 0.01 M, then 0.1 M, pH 5, sodium acetate buffer followed by 0.75 M hydrochloric acid. Mouse assays and fluorescence generated by hydrogen peroxide oxidation were used to monitor the fractions. Only a nonfluorescent toxic peak followed immediately by a fluorescent less-toxic peak were detected, both eluting with the hydrochloric acid fractions. The toxins were identical in behavior to neosaxitoxin and saxitoxin, respectively, when compared with elution profiles of the paralytic shellfish poisons from Gonyaulax tamarensis var. excavata and by paper electrophoretic and thin-layer chromatographic comparisons. The toxin profile appears to be different from that of a previously isolated strain of A. flos-aquae from Kezar Lake.
Comparison of multiplex PCR, PCR-ELISA and fluorogenic 5′ nuclease PCR assays for detection of plasmid-bearing virulent Yersinia enterocolitica in swine feces

Abstract Swine are implicated as the principal animal reservoir for plasmid-bearing Yersinia enterocolitica (YEP + ) strains that are pathogenic to humans. To evaluate the utility of the PCR for detection of YEP + strains in naturally-contaminated pig feces, samples were first enriched in Irgasan ticarcillin potassium chlorate broth for 48 h at 25°C and then tested by multiplex PCR, PCR-ELISA, and fluorogenic 5′ nuclease PCR assays. Three different primer sets for amplification of the ail gene sequences were used in these three assays. Three out of 50 (6%) samples were positive for YEP + strains using the multiplex PCR targeting the chromosomal ail (170 bp) and plasmid virF (591 bp) genes. Two of the 3 samples positive by the multiplex PCR were also positive by the PCR-ELISA method using primers targeting the ail gene (425 bp). In contrast, the fluorogenic 5′ nuclease PCR assay failed to detect an ail gene sequence (118 bp) in any of the 50 samples. These results indicate that the multiplex PCR was the most reliable and sensitive assay for detecting YEP + strains in feces among the three assays evaluated.
Milk production and growth of identical twin heifers calving for the first time at two and three years of age.

Summary Five identical-twin heifers, calving for the first time at 3 yr., were more persistent in lactation than their mates, which started their second lactation at 3 yr. The early-calving heifers reached a higher peak production than did the late-calving heifers, but ended the lactation with slightly less total milk, on the average. Four- and five-year lactations did not appear to be affected by the age of first calving. Growth or body size was not affected by the different ages of freshening after both groups had completed one or more lactations.
Bistable diodes grown by silicon molecular beam epitaxy

Si devices with two double δ-doped (one p-δ and one n-δ) junctions were grown by silicon molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). A new I–V bistability phenomenon was observed in those devices. We used a `band switching' mechanism to explain the bistability. Devices with different doping and spacer widths were grown to test the proposed mechanism. Finally, a detailed temperature dependence measurement of the I–V characteristics was shown to confirm our proposed mechanism.
Sensitivity analysis of experimental data

This paper examines how a number of sensitivity techniques may be adapted to deal with the analysis of real experiments. We show that the fundamental quantities in this context are the partial derivatives of model input parameters with respect to experimental observables. They appear as a consequence of the procedure used to fit the model to the experiment. These so-called experimental elementary sensitivities are then combined with the usual model elementary sensitivities to yield coefficients which relate experimental and model observables. The importance of such coefficients for the planning of experiments is, in particular, discussed. Based on a linear analysis, we also derive simple expressions (containing the experimental elementary sensitivities) for the degree of parameter deviation arising from uncertainties in and discrepancies between model and measured observables. Finally, an overview of the role of sensitivity theory in analyzing experimental data is given.
Mapping the Inner Halo of the Galaxy with 2MASS-Selected Horizontal-Branch Candidates

We use Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) photometry to select blue horizontal-branch (BHB) candidates covering the sky, |b |>1 5 � .A1 2.5 5 0 � . We insert simulated star streams into the data and conclude that the high Galactic latitude BHB candidates are consistent with having no � 5 � wide star stream with density greater than 0.33 objects deg � 2 at the 95% confidence level. The absence of observed structure suggests that there have been no major accretion events in the inner halo in the last few Gyr. However, at low Galactic latitudes a two-point angular correlation analysis reveals structure on angular scalesP1 � . This structure is apparently associated with stars in the thick disk and has a physical scale of 10-100 pc. Interestingly, such structures are expected by cosmological simulations that predict the majority of the thick disk may arise from accretion and disruption of satellite mergers.
Tailoring stimulated emission cross sections of Nd3+ laser glass: Observation of large cross sections for BiCl3 glasses

The stimulated emission cross sections of rare‐earth transitions depend strongly on the host. The properties that influence the cross sections—line strength, linewidth, and refractive index—are reviewed, and rules for tailoring cross sections are discussed. To illustrate the application of these rules, the largest stimulated emission cross section for the 4F3/2→4I11/2 transition of Nd3+ observed for any oxide or halide glass was obtained for a new class of bismuth‐chloride‐based glasses. Spectroscopic and physical properties and laser parameters of these and other halide glasses are presented.
Binary Desorption Isotherms of TCE and PCE from Silica Gel and Natural Solids

Binary solute desorption isotherms of trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) at 100% relative humidity from silica gel and two well-characterized natural solids were investigated. Results indicated that the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) was able to describe desorption isotherms for the silica gel. For the natural solids, IAST was not able to describe desorption isotherms for the full concentration range examined. Failure of IAST was greatest for the most heterogeneous sorbent, even when considering multiple sorption domains. In addition, IAST predictions worsened as nonlinear uptake mechanisms began to dominate. Several possible explanations for the failure of the IAST are given, including the possibility that complex interactions between the sorbing solutes and the sorbent may exist, causing deviations from ideal sorption behavior.
Measurements and Analysis of Neutron Elastic-Scattering at 65 Mev

Elastic scattering cross sections for 65 MeV neutrons have been measured for natural targets of C, Si, Ca, Fe, Sn, and Pb at laboratory angles from 6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. A unique, compact detection system consisting of a ${\mathrm{CH}}_{2}$ (proton) converter and large-acceptance, wire-chamber-based, recoil-proton telescope is utilized for the measurements. The data is compared with macroscopic optical model potentials derived from proton scattering. In addition, comparisons with the microscopic optical model potentials, those of Jeukenne-Lejeune-Mahaux and Yamaguchi-Nagata-Matsuda, give a very good fit to the data.
Bone marrow mononuclear cell angiogenic competency is suppressed by a high-salt diet.

Autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell (BM-MNC) transplantation is a potential therapy for inducing revascularization in ischemic tissues providing the underlying disease process had not n...
Methanol synthesis from H2 and CO2 on a Mo6S8 cluster: a density functional study.

Catalytic CO2 hydrogenation to methanol has received considerable attention as an effective way to utilize CO2. In this paper, density functional theory was employed to investigate the methanol synthesis from CO2 and H2 on a Mo6S8 cluster. The Mo6S8 cluster is the structural building block of the Chevrel phase of molybdenum sulfide, and has a cagelike structure with an octahedral Mo6 metallic core. Our calculations indicate that the preferred catalytic pathway for methanol synthesis on the Mo6S8 cluster is very different from that of bulklike MoS2. MoS2 promotes the C−O scission of HxCO intermediates, and therefore, only hydrocarbons are produced. The lower S/Mo ratio for the cluster compared to stoichiometric MoS2 might be expected to lead to higher activity because more low-coordinated Mo sites are available for reaction. However, our results show that the Mo6S8 cluster is not as reactive as bulk MoS2 because it is unable to break the C−O bond of HxCO intermediates and therefore cannot produce hydrocarb...
Transient study of cyclohexane dehydrogenation on PtAl2O3 catalyst in a Constant Flow Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR)

Abstract Transient response data for the cyclohexane dehydrogenation reaction on a commercial Pt Al2O3 catalyst at 1.2 atm and in the temperature range of 555–672 °K was best correlated by a surface coverage type model with simultaneous catalyst deactivation followed by regeneration to the initial level of activity. The nature of the response can be exploited to yield kinetic information on the mechanistic steps of the overall reaction. Preliminary findings on the reaction kinetics indicate that surface reactions of the adsorbed hydrocarbon species and benzene desorption are very rapid (cyclohexane adsorption and hydrogen desorption are slow) and that hydrogen coverage impedes cyclohexane chemisorption.
QUALITY OF LIFE IN EARLY PROSTATE CANCER: Do We Know Enough to Treat?

Informed consent is especially important for patients with early (nonmetastatic) prostate cancer. Because it occurs in older men and usually grows slowly, most newly diagnosed patients are likely to live many years and most likely will die without symptoms of metastatic cancer. The complications of treatment, however, may begin within months and be permanent. Recent studies using modern survey techniques are beginning to provide accurate information on treatment complications. A careful, thorough discussion between doctor and patient is necessary to identify the best available therapy for each patient.
Moving Toward Space Internetworking via DTN: Its Operational Challenges, Benefits, and Management

The international space community has begun to recognize that the established model for management of communications with spacecraft - commanded data transmission over individual pair-wise contacts - is operationally unwieldy and will not scale in support of increasingly complex and sophisticated missions such as NASA's Constellation project. Accordingly, the international Inter-Agency Operations Advisory Group (IOAG) ichartered a Space Internetworking Strategy Group (SISG), which released its initial recommendations in a November 2008 report. The report includes a recommendation that the space flight community adopt Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) to address the problem of interoperability and communication scaling, especially in mission environments where there are multiple spacecraft operating in concert. This paper explores some of the issues that must be addressed in implementing, deploying, and operating DTN as part of a multi-mission, multi-agency space internetwork as well as benefits and future operational scenarios afforded by DTN-based space internetworking.
In situ wiring of single molecules into an electrical circuit via electrochemical distance tunneling spectroscopy.

The electrical conductance of single n-alkanethiol and α,ω-alkanedithiol molecules was measured via in situ distance tunneling spectroscopy in aqueous 0.1M KOH solution. The statistical analysis of the conductance values show that the α,ω-alkanedithiol molecule trapped in the STM break junction can adopt two distinct geometries that result in “lower” and “higher” conductivity values. In contrast, n-alkanethiol molecules trapped in the junction show only a single conductivity value characteristic for a particular molecule. Furthermore, the “lower” conductivity value determined for α,ω-alkanedithiol is virtually identical to the electrical conductivity of the n-alkanethiol containing the same number of atoms in the backbone. Moreover when the STM tip is polarized to electrochemical potential preventing a chemical reaction between terminal -SH group and Au, only “lower” conductivity values are observed for α,ω-alkaneditiols.
Can the rigidity of a side-chain liquid-crystalline polymer backbone influence the mechanism of distortion of its random-coil conformation?

Abstract The relationship between the isotropization transition temperatures and the associated entropy changes of two series of side-chain liquid-crystalline polymers based on three different polymer backbones (polymethacrylate, polyacrylate and polymethylsiloxane) and 4-methoxy-4′-hydroxy-α-methylstilbene and 4-hydroxy-4′-methoxy-α-methylstilbene mesogenic side-groups attached to the polymer backbone through different flexible spacers is discussed. In the case of polymers containing long flexible spacers, isotropization transition temperatures, which are mostly dictated by the side-groups, are higher for polymers based on flexible backbones, suggesting that they provide the highest degree of order in the mesophase. Therefore, their mesophase should exhibit the lowest entropy and the highest entropy change of isotropization. However, experimentally determined entropy changes of isotropization, which refer to the overall degree of order of the polymer, present the highest values for polymers based on the most rigid backbone. Two different mechanisms of distortion of the random-coil conformation of flexible and rigid polymer backbones are suggested to account for this contradictory result. A squeezed random-coil conformation, which in the case of smectic polymers is confined between the smectic layers, is considered for flexible backbones. An extended-chain conformation is considered for rigid backbones. The entropy associated with the squeezed random-coil conformation is higher than that associated with the extended conformation, and therefore the overall order that results from the combination of backbone and the organization of the mesogenic side-groups may explain the experimentally observed isotropization entropy changes. Polymers based on short flexible spacers exhibit similar entropy changes of isotropization irrespective of the nature of their backbone. This may suggest an extended backbone conformation for polymers based on short spacers and rigid or flexible backbones.
Racism: Emotional Abusiveness and Psychological Trauma for Ethnic Minorities

This article advances the perspective that racism is a significant source of emotional abusiveness and trauma for people of color. Although traditional conceptions of posttraumattic stress disorder (PTSD) have been enlarged, this area needs to be further broadened to encompass the trauma of racism. In addition, all diagnostic categories should become more inclusive by incorporating racism as a psychosocial stressor. A careful critique of racism as trauma is conducted to identify how this type of PTSD both fits and challenges current trauma categories, and case vignettes are provided to illustrate how racism can function as a source of trauma and emotional abusiveness. An enhanced understanding of the effects of racism is necessary in order to prevent and mediate psychological and physical distress for ethnic minorities as well as the less visible negative consequences to majority members.
A possible tetracoordinated three-center bound configuration of the methane radical cation, CH4±

Abstract Several shallow energy minima are found in the calculation of various possible configurations of CH 4 ± by the PNDO method. Among them the tetracoordinated structure in which two hydrogen atoms are each bound to an sp 2 carbon orbital and the remaining two hydrogens together with the third sp 2 orbital are involved in a free rotating three-center bond is favored.
Apoptosis in the mammalian nervous system: developmental and clinical implications

Among the many regulatory steps in brain development is the process of elimination of differentiating neurons at certain stages of maturation through an intrinsic suicide program now widely known as apoptosis. Apoptosis may thus describe a cell death pathway utilized by many developing cells in the nervous system, but may also be activated as a consequence of acute or chronic pathological impulses. Such pathological impulses may include brain injury, cerebral hypoxia-ischemia and the potentials of selected drugs such as N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, GABA mimetics and ethanol. In recent years, there has been a great interest in mechanisms of cell death in the nervous system and apoptotic cell death has been implicated in many neuro degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, amiotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and other central and peripheral nervous system disorders. Recent findings have evaluated the contribution of programmed cell death and specific gene products involved in each of these cases. A deeper understanding of these processes may lead to the discovery of strategies for slowing, reducing or arresting neuronal and glial cell death induced by injury, aging or disease. Biomedical Reviews 2002; 13: 49-61.
Open Technologies and Resources for the Humanities--and Cooperative Consequences

The proliferation of open technologies and content in higher education is motivated by broad embrace of a principle of sharing that is consonant with various contemporary economic, pedagogic and po...
Water Infiltration and Storage affected by Subsoiling and Subsequent Tillage

Benefits of subsoiling are difficult to predict. Objectives were to (i) determine effect of subsoiling on water infiltration and storage and (ii) evaluate longevity of tillage-induced soil structure. Experiments were conducted during two years and on two soils that were not subsoiled (NoSS), subsoiled (SS), and subsoiled plus secondary tillage (SSplus). Soils were Dooley fine sandy loam and Williams loam (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, frigid Typic Argiustolls) near Culbertson, MT. Subsoiling, to a depth of 0.3 m, in Exp. 1 was with a paratill and with parabolic shanks in Exp. 2. Secondary tillage was with a disk in Exp. 1 and with sweeps in Exp. 2. Infiltration was measured using a sprinkler infiltrometer. Final infiltration rate, after two simulated storms, was 14 mm h -1 on NoSS, 29 mm h -1 on SS, and 7 mm h -1 on SSplus. Penetration resistance (PR) measurements suggest that soil subsidence following simulated rainstorms was less on treatments with no secondary tillage. Average water drainage from the 1.83-m profile was 1.4 mm h -1 during the first 3 d after water application. Average drainage was 0.23 mm h -1 during Days 3 to 7 and 0.09 mm h -1 during Days 7 to 15. Regardless of improved water infiltration under SS, all soil profiles (1.83 m deep) drained to 444 mm of water in 15 d. Results reveal a difficult soil management problem. Subsoiling initially improves infiltration, but no additional water storage was discernable after 15 d. Further, excess water percolation has potential to leach nitrate-N from the profile.
Recovering software design from interviews using the NFR approach: an experience report

In the US Air Force there exist several systems for which design documentation does not exist. Chief reasons for this lack of system documentation include software having been developed several decades ago, natural evolution of software, and software existing mostly in its binary versions. However, the systems are still being used and the US Air Force would like to know the actual designs for the systems so that they may be reengineered for future requirements. Any knowledge of such systems lies mostly with its users and managers. A project was commissioned to recover designs for such systems based on knowledge of systems obtained from stakeholders by interviewing them. In this paper we describe our application of the NFR Approach, where NFR stands for Nonfunctional Requirements, to recover software design of a middleware system used by the Air Force called the Phoenix system. In our project we interviewed stakeholders of the Phoenix system, applied the NFR Approach to recover design artifacts, and validated the artifacts with the design engineers of the Phoenix system. Our study indicated that there was a high correlation between the recovered design and the actual design of the Phoenix system.
HMGA proteins: flexibility finds a nuclear niche?

The mammalian HMGA family of chromatin proteins possesses an unusual constellation of physical, biochemical, and biological characteristics that distinguish them from other nuclear proteins. Princi...
On-Line Acquisition of Data from Raman and Infrared Spectrometers with a Time-Sharing Computer

Considerations leading to the interface and software design of an on-line data acquisition system are presented. The system makes extensive use of conversation mode programing and the nature and extent of the operator-computer program interactions are discussed. The system employs close-loop control of the acquisition process with the possibility of operator intervention at any stage. Control actions and data reduction may be initiated asynchronous to the data acquisition process. An illustration of the use of the system for correcting relative Raman intensities is given.
Biomineralization of magnetic iron minerals in bacteria

Abstract Magnetotactic bacteria orient and migrate along magnetic field lines. This ability is based on a submicron assembly of single-magnetic domain iron mineral particles that elegantly solves the problem of how to construct a magnetic dipole that is large enough to be oriented in the geomagnetic field at ambient temperature, yet fit inside a micron-sized cell. The solution is based on the ability of the bacteria to accumulate high concentrations of iron, and control the deposition, size and orientation of a specific iron mineral at specific locations in the cell.
Oligomeric State of Membrane-Assembled Type III Secretion Translocators PopB and PopD Determined by Single-Molecule Photobleaching

P. aeruginosa and other Gram-negative pathogens use a Type 3 Secretion (T3S) system to secrete and inject proteins into eukaryotic cells. The T3S system resembles a “nanosyringe” formed by a basal body that spans both bacterial membranes and a needle structure through which proteins are secreted. The secreted proteins translocate across the target cell membrane presumably through a proteinaceous pore or translocon assembled by two T3S proteins, the translocators PopB and PopD. We have recently shown that PopB and PopD efficiently bind liposomal membranes, homo or hetero-oligomerize individually or in combination, and form discrete size pores in membranes. (Romano et al, 2011 Biochemistry. 50 (33), 7117-31). However, it remains unknown how these complexes assemble and what is their specific composition. We studied the order of protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions preceding complex assembly by time-resolved FRET. Consequently, membrane inserted complexes were studied using single-molecule fluorescence photobleaching on supported lipid bilayers.Time-resolved FRET studies revealed unfolded translocators bind to the membrane first, then oligomerize and form discrete transmembrane pores. Single-molecule analysis indicated translocators form similar oligomeric structures when assembled individually, and larger hetero-complexes when assembled together. Our data provides a first report on the stoichiometric arrangement of membrane inserted T3S translocators.
Effect of temperature on the immune system of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)—I. Leucocyte distribution and phagocyte function in the anterior kidney at 10°C

1. Temperatures of 18 degrees C for acclimation or assay had minimal or no effect on channel catfish phagocyte function. Significant suppression was observed at 10 degrees C acclimation and assay temperature. 2. According to the results of a multiple acclimation/assay temperature combination study, the primary impact of temperature on phagocyte function was due to the assay temperature. 3. The only functional change caused by acclimation temperature was the possible adaptation of the respiratory burst. However, 10 degrees C acclimation did cause a decline in the number of lymphocytes in the anterior kidney but not the number of neutrophils. In a temperature-kinetic study, the suppressive effect of 10 degrees C assay temperature was confirmed. 4. Results of our study indicated that phagocytosis in channel catfish is temperature-mediated. However, phagocytes appeared to be more resistant to low temperature than lymphocytes, which implies the importance of phagocytosis in the defense mechanisms of channel catfish at low temperatures.
Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most incident cancer in the United States and is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer-related mortality. Colorectal cancer develops through a multistep process characterized by histopathological precursor lesions and molecular genetic alterations. This sequential process of tumorigenesis provides opportunities for the development and testing of both primary and secondary prevention strategies. This review focuses on chemoprevention, which is defined as the use of natural or synthetic agents to reverse the process of carcinogenesis. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that chronic intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), principally aspirin, can reduce the incidence of colorectal adenomas and carcinomas. Evaluation of NSAIDs, including newer selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors, in carcinogen-induced and genetically manipulated animal models of colorectal cancer demonstrates that these drugs are effective chemopreventive agents. In humans, the NSAID sulindac has been studied in familial adenomatous polyposis patients and was found to regress colorectal adenomas in a placebo-controlled trial. More recently, the selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor Celebrex was also shown to be effective in familial adenomatous polyposis and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a adjuct to usual care in these patients. NSAIDs, as well as other chemopreventive agents, are currently being studied in patients at increased risk of colorectal cancer, including those with sporadic adenomas. The outcome of these studies has the potential to impact patient management practices. However, chemopreventive agents cannot be recommeded at present for average-risk individuals or for those with sporadic colorectal neoplasia. In addition to demonstrating efficacy, chemopreventive agents must be safe and well tolerated for chronic administration and should be relatively cost-effective. Although still in its infancy, the field of chemoprevention is an exciting and rapidly advancing area of investigation. Chemopreventive strategies, if effective, offer the promise of producing a paradigm shift in our current approach to colorectal cancer.
Animal Models of Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated, autoimmune neuromuscular disease. Animal models of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) can be induced in vertebrates by immunization with Torpedo californica acetylcholine receptors (AChR) in complete Freund's adjuvant. The MHC class II genes influence the cellular and humoral immune response to AChR and are involved in the development of clinical EAMG in mice. A dominant epitope within the AChR alpha146-162 region activates MHC class II-restricted CD4 cells and is involved in the production of pathogenic anti-AChR antibodies by B cells. Neonatal or adult tolerance to this T-cell epitope could prevent EAMG. During an immune response to AChR in vivo, multiple TCR genes are used. The CD28-B7 and CD40L-CD40 interaction is required during the primary immune response to AChR. However, CTLA-4 blockade augmented T- and B-cell immune response to AChR and disease. Cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-12 upregulate, while IFN-alpha downregulates, EAMG pathogenesis. However, the Th2 cytokine IL-4 fails to play a significant role in the development of antibody-mediated EAMG. Systemic or mucosal tolerance to AChR or its dominant peptide(s) has prevented EAMG in an antigen-specific manner. Antigen-specific tolerance and downregulation of pathogenic cytokines could achieve effective therapy of EAMG and probably MG.
Critical surface of the Blume-Emery-Griffiths model on the honeycomb lattice

We consider the Blume-Emergy-Griffiths (BEG) model on the honeycomb lattice and obtain a closed-form expression for the critical surface of second-order transitions. The BEG model is first formulated as a three-state vertex model. Using the fact that the BEG critical surface coincides with that of a general three-state vertex model, we construct critical surfaces by forming polynomial combinations of vertex weights that are invariant under an O(3) gauge transformation. We then carry out a finite-size analysis of the BEG model, and use data so obtained to determine coefficients appearing in the polynomial combination. This procedure leads to a closed-form expression of the critical surface which reproduces all numerical data accurately.
A Synthesis of VIIRS Solar and Lunar Calibrations

The NASA VIIRS Ocean Science Team (VOST) has developed two independent calibrations of the SNPP VIIRS moderate resolution reflective solar bands using solar diffuser and lunar observations through June 2013. Fits to the solar calibration time series show mean residuals per band of 0.078–0.10%. There are apparent residual lunar libration correlations in the lunar calibration time series that are not accounted for by the ROLO photometric model of the Moon. Fits to the lunar time series that account for residual librations show mean residuals per band of 0.071–0.17%. Comparison of the solar and lunar time series shows that the relative differences in the two calibrations are 0.12–0.31%. Relative uncertainties in the VIIRS solar and lunar calibration time series are comparable to those achieved for SeaWiFS, Aqua MODIS, and Terra MODIS. Intercomparison of the VIIRS lunar time series with those from SeaWiFS, Aqua MODIS, and Terra MODIS shows that the scatter in the VIIRS lunar observations is consistent with that observed for the heritage instruments. Based on these analyses, the VOST has derived a calibration lookup table for VIIRS ocean color data based on fits to the solar calibration time series.
Acceleration of functional recovery following lateral hypothalamic damage by means of electrical stimulation in the lesioned areas.

Abstract Mechanical lesions produced by placing chronic macroelectrodes in the lateral hypothalamus resulted in 6 days of aphagia. However, if the hypothalamus was electrically stimulated for 1 hr a day, through the same electrodes, feeding behavior was recovered in just 2 days.