cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of selective nonspecific cell-mediated cytotoxicity of virus-infected cells.

STUDIES of mechanisms of resistance to herpes simplex virus (HSV) in mice have demonstrated antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (AD-CMC) of HSV-infected cells exposed in suspension cultures to anti-HSV sera and normal mouse peritoneal cells (PC) or human peripheral blood leukocytes. In this system it was impossible to demonstrate T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity1–3. In an attempt to adjust the assay conditions to permit detection of such cytotoxicity by immune spleens or PC, the “monolayer” system of Gardner et al.4 was examined in syngeneic, allogeneic and xenogeneic combinations. Target cell monolayers were infected with HSV and exposed to immune or normal mouse PC. The latter produced unexpectedly high levels of nonspecific release of 51Cr by the monolayer HSV-infected cells. Because nonspecific or non-selective killing of human tumour cells5 by lymphocytes from normal patients has been a major problem in human tumour immunology, we have investigated the mechanism of this nonspecific cell-mediated cytotoxicity in the HSV system. Our results indicate that selective nonspecific killing is a consequence of the cross linking of effector and target cells through aggregated immunoglobulins.
Snow? What Snow?: The 2011–2012 Snow Report

The 2011–2012 snow season across the lower 48 states was seen by most snow lovers as, simply stated, a dud. Despite some notable, even rather remarkable snow events, seasonal snowfall totals were b...
A quantitative method for measurement of precipitin reactions

Abstract 1.1. A technique is described wherein the Meloche microcentrifuge tube is used for the quantitative measurement of precipitate formed by the precipitin reaction. 2.2. The method is reliable and relatively simple and has possibilities of being applicable to the measurement of precipitates in other immunologic reactions.
Results from a Small Synthetic Aperture Sonar

A Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) is capable of producing range-independent high-resolution imagery from an array which is small in length. The ability of these systems to operate at lower frequencies while maintaining high resolution has made them useful for mapping and searching large areas. The US Navy is now focusing on developing SAS systems into a form robust enough for deployment. Here, we will show results from several sea tests and describe one such system known as the Small Synthetic Aperture Minehunter (SSAM).
Conversion of d-erythrose to d-fructose by rat liver homogenates

Abstract d -Erythrose-4-14C has been prepared by lead tetraacetate oxidation of d -glucose-6-14C, and its metabolism by rat liver homogenates has been investigated. Only a small number of radioactive materials resulted from the action of these homogenates on the labeled tetrose. The compound which accumulated in the largest amounts has been identified as d -fructose by chromatography and by co-derivitization with the known compound. The d -fructose derived from d -erythrose-4-14C was found to contain all of its radioactivity in the 6 position. The component of the rat liver homogenate responsible for this interconversion has been shown to be heat-labile, unaffected by freezing and thawing, nonsedimentable at 100,000 g and nondialyzable. After purification of the enzyme system by centrifugation and dialysis, d -fructose 6-phosphate was required and the activity showed some stimulation by thiamine pyrophosphate. The Michaelis constant for d -erythrose was found to be 3 × 10−3 m under the conditions of assay employed. These results are taken to indicate that the primary route of d -erythrose transformation in these homogenates proceeds by a transfer of a two-carbon fragment from transketolase or a transketolase like enzyme to the free tetrose yielding d -fructose.
The effect of chaotropic agents on photosynthetic reactions

The influence of a series of anions on photosynthetic reaction rates in spinach chloroplasts is descibed. For the most part, the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of these ions can be related to their chaotropic properties, although F−, a nonchaotropic anion, inhibits photosystem II reactions and SO42− and F− inhibit photophosphorylation. Other exceptions include less severe effects of nitrate than expected and unusual sensitivity to iodide by photosystem I. Since free iodine inhibits photosystem I the iodine effect may be related to photooxidation of I− to I0 by photosystem I. Cyclic and noncyclic photophosphorylation usually show greater sensitivity to each chaotrope than photosystems I and II activity, which suggests that phosphorylation factors, such as CF1, are easily detached or dissociated. Bromide is unusual in that it appears to affect photophosphorylation and electron transport at similar low concentrations. The type of cation appears to influence the response to the chaotropic anion, especially as increased inhibition by chloride in the presence of magnesium in photophosphorylation reactions.
Multiplex control systems: Stochastic stability and dynamic reliability

The problem of dynamic reliability of multiplex control systems under Markovian structural perturbations is reformulated, analyzed, and resolved in the context of stochastic stability and Liapunov's direct method. The failures of controllers are identified as states of a Markov process, and stability conditions are provided for a reliable performance of the multiplex control system alternating between operating (stable) and failure (unstable) structural configurations.
Total Hemispherical Emittances for Isothermal Mixtures of Combustion Gases and Scattering Particulate

Abstract The radiant emission from gas and particulate mixtures is of interest in many combustion processes. This work presents total hemispherical emittance values for media representative of combustion applications in terms of measurable or known parameters. The charted solutions apply to gas mixtures of carbon dioxide and water vapor, and particulate which scatters radiant energy. The values of total hemispherical emittance are presented in terms of the particulate absorption coefficient, system length, tcmperaturc, and particulate scattering coefficient. Methods to evaluate these parameters as well as the emittance arc presented.
Direct high-performance liquid chromatographic resolution of planar chiral tricarbonyl (η6-arene)-chromium(0) complexes

Abstract Thirty-four disubstituted tricarbonyl ( η 6 -arene)-chromium complexes having planar chirality were examined by HPLC on a recently developed chiral stationary phase (CSP). This CSP contains “active sites” comprised of clefts formed by the perpendicular disposition of ρ-acidic 3,5-dinitrobenzamide groups relative to ρ-basic naphthyl groups. Thirty of the thirty-four show different retention factors for their enantiomers. A mechanistic hypothesis which accounts for the enantiodiscrimination is presented. The arene using the face anti to the tricarbonylchromium, enters the cleft and undergoes simultaneous face-to-face and face-to-edge ρ-ρ interactions with the aromatic “walls” of the cleft. Hydrogen bond formation provides a third attractive interaction, facilitating enantiodiscrimination.
Chronic corticosterone administration in rats: Behavioral and biochemical evidence of increased central dopaminergic activity

Chronic corticosteroid treatment in humans in frequently complicated by behavioral changes. The present study suggests that chronic steroid administration in rats has distinct neurochemical consequences which are behaviorally relevant. Ten male Sprague-Dawley rats received 7 daily injections of corticosterone, following which they exhibited increased caudate homovanillic acid as well as an attenuated decline in vertical and ambulatory movement (functional measures of dopamine activity) compared to placebo-treated rats. A subgroup of steroid-treated rats which was more behaviorally responsive to corticosterone also showed increased caudate 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid and decreased prefrontal cortex dopamine and serotonin. These results are discussed in relation to the known behavioral side effects of chronic corticosteroid administration in man and the psychiatric manifestations of naturally occurring states of hypercortisolemia.
Duration of exposure to a novel environment affects retention in aging mice

Aging mice were previously found not to retain information acquired in a single exposure to a novel environment as well as young mice. In an attempt to eliminate this difference, mice were given repeated daily 3-min exposures to a shuttlebox, and daily changes in exploratory activity reflected their retention of prior exposures. Activity levels progressively declined over days in all age groups (2, 12, and 24 months). However, activity in young mice fell to a lower level than that of the older mice, indicating that brief but repetitive learning sessions did not eliminate the age differences. Increasing each exposure session to 12 min eliminated the age differences in retention when the whole test session was examined. These data suggest that older mice may require more time to acquire the same amount of information as young mice. However, analysis of minute-by-minute acitivity over days indicated that older mice had forgotten their prior exposure at the first minute of each new session, but over the course of the next few minutes remembered their previous experience as well as young animals. Therefore, older mice also appear to be subject to retrieval failures even after they have received prolonged training sessions.
Survival of freeze-dried microcapsules of α-galactosidase producing probiotics in a soy bar matrix

Soy oligosaccharides, mainly α-galactosides, are prevalently present in soy protein products, and can result in unfavorable digestive effects when consumed. The aim of this research was to investigate the efficiency of α-galactoside reduction by probiotic bacterial hydrolysis and if such bacteria could be maintained in a high number in a soy protein product in a microencapsulated and freeze-dried form. The probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-2, when induced by raffinose, exhibited a high level of α-galactosidase activity at 5.0 U/mg. To preserve probiotics with high viability, cells were microencapsulated and freeze-dried. Optimization of microencapsulation presented that a combination of κ-carrageenan and inulin at a proportion of 1.9:0.1 (w:w) as capsule wall materials, significantly retained the viability of the probiotics through freeze-drying (P ≤ 0.05). Scanning electron microscopic images confirmed that the morphology of the microcapsules was well preserved after freeze-drying. Upon incorporation into soy protein bars, the freeze-dried microcapsules of L. acidophilus LA-2 remained in high numbers throughout 14 weeks of storage at 4 °C. Results of this work with the support of other studies on microencapsulation benefits indicate a promising use of freeze-dried α-galactosidase positive microencapsulated probiotics in a soy food.
Toward the design of a general image analysis program

ABSTRACT This paper reports on the progress toward the design and implementation of a generalpurpose image exploration, analysis, and annotation program that will deal with awide variety of 2D and 3D image sizes and pixel formats. 1. IntroductionThe goals for this project are to provide a flexible, easily used tool for theexploration, quantitative analysis, and annotation of the geometric and gray level features, of almost arbitrary size and resolution, 2D and 3D monochrome images. We want to produce an environment in which large images can be analyzed, and the results of that analysis kept permanently with the image. This means that analyticalresults, textual comments, graphical annotation, different views of the image, and sub-images that emerge as part of the analysis process, be kept with the original image,and furthermore, the analysis process itself should be preserved for subsequent exami-nation and/or continuation. These goals are supplemented by the requirements that: (1)the original image is never modified; (2) the original image (as opposed to the viewsof the image that might be suitable for display) is used for all analytical operations; (3)that the user interaction mechanisms must work on workstations with a variety of func-tional and performance characteristics, and; (4) that the Xl 1 window system provide
Effect of Methylprednisolone on Renal Function and the Zonal Distribution of Blood Flow in the Rat

The effect of acute and chronic administration of methylprednisolone on renal function was studied in rats with clearance and micropuncture techniques. Although acute administration did not influence renal function, chronic administration for 4 days caused a marked increase in glomerular filtration rate and PAH clearance. The rise in the reabsorption of sodium under these conditions was associated with a disproportionate increase in filtration rate and renal blood flow in deep portions of the cortex. There was no evidence of altered fractional sodium reabsorption in the proximal segment of surface nephrons by micropuncture analysis or in the ascending limb by clearance studies during a water or a solute diuresis.
To Engineer the Metropolis: Sewers, Sanitation, and City Planning in Late-Nineteenth-Century America

A Baltimore engineer who sought public construction and ownership of a city-wide sewer system drew a parallel in 1905 between the efficiency of sewers and the quality of a civilization. Referrring to Europe, he stated that "completely sewered, with a low death rate," Paris is "the center of all that is best in art, literature, science and architecture and is both clean and beautiful. In the evolution of this ideal attainment," he continued, "its sewers took at least a leading part, for we have only to look at conditions existing prior to their construction to see that such a realization would have been impossible before their existence." Although his sentiments were overblown, his statement conveyed some truth. A growing number of urbanites in early-twentieth-century America recognized an intimate relationship between technology and the social, economic, and governmental structure of cities. To harness new technologies to social needs was the aspiration of many so-called "progressives." As landscape architect John Nolen put it in 1909: "Intelligent city planning is one of the means toward a better utilization of our resources, toward an application of the methods of private business to public affairs, toward efficiency, toward a higher individual and higher collective life."1 The central watchwords of many political reformers during the latenineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, as Nolen suggested, were conservation, corporate-like government, efficiency, and social engineering. Each goal required the application of technology to the solution of human problems. Each demanded innovative methods of
Glucocorticoids Antagonize Insulin's Antiproteolytic Action on Skeletal Muscle in Humans*

Although chronic glucocorticoid elevations cause net skeletal muscle protein loss in man, the kinetic mechanisms responsible for this catabolic effect and the capacity of insulin to overcome it remain unclear. To examine this issue, we measured basal and insulin-stimulated rates of protein synthesis and breakdown in muscle using the phenylalanine forearm kinetic method in eight normal volunteers studied postabsorptively and after 4 days of dexamethasone treatment (8 mg/day). To avoid the confounding effects of systemic insulinization, local forearm insulin levels were raised by approximately 430 pmol/L using a 150-min brachial arterial infusion of insulin (0.251 pmol/kg.min). Postabsorptively, dexamethasone produced mild hyperglycemia (P < 0.003) and a 3-fold rise in plasma insulin (P < 0.001), but no change in forearm phenylalanine balance or kinetics. Before dexamethasone treatment, local hyperinsulinemia increased forearm glucose uptake 2.5-fold and caused a positive net balance of phenylalanine due to...
Pacemakers in young patients: 1977

Recent experience with implanted cardiac pacemakers in nine young patients is reported. Advances in technology include improved pacemaker generator design and placement, and improved lead design and placement. No patients died; our only complication, failure to capture, required repositioning of the lead. All pacemaker replacements were elective. This series helps to define the more favorable current prognosis for the young patient needing pacemaker therapy.
Prone accelerated partial breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery: preliminary clinical results and dose-volume histogram analysis.

Abstract Purpose To report the clinical and dose–volume histogram results of the first 47 patients accrued to a protocol of accelerated partial breast irradiation. Patients were treated in the prone position with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery. Methods and materials Postmenopausal women with Stage T1N0 breast cancer were eligible only after they had first refused to undergo 6 weeks of standard radiotherapy. Planning CT in the prone position was performed on a dedicated table. The postoperative cavity was defined as the clinical target volume, with a 1.5-cm margin added to determine the planning target volume. A total dose of 30 Gy at 6 Gy/fraction was delivered in five fractions within 10 days. Results The median age of the patients was 67.5 years (range, 51–88 years). The median tumor diameter was 9 mm (range, 1.3–19 mm). In all patients, the prescribed dose encompassed the planning target volume. The mean volume of the ipsilateral breast receiving 100% of the prescription dose was 26% (range, 10–45%), and the mean volume contained within the 50% isodose surface was 47% (range, 23–75%). The lung and heart were spared by treating in the prone position. Acute toxicity was modest, limited mainly to Grade 1-2 erythema. With a median follow-up of 18 months, only Grade 1 late toxicity occurred, and no patient developed local recurrence. Conclusion These data suggest that this approach is well tolerated, with only mild acute side effects and sparing of the heart and lung.
The household and employment in small-scale nonfarm enterprises

Abstract This paper investigates the elasticity of hired labor demand in Malawian small-scale, nonfarm, enterprises to illustrate some key issues in considering employment policy in the less-developed country (LDC) context where such enterprises comprise a large share of the labor market. It is argued that recognizing the household character of production has important bearing on the estimation and understanding of the hired labor demand function. A variant of the household production models, which have become prevalent in analyses of underdeveloped agriculture, is used to demonstrate conceptual differences from conventional studies of labor demand. Of particular relevance is the conclusion that the disemployment effect of wage hikes is likely to be smaller than in the more conventional enterprise and that the demographic composition of the household will affect employment patterns.
Using technology to enhance collaborative learning

Purpose – The purpose of this research project is to explore the use of technology in enhancing and creating opportunities for collaborative learning by connecting prospective school leaders and practicing principals from multiple settings.Design/methodology/approach – This was a research project in which an internet‐based network system was created in “LiveText” (software) for cross‐collaborative learning among intern prospective school leaders, practicing school administrators from different school settings and university faculty. Data were gathered through focus group discussions, surveys, reflections and the interns' portfolios.Findings – Responses from participants indicated that the technology used in this project: created a forum for prospective school leaders to network and be involved in experiences spanning multiple settings and multiple mentors; enabled the participants to better understand issues of urban/inner‐city, suburban, rural, elementary, middle, and high schools; created opportunities ...
Synthesis of Porous Polyaromatic Column Packings for GC Analysis of Extraterrestrial Atmospheres

The preparation of a polymer for the Pioneer-Venus Large Probe Gas Chromatograph and another polymer for gas-chromatographic analysis of the Jovian atmosphere is described. Technical-grade divinylbenzene is used as a reliable and economical source of monomer for the preparation of polymer beads. The discussion covers monomeric preparation, polymerization apparatus, first-stage polymer beads, second-stage polymer beads, amino-polymer, columns and gas-chromatographic testing instrumentation used. The polymer for the Pioneer-Venus gas chromatograph is also suitable for ammonia but not for amine analysis. However, the polymer for the analysis of the Jovian atmosphere is a chemically derivatized aromatic polymer that is suitable for amine analysis. The two-stage polymerization produces a highly efficient polymer packing clearly superior to others prepared by adjusted dilution of the aqueous-organic suspension system.
R.b.e. of 50 k Vp x-rays and 660 keV gamma-rays (137 Cs) with respect to the production of DNA damage, repair and cell-killing in Escherichia coli K-12.

SummaryWe have compared the efficiency of cell-killing, DNA single-strand breakage and double-strand breakage in an Escherichia coli K-12 wild-type strain after irradiation with soft X-rays (50 kVp) and hard γ-rays (660 keV) under aerobic conditions. Irradiation with 50 kVp X-rays resulted in 1·47 times more cell-killing than was observed with 137Cs γ-rays based on a comparison of D0 values evaluated from the survival curves. DNA sedimentation studies showed that, although 50 kVp X-rays were 1·93 times more effective than 137Cs γ-rays in producing DNA double-strand breaks, there was no significant difference between the two qualities of radiation with respect to the initial number of single-strand breaks produced. When the cells were irradiated and allowed to repair maximally in minimal medium, 1·57 times more unrepaired DNA single-strand breaks remained per krad after irradiation with 50 kVp X-rays than with 137Cs γ-rays. The increased yield of DNA double-strand breaks resulting from 50 kVp X-irradiation...
Statistical process monitoring based on maximum entropy density approximation and level set principle

Most control charts are based on the idea of separating the sample space of the quantity being monitored into an in-control region and an out-of-control region. This article proposes a control chart scheme that is based on the following ideas. First, a maximum entropy density is fitted to the null distribution of the quantity being monitored. Then the in-control region is selected as the one with the minimum volume from a set of acceptable in-control regions. The proposed control chart method utilizes the idea of density level sets being the minimum volume sets and thus a level set is selected as the optimal in-control region. The proposed control chart scheme defined by the level set is shown to be effective in detecting changes in the distribution of the quantity being monitored. Various numerical case studies are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Use of miswak versus toothbrushes: oral health beliefs and behaviours among a sample of Jordanian adults

: Objective: This descriptive survey aimed at determining the perceived relationship among miswak, the toothbrush, and toothbrush-plus-miswak usage on oral health beliefs and behaviours of Jordanian adults, 18–60 years old, seeking dental care in the city of Irbid, northern Jordan. Methods: Patients (n = 138) voluntarily completed a self-designed questionnaire prior to their dental appointments at public and private clinics. Results: Overall, the level of oral health knowledge was low; of 71 people who attempted to define dental plaque, only 26% knew the meaning of dental plaque. While 12% have never been to a dentist, and 12% visit the dentist on a regular basis, the majority (63.2%) of the respondents reported that they visit the dentist only when they have pain. The majority (72%) use the toothbrush, 20.5% use the toothbrush-plus-miswak and only 3% use miswak alone. Toothbrush users believe that using the toothbrush-plus-miswak is most effective in reducing mouth debris (χ2 = 32.069, d.f. = 16, P = 0.01); and level of education is significantly associated with the type of oral cleaning device used (χ2 = 25.817, d.f. = 12, P = 0.05). There was no significant difference between toothbrush users and toothbrush-plus-miswak users in terms of how they perceive their oral health status. About 19% of the study participants use dental floss, 60.9% use mouth rinses and 8.3% use inter-dental brushes. Educated people (baccalaureate or associate degrees) tended to use toothbrushes and toothbrush-plus-miswak. The toothbrush-plus-miswak users are most likely to spend 1–2 min each day cleaning their teeth (χ2 = 34.9, d.f. = 20, P = 0.02) than those using other devices. Respondents who use the toothbrush are most likely to visit the dentist when they have pain (χ2 = 34.02, d.f. = 12, P = 0.00) than those using other devices. Conclusion: The oral health awareness level among Jordanian adults is poor and needs to be improved. Evidence-based and community-based dental health education and a philosophical change from disease-oriented and pain management care to primary preventive care are highly recommended for the Jordanian population.
Activity and distribution of binding sites in brain of a nonpeptide substance P (NK1) receptor antagonist

CP-96,345, a nonpeptide substance P antagonist, is selective for the tachykinin NK1 receptor. The compound binds to a single population of sites in guinea pig brain and potently inhibits substance P-induced excitation of locus ceruleus neurons. CP-96,345 should be a useful tool for studying the action of substance P in the central nervous system.
Growth, sexual maturation and spawning in central North Sea plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.), and the generation of maturity ogives from commercial catch data

Abstract This paper investigates sexual maturation in North Sea plaice using data from the commercial catch of plaice landed on Lowestoft fish market from 1983–1996, along with data from the English summer groundfish surveys from 1977–1993. Two offshore spawning areas were identified in the central North Sea – central-northern and central-southern. A general linear model (GLM) showed plaice sexual maturation was influenced by body weight, age and geographical location and was subject to annual and seasonal variation. Few three year old female place appeared to spawn in the central North Sea, similar to the situation early in the 20th century. The condition factor of plaice peaked at the start of spawning and declined sharply during spawning, with older females investing the most heavily in reproduction, both in absolute and relative terms. The loss of older females through fishing is, therefore, likely to compromise the overall reproductive fitness of the remaining population, comprising of young females. The reproductive fitness of the males was also compromised, since young males tended to be in running condition for about a month less than older males. Reproductive investment in females was about twice the level found in males. There was evidence that plaice in the northern North Sea matured at a slower rate than fish in the south. From the mid-1980s until the mid-1990s there was an increase in the proportion of young plaice reaching sexual maturity, following an earlier decline from the late 1970s. Problems with using maturity ogives derived from market sampling data in order to assess the proportion of spawning plaice in the North Sea are discussed.
Rural tourism and gendered nuances.

Abstract Research findings on rural residents’ attitudes towards tourism are often contradictory, in part due to a lack of data examining the often divergent perspectives of particular subgroups. Regional survey data from the Intermountain Western United States is used to provide an improved understanding of rural tourism attitudes as they are linked to community involvement and changes, while also exploring both intragender and intergender differences. Group differences in levels of community involvement, perceptions of tourism and various other issues are observed. While differences emerge, there is also widespread agreement on the importance of preserving local culture and the opposition to sale of agricultural land for development.
Heavy-quark self-energy in nonrelativistic lattice QCD.

The heavy-quark self-energy in nonrelativistic lattice QCD is calculated to $O({\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s})$ in perturbation theory. The heavy-quark action includes all spin-independent relativistic corrections to order ${v}^{2}$, where $v$ is the typical heavy-quark velocity, and all spin-dependent corrections to order ${v}^{4}$. The standard Wilson action and an improved multiplaquette action are used for the gluons. Results for the mass renormalization, wave function renormalization, and energy shift are given; tadpole contributions are found to be large. A tadpole improvement scheme in which all link variables are rescaled by a mean-field factor is also studied. The effectiveness of this scheme in offsetting the large tadpole contributions to the heavy-quark renormalization parameters is demonstrated.
Obliteration of the Eustachian Tube Using Hydroxyapatite Cement: A Permanent Technique†

Permanent obliteration of the eustachian tube via the middle ear traditionally has met with limited success. Combinations of muscle, fascia, adipose tissue, bone fragments, and inert material such as Proplast have been used to seal the middle ear from the nasopharynx by inciting a fibrous reaction within the lumen of the eustachian tube. Long-term follow-up has demonstrated repneumatization of the middle ear cleft in the majority of cases, indicating failure of the obliteration technique. This report describes a technique for successful long-term obliteration using hydroxyapatite cement. This new biomaterial possesses osseointegrative and osseoconductive properties that result in permanent obliteration by producing new bone formation within the lumen of the eustachian tube. This technique eliminates the complication of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in lateral skull base procedures that expose the eustachian tube to cerebrospinal fluid.
New self-organization patterns observed in Cathode Boundary Layer Discharges in high purity xe gas

Self-organized pattern formation has been observed previously in Cathode Boundary Layer Discharges (CBLD) in high purity xenon gas at pressures ranging from about 60 Torr to atmospheric pressure within a narrow range of discharge currents, which are in general adjusted directly from the DC power supply1. In this study, while retaining the same plasma reactor and gas purity, the electrical circuit was modified by connecting two 0–200 kΩ potentiometers in series with the 100 kΩ ballast resistor, to tune the discharge current on the microampere scale. A few new self-organized patterns were identified, which include: (1) a ring shape plasma pattern that was completely separated from boundary walls and (2) a series of elongated plasma segments arranged along a circle. Both patterns were most prominently observed at pressures ranging from 60 to 120 Torr. It is interesting to note that the transition to the ring shape plasma is unidirectional, while patterns can be transitioned to elongated plasma segments from distinctive plasma spots or vice versa. This observation is nicely described by COMSOL modeling results presented by P. Almeida and co-workers2. Detailed studies were also focused on the continuity of the transition from a homogeneous plasma to a diffuse mode of self-organized plasma patterns. The observation of these patterns may provide new insights into the self-organized pattern formation in CBLDs in xenon.
Structure and properties of collagen vitrigel membranes for ocular repair and regeneration applications

The frequency of ocular injuries on the battlefield has been steadily increasing during recent conflicts. Combat-related eye injuries are difficult to treat and solutions requiring donor tissue are not ideal and are often not readily available. Collagen vitrigels have previously been developed for corneal reconstruction, but increased transparency and mechanical strength are desired for improved vision and ease of handling. In this study, by systematically varying vitrification temperature, relative humidity and time, the collagen vitrigel synthesis conditions were optimized to yield the best combination of high transparency and high mechanical strength. Optical, mechanical, and thermal properties were characterized for each set of conditions to evaluate the effects of the vitrification parameters on material properties. Changes in denaturing temperature and collagen fibril morphology were evaluated to correlate properties with structure. Collagen vitrigels with transmittance up to 90%, tensile strength up to 12 MPa, and denaturing temperatures that significantly exceed the eye/body temperature have been synthesized at 40 °C and 40% relative humidity for one week. This optimal set of conditions enabled improvements of 100% in tensile strength and 11% in transmittance, compared to the previously developed collagen vitrigels.
Lessons in the rubble: The world trade center and the history of disaster investigations in the United States

The World Trade Center collapse stands as a singular event in American history. As such, it might also stand to reason that the technical investigation into the circumstances of the collapse also stands alone. Clashes over authority among powerful institutions both public and private, competition among rival experts for influence, inquiry into a disaster elevated to the status of a memorial for the dead: these are the base elements of the World Trade Center investigation. These elements, however, are not unique. This article illustrates--drawing on case studies including the burning of the United States Capitol Building (1814), the Hague Street boiler explosion and building collapse in New York (1850), and the Iroquois Theater Fire in Chicago (1903)--that conflicts over authority, expertise, memory, and ultimately the attribution of responsibility suffuse the history of disaster in the United States. The "disaster investigation," far from proving itself the dispassionate, scientific verdict on causality a...
Efficient Capital Markets, Inefficient Firms: A Model of Myopic Corporate Behavior

This paper develops a model of inefficient managerial behavior in the face of a rational stock market In an effort to mislead the market about their firms' worth, managers forsake good investments so as to boost current earnings. In equilibrium the market is efficient and is not fooled: it correctly conjectures that there will be earnings inflation, and adjusts for this in making inferences. Nonetheless, managers, who take the market's conjectures as fixed, continue to behave myopically. The model is useful in assessing evidence that has been presented in che "myopia" debate. It also yields some novel implications regarding firm structure and the limits of intergation.
60Fe–60Ni and 53Mn–53Cr isotopic systems in sulfides from unequilibrated enstatite chondrites

Abstract In situ measurements of 60 Fe– 60 Ni and 53 Mn– 53 Cr isotopic systems with an ion microprobe have been carried out for sulfide assemblages from unequilibrated enstatite chondrites (UECs). Evidence for the initial presence of 60 Fe has been observed in nine sulfide inclusions from three UECs: ALHA77295, MAC88136, and Qingzhen. The inferred initial ( 60 Fe/ 56 Fe) [( 60 Fe/ 56 Fe) 0 ] ratios show a large variation range, from ∼2 × 10 −7 to ∼2 × 10 −6 . The sulfide inclusions with high Fe/Ni ratios yield ( 60 Fe/ 56 Fe) 0 ratios of ∼(2–7) × 10 −7 , similar to most of the ( 60 Fe/ 56 Fe) 0 values of troilite and pyroxene observed in unequilibrated ordinary chondrites (UOCs). Inclusions with high inferred ( 60 Fe/ 56 Fe) 0 ratios (∼1–2 × 10 −6 ) have low Fe/Ni ratios and the magnitude of the 60 Ni excesses is similar in two MAC88136 assemblages in spite of a difference of a factor of two in their Fe/Ni ratios. The inferred high ( 60 Fe/ 56 Fe) 0 ratios were probably the result of Fe–Ni re-distribution in the sulfides during later alteration processes. The 53 Mn– 53 Cr system was measured in five of the sulfide assemblages that were examined for their 60 Fe– 60 Ni systematics. The 53 Mn– 53 Cr isochrons yielded variable initial ( 53 Mn/ 55 Mn) [( 53 Mn/ 55 Mn) 0 ] ratios from ∼(2–7) × 10 −7 . There is no obvious correlation between the ( 60 Fe/ 56 Fe) 0 and ( 53 Mn/ 55 Mn) 0 ratios. The variable 53 Mn– 53 Cr isochrons probably also indicate later disturbance to the isotopic systems in these sulfides. Even though no chronological information can be extracted from the 60 Fe– 60 Ni and 53 Mn– 53 Cr systems in these UEC sulfides, our results indicate that 60 Fe was present in the enstatite chondrite formation region of the early Solar System.
Persistent circumpolar vortices on the extrasolar giant planet HD 37605 b

Aims. We examine the atmospheric dynamics on the extrasolar gas giant HD 37605 b (P = 54.2 d). As this planet's orbit is highly eccentric (e = 0.737), the intensity of stellar heating varies by a factor of 40 over the course of an orbit. We also consider the effect of cloud formation on the dynamical flows and the temperature evolution resulting from this extremely variable forcing. Methods. We employ a grid-based two-dimensional compressible hydrodynamics code to model the atmosphere of the extrasolar giant planet HD 37605 b. We use a resolution of 512 longitude gridpoints and 257 latitude gridpoints. The stellar heating is simulated using a one-layer, two-frequency, two-stream approximation to true radiative transfer. Results. This time-dependent insolation causes the formation of circumpolar vortices near both poles. These vortices appear to be stable over many orbits, and sequester a large volume of cold air, effectively shielding their interiors from the full blast of irradiation at periastron. Evolution of tracers initially placed within these vortices shows the rate of exchange of material between the interior and exterior of these vortices is small: material initially inside the vortex can be expected to remain in the vortex for ∼2P. We note that this result is contingent upon a cloudless atmosphere; the formation of clouds potentially causes a large reduction in both temperature variation and wind speed.
Optimal cold-shot cooling of an adiabatic tubular reactor

Abstract Optimal design of multi-bed adiabatic reactors with cold-shot cooling is considered for the case of several independent chemical reactions. The necessary equations for optimality are derived by applying Pontryagin's methods to the variational problem. A computational scheme based on Newton's method in the control-parameter space is devised and applied to the consecutive reaction system A → B → C in a tubular reactor with a single cold-shot injection. Upper and lower bounds in the performance index of such reactors are computed by analyzing limiting configurations. A sensitivity analysis leads to a scheme for devising an optimal feedforward controller that compensates for small perturbations in initial conditions.
A study of 't Hooft and Wilson loops

Abstract An investigation is undertaken for 't Hooft loop operators in four-dimensional gauge theories. For the first time, a perimeter law is shown to be their behavior in weak coupling Wilson lattice (and continuum) non-abelian SU( N ) gauge theories for all N . However, it is also argued that this perimeter law is poor criterion for quark confinement. Rather, it is suggested that non-leading long-distance behavior is what is crucial and relevant in distinguishing non-abelian from abelian (and hence confining from non-confining) theories. A new object, “the 't Hooft line”, is introduced to measure this non-leading behavior and is computed in strong coupling on the lattice. There, one finds magnetic screening characterized by a magnetic screening mass, m s . It is shown to all orders in strong coupling that m s is the glueball mass, a result which is expected to persist in weak coupling and in the continuum. Two further consequences of this work are that pure non-abelian gauge theories cannot be in a Higgs phase and that in such models that absence of massless physical particles implies confinement. Finally, non-leading behavior in Wilson loops is examined. The present picture of confinement suggests the absence of van der Waals forces in Yang-Mills theories.
Divergent roles of endothelial NF-κB in multiple organ injury and bacterial clearance in mouse models of sepsis

To define the roles of endothelial-intrinsic nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activity in host defense and multiple organ injury in response to sepsis, we generated double transgenic (TG) mice (EC-rtTA/I-κBαmt) that conditionally overexpress a degradation-resistant form of the NF-κB inhibitor I-κBα (I-κBαmt) selectively on vascular endothelium. The EC-rtTA/I-κBαmt mice had no basal, but a relatively high level of doxycycline-inducible, I-κBαmt expression. I-κBαmt expression was detected in endothelial cells, but not in fibroblasts, macrophages, and whole blood cells, confirming that transgene expression was restricted to the endothelium. When subjected to endotoxemia, EC-rtTA/I-κBαmt mice showed endothelial-selective blockade of NF-κB activation, repressed expression of multiple endothelial adhesion molecules, reduced neutrophil infiltration into multiple organs, decreased endothelial permeability, ameliorated multiple organ injury, reduced systemic hypotension, and abrogated intravascular coagulation. When subjected to cecal ligation and puncture–induced sepsis, the TG mice had less severe multiple organ injury and improved survival compared with wild-type (WT) mice. WT and EC-rtTA/I-κBαmt mice had comparable capacity to clear three different pathogenic bacteria. Our data demonstrate that endothelial NF-κB activity is an essential mediator of septic multiple organ inflammation and injury but plays little role in the host defense response to eradicate invading pathogenic bacteria.
INFLUENCE OF HIGH TEMPERATURE AND UREA FERTILIZATION WITH N-(N-BUTYL) THIOPHOSPHORIC TRIAMIDE AND DICYANDIAMINDE ON COTTON GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGY

The objective of this growth chamber study was to evaluate the effect of adding N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) and dicyandiaminde (DCD) to urea fertilizer, on the physiology and growth of cotton (Gossypiumhirsutum L.) under normal and high temperatures. Treatments consisted of two day temperature regimes, 30°C and 38°C, and five nitrogen fertilization applications: unfertilized control, 125 kg ha−1 of urea, 93 kg ha−1 of urea, 93 kg ha−1 urea + NBPT, and 93 kg ha−1 urea + NBPT + DCD. The addition of NBPT to urea fertilizer had positive effects on leaf chlorophyll, leaf area, dry matter, nitrogen (N) uptake, and N use efficiency. The absence of a significant interaction effect indicated that N fertilization was not influenced by temperature. Deficiency of N significantly decreased leaf chlorophyll, increased glutathione reductase, decreased protein and increased leaf nitrate reductase. Physiological changes under high temperature included increased plant N uptake, glutamine synthetase, leaf chl...
Response of Sweet Corn to Red Clover Under Two Tillage Methods

ABSTRACT A study was conducted in 1999–2001 in central Maine to compare the effects of a spader plow versus a rototiller on nitrogen mineralization and growth of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) following red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was established the first year of the rotation, with and without a red clover co-seeding. The following spring, clover and wheat stubble were incorporated with either a rototiller or a spader plow, which incorporates the residue deeper and with little or no chopping or tearing. Sweet corn was planted with no additional N inputs. Sweet corn growth and yield parameters were monitored, as was soil nitrate and total mineral N throughout the corn growing season. In both 2000 and 2001, sweet corn after clover yielded significantly more (p < 0.05) in all yield parameters than sweet corn after no clover. There were no significant differences in sweet corn yield parameters between the two tillage treatments in either year, although there was a consis...
Folate and vitamin B12 recommended intakes and status in the United States.

This paper presents a synopsis of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for folate and the recommended folic acid intake to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Estimated intake of folic acid is presented and total folate intake is compared to the DRI. Vitamin B12 DRIs are highlighted in addition to the IOM recommendation for crystalline vitamin B12 intake specifically for individuals ≥57 years of age. Recently reported evidence of vitamin B12 inadequacy in the aging segment of the U.S. population will be addressed.
Morphological operations, planar mathematical formulations, and stereological interpretations for automated image analysis of concrete microstructure

Different morphological routines were tailored towards processing and analysis of concrete microstructural images captured by environmental scanning electron and fluorescent microscopy. These routines transform concrete micrographs form gray scale to binary scale, and remove most of the noise without significantly disturbing the features of interest (microcracks and air voids). Formulations are developed for quantification of key features of concrete microcracks and voids systems in plane. Stereological relationships are presented for development of quantitative information on (3-D) structure of concrete microcracks and voids systems in terms of (2-D) data generated from perpendicular sections. Image processing routines, in-plane formulations, and in-space interpretations were addressed to be transformed into algorithms to be built in newly developed computer software for microstructural analysis of concrete.
Abnormal myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography and normal coronary arteriogram: The role of intracoronary vascular ultrasound in providing diagnostic confirmation

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