cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The relation of the cryoprotective action of dimethyl sulfoxide to salt damage to frog sciatic nerves

Summary Isolated frog sciatic nerves with or without perineural sheaths were frozen to −10°C in the presence or absence of 10% dimethyl sulfoxide in amphibian Ringer's solution. Also, desheathed sciatic nerves were exposed to various concentrations of Ringer's solution with or without DMSO. The nerve impulse conduction velocity- was measured before and at various intervals during recovery from these treatments. Using this parameter as an indication of the extent of damage from these treatments, these conclusions may be drawn: 1) 10% DMSO protects frog sciatic nerves from freeze-thaw damage when nerves are frozen to −10°C, provided that the perineural sheath is removed; 2) concentrated Ringer's solutions at or above 2.0 osmolar irreversibly damage desheathed nerves, the degree of damage depending on the concentration and duration of exposure; 3) DMSO does not protect nerves against salt damage due to exposure to concentrated Ringer's solution.
Minority mating advantage of certain eye color mutants of Drosophila melanogaster. IV. Female discrimination among three genotypes.

It was our purpose to examine how the courtship sequence by three eye color types of males inDrosophila melanogaster might affect the experience of females in such a way as to influence mating success. Flies were mutants for a pair of alleles at thebrown locus (bw andbw75; 104.5 on chromosome 2) combined withscarlet (st; 44.0 on chromosome 3). Mutant red-eyed (R), orange-eyed (O), and white-eyed (W) flies were tested, mature virgin females individually in the presence of six males, either three each of two eye color types or two each of three types. About 12% of the females displayed a low threshold and mated to the first male that courted in less than 5 min. For these females and for those with a higher threshold when courted by one type of male only, R males were twice as successful as O and about four times as successful as W. For trials in which two male types courted, females tended to accept the type that was not the first to court in 62.5% of the trials with a 3∶3 ratio of males and in 70% of the trials with a 2∶2∶2 ratio but one type of male not courting. When all three types of males courted at the latter ratio, females tended to discriminate against both the first type to court and the joint combination of first with second type to court, tending to mate with the third type in 47% of the trials. There was no significant association between either the second male or the second type of male to court and the type that mated. Evidence is presented that the visual component of courtship is important to persistence and efficiency but less important to initiation of courtship. The time to mating (female acceptance) is longer with increase in the number of male types courting. These results and some arguments by other authors trying to account for negative results using the same mutants are discussed. We conclude that sexual behavior is controlled by loci other than those markers determining eye colors tested, and the genetic background for the mutant phenotypes is most critical for female discrimination.
Besmirched with blood: an emotional history of transnational romance in colonial Singapore

In 1900, in the British colony of Singapore, a Siamese man, Manit, shot his beloved British wife, Maude, and allegedly attempted suicide. Several competing interpretations of the incident exist. In one, Manit is considered a deranged and treacherous fraud; in another, he is a pitiable cuckold; in the third, he is a respectable gentleman suffering from unrequited love. Surprisingly, given the racialized context of high imperialism in Southeast Asia, the British in Singapore came to empathize with the Asian Manit as a lovelorn gentleman and to disavow their own countrywoman. The court ultimately acquitted him of any wrongdoing. This article considers the competing interpretations and explains why a seemingly race-blind one prevailed. It reviews genealogical records, personal letters, newspaper accounts of court proceedings, and internal Thai government internal records, which provide unusually rich documentation of a romance that crossed national, cultural, and racial boundaries and created surprising trans...
The formation of nitro-PAH from the gas-phase reactions of fluoranthene and pyrene with the OH radical in the presence of NOx

The products of the gas-phase reactions of the OH radical with fluoranthene and pyrene in the presence of NOx have been studied in a ~6400-l environmental chamber. 2-Nitropyrene was the sole nitro-PAH formed from pyrene, while 2-nitrofluoranthene, together with much smaller amounts of 7- and 8-nitrofluoranthene, were formed from fluoranthene. 2-Nitrofluoranthene and 2-nitropyrene have not been reported to be present in direct combustion-generated emissions nor to be formed during sampling of ambient particulate matter. It is estimated that this daytime OH radical-initiated formation route to 2-nitrofluoranthene, the major mononitro-PAH observed in ambient particulate matter, is comparable in importance to night-time formation via reaction of fluoranthene with N2O5.
Key trends in environmental advertising across 30 years in National Geographic magazine

This longitudinal retrospective case study describes the sponsors, ad types, frames and message factors in green advertising over three decades in National Geographic magazine, the bellwether nature publication in the USA. In addition to providing a clearer picture of the extent and nature of environmental strategic messaging over three decades, results provide empirical support for theoretical relationships between the level of green advertising and economic indicators. After providing historical and theoretical context, detailed results are presented for both overall and longitudinal analysis. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Performance investigation of hybrid converter systems for mobile mining applications

To supply the AC high power drive systems, several Active Front-Ends (AFEs) with DC choppers are currently used to ensure reliable operation and an acceptable harmonic current spectrum. Recently, integration of the energy storage system with the mining equipment as an example of large mobile multimotor applications has received industry attention, especially for peak load shaving and energy management of the mines. Currently, the regenerative energy is often burnt into the choppers. The industry is motivated to capture this regenerative energy since it can be as high as 60% of the motoring power, as high as 3MJ in every operation cycle and 24 MW peak power. Hybrid approach for the front-end converter system has shown a technology path to deploy on-board energy storage without sacrificing the efficiency and reliability of the entire system. This paper addresses the dynamic performance analysis of such systems through detailed simulation and laboratory scale experiments.
Evolution of resistance to quorum quenching in digital organisms

Quorum sensing (QS) is a collective behavior whereby actions of individuals depend on the density of the surrounding population. Bacteria use QS to trigger secretion of digestive enzymes, formation and destruction of biofilms, and, in the case of pathogenic organisms, expression of virulence factors that cause disease. Investigations of mechanisms that prevent or disrupt QS, referred to as quorum quenching, are of interest because they provide a new alternative to antibiotics for treating bacterial infections. Traditional antibiotics either kill bacteria or inhibit their growth, producing selective pressures that promote resistant strains. In contrast, quorum quenching and other so-called anti-infective strategies focus on altering behavior. In this article we evolve QS in populations of digital organisms, a type of self-replicating computer program, and investigate the effects of quorum quenching on these populations. Specifically, we injected the populations with mutant organisms that were impaired in selected ways to disrupt the QS process. The experimental results indicate that the rate at which these mutants are introduced into a population influences both the evolvability of QS and the persistence of an existing QS behavior. Surprisingly, we also observed resistance to quorum quenching. Effectively, populations evolved resistance by reaching quorum at lower cell densities than did the parent strain. Moreover, the level of resistance was highest when the rate of mutant introduction increased over time. These results show that digital organisms can serve as a model to study the evolution and disruption of QS, potentially informing wet-lab studies aimed at identifying targets for anti-infective development.
Geriatrics program for medical students. II. Impact of two educational experiences on student attitudes.

: In an innovative program in geriatrics for undergraduate medical students, the preliminary report concerned attitudes toward the aged among health care personnel. This follow-up report concerns the stability of, and changes in medical students' attitudes toward the aged after participation in one of the following types of geriatric educational experience: 1) a Family Practice clerkship, or 2) a selective course in Medical Humanities. Although both experiences resulted in positive changes in general attitudes, the one that emphasized empathy toward the elderly along with observation of healthy aged persons produced more positive feelings about rehabilitation potential. Implications for the geriatric training of physicians are discussed in the light of these findings.
General Framework for Studying the Dynamics of Folded and Nonfolded Proteins by NMR Relaxation Spectroscopy and MD Simulation

A general framework is presented for the interpretation of NMR relaxation data of proteins. The method, termed isotropic reorientational eigenmode dynamics (iRED), relies on a principal component analysis of the isotropically averaged covariance matrix of the lattice functions of the spin interactions responsible for spin relaxation. The covariance matrix, which is evaluated using a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, is diagonalized yielding reorientational eigenmodes and amplitudes that reveal detailed information about correlated protein dynamics. The eigenvalue distribution allows one to quantitatively assess whether overall and internal motions are statistically separable. To each eigenmode belongs a correlation time that can be adjusted to optimally reproduce experimental relaxation parameters. A key feature of the method is that it does not require separability of overall tumbling and internal motions, which makes it applicable to a wide range of systems, such as folded, partially folded, and unfol...
Alpha-Decay Barrier Penetrabilities with an Exponential Nuclear Potential: Even-Even Nuclei

The real potential derived by optical-model analysis of data on elastic scattering of alpha particles is used for calculation of barrier penetrabilities for all known alpha decay groups of even-even nuclei. The barrier penetration factors were calculated by numerical integration in the WKB approximation taking into account centrifugal barrier effects, but ignoring noncentral interactions. Using these penetration factors and the experimental alpha half-lives, the reduced level widths ${\ensuremath{\delta}}^{2}$ are calculated. Ratios of ${\ensuremath{\delta}}^{2}$ values for ground and excited-state alpha groups are tabulated as a set of reduced hindrance factors.
THE NATIONAL REFERENCE SCALE FOR READING: AN APPLICATION OF THE RASCH MODEL1

In this paper we will report on the development of the National Reference Scale (NRS) for reading (Rentz and Bashaw, 1975). The NRS is the result of analyses of data from the equating phase of the Anchor Test Study (Loret, et al, 1974), using item analysis and scaling methods of the Rasch model. The larger study on which this paper is based was designed to determine whether the Rasch model could be used to equate tests of the sort used in the Anchor Test Study (ATS). Although the Rentz and Bashaw study attempted to replicate the raw-score-to-raw-score equating tables of the ATS, the preferred equating procedure was to equate each test to a common reference scale. This procedure avoids a major source of error involved in raw-score-to-raw-score equating, that will be delineated later. The particular reference scale used was the log-ability scale of the Rasch model, transformed by a simple linear function to a scale of threedigit integers. Thus, the NRS is the Rasch model's log-ability scale in a disguised form. Consequently, a discussion of the properties and interpretations of the NRS scores will, in principle, generalize to scores on any test that is calibrated using Rasch model procedures. Our primary concern is the practical use and interpretation of the ability scale of the Rasch model. An understanding of the nature of this ability scale should help test developers and users when they are considering application of the Rasch model, since it has some interesting and desirable features. For example, the log-ability scale of the Rasch model has as its units, the same units used for estimating item difficulties. It also has units of equal intervals (in a sense to be discussed in the section on direct odds comparisons).
Combining hydrogen bonds with coordination chemistry or organometallic π-arene chemistry: strategies for inorganic crystal engineering

Two strategies are described for the construction of extended arrays of transition metal-containing molecules linked via hydrogen bonds. The first approach connects the transition metal to the ligand bearing the hydrogen-bonding group(s) via a coordinative bond. Thus, coordination complexes with peripheral hydrogen-bonding functional groups constitute the (molecular) building blocks of the assembly. The ligands, substituted pyridines, have been selected to provide rigidity and thus permit the metal coordination geometry to guide the direction of propagation of the hydrogen-bonded links between building blocks. The second approach uses arenes bearing hydrogen-bonding functional groups, the arenes being π-bound to transition metals as is typical of sandwich and half-sandwich organometallic compounds. In the first approach the metal can be viewed as serving a directing role in propagation of the hydrogen bonded assembly. In the second, the metal can be thought of as a (potentially functional) appendage to an organic hydrogen-bonded array, where substituent position at the arene ring serves the directing role for propagation. Examples presented for discussion of the coordination chemistry approach are compounds of the form [PtL4]X2 (L = nicotinamide or isonicotinamide; X− = Cl− or PF6−). Examples presented in the context of the organometallic approach are members of the series [Cr{η6-C6H6 − n(CO2H)n}(CO)3], where n = 1–3.
A True 4 Dimensional Graphics Laboratory For Non-Geometric Grid Based Data

A true 4 dimensional (4D) graphics laboratory is under development to display data sampled from real world 4D structures. The system consists of multiple processors, 4D display devices, voice input, output, mechanical and eye driven cursors and projection programs that produce images with stereo, motion and focal depth cues. There are two bi-nocular stereo 4D displays, one using two graphic generators that are optically overlapped and the other using the Tektronix stereo liquid crystal shutter. The 4th dimension is provided by 16 megabytes of image memory in each generator that hold sixty four 512x512 stereo pairs. 3D hard copy is produced with NIMSLO lenticular and Polaroid Vectograph processes. 3D presentations use binocular stereo slide projectors and 4D presentations use the Tektronix shutter and video tapes.
Community involvement in prevention programs: The use of a telephone survey for program development

Prevention programs that require active involvement of community residents must stimulate awareness, interest, and participation in their activities. Disappointing participation in one such project, the Community Helpers Project, resulted in a telephone survey being conducted in order to distinguish lack of awareness from disinterest on the part of community residents. Two hundred residents in the project field sites were surveyed. The results showed that most residents were unaware of the project but that, upon learning about it, most expressed strong interest. These findings support the need for more systematic efforts to be made in the marketing of prevention programs.
Spitzer Observations of the Prototypical Extremely Red Objects HR 10 and LBDS 53W091: Separating Dusty Starbursts from Old Elliptical Galaxies

We present Spitzer Space Telescope observations of the well-studied extremely red objects (EROs) HR 10 and LBDS 53W091 from 3.6 to 160 μm. These galaxies are the prototypes of the two primary classes of EROs: dusty starbursts and old, evolved galaxies, respectively. Both galaxies, as well as LBDS 53W069, another example of an old, quiescent galaxy, are well detected out to 8 μm. However, only the dusty starburst HR 10 is detected in the far-infrared. All three EROs have stellar masses of a few × 10^(11) M_☉. Using evolutionary model fits to their multiband photometry, we predict the infrared colors of similar EROs at 1 < z < 2. We find that blueward of observed 10 μm, the two ERO classes are virtually indistinguishable photometrically. Deep spectroscopy and 24 μm data allow the classes to be separated.
Cross-Cukural Aspects of the Somatization Trait

Studies using a variety of diagnostic rating scales have identified much higher levels of somatic symptoms in Hispanic psychiatric patients, particularly those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or depression, than in their An- glo counterparts. However, this cultural difference cannot be generally demonstrated by using DSM-IlI somatoform disorders criteria. Many patients with "unfounded" somatic symptoms have another DSM-III primary diagnosis that is often assumed to cause or explain the somatic symptoms. In addition, the true prevalence of unfounded somatic symptoms is hidden because of the strict criteria required for a DSM-III primary diagnosis of somatization disorder. The author believes a more inclusive notion of somatization should be developed that would substantiate the presence of this trait among different populations and, if operationalized, would facilitate research on this important phenomenon. This is relevant not only because of the cross-cultural variability of somatization traits but als...
The Effect of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea on the Sleep Quality of Bed Partners

Objectives To measure the effect of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the sleep of snorers' bed partners and to determine whether a bed partner's sleep improves when snoring and OSA are treated. Materials and Methods We studied 10 married couples in which 1 member was undergoing polysomnography to evaluate suspected OSA. The patients and their spouses underwent simultaneous polysomnography. Midway through the 1-night study, the patients received nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with the pressure adjusted to eliminate snoring and obstructive breathing events. Apnea-hypopnea index (episodes/hours of sleep time), arousal index (arousals/hours of sleep time), and sleep efficiency (percent time asleep) were calculated to measure sleep quality. Results The patients (all male) demonstrated a median (range) apnea-hypopnea index of 26 (3–75) that decreased to 7 (0–34) during the trial of nasal CPAP therapy (P Conclusion The elimination of snoring and OSA in these patients was associated with an improvement in the quality of their bed partners' sleep, as indicated by improved sleep efficiency and continuity, even when the spouses had been habitually exposed to snoring and OSA. Assuming that 480 minutes were spent in bed for sleep, a 13% improvement in sleep efficiency (ie, from 74% to 87%) translates to an additional 62 minutes of sleep per night for the spouses of snorers with OSA.
Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in the Age of Direct-Acting Antivirals with Emphasis on First Generation Inhibitors of HCV NS3/4A Protease

The past standard-of-care (SOC) for treatment of the chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) was the combination of peginterferon with ribavirin (P + R). Sustained virologic response (SVR) for patients with HCV, genotype 1, was less than 50%. The new emerging SOC, Triple Therapy, using direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with P + R will improve SVR for HCV genotype 1 infection to approximately 75%. Telaprevir and boceprevir are inhibitors of HCV NS3/4A serine protease and will be the first DAAs for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. The treatment provider must effectively manage dosage and adherence to the regimen to avoid emergence of resistant variants of HCV. Close monitoring of patients, awareness of drug interactions, management of known telaprevir and boceprevir side effects, and strategies for reduction or discontinuation of individual drugs in the treatment regimen will be critical to ultimate success of triple therapy.
Elastic properties, hardness, and indentation fracture toughness of intermetallics relevant to electronic packaging

Many intermetallics, such as Ag3Sn, AuSn4, Cu3Sn, Cu6Sn5 (η and η`), Ni3Sn4, and γ–Cu5Zn8 are present in modern solder interconnects as a result of solder chemistry and/or due to the interfacial reaction between solder and metallization scheme. Coarse-grained, single-phase intermetallics are produced by conventional casting followed by annealing for long time. Ambient temperature isotropic elastic moduli (bulk, Young’s, shear, and Poisson’s ratio) and selected plastic properties (hardness and indentation fracture toughness) of these intermetallics are presented. The isotropic elastic moduli of these intermetallics are determined by the pulse-echo technique. The measured bulk, Young’s and shear moduli lie in the range of 6.3 to 11.4 × 1010 N/m2, 7.1 to 12.3 × 1010 N/m2 and 2.7 to 4.5 × 1010 N/m2, respectively. The hardness and fracture toughness are determined by an indentation method. The loads used for indentation experiments were: 100–10,000 g for Ag3Sn and γ–Cu5Zn8, 10–50 g for AuSn4, 200–1000 g for Cu3Sn, 50–100 g for Cu6Sn5, and 100–200 g for Ni3Sn4. The measured Vickers hardness lies in the range of 50 to 470 Kg/mm2, and the measured indentation fracture toughness lies in the range of 2.5 to 5.7 MPa m1/2. Due to coarse grain size of the specimens, the indentation cracks were contained within one grain. In Cu3Sn, Cu6Sn5 (η and η`) and Ni3Sn4 intermetallics, the indentation cracks were found to be nearly straight and run along the indent diagonal. However, the cracks in AuSn4 showed significant zig-zag and branching phenomena, and they seemed to propagate along particular cleavage plane(s). The presence of slip bands are also observed in AuSn4, Ag3Sn, Cu3Sn, γ-Cu5Zn8, and Ni3Sn4. In the case of Ag3Sn and γ–Cu5Zn8, indentation cracks cannot be induced by applying loads up to 10 kg. Rather, extensive plastic deformation occurs resulting in the formation of a large number of shear/kink bands, and possibly twins, that spread across several grains. At a load of 5000 g or higher, Ag3Sn exhibits grain boundary decohesion near the indents. Among the intermetallics studied, Ag3Sn is shown to be the most ductile.
Does One Size Fit All: Variation In Tibial Tubercle Trochlear Groove (TTTG) Measurements As A Function Of Age, Size, And Patellar Instability:

Objectives:The tibial tubercle trochlear groove (TTTG) measurement was developed to quantify rotational abnormalities about the knee associated with patella instability and to help guide surgical d...
HNF4A and Diabetes: Injury Before Insult?

One of the distinguishing features of vertebrate development is its highly regulative nature. Following developmental perturbations, vertebrate embryos exhibit a robust ability to compensate and normalize structure. However, such appearances may be deceiving, as it has become clear that relatively mild perturbations in embryonic growth can result in profound metabolic disorders—including diabetes—decades later. This association has important clinical implications, but a complete understanding of the cellular and molecular relationship between embryonic development and adult physiology has been slow to emerge. The first compelling evidence that intrauterine environment dictates later metabolic outcome was the cohort study of Ravelli et al. (1) of 300,000 men conceived during the Dutch famine of 1944–1945. Embryos exposed to malnutrition during the first half of pregnancy, but not later, had significantly higher rates of obesity at age 19 years, indicating that a nutrient-deprived environment early in development has long-lasting metabolic consequences (1). Human and animal studies have subsequently confirmed a relationship between embryonic environment, particularly intrauterine growth retardation, and later occurrence of type 2 diabetes (rev. in 2,3). Although it was initially postulated that hypothalamic-mediated changes in appetite might underlie adult metabolic derangements, low–birth weight infants were found to also have reduced pancreatic β-cell mass …
Effect of alginate composition and gelling cation on micro-bead swelling.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the roles of alginate composition and gelling cations on bead swelling, which affects its durability. Method. Using a 2-channel droplet generator, microspheres were generated with 1.5% solutions of low viscosity high-mannuronic acid (LVM), medium viscosity high-mannuronic acid (MVM), low viscosity high-guluronic acid (LVG) and medium viscosity high-guluronic acid (MVG) alginate. They were gelled by cross-linking with 1.1% solution of either BaCl2 or CaCl2. The diameters of the micro-beads were measured and recorded on day 0. The micro-beads were subsequently washed and incubated in saline at 37°C for 2 weeks with size assessment every 2 days. The data were normalized by calculation of the percentage change from control (day 0) for all groups of micro-beads. Results. Diameters of all beads were between 550 and 700 µm on day 0. Viscosity had no effect on swelling of Ba++- and Ca++-alginate micro-beads. Ca++-alginate micro-beads were more prone to swelling ...
Effects of grid resolution in a three-dimensional hydrostatic model: Modeling field observations

Basin-scale internal waves drive the energy flux path in a stratified lake. Therefore, accurate modeling of lake response under environmental forcing is important when considering mixing and the transport of dissolved substances. The Estuary, Lake, and Coastal Ocean Model was used to determine the grid resolution required to model field observations from Ada Hayden Lake and West Okoboji Lake. The use of the hydrostatic assumption in modeling wind-forced motions across a wide frequency spectrum accurately reproduced field observations, supporting the use of the hydrostatic assumption. Model results were compared to field data using dimensionless variables for potential and kinetic energy to assess the model‘s ability to predict stratification and internal wave oscillations. The results indicated best model performance for a fine model grid: horizontal resolutions between 150-225 points per V1H1 wavelength and vertical resolutions between 95-140 points over the depth produced normalized energy values within 25% of field observations.
Rheology of microcrystalline cellulose-carboxymethylcellulose gels

Rheological evaluations of MCC-CMC gels were employed to delineate their properties. It was concluded that the thixotropic nature of MCC-CMC gels depended upon the adsorption of the soluble CMC on the MCC. A certain degree of shear was required to unsheave the microcrystals. However, excessive shear reduced the degree of structuring. MCC-CMC in concentrations of 2.0 percent or higher produced thixotropic gels. CMC was found to be superior to HPMC as a linking polymer. At the concentration studied, alcohol and various glycols increased the viscosity of MCC-CMC gels independently of the viscosity of the adjuvant compound. Formulations containing acetaminophen and calamine in MCC-CMC systems were also evaluated.
Metallic Concepts for Repair of Reinforced Carbon-Carbon Space Shuttle Leading Edges

The Columbia accident has focused attention on the critical need for on-orbit repair concepts for wing leading edges in the event that potentially catastrophic damage is incurred during Space Shuttle Orbiter flight. The leading edge of the space shuttle wings consists of a series of eleven panels on each side of the orbiter. These panels are fabricated from reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) which is a light weight composite with attractive strength at very high temperatures. The damage that was responsible for the loss of the Colombia space shuttle was deemed due to formation of a large hole in one these RCC leading edge panels produced by the impact of a large piece of foam. However, even small cracks in the RCC are considered as potentially catastrophic because of the high temperature re-entry environment. After the Columbia accident, NASA has explored various means to perform on-orbit repairs in the event that damage is sustained in future shuttle flights. Although large areas of damage, such as that which doomed Columbia, are not anticipated to re-occur due to various improvements to the shuttle, especially the foam attachment, NASA has also explored various options for both small and large area repair. This paper reports one large area repair concept referred to as the "metallic over-wrap." Environmental conditions during re-entry of the orbiter impose extreme requirements on the RCC leading edges as well as on any repair concepts. These requirements include temperatures up to 3000 F (1650 C) for up to 15 minutes in the presence of an extremely oxidizing plasma environment. Figure 1 shows the temperature profile across one panel (#9) which is subject to the highest temperatures during re-entry. Although the RCC possesses adequate mechanical strength at these temperatures, it lacks oxidation resistance. Oxidation protection is afforded by converting the outer layers of the RCC to SiC by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). At high temperatures in an oxidizing environment, the SiC layer forms a protective SiO2 scale. However, CVD processing to form the SiC layer can result in the formation of small cracks in the outer surface. Hence, as a final fabrication step, a sodium silicate glass, known as "Type A," is applied as a sealant to fill any surface porosity and/or cracks in the coating and the outer portions of the RCC[1]. At relatively low temperatures, the Type A glass melts and flows into the cracks providing oxidation protection at the higher temperatures. In addition, the Type A coating, provides a "dark" coating with a high emissivity. This high emissivity allows the RCC to transfer heat by radiating outward to space as well as dispersing heat within the leading edge cavity. Lastly, the Type A possesses low catalycity which reduces surface temperatures by limiting oxygen recombination on the surface during re-entry.
Phonon-assisted two-photon absorption in the presence of a DC-field: The nonlinear franz-keldysh effect in indirect gap semiconductors

The absorption coefficient of a two-photon excitation in which phonons participate during the transition is calculated for an indirect-gap semiconductor under a uniform DC-Field. Below Eg/2 tunneling is found, while above Eg/2 Franz-Keldysh oscillations are absent.
Current management and novel agents for malignant melanoma

Advanced malignant melanoma remains a challenging cancer. Over the past year, there have been 3 agents approved for treatment of melanoma by Food and Drug Administration. These include pegylated interferon alpha-2b for stage III melanoma, vemurafenib for unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E mutation, and ipilimumab for treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This review will also update on the development of novel agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and adoptive cellular therapy.
The role of repulsive interactions in polyamide blends

Phase phenomena in mixtures containing any combination of aliphatic and aromatic polyamides can be formulated by the application of a mean-field binary interaction model. This has been achieved by the quantitative analysis of the solubility of an aromatic polyamide, denoted as nylon 3Me6T, in a homologous series of aliphatic polyamides. A critical feature of this development required an estimation of the upper and lower bound concentration of methylene units of the latter for which the aromatic polyamide moved from a miscible to immiscible condition. The fabrication of random copolyamides of caprolactam-laurolactam and 2-pyrrolidinone-caprolactam, respectively, has allowed an accurate determination of these critical limits. A survey of the behavior of polyamide blends will be discussed in light of this improved quantitative definition of the model. A principal feature of these analyses is the exclusion of a role for hydrogen bonding interactions. Details concerning the nature of interactions in these systems and how they are influenced by chemical structure are discussed.
Rocket measurement of the nitric oxide dayglow

A scanning ultraviolet spectrometer was flown from Wallops Island, Virginia, on NASA Aerobee 4.85 on November 17, 1963, at 1:15 P.M. EST to an altitude of 184 km. The 0.5-meter spectrometer scanned the dayglow spectrum from 1500 to 3200 A. The rocket's attitude-control system aimed the spectrometer at the zenith during the ascent and at the horizon during the descent. Spectral scans of the ultraviolet dayglow were obtained in the zenith direction in the altitude range from 76 to 114 km, and also (with greatly increased intensity) during the scan of the horizon.
Modulated desynchronism in a free-electron laser oscillator

Abstract We study experimentally and theoretically, the effects of desynchronism modulation on short pulse free-electron laser (FEL) oscillators. We find that the output power and the micropulse length of the FEL beam oscillate periodically at the modulation frequency and the minimum micropulse length can be significantly shorter than that obtained without modulation. The FEL can operate during part of the modulation cycle in the normally inaccessible portion of the output power curve where the FEL gain is less than the cavity loss.
High-speed decimation filter for delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter

A 12-bit digital filter is designed for an A/D converter system with sampling speed of 16 GHz. Data stream of 16 Gbit/s from delta-sigma modulator will pass through a 1:4 demultiplexer. Four identical 12-bit digital filters are used to catch the data streams from the demultiplexer for 4 Gbit/s in each channel. The 12-bit superconductive digital filter is designed with modified variable threshold logic (MVTL) gates. A novel XOR gate is designed and used in this circuit to reduce circuit complexity and improve performance. Progress of high speed testing results is presented. The filter comprises 584 Josephson junctions and consumes about 1 mW power.
In Vivo Inhibitory Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus Against Pathogenic Escherichia coli in Gnotobiotic Chicks

Abstract Chicks were hatched germfree in gnotobiotic isolators to determine the inhibitory effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus towards pathogenic Escherichia coli in vivo. Twelve trials were conducted in two flexible film isolators utilizing a total of 221 chicks. One treatment consisted of inoculating 2-day-old chicks with L. acidophilus, then challenging with pathogenic E. coli with subsequent dosing with L. acidophilus. The other treatment consisted of challenging with the E. coli at 2 days of age, then subsequently dosing with L. acidophilus. Statistical analysis of the data showed initial dosing with L. acidophilus prevented excessive mortality when chicks were challenged with E. coli. Also, continued dosing with L. acidophilus lowered the pH in the crop, cecum, and rectum whether chicks were initially given L. acidophilus or E. coli. This strain of L. acidophilus was capable of competing with E. coli in the gut of gnotobiotic chicks.
Ecological and evolutionary responses in complex communities: Implications for invasions and eco-evolutionary feedbacks

It is easier to predict the ecological and evolutionary outcomes of interactions in less diverse communities. As species are added to communities, their direct and indirect interactions multiply, their niches may shift, and there may be increased ecological redundancy. Accompanying this complexity in ecological interactions, is also complexity in selection and subsequent evolution, which may feed back to affect the ecology of the system, as species with different traits may play different ecological roles. Drawing from my own work and that of many others, I first discuss what we currently understand about ecology and evolution in light of simple and diverse communities, and suggest the importance of escape from community complexity per se in the success of invaders. Then, I examine how community complexity may influence the nature and magnitude of eco-evolutionary feedbacks, classifying eco-evolutionary dynamics into three general types: those generating alternative stable states, cyclic dynamics, and those maintaining ecological stasis and stability. The latter may be important and yet very hard to detect. I suggest future directions, as well as discuss methodological approaches and their potential pitfalls, in assessing the importance and longevity of eco-evolutionary feedbacks in complex communities. Synthesis The ecology, evolution and eco-evolutionary dynamics of simple and diverse communities are reviewed. In more diverse communities, direct and indirect interactions multiply, species’ niches often shift, ecological redundancy can increase, and selection may be less directional. Community complexity may influence the magnitude and nature of eco-evolutionary dynamics, which are classified into three types: those generating alternative stable states, cyclic dynamics, and those maintaining ecological stasis and stability. Strengths and pitfalls of approaches to investigating eco-evolutionary feedbacks in complex field communities are discussed.
Predicting Behavioral Intentions to Comply with Recommended Leave No Trace Practices

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) for predicting backcountry visitors’ behavioral intentions to comply with recommended Leave No Trace practices. Once confirmed, factors predictive of behavioral intentions can be used to inform the development of more effective persuasive communication strategies and educational messaging. Study participants were overnight backcountry visitors to either Olympic National Park, Washington, or Glacier National Park, Montana. The final model explained over 44% of the variance in the dependent variable, but significant predictors differed between the two parks. Discussion is provided as well as suggestions for those charged with disseminating Leave No Trace messaging.
Optimization, conflict, and nonoverlapping foraging ranges in ants.

Abstract: An organism’s foraging range depends on the behavior of neighbors, the dynamics of resources, and the availability of information. We use a well‐studied population of the red harvester ant Pogonomyrmex barbatus to develop and independently parameterize models that include these three factors. The models solve for an allocation of foraging ants in the area around the nest in response to other colonies. We compare formulations that optimize at the colony or individual level and those that do or do not include costs of conflict. Model predictions were compared with data collected on ant time budgets and ant density. The strategy that optimizes at the colony level but neglects costs of conflict predicts unrealistic levels of overlap. In contrast, the strategy that optimizes at the individual level predicts realistic foraging ranges with or without inclusion of conflict costs. Both the individual model and the colony model that includes conflict costs show good quantitative agreement with data. Thus,...
Orthogonal coding and iterative decoding improves coding gain

This paper shows that orthogonal coding and iterative decoding improve coding gain. The encoder maps a block of data into a block of bi-orthogonal codes. The decoder is a correlation receiver, which performs iterative decoding to reduce the error and enhance the coding gain. To illustrate this concept, BER performance analysis of rate frac12 orthogonal coding and iterative decoding is presented.
Longevity and cost of implantable intrathecal drug delivery systems for chronic pain management: A retrospective analysis of 365 patients

Objectives Intrathecal drug delivery systems represent an important component of interventional strategies for refractory chronic pain syndromes. Continuous intrathecal administration of opioids results in higher subarachnoid drug concentrations, improved pain scores, and less frequent side effects when compared with systemic opioid administration. Substantial costs arise at the time of surgical implantation and at revision for battery depletion or treatment of a complication. Despite current widespread use, the real-world longevity and cost of implanted intrathecal pumps (ITP) has not been fully quantified.
The Measurement of Leucine Enkephalinat the Femtomole Level by Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry Methods

Abstract FAB-MS/MS methods are used to quantify the neuropeptide leucine enkephalin (LE = YGGFL) in synthetic solutions. Maximum molecular specificity is provided by monitoring two metastable transitions from the LE (M + H)+, 556 → 425 and 556 → 336, in a forward geometry (E, B) mass spectrometer using a B/E linked-field selected reaction monitoring technique. Obtained sensitivity is 40 pg LE, which equals 72 fmol. The statistics of the best-fit straight lines are, for m/z 425: y = 34 + 166 (r = 0.999), and for m/z 336: y = 2.5x + 17.2 (r = 0.996).
The Cognitive Structure of Corporate Social Responsibility

Few studies have attempted to empirically verify the concept of corporate social responsibility, although it has been discussedfor decades. This study is a multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis of a sample of 549 persons that suggests that corporate social responsibility can be viewed as a three-dimensional construct. The three dimensions include economic-noneconomiclhuman outcomes, ethical considerations, and consequences for relevant interest groups.
A 2–24GHz 360° full-span differential vector modulator phase rotator with transformer-based poly-phase quadrature network

This paper presents a differential vector modulator phase rotator performing 360° full span phase interpolation over a first-ever decade-wide instantaneous bandwidth (2GHz-24GHz). A wideband poly-phase network based on folded transformer 90° couplers generates accurate differential quadrature signals with low passive loss (2dB) over a decade bandwidth. Two 5-bit linear digital variable gain amplifiers (VGAs) scale the quadrature signals, which are then combined for the target phase interpolations. Our phase rotator occupies a very compact chip size (1.2mm-by-1.8mm) in a standard 65nm CMOS process. Moreover, our design does not require any tuning element, band selection switch, or frequency-dependent code compensation/look-up table, ensuring that each phase interpolation code can be used for all the in-band operation frequencies. Additionally, the maximum RMS quantization phase error is only 1.22° within 1.5dB output magnitude variation for full 360° interpolation from 2GHz to 24GHz.
FGF21 Revolutions: Recent Advances Illuminating FGF21 Biology and Medicinal Properties

The biology of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has evolved through its first decade at a revolutionary pace with dramatic refinements in this relatively short span of time. This field is poised now with a deeper understanding of its specific physiological role, pathological ramifications for its inappropriate function, and a much-enriched context of the complex hormonal network in which it serves to regulate metabolism. As a derivative of these discoveries, the application of FGF21 as a medicinal agent has emerged with structurally optimized protein-based analogs being preclinically explored in multiple species, and, more recently, through clinical studies. These novel findings set a foundation for ongoing inquiries that structure future research into this intriguing protein.
Prooxidant and antioxidant properties of salicylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone iron chelators in HepG2 cells.

Abstract Background Salicylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (SIH) is an iron chelator of the aroylhydrazone class that displays antioxidant or prooxidant effects in different mammalian cell lines. Because the liver is the major site of iron storage, elucidating the effect of SIH on hepatic oxidative metabolism is critical for designing effective hepatic antioxidant therapies. Methods Hepatocyte-like HepG2 cells were exposed to SIH or to analogs showing greater stability, such as N′-[1-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)ethyliden]isonicotinoyl hydrazide (HAPI), or devoid of iron chelating properties, such as benzaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (BIH), and toxicity, oxidative stress and antioxidant (glutathione) metabolism were evaluated. Results Autoxidation of Fe 2 + in vitro increased in the presence of SIH or HAPI (but not BIH), an effect partially blocked by Fe 2 + chelation. Incubation of HepG2 cells with SIH or HAPI (but not BIH) was non-toxic and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, activated the transcription factor Nrf2, induced the catalytic subunit of γ-glutamate cysteine ligase (Gclc), and increased glutathione concentration. Fe 2 + chelation decreased ROS and inhibited Nrf2 activation, and Nrf2 knock-down inhibited the induction of Gclc in the presence of HAPI. Inhibition of γ-glutamate cysteine ligase enzymatic activity inhibited the increase in glutathione caused by HAPI, and increased oxidative stress. Conclusions SIH iron chelators display both prooxidant (increasing the autoxidation rate of Fe 2 + ) and antioxidant (activating Nrf2 signaling) effects. General significance Activation by SIH iron chelators of a hormetic antioxidant response contributes to their antioxidant properties and modulates the anti- and pro-oxidant balance.
Adrenalectomized-Depancreatized Dogs:

We have previously reported1 that removal of the adrenal glands from the cat ameliorates the effects of pancreatic diabetes to an extent comparable to that obtained by hypophysectomy and, furthermore, that the removal of the adrenal cortex is responsible for this effect of adrenalectomy. Houssay and Biasotti2 have recently reported a similar effect of adrenalectomy upon pancreatic diabetes in the toad. Since the dog has been extensively used in the study of experimental diabetes and since several workers have reported that adrenalectomy does not modify an experimental diabetes3,4,5 in this species, it was of some interest to prepare long surviving animals in which all adrenal and pancreatic tissue had been removed. This was accomplished by first removing one adrenal and at a later date, the pancreas. The animals were then maintained by use of protamine insulin until in good health, when the second adrenal was removed and the insulin discontinued. During the remainder of their lives, they received a diet o...
Effects of Carotid Occlusion on the Renal and Iliac Vascular Resistance During Constant Flow and Constant Pressure Perfusion

SummaryBilateral carotid occlusion (BC O) caused an average pressure increase of 64% in kidneys perfused at a constant rate of flow and a 20% reduction in flow when the perfusion pressure was held constant. Calculated renal resistance changed 64 and 29%, respectively. The responses to norepinephrine ia were also greater during CF perfusion than during CP perfusion. The results suggest that about one–half of the renal response to BCO during CF perfusion is due to the local resistance changes in response to the rise in perfusion pressure and about one–half due to the action of the vasoconstrictor nerves. In the perfused hind limb the response to each of these procedures during CF perfusion was a fraction of that seen during CP perfusion.