cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Presence of a receptor for albumin on individual HBsAg polypeptides and on HBsAg produced by a hepatoma cell line.

The receptors for polymerized (P) human (Hu) serum albumin (SA) present on intact hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) have been shown to be associated with the major HBsAg polypeptides, as well as HBsAg produced in vitro by a hepatoma cell line. These observations demonstrate that the albumin receptors are virus-specific.
Effect of Slide-to-Roll Ratio on Interior Stresses Around a Dent in EHL Contacts

The present, study extends the transient EHL point contact model and subsurface stress field calculation model to examine the influence of a surface dent on interior stresses in an EHL point contact under various slide-to-roll conditions. Results revealed that under the pure rolling condition the effect of a surface dent on the stresses is quite negligible. The presence of a shallow surface dent is unlikely to reduce the contact fatigue, life so long as pure rolling motion and good lubrication conditions are maintained. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the contact if it is operating in the boundary lubrication regime. When sliding was introduced, the surface indentation generated significantly high pressure spikes with a strong directional preference. These high-pressure spikes cause severe stress concentrations either below the trailing edge of the dent, if it moves faster than the opposing surface, or below the leading edge of the dent, if it moves slower than the opposing surface. The maximum ...
Insulin-like growth factor I gene expression is induced in astrocytes during experimental demyelination.

Abstract To investigate insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-I receptor gene expression during experimental demyelination and myelin regeneration, young mice were fed cuprizone (( bis(cyclohexanone) oxaldihydrazone )). This copper-chelating agent produces demyelination in the corpus callosum and superior cerebellar peduncles, and when treatment is stopped, there is rapid remyelination. At intervals during cuprizone treatment and recovery, brain sections were hybridized with specific probes and immunostained with antibodies to determine the localization and relative amounts of IGF-I and IGF-I receptor mRNAs and peptides. In untreated littermates, IGF-I and IGF-I receptor mRNAs and peptides were not detected in white matter. In cuprizone-treated mice, high levels of both IGF-I mRNA and peptide were expressed by astrocytes in areas of myelin breakdown. Astrocyte IGF-I expression decreased rapidly during recovery and oligodendroglial expression of myelin-related genes increased. In severely demyelinated areas, immature oligodendroglia exhibited a transient increase in IGF-I receptor mRNA and peptide immunoreactivity during early recovery. This highly specific pattern of IGF-I induction in astrocytes during demyelination and the expression of the IGF-I receptor in regenerating oligodendrocytes during recovery suggest that IGF-I functions in the regulation of oligodendrocyte and myelin metabolism in vivo.
Spectacular Resistance: The Billionaires for Bush and the Art of Political Culture Jamming

Political theorists and pundits often attribute the malaise that they argue hangs over U.S. politics to the omnipresence of political spectacle, where participants are reduced to spectator-voters rather than engaged as active citizens in the political process. The result, many conclude, is widespread cynicism that stymies collective action. We argue, however, that “spectacle” is not necessarily opposed to political participation, and indeed that the “actor–audience” dichotomy so often employed by political theorists is much too simplistic to describe political activism. In fact, groups such as the Billionaires for Bush use spectacle to advance their message(s) and to inspire political change. These groups have much in common with what media scholars call “culture jammers,” activists who deliberately subvert spectacular images in order to reclaim them. In this paper, we explore how groups we label political culture jammers combat cynicism by replacing the dominant images of politics with provocative counter-images. Through their use of ironic self-presentation and humor, political culture jammers offer an appealing alternative means of invigorating political praxis by complicating the citizen/spectator binary that so many critics invoke.
Practices and Needs in Psychological Training: A Survey of 28 Countries

Abstract In 1988, the Executive Committee of the International Union of Psychological Science resolved to survey training practices in member countries. Of the 47 member countries, 28 responded by completing a questionnaire, and several added other material. The training programs described in this report demand a minimum of four years' study of psychology, although most require additional academic work or practical training under supervision, or both. Respondents agreed fairly well on the academic topics of a training program, and on desirable characteristics of practical training. The names given to qualifications varied considerably; this may cause some international confusions. Psychological training takes place at both undergraduate and graduate levels. In five of the European countries which responded, in the U.S.A., Egypt, Pakistan, and the Philippines, all psychological training is at graduate level. In most other responding countries, a combination of undergraduate and graduate study is required. ...
Sequelae of radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the sequelae of radical prostatectomy, using a survey instrument. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-three consecutively treated patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy and who had been followed-up for between 12 and 48 months (mean 22.5) were sent a questionnaire by post. Of these, 86 (92%) completed and returned the questionnaire. The mean age of the patients at time of surgery was 64 years (range 49-75) and at time of follow-up was 66 years (range 50-77). RESULTS Of the 86 patients who responded, 47% used a pad and 59% leaked urine daily. Thirty per cent dripped more than a few drops of urine daily and 34% found their incontinence bothersome. Eighty-four per cent of patients recalled that they had erectile potency before surgery. At follow-up, 9% were able to have a full erection and 38% were able to have a partial erection. Fifty-one per cent reported a substantial problem with reduced or absent erection. Twenty per cent had undergone treatment for bladder neck contracture and more than half of these had had more than one intervention. In all, 24% of the patients reported some persisting degree of physical unpleasantness which they believed to be secondary to their prostate cancer or the effects of treatment. Despite this, 74% were satisfied with their surgery and 88% said they would undergo surgery again. CONCLUSIONS Using this survey instrument, we found adverse sequelae of radical prostatectomy to be surprisingly high. However, patients were generally satisfied with their decision to undergo surgery.
Control mechanisms for vitellogenin synthesis in mosquitoes

Earlier investigations of the hormonal control of vitellogenin (egg-yolk protein) synthesis in mosquitoes relied on microsurgical manipulations to identify organs that secrete the various hormones that stimulate or inhibit vitellogenesis. Advances in the last 10 years, using radioimmunoassays, HPLC, mass spectrometry and tissue-culture incubations, have shown that the control mechanism involves a complex interaction between ecdysteroids, juvenile hormones and peptide hormones.
Design Consideration in High Temperature Analog CMOS Integrated Circuits

The design of CMOS analog integrated circuits to be operated at elevated junction temperatures is discussed. Considerations which have successfully been implemented in the design of basic analog cells for operation over the 25°-250°C range are emphasized. Simple models arc presented along with the temperature dependencies of key design parameters. These models and high-temperature trends represent sufficient information for first-order hand analysis prior to computeraided design.
Phytophthora drechsleri in remote areas of southeast Alaska

Phytophthora drechsleri was recovered from remote, undisturbed muskeg and forested sites and from one more accessible area of native vegetation in southeast Alaska. Identity of 10 isolates was confirmed by morphology and behaviour as well as electrophoretic comparison of proteins with those of known isolates. Oospores formed when Alaska isolates were mated with an A2 isolate of P. drechsleri from California. Although recovered from soils and streams in forests dominated by declining Chamaecyparis nootkatensis , the fungus was not pathogenic to this tree species in inoculation tests. Its presence in this habitat and its limited pathogenicity suggest that P. drechsleri may be indigenous to the forests of northwestern North America.
Corresponding states correlation for the volumetric properties of compressed liquids and liquid mixtures

Abstract The pressure dependence of the volumes and isothermal compressibilities of many pure and mixed fluids are correlated with three parameters from the triple to the critical temperature at densities more than 1.5 times the critical. The fundamental phenomenon utilized is the existence for each substance of a density where the liquid reduced bulk modulus is independent of temperature. This appears to arise from both First and Second Law contributions. Such behavior is not observed in rigid body fluids, nor is it a natural consequence of van der Waals' Equation. Application to pure and mixed systems gives accuracies near those of experiment. The results seem relatively insensitive to two of the characteristics, the parameters appear to be group additive and mixing rules are successful for a one-fluid form of the correlation for solutions. Thus, the full volumetric properties of most subcritical liquids may be reliably predicted by a combination of this model and an accurate correlation for saturation densities.
Europa: Disk-Resolved Ultraviolet Measurements Using the Galileo Ultraviolet Spectrometer

Abstract The Galileo ultraviolet spectrometer has measured the first-ever disk-resolved spectral ultraviolet albedos of regions on Europa's trailing and antijovian hemispheres at spatial resolutions approaching 55 km. We find that the ultraviolet albedo (2400–3200 A) increases with distance from the trailing hemisphere apex (270° W). Regions close to 270° W display an absorption feature centered near 2800 A, which generally decreases with distance from the trailing hemisphere apex. These results substantiate the idea that magnetospheric bombardment darkens the surface of the entire trailing hemisphere and creates an absorber in the central portion of the trailing hemisphere. The absorption is related to sulfur, but is much darker than any laboratory spectra, likely due to the large grain size on Europa's trailing hemisphere. The disk-resolved observations, in combination with three disk-integrated observations, are used to derive the ultraviolet particle scattering function for Europa's trailing hemisphere.
Medial temporal lobe epilepsy: videotape analysis of objective clinical seizure characteristics

Summary: Purpose: The syndrome of temporal lobe epilepsy has been described in great detail. Here we focus specifically on the clinical manifestations of seizures originating in the hippocampus and surrounding mesial temporal structures. Methods: Seizure origin was confirmed in 67 cases by depth EEG recording and surgical cure after mesial temporal resection. Results: Among nonlateralized manifestations, we commonly found oral automatisms, pupillary dilatation, impaired consciousness, and generalized rigidity. Appendicular automatisms were often ipsilateral to the seizure focus, whereas dystonia and postictal hemiparesis were usually contralateral. Head deviation, when it occurred early in the seizure, was an ipsilateral finding, but was contralateral to the seizure focus when it occurred late. Clear Ictal speech and quick recovery were found when seizures originated in the non-language-dominant hemisphere, but postictal aphasia and prolonged recovery time were characteristic of seizure origin in the language-dominant hemisphere. Conclusions: These signs help to define the mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) syndrome and often provide information as to the side of seizure origin.
Some Biologic Actions of 16-Methylene Derivatives of Prednisolone and Cortisol in the Rat

The 16-methylene derivatives of cortisol and prednisolone (free alcohols) are shown to possess increased anti-inflammatory activity over their parent compounds as judged by the granuloma pouch technique in the rat. By oral administration, 16-methylene- prednisolone free alcohol is 5 times more potent than prednisolone free alcohol, while the potency is 2.5 for the corresponding acetates. Smaller estimates of relative potency are obtained by subcutaneous administration. By the liver glycogen deposition assay, 16-methylene-prednisolone is 7 times as potent as prednisolone. The 16-methylene derivative of prednisolone also is shown to possess moderate diuretic, natriuretic and kaliuretic properties in adrenalectomized rats. By comparison with published results, it is concluded that 16-methylene-prednisolone has the same order of activity as the corresponding 16α-methyl derivative.
False-negative anti-DNA antibody activity in infantile systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE)

A 2.5-month-old previously healthy female infant presented with serositis, nephrotic syndrome, progressive renal failure, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Renal biopsy revealed a proliferative glomerulonephritis with glomerular and extraglomerular deposits of IgG, IgM, C3, and Clq by direct immunofluorescence (IF) techniques. Skin biopsy was positive for IgG and C3 deposits in the dermal-epidermal junction by IF. Despite strong clinical and pathological criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), tests for antinuclear and anti-DNA antibodies were negative. Circulating immune complexes (CICs) were detected in three separate assay systems. Immunochemical analysis of isolated CICs showed that anti-DNA antibody was present. Analysis of kidney biopsy material by antigen-specific solubilization techniques showed antibodies reactive with ds-DNA in the kidney. These studies confirm that SLE may be a cause of the congenital nephrotic syndrome and that negative SLE serologies may be secondary to binding of available antibody by excess antigen. Analysis of CICs may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis of SLE in seronegative patients.
Development and application of stereo camera-based upper extremity workspace evaluation in patients with neuromuscular diseases.

Background The concept of reachable workspace is closely tied to upper limb joint range of motion and functional capability. Currently, no practical and cost-effective methods are available in clinical and research settings to provide arm-function evaluation using an individual’s three-dimensional (3D) reachable workspace. A method to intuitively display and effectively analyze reachable workspace would not only complement traditional upper limb functional assessments, but also provide an innovative approach to quantify and monitor upper limb function.
Social Control in an American Pacific Island Guam's Local Newspaper Reports on Liberation

Not much research has examined the social roles of local media in the Pacific Islands. In an attempt to fill this gap, this article critically analyzes news articles, opinion pieces, letters to the editor, and editorials printed in Guam’s local newspaper, the Pacific Daily News (PDN). The items were published between the 50th and 60th anniversaries (1994-2004) of the American liberation of Guam. My analysis revealed that the PDN downplayed a conflict between pro-American and prolocal ideological stances. It rallied behind American interests, and when it reported about the resistances of prolocal actors in news articles, it first reaffirmed the actors’ loyalty to the United States. This article concludes that the PDN served to hegemonically maintain Guam’s society as an unincorporated American territory.
THE ACTION OF EXTRACTS OF ANTERIOR PITUITARY AND OF PREGNANCY URINE ON THE TESTES OF IMMATURE RATS AND MONKEYS

Several score of papers dealing with the action of extracts of pregnancy urine and of the anterior pituitary on the male genital system bear witness to the attention which has been focused on this point since 1927. In our earlier work on the effect of implants (Smith and Engle), we noted that the distinct growth of the seminal vesicles of implanted animals demonstrated an activity of the interstitial cells, though morphological changes, were not directly observable on these cell bodies. These observations have been greatly extended by many investigators,1 who note varying degrees of hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the interstitial cells after treatment with extracts of anterior pituitary or pregnancy urine. With the exception of the report of Balawenetz (1930), no one has reported success in hastening the formation of spermatids or spermatozoa, in an immature male mammal, and it is generally agreed that, in the male at least, none of these gonad-stimulating factors are directly concerned with gametogenesis...
Large-scale transposon mutagenesis of Mycoplasma pulmonis

To obtain mutants for the study of the basic biology and pathogenic mechanisms of mycoplasmas, the insertion site of transposon Tn4001T was determined for 1700 members of a library of Mycoplasma pulmonis mutants. After evaluating several criteria for gene disruption, we concluded that 321 of the 782 protein coding regions were inactivated. The dispensable and essential genes of M. pulmonis were compared with those reported for Mycoplasma genitalium and Bacillus subtilis. Perhaps the most surprising result of the current study was that unlike other bacteria, ribosomal proteins S18 and L28 were dispensable. Carbohydrate transport and the susceptibility of selected mutants to UV irradiation were examined to assess whether active transposition of Tn4001T within the genome would confound phenotypic analysis. In contrast to earlier reports suggesting that mycoplasmas were limited in their DNA repair machinery, mutations in recA, uvrA, uvrB and uvrC resulted in a DNA-repair deficient phenotype. A mutant with a defect in transport of N-acetylglucosamine was identified.
Mechanisms for Rescue of Correctable Folding Defects in CFTRΔF508

Premature degradation of CFTRΔF508 causes cystic fibrosis (CF). CFTRΔF508 folding defects are conditional and folding correctors are being developed as CF therapeutics. How the cellular environment impacts CFTRΔF508 folding efficiency and the identity of CFTRΔF508's correctable folding defects is unclear. We report that inactivation of the RMA1 or CHIP ubiquitin ligase permits a pool of CFTRΔF508 to escape the endoplasmic reticulum. Combined RMA1 or CHIP inactivation and Corr-4a treatment enhanced CFTRΔF508 folding to 3–7-fold greater levels than those elicited by Corr-4a. Some, but not all, folding defects in CFTRΔF508 are correctable. CHIP and RMA1 recognize different regions of CFTR and a large pool of nascent CFTRΔF508 is ubiquitinated by RMA1 before Corr-4a action. RMA1 recognizes defects in CFTRΔF508 related to misassembly of a complex that contains MSD1, NBD1, and the R-domain. Corr-4a acts on CFTRΔF508 after MSD2 synthesis and was ineffective at rescue of ΔF508 dependent folding defects in amino-terminal regions. In contrast, misfolding caused by the rare CF-causing mutation V232D in MSD1 was highly correctable by Corr-4a. Overall, correction of folding defects recognized by RMA1 and/or global modulation of ER quality control has the potential to increase CFTRΔF508 folding and provide a therapeutic approach for CF.
Water Transport in Concrete Damaged by Tensile Loading and Freeze–Thaw Cycling

In service, concrete can develop cracks or microcracks that can influence the transport of liquids and ions. This paper describes an investigation of fluid transport in concrete damaged by tensile loading or freeze–thaw cycling. Acoustic emission was used to quantify the extent of damage in the specimens exposed to tensile loading while resonant frequency was used to quantify the extent of damage in the specimens exposed to freezing and thawing. Water absorption was measured in the damaged concrete. The presence of freeze–thaw damage increased both the initial sorptivity and total water absorption. Electrical conductivity was measured and found to increase in a bilinear fashion with freeze–thaw damage. A knee point in the electrical conductivity versus freeze–thaw damage curve was observed when the dynamic modulus degraded to 75% of its initial value, which appears to correspond with the coalescence of cracking. Mechanical loading was found to only increase water absorption on a local level, but it did not substantially influence the overall water absorption.
Trajectory design using collocation and genetic algorithms: Aircraft turning maneuver

This paper deals with the off-line numerical optimization of trajectories using a direct Hermite-Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto collocation technique. The optimal trajectory synthesis problem is converted to a constrained discrete parameter optimization problem. Since the resulting nonlinear programming problem (NLP) requires good initial guesses for the state and control input histories, a genetic algorithm (GA) with a shooting method is used to find a near-feasible, near-optimal initialization. The GA and HLGL framework is applied to a minimum-time turning maneuver for an aircraft.
Quantification of Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Delivery to a Target Site Using In Vivo Confocal Microscopy

The ability to deliver cells to appropriate target tissues is a prerequisite for successful cell-based therapy. To optimize cell therapy it is therefore necessary to develop a robust method of in vivo cell delivery quantification. Here we examine Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) labeled with a series of 4 membrane dyes from which we select the optimal dye combination for pair-wise comparisons of delivery to inflamed tissue in the mouse ear using confocal fluorescence imaging. The use of an optimized dye pair for simultaneous tracking of two cell populations in the same animal enables quantification of a test population that is referenced to an internal control population, thereby eliminating intra-subject variations and variations in injected cell numbers. Consistent results were obtained even when the administered cell number varied by more than an order of magnitude, demonstrating an ability to neutralize one of the largest sources of in vivo experimental error and to greatly reduce the number of cells required to evaluate cell delivery. With this method, we are able to show a small but significant increase in the delivery of cytokine pre-treated MSCs (TNF-a & IFN-c) compared to control MSCs. Our results suggest future directions for screening cell strategies using our in vivo cell delivery assay, which may be useful to develop methods to maximize cell therapeutic potential.
MARCKS-dependent mucin clearance and lipid metabolism in ependymal cells are required for maintenance of forebrain homeostasis during aging

Ependymal cells (ECs) form a barrier responsible for selective movement of fluids and molecules between the cerebrospinal fluid and the central nervous system. Here, we demonstrate that metabolic and barrier functions in ECs decline significantly during aging in mice. The longevity of these functions in part requires the expression of the myristoylated alanine-rich protein kinase C substrate (MARCKS). Both the expression levels and subcellular localization of MARCKS in ECs are markedly transformed during aging. Conditional deletion of MARCKS in ECs induces intracellular accumulation of mucins, elevated oxidative stress, and lipid droplet buildup. These alterations are concomitant with precocious disruption of ependymal barrier function, which results in the elevation of reactive astrocytes, microglia, and macrophages in the interstitial brain tissue of young mutant mice. Interestingly, similar alterations are observed during normal aging in ECs and the forebrain interstitium. Our findings constitute a conceptually new paradigm in the potential role of ECs in the initiation of various conditions and diseases in the aging brain.
School resource officers and the criminalization of student behavior

As school resource officer (SRO) programs continue to be widely implemented, there is concern that an increasing police presence at schools will “criminalize” student behavior by moving problematic students to the juvenile justice system rather than disciplining them at school. If true, this has serious implications for students and schools; yet research on this topic is limited and the discourse is often based on speculation or anecdotal evidence. To address this issue, this study evaluated the impact of SROs on school-based arrest rates by comparing arrests at thirteen schools with an SRO to fifteen schools without an SRO in the same district. Poisson and negative binomial regression models showed that having an SRO did not predict more total arrests, but did predict more arrests for disorderly conduct. Conversely, having an SRO decreased the arrest rate for assault and weapons charges. Implications of these findings for understanding SROs and their role in criminalizing student behavior are discussed.
Dynamics of hyporheic flow and heat transport across a bed‐to‐bank continuum in a large regulated river

Received 24 July 2010; revised 28 December 2010; accepted 11 January 2011; published 22 March 2011. [1] The lower Colorado River (LCR) near Austin, Texas is heavily regulated for hydropower generation. Daily water releases from a dam located 23 km upstream of our study site in the LCR caused the stage to uctuate by more than 1.5 m about a mean depth of 1.3 m. As a result, the river switches from gaining to losing over a dam storage-release cycle, driving exchange between river water and groundwater. We assessed the hydrologic impacts of this by simultaneous temperature and head monitoring across a bed-to-bank transect. River-groundwater exchange ux is largest close to the bank and decreases away from the bank. Correspondingly, both the depth of the hyporheic zone and the exchange time are largest close to the bank. Adjacent to the bank, the streambed head response is hysteretic, with the hysteresis disappearing with distance from the bank, indicating that transient bank storage affects the magnitude and direction of vertical exchange close to the bank. Pronounced changes in streambed temperature are observed down to a meter. When the river stage is high, which coincides with when the river is coldest, downward advection of heat from a previous cycles’ warm-water pulse warms the streambed. When the river is at its lowest stage but warmest temperature, upwelling groundwater cools the streambed. Future research should consider and focus on a more thorough understanding of the impacts of dam regulation on the hydrologic, thermal, biogeochemical, and ecologic dynamics of rivers and their hyporheic and riparian zones.
Characterization of venom (Duvernoy's secretion) from twelve species of colubrid snakes and partial sequence of four venom proteins.

R.E. Hill and S.P. Mackessy. Characterization of venom (Duvernoy's secretion) from twelve species of colubrid snakes and partial sequence of four venom proteins. Toxicon XX, xx-yy, 2000. - Venomous colubrids, which include more than 700 snake species worldwide, represent a vast potential source of novel biological compounds. The present study characterized venom (Duvernoy's gland secretion) collected from twelve species of opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) colubrid snakes, an extremely diverse assemblage of non-venomous to highly venomous snakes. Most venoms displayed proteolytic activity (casein), though activity levels varied considerably. Low phosphodiesterase activity was detected in several venoms (Amphiesma stolata, Diadophis punctatus, Heterodon nasicus kennerlyi, H. n. nasicus and Thamnophis elegans vagrans), and acetylcholinesterase was found in Boiga irregularis saliva and venom, but no venoms displayed hyaluronidase, thrombin-like or kallikrein-like activities. High phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activity was found in Trimorphodon biscutatus lambda venom, and moderate levels were detected in Boiga dendrophila and D. p. regalis venoms as well as B. dendrophila and H. n. nasicus salivas. Non-reducing SDS-PAGE revealed 7-20 protein bands (3.5 to over 200 kD, depending on species) for all venoms analyzed, and electrophoretic profiles of venoms were typically quite distinct from saliva profiles. Components from A. stolata, Hydrodynastes gigas, Tantilla nigriceps and T. e. vagrans venoms showed protease activity when run on gelatin zymogram gels. N-terminal protein sequences for three 26 kD venom components of three species (H. gigas, H. torquata, T. biscutatus) and one 3.5 kD component (T. nigriceps) were also obtained, and the 3.5 kD peptide showed apparent sequence homology with human vascular endothelial growth factor; these data represent the first sequences of colubrid venom components. Protease, phosphodiesterase and PLA(2) activities are also common to elapid and viperid snake venoms, but it is apparent that numerous other (as yet undescribed) components make up the majority of colubrid venom proteins. The complex nature of venoms produced by most species surveyed, and the high levels of protease or phospholipase A(2) activity of some venoms, suggest that many colubrids could become an important source of human health concern as encounters with these snakes increase.
Skid Resistance of Wet-Weather Accident Sites

A small-scale, wet-weather accident study was conducted in the years 1981 to 1983 as part of a wider study on pavement texture. The researchers were notified of wet-weather accident occurrences, and the skid resistance was measured as soon as possible after the accident, usually within one day, but never more than two days. During the study period, 79 such sites were tested, 21 of which had multiple accidents. All sites were tested with the ribbed and blank test tires. Similar tests were made on control sections within 1.6 km (1 mile) of the accident sites. These were selected to have geometric and traffic characteristics similar to those of the accident sites. As it turned out, the data base was too small to warrant definitive conclusions. Uncertainties about accident causation were reflected in the fact that the data from the control sites were not significantly different from those of the accident sites. The results, however, show a trend consistent with findings by other researchers. Skid resistance measured with the blank tire is not only lower than that measured with the ribbed tire, but is also better as a predictor of skidding accident potential. Wet-weather accident data from Florida were also analyzed, and the results reinforced this conclusion. The use of data from both the blank and the ribbed tire for pavement evaluation is recommended for future study.
A comparison of forest canopy height estimates derived from SRTM and TOPSAR in the Sierra Nevada of California

A study was conducted to determine the extent to which data from the 2000 Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) could be used to estimate vegetation canopy height in conjunction with an existing bald-Earth DEM provided by the National Elevation Dataset (NED). A densely forested study site with maximum canopy heights reaching 70+ m in the central Sierra Nevada of California was identified based on the availability of suitable field data from within the general mission timeframe. Preliminary work has been conducted to compare C-band SRTM and TOPSAR digital elevation products with canopy height estimates obtained from ground measurements. Results indicate that SRTM data can be successfully correlated via linear regression modeling with ground-measured metrics of vegetation canopy height including median, mean, and maximum height. Maximum canopy height was predicted from SRTM data with an RMSE of 4.9 meters when a minimum of 50 SRTM pixels w as available for averaging This study confirms previous findings, which suggest that after averaging a minimum of 20 SRTM-NED difference pixels to reduce phase noise errors, stable estimates of interferometric mean scattering phase center height can be extracted.
Hot Cognition or Cool Consideration? Testing the Effects of Motivated Reasoning on Political Decision Making

Researchers attempting to understand how citizens process political information have advanced motivated reasoning to explain the joint role of affect and cognition. The prominence of affect suggests that all social information processing is affectively charged and prone to biases. This article makes use of a unique data set collected using a dynamic information board experiment to test important effects of motivated reasoning. In particular, affective biases should cause citizens to take longer processing information incongruent with their existing affect and such biases should also direct search for new information about candidates. Somewhat perversely, motivated reasoners may actually increase their support of a positively evaluated candidate upon learning new negatively evaluated information. Findings are reported that support all of these expectations. Additional analysis shows that these affective biases may easily lead to lower quality decision making, leading to a direct challenge to the notion of ...
Constitutive model for stretch-induced softening of the stress?stretch behavior of elastomeric materials

Abstract Elastomeric materials experience stretch-induced softening as evidenced by a pre-stretched material exhibiting a significantly more compliant response than that of the virgin material. In this paper, we propose a fully three-dimensional constitutive model for the observed softening of the stress–strain behavior. The model adopts the Mullins and Tobin concept of an evolution in the underlying hard and soft domain microstructure whereby the effective volume fraction of the soft domain increases with stretch. The concept of amplified strain is then utilized in a mapping of the macroscopic deformation to the deformation experienced by the soft domain. The strain energy density function of the material is then determined from the strain energy of the soft domain and thus evolves as the volume fraction of soft domain evolves with deformation. Comparisons of model results for cyclic simple extension with the experimental data of Mullins and Tobin show the efficacy of the model and suggest that an evolution in the underlying soft/hard domain microstructure of the elastomer captures the fundamental features of stretch-induced softening. Model simulations of the cyclic stress–strain behavior and corresponding evolution in structure with strain for uniaxial tension, biaxial tension and plane strain tension are also presented and demonstrate three-dimensional features of the constitutive model.
High-frequency variation in Mycoplasma pulmonis colony size.

Abstract Heterogeneity in colony size of the murine pathogen Mycoplasma pulmonis was examined. Subcloning experiments showed that colony size variation resulted from high-frequency genetic changes. About 3% of the colonies from any given subclone were variants, with as much as a fourfold change in colony diameter. When the variants were propagated in liquid broth, their doubling times in logarithmic growth phase reflected the colony sizes obtained on agar. Colony size variation correlated with changes in the electrophoretic properties of the V-1 surface antigen.
Water entry of spinning spheres

The complex hydrodynamics of water entry by a spinning sphere are investigated experimentally for low Froude numbers. Standard billiard balls are shot down at the free surface with controlled spin around one horizontal axis. High-speed digital video sequences reveal unique hydrodynamic phenomena which vary with spin rate and impact velocity. As anticipated, the spinning motion induces a lift force on the sphere and thus causes significant curvature in the trajectory of the object along its descent, similar to a curveball pitch in baseball. However, the splash and cavity dynamics are highly altered for the spinning case compared to impact of a sphere without spin. As spin rate increases, the splash curtain and cavity form and collapse asymmetrically with a persistent wedge of fluid emerging across the centre of the cavity. The wedge is formed as the sphere drags fluid along the surface, due to the no-slip condition; the wedge crosses the cavity in the same time it takes the sphere to rotate one-half a revolution. The spin rate relaxation time plateaus to a constant for tangential velocities above half the translational velocity of the sphere. Non-dimensional time to pinch off scales with Froude number as does the depth of pinch-off; however, a clear mass ratio dependence is noted in the depth to pinch off data. A force model is used to evaluate the lift and drag forces on the sphere after impact; resulting forces follow similar trends to those found for spinning spheres in oncoming flow, but are altered as a result of the subsurface air cavity. Images of the cavity and splash evolution, as well as force data, are presented for a range of spin rates and impact speeds; the influence of sphere density and diameter are also considered.
Transformer magnetizing inrush currents and influence on system operation

When a transformer is energized, a transient current, known as magnetizing inrush current, generally flows for a short period of time until normal flux conditions are established. Under most practical system conditions, this current transient is of little consequence. However, in very rare cases a combination of circumstances may be obtained which results in this inrush being of such consequence as to impair momentarily the proper operation of the system. Because of the numerous faetors bearing upon this general problem, an investigation has been made to determine the effects of transformer inrush currents under a wide variety of system conditions. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss the mechanism by which inrush currents are produced, the results of tests and calculations, and studies made with the miniature-system analyzer. Factors that determine the significance, of inrush current from the standpoint of system operation and methods for reducing the inrush current or mitigating its effects are also discussed.
Autologous, cadaveric, and synthetic materials used in sling surgery: comparative biomechanical analysis.

Objectives. To compare the biomechanical properties of allografts, autografts, and synthetic materials used in sling surgery using the Instron tensinometer. Methods. The sling grafts we studied consisted of autologous tissues (dermis, rectus fascia, and vaginal mucosa), cadaver tissues (decellularized dermis and freeze-dried, gamma-irradiated fascia lata), and synthetics (Gore-Tex and polypropylene mesh). The sling grafts were constructed into two types of slings: full strip sling (FSS) versus patch suture sling (PSS). The slings were loaded onto the Instron tensinometer and uniaxially loaded in tension until failure. From the load deformation curve, the mechanical properties of the sling grafts were compared. Results. A total of 140 sling grafts were analyzed. In rank order for the FSSs, cadaver allografts had the strongest tensile strength followed by the synthetics and autologous tissues (P <0.05). The tensile strength of the FSSs was greater than for the PSSs for all groups (P ≤0.001). In rank order for the PSSs, the synthetics and dermal tissues (autograft and allograft) had the highest tensile strength followed by cadaver fascia lata, rectus fascia, and vaginal mucosa (P <0.05). Conclusions. The tensile strength of the FSS was greater than that of the PSS for the autograft, allograft, and synthetic tissues. The autograft and allograft tissues were significantly weaker as a PSS. The synthetics were more durable as a PSS compared with the organic tissues. When a PSS is constructed from autograft and allograft tissues, the risk of suture pull-through and recurrent stress incontinence must be considered.
Effect of Bt Corn Expressing the Cry3Bb1 Toxin for Corn Rootworm Control on Aboveground Nontarget Arthropods

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a major pest of corn in Kansas. Planting Bt corn hybrids resistant to this pest is being tested for control of the larval stage of corn rootworms. These hybrids express the Cry3Bb1 toxin and are expected to only directly impact chrysomelids and possibly related taxa. A 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Bt corn expressing the Cry3Bb1 toxin on foliar and ground-dwelling nontarget arthropods in Kansas. Visual inspections of adult and immature Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), Orius insidiosus (Say), Hippodamia convergens Gurin-Meneville, and Scymnus spp. occurring in Bt corn and its isoline were made at eight locations in Kansas in 2000 and three locations in 2001. Pitfall traps were installed at three locations in 2000 and two locations in 2001 to collect ground-dwelling arthropods in Bt corn and its isoline. In general, no significant differences in numbers of C. maculata, O. insidiosus, H. convergens, and Scymnus spp. were detected between Bt corn and its non-Bt isoline. There were also no significant differences in number of insects collected in pitfall traps installed in plots of Bt corn and its isoline. Bt corn for corn rootworm control had no deleterious effects on beneficial and other nontarget arthropods sampled in this study.
Time-Dependent Tearing of Carbon Black-Filled and Strain Crystallizing Vulcanizates

Abstract 1. Unstable tearing can be minimized and tear-tip diameter held reasonably constant for carbon black-filled and strain-crystallizing vulcanizates using a constrained trouser tear testpiece first suggested by Gent and Henry. In the absence of these complicating features, the tear energy has been shown to be thermo-rheologically simple, readily lending itself to time-temperature superposition over a broad range of temperatures and rates. 2. Shift factors used to superpose tear energy data at different temperatures for both filled and unfilled SBR also superposed small deformation stress-relaxation data. This result did not hold for the NR formulations tested, indicating that the temperature dependency of the principal viscoelastic process is different for these properties. Evidence of this was observed in the thermal expansion coefficient, a, derived from the WLF coefficients, which increased by a factor of 10 for tear energy data. It is concluded that even with the tear path constrained, strain-in...
Unpacking the "Black Box" of Social Programs and Policies: Introduction.

Traditionally, evaluation has primarily tried to answer the question “Does a program, service, or policy work?” Recently, more attention is given to questions about variation in program effects and...
Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells Using Stiffness-Based Filtration Platform

Analysis of isolated cancer cells in circulation is proven to help determine the success of the cancer treatment and understand the genetic signature of cancer disease. Scarcity of these cells in blood circulation (1–10 CTC in 1ml blood) however, makes the isolation process extremely challenging. Ever improving CTC isolation methods fall into two main categories: 1.Immunomagnetic separation based on antibody binding to tumor specific biomarkers expressed on the cell 2. Physical separation based on the size of the CTCs. Efficiency in cell isolation is still low in these techniques due to the variation in expression level of tumor specific antigens and tumor cell size. Therefore, tumor cell isolation strategies using new CTC biomarkers must be explored.In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using mechanical stiffness difference in order to detect and isolate the circulating tumor cells from the blood cells. AFM nanindentation experiments revealed that cancer cells are significantly softer than the surrounding white blood cells and therefore, stiffness can be used as a biomarker for CTC isolation. In addition, finite element analysis simulations have shown that CTC isolation can be performed at high efficiency using stiffness-based isolation. Therefore, stiffness based isolation has a potential to achieve fast, label-free isolation of CTCs at high efficiency for clinical applications.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The clinical relevance of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor hypersusceptibility: a prospective cohort analysis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical significance of hypersusceptibility to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI). DESIGN Analysis of a prospective clinical trial cohort. PATIENTS NNRTI-naive patients failing a stable antiretroviral regimen. MEASUREMENTS HIV phenotype, HIV RNA, and CD4 cell counts were prospectively collected after patients changed to a new regimen. Hypersusceptibility to NNRTI was defined as a fold-change (FC) in IC50 (inhibitory concentration of 50%) of < 0.4. RESULTS The 177 patients had a mean HIV RNA of 4.1 log10 copies/ml, CD4 cell count of 322 x 10(6) cells/l and 41 months of prior antiretroviral treatment. Hypersusceptibility to one or more NNRTI was present in 29%. Both longer duration and reduced susceptibility to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were associated with efavirenz hypersusceptibility (P < 0.05). NNRTI-containing regimens were initiated in 106 patients at baseline. The mean change in log HIV RNA after 6 months was greater for patients with hypersusceptibility (-1.2 log10 copies/ml; n = 21) than in patients without (-0.8 log10 copies/ml; n = 77) (P = 0.016). Differences persisted to month 12 (P = 0.023). Multiple linear regression models confirmed that hypersusceptibility to NNRTI was a significant independent predictor of the magnitude of early (months 1-4) HIV RNA reduction, after accounting for the baseline HIV RNA and the number of drugs to which the patient's virus was susceptible (P < 0.02). CD4 cell increases (months 4-10) were 28- 60 x 10(6) cells/l greater in patients with hypersusceptible virus (P < or = 0.1). CONCLUSION NNRTI hypersusceptibility occurred in more than 20% of nucleoside-experienced patients and was associated with greater reduction of HIV RNA and increase in CD4 cells.
Evolution of Resistance to Insecticides: A Cage Study on the Influence of Migration and Insecticide Decay Rates

Computer simulations have shown that evolution of resistance to insecticides can sometimes be controlled when heavy doses of short-lived insecticides are used in the presence of a small influx of susceptible immigrants. These predictions were tested with caged populations of Musca domestica L. exposed to dieldrin. The fit between the predicted and observed course of evolution was generally good. Resistance evolved faster with a slowly decaying than with a rapidly decaying pesticide.
The status and role of China in the international ADR monitoring

S: Drug safety problem is a global focus. ADR monitoring is an important method on finding drug safety problems. On the base of worldwide perspective, How to play the international role of ADR monitoring in China will be discussed in this article.
Investigation on the status of clinical infection and environmental contamination by legionall in Shanghai

Objective] To find out the circumstances of clinical infection and environmental contamination by Legionellae in Shanghai. [Method] Legionall was tested for in 1113 samples from suspected clinical patients, normal population and environmental water by the improved technique during 1990～1999 in Shanghai. [Results] The incidence of Legionall infection was about 34.2%; the rate of environmental contamination was about 31.2%. [Conclusion] The status of Legionall infection and environmental contamination in Shanghai is very critical, great effort should be put for it.