cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Poling study of electro-optic polymers in silicon slot waveguides

Silicon slot waveguide based Mach Zender interferometric modulators were built with electro-optic (EO) polymers in the slot as the modulated media. In order to enhance the macroscopic electro-optic effect in the polymers the molecules that provide the large polarizability need to be aligned prior to operation to match the direction of the applied modulating field. This aligning process, also called as poling process, is difficult in the slot waveguide modulators due to the unique structure and small dimensionality of the slots in the waveguides. While hybrid silicon-EO polymer modulators have been demonstrated with ultra low drive voltage, the polymer EO activity was low compared to thin film performances. We compared alternatives to enhance the poling field over the electro optic polymer and concluded that the well known surface states in silicon affect the conductivity of silicon significantly when thin silicon is used as poling electrode. A solution to this negative effect was attempted by passivating the surface with a 5 nm thin TiO2 conforming atomic layer deposition over the silicon prior to spin casting and poling the EO polymers. We achieved a factor of 2 enhancement in the polymer's electro optic activity after poling as a result and achieved a low 0.52 V*cm voltage length product in the MZ modulator we built with this technique.
Recognition of neutral species with synthetic receptors

The design of synthetic receptors for neutral molecules is an area of intense current interest. The area has grown from early work on cyclodextrin or single crown ether complexation to encompass a wide array of receptor shapes and structures. Furthermore, the range of substrate selectivities has increased from simple aromatic or metal ion substrates to include key biological components such as peptides and carbohydrates. Recent advances have included the application of split bead combinatorial methods for the identification of receptors for oligopeptides, the design of self-assembling spherical receptors, the use of multiple hydrogen bonding groups for carboxylic acid and carbohydrate recognition and the achievement of impressive catalytic effects with synthetic receptors.
A computer system for neurosurgical patient monitoring

The variables monitored in intensive care units are generally late indicators of neurologic deterioration. A system based on a LINC-8 computer was therefore developed for on-line monitoring of evoked potentials, electroencephalography (EEG), and transcranial and transthoracic impedances as well as conventional parameters. Somatosensory evoked potentials are recorded at either 30 min or 1 h intervals. One minute epochs of EEG are analyzed every 10 min using a peak-detection algorithm. Impedances and conventional parameters are also monitored at 10 min intervals. In a study of 50 patients, the technical feasibility of this type of monitoring with a small laboratory computer has been demonstrated. In some instances, evoked potentials and EEG show changes prior to detectable neurologic changes. The study suggests that this type of monitoring can provide a valuable adjunct for evaluation of physiologic function in neurosurgical intensive care.
HATI: Hardware Assisted Thread Isolation for Concurrent C/C++ Programs

On a resource-sharing platform, running software subcomponents in isolation is critical to protect user's privacy and data security. In client-server applications, thread isolation is required to prevent private data that only belongs to certain threads from being read or modified by other unauthorized threads running in the same address space. However, the current programming languages (C/C++) and compilers do not provide such support for multi-threaded programs. In this paper, we propose HATI, a hardware assisted thread isolation approach. Different from software approaches, where both data access right setting and run-time monitoring of data objects access are embedded in applications and therefore result in significant dynamic memory usage and performance degradation, HATI leverages on-chip hardware modules to reduce the run-time validation time. It introduces much smaller memory overhead and very low performance degradation.
High-resolution separation of molybdate-stabilized progestin receptors using high-performance liquid chromatography

Molecular heterogeneity of the human uterine progestin receptor was investigated employing sucrose density gradient centrifugation and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in size-exclusion (HPSEC), ion-exchange (HPIEC) and chromatofocusing (HPCF) modes. Synthetic progestomimetic ligands, [3H]R5020 and [3H]ORG-2058, were used to identify these receptors. Rapid centrifugation with a vertical tube rotor showed both 8-9 S and 4-5 S receptor species in the presence of 10 mM sodium molybdate with a 90-96% recovery. [3H]R5020 displayed greater nonspecific binding than [3H]ORG-2058. When separated receptor preparations were labeled, each with a different ligand, mixed and separated on optimized gradients, at least two receptor isoforms were identified in the components sedimenting at 8-9 S. HPSEC confirmed the presence of receptor isoforms displaying different molecular size and shape dependent upon the progestin ligand used. When the surface charge properties were examined by HPIEC using AX-1000, two distinct species were observed irrespective of the radioactive ligand. The first peak appeared in the void volume similar to the position of free steroid, indicating the possibility of ligand stripping by the column. The second peak bound steroid specifically and eluted with 100 mM phosphate. If either 8-S or 4-S progestin receptors were first separated by gradient centrifugation then by HPIEC, both receptor isoforms eluted with 60 mM phosphate. Re-chromatography of these on HPIEC also gave the isoform eluting at 60 mM phosphate. HPCF of ligand-bound receptors on AX-500 columns also identified one isoform eluting at pH 5.6-6.1. Using a combination of HPLC techniques and sucrose gradient centrifugation, heterogeneity of the progestin receptor has been demonstrated.
Distributed algorithm for node localization in wireless ad-hoc networks

We present a distributed algorithm for node localization based on the Gauss-Newton method. In this algorithm, each node updates its own location estimate using the pairwise distance measurements and the local information it receives from the neighboring nodes. Once the location estimate is updated, the sensor node broadcasts the updated estimate to all the neighboring nodes. A distributed and scalable local scheduling algorithm for updating nodes in the network is presented to avoid the use of the global coordinator or a routing loop. We analytically show that the proposed distributed algorithm converges under certain practical assumptions of the network. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated using both simulation and experimental results. Quantitative comparisons among different distributed algorithms are also presented.
Knowledge-assisted document retrieval. II: The retrieval process

This article presents our conceptual model of the retrieval process of a document-retrieval system. The retrieval mechanism input is an unambiguous intermediate form of a user query generated by the language processor using the method described previously. Our retrieval mechanism uses a two-step procedure. In the first step a list of documents pertinent to the query are obtained from the document database, and then an evidence-combination scheme is used to compute the degree of support between the query and individual documents. The second step uses a ranking procedure to obtain a final degree of support for each document chosen, as a function of individual degrees of support associated with one or more parts of the query. The end result is a set of document citations presented to the user in ranked order in response to the information request. Numerical examples are given to illustrate various facets of the overall system, which has been prototypically implemented in modular form to test system response to changes in model parameters. © 1987 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Automatic inference of optimizer flow functions from semantic meanings

Previous work presented a language called Rhodium for writing program analyses and transformations, in the form of declarative flow functions that propagate instances of user-defined dataflow fact schemas. Each dataflow fact schema specifies a semantic meaning, which allows the Rhodium system to automatically verify the correctness of the user's flow functions. In this work, we have reversed the roles of the flow functions and semantic meanings: rather than checking the correctness of the user-written flow functions using the facts' semantic meanings, we automatically infer correct flow functions solely from the meanings of the dataflow fact schemas. We have implemented our algorithm for inferring flow functions from fact schemas in the context of the Whirlwind compiler, and have used this implementation to infer flow functions for a variety of fact schemas. The automatically generated flow functions cover most of the situations covered by an earlier suite of handwritten rules.
Caffeine withdrawal, acute effects, tolerance, and absence of net beneficial effects of chronic administration: cerebral blood flow velocity, quantitative EEG, and subjective effects

Rationale Although the subjective effects of caffeine abstinence, acute and chronic administration, and tolerance are well described, the corresponding neurophysiological effects are not.
The giant spiral

Cocycles ofZm actions on compact metric spaces provide a means for constructingRm actions or flows, called suspension flows. It is known that allRm flows with a free dense orbit have an almost one-to-one extension which is a suspension flow. Whenm=1, examples of cocycles are easy to construct; there is a one-to-one correspondence between cocycles and real valued continuous functions. However, whenm>1 the construction of examples of cocycles becomes more problematic. The only existing class of examples, the close to linear cocycles, have strong linearity properties and are well understood. In fact, when theZm action is uniquely ergodic, all cocycles are close to linear. We will show that in general this need not be the case. We present a method, suggested to us by Hillel Furstenberg, for constructing examples of cocycles whenm>1 and use this method to construct a non close to linear cocycle on a minimalZ2 action.
Impact of simulated acid rains on nitrogenase activity in Peltigera aphthosa and P. polydactyla

Two ubiquitous diazotrophic North American lichens, Peltigera aphthosa and P. polydaclyla , were subjected to simulated acid rain. Both lichens exhibited a 50% reduction in nitrogen fixation at pH 5, 80% reduction at pH 4 and complete inhibition at pH 2. Nitrogen fixation was zero after 20 days exposure to simulated rain at pH 3 and zero after fourdays at pH 2.
Multiple Personalities, Multiple Disorders: Psychiatric Classification and Media Influence

This text explores the validation of MPD as a psychiatric diagnosis. It provides a detailed review of the current state of knowledge of the disorder, including its clinical description, comorbidity and delineation from other psychiatric disorders, patterns, biological studies and longterm outcome. In addition, it gives an account of the disorder's portrayal in popular books and films.
Use of the spectral method for two- and three-dimensional guiding center plasmas

Abstract The spectral method is shortly reviewed and then applied to equations of two- and three-dimensional guiding center plasmas. Some linear and nonlinear phenomena have been studied. It is shown that the spectral method can be used on a wide range of problems.
Endovascular Management of a Mobile Thoracic Aortic Thrombus Following Recurrent Distal Thromboembolism A Case Report and Literature Review

Sources of lower extremity and visceral arterial thromboembolism most commonly include the heart and proximal aneurysmal disease. Infrequently, further workup of "cryptogenic" emboli will reveal a mural atheroma or thrombus of the descending thoracic aorta. Without prospective data, anticoagulation and open surgical thrombectomy with or without aortic replacement have been the standard approach. Presented is a case of a floating mural thrombus in the setting of superior mesenteric and femoral arterial thromboembolism that was effectively treated with endovascular stent graft exclusion.
Phoneme independent HMM voice conversion

This paper presents a voice conversion algorithm based on Hidden Markov Models that does not requires explicit phonetic labeling of the input speech. Additionally, the proposed voice conversion algorithm also uses an excitation estimation algorithm previously presented by the authors to achieve higher speech quality without compromising speaker identity conversion. The performance of the proposed algorithm was compared, using listening tests, with the performance of a recent voice conversion algorithm based on HMM but requiring phonetic labeling. The proposed algorithm was found to achieve equivalent identity conversion scores while improving the perceived quality of the converted speech. Thus, the proposed algorithm was found as a viable alternative for conversion applications where phonetic labeling is not practical.
Improved production of recombinant fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7/KGF) from bacteria in high magnesium chloride

Because of specificity for both heparin/heparan sulfate and the receptor complex on epithelial cells relative to other fibroblast growth factor (FGF) homologues, there is considerable interest in clinical and commercial applications of FGF7 (also called keratinocyte growth factor or KGF) that require large quantities at reasonable cost. Production of recombinant FGF7 from bacteria suffers from lower yields and recovery relative to FGF1 and FGF2. Fusion of FGF7 at the N-terminus with glutathione-S-transferase (GST) followed by removal of GST by proteolysis while bound to natural ligand heparin improved the intrinsically low yields from Escherichia coli hosts to 3.2 mg per liter per OD(600), which was still only 10% of that for FGF1. Yield of the GST-FGF7 fusion product was improved to about 17 mg per liter per OD(600) in strain BL21(DE3)pLysS by inclusion of 10-100mM magnesium chloride (MgCl(2)) in the culture medium. This improved by about five times the yields of fully active 54ser-FGF7 after proteolytic excision of the GST portion from GST-FGF7 immobilized on heparin-Sepharose. This simple enhancement improves the cost-effectiveness of production of recombinant FGF7 in bacteria for clinical and commercial applications.
Packaging and deployment strategies for synthetic aperture radar membrane antenna arrays

The performance of spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is limited by the size and therefore the areal density of the antenna array. Conventional arrays consist of radiating elements mounted on hinged panels that are relatively heavy. In order to produce larger arrays capable of operating at higher altitudes, or to support comparable SAR payloads on smaller spacecraft, a lighter structure such as one using membranes must be used. Membrane antenna arrays have been developed, but deployment remains a challenge. This paper describes possible techniques to package and deploy membrane structures that can support these antenna arrays.
TRANSLOCATION OF APPLIED GIBBERELLIN IN BEAN SEEDLINGS

The direction and extent of GA transport in Pinto beans has been studied. The increase in growth rate was used as a measure cf the amount of GA which reached the stem apex. The evidence showed that a similar increase in stem growth occurred whether GA was applied to the first trifoliolate leaf or to the apex of the shoot, but considerably less elongation resulted when GA was applied to primary leaves. When leaves were treated with GA after remaining in darkness for extended times, no increase in stem elongation was observed; however, growth was promoted when the plants were returned to light. The time required for a sufficient amount of GA to be translocated from the leaf to increase stem growth is less than 1 hour. The maximum growth response was found when the treated leaf was left on the plant for 3 or more hours. A study of GA movement in two-branched plants was made. The untreated branch showed no growth response when GA was applied to the apex of the other branch, even if the dose of GA was 20 X greater than a saturating dose. Similar results were observed when GA was applied to the first trifoliolate leaf. Considerable GA moved from a mature leaf to the opposite shoot if this untreated branch had been defoliated. The pattern of GA movement to the opposite shoot was dependent on the position of the treated leaf on the shoot. It is concluded that the movement of applied GA is related to carbohydrate transport within the plant.
15 FERTILITY LEVELS IN EWES TREATED WITH MEDROXIPROGESTERONE ACETATE OR FLUOROGESTONE ACETATE SPONGES PLUS EQUINE CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN IN DIFFERENT PHASES OF THE OESTRUS CYCLE

Commercial programs of estrus synchronization in ewes are performed with intravaginal sponges impregnated with synthetic progestagens such as medroxiprogesterone acetate (MAP) or fluorogestone acetate (FGA). Normally, sponges are placed deep into the vagina in cyclic females at different points in the estrus cycle. The aim of the present study was to compare fertility levels in ewes with estrus synchronized by using commercial sponges impregnated with either 60 mg of MAP (eMAP) or 30 mg of FGA (eFGA), placed during the follicular or luteal phase of the estrus cycle, plus eCG. A total of 273 sexually mature Merino ewes belonging to the same herd, aged between 2.5 and 5.5 years and clinically healthy, were scanned by transrectal ultrasonography with an 8-MHz probe (Aquila, Esaote-Pie Medical, Maastricht, The Netherlands) to visualize the ovarian status in the reproductive season. Ovaries without CL and follicles ≥4 mm were considered in the follicular phase, whereas ovaries with CL and follicles ≤4 mm were considered in the luteal phase. Thus, estrus synchronization was performed in 134 ewes treated with eMAP (Sincrogest, Ovejero Lab, Spain), of which 40 were in the follicular phase and 94 were in the luteal phase. In contrast, 139 ewes were treated with eFGA (Sincropart, CEVA Lab, Barcelona, Spain), of which 42 were in the follicular phase and 97 were in the luteal phase. Sponges were removed in all females after 12 days and 500 IU of eCG (Serigan, Ovejero Lab, Leon, Spain) was given. Ewes were then placed jointly with rams, at a ratio of 5 to 1, until no signs of mount were detected. Twenty-five days after the withdrawal of males, pregnancy rates were determined by transrectal ultrasonography with an 8-MHz probe. Fertility levels of synchronized estrus with the eMAP or eFGA sponges during the follicular or luteal phase are expressed as a proportion of ewes and were analyzed by a chi-square Pearson analysis. Significance was set at a level of P < 0.05. After ultrasound scanning of the initial 273 ewes, 30.04% were considered to be in the follicular phase, whereas 69.96% were in the luteal phase of the estrus cycle. Pregnancy rate for eMAP-treated ewes during the follicular phase was 67.50% and was 69.14% for treatments during the luteal phase. In addition, for ewes treated with eFGA, pregnancy rate was 73.80% during the follicular phase and 73.19% during the luteal phase. No significant differences were found in pregnancy rates for either eMAP- or eFGA-treated ewes during the follicular or luteal phase of the estrus cycle. In conclusion, these results suggest that during the breeding season, fertility levels were not affected in ewes whose estrus was synchronized with intravaginal sponges impregnated with MAP or FGA. In addition, pregnancy rates were not affected when the synchronization treatments began during the follicular or luteal phase of the estrus cycle.
Alterations in the Synthesis of a Fibroblast Surface Associated 35 K Protein Modulates the Binding of Somatomedin-C/lnsulin-Like Growth Factor I*

Human fibroblasts, a cell type that is used extensively to determine the pleiotypic effects of the insulin-like growth factors, have been shown to secrete a 35K protein that binds somatomedin-C/insulin-like growth factor I (Sm-C/IGF-I) but not insulin. This 35 K protein is associated with the fibroblast surface and following transfer to the surface of cell types that do not have this protein on their surfaces, it alters the binding of radiolabeled Sm-C/IGF-I. In this study human fibroblast monolayers that were incubated with cyclohexamide (50μg/ml) for 14 h at 37 C had no detectable 35 K protein on their cell surface, but type I Sm-C/IGF-I receptors were still present. Loss of the 35 K protein was associated with 60-70% increase in binding of Sm-C/IGF-I to type I receptors. The relative affinity of the type I receptor for Sm-C/IGF-I was apparently increased because unlabeled Sm-C/IGF-I (12 ng/ml) competitively displaced 63% of radiolabeled Sm-C/IGF-I after cycloheximide exposure, whereas in culturesnot ex...
Electron Microscopy of Embryonic Avian Tissues.

SummaryAn easy and satisfactory method of obtaining embryonic avian tissues for electron microscopy has been described. A variety of detailed cellular structure has been observed and illustrated.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Cryogenic Treatment on the Performance of Electro Discharge Machining

Cryogenic treatment is a heat treatment process in which the specimen is subjected to an extremely low temperature of the order of −300° F and below, to cause beneficial changes in the material properties. The advantages of cryogenic treatment include relieved residual stresses, and better electrical properties. Electro discharge machining (EDM) is a well known nontraditional machining process in which electrical energy is converted to thermal energy to remove material by melting and evaporation from electrically conductive materials. The process performance of EDM is affected by several factors including the material properties. In this study, the effect of cryogenic treatment on the performance of EDM is investigated experimentally. Copper tool electrodes were subjected to two different treatment methods, namely cold treatment (around −150° F) and deep cryogenic treatment (around −300° F). Using these electrodes, experiments were conducted to study the effect of various process parameters. Significant improvement in material removal rate was observed for EDM with cryogenically treated tools. However, their effect on tool wear is only marginal.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A novel substance P binding site in rat brain regions modulates TRH receptor binding

Binding sites for thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) were labelled with [3H](2-Me-His3)TRH ([3H]MeTRH) on membranes from rat brain regions at 0°C for 5 h. Amygdaloid membranes bound [3H]MeTRH with high-affinity (Kd=3.1±0.5 nM (n=4)). Five TRH analogs competed for this binding with the same rank order and with affinities that matched the pharmacological specificity of pituitary TRH receptors. Substance P (SP) and its C-terminal fragments reduced amygdaloid TRH receptor binding in a concentration dependent manner (IC50 for SP=65 μM). The rank order of potency of SP analogs at inhibiting TRH receptor binding was: SP>nonapeptide (3–11)>hexapeptide (6–11)>heptapeptide (5–11)>pentapeptide (7–11). However, other tachykinins were inactive in this system. SP was a potent inhibitor of [3H]MeTRH binding in hippocampus> spinal cord>retina>n. accumbens>hypothalamus>amygdaloid>olfactory bulb ≥pituitary>pons/medulla in parallel assays. In amygdaloid membranes SP (50 μM) reduced the apparent maximum receptor density by 39% (p<0.01) without altering the binding affinity, and 100 μM SP induced a biphasic dissociation of [3H]MeTRH with kinetics faster than those induced by both TRH (10 μM) and serotonin (100 μM). In contrast, other neuropeptides such as neurotensin, proctolin, angiotensin II, bombesin and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone did not significantly inhibit [3H]MeTRH binding to amydaloid membranes. Thus, the SP site with low affinity in the rat brain is not like any of the previously described tachykinin/neurokinin binding sites but resembles the site found on neuroblastoma cells (108CC15) and on adrenal chromaffin cells that modulate cation permeability and nicotinic receptors respectively. The physiological role of these atypical SP sites in the rat brain remains to be determined.
Non-greedy adaptive compressive imaging: A face recognition example

We present a non-greedy adaptive compressive measurement design for application to an M-class recognition task. Unlike a greedy strategy which sequentially optimizes the immediate performance conditioned on previous measurement, a non-greedy adaptive design determines the optimal measurement vector by maximizing the expected final performance. Gaussian class conditional densities are used to model the variety of object realization for each hypothesis. The simulation results demonstrate that non-greedy adaptive design significantly reduces the probability of recognition error from greedy adaptive and various static measurement designs by 22% and 33%, respectively.
Differentiation of Bacillus endospore species from fatty acid methyl ester biomarkers

A simple method to detect and differentiate Bacillus anthracis (BA), Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), Bacillus atrophaeus (BG), and Bacillus cereus (BC) endospores using biomarker compounds, including dipicolinic acid methyl ester (DPAME) and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), has been developed. The method is based on thermochemolysis methylation (TCM) of the endospores and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the reaction products. A suspension of the sample mixed with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) in methanol (MeOH) at room temperature is sampled using a coiled wire filament (CWF) device, which consists of a tiny platinum helical wire coil attached to a retractable plunger that moves the coil in and out of a syringe needle housing. Sampling is accomplished by dipping the CWF in an endospore sample suspension, evaporating the suspension liquid, and then introducing the CWF into the injection port. While DPAME can be used for the general detection of endospores, specific saturated and unsaturated C15, C16, and C17 fatty acid methyl esters provide additional information for differentiating various Bacillus species grown at different temperatures and in different media. DPAME could be detected in samples containing as few as 6000 endospores, and the GC-MS peak area percent reproducibility for FAMEs varied from 3 to 13% (RSD). Better than 97% correct predictability of Bacillus species identity was obtained from a blind experiment consisting of 145 samples.
Hot Electron Phenomena in Transport Across Metal-Semiconductor Structures

Ballistic Electron Emission Microscopy (BEEM) is shown to be a versatile spectroscopic tool to investigate scattering phenomena of energetic electrons. Two examples are given for obtaining numerical values of scattering parameters. Thus the elastic and inelastic mean free paths are deduced from model fits to attenuation data for thin Pd films deposited on Si(111) and Si(100) substrates. In the second example, the quantum yield for electron-hole pair production through impact ionization of hot carriers injected into Si(111) is directly measured over an energy range from 1-7 eV.
Establishing an epistemological base for science teaching in the light of contemporary notions of the nature of science and of how children learn science

The quality of science education is a pervasive concern in educational improvement efforts. This article examines two aspects of science education that have been identified as being of concern: Is the material presented in science classrooms representative of science “as it really is” and, secondly, what is the bearing of notions of “children's science” on curriculum reform? A review of the literature in both areas shows that educational theory has, so far, had little effect on classroom practice. An attempt is made to synthesize contemporary views on the tentative nature of science with a generative model of learning in science in order to establish a common epistemological base which could be used as a template for curriculum reform efforts.
The Roots and Routes of Urban Renewal

This synthetic essay offers a new look at the origins of the ideas that underpinned urban renewal. Recent accounts separate policy history from the cultural influence of modernism in planning and architecture to show how real estate interests and urban planners co-opted the reform energies and social idealism of the modern housing movement and brought private capital downtown. However, understanding the full history of urban renewal requires showing how it was shaped as both policy and idea. This essay traces the intertwined history of campaigns for both slum clearance and modern housing to show how the motives of planning, profit, and reform idealism combined to form both a modernist “ethic of city rebuilding” and an aggressive program for ridding the city of “blight” and restoring property values. Urban renewal was indebted to both, and a full accounting of its history should reveal the tense and productive relations between the two.
DDVP residues in air following application to a tobacco-storage warehouse

A 10% solution of DDVP was sprayed until a total volume of 20.9 liters of the solution had been released into the air in a tobacco-storage warehouse. Air samples were taken at various times after application in three different experiments to measure DDVP levels with time and to determine if DDVP concentrations exceeded the threshold limit (TVL). In the three experiments, residue levels were highest initially in the center of the warehouse compared to a corner, but residue levels tended to equalize over the sampling period. The data indicated that workers entering storage warehouses after application of DDVP would not encounter hazardous levels of this material.
Mesenchymal dysplasia of the placenta

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia is a rare human placental disorder in which the placenta is enlarged and contains cystic villi and dilated vasculature. It is important to recognize this disorder because it may mimic a partial hydatidiform mole. In contrast to a partial mole, mesenchymal dysplasia may coexist with a normal fetus. This case occurred at the Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, in June 2002.
Free recall of object categories as a function of number of presentations of varied or repeated specimens

Photographic slides of 18 categories of common objects were presented to 24 male and 24 female Ss, who were divided into four groups receiving one, two, three, or four separate presentations of each category. For half of the categories (V categories) up to four different specimens represented the category; for the other half (R categories) the same specimen was repeated up to four times. Recall was tested both immediately and after a delay of approximately 2 weeks. For immediate recall the V categories were recalled best, and recall was a positive function of number of presentations. The R categories were recalled less after two and three presentations than after one, but recall increased with the fourth presentation. Similar findings were obtained in 2-week recall, although there was no overall effect of variety, and interpretation of the findings was complicated by significant two-way interactions between sex and variety and sex and repetitions, as well as a significant main effect of sex.
Determination of trace elements in cloud water and aerosols using instrumental neutron activation analysis and hydride generation with atomic absorption spectrometry

Cloud water and aerosol samples were collected at Whiteface Mountain, NY using the ASRC omnidirectional cloud water collector and high volume samples respectively. Trace element concentrations in cloud water samples were determined by neutron activation analysis and hydride generation with atomic absorption spectrometry. Agreement between the two methods for Se concentration was excellent (0.98±0.05). Aerosol samples were also analyzed for trace elements by neutron activation. Elemental analysis of cloud water and aerosols provide information useful to the study of microphysical and chemical interactions in cloud systems.
Habitat selection and quality for multiple cohorts of young-of-the-year bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix): Comparisons between estuarine and ocean beaches in southern New Jersey

Abstract In this study, seasonal and annual variability in the use of estuarine and ocean beaches by young-of-the-year bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, was evaluated by indices of abundance in coastal areas of southern New Jersey (1998–2000). Biological and physical factors measured at specific sites were correlated with bluefish abundance to determine the mechanisms underlying habitat selection. In addition, integrative and discrete indicators of bluefish growth were used to examine spatio-temporal dynamics in habitat quality and its effect on habitat selection by multiple cohorts of bluefish. Intra-annual recruitment to coastal areas of southern New Jersey was episodic, and resulted from the ingress of spring-spawned bluefish (hatch-date ∼April) to estuarine beaches in late May to early June, followed by the recruitment of summer-spawned fish (hatch-date ∼early July) to ocean beaches from July to October. Bluefish utilized estuarine and ocean beaches in a facultative manner that was responsive to dynamics in prey composition and temperature conditions. The recruitment and residency of bluefish in the estuary (1998–1999) and ocean beaches (1998), for example, was coincidental with the presence of the Atlantic silverside Menidia menidia and bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli, the principal prey species for bluefish occupying these respective habitat-types. Bluefish abundance in the estuary (2000) and ocean beaches (1999–2000) was also correlated with water temperature, with the greatest catches of juveniles coinciding with their optimal growth temperature (24 °C). Bluefish growth, estimated as the slope of age–length relationships and daily specific growth rates, equaled 1.27–2.63 mm fork length (FL) d−1 and 3.8–8.7% body length increase d−1, respectively. The growth of sagittal otoliths was also used as a proxy for changes in bluefish size during and shortly before their time of capture. Accordingly, otolith growth rates of summer-spawned bluefish were greater at ocean beaches relative to the estuary and were explained by the more suitable temperature conditions found at ocean beaches during the mid- to late summer. Notwithstanding the fast growth of oceanic summer-spawned bluefish, individuals spawned in the spring were still larger in absolute body size at the end of the summer growing season (∼240 and 50–200 mm FL for spring- and summer-spawned bluefish, respectively). The size discrepancy between spring- and summer-spawned bluefish at the onset of autumn migrations and during overwintering periods may account for the differential recruitment success of the respective cohorts.
Optical Transport Networks: Current Challenges and Solutions for the Future

Today carriers are introducing core routers that have 10 or 40 Gb/s trunk interfaces. Recently, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has initiated discussion on higher rate Ethernet interface standard such as 100 Gb/s.
Response in oxygen uptake and ventilation during stair climbing in patients with chronic heart failure

Abstract To examine the level of muscular work and ventilatory response to stair climbing (mobile Stairmaster staircase, 1 step/2.5 s), respiratory gas exchange, ventilation, heart rate and arterial pressure were monitored in patients with chronic heart failure and their response compared with that of normal individuals. Aerobic capacity (maximal oxygen uptake) and anaerobic threshold during treadmill exercise were also determined and used to ascertain the metabolic cost of stair climbing. No differences were observed in the response of mean arterial blood pressure between the 12 patients and 10 normal subjects during exercise or recovery. However, the heart rate and oxygen consumption obtained during exercise were significantly lower in the patients with chronic heart failure than in the normal subjects (p
Ethical Systems in an Age of Accelerating Technological Evolution

The industrial revolution and associated economic, demographic, technological and cultural changes have resulted in what many scientists are beginning to refer to as "the anthropocene" - roughly translated, the age of humans. Part of the social response to this development is increasing concern about fundamental technological systems, including information and communication technologies ("ICT") and ICT infrastructure. While individual engineering decisions are governed by a clear set of professional ethics, many of the questions raised about ICT systems, such as the effect of the Internet on adolescents or the existence and meaning of the "digital divide" between rich and poor, arise at levels of the systems which are not addressed by codes of ethics that govern individual behavior. Accordingly, there is a need to develop the capability for "macroethics," or ethical systems that address issues arising from the high level emergent behaviors exhibited by these complex ICT systems
Biases in total precipitable water vapor climatologies from Atmospheric Infrared Sounder and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer

We examine differences in total precipitable water vapor (PWV) from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) experiments sharing the Aqua spacecraft platform. Both systems provide estimates of PWV over water surfaces. We compare AIRS and AMSR-E PWV to constrain AIRS retrieval uncertainties as functions of AIRS retrieved infrared cloud fraction. PWV differences between the two instruments vary only weakly with infrared cloud fraction up to about 70%. Maps of AIRS-AMSR-E PWV differences vary with location and season. Observational biases, when both instruments observe identical scenes, are generally less than 5%. Exceptions are in cold air outbreaks where AIRS is biased moist by 10-20% or 10-60% (depending on retrieval processing) and at high latitudes in winter where AIRS is dry by 5-10%. Sampling biases, from different sampling characteristics of AIRS and AMSR-E, vary in sign and magnitude. AIRS sampling is dry by up to 30% in most high-latitude regions but moist by 5-15% in subtropical stratus cloud belts. Over the northwest Pacific, AIRS samples conditions more moist than AMSR-E by a much as 60%. We hypothesize that both wet and dry sampling biases are due to the effects of clouds on the AIRS retrieval methodology. The sign and magnitude of these biases depend upon the types of cloud present and on the relationship between clouds and PWV. These results for PWV imply that climatologies of height-resolved water vapor from AIRS must take into consideration local meteorological processes affecting AIRS sampling.
Two Genetic Defects in αIIb Are Associated with Type I Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia in a Great Pyrenees Dog: A 14-base Insertion in Exon 13 and a Splicing Defect of Intron 13

Glannzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder caused by qualitative or quantitative deficiencies of the platelet membrane glycoprotein alphaIIbbeta3. This is the first report of a molecular genetic basis for type I GT in dogs. As previously reported, a thrombasthenic Great Pyrenees dog (dog No. 1) experienced uncontrolled epistaxis despite results of coagulation screening tests, platelet quantitation, and von Willebrand factor quantitation that were within reference ranges. Platelet aggregation was minimal in response to agonists. Flow cytometry, autoradiography, and immunoblot experiments demonstrated either marked reduction or absence of glycoproteins alphaIIb and beta3. In this study, we report the presence of a 14-base insertion in exon 13 and defective splicing of intron 13 in the alphaIIb gene of two thrombasthenic dogs (Nos. 1 and 8). The insertion disrupted the fourth alphaIIb calcium-binding domain, caused a shift in the reading frame and resulted in a premature termination codon. Possible consequences of this mutation include decreased alphaIIb mRNA stability and production of truncated alphaIIb protein that lacks the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains and a large portion of the extracellular domain. We identified the dam, sire, and three littermates of dog No. 8 as carriers of the alphaIIb mutation. Canine alphaIIb and beta3 genes share significant homology with the genes in human beings, making canine GT an excellent translational model for human GT. A defined molecular basis for canine GT will enhance ongoing gene therapy research and increase the understanding of structure-function relationships of this integrin.
A Generalized Multiple-Factor Asset Pricing Model

This paper derives a generalized multiple-factor asset pricing model using only the assumption of no arbitrage. This generalization differs from the standard multiple-factor pricing models in two ways. First, similar to standard models, a traded asset's expected return is linear in a finite number of traded risk-factor returns. Different from standard models, however, this model allows an infinite number of distinct risk-factors in the economy, where any asset's return depends on only a finite number of these. Different assets will, in general, depend on a different finite set of risk-factors. Second, positive alphas imply arbitrage opportunities and not just abnormal expected returns. This model can potentially explain many of the observed differences between existing multiple-factor asset pricing model implications and the empirical evidence.
Pressure‐dependent gas heat transport in a spherical pore

A mean free path gas kinetic theory is used to model the conductive heat transport of a gas within a void volume enclosed in a Fourier solid. A variational upper bound principle is derived for a void of arbitrary shape and applied to obtain a rigorous upper bound equation for the void gas conductivity in a spherical void. The variational void gas conductivity equation is exact in both the large and small Knudsen number (Kn) limits and provides a means to determine the accuracy of the reciprocal additivity interpolation formula as applied to thermal conductivity rather than diffusive mass transfer (maximum error 6% and Kn = 0.5 and [alpha] = 1). Temperature jump will occur even at atmospheric pressures and higher for sufficiently small thermal accommodation coefficients ([alpha]<0.1). Experimental void gas heat conductivities vs. pressure data for H[sub 2], He, Ne, N[sub 2], CO[sub 2], and F12 in a polyurethane foam are compared with theoretical mean free path void gas conductivity vs. inverse Knudsen number curves drawn for various [alpha]. Estimates of the thermal accommodation coefficients for the gas- polyurethane surface exhibit a maximum with increasing molecular mass of the gas molecules, which qualitatively agrees with the predictions of Baule'smore » classical theory. Results also point to a rather sharp shift of the S curve to higher pressures with decreasing thermal accommodation.« less
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Activates Porcine Thecal Cell Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase-Akt/PKB and Ras-Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase-1/2 Kinase Signaling Pathways via the Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-β Receptor1

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a potent mitogenic factor for ovarian thecal cells cultured in vitro. PDGF binds to and induces homo- or heterodimerization of PDGF receptor-α or -β (PDGF-Rα or PDGF-Rβ). Despite this, little information is available about which PDGF receptors are expressed in the ovary, what signaling cascades are activated by PDGF, and the effects of PDGF on thecal cell steroidogenesis. The present study demonstrates the expression of immunoreactive PDGF-Rβ, but not PDGF-Rα, in the thecal and stromal compartments of intact porcine ovaries as well as in cultured porcine thecal cells. Treatment of porcine thecal cells in vitro with PDGF resulted in rapid and sustained tyrosine phosphorylation of PDGF-Rβ, activation of Src tyrosine kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3-kinase), and serine 473 phosphorylation of Akt/protein kinase B. In addition, PDGF stimulated an increase in GTP-Ras (activated Ras) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Both forms ...
Inhibition by 2(3)-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and Other Antioxidants of Epidermal Ornithine Decarboxylase Activity Induced by 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate

The relationship between reactive oxygen and/or free radical species and tumor promotion was evaluated by investigating the inhibitory effects of 2(3)-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA) and other antioxidants on the induction of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in mouse epidermis by a tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Mice maintained on a diet containing 0.75% BHA for 8 days showed a 50% reduction in maximal ODC induction following treatment with TPA when compared to mice fed a control diet. Topical application of BHA (55 mumol) 30 min prior to TPA treatment (17 nmol) elicited an 80% inhibition of promoter-induced ODC activity. BHA was ineffective as an inhibitor when administered either 16 hr before or 2 hr after the promoter. The inhibition by BHA was dose dependent with a dose producing a 50% inhibition of ODC induction of 6 mumol. A structure-activity study with BHA analogues (2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 2-tert-butyl-1,4-dimethoxybenzene,tert-butylhydroquinone, 4-hydroxyanisole, p-hydroquinone, phenol, and 2-tert-butyl-phenol) showed that hydroxyl and tert-butyl substituents were important determinants of inhibitory activity. A spectrum of other antioxidants were also tested. Butylated hydroxytoluene was nearly equipotent to BHA; alpha-tocopherol, propyl gallate, and disulfiram were all less potent, and L-ascorbate was inactive. None of the antioxidants affected basal ODC activity in non-TPA-treated mice. Collectively, these results demonstrate an early and direct inhibition of TPA-induced ODC activity by lipophilic phenolic antioxidants and suggest a role for reactive oxygen and/or free radical species in tumor promotion.
Iron Deficiency and the Structure and Physiology of Maize Chloroplasts

The ultrastructure of mesophyll chloroplasts of maize (Zea mays L.) was more severely affected by iron deficiency that induced mild chlorosis than was the ultrastructure of bundle sheath plastids. Ferredoxin and ribulose diphosphate carboxylase levels were severely decreased by iron deficiency. Malic enzyme was less affected, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity remained high even under severe iron deficiency. Iron deficient leaves fixed carbon into malic and aspartic acids but the rate of entrance of carbon into the sugar phosphates and sucrose was greatly reduced compared to the control. Chlorophyll a/b ratios ranged from low values of less than 2 in severely iron deficient leaves to high values exceeding 4 in leaves showing little iron deficiency.