cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"Eating Hay": The Ecology, Economy and Culture of Viliui Sakha Smallholders of Northeastern Siberia

Contemporary rural Viliui Sakha of northeastern Siberia, Russia, are a Turkicspeaking people practicing horse and cattle breeding in the subarctic. This article details their story of survival in the north as one not only of adapting a southern subsistence to an extreme climate but also to the effects of Russian colonization, Soviet collectivization, and post-Soviet decentralization. In the post-Soviet period a majority of rural Viliu Sakha adapted to the loss of a centralized agro-industrial state farm system by developing a smallholder food production system relying on cattle husbandry supplemented with other subsistence sources including fish, game, forage, other domesticates, and garden products. In the twenty-first century, this “cows-and-kin” system represents a resilient smallholder adaptation based on reviving pre-Soviet production knowledge, recalling ecological knowledge, and relying on kin. The article concludes with a discussion of the future of cows-and-kin by exploring issues of alienated youth, accessing land and the overwhelming concern of inhabitants about the local effects of global climate change.
LGP2: positive about viral sensing.

We live under constant attack by viruses, and understanding both how viruses invade and how we fight them may help us to take action against them. In the host, the battle against viral invasion begins with recognition, and a report on LGP2, a member of the RIG-I-like receptor family, by Satoh et al. in this issue of PNAS (1) sheds new light on the mechanisms of cytoplasmic virus recognition. This report provides evidence, in contrast to previous findings, that LGP2 functions as a positive regulator of virus recognition and subsequent antiviral responses (Fig. 1).
Stimulus preference and the transitivity of preference

Four pigeons were exposed to multiple schedules with concurrent variable interval (VI) components and then tested for preference transfer. Half of the pigeons were trained on a multiple concurrent VI 20-sec, VI 40-sec/cuncurrent VI 4G-sec5 VI 80-sec schedule. The remaining pigeons were trained on a multiple concurrent VI 80-sec, VI 40-sec/concurrent VI 40-sec, VI 20-sec schedule-After stability criteria for time and response proportions were simultaneously met, four preference transfer tests were conducted with the stimuli associated with the VI 40-sec schedules. During the transfer tests, each pigeon allocated a greater proportion of responses (M=0,79) and time (M=0.82) to the stimulus associated with the VI 40-sec schedule that was paired with the VI 80-sec schedule than lo the VI 40-sec schedule stimulus paired with the VI 20-sec schedule. Absolute reinforcement rates on the two VI 40 sec schedules were approximately equal and unlikely to account for the observed preference. Nor was the preference consistent with the differences in local reinforcement rates associated with the two stimuli. Instead, the results were interpreted in terms of the differential value that stimuli acquire as a function of previous pairings with alternative schedules of reinforcement.
Persistence for ecosystem microcosm models

Abstract A qualitative analysis of a system of autonomous differential equations modelling an ecosystem microcosm is carried out from the point of view of persistence. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given that no trajectory with positive initial conditions has a component that tends to zero asymptotically or reaches zero in finite time. The results are stated in terms of threshold levels for the input nutrient parameter in the system.
Ascorbic acid, vitamin A, and mineral composition of banana (Musa sp.) and papaya (Carica papaya) cultivars grown in Hawaii

Abstract Banana (Musa sp.) and papaya (Carica papaya) cultivars were harvested from different locations throughout Hawaii and analyzed for vitamin C (ascorbic acid), provitamin A (β-carotene, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin), and mineral composition. Dwarf Brazilian (“apple”) bananas had almost three times more vitamin C (12.7 mg/100 g fresh weight) than Williams fruit (4.5 mg/100 g). Also, Dwarf Brazilian bananas had 96.9 μg β-carotene and 104.9 μg α-carotene/100 g, whereas Williams fruit averaged 55.7 μg β-carotene and 84.0 μg α-carotene/100 g. Bananas contained higher concentrations of lutein than of the provitamin A pigments, α- and β-carotene. Papaya vitamin C content was 51.2 mg/100 g, with no differences among cultivars. Papaya provitamin A carotenoids averaged 232.3 μg β-carotene and 594.3 μg β-cryptoxanthin/100 g, and vitamin A ranged from 18.7 to 74.0 μg RAE/100 g. Lycopene was not detected in the yellow-fleshed cultivars, Kapoho, Laie Gold, and Rainbow, but the red-fleshed Sunrise and SunUp fruit contained 1350–3674 μg lycopene/100 g. Dwarf Brazilian bananas had higher P, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn contents than Williams fruit. The average K content for Hawaii's bananas was 330.6 mg/100 g. Papayas (100 g) contained 9% of the dietary reference intake (DRI) for Cu, 6–8% of the DRI for Mg, but less than 3% of the DRI for other minerals.
Drug treatment of microsporidiosis

Microsporidia are ubiquitous organisms that are emerging pathogens in humans. These are most likely zoonotic and/or waterborne infections. In the immunosuppressed host, such as those treated with immunosuppressive drugs or infected with human immunodeficiency virus particularly at advanced stages of the disease, microsporidia can produce a wide range of clinical diseases. The most common manifestation is gastrointestinal tract infection; however, encephalitis, ocular infection, sinusitis, myositis and disseminated infection have also been described. In addition, these organisms have been reported in immune competent individuals. Multiple genera are involved in these infections and different organisms can result in distinct clinical pictures. Differences in clinical and parasitologic response to various therapeutic agents have emerged from clinical, as well as in vitro and in vivo studies. Currently there are no precisely defined guidelines for the optimal treatment of microsporidial infections. This article reviews the available data on compounds with in vitro activity and/or in vivo efficacy for microsporidial infections. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.
Influence of heat release and turbulence on scalar dissipation rate in autoigniting n-heptane/air mixtures

Abstract Scalar dissipation rate χ is an important parameter in stratified charge combustion because it is a measure of the extent of fuel/air mixing in the flow field. In this work, the influence of heat release on the evolution of χ in laminar and turbulent autoigniting stratified n -heptane/air mixtures is studied. Multi-step kinetics is employed to model n -heptane oxidation. The pressure and temperature conditions selected are relevant to compression-ignited engines. Ignition is initiated in fuel-rich regions. Subsequently, an ignition front is observed to propagate from the initiation location to the final flame stabilization location. The influence of heat release on scalar dissipation rate is observed to be controlled by a balance of two competing effects: expansion of burned gases which decreases χ and increased laminar diffusivity due to combustion which increases χ . Behind the propagating ignition front, decrease in χ due to expansion is greater than its increase due to increased laminar diffusivity; therefore, the net effect of heat release on χ is to decrease it. The magnitude of decrease in χ due to expansion is observed to increase with increasing compositional gradients in the flow field. Ahead of the ignition front, the increased diffusivity effect is more pronounced than the expansion effect which results in an increase in χ . Turbulence, as expected, modifies the initially specified scalar dissipation rate to generate a range of scalar dissipation rates around the initial value. Turbulent mixing creates well-mixed spots with low χ , and turbulent strain creates regions with high χ . Ignition is observed in the regions with low χ , and the expansion effect due to heat release further decreases the scalar dissipation rate at such locations.
Vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectra of several group IVA tetrabromides

Abstract The vacuum UV absorption spectra of silicon, germanium and tin tetrabromide are discussed. The spectra, taken in the vapor phase in the region from 33,
Influence of shockwave profile on ejection of micron-scale material from shocked Sn surfaces: an experimental study

This effort experimentally investigates the relationship between shock-breakout pressure and the amount of micron-scale fragments ejected (ejecta) upon shock release at the metal/vacuum interface of Sn targets shocked with a supported shockwave. The results are compared with an analogous set derived from HE shocked Sn targets, Taylor shockwave loading. The supported shock-pulse was created by impacting a Sn target with a Ti64 (Ti-6Al-4V) impactor that was accelerated using a powder gun. Ejecta production at the free-surface or back-side of the Sn targets were characterized through use of piezoelectric pins and Asay foils, and heterodyne velocimetry verified the time of shock release and the breakout pressure.
Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectrometer for Detection of Hydrogen Fluoride Gas at Ambient Pressure

We present a tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer (TDLAS) sensor for hydrogen fluoride (HF) detection at ambient pressure operating around the fundamental R(1) transition at 2.476 μm. We achieve 38 ppt sensitivity for 1-s integration time.
Abstract 1119: Utilization of the TGFβ signaling pathway and cell substrate interaction in a novel anti-cancer drug screen

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The TGF-β signaling pathway has been demonstrated to play a multifunctional and complicated role in cancer progression, making it an intriguing target for anti-cancer therapeutics. TGF-β signaling drives proliferation of cancer cells, invasion at the tumor periphery, and is associated with metastatic potential in a number of cancer types. Tumors expressing TGF-β activity are positively correlated with poorer prognosis in patients. Complicating the role of TGF-β signaling in cancer progression is that TGF-β signaling leads to distinct cellular responses at different stages of cancer progression. How the same signal transduction pathway drives distinct cellular responses is a critical question. One likely possibility is that TGF-β signaling is highly context dependent. Changes in the tumor microenvironment, as occur during cancer progression, alter the outcome of TGF-β signaling. As an extreme example of how TGF-β signaling is affected by micro-environmental stimuli, we and others previously reported that certain non-cancerous cells on rigid collagen I substrates become sensitized to HGF-induced epithelial scattering in response to TGF-β, while cells on pliant collagen I substrates undergo apoptosis in response to TGF-β. Given that tumors are typically rigid tissues, we sought to define whether cancer cells would respond to TGF-β by undergoing apoptosis when cultured on pliant substrates. We plated a wide variety of cancer cell lines on highly pliant substrates, treated then with TGF-β, and observed cell viability over time. While a number of cells showed no apoptotic response to TGF-β signaling under any condition, we find that a significant number of cancer cells derived from solid tumors respond to TGF-β signaling on pliant substrates by undergoing apoptosis. Another group of cell lines undergo apoptosis on pliant substrates in the absence of any TGF-β stimulation. Reasoning that perturbation of cellular signaling that communicated substrate rigidity to cells might sensitize them to apoptosis in response to TGF-β, we designed a high-content high throughput screen to look for molecules that would induce cells to undergo apoptosis in response to TGF-β signaling. This chemical genetics approach will yield cues into the mechanism of tumor microenvironment sensing, as well as provide lead compounds for development of novel therapeutics Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Wontak Kim, Jacob P. Hoj, Nicholas E. Saguibo, Kendra E. Fullmer. Utilization of the TGFβ signaling pathway and cell substrate interaction in a novel anti-cancer drug screen. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1119. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1119
Psychometric Effects of Altering the Ceiling Criterion on the Passage Comprehension Test of the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Batftery-Revised

The Passage Comprehension Test of the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery-Revised (WJ-R) was administered to 77 elementary and middle school students and was scored according to ceiling criteria contained in the test manual (i.e., six consecutive errors). The protocols were then rescored using the following ceiling criteria: (a) five consecutive errors, (b) five errors in six consecutive responses, and (c) five errors in seven consecutive responses. There was a strong relationship between raw scores obtained using all four scoring methods, and there were consistent correlations between each group of raw scores and an external measure, full-scale intelligence quotient. The investigators found that relaxing the ceiling criterion reduced, to a statistically significant degree, the number of administered items needed to establish a ceiling without negatively affecting the psychometric properties of the test. Regression equations were presented so that raw scores obtained using the alternate scoring me...
Understanding Inadequate Response to First-Grade Multi-Tier Intervention: Nomothetic and Ideographic Perspectives

The purpose of this study was to use a mixed methods approach to learn about inadequate response to a year-long multi-tier RTI model that allowed first-grade students to move up and down tiers. Participants were 156 students who received supplemental intervention services during a larger multi-tier RTI study involving classrooms and 522 students across 10 schools. Findings from an all-subset regression indicate letter word reading, the fluency composite, and blending words explained the most variance (15%) in response among initial skills. Adding additional teacher ratings of behavior and academics, accounted for a small amount of additional variance (3%) in group membership. The ROC curve analysis indicated 87.5% of students were correctly classified, yielding a sensitivity of 85.3 and a specificity of 65.0. Findings from qualitative observations of intervention sessions suggest inadequate responders demonstrated physical and verbal task avoidance and displayed emotions of hopelessness and shame. Implications for practice are discussed.
Geographic Diffusion and the Transformation of the Postcommunist World

Since the collapse of communism the states of postcommunist Europe and Asia have defined for themselves, and have had defined for them, two primary tasks: the construction of viable market economies and the establishment of working institutions of representative democracy. The variation in political and economic outcomes in the postcommunist space makes it, without question, the most diverse “region” in the world. What explains the variation? All of the big winners of postcommunism share the trait of being geographically close to the former border of the noncommunist world. Even controlling for cultural differences, historical legacies, and paths of extrication, the spatial effect remains consistent and strong across the universe of postcommunist cases. This suggests the spatially dependent nature of the diffusion of norms, resources, and institutions that are necessary to the construction of political democracies and market economies in the postcommunist era. The authors develop and adduce evidence for the spatial dependence hypothesis, test it against rival hypotheses, and illustrate the relationships at work through three theoretically important case studies.
Fourth-order self-energy of a neutron star due to massive neutrino exchange

We calculate the self-energy of a neutron star to fourth-order in the Fermi constant ${G}_{F},$ arising from neutrino exchange to one loop. We assume the neutron star is comprised entirely of neutrons and use the low-energy Lagrangian describing the interaction between neutrons and massive Dirac neutrinos. The calculation presented here derives from a more rigorous formalism than that used in previous work on the four-body self-energy, and consequently the results differ slightly. We have determined that the fourth-order self-energy, like the recently calculated second-order self-energy, is positive and dependent on the neutron-neutron hard core radius. Importantly, we also show that the fourth-order contribution is greater than the second order. We further demonstrate that, in contrast with the recently calculated vacuum energy shift in which the neutron field is taken to be external, the four-body self-energy decreases in magnitude as the neutrino mass is increased. This decrease of the self-energy as the neutrino mass increases was also the case in the second-order self-energy. The implications of these new findings are discussed.
The emergence of marketing in Millennial new ventures

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework, based in entrepreneurship theory, which explains how marketing emerges in startups founded by members of the Millennial generation.Design/methodology/approach – Following a literature review, from which propositions are derived, an earlier process model of organizational speciation is adapted to marketing by Millennial entrepreneurs.Findings – A four‐stage cycle model of entrepreneurial marketing by Millennials is developed, consisting of enabling through resource scarcity, bonding through social media, new product introduction through incremental stealth, and replicating through variation, selection, and retention.Research limitations/implications – Model development would be enhanced through empirical data.Practical implications – Marketers in entrepreneurial firms founded by Millennials can follow a few simple rules to enhance market penetration. Resource scarcity is something to be sought, not avoided. A thoughtful social media ...
Observation of the superconducting energy gap in a semiconductor (GeTe)

Abstract A report of the first observation of the superconducting energy gap in a semiconductor, GeTe, is given. The gap was observed in a tunnel junction of AlAl 2 O 3 GeTe.
A spatial domain optimization method to generate plane dependent masks

Stochastic screening technique uses a fixed threshold array to generate halftoned images. When this technique is applied to color images, an important problem is how to generate the masks for different color planes. Ideally, a set of plane dependent color masks should have the following characteristics: a) when total ink coverage is less than 100%, no dots in different colors should overlap from each other. b) for each individual mask, dot distribution should be uniform, c) no visual artifact should be visible due to the low frequency patterns. In this paper, we propose a novel color mask generation method in which the optimal dot placement is searched directly in spatial domain. The advantage of using the spatial domain approach is that we can control directly the dot uniformity during the optimization, and we can also cope with the color plane-dependency by introducing some inter-plane constraints. We will show that using this method, we can generate plane dependent color masks with the characteristics mentioned above.
Dynamic assessment of shoulder and patellofemoral pathology using limited-volume gas arthroscopy

Subtle instability problems of the glenohumeral joint and patellofemoral joint are difficult to assess and accurately diagnose with current methods of preoperative imaging and physical examination. A simple technique is described that provides objective information for diagnosing dynamic problems of the shoulder and patellofemoral joint. Limited-volume gas arthroscopy avoids many of the potential risks and complications of pressure-based gas arthroscopy. In addition to assessing joint dynamics, it allows for initial arthroscopic inspection of joints during open surgical cases, eliminating the additional morbidity and expense of fluid arthroscopy. Objective intraoperative assessments of completed reconstructions can also be made to insure that stabilizing procedures are adequate but not overzealous. The technique requires no special equipment, adds little time to an arthroscopic procedure, and requires only basic arthroscopic skills.
BRCA1 Effects on the Cell Cycle and the DNA Damage Response Are Linked to Altered Gene Expression

The breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene product BRCA1 has been reported to be expressed in a cell cycle-dependent manner; possess transcriptional activity; associate with several proteins, including the p53 tumor suppressor; and play an integral role in certain types of DNA repair. We show here that ectopic expression of BRCA1 using an adenovirus vector (Ad-BRCA1) leads to dephosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein accompanied by a decrease in cyclin-dependent kinase activity. Flow cytometric analysis on Ad-BRCA1-infected cells revealed a G1 or G2 phase accumulation. High density cDNA array screening of colon, lung, and breast cancer cells identified several genes affected by BRCA1 expression in a p53-independent manner, including DNA damage response genes and genes involved in cell cycle control. Notable changes included induction of the GADD45 and GADD153 genes and a reduction in cyclin B1 expression. Therefore, BRCA1 has the potential to modulate the expression of genes and function of proteins involved in cell cycle control and DNA damage response pathways.
Complex human chromosomal and genomic rearrangements

Copy number variation (CNV) is a major source of genetic variation among humans. In addition to existing as benign polymorphisms, CNVs can also convey clinical phenotypes, including genomic disorders, sporadic diseases and complex human traits. CNV results from genomic rearrangements that can represent simple deletion or duplication of a genomic segment, or be more complex. Complex chromosomal rearrangements (CCRs) have been known for some time but their mechanisms have remained elusive. Recent technology advances and high-resolution human genome analyses have revealed that complex genomic rearrangements can account for a large fraction of non-recurrent rearrangements at a given locus. Various mechanisms, most of which are DNA-replication-based, for example fork stalling and template switching (FoSTeS) and microhomology-mediated break-induced replication (MMBIR), have been proposed for generating such complex genomic rearrangements and are probably responsible for CCR.
Strategies for minimizing losses in negative phase velocity metamaterials

Metamaterials demonstrating a negative phase velocity for light usually consist of arrays of wires and cut-ring structures. Such media are characterized by both the permittivity and permeability being negative. Calculations of the Ohmic loss associated with the wires alone indicate that dissipation can be minimized by making them of metal of the highest possible conductivity and by having the largest possible wire radius. Replacement of the cut-ring structures with a ferrite further reduces losses since ferrites can be less lossy than typical conductors. The upper limit to the wire radius is ultimately set by the requirement that the permittivity be negative. The calculations take into account the skin depth within the wires. Although bigger wires lead to more volume in which Ohmic losses are present, these wires are more effective in shorting out the electric field and thereby decreasing the Ohmic loss. An array made of large diameter and high conductivity wires leads to a strong electromagnetic response and a well defined plasma frequency for the wire array.
Adult Education as a Field of Study and Its Implications for the Preparation of Adult Educators

This article attempts to clarify and stimulate discussion on some of the issues involved in the development of adult education and in the role of graduate programs in contributing to that develop ment. It is suggested that there is at present some confusion regarding the objectives of graduate study, and that this may be partially attributed to a failure to delineate the professional roles for which students are being prepared. As a basis for such a delineation the authors draw the distinction between adult edu cation as a field of study and adult education as a profession. From the interrelationships between the two facets, a model is developed for classifying the various roles in the profession. Identifying the specific competencies required for each role and determining the educational experiences which will develop these competencies are seen as the next steps prerequisite to the development of both the field of study and the profession.
Development of a DNA biochip for gene diagnosis

We describe a biochip based on an integrated circuit photodiode array for use in medical diagnostics. The biochip is a self-contained device which has photosensors, amplifiers, discriminators and logic circuitry on board. The development and evaluation of various microchip system components of the genosensor are discussed. The performance of the DNA biochip device is illustrated with fluorescence detection of DNA probes specific to gene fragments of the human immuno-deficiency virus 1 system. The usefulness and potential to the DNA biochip technology for rapid and cost- effective medical diagnostics is discussed.
Content-aware search of multimedia data in ad hoc networks

The infrastructure-free and self-organizing nature of wireless ad hoc networks presents fundamental challenges to the design of content-based multimedia search algorithms that are efficient with respect to search cost and fair across various network setups. In contrast to the wealth of research literature on ad hoc routing protocols, few works have realistically considered the methods of locating multimedia data sources in a highly dynamic ad hoc network. Moreover, multimedia information retrieval strategies proposed in the wired networks are not applicable in the context of wireless ad hoc networks, due to the limitations of bandwidth and energy. In this paper, we describe two probability-based schemes for the efficient multimedia content location in wireless ad hoc networks. The Association-based Content Prediction (ACP) scheme and Bayesian-based Content Prediction (BCP) scheme make use of probabilistic information to lower proactive network traffic while minimizing search cost. The combination of theoretical analysis and simulation results shows that the proposed schemes perform favorably in terms of response time, traffic complexity, and scalability.
Tracking Planar Lung Motion in 4D CT with Optical Flow: Validations and Comparison of Global, Local, and Local-Global Methods

For a common set of 4D CT lung images, we report results from the application of a number of optical flow techniques including global, local, and combined local-global methods for tracking planar lung motion. Our comparisons are primarily empirical, and concentrate on the accuracy, that is magnitude and direction of error at a discrete set of landmark points with known motions, and reliability, that is, objective lung boundary deformation tracking. Our results indicate that performance varies significantly among the techniques tested.
Acquired ventral penile curvature: spongiofibrosis caused by urethral manipulation

Fibrosis of the corpus spongiosum, caused by urethral manipulation, and the resulting ventral penile curvatures are known as the urethral manipulation syndrome. This acquired, largely iatrogenic deformity is noticed only be sexually active patients. Partial, gradual disappearance of glans engorgement and irregularities palpable along the penile urethra associated with ventral curvature are constant findings. The post-manipulative ventral curvature can be transient, disappearing when the inflammatory process subsides or the repeated urethral manipulation ceases. Since fibrosis of the corpus spongiosum begins with urethral inflammation, patients in whom irregularities of the penile urethra are observed during urethrography should be questioned about any erectile deformity. Surgical treatment is indicated when the deformity interferes with sexual intercourse or is accompanied by severe urethral strictures.
The U.S. Health Insurance Marketplace: Are Premiums Truly Affordable?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires that individuals have health insurance or pay a penalty. Individuals are exempt from paying this penalty if the after-subsidy cost of the least-expensive plan available to them is greater than 8% of their income. For this study, premium data for all health plans offered on the state and federal health insurance marketplaces were collected; the after-subsidy cost of premiums for the least-expensive bronze plan for every county in the United States was calculated; and variations in premium affordability by age, income, and geographic area were assessed. Results indicated that-although marketplace subsidies ensure affordable health insurance for most persons in the United States-many individuals with incomes just above the subsidy threshold will lack affordable coverage and will be exempt from the mandate. Furthermore, young individuals with low incomes often pay as much as or more than older individuals for bronze plans. If substantial numbers of younger, healthier adults choose to remain uninsured because of cost, health insurance premiums across all ages may increase over time.
New synthesis of substituted pyrrolo[1,2-α][1,3]diazepine and its pharmacological activity

Abstract A facile route for the synthesis of the substituted pyrrolo[1,2-α][1,3]diazepine nucleus from readily available starting material is reported. The compound was tested for antimalarial activity in mice, antineoplastic activity in mice, acute hypotensive activity in rats and dogs, effect on cholesterol-lipoprotein levels in rats, anti-inflammatory activity in rats, antiviral activity in mice, CNS depressant or stimulant activity in mice, diuretic activity in fasted rats, and antidiabetic activity in rats. Hypotensive activity of relatively short duration was observed in rats. The compound lacked positive pharmacological activity in the remaining tests.
A volumetric fractional coverage model to predict frictional behavior for in situ transfer film lubrication

Abstract Solid lubricant films transferred from pellets, which are made by compacting MoS 2 powder lubricant into cylinders, can be deposited on surfaces to lubricate sliding contacts in situ . In order to understand the tribological behavior of solid lubricant transfer films, experiments have been conducted where a pellet is sheared against a disk surface while a downstream slider pad rides atop the disk. Similar to the slider bearing configuration, the loaded slider rides on the top of a lubricant film, but since the transferred film is essentially solid powder, the pad typically works to deplete the film unless a favorable transfer film resides on the disk. In order to describe this film transfer and depletion lubrication process, various experimentally validated height-based asperity fractional coverage modeling descriptions have been proposed in the past. In this work, a new three-dimensional (3D) volumetric fractional coverage (VFC) modeling approach is introduced in concert with more robust methods for calculating the wear coefficients at both pellet/disk and slider/disk interfaces. The goal is to increase the fidelity of the previous fractional coverage model in predicting the friction coefficients at the pellet/disk and slider/disk interfaces as functions of the fraction of lubricant covering the disk asperities. Results are shown for the predicted friction coefficient, wear trends, and time constants, and these results are validated against slider-on-disk with pellet tribometer experiments.
Mitochondrial activity regulates T cell memory, self renewal and anti tumor function in CD8+ T cells

The ability of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells to eradicate tumors following adoptive transfer of autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes correlates with their capacity to proliferate and persist for long periods of time. These qualities are found predominantly in naive and less differentiated memory cells including memory stem cells (TSCM) and central memory cells (TCM), but the metabolic control of differentiation remains unknown. T cell differentiation is characterized by an increase in glycolysis and a rise in mitochondrial metabolism characterized by increased mitochondrial mass, activity and reactive oxygen species generation. We previously demonstrated that inhibition of glycolysis resulted in memory T cell formation and anti-tumor function; however the specific role that mitochondrial metabolism plays in regulating T cell differentiation remains unknown. Using TMRM, a fluorescent dye that measures mitochondrial potential in T cells, we found that mitochondrial membrane potential (MP) and reactive oxygen species in T cells critically control T cell longevity. Cells with lower membrane potential (‘low MP’) had a molecular profile characteristic of stem cell memory precursors and displayed an enhanced ability to enter the memory pool as compared to cells displaying higher mitochondrial potential (‘high MP’) characteristic of short lived effectors. Global metabolomic and functional studies revealed that ‘low MP’ cells exhibited increased levels of intracellular free fatty acid metabolites, increased expression of CPT-1a, a rate limiting enzyme involved in fatty acid oxidation and increased mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity, a metabolic property characteristic of long lived memory T cells. In comparison, ‘high MP’ T cells displayed enhanced lactate production. Most importantly, we observed a 100 fold increase in the frequency of secondary memory CD8+ T cells 300 days after adoptive transfer of 'low MP' as compared to ‘high MP’ T cells. In tumor-bearing mice, ‘low MP’ cells exhibited increased cytokine functionality and resulted in the regression of large, vascularized tumors. Subsequent studies revealed that ‘high MP’ cells displayed increased DNA damage that leads to accelerated senescence, but the ‘low MP’ cells exhibit reduced ROS and DNA repair which allows them to persist longer than the ‘high MP’ cells in vivo following adoptive transfer. Our findings suggest that mitochondrial membrane potential critically controls the differentiation of memory versus effector T cells. Pharmacological interventions augmenting mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity hold great promise to improve T cell based immunotherapy for cancer.
Do younger men have better biochemical outcomes after radical prostatectomy

Abstract Objectives To examine the relationship between age and biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy (RP), controlling for the year of surgery. Prior studies have suggested that younger men have lower prostate-specific antigen recurrence rates after RP, although none of the prior studies had controlled for the year of surgery. Methods We examined the data from 1753 men treated with RP between 1988 and 2002 at five equal access medical centers. We compared age, as a categorical variable according to decade of life (50 years old or younger, 51 to 60, 61 to 70, and older than 70 years), with the clinical and pathologic variables at RP, as well as the time to biochemical recurrence, using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Results Age was significantly related to the year of surgery, with the more recently treated patients being younger than less recently treated patients (P Conclusions The average age of men undergoing RP has decreased with time. Independent of this, young men have more favorable outcomes after RP than older men. Continued screening to detect prostate cancer among younger men when it is most curable appears warranted.
Computational design techniques for reduced-order observers in generalized state-space systems

In this paper we present computationally efficient design techniques for the reduced-order observer problem in generalized state-space systems. The proposed approach utilizes the generalized block Hessenberg form. The problem of reduced-order observer ingeneralized systems is reformulated as a full-order observer problem forstatespace systems. This new approach parametrizes the family of all possible solutions, studies the problem of robustness, and relaxes the condition of observability.
Pulse generator development for low impedance loads

An eleven stage flat top type output Marx utilizing sparkgap switches is operated to produce a desired 500 kV output at 10 Hz rep-rate with > 500 J pulse energy to drive a ∼ 20 Ohm load. While this Marx generator utilizes custom-designed spark gaps, the significant progress in semi-conductor pulsed switching technology is evaluated through PSICE modeling of the semiconductor switches integrated into the Marx electrical model. The switches are experimentally evaluated at conditions that a single switch (stack) would experience in a full Marx generator. Alternatively to the Marx topology, the potential benefits of choosing a linear transformer driver (LTD) as a HPM pulsed power driver are evaluated. We note that the main advantage for the LTD is the savings in insulation material and size; the same semiconductor switches are utilized. The potential benefits of such a generator include significant reduction of electromagnetic noise, increased lifetime, improved reliability, and reduced maintenance.
Solute–vacancy binding of the rare earths in magnesium from first principles

Abstract The thermodynamic and kinetic properties of Mg–rare earth (RE) alloys are not widely known, despite increased research in recent years into their mechanical strengthening mechanisms. To aid in the development of new alloys and strengthening models, the solute–vacancy binding energies for all 17 RE elements in hexagonal close-packed (hcp) Mg are calculated by density functional theory (DFT) in several solute/vacancy configurations. As the REs can be considerably larger than Mg, special care is taken to ensure convergence with respect to supercell size, and the binding of other large, non-RE solutes is calculated in the large supercells employed in the current work. It is found that the light and heavy lanthanides have favorable and unfavorable nearest-neighbor solute–vacancy binding, respectively. The binding energies exhibit a strong linear correlation to the magnitude of the solute’s displacement towards the vacancy, suggesting that local lattice relaxation is a significant contribution to the binding energy. There are four notable exceptions to this trend: Na, Sb, Pb and Bi. Explicit calculation of the lattice relaxation energy due to the presence of the solute–vacancy pair confirms that local relaxation is an important component of the binding energy, particularly for the larger solutes. Finally, empirical predictions of the dilute mixing energy disagree with those predicted by DFT. New experimental measurements are necessary to resolve the discrepancies, as there are no published thermodynamic data of the REs in hcp Mg.
Like poles repel; molecular mechanisms of dendritic tiling.

Abstract To cover the entire sensory field once and only once, dendrites of some sensory system neurons avoid crossing other dendrites from the same type of neurons. In this issue of Cell , Emoto et al. (2004) provide first insight into the molecular mechanisms of dendritic tiling.
Degradation of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons under Bench-Scale Compost Conditions

The relationship between biomass growth and degradation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil, and subsequent toxicity reduction, was evaluated in 10 in-vessel, bench-scale compost un...
Circular polarization dependent cyclotron resonance in large-area graphene in ultrahigh magnetic fields

Using ultrahigh magnetic fields up to 170 T and polarized midinfrared radiation with tunable wavelengths from 9.22 to 10.67 $\ensuremath{\mu}$m, we studied cyclotron resonance in large-area graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition. Circular polarization dependent studies reveal strong $p$-type doping for as-grown graphene, and the dependence of the cyclotron resonance on radiation wavelength allows for a determination of the Fermi energy. Thermal annealing shifts the Fermi energy to near the Dirac point, resulting in the simultaneous appearance of hole and electron cyclotron resonance in the magnetic quantum limit, even though the sample is still $p$-type, due to graphene's linear dispersion and unique Landau level structure. These high-field studies therefore allow for a clear identification of cyclotron resonance features in large-area, low-mobility graphene samples.
The relationship between relative levels of motivation and intrapersonal, interpersonal, and academic functioning among older adolescents

Using cluster analysis to combine specific adaptive measures related to mastery motivation (intrinsic motivation, self-adequacy, and locus of control), a total of 654 high school students were placed into distinct adaptive motivation groups. Mean scores on a variety of self-reported and peer-reported measures of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and academic functioning were compared across the groups. Results found that youth in the “high adaptive” motivation group reported significantly higher global and family satisfaction, self-esteem, interpersonal relations, grade-point average and school belonging, and significantly lower depression, anxiety and social stress than youth in the other two motivation groups. Peer-reported prosocial and academic behaviors were significantly related to higher levels of adaptive motivation. Collectively, these findings suggest a number of psychological, social, and academic benefits that are associated with incremental levels of adaptive motivation. The implications of these findings for research and practice conclude the paper.
Macrophages of hypothalamic third ventricle. I. Functional characterization of supraependymal cells in situ.

Cells on the ependymal surface of hypothalamic third ventricle of hamsters exhibit surface, ultrastructural, and phagocytic features of macrophages. The object of this investigation was to identify functions that a resident phagocytic system of the ventricles of the brain may have normally. We found that supraependymal macrophages in two- to three-week-old hamsters were associated with intact and degenerating intraventricular neuronal processes, ependymal cytoplasmic blebs, and degenerating intraventricular cells. These macrophages frequently contained cellular debris within phagosomal vacuoles. In the vicinity of the neuronal ganglion on the floor of the third venticle, there were numerous structures identified as growth cones, with organelles in varying stages of alteration and degeneration. Supraependymal macrophages apparently remove cellular debris resulting from ependymal metabolic processes and from cellular and neuritic degeneration. Such activity may be part of a normal process of remodeling, involving cell growth, renewal, or cell death within the third ventricle of developing animals.
Assessing Freeman’s Stakeholder Theory

At least since the publication of the monumental Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach (1984), the “stakeholder theory” originated by R. E. Freeman has engrossed much of the business ethics literature. Subsequently, some advocates have moved a bit too quickly and without proper definition or argument. They have exceeded Freeman’s intentions which are more libertarian and free-market than is often thought. This essay focuses on the versions of stakeholder theory directly authored or coauthored by Freeman in an effort to recover (1) Freeman’s intentions and (2) the argumentative justification of stakeholder theory. It then argues that Freeman’s appeal to legal, economic, and ethical constraints ultimately produce arguments that are invalid. One can thoroughly support legislation constraining corporations or seeking to prevent age discrimination, market monopolies, and externalities and regret the extent that capitalism is heir to such shortcomings without it following that (1) business beneficiaries should be changed from stockholders to stakeholders and (2) the latter should be given serious decision-making power. Further, stakeholder theory neither defines nor battles any obvious opposition. Hence, it is difficult to see what it changes about business management. In short, stakeholder theory either changes too much about business, or nothing important at all (depending on one’s interpretation). Efforts to supplant or improve the reigning theory of capitalism will have to do better.
Behavioral and growth effects induced by low dose methamphetamine administration during the neonatal period in rats.

Abstract The investigation of methamphetamine exposure during neonatal development in rats has demonstrated that long-term spatial learning deficits are induced. A previous dose–response study showed that administration of 5 mg/kg methamphetamine, four times daily from postnatal days 11 to 20 produced these deficits, although the effects were not as severe as at higher doses of 10 or 15 mg/kg. This study examined concentrations of methamphetamine at or below 5 mg/kg given over the same period of time. Five different concentrations of methamphetamine (i.e., 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, or 0) were administered every 2 h four times daily from postnatal days 11 to 20. Body weights, zero maze performance, and Morris water maze learning were examined. A dose-dependent decrease in body weight was observed during the period of methamphetamine administration and these lower weights continued throughout adulthood for the 5, 2.5, and 1.25 mg/kg concentrations, although the adult decreases were negligible. No differences were noted in the zero maze. In the Morris water maze during the acquisition period, dose-dependent differences in spatial orientation were seen, however non-dose related deficits were observed for other parameters. During the shifted platform phase (“reversal”), a similar dose-dependent difference in spatial orientation was observed, although no other effects were noted during this phase. Females performed worse than males regardless of treatment or the phase of learning in the Morris water maze. These data suggest that even lower doses of methamphetamine can alter learning and memory in adulthood, although with less consistent results than with doses higher than 5 mg/kg/dose. These data would caution against even casual use of methamphetamine by women during pregnancy since even low doses could alter the ability of the child to learn.
THE REACTION OF PYRITE WITH DIPHENYL ETHER

Abstract Diphenyl ether is converted into diphenyl sulfide (largely), dibenzofuran, phenoxybiphenyls, diphenoxybiphenyls, and several other sulfur- containing compounds by reaction with pyrite at 350–360°.
Effects of coronary occlusion on flow in the distribution of a neighboring stenotic coronary artery in the dog

Abstract The effect of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion on flow through a severely stenotic left circumflex artery (LC) was studied in 19 openchest dogs. In 8 dogs (Group 1) aortic pressure, distal circumflex pressure, circumflex flow, and heart rate were measured. In the absence of an LC stenosis, LAD occlusion resulted in an increase in LC flow from 32 ± 3 to 41 ± 5 ml/min (p In 11 dogs (Group 2) the LC stenoses were produced so that anterograde flow through the stenotic LC artery did not change significantly after LAD occlusion. However, LAD occlusion resulted in a decrease in flow (measured with radioactive microspheres) to the area supplied by the stenotic LC artery (0.62 ± 0.02 to 0.50 ± 0.09 ml/min/g; p The results of these studies demonstrate mechanisms by which myocardial ischemia may occur in the area supplied by a stenotic coronary artery if a neighboring coronary artery becomes occluded.