cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Formation of agglomerate particles by coagulation and sintering—Part II. The evolution of the morphology of aerosol-made titania, silica and silica-doped titania powders

Abstract A two-dimensional particle size distribution model is used to describe gas phase synthesis of titania and silica powders. By incorporating a coalescence term along with a particle sintering rate in the governing population balance equation, the model traces the evolution of both the volume and surface area of aerosol particles. The simultaneous calculation of particle volume and surface area distribution leads to a direct characterization of the primary particles (grains) as well as particle aggregates. The effects of residence time, temperature and particle material properties on powder morphology are investigated. Effective sintering rates for pure titania, silica and silica-doped titania are deduced by comparing grain sizes obtained by model simulations and those measured experimentally from specific surface area and microscopic analyses.
Consilium: A System to Address Deliberative Uncertainty in the Rhetoric of the Middle Ages

This article treats the idea of consilium as a concept in the rhetoric of the Western Middle Ages. The tradition of civic oratory in antiquity was associated with the deliberative genre, and civic speech was perpetuated in the Middle Ages but manifested itself as consilium. In the letters of Fulbert of Chartres, the rhetorical commentaries of Thierry of Chartres, and the rhetorical treatises of Albertanus of Brescia and Brunetto Latini, the concept of consilium (“counsel”) systematically describes persuasive human interaction to address deliberative uncertainty about future civic decisions. Medieval rhetoricians use the term consilium both synonymously with deliberation and to describe an activity of persuasion that is akin to deliberative oratory. In rhetorical texts describing the practice of counsel in the Middle Ages, we see a transition from counsel as a subject of rhetorical theory to counsel as a public practice.
Raman spectroscopy detects and distinguishes neuroblastoma and related tissues in fresh and (banked) frozen specimens

Abstract Background Raman spectroscopy has been shown to accurately distinguish different neural crest-derived pediatric tumors. This study tests the ability of Raman spectroscopy to accurately identify cryopreserved tissue specimens using a classification algorithm designed from fresh tumor data and vice versa. Methods Fresh specimens of neuroblastoma and other pediatric neural crest tumors were analyzed with Raman spectroscopy. After analysis, the specimens were stored at −80°C. At a later date, the specimens were thawed and reanalyzed by Raman spectroscopy. A computer algorithm was used to classify the spectra from the frozen tissue against a computer model built on the fresh tissue data. This classification process was then reversed, testing fresh spectra against a model built from frozen data. Results We collected 1114 spectra (862 fresh and 252 frozen) from 62 tissue samples, including 8 normal adrenal glands, 29 neuroblastomas, 14 ganglioneuromas, 8 nerve sheath tumors, and 3 pheochromocytomas. At the tissue level, frozen neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma, nerve sheath tumor, and pheochromocytoma were distinguished from normal adrenal tissue with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Fresh tissue had the same results except for the misclassification of one specimen of nerve sheath tumor. Conclusions The representative spectra show a high correlation between fresh and frozen tissue, and a clear difference between pathologic conditions. Spectra from frozen tissue can be accurately classified against spectra from fresh tissue and vice versa. This modality makes it possible to determine in a few minutes a result that often takes 12 to 36 hours for tissue processing and consideration by a trained pathologist to achieve.
Predictors of survival after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis C

The efficacy of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not well defined. This study examines the variables that may determine the outcome of OLT for HCC in HCV patients. From 1990 to 1999, 463 OLTs were performed for HCV cirrhosis. Of these patients, 67 with concurrent HCC were included in the study. Univariate and multivariate analyses considered the following variables: gender, pTNM stage, tumor size, number of nodules, vascular invasion, incidental tumors, adjuvant chemotherapy, preoperative chemoembolization, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tumor marker, lobar distribution, and histological grade. Overall OLT survival of HCV patients diagnosed with concomitant HCC was significantly lower when compared to patients who underwent OLT for HCV alone at 1, 3, and 5 years (75%, 71%, and 55% versus 84%, 76%, and 75%, respectively; P < 0.01). Overall survival of patients with stage I HCC was significantly better than patients with stage II, III, or IV (P < .05). Eleven of 67 patients developed tumor recurrence. Sites of recurrence included transplanted liver (5), lung (5), and bone (1). Twenty-four of 67 patients (36%) died during the follow-up time. Causes of deaths included recurrent HCC in 8 of 24 patients (12%) and recurrent HCV in 3 of 24 patients (4.5%), whereas 13 (19.5%) patients died from causes that were unrelated to HCV or HCC. Both univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that pTNM status (I versus II, III, and IV; P < .05) was a reliable prognostic indicator for patient survival. Presence of vascular invasion (P = .0001) and advanced pTNM staging (P = .038) increased risk of recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that pretransplant chemoembolization and adjuvant chemotherapy reduced risk of death after OLT in HCC recipients. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of OLT for patients with HCC in a large cohort of chronic HCV patients. Advanced tumor stage, and particularly vascular invasion, are poor prognostic indicators for tumor recurrence. Early pTNM stage, adjuvant chemotherapy, and preoperative chemoembolization were associated with positive outcomes for patients who underwent OLT for concomitant HCV and HCC.
Tumor microvascular characterization using ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (USPIO) in an experimental breast cancer model.

The diagnostic potential of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (USPIO) for quantitative tumor microvessel characterization was assessed by kinetic analysis of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a rodent breast cancer model. Microvascular characteristics (transendothelial permeability (K(PS)) and fractional plasma volume (fPV)) were estimated in 32 female Sprague Dawley rats, bearing breast tumors of varying malignancy. These values were compared to a prototype macromolecular contrast medium standard, albumin-(GdDTPA)(30). Transendothelial permeability (K(PS)) correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with the tumor grade (Scarff-Bloom-Richardson (SBR) score) for the USPIO (r = 0.36), as well as for the reference macromolecule, albumin-(GdDTPA)(30) (r = 0.54). Estimates for the fPV did not show a statistically significant correlation with the tumor grade for either contrast medium. In conclusion, USPIO-enhanced MRI data were capable to characterize tumor microvessel properties in this breast cancer model: microvascular permeability (determined using USPIO) correlated significantly with tumor grade. Thus, quantitative estimation of microvascular characteristics in tumors could provide a surrogate of new vessel formation (angiogenesis) and thus a further important clinical indication for USPIO, in addition to MR angiography. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:882-888.
Usability study on mobile Web newspaper sites

Despite the explosion of mobile web on various devices, its interface is rather primitive due to the limited space available and it seems that the richness of interface studies for the desktop web display has not been adopted for the mobile web. To address this gap, we reviewed 775 American newspaper mobile web sites in terms of their space usage for important contents. The descriptive statistics showed various aspects of the selected mobile newspaper sites: the number of content words, percentage of advertising space, percentage of content image, location of content image, URL hiding, weather information, link to the full site, timestamp for individual articles, current date and time information, search box and search link. The inferential statistics showed the relationships between the number of content words and other aspects of mobile homepages. We identified various space wasting interfaces such as not hiding URL box, menu-only homepage, and too much advertising spaces. We also suggested necessary features such as weather information and current date and time. Issues on preference of mobile web to “apps,” search options and links to the “full” sites were addressed as well.
Noble gases, nitrogen, and methane from the deep interior to the atmosphere of Titan

Abstract Titan’s thick N2–CH4 atmosphere is unlike any in the Solar System, and its origin has been shrouded in mystery for over half a century. Here, I perform a detailed analysis of chemical and isotopic data from the Cassini–Huygens mission to develop the hypothesis that Titan’s (non-photochemical) atmospheric gases came from deep within. It is suggested that Titan’s CH4, N2, and noble gases originated in a rocky core buried inside the giant satellite, and hydrothermal and cryovolcanic processes were critical to the creation of Titan’s atmosphere. Mass balance and chemical equilibrium calculations demonstrate that all aspects of this hypothesis can be considered geochemically plausible with respect to contemporary observational, experimental, and theoretical knowledge. Specifically, I show that a rocky core with a bulk noble gas content similar to that in CI carbonaceous meteorites would contain sufficient 36Ar and 22Ne to explain their reported abundances. I also show that Henry’s law constants for noble gases in relevant condensed phases can be correlated with the size of their atoms, which leads to expected mixing ratios for 84Kr (∼0.2 ppbv) and 132Xe (∼0.01 ppbv) that can explain why these species have yet to be detected (Huygens upper limit ( 14 N / 15 N ) NH 3 ≈ 130 – 170 , ( 12 C / 13 C ) CO 2 ≈ 84 , ( D / H ) H 2 O ≈ 1.7 × 10 - 4 ; and recommend that future in situ instrumentation have the capability to measure the rare isotopologues of N2 and CH4, which represent previously unconsidered but potentially valuable sources of geochemical information on the origin and evolution of Titan’s atmosphere.
Using Materials Prognosis to Maximize the Utilization Potential of Complex Mechanical Systems

Performance and life limits for structural materials in complex mechanical systems are often established based heavily on a fear of failure. Conventional approaches for avoiding structural failure often involve extensive periodic in spections, lengthy maintenance processes, and highly conservative “go, no-go” operational decisions, all of which may significantly impair system readiness. This article summarizes a typical present-day life-management process for an advanced system and then presents the key elements of an alternative life-management approach known as materials damage prognosis.
Functions of the IGFs in early mammalian development.

The identification of growth factors and/or receptors produced by mammalian embryos or present in the maternal reproductive tract is of basic interest, as well as having practical application. Early studies established that receptors binding insulin and the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are expressed by preimplantation mouse embryos. These studies have been confirmed at the molecular level using RT-PCR techniques. In addition, high resolution electron microscopy has shown that insulin is internalized by the cells of the blastocyst stage mouse embryo, and that immunologically intact insulin is detectable in the cells of the trophectoderm and inner cell mass. Similar studies with gold labelled IGF-I have shown that this ligand is also bound and internalized by mouse blastocysts. However, although all blastocysts express receptors that bind IGF-I on the basolateral cell surface of the trophectoderm, only 30% exhibit apically located receptors. In order to elucidate the functions of IGFs in early mouse development, we are in the process of constructing protein databases for embryos at the eight-cell and blastocyst stage. By the use of the database, it should prove possible to elucidate targets of growth factor action. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
4—THERMAL DEGRADATION OF FABRICS AND YARNS PART I: FABRICS

An investigation is reported in which fabrics were exposed to elevated temperatures for different times and the changes in dimensional stability, tear-resistance, breaking strength, and colour were determined. For tear-resistance and breaking strength, polyester-fibre fabrics were less affected by heat than the other fabrics tested. The polyester-fibre fabrics also retained their white appearance after all heat treatments, whereas all the other fabrics changed colour appreciably. The dimensional stabilities for fabrics were all quite good, with nylon and polyester-fibre fabrics shrinking more than the others. Tear-resistance was reduced appreciably more than breaking strength for all fabrics, with FR fabrics losing more than the untreated fabrics. A suggestion is made for calculating, from the Arrhenius equation, the useful life of a fabric at any elevated temperature.
On the description of conical intersections—A continuous representation of the local topography of seams of conical intersection of three or more electronic states: A generalization of the two state result

For conical intersections of two states (I,J = I + 1) the vectors defining the branching or g-h plane, the energy difference gradient vector g I,J , and the interstate coupling vector h I,J , can be made orthogonal by a one parameter rotation of the degenerate electronic eigenstates. The representation obtained from this rotation is used to construct the parameters that describe the vicinity of the conical intersection seam, the conical parameters, s I,J x (R), s I,J y (R), g I,J (R), and h I,J (R). As a result of the orthogonalization these parameters can be made continuous functions of R, the internuclear coordinates. In this work we generalize this notion to construct continuous parametrizations of conical intersection seams of three or more states. The generalization derives from a recently introduced procedure for using non-degenerate electronic states to construct coupled diabatic states that represent adiabatic states coupled by conical intersections. The procedure is illustrated using the seam of conical intersections of three states in parazolyl as an example.
New model of a common origin for trapped holes and anomalous positive charge in MOS capacitors

Abstract We cite evidence from electrical and EPR measurements on MOS capacitors as well as radiation damage experiments by other investigators to argue that anomalous positive charge (APC) in MOS devices results from an interaction of hydrogen with a trapped hole. The model is a modification of that used to explain the generation of radiation-induced interface states and envisions the production of H + ions which drift toward the Si-SiO 2 interface to form APC.
Hemodynamic study of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis access

Dialysis access failure and associated complications represent a major cause of morbidity in patients with renal failure. This is due to an incomplete understanding of the hemodynamics associated with both arteriovenous fistula (AVF) successes and complications. Several decades of research have been performed studying these complex hemodynamic changes. This review provides an overview of work undertaken in three key areas of AVF hemodynamic research: mathematical modeling, in vivo fluid dynamic measurements and in vitro fluid dynamic modeling. Current and future work is then summarized involving the application of a comprehensive, systematic study of dialysis access hemodynamics. The ultimate goal is the ability to predict clinical outcomes of dialysis access procedures through personalized, patient-specific surgical planning. If successful, this type of tool would allow surgeons to predict multiple-dialysis access intervention outcomes and choose a personalized approach to maximize success.
Synthesis, Structure, and Coordination Chemistry of the Bicyclic π-Acid Phosphatri(3-methylindolyl)methane

Reaction of tri(3-methylindolyl)methane (1) with PCl3 in the presence of triethylamine produces the bicyclic π-acid phosphatri(3-methylindolyl)methane (2). The unconstrained analogue tri(N-3-methylindolyl)phosphine (3) was synthesized by reaction of lithium 3-methylindolide with PCl3. Both 2 and 3 are stable to hydrolysis, alcoholysis, and aerial oxidation. Reactions of 2 with tBuOOH, S8, or Se powder under forcing conditions produce the chalcogenide derivatives 2O (4), 2S (5), and 2Se (6), respectively. Tri(N-3-methylindolyl)phosphine selenide (7) and SeP(N-pyrrolyl)3 (8) were synthesized by reaction of Se powder with 3 and P(N-pyrrolyl)3, respectively. The reaction of 2 with Rh(acac)(CO)2 (acac = acetylacetonate) under forcing conditions yields Rh(acac)(CO)(2) (9), whereas Rh(acac)(CO)(3) (10) was synthesized by reaction of 3 with Rh(acac)(CO)2 under mild conditions. Spectroscopic data for 6−10 were used to assess the electronic properties of 2 and 3. Reduced σ-basicity of 2 and 3 is indicated by lack o...
Extracellular matrix regulation of hepatic transcription factors is dependent on cell structure

The extracellular matrix (ECM) promotes tissue morphogenesis, cell migration, and the differentiation of a variety of cell types. However, the mechanisms by which ECM causes differentiated gene expression have been unknown. In this report, we show that culturing the hepatocyte-derived cell line H2.35 on an ECM gel changes cell morphology and selectively stimulates the transcription of a subset of liver-specific genes, including serum albumin. Transcriptional activation by ECM also occurs with transfected plasmids bearing the transcriptional enhancer of the albumin gene. ECM substrates of different composition activated the albumin enhancer only when the ECM promoted a cuboidal, differentiated cell morphology. Enhancer activation by the ECM was mediated by two liver transcription factors, HNF3α and eH-TF, which appear to be regulated differently by matrix. Specifically, we found that a collagen gel substratum caused a selective increase in the factor HNF3α at the levels of mRNA accumulation and DNA-binding activity in nuclear extracts, both in H2.35 cells and in the hepatoma cell line HepG2. We conclude that the ECM can stimulate cell differentiation by selectively activating transcriptional regulatory factors and that such regulation occurs coordinately with ECM-promoted changes in cell shape.
Effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and pentobarbital on a cortical response evoked during conditioning.

A surface-negative wave, evoked by tone cues, appeared in monkey post-arcuate cortex as the monkey learned that the cue signaled the availability of reward. This evoked activity was depressed, concomitantly with changes in the animal's behavioral responding, by doses of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-THC) as low as 0.032 mg/kg and of pentobarbital as low as 4 mg/kg. Pentobarbital tended to increase the latency of the evoked wave, an effect not seen with Δ9-THC.
beta-Synuclein inhibits alpha-synuclein aggregation: a possible role as an anti-parkinsonian factor.

Abstract We characterized β-synuclein, the non-amyloidogenic homolog of α-synuclein, as an inhibitor of aggregation of α-synuclein, a molecule implicated in Parkinson's disease. For this, doubly transgenic mice expressing human (h) α- and β-synuclein were generated. In doubly transgenic mice, β-synuclein ameliorated motor deficits, neurodegenerative alterations, and neuronal α-synuclein accumulation seen in hα-synuclein transgenic mice. Similarly, cell lines transfected with β-synuclein were resistant to α-synuclein accumulation. hα-synuclein was coimmunoprecipitated with hβ-synuclein in the brains of doubly transgenic mice and in the double-transfected cell lines. Our results raise the possibility that β-synuclein might be a natural negative regulator of α-synuclein aggregation and that a similar class of endogenous factors might regulate the aggregation state of other molecules involved in neurodegeneration. Such an anti-amyloidogenic property of β-synuclein might also provide a novel strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Sex, season and suicide.

That spring has more suicides than any other time of the year has been a frequently stated observation; however, most of these observers have not submitted their data to statistical tests of significance nor have they attempted to differentiate between men and women. Recently, Lester (1971) statistically analyzed both factors in a study of suicides for years 1966 and 1967 in upstate New York and found: ( 1 ) two significant peaks of suicide-Spring and Falland ( 2 ) that the seasonal distributions of suicides for males did not differ significantly from females. This study was an attempt to replicate Lester's findings with a sample from a different geographical area and over a longer span of time. All suicides occurring in New Hampshire for the years 1965 through 1975 were analyzed in this study. The total of 1002 suicides was examined with a 2 )( 12 factorial analysis of variance (Model 11) using sex and month as factors (Winer, 1971, p. 445). The main effect of sex was significant = 245.9, f l < .001), that is, reliably more males than females committed suicide. However, the effect of month only approached acceptable levels of significance (F11,240 = 1.60, p < .lo; Ms and SDs = 6.36, 3.07; 5.36, 2.41; 7.63, 2.65; 7.18, 2.85; 9.27, 2.53; 6.81, 2.85; 8.45, 2.97; 7.90, 2.66; 8.63, 2.94; 8.72, 4.92; 6.90, 3.23; 7.81, 1.47 January through December, respectively), the peak incidence of suicide occurring in the Spring and Fall ( n = 532) relative to the Winter and Summer months ( n .= 470). As the interaction of sex X month was not significant, males' and females' seasonal patterns of suicide were the same. These results essentially support Lester's findings of Spring and Fall peaks of suicides and the lack of difference in seasonal variation for males and females.
A command processor for the determination of specificities from matrices of reactions between blood cells and antisera

Abstract An interactive command processing system for the determination of the specificities of lymphocytes and antilymphatic sera is described. This system enables an investigator to quickly formulate and test hypotheses about specificities by presenting a variety of suggestive displays and other data. The system processes any of 22 commands, 2 of which contain 6 subcommands each. The mathematical model of specificities upon which the command processor is based is described, along with the immunological background which led to the formulation of the model.
Sensitivity of plate response calculations to blast load definition

Abstract The ADINA program has been used with three progressively more accurate loading functions to model the dynamic response of a plate. The calculations simulated the response of a 19 mm thick aluminum plate, clamped over a circular opening 914 mm in diameter, subjected to the blast from an explosive charge suspended 645 mm over its center. The loading functions were based on prior hydrocode calculations of the detonation flow using successively refined computational grids. The influence of clamped edge conditions on the response was bracketed by allowing no sliding and frictionless sliding. Calculations were performed using a linear analysis, a material nonlinear analysis with kinematic hardening plasticity, and a combined material and geometric nonlinear analysis. The deflection histories obtained with the three methods of analysis using the three progressively refined loading functions for the two bracketing boundary conditions were compared. The response was found to be sensitive principally to the total impulse delivered to the plate, though the influence of loading details was detected. Despite a significant amount of plasticity, the deflections were predominantly influenced by the strong coupling between the membrane and transverse deformations, resulting in the response being noticeably affected by boundary modeling and indicating a need to use the geometric nonlinear method of analysis.
Study of cut mask lithography options for sub-20nm metal routing

Printing contact-like cut mask form the line end of very dense pitches is imposing a significant challenge to lithography. Various lithography options including optical multi-patterning and EUV have been considered for sub-20nm half pitch metal line cut process. Different lithography solutions of cut mask will impose different design restrictions and thus lead to different scalability of chip. In this paper, we will study routing limitations of sub-20nm half pitch metal lines cut with various optical and EUV lithography options. Key metal routing rules for each cut mask option will be derived based on study of forbidden cut mask configurations. The associated logic area impact will be derived based on real digital design.
Chronic hypoxia reduces adenosine A2A receptor-mediated inhibition of calcium current in rat PC12 cells via downregulation of protein kinase A

1 Adenosine has been shown to decrease Ca2+ current (ICa) and attenuate the hypoxia-induced enhancement of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in oxygen-sensitive rat phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cells. These effects are mediated via the adenosine A2A receptor and protein kinase A (PKA). The current study was undertaken to determine the effects of adenosine on Ca2+ current and hypoxia-induced change in [Ca2+]i during chronic hypoxia. 2 Whole cell patch-clamp studies revealed that the effect of adenosine on ICa was significantly reduced when PC12 cells were exposed to hypoxia (10 % O2) for 24 and 48 h. 3 Ca2+ imaging studies using fura-2 revealed that the anoxia-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was significantly enhanced when PC12 cells were exposed to 10 % O2 for up to 48 h. In contrast, the inhibitory effects of adenosine on anoxia-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i was significantly blunted in PC12 cells exposed to hypoxia for 48 h. 4 Northern blot analysis revealed that mRNA for the A2A receptor, which is the only adenosine receptor subtype expressed in PC12 cells, was significantly upregulated by hypoxia. Radioligand binding analysis with [3H]CGS21680, a selective A2A receptor ligand, showed that the number of adenosine A2A receptor binding sites was similarly increased during exposure to 10 % O2 for 48 h. 5 PKA enzyme activity was significantly inhibited when PC12 cells were exposed to 10 % O2 for 24 and 48 h. However, we found that hypoxia failed to induce change in adenosine- and forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase enzyme activity. Chronic hypoxia also did not alter the immunoreactivity level of the G protein Gsα, an effector of the A2 signalling pathway. 6 Whole cell patch-clamp analysis showed that the effect of 8-bromo-cAMP, an activator of PKA, on ICa was significantly attenuated during 48 h exposure to 10 % O2. 7 We conclude therefore that the reduced effect of adenosine on ICa and [Ca2+]i in PC12 cells exposed to chronic hypoxia is due to hypoxia-induced downregulation of PKA. This mechanism may serve to reduce the negative feedback on ICa and [Ca2+]i by adenosine and therefore maintain enhanced membrane excitability of PC12 cells during long-term hypoxia.
Assessment of Textiles and Clothing Academic Programs in the United States

This study provides information to academic units about textiles and clothing programs in higher education, and will serve faculty reshaping the academic future of programs With baseline information, academic units could use comparison data during strategic management processes. Administrators of academic units with four-year textiles and clothing programs were mailed a questionnaire soliciting characteristics of the unit and the faculty, curricular elements currently included in the program, competencies and future directions. Questionnaires from 143 units (78% return) met the inclusion criterion of an academic major in textiles and clothing. Over 77% of the 16,000 undergraduate students majored in RetailinglMerchandising; 13% were Fashion/Apparel Design majors and only 9% were Textiles, Apparel, Clothing, General majors. Seven curricular elements were identified as common in textiles and clothing programs: Beginning Textiles, Color and Design Principles, Socio-psychological Aspects of Clothing, History ...
Larval settlement preferences and post-settlement survival of the threatened Caribbean corals Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis

The settlement specificity of two threatened Caribbean corals, Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis, was tested by measuring their rates of larval metamorphosis in response to crustose coralline algae (CCA) and other substrata. In the no-choice experiments, the coral larvae were placed in six treatments: filtered seawater (FSW), a fragment of biofilmed dead skeleton of A. palmata, or a fragment of one of four species of CCA (Hydrolithon boergesenii, Porolithon pachydermum, Paragoniolithon solubile, and Titanoderma prototypum). Within each CCA treatment, there were three different substrata on which to settle and metamorphose: (1) the CCA surface, (2) the rock under the CCA, or (3) the plastic dish. The 5-day-old larvae of both A. palmata and A. cervicornis had similar rates of total metamorphosis (all substrata combined) in every treatment (excluding FSW) even in the absence of CCA. However, there were differences in larval behavior among the CCA species since the larvae settled and metamorphosed on different substrata in the presence of different CCA species. In the no-choice experiments the larvae of both corals had higher rates of metamorphosis on the top surfaces of H. boergesenii and/or T. prototypum than on P. pachydermum. In the choice experiments, the coral larvae were offered two species of CCA in the same dish. When given a choice, both species of coral larvae had more settlement and metamorphosis on the surface of H. boergesenii or T. prototypum or clean rock than onto the surface of P. solubile. After 6 weeks in the field, transplanted A. palmata recruits had approximately 15% survival on both T. prototypum and H. boergesenii, but A. cervicornis recruits only survived on T. prototypum (13%). Some, but not all, CCA species facilitated the larval settlement and post-settlement survival of these two threatened corals, highlighting the importance of benthic community composition for successful coral recruitment.
Prostaglandin E2: the villain in the host response to influenza virus

Prostaglandins are lipid mediators that are involved in a plethora of biological processes. In this issue of Immunity, Coulombe et al. (2014) report that prostaglandin E2 suppresses innate and adaptive immune responses to influenza virus.
Health communication, public mistrust, and the politics of "rationality".

Miles (2015) appears to conclude that either governmental action can be populist, catering to the irrational fears of the masses, or it can be rational, scientific, and presumably therefore more et...
In situ assessment of genotoxic hazards of environmental pollution.

The potential impact of the environmental pollutants on human health can be evaluated by the laboratory analysis of the environmental samples or by the measurement of the biological effects on indigenous populations and/or specific test organisms placed in the environment to be monitored. A canary in a cage, used by 19th century miners as a biological indicator for rising levels of toxic gases, is a classical example of in situ hazard identification. The induced toxic effects are often the result of synergistic and antagonistic interactions among various physical and chemical factors that are difficult to reproduce in the laboratory. Therefore, conceivably the biological effects measured on or near the impacted site have greater relevancy for hazard assessment to man than from the data derived from the environmental samples analyzed in the lab. The organisms most commonly employed for the assessment of mutagenicity under real-world conditions are: (1) flowering plants, (2) wild and captive mammals, and (3) aquatic vertebrates. Plant species such as Tradescantia paludosa, Zea mays, and Osmunda regalis have been used for monitoring ambient air quality around several major industrial cities in the U.S.A., nuclear power plants, and industrial waste sites, and also for the assessment of potential health effects of municipal sewage sludges. Domestic animals such as dogs can be used as sentinels to provide information on the effects of contaminants in the environment and have been used to a limited extent to evaluate the environmental influences on the occurrence of breast cancer and osteosarcoma. Cytogenetic analysis from feral and wild animals has been employed for assessing the health hazards and prioritizing the clean-up efforts at hazardous waste sites. Aquatic animals have been used more often than terrestrial animals or plants to identify and characterize the genotoxic effects of environmental pollution. Since 1970, a number of studies has been reported on the mutagenic and neoplastic effects on aquatic animals from coastal areas and continental rivers, lakes, and ponds. The limitations of in situ environmental assessment are lack of control over the physical environmental components, inherent variability and interactions of test organisms, lack of control of exposure doses, and difficulty of finding concurrent experimental controls. Nevertheless, flowering plants, terrestrial, and aquatic animals may serve as useful sentinels and biomarkers of environmental pollution.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel -D-B-A-B- block copolymer system for potential light harvesting applications

Supra-molecular or nano-structured electro-active polymers are potentially useful for developing variety inexpensive and flexible shaped opto-electronic devices. In the case of organic photovoltaic materials or devices, for instance, photo induced electrons and holes need to be separated and transported in organic acceptor (A) and donor (D) phases respectively. In this paper, preliminary results of synthesis and characterizations of a coupled block copolymers containing a conjugated donor block RO-PPV and a conjugated acceptor block SF-PPV and some of their electronic/optical properties are presented. While the donor block film has a strong PL emission at around 570 nm, and acceptor block film has a strong PL emission at around 590 nm, the PL emissions of final -B-D-B-A- block copolymer films were quenched over 99%. Experimental results demonstrated an effective photo induced electron transfer and charge separation due to the interfaces of donor and acceptor blocks. The system is very promising for variety light harvesting applications, including "plastic" photovoltaic devices.
Vanishing theorems on manifolds with piecewise strictly pseudodonvex boundaris

Let ω be a relatively compact subdomain of a complex manifold X with boundary ∂ ω strictly pseudoconvex and let there be a C2 strictly plurisubhannonic function defined in a neighborhood of the closure of ω in X. It is shown that the cohomology groups Hq (ωDp ) vanish for q ≥ 1, p ≥ 0, where Dp is the sheaf of germs of holomorphic p-forms on ω. This settles, in the negative, the question raised by I. Lieb concerning whether the vanishing of Hq (ωDp ) for q ≥ 1, p ≥. 0 implies that ω is Stein or not. When Ω has only a piecewise strictly pseudoconvex boundary, it also shows that Hq (ωVn) vanishes for q ≥ 1. This is applied to the Gleason problem, the weak corona problem and an approximation problem.
Continuous Production of Daidzein and Genistein from Soybean in a Magnetofluidized Bed Bioreactor

A magnetofluidized bed (MFB) bioreactor has been used for continuous production of daidzein and genistein from immobilized soybean culture for over 2 months. The MFB, which offers continuous, plug-flow biocatalyst throughput, is well suited for production of intracellularly stored plant metabolites. Soybean cultures were co-immobilized with ferritic stainless steel in calcium alginate spheres. Transport of biocatalyst through the column was controlled with a magnetic valve. Immobilized soybean concentrations reached over 10 g of dry tissue/L of biocatalyst. Daidzein and genistein concentrations ranged from 10 to 200 μg/g of dry soybean tissue. Biocatalyst microscopy suggested that oxygen diffusion in the biocatalyst was not rate limiting. Ampicillin, Timentin, and Benlate were found to have limited phytotoxicity at concentrations useful in preventing contamination in long-term, continuous bioreactor operation.
Bush climate research plans draw mixed reaction From NAS panel

The Bush administration provided a guarded progress report on the development of its new climate change research initiatives during a November 19 meeting of the National Academy of Sciences' Committee on Global Change Research. Some committee members, however, criticized the plans as short on specifics and substance. Administration officials told the committee that two initiatives announced by President George W. Bush in June—the Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI) and the Climate Change Technology Initiative (CCTI)—are nearing final stages of development as part of the fiscal year 2003 budget, and that efforts are being made to closely coordinate these projects with the ongoing U.S. Global Change Research Program (GCRP).
A hybrid modeling method of reheating furnace temperature based on neural network

After analyzing different modeling methods of reheating furnace temperature, this paper proposed a hybrid model modeling method based on neural network. The normal model is built through the traditional method and the neural network model is built for approaching the difference between the actual system and normal model. The proposed modeling method can improve the modelpsilas approaching and generalization ability. The feasibility of this method is verified through the simulation.
Role for the Phosphoprotein P Subunit of the Paramyxovirus Polymerase in Limiting Induction of Host Cell Antiviral Responses

Six amino acid substitutions in the shared N-terminal region of the P subunit of the viral polymerase and the accessory V protein convert the noncytopathic paramyxovirus simian virus 5 (SV5), which is a poor inducer of host cell responses, into a P/V mutant (P/V-CPI-) that induces high levels of apoptosis, interferon-beta (IFN-beta), and proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we addressed the question of whether these new mutant phenotypes are due to the presence of an altered P protein or of an altered V protein or of both proteins. By the use of the P/V-CPI- mutant as a backbone, new mutant viruses were engineered to express the wild-type (WT) V protein (+V-wt) or WT P protein (+P-wt) from an additional gene inserted between the HN and L genes. In human epithelial cell lines, the +V-wt virus showed reduced activation of apoptosis and lower secretion of IFN-beta and proinflammatory cytokines compared to the parental P/V-CPI- virus. The presence of a V protein lacking the C-terminal cysteine-rich domain (corresponding to the SV5 I protein) did not reduce these host cell responses to P/V-CPI- infection. Unexpectedly, the +P-wt virus, which expressed a WT P subunit of the viral polymerase, also induced much lower levels of host cell responses than the parental P/V-CPI- mutant. For both +V-wt and +P-wt viruses, reduced levels of IFN-beta synthesis correlated with reduced IRF-3 dimerization and nuclear localization of IRF-3 and NF-κB, suggesting that the WT P and V proteins acted at an early stage in antiviral pathways. Host cell responses induced by the various P/V mutants directly correlated with levels of viral mRNA accumulation but not with steady-state levels of genomic RNA. Our results support the hypothesis that WT P and V proteins limit induction of antiviral responses by controlling the production of key viral inducers. A model is presented for the mechanism by which both the P subunit of the viral polymerase and the V accessory protein contribute to the ability of a paramyxovirus to limit activation of antiviral responses.
Nitrification and nitric oxide in the oxygen minimum of the eastern tropical North Pacific

Abstract Ammonium oxidation rates (VNH4), nitric oxide concentrations [NO], and NO formation rates (VNO) were measured below the euphotic zone off Baja California. Vertically integrated nitrification rates were 1.1–2.7 mmol N m−2 d−1, compared with VERTEX estimates (in a less productive nearby region) of 0.56 mmol m−2 d−1 for the loss of sinking organic N between 100 and 2000 m. Integrated ammonium oxidation rates thus may provide valid independent estimates of organic N recycling. NO was detected at picomolar levels in the water column at oxygen concentrations between 0 and 100 μM. Many samples actively generated NO, which required an in situ source, and yielded flux estimates. A crude estimate of the vertically integrated NO flux for the region, 0.19 mmol N m−2 d−1, is 13% of the average integrated nitrification flux, suggesting the NO plays a significant role as an intermediate product in the nitrogen cycle. Most NO and NO production were found in the region of active nitrification outside the zone of active denitrification. However, VNH4 and VNO are interrelated in a complex way that suggests, but does not prove, a link between the two. NO may arise in part from an intermediate compound that is filterable through 0.2 μm filters, possibly a soluble byproduct of nitrification such as hydroxylamine.
Quality Research in Radiation Oncology: A Self-Improvement Initiative 30 Years Ahead of Its Time?

The quality of cancer care in the United States should be better than it is. Society has demanded improvement, but much work remains to be done to define and measure both the current quality of care and the steps needed to optimize such care. Various public and private organizations are directing early efforts toward attempts to determine the quality of selected oncology services as a first step in a broad-based quality improvement process. In contrast, the ACR Patterns of Care Study (PCS) for over 30 years has relied on exemplary voluntary engagement by American radiation oncologists in critical self-assessment and self-improvement as a highly effective pathway to improved practice quality. This article provides an overview of the documented historical and recent impact of PCS research findings on practice and describes the deliberate adaptation of the PCS identity and methodology to the quality-sensitive national environment with the new project name Quality Research in Radiation Oncology. The article concludes with a discussion of the rationale for continuing this unique quality improvement initiative and some of the challenges to this imperative that are being faced.
Extremal bounds on the P velocity in the Earth's core

Abstract Global travel-time data from the ISC Bulletin were used to determine the function τ( p ) for core phases. Estimates were obtained for the AB, BC, DE , and EF branches of the PKP phase and also for the SKS and SKKS phases. The data were all analyzed in a uniform manner to yield 31 estimates of τ( p ) and its uncertainty at the 99.9 per cent confidence level in a range of p which covers most of the core. The effects of the mantle were removed with the PREM velocity models. The extremal bounds on the P velocity in the core were estimated at the joint confidence level of 97 per cent. The average width of the velocity bounds is about 0.6 km/sec, with the major source of uncertainty coming from the SKS and SKKS data. The outer core-inner core transition zone is well constrained, and the results favor a simple fairly abrupt increase in velocity.
“Come on in, but not too Far:” Social Capital in an Inclusive Leisure Setting

The purpose of this research was to explore the nature of relationships that develop in an inclusive youth camp context using the framework of social capital. Inclusive recreation contexts are designed to promote awareness and minimize differences among participants with and without disabilities. Eight campers including four with disabilities and four without disabilities ranging in age from 12-16 were interviewed. Three conceptual categories were constructed related to social capital: reciprocity and investment, inclusion as camouflage, and roles played in mediating social capital. Findings indicate that social relationships among the campers were mixed in their facilitation of social capital. The assertion that social structures are hierarchical and reflect relative positions of status, power, and prestige was evident in this context.
Effects of reserpine on development of 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene induced mammary tumors in female rats.

Si l'on injecte de la reserpine a des rates avant de les avoir traitees au carcinogene, leurs tumeurs mammaires diminuent tres nettement. En revanche, si l'injection de reserpine s'opere chez des rates deja atteintes de ces tumeurs, la croissance de ces dernieres en est sensiblement stimulee.
Roles in Online Collaborative Problem Solving

The growth of online social networking has created new opportunities for collaboration in problem solving. How can we ensure that everyone is able to make use of it? In my work, I will explore the use of user role assignments as a way to encourage participation in online collaborative problem solving and design. I propose a design for such a roles system to be built into CoSolve, an online collaborative environment that uses the idea of state-space search as a model for problem solving.
T2* and proton density measurement of normal human lung parenchyma using submillisecond echo time gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Objective: To obtain T2* and proton density measurements of normal human lung parenchyma in vivo using submillisecond echo time (TE) gradient echo (GRE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Materials and methods: Six normal volunteers were scanned using a 1.5-T system equipped with a prototype enhanced gradient (GE Signa, Waukausha, WI). Images were obtained during breath-holding with acquisition times of 7–16 s. Multiple TEs ranging from 0.7 to 2.5 ms were tested. Linear regression was performed on the logarithmic plots of signal intensity versus TE, yielding measurements of T2* and proton density relative to chest wall muscle. Measurements in supine and prone positions were compared, and effects of the level of lung inflation on lung signal were also evaluated. Results: The signal from the lung parenchyma diminished exponentially with prolongation of TE. The measured T2* in six normal volunteers ranged from 0.89 to 2.18 ms (1.43±0.41 ms, mean±S.D.). The measured relative proton density values ranged between 0.21 and 0.45 (0.29±0.08, mean±S.D.). Calculated T2* values of 1.46±0.50, 1.01±0.29 and 1.52±0.18 ms, and calculated relative proton densities of 0.20±0.03, 0.32±0.13 and 0.35±0.10 were obtained from the anterior, middle and posterior portions of the supine right lung, respectively. The anterior–posterior proton density gradient was reversed in the prone position. There was a pronounced increase in signal from lung parenchyma at maximum expiration compared with maximum inspiration. The ultrashort TE GRE technique yielded images demonstrating signal from lung parenchyma with minimal motion-induced noise. Conclusion: Quantitative in vivo measurements of lung T2* and relative proton density in conjunction with high-signal parenchymal images can be obtained using a set of very rapid breath-hold images with a recently developed ultrashort TE GRE sequence.