cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communication and the futures: An experiment in satellite education

This article discusses the design and execution of an experimental course utilizing satellite communication through PEACESAT which attempted to analyze the probable next developments of communication technology in the Pacific, an effort which involved approximately 20 students on the University of Hawaii campus and 25 students from Wellington, New Zealand; Lae, Papua New Guinea; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Niue Island; Suva, Fiji; and Noumea, New Caledonia.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings in acute cerebellitis

Cerebellitis, also known as acute cerebellar ataxia, is an inflammatory syndrome of cerebellar dysfunction that may reflect an infectious, post-infectious, or post-vaccination disorder. We present serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a partially reversible, idiopathic cerebellitis. Bilateral cerebellar parenchymal abnormalities were noted, including hyperintensities on T2-weighted images and cerebellar swelling. After contrast administration, the cerebellum showed abnormal bilateral enhancement. The authors state this represents the first report of abnormal contrast enhancement in this condition. The MRI lesions most likely reflect the reversible, inflammatory nature of the syndrome.
Heptachlor epoxide: Effects on calcium-mediated transmitter release from brain synaptosomes in rat

Abstract The biochemical processes by which heptachlor epoxide affects transmitter release were studied, using rat brain synaptosomes. Heptachlor epoxide stimulated the release of preloaded [ 14 C]glutamate from isolated synaptosomes in the presence of externally available Ca 2+ or a high concentration of K + (71 mM). This stimulatory effect appeared to be independent of the general membrane depolarization, since it could still be observed in a synaptosomal preparation suspended in a high K + concentration (71 mM). Heptachlor epoxide-treated synaptosomes were also found to take up more Ca 2+ and to release less compared to untreated synaptosomes. By using subcellular preparations from disrupted synaptosomes, it was possible to demonstrate that an ATP-dependent Ca 2+ uptake process was inhibited by heptachlor epoxide. Experiments in vivo also confirmed the above observation. It was noted that all these actions of heptachlor expoxide have the same effect of raising the intracellular level of free Ca 2+ . A working hypothesis has been proposed, therefore, to explain the neurostimulatory effect of heptachlor expoxide on the basis of its effects on synaptic Ca 2+ regulation, particularly that by Ca 2+ -Mg 2+ ATPase.
Are current total knee arthroplasty implants designed to restore normal trochlear groove anatomy

Biomechanical studies have shown that external rotation of the femoral TKA component improves patellar tracking but does not restore it to physiologic values. We hypothesized that this could be due to differences in the trochlear groove geometry of TKA and normal knees. This was investigated via a virtual TKA procedure that mounted femoral components on to 3-dimensional models of healthy femurs, followed by measurement of the trochlear geometry before and after the simulated TKA. The results showed that (1) external rotation of the component brought the trochlear groove closer to normal anatomy than no external rotation; (2) however, even with external rotation, the trochlear anatomy was only partially restored to normal. Further work is needed to determine implications for patellofemoral complications observed with current TKA designs.
An interpolation problem in tube domains

Some recent results concerning theL-problem of moments in two variables are related via the Fourier-Laplace transform to an interpolation problem in the tube domain over a quadrant inR 2. The class of analytic functions for which the interpolation problem is posed is identified with the symbols of all bounded analytic Wiener-Hopf operators acting on theH 2-Hardy space of the tube domain. The extremal solutions of the corresponding truncated problem are computed and the related uniqueness phenomenon is also discussed.
Biomarkers for Community-Acquired Pneumonia in the Emergency Department

Community-acquired pneumonia is one of the most common reasons for emergency department (ED) visits in children and adults. Despite its prevalence, there are many challenges to proper diagnosis and management of pneumonia. There is no accurate and timely etiologic gold standard to differentiate bacterial from viral disease, and there are limitations with precise risk stratification of patients to ensure appropriate site-of-care decisions. Clinical factors obtained by history and physical examination have limited the ability to diagnose pneumonia etiology and severity. Biomarkers offer information about the host response to infection and pathogen activity within the host that can serve to augment clinical features in decision-making. As science and technology progress, novel biomarkers offer great potential in aiding critical decisions for patients with pneumonia. This review summarizes existing knowledge about biomarkers of host response and pathogen activity, in addition to briefly reviewing emerging biomarkers using novel technologies.
Dislocations in strained layers: The Ge-Si system

The Ge-Si on Si epilayer system, besides being an interesting technological system in its own right, is a superb model for strained-layer studies. The point defect and symmetry defect structures associated with compound semiconductors can be avoided, allowing a focus on the mechanics of the system. Dislocation sources, glide behavior, and performance effects have been examined for strained-layer systems. Surprises have appeared along the way, but these materials are now becoming characterized well enough for industrial device applications.
HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE SENILE VAGINA INDUCED BY ESTROGENIC THERAPY ADMINISTERED ORALLY AND BY INUNCTION1

THE CYCLICAL CHANGES in the human vaginal mucosa have been demonstrated by Dierks (I,2,3) in 1927, 1929 and 1930, by Geist (4) in 1930 and Papanicolaou (5) in 1933 and Papanicolaou and Shorr (6) in 1936. With the advent of the menopause the vaginal mucous membrane gradually regresses to an inactive state in the majority of women, and the symptoms of senile vulvo2vaginitis, such as pruritus, discharge and dyspareunia may then make their appearance. The hypodermic administration of potent estrogenic preparations in adequate dosage restores the vaginal epithelium to the state found during active sex life. This phenomenon has been demonstrated in the monkey (7,8), in the rodent (9,10), in the human being (2,6,II-15). These authors used various types of estrogenic hormones: theelin, amniotin, and progynon-B. Davis used amniotin both by injection and suppository, but he found that when given in conjunction, the combined therapy proved most satisfactory.
The effect of prostaglandins on cyclic AMP production and cell proliferation in thymic lymphocytes

Summary Prostaglandin A 1 and E 1 , but not F 1 α or F 2 α , stimulate thymic lymphocyte adenylate cyclase with resultant increases in the intracellular level of cyclic AMP and the rate of cell proliferation. A possible mechanism of action of the prostaglandins on adenylate cyclase and a role for these compounds in the stimulation of cell proliferation following injury will be discussed.
Preventing complications of subclavian vein catheterization

The proximity of the subclavian vein to several important structures of the arm, neck and chest make serious complications in subclavian catheterization occur in 0.4% to 9.9% of cases. Complications can be in immediate, chronic and late categories. An understanding of the anatomy, venography and a step-by-step technique of catheterization will help prevent complications and assist the physician in recognizing them when they occur.
Effects of laser-induced hyperthermia treatment on ionic permeability of myelinated nerve

The effect of laser-induced hyperthermia on the ionic permeability of nerve membranes was studied using the nodes of Ranvier in amphibian myelinated nerve as a model. To effect a photothermal modification of nerve membrane functions, con trolled laser irradiation consisting of a 5-sec thermal pulse was applied to the nodal membrane, increasing the temperature to a maximum of 48–58°C at the node. Major electrophysiological changes observed in the nodal membrane following laser-induced hyperthermia were a differential reduction of the sodium and potassium permeability, an increase in the leakage current, and a negative shift on the potential axis of the steady-state Na inactivation. There was no significant change in the kinetics of ion channel activation and inactivation for treatments below 56°C. The results suggest that a primary photothermal damage mecha nism at temperatures below 56°C could be a reduction in the number of active Na channels in the node, rather than a change in individual channel kinetics, or in the properties of the lipid bilayer of intervening nerve membrane. A differential heat sensi tivity between the noninactivated and the inactivated Na channels is also suggested. For the treatments of 56°C and above, a signifi cant increase of membrane leakage current suggests an irrevers ible thermal damage to the lipid bilayer.
On the discriminative function of the reinforcing stimulus

An examination of steady-state DRL behavior showed that a reinforced response was more likely to occur after a reinforced than after an unreinforced response. This finding was interpreted in support of the hypothesis that the reinforcing stimulus in a DRL schedule may exhibit discriminative properties. Additional support for the hypothesis was found in the rapid extinction and reconditioning reported after DRL conditioning.
State of the art. Four easy pieces: interconnections between tissue injury, intermediary metabolism, autoimmunity, and chronic degeneration

Four questions are posed: (1) Can tissue damage itself provoke autoimmunity? (2) Can genetic mutations of key structures produce tissue pathology and thus provoke autoimmunity? (3) Can acute immune damage produce tissue degeneration without further hallmarks of an immune response? (4) Can intermediary metabolism modulate immune damage to tissues? Four answers are given: (1) Tissue injury itself may lead to autoimmunity. Both innate and adaptive immunity may arise as a response to tissue injury, and the immune attack can further damage tissue. (2) Genetic mutations can lead to an immune response indistinguishable from autoimmunity, exemplified from Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. (3) Chronic immune damage may lead to tissue degeneration, with or without further hallmarks of an immune response. Variations on this theme, including inverse scenarios, are also possible: Inborn errors of metabolism may lead to tissue damage that may provoke an adaptive and or innate immune response. The immune response might further damage tissue. (4) Finally, perturbations of intermediary metabolism may modulate the immune response, controlling the extent of immune-mediated damage. Examples are taken from perturbations in the cholesterol pathway that influence the characteristics of the immune response, and with tryptophan metabolites that modulate autoimmunity and graft rejection. Inflammatory, degenerative, and autoimmune neurological disease will be discussed in terms of their implications for pathogenic mechanisms underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Direct isomeric separation of a 3-hydroxyproline-containing prodrug, L-693 989, by high-performance liquid chromatography with a porous graphitic carbon column

Abstract The use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a porous graphitic carbon (Hypercarb) column for the direct separation of a positional isomer of L-693 989, a 3-hydroxyproline-containing prodrug, is described. The isomer peak was isolated by HPLC and analyzed by mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. An authentic sample of the isomer was also synthesized for chromatographic comparison. The results confirm that the peak in question is a 4-hydroxyproline isomer which is difficult to separate from L-693 989 compound with the silica-based reversed-phase columns. The observed chromatographic elution supports the retention mechanism based on the unique electronic donor-acceptor interaction between the lone-pair electrons of the analyte (donor) and the delocalized electron conduction bands on the graphitized carbon stationary phase (acceptor).
Perceived family history of problem gambling and scores on SOGS

A sample of 93 veterans (92.4% males), with a median age of 41, (Mean=43.5) attending clinics for problem drinking, drug abuse and other mental disorders was screened for problems associated with the diagnosis of pathological gambling. The diagnostic instrument employed was the South Oaks Gambling Screen developed by Lesieur and Blume. The data replicate earlier findings indicating a link between parental problem gambling and pathological gambling. The results extended this association to include grandparents thus firming the familial relationship. Several epidemiological measures were defined and illustrated. These included relative risk, the odds ratio, attributable risk percent and population attributable risk percent. The data were consistent with previous research that substance abusers are about six times as likely to be addicted to gambling as the general population.
Microtubule-dependent Oligomerization of Tau IMPLICATIONS FOR PHYSIOLOGICAL TAU FUNCTION AND TAUOPATHIES

The accumulation of abnormal tau filaments is a pathological hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. In 1998, genetic analyses revealed a direct linkage between structural and regulatory mutations in the tau gene and the neurodegenerative disease, frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17). Importantly, the FTDP-17 phenotype is transmitted in a dominant rather than a recessive manner. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms causing disease remain uncertain. The most common molecular mechanism generating dominant phenotypes is the loss of function of a multimeric complex containing both mutant and wild-type subunits. Therefore, we sought to determine whether tau might normally function as a multimer. We co-incubated 35S-radiolabeled tau and biotinylated tau with taxol stabilized microtubules, at very low molar ratios of tau to tubulin. Subsequent covalent cross-linking followed by affinity-precipitation of the biotinylated tau revealed the formation of microtubule-dependent tau oligomers. We next used atomic force microscopy to independently assess this conclusion. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that tau forms oligomers upon binding to microtubules. In addition to providing insights into normal tau action, our findings lead us to propose that one mechanism by which mutations in tau may cause cell death is through the formation of tau complexes containing mutant tau molecules in association with wild-type tau. These wild-type-mutant tau complexes may possess altered biological and/or biophysical properties that promote onset of the FTDP-17 phenotype, including neuronal cell death by either altering normal tau-mediated regulation of microtubule-dependent cellular functions and/or promoting the formation of pathological tau aggregates.
Analysis of LMFBR primary system response to an HCDA using a eulerian computer code

Abstract This paper describes the use of the Eulerian code to predict the response of the fast reactor containment and the primary piping loops to HCDAs, and to analyze the sodium-spillage and the bubble motion problems which cannot be analyzed with a Lagrangian code. The basic equations and numerical techniques used in the Eulerian computer code are described in detail. Four sample problems are given. The first problems are given. The first problem deals with the response of the primary containment to an HCDA. The second problem deals with the slug impact on the reactor head and the spillage of sodium through the opening holes. The third problem deals with the dynamics of an HCDA bubble. The fourth problem deals with the response of a piping loop.
The effects of segregation on the kinetics of irrtergranular cavity growth under creep conditions

Intergranular cavity growth under creep conditions is examined with particular reference to the potential effects of segregation on cavity growth. When cavities are present on all of the boundaries in a polycrystalline solid, they are able to grow in an unconstrained manner. Under these conditions the rate of cavity growth may be controlled by grain boundary diffusion (D GB), surface diffusion (D S), or power law creep, which in turn is controlled by lattice diffusion (D L). When only isolated boundaries are cavitated, cavity growth is constrained and may be completely limited by creep flow of the surrounding grains. The segregation of solute to the grain boundary and the cavity surface can influence the kinetics of cavity growth in several different ways. The reduction in surface energy associated with segregation can increase the rate of cavity growth when the cavities are crack-like. The effects of segregation on grain boundary and surface diffusion can also influence the rate of cavity growth. A phenomenological relation proposed by Borisovet al indicates thatD GB /DL decreases with segregation, thus causing grain boundary diffusion controlled cavity growth to be slowed by segregation. In some cases solute additions increaseD L, thus increasing the rate of creep controlled cavity growth. When these effects are sufficiently large,D GB can increase with solute additions, in spite of the effect of segregation. In some alloysD S increases with segregation by several orders of magnitude. Similar effects on cavity growth are not expected even for surface diffusion controlled cavity growth because the rate of cavity growth is limited by other factors whenD S is very large.
Assessment of CFD-based Response Surface Model for Ares I Supersonic Ascent Aerodynamics

The Ascent Force and Moment Aerodynamic (AFMA) Databases (DBs) for the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) were typically based on wind tunnel (WT) data, with increments provided by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for aspects of the vehicle that could not be tested in the WT tests. During the Design Analysis Cycle 3 analysis for the outer mold line (OML) geometry designated A106, a major tunnel mishap delayed the WT test for supersonic Mach numbers (M) greater than 1.6 in the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center, and the test delay pushed the final delivery of the A106 AFMA DB back by several months. The aero team developed an interim database based entirely on the already completed CFD simulations to mitigate the impact of the delay. This CFD-based database used a response surface methodology based on radial basis functions to predict the aerodynamic coefficients for M > 1.6 based on only the CFD data from both WT and flight Reynolds number conditions. The aero team used extensive knowledge of the previous AFMA DB for the A103 OML to guide the development of the CFD-based A106 AFMA DB. This report details the development of the CFD-based A106 Supersonic AFMA DB, constructs a prediction of the database uncertainty using data available at the time of development, and assesses the overall quality of the CFD-based DB both qualitatively and quantitatively. This assessment confirms that a reasonable aerodynamic database can be constructed for launch vehicles at supersonic conditions using only CFD data if sufficient knowledge of the physics and expected behavior is available. This report also demonstrates the applicability of non-parametric response surface modeling using radial basis functions for development of aerodynamic databases that exhibit both linear and non-linear behavior throughout a large data space.
Effect of misonidazole on neurotransmitter systems

Abstract This study examines the effect of chronic administration of misonidazole on four neurotransmitter pathways (norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, and GABA) of the central nervous system (CNS). Biochemical assays examined the neurotransmitter synthesizing enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TOH) for catecholamines and choline acetyltransferase (CAT) for acetylcholine. An immunocytochemical stain for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) was used as an enzymatic marker for GABAergic neurons. In drug-treated mice, enzymatic activity for TOH as well as the total concentration of enzyme was significantly increased in the locus coeruleus (LC), a principal norepinephrine-ontaining nucleus of the brainstem, but not in other brain regions. Correlative histofluorence examination of the LC also showed an increase in the fluorescence intensity of noradrenergic neurons of the nucleus. In contrast, CAT activity was not different from controls in any of the areas examined. In the brainstem, immunocytochemical staining for GAD showed a significant reduction in the number of immunoreactive varicosities juxtaposed to neurons of the lateral vestibular nucleus suggestive of a loss of afferent GABAergic input from the cerebellum. These data suggest that both norepinephrine and GABAergic systems may be altered in selective nuclei of the CNS by chronic administration of misonidazole, and that drug related changes in NE and GABA may underlie some of the neurotoxic side effects of MISO and/or exacerbate a patient's pre-existing cardiovascular or neurological problems.
Age, Experience, and Schooling: Decomposing Earnings Inequality in the United States and Brazil*

This article analyzes age and experience profiles of earnings inequality for U.S. and Brazilian males. Decomposition of the inequality profiles using a standard human capital earnings equation clarifies the determinants of cross-sectional inequality profiles and demonstrates a number of important differences in the shape of the two countries' profiles and in their underlying components. Most dramatic are Brazil's higher returns to schooling and higher variance in years of schooling, both factors contributing to the significantly higher level of income inequality in Brazil. Changes in the distribution of schooling across cohorts are shown to play a central role in explaining cross-sectional inequality profiles within each country and differences in earnings inequality in the United States and Brazil.
Survivability of Eurasian H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in Water Varies Between Strains

SUMMARY Aquatic habitats play a critical role in the transmission and maintenance of low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses in wild waterfowl; however, the importance of these environments in the ecology of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses is unknown. In laboratory-based studies, LPAI viruses can remain infective for extended durations (months) in water, but the persistence is strongly dependent on water conditions (temperature, salinity, pH) and virus strain. Little is known about the stability of H5N1 HPAI viruses in water. With the use of an established laboratory model system, the persistence of 11 strains of H5N1 HPAI virus was measured in buffered distilled water (pH 7.2) at two temperatures (17 and 28 C) and three salinities (0, 15,000, and 30,000 ppm). There was extensive variation between the 11 H5N1 HPAI virus strains in the overall stability in water, with a range similar to that which has been reported for wild-bird–origin LPAI viruses. The H5N1 HPAI virus strains r...
Design of Impedance Spectroscopy Based Structural Health Monitoring Sensors for Fatigue Damage Detection in Aluminum Beams

Piezoelectric sensors have been previously used for continuous structural health monitoring using impedance spectroscopy. However, three important issues still remain to be investigated for efficient design of such sensors, namely (i) the effect of sensor geometry on sensitivity of impedance based damage detection, (ii) the selection of frequency band for continuous health monitoring, and (iii) identification of damage quantification metric. In this study, we address these issues and report the results on aluminum beam subjected to mechanical fatigue. A commercially available Materials Testing Machine was used in order to perform a load controlled fatigue test (250–1350 lbs @ 20 cycles/sec) on a notched aluminum beam. Sensor geometry was optimized with the help of damage index metric based health monitoring. Next, optimized geometry was selected to further study the selection of frequency band with a new approach based on number of peaks in the impedance signature under identical testing conditions. The r...
Drivers' attitudes toward imperfect distraction mitigation strategies

Studies were conducted to assess driver acceptance of and trust in distraction mitigation strategies. Previous studies have shown that in-vehicle tasks undermine driver safety, and that there is a need for strategies to reduce the effects of in-vehicle distractions. Trust and acceptance of such strategies strongly influence their effectiveness. Different strategies intended to reduce distraction were categorized in a taxonomy. Focus groups were conducted to help refine this taxonomy and explore driver acceptance issues related to these strategies. A driving simulator experiment was then conducted using two of the strategies: an advising strategy that warns drivers of potential dangers and a locking strategy that prevents the driver from continuing a distracting task. These strategies were presented to 16 middle-aged and 12 older drivers in two modes (auditory, visual) with two levels of adaptation (true, false). Older drivers accepted and trusted the strategies more than middle-aged drivers. Regardless of age, all drivers preferred strategies that provided alerts in a visual mode rather than an auditory mode. When the system falsely adapted to the road situation, trust in the strategies declined. The findings show that display modality has a strong effect on driver acceptance and trust, and that older drivers are more trusting and accepting of distraction mitigation technology even when it operates imperfectly.
Low whole blood and erythrocyte levels of glutathione in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients

Dialysis patients are reported to have impaired antioxidant mechanisms, including those involving glutathione-dependent enzymes. This study used high-performance liquid chromatography assays that directly measure total (oxidized + reduced) glutathione and its precursor cysteine (CYS) to compare the whole blood of hemodialysis (prehemodialysis and posthemodialysis) and peritoneal dialysis patients to that of blood donors with no known kidney disease (n = 20 in each group). The levels in erythrocytes were calculated from that data (as nmol/g hemoglobin) because these cells are the major compartment of blood glutathione and their survival may be shortened by oxidant damage. Both dialysis groups had significantly (P = 0.0001) higher CYS levels in the plasma compartment than the controls (251 nmol/mL), with prehemodialysis levels (432 nmol/mL) being greater than peritoneal dialysis levels (334 nmol/mL). Hemodialysis acutely lowered CYS levels (215 nmol/mL) below those of controls. Expressed per milliliter whole blood, both dialysis groups had significantly (P = 0.0001) lower glutathione levels than controls (1,276 nmol/mL), with prehemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis levels being similar (778 and 912 nmol/mL). Values increased prehemodialysis to posthemodialysis, consistent with hemoconcentration. Expressed per gram hemoglobin, the dialysis groups had significantly (P < 0.015) lower glutathione levels than the controls (8,938 nmol/g hemoglobin), with similar prehemodialysis, posthemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis values (7,207, 7,315, and 7,915 nmol/g hemoglobin, respectively). In summary, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients are at increased risk from oxidative stress due to glutathione deficiency in whole blood and erythrocytes.
Surface chemistry, charge and ligand type impact the toxicity of gold nanoparticles to Daphnia magna

Nanoparticles (NPs) are the basis of a range of emerging technologies used for a variety of industrial, biomedical, and environmental applications. As manufactured NP production increases, so too does the concern about their release into the environment and potentially harmful effects. Creating nanomaterials that have minimal negative environmental impact will heavily influence the sustainability of nanomaterials as a technology. In order to create such NPs, the mechanisms that govern NP toxicity need to be better elucidated. One aspect of NP structure that may influence toxicity is the identity and charge of ligand molecules used to functionalize the NP surface. These surface chemistries have the potential to increase or decrease negative biological impacts, yet their impacts are poorly understood. In this study, the toxicity of three types of functionalized ~4–5 nm gold NPs (AuNPs), polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH–AuNPs), citrate (Cit–AuNPs) and mercaptopropionic acid (MPA–AuNPs) as well as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-functionalized gold nanorods (CTAB–AuNRs) were evaluated in the toxicological model species, Daphnia magna. In order to get the most detailed information on NP toxicity in D. magna, both acute and chronic toxicity assays were performed. Acute exposure toxicity assays show that overall the negatively-charged AuNPs tested are orders of magnitude less toxic than the positively-charged AuNPs. However, chronic exposure assays show that both positively and negatively-charged particles impact reproduction but potentially through different mechanisms and dependent upon functional group. In addition, while select ligands used in NP functionalization (such as CTAB) that are toxic on their own can contribute to observed NP toxicity, our acute toxicity assays indicate that minimally toxic ligands (such as PAH) can also cause significant toxicity when conjugated to NPs. This research demonstrates that surface chemistry plays a pivotal role in NP toxicity and that surface chemistry has the potential to affect the sustainability of these materials.
Studies on the mechanism of rapid activation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation activities, particularly c-Src kinase, by TCDD in MCF10A.

While the process of the Ah receptor activation leading to cytochrome P450 induction has been well studied, the mechanism and the process through which the Ah receptor activates tyrosine kinases, within a few minutes of its ligand binding, is not known. Previously, it was reported by Tannheimer et al. (Carcinogenesis 1998; 19:1291–1297) that TCDD causes rapid induction of tyrosine phosphorylation activities in the MCF10A human mammary epithelial cell line. To study the mechanistic aspect of this phenomenon, particularly that occurs within a few minutes after administration, we first studied the effect of insulin on MCF10A under serum free conditions with added EGF. The addition of insulin induced a rapid (5 min) tyrosine phosphorylation on several 160–190 kDa proteins which was followed by significant dephosphorylation activities on these proteins by 15 min. TCDD increased the rate of tyrosine phosphorylation on those proteins but at 15 min, the level of phosphorylation was still high. When insulin and TCDD were added together, the ability of insulin to induce de-phosphorylation by 15 min disappeared. Such an action of TCDD was accompanied by an increase in the titer of the activated form of Src kinase (i.e. c-Src protein with 418 tyrosine phosphorylation), and a concomitant decrease in the level of 529 tyrosine phosphorylated form (an inactivated form). The TCDD-induced activation of c-Src could be blocked by pretreated MCF10A cells with antisense oligonucleotides against c-src or with a specific inhibitor of Src kinase, PP-2. These results support the conclusion that c-Src kinase is at least one of the earliest and the most upstream components of toxic signaling of the Ah-receptor activated by TCDD through the post-transcriptional process. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 18:313–321, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20041
Non-profit multi-hospital organizations: challenges and prospects.

This study seeks to determine the relative importance of factors non‐profit hospital administrators rely on in their decisions to join a non‐profit multihospital organization (MO) and their assessments of an MO in satisfying these motives. A related objective of the study is to determine whether or not the administrators of different types of hospitals (i.e. general vs specialty, member of a national vs non‐national MO and church‐affiliated vs non‐church affiliated) differ in their judgements. The analytical framework of the importance‐performance technique is used in analyzing the data gathered from the top administrators of a nation‐wide sample of hospitals in the USA. Results and implications of the study are discussed.
To cluster or not to cluster: FRETting over rafts

Lipid rafts are thought to be important for signalling cascades by compartmentalizing signalling components in the membrane. This view has recently come under fire because the common method used for isolation of rafts — detergent extraction — is fraught with artefacts. A variety of techniques, including FRET, have been used recently to investigate rafts in their native environment in intact cells. Now, FRET analysis provides evidence that rafts may not have a role in T-cell activation after all.
The imaging properties of atomic focusers

Abstract The proposal that a single heavy atom or a column of atoms extending through a thin single crystal might act as an “atomic focuser” to provide initial magnification in a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) instrument, providing resolutions of 0.05 nm or better, has been tested by simulations of images formed by atoms in an Au[0 0 1] crystal. Clear, undistorted images are shown of arrays of Au atoms, 0.05 nm apart, with a field of view 0.28 nm in diameter, suggesting that specimens of larger area may be imaged with the same resolution with no need for relative motions of the specimen and focuser, by use of a TEM system in which the focused beam from a scanning transmission electron microscope illuminates the specimen.
Yellow bodies, black sweat: Yao Ming, Ichiro Suzuki, and global sport

This article focuses on the relationship between Asian and Black athletes, global multiculturalism, and sport internationalism. Ichiro Suzuki and Yao Ming represent in clear ways the figuration of the Asian male body as both cultural phenomena and transnational commodity. This article describes the marked turn from the Asian male body as an unattractive representative for marketing commodity exchanges to an imported spectacle reproducing National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball transnational capital. However, it does not simply offer a conventional study of the political economy involved in the global expansion of popular sports. Rather, it attempts to illustrate how Asian men in US sports presuppose and indeed attempt to produce Asian masculinity through inverting the bodily emasculation of Asian American men. Throughout this article, I detail the ways in which popular sports has been racialized as a “Black” space of colonial fantasy and fears, and how Asian male athletes break down the ...
TEXT: Publication-quality characters come to APL graphics

An APL workspace named TEXT has been developed to generate publication-quality characters for use with several APL plotting packages, both on the mainframe and on the PC. TEXT is written in APL and is very simple to use. The fonts supplied are based on the Hershey fonts - a well known public-domain digitization of over 20 character fonts.The user is provided with several functions that construct the vectors for plotting a character string (vectors signifying move and draw locations) — including lower-level functions that are more flexible for certain applications. Some of these functions are: rotating, scaling, justifying, underlining and changing style of text strings. Greek, Italic, Russian, Gothic, Math, Weather, and Music symbols are just a few of the character sets available. A modified version is described for APL21, which uses mixed arrays as input.
Synthesis and Preliminary Testing of Molecular Wires and Devices

Presented here are several convergent synthetic routes to conjugated oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s. Some of these oligomers are free of functional groups, while others possess donor groups, acceptor groups, porphyrin interiors, and other heterocyclic interiors for various potential transmission and digital device applications. The syntheses of oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s with a variety of end groups for attachment to numerous metal probes and surfaces are presented. Some of the functionalized molecular systems showed linear, wire-like, current versus voltage (I(V)) responses, while others exhibited nonlinear I(V) curves for negative differential resistance (NDR) and molecular random access memory effects. Finally, the syntheses of functionalized oligomers are described that can form self-assembled monolayers on metallic electrodes that reduce the Schottky barriers. Information from the Schottky barrier studies can provide useful insight into molecular alligator clip optimizations for molecular electronics.
Stability of two-layered fluid flows in an inclined channel

A linear stability analysis of two-layer fluid flows in an inclined channel geometry has been carried out. The onset of flow transitions and the spatio-temporal characteristics of secondary flows produced by the flow instabilities have been examined. The effects of density and viscosity stratifications and surface tension on flow structures also have been investigated at various values of Froude numbers (channel inclinations). Multi-domain Chebyshev–Tau spectral methods along with MATLAB QZ eigenvalue solver are used to determine the whole spectrum of the eigenvalues and associated eigenfunctions. The neutral stability diagrams and stability boundaries are constructed for various values of flow parameters. The onset of flow transitions and flow structures predicted by linear stability analysis are compared against experimental results and they agree reasonably well. The results presented in the present paper imply that the shear mode of flow transitions is the one likely to be identified in experiments.
New electrochromic material based on the electrochemical insertion of lithium into bleached potassium hexatungstate

Abstract It has been shown that K0·3WO3·15 thin films can be used as lithium-based electrochromic display materials. One of the important parameters in such applications is the chemical diffusion coefficient of the coloring species. Thus the chemical diffusion kinetics of lithium have been evaluated in thin films of this material prepared by thermal vacuum evaporation and bleached by oxidation. Measurements have been made as a function of lithium concentration using the galvanostatic transient technique. Chemical diffusion coefficients as high as 10−10 cm2/sec at room temperature were obtained in films prepared such that they exhibit a strong preferred orientation. Electrical cycling experiments showed no evidence of structural degradation after over 1000 deep charge/discharge cycles performed under potentiostatic conditions.
Evanescent field-based optical fiber sensing device for measuring the refractive index of liquids in microfluidic channels

We report a simple optical sensing device capable of measuring the refractive index of liquids propagating in microfluidic channels. The sensor is based on a single-mode optical fiber that is tapered to submicrometer dimensions and immersed in a transparent curable soft polymer. A channel for liquid analyte is created in the immediate vicinity of the taper waist. Light propagating through the tapered section of the fiber extends into the channel, making the optical loss in the system sensitive to the refractive-index difference between the polymer and the liquid. The fabrication process and testing of the prototype sensing devices are described. The sensor can operate both as a highly responsive on–off device and in the continuous measurement mode, with an estimated accuracy of refractive-index measurement of ?5×10?4.
Recent Applications of Liquid Feed Supplements in Rations for Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract Liquid feed supplements (LFS) have traditionally been used in lick tanks as a source of nonprotein nitrogen and energy for dairy replacement heifers and dry cows. Recent applications of LFS in rations for lactating dairy cows were reviewed along with the corresponding research data available in the scientific literature. Liquid feed supplements offer an alternative delivery vehicle for supplemental fat, undegraded intake protein, and rumen-fermentable carbohydrates in total mixed rations for lactating dairy cows. In general, the experiments reviewed did not show a lactation performance advantage to the dietary addition of animal-fat or animal-protein by-products in liquid compared with dry feed supplements. Lactation performance benefits from the feeding of molasses or sugar were not well- substantiated by the literature data, and controlled research is needed to evaluate this aspect of the use of LFS in diets for lactating dairy cows. University and field trials suggest that sorting of total mixed rations fed to lactating dairy cows can occur. Addition of LFS to total mixed rations to reduce sorting of diet components is a new practice on commercial dairy operations, but controlled research trials evaluating the efficacy of LFS for ameliorating a sorting problem are lacking. Advantages of LFS in convenience and uniformity of ingredient and nutrient delivery can be evaluated relative to cost differences between liquid and dry feed supplements since lactation performance differences between them were minimal.
Reflectance sharing: image-based rendering from a sparse set of images

When the shape of an object is known, its appearance is determined by the spatially-varying reflectance function defined on its surface. Image-based rendering methods that use geometry seek to estimate this function from image data. Most existing methods recover a unique angular reflectance function (e.g., BRDF) at each surface point and provide reflectance estimates with high spatial resolution. Their angular accuracy is limited by the number of available images, and as a result, most of these methods focus on capturing parametric or low-frequency angular reflectance effects, or allowing only one of lighting or viewpoint variation. We present an alternative approach that enables an increase in the angular accuracy of a spatially-varying reflectance function in exchange for a decrease in spatial resolution. By framing the problem as scattered-data interpolation in a mixed spatial and angular domain, reflectance information is shared across the surface, exploiting the high spatial resolution that images provide to fill the holes between sparsely observed view and lighting directions. Since the BRDF typically varies slowly from point to point over much of an object's surface, this method enables image-based rendering from a sparse set of images without assuming a parametric reflectance model. In fact, the method can even be applied in the limiting case of a single input image.
Efficiency of diagnostic model to predict recurrent suicidal incidents in diverse world communities

Suicidal attempts have a very significant effect on the society, and they also reflect on the efforts of the supporting health care and counseling facilities; and the mental health professionals involved. The impact of suicide is further magnified by the needs of persons who attempt suicide multiple times, requiring emergency health care and rehabilitation. Preventing such activities becomes a major task for the support providing agencies as soon as patient with such tendencies are identified. There are repetitive traits that can be observed during the entire therapeutic program among the high-risk group individuals, who are susceptible to this kind of activity and such traits indicate for specific profiling. The aim of the instrument is to prevent the occurrence of the repetitive suicidal attempts of the patients in various world regions, which may have significantly higher and concerning suicide rates. This profile has been constructed on the various parameters recognized in the statistical analysis of the patient population, which have been identified or can be under treat-ment for their suicidal behavior. This instrument is developed to predict the probability of population segments who may attempt suicide and repetitively, by matching the parameters of the profile with that of the patient pool. Building a profile for the purpose of predicting behavior of this kind can strengthen the intervention strategies more comprehensively and reduce such incidents and health care requirements and expenses.
Leftward Journey: The Education of Vietnamese Students in France 1919-1939

This is a study in failed colonialism and an evocative exploration of a number of questions that go to the heart of explaining the tragedy that engulfed Vietnam in the postwar era. Drawing upon a wide range of archival sources that have only recently become available, Scott McCon-nell examines the causes and consequences of the Vietnamese student migration to France after World War I. When the student exodus from Vietnam began, a victorious France was more conscious and proud of its status as an imperial power than ever before. It commanded the loyalty of many of its subjects: during World War I, hundreds of thousands of soldiers from the colonies had served France in the trenches, and afterwards many came to study in French schools and universities. But some of the leading figures among them learned not to appreciate French values, but to have contempt for them, and they sought to turn the knowledge they had gained in France against French rule. How did this occur? Why did so many Vietnamese who came to France during the Stalin era join the Communist movement? Why was the Communist party so much more successful than other parties in recruiting Vietnamese students? And why were the Vietnamese so much more receptive to the Communist message than students from other French colonies? McConnell believes the answers lie in the kinds of experiences that young Vietnamese had when they came to France. He shows that the French government's policies uere inconsistent and ineffectual, and French attitudes toward these young men changed from pride to hostility as they began to seem less the flowering of the French imperial idea than an ungrateful cadre of rebels. "Leftward Journey "records the birth of "Third World" politics on the Parisian Left Bank, and shows how its first echoes fed into allegiance to communism. The book vividly portrays the superior energy and sense of direction of the French Communist party during the thirties, and shows how the Communists outdid their socialist and bourgeois rivals in winning Vietnamese recruits. As a contribution to Vietnamese history, this book will be of intense interest to professional scholars. Students and teachers of twentieth-century European colonialism will also find it useful. It provides important background to American intervention in Vietnam and to those who are interested in Third World Communist and nationalist movements.
Scalable ad-hoc network routing based on the distance-matrix shortest path routing

We present a scalable distance-matrix routing algorithm for clusters of nodes. These clusters are defined by GPS coordinates similar to hierarchical routing and geography based routing. We show that the computation and storage requirement of this distance-matrix routing algorithm is scalable and is substantially reduced for large number of mobile nodes. Optimality of routing is maintained. The effect of geographic proximity is shown to reduce computation, message exchange, and route storage requirements. Also, the reduced number of iterations required also improves on the stability of Bellman-Ford type distributed routing algorithms. We plan to implement an IP routing protocol using existing IP router software such as RIP, allowing such mature software to scale up to much larger number of nodes, to handle node mobility, and to perform many ad-hoc network features.