cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is rapid cold-hardening an aerobic process? Characterization of changes in metabolic activity during its induction and effects of anoxia in flesh fly.

Abstract Rapid cold-hardening (RCH) is a type of phenotypic plasticity that promotes a swift improvement of cold tolerance in insects. A brief exposure to mild cold dramatically increases insect survival to a subsequent cold exposure that would be lethal otherwise. In adult male flesh fly, Sarcophaga bullata, as little as 15 min at 5 °C significantly improved organismal survival at −7°C from 0 to 66.7 ± 11.1%. In this study, we investigated whether this RCH response is an aerobic process in S. bullata by characterizing changes in metabolic activity during its induction. At the level of whole organism, CO2 production continued at a level above our detection limit, and a relatively greater rate was observed during the early phase before it stabilized after ~1 h of the RCH induction. Similarly, in isolated flight muscle tissues, those maintained at 5 °C for 10 min exhibited significantly greater rates of oxygen consumption, compared to those maintained at 5 °C for 1 h (2.82 ± 0.29 vs. 1.36 ± 0.22 μl O2 mg−1 DM h−1). When these tissues were exposed to LaCl3, a treatment that should inhibit RCH ex vivo, oxygen consumption rates of the muscles were reduced significantly to a level similar to those that had been maintained at 5 °C for 1 h. Interestingly, however, the RCH response was still evident among individuals exposed to chilling under anoxia. Compared to those exposed to anoxia for 30 min only at 25 °C, flies exposed to 5 °C for 2 h under anoxia following the initial exposure exhibited a significantly greater level of cold tolerance at −7.5 °C (41.7 ± 7.1 vs. 91.8 ± 3.9%). Our results suggest that while relatively greater rates of metabolic activity are associated with the early phase of the RCH induction, it can proceed under the anoxic condition, thereby suggesting its independence to aerobic respiration.
Aromatase Inhibition Ameliorates Decreased LH Output Found in Obese Women.

In obese ovulatory women, serum luteinizing Hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are lowered compared with normal weight women. This relative hypogonadotropic hypogonadism represents a potential etiology for overall decreased fertility in obesity. The objective was to determine if administration of an aromatase inhibitor (AI) to ovulating obese women would normalize LH and FSH by interrupting estradiol negative feedback. Letrozole (2.5–5 mg) was given daily to 22 women, 12 obese and 10 normal weight, for 7 days. On the last day of administration, 8 h of blood sampling was done every 10 min before and after a bolus of GnRH at 4 h. We obtained data from 21 ovulatory women (10 normal weight and 11 obese) who had undergone a similar protocol of frequent blood sampling but no aromatase inhibitors (AI) treatment. Serum LH and FSH levels and pulse characteristics were measured. Treatment with AI only significantly affected obese women. Further, in women with obesity, LH secretion, prior to the GnRH bolus, was significantly higher in AI treated compared with non-treated (p = 0.011). AI treatment doubled LH pulse amplitude in obese women (p = 0.004). In response to aromatase inhibition, LH secretion in ovulatory women with obesity is increased and similar to levels found in untreated normal weight women. The increase in LH pulse amplitude indicates that the AI effect is mediated at the level of the pituitary. Our results suggest that the hypogonadotropic phenotype of simple obesity is subject to modulation by interruption of estradiol negative feedback.
Nutritional Risks Among Female Athletes.

Background: Limited research studies have been conducted on nutritional risks among female athletes. Therefore, this literature review focuses on rigorously designed studies that examined nutrition...
There Is More Than One Way to Skin a Cat: Quantum Information Principles in a Finite World

An analysis of two routes through which one may disentangle a quantum system from a measuring apparatus reveals how the no–cloning theorem can follow from an assumption on an infrared and ultraviolet cutoffs of energy in physical interactions.
Specialist Evaluation for Chronic Pain

Specialists can be either systems based specialists (such as rheumatology, gynecology, orthopedic) or pain specialists. They can offer further evaluation such as diagnostic procedures (such as endoscopy) and can often confirm or refute an etiology for chronic pain. Pain specialists can offer help with the medical management of pain and offer pain relieving procedures. A specialist’s opinion and evaluation can enable the provider to arrive at a diagnosis and etiology for pain. They can also be invaluable colleagues in the management of chronic pain, offering guidance on medical management, surgical options, and pain relieving procedures.
Metal immobilization by solidification of hydroxide and xanthate sludges

The U.S. Department of the Army (DA) is responsible for the treatment and disposal of heavy metal wastes generated at DA facilities. Heavy metal wastewaters are generally treated by hydroxide precipitation. An alternativetechnique uses xanthates to precipitate the heavy metals. Both of these processes produce a sludge defined as hazardous by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). One method proposed for treating such materials is solidification/stabilization (S/S). S/S renders a waste less toxic by chemically immobilizing the hazardous constitutes in a solid matrix. This study evaluated the ability of cellulose and starch xanthate to immobilize heavy metals and compares the results with the metal immobilization capability of hydroxide precipitation. Solidified and unsolidified sludges resulting from starch xanthate, cellulose xanthate, and hydroxide precipitation processes were tested for their physical and chemical characteristics. Sludges were prepared using either cellulose xanthate, starch xanthate, or calcium hydroxide to treat a synthetic waste solution containing four heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, nickel, and mercury) in a laboratory-scale study. Sludges were solidified with portland Type I cement. Physical tests performed on the solidified and unsolidified xanthate and hydroxide sludges included unconfined compressive strength and the cone penetration tests. Chemical leaching characteristics of the unsolidified sludges were determined using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's extraction procedure test and a serial graded batch extraction procedure. Results from this study indicated that the solidified materials reduced the concentration of metals in the leachate when compared to the unsolidified sludges. The solidified sludges also developed unconfined compressive strengths as high as 2000 kPa.
Family-Based Practices to Promote Well-Being

Interventions that promote parent and child well-being in families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are important, given the caregiving burden often associated with supporting children with developmental and behavioral challenges. This article summarizes a presentation made at the 2019 AAIDD annual conference and reviews evidence-based interventions that promote parenting skills, enhance caregiver well-being, and reduce child challenging behavior. The article reviews the role that behavioral and mindfulness-based interventions play in enhancing family well-being. A discussion of research gaps and future directions is included, especially as they relate to the role of technology in scaling up interventions and making them accessible to a broader audience.
Do millennials value travel time differently because of productive multitasking? A revealed-preference study of Northern California commuters

Millennials, the demographic cohort born in the last two decades of the twentieth century, are reported to adopt information and communication technologies (ICTs) in their everyday lives, including travel, to a greater extent than older generations. As ICT-driven travel-based multitasking influences travelers’ experience and satisfaction in various ways, millennials are expected to be affected at a greater scale. Still, to our knowledge, no previous studies have specifically focused on the impact of travel multitasking on travel behavior and the value of travel time (VOTT) of young adults. To address this gap, we use an original dataset collected among Northern California commuters (N = 2216) to analyze the magnitude and significance of individual and household-level factors affecting commute mode choice. We estimate a revealed-preference mode choice model and investigate the differences between millennials and older adults in the sample. Additionally, we conduct a sensitivity analysis to explore how incorporation of explanatory factors such as attitudes and propensity to multitask while traveling in mode choice models affects coefficient estimates, VOTT, and willingness to pay to use a laptop on the commute. Compared to non-millennials, the mode choice of millennials is found to be less affected by socio-economic characteristics and more strongly influenced by the activities performed while traveling. Young adults are found to have lower VOTT than older adults for both in-vehicle (15.0% less) and out-of-vehicle travel time (15.7% less), and higher willingness to pay (in time or money) to use a laptop, even after controlling for demographic traits, personal attitudes, and the propensity to multitask. This study contributes to better understanding the commuting behavior of millennials, and the factors affecting it, a topic of interest to transportation researchers, planners, and practitioners.
A joint mind consideration of the Drake equation in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence

Abstract Numerous estimates exist of the factors appearing in the Drake equation, which estimates the number of extant communicative civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy. Although each are presented by scholars in the field, wide disagreement of the values of those factors exist. Here we consider the six non-longevity factors as random variables and utilize estimates from six studies to determine probability density functions for those factors. We then utilize them to perform a Monte Carlo analysis to determine the most likely value for the product. We find, in moderately close agreement with the estimate by both Frank Drake and the Cyclops report, a value for the product of 0.85 ± 1.28 years−1.
Protein Synthesis in Relation to Insect Aging: An Overview

Nearly 40 years ago, V.B. Wigglesworth (1948) stated: “Insects…are so varied in form, so rich in species, and adapted to such diverse conditions of life that they afford unrivalled opportunities for physiological study…. They are extremely tolerant of operation; they are so varied in form and habit that some species suited to the problem in hand can surely be found; and their small size makes it possible for the observer to be constantly aware of the whole while focusing his attention upon the part.” One “problem in hand” for which insects are particularly well suited is that of aging, a function of the insect’s life span. The latter varies widely among insect taxa, ranging from about a day for some adult mayflies, up to two years for certain roaches, and as long as 15 years for well-nourished ant queens.
Lattice-Boltzmann Diesel Particulate Filter Sub-Grid Modeling - A Progress Report

After treatment modeling capabilities are an important part of the diesel engine manufacturer's efforts to meet the quickly approaching EPA 2007 heavy-duty emissions regulations. A critical, yet poorly understood, component of particulate filter modeling is the representation of the soot oxidation rate. This term directly influences most of the macroscopic phenomenon of interest, including filtration efficiency, heat transfer, back pressure, and filter regeneration. Intrinsic soot cake properties such as packing density, permeability and heat transfer coefficients remain inadequately characterized (1). The work reported in this paper involves subgrid modeling techniques which may prove useful in resolving these inadequacies. The technique involves the use of a lattice Boltzmann modeling approach. This approach resolves length scales which are orders of magnitude below those typical of a standard computational fluid dynamics (CFD) representation of an aftertreatment device. The improved resolution may allow for the characterization of functionality not previously reported in the literature. This paper presents the first status report of this multiyear project. Descriptions of the modeling technique, the initial kinetics, and the development of the computational domain are provided. In addition, preliminary sample exercises are discussed in order to illustrate how the final model, once refined and validated, may be appliedmore » in practice.« less
TOUGH2-PETSc: A Parallel Solver for TOUGH2

TOUGH2 is a general-purpose numerical simulation program for multi-dimensional, multiphase, multicomponent fluid flows, heat transfer and contaminant transport in porous and fractured media. It has been used worldwide for geothermal reservoir engineering, nuclear waste isolation, environmental assessment and remediation, and modeling flow and transport in variably saturated media. TOUGH2 is very computationally intense, and the accuracy and scope of the simulation is limited by the amount of processing power available on a single computer. This makes it an ideal canadate for parallel computing, as more CPU power and memory is available. Furthermore, TOUGH2's main computational unit is a linear equation solver. In parallel computing, a lot of effort has been spent to develop highly efficient parallel linear equation solvers. In this paper, we present TOUGH2-PETSc, a parallel implementation of TOUGH2 that uses PETSc to solve the linear systems in TOUGH2. PETSc is a library of high-performance linear and non-linear equation solvers that has been throughly tested at scale. Based on TOUGH2 and PETSc, TOUGH2-PETSc gives TOUGH2 users the potential to perform larger scale and higher resolution simulations. Experimental results demonstrate that the parallel TOUGH2-PETSc shows improved performance over the sequential version.
Estimating 3D Strain from 4D Cine-MRI and Echocardiography: In-Vivo Validation

The quantitative estimation of regional cardiac deformation from 3D image sequences has important clinical implications for the assessment of myocardial viability. The validation of such image-derived estimates, however, is a non-trivial problem as it is very difficult to obtain ground truth. In this work we present an approach to validating strain estimates derived from 3D cine-Magnetic Resonance (MR) and 3D Echocardiography (3DE) images using our previously-developed shape-based tracking algorithm. The images are segmented interactively and then initial correspondence is established using a shape-tracking approach. A dense motion field is then estimated using a transversely linear elastic model, which accounts for the fiber directions in the left ventricle. The dense motion field is in turn used to calculate the deformation of the heart wall in terms of strains. The strains obtained using our algorithm are compared to strains estimated using implanted markers and sonomicrometers, which are used as the gold standards. These preliminary studies show encouraging results.
Perspectives on the progress of China's 2009 - 2012 health system reform.

In July this year, China’s Ministry of Health (MoH) commissioned an independent external mid-term review of progress in its current health system reform (HSR), itself designed after unprecedented input from six external agencies and the general public (1,2). In its draft report, as yet unreleased, the six-member team of eminent reviewers praises the leadership and financial commitment demonstrated by China’s government in pursuing HSR, but among other things makes strong calls for harmonisation of urban and rural insurance schemes, further improvements to payment mechanisms and oversight of the quality of care, quantitative evaluations of key systems outputs and health outcomes and scientific evaluation of the benefit and cost-effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine.
The winter Arctic Oscillation, the timing of spring, and carbon fluxes in the Northern Hemisphere

[1] Various observations show trends toward warmer and earlier springs in the Northern Hemisphere. We hypothesize that the positive trend in the winter Arctic Oscillation (AO) has led to higher winter temperatures, advanced spring, and increased seasonal amplitudes in atmospheric CO2. To test this hypothesis, we modeled leaf-out and terrestrial carbon fluxes using the Simple Biosphere model, Version 2 (SiB2) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis for 1958–2002. We found that our modeled leaf-out trends were consistent with observed phenology and that the winter AO trend can statistically explain 20–70% of the modeled leaf-out trends in the eastern United States and northern Europe. We also found that warmer winter temperatures associated with the positive trend in the winter AO increased winter respiration. At the same time, these warmer winter temperatures advanced the date of leaf-out, increasing the total spring uptake of atmospheric CO2 by plants. These seasonally asymmetric trends toward increased respiration in winter and increased photosynthesis in spring can help explain the trend toward increased seasonal amplitudes in observed atmospheric CO2 concentration.
A functional C5a anaphylatoxin receptor in a teleost species

The anaphylatoxins are potent, complement-derived low m.w. proteins that bind to specific seven-transmembrane receptors to elicit and amplify a variety of inflammatory reactions. C5a is the most potent of these phlogistic peptides and is a strong chemoattractant for neutrophils and macrophages/monocytes. Although lower vertebrates possess complement systems that are believed to function similarly to those of mammals, anaphylatoxin receptors have not previously been characterized in any nonmammalian vertebrate. To study the functions of C5a in teleost fish, we generated recombinant C5a of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (tC5a), and used fluoresceinated tC5a (tC5aF) and flow cytometry to identify the C5a receptor (C5aR) on trout leukocytes. Granulocytes/Macrophages present in cell suspensions of the head kidney (HKL), the main hemopoietic organ in teleosts, showed a univariate type of receptor expression, whereas those from the peripheral blood demonstrated either a low or high level of expression. The binding of tC5aF was inhibited by excess amounts of unlabeled tC5a or tC5adesArg, demonstrating that sites other than the C-terminal of tC5a interact with the C5aR. Both tC5a and tC5adesArg were able to induce chemotactic responses in granulocytes in a concentration-dependent manner, but the desArg derivative was at least 10-fold less active. Homologous desensitization occurred after HKL were exposed to continuous or high concentrations of tC5a, with a loss of tC5aF binding and an 80% reduction in chemotactic responses toward tC5a. Pertussis toxin reduced the migration of HKL toward tC5a by 40%, suggesting only a partial involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi proteins in tC5a-mediated chemotaxis.
A high-resolution CMOS sigma-delta A/D converter with 320 kHz output rate

A third-order switched-capacitor sigma-delta A/D converter is presented. The converter consists of three cascaded first-order sigma-delta modulators, and achieves 88 dB pk/rms S/(N+D) in a 160-kHz passband with a 10.24-MHz sampling rate. The high signal-to-noise ratio is maintained over this wide bandwidth by attenuating the quantization noise with a third-order noise-shaping function and a fourth-order comb decimation filter. A special autozeroed integrator with low pole error is required to achieve the 10.24-MHz sampling rate and high-order noise shaping simultaneously. >
Photoinduced Heating and Phase Transition in CMR Materials

Fast switching from conductor to insulator induced by laser light illumination has been studied in single crystals and thin films of La1-xSrxMnO3 in the range of the ferromagnetic phase transition. Based on our experimental data on the photoresponse as a function of temperature, electric current, and intensity, we have demonstrated that the switching and relaxation processes are determined by heating and heat conduction processes. The relaxation time, specific heat and the latent heat constants have been estimated.
Effect of vitamin C on prostate cancer cells in vitro: effect on cell number, viability, and DNA synthesis.

BACKGROUND Many studies describe the protective role of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) against cancer development and in treatment of established cancer. The present study investigated whether ascorbic acid demonstrates a therapeutic benefit for prostate cancer. METHODS Androgen-independent (DU145) and androgen-dependent (LNCaP) human prostate cancer cell lines were both treated in vitro with vitamin C (0–10 mM). Cell counts, cell viability, and thymidine incorporation into DNA were determined. RESULTS Treatment of DU145 and LNCaP cells with vitamin C resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability and thymidine incorporation into DNA. Vitamin C induced these changes through the production of hydrogen peroxide; addition of catalase (100–300 units/ml), an enzyme that degrades hydrogen peroxide, inhibited the effects of ascorbic acid. Superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that dismutates superoxide and generates hydrogen peroxide, did not prevent decreases in cell number and DNA synthesis, suggesting further the involvement of hydrogen peroxide in vitamin C-induced changes. These results clearly indicate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in vitamin C-induced cell damage. However, that singlet oxygen scavengers such as sodium azide and hydroquinone and hydroxyl radical scavengers such as D-mannitol and DL-α-tocopherol did not counteract the effects of ascorbic acid on thymidine incorporation suggests that vitamin C-induced changes do not occur through the generation of these ROS. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin C inhibits cell division and growth through the production of hydrogen peroxide, which damages the cells probably through an as yet unidentified free radical(s) generation/mechanism. Our results also suggest that ascorbic acid is a potent anticancer agent for prostate cancer cells. Prostate 32:188–195, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A computational model of the vertical anatomical organization of primary visual cortex

A method for modeling anatomical connectivity for a vertically organized slab of cortical tissue in mammalian primary visual cortex has been developed. The modeled slab covers 500 × 500 μm of cortical surface and extends vertically throughout the full depth of the cortex. The model slab was divided into 6 laminae and neuronal somata were distributed in three dimensions through the slab in accordance with experimentally derived cell densities. Axonal and dendritic arborizations were modeled as line segments. A total of 17 morphological types of neurons were included. Connectivity was established based on proximity between axonal and dendritic arbors. There is good general agreement between the vertical distribution of connections generated by the model and the vertical distribution of synapses observed for cat area 17. In all layers, fewer connections were generated in the model than synapses in cat area 17. This is due, at least in part, to the exclusion of long range intracortical projections and sources of afferent input other than the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus from the model. The connection scheme described here will be used in conjunction with a physiology model to model vertical signal flow, and will be expanded further to model receptive fields of cortical neurons.
Microdetermination of aldose and aldehyde reductases from human tissues.

Microfluofometric method has been described for the determination of aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase II activities in human erythrocyte, brain, and lens. The enzyme activity determined by the microfluorometric method was compared with the activity determined spectrophotometrically by following the oxidation of NADPH and fluorometrically by the formation of sorbitol. The activity of aldose reductase in homogenous preparations from human lens, brain, and erythrocyte was identical when determined by NADPH oxidation, NADP formation, and sorbitol formation using glucose as substrate and NADPH as co-factor. This indicated that NADPH oxidation by aldose reductase is not due to a non-specific oxidation by oxidants generated as a result of interaction of aldose reductase and glucose. Similarly, the activity of aldehyde reductase II obtained by NADPH oxidation and that by NADP formation were in good agreement. The microfluorescent method is convenient and accurate and can be used for the. determination of a...
Altered myocardial high-energy phosphate metabolites in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Myocardial high-energy phosphate metabolism in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) of ischemic or idiopathic etiology was assessed at rest by one-dimensional phase-encoded 31 P-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy studies performed in conjunction with 1 H imaging in 20 patients with DCM and in 12 normal volunteers. The messured values of anterior myocardial phosphocreatine/β-adenosine triphosphate (PCrβ-ATP), corrected for partial saturation and contamination of the spectra by blood metabolites, averaged 1.80 ± 0.06 (mean ± SE) in normal volunteers and 1.46 ± 0.07 in the patients overall, a highly significant ( p n = 9), the PCrβ-ATP ratio averaged 1.53 ± 0.07, while in those with DCM alone it was 1.41 ± 0.12 ( n = 11), a value that was not significantly different. There was no significant correlation ( r = 0.34) between myocardial PCrATP ratio and left ventricular ejection fraction in patients. These studies demonstrate that myocardial PCrATP ratios are reduced at rest in human ischemic and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Research Problems in Developing Giftedness: A Worldwide Perspective.

The paper analyses world perspectives on gifted education, examil1ing definitions and identification procedures together with attitudes towards provision. The author provides a succinct overview of general areas of research; but, more importantly, identifies key areas in the field of gifted education which require further clarification and rigorous examination.
Meningioma surgery in the elderly: a case-control study assessing morbidity and mortality.

Goal. To assess the morbidity and mortality of meningioma surgery in patients over age 65 and compare our results with matched controls and with the present literature on meningioma surgery in the elderly.
Hyperactivity: a lead induced behavior disorder

Mice were exposed to lead from birth by substituting solutions of lead acetate for the drinking water of their mothers. The suckling mice were thus exposed to lead through their mother's milk and, at weaning, directly through the drinking water. Controls received equal concentrations of sodium acetate. No deaths of offspring or mothers occurred during the first 90 days of exposure. It has been suggested recently that lead exposure may account for some incidences of behavior disorders in children. Levels of motor activity of individual offspring were measured from weaning until 70 days of age in specially designed activity cages. Lead-treated mice were more than three times as active as age-matched or size-matched controls. Treated and control animals were administered drugs currently used in the treatment and diagnosis of hyperactivity in children. All control animals responded as expected to all drugs used in this study. However, lead-treated mice responded paradoxically to d- and l-amphetamine, methylphenidate, and phenobarbital. That is, the CNS stimulants suppressed their hyperactivity while phenobarbital exacerbated the lead-induced hyperactivity. These findings suggest that lead produces an animal model of hyperactivity which may have clinical relevance and which may explain some cases of hyperactivity in children.
Dendritic cells pulsed or fused with AML cellular antigen provide comparable in vivo antitumor protective responses

Objective To investigate whether syngeneic BM-derived DCs generated in vitro and fused with syngeneic C1498 tumor cells (murine AML line) could induce a better antitumor protective effect compared to similarly generated DCs pulsed with C1498 lysate with or without co-injection of a class B CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG 7909) in vivo. Methods DCs were pulsed with C1498 lysate prior to intravenous administration 14 and 7 days prior to tumor challenge. Separate cohorts received DCs electrically fused to irradiated C1498 cells. Cohorts were administered DCs that were lysate-pulsed or fused with tumor cells on days 14 and 7 prior to tumor injection. Some cohorts were co-injected with CpG 7909 at the time of DC administration. Results All DC vaccines significantly improved survival ( p p p Conclusions DC vaccine strategies may be effective in generating anti-AML responses. No advantage was observed between lysate-pulsed and tumor cell–fused DCs. CpGs may provide an adjuvant effect depending on the type of DC vaccine administered.
A Half-Kilometer, 150 M BIT/SEC. Data Link Experiment Using A Striped-Geometry LED

High-speed data links using laser-like LED's, single fiber graded index multimode waveguides, and avalanche photodiodes are described. We describe a new stripe-geometry laser/LED source in which lateral current confinement is achieved by selective diffusion of the n-type substrate prior to the epitaxial growth of the GaAs/GaAlAs layers. Using an H.-P. 3760A/3761A Bit Error Rate system, we observed no errors in a psuedo-random sequence of 1011 bits over a half kilometer fiber at 150 Mbits/sec., the bit rate limit of the H.-P. system. Satisfactory eye diagrams were observed at somewhat higher bit rates. A measurement of the broadening of single laser pulses set an upper limit to the pulse dispersion, for this particular h km fiber, of h nsec/km, which compares to 5 to 25 nsec/km for step-index fibers of similar diameters and index differences. A status report will be presented on an experiment to install a 360 meter cable with six independent waveguide channels thru buried conduit between two laboratory buildings.© (1975) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fundamentals of process neuropsychology.

Abstract An examination of the whole-to-part transition over phases, from potential to actual in the specification of a concrete entity, as in the momentary mind/brain state, reveals patterns of change that can be considered a first approximation to the foundational laws of cognition. These laws, which amount to a theory of universal change, apply as well to the becoming or actualization of non-cognitive entities. Thus, the thesis is advanced that the mental and the physical actualize a generic process and that a theory of this process,process monism,is a metaphysics of the antecedents of occasions of fact or the laws of change that deliver objects. The commonality of the mental and the physical lies in the conceptuality of the duration of becoming and its continuity with the duration of the conscious present. The before/after relation that characterizes the phase-transitions in a non-cognitive entity is the seed of the past/present relation in consciousness. The connectedness of past and present arises as a feeling of the relation of antecedent phases imminent in a concrete particular. The theory rejects as regressive the elimination of consciousness by a reduction to the material, or the reverse, in idealism, as well as an emergence of consciousness from material states. A deep current of connectedness runs from the nature of conscious phenomena to the categories of existence at the level of the atom.
Vibration and noise analysis of a gear transmission system

This paper presents a comprehensive procedure to predict both the vibration and noise generated by a gear transmission system under normal operating conditions. The gearbox vibrations were obtained from both numerical simulation and experimental studies using a gear noise test rig. In addition, the noise generated by the gearbox vibrations was recorded during the experimental testing. A numerical method was used to develop linear relationships between the gearbox vibration and the generated noise. The hypercoherence function is introduced to correlate the nonlinear relationship between the fundamental noise frequency and its harmonics. A numerical procedure was developed using both the linear and nonlinear relationships generated from the experimental data to predict noise resulting from the gearbox vibrations. The application of this methodology is demonstrated by comparing the numerical and experimental results from the gear noise test rig.
Novel tribological systems using shape memory alloys and thin films

Thin film and bulk shape memory alloys are shown to have robust indentation-induced shape memory and superelastic effects, where indents can recover upon martensite-to-austenite phase transformations. Since many tribological contact conditions are similar to those under indentations, we have applied the micro- and nano-scale shape memory and superelastic effects in thin films and bulk NiTi shape memory alloys into novel tribological systems. First, we show that superelastic NiTi thin films as interlayers between hard coatings and aluminum substrates can improve coating adhesion and wear resistance. The NiTi interlayers are sputter-deposited onto 6061 T6 aluminum substrates. Chromium nitride (CrN) and diamond-like carbon (DLC) hard coatings are deposited by unbalanced magnetron sputter deposition. X-ray diffraction and nanoindentation are used to characterize NiTi interlayers. Wear and scratch tests show that superelastic (austenitic) NiTi interlayers significantly improve the tribological performance of hard coatings on aluminum substrates. Second, we show that the indentation-induced two-way shape memory effect can be realized in thin film and bulk NiTi alloys, where spherical indents exhibit two-way reversible depth change with heating and cooling. Reversible surface protrusions are realized after the indents are planarized (a polishing procedure to restore a flat surface). Micro- and nano- scale circular protrusions arise from planarized spherical indents in thin film and bulk NiTi alloy; line protrusions appear from planarized scratch tracks. Surfaces with patterned reversible indentations and protrusions can exhibit unusual tribological behavior that may be used for controlling friction in tribological systems.
Closing Thoughts on Teaching and Teachers: Our Roles in Presenting Self–referential Course Content to Students

Abstract Instructors of clinical and social psychology courses have special responsibilities because their course contents deal with information about how students view themselves. A case is made that instructors' desires to increase self–referential thinking must be balanced with the protection of students' welfares. Students need to be exposed to new and potentially discrepant information in the spirit of a liberal education, but these very students also are the final arbiters of whether such self–referential information is accepted as applying to themselves and to their views of the world more generally.
Shuttle imaging radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) reveals near-surface properties of the South Patagonian Icefield

Shuttle imaging radar C/X band synthetic aperture radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) views of the South Patagonian Icefield in southern Chile and Argentina demonstrate the ability of spaceborne multiparameter radar to detect climatically driven, intra-annual changes in the snow and ice conditions on glaciers. The SIR-C/X-SAR system aboard space shuttle Endeavor acquired images during two 11-day missions in April and October 1994. The radar signatures of differing snow and ice conditions are distinctive and homogeneous over large areas of the ice fields. The signatures are characterized mainly by (1) backscatter amplitude levels, (2) relative amplitudes of the C and L bands (wavelengths of 5.7 and 24 cm, respectively), and (3) polarization properties indicative of volumetric or surface scattering. The radar signatures are interpreted by correlating the radar characteristics with elevation of the snow and ice surfaces and with changes in the meteorological conditions. We are able to define four “radar glacier zones”: (zone A) a relatively dry snow zone with dominant C band returns; (zone B) a moderately wet snow zone with dominant L band returns; (zone C) a wet snow zone with weak returns in all bands; and (zone D) bare ice and/or heavily crevassed surfaces with strong returns in all bands. The spatial changes in the radar glacier zones between April and October are consistent with colder temperatures recorded in October, producing drier snow conditions at lower elevations than in April.
Water analysis of the sixteen environmental protection agency-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via solid-phase nanoextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Abstract The growing concern with a sustainable environment poses a new challenge to analytical chemists facing the routine monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water samples. The new method presented here meets several features of green analytical chemistry. PAHs are extracted from 500 μL of water sample with 1 mL of a gold nanoparticles aqueous solution and released with 100 μL of organic solvents for subsequent analysis via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The relative standard deviations of the overall procedure ranged from 2.4 (acenaphthene) to 7.8% (dibenz[ a,h ]anthracene). The limits of detection were excellent as well and varied from 4.94 (fluoranthene) to 65.5 ng L −1 (fluorene). The excellent analytical figures of merit, the simplicity of the experimental procedure, the short analysis time and the reduced solvent consumption demonstrate the potential of this approach for the routine monitoring of the sixteen priority pollutants via and environmentally friendly methodology.
Replication of scientific research: addressing geoprivacy, confidentiality, and data sharing challenges in geospatial research

The ability to replicate, or reproduce, research is fundamental to the scientific process. Research combining a variety of georeferenced data is spreading rapidly across scientific domains and international borders. This suggests a growing potential for the use and integration of new and existing data sets to create new multi-disciplinary scientific collaborations. Yet, the unique characteristics of georeferenced data present special challenges to such collaborations. These data are highly identifiable when presented in maps and other visualizations or when combined with sensor data or other related geospatial data sets. The potential opportunities of collaboration may thus be constrained by the need to protect the locational privacy (geoprivacy) and confidentiality of subjects in research using georeferenced data. This paper reviews the obstacles to and potential methods for sharing georeferenced data in order to support a growing and dynamic geospatial research community and build capacity for data-inte...
Technical communicators as purveyors of common sense

In this article I argue that technical communicators are in the position to foster users' commonsense understanding of products. The notion that technical communicators can increase the common sense of users is absent in the field of technical communication literature. Reasons for not recognizing the legitimacy of common sense range from its unexamined nature to a belief that it cannot be taught. After discussing different definitions of common sense, I suggest that including scenarios, common metaphors, and language that promotes procedural knowledge in product information can strengthen users' commonsense understanding of the products they use. Moreover, in failing to make use of commonsense appeals, technical communicators are ignoring a sound persuasive strategy.
1-eV solar cells with GaInNAs active layer

We demonstrate working prototypes of a GaInNAs-based solar cell lattice-matched to GaAs with photoresponse down to 1 eV. This device is intended for use as the third junction of future-generation ultrahigh-efficiency three- and four-junction devices. Under the AM1.5 direct spectrum with all the light higher in energy than the GaAs band gap filtered out, the prototypes have open-circuit voltages ranging from 0.35 to 0.44 V. short-circuit currents of 1.8 mA cm 2 , and fill factors from 61% to 66%. The short-circuit currents are of principal concern: the internal quantum efficiencies rise only to about 0.2. We discuss the short diffusion lengths which are the reason for this low photocurrent. As a partial workaround for the poor diffusion lengths, we demonstrate a depletion-width-enhanced variation of one of the prototype devices that trades off decreased voltage for increased photocurrent, with a short-circuit current of 6.5 mA/cm 2 and an open-circuit voltage of 0.29 V.
Spying on IgE receptor signaling: simply complex, or not?

Plasma membrane organization and the potential role, or not, of lipid raft microdomains in signal transduction is a controversial topic. Cross-correlation fluorescent correlation spectroscopy (CC-FCS) shows promise as a new approach to rapidly probe protein–protein interactions in living cells during signal transduction. CC-FCS data from studies of IgE receptor signaling challenge models of large stable lipid raft signaling domains and reveal a new complexity in the dynamic (re)organization of signaling complexes.
Protective role of bortezomib in steatotic liver ischemia/reperfusion injury through abrogation of MMP activation and YKL-40 expression.

Abstract Steatotic liver grafts tolerate ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury poorly, contributing to poor survival following transplantation. However the molecular mechanisms leading to I/R injury still remain to be defined. We have previously reported that the protective effect of bortezomib towards inhibiting cold induced I/R injury in obese rat liver transplant model is through NF-κB down modulation. In this report using an orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) model in Zucker rats (from obese, leptin deficient donor, to lean recipient) we defined the mechanisms of steatotic liver injury, and characterized the role of bortezomib in inhibiting MMP activation and YKL-40, both of which are involved in extracellular matrix deposition and fibrosis, the key pathological features of liver allograft failure. Obese donor rats were treated with bortezomib (i.v., 0.1 mg/kg immediately prior to liver procurement) to assess the role of MMP and YKL-40 in steatotic liver I/R injury. I/R injury in steatotic livers resulted in significant increases in expression of YKL-40 (9 fold), and activation of MMP-2 (15 fold)/MMP-9 (12 fold). Bortezomib treatment reduced the expression of YKL-40 and MMP to basal levels. Bortezomib also inhibited the pro-fibrotic (VEGF, HGF, bFGF, TGF-β) and pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ) cytokines significantly in comparison to untreated animals with I/R injury. These results demonstrate that I/R injury in steatotic livers following transplantation are associated with MMP activation and YKL-40 upregulation resulting in pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Administration of the proteosomal inhibitor, bortezomib, effectively attenuated the I/R injury by inhibiting MMP and YKL-40 expression and therefore support the clinical utility of this drug in donor management for preventing I/R injury and its sequelae.
[Mn12O12(OMe)2(O2CPh)16(H2O)2]2- single-molecule magnets and other manganese compounds from a reductive aggregation procedure.

A new synthetic procedure has been developed in Mn cluster chemistry involving reductive aggregation of permanganate (MnO4-) ions in MeOH in the presence of benzoic acid, and the first products from its use are described. The reductive aggregation of NBun4MnO4 in MeOH/benzoic acid gave the new 4MnIV, 8MnIII anion [Mn12O12(OMe)2(O2CPh)16(H2O)2]2-, which was isolated as a mixture of two crystal forms (NBun4)2[Mn12O12(OMe)2(O2CPh)16(H2O)2]·2H2O·4CH2Cl2 (1a) and (NBun4)2[Mn12O12(OMe)2(O2CPh)16(H2O)2]·2H2O·CH2Cl2 (1b). The anion of 1 contains a central [MnIV4(μ3-O)2(μ-O)2(μ-OMe)2]6+ unit surrounded by a nonplanar ring of eight MnIII atoms that are connected to the central Mn4 unit by eight bridging μ3-O2- ions. This compound is very similar to the well-known [Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4] complexes (hereafter called “normal Mn12”), with the main difference being the structure of the central cores. Longer reaction times (∼2 weeks) led to isolation of polymeric [Mn(OMe)(O2CPh)2]n (2), which contains a linear chain of r...
Simplified correlation models for CO/H2 chemical reaction times

Abstract This paper provides simplified correlation models for CO/H2 chemical reaction times. The procedure used for the CO/H2 simplified modeling utilized the full chemical kinetics mechanism run over a range of temperatures from 700 to 1800 K, pressures from 0.5 to 50 atm, mixtures from 0% to 95% CO, and equivalence ratios from 0.2 to 2.0 to determine ignition (or reaction) time. The correlations for ignition times are given in formulas as functions of equivalence ratio, temperature, and pressure. Two different forms of correlations were obtained, one being a single, overall correlation and the other a two-stage correlation representing regions of high and low temperatures. These correlations are shown to work well over a range of chemical time scales spanning ten orders of magnitude. The correlations are also compared with measured data from the literature.
The cost function given imperfectly flexible capital

Abstract The properties of the firm's cost function are examined when investment is irreversible and there are costs of capital adjustment. The effects of the firm's initial capital stock on total, marginal and average costs are analysed.
Changes in poultry litter toxicity with time.

Leachate from poultry litter exhibits toxicity to marine organisms but the toxicity decreases with increase in leaching time
Effects of water films and sliding speed on the frictional behavior of truck disc brake materials

Friction materials for car and truck disc brake pads are typically complex composites containing metals, ceramics, and polymers that are designed to provide stable frictional performance over a range of vehicle operating conditions, exhibit acceptable wear life, and produce minimal noise and vibration. Despite the fact that brakes must operate under a variety of environmental conditions, most standardized and developmental laboratory tests for brake materials are conducted under dry sliding conditions. Studies of wet braking behavior are rare in the tribology literature. The present work investigated the frictional behavior of commercial truck brake pad materials sliding on gray cast iron simulated brake discs in the presence of water films. An instrumented sub-scale testing machine equipped with a water spray was used. There was a significant effect of water films on reducing pad/disc friction compared with dry tests on the same materials and at the same sliding speeds. The friction coefficient under water spray conditions was inversely proportional to the square of the sliding speed. The reduction of friction with increasing speed was principally due to hydrodynamic effects, although the water spray also reduced frictional heating and changed the nature of the transfer film formation on the cast iron contact surface. Frictional recovery occurred within seconds after the water spray was removed.