cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specimen size effects and round robin results for transthickness tensile strength of N720/AS-1

Transthickness tensile (interlaminar tensile) strength of N720/AS-1 was investigated. Circular cross-section test specimens with diameters of 19, 25.4, 30, and 40 mm were tested for transthickness tensile strength to examine the influence of specimen size on strength. For the diameters studied, no influence of specimen size on strength was observed. A round robin test program was then conduced using a circular cross-section test specimen with a diameter of 25.4 mm. The objective of the round robin was to establish precision values for a recently published testing practice. Results and statistical analysis are presented for the eight laboratories that participated in the round robin. Finally, transthickness tensile results are presented for test specimens that were given heat treatments and for test specimens that were first loaded to 125 MPa to increase the crack density of the matrix. Discussion addresses strength values measured for each study, and how those results may have implications on CMC development.
Mate Quality and Novelty Influence Post‐Copulatory Female Choice in Decorated Crickets, Gryllodes sigillatus

Females of many taxa prefer to mate with novel males rather than previous mates, but also favor males that have traits indicative of higher genetic quality or compatibility. However, it may not be possible for females to simultaneously choose males that are both novel and of high quality, and the female response to this dilemma has not previously been examined. In this paper, we ask whether female decorated crickets, Gryllodes sigillatus, exert their choice for novel males via post-copulatory choice (sperm ampulla removal) and whether male genetic background (variation in male quality) affects this decision. We found that after matings with inbred males, females removed the ampullae of familiar mates sooner than those of novel males, whereas after matings with outbred males, there was no difference in the ampulla-retention times of familiar mates and novel partners. This suggests that when male do not vary in quality, females prefer novel partners. However, when males vary in quality, female preferences for male traits are more important than preferences for novel partners.
Persistent Immutable Shared Abstractions

A write-once, read-many persistent store has been developed for Concurrent Scheme, a distributed-memory parallel Lisp for the Mayfly multicomputer. The prototype implementation supports the explicit store and implicit retrieval of instances of the Scheme data types. Items are stored into per node repositories, using a modified form of the original Concurrent Scheme “message” format. Potential access concurrency and transaction atomicity of the store are discussed. The efficacy of the prototype is demonstrated via its utilization within a parallel ray tracer, on a network implementation of Concurrent Scheme.
Dietary fiber and whole-grain consumption in relation to colorectal cancer in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study

Background: Whether the intake of dietary fiber can protect against colorectal cancer is a long-standing question of considerable public health import, but the epidemiologic evidence has been inconsistent. Objective: The objective was to investigate the relation between dietary fiber and whole-grain food intakes and invasive colorectal cancer in the prospective National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study. Design: The analytic cohort consisted of 291 988 men and 197 623 women aged 50-71 y. Diet was assessed with a self-administered food-frequency questionnaire at baseline in 1995-1996; 2974 incident colorectal cancer cases were identified during 5 y of follow-up. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs. Results: Total dietary fiber intake was not associated with colorectal cancer. The multivariate RR for the highest compared with the lowest intake quintile (RR Q5-Q1 ) was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.85, 1.15; P for trend = 0.96). In analyses of fiber from different food sources, only fiber from grains was associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer (multivariate RR Q5-Q1 : 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.98; P for trend = 0.01). Whole-grain intake was inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk: the multivariate RR Q5-Q1 was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.89) for the whole cohort (P for trend < 0.001). The association with whole grain was stronger for rectal than for colon cancer. Conclusions: In this large prospective cohort study, total dietary fiber intake was not associated with colorectal cancer risk, whereas whole-grain consumption was associated with a modest reduced risk.
The hagfish oocyte at late stages of oogenesis: structural and metabolic events at the micropylar region.

Abstract The hagfishes (Class Agnatha), primitive vertebrates and massive secretors of mucus, occupy a unique niche in a marine benthic environment and exists in abundance despite an infrequent ovulation of a low number (12–45) of notably large, prolate ellipsoidal (~8 mm × 28 mm. width × length, respectively) eggs. To establish factors that might contribute to survivability of one species ( Eptatretus stouti ), we examined three groups of mature females and document structural events characteristic of oocytes at late developmental stages: attached to the gonad, after ovulation into the body cavity, and after deposition on aquaria substrata. Quantitative autoradiographic analyses following administration in vivo of [ 3 H]-leucine was useful to confirm post-vitellogenic stages and late metabolic events at the micropylar region located at one end of each egg. After egg disassembly, a combination of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy was used to delineate structural features and 3-D relationships in juxtaposition to the micropylar cup and canal. A thick (~200μm) complex tripartite chorion surrounds a large micropylar cup (~300μm, width at base) consisting of fused polygonal (mainly hexagonal) substructural units (3–4 μm, width) and collectively serves to stabilize the micropylar canal (of size to prevent polyspermy) that penetrates the ooplasm near the germinal vesicle. A tuft composed of numerous chorionic appendages (‘anchor filaments’, ~2–3 mm length) is enmeshed in a gel matrix and surrounds the cup. When the eggs are deposited, intermediate filament aggregates (IFA) from slime gland mucus become interspersed in the tuft/gel complex. A similar IFA/tuft/gel region found on the vegetal pole-end facilitates firm egg-end attachments and possibly assists localization of egg clutches to a favorable substratum. Although the mode of fertilization is as yet unknown, the collective structural characteristies of the hagfish egg arc indicative of physical strength and are markedly different from eggs of the other group of cyclostomes (lampreys) and from tcleosts. The hagfish produces fewer but larger eggs which are prolate ellipsoidal rather than spherical and have a thicker chorion, a greater chorion to egg width ratio, a much larger micropylar cup with a unique substructure, larger and more localized chorionic appendages, and appendage tufts interspersed with adhesive substances derived not only from the follicular epithelium but also from the slime glands.
‘The Holiest Campus’, its Decline and Transformation: The University of New England, 1946–79

In the mid-1960s and possibly earlier the University of New England (UNE), located at Armidale in rural New South Wales, was reputed to be ‘the holiest campus’ in Australia. The article finds a considerable body of evidence to give credibility to this view. It argues that UNE was relatively religious because it drew more of its students from the most devout social groups in Australia than other universities and because those students were then proselytized by religious societies that operated effectively and with strong clerical support in a small, cohesive institution. The ethos of UNE was broadly Christian, perhaps more so than that of metropolitan universities. After 1965 there was a substantial decline in religious practice, belief and influence at UNE, as apparently at other Australian universities and in Australia as a whole. In the case of UNE, secularization was more than a decline in civil or social religion, more than a process of decline through differentiation: in the first half of the 1960s over half of the student body was highly religious but by the late 1970s the proportion had fallen to one-fifth to one-quarter. Associated with this decline was a transformation of religious activity marked by the reassertion of Christian denominationalism and the emergence of a non-Christian spiritual sensibility.
A Pulsed Setpum Magnet for Extraction from the Fermilab Booster

A pulsed, water-cooled, single-turn septum magnet presently used for extraction from the Fermilab Booster synchrotron is described. The most novel feature of the magnet is the empirically determined shape of the septum coil which compensates for the current distribution and the distortions caused by leads and crossovers. The magnet operates in vacuum at ~20,000 A or ~9 kG, has a half-sine-wave pulse 180 ?s long, and operates as a dogleg with an identical magnet to minimize effects of power supply fluctuations.
A cloud computing curriculum for undergraduate CS majors (abstract only)

We describe our approach in developing a Cloud Computing course for undergraduate CS majors. Teaching Cloud Computing can be a challenge, as there are many concepts that need to be covered within the limited time-frame of a three-credit hour semester course. Our approach focused on teaching the concepts and techniques for writing distributed client software using Cloud services, while covering other aspects of Cloud Computing at a higher-level using a story-telling approach. The core concepts were taught through a series of hands-on, scenario-driven, lectures and labs using Cloud services provided by Amazon.com. We share our experience in evaluating other Cloud Computing platforms for use in the class, and the challenges and false assumptions we encountered while teaching it.
Phenomenological characterization of fabrication of aligned pristine‐SWNT and COOH‐SWNT nanocomposites via dielectrophoresis under AC electric field

Dielectrophoresis under the application of AC electric fields is one of the primary fabrication techniques (DEPFT) for obtaining aligned carbon nanotube (CNT)–polymer nanocomposites, and is used here to generate data sets from which DEPFT fabrication models in terms of CNT dispersion and orientation distribution can be developed. While the general understanding of how CNTs form aligned filaments under the influence of dielectrophoretic forces and moments is well established, detailed multi-CNT-filament formation predictions of microstructure evolution from a random dispersion into a more ordered structure remain intractable. As such, effort here is focused towards the development of phenomenological fabrication models for controlling local CNT dispersion and orientation as a function of applied electric field magnitude, frequency, and exposure time. In this study, 0.03 wt% single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs) and acid treated functionalized SWNTs (COOH-SWNTs) were dispersed in a photopolymerizable monomer blend (urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) and 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate (HDDMA)). Ultrasonication techniques were used to obtain the two different acrylate solutions i.e., 0.03% SWNTs/ UDMA/ HDDMA(9/1) solution and a 0.03% COOH-SWNTs/UDMA/HDDMA(9/1) solution, consisting of randomly oriented, well dispersed SWNTs. Pristine SWNTs and acid treated SWNTs solutions were then subjected to controlled AC electric fields in order to explore the formation of aligned SWNT-filaments. To assess key morphological features of the as-produced SWNT-acrylate and SWNT-COOH-acrylate nanocomposite samples, such as SWNT distribution and filament thicknesses, transmission optical microscopy has been used to observe the SWNT alignment and filament formation obtained by digitally mapping individual overlapping images. The acquisition of a large field of view with high magnification allows statistically meaningful distribution functions for morphological features to be constructed. Measurements of the as-produced nanocomposite electrical properties in the SWNT alignment direction and transverse to it were used as a macroscale measure to confirm alignment and contiguity of the SWNT-filament structure, with polarized Raman spectroscopy used to assess the degree of SWNT alignment at the local microscale level. It is observed that a combination of exposure time to AC electric field, and its frequency, is the key driver of filament thickness and spacing and that in general, the COOH-SWNTs align to a greater extent than the pristine SWNTs, though they do not form filaments that are as thick and contiguous for the exposure times studied. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1266–1279, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Regional Differentiation of Retinoic Acid-Induced Human Pluripotent Embryonic Carcinoma Stem Cell Neurons

The NTERA2 cl D1 (NT2) cell line, derived from human teratocarcinoma, exhibits similar properties as embryonic stem (ES) cells or very early neuroepithelial progenitors. NT2 cells can be induced to become postmitotic central nervous system neurons (NT2N) with retinoic acid. Although neurons derived from pluripotent cells, such as NT2N, have been characterized for their neurotransmitter phenotypes, their potential suitability as a donor source for neural transplantation also depends on their ability to respond to localized environmental cues from a specific region of the CNS. Therefore, our study aimed to characterize the regional transcription factors that define the rostocaudal and dorsoventral identity of NT2N derived from a monolayer differentiation paradigm using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Purified NT2N mainly expressed both GABAergic and glutamatergic phenotypes and were electrically active but did not form functional synapses. The presence of immature astrocytes and possible radial glial cells was noted. The NT2N expressed a regional transcription factor code consistent with forebrain, hindbrain and spinal cord neural progenitors but showed minimal expression of midbrain phenotypes. In the dorsoventral plane NT2N expressed both dorsal and ventral neural progenitors. Of major interest was that even under the influence of retinoic acid, a known caudalization factor, the NT2N population maintained a rostral phenotype subpopulation which expressed cortical regional transcription factors. It is proposed that understanding the regional differentiation bias of neurons derived from pluripotent stem cells will facilitate their successful integration into existing neuronal networks within the CNS.
Vapor Activity of Insecticides Used for Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) Control

Dichlorvos and chlorpyrifos vapor from dried residual deposits produced significant numbers of moribund workers of the western subterranean termite, Reticulitermes herperus Banks. In some cases, lethal effects were not observed until 7 h after exposure. Tenhour exposure to vapor from deposits of chlordane, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, or dichlorvos aged for 12 h produced significantly greater numbers of moribund workers than did the control treatment. Vapor from deposits of chlordane, chlorpyrifos, or cypermethrin aged for 12h produced more moribund insects than did 1-h-old deposits, suggesting that older deposits release more toxicant than fresh deposits. Residual deposits of chlorpyrifos or dichlorvos redeposited from their vapor phase on foil surfaces produced 83–100% moribund termites within 24 h. Redeposition of toxicant or sorption of vapor might be responsible for lethal effects. Regardless of the insecticide used, toxic amounts did not move to dry untreated soil beneath treated soil. Toxic vapor from soil treated with dichlorvos moved down simulated termite tunnels. This phenomenon was not observed for other insecticide treatments.
Reversed bevel technique for anastomosis at the aortic arch

We describe a method for performing the distal anastomosis in replacement of the ascending and the proximal arch of the aorta with specific attention to obtaining accurate length and orientation of the graft. This method reduces the incidence of both anastomotic dehiscence due to tension and obstruction caused by redundant graft.
Rings satisfying polynomial constraints

The following theorem is proved: Suppose R is an associative ring and suppose J is the Jacobson radical of R. Suppose that for all x1, * *, xn in R, there exists a word wx... (x1, * * x"), depending on x1, * *, x,,, in which at least one xi (i varies) is missing, and such that xi ... x, = w ,... .n(x1, , x"). Then J is a nil ring of bounded index and R/J is finite. It is further proved that a commutative nil semigroup satisfies the above identity if and only if it is nilpotent. In this paper, we investigate the structure of an associative ring R with the property that, for all xl, * * * , x, in R, xl ... x = wxi.... xn(xl, * * *, Xn), where w is a word, depending on xl, * * *, xn, and where some xi (i varies) is missing in w. For such a ring R, we prove the Jacobson radical J is a nil ring of bounded index. We also show that R/J is finite. Finally, we show that a commutative nil semigroup satisfies the above identity if and only if it is nilpotent. In preparation for the proofs of the main results, we first introduce DEFINITION 1. Let n be a positive integer, and let S be a semigroup. We say that S is a fln-semigroup if, for all xl, * * *, xn in S, there exists a word w .(x, *1 , xn) consisting of a product of the xi's with some x1 (j varies) missing, such that xl ... xn=wxl....xn((xl, * * *, xn). A ring R is called a fln-ring if its multiplicative semigroup is a fln-semigroup. LEMMA 1. Let S be a finite semigroup or a nilpotent semigroup. Then S is a fln-semigroup, for some n. PROOF. First, suppose S is finite, of order n, and suppose xl, Xn+1 are any elements of S. Then xi=xj for some i>j, and hence X1 ... Xn+1 = X1 ... Xi ... Xi-lXjXi+l Xn+1 = W(X1, . . , Xi-1 Xi+1 , Xn+1) Thus S is a fln+l-semigroup. Next, suppose S is nilpotent, say, Sm= (0). Presented to the Society, January 18, 1972; received by the editors August 10, 1971 and, in revised form, October 6, 1971. AMS (MOS) subject classifications (1970). Primary 16A38, 16A48; Secondary 20M10. The author was supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship. @ American Mathematical Society 1973
Effect of shade stress on growth, morphology, and carbon dynamics of loblolly pine branches

Shade treatments were applied to the terminal portions of branches in loblolly pine trees to test whether portions of branches were autonomous with respect to carbohydrates. The shade treatments reduced light by 50% and 72% compared with full sun conditions resulting in significant reductions in net photosynthesis. Branch growth (branch diameter and length, branch and needle biomass) decreased significantly within the shaded portion of the branch. Branch and needle morphology were also affected by shading. Lateral branches subtending terminal shoots were labelled with 14C 2 times during the growing season. No movement of 14C into the terminal portions of the branch was evident during the first growth flush. However, during the second flush of growth small but statistically significant amounts of 14C were imported into the terminal portion of the shaded branches from subtending laterals. It was concluded that loblolly pine shoots were usually autonomous with respect to carbohydrate supply, but that carbohydrate movement into the terminal shoot from subtending foliage could occur under conditions of very high stress.
The effect of thiazolidinediones on BMD and osteoporosis

Thiazolidinediones, also known as glitazones, are insulin-sensitizing medications that account for approximately 21% of oral antihyperglycemic drugs used in the US. Although the main therapeutic effects occur in adipose tissue, muscles and the liver, studies suggest effects in bone as well. Currently, two thiazolidinediones are marketed in the US-rosiglitazone and pioglitazone-and several others are under investigation. This Review examines the evidence regarding the effects of thiazolidinediones on skeletal health. These drugs appear to trigger preferential differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes rather than osteoblasts, leading to decreased bone formation and increased adipogenesis. Although only a few small, randomized studies have examined the effects of thiazolidinediones on bone in humans, the available data suggest that these agents contribute to bone loss in postmenopausal women; the relationship is less clear in men. On the basis of this limited evidence, the absolute increase in fracture risk associated with thiazolidinediones seems to be small. Pending data from future randomized, controlled trials of the association between thiazolidinediones and low bone mass, prescribers should consider use of these drugs as a risk factor for the development of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Temperature dependence and independence of effects of pentobarbital on visual evoked potentials of rats.

Visual cortex flash evoked potentials (FEPs), pattern reversal evoked potentials (PREPs), and body temperature were measured in hooded rats following IP injections on separate days of saline, and of 15 and 30 mg pentobarbital/kg body weight. Two experiments were performed, differentiated by standard (23°C) and warm (31°C) room temperatures. The 30 mg/kg dose produced hypothermia of 2.6°C in the standard environment, but not in the warm environment. Early components of FEPs were generally increased in amplitude by the 15 mg/kg dose, and decreased by the 30 mg/kg dose at 23°C. At 31°C, the 30 mg/kg dose did not decrease early component amplitude, suggesting that hypothermia can potentiate some effects of pentobarbital. Amplitudes of late FEP components were depressed at both ambient temperatures. The main PREP components N1P1 and P1N3 were increased in amplitude by the 15 mg/kg dose, but returned to near baseline levels at 30 mg/kg, at both temperatures. PREP component N2P2 was reduced in amplitude by the 30 mg/kg dose only at 23°C. Treatment with 30 mg/kg pentobarbital increased FEP and PREP latencies at both ambient temperatures, but the magnitudes of the increases at 31°C were typically less than half those observed at 23°C. These results indicate that hypothermia contributes to some pentobarbital-induced changes in both FEPs and PREPs, but that pentobarbital also produces effects independent of hypothermia.
Mammalian Cell Surface Imaging with Nitrile-Functionalized Nanoprobes: Biophysical Characterization of Aggregation and Polarization Anisotropy in SERS Imaging

Functionalized silver nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized with a cyano probe and utilized to label the surface of HeLa cells expressing a recombinant transmembrane domain of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Optical imaging, high-resolution Raman imaging, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect at the cell membrane. Different assemblies of NPs resulted in markedly different enhancement. We validated the necessity of NP aggregates and polarization dependency for optimal contrast enhancement in SERS cellular imaging. We demonstrated the ability to image membrane proteins on cells using a cyano-labeled SERS probe. Observed SERS hot-sites correlate well with small aggregated NPs. Furthermore, the strongest SERS signals result from aggregates oriented in the appropriate direction with respect to the incident laser polarization. These observations are critical for designing future molecular imaging agents for SERS imaging o...
Electrolytic reduction of liquid metal oxides and its application to reconfigurable structured devices

Structured metallic patterns are routinely used for a wide variety of applications, ranging from electronic circuits to plasmonics and metamaterials. Numerous techniques have been developed for the fabrication of these devices, in which the metal patterns are typically formed using conventional metals. While this approach has proven very successful, it does generally limit the ability to reconfigure the geometry of the overall device. Here, we demonstrate the ability to create artificially structured metallic devices using liquid metals, in which the configuration can be altered via the electrolysis of saline solutions or deionized water. We accomplish this using an elastomeric mold with two different sets of embedded microfluidic channels that are patterned and injected with EGaIn and water, respectively. The electrochemical reaction is then used to etch the thin oxide layer that forms on eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) in a controlled reproducible manner. Once the oxide layer is dissolved locally, the underlying liquid metal retracts away from the original position to a position where a new stable oxide layer can reform, which is equivalent to erasing a section of the liquid metal. To allow for full reconfigurability, the entire device can be reset by refilling all of the microchannels with EGaIn.
The journalist as moral witness: Michael Ignatieff's pluralistic philosophy for a global media culture

Prototypical philosopher–journalist Michael Ignatieff argues that the globalization that has helped spawn modern ethnic conflict demands that mass media assume new roles as sentinels of ‘moral engagement’. Underlying Ignatieff's call are the claims that history has debunked the concept of absolute human values and that global communication must, above all, mediate among opposing moral worlds. His pluralistic philosophy represents the culmination of a strain of ethical thought that has pre-revolutionary Russian roots. This study examines important elements in Ignatieff's literary persona and the philosophy that informs his journalism.
Dual Polynomial Bases

Formulas and procedures for B-spline and progressive polynomial bases including Marsden?s identity, the blossoming and de Boor-Fix forms of the dual functionals, the Oslo algorithm, and recursive procedures for evaluation differentiation, and blossoming are extended to arbitrary polynomial, and locally linearly independent spline, bases.
p53 and MDM2: Antagonists or Partners in Crime?

Therapeutics that disrupt the p53-MDM2 interaction show promise for cancer treatment but surprisingly have different biological outcomes. A study by Enge et al. in this issue of Cancer Cell shows that the ability of MDM2 to target hnRNP K for degradation contributes to the decision to induce apoptosis rather than cell-cycle arrest.
Convergence in Hilbert's metric and convergence in direction

Abstract Hilbert's metric on a cone K is a measure of distance between the rays of K . Hilbert's metric has many applications, but they all depend on the equivalence between closeness of two rays in the Hilbert metric and closeness of the two unit vectors along these rays (in the usual sense). A necessary and sufficient condition on K for this equivalence to hold is given.
Preferred orientation and anisotropy of seismic and magnetic properties in gabbronorites from the Bushveld layered intrusion

Abstract The preferred orientation of plagioclase and pyroxene in gabbronorites from the Bushveld layered igneous intrusion (South Africa) was investigated using electron backscatter diffraction. In two localities 200 km apart (Belfast and Rustenburg) strong preferred orientation was observed with the principal fabric features aligned in the subhorizontal foliation plane (defined by (010) planes of plagioclase and (100) planes of pyroxene). The pattern appears to result from the orientation of tabular crystals during the dynamic intrusion events that formed the layered structure. Primary magmatic oxides are also influenced by the preferred orientation of plagioclase, generating an oblate magnetic susceptibility fabric parallel to the foliation plane. Plagioclase preferred orientation gives rise to other directionally dependent geophysical properties including a large seismic anisotropy with p-waves traveling 4–8% faster in the vertical than in the horizontal direction.
A Preliminary Assessment of the Relationships Between Project Success, System Engineering, and Team Organization

Abstract:Demand for improved functionality in modern aerospace systems has resulted in increased project complexity. Managers are finding it even more difficult to balance cost, schedule, and performance. Often, system engineering is proposed as a means to balance these demands; however, guidance on tailoring system engineering and team organization to effectively deploy team assets is often incomplete. This paper reports on the development and testing of a methodology to assess the relationship between project success, system engineering, and team organization. The initial work is showing promise in revealing correlations. Data is currently being gathered and analyzed on additional projects, relative to the initial project requirements as well as other similar projects. It is hoped that there will be sufficient data to statistically evaluate these relationships. The longterm goal of this project is to look at statistical relationships so that a project team can effectively tailor their system engineering...
Plant Epicuticular Lipids: Alteration by Herbicidal Carbamates

The effect of several carbamates and trichloroacetic acid on the biosynthesis of epicuticular lipids from leaves of pea (Pisum sativum) was tested by chemical and visual methods. The carbamates tested included S-(2,3-dichloroallyl) diisopropylthiocarbamate (diallate), N-(3-chlorophenyl) isopropylcarbamate (chloropropham), S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate, and 2-chloroallyl diethyldithiocarbamate. Diallate reduced epicuticular lipids by 50% when the plants were root-treated and by 80% when vapor-treated. These results were supported by scanning electron microscopy and carbon replica techniques with transmission electron microscopy. The ratio of wax lipid components in the diallate-treated plants remained unchanged, with the exception of the primary alcohols, which were reduced. Diallate appears to interfere with the biosynthesis of a precursor to the elongation-decarboxylation pathway of lipid synthesis. N-(3-Chlorophenyl)isopropylcarbamate had no significant effect on total amounts of extractable epicuticular lipids, nor did it alter the structure of the wax formation on the leaves. The scanning electron microscopy micrographs indicated that S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate significantly reduced wax formation on pea leaves. 2-Chloroallyl diethyldithiocarbamate altered the structure of the wax formations, but not the total amount of wax (scanning electron microscopy). Trichloroacetic acid had little effect on wax deposition compared to diallate or S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (scanning electron microscopy). The implication of the effect of the carbamates on epicuticular lipids and penetration of subsequent topically applied chemicals is discussed.
Alternatively activated myeloid (M2) cells enhance cognitive function in immune compromised mice

It was recently shown that adaptive immunity plays a key role in cognitive function. T cells appear to be major players in learning and memory; thus, mice devoid of functional T cells are impaired in performance of cognitive tasks such as Morris water maze (MWM), Barnes maze and others. This is a reversible phenomenon; injection of immune deficient mice with T cells from wild type counterparts improves their cognitive function. Recently we described a critical role for T cell-derived IL-4 as having beneficial effects on learning and memory through regulation of meningeal myeloid cell phenotype. In the absence of IL-4, meningeal myeloid cells acquire a pro-inflammatory skew. Thus, the presence of IL-4 in the meningeal spaces maintains a delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory myeloid cell phenotype. Here we show that macrophages alternatively activated in vitro (M2 cells) can circumvent the need for 'pro-cognitive' T cells when injected intravenously into immune deficient mice. These results show for the first time that M2 myeloid cells are new and unexpected players in cognitive function, conferring beneficial effects on learning and memory without adaptive immune influence. These results might lead to development of new therapeutic approaches for cognitive pathologies associated with malfunction of adaptive immunity, such as chemo-brain, age-related dementia, HIV-dementia, and others.
Validating γ oscillations and delayed auditory responses as translational biomarkers of autism.

Background Difficulty modeling complex behavioral phenotypes in rodents (e.g., language) has hindered pathophysiological investigation and treatment development for autism spectrum disorders. Recent human neuroimaging studies, however, have identified functional biomarkers that can be more directly related to the abnormal neural dynamics of autism spectrum disorders. This study assessed the translational potential of auditory evoked-response endophenotypes of autism in parallel mouse and human studies of autism. Methods Whole-cortex magnetoencephalography was recorded in 17 typically developing and 25 autistic children during auditory pure-tone presentation. Superior temporal gyrus activity was analyzed in time and frequency domains. Auditory evoked potentials were recorded in mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA) and analyzed with analogous methods. Results The VPA-exposed mice demonstrated selective behavioral alterations related to autism, including reduced social interactions and ultrasonic vocalizations, increased repetitive self-grooming, and prepulse inhibition deficits. Autistic subjects and VPA-exposed mice showed a similar 10% latency delay in the N1/M100 evoked response and a reduction in γ frequency (30–50 Hz) phase-locking factor. Electrophysiological measures were associated with mouse behavioral deficits. In mice, γ phase-locking factor was correlated with expression of the autism risk gene neuroligin-3 and neural deficits were modulated by the mGluR5-receptor antagonist MPEP. Conclusions Results demonstrate a novel preclinical approach toward mechanistic understanding and treatment development for autism.
Plasmonic array nanoantennas on layered substrates: modeling and radiation characteristics

In this paper, we theoretically characterize the performance of array of plasmonic core-shell nano-radiators located over layered substrates. Engineered substrates are investigated to manipulate the radiation performance of nanoantennas. A rigorous analytical approach for the problem in hand is developed by applying Green's function analysis of dipoles located above layered materials. It is illustrated that around the electric scattering resonances of the subwavelength spherical particles, each particle can be viewed as an induced electric dipole which is related to the total electric field upon that particle by a polarizability factor. Utilizing this, we can effectively study the physical performance of such structures. The accuracy of our theoretical model is validated through using a full-wave finite difference time domain (FDTD) numerical technique. It is established that by novel arraying of nano-particl and tailoring their multilayer substrates, one can successfully engineer the radiation patterns and beam angles. Several optical nanoantennas designed on layered substrates are explored. Using the FDTD the effect of finite size substrate is also explored.
Folic acid supplementation for the prevention of neural tube defects: an update of the evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

To support the USPSTF recommendation statement in this issue, the authors reviewed new evidence on the benefits and harms of taking folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in offspring. Four obse...
Application of Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry to a Dual-Mode Scramjet

wasusedtoidentifytheoptimalconfigurationofthestereoscopicparticleimagevelocimetrysystemforapplicationto the dual-mode scramjet combustor, and this optimal configuration is presented. Experiments were conducted using the configuration and produced three-component velocity measurements at a cross plane of the dual-mode scramjet combustor for the case of fuel–air mixing and for the case of fuel–air combustion. Results are presented and compared for the purpose of gaining better understanding of the complicated dual-mode scramjet flowfield. The stereoscopic particle image velocimetry measurements quantified the three-component velocity field of the dualmode scramjet combustor and, for the first time, characterized the size and structure of the ramp-induced vortices for fuel–air mixing and fuel–air combustion cases. Significant differences were observed in the velocity field of the fuel–air combustion case. Specifically, for the fuel–air combustion case, the fuel plume was larger and the rampinduced vortices were larger and less well-defined than in the fuel–air mixing case.
Against storytelling of scientific results

one often hears: “It’d be a great story if X regulated Y by novel mechanism Z.” Experiments might be prioritized by asking, “Is it important for your story?” Storytelling poses a dizzying circularity: before your findings are established, you should decide whether these are the findings you would like to reach. Expectations of a story-like narrative can also be demoralizing to scientists, as most experimental data do not easily fold into this framing. Finally, a great story in the journalistic sense is a complete one. Papers that make the unexplained observations transparent get penalized in the storytelling framework as incomplete. This prevents the communal puzzle-solving that arises by piecing together unexplained observations from multiple papers. The alternative to storytelling is the usual language of evidence and arguments that are used—with varying degrees of certainty—to support models and theories. Speaking of models and their evidence goes back to the oldest of scientific discourse, and this framing is also standard in philosophy and law. This language allows authors to discuss evidence for alternative models without imposing a singular journalistic-like story. There might be other roles for storytelling. Steven McKnight’s lab recently found, entirely unexpectedly, that a small molecule can be used to purify a complex of RNA-binding proteins in the cell, revealing a wide array of striking biological features3. It is that kind of story of discovery—what Francois Jacob called “night science”—that is often best suited for storytelling, though these narratives are often deemed by scientists as irrelevant ‘fluff ’. As practiced, storytelling shares more with journalism than with science. Journalists seek a great story, and the accompanying pressures sometimes lead to distortion in the portrayal of events in the press. When exerted on scientists, these pressures can yield similar results. Storytelling encourages scientists to design experiments according to what constitutes a ‘great story’, potentially closing off unforeseen avenues more exciting than any story imagined a priori. For the alternative framing to be adopted, editors, reviewers and authors (particularly at the higher-profile journals) will have to adjust their evaluation criteria and reward authors who choose representative displays while discussing alternative models to their own.
Punishment and Paperwork: White-Collar Offenders Under Community Supervision

This article examines how changes in penal ideology may affect the experiences of white-collar offenders under community supervision. In-depth interviews with white-collar offenders on their experiences while under federal probation are used to examine how changes in criminal punishment have undermined the traditional reintegrative and rehabilitative goals of community supervision. The analysis suggests that shifts to a more managerial, actuarial model that seeks depersonalized efficiency has unintended consequences that delegitimatize the criminal justice system, and foster sentiments of degradation. Based on these findings, considerations for future research are discussed.
Extrahepatic transcription of human C-reactive protein.

We synthesized and cloned cDNA from human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) transcripts that were hybrid selected by pCRP5, a liver C-reactive protein (CRP)-specific cDNA (Woo, P.,J.R. Korenberg, and A.S. Whitehead. 1985. J.Biol. Chem. 260:13384). Three hybrid-selected cDNA clones, HScDNA1, HScDNA3, and HScDNA8, were isolated and characterized. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the 5' end of the smaller clones, HScDNA1 and HScDNA8, demonstrated that these two PBMC clones are homologous to the 3' and 5' ends, respectively, of pCRP5. Our largest clone, HScDNA3, is larger than pCRP5, extending beyond both the 5' and 3' limits of pCRP5. Therefore, HScDNA3 was coded by human PBMC and not by the hybrid selection vehicle, pCRP5. HScDNA3 lacks the intervening sequence verifying that this clone is DNA made from a PBMC mRNA and not genomic DNA. The complete nucleotide sequence revealed that HScDNA3 is greater than 99% homologous to the CRP gene. These results demonstrate that PBMC express the CRP gene. Based on our previous report, which shows that peripheral blood cells synthesize a peptide recognized by anti-CRP (Kuta, A.E., and L.L. Baum. 1986. J. Exp. Med. 164:321), in conjunction with the data presented here, we conclude that human PBMC can synthesize CRP.
Soyasaponin I, a compound possessing undesirable taste characteristics isolated from the dried pea (Pisum sativum L.)

One of the compounds contributing to the undesirable sensory characteristics (bitterness and astringency) of some cultivars of dried pea and their products has been identified by chemical and spectroscopic techniques as soyasaponin I, a sapogenin trisaccharide previously reported in soya.
Cardiac-allograft vasculopathy.

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction, intimal thickening of coronary arteries with subsequent ischaemia and failure of the transplanted heart. CAV is one of the major determinants of longterm survival in cardiac transplant patients with an incidence of 48% at 10 years. The disease evolves from a complex interplay between both immunological and non-immunological factors, some being ”classical” atherosclerotic risk factors. Clinical diagnosis can be very difficult since these patients present with atypical symptoms of myocardial ischemia, no angina because of graft denervation, or often no symptoms at all. Instead the initial presentation is often progressive heart failure or sudden death making screening methods vital to detect the disease early. The standardized diagnostic and screening tool for the clinical practice is currently coronary angiography, although positive predictive value is only 44% when compared to intravascular ultrasound as the gold standard. Another a major disadvantage of angiography is the risk of developing contrast nephropathy since many of these patients have renal dysfunction from immunosuppressive treatment. While CAV generally is a slowly progressive disease, effective prevention and treatment methods are lacking and hence the disease carries a poor prognosis. Statins and mTOR inhibitors are key players in both prevention and treatment and are part of the standard drug regime for all patients. In addition to medical treatment, revascularization therapy is also possible in a very small subgroup of patients. However, revascularization is considered palliative and is not proven to prolong graft survival. Implantable cardioverterdefibrillator (ICD) devices are used in advanced stages but is not evidence-based for CAV in particular. Unfortunately the only definite and ultimate treatment option is retransplantation. New treatment methods are clearly needed.
Destruction of methane in water gas by reaction of CH3 with OH radicals

The decay of residual methane in the burned gas from fuel-rich methane oxygen flames can be expressed − d [CH 4 ]/ dt =9×10 14 ([CH 4 ][H 2 O]/[H 2 ]) exp (−117 kcal/ RT ) moles cm −3 sec −1 in the ranges [H 2 O]/[H 2 ]=0.6 to 1.1, and T =1970° to 2190° K. The equilibria CH 4 =CH 3 +0.5 H 2 H 2 O=OH+0.5 H 2 are both satisfied, and the probable interpretation of the experimental expression is that methane decays at the rate of reaction of CH 3 with OH radicals. If so, the rate constant for this radical-radical reaction is 4(±2)×10 12 cm 3 mole −1 sec −1 , and is insensitive to temperature in the range covered.
Why Is the Cesarean Delivery Rate So High in Alabama? An Examination of Risk Factors, 1991–1993

: Background: Cesarean delivery is now the most frequently performed major operative procedure for childbearing women in the United States. Many of these operations are reported to be unnecessary, and millions of dollars could be saved by reducing their frequency. Methods: Method of delivery was added to the 1989 revision of the standard certificate of live birth. Alabama also added questions on the source of payment for delivery and the provider of prenatal care in 1991, which enabled an investigation of the risk factors for cesarean delivery that occurred in the state during this period. Results: One of every four births in Alabama is by cesarean delivery. The risk of cesarean delivery is not random, and the risk factors include mother's race and age, coverage by private insurance, birthweight, setting where the mother received prenatal care, mother's educational attainment, live birth order, and complications of labor and delivery. Conclusion: With present concerns about health care reform and the costs of health care, a reduction in the cesarean delivery rate could result in significant cost savings.
The advent of poetry: Christ I

Two masterpieces stand out of the mass of Anglo-Saxon religious poetry: The Dream of the Rood and the sequence of liturgical lyrics in the Exeter Book variously known as Christ I, the Advent Lyrics or simply Advent. The two works are similar in focus and technique as well as in quality. Both express the mystery of Incarnation in terms of a riddle: how can it be that Deus and Homo make their impossible contact? What terms can make this meeting graspable by the imagination? Both give eloquent voice to human suffering and human hope, and seem to recognize that it is only through appealing to these feelings that theology can come to life for us by being experienced.