cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and mechanical properties of co-sputtered Al-SiC composites

Abstract Nanolaminates have gained much attention due to exceptional mechanical, optical, electrical and biological properties. In this work, we explore the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-SiC co-sputtered monolayers having different compositions. Co-sputtering enables tailoring the microstructure at an atomic level and hence is a promising route to develop new generation of materials. These co-sputtered samples were characterized through FIB/SEM, TEM and XPS. They had an amorphous microstructure, with the exception of nanocrystalline Al aggregates present in one of the compositions. The micromechanical properties were studied through nanoindentation. We observed that the modulus and hardness of the co-sputtered samples were much higher than traditional Al/SiC nanolaminate samples having the same composition.
Jobs: Formal, Informal, Multiple

As the Russian state retreated from its commitment to provide a job to every citizen and enterprises found it difficult to pay their workers, most Russians needed considerable flexibility and ingenuity to earn enough to support themselves and their families. Sometimes this involved changing jobs, sometimes it involved moonlighting, sometimes it involved embarking on the path of creating a business for oneself—and sometimes it required all three. Not only did this introduce the stress of uncertainty, it demanded adjustment to new social norms and values. This chapter examines the way the women I interviewed used employment (both formal and informal) as a coping strategy—not merely as a source of income, but also as a source of housing, childcare, access to scarce goods, and sense of identity. Soviet propaganda touted the absence of unemployment as one of the key advantages of the Soviet system. Soviet citizens had, it was claimed, both the right and the responsibility to perform socially useful labor. The official line was that victory over unemployment had been achieved by the late 1920s. After that, unemployment “ceased to exist” in the Soviet Union and unemployment data were never again collected or published.
Invertebrate prey contributions to juvenile Coho Salmon diet from riparian habitats along three Alaska streams: Implications for environmental change

Stream fish rely on a mix of terrestrial and aquatic prey sources. While the importance of terrestrial invertebrates as a food source for stream fish is well documented, the role of aquatic insects...
History of Serious Mental Illness Is a Predictor of Morbidity and Mortality in Cardiac Surgery.

Abstract Background Serious Mental Illness (SMI), defined as a mental disorder causing functional impairment, affects 9.8 million Americans. SMI correlates with earlier onset, more extensive cardiac disease, and reduced life expectancy by 25 years. The impact of SMI on patients undergoing cardiac surgery has not been extensively studied. We hypothesized patients with SMI have worse cardiac surgery outcomes. Methods Using our institution’s Society of Thoracic Surgeons database of 16,781 cardiac operations (2002-2017), a total of 1,445 patients (8.7%) were identified with SMI, and stratified into anxiety, mood disorders, and psychosis. The risk-adjusted impact on morbidity and mortality were evaluated using multivariable regression. Results Patients with SMI were more often female, younger, and had more comorbid disease. SMI patients were more likely to have had previous cardiac surgery and require urgent/emergent procedures (both p Conclusions Serious Mental Illness is independently associated with morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. SMI patients, especially the subset with psychosis, are complicated, high-risk, and resource-consuming. Refined strategies to reduce postoperative complications and improve care coordination are necessary in this population.
Dual mesh control domain analysis of functionally graded circular plates accounting for moderate rotations

Abstract Nonlinear analysis of the axisymmetric bending of circular plates, accounting for through-thickness power-law variation of a two-constituent material and the von Karman nonlinearity is presented using the dual mesh control domain methods (DMCDM). The classical and first-order shear deformation theory kinematics are used and displacement and mixed models are developed using the DMCDM. The DMCDM predicts displacements as accurate as the finite element method (FEM), but has the advantage of predicting the stress resultants more accurately than the FEM. The developed computational models are used to determine the effect of the geometric nonlinearity and power-law index on the bending deflections and stress resultants of functionally graded circular and annular plates with different boundary conditions. It is found that the power-law index, which dictates the material distribution through the thickness, has two different regions of response, one with steep increase in deflections followed by relatively slow increase with respect to the power-law index.
Restorative responses to intimate partner violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) cases are routinely seen in restorative justice (RJ) programs in a number of countries. I provide a comparative analysis of these programs as well as programs in the U.S. (I am unaware of any other comparable international comparison of RJ IPV programs.) Though RJ use in IPV cases remains controversial, feminist interest in the potential for RJ has increased significantly. This interest is prompted, in part, by the development of specialized programs equipped to address IPV. These programs include substantial preparation, safety planning with survivors, and the provision of resources for both the person who was harmed and the person who caused harm. In addition, programs in countries with an adversarial legal system must ensure that statements made in the RJ process are not admissible in future criminal or civil actions. U.S. feminist interest in restorative responses is also prompted by a growing disenchantment with the dominant crime-centered response to IPV and recognition of the ways in which feminist-inspired gender violence policy has contributed to mass incarceration. The collateral consequences of even a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction are substantial and involvement with the criminal system threatens the wellbeing of survivors, especially those who are members of racially subordinated communities. A restorative approach allows survivors a meaningful voice, disrupts social supports for IPV, and avoids simplistic “crime logic” reasoning whereby an understanding of multiple determinants of behavior is replaced with a simplistic understanding of moral agency.
S.1 Photocathode Response Linearity and Dynamic Range with Picosecond 1.06 μm Laser Pulses

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses S.1 photocathode response linearity and dynamic range with picosecond 1.06 μm laser pulses. The image converter tube is a key element in such laser research instruments as streak cameras, and the photodiode is used in instruments for measuring laser energy output, laser amplifier gain, and for counting the number of pulses in laser pulse trains. The laser used in the study is a 1.06 μm, YAC, Q-switched, mode-locked oscillator. It produces a single switched out pulse with a full width at half maximum of 36 ps as measured by one of our 10 ps compact streak cameras. The logarithmic response is produced using the characteristics of a 1N697 diode in the feedback path of an operational amplifier. The diode barrier voltage offset from the logarithmic amplifier is removed by the means of a level shifter, which also increases the signal amplitude. Channel calibration is accomplished by connecting the integrating amplifier inputs to a calibrated charge pulse transistor source. This source is driven by a 10 Hz clock that is turned on only during calibration. It is found that saturated 20 and 10 mm photodiodes produced currents three to seven times their normal linear limits.
Gas-phase reactions of mono-, di-, and trimethylamine with various metal salts

Summary Chemisorption reactions of mono-, di-, and trimethylamine were studied at room temperature by means of piezoelectric crystals in a vacuum system. Thin films of various metal salts were used as solid substrate coating on the crystals. These reactions were investigated for the purpose of determining the best coatings for the detection and determination of these toxic amines by means of piezoelectric crystal detectors. Coatings of iron(III) chloride show some promise.
Initial parenting attitudes of pregnant adolescents and a comparison with the decision about adoption.

The Adult-adolescent Parenting Inventory was used to examine the initial parenting attitudes of a sample of pregnant adolescents. In addition the attitudes about parenting were correlated with the decision of the adolescent to either keep or place the baby for adoption. The subjects were 28 unmarried female adolescents (ages 14-19 86% Caucasian) from a rural agricultural state. 8 subjects (28.6%) were living with 2 parents and another 6 were living with 1 parent. 7 were in a group home or institution while the remaining 7 subjects lived in a variety of settings (e.g. other relatives or alone). 75% of the adolescents were supported by parents. Pregnant adolescents scored significantly lower on the "expectations for children" construct than all groups of controls. They scored significantly higher than adolescent controls on the "empathy" construct they scored significantly lower than nonabused adolescent controls but were similar to abused adolescent controls. On the "role-reversal" construct they scored significantly higher than abused adolescent controls. Adolescents who placed their babies had significantly lower scores on the role-reversal measure but the differences between keepers and placers on the expectations empathy and corporal punishment dimensions were not significant. The results are discussed in terms of 1) the areas where attitudes about parenting are below appropriate levels 2) the possibility of competent teenage mothers and 3) the groundwork necessary for preparing adolescents for parenthood should they elect to keep their babies. (Authors modified)
Thermal and structural analysis of the first wall in the SIRIUS-P reactor

The SIRIUS-P conceptual design study is of a 1.0 GWe laser driven inertial confinement fusion power reactor utilizing near symmetric illumination of direct drive targets. Sixty laser beams providing a total of 3.4 MJ of energy are used at a repetition rate of 6.7 Hz with a nominal target gain of 118. The spherical chamber has an internal radius of 6.5 m and consists of a first wall assembly made from carbon-carbon composite material, and a blanket assembly made of SiC composite material. The chamber is cooled by a flowing granular bed of solid ceramic materials, non-breeding TiO/sub 2/ for the first wall assembly and breeding Li/sub 2/O for the blanket assembly. Helium gas (P=0.15 MPa) is used in a fluidized bed outside the reactor to return the particles to the top of the reactor. A moving bed is chosen over a fluidized bed because of its superior heat transfer capability. The heat transfer in a moving bed depends on the level of agitation and on the effective thermal conductivity of the solid material and the interstitial gas, whereas in a fluidized bed, it is entirely dominated by the thermal conductivity of the carrier gas. This paper describes the two-dimensional thermo-structural steady state analysis of the first wall elements at several critical locations utilizing the finite element analysis code, ANSYS, with r-/spl theta/ modeling. The stresses are dominated by bending due to the internal pressure of the He gas; modifying the shape of the tube from purely elliptical, while keeping the area constant reduces the stresses.
A novel multiple-valued logic design using ballistic carbon nanotube FETs

This paper presents a novel method of multiple-valued logic design using carbon nanotube FETs (CNFETs). The geometry dependant threshold voltage of these transistors has been used to design a ternary logic family. We have developed a SPICE compatible model of ballistic CNFETs. HSPICE has been used in all simulations and transient as well as dc characteristics have been studied.
Putting Corporate Responsibility in its Place

Geographers have made significant contributions to debates about corporate social responsibility (CSR) over the past two decades. Rather than focusing on what it means to be a responsible corporation and the attendant ranking and ratings schemes that pervade the CSR industry, geographers’ evaluations have extended beyond the firm, to CSR initiatives’ broader impacts on local economic development and political processes. This article explores four key themes in geography research on CSR: translation problems, standards dilution, access to markets and governance structures, and institutional embeddedness. I argue that geographers’ generally critical perspective and attention to local specificities provide important insights for the development of an appropriate division of labor among governments, markets, and civil society to address pressing social and environmental concerns. I conclude with an appeal to further broaden the analysis of CSR beyond single initiatives or campaigns and into spaces of negotiation and capacity-building.
A mutation in segment I-S6 alters slow inactivation of sodium channels

Slow inactivation occurs in voltage-gated Na+ channels when the membrane is depolarized for several seconds, whereas fast inactivation takes place rapidly within a few milliseconds. Unlike fast inactivation, the molecular entity that governs the slow inactivation of Na+ channels has not been as well defined. Some regions of Na+ channels, such as mu1-W402C and mu1-T698M, have been reported to affect slow inactivation. A mutation in segment I-S6 of mu1 Na+ channels, N434A, shifts the voltage dependence of activation and fast inactivation toward the depolarizing direction. The mutant Na+ current at +50 mV is diminished by 60–80% during repetitive stimulation at 5 Hz, resulting in a profound use-dependent phenomenon. This mutant phenotype is due to the enhancement of slow inactivation, which develops faster than that of wild-type channels (tau = 0.46 +/- 0.01 s versus 2.11 +/- 0.10 s at +30 mV, n = 9). An oxidant, chloramine-T, abolishes fast inactivation and yet greatly accelerates slow inactivation in both mutant and wild-type channels (tau = 0.21 +/- 0.02 s and 0.67 +/- 0.05 s, respectively, n = 6). These findings together demonstrate that N434 of mu1 Na+ channels is also critical for slow inactivation. We propose that this slow form of Na+ channel inactivation is analogous to the "C-type" inactivation in Shaker K+ channels.
Social stress in laying hens: differential dopamine and corticosterone responses after intermingling different genetic strains of chickens

White Leghorn chickens were genetically selected for high (HGPS) or low (LGPS) group productivity and survivability. The selection resulted in two genetic lines with marked opposite changes in cannibalism and flightiness when housed in multiple-colony battery cages without beak trimming. The objective of the study was to examine whether the genetic selection differentially affected the neuroendocrine system of chickens from different strains in response to social stress. Based on the previous studies, social stress was induced by randomly pairing 17-wk-old hens from three genetic lines, i.e., HGPS, LGPS, and Dekalb XL (DXL), to form three mixed-line combinations. At 24 wk of age, the concentrations of plasma dopamine (DA) and corticosterone (CORT) showed no differences in DXL hens housed with HGPS or LGPS hens (P > 0.05). However, different regulations of DA and adrenal function were found between HGPS and LGPS hens when paired with DXL hens. Compared to HGPS hens, LGPS hens had greater levels of DA and CORT (P 0.05, respectively). The results indicated genetic selection for production and survivability differentially altered DA and CORT systems in response to social stress. The data suggested, compared to LGPS hens, HGPS hens had a better coping capability to social stress, which might have been responsible for their higher productivity and survivability.
APP Processing and Synaptic Plasticity in Presenilin-1 Conditional Knockout Mice

Abstract We have developed a presenilin-1 ( PS1 ) conditional knockout mouse (cKO), in which PS1 inactivation is restricted to the postnatal forebrain. The PS1 cKO mouse is viable and exhibits no gross abnormalities. The carboxy-terminal fragments of the amyloid precursor protein differentially accumulate in the cerebral cortex of cKO mice, while generation of β-amyloid peptides is reduced. Expression of Notch downstream effector genes, Hes1 , Hes5 , and Dll1 , is unaffected in the cKO cortex. Although basal synaptic transmission, long-term potentiation, and long-term depression at hippocampal area CA1 synapses are normal, the PS1 cKO mice exhibit subtle but significant deficits in long-term spatial memory. These results demonstrate that inactivation of PS1 function in the adult cerebral cortex leads to reduced Aβ generation and subtle cognitive deficits without affecting expression of Notch downstream genes.
High intercorrelations among urinary outputs of norepinephrine and its major metabolites. A replication in depressed patients and controls.

• We examined the intercorrelations among urinary outputs of norepinephrine (NE) and its three major metabolites in unipolar depressed patients (n = 28) and normal controls (n = 24). Among the depressed patients, levels of NE correlated with normetanephrine (NM), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), and VMA correlated with NM and MHPG. In the total group of depressed and control subjects (n = 52), the sum of NE and its major metabolites correlated with urinary outputs of NE, NM, MHPG, and VMA. These highly significant correlations among urinary outputs of NE and its major metabolites replicate a previous report of strong correlations among these same four urinary substances in a smaller group of depressed patients.
Some immunobiological experiments on fertilization and early development in sea urchins

Abstract The present paper reviews some of the experiments concerning the role in fertilization of specific interacting substances derived from the gametes. Initial specific adhesion of sperm and egg is interpreted in terms of fertilizin-antifertilizin interaction. In addition, it is proposed that this same interaction is involved in the process of engulfment of the sperm by the egg in a manner akin to pinocytosis. A brief survey is also presented of experiments concerning the action on eggs of antisera against various egg-materials. This is treated with particular reference to the previously discovered blocking action on cleavage and development produced by antisera against fertilizin, and with reference to reported activating action of certain anti-egg homogenate antisera on unfertilized eggs.
Learnersourcing subgoal labels for how-to videos

Websites like YouTube provide an easy way to watch the billions of how-to videos on the web, but the interfaces are not optimized for learning. Previous research suggests that users learn more from how-to videos when the information from the video is presented in outline form, with individual steps and labels for groups of steps (subgoals) shown. We intend to create an alternative video viewer where the steps and subgoals are displayed alongside the video. In order to generate this information we propose a learnersourcing approach where we gather useful information from people trying to actively learn from a video. We believe learnersourcing is a sustainable and constructive method for enhancing educational material. To demonstrate this method, we created a workflow that encourages users to contribute and refine subgoals for a given how-to video. Users in our pilot study of three videos were able to generate subgoals comparable to those created by the author, which suggests that learnersourcing may be a viable approach.
Sympodiomyces gen. n., a yeast-like organism from southern marine waters.

Sympodiomyces gen. n. is described with the single speciesSympodiomyces parvus sp. n. The distinguishing characteristic of this yeast-like genus is the method of asexual reproduction: conidia are produced on a conidiophore that develops sympodially. A sexual stage has not been observed, therefore the genus is placed among the Fungi Imperfecti, family Cryptococcaceae.
Degradation fragments of L1 antigen enhance tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurite outgrowth in mesencephalic cell culture.

Abstract The L1 antigen has been implicated in adhesion events controlling axonal elongation during formation of major fiber tracts, and promotes neurite outgrowth in culture. It is possible that injury of brain tissue causes neuronal surface molecules such as L1 antigen to be shed, and degradation fragments may therefore be present adjacent to the damage. These L1 fragments might then influence regeneration or injury-induced growth. We have evaluated neurite outgrowth from tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) E13 mesencephalic neurons grown in vitro on a substrate of mouse L1 antigen and on L1 degradation fragments separated by molecular weight. Mouse myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), laminin, poly- d -lysine, and fetal calf serum served as control substrates. L1 antibodies were added to one set of cultures (experimental), and compared to control cultures containing normal rabbit serum. After 3 days in vitro, the cultures were stained using an antibody against TH, and the length of the TH+ neurites was measured by computer-assisted image analysis in a double-blind fashion. TH+ neurites were significantly longer when grown on L1 antigen, as well as on L1 degradation fragments, as compared to the control substrates. As compared to control normal rabbit serum, L1 antibodies eliminated the neurite-promoting effect of both the L1 substrate and the L1 degradation products. In addition, L1 substrates promoted clustering of TH+ cells and the formation of loose bundles of TH+ neurites. It is suggested that the L1 substrates influence TH-immunoreactive neurite outgrowth, at least partially, through indirect effects on glial cells. Our data indicate that the presence of L1 fragments in vivo might influence regeneration or synaptic restructuring. Moreover, we speculate that the studies of large proteins as substrates in cell culture may be influenced by protein instability, and that some studies may have examined the functions of protein fragments rather then intact proteins.
Relation of triiodothyronine and reverse triiodothyronine administration in rats to hepatic L-triiodothyronine aminotransferase activity.

The effects of administration of 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) to normal and to hypothyroid male rats upon the hepatic activity of L-triiodothyronine aminotransferase were determined using 3,5-dinitro-L-tyrosine as substrate in the assay. Initial studies in normal rats demonstrated that basal enzyme activity was highest in liver and kidney of the organs tested, and that virtually no activity was detectable in skeletal muscle, serum, thyroid or pituitary gland. Hepatic enzyme activity increased from birth to a peak at 80-120 days and declined thereafter. Daily administration of T3 to normal rats in doses of 5 µg/100 g BW for 8 days significantly elevated hepatic enzyme activity above normal. In daily doses of 2.5 µg/100 g BW, T3 restored the depressed enzyme activities in hypothyroid rats to normal. Daily administration of 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine (reverse T3) to normal rats in doses of 17.5 µg/100 g BW and greater for 3 days increased L-T3 aminotransferase activity more than 30% above normal levels. Revers...
Computation of variance components using the em algorithm

In their paper on maximum likelihood will) Incomplete data. Dempster. Laird, and Rubin (1977) noted that both maximum likelihood (ML) and restricted ML (REML) estimators of variance components in the mixed model analysis oi variance can be computed via the LM algorithm. Thi-follows from treating the random effects as missing data and using the incomplete data framework outlined in Dempster, et al. (1977). We elaborate on this idea, introducing a class of generalized ML estimates, indexed by a parameter τ, which contain REML and ordinary ML estimates as special limiting cases. This device enables us to derive a single set of iterative EM equations which yields either ML or REML estimates of the variance components, depending upon the value specified for τ.
Transfer RNA changes in HeLa cells after vaccinia virus infection.

Abstract Reversed phase cochromatography of aminoacyl-tRNA's prepared from uninfected and 9 h vaccinia virus-infected HeLa cells has revealed a quantitative alteration in aspartyl-tRNA and both a quantitative and qualitative change in phenylalanyl-tRNA. The chromatographic change in aspartyl-tRNA can be correlated with an increased acceptor activity for aspartic acid by tRNA preparations from infected cells, whereas phenylalanine acceptance is not significantly altered after infection.
Compositional Factors that Enhance or Retard Temper Embrittlement of Alloy Steels

Temper embrittlement of alloy steels is due to the intergranular segregation of metalloid elements (from Groups IV and VB) under the influence of certain alloy elements or other metalloid elements. Embrittlement can be reduced or eliminated by scavenging reactions between some alloy and metalloid elements.
Processes of Dyadic Choice for war and Peace

THE first three words in the title of this essay identify the convergence of theme among the three books considered here. Despite very important differences, that convergence is manifest; each word deserves emphasis in distinguishing the books from conventional works in the tradition of structural realism. To begin with the last of those words-choice is essential. States, or their decision makers, choose strategies from a set of possible alternatives. They are not deterministically constrained by the structure of the international system to go to war or to submit to coercion. Skipping back to the initial word, processes is important in the plural, in two senses. First, choices are made through a domestic political process of decision making. Decision making within the government interacts with other domestic political actors, notably the opposition, in the form sometimes captured in game-theoretic formulations of two-level, or nested, games.' The process may vary with the international context (contemporaneous and historical) in which decisions are being made.
Very fast thermal measurements by means of fast line scanning

Many thermal processes pass very quickly. The normal frame rate of radiometric scanners or FPA cameras is sometimes far below what might be needed in order to see what is happening with the object. When it comes to measurement there is nothing yet to match the measurement accuracy of the best scanning devices. When very high measurement accuracy has to be combined with highest possible data acquisition rate, the best way today is to use the scanning technique, with the scanner set for line scanning. Thus it is possible to acquire thermal information also from very fast processes. Computer processing of thermal information is today applied in almost 100% of the cases. If this is applied to thermal information, which is acquired by Fast line scanning, the results can be very interesting. This method has been successfully applied e.g. to tires, disk brakes, fusion research, and to analysis of explosions in connections with the development of air-bags. The paper describes the above mentioned applications. This includes a method description and some thermograms, which show the final result.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Neuroprotection in Transient Focal Brain Ischemia After Delayed Intravenous Administration of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Conjugated to a Blood-Brain Barrier Drug Targeting System

Background and Purpose—Neuroprotection with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) requires direct injection into the brain owing to poor transport of the neurotrophin through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vivo. The present studies investigate whether BDNF alone or conjugated to a BBB drug targeting system is neuroprotective in focal, reversible brain ischemia after delayed intravenous administration at 60 or 120 minutes after middle cerebral arterial occlusion. Methods—BDNF was conjugated to the OX26 murine monoclonal antibody to the rat transferrin receptor, which undergoes transport into brain from blood via the BBB transferrin receptor transcytosis system. After a 1-hour occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in nitrous oxide– ventilated animals with normal blood sugar, the brain was reperfused, and either BDNF or the BDNF/OX26 conjugate was administered as a single intravenous injection at a dose of 50 μg per rat. Results—After the intravenous administration of unconjugated BDNF, there was no n...
Social Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility: a discussion on disciplinary domains and strategic relevance

This paper is aimed at addressing two fundamental issues relating to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Social Entrepreneurship (SE). First is the issue of lack of conceptual clarity of the two terms. Second is the issue of strategic relevance. Towards this end, the first part of this paper aims to sketch out an operational definition and disciplinary boundaries for each of these two concepts. The second part of the paper is devoted to a discussion of how CSR and SE could be relevant for establishing a competitive advantage in times of financial hardship. Directions for future research are presented.
Nucleation of quark-gluon plasma from hadronic matter.

The energy densities achieved during central collisions of large nuclei at Brookhaven's AGS may be high enough to allow the formation of quark-gluon plasma. Calculations based on relativistic nucleation theory suggest that rare events, perhaps one in every 10[sup 2] or 10[sup 3], undergo the phase transition. Experimental ramifications may include an enhancement in the ratio of pions to baryons, a reduction in the ratio of deuterons to protons, and a larger source size as seen by hadron interferometry.
Effect of Atmospheric Processes on Launch Decisions

The different phases of space-vehicle mission operations and system analyses are influenced by several dynamic atmospheric parameters, such as thunderstorm, precipitation, cloud ceiling, etc., which are interpreted as atmospheric constraints for the launch operations. An atmospheric parameter is a random variable which attains either a permissible (GO) or a not permissible (NOGO) outcome, and in repeated observations these outcomes are not usually independent. The purpose of this paper is to construct analytical models supported by the theory of Markov chains and the theory of runs. Probabilistic models incorporating dependence structure of the Markovian type are analyzed. The underlying theory could be used to predict a GO-NOGO decision in the different phases of a mission. Finally, we present numerical examples of how the developed methods can be used to predict different configurations of GO and/or NOGO outcomes pertaining to thunderstorm activities using 33 years of atmospheric data for Kennedy Space Center.
Mechanosensation and the DEG/ENaC Ion Channels

Cloning of a new protein that participates in mechanosensation in Caenorhabditis elegans (see J. Liu et al ., p. 361) prompts this Perspective9s discussion of the superfamily of ion channels that underlie this receptive process and the parallels between mechanosensation in worms and vertebrates.
Differences in density and distribution of surface glycoconjugates between normal and dystrophic mouse Schwann cells detected by statistical analyses of lectin-ferritin binding

Cultures of Schwann cells and neurons from dorsal root ganglia of normal (C57bl/6J +/+) and dystrophic (C57bl/6J dy2j/dy2j) mice were labeled with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA-I) conjugated to ferritin. Statistical methods were used to compare the regional densities and distribution characteristics of lectin binding in these two types of Schwann cells, which differ in their capacities to ensheath and myelinate axons in vivo and in cultures. Regional variations in lectin binding densities and distributions were observed in both types of Schwann cells. WGA-ferritin was bound at lower densities in dystrophic mouse Schwann cells than in corresponding regions of normal cells. In both normal and dystrophic cells, WGA-ferritin was distributed at greater densities on the free surfaces of Schwann cells than on the substrate-associated surfaces. WGA-ferritin was clustered in all regions of both normal and dystrophic mouse cells. RCA-ferritin densities did not differ significantly between corresponding regions of normal and dystrophic mouse Schwann cells. However, in normal mouse Schwann cells, the density of RCA-ferritin was significantly greater in the thinner, peripheral processes of Schwann cells than in thicker perinuclear regions of the cells. Differences in the degree of RCA-ferritin clustering were also detected between normal and dystrophic Schwann cells. These results indicate that regional differences in the density and distributions of cell surface glycoconjugates occur in Schwann cells of normal and dystrophic mice.
Bias in Computer Languages Comparisons: A FORTRAN Phobic Cabal?

Viability of the FORTRAN computer language and its relationship to other languages for program development were discussed. A library of C and assembly language FORTRAN callable subroutines, developed to suit the needs of researchers in behavioral sciences was introduced and suggested as an aid for accomplishing the successful migration of FORTRAN from the mainframe to the microcomputing environment.
Starvation, Energy Reserves, and Aggression in the Crayfish Orconectes Virilis (Hagen, 1870) (Decapoda, Cambaridae)

Der Einfluss von Nahrungsentzug auf das aggressive Verhalten des Krebses Orconectes virilis wurde im Labor untersucht. Nach einer Woche Nahrungsentzug kampften die Versuchstiere ofter und langer und gewannen ofter als Kontrolltiere. Nach zwei Wochen Hungern waren diese Unterschiede nicht mehr zu beobachten.
Approximations for the doubly noncentral-F distribution

The approximate normality of the cube root of the noncentral chi-square observed by Aty (1954) and an Edgeworth-series expansion are used to derive an approximation for the doubly noncentral-F distribution. Another approximation in terms of a noncentral-F distribution is also proposed. Both these approximations are seen to compare favorably with some earlier approximations due to Das Gupta (1968) and Tiku (1972). The problem of approximating the cumulants of the doubly noncentral-F variable, which is pivotal in Tiku’s approximation, is examined and use of a noncentral-F distribution is seen to provide a good solution for it. A FORTRAN routine for the Edgeworth-series approximation is given.
Synthetic peptide inhibitors of complement serine proteases--II. Effects on hemolytic activity and production of C3a and C4a.

Abstract Synthetic peptides based on the amino acid sequence at the site of cleavage of C3 by classical and alternative pathway convertases were found to be poor inhibitors of hemolysis except at concns of 1 m M and higher. Synthetic peptides of a second type, based on the C-terminal sequence of antithrombin III, were more effective; the best among them caused significant inhibition of hemolysis at a concn of 5 μM . A hybrid peptide composed of the sequence at the site of cleavage of C4 by C1s attached to an antithrombin III sequence was selective, inhibiting the classical pathway with no effect on the alternative pathway at a concentration of 25 μM . Several of the antithrombin III peptides that inhibited hemolysis did not inhibit C4 activation by the classical pathway or activation of C3 by the classical and alternative pathways suggesting that these peptides affect hemolysis by inhibiting enzymes other than C1s and C4b2a of the classical pathway and C3bBb of the alternative pathway.
Optimal Strategies for Bridge Replacement

A method for replacing undersized bridges under limited budgets for a specified planning horizon has been developed and applied to the agricultural area of Young America, Illinois. The period of the planning horizon are considered in any arbitrary order, and a subhorizon is defined between the beginning of the overall planning horizon and each period. For each subhorizon, the most cost‐effective bridge replacement policy is selected, according to a route assignment procedure. This procedure is a heuristic method that identifies the most important users of a transportation system and sequentially reroutes them, starting with the most economical routes and finishing with routes without undersized bridges for any user.
k -edge subgraph problems

Abstract We study here a problem on graphs that involves finding a subgraph of maximum node weights spanning up to k edges. We interpret the concept of “spanning” to mean that at least one endpoint of the edge is in the subgraph in which we seek to maximize the total weight of the nodes. We discuss the complexity of this problem and other related problems with different concepts of “spanning” and show that most of these variants are NP-complete. For the problem defined, we demonstrate a factor 3 approximation algorithm with complexity O( kn ) for a graph on n nodes. For the unweighted version of the the problem in a graph on m edges we describe a factor 2 approximation algorithm of greedy type, with complexity O( n + m ). For trees and forests we present a polynomial time algorithm applicable to our problem and also to a problem seeking to maximize (minimize) the weight of a subtree on k nodes.
Using and disseminating a taxonomy for engineering education research

Engineering education research is a broad-based, rapidly-evolving, diverse, interdisciplinary, and international field. There is a clear need for a standardized terminology and organizational system — a set of keywords — to map the field and communicate research initiatives. Such a taxonomy could provide multiple benefits, including: better connections between research and researchers; more accessible research results; recognition for and identification of emerging research areas; a way to describe the diversity of engineering education research areas; and a common terminology with which researchers could frame their efforts. This pre-conference workshop will allow attendees to use the taxomony and assist in planning for its wide dissemination.
Unusual etiology for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a previously healthy child

Abstract Paraduodenal hernia (PDH) is the most common congenital internal hernia and rarely presents in pediatric age group with acute abdominal symptoms. We report a six year old boy who has recurrent vague abdominal pain, vomiting for six months and massive upper GI bleed at admission, found to have left sided PDH and small bowel ischemia intraoperatively and underwent small bowel resection and PDH repair. He was discharged from hospital on day 6 postoperative day after uneventful course.
An electrochemical immunosensing method for detecting melanoma cells.

Abstract An electrochemical immunosensing method was developed to detect melanoma cells based on the affinity between cell surface melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) antigen and anti-MC1R antibody (MC1R-Ab). The MC1R-Abs were immobilized in amino-functionalized silica nanoparticles (n-SiNPs)-polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposite modified on working electrode surface of screen-printed electrode (SPE). Cyclic voltammetry was employed, with the help of redox mediator ([Fe(CN) 6 ] 3− ), to measure the change in anodic oxidation peak current arising due to the specific interaction between MC1R antigens and MC1R-Abs when the target melanoma cells are present in the sample. Various factors affecting the sensor performance, such as the amount of MC1R-Abs loaded, incubation time with the target melanoma cells, the presence of interfering non-melanoma cells, were tested and optimized over different expected melanoma cell loads in the range of 50–7500 cells/2.5 mL. The immunosensor is highly sensitive (20 cells/mL), specific, and reproducible, and the antibody-loaded electrode in ready-to-use stage is stable over two weeks. Thus, in conjunction with a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip device our electrochemical immunosensing approach may be suitable for highly sensitive, selective, and rapid detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood samples.
The origin of epigenetic graphite: evidence from isotopes

Abstract Stable carbon isotope ratios measured in syngenetic graphite, epigenetic graphite, and graphitic marble suggests that syngenetic graphite forms only by the metamorphism of carbonaceous detritus. Metamorphism of calcareous rocks with carbonaceous detritus is accompanied by an exchange of carbon between the two, which may result in large changes in isotopic composition of the non-carbonate phase but does not affect the relative proportions of the two reactants in the rock. Epigenetic graphite forms only from carbonaceous material or preexisting graphite. The reactions involved are the water gas reaction (C + H2O → CO + H2) at 800–900°C, and the Boudouard reaction (2CO → C + CO2), which probably takes place at temperatures about 50–100°C lower.
Media Images and Women’s Self-Evaluations: Social Context and Importance of Attractiveness as Moderators

The current research examines the effects of exposure to ideal images on women’s self-evaluations, taking into account the moderating influence of social contextual and individual difference factors. In Study 1, women were exposed to either ideal images of women or neutral images. Participants viewed these images in a context in which (a) men were not present, (b) men were present, or (c) men were present and made comments about some of the images. Results indicated that participants’ weight-esteem was negatively affected in the ideal image/men present condition but that those in the ideal image/men comment condition actually exhibited higher levels of weight-esteem. A second study replicated the results of Study 1 and also showed that the importance participants placed on physical attractiveness influenced the effects of viewing ideal images.
Scalar Transport in a Swirling Transverse Jet

The scalar transport in a swirling jet in a crossflow has been investigated in water tunnel experiments. The jet to freestream velocity ratio was varied from 4.9 to 11.1, and the jet swirl numbers ranged from 0 to 0.17. The jet exit Reynolds number was kept at 1.3 x 10 4 during the experiments. Planar laser-induced fluorescence was utilized to measure planar cross sections of the mean concentration field of the jet up to 68 jet diameters downstream of the exit. The jet penetration depth, half-value radius, and maximum concentration were determined from these concentration fields. For jets without swirl, measured cross-sectional mean concentration distributions have symmetric double-lobed kidney shapes that are consistent with the counter-rotating vortex pair that is known to exist in the far field of the jet. The addition of swirl causes the far-field distributions to become nonsymmetric, with one of the lobes increasing in size and the other decreasing, resulting in a comma shape. Swirl is also observed to decrease jet penetration but not to significantly affect the decay of maximum mean concentration for the range of swirl numbers investigated.
A New Mechanical Method for Biaxial Residual Stress Mapping

This paper describes a residual stress measurement approach that determines a two-dimensional map of biaxial residual stress. The biaxial measurement is a combination of contour method and slitting measurements and a computation to determine the effects of out-of-plane stress on a thin slice. The measurement approach uses only mechanical stress release methods, which is advantageous for some measurement articles. The measurement approach is verified with a numerical experiment and validated with independent confirmation measurements. Biaxial mapping measurements are performed in a long aluminum bar (77.8 mm width, 51.2 mm thickness, and 304.8 mm length) that has residual stresses induced with quenching. The measured stresses are consistent with quench induced residual stress, having peak magnitude of 150 MPa and a distribution that is tensile toward the center of the bar and compressive around the boundary. The validating confirmation measurements showed good agreement with the biaxial map. An uncertainty assessment, performed for each step of the experimental procedure, shows that the overall combined uncertainty is low, maximum of 21 MPa for longitudinal stress and maximum of 6 MPa for transverse stress, indicating that the new biaxial mapping approach has excellent measurement precision.
Integrating Dictation with PACS to Eliminate Paper

Five years ago our department migrated from a film-based imaging environment to a PACS-based environment. We discovered that our reliance on paper tracking forms for clinical history and dictation information was hindering our practice. Integrating dictation with PACS was one of three key components we needed to free ourselves from the tyranny of paper, the other two being an online worklist and an online patient history. We discuss our evolution to a (mostly) paperless reading room environment, our implementation, general performance, and future development plans, focusing on integrated dictation.
Diverse stimuli induce calpain overexpression and apoptosis in C6 glioma cells.

Calpain, a Ca2+-activated cysteine protease, has been implicated in apoptosis of immune cells. Since central nervous system (CNS) is abundant in calpain, the possible involvement of calpain in apoptosis of CNS cells needs to be investigated. We studied calpain expression in rat C6 glioma cells exposed to reactive hydroxyl radical (.OH) [formed via the Fenton reaction (Fe2++H2O2+H+-->Fe3++H2O+.OH)], interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and calcium ionophore (A23187). Cell death, cell cycle, calpain expression, and calpain activity were examined. Diverse stimuli induced apoptosis in C6 cells morphologically (chromatin condensation as detected by light microscopy) and biochemically [DNA fragmentation as detected by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay]. Oxidative stress arrested a population of C6 cells at the G2/M phase of cell cycle. The levels of mRNA expression of six genes were analyzed by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Diverse stimuli did not alter beta-actin (internal control) expression, but increased calpain expression, and the upregulated bax (pro-apoptotic)/bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic) ratio. There was no significant increase in expression of calpastatin (endogenous calpain inhibitor). Western blot analysis showed an increase in calpain content and degradation of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), a calpain substrate. Pretreatment of C6 cells with calpeptin (a cell-permeable calpain inhibitor) blocked calpain overexpression, MAG degradation, and DNA fragmentation. We conclude that calpain overexpression due to.OH stress, IFN-gamma stimulation, or Ca2+ influx is involved in C6 cell death, which is attenuated by a calpain-specific inhibitor.