cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interference with the Mate-Finding Communication System of the Obliquebanded Leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Using Synthetic Sex Pheromones

Effect of atmospheric permeation with synthetic sex pheromone on the behavior and control of obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), was studied in small and large plots in commercial apple orchards. Synthetic sex pheromone significantly reduced the ability of male moths to locate pheromone-baited traps and tethered females; however, no differences were found among 3 pheromone rates. Location of pheromone dispensers within the tree canopy did not alter the number of males locating pheromone-baited traps and mating tethered females. Obliquebanded leafroller activity was greatest in the upper positions of the tree canopy and no edge effect was observed around perimeters of large disrupted blocks. The presence of gravid feral females, mated tethered females, high larval densities, and fruit damage within large pheromone disrupted blocks indicate obliqubanded leafrollers mate in orchards treated with synthetic sex pheromone. However, fruit damage caused by obliquebanded leafroller larvae was similar in pheromone, pheromone plus insecticide, and insecticide treatments.
Analysis and Models of Photoionized Structures Seen in Hubble Space Telescope Images of NGC 7635

We present the analysis of photoionized structures seen in Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 images of NGC 7635 and the surrounding H II region S162. We exploit the high spatial resolution images to make a census of the total ionizing flux from the O6.5 IIIf star BD +60°2522. We also construct detailed models of two structures with a photoionization code, reproducing the line emission seen in spatial profiles extracted directly from the images. We demonstrate that the density distribution of the models produces deviations in the spectrally derived elemental abundances at a level exceeding typical observational errors. Our results also show a large discrepancy between the star's effective temperature used for our best-fit models (34,320 K) and that expected based on its spectral type (>40,000 K) from a hot-star calibration taken from the literature. We suggest that this is due to the use of plane-parallel stellar atmospheres in constructing that calibration.
Density-based separation of thermoplastics found in the post-consumer waste stream

Abstract Separation of thermoplastics from each other and from contaminants facilitates their recycling and improves the properties of the reprocessed material. Clean, dry, shredded thermoplastics obtained from post-consumer, plastic waste were separated using pure CO2 and mixtures of CO2 and SF6 in a lab-scale, density-based separator. The separator was designed to operate at the pressures and temperatures required to attain the appropriate densities for the separations using these near-critical fluids. Separation efficiency, factors affecting separation purity, and favorable operating conditions and procedures were determined. Several thermoplastic mixtures were separated, including HDPE/LDPE/PP and PVC/PET. The purity of the separated homopolymers ranged from 100%−77% by weight, with most runs yielding 96%–100% purity.
Childhood cancer. Nonmedical costs of the illness

The financial burden of cancer treatment is a major source of anxiety for the families of pediatric cancer patients. Parents of these patients report that nonmedical, out-of-pocket expenditures are the most troublesome because, unlike medical bills, nonmedical costs must be paid immediately and are rarely reimbursed. Data on nonmedical expenditures (transportation, food, lodging, clothing, family care, and miscellaneous) were collected from 70 patients' families for one-week periods at three-month intervals. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to ascertain the factors influencing costs. Factors contributing to nonmedical costs included level of care, the patient's Performance Status, distance from the treatment center, and family size. Thirty-two families reported loss of pay when one or both parents accompanied the child to the hospital. When this loss was combined with the nonmedical costs, the results indicated a serious strain on the family budget. For half the families surveyed, the total expenses plus loss of pay amounted to more than 25% of the weekly family income.
CT-assisted assessment of bladder and rectum dose in gynecological implants

Eight patients who received gynecological implants with Fletcher-Suit type applicators were involved in this study. An orthogonal pair of films and computed tomographic scans were obtained for each patient. In the CT study, judicious use of contrast materials and selective window and level settings permitted clear delineation of the bladder and the rectum boundaries relative to the implanted applicators. In comparison to reference organ doses derived from the orthogonal film pair method, the maximum organ doses estimated from the CT-assisted evaluation were considerably higher, by approximately twofold on the average. The differences between the values estimated from the two methods vary from patient to patient, being highly dependent on the individual anatomy and the geometry of the implanted sources. These preliminary results point to the inaccuracy of the conventional method of estimating organ doses. CT-assisted evaluation may be necessary to accurately calculate organ doses in gynecological applications.
The Interaction between Contrast, Prosody, and Coarticulation in Structuring Phonetic Variability

Russian maintains a contrast between non-palatalized and palatalized trills that has been lost in most Slavic languages. This research investigates the phonetic expression of this contrast in an attempt to understand how the contrast is maintained. One hypothesis is that the contrast is stabilized through resistance to coarticulation between the trill and surrounding vowels and prosodic positional weakening effects—factors expected to weaken the contrast. In order to test this hypothesis, we investigate intrasegmental and intersegmental coarticulation and the effect of domain boundaries on Russian trills. Since trills are highly demanding articulatorily and aerodynamically, and since Russian trills are in contrast, there is an expectation that they will be highly resistant to coarticulation and to prosodic influence. This study shows, however, that phonetic variability due to domain boundaries and coarticulation is systematically present in Russian trills. Implications of the relation between prosodic position and lingual coarticulation for the Degree of Articulatory Constraint (DAC) model, Articulatory Phonology, and the literature on prosodic strength are discussed. Based on the quantitative analysis of phonetic variability in Russian trills, we conjecture a hypothesis on why the contrast in trills is maintained in Russian, but lost in other Slavic languages. Specifically, phonological strategies used by several Slavic languages to deal with the instability of Proto-Slavic palatalized trills are present phonetically in Russian. These phonetic tendencies structure the variability of Russian trills, and could be the source of contrast stabilization.
Synthesis and Metalation of a Chiral, Pyridine-Strapped, Cyclic Bis(benzimidazole) Ligand†

[reaction: see text] Synthesis of a chiral, strapped, cyclic bis(benzimidazole) ligand is reported. This compound forms a stable, Jahn-Teller-distorted, octahedral Cu(II) complex in which the elongated axis is positioned within the main macrocycle. The C(2)-symmetric bis(benzimidazole) core adopts a highly ruffled conformation with the ortho-substituted benzene rings located anti relative to the pyridine-bearing strap.
Application of the Electroosmotic Effect for Thrust Generation

The present work focuses on demonstrating the capabilities of electro-osmotic pumps, EOPs, to generate thrust. EOPs have high power to volume ratio and operate on ionic aqueous solutions making them a good candidate for use as thrusters in miniature watercraft such as micro underwater gliders. Millimeter-size nano-porous membrane will be used to achieve milli-Newton thrust. Electro-osmotic pumps are operated under high electric fields to achieve highest thrust possible. A byproduct of high electric fields in EOPs is the generation of gas which is addressed by using bipolar rectangular wave pumping. This resulted in over 55% increase in flow rate when compared to DC pumping for the same average voltage while reducing gas generation. When properly sized and optimized for thrust, the feasibility of EOPs is demonstrated. This is the first experimental application of a membrane-based electro-osmotic pump for propulsion. Several membranes of different materials were tested including polymer and ceramic membranes. It was found that glass micro-capillary arrays are the most suitable membranes for electro-osmotic thrusters, or EOTs. Among their advantages include their rigid construction and ability to produce high flow rates.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
The use of pseudo-landmarks for craniofacial analysis: A comparative study with L 1 -regularized logistic regression

Morphometrics, the quantitative analysis of shape, is used by craniofacial researchers to study abnormalities in human face shapes. Most of the work in craniofacial morphometrics uses landmark points that are manually marked on 3D face data and processed via a generalized Procrustes analysis. For large data sets this manual process is very time-consuming. Dense sets of pseudo-landmarks have also been proposed and successfully used for classification and clustering, but the two main methods in the literature are very computationally intensive. We have developed a computationally simple method that can compute pseudo-landmark points at different resolutions from 3D meshes of human faces. In this paper, we perform a comparative study employing L1-regularized logistic regression to train a classifier that predicts the sex of 500 normal adult face meshes in order to compare our method to two alternative pseudo-landmark methods and a distance matrix approach.Our results show that our method, which is fully automatic, achieved similar results to the best-scoring methods with no manual landmarking and with much lower computation time. Use of the distance matrix did not improve classification results.
Observations of Resource Use by the Threatened Diana Fritillary Butterfly (Speyeria diana) in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, USA

We present four summers (2006–2009) of field observations of the Diana fritillary, Speyeria diana (Cramer, 1777), throughout the Southern Appalachian Mountains, USA, in the eastern portion of its distribution. We describe our observations of resource use by S. diana in sites located in Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Butterflies imbibed nectar from five genera (>11 species) of flowering plants and also imbibed liquid from dirt roads and horse manure. The majority of butterflies (57%) were observed feeding on milkweed, Asclepias spp., a high-quality nectar-producing plant which is known to be an important resource for many Lepidoptera. We documented 14 species of Viola spp., the larval host plant used by Speyeria, in our survey sites. All butterflies were marked to observe their movement. Recapture rates ranged from 17% to 56%, suggesting that dispersal of S. diana out of suitable habitat was somewhat limited.
Should patients with advanced, incurable cancers ever be sent home with total parenteral nutrition? A single institution's 20-year experience.

BACKGROUND Home total parenteral nutrition (TPN) can be lifesaving and life sustaining for some patients. However, in patients with advanced, incurable cancer, its role is controversial. A retrospective study was conducted to explore whether home TPN was associated with long-term survival (≥ 1 year) in patients with metastatic disease and to identify predictive factors to enable its judicious use. METHODS The records of all adult patients with incurable cancer were identified between 1979 and 1999. Records were reviewed in depth for survival from TPN initiation to death and for a variety of demographic and clinical factors. RESULTS Fifty-two patients were identified. Their median age was 56 years (range, 18–83 years), and 30 (58%) were women. Malignant diagnoses included carcinoid/islet cell tumor (n = 10), ovarian carcinoma (n = 6), amyloidosis/multiple myeloma (n = 6), colorectal carcinoma (n = 5), sarcoma (n = 5), pancreatic carcinoma (n = 4), gastric carcinoma (n = 3), lymphoma (n = 2), pseudomyxoma peritonei (n = 2), and other (n = 9). TPN was initiated for the following reasons (indications are not mutually exclusive): alimentary tract obstruction (n = 20), short bowel syndrome/malabsorption (n = 16), fistula (n = 11), dysmotility (n = 3), nausea/emesis (n = 2), anorexia (n = 2), and mucositis (n = 1). The median time from initiation of TPN to death was 5 months (range, 1–154 months). Sixteen patients survived ≥ 1 year. TPN-related complications included 18 catheter infections (1 per 2.8 catheter-years), 4 thromboses, 3 pneumothoraces, and 2 episodes of TPN-related liver disease. Tumor grade, the interval between diagnosis of metastatic disease and initiation of TPN, the presence of prominent cancer symptoms, and the administration of cancer therapy after TPN were not associated in any way with overall survival. CONCLUSIONS The initiation of home TPN can be associated with long-term survival in very select patients with incurable cancer, and complication rates with its use appear acceptable. However, the judicious use of home TPN in this setting requires careful clinical assessment on a patient-by-patient basis. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Determination of the effective characteristics of a viscoelastic composite with relaxation of its components in the form of fractional exponents of different orders

We consider the problem of optimal description of the viscoelastic properties of composites consisting of components with viscoelastic properties. Using the Laplace–Carson transformation and the rational approximation, we have constructed an algorithm for the reduction of functions describing the viscoelastic properties of the matrix and reinforcement to functions of the same class. This method can be used for simplifying the solution of problems of the linear theory of viscoelasticity. As an example we consider the problem of reduction of viscoelastic functions to the same class for a unidirectionally reinforced composite.
Thermodynamic investigation of the AlNC and AlCN isomers by Knudsen cell mass spectrometry

Equilibria involving the isomers AlNC and AlCN above a mixture of aluminum nitride, graphite, and gold contained in a graphite Knudsen cell were investigated with a mass spectrometer. The enthalpies of formation, ΔfH0o, and of atomization, ΔaH0o, in kJ mol−1, for AlNC and AlCN, were derived as 281.3±14 and 303.8±14, and as 1228.1±15 and 1205.6±15, respectively.
H-ras gene mutations in salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinomas.

BACKGROUND The authors' recent investigation of salivary gland tumors in ras gene alteration has suggested that K-ras activation may not play a role in their oncogenesis but H-ras may, especially in mucoepidermoid carcinomas. A study was undertaken to assess the overall incidence of mutated H-ras genes in mucoepidermoid carcinomas and to discover its potential correlation with clinicopathologic parameters. METHODS Fifty samples from patients with salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma were analyzed for point mutations at codons 12, 13, and 61 of the H-ras gene using the polymerase chain reaction followed by automated direct sequencing methodology. RESULTS Mutated H-ras genes were detected in 9 patients, for an overall incidence of 18% (9 of 50 patients). All but 1 of the mutations occurred at codon 12: a GGC-to-GTC transversion in 8 patients and a GGC-to-GAC transition in 1 patient, resulting in the amino acid substitution of valine and aspartic acid, respectively, for glycine. One of the samples showed concurrent mutations at codons 12 (GGC-to-GTC) and 13 (GGT-to-GGA). None of the samples demonstrated mutations involving codon 61. The H-ras mutations were observed in 5% (1of 21), 17% (2 of 12), and 35% (6 of 17) of low, intermediate, and high grade lesions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest involvement of H-ras activation in conjunction with other yet-unknown events in the development and/or progression of mucoepidermoid carcinomas. It is noteworthy that a stepwise increase in the frequency of H-ras mutations strongly correlates with tumor grade (P = 0.017). Molecular analysis of this gene alteration may provide assistance in the determination of tumor grade and differentiation. Cancer 2000;88:518–23. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Dendritic spine dysgenesis in Rett syndrome

Spines are small cytoplasmic extensions of dendrites that form the postsynaptic compartment of the majority of excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain. Alterations in the numerical density, size, and shape of dendritic spines have been correlated with neuronal dysfunction in several neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders associated with intellectual disability, including Rett syndrome (RTT). RTT is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder associated with intellectual disability that is caused by loss of function mutations in the transcriptional regulator methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). Here, we review the evidence demonstrating that principal neurons in RTT individuals and Mecp2-based experimental models exhibit alterations in the number and morphology of dendritic spines. We also discuss the exciting possibility that signaling pathways downstream of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is transcriptionally regulated by MeCP2, offer promising therapeutic options for modulating dendritic spine development and plasticity in RTT and other MECP2-associated neurodevelopmental disorders.
High Technology and State Higher Education Policy : Myths and Realities

It is difficult to justify increased state government support for higher education using arguments based only on how higher education contributes to economic growth. The authors find no strong relationship between state funding of higher education and employment concentration in high-technology industries. Instead, they find that investment in public higher education will tend to be lower than justified on economic efficiency grounds because of the incentives for states to free ride off of the investments of other states. A challenge is to build advocacy strategies that take into account some of the realities of the relationship between public expenditures in higher education and economic growth, including the fact that the relationship is strongly influenced by the movement of educated workers across state borders. Other justifications for public higher education will have to be used, including the reduction of transaction costs for businesses in the state and the expansion of knowledge exchange.
NFNA safety survey: a report of data collected in 1988 versus 1998.

Abstract In 1998, the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association ASTNA (formerly known as the National Flight Nurses Association [NFNA]) sponsored a follow-up safety survey to one it had conducted in 1988. The survey was sent out to all association members and identified whether a respondent of the survey was employed by a program that had policies addressing the safety topics identified in the survey and were compliant with the topic. Covered topics included scheduling practices, rest, refusal to fly because of safety issues, safety briefings, safety training, chemical restraints, hot off-loading, personal protective gear, and safety equipment installed in aircraft. The 1998 NFNA safety survey replicated a safety survey sent in 1988. The results of the two surveys were compared using side-by-side analysis with graphic comparison of trends that have occurred during the 10-year period. With the exception of hot loading/unloading, every category of questions recognized an increased frequency of both written policies and compliance or practice. The most significant improvement in compliance was “personal protective gear;” the category engendering the most concern was “refusal to fly due to safety issues.” In 1998, only 52% of respondents worked in programs that “defined the flight nurses' responsibility and acceptable reasons for refusal to participate.”
Predictive tracking control for a multi-compartment respiratory system with amplitude and rate input constraints

In this article, we develop a predictive tracking controller for a nonlinear multi-compartment lung mechanics model. Specifically, for a given clinically plausible reference volume pattern, we use model predictive control to design a tracking controller that accounts for amplitude and rate input constraints. The predictive control law is derived by minimising a quadratic performance criterion involving a prediction of the system response over a prescribed time step. The proposed tracking control framework is applied to a two-compartment lung mechanics model with nonlinear lung compliance parameters.
Pathological changes in rabbits from repeated intravenous injections of periston (polyvinyl pyrrolidone) or dextran.

SummarySeventeen rabbits were each given 16 intravenous injections of 10 cc/kg of one or another plasma substitute over a 2-month period. The solutions used were 6% dextran in distilled water, 3½% periston (polyvinylpyrrolidone) in distilled water, and 10% dextrose in physiological saline solution. No effects of treatment on behavior or body weight were noted. At autopsy, there was slight enlargement of the spleen, on the average about 70%, in the periston animals. Kidney and liver weights were not affected except for a possible slight increase in kidney weight with dextrose. On detailed microscopic examination, the one outstanding lesion was a foam cell storage of periston or some near derivative. Certain other and minor lesions were caused by periston and dextran, and none by dextrose.
Complications of intraocular lenses. A historical and histopathological review

Abstract Recent improvements in intraocular lens (IOL) design, manufacturing techniques, and surgical techniques have greatly reduced the incidence of complications following implantation, and many authors now consider IOL implantation to be among the most safe and effective major surgical procedures. However, adverse reactions are still seen — some as late sequelae of carlier IOL designs and implantation techniques and some as sequelae of more recent implantations using “state-of-the-art” lenses and surgical techniques. Complications may be due to various factors, including surgical technique, IOL design, or the inability of some eyes with preexisting disease to tolerate an implant. The authors trace the evolution of IOLs since Ridley's first implant, summarizing the modifications in lenses and surgical techniques that were made as complications were recognized. They then review the clinical and histopathological features of selected cases from more than 200 IOLs and/or globes removed due to IOL-related complications and studied in the University of Utah Ocular Pathology Laboratory. It is hoped that this review will provide insights into the pathogenesis of IOL complications, enhancing the current success of implant procedures and stimulating further basic and clinical research in this area.
Physical and chemical characteristics of lead-iron phosphate nuclear waste glasses

Experimental determinations of the properties of lead-iron phosphate glasses pertinent to their application to the problem of the permanent disposal of high-level nuclear wastes have been carried out. These investigations included studies of the composition and physical properties of nuclear waste glasses (NWG), as well as the effect of preparation conditions. Lead-iron phosphate nuclear waste glasses were prepared by dissolving simulated US defense wastes or simulated commercial power reactor wastes in molten lead-iron phosphate melts at temperatures between 900 and 1050°C. The measured physical and chemical properties of the nuclear waste glasses formed by cooling these melts and annealing included the following: (1) aqueous corrosion resistance as a function of the solution pH, solution temperature, and glass composition, (2) glass density, (3) thermal expansion coefficient, (4) glass transition temperature and softening point, (5) heat capacity, (6) critical rate (7) temperature for the maximum crystallization rate, (8) relative solubility of waste oxides in the glass melt, (9) reactions between the molten glass and the melting crucible (Pt, ZrO2, Al2O3), and (10) studies of possible metal cannister materials. Experimental results for the lead-iron phosphate NWG are compared to available data for borosilicate NWG. Relative to borosilicate NWG, the lead-iron phosphate glasses have several distinct advantages which include a much lower aqueous corrosion rate, a lower preparation temperature, and the ability to immobilize many types of commercial and defense-related high-level radioactive wastes.
Lectin-Detectable Effects of Localized Pneumonia on Airway Mucous Cell Populations: Role of Cyclooxygenase Metabolites

We examined the airway secretory apparatus of adult sheep with experimental pneumonia to look for morphologic and lectin-binding correlates of increased mucus production. The animals were inoculated in the right caudal lobar bronchus either with starch broth containing Pasteurella haemolytica (INF, n = 6), starch broth alone (SHAM, n = 6), or with P. haemolytica and subsequently treated (INF/T, n = 5) with 2 mg/kg indomethacin, subcutaneously three times daily for 6 days. In the INF and INF/T groups, a localized pneumonic infiltrate containing P. haemolytica organisms was present. The bronchi (18–23rd generation) adjacent to the pneumonic lesion had an increased gland volume fraction (6.3 ′ 3.7% in INF, 11.3 ′ 2.4% in INF/T, and 3.1 ′ 1.9% in SHAM, p < 0.05 among the three). The mean population densities of BSA-reactive (identifying α-V-gal) cells were 41.9 ′ 2.7% in the INF, 40.1 ′ 5.6% in the INF/T, versus 14.3 ′ 1.5% in the SHAM group (p < 0.05), while the corresponding values for PNA-reactive [identif...
A Neutron Diffraction Study of Non-Stoichiometric M n−1 , O

Rietveld analysis of Bragg intensities from in-situ neutron powder diffraction of nearly stoichiometric Mn/sub 0.9990/O reveals the presence of several percent Mn interstitials. Similar to isostructural Fe/sub 1-x/O, the cation interstitials are tetrahedrally coordinated in the rocksalt structure (Fm3M). 27 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
Experimental cancer of the lung. Inhibition by vitamin A of the induction of tracheobronchial squamous metaplasia and squamous cell tumors.

Syrian golden hamsters of both sexes received 10 intratracheal instillations each of 3 mg benzo[a]pyrene (BP) and 3 mg hematite suspended in 0.2 ml saline. One group received no further treatment and developed 13 squamous tumors and 13 cases of squamous metaplasia in 53 animals at risk. The second group, one week after the end of the BP treatment, started to receive twice weekly stomach tube feedings of vitamin A palmitate (5 mg or 5000 IU in 0.1 ml corn oil) continued for life. In this group of 46 animals at risk only one developed a microscopic squamous tumor in a bronchus and one developed a patch of squamous metaplasia in the trachea. The incidence of forestomach papillomas was also reduced markedly by vitamin A treatment. The authors suggest that vitamin A has a systemic inhibitory effect on the induction of squamous changes (metaplasia as well as benign and malignant squamous tumors) in the columnar mucous epithelium of the respiratory tract.
Optimizing Traffic Network Signals Around Railroad Crossings: Model Validations

A model entitled SOURCAO (signal optimization under rail crossing safety constraints) is discussed. There are two objectives in SOURCAO design: highway rail grade crossing (HRGC) safety consideration and highway traffic delay reduction around the crossings. The first step in SOURCAO is to choose a proper preemption phase sequence to promote HRGC safety. This is done by the inference engine in an intelligent agent. The second step in SOURCAO is to find the optimized signal phase length to reduce highway traffic delay. The optimization process uses an objective function of the network traffic delay. The delay is approximated and represented by a multilayer perceptron neural network. The system inputs are online surveillance detector data and HRGC closure information. The system architecture of SOURCAO is briefly discussed. Various types of surveillance schemes in the proposed delay model are introduced. Emphasis is on validating the various models applied in SOURCAO. First, the proposed delay model is compared with queue delays obtained from the TSIS/CORSIM traffic simulation package. Second, the neural network delay forecast is verified through a cross-validation procedure. Finally, the objectives of SOURCAO are evaluated by TSIS/CORSIM. The average network delay for 20 runs of simulation is reduced over 8% (P = 0.05; t-test), and the unsafe queue time of the highway vehicle on HRGC in a test case is reduced.
Immunohistochemical and morphometric analysis of calcitonin distribution in anuran ultimobranchial glands

Abstract The presence and distribution of immunoreactive calcitonin (iCT) in the anuran (Rana pipiens) ultimobranchial gland was examined with a specific antiserum to salmon calcitonin. Improved resolution of the distribution of iCT within individual cells allowed recognition of a iCT-negative [iCT(−)] early maturing cell, the primary iCT-positive [iCT-(+)] secretory cell with accumulation of iCT within the basal and apical cytoplasm, an iCT(−) cell that lacks a basal accumulation of secretory material, and a iCT(−) cell that borders the central lumen. A morphometric analysis was made of the entire glandular basal secretory surface area and a calculation was made of the relative area that contained iCT(+) secretory material (expressed as a basal index (BI)). For frogs kept in fresh water, the total basal area of a single gland was 0.335 mm2, with a BI of 0.72 and a total iCT(+) secretory surface of 0.241 mm2. A second group of frogs kept in a high calcium medium for 12 days had a BI of 0.74 with no significant increase in parenchyma volume or total basal area and therefore no increase in the total iCT(+) secretory area. A third group was kept in a high calcium medium for 12 days and given a single oral dose of vitamin D3 (500 IU/g body wt). The BI of this group remained unchanged at 0.75; however, there was a significant glandular hypertrophy concomitant with an increase in secretory surface area to 0.462 mm2. This resulted in a 43% increase in the iCT(+) secretory area to 0.345 mm2. A model is proposed to explain the increase in iCT in the gland in response to a vitamin D and high calcium challenge.
Redistribution of soil nitrogen, carbon and organic matter by mechanical disturbance during whole-tree harvesting in northern hardwoods

Abstract To investigate whether mechanical mixing during harvesting could account for losses observed from forest floor, we measured surface disturbance on a 22 ha watershed that was whole-tree harvested. Surface soil on each 10 cm interval along 81, randomly placed transects was classified immediately after harvesting as mineral or organic, and as undisturbed, depressed, rutted, mounded, scarified, or scalped (forest floor scraped away). We quantitatively sampled these surface categories to collect soil in which preharvest forest floor might reside after harvest. Mechanically mixed mineral and organic soil horizons were readily identified. Buried forest floor under mixed mineral soil occurred in 57% of mounds with mineral surface soil. Harvesting disturbed 65% of the watershed surface and removed forest floor from 25% of the area. Mechanically mixed soil under ruts with organic or mineral surface soil, and mounds with mineral surface soil contained organic carbon and nitrogen pools significantly greater than undisturbed forest floor. Mechanical mixing into underlying mineral soil could account for the loss of forest floor observed between the preharvest condition and the second growing season after whole-tree harvesting.
0–3 ceramic/polymer composite chemical sensors

Abstract 0–3 composites consisting of carbon black and vanadium oxide conductive fillers in polyethylene, a polyurethane, and polyvinyl alcohol have been developed for use as chemical sensors. Polymer matrices loaded with conductive filler near the percolation threshold swell reversibly in the presence of liquid and gaseous solvents, disrupting the conductive pathways and proportionally increasing the resistance. The magnitude of the swelling (which usually dominates the magnitude of Δ R ) depends on the solubility of a given solvent in the polymer. For non-polar materials, the swelling can be predicted by considering the difference in solubility parameters of polymer and solvent, although the overall magnitude of Δ R may also be influenced by particle morphology, the percolation behavior for the system of interest, and other undefined solvent/polymer/filler interactions. The response time of the sensor is determined primarily by the sample thickness and the diffusion of the solvent through the polymer. Response times will play a role in determining the selection of a sensor for a particular application.
Fluctuations Above the Superfluid Transition in Liquid 3He

It is shown that fluctuations above the superfluid transition in liquid 3He depend strongly upon the relative angular momentum l of a Cooper pair but are insensitive to the fourth order term in the Ginsburg-Landau free energy. The effects are shown to be observable in the static magnetization, viscosity and spin diffusion and give a means of determining the value of l.
Chelates of cupric salts with diethyl pyridine- and 4-methylpyridine-2-phosphonates

Abstract Synthetic and characterization studies of copper (II) perchlorate, nitrate and tetrafluoroborate complexes with diethyl pyridine-2-phosphonate (DEPP) and diethyl 4-methylpyridine-2-phosphonate (DEMPP) are reported. Complexes with the stoicheiometry CuL2X2 were generally obtained. DEPP and DEMPP act invariably as bidentate O,N-ligands in these complexes, coordinating through both the PO oxygen and the pyridine ring nitrogen. The CuL2X2 (X  ClO4, BF4) chelates involve exclusively ionic ClO4 or BF4 groups and were formulated as [CuL2]X2 with a square planar CuO2N2 moiety. The Cu(NO3)2 complexes are square pyramindal involving coordination of one monodentate nitrato group at the axial position: [CuL2(ONO2)](NO3). Electronic and i.r. spectral evidence suggests that DEMPP is a stronger ligand than DEPP.
Experiential Media and Digital Culture

Multidisciplinary value structures and a design approach focusing on combining efficiency, reflection, and quality of experience will foster the true hybrid physical- digital culture that is foundational to solving complex societal problems.
TNF-α and Shear Stress Induced Large Artery Adaptations

Background Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) up-regulation has been associated with both low and high shear-induced arterial remodeling. To address this apparent paradox and to define the biology of TNF-α signaling in large arteries, we tested the hypotheses that differential temporal expression of TNF-α drives shear-regulated arterial remodeling. Materials and methods Both low- and high-shear environments in the same rabbit were surgically created for common carotid arteries. Common carotid arteries ( n = 60 total) were harvested after d0, d1, d3, d7, and d14 and analyses included morphology, TNF-α, and IL-10 mRNA quantitation. In separate experiments, animals received pegylated soluble TNF-α Type 1 receptor (PEG sTNF-RI) or vehicle via either short- or long-term dosing to define the effect of TNF-α blockade. Results The model yielded a 14-fold shear differential ( P P = 0.025), and evidence of outward remodeling with high shear ( P = 0.007). Low shear immediately up-regulated TNF-α expression ∼50 fold ( P P = 0.012; 23-fold at d14, P = 0.007). Both low and high shear gradually induced IL-10 expression ( P = 0.002 and P = 0.004, respectively). Neither short-term (5-day) nor long-term (14-day) blockage of TNF-α signaling resulted in treatment-induced changes in the remodeling of low- or high-shear arteries. Conclusions Shear stress differentially and temporally regulates TNF-α expression in remodeling large arteries. However, TNF-α blockage did not substantially impact the final shear-induced morphology, suggesting that large arteries can remodel in response to flow perturbations independent of TNF-α signaling.
Winning Coverage: News Media Portrayals of the Women's Movement, 1969–2004

Contemporary feminist scholars and activists often criticize the women's movement for focusing on a narrow agenda that does not represent the true needs of American women.Yet a review of the agenda...
Repeated Administration of Cytosine-Phosphorothiolated Guanine-Containing Oligonucleotides Together with Peptide/Protein Immunization Results in Enhanced CTL Responses with Anti-Tumor Activity

The development of therapeutic anti-cancer vaccines designed to elicit CTL responses with anti-tumor activity has become a reality thanks to the identification of several tumor-associated Ags and their corresponding peptide T cell epitopes. However, peptide-based vaccines, in general, fail to elicit sufficiently strong CTL responses capable of producing therapeutic anti-tumor effects (i.e., prolongation of survival, tumor reduction). Here we report that repeated administration of synthetic oligonucleotides containing foreign cytosine-phosphorothiolated guanine (CpG) motifs increased 10- to 100-fold the CTL response to immunization with various synthetic peptides corresponding to well-known T cell epitopes. Moreover, repeated CpG administration allowed the induction of CTL to soluble protein even in the absence of additional adjuvant. Our results indicate that the potentiating effect of CpG in CTL responses required the participation of Th lymphocytes. Repeated CpG administration resulted in overt splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy with a significant increase in the numbers of CTL precursors and dendritic cells. Protein vaccination in combination with repeated CpG therapy was effective in delaying tumor cell growth and extending survival in mice bearing melanoma tumors. These findings support the contention that repeated administration of CpG-oligonucleotides enhances the effect of peptide and protein vaccines leading to potent anti-tumor responses, presumably through the induction of Th1 and dendritic cells, which are essential for optimal CTL responses. The immunostimulatory properties of CpG motifs may be key in inducing a consistent long term immunity to tumor-associated Ags when using peptides or proteins as T cell-inducing vaccines.
The Golden Rule Settlement: A Minority Perspective

In his “minority perspective,” Bond takes a position opposing mechanical application of Golden Rule-like procedures but advocating that, at least in some situations, issues of equity can be introduced in item selection without doing violence to test validity.
Recent Advances in the Treatment of Hypertensive Emergencies

Clinical practice varies regarding the choice of agent to treat hypertensive emergencies. With the development of national guidelines, a standardized pharmacotherapeutic approach would be recommended on the basis of evidence in the published literature. Such an approach might decrease the variability among practitioners and institutions in the treatment of hypertensive emergencies. Each available agent to treat hypertensive emergencies possesses both positive and negative attributes. With several intravenous, short-acting, agents available, clinicians must make educated decisions about the best medication for their patients, and these decisions should be based on organ function as well as the patient's clinical presentation. The primary goal in hypertensive emergencies is to rapidly and safely reduce blood pressure to prevent further end-organ damage. Critical care nurses have an important role in the safe and effective management of these patients. The application of knowledge of treatment goals, hemodynamic monitoring, and pharmacological therapy for hypertensive emergencies can lead to the safe recovery of these critically ill patients.
Complexity issues in RAM-DFE design for magnetic disk drives

Design of a high-speed adaptive decision feedback equalizer (DFE) for detection of magnetic disk data is described. A RAM is used in the feedback path instead of the usual transversal filter, and the equalizer is referred to as the RAM-DFE. The RAM compensates for trailing nonlinear intersymbol interference in the disk data. The structure and operation of the RAM-DFE is described, and it is shown that implementation of the RAM-DFT requires circuitry for timing recovery, gain adjustment, synchronization, and training. The overhead of these subsystems coupled with the high-speed requirements of risk drives makes implementational complexity a key design issue. The effects of finite precision, latency, implementation of the feedback path, and training on the performance and complexity of the system are discussed. The RAM-DFE has been designed on a single VLSI chip using BiCMOS technology. Simulations predict clock speeds in excess of 54 MHz, corresponding to data rates in excess of 54 Mbit/s. >
Card-carrying hunters, rural poverty, and wildlife decline in northern Côte d’Ivoire

This paper examines wildlife decline in northern Cote d’Ivoire with emphasis on the political-economic and cultural dimensions of market hunting. Hunting and the trade in wild animal meat are situated within the economic diversification strategies of impoverished farmers and the flourishing of hunter associations. The role of hunter associations is critical in the rise in the number of hunters and firearms in the case study area of Kakoli. Initiation into the national hunters’ association, Binkadi, allows card-carrying members to bear arms without legal repercussions. Higher quality arms and rural poverty motivate many of these recruits to engage in market hunting. Game market surveys for 1981–82 and 1997–99 in Kakoli show tremendous pressure on both vulnerable and robust species alike. Game depletion is conceptualized as the outcome of interacting social and biophysical processes that produce hunting pressure and habitat change. By drawing attention to the political-economic, ecological, and cultural dimensions of wildlife decline, this study implicates a diversity of actors and institutions in the dynamics of game depletion.
Nighttime variation in volatile content of flowers of the night blooming plant Gaura drummondii

Nighttime amounts were determined for five volatile chemicals identified in extracts ofGaura drummondii flowers. The major component (2-methylbutanal oxime, isomers1 and2) occurred at the highest level during the earliest sampling period (20:00–23:50 hr) in greenhouse and field-grown plants. Oxime levels decreased at subsequent sampling periods. Benzyl alcohol levels were greater in the latter part of the night (03:00–06:00 hr). 2-Phenylethanol or phenylacetaldehyde amounts did not change with respect to time. Average amounts (ηg/bloom) of each chemical summed for all time periods were greater for greenhouse plants than for field grown plants. Three compounds that had not been identified previously inGaura drummondii were identified in methylene chloride extracts. These were benzyl alcohol, (Z)-jasmone, and eugenol.
Voltage-stability protection and control using a wide-area network of phasor measurements

This paper presents a concept for local monitoring of the onset of voltage collapse, protective, and emergency control in the presence of voltage-sensitive loads. The onset of voltage collapse point is calculated based on the load characteristics and simulated voltage and current phasors measurements, which are provided by a network of phasor-measurement units. If the stability margin is small and the reactive-power reserves are nearly exhausted, then controls to steer the power system away from the critical point will be activated.
Looking across three generations of Alaska Natives to explore how culture fosters indigenous resilience

Research has established connection between indigenous culture--often described in terms of cultural identity, enculturation, and participation in traditional activities--and resilience, the process by which people overcome acute and ongoing challenges. Despite correlations between culture and resilience, research has seldom described the ways these concepts are linked in indigenous people's narratives. Furthermore, little attention has been paid to the affect of historical trauma on different generations' understanding and deployment of "culture" in the context of hardship. This project, conducted in the summer of 2008 in an indigenous Arctic community, focuses on narratives from three generations who have experienced different degrees of cultural suppression in their lifetimes. From this starting point, the study explores how individuals make meaning and take strength from particular notions of culture, and illuminates the ways each generation accesses and deploys their cultural understandings in the face of hardship. By identifying the similarities and differences in both the challenges and sources of strength for each generation, the paper highlights how understandings of culture are shaped by historical experiences and modified through time. The differing ways that culture fosters strength, purpose, and fortitude (or does not) in indigenous young people's, adults' and Elders' life stories provide clues for enhancing indigenous youth resilience. Findings suggest that "culture" can galvanize Inupiaq people's sense of identity, feeling of commitment, and purpose, all of which are protective. However, young people need support in developing particular ideas around cultural identity and group membership that can contribute to resilience.
Architecture for Digital Ecosystems, beyond Service Oriented Architecture (IEEE-DEST 2007)

A business ecosystem is a term introduced by James Moore where in "The Death of Competition: Leadership and Strategy in the Age of Business Ecosystems" wrote on page 26 that a Business Ecosystem is based on dynamic interaction of organizations which evolves over time their capabilities and roles. To this extent this paper will tell that service oriented architecture (SOA) is not adequate to face such challenges which are unique in the context of a digital ecosystem (DES). The author will highlight such differences and describe the features of a new architectural style: called ecosystem oriented architecture (EOA). The paper will explore the fact that a DES oriented architecture is not a "sort of SO A", it's not just a "bigger SOA". A whole set of new problems are to be addressed namely responsive alignment with the business, decentralization, ownership of the knowledge base and self healing. EOA is a new mindset in decentralized architectures for DES.
Pulse generators for pulsed electric field exposure of biological cells and tissues

This paper describes three pulse generators: a spark gap switched coaxial cable, a spark gap switched Blumlein, and a solid state modulator, developed for applying ultrashort electrical pulses to biological materials in culture. Research has shown that ultrashort pulsed electric fields can induce apoptosis in biological cells, and that pulses as short as 10 ns with field amplitude greater than 1 W/m cause membrane phospholipid rearrangement and activation of the effector enzymes of apoptosis. Pulses of very short duration use only tens of mJ per mL per pulse to induce apoptosis and other intracellular effects without causing thermal trauma. The pulse generators discussed here, each of a different topology, deliver ns pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) to cells in liquid suspension, and can be modified to drive electrodes for external, surgical, or endoscopic treatment of tissues in situ.