cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Planar fluorescence sensors for two-dimensional measurements of H2S distributions and dynamics in sedimentary deposits

Abstract Planar fluorescence sensors have been developed for measuring two-dimensional hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) distributions in marine sediments by using pyronin Y (PY) as a novel H 2 S indicator. Sensing foils were prepared by non-covalently immobilizing PY in ethyl cellulose polymer membranes on transparent polyester sheets, and coating them with gas permeable silicone. Fluorescence from the sensors emitted at 567 nm (excitation at 554 nm) is inversely correlated to H 2 S concentration in solution. Two primary sensor modifications, M1 and M2, were used. The M1 sensor shows an excellent linear response versus H 2 S in the range of non-detectable (nd) to 3150 μmol/l with a detection limit of 40 μmol/l H 2 S (3σ), and it can be utilized for high concentration H 2 S measurement. The M2 sensor has a dynamic working dynamic range of nd–125 μmol/l H 2 S with a detection limit of 4 μmol/l (3σ) and can be used to detect low level H 2 S in samples. The response time (t 90 ) and recovery time (R 90 ) of the M1 sensor are ~ 60 and 30 s, respectively, and for the M2, ~ 15 s. These fluorosensors are only sensitive to H 2 S rather than ionic sulfide and bisulfide species, and their performance is independent of temperature and other dissolved gases such as oxygen, CO 2 , NH 3 and N 2 . No interferences from major ions and trace elements in sediment porewater were observed due to the protection of the fluorophore by the silicone membrane. The sensors are simple, stable, and semi-reversible (reversible for M2) for extended periods, and have been successfully used to measure 2-dimensional H 2 S distributions and dynamics in sulfidic salt marsh sediments with a theoretical pixel resolution of ~ 50 × 50 μm. Complex heterogeneous H 2 S distributions in marine sediments and previously undocumented time-dependent biogeochemical reaction dynamics associated with both inhabited and abandoned biogenic structures were readily revealed.
Reserved seats in national legislatures: A research note

As competitive democracy is crafted in ethnically plural and postconflict nation-states, the question of whether or not to reserve legislative seats for communal groups�ethnic, national, or religious�is increasingly a topic of debate. This research note provides an overview of targeted electoral mechanisms designed to ensure the inclusion in national parliaments of representatives of ethnic, racial, national, or religious communities. The data show that the existence of reserved seats in national legislatures for such groups is much more widespread, and less idiosyncratic, than many scholars previously thought. This finding, along with current discussions in high-profile cases of constitutional design, suggests that the occurrence and impact of reserved seats should be analyzed in greater detail.
REVERSIBLE INSULIN RESISTANCE IN NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract Insulin resistance is a major component of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). While a genetic contribution is likely, as yet none of several proposed candidate genes have been incriminated in the typically obese patient with NIDDM to explain their insulin resistance. Accordingly, this review focuses on some recent advances in understanding three acquired factors contributing to insulin resistance: visceral obesity, glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity. Newer computerized tomography scans allow quantitation of fat accumulating in visceral organs including the mesentery and omentum. This visceral fat relates much more to the insulin resistance syndrome than does subcutaneous fat. Moreover, exercise, as performed by active Sumo wrestlers, is associated with low visceral fat, absent hyperglycemia and absent dyslipidemia despite massive subcutaneous obesity. It remains to be seen whether exercise programs more moderate than Sumo wrestling will also mobilize visceral fat. A new metabolic pathway has recently been described whereby hexosamines are formed by an increased flux of glucose into fat and muscle. These hexosamine products appear to explain how glucotoxicity results in insulin resistance. They act as a negative feedback system to limit further glucose transport by insulin target tissue during hyperglycemia. Lipotoxicity has previously been implicated in insulin resistance by its inhibitory effect on glucose uptake by muscle because of the Randle-fatty acid cycle. Recently the role of elevated fatty acids in producing "hepatic" resistance to insulin in NIDDM has also been documented, but the site of insulin resistance may be the fat cell rather than the hepatocyte. Therapy consists mainly of hygienic measures, including caloric restriction and exercise, which can reverse all three of these acquired forms of insulin resistance. In addition, pharmacologic measures to reduce hyperglycemia can reduce the glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity. The use of insulin-sparing antihyperglycemia drugs may be particularly useful in the insulin-resistant patient to avoid weight gain while correcting the hyperglycemia.
The prealbumin nature of the amyloid protein in familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP)-swedish variety.

Abstract Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a dominant hereditary type of amyloidosis affecting kinships originating in many countries. We have isolated a 15,000 dalton protein from the amyloid laden tissue of a patient of Swedish origin with familial amyloid polyneuropathy. By N-terminal sequence analysis it is homologous to the normal plasma protein, prealbumin. An antiserum prepared to the isolated protein confirms this by reacting identically with the amyloid protein and prealbumin. The normal plasma protein, prealbumin, is linked to a disease syndrome for the first time.
The role of estradiol 17β in the activation of the uterus during premature labor and the effect of naproxen, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis

Abstract Fifty-two pregnant rats were ovariectomized on day 16 of gestation to induce estrogen and progesterone deficiencies and the animals were divided into four Groups. Ovariectomy alone (Group A) resulted in the premature delivery of 21% of the fetuses. When ovariectomy was followed by estrogen treatment restoring normal estrogen levels (Group B), premature delivery of the fetuses increased to 96%. Daily injections of 25mg/kg b.w. Naproxen (Group C), given from the day of ovariectomy to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, completely prevented premature delivery if the animals received no estradiol treatment and reduced prematurity to 50% if estradiol had been administered (Group D). It is concluded that the estrogen and progesterone deficiency, induced by ovariectomy, provokes a regulatory imbalance which promotes premature delivery. This imbalance is enhanced when the estradiol levels are restored to normal values, probably because estradiol increases the synthesis of prostaglandin, the intrinsic myometrial stimulant. Naproxen, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, restores the regulatory balance, partially or completely, depending on the estrogen levels.
CXCR2-driven Ovarian Cancer Progression Involves Upregulation of Proinflammatory Chemokines by Potentiating NF-κB Activation via EGFR-transactivated Akt Signaling

Ovarian cancer is an inflammation-associated malignancy with a high mortality rate. CXCR2 expressing ovarian cancers are aggressive with poorer outcomes. We therefore investigated molecular mechanisms involved in CXCR2-driven cancer progression by comparing CXCR2 positive and negative ovarian cancer cell lines. Stably CXCR2 transfected SKOV-3 cells had a faster growth rate as compared to control cells transfected with empty vector. Particularly, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), abundantly expressed in ovarian cancer, enhanced cell proliferation by decreasing the G0-G1 phase in CXCR2 transfected cells. TNF increased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity to a greater degree in CXCR2 transfected cells than control cells as well as provided a greater activation of IκB. CXCR2 transfected cells expressed higher levels of its proinflammatory ligands, CXCL1/2 and enhanced more proliferation, migration, invasion and colony formation. CXCR2 positive cells also activated more EGFR, which led to higher Akt activation. Enhanced NF-κB activity in CXCR2 positive cells was reduced by a PI3K/Akt inhibitor rather than an Erk inhibitor. CXCL1 added to CXCR2 positive cells led to an increased activation of IκB. CXCL1 also led to a significantly greater number of invasive cells in CXCR2 transfected cells, which was blocked by the NF-κB inhibitor, Bay 11-7082. In addition, enhanced cell proliferation in CXCR2 positive cells was more sensitive to CXCL1 antibody or an NF-κB inhibitor. Finally, CXCR2 transfection of parental cells increased CXCL1 promoter activity via an NF-κB site. Thus augmentation of proinflammatory chemokines CXCL1/2, by potentiating NF-κB activation through EGFR-transactivated Akt, contributes to CXCR2-driven ovarian cancer progression.
Complete Volumetric Decomposition of Individual Trabecular Plates and Rods and Its Morphological Correlations With Anisotropic Elastic Moduli in Human Trabecular Bone

Trabecular plates and rods are important microarchitectural features in determining mechanical properties of trabecular bone. A complete volumetric decomposition of individual trabecular plates and rods was used to assess the orientation and morphology of 71 human trabecular bone samples. The ITS-based morphological analyses better characterize microarchitecture and help predict anisotropic mechanical properties of trabecular bone. Introduction: Standard morphological analyses of trabecular architecture lack explicit segmentations of individual trabecular plates and rods. In this study, a complete volumetric decomposition technique was developed to segment trabecular bone microstructure into individual plates and rods. Contributions of trabecular type-associated morphological parameters to the anisotropic elastic moduli of trabecular bone were studied. Materials and Methods: Seventy-one human trabecular bone samples from the femoral neck (FN), tibia, and vertebral body (VB) were imaged using μCT or serial milling. Complete volumetric decomposition was applied to segment trabecular bone microstructure into individual plates and rods. The orientation of each individual trabecula was determined, and the axial bone volume fractions (aBV/TV), axially aligned bone volume fraction along each orthotropic axis, were correlated with the elastic moduli. The microstructural type-associated morphological parameters were derived and compared with standard morphological parameters. Their contributions to the anisotropic elastic moduli, calculated by finite element analysis (FEA), were evaluated and compared. Results: The distribution of trabecular orientation suggested that longitudinal plates and transverse rods dominate at all three anatomic sites. aBV/TV along each axis, in general, showed a better correlation with the axial elastic modulus (r2 = 0.95∼0.99) compared with BV/TV (r2 = 0.93∼0.94). The plate-associated morphological parameters generally showed higher correlations with the corresponding standard morphological parameters than the rod-associated parameters. Multiple linear regression models of six elastic moduli with individual trabeculae segmentation (ITS)-based morphological parameters (adjusted r2 = 0.95∼0.98) performed equally well as those with standard morphological parameters (adjusted r2 = 0.94∼0.97) but revealed specific contributions from individual trabecular plates or rods. Conclusions: The ITS-based morphological analyses provide a better characterization of the morphology and trabecular orientation of trabecular bone. The axial loading of trabecular bone is mainly sustained by the axially aligned trabecular bone volume. Results suggest that trabecular plates dominate the overall elastic properties of trabecular bone.
Automorphism groups of Alexander quandles

Abstract An Alexander quandle is a module M over Z [ t , t − 1 ] whose quandle operation is defined by x ⁎ y = t x + ( 1 − t ) y , x , y ∈ M . The automorphism group of a general Alexander quandle, previously unknown, is determined in the present paper.
Complementarity and equivalence in finite source queueing models with spares

Abstract In this paper, the concepts of complementarity and equivalence in finite source queueing models with spares are formalized. The relationship between two finite source queueing models with spares is established. It is shown that all the well known relationships between queueing systems involving finite capacity and finite source are special cases of the more general results presented here. Relationships between arrival point probabilities and measures of performance for such related queueing systems are also derived.
On the reliability of quantitative phase measurements by low magnification off-axis image plane electron holography

We experimentally found that the object wave function of an electron wave in a transmission electron microscope can depend on the diameter of the condenser aperture and on the excitation of the objective lens. This can be seen by low magnification holograms utilizing as sample electrically charged latex spheres of different diameters, the electric field at a pn-junction and the magnetic leakage field of a magnetic memory cell.
Integration of Crawling Waves in an Ultrasound Imaging System. Part 1: System and Design Considerations

An ultrasound system (GE Logiq 9) was modified to produce a synthetic crawling wave using shear wave displacements generated by the radiation force of focused beams formed at the left and the right edge of the region of interest (ROI). Two types of focusing, normal and axicon, were implemented. Baseband (IQ) data was collected to determine the left and right displacements, which were then used to calculate an interference pattern. By imposing a variable delay between the two pushes, the interference pattern moves across the ROI to produce crawling waves. Also temperature and pressure measurements were made to assess the safety issues. The temperature profiles measured in a veal liver along the focal line showed the maximum temperature rise less than 0.8°C, and the pressure measurements obtained in degassed water and derated by 0.3 dB/cm/MHz demonstrate that the system can operate within FDA safety guidelines.
The art of red tide science

Over the years, numerous outreach strategies by the science community, such as FAQ cards and website information, have been used to explain blooms of the toxic dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis that occur annually off the west coast of Florida to the impacted communities. Many state and federal agencies have turned to funded research groups for assistance in the development and testing of environmental outreach products. In the case of Florida red tide, the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute/Mote Marine Laboratory (MML) Cooperative Red Tide Agreement allowed MML to initiate a project aimed at developing innovative outreach products about Florida red tide. This project, which we coined “The Art of Red Tide Science,” consisted of a team effort between scientists from MML and students from Ringling College of Art and Design. This successful outreach project focused on Florida red tide can be used as a model to develop similar outreach projects for equally complex ecological issues.
Essential Elements in Fresh and Canned Tomatoes

The content of 16 essential elements was determined in fresh and canned tomatoes by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The elemental content of fresh tomatoes was compared with that of canned tomatoes. All data were analyzed statistically. There were significantly higher amounts of calcium, chloride, cobalt, copper, nickel, sodium, tin, and zinc in canned tomatoes than in fresh tomatoes. There were significantly lower amounts of magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and silicon in canned tomatoes than in fresh tomatoes. No significant difference in iron was found between fresh and canned samples. Percentages of the established and estimated RDA's show that fresh and canned tomatoes are relatively good sources of potassium and relatively fair sources of iron. Canned tomatoes are a relatively good source of sodium. Element retention in the canned tomatoes was 77–7,651%.
Motivational enhancement, readiness to change, and treatment success in African-American substance users

Aims: Although a body of literature supports the effectiveness ofMotivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) in reducing substance use for the general population, several studies report inconsistent findings, especially among African Americans (AA). In the National DrugAbuseTreatmentClinical TrialsNetwork, nooverall difference was found betweenMET and Counseling as Usual (CAU) in the CTN0004 protocol. Among AA overall, MET showed significantly more days of primary substance use than CAU; however, this patternwas reversedamong thosewithhighbaseline readiness to change (RTC). We therefore hypothesized a mediator relationship in AA patients, such that (1) MET would positively influence RTC over time and (2) increased RTC would be correlated with successful treatment outcomes. Methods: We conducted secondary analyses of 194 AA in CTN0004. RTC was assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 16 weeks by the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA), based on precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, andaction.Ourprimary outcome assessed was the total number of days using the primary substance during the 16 week period. Results: Over the 16 week period, average total RTC score declined slightly, with no significant difference observed between MET and CAU treatment groups. Overall, the MET group reported 6.6 days of primary substance use vs. 3.1 days in the CAU group (p=0.08). We observed an inconsistent role for RTC as a mediator, with RTC change from baseline to 8 weeks significantly associated with substance use in the MET arm (p=0.03), but RTC change to other timepoints not significant. The MET treatment effect was similar in models with and without controlling for baseline RTC and RTC change over time. Conclusions: These results provide limited evidence for RTC as a mediator of MET effect in AA patients. It is possible that RTC plays a larger role inmaintenance of abstinence at the beginning of treatment. Financial Support: U10 DA013727 (Brady) and U10 DA013732 (Winhusen).
SEED SIZE, NUMBER, AND HABITAT OF A FLESHY-FRUITED PLANT: CONSEQUENCES FOR SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT

I examined the consequences of local environmental variation on the seedling establishment of Prunus virginiana, common chokecherry. In western Montana, USA, this species produces large crops of small seeds in mesic riparian habitats and small crops of large seeds in xeric slope habitats. From 1996 to 1999, I manipulated seed and seedling distributions. I altered seed size, density, distance from adult canopies, habitat, degree of protection from seedling predators, and the amount of soil moisture. In riparian habitats, seed dispersers tended to deposit seeds away from fruit tree canopies, and seedling establishment was greater away from canopies than under them. In both riparian and slope habitats, large seeds were more likely to be depredated than small seeds. However, seed and seedling depredation were more intense in riparian habitats. In slope habitats, seedling establishment was greatest under fruit tree canopies, where seed deposition by frugivores was most likely. In this habitat, large seeds produced seedlings with higher growth rates, and desiccation, rather than depredation, was the predominant cause of seedling mortality. In slope habitats, seedlings from small seeds experienced reduced survival when I did not provide supplemental water. On slopes, the importance of large seed size for seedling establishment may override the negative effects of size on dispersal likelihood. Because the canopy of slope plants may have overall positive effects on establishment, dispersal may be relatively unimportant or even undesirable. In contrast, in riparian habitats, the production of small, highly dispersible seeds may be critical because it reduces the negative effects of parental canopies.
Spin-resolved impurity phase shifts in CuMn☆

Abstract Information deduced from spin-resolved scattering and exchange energy measured via the de Haas - van Alphen effect allows an examination of two recent calculations of the Mn magnetic impurity resonance in Cu. The resulting d-number Nd and spin S are in good agreement, lending further evidence for nearly integer number of d-electrons and a small long-range magnetic moment. A substantial difference in majority spin density at EF leads to an explanation for the non-observation of the Mn resonance in optical and photoemission measurements on CuMn.
The Size-Color Illusion

Slides were made from Munsell color chips in three sizes, four hues, and two chromas; all had the same intensity. A direct-comparisons, forced-choice procedure was used with 100 male and female volunteers from psychology courses. When pairs of slides had the same size and chroma, the order of decreasing apparent size was red-purple, yellow-red, purple-blue, and green. At chroma/8, all comparisons were significant except yellow-red over purple-blue. At chroma/4, the same order was found, but the effect was not pronounced. When pairs were made up of identical hues but different chromas, the square with chroma/4 (less saturation) appeared significantly larger.
An evaluation of alternative measures of regional industrial diversification

Jackson R. W. (1984) An evaluation of alternative measures of regional industrial diversification, Reg. Studies 18, 103–112. Industrial diversity continues to be a goal in regional planning and policy contexts. While the concept has strong intuitive appeal, its definition and measurement suffer from problematic theoretical and statistical issues. An empirical analysis of the relationship between employment stability and four measures of diversity for multicounty regions in the State of Illinois is presented. The results indicate that the nature of the stability/diversity relationship is swamped by the measurement and estimation techniques employed. Current diversity measures are deemed inadequate for regional policy makers. The ensuing discussion highlights a number of conceptual and statistical issues which must be addressed by practitioners.
Transcranial doppler measurement of cerebral velocity indices as a predictor of preeclampsia

Abstract Objective: We have previously shown that women with preeclampsia demonstrate cerebral hyperperfusion and abnormal cerebrovascular autoregulation. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that abnormal cerebrovascular function can be detected before the clinical onset of preeclampsia. Study Design: Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was performed for 166 women in the second trimester of pregnancy to measure peak, end-diastolic, and mean velocities in the middle cerebral arteries. Preeclampsia developed in 10 patients who were initially normotensive. In a nested case-controlled design, each patient with preeclampsia who was initially normotensive was matched for gestational age at the time of initial examination, maternal age, and parity with two pregnant women who remained normotensive and who were delivered at term. All measurements were performed with the subject in the left lateral position at baseline, during 5% carbon dioxide inhalation, and during a 2-minute isometric handgrip test. Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and end-tidal P CO 2 were recorded with each Doppler measurement. The mean pulsatility index, resistance index, and cerebral perfusion pressure at each time were calculated and compared. Statistical significance was set at a probability value of
Computers in the instructional process

This very lively session consisted primarily of author's remarks and panel discussion based on articles published in INTERFACE (A publication of ACM's Special Interest Group on Computers in Education), Vol. 4, No. 4, 1970 August. Interested readers will find this issue a valuable reference.
Substance P Signaling Controls Mast Cell Activation, Degranulation, and Nociceptive Sensitization in a Rat Fracture Model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Background Patients with complex regional pain syndrome have increased tryptase in the skin of the affected extremity indicating mast cell (MC) accumulation and degranulation, processes known to be mediated by substance P (SP). The dysregulation of SP release from primary afferent neurons is characteristic of complex regional pain syndrome. The authors hypothesized that SP acting through the neurokinin-1 receptor results in mast cell accumulation, degranulation, and nociceptive sensitization in a rat model of complex regional pain syndrome. Methods Groups of 6-10 rats underwent tibia fracture and hind limb casting for 4 weeks, and the hind paw skin was harvested for histologic and immunohistochemical analysis. The effects of a selective neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist (LY303870) and of direct SP intraplantar injection were measured. Dermal MC degranulation induced by sciatic nerve stimulation and the effects of LY303870 on this process were investigated. Finally, the antinociceptive effects of acute and chronic treatment with a MC degranulator (48/80) were tested. Results The authors observed that fracture caused MC accumulation, activation, and degranulation, which were inhibited by LY303870; the percentage of MCs in close proximity to peptidergic nerve fibers increased after fracture; electrical stimulation caused MC activation and degranulation, which was blocked by LY303870; intraplantar SP-induced MC degranulation and acute administration of 48/80 caused MC degranulation and enhanced postfracture nociception, but MC-depleted animals showed less sensitization. Conclusions These results indicate that facilitated peptidergic neuron-MC signaling after fracture can cause MC accumulation, activation, and degranulation in the injured limb, resulting in nociceptive sensitization.
Shigella actin‐based motility in the absence of vinculin

Reports on the role of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and proline-rich sequences in actin-based motility of Listeria and potentially of Shigella flexneri have led to the suggestion that vinculin might be an essential docking protein on the surface O2 motile Shigella. Therefore, whether vinculin had a functional role in Shigella actin-based motility was tested by examining Shigella infection of the vinculin-deficient F9 cell line variant 5.51. Shigella are able to form actin tails and surface protrusions in 5.51 cells that are indistinguishable from those they produce in F9 cells, and Shigella rates of intracellular movement and protrusion formation are similar in the two cell lines. These data disprove the model of Shigella actin-based motility in which vinculin is an essential docking protein for either the formation of actin tails or the acceleration of motile bacteria.
Electrostatic Ignition Hazards with Flammable Liquids

The hazard of spark ignition of flammable vapor/air mixtures is recognized and receives much attention in the petroleum and chemical industries. Bonding and grounding procedures, described in various consensus standards, prevent hazardous differences of potential between conductive objects. These techniques are not adequate, however, to prevent hazardous accumulations of charges in poorly conductive liquids, for which additional precautions are necessary. A lack of consensus concerning the definition of ``static-prone'' liquids has hampered progress in this area, and has frequently led to the development of costly protective measures to meet arbitrary requirements. The results of experiments that measure the charge accumulation in liquids during agitation as a function of liquid conductivity are presented. Data are included for the particularly severe static charging that accompanies the mixing of powders in poorly conductive solvents. The degree of static hazard is determined by comparing the measured value of charge accumulation to a calculated value that is sufficient to cause sparking. Techniques for keeping the charge accumulation to safe values are described. Special static hazards of nonconductive containers are discussed.
Thermal expansion of ultradrawn polystyrene

Measurements on the linear thermal expansivities α∥ and α⊥ parallel and perpendicular to the extrusion direction, respectively, have been carried out between −160 and 30°C for atactic polystyrene (aPS) with extrusion ratio 1 ≤λ≤ 15 and isotactic polystyrene (iPS) with 1 ≤λ≤ 7.5. For both aPS and iPS, α∥ decreases sharply with increasing λ whereas α⊥ shows only a slight increase. Below λ = 5 the anisotropy α⊥/α∥ is nearly the same for both, but α⊥/α∥ for iPS becomes much larger at higher λ. This is accompanied by an abrupt rise in crystallinity and probably results from the increase in the number and tautness of intercrystalline tie molecules. The birefringences of aPS and iPS increase with λ and have nearly the same values for λ < 5. At higher λ, however, there is a sharp rise in the birefringence of iPS which is probably associated with the sudden increase in crystallinity. With an aggregate model, the chain orientation function for aPS calculated from thermal expansivity is found to be in reasonable agreement with the corresponding value obtained from birefringence.
Decision Making and Constraint Tradeoff Visualization for Design Under Uncertainty

In design optimization problems under uncertainty, two conflicting issues are generally of interest to the designer: feasibility and optimality. In this research, we adopt the philosophy that design, especially under uncertainty, is a decision making process, where the associated tradeoffs can be conveniently understood using multiobjective optimization. The importance of constraint feasibility and the associated tradeoffs, especially in the presence of equality constraints, is examined in this paper. We propose a three-step decision making framework that facilitates effective decision making under uncertainty: (1) formulating a multiobjective problem that effectively models the tradeoffs under uncertainty, (2) generating design alternatives by solving the proposed multiobjective robust design formulation, and (3) choosing a final design using filtering and constraint uncertainty visualization schemes. The proposed framework can be used to systematically explore the design space from a constraint tradeoff perspective. A tolerance synthesis example is used to illustrate the proposed decision making process.© 2007 ASME
A convenient technique to make uniform polyethylene foils

Abstract We describe a technique developed for the preparation of thin polyethylene foils. Foils of thicknesses between 0.7 and 3.0 mg/cm 2 with an area of up to 150 cm 2 have been made reliably with this method. The foils were found to be uniform in thickness to about 30%.
The lights are bright? Debating the future of the permanent night shift

Debates a controversial issue in healthcare management, that is, whether internal rotation (day‐night) or permanent night shifts is an appropriate shift system for nursing staff. A multidisciplinary approach draws together international research from the fields of occupational psychology, management, ergonomics and medicine. Explores evidence on sleep, physical and mental health, job satisfaction, performance, absenteeism, and social and domestic disruption, all important factors in considering appropriate shift patterns. Suggests that both nurse choice (or non‐choice) of shift and adjustment, or otherwise, of circadian rhythms are important causal factors influencing the debate. As no unequivocal picture emerges, recognizes some of the real and potential limitations of a paper of this kind; however, the balance of argument tends to favour the maintenance of permanent night shift nurses as opposed to the further extension of internal rotation systems. This is especially the case as many nurses will still be given a choice of shift pattern which may, in itself, negate some of the potential ill‐effects of night working. Decisions further to extend internal rotation may, in the light of the complex, ambiguous and equivocal evidence, be informed by partial knowledge and influenced by a managerial perspective.
Endocrine Disruption of Brain Sexual Differentiation by Developmental PCB Exposure

In mammals, sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus occurs during prenatal and early postnatal development due in large part to sex differences in hormones. These early organizational processes are critically important for the attainment and maintenance of adult reproductive functions. We tested the hypothesis that perinatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that disrupt hormonal pathways would perturb reproductive maturation and the sexually dimorphic development of neuroendocrine systems in the preoptic area (POA). Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were injected on gestational d 16 and 18 with vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide), Aroclor 1221 (A1221, an estrogenic PCB mix), a reconstituted PCB mixture representing those highest in human body burden (PCBs 138, 153, 180), or estradiol benzoate, an estrogenic control. Male and female pups were monitored for somatic and reproductive development. In adulthood, some rats were perfused and used for immunohistochemistry of estrogen receptor α, kisspeptin, and coexpression of Fos in GnRH neurons. Other rats were used to obtain fresh-frozen POA dissections for use in a PCR-based 48-gene expression array. Pubertal onset was advanced and estrous cyclicity irregular in endocrine-disrupted females. Furthermore, sexual differentiation of female neuroendocrine systems was masculinized/defeminized. Specifically, in the adult female anteroventral periventricular nucleus, estrogen receptor α-cell numbers and kisspeptin fiber density were significantly decreased, as was GnRH-Fos coexpression. PCR analysis identified androgen receptor, IGF-I, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit NR2b, and TGFβ1 mRNAs as significantly down-regulated in endocrine-disrupted female POAs. These data suggest that developmental PCBs profoundly impair the sexual differentiation of the female hypothalamus.
Quantitative Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene Expression and Immunohistochemical Localization in Human Endometrium Throughout the Menstrual Cycle

GnRH is one of the paracrine/autocrine regulators of hCG secretion produced by the human trophoblast during pregnancy. We hypothesized that GnRH may play a role in the embryonic/endometrial dialogue during early implantation. To examine this hypothesis, we assessed GnRH and GnRH-receptor mRNA and protein expression in human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle of premenopausal fertile patients. Quantitation of the mRNA was performed by reverse transcription (RT)-competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the presence of a competitive cDNA fragment. RT-PCR revealed that unfractioned endometrium and isolated endometrial stromal and epithelial cells express GnRH and GnRH-receptor mRNA throughout all phases of the menstrual cycle. Quantitative PCR showed a dynamic pattern in the GnRH mRNA expression throughout the cycle, with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the secretory phase as compared to the proliferative phase. Furthermore, quantitative competitive PCR of isolated glandular and stromal cells showed higher mRNA levels (p < 0.05) in the luteal phase in both compartments. GnRH immunostaining was localized in all major compartments, with the most intense staining during the luteal phase. On the basis of these data, we suggest that during reproductive life, endometrial GnRH may play a paracrine/autocrine role in the early stages of implantation by modulating embryonic trophoblastic secretion of hCG.
In situ ultrahigh vacuum transmission electron microscopy studies of hetero-epitaxial growth I. {Si(001) }/{Ge}

Abstract We use ultrahigh vacuum transmission electron microscopy (UHV-TEM) to study the growth of Ge on Si(001) in real time at different temperatures and for coverages ranging from the initial monolayers to the development and relaxation of 3D islands. During growth of the first monolayers the surface gradually changes from a disordered missing-dimer structure to a rather well ordered (2 × 8) reconstruction, an evolution clearly resolved by the TEM. As the coverage is increased 3D islands starts to form. The growth and relaxation of these islands are shown to depend significantly on the temperature, e.g. with different dislocations formed at high and low temperatures. We interpret this difference in terms of the brittle-ductile transition in Ge, below which dislocation glide is frozen out. An interesting observation is that islands grown at low temperatures are more fully relaxed than those grown at higher temperatures. At high enough temperature the islands are initially, up to a specific size, coherent with the substrate and further growth occurs in a remarkably oscillatory fashion with the introduction of each (60°-type) dislocation, where the core of the island, of about 2000 A in diameter, remains fully strained. However, in the low-temperature regime the islands grow relaxed from the outset with pure edge dislocations continuously being introduced in the moving edges. For temperatures less than 600°C the transition from 2D to 3D growth occurs via the formation of small and strained 3D islands, so-called “hut clusters”. We monitor the nucleation and characteristics of these clusters and discuss their possible role in the formation of relaxed 3D islands. The different growth mechanisms are discussed in terms of a simple model for the energetics of strain-relaxed islands, leading to a qualitative description of the temperature-dependent growth modes.
Effect of Ammonium Chloride Ingestion on Eimeria acervulina-Infected Chicks Fed Excess Copper

Abstract Four experiments were conducted with broiler chicks to investigate the effect of dietary NH4 Cl on gain, feed efficiency, duodenal pH, and liver Cu concentration of Eimeria acervulina- infected chicks. Experimental coccidial infection reduced chick gain, feed efficiency, and duodenal pH, but it increased liver Cu concentration in chicks fed excess Cu. Ammonium chloride had no effect on gain, feed efficiency, liver Cu concentration, or on duodenal pH.
Survey of DSM-III use.

Abstract “The Risks Associated with Teenage Abortion,” Willard Cates, Jr., Kenneth F. Schulz, and David A. Grimes. The risks of morbidity and mortality affect a teenager's choice between termination of a pregnancy through induced abortion and continuation of the pregnancy. To identify these risks, we analyzed information from two separate sets of data collected by the Centers for Disease Control: that of the Joint Program for the Study of Abortion, a multicenter prospective study of nearly 165,000 legally induced abortions; and that of a national surveillance of abortion-related mortality. The rates of major complications associated with abortions in teenagers were 1 to 3 per 1000 suction-curettage procedures and approximately 13 per 1000 saline-administration procedures. The death-to-case rate for teenage women was 1.3 per 100,000 procedures. When the data on procedures were adjusted according to gestational age, teenagers generally had lower rates of morbidity and mortality from induced abortion than ol...
Technology Considerations For Integrated Multifunctional Silicon Sensors

Multifunctional silicon integrated sensors have been fabricated for simultaneous measurement of several physical and chemical variables. These sensors are based on the compatible introduction of thin films of piezoelectric and pyroelectric zinc oxide combined with conventional MOS processing technology in the fabrication of 1) a 64-element infrared sensing array, 2) a mass air-flow sensor, 3) a tactile sensor array for precision robotics applications, 4) carbon monoxide sensor, 5) surface-acoustic wave chemical vapor sensor, 6) microbeam accelerometer, and 7) infrared charge-coupled device imager. This paper specifically addresses technology issues involved in incorporating sensors with high-performance silicon integrated circuits. Focus is directed toward 1) zinc oxide based sensors, 2) silicon micromachining pf sensor membranes, and 3) compatible processing issues necessary for a generic integrated sensor technology. Performance examples for a 64-element room-temperature pyroelectric imager are presented.
Low‐frequency radio emissions from high‐altitude sprite discharge

When lightning strikes from a towering cumulonimbus cloud down to the ground, the electrical discharge can perturb the atmosphere's electric field, potentially triggering a second event—sprite discharge. This more elusive type of electrical discharge, which produces lightning that is red in color, initiates from high altitudes, with streamers propagating down toward the top of the cumulonimbus cloud. Coincident with the dramatic displays, researchers have previously identified low-frequency radio emissions, which they suggest may be produced in association with the sprite discharge. Investigating this hypothesis, Qin et al. used a two-dimensional plasma model to calculate the radio emissions that should be produced by a single sprite streamer.
Electrospun MgO-loaded carbon nanofibers: Enhanced field electron emission from the fibers in vacuum

Abstract MgO-loaded electrospun carbon nanofibers (MgO/CNFs) were prepared by electrospinning a magnesium acetate containing polyacrylonitrile composite followed by stabilization under an air atmosphere at 280 °C and carbonization under a nitrogen atmosphere at 800 °C. In addition to investigating the morphological and material features of the nanofibers, the field emission (FE) characteristics of the carbonized NFs (CNFs), performed in an ultra-high vacuum chamber utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were determined. The results of the investigation show that the MgO/CNFs (195.5% enhancement) display enhanced field electron emission as compared to that of pure CNFs as a result of the existence of a MgO phase. Consequently, it appears that the graphitic structures of CNFs can be tuned, a finding that has significance in studies aimed at developing new field electron emission devices.
Acquiescent response set, the Jesness inventory, and implications for the use of 'foreign' psychological tests.

The performances on the Jesness Inventory of 203 English borstal boys are compared with those of American institutionalized boys of the same age. The English sample tends to be described by test scores as more socially maladjusted but at the same time more inhibited against acting out in socially unacceptable manners than the American sample. The result is an apparent similarity between the two groups as to the likelihood of anti-social acting-out behaviour. Alternative explanations are discussed for the differences between the test results of the two samples and it is argued that the most viable explanation is in terms of artifact rather than essence, that the tests reflect not the personality differences indicated but differences in test-taking techniques related to a relatively pronounced acquiescent response set among the English boys. The crucial problem of the international exchangeability of psychological tests is raised.
Application of the S, Method to Spherically Symmetric Radiative-Transfer Problems

Spherically symmetric radiative transfer problems, constructing model with neutron transport theory
Hate speech and identity: An analysis of neo racism and the indexing of identity:

In the academy and society at large, there remains an area of discourse largely deemed too marginal to analyze at any length: openly racist speech. It remains unexamined, in part, because much attention has been given to ‘covert’ racism. Recently, technology has allowed openly racist groups to shift strategies for creating and maintaining their own identity. Conventional wisdom would assume that these groups use referential or direct means of indexing identity. Using theories of discourse, this analysis demonstrates that even the most ‘traditional’ racists employ a complex pattern of voicing to indirectly index a ‘neo-traditional’ racist identity. These findings illustrate that within these communities, there is not only a sense of whiteness, but also a set of practices delineating ‘good’ and ‘bad’ white identity. Implications of these findings are discussed in the light of political and identity practices.
Targeting of Cancer Cells Using Quantum Dot–Polypeptide Hybrid Assemblies That Function as Molecular Imaging Agents and Carrier Systems

We report a highly tunable quantum dot (QD)-polypeptide hybrid assembly system with potential uses for both molecular imaging and delivery of biomolecular cargo to cancer cells. In this work, we demonstrate the tunability of the assembly system, its application for imaging cancer cells, and its ability to carry a biomolecule. The assemblies are formed through the self-assembly of carboxyl-functionalized QDs and poly(diethylene glycol-L-lysine)-poly(L-lysine) (PEGLL-PLL) diblock copolypeptide molecules, and they are modified with peptide ligands containing a cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartate [c(RGD)] motif that has affinity for αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins overexpressed on the tumor vasculature. To illustrate the tunability of the QD-polypeptide assembly system, we show that binding to U87MG glioblastoma cells can be modulated and optimized by changing either the conditions under which the assemblies are formed or the relative lengths of the PEGLL and PLL blocks in the PEGLL-PLL molecules. The optimized c(RGD)-modified assemblies bind integrin receptors on U87MG cells and are endocytosed, as demonstrated by flow cytometry and live-cell imaging. Binding specificity is confirmed by competition with an excess of free c(RGD) peptide. Finally, we show that the QD-polypeptide assemblies can be loaded with fluorescently labeled ovalbumin, as a proof-of-concept for their potential use in biomolecule delivery.
Exchange rate fluctuations and foreign sourcing

In the literature on international trade theory, currency appreciation (depreciation) detracts from (adds to) the international competitiveness of a country by raising (lowering) the relative prices of its goods (Artus, 1974). What is the process by which currency appreciation leads to higher relative prices for a domestic manufacturer? To what extent do relative product prices increase following currency appreciation? In addressing these questions, international trade theory has emphasized the case where a firm obtains all of its inputs from domestic sources (domestic sourcing) and those input costs are denominated in terms of the domestic currency. In recent years, however, firms increasingly have obtained inputs from foreign suppliers (foreign sourcing) whose costs are denominated in terms of a foreign currency. The purpose of this article is to compare the impact of currency appreciation on a firm's costs and prices in two situations: (1) where a firm obtains all of its inputs from domestic suppliers ...
New developments in instrumentation at the W. M. Keck Observatory

The W. M. Keck Observatory is committed to maintaining the scientific leadership of our observing community by matching our observers' skills and passions in their fields of astronomical science with a continuing dedication by the Observatory and its collaborators to the development of state of the art instrumentation and systems. Our science driven strategic plan guides these developments and informs our plans for the future. In this paper we describe the performance of recently completed new instruments, instrument upgrades, and infrastructure upgrade projects. We also describe the expected performance of projects currently in the development or construction phases. Projects recently completed include a new laser for the Keck II AO system, the upgrade of the spectrograph detector in the OSIRIS instrument, and the upgrade to the telescope control system on the Keck II telescope. Projects in development include an upgrade to the telescope control system on the Keck I telescope, the blue channel of the Keck Cosmic Web Imager, the red channel of the Keck Cosmic Web Imager, the Keck Planet Finder, a deployable tertiary mirror for the Keck I telescope, an upgrade to the imager of OSIRIS, a major upgrade to the NIRSPEC instrument, and a fiber feed from the Keck II AO system to NIRSPEC.