cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cognitive development and the complexities of the undergraduate learner in the science classroom

Students' reactions to classroom learning and the mastery of science vary along a wide spectrum of attitudes and emotions. In particular, we argue here that how learners encounter and learn subject matter is a function of their level of cognitive development. We describe the stages of cognitive development based on the work of William Perry and demonstrate their relevance to the undergraduate science classroom. With examples drawn from biochemistry, we attempt to show that, depending on the student's developmental level, there will be different abilities to handle the range of assignments and activities s/he can expect to experience in the average classroom. The college science instructor can benefit from knowledge of these stages and can work through their implications to develop strategies and techniques to regulate collective student learning.
Multiple-quantum N.M.R. study of molecular structure and ordering in a liquid crystal

Proton multiple-quantum N.M.R. spectroscopy was used to investigate the anisotropic ordering in a magnetic field and molecular structure for the nematic phase of 4-cyano-4′-n-pentyl-d11-biphenyl (5CB-d11). The multiple-quantum spectra exhibit a greater resolution of line splittings than the conventional single-quantum Fourier transform N.M.R. spectrum of 5CB-d11. This greatly simplifies a spectral analysis for the proton dipole-dipole coupling constants. Splittings among the five-, six-, and seven-quantum spectra are used to obtain the biphenyl proton couplings for 5CB-d11. Two models for the biphenyl symmetry are considered in the analysis. In one model (D 4 symmetry), the two phenyl rings are assumed to be equivalent. In the other model (D 2 symmetry), the rings are inequivalent by virtue of structural or motional differences between them. Both models produce acceptable fits to the splittings assigned from the experimental spectra. However, we conclude that the spectra cannot be used to make a choice be...
The ecological distribution of C4 and C3 grasses in the Hawaiian Islands

Nearly two-thirds of both the native and exotic grasses of the Hawaiian Islands are C4 species. Elevational gradients on the island of Hawaii demonstrate that C4 taxa dominate both species composition and coverage of grasses up to 1,000 m, while C3 taxa predominate above 1,400 m. The elevational transition of dominance between the two metabolic systems is much sharper on a coverage than on a floristic composition basis. Despite the shaded characteristic of the habitat, C4 grasses are the most important group in wet forests at intermediate elevations. The 1,400 m elevation of floristic balance between C4 and C3 grasses corresponds to a low monthly mean minimum temperature of approximately 9° C and a mean maximum temperature for the warmest month of about 21° C. These temperatures are considerably lower than those reported for a latitudinal point of floristic balance in North America, but similar to those indicated by other studies of elevational distributions of tropical grasses.
INDUCTION OF IL-8 FROM PROMONOCYTIC U937 CELLS AND PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEAR CELLS BY SOLUBLE IMMUNE COMPLEXES. |[bull]| 2345

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a member of the so-called c-x-c chemokine family which is important in the immunopathology of rheumatoid disease. IL-8 plays a role in the recruitment of neutrophils to the synovial space and in the induction of angiogenesis in the synovial panus. We have previously demonstrated the presence of soluble immune complexes in synovial effusions of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). The current studies were undertaken to determine whether soluble immune complexes can induce IL-8 expression from leukocytes.
Protein chain initiation by methionyl-tRNA.

Abstract Wheat germ contains three chromatographically distinct methionine tRNA's, of which two species, one major and one minor, appear to function in protein chain initiation as demonstrated by the AUG-dependent reaction with puromycin on wheat germ ribosomes. Wheat germ extracts contain a very active transformylase which formylates the minor methionyl-tRNA. The major initiating methionyl-tRNA is not formylated or otherwise modified by wheat germ extracts. We postulate that protein chain initiation in the cytoplasm of wheat germ can be brought about by the major initiating methionyl-tRNA without prior formylation or other modification of the α amino group.
Secondary analysis of the UCR: An index of the risk of death due to robbery

This paper calls attention to a proposed index of risk of death due to robbery, made possible by the FBI's partial disaggregation of its murder statistics. Some of the shortcomings of the index are described, and some possible extensions are mentioned.
Alcohol soluble proteins: Their formation and assimilation during intracellular digestion in Hydra littoralis and Aiptasia sp.☆

Abstract 1. 1. Hydra littoralis hydrolyzed much of the ingested S35-labelled food protein to a form insoluble in 5% TCA but soluble in 80% ethanol. One and a half days later, about half of the label disappeared from the alcohol-soluble fraction and appeared in the alcohol-insoluble protein fraction. 2. 2. Aiptasia fed C14-labelled protein differed from H. littoralis in that label in the alcohol-soluble fraction reached a peak 3 hr after ingestion of labelled food, and labelled alcohol-insoluble proteins began to appear within 2 hr. 3. 3. Discussed are (a) the rate of synthesis of coelenterate protein from digested labelled protein, (b) alcohol-soluble proteins in coelenterates, (c) the failure of Aiptasia to incorporate significant label from digested C14-labelled protein into nucleic acids.
Nonbonded interactions. 1. Anisotropic hydrogen‐hydrogen interactions

The hydrogen-hydrogen nonbonded potential which may be derived from the calculated interactions between hydrogen molecules has been obtained. The best three-parameter Buckingham function gave an RMS error of 0.18 kcal/mol in fitting Price and Stone's ab initio data for 130 pairs of hydrogen molecules, which may be compared with an RMS error of 0.74 kcal/mol using the parameters in the MM2 force field. Burton's basis set is also considered. A better fit to these data requires that the angular relationship between the bonds be included. The data for hydrogen as well as experimental data for chlorine show that these atoms appear “larger” normal to the bond axis than along the axis, and this is probably also the case for other atoms. When simple angular terms are added it is possible to fit the Price and Stone data set with an RMS error of less than 0.06 kcal/mol. The preferred function was: V = [a0 + a1(sin θ1 + sin θ2)4 + a2r]e−3r − [c0 + c1(1 + sinθ1sinθ2)]/r5. Deficiencies in the current ab initio data are discussed.
Reluctant Modernism: American Thought and Culture, 1880–1900

Chapter 1: The "Tangled Bank" of Evolution and Religion Chapter 2: The Experiences of American Philosophy Chapter 3: Anthropology, Progress, and Racism Chapter 4: Woman as Intellectual and Artist Chapter 5: Consuming Culture Chapter 6: The American Fin de Siecle Bibliographic Essay
Evaluation of the adverse event profile and pharmacodynamics of toceranib phosphate administered to dogs with solid tumors at doses below the maximum tolerated dose

The receptor kinase inhibitor toceranib phosphate (Palladia) was approved for use in dogs in 2009 using a dose of 3.25 mg/kg administered every other day. Preliminary data suggests that lower doses of toeceranib may be associated with a reduced adverse event profile while maintaining sufficient drug exposure to provide biologic activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the Cmax of toceranib in dogs with solid tumors receiving 2.5-2.75 mg/kg every other day and to document the adverse events associated with this dose rate. Secondary objectives included determination of plasma VEGF concentrations in treated dogs and response to therapy. Dogs with solid tumors were administered toceranib at an intended target dose ranging from 2.5-2.75 mg/kg every other day and plasma samples were obtained for analysis of toceranib and VEGF plasma concentrations on days 0, 7, 14 and 30 of the study at 6 and 8 hours post drug administration. Additionally, plasma samples were obtained at 0, 1, 2, 6, 8, and 12 hours from dogs on day 30 for confirmation of Cmax. Response to therapy was assessed using standard RECIST criteria and adverse events were characterized using the VCOG-CTCAE. Toceranib administered at doses between 2.4-2.9 mg/kg every other day resulted in an average 6–8 hr plasma concentration ranging from 100–120 ng/ml, well above the 40 ng/ml concentration associated with target inhibition. Plasma VEGF concentrations increased significantly over the 30 day treatment period indicating that VEGFR2 inhibition was likely achieved in the majority of dogs. The lower doses of toceranib used in this study were associated with a substantially reduced adverse event profile compared to the established label dose of 3.25 mg/kg EOD. Doses of toceranib ranging from 2.4-2.9 mg/kg every other day provide drug exposure considered sufficient for target inhibition while resulting in an adverse event profile substantially reduced from that associated with the label dose of toceranib. This lower dose range of toceranib should be considered for future use in dogs with cancer.
Potential for tissue characterization of plaque and arterial wall using intravascular ultrasound

Current intravascular ultrasound imaging technology is able to determine the extent and distribution of pathologic processes within the vessel wall, but is not highly sensitive in discriminating between different types of pathologic tissue. `Tissue characterization' refers to a set of computer-based techniques that utilize features of the ultrasound signal beyond basic amplitude to help define the structure of the tissue of interest. Although preliminary results with this approach are encouraging, additional work is needed to define its clinical application in vascular disease.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The effect of lesions in the septal region on muricide, irritability, and activity in the Long-Evans rat

The present research was designed to examine the effects upon mouse killing of different types of damage in and around the septal area. The three types of septal damage incurred were: damage restricted to the septum (SS), damage ventral to the septum (VS), and damage to both the septum and ventrally located structures (LS). Irritability and activity (both horizontal and vertical) were also assessed. The results showed that damage restricted to the septum had no effect on muricide. Extensive damage to the septal region was necessary to increase the probability of mouse killing. All brain-damaged groups were significantly more irritable than the operated controls, with Group VS being the most irritable. Furthermore, killers were found to be significantly more irritable than nonkillers. Group LS animals were the least active of any group on both horizontal and vertical activity assessments. All braindamaged groups were significantly less active than controls in regard to rearing.
Elasto-plastic load transfer in bulk metallic glass composites containing ductile particles

In-situ diffraction experiments were performed with high-energy synchrotron X-rays to measure strains in crystalline reinforcing particles (5 and 10 vol. pct W or 5 vol. pct Ta) of bulk metallic glass composites. As the composites were subjected to multiple uniaxial tensile load/unload cycles up to applied stresses of 1650 MPa, load transfer from the matrix to the stiffer particles was observed. At low applied loads, where the particles are elastic, agreement with Eshelby elastic predictions for stress partitioning between matrix and particles is found, indicating good bonding between the phases. At high applied loads, departure from the elastic stress partitioning is observed when the particles reach the von Mises yield criterion, as expected when plasticity occurs in the particles. Multiple mechanical excursions in the particle plastic region lead to strain hardening in the particles, as well as evolution in the residual strain state of the unloaded composite.
Cytogenetic analysis of intestinal polyps in polyposis syndromes: Comparison with sporadic colorectal adenomas

Few cytogenetic studies of polyps from patients with polyposis syndromes have been reported. We studied 27 colonic adenomatous polyps from familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), two polyps of the small bowel from Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), and four colorectal juvenile polyps from juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS). The karyotypic results were compared with 32 sporadic colorectal adenomatous polyps. Nineteen colorectal adenomas had abnormal karyotypes; of these, five were from patients with FAP and 14 were sporadic adenomas. Numerical changes were the most frequent change (14 adenomas); additional copies of chromosome 7 (eight adenomas) and 13 (seven adenomas) occurred most often and were present in both FAP and sporadic adenomas. Only five adenomas, all sporadic, had structural chromosome abnormalities. Normal karyotypes were obtained from 32 adenomas, and chromosome counts but not karyotypes were obtained from eight polyps owing to poor chromosome morphology. The JPS and PJS polyps had normal karyotypes. These data indicate that adenomas from patients with FAP tend to have fewer structural abnormalities than sporadic adenomas and that numerical abnormalities are the most common chromosome abnormality in both FAP and sporadic polyps and suggest that the mechanism which causes loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the adenoma to carcinoma sequence operates on a level below that of the whole chromosome.
Global monitoring of stratospheric halogen compounds from a satellite using gas filter spectroscopy in the solar occultation mode.

We have analyzed the gas filter radiometer approach for long-term monitoring of stratospheric HCl, HF, CH4, and H2O using solar occultation at selected intervals in the 2–6 μm range. Our analysis shows that this instrument technique is feasible. This conclusion is based on a simulation study in which we evaluated the effect of various experiment errors on retrieval accuracy. The instrument errors used were based on measurements made on a breadboard model gas filter radiometer. The results show that HCl and HF can be measured with an rms error of 10% and CH4 and H2O with an error of 15% over the 10–30-km range.
Loss of Emerin Alters Myogenic Signaling and miRNA Expression in Mouse Myogenic Progenitors

Emerin is an integral membrane protein of the inner nuclear membrane. Mutations in emerin cause X-linked Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), a disease characterized by skeletal muscle wasting and dilated cardiomyopathy. Current evidence suggests the muscle wasting phenotype of EDMD is caused by defective myogenic progenitor cell differentiation and impaired muscle regeneration. We obtained genome-wide expression data for both mRNA and micro-RNA (miRNA) in wildtype and emerin-null mouse myogenic progenitor cells. We report here that emerin-null myogenic progenitors exhibit differential expression of multiple signaling pathway components required for normal muscle development and regeneration. Components of the Wnt, IGF-1, TGF-β, and Notch signaling pathways are misexpressed in emerin-null myogenic progenitors at both the mRNA and protein levels. We also report significant perturbations in the expression and activation of p38/Mapk14 in emerin-null myogenic progenitors, showing that perturbed expression of Wnt, IGF-1, TGF-β, and Notch signaling components disrupts normal downstream myogenic signaling in these cells. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that emerin is essential for proper myogenic signaling in myogenic progenitors, which is necessary for myogenic differentiation and muscle regeneration.
Amorphous Solid Water: An X-ray Diffraction Study.

Water vapor that condenses on a metal surface at 10°K forms a noncrystalline phase of estimated density 1.2 grams per cubic centimeter. X-ray diffraction data of high precision and resolution have been analyzed to yield oxygen atom pair correlation functions. The positional correlation in amorphous solid water extends over only a few molecular radii, and the radial distribution of nearneighbor oxygen atoms in amorphous solid water is qualitatively different from that found in the low-pressure ice modifications. Amorphous solid water is a useful material for liquid water models because it can be studied under conditions such that the effects of static disorder and thermal excitation can be separated.
Hyperphenylalaninemia: Disaggregation of Brain Polyribosomes in Young Rats

A single injection of l-phenzylalanine in 7-day-old rats produtced disaggregation of brain polyribosomties and inhibition of in vitro protein synthesis in cell-free systems prepared from brain. Liver polyribosomes and in vitro protein synthesis in hepatic systems were not affected. In 4-week-old rats these effects on brain protein synthesis did not occur.
Immunoglobulin variable gene segment VH81X of the mouse is embedded in L1 transposon sequences.

L1 elements are widely distributed over the mammalian genome, but the question of their biological significance is still open. The mouse heavy (H) chain variable region V{sub H}81X is overrepresented in the pre-B-cell repertoire; the significance of this is controversial, and V{sub H}81X has been the subject of much research. Here we present data showing that the mouse H chain variable region X{sub H}81X is embedded in the remnants of a LINE-1 element.
The discovery of viruses: advancing science and medicine by challenging dogma

The discovery of viruses in the final years of the nineteenth century represented the culmination of two decades of work on tobacco mosaic disease by three botanical scientists. Eventually their discovery led to a paradigm shift in scientific thought, but it took more than 20 years to appreciate its implications because it was inconsistent with the prevailing dogma of the time-Koch's postulates. Although these 'rules' were actually conceived of as guidelines upon which to establish microbial causality and their implementation resulted in many new discoveries, they also had the unintended effect of limiting the interpretation of novel findings. However, by challenging existing dogma through rigorous scientific observation and sheer persistence, the investigators advanced medicine and heralded new areas of discovery.
A typology of metropolitan labor markets in the US

Abstract Social scientists have maintained a long-standing interest in the demographic, economic, and social attributes of the US city system. However, actual assessments of the health of the nation’s 350-plus metropolitan labor markets are remarkably scarce. Using mostly online data that address current performance (e.g., unemployment rate) and recent performance change (e.g., 3-year shift in earnings), this paper provides an up-to-date labor market typology—one having 10 separate groups or clusters. Several of these metropolitan groups exhibit healthy conditions but many others exhibit mixed or poor conditions. The ensuing discussion (i) examines the different spatial distributions of those groups; (ii) shows how group membership corresponds to other notable metropolitan attributes like ambience and human capital; and (iii) clarifies how industrial specialization varies from one group to the next. Further research is needed to clarify how conditions in these local labor markets shift through time, if only to distinguish between secular and cyclical change.
Performance analysis of A-MPDU and A-MSDU aggregation in IEEE 802.11n

With recent improvements in physical layer (PHY) techniques, the achievable capacity for wireless LANs (WLANs) has grown significantly. However, the overhead of IEEE 802.11 MAC layer has limited the actual throughput of a WLAN. A-MPDU aggregation suggested in IEEE 802.11n draft is a key enhancement reducing the protocol timing overheads that enables aggregation of several MAC-level protocol data units (MPDUs) into a single PHY protocol data unit (PPDU). Another aggregation scheme proposed in IEEE 802.11n is A-MSDU aggregation, which allows several MAC-level service data units (MSDUs) to be aggregated into a single MPDU. In this work we present a novel analytic model for estimating the performance of a 802.11n high throughput wireless link between a station and an Access Point (AP). We consider a 2 times 2 MIMO system and investigate how the MAC goodput under TCP and UDP traffic is affected by the aggregation size, packet error rate and PHY settings. Our results demonstrate that for UDP traffic, A-MPDU aggregation allows to achieve a high channel utilization of 95% in the ideal case while without aggregation the channel utilization is limited by just 33%. We also show that A-MPDU aggregation outperforms A-MSDU aggregation, whose performance considerably degrades for high packet error rates and high PHY rates.
Effects of lasers on helmet-mounted displays

The use of Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) and lasers is becoming widespread throughout the world. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Helmet-Mounted Sensory Technologies (HMST) program is currently studying the effects incorporating the various laser eye protection (LEP) technologies into HMD technologies. LEP technologies currently available are absorptive organic dyes or reflective filters such as holograms or dielectric stacks. Because of the overall reduction in light transmittance and selective spectral filtering characteristics of various LEP technologies, compatibility with HMD technologies, and, ultimately, aircrew acceptance must be addressed. This paper will discuss some of the HMST requirements needed to perform adequate LEP and maintain HMD performance. This paper will also include a review of different approaches being studied to meet those requirements.
Solid Hollow Fiber Cooling Crystallization

Solid hollow fiber cooling crystallization (SHFCC) is a new technique suitable for crystal size distribution (CSD) control of aqueous/organic systems from bench to industrial scale. Solid hollow fiber devices possessing good temperature control and operational flexibility can serve as seed/nuclei generators, stand-alone crystallizers, or supersaturation creation devices. Operating schemes implemented include feed recycling, once-through, and solid hollow fiber crystallizer−completely stirred tank (SHFC−CST) in-series operation mode. The performance of SHFCC of aqueous KNO3 solutions was assessed against mixed suspension mixed product removal (MSMPR) crystallizer data. Feed recycling and the once-through operation modes were similar and characterized by broader CSDs and lower reproducibility due to generation of a large number of fines causing slow filtration and localized growth on the filters. SHFC−CST in-series operation proved successful yielding narrow and reproducible CSDs with mean sizes between 100...
A study of microbial acquisition of iron using Mössbauer spectroscopy

Pyoverdine is the primary siderophore produced byPseudomonas aeruginosa. Ferripyoverdine was prepared from the spent medium of iron-starved cells. To study the utilization of ferripyoverdine byP. aeruginosa, iron-starved cells were incubated in a medium containing57ferripyoverdine for 20, 40, 60, 120 and 360 minutes. Mossbauer spectra were measured of whole cell, outer membrane, inner membrane and soluble fraction samples prepared from aliquots removed at these times. While no ferripyoverdine was detected in any sample, other ferric and/or ferrous species were detectable, leading to the conclusion that ferripyoverdine does not accumulate in the cell. Inner membranes and soluble fraction samples removed at 120 and 360 minutes show two ferric species as compared with one ferric species seen in samples removed at 20, 40, and 60 minutes.
Sequence of the NS 1 gene of the K 23 isolate of tick-borne encephalitis virus and identification of conserved motifs

The NS 1 gene from the K 23 isolate of tick-borne encephalitis virus has been sequenced. The NS 1 gene sequence, and many structural features of the NS 1 protein are heavily conserved. Six conserved peptides were also identified.
A case of fatal pulmonary thromboembolism associated with the use of intravenous estrogen therapy

Abstract Objective: To report a case of fatal pulmonary embolism associated with the use of IV estrogen therapy for menometrorrhagia. Design: Case report. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): A 52-year-old woman with fibroid uterus treated with GnRH analogues with add-back therapy who presented with excessive vaginal bleeding. Intervention(s): Intravenous conjugated estrogens were administered for a total of six doses. Main Outcome Measure(s): Fatal thromboembolic event. Result(s): The day after IV conjugated estrogens were administered, the patient had only scant vaginal bleeding, but she experienced the sudden onset of respiratory distress, became comatose, and subsequently had ventricular fibrillation leading to asystole. All resuscitative efforts failed. Postmortem examination revealed bilateral pulmonary artery thromboembolism (saddle embolus). Conclusion(s): Intravenous conjugated estrogen therapy may be complicated by fatal thromboembolic events. This potential adverse effect must be considered in the use of such therapy for severe menometrorrhagia, especially when treating a patient at increased risk.
Oxide and carbonate surfaces as environmental interfaces: the importance of water in surface composition and surface reactivity

Environmental molecular surface science is an important and expanding area of current research. Here we give a brief review of the chemical nature of two representative oxide and carbonate surfaces, MgO(1 0 0) and CaCO3(1 0 4), under ambient conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Studies using a variety of spectroscopic techniques have shown that water readily dissociates on these surfaces under ambient conditions leaving a surface truncated with hydroxyl groups. For MgO, the surface stoichiometry is best represented as Mg(OH)2 whereas for CaCO3, it is Ca(OH)(CO3H). Water readily adsorbs on these hydroxylated surfaces. This adsorbed water layer plays an important role in the reactivity of MgO(1 0 0) and CaCO3(1 0 4) under ambient conditions. The adsorption of nitric acid, a trace gas found in the troposphere, on MgO(1 0 0) and CaCO3(1 0 4) surfaces under dry (<1% RH) and wet conditions (20–25% RH) demonstrates this point. Adsorption at higher relative humidity results in the formation of nitrate thin films that are on the order of 10–100 layers thick. Water uptake on these thin nitrate films results in several phase transitions as a function of relative humidity. Thus the results presented here are meant to demonstrate the importance of adsorbed water in the surface composition and surface reactivity of oxide and carbonate surfaces.
Quantifying uncertainty in climate change science through empirical information theory

Quantifying the uncertainty for the present climate and the predictions of climate change in the suite of imperfect Atmosphere Ocean Science (AOS) computer models is a central issue in climate change science. Here, a systematic approach to these issues with firm mathematical underpinning is developed through empirical information theory. An information metric to quantify AOS model errors in the climate is proposed here which incorporates both coarse-grained mean model errors as well as covariance ratios in a transformation invariant fashion. The subtle behavior of model errors with this information metric is quantified in an instructive statistically exactly solvable test model with direct relevance to climate change science including the prototype behavior of tracer gases such as CO 2 . Formulas for identifying the most sensitive climate change directions using statistics of the present climate or an AOS model approximation are developed here; these formulas just involve finding the eigenvector associated with the largest eigenvalue of a quadratic form computed through suitable unperturbed climate statistics. These climate change concepts are illustrated on a statistically exactly solvable one-dimensional stochastic model with relevance for low frequency variability of the atmosphere. Viable algorithms for implementation of these concepts are discussed throughout the paper.
A 2π liquid scintillation counter for determining the radioactivity of large samples including man and animals

Abstract The design and operating characteristics of a 2 π large-volume liquid scintillation counter are described. The counter is used for measuring natural and tracer amounts of added radioactivity in people, animals and large samples. The detector tank, containing more than 90 gal of scintillator solution, is mounted in a horizontal position and is shielded by 6 in. of steel. The tank has a semicircular center well in which the samples are placed. This well is 72 in. long and has a 20-in. diameter. Six 16-in. dia. photomultiplier tubes provide good light collection efficiency. A conveyor system permits rapid and convenient loading and unloading of samples. The counter is currently being used to count Cs 137 and K 40 simultaneously. The counting efficiency for a Cs 137 point-source is 30.5 per cent with an average background of 13,300 counts/ min, and the counting efficiency for a 3.32 kg potassium chloride standard is 18.6 per cent with an average background of 8600 counts/min. The natural K 40 level in humans can be determined with an error of less than 2.5 per cent in a counting time of 4 min.
Ultrasonic Surface Wave-Induced Desorption

A new technique has been utilized in the study of surface adsorption and desorption. The technique involves the deposition of transmitting and receiving surface-wave interdigital transducers on a piezoelectric substrate such as single crystal quartz. When a surface wave is excited, certain adsorbed species are observed to desorb. The desorption is very strongly dependent on the peak amplitude of the applied surface wave rather than the average power. This technique may provide a useful tool for studying adsorption-desorption on insulating materials (which are not readily amenable to most other surface analysis techniques), and for thin metal films.
Robust Interference Suppression in Spread Spectrum Systems using Locally Optimum Detection

Locally optimum (LO) detector is an appropriate technique for removing strong interference signals because its performance asymptotically approaches the global optimum as the signal amplitude goes to zero. However, deriving a LO detector with memory is often practically impossible due to the need to deal with multi-variate probability density functions (pdf). Assuming Markovian structure for the interference and subsequently applying an autoregressive (AR) model leads to a straightforward implementation of the LO detector. Here we consider a system where a student t distributed noise drives an AR process and derive a LO detector for it. Further, we compare the performance of this detector to a traditional Wiener filter in terms of bit error rate (BER) and output signal-to-interference ratio (SIR).
Imaging contrast under aperture tip-nanoantenna array interaction

Periodic arrays of paired and single gold nanorods were imaged in the near field using reflection and transmission modes of a near-field scanning optical microscope at various wavelengths and polarizations of light in the visible range. The paired nanorods act like nanoantenna, and an array of them was initially designed as a negative-index material for the near infrared. Reverse contrast in reflection and transmission images is observed under illumination from the small aperture of a metal-coated fiber probe. By changing the relative orientation of the rods to the polarization, the reverse contrast switches to the normal contrast of near-field imaging. Coupling between the aperture and the nanorod array makes the contrast higher. Transmission through the aperture is enhanced if the aperture probe is positioned between the nanorods. The average near-field transmission exhibits an opposite sign of anisotropy relative to the far-field case. Aperture probes with larger diameters always show normal imaging contrast. The results demonstrate that the broad angular spectra of small-aperture sources play a crucial role in near-field interactions with nanorod arrays. The results also show that angular redistributions of these spectra after transmission or reflection from the nanorod array are likely due to excitation of localized and propagating plasmons.
Stimulation of Arteriogenesis in Skeletal Muscle by Microbubble Destruction With Ultrasound

Background— The application of ultrasound to microbubbles in skeletal muscle creates capillary ruptures. We tested the hypothesis that this bioeffect could be used to stimulate the growth and remodeling of new arterioles via natural repair processes, resulting in an increase in skeletal muscle nutrient blood flow. Methods and Results— Pulsed ultrasound (1 MHz) was applied to exposed rat gracilis muscle after intravenous microbubble injection. Capillary rupturing was visually verified by the presence of red blood cells in the muscle, and animals were allowed to recover. Ultrasound-microbubble–treated and contralateral sham-treated muscles were harvested 3, 7, 14, and 28 days later. Arterioles were assessed by smooth muscle α-actin staining, and skeletal muscle blood flow was measured with 15-μm fluorescent microspheres. An ≈65% increase in arterioles per muscle fiber was noted in treated muscles compared with paired sham-treated control muscles at 7 and 14 days after treatment. This increase in arterioles ...
Nonlinear control of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for hybrid vehicle powertrains

Automotive engineers are continuously exploring various engine, transmission, and chassis technologies to increase overall vehicle performance, fuel economy, and safety. One promising powertrain concept is the continuously variable transmission (CVT) which offers a continuum of infinitely variable gear ratios between established minimum and maximum limits. This continuous gear ratio spectrum can increase the overall powertrain efficiency and eliminate the unwanted jerks associated with manual and automatic transmissions. Although basic CVT designs may have difficulty with high torque/low speed requirements, a hybrid power split continuously variable transmission configuration offers both fixed gearing and adjustable pulleys to satisfy driving demands. The effective control of the variable radius pulleys allows the designation of engine torque/speed to improve overall system performance for a given operating condition. In the paper, the fundamental components, configuration, and kinematics of a power split CVT are discussed. A suite of mathematical models is presented which includes the internal combustion spark ignition engine, clutch, transmission differential, and chassis dynamics. The problem of wheel speed control of a CVT equipped vehicle is considered. An adaptive nonlinear controller is designed to ensure asymptotic tracking of the desired wheel speed.
Labeling of human body parts

A novel method for human body parts labeling, given a set of body parts that are represented by bars in the image is developed. First, we assume that in addition to the head and torso, the human body has 8 major body parts namely, the upper and lower arms (left and right) and the upper and lower legs (left and right) and all these parts can be approximated by cylinders that appear as rectangular bars in the image. One of the original contributions of this paper is the novel use of the spatial distributions of the location and orientation of the bars employed to find a correct role assignment for each bar by maximizing a joint probability function. Thus, we formulate the problem of labeling human body parts as an optimal hypothesis selection problem where each hypothesis corresponds to a particular role assignment. Next, we develop an algorithm which identifies the optimal hypothesis. We test our method with 80 images that depict human poses and obtain correct labeling in 98.7% of the trials. We also test our method in cases of bar detection errors, occlusion and noisy images and obtain quite good results.
Reducing the cost of conditional transfers of control by using comparison specifications

A significant portion of a program's execution cycles are typically dedicated to performing conditional transfers of control. Much of the research on reducing the costs of these operations has focused on the branch, while the comparison has been largely ignored. In this paper we investigate reducing the cost of comparisons in conditional transfers of control. We decouple the specification of the values to be compared from the actual comparison itself, which now occurs as part of the branch instruction. The specification of the register or immediate values involved in the comparison is accomplished via a new instruction called a comparison specification, which is loop invariant. Decoupling the specification of the comparison from the actual comparison performed before the branch reduces the number of instructions in the loop, which provides performance benefits not possible when using conventional comparison instructions. Results from applying this technique on the ARM processor show that both the number of instructions executed and execution cycles are reduced.
Conformal visualization for partially-immersive platforms

Current VR systems such as the CAVE provide an effective platform for the immersive exploration of large 3D data. A major limitation is that in most cases at least one display surface, such as a ceiling or a back wall, is missing due to space, access or cost constraints. This partially-immersive visualization results in a substantial loss of visual information that may be acceptable for some applications; however, it becomes a major obstacle for critical tasks that need to utilize the users' entire field of vision. We have developed a conformal rendering pipeline for the visualization of datasets on partially-immersive platforms. The angle-preserving conformal mapping approach is used to render the 360° view directly onto arbitrary display configurations. It has the desirable property of preserving shapes locally, which is important for identifying shape-based features in the data. Our conformal visualization technique is applicable to rasterization, volume rendering and real-time raytracing, and in contrast to image-based retargeting approaches, it constructs accurate, artifact-free stereoscopic images. We demonstrate our conformal visualization pipeline in the 5-sided CAVE for Immersive Virtual Colonoscopy, as well as architectural and abstract data exploration. Our user study shows that on the visual polyp detection task, conformal visualization leads to improved sensitivity at comparable examination times against the traditional rendering approach.
Overexpression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 2 up-regulates NF-κB activity in melanoma cells

Background: Matrix Metalloproteinase functions in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix that is integral for many normal and pathological processes such as morphogenesis, angiogenesis, tissue repair, and tumor invasion. The tissue inhibitor of the metalloproteinase family including the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) regulates the activity of multifunctional metalloproteinase. It is known that IL-8, the target gene of NF-κB pathway, increases in the melanoma cells. However, it is not clear whether the TIMP-2 expression regulates the NF-κB pathway. In this study, we have used stable melanoma cell lines, parental A2058, A2058T2-1 overexpressing TIMP-2, and A2058T2R-7 underexpressing TIMP-2, to determine the TIMP-2 regulation of the NF-κB activity. Results: We found that the IL-8 secretion and IL-8 mRNA expression significantly increased in the A2058T2-1 overexpressing TIMP-2. TIMP-2 overexpressed cells had the lower basal level of IκBα, the inhibitor of NF-κB, compared to the parental A2058 cells. The transcriptional NF-κB activity was increased by the TIMP-2 overexpression. In contrast, A2058T2R-7 underexpressing TIMP-2 had the similar NF-κB activity as that in the parental A2058 cell. The apoptotic cells induced by TNF were less in TIMP-2 over-expression cells compared to those in the parental A2058 cells. TIMP-2 over-expression was able to protect cells from apoptosis. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that the expression level of TIMP-2 protein can directly modulate the NF-κB pathway in human melanoma cells.
Avanafil, a new rapid-onset phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Importance of the field: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual problem, affecting up to half of men over 50 years of age. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil) are currently the first-line treatment option presented to patients with ED. There exists a significant number of men who remain dissatisfied with the available therapies and are either unable to achieve their therapeutic goals or unwilling to tolerate adverse side effects. Therefore, development of novel PDE5 inhibitors with enhanced selectivity, faster onset of action, increased potency and improved tolerability is desirable. Areas covered in this review: Preclinical and clinical studies of avanafil, a new oral PDE5 inhibitor being investigated for the treatment of ED. Data were obtained by searching for all English peer-reviewed articles on Medline and any related abstracts presented on avanafil at major international congresses. What the reader will gain: An understanding of the pharmacokinetic...
Family, Know Thyself: A Workbook-Based Intergenerational Intervention to Improve Parent Care Coordination

This pilot study tested the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a workbook-based intervention to enhance intergenerational collaboration in elder parent care coordination. Older parents and their adult children completed a written assessment of parent care needs and wishes, along with perceptions of family functioning, communication, and decision-making skills. Responses were assembled into a workbook. A facilitator led the family through a 1-hour education session, teaching skills and highlighting areas of agreement and disagreement. Post-intervention ratings suggested that families found the intervention to be informative and useful. Family members commented that the intervention prompted them to consider new issues in parent care and to discover gaps in their knowledge about parents. This type of intervention may help late-life families have important preparatory conversations about care needs and coordination.
Category effects on estimates of stimuli: perception or reconstruction?

The present study examined a common category effect that has been reported in the literature: the tendency for estimates of individual stimuli to be biased toward the central value of the presented set of stimuli. Both encoding and reconstruction accounts of this central-tendency effect are considered. Plain vertical lines and vertical lines embedded in the Muller-Lyer illusion were estimated while still in view or from memory. Although bias due to the Muller-Lyer illusion remained constant across the two conditions, bias due to the context set (category) occurred only when stimuli were estimated from memory. The results suggest that the category bias occurs at a later stage of processing than the Muller-Lyer effect and offer support for a reconstruction account of category effects on stimulus estimation.
Control of Urinary Drainage and Voiding

Urine differs greatly in ion and solute composition from plasma and contains harmful and noxious substances that must be stored for hours and then eliminated when it is socially convenient to do so. The urinary tract that handles this output is composed of a series of pressurizable muscular compartments separated by sphincteric structures. With neural input, these structures coordinate the delivery, collection, and, ultimately, expulsion of urine. Despite large osmotic and chemical gradients in this waste fluid, the bladder maintains a highly impermeable surface in the face of a physically demanding biomechanical environment, which mandates recurring cycles of surface area expansion and increased wall tension during filling, followed by rapid wall compression during voiding. Afferent neuronal inflow from mucosa and submucosa communicates sensory information about bladder fullness, and voiding is initiated consciously through coordinated central and spinal efferent outflow to the detrusor, trigonal internal sphincter, and external urethral sphincter after periods of relative quiescence. Provocative new findings suggest that in some cases, lower urinary tract symptoms, such as incontinence, urgency, frequency, overactivity, and pain may be viewed as a consequence of urothelial defects (either urothelial barrier breakdown or inappropriate signaling from urothelial cells to underlying sensory afferents and potentially interstitial cells). This review describes the physiologic and anatomic mechanisms by which urine is moved from the kidney to the bladder, stored, and then released. Relevant clinical examples of urinary tract dysfunction are also discussed.
Higher-order (2,4) nonstandard finite difference scheme to improve anisotropy

Dispersion is one of the most critical topics related to finite difference methods. Although K.S. Yee's scheme (1966) is the most popular, it is considered to be dispersive. There have been many techniques proposed to minimize this characteristic. One of the proposed techniques is to use J. Fang's (2,4) scheme (1989), while another way is to use the nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) (Mickens, R.E., 1994; Cole, J.B., 1995, 1997). Naturally, the idea of NSFD can be directly extended to the (2,4) stencil, and we designate it as the NSFD (2,4) scheme. More recently, efforts were made to reduce the isotropic error without increasing the stencil's size by introducing artificial anisotropic material into the simulation domain (Juntunen, J.S. and Tsiboukis, T.D., 2000; Zygiridis, T.T. and Tsiboukis, 2004). Similarly, we can introduce extra degrees-of-freedom into the NSFD (2,4) stencils to construct an isotropy-improved NSFD (2,4) scheme.
Adolescent Mothers and Postpartum Compliance Factors Associated with Patient Return

Abstract Study Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of socio-demographic and medical factors on compliance to postpartum care among inner city adolescents. Design: This was a prospective study using random assignment of postpartum adolescent mothers to either a treatment or control group for follow-up appointment reminders. Results: Treatment teens who returned more often for postpartum care had complicated deliveries (χ 2 = 14.25, p = 0.0001), preterm infants (χ 2 = 6.49, p = 0.03), resided with parents (χ 2 = 9.05, p = 0.028), had no educational plans (χ 2 = 10.90, p = 0.0009), lacked prenatal care (χ 2 = 12.99, p = 0.0003), and a stated presence of a support system (χ 2 = 9.85, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Though both groups had marginal compliance, treatment group adolescents who received postcard and phone reminders returned more frequently than control group teens.
The replication of double-stranded RNA.

A wide variety of fungi harbor virus-like particles (VLPs), approximately 40 nm in diameter, that contain double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genomes (10). In some ways, these dsRNA genomes are more similar to plasmids than to true viruses. They are noninfectious and are transferred between cells only under conditions of cytoplasmic mixing, such as occurs in mating or other natural or artificial means of cell fusion (10,42). The particles are stably maintained by vertical transmission at levels that are characteristic of the growth conditions of the culture (10,30) or the particular strain in question (30). Although the virus-like nature of the particles derives from their possession of a protein coat, this coat does possess a transcriptase activity (8,19,47,48), presumably a necessary function for the replication of a dsRNA genome in a previously uninfected cell.