cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contrasting the 2007 and 2005 hurricane seasons: Evidence of possible impacts of Saharan dry air and dust on tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic basin

[1] In this study, we provide preliminary evidence of possible modulation by Saharan dust of hurricane genesis and intensification, by contrasting the 2007 and 2005 hurricane seasons. It is found that dust aerosol loadings over the Atlantic Ocean are much higher in 2007 than in 2005. The temperature difference between 2007 and 2005 shows warming in the low-middle troposphere (900–700 hPa) in the dusty region in the eastern North Atlantic, and cooling in the Main Development Region (MDR). The humidity (wind) differences between 2007 and 2005 indicate significant drying (subsidence) in the Western North Atlantic (WNA) in 2007. The drier air in the WNA in 2007 is found to be associated with the further westward transport of the Saharan air layer (SAL). To quantify wind pattern favorable for transport of SAL over the WNA, we define a zonal wind stretch index which shows significant long-term correlation with the mid-level humidity in the WNA. Analyses of the stretch index and related environmental controls suggest that the westward expansion of the Saharan dry air and dust layer can be an important factor in contributing to the difference between the relatively quiescent hurricane season in 2007 and the very active season of 2005. Citation: Sun, D., K. M. Lau, and M. Kafatos (2008), Contrasting the 2007 and 2005 hurricane seasons: Evidence of possible impacts of Saharan dry air and dust on tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic basin, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L15405, doi:10.1029/2008GL034529.
Pyelo-Colonic Diversion in Children

SUMMARY External urinary diversion by the method of pyelo-colostomy has been performed in 8 children. It is suggested that this procedure may give better long-term results than cutaneous ureteroileostomy when the ureters are dilated and of poor contractility.
Active polarization compensation and goniometer for angularly resolved light scattering measurements

A method for active polarization compensation for a scanning goniometer is presented. This is part of instrumentation constructed for measurements of light scattering by particulates in a high voltage spark. Individual optical element characterization is made using ellipsometry. Mueller matrix calculations are used to model the optical system. The inverse of the optical system is used to calculate the necessary input polarization state. A polarized source with angularly controlled halfwave and quarterwave retarders is used to introduce the necessary polarization state into the goniometer.
Reversal of diurnal cortisol rhythm and suppression of plasma testosterone in obstetric residents on call.

The study was undertaken to quantify the psychologic and physiologic responses to the stresses of an obstetrics/gynecology residency program. Six male residents were studied on four occasions: one day during the first 2 weeks of their residency, one day immediately following a vacation period, one day after a night on call in obstetrics, and one day while in the gynecology clinic. Stress was evaluated by validated psychologic instruments and by levels of plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), Cortisol, and prolactin in morning and afternoon blood samples. Self-reported stress was significantly elevated during the first 2 weeks of the residency after a night on call. Anxiety scores were significantly elevated after a night on call as were depression subscores for some residents. Plasma testosterone was highly significantly suppressed after the obstetrics night on call and during the first 2 weeks of the residency in comparison with the vacation period. Luteinizing hormone levels were also significantly lower after the obstetrics on-call experience. Plasma Cortisol levels after a night on call were suppressed in the morning and normal or elevated in the afternoon. In comparison, the gynecology rotation was associated with normal levels of testosterone and lower levels of Cortisol. In this small sample of residents, we observed an inverse relationship between self-reported stress levels and the concentrations of plasma testosterone and LH. The high levels of stress and anxiety expressed after a night on call also disrupted the normal pattern of plasma Cortisol levels.
Correlation between processing conditions, microstructure and charge transport in half-Heusler alloys

Abstract Five bulk samples of n-type Zr 0.25 Hf 0.75 NiSn 0.975 Sb 0.025 half-Heusler (HH) alloy were fabricated by reacting elemental powders via (1) high temperature solid state (SS) reaction and (2) mechanical alloying (MA), followed by densification using spark plasma sintering (SPS) and/or hot pressing (HP). A portion of the sample obtained by SS reaction was mechanically alloyed before consolidation by hot pressing (SS–MA–HP). X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that all SS specimen (SS–SPS, SS–HP, SS–MA–HP) are single phase HH alloys, whereas the MA sample (MA–SPS) contains metallic nanoprecipitates. Electronic and thermal transport measurements showed that the embedded nanoprecipitates induce a drastic increase in the carrier concentration ( n ), a large decrease in the Seebeck coefficient (S) and a marginal decrease in the lattice thermal conductivity ( κ l ) of the MA–SPS sample leading to lower ZT values when compared to the SS–HP samples. Constant values of S are observed for the SS series regardless of the processing method. However, a strong dependence of the carrier mobility ( μ ), electrical conductivity ( σ ) and κ l on the processing and consolidation method is observed. For instance, mechanical alloying introduces additional structural defects which enhance electron and phonon scattering leading to moderately low values of μ and large reduction in κ l . This results in a net 20% enhancement in the figure of merit (ZT=0.6 at 775 K). HH specimen of the same nominal composition with higher ZT is anticipated from a combination of SS reaction, MA and SPS (SS–MA–SPS).
Biodegradation of the phenoxy herbicides MCPP and 2,4-D in fixed-film column reactors

Abstract The microbiological degradation of MCPP and 2,4-D was studied in column reactors with granular activated carbon (GAC) as a support matrix. A mixed culture of herbicide-degrading bacteria was used in this work. Initially, the sorption of MCPP and 2,4-D by GAC and biofilm formation on GAC were examined. The test culture was stabilized as a fixed-film system in the GAC column reactor. Herbicide degradation was evaluated with a batch and continuous mode of operation of the GAC/ fixed-film column reactors. Concurrent degradation occurred in mixtures of MCPP and 2,4-D; MCPP residual persisted while 2,4-D was completely degraded.
Characterizing obsidian sources with portable XRF: accuracy, reproducibility, and field relationships in a case study from Armenia

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) has been demonstrated as a powerful tool to assign obsidian artifacts to sources. Newer instruments can even match artifacts from some regions to their sources in a matter of just seconds, not minutes. There remains, however, a reluctance to use pXRF instruments to characterize the sources themselves. Many past studies have used pXRF in a region where the sources have been well characterized using lab-based techniques. That is, earlier analytical work established compositional types for the obsidian sources, and pXRF was later used to sort artifacts into those types. This is due, at least in part, to notions that pXRF instruments are insufficiently accurate or reliable to characterize the sources. The motivations to use pXRF for characterizing sources are similar to those for sourcing artifacts: many more specimens can be analyzed without concern for the financial, practical, and legal considerations associated with instruments in distant facilities. This paper documents tests conducted to investigate the accuracy and reproducibility of pXRF data relative to five laboratory-based techniques (NAA, EDXRF, WDXRF, EMPA, and LA-ICP-MS) with a focus on Armenian obsidian sources. These tests demonstrate that there is no reason to believe pXRF is inherently inaccurate, unreproducible, or otherwise inadequate for source characterization. A case study of the Pokr Arteni source highlights the advantages of pXRF, including the capability to analyze large numbers of specimens, recognize variability, and elucidate field relationships. In these respects, pXRF can facilitate more sophisticated obsidian sourcing studies.
Abstract 4213: Defining the role of NF-kB as a target for omega-3 fatty acids in prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, has been shown to enhance anticancer chemotherapies, but the specific mechanisms by which it promotes its anti-cancer effects remain unclear. Recent studies from our laboratory suggest that one important mechanism may be through modulation of NF-κB activity. NF-κB can alter cells by promoting cell proliferation and inflammation, inhibiting apoptosis, and facilitating metastasis. Preliminary data indicate a strong correlation between p65 retention in the cytoplasm and response to omega-3 fatty acids under conditions of androgen deprivation and/or oxidative stress. We hypothesize that regulation of p65 localization in response to cellular stress is an important mechanism by which DHA sensitizes prostate cells to anti-cancer therapies. Methods: To elucidate the relationship between DHA, NF-κB and prostate cancer, we created a stable LNCaP cell line with constitutively active NF-κB, using a shRNA plasmid to knockout IκBα, the inhibitory protein retaining p65 in the cytoplasm. shRNA was stably transfected into LNCaP cells under G418 drug selection, and NF-κB activity assessed by luciferase reporter assays. Results: NF-κB activity in the shRNA IκBα knockout clones was four times greater than that in the vector only control clones. Preliminary data suggest that DHA is not as effective at sensitizing cells to therapeutic agents in cells expressing constitutively active NF-κB due to IκBα inhibition compared to cells expressing normally regulated NF-κB. Studies are on-going to further define the role of NF-κB cellular localization in mediating the anti-cancer effects of DHA in prostate cells. Conclusions: Our preliminary data indicate that cellular localization of the p65 subunit of NF-κB is an important mechanism by which the omega-3 fatty acids DHA sensitize prostate cells to anti-cancer therapies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4213. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4213
Cytolytic CD4 cells: Direct mediators in infectious disease and malignancy

CD4 T cells have traditionally been regarded as helpers and regulators of adaptive immune responses; however, a novel role for CD4 T cells as direct mediators of protection against viral infections has emerged. CD4 T cells with cytolytic potential have been described for almost 40 years, but their role in host protection against infectious disease is only beginning to be realized. In this review, we describe the current literature identifying these cells in patients with various infections, mouse models of viral infection and our own work investigating the development of cytolytic CD4 cells in vivo and in vitro. CD4 CTL are no longer considered an artefact of cell culture and may play a physiological role in viral infections such as EBV, CMV, HIV and influenza. Therefore, vaccine strategies aimed at targeting CD4 CTL should be developed in conjunction with vaccines incorporating B cell and CD8 CTL epitopes.
A “Cinderella” Tale in the Hausa Muslim Women's Imagination

AN IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTE of Hausa oral literature, as of Afro-Islamic and other African oral literatures in general, is improvisation. The tale exists only when it is narrated/performed, and with virtually every new narration it assumes a new life in response to the artist's interpretation of the new situation -time, location, setting, mood, and material conditions-within which it is contextualized. This essay looks at how Islam has impacted a recent narration of "The Story of the Orphan who Marries the Prince of Masar"-a "wicked stepmother" tale akin to the one popularly known as "Cinderella" in the West. This takes place at a time of increasing Islamic resurgence and a growing participation of women in redefining Islam in the Hausa culture of West Africa. Elsewhere I have argued that in general Hausa women's voices have been marginalized as a result of both the local culture and colonial patriarchy. Of course, a tiny minority of women of upper and middle class households did manage to contribute to the public sphere, especially in the field of Islamic knowledge and literary production (Alidou, forthcoming). The cultural and political activism and literary works of the daughters of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, the Islamic founder and leader of Sokoto Caliphate, for example, of which Nana Asma'u's legacy remains one of the most remarkable, are already well documented (see Boyd; Boyd and Mack; and Mack and Boyd). In general, however, traditional (Islamic) colonial and postcolonial educational structures combined to disempower women. In this process, Islamic knowledge-still primarily under the control of men-was continuously deployed to construct an ideology that justified the silencing of women, especially in the public sphere. However, the wind of democratization that swept the continent in the 1990s, calling for pluralistic rights of social constituents-for example, Christians and ethnic minorities-in the Niger republic, created room for women to seek Islamic knowledge on their own terms (even if still within patriarchal space) as a means of reaching a new understanding of women's rights within Islam and Islamic societies. Ever since, women have seized the political space of liberalization to assert their own knowledge of Islam, to contribute to the socio-cultural and political reshaping of the nation, and to engage in the discourse of defining a "Nigerien" Muslim identity by providing a woman's perspective (Alidou, "Women and the
Trade Shows, Trade Missions and State Governments: Increasing FDI and High-Tech Exports

In this paper we propose that states which attract comparatively more FDI should concentrate on activities designed to draw additional foreign investment rather than on activities designed to promote exports. Results indicate that states with comparatively more FDI have greater success in their use of trade missions for the purpose of inward FDI attraction and in their use of trade shows to promote high-tech exports.
Achieving scientific rigor in organizational diagnosis: An application of the diagnostic funnel.

Using an operational framework, the diagnostic funnel is introduced, which prescribes the appropriate actions of a process consultant in conducting an organizational diagnosis. The diagnostic funnel comprises the four actions of (a) selecting a general diagnostic model, (b) collecting data that minimizes bias, (c) analyzing the data to reduce the likelihood of error, and (d) deriving a unique diagnostic paradigm, specific to the organization under study. It is argued that the actions described by the diagnostic funnel will result in a diagnosis that achieves a high level of scientific rigor. To provide a detailed description of the diagnostic funnel, a case example of an organizational diagnosis is presented.
SU‐GG‐T‐457: Optimal Commissioning for PBS Treatment Planning Systems

Purpose: We show that one only requires measurement of the energy spread and pencil‐beam width to commission any particle beam scanning (PBS) planning system apart from the geometric representation and a table of the available equipment energies. We commissioned a treatment planning system (TPS) where dose distributions are calculated analytically or by a novel Monte Carlo, yamc. yamc resolves the limitation of analytical pencil‐beams: the insensitivity to lateral heterogeneities and at depth. Our approach uses absolute depth doses [Gy(RBE).mm2/Gigaproton], generated by GEANT4 Monte Carlo at zero energy spread, and measurements of the beam spot width and energy spread as a function of energy. This approach reduces the number of commissioning measurements. We present results from commissioning at our facility. Methods: The analytic dose calculation divides physical pencil beams into a grid of “computational” (zero‐width) pencil beams and transports those through the patient. Physical depth dose distributions are derived from GEANT4 pristine peaks by convolving with the measured energy spread and are subsequently verified against measurements. The yamc simulation is implemented on a graphics processing unit (GPU). Results: The performance of yamc is evaluated with a 10×10cm2 field and was computed in 10s with 3% statistical error on a 32‐core 0.9GHz GPU (∼200,000 protons/sec). Measured dose distributions satisfy the gamma (2mm,2%) criterion compared to the TPS for uniform and irregularly shaped fields. The measured longitudinal flatness of fields optimized for uniformity in the plateau varies between +/−1 to +/−3%. Conclusion: Dose distributions in the TPS have good agreement with measurements in water and are calculated either analytically or by yamc. The yamc improves dose accuracy near heterogeneities and the simulation time is more than adequate for treatment planning. Commissioning for other sites is reduced to the smallest possible set of machine‐dependent parameters: energy spread and spot width.
The effects of orientation, temperature, and displacement magnitude changes on the sonometrics system accuracy

The accuracy and reliability of a sonomicrometry system (Sonometrics Corporation, Ontario, Canada) was evaluated for its potential use in measuring 3-D in vivo joint kinematics. Distances between different sets of piezoelectric crystals were measured through a salt solution using ultrasound technology. We evaluated crystal-to-crystal distance under simulated in vivo conditions of changing crystal orientation and displacement magnitude. Crystal-to-crystal distance was also evaluated under changing solution temperature, since the crystals may be used at different temperatures. The 2 mm round and peg crystals were accurate to within 0.5mm for 0 through 180 degrees rotations, but the 2mm round suture loop crystals were only reliable at 0 degrees rotation. The speed of sound through a salt solution (and hence the distance between crystals) versus temperature was fit using a second order polynomial, C=1421.1+3.9808T-3.09x10(-2)T2, with an R2 value of 0.9998. The translational error was less than 0.072 mm for crystal displacements of 0.012, 0.2, 1.0, and 5.0 mm. The system was also accurate under dynamic conditions with translational errors that were less than 0.045 mm under 0.65 Hz motion. These results suggest that the Sonometrics crystals possess attributes (translational accuracy and rotational independence) that could provide the basis for a system capable of measuring joint kinematics.
Frequency response of PIN avalanching photodiodes

The frequency response of a PIN avalanching photodiode has been analyzed without the usual assumption that the electrons and the holes have equal ionization rates ( \alpha_{n} = \alpha_{p} ) and equal scattering-limited velocities ( v_{n} = v_{p} ). A general formula for the frequency response is first derived for the case in which the photons are absorbed in the space charge region or i region and the photon density decreases with penetration depth according to e^{-\alpha x} . The frequency response for the case of photon absorption in the p or n region is obtained simply by letting α approach infinity in the general formula and that for the case of uniform absorption of photons in the space charge region by allowing α to approach zero. The analysis, based on a model in which the photons come from the p side, shows the following: 1) The dc multiplication factor does not depend on v n and v p in any manner. It does not depend on α if \alpha_{n} = \alpha_{p} . When \alpha_{n} > \alpha_{p} , the dc multiplication factor increases with increasing α according to M_{A}(0)/M_{B}(0) = [1 - \exp (-\alpha w - \alpha_{n}w +\alpha_{p}w)]/[1 + (\alpha_{n} - \alpha_{p})/ \alpha] \cdot [1 - \exp (-\alpha w)], where M_{A}(0) and M_{B}(0) are the dc multiplication factors for finite and infinite α, respectively, and w is the space charge region width. M_{B}(0) is given by (1- \alpha_{n}w)^{-1} when \alpha_{n} = \alpha_{p} and by [\exp (-\alpha_{n}w)-\alpha_{p}/ \alpha-{n}]^{-1} when \alpha_{n} \gg \alpha_{p} . 2) The cutoff frequency f co does not in any case depend on α but depends on α n and α p and on an "effective scattering-limited velocity" v e , defined as v_{n}v_{p}/(v_{n}+v_{p}) . For \alpha_{n} = \alpha_{p} , the cutoff frequency is given by f_{co}\simeq3v_{e}/[\piwM_{B}(0)]\simeq3\alpha_{n}\v_{e}/[\pi M_{B}(0)] . For \alpha_{n} \gg \alpha_{p}, f_{co} is greatly improved and is given by f_{co}\simeq\alpha_{n}\v_{e}/[2\piw \alpha_{p}M_{B}(0)] .
RESONANCES IN QUANTUM MECHANICAL TUNNELING

Abstract In asymmetric double-well potentials, it can be tacitly assumed that a wave function in the higher-energy well (false vacuum) will always tunnel to the lower well, given enough time. However, in general this is not true. Whether a state can significantly tunnel to the true vacuum is a very sensitive function of the shape of the potential. We illustrate this with analytic and numerical examples. Thus, if there is not dissipation or coupling to other modes, a wave function may not tunnel.
Distributed signal decorrelation in wireless sensor networks using the sparse matrix transform

In this paper, we propose the vector SMT, a new decorrelating transform suitable for performing distributed anomaly detection in wireless sensor networks (WSN). Here, we assume that each sensor in the network performs vector measurements, instead of a scalar ones. The proposed transform decorrelates a sequence of pairs of vector sensor measurements, until the vectors from all sensors are completely decorrelated. We perform simulations with a network of cameras, where each camera records an image of the monitored environment from its particular viewpoint. Results show that the proposed transform effectively decorrelates image measurements from the multiple cameras in the network. Because it enables joint processing of the multiple images, our method provides significant improvements to anomaly detection accuracy when compared to the baseline case when we process the images independently.
Routing algorithm using the flooding mechanism in a hybrid optical-CDMA and WDM all-optical network

Abstract This study describes specific characteristics of optical technology and the requirements they place on routing and path selection. Moreover, a concept for an all-optical circuit-switched network is presented that utilizes near future WDM and optical-CDMA technologies. Mainly this study emphasizes on devising a routing algorithm for all-optical networks that use these technologies and taking into consideration the optical technology attributes. The assumption that parallel channels traversing the same path have the same metric (cost) is no longer valid. The algorithm adopts a flooding mechanism to compute metrics corresponding to every possible path between source and destination nodes based on link impairments and switch characteristics. From amongst computed costs, a selection is taken minimizing the cost by using Viterbi algorithm. This way, codes and wavelengths are assigned based on the characteristics of each link for each possible route, thus optimizing the network's performance.
BK virus in the transplant patient

Abstract BK virus (BKV) infection after kidney transplantation has been a subject of great interest in the past decade. BKV remains latent in the urinary tract and may be reactivated in immunocompromised patients. BKV has been identified as the etiologic agent of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), which is a significant cause of allograft failure in renal-transplant patients. The diagnosis of PVAN requires evaluation of a renal biopsy specimen with demonstration of cytopathic changes. Patients with PVAN have demonstrated high levels of viruria and viremia. There is general agreement that BK viruria of greater than 10 7 BKV copies/ml of urine and BKV viremia of 10 4 copies of BKV/ml of plasma are typical in patients with biopsy-proven PVAN. Prospective surveillance programs of viruria and viremia can help identify those patients at risk for developing PVAN. In addition, BKV has been associated with renal dysfunction in non-renal organ transplantation. BKV viruria has been documented in a number of non-renal organ transplants with otherwise unexplained chronic renal dysfunction late in the transplant period. Additional studies to define the contribution of BKV to renal dysfunction in all transplant patients are warranted.
Corruption and the Blue Code of Silence

This paper examines the 'Blue Code of Silence' and its contribution to police corruption. After offering evidence for the existence of such a code, the paper locates the origins of the code in the work and culture of policing. The paper also examines cases, commission reports and an original case study to understand how the code is reinforced. Based on 'participant observation' research of the New York County Prosecutor's Official Corruption Unit, the paper also illustrates how the code impedes investigations by police overseers. Finally, the paper discusses various measures to address the code of silence.
An application of the evans-prasad 1,3-syn diol synthesis to a stereospecific synthesis of the C10-C27 segment of rapamycin

Abstract An efficient regioselective and stereoselective approach to the C10-C27 fragment of rapamycin is described.
Leveling the Digital Playing Field: Assessing the Learning Technology Needs of College-Bound Students with LD and/or ADHD

As increasing numbers of students with learning disabilities (LD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) transition to postsecondary education, they encounter a heightened need for prof...
Hole mobilities in hydrazone-polycarbonate dispersions

Extensive characterization of the hole mobilities \ensuremath{\mu} in dispersions of p-diethylamino- benzaldehyde-diphenyl hydrazone (DEH) in polycarbonate has been carried out. We report the effect of varying the electric field E, temperature T, and spacing between DEH molecules \ensuremath{\rho} on \ensuremath{\mu}. These data are analyzed by a procedure that allows proper separation of the functional dependencies of the mobility on E, T, and \ensuremath{\rho}. It is found that ln\ensuremath{\mu} is proportional to ${E}^{n}$(${T}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$-${T}_{0}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$), where n=0.5 and ${T}_{0}$ is a fitted parameter which decreases with increasing \ensuremath{\rho}, behavior opposite to the dependence of the glass transition temperature on \ensuremath{\rho}. These experimental results are not yet understood theoretically. Our procedure for separating the \ensuremath{\rho} and T dependence is applied to data taken on DEH-polycarbonate and to data taken from the literature on another molecularly doped polymer system, N,N'-diphenyl-N,N'-bis (3-methylphenyl)-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine (TPD) in polycarbonate. For DEH-polycarbonate, the activation energy is found to be independent of \ensuremath{\rho}. In contrast, for TPD-polycarbonate the activation energy is strongly dependent on \ensuremath{\rho}. Our data suggest that small-polaron hopping is occurring in molecularly doped polymers; this different dependence of the activation energy on \ensuremath{\rho} is consistent with different small-polaron hopping regimes, adiabatic and nonadiabatic, in these two systems.
Controlling the Response: Predictive Modeling of a Highly Central, Pathogen-Targeted Core Response Module in Macrophage Activation

We have investigated macrophage activation using computational analyses of a compendium of transcriptomic data covering responses to agonists of the TLR pathway, Salmonella infection, and manufactured amorphous silica nanoparticle exposure. We inferred regulatory relationship networks using this compendium and discovered that genes with high betweenness centrality, so-called bottlenecks, code for proteins targeted by pathogens. Furthermore, combining a novel set of bioinformatics tools, topological analysis with analysis of differentially expressed genes under the different stimuli, we identified a conserved core response module that is differentially expressed in response to all studied conditions. This module occupies a highly central position in the inferred network and is also enriched in genes preferentially targeted by pathogens. The module includes cytokines, interferon induced genes such as Ifit1 and 2, effectors of inflammation, Cox1 and Oas1 and Oasl2, and transcription factors including AP1, Egr1 and 2 and Mafb. Predictive modeling using a reverse-engineering approach reveals dynamic differences between the responses to each stimulus and predicts the regulatory influences directing this module. We speculate that this module may be an early checkpoint for progression to apoptosis and/or inflammation during macrophage activation.
On changes in porosity and volume during burial of argillaceous sediments

Abstract The porosity and hence volume of argillaceous sediments is determined by: (1) the magnitude of the effective stress acting within the sediment; (2) the previous stress history of the sediment; and (3) at shallow depths of burial, by features such as the mineralogy and the nature of the depositional environment. Stress paths and the critical state diagrams for a number of clays are used to investigate the range of porosities possible in argillaceous sediments as the effective stresses increase. It is found that all porosity/effective stress curves converge at large stresses. The change in porosity is strongly dependent on the mean effective stress but largely independent of the deviatoric stress, and thus is largely independent of the nature of the stress field acting on the basin (compressional, extensional etc.). Because of the dependence of porosity on the mean effective stress, no simple relationship exists between porosity and depth of burial but in the absence of overpressured pore fluids and assuming the sediment is not overconsolidated, it is possible to contour the porosity/effective stress diagram in terms of burial depths. These data should assist in recalculating stratigraphic thicknesses for basin reconstruction and stratigraphic correlation studies.
X-ray scattering study of the stoichiometric recovery of the α-Fe2O3(0001) surface

Abstract The stoichiometric recovery and accompanying changes of subsurface atomic structure of Ar ion sputtered, oxygen deficient α-Fe 2 O 3 (0 0 0 1) are studied with X-ray scattering. Although oxygen annealing up to 735 °C results in a stoichiometric top surface layer manifested as a (1 × 1) surface structure, the X-ray scattering reveals the existence of a non-stoichiometric phase in the subsurface region. The non-stoichiometric region is characterized as a remnant of Fe 3 O 4 or γ-Fe 2 O 3 . The stoichiometric outmost surface layers act as a barrier for propagation of oxidation to underneath remnant phase. The remnant phase can be removed after annealing at a higher temperature.
Shear testing of mercuric iodide single crystals

A specialized shear testing system has been designed and assembled for the purpose of measuring the response of thin single crystals of mercuric iodide to shear loading. Numerous stress-strain measurements have been made on single crystal samples of thicknesses ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 mm. Shear strains of over 100% are readily achieved. The results are analysed in terms of a two-parameter semiempirical model for yielding that fits the experimental data extremely well. The model employs a normalized Gaussian distribution f(s) for the change f(s)ds in the relative density of mobile dislocations that occurs when the shear stress s is increased from S to s+ds. The Gaussian parameters s0 (the shear stress at which the density of mobile dislocations has reached half its steady state value) and σ (the standard deviation) are determined from a least squares fit of the theoretically computed stress-strain curve to the experimental data. The “onset of yielding” sc is defined as s0−2σ, which is the shear stress at which the density of mobile dislocations has reached about 2% of its steady state value. The utility of the model for studying work hardening and time dependent recovery in single crystal HgI2 is established.
EVALUATION OF A COMMUNITY COLLEGE HONORS PROGRAM: PROBLEMS AND POSSIBILITIES

This qualitative study investigated the expected and unexpected effects of an honors program on the honors students and faculty who participated in it as well as the effects on other students, faculty, and administrators within the college community. Sixty‐six participants participated in a standardized, open‐ended interview to determine their perspectives on the program's effects. Findings indicated that the honors program affected honors students and faculty in several positive ways. Students enjoyed the challenges of the curriculum, strengthened their sense of intellectual self‐esteem, and experienced a sense of belonging to the college. Students who completed the program believed it better prepared them for upper level course‐work at their transfer institution. The majority of faculty enjoyed working with prepared and motivated students, and some stated that they used new ideas they had introduced in the honors classes in their regular courses. However, the honors program was criticized by some facult...
The structure and airway biology of mast cell proteinases.

Recent studies have led to a rapid expansion of knowledge concerning the structure and biology of the two major mast cell proteinases, tryptase and chymase. Tryptase is an abundant, trypsin-like enzyme found in the secretory granules of all human lung mast cells. The subunits of the heparin-associated tryptase tetramer appear to be the products of a multigene family whose intron-exon organization is unique and is not closely related to that of other mast cell or leukocyte serine proteinases. In vitro studies suggest that tryptases may participate in lung and airway responses by regulating airway neuropeptide activity, bronchomotor tone, and fibroblast mitogenesis. Mast cell chymases are chymotrypsin-like proteinases related closely to neutrophil cathepsin G and lymphocyte granzymes. The cDNA-derived structures of tryptase and chymase suggest that the two enzymes may differ in modes of activation from proenzyme forms, although the mature enzymes are packaged and released together. Chymase expression appear...
Magnetic penetration depth in high-Tc superconducting Tl2Ca1Ba2Cu2O8−δ single crystals

The temperature dependence of Cu-O plane magnetic penetration depth,λ ab (T), for T1-2122 single crystals has been determined by measuring the low-field d.c. magnetization using a SQUID susceptometer. Almost full (97%) diamagnetism at low temperature was reached by carefully minimizing the background field, which is an essential condition for this method.λ ab (0) was obtained uniquely by a self-consistent condition to be 182 nm. Results of our measurements show a deviation from the single-band BCSs-wave prediction. The exponential behavior in very limited temperature regions may be reconciled with the BCS-like prediction. However, ourλ(T) data follow the theoretical prediction very accurately for ap-wave polar state pairing.
Imaging of occlusive thrombi in acute ischemic stroke

Thrombi, or clots, often occlude proximal segments of the cerebral arterial circulation in acute ischemic stroke. Thromboembolic occlusion or thrombi superimposed on atherosclerotic plaque are the principal focus of acute stroke therapies such as thrombolysis or thrombectomy. We review the imaging characteristics of thrombi on multimodal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, and ultrasonography, summarizing recent studies that facilitate therapeutic decision-making from these noninvasive studies. Information about the location, size, and imaging characteristics can be ascertained using these techniques. Imaging findings in relation to occlusive thrombus have been correlated with clot pathology, response to therapeutic interventions, and clinical outcome. Diagnostic evaluation of occlusive thrombi on noninvasive studies now constitutes an integral component of acute stroke management.
High Coverages of Hydrogen on (10,0), (9,0) and (5,5) Carbon Nanotubes

The binding energies of H to (9,0) and (5,5) carbon nanotubes are calculated for 50 and 100% coverages using the AM1 and/or ONIOM approaches. These results are compared to our previous results for ...
Modulation of the reactivity of the guinea-pig isolated trachealis by respiratory epithelium: effects of cooling.

1. Examination has been made of the effects of epithelium removal on the reactivity of guinea-pig trachealis to methacholine at 37 degrees C and 22 degrees C, and on responses to activation of the Na+/K(+)-pump by abrupt temperature increase from 22 degrees C to 37 degrees C. 2. At 37 degrees C, epithelium removal increased the sensitivity of isolated tracheal strips to methacholine without affecting the maximum isometric contractile response. Epithelium removal resulted at 22 degrees C in a decrease in sensitivity to methacholine, i.e. an effect opposite to that seen at 37 degrees C. While the maximum response of intact strips to methacholine was enhanced at 22 degrees C, the maximum response of denuded preparations was decreased. 3. The increase in sensitivity to methacholine at 37 degrees C after epithelium removal was mimicked in intact preparations by indomethacin (1 microM). Indomethacin did not mimic the decrease in methacholine sensitivity and maximum response caused by epithelium removal at 22 degrees C. 4. Following incubation at 22 degrees C, abrupt increase in temperature to 37 degrees C elicited relaxation in both epithelium-containing and epithelium-denuded tracheal strips. In epithelium-containing preparations the relaxation was more pronounced and followed by contraction. Ouabain (1 microM) converted the relaxation of denuded preparations to contraction, but was ineffective in intact strips. The relaxation of intact strips was, however, inhibited by a greater ouabain concentration (10 microM). 5. These findings indicate that the modulatory effect of the epithelium is temperature-dependent. In cooled preparations, the epithelium enhances reactivity. At 37 degrees C, an epithelium-derived factor reduces reactivity, and this may partially be due to activation of the electrogenic Na+/K+-pump.
Inductive Learning Approaches for Improving Pilot Awareness of Aircraft Faults

Neural network flight controllers are able to accommodate a variety of aircraft control surface faults without detectable degradation of aircraft handling qualities. Under some faults, however, the effective flight envelope is reduced; this can lead to unexpected behavior if a pilot performs an action that exceeds the remaining control authority of the damaged aircraft. The goal of our work is to increase the pilot s situational awareness by informing him of the type of damage and resulting reduction in flight envelope. Our methodology integrates two inductive learning systems with novel visualization techniques. One learning system, the Inductive Monitoring System (IMS), learns to detect when a simulation includes faulty controls, while two others, Inductive Classification System (INCLASS) and multiple binary decision tree system (utilizing C4.5), determine the type of fault. In off-line training using only non-failure data, IMS constructs a characterization of nominal flight control performance based on control signals issued by the neural net flight controller. This characterization can be used to determine the degree of control augmentation required in the pitch, roll, and yaw command channels to counteract control surface failures. This derived information is typically sufficient to distinguish between the various control surface failures and is used to train both INCLASS and C4.5. Using data from failed control surface flight simulations, INCLASS and C4.5 independently discover and amplify features in IMS results that can be used to differentiate each distinct control surface failure situation. In real-time flight simulations, distinguishing features learned during training are used to classify control surface failures. Knowledge about the type of failure can be used by an additional automated system to alter its approach for planning tactical and strategic maneuvers. The knowledge can also be used directly to increase the pilot s situational awareness and inform manual maneuver decisions. Our multi-modal display of this information provides speech output to issue control surface failure warnings to a lesser-used communication channel and provides graphical displays with pilot-selectable !eve!s of details to issues additional information about the failure. We also describe a potential presentation for flight envelope reduction that can be viewed separately or integrated with an existing attitude indicator instrument. Preliminary results suggest that the inductive approach is capable of detecting that a control surface has failed and determining the type of fault. Furthermore, preliminary evaluations suggest that the interface discloses a concise summary of this information to the pilot.
THE INFLUENCE OF SEED DISPERSAL AND PREDATION ON FOREST ENCROACHMENT INTO A CALIFORNIA GRASSLAND

ABSTRACT Forest encroachment into grasslands is a widespread phenomenon with significant implications for land management. We examined the influence of seed dispersal and predation on the encroachment of two tree species, Lithocarpus densiflora and Pseudotsuga menziesii, into a coastal California grassland. We mapped the distributions of L. densiflora and P. menziesii seedlings and saplings and L. densiflora acorns across the forest-grassland ecotone as well as quantified the fates of seeds of both species experimentally located at five distances across the ecotone. Species distributions varied, with P. menziesii being most abundant in the grassland and at the edge and L. densiflora in the forest. Lithocarpus densiflora acorns were absent from the grassland but equally abundant at the edge and forest. Seed predation was similar for both species, being low in the grassland, variable at the edge, and high in the forest. It appears that L. densiflora encroachment into the grassland is strongly influenced by ...
A Comparative Simulation Study on Oxidative Coupling of Methane in Fixed-Bed and Membrane Reactors

Oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) on a conventional fixed-bed reactor (FBR) and a ceramic dense membrane reactor (DMR) packed with Li/MgO catalyst is analyzed using plug-flow reactor models. The validity of OCM kinetic equations employed in the modeling is confirmed by excellent agreement between the simulation and experimental data for OCM on FBR. For FBR, a high methane to oxygen feed ratio favors the OCM reaction, with a low C2 yield because of insufficient oxygen supply. The highest C2 yield achieved with a feed mixture consisting of 70% methane and 30% oxygen is 20.7% at a selectivity of 53% and operating temperature of 750 °C. The C2 yield and selectivity increase slightly at a higher operating temperature. The optimal feed ratio does not change with temperature. DMR is made of a mixed-conducting ceramic membrane tube packed with an OCM catalyst. The membrane tube separates the methane and oxygen feed. The oxygen concentration in the DMR is much lower and more uniform than that in the FBR because ...
Culture, Politics, and Policy Interpretation How Practitioners Make Sense of a Transfer Policy in a 2-Year College

Understanding how educational practitioners make sense of and subsequently implement policy has been an increasingly important objective of the K-12 research community. This study extends this rese...
Molecular characterization of the Anopheles gambiae 2L telomeric region via an integrated transgene

A Drosophila P-element derivative (pUChsneo) integrated into the telomeric region of the left arm of the second chromosome of Anopheles gambiae was used to clone the proximally flanking An. gambiae sequences. Molecular analyses revealed that the pUChsneo construct was partially duplicated and had integrated into a subterminal minisatellite. This satellite has a repeat unit of 820 bp and is located exclusively at the tip of 2L. No sequence similarity to subterminal minisatellites from other dipterans was detected, but some structural features such as tandem subrepeats are shared. The end of the chromosome was mapped with respect to restriction sites in pUChsneo at approximately generation 100 after the integration event. Considering inevitable terminal nucleotide loss due to incomplete DNA replication, we conclude that the chromosome end must have undergone a dramatic elongation process since it was mapped in generation 23.
Evidence for in vivo phosphorylation of the Grb2 SH2-domain binding site on focal adhesion kinase by Src-family protein-tyrosine kinases.

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) that associates with integrin receptors and participates in extracellular matrix-mediated signal transduction events. We showed previously that the c-Src nonreceptor PTK and the Grb2 SH2/SH3 adaptor protein bound directly to FAK after fibronectin stimulation (D. D. Schlaepfer, S.K. Hanks, T. Hunter, and P. van der Geer, Nature [London] 372:786-791, 1994). Here, we present evidence that c-Src association with FAK is required for Grb2 binding to FAK. Using a tryptic phosphopeptide mapping approach, the in vivo phosphorylation of the Grb2 binding site on FAK (Tyr-925) was detected after fibronectin stimulation of NIH 3T3 cells and was constitutively phosphorylated in v-Src-transformed NIH 3T3 cells. In vitro, c-Src phosphorylated FAK Tyr-925 in a glutathione S-transferase-FAK C-terminal domain fusion protein, whereas FAK did not. Using epitope-tagged FAK constructs, transiently expressed in human 293 cells, we determined the effect of site-directed mutations on c-Src and Grb2 binding to FAK. Mutation of FAK Tyr-925 disrupted Grb2 binding, whereas mutation of the c-Src binding site on FAK (Tyr-397) disrupted both c-Src and Grb2 binding to FAK in vivo. These results support a model whereby Src-family PTKs are recruited to FAK and focal adhesions following integrin-induced autophosphorylation and exposure of FAK Tyr-397. Src-family binding and phosphorylation of FAK at Tyr-925 creates a Grb2 SH2-domain binding site and provides a link to the activation of the Ras signal transduction pathway. In Src-transformed cells, this pathway may be constitutively activated as a result of FAK Tyr-925 phosphorylation in the absence of integrin stimulation.