cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Change and continuity in US space policy

Abstract 2010 saw both the unveiling of a new US National Space Policy and the announcement of a fundamentally different strategy for US human spaceflight that would move from the NASA–government-led Apollo-style approach to a greater reliance on the private sector and international cooperation. This viewpoint puts forward arguments on why change in the US approach to human spaceflight is needed, while acknowledging that achieving it in the face of vested interests and threats to jobs and livelihoods is extremely difficult. It suggests that greater US recognition of the need to ensure the sustainability of space activity (by addressing debris, radio-frequency interference and potential deliberate disruption of spacecraft), and an apparent willingness to countenance international norms to govern space activities, could be the new policy’s most lasting heritage.
The effect of glass transition on gas permeabilities

Gas permeabilities of a copolymer of acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate were examined at the temperature range of 25° to 80°C. The change of activation energy of gas permeability constant at the glass transition temperature (65°C) was observed with N2, Ar, O2, and CO2, but no change was observed with He. The observation of the change of slope of the Arrhenius plot of gas permeability is discussed as a function of the diffusion constant (D) of a permeant gas at the glass transition temperature (Tg). The change occurs only if the value of D at Tg is smaller than a certain value (i.e., 5 × 10−8), according to the analysis of data appearing in the literature.
Semiconducting-enriched printed carbon nanotube mat used for fabrication of thin film transistors

Semiconducting nanotubes, theoretically, offer great promise for a variety of applications in RF and microwave electronics. In this work, we present device performance of thin-film transistors fabricated using a spin-coating purified all-semiconducting nanotubes that is economical and lends itself to mass manufacturing of nanotube electronics.
Effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone in vitro on thyrotropin and prolactin release from the turtle pituitary.

Abstract Effects of synthetic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) on thyrotropin (TSH) and prolactin (PRL) release by hemipituitaries of adult turtles, Chrysemys picta , were studied in an in vitro superfusion system. Significant increases in the rates of secretion of both immunoreactive TSH and PRL occurred at doses between 0.01 and 10 ng/ml TRH. TSH secretion increased acutely by two-, to sixford over nonstimulated secretion levels; responses tended to decline after many hours of continual stimulation, but output remained elevated above baseline in most cases. PRL secretion increased, parallel to TSH secretion during TRH stimulation. No significant difference was found in secretion rates between males and females, and no clear relationship between TRH responsiveness and reproductive stage was evident. These data provide the first direct evidence for the stimulation of TSH secretion by TRH in a reptile and confirm earlier reports that TRH stimulates the release of PRL in the turtle. Although previous in vivo studies indicated that TSH secretion was not affected by TRH in turtles, the present data indicate that the dose sensitivity of the chelonian gland is comparable with that of mammalian and avian pituitaries. Evidence for the role of TRH in endogenous TSH regulation is still lacking in reptiles but the present data provide evidence for functional TRH receptors on the chelonian thyrotrope and, hence, argue against the hypothesis that TSH stimulating activity of TRH evolved relatively recently in association with endothermy.
A search for solid H2S in dense clouds

A search for solid H 2 S absorption features in a sample of six objects, consisting of three high-mass protostars (Mon R2/IRS-2, Mon R2/IRS-3 and W3/IRS-5), and three late-type field stars lying behind the Taurus dark cloud (Elias 16, Elias 13 and Elias 3), is presented. No evidence is found for absorption by solid H 2 S in any of these objects, and an absorbance value taken from the literature is used to place upper limits on the column densities of solid H 2 S in the lines-of-sight to these objects. The upper limits are found to be consistent with the proposal that H 2 S molecules are formed on grain surfaces and subsequently desorbed to re-supply the gas-phase.
Identifying the sources of subsurface contamination at the Hanford Site in Washington using high-precision uranium isotopic measurements

In the mid-1990s, a groundwater plume of uranium (U) was detected in monitoring wells in the B-BX-BY Waste Management Area at the Hanford Site in Washington. This area has been used since the late 1940s to store high-level radioactive waste and other products of U fuel-rod processing. Using multiple-collector ICP source magnetic sector mass spectrometry, high-precision uranium isotopic analyses were conducted of samples of vadose zone contamination and of groundwater. The isotope ratios 236U/238U, 234U/238U, and 238U/235U are used to distinguish contaminant sources. On the basis of the isotopic data, the source of the groundwater contamination appears to be related to a 1951 overflow event at tank BX-102 that spilled high-level U waste into the vadose zone. The U isotopic variation of the groundwater plume is a result of mixing between contaminant U from this spill and natural background U. Vadose zone U contamination at tank B-110 likely predates the recorded tank leak and can be ruled out as a significa...
Agonistic behavior of caged chickens related to group size and area per bird

Abstract The effects of group size and area per bird on agonistic activity were studied in White Leghorn pullets. Group sizes were four, eight, 14, and 28, with constant area, feeder, and watering space per bird. Agonistic acts and time spent in four categories of general activity were recorded. Frequency of agonistic acts per bird was less in groups of four than in groups of 28 and tended to increase as group size increased. Social interactions were most frequent during feeding. Social status had no detectable effect on time spent in ingesting, being active, preening, and resting. More interactions involved pecking than threatening. Greater social stress in larger groups was suggested by larger variances of social tension indexes and non-significantly lower egg production. Pullets in the area study had 412, 824, 1 442, or 2 884 cm2 of floor space each in flocks of constant size. Their agonistic acts were most frequent at 824 cm2 of floor area per bird with significantly fewer at 412 and 2 884 cm2: a curvilinear association. Neither group size nor area per bird significantly affected hen-housed egg production during a 10-week period. Pullets, in both studies, laid fewer eggs the first 4 weeks after flocks were assembled than later.
Conversion of myo-inositol to D-glucuronic acid and L-gulonic acid in the rat.

Abstract The metabolism of randomly labeled [3H]myo-inositol and uniformly labeled [14C]myoinositol has been investigated in rats. The results indicate that inositol is converted to d -glucoronic acid and l -gulonic acid. Formation of l -ascorbic acid and of l -glucuronic acid from inositol was not detected.
Nuclear magnetic resonance-based model of a TF1/HmU-DNA complex.

Abstract Transcription factor 1 (TF1), a type II DNA-binding protein encoded by the Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage SPO1, has the capacity for sequence-selective DNA binding and a preference for 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine (HmU)-containing DNA. In NMR studies of the TF1/HmU-DNA complex, intermolecular NOEs indicate that the flexible β-ribbon and C-terminal α-helix are involved in the DNA-binding site of TF1, placing it in the β-sheet category of DNA-binding proteins proposed to bind by wrapping two β-ribbon “arms” around the DNA. Intermolecular and intramolecular NOEs were used to generate an energy-minimized model of the protein–DNA complex in which both DNA bending and protein structure changes are evident.
Primary Closure of Equine Laryngotomy Incisions: A Review of 42 Cases

Abstract Laryngotomy incisions for either staphylectomy, ventriculectomy, cordectomy, resection of the palatopharyngeal arch, or subepiglottal cyst removal, were closed primarily in 42 horses. Incisional complications were subcutaneous emphysema (11 horses, 26%), incisional discharge (4 horses, 10%), postoperative fever (4 horses, 10%), incisional abscessation (3 horses, 7%), incisional seroma (2 horses, 5%), and subcutaneous edema (2 horses, 5%). Incisional complications were identified in 22 horses, but only 8 horses (19%) required intervention for incisional healing to occur. Factors such as preoperative and postoperative administration of antibiotics or nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, use of antibiotic lavage or drains, type of suture material and suture pattern, were not significantly associated with incisional complications. Horses with incisional complications had significantly shorter mean surgical time (P = .011) than horses without incisional complications. Surgical experience was associated with fewer complications (P = .018), but had no significant effect on the frequency of complications requiring intervention. Results of this study indicate that equine laryngotomy incisions can be closed primarily and that most will heal without need for further surgical intervention.
Models and Methods for Creating Sustainable Community-Based Development Organizations in Diverse Communities

This paper presents an operational framework and a research base for creating sustainable community-based organizations in diverse rural communities. Special attention is given to criteria used to assess six input variables in creating sustainable community-based development organizations: (1) stimulation through knowledge, (2) responsible freedom, (3) social and psychological support, (4) focus on sustainability, (5) commitment to "the new, " and (6) self-insight. In addition, the authors suggest methods used to assess seven outcome indicators of sustainable community-based development organizations: identity with the community, sense of belonging, community solidarity, community pride, sense of achievement, sense of fulfillment, and sustainable and on-going projects. These models succeeded as expected in the diverse populations of the Mississippi Delta where the majority residents are African American. The authors suggest that the models and methods used in this paper will be effective in helping to cre...
A two-grids/projection algorithm for obstacle problems

In order to emphasize the possible relation between discontinuous and continuous approximations on different meshes, a two-grids method for the resolution of parabolic variational inequality problems is presented. The numerical methodology combines a time splitting algorithm to decouple a diffusion phenomenon from an obstacle problem. The diffusion problem is solved by using finite-differences, while piecewise linear finite-element techniques are used together with a Newton method for the obstacle problem. Projections are used to interpolate the solution from one grid to the other. Numerical experiments show that the resulting method has good accuracy properties.
Non-Rayleigh Scattering by a Randomly Oriented Elongated Scatterer Randomly Located in a Beam

The echo statistics of a randomly rough, randomly oriented prolate spheroid that is randomly located in the beampattern are investigated from physics-based principles both analytically and numerically. This is a direct-path geometry in which reflections from neighboring boundaries are not a factor. The statistics and, in particular, the tails of the probability density function (pdf) and probability of false alarm (PFA) are shown to be strongly non-Rayleigh and a strong function of shape of scatterer. The tails are shown to increase above that associated with a Rayleigh distribution with increasing degree of elongation (aspect ratio) of the scatterer and when roughness effects are introduced. And, as also shown in previous studies, the effects associated with the scatterer being randomly located in the beam contribute to the non-Rayleigh nature of the echo.
Immobilization of silicone stationary phases on supports using ozone

Immobilization of silicone stationary phases, OV-1701 vinyl and OV-225 vinyl, on Chromosorb W-AW support was achieved in a simple procedure using ozone as an initiator. A column efficiency of 2400 theoretical plates/meter was obtained.
First-language decline in healthy aging: implications for attrition in bilingualism

Abstract Studies of language attrition have focused on the decline observed in individuals' first-language (L1) or second language (L2) in the context of bilingualism. L1 decline has also been extensively studied in monolingual adults in the context of healthy aging. One language domain that has been found to decline with age is lexical retrieval. This paper focuses on longitudinal and cross-sectional studies of healthy aging, which show that older adults, as compared to younger adults, demonstrate greater difficulty in performing naming tasks as well as accelerated decline in performance over time. Relevant findings of age-related decline in word retrieval and theories that have been proposed to account for it are summarized and their relations to the patterns and theories of lexical attrition reported for bilingual speakers are discussed. It is concluded that despite fundamental differences between these two circumstances of attrition, applying methods and theories from one study area to the other can be beneficial for understanding processes of language attrition.
Staphylococcal enterotoxin. I. Purification.

Abstract A procedure for purifying enterotoxin from the Staphylococcus strain S-6 has been outlined. Acid precipitation, adsorption on alumina, precipitation by ethanol, chromatography on IRC-50, and zone electrophoresis on starch were the methods used. The final product shows the presence of only one antigen when tested by the gel-diffusion technique of Oakley and only one peak in the ultracentrifuge. A preparation was obtained that causes emesis in monkeys at approximately 1 μg. nitrogen per dose.
Variations in Morphology and Nicotine Alkaloid Accumulation in Protoplast-derived Hairy Root Cultures of Nicotiana rustica

Summary A suspension culture was produced by the phytohormone treatment of hairy roots resulting from infection of Nicotiana rustica with Agrobacterium rhizogenes . This was used as a source of protoplasts for the production of single-cell-derived clones. After conditions for protoplast release were optimised, it was possible to induce high rates of cell division from these protoplasts and regenerate hairy roots from the protoplast-derived calli following return to hormone-free medium. Regenerated roots were assessed for nicotine alkaloid accumulation and their transformed nature was confirmed by DNA analysis. Variation between clones was observed in alkaloid synthesis, morphology and T-DNA structure, with some of the clones showing improved alkaloid synthesis characteristics relative to the parent line.
The preparation of 6-O-α-d-glucopyranosylcyclohexaamylose☆

Abstract A branched oligosaccharide was prepared by limited action of Bacillus macerans cycloamylose glucanotransferase (BME) on waxy corn starch. This branched oligosaccharide was treated with BME in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Various branched cycloamyloses were formed as major products, with cyclohexa- and cyclohepta-amylose (α- and β-cyclodextrins) as minor products. The cycloamyloses and branched cycloamyloses were converted into a mixture of 6-O-α- d -glucopyranosylcycloamyloses and d -glucose by the joint action of glucoamylase and Aspergillus oryzae alpha amylase (Taka-amylase A). 6-O-α- d -Glucopyranosylcycloamyloses were separated from the mixture by charcoal-column chromatography and purified by paper chromatography. 6-O-α- d -Glucopyranosylcyclohexaamylose crystallized from water, and its iodine complex formed dichroic spherocrystals.
Solar panel sensor modeling and fiscal modeling

A solar panel based sensor for automatic recording of practical insolation data at North Latitude 35.122196° and West Longitude -89.934553° has been developed. To implement this, a detailed, application oriented, solar panel model has been tested. This modeling has been divided into categories based on both technological characteristics such as cell and panel construction and disciple orientation such as thermal, electrical, optical, and mechanical. Emphasis has been on performance at maximum collection efficiency. This document addresses efficiency from the electrical output side rather than the optical input side. Emphasis is on effective coupling to load, balanced against collection efficiencies, so that sensor calibration constant is nearly constant. Partial obscuration and cost impacts are addressed.
Impact of finite intermediate frequency on the performance of heterodyne ASK lightwave receivers

The impact of finite intermediate frequency (IF) on the sensitivity of heterodyne ASK lightwave receivers is examined and quantified. It is shown that certain choices of IF (f IF =0.5R b , R b , 1.5R b , etc.) yield ideal envelope detection results. For proper heterodyne detection, the worst-case sensitivity penalty is 1.72dB which occurs when f IF =0.75R b
Amplification of a bi-phase shift-key modulated signal by a mm-wave FEL

Abstract Bi-phase shift keying (BPSK) is a modulation scheme used in communications and radar in which the phase of a transmitted rf signal is switched in a coded pattern between discrete values differing by π radians. The transmitted information rate (in communications) or resolution (in imaging radar) depends on the rate at which the transmitted signal can be modulated. Modulation rates of greater than 1 GHz are generally desired. Although the instantaneous gain bandwidth of a mm-wave FEL amplifier can be much greater than 10 GHz, slippage may limit the BPSK modulation rate that can be amplified. Qualitative slippage arguments would limit the modulation rate to relatively low values; nevertheless, simulations with a time-dependent FEL code (GINGER) indicate that rates of 2 GHz or more are amplified without much loss in modulation integrity. In this paper we describe the effects of slippage in the simulations and discuss the limits of simple slippage arguments.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE ACTINOMYCIN INDUCED CLEAVAGE DELAY IN SEA URCHIN EGGS.

1. Arbacia punctulata eggs, treated with actinomycin D in a low concentration for 3 to 4 hours before fertilization, need about 40 per cent more time to complete the first cleavage than untreated controls. 2. The delay is due to a slow movement and fusion of the pronuclei, the duration of the actual cleavage mitosis remaining unaffected. 3. The phenomena can be formally explained by assuming that actinomycin interferes (through messenger RNA) with the synthesis of specific proteins, needed at fertilization, probably for the formation of the achromatic apparatus.
Recent Trends and Advances in Berry Health Benefits Research

Recent advances have been made in our scientific understanding of how berries promote human health and prevent chronic illnesses such as some cancers, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Cancer is rapidly overtaking heart disease as the number one killer disease in developed countries, and this phenomenon is coupled with a growing aging population and concomitant age-related diseases. Therefore, it is not surprising that consumers are turning toward foods with medicinal properties as promising dietary interventions for disease prevention and health maintenance. Among fruits, berries of all colors have emerged as champions with substantial research data supporting their abilities to positively affect multiple disease states. Apart from several essential dietary components found in berries, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber, berries also contain numerous bioactives that provide health benefits that extend beyond basic nutrition. Berry bioactives encompass a wide diversity of phytochemicals (p...
Modeling of heat removal from low dimensional nanostructures

We have investigated the acoustic phonon radiation pattern due to electron-acoustic phonon interaction in a double barrier quantum well by solving both the kinetic equations for electrons and phonons. A major peculiarity of acoustic phonon emission from low dimensional structures consists in a violation of the conservation law for the transverse to the quantum well phonon wave vector component. This is due to lack of the translational symmetry in this direction. The typical wave vector of an acoustic phonon interacting with electrons is of the order of (n+n')/spl pi//a, where a is the width of the quantum well and n and n' are the numbers of the electron subbands before and after scattering. Except for the case of a strongly degenerate electron gas, the in-plane wave vector of acoustic phonons is smaller than the transverse wave vector, therefore the acoustic phonons carry energy primarily in the direction normal to the quantum well.
On Improving the Fracture Toughness of a Niai-Based Alloy by Mechanical Alloying

Mechanical alloying (MA) has been used to process the NiAl-based alloy Ni-35Al-20Fe, such that a fine-grain (about 2 microns) microstructure is obtained through the addition of 2 vol pct Y2O3 particles. When compared to a conventionally processed, coarse-grained (about 28 microns) Ni-35-20 alloy without the Y2O3 particles, the MA alloy exhibits two to three times higher fracture toughness values, despite a 50-percent increase in yield strength. Room-temperature K(O) values as high as 34 MPa sq rt m are observed, accompanied by a yield strength in excess of 1100 MPa. Fractography confirms a change in fracture characteristics of the fine-grained MA alloy.
The Effect of Market Concentration on Productivity in Fisheries

In Fishery Economics solutions to the problem of commonality have been in the form of pricing policies, direct controls or limited entry. In this paper the notion of letting the market correct for the externality is considered, theoretically and then empirically. By allowing the market to be dominated by a monopsonist the ooncept of a maximum economic yield may be realized and the disallocation of resources corrected.
Dropout compensation by equalizer selection recovery hang-up for magnetic tape systems

In magnetic tape recording systems, dropouts occur occasionally in readback signals, due to defects on the tape surface. In this paper, we compensate the dropouts by selecting one of pre-calculated equalizers according to detected envelope. Timing recovery is held from updating during dropouts.
Efficient sources for chip-to-chip to box-to-box communication within data centers

Vertical-cavity lasers with strained active regions show increased modulation rates and reliability at lower power dissipation. However, their longer wavelength (980–1100 nm) than the standard 850 nm has inhibited their widespread adoption. Given the huge emerging markets for high-speed, high-efficiency data links, should this inhibition be overcome?
Prediction of In Vivo Radiation Dose Status in Radiotherapy Patients using Ex Vivo and In Vivo Gene Expression Signatures

Abstract After a large-scale nuclear accident or an attack with an improvised nuclear device, rapid biodosimetry would be needed for triage. As a possible means to address this need, we previously defined a gene expression signature in human peripheral white blood cells irradiated ex vivo that predicts the level of radiation exposure with high accuracy. We now demonstrate this principle in vivo using blood from patients receiving total-body irradiation (TBI). Whole genome microarray analysis has identified genes responding significantly to in vivo radiation exposure in peripheral blood. A 3-nearest neighbor classifier built from the TBI patient data correctly predicted samples as exposed to 0, 1.25 or 3.75 Gy with 94% accuracy (P < 0.001) even when samples from healthy donor controls were included. The same samples were classified with 98% accuracy using a signature previously defined from ex vivo irradiation data. The samples could also be classified as exposed or not exposed with 100% accuracy. The demo...
Summarizing lecture: factors influencing enzymatic H-transfers, analysis of nuclear tunnelling isotope effects and thermodynamic versus specific effects.

In the articles in this Discussion, a wide variety of topics are treated, including reorganization energy, initially introduced for electron transfers ('environmentally assisted tunnelling'), nuclear tunnelling, H/D and ^(12)C/^(13)C kinetic isotope effects (KIEs), the effect of changes of distal and nearby amino acid residues using site-directed mutagenesis, and dynamics versus statistical effects. A coordinate-free form of semi-classical theory is used to examine topics on data such as tunnelling versus 'over-thebarrier' paths and temperature and pressure effects on KIEs. The multidimensional semi-classical theory includes classically allowed and classically forbidden transitions. More generally, we address the question of relating kinetic to thermodynamic factors, as in the electron transfer field, so learning about specific versus thermodynamic effects in enzyme catalysis and KIEs.
Natural Variation in a Neuropeptide Y Receptor Homolog Modifies Social Behavior and Food Response in C. elegans

Abstract Natural isolates of C. elegans exhibit either solitary or social feeding behavior. Solitary foragers move slowly on a bacterial lawn and disperse across it, while social foragers move rapidly on bacteria and aggregate together. A loss-of-function mutation in the npr-1 gene, which encodes a predicted G protein–coupled receptor similar to neuropeptide Y receptors, causes a solitary strain to take on social behavior. Two isoforms of NPR-1 that differ at a single residue occur in the wild. One isoform, NPR-1 215F, is found exclusively in social strains, while the other isoform, NPR-1 215V, is found exclusively in solitary strains. An NPR-1 215V transgene can induce solitary feeding behavior in a wild social strain. Thus, isoforms of a putative neuropeptide receptor generate natural variation in C. elegans feeding behavior.
Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Herbal Galactogogues

Exclusive breastfeeding has been linked to many positive health outcomes, yet its widespread adoption as the primary mode of providing nutrition to infants remains challenging. The most common reported reason for early breastfeeding cessation is perception of inadequate milk production. To augment breast milk production, a substantial number of women turn to herbal galactogogues despite the limited scientific evidence of their efficacy and safety. We conducted a systematic review of published literature to evaluate the efficacy of herbal galactogogues. PubMed was searched from inception to October 2012 using an iterative search process that proceeded from broad categories to specific herbs. Manuscript references were also reviewed. Only experimental studies with objective outcome measures were included. Six trials met our search criteria. Using an adapted version of the CONSORT checklist, each trial was evaluated for potential sources of bias in design and reporting. Shatavari, torbangun, fenugreek, milk thistle, and a Japanese herbal medication were the 5 herbal preparations studied. Five trials found an increase in breast milk production. Several limitations exist that affect the validity of the trial results, including small sample size, insufficient randomization methods, poorly defined eligibility criteria, use of poly-herbal interventions, and variable breastfeeding practices among enrolled subjects. Given the insufficiency of evidence from these trials, no recommendation is made for the use of herbs as galactogogues. Well-designed and well-conducted clinical trials that address the above limitations are necessary to generate a body of evidence as a basis for recommendations regarding herbal galactogogues.
Uncertainty quantification in modelling welding residual stress and distortion

performed with perturbed values of each uncertain variable. However, there can be several hundred input parameters; therefore, the use of reanalysis in uncertainty quantification in welding modelling can be time consuming or computationally prohibitive, especially for three-dimensional modelling. This paper explores the application of design sensitivity analysis in quantifying uncertainty in welding residual stress and distortion computations. Analytic sensitivities are computed by direct differentiation, resulting in a very efficient computational approach. The variation of temperature, welding residual stress and distortion with respect to processing parameters is computed from a first order Taylor expansion of the model output. The approach is demonstrated in a three-dimensional model of a singe pass weld and validated by comparing sensitivity analysis results to reanalyses.
Self limited disorder in a young female with fever, abdominal pain and lymphadenopathy: a case report

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease is a rare, benign cause of lymphadenopathy that is often associated with fever, night sweats, and weight loss. The clinical and laboratory manifestation of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease are similar to those of lymphoma, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and it is often mistaken for these disorders. Definitive diagnosis is accomplished by lymph node biopsy. Awareness of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease among clinicians and pathologists is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment of patients with this self-limited disorder.
Mitochondrial Mislocalization Underlies Aβ42-Induced Neuronal Dysfunction in a Drosophila Model of Alzheimer's Disease

The amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42) is thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms by which Aβ42 induces neuronal dysfunction and degeneration remain elusive. Mitochondrial dysfunctions are implicated in AD brains. Whether mitochondrial dysfunctions are merely a consequence of AD pathology, or are early seminal events in AD pathogenesis remains to be determined. Here, we show that Aβ42 induces mitochondrial mislocalization, which contributes to Aβ42-induced neuronal dysfunction in a transgenic Drosophila model. In the Aβ42 fly brain, mitochondria were reduced in axons and dendrites, and accumulated in the somata without severe mitochondrial damage or neurodegeneration. In contrast, organization of microtubule or global axonal transport was not significantly altered at this stage. Aβ42-induced behavioral defects were exacerbated by genetic reductions in mitochondrial transport, and were modulated by cAMP levels and PKA activity. Levels of putative PKA substrate phosphoproteins were reduced in the Aβ42 fly brains. Importantly, perturbations in mitochondrial transport in neurons were sufficient to disrupt PKA signaling and induce late-onset behavioral deficits, suggesting a mechanism whereby mitochondrial mislocalization contributes to Aβ42-induced neuronal dysfunction. These results demonstrate that mislocalization of mitochondria underlies the pathogenic effects of Aβ42 in vivo.
Variable-ratio power splitters using computer-generated planar holograms on multimode interference couplers

Variable-ratio power splitters using computer-generated planar holograms on multimode interference couplers are analyzed. The coherent wave at the device input is transformed to the desired output using numerically calculated refractive index perturbations on multimode channel waveguides at half the beat length. Devices are fabricated on the silicon-on-insulator platform and characterized at a wavelength of 1.55 μm. Power-splitting ratios are varied by changing the hologram etch depth and the hologram length.
Projection status of calbindin- and parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons in the superficial layers of the rat's superior colliculus

Immunocytochemistry and retrograde labeling were used to define the thalamic projections of calbindin- and parvalbumin-containing cells in superficial layers of the rat's superior colliculus (SC). Quantitative analysis revealed that 90.8 +/- 2.2% (mean +/- standard deviation) of the calbindin-immunoreactive neurons in the stratum griseum superficiale (SGS) projected to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd) and that 91.3 +/- 4.3% of calbindin-immunoreactive neurons in the stratum opticum (SO) projected to the lateral posterior nucleus (LP). In contrast, only 17.3 +/- 2.5% of parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons in the SGS were found to project to the LGNd and 16.5 +/- 3.1% of the parvalbumin-immunoreactive SO cells were retrogradely labeled after LP injections. Few of the parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons in either the SGS (7.2 +/- 2.5%) or the SO (9.2 +/- 2.5%) were GABA positive. The retrograde-labeling results suggest that parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons in the rat's SO and SGS may either be primarily interneurons or have descending projections, while calbindin-containing cells are primarily thalamic projection neurons. These results are consistent with data from other rodents, but almost exactly the opposite of data that have been reported for the cat for these same populations of SC projection neurons. Such interspecies differences raise questions regarding the functional importance of expressing one calcium-binding protein versus another in a specific neuronal population.
Implications of anti-cytokine therapy in colorectal cancer and autoimmune diseases

Up to 20% of all cancers have been linked to chronic inflammation and persistent infections. However, almost all solid tumours contain immune infiltrates, and tumour-associated inflammatory cells play broad roles in different stages of tumour development and malignant progression. Cytokines are important mediators of the inflammatory effect on tumorigenesis both in inflammation-induced cancer and in the inflammation that follows tumour development. We have shown interleukin (IL)-6 to be an important tumour promoter in early colitis-associated cancer (CAC). IL-6 is mainly produced by tumour-infiltrating myeloid cells under the control of NF-κB. IL-6 promotes proliferation of tumour-initiating cells derived from the intestinal epithelium and protects them from apoptotic elimination. These pro-survival and proliferative effects of IL-6 are mainly mediated by STAT3, whose ablation in intestinal epithelial cells significantly reduces CAC tumorigenesis. More recently, we found a critical role for IL-23 and its downstream cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 in the development of CAC. These findings suggest that such cytokines or the cells that produce them may provide new therapeutic or preventive targets in forms of colorectal cancer that are linked to inflammation.
SOIL CARBON SEQUESTRATION IN INDIA

With a large land area and diverse ecoregions, there is a considerable potential of terrestrial/soil carbon sequestration in India. Of the total land area of 329 million hectares (Mha), 297 Mha is the land area comprising 162 Mha of arable land, 69 Mha of forest and woodland, 11 Mha of permanent pasture, 8 Mha of permanent crops and 58 Mha is other land uses. Thesoil organic carbon (SOC) pool is estimated at 21 Pg (petagram = Pg = 1 ×1015 g= billion ton) to 30-cm depth and 63 Pg to 150-cm depth. The soil inorganic carbon (SIC) pool is estimated at 196 Pg to 1-m depth. The SOC concentration in most cultivated soils is less than 5 g/kg compared with 15 to 20 g/kg in uncultivated soils. Low SOC concentration is attributed to plowing, removal of crop residue and other biosolids, and mining of soil fertility. Accelerated soil erosion by water leads to emission of 6 Tg C/y. Important strategies of soil C sequestration include restoration of degraded soils, and adoption of recommended management practices (RMPs) of agricultural and forestry soils. Potential of soil C sequestration in India is estimated at 7 to 10 Tg C/y for restoration of degraded soils and ecosystems, 5 to 7 Tg C/y for erosion control, 6 to 7 Tg C/y for adoption of RMPs on agricultural soils, and 22 to 26 Tg C/y for secondary carbonates. Thus, total potential of soil C sequestration is 39 to 49 (44± 5) Tg C/y.
Cardiac Output and Genital Blood Flow Distribution During the Preovulatory Period in Rabbits

Cardiac output and blood flow distribution to the genital organs of rabbits was studied using radioactive microspheres for a period of 9 h following HCG administration. Throughout this period the ovarian blood flow was higher (1.2 ± 0.3 mI/mm/organ) than in the estrous animal (0.17 ± 0.02). The maximal ovarian blood flow occurred 4 h after HCG, and was associated with high perfusion rate (12 ± 3 ml/min/g). The cardiac output increased from 276 ± 62 mI/mm in estrus animals to 479 ± 82 following HCG, with a peak value of 780 ± 133 at 4 h. The fractional distribution of the cardiac output to the oviducts (0.18 ± 0.02 percent); uterus (0.40 ± 0.06 percent); brain, (1 percent); and kidney (21 percent) did not change during the preovulatory period. The fraction of cardiac output distributed to the ovaries increased from 0.10 ± 0.3 percent in estrus, to a maximum of 0.43 ± 0.06 percent at 4 h. The differences in the vascular response of the genital organs suggest the existence of local regulatory mechanisms which may play a role in the mechanisms leading to ovulation.
Relative line intensities in the lyman bands of HD

Abstract Large vibration-rotation interaction effects have been found in the relative line intensities measured for three Lyman band progressions of HD. Franck-Condon factor calculations which account for the centrifugal potential lead to good agreement between theoretical and observed line intensities ratios.
Motivations of Elderhostel Participants in Selected United States and European Educational Travel Programs

Abstract Elderhostel is an educational, travel and leisure oriented non-profit organization for the elderly, offering both domestic and international programs. Two-hundred and twenty-three participants in international Elderhostel programs and 223 participants in domestic Elderhostel programs completed useable surveys designed to identify differences in motivation for attendance. Logistic regression was used to specify the differences in motivations among these “education travelers.” Of the twenty-three motivations examined, five were more significant to international travelers and five were significantly more important to domestic travelers. International Elderhostelers were motivated more by the history and culture of the area where the program was held, safety provided by group travel, desire for travel, desire to socialize with locals, and visiting one's ancestral home. Domestic Elderhostelers were more motivated by the accommodations, word of mouth, program dates, the opportunity to escape personal p...
Sport Psychology for Development and Peace? Critical Reflections and Constructive Suggestions

In the fast growing field of “Sport for Development and Peace” (SDP), often coordinated by Western organizations working in non-Western communities, many programs have a psychological orientation. Programs talk, for example, about using sport to develop life skills, to build self-esteem, to improve motivation, or to change prejudicial attitudes. This article draws on the evolving body of research addressing SDP, along with experiences with SDP in sub-Saharan Africa, to discuss both the problems and the potential for applying a psychological lens to sports and development. While I suggest caution in assuming psychological skills are central to international development—particularly as emphasizing individual level change risks obscuring the more serious structural realities facing many target communities—I will suggest that sport psychology can offer useful listening skills, research skills, and collaboration skills towards a genuine contribution to meaningful SDP.
Exploiting reciprocity for imaging

High resolution images have been obtained by “coding” evanescent waves from high spatial frequencies into propagating waves using a random medium. Time reversal of the scattered wave propagated back into the same random medium recovers the image. We investigate the scattering properties of a (remote) reciprocal scattering medium to accomplish the same image recovery but without the need for wave detection and followed by time reversal. We present examples of such (metamaterial) scattering media and their reciprocal structures and suggest how they might best be used for remote high resolution imaging. A metamaterial structure offers the possibility of low reflection losses with an index, |n| ~ 1.
Immunologic Disorders of Neuromuscular Junction and Muscle

A range of inherited and acquired processes can adversely affect the ­neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and muscle, many of which are not amenable to medical therapy, such as the muscular dystrophies. Autoimmune disorders of NMJ and muscle provide some of the limited number of peripheral neuromuscular diseases responsive to medical therapy and thus, are essential to recognize. Immune disorders account for the most common diseases of neuromuscular transmission and are very important to understand, not least because the autoimmune nature of disease provides opportunities for effective treatment. On the other hand, inflammatory disorders of muscle are a diverse group, some of which appear to have an immunologic basis, e.g., polymyositis and dermatomyositis, and possibly, inclusion body myositis (IBM).
DO ALL THYROID NODULES >4 CM NEED TO BE REMOVED? AN EVALUATION OF THYROID FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY IN LARGE THYROID NODULES

Objective: Controversy exists regarding the ability of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to rule out malignancy when thyroid nodules exceed 4 cm in diameter. The goal of this study was to provide data regarding FNA accuracy in a clinical setting for detecting/ruling out malignancy in large thyroid nodules (≥4 cm) and discuss FNA utility in guiding surgical decisions. Methods: All thyroid FNA cases performed at Marshfield Clinic from 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2010 followed by complete or partial thyroidectomy on nodules of at least 4 cm were identified. Demographics, medical history, nodule biopsy characteristics, surgical procedures, and diagnosis data were abstracted. FNA was compared to histologic evaluation of surgical specimens. Results: A total of 198 patients with large thyroid nodules were identified. Most had a single large nodule, but ~40% were multinodular, and 206 total nodules were assessed. Females outnumbered males, and the mean age was ~50 years. After surgery, cancer was histologically identifie...
LiDAR-based predictions of flow channels through riparian buffer zones

Abstract Riparian buffer zones (RBZs) are critical for protecting stream water quality. High Resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data provides a way to locate channels where water can flow through a RBZ and into a stream. The objectives of this study were to characterize flow channels through riparian buffer zones around Lake Issaqueena, SC, USA, using LiDAR topography models and to validate these predictions using field observations of channel presence, soil moisture content and soil temperature. A LiDAR derived digital elevation model (DEM) was utilized to define flow channels and determine forty sample locations. Analysis indicated channel locations and the presence of large forested buffers generally 10 m or greater in the study area. High flow accumulation channels can be accurately predicted by LiDAR data, but lower flow channels were less accurately estimated. Surface soil temperature measurements were relatively uniform showing no difference between predicted channel and control locations. Presented methodologies can serve as a template for future efforts to quantify riparian buffers and their effects on protecting water quality.
Issues in the relationship between assessment and treatment

Nelson's (1988) paper on the relationship between assessment and treatment is discussed. To aid in this discussion, a description is provided of the sequence of events which unfold in the course of assessment and treatment of the individual clinical case. Divided into five major periods bridged by four units, the sequence of clinical case assessment and treatment reveals complex relations and raises numerous issues. It is noted that scientific evidence to support intervention is restricted to a handful of psychiatric disorders. An additional concern is the lack of attention devoted to case formulation and the questionable reliability and validity of everyday clinical decision-making. On the other hand, specifying, articulating, and testing clinical formulations of cases presenting poorly understood psychopathology may permit clinicians to expedite the growth of scientific knowledge, as demonstrated in other applied fields. It is concluded that the most important goal is the primary prevention of psychopathology and it is argued that the clinician can play a useful role in this endeavor.
Particle losses and interaction in nolan-pollak counter

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on simple model describing the aerosol particle losses in Nolan–Pollak (N–P) counter. It includes particle coagulation, wall deposition, and sedimentation. Measurements with well defined aerosol support the model calculation. N–P counter is a useful tool for condensation nuclei concentration measurement if the recommended operation parameters are observed. These are 60 seconds “equilibrating” aerosol dwelling time and expansion pressure ratio of 1.21 or slightly higher. During the first 60 seconds, before saturated air expansion, substantial aerosol in homogeneities in the counters sensitive volume are documented. The calculated losses were within 7% larger than those obtained by measurements. The effect of the presence of large soluble particles on the ultmfme particle losses in the N–P counter ought to be investigated in more detail. Preliminary results show that a considerable part of salt particles is activated before the saturated air expansion in the counter is performed. This could explain the greater fine particle losses observed during the first two minutes of particle dwelling in the counter.
Predicting Consumer Loads for Improved Power Scheduling in Smart Homes

Smart homes form one of the major components leveraging demand response within the smart grid paradigm. Flexible pricing policies along with the capability of scheduling power among many homes form the crux of a wide variety of smart home power management controllers. However leveraging power scheduling for smart homes while keeping user costs minimal is a challenging proposition and involves complex multistage, stochastic, non-linear optimization techniques. For ease of computation, heuristic algorithms can be employed that require consumer load corresponding to smart homes which are not available a priori. The efficiency of power scheduling heuristics, however depend on the accuracy of the consumer loads forecasted. In this paper, we focus on developing a technique that can efficiently forecast consumer loads and thereafter the predicted load is fed to a GA heuristic based power scheduling algorithm for smart homes. Detailed procedure for the aforementioned forecasting has been presented and the results obtained are analyzed.
Computational Studies of Positive and Negative Streamers in Bubbles Suspended in Distilled Water

The research reported in this publication was supported by Competitive Research Funding from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).