cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuromyelitis optica phenotype associated with therapy-responsive acute peripheral neuropathy

A 51-year-old Hispanic woman with a history of Churg-Strauss syndrome (in remission for 20 years)–associated mesangial glomerulonephritis and end-stage renal disease with a recent renal transplant and previously cured cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection who was on a tapering dose of tacrolimus presented with sudden onset of lower extremity numbness. Symptoms progressed to complete paraplegia and sensory loss over 24 hours. The following day, ascending paresis extended to bilateral upper extremities, with high thoracic sensory level and complete blindness. Initial MRI revealed contrast enhancement of bilateral prechiasmatic optic nerve as well as T2 hyperintensities involving the central gray matter of the entire spinal cord with associated edema. CSF analysis documented neutrophilic pleocytosis (182 neutrophils per mm3) and increased total protein level (142 mg/dL) without oligoclonal banding. Bacterial, fungal, and mycobacterial cultures from the CSF were negative, as was PCR for CMV, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, human herpesvirus 6, and varicella-zoster virus. Serologic autoimmune assessment, including onconeuronal, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, and other rheumatologic, Lyme, and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody testing, was negative. Moreover, testing for sarcoidosis and HIV antibody was unrevealing. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) performed 2 weeks after symptom onset documented severe reduction in compound motor action potential amplitudes (worse in the lower extremities), <10% slowing of distal latencies but not conduction velocities, and mildly slowed upper extremity f-wave latencies. Sensory nerve action potentials were pathologically reduced in the lower extremities (table). Needle examination (EMG) showed active, severe denervation changes in lower extremity muscles and less severe changes in upper extremity muscles. Subsequent GM1, GM2, GD1a, GD1b, and GQ1b ganglioside antibody testing was negative. The patient was diagnosed with concurrent clinically definite neuromyelitis optica (NMO) phenotype1 and acute axonal polyradiculoneuropathy with primarily axonal features.
Mitteilungen aus dem Laboratorium für Geophysik der Carnegie Institution in Washington. 5. Schmelzpunktsbestimmungen

1. Die wirklich erhaltenen Schmelz- und Erstarrungspunktskurven sind fast immer geneigt, d. h. sie zeigen nicht die konstante Temperatur, die die elementare Theorie verlangt, sondern statt dessen ein Intervall, in dem die Temperatur kontinuierlich steigt oder fallt.
Occupational choice and vulnerability in late life: An example of women in the USA

Abstract During the years surrounding WW II, many young American women entered federal government employment. Most of them assumed low- to mid-level clerical positions; however, a few became highly educated and advanced to high-level government employment. These “government girls” as they were called assumed positions of power and authority uncommon for U.S. women at that time. The large commitments required for their employment, however, limited these women's time for fulfilling traditional gender roles, such as marriage and having children. We describe a study in progress that examines how gender role and commitment to government employment affect quality of life during retirement, especially late-life loneliness, propensity for institutionalization, abandonment, self-neglect, morbidity, and mortality. We believe that this study is replicable and applicable to similar older women in other countries. Our research topic and methods offer a unique opportunity to conduct collaborative studies on other populations of retired female workers in late life.
Simplified progressive collapse simulation of RC frame–wall structures

Abstract A macromodel-based approach to enable post-event progressive collapse analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) frame–wall structures is investigated. A simplified shear wall model is developed to simulate the inelastic behavior of a multi-story frame–wall system due to the sudden loss of a significant portion of the shear wall at the first story. Detailed finite element analyses are employed not only to provide modeling insights but also as a tool to verify the accuracy of the developed shear wall model. Two perimeter frame–wall systems designed for different seismic zones are modeled using the proposed approach and numerical simulations following the sudden loss of a portion of the shear wall at the lowest story are compared and evaluated. Although no signs of collapse are evident in either system, detailed investigation of force variations in structural members shows that the seismically designed frame–wall system (SDC-D) is a more robust system compared to a system designed for much lower seismic demands due to the effectiveness of its structural layout and seismic detailing. The simplified methodology is a suitable approach for preliminary progressive collapse investigation of RC frame–wall structures.
Collective Action and Economic Justice: A Structural Approach

Adam Smith is well known for his description of how actions taken to further one's self-interest may benefit society. However, Smith emphasized that forbearance, which is the exercise of self-restraint while pursuing personal gain, is a necessary condition for the "invisible hand" to promote the common good. Using the recent subprime mortgage crisis as a case study, I argue that because forbearance is unlikely to result from personal choice or regulatory efforts, grassroots efforts by users of financial services are needed to ensure just outcomes in real estate lending.
The influence of platinum concentration and particle size on the kinetics of propane oxidation over Pt/γ-alumina

For the regulation of automotive emissions it is of interest to understand the parameters that control the oxidation rates of different hydrocarbon species. Propane oxidation was selected as a model reaction for this investigation. Catalysts were prepared by multiple impregnation of γ-alumina with chloroplatinic acid. Concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 30 wt% Pt. The reaction took place in a recirculation batch reactor with an initial mixture of 10 Torr C3H8, 100 Torr O2, and 650 Torr Ar. The oxidation rate increased sixfold with increasing Pt concentration. When calculated per Pt surface atom, based on CO chemisorption, the rate increased by two orders of magnitude in the same Pt concentration range. The apparent activation energy remained unchanged at 22.1 kcal/mol within a standard deviation of ±3.4 kcal/mol. The increase in specific reaction rate with particle size was confirmed by sintering experiments. The rate increase reflects an increase in the preexponential factor. The results suggest that propane oxidation is expedited by a favorable ensemble of active Pt sites, which are more likely to form on larger crystallites. Kinetic parameters of propane and methane oxidation are compared. Theoretical site densities, derived from fundamental kinetics for common reaction mechanisms, are compared with the number of Pt surface atoms as measured by chemisorption.
Immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry evaluation of human megakaryocytes in fresh samples and cultures of CD34+ cells

Adhering platelets on the cell surface can give misleading results when doing flow cytometry analysis of platelet/megakaryocyte-specific glycoprotein (GP) antigens to enumerate megakaryocytes (MK) in mobilized peripheral blood (PB), apheresis products, or normal bone marrow (BM). For adequate quantification and characterization of human MK, we examined samples with parallel flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. MK expression of GP IIb/IIIa (CD41a), GP Ib (CD42b), GP IIIa (CD61), CD45, CD33, and CD11b, and their light scatter properties were evaluated. Fresh samples of low density mononuclear cells (MNC) or purified CD34+ cells contained 10-45% of platelet-coated cells. Platelet-coated cells decreased dramatically after several days of incubation in a serum-free medium supplemented with stem cell factor, IL-3, IL-6, and/or GM-CSF. Between d 9-12, flow cytometry detected a distinct CD41a+ MK population, 8.3 +/- 1.3% in BM CD34 cell cultures (n = 7) and 13.1 +/- 2.1% in PB CD34 cell cultures (n = 14), comparable to immunocytochemistry data (7.8 +/- 1.9% and 16.4 +/- 2.6%, respectively). CD41a stained a higher proportion of MK than CD42b or CD61, while CD42b+ or CD61+ cells contained more morphologically mature MK than CD41a+ cells in cultures containing aplastic serum. When fluorescence emission of CD41a was plotted against forward-light scatter (FSC), subpopulations of small and large MK were observed. Such subpopulations overlapped in CD41a intensity and side-light scatter (SSC) property. Most MK co-expressed CD45 (98.8% positive) but not CD33 (80.7% negative) or CD11b (88.9% negative). Our data indicate that flow cytometry can be used effectively to identify MK. However, caution should be taken with samples containing adherent platelets.
P2-270: Diffusion-tensor imaging tractography: Correlation with processing speed in aging

Table 1 provides descriptive statistics for the tractography and cognitive variables. Processing speed: There were trend level findings for step 1 (age, p = .079) and step 2 (TOIs, p = . 058). Age accounted for 28% of the variance in TMT-A performance (p =.079, trend). NTWL for the three TOIs accounted for an additional 41% of the variance (p = .101, trend for F change). Examination of standardized beta weights for the individual TOIs showed that NTWL in the right cingulum bundle was the strongest predictor (beta = − 585, p = .044 ; p > .05 for all other variables). Executive function: Step 1 was not significant (age, p = .46) and there was a trend level finding for step 2 (p = .08). Examination of standardized beta weights for the TOIs showed that NTWL in the interhemispheric fibers was the strongest predictor of TMT-B performance (beta = − .70, p = .01; p > .05 for all other variables). Conclusions
Clinical adoptive chemoimmunotherapy with allogeneic alloactivated HLA-haploidentical lymphocytes: controlled induction of graft-versus-host-reactions.

A total of 13 cancer patients were treated with Adoptive Chemoimmunotherapy (ACIT) using alloactivated HLA haploidentical lymphocytes. Donor lymphocytes were activated in vitro using a pool of irradiated allogeneic lymphocytes (MLC-cells) and some further expanded by culturing in T-cell growth factor (TCGF-cells). The first 6 patients received i.v. cyclophosphamide (CPM) followed 24 h later by escalating doses of MLC-cells, then 7 days later they received an infusion of TCGF-cells. Minimal toxicity was seen. The next 7 patients received CPM (800 mg/m2) and a combined MLC and TCGF-cell infusion (total cell dose ranged from 0.79×1010 to 2.26×1010). Of these 7 patients, 3 developed mild graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) which resolved without treatment, and 2 patients had progressive GVHR which was arrested by methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg). Peripheral blood lymphocytes from these 2 patients, during the GVHR, had increased activated T-cells (OKT-10+ and OK-Ia+). In vitro expansion, in TCGF, of these activated T-cells enabled HLA typing to prove they were of donor origin. Only 1 clinical antitumor response was observed in the first 6 patients. The results of this study indicate that this form of ACIT can be given to patients with acceptable toxicity. Self-limited or easily controlled GVHR may be induced and primed donor cells persisting in the circulation are probably responsible. Further testing is required to determine whether the immune response induced by this form of ACIT may be therapeutically effective.
Patterns of phenotypic correlations among morphological traits across plants and animals

Despite the long-standing interest of biologists in patterns of correlation and phenotypic integration, little attention has been paid to patterns of correlation across a broad phylogenetic spectrum. We report analyses of mean phenotypic correlations among a variety of linear measurements from a wide diversity of plants and animals, addressing questions about function, development, integration and modularity. These analyses suggest that vertebrates, hemimetabolous insects and vegetative traits in plants have similar mean correlations, around 0.5. Traits of holometabolous insects are much more highly correlated, with a mean correlation of 0.84; this may be due to developmental homeostasis caused by lower spatial and temporal environmental variance during complete metamorphosis. The lowest mean correlations were those between floral and vegetative traits, consistent with Berg's ideas about functional independence between these modules. Within trait groups, the lowest mean correlations were among vertebrate head traits and floral traits (0.38–0.39). The former may be due to independence between skull modules. While there is little evidence for floral integration overall, certain sets of functionally related floral traits are highly integrated. A case study of the latter is described from wild radish flowers.
Automatic procedure for stable tetragonal or hexagonal structures: application to tetragonal Y and Cd

A simple effective procedure (MNP) for finding equilibrium tetragonal and hexagonal states under pressure is described and applied. The MNP procedure finds a path to minima of the Gibbs free energy G at T=0 K (G=E+pV, E=energy per atom, p=pressure, V=volume per atom) for tetragonal and hexagonal structures by using the approximate expansion of G in linear and quadratic strains at an arbitrary initial structure to find a change in the strains which moves toward a minimum of G. Iteration automatically proceeds to a minimum within preset convergence criteria on the calculation of the minimum. Comparison is made with experimental results for the ground states of seven metallic elements in hexagonal close-packed (hcp), face- and body-centered cubic structures, and with a previous procedure for finding minima based on tracing G along the epitaxial Bain path (EBP) to a minimum; the MNP is more easily generalized than the EBP procedure to lower symmetry and more atoms in the unit cell. Comparison is also made with a molecular-dynamics program for crystal equilibrium structures under pressure and with CRYSTAL, a program for crystal equilibrium structures at zero pressure. Application of MNP to the elements Y and Cd, which have hcp ground states at zero pressure, finds minima of E at face-centered cubic (fcc) structure for both Y and Cd. Evaluation of all the elastic constants shows that fcc Y is stable, hence a metastable phase, but fcc Cd is unstable.
Dynamic response of high-speed rail foundations using linear hysteretic damping and frequency domain substructuring

A proposed method for mitigating ground-borne vibration generated by high-speed trains is the usage of rubber-modified asphalt concrete as a ballast mat material. To gauge this material's influence in vibration control, a dynamic finite element code that models distinct damping properties in a large, nonhomogenous system was created. A linear hysteretic damping model is used to capture the dissipative mechanisms of each material; frequency domain substructuring is used for computational efficiency. Vibratory responses utilizing different ballast mat materials in a high-speed rail foundation are compared. It is shown that rubber-modified asphalt concrete results in a general reduction of motion, particularly in directions horizontally parallel and perpendicular to the train's passage. The described modeling procedure may be used for any dynamic analysis where the preservation of material damping characteristics is desired.
Inspection applications with higher electron beam energies

The Idaho National Laboratory has developed prototype shielded nuclear material detection systems based on pulsed photonuclear assessment (PPA) techniques for the inspection of cargo containers. During this work, increased nuclear material detection capabilities have been demonstrated at higher electron beam energies than those allowed by federal regulations for cargo inspection. This paper gives a general overview of a nuclear material detection system, the PPA technique and discusses the benefits of using these higher energies. This paper also includes a summary of the numerical and test results from LINAC operations up to 24 MeV and discusses some of the federal energy limitations associated with cargo inspection.
Nuclear rainbows and heavy-ion scattering

Abstract We discuss refractive effects on scattering in the presence of strong absorption, and conclude that a residuum of a true nuclear rainbow has been seen only for light ions. Such a rainbow seems to be unlikely for heavy ions because of their stronger absorption. Nonetheless, the structureless falloff in angular distribution that has been observed in some heavy-ion measurements to follow a “Fraunhofer crossover” region of diffraction oscillations indicates that the farside scattering amplitude has become dominant at these larger angles. This “farside tail” itself is a refractive effect and its observation already carries important information on the optical potential.
MCM10: One tool for all—Integrity, maintenance and damage control

Minichromsome maintenance protein 10 (Mcm10) is an essential replication factor that is required for the activation of the Cdc45:Mcm2-7:GINS helicase. Mcm10's ability to bind both ds and ssDNA appears vital for this function. In addition, Mcm10 interacts with multiple players at the replication fork, including DNA polymerase-α and proliferating cell nuclear antigen with which it cooperates during DNA elongation. Mcm10 lacks enzymatic function, but instead provides the replication apparatus with an oligomeric scaffold that likely acts in the coordination of DNA unwinding and DNA synthesis. Not surprisingly, loss of Mcm10 engages checkpoint, DNA repair and SUMO-dependent rescue pathways that collectively counteract replication stress and chromosome breakage. Here, we review Mcm10's structure and function and explain how it contributes to the maintenance of genome integrity.
Surface Complexation Modeling of Copper Sorption by Hydrous Oxides of Iron and Aluminum

Surfacecomplexation models were used to simulate adsorption (ADS) and coprecipitation (CPT) of copper (Cu) by hydrous oxides of iron (HFO) and aluminum (HAO) over a range of pH and surface-loading conditions. The generalized two-layer model was satisfactory for two very different conditions: (1) low sorbate/sorbent ratios where metal-oxide interaction is adequately described as Cu(2+) coordination to surface functional groups and (2) under HFO-CPT conditions which result in extremely high adsorption site density (0.425 mol of sites/mol of Fe). As the sorbate/sorbent ratio is progressively increased, the models must account for metal hydrolysis and surface precipitate formation, and Cu interaction with both hydrous oxides could be fitted over a wide range of surface loadings using a comprehensive surface precipitation model. Similar mass law constants for sorption reactions were used for generalized two-layer and surface precipitation modeling, ADS and CPT conditions, and pH-edge and isotherm data. Corroborating sorption and spectroscopic evidence, modeling indicated that Cu precipitated on HAO, unlike HFO, has a markedly lower K(sp) than bulk precipitated Cu(OH)(2)(s). Results also suggest that enhanced Cu removal by CPT was not simply a manifestation of higher surface area. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.
Medical management of nasal polyps and sinusitis

Nasal polyps and sinusitis have come of age in the view of the allergist. Professional meetings, seminars, and abstracts abound related to nasal polyps and sinusitis. Allergy and immunology journals in the last decade have been replete with articles dealing with these subjects. The presence of sinusitis in some 31 million Americans, many of whom present to the allergist, mandates our interest and attention to this important entity.
Effects of Paper on Performance of Antibiotic-Impregnated Disks

Grades of paper used in the manufacture and assay of antibiotic susceptibility disks have significant effects on the diffusion of antibiotics from the paper when compared to a control grade of paper. The papers also evoke different microbiological responses to changing concentrations of some antibiotics. Regulatory implications and the need for further standardization of assays among control laboratories are explored. Grades of paper generally used for assay and control of susceptibility disks, on the other hand, appear to be comparable to each other in both respects.
Somatic Education: Gentle Exercises for Easier Movement

Somatic education offers the promise of freer and easier movement and enhanced body awareness through gentle exercises and/or body manipulation. This column explores Web resources that offer useful information for learning more about somatic education practices including the Alexander Technique, the Feldenkrais Method, and a few other key practices.
Pineal enzymes in chickens: development of daily rhythmicity.

Abstract Pineal serotonin N -acetyltransferase activity and HIOMT (hydroxyindole- O -methyl-transferase) activity were measured in chicks (White Leghorn Gallus domesticus ) over a period of 8 weeks from the day of hatching. The measurements were made at two time points on selected days: one time point was taken during the light portion of the birds' environmental lighting regime, the other point was taken during the dark portion (1000 and 1600, respectively, in an LD12 : 12 cycle with lights-off at 1200 and lights-on at 2400). There were no dramatic differences in HIOMT activity between the light and dark measurements on any day, though the enzyme activity rose steadily with age. Changes were always seen in N -acetyltransferase activity in light versus dark. Dark-time N -acetyltransferase activity was higher than light-time activity. This includes the initial exposure of the chicks to dark on day 2 after hatching. N -acetyltransferase activity was also measured in the pineal glands of chick embryos kept in LD12 : 12. In embryos incubated for 17 and 19 days the dark-time values for enzyme activity were almost twice the light-time values.
Ethnic variation in the size of infant at birth

The impact of ethnicity and other maternal factors (BMI, parity, glucose tolerance, gestational age) on the size of the infant at birth was investigated in a relatively low socioeconomic status, multi-ethnic population at San Francisco General Hospital. A sample of 2,069 infants born to mothers of black, non-Hispanic white, Hispanic, and Chinese descent and whose mothers had received prenatal care at San Francisco General Hospital were studied. Maternal size, pregnancy history, and blood glucose were determined prenatally at 26-28 weeks gestation. Anthropometry was performed on the infant within 72 hours of birth. Black and Chinese infants were the lightest in weight, while Hispanic infants were the heaviest. When correction was made for maternal factors black infants were shown to be significantly (P < .05) lighter in birth weight than non-Hispanic white, Chinese, or Hispanic infants. Black infants were also significantly shorter in birth length and smaller in chest circumference. Chinese infants had significantly (P < .05) greater adiposity, as indicated by the sum of skinfold measurements, than both black and Hispanic infants. These findings are relevant to current practices in neonatal growth categories which are determined solely by birth weight and do not account for variations in body composition. Comparisons with a relatively higher socioeconomic status sample from Kaiser-Permanente Hospital (Oakland) shows a similar prevalence of low birth weight among blacks. These results support other results that ethnicity is a major independent influence on the weight of the newborn.
Nanoelectronic circuits based on two-dimensional atomic layer crystals

Since the discovery of graphene and related forms of two-dimensional (2D) atomic layer crystals, numerous studies have reported on the fundamental material aspects, such as the synthesis, the physical properties, and the electrical properties on the transistor level. With the advancement in large-area synthesis methods, system level integration to exploit the unique applications of these materials is close at hand. The main purpose of this review is to focus on the current progress and the prospect of circuits and systems based on 2D material that go beyond the single-transistor level studies. Both analog and digital circuits based on graphene and related 2D atomic layer crystals will be discussed.
Determination of therapeutic and toxic concentrations of doxepin and loxapine using gas—liquid chromatography with a nitrogen-sensitive detector, and gas chromatography—mass spectrometry of loxapine

Abstract A gas—liquid chromatographic procedure is presented for the determination of therapeutic and toxic serum levels of doxepin and loxapine, using a nitrogen—phosphorus-sensitive detector. Amitriptyline is used as the internal standard. The method is accurate, sensitive and specific with no derivatization required prior to analysis. An advantage of the procedure is the small serum sample size needed for analysis and the selectivity and sensitivity of the detector, with the limit of detection being 3 and 2 μg/l for doxepin and loxapine, respectively. Nine cases of doxepin and loxapine misuse are presented. Serum doxepin concentrations ranged from 113 to 439 μg/l, with a loxapine concentration of 192 μg/l observed in one patient. The presence of the tricyclics was identified and confirmed by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry and the mass spectrum of loxapine is reported.
Lessons learned from the design and execution of a federation for joint experimentation

The Trailblazer military project was created to examine the application of a federation of simulations to joint experimentation. The paper reviews the lessons learned as the Federation Execution and Development Process was applied to the establishment of a federation in support of experimentation.
A reformulation-linearization method for the global optimization of large-scale mixed-integer linear fractional programming problems and cyclic scheduling application

Global optimization of large-scale mixed-integer linear fractional programs (MILFPs) could be computationally intractable due to the presence of discrete variables and the pseudoconvex/pseudoconcave objective function. In this paper, we propose a novel and efficient reformulation-linearization method, which integrates the Charnes-Cooper transformation and the Glover's linearization scheme, to transform general MILFPs into their equivalent mixed-integer linear programs (MILP), allowing MILFPs to be globally optimized effectively with MILP methods. A case study on the cyclic scheduling of multipurpose batch plant is demonstrated to illustrate the efficiency of this method. Computational results show that the proposed approach requires significantly shorter CPU times than various general-purpose MINLP methods and is comparable with the tailored Dinkelbach's algorithm for solving large-scale MILFP problems.
Unreinforced Concrete Masonry Walls Strengthened with CFRP Sheets and Strips under Pendulum Impact

Impact tests using drop-weight pendulum on nine 1.2-m-high full-scale concrete masonry block walls were conducted to investigate the out-of-plane impact behavior of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls externally strengthened with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Three strengthening schemes on one side of the wall were studied: continuous unidirectional and continuous woven sheets, discrete strips in a vertical pattern, and discrete strips in orthogonal and diagonal patterns. All walls were vertically positioned resting on a knife-edge support with one face leaning against two steel rollers close to the upper and lower edges of the wall. The impact load was applied at the wall center through a drop-weight pendulum impact tester with various drop heights. Test results revealed that using composite laminates or strips could significantly improve the impact performance of URM walls. The wall strengthened with continuous woven sheets performed better than the one with unidirectional sheet. With ...
Economics and Lighting Level Recommendations

The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America develops light level recommendations for tasks where visual performance is important. The 1959 and 1972 recommendations for illumination levels were based on the principle of delivering a fixed level of performance as predicted by the visual performance models of the time. This same principle is being considered for future revisions to the recommendations. There is currently no explicit method for determining whether a given fixed performance level is in any sense optimal or best. Visual performance increases with lighting levels, but so do economic and environmental costs. These costs lessen the economic benefits of the improved visual performance. A formal method for including these factors in light level recommendations is to restate the problem in terms of net benefits (benefits minus costs). The resulting equations have well defined optima versus light level, and thus give an explicit estimate of what the best lighting levels are in terms of current visual performance models, and current economic conditions. A simple net-benefit procedure is described, and sample calculations are shown for two current visual performance models. Fixed performance levels do not provide economically optimal recommendations with either model. There are also differences between models, but theymore » are less significant than the large differences between the principles of fixed performance levels and economic optimization.« less
Spatial variation of currents and fields due to localized scatterers in metallic conduction

Localized scatterers can be expected to give rise to spatial variations in the electric field and in the current distribution. The transport equation allowing for spatial variations is solved by first considering the homogeneous transport equation which omits electric fields. The homogeneous solution gives the purely diffusive motion of current carriers and involves large space charges. The electric field is then found, and approximate space charge neutrality is restored, by adding a particular solution of the transport equation in which the electric field is associated only with space charge but not with a current. The presence of point scatterers leads to a dipole field about each scatterer. The spatial average of a number of these dipole fields is the same as that obtained by the usual approach which does not explicitly consider the spatial variation. Infinite plane obstacles with a reflection coefficient r are also considered. These produce a resistance proportional to r/(1-r).
Preliminary Design of the Cruise, Entry, Descent, and Landing Mechanical Subsystem for MSL

Mars Science Laboratory is a scientific mission to the surface of Mars that would include a rover with 10 science instruments. In order to accomplish this mission, the rover must be transported from Earth to the Martian surface. The mechanical hardware that transports the rover is developed by the cruise, entry, descent, and landing (CEDL) mechanical subsystem team. This mechanical hardware includes the cruise stage structure, the aeroshell subsystem, the parachute deceleration subsystem, the descent stage structure, the bridle & umbilical device, and the pyro and separation devices that allow for the numerous separation events that occur in the EDL sequence. The key challenges for this system lie in the complex configuration (both geometric and subsystem accommodations), multiple unique load cases, and numerous separation events. This paper will describe the preliminary design and key challenges of each of these mechanical assemblies that comprise the CEDL mechanical subsystem.
Removal of basic dyes in binary system by adsorption using rarasaponin–bentonite: Revisited of extended Langmuir model

The preparation of organo-bentonite via microwave radiation using natural surfactant (i.e. rarasaponin) from the tropical soapfruit pericarps of Sapindus rarak was conducted in this work. The adsorption performance of bentonite and its modified form was studied for the removal of two dyes (i.e. methylene blue and malachite green) in single and binary systems. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to evaluate adsorption equilibrium data in single systems. From physical meaning interpretation of the model parameters, it was found that Langmuir model gave the best representation. A new approach in representing binary experimental isotherms with extended Langmuir model incorporating fractional surface coverage in 3D mesh plot was also verified. The results show that recently proposed modification of extended Langmuir model could be used to evaluate binary adsorption data well with reasonable fitted parameter value.
Androgen metabolism in the rhesus monkey

A mixture of 3H-testosterone (T) and 14C-4-androstene-3,17-dione (A) was injected intravenously into 2 (I and II) rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). A third monkey (III) was injected with 3H-T only. Urine and bile samples were collected at intervals for 6 hours following the injection. The excretion, conjugation and aglycone metabolites of the steroids injected were studied using these samples. Of the injected dose, animal I (male) excreted 32% 3H and 23% 14C in the bile and 30% 3H and 21% 14C in the urine in 6 hours. Animal II (female), however, had a comparatively higher biliary excretion (66% 3H, 40% 14C), but a urinary excretion (18% 3H, 13% 14C) comparable to that of animals I and III. The averages in the bile of the 3 animals were: unconjugated compounds 3%, glucosiduronates 78%, sulfates 9%, sulfoglucosiduronates 5% and disulfates 3%; and in urine, 5% unconjugated, 92% glucosiduronates and 3% sulfates. The aglycones obtained following hydrolysis were separated by chromatography on Lipidex 5000, further purified by thin layer and paper chromatography and identified by co-crystallization. The major matabolites from 3H-T were androsterone and 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol, whereas that from 14C-A was androsterone. Other metabolites identified were: etiocholanolone (3α-hydroxy-5β-androstan-17-one); T, epitestosterone (epi-T), (17α-hydroxy-4-androsten-3-one); epiandrosterone (3β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one) and 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol. The results indicate that while androgen metabolism in the rhesus monkey is similar to that of the baboon and human in conjugate and metabolite formation, the rate of excretion was significantly different, resembling more closely that of the baboon than the human.
Helper T cell requirements for T15 idiotype expression on phosphorylcholine‐specific antibodies

The requirement for idiotype-specific T Cells was investigated in the T15 idiotype- dominant T cell-dependent response of unprimed BALB/c and (BALB/c × C57BL/6)F1 B cells to phosphorylcholine (PC). It was first demonstrated that cloned keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-specific, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted T helper (Th) cells as well as heterogeneous KLH-primed Th populations were capable of generating PC-specific antibody responses in T-depleted unprimed B cell populations cultured in the presence of PC-KLH. The PC-binding antibody responses generated under these conditions were indistinguishable when assayed for carrier-hapten linkage requirements, immunoglobulin isotype (predominantly IgM) or PC affinity. Further, it was observed that the PC-binding antibodies which were generated in the presence of these two T cell populations expressed equivalently high levels of T15 idiotype. Assaying antibody and idiotype by either enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or plaque-forming cell assay yielded similar results. Since monoclonal MHC-restricted, KLH-specific Th cells presumably lack any additional T cell populations, these results argue against an absolute requirement for anti-idiotypic Th cells in the generation of T15-dominant antibody responses.
Effect of a commercial housing system on egg quality during extended storage

Egg producers in the United States are utilizing a variety of commercial egg production systems to provide consumer choice and meet legislative requirements. Consumer egg grades in the United States were developed for conventional cage production, and it is unclear what effect alternative production systems might have on egg quality during retail and consumer home storage. The current study was undertaken to determine what changes in egg quality characteristics occur during extended cold storage for commercially produced conventional cage, enriched colony cage, and cage-free aviary eggs. During 12 wk of cold storage, egg weight, albumen height, Haugh unit, static compression shell strength, vitelline membrane strength and deformation, yolk index, shell dynamic stiffness, and whole egg total solids were monitored. Overall, aviary and enriched eggs were significantly (P < 0.05) heavier than conventional cage. Albumen height and Haugh unit (P < 0.05) were significantly greater for conventional cage than enriched eggs. Static compression shell strength was greatest (P < 0.05) for enriched eggs compared with aviary. No overall housing system effects for yolk measurements, shell dynamic stiffness, or whole egg total solids were observed. Albumen height, Haugh unit, and yolk quality measurements were all greatest at 0 and lowest at 12 wk of storage (P < 0.05). The rate of quality change among the housing systems for each measured attribute at 4, 6, and 12 wk was determined. Other than differences in the change of egg weight at 4 wk, no significant differences in the rate of quality decline were found among the housing systems. The results of the current study indicate that current US egg quality standards should effectively define quality for commercially produced conventional cage, enriched colony cage, and cage-free aviary eggs.
Antifeedant discrimination thresholds for two populations of western corn rootworm

.Sensitivities to β-hydrastine, strychnine and picrotoxinin were compared between two populations of western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), differing in their susceptibility to cyclodiene insecticides. The antifeedants are antagonists of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neuroreceptors that may mediate gustation and, in the case of picrotoxinin, interact directly with the target site for cyclodiene insecticides. In combination with cucurbitacin B, a specific Diabroticite phagostimulant, cyclodiene-resistant beetles were two- to four-fold less sensitive to hydrastine and strychnine. The discrimination threshold for picrotoxinin was higher for resistant beetles; however, overall dose–response profiles were similar. Beetles were more sensitive to hydrastine and strychnine in combination with L-alanine, a general phagostimulant of less potency than cucurbitacin B. Dose–response slopes for the alkaloid-alanine combinations were double those of respective cucurbitacin B slopes, which indicates that phagostimulatory input from l-alanine was more negatively affected by the alkaloidal antifeedants than the respective cucurbitacin B treatments. Picrotoxinin sensitivity was similar in mixtures with either phagostimulant. Comparison of chemosensillum responses to strychnine was inconclusive. Results are discussed in context of GABA receptor pharmacology.
Full-Scale Fatigue Tests of Steel Orthotropic Decks for the Williamsburg Bridge

Final design of the replacement orthotropic deck panels for the rehabilitation of the Williamsburg Bridge in New York City was based on laboratory fatigue tests of a full-scale prototype and an as-built orthotropic deck panel carried out at Lehigh University in the latter 1990s. The tests focused on determining and comparing the fatigue resistance of two different welded rib-to-diaphragm connection details that were recommended in the 1994 AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and an alternative proposed by Steinman. The test on the prototype panel demonstrated that the fatigue resistance of the alternative detail was superior and influenced additional design changes that were incorporated into the replacement panels installed on the southern inner and outer roadways. Subsequent tests on the as-built panel further confirmed that the fatigue resistance of the alternative detail was superior and demonstrated that the additional design changes were also beneficial. Static and dynamic tests revealed the complex behavior of the orthotropic deck panels and demonstrated the effectiveness of retrofit and repair options at cracked connections. An assessment of fatigue resistance based on fracture mechanics models provided theoretical correlation. This research has led to the revision of design specifications for steel orthotropic decks first provided in the 2000 Interim AASHTO LRFD Specifications.
The art of community transformation

Apres avoir brievement resume l'evolution de la societe americaine en decrivant tout particulierement la regression des interactions sociales intra-communautaires ainsi que celle des echanges sociaux, l'auteur souligne l'importance des projets communautaires associatifs artistiques dans l'optique d'une transformation de ces liens et une inversion de ces tendances sociales.
Absorbing boundary conditions for time harmonic wave propagation in discretized domains

While many successful absorbing boundary conditions (ABCs) are developed to simulate wave propagation into unbounded domains, most of them ignore the effect of interior discretization and result in spurious reflections at the artificial boundary. We tackle this problem by developing ABCs directly for the discretized wave equation. Specifically, we show that the discrete system (mesh) can be stretched in a non-trivial way to preserve the discrete impedance at the interface. Similar to the perfectly matched layers (PML) for continuous wave equation, the stretch is designed to introduce dissipation in the exterior, resulting in a PML-type ABC for discrete media. The paper includes detailed formulation of the new discrete ABC, along with the illustration of its effectiveness over continuous ABCs with the help of error analysis and numerical experiments. For time-harmonic problems, the improvement over continuous ABCs is achieved without any computational overhead, leading to the conclusion that the discrete ABCs should be used in lieu of continuous ABCs.
IL-1β-mediated neuropeptide and immediate early gene mRNA induction is defective in Lewis hypothalamic cell cultures

We previously found that Lewis (LEW/N) hypothalamic cells respond to interleukin-1β (IL-1β) with reduced corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) peptide synthesis and secretion compared to Fischer (F344/N) cells. To investigate whether this peptide hyporesponsiveness in LEW/N cells is secondary to their deficient mRNA expression, temporal mRNA expression patterns of CRH, AVP, and several hypothalamic neuropeptides induced by IL-1β in LEW/N and F344/N hypothalamic dissociated cell cultures were delineated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying neuropeptide mRNA induction in cells of both strains, temporal mRNA expression patterns of immediate early genes (IEGs) and several signal transduction-associated molecules were also examined. We found that LEW/N hypothalamic cells were hyporesponsive to IL-1β induction of neuropeptide and IEG mRNA, while LEW/N cells transcribed more IL-1 receptor and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) compared to F344N/N cells, suggesting that LEW/N and F344/N hypothalamic cells are differentially activated by IL-1β.
Primary mucosal melanoma of the head and neck. Comparison of clinical presentation and histopathologic features of oral and sinonasal melanoma

We reviewed all cases of head and neck mucosal melanomas (HNMM) treated at Emory University and affiliated hospitals during a 20 year period and evaluate overall survival, recurrences and efficacy of treatment. Comparisons were made between sinonasal melanoma (SNM) and oral cavity melanoma (OCM) including clinical features, histopathologic features, treatment, and clinical outcomes. We analyzed pathologic features and clinical outcomes of 22 cases of primary SNM and eight cases of OCM treated at Emory University Hospital between 1986 and 2006. Sixteen patients were stage I (53%), nine patients were stage II (30%) and five patients were stage III (17%). Mean age was 67.5 years with a range from 32 to 85 years. Sixty percent were men and 92% were white. The average follow-up time was 22.1 months and the median was 15.5 months. The average delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 5.6 months. Patients with SNM had a lower incidence of nodal metastasis at initial presentation when compared with OCM (22% vs. 50%) (p<.08). Surgical resection was the primary treatment and was performed in 27/30 patients (90%). Two patients with SNM and 1 patient with OCM, because of advanced stage at diagnosis had no treatment. Radiation was used in 50% (15) of the patients and radiation as postoperative therapy was administered to 44.8% (13) of the patients. The combination of surgery, radiation and adjuvant therapy was administered to 39.2% (11/2 8) of the patients. The recurrence rate at the time of closing this study was 43.3% (13 patients) with a mean time for development of recurrences of 13.1 months. Twenty-five patients (83%) died during the course of this study. Nineteen deaths (82%) corresponded to patients with SNM and six deaths (75%) to patients with OCM. The overall survival mean time was 21 months (median 12.5) with a range between 1 and 143 months. The 1, 2, 3, and 5 year survival rate for this study was 53.3%, 40%, 15% and 10%, respectively. The oral cavity was the location for the two patients still alive after 5 years. Although survival time correlated with Stage, particularly Stage 1, this was not statistically significant. Survival time did not correlate with surgery or adjuvant therapy. Statistically significant differences were noted between the pathologic features of OCM and SNM. These significant pathologic differences did not correlate with disease specific survival: OCM and SNM (median survival, 17 months vs. 12 months). Mucosal melanoma of the head and neck is a rare entity. Unfortunately, most patients present with advanced local disease. Local, regional recurrences and distant metastasis still occur despite the implementation of aggressive treatment, including surgery, radiation and adjuvant therapy. Despite significant pathologic differences between SNM and OCM, no survival advantage was seen.
A Study of Collagen Crimp Pattern in the Bovine Anterior and Posterior Medial Meniscal Horn Attachments

Menisci are fibrocartilagenous structures located between the femoral condyles and tibial plateau that aid in joint lubrication and stability in the knee joint. Previous experimental and theoretical studies have shown that the meniscal horn attachments, which serve as the transition from mensical fibrocartilage into subchondral bone, are important for proper meniscal function [1–3]. Meniscal attachments did not show significant differences in surface mechanical properties such as ultimate strain or moduli, however, there were significant differences in overall behavior of the anterior versus posterior attachments [4]. No significant differences in creep or stress relaxation properties were found between the different meniscal attachments [5].Copyright © 2007 by ASME