cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Topological analysis of level sets and its use in data visualization

Data visualization techniques use computational modeling and rendering methods to aid scientific discovery. The data is often volumetric and arises from various 3D imaging modalities. Time-varying volumetric data also arises as a result of various time-varying computational simulations. The data analysis involves identification, extraction, and quantitative analysis of features present in data, which are often represented as isosurfaces (i.e. level sets). This dissertation is focused on analyzing level sets topology in each of the processes to augment accuracy and functionality of visualization. We use contour trees as our main topological tool. The contour tree has been used to compute the topology of isosurfaces, generate a minimal seed set for accelerated isosurface extraction, and additionally provides a user interface to segment individual contour components in a scalar field. As one of the main contributions of our dissertation, we extend the benefits of contour trees to the analysis of time-varying data. We define temporal correspondence of contour components, and describe an algorithm to compute the correspondence information with time dependent contour trees. A graph representing the topology changes of time-varying isosurfaces is constructed in real-time for any selected isovalue using the precomputed correspondence information. Quantitative properties such as surface area and volume of contour components are computed and labelled on the graph. This topology change graph helps users to detect significant topological and geometric changes in time-varying isosurfaces. The graph is also used as an interactive user interface to segment, track and visualize the evolution of any selected contour components over time. The accurate construction of contour trees usually requires the data to be defined over a tetrahedral mesh of the domain. Most scalar volumetric data are very often defined over a rectilinear grid. Based on an analysis of level set topology of trilinear functions, the second contribution of my thesis is a procedure to decompose a rectilinear grid cell into a set of tetrahedra with the property that the level sets topology is preserved through the decomposition. General visualization algorithms that require scalar data to be defined on a tetrahedral grid utilize this technique to process trilinear functions on 3D rectilinear data, with topological preservation. The final part of my dissertation addresses the problem of triangular and tetrahedral mesh extraction from volumetric data. I focus specifically on generating a manifold mesh with correct trilinear topology. That is directly applicable to multi-resolution meshing of level sets of 3D imaging and time-varying simulation data.
Heterogenous Macromolecular Contributions to Early Mouse Embryo Development. (in vitro culture/mouse embryos/abnormal development/growth factors/inductors)

Mouse embryos have been cultured for more than one half of its gestation period by providing sera from definite species of animals as the inducer at the proper stage of development. The processes of normal development at four different but discrete phases have been described. (1) Fertilized ovum (stage 1) is able to grow up to denuded blastocyst stage and attaches to the culture dish (stage 7) in balanced salt solution with bovine serum albumin as the sole macromolecule. (2) Embryoblast or inner cell mass (ICM) of denuded blastocyst (stage 7) is able to develop in fetal calf serum (FCS), human placenta cord serum (FCS), or sera from mouse (MS), rat (RS) or rabbit (RbS) to the early cylinder stage (stage 11). (3) The early egg cylinder stage (stage 11) of mouse embryo is able to grow in HCS and RS, but not in FCS nor RbS, to the stage of early somite stage (stage 15). (4) Beyond early somite stage (stage 15), mouse embryo is able to develop neural tissues in rat serum. The macromolecular nature of these growth factors in serum has been described (Hsu, 1980). It indicates that the differential biological activity which induces the early mouse embryogenesis among the sera from different animal species is due to the various degree of sequence homology between the growth factor family among the different species of animals.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists: an online survey

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate the rates and characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in physical therapists (PTs) according to their specialty and setting. Method: Participants completed an online questionnaire including 15 demographic questions, 7 work-related and 8 injury-related questions for 9 different body parts. Results: Complete responses were obtained from 121 PTs; 96% reported MSD symptoms during the previous 12 months, 64% affecting at least 3 body parts. The body parts with the highest prevalence of symptoms were the low back (66%) and the neck (61%). For PTs specialized in acute care, geriatrics and pediatrics, the body part most commonly affected was the low back, while for PTs specialized in orthopedics and neurology, the body part most commonly affected was the neck. Regarding work settings, the low back was the most commonly affected for PTs working in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics and hospitals, and the neck in PTs working in academic and home health settings. ...
The organic chemical composition of the ocean surface

Abstract Samples were collected under various oceanographic conditions from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the Gulf of Lower California, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Bay of Panama to determine the surface-active chloroform-soluble components present in the sea surface. The chloroform-soluble organic constituents were isolated from these samples and were analyzed by various gas chromatographic techniques. The major chloroform-soluble organic constituents of the sea are fatty esters, free fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and hydrocarbons. A fraction of the isolated components may be products of the biological organisms contained in the sampled sea water. The chemical classes found are general to all areas sampled, but specific differences within these classes exist from one location to another. Thus, the distribution of fatty acids and alcohols varies according to meteorological and oceanographic conditions prevalent at a articular location. A competition for adsorption sites exists at the surface between the various chemical species. The higher molecular weight and less water-soluble fatty acids and alcohols are the most surface-active and likely to be found adsorbed at the surface while the more water-soluble or less surface-active entities are forced out of the surface by the fatty material when competitive adsorptive processes occur.
Working with the institutionalized aged and their families: Considerations for clergy

The institutionalization of an aged parent presents unique challenges and strains to the family system. It also provides opportunities for limited intervention and support by empathic clergy. It is often difficult for middle-aged children to understand some of the strong and often sudden emotions they experience regarding their institutionalized parents, particularly as these feelings become confused with their own sense of having reached middle age. Again, opportunities present themselves for clergy to be sensitive to these confusing feelings.
Improving the Safety, Scalability, and Efficiency of Network Function State Transfers

Several frameworks have been proposed to orchestrate the transfer of internal state between network function (NF) instances. Unfortunately, these frameworks suffer from safety, efficiency, and scalability problems due to their excessive use of packet buffering. We propose two novel enhancements, packet reprocessing and peer-to-peer transfers, to address these issues. We show these enhancements reduce the average per-packet latency overhead by up to 92% and state transfer times by up to 70%.
MHC-chromosome dosage effects: evidence for increased expression of Ia glycoprotein and alteration of B cell subpopulations in neonatal aneuploid chickens.

Quantitative variation in the expression of MHC-encoded class II (Ia) glycoproteins has been associated with stages of lymphocyte development and a number of disease conditions. We have used an avian MHC dosage model to study the regulation of Ia expression and the effects of quantitative variation in membrane Ia on B-cell development. Lymphocyte membrane expression of Ia glycoprotein molecules and the frequency of small-versus-large lymphocytes were examined in trisomic line chickens containing either two (disomic), three (trisomic), or four (tetrasomic) copies of the microchromosome encoding the MHC. This was accomplished by quantitative laser flow cytometry analysis of bursa-resident B lymphocytes from neonatal trisomic line chickens. The aneuploids (trisomics and tetrasomics) expressed more cell surface Ia than did normal disomic birds. Furthermore, the aneuploids exhibited a greater frequency of small B lymphocytes as compared to disomic chickens. Dual parameter analysis of Ia. quantity and cell size was undertaken to study B lymphocyte subpopulations in these birds. It was observed that the aneuploids had altered frequencies of two distinct subpopulations of cells: (1) an increased percentage of small cells which express high levels of Ia antigen and (2) a decreased percentage of large cells which express medium levels of Ia antigen. These findings support the view that MHC class II genes are regulated and expressed in a dosage-dependent manner. Therefore, increases in the number of MHC copies per cell result in the increased expression of Ia glycoprotein on bursa-resident B cells. The stepwise increase in membrane Ia on trisomic and tetrasomic B cells is correlated, and perhaps casually linked, with progressive degrees of alteration of developing B cell subpopulations in the bursa of aneuploid chicks. These events may ultimately alter the humoral immunity of the aneuploid animals.
Integrated Software for a Macromolecular Crystallography Synchrotron Beamline

A package of software has been produced for the operation of the synchrotron beamline X12-C at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Years of observing common user mistakes has enabled the production of software that reduces user errors significantly. Users of the beamline communicate with all the experimental apparatus, including both the data-collection equipment and the beamline components, including the monochromator, through an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI). Important features of the system are (1) its modularity, so that different underlying programs or different apparatus can be incorporated easily; (2) its ease of use, minimizing both user errors and training effort; and (3) that most of the experimental operations and parameters are logged automatically, again minimizing errors and facilitating more-or-less automatic reduction of the data. Features of the software are useful enough to have been incorporated into operations at other synchrotron beamlines.
Effect of Tire Wear on Wear Rate

Abstract A question arises as to whether the wear rate of tires is constant under constant conditions and whether the tread life of tires may therefore be projected by linear extrapolation from low mileage tests. A second question arises as to whether commercially produced tires are uniform enough to serve as monitors of environmental change. A third question concerns the specific method of estimating the wear rate. This paper reports the results of experiments conducted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration test course designed to supply data relating to these questions. Regression of average groove depth against mileage for each of 27 tires gave a straight line which accounted for over 99% of the variability with a standard deviation of about 2 mils. Tread life projected from a 6400‐mile (10 300‐km) test gave on the average the same tread life as projected at higher mileages. A bias tire built under stringent quality control specifications and the radial tire selected for monitoring envi...
Some temporal factors in the successive comparison of auditory amplitudes.

Under certain conditions the discrimination of successively presented auditory amplitudes appears to be primarily a function of the time intervals between stimulus onsets rather than of either the duration of the stimulus or the silent interval between the tones (interstimulus interval). The results of this study are interpreted in terms of a model containing an acquisition process which continues for a set interval (about 600 msec) subsequent to the onset of the stimulus, even if stimulus offset occurs prior to this time. The onset of another stimulus during this period terminates acquisition. The model also includes a memory process which does not start until acquisition is complete.
Probing RNA Hairpins with Cobalt(III)hexammine and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

In this work, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) was employed to study the interactions of cobalt(III) hexammine, Co(NH3)6(3+), with five RNA hairpins representing the 790 loop of 16S ribosomal RNA and 1920 loop of 23S ribosomal RNA. The RNAs varied in mismatch identity (G.U versus A.C) and level of base modification (pseudouridine versus uridine). Co(NH3)6(3+) binding was observed with the four RNA hairpins that contained a G.U wobble pair in the stem region. ESI MS revealed 1:1 and 1:2 complex formation with all RNAs. Weaker binding was observed with the fifth RNA hairpin that contained an A.C wobble pair in the stem region. The effects of pH on Co(NH3)6(3+) binding were also examined.
Confidence intervals for the slope of a regression line when the error term has nonconstant variance

Nanayakkara and Cressie (1991) suggest a general approach to computing a confidence interval for the slope in the usual regression model when the error term has nonconstant variance. Their simulations for the case of a single predictor indicate that when the predictor has fixed values that are equally spaced, and the error term is normal with variance a function of the predictor variable, their method provides fairly accurate probability coverage. This paper extends their results by considering the case where the predictor is a random variable, and where both the predictor and error term have nonnormal distributions. Four bootstrap methods are also considered. Only one of the methods considered in this paper gives reasonably accurate probability coverage for all the situations considered in the simulations. It is based on a modified percentile-bootstrap technique.
The effect of whole-tree harvest on phosphorus cycling in a northern hardwood forest

A small watershed ecosystem at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire was whole-tree harvested in the dormant season; all trees greater than 10 cm diameter were removed. This harvest removed 50 kg P/ha, five times more P than the bole-only clearcut of an adjacent watershed. The P content of branches and twigs was nearly twice that of stem wood and bark, which contributed to the intensity of P removal. The amount of P removed in harvest was small compared to total P in the mineral soil (1600 kg/ha) but large compared to the pools of P in the living vegetation (70 kg/ha) and the forest floor (85 kg/ha). Negligible P was lost in streamwater and sediment (0.2 kg P/ha over 3 years), although export of other nutrients increased dramatically. Although leaching of P from the forest floor to the mineral soil in the first 2 years after logging was higher in harvested sites than in undisturbed forest, the increase in P leaching (0.7 kg P/(ha yr)) was much less than the estimated decrease in P uptake from the forest floor (4.8 kg/(ha yr)), suggesting a 70% decline in net P mineralization in the forest floor. Even in areas where P uptake by regrowing vegetation was quite high, calculated net P mineralization was 40% lower in the first 2 years of growth than in the undisturbed forest. Revegetation was rapid: in the first 2 years after logging, P in biomass had accumulated to 3% of the uncut forest; uptake was 12% of that in the uncut forest. Whether intensive biomass removals could induce P deficiency in future rotations is unknown.
SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND SURFACE REACTIVITY OF TUNGSTEN CARBIDE (WC) PVD FILMS

Phase-pure tungsten carbide (WC) and Pt-modified WC thin films have been synthesized using the physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique. The physical and chemical properties of the PVD films have been studied using high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), and near edge X-ray adsorption fine structure (NEXAFS). TPD and HREELS have been utilized to investigate the reactivity of the WC and Pt-modified WC films toward the reaction with cyclohexene. The addition of Pt on the WC surface enhances the selective dehydrogenation pathway to produce gas phase benzene. The results reported here illustrate the feasibility of utilizing TPD and HREELS to investigate the surface chemistry of well-characterized PVD films.
Separation of “primary” and “secondary” B12 binders in human gastric juice by paper electrophoresis at low pH

Abstract Paper-electrophoretic separation of intrinsic factor-related “primary” and “secondary” B12 binders in pooled normal human gastric juice was achieved by using Teorell-Stenhagen buffers of pH 4.0–5.0, at which pH the “primary” binder moves to the cathode, while the “secondary” one travels to the anode. The isoelectric point of the “primary” binder is about pH 5.5, while that of the “secondary” one is pH 2.5–3.0. The electrophoretic mobility of none of the major carbohydrate-, proteinor peptide-nondialyzable components of gastric juice correlates with that of the “primary” or “secondary” B12 binders when run on electrophoresis in the pH range of from 2.5 to 10.0. This supports previous conclusions that none of the major components of gastric juice resolved by paper electrophoresis represents the intrinsic factor-related B12 binders.
Synchrotron radiation coronary angiography with a dual-beam, dual-detector imaging system

Abstract This is a study of the use of a dual-beam, dual-detector synchrotron radiation system for transvenous coronary angiography in a human subject. This system eliminates the need for rapid beam switching, increases X-ray fluence by a factor of about 2.5, and makes it possible to record high- and low-energy images simultaneously, thus excluding artifacts arising from time subtraction. Besides coronary angiography, it may be possible to image the vertebral-basilar arterial circulation with this system.
A high-throughput chemotaxis assay for pharmacological characterization of chemokine receptors: Utilization of U937 monocytic cells.

Introduction: Higher-throughput chemotaxis assays have had limited use in chemokine receptor pharmacology studies mainly because of the unavailability of optimal assay formats in addition to an incompatibility of chemotactic cell backgrounds with other pharmacological assays. Here, we developed a high-throughput 96-well chemotaxis assay for leukocytic cell lines and identified the human U937 monocytic line as an excellent cell background for both chemotaxis and the high-throughput calcium mobilization Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR) assay. Methods: Optimal chemotactic conditions were developed using the Neuroprobe MBA96 nondisposable and the Millipore MultiScreen-MIC disposable apparatuses with responses to CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)-4 endogenously expressed on the human H9 T lymphoma line, and confirmed with Jurkat T cell and U937 monocytic cell lines. Results: The U937 cell line was chosen for site-directed mutagenesis studies with CC chemokine receptor (CCR)-7 because this cell line did not endogenously express this receptor, it demonstrated a good chemotaxis index, and it showed an exceptional ability to mobilize calcium measured via FLIPR. Using the Millipore MultiScreen-MIC and FLIPR assays, alanine substitutions at K130 and Q227 caused threefold shifts in potency for the CCR7 ligand, CCL19, whereas that at K137 had no effect. Discussion: Because these CCR7 mutations have previously been shown not to affect ligand binding, our results here show that these residues are specifically involved in receptor activation signals critical to chemotaxis and underscore the importance of using the U937 cell background to confirm results of chemotaxis with those of the FLIPR assay.
High-Resolution 4.7 Micron Keck/NIRSPEC Spectroscopy of the CO Emission from the Disks Surrounding Herbig Ae Stars

We explore the high-resolution (λ/Δλ = 25,000; Δv = 12 km s^(-1)) M-band (4.7-5.1 μm) spectra of several disk-dominated Herbig Ae (HAe) systems: AB Aur, MWC 758, MWC 480, HD 163296, and VV Ser. All five objects show ^(12)CO v = 1-0 emission lines up to J = 42, but there is little or no evidence of moderate-J, v = 2-1 transitions despite their similar excitation energies. AB Aur shows ^(13)CO emission as well. The line/continuum ratios and intensity profiles are well correlated with inclination, and they trace collisionally driven emission from the inner disk (R_(th) ≾ 0.5-1 AU) as well as resonance fluorescence to much larger radii (R_(hν) ≾ 50-100 AU for J ≾ 10). The temperature, density, and radiation field profiles required to fit the CO emission are in good agreement with models of HAe disks derived from their spectral energy distributions. High-resolution and high dynamic range infrared spectroscopy of CO, and future observations of less abundant species, thus provide direct access to the physicochemical properties and surface structure of disks in regions where planet formation likely occurs.
Wavelet Analysis of Electrochemical Noise Data

Abstract In this study, localized corrosion (pitting) was induced on identical electrodes of ASTM A516 steel in an electrochemical cell to produce electrochemical noise (EN) data. These EN data were examined then using wavelet analysis (WA) to determine if WA could be used to identify clearly the presence of pitting corrosion and its onset. It was found that, under pitting corrosion conditions, there was no high-frequency energy contribution seen, but there was an energy contribution of the low-frequency crystals. Additionally, visual time domain examination of the crystals produced by WA shows the individual contributions made by each frequency range toward events in the original signal. This allows for the identification of the onset and termination of pitting corrosion in this system.
Exchange stiffness, magnetization, and spin waves in cubic and hexagonal phases of cobalt.

We utilize Brillouin light scattering to investigate the magnetic properties of the hexagonal-close-packed as well as the body- and face-centered cubic phases of elemental cobalt stabilized as thin epilayers. Expressions for the dependence of the surface and bulk magnons on applied magnetic field and in-plane propagation direction yield the exchange stiffness constant D, saturation magnetization M, and magnetic anisotropy fields of the cobalt atoms synthesized in these distinct crystal structures. Estimates of D and M are also calculated from the electronic band structure for the different crystalline phases. Satisfactory agreement is found between theory and experiment. The implications of these results towards our understanding of magnetic properties of itinerant ferromagnets are discussed. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Inhibition of mitosis in fertilized sea urchin eggs by inhibition of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

Inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity by microinjection of a specific physiologic protein inhibitor into sea urchin eggs inhibits the first cleavage after fertilization. Inhibition apparently occurs at some time prior to or during formation of the mitotic spindle. Measurement of the total protein kinase activity of sea urchin egg homogenates after fertilization showed that cAMP-dependent phosphorylation increases after fertilization and then declines prior to or at the time of the first cleavage. It is concluded that a cAMP-dependent phosphorylation plays a significant role in events leading to regulation of mitotic spindle assembly.
Voiding urosonography with US contrast agent for the diagnosis of vesicoureteric reflux in children: an update

Voiding urosonography (VUS) entails the intravesical administration of US contrast agent (USCA) for the diagnosis of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR). VUS is now recognized as a practical, safe, radiation-free modality with comparable or higher sensitivity than direct radionuclide cystography (DRNC) and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), respectively. An extensive review of the literature regarding both the procedural aspects and comparative diagnostic values of VUS has been published (Darge Pediatr Radiol 38:40-63, 2008a, b). The aim of this review is to provide an update on various facets of VUS that have taken place since the publication of the above-mentioned two reviews.
On the quantum conditions in field theory — IV

We apply the covariant functional formalism to the Feynman-Gell-Mann spinorial equation. We extend the first order approximation of the W.K.B. method to field theory, giving the corresponding quantum conditions. Applying these results to free fields, we find a relationship between various quantum numbers in field theory. For coupled fields we find indications for a further treatment of the problem.
The Charlop-Atwell Scale of Motor Coordination: A Quick and Easy Assessment of Young Children

The Charlop-Atwell Scale of Motor Coordination was designed to meet the need for a quick and easily used measure of some aspects of gross motor coordination of children between the ages of 4 and 6 years. The scale was provisionally standardized on 201 children who were sampled across age, sex, race and income level. It is short, relatively simple for school teachers and researchers to administer, and does not require special equipment. The scale contains a subjective subtest, based on quality of performance, in addition to an objective subtest based on accuracy of performance. Results show a developmental trend, high test-retest and interobserver reliability, and strong external validity.
What role for ultrasound in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compressive neuropathy in the upper limb with a prevalence of 3–5% in the general population and a cost exceeding $500 million annually in the USA.1 ,2 It significantly impacts upon quality of life, and especially on a person's ability to do manual labour or any task involving repetitive wrist movement. The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is currently clinical and through an electrodiagnostic evaluation that includes nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography.2 Nerve conduction measurements include peak latencies, conduction velocities and amplitudes of motor, sensory and mixed nerve responses, providing information as to the likely localisation and severity of a median neuropathy. In particular, comparing median with ulnar mixed nerve palmar responses is highly sensitive, as these fibres are affected early.3 The addition of needle electromyography helps to assess for cervical radiculopathy, proximal median neuropathy or polyneuropathy, as well as identifying axonal loss; it helps especially if the presenting symptoms are atypical. Identifying axonal loss influences clinical management as it suggests the need to bypass conservative therapy and proceed to surgical release. The disadvantages of electrodiagnostic studies are their cost, the inability to assess the surrounding anatomy and patient discomfort.2 While such studies are largely considered as the gold standard for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome, they can be …
Isolation, characterization and chromosomal localization of the porcine ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) gene

In the mouse, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) maintains embryonic stem cells in an undifferentiated state; yet, the heterologous protein has no similar effects on porcine embryonic stem (ES) cells. Consequently, we cloned and sequenced the porcine CNTF gene and assigned it to chromosome 2. The CNTF gene was found to contain two exons, which encoded a deduced polypeptide of 200 amino acids in length with 83%, 82%, 82% and 81% amino acid similarity when compared to known sequences in the rabbit, rat, human and mouse, respectively. Eight non-conservative amino acid changes were identified in the porcine protein when compared with other species. Comparison of the 5' region of the porcine CNTF and other mammalian cytokines indicated the presence of several conserved transcription-factor binding motifs, suggesting their importance for controlling the specific expression of these proteins. In addition, CNTF was localized to porcine chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Chromosome arm length ratios were calculated for 40 early metaphase chromosomes and 32 (80%) indicated that the pig CNTF gene is located on chromosome 2p1.6. This was confirmed by aligning R-banded FISH-labelled chromosomes to the standard porcine ideogram.
Enhanced detection of m-xylene using a preconcentrator with a chemiresistor sensor

Abstract Chemiresistor chemical microsensors are being investigated as a tool for environmental monitoring. These devices can provide real-time in situ chemical concentration data for solvent-contaminated sites of interest. Detection limits of an unaided chemiresistor, however, are typically in the range of 1/1000th of the saturated vapor pressure of a given analyte, which may not be sufficient for chemicals with high vapor pressures and low desired detection limits. Tests were conducted in this study to determine the response of a chemiresistor sensor to m -xylene with and without preconcentration. Results showed that by adding a microfabricated preconcentrator to a chemiresistor sensor, detection limits of m -xylene were decreased by more than two orders of magnitude, from 13.5 ppm to 61.8 ppb, without significantly increasing the complexity of the sensing system.
A Mixed-Mode Combustion Model for Large-Eddy Simulation of Diesel Engines

Present technologies of diesel engine combustion involve various operating conditions that can lead to a broad spectrum of combustion regimes. Existing combustion models for diesel engines usually lack universality across combustion regimes. In this study, a mixed-mode combustion model was developed to cover the major regimes pertaining to diesel engine combustion. The model uses kinetically controlled, quasi-steady homogeneous, quasi-steady flamelet, and partially premixed combustion modes. The combustion regime is identified locally by two combustion indices based on the local chemical and mixing conditions. The combustion model takes advantage of mixing details provided by large-eddy simulation. The model was tested over a wide range of engine conditions including conventional diesel-type and low-temperature combustion operating conditions. The model results compared well with experimental data and exhibited strength in both universality and computational efficiency.
MIMO capacity for realistic wireless communications environments

With the growing interest in implementing wireless communication systems based on MIMO, it is important that the capacity of such a system be evaluated in typical and realistic propagation environments. The paper describes an FDTD simulation procedure for calculating MIMO capacity in some typical propagation environments, including transmission through windows and metal-framed structures, communications through tree canopies, and accounting for the walls of complex structures. Scattering and diffraction effects from metal frames, complex walls, and leaves of trees result in complex field distributions which are expected to cause varying fading characteristics and hence affect the estimation of the MIMO capacity. It is shown that scattering and diffraction effects may increase the MIMO capacity when compared with those cases based on uniform solid walls.
TWO TALES OF A CITY: Economic Restructuring and Uneven Economic Development in a Former Company Town

: In January 1988, Chrysler Corporation announced it would close its Kenosha assembly plant. Community leaders and residents feared economic catastrophe, A year later, despite the social costs of the shutdown, many of the same leaders were proclaiming Kenosha a boomtown. This paper examines the uneven development in Kenosha and explores the ideological assumptions behind current initiatives as well as the social costs. Public policies of other communities facing similar problems are summarized. The authors suggest alternative strategies that might prove useful in the Kenosha case.
A common equation of state?—LiF, NaF, NaCl, NaI

Summary It has been exhibited that four alkali halides with the NaCl structure have a common reduced equation of state. We remark that it would be most useful indeed to extend the primary shock data to those other Li and Na halides which do not show a phase transformation under pressure to see if this observation holds up. If such a program were to be undertaken it probably would be better to express the primary data directly in terms of a reduced Hugoniot if possible, so that assumptions which must be made in translating the shock data to an isothermal equation of state could be omitted. We also should like to remark that this paper emphasized the fact that it would be most useful if equation of state data were expressed and plotted in reduced form and, when the circumstances allow, in composite form by the original investigators as Bernardes and Swenson [9] have done previously for the rare gases and the alkali metals.
Lentiviral Vectors Nano-Engineered with ‘Marker of Self’ CD47 to avoid Immune Surveillance

Macrophages and dendritic cells take up foreign microbes from the circulation and other tissues and often present microbial components to the adaptive immune system. Uptake of viruses including Lentiviral Vectors (LVs) by macrophages not only makes viral delivery inefficient, but also contributes to an unwanted immune response to vector components as well as delivered gene products. Macrophage uptake of micron-size particles and cells is inhibited by CD47 display on the surface of target particles by an interaction with macrophage receptor SIRPa. A novel LV was engineered to present an oriented human CD47-GFP fusion protein on the vector envelope with the aim of reducing uptake by macrophages without affecting transduction of other cells – which is indeed demonstrated. While fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, and western blotting confirm that virus as well as the producing cells indeed express CD47-GFP, the key physical question is whether virus displays CD47-GFP in the proper orientation. AFM-coupled nano-fluorescence imaging of viral vectors displaying envelope CD47 demonstrated colocalization of the GFP tagged protein with acridine orange stained RNA, and AFM imaging also showed viral vectors were rigid and quasi-spherical, ranging in diameter from 100 to 300 nanometers as expected. Kinetics of lentiviral vector binding specifically to anti-CD47 coverslips established the proper orientation of CD47-GFP on the viral surface. This result confirms the development of a novel lentiviral vector that properly displays CD47 to specifically minimize macrophage uptake and subsequent immune activation to virus.
Limited modulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by cyclic AMP in rat parotid acinar cells.

Abstract Treatment of rat parotid acinar cells, in vitro , with agents that elevate intracellular cAMP had only limited impact on the ability of EGF to subsequently stimulate MAP kinase activity or phosphorylation. A time course of cAMP accumulation following in vivo administration of isoproterenol showed the greatest level of cAMP 15 min following the primary injection. Over a 72 hr injection regimen, agonist-stimulated cAMP levels were gradually reduced to control levels while cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) activity in immunoprecipitates of Raf-1 or MAP-kinase remained elevated. Raf-1 did not undergo phosphorylation following incubation with the catalytic subunit of PKA, suggesting that in normal rat acinar cells proliferation induced by isoproterenol or EGF involves the p21 ras -Raf-MAP-kinase signaling cascade despite the presence of cAMP.
Tomatoes versus lycopene in oxidative stress and carcinogenesis: conclusions from clinical trials.

Tomatoes versus lycopene in oxidative stress and carcinogenesis: conclusions from clinical trials
De novo discovery of serotonin N-acetyltransferase inhibitors.

Serotonin N-acetyltransferase (arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, AANAT) is a member of the GCN5 N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily and catalyzes the penultimate step in the biosynthesis of melatonin; a large daily rhythm in AANAT activity drives the daily rhythm in circulating melatonin. We have used a structure-based computational approach to identify the first drug-like and selective inhibitors of AANAT. Approximately 1.2 million compounds were virtually screened by 3D high-throughput docking into the active site of X-ray structures for AANAT and in total 241 compounds were tested as inhibitors. One compound class, containing a rhodanine scaffold, exhibited low micromolar competitive inhibition against acetyl-CoA (AcCoA), and proved effective in blocking melatonin production in pineal cells. Compounds from this class are predicted to bind as bisubstrate inhibitors through interactions with the AcCoA and serotonin binding sites. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using virtual screening (VS) to identify small molecules which are selective inhibitors of AANAT.
Approximating Agreeing to Disagree Results with Commonp-Beliefs

Abstract Monderer and Samet generalize Aumann's agreeing to disagree result for the case of beliefs. They show that if the posteriors of an event are “commonp-belief” then they cannot differ by more than 2(1 −p). We provide a different proof of this result with a lower bound of 1 −p. An example which attains this bound is provided.
Kidney membrane binding of native parathyroid hormone compared to binding of its synthetic 1 - 34 fragment.

AbstractKidney membrane binding of tritiated native parathyroid hormone (PTH) was compared to that of its active fragment 1–34 PTH. Native hormone specific binding is transient and disappears rapidly (~ 30 minutes) at 37°C but is stable up to 2 hours at 0°C. The rate of binding loss appears relatively independent of the amount of hormone-receptor complex or of the amount of cold PTH in the medium. Loss of specific binding is also seen with iodinated PTH. Loss of specific binding of native PTH does not appear to be the result of enzymatic degradation of the hormone since significant amounts of intact hormone are present, both bound to membranes and in the medium after incubation. Biologically active tritiated 1–34 PTH was prepared and its binding studied. Tritiated 1–34 PTH binds specifically to isolated membranes, and both total and specific binding is stable for at least one hour at room temperature. The pH dependence for binding of 1–84 PTH and its activation of adenylyl cyclase are very similar, but di...
Role of the Complement System in the Acute Respiratory Effects of Inhaled Endotoxin and Cotton Dust

AbstractComponents of the complement system are thought to play a role in the respiratory effects of inhaled organic dusts encountered in occupational settings such as grain storage sites and cotton mills. This hypothesis is based upon observations that grain dusts and endotoxin can activate complement in vitro and in vivo and that the complement system appears to contribute to the endotoxin-induced lung injury of septic shock. The present study examined whether the inflammatory effects of inhaled endotoxin and cotton dust were (1) blocked by decomplementing animals with cobra venom factor (CVF) or (2) present in animals genetically deficient in specific components of the complement system. in untreated and sham-treated guinea pigs, inhaled endotoxin produced significant increases in biochemical and cellular indices of pulmonary injury in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Treatment of guinea pigs with 200 units CVF/kg at 24 h prior to exposure did not block the biochemical and cellular changes produced by inh...
Self-esteem and the effectiveness of reconciliatioi techniques following an argument

The hypothesis was tested that when a loss of self-esteem has occurred, the request of a small favor following an argument is an effective means of reestablishing a positive relationship. A 2 by 3 factorial design was employed with high and low self-esteem manipulation, and ask favor, offer favor, and apology. Results indicated the superiority of a favor request when a loss of self-esteem had occurred. The apology and favor offer were more effective when self-esteem was manipulated upward.
Radiation and image distortion in the panorex x-ray unit.

Abstract Image distortion of the jaws was assessed on films taken with the Panorex x-ray equipment. Linear distortion was determined on a simulated model and under clinical conditions. Through the use of intraoral calibration, direct measurements can be made on the films with sufficient accuracy that this technique can be useful in clinical research. The Panorex is radiologically safe for the subject and the operator.
EXTRUSION PROCESSING OF TRITICALE

Whole triticale kernels were extruded using a Brabender Plasti-corder extruder with 3/4-in. rifled barrel and 1:1 flight depth ratio screw. Samples were extruded at initial moisture contents of 15% and 20% using barrel temperatures of 350 °F, 400 °F and 450 °F through nozzle openings of 1/8 in. and 1/16 in. The products were measured for pH, final moisture content, color, trypsin hydrolysis, torque during extrusion, and texture and flavor as evaluated by a taste panel. From the results it was concluded that an acceptable product could be produced at 20% initial moisture using either the small nozzle and operating at 350 °F or the larger nozzle and operating at 400 °F.
The Missing Dialogue between Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty: On the Importance of the Zollikon Seminars

Heidegger’s failure to discuss ‘the body’ in Being and Time has generated a cottage industry of criticism. In his recently translated Zollikon Seminars, Heidegger provides a response to the critics by offering a thematic account of the body that is strikingly similar to Merleau-Ponty’s account in Phenomenology of Perception. In this article, I draw on the parallels between these two texts in order to see how Heidegger’s neglect of the body affects his early project of fundamental ontology and to determine whether or not an account of the body is necessary to complete the project. I defend Heidegger by suggesting that any analysis of the body is ‘ontic’ or regional and is made possible only on the basis of Dasein, understood as a public ‘clearing’ (Lichtung) or ‘there’ (Da) of intelligibility that determines in advance the way things emerge-into-presence as the kinds of things that they are. Heidegger’s core concern in Being and Time is to unearth the essential, ‘ontological-existential’, structures of Das...
The role of postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) in the treatment of extrahepatic bile duct cancer: a surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) population-based investigation.

Purpose Extrahepatic bile duct cancers (EBDC) are aggressive cancers for which the importance of the use of postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) in potentially curative cases remains the subject of clinical investigation.
Ethnochat: an instant messenger program for ethnography

This paper describes the design of Ethnochat, an instant messaging (IM) program built for ethnographers to conduct computer-mediated, semi-structured or unstructured interviews. To our knowledge, this is the first program of its kind. Ethnographic techniques are becoming a common method to investigate social interactions and settings in digital contexts, and this creates a demand for a proper tool with which ethnographers can practice their craft. This paper details the design and articulates how Ethnochat will have significant implications for HCI practice.
Sweat the small stuff: The effect of small incentive changes on participation in service-learning

Abstract We examine the effect of small changes in incentives on student participation in an optional service-learning component of an intermediate level economics course using a field experiment. Professors frequently encourage but do not require participation in a particular course component. Yet little rigorous analysis exists on how to best encourage students to participate. We vary the reward for completing service between two randomly assigned sections of a course with a service-learning component. Students in the higher-incentive section are significantly more likely to participate. We highlight the implications for designing courses with optional components such as optional service-learning.
Activity-wheel running blunts suppression of splenic natural killer cell cytotoxicity after sympathectomy and footshock.

We used chemical sympathectomy by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to examine whether adaptation by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is a plausible explanation for our prior finding that activity-wheel running blunts the suppression of splenic natural killer cell cytotoxicity after footshock. Male Fischer rats were assigned to treatments using a group (activity wheel vs. sedentary)x treatment (6-OHDA vs. saline)x condition (footshock vs. no shock) design. After 5-6 weeks, rats were injected i.p. with saline or with 40, 80, and 80 mg/kg 6-OHDA on pre experimental days -5, -3, and -1. Half the rats received 6 min of random footshock during a 40-min period. Cytotoxicity was determined by standard 4-h 51Cr release assay. Sympathectomy reduced splenic [NE] by 72%. After 6-OHDA injection and footshock, percent lysis was 33% lower in sedentary rats compared with activity-wheel runners and home-cage controls, p=0.048. The results suggest that activity-wheel running leads to adaptations that offset an altered SNS modulation of splenic NK cell cytotoxicity in response to footshock.
Interleukin-6 and platelet protagonists in T lymphocyte and virological response

The present cross-sectional study evaluated the status and relationship of interleukin-6, a platelet growth factor, with platelet counts, viral load, CD4 counts, and antiretroviral treatment in 75 HIV-infected subjects with thrombocytopenia and 50 gender-, race-, age- and antiretroviral treatment-matched controls without thrombocytopenia. Mean IL-6 production was significantly higher in thrombocytopenic participants (13 432+/-8596) than in non-thrombocytopenic subjects (12 859+/-3538 pg/10(5) Lym). Univariate analyses indicated, however, that thrombocytopenic patients were more likely to have <3000 pg of IL-6 than non-thrombocytopenic patients (OR=7 95% CI 1.3-12; P=0.01). For additional analyses, participants were dichotomized above and below 3000 pg of IL-6. Despite similar age, gender, drug use and antiretroviral treatment, thrombocytopenic participants had lower CD4 counts (186.5+/-149 vs. 401+/-286, P=0.005) than non-thrombocytopenic subjects. Thrombocytopenic participants with elevated IL-6, with or without HAART, were more likely to have higher HIV-replication (496 273+/-210 416; 34 656+/-25 332) than thrombocytopenic individuals with low IL-6 levels (105 332+/-42 699; 19 015+/-14 296 P=0.05). Non-thrombocytopenic patients with high IL-6 levels exhibited the highest CD4s (466.7+/-333) and the lowest viral burden (63 094+/-53 300) of the groups. Two distinct categories of HIV-associated thrombocytopenia exist: one accompanied by low IL-6, and another with compensatory elevations of IL-6. In thrombocytopenic individuals, the latter was associated with the poorest immunological and virological responses.