cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exposure to low-dose ambient fine particulate matter PM2.5 and Alzheimer's disease, non-Alzheimer's dementia, and Parkinson's disease in North Carolina.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), non-AD dementia, and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are increasingly common in older adults, yet all risk factors for their onset are not fully understood. Consequently, environmental exposures, including air pollution, have been hypothesized to contribute to the etiology of neurodegeneration. Because persistently elevated rates of AD mortality in the southern Piedmont area of North Carolina (NC) have been documented, we studied mortality and hospital admissions for AD, non-AD dementia, and PD in residential populations aged 65+ with long-term exposures to elevated levels of ambient air particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality standards (≥10μg/m3). Health data were obtained from the State Center for Health Statistics and the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. PM2.5 levels were obtained from the MODIS/MISR and SeaWiFS datafiles. Residents in the Study group of elevated air particulate matter (87 zip codes with PM2.5≥10μg/m3) were compared to the residents in the Control group with low levels of air particulate matter (81 zip codes with PM2.5≤7.61μg/m3), and were found to have higher age-adjusted rates of mortality and hospital admissions for AD, non-AD dementia, and PD, including a most pronounced increase in AD mortality (323/100,000 vs. 257/100,000, respectively). After adjustment for multiple co-factors, the risk of death (odds ratio, or OR) from AD in the Study group (OR = 1.35, 95%CI[1.24–1.48]) was significantly higher than ORs of non-AD dementia or PD (OR = 0.97, 95%CI[0.90–1.04] and OR = 1.13, 95%CI[0.92–1.31]). The OR of hospital admissions was significantly increased only for AD as a primary case of hospitalization (OR = 1.54, 95%CI[1.31–1.82]). Conclusion: NC residents aged 65+ with long-term exposures to ambient PM2.5 levels exceeding the WHO standard had significantly increased risks of death and hospital admissions for AD. The effects for non-AD dementia and PD were less pronounced.
Multi-Stage Adaptive Noise Cancellation for Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation

A major source of noise or clutter in ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) applications is due to the grain structure of the material. The scattering of ultrasonic waves from grain boundaries can interfere and introduce artifacts in the received signal that can sometimes mask indications due to a small flaw. For instance, the grain noise can hinder the detection of small but potentially dangerous flaws, such as hard-α inclusion in titanium alloy components [1]. In general, the grains are randomly distributed within a material. The grain noise is therefore spatially varying and can be modeled as a stochastic process [2].
Partitioning PCS Networks for Distributed Simulation

In this paper, we study the load balancing problem for PCS simulation systems, and focus upon static strategies in order to reduce the synchronization overhead of SWiMNet, a parallel PCS simulation testbed devoloped at UNT. Performance results on a cluster of workstations indicate clearly the significant impact of load balancing on the efficient implementation of SWiMNet and its two stage design.
Aggregate level communications effects server: meeting the communications realism challenge for large-scale real-time simulation experiments and analysis

The Department of Defense (DoD) is engaged in a massive transformation of its warfighting and peacekeeping capabilities. A concept that highlights the importance of future communications is network enabled warfare (NEW) (formerly referred to as network centric warfare). Network enabled warfare concepts call for a robustly networked force to enhance the quality of information among forces. Existing capabilities in Army communications modeling and simulation (M&S) technologies are inadequate to support transformation concepts. Most current Army testing, training, and experimentation events are planned and executed assuming perfect communications, with no restrictions, such as latency or bandwidth, that would be encountered in the real world. The aggregate level communications effects server (ALCES) has been developed to meet the communications realism challenge for Army battle lab experiments and analysis requirements, ensuring that simulated communications systems and networks used in future experiments accurately reflect real-world battlefield conditions.
An Introduction to Probabilistic Risk Analysis for Engineered Systems

The risk of failure of a system can sometimes be simply characterized by the probability of system failure per time unit or operation. More often, it include both the probabilities and the consequences of the different failure scenarios, in which case the risk can be described by the probability distribution of the losses in a given time frame. Risk management, in turn, involves finding and fixing a system's weaknesses by asking the following questions. How does it work? How can it fail? What can be done about it given that we are not infinitely rich and time is limited? For a complex engineered system, one may not have a sufficient statistical database to assess a failure probability at the system level. In that case, one can use systems analysis and Bayesian probability to assess the risk. Probabilistic risk analysis (PRA) has been developed in engineering, in particular in the nuclear power industry to quantify the risk of system failures. The method relies in part on event trees and fault trees, or, similarly, on Bayesian networks. It involves first, identification of failure scenarios, then computation of their probabilities by combining the probabilities of events and the distributions of random variables involved, accounting for dependencies and rare occurrences. The next step is the evalution of the consequences of the failure scenarios. The results can then be used as input into a risk management problem with two objectives: to optimize resource allocation (e.g., to minimize the probability of system failure given budget and system failure given budget and schedule constraints) and to check that in the end the failure risk is tolerable. This article describes and illustrates the PRA method and some of its extensions. Keywords: risk assessment; PRA; fault trees; events trees; influence diagram
Patient attitudes toward CDC high infectious risk donor kidney transplantation: inferences from focus groups

Ros RL, Kucirka LM, Govindan P, Sarathy H, Montgomery RA, Segev DL. Patient attitudes toward CDC high infectious risk donor kidney transplantation: inferences from focus groups. Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2011.01469.x. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Introduction: Deceased donors are considered high infectious risk donors (IRDs) based on criteria thought to be associated with risk of HIV transmission. Significant variation exists in provider willingness to utilize IRD kidneys. Little is known about how patients view these organs. Our aim was to explore patient attitudes toward IRDs and IRD kidney transplantation. Methods: Patients were recruited from a single-center deceased donor waitlist. Focus groups stratified by age and race were conducted to ascertain patient attitudes toward IRD kidney transplantation. Transcripts were examined using standard qualitative methods. Results: Patients considered IRD kidneys most appropriate for patients at high risk of death or with poor quality of life on dialysis. Patients felt unprepared to receive organ offers, especially from IRDs. They desired information about IRD behaviors, kidney quality, and probability of undetected infection. Patients weighed the opinion of their nephrologist most heavily when deciding about organ offers. A brief education session about donor screening resulted in increased willingness to consider IRD kidneys. Conclusions: Lack of preparedness contributes to patient apprehension toward IRD organs. Ongoing transplant education seems necessary. The non-transplant nephrologist seems to be the most trusted source of information.
Thermodynamic properties of hot nucleonic matter

Phase diagrams for bulk nuclear matter at finite temperatures and variable proton concentrations are presented and discussed. This binary system exhibits a line of critical points, a line of equal concentrations, and a line of maximum temperatures. The phenomenon of retrograde condensation is also possible.
New targets for inhibitors of HIV-1 replication.

Despite the success of protease and reverse transcriptase inhibitors, new drugs to suppress HIV-1 replication are still needed. Several other early events in the viral life cycle (stages before the viral genome is inserted into host cell DNA) are susceptible to drugs, including virus attachment to target cells, membrane fusion and post-entry events such as integration, accessory-gene function and assembly of viral particles. Among these, inhibitors of virus?cell fusion and integration are the most promising candidates.
Back Channels Can Be Useful! – Layering Authentication Channels to Provide Covert Communication

This paper argues the need for providing a covert back-channel communication mechanism in authentication protocols, discusses various practical uses for such a channel, and desirable features for its design and deployment. Such a mechanism would leverage the current authentication channel to carry out the covert communication rather than introducing a separate one. The communication would need to be oblivious to an adversary observing it, possibly as a man-in-the-middle. We discuss the properties that such channels would need to have for the various scenarios in which they would be used. Also, we show their potential for mitigating the effects of a number of security breaches currently occurring in these scenarios.
Appendix C – Coefficients for Vapor Pressure Equation*

This chapter presents coefficients for vapor pressure equation discussed in the book, “Handbook of Vapor Pressure” (Inorganic Compounds and Elements).
cis‐Δ4‐Tetrahydrophthalic Anhydride

cis-Δ4-Tetrahydrophthalic anhydride reactant: 196 g. (2 moles) of maleic anhydride product: cis-Δ4-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride Keywords: addition, to CC–CC; annulation, carbocyclic-[6]; cyclization, cycloaddition; apparatus, for addition of butadiene to maleic anhydride
PHAGE ISOLATED FROM LYSOGENIC BACILLUS ANTHRACIS

Buck, C. A. (Kansas State University, Manhattan), R. L. Anacker, F. S. Newman, and A. Eisenstark. Phage isolated from lysogenic Bacillus anthracis . J. Bacteriol. 85: 1423–1430. 1963.— Bacillus anthracis cultures (a total of 311) were obtained from several laboratories throughout the world; 139 of these were screened for the presence of lysogenic organisms. Phage particles were obtained from 25 of these cultures. The host range of five of these phages, plus that of phage gamma, was tested against 246 B. anthracis cultures plus 64 other Bacillus strains. The results show that phage might be useful in the identification of B. anthracis , although two non- B. anthracis cultures were lysed. Also, the diversity of host range indicated that a phage-typing scheme for epidemiological studies might be feasible. Several lysogenic cultures were sensitive to the phage that they liberated, indicating a dismune phenomenon. Also, some lysogenic cells liberated two distinct kinds of phage. Other phage properties, such as morphology, plaque morphology, burst time, and serological relationship, are described. Images
Progressive posttraumatic myelomalacic myelopathy : imaging and clinical features

PURPOSE To describe the imaging features, surgical management, and clinical outcome of progressive posttraumatic myelomalacic myelopathy (PPMM), a relatively unrecognized but important cause of progressive myelopathy in patients with previous spinal cord injuries. METHODS The clinical records, imaging studies, and postoperative outcome of 10 patients with PPMM were reviewed. Fifteen preoperative and five postoperative MRs were analyzed for intramedullary signal abnormalities, the nature of these signal abnormalities, and cord tethering. All patients had intraoperative sonography. RESULTS Neurologic signs and symptoms found in our patients included 1) progressive loss of motor function (6/10), 2) sensory level changes (4/10), 3) increased spasticity (4/10), 4) autonomic dysreflexia (4/10), 5) loss of bowel or bladder control (4/10), and 6) local and/or radicular pain (4/10). Preoperative MR in nine patients revealed intramedullary T1/T2 lengthening (9/9), extramedullary tethering/adhesions (9/9), ill-defined lesional borders (6/9), cord expansion (5/9), and increased signal intensity of the lesion on T1-weighted images compared with CSF (7/9). Proton density images in five patients demonstrated a relative increase in signal intensity over CSF. In all five postoperative MRs, there was evidence of untethering of the spinal cord and a decrease in cord size in two patients. Intraoperative sonography revealed cord tethering and abnormal cord echotexture in all cases. Postoperative clinical evaluation revealed neurologic improvement in nine patients. CONCLUSIONS PPMM may clinically and radiographically mimic progressive posttraumatic cystic myelopathy (PPCM). MR provides clues to the diagnosis of myelomalacia preoperatively. Intraoperative sonography confirms the absence of a confluent cyst. These points are crucial in the surgical procedures in PPMM vs PPCM. In PPMM, lysis of intradural adhesions results in an improvement in symptoms in a manner similar to the shunting of PPCM.
Recurrent venous thrombosis associated with inherited deficiency of heparin cofactor II.

Heparin cofactor II (HCII) is an antithrombin distinct from ATIII and of lesser physiologic potency. Its deficiency has not been associated with a clearly enhanced risk of thrombosis. We report a family with inherited HCII deficiency and thrombosis in support of its physiologic importance as an anticoagulant
Comparative echocardiographic analysis of mitral and tricuspid annular motion: differences explained with proposed anatomic-structural correlates.

BACKGROUND Annular motion (AM) has been shown to occur during all dynamic phases of the cardiac cycle; but little is known regarding comparisons between mitral and tricuspid AM. We elected to use M-mode to examine the extent and timing of mitral and tricuspid AM events. METHODS A complete echocardiogram was obtained in 50 patients [mean age 53 +/- 16 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 57 +/- 19%, and mean right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) of 49 +/- 20%]. Timing of all AM intervals was corrected for heart rate. RESULTS A strong linear correlation was noted for both LVEF and maximal mitral annular systolic excursion and for RVFAC and maximal tricuspid annular systolic excursion (r = 0.91, P < 0.0001). The amplitude of both maximal mitral annular descent (1.54 +/- 0.45 cm) and ascent (0.64 +/- 0.23 cm) was significantly smaller than for the tricuspid annulus (2.26 +/- 0.73 and 0.98 +/- 0.37 cm; P < 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, while it takes longer for the mitral than for the tricuspid annulus (403 +/- 52 ms vs 308 +/- 50 ms; P < 0.0001, respectively) to descend to its lowest point; the duration to reach maximal ascent is shorter for the mitral than for tricuspid annulus (90 +/- 22 ms vs 115 +/- 19 ms; p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION Significant differences exist in both amplitude and timing of AM events between the mitral and tricuspid annuli, likely reflecting intrinsic anatomical and electromechanical differences between both sides of the heart that require further investigation.
An interactive environment for dialogue development: its design, use and evaluation; or, is aide useful?

The Author's Interactive Dialogue Environment (AIDE) of the Dialogue Management System is an integrated set of direct manipulation tools used by a dialogue author to design and implement human-computer interfaces without writing source code. This paper presents the conceptual dialogue transaction model upon which AIDE is based, describes AIDE, and illustrates how a dialogue author develops an interface using AIDE. A preliminary empirical evaluation of the use of AIDE versus the use of a programming language to implement an interface shows very encouraging results.
Plasmid DNA: A New Era in Vaccinology

DNA vaccination is a novel approach for inducing an immune response. Purified plasmid DNA containing an antigen's coding sequences and the necessary regulatory elements to express them is introduced into the tissue via intramuscular injection or particle bombardment. Once the DNA reaches the tissue, the antigen is expressed in enough quantity to induce a potent and specific immune response and to confer protection against further infections. The effectiveness of DNA vaccines against viruses, parasites, and cancer cells has been demonstrated in numerous animal models. This new approach comes as an aid for the prevention of infectious diseases for which the conventional vaccines have failed. Research on DNA vaccines is providing new insights into some of the basic immunological mechanisms of vaccination such as antigen presentation, the role of effector cells, and immunoregulatory factors. In addition, DNA vaccines may enable us to manipulate the immune system in situations where the response to agents is inappropriate or ineffective. The study of the potential deleterious effects of DNA vaccines is furthering our knowledge regarding the relationship between bacterial DNA and the immune system, as well as its potential application for the study of neonatal tolerance and autoimmunity.
Test of Backbending Models Using Odd- A Nuclei

We have studied the properties of decoupled band in particular odd-A nuclei, and the results provide information on the origin of backbending in even- even nuclel. Our data are in agreement with the rotation-alignment model and in apparent disagreeement with the pairing-collapse model. This proposed test also provides a means to determine which particles are involved in the two- quasiparticle band that intersects the ground band in the rotation-alignment picture of backbending. (auth)
Recirculation Measures with Urea and Mannitol During Hemodialysis

: A simple, accurate, and reproducible method of measuring recirculation in grafts during hemodialysis is essential for improving the efficiency of dialysis. In our studies, plasma samples for plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) were taken from the arterial line of the dialyzer at blood flows (A) of 200, 300, and 400 ml/min, preceded by a 5–min period of equilibration, and at 15 s and 2 min after turning the flow down to 100 ml/min (S), the latter serving as systemic samples. Recirculation was calculated as (S – A)/(S – V). Total blood flow (Qb) through the grafts was measured by color Doppler ultrasound. We found a significant, inverse relationship between recirculation and total flow through the graft at dialyzer Qb of 400 but not 300 or 200 ml/min. The magnitude and prevalence of recirculation was always greater when the 2 min sample was used as S compared to the 15 s sample and as dialyzer Qb increased. As a qualitative, urea–independent measure of recirculation, we assayed the appearance of mannitol in the arterial line in blood drawn 15 s after initiating a mannitol push into the venous line. Blood obtained just prior to the mannitol push was used as the zero blank. Thirteen of 18 patients had a measurable, but low, level of mannitol, 5 did not, and 2 had inconsistent results in studies done on separate days. We conclude that the majority of patients receiving chronic hemodialysis have a low degree of recirculation and that methods relying on urea must be suspected of exaggerating the true degree of recirculation.
Reactions of 2-aryl (hetaryl) methylene-3-oxoquinuclidines with bifunctional nucleophilic reagents

The reactions of 2-aryl(hetaryl)methylene-3-oxoquinuclidines with hydrazine hydrate, thiourea, and phenylhydrazine gave, respectively, 7-phenyl-7,7a,dihydropyrazolo[3,4-b]quinuclidine, 7-(4′-methoxyphenyl)-7,7a-dihydropyrazolo[3,4-b]quinuclidine, 7-(2′-thienyl)-7,7a-dihydropyrazolo-[3,4-b]quinuclidine, 3,3′-azinobis (2-benzylidenequinuclidine), 3,3′-azinobis[2-(4′-methoxybenzylidene)quinuclidine], 6-thio-8-phenyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrimido[5,4-b]quinuclidine, 2-benzylidene -3-oxoquinuclidine phenylhydrazone, and 2-(4′-methoxybenzylidene)-3-oxoquinuclidine phenylhydrazone. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by the IR and 1H and 13C NMR spectra.
Neural Regulation of Hematopoiesis, Inflammation, and Cancer

Although the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in mediating the flight-or-fight response was recognized decades ago, the crucial role of peripheral innervation in regulating cell behavior and response to the microenvironment has only recently emerged. In the hematopoietic system, the ANS regulates stem cell niche homeostasis and regeneration and fine-tunes the inflammatory response. Additionally, emerging data suggest that cancer cells take advantage of innervating neural circuitry to promote their progression. These new discoveries outline the need to redesign therapeutic strategies to target this underappreciated stromal constituent. Here, we review the importance of neural signaling in hematopoietic homeostasis, inflammation, and cancer.
Exorcism and the Defeat of Beliar in the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs

In the light of a growing consensus that the Testaments is a Christian work, perhaps from Syria and, arguably, from the middle of the second century, it has potential to shed light on the understanding of exorcism in proto-orthodox Christianity of the period. As Beliar’s adverse impact on people is seen to be expressed in terms of inner struggles and broken relationships, rather than physical affliction, his defeat is proposed primarily in terms of acts of the mind and behaviour. The few references to exorcism show its use as part of the defeat of Beliar, though also primarily as a metaphor for the ministry of Jesus and his followers. This locates the Testaments over against those documents that show no interest in the demonic or exorcism, and between those texts that promote exorcism and those that take the demonic to be defeated in other ways.
Atypical small acinar proliferation suspicious for malignancy in prostate needle biopsies: clinical significance in 33 cases

Prostate needle biopsies occasionally contain an atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP) that is suspicious for, but not diagnostic of, adenocarcinoma. The histologic features and clinical significance of this finding are unexplored. We evaluated 33 cases of ASAP with at least one follow-up needle biopsy seen at Mayo Clinic from 1993 to 1996. Numerous histologic and clinical features were assessed to determine their predictive value for adenocarcinoma on subsequent biopsy. Mean patient age was 61.6 years (range 45-72). Adenocarcinoma was identified on follow-up biopsy in 15 of 33 patients (45%), with a median follow-up of 9 months (range 1-27). Gleason score varied from 4 to 7 (mean 5.9). Two patients (6%) had subsequent diagnoses of ASAP after one and three repeat biopsies. Digital rectal examination, serum prostate-specific antigen, and a variety of histologic findings were not predictive of cancer on follow-up biopsy. These histologic findings included number of biopsy cores (mean 5.5), number of acini per focus of ASAP (mean 7.9), number of foci (mean one), variation in acinar size, nuclear enlargement (none, 12% of cases; mild, 45%; moderate, 33%; severe, 10%), nucleolar enlargement (none, 27%; mild, 46%; moderate, 27%), luminal mucin (39%), crystalloids (6%), focal chronic inflammation (64%), adjacent atrophy (100%), and adjacent high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) (42%). Stratification of suspicion in cases of ASAP without PIN into three categories ("favor benign, uncertain, and favor carcinoma") was somewhat predictive of subsequent cancer (20%, 25%, and 60% of cases with subsequent cancer, respectively), but the results were not significant. The high predictive value of ASAP for subsequent adenocarcinoma warrants repeat biopsy. No single clinical or pathologic feature appeared to increase the likelihood of subsequent cancer.
Retrospective: autobiography and the analysis of educational experience

(1990). Retrospective: autobiography and the analysis of educational experience. Cambridge Journal of Education: Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 321-325.
Critical Evaluation of How the Rosgen Classification and Associated “Natural Channel Design” Methods Fail to Integrate and Quantify Fluvial Processes and Channel Response

Over the past 10 years the Rosgen classification system and its associated methods of "natural channel design" have become synonymous to some with the term "stream restoration" and the science of fluvial geomorphology. Since the mid 1990s, this classification approach has become widely adopted by governmental agencies, particularly those funding restoration projects. The purposes of this article are to present a critical review, highlight inconsistencies and identify technical problems of Rosgen's "natural channel design" approach to stream restoration. This paper's primary thesis is that alluvial streams are open systems that adjust to altered inputs of energy and materials, and that a form-based system largely ignores this critical component. Problems with the use of the classification are encountered with identifying bankfull dimensions, particularly in incising channels and with the mixing of bed and bank sediment into a single population. Its use for engineering design and restoration may be flawed by ignoring some processes governed by force and resistance, and the imbalance between sediment supply and transporting power in unstable systems. An example of how C5 channels composed of different bank sediments adjust differently and to different equilibrium morphologies in response to an identical disturbance is shown. This contradicts the fundamental underpinning of "natural channel design" and the "reference-reach approach." The Rosgen classification is probably best applied as a communication tool to describe channel form but, in combination with "natural channel design" techniques, are not diagnostic of how to mitigate channel instability or predict equilibrium morphologies. For this, physically based, mechanistic approaches that rely on quantifying the driving and resisting forces that control active processes and ultimate channel morphology are better suited as the physics of erosion, transport, and deposition are the same regardless of the hydro-physiographic province or stream type because of the uniformity of physical laws.
DSM-III-R AND THE FAMILY THERAPIST: ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

DSM-III-R has gained popularity in many segments of the mental health field. Family therapists have generally not found its approach to assessing problems to be helpful in the planning of therapy, yet, are often forced to use it due to the requirements of third-party payers. This raises several ethical and practical concerns, e.g., the incompatibility of orientations between DSM-III-R and family therapy, the stigma associated with diagnosing, being asked to misrepresent diagnoses to third-party payers, and the competency of some family therapists to make DSM-III-R diagnoses. Short- and long-term strategies to deal with these ethical dilemmas are also presented.
Oxygen bonding in nitrided sodium- and lithium-metaphosphate glasses

Abstract Oxygen bonding in nitrided alkali metaphosphate glasses was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Bridging-to-nonbridging oxygen ratios (BO/NBO) were determined from deconvoluted O1s spectra. As the nitrogen contents of the metaphosphate glasses increased, the BO/NBO ratios decreased. A mechanism based on the equal reactivity of bridging and nonbridging oxygens during the nitridation process is used to explain the observed trends in the oxygen bonding.
Voiding due to thermal stress in narrow conductor lines

Description d'une technique de modelisation de la cinetique de croissance des vides qui se forment sur des lignes de conducteurs en aluminium sur des circuits integres en silicium. Dans cette approche, chaque joint de grain agit comme un reservoir pour la diffusion a partir des vides. La capacite des reservoirs est supposee etre proportionnelle a la contrainte thermiquement induite. On obtient une expression pour la dimension des vides en fonction du temps
On the domestication of the soybean

Soybeans, together with bananas, barley, common beans, cassavas, coconuts, maize, peanuts, potatoes, rice, sorghum, sugar beets, sugarcane, sweet potatoes and wheat, are man's principal food plants (12). Today, the soybean, like so many other food plants, is taken for granted, that is, without appreciable forethought as to when and where it was adapted to the needs of man, how, when and by whom it was disseminated, and whether or not the distribution of soybeans took place in prehistoric or within the modern era (73). In addition to the general lack of urgency in studying the origin of the soybean, it is unfortunate that the literature concerned with the antiquity and historical development of the soybean and its agricultural consequences is fraught with errors and misconceptions. This is mainly due to two reasons: (a) the soybean is autochthonous to the Orient, where western scientists are at a linguistic disadvantage with respect to historical records; (b) it is only in recent times that attention has been focused on studying in depth, using a team approach, the interrelationships between the domestication of plants and animals and development and needs of human society (10, 32, 67, 115). During the past 30 years, many Chinese historical books, commentaries and material media have been translated into western languages and a large amount of archeological material has been uncovered, both on mainland China and in Taiwan. This paper is an attempt to reconcile the old archeological, historical, agricultural and botanical literature with the more recent data and to establish a working hypothesis on the domestication of the soybean.
The relationship between nephroblastoma and neurofibromatosis (Von Recklinghausen's disease).

Three cases with co-existent Wilm's tumor and Von Recklinghausen's Disease from a series of 342 nephroblastomas are discussed as to the significance of this association. Biological arguments favor a positive link because of the multiplicity of associative lesions which parallel each other, the co-existence of which suggests a common genetic bond. An embryologic association is described whereby early mutational events, i.e. neural induction of nephrogenesis, may link these two entities in utero. Further interconnection is stated statistically, in that nephroblastoma patients in this series had a 29 fold higher incidence of multiple neurofibromatosis than predicted for in the general population. The co-existent diseases in the three cases observed are approximately 33-50% more than can be accounted for by chance in the United States population. Malignant transformation in neurofibromatosis is discussed because of the therapeutic implications presented by two of the three Wilms' tumor patients studied.
Circuit transients due to negative bias arcs on a high-voltage solar array in low Earth orbit

Arcing to negatively biased, exposed solar cell interconnects on solar arrays placed in plasma environments was established. Arcing, however, may cause damaging interference with the operation of electrical power systems in spacecraft planned to be driven with high-voltage solar arrays. An analytical model was developed to estimate the effects of netagive bias arcs on solar array power system performance. Solar cell characteristics, plasma interactions, and power system features are modeled by a linear, lumped element transient circuit, and the time domain equations are solved. Numerical results for solar array common mode and load voltage transients are calculated for typical conditions. Acceptable load transients are found for a range of arc current amplitudes and time constants.
Sequence Detection Algorithms for Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks

Spectrum sensing is a critical function for enabling dynamic spectrum access (DSA) in wireless networks that utilize cognitive radio (CR). In DSA networks, unlicensed secondary users can gain access to a licensed spectrum band as long as they do not interfere with primary users. Spectrum sensing is subject to errors in the form of false alarms and missed detections. False alarms cause spectrum under-use by secondary users, and missed detections cause interference to primary users. Although existing research has demonstrated the utility of a Markov chain for modeling the spectrum access pattern of primary users over time, little effort has been directed toward spectrum sensing based upon such models. In this paper, we develop soft-input sequence detection algorithms of Markov sources in noise for spectrum sensing in DSA networks. We assign different Bayesian cost factors for missed detections and false alarms, and we show that a suitably modified Forward-Backward sequence detection algorithm is optimal in minimizing the detection risk. Along the way, we observe new fundamental limitations that we call "Risk Floor" and "Limiting ROC" for energy detection and coherent detection due to the PU's spectrum access pattern.
Prediction and measurement of the thermal expansion coefficient of crystalline polymers

Among the increased structural demands now being made on both unfilled and reinforced plastics is that of dimensional stability under various performance environments. Crystalline polymers are heterogeneous materials consisting of two distinct phases and, as such, can be treated as molecular versions of engineering composites. This paper first outlines the general physical model whereby a crystalline polymer is considered to be a multi-ply laminate of unidirectionally reinforced plies. The calculational format is then detailed for the prediction of the stiffness and thermal expansion coefficient of an isotropic sheet of crystalline polymer and a sample calculation is given for quenched high density polyethylene. A data base is presented for the stiffness and thermal expansion coefficient of low and high density polyethylene having quenched, slowcooled, and annealed thermal histories. Comparison between experimental and predicted results yields good agreement in all cases to better than 25 percent. Implications and limitations of the predictive technique are discussed.
Petroleum coke properties as influenced by particle size and calcination time and temperature

1. An investigation has been made to determine how the porosity, yield of volatile components, and true and apparent densities of petroleum cokes are influenced by particle size and by calcination time and temperature. 2. It has been shown that the porosity, yield of volatile components, and true and apparent densities depend to a great degree on particle size and calcination temperature, but are practically independent of roasting time. The optimum conditions for calcining petroleum cokes should be considered to be 1200–1300° with a holding time of ∼ 30 min at the given temperature.
Funding, Time, and Mentoring: A Study of Research and Publication Support Practices of ARL Member Libraries

ABSTRACTThis study is an exploration of how Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member institutions encourage and support their librarians engaged in research and publication. Using an online survey sent to members of the ARL library directors’ listserv, the authors gathered information about the role of research and publication in the respondents’ evaluation systems, the approaches used to support this activity, the respondents’ own records of research and publication, and their opinions about which approaches have the most impact. The results indicate that funding, time, and mentoring are the most frequently used approaches to promote research and publication productivity.
In-Situ Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect of Epitaxial GD (0001)

We have characterized magnetization loops of epitaxially grown Gd (0001) films on W (110) in the temperature range 145≤T≤300K. This was accomplished by measuring magneto-optical Kerr loops in UHV, in the transverse geometry, using a 2×10-4 deg sensitivity differential detector and He-Ne laser light. Films grown in the Stranski-Krastanov (SK) Mode (growth temperature 400°C) and films grown in a Frank-van-der-Merwe (FM) like Mode (growth temperature 20°C) behave significantly differently. While the room temperature grown films (FM) show square hysteresis behavior only after an annealing cycle to at least 300°C, the higher growth temperature (SK) leads to highly remanent films in the as grown state. The hysteresis behavior of these films is most important in conjunction with recently reported spin-polarized photoemission results, which showed that the growth temperature and therefore the film morphology has a strong influence on the surface magnetic reconstruction of Gd (0001) [1].
Complex of bacteriophage M13 single-stranded DNA and gene 5 protein.

Abstract Lysates of bacteriophage M13-infected cells contain numerous unbranched filamentous structures approximately 1·1 μm long × 160 A wide, that is, slightly longer and considerably wider than M13 virions. These structures are complexes of viral single-stranded DNA molecules with M13 gene 5 protein, a non-capsid protein required for single-stranded DNA production. All, or nearly all, of the single-stranded DNA from the infected cells and at least half to two-thirds of the gene 5 protein molecules are found as complex in the lysates. The complex contains about 1300 gene 5 protein molecules per DNA molecule but little if any of the two known capsid proteins. The complex is much less stable than virions in the presence of salt or ionic detergent solutions and in electron micrographs it appears to have a much looser and more open structure. If an excess of M13 single-stranded DNA is added to complex in a lysate, the gene 5 protein molecules from the complex redistribute onto all of the added as well as the original DNA, again suggesting a rather loose association of protein and DNA. By electron microscopy, the complex from infected cells appears to differ structurally from complex formed in vitro between purified single-stranded DNA and purified gene 5 protein. Because of this apparent structural difference and because previous experiments suggested the presence of complex in vivo, we presume that the complex which we have found in lysates of infected cells previously did exist as such inside the cells, but we have been unable to exclude that it formed during or after lysis. If it is assumed that complex does occur in vivo, the results of pulse-chase radioactive labeling experiments on infected cells can be interpreted as showing that with time the single-stranded DNA leaves complex, presumably to be matured into virions, while the gene 5 protein molecules are re-used to form more complex.
Stress-induced modulation of the primary cellular immune response to herpes simplex virus infection is mediated by both adrenal-dependent and independent mechanisms

Abstract A murine model of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection was ussed to examine the role of the adrenal gland in restraint stress-induced suppression of viral immunity. Adrenal-dependent mechanisms were important for suppressing the generation of HSV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) but not the associated diminished lymphadenopathy in response to local HSV infection. While exogenous corticosterone administration alone was unable to suppress lymphadenopathy and CTL generation in adrenalectomized mice, an adrenal-independent mechanism induced by restraints stress functioned in synergy with corticosterone to suppress lymphadenopathy and CTL development. These results suggest that both adrenal-dependent and independent mechanisms cotribute to stress-induced modulation of HSV immunity.
Optical sensing of small hydroxyl-containing molecules in new crystalline lamellar arrays of Co(II) and N-(4-pyridyl)benzamide

We report the preparation, structure, and function of a supramolecular assembly that exhibits chemoselective optical sensing properties toward small hydroxyl-containing molecules. The active structure is generated by thermal desolvation of Co(NPBA)2(H2O)2(NO3)2 (1), NPBA = N-(4-pyridyl)benzamide, and the generated structure 2 can optically detect methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, or phenol in dichloromenthane at sub-millimolar concentrations.
Role of the 70-kDa Subunit of Human Replication Protein A (I): SINGLE-STRANDED DNA BINDING ACTIVITY, BUT NOT POLYMERASE STIMULATORY ACTIVITY, IS REQUIRED FOR DNA REPLICATION *

Replication protein A (RPA), also known as human single-stranded DNA-binding protein, is a three-subunit protein complex with multiple functions. Here, we investigated the role of the 70-kDa RPA subunit (p70) in DNA replication, by generating a series of deletion mutants. Mutant p70, which lacked 50 amino acids at the C-terminus, failed to interact with the 11-kDa RPA subunit (p11) and, when deleted further at the C terminus, was unable to interact with either the 34-kDa subunit (p34) or with p11, suggesting that p70 directly interacts with both p34 and p11. Studies with purified RPA mutants indicated that deletions at the N-terminal domain of p70 had very little effect on RPA's single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding activity, whereas deletion of amino acids 169–246 significantly weakened the DNA binding ability of RPA. By deleting amino acids 296–373 or 374–458, we totally abolished p70's ssDNA binding activity, suggesting that multiple p70 domains are involved in DNA binding. Two p70 domains, the N-terminal domain and the DNA binding domain, were required to stimulate DNA polymerase (pol) α, yet the DNA binding domain alone supported pol δ activity. Interestingly, RPA containing p70 with a zinc-finger domain deletion retained its DNA binding activity, but inhibited pol α and δ activity. RPA that lacked ssDNA binding activity failed to support simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA replication in vitro, whereas mutant RPA that lacked pol α stimulatory activity (including the zinc-finger p70 mutant) functioned normally. We conclude that RPA's DNA binding activity, but not its pol α stimulatory activity, is required for DNA replication.
An easy test for congruence modularity

We describe an easy way to determine whether the realization of a set of idempotent identities guarantees congruence modularity or the satisfaction of a nontrivial congruence identity. Our results yield slight strengthenings of Day’s Theorem and Gumm’s Theorem, which each characterize congruence modularity.
Intergenerational Factors: A Missing Link for Preeclampsia, Fetal Growth Restriction, and Cardiovascular Disease?

Preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR) are 2 obstetric syndromes that are generally associated with increased perinatal and maternal morbidities. Preeclampsia is defined as the onset of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation, and it complicates ≈3% to 5% of all pregnancies. FGR is defined as a birth weight below the fifth or 10th percentile for gestational age, and it can develop alone or in association with preeclampsia. Preeclampsia and FGR share similar pathophysiologic abnormalities, such as reduced uteroplacental blood flow, exaggerated inflammatory response, endothelial cell dysfunction, and a state of imbalance between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors.1 These pathophysiologic abnormalities are presumed to be the result of a cascade of events secondary to shallow trophoblast invasion and defective remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries. However, the etiologies of preeclampsia and FGR are multifactorial, and only FGR and preeclampsia related to placental insufficiency probably share abnormal placentation as a common pathway. Pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia are associated with increased rates of FGR. Women with a history of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy are also at increased risk for preeclampsia and/or FGR in subsequent pregnancies.2 The magnitude of the above risks depends on gestational age at onset of preeclampsia in the index pregnancy (the earlier in gestation the onset of preeclampsia, the higher are the rates of FGR and recurrent preeclampsia).2,3 In addition, women who are born fetal growth restricted are at increased risk of severe preeclampsia and FGR when they get pregnant,4 and they are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease later in life (fetal origin of adult disease).5 During the past decade, several epidemiologic and case-control studies evaluated the association between preeclampsia and the development of …
Building Complexity: Insights into Self-Organized Assembly of Microtubule-Based Architectures

Successful completion of diverse cellular functions, such as mitosis, positioning organelles, and assembling cilia, depends on the proper assembly of microtubule-based structures. While essentially all of the proteins needed to assemble these structures are now known, we cannot explain how even simple features such as size and shape are determined. As steps toward filling this knowledge gap, there have been several recent efforts toward reconstituting, with purified proteins, the basic structural motifs that recur in diverse cytoskeletal arrays. We discuss these studies and highlight how they shed light on the self-organized assembly of complex and dynamic cytoskeleton-based cellular structures.
EOQ extensions exploiting the Lambert W function

We analyse several extensions to the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model: when the inventory deteriorates over time; when the demand contains a stock dependent term; and when the present value, or discounted cost, is included. We derive exact analytical expressions for the order that minimises the total cost, and in each case the Lambert W function arises, adding to the growing list of useful applications for this recently rediscovered function. The analytical solutions have immediate practical and pedagogic applications. [Received 06 September 2007; Revised 13 January 2008; Accepted 01 April 2008]
Scleritis after glaucoma filtering surgery with mitomycin C

Background: Adjunctive intraoperative mitomycin C increases the success of glaucoma filtering surgery, but also the postoperative complications. This is the first report of scleritis after its use. Patients: In five patients, scleritis developed 3 to 24 weeks after inferior trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. The onset was characterized by acute pain, redness of the eye, and decreased vision. Three patients had anterior scleritis and two had posterior scleritis. Infection or bleb leakage was not seen in any patient. Results: All patients responded to a course of topical steroids and oral ibuprofen or prednisone. Conclusion: Anterior and posterior scleritis may complicate the use of topical mitomycin C during trabeculectomy. Prompt diagnosis and treatment reverses the inflammation, maintaining the success of the surgical procedure.
Air pollution and mortality rates: A note on Lave and Seskin's pooling of cross-section and time-series data

Abstract In “Air Pollution and Human Health” (Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1977) Lester Lave and Eugene Seskin report the results of regressions which suggest a strong association between air pollution and mortality rates. This note questions assumptions made by Lave and Seskin which underlie their -estimation of a single-equation model using pooled cross-section and time-series data. If, in fact, these assumptions cannot be made, the association between air pollution and mortality rates appears considerably weakened, but it still appears to be significant.
Neuroscience: Sensors and synchronicity

Synaptic communication is triggered by action potentials, but neurons also talk to each other in between action potentials. Specific intracellular-calcium sensors regulate these conversations.