cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remote Management of Human Oriented Ecosystems

Abstract If the human race is to survive it must develop the ability to estimate the consequences of the instability-producing actions it is able to take as a result of its powerful technology. A carefully constructed computer model of the world ecosystem can provide a tool for estimating these consequences. Such a model can be made to separate signal from noise given any input data set, and to suggest which could be the most fruitful data gathering expeditions to launch in order to upgrade predictive capabilities. The model is seen as resident on a central computer such as the ILLIAC IV and accessible through a nation-wide network such as the ARPA data link. Remote input/output devices would enable the nation's scientists, planners, and decision makers to upgrade sub-models, test new ideas and introduce new data as desired. The system is considered to be well within the present state-of-the-art and to be capable of paying its own way within a very few years of its inception. A currently running prototype...
Analytical modelling and experimental verification of tyre non-uniformity

This paper presents the development of a non-uniform tyre model for system identification to fit experimental High-Speed Uniformity (HSU) measurements, which ultimately results in the determination of the tangential and radial hub forces. The analytical model includes the mass imbalance, stiffness non-uniformity, and radial run-out in addition to hysteretic energy dissipation and a longitudinal slip model. The system identification, based on a genetic algorithm, uses the experimental tangential and radial first harmonic wheel hub force variations as the target outputs. The results demonstrate that non-uniformities produce wheel hub forces at multiple combination frequencies of the first harmonic frequency.
Protein engineering of a novel constitutively active hormone-receptor complex.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone consisting of an α and a β subunit that stimulates intracellular levels of cAMP via a G protein-coupled receptor. Herein we report the engineering and characterization of a novel molecule in which the receptor and its heterodimeric ligand were covalently linked in a single polypeptide chain. The hormone-receptor complex was expressed in cells transfected with this construct, but the cells were unable to bind significant amounts of exogenous hCG. However, cleavage of the hormone with a site-specific protease rendered the receptor accessible to exogenously added hormone. Cells transfected with the hCG-receptor construct contained elevated basal levels of cAMP; moreover, addition of hormone had no significant effect. These results are consistent with a strong and stable interaction between the single-chain hormone and its covalently linked receptor that results in a constitutively active complex.
BRST operator for the first ilk superparticle

Abstract We present a BRST quantization of the superparticle in ten dimensions. The system contains an infinite number of ghosts which combine into a finite number of OSp(9,1|2) representations. We show that the BRST operator is nilpotent and gives the correct cohomology.
Measures of zinc status in ewes civen a low zinc diet throughout pregnancy

Abstract The severe effects on both the dam and fetus of inadequate zinc (Zn) intake during pregnancy in animals indicate that good methods of monitoring Zn status in pregnant women may be critical. Plasma/serum Zn concentration, the most commonly used criterion, is not as good an indicator of Zn status as is needed. The effect of low Zn intake on other possible indicators of Zn status has therefore been investigated in the pregnant ewe. Thirty adult primiparous Finncross ewes were fed a low Zn ( in vitro and alkaline phosphatase (Alk Phos) activity were determined at intervals throughout pregnancy. Zn concentrations of selected tissues were determined in 5 ewes from each treatment after delivery. Addition of Zn in vitro stimulated Mann activity to a greater extent in plasma from −Zn than +Zn ewes; the stimulation increased as pregnancy progressed. Plasma Alk Phos activity was lower in −Zn than +Zn ewes throughout pregnancy. Zn concentration in colostrum was lower in −Zn than +Zn ewes. Zn concentrations in the tissues measured were not greatly different in −Zn and +Zn ewes. Of the parameters measured stimulation of Mann activity by added Zn in vitro was the best indicator of Zn status.
NaCl appetite of adrenalectomized rats.

SummaryIn single-choice experiments adrenalectomized and normal rats were given choice between distilled water and each of a series of NaCl solutions. The NaCl appetite of adrenalectomized rats was shown to be concentration dependent. Adrenalectomized rats preferred NaCl solutions to water until the concentration of the salt solution was .35 M or greater. At these higher concentrations the rats preferred water to salt solution. Adrenalectomized rats ingested most NaCl solution (ml/100 g B.W./day) when the concentration was .15 M. These rats either lost weight or ceased to gain weight when low (.025 to .050 M) and high (.50 M) NaCl concentrations were given. Body weight of control rats was not influenced by the concentration of NaCl solution offered. Control rats preferred NaCl solution to water at all concentrations below .075 M. At concentrations greater than .15 M, the rats drank more water than NaCl solution. The greatest volume of NaCl solution (ml/100 g B. W./day) was ingested by control rats when a ...
Effects of various implant species and post anneal treatments on Si N channel MOSFETS

This paper presents a detailed analysis of physical and electrical characterizations of N-channel MOSFETs with gate lengths of 2 to 8 microns. The fabrication sequence features a self-aligned polysilicon gate and a LOCOS process with variations in the source/drain implant species (arsenic or phosphorous) and anneal ambients (dry O2 or N2. TEM micrographs show a difference in the defect configuration for arsenic or phosphorous implants: arsenic produces dislocation loops while phosphorous produces a rigid “square-grid” dislocation network or an “x” or “y” shaped dislocation network dependinon the anneal ambient. All defects were found to terminate at the source/drain periphery for gate lengths greater than or equal to 2 microns. Electrical characterization show typical MOSFET performance for the devices with gate lengths greater than 4 microns. The dry O2 anneal ambient appears to give a slightly lower subthreshold leakage current (in the region of picoamperes) than the N2 ambient. For the devices with gate lengths of 2 microns, the depletion regions of the source and drain overlap and nearly overlap for the phosphorous and arsenic cases, respectively, due to fast diffusivity of phoshorous.
A CURVILINEAR LEVEL SET FORMULATION FOR HIGHLY DEFORMABLE FREE SURFACE PROBLEMS WITH APPLICATION TO SOLIDIFICATION

A curvilinear level set formulation has been developed for highly deformable free surface problems. In this new scheme, the grid lines follow the irregular domain generated by the multizone adaptive grid-generation (MAGG) scheme [1] and free surfaces are captured by level set functions among the curvilinear grids. Navier-Stokes equations are discretized and solved based on a multiphase curvilinear finite-volume method [2], and the level set function is solved based on a finite-difference method using the second-order essentially nonoscillatory (ENO) scheme [3]. The scheme is capable of accurately and efficiently representing the deformation, oscillation, merger, and separation of free surfaces. The effectiveness and robustness of the algorithm are demonstrated by using it for problems involving merger of bubbles, mold filling, and the spreading and solidification of molten droplets on a cold substrate where both free surface and solidification interfaces move and the mass of the liquid phase is continuous...
hybrid$\scriptsize{\mathrm{MANTIS}}$: a CPU–GPU Monte Carlo method for modeling indirect x-ray detectors with columnar scintillators

The computational modeling of medical imaging systems often requires obtaining a large number of simulated images with low statistical uncertainty which translates into prohibitive computing times. We describe a novel hybrid approach for Monte Carlo simulations that maximizes utilization of CPUs and GPUs in modern workstations. We apply the method to the modeling of indirect x-ray detectors using a new and improved version of the code , an open source software tool used for the Monte Carlo simulations of indirect x-ray imagers. We first describe a GPU implementation of the physics and geometry models in fast2 (the optical transport model) and a serial CPU version of the same code. We discuss its new features like on-the-fly column geometry and columnar crosstalk in relation to the code, and point out areas where our model provides more flexibility for the modeling of realistic columnar structures in large area detectors. Second, we modify (the open source software package that handles the x-ray and electron transport in ) to allow direct output of location and energy deposited during x-ray and electron interactions occurring within the scintillator. This information is then handled by optical transport routines in fast2. A load balancer dynamically allocates optical transport showers to the GPU and CPU computing cores. Our hybrid approach achieves a significant speed-up factor of 627 when compared to and of 35 when compared to the same code running only in a CPU instead of a GPU. Using hybrid, we successfully hide hours of optical transport time by running it in parallel with the x-ray and electron transport, thus shifting the computational bottleneck from optical to x-ray transport. The new code requires much less memory than and, as a result, allows us to efficiently simulate large area detectors.
Challenges and Potential for Ovarian Preservation with SERMs

Tamoxifen (TAM) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator with tissue-specific effects on estrogen signaling used predominantly for treatment and chemoprevention of breast cancers. Recent studies have shown that TAM prevents infertility and decreases follicular loss from common cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy in preclinical models. Here we review current and novel uses of selective estrogen receptor modulator s and advantages and challenges for translation of TAM for human fertility preservation.
On the massively parallel solution of the assignment problem

Abstract In this paper we discuss the design, implementation, and effectiveness of massively parallel algorithms for the solution of large-scale dense assignment problems. In particular, we study the auction algorithm of Bertsekas, an algorithm based on the method of multipliers of Hestenes and Powell, and an algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers of Eckstein. We discuss alternative approaches to the massively parallel implementation of the auction algorithm, including Jacobi, Gauss-Seidel, and a hybrid scheme. The hybrid scheme, in particular, exploits two different levels of parallelism and an efficient way of communicating the data between them without the need to perform general router operations across the hypercube network. We then study the performance of massively parallel implementations of the two methods of multipliers. Implementations are carried out on the Connection Machine CM-2, and the algorithms are evaluated empirically with the solution of large-scale problems. The hybrid scheme significantly outperforms all of the other methods and gives the best computational results to date for a massively parallel solution to this problem.
In vitro growth inhibition of human cancer cells by novel honokiol analogs

Honokiol possesses many pharmacological activities including anti-cancer properties. Here in, we designed and synthesized honokiol analogs that block major honokiol metabolic pathway which may enhance their effectiveness. We studied their cytotoxicity in human cancer cells and evaluate possible mechanism of cell cycle arrest. Two analogs, namely 2 and 4, showed much higher growth inhibitory activity in A549 human lung cancer cells and significant increase of cell population in the G0-G1 phase. Further elucidation of the inhibition mechanism on cell cycle showed that analogs 2 and 4 inhibit both CDK11 and cyclin B1protien levels in A549 cells.
Functional Connectivity in the Cognitive Control Network and the Default Mode Network in Late-life Depression

Abstract Background Abnormalities have been identified in the Cognitive Control Network (CCN) and the Default Mode Network (DMN) during episodes of late-life depression. This study examined whether functional connectivity at rest (FC) within these networks characterizes late-life depression and predicts antidepressant response. Methods 26 non-demented, non-MCI older adults were studied. Of these, 16 had major depression and 10 had no psychopathology. Depressed patients were treated with escitalopram (target dose 20 mg) for 12 weeks after a 2-week placebo phase. Resting state time series was determined prior to treatment. FC within the CCN was determined by placing seeds in the dACC and the DLPFC bilaterally. FC within the DMN was assessed from a seed placed in the posterior cingulate. Results Low resting FC within the CCN and high resting FC within the DMN distinguished depressed from normal elderly subjects. Beyond this “double dissociation”, low resting FC within the CCN predicted low remission rate and persistence of depressive symptoms and signs, apathy, and dysexecutive behavior after treatment with escitalopram. In contrast, resting FC within the DMN was correlated with pessimism but did not predict treatment response. Conclusions If confirmed, these findings may serve as a signature of the brain's functional topography characterizing late-life depression and sustaining its symptoms. By identifying the network abnormalities underlying biologically meaningful characteristics (apathy, dysexecutive behavior, pessimism) and sustaining late-life depression, these findings can provide a novel target on which new somatic and psychosocial treatments can be tested.
When Do Causes Take Effect

I am asking when it is true to report, in the past tense, that one event has caused another to occur. My question derives from a much-discussed puzzle in action theory, about how to individuate what we do in those familiar circumstances where we perform action A by doing B. For an example of B, suppose that I reach out my arm. In so doing, I slam a door that was in contact with my arm-thus carrying out action A. The individuation riddle will be: How many separate deeds have I performed? As many as when I simultaneously turn my head and thrust out my arm? This inquiry may sound trifling; yet it could set us on the right track toward an understanding of some 'deeper' notions-for instance, what it is to do one thing as a means of doing another; the relationship of acts to their consequences; and the mysterious but paradigmatic action of causing something to happen. Eventually we will see how debates over individuation lead to my title question. But first I should furnish minimal stage setting. By reference to our example, one group of philosophers, best represented by Jaegwon Kim (i966; with Brandt, i967) and Alvin Goldman (I970, I971), would individuate A and B as distinct performances. Accordingly, I call such theorists 'multipliers'. Their reason for sundering A from B is, ultimately, that A has properties which B lacks, and conversely. The other leading account is suggested by G. E. M. Anscombe (i957, pp. 44 f.) and elaborated by Donald Davidson (i963, pp. 686 f.; i969a, b; I97i). These writers hold that A is nothing over and above B; hence I dub them 'reductive unifiers'. On principle, I share Davidson's reluctance 'to suppose that when I close the door by moving my hand I perform two numerically distinct actions'; and like Davidson, I am inclined to 'oppose any view that implies that if I do A by doing B then my doing A and my doing B must be numerically distinct' 097I, p. 20). Why not let individual acts proliferate in this manner? Among many rationales I have heard, the simplest one for being ontologically stingy is that I have no need, either while or after I stretch out my arm, to undertake some 'additional' act of door-slamming. The door is going to bang shut anyway -not by itself, to be sure, but as a result of my arm-stretching (Davidson, I97I, p. 2I; see Thomson, I97I, pp. II5, II9, I2I, I27; and for further reasons, Davidson, I969b, pp. 2I7 f., 222 f.). The controversy is worth exploring because each side has tough arguments, and also because each takes it for granted that you must be either a multiplier or a red active unifier. For Davidson, the sole alternative
Characteristics of scintillators for well logging to 225 degrees C

Application-oriented performance characteristics for scintillators (NaI(Tl), CsI(Tl), CsI(Na), BGO, and BC-438 plastic) were evaluated as a function of temperature from 25 degrees C to 225 degrees C, as appropriate. Relative pulse height and pulse height resolution are reported. It is shown that the scintillator most appropriate for measurement above 100 degrees C is NaI(Tl). At 200 degrees C, NaI(Tl) still has more than 50% of its light output and its pulse height resolution has increased by less than a factor of 1.5. Because the decay constants of scintillators tend to shorten, shorter integration time constants can be used at higher temperatures to collect all the charge generated by the photomultiplier tube. Differences in the data due to geometry suggest that volume absorption effects are present and that these effects have a stronger temperature dependence than the scintillator itself. >
Variations in serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity in experimental and clinical coronary insufficiency, pericarditis, and pulmonary infarction.

Previous studies have demonstrated consistent rises in serum activity of the enzyme, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGO-T), following myocardial necrosis of various etiologies. The present study demonstrates markedly different findings in experimental and clinical coronary insufficiency, pericarditis, and pulmonary infarction unless concomitant myocardial necrosis was present. This seems to be a valuable means of differentiating clinical problems in which the presence of myocardial injury is suspected as the basis of the patient's chest pain.
Supramolecular assembly on surfaces: manipulating conductance in noncovalently modified mesoscale structures.

Molecules capable of complementary hydrogen bonding were used to control the noncovalent self-assembly and electronic properties of a chemically well-defined surface mesostructure. In this work, we patterned a footprint region for molecular assembly on a surface and used moieties featuring complementary recognition to tune the current−voltage properties of the patterned region. With the appropriate functionalities on the complementary moieties, we were able to increase and decrease the observed conductance in surface-bound mesoscale structures imaged by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).
The many roles of the conserved eukaryotic Paf1 complex in regulating transcription, histone modifications, and disease states ☆

The Paf1 complex was originally identified over fifteen years ago in budding yeast through its physical association with RNA polymerase II. The Paf1 complex is now known to be conserved throughout eukaryotes and is well studied for promoting RNA polymerase II transcription elongation and transcription-coupled histone modifications. Through these critical regulatory functions, the Paf1 complex participates in numerous cellular processes such as gene expression and silencing, RNA maturation, DNA repair, cell cycle progression and prevention of disease states in higher eukaryotes. In this review, we describe the historic and current research involving the eukaryotic Paf1 complex to explain the cellular roles that underlie its conservation and functional importance. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: RNA polymerase II Transcript Elongation.
Identification of Sites in Adenovirus Hexon for Foreign Peptide Incorporation

Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) is one of the most promising vectors for gene therapy applications. Genetic engineering of Ad5 capsid proteins has been employed to redirect vector tropism, to enhance infectivity, or to circumvent preexisting host immunity. As the most abundant capsid protein, hexon modification is particularly attractive. However, genetic modification of hexon often results in failure of rescuing viable viruses. Since hypervariable regions (HVRs) are nonconserved among hexons of different serotypes, we investigated whether the HVRs could be used for genetic modification of hexon by incorporating oligonucleotides encoding six histidine residues (His6) into different HVRs in the Ad5 genome. The modified viruses were successfully rescued, and the yields of viral production were similar to that of unmodified Ad5. A thermostability assay suggested the modified viruses were stable. The His6 epitopes were expressed in all modified hexon proteins as assessed by Western blotting assay, although the intensity of the reactive bands varied. In addition, we examined the binding activity of anti-His tag antibody to the intact virions with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and found the His6 epitopes incorporated in HVR2 and HVR5 could bind to anti-His tag antibody. This suggested the His6 epitopes in HVR2 and HVR5 were exposed on virion surfaces. Finally, we examined the infectivities of the modified Ad vectors. The His6 epitopes did not affect the native infectivity of Ad5 vectors. In addition, the His6 epitopes did not appear to mediate His6-dependent viral infection, as assessed in two His6 artificial receptor systems. Our study provided valuable information for studies involving hexon modification.
Surface plasmons at the surface of liquid mercury

Abstract We have evaluated the surface plasmon dispersion relation in the presence of the inhomogeneous surface zone which has been proposed for liquid mercury. Assuming that photon-plasmon coupling occurs through the mechanism of frustrated total reflection, we find the dispersion relation to be sensitive to the existence of such a zone, providing retardation effects are taken into account. The results, it is believed, define nonradiative surface plasmon absorption as a useful technique for the study of conducting surfaces.
Venous air embolism in the recovery room producing unexplained cardiac dysrhythmias: a case report.

Venous air embolism is a well-known complication of neurosurgical procedures. The authors are unaware of any previous report of this complication occuring in a patient in the recovery room. We report a case of venous air embolism in the recovery room initially manifest as unexplained cardiac dysrhythmias in a patient recovering from general anesthesia for posterior cervical fusion
Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater contaminants in U.S. streams, 1999-2000: a national reconnaissance.

To provide the first nationwide reconnaissance of the occurrence of pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater contaminants (OWCs) in water resources, the U.S. Geological Survey used five newly developed analytical methods to measure concentrations of 95 OWCs in water samples from a network of 139 streams across 30 states during 1999 and 2000. The selection of sampling sites was biased toward streams susceptible to contamination (i.e. downstream of intense urbanization and livestock production). OWCs were prevalent during this study, being found in 80% of the streams sampled. The compounds detected represent a wide range of residential, industrial, and agricultural origins and uses with 82 of the 95 OWCs being found during this study. The most frequently detected compounds were coprostanol (fecal steroid), cholesterol (plant and animal steroid), N,N-diethyltoluamide (insect repellant), caffeine (stimulant), triclosan (antimicrobial disinfectant), tri(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (fire retardant), and 4-nonylphenol (nonionic detergent metabolite). Measured concentrations for this study were generally low and rarely exceeded drinking-water guidelines, drinking-water health advisories, or aquatic-life criteria. Many compounds, however, do not have such guidelines established. The detection of multiple OWCs was common for this study, with a median of seven and as many as 38 OWCs being found in a given water sample. Little is known about the potential interactive effects (such as synergistic or antagonistic toxicity) that may occur from complex mixtures of OWCs in the environment. In addition, results of this study demonstrate the importance of obtaining data on metabolites to fully understand not only the fate and transport of OWCs in the hydrologic system but also their ultimate overall effect on human health and the environment.
Complex interactions between the steroid derivative RU 5135 and the GABAA-receptor complex.

Abstract The modulation of [ 35 S]t-butylbicyclophosporothionate ([ 35 S]TBPS) binding was used to evaluate the actions of the steroid derivative RU 5135 at the γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABA A ) receptor complex. The inhibition of [ 35 S]TBPS binding by GABA in the presence of various concentrations of RU 5135 was consistent with the hypothesis that RU 5135 is a competitive antagonist at the GABA A receptor. Despite common structural features (i.e., 3α-hydroxylated, 5s-reduced A ring) with GABA A receptor-active neurosteroids, RU 5135 did not appear to be competitive at the putative steroid site on the GABA A receptor-active, as demonstrated by Schild analysis of 5α-pregnane-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-P) modulation of [ 35 S]TBPS binding in the presence of different concentrations of RU 5135. On the other hand, the reduced potency of 3α,5α-P as an inhibitor of [ 35 S]TBPS binding in the presence of RU 5135, as well as blockade of 5α-pregnane-3α-20α-diol (5α-pregnanediol) inhibition of [ 35 S]TBPS binding by RU 5135 provide further support for the GABA A receptor antagonist properties of RU 5135. Moreover, this amidine steroid was able to partially inhibit [ 35 S]TBPS binding independent of GABA with nanomolar potency: yet the mechanism by which this occurs remains to be determined.
Gentoo Linux: the next generation of Linux

The first item of business when installing a Linux system is to pick a distribution, or distro. The plethora of options includes Red Hat, Lindows, Debian, SuSe, Mandrake, Gen-too, and even the emerging Chinese standard, Red Flag. Gentoo Linux is a significant distro for several reasons. First, the entire OS is maintained from source code. Even when binary packages are directly installed, metadata shows precisely how the package was configured and built. Second, we need install the OS only once. We can get upgrades of the latest packages from one of the myriad Gentoo mirrors. Finally, it's completely free, regardless of intended use and configuration. Unlike Red Hat Linux, Gentoo Linux doesn't have a commercial edition, meaning users don't have to worry that something might be missing in the free version. This paper looks at some of Gentoo's salient features.
Admissible sequences and the preprojective component of a quiver

Abstract This paper concerns indecomposable preprojective modules over the path algebra of a finite connected quiver without oriented cycles. For each such module, an explicit formula in terms of the geometry of the quiver gives a unique, up to a certain equivalence, shortest (+)-admissible sequence such that the corresponding composition of reflection functors annihilates the module. An efficient way to compute the module is to recover it from its shortest (+)-admissible sequence. The set of equivalence classes of the above sequences has a natural structure of a partially ordered set. For a large class of quivers, the Hasse diagram of the partially ordered set is isomorphic to the preprojective component of the Auslander–Reiten quiver. The techniques of (+)-admissible sequences yield a new result about slices in the preprojective component.
Direct electro-optic sampling of transmission-line signals propagating on a GaAs substrate

We report a new picosecond electro-optic sampling probe suitable for noncontact electronic characterisation of high-speed monolithic GaAs integrated circuits.
LONG-TERM PERSISTENCE OF METABOLIC ABNORMALITIES IN ABSORPTIVE OR RENAL HYPERCALCIURIA

Abstract Seven patients with absorptive hypercalciuria and seven with renal hypercalciuria were re-evaluated 1·67-7·33 years after the original diagnosis. When treatment was temporarily stopped, all showed the same metabolic abnormalities as before: those with absorptive hypercalciuria continued to show increased intestinal absorption of calcium and normal or suppressed parathyroid function, and those with renal hypercalciuria had persistent "renal leak" of calcium and parathyroid stimulation. In view of the persistence of metabolic abnormalities, medical therapy should be regarded as a long-term commitment.
Reevaluation of Medical Education: A Behavioral Model to Assess Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Instruction

More than half of graduating seniors rate their curricula inadequate in health promotion and disease prevention (HPDP) topics, and available data suggest that current medical school curricula turn students away from career choices that foster prevention. Data are needed to show that prevention education works to encourage students to pursue HPDP in practice and thus support greater emphasis on prevention in medical school curricula. This article presents a model that relates health promotion and disease prevention education to desired characteristics of medical school graduates including knowledge and sense of ability in HPDP, specialty preference, and residency choice, while accounting for other factors that influence those characteristics. The model willfacilitate evaluation ofprograms by using NBME, AAMC, and other standardized datasets and may be used to find exemplary programs from among experimental efforts in U.S. medical schools and to evaluate their replication.
The Possibilities of Nature in a Postmodern Age: the Rhetorical Tactics of Environmental Justice Groups

Mourners trudge up the steps to the imposing Kentucky state capitol. The men, in particular, are dressed in the uniforms of ordinary folk—cowboy hats and overalls or baseball caps, jeans, and polyester shirts. Six pallbearers carry a wooden coffin draped with a Kentucky state flag. To the haunting strains of “Wayfaring Stranger,” they lay the coffin down in the rotunda. A woman in black delivers a eulogy, decrying that “The burial of Kentucky in waste can be witnessed continually and perpetually.”
Fiber geometry specifications and its relation to measured fiber statistics

Fiber quality requirements can be specified in a number of ways; the most typical is to state a required diameter and give a tolerance band to allow for manufacturing variations. Actual fiber diameter statistics have been shown to be close to Gaussian for a certain range of fiber lengths. These fiber statistics are discussed showing the bounds of stationarity and their relation to fiber specifications. Thus the fiber statistics in terms of standard deviation and sample length can be related to the specification. Not only variations within one fiber are important, but also from fiber to fiber. Thus, the effect of mean-to-mean differences in fibers and their influence in meeting fiber specification for given standard deviations are considered. In considering these factors, the following conclusions are made. There is a bandwidth which can be related to the fiber drawing process, and measurement of fiber diameter for the purpose of characterization must be made at a rate greater than this bandwidth to guarantee fiber quality. Since fiber drawing is a predominately random process, specifications should be written which relate to a statistical description of the process. If a tolerance band is used for the specification of fiber diameter, it ought to comprise two parts. One part will allow for the random fiber diameter variations. The second part must provide for the deviations of the mean diameter of each complete length from the nominal.
The ontogeny of [3H]nitrendipine binding sites and 45Ca2+ uptake processes in brain synaptosomes from spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abstract Potassium-stimulated 45 Ca 2+ uptake into rat brain cerebral cortex synaptosomes was measured in spontaneously hypertensive rats at ages two days to 140 days. The fast and slow phases of 45 Ca 2+ uptake were measured. The slow phase was abolished by replacement of Na + by choline, was more sensitive to 3,4-dichlorobenzamil and likely represents Na + :Ca 2+ exchange. The fast and slow phases of 45 Ca 2+ uptake developed at different rates, the slow phase developing more rapidly and being more prominent at younger ages, but both phases were at a maximum at 5 weeks. [ 3 H]Nitrendipine binding increased from 2 days (B max = 39 ± 1 fmol mg −1 protein), without change in K d (mean = 130 ± 7 × 10 −12 M). Development of [ 3 H]nitrendipine binding paralleled that of the fast phase of 45 Ca 2+ uptake. Neither 45 Ca 2+ uptake (both phases) nor [ 3 H]nitrendipine binding (B max ) changed between 5 weeks (prehypertensive) and 20 weeks (established hypertensive) of age.
Image reconstruction for a stationary digital breast tomosynthesis system

We have designed and built a stationary digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) system containing a carbon nanotube based field emission x-ray source array to examine the possibility of obtaining a reduced scan time and improved image quality compared to conventional DBT systems. There are 25 individually addressable x-ray sources in our linear source array that are evenly angularly spaced to cover an angle of 48°. The sources are turned on sequentially during imaging and there is no motion of either the source or the detector. We present here an iterative reconstruction method based on a modified Ordered-Subset Convex (MOSC) algorithm that was employed for the reconstruction of images from the new DBT system. Using this algorithm based on a maximum-likelihood model, we reconstruct on non-cubic voxels for increased computational efficiency resulting in high in-plane resolution in the images. We have applied the reconstruction technique on simulated and phantom data from the system. Even without the use of the subsets, the reconstruction of an experimental 9-beam system with 960×768 pixels took less than 6 minutes (10 iterations). The projection images of a simulated mammography accreditation phantom were reconstructed using MOSC and a Simultaneous Algebraic Reconstruction technique (SART) and the results from the comparison between the two algorithms allow us to conclude that the MOSC is capable of delivering excellent image quality when used in tomosynthesis image reconstruction.
Agglomerate strength determination

The extent of ultrasonic cavitation forces on suspended particles was characterized by comparison to hollow glass bubble strength distributions obtained via mercury porosimetry. The effective breaking strength of the different energy input levels of the ultrasonic disruptor were found to vary between 1.1 and 80.5 MPa. Model ordered monosize silica sphere agglomerates were ultrasonically treated and the changes in the particle size distribution followed in order to determine the strength of these agglomerates. Similar analyses done on synthesized titania powders have shown the importance of drying and ethanol washing of precursor precipitates to the strength of the final oxide agglomerates.
High Yield C-Derivatization of Weakly Coordinating Carborane Anions

Unlike the “parent” carborane anion CHB11H11−, halogenated carborane anions such as CHB11H5Br6− can be readily C-functionalized in high yield and purity, enhancing their utility as weakly coordinating anions.
General calculations of vertically-resolved emission profiles for analyte elements in inductively coupled plasmas

Abstract A simple model is suggested to approximately describe the vertical spatial behavior of analyte emission in inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs). The degree of analyte ionization determines the relative numbers of neutral atoms and ions at each observation height. The excitation temperature ( T exc ) determines the fraction of ions in each ionic excited state and the fraction of atoms in each atomic excited state. The degree of ionization varies with observation height in a manner that is independent of T exc . Calculated vertical intensity profiles show the same general shape and element-to-element trends as the analogous experimental data.
Sewer and Water Pricing and Investment Policies to Implement Urban Growth Policy

ABSTRACT. The article proposes the use of certain water and sewer extension pricing and investment policies. Such policies would complement an urban growth policy designed to guide the location and timing of growth in urbanizing areas. Proposed pricing policies are based upon marginal cost principles. The types of pricing policies discussed include benefit assessments, connection fees, and user charges. Proposed investment policies deal with the division of financing responsiblities between the public and private sectors. Discussion of each proposal explains the economic influence of the proposed policies upon key decision makers in the land development process. The application of proposed pricing and investment policies in the case study communities is mixed. In Knoxville, Tennessee, where pricing and investment policies reflect the proposed policies, no urban growth policy exists. In Lexington, Kentucky, mixed pricing and investment policies do not complement what is a relatively good urban growth policy. In Greensboro, North Carolina, reasonably effective pricing and investment policies complement other policies which provide some guidance to the urban growth pattern. It is hoped that the article will increase the recognition of utility pricing and investment policies as one means of implementing urban growth policy.
Abstract LB-503: Pharmacological inhibition of microglia leads to increased survival in a murine model of glioblastoma multiforme in conjunction with ionizing radiation

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and lethal form of astrocytoma. GBM patients have a median survival time of approximately one year and therefore it is essential to identify novel targets and effective therapies. There is mounting evidence that microglia (specialized brain-resident macrophages) play a significant role in the development and progression of GBM tumors. We have established a microglia-glioma cell co-culture system consisting of normal microglia from C57Bl/6J mice and syngeneic GL261 glioma cells. We have demonstrated that microglia strongly stimulate the invasive behavior of GL261 cells in this system. Our preliminary data also indicate that the microglia significantly stimulate GL261 cell proliferation and resistance to ionizing radiation (IR) in these conditions. In a search for small molecule inhibitors that block the stimulatory effects of microglia on glioma cells, we have examined CNI-1493, a drug that is known to selectively interfere with macrophage function. We found that CNI-1493 potently inhibits microglia-stimulated GL261 invasion. We also examined the effect of intracranially administered CNI-1493 on orthotopic GL261 tumors in the presence or absence of fractionated whole brain irradiation (10 Gy total). We found that although CNI-1493 only has a marginal benefit in the absence of IR, it strongly stimulates animal survival in combination with IR: whereas IR treatment increases survival by 10 days, IR in combination with CNI-1493 treatment extends survival beyond 40 days. In conclusion, our observations support the notion that pharmacological targeting of microglia may be beneficial as adjuvant therapy in conjunction with ionizing radiation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-503. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-503
International Legitimacy and Peace Enforcement

International Organizations and Peace Enforcement: The Politics of International Legitimacy. By Katharina P. Coleman Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. 374 pp., $91.00 cloth (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-87019-1), $40.00 paper (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-69034-8). In International Organizations and Peace Enforcement , Katharina Coleman asks why “peace enforcement” missions, which are typically promoted and led by one or more of the great powers, all unfold under the banner of an international organization—in most cases the United Nations. To answer her question, Coleman develops a theory of “international legitimacy” in which she argues that states prefer to act under an umbrella of legitimacy. Therefore, to understand why they seek the shelter of international organizations, we have to understand the foundations of international legitimacy. Coleman uses five case studies to examine her argument empirically. Three of the case studies involve African countries (Liberia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Lesotho); the remaining two involve a European (Kosovo) and an Asian (East Timor) case, respectively. Although each case is interesting in its own right, the cases are clearly chosen because they support the thesis that international legitimacy accounts for the tendency of peace enforcement operations to be undertaken with the approval of international organizations. Moreover, each case also allows Coleman to reject an alternative explanation for why international organizations sanction state behavior. The cynic would argue that this outcome was predetermined, given that Coleman presents evidence to suggest that the entire population of peace enforcement operations were sanctioned by some …
The nature and origins of derivational polysemy

Booij argued recently that the problem of Agentive-Instrumental polysemy among Dutch nominalizations ending in -er can be resolved without resorting to the separation of derivation from affixation (the Separation Hypothesis). He argues for a ‘semantic extension scheme’ whereby an instrumental nominalization like open-er ‘opener’ is explained as a relatively less ‘agent-like’ semantic extension of the category ‘Agentive’: spel-er ‘player’. This question is only part of the much larger issue of derivational polysemy: why do certain categories, e.g. Agent and Instrumental, tend to receive polysemous marking across languages when others, e.g. Agentive and Action (nominalization), do not. This paper offers an alternate explanation of Booij's problem in a framework which addresses the larger issue. It proposes that the same universal categories, the category functions of traditional grammars, determine both inflectional and derivational relations (Unitary Grammatical Function Hypothesis). Combined with the Separation Hypothesis, unitary grammatical functions can predict (1) which languages are more likely to exhibit polysemy and which, synonymy, and (2) which categories are more or less likely to be shared by a polysemous derivational affix. Even enriched with semantic extension schemes, purely sign-based frameworks make the wrong predictions.
Identifying Patients Who are Suitable for Stentless Ureteroscopy Following Treatment of Urolithiasis

ABSTRACTPurpose: Foregoing ureteral stents following ureteroscopy for urinary calculi is an evolving practice. Randomized trials support stent omission in select cases though generalizeability is unclear and criteria for stentless ureteroscopy are unknown. Therefore, we sought to identify significant clinical characteristics affecting postoperative morbidity in unstented patients to provide a context for future randomized trials.Materials and Methods: Of 837 ureteroscopic procedures for urolithiasis performed at our institution from January 1997 through January 2002 a ureteral stent was not placed in 226 (32%). Among these patients 47 had no stone at the time of the procedure leaving 219 (26%) who were treated for urinary calculus disease. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of 24 variables with postoperative morbidity.Results: Of the 219 patients treated with ureteroscopy 39 (18%) had a postoperative complication, which was obstructive in 26 (12%), infectious in 10 (5%)...
Phthalates and other additives in plastics: human exposure and associated health outcomes

Concern exists over whether additives in plastics to which most people are exposed, such as phthalates, bisphenol A or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, may cause harm to human health by altering endocrine function or through other biological mechanisms. Human data are limited compared with the large body of experimental evidence documenting reproductive or developmental toxicity in relation to these compounds. Here, we discuss the current state of human evidence, as well as future research trends and needs. Because exposure assessment is often a major weakness in epidemiological studies, and in utero exposures to reproductive or developmental toxicants are important, we also provide original data on maternal exposure to phthalates during and after pregnancy (n = 242). Phthalate metabolite concentrations in urine showed weak correlations between pre- and post-natal samples, though the strength of the relationship increased when duration between the two samples decreased. Phthalate metabolite levels also tended to be higher in post-natal samples. In conclusion, there is a great need for more human studies of adverse health effects associated with plastic additives. Recent advances in the measurement of exposure biomarkers hold much promise in improving the epidemiological data, but their utility must be understood to facilitate appropriate study design.
DAB389IL-2 (Denileukin Diftitox, ONTAK): Review of Clinical Trials to Date

Clinical trials of DAB389IL-2 (denileukin diftitox, ONTAK) have been conducted in a variety of disease states as well as in normal volunteers. The individuals treated include 45 volunteers in pharmacokinetic testing, 195 patients with noncancer indications, and 216 patients with lymphoma, including ongoing trials. The noncancer trials involved patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, HIV infection, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Two large trials involving 143 lymphoma patients provide the definitive data and formed the basis for seeking and receiving Food and Drug Administration approval for DAB389IL-2. The focus of this paper will be a review of the efficacy and toxicity trials with DAB389IL-2 completed to date in cancer, in particular those that involved patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, as well as the rationale for these trials.
Translational movement of first deciduous molars into second molar positions

Abstract It has been demonstrated that unerupted lower first premolars will follow translational orthodontic movement of the overlying deciduous teeth.
Effect of firocoxib or flunixin meglumine on recovery of ischemic-injured equine jejunum

Objective—To determine whether treatment of horses with firocoxib affects recovery of ischemic-injured jejunum, while providing effective analgesia. Animals—18 horses. Procedures—Horses (n = 6 horses/group) received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (1 mL/50 kg, IV), flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg, IV, q 12 h), or firocoxib (0.09 mg/kg, IV, q 24 h) before 2 hours of jejunal ischemia. Horses were monitored via pain scores and received butorphanol for analgesia. After 18 hours, ischemic-injured and control mucosa were placed in Ussing chambers for measurement of transepithelial resistance and permeability to lipopolysaccharide. Histomorphometry was used to determine denuded villus surface area. Western blots for cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 were performed. Plasma thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin E2 metabolite (PGEM) concentrations were determined. Results—Pain scores did not significantly increase after surgery in horses receiving flunixin meglumine or firocoxib. Transepithelial resistance of ischemic-injured ...