cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ice storm frequencies in a warmer climate

Ice storms can produce extensive damage to physical infrastructure, cause deaths and injuries, and result in large losses through business interruption. Total costs can be billions of dollars. If society is to increase its resilience to such events, we need a better understanding of the likely frequency, intensity and geographical distribution of ice storms. Unfortunately, due to competing temperature and precipitation effects as well as surface effects, it is unclear how climate change will affect the frequency, intensity and geographical distribution of ice storms. Here we perform a simple “thought experiment” using vertical temperature profile data to explore how these might change given plausible future temperature regimes. As temperatures increase, we find a poleward shift and a shift toward winter. Furthermore, southern locations experience fewer ice storms at all times of the year, while northern areas experience fewer in the spring and fall and more in the winter. Using an approximation for surface effects, we estimate that a temperature increase will result in an increased frequency of ice storm events throughout much of the winter across eastern Canada and in the U.S. west of the Appalachian Mountains as far south as Tennessee. Future changes in variability may enhance or moderate these changes.
Cost Analysis and Surgical Site Infection Rates in Total Knee Arthroplasty Comparing Traditional vs. Single-Use Instrumentation

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant complications in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate if traditional vs. single-use instrumentation had an effect on SSI's. We compared SSI rates and costs of TKAs performed with single-use (449) and traditional (169) TKA instrumentation trays. Total OR Time was, on average, 30 min less when single-use instrumentation was used. SSIs decreased in the single-use group (n=1) compared to the traditional group (n=5) (P=0.006). Single-use instrumentation added $490 in initial costs; however it saved between $480 and $600. Single-use instrumentation may provide a benefit to the patient by potentially decreasing the risk of infection and reducing the overall hospital costs.
Global analysis of biochemical and biophysical data.

Publisher Summary A major transformation of the amount of biological information can be effected, which can be obtained from a set of experiments by direct incorporation of scientific constraints into the analysis of the data. The chapter has provided a "cookbook" approach to develop (and using) nonlinear least-squares analysis programs. The term “scientific constraints” is meant to denote direct application (into the analysis program) of the mathematical constraints imposed on the data through experimental design and accessory information. When first approaching a data analysis problem, what general class of computer algorithms should be applied to the data needs to be determined. The relationship between experimental observables and biological information in almost all of biochemistry and biophysics is nonlinear. Therefore, the best methodology to fit a nonlinear model to experimental data needs to be determined. The role of the classic biochemical data transformations should be exclusively for graphical representation of the data. All of the data analysis should be performed in a nonlinear fashion on the actual (raw) data. The nonlinear data analysis requirements of different laboratories in the field of biochemistry and biophysics vary greatly. For the laboratory, which occasionally needs to fit small numbers of data (say 10–500 data points) to a model, data can be easily described analytically (for example, sums of exponentials, simple binding isotherms); prepackaged nonlinear data analysis programs will probably be sufficient.
An experimental comparison of controllers for a vectored thrust, ducted fan engine

Experimental comparisons between four different control design methodologies are applied to a small vectored thrust engine. Each controller is applied to three trajectories of varying aggressiveness. The control strategies considered are LQR, H/sub /spl infin//, gain scheduling, and feedback linearization. The experiments show that gain scheduling is essential to achieving good performance. The strengths and weaknesses of each methodology are also examined.
The Paragon programming paradigm and distributed memory multicomputers

Abstract Paragon is a programming environment for parallel computer systems. The main components of this environment are the Paragon programming primitives and a supporting run-time system. The Paragon environment is designed to be suitable for the realization of scientific programs on a wide range of multicomputer systems. These systems may contain a large number of independent processors; furthermore, they may be heterogeneous in that they involve different types of parallel processing resources. An essential new aspect to efficiently programming such systems is task management. Paragon is designed to allow the programmer to specify problem-based task management parameters without needing to know the details of the currently available system resources. This paper discusses the main characteristics of the Paragon environment.
Studies on Alternaria allergens: II. Measurement of the relative potency of commercial Alternaria extracts by the direct RAST and by RAST inhibition

The relative potency of 12 commercial Alternaria extracts was analyzed by end-point skin test titrations and compared to in vitro measurements of potency, including (1) the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition procedure; (2) the direct RAST procedure; and (3) the protein nitrogen unit (PNU) content. Potencies determined by skin testing 10 sensitive patients were strongly correlated among the various patients. Measurements of potency by both RAST inhibition and direct RAST assay were strongly correlated to potency as measured by skin testing. In contrast, neither the weight:volume nor the PNU content bore any relationship to allergenic potency as measured by skin testing or by either of the RAST procedures. Extracts differed by as much as 3,000-fold in allergen content by skin testing. Moreover, the extracts appeared to contain different allergenic determinants when tested by RAST inhibition. RAST inhibition offered several technical advantages over the direct RAST procedure, in that only one solid-phase RAST reagent was required, slopes of dose-response curves could be more easily compared, and a greater discrimination in allergenic potencies among extracts could be made. The RAST appears to offer an excellent method for measuring the potency of allergy extracts, pending the isolation and characterization of actual allergens.
Chronometry of Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are commonly organized into discrete strata. The strata are composed of materials, diverse particles of inorganic and/or organic origin, that reflect aspects of the environmental conditions under which they got accumulated. Sequences of sedimentary rock layers were observed and studied initially in cliffs, man-made exposures, and sites where the vegetation was not thick enough to obscure the rock layers. It was in mines, however, that sequences of strata came to be examined closely. Miners' observations of the succession of sedimentary rock layers they saw and quarried below the Earth's surface gave birth to a domain, that is, stratigraphy, and an understanding of sedimentary rocks. The need for sedimentary rock chronometry and its application remains as valuable a tool in finding and recovering nature's resources today as it was in William Smith's day. Deep ocean-floor explorations have added an interesting, exciting, and still-expanding dimension to sedimentary rock chronometry.
Amphiboles on the join pargasite-ferropargasite

Amphiboles have been grown across the join NaCa/sub 2/Mg/sub 4/AlSi/sub 6/Al/sub 2/O/sub 22/(OH)/sub 2/ to NaCa/sub 2/Fe/sub 4/AlSi/sub 6/Al/sub 2/O/sub 22/(OH)/sub 2/ on QFM and CCH/sub 4/ oxygen buffers to gain insight into the Fe-Mg substitution in an amphibole without the local charge imbalance caused by Na in the M(4) site. Oxygen fugacity was found to have no effect upon the unit-cell dimensions of amphibole. No change in cell parameters is observed with temperature on a given buffer. The essentially linear trend indicates disorder of Mg and Fe in M(1), M(2), and M(3) sites. Plagioclase and pyroxene were present in all charges. The amount ranged from a few percent to greater than 30%, without affecting the unit-cell parameters of coexisting amphibole.
Cutting Edge: Role of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Inhibiting NK Cell Activity and Preserving Immune Privilege

The absence of MHC class I Ags on the corneal endothelium, which lines the anterior chamber of the eye, makes this cell layer potentially vulnerable to lysis by NK cells. However, aqueous humor (AH), which bathes the corneal endothelium, contains a 12-kDa protein which inhibits the NK-mediated lysis of corneal endothelial cells. An amino acid sequence analysis of AH revealed that this factor shared >90% homology with macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). The NK inhibitory effect of AH was neutralized with anti-human MIF Ab. Moreover, mouse rMIF produced a similar inhibition of NK cell activity. However, neither rMIF nor AH inhibited the CTL-mediated Lysis of allogeneic cells. rMIF prevented the release of perforin granules by NK cells but not CTLs. Although MIF displays proinflammatory properties, these results indicate that it can also inhibit at least one immune effector element, NK cells, and thereby contribute to immune privilege in the eye.
Perceptions of Self and Other in the Elementary Classroom: From George Spindler's “Roger Harker Story” to Today's Classrooms

Consistent with research conducted by George Spindler 60 years ago, teachers continue to perceive groups of students, typically students that differ from the teacher, as less capable of accomplishing meaningful tasks, belonging and contributing to social groups, and engaging actively in challenging work. The bias is especially great for students who struggle to perform academically. The article reflects on the importance of teacher effects on students' developing sense of self, especially in our accountability age.
Spectrophotometric determination of total uronic acids in seawater using cation-exchange separation and pre-concentration by lyophilization

Abstract A technique is described for the measurement of total uronic acids in coastal seawater using a spectrophotometric method after separation and pre-concentration. Uronic acids in seawater are separated through cation-exchange and pre-concentrated by freeze drying. The concentrations of total uronic acids are determined based on a sulfamate/ m -hydroxydiphenyl assay in concentrated sulfuric acid. This modified approach has been tested in estuarine and coastal water of Galveston Bay where the concentrations of total uronic acids ranged from 3.2 to 6.5 μM-C. Uronic acids accounted for 7.9–12.3% of the total carbohydrate content. These results suggest that uronic acids are one of the important compound classes of carbohydrates in seawater. The detection limit was 0.08 μM for uronic acids or 0.5 μM-C, and the precision was ≤10% for values close to the detection limit.
The role of government in supporting measurement standards for high-technology industries

Abstract The role of voluntary standards in industrial growth is discussed by characterizing standards as a public good and identifying the consequent determinants of underinvestment by the private sector. Underinvestment results from the nature of both the standard itself and the underlying technology. Although this problem occurs in most types of standards, measurement-related standards are a particularly severe case. To primary reason is that the measurement technology which underlies the standard typically requires capital-intensive research facilities and specialized research equipment and labor. Once the technology is available, an additional problem frequently arises of reaching agreement among buyers and sellers on the content, form, and timing of the standard. Although common to most standards-setting processes, this latter problem is particularly severe in markets based on advanced technologies because of the typically intense levels of competition and the dynamics of the technological change process. The underinvestment phenomena in the area of measurement-related standards lead to a role for government. In many cases, the most efficient policy response is a centralized government laboratory. This proposition is exemplified by three cases in which support for measurement-related standards was provided by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards. The case studies demonstrate that both the content and the timing of government support are important, if this support is to be an effective element of an industrial growth policy. The content of standards is critical for increasing the options with respect to the direction of industrial innovation as well as increasing the rate of diffusion (which determines measured productivity growth). The timing issue is becoming increasingly important as international competition intensifies in most advanced technology markets. Standards should therefore be a conscious element of industrial growth policy and appropriate government support provide.
Characterization of [3H]CFT binding to the norepinephrine transporter suggests that binding of CFT and nisoxetine is not mutually exclusive

Abstract The norepinephrine transporter (NET) is an important target for a wide variety of antidepressants and psychostimulants. Despite its prominence as a drug target, there is only one radioligand in use for NET competitive binding assays, [3H]nisoxetine. However, traditional [3H]nisoxetine binding protocols often give an underestimation for the affinity of certain classes of NET ligands, particularly cocaine and other tropanes. Here, we explore the feasibility of using the phenyltropane [3H]CFT for labeling human NET (hNET) in heterologous cell-based binding studies. Assays were optimized for time and protein content and specific, one-site binding was observed. Potencies of tested NET ligands for inhibition of [3H]CFT binding to whole cells (at physiological [Na+] and 25 °C) were similar to potencies observed in the [3H]NE uptake assay. Inhibition constants (Ki) for binding assays were highly correlated with uptake inhibition constants for all compounds tested (R2 = 0.99, p
Vapor pressure measurements on molybdena-alumina

The common monolayer model of MoO3 on Al2O3 implies a decrease in free energy when a monolayer is formed from a crystallite of MoO3. The increased stability of the monolayer should be reflected in a decrease in MoO3 vapor pressure above MoO3Al2O3, by comparison with unsupported MoO3. This prediction is confirmed: the apparent vapor pressure above MoO3Al2O3 is at least an order of magnitude less than that above unsupported MoO3, at comparable temperatures. The vapor pressure has been studied for two alumina supports, two particle sizes, and two MoO3 loadings as a function of temperature, carrier gas velocity, and time of the experiment. Particle size has little effect, suggesting that the values are not limited by the rate of diffusion through pores. Loading is an important variable, suggesting energetic heterogeneity of the sites on the alumina surface. The apparent vapor pressures are highest in the initial period of measurement. Experiments with predried samples and with the addition of water vapor to the feed indicate that this behavior is partly caused by evolution of water vapor (by surface dehydroxylation of the alumina) at the beginning of a run, and partly by severe loss of surface area during the first few hours.
HYDROMAGNETIC STABILITY ANALYSIS OF JET-DRIVEN VORTEX FLOW.

The stationary velocity profile near the outer wall of a jet-driven vortex tube is calculated according to the classical theory of laminar boundary-layer flow, neglecting the effects of wall curvature. The jet-velocity recovery ratios (tangential velocity extrapolated to wall/mean injection velocity) derived from the theoretical stationary velocity profiles agree well with the available measurements for magnetically stabilized vortex tube flow. An MHD Gortler-type stability analysis of the calculated stationary profiles under the influence of an externally applied axial magnetic field is considered. The fluid medium is assumed to be incompressible, viscous, and electrically conducting. The theoretical stability results are compared with the available experimental values and agreement is found to be rather poor. Possible reasons for the disagreement are discussed.
Effects of sr doping on the optical properties of polycrystalline La 2 − x Sr x Cu O 4 − y

We have measured the room-temperature near-normal-incidence reflectivity of polycrystalline pellet samples of ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}\mathrm{Cu}{\mathrm{O}}_{4\ensuremath{-}y}$ with $x=0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, \mathrm{and} 0.20$ over a wide frequency range (100-50 000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$). The reflectance data have been fitted by an effective-medium approximation that takes into accout the anisotropy in the dielectric functions perpendicular and parallel to the Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ planes. Results of our analysis concerning the optical properties of the Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ planes agree with reflectance data recently reported by Tajima et al. for the $\mathbf{E}\mathbf{\ensuremath{\perp}}\stackrel{^}{c}$ polarization spectrum of single-crystal ${\mathrm{La}}_{1.83}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{0.17}\mathrm{Cu}{\mathrm{O}}_{4\ensuremath{-}y}$. In addition to the frequencies and symmetries of the ir-active phonons, the plasmons of the system have been studied systematically as a function of Sr concentration.
The Role of Platelet Reactivity and Genotype Testing in the Prevention of Atherothrombotic Cardiovascular Events Remains Unproven

Clopidogrel is the second-leading drug sold worldwide, yet 13 years and millions of patients treated later, we are just beginning to understand the complexity of its metabolism and antiplatelet effects. There is a high degree of clopidogrel response variability in terms of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects related to genetic and nongenetic factors.1–4 Several recent studies have shown that both high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity5–8 and the cytochrome ( CY ) P2C19 reduced-function genotype9–11 are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including stent thrombosis (ST). Given the central role of clopidogrel in the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), physicians and regulatory bodies are tackling how best to integrate these data to guide patient care. These efforts are fueled by the motivation to identify people at risk of developing adverse outcomes on clopidogrel, to develop more precise estimates about prognosis, and to fine-tune treatment selection, thereby approaching a form of tailored or personalized medicine. Response by Gurbel and Tantry on p 1303 On March 12, 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called attention to this issue via a boxed warning about the diminished effectiveness of the drug in patients with impaired ability to convert the drug into its active form as a result of genetic polymorphism in CYP2C19 , one of the principal enzymes responsible for metabolic conversion of clopidogrel into its active form.12 In response to this boxed warning, the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF)/American Heart Association released a clinical expert consensus document13 stating “the evidence base is insufficient to recommend either genetic testing or platelet function testing at the present time.” Since that statement, additional studies have been published that question the value of platelet function and genetic testing.14– …
New upper limits on Jovian X rays

The paper presents results of a comprehensive search for X-ray emission from the Jovian magnetosphere, using data obtained with an X-ray telescope aboard OSO 3. This satellite scanned Jupiter for 33 days from a distance of 4.4 AU during a maximum phase of solar activity. No transient X-ray fluxes were observed to accompany decameter-wave radio bursts, but upper limits on the steady X-ray emission over the energy range from 7.7 to 210 keV are estimated. These limits are shown to be consistent with the fluxes measured by Pioneer 10 as well as with the trapped-particle fluxes predicted by recent precise modeling of the Jovian trapped radiation. Upper limits are determined for the energy dissipated on Jupiter in bremsstrahlung-producing collisions and also for the electron loss rate. The energy limit is found to be approximately equal to the total solar radiant energy intercepted by the Jovian disk. It is concluded that Jovian X-rays are unlikely to be detected by near-earth observations with sensitivities currently conceivable.
Engineering Patient-Specific Valves Using Stem Cells Generated From Skin Biopsy Specimens

Background Pediatric patients requiring valve replacement will likely require reoperations due to a progressive deterioration of valve durability and limited repair and growth potential. To address these concerns, we sought to generate a biologically active pulmonary valve using patient-specific valvular cells and decellularized human pulmonary valves. Methods We generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by reprogramming skin fibroblast cells. We then differentiated iPSCs to mesenchymal stem cells (iPCSs-MSCs) using culture conditions that favored an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Next, decellularized human pulmonary heart valves were seeded with iPCS-MSCs using a combination of static and dynamic culture conditions and cultured up to 30 days. Results The iPSCs-MSCs displayed cluster of differentiation CD105 and CD90 expression exceeding 90% after four passages and could differentiate into osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes (n = 4). Consistent with an MSC phenotype, iPSCs-MSCs lacked expression of CD45 and CD34. Compared with bone marrow MSCs, iPSCs-MSC proliferated more readily by twofold but maintained a gene expression profile exceeding 80% identical to bone marrow MSCs. In repopulated pulmonary valves compared with decellularized pulmonary valves, immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased cellularity, α-smooth muscle actin expression, and increased presence of extracellular matrix components, such as proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, suggesting sustained cell function and maturation. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a biologically active human pulmonary valve using a sustainable and proliferative cell source. The bioactive pulmonary valve is expected to have advantages over existing valvular replacements, which will require further validation.
Little known but important papers on grain-size analysis

Some important papers have apparently gone unnoticed by most sedimentologists, as shown by their absence from bibliographies of recent texts. These papers concern sample size, permissible number of splits, sieving time, and sieve-vs-settling tube comparisons. These papers were published where sedimentologists would not ordinarily see them, but should be required reading for students.
Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte T cells are resistant to lpr gene-induced T cell abnormalities.

The mucosal immune system of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract consists of Peyer's patches (PP), which are IgA inductive sites, and more diffuse effector regions which include cells in the intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) compartment. Since autoimmune MRL lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice develop a proliferating CD3+, CD4-, CD8- (double negative; DN), B220+ T cell subset in systemic lymphoid tissue, we have initiated studies to determine the distribution of CD3+, DN, B220+ T cells (B220+ T cells or lpr/lpr T cells) in the GI immune system. Specifically, we examined T cell subsets separated according to expression of CD4, CD8, Thy-1, B220, alpha/beta T cell receptor (TcR) and gamma/delta TcR in PP and IEL of MRL/lpr mice at 6, 12 and 21 weeks of age. Increased numbers of CD3+ T cells were noted in both PP and spleen of 12- and 21-week-old mice in which the development of autoimmune disorders were also evident. However, normal numbers of CD3+ IEL T cells were seen in MRL/lpr mice in all three age groups tested. When the presence of T cell lymphadenopathy was examined in both IgA inductive and effector tissues, the PP followed the B220+ T cell pattern seen in the spleen, where approximately 30%-50% of CD3+ T cells in the PP of 12- and 21-week-old MRL/lpr mice expressed the phenotype of lpr/lpr T cells and greater than 90% were alpha/beta TcR+. On the other hand, B220+ T cells had not developed in PP or spleen of 6-week-old MRL/lpr mice. Of interest was the finding that IEL from lpr/lpr homozygous mice did not contain B220+ T cells in any age group tested. In this regard, the IEL of MRL/lpr mice comprised an identical pattern and frequency of CD4-/CD8+, CD4+/CD8-, DN and CD4+/CD8+ (double positive, DP) T cell subsets as their normal counterparts (i.e. MRL +/+, BALB/c and C3H/HeN mice) which consisted of approximately 75%, approximately 7.5%, approximately 7.5% and approximately 10%, respectively. Further, Thy-1, gamma/delta TcR and alpha/beta TcR expression in these four subsets of MRL/lpr IEL were very similar to normal mice. These results suggest that the intestinal IEL compartment is minimally affected by the lpr/lpr mutation which induces T cell abnormalities and indicate that B220+ T cells do not preferentially home to IEL. Further, our results support the concept that IEL T cells develop as a separate T cell lineage from thymus-derived cells.
An infectious origin of extraskeletal calcification

Apparently idiopathic extraskeletal calcifications are a common medical problem (Table 1). Approximately 7% of adult men develop renal or bladder stones containing calcium mineral salts (1). Life-threatening calcification may occur after hemodialysis, in scleroderma, and in patients with sclerotic aortic valves. The stimuli for the calcium salt deposition in these conditions are unclear, but nidi for precipitation and crystallization are needed even under supersaturation conditions.
The master of science concentration in applied artificial intelligence and expert systems at George Washington University

Abstract For over ten years, the Department of Management Science at George Washington University has offered a Master of Science in Information Systems Technology. Recently, this degree's focus has been broadened and a new concentration has been added to accommodate increasing student interest in applied artificial intelligence and expert systems (AAI/ES). The main objective of this new program is to teach students how to practically apply AAI/ES technology and tools and to provide the students with a thorough understanding of the underlying theoretical foundations of this technology. It is expected that graduates will obtain a competitive career advantage by learning how to use, integrate, and relate the latest artificial intelligence tools and methodologies to current business applications.
Colon cancer screening practices and disclosure after receipt of positive or inconclusive genetic test results for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients who receive conclusive genetic test results for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) tend to adopt appropriate colorectal cancer screening behaviors and disclose their test results. However, little is known about the disclosure processes or screening behaviors of individuals who receive inconclusive genetic test results. This study compared endoscopy use and disclosure between individuals with positive and inconclusive genetic test results, within a year after results were received. METHODS: Individuals with a personal history of cancer and suspected of having HNPCC participated in genetics education and counseling, underwent HNPCC testing, and received genetic test results (GCT) within a prospective cohort study. Demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral data were obtained from questionnaires and interviews completed before and after GCT. RESULTS: Index cases with inconclusive genetic test results were less likely to screen within 12 months. Index cases who disclosed test results to children within 6 months were more likely to screen within 12 months, controlling for mutation status. Index cases with inconclusive genetic test results were less likely to share results with a healthcare provider within 6 months. Index cases who disclosed genetic test results to healthcare providers within 6 months were more likely to have endoscopy within 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic test results and disclosure significantly affected colon cancer screening at 12-month follow-up. Interventions to improve adherence to colorectal cancer screening should consider increased education of those receiving inconclusive results and encourage disclosure to healthcare providers and family members. Cancer 2009. Published 2009 by the American Cancer Society.
Reductive decomposition of calcium sulfate utilizing carbon monoxide and hydrogen

Abstract The reductive decomposition of calcium sulfate utilizing both hydrogen and carbon monoxide was investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer. The solid reactant was pellets of calcium sulfate. The reaction temperature was varied between 900 and 1180°C, while gas compositions of 1–6% were utilized. Measured initial reaction rates indicated that the reaction was first order with respect to the concentration of either hydrogen or carbon monoxide. The rate constant based on the initial surface area of the CaSO 4 pellets had an activation energy of 242 kJ/mole for carbon monoxide, while the value for hydrogen was 288 kJ/mole. Assuming chemical reaction control and spherical grains, the grain model fit the conversion-time data reasonably well. The surface area and porosity of the calcium sulfate pellets decreased significantly as they were heated due to sintering. Both quantities increased by about a factor of two upon reaction.
Reassessing immune control of hepatitis A virus.

There is renewed interest in hepatitis A virus (HAV) pathogenesis and immunity after 2–3 decades of limited progress. From a public health perspective, the average age at infection has increased in developing countries, resulting in more severe hepatitis that is poorly understood mechanistically. More fundamentally, there is interest in comparing immunity to HAV and hepatitis C virus (HCV): small, positive-strand RNA viruses with very different infection outcomes. Here, we review evidence that circulating HAV virions are cloaked in membranes, with consequences for induction of innate immunity and antibody-mediated neutralization. We also consider the contribution of CD4+ helper versus CD8+ cytotoxic T cells to antiviral immunity and liver injury, and present a model of non-cytotoxic immune control of HAV infection.
Changes in the cat cochlear nucleus following neonatal deafening and chronic intracochlear electrical stimulation

The effects of chronic intracochlear electrical stimulation on the cochlear nucleus (CN) were studied in eight cats that were neonatally deafened by daily intramuscular injections of neomycin. Profound hearing loss was confirmed in each animal by auditory brainstem response (ABR) and frequency following response (500 Hz) testing. Five of the kittens were implanted unilaterally with a scala tympani electrode array at ages 8-16 weeks. These kittens were stimulated daily for four hours at 2 dB above the evoked ABR threshold, over a period of three months, and subsequently euthanized for histological analysis at 26-32 weeks of age. The three remaining deaf kittens were maintained without stimulation over prolonged periods in order to study the long-term consequences of neonatal deafening, and were euthanized at 66-133 weeks of age. This study compares the CN of these deafened experimental animals and the CN of normal adult cats. Three experimental parameters were examined: CN volume, cross-sectional area of spherical cells in the rostral anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN), and spherical cell density in this same region. The CN in animals that received electrical stimulation showed significant bilateral degenerative changes in all three measured parameters. Total nuclear volume was reduced by 35-36%, spherical cell size was reduced by 20-26%, and spherical cell density decreased by 36-42%, as compared to the normal cat CN. Comparisons were also made in the stimulated animals between CN ipsilateral to the stimulated cochlea and the contralateral, unstimulated CN.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nursing Students' Perceptions of a Career in Nursing and Impact of a National Campaign Designed to Attract People into the Nursing Profession

The study assessed perceptions about a career in nursing, the nursing shortage, decision to enroll in a nursing education program, and awareness and effect of the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future. Data were obtained from a survey administered to a national sample of 496 nursing students. Although most students believe nursing is physically challenging and there is inadequate respect and recognition of nurses, most agree nursing is a good career for men and for people who have academic ability and want a secure job. Although the majority believes the nursing shortage will increase stress on nurses, lower the quality of care, and fail to improve working conditions, most students also expect the shortage will lead to higher pay and more job choices. Information and advice from practicing nurses was the most influential factor in deciding to become a nurse, and friends, parents, and other family members also had a positive influence. Two thirds are aware of the campaign, almost all said it made them feel good about becoming a nurse, and students who are White and enrolled in baccalaureate programs were more likely to be aware of the campaign. Future recruitment initiatives should strengthen the focus on men and minorities, parents and friends, and practicing nurses and nursing educators.
Foley catheter removal of blunt esophageal foreign bodies. Experience with 100 consecutive children

One hundred consecutive children with blunt esophageal foreign bodies were treated with a non-operative method of foreign body removal utilizing a Foley catheter. Dislodgement was successful in 98 children. There were no complications. Performed properly, the technique is rapid and safe. It precludes hospitalization and the slight hazards of endoscopy and general anesthesia.
Source Degeneration [Circuit Intuitions]

We said in the previous article that looking into a node, one can see the Thevenin or Norton equivalent circuit for that node. We now look deeper into one particular circuit that consists of an NMOS transistor with a resistor in series with its source terminal in a configuration known as NMOS transistor with source degeneration. We offer a simple method for the small-signal analysis and design of this configuration. The case for the PMOS transisor is similar but not discussed in this article for brevity.
Chemico-analytical selectivity and sensitivity in atomic-absorption flame photometry

Summary Practical applications of atomic-absorption flame photometry should be established on the basis of the attainable analytical characteristics of the method both from the instrumental and chemical point of view. Main characteristics involved are sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, and precision. The first two are discussed in this contributon. Sensitivity and selectivity depend on the analytical system (analyte or analytes, and concomitant components, i.e., chemical composition of the system subject to analytical determinations) and on the instrumental system. Factors involved are discussed and illustrated with examples based on experimental data. Lack of chemical and/or instrumental selectivity immediately affects sensitivity. Sensitivity changes can disturb accuracy and precision in determinations. In order to avoid this situation some operational ways of increasing selectivity are described and are correlated with effects in atomic-absorption sensitivity.
Theoretical investigation of the pressure dependences of energy gaps in semiconductors

The observed dependences on pressure of the energy gaps of Si, Ge, and GaAs at symmetry points in the Brillouin zone are successfully calculated using a variational method based on density-functional theory. The negative pressure derivatives of the gaps at the X point of the conduction band relative to the valence-band maxima are due to the d states.
Hydrodynamic Focused Passive Separation Under Continuous Flow

A continuous flow symmetric passive separation device was designed using an equivalent circuit to create variable flow rates to drain channels and collection outlets. The inlet reservoir was placed in the axis of symmetry and in line to downstream buffer inlets for hydrodynamic focusing. This inlet reservoir was sufficiently larger than the different inlet connections that were punched into it. By varying the diameter of the inlet connection into the reservoir, the distribution and therefore separation of particles could be influenced to significance. Not only was the ratio of sample inlet diameter to reservoir important, but so was the relative position along the y-axis of the reservoir. We found that a 2:1 ratio and placement at the top and middle of the reservoir yielded the best separation results. Further analysis of the velocity profile in the reservoir was explored using COMSOL Multyphysics®. The observed paths of particle trajectory corroborated with the models. Lastly this device aimed to provide an aspect of separation simple enough to be included in conjunction with other passive separation geometries to further enhance results and throughput.© 2011 ASME
Trace element concentrations of the rough limpet, Acmaea scabra, in California.

The trace element (Ag, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn) concentrations of the rough limpet,Acmaea scabra, were determined at twelve locations along the California coastline. The mean silver concentration of the organisms was highest at Pt. La Jolla, but no elemental concentration exhibited measurable geographic differences. Simple linear correlation coefficients and multiple analysis of variance statistics indicated a general independence of the elemental concentrations from each other and from other biological and geographic variables, in the total sample.
Death by poverty, arms, or moral numbness.

The plight of children in a world in which weapons are given priority is outlined, and the particular effects on children in the United States of the policies of the present government are described. Ways in which mental health workers--acting as professionals and as citizens--can advocate meaningfully on behalf of social programs vital to children are set forth. Language: en
A β1,3-Glucan Recognition Protein from an Insect, Manduca sexta, Agglutinates Microorganisms and Activates the Phenoloxidase Cascade

Pattern recognition proteins function in innate immune responses by binding to molecules on the surface of invading pathogens and initiating host defense reactions. We report the purification and molecular cloning of a cDNA for a 53-kDa β1,3-glucan-recognition protein from the tobacco hornworm,Manduca sexta. This protein is constitutively expressed in fat body and secreted into hemolymph. The protein contains a region with sequence similarity to several glucanases, but it lacks glucanase activity. It binds to the surface of and agglutinates yeast, as well as Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. β1,3-Glucan-recognition protein in the presence of laminarin, a soluble glucan, stimulated activation of prophenoloxidase in plasma, whereas laminarin alone did not. These results suggest that β1,3-glucan-recognition protein serves as a pattern recognition molecule for β1,3-glucan on the surface of fungal cell walls. After binding to β1,3-glucan, the protein may interact with a serine protease, leading to the activation of the prophenoloxidase cascade, a pathway in insects for defense against microbial infection.
Mechanical Performances of Wood Polypropylene Composite due to Extended Moisture Immersion

Mechanical properties of an extruded wood polypropylene composite that was soaked in both osmotic water and artificial seawater were tested and compared in dry, wet, and redried states. Water did influence the material's flexural, compressive, and tensile strength and chord modulus after 13 months immersion. Flexural and compressive properties of the unsaturated specimens soaked in seawater were degraded slower than those of the specimens soaked in osmotic water. There was a significant effect of water type on tensile modulus of elasticity. Both nonreversible damage and recoverable portion of the material from dry to wet and then to redried state were observed for most of the mechanical properties. Results also indicated that impact strength was not affected by water immersion and redrying.
The domestic fowl and other birds from the Roman site of Mons Claudianus, Egypt

At the Roman quarry settlement of Mons Claudianus in the Eastern Desert of Egypt extreme aridity has preserved large amounts of organic matter. Amongst the faunal remains were several hundred bird bones, together with feathers and egg shell. The majority of the bird bones have been identified as domestic fowl Gallus gallus. Other species are rare: they include a few passage migrants and resident species. Finds of spurred tarsometatarsi and bones with medullary deposits indicate that both male and female domestic fowl are represented. It is likely that they were transported to the site from the Nile valley alive; some may have been kept at the settlement. Cut marks suggest that some at least were eaten, but the birds may have been used for different purposes, both secular and ritual. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biogenic Amine-Containing Cells in the Chicken Lung

Abstract Formaldehyde induced fluorescence was used to identify biogenic amine-containing cells in the adult chicken lung. Such cells, found in the parabronchial region, are sparsely distributed. There are at least two types of biogenic amine-containing cells in the lung; one type probably contains serotonin and the other a catecholamine. These cells might function as either a humoral or hormonal regulator of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion or as a receptor involved in control of breathing.
Analysis and control of switched linear systems via dwell-time min-switching

Abstract This paper addresses analysis and switching control problems of switched linear systems. To this end, a mixed time-driven and state-dependent switching strategy is proposed. It guarantees an average dwell time even when all subsystems are unstable. The switching rule and its associated switching output feedback controllers are designed to stabilize the switched system and satisfy a weighted L 2 gain performance. The proposed analysis and switching control approach could refrain frequent switches commonly observed in min-switching based designs. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been illustrated through a spherical inverted pendulum example.
Hierarchical Material Models for Fragmentation Modeling in NIF-ALE-AMR

Fragmentation is a fundamental process that naturally spans micro to macroscopic scales. Recent advances in algorithms, computer simulations, and hardware enable us to connect the continuum to microstructural regimes in a real simulation through a heterogeneous multiscale mathematical model. We apply this model to the problem of predicting how targets in the NIF chamber dismantle, so that optics and diagnostics can be protected from damage. The mechanics of the initial material fracture depend on the microscopic grain structure. In order to effectively simulate the fragmentation, this process must be modeled at the subgrain level with computationally expensive crystal plasticity models. However, there are not enough computational resources to model the entire NIF target at this microscopic scale. In order to accomplish these calculations, a hierarchical material model (HMM) is being developed. The HMM will allow fine-scale modeling of the initial fragmentation using computationally expensive crystal plasticity, while the elements at the mesoscale can use polycrystal models, and the macroscopic elements use analytical flow stress models. The HMM framework is built upon an adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) capability. We present progress in implementing the HMM in the NIF-ALE-AMR code. Additionally, we present test simulations relevant to NIF targets.
Use of pectin in gel electrophoresis.

ELECTROPHORESIS of protein mixtures in agar gels has been described by Gordon et al. 1. It has been developed by Grabar and Williams and used in their immuno-electrophoretic method2. The latter, thanks to the specificity and sensitivity of immuno-chemical reactions, permits the detection of the presence even of the smallest amounts of components in a protein mixture and permits defining them by their electrophoretic mobilities. The agar gels can be dried and stained3, as in paper electrophoresis. However, the use of agar has one disadvantage : the samples are usually introduced in the gel, mixed with melted agar, thus being heated to 40°–45° C. Thus there is a constant danger of denaturing certain more sensitive protein components. A possible interaction of agar with some of the substances analysed cannot be excluded. Finally, it was of interest to find a gel from which the electrophoretically separated components could be extracted and estimated quantitatively.
Lower-Class Families, Women, and the Law in Nineteenth-Century Argentina

The concept of patria potestad, or the right of male heads of house holds to control family members, including their labor, has undergone a marked transformation in Argentina. In the colonial period patria potestad served to re inforce imperial codes related to inheritance, marriage, and race relations, but after independence and before new codes were passed, the weak Argentine nation rarely interfered in family matters except to conscript vagrant men or force poor women to work for the state. Gradually, economic conditions, along with the location of the work to be performed, replaced race as criteria for state inter ference in family labor. As the Argentine state became more powerful in the twentieth century it finally usurped the right of family heads to select occupations and to keep the incomes of family members.
The IEC marks its Golden Jubilee

The annual meeting of the International Electro-technical Commission in Philadelphia this year marks the organization's 50th anniversary. This meeting, the first in the United States since 1926, will give many AIEE members the opportunity to participate in discussions of international electrical standardization.