cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Antisolvent Properties on the Initial Settling Rate of Mineral Matter in Solvent-Refined Coal

Abstract Addition of antisolvents to coal liquids causes asphaltenes and/or preas-phaltenes in the oil to precipitate. The precipitated asphaltenes then agglomerate the particles, causing an increase in the sedimentation rate. A new experimental system has been developed which utilizes time sequenced x-ray photographs of the mineral matter settling in a chamber at high temperature (up to 400°C) and high pressure (400 psig). Experiments were carried out with Solvent Refined Coal filter feed obtained from the Pilot Plant in Wilsonville, Alabama. Initial settling rate data are presented for a variety of antisolvents and are correlated with a linear combination of their carbon to hydrogen ratio and solubility parameter. The advantage of this correlation over the ones proposed earlier is that it involves the use of more fundamental and readily available properties of the antisolvent. The molar weight averages of the carbon to hydrogen ratio and solubility parameter can be used to predict mixture effects for hy...
Studies in lithium-7 and nitrogen-13

Abstract The Pinkston-Brennan treatment of Li6 and the Elliott treatment of N14 are tested by extending their assumptions to the respective three-body isotopes, Li7 and N13. The Li7 analysis assigns a spin of 5 2 to the level at 4.61 MeV. The N13 analysis uses the Meshkov and Ufford tables for the expression of p3 matrix elements in terms of p2 elements. The phase conventions needed for the application to the p−3 → p−2 reduction are discussed. The results are favourable to Elliott's approach.
Emphasis on Thinking Strategies in Basic Fact Instruction-a Response

There appears to be some confusion as to the amount of detail one could reasonably expect to find in a Journal article. Limitations of length must preclude the extended descriptions of treatments suggested by Cifarelli and Wheatley. The materials for the study were cited and their use explained. Perhaps the best solution to this problem is to simply get in contact with a researcher before attempting replication to clear up any problems rather than to exlusively use a 12-page journal article as the source of information. This has, in fact, occurred in the current replication of the study with Learning Disabled (LD) students by the Arithmetic Task Force of the Research Institute for the Study of Learning Disabilities, Teachers College, Columbia University. The critics argue that since the experimental treatment involved drill there was a "confounding of treatments." The basis of this criticism is difficult to understand. This matter was clearly addressed in the article, where both experimental and control treatments were described as involving an element of drill (p. 217 of the Journal report). The distinction between control and experimental groups did not lie in the use of "drill" over "no drill." Rather, the investigation studied the effects of an emphasis on thinking strategies prior to drill. The criticism of lack of clarity in reporting the method of selection of subjects for the study and the argument that faults in group formation lead one to the conclusion that "...one must question the wisdom of teaching thinking strategies in facilitating basic fact acquisition" are of greater import. As is often the case, limited time and, alas, funds restricted the choice of schools for the study. A further constraint was the necessity of accommodating the research design to an ongoing school situation in order to avoid disrupting the education of 90 children. Compromise in design is necessary in order to perform a study under these conditions and I believe that the correct decision is to continue rather than desist. If one accepts this, then the question becomes, "Have possible, reasonable precautions been taken to insure validity, and are those that are impossible under the circumstances indicated to the reader?" rather than, "Is the study a textbook example of purity?" The article reported that groups were comparable in socioeconomic status and IQ. The small number of students at each grade level and the class structure within schools (usually two grades to a room) made it necessary to
Sequence of the porcine apoA-I gene

The nucleotide sequence of the swine apoA-I gene (encoding apolipoprotein) has been determined. The structure of the gene is similar to that of the human gene, and the exons exhibit a high degree of homology with those of the human gene. The porcine apoA-I gene is located adjacent to the apoC-III gene, as in humans.
Adhesion to fibronectin enhances MKP-1 activation in human endothelial cells.

Abstract Integrin-mediated substrate adhesion of endothelial cells leads to intracellular signaling, including the activation of ERK 1/2 (extracellular regulated kinases 1 and 2), members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. MKP-1 is a dual-specificity protein phosphatase that may play an important role in regulating MAPK activity through dephosphorylation of threonine and tyrosine. Adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to fibronectin increased MKP-1 protein and mRNA levels, which reached a maximum at 60 min, while MAPK activity was maximal at 30 min. The MEK inhibitor PD98059 blocked activation of MAPK as well as the induction of MKP-1 during adhesion. The transcription inhibitor actinomycin D blocked MKP-1 induction and produced prolonged MAPK activation during adhesion. In contrast, endothelial adhesion to poly- l -lysine did not alter MAPK activity or MKP-1 levels. These findings demonstrate that integrin-mediated adhesion of endothelial cells to fibronectin results in transcriptional activation of MKP-1 through a MAPK-dependent mechanism. Regulation of MKP-1 by MAPK likely represents an important negative-feedback mechanism.
Reversible inactivation of soluble liver guanylate cyclase by disulfides.

Summary Guanylate cyclase activity was reduced in soluble fractions from rat liver slices incubated with diamide, N-ethylmaleimide, or 5′, 5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoate; addition of GSH or dithiothreitol to assays restored activity. Inactivation of purified rat liver guanylate cyclase by p -hydroxymercuribenzoate at 0°C was completely reversed by dithiothreitol. p -Hydroxymercuribenzoate and GSSG caused reversible inactivation of calf liver guanylate cyclase. Dithiobisnitrobenzoate and cystamine were more potent than GSSG; all were more effective at 30°C than at 0°C. It appears that guanylate cyclase activity in intact cells could be modulated by reversible modification of critical sulfhydryl groups, e.g., by thiol:disulfide exchange involving glutathione.
Oxygen enhancement of the electron capture detector response of carbon dioxide

Abstract Simmonds has reported that the response of the electron capture detector to carbon dioxide is markedly enhanced by the addition of oxygen. The kinetic model of the electron capture detector has been modified by including the reaction. as well as the usual oxygen attachement and detachment reactions. This leads to an expression for the response which agrees well with the concentration dependency and the uniqued temperature variation; increasing at low temperatures, reaching a maximum at 500°K and decreasing at high temperatures. From this expression, activation energies of E2* = 0.95 ± 0.2 eV and E−2* = 2.16 ± 0.2 eV are obtained.
Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn, Na, K, and Cl contents of infant formulas manufactured in the United States

Abstract One hundred thirty-five infant formula samples from four manufacturers were assayed for elemental composition during 1981–1985. Product types consisted of ready-to-feed (60), concentrates (47), and powders (28), prepared with milk-base (78) or soy-base (57). Mean elemental levels ± SD per 100 kcal were 85 ± 18 mg Ca, 60 ± 11 mg P, 11 ± 3 mg Mg, 0.9 ± 0.3 mg Zn, 110 ± 32 μg Cu, 87 ± 89 μg Mn, 38 ± 11 mg Na, 120 ± 21 mg K, and 66 ± 8 mg Cl. Mean values for iron (77 samples) that were previously reported are updated to include data for 135 samples. Soy-based formulas had significantly higher levels of Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Mn, Na, and K (α = 0.05). Elemental levels of formulas produced by different firms were significantly different (α = 0.05). Mean levels as percentage of label declaration were 106 (Ca), 104 (P), 133 (Mg), 137 (Fe), 132 (Zn), 136 (Cu), 166 (Mn), 106 (Na), It 6 (K), and 105 (Cl). The mean Ca P ratios were 1.4 for milk-based and 1.5 for soy-based formulas. All products met requirements of the 1980 Infant Formula Act except for two samples that had Cu levels lower than Act specifications.
Response of organic liquid scintillators to fast neutrons and gamma radiation

Abstract Liquid organic scintillators are cocktails of aromatic fluorophores in an aromatic solvent. They find widespread use in Liquid Scintillation Counters with applications in medical diagnostics as well as fundamental nuclear and particle physics. Ultima Gold™ XR, a commercially available organic liquid scintillator from Perkin Elmer, can be used in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems and is typically used for beta detection in medical diagnostics. Its performance under gamma radiation and neutron radiation is less well-characterized. Special and normal Ultima Gold™ XR liquid scintillators were exposed in separate experiments to fast neutrons and high energy photons from a nuclear reactor and to gamma rays from a Co-60 source. To perform the measurements in the radiation chamber, a custom light collection system consisting of a fiber optic cable, spectrometer and a diffuse reflecting optical cavity was fabricated. Advanced calibration procedures, traceable to NIST standards, were developed to determine photon fluxes and flux densities of the scintillators under ionizing radiation conditions. The scintillator emission spectra under gamma radiation from a Co-60 source and neutron radiation from a pool-type nuclear reactor were recorded and compared. Results on the spectrometer design and comparison of the spectra under different exposure are presented.
Short-term groups with children: The yellow brick road to healthy development

This article will examine the diagnostic and treatment contributions of short-term groups with children and adolescents. The content will be based on a twelve week model, meeting weekly for one and a half hours. The creation of such groups will be explored, focusing on the importance of careful preparation in order to insure a successful group experience for both the children and the leader. A theory of development for short-term groups with children will be proposed. This theory is derived from the existing literature on long and short-term adult group development, as well as the developmental theory on long-term children's groups. A chart will focus on group dynamics, observable behaviors and the leader's role in the four stages of short-term group development.The Wizard of Oz is used to illustrate the theory supporting these stages of short-term group development.
Toxic shock syndrome: Sonographic appearance of the liver

Toxic shock syndrome has been of great public interest because of reports that it is frequently associated with the use of vaginal tampons. This syndrome is characterized by therapid onset of high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, erythematous maculan rash, and abnormalities of renal and liver function tests. Desquamation of the skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet occurs 1-2 weeks after onset [1 , 2]. The syndrome is due to infection by Staphylococcus aureus which gains access to the vaginal mucosa. Such access appears to be facilitated by continuous use of vaginal tampons [2]. We report the finding of abnormal sonognaphic appearance of the liven in a case of toxic shock syndrome. Findings consist of increased brightness of the portal vein wall echoes with diminished echogenicity of the hepatic parenchyma. These findings were reported previously by Kurtz et al. [3] in association with acute hepatitis. They indicated that these appearances were not specific for hepatitis, since they were also seen in two patients with leukemia and in another with diabetic ketoacidosis. Our case furnishes another cause for this sonographic appearance.
Neutron captue prompt gamma-ray activation analysis at the NIST Cold Neutron Research Facility

An instrument for neutron capture prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) has been constructed as part of the Cold Neutron Research Facility at the 20 MW National Institute of Standards and Technology Research Reactor. The neutron fluence rate (thermal equivalent) is 1.5·108 n ·cm−2·s−1, with negligible fast neutrons and gamma-rays. With compact geometry and hydrogen-free construction, the sensitivity is sevenfold better than an existing thermal instrument. Hydrogen background is thirtyfold lower.
Compositions and textures of relic forsterite in carbonaceous and unequilibrated ordinary chondrites

The compositions and textures of olivines in equilibrated ordinary chondrites, C1, C2, and C3 meteorites are described. The olivines are classified by color into blue, red, or dark olivines. The characteristic features of blue olivines are examined. It is observed that the texture of the olivine: (1) forms cores in single olivine grains; (2) shows subhedral to euhedral boundaries against rim olivines; (3) rarely contains inclusions; (4) has embayments containing olivines similar to that of the rim; and (5) occurs within chondrules. The mode of formation for blue olivines, the relation between blue olivine and high temperature compounds, and modifications in the features of blue olivines are analyzed. It is noted that the olivine is a product of condensation, has been modified by additions of olivine formed from a liquid, and that these olivines represent relic grains that are similar to olivines found in cosmic particles and in cores of some deep sea particles.
Treatment of refractory lymphangioleiomyomatosis-associated chylous effusion with a pleuroperitoneal window and omental flap.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare progressive cystic disease of the lung that predominantly affects women. Clinical features of the disease include spontaneous pneumothoracices, dyspnea, cough, as well as the formation of chylous effusions. These effusions are often refractory to treatment. We describe a case of a 74-year-old woman with LAM associated chylous effusions that was refractory to standard treatments including bowel rest with total parental nutrition (TPN), thoracic duct ligation, and pleurectomy but was successfully managed with a novel combination of oral progesterone, rapamycin, and doxycycline combined with the creation of a pleuroperitoneal shunt with omental flap placement in the pleural cavity.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) as a safe alternative for the resection of pulmonary metastases: a retrospective cohort study

Background VATS has become a preferred method for benign surgical conditions, yet still remains controversial for malignancies. The purpose of this study was to review our results of pulmonary metastasectomies using both conventional open thoracotomy and VATS techniques.
Comparative characterization of reticular and duodenal digesta and possibilities of estimating microbial outflow from the rumen based on reticular sampling in dairy cows.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the possibility of estimating the outflow of nutrients and microbial protein from the rumen based on sampling reticular contents as an alternative to duodenal sampling. Microbial protein flow estimates were also compared with a third method based on sampling of ruminal contents. Reticular and duodenal digesta and ruminal contents were recovered from 4 cows used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design experiment, in which the ruminal effects of 4 exogenous enzyme preparations were studied. Large and small particulate and fluid markers were used to estimate digesta flow in a triple-marker model; 15 N was used as a microbial marker. Reticular and duodenal digesta were segregated into small and large particles (SP and LP, respectively) and a fluid phase, and ruminal digesta was segregated into particulate and fluid phases. Compared with digesta recovered at the duodenum, reticular digesta had lower OM and greater NDF contents. The proportion of microbial N was notably greater in the fluid phase of reticular digesta. Ruminal outflow of DM and OM was greater (by 17 and 28%) and that of NDF was lower (by 14%) when estimated from duodenal compared with reticular samples. There was no difference in the estimated flow of starch and nonammonia and microbial N between the reticular and duodenal techniques. Microbial N flow estimated based on ruminal sampling was similar to those based on duodenal and reticular sampling. The ruminal method, however, grossly overestimated flow of DM, OM, and NDF. This study supports the concept that microbial protein outflow from the rumen can be measured based on sampling of ruminal or reticular digesta. The reticular sampling technique can also provide reliable estimates for ruminal digestibility of OM, N, and fiber fractions. These findings need to be confirmed in experiments with basal diets varying in structure and forage-to-concentrate ratios.
The Evolution of Plant Body Plans—A Biomechanical Perspective

Abstract Defining ‘plants’ inclusively as ‘photosynthetic eukaryotes’, four basic body plans are identifiable among plant lineages (unicellular, siphonous, colonial and multicellular). All of these body plans occur in most plant lineages, but only the multicellular body plan was carried onto land by the embryophytes. Extensive morphological and anatomical homoplasy is evident among species with different body plans. This is ascribed to the facts that the acquisition of nutrients and radiant energy is affected by plant body size, shape and geometry, and that, with the exception of the unicellular body plan, each of the other body plans involves an ‘open and indeterminate’ ontogeny capable of modifying body size, shape and geometry regardless of how organized growth is achieved. In terms of unicellular species, the available data indicate that size-dependent variations in surface area, metabolic constituents (e.g. photosynthetic pigments), and reproductive rates limit maximum body size in nutrient poor habitats or those that change rapidly or unpredictably. This maximum size can be exceeded in more stable niches by either the cooperation of conspecific cells sharing a common extracellular matrix (i.e. the ‘colonial’ body plan) or by repeated mitotic cellular division associated with sustained cytoplasmic (symplastic) continuity (i.e. multicellularity). The siphonous plant body plan may have been evolutionarily derived from a unicellular or multicellular ancestral life form. Each of the plant body plans is reviewed in terms of its biomechanical advantages and disadvantages. Variants of the multicellular body plan, especially those of the Chlorophyta, Charophyta, and Embryophyta, are given special emphasis.
Phonon-assisted carrier transport in type-II interband quantum cascade lasers

LO-phonons in the active region of interband cascade lasers based on type-II multi-quantum well are investigated in detail. The dispersion relation and phonon potential for interface LO-phonon modes are calculated by the macroscopic dielectric continuum model. The expression of electron- phonon overlap with multiband k*p approximation is obtained and energy separations of hole subbands for fast LO-phonon assisted depopulations of the lower lasing state are proposed.
Evaluation of Basidiomycete and Deuteromycete (Fungi Imperfecti) extracts for shared allergenic determinants.

Summary Aqueous extracts of select members of the Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes (Fungi Imperfecti) were evaluated for the presence of shared allergenic determinants using skin prick and radio-allergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition. Twenty adults with perennial symptoms of rhinitis, with or without asthma, were skin-prick tested with six species of Deuteromycetes and seven species of Basidomycetes. Positive weal-and-flare reactivity to Pleurotus ostreatus was associated with Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani and Epicoccum purpurescens. Positive skin reactivity to Calvatia cyathiformis was also associated with A. alternata and F. solani. Coprinus quadrifidus was associated only with F. solani, and Psilocybe cubensis was only associated with Aspergillus fumigatus. No other skin test associations were demonstrated. For every allergen tested by RAST inhibition, significant dose-dependent homologous inhibition was demonstrated. Although the ability of an individual heterologous extract to inhibit the direct RAST varied, inhibition was generally minimal. In the most extreme example, no heterologous allergen inhibited the A. alternata RAST. However, the Armillaria tabescens RAST was inhibited 52·6%, 38·1% and 25·1% by A. fumigatus, E. purpurescens, and Penicillium notatum, respectively, suggesting significant cross-reactivity. These results suggest that, although shared allergenic determinants exist between select species of Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes, crossreactivity is minimal and its clinical significance is not clear. These data confirm that for reliable diagnosis of fungal allergy, representatives of both major groups must be used.
Behavioral and sleep/wake characteristics of mice lacking norepinephrine and hypocretin

We investigated the interaction between norepinephrine (NE) and orexin/hypocretin (Hcrt) in the control of sleep behavior and narcoleptic symptoms by creating mice that were deficient in both neurotransmitters. Mice with a targeted disruption of the dopamine β-hydroxylase (Dbh) gene (deficient in NE and epinephrine) or the Hcrt gene were bred to generate double knockouts (DKOs), each single KO (Dbh-KO and Hcrt-KO), and control mice. The duration of wake, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and REM sleep were monitored by electroencephalogram (EEG)/electromyogram (EMG) recording over a 24-h period, and the occurrence of behavioral arrests was monitored by video/EEG recording for 4 h. Overall, there was very little interaction between the two genes; for most parameters that were measured, the DKO mice resembled either Dbh-KO or Hcrt-KO mice. REM sleep was increased in both DKO and Hcrt-KO mice at night relative to the other groups, but DKO mice had significantly more REM sleep during the day than the other three groups. Sleep latency in response to saline or amphetamine injections was reduced in Dbh-KO and DKO mice relative to other groups. Behavioral arrests, that are frequent in Hcrt-KO mice, were not exacerbated in DKO mice.
Amplification by optical composites.

Optical amplification is demonstrated in waveguides of composite materials consisting of nanocrystals of Cr:forsterite or Cr:diopside embedded in a host polymer with a matching refractive index. Small-signal gains of 1 dB/cm at λ=1.23 µm are reported.
Gravitational Lensing of Gravitational Waves

The concentrated mass at the Galactic center is considered as a gravitational lens that focuses gravitational-wave energy to the Earth. It is found that 60 Hz gravitational waves from a rotating neutron star outside our Galaxy are focused onto a region having an approximate radius of 1.1×1011 m (assuming that the concentrated mass has the form of a supermassive black hole). The increase in intensity (which is proportional to the square of the increase in strain amplitude h) is by a factor of approximately 17,000. Sources within our Galaxy lead to increases in intensity by a factor that can exceed 4000.
Creep and stress-relaxation experiments for non-linear materials

Abstract A constitutive relation which retains terms up to and including those of third order is considered for a so-called simple material. It is shown that the twelve functions which characterize the mechanical properties of a material may be determined by experiments of the creep or stress-relaxation type. However, the applied stress or strain may now involve a number of steps, and may involve more than one stress or strain component in the same experiment. The set of experiments for the full three-dimensional behaviour is given. The less ambitious programs for one-dimensional behaviour and for the three-dimensional behaviour of an incompressible material are also considered.
Electrochemical Detection of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Using Interdigitated Array Electrodes

Abstract We describe the use of interdigitated array gold electrodes (IDAs) for the electrochemical detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). Our protocol generates a reversible redox couple (hydroxylamine/nitroso) from the initial reduction of TNT, which can be amplified using redox cycling at IDA electrodes. The IDA electrodes give a limit of detection for TNT at ∼6 ng/mL with a linear response (r2 = 0.998) between 10 and 10,000 ng/mL for static conditions and between 5 and 200 ng/mL for flow conditions (r2 = 0.999).
Relationship between monolayer stacking faults and twins in nanocrystals

Abstract A density functional theory–phase field dislocation dynamics model is used to study stress-induced emission of defects from grain boundaries in nanoscale face-centered cubic (fcc) crystals under ambient conditions. The propensity for stable stacking fault formation and the maximum grain size D SF below which a stacking fault is stable are found to scale inversely with the normalized intrinsic stacking fault energy, γ I / μ b , where μ is the shear modulus and b is the value of the Burgers vector. More significantly, we reveal that a grain size smaller than D SF is a necessary but not sufficient condition for twinning. Rather, it is shown that deformation twinning additionally scales with Δ SFE = ( γ U - γ I ) / μ b , where γ U is the unstable stacking fault energy. The combined effects of the material γ -surface and nanograin size for several pure fcc metals are presented in the form of a twinnability map. The findings may provide useful information in controlling nanostructures for improved mechanical performance.
Relationship between the Host Cell Mitochondria and the Parasitophorous Vacuole in Cells Infected with Encephalitozoon Microsporidia

Abstract Encephalitozoon microsporidia proliferate and differentiate within a parasitophorous vacuole. Using the fluorescent probe, calcein, and the mitochondrial probe, MitoTracker-CMXRos, a vital method was developed that confirmed ultrastructural reports that the host cell mitochondria frequently lie in immediate proximity to the parasitophorous vacuole. Morphometry failed to demonstrate any infection-induced increase in host cell mitochondria as there was no correlation between the mitochondrial volume and the extent of infection as judged by the parasitophorous vacuole volume. The total ATP concentration of infected cells did not differ from that of uninfected cells in spite of the increased metabolic demands of the infection. Treatment with 10−6 M albendazole, more than ten times the antiparasitic IC50 dose, and demecolcine had no subjective effect on the proximity of mitochondria to the parasitophorous vacuole membrane when studied by either transmission electron microscopy or by confocal microscop...
Research and development of iron-based alloys for nuclear technology.

This paper describes several of the nuclear materials research and development programs that have involved ferrous metallurgy. The research programs high-lighted are as follows: For light water reactors, corrections have been made for corrosion of coolant piping and irradiation embrittlement of pressure vessel steels. Gas-cooled reactor concerns have included breakaway oxidation of mild steel components, nitrided nitride strengthened cladding materials development, breakaway oxidation in martensitic steel and structural materials specifications for very high temperature. Programs on liquid metal reactors have included efforts on void swelling resistance, piping alloy optimization, and application of mechanically alloyed oxide dispersion strengthened steels. Fusion alloy development has considered first wall materials optimization and low activation materials development. Descriptions of the causes and needed corrections are given for each of these research and development programs.
Incompatibility and assortative mating in the Midas cichlid

1. The Midas cichlid Cichlasoma citrinellum of Nicaragua is a polychromatic fish. In some populations about 10% of the adults of both sexes are colored as the common goldfish. To explore differential effects of coloration on pair success, all four combinations of sex and color were observed, first separated by a transparent screen, then together. The normal size relation was used, i.e., the female about 85% the weight of the male. 2. Time to spawn showed no difference according to pair types with or without the screen, but the pairs that formed without the screen spawned more quickly than those with it. Failure to pair due to the male attacking the female, without the screen, occurred faster in pairs with normal than in those with gold females. The combination least able to form a pair was gold male x normal female. 3. Mixed-color pairs were then tested with the females half or equal to the weight of the males. Equal-sized mates in gold male x normal female pairs resulted in pair success comparable to “normal” levels. Other studies indicate that gold color inhibits aggression. Apparently the combination of larger size and gold color makes the gold male too intimidating for the normal female, while making the female as large as the male compensates for the male's gold color.
Abstract 1839: Long non-coding RNA SS-001 regulates proliferation, cell cycle, and migration in esophageal adenocarcinoma cells.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in Western countries, but its underlying molecular mechanisms have not yet been completely elucidated. Recently, the discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has added a new layer of complexity to the molecular architecture, identifying these molecules as emerging key regulators of diverse biological pathways. Increasing evidence shows that lncRNA dysregulation can lead to diseases such as cancer, but their potential involvement in EAC is not yet well-understood. In this study, we identified a set of lncRNAs that were differentially expressed in esophageal cancers vs. normal tissues by massively parallel RNA sequencing. Expression levels were validated using quantitative real-time PCR. One lncRNA, designated SS-001, was significantly overexpressed and hypomethylated in EAC cell lines and tissues vs. normal esophageal epithelial cells and adjacent non-tumor tissues, respectively. SS-001 is an intergenic lncRNA located on chromosome 21. In vitro assays in EAC cell lines demonstrated that knockdown of SS-001 resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation, the cell cycle, and migration. Moreover, patients with high SS-001 expression levels had a relatively poor prognosis. Our findings suggest that SS-001 may play a significant role in the development or progression of EAC and has the potential to serve as a prognostic biomarker. Citation Format: Jee Hoon Song, Stephen J. Meltzer. Long non-coding RNA SS-001 regulates proliferation, cell cycle, and migration in esophageal adenocarcinoma cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1839. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1839
The influence of partner drug use and relationship power on treatment engagement

Substance-using intimate partners negatively influence individuals' substance abuse treatment engagement and drug use, but little else is known about effects of intimate relationships on treatment. We examine how relationship dynamics (power, control, dependence, insecurity and decision-making power) influence treatment engagement, and whether this differs by gender and partner drug use. Sixty-four heroin users (42 men, 22 women) receiving methadone detoxification treatment in Los Angeles were interviewed at treatment entry and submitted daily diaries of drug use throughout the 21-day treatment. Total number of reported heroin-free days in the first eight treatment days was the dependent variable. Bivariate analyses revealed, that compared to men, women were more likely to have substance-using partners, reported greater power over a partner and greater household decision-making power in their relationships. Multivariate analysis indicated that individuals whose partners had more control over them reported fewer days abstinent. Among individuals with heroin-using partners, greater household decision-making power was associated with more days abstinent, but there was no association for individuals with non-using partners. Relationship power dynamics may be important influences on the treatment process, and some dimensions of power may interact with partner drug use status.
Cartouche: conventions for tangibles bridging diverse interactive systems

We describe an approach for a class of tangible interaction elements that are applicable across a broad variety of interactive systems. These tangibles share certain physical, visual, tagging, and software conventions, while fostering diversity in many aspects of design and function. Building on related techniques using paper and graspable artifacts as interactive embodiments of digital information, we propose several fixed and free parameters, present illustrative examples and applications, and discuss the resulting design space.
Evaluation of Temperature Responses in Concrete Pavement

Field data from a section of heavily instrumented concrete pavement on the Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265), Louisville, Kentucky were closely examined. To predict the mechanical behavior of the rigid pavement, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element pavement model was developed using the ANSYS program. The 3D finite element model was successfully implemented for predicting the stresses and strains in the concrete slabs. An important conclusion of this study was that temperature-induced pavement responses were more significant than traffic-induced responses. This is a very important finding, and can potentially have serious design implications. Applications of this work may include the development of a more scientifically based rigid pavement design and analysis systems for Kentucky conditions. Results of this study will serve as background information for the implementation of new pavement design procedures in Kentucky.
Absence of Serotype-Specific Surface Antigen in Laboratory Variants of Epidemic-Associated Listeria monocytogenes Strains

Variants that lacked reactivity with the serotype 4b-specific monoclonal antibody c74.22 and that lost susceptibility to certain Listeria- or serotype 4b-specific phages were identified in the course of genetic studies with serotype 4b Listeria monocytogenes strains H7550 and F2381L (epidemic clones I and II, respectively). Our findings suggest that such variants can become inadvertently established under laboratory conditions and suggest caution in work involving serotype 4b strains and genetic constructs thereof.
Analytical Study of Lubricant-Conditioned Cu Rails and Armatures in a Low-Speed Rail Gun

An analytical study has been performed on Cu surfaces rubbed with Rulon, which is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based composite, in order to explain the dramatic reduction in wear of rails and armatures conditioned with Rulon. Electron and optical spectroscopies and microscopies demonstrated that conditioned surfaces were covered by a thin PTFE film, whose thickness was estimated to be no more than 2 nm on average. None of the techniques, however, could demonstrate that the film was uniform across the smooth areas of the surface. Speculations are given to account for the enhanced bore life and antiwear antiarcing behavior of Rulon-conditioned Cu.
Signals from the benthos: Development and evaluation of a benthic index for the nearshore Gulf of Maine

We developed a benthic index for the nearshore Gulf of Maine to provide researchers and environmental managers a way to make spatial and year-to-year comparisons of benthic condition. The data set used included 248 stations sampled for physical, chemical, and biological variables by the National Coastal Assessment in 2000–2003. We used logistic regression with 49 candidate measures of benthic species diversity, pollution sensitivitytolerance, and community composition to discriminate sites with high and low benthic environmental quality (BEQ). BEQ was based on the concentrations of metal and organic contaminants in the sediments, total organic carbon, sediment toxicity, and dissolved oxygen level of the bottom water. An analysis of similarity test showed that the community composition of low BEQ stations was significantly different (p < 0.001) from high BEQ stations. Ten of the 49 benthic metrics showed a strong ability to discriminate stations. We developed several candidate benthic indices and tested them with independent data from Massachusetts Bay and Casco Bay to help select and validate the best index. A model using the Shannon-Wiener diversity measure, Rosenberg’s species pollution tolerance measure, and the percent capitellid polychaetes (or percent Capitella spp.) strongly discriminated stations, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.82 and a classification accuracy of 80%. Signal detection theory (ROC curves and positive– negative predictive value curves) was used to evaluate the index and to predict how well an index developed for one geographic area might work in another area with a different prevalence of the degraded condition. We show how these techniques can also guide decisions by environmental managers about choosing thresholds and weighing costs and benefits of particular actions.
Dual Enrollment for Underrepresented Student Populations

The dual enrollment program at Santa Monica College facilitates the school-to-college transition and improves access to college for diverse populations. Traditionally underrepresented students, whose college options have suffered in light of a hostile political climate evidenced by the Hopwood decision, Proposition 209, and Proposition 187, may gain access to college curricula and develop a positive academic self-image based on successful participation in a dual enrollment program.
Abdominal discomfort in a dairy cow caused by torsion of a single, gravid uterine horn

pregnancy in cattle (Arthur et al., 1989). The usual presentation is at or close to term. Most frequently an anti-clockwise rotation (Pearson, 1971) of the entire organ around its long axis occludes, sometimes totally depending on the degree of torsion, the cervix or cranial vagina resulting in dystocia. The exact aetiology of the condition remains to be fully understood but it is postulated that the presence of a single foetus, frequently weighing 50 kg or more (Pearson, 1971), occupying a single horn of a bicornuate organ and becoming increasingly active (Roberts, 1971) creates an inherently unstable situation within the bovine abdomen towards term. Hypocalcaemia may also be involved (Borsberry et al., 2001). Affected animals are usually noted to be in first stage labour (Arthur et al., 1989) but then fail to progress, eventually ceasing their unproductive straining. Careful investigation will reveal a spiralling of the vaginal wall as a hand is inserted. Correction of the torsion is necessary to stand any chance of delivering the calf per vaginum. Various methods to achieve this are described, all involving rotating either the uterus within the cow or the cow around the uterus (Arthur et al., 1989), with the method chosen depending on the exact circumstances in each case (whether, for example, the affected animal is standing or recumbent and whether the cervix is fully or only partially occluded) and operator preference. Occasionally, if correction of the torsion proves impossible, a caesarean delivery may, of necessity, be performed but in such cases complications due to the oedematous nature of the uterine wall should be anticipated (Baker, 1988, Borsberry et al., 2001).
Detection of Selected Fastidious Bacteria

The intent of this article is to describe the optimal methods for culture recovery of 7 fastidious bacteria: Legionella species, Brucella species, Francisella tularensis, Leptospira species, Borrelia burgdorferi, Bartonella species, and Bordetella species. These organisms share much in common beyond the fact that their genus names all end in the letter “a.” Culture recovery of these organisms, even from adequate clinical specimens, is logistically demanding, often costly, and lacking in both timeliness and sensitivity. In addition, there is generally no need to recover culture isolates on which to perform antimicrobial susceptibility tests because these 7 bacteria are nearly uniformly susceptible to specific, clinically useful antimicrobial agents and because, for some of them, susceptibility tests of proven reliability have not yet been devised. Perhaps for these reasons, alternative, more rapid, direct diagnostic approaches have been developed that are based on either immunochemical or nucleic-acid detection methods. These methods have generally served to supplant culture as a primary diagnostic modality. Situations exist, however, in which culture may be desirable, if not necessary, to establish a definitive diagnosis of infection with these 7 organisms. This review attempts to summarize how best to proceed in those cases. Determining the precise etiology of infection in individual patients aids in management decisions, is of prognostic and epidemiological consequence, and may have profound public health and infection control ramifications. Culture techniques traditionally have formed the cornerstone of establishing an etiologic diagnosis of infection in patients whose disease is due to bacteria, fungi, mycobacteria, and, in some cases, viruses and parasites. During the past decade, first immunochemical techniques that detect microbial antigens and then molecular methods that detect microbial nucleic-acid sequences have been developed for infectious disease diagnosis. By use of these methods, either specific antigens or nucleic acid segments are detected directly in clinical specimens. These methods, together with microscopic visualization, serve as adjuncts and, in selected instances, as surrogates to culture methods for establishing the etiology of infection. These methods have become increasingly popular because of the recognized limitations of many culture techniques (e.g., technical complexity, lack of timeliness, expense, and relative insensitivity with certain organisms).
Correlation between head/tape spacing and asperity compliance of magnetic tapes

Three-wavelength inteferometry is used to measure the head/tape spacing and the contact spacing of metal particle tape as a function of contact pressure. The contact spacing obtained from tape asperity compliance measurements at low contact pressure was found to correlate well with the head/tape spacing, suggesting that asperity compliance measurements can be used to estimate the head/tape spacing under operating conditions.
Roundoff noise analysis for digital signal power processors using Welch's power spectrum estimation

In this paper, we present an analysis for the noise due to finite word length effects for digital signal power processors using Welch's power spectrum estimation technique to measure the power of Gaussian random signals over a frequency band of interest. The input of the digital signal processor contains a finite-length time interval in which the true Gaussian signal is contaminated by Gaussian noise. We analytically derive the roundoff noise-to-signal ratio in the measurement of the signal power. We also present computer simulations which validate the analytical results. These results can be used in tradeoff studies of hardware design such as number of bits required at each processing stage. The results presented in this paper are currently being used in the design of a digital Doppler processor [1], [2] for a radar scatterometer [3]-[5].
The Airborne Earth Science Microwave Imaging Radiometer (AESMIR) - NASA's new passive microwave airborne imager

NASA's Airborne Earth Science Microwave Imaging Radiometer (AESMIR) is a new sensor for satellite calibration, geophysical algorithm studies, and technology development. Its unique single-package design covers 6 microwave bands (6, 10, 18, 23, 36, 89 GHz) with 4-Stokes capability (except at 23 GHz). Separate parallel filters enable simultaneous simulation of the passbands of multiple satellite sensors. Various aircraft installations options are available. Design and flight details are presented.
The Civil Rights Movement and the Right to Vote: Black Protest, Segregationist Violence and the Audience

This study investigates the effect of segregationist murders, in conjunction with black protest, on federal passage of black voting-rights policies. Using time-series regression techniques, I find that white violence diminished federal responsiveness to black protest from the '30s through the end of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration. But by President Lyndon B. Johnson's administration and the passage of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, violence stimulated government response to black protest. I argue that the historically contingent nature of the violence effect is attributable to the changing nature of the audience. Segregationist violence seems to have helped the movement win Southern suffrage only when the audience was attentive, sympathetic and involved in the policy conflict.
Effects of epinephrine in patients with an accessory atrioventricular connection treated with quinidine

The purpose of this study was to determine whether physiologic doses of epinephrine reverse the electrophysiologic effects of quinidine in patients with an accessory atrioventricular (AV) connection. Eighteen patients with an accessory AV connection who had inducible sustained orthodromic tachycardia underwent an electrophysiologic study in the baseline state and after at least 2 days of treatment with 1.4 to 1.9 g/day of quinidine gluconate. The effects of epinephrine were then determined. Epinephrine infusion rates of 25 and 50 ng/kg/min were used in 9 patients each because these doses of epinephrine previously have been demonstrated to result in elevated plasma epinephrine concentrations in the range that occurs during a variety of stresses in humans. Quinidine prolonged refractoriness in the atrium and accessory AV connection and slowed conduction through the accessory AV connection. These effects were partially or completely reversed by epinephrine. Among 8 patients in whom quinidine resulted in orthodromic tachycardia becoming noninducible or nonsustained, sustained tachycardia became inducible again in 5 patients after infusion of epinephrine. After quinidine, atrial fibrillation was either noninducible or nonsustained in 8 patients; however, sustained atrial fibrillation could be induced in 4 of these patients after infusion of epinephrine. The results of this study demonstrate that the therapeutic effect of quinidine in patients who have an accessory AV connection are often reversed by physiologic increases in circulating epinephrine.
Controlling Factors: An Operator’s Perspective

Controlling air traffic is a mental art that is aided with technology to achieve the goal of the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic. The issues of validation and verification of complex systems require key considerations to the main element involved in the building process. The air traffic control system’s primary element is the human. It is my opinion that only now are serious efforts underway to consider first the human and then the technology application. To validate and verify an intricate system such as air traffic control (ATC) the issue is, how does this system process? I will discuss the issues involving the human-machine interface, considerations that should be afforded prior to technology applications for the system, methods for consideration in understanding the components of a proposed ATC system, and finally, a proposed methodology for addressing a validation and verification process relating to the development of an advanced ATC system. My caveat for this discussion is that as an “ATC operator,” my perspective will be based from the human-in-the-loop.