cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trafficking of adeno-associated virus vectors across a model of the blood-brain barrier; a comparative study of transcytosis and transduction using primary human brain endothelial cells.

Abstract Developing therapies for central nervous system (CNS) diseases is exceedingly difficult because of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Notably, emerging technologies may provide promising new options for the treatment of CNS disorders. Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) has been shown to transduce cells in the CNS following intravascular administration in rodents, cats, pigs, and non-human primates. These results suggest that AAV9 is capable of crossing the BBB. However, mechanisms that govern AAV9 transendothelial trafficking at the BBB remain unknown. Furthermore, possibilities that AAV9 may transduce brain endothelial cells or affect BBB integrity still require investigation. Using primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells as a model of the human BBB, we performed transduction and transendothelial trafficking assays comparing AAV9 to AAV2, a serotype that does not cross the BBB or transduce endothelial cells effectively in vivo. Results of our in vitro studies indicate that AAV9 penetrates brain microvascular endothelial cells barriers more effectively than AAV2, but has reduced transduction efficiency. In addition, our data suggest that (i) AAV9 penetrates endothelial barriers through an active, cell-mediated process, and (ii) AAV9 fails to disrupt indicators of BBB integrity such as transendothelial electrical resistance, tight junction protein expression/localization, and inflammatory activation status. Overall, this report shows how human brain endothelial cells configured in BBB models can be utilized for evaluating transendothelial movement and transduction kinetics of various AAV capsids. Importantly, the use of a human in vitro BBB model can provide import insight into the possible effects that candidate AVV gene therapy vectors may have on the status of BBB integrity. Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 192.
Nauki historyczne, nauki eksperymentalne i metoda naukowa

Many scientists believe that there is a uniform, interdisciplinary method for the practice of good science. The paradigmatic examples, however, are drawn from classical experimental science. Insofar as historical hypotheses cannot be tested in controlled laboratory settings, historical research is sometimes said to be inferior to experimental research. Using examples from diverse historical disciplines, this paper demonstrates that such claims are misguided. First, the reputed superiority of experimental research is based upon accounts of scientific methodology (Baconian inductivism or falsificationism) that are deeply flawed, both logically and as accounts of the actual practices of scientists. Second, although there are fundamental differences in methodology between experimental scientists and historical scientists, they are keyed to a pervasive feature of nature, a time asymmetry of causation. As a consequence, the claim that historical science is methodologically inferior to experimental science cannot be sustained.
Evaluating multi-view representations of a Web3D streaming server

Analysis of multivariate data in space and time (spatio-temporal) has gained distinctive importance in all research domains. The development of new solutions that enhance massive 3D scientific visualizations on the Web is still growing. In this paper, we combine computing power, human visual perception and interaction and real-time Web3D rendering to develop a 3D visualization for multivariate data through CORNET-3D. CORNET-3D is a software tool, which dynamically displays live wireless signal spectra, i.e. magnitudes vs. radio frequency (RF), of cognitive radio nodes in the CORNET testbed through a browser. Real time visualization of the electromagnetic spectrum activities for wireless communications provides a visually perceivable representation of the cognitive radio nodes' power and occupancy in the frequency domain. This work compares user performance between three representations (views) of multivariate scientific data to mitigate the trade-off between proximity and occlusion in CORNET-3D. The three views are Colored-Spectrum, Colored-Bars and Colored-Spectrum-with-Bars. For both types of questions (power or bandwidth), the results show that it is easy for people to carry out visual discrimination in multi-variate data visualization using the Colored Spectrum-with-Bars view. But to get accurate judgments, the Colored spectrum view should be used.
Role of ZnO nanowire arrays on the impact response of aramid fabrics

Abstract High performance aramid fabrics are extensively used in personal body armor to provide soft, lightweight, yet effective ballistic protection. Grafting nanomaterials on the surface of aramid fibers is one of the promising methods developed for enhancing and tailoring the performance of the fabrics and their composites. Recently, it was shown that growth of ZnO nanowires on aramid fibers drastically improves fabric interyarn friction, as an energy dissipation mechanism. In this work, the influence of ZnO nanowires on the ballistic response of aramid fabrics is evaluated. Intermediate velocity (22–40 m/s) impact tests are conducted on the fabric targets using a gas gun setup. The setup was equipped with a shock accelerometer for measuring contact force and two photoresistors for accurate velocity measurement of the projectile just before impact. As a result of the integration of ZnO nanowires, the maximum impact force of a single aramid fabric is increased approximately 66% in a specific range of impactor velocity. It is postulated that in this velocity range yarn pullout is the dominant failure mechanism of the fabrics for the specific fabric and projectile geometry used in this study. Furthermore, post-test imaging of the fabric targets confirms the efficacy of ZnO nanowires in enhancing impact resistance of aramid fabrics as a result of increased interyarn friction and limiting yarn mobility.
Biological Contributions to the Maternal Behavior of the Great Apes

My research on biological contributions to maternal behavior of the great apes, while not recognized as such at the time, was initiated early in 1972. I was studying the sexual behavior of gorillas under laboratory conditions and learned that one of the females I had tested was pregnant. Because I saw this as an opportunity to extend my studies of mother—infant relations to a third species of great ape, research on chimpanzees and orangutans already being under way, I conducted a literature search to determine what was known about this subject in gorillas. I learned that little was known about mother—infant relations in gorillas, in part because there had been relatively few gorillas born in captivity in comparison to chimpanzees and orangutans, and because most of the infants that were born were separated from their mothers within the first week of life (Kirchshofer, 1970). In fact, of the first 29 live-born gorillas in captivity, only 1 was reared by its mother beyond a year of age. Even more ominous for my planned research were reports that several of the infants that had initially been allowed to remain with their mothers had been neglected or abused, and a few had actually been killed by the mother. Kirchshofer (1970) proposed that the inadequate and abusive maternal behavior of the gorillas was related to their early rearing experience in captivity. Essentially, all the gorillas in captivity had been separated from their own mothers within a year or two, as a result of being captured. Most had been reared at zoos with one or more peers, but no adult conspecifics. Kirchshofer (1970) concluded that the absence of adult conspecifics on which to model their behavior and a lack of experience with infants accounted for the failure of captive gorilla mothers to learn the appropriate care of infants during their formative years, prior to the time that they delivered their own offspring.
Seasonal Patterns of Dry Deposition at a High-Elevation Site in the Colorado Rocky Mountains

In the Colorado Rocky Mountains, high elevation barren soils are deficient in carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) and enriched in nitrogen (N). The seasonal variability of dry deposition and its contributions to alpine elemental budgets are critical to understanding how dry deposition influences biogeochemical cycling in high elevation environments. In this two-year study, we evaluated dry and wet deposition inputs to the Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research (NWT-LTER) site in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The total organic C flux in wet + dry (including soluble and particulate C) deposition was >30 kg C ha-1 yr-1 and represents a substantial input for this C-limited environment. Our side-by-side comparison of dry deposition collectors with and without marble insert indicated that the insert improved retention of dry deposition by ~28%. Annual average dry deposition fluxes of water soluble organic carbon (4.25 kg C ha-1 yr-1) and other water soluble constituents, including ammonium (0.16 kg NH4+ha-1 yr-1), nitrate (1.99 kg NO3- ha-1 yr-1), phosphate (0.08 kg PO43- ha-1 yr-1), and sulfate (1.20 kg SO42- ha-1 yr-1), were comparable to those in wet deposition, with highest values measured in the summer. Backward trajectory analyses implicate air masses passing through the arid west and Four Corners, USA as dominant source areas for dry deposition, especially in spring months. Synchronous temporal patterns of deposition observed at the NWT-LTER site and a distant Rocky Mountain National Park CASTNET site indicate that seasonal dry deposition patterns are regional phenomena with important implications for the larger Rocky Mountain region.
Nanoscale and multiresolution models for shale samples

Abstract Characterization of shale systems requires imaging at different scales. One reason can be due to a diverse pore-size distribution. Low-resolution images often cover the large-scale structures and are available for a large region of the sample. On the other hand, fine-scale images usually cover a small region and they are mostly used to discover the complexity within the nano-scale pores in shale samples. Acquiring large image containing both the micro- and the nano-scale feature can be very expensive and time demanding. In this paper, a new method for integrating of such images at different scales is proposed. The aim is to include the nano-scale information within the coarse images. The input of this method is a set of coarse- and fine-scale images. The corresponding regions of each fine-scale image within the coarser image are determined using a similarity map. Then, the coarse image is refined iteratively to include the fine-scale information. The final image contains both the micro and nano-meter images and can readily be used for various purposes.
Future Directions for Examination of Brain Networks in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with atypical development and maturation of brain networks. A recent focus on human connectomics research and the growing popularity of open science init...
Harnessing Quantum Wave Nature of Individual Electrons for Single Photon Detection

We propose and examine theoretically a new type of photodetector that senses THz single photons by the wavefunction change of a single electron confined in a quantum dot. A possible readout scheme is also presented.
Rhinitis and Asthma

Rhinosinusitis and asthma have a close relationship and frequently coexist. The two may represent a spectrum of the same disease entity (unified airway hypothesis). Their association is thought to reflect a systemic inflammatory process of the respiratory mucosa. Furthermore, patients with uncontrolled sinonasal symptoms appear to experience worse asthma control. This chapter focuses on two commonly encountered scenarios in clinical practice presenting with concomitant upper airway inflammation as well as asthma.
Single-wall carbon nanotubes

Solid-state devices in which electrons are confined to two-dimensional planes have provided some of the most exciting scientific and technological breakthroughs of the last 50 years. From metal-oxide-silicon field effect transistors to high-mobility gallium-arsenide heterostructures, these devices have played a key role in the microelectronics revolution and are critical components in a wide array of products from computers to compact-disk players. From a more parochial perspective, the study of electrons in two-dimensional systems has also been responsible for two Nobel prizes in physics – to Klaus von Klitzing in 1985 and to Robert Laughlin, Horst Stormer and Daniel Tsui in 1998. This is testimony to the basic as well as applied interest of such devices (see Heiblum and Stern in further reading).
An Outline for the Removal of (A2)

We now discuss condition (A2) and outline how this hypothesis can be removed and replaced by the much weaker (A2)’. Some computations are needed in order to carry out this removal and replacement, which we will not complete here. Although our arguments can be worked out, after more technical details, into a formal proof, we have kept one step away from this goal and part of our results will be presented under the form of claims, with sketches of proofs.
Randomized Clinical Trials in Stroke Research

A randomized clinical trial is widely regarded as the most rigorous study design to determine the efficacy of intervention because spurious causality and bias associated with other experimental designs can be avoided. The purpose of this article is to provide clinicians and clinical researchers the types of randomized clinical trials used in stroke studies and to discuss the advantages and the limitations for each type of randomized stroke clinical trials.
The Converses of a Familiar Isosceles Triangle Theorem.

A THEOREM commonly found in cur rent high school geometry texts states, in some form, that the segments that bisect the base angles of an isosceles triangle are congruent. The proof is quite simple and will not be recounted here. What is less simple, however, is consideration of the (partial) converses of this theorem. Some books use this theorem in the section dealing with converses, since the hypo thesis contains two conditions and the conclusion only one. The converses can be stated as follows:
Detective quantum efficiency of a CsI-CMOS x-ray detector for breast tomosynthesis operating in high dynamic range and high sensitivity modes

The spatial frequency dependent detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of a CsI-CMOS x-ray detector was measured in two operating modes: a high dynamic range (HDR) mode and a high sensitivity (HS) mode. DQE calculations were performed using the IEC-62220-1-2 Standard. For detector entrance air kerma values between ˜7 μGy and 60 μGy the DQE is similar in either HDR mode or HS mode, with a value of ˜0.7 at low frequency and ˜ 0.15 --- 0.20 at the Nyquist frequency fN = 6.7 mm−1. In HDR mode the DQE remains virtually constant for operation with Ka values between ˜7 μGy and 119 μGy but decreases for Ka levels below ˜ 7 μGy. In HS mode the DQE is approximately constant over the full range of entrance air kerma tested between 1.7 μGy and 60 μGy but kerma values above ˜75 μGy produce hard saturation. Quantum limited operation in HS mode for entrance kerma as small as 1.7 μGy makes it possible to use a large number of low dose views to improve angular sampling and decrease acquisition time.
Visualization of Calcium Ion Loss from Rotavirus during Cell Entry.

Bound calcium ions stabilize many nonenveloped virions. Loss of Ca2+ from these particles appears to be a regulated part of entry or uncoating. The outer layer of an infectious rotavirus triple-layered particle (TLP) comprises a membrane-interacting protein (VP4) anchored by a Ca2+-stabilized protein (VP7). Membrane-coupled conformational changes in VP4 (cleaved to VP8* and VP5*) and dissociation of VP4 and VP7 accompany penetration of the double-layered inner capsid particle (DLP) into the cytosol. Removal of Ca2+ in vitro strips away both outer layer proteins; we and others have postulated that the loss of Ca2+ triggers molecular events in viral penetration. We have now investigated, with the aid of a fluorescent Ca2+ sensor, the timing of Ca2+ loss from entering virions with respect to the dissociation of VP4 and VP7. In live-cell imaging experiments, distinct fluorescent markers on the DLP and on VP7 report on outer layer dissociation and DLP release. The Ca2+ sensor, placed on VP5*, monitors the Ca2+ concentration within the membrane-bound vesicle enclosing the entering particle. Slow (1-min duration) loss of Ca2+ precedes the onset of VP7 dissociation by about 2 min and DLP release by about 7 min. Coupled with our previous results showing that VP7 loss follows tight binding to the cell surface by about 5 min, these data indicate that Ca2+ loss begins as soon as the particle has become fully engulfed within the uptake vesicle. We discuss the implications of these findings for the molecular mechanism of membrane disruption during viral entry. IMPORTANCE Nonenveloped viruses penetrate into the cytosol of the cells that they infect by disrupting the membrane of an intracellular compartment. The molecular mechanisms of membrane disruption remain largely undefined. Functional reconstitution of infectious rotavirus particles (TLPs) from RNA-containing core particles (DLPs) and the outer layer proteins that deliver them into a cell makes these important pediatric pathogens particularly good models for studying nonenveloped virus entry. We report here how the use of a fluorescent Ca2+ sensor, covalently linked to one of the viral proteins, allows us to establish, using live-cell imaging, the timing of Ca2+ loss from an entering particle and other molecular events in the entry pathway. Specific Ca2+ binding stabilizes many other viruses of eukaryotes, and Ca2+ loss appears to be a trigger for steps in penetration or uncoating. The experimental design that we describe may be useful for studying entry of other viral pathogens.
Patterns and predictors of end‐of‐life care in older patients with pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND Little is known about end-of-life care among patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database to analyze patterns of hospice use and end-of-life treatment in patients with PDAC. METHODS We included patients diagnosed with PDAC between 2000-2011 and who had died by December 31, 2012. We assessed patterns of hospice use, chemotherapy receipt, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions at end-of-life. We used multivariable logistic regression to investigate predictors of end-of-life care. RESULTS In our cohort of 16 309 patients, 70.5% enrolled in hospice, of which 29.1% enrolled in the last 7 days of life. Use of hospice increased over time, from 61.6% in 2000 to 77.5% in 2012 (P-value for trend <0.0001). Among the entire cohort, 6.4% received chemotherapy within the last 14 days of life and 13.1% were admitted to the ICU within the last 30 days of life. Late ICU admissions increased over time, while chemotherapy receipt at the end-of-life decreased. Patients who were older, female, with higher SES, or from the South or Midwest were more likely to enroll in hospice. Those who were younger or male were more likely to receive chemotherapy or have an ICU admission at the end-of-life. CONCLUSION Although hospice enrollment has increased among patients with PDAC, late enrollment still occurs in a substantial proportion of patients. While chemotherapy at the end-of-life has decreased slightly, ICU admissions at the end-of-life have continued to increase. Further research is needed to determine effective ways of enhancing end-of-life care for patients with PDAC.
The role of MEK inhibition in neuroblastoma tumor cells.

10068 Background: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. High-risk cases of neuroblastoma have extremely poor long-term survival rates, and novel therapies are need...
Growth Factor Receptors

Growth factor receptors are cell surface proteins that are activated on binding their respective ligands (growth factors), thereby mediating cell signaling events that regulate a diverse array of cellular activities, including cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, and migration.
Sticky Fingers: The Life and Times of Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone Magazine

This book will resonate with mass media historians as well as with pop culture scholars and general readers, for it recounts an intimate, well-researched story of Rolling Stone magazine and, as its...
Enhancing Distribution System Resiliency through a Novel Transactive Energy Systems Framework

Restoration of end-use loads during bulk transmission system outages is a key challenge for electric utilities. During those outages, utilities often do not have enough resources to fully restore the end-use loads. System reconfiguration can provide access to non-utility assets that can enable restoration; however, not all available switching options are feasible due to voltage and load limits. Engaging non-utility assets for system restoration during system events requires commensurate compensation and incentive calculation. This paper presents a new transactive energy system framework (TESF) to incentivize distributed energy resources (DERs) to provide reactive power for supporting the self-healing functions of distribution management system (DMS). TESF engages non-utility DERs during resiliency events by incentivizing them through transactive signals computed using marginal cost of producing reactive power and marginal benefit of additional switching operations. TESF calculates additional switching options, which DMS then leverages to identify new optimal switching plans to restore additional loads. A test system consisting of multiple IEEE-13 node distribution feeders is used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. For the given system configuration and use-case, TESF results in 24.82% additional load restoration and one additional switching operation.
Virtual MIMO Transmissions for Underwater Acoustic Communications with Moving Platforms

Underwater acoustic communications with multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is critically important because it supports the coordinated team mission in the ocean. AUVs, as compact mobile platforms, have limited computing resources and physical space, thus impeding the adoption of spectrally-efficient acoustic communication strategies including multi-antennas transmissions. For example, only a single transmitter is installed on an AUV. Allocation of limited communication resources is also a critical issue when multiple vehicles are involved in the mission. Here, we propose a virtual multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) strategy for communications with multiple AUVs. The virtual MIMO strategy selects the transmitters from a subset of AUVs to form a virtual transmit array. The objective is to increase spectral efficiency for the uplink, referring to the transmission connection from the AUVs to moored communication base stations. A user selection algorithm is used to determine the active AUV subset for data transmissions, to ensure the fairness in access to the time slots. Adaptive modulation is combined to improve the throughput further. The user selection and modulation choice are decided by predicted data rates derived from the communication range rather than the channel state information, thus avoiding the high overhead. The performance of the underwater virtual MIMO scheme has been examined in computer simulations, where the vehicle-specific mission tracks, simulated acoustic communication channels from BELLHOP, and time reversal communication receivers were used. The simulation results showed that the proposed algorithm achieved a high overall throughput in a scenario with five AUVs. Further, the assignment fairness of time slots was considered while maximizing the overall throughput.
Effects of Fertility Amendments on Weed Growth and Weed–Crop Competition: A Review

Macronutrient inputs to annual cropping systems can benefit weeds as well as crops, sometimes decreasing or eliminating the benefits of fertilization. This interaction between fertility management and integrated weed management is becoming increasingly important as these fields increase their focus on efficiency and prevention, respectively. The risk of increased weed competition reflects the fact that weed biomass and height may be highly responsive to nitrogen, phosphorus, and/or potassium. This generalization is supported by monoculture studies of species such as redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), and barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.] and by ecological theory. However, field studies indicate variation in the effects of macronutrients on weed–crop competition and crop yield, even within species groups. To address challenges in interpreting, comparing, and extrapolating from these diverse reports, we propose a conceptual framework that summarizes the mechanisms underlying observed variation within and between studies. This framework highlights functional traits and trends that help predict yield outcomes in binary weed–crop interactions. Important factors include timing of emergence, maximum heights of the weed and crop, and relative responsiveness to the added nutrient. We also survey recent work on the effects of nutrient source (e.g., the composition of organic amendments) on weed–crop competition. Because different sources vary in their nutrient release dynamics and supplied nutrient ratios, they may have dramatically different effects on weed–crop competition and crop yield. Finally, we offer a guide to best practices for studies of fertility effects on weed–crop competition. Although this review highlights several topics requiring further research, including fertility effects on multispecies interactions and interactions with other environmental factors, emerging methods offer considerable promise. Ultimately, an improved understanding of nutrient effects on weed–crop competition will contribute to the efficient and effective management of diverse cropping systems.
Risk of Hospitalization and Death Associated With Pimavanserin Use in Older Adults With Parkinson Disease.

Background and Objectives To determine the risk of hospitalization and death associated with pimavanserin use. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults 65 years and older with Parkinson disease between November 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, using an administrative dataset on residents of Medicare-certified long-term care facilities and linked Medicare claims data. Propensity score–based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance pimavanserin users and nonusers on 24 baseline characteristics. Fine-Gray competing risk and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the risk of hospitalization and death up to 1 year, respectively. Results The study cohort included 2,186 pimavanserin users and 18,212 nonusers. There was a higher risk of 30-day hospitalization with pimavanserin use vs nonuse (IPTW-adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.24, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.06–1.43). There was no association of pimavanserin use with 90-day hospitalization (aHR 1.10, CI 0.99–1.24) or with 30-day mortality (aHR 0.76, CI 0.56–1.03). Pimavanserin use vs nonuse was associated with increased 90-day mortality (aHR 1.20, CI 1.02–1.41) that persisted after 180 days (aHR 1.28, CI 1.13–1.45) and 1 year (aHR 1.56, CI 1.42–1.72). Discussion Pimavanserin use vs nonuse in older adults was associated with an increased risk of hospitalization at 1 month of initiation and a higher risk of death for up to 1 year following initiation. These findings, in a large real-world cohort within long-term care facilities, may help to inform decisions regarding its risk/benefit balance among patients with Parkinson disease. Classification of Evidence This study provides Class II evidence that in patients with Parkinson disease who are 65 or older and residing in Medicare-certified long-term care facilities, pimavanserin is associated with an increased risk of 30-day hospitalization and higher 90-, 180-, and 365-day mortality.
Navigating the Waters of Trade Secret Protection in China

In 2013, the U.S. economy experienced an estimated $300 billion in losses from trade secret misappropriation. This value may understate the problem, as many U.S. companies don’t report the misappropriation of their trade secrets, either because they fear damaging their reputation, they worry about crippling their business relationships, or they don’t even recognize any misappropriation occurred until years later. ​As a result, the problem of ​trade​ ​secret misappropriation​ is becoming worse each year. In 2009 alone, ​U.S. companies engaging in business within China reported losses of approximately $48.2 billion in sales, royalties, or licensing fees alone due to intellectual property infringements. ​Two years later, the Office of the ​National​ Counterintelligence Executive (ONCIX) reported that more “​economic​ espionage”, including ​trade​ ​secret​ ​misappropriation​, occurs in China than anywhere else in the world. China’s problem has not been its ability to ratify treaties or to pass ​laws​ respecting ​intellectual property​ ​rights​, but its willingness and capacity to enforce these obligations. In this paper, we will explore the scope of ​trade​ ​secret​ ​misappropriation​ in China and what can be done about the problem. We will explore how ​intellectual​ ​property​ ​rights​ have developed in modern China. In addition, we will discuss what current challenges ​international business owners face when trying to seek remedies for ​trade​ ​secret​ ​misappropriation​ in China. And last, we will highlight recent ​reforms​ and how business owners can help take steps to prevent ​misappropriation​ from occurring in the first place. It is important to note that the paper discusses The People’s Republic of China only. Hong Kong and Macau have their own ​laws​ and policies for protecting ​trade​ ​secrets.
Design, fabrication, and testing of a getter-based atmosphere purification and waste treatment system for a nitrogen-hydrogen-helium glovebox

A system containing a combination of getters (Zr-Mn-Fe, SAES St909; and Zr 2 Fe, SAES St198) was used to process the nitrogen-hydrogen-helium atmosphere in a glovebox used for handling metal tritide samples. During routine operations, the glovebox atmosphere is recirculated and hydrogenous impurities (i.e. CQ 4 , Q 2 O, and NQ 3 , where Q =H, D, T) are decomposed (cracked) and removed by Zr-Mn-Fe without absorbing elemental hydrogen isotopes. If the tritium content of the glovebox atmosphere becomes unacceptably high, the getter system can rapidly strip the glovebox atmosphere of all hydrogen isotopes by absorption on the Zr 2 Fe, thus lessening the burden on the facility waste gas treatment system. The getter system was designed for high flowrate (> 100 l/min), which is achieved by using a honeycomb support for the getter pellets and 1.27-cm diameter tubing throughout the system for reduced pressure drop. The novel getter bed design also includes an integral preheater and copper liner to accommodate swelling of the getter pellets, which occurs during loading with oxygen and carbon impurities. Non-tritium functional tests were conducted to determine the gettering efficiencies at different getter bed temperatures and flowrates by recirculating gas through the system from a 6-m 3 glovebox containing known concentrations of impurities.
Introduction and Terminology

The most common concerns in pediatrics and other primary-care specialties are not the same as they were 20 years ago. During the past several decades there has been increased emphasis on “total health care.” This societal concern has broadened the role of the primary-care physician, requiring increased involvement with psychological and developmental testing. There is a particular need to be knowledgeable about these evaluation tools because it is estimated that one out of ten children has some type of developmental handicap or a less severe learning problem. Following the enactment of PL 94–142 [Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975)], about 5% of all school-aged children received special education services for learning disabilities (LDs) despite an estimated 11% to 13% prevalence of LD.
Quantitative comparison of automatic and manual IMRT optimization for prostate cancer: the benefits of DVH prediction

A recent publication indicated that the patient anatomical feature (PAF) model was capable of predicting optimal objectives based on past experience. In this study, the benefits of IMRT optimization using PAF-predicted objectives as guidance for prostate were evaluated. Three different optimization methods were compared. 1) Expert Plan: Ten prostate cases (16 plans) were planned by an expert planner using conventional trial-and-error approach started with institutional modified OAR and PTV constraints. Optimization was stopped at 150 iterations and that plan was saved as Expert Plan. 2) Clinical Plan: The planner would keep working on the Expert Plan till he was satisfied with the dosimetric quality and the final plan was referred to as Clinical Plan. 3) PAF Plan: A third sets of plans for the same ten patients were generated fully automatically using predicted DVHs as guidance. The optimization was based on PAF-based predicted objectives, and was continued to 150 iterations without human interaction. DMAX and D98% for PTV, DMAX for femoral heads, DMAX, D10cc, D25%/D17%, and D40% for bladder/rectum were compared. Clinical Plans are further optimized with more iterations and adjustments, but in general provided limited dosimetric benefits over Expert Plans. PTV D98% agreed within 2.31% among Expert, Clinical, and PAF plans. Between Clinical and PAF Plans, differences for DMAX of PTV, bladder, and rectum were within 2.65%, 2.46%, and 2.20%, respectively. Bladder D10cc was higher for PAF but < 1.54% in general. Bladder D25% and D40% were lower for PAF, by up to 7.71% and 6.81%, respectively. Rectum D10cc, D17%, and D40% were 2.11%, 2.72%, and 0.27% lower for PAF, respectively. DMAX for femoral heads were comparable (< 35 Gy on average). Compared to Clinical Plan (Primary + Boost), the average optimization time for PAF plan was reduced by 5.2 min on average, with a maximum reduction of 7.1min. Total numbers of MUs per plan for PAF Plans were lower than Clinical Plans, indicating better delivery efficiency. The PAF-guided planning process is capable of generating clinical-quality prostate IMRT plans with no human intervention. Compared to manual optimization, this automatic optimization increases planning and delivery efficiency, while maintaining plan quality.
CMOS auto-ranging PLL for low-voltage wideband systems

Describes a low-voltage PLL circuit using auto-ranging technique designed for implementation in the MOSIS 1.5 /spl mu/m CMOS technology. The PLL circuit is equipped with a self-sensed/adjusted capacity in response to a large, fast acquired-frequency switch, and also has good immunity to temperature, processing, and supply voltage variations. The experimental result confirms the functionality of the auto-ranging mechanism of the fabricated PLL IC over a frequency range of 55-400 MHz with a 2.5-volt power supply.
Non parametric derivative estimation with confidence bands

ABSTRACTWe propose a spline-based derivative estimation. Derivative estimation plays an important role in the exploration of structures in curves. Consistency property of the estimator is obtained under some mild assumptions. We construct simultaneous confidence bands for the derivatives, therefore statistical inference for the relative change of curves can be derived. Finite-sample experiments confirm the asymptotic results. We illustrate the methods with applications to a fossil dataset and a US climate dataset.
Artificial-neural-network-based failure detection and isolation

This paper presents the design of a systematic failure detection and isolation system that uses the concept of failure sensitive variables (FSV) and artificial neural networks (ANN). The proposed approach was applied to tube leak detection in a utility boiler system. Results of the experimental testing are presented in the paper.
Pancreatic Laceration CT and Ultrasound Findings

A case of pancreatic laceration in a child is presented. The complementary roles of computed tomography and sonography are compared.
Preparation and characterization of poly(butadiene‐stat‐styrene)/poly(styrene‐stat‐acrylonitrile) structured latex particles

In rubber toughening of thermoplastics, core/shell polymers have been used extensively. This work introduces the synthesis and characterization of polybutadiene based core/shell latex particles with controlled particle size and crosslinking density of the core. A lithium soap recipe was employed to prepare a series of poly(butadiene-stat-styrene) (90/10 by wt) core particles by conventional emulsion polymerization through a batch process. The shell polymer, poly(styrene-stat-acrylonitrile) (72/28 by wt), was polymerized by a semicontinuous process in the presence of the core particles to form a core/shell morphology. The effects of initiator concentration, monomer feeding rate, core/shell ratio, and gel-fraction of the core on the core/shell particle morphology were studied. The degree of grafting of the shell polymer on the core particles was determined as well. The morphology and glass transitions of these particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical spectroscopy. These latex particles can be used specifically in toughening polycarbonate. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 64: 1123–1134, 1997
Optically Pumped Ultraviolet And Infrared Lasers Driven By Exploding Metal Films And Wires

The 342-nm molecular iodine and 1315-nm atomic iodine lasers have been optically pumped by intense light from exploding-metal-film and exploding-wire discharges. Brightness temperatures for the exploding-film discharges were -25,000 K and for the wire discharges were -30,000 K. For the 12 laser the 3.5-cm diameter by 40-cm long pumped volume lies adjacent to the wire or film of the same length. Pressures of 1-6 torr 12 and 1-3 atm SF; CF4, or Ar were used in the stainless-steel cell. Using 20-pF capacitance charged to 40 kV, a 0.25-mm tungsten wire, 3-torr 12, and a 2-atm SF6, an energy of 2 J was obtained from the laser in a pulse of 8-Ns duration. The specific output energy was 7 J/k. Substitution of a cylin-drical A2 film for the wire, under otherwise similar conditions, led to a X10 output energy reduction. With an active volume and wire of 70-cm length greater output energies and efficiencies were obtained with similar input energy. An output pulse of 12 J and 12-ps duration was measured for a specific output energy of 18 J/l. A laser energy of 110 J in a 20-us-long pulse has been measured from atomic iodine using a wire discharge along the axis of a larger cell. The active volume available was 20 cm in diameter and 80 cm in length. Input energy was 32 kJ. In similar measurements using a cylindrical AR, film for discharge initiation, the measured output energy was 40 J.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Lipolysis and Lipid Oxidation in Frozen Minced Mackerel as Related to Tg', Molecular Diffusion, and Presence of Gelatin

We determined the sub-zero temperature dependencies (TD) of lipid hydrolysis (LH), lipid oxidation (peroxide value [PV]), and diffusion of 14C-fructose in minced mackerel (MM) and how these rates are influenced by gelatin (G) and MM Tg'. When 1 % G was added, the rate of LH at −10°C decreased as compared to that in controls, whereas the rate of PV and TBARS increased (-5, -15 and -20°C). The TD of 14C-fruc-tose diffusion was similar to that of TBARS, but not to those for LH or PV. Just below Tg', the rate decrease for TBARS was abrupt, whereas rate decreases for LH and PV were moderate to small, respectively.
1411 ALTERATION OF CEREBRAL AND MYOCARDIAL BLOOD FLOW IN NEWBORN (NB) LAMBS: ADAPTIVE RESPONSE OF MITOCHONDRIAL ACTIVITY

Previous studies have shown that mitochondria adapt to decreased PaO2 by increasing respiratory rate (RR). The present study investigates brain and heart mitochondrial RR in 14 NB lambs during states of decreased cerebral and myocardial blood flow induced by hyperventilation at constant O2 tension and content. Measurements of [Hb], blood gases, O2 saturation and regional blood flow were made at various PaCO2 levels. O2 delivery to segments of brain and heart from which mitochondria were isolated was calculated from the blood flow to those specific segments and O2 content. State 4 (substrate, no ADP) and state 3 (substrate, +ADP) RR of heart and brain mitochondria, expressed as nm O2/nm cytochrome oxidase (a+a3) were determined with glutamate-malate substrate. In the heart, as blood flow decreased from 176 to 56 ml/min/100g tissue, O2 delivery decreased from 30 to 13 ml/min/100g, and mitochondrial RR increased from 145 to 250 nm O2/min. In the brain, as blood flow decreased from 197 to 18 ml/min/100g O2 delivery decreased from 30 to 4 ml/min/100g and mitochondrial RR increased from 160 to 249 nm O2/min. The reduction of blood flow at constant O2 content elicited a mitochondrial response comparable to that reported during “hypoxemic” tissue hypoxia. Present data indicate that when decreased blood flow compromises O2 delivery and produces tissue hypoxia, heart and brain mitochondria sense low O2 availability and adapt by increasing their respiratory rate.
ras mediates nerve growth factor receptor modulation of three signal-transducing protein kinases: MAP kinase, Raf-1, and RSK

p21c-ras plays a critical role in mediating tyrosine kinase-stimulated cell growth and differentiation. However, the pathways through which p21c-ras propagates these signals remain unknown. We report that in PC12 cells, expression of a dominant inhibitory mutant of ras, c-Ha-ras(Asn-17), antagonizes growth factor- and phorbol ester-induced activation of the erk-encoded family of MAP kinases, the 85-92 kd RSKs, and the kinase(s) responsible for hyperphosphorylation of the proto-oncogene product Raf-1. In addition, we find that expression of the activated ras oncogene is sufficient to stimulate these events. These data indicate that ras mediates nerve growth factor receptor and protein kinase C modulation of MAP kinases, RSKs, and Raf-1.
Wind influence on chlorophyll variability along the Louisiana-Texas coast from satellite wind and ocean color data

QuikSCAT satellite based vector wind data were used to examine wind influence on SeaWiFS derived chlorophyll a (chlorophyll) surface distribution in the northern Gulf of Mexico waters influenced by the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers, the largest in North America. Short-term satellite derived wind field revealed a systematic shift in direction and amplitude of the winds during a cold front passage in March 2002 that strongly influenced the surface chlorophyll distribution. Both the offshore extent and westward transport of enhanced surface chlorophyll biomass increased following the frontal passage. Monthly surface wind stress derived from the 12.5 km high resolution QuikSCAT winds mapped along with SeaWiFS derived surface chlorophyll during a low flow and a normal river discharge year in 2000 and 2001 indicated the dominant role of river discharge in influencing the concentration and extent of chlorophyll in the plume and inner shelf waters. However the magnitude and direction of wind stress strongly influenced the plume orientation and the cross-shelf extent of a coastal band of elevated chlorophyll. Wind stress also influenced the offshore cross-shelf variability in surface chlorophyll distribution.
Spectral decomposition of susceptibility artifacts for spectral-spatial radiofrequency pulse design

Susceptibility induced signal loss is a limitation in gradient echo functional MRI. The through-plane artifact in axial slices is particularly problematic due to the inferior position of air cavities in the brain. Spectral-spatial radiofrequency pulses have recently been shown to reduce signal loss in a single excitation. The pulses were successfully demonstrated assuming a linear relationship between susceptibility gradient and frequency, however, the exact frequency and spatial distribution of the susceptibility gradient in the brain is unknown. We present a spiral spectroscopic imaging sequence with a time-shifted radiofrequency pulse that can spectrally decompose the through-plane susceptibility gradient for spectral-spatial radiofrequency pulse design. Maps of the through-plane susceptibility gradient as a function of frequency were generated for the human brain at 3T. We found that the linear relationship holds well for the whole brain with an optimal slope of -1.0 μT/m/Hz.
Children's Judgments of Utterance Appropriateness.

Judgments of utterance appropriateness were examined in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-year olds to examine the bases for these judgments in a variety of social contexts. The results indicated that the 4- and 5...
Imagery of binding in fits one and two of sir Gawain and the green knight

(1982). Imagery of binding in fits one and two of sir Gawain and the green knight. Studia Neophilologica: Vol. 54, No. 1, pp. 53-60.
More on Aristotle on Consciousness: Reply to Sisko

In 'Aristotle on Consciousness' (2002), I argued that Aristotle develops an attractive view of consciousness, which cuts down the middle of current debates. Like some contemporary theories, he analyses perceptual awareness in terms of higher-order intentional states, such as perceiving that we see or that we hear. But unlike those theories, he denies that this is due to a second token mental state being directed at the first. Instead, a perception is directed at itself as well as at a perceptible quality in the world it possesses a higher-order content in addition to its original first-order content. So while this awareness is higher-order and relational, it is also intrinsic to the perception, because it involves a reflexive relation. An 'inner sense' is thus not required for this purpose either. In the subsequent discussion, Aristotle also worries about how a perception like seeing can itself be perceived and in what sense any of its features might be perceptible. Once again, his views appear to cut down the middle of a debate, this time concerning qualia, although here his suggestions are much less developed. John Sisko (2004) has raised objections against both parts of my paper. Neither set of objections succeeds, I believe. But they offer a useful occasion to expand and elaborate more fully parts of my argument, which in the original article had to be kept brief. Sisko's first objection (p. 515-7) concerns the last part of my paper. He maintains that the passage I linked to debates over qualia (DA III 2, 42sb17-25) must be understood instead on a 'literalist' reading, according to which the organ of perception literally takes on the perceptible quality it perceives, and has no relevance to qualia. I had in fact argued against such an interpretation, because of Aristotle's hesitation and resistance to literalist formulations (pp. 788-9). But Sisko rejects these arguments. He finds no 'moment of hesitancy' in the passage; on the contrary, the whole issue is 'a non-starter'. Aristotle's description of what sees as being 'in a way coloured' (s KexpXMarloTaL) 42sb22-3) is not