cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of acute global venous obstruction and unfractionated heparin on muscle cytokine synthesis.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a devastating complication of massive deep venous thrombosis, which is clinically characterized by massive lower extremity tissue edema and subsequent arterial insufficiency. These experiments evaluated the local tissue effects of acute global venous obstruction combined with partial arterial ischemia. Experiments were performed to assess the effects of heparin on the cytokine response to simultaneous venous and partial arterial obstruction. Murine hind limbs were subjected to conditions of unilateral venous occlusion and partial tourniquet limb ischemia, which was confirmed by laser Doppler imaging (LDI). Mice underwent either hind limb venous obstruction with intravenous unfractionated heparin (200 IU/kg) or intravenous saline 5 min before venous occlusion. Sham-treated mice were subjected to anesthesia alone without venous occlusion. After 3 hr, the mice were killed and tissue was harvested for measurement of edema (wet to dry weight ratio, W/D), muscle viability, indices of local thrombosis (thrombin-antithrombin complex [TAT]), and cytokine analysis for growth-related oncogene-1 (GRO-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6, protein via enzyme-linked immunoassay and mRNA via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction). Bleeding time and volume were documented in saline- and heparin-treated mice to confirm systemic anticoagulation. Administration of intravenous heparin resulted in a marked increase in bleeding time and volume. LDI confirmed venous obstruction and ongoing arterial inflow. Venous obstruction resulted in severe visible edema that correlated with a significantly higher W/D ratio but was not associated with a significant decrease in muscle viability. GRO-1 and IL-6 protein and mRNA levels were significantly elevated in the venous occlusion group compared to sham. Heparin therapy significantly decreased TAT3 levels but did not alter the profile of GRO-1 or IL-6 protein levels seen with venous occlusion. Venous occlusion with partial ischemia induces a unique and potent local cytokine expression. Heparin therapy did not ameliorate the cytokine response. These data indicate that heparin therapy does not modulate the cytokine response to venous obstruction.
An updated list of avian cell lines and transplantable tumours

(1987). An updated list of avian cell lines and transplantable tumours. Avian Pathology: Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 527-544.
Targeting Inflammatory Pathways for Prevention and Therapy of Cancer: Short-Term Friend, Long-Term Foe

Chronic infections, obesity, alcohol, tobacco, radiation, environmental pollutants, and high-calorie diet have been recognized as major risk factors for the most common types of cancer. All these risk factors are linked to cancer through inflammation. Although acute inflammation that persists for short-term mediates host defense against infections, chronic inflammation that lasts for long term can predispose the host to various chronic illnesses, including cancer. Linkage between cancer and inflammation is indicated by numerous lines of evidence; first, transcription factors nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), two major pathways for inflammation, are activated by most cancer risk factors; second, an inflammatory condition precedes most cancers; third, NF-κB and STAT3 are constitutively active in most cancers; fourth, hypoxia and acidic conditions found in solid tumors activate NF-κB; fifth, chemotherapeutic agents and γ-irradiation activate NF-κB and lead to chemoresistance and radioresistance; sixth, most gene products linked to inflammation, survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis are regulated by NF-κB and STAT3; seventh, suppression of NF-κB and STAT3 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of tumors; and eighth, most chemopreventive agents mediate their effects through inhibition of NF-κB and STAT3 activation pathways. Thus, suppression of these proinflammatory pathways may provide opportunities for both prevention and treatment of cancer.
Structured visible-diode-laser illumination for quantitative underwater imaging

Knowledge of the marine particle volume concentration is critical to many oceanographic research efforts. A description of particle volume concentration is most often estimated by assuming particle volumes based on a particle size distribution. This requires the enumeration (ideally, in situ) of a statistically significant number of particles across the size spectrum. This becomes increasingly difficult as one approaches the large-particle end of the size distribution because of the low concentrations of large particles found in most waters. However, even though number concentrations are generally low, the volume flux of large particles and their effect on the underwater light field may be significant. The Marine Aggregated Particle Profiling and Enumerating Rover (MAPPER) is an instrument under development to help address the difficulties associated with the enumeration and analysis of large marine particles. MAPPER will utilize visible diode lasers (670 nm) to produce a structured-light sheet (SLS) coincident with the image planes of video imaging systems of various resolutions. This contribution focuses on the development of the diode laser SLS, on the sheet/system characterization required to make possible the retrieval of quantitative, individual-particle information, and on the unique information offered by imaging in an SLS as opposed to other structured-light volumes. The deviation of the implemented sheet from the `ideal' sheet is presented as are the first field data acquired by deploying the SLS module on a remotely operated vehicle testbed.
Specification languages in algebraic compilers

Algebraic compilers provide a powerful and convenient mechanism for specifying language translators. With each source language operation one associates a computation for constructing its target language image; these associated computations, called derived operations, are expressed in terms of operations from the target language. Sometimes the target language is not powerful enough to specify the required translation and one may then need to extend the target language algebras with more computationally expressive operations or elements. A better solution is to package these extensions in a specification language which can be composed with the target language to ensure that all operations and elements needed or desired for performing the translation are provided. In the example in this paper, we show how imperative and functional specification languages can be composed with a target language to implement a temporal logic model checker as an algebraic compiler and show how specification languages can be seen as components to be combined with a source and target language to generate an algebraic compiler.
Nonequilibrium diagrams of a single quantum well laser

Abstract We studied the operation of a single quantum well laser by examining the tested device with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) working in differential voltage contrast (DVC) mode. A MOCVD-grown structure consists of 60A of In 0.2 Ga 0.8 As, positioned between layers of GaAs, each 100A thick. The specially cleaved laser structure was forward biased to get through the inverse population, threshold, and stimulated emission mode. In various modes of operation of the laser, the in situ DVC profiling of the quasi-Fermi energy across the device was performed. The intensity of the laser emission was simultaneously measured by a detector positioned in the SEM chamber. Starting with an equilibrium energy diagram of an unbiased laser, we reconstructed the complete nonequilibrium energy diagrams from the experimental profile of quasi-Fermi levels.
Designing for neighborhoods: lessons learned from paper-based bulletin boards

Many local information systems struggle to remain viable over time. The low volume of new content that is generated each day in a local community places burdens on the sustainability of such systems. To shed light on designing for local communities, we investigated the content, design and significance of paper-based bulletin boards as sustainable local information systems. We found that their viability is built upon several design strategies such as announcing information about local services and small-scale events; a dual strategy of supporting sense of community and information discovery; and using a flexible, but strategic definition of the communities' geographical boundaries. Future work will investigate these design strategies in online settings.
Inheritance of Diabetes Mellitus

Familial aggregation of diabetes mellitus has been recognized for centuries; yet the exact contribution of genetic factors to the cause of the disease remains unclear.1 Studies based on clinical histories and questionnaires clearly demonstrate an increased prevalence of a positive family history for patients with over those without diabetes. Moreover, numerous studies, using both clinical and glucose tolerance testing criteria, have confirmed an increased prevalence of diabetes or abnormal glucose tolerance in specified relatives of patients over similar relatives of controls. Either genetic or environmental factors (or both), however, may be responsible for familial aggregation of a disease. In an . . .
Strong optical field study of a single self-assembled quantum dot

Abstract We review the investigation of a single quantum dot driven by a strong optical field. By coherent pump-probe spectroscopy, we demonstrate the Autler–Townes splitting and Mollow absorption spectrum in a single neutral quantum dot. Furthermore, we also show the typical Mollow absorption spectrum by driving a singly charged quantum dot in a strong optical coupling regime. Our results show all the typical features of an isolated atomic system driven by a strong optical field, such as the AC stark effect, Rabi side bands and optical gain effect, which indicate that both neutral and charged quantum dots maintain the discrete energy level states even at high optical field strengths.
INTERACTION OF ENCEPHALOMYOCARDITIS VIRUS WITH ULTRAVIOLET-IRRADIATED HOST CELLS.

Ultraviolet light (UV) impaired the capacity of L cells to support growth of encephalomyocarditis virus. The loss of capacity was partially restored by high multiplicity of infection (MOI). This phenomenon was not due to an increased probability of an infectious virus particle reaching a site of replication undamaged by UV, since UV-inactivated virus at high MOI induced restoration of the capacity to support multiplication of nonirradiated virus adsorbed at low MOI. Multiplicity reactivation of UV-irradiated virus did not play a role in this phenomenon since restoration of capacity took place without multiplication of the UV-irradiated restoring virus. The evidence indicates that restoration of capacity was not due to viral interactions involving genetic exchange. The ability to restore capacity was a property more radioresistant than infectivity, suggesting that the former is a function only of part of the viral genome.
Using academic technology: Transfer methods and licensing incidence in the commercialization of American diagnostic imaging equipment research, 1954–1988☆

Abstract This paper reports a study of licensing incidence and technology transfer methods used between the mid 1950s and late 1980s in almost 200 cases of commercialization of American academic medical diagnostic imaging equipment. I show that methods used to transfer goods and ideas from academic researchers to corporate manufacturers are changing. Although contact between individual researchers and commercializing firms remains critically important, organization-level contact between the research institution and corporation is becoming more common. The likelihood of licensing has increased since the passage of PL 96-517 in 1980, but only in academic institutions that have established formal in-house patent and license offices. The paper also discusses several general issues relating to the role of academic patent and license offices in effective technology transfer.
Dielectric measurements and characterization of impurities of photovoltaic cell materials at millimeter and THz waves

Transmittance, Refractive Index, Absorption coefficient, Real and Imaginary part of complex dielectric permittivity data for several Silicon, Silicon Carbide, Gallium Arsenide, Cadmium Telluride and Copper Indium Selenide specimens were measured using Dispersive Fourier Transform Spectroscopy and Free Space Quasi-optical Spectrometer powered by several Backward Wave Oscillators for the characterization of photovoltaic cell materials at Millimeter and THz Waves. Precision measurements easily identifies impurities present in these materials. Data for several silicon carbide (SiC) specimens and powdered Cadmium Telluride specimen over a broad millimeter wave range are shown.
Boulder Barricades in Central Labrador

ABSTRACT Boulder barricades are elongate rows of boulders that flank the coastline, separated from the shore by a low gradient intertidal zone. Bouldery flats are low gradient areas with randomly-deposited boulders. Both are the result of ice transport and therefore are common features of certain Arctic or sub-Arctic regions. They are formed by the grounding of boulder-laden ice rafts in nearshore zones during spring ice break-up. In tidal areas, such as a Labrador fjord, intertidal ice freezes downward, with continued freezing at each high tide. Boulders are encased in the ice at the bottom. Observations on a broad intertidal flat indicate that an increased number of boulders are lifted from the upper intertidal zone. Apparently, the less frequent lifting of the ice during spring tides is more effective at encasing boulders than the diurnal lifting in the lower intertidal zone. High melting rates occur from the ice surface in early spring, so the combined effect of freeze down and surface melt result in the transportation of boulders up through the ice. In spring, the intertidal ice breaks up before the floating ice due to river action, numerous tidal cracks and the decreased albedo of the mud-laden nearshore ice. Shore leads up to one km wide serve as thoroughfares for wind- and tide-transported ice rafts. The boulders encased in the ice are often deposited as random bouldery flats. However, some areas have a distinct break-in-slope near the low water line. As the ice thickness is comparable to the mean tide range, the highest probability for ice rafts to ground is at this slope break. Accumulation of boulders at this position over successive seasons results in the formation of boulder barricades. The requisite conditions for the formation of boulder barricades derived from this field setting are a) a rocky coastal setting, to serve as a source for boulders; b) sufficient winter ice and water level fluctuations to entrain boulders in ice rafts; and c) a distinct break-in-slope in the nearshore zone. Without the third condition, boulders were deposited randomly as bouldery tidal flats.
A new design for a dexterous robotic hand mechanism

An overview of dexterous hand mechanisms is presented. A description is given of the finger mechanism, tendon-drive configuration, and transmission chain of a multifingered nine-degree-of-freedom robot hand in which the finger mechanism has three joints and each joint uses two-way tendon-actuation by only one motor. The proposed configuration requires the same number of motors as degrees of freedom, making drive control hardware and software are simpler to implement. >
Relationship violence in young adulthood: A comparison of daters, cohabitors, and marrieds

Abstract Intimate partner violence is most common in early adulthood. A key developmental task of young adulthood is the formation of intimate partner relationships whether through dating, cohabitation, or marriage. Using the first and third waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we examine the linkages between relationship type and relationship violence perpetration and victimization among young adults, emphasizing the mediating role of relationship commitment. Among women, cohabitors report significantly higher levels of relationship violence than either marrieds or daters. Among men, cohabitors and marrieds report similar levels of relationship violence and both groups experience more violence perpetration and victimization than daters. Our hypothesis that the weaker relationship commitment of cohabitors accounts for their higher levels of violence is not supported.
13C-NMR, i.r. and fluorescence spectroscopic studies of the polymeric acids found in Black Trona Water from the Green River Basin

Abstract A polymeric acid fraction has been isolated from Black Trona Water, a fossil water from the Green River Formation of Wyoming, by means of exhaustive dialysis. The polymeric acid is apparently of large molecular weight (>20,000) and constitutes 40–45% of the organic material in Black Trona Water from the DOE/LETC Black Water 1-A well. The fraction was investigated by means of 13 C-NMR, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Most of the carbon content is aliphatic (∼63%), with some aliphatic chains greater than 4 carbons in length. A substantial aromatic fraction exists consisting of condensed structures having 4–6 rings. The chemical nature of the polymeric acid fraction is compared to that of kerogen from the same formation.
A comparison of microseisms and ocean waves recorded in southern New England

A comparison of ocean-wave and microseism recordings is made for two cases of very high waves off southern New England. No prominent microseism activity of the type usually associated with marine cold fronts and cyclones occurred. However, very weak fairly regular microseisms of short period, only slightly above normal background, were observed. These correlate very well with times of high wave activity rather than with that of offshore winds and are suggested as being of true surf or shallow-water wave origin. A third case is shown for control in which, following conditions similar to the above, an intense microseism storm was generated by a vigorous cold air mass moving offshore hand suggests that pressure fluctuations in this air mass are the generating mechanism.
MicroRNA dysregulation following spinal cord contusion: implications for neural plasticity and repair

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is medically and socioeconomically debilitating. Currently, there is a paucity of effective therapies that promote regeneration at the injury site, and limited understanding of mechanisms that can be utilized to therapeutically manipulate spinal cord plasticity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute novel targets for therapeutic intervention to promote repair and regeneration. Microarray comparisons of the injury sites of contused and sham rat spinal cords, harvested 4 and 14 days following SCI, showed that 32 miRNAs, including miR124, miR129, and miR1, were significantly down-regulated, whereas SNORD2, a translation-initiation factor, was induced. Additionally, three miRNAs including miR21 were significantly induced, indicating adaptive induction of an anti-apoptotic response in the injured cord. Validation of miRNA expression by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization assays revealed that the influence of SCI on miRNA expression persists up to 14 days and expands both anteriorly and caudally beyond the lesion site. Specifically, changes in miR129-2 and miR146a expression significantly explained the variability in initial injury severity, suggesting that these specific miRNAs may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SCI. Moreover, the pattern of miRNA changes coincided spatially and temporally with the appearance of SOX2, nestin, and REST immunoreactivity, suggesting that aberrant expression of these miRNAs may not only reflect the emergence of stem cell niches, but also the reemergence in surviving neurons of a pre-neuronal phenotype. Finally, bioinformatics analysis of validated miRNA-targeted genes indicates that miRNA dysregulation may explain apoptosis susceptibility and aberrant cell cycle associated with a loss of neuronal identity, which underlies the pathogenesis of secondary SCI.
Alternative strategies for reducing gasoline consumption by private automobiles

This paper is devoted to a survey of alternative public strategies and policies to reduce gasoline consumption by the private automobile. The framework is to consider strategies, which consist of various elements designed to help achieve the goal, as implementable through government policies which incorporate various kinds of incentives. The minimization of adverse impacts is an important consideration in evaluating and choosing between strategy and policy options. Broadly speaking relevant strategies may be classified as those which are design-related, those which affect the market for automobiles, and those which directly influence the market for gasoline. Policy options may be directed at producers, at automobile purchasers, at gasoline purchasers, and at automobile travelers. One conclusion of this survey is that there are two general of strategies relating to modifications in the automobile and its propulsion system. One is to reoptimize the automobile relative to new criteria--fuel economy and environmental cleanliness--rather than comfort, performance, and low initial cost. The other is to develop a two-vehicle strategy; small, low-powered vehicles for slow, short trips, and larger vehicles for intercity travel. A discussion is then presented of various design-related strategies. In particular, improved propulsion systems, alternative fuels, and other vehicle modifications are surveyed from the point of view of improving fuel economy. /Author Abstract/
Dissemination and implementation of comparative effectiveness evidence: key informant interviews with Clinical and Translational Science Award institutions.

Aim: To identify ongoing practices and opportunities for improving national comparative effectiveness research (CER) translation through dissemination and implementation (DI and formalization of the national CTSA network to leve...
Structural and Safety Investigation of Statewide Performance of Weathered Steel Beam Guardrail in North Carolina

This paper evaluates the structural integrity and safety performance of weathered steel beam guardrail (WSBG) in North Carolina. WSBG is a popular alternative to galvanized steel guardrail (GSG) in that it is an aesthetic solution that blends in with the surrounding natural environment. A New Hampshire study, however, found that WSBG deteriorates more quickly. That study prompted an FHWA recommendation discouraging the use of WSBG across the country. This paper describes a comprehensive study of all WSBG installations in North Carolina, where weather conditions and deicing practices are generally much less severe than in New Hampshire. The research results did not show any trends of deteriorating thickness as a function of guardrail age (the oldest installation was almost 30 years old), elevation (the tallest installation was 4,200 ft), and annual average daily traffic (the highest traffic volume was 27,000 vehicles per day). The WSBG at all 25 test sites was shown to be above AASHTO minimum thickness spe...
791-4 Prospective Assessment of Revascularization Appropriateness Scoring Systems: A Comparison of RAND Expert Panel Ratings, ACC/AHA Guidelines, and the University of Maryland Revascularization Appropriateness Score

Although different scoring systems have been used to evaluate the appropriateness of PTCA and CABG, they have not been directly compared. For 100 patients referred to the catheterization laboratory, we prospectively compared the RAND Expert Panel Ratings, ACC/AHA Guidelines and the University of Maryland Revascularization Appropriateness Score (RAS). The patient population included stable angina (25%), unstable angina (33%). post-MI (27%), acute MI (7%). asymptomatic with + ETT or pre-op (7%). and sudden death (1%). Pts were treated with PTCA(62%). CABG (19%), or medical therapy(19%). There were significant differences among the 3 systems for PTCA and CABG appropriateness. ACC/AHA and RAS were more definitive in assigning revascularization scores than RAND which yielded uncertain ratings in 17% for CABG and 38% for PTCA. ACC/AHA differed markedly in the Inappropriate/ Class III rating for both CABG and PTCA. Download high-res image (131KB) Download full-size image Conclusion Marked differences are present among these 3 scoring systems. Factors contributing to these differences should be clarified before they are widely applied 10 patient care.
Settling the debate on multinational capital structure using the CEPR measure

Abstract Portfolio theory suggests that because of diversification benefits, multinational corporations (MNCs) should have lower risk and therefore could have more debt. Empirical studies, however, have repeatedly shown that MNCs from the US face higher risks and have lower debt levels. Burgman (1996) suggests that agency costs as well as political and exchange rate risks are the explanation. Kwok and Reeb (2000) explain this puzzle, presenting an upstream-downstream hypothesis suggesting that MNCs from emerging markets reduce their risk by going international (they go to safer markets), while firms from developed countries increase their risk by going abroad (they go to riskier markets). By introducing a new measure of Country Export Partner Risk (CEPR), we show that the weighted average risk level of a country's export trading partners is negatively related to the leverage of its multinationals, thus confirming the upstream-downstream hypothesis. Furthermore, once controlling for CEPR, we find that the multinationality of the firm is positively related to leverage, thus lending support to the traditional diversification argument. Our findings, therefore, help settle the debate between these two opposing streams of multinational capital structure literature.
Neonatal vitamin D status at birth at latitude 32°72′: evidence of deficiency

With vitamin D deficiency as a serious public health problem, vitamin D status at birth was measured in neonates at latitude 32°72′ (southeastern United States). In umbilical cord blood, vitamin D status, demonstrated by circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D, was measured and related to race and season of birth. The mean±standard deviation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 100 cord blood samples was 13.5±8.3 ng/ml for the cohort. African-American infants, with a mean±standard deviation of 10.5±6.0 ng/ml, demonstrated significantly lower vitamin D status than Caucasian infants, with a mean±standard deviation of 19.5±9.6 ng/ml (P<0.0001). By season, the mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D level at birth in November–March compared to April–October was 11.3 ng/ml lower in Caucasian infants (from 29.0 to 17.7 ng/ml) and 3 ng/ml lower in African-American infants (from 13.1 to 10.1 ng/ml). The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is high in this cohort. African-American infants demonstrate significantly lower vitamin D status at birth than Caucasian infants. Seasonality, while significant in both groups, had a greater impact on the vitamin D status of Caucasian newborns.
Public Law 480: The Critical Choices

P.L. 480 represents 30% of total U.S. development assistance, yet it is only a minor part of total private and public investments in recipient countries. While the U.S. share of total world food assistance declined from 94% in 1965 to 68% by 1976 (Maxwell and Singer, p. 266), P. L. 480 was still valued at roughly $1.6 billion in fiscal year 1980.1 Moreover, P.L. 480 is viewed by both the United States and recipient nations as serving important objectives, such as meeting emergency food and nutrition needs, providing balance of payments support, and promoting economic development. Additional P.L. 480 objectives include assisting in domestic supply management, expanding markets for U.S. products, and achieving foreign policy objectives. Among these objectives, the USDA Special Task Force on P.L. 480 gave priority to the humanitarian and developmental objectives which it felt were consistent with long-term U.S. foreign policy. In view of growing world food needs, the developmental use of food aid could be an important way of promoting employment in recipient countries and supporting their participation in world markets, particularly if the United States follows the recommendation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger "to make the elimination of hunger the primary focus of its relationship with the developing countries." Accordingly, this paper will propose and discuss three selected conditions underlying a serious commitment to shape P.L. 480 into an effective tool for economic development. Resolution of the following three issues will require that (a) a politically strategic and creative international role for P. L. 480 must be firmly established and protected; (b) the alternative investment streams created by P. L. 480 must be identified, measured, and integrated into an investment program that fits the conditions of the recipient country; and (c) production disincentives in the recipient country must be minimized or avoided entirely.
Effect of organic matter on CEC due to permanent and variable charges in selected temperate region soils

Abstract Cation exchange capacities due to permanent charges (CECp) and variable charges (CECv) and at pH 8.2 (CECt) were determined in soil samples before and after removal of organic matter with H2O2 to study the effect of interactions between organic matter and clay on the different types of CEC. Five soils with differing organic matter contents and different clay mineralogies were selected and used, e.g. Dubuque, Tubac, Tama, Greenville and Houston Black series. The results indicated that the lowest CECp (2.9 mequiv./100 g soil) was detected in the Ap horizon of Greenville soil with a low organic matter content and kaolinitic mineralogy. The highest CECp (11.3 mequiv./100 g soil) in the A horizon was measured in the Houston Black soil also with low organic matter content but which contained montmorillonitic clay. Dubuque, Tubac and Tama A horizons, with mixed mineralogy, had CECp values (4.6–6.5 mequiv./100 g soil) between those exhibited by the Greenville and Houston Black soils. After removal of organic matter, the CECp of the Houston Black soil increased in value, indicating that the permanent charge of the montmorillonitic clay has been blocked by the interaction of the organic matter with the clay. This interaction between two soil components causing a decrease in CECp is known in plant science as antagonism. On the other hand, removal of organic matter from soils with mixed mineralogy resulted in a decrease in CECp. The interactions between organic matter and clay in these soils yielded clay—organic complexes with a synergistic effect on permanent charges, which produced the higher CECp values. In the Greenville Ap horizon, destruction of organic matter had no effect on CECp. Based on absolute values, the A horizons of the soils had low CECv's, with the Houston Black exhibiting relatively the highest value (24.0 mequiv./100 g soil). The Ap horizon of the Greenville soil had a CECv (6.7 mequiv./100 g soil), which was 3.5 times smaller than that of the A1p horizon of the Houston Black soil. When the percentage of the CECv contributing to the CECt was studied, however, it appeared that in the Greenville Ap horizon 70% of the CECt was attributed to the CECv, compared to 68% in the Houston Black A1p horizon. The conclusion was made that variable charges were equally prominent in the soils studied. In the absence of organic matter, %CECv in the A
Design of an electrostatic lunar dust repeller for mitigating dust deposition and evaluation of its removal efficiency

Abstract The dusty environment of the moon and the deposition of charged particles were troublesome in previous NASA explorations. In this study, an electrostatic lunar dust repeller (ELDR) was developed to mitigate the dust deposition problem. The ELDR consists of an arrangement of thin, needle-shaped electrodes in front of the protected surface to repel approaching, like-charged lunar dust. A discrete element method (DEM) was applied to track particle trajectories for determining the removal efficiency. Simulation results for single electrodes ( L =5 cm, D =1 mm and L =10 cm, D =1 mm) both protecting a 5-cm×5-cm surface indicated that 4 kV and 1.5 kV were the respective-applied voltages required to achieve 100% protection from falling 20-µm lunar dust particles. The electrical particle–particle interaction was identified to be a beneficial factor. Finite element analysis concluded that an x -shaped pattern was the most effective arrangement of the ensemble electrodes to protect a 30-cm×30-cm surface. Modeling results showed that 2.2 kV and 1.4 kV were the minimum voltages applied to electrodes of length L =5 and 10 cm, respectively, on each electrode of the ensemble model to achieve complete removal of 20-µm-sized particles. The ensemble-electrode ELDR required lower applied voltage than the single-electrode ELDR, and in the most conservative scenario, it consumed only 9 times more electric power to protect an area 36 times larger.
An approach to computer-aided document examination

In this paper we describe a knowledge-based expert system capable of investigating a typewritten document and acquiring evidence on its falsification. A document is assumed to be falsified if its typing has been performed in multiple typing sessions. Verification of document authenticity is carried out by subjecting a document to four tests: alignment analysis, symbol comparison, gray level intensity analysis and type font identification. Tests are performed in succession and failure of any one of the tests signifies possible document falsificaton.
Nano-encapsulation of furosemide microcrystals for controlled drug release

Furosemide microcrystals were encapsulated with polyions and gelatin to control the release of the drug in aqueous solutions. Charged linear polyions and gelatin were alternatively deposited on 5-microm drug microcrystals through layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. Sequential layers of poly(dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA) and poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) were followed by adsorption of two to six gelatin/PSS bilayers with corresponding capsule wall thicknesses ranging from 45 to 115 nm. The release of furosemide from the coated microparticles was measured in aqueous solutions of pH 1.4 and 7.4. At both pH values, the release rate of furosemide from the encapsulated particles was reduced by 50-300 times (for capsules coated with two to six bilayers) compared to uncoated furosemide. The results provide a method of achieving prolonged drug release through self-assembly of polymeric shells on drug microcrystals.
PHENOLOGY OF SIX MIGRATORY COASTAL BIRDS IN RELATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Abstract The migration phenology of six species of coastal birds on Mustang Island, Texas, USA was examined for a 27-year period (1978–2005). First arrival date, last date of departure, and duration of stay were quantified for three winter and three summer residents. These three variables were analyzed for changes over time and correlation with local, regional, and global temperature indices. Mean local summer temperature increased 0.03° C/year (0.74° C overall), while mean local winter temperature increased 0.10° C/year (2.76° C overall). The three winter residents had a trend for increasingly later arrival, increasingly earlier departure, and decreased duration of stay over the 27-year period. These trends reflect a shortening of the winter season for these birds and are consistent with expected responses due to warming temperatures. The three terns representing summer residents had less homogeneity in temporal trends than the three winter residents. Correlations of local temperature with arrival and de...
Affective and Cognitive Correlates of Course Performance in Introductory Statistics

A sample of 278 students enrolled in an introductory statistics course was used to determine which of a set of cognitive and affective variables correlates with course performance. Measures of state anxiety, mathematics achievement, previous mathematics experience, expectations, and attitudes were found to be significantly related to course outcome. Other variables such as age, academic major, year in school, reason for taking the course, and general anxiety appeared to be unrelated to student success or failure. It is suggested that individual diagnostic profiles may be developed which may be useful in establishing prescriptive treatments specifically designed to help students who are likely to experience difficulty in statistics.
Single-Molecule Biology: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Biochemistry and structural biology are undergoing a dramatic revolution. Until now, we have tried to study subtle and complex biological processes by crude in vitro techniques, looking at average behaviors of vast numbers of molecules under conditions usually remote from those existing in the cell. Researchers have realized the limitations of this approach, but none other has been available. Now, we can not only observe the nuances of the behaviors of individual molecules but prod and probe them as well. Perhaps most important is the emerging ability to carry out such observations and manipulations within the living cell. The long-awaited leap to an in vivo biochemistry is at last underway.
The Novel Fe-S Protein Miner1- Regulator of Crosstalk Between Apoptosis and Autophagy?

The mitochondrial protein MitoNEET is an important new target in diabetes therapy. The endoplasmic reticulum protein Miner1, a member of the newly discovered NEET family of iron-sulfur proteins, is essential for health and longevity. Mis-splicing of the Miner1 gene leading to deletion of the iron-sulfur domain causes Wolfram Syndrome 2 (WFS2), an inherited juvenile-onset fatal disease. Interestingly, Miner1 was recently identified as a novel regulator of crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy response in cells via specific protein-protein interactions. We are exploring the how environmental stress and tuning of the redox-potentials of the NEET proteins regulate their interactions with pro- and anti-apoptotic factors. The structural biochemical and biophysical results are discussed in relation to possible roles of MitoNEET and Miner1 in cellular Fe-S management and redox regulation of apoptotic/autophagic response.
Real-Time Measurement of Spontaneous Antigen-Antibody Dissociation ☆

We report observations in real time of thermally driven adhesion and dissociation between a monoclonal IgE antibody and its specific antigen N-epsilon-2,4-dinitrophenyl-L-lysine. Both molecules were attached to the surfaces of different polystyrene microspheres trapped by optical tweezers. Monitoring spontaneous successive attachment and detachment events allowed a direct determination of the reaction-limited detachment rate k(off) for a single bond and also for multiple bonds. We observed both positive and negative cooperativity between multiple bonds depending on whether the antigen was linked to the microsphere with or without a tether, respectively.
Human parvovirus B19 in bone marrows from adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A comparative study using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry

Human parvovirus B19, which infects and lyses erythroid precursors, can cause severe anemia in patients with immunodeficiency. The incidence of parvovirus infection in adult acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients is unknown. Eighty-one archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) bone marrow biopsies from 73 AIDS adults were immunostained with monoclonal R92F6 against B19 VP1 and VP2 capsid proteins using streptavidin peroxidase and streptavidin alkaline phosphatase techniques. In addition, the same tissues were hybridized in situ with a digoxigenin-labeled parvovirus B19 DNA probe. Five FFPE bone marrows, from 3 HIV-negative patients with positive immunoglobulin M (IgM) serology for parvovirus B19, and 1 parvovirus B19-infected fetal liver were positive controls. By immunoperoxidase, all tissues were negative with R92F6 except the fetal liver, which exhibited strong positivity predominantly in viral inclusions. With immunoalkaline phosphatase, all positive controls were immunoreactive with R92F6; however, the AIDS marrows were negative. With in situ hybridization (ISH), all positive controls and 7 of 81 (8.6%) of AIDS marrows were positive for B19 parvovirus DNA. We conclude that ISH is more sensitive than R92F6 immunohistochemistry in parvovirus B19 detection. A small but significant number of bone marrows from AIDS adults shows evidence of human parvovirus B19 infection.
Large-eddy simulations of turbulent flows in internal combustion engines

Abstract Large-eddy simulations (LES) of turbulent spray combustion in internal combustion engines are conducted with a new hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian methodology. In this methodology, the Eulerian filtered compressible gas equations are solved in a generalized curvilinear coordinate system with high-order finite difference schemes for the turbulent velocity and pressure. However, turbulent mixing and combustion are simulated with the two-phase compressible scalar filtered mass density function (FMDF) and Lagrangian spray models. The LES/FMDF model is used for simulation of in-cylinder turbulent flow and spray mixing and combustion in three flow configurations: (1) a poppet valve in a sudden expansion, (2) a simple piston–cylinder assembly with a stationary valve, and (3) a realistic single-cylinder, direct-injection spark–ignition (DISI) engine. The flow statistics predicted by the LES model are shown to compare well with the available experimental data for (1) and (2). The computed in-cylinder flow for the third configuration shows significant cycle-to-cycle variations. The flow in the DISI engine is also highly inhomogeneous and turbulent during the intake stroke, but becomes much more homogeneous and less turbulent in the compression stroke. Simulations of spray, mixing and combustion in the DISI engine indicate the applicability of the LES/FMDF model to internal combustion engines and other complex combustion systems.
Single ferroelectric and chiral magnetic domain of single-crystalline BiFeO 3 in an electric field

We report on polarized neutron-scattering and piezoresponse force microscopy studies of millimeter-sized single crystals of multiferroic ${\text{BiFeO}}_{3}$. The crystals, grown below the Curie temperature, consist of a single ferroelectric domain. Two unique electric polarization directions, as well as the populations of equivalent spiral magnetic domains, can be switched reversibly by an electric field. A ferroelectric monodomain with a single-$q$ single-helicity spin spiral can be obtained. This level of control, so far unachievable in thin films, makes single-crystal ${\text{BiFeO}}_{3}$ a promising object for multiferroics research.
Tunneling spectra of high-temperature superconductors

The frequency dependence of the tunneling spectrum ..cap alpha../sup 2/F (..omega..) is analyzed in terms of electron pairing induced by exchange of acoustic plasmons in addition to the usual phonon-exchange mechanism. Analytic expressions are obtained for the electron self-energy, the tunneling function ..cap alpha../sup 2/F, and the electron pairing coupling lambda which determines the superconducting properties. The resulting theory is applied to recent tunneling data of Nb/sub 3/Sn in order to examine the anomalous discrepancies with the phonon density of states found by neutron scattering experiments. The results demonstrate how the high-temperature (T/sub c/ approx. 20 /sup 0/K) superconducting properties of A-15 compounds are enhanced by acoustic-plasmon contributions, and thus they reconcile these high transition temperatures with the relatively small values of the phonon part of lambda estimated from several independent experiments.
Does lung cancer mutation status and targeted therapy predict for outcomes and local control in the setting of brain metastases treated with radiation

BACKGROUND We investigated effects of genetic alterations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) on overall survival (OS) and local control after stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS A cohort of 89 out of 262 NSCLC patients (2003-2013) treated with gamma knife radiosurgery for brain metastases had genotyping available and were selected as our study population. RESULTS Median follow-up was 12 months. Median OS rates for the EGFR, KRAS, echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK mutated, and wild-type cohorts were 17, 7, 27, and 12 months, respectively (P = .019), and for targeted versus nontargeted therapy 21 and 11 months, respectively (P = .071). Targeted therapy was a strong predictor of increased OS on univariate (P = .037) and multivariate (P = .022) analysis. Gender, primary tumor controlled status, recursive partitioning analysis class, and graded prognostic assessment score were associated with OS (P < .05). On multivariate analysis, positive EGFR mutational status was a highly significant predictor for decreased survival (hazard ratio: 8.2; 95% CI: 2.0-33.7; P = .003). However, when we recategorized EGFR-mutant cases based on whether they received tyrosine kinase inhibitor, OS was no longer significantly shorter (hazard ratio: 1.5; P = .471). Median OS for patients with and without local failure was 17 and 12 months, respectively (P = .577). Local failure rates for EGFR, KRAS, EML4-ALK mutated, and wild-type cohorts by lesion were 8.7%, 5.4%, 4.3%, and 5.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that EGFR tyrosine kinase mutation and ALK translocation results in improved survival to targeted therapies and that mutation status itself does not predict survival and local control in patients with brain metastases from NSCLC.
MVDR Beamforming for Through-the-Wall Radar Imaging

We present high-definition imaging for targets behind walls and enclosed structures based on constrained minimization RF multisensor processing. Minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) beamforming is used on both sensor-frequency raw data radar returns and spatial spectrum data, which is obtained by the Fourier transform of the delay and sum beamformer image. We compare both methods for near-field and far-field scenes. The paper considers both cases of known and unknown wall parameters and uses manifold constraints to allow target localization in high-definition imaging in the presence of wall errors. Also, through analyses and simulations, we show how to effectively use the spatial spectrum to improve covariance matrix estimation and subsequently enhance image quality in the sense of lower sidelobes.
A Study of the Variation of Maximum Beam Size with Quadrupole Gradient in the FMIT Drift Tube Linac

The sensitivity of maximum beam size to input mismatch is studied as a function of quadrupole gradient in a short, high-current, drift-tube linac (DTL), for two prescriptions: constant phase advance with constant filling factor; and constant strength with constant-length quads. Numerical study using PARMILA shows that the choice of quadrupole strength that minimizes the maximum transverse size of the matched beam through subsequent cells of the linac tends to be most sensitive to input mismatch. However, gradients exist nearby that result in almost-as-small beams over a suitably broad range of mismatch. The study was used to choose the initial gradient for the DTL portion of the Fusion Material Irradiation Test (FMIT) linac. The matching required across quad groups is also discussed.