cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An optimized rotation-axis model-following controller for STS orbiter attitude maneuvers

This paper describes a new controller for automatic attitude maneuvers of the Space Shuttle Orbiter. The controller incorporates a new solution algorithm for partially linearized, fuel-optimal maneuvers for RCS jet controlled spacecraft. These solutions provide model trajectories and jet commands that are easily tracked using a feed-forward, feedback controller structure. The result is a substantial performance improvement over the current Orbiter attitude maneuver controller. The paper discusses optimal maneuvers for this type of vehicle, giving detail of the solution algorithm. Closed-loop controller design and implementation is discussed. Detailed performance results are presented.
Alteration of pregnancy related hormones and fetal survival in F-344 rats exposed by inhalation to benzo(a)pyrene

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of subacute exposure to inhaled benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) on fetal survival and luteal maintenance using timed-pregnant Fisher 344 rats. Prior to assignment of pregnant rats to treatment and control groups, numbers of implantation sites were determined on gestation day (GD) 8 via midventral laparotomy. Subsequently, animals were assigned randomly to three treatment groups and two control groups. Treatment consisted of subacute exposure of rats via inhalation to BaP 25, 75, and 100 micro g/m(3), 4h daily for 10 days (GD-11-20). Control animals were either sham exposed to carbon black (CB) to control for inert BaP carrier or remained unexposed (UNC). Blood samples were collected on days 15 and 17 of gestation via sinus orbital veini-puncture for plasma. Number of pups per litter was determined postpartum and fetal survival rate was expressed as a percentage of the corresponding implantation sites. Radioimmunoassays were used to determine plasma progesterone, estrogen, and prolactin (indirect measurement of decidual luteotropin) concentrations. Fetal survival among BaP-treated rats declined in a dose-dependent manner (25 micro g/m(3), 78.3% per litter; 75 micro g/m(3), 38.0% per litter; 100 micro g/m(3), 33.8% per litter; P<0.05) compared with CB (96.7% per litter) and UNC (98.9% per litter). Plasma progesterone, estrogen, and prolactin concentrations also declined as a result of subacute exposure of rats to BaP compared to controls. These data suggest that inhaled BaP compromised fetal survival and consequently luteotropic activity in the exposed animals.
The Test of Economic Literacy: Development and Results

In this study, the authors report on the revision of the Test of Economic Literacy for the fourth edition. The Test of Economic Literacy is a nationally-normed and standardized measure of the economic understanding of U.S. high school students. The economic content of the test is based on the Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics, which is used to establish the content validity for the test. The revision process is described and evidence on the test reliability and construct validity is presented from the test score analysis. The Test of Economic Literacy has a long and successful history of use by educators and researchers interested in economic education in high schools. The new edition should provide an improved instrument to continue that testing and research work.
Morphology and interfacial structures of α-Al2O3 fibers grown in Pd by internal oxidation

Abstract Alpha alumina fibers having the stable trigonal α-Al2O3 structure, were grown by internal oxidation in a Pd alloy containing 11 at.% Al. The fibers, possessing an average aspect ratio of about 30, grow with either [1 1 00] and [1 1 01] direction in Al2O3 parallel to [110] Pd. The fibers are faceted with prominent interface planes observed for six specific orientations. The facets in alumina are low index planes corresponding to (0001), (11 2 0) and (11 2 3) . A broad distribution in misorientation angle away from the parallel (0001)(110) orientation is observed with a maximum around 4° leading to the formation of tilted interface which minimizes the misfit. A geometrical description and high resolution images of this tilted interface are presented.
High performance antimony-doped germanium photoconductors

We have produced two new single crystals of antimony-doped germanium that were specifically designed for far-infrared photoconductor applications. Variable-temperature Hall effect analysis shows that these materials are well suited for photoconductor use in terms of majority and minority dopant concentration. We have fabricated sample detectors from these materials and compared their performance to state-of-the-art high sensitivity gallium-doped germanium detectors under low-background and dark conditions. Test results indicate that these devices are nearly identical in sensitivity to the best Ge:Ga in terms of responsivity, detective quantum efficiency, and dark current, and may be favored in some applications that require longer wavelength spectral response.
Methodology for Estimating Bicyclist Acceleration and Speed Distributions at Intersections

As cities across North America install infrastructure to accommodate a growing number and variety of bicyclists, installation of bicycle-specific traffic signals is a common design element. A recent survey showed a lack of consistency in design and timing. In particular, minimum green signal timing is highly dependent on the assumed acceleration and speed performance of bicyclists, but no detailed methodology exists to estimate these performance values. Recently, AASHTO, the California Department of Transportation, and the National Association of City Transportation Officials issued documents that required the provision of an adequate clearance interval and recommended that, in the determination of this minimum interval field, an investigation of bicyclist speed be conducted. Even if detailed video trajectories are available, the determination of a value for field speed and acceleration is not trivial, because values of speeds and accelerations are a function of time and individual bicyclist performance. ...
A risk calculator for short-term morbidity and mortality after hip fracture surgery.

Objective:Hip fractures are a common source of morbidity and mortality among the elderly. Although multiple prior studies have identified risk factors for poor outcomes, few studies have presented a validated risk stratification calculator.Methods:The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Q
Nanoscale pattern transfer for templates, NEMS, and nano-optics

Plasma etching is an enabling technology in nano optic, nanoelectronic devices, nano electro mechanical systems (NEMS) and nanoresolution templates for nano imprint lithography (NIL). With shrinkage, one must overcome significant challenges to meet the stringent profile and CD goals necessary for nanoscale applications. Using the example of Si nanoimprint template fabrication, we show how ion/sidewall/mask interactions can dominate feature profile evolution at the nanoscale and what to look for successful pattern transfer. Gas chopping or multiplexed etching, generally used for deep silicon etching, is often avoided at the nanoscale due to unacceptable undercut and sidewall scalloping. We demonstrate a multiplexed etching process in silicon with sub-5 nm amplitude scallops which is well suited for NEMS and nano optics applications and which reduces the deleterious role of ion/sidewall/mask interactions at the nanoscale.
Electromagnetic fields induced in a person due to devices radiating in the 10 Hz to 100 kHz range

Using dipole and image theory with prolate spheroid models, a qualitative evaluation is made of the electric, E, and magnetic, H, fields induced at selected points inside a person due to external electric, E/sub 0/, and magnetic, H/sub 0/, fields within the 10 Hz to 100 kHz range. Amplitude measurements of the E/sub 0/ and H/sub 0/ vectors are made at selected points in the region with the person absent. The evaluation is valid for any field radiating device if the amplitude and phase angles of the external fields are measured in accordance with the stated protocol. >
Mechanobiology of cardiomyocyte development

Cardiac cells are under constant, self-generated mechanical stress which can affect the differentiation of stem cells into cardiac myocytes, the development of differentiated cells and the maturation of cells in neonatal mammals. In this article, the effects of direct stretch, electrically induced beating and substrate elasticity on the behavior and development of cardiomyocytes are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the effects of substrate stiffness on cardiomyocyte maturation. In order to relate these observations to in vivo mechanical conditions, we isolated the left ventricle of Black Swiss mice from embryonic day 13.5 through post-natal day 14 and measured the elastic modulus of the epicardium using atomic force microscope indentation. We found that the elastic modulus of the epicardium significantly changes at birth, from an embryonic value of 12+/-4kPa to a neonatal value of 39+/-7kPa. This change is in the range shown to significantly affect the development of neonatal cardiomyocytes.
Task-Level Strategies for Human Sagittal-Plane Running Maneuvers Are Consistent with Robotic Control Policies

The strategies that humans use to control unsteady locomotion are not well understood. A “spring-mass” template comprised of a point mass bouncing on a sprung leg can approximate both center of mass movements and ground reaction forces during running in humans and other animals. Legged robots that operate as bouncing, “spring-mass” systems can maintain stable motion using relatively simple, distributed feedback rules. We tested whether the changes to sagittal-plane movements during five running tasks involving active changes to running height, speed, and orientation were consistent with the rules used by bouncing robots to maintain stability. Changes to running height were associated with changes to leg force but not stance duration. To change speed, humans primarily used a “pogo stick” strategy, where speed changes were associated with adjustments to fore-aft foot placement, and not a “unicycle” strategy involving systematic changes to stance leg hip moment. However, hip moments were related to changes to body orientation and angular speed. Hip moments could be described with first order proportional-derivative relationship to trunk pitch. Overall, the task-level strategies used for body control in humans were consistent with the strategies employed by bouncing robots. Identification of these behavioral strategies could lead to a better understanding of the sensorimotor mechanisms that allow for effective unsteady locomotion.
Lower Order Tetrahedral Finite Elements With Rotational Degrees of Freedom for Solid Modelling

The investigation reported in this paper is concerned with the development of efficient, conceptually simpler, mathematically rigorous and physically meaningful three-dimensional (3D) finite elements for solid modelling. A mixed variational principle based on the hybrid strain formulation has been adopted for the derivation of element stiffness matrices of two lower order tetrahedral finite elements. Explicit expressions for element matrices have been derived with a combination of hand manipulation and computer algebraic package, MAPLE. Each of the two finite elements has four nodes. Every one of the latter has six degrees of freedom (DOF). These include three translational and three rotational DOF. Element performance is evaluated with benchmark problems. For brevity, only two benchmark problems are included in this paper. It is shown numerically that the results converge to the true solution and have superior accuracy compared with those previously published in the literature. Mathematically, the elements being proposed are simple and frame invariant. Computationally, they are very efficient compared with higher order tetrahedral finite elements and other lower order tetrahedral finite elements.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Prevalent Loss of Mitotic Spindle Checkpoint in Adult T-cell Leukemia Confers Resistance to Microtubule Inhibitors

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) is the causative agent for adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). Molecularly, ATL cells have extensive aneugenic abnormalities that occur, at least in part, from cell cycle dysregulation by the HTLV-I-encoded Tax oncoprotein. Here, we compared six HTLV-I-transformed cells to Jurkat and primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in their responses to treatment with microtubule inhibitors. We found that both Jurkat and PBMCs arrested efficiently in mitosis when treated with nocodazole. By contrast, all six HTLV-I cells failed to arrest comparably in mitosis, suggesting that ATL cells have a defect in the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint. Mechanistically, we observed that in HTLV-I Tax-expressing cells human spindle assembly checkpoint factors hsMAD1 and hsMAD2 were mislocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This altered localization of hsMAD1 and hsMAD2 correlated with loss of mitotic checkpoint function and chemoresistance to microtubule inhibitors.
Improved Bioactivity of Antimicrobial Peptides by Addition of Amino-Terminal Copper and Nickel (ATCUN) Binding Motifs

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates to help circumvent antibiotic resistance, which is an increasing clinical problem. Amino-terminal copper and nickel (ATCUN) binding motifs are known to actively form reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon metal binding. The combination of these two peptidic constructs could lead to a novel class of dual-acting antimicrobial agents. To test this hypothesis, a set of ATCUN binding motifs were screened for their ability to induce ROS formation, and the most potent were then used to modify AMPs with different modes of action. ATCUN binding motif-containing derivatives of anoplin (GLLKRIKTLL-NH2), pro-apoptotic peptide (PAP; KLAKLAKKLAKLAK-NH2), and sh-buforin (RAGLQFPVGRVHRLLRK-NH2) were synthesized and found to be more active than the parent AMPs against a panel of clinically relevant bacteria. The lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the ATCUN-anoplin peptides are attributed to the higher pore-forming activity along with their ability to cause ROS-induced membrane damage. The addition of the ATCUN motifs to PAP also increases its ability to disrupt membranes. DNA damage is the major contributor to the activity of the ATCUN-sh-buforin peptides. Our findings indicate that the addition of ATCUN motifs to AMPs is a simple strategy that leads to AMPs with higher antibacterial activity and possibly to more potent, usable antibacterial agents.
Indications for delivery and short-term neonatal outcomes in late preterm as compared with term births

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the indications for late preterm birth and compare outcomes by gestational age among late preterm (34-36 weeks) and term (≥ 37 weeks) neonates at our institution. Study Design This was a retrospective analysis of delivery indications and short-term neonatal outcomes in women who delivered at the University Hospital between January 1, 2005 and Dec. 31, 2006. Data were analyzed using χ 2 , Student's t -test, analysis of variance, and post hoc Tukey tests. Results One hundred forty-nine late preterm (n = 49 for 34, n=50 for 35, n=50 for 36 weeks) and 150 term infants (n = 50 for 37, n=50 for 38, n=50 for 39 weeks or longer) were evaluated. Differences among groups (ie, 34 vs 35 vs 36 vs 37, etc) as well as combinations of differences between 2 groups (ie, 34-36 weeks vs ≥ 37 or ≥ 38 weeks) were analyzed. Spontaneous labor and/or rupture of membranes were the most common indications for late preterm delivery (92%). Compared with term, late preterm infants had longer hospital stays (5 days vs 2.4 days; P P P P P Conclusion Rates of neonatal intensive care unit admission, length of stay, and neonatal morbidities are significantly higher in late preterm as compared with term births.
The Puzzle of a Marble in a Spinning Pipe

What trajectory does a marble follow if it is held inside a rotating pipe and then suddenly released?
Study of Back-Channel Defect States on Bottom-Gate IGZO TFTs Using Capacitance-Voltage Analysis

This work investigates the quality of back-channel passivation applied to sputter-deposited IGZO bottom-gate TFTs. Passivation materials investigated were alumina, silicon dioxide, and B-staged bisbenzocyclobutene-based (BCB) resins. Sputtered quartz and PECVD (TEOS) SiO2 rendered the IGZO material highly conductive (ρ < 0.01 Ω·cm), with subsequent annealing in oxidizing ambient unable to restore a high-resistivity state. Appropriate channel resistivity was restored on devices passivated with electron-beam evaporated alumina and spin-coated BCB when followed by annealing in air. Alumina passivated devices demonstrated improved stability; however slight distortions in measured I-V and C-V characteristics were observed. TCAD simulation was used to develop an IGZO material/device model, with results indicating the significant presence of oxygen-vacancy (OV) interface traps and negative fixed charge remaining at the back-channel.
3′LIFE: a functional assay to detect miRNA targets in high-throughput

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene output at the post-transcriptional level by targeting degenerate elements primarily in 3′untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of mRNAs. Individual miRNAs can regulate networks of hundreds of genes, yet for the majority of miRNAs few, if any, targets are known. Misexpression of miRNAs is also a major contributor to cancer progression, thus there is a critical need to validate miRNA targets in high-throughput to understand miRNAs' contribution to tumorigenesis. Here we introduce a novel high-throughput assay to detect miRNA targets in 3′UTRs, called Luminescent Identification of Functional Elements in 3′UTRs (3′LIFE). We demonstrate the feasibility of 3′LIFE using a data set of 275 human 3′UTRs and two cancer-relevant miRNAs, let-7c and miR-10b, and compare our results to alternative methods to detect miRNA targets throughout the genome. We identify a large number of novel gene targets for these miRNAs, with only 32% of hits being bioinformatically predicted and 27% directed by non-canonical interactions. Functional analysis of target genes reveals consistent roles for each miRNA as either a tumor suppressor (let-7c) or oncogenic miRNA (miR-10b), and preferentially target multiple genes within regulatory networks, suggesting 3′LIFE is a rapid and sensitive method to detect miRNA targets in high-throughput.
Motor Impersistence in Schizophrenia

Summary This study compared the performance of Process and Reactive Schizophrenic, Brain-Damaged, and Control patients on tasks assessing degree of motor impersistence. The following results were obtained: 1) The Process subgroup of Schizophrenics did not differ significantly from the Reactive subgroup with regard to overall incidence of motor impersistence. 2) The combined Schizophrenic group showed a somewhat higher total incidence of motor impersistence than did the Control group, and a somewhat lower incidence than did the Brain-Damaged group, these differences being at a near-significant level. No patient in the Schizophrenic group showed marked impersistence, while seven Brain-Damaged patients showed marked impersistence. This intergroup difference in the incidence of marked impersistence was significant. 3) Intelligence was inversely related to incidence of motor impersistence in the Schizophrenic group at a level which approached statistical significance. When the Schizophrenic group was compared with the Brain-Damaged group at each of two levels of intelligence, there was a trend for Brain-Damaged patients of low intelligence to show more impersistence than Schizophrenic patients of low intelligence. 4) The relationship between age and impersistence was found to be non-significant in the Schizophrenic, as well as in the Control and Brain-Damaged groups.
Plant Lipids: Metabolism, Mutants, and Membranes

The mechanisms that regulate plant lipid metabolism determine the dietary and industrial value of storage oils found in economically important species and may control the ability of many plants to survive exposure to temperature extremes. Many of the problems researchers have in defining the pathways, enzymes, and genes involved in plant lipid metabolism appear to be amenable to analysis by genetic approaches. Mutants with alterations in membrane lipid composition have also been used to study the structural and adaptive roles of lipids. The application of genetic engineering methods affords opportunities for researchers to apply knowledge gained about plant lipid metabolism toward enhanced use of plant oils as abundant and renewable sources of reduced carbon.
Alignment of the restriction map of mouse adenovirus fl with that of human adenovirus 2.

Abstract A detailed restriction map of mouse adenovirus (AdFL) has been constructed based on sites of cleavage of AdFL DNA by 19 restriction endonucleases. The AdFL map has been oriented with that of human adenovirus 2 (Ad2) by identifying which end of AdFL DNA is retained in virus particles with incomplete genomes compared with the end retained by Ad2 defective particles ( C. Tibbetts, 1977 , Cell 12 , 243–249). The two maps were also oriented by cross-hybridization tests with a series of restriction fragments of each viral DNA. The latter experiments revealed two regions of homology between Ad2 and AdFL DNA, corresponding to the positions of the Ad2 hexon gene and an Ad2 hexon-associated protein gene.
Form, function, and self-control

The target article's definition of self-control as a highly valued behavior pattern containing a less preferred element is consistent with other functionalist explanations of behavior. This definition falls within the more traditional definition of self-control as the choice of a larger, more delayed reinforcer over a smaller, less delayed reinforcer, and can provide new insights concerning our understanding of self-control.
Effect of Fuel Gas Composition and Excess Air on VOC Emissions from a Small-Scale, Industrial-Style Burner

Furnace-out emissions of benzene, toluene, cthylbenzene, and the xylenes have been measured for a research-grade, industrial-style diffusion flame burner operating under well-controlled conditions representative of refinery process heaters. Flame structure was also evaluated by means of visible emission imaging. Excess air was varied from 50% to sub-stoichiometric, The fuels were methane and blends of methane, hydrogen, and propane used to simulate the process gas burned in refineries. Each fuel was tailored so that the inlet and boundary conditions on the flame were invariant between fuels—minimizing fluid mechanic differences. The results show emission levels < 3 ppbv for toluene and < 0.5 ppbv for the other species under normal firing conditions. This is in contrast to emissions from 10 to 150 ppbv observed in refinery field tests (WSPA, 1994). They also show an increase in emissions with fuel hydrogen and propane contents. Under sub-stoichiometric conditions, emissions increase by orders of magnitude,...
Resilient Moduli of Granular Materials

A series of exploratory tests was performed on six of the most commonly encountered aggregates that are used as subbases/bases of roadways in Oklahoma. The purpose was to assess the effect of gradation, compaction method, specimen size, and testing procedures on the resilient modulus values. Values reported by various agencies were compared to values obtained in the study. Statistical correlations were established between resilient modulus and the California bearing ratio as well as between resilient modulus and cohesion and friction angle. Investigators observed that the influence of gradation and compaction method on resilient modulus values were less significant than the effects of the stress state. A satisfactory correlation existed between resilient modulus values and the cohesion and friction angle. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials testing methods were used.
Audiographic Telecourses for the Web: an Experiment

Prior research on instructional media effects suggested that an audiographic approach to World Wide Web based courses would optimize educational effectiveness along with cost effectiveness, although with a possible loss of teacher immediacy that could adversely affect student attitudes. An introductory telecommunication course was converted to an audiographic Web telecourse in which students listened to pre-recorded audio classroom interactions while viewing a detailed course outline and illustrative sites over the World Wide Web. Forty-nine subjects were recruited from a live lecture class and randomly assigned to either the experimental (Web course) group or a control group that took the class in a traditional lecture section. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that the experimental group had test scores and student attitude and teacher immediacy ratings equal to those of the control group after controlling for student gender, class level, grade point average and attendance. Open-ended interviews were also conducted to assess qualitative dimensions of student satisfaction. The results supported the audiographic telecourse model as a potentially cost-effective approach to distributing courses over the Web. New directions in research on instructional media effects and teacher immediacy were formulated from an analysis of the unique characteristics of the World Wide Web as an instructional medium.
Antiviral activity of 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole in herpes simplex virus type 1-infected mammalian cells.

Abstract 2,3-Dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole (IMPY), a known inhibitor of DNA synthesis, has been shown to be a useful drug for the synchronization of mammalian cells in culture. Recent studies in our laboratory indicate that IMPY may possess significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1. IMPY. at a concentration of 80 μg/ml or 0.73 mM, reduced syncytia formation approximately 80 per cent. A 50 per cent inhibitory dose was calculated for each drug in order to compare potency in syncytia reduction of IMPY with that of arabinosyladenine (ara-A) and arabinosyl-hypoxanthine (ara-H). Our results indicated that the antiviral potencies of the three drugs were ranked in the order ara-A > ara-H > IMPY, the 50 per cent inhibitory doses being 22, 195 and 309 μM respectively. Utilizing the microplate procedure of Sidwell and Huffman [ Appl. Microbiol. 22 , 797 (1971)], inhibition of viral cytopathic effect was rated against drug cytotoxicity and a virus rating (VR) established. A virus rating of 0.68 was calculated for IMPY. In comparison, VR values of 0.84 and 0.66 were obtained for ara-A and ara-H respectively. In contrast to the syncytia reduction studies, IMPY appeared to possess antiviral activity equivalent to that of ara-H according to the criteria of the virus rating assay. A technique was developed for evaluating the degree of selectivity (° S ) of a drug with respect to its differential effect on viral and cellular DNA synthesis. IMPY was found to possess a negative selectivity at all concentrations studied, reflecting the fact that it inhibited cellular DNA synthesis more than viral DNA synthesis. In contrast, ara-A and ara-H both expressed positive degrees of selectivity in that they inhibited viral DNA synthesis more extensively than cellular DNA synthesis.
The domestic analogy and international environmental law: A critical assessment of the reliance on international law

Increasingly, international law is used to address a variety of issues that do not fit nicely within political boundaries. Therefore, we must remain critical of the use of international law to address issues such as climate change. In order to do so this article will look at the domestic analogy and how it has shaped our understanding and expectations of the use of international law. In several respects, the international system mirrors domestic society. Yet, there are very real and significant differences that hamper our ability to effectively use international law to address these issues. As global capitalism expands and reaches ever-further corners of the world, practical problems continue to escalate and repercussions become increasingly serious and irreversible. These practical problems carry with them equally important ethical issues. Perhaps international law as currently conceived and applied is incapable of adequately addressing such issues.
Risk management strategies for developing complex space systems

Risk management strategies have become a recent important research topic to many organizations as they prepare to develop the revolutionary complex systems of the future. Future multi-disciplinary complex space systems will make it absolutely essential for organizations to practice a rigorous, comprehensive risk management process, emphasizing thorough systems engineering principles to succeed. Project managers must possess strong leadership skills to direct high quality, crossdisciplinary teams for successfully developing revolutionary space systems that are ever increasing in complexity. Proactive efforts to reduce or eliminate risk throughout a project's lifecyele ideally must be practiced by all technical members in the organization. This paper discusses these risk management perspectives as well as some others that were collected from senior managers and project managers of aerospace and aeronautical organizations by the use interviews and surveys.
Geochemical constraints on the origin of thrust fault fluids

The character and origin of Sevier Cordilleran thrust fault fluids was investigated through the analysis of Sr, O, and C isotope ratios in thrust fault breccia matrix. Breccia matrix has depleted oxygen, depleted carbon and more radiogenic strontium when compared to undeformed rocks. This isotope chemistry indicates that meteoric waters descended below the horizon of thrusting and interacted with rocks that released radiogenic Sr to the fluid. The fluids subsequently ascended into the thrust faults where they imparted their unique isotopic signature to the matrix of the recrystallizing thrust fault breccia. The similar trends in isotope chemistry of thrust fault breccias along geographically far-spaced locations of the Cordilleran thrust belt indicates that a common hydrologic regime was operating during Sevier deformation.
Alkaline pH activates the transport activity of GLUT1 in L929 fibroblast cells

The widely expressed mammalian glucose transporter, GLUT1, can be acutely activated in L929 fibroblast cells by a variety of conditions, including glucose deprivation, or treatment with various respiration inhibitors. Known thiol reactive compounds including phenylarsine oxide and nitroxyl are the fastest acting stimulators of glucose uptake, implicating cysteine biochemistry as critical to the acute activation of GLUT1. In this study, we report that in L929 cells glucose uptake increases 6-fold as the pH of the uptake solution is increased from 6 to 9 with the half-maximal activation at pH 7.5; consistent with the pKa of cysteine residues. This pH effect is essentially blocked by the pretreatment of the cells with either iodoacetamide or cinnamaldehyde, compounds that form covalent adducts with reduced cysteine residues. In addition, the activation by alkaline pH is not additive at pH 8 with known thiol reactive activators such as phenylarsine oxide or hydroxylamine. Kinetic analysis in L929 cells at pH 7 and 8 indicate that alkaline conditions both increases the Vmax and decreases the Km of transport. This is consistent with the observation that pH activation is additive to methylene blue, which activates uptake by increasing the Vmax, as well as to berberine, which activates uptake by decreasing the Km. This suggests that cysteine biochemistry is utilized in both methylene blue and berberine activation of glucose uptake. In contrast a pH increase from 7 to 8 in HCLE cells does not further activate glucose uptake. HCLE cells have a 25-fold higher basal glucose uptake rate than L929 cells and the lack of a pH effect suggests that the cysteine biochemistry has already occurred in HCLE cells. The data are consistent with pH having a complex mechanism of action, but one likely mediated by cysteine biochemistry.
Ethnic politics, colonial legacy, and old age security policy: The Nigerian case in historical and comparative perspective

Abstract While many political scientists have considered the state-building functions of public policy in ethnically diverse Third World nations, few have analyzed the role that old age security programs play in this process. Of particular interest are the relative influence of class and status groups on old age security policy, a subject of considerable debate in the literature on the advanced industrial democracies as well. In this article we take Nigeria as a case study in the emergence of public old age security policy and use both historical and comparative evidence to comment on more general theories and debates in the literature. We find that Nigerian policy has been shaped by such factors as: (1) interest group politics (based more on ethnic and regional than class cleavages), (2) the nation's legacy as a former British colony, (3) the shift in structure from being a colony to an independent nation, (4) the level of economic development, and (5) the structure of the labor force.
Increased myocardial microvascular utilisation and flow during atrial pacing

To determine the influence of heart rate on regional coronary flow, the coronary vascular and microvascular responses to increased heart rate were examined in anaesthetised open chest New Zealand white rabbits. Coronary blood flow was measured with labelled microspheres. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) -dextran (150 mg·kg−1) was given to mark the perfused microvessels. The FITC-dextran was given at various intervals before removal of the heart. Alkaline phosphatase stain was used to locate the total microvasculature. Increase in heart rate from 272(SD23) to 339(13) beats·min−1 increased the coronary blood flow from 198(56) to 288(82) ml·min−1·100 g−1. The subendocardial/subepicardial flow ratio was not altered by pacing. Total capillary density averaged 2508(363) mm−2 and arteriolar density was 1.74(4.1)·mm−2. There were no significant regional or treatment differences in these values. The increase in blood flow with pacing was accompanied by a uniform increase in the percentage of the microvasculature perfused in the subepicardial and the subendocardial layers of the left ventricular free wall, from 58(6)% to 75(10)% for capillaries and from 54(17)% to 81(19)% for arterioles. These results show that enhanced heart rate increases the coronary blood flow and the density of the perfused microvessels uniformly across the ventricular wall. Thus both the coronary vascular and microvascular reserves are used in the rabbit heart during tachycardia.
Access to clinical care via clinical trials: is it ethically possible?

This Viewpoint discusses the enrolment of patients into clinical trials as a means to provide access to medications that would not otherwise be available to them. Dr Romain argues that there are inherent problems associated with this mode of treatment.
Choroidal metastasis: case reports and review of the literature.

Background Choroidal metastases are recognized as the most common intraocular malignancy. Their diagnosis has become more common due to increased emphasis on comprehensive eye examinations for cancer patients and the improved life expectancy of patients with metastatic disease. They are most prevalent in female patients with breast cancer and male patients with lung cancer. Methods A thorough fundus examination, coupled with the use of A-scan and B-scan ultrasonography, will aid in their diagnosis. There are many ways of treating these tumors, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and monitoring. Case Reports Two case reports of patients diagnosed with choroidal metastases are discussed. Case 1 involved a patient with lung cancer who manifested a large bullous exudative retinal detachment due to an underlying choroidal metastasis. Case 2 dealt with treatment of a patient with metastatic transitional cell cancer who manifested a shallow exudative retinal detachment caused by a choroidal metastasis. Conclusions Due to progress of chemotherapeutic medications, the number of patients who manifest choroidal metastases will continue to increase. It is essential for the practitioner to be able to recognize this disease process to prevent visual loss and institute referral for proper treatment for metastatic disease.
SU-GG-I-151: Reduced Number of Signal Averages for Diffusion Imaging Using Compressed Sensing

Purpose: Diffusion‐weighted imaging is an important clinical tool in neurological and body MRI. However, low contrast to noise ratios (CNR) of parameter maps (e.g., fractional anisotropy (FA)), force numerous signal averages to achieve useful CNR.DiffusionTensorImaging (DTI) requires at least six diffusion directions, which can lead to extremely lengthy protocols. Here, we present a method for using Compressed Sensing (CS) processing to decrease the number of signal acquisitions needed to achieve a given CNR.Method and Materials: The CNR was calculated for the FA (Fractional Anisotropy) map of celery DTI data acquired on a 9.4T vertical Bruker BioSpec. The 2‐D Fourier coefficients of FA map were first decomposed into multiple sets of incoherent subsamples by the application of complementary random masks with equal sampling ratios, such that all of the coefficients were used at least once. Data subsampling was performed in both directions. CS reconstruction was applied to each subset of Fourier coefficients to recover multiple fully sampled FA maps. Finally, the CS reconstructed FA maps were averaged (in Fourier space) to produce a less noisy FA map. Results: The CS processed FA maps mostly contained significantly less noise than unprocessed FA maps by both calculated CNR and visual inspection.Conclusion: We found that the CS processed FA maps mostly contained significantly less noise than unprocessed FA maps. However, our celery phantom datasets started out with high CNR, which does not reproduce in vivo noise conditions. Therefore, application of this method to a phantom dataset might not fully demonstrate the its capabilities, meaning that the method should be tested on more realistic MR data before any practical significance can be attached to these results.
Gold nanoparticles in delivery applications

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) provide non-toxic carriers for drug and gene delivery applications. With these systems, the gold core imparts stability to the assembly, while the monolayer allows tuning of surface properties such as charge and hydrophobicity. An additional attractive feature of AuNPs is their interaction with thiols, providing an effective and selective means of controlled intracellular release.
Dielectric properties of solid polymers

Dielectric measurements were used to study dielectric constant and loss index of poly(p-chlorostyrene) and poly(m-chlorostyrene) over a temperature and frequency range. Relaxation processes are observed and mechanisms are proposed for crystalline structures. Axial rotation discussed here has been used to explain NMR data.
On Improving Qualitative Methods in Public Administration Research

What do exemplary qualitative accounts look like, and how do they convince readers of their correctness? What sort of standards can be used to assess qualitative research accounts for public administration? To address these questions, the authors examined 72 recent qualitative research journal articles. Proceeding from a set of preliminary guidelines, they worked iteratively between articles and the emergent template to produce refined guidelines. In addition, they identified specific types of dilemmas for public bureaucracies and policies that trigger researchers’ strategies for persuading readers that their qualitative accounts are credible. They conclude with four actionable recommendations for improving the field’s qualitative research.
Creating the Continuum: J. E. Wallace Wallin and the Role of Clinical Psychology in the Emergence of Public School Special Education in America

This paper reviews the history of the continuum of services in intellectual disability programmes. The emergence of public school special education in the USA in the first two decades of the twentieth century is used as a case study of this history by focusing on events and personalities connected to the St Louis Public Schools. Using Annual Reports from the era along with the abundant publications and personal papers of J.E. Wallace Wallin, the author explores how the growing class of specialists in clinical psychology and psychometrics gained a foothold in the schools as educational gatekeepers for student placements along an increasingly elaborate ‘continuum of care’. The paper interprets this quest for professional legitimacy as a three-sided conversation with Wallin (and his colleagues) in the middle between the medical officers of institutions for the feeble-minded on the one hand, and the educators of urban school systems on the other. Implications for the current discussions of inclusive approache...
Reading Ray: Reflections on Ray B. Browne's Writings and Reviews

Writing about Ray B. Browne is a labor of love. Ray said things that others were reluctant to say and wrote about odd topics, such as wallpaper, of little interest to the conventional academic. He had a major impact on innumerable lives and careers; for those who knew him well, he was a mentor, a colleague, and, for some, a hero. He spearheaded a new area of study, and his contributions to popular and American culture studies are legendary. Many who met Ray for the first time saw him as larger than life. He wrote or edited over seventy books, some of the most important of which are reassessed in this issue's book review section. He also persistently challenged graduate students and junior faculty to publish, present their scholarship, and ultimately become involved in the Popular Culture Association and American Culture Association. It was imperative to him that these organizations continue to evolve and thrive, and it is to his credit and tireless efforts that the PCA/ACA is still alive and well today with over three thousand members, representing many academic disciplines. As a former president of the PCA/ACA, I made two promises to Ray that were crucial for him: (1) that the two associations would continue to operate in the spirit in which they had been created- as a forum for scholars who didn't quite fit into other professional societies (Ray always did preach inclusivity rather than exclusivity), and (2) that the PCA/ACA would contribute to the Ray and Pat Browne Popular Culture Library at Bowling Green State University on a regular basis. I keep both of these promises. After Ray retired from his longtime position as founding editor of The Journal of Popular Culture and The Journal of American Culture, he continued on as book review editor of the latter. A prolific scholar, he not only oversaw a stable of reviewers but also contributed more than four hundred reviews himself. Although not exhaustive, a list of his reviews from March 2003 (26:1) through March 2010 (33:1), compiled by Camille McCutcheon, follows this essay. These reviews tell the story of a decade's worth of scholarship in American culture. It was not uncommon to read an assessment from Ray on almost any aspect of popular culture. He tried to include reviews (by himself or others) of every book that he received. This was particularly beneficial for teachers and scholars in that it enabled them to rapidly access new works in their fields and discover alternative texts for both undergraduate and graduate courses. Some of Ray's most unforgettable contributions from 2003 include reviews of books about Memorial Day, the Circus Age, and the Great Chicago Fire, as well as a portrait of "Amazing Grace," America's most beloved song. In 2004, Ray penned analyses of publications about The West Wing and the American presidency, medieval food, and the Hardy Boys. …
Auditory brainstem responses as a function of average hearing sensitivity for 2,000-4,000 Hz.

Average hearing thresholds for 2 000, 3 000 and 4 000 Hz and ABR results were analyzed for 290 patients having some degree of cochlear hearing loss. As average hearing sensitivity in the 2 000- to 4 000-Hz range became poorer, the incidence of abnormal auditory brainstem responses (ABR) increased. When the 2 000-Hz threshold sensitivity was 0-40 dB and the three-frequency average hearing loss was less than 50 dB, nearly 80% of ABR tracings were normal. Steeply sloping audiograms above 2 000 Hz increased the percent of abnormal ABR results.
Human papillomavirus genome variants.

Amongst the human papillomaviruses (HPVs), the genus Alphapapillomavirus contains HPV types that are uniquely pathogenic. They can be classified into species and types based on genetic distances between viral genomes. Current circulating infectious HPVs constitute a set of viral genomes that have evolved with the rapid expansion of the human population. Viral variants were initially identified through restriction enzyme polymorphisms and more recently through sequence determination of viral fragments. Using partial sequence information, the history of variants, and the association of HPV variants with disease will be discussed with the main focus on the recent utilization of full genome sequence information for variant analyses. The use of multiple sequence alignments of complete viral genomes and phylogenetic analyses have begun to define variant lineages and sublineages using empirically defined differences of 1.0–10.0% and 0.5–1.0%, respectively. These studies provide the basis to define the genetics of HPV pathogenesis.
The dissociable effects of stereotype threat on older adults' memory encoding and retrieval.

The present study asks how subliminal exposure to negative stereotypes about age-related memory deficits affects older adults’ memory performance. Whereas prior research has focused on the effect of “stereotype threat” on older adults’ memory for neutral material, the present study additionally examines the effect on memory for positive and negative words, as well as whether the subliminal “threat” has a larger impact on memory performance when it occurs prior to encoding or prior to retrieval (as compared to a control condition). Results revealed that older adults’ memory impairments were most pronounced when the threat was placed prior to retrieval as compared to when the threat was placed prior to encoding or no threat occurred. Moreover, the threat specifically increased false memory rates, particularly for neutral items compared to positive and negative ones. These results emphasize that stereotype threat effects vary depending upon the phase of memory it impacts.
Effects of neuroleptic drugs on brain β-endorphin immunoreactivity

Abstract The effect of chronic haloperidol on brain β-endorphin immunoreactivity was examined in rats. Chronic haloperidol resulted in significant reductions of β-endorphin immunoreactivity within the striatum, but other brain regions were uneffected. When a variety of neuroleptic drugs were tested, fluphenazine, chlorpromazine and haloperidol resulted in comparable reductions in β-endorphin immunoreactivity in the striatum. These findings suggest a functional interaction between β-endorphin and dopamine systems in the striatum.