cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Freeze-cast hydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.

Freeze casting of aqueous suspensions was investigated as a method for preparing porous hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds for eventual application to bone tissue engineering. Suspensions of HA particles (10–20 volume percent) were frozen unidirectionally in a cylindrical mold placed on a cold steel substrate (−20 °C). After sublimation of the ice, sintering for 3 h at 1350 °C produced constructs with dense HA lamellae, with porosity of ~50%, and inter-lamellar pore widths of 5–30 µm. These constructs had compressive strengths of 12 ± 1 MPa and 5 ± 1 MPa in the directions parallel and perpendicular to the freezing direction, respectively. Manipulation of the microstructure was achieved by modifying the solvent composition of the suspension used for freeze casting. The use of water–glycerol mixtures (20 wt% glycerol) resulted in the production of constructs with finer pores (1–10 µm) and a larger number of dendritic growth connecting the HA lamellae, and higher strength. On the other hand, the use of water–dioxane mixtures (60 wt% dioxane) resulted in a cellular-type microstructure with larger pores (90–110 µm). The mechanical response showed high strain tolerance (5–10% at the maximum stress), high strain for failure (>20%) and sensitivity to the loading rate. The favorable mechanical behavior of the porous constructs, coupled with the ability to modify their microstructure, indicates the potential of the present freeze casting route for the production of porous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
Plutonium recycling in hydride fueled PWR cores

The classic approach to the recycling of Pu in PWR is to use mixed U-oxide Pu-oxide (MOX) fuel. The mono-recycling of plutonium in PWR transmutes less than 30% of the loaded plutonium, providing only a limited reduction in the long-term radiotoxicity and in the inventory of TRU to be stored in the repository. The primary objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of plutonium recycling in PWR in the form of plutonium hydride, PuH2, mixed with uranium and zirconium hydride, ZrH1.6, referred to as PUZH, that is loaded uniformly in each fuel rod. The assessment is performed by comparing the performance of the PUZH fueled core to that of the MOX fueled core. Performance characteristics examined are transmutation effectiveness, proliferation resistance of the discharged fuel and fuel cycle economics. The PUZH loaded core is found superior to the MOX fueled core in terms of the transmutation effectiveness and proliferation resistance. For the reference cycle duration and reference fuel rod diameter and pitch, the percentage of the plutonium loaded that is transmuted in one recycle is 53% for PUZH versus 29% for MOX fuel. That is, the net amount of plutonium transmuted in the first recycle is 55% higher in cores using PUZH than in cores using MOX fuel. Relative to the discharged MOX, the discharged PUZH fuel has smaller fissile plutonium fraction – 45% versus 60%, 15% smaller minor actinides (MA) inventory and more than double spontaneous fission neutron source intensity and decay heat per gram of discharged TRU. Relative to the MOX fuel assembly, the radioactivity of the PUZH fuel assembly is 26% smaller and the decay heat and the neutron yield are only 3% larger. The net effect is that the handling of the discharged PUZH fuel assembly will be comparable in difficulty to that of the discharged MOX assembly while the proliferation resistance of the TRU of the discharged PUZH fuel is enhanced.
Volunteering for Disaster Nursing: One Nurse¿s Story

C m NURSING CARE and caring shown by nurses are highly regarded by patients and families. We know that surveys and polls indicate high levels of satisfaction with the work nurses do every day. Nurses are trusted, respected, and valued for care and for advice on many aspects of health care, wellness, and illness. The Gallup Poll provides consistent evidence of this: of all professions, nurses are rated number one by the public for honesty and ethics by a substantial margin. However, nurses infrequently seek accolades and recognition for their patient care and patient advocacy. They consider the contributions they make to their community and to society as something to be expected; the work of the nurse is to care for patients.
Stability and Bifurcation of Equilibrium Solutions of Reaction-Diffusion Equations on an infinite Space interval

Abstract Under the condition that f(x, y, z, α) and its partial derivatives decay sufficiently fast as ¦x¦ → ∞ we will study the (linear) stability and bifurcation of equilibrium solutions of the scalar problem ut = uxx + f(x, u, ux, α), ux(−∞, t) = ux(∞, t) = 0 (∗) where α is a real bifurcation parameter. After introducing appropriate function spaces X and Y the problem (∗) can be rewritten d dt u = G(u, α) , (∗∗) where G:X×R → Y is given by G(u, α)(x) = u″(x) + f(x, u(x), u′(x), α). It will be shown, for each (u, α)ϵX × R, that the Frechet derivative Gu(u,a): X → Y is not a Fredholm operator. This difficulty is due to the fact that the domain of the space variable x, is infinite and cannot be eliminated by making another choice of X and Y. Since Gu(u, α) is not Fredholm, the hypotheses of most of the general stability and bifurcation results are not satisfied. If (u0, α0 ϵ S = {(u, α): G(u, α) = 0}, (i.e., (u0,α0) is an equilibrium solution of (∗∗)), a necessary condition on the spectrum of Gu(u0, α0) for a change in the stability of points in S to occur at Gu(u0, α0) will be given. When this condition is met, the principle of exchange of stability which means, in a neighborhood of (u0, α0), that adjacent equilibrium solutions for the same α have opposite stability properties in a weakened sense will be established. Also, when Gu or its first order partial derivatives, evaluated at (u0, α0), are not too degenerate, the shape of S in a neighborhood of (u0, α0) will be described and a strenghtened form of the principle of exchange of stability will be obtained.
Influences of crumb rubber size and type on reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) mixtures

Over the years, recycling has become one of the most attractive pavement rehabilitation alternatives, and different recycling methods are now available to address specific pavement distresses and structural needs. The objective of this study was to investigate and evaluate the engineering properties of crumb rubber size and type influences on reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) mixtures. The experimental design for this study included the use of three rubber sizes and two rubber types (ambient or cryogenic) in the mixture containing 25% RAP mixtures. In this study, the results of the experiments indicated that the addition of crumb rubber was helpful in increasing the voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) in Superpave mix design and improving rutting resistance of mixture regardless of rubber size and type. On the other hand, indirect tensile strength (ITS) values show no significant difference for mixtures made with three type rubber sizes. However, the increase of rubber size, regardless of rubber type, reduced the resilient modulus values but extended the fatigue life of the modified mixtures.
The End of White World Supremacy: Black Internationalism and the Problem of the Color Line

In The End of White World Supremacy, Rod Bush engages readers in a rich intellectual conversation, creating a quilt where each panel contains a story, a point, an example of its own, yet when one s...
Impact of screening on prostate cancer rates and trends.

Widespread implementation of prostate cancer screening has affected several epidemiologic features of the disease including incidence, tumor and patient characteristics, patterns of care and outcomes. Some of these changes have been interpreted as evidence of the success of PSA testing as a cancer control strategy. Data are available from multiple sources to assess the association of early detection on recent prostate cancer rates and trends. National mortality data in the United States may be particularly informative because of the early and widespread adoption of PSA testing there. Incidence data from tumor registries and other regional resources are also relevant to this question. Case-control analyses and modeling of relevant rates and trends have recently been reported. Multiple sources of data show that prostate cancer incidence rates rose following the introduction of PSA testing. The average age at diagnosis has fallen, the proportion of advanced stage tumors has declined, the proportion of moderately differentiated tumors has increased, and patterns of care have changed accordingly. A decline in mortality began in the United States in 1991. The decline in mortality is well established but this recent trend may only retrace an increase in mortality that immediately preceded. The descriptive epidemiology of prostate cancer reveals many effects of the introduction of prostate cancer screening. Although the evidence suggests increased prostate cancer testing has yielded public health benefit, this has not yet been shown conclusively.
Identification of Drosophila type II neuroblast lineages containing transit amplifying ganglion mother cells

Mammalian neural stem cells generate transit amplifying progenitors that expand the neuronal population, but these type of progenitors have not been studied in Drosophila. The Drosophila larval brain contains ∼100 neural stem cells (neuroblasts) per brain lobe, which are thought to bud off smaller ganglion mother cells (GMCs) that each produce two post-mitotic neurons. Here, we use molecular markers and clonal analysis to identify a novel neuroblast cell lineage containing “transit amplifying GMCs” (TA-GMCs). TA-GMCs differ from canonical GMCs in several ways: each TA-GMC has nuclear Deadpan, cytoplasmic Prospero, forms Prospero crescents at mitosis, and generates up to 10 neurons; canonical GMCs lack Deadpan, have nuclear Prospero, lack Prospero crescents at mitosis, and generate two neurons. We conclude that there are at least two types of neuroblast lineages: a Type I lineage where GMCs generate two neurons, and a type II lineage where TA-GMCs have longer lineages. Type II lineages allow more neurons to be produced faster than Type I lineages, which may be advantageous in a rapidly developing organism like Drosophila. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
Numerical simulations of high intensity pulse trains and plasma dynamics in passive femtosecond enhancement cavities

The dynamic intracavity ionization of a dilute gas target can substantially alter the pulse formation inside resonant fs enhancement cavities. We numerically and experimentally study these effects and how they affect intracavity high harmonic generation using fs frequency combs.
2.5-year-olds use cross-situational consistency to learn verbs under referential uncertainty

Recent evidence shows that children can use cross-situational statistics to learn new object labels under referential ambiguity (e.g., Smith & Yu, 2008). Such evidence has been interpreted as support for proposals that statistical information about word-referent co-occurrence plays a powerful role in word learning. But object labels represent only a fraction of the vocabulary children acquire, and arguably represent the simplest case of word learning based on observations of world scenes. Here we extended the study of cross-situational word learning to a new segment of the vocabulary, action verbs, to permit a stronger test of the role of statistical information in word learning. In two experiments, on each trial 2.5-year-olds encountered two novel intransitive (e.g., “She’s pimming!”; Experiment 1) or transitive verbs (e.g., “She’s pimming her toy!”; Experiment 2) while viewing two action events. The consistency with which each verb accompanied each action provided the only source of information about the intended referent of each verb. The 2.5-year-olds used cross-situational consistency in verb learning, but also showed significant limits on their ability to do so as the sentences and scenes became slightly more complex. These findings help to define the role of cross-situational observation in word learning.
Absolute differential yields of condensed rare gases sputtered by keV ions

Abstract Measurements have been made of the total yield and sputtered particle time-of-flight spectra for the sputtering of solid argon, krypton, and xenon films by 33 keV Ne + , Ar + , Kr + , and Xe + . A careful extrapolation for low energy (long flight-time) particles was made and the resulting time-of-flight spectra were normalized to the experimentally determined total yield, giving absolute yields that are differential in the ejected atom energy. The shape and magnitude of these absolute energy spectra were then compared with earlier experiments and models for sputtering. For the high energy end of the energy spectra the absolute yields are smaller than that predicted from collision cascade theory using the standard parameterization even when the total yields greatly exceed the cascade result. Also it is found from the low energy spectra that, for any ejection model, planar binding is not justified even for the lowest yield case studied here.
LAMPS: A sketch recognition-based teaching tool for Mandarin Phonetic Symbols I

The non-Romanized Mandarin Phonetic Symbols I (MPS1) system is a highly advantageous phonetic system for native English users studying Chinese Mandarin to learn, yet its steep initial learning curve discourages language programs to instead adopt Romanized phonetic systems. Computer-assisted language instruction (CALI) can greatly reduce this learning curve, in order to enable students to sooner benefit from the long-term advantages presented in MPS1 usage during the course of Chinese Mandarin study. Unfortunately, the technologies surrounding existing online handwriting recognition algorithms and CALI applications are insufficient in providing a ''dynamic'' counterpart to traditional paper-based workbooks employed in the classroom setting. In this paper, we describe our sketch recognition-based LAMPS system for teaching MPS1 by emulating the naturalness and realism of paper-based workbooks, while extending their functionality with human instructor-level critique and assessment at an automated level.
Thermal processing of viscous non-Newtonian fluids in annular ducts: effects of power-law rheology, duct eccentricity, and thermal boundary conditions

Abstract Forced convection heat transfer in fully developed laminar flows of power-law fluids in eccentric annular ducts is computationally analyzed. With an insulated outer surface, the heating or cooling on the inner surface is modeled by two fundamental boundary conditions – uniform axial heat flux ( H1 ) and constant wall temperature ( T ) – commonly encountered in thermal processing applications. Numerical solutions for the velocity and temperature distributions, isothermal frictions factors, and Nusselt numbers for annular ducts of varying aspect ratios (0.2⩽r ∗ ⩽0.8) and inner core eccentricity (0⩽e ∗ ⩽0.6) are presented for both shear-thinning (0.2⩽n
O2 enhancement of human trophoblast differentiation and hCYP19 (aromatase) gene expression are mediated by proteasomal degradation of USF1 and USF2

When cultured in 20% O(2), human cytotrophoblasts fuse to form the syncytiotrophoblast with marked induction of hCYP19 (aromatase) gene expression. When cultured in 2% O(2), cytotrophoblast fusion and induced hCYP19 expression are prevented. These effects of hypoxia are mediated by increased expression of mammalian achaete/scute homologue-2 (Mash-2), which increases levels of upstream stimulatory factors 1 and 2 (USF1/2) and their binding as heterodimers to E-boxes surrounding the hCYP19 promoter. In studies to define mechanisms for O(2) regulation of syncytiotrophoblast differentiation, we found that hypoxia and overexpression of Mash-2 markedly increased cyclin B1 levels in cultured trophoblasts and the proportion of cells at the G(2)/M transition. Unlike USF proteins, USF1/2 mRNA levels are unaffected by O(2) tension. To determine whether increased O(2) might enhance proteasomal degradation of USF1/2, human trophoblasts were cultured in 2% or 20% O(2) with or without proteasome inhibitors. In cells cultured in 20% O(2), proteasome inhibitors increased USF1/2 protein levels and blocked spontaneous induction of hCYP19 expression, cell fusion, and differentiation. Like hypoxia, inhibitory effects of proteasome inhibitors on hCYP19 expression were mediated by increased binding of USF1/2 to the E-boxes. In human trophoblast cells cultured in 20% O(2), increased polyubiquitylation of USF1/2 proteins was observed. Thus, early in gestation when the placenta is relatively hypoxic, increased USF1/2 may block trophoblast differentiation and hCYP19 gene expression. In the second trimester, increased O(2) tension promotes proteasomal degradation of USF1/2, resulting in syncytiotrophoblast differentiation and induction of hCYP19 expression.
An accurate small-signal model with peak current mode control applied for the Active clamp forward converter used in the constant conduction mode

In this paper, an accurate small-signal model with peak current mode (PCM) control for the Active clamp forward converter under continuous inductor current condition is proposed. To obtain this model, the “Ridely Approach” is utilized to derive the accurate Modulation gain, feedback gain and feed-forward gain in which the magnetizing inductance is fully taken into account. Clamp capacitor and magnetizing is another key factor effecting the small signal characteristic regarding the current loop, they are also been analyzed. To be more practical, the transient load response is given based on the closed output impedance transfer function to verify the derived model. Finally, the experiments are carried out and shown that the theoretical calculations match simulation result and experimental result very well. It is approved that the small signal mode proposed in this paper is accurate and can be applied in the practical power design to achieve better prediction result.
A theoretical investigation of endocyclic allylic carbon-centered radical formation in retinoic acid

Abstract We have carried out theoretical calculations that suggest that C4 carbon-centered radical formation in ( E )- and (13 Z )-retinoic acid, catalyzed by cytochromes P450 and PGH synthase, occur by a direct H-atom abstraction mechanism rather than an electron abstraction mechanism. In addition, our calculations indicate that C4 radical formation in the 13 Z -isomer is thermochemically preferred compared with the all trans -isomer.
Lunar surface roughness derived from LRO Diviner Radiometer observations

Abstract Sunlit and shaded slopes have a variety of temperatures based on their orientation with respect to the Sun. Generally, greater slope angles lead to higher anisothermality within the field of view. This anisothermality is detected by measuring changing emitted radiance as a function of viewing angle or by measuring the difference in brightness temperatures with respect to observation wavelength. Thermal infrared measurements from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Diviner Radiometer were used to derive lunar surface roughness via two observation types: (1) nadir multispectral observations with full diurnal coverage and (2) multiple emission angle targeted observations. Measurements were compared to simulated radiance from a radiative equilibrium thermal model and Gaussian slope distribution model. Nadir observations most closely match a 20° RMS slope distribution, and multiple emission angle observations can be modeled using 20–35° RMS slope distributions. Limited sampling of the lunar surface did not show any clear variation in roughness among surface units. Two-dimensional modeling shows that surfaces separated by distances greater than 0.5–5 mm can remain thermally isolated in the lunar environment, indicating the length scale of the roughness features. Non-equilibrium conditions are prevalent at night and near sunrise and sunset, preventing the use of the equilibrium thermal model for roughness derivations using data acquired at these local times. Multiple emission angle observations also show a significant decrease in radiance at high emission angles in both daytime and nighttime observations, and hemispherical emissivity is lower than is apparent from nadir observations. These observations and models serve as a basis for comparison with similar measurements of other airless bodies and as an initial template for the interpretation of TIR measurements acquired under a variety of geometric conditions.
On the global mean temperature of the thermosphere

It is pointed out that the global mean temperature structure of the thermosphere above 120 km is primarily maintained by the absorption of solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flux at wavelengths less than 1025 A and solar ultraviolet (UV) flux. A number of previous calculations of the global mean temperature profile have determined that it is not possible to obtain agreement between the calculated global mean exospheric temperature and observed values. Since those studies, a considerable amount of new information on this problem has been obtained, including data obtained with the aid of the Atmospheric Explorer satellites. The present investigation is, therefore, concerned with a reexamination of the question whether there is enough solar UV radiation and auroral energy input to maintain the observed global mean temperature structure of the thermosphere above 120 km. It is found that for solar cycle minimum conditions there is an approximate balance between absorbed solar radiation and downward molecular thermal conduction.
HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA AND LOW RED CELL ATP/dATP RATIO IN GENETIC ADENOSINE DEAMINASE DEFICIENCY: 86

Marked depletion of ATP and hemolysis have been reported to accompany dATP accumulation in erythrocytes of patients undergoing treatment with the ADA inhibitor deoxycoformycin (dCF), but not in patients with inherited ADA deficiency. It has therefore been unclear whether ATP depletion and hemolysis were caused by ADA inhibition per se, or by unrelated effects of phosphorylated derivatives of dCF. We have studied a 9 month old ADA deficient girl who at diagnosis had a heinz body positive hemolytic anemia as well as immune deficiency. Her RBC's underwent spontaneous lysis in vitro, which was not corrected by glucose or enhanced by osmotic or pH stress. Known causes of anemia were excluded. ATP, measured on 4 occasions, was 0.69 +/- 0.14 umol/ml RBC's (range=0.5-0.8) (controls=1.4 +/- 0.3). dATP was 1.24 +/- 0.22 umol/ml RBC's (normally <0.002); the ratio of ATP:dATP was 0.46-0.67. We have previously described a mechanism by which dATP accumulation can Induce marked ATP catabolism (Bagnara and Hershfield, PNAS 79:2637, 1982). Thus, ADA deficiency, like pyruvate kinase deficiency and massively Increased erthrocyte ADA activity, may be an inborn error of metabolism that can lead to hemolysis by causing ATP depletion. However, in most cases some compensatory mechanism must operate to prevent ATP depletion as marked as in the patient we have described.
Combining dipole and mixed model approaches for UXO discrimination

A multi dipole (MD) model is combined with a statistical algorithm called the mixed model to discriminate between objects of interest, such as unexploded ordnance (UXO), and innocuous items. In the multi dipole model (an extended version of the single dipole model), electromagnetic induction (EMI) responses for bodies of revolution (BOR) are approximated with a set of dipoles placed along the axis of symmetry of the objects. The model accurately takes into account the scatterer's heterogeneity along its axis of symmetry and is fast enough to invert digital geophysical data for discrimination purposes in real/near real time. Determining the amplitudes of the multi dipoles is an ill-posed problem that requires regularization. Obtaining the regularization parameters is not straightforward and in many cases is done via impractical supervised approaches. To overcome this problem, in this paper we combine a new statistical approach called the mixed model with the multi dipole model. Mixed modeling (MM) can be viewed as a generalization of the empirical Bayesian approach. It assumes that the forward model is not perfect: i.e., the model parameters (the amplitudes of the responding multi magnetic dipoles) contain random noise with zero mean and constant variance. Based on these assumptions, the method derives the regularization parameter from the variance of the least square error between the model and actual data using standard linear regression. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the theoretical basis and practical realization of the combined MD-mixed model (MD-MM) algorithm for UXO discrimination under real field conditions. In addition, a new condensed algorithm for determining the location and orientation of buried objects is introduced and tested against the ESTCP pilot discrimination study dynamic data set.
FY 1983 Funding for ocean drilling

Proposed funding for scientific ocean drilling within the National Science Foundation (NSF) in fiscal 1983 totals $14 million, $6 million less than the current fiscal 1982 plan and about half of the original FY 1982 budget request of $26 million. However, there is more to these numbers than simple subtraction: Additional funding for scientific ocean drilling programs is on hold while decisions are being made about a future drilling program called Advanced Ocean Drilling (AOD). With the demise of the Ocean Margin Drilling Program (OMDP) when industry withdrew its support (Eos, October 20, 1981, p. 705) and with the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) long ago scheduled to end in fiscal 1983, the future for scientific ocean drilling within NSF was uncertain. To steer ocean drilling toward scientific objectives for the decade, the Conference on Scientific Ocean Drilling (COSOD) (Eos, December 22, 1981, p. 1197) examined four ocean drilling options and decided that the Glomar Explorer, converted to the current capabilities of the DSDP mainstay Glomar Challenger (i.e., without riser and well-control technologies), would meet scientific objectives through the decade. In December, the National Research Council's Committee on Ocean Margin Drilling came to the identical conclusion in its interim report. Both of these decisions were based solely on scientific merit and did not consider costs.
Racial Discrimination, Interpretation, and Legitimation at Work

Research on race stratification and employment usually implies discrimination as a key mechanism in race stratification, although few if any analyses bring attitudes, employee-employer interpretations, and established discriminatory behavior into a singular analysis. In this article, the authors do so and offer a relational account of how discrimination operates, drawing on a large sample of verified racial discrimination cases. Building on racial stratification literature and theory on “color-blind” racism, the analyses focus on employee and employer interpretations and then use dyadic analyses coupled with qualitative case immersion to shed light on the relational nature of discrimination and how employers justify such conduct. Findings highlight significant interpersonal disjunctures in descriptions of common events as well as the ways in which employers evoke broad organizational and societal ideals of meritocracy— ideals that often fall by the wayside in concrete decision-making pertaining to and in ...
Intravitreal alemtuzumab penetrates full-thickness retina in rabbit eyes.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess whether alemtuzamab, a large antibody of 150 kDa, would be able to penetrate through the full-thickness retina of Dutch-belted rabbits. METHODS Four Dutch-belted rabbits had intravitreal injections of alemtuzumab (1.5 mg in 0.05 mL). One rabbit each was killed at Day 1, Day 8, Day 15, and Day 29. The eyes were examined under frozen section and graded by immunostaining techniques for the degree of penetration of alemtuzumab into the retina. The degree of retinal staining was graded from 0 (no stain) to 4+ (marked stain). RESULTS All study eyes showed antibody staining of the full-thickness retina as follows: 4+ at Day 1, 4+ at Day 8, 3+ at Day 15, and 2+ at Day 29. CONCLUSION A 1.5-mg intravitreal dose of alemtuzumab was able to penetrate full-thickness retina throughout the full 29-day course of the study. Retinal toxicity studies are required before clinical use.
Using Theory as a Foundation for Group Training Designs.

Abstract Design considerations for training groups are reviewed and use of theory as a foundation is advocated. Six selected examples are provided. Additional resources are also suggested.
Development and Characterization of Gas Chromatographic Columns for the Analysis of Prebiological Molecules in Titan's Atmosphere

Parametric studies were conducted to design, develop, and integrate three gas chromatographic columns with a miniaturized mass spectrometer to be part of the Cassini−Huygens mission for studying the atmosphere of Saturn's moon Titan. Separation and identification of low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons and nitriles (important prebiological molecules) were carried out on dimethylpolysiloxane (DMPS) and 14% cyanopropylphenyl−86% dimethylpolysiloxane (CPPS−DMPS) column stationary phases. These phases were deposited as thin films on the inner surface of fused silica coated steel capillary columns. The interaction of hydrocarbons and nitriles with these phases was studied under various column inlet pressure and carrier gas flow conditions. The selectivity for nitriles was enhanced by using the CPPS−DMPS phase. On this phase, the modeling number (log M) values varied linearly with the column temperature. Pronounced differences were observed in the order of elution for C4 hydrocarbons between CPPS−DMPS and DMPS pha...
Nutrient Export from Watersheds on Mt. Desert Island, Maine, as a Function of Land Use and Fire History

A study of 13 small (less than 7.5 km2) watersheds on Mt. Desert Island, Maine, was conducted from January 1999 to September 2000 to determine nutrient export delivery to coastal waters around the island, and to determine whether a series of wildfires in 1947 have affected nutrient export in burned watersheds. Nutrient export (nitrate–nitrogen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus) was determined for each watershed during the study period, and was normalized by watershed area. The yield of nitrate–nitrogen (N) ranged from 10 to 140 kg/km2/year. Total N yield ranged from 42 to 250 kg/km2/year. Total phosphorus (P) yield ranged from 1.4 to 7.9 kg/km2/year. Watersheds entirely within Acadia National Park (lacking human land-based nutrient sources) exported significantly less total N and total P than watersheds that were partly or entirely outside the park boundary. Nitrate–N export was not significantly different in these two groups of watersheds, perhaps because atmospheric deposition is a dominant source of nitrate in the study area. No relation was observed between burn history and nutrient export. Any effect of burn history may be masked by other landscape-level factors related to nutrient export.
TNFα transport induced by dynamic loading alters biomechanics of intact intervertebral discs.

Objective Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is an important contributor to the development of back pain, and a key factor relating pain and degeneration are the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines and IVD motion. There is surprisingly limited understanding of how mechanics and inflammation interact in the IVD. This study investigated interactions between mechanical loading and pro-inflammatory cytokines in a large animal organ culture model to address fundamental questions regarding (i.) how inflammatory mediators arise within the IVD, (ii.) how long inflammatory mediators persist, and (iii.) how inflammatory mediators influence IVD biomechanics. Methods Bovine caudal IVDs were cultured for 6 or 20-days under static & dynamic loading with or without exogenous TNFα in the culture medium, simulating a consequence of inflammation of the surrounding spinal tissues. TNFα transport within the IVD was assessed via immunohistochemistry. Changes in IVD structural integrity (dimensions, histology & aggrecan degradation), biomechanical behavior (Creep, Recovery & Dynamic stiffness) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the culture medium (ELISA) were assessed. Results TNFα was able to penetrate intact IVDs when subjected to dynamic loading but not static loading. Once transported within the IVD, pro-inflammatory mediators persisted for 4–8 days after TNFα removal. TNFα exposure induced changes in IVD biomechanics (reduced diurnal displacements & increased dynamic stiffness). Discussion This study demonstrated that exposure to TNFα, as might occur from injured surrounding tissues, can penetrate healthy intact IVDs, induce expression of additional pro-inflammatory cytokines and alter IVD mechanical behavior. We conclude that exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokine may be an initiating event in the progression of IVD degeneration in addition to being a consequence of disease.
The Application of Biotechnology to Nutrition: An Overview

Crop biotechnology is being used in two major ways to enhance human nutrition: to improve global food security by making more food available, especially locally grown and familiar foods in the developing world, and by enhancing the nutritional composition of foods that would interest both the developed and developing worlds. Since the first commercialized products of biotechnology are major commodity crops grown primarily in the US, Canada and Argentina (soybeans, corn, canola and cotton), there is concern about whether and when crop biotechnology will help the developing world. There are, however, several on-going projects in Africa, SE Asia and Latin America where crop biotechnology is being used to enhance locally grown crops. The expectation is that genetically improved crops, e.g., those able to resist local pests, will allow even small-scale farmers to grow more crops using fewer inputs and in an environmentally sustainable manner. Furthermore, there are numerous on-going projects to enhance the nutritional or health value of foods via transgene technology. A few of these projects are described in this article.
Saliency mapping enhanced by symmetry from local phase

We describe a method of generating saliency maps that combines symmetry with traditional contrast information. Log Gabor filtering is used to obtain local frequency information that can be used to both calculate local symmetry and edge responses. The symmetry information is combined with center-surround responses from color (either in RGB or LAB), orientation, and intensity features. The algorithm is evaluated on the Kootstra dataset and shown to significantly outperform three state-of-the-art models that utilize either contrast only or symmetry only based responses. A subjective evaluation by 13 human observers of image regions selected by 3 variants of our algorithm shows the significant benefit of including symmetry information in addition to contrast-based features.
Modulation by GM1 ganglioside of β1-adrenergic receptor-induced cyclic AMP formation in Sf9 cells

Abstract The effect of ganglioside GM1 on isoproterenol-induced cAMP accumulation was studied in insect Sf9 cells expressing the human β1t-adrenergic receptor by infection with recombinant baculovirus. When such Sf9 cells were treated with isoproterenol plus IBMX, intracellular cAMP formation increased approximately 10-fold over the basal level. Preincubation of the baculovirus-infected cells with GM1 for 1 h caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the isoproterenol-induced CAMP accumulation. Phosphatidylserine, GM3, GTIb and a bovine brain ganglioside preparation lacking GM1 did not cause significant inhibition. Forskolin-induced CAMP accumulation was not affected by the GM1 treatment. Inhibition of isoproterenol-induced cAMP formation by GM1 was not observed in Sf9 cells expressing, β2-adrenergic receptor instead of the β1-adrenergic receptor. Binding studies with (−)-[3H]CGP12177 showed that preincubation with GM1 significantly reduced the affinity of antagonist binding to the β1-adrenergic receptor. These results suggest that GM1 or related ganglioside structure(s) may function as natural modulator(s) of the /3,-adrenergic receptor.
If Everyone with a Camera Can Do This, Then What? Professional Photojournalists' Sense of Professional Threat in the Face of Citizen Photojournalism

Today, citizen photojournalists armed with mobile phones can perform many of the tasks of a photojournalist, calling into question whether photojournalists perform a unique and essential service–characteristics of professionals. Photojournalists defend their professionalism through their professional values and skills, but even as they attempt to defend their occupational turf, the resource-poor news organizations for which they work are soliciting and publishing these citizen-shot news images. This study uses a field experiment that manipulates a photo credit line and open-ended responses to assess whether this sense of threatened professionalism exists. Further, this study examines whether citizen photojournalists' assessment of news image quality is impacted by the presence of a professional credit line. This study adds to the current understanding of photojournalism values, citizen-photojournalism values and professional threat
Correlation-timing-based erythrocyte velocity measurement using CCD imagery

An automated correlation method is introduced to estimate erythrocyte velocity component of erythrocyte flux within the cerebral capillary network. Erythrocyte flux, defined as the number of red blood cells passing through a plane orthogonal to the axis of erythrocyte flow in a vessel per unit time, is considered to be the closest index of capillary flow. Introduced previously is the two-point cross-correlation method, a method whereby a video photometric analyzer captures the voltage produced from two electronic windows placed over a vessel of interest. In our new method, instead of using electronic windows, we use a CCD array, focused on a two- dimensional projection of the three-dimensional capillary structure. Simulations of this method yields accurate velocity measurements at a measured cell intensity of .2 standard deviations above mean noise values or cell counts fewer than 30 cells per minute for image sequences of 180 frames captured over a time interval of three seconds. We conclude that with proper reduction in the measured standard deviation of noise and by increasing the percentage of fluorscently labeled erythrocytes injected into the rat, the correlation timing method of estimating erythrocyte velocity is an accurate substitute for hand-measured velocity calculation.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evidence for the Failure of Adeno-associated Virus Serotype 5 to Package a Viral Genome ≥8.2 kb

Limited packaging capacity hinders adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy. A recent study seems to have provided a solution to this problem. Allocca et al. reported that AAV-5 could package an 8.9 kb vector genome. Here we tested whether this approach can be used to deliver a large genome for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene therapy. We first evaluated AAV-5 packaging of an 8.2 kb genome. This vector carries two independent reporter gene cassettes, one for alkaline phosphatase (AP) and another for LacZ. Viral yield was log-fold lower than that of a regular AAV-5. Nevertheless, both AP and LacZ genes were detected in purified virus. Injection to dystrophic muscle resulted in both AP and LacZ expression. On electron microscopy, virion structure appeared normal. Surprisingly, we did not find the full-length single-stranded viral genome by alkaline gel electrophoresis. Neither did we see the full-length double-stranded replication forms in adenovirus coinfected cells. We suspect that AP and LacZ expression may have come from partially packaged 5′ or 3′-half of the genome. Additional studies revealed failure of AAV-5 to package and express an 8.7 kb minidystrophin gene cassette. In summary, our results do not support the extraordinary packaging capacity of AAV-5.
Inflammation-induced shift in spinal GABAA signaling is associated with a tyrosine kinase-dependent increase in GABAA current density in nociceptive afferents

To account for benzodiazepine-induced spinal analgesia observed in association with an inflammation-induced shift in the influence of the GABAA receptor antagonist gabazine on nociceptive threshold...
Broadband meanderline slot spiral antenna

A new broadband, cavity-backed slot spiral antenna is proposed. It combines variable growth rates at the centre region for improved high band radiation, with meandering in the outer turns for more efficient low band operation. A detailed characterisation of all antenna components and parameters is provided along with guidelines and recommendations for miniaturisation and realisation. The performance degradation due to cavity resonances is discussed and their suppression is also demonstrated. The developed design has broadband UHF to S-band operation with up to 20 dB gain improvement at 250 MHz using a 15 cm aperture. Using the same design concept, 45 cm apertures are realised and their operation from VHF to S-band is demonstrated.
Universal Reed-Solomon decoders based on the Berlekamp-Massey algorithm

Universal Reed-Solomon decoders allow flexibility in some or all of the code parameters,and hence lend themselves to applications wherein adaptability and reconfigurability are important considerations. In this paper,we consider universal finite field arithmetics using either canonical polynomial basis or shifted polynomial basis, and propose a high-speed universal Reed-Solomon decoder by modifying the high-speed decoder proposed in [10 ].
Respiratory illnesses in early life and asthma and atopy in childhood.

Background The relation between respiratory illnesses in early life and the development of asthma and atopy in childhood is incompletely understood. Objective We sought to examine the relationship between respiratory illnesses in early life and atopic diseases at school age. Methods We performed a prospective birth cohort study of the relationship between respiratory illnesses in the first year of life and asthma, atopy (sensitization to ≥1 allergen), and allergic rhinitis at school age in 440 children with a parental history of atopy. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between respiratory illnesses and asthma, atopy, and allergic rhinitis. The relationship between respiratory illnesses in early life and repeated measures of wheezing between the ages of 1 and 7 years was investigated by using a proportional hazards models. Results Physician-diagnosed croup (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.30; 95% CI, 0.12-0.72) and having 2 or more physician-diagnosed ear infections (adjusted OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35-0.98) in the first year of life were inversely associated with atopy at school age. Physician-diagnosed bronchiolitis before age 1 year was significantly associated with asthma at age 7 years (adjusted OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.23-6.22). Recurrent nasal catarrh (≥3 episodes of a runny nose) in the first year of life was associated with allergic rhinitis at age 7 years (adjusted OR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.03-8.67). Conclusion The relationship between early-life respiratory illnesses and asthma and atopy is complex and likely dependent on the type of infection and immune response it initiates. Clinical implications Certain respiratory illnesses in early life modify the risk of atopy and asthma at school age.
Can improvement in photosynthesis increase crop yields

The yield potential ( Y p ) of a grain crop is the seed mass per unit ground area obtained under optimum growing conditions without weeds, pests and diseases. It is determined by the product of the available light energy and by the genetically determined properties: efficiency of light capture ( e i ), the efficiency of conversion of the intercepted light into biomass ( e c ) and the proportion of biomass partitioned into grain ( h ). Plant breeding brings h and e i close to their theoretical maxima, leaving e c , primarily determined by photosynthesis, as the only remaining major prospect for improving Y p . Leaf photosynthetic rate, however, is poorly correlated with yield when different genotypes of a crop species are compared. This led to the viewpoint that improvement of leaf photosynthesis has little value for improving Y p . By contrast, the many recent experiments that compare the growth of a genotype in current and future projected elevated [CO 2 ] environments show that increase in leaf photosynthesis is closely associated with similar increases in yield. Are there opportunities to achieve similar increases by genetic manipulation? Six potential routes of increasing e c by improving photosynthetic efficiency were explored, ranging from altered canopy architecture to improved regeneration of the acceptor molecule for CO 2 . Collectively, these changes could improve e c and, therefore, Y p by c . 50%. Because some changes could be achieved by transgenic technology, the time of the development of commercial cultivars could be considerably less than by conventional breeding and potentially, within 10‐15 years.
Increasing crop productivity to meet global needs for feed, food, and fuel

Global demand and consumption of agricultural crops for food, feed, and fuel is increasing at a rapid pace. This demand for plant materials has been expanding for many years. However, recent increases in meat consumption in emerging economies together with accelerating use of grain for biofuel
Strong Binding of Myosin Modulates Length-Dependent Ca2+ Activation of Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Abstract —Reductions in sarcomere length (SL) and concomitant increases in interfilament lattice spacing have been shown to decrease the Ca2+ sensitivity of tension in myocardium. We tested the idea that increased lattice spacing influences the SL dependence of isometric tension by reducing the probability of strong interactions of myosin crossbridges with actin, thereby decreasing cooperative activation of the thin filament. Single ventricular myocytes were isolated by enzymatic digestion of rat hearts and were subsequently rapidly skinned. Maximal tension and Ca2+ sensitivity of tension (ie, pCa50) were measured in the absence and presence of N -ethylmaleimide–modified myosin subfragment 1 (NEM-S1) at both short and long SLs. NEM-S1, a strong-binding non–tension-generating derivative of the myosin head, was applied to single skinned myocytes to cooperatively promote strong binding of endogenous myosin crossbridges. Compared with control myocytes at SL of ≈1.90 μm, application of NEM-S1 markedly increased submaximal Ca2+-activated tensions and thereby increased Ca2+ sensitivity; ie, pCa50 increased from 5.40±0.02 to 5.52±0.02 pCa units in the presence of NEM-S1. Furthermore, NEM-S1 treatment reversibly eliminated the SL dependence of the Ca2+ sensitivity of tension, in that the ΔpCa50 between short and long lengths was 0.02±0.01 pCa units in the presence of NEM-S1 compared with a ΔpCa50 of 0.10±0.01 pCa units in control myocytes. From these results we conclude that the decrease in the Ca2+ sensitivity of tension at short SL results predominantly from decreased cooperative activation of the thin filament due to reductions in the number of strong-binding crossbridges.