cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Elective Course on Writing and Publishing a Review Article

In effort provide an opportunity for talented and motivated pharmacy students to learn about publishing a scientific review article, Temple University Pharmacy (TUSP) initiated an elective titled "Writing and Publishing a Review Article”. It soon that almost all of the students who enrolled in the elective had the scientific acumen, literature-search skills, and the motivation to go beyond just learning about the process and to actually try to publish a paper. As a result, the course now has as a stated goal the writing and submission of a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal. Since its inception in 1997, a total of 39 students have taken the course. To date 38 students, working in teams, have had 11 papers published in peer-reviewed journals.
Types of emotional disclosures and request compliance between spouses

The present study investigated variations in emotional disclosures when making requests of one's spouse. Unpleasant emotions are often thought of as “taboos,”; but this study demonstrated that, from the hearer's perspective, all unpleasant emotions are not equally negative. In fact, in comparison to messages that were devoid of emotions and other types of unpleasant emotions, disclosing vulnerabilities and hostilities toward persons other than the hearer often prompted hearers to respond with more positive messages and to report a more positive attitude toward request compliance, one's relationship with the requester, and oneself. Respondents, however, did not report any difference in the likelihood with which they would comply with requests on the basis of variations in emotional disclosures. The hypotheses and the results are discussed in terms of the face‐needs of communicators.
An Analysis of Bronx-based Online Grocery Store Circulars for Nutritional Content of Food and Beverage Products

With the rising rates of diabetes and obesity in New York City’s poorest communities, efforts to assist low-income residents in spending money to promote nutritious food consumption have increased. The objective of this study was to assess the extent to which Bronx-based grocery stores offered nutritious foods on sale through their weekly circulars. Over a 2-month period, we analyzed 2,311 food and beverage products placed on the first page of online circulars for fifteen Bronx-based grocery stores. For each circular, we recorded the number of starchy and non-starchy fruits and vegetables; for each product, total fiber and carbohydrate content per serving (in grams), whether the product was processed, and sale price were recorded. Total sugar content (in grams) was recorded for all sugar-sweetened beverages. Over 84 % of the products were processed, and almost 40 % had at least one carbohydrate choice (15 g) per food serving. Only 16.5 % of the products were fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, and 1.4 % had fiber content of 5 or more grams per serving. Requiring the purchase of multiples of unhealthy products to receive the sale price was also noted. Almost three-quarters of the sugar-sweetened beverages were advertised with promotional sales compared to over half of the fresh fruits and only one-third of fresh vegetables. We identified no other studies that address nutritional content of foods found in grocery store circulars. More research is necessary to determine if purchasing nutritious products at grocery stores in low-income neighborhoods is influenced by sale prices.
Integrated modeling approach for the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) mission

Because of the complexity of the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) design concepts, the project will rely heavily on the use of engineering and science simulations to predict on-orbit performance. Furthermore, current understanding of these missions indicates that the 3m to 8m class optical systems need to be as stable as picometers in wavefront and sub-milli arcsec in pointing. These extremely small requirements impose on the models a level of predictive accuracy heretofore never achieved, especially in the area of microgravity effects, material property accuracy, thermal solution convergence, and all other second order modeling effects typically ignored. New modeling tools and analysis paradigms are developed which emphasize computational accuracy and fully integrated analytical simulations. The process is demonstrated on sample problems using the TPF Coronagraph design concept. The TPF project is also planning a suite of testbeds through which various aspects of the models and simulations will be verified.
Proliferative response of type 2 lung epithelial cells after x rays and fission neutrons

A method has been developed for study of the type 2 epithelial cell population in situ in BALB/c mouse lung by measurement of the uptake of (/sup 14/C)thymidine into DNA of pulmonary cells after stimulation with the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Within 2 days of BHT injection there was a marked increase in total lung weight, total labeling index, and (/sup 14/C)thymidine incorporation. Autoradiographic procedures revealed that the proliferative response 2 days after BHT was due primarily to type 2 alveolar cells, which comprised 80% of the (/sup 3/H)thymidine-labeled lung cells at that time. Therefore it appeared that this system might provide a means of monitoring the type 2 cell population after irradiation. Radiation modified the BHT-induced proliferative response in a dose-dependent manner, but it did not alter the relative number of labeled cell types in the lung. Thus 2 days after mice were treated with irradiation and BHT, when the proliferative response was due to type 2 cells, (/sup 14/C)-thymidine incorporation and DNA levels in the lung were determined after various doses of 300-kVp x rays and fission neutrons. Dose-response curves were generated from these data, and the radiation response was characterized by the reciprocal of the slope ofmore » the exponential region of the curves, designated D/sub 0/(PF). When irradiation was followed immediately by the proliferative stimulus BHT, the D/sub 0/(PF) values were 120 rad for 300-kVp x rays and 60 rad for fission neutrons. Based on these D/sub 0/(PF) values, relative biological effectiveness of 2.0 was obtained.« less
An evaluation of residential air radon concentrations and related variables in southeast Michigan, USA

Analysis of 153 residential air radon (Rn-222) screening measurements from southeast Michigan indicates that basements host Rn levels two to three times higher than upper-level rooms. Compared to unfinished basements, finished (e.g., paneled walls, tiled floors) basements apparently reduce indoor air Rn levels while partially finished basements may not. Factor analysis of residence questionnaire data explains 59 percent of the Rn data variance. The volume of pathways (e.g., foundation cracks/holes, uncapped sumps) allowing Rn seepage into the dwelling controls the largest portion, 23 percent, of the explained data variance. The residence water source explains 11 percent of the Rn data variance. Groundwater Rn levels contribute to the air Rn data variability, but the study data cannot quantitatively assess this contribution. Seven percent of the Rn data variance is likely controlled by house depressurization facilitated by residence structural properties. Residences with foundation cracks or poorly sealed joints and low-volume indoor-outdoor air exchange are more prone to this effect. Eighteen percent of the explained Rn data variance correlates with the residence's primary heat source. Evidently, operating combustion sources also induce house depressurization and allow Rn to be drawn into the house through entry paths. Twenty-four percent of the analyses equal or exceed 4 pCi/1 Rn. In residences occupied ≥5 years by the same individuals, 17 percent of the Rn data are ≥ 4 pCi/l; here the arithmetic mean air Rn level is 8.3 pCi/l and the average occupancy period 17.4 years.
Maternal messenger RNA and histone synthesis in embryos of the surf clam Spisula solidissima.

Abstract Messenger RNA has been isolated from the postribosomal supernatant of Spisula solidissima eggs. This mRNA directs the synthesis of several proteins when added to the ascites or wheat germ cell free system. No histone except F1 is coded for by Spisula egg mRNA, in contrast to what has been reported previously for sea urchin egg mRNA. In sea urchin eggs histone mRNA is among the abundant species of maternal mRNA. Histones have been prepared from Spisula embryos at different development stages and histone synthesis followed by incubation with (14C)lysine. The analysis by electrophoresis on acrylamide gels indicates that the pattern of synthesis of histones changes during development and that a new histone F1 fraction is actively synthesized from the 32–64 cells stage. In earlier embryos a different F1 histone is synthesized and the mRNA for this protein may be the only histone mRNA present in eggs.
Unstable aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase-deficient variants of a rat hepatoma line

The H-4-II-E-C3 line has high aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity. It was also found to be very sensitive to benzo(a)pyrene (BP) toxicity, and a single-step selection procedure for isolating BP-resistant (BP r )clones was designed. All the BP r variants tested had reduced AHH activities under both inducing and noninducing conditions. As H-4-II-E-C3 was propagated, it gradually declined in AHH activity and increased in cloning efficiency in BP. The spontaneous rate of origin of the BP r variants was approximately 3×10−5 events per cell generation. However, the variants gradually increased in AHH activity and decreased in cloning efficiency in BP as they were propagated. Partially resistant variants also generated, at an appreciable rate, cells with even greater degrees of resistance to BP. The instabilities of the wild-type and variant cultures suggest that the variants arose by an epigenetic mechanism or by changes in gene dosage, rather than by point mutations.
Joint DoA-range-Doppler tracking of moving targets based on compressive sensing

In this paper, the tracking of moving targets using a stepped frequency linear antenna array is addressed through the compressive sensing (CS) framework. Multiple targets are resolved in the three-dimensional directions of arrival (DoA)-range-Doppler space for each time instant. The Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) algorithm is utilized to reconstruct the target space using measurements at a small number of randomly selected frequencies. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated through simulation result in terms of accuracy and computational complexity.
Photoexcitation of the 7.64-MeV Magnetic Dipole Levels in Cd 112 and Ni 62 by Iron Capture Gamma Rays

The elastic and inelastic scattering of iron capture $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays from the 7.64-MeV $M1$ levels in ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{112}$ and ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{62}$ were studied with a Ge(Li) spectrometer. Eleven energy levels in ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{112}$ and three in ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{62}$ observed in this experiment are compared with the levels excited in ($d, p$) experiments. Angular distribution measurements were made for four strong transitions in ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{112}$ and two in ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{62}$, giving the following spin assignments: ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{112}$: 0.62-MeV level (2), 1.23-MeV (0), 1.88-MeV (0), 7.64-MeV (1); ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{62}$: 2.06-MeV (0), 7.64-MeV (1). In both nuclei, only the ${0}^{+}$ member of the two-quadrupole phonon triplet (${0}^{+}$, ${2}^{+}$, ${4}^{+}$) is strongly excited in this experiment, indicating very different components in the wave functions of the ${0}^{+}$ and ${2}^{+}$ members.
Density-dependent resistance of the gypsy moth Lymantria dispar to its nucleopolyhedrovirus, and the consequences for population dynamics

The processes controlling disease resistance can strongly influence the population dynamics of insect outbreaks. Evidence that disease resistance is density-dependent is accumulating, but the exact form of this relationship is highly variable from species to species. It has been hypothesized that insects experiencing high population densities might allocate more energy to disease resistance than those at lower densities, because they are more likely to encounter density-dependent pathogens. In contrast, the increased stress of high-density conditions might leave insects more vulnerable to disease. Both scenarios have been reported for various outbreak Lepidoptera in the literature. We tested the relationship between larval density and disease resistance with the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) and one of its most important density-dependent mortality factors, the nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) LdMNPV, in a series of bioassays. Larvae were reared in groups at different densities, fed the virus individually, and then reared individually to evaluate response to infection. In this system, resistance to the virus decreased with increasing larval density. Similarly, time to death was faster at high densities than at lower densities. Implications of density–resistance relationships for insect–pathogen population dynamics were explored in a mathematical model. In general, an inverse relationship between rearing density and disease resistance has a stabilizing effect on population dynamics.
Near surface deformation associated with the scratch in polypropylene–clay nanocomposite: A microscopic study

Abstract The near surface deformation during scratching of neat polypropylene (PP) and polymer nanocomposites (PP–clay) at loads of 0.2–6 kgf is described in terms of characteristics of scratch morphology and scratch deformation parameters. In neat PP, the application of higher loads introduces severe ironing deformation, disrupting the periodic parabolic nature of scratch tracks such that the material plastically flows along the ironing zone. Under identical test conditions, the severity of surface deformation in PP–clay nanocomposites, which leads to stress whitening is significantly reduced. At lower loads, the periodic nature of tracks is retained together with ironing, while at higher loads, ploughing occurred. The resistance to scratch deformation is discussed in terms of modulus, elastic recovery, and scratch hardness.
Three-dimensional beam-deflection optical tomography of a supersonic jet

We report 3-D imaging of density in a supersonic expansion using beam-deflection optical tomography. Quantitative high-resolution images with absolute accuracy of 3%, dynamic range of 500:1, and spatial resolution to within a factor of 1.7 of the diffraction limit were produced with a He-Ne laser and simple apparatus. Theory shows that the spatial frequency content of beam-deflection measurements is well suited for tomographic reconstruction. The theory for the diffraction-limited resolution for tomography is presented.
Switching methods for V.H.F. networks

After a brief description of the types of network covered by v.h.f. and u.h.f. systems, the paper deals with simplex, duplex and 2-frequency simplex methods of operation, followed by the methods used for covering large areas of country and the principles used in selective calling systems.
Academic optimism and student achievement in urban elementary schools

Purpose – The aim of this study was two‐fold: to demonstrate a general construct of schools called academic optimism and to show it was related to student achievement in urban elementary schools, even controlling for socioeconomic factors, and school size.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 99 urban elementary schools in Texas and multiple regression and factor analyses were used to test a series of hypotheses guiding the inquiry.Findings – The major hypotheses of the study were supported; academic optimism was a second‐order construct comprised of collective efficacy, faculty trust, and academic optimism. Moreover, academic optimism is a school characteristic that predicts student achievement even controlling for socioeconomic status.Practical implications – The results support Bandura's social cognitive theory, Coleman's social capital theory, Hoy and Tarter's work on organizational climate, and demonstrate the existence of a cultural property of schools called academic optimism. Furt...
Overexpression and mutations of p53 in metastatic malignant melanomas

Alterations of the p53 tumor suppressor gene are the most frequent genetic abnormalities in human malignancies, but the role of p53 in the etiology of malignant melanomas is unclear. Fifty unselected malignant melanomas were analyzed for p53 overexpression by immunohistochemistry using 3 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Fifteen tumors (29.4%) showed positive staining with at least 2 different antibodies. In the first 20 consecutive tumors exons 5-9 and adjacent splice sites of the p53 gene were analyzed by genomic sequencing. There were 4 mutations in 20 metastatic melanomas. Three of 4 mutations were C:G-->T:A transitions. A search of our database of p53 mutations revealed that out of 8 p53 mutations reported by others, 4 are C:G-->T:A transitions at dipyrimidine sites, and one is a tandem CC-->TT mutation. This mutational pattern is comparable with the pattern of p53 mutations in squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas of the skin and is related to exposure to ultraviolet B (UV-B) wavelength radiation. Taken together with a predominance of UV-induced mutations in the CDKN2/ p16 gene demonstrated in melanoma cell lines, our data support a role of sunlight exposure in the etiology of malignant melanoma. The low frequency of p53 mutants in melanomas compared with other types of skin cancers suggests that although mutations in this gene are likely to be involved in the development of some malignant melanomas, they do not play as large a role as in squamous and basal cell carcinomas of the skin.
Rpn4 Is a Physiological Substrate of the Ubr2 Ubiquitin Ligase

The homeostatic abundance of the proteasome in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is controlled by a feedback circuit in which transcriptional activator Rpn4 up-regulates the proteasome genes and is destroyed by the assembled, active proteasome. Remarkably, the degradation of Rpn4 can be mediated by two independent pathways. One pathway is independent of ubiquitin, whereas the other involves ubiquitination on internal lysines. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of Rpn4. We demonstrated, through in vivo and in vitro assays, that Rpn4 is a physiological substrate of the Ubr2 ubiquitin ligase, which was originally identified as a sequence homolog of Ubr1, the E3 component of the N-end rule pathway. The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Rad6, which directly interacts with Ubr2, is also required for the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of Rpn4. Furthermore, we showed that deletion of UBR2 exhibited a strong synthetic growth defect with a mutation in the Rpt1 proteasome subunit when Rpn4 was overexpressed. This study not only identified the ubiquitination apparatus for Rpn4 but also unveiled the first physiological substrate of Ubr2. The biological significance of Ubr2-mediated degradation of Rpn4 is also discussed.
Relative susceptibility of Vitis vinifera cultivars to vector-borne Xylella fastidiosa through time.

Understanding the interactions between pathogen, crop and vector are necessary for the development of disease control practices of vector-borne pathogens. For instance, resistant plant genotypes can help constrain disease symptoms due to infections and limit pathogen spread by vectors. On the other hand, genotypes susceptible to infection may increase pathogen spread owing to their greater pathogen quantity, regardless of their symptom status. In this study, we evaluated under greenhouse conditions the relative levels of resistance (i.e. relatively lower pathogen quantity) versus tolerance (i.e. less symptom severity) of 10 commercial grapevine (Vitis vinifera) cultivars to Pierce’s disease etiological agent, the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Overall, no correlation was detected between pathogen quantity and disease severity, indicating the existence of among-cultivar variation in plant response to infection. Thompson Seedless and Barbera were the two most susceptible among 10 evaluated cultivars. Rubired showed the least severe disease symptoms and was categorized as one of the most resistant genotypes in this study. However, within each cultivar the degree of resistance/tolerance was not consistent across sampling dates. These cultivar and temporal differences in susceptibility to infection may have important consequences for disease epidemiology and the effectiveness of management protocols.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Intestinal Dysfunction: Uncovering the Neuro-Enteric Axis

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to several physiologic complications including gastrointestinal dysfunction. Specifically, TBI can induce an increase in intestinal permeability, which may lead to bacterial translocation, sepsis, and eventually multi-system organ failure. However, the exact mechanism of increased intestinal permeability following TBI is unknown. We hypothesized that expression of tight junction protein ZO-1 and occludin, responsible for intestinal architectural and functional integrity, will decrease following TBI and increase intestinal permeability. BALB/c mice underwent a weight drop TBI model following anesthesia. Brain injury was confirmed by a neurologic assessment and gross brain pathology. Six hours following injury, FITC-dextran (25 mg 4.4 kDa FITC-dextran) was injected into the intact lumen of the isolated ileum. Intestinal permeability was measured in plasma 30 min following injection, by using spectrophotometry to determine plasma FITC-dextran concentrations. Whole ileum extracts were used to measure expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin by Western blot. TBI caused a significant increase in intestinal permeability (110.0 microg/mL +/-22.2) compared to sham animals (29.4 microg/mL +/- 9.7) 6 h after injury (p = 0.016). Expression of ZO-1 was decreased by 49% relative to sham animals (p < 0.02), whereas expression of occludin was decreased by 73% relative to sham animals (p < 0.001). An increase in intestinal permeability corresponds with decreased expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin following TBI. Expression of intestinal tight junction proteins may be an important factor in gastrointestinal dysfunction following brain injury.
Articulation, accuracy and effectiveness of mathematical models: A review of freshwater wetland applications☆

Abstract Eighty-seven mathematical models of freshwater wetlands and shallow water bodies were classified by wetland type, location, and degree of nonlinearity, and rated by three new indices: articulation; accuracy; and effectiveness. Articulation measures the size and complexity of the model in the three modes of components, space, and time. Accuracy combines measures of goodness-of-fit in each mode. Effectiveness measures explanatory power as a combination of articulation and accuracy. For the models reviewed accuracy was seen to fall with increasing articulation, probably as a result of increasing complexity and cost. Effectiveness, however, rose to a maximum at intermediate articulation and then fell, reflecting the fact that highly accurate models tended to be low in articulation (they said much about little), while highly articulate models tended to be low in accuracy (they said little about much). These methods for ranking models may prove useful for further analysis and the results of this analysis may provide a useful guide to model builders concerned with maximizing the effectiveness of their models using limited resources.
Preoperative Charlson Comorbidity Score Predicts Postoperative Outcomes Among Older Intracranial Meningioma Patients

Objective Preoperative determinants of surgical risk in elderly patients with meningioma are not fully defined. This study was undertaken to determine whether the Charlson comorbidity index could be used to accurately predict postoperative outcomes among older patients with meningiomas undergoing neurosurgical resection and thereby make a selection for surgery easier. Methods We performed a multi-institutional retrospective cohort analysis via the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998-2005). Patients 65 years of age and older who underwent tumor resection of intracranial meningiomas were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, coding. The primary independent variable in multivariate regression was the Charlson comorbidity score, and the primary outcome was inpatient death. Secondary outcomes included inpatient complications, length of stay, and total hospital charges. Results We identified 5717 patients (66.6% female, and 81.8% white) with mean age of 73.6 years. Mean Charlson comorbidity score was 0.99. Inpatient mortality was 3.2%. Mean length of stay was 9.1 days, and mean total charges were $62,983. In multivariate analysis, the only factors consistently associated with worse outcome were increased Charlson comorbidity score and increased patient age (ie, >65 years of age). Only greater Charlson scores were additionally associated with greater odds of all major complications such as neurological, respiratory, and cardiac complications. Elective procedures were consistently associated with less inpatient death, length of stay, and total charges. All associations were statistically significant (P Conclusions The safe surgical resection of intracranial meningiomas among older patients is possible through the ninth decade of life. The Charlson comorbidity score has been shown to be a strong, consistent predictor of inpatient outcomes.
Direct inhibitory effect of estrogen on LH-stimulated androgen synthesis by ovarian cells cultured in defined medium

The direct inhibitory effect of estrogen on ovarian androgen synthesis was investigated. When primary cultures of rat ovarian theca-interstitial cells were grown in defined medium with LH there was a marked increase in androgen synthesis of which 98% was androsterone (control = 11 +/- 2 ng; LH = 1219 +/- 217 ng/ml/10(6) cells). Diethylstilbestrol (DES), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) inhibited LH-stimulated androsterone synthesis by 81%, 81%, 81%, and 47%, respectively. The ED50's of the estrogens were: DES = 4.2 +/- 2.1 X 10(-9) M; E1 = E2 = 9.5 +/- 2.4 X 10(-8) M; and E3 = 3.8 +/- 2.6 X 10(-7) M. The estrogen effect was very rapid (t1/2 = 10 min) and long-lasting. Metabolic studies revealed that estrogen inhibited androsterone, androstenedione, 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol, and testosterone accumulation by 80%, dehydroepiandrosterone and 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone by 40%, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone by 30%, while pregnenolone and progesterone were unchanged. These results prove, for the first time, that estrogen can directly inhibit LH-stimulated androgen production in ovarian theca-interstitial cells and suggest that mechanism involves, at least in part, a rapid selective inhibition of the 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 desmolase activities.
Spherical Aggregates of Coxsackie B4 Virus Particles in Mouse Pancreas

Summary A high titer culture of Coxsackie B 4 virus was used to induce pancreatitis in newborn mice. In animals sacrificed 1 or 2 days after intraperitoneal inoculation, we observed cytonecrosis consistent with picornaviral infection as well as necrosis indicative of pancreatitis. In addition, we observed aggregates of particles which seem to be Coxsackie B 4 virus particles, some arranged in the typical picornaviral crystalloid lattice formation and others arranged into spherical masses approximately 102 nm in diameter. Depending upon the depth and orientation of section through the spherical aggregates, the particles were arranged into two patterns which were readily distinguishable. When the plane of section was through the center of the sphere, 10 particles circularly arranged around a dense particle core were observed. When the sphere was cut tangentially, the particles were arranged in a zig-zag pattern so that there were two concentric layers of at least 6 particles per layer, with no central core. Both crystalloid and spherical aggregates were observed free within acinocyte cytoplasm, and within autophagic vacuoles, cytosegresomes, and fine granular bodies of acinocytes, and within phagocytic vacuoles of macrophages. We conclude that the spherical aggregates represent a distinct crystalloid form of Coxsackie B 4 virus during its replicative cycle, which may eventually develop into the more typical picornaviral crystalloid lattice configuration and that the spherical aggregates are located in foci of viral synthesis. Marked pathogenicity of Coxsackie B 4 virus in the nowborn mouse pancreas should be considered a factor in the observations noted.
Application of Dobrushin's uniqueness theorem to N -Vector models

We apply Dobrushin's uniqueness theorem toN-Vector models to derive an upper bound of the critical temperature for unique equilibrium. In the case of isotropic ferromagnetic pair interactions this upper bound is the mean field critical temperature multiplied by a numerical factor.
Separation of colloidal particles in a packed column using depletion and structural forces

Abstract The depletion and structural forces produced by nonadsorbed nanoparticles were used to separate an equinumber binary dispersion of 1.5 and 0.82 μm polystyrene sulfate (PS) particles in a flow-through packed bed. Experiments consisted of injecting a pulse of the binary dispersion into a carrier fluid at the inlet of a cylindrical column packed with 0.5 mm silica collector beads. The carrier fluids used were either an aqueous electrolyte solution or a dispersion of silica nanoparticles. When the carrier fluid was a dispersion of silica nanoparticles, the ratio of PS particles in the column outlet would change from 1:1 large-to-small particles to slightly over 2:1, implying that more of the smaller, 0.82 μm particles were being trapped on the surface of the collector beads due to depletion forces. Experiments with a single particle size (either 1.5 or 0.82 μm PS particles only) were also performed and the results were consistent with those obtained with the binary mixture. Equilibrium potential energy profiles between a PS particle and a flat silica plate were calculated using the equilibrium force-balance model of Walz and Sharma [J. Colloid Interface Sci. 168 (1994) 485]. The long-range, secondary energy barrier (arising from structuring of the nanoparticles in the gap region) for the 1.5 μm particles was two times greater than that for the 0.82 μm particles, meaning that the 0.82 μm particles were far more likely to overcome the energy barrier and get trapped on the surface of the collector beads. Although not explored, separation of particles based on other properties, such as surface charge density, should also be possible with this approach, as the depletion and structural forces are sensitive to such properties.
Coaxial tip piezoresistive scanning probes for high-resolution electrical imaging

We have designed and batch fabricated silicon cantilever scanning probes integrating, for the first time, a coaxial tip to produce highly localized electric fields and a piezoresistor to measure cantilever deflection. These probes will improve the lateral resolution of scanning gate microscopy enabling the study of electron organization in semiconductor nanostructures. The full-width at half-maximum of the perturbation produced by our coaxial tip is ∼3x smaller than that of conventional tips. At 300 K, the vertical displacement resolution of a 405 µm long probe is 2.4 nm in a 1 kHz bandwidth. With the ability to image topography and apply local electric fields, our probe has broad applications including electromechanical studies of cells and dopant profiling in semiconductors.
Changes in resist glass transition temperatures due to exposure

We have developed an AFM-based technique to measure intrinsic material roughness (IMR) after base development. Employing this technique we have deconstructed the resist into component parts and have shown that PAG is a major contributor to intrinsic material roughness. When PAG is exposed and thermal polymer deprotection is allowed to occur increased levels of IMR are present. The IMR of the resist is strongly dependent on the bake conditions, with increasing IMR at higher bake temperatures. This leads to the suspicion that the resist glass transition temperature (Tg) may be responsible for the changes in the level of IMR observed with both different PAGs, polymers and bake temperatures. We have measured the Tg in a series of model resists, both exposed and unexposed, and show the effect of changes in resist glass transition as a function of exposure dose and not the level of polymer deprotection. The Tg of the resists does not decrease with exposure or bake as may be expected, but instead is either unchanged or slightly increases. The change in Tg occurs due to exposure only with subsequent bake steps not affecting the resist Tg.
Chronic multi-electrode neural recording in free-roaming monkeys

Many behaviors of interest to neurophysiologists are difficult to study under laboratory conditions because such behaviors are often inhibited when an animal is restrained and socially isolated. Even under the best conditions, such behaviors may be sparse enough as to require long duration neural recordings or simultaneous recording of multiple neurons to gather a sufficient amount of data for analysis. We have developed a preparation for chronic, multi-electrode recordings in the auditory cortex of marmoset monkeys, small primates, as well as techniques for neurophysiological recordings when the animals are free-roaming while singly caged in the environment of the monkey colony. In this report, we describe our solutions to overcome the problems associated with chronic recordings in free-roaming animals, where three-dimensional movements present particular challenges.
Chain length dependence of the frictional properties of alkylsilane molecules self-assembled on mica studied by atomic force microscopy

We show that the frictional properties of alkylsilane monolayers self-assembled on mica in contact with Si3N4 tips depend strongly on the length of the alkyl chains. Friction is particularly high with short chains of less than eight carbons. We attribute this to the large number of dissipative modes in the less ordered short chains. Longer chains, stabilized by van der Waals attractions form more compact and rigid layers and act as much better lubricants. This lubricating action is lost at a certain threshold load, where wear of the molecular layer occurs, leading to much higher friction force values. The results presented here clearly indicate that the chemical identity of the exposed end groups is not sufficient to determine the frictional properties of monolayer films. The increased number of energy dissipation modes facilitated by the presence of molecular disorder (e.g., rotations about a C−C axis), in fact dominates the frictional behavior of monolayers with short chains.
Sensitivity studies of the deployment of a square inflatable solar sail with vanes

Abstract This paper summarizes the results of numerical experiments to determine the sensitivity of the final attitude of an inflatable solar sail with vanes after deployment to various parameters affecting the deployment process. These parameters are: in- and out-of-plane asymmetries during deployment, length inflation profile, and vane deployment failures. We show how robust the sail deployment is to geometric asymmetries before a 35° off-Sun angle is reached. Differential delays in the time to inflate the booms and a boom sweep-back angle affect the stability favorably. Adjacent vane failures to deploy affect the stability unfavorably, while the failure of opposing vanes is acceptable. Realistic boom length rate profiles obtained during ground tests are used in the simulation showing that failing adjacent vanes in conjunction with initial inflation delays in adjacent booms represent the worst case. We also demonstrate that by feeding back attitude and attitude rate measurements so that a corrective action is taken during the deployment, the final attitude can be maintained very close to the initial attitude, thus mitigating the attitude changes incurred during deployment.
Ability of a normal dysfunctional voiding symptom score to predict uroflowmetry and external urinary sphincter electromyography patterns in children.

ABSTRACTPurpose:: We correlated uroflowmetry/electromyography (EMG) patterns and post-void residual urine volume (PVR) in children with a normal dysfunctional voiding symptom score (DVSS) and determined whether a normal DVSS can predict uroflowmetry/EMG/PVR results.Materials and Methods:: We prospectively studied 51 children with a normal DVSS, and negative neurological and urological history who underwent uroflowmetry/EMG and PVR measurements. Statistical results were correlated with patient age and gender using Cohen's κ and Fisher's exact test.Results:: All children had a normal DVSS for gender and 37 (73%) had bell-shaped uroflowmetry curves. Eight of the 14 children with nonbell-shaped uroflowmetry curves had plateaued and 6 had fractionated curves. Five boys and 13 girls (35%) had decreased EMG patterns, 7 boys and 8 girls (29%) had increased patterns and 5 boys and 13 girls (35%) had variable patterns (Cohen's κ score 0.11). Of the 37 children (65%) with bell-shaped uroflowmetry curves 24 had norma...
Linear and nonlinear transient heat conduction in nuclear waste repositories

Analytical solutions of thermal problems connected with the disposal of nuclear wastes are presented. Linear and nonlinear diffusion problems are analyzed considering time-dependent heat sources. Comparisons between the temperature distributions at a nuclear waste site are made.
Watershed surveys to support an assessment of the regional effects of acidic deposition on surface water chemistry

Through the Direct/Delayed Response Project (DDRP), the United States Environmental Protection Agency is attempting to assess the risk to surface waters from acidic deposition in three regions of the eastern United States: the Northeast Region, the Southern Blue Ridge Province, and the Mid-Appalachian Region. The central policy question being addressed by the DDRP is: Within the regions of concern, how many surface water systems (lakes, streams) will become acidic due to current or altered levels of acidic sulfur deposition, and on what time scales?
A propagation environment modeling in foliage

Foliage clutter, which can be very large and mask targets in backscattered signals, is a crucial factor that degrades the performance of target detection, tracking, and recognition. Previous literature has intensively investigated land clutter and sea clutter, whereas foliage clutter is still an open-research area. In this paper, we propose that foliage clutter should be more accurately described by a log-logistic model. On a basis of pragmatic data collected by ultra-wideband (UWB) radars, we analyze two different datasets by means of maximum likelihood (ML) parameter estimation as well as the root mean square error (RMSE) performance. We not only investigate log-logistic model, but also compare it with other popular clutter models, namely, log-normal, Weibull, and Nakagami. It shows that the log-logistic model achieves the smallest standard deviation (STD) error in parameter estimation, as well as the best goodness-of-fit and smallest RMSE for both poor and good foliage clutter signals.
ISEE-C Solar Wind Plasma Experiment

Two 135° spherical section electrostatic analyzers furnish electron and ion measurements of the solar wind on ISEE-C. Each of these instruments utilizes a divided secondary emitter system to intercept the analyzed particles. Secondary electrons selected from all of the emitters simultaneously provide fast two-dimensional measurements of the particle fluxes integrated over polar angle; at a slower rate secondary electrons are successively selected from individual emitters to provide three-dimensional measurements. Speed of the ion measurements is increased by a factor of two by using an active proton peak tracking system to reduce the total range of energy per charge which has to be covered.
Estimation of Detector Biases in MODIS Thermal Emissive Bands

The combination of multiple detectors and a double-sided mirror in the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) introduces striping in the imagery despite the use of onboard calibration systems. This results in a sharp unidirectional pattern across scan lines and leads to significant radiometric uncertainties in level-1 radiances, which further propagate into derived level-2 geophysical products such as the sea surface temperature. Quantifying and minimizing such uncertainties are the key steps in the improvement of remotely sensed data from MODIS. This paper describes a deterministic technique for the estimation of biases due to detector-to-detector miscalibration, mirror banding, and random striping. Using a unidirectional variational model previously introduced for destriping purposes, the scan line noise is first extracted from the observed scenes and then used to evaluate the thermal bias of detectors. The algorithm is applied to Terra and Aqua MODIS thermal emissive bands. Its qualitative performance is illustrated on several representative scenes, and quantitative results of detector biases are reported and discussed.
Quantification of the anisotropy of ultrasonic quasi-longitudinal velocity in normal human and canine myocardium with comparison to anisotropy of integrated backscatter

Measurements of ultrasonic quasi-longitudinal velocity were made in the muscle fiber plane of excised human and canine cardiac tissue. The measurements were carried out in 2 degrees increments through the full 360 degrees relative to the myofibers. In addition, for each tissue specimen, measurements were made at a number of adjacent planes across the left ventricular wall in order to assess the transmural dependence of velocity. The data indicate a 1.0% to 1.5% anisotropy of velocity, with maximum velocity when insonifying along the myofibers and minimum velocity when insonifying perpendicular to the myofibers. The anisotropy of velocity is 90 degrees out of phase with the anisotropy of integrated backscatter, which was also measured. Both velocity and integrated backscatter were found to depend on transmural position. Each exhibited a progressive angular shift of maximal value from the epicardium to the endocardium. This shift in the position of peak in the backscatter and velocity graphs reflects the underlying shift in myofiber orientation. >
Decreased Glutamate Receptor 2 Expression and Enhanced Epileptogenesis in Immature Rat Hippocampus after Perinatal Hypoxia-Induced Seizures

Hypoxic encephalopathy is the most common cause of neonatal seizures and can lead to chronic epilepsy. In rats at postnatal days 10–12 (P10–12), global hypoxia induces spontaneous seizures and chronically decreases seizure threshold, thus mimicking clinical aspects of neonatal hypoxia. We have shown previously that the acute and chronic epileptogenic effects of hypoxia are age-dependent and require AMPA receptor activation. In this study, we aimed to determine whether hypoxia-induced seizures and epileptogenesis are associated with maturational and seizure-induced changes in AMPA receptor composition and function. Northern and Western blots indicated that glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2) mRNA and protein expression were significantly lower in neocortex and hippocampus at P10–12 compared with adult. After hypoxia-induced seizures at P10, GluR2 mRNA was significantly decreased within 48 hr, and GluR2 protein was significantly decreased within 96 hr. AMPA-induced Co2+ uptake by neurons in hippocampal slices indicated higher expression of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors in immature pyramidal neurons compared with adult. In slices obtained 96 hr after hypoxia-induced seizures, AMPA-induced Co2+ uptake was significantly increased compared with age-matched controls, and field recordings revealed increased tetanus-induced afterdischarges that could be kindled in the absence of NMDA receptor activation. In situ end labeling showed no acute or delayed cell death after hypoxia-induced seizures. Our results indicate that susceptibility to hypoxia-induced seizures occurs during a developmental stage in which the expression of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors is relatively high. Furthermore, perinatal hypoxia-induced seizures induce increased expression of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors and an increased capacity for AMPA receptor-mediated epileptogenesis without inducing cell death.
Overview of a high assurance architecture for distributed multilevel security

A high assurance architecture is described for the protection of distributed multilevel secure computing environments from malicious code and other attacks. Component security services and mechanisms extend and interoperate with commodity PCs, commodity client software, applications, trusted components, and legacy single level networks, providing new capabilities for composing secure, distributed multilevel security. This architecture results from the realization that unless a secure system offers users comfortable and familiar interfaces for handling routine information, it will fail due to lack of user acceptability.
Television Violence, Conflict, Realism, and Action: A Study in Viewer Liking

In three studies, the liking for various types of television content within adventure programs was examined In studies one and two, measures of college students' personalities were used to predict liking for program content varying on four dimensions: violence, action, realism! and conflict. In study three, families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds were shown adventure shows that were high or low in violence and matched on other content dimensions. The findings from these studies suggest that the average viewer somewhat dislikes the typical violence portrayed in adventure shows; however, conflict seems to enhance liking for adventure shows.
Development and Implementation of an Online Careers Seminar in Psychology.

Psychology departments are increasing their attention to providing career options and guidance for majors. I review the literature on the use of career courses in psychology and describe the development and implementation of an online careers seminar that provides psychology majors and minors with a wide range of information and resources. Student evaluative feedback of the course is uniformly positive. I conclude with suggestions for how departments can develop and individualize such a course to meet their specific needs.
A simulator evaluation of the effects of attention maintenance training on glance distributions of younger novice drivers inside and outside the vehicle

Driver distraction inside and outside the vehicle is increasingly a problem, especially for younger drivers. In many cases the distraction is associated with long glances away from the forward roadway. Such glances have been shown to be highly predictive of crashes. Ideally, one would like to develop and evaluate a training program which reduced these long glances. Thus, an experiment was conducted in a driving simulator to test the efficacy of a training program, FOCAL, that was developed to teach novice drivers to limit the duration of glances that are inside the vehicle while performing an in-vehicle task, such as looking for a CD or finding the 4-way flashers. The test in the simulator showed that the FOCAL trained group performed significantly better than the placebo trained group on several measures, notably on the percentage of within-vehicle glances that were greater than 2, 2.5, and 3 s. However, the training did not generalize to glances away from the roadway (e.g., when drivers were asked to attend to a sign adjacent to the roadway, both trained and untrained novice drivers were equally likely to make especially long glances at the sign).