cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Upward Mobility: Experiences with Families of Origin Among College-Educated African American Women

Research indicates that a significant number of African American women from lower-class statuses work hard to become upwardly mobile. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the interpersonal experiences of upwardly mobile African American women, particularly their interactions with their family and community of origin. The purposefully selected sample was composed of 13 African American women holding various positions at a Midwestern university. To maximize variation of experiences, respondents were graduate students, faculty members, and staff. The primary data collection method was in-depth interviews along with examination of supplemental materials which included respondents’ journal entries, e-mail exchanges, field notes, and researcher memos. I analyzed the collected data following the procedures of open, axial, and selective coding. A theory emerged from my interpretation of data gathered to answer the research question “What is the process by which African American women from working-class families manage relationships with members of their family of origin during and/or following the attainment of a graduate degree?” Evidence from this exploratory study suggests that the women develop a bicultural identity out of necessity after being confronted with conflicting experiences and worldviews. The emergent theory highlights the changes that occur in the women’s lives and some of the conflicting life experiences they have with their family of origin as they progress through academia. The theory also describes strategies used by the respondents to manage their emerging bicultural identity. The attainment of a bicultural identity allows African American women to function in their life as well-educated women and to retain string ties to their family and community of origin.
Importance of re-calibration time on pulse contour analysis agreement with thermodilution measurements of cardiac output: a retrospective analysis of intensive care unit patients

We assessed the effect of re-calibration time on cardiac output estimation and trending performance in a retrospective analysis of an intensive care unit patient population using error grid analyses. Paired thermodilution and arterial blood pressure waveform measurements (N = 2141) from 222 patient records were extracted from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II database. Pulse contour analysis was performed by implementing a previously reported algorithm at calibration times of 1, 2, 8 and 24 h. Cardiac output estimation agreement was assessed using Bland-Altman and error grid analyses. Trending was assessed by concordance and a 4-Quadrant error grid analysis. Error between pulse contour and thermodilution increased with longer calibration times. Limits of agreement were -1.85 to 1.66 L/min for 1 h maximum calibration time compared to -2.70 to 2.41 L/min for 24 h. Error grid analysis resulted in 74.2 % of points bounded by 20 % error limits of thermodilution measurements for 1 h calibration time compared to 65 % for 24 h. 4-Quadrant error grid analysis showed <75 % of changes in pulse contour estimates to be within ±80 % of the change in the thermodilution measurement at any calibration time. Shorter calibration times improved the agreement of cardiac output pulse contour estimates with thermodilution. Use of minimally invasive pulse contour methods in intensive care monitoring could benefit from prospective studies evaluating calibration protocols. The applied pulse contour analysis method and thermodilution showed poor agreement to monitor changes in cardiac output.
Adaptive Navigation for Self-assessment Quizzes

Web-based parameterized quizzes provide teachers and students with several advantages as the technology for self-assessment. However, the effect of these advantages is strongly reduced, if a student does not receive enough support and cannot see her/his progress during the course. We have developed the system QuizGuide, which attempts to solve this problem by navigating students through the quiz material of the course in adaptive way. Architecture, interface and plans of future system development are described here. The paper also presents first results of system evaluation.
Age Differences in Proactive Newcomer Socialization Strategies in Two Populations

We investigated the role of age as a predictor of newcomer socialization behaviors, and documented relationships between specific strategies and subsequent role-relevant outcomes. Academic and retail newcomer populations were each surveyed over three time periods. A negative relationship was found between age and covert forms of information seeking in both samples. Further, the use of covert information seeking was related to lower subsequent levels of role clarity and job satisfaction.
Effect of associative rules on the dynamics of conceptual combination in a neurodynamical model

Most models of thought are based on the idea of associative memory: The combination of distinct concepts through their association with each other based on experience. Thus, the pattern of associations in the mind is thought to be a critical factor in determining the ideas - both familiar and unfamiliar - that thought can generate. The Itinerant Dynamics with Emergent Attractors (IDEA) model has been proposed as a computational representation of the process by which ideas might emerge in an associative memory system. However, the effect of how “association” is defined in this context remains an important unexplored issue. In this paper, we consider three different ways of defining associations between concepts based on their joint usage in texts, and show that these lead to very different dynamics in the process of emergent conceptual combinations. We use data from two real-world text corpora to instantiate the model: The collected poems of Dylan Thomas, and the Memoirs of the economist Ludwig von Mises. The two sources differ greatly in the nature of their content as well as the statistics of their word usage, which makes them interesting subjects for comparison.
Preparation of sarcolemmal membrane from myocardial tissue culture monolayer by high-velocity gas dissection

A high-velocity stream of nitrogen is used to simultaneously disrupt myocardial cells in monolayer culture and fractionate their sarcolemmal membranes. The membranes show a high degree of ultrastructural and enzymatic purity, with less than 1 percent intracellular residuum. They are produced in less than 1 second and remain as tightly adherent sheets on the surface on which the cells were grown. The cells are exposed to no agent other than nitrogen gas during the preparative procedure.
SU‐GG‐T‐112: Segment‐Modulated Arc Radiation Therapy: Single Arc Inverse Planning with Binary Programming and Exact Leaf‐Sequencing Algorithm

Purpose: The challenge of arc radiation therapy inverse planning mainly comes from the increased optimization problem size and the strong MLC constraints due to the fast gantry rotation. Many optimization algorithms have been proposed in the literature with different strengths and drawbacks while an ultimate solution is yet to be found. Method and materials: In this paper, we propose a novel inverse planning algorithm referred to as segment‐modulated arc radiation therapy (SMART). The optimization problem has a quadratic dose objective, and the decision variables include binary status (open or close) of each beamlet and the segment weight for each field. In the optimization process, each iterate is decomposed into the following steps: (1) A small number of (typically 36) binary MLC patterns are created by the binary simulated annealing algorithm, which are then used to generate trial aperture shapes for the 180 control points in the 360 degree arc; (2) A fast pattern‐decompose algorithm is then applied to generate an aperture for each of the 180 control points under the constraint of MLC hardware; (3) The dose distribution is calculated by using the apertures and the beamlet‐kernels and then the planning objective are evaluated; (4) Go to step 1 if the convergence condition is not met; Otherwise, save the plan. Results: The proposed approach was demonstrated using a pancreas case and a prostate case and compared with DAO method. Our results show that the method produces a highly conformai IMRT plan, which requires ∼ 3 minute to deliver. Conclusion: The derived plans achieve dose distributions equivalent or superior to the direct‐aperture optimization (DAO) based arc therapy treatment planning.
Local Thinning at a Die Entry Radius During Hot Gas-Pressure Forming of an AA5083 Sheet

Splitting at regions of local thinning below die entry radii is a critically important mechanism of failure in hot gas-pressure forming of sheet materials. Local thinning is controlled by sheet-die friction and die geometry, as well as sheet material properties. In this study, local thinning is investigated at a particularly severe die entry radius during hot forming of a fine-grained AA5083 sheet at 450°C. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship between local thinning and sheet-die friction conditions. A simple analysis of the mechanics of this thinning phenomenon is presented. Finite element simulation results are presented for different sheet-die friction conditions. Sheet thickness profiles measured from parts produced in forming experiments using three different lubrication conditions are compared with predictions from simulations. Simulation predictions agree well with experimental data for the occurrence and location of thinning below a die entry radius. Additional insights into sheet-die friction for controlling local thinning and preventing premature necking failure are detailed.
Removal of Aromatic Pollutant Surrogate from Water by Recyclable Magnetite-Activated Carbon Nanocomposite: An Experiment for General Chemistry

A general chemistry laboratory experiment using readily available chemicals is described to introduce college students to an exciting class of nanocomposite materials. In a one-step room temperature synthetic process, magnetite nanoparticles are embedded onto activated carbon matrix. The resultant nanocomposite has been shown to combine the adsorption ability of the activated carbon and the magnetic properties of the magnetite nanoparticles, enabling its application as a fast, effective, low-cost, and recyclable aromatic water pollutant adsorbent. This quality is illustrated by its rapid removal of the surrogate “pollutants”, made of several dyes in the Fisher universal indicator, within 2–3 min. A successful “pollutant” removal is indicated by the absence of the rainbow colors because of the presence of the “pollutants” in the “polluted” water when different quantities of an acid or a base are added. The nanocomposite’s reusability as the “pollutant” adsorbent is demonstrated after its used surface is re...
The Social and Policy Context of Curing Syphilis: Commentary on Francis (2013)

The article by Francis (2013) suggesting that the development of a new syphilis cure (penicillin) contributed to increasingly unsafe sexual behaviors raises several interesting questions, especially in light of the fact that curing HIV is now a strategic priority of both the International AIDS Society and the National Institutes of Health. Investigating how new sexually transmitted infection (STI) cures may have unintended consequences requires a careful analysis of previous STIs such as syphilis. However, Francis’ study had two shortcomings. First, Francis’ argument about a decreasing‘‘cost of syphilis’’ ignored the persistent stigma associated with syphilis in the post-penicillin era. The study under-emphasized the moral and social context of syphilis. Stigma associated with syphilis remains a powerful social force with direct public health implications (Lichtenstein, 2003; Tucker & Tuminez, 2011). Second, Francis misconstrued the potential role of deteriorating VD control and prevention systems in understanding subsequent behavioral changes. The early 1950s saw massive cuts in U.S. VD curative and behavioral funds (Green,Talbot, & Morton, 2001). Federal VD funds shrank from over 17 million dollars in 1949 to 3 million dollars in 1955 (Anderson, 1965). Prematurely decreasing funds for behavioral prevention likely played some role in subsequent behavioralchanges.Penicillindidindeedrepresenta transformative watershed moment in controlling syphilis, but this moment must be interpreted within the social and institutional context of the period. As HIV cures move from the bench to the clinic (Hutteretal.,2009;Persaudetal.,2013;Saez-Cirionetal.,2013), consideration of unintended consequences on individual behaviors and population-based control programs will be critical.
Certainties Undone: Fifty Turbulent Years of Legal Anthropology, 1949-1999 [*]

This article reviews the broadening scope of anthropological studies of law between 1949 and 1999, and considers how the political background of the period may be reflected in anglophone academic perspectives. At the mid-century, the legal ideas and practices of non-Western peoples, especially their modes of dispute management, were studied in the context of colonial rule. Two major schools of thought emerged and endured. One regarded cultural concepts as central in the interpretation of law. The other was more concerned with the political and economic milieu, and with self-serving activity. Studies of law in non-Western communities continued, but from the 1960s and 1970s a new stream turned to issues of class and domination in Western legal institutions. An analytic advance occurred when attention turned to the fact that the state was not the only source of obligatory norms, but coexisted with many other sites where norms were generated and social control exerted. This heterogeneous phenomenon came to be called ‘legal pluralism’. The work of the half-century has culminated in broadly conceived, politically engaged studies that address human rights, the requisites of democracy, and the obstacles to its realization.
William Faulkner: The Making of a Modernist

This intellectual biography of William Faulkner traces the author's attempts to liberate himself from the repressive Victorian culture in which he was raised by embracing the Modernist culture of the artistic avant-garde. Daniel Singal argues that, to accommodate the conflicting demands of these two cultures, Faulkner created a complex and fluid structure of selfhood based on a set of dual roles - one, a Modernist author writing on the most daring and subversive issues of his day, and the other, a southern country gentleman loyal to the conservative mores of his community. Indeed, Singal says, it is in the clash between these two selves that one finds the key to making sense of Faulkner and his work.
Inductive-nomological explanations and psychological laws

This paper explores some major conceptions of non-deductive explanations, with special reference to the ability of these conceptions to account for some important types of psychological explanations. The central focus is on a kind of tendency generalization and the nature of the explanations that are made possible by generalizations of this sort. It is argued that although these generalizations cannot plausibly be cast in the Hempelian form ‘P(G, F) = r’, they are lawlike, and the explanations they ground can have a degree of explanatory power commensurate with exhibiting the phenomenon to be explained as ‘nomically expectable’.
The genetic basis of pupal colour dimorphism and its maintenance by natural selection in Papilio polyxenes (Papilionidae: lepidoptera)

The genetic basis of pupal colour dimorphism in the swallowtail Papilio polyxenes was studied by surveying the frequencies of brown and green pupae in broods from 23 wild caught females, and by selecting for production of brown and green pupae. It was concluded that the genetic basis of the dimoprhism is a threshold trait with quantitative genetic variation underlying the two phenotypes. It was further concluded that the dimorphism is maintained in nature by weak stabilising selection, thus explaining the occurrence of mismatches between pupal and background colour.
Stability and accuracy of waterhammer analysis

Abstract The first-order accurate explicit finite-difference scheme based on the method of characteristics (MOC) has been widely used for the analysis of waterhammer in pipelines. For the stability of this scheme, the Courant condition has been developed by neglecting the nonlinear terms. When the friction loss term is large, this scheme becomes unstable even if the Courant stability is satisfied. In this paper, the stability and accuracy including friction are investigated by systematically analyzing typical piping systems over a wide range of parameters and empirical stability limits are presented for practical applications. In addition, the suitability of the implicit finite difference method for transient analysis is investigated.
An open architecture for transport-level protocol coordination in distributed multimedia applications

We consider the problem of flow coordination in distributed multimedia applications. Most transport-level protocols are designed to operate independently and lack mechanisms for sharing information with other flows and coordinating data transport in various ways. This limitation becomes problematic in distributed applications that employ numerous flows between two computing clusters sharing the same intermediary forwarding path across the Internet. In this article, we propose an open architecture that supports the sharing of network state information, peer flow information, and application-specific information. Called simply the coordination protocol (CP), the scheme facilitates coordination of network resource usage across flows belonging to the same application, as well as aiding other types of coordination. The effectiveness of our approach is illustrated in the context of multistreaming in 3D tele-immersion where consistency of network information across flows both greatly improves frame transport synchrony and minimizes buffering delay.
Meshfree modeling of dynamic response of mechanical structures

Transient nature of the loading conditions applied to the structural components makes dynamic analysis one of the important components in the design-analysis cycle. Time-varying forces and accelerations can substantially change stress distributions and cause a premature failure of the mechanical structures. In addition, it is also important to determine dynamic response of the structural elements to the frequency of the applied loads. In this paper we describe the first application of the meshfree Solution Structure Method (SSM) to the structural dynamics problems. SSM is a meshfree method which enables construction of the solutions to the engineering problems that satisfy exactly all prescribed boundary conditions. This method is capable of using spatial meshes that do not conform to the shape of a geometric model. Instead of using the grid nodes to enforce boundary conditions, it employs distance fields to the geometric boundaries and combines them with the basis functions and prescribed boundary conditions at run time. This defines unprecedented geometric flexibility of the SSM as well as the complete automation of the solution procedure. In the proposed approach we will use SSM to enforce initial and boundary conditions, while transient behavior is enforced by time marching schemes used to solve systems of ordinary differential equations. In the paper we will explain the key points of the SSM as well as investigate the accuracy and convergence of the proposed approach by comparing our results with the ones obtained using traditional finite element analysis. Despite in this paper we are dealing with 2D in-plane vibrations, the proposed approach has a straightforward application to model vibrations of 3D structures.
Augmenting a Design Repository to Facilitate Product Family Planning

A Design Repository has been created in an effort to archive existing products and the components in each product. With this function-based archiving system, designers can retrieve design information on existing products to assist in a new design project. The use of product families has emerged as an approach to exploit commonality for more efficient product development. However, the Design Repository does not contain explicit design information on platforms and modules. This paper describes information for the design of a platform and proposes a new data structure that organizes the information for augmenting the Design Repository. An information flow model for the development of a single product is modified to describe the flow of information needed for product platform design. The information flow model and associated data structure has been shown to be effective in representing three common product families: the Black & Decker Firestorm tool set, Kodak single-use cameras, and the IceDozer family of ice scrapers. With this data structure implemented into the existing repository, designers can find useful information on how to create different products based on the a common platform.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Filtration characteristics of charged alumina membranes for methanogenic waste

For the purpose of selecting or developing appropriate inorganic membranes for methane fermentation membrane bioreactors, the relationship between surface charge of the inorganic membrane and filtration characteristics of methanogenic waste was examined. The zeta potential of alumina membranes with 0.5 μm pores was controlled to negative, zero and positive, respectively, in the methanogenic waste by surface treatment. Cross-flow filtration experiments showed that negatively charged alumina membranes had twice the filtration flux of positively charged membranes when waste was fed to the membrane at 3.0 m·s–1. And it was found that the influence of membrane charge on filtration flux resulted from the influence of membrane charge on the hydraulic resistance of Rp, which was attributed to the plugging of suspended particles in the feed during filtration.
Prostate cryotherapy: current status.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Minimally invasive options to treat low-risk prostate cancer are more desirable than radical therapy. Technological improvements in cryotherapy have increased its use, and long-term data on its efficacy are emerging. In this review, we discuss contemporary data on cryotherapy with specific focus on studies using the newest technology. RECENT FINDINGS With respect to biochemical recurrence rates, cryotherapy appears to be as effective for low-risk prostate cancer as other treatment modalities. The definition of recurrence remains problematic, though contemporary studies are more consistently using both the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology and Phoenix criteria. Erectile dysfunction rates are universally high after whole-gland cryoablation, but incontinence and urethrorectal fistula rates appear to be low with third-generation cryo systems. Focal cryotherapy has encouraging short-term efficacy in terms of biochemical disease-free survival rate for unifocal disease, and rates of erectile dysfunction are dramatically lower than those seen with whole-gland cryoablation. SUMMARY Cryosurgery has a promising role in primary and salvage treatment of select prostate cancer patients. Focal cryotherapy for unilateral disease offers the added benefit of minimal adverse effects. Long-term data are emerging to support cryosurgery, and large multicenter databases have been developed to answer questions regarding optimal treatment outcomes and patterns.
Strict Structural Requirements for Cholesterol to Inhibit BK Channels Point to Specific Steroid-Protein Interactions

Cholesterol decreases large conductance, voltage/calcium-gated potassium (BK) channel activity (NPo), an action that solely requires the channel pore-forming (α) subunit and a minimum phospholipid environment (Crowley et al., 2003). This cholesterol action is attributed to cholesterol-induced tight packing of bilayer lipids (Chang et al., 1995). Cholesterol modulation of ion channels via direct protein-steroid interactions, however, is increasingly recognized (Epshtein et al., 2009). Cholesterol analogs have been widely used to distinguish between lipid bilayer-mediated and specific protein recognition mechanisms. Thus, we probed cholesterol analogs on BK α subunits cloned from rat cerebral artery myocytes (“cbv1”; AY330293) after channel reconstitution into 3:1 (w/w) POPE:POPS bilayers. Cholesterol (33 mol%) decreased cbv1 NPo by ≈25%. In contrast, 5-cholenic acid-3β-ol, having a carboxyl group at the lateral chain end, failed to decrease NPo, underscoring the importance of a hydrophobic chain for sterol insertion into the bilayer hydrophobic core and channel inhibition. Coprostanol and cholestanol having the A/B junction in cis and trans, respectively, also decreased NPo (≤25%). In contrast, cholesterol, coprostanol and cholestanol epimers, having the C3-hydroxyl group in α-configuration, failed to decrease NPo. Therefore, a β-conformation in the hydroxyl is necessary for these monohydroxy-sterols to inhibit BK channels, strongly suggesting specific, steroid-protein interactions. Moreover, we probed the cbv1 channel with enantiomeric cholesterol (ent-cholesterol), which has physico-chemical properties similar to those of cholesterol yet can be differentially sensed by protein sites, as demonstrated by the lack of viability of C. Elegans when only ent-cholesterol is present (Crowder et al., 2001). Remarkably, ent-cholesterol repeatedly failed to reduce cbv1 NPo, buttressing the idea that cholesterol inhibition of BK channels requires steroid recognition by protein site(s), likely present in the cbv1 subunit itself.Support: AA11560 and HL077424 (AMD), UTHSC Neuroscience Postdoctoral Fellowship (AB).
Trends in Socioeconomic Inequalities in Mortality in Developing Countries: The Case of Child Survival in Sao Paulo, Brazil

I examined trends in socioeconomic inequalities in under-five mortality for the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, over a 21-year period from 1970 to 1991, during which much of the mortality transition unfolded. During this time, there was a decline in inequality in under-five mortality by household wealth but a substantial increase by mother’s education. Improvements in infrastructure and economic development were associated with lower levels of socioeconomic inequality in under-five mortality. Mother’s education emerged as the key factor underlying socioeconomic inequalities in under-five mortality even as levels of education for women increased and inequality in schooling fell.
Interval forecasts and parameter uncertainty

Forecast intervals generalize point forecasts to represent and incorporate uncertainty. Forecast intervals calculated from dynamic models typically sidestep the issue of parameter estimation. This paper shows how to construct asymptotic forecast intervals which incorporate the uncertainty due to parameter estimation. Our proposed solution is a simple proportional adjustment to the interval endpoints, the adjustment factor depending on the asymptotic variance of the interval estimates. Our analysis is in the context of a forecasting equation with an error independent of the forecasting variables but with unknown distribution. The methods are illustrated with a simulation experiment and an application to the US monthly unemployment rate.
Halfway Houses for Alcoholics: A Review, Analysis, and Comparison with Other Halfway House Facilities

Eight halfway houses for alcoholics were surveyed and compared to other halfway houses for alcoholics, and halfway houses for the non-alcoholic mentally ill, as described in previous studies. The halfway houses for alcoholics surveyed in the present report may be separated into two principal groups: (a) a self-supporting profit-oriented type with an autonomous owner-operator, and (b) a board-controlled and supported type usually receiving group or institutional support. Regardless of group membership, however, none of the halfway houses for alcoholics in the present study matched the high standards set by halfway houses for the non-alcoholic mentally ill as described in other reports. Recent events indicate that halfway houses will be responsible for an increasing portion of persons requiring a structured, supportive or sheltered environment. This paper examines the ability of halfway houses for alcoholics to provide adequate residential care services. Additionally, disparities between alcoholism and non-alcoholism halfway houses regarding staffing, professionalised orientation, and adjunct services are scrutinised. The effectiveness of halfway houses is analysed, and suggestions for future utilisation of alcoholic halfway houses are advanced.
Holographic nondestructive testing with impact excitation.

Review of some experimental results of bond flaw detection in composite materials by holographic recording of the surface of samples subjected to mechanical impact. The resulting deformation of the samples recorded in a sequence of double exposure holograms at increasingly longer time intervals after impact renders the presence of flaws observable. A proposed deformation enhancement technique increases detection sensitivity and is helpful in visualizing smaller flaws.
Oceanic control of Northeast Pacific hurricane activity at interannual timescales

Sea surface temperature (SST) is not the only oceanic parameter that can play a key role in the interannual variability of Northeast Pacific hurricane activity. Using several observational data sets and the statistical technique of multiple linear regression analysis, we show that, along with SST, the thermocline depth (TD) plays an important role in hurricane activity at interannual timescales in this basin. Based on the parameter that dominates, the ocean basin can be divided into two sub-regions. In the Southern sub-region, which includes the hurricane main development area, interannual variability of the upper-ocean heat content (OHC) is primarily controlled by TD variations. Consequently, the interannual variability in the hurricane power dissipation index (PDI), which is a measure of the intensity of hurricane activity, is driven by that of the TD. On the other hand, in the Northern sub-region, SST exerts the major control over the OHC variability and, in turn, the PDI. Our study suggests that both SST and TD have a significant influence on the Northeast Pacific hurricane activity at interannual timescales and that their respective roles are more clearly delineated when sub-regions along an approximate north?south demarcation are considered rather than the basin as a whole.
A prospective evaluation of the use of emergency department computed tomography for suspected acute appendicitis.

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is used increasingly to evaluate suspected cases of acute appendicitis (AA) in the emergency department (ED). This prospective study was performed to test the hypothesis that the evaluation of AA by CT in the ED remains suboptimal and that erroneous interpretation diminishes its utility. Methods: Consecutive patients 18 years of age or older were enrolled prospectively if AA was among the first three differential diagnoses listed in the record of patients undergoing evaluation of abdominal pain in the ED. Imaging of the abdomen and pelvis was obtained at the discretion of the ED staff or consultant surgeon. Initial CT interpretation was by a radiology resident or fellow along with the surgical staff, but final review by an attending radiologist occurred later. Age, gender, presenting symptoms, white blood cell (WBC) count, final CT results, and final pathology (for patients undergoing operation) were recorded. X ± SEM, p < 0.05 by χ2, ANOVA, or MANOVA was used for stat...
Accelerating motion of geometric and spherical particles in a fluid

Abstract The equations of motion for spherical and geometric particles were integrated assuming that the drag coefficient on the particles during unsteady state motion was of a similar functional form as for steady state. Charts are presented which predict the distance travelled by an object, falling vertically downward in a fluid, in order to reach 90% of its terminal velocity. Correlation equations are also given which predict the distance travelled as a function of the drag coefficient at terminal velocity and the sphericity of the particle. The analysis presented is restricted to dense objects falling in less dense fluids and ignores the effects of the accelerating motion of the fluid surrounding the object, namely the effect of apparent mass. The case when such effects may influence the motion of the particles is discussed and a modification to the procedure is suggested.
Analysis of Emerging NDE Techniques: Methods for Evaluating and Implementing Continuous Online Monitoring

There are approximately 440 operating reactors in the global nuclear power plant (NPP) fleet with an average age greater than 20 years and original design lives of 30 or 40 years. The United States is currently implementing license extensions of 20 years on many plants, and consideration is now being given to the concept of “life-beyond-60”, license extension from 60 to 80 years and potentially longer. In almost all countries with NPPs, authorities are looking at some form of license renewal program. In support of NPP license renewal over the past decade, various national and international programs have been initiated. One of the goals of the program for the proactive management of materials degradation (PMMD) is to manage proactively the in-service degradation of metallic components in aging NPPs. As some forms of degradation, such as stress corrosion cracking, are characterized by a long initiation time followed by a rapid growth phase, new inspection or monitoring technologies may be required. New nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques that may be needed include techniques to find stress corrosion cracking (SCC) precursors, on-line monitoring techniques to detect cracks as they initiate and grow, as well as advances in NDE technologies. This paper reports on the first part of the development of a methodology to determine the effectiveness of these emerging NDE techniques for managing metallic degradation. This methodology will draw from experience derived from evaluating techniques that have “emerged” in the past. The methodology will follow five stages: a definition of inspection parameters, a technical evaluation, laboratory testing, round robin testing, and the design of a performance demonstration program. This methodology will document the path taken for previous techniques and set a standardized course for future NDE techniques. This paper then applies the expert review section of the methodology to the acoustic emission technique to evaluate the use of acoustic emission in performing continuous online monitoring of reactor components.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Experimental evaluation of assistive behaviors for man-portable robots

Man portable robots have been fielded extensively on the battlefield to enhance mission effectiveness of soldiers in dangerous conditions. The robots that have been deployed to date have been teleoperated. The development of assistive behaviors for these robots has the potential to alleviate the cognitive load placed on the robot operator. While full autonomy is the eventual goal, a range of assistive capabilities such as obstacle detection, obstacle avoidance, waypoint navigation, can be fielded sooner in a stand-alone fashion. These capabilities increase the level of autonomy on the robots so that the workload on the soldier can be reduced. The focus of this paper is on the design and execution of a series of scientifically rigorous experiments to quantifiably assess operator performance when operating a robot equipped with some of these assistive behaviors. The experiments helped to determine a baseline for teleoperation and to evaluate the benefit of Obstacle Detection and Obstacle Avoidance (OD/OA) vs. teleoperation and OD/OA with Open Space Planning (OSP) vs. teleoperation. The results of these experiments are presented and analyzed in the paper.
In vitro response of human gingival epithelioid S-G cells to minocycline

Minocycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic used in the treatment of acne and periodontal disease and to control inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, has recently been shown to induce a spectrum of adverse health effects. In the light of these contradictory data, this research was directed to provide basic information on the toxicology of minocycline, using in vitro cell culture models, and to evaluate its efficacy in periodontal therapies, particularly for wound healing. The human gingival epithelioid S-G cell line was used as the bioindicator. The greater toxicity of minocycline over doxycycline and tetracycline, related antimicrobial agents, probably correlated with its higher lipophilicity. The cytotoxicity of minocycline was unaffected by an S9 hepatic microsomal fraction, indicating that it is a direct-acting, rather than a metabolism-mediated, cytotoxicant. In comparative toxicity studies, much variation in the degree of sensitivity to minocycline was noted for different cell types. No correlation in the extent of sensitivity to minocycline and the physiologic state of the bioindicator cell (normal, transformed or malignant) was noted. The toxicity of minocycline to the S-G cells was dependent on its concentration and length of exposure. For a continuous 3-day exposure of the S-G cells to minocycline, the midpoint cytotoxicity (or, NR(50)) value, as quantified in the neutral red (NR) assay, was 204 microg/ml on day 1, 84 microg/ml on day 2, and 59 microg/ml on day 3. For a 1-h exposure of the S-G cells in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), the NR(50) value was 780 microg/ml minocycline. Although a 1-h exposure in PBS to 200 microg/ml minocycline exerted some toxicity, the S-G cells recovered on exposure to growth medium; irreversible, progressive damage occurred at 400 microg/ml minocycline and greater. Minocycline, at 50 microg/ml, enhanced attachment of the S-G cells to a gelatin-coated surface and cell migration towards an immobilized fibronectin gradient, both biologic parameters important in periodontal wound healing. Minocycline generally had little or no effect on production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), by non-activated S-G cells, the exception being stimulation of IL-6 at 48 h. IL-1beta, however, greatly stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 production, which was further increased by concurrent exposure to minocycline. This suggested that minocycline may enhance the ability of gingival epithelial cells to participate in the early, inflammatory phase of periodontal wound healing. The limitation of minocycline efficacy to a rather narrow window of concentration, centering about 50 microg/ml, and primarily for short-term exposures may possibly explain, in part, the contradictory clinical data on the health effects of this drug.
Structural basis of glyphosate tolerance resulting from mutations of Pro101 in Escherichia coli 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase.

Glyphosate, the world's most used herbicide, is a massive success because it enables efficient weed control with minimal animal and environmental toxicity. The molecular target of glyphosate is 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), which catalyzes the sixth step of the shikimate pathway in plants and microorganisms. Glyphosate-tolerant variants of EPSPS constitute the basis of genetically engineered herbicide-tolerant crops. A single-site mutation of Pro101 in EPSPS (numbering according to the enzyme from Escherichia coli) has been implicated in glyphosate-resistant weeds, but this residue is not directly involved in glyphosate binding, and the basis for this phenomenon has remained unclear in the absence of further kinetic and structural characterization. To probe the effects of mutations at this site, E. coli EPSPS enzymes were produced with glycine, alanine, serine, or leucine substituted for Pro101. These mutant enzymes were analyzed by steady-state kinetics, and the crystal structures of the substrate binary and substrate·glyphosate ternary complexes of P101S and P101L EPSPS were determined to between 1.5- and 1.6-A resolution. It appears that residues smaller than leucine may be substituted for Pro101 without decreasing catalytic efficiency. Any mutation at this site results in a structural change in the glyphosate-binding site, shifting Thr97 and Gly96 toward the inhibitor molecule. We conclude that the decreased inhibitory potency observed for glyphosate is a result of these mutation-induced long-range structural changes. The implications of our findings concerning the development and spread of glyphosate-resistant weeds are discussed.
Ki 67 is an independent predictive biomarker of cancer specific and local recurrence-free survival after lung tumor ablation.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of histopathological analysis of tissue extracted on multitined electrodes and assess whether tissue characteristics can be used as biomarkers of oncologic outcomes after lung tumor radiofrequency (RF) ablation. Treatment-related data regarding RF ablation of lung malignancies at our institution was collected using a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant ablation database. Institutional review board waiver was obtained for this study. Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue extracted from the electrodes after lung tumor RF ablation was performed for proliferation (Ki-67) and apoptosis (caspase-3). Patient, tumor demographics, and ablation parameters were recorded. Local tumor progression-free survival (LPFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan–Meier methodology. Multivariate analysis determined factors affecting these oncological outcomes. A total of 47 lung tumors in 42 patients were ablated; 30 specimens were classified as coagulation necrosis (CN) and 17 as Ki-67-positive (+) tumor cells (viable). Tumor sizes were similar in the CN and Ki-67+ groups (P = 0.32). Median LPFS was 10 versus 16 months for Ki-67+ and CN groups, and 1-year LPFS was 34 and 75 %, respectively (P = 0.003). Median OS was 20 and 46 months (P = 0.12), and median DSS was 20 and 68 months (P = 0.01) for the Ki-67 + and CN groups, respectively. Identification of Ki-67+ tumor cells more than tripled the risk of death from cancer [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.65; 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI), 1.34–9.95; P = 0.01] and tripled the risk of local tumor progression (LTP) (HR = 3.01; 95 % CI, 1.39–6.49; P = 0.005). Ki-67+ tumor cells on the electrode after pulmonary tumor RF ablation is an independent predictor of LTP, shorter LPFS, and DSS.
Calculation of neutrino flux from Cygnus X-3.

We estimate the flux of neutrinos produced by protons accelerated by the compact partner in Cygnus X-3. Such neutrinos are produced in collisions with the atmosphere of the companion, and there can be substantial modulation due to absorption in the companion. The resulting flux of upward muons induced by neutrinos in rock below an underground detector is at the level of 1 per 1000 ${\mathrm{m}}^{2}$ per year.
An optimal boundary to quadtree conversion algorithm

An algorithm is presented for converting a boundary representation for an image to its region quad-tree representation. Our algorithm is designed for operation on the linear quadtree representation, although it can easily be modified for the traditional pointer-based quadtree representation. The algorithm is a two phase process that first creates linear quadtree node records for each of the border pixels. This list of pixels is then sorted by locational code. The second processing phase fills in the nodes interior to the polygons by simulating a traversal of the corresponding pointer-based quadtree. Three previous algorithms [Same80, Mark85a, Atki86] have described similar conversion routines requiring time complexity of O(n.B)for at least one of the two phases, where B is the number of boundary pixels and n is the depth of the final tree for a 2" x 2" image. A fourth algorithm [Webb84] can perform the border construction of this conversion in time O(n+B) with the restriction that the polygon must be positioned at constrained locations in the image space. Our algorithm requires time O(n + B) for the second phase, which is optimal. The first phase can be performed using the algorithm of [Webb84] for total conversion time of O(n + B) with constrained location, or in time O(B log B) using a simple sort to order the border pixels with no restriction in polygon location.
RARE EARTH AND OTHER ABUNDANCES IN THE MURCHISON CARBONACEOUS METEORITE

The abundances of 27 elements are reported for the Murchison meteorite. Nine of these elements (Al, Ca, Fe, Mn, Na, K, Cr, Co, and Sc) have been determined previously for different Murchison specimens. Abundances for 18 elements (In, Cd, V, Y, and REE) are new data for this meteorite. The chemical composition is similar to the type II carbonaceous chondrites, particularly on the basis of REE, Mn, and In abundances.
Deep Impact: mission design approach for a new Discovery mission

Abstract Deep Impact is a new NASA Discovery mission to launch in early 2004. This paper discusses the mission design strategies for this unique mission, which will target a 500-kg impactor into a comet nucleus at a speed of 10 km / s , in order to reveal the subsurface materials and structure. Trajectory designs are shown for reaching comet P/Tempel 1 near perihelion at its 2005 apparition and for the approach and flyby trajectories of the flyby spacecraft, which carries the impactor up to 24 h before impact. The mission and encounter timelines are discussed for the events of the cruise, approach, and encounter phases of the mission, including the strategies for observing the impact and returning the data to Earth.
On the speed of gravity and relativistic v/c corrections to the Shapiro time delay

Abstract Recent papers by Samuel [S. Samuel, Phys. Rev. Lett. 90 (2003) 231101; S. Samuel, Int. J. Mod. Phys. D 13 (2004) 1753] declared that the linearized post-Newtonian v / c effects are too small to have been measured in the recent experiment involving Jupiter and quasar J 0842 + 1845 [S.M. Kopeikin, Astrophys. J. Lett. 556 (2001) L1; E.B. Fomalont, S.M. Kopeikin, in: E. Ros, R.W. Porcas, A.P. Lobanov, J.A. Zensus (Eds.), Proc. 6th European VLBI Network Symp., MPIfR, Bonn, 2002 pp. 49–52, gr-qc/0206022; E.B. Fomalont, S.M. Kopeikin, Astrophys. J. 598 (2003) 704] that was used to measure the ultimate speed of gravity defined as a fundamental constant entering in front of each time derivative of the metric tensor in the Einstein gravity field equations. We describe our Lorentz-invariant formulation of the Jovian deflection experiment and confirm that v / c effects are do observed, as contrasted to the erroneous claim by Samuel, and that they vanish if and only if the speed of gravity is infinite.
Intestinal mucinous substances in gastric intestinal metaplasia and carcinoma studied by immunofluorescence

Immunofluorescent studies using specific antisera against intestinal mucins revealed small intestinal mucin antigen (SIMA) and large intestinal mucin antigen (LIMA) in areas of intestinal metaplasia of the stomach. In 25 gastric carcinomas studied, both these antigens were detected in seven carcinomas, SIMA only was present in four and LIMA in only four cases; the antigens could not be detected in ten of the carcinomas. In 21 of the 25 gastric operation specimens, including the 15 carcinomas positive for intestinal mucin antigens, there was evidence of chronic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. These immunohistologic observations confirm the results of recent histochemical studies that both small and large intestinal type mucins are present in intestinal metaplasia and gastric carcinomas. Our findings provide further evidence that at least a proportion of gastric carcinomas may supervene on intestinal metaplasia. The absence of one or both antigens in gastric carcinomas may indicate stages of dedifferentiation or alternatively differences in histogenesis.