cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nerve-muscle relations in the salamander: Possible relevance to nerve regeneration and muscle specificity

Abstract Esterase staining of the region of motor nerve endings in the limb and head muscles of two species of salamander has shown that most muscle fibers are innervated at several points along their length. The stained structures resemble en grappe endings of frog slow muscle but the electrophysiological characteristics of salamander muscle are closer to the frog twitch fibers. This kind of neuromuscular system, which combines multiple innervation with some features of fast muscles, closely resembles that found in the pectoral fin musculature of teleost fish. In both fish and salamanders regeneration of mixed muscle nerve trunks is followed by the orderly recovery of muscular coordination. Previous investigations of the reinnervation of fish fin muscles have suggested that nerves tend to re-establish connection selectively with the muscle which they originally supplied. It was proposed that this may be possible because the multiple innervation would allow for interaction between endings from different motoneurons which come together on one muscle cell. Demonstration of the existence of a similar innervation pattern in salamander limb muscles suggests the possibility of selectivity in the formation of nerve-muscle connections in these animals as well.
High-resolution stimulated Raman gain spectrum of the ν1 band of SF6☆

Abstract We report rotationally resolved stimulated Raman gain spectra of the ν 1 band of SF 6 . The fundamental band exhibits a rigid-rotor type spectrum that is readily fit with a band origin of Δ α = 774.5445 and a single rotational term Δ β = −1.10376 × 10 −4 cm −1 . We also observed and analyzed the ν 1 + ν 6 hotband with band origin at 774.1820 cm −1 . With an experimental resolution of 0.0024 cm −1 there is no evidence for centrifugal distortion or tensor splitting in either band, although the ν 1 + ν 6 band does exhibit first-order Coriolis splitting as expected.
Calibration of Remotely Sensed Proportion or Area Estimates for Misclassification Error

Abstract Classifications of remotely sensed data contain misclassification errors that bias areal estimates. Monte Carlo techniques were used to compare two statistical methods that correct or calibrate remotely sensed areal estimates for misclassification bias using reference data from an error matrix. The inverse calibration estimator was consistently superior to the classical estimator using a simple random sample of reference plots. The effects of sample size of reference plots, detail of the classification system, and classification accuracy on the precision of the inverse estimator are discussed. If reference plots are a simple random sample of the study area, then a total sample size of 500–1000 independent reference plots is recommended for calibration.
Reactions of α-amino acid-N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) with organometallic palladium(0) and platinum(0) compounds: structure of a metallated NCA product and its role in polypeptide synthesis

Pt(COD)2 and two equivalents of PEt3 were reacted with l-tert-leucine N-carboxyanhydride to yield the NH oxidative addition product, H(PEt3)2Pt(O) (1). The structure and identity of 1 were determined by X-ray crystallography. Pt(COD)2 and two equivalents of PEt3 were also reacted with Nα-carbobenzyloxy-l-phenylalanine NCA to yield the OC5 oxidative addition product, (PEt3)2 (2). When 1 was reacted with excess γ-benzyl-l-glutamate-N-carboxyanhydride (Glu NCA) in THF at room temperature, poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) was formed in good yield, but with no control over polymer molecular weight. NMR studies showed that the N-carboxyanhydride ligand of 1 was responsible for polymerization initiation, which confirmed that metallated N-carboxyanhydrides, or ‘activated monomers’ are active, albeit inefficient, initiating species in NCA polymerizations.
AutoTutor: A simulation of a human tutor

AutoTutor is a computer tutor that simulates the discourse patterns and pedagogical strategies of a typical human tutor. AutoTutor is designed to assist college students in learning the fundamentals of hardware, operating systems, and the Internet in an introductory computer literacy course. Most tutors in school systems are not highly trained in tutoring techniques and have only a modest expertise on the tutoring topic, but they are surprisingly effective in producing learning gains in students. We have dissected the discourse and pedagogical strategies these unskilled tutors exhibit by analyzing approximately 100 hours of naturalistic tutoring sessions. These mechanisms are implemented in AutoTutor. AutoTutor presents questions and problems from a curriculum script, attempts to comprehend learner contributions that are entered by keyboard, formulates dialog moves that are sensitive to the learner's contributions (such as short feedback, pumps, prompts, elaborations, corrections, and hints), and delivers the dialog moves with a talking head. AutoTutor has seven modules: a curriculum script, language extraction, speech act classification, latent semantic analysis, topic selection, dialog move generation, and a talking head.
Combustion-Assisted CO2 Capture Using MECC Membranes

Mixed Electron and Carbonate ion Conductor (MECC) membranes have been proposed as a means to separate CO{sub 2} from power plant flue gas. Here a modified MECC CO{sub 2} capture process is analyzed that supplements retentate pressurization and permeate evacuation as a means to create a CO{sub 2} driving force with a process assisted by the catalytic combustion of syngas on the permeate side of the membrane. The combustion reactions consume transported oxygen, making it unavailable for the backwards transport reaction. With this change, the MECC capture system becomes exothermic, and steam for electricity production may be generated from the waste heat. Greater than 90% of the CO{sub 2} in the flue gas may be captured, and a compressed CO{sub 2} product stream is produced. A fossil-fueled power plant using this process would consume 14% more fuel per unit electricity produced than a power plant with no CO{sub 2} capture system, and has the potential to meet U.S. DOE's goal that deployment of a CO{sub 2} capture system at a fossil-fueled power plant should not increase the cost of electricity from the combined facility by more than 30%.
INTERSTELLAR MAGNETIC FIELD SURROUNDING THE HELIOPAUSE

This paper presents a three-dimensional analytical solution, in the limit of very low plasma β-ratio, for the distortion of the interstellar magnetic field surrounding the heliopause. The solution is obtained using a line dipole method that is the integration of point dipole along a semi-infinite line; it represents the magnetic field caused by the presence of the heliopause. The solution allows the variation of the undisturbed magnetic field at any inclination angle. The heliosphere is considered as having blunt-nosed geometry on the upwind side and it asymptotically approaches a cylindrical geometry having an open exit for the continuous outflow of the solar wind on the downwind side. The heliopause is treated as a magnetohydrodynamic tangential discontinuity; the interstellar magnetic field lines at the boundary are tangential to the heliopause. The interstellar magnetic field is substantially distorted due to the presence of the heliopause. The solution shows the draping of the field lines around the heliopause. The magnetic field strength varies substantially near the surface of the heliopause. The effect on the magnetic field due to the presence of the heliopause penetrates very deep into the interstellar space; the depth of penetration is of the same order of magnitude as the scale length of the heliosphere.
Trapping, detection and reaction of very large single molecular ions by mass spectrometry

RECENT developments have made electrospray-ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry1–3 an important technique for measuring molecular weights and studying the structures of large molecules of relative molecular masses approaching 200,000 (Mr 200K). Analysis of still larger molecules is difficult, however: to obtain a mass/charge ratio within the detectable limits, the ions must bear several charges, but a collection of ions of differing multiple charges presents a spectrum that is hard to interpret. This problem would be avoided if sufficient sensitivity can be achieved to detect individual molecules. Here we describe a technique that realizes this sensitivity for molecules of Mr to ~7 x 106, and which has the potential to be extended to Mr≈109. We use ESI and Fouriertransform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry4 to obtain repeated measurements of the mass-to-charge ratio of single, highly charged molecular ions. We are able to observe stepwise changes in the charge of an isolated ion owing to its reaction with small molecules introduced into the detection cell. This technique should have wide applications for characterization of polymers and large biomolecules.
Desquamative gingivitis and its response to topical triamcinolone therapy.

Abstract A concept of desquamative gingivitis has been expressed. The condition probably is a reflection, clinically, of a variety of etiologic factors—both local and somatic in origin; in the majority of cases these influences cannot be elicited with clarity, and it is necessary to direct therapy to local alleviation of the gingival manifestations. The topical administration of triamcinolone acetate in Orabase constituted an effective form of therapy. The histopathologic characteristics of desquamative gingivitis include the detachment of epithelium, either intra- or subepithelially, with a variably severe connective tissue inflammatory reaction; it is difficult to collate this response to a specific etiologic agent.
Newspaper Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composite:

As an effort to reuse old newspaper, a newspaper fiber-reinforced polypro pylene (NPF/PP) composite was made. The effects of the manufacturing conditions, addi tives, and interfacial modification on the mechanical properties of the composites were in vestigated. A method of applying newspaper sheet directly to polypropylene without any pretreatment was developed. Experimental results revealed the composites made from this method were twice as strong as the polypropylene without newspaper. Other natural fibers, such as recycled corrugated board, chemical wood pulp, thermomechanical pulp, and cotton pulp were also found to have reinforcing properties for polypropylene. Signifi cant improvement in the mechanical properties has been achieved by blending less than 2 % of carbon fiber with the NPF/PP composites.
On the ?filterable aggregates and other particles? interpretation of the extraordinary regime of polyelectrolytes

Quasi-elastic light scattering studies on some polyelectrolyte systems exhibit a somewhat “bizarre” behavior in the profile of the apparent diffusion coefficient Dapp as a function of the salt concentration Cs. As Cs is decreased, Dapp first increases in accordance with polyelectrolyte theories, and then undergoes a precipitous drop in value by over an order of magnitude at a well-defined critical value Cs = C. This “transition” from Cs > C (ordinary) to Cs < C (extraordinary) is referred to as the “ordinary-extraordinary” (o-e) transition. Ghosh, Peitzsch, and Reed [(1992) Biopolymers, Vol. 32, pp. 1105–1122] proposed a “filterable aggregate” (FA) and “other particle” interpretation for the o-e transition and its reversibility in regard to ionic strength changes. The present communication examines in detail the FA model as applied to the o-e transition. It is shown that the FA model fails to account of the established characteristics of the o-e transition. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Study of tracheal dyskinesia impact on the cardiac hemodynamics.

ABSTRACT Background Tracheal dyskinesia (TD) was recently recognized as a possible mechanism for acute pulmonary edema (Elamin and Firdose, J Bronchol 2004;11:118–21; Khan and Elamin Eur Respir J 2005;26:319). This study was designed to evaluate possible impact of TD on cardiac hemodynamics. Methods Patients were prospectively assigned to either study “A” or control “B” groups (TD >50% or Results Thirteen patients were assigned to group A and 14 to group B. There was higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and history of congestive heart failure in group A compared with group B. The percentage of TD was 85% ± 10.0% versus 25% ± 2.5%, in the A and B groups, respectively ( P P P P Conclusion This prospective study demonstrated the importance of recognizing TD as a pathologic entity and the need to consider TD in the workup of acute pulmonary edema especially if other tests were unrevealing.
Site-Specific Targeting of Platelet-Rich Plasma via Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles

Hypothesis: Location of PRP delivery can be monitored and controlled in vivo with noninvasive tools. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) can be visualized by both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (in vivo) and fluorescence microscopy (after tissue harvesting). PRP was labeled with SPIONs and administered by intramuscular injections of SPION-containing platelets. MRI was used to monitor the ability to manipulate and retain the location of PRP in vivo by placement of an external magnet. Platelets were isolated from whole blood and incubated with SPIONs. Following SPION incubation with PRP, a magnetic field was used to manipulate platelet location in culture dishes. In vivo, the tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with SPION-containing platelets, and MRI was used to track platelet position with and without a magnet worn over the TA muscles for 4 days. Results: The method used to isolate PRP yielded a high concentration (almost 4-fold increase) of platelets. In vitro experiments showed that the platelets successfully took up SPIONs and then rapidly responded to an applied magnetic field. Platelets without SPIONs did not respond to the magnetic field. In vivo experiments showed that the SPION-containing platelets can be noninvasively maintained at a specific site with the application of a magnetic field. Conclusion: PRP may be a useful product in the clinical treatment of muscle injuries, but one problem with using it as a therapeutic tool is retaining PRP at the site of injury. This study proposes a potential solution, with findings that support this method at the cell, whole muscle, and in vivo levels. Controlling the location of PRP will allow the clustering of PRP to enrich the target area with growth factors and will prevent loss of platelets over time at the site of injury.
On the sojourn time distribution in a finite capacity processor shared queue

We consider a processor shared M/M/1 queue that can accommodate at most a finite number K of customers. Using singular perturbation techniques, we construct asymptotic approximations to the distribution of a customer's sojourn time. We assume that K is large and treat several different cases of the model parameters and also treat different time scales. Extensive numerical comparisons are used to back up our asymptotic formulas.—Author's Abstract
Wave motions in rotating helium II

Abstract A general account is given of wave propagation in uniformly rotating He II. A formal solution is presented for the four types of waves which occur in the interior of the fluid: first sound, second sound, inertial waves, and vortex waves. Boundary-layer solutions are not considered in detail. Several special cases are solved to illustrate the mechanics and to gauge the magnitude of small effects. The results are applicable to ordinary fluids as well as to He II.
Interfacial electrochemistry of cytochrome c at a lipid bilayer modified electrode: effect of incorporation of negative charges into the bilayer on cyclic voltammetric parameters

Abstract The electrochemistry of cytochrome c at a gold electrode modified with a self-assembled lipid bilayer membrane has been investigated at different ionic strengths, using the electrically neutral lipid egg phosphatidylcholine (PC), either alone or in combination with various amounts of the negatively charged surfactant dihexadecylphosphate (DHP − ). The results demonstrate that even electrically neutral PC membranes, at low lipid concentrations and a low ionic strength of the electrolyte, interact with oxidized cytochrome c strongly enough to support an electron transfer reaction between the protein and the electrode. The addition of negatively charged molecules of DHP − to the lipid bilayer causes large changes in the shape of the cyclic voltammetry curves, and increases the values of the limiting currents. The observations support the electrostatic nature of the interaction between cytochrome c and the lipid bilayer, and also indicate that the adsorption of protein molecules at a bilayer surface influences the process of electron transfer as well. The experimental data have been interpreted using both the linear (macroscopic) and radial (microscopic) models of protein diffusion to the electrode surface, resulting in an electrochemical rate constant in the range of quasi-reversibility (10 −3 cm s −1 ) or reversibility ( ⪢ 1 cm s −1 ), depending on the model used, and demonstrating that the pathway of cytochrome diffusion can be effectively controlled by the DHP −1 concentration.
An overview of trunking techniques in mobile radio systems

Conservation of the RF spectrum has become increasingly important as the demand for two-way communications has continued its rapid growth. Trunking, a well-known technique for improving the efficiency of communications systems, is being applied to mobile radio to allow a greater number of radios per frequency than in conventional systems. An introduction to trunking theory is presented, including curves which apply to trunked mobile radio systems. Techniques used to implement trunked radio systems are discussed, and their merits compared. An experimental comparison of similar trunked and non-trunked systems showed more than a 30:1 improvement in the quality of service, as well as 113% more efficient use of the RF spectrum on the trunked system.
Inconsistencies on U.S. Departments of Health Websites Regarding Anal Use of the Female Condom.

The female condom (FC) is FDA approved to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections during vaginal intercourse, but not for use during anal intercourse. Studies suggest that a sizeable proportion of men who have sex with men use the FC for anal intercourse despite lack of safety and efficacy information. We reviewed Department of Health (DOH) websites for U.S. states (n = 50) and major municipalities (population >500,000; n = 29) regarding anal use of the FC. Forty-eight (60.8 %) websites mentioned the FC, of which only 21 (45.8 %) mentioned anal use. Of those that mention anal use, 8 (38.1 %) supported, 13 (61.9 %) were neutral, and 1 (4.8 %) discouraged this use. Ten websites (47.6 %) provided instructions for anal use of the FC-ranging from removal of the inner ring, leaving the inner ring in place, and either option. In the absence of safety and efficacy data, U.S. DOH websites are providing different and often contradictory messages about the FC for anal sex.
KinectSBR: A Kinect-Assisted 3D Sketch-Based 3D Model Retrieval System

How to draw 3D sketches and how to search 3D models based on a hand-drawn 3D sketch are interesting but challenging questions. In this demonstration, we try to answer them by developing a novel Kinect-assisted 3D sketch-based 3D model retrieval system which also allows users to freely draw 3D sketches in a 3D space. We demonstrate its promising potentials in both collecting 3D sketch data and conducting 3D sketch-based 3D model retrieval.
Total Cross Sections and Impact-Parameter Dependence of X-Ray Production in Ion-Atom Collisions

Extensive experimental data on the production of inner-shell vacancies have been acquired during the past few years. A rather complete picture of the production systematics from very light elements at low energies to very heavy elements at energies of several hundred MeV has emerged. A survey of some of these results for the energy and charge-state dependence of the total cross sections and of the impact-parameter dependence P(b) of the inner shell vacancy production process are presented and compared with theoretical predictions. A number of open questions in the field are discussed and a few suggestions for further work are given.
Fibronectin comes to the fore in thrombus growth

Comment on Cho and Mosher, page [3555][1] Thrombi in conditional fibronectin knock-out mice continuously shed platelets and exhibit slowed growth and decreased stability. Cho and Mosher report results from in vitro studies that identify the molecular mechanisms for these effects and define the role
MULTIPLE DISTURBANCES ACCELERATE CLONAL GROWTH IN A POTENTIALLY MONODOMINANT BAMBOO

Organisms capable of rapid clonal growth sometimes monopolize newly freed space and resources. We hypothesize that sequential disturbances might change short-term clonal demography of these organisms in ways that promote formation of monotypic stands. We examined this hypothesis by studying the clonal response of Arundinaria gigantea (giant cane, a bamboo) to windstorm and fire. We studied giant cane growing in both a large tornado-blowdown gap and under forest canopy, in burned and unburned plots, using a split-block design. We measured density of giant cane ramets (culms) and calculated finite rates of increase (λ) for populations of ramets over three years. Ramet density nearly doubled in stands subjected to both windstorm and fire; the high ramet densities that resulted could inhibit growth in other plants. In comparison, ramet density increased more slowly after windstorm alone, decreased after fire alone, and remained in stasis in controls. We predict that small, sparse stands of giant cane could spread and amalgamate to form dense, monotypic stands (called “canebrakes”) that might influence fire return intervals and act as an alternative state to bottomland forest. Other clonal species may similarly form monotypic stands following successive disturbances via rapid clonal growth.
Predicative foundations of arithmetic

L'A. resout le probleme selon lequel les mathematiques predicatives, fondees par Poincare et Weyl sur le systeme des nombres naturels, presupposeraient des principes impredicatifs point de vue de la theorie des ensembles. L'A. defend la validite d'une axiomatisation predicative de l'arithmetique, fondee sur les concepts de categoricite, d'existence et de structure isomorphique, formules dans le cadre de la theorie elementaire des ensembles finis et des classes (EFSC)
Validity of Selection Criteria in Determining Success of Graduate Students in Psychology

Summary.-A set of 6 predictor variables was validated against a discrete criterion measuring success in graduate study in psychology. The predictors were: total undergraduate grade-point average, grade-point average in psychology courses, the three GREs, and a rating of the college in which the baccalaureate degree was earned. The criterion was uichotomized into: two success-level categories and a failure category. Multiple discriminant analysis of the data, based on a sample of 77 students who had been admitred to graduate study in psychology at the University of Rhode Island, yielded a statistically significant value of D2 (P < .001). The greatest weight in providing the maximum separation among the three criterion groups was assumed by total GPA, GREAdvanced score, and grades in undergraduate psychology courses. Among the most common predictors of success in graduate study have been the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and undergraduate grade-point average (GPA). Recently, peer ratings and self-ratings have been shown to yield significant validity coefficients in predicting success of first-year graduates in psychology (Wiggins, N., et al., 1968). By and large, however, the validity of prediction systems for determining success in graduate programs has been criticized because the reported validity coefficients have been generally low. A recent dalogue in the form of an exchange of letters has dealt specifically with this issue. Schagrin (1969) first argued that faculty letters of recommendation replace the cumulative grade-point average on the basis that the latter has been shown in published research findings (Hoyt, 1965; Miller, 1965) to suffer from serious defects as a predictor of graduate success. Evidently, his letter prompted considerable reaction of the readers of Science in opposing this point of view. Subsequently, he withdrew his proposal to replace GPA with letters of recommendation but continued to argue against the use of undergraduate GPA as a predictor on the basis that: (1) graduate grades are severely restricted in the range of their distributions; (2) the major concern of graduate schools is attrition, not the grades earned by graduate students; and (3) correlations between GPA and vocational or occupational success are near zero. As Angoff (1969) was quick to point out in a further letter to Science, Schagrin's later arguments are focussed upon faults possessed by the criterion measures, not the predictors. We are in agreement with Angoff's point of view, and in the conduct of our study, we have chosen to use undergraduate GPA as a predictor, but we have also been careful in the selection of a discrete dependent variable. The GREs have been employed in the selection of graduate students on a rather extensive basis during the past two decades. However, their use has been
Preoperative Chemoradiation Followed by Transanal Excision for Rectal Cancer

Background This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of preoperative chemoradiation followed by transanal excision among patients with locally advanced lower rectal cancer. Methods Between May 1994 and June 2005, 73 patients with locally advanced lower rectal cancer were treated with curative intent by preoperative chemoradiation followed by surgical resection. Transanal excision was performed in 9 patients due to either the absolute refusal of a permanent stoma by the patient (n = 8) or medical comorbidity (n = 1). Sixty-four patients were treated by radical proctectomy. Preoperative 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy and pelvic radiation (4500 to 5040 cGy) were followed by surgery 6 wk after treatment, and all patients except one with transanal excision received postoperative 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy during the first year after surgery. Results The mean follow-up period was 91 mo (range, 50 to 127 mo); median follow-up was 94 mo. One local recurrence occurred at 30 mo after transanal excision (11.1%); 5 in 64 patients who received radical proctectomy (7.8%) experienced local recurrences. The disease-free survival rate at 10 y was 77.8% in transanal excision group compared with a rate of 62.7% among radical proctectomy patients (P = 0.335). The overall survival rate at 10 y was 88.9% in transanal excision group compared with 74.2% among radical proctectomy patients (P = 0.424). Conclusions Transanal excision after preoperative chemoradiation in highly-selected patients with locally advanced lower rectal cancer could probably be an acceptable alternative to conventional radical surgery. However, this approach should be prospectively validated, and strict patient selection criteria should be used.
Comprehensive assessment of determinant specificity, frequency, and cytokine signature of the primed CD8 cell repertoire induced by a minor transplantation antigen.

T cell immunity is often focused on one peptide segment of a complex protein Ag, with other epitopes inducing weaker, low frequency responses or no responses at all. Such determinant hierarchy has been well characterized for MHC class II-restricted CD4 cell immunity, but is less well understood for class I-restricted CD8 cell responses. We studied class I determinant recognition in a skin transplant model with β-galactosidase (β-gal) as a minor transplantation Ag. CD8 T cells from C57BL/6 mice that rejected congenic C57BL/6 β-gal transgenic skin were tested in enzyme-linked immunospot assays for recall responses to single-step, overlapping, 9-mer peptides that spanned a 94-aa region of the β-gal sequence. This approach provided every possible class I-restricted peptide for CD8 cell recognition, allowing us to define the in vivo frequency of CD8 cells specific for each of the 86 individual peptides. While four peptides were predicted to bind to the K b or D b molecules, only one (β-gal 96–103 ) actually induced an immune response. No peptides outside of the motifs were recognized. Tolerization to β-gal 96–103 significantly prolonged β-gal transgenic skin graft survival, confirming its immune dominance. Therefore, single-determinant dominance characterized this CD8 cell response. The data demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale, comprehensive, class I determinant mapping, an approach that should be indispensable in measuring CD8 cell immunity in humans.
Geometric mouse variation: Implications to the axial ulnar loading protocol and animal specific calibration

Large variations in axial ulnar load strain calibration results suggest that animal-specific calibrations may be necessary. However, the optimal set of geometric measures for performing an animal-specific calibration are not known, potentially as a result of confounding effects associated with experimentally introduced variation. The purpose of this study was to characterize the inherent variability of ulnar geometric measures known to influence periosteal midshaft strain during axial ulnar exogenous loading, and to further quantify the relationship between the variance of those geometric measures and periosteal strain during axial loading. Thirty-nine right mouse forelimbs were scanned with microCT. Seven geometric measures that influence periosteal strain resulting from a combined axial and bending loading were computed and used to estimate animal-specific strains on the periosteal midshaft. Animal specific strains were estimated using a theoretical model based on the generalized flexure formula. The predicted mean and standard deviation of the simulated midshaft strain gauge measurement resulting from the inter-animal geometric differences was � 9857148 μe/N. The complete beam bending term associated with bending about the I min axis accounted for 89% of the variance and reduced the residual RMSE to 50.4 μe. Eccentricity associated with the axial loading contributed a substantial portion of variation to the computed strain suggesting that calibration procedures to account for animal differences should incorporate that variable. The method developed in this study provides a relatively simple procedure for computing animal-specific strains using microCT scan data, without the need of a load/ strain calibration study or computationally intensive finite element models. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Electronics for deep space cryogenic applications

Deep space probes and planetary exploration missions require electrical power management and control systems that are capable of efficient and reliable operation in very cold temperature environments. Typically, in deep space probes, heating elements are used to keep the spacecraft electronics near room temperature. The utilization of power electronics designed for and operated at low temperature will contribute to increasing efficiency and improving reliability of space power systems. At NASA Glenn Research Center, commercial-off-the-shelf devices as well as developed components are being investigated for potential use at low temperatures. These devices include semiconductor switching devices, magnetics, and capacitors. Integrated circuits such as digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters, DC/DC converters, operational amplifiers, and oscillators are also being evaluated. In this paper, results will be presented for selected analog-to-digital converters, oscillators, DC/DC converters, and pulse width modulation (PWM) controllers.
The observed motion of a sphere through a short, rotating cylinder of fluid

The drag on a sphere has been measured as it moves through a slightly viscous fluid contained in a rotating cylinder that is short compared to the length of ‘Taylor columns’ created by the sphere motion. These results suggest that only when inertia effects are very much smaller than both viscous and Coriolis forces are the results of Moore & Saffman (1968) approached. Flow field observations show qualitative agreement with many of the features described in their paper but differ sufficiently to warrant a further, fairly extensive discussion. These differences are characterized by a marked fore and aft asymmetry in the shear layer and boundary-layer flows for all values of the parameters covered by this study.
Enhanced Characteristics of Genetically Modified Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) for High Biofuel Production

Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most promising renewable and clean energy resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. However, the resistance to accessibility of sugars embedded in plant cell walls (so-called recalcitrance) is a major barrier to economically viable cellulosic ethanol production. A recent report from the US National Academy of Sciences indicated that, “absent technological breakthroughs”, it was unlikely that the US would meet the congressionally mandated renewable fuel standard of 35 billion gallons of ethanol-equivalent biofuels plus 1 billion gallons of biodiesel by 2022. We here describe the properties of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) biomass that has been genetically engineered to increase the cellulosic ethanol yield by more than 2-fold. We have increased the cellulosic ethanol yield from switchgrass by 2.6-fold through overexpression of the transcription factor PvMYB4. This strategy reduces carbon deposition into lignin and phenolic fermentation inhibitors while maintaining the availability of potentially fermentable soluble sugars and pectic polysaccharides. Detailed biomass characterization analyses revealed that the levels and nature of phenolic acids embedded in the cell-wall, the lignin content and polymer size, lignin internal linkage levels, linkages between lignin and xylans/pectins, and levels of wall-bound fucose are all altered in PvMYB4-OX lines. Genetically engineered PvMYB4-OX switchgrass therefore provides a novel system for further understanding cell wall recalcitrance. Our results have demonstrated that overexpression of PvMYB4, a general transcriptional repressor of the phenylpropanoid/lignin biosynthesis pathway, can lead to very high yield ethanol production through dramatic reduction of recalcitrance. MYB4-OX switchgrass is an excellent model system for understanding recalcitrance, and provides new germplasm for developing switchgrass cultivars as biomass feedstocks for biofuel production.
Marriage Encounter: A Critical Appraisal

This paper describes and evaluates the Marriage Encounter movement from theoretical and clinical perspectives. While acknowledging that Marriage Encounter responds to a need among many couples for greater marital closeness, the authors raise concerns about potentially destructive and illusory effects of the Marriage Encounter experience. The paper calls for more dialogue between professionals and leaders of the Marriage Encounter movement as well as for empirical evaluations of the program's effects.
Selective load redistribution in packet-switched networks

A design is presented for rerouting existing sessions (virtual circuits) under certain conditions to improve the routing performance. The authors call this mechanism selective load redistribution (SLRD). SLRD is a fully distributed algorithm which redistributes sessions in parallel at different nodes by carefully selecting the amount of traffic to be switched. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated by a simulation model. The results for several sample networks show that the algorithm performs very well even though the information available to the nodes for route computation may not be completely accurate. >
Multidimensional least-squares fitting of fuzzy models

Abstract We describe a new method for the fitting of differentiable fuzzy model functions to crisp data. The model functions can be either scalar or multidimensional and need not be linear. The data are n -component vectors. An efficient algorithm is achieved by restricting the fuzzy model functions to sets which depend on a fuzzy parameter vector and assuming that the vector has a conical membership function. The fuzzy model function, equated to zero, defines a fuzzy hypersurface in the n -space. The model fitting is done in a least-squares sense by minimizing the squares of the deviations from unity of the membership values of the fitted hypersurface at the observed points. Under the outlined restriction, the problem can be reduced to an ordinary least-squares formulation for which software is available. Application of the new method is illustrated by two examples. In one example, we are concerned with the hazards caused by enemy fire on armor. An important item of information for the assessment of the involved risks is a predictive model for the hole size in terms of physical properties of the projectile and target plate, respectively. We use a non-linear fuzzy model function for this analysis. The second example involves a linear model function and is of theoretical interest because it allows comparison of the new method with a previously developed method.
A positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopic study of the corrosion protective properties of epoxy coatings

Abstract Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) was used to measure the free volume cavity sizes and free volume fractions of bisphenol A and polyglycol diepoxide crosslinked epoxy coatings on steel before and after saturation with liquid water at 23°C. The effect of water saturation on the coatings' free volume was studied under the assumptions: (i) the free volume is the major pathway by which water passes through an intact coating, (ii) water uptake is related to the corrosion protective properties of polymer coatings. A linear relationship was found between the equilibrium volume fraction of water absorbed and the dry relative free volume fraction of bisphenol A epoxy coatings. The free volume cavity sizes and the number of free volume cavities per unit volume of these epoxies decreased by 3–4% and 3–19%, respectively, when fully water saturated. These decreases are ascribed to the occupation of 13–17% of the free volume cavities by 2–4 water molecules per cavity. The small percentage of free volume occupied by water and the small number of water molecules capable of filling vouds after water saturation correlate to the high 0.01 Hz impedance values and the ‘better’ corrosion protection of these coatings than the polyglycol diepoxide coatings, suggesting that water passes through the bisphenol A epoxy coatings by slower diffusion in the connected free volume cavities. The free volume cavity sizes of polyglycol diepoxide coatings were found to increase by 4–14% after water saturation. This increase is ascribed to the expansion of the free volume cavities by water, which is substantiated by the macroscopic swelling observed in the coatings. An inverse, linear relationship was observed between the equilibrium water uptake and the relative free volume fraction of the coatings. This result indicates that other factors (solvent interactions and swelling), not the magnitude of the free volume fraction, affect the amount of water absorbed by epoxy coatings. Increases in the free volume cavity sizes of the polyglycol diepoxide coatings after water saturation correlate to the low 0.01 Hz impedance values and the ‘poorer’ corrosion protection of these coatings than the bisphenol A epoxy coatings. Increases in the free volume cavity sizes suggest that water creates additional free volume (defects) in polyglycol diepoxide coatings allowing easy migration of water to the coating-metal interface.
Hemagglutination with the GDVII strain of mouse encephalo myelitis virus.

SummarySuspensions of mouse brain infected with the GDVII strain of mouse encephalomyelitis virus cause agglutination of human Group O RBC at 4°C. Anti-GDVII virus serum inhibits hemagglutination by the agent as also does anti-FA virus serum. GDVII virus is adsorbed by human RBC at 4°C and rapidly elutes from them at 37°C. Three strains of poliomyelitis virus failed to show any evidence of hemagglutination.
Cell-type-specific isolation of ribosome-associated mRNA from complex tissues

Gene profiling techniques allow the assay of transcripts from organs, tissues, and cells with an unprecedented level of coverage. However, most of these approaches are still limited by the fact that organs and tissues are composed of multiple cell types that are each unique in their patterns of gene expression. To identify the transcriptome from a single cell type in a complex tissue, investigators have relied upon physical methods to separate cell types or in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Here, we describe a strategy to rapidly and efficiently isolate ribosome-associated mRNA transcripts from any cell type in vivo. We have created a mouse line, called RiboTag, which carries an Rpl22 allele with a floxed wild-type C-terminal exon followed by an identical C-terminal exon that has three copies of the hemagglutinin (HA) epitope inserted before the stop codon. When the RiboTag mouse is crossed to a cell-type-specific Cre recombinase-expressing mouse, Cre recombinase activates the expression of epitope-tagged ribosomal protein RPL22ha, which is incorporated into actively translating polyribosomes. Immunoprecipitation of polysomes with a monoclonal antibody against HA yields ribosome-associated mRNA transcripts from specific cell types. We demonstrate the application of this technique in brain using neuron-specific Cre recombinase-expressing mice and in testis using a Sertoli cell Cre recombinase-expressing mouse.
Precision Burn Trauma Medicine: Application for Molecular Engineering Science

range, the kinetic energy of the molecules in the cell plasma membrane exceeds the hydration energy barrier that holds phospholipids in the membrane as a supramolecular assembly [4, 5]. In effect, the heated membrane forms defects and becomes indiscriminately permeable, or “porous” to ions. Once permeabilized, the cell attempts to maintain the transmembrane ionic gradients by increasing the activity of cellular energy pumps, resulting in the rapid depletion of cellular energy charge. Unless the membrane defects are sealed before the degradation processes exceed certain limits, the permeabilized cell will lose viability. Because the cell plasma membrane is one of the most thermally labile cell structures, yet is critical for cell viability, tissue loss from thermal injury is heavily mediated by cell membrane disruption [4]. Protein structure tends to be more stable against thermal fluctuation than the lipid assembly in the cell plasma membrane due to stronger bonding forces. The melting temperatures of common structural proteins actin (intracellular) and collagen (extracellular), measured by near-equilibrium healing kinetics, have been reported at 67 °C and 58 °C respectively, well above the melting temperature of the cell plasma membrane. However, the melting temperature of protein denaturation is highly dependent on tissue density, macromolecular crowding, and the temperature history. Once thermal denaturation occurs, the exposed hydrophobic regions interact, resulting in biomolecular aggregation and alteration of both cell water structure and metabolic dynamics. Unless corrected, cell death followed by tissue necrosis will inexorably occur.
Examining differential item functioning trends for English language learners in a reading test: A meta-analytical approach

In this study, differential item functioning (DIF) trends were examined for English language learners (ELLs) versus non-ELL students in third and tenth grades on a large-scale reading assessment. T...
Contraceptive counseling and teens.

This article focuses on the necessities in contraceptive counseling for teens. It provides pointers for healthcare providers focusing on the environment education counseling on misconceptions and side effects and lists numerous questions to ask to find out the best contraceptive method for the teen.
LCAO-MO Cluster Model for Localized States in Covalent Solids

In this contribution we will be concerned with a theoretical description of the effect of isolated defects and impurities in an otherwise perfect crystalline covalent solid. One of the main effects of the defect or impurity is to create localized electronic states about itself as distinguished from the delocalized Bloch states which extend throughout the perfect crystal. These localized states have associated with them, energy levels in the gap between the valence and conduction bands (in “band language”) or in the gap between the bonding and anti-bonding orbital s of the solid (in “bond language”).
Near-surface radar pulse propagation in complex terrain environments: preliminary results

In a previous study Liu and Arcone [1] discussed the effects of a near-surface thin layer on the lateral propagation of a radar pulse with 2-dimensional numerical models. They concluded that the near-surface stratigraphic structure plays an important role when it combines with different antenna polarization modes. Numerical modeling successfully simulated the wavefield dispersion caused by the existence of the surface thin layer. In this paper the analysis has been extended to include the azimuthal effects in radiation patterns with the use of a 3- dimensional (3-D) pseudospectral time domain (PSTD) numerical modeling technique to understand radar pulse propagation in a similarly complex environment. In these preliminary test cases, the propagation of radar pulse generated by a horizontal dipole aligned with the r-direction was modeled in 3 dimensions. The model of material properties includes (i) a uniform half-space with either higher or lower conductivity, and (ii) a thin dielectric layer overlaid on the half space. A significant electric field in the vertical direction (Ez-field) was observed in the end-tire direction for all cases. As predicted by the analytic solution, the Ex-field reaches the minimum in the end-fire direction and maximum in the broadside direction. The thin layer complicates the waveform; however, the fundamental radiation patterns remain the same with the half-space case. We will model the effect of geometric and material heterogeneities for more complicated terrain environments in the near future.
New Euroregional Territories, Old Catalanist Dreams? Articulating Culture, Economy and Territory In the Mediterranean Arc

This article analyses the history of the Euroregionalist idea of a so-called Mediterranean Arc. By tracing historical debates about the economic integration of neighbouring Catalan-speaking regions in the North-western Mediterranean, I explore how economic restructuring and cultural regionalism/ nationalism can be synthesized within the `New Regionalist' politics of the economic macroregion or Euroregion. Emerging European regions are at the centre of theoretical debates about state rescaling and new regionalism. Recent scholarship now points past structurally overdetermined interpretations of regionalization — focused exclusively on economic globalization, European integration, and state institutions — towards empirically rich, cultural-economic analyses exploring how economy and culture are dialectically co-constituted and articulated relationally. I offer such a case-study of the century-old Catalan national project of integrating Valencia with Catalunya as the core of a wider macroregion, now called t...