cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Astrophysics: Surprisingly fast motions in a dust disk

A recently commissioned planet-finding instrument has been used to study a young solar system around the star AU Microscopii, leading to the discovery of rapidly moving features in the dust disk around the star. See Letter p.230 High-contrast imaging of the active young star AU Microscopii reveals five mysterious large-scale features in the southeast side of its 'debris disk', moving away from the star at a projected speed of 4–10 kilometres per second. The so-called debris disks found around stars in the 1980s were thought to be byproducts of planet formation as they often exhibited morphological and brightness asymmetries that may have resulted from gravitational perturbation by planets. This assumption was proven correct for the β Pictoris system, but the exact nature and origin of the fast-moving features in the AU Mic disk are unknown.
Shotcrete for structural and architectural restoration of concrete shell built in 1905

Abstract The Herbivora Building at the Cincinnati Zoo (Cincinnati is a city in southern Ohio, in the midwestern USA), presently housing elephants, giraffes and rhinos, was constructed in 1905. This unique building is one of the earliest examples of reinforced concrete shell roof construction in the United States. The building experienced severe structural and architectural deterioration over a long service life, and was restored in a series of phased projects after 75 years of service. The restoration of structural integrity and the replacement of architectural features and appearance was achieved through the use of shotcrete (also called gunite or pneumatically applied or sprayed concrete) applied to walls, teams, window openings and the dome roof structure.
Equivalence of intracellular pH of differentiating Dictyostelium cell types

During the development of the cellular slime moulds, spore and stalk cells arise from vegetative amoebae. The intracellular pH (pHi) of the developing cells has been postulated to be important in the choice of morphogenetic programmes1. This hypothesis stems from the observation that the addition to the culture medium of weak (membrane-permeable) acids or bases favours the differentiation of pre-stalk or pre-spore cells respectively1–3. Similarly, compounds that are known to inhibit a Dictyostelium plasma membrane proton pump induce preferential pre-stalk development1,4,5; and a stalk-specific Dictyostelium morphogen, ‘DIF’, has been suggested to act via intracellular acidification6,7. However, in these studies the pHi values of pre-spore and pre-stalk amoebae were unknown, and the actual effects of the various agents mentioned above on pHi were also unknown. By monitoring the intracellular fluorescence of a pH-sensitive dye, I have measured the relative intracellular pH of pre-spore compared with pre-stalk amoebae. I report here that, contrary to the above hypothesis, there is no significant difference in the pHi of the two cell types.
Detection of a small virus in a cultivated human Wilms' tumor.

After 15 months of in vitro cultivation and after “spontaneous transformation” from a fibroblastoid to epithelioid morphological appearance, a human Wilms' tumor culture was shown by electron microscopy to contain a small virus. The virus measures 45-50 mμ in diameter, contains an electron-dense nucleoid, and is surrounded by a closely adherent double-membrane. Thus, morphologically, it resembles papova viruses. Attempts to establish in vitro and in vivo activity of the virus, thus far, have been unsuccessful. Viral replication has been demonstrated only by electron microscopy in the cultivated cells where virus was first detected. Attempts are continuing to establish a biological assay for the virus and to recover similar agents from other Wilms' tumors.
MO‐E‐BRD‐01: Adapt‐A‐Thon – Texas Hold’em Invitational

Software tools for image-based adaptive radiotherapy such as deformable image registration, contour propagation and dose mapping have progressed beyond the research setting and are now commercial products available as part of both treatment planning systems and stand-alone applications. These software tools are used together to create clinical workflows to detect, track and evaluate changes in the patient and to accumulate dose. Deviations uncovered in this process are used to guide decisions about replanning/adaptation with the goal of keeping the delivery of prescribed dose “on target” throughout the entire course of radiotherapy. Since the output from one step of the adaptive process is used as an input for another, it is essential to understand and document the uncertainty associated with each of the step and how these uncertainties are propagated. This in turn requires an understanding how the underlying tools work. Unfortunately, important details about the algorithms used to implement these tools are scarce or incomplete, too often for competitive reasons. This is in contrast to the situation involving other basic treatment planning algorithms such as dose calculations, where the medical physics community essentially requires vendors to provide physically important details about their underlying theory and clinical implementation. Vendors should adopt this same level of information sharing when it comes to the tools and techniques for image guided adaptive radiotherapy. The goal of this session is to start this process by inviting vendors and medical physicists to discuss and demonstrate the available tools and describe how they are intended to be used in clinical practice. The format of the session will involve a combination of formal presentations, interactive demonstrations, audience participation and some friendly “Texas style” competition. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the components of the image-based adaptive radiotherapy process. 2. Understand the how these components are implemented in various commercial systems. 3. Understand the different use cases and workflows currently supported these tools.
Sofia 2006: Globalization, Digitization, Access, and Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Purpose – The paper seeks to provide an overview of the Sofia 2006: Globalization, Digitization, Access and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Conference held in Bulgaria, in November 2006.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a description of the environment and social setting of the conference together with a selection from the conference content and comments regarding the future of the conference.Findings – This was the largest Globenet conference to date, with participants from more than 30 nations.Originality/value – This brief conference report will be of value to library and information professionals worldwide.
Multiplicity reactivation and repair of nitrous acid-induced lesions in bacteriophage T4.

Abstract Nitrous acid-induced lesions in phage T4 were shown to be efficiently repaired by multiplicity reactivation. Mutants defective in genes 32, 46, 47, x and y showed substantially less MR † of these lesions than wild type. The gene 47 mutant, which showed the least MR of nitrous acid lesions, also showed virtually no MR of ultraviolet lesions. Mutations in genes 30, 44 and v did not affect MR of nitrous acid-induced lesions. Each of the mutations which lowered MR was shown previously to reduce recombination. Our results suggest that the gene functions employed in MR are the same functions used in genetic recombination, and, based on this, we propose a tentative recombinational model for MR. The mutants defective in genes 32, 46 and 47, which are deficient in recombination, were shown to be more sensitive to nitrous acid inactivation than wild-type phage upon single infection. Our results indicate that, in wild-type single infections, about 20% of nitrous acid-induced lethal lesions may be repaired by a recombinational post-replication form of repair.
An exploration of the effects of victim visuals on perceptions and reactions to crisis events

Abstract How news media and organizations use visual images in reports of crisis events remains relatively unexplored in spite of possible effects on perceptions of crisis responsibility and reputation. This study assessed the impact of visual condition (no visual, neutral visual, and victim visual) in two product harm crisis scenarios. Results revealed minimal effects for victim visuals. Implications for future research on visual elements and crisis communication are presented.
Courseware Is the Key: Bridging Lecture and Laboratory in General Chemistry

COURSEWARE HAS BEEN DEVELOPED to facilitate the transfer of knowledge between lecture and laboratory for General Chemistry at the University of Notre Dame. Two courseware projects are described, the first project relying on a tutorial strategy, and the second utilizing tool-based courseware which emphasized modeling and manipulation of simulated representations of chemical systems. Worksheets were also developed during the second project to guide student use of the courseware tools and to emphasize the relation of content presented in the lecture and experiments completed in the accompanying laboratory. Design and implementation of the courseware is discussed as well as a rationale for the development of the worksheet.
A bacteriocin-mediated antagonism by ruminal lactobacilli against Streptococcus bovis

Cattle that were fed an all forage diet had higher numbers of S. bovis than lactobacilli (3×107 versus 4×103). Gradual adaptation of the cattle to 80% cereal grain caused only a modest decline in ruminal pH (always≥5.6), but there was a dramatic decrease in S. bovis and an increase in lactobacilli. The lactobacilli were more resistant to low pH than the S. bovis isolates, but pH alone could not explain the antagonism between ruminal S. bovis and lactobacilli. The ruminal lactobacilli were identified as Lactobacillus fermentum, a bacterium that produces a bacteriocin. Agar overlays, zones of clearing and batch culture growth experiments supported the hypothesis that L. fermentum was producing a bacteriocin that inhibited the growth of S. bovis in the rumen.
Sleep alterations in an environmental neurotoxin-induced model of parkinsonism

Parkinson's disease (PD) is classically defined as a motor disorder resulting from decreased dopamine production in the basal ganglia circuit. In an attempt to better diagnose and treat PD before the onset of severe motor dysfunction, recent attention has focused on the early, non-motor symptoms, which include but are not limited to sleep disorders such as excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and REM behavioral disorder (RBD). However, few animal models have been able to replicate both the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. Here, we present a progressive rat model of parkinsonism that displays disturbances in sleep/wake patterns. Epidemiological studies elucidated a link between the Guamanian variant of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC) and the consumption of flour made from the washed seeds of the plant Cycas micronesica (cycad). Our study examined the effects of prolonged cycad consumption on sleep/wake activity in male, Sprague-Dawley rats. Cycad-fed rats exhibited an increase in length and/or number of bouts of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and Non-REM (NREM) sleep at the expense of wakefulness during the active period when compared to control rats. This hypersomnolent behavior suggests an inability to maintain arousal. In addition, cycad-fed rats had significantly fewer orexin cells in the hypothalamus. Our results reveal a novel rodent model of parkinsonism that includes an EDS-like syndrome that may be associated with a dysregulation of orexin neurons. Further characterization of this early, non-motor symptom, may provide potential therapeutic interventions in the treatment of PD.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND INTERSECTORAL TENSIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL OLICY IMPLEMENTATION: THE CASE OF HAZARDOUS WASTE

The focus is on the Superfund in this study on whether the intergovernmental and intersectoral tensions generated during the process of developing and implementing environmental policy lead to delays and distortions. Following a discussion of the Superfund legislation and its preconditioning role in the implementation process, the study examines cleanup implementation at four hazardous waste sites to characterize the tensions that developed. It concludes that the Superfund implementation procedures make the political climate more volatile. Tensions led to goal delays, which lead to implementation distortions. The establishment of Superfund may have initially lowered some pre-exising tensions, but procedural problems introduced new tensions. Efforts to pinpoint blame and debate over scientific/technological uncertainties were counterproductive in terms of cooperation. 25 references, 4 figures.
Science of opportunity: Heliophysics on the FASTSAT mission and STP-S26

The FASTSAT spacecraft, which was launched on November 19, 2010 on the DoD STP-S26 mission, carries three instruments developed in joint collaboration by NASA GSFC and the US Naval Academy: PISA, TTI, and MINI-ME.1,2 As part of a rapid-development, low-cost instrument design and fabrication program, these instruments were a perfect match for FASTSAT, which was designed and built in less than one year. These instruments, while independently developed, provide a collaborative view of important processes in the upper atmosphere relating to solar and energetic particle input, atmospheric response, and ion outflow. PISA measures in-situ irregularities in electron number density, TTI provides limb measurements of the atomic oxygen temperature profile with altitude, and MINI-ME provides a unique look at ion populations by a remote sensing technique involving neutral atom imaging. Together with other instruments and payloads on STP-S26 such as the NSF RAX mission, FalconSat-5, and NanoSail-D (launched as a tertiary payload from FASTSAT), these instruments provide a valuable “constellation of opportunity” for following the flow of energy and charged and neutral particles through the upper atmosphere. Together, and for a small fraction of the price of a major mission, these spacecraft will measure the energetic electrons impacting the upper atmosphere, the ions leaving it, and the large-scale plasma and neutral response to these energy inputs. The result will be a new model for maximizing scientific return from multiple small, distributed payloads as secondary payloads on a larger launch vehicle.
Halo coronal mass ejections and geomagnetic storms

In this letter, I show that the discrepancies in the geoeffectiveness of halo coronal mass ejections (CMEs) reported in the literature arise due to the varied definitions of halo CMEs used by different authors. In particular, I show that the low geoeffectiveness rate is a direct consequence of including partial halo CMEs. The geoeffectiveness of partial halo CMEs is lower because they are of low speed and likely to make a glancing impact on Earth.
Development of a flow-based ultrafast immunoextraction and reverse displacement immunoassay: analysis of free drug fractions.

A flow-based method employing a reverse displacement immunoassay was combined with ultrafast immunoextraction and near-infrared fluorescence detection for the analysis of free drug fractions, using phenytoin as a model analyte. Factors considered in the design of this method included the sample application conditions, the design of the immobilized drug analog column, the utilization of antibodies or Fab fragments as labeled binding agents, and the label application and column regeneration conditions. In the final method, sample injections led to the displacement of labeled binding agents from an immobilized phenytoin analog column. This displacement peak appeared within 20–30 s of sample injection and was proportional in size to the free phenytoin concentration in the sample. It was possible with this method to regenerate the column using only the application of additional label between sample injections. This method was used to measure clinically relevant concentrations of free phenytoin in serum and dru...
Non–super-selective Venous Sampling for Persistent Hyperparathyroidism Using a Systemic Hypocalcemic Challenge

Abstract Purpose To describe a new protocol employing an acute systemic hypocalcemic challenge (SHC) aimed at augmenting the parathyroid hormone (PTH) gradient to enable non–super-selective venous sampling (VS) in patients with persistent primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Materials and Methods In a retrospective study, 37 patients (39 studies—20 SHC, 19 super-selective VS) who underwent VS for persistent or recurrent PHPT were examined. Study patients were pretreated with intravenous hydration, diuretics, and bicarbonate to induce temporary relative hypocalcemia and then underwent non–super-selective VS targeted at large vessels within the neck and chest with rapid PTH testing. The traditional VS protocol involved super-selective VS with arteriography. Results SHC decreased ionized calcium by 0.098 mmol/L ± 0.18 ( P = .07) and increased peripheral PTH by 10.2 pg/mL ( P = .58). Positive VS gradients, defined as a ≥ 1.4-fold difference from baseline to after SHC, were detected in 95% of patients. VS findings guided successful surgery in 77% of SHC cases and 90% of super-selective VS cases; the peak gradient site was concordant with operative findings in 46% of SHC cases and 80% of super-selective VS cases. Avoidance of super-selective sampling decreased mean fluoroscopy time from 91 minutes to 33 minutes and decreased contrast material administered from 204 mL to 63 mL (both P Conclusions The SHC protocol to enable non–super-selective VS in patients with persistent PHPT had the same ability as super-selective VS to detect a positive (≥ 1.4-fold) PTH gradient, was associated with decreased accuracy in identifying the site of the adenoma compared with super-selective VS, and significantly decreased contrast material used and fluoroscopy time.
Trauma Triage: Concepts in Prehospital Trauma Care

This report examines the efficacy of current trauma triage rules to determine the exigency of field care andtransport of severely injured patients from a variety of medical populations.
The effect of impulsive preloadings on the behavior of quartz phenolic

Uniaxial strain and uniaxial stress preloadings were performed on quartz phenolic in order to assess the effect of an impulsive preload on the subsequent uniaxial stress behavior of a composite material. In these tests observable damage was limited to the phenolic matrix. As a result, postpreload experiments on the specimen under uniaxial stress correlated the dependence of the fracture strength with the extent of the damage to the phenolic matrix as well as the direction of the reload relative to the fiber layup.
Creep-rupture strength of a Ni-base superalloy at 1400 K

While NASAIR 100 is not the strongest of elevated-temperature single-crystal alloys, its higher-temperature properties are indicative of this technology's behavior. Attention is presently given to test results for this alloy which illuminate its 1400 K creep failure properties in air, and furnish a benchmark for the comparison of advanced materials to existing technology. The creep rupture behavior resembles that found after 1273 K testing, and is indicative of gamma-prime strengthening.
Scots in the North American west, 1790-1917

Although Scots have never been an exceptionally large immigrant group in North America, their presence to the West proved significant in a variety of arenas. In this unique and engaging new book, Ferenc Morton Szasz outlines the many contributions Scots have made to the development of the region.This book illuminates the many Scottish explorers, traders, adventurers, ranchers, artists, photographers, and writers who helped forge what is perhaps America's greatest cultural export-the myth of the West.
Assessing the impact of heat on the systemic delivery of fentanyl through the transdermal fentanyl delivery system.

Objectives. To examine the effects of locally applied heat on the systemic delivery of fentanyl through the Transdermal Fentanyl Delivery System. Design. Open, 2-period crossover randomized study conducted in the anesthesia department of a university teaching hospital. Method. Six healthy adult volunteers received a fentanyl 25-μg/h patch with and without local heat for 240 minutes followed by administration without heat for an additional 20 hours. Participants then crossed over. Venous blood was drawn at baseline and hourly for 24 hours. Peak plasma concentration (CMax) of fentanyl was measured and the area under the curve (AUC) of the plasma fentanyl concentration versus time post administration graph was evaluated. Results. Difference in CMax and AUC were not statistically significant over the entire 24-hour study period. However, for the 4-hour period of heat application statistically significant differences were seen in both mean CMax (heat, 0.4 ng/mL versus no heat, 0.1 ng/mL ( P = .030)) and mean AUC (heat, 40 ng/mL · min versus no heat, 10 ng/mL · min ( P = .010)). Conclusion. Local heat can speed the onset of steady state fentanyl concentration in the Fentanyl Transdermal Drug Delivery System™ thus limiting the delay in onset of analgesia and allowing earlier identification and treatment of side effects.
Methods for estimating Curie temperatures of titanomaghemites from experimentalJs-T data

Abstract Methods for determining the Curie temperature ( T c ) of titanomaghemites from experimental saturation magnetization-temperature ( J s -T ) data are reviewed. J s -T curves for many submarine basalts and synthetic titanomaghemites are irreversible and determining Curie temperatures from these curves is not a straightforward procedure. Subsequently, differences of sometimes over 100°C in the values of T c may result just from the method of calculation. Two methods for determining T c will be discussed: (1) the graphical method, and (2) the extrapolation method. The graphical method is the most common method employed for determining Curie temperatures of submarine basalts and synthetic titanomaghemites. The extrapolation method based on the quantum mechanical and thermodynamic aspects of the temperature variation of saturation magnetization near T c , although not new to solid state physics, has not been used for estimating Curie temperatures of submarine basalts. The extrapolation method is more objective than the graphical method and uses the actual magnetization data in estimating T c .
Spatially and temporally controlled biomineralization is facilitated by interaction between self-assembled dentin matrix protein 1 and calcium phosphate nuclei in solution.

Bone and dentin biomineralization are well regulated processes mediated by extracellular matrix proteins. It is widely believed that specific matrix proteins in these tissues modulate nucleation of apatite nanoparticles and their growth into micrometer sized crystals via molecular recognition at the protein-mineral interface. However, this assumption has been supported only circumstantially and the exact mechanism remains unknown. Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is an acidic matrix protein, present in the mineralized matrix of bone and dentin. In the present study we have demonstrated using synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering that DMP1 in solution can undergo oligomerization and temporarily stabilize the newly formed calcium phosphate nanoparticle precursors by sequestering them and preventing their further aggregation and precipitation. The solution structure represents the first low resolution structural information for DMP1. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies further confirmed that the nascent calcium phosphate nuclei formed in solution were assembled into ordered protein-mineral complexes with the aid of oligomerized DMP1, recombinant and native. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which DMP1 might facilitate initiation of mineral nucleation at specific sites during bone and dentin mineralization and prevent spontaneous calcium phosphate precipitation in areas in which mineralization is not desirable.
The effect of tin (IV)-protoporphyrin-IX on Bilirubin production and excretion in the rat

ABSTRACT.: Tin (IV)-protoporphyrin-IXα (tin-heme) may have use in treating neonatal jaundice. To evaluate its effect on bilirubin metabolism, we measured bile-bilirubin excretion in adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats (350-500 g). After a 4-h baseline period, tin-heme (100 umol/kg) or buffer was injected subcutaneously, and bile was collected for 19 h. Bile flow, bile salt excretion, and bile-bilirubin excretion (averaging 600 ± 60 ng/100 g/min for all animals) remained stable in the control period. Tin-heme treatment did not alter bile flow or bile salt excretion, but within 2 h bilirubin output was significantly reduced. The nadir of output was 5 h after injection when it was 380 ± 40 g/100 g/min (p < 0.001). Cumulative excretion over 19 h was reduced 30.8% (p < 0.01). To determine if tin-heme interfered with hepatic uptake or excretion of bilirubin, additional animals were administered intravenous bilirubin at 30 mg/kg/h for 3 h after tin-heme injection. Neither peak bile-bilirubin (37.4 ± 4.68, control; 38.19 ± 3.81/μg/100 g/min, treated) nor cumulative excretion (87.8 ± 4.7, control; 88.9 ± 4.2%, treated) were altered. Biliary excretion of tin-heme was measured under various experimental conditions. When administered alone, maximal excretion was 4 h after injection (4.41 ± 1.58 μg/100 g/min); by 15 h, it fell to 0.024 ± 0.011 μg/100 g/min; 20-h cumulative tin-heme excretion in bile was 21.8 ± 3.1% of the administered dose. Intravenous coadministration of albumin or albumin and bilirubin reduced the peak output but did not alter cumulative excretion of tin-heme. These data indicate that tin-heme reduces endogenous bilirubin formation but does not impair hepatic uptake and excretion. Bile is a major excretory route for tin-heme.
Numerical treatment of random polynomials

Abstract By developing a comparison theorem, the convergence and the order of convergence of iterates of solution of random algebraic equations are investigated. As a by-product of this study, the convergence of secant, Newton's and Muller's numerical schemes are analyzed as special cases.
Structures of Alfvén shocks: S-shaped magnetic hodogram observed at the magnetopause

The Alfven shock structure is obtained by a two-fluid simulation code including dissipations due to resistivity, viscosity and heat conductivity. The hodogram of the tangential magnetic field component of the simulated Alfven shock is S-shaped with a 180-deg angular rotation. This is the first simulation result to show the S-shaped hodogram associated with Alfven shocks. The S-shaped hodograms have been observed at the magnetopause (Berchem and Russell, 1982). On the basis of this result, it is proposed that the magnetopause is an Alfven shock where and when the hodogram is S-shaped and rotates 180 deg.
Mixed-cation transition metal pyrite dichalcogenides—High pressure synthesis and properties

Abstract Ternary, pyrite-type dichalcogenides Zn y Mn 1− y X 2 , Cd y Mn 1− y X 2 , Zn y Cd 1− y X 2 , Zn y Cu 1− y X 2 , Cd y Cu 1− y X 2 , Mn y Cu 1− y X 2 , Cu ∼0.75 Fe ∼0.25 S 2 , and Ni 0.4–0.6 Fe 0.6-0.4 X 2 (0 y 2 was elevated upon substitution with less than 20 a/o of Zn or Cd. A noncolinear spin structure is proposed to explain the ferromagnetism observed in the Mn y Cu 1− y X 2 compounds.
The effects of sub-acute administration of triiodothyronine (T3) on the acute toxicity of lithium in the rat

Abstract The effects of sub-acute administration of triiodothyronine (T3) on acute toxicity of lithium and body temperature were investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats. T3 in doses of 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg when given intraperitoneally once daily for six days increased the toxicity of acute lithium administration. The hypothermic effect of lithium, on the other hand, was prevented by sub-acute administration of T3. Thus, on acute toxicity, lithium and T3 were synergistic while on the temperature, they were antagonists.
Marginality and Its Directions

The concept of marginality articulated by Robert Park in “Migration and the Marginal Man” is reconstructed in order to yield a more complex general theory of marginality. Park believed marginality results when individuals in migrant groups are barred by prejudice from complete acceptance into a dominant culture. Here it is argued that the marginal person, having taken on elements of the dominant culture, also is unable to return unchanged to his or her original group. Thus, the marginal person is caught in a structure of double ambivalence: unable either to leave or to return to the original group; unable either to merge with the new group or to slough it off. Marginal persons typically react to this field of cross-cutting pressures in four directions, here termed assimilation, return, poise, and transcendence. German Jewry of the Wilhelmine era serves as a test case of the general theory of marginality. Application of the theory resolves some of the salient difficulties attending efforts to understand postemancipation German Jewry.
Observation of the launch of the Atlas 5 EELV with a dual-band QWIP focal plane array

We present imagery taken with a quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) dual-band infrared (IR) focal plane array (FPA) of the inaugural launch of the Atlas 5 launch vehicle. The FPA was developed under the Army Research Laboratory's Advanced Sensors Federated Laboratory program and used a read-out integrated circuit produced under the Air Force Research Laboratory's Advanced Multi-Quantum Well Technology program. The detectors are able to sense light in both the 3-5 micron (MWIR) and 8-12 micron (LWIR) atmospheric transmission windows such that the resulting LWIR and MIWR images are pixel registered and simultaneous. The FPA was installed in a camera system that used a closed-cycle cooler to operate at 60 K. The camera was placed at the prime focus of an all-reflective telescope on a computer-controlled tracking mount at the Innovative Sensor Technology Evaluation Facility (ISTEF) at the Kennedy Space Center. The launch was observed from ISTEF at a distance of 15 km from the pad. Before and after the launch, The FPA/camera system was calibrated using standard blackbody sources. The launch vehicle was observed from about 30 s after launch until approximately 4 minutes after launch. This corresponded to ranges between 15 km and more than 300 km and altitudes from just over 1 km to more than 100 km. Several interesting differences in the structure of the plume were observed. In addition, the hardbody of the rocket was seen in the LWIR imagery but was undetectable in the MWIR imagery. The imagery was unsaturated in both bands allowing us to obtain good measurements of the radiance of the plume in both the MWIR and LWIR bands.
Effect of changing land use patterns on the distribution of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in the Puget Sound region

Population increase in the Pacific Northwest of North America over the last century has led to the removal of forests for various purposes. Evidence of salmon response to these alterations in land use is rare owing to a scarcity of fish population data and a high degree of interannual variation in abundance. We examined the relationship between the spatial distribution of spawning coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and changes in land use from 1984 through 2001 at 84 sites in four rivers draining into northern Puget Sound. Changes in land use over this period were determined from LandSat imagery, county zoning designations, and aerial photographs. Substantial reduction in forest cover occurred in many of the index watersheds during this time. The proportion of salmon using sites subjected to increased urban land use over the study period declined about 75%. Increases were observed at forested sites and those with increased rural residential use. Maintaining salmon populations in rapidly developing areas m...
Adrenomedullin signaling pathway polymorphisms and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE Reduced maternal plasma levels of the peptide vasodilator adrenomedullin have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. We measured the extent to which genetic polymorphisms in the adrenomedullin signaling pathway are associated with birth weight, glycemic regulation, and preeclampsia risk. STUDY DESIGN We genotyped 1,353 women in the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Postpartum Study for 37 ancestry-informative markers and for single-nucleotide polymorphisms in adrenomedullin (ADM), complement factor H variant (CFH), and calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CALCRL). We used linear and logistic regression to model the association between genotype and birth weight, glucose loading test (GLT) results, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes (GDM). All models were adjusted for pregravid body mass index, maternal age, and probability of Yoruban ancestry. p values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS Among Caucasian women, ADM rs57153895, a proxy for rs11042725, was associated with reduced birth weight z-score. Among African-American women, ADM rs57153895 was associated with increased birth weight z-score. Two CALCRL variants were associated with GDM risk. CFH rs1061170 was associated with higher GLT results and increased preeclampsia risk. CONCLUSION Consistent with studies of plasma adrenomedullin and adverse pregnancy outcomes, we found associations between variants in the adrenomedullin signaling pathway and birth weight, glycemic regulation, and preeclampsia.
Radiation and Scattering of a Square Archimedean Spiral Antenna Using FDTD

ABSTRACT A Finite-Difference, Time-Domain (FDTD) analysis of a square Archimedean spiral antenna is performed to calculate antenna gain and scattering patterns. The spiral is mounted in a large, conducting ground plane and is backed by an air-filled or absorber-filled cavity. The effects of resistive sheets placed over the spiral are also evaluated for both radiation and scattering. Total-field FDTD calculations are used to compute the gain patterns, while a specially-modified scattered-field approach for aperture antennas in infinite ground planes is used for the scattering results. Comparisons are made with calculations done with a Finite Element method and excellent results are obtained.
The effect of clinical and subclinical concentrations of lead on the in vitro aging of human fibroblasts

Abstract The effect of 20, 40 and 80 μg per 100 ml concentrations of lead on the in vitro senescence of fetal human diploid fibroblasts IMR-90 was determined. The areas and dry mass of the cell, nucleus and nucleolus were measured at early, middle and late passages. There was a decrease in total population doublings as the concentration of lead in the medium was increased. Although there was a decrease in the number of nucleoli per cell with successive doublings, there was no difference between controls and lead-treated cells. There was an increase in nucleolar dry mass as the cells aged and this was most noticeable in the 40- and 80-μg groups. There were no noteworthy changes in nuclear and cellular areas and dry mass with respect to lead treatment. The results are discussed and it is concluded that even subclinical concentrations of lead cause an acceleration of cellular aging in vitro .
Mental health care in an adolescent medical setting.

Two hundred sixty-four troubled adolescents referred to a medical adolescent clinic were randomly assigned to one of three therapists and to one of four conditions defined by whether treatment was delayed for 6 weeks or not, and whether or not the case was presented to a psychiatrist. Patients were assessed by parents and self-reports at intake and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks, using the Adolescent Life Assessment Check List (ALAC). This 40-item instrument yielded a total and six subscores. Patients in all treatment conditions showed improvement across time as measured by the ALAC (patient or parent). Improvement was noted for each race—sex group, for each of the four conditions, and for patients assigned to each therapist. Differences in outcome were noted for immediate vs. delay groups and for groups given psychiatric consultation. By 6 months, scores on the adolescent ALAC approximated those of a matched normative sample tested. Although successful, the program should be replicated before its findings are generalized.
Genital delivery of virus-like particle and pseudovirus-based vaccines.

Sexually transmitted diseases represent a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The genital mucosa is the first line of defense against sexually transmitted pathogens and, like other mucosal tissues, it is colonized by resident immune cells that initiate an immune responses that can prevent the establishment and dissemination of infection. While it is clear that systemic vaccination is sufficient to provide protection against certain pathogens that infect the genital tract, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), it has not worked for other. Induction of local mucosal immune responses in the genital tract might increase the efficacy of vaccines targeting HSV, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Here, we describe recent promising efforts to induce adaptive immune responses in the genital tract using vaccines based on virus-like particles (VLPs) and pseudoviruses (PsVs).
File archival techniques using data compression

The performance of most small computer systems is determined, to a large extent, by the characteristics of their mass storage devices. Data compression can expand the storage capacity of such devices and also slightly increase their speed. Here, a summary of one method of data compression using Huffman variable length coding is presented, along with statistics of effectiveness for various file types and practical techniques for integrating such methods into a small computer system.
Catalytic reduction of α, ω-dihaloalkanes with nickel(I) salen as a homogeneous-phase and polymer-bound mediator

Abstract Catalytic reductions of 1,3-dibromopropane, 1,4-diiodobutane, and 1,4-dibromobutane with homogeneous-phase and polymer-bound nickel(I) salen in acetonitrile containing tetramethylammonium tetrafluoroborate have been investigated with the aid of cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential electrolysis. Reduction of 1,3-dibromopropane with electrogenerated solution-phase nickel(I) salen leads primarily to the formation of cyclopropane, whereas propylene is the predominant product when the reduction is catalyzed with nickel(I) salen confined in a polymer film on the surface of a carbon electrode. Successful catalytic reduction of 1,4-dihalobutanes requires the presence of an acid, with acetic acid having been used in this investigation; products derived from these reactions are cyclobutane, n -butane, 1-butene, n -octane, n -dodecane, n -hexadecane, and n -eicosane, and the yield of cyclobutane can exceed 70% if the concentration of acetic acid is properly chosen. Formation of an ω-haloalkylnickel(II) intermediate is proposed as a key step for all of these catalytic reductions.
DEXAMETHASONE STIMULATION OF RAT INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR BINDING PROTEIN-1 PROMOTER ACTIVITY INVOLVES MULTIPLE CIS-ELEMENTS

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) modulates the mitogenic actions of IGF-I and IGF-II. Dexamethasone increases IGFBP-1 mRNA abundance and gene transcription in rat liver and in H4-II-E rat hepatoma cells. A glucocorticoid response element (GRE) located at nucleotide (nt) -91/-77 is required for dexamethasone to stimulate rat IGFBP-1 promoter activity in transient transfection assays in H4-II-E cells. Mutagenesis of nt -108/-99 (the M4 region of the insulin response element), however, decreased dexamethasone-stimulated promoter activity despite the presence of an intact GRE, suggesting that regulatory sites in addition to the GRE were required for optimal dexamethasone stimulation. To identify these sites, we introduced 5'-deletion and substitution mutations into rat IGFBP-1 promoter fragments coupled to a luciferase reporter gene and transfected these constructs into H4-II-E cells. Three sites are required for optimal basal promoter activity: a site (nt -62/-50) that binds the liver-e...
Potential-pH diagrams for alloy-water systems under LWR conditions

Abstract Potential-pH diagrams, which present the regions of stability of metallic species with water, are generally known as Pourbaix diagrams. They are especially useful to corrosion scientists because the diagrams indicate the areas of potential and pH in which oxides of the metal are stable and thus the regions in which an oxide corrosion layer can form on the metal, protecting it from corrosion. Potential-pH diagrams are generally available for the metallic elements, even at high temperature (up to about 600 K). But rarely is a pure metal used as a construction material. Stainless steel, which is an alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel plus some trace elements, is often used as a construction material for water systems because of its good corrosion resistance. The oxides in equilibrium with the water-Fe-Cr-Ni system are generally mixed metal oxides. In this paper, Pourbaix diagrams for this system are calculated from thermodynamic values at room temperature and at typical LWR (light water reactor) temperature. Diagrams for the ancilliary systems Fe-Cr-water, Fe-Ni-water and Cr-Ni-water are also given.
Neuron number and asynchronous hindlimb development during the period of profound cell loss in the lateral motor column of Rana pipiens larvae

Although the effects of peripheral manipulations on the developing lateral motor column (LMC) in the spinal cord have been widely reported, few investigations have focused on the relationship between the limb and the LMC during the time when the greatest amount of naturally occuring motor neuron death is taking place. In the present study, asynchronous hindlimb development, induced by partial amputation followed by regeneration of one hindlimb bud of Rana pipiens tadpoles, resulted in an unexpected response by the lumbosacral LMC during the period of rapid cell loss. An analysis of neuron counts and their distribution at the onset of cell reduction revealed that the LMC of the operated side of asynchronous-limbed animals differentiated at least one developmental stage (Taylor and Kollros stages, '46) beyond the stage of the tadpole as indicated by the morphology of the unoperated limb. The LMC of the unoperated side of the same animal was delayed at least one stage relative to the limb it innervated. The results suggest that the regenerated limb differentiated as a combination of a normally progressing intact proximal stump and a developmentally delayed distal regenerate, both of these regions being reflected in the LMC neuron counts, while slowed development of the LMC on the unoperated side can be attributed to transneuronal effects.
Multiscale shape analysis: beyond the normality and independence of noise

In this paper, we propose a new algorithm for extracting a non smooth shape from its noisy observation. The key ideal is to project the noisy shape onto a set of orthogonal subspaces at different resolutions, and construct scale space representation gleaned from the locally smoothed shape. Using the curvature we proceed to filter the high resolution scale subspace by projecting it onto the scale which is in turn used for the reconstruction. Inspired by the conjugate mirror filter and the wavelet decomposition synergy, we propose a curvature based filter operating at different scales and with minimal knowledge about the noise statistics.
Characteristics of Memory Window and Retention Properties of One Transistor Memory Devices

Pb3Ge5O11 (PGO) metal-ferroelectric-metal-oxide-semiconductor (MFMOS) and metalferroelectric-oxide-semiconductor (MFOS) one-transistor ferroelectric memory devices have been fabricated. The memory windows of the memory transistors can be characterized in terms of MFMOS or MFOS capacitor and the threshold voltages of the transistor. The retention properties of one-transistor memory devices can be measured from the changes of the capacitance of MFMOS or MFOS capacitors. Alternatively the retention properties can be evaluated from the threshold voltages or drain currents of the transistor with retention time. There are inconsistencies between the capacitor data and the transistor data. In this paper, we present the memory windows and retention properties of MFOS and MFMOS one-transistor memory devices measured with various methods. The different results obtained from various methods and device structures will be discussed.
The aging of the human species.

This study examines the global phenomenon of demographic aging. "For the first time in the history of humanity our species as a whole is growing older. Toward the middle of the next century the population will stabilize near the practical limit of human longevity. Instead of focusing only on explosive growth as in the past policymakers must also rethink many social and economic institutions so that they will address the needs of an older population." (EXCERPT)
Noninvasive determination of left ventricular output and wall stress in volume overload and in myocardial disease by cine magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract The current study used cine magnetic resonance imaging to determine the effect of increasing severity of vaivular regurgitation on systolic wall stress and to demonstrate that wall stress was disproportionately increased in relation to the severity of regurgitation in patients with myocardial disease. A total of 39 patients with predominantly mitral ( n = 22) or aortic ( n = 17) regurgitation with ( n = 13) and without ( n = 26) myocardial disease and 10 normal volunteers were examined with cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 1.5 T. Left ventricular (LV) cardiac output (CO) and peak systolic (PS) wall stress (WS) and end-systolic (ES) WS were calculated from blood pressure recordings, carotid pulse tracings, and wall thickness (h) and diameter (D) measurements obtained from cine MRI. Patients were classified into three degrees of severity according to their LV regurgitant volume (RV). Myocardial disease was defined by an ejection fraction (EF) of less than 40%. Mean LV EF was 61 ± 3% in normal volunteers, 64 ± 3% in patients with regurgitation, and 25 ± 2% in patients with myocardial disease. LV CO was directly related to RV in patients without myocardial disease, whereas it was disproportionately low in relation to RV in patients with myocardial disease. PS WS was significantly higher in severe mitral and/or aortic regurgitation compared with moderate, mild, and no mitral and/or aortic regurgitation. Compared with the degree of regurgitation, PS WS was disproportionately higher in patients with myocardial disease. Thus LV CO and WS rise progressively with increasing severity of regurgitation. Disproportionately high systolic WS relative to RV indicates the presence of myocardial disease. Cine MRI can be used to quantitate LV function in volume overload states and to characterize myocardial disease.
Spreading of liquid droplets on permeable polymeric surfaces

The spreading of liquid droplets on viscous liquid and glassy polymer films has been studied with molecular dynamics simulations. Unlike spreading on solid surfaces the liquid droplet simultaneously spreads and permeates the film, a process that takes place at a large variety of interfaces from biomembranes to thin coatings. The degree of interpenetration and amount of damping from the film depends on the viscosity of the film and the relative interaction of the droplet and film. For low viscosity liquid films, the interpenetration of the droplet follows a t1/2 Fickian power law and the droplet spreads without a precursor foot. For very viscous films a precursor foot spreads ahead of the film, and the droplet does not penetrate the film. The kinetic, hydrodynamic, and combined kinetic/hydrodynamic models of droplet spreading have been generalized to include the absorption of the droplet by the film and are used to analyze the droplet spreading.