cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global Information on Tropical Forests

To deal with the many international problems related to tropical forests, policy-makers require reliable information about forest status and trends. Scientists also require such information to develop, test, and validate models of global phenomena that contribute to enhanced understanding and solutions to global problems. This information typically comes from inventories of forest resources, including measures of the extent and distribution of forest cover, patterns and rates of land-cover change, and forest biomass and species composition. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations ([1][1]) provides such information in a globally consistent manner. The FAO Forest Resources Assessment 1990 Project analyzed the status and trends for tropical forests in 143 developing nations for the period 1980 to 1990 ([2][2], [3][3]). The 1990 project cooperated with numerous institutions in developing and developed nations to build a global database for forest area, biomass, tree species, and rates of deforestation and degradation ([4][4]). The analysis used a two-prong approach: compilation and analysis of existing data and interpretation of high-resolution satellite data with standard protocols and definitions. The success of the 1990 project required the cooperation of many institutions from developed and developing countries. Additional cooperation is required to improve global assessments and policy decisions with Forest Resources Assessment 2000. 1. [↵][5] 2. [↵][6]Forest Resources Assessment 1990—Global Synthesis (Forestry Paper No. 124, FAO, Rome, 1995). 3. [↵][7]Forest Resources Assessment 1990—Survey of Tropical Forest Cover and Study of Changes Processes (Forestry Paper No. 130, FAO, Rome, 1996). 4. [↵][8]World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Summaries of FRA1190 Data (1997), [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-2 [3]: #ref-3 [4]: #ref-4 [5]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [6]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2 in text" [7]: #xref-ref-3-1 "View reference 3 in text" [8]: #xref-ref-4-1 "View reference 4 in text"
Probabilistic multi-path vs. deterministic single-path protocols for dynamic ad-hoc network scenarios

We investigate the performance of different protocol stacks under various application scenarios. Our method of choice is a full-fledged simulation in QualNet, testing the complete protocol stack over fairly large-scale networks. We find that the relative ranking of protocols strongly depends on the network scenario, the session load, the mobility level, and the choice of protocol parameters. We show that the Parametric Probabilistic Protocols, which we generalize from their original definition, can outperform standard routing protocols, such as AODV or Gossiping or Shortest-Path, in a variety of realistic scenarios.
Social Class and Finding a Congregation: How Attendees are Introduced to Their Congregations

Despite the large numbers of Americans switching religious congregations each year, social scientists know relatively little about how people are introduced to new religious congregations. In this research note, I use multiple surveys of congregants—two surveys of Presbyterians in the 1990s and a survey of attendees from a random sample of congregations in 2001—to examine the effects of education and income on how attendees are introduced to their religious congregations. Results show that education and income are key predictors of how attendees find their congregations. In general, Americans with low levels of education and income are disproportionately likely to be introduced to their congregations through their social networks while those with higher levels of education and income are more likely to rely on denominational affiliation. These results address fundamental assumptions underlying theories of social class and religion and also provide religious leaders with valuable insight into the factors that influence how people are introduced to new religious congregations.
DETECTION OF Ne VIII IN AN INTERVENING MULTIPHASE ABSORPTION SYSTEM TOWARD 3C 263

We report the detection of Ne VIII in an intervening multiphase absorption line system at z = 0.32566 in the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer spectrum of the quasar 3C 263 (zem = 0.646). The Ne VIII λ770 A detection has a 3.9σ significance. At the same velocity, we also find absorption lines from C IV, O III, O IV, and N IV. The line parameter measurements yield log [N(Ne VIII) cm–2] = 13.98+0.10 –0.13 and b = 49.8 ± 5.5 km s–1. We find that the ionization mechanism in the gas phase giving rise to the Ne VIII absorption is inconsistent with photoionization. The absorber has a multiphase structure, with the intermediate ions produced in cool photoionized gas and the Ne VIII most likely in a warm collisionally ionized medium in the temperature range (0.5-1.0) × 106 K. This is the second ever detection of an intervening Ne VIII absorption system. Its properties resemble the previous Ne VIII absorber reported by Savage and colleagues. Direct observations of H I and O VI are needed to better constrain the physical conditions in the collisionally ionized gas phase of this absorber.
Fog formation conditions near cool surfaces

Abstract A simple criterion incorporating nonequilibrium phenomena is developed for predicting the onset of fog formation due to homogeneous nucleation during vapor (or solute) condensation on cold surfaces. Surface temperatures and/or free stream vapor concentrations leading to incipient fogging are related to available critical supersaturation data. Illustrative results for initially unsaturated water vapor-air mixtures at 25°C reveal that surface temperatures about 60°C below the dew point will always produce mists within the thermal boundary layer.
A novel two-fluorophore approach to ratiometric sensing of Zn(2+).

We present a small molecule ratiometric Zn2+-sensing system based on two fluorophores excited by visible light, a Zn2+-insensitive reporter fluorophore, coumarin 343, and a Zn2+-sensitive fluorescein-based compound, ZPA-1. The two fluorophores are linked by an ester to give Coumazin-1, a membrane-permeable, essentially nonfluorescent compound. Upon exposure to esterases, Coumazin-1 is hydrolyzed to its constituent fluorophores. Measurement of the ratio of coumarin emission at 488 nm (λexc = 445 nm) and comparison with ZPA-1 emission at 534 nm (λexc = 505 nm) affords information about the amount of sensor present as well as the amount of Zn2+ present. A generally applicable synthetic route to amide-functionalized ZP1 sensors is also described. The Zn2+-sensing properties of one member of this class are similar to those of the parent ZP1 sensor, with slightly tighter binding and lower background signal.
The water environs of Okefenokee swamp: An application of static linear environ analysis

Abstract A static water budget model is constructed for the Okefenokee Swamp watershed (swamp plus upland portions) and decomposed into partition units called environs. Flow, storage, intercompartmental transfer and residence time analyses of these units are performed by environ analysis to determine qualitative and quantitative characteristics of Okefenokee ecosystem hydrology. The analysis indicates two relatively discrete hydrologic subsystems within the watershed. One consists of swamp surface water, driven by precipitation over the swamp. The other consists of upland sirface water plus subsurface water in both swamp and uplands, whose source is precipitation on the uplands. Little exchange occurs between these two subsystems.
Transient wear of silicon nitride in lubricated rolling contact

Abstract Wear of silicon nitride balls and rods was studied in lubricated rolling contact using a ball-on-rod rolling contact fatigue (RCF) tester. The wear response of both the elements, balls and rods, was transient. The nature of the transient was dependent on the initial surface roughness of the rod, while the total volume loss increased with the initial contact stress. Bearing-grade balls ( R a =0.005 μm) rolling on as-ground ( R a =0.18 μm) rods produced a high initial wear rate in both elements that decreased exponentially with time or number of loading cycles. Improving the surface finish on the rods by lapping ( R a =0.05 μm) produced delayed wear in both elements; i.e., the wear rate was initially zero during an incubation period, then, increased and, finally, decreased. The role of decreasing contact stress in the transient wear, and the micromechanisms of wear involving a tribochemical reaction are discussed.
Chronic Foreign Body of the Nasal Cavity and Sphenoid Sinus: Surgical Implications

Chronic sinonasal foreign bodies present unique surgical challenges including tissue integration and anatomic migration. A patient with a history of multiple surgeries for cleft lip, palate, and nasal deformity presented with radiographic findings of a 4.3-cm linear foreign body traversing the nasal cavity and sphenoid sinus. Mucosalization and integration into the sphenoid rostrum were noted at the time of surgery. Endoscopic surgery techniques facilitated removal of the overlying mucosa and encasing bone, allowing successful surgical extraction. On inspection, the foreign body was consistent with a retained Kirschner wire. Potential pathophysiologic and management implications of this case are discussed.
Pursuit of social justice in situations of conflict

This chapter reflects on the ambiguity of ethical choices in adult education for democratic social change, especially in activities sponsored by traditional academic organizations.
Decentering Urban History: Peripheral Cities in the Modern World

This essay introduces the articles collected in the special issue devoted to “decentering urban history” and considers some of their implications. For the most part, urban historians have concentrated on major cities or have at least failed to distinguish between the metropolis and smaller, more peripheral cities in meaningful ways. This essay reviews the articles in the special issue, which were first presented at the 2007 Small Cities Conference sponsored by the Center for Middletown Studies at Ball State University. They range across the last two centuries and consider urbanization in China, Japan, South Asia, Chile, Germany, and the United States. The essay then argues that prevailing ideas about the impact of globalization, the definition of a city, and the development of urban identities require further consideration from the perspective of peripheral cities. It concludes by offering an approach to distinguishing the experiences of these communities relative to major urban centers.
Coumarin-suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid as a fluorescent probe for determining binding affinities and off-rates of histone deacetylase inhibitors

Abstract Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are intimately involved in epigenetic regulation and, thus, are one of the key therapeutic targets for cancer, and two HDAC inhibitors, namely suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and romidepsin, have been recently approved for cancer treatment. Because the screening and detailed characterization of HDAC inhibitors has been time-consuming, we synthesized coumarin-SAHA (c-SAHA) as a fluorescent probe for determining the binding affinities (Kd) and the dissociation off-rates (koff) of the enzyme–inhibitor complexes. The determination of the above parameters relies on the changes in the fluorescence emission intensity (λex = 325 nm, λem = 400 nm) of c-SAHA due to its competitive binding against other HDAC inhibitors, and such determination neither requires employment of polarization accessories nor is dependent on the fluorescence energy transfer from the enzyme’s tryptophan residues to the probe. Our highly sensitive and robust analytical protocol presented here is applicable to most of the HDAC isozymes, and it can be easily adopted in a high-throughput mode for screening the HDAC inhibitors as well as for quantitatively determining their Kd and koff values.
James Turner Johnson and the ‘Classic’ Just War Tradition

Abstract This essay investigates what James Turner Johnson refers to as the ‘classic’ just war tradition. I argue that while this has become an increasingly important category for Johnson, his presentation of it is unclear, particularly in regard to his account of the just war idea as a historical tradition. By posing questions about the nature of this category, Johnson's presentation of the criteria, and the implicit political theory behind the ‘classic’ notion of just war tradition, I seek to investigate the nature, the application, and the long-term significance of this category for Johnson's work, and for just war thinking broadly speaking.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Complications in Residency

Otolaryngology has seen a rapid proliferation of functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and there is variability in the teaching of the procedure, in part because of the seriousness of the complications. A retrospective review of 106 consecutive cases was conducted at a teaching program to evaluate complications. Complication rates were combined and compared with the reported complication rates of other teaching programs and practicing otolaryngologists. The complication rate in our program was 13.9%; all were minor complications. This compared favorably with the rates of other programs (6% to 29%). The combined complication rate for residency training programs (16.6%) was significantly greater than the nonresident complication rate (10.5%). When divided into major and minor complications, the resident minor complication rate (15.9%) was significantly greater than the nonresident rate (8%), yet the major complication rates were significantly less for the resident group (0.7%) than for the nonresident group (2.5%). In addition, complications were significantly greater when procedures were performed under general anesthesia as compared with local anesthesia, and estimated blood loss was significantly greater under general anesthesia.
The determination of adenosine triphosphate by means of phosphoglyceric acid kinase.

Abstract A simple, specific method for the assay of ATP using the enzyme phosphoglyceric acid kinase as obtained from pea meal is described.
Transient radiation effects in polarization-maintaining fibers

Polarization-maintaining fibers were irradiated with 1.5 ns electron pulses. Linearly polarized light was injected into the fiber, aligned either parallel or perpendicular to the fiber core's stress axis. Linearly polarized light was detected with a high speed optical system, with polarization axis either parallel or perpendicular to the stress axis. Light throughput and attenuation were documented in these four geometries. No differences were observed in radiation-induced attenuation between the two injection conditions when the output observations were aligned with input orientation. No evidence in this time regime was seen for radiation-induced mode crossover, i.e., no signal (to < 1% of the power transmitted along the injection axis) was observed in the cross polarization state at the output as a consequence of the irradiation.
Influence of Norethynodrel on the Adrenal Cortex of Rats

The histological response of the adrenal cortex to norethynodrel (17α-ethinyl- 17-hydroxy- Δ6(10)-estren-3-one) was studied in female rats as it is modified by variation in dosage, route of administration, duration of treatment, and by excision of the hypophysis or ovaries. At a daily sc dose of 1.5 mg/100 g body wt given for 27-34 days, lipid was depleted from all adrenocortical zones and the parenchymal cells of the zona glomerulosa became smaller. Significant lipid depletion occurred in the zonae fasciculata and reticularis after only 2 days of treatment at the 1.5 mg dosage or after 10 days at a dosage of 0.011 mg/100 g body wt/day. Norethynodrel induced lipid depletion after ovariectomy but not after hypophysectomy. Under the conditions of the experiment, the response did not differ when norethynodrel was given orally or sc. The histological responses elicited in the adrenal cortex by norethynodrel mimicked those induced by estrogens in general, except that increase in weight of the gland and parench...
Entropy-driven Molecular Separations in 2D-Nanoporous Materials, with Application to High-performance Paraffin/Olefin Membrane Separations

Nanometer-scale pores in carbon-based materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and two-dimensional polymers have emerged as a promising approach to high permeance, high selectivity gas separation membranes. In previous studies, quantum-mechanical mass-dependent tunneling, classical size-exclusion and differences in surface adsorption have been used to obtain high selectivity. Here, we illustrate a new classical approach in which an entropic barrier causes the selective separation of gas molecules. Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we study the separation of ethane, ethene, propane, propene, n-butane, isobutane, 1-butene, cis-2-butene, trans-2-butene, isobutene, and 1,3-butadiene through a novel nanoporous two-dimensional hydrocarbon polymer (denoted PG-TP1), as a function of temperature and pressure. Despite the absence of a potential energy barrier for both types of species and the greater surface adsorption of the paraffins, selective passage of olefins results from the greater number...
Television viewing habits of emotionally disturbed, learning disabled, and mentally retarded children

Abstract Two studies were conducted to compare the television viewing habits of handicapped and nonhandicapped children. In Study 1, one group (N = 38) of emotionally disturbed (ED), learning disabled (LD), and educable mentally retarded (EMR) children and two groups of matched controls comprised of nonhandicapped peers were interviewed about their television viewing habits. In Study 2, 42 ED boys and 42 non-ED boys completed a television program diary. The studies found that handicapped children watch more television overall and more aggression-laden programs (i.e., crime dramas and cartoons) than nonhandicapped children. The potential impact of viewing television aggression on the behavior of handicapped children is discussed.
Characterization of Human Osteoarthritic Cartilage Using Optical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease starting with key molecular events that ultimately lead to the breakdown of the cartilage. The purpose of this study is to use two imaging methods that are sensitive to molecular and macromolecular changes in OA to better characterize the disease process in human osteoarthritic cartilage.
A stochastic approach to the mode of deformation and contact between rough surfaces

Abstract The real area of contact between a rough and an ideally flat surface is evaluated from the spectral moments of the profile of the rough surface. A stochastic criterion for plastic deformation of the asperities is developed and applied to determine the percentage of plastic and elastic deformation in the total area of contact at a given separation. An illustration is given to delineate the theory through experimental profile data obtained from a ground surface.
Spectroscopic studies of carbons. XI. The vacuum pyrolysis of non-oxygen-containing materials : PVBr☆

Abstract Although the degradation of polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) has been studied, emphasis has been placed on weight loss analyses and the study of the gases evolved during the degradation process. Little is currently known about the nature of the pyrolytic residue or of the chars which are formed during thermal degradation at higher temperatures. Fourier transform beam deflection spectroscopy was used in this study to examine chars produced by heating pure PVF in vacuum at temperatures ranging from 110°C to 685°C. The infrared spectra of the chars provide direct information about the degradation and subsequent carbonization of PVF. PVF exhibits a higher thermal stability than the polyvinyl halides which we have previously examined and consequently the first spectral evidence of degradation is not observed until 300°C. This higher temperature, which accompanies the initial loss of fluorine, suppresses the formation of long polyenic sequences and results in an overall degradation mechanism which consists of overlapping reactions involving polyene formation, chain scission, cross-linking and intramolecular cyclization. At temperatures above 500°C the aliphatic and aromatic structures formed during the first stages of the degradation process are replaced by a growing aromatic network. The spectral evidence for the occurrence of many of these reactions is presented in detail.
Using dispersion staining colors and glass standards of known refractive index to determine the refractive index of liquids

Abstract A method has been developed for measuring the refractive index of liquids microscopically that employs glass reference standards of known refractive index and dispersion staining. The dispersion staining color is converted to a refractive index value that is added (or subtracted) to the refractive index value of the glass standard to obtain the refractive index of the liquid. The method is particularly suited for quality control checking of the refractive index of those immersion oils used in the detection and identification of asbestos by polarized light microscopy.
Effects of ordering on the band structure of III-V semiconductors

Abstract The band structures of five types of ordered compounds derived from parent zincblende alloys A1−xBxC and AC1−xDx have been determined. Included in this study are two novel x = 1 4 , 3 4 derived structures, luzonite and famatinite, and three x = 1 2 structures, chalcopyrite and two 1 × 1 superlattices oriented along the (0,0,1) and (1,1,1) directions. The theory combines an empirical tight-binding model for III-V compounds and a valence force-field model of strain. Strain-induced tetragonal and internal distortion as well as the spin-orbit interaction cause a splitting of the top of the valence band. Trends in this splitting and the band-gap variation are studied for the 18 combinations of III-V elements. The Hopfield quasicubic crystal-field model is found to accurately describe this splitting for all chalcopyrite compounds. But this model fails for several (0,0, 1)- and (1,1, l)-superlattice compounds containing large strain distortions. The extracted Hopfield crystal-field splitting parameter Δcf is found to scale linearly with tetragonal distortion for common-anion compounds ABC2, but follow curvilinearly internal distortion for common-cation compounds. Strain and natural lineup energy modify the band gap significantly from that found in the virtual-crystal approximation for the alloy. For the metastable alloy systems GaAs1−xSbx and GaP1−xSbx, the experimental bowing of the band gap passes quite close to the results for the band gaps of the seven ordered structures.
Unique-hue stimulus selection using Munsell color chips

Presented are intra- and inter-observer variability data comparing the unique-hue (UH) selections of sets of males and females, using two different visual experimental procedures incorporating Munsell color chips of varying hue but identical chroma and value. Although 34 of the 40 Munsell hue chips were selected by at least one observer as a UH, selections were generally repeatable. In addition, intra-observer variability represented approximately 15% of inter-observer variability. Also, when only three consecutive Munsell chips were viewed at a time, females showed significantly larger intra-observer variability than males, especially when making unique green selections. However, variability in UH selections was statistically insignificant between males and females when all Munsell chips were viewed simultaneously. No correlation was found between UH selections or intra-observer variability and hue ordering ability.
New transformations of Cauchy matrices and Trummer's problem

Abstract We show some new expressions for a Cauchy matrix, which enable us to simplify the solution of Trummer's problem, both in the general case and in the case where the input Cauchy matrix is fixed for the problem whereas the input vector varies.
Conceptual Boundaries and Pathways: Exploring the Institutional Logics of Higher Education Scholarship on College Student Social Movements and Activism, 1967-2008.

This study has focused on the institutional logics that influenced how higher education scholars patrolled and shaped the conceptual boundaries of college student movement and activism research published between the years 1967 and 2008. A keyword search of four prestigious higher education journals (The Journal of Higher Education, Review of Higher Education, Higher Education, and Research in Higher Education) produced a preliminary sample of 538 original research articles published between 1967 and 2008 that included some discussion of college student movements and/or activism. The systematic scanning of the abstracts and findings of each of the 538 articles resulted in the selection of a final sample of 48 articles that included college student movements and/or activism as a topical field of interest. A discourse analysis of the final sample of articles revealed how higher education scholars have through their research shaped and reshaped the conceptual boundaries of college student movement and activis...
Superiority of the PCR-based approach for cloning the acetate kinase gene of Clostridium thermocellum[]

Cloning of Clostridium thermocellum acetate kinase (ack) and/or phosphotransacetylase (pta) genes in Escherichia coli by functional complementation of ack and/or pta mutants was complicated by an alternative acetate assimilation pathway involving acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS). In addition to the problems encountered with the complementation approach, cloning of these genes was not readily achieved using heterologous probing with corresponding genes from Escherichia coli and Methanosarcina thermophila due to the lack of sufficient homology. The use of a PCR-based approach, on the other hand, yielded a specific C. thermocellum gene fragment which showed significant sequence identity to the ack gene for which primers were designed. The subcloned ack fragment was then successfully used as a probe for the isolation of the corresponding gene and restriction analysis of that region.
Screening for blunt cerebrovascular injuries is cost-effective.

Abstract Background Recent reports have argued that screening for blunt carotid injury is futile and have called for a cost analysis. Our data previously supported screening asymptomatic trauma patients for blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) to prevent associated neurologic sequelae. Our hypothesis is that aggressive angiographic screening for BCVI based on a patient’s injury pattern and symptoms allows for early diagnosis and treatment and is cost-effective because it prevents ischemic neurological events (INEs). Methods Beginning in January 1996, we began comprehensive screening using 4-vessel cerebrovascular angiography based on injury patterns; these patients have been followed-up prospectively. Patients without contraindications received antithrombotic therapy immediately for documented BCVI. Results From January 1996 through June 2004, there were 15,767 blunt-trauma patient admissions to our state-designated level I urban trauma center, of which 727 patients underwent screening angiography. Twenty-one patients presented with signs or symptoms of neurologic ischemia before diagnosis. BCVI was identified in 244 patients (34% screening yield); the majority were men (68%) with a mean age of 35 ± 3.7 years and mean Injury Severity Score of 28 ± 3.8. Asymptomatic patients (n = 187) were treated (heparin in 117, low molecular–weight heparin in 11, and antiplatelet in 59); 1 patient had a stroke (0.5%). Using estimated stroke rate by grade of injury, we averted neurologic events in 32 asymptomatic patients with antithrombotic treatment. Of the 48 asymptomatic patients who did not receive adequate anticoagulation, 10 (21%) had an INE. Patients with BCVI-related neurologic events had a statistically higher percentage requiring discharge to rehabilitation facilities (50% vs. 77% for carotid artery injury [CAI]), a higher percentage requiring rehabilitation for BCVI-related stroke (0% vs. 55% for CAI), and a higher stroke-related mortality rate (0% vs. 21% for CAI and 0% vs. 17% for vertebral artery injury) than those without neurologic events. Conclusions The cost of long-term rehabilitation care and human life after BCVI-associated neurologic events is substantial. Surgeons caring for the multiply injured should screen for carotid and vertebral artery injuries in high-risk patients.
Effects of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-4α on the Regulation of the Hepatic Acute Phase Response

Following injury, a large number of hepatic acute phase genes are rapidly modulated at the transcriptional level to restore metabolic homeostasis and limit tissue damage. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF-4alpha) is a liver-enriched transcription factor that controls embryonic liver development and regulates tissue-specific gene expression in adult liver cells. Many genes encoding acute phase proteins contain HNF-4alpha-binding sites in their promoter regions and are transcriptionally regulated by HNF-4alpha. Utilizing a cytokine induced acute phase response in HepG2 cells, we investigated the role of HNF-4alpha in regulating the transcription of three HNF-4alpha sensitive genes, alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT), transthyretin (TTR), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) after injury. The transcriptional behavior of all three genes depends, in part, on the intracellular concentrations of HNF-4alpha. However, the unique mRNA expression patterns of alpha1-AT, TTR, and ApoB in response to cytokine treatment were abrogated in HepG2 cells with dramatically reduced HNF-4alpha protein concentrations. The mechanism by which HNF-4alpha mediates this injury response is through site-specific alterations in HNF-4alpha-binding abilities and transactivation potentials. Cytokine treatment phosphorylates HNF-4alpha, which directly affects HNF-4alpha activity. Our results demonstrate that HNF-4alpha is a crucial mediator in the regulation of alpha1-AT, TTR, and ApoB gene expression before and after injury, providing evidence of a novel role for HNF-4alpha in the control of the liver's acute phase response.
Dynamic heat capacity changes of laser‐irradiated Type I collagen films

Background and Objective A common assumption made in the thermal response of biological materials due to laser irradiation is the constancy of the specific heat capacity at constant pressure, Cp. In this investigation, Cp of pure hydrated Type I collagen films is measured in time during laser irradiation. Study Design/Materials and Methods A Nd:YAG laser scanning calorimeter is developed and used to test the constant heat capacity assumption by monitoring transient, laser-induced thermal transitions in the collagen films. Results Results of preliminary studies on the irreversible, laser induced thermal denaturation of collagen with heating rates of up to 110 K/sec show a broad Cp transition that can attain large values (20 J/g K). Conclusion The magnitude of the Cp change that occurs in response to laser irradiation shows that the assumption of a constant Cp when modeling heat transport in tissues is not always valid. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Experimental and theoretical study of mechanical behavior of 1100 aluminum in the strain rate range 10−5−104s−1

Abstract In this paper, a Direct Disc Impact technique is used to study the mechanical behavior of fully annealed 1100 aluminum and 1100-0 aluminum at high strain rates, while an MTS system is used to obtain the stress-strain curves of 1100-0 aluminum at low strain rates. The experimental results show that fully annealed 1100 aluminum is negligibly strain rate sensitive and its behavior at high strain rates can be described by Bell's parabolic equation, while 1100-0 aluminum is quite strain rate sensitive and a rate dependent theory has to be used to describe its behavior. A new viscoplastic model is then proposed which can predict the experimental results in a very large strain rate range, ϵ dot = 10 −5 −10 4 s −1 , including the high work-harding region.
Wavefront tilt feedforward for the formation interferometer testbed (FIT)

Separated spacecraft interferometry is a candidate architecture for several future NASA missions. The Formation Interferometer Testbed (FIT) is a ground based testbed dedicated to the validation of this key technology for a formation of two spacecraft. In separated spacecraft interferometry, the residual relative motion of the component spacecraft must be compensated for by articulation of the optical components. In this paper, the design of the FIT interferometer pointing control system is described. This control system is composed of a metrology pointing loop that maintains an optical link between the two spacecraft and two stellar pointing loops for stabilizing the stellar wavefront at both the right and left apertures of the instrument. A novel feedforward algorithm is used to decouple the metrology loop from the left side stellar loop. Experimental results from the testbed are presented that verify this approach and that fully demonstrate the performance of the algorithm.
The Bamboo Annals revisited: problems of method in using the Chronicle as a source for the chronology of early Zhou, Part I

The challenge of establishing the chronology of the early Zhou dynasty, especially the date of the Zhou Conquest of Shang, periodically arouses the intense interest of scholars. Down the centuries interest in the general problem has revived whenever advances in calendrical, astronomical, or textual knowledge seemed to offer the promise of a breakthrough. Extraordinary efforts have repeatedly been brought to bear, but until quite recently little progress was achieved in verifying benchmarks prior to 841 B.C., a date already regarded as secure in the time of Sima Qian toward the end of the second century B.C.
Bladder acellular matrix graft: in vivo functional properties of the regenerated rat bladder

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the rat urinary bladder augmented by an acellular matrix graft can restore the bladder's low-pressure reservoir function and preserve normal micturition. After partial cystectomy (> 50%) and grafting with the bladder acellular matrix graft (BAMG), storage and voiding functions were monitored in 20 rats by means of a specially designed "micturition cage," leak-point cystography, and cystometry. After 4 months, sections (n = 6) were examined histologically to evaluate regeneration of bladder wall components within the BAMG. Bladder capacity and compliance increased progressively and were significantly higher in the grafted animals than in controls (partial cystectomy only), and volumes per void were significantly higher than in either control or normal animals. At 4 months, the regenerated urothelium, smooth muscle, blood vessels and nerves within the BAMG were qualitatively identical to normal bladder wall. Augmentation cystoplasty with the homologous BAMG leads to morphologic and functional rat bladder regeneration, thus enhancing low-pressure reservoir function and preserving normal micturition.
Cognitive trauma therapy for formerly battered women* with PTSD: Conceptual bases and treatment outlines *

This article describes the conceptual bases and treatment outlines of Cognitive Trauma Therapy for Formerly Battered Women with PTSD (CTT-BW), a psychoeducational, multicomponent, cognitive-behavioral intervention aimed at alleviating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, guilt, shame, and negative self-esteem in formerly battered women. CTT-BW is derived from psychological learning principles, and emphasizes the role of irrational beliefs and evaluative language in posttraumatic stress. Assessment and assessment instrumentation used in CTT-BW are described. The main treatment components in CTT-BW include (1) exploration of partner abuse history and exposure to other trauma; (2) psychoeducation on PTSD; (3) negotiation of imaginal and in vivo exposure homework; (4) psychoeducation on maladaptive self-talk; (5) stress management and relaxation training; (6) cognitive therapy for trauma-related guilt ( Kubany & Manke, 1995 ); (7) psychoeducation on assertiveness and responses to verbal aggression; (8) managing unwanted contacts with former partners; (9) learning to identify potential perpetrators and avoid revictimization; and (10) psychoeducation on positive coping strategies that focus on self-advocacy and self-empowerment (e.g., placing oneself first, decision-making that promotes self interest). Homework includes listening to audiotapes of the sessions, in-vivo and imaginal exposure to abuse-related reminders, playing a relaxation tape, and self-monitoring of negative self-talk. Initial evidence for the efficacy of CTT-BW is discussed, as are issues that need to be addressed before CTT-BW can be reliably implemented and evaluated by other clinicians.
Distance learning through distributed collaborative video viewing

Previous research on Tutored Video Instruction (TVI) shows that learning is enhanced when small groups of students watch and discuss lecture videos together. Using specialized, high-end videoconferencing systems, these improved results have been shown to apply even when the students are in different locations (Distributed TVI, or DTVI). In this paper, we explore two issues in making DTVI-like scenarios widely supported at low cost. First, we explore design of a system that allows distributed individuals to collectively watch video using shared VCR controls such as play, pause, seek, stop. We show how such a system can be built on top of existing commercial technologies. Second, we explore the impact of four alternative discussion channels on student learning and interaction behavior. The four channels-text chat, audioconferencing, videoconferencing, and face-to-face-have differing infrastructure requirements and costs. Our lab studies show that while text chat does not work, there is no significant difference in discussion behavior and learning between audioconferencing and videoconferencing. While lab studies have their limitations and long-term field studies need to be done, the preliminary results point to a low-cost way for a DTVI-like model to be deployed widely in the very near future.
Rafinesque's names for western American mammals, including the earliest scientific name for the coyote (Canis latrans Say, 1822), based on the apocryphal journal of Charles Le Raye

Abstract In 1817, the naturalist Constantine S. Rafinesque named nine new species of mammals from the American West, indicating the recently published journal of Charles Le Raye as the primary source for his descriptions. Le Raye was purported to be a French Canadian fur trader who, as a captive of the Sioux, had traveled across broad portions of the Missouri and Yellowstone river drainages a few years before the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806) traversed much of the same region. Le Raye's journal was relied upon by generations of scholars as a valuable source documenting the native peoples and natural history of the Upper Missouri River in the era just prior to European settlement. Subsequent research, however, has shown that Le Raye never existed, and his purported journal is fraudulent. Despite this, Rafinesque's creation of the names followed conventional and accepted practice at the time, and they are potentially available. Fortunately, much of the Le Raye journal was based on verifiable source...
Investigation of aluminum interferences using the stabilized temperature platform furnace

Abstract Al was determined in the stabilized temperature platform furnace with very few interferences. No interferences were found for several metal nitrates, sulfates or phosphates, or for NaCl. The Al absorbance signal was delayed in the presence of MgCl 2 but there was no interference. This led to the use of 50 μg Mg(NO 3 ) 2 as a matrix modifier for Al. There were no interferences for CaCl 2 but it was particularly important to use new pyrolytically coated tubes to avoid “aging” effects. CuCl 2 provided a very persistent interference that was reduced when the Mg(NO 3 ) 2 matrix modifier was used that permitted a char temperature of 1700°C. Perchloric acid interferences were severe with improperly coated graphite tubes but did not exist up to 0.5 M HClO 4 when the new pyrolytically coated tubes were used. A serum Al method was tested briefly and no problems were found. Al was determined in seawater with no influence from the salinity of the sample and less than 0.6 μg/1 Al in seawater could be detected.
Objective Laser Speckle Method For Three-Dimensional Displacement Measurement On Curved Surfaces

By illuminating a ground glass with a laser beam, a spatial field of speckles is created. These speckles are used as displacement gauging ele-ments of curved 3-D objects whose surfaces are coated with photosensitive material. Equations are derived to show that all three components of the surface displacement can be obtained from two specklegrams.
Thermoelectric Properties of Half-Heusler Bismuthides ZrCo 1−x Ni x Bi ( x = 0.0 to 0.1)

The usefulness of half-Heusler (HH) alloys as thermoelectrics has been mainly limited by their relatively large thermal conductivity, which is a key issue despite their high thermoelectric power factors. In this regard, Bi-containing half-Heusler alloys are particularly appealing, because they are, potentially, of low thermal conductivity. One such a material is ZrCoBi. We prepared pure and Ni-doped ZrCoBi by a solid-state reaction. To evaluate thermoelectric potential we measured electrical resistivity (ρ = 1/σ) and thermopower (σ) up to 1000 K and thermal conductivity (κ) up to 300 K. Our measurements indicate that for these alloys resistivity of approximately a few mΩ cm and thermopower larger than a hundred µV K−1 are possible. Low κ values are also possible. On the basis of these data we conclude that this system has a potential to be optimized further, despite the low power factors (α 2 σT) we have currently measured.
On the product of symmetric random variables

Abstract Let X and Y be two independent and nondegenerate random variables such that X is symmetric about a and Y is symmetric about b. It is shown that XY is symmetric about ab if and only if ab= 0.
Automated video program summarization using speech transcripts

Compact representations of video data greatly enhances efficient video browsing. Such representations provide the user with information about the content of the particular sequence being examined while preserving the essential message. We propose a method to automatically generate video summaries using transcripts obtained by automatic speech recognition. We divide the full program into segments based on pause detection and derive a score for each segment, based on the frequencies of the words and bigrams it contains. Then, a summary is generated by selecting the segments with the highest score to duration ratios while at the same time maximizing the coverage of the summary over the full program. We developed an experimental design and a user study to judge the quality of the generated video summaries. We compared the informativeness of the proposed algorithm with two other algorithms for three different programs. The results of the user study demonstrate that the proposed algorithm produces more informative summaries than the other two algorithms
CD8+ T Cells Suppress Viral Replication in the Cornea but Contribute to VEGF-C–Induced Lymphatic Vessel Genesis

HSV-1 is the leading cause of infectious corneal blindness in the industrialized world. CD4(+) T cells are thought to be the major leukocyte population mediating immunity to HSV-1 in the cornea as well as the likely source of immunopathology that reduces visual acuity. However, the role of CD8(+) T cells in immune surveillance of the cornea is unclear. Thus, we sought to evaluate the role of CD8(+) T cells in ocular immunity using transgenic mice in which >98% of CD8(+) T cells are specific for the immunodominant HSV-1 epitope (gBT-I.1). We found a significant reduction in virus, elevation in HSV-specific CD8(+) T cell influx, and more CD8(+) T cells expressing CXCR3 in the cornea of transgenic mice compared with those in the cornea of wild-type controls yet similar acute corneal pathology. However, by day 30 postinfection, wild-type mice had drastically more blood and lymphatic vessel projections into the cornea compared with gBT-I.1 mice, in which only lymphatic vessel growth in response to VEGF-C could be appreciated. Taken together, these results show that CD8(+) T cells are required to eliminate virus more efficiently from the cornea but play a minimal role in immunopathology as a source of VEGF-C.
Ross Gerrity, 1945–2008

We are very sad to report that Dr Ross Gerrity died of a heart attack at his home in Augusta, Ga on Tuesday, July 1, 2008. Ross played a major role in our understanding of the process of atherosclerosis over a period of over 40 years. He was an outstanding pathologist who was also interested in disease mechanisms. His major discoveries included the recognition that in normal animals the areas of aorta susceptible to atherosclerosis had a different cellular composition.1 He showed that, in animals fed a high-fat diet, lipoproteins first accumulated selectively in these susceptible areas. Today, the idea that inflammation plays an important role in the initiation of atherosclerosis is well accepted. …
Disequilibrium chemistry in a brown dwarf's atmosphere: Carbon monoxide in Gliese 229B

The distribution of CO in Gliese 229B’s atmosphere reveals how disequilibrium processes establish the atmospheric composition. The CO abundance derived from its spectral signature exceeds the equilibrium value by several orders of magnitude. Our investigation of the source for CO considers disequilibrium mechanisms common to planetary atmospheres and concludes that the CO abundance is sensitive to atmospheric dynamics. Convection is not required to explain the observed abundance; instead, the vertical transport rate at »6 bars may be similar to that in planetary stratospheres. Subject headings: convection — planets and satellites: general — stars: atmospheres — stars: individual (Gliese 229B) — stars: low-mass, brown dwarfs
Stigma Management Through Participation in Sport and Physical Activity: Experiences of Male College Students with Physical Disabilities

Individuals with physical disabilities are often stigmatized because their bodies are assumed to vary from norms of physical competence and bodily appearance. Possession of a discrediting attribute may impair social interactions and result in the devaluation of an individual. The purpose of this paper is to explore how involvement in sport and physical activity may be one strategy to manage the stigma of a disabled body. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 24 male college students with physical disabilities. Findings indicate that respondents believe this context helps them exceed expectations associated with their disability through demonstration of physical skill, a fit healthy body, a muscular body, and a liberated body. Sport and physical activity may be effective in compensating for a spoiled identity as participation in this setting is unexpected and emphasizes an alternative representation of a disabled body.