cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Olympia and York Crisis

Olympia and York (OY the capital market′s response is strongly negative. O&Y′s distress was a major event that signalled the real estate recession and investors′ concerns over the banking sector′s substantial exposure to non‐performing real estate loans. Its creditors applied increasing pressure on its management to disclose more financial information, to renegotiate loans, and eventually, to file for bankruptcy.
Digital Rights Management: The Technology Behidn The Hype

A specific digital rights management (DRM) system designed for digital document protection is presented in some detail. Following some background information on document protection, the various technical measures employed by this DRM system are discussed. These technical measures include a variety of tamper-resistance methods, controlled execution techniques, encryption, digital watermarking and other techniques. The discussion of specific security features is followed by a discussion of several other current and developing DRM systems and technologies. Comments and conjectures on the limitations and future directions of the technology are made throughout.
Experiments with phase change thermal energy storage canisters for Space Station Freedom

The solar dynamic power module proposed for the Space Station Freedom (SSF) uses the heat of fusion of a phase change material (PCM) to efficiently store thermal energy for use during eclipse periods. The PCM, a LiF-20CaF2 salt, is contained in annular, metal canisters located in a heat receiver at the focus of a solar concentrator. PCM canister ground-based experiments and analytical heat transfer studies are discussed. The hardware, test procedures, and test results from these experiments are discussed. After more than 900 simulated SSF orbital cycles, no canister cracks or leaks were observed and all data were successfully collected. The effect of 1-g test orientation on canister wall temperatures was generally small while void position was strongly dependent on test orientation and canister cooling. In one test orientation, alternating wall temperature data were measured that supports an earlier theory of oscillating vortex flow in the PCM melt. Analytical canister wall temperatures compared very favorably with experimental temperature data. This illustrates that ground-based canister thermal performance can be predicted well by analyses that employ straight-forward, engineering models of void behavior and liquid PCM free convection.
Influence of pH, salinity, and organic matter on the adsorption of enteric viruses to estuarine sediment

This study was designed to determine the degree of adsorption of enteric viruses to marine sediment and factors controlling this association. Adsorption and elution characteristics of several enteroviruses and one rotavirus to estuarine sediments were studied under varying conditions of pH, salinity, and presence of soluble organics. Greater than 99% of the added poliovirus type 1 (LSc), coxsackievirus type B3 (Nancy), echovirus type 7 (Wallace), and rotavirus (SA-11) adsorbed to sediment. Echovirus 1 (Farouk) and a recent isolate typed as coxsackievirus B4 adsorbed significantly less than poliovirus 1 under similar conditions of varying salinity and pH. The presence of soluble organic matter, in the form of secondary sewage effluent or humic acid, did not affect these patterns of adsorption. Only echovirus 1 (Farouk) desorbed when the pH or salinity was altered and then only to a small extent. Three recent isolates of echovirus 1 and echovirus 29 (strain JV-10) also demonstrated varying amounts of adsorption to sediment. These data indicate that enteric viruses can become readily associated with sediment in the estuarine environment and that this association may play a major role in their hydrotransportation and survival.
A Two Function Metaminimax Theorem

A generalization of Simons's metaminimax theorem to a metaminimax theorem involving two functions is given.
Effects of High Incubation Temperature Upon the Cell Wall of Escherichia coli

Hoffman, Heiner (New York University, New York, N.Y.), Jon Valdina, and Michael E. Frank. Effects of high incubation temperature upon the cell wall of Escherichia coli . J. Bacteriol. 91: 1635–1637. 1966.— Escherichia coli cells grown at 45 C were found to swell when suspended in distilled water, and were broken down when subjected to egg white lysozyme. Cells grown at 37 C were unaffected by these reagents. It appears, therefore, that cultivation at the upper limits of the temperature growth range leads to cell wall damage. It is suggested that this reaction may account for the favorable therapeutic effects of artificially elevated body temperature in certain infectious diseases. Images
Bosnia Hotel: Kenyan Warriors in Bosnia

Bosnia Hotel: Kenyan Warriors in Bosnia. 1996. 52 minutes, color. video by Thomas Balmes. For more information contact Filmmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016(212/808-4980).
A study of uptake of radiolabeled host proteins and protein synthesis during development of eggs of the endoparasitoid, Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) (Braconidae)

Abstract The uptake of radiolabeled haemolymph and fat body proteins from fourth instar larvae of Heliothis zea (Boddie) by eggs of Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) was examined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by autoradiography. None of the 125 I-labeled haemolymph proteins was detected in eggs exposed to the proteins in vivo . Although several of the proteins were observed in eggs incubated with the labeled proteins in vitro , none of these proteins was degraded or resynthesized into new structural proteins during development of the embryo. Similarly, no significant uptake of labeled fat body proteins by the eggs could be detected in vitro . On the other hand, protein synthesis measured by incorporation of [ 35 S]methionine occurred throughout egg development. Proteins were synthesized at least 1 hr after the egg was deposited into the host. The protein patterns of eggs on one-dimensional SDS gels were complex and ranged in size from less than 18,500 to more than 330,000 mol. wt. The protein band patterns of the newly synthesized proteins showed some qualitative differences at 1–8, 16–32 and 40 hr after egg deposition. We conclude that eggs do not absorb or utilize the host apoproteins (or degradation products) but instead synthesize proteins de novo from free amino acids in the host haemolymph.
Endovascular Therapy of Traumatic Vascular Lesions of the Head and Neck

Pseudoaneurysm and fistula formation are well-documented complications of arterial vascular injury and may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the presentation and therapy of patients with traumatic vascular injuries of the head and neck. Eight patients were admitted to a Level 1 Trauma Center and diagnostic angiography of the carotid artery and vertebral circulation was performed. The mechanisms of injury included motor vehicle accident, gunshot wound, stab wound and aggravated assault. Cause of trauma, vascular lesion, endovascular therapy and outcome were analyzed retrospectively. The angiographic findings, clinical presentation and hospital course were reviewed. There were eight patients, seven males and one female, aged 17–65. Four patients (50%) had multiple lesions; four had pseudoaneurysms, two with fistula formation and two with active arterial hemorrhage. A total of 17 lesions were embolized using coils, Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Gelfoam or a combination. Two of the 17 lesions received stents. Six of the eight patients remained clinically improved or stable at varying follow-up intervals. One of the four patients who presented with penetrating trauma and neurological deficits had resolution of right hemiplegia at the 8th month follow-up. One of the four patients who sustained blunt trauma and carotid-cavernous fistula presented with a new pseudoaneurysm at the 2-month post-embolization follow-up. The evolution of diagnostic neuroangiographic techniques provides opportunities for endovascular therapy of traumatic vascular lesions of the head and neck that are minimally invasive, attractive options in selected cases.
The Effects of Varied Hydrogen Chloride Gas Concentrations on Corrosion Rates of Commercial Tube Alloys Under Simulated Environment of WTE Facilities

In order to clarify the effects of HCl concentrations on corrosion rates of commercial tubing in Waste-to-Energy (WTE) boilers, a corrosion test was made by altering the HCl concentration from 0 to 1000ppm, together with simulated flue gas composition. Three commercial tubing SA178A, SA213 T11 and NSSER-4 samples were investigated under a well controlled thermal gradient where the gas temperature was at 700°C and metal temperatures ranged from 480 to 580°C. The duration of each test was 100 hours. The posttest analyses included observations of surface morphology and elementary composition analysis of corrosion products by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The corrosion rates were acquired by measuring the mass loss of samples after the test. The results showed that the addition of HCl to the flue gas increased the corrosion rates of test samples, but the relation between the HCl concentration and corrosion rate was not linear. The HCl effects on corrosion rates were more prominent when its concentration changed from 0 to 500ppm. In addition, the HCl effects were promoted by the increase of metal temperature in particular when metal temperature was over 560°C.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Social Networks and Friendships at School: Comparing Children With and Without ASD

Self, peer and teacher reports of social relationships were examined for 60 high-functioning children with ASD. Compared to a matched sample of typical children in the same classroom, children with ASD were more often on the periphery of their social networks, reported poorer quality friendships and had fewer reciprocal friendships. On the playground, children with ASD were mostly unengaged but playground engagement was not associated with peer, self, or teacher reports of social behavior. Twenty percent of children with ASD had a reciprocated friendship and also high social network status. Thus, while the majority of high functioning children with ASD struggle with peer relationships in general education classrooms, a small percentage of them appear to have social success.
Determination of muscle orientations and moment arms

In muscle force analysis, orientations and moment arms of the muscles about a joint provide essential coefficients in the equilibrium equations. For the determination of these parameters, several experimental techniques, including geometric measurement, tendon-joint displacement measurement and direct load measurement, are available. Advantages and disadvantages associated with each of the techniques are reviewed and compared based on our extensive experience.
Taxonomy of Tactical Non-Cooperative Biometry and Opportunities for Research

This paper will explain what tactical non-cooperative biometry means; outline the taxonomies; describe some human signatures; describe sensors which could be employed; and explore a few opportunities for research to meet Army needs in the expanding use space of this relatively new field.
The Contribution of Economists to Understanding Racial Health Disparities in the US

Much research on the issue of health disparities in the United States has been produced by health services researchers across disciplines, particularly medical care providers, public health workers and sociologists. Many economists have also studied health disparities. This special issue of Atlantic Economic Journal highlights in particular the role of economic scholarship in this important national debate. This article, introducing the special issue, categorizes the contribution of many economists to the literature on health disparity. The literature reviewed ultimately includes 107 articles published between 1998 and 2008. Articles by any of the 932 economists that were members of the American Society of Health Economists in 2006 publishing about racial/ethnic health disparities as found in Medline, articles related to racial/ethnic health disparities published in Health Economics or the Journal of Health Economics or through searches in EconLit were reviewed for inclusion.
Maintenance of a snake colony for the purpose of venom extraction

Abstract Observations on the maintenance of a snake colony designed for venom collection are presented. The importance of cage temperature and construction, as well as methods of snake handling are described in detail. The authors' method for obtaining coral snake venom, venom extraction procedures, apparatus and concepts on proper feeding are included. In addition, techniques for shipping and isolation of newly acquired snakes, with a discussion on detection and prevention of disease are presented.
HTLV-I Tax is a zinc-binding protein: role of zinc in Tax structure and function.

Abstract We have examined the functional significance of the cysteine-and histidine-rich region (amino acids 22–53) of HTLV-I Tax. A modeling of this region suggests two possible overlapping zinc-finger-like motifs. Using a zinc blotting technique, we show that Tax binds zinc. An N-terminal deletion in Tax that removed this zinc-finger region abolished the ability to bind zinc. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate 10 separate mutations so as to discriminate between the two alternative zinc-binding structures. Each Tax mutant was studied for its ability to trans-activate the HTLV-I LTR. Five of the ten mutations inactivated trans-activation. Our results support that one of the two putative zinc fingers is an integral element of Tax structure.
Probabilistic estate planning

Abstract Probabilistic estate planning is based on the principle of maximizing expected net present value commensurate with the risk assumed. Rather than assuming that death occurs at life expectancy, probabilistic estate planning treats death as a random variable. Compounded to randomly chosen ages of death, estate assets are taxed and distributed to heirs. The purpose of probabilistic estate planning is to find the estate plan and asset/liability combination that maximizes the expected net present value of assets passing to heirs and to convey some idea of the risk associated with that estate plan.
Nitrogen Source and Rate Effects on Irrigated Corn Yields and Nitrogen-Use Efficiency

Nitrogen rate studies were conducted under furrow-irrigated corn (Zea mays L.) production on a silty clay soil to compare granular urea with polymer-coated urea (PCU) and stabilized urea (SU, contains urease and nitrification inhibitors) effects on corn yields, plant N uptake, and N use efficiency. Polymer-coated urea had a yield advantage over urea 2 (continuous corn) of 3 yr at N rates below maximum yield, which resulted in greater economic returns with PCU (4–14%) at N rates from 168 to 280 kg N ha –1 . The SU fertilizer had no yield or economic advantage over urea. Grain and stover yields and N uptake increased with increasing N rate for all N sources. Expressing grain yields from all N sources as a linear-plateau function of N rate showed that yields were maximized at 14.3 Mg ha –1 at an N rate of 254 kg N ha –1 or available N level (soil NO 3 –N plus fertilizer N) of 295 kg N ha –1 . Nitrogen recovery efficiency (RE) tended not to vary with N rate, with no differences between SU and urea but greater RE (19%) with PCU than urea under continuous corn. Fertilizer N use efficiency did not vary with N rate but was greater for PCU (36%) than for urea (32%) under continuous corn. In contrast to SU, PCU provided grain yield and potential economic advantages over urea under continuous corn production at N rates below those needed with urea for maximum grain yield.
Somatostatin Analogue Inhibits Intestinal Regeneration

• Somatostatin analogue octreotide inhibits intestinal absorption and motility but its effect on epithelial cell migration and proliferation remains unclear. Our aim was to determine the effect of octreotide on parameters of intestinal regeneration, including epidermal growth factor (EGF)—induced changes. Thirty rabbits had full-thickness ileal defects patched with cecal serosa surface. Group 1 were controls. Groups 2 and 3 received 100 μg and 1000 μg, respectively, of subcutaneous octreotide daily. Group 4 received EGF at 1.5 μg/kg per hour via subcutaneous miniosmotic pump, and group 5 received both octreotide (1000 μg/d and EGF (1.5 μg/kg per hour). Octreotide at 100 μg/d did not inhibit epithelial cell migration or proliferation at 7 days. Octreotide at 1000 μg/d inhibited normal but not EGF-stimulated cell migration. Octreotide decreased EGF-stimulated but not normal proliferation. Octreotide impairs epithelial cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Octreotide inhibits EGF-stimulated proliferative activity but not EGF-stimulated migration. Prolonged administration of octreotide may adversely affect normal and adaptive intestinal regeneration by both direct and indirect effects. (Arch Surg.1993;128:385-389)
The massively obese hypertensive patient: an analysis of blood pressure response to weight reduction with supplemented fasting

A 42.4% incidence of hypertension was seen in 783 massively obese patients admitted to a supplemented fasting program between February 1974 and November 1976. Chosen for this study were the 99 hypertensives who had not received any antihypertensive medication before admission. The blood pressure response after 1 week of inhospital fasting was compared with that at the end of a period of outpatient fasting. Reduction in blood pressure was noted in 85 patients by the end of the first week; by the end of the fasting period, 68 patients were normotensive. We conclude that the elevated blood pressure common in a high percentage of massively obese patients is primarily volume-dependent.
Denoising during optical coherence tomography of the prostate nerves via wavelet shrinkage using dual-tree complex wavelet transform

The dual-tree complex wavelet transform (CDWT) is a relatively recent enhancement to the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), with important additional properties. It is nearly shift-invariant and directionally selective in two and higher dimensions. In this letter, a locally adaptive denoising algorithm is applied to reduce speckle noise in time-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of the prostate. The algorithm is illustrated using DWT and CDWT. Applying the CDWT provides improved results for speckle noise reduction in OCT images. The cavernous nerve and prostate gland can be separated from discontinuities due to noise, and image quality metrics improvements with a signal-to-noise ratio increase of 14 dB are attained.
Application of multivariate statistics in detecting temporal and spatial patterns of water chemistry in Lake George, New York

Cluster and component analyses were used to identify temporal and spatial patterns of water chemistry in Lake George, a meso-oligotrophic lake in northeastern New York, during 1981–1993. The lake includes two major basins that have similar area and volume, but different biological community structure, plankton assemblages, watershed area, and watershed development. Analyses were based on total phosphorus, particulate phosphorus, dissolved organic phosphorus, dissolved inorganic phosphorus, nitrate, calcium, chlorophyll a, silica, chloride, and pH, individually or in combinations. Total phosphorus, chlorophyll a, chloride, and particulate phosphorus were included in the first linear component indicating that these are probably the most important analytes in explaining the total variance of the data. In spring or summer, three or four components explained 86 or 84% of the total variance, respectively. Cluster analysis based on the major components or on the original variables indicated that there are distinct differences in water chemistry between the two major basins of the lake. The only long-term temporal pattern that could be detected by cluster analysis was an increase in chloride concentrations. Cluster analysis is found to be a useful tool to detect both step (abrupt) and monotonic (gradual) changes in time and space.
Preparation of viral DNA from nucleocapsids

Viruses are obligate cellular parasites, and thus the study of their DNA requires isolating viral material away from host cell contaminants and DNA. Several downstream applications require large quantities of pure viral DNA, which is provided by this protocol. These applications include viral genome sequencing, where the removal of host DNA is crucial to optimize data output for viral sequences, and the production of new viral recombinant strains, where co-transfection of purified plasmid and linear viral DNA facilitates recombination.(1,2,3) This procedure utilizes a combination of extractions and density-based centrifugation to isolate purified linear herpesvirus nucleocapsid DNA from infected cells.(4,5) The initial purification steps aim to isolate purified viral capsids, which contain and protect the viral DNA during the extractions and centrifugation steps that remove cellular proteins and DNA. Lysis of nucleocapsids then releases viral DNA, and two final phenol-chloroform steps remove remaining proteins. The final DNA captured from solution is highly concentrated and pure, with an average OD(260/280;) of 1.90. Depending on the quantity of infected cells used, yields of viral DNA range from 150-800 μg or more. The purity of this DNA makes it stable during long-term storage at 4C. This DNA is thus ideally suited for high-throughput sequencing, high fidelity PCR reactions, and transfections. Prior to beginning the protocol, it is important to know the average number of cells per dish (e.g. an average of 8 x 10(6) PK-15 cells in a confluent 15 cm dish), and the titer of the viral stock to be used (e.g. 1 x 10(8) plaque-forming units per ml). These are necessary to calculate the appropriate multiplicity of infection (MOI) for the protocol.(6) For instance, to infect one 15 cm dish of PK-15 cells with the above viral stock, at an MOI of 5, you would use 400 μl of viral stock and dilute it with 3.6 ml of medium (total inoculation volume of 4 ml for one 15 cm plate). Multiple viral DNA preparations can be prepared at the same time. The number of simultaneous preparations is limited only by the number of tubes held by the ultracentrifuge rotor (one per virus; see step 3.9 below). Here we describe the procedure as though being done for one virus.
Flexibility in the PP1:spinophilin holoenzyme

Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) interacts with ∼200 regulatory proteins to form holoenzymes, which target PP1 to specific locations and regulate its specificity. While it is known that many PP1 regulatory proteins are dynamic in the unbound state, much less is known about the residual flexibility after PP1 holoenzyme formation. Here, we have used small angle X-ray scattering to investigate the flexibility of the PP1:spinophilin holoenzyme in solution. Collectively, our data shows that the PP1:spinophilin holoenzyme is dynamic in solution, which allows for an increased capture radius of spinophilin and is likely important for its biological role.
Angiographic demonstration of bleeding in an unusually located Meckel's diverticulum simulating colonic bleeding

A case is reported in which bleeding from a Meckel's diverticulum was mistakenly localized to the hepatic flexure of the colon on superior mesenteric angiography. An unusually long and mobile mesentery, allowing the bleeding Meckel's diverticulum to be positioned high in the right upper quadrant, led to this misdiagnosis. The case illustrates several fundamental principles about the technique and interpretation of mesenteric angiograms.
The hypothesis of chromatid interference

Der Nachweis des Vorkommens von Chromatiden-interferenz erscheint dadurch erschwert, dass sich die bei fehlender Interferenz zu erwartende Haufigkeitsverteilung von Zwei-, Drei- und Vierstrang-Doppelaustausch nicht eindeutig formulieren lasst, indem von verschiedenen Modellvorstellungen ausgegangen werden kann, welche verschiedene Haufigkeitsverhaltnisse vorausschen lassen.
Off-shell WZW models in extended superspace

We investigate the off-shell N = 2 and N = 4 structure of the supersymmetric Wess-Zumino-Witten model. We present an off-shell formulation of the SU(2) ⊗U(1) supersymmetric WZW model in terms of N = 2 chiral and twisted chiral multiplets. We show that such a formulation is not possible for any other group and suggest a larger multiplet structure to cover these cases.
Effects of particle size and polydispersity on the depletion and structural forces in colloidal dispersions

The effective pair interaction (potential of the mean force) between large hard spherical colloidal particles in a dispersion containing small hard sphere particles has been studied theoretically. We calculated the effective interaction from the total correlation function by solving the Ornstein-Zernike equation. For a simple binary mixture of particles, the calculated effective interaction between two large (colloidal) particles is found to be oscillatory in general, including both the Asakura-Oosawa type attractive depletion well and the repulsive energy barrier (which is caused by the formation of small particle layers between these two large particles). A systematic study was conducted to examine the relationship between the effective interaction potential and the controllable parameters like the particle concentration and the size ratio. The existence of the structural energy barrier is expected to have dual effects on the stability of the large particle dispersion in general: stabilizing in a short time scale and destabilizing in a long time scale. The effect of the polydispersity of small particles on both depletion and the structural force between large particles is also addressed in our study, and we found that polydispersity affects the structural energy barrier more than it does the attractive depletion well. 45 refs., 11more » figs.« less
Effect of Initial Cutting Date on the Yield and Nutritive Value of Mixed Hays and Their Aftermaths

Abstract A stand of mixed alfalfa-grass forage was cut initially on May 5, June 1, or June 20; and part of the plots cut on the two latter dates were preserved as hays. Second cuttings were made on July 5, July 20, and August 2, respectively. Yields, chemical composition, and nutritive values of hays made from the June 1, June 20, July 5, and the combined July 20 and August 2 harvests were determined. Dairy cows and sheep were used as test animals. The growing season was characterized as a cool, wet spring followed by severe summer drouth. The initial clipping on May 5 was detrimental to the survival of alfalfa. The resultant aftermath was poorest of all the hays in nutritive value. Seasonal yields of dry matter and total digestible nutrients were greater when initial first cutting was delayed until June 20, but this was not true for yield of digestible protein. The first cutting hay harvested on June 1 was superior as a feed to that cut on June 20 and it was equal to second cutting aftermath. Digestibility of the dry matter and energy was highest for the June 1 first cutting, followed by that of the aftermaths, and lowest for the June 20 first cutting. Aftermath hays were higher in per cent digestible proten than the first cutting hays.
Distinctive MRI Features of Pediatric Medulloblastoma Subtypes

OBJECTIVE. We hypothesized that the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and other MRI features can be used to predict medulloblastoma histologic subtypes, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective review of pediatric patients with medulloblastoma between 1989 and 2011 identified 38 patients with both pretreatment MRI and original pathology slides. The mean and minimum tumor ADC values and conventional MRI features were compared among medulloblastoma histologic subtypes. RESULTS. The cohort of 38 patients included the following histologic subtypes: 24 classic medulloblastomas, nine large cell (LC) or anaplastic medulloblastomas, four desmoplastic medulloblastomas, and one medulloblastoma with extensive nodularity. The median age at diagnosis was 8 years (range, 1–21 years) and the median follow-up time was 33 months (range, 0–150 months). The mean ADC (× 10 −3 mm 2 /s) was lower in classic medulloblastoma (0.733 ± 0.046 [SD]) than in LC or anaplastic medulloblastoma (0.935 ± 0.127) (MannWhitney test, p = 0.004). Similarly, the minimum ADC was lower in classic medulloblastoma (average ± SD, 0.464 ± 0.056) than in LC or anaplastic medulloblastoma (0.630 ± 0.053) (p = 0.004). The MRI finding of focal cysts correlated with the classic and desmoplastic subtypes (Fisher exact test, p = 0.026). Leptomeningeal enhancement positively correlated with the LC or anaplastic medulloblastoma subtype and inversely correlated with the classic medulloblastoma and desmoplastic medulloblastoma subtypes (p = 0.04). Ring enhancement correlated with tumor necrosis (p = 0.022) and with the LC or anaplastic medulloblastoma histologic subtype (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION. The LC or anaplastic medulloblastoma subtype was associated with increased ADC and with ring enhancement, the latter of which correlated with tumor necrosis. These features could be considered in the evaluation of high-risk medulloblastoma subtypes.
Instructing the instructor: tissue-resident T cells activate innate immunity.

A small number of tissue-resident memory T cells (T rm ) provide potent protection against infections. Three recent studies by Ariotti et al. (2014), Schenkel et al. (2014a), and Iijima and Iwasaki (2014) report that T rm rapidly produce cytokines after infection and initiate a tissue-wide anti-viral state by instructing innate immune cells.
A Deadly Disparity: A Unified Assessment of the Black-White Infant Mortality Gap

We provide a unified assessment of a striking disparity in the United States: the differential rate at which white and black infants die. We separate the overall mortality gap into three temporal components—fitness at birth, conditional neonatal mortality, and conditional post-neonatal mortality—and quantify the extent to which each of the components can be predicted using a flexible reweighting method. Almost 90 percent of the overall mortality gap is due to differential fitness at birth, little of which can be predicted by racial differences in background characteristics. The remaining mortality gap stems from conditional post-neonatal mortality differences, nearly all of which can be predicted by background characteristics. The predictability of the mortality gap has declined substantially over the past two decades, largely because the mortality gap among extremely low-fitness infants is increasingly unrelated to background characteristics.
Tribology studied using atomically smooth surfaces

An investigation is reported of the boundary layer friction resulting from films of nonpolar liquid lubricants, 1 to 6 layers of molecules thick. The liquids were confined between parallel step-free single crystals of muscovite mica. The apparent dynamic viscosity at 1 Hz (shear rate less than 250 sec−1) was considerably enhanced over that of the isotropic liquids and increased substantially with increasing net normal pressure. A transition to a solid-like response occurred with increasing net normal pressure, without discernible change in thickness. Investigations of the critical shear stress to accomplish sliding showed a buildup of this static friction over times from minutes to hours. For films of hexadecane, the pressure coefficient of the critical shear stress was approximately 2 to 20, depending on the equilibration time allowed at each normal pressure. The tribological behavior of these lubricant films did not appear to reflect material properties of the lubricants as such, but rather to stem, fro...
DUBINS VEHICLE TRACKING OF A TARGET WITH UNPREDICTABLE TRAJECTORY

Motivated by a fixed-speed, fixed-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), we seek to control the turning rate of a planar Dubins vehicle that tracks an unpredictable target at a nominal standoff distance. To account for all realizations of the uncertain target kinematics, we model the target motion as a planar random walk. A Bellman equation and an approximating Markov chain that is consistent with the stochastic kinematics is used to compute an optimal control policy that minimizes the expected value of a cost function based on the nominal distance. Our results illustrate that the control can further be applied to a class of continuous, smooth trajectories with no need for further computation.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Programming alternatives for educating the gifted in rural schools

(1980). Programming alternatives for educating the gifted in rural schools. Roeper Review: Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 22-24.
Dual Purpose Detention Basins in Storm Water Management

Storm water management contributes to flood hazard mitigation; but new approaches now being developed consider also the reduction in particulate pollution and stream erosion. Such approaches involve retardation of storm runoff, or detention programs of some kind, and detention basins are usually required if large storms are to be controlled. The usual concept is that future storms occurring after development should have no more adverse effect than similar storms would have had before development; but a number of different criteria are being used. If control of storms of different sizes is required, only a small amount of additional capacity is required to obtain retention of particulate pollution in the same basin. In at least three different parts of the country, such dual purpose detention basins are being required of developers. In such programs the developers bear the cost, the governmental contributions are not involved.
INTERACTION OF MOUSE ECTOPLACENTAL CONE TROPHOBLAST AND UTERINE DECIDUA IN VITRO

During the peri-implantation stages of mouse development, the secondary trophoblast invades into the uterine decidua. This uniquely controlled invasive process results in the formation of the placenta. We have analyzed this process in vitro using cultures of decidua and microdissected ectoplacental cones from Day 7 embryos. The results showed that the interaction between these two cell types is comparable to that seen in vivo. Morphologically, the decidua maintained close contact with the spreading trophoblast, limiting its invasion and producing a multilayered trophoblast outgrowth. Attachment to the decidua was not mediated through cell-matrix binding, but the subsequent invasion into the decidua was dependent on normal matrix interactions. Secretion of proteinases by the trophoblast also seemed to be a requirement for successful invasion, but not attachment.
The pulmonary hilum twist as a thoracic damage control procedure.

Abstract Background Damage control techniques have been developed and applied to abdominal, vascular and thoracic injuries. Thoracic damage control techniques must be rapid and simple. Methods This report describes the successful use of pulmonary hilum twist as an effective damage control technique to control hemorrhage for severe lung trauma. Results The procedure involves division of the inferior pulmonary ligament then anterior rotation of the lower lobe over the upper lobe. The technique can be utilized in multiple settings including the emergency center, operating room, and during resuscitation. When vascular occlusion is maintained throughout resuscitation in the intensive care unit, pneumonectomy most likely will be required, but can be performed when the physiologic parameters have improved. Complications are similar to pneumonectomy and can include right-side heart failure, dysrrythmias, and hypoxia. Conclusions Pulmonary hilar twist is an effective technique that should be considered when a damage control approach is needed.
Lessons from the Kibbutz on the Equality-Incentives Trade-Off

The first kibbutz was established southwest of the Sea of Galilee in 1910, but the vast majority of kibbutzim were established in the 1930s and 1940s, shortly before the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. Founders aimed to create a "new human being" who cared about the group more than about himself, a homo sociologicus who would challenge the selfish homo economicus. This idealistic view can explain many of the key features of kibbutzim: equal sharing in the distribution of income; no private property; a noncash economy; communal dining halls where members ate their meals together; high provision of local public goods for use by kibbutz members; separate communal residences for children outside their parents homes, which were supposed to free women from their traditional role in society and allow them to be treated equally with men; collective education to instill socialist and Zionist values; communal production, whereby kibbutz members worked inside their kibbutzim in agriculture or in one of the kibbutz plants; and no use of hired labor from outside kibbutzim—because hiring labor was considered "exploitation" under the reigning socialist ideology. To an economist, steeped in thinking about incentives that self-interested individuals face, there are three reasons why an equal-sharing arrangement of this sort seems unlikely to last. First, high-ability members have an incentive to exit equal-sharing arrangements to earn a wage premium—so-called "brain drain." Second, low-ability individuals have an incentive to enter equal-sharing arrangements so that they can be subsidized by more-able individuals—so-called adverse selection. Third, in context of equal sharing, shirking and free-riding are likely to be prevalent. However, kibbutzim have survived successfully for the past century and currently consist of 120,000 members living in 268 kibbutzim. In a number of ways, the kibbutzim offer an exceptional environment to examine the potential trade-off between equality and incentives.
Beam diagnostics for the University of Washington superconducting booster

The beam diagnostic system for the University of Washington superconducting booster provides the operator with a visualization of beam shape, position, intensity, time structure, energy and emittance. Control circuitry, interface structure, display graphics and sensors are described. Measurement of the emittance of the tandem injector and the booster for a variety of beams is in progress. 8 refs., 3 figs.
Endogenous sulfidopeptide leukotriene synthesis and 12-lipoxygenase activity in bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) erythrocytes

Endogenous leukotriene (LT) synthesis by mammalian inflammatory cells requires both 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein. Other myeloid cells, like erythrocytes, have an incomplete 5-lipoxygenase pathway and synthesize leukotrienes transcellularly. Several studies indicate that sulfidopeptide leukotrienes have important physiological functions in bullfrogs and receptors have been characterized. Calcium ionophore activated bullfrog blood was analyzed by reverse phase-high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Endogenous metabolites consisted of 5-LO products including leukotriene D4. Other metabolites also suggested 12-lipoxygenase activity. Following purification, metabolites from activated erythrocytes were analyzed by RP-HPLC coupled with radioimmunoassay. Erythrocytes demonstrated endogenous synthesis of LTD4 which was inhibited by non-selective (NDGA) and specific (MK886) 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors. Experiments with partially purified erythrocyte cytosol further confirmed 5-LO activity and revealed 12-lipoxygenase activity. HPLC analysis of [1-14C]arachidonic acid labeled metabolites from activated erythrocytes indicates that most of the available substrate is converted to 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE). These novel findings indicate that, in contrast to mammals, bullfrog erythrocytes endogenously synthesize LTD4 and large quantities of 12-HETE giving them the potential to contribute directly to inflammatory responses. The evolutionary loss of the nucleus in mammalian erythrocytes appears to be associated with the inability to synthesize leukotrienes endogenously.
Validating Benefit and Cost Estimates: The Case of Airbag Regulation

Preregulation estimates of benefits and costs are rarely validated after regulations are implemented. This article performs such a validation for the mandatory automobile airbag requirement. We found that the original 1984 model used to estimate benefits became invalid when 1997 values were input into that 1984 model. However, using a published 1997 cost-effectiveness model, we demonstrate, by replacing the model inputs with the values from 1984, that the 1997 cost-effectiveness ratios, based on real-world crash data and tear-down cost data, are less attractive than what would have been originally anticipated. The three most important errors in the 1984 input values are identified: the overestimation of airbag effectiveness, the overestimation of baseline fatality/injury rates, and the underestimation of manual safety belt use. This case study, which suggests that airbags are a reasonable investment in safety, shows that the regulatory analysis tools do not always produce findings that are biased against health, safety, and environmental regulation. Future validation studies of health, safety, and environmental regulation should focus on validation of benefit and risk estimates, areas where we found significant error, as well as on cost estimates.
Construction and characterization of E. coli promoter-probe plasmid vectors. I. Cloning of promoter-containing DNA fragments.

Abstract Derivatives of the Escherichia coli drug-resistance plasmid pBR316 have been constructed which act as molecular probes for promoter-containing DNA restriction fragments from various prokaryotic genomes. The plasmids, designated pBRH1 and pBRH3B, contain a unique EcoRI restriction site located within the promoter for the tetracycline resistance (Tcr) gene. This site was created by the insertion of a chemically synthesized octanucleotide, containing the EcoRI cleavage sequence, into the HindIII site of pBR316. Base-pair alterations within the Tc promoter produced by this insertion resulted in a substantial reduction (pBRH3B) or elimination (pBRH1) in ability of these plasmids to confer Tc resistance to the host strain. Cloning of EcoRI-cleaved foreign DNA fragments into the EcoRI site of these plasmids allows for the isolation of recombinant transformants with Tcr levels greater than that of the plasmid vector. Further characterization of these recombinant plasmids demonstrates that the Tcr phenotype is dependent upon the orientation of the inserted fragment, but not on the molecular weight. We have concluded that these fragments carry promoters which, in the proper orientation, allow for the transcription of the Tcr gene. The utility of these “promoter-probe” plasmids lies in the ability to select for promoter-containing DNA fragments by insertional activation of the Tcr gene.
133 CARDIAC PERFORMANCE, EXERCISE CAPACITY AND PULMONARY FUNCTION AFTER FONTAN SURGERY

Seven patients with congenital heart disease palliated by Fontan surgery (F) underwent cardiac catheterization (CC), treadmill exercise (TE), and pulmonary function (PF) tests. CC revealed absent right atrial-pulmonary pressure gradient, normal pulmonary pressures and mild arterial desaturation (82–93%). LV endiastolic volume (cm3/M2), stroke volume (m1/M2), output (L/m/M2) and ejection fraction pre/post surgery were: 90.6/78.3, 53.1/42.1, 4.94/3.78, and 0.59/0.53, respectively (all p=NS). TE protocol used steady rate (3 mph) and increasing grade (0% through 5, 10, 15, 20, 22.5, 25 and finally 27.5% at 4 mph) up to exhaustion (TE max). Minute ventilation (VE), tidal volume (TV), respiratory rate (RR), oxygen consumption (VO2), blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were measured q 1 min and compared to those of 50 normal (NL) subjects. TE max by F was 20% incline. Althouah VO2, TV and HR were appropriate for exercise level, RR and VE were outside 2 SD of NL at each workload. Values during TE max were lower than those of NL: VO2=69%, TV=85%, HR=83%, RR=81%, VE=85%. PF tests revealed (% of NL): forced vital capacity=82%, peak expiratory flow=104%, forced expiratory volume=85%, pulmonary diffusing capacity=73%. F patients have abnormal PF and exercise capacity despite “good” resting hemodynamics. These may be related to inadequate cardiac function during effort and reduced pulmonary perfusion.
Rapid Aerodynamic Performance Prediction on a Cluster of Graphics Processing Units

Author(s): Phillips, Everett H.; Zhang, Yao; Davis, Roger L.; Owens, John D. | Abstract: Researchers have recently used the new programmable capabilities of the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to increase the performance of scientific codes. We investigate the use of a cluster of GPUs for large-scale CFD problems and show order-of-magnitude increases in performance and performance-to-price ratio. We implement two separate compressible flow solvers. First, we develop a CUDA-based solver for the 2D compressible Euler equations and verify the results against a reference multi-block code MBFLO. After demonstrating the performance of our Euler solver, we proceed to develop a new version of MBFLO by adding GPU-accelerated subroutines to the existing Fortran codebase. Using an eight-node cluster equiped with 16 NVIDIA 9800GX2 GPUs, we achieve speedups of up to 496x on our Euler Solver and 88x on MBFLO. This paper describes the numerical, hardware and software techniques that provide significant speedups.
An SRAM reliability test macro for fully-automated statistical measurements of V min degradation

An SRAM reliability test macro is designed in a 1.2V, 65nm CMOS process for statistical measurements of V min degradation. An automated test program efficiently collects statistical V min data and reduces test time. The proposed test structure enables V min degradation measurements for different SRAM failure modes such as the SNM-limited case and the access-time-limited case. The impact of voltage stress on the time to cell data flip was measured.
Eventually Linear Partially Complete Resolutions Over a Local Ring with m4=0

We classify the Hilbert polynomial of a local ring (R, &#x1d52a;) satisfying &#x1d52a;4 = 0 which admits a doubly-infinite eventually linear resolution C which is “partially” complete — that is, for which HiHom R(C,R) vanishes for all |i|≫ 0. As a corollary to our main result, we show that an &#x1d52a;4 = 0 local ring can admit certain classes of asymmetric partially complete resolutions only if its Hilbert polynomial is symmetric. Moreover, we show that the Betti sequence associated to an eventually linear partially complete resolution over an &#x1d52a;4 = 0 local ring cannot be periodic of period two or three.
Theory of the Runaway Electron Tail

The steady-state electron distribution function of a current-carrying magnetized plasma is determined self-consistenly with the enhanced $\ensuremath{\omega}=\frac{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}{k}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}}{k}$ plasma wave spectrum it generates. Consequences include enhanced fluctuations at $\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\simeq}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}$ and energy transport by $\ensuremath{\omega}l{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}$ waves which is found to be greater than that by neoclassical ion thermal conduction and of the order of the observed transport in intermediate-density tokamaks.
Extraction of Motion Information from Peripheral Processes

This paper is mainly concerned with low-level processes in machine perception of motion. A motion analysis system should exploit information contained in ``early warning signals'' during the intensity based peripheral phase of motion perception. We show that intensity based difference pictures contain motion information about objects in a dynamic scene, and present methods for the extraction of motion information in the peripheral phase. Some experiments with laboratory generated and real world scenes demonstrate the potential of the technique.