cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mitigation and Treatment of Radiation-Induced Thoracic Injury With a Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor, Celecoxib

Purpose To test whether a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) could reduce mortality resulting from radiation-induced pneumonitis. Methods and Materials Celecoxib was given to mice twice daily for 40 consecutive days starting on the day of local thoracic irradiation (LTI) or 40 or 80 days later. C3Hf/KamLaw mice were observed for morbidity, and time to death was determined. Results were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results Timing of celecoxib relative to LTI determined efficacy. A significant reduction in time to death was achieved only when celecoxib was started 80 days after LTI, corresponding to the time when pneumonitis is expressed. For these mice the reduction in mortality was quantified as a hazard ratio for mortality of treated vs untreated of 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.53), thus significantly less than 1.0. Correspondingly, the median lethal dose for treated mice (12.9 Gy; 95% CI 12.55-13.25 Gy) was significantly ( P =.026) higher than for untreated mice (12.4 Gy; 95% CI 12.2-12.65 Gy). Conclusions Celecoxib significantly reduced lung toxicity when administered months after LTI when the deleterious effects of radiation were expressed. The schedule-dependent reduction in fatal pneumonitis suggests that celecoxib could be clinically useful by reintroduction of treatment months after completion of radiation therapy. These findings may be important for designing clinical trials using cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors to treat radiation-induced lung toxicity as a complement to concurrent radiation therapy of lung cancers.
Ultrafast vibrational energy transfer from O-H stretching modes of liquid water

Abstract Vibrational energy transfer from the O–H stretching modes in liquid water is studied by using QM/MM simulations and principal mode analysis (PMA). Two energy relaxation time scales of 0.6–0.7 and 0.3 ps are obtained by decorrelating the vibrational energy into principal modes. The longer time is interpreted as a vibrational energy relaxation (VER) process from the solute to bath, while the shorter time scale is attributed to an intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR) between the two O–H stretching modes.
Pyruvate kinase isoenzymes in chromatin extracts of Ehrlich ascites tumour, Morris hepatoma 7777 and normal mouse and rat livers.

Abstract A pyruvate kinase (EC 2.7.1.40) variant inhibited by l -cysteine has been found in Ehrlich ascites tumour and Morris hepatoma 7777, but not in normal mouse and rat livers used for comparison. Chromatin extracts of all materials studied contained three pyruvate kinase isoenzymes (α, β, γ) which showed the greatest electrophoretic mobility in normal mouse and rat livers. The isoenzyme mobility diminished in both tumour chromatin extracts, and the slow migrating γ isoenzyme exhibited sensitivity to l -cysteine inhibition. This γ isoenzyme sensitive to l -cysteine might be considered as a tumour marker. All tumour pyruvate kinase isoenzymes were insensitive to normal signal molecules, i.e., to ATP and fructose 1,6-diphosphate, which regulate liver pyruvate kinase activity. It was, however, noted that the binding of pyruvate kinase isoenzymes to DNA is connected with a diminution in their catalytic activity.
Nematode parasites of Oceanica XIII. Subuluridae, Thelaziidae and Ascaridiidae of birds

Some species in Subuluridae, Thelaziidae and Ascaridiidae are discussed. Subulara helicospicula sp.nov. from malcohas and a bulbul from Borneo is described. It differs from other species in having long, unequal spicules which are helical throughout their distal half. Allodapa suctoria (Molin, 1860) Seurat, 1914, is reported from several species of birds from Taiwan, Borneo and Palawan. A. turnicis (Maplestone, 1931) Inglis, 1958, was found in the button quail, Turnix sustator on Palawan.Thelazia digiticauda Schuurmans-Steckhoven, 1937, is redescribed from specimens recovered from the eyes of a ruddy kingfisher, Halcyon coromanda from Taiwan. Ceratospira inglisi sp.nov. from a cockatoo in Palawan and a pigeon in Borneo differs in spicule size from the three species so far described. Oxyspirura {Y.) mansoni (Cobbold, 1879) Skrjabin, 1931, was recovered from bamboo partridges, Bambusicola thoracica, from Taiwan, and Oxyspirura (0.) popawi Skrjabin, 1929, was found in the eyes of a swallow, Hirundo daurica in Taiwan.Ascaridia columbae (Gmelin, 1790) Travassos, 1913, was common in a variety of pigeons in Borneo and Palawan, and A. subaequalis (Wehr, 1930) was found in the lesser coucal, Centropus bengalensis in Taiwan and in a common coucal, C. sinensis in Palawan.
Single-gene stroke disorders.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have an higher incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality compared with the general population. In the past 10 years, several studies pointed out that vascular calcification is a major cause of cardiovascular disease in the dialysis population. In CKD patients, high levels of serum phosphate and parathyroid hormone play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular events. Calcium- and aluminum-free phosphate binders provide a new and effective therapeutic tool in preventing cardiovascular calcifications in CKD in animal models and in hemodialysis patients. Moreover, the pathogenesis of vascular and soft-tissue calcification, which traditionally has been associated with a passive calcium-phosphate deposition, certainly also is related to an active, cell-mediated process. In fact, some bone regulatory proteins seem to be able to induce or inhibit mineral deposition in the vasculature. In particular, bone matrix protein 7, a2-HS glycoprotein, and matrix GLA protein may be regulatory keys in preventing extraskeletal calcification in uremic conditions. This review presents the current understanding of the pathogenesis of vascular calcification in CKD patients, focusing on these 3 proteins and their protective action on extraskeletal calcification.
The Aging Immune System: Primer and Prospectus

Changes in T lymphocyte populations underlie much of the age-related decline in the protective immune response. Aging leads to the replacement of virgin T cells by memory T cells and to the accumulation of cells with signal transduction defects. Studies of antibody gene assembly, accessory cell function, post-thymic T cell development, skewed selection of T cell receptor repertoire, and the clinical concomitants of immune senescence will shed new light on the causes and consequences of age-dependent immune failure.
Research Forum on Changes in Sensory Perception in Middle-Aged Adults: A Summary of a Special Session at Hearing Across the Lifespan (HEAL) 2014

Purpose The purpose of this article is to introduce the special research forum on sensory-processing changes in middle-aged adults. Method This is a brief written introduction to the special session, which included five presentations, each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of sensory perception. Conclusion The effects of aging on sensory processing, including auditory processing and speech perception, are not confined to older adults but begin in middle age in many cases.
Measuring Interpersonal Conflict in Organizations:: Where Do We Go from Here?

This critique indicts conflict style literature for focusing on disagreements rather than incompatibilities, for downplaying the role of interdependence between parties in assessing interpersonal conflicts, and for failing to cast interpersonal conflict within an organizational system. This article also questions the exhaustiveness and representativeness of the two-dimensional models that form the five styles. It argues for reframing communication to include nonverbal and contradictory messages, multiple meanings, linkages between message tactics and strategic behavior, and inconsistencies between intentions and communicative tactics as conflict develops. Finally, it argues for contingency and political models of organizing to guide researchers in selecting appropriate variables and models to study interpersonal conflicts.
Novel technique for isolated accessory right heart transplantation for congenital heart disease.

Abstract Background Our prior laboratory work has permitted adding a whole donor heart to a preserved recipient right heart, producing a heart-and-a-half preparation able to cope with pulmonary hypertension in the recipient. The experiments in the present study explore the feasibility of the converse operation: adding an isolated donor right heart to an entire preserved heart. Methods Eight adult mongrel dogs (4 donors and 4 recipients) were used in 4 transplant operations performed through a right thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass (using side-biting control of recipient vessels). The donor heart underwent resection of the left atrium and left ventricle, leaving an isolated donor right heart. Blood supply to the donor right ventricle was preserved from the donor ascending aorta. Through a right thoracotomy, the donor right heart was transplanted in parallel to the native right heart of the recipient by using the following anastomoses: (1) donor superior vena cava to recipient superior vena cava (end-to-side anastomosis); (2) donor pulmonary artery to recipient pulmonary artery (end-to-side anastomosis); (3) donor ascending aorta to recipient aorta (through a great vessel [end-to-end anastomosis] to provide arterial inflow to donor coronary arteries). Animals were euthanized within 1 hour after completion of transplantation. Results Isolation of the right ventricle by excision of the left chambers was technically feasible. Transplantation without cardiopulmonary bypass was feasible in all cases. The isolated right heart beat well after transplantation in all animals, demonstrating sinus rhythm. Three of 4 animals were able to sustain good hemodynamics on support with epinephrine. Bleeding from the septum or aortic valve of the donor (now open to the pericardial space) was not problematic. Mean arterial pressure was 85 mm Hg (mean) at a right atrial pressure of 6 mm Hg (mean). In 2 animals the recipient superior vena cava was ligated to obligate upper body flow to pass through the accessory ventricle; hemodynamics were preserved under these circumstances. Conclusion Transplantation of an isolated right heart is feasible. Such a technique has potential as a novel therapeutic alternative for obstructive or hypoplastic lesions of the right heart in human children.
Coding Social Interaction: A Heretical Approach in Conversation Analysis?

Conversation Analysis has come to be the dominant approach to the systematic study of social interaction. Mixed methods studies combining CA with quantitative methods have been utilized since the 1980s to test associations between interaction practices and sociodemographic variables, attitudinal variables, outcomes, and even factors such as the economy. However, any sort of formal coding risks a massive reduction and flattening of complex human behavior to simplistic codes. Thus, a question arises as to whether it is possible to make use of formal coding in a way that remains true to CA principles about the study of social interaction. In this article, I argue that the formal coding of interaction behavior is not necessarily antithetical to conversation analysis. Although formal coding of interaction is frequently a top-down process that is not grounded in CA, interaction coding can be done in ways that do not sacrifice a CA sensibility and that are true to CA principles. In this article I discuss the asp...
Low Prevalence of Clostridium septicum Fecal Carriage in an Adult Population

Clostridium septicum is an uncommon cause of severe infection. Real-time PCR against the C. septicum-specific alpha-toxin gene (csa) was used to estimate the prevalence of this microbe in human stool from 161 asymptomatic community-dwelling adults and 192 hospitalized patients with diarrhea. All samples were negative, suggesting a low prevalence.
Body composition in a seasonal model of obesity: longitudinal measures and validation of DXA.

AbstractHUNTER, HEATHER L. AND TIM R. NAGY. Bodycomposition in a seasonal model of obesity: longitudinalmeasures and validation of DXA. Obes Res. 2002;10:1180–1187.Objective: Collared lemmings, Dicrostonyx groenlandicus,show rapid changes in body mass on a seasonal basis. Theobjective of this study was to measure longitudinal changesin body composition in animals undergoing photoperiod-induced weight gain and loss using DXA.Research Methods and Procedures: Adult, female collaredlemmings exposed to either long (LD; 22 hours light/2hours dark) or short (SD; 8 hours light/16 hours dark)photoperiods were anesthetized, and DXA was used todetermine fat mass, lean tissue mass (LTM), total-bodybone mineral content, and total-bone mineral density. Aftera baseline scan, one-half of the animals were transferred tothe alternate photoperiod (SD-LD, weight loss; LD-SD,weight gain) and one-half remained on the same photope-riod (controls; SD-SD, LD-LD). Body composition wasdetermined by DXA after 4 and 8 weeks. Animals werekilled, and body composition was determined by carcassanalysis. DXA-derived data were validated by comparingwith carcass analysis.Results: Body composition by DXA was highly related tobody composition measured by chemical analysis, therebyjustifying the use of DXA. Lemmings in the SD-LD grouplost weight, and this was reflected in measurable losses offat and LTM. Lemmings in the LD-SD group gainedweight, which was shown by measurable increases in fat,LTM and total-body bone mineral content.Discussion: Comparison of body composition determinedby DXA to that by chemical extraction revealed thatDXA is useful for measuring body composition. The lon-gitudinal analysis revealed that collared lemmings undergorapid changes in body composition when exposed tochanges in photoperiod.Key words: fat mass, lean tissue mass, bone mineraldensity, phenotyping
Gender development and reassignment

Abstract Gender dysphoria is discomfort living as a male or as a female. When sufficiently distressing it leads to the request for ‘sex change’. The age range of patients is adolescence to mid-life, and three-quarters are born male. Clinical practice should proceed from reversible steps to the more irreversible. Clothing change and name change precede hormone administration, which may precede surgery. The safest clinical process is the ‘Real Life Experience’. This is the trial period, of at least 1 year, of full cross-gender living prior to eligibility for surgical interventions. During this time some patients may revert to the original gender role. For those who complete the sex reassignment process, the reported quality of life is generally superior to that experienced in the pre-transition life period.
Invariance algorithms for processing NDE signals

Signals that are obtained in a variety of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) processes capture information not only about the characteristics of the flaw, but also reflect variations in the specimen's material properties. Such signal changes may be viewed as anomalies that could obscure defect related information. An example of this situation occurs during in-line inspection of gas transmission pipelines. The magnetic flux leakage (MFL) method is used to conduct noninvasive measurements of the integrity of the pipe-wall. The MFL signals contain information both about the permeability of the pipe-wall and the dimensions of the flaw. Similar operational effects can be found in other NDE processes. This paper presents algorithms to render NDE signals invariant to selected test parameters, while retaining defect related information. Wavelet transform based neural network techniques are employed to develop the invariance algorithms. The invariance transformation is shown to be a necessary pre-processing step for subsequent defect characterization and visualization schemes. Results demonstrating the successful application of the method are presented.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
New Ideas in Experimental Political Science

For many observers, experiments symbolize science. Young and old alike are drawn to science by visions of women and men (often in white coats) experimenting on new ideas. In sciences such as chemistry and psychology, the image is real. Although both disciplines contain theorists and nonexperimental researchers, most of their professional norms and great accomplishments are indescribable without reference to experimental methods. In such disciplines, experiments are the leading vehicle of knowledge creation. Experiments appeal to scientists because they facilitate stark and powerful empirical claims?statements that can change how critical target audiences think about important phenomena. The experimental method generates inferential power by inducing researchers to exercise control over the objects of study, to randomly assign subjects to various condi tions and to carefully record observations. Researchers who design and conduct experiments carefully are often rewarded with a clear view of cause and effect. Experiments, however, do not always captivate and enlighten target audiences. A com mon reason is that the control and randomization inherent in experimental designs can generate data that are perceived as artificial. This is problematic because audiences are not obliged to believe that an experiment yields lessons about anything greater than itself. As a result, an experiment's effectiveness depends on the extent to which its audience believes that its design is analogous to the phenomena that motivate the study (Lupia and McCubbins 1998, ch. 6). Indeed, a key factor in experimental design is striking a proper balance between analytic precision and perceived realism. When a critical mass of scholars within a discipline or topic area gains sufficient skill at striking this balance, their subset of the discipline becomes known as experimental (e.g., experimental social psychology, experimental economics). This brings us to political science. Ours is not an experimental science in the tradition of chemistry, psychology, or even economics. Yet, interest in experiments is growing (Kinder and Palfrey 1992; McGraw and Hoekstra 1994). Although most extant political science research agendas do not use
Estrogen metabolism in neural tissues of rabbits: 17β — Hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase activity

Abstract Incubation of adult rabbit neural tissue homogenates with ( 3 H)-estrone and ( 3 H)-estradiol revealed that the conversion of estrone to estradiol is higher in both male and female animals than estradiol to estrone. Both 17 oxidation and reduction are higher in male animals than in females. However, it is observed that the quotient of estrone→estra-diol/estradiol→estrone for pituitary tissue and hypothala- mus are higher in females than in males. There is no such dimorphism in cerebral cortex. The overall metabolism in pituitary is higher than in hypothalamus and cortex in both sexes. These results suggest that 17β hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase activity may play an important role in the regulation of estrogen function in neuroendocrine tissues.
Structural mapping of the Eagle Crater outcrop on Mars: New Challenges for the Extraterrestrial Field Geologist

We report the results of a structural analysis of the outcrop at Eagle Crater, Meridiani Planum, Mars, which was carried out as an undergraduate class project at Boston University. The outcrop exposes an approximately 20-meter-diameter, semi-circular section of the crater rim in the prevailing down-wind direction. Sedimentary units dip radially outwards on the whole, consistent with an impact origin, though there is some evidence of local folding. Many rock slabs are only slightly out of place, forming a quasi-broken formation that accounts for a sizable portion of the exposure. Geometric features in and around the crater include inclined bedding, cross bedding, undeformed "blueberry" concretions, fracture cleavage, faults, fractures, undeformed crystal vugs, and striations. Observed structures are consistent with an origin by impact cratering and/or wrinkle ridge tectonics. Oblique panorama imagery presented unusual challenges which we overcame with new analytical techniques. Our approach may prove useful for professors and students aiming to understand new forms of field data using the classical techniques of structural analysis.
Accumulation rates and sources of sediments and organic carbon on the Palos Verdes shelf based on radioisotopic tracers (137Cs, 239,240Pu, 210Pb, 234Th, 238U and 14C)

We report here bioturbation and sediment accumulation rates determined from replicate sediment cores at four different sampling sites on the Palos Verdes shelf, Southern California, using bomb fallout and natural radionuclides (137Cs, 239,240Pu, 210Pb, 234Th, and 14C), along with supporting measurements of organic carbon (OC), porosity and granulometry. Present-day particle reworking, on time scales of several months, is restricted to the upper 3 cm, with rates ranging from 13 to 200 cm2/year, as deduced from 234Thxs profiles. There is little evidence that particle reworking reached depths significantly greater than 5 cm. Post-1963 (or post-1971) sediment accumulation rates ranged from 0.7 to 1.4 g/cm2/year (equivalent to 1.1–1.8 cm/year for surficial sediments), as calculated from Pu and Cs isotope profiles, with little change over time or distance from the outfall. Lateral transport of older sediment and multiple sediment sources on the Palos Verdes shelf is suggested from radiocarbon measurements on foraminifera and bulk sedimentary organic matter at two sampling sites, which showed variable, old and refractory sources of OC. Pre-1953 sediments accumulated at rates that were at least 0.4 g/cm2/year (≥0.3 cm/year), based on 210Pbxs dating. Given the abundance of sediment sources to the Palos Verdes shelf, the high sedimentation rates, and shallow particle mixed layers, contaminant-enriched layers should continue to move deeper into the sediments.
Mechanical Properties and Cracking Behavior of High-Temperature Heat-Exchanger Materials

The structural materials selected for high-temperature heat-exchanger applications are expected to withstand very severe operating conditions including elevated temperatures and aggressive chemical species during hydrogen generation using nuclear power. Three different cycles namely sulfur-iodine, calcium-bromine and high temperature electrolysis have been identified for hydrogen generation. Three different structural materials namely Alloy C-22, Alloy C-276 and Waspaloy have been tested to evaluate their high-temperature tensile properties and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance in an acidic solution. The data indicate that all three alloys are capable of maintaining appreciably high tensile strength upto a temperature of 600°C. The results of SCC testing indicate that all three materials are highly resistant to cracking in an acidic solution retaining much of their ductility and time to failure in the tested environment. Fractographic evaluation by scanning electron microscopy revealed dimple microstructure indicating significant ductility in all three alloys.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Treason in the KGB: New facts from inside

(1991). Treason in the KGB: New facts from inside. International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 63-75.
Convergent beam electron diffraction analysis of theT 1 (Al2CuLi) phase in Al-Li-Cu alloys

Point and space group analysis of largeT1 (Al2CuLi) crystals was performed by convergent beam electron diffraction. The structure ofT1 was determined to be hexagonal, possessing a 6/mmm point group and P6/mmm (No. 191) space group. The lattice constants were found to bea ≈ 0.497 nm andc ≈ 0.93 nm. This structure is in agreement with an existing model of T1, although discrepancies between the observed and calculated intensities of certain reflections were evident. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis of theseT1 crystals indicates the composition is on the copper-rich side of stoichiometric Al2CuLi. The slight deviation in the composition ofT1 from stoichiometry and the presence of planar defects in the microstructure may account for the discrepancy in the intensity of certain reflections.
Comparison of the toughening behavior of nylon 6 versus an amorphous polyamide using various maleated elastomers

Abstract The toughening effect of two types of elastomers based on ethylene/α-olefin copolymers, viz, an ethylene/propylene copolymer (EPR) with its maleated version, EPR-g-MA, and an ethylene/1-octene copolymer (EOR) with its maleated versions, EOR-g-MA-X% (X=0.35, 1.6, 2.5), for two classes of polyamides: semi-crystalline nylon 6 versus an amorphous polyamide (Zytel 330 from DuPont), designated as a-PA, was explored. The results are compared with those reported earlier based on a styrenic triblock copolymer having a hydrogenated midblock, SEBS, and its maleated version, SEBS-g-MA, elastomer system. Izod impact strength was examined as a function of rubber content, rubber particle size and temperature. All three factors influence the impact behavior considerably for the two polyamide matrices. The a-PA is found to require a somewhat lower content of rubber for toughening than nylon 6. Very similar optimum ranges of rubber particle sizes were observed for ternary blends of EOR-g-MA/EOR with each of the two polyamides while blends based on mixtures of EPR-g-MA/EPR and SEBS-g-MA/SEBS (where the total rubber content is 20% by weight) show only an upper limit for a-PA but an optimum range of particle sizes for nylon 6 for effective toughening. Higher EPR-g-MA contents lead to lower ductile–brittle transition temperatures (Tdb) as expected; however, a-PA binary blends with EPR-g-MA have a much lower Tdb than do nylon 6 blends when the content of the maleated elastomer is not high. A minimum in plots of ductile–brittle transition temperature versus particle size appears for ternary blends of each of the matrices with EOR-g-MA/EOR; blends based on SEBS-g-MA/SEBS, in most cases, show higher ductile–brittle transition temperatures, regardless of the matrix. However, blends with EPR-g-MA/EPR show comparable Tdb with those based on EOR-g-MA/EOR for the amorphous polyamide but show the lowest ductile–brittle transition temperatures for nylon 6 within the range of particle sizes examined. For the blends with a bimodal size distribution, the global weight average rubber particle size is inappropriate for correlating the Izod impact strength and ductile–brittle transition temperature. In general, trends for this amorphous polyamide are rather similar to those of semi-crystalline nylon 6.
Experimental studies of pollen carryover: effects of floral variability in Ipomopsis aggregata

In the montane herb Ipomopsis aggregata, size and placement of stamens and pistils vary substantially among flowers within plants, among nearby plants, and among groups of plants separated by 50-100 m. We trained captive hummingbirds to feed from flowers of this species in a flight cage, and explored the effects of different degrees of floral variability on carryover of fluorescent dyes that act as pollen mimics. We found that the slopes of linear dye carryover functions generally became more shallow as floral variability increased; this led to substantially longer carryover in the treatment with greatest variability. On the other hand, total amounts of dye transferred did not appear to be sensitive to the degree of variability. Floral variability may have a subtle but important effect on plant fitness by influencing the distance of pollen transfer.
Community use of a pushrim activated power-assisted wheelchair by an individual with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

The purpose of this case study was to report data from a clinical evaluation of an individual with fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHMD) while using a manual wheelchair versus the same wheelchair fitted with pushrim activated power-assisted wheelchair hubs (PAPAW). An individual with FSHMD was tested for change in heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), propulsion speed (PS), time to completion (TC), and qualitative observation in a community-based environment. A modified Physiological Cost Index (mPCI) was calculated post hoc. Results indicate HR and mPCI for the PAPAW trials were lower; RPE was “Hard” for manual wheelchair propulsion and “Fairly or Very Light” for the PAPAW trials; PS was twice as fast in both conditions using the PAPAW; and TC was 53% faster with PAPAW than in the manual wheelchair. Qualitatively, the manual propulsion conditions had exaggerated trunk and hip flexion with simultaneous scapula elevation and upward rotation to initiate downward force on the hand rim ...
Structure–property relationship in fibers spun from poly(ethylene terephthalate) and liquid crystalline polymer blends. II. Effect of spinning temperature on fiber properties

A series of fibers based on neat poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and PET/10% liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) blends were spun at various temperatures, ranging from 250 to 310°C, and the effect of spinning temperature on properties was studied. Improved tensile strengths and higher moduli of hot-drawn fibers were obtained with fibers spun at and above 300°C, which was explained by increased transesterification and the randomized structure of the PET/LCP blends. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Uniform algal growth in photobioreactors using surface scatterers

Cultures of algae, such as cyanobacteria, are a promising source of renewable energy. However, algal growth is highly dependent on light intensity and standard photobioreactors do a poor job of distributing light uniformly for algal utilization due to shading effects in dense algal cultures. Engineered scattering schemes are already employed in current slab-waveguide technologies, like edge-lit LEDs. Stacking such slab-waveguides that uniformly distribute light could potentially yield photobioreactors to overcome the shading effect and grow extremely high densities of algal cultures that would lower monetary and energetic costs. Here, we characterize and design a scattering scheme for specific application within photobioreactors which employs a gradient distribution of surface scatterers with uniform lateral scattering intensity. This uniform scattering scheme is shown to be superior for algal cultivation.
Invited paper The role of expert systems in integrated curriculum design

Abstract Knowledge-based systems and, particularly, expert systems, are bringing new thinking to how we view knowledge. Increasingly, we see knowledge as a commodity or an object, something generated, discovered, restructured, repackaged and deliverrd Powerful tools have been developed for expediting our work in manipulating knowledge. Knowedge-based systems provide the structure, the process and multidisciplinary integration tools to better understand and further develop projects in areas such as reengineering the organization, concurrent engineering, quality management and other critical management efforts in business and government. Curriculum development in education also benefits greatly from using the integrative powers of the KBS disciplines Examples taken from education focus on knowledge-based systems applied to the areas of K-12 course design, bachelor's degree curriculum design in integrated science, and graduate studies serving “professional transitioning.” Concepts of “idea fields” in organizational behavior are also discussed.
Dynamic changes in intracellular localization and isoforms of the 27-kD stress protein in human keratinocytes.

We have begun to characterize the low molecular weight, 27-kD heat shock or stress protein (HSP27) in normal keratinocytes and in HaCaT, a spontaneously transformed keratinocyte line. The presence and location of HSP27 was determined by indirect immunofluorescence on fixed whole cells and immunoblot analysis of cytosolic, membrane, nuclear, and cytoskeletal cell fractions. HSP27 is localized throughout the cytoplasm of cells at 37°C. After heating at 42°C, there is a rapid (within 10 mm) increase in nuclear HSP27. Two-dimensional gel analysis of whole cell HaCaT lysates identified multiple isoforms of HSP27 with different isoelectric points. The function of HSP27 is largely unknown but its presence throughout the cytoplasm of cells at 37°C, its translocation to the nucleus after cellular stress, and the presence of multiple isoforms suggest a biologic role in both stressed and unstressed human keratinocytes.
The “Vision for Space Exploration” of President George W. Bush, space science, and U.S. space policy

Abstract On January 14, 2004 President George W. Bush announced a major overhaul of U.S. space exploration strategy and infrastructure, stipulating that NASA complete the International Space Station (ISS) and retire the Space Shuttle fleet by 2010, develop a new suite of launch and exploration vehicles for deployment shortly thereafter, and embark on a program of human exploration of the solar system with crewed landings on the moon by 2020 and, eventually, Mars. The “Vision for Space Exploration” would be funded by resources liberated by the end of the International Space Station construction and the Shuttle program, assuming a very modestly increasing NASA budget. While this decision marks a decisive attempt to grapple with longstanding issues concerning the Space Shuttle and station, it has stimulated both optimism and fear within the space community. There is skepticism about its intent, its feasibility, and concern for the effects on various areas of space science and technology. This decision is similar to other, major such initiatives in the history of NASA and space flight, relies on longstanding scenarios and models, and much of its content has been proposed unsuccessfully in the past.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons enhance terminal cell death of human ectocervical cells.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are a class of chemical carcinogens whose active metabolites form DNA adducts, resulting in specific mutational events. The tumor suppressor protein p53 is believed to play a pivotal role in the ability of cells to response to DNA damage, resulting in either cell cycle arrest in G1 or apoptosis under conditions of excessive damage. This growth inhibition is associated with the concomitant induction of p53 and enhanced terminal cell differentiation. In this study we evaluated the effects of PAH on cell growth, cell differentiation, xenobiotic metabolism, and DNA adduct levels in normal ectocervical epithelial cells (ECE) and compared them to cervical cells whose p53 have been inactivated either by binding to viral HPV E6 oncogene (ECE16-1) or by mutation (C33A). The PAH 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) inhibited normal ECE and to a lesser extent ECE16-1 cell proliferation. Not only did the growth inhibition occur at lower concentrations in the normal cells but the extent of inhibition was also greater in normal as compared to immortalized cells. Benzanthracene (BA) had a minor effect on normal ECE cells with no effect on immortalized ECE16-1 cells. C33A cell growth was unaffected by 3MC and BA. Terminal cell death was enhanced only in normal ECE cells as evidenced by increased envelope formation and was paralleled by an increase in the level of p53 following 3MC treatment. The differentiation status of the 3MC-treated cells was similar to untreated cells as indicated by three independent markers of cell differentiation; transglutaminase, involucrin, keratin expression. There was no difference in the pattern or level of DNA adducts formed in normal and immortalized cells following 3MC treatment. In addition the basal level of metabolism of 14C-BaP to phenols, diols and quinnones was unaltered by pretreatment with either 3MC or BA. These results demonstrate that immortalized cervical cells are less sensitive to toxicant damage [i.e. cell proliferation and terminal differentiation], and as a result, immortalized cells proliferate in the presence of genotoxic damage and are at increased risk for mutations and cancer.
Doubly resonant single-layer bandpass optical filters

A bandpass filter based on guided-mode resonance effects in a single-layer periodic waveguide is presented. Strong refractive-index modulation is used to support the excitation of a resonance pair in which leaky waveguide mode TE0 is excited by the second diffraction order and TE2 by the first diffraction order. It is shown that one resonance provides a broad low-transmission band, whereas the other supplies the transmission peak through its asymmetrical line shape. A bandpass filter with central wavelength at 1.55 µm is presented to demonstrate this concept.
Mutation of tryptophan-21 in mouse nerve growth factor (NGF) affects binding to the fast NGF receptor but not induction of neurites on PC12 cells

By using in vitro DNA mutagenesis, we replaced the tryptophan residue at position 21 in mouse nerve growth factor (NGF) with either phenylalanine, leucine or serine. Yield, biological activity, immunological reactivity and receptor binding of the recombinant proteins were determined. All three mutants were produced at considerably lower yields than wild-type NGF, with the serine mutant being undetectable. The results of competitive binding assays show that tryptophan-21 is involved in recognition of the fast NGF receptor of PC12 cells. However, specific biological activity of NGF is not altered by the replacement of tryptophan-21. Our results therefore suggest that biological activity of NGF is not directly coupled to binding to the fast NGF receptor.
Finding and Mending Barrier Gaps in Wireless Sensor Networks

Constructing sensing barriers using wireless sensor networks has important applications in military operations and homeland security. The goal of forming a sensing barrier is to detect intruders attempting to cross the network. Early studies often assume that sensors remain static once deployed. We note that barrier gaps may occur at deployment if sensors are deployed at random. Barrier gaps may also occur in an existing barrier if some sensors used to form the barrier start malfunctioning or run out of power. We present an efficient solution to solve this problem. In particular, we devise an efficient algorithm to find sensing gaps and relocate mobile sensors to form a new barrier while balancing the energy consumption among mobile sensors. We also investigate the related design issues and performance tradeoffs. Simulation results show that our algorithms can effectively improve the barrier coverage of a wireless sensor network under a wide range of deployment parameters. These results provide insights and guidelines to the deployment, design, and performance of mobile wireless sensor networks for barrier coverage.
The Design of I/O-Efficient Sparse Direct Solvers

We consider two problems related to I/O: First, find the minimum primary memory size required to factor a sparse, symmetric matrix when permitted to read and write the data exactly once. Second, find the minimum data traffic between core and external memory when permitted to read and write the data many times. These problems are likely to be intractable in general, but we prove upper and lower bounds on these quantities for several model problems with useful sparsity (i.e., whose computational graphs have small separators). We provide fast algorithms for computing these quantities through simulation for irregular problems. The choice of factorization algorithms (left-looking, right-looking, multifrontal), orderings (nested dissection or minimum degree), and blocking techniques (1- or 2- dimensional blocks) can change the memory size and traffic by orders of magnitude. Explicitly moving the data (files managed by the program) improves performance significantly over implicit data movement (pages managed by the operating system). Thus this work guides us in designing a software library that implements an external memory sparse solver.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase of the Amethopterin-resistant Strain Streptococcus faecium var. durans Ak and Its Repressibility by Serine

The methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase of the amethopterin-resistant strain Streptococcus faecium var. durans Ak was purified 100-fold. Because it is extremely labile, this enzyme required protection by 1 mm nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) during purification; 0.01 mm EADP+ with 0.1% bovine plasma albumin stabilized the purified enzyme during storage at −20 C. Although the enzyme has properties of sulfhydryl enzymes, thiol compounds were not stabilizers. Oxidation of methylenetetrahydrofolate, catalyzed by the purified enzyme preparation, is NADP+-specific and yields methenyltetrahydrofolate and the reduced pyridine nucleotide. Km values for NADP+ and for 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (prepared as the formaldehyde adduct of biologically synthesized l,l-tetrahydrofolate) were calculated to be 0.021 and 0.026 mm, respectively. Neither purine bases and their derivatives nor serine inhibited the reaction. In growing cultures, the differential rate of synthesis of the methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase was dependent upon the composition of the medium. A medium which contained acid-hydrolyzed casein, and thus an exogenous source of serine, was repressive for this enzyme. In a serine-free, completely defined medium, the amount of folate added (for serine synthesis de novo) affected the duration of the initial exponential growth phase. At the termination of this phase, which primarily reflected the onset of a decreased rate of serine biosynthesis, synthesis of the methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase was derepressed. Exogenous serine in the completely defined medium prevented the derepression. Furthermore, physiological concentrations of l-serine were repressive not only for the dehydrogenase but also for the methenyltetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase and the serine hydroxymethyl-transferase. Concomitantly, the differential rate of synthesis of the formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase of S. faecium var. durans Ak was increased. Apparently, serine regulates the differential rates of syntheses of these enzymes.
United States Food and Drug Administration approach to risk evaluation and risk management for foods.

Abstract The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is developing a comprehensive program on risk evaluation and risk management related to foods and food ingredients. Various groups view the FDA differently in terms of potential food hazards, but the regulatory agency is required to follow the laws that reflect a set of social judgments about permissible risks and benefits. The traditional agency approaches to risk management are reviewed and recent plins to consider structural changes in the basic food statute that could lead to greater administrative flexibility are presented. The proposed tentative suggestions discussed embody basic principles that the public health and trust remain the focus of food safety laws. Public confidence in the present system must be retained, it must be a credible system, embody valid scientific data, and the regulatory actions must be taken by FDA scientists who are recognized for their scientific competence. All the proposed actions need to be taken without placing unnecessary economic burdens on industry. The scope of this program is reviewed.
In-situ probing of coherence in hollow waveguide high order harmonic generation

We use counterpropagating light to observe the coherent buildup of harmonic generation in a hollow waveguide. By measuring the phase mismatch, we probe pressure-tuned phase matching and determine ionization levels at which harmonics are generated.
Ambulatory estimates of maximal aerobic power from foot -ground contact times and heart rates in running humans.

Seeking to develop a simple ambulatory test of maximal aerobic power (V˙o 2 max), we hypothesized that the ratio of inverse foot-ground contact time (1/t c) to heart rate (HR) during steady-speed r...
Retrieval of land surface parameters using passive microwave measurements at 6-18 GHz

An approach is evaluated for retrieval of land surface parameters (soil moisture, vegetation water content, and surface temperature) using satellite microwave radiometer data in the 6-18 GHz frequency range. The approach is applicable to data that will be acquired by the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR), planned for launch on the Japanese Advanced Earth Observing Satellite (ADEOS)-II and Earth Observing System (EOS) PM-1 platforms in 1999 and 2000, respectively. The retrieval method is based on a radiative transfer (RT) model for land-surface and atmospheric emission, with model coefficients that can be tuned over specific calibration regions and applied globally. The method uses an iterative, least-squares algorithm, based on six channels of radiometric data. Simulations using this algorithm indicate that, for an assumed sensor noise of 0.3 K in all channels, soil moisture and vegetation water content retrieval accuracies of 0.06 g cm/sup -3/ and 0.15 kg m/sup -2/, respectively, should be achievable in regions of vegetation water content less than approximately 1.5 kg m/sup -2/. A surface temperature accuracy of 2 C should be achievable, except for bare soils, where discrimination between moisture and temperature variability is difficult using this algorithm. These accuracies are for retrievals averaged over the sensor footprint, and they exclude conditions of precipitation, open water, snow cover, frozen ground, or high topographic relief within the footprint. The algorithm has been tested using data from the Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) for the years 1982-1985, over the African Sahel, and the retrieval results compared to output from an operational numerical weather prediction model.
Risk for perioperative myocardial infarction and mortality in patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty: the role of anemia

BACKGROUND: Anemia is common in patients undergoing surgery. This study was designed to determine whether preoperative anemia represents an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction (death/MI) in patients undergoing major orthopedic arthroplasty surgery. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Between January 1987 and December 2006 at the Mayo Clinic, 391 orthopedic patients experienced death/MI within 30 days of the index surgery. For each patient included in the event cohort (case), one control patient (1:1 ratio) was identified matched according to sex, age, type of joint operation (hip vs. knee vs. bilateral knee), primary operation versus revision, emergent versus elective, and date of surgery. Association of preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) with death/MI was assessed by multiple linear regression including preoperative Hb and all other characteristics and comorbid conditions found to have some evidence (p < 0.10) of univariate association with death/MI. RESULTS: After adjusting for other perioperative risk factors, anemia (Hb < 12.0 g/dL for females and <13.0 g/dL for males) was not a significant independent risk factor for death/MI (odds ratio [OR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-1.20; p = 0.286), nor was Hb when treated as a continuous variable (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.81-1.19 per 1.0 g/dL decrease below 13.0 g/dL; p = 0.868). Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or pulmonary disease and history of recent malignancy were found to be the most important risk factors for death/MI. CONCLUSION: Existing comorbidities, rather than preoperative anemia, were independently associated with major morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing major orthopedic arthroplasty.
Assessment of an Engineering Ethics Video: Incident at Morales

A new engineering ethics video, Incident at Morales, was assessed with two different instruments: the standard Defining Issues Test and a short ad hoc survey. According to pre-tests and post-tests with the Defining Issues Test, viewers of the video increased the sophistication of their moral reasoning skills. According to the survey, viewers changed their opinions about the most important responsibilities of engineers and about meeting environmental regulations when working overseas. From these results, it appears that the video is an effective approach to teach engineering ethics.