cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of small ice shelves in sea-level rise

[1] Recent observations show marked acceleration and thinning of tributary ice streams following shrinkage or loss of a few of the many small ice shelves that ring Antarctica and Greenland. Our model experiments, which adopt a simplified geometry, show that calving from or partial disintegration of a small ice shelf has more effect on tributary ice streams than does loss of a berg of equal length from a larger ice shelf. Our results, which are consistent with the recent observations, indicate that even small ice shelves can provide important restraint on tributary flow from ice sheets, implying that characterization and modeling of the full range of ice shelves will be required for accurate projection of ice-sheet changes and their influence on sea level.
Prolonged blockade of VEGF receptors does not damage retinal photoreceptors or ganglion cells

It has recently been reported that relatively short-term inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling can cause photoreceptor cell death, a potentially clinically important finding since VEGF blockade has become an important modality of treatment of ocular neovascularization and macular edema. However, in a set of studies in which we achieved extended and complete blockage of VEGF-induced vascular leakage through retinal expression of a VEGF binding protein, we did not observe any toxicity to retinal neurons. To follow-up on these apparently discrepant findings, we designed a set of experiments with the kinase inhibitor SU4312, which blocks phosphorylation of VEGF receptors, to look directly for evidence of VEGF inhibition-related retinal toxicity. Using transgenic mice with sustained expression of VEGF in photoreceptors, we determined that periocular injection of 3 microg of SU4312 every 5 days markedly suppressed subretinal neovascularization, indicating effective blockade of VEGF signaling. Wild-type mice given periocular injections of 5 microg of SU4312 every 5 days for up to 12 weeks showed normal scotopic and photopic electroretinograms (ERGs), no TUNEL stained cells in the retina, and no reduction in outer nuclear layer thickness. Incubation of cultured ganglion cells or retinal cultures containing photoreceptors with high doses of SU4312 did not reduce cell viability. These data suggest that blocking VEGF signaling in the retina for up to 12 weeks does not damage photoreceptors nor alter ERG function and should reassure patients who are receiving frequent injections of VEGF antagonists for choroidal and retinal vascular diseases.
In vivo degradation of a poly(propylene fumarate)/β-tricalcium phosphate injectable composite scaffold

This study was designed to investigate the in vivo biodegration and biocompatibility of a poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF)-based orthopedic biomaterial. The effects of varying the PPF to N-vinyl pyrrolidinone ratio and PPF to β-tricalcium phosphate content were studied. The composite mechanical properties and local tissue interactions were analyzed over 12 weeks. An initial increase in both compressive modulus and strength was seen for composite formulations that incorporated β-tricalcium phosphate. The samples incorporating a higher PPF to N-vinyl pyrrolidinone ratio reached a maximal compressive strength of 7.7 MPa and a maximal compressive modulus of 191.4 MPa at 3 weeks. The lower PPF to N-vinyl pyrrolidinone ratio samples gained a maximum compressive strength of 7.5 MPa initially and a compressive modulus of 134.0 MPa at 1 week. At 6 weeks, all samples for formulations incorporating β-tricalcium phosphate crumbled upon removal and were not mechanically tested. Samples that did not incorporate β-tricalcium phosphate were very weak and insufficient for bone replacement at the 4-day time point and beyond. Tissue interactions resulted in a mild inflammatory response at the initial time points and mature fibrous encapsulation by 12 weeks. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Biomed Mater Res, 41, 1–7, 1998.
Use of Slurry Colloidal Behavior in Modeling of Material Removal Rates for Copper CMP

The effects of slurry chemistry through measured particle aggregate size distribution data were incorporated into the model of chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of Luo and Dornfeld to predict material removal rate (MRR). This model was able to predict the trends of MRR for copper CMP as observed experimentally from the literature, such as the highest MRR for an alumina slurry with H 2 O 2 in the range of 2-3.6 wt % and 0.1 M glycine. The model was also used to predict MRR for slurries that contained a combination of common additives.
Studies of Visual Inspection.

This paper describes the results of four experiments in a series aimed at understanding and improving visual inspection in general and of small integrated circuits (i.e. ‘chips’) in particular. Stimuli consisted of chips that, although electrically sound, contained visual anomalies. The first experiment found that the modal duration of eye fixations of trained inspectors was about 200 msec. The most accurate inspectors made the fewest eye fixations and were the fastest. The second experiment evaluated the performance of inspectors at one of the many sequential stages of chip inspection and found that 23% of the chips containing anomalies were accepted, whereas only 2% of the chips without anomalies were rejected. When the same chip was judged more than once by an individual inspector the consistency of her judgment was very high whereas the consistency between inspectors was somewhat less. The third experiment showed that variation by a factor of six in inspection speed led to variation of less than a fac...
Xenoestrogen action in breast cancer: impact on ER-dependent transcription and mitogenesis

Several estrogen mimics (xenoestrogens) inappropriately activate the estrogen receptor (ER) in the absence of endogenous ligand. Given the importance of the ER in breast cancer growth and regulation, delineating the impact of these agents under conditions related to tumor treatment is of significant importance. We examined the effect of two prevalent xenoestrogens (bisphenol A and coumestrol) on ER activation and ER-dependent mitogenesis in breast cancer cells. We show that the ability of these agents to induce mitogenesis was restricted to conditions of estrogen depletion, and that these agents failed to cooperate with estradiol to induce MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth. These observations are consistent with the impact of each agent specifically on exogenous ER activation as monitored in HeLa cells, wherein the xenoestrogens activated the receptor in the absence of estradiol but failed to cooperate with estrogen. Tamoxifen blocked bisphenol A and coumestrol-mediated ER activation, indicating that exposure to these agents is unlikely to disrupt such therapeutic intervention. The response of tumor-derived ER alleles to these xenoestrogens was also examined. Although the xenoestrogens failed to alter ER-Y537S function, the ER-D351Y mutant demonstrated an enhanced response to bisphenol A. Moreover, tamoxifen enhanced the agonistic effects of xenoestrogens on ER-D351Y. Lastly, we examined the impact of ER co-activator overexpression on xenoestrogen response. Bisphenol A and coumestrol exhibited differential responses to co-activators with regard to ER activation. However, when using mitogenesis as an endpoint, these co-activators were insufficient to provide a significant growth advantage. Combined, these data demonstrate that bisphenol A and coumestrol can impact ER activity and ER-dependent proliferation in breast cancer cells, but the influence of these agents is restricted to conditions of estrogen depletion, selective mutation of the ER, and expression of specific co-activators.
Specificities of antibodies to normetanephrine.

Antibodies to normetanephrine were produced in rabbits by immunization with conjugates synthesized by linking the amino group of the hapten to the amino groups of the carrier macromolecules using glutaraldehyde. The antibodies are highly specific for the ring structure of the normetanephrine molecule and also recognize substitutions in the side chain. Metanephrine, however, is as effective an inhibitor as the homologous normetanephrine. 3-Methoxytyramine inhibits 5-times and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol 24-times less effectively than normetanephrine. With this antiserum a radioimmunoassay capable of detecting 10 ng normetanephrine was developed. In this radioimmunoassay, the binding of antibodies to human serum albumin, the immunogenic carrier molecule, to the albumin in the 125I labelled albumin-normetanephrine antigen is effectively eliminated by addition of excess of unlabelled albumin. The specificity of the antibodies allows for normetanephrine determinations, especially in brain and cerebrospinal fluid where the interference by metanephrine is negligible.
Mass spectrometry in the mid-1930’s: were chemists intrigued?

The direct demonstration of the existence of isotopes, the highly precise measurements of atomic masses, and the determinations of appearance potentials for gaseous ions generated by electron impact, that were reported during the interval 1920–1935, had their origin in earlier investigations of electrical discharges in gases at modest pressures that were initiated late in the 19th century. J. J. Thomson’s studies of rays of negatively- and positively-charged particles led to his characterization of the former as electrons and the latter as atomic/molecular fragments that he identified via the first mass spectrometer. In the following survey I traced the evolution of mass spectrometry and the role it played in the direct demonstration of the isotopic composition of the elements. While its potential utility as an analytical tool was recognized by J. J. Thomson, its practical application had to await the development of ancillary laboratory techniques. With respect to investigations of isotopes, complementary but distinct routes were followed by physicists and chemists during the two decades after WWI. The last section of this report recounts my personal experiences with mass spectrometry and with several of the principal personae during the years 1930–1935.
Practices to encourage participation of older adults in research and development

The authors discuss issues surrounding the involvement of older adults in research and development in an urban setting. Transportation and incentive structure arose as important issues in focus groups with older adults. Experiences and insights from a participatory design project involving older adults are also shared.
Empowerment and Peer Support: Structure and Process of Self-Help in a Consumer-Run Center for Individuals with Mental Illness.

Personal empowerment is a guiding philosophy of many mental health service programs, but there has been little empirical research on the empowerment process in these programs. The authors examine social processes and consumer orientations within a self-help drop-in center for individuals with psychiatric disabilities, using intensive interviews and focus groups. They investigate motives for consumer involvement, bases for program retention, and processes of participant change. Motives for involvement in the center were primarily instrumental, whereas the bases of retention were more often maintaining social support and developing self-esteem. Participants valued the center's nonstigmatizing environment and its supportive consumer staff. Some used the opportunity to become a staff member to move into a more normalized social role; all seemed to derive benefits from helping peers. There were indications of some staff members adopting a more authoritarian posture, but participants repeatedly lauded most staff for their supportive orientation. The authors conclude that the “helper/therapy” process was a key to successful empowerment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alteration of intracerebral cytokine production in mice infected with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2

Previously we reported that a lethal strain of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infects the brain following ocular inoculation of mice. We now demonstrate that HSV-2 mediates an unusual intracellular sequestering of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens. With use of an RNase protection assay, we observed a selective inhibition of IFN-gamma and IL-6 gene transcription in brains of mice infected with HSV-2. It is likely that the inhibition of cytokine gene expression was mediated through a failure to activate CD4+ lymphocytes. These data suggest that the infecting herpesvirus can influence the profile of intracerebrally produced cytokines, which in turn may determine the outcome of the infection.
Preliminary study of epidural nalbuphine in treatment of post operative pain: a comparison with equipotent dose of epidural morphine.

Epidural analgesia was used in 45 patients submitted to upper abdominal surgery. In 30 of them 0.15 mg/kg nalbuphine (EN group) was injected and in the remained, an equipotent dose of 0.1 mg/kg of preservative free morphine (EM group) was used. The patients were observed concerning the severity of pain before and after narcotic administration, duration of analgesia, occurence and severity of side effects among them. The severity of pain was stated by the McGill pain score (from 0 to 5). Duration of analgesia was defined as the time interval from pain relief after narcotic administration untill requirement of an additional epidural narcotic injection. The adequacy of ventilation was estimated by sequential measurements of arterial\(P_{CO_2 } \).
Specification of subunit assembly by the hydrophilic amino-terminal domain of the Shaker potassium channel

The functional heterogeneity of potassium channels in eukaryotic cells arises not only from the multiple potassium channel genes and splice variants but also from the combinatorial mixing of different potassium channel polypeptides to form heteromultimeric channels with distinct properties. One structural element that determines the compatibility of different potassium channel polypeptides in subunit assembly has now been localized to the hydrophilic amino-terminal domain. A Drosophila Shaker B (ShB) potassium channel truncated polypeptide that contains only the hydrophilic amino-terminal domain can form a homomultimer; the minimal requirement for the homophilic interaction has been localized to a fragment of 114 amino acids. Substitution of the amino-terminal domain of a distantly related mammalian potassium channel polypeptide (DRK1) with that of ShB permits the chimeric DRK1 polypeptide to coassemble with ShB.
Name Games: Deeds, Mortgages, and the Conventions of Race

Abstract The deed and mortgage registries of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries provide a revealing glimpse into the property and power relations of a community. Who owned what? Who was in a position to broker land deals or liens against property? Who accumulated land, and from whom did they acquire it? Consequently, property records are essential elements for understanding the spatial and relational aspects of property holding, especially in rural areas where other sources, such as city directories or fire insurance maps, are not available. Drawing upon her research of African American landowners in Georgia, the author discusses the basics of deeds and mortgages. She describes likely findings in land records and defines common terms and practices. She argucs that the practice of identifying the race of a grantor or grantee, using (col) or less frequently C. P. to denote skin color, varied over time and by locality. Reasons for this practice are discussed and some interpretive rules are off...
Sociology and the englishness of English social theory

Although England has a rich tradition of social and political thought, sociology does not figure strongly in this tradition. Several influential accounts—such as those by Noel Annan, Philip Abrams, and Perry Anderson—exist to explain this fact. I examine these accounts and, while largely agreeing with the explanations, question whether we should accept the authors' conclusions. In particular, we need to ask whether England was so different from other countries in this respect. Moreover, even if sociology was weak in England, does this mean that the contribution of English social theory was also weak? What alternative traditions of social thought might exist? In examining the English case, we may get some insight not just into the “peculiarities of the English” but also into the way in which the history of sociology has come to be written and into some of the assumptions underlying the nature of sociology as a discipline.
Repairing damaged merchandise: a rejoinder

Our goal in writing "Damaged Merchandise?" (DM) was not to have the last word on the subject but to raise an awareness within the human-computer interaction (HCI) community of issues that we felt had been too long ignored or neglected. On reading the 10 commentaries from distinguished members of the HCI community, we were pleased to see that they had joined the debate and broadened the discussion. Subsequently, we were somewhat torn by how to proceed. Our first thought was to respond point by point, commentary by commentary. However, we refrain from addressing many specific issues here, as a full discussion would involve an article at least as long as DM. Instead we focus on a few important themes that emerged throughout our article and the ensuing discussion: •What is usability, how do we measure it, and what do we need to know about our usability evaluation methods (UEMs)? •Why do we find ourselves where we are? •What is the role of experiments versus other empirical studies in HCI? Are there common issues in the design of empirical studies? •How do we judge the value of a study? •Where do we go from here?
Composition Measurements of the Topside Ionosphere

Data from a magnetic mass spectrometer flown on the Explorer 31 satellite show that the ionosphere above 1000 kilometers usually consists of hydrogen ions as the predominant species. Between this altitude and perigee (500 kilometers) the dominant ion species shifts to atomic oxygen, with a significant amount of atomic nitrogen ions also present. Helium ions are present in small quantities at all altitudes. Other minor ions observed are those of 2, 7, 8, 15, 18, and 20 atomic mass units.
Extracellular alkaline-acid pH shifts evoked by iontophoresis of glutamate and aspartate in turtle cerebellum.

Abstract The effect of glutamate and aspartate iontophoresis on extracellular pH was investigated in the turtle cerebellum in vitro. Both amino acids produced a rapid alkaline transient, typically followed by a prolonged acidification. These responses could be evoked in all layers of the cerebellum. Transition from bicarbonate toN-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-ethanesulfonic acid-buffered media amplified the pH shifts. Similar alkaline-acid transients could be evoked in the molecular layer by electrical stimulation of the parallel fibers or the ipsilateral peduncle, or by superfusion of glutamate or aspartate. However, no alkaline shifts were evoked in the granular layer by either parallel fiber or peduncle stimulation. In contrast, the iontophoretically induced alkaline shifts were largest in the granular layer. Compared with the stimulus-evoked alkalinizations, the iontophoretic alkaline shifts were relatively insensitive to Mn2+ or Cd2+. These data suggest that the activity-dependent alkalinization of brain extracellular space is generated by a bicarbonate-independent mechanism related to excitatory synaptic transmission. The results are consistent with a flux of hydrogen ions through cationic channels, but do not support a direct role for voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. In view of the sensitivity of ion channels to changes in external pH, and the magnitude of the amino acid-induced pH shifts, these results indicate that extracellular pH could play an important modulatory role in excitatory synaptic transmission.
Cylindrical Film Memory Device Characteristics

This device is a single-bit storage element consisting of a 100-mil piece of 25-mil glass tubing with a 6000-A nickel-iron film coating. This paper describes those properties of the device which pertain to its operation in high-speed linear-word-selection memories. The device is used in the orthogonal mode, with an axial word field. The circumferential bit (digit) field coincides with the easy axis of magnetization, which is induced by a dc field during deposition of the film. The closed magnetic path avoids the limitation on thickness which exists in open-path elements. Thus, the cylindrical device can be designed to have large signals over a wide range of cycle times. Experimental data are included on the following characteristics: optimum device and drive-conductor geometry, effect on signals of one-zero duty cycle, sensitivity of stored information to disturbance by bit field and stray word fields, and drive-current requirements. The test specification developed from these data includes allowances for drive current tolerances, device temperature coefficient and information duty cycle. Sufficient quantities have been tested to this specification to show that this device is a workable, reproducible memory element.
Splicing of Yeast aI5β Group I Intron Requires SUV3 to Recycle MRS1 via Mitochondrial Degradosome-promoted Decay of Excised Intron Ribonucleoprotein (RNP)

Yeast Suv3p is a member of the DEXH/D box family of RNA helicases and is a critical component of the mitochondrial degradosome, which also includes a 3′ → 5′ exonuclease, Dss1p. Defects in the degradosome result in accumulation of aberrant transcripts, unprocessed transcripts, and excised group I introns. In addition, defects in SUV3 result in decreased splicing of the aI5β and bI3 group I introns. Whereas a role for Suv3p in RNA degradation is well established, the function of Suv3p in splicing of group I introns has remained elusive. It has been particularly challenging to determine if Suv3p effects group I intron splicing through RNA degradation as part of the degradosome, or has a direct role in splicing as a chaperone, because nearly all perturbations of SUV3 or DSS1 result in loss of the mitochondrial genome. Here we utilized the suv3-1 allele, which is defective in RNA metabolism and yet maintains a stable mitochondrial genome, to investigate the role of Suv3p in splicing of the aI5β group I intron. We provide genetic evidence that Mrs1p is a limiting cofactor for aI5β splicing, and this evidence also suggests that Suv3p activity is required to recycle the excised aI5β ribonucleoprotein. We also show that Suv3p acts indirectly as a component of the degradosome to promote aI5β splicing. We present a model whereby defects in Suv3p result in accumulation of stable, excised group I intron ribonucleoproteins, which result in sequestration of Mrs1p, and a concomitant reduction in splicing of aI5β.
Prolactin serum concentrations during aripiprazole treatment in youth.

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to: document the extent of the reduction of serum prolactin (PRL) levels induced by aripiprazole (ARI) treatment in children and adolescents, compare this effect by age group, and shed light on this phenomenon. Methods: PRL serum levels in unmedicated subjects were compared to those in subjects treated with aripiprazole to calculate the rate of subnormal PRL levels during aripiprazole treatment. Next, a literature search was performed to better understand the effects of dopaminergic drugs on PRL levels by age group. Results: Sixty percent of those treated with aripiprazole exhibited subnormal PRL serum levels versus 8% of unmedicated subjects. The rate of PRL subnormality in response to aripiprazole was half as frequent in adolescents and was minimal in adults. The drug-induced reduction of PRL serum levels became more prominent with increasing doses of aripiprazole and with an increased treatment duration. Conclusions: With the increasing use of aripiprazole in the Un...
Corporate social and environmental reporting in the Caribbean

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the extent to which publicly‐listed Caribbean companies provide social and environmental disclosures (SED), and the factors related to their disclosure practices. It is motivated by the dearth of studies of SED among publicly listed Caribbean firms.Design/methodology/approach – All 55 companies with common shares listed on the main tier of one of the three major Caribbean stock exchanges in December 2010 were included in the study. The comprehensiveness of SED was measured using an unweighted 43‐item disclosure index. The research hypotheses were examined using multiple regression analysis.Findings – The level of SED in the Caribbean was relatively low (M=33.7 per cent, SD=25.3 per cent). The amount of SED was positively related to firm size, industry affiliation, foreign influence and organizational culture. Firm profitability, national culture, importance of public equity financing, gender diversity, and director independence were not statistically related to SED com...
Role of the alternative and classical complement activation pathway in complement mediated killing against Streptococcus pneumoniae colony opacity variants during acute pneumococcal otitis media in mice

There is considerable evidence that phase variation among transparent and opaque colony phenotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) plays an important role in the pneumococcal adherence and invasion. The current study was designed to investigate the interactions of the opacity phenotype variants of Spn with specific complement pathway activation in a mouse model of acute otitis media (AOM). Although the opaque colony phenotype was expected to be more resistant to complement mediated killing compared to the transparent Spn variant, we discovered that C3b deposition on the transparent Spn is, in large part, dependent on the alternative pathway activation. There were no significant differences in resistance to complement mediated opsonophagocytosis between the two variants in factor B deficient mice. In addition, an in vitro study demonstrated that significantly more C4b-binding protein (C4BP) (the classical pathway inhibitor) and factor H (FH) (the alternative pathway inhibitor) bound to the transparent strain compared with the opaque one. Our data suggest that the difference in the relative virulence of Spn opacity phenotypes is associated with its ability to evade complement-mediated opsonophagocytosis in a mouse model of pneumococcal AOM.
The role of primary sequence in helical control compared across short α- and β3-peptides

α-helices are the most common form of secondary structure found in proteins. In order to study controlled protein folding, as well as manipulate the interface of helical peptides with targets in protein–protein interactions, many techniques have been developed to induce and stabilize α-helical structure in short synthetic peptides. Furthermore, short, non-natural β-peptides have been established that fold into predictable 14-helices that mimic α-helical structure. We created a panel of short 6–8 residue α- and β-peptides that used confirmed primary sequence design features which influence helical control and directly compared the helicity across peptides with the most minimal epitopes. Using CD spectroscopy, we found that both α- and β-peptides abided by their respective design principles, with no significant “cross-helicity” inducing an α- or a β-peptide to fold into the oppositely controlled helix. Generally, the β-peptide of the most optimal sequence displayed the largest percent of 14-helicity, wherea...
Glucocorticoid-xenobiotic interactions: Dexamethasone-mediated potentiation of cytochrome P4501A induction by β-naphthoflavone in a fish hepatoma cell line (PLHC-1)

The induction of CYP1A by the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-type inducer β-naphthoflavone (BNF) in the Poeciliopsis-lucida hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (PLHC-1), and the effects of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonist dexamethasone (DEX) on this response were examined. Dose-response studies revealed that BNF is three orders of magnitude less potent than the planar halogenated aromatic hydrocarbon 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) as an inducer of the CYP1A activity ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), and that the apparent efficacy for the induction by BNF is 50% of that obtained with TCDD. Addition of 10 μM DEX resulted in potentiation of CYP1A induction at all doses of BNF tested. The degree of that potentiation of induction of CYP1A protein levels and EROD activity differed substantially between doses of BNF and at different times of exposure. For example, the maximal degree of potentiation of EROD induction by DEX was 12-fold in PLHC-1 cells treated with 0.1 μM BNF, 19-fold in cells treated with 1 μM BNF, and 8-fold in cells treated with 10 μM BNF. These maximal degrees of potentiation of EROD induction were obtained after 30 h with 0.1 μM BNF, 48 h with 1 μM BNF, and 72 h with 10 μM BNF. These results demonstrate interactions between GR and aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathways that could influence the response of fish to xenobiotic exposure.
RELATION of BACTERIAL DESTRUCTION to CHEMICAL MARKER FORMATION DURING PROCESSING BY THERMAL PULSES

This paper presents a formulation in dimensionless terms of the equations pertaining to first-order processes that follow Arrhenius kinetics, and applies them to problems in food thermoprocessing. the need for it arose from attempts to understand the relation between destruction of pathogenic microorganisms and formation of chemical markers in the food. During processing food is subjected to a thermal pulse that affects the markers and microorganisms. the dimensionless formulation makes it convenient to obtain equations expressing the relation between the decadic reduction in microbial population and the rise in marker concentration for temperature-time profiles of forms hitherto not conveniently calculable. Measurements of chemical markers can be used with these formulas to predict destruction of microorganisms. Examples are given of calculations demonstrating the feasibility of this approach when a single marker is monitored.
A knowledge-based program for diagnosing metallurgical failures

Abstract Failure analysis of structures, a component of the design process, attempts to minimize the costs of mechanical failure by recommending changes in the geometry, materials, processing, or servicing of critical items in order to increase structural reliability. This paper presents a model of failure analysis reasoning and demonstrates techniques of artificial intelligence (AI) that use this model to solve difficult problems of data interpretation. Experiences with a rule-based expert system are used to illustrate problems of knowledge organization and management as the domain of the program gets very large.
Net worth and the economic diversity of the elderly.

Using data from the 1984 panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), this article examines characteristics of the older population disaggregated by net-worth quantities. The authors argue that income is not a sufficient measure of economic status for current policy discussions on issues such as changing Medicare co-payments, increasing the taxation of social security benefits, or means-testing under Medicaid. Net worth is a better measure of economic status, particularly for the elderly, because it represents the net value of assets accumulated over the life course. Their results indicate that there is considerable diversity in the economic status of the older population, which is masked by aggregate statistics (such as means and medians) typically used to summarize the economic status of population groups. Stereotypical views of the elderly based on such aggregates result in misdirected policy formulation. In the future, policymakers will need to formulate policies and program using i...
Aerosol modulation transfer function model for passive long-range imaging over a nonuniform atmospheric path

An aerosol modulation transfer function (MTF) model is developed to assess the impact of aerosol scattering on passive long-range imaging sensors. The methodology extends from previous work to explicitly address imaging scenarios with a nonuniform distribution of scattering characteristics over the propagation path and incorporates the moderate resolution transfer code database of aerosol cross-section and phase function characteristics in order to provide an empirical foundation for realistic quantitative MTF assessments. The resulting model is compared with both predictions from a Monte-Carlo scattering simulation and a scene-derived MTF estimate from an empirical image, with reasonable agreement in both cases. Application to long-range imaging situations at both visible and infrared wavelengths indicates that the magnitude and functional form of the aerosol MTF differ significantly from other contributors to the composite system MTF. Furthermore, the image-quality impact is largely radiometric in the sense that the contrast reduction is approximately independent of spatial frequency, and image blur is practically negligible.
Comparison of the Actions of Bombesin, Gastrin-Releasing Peptide-27, Neuromedin B, and Gastrin-Releasing Peptide-10 in Causing Release of Gastrin and Gastric Inhibitory Peptide in Rats

AbstractThe objective of this study was to compare the gastrin- and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP)-releasing actions of bombesin, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)-27, neuromedin B, and GRP-10 in rats. Both bombesin and GRP-27 are potent stimulants of gastrin and GIP release, whereas neuromedin B and GRP-10 are less effective, on a molar basis.
Aniline-planar or nonplanar?

Abstract The question whether the NH 2 group of aniline is coplanar with the aromatic ring has been raised many times ( 1 ) but the configuration has not yet been established beyond doubt. Evidence from the electronic band system near 2940 A appears to settle this point, not only for the ground state of aniline but for its first electronically-excited state ( 1 B 2 ) also.
Characterization of STAT3 activation and expression in canine and human osteosarcoma.

Background Dysregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been implicated as a key participant in tumor cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis and is often correlated with a more malignant tumor phenotype. STAT3 phosphorylation has been demonstrated in a subset of human osteosarcoma (OSA) tissues and cell lines. OSA in the canine population is known to exhibit a similar clinical behavior and molecular biology when compared to its human counterpart, and is often used as a model for preclinical testing of novel therapeutics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of STAT3 in canine and human OSA, and to evaluate the biologic activity of a novel small molecule STAT3 inhibitor.
Evaluation of Several Nonstarter Lactobacilli for Their Influence on Cheddar Cheese Slurry Proteolysis

Ten strains of nonstarter lactobacilli were evaluated for proteolytic ability in Cheddar cheese slurries by ripening anaerobically at 30°C for 12 d. Fresh Cheddar curds were made under controlled conditions to minimize the influence of wild nonstarter microflora in the slurries to which nonstarter lactobacilli were added. Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris SK11 was used as the starter organism for the cheese and was present in all of the slurries. The control slurries remained free of nonstarters throughout the 12 d. Reverse phase HPLC of water-soluble extracts of the slurries indicated differences in peptide profiles between slurries with nonstarter compared with the control (containing only Lc. lactis ssp. cremoris SK11) and between slurries with different nonstarters. Total free amino acids and individual amino acids concentrations also suggest varied proteolytic capabilities between nonstarter strains in control and other cheeses. Slurries containing Lactobacillus helveticus released more amino acids (0.7 mg of Leu/mg of cheese extract) than did slurries containing Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, or Lactobacillus curvatus (0.4 to 0.6 mg of Leu/mg of cheese extract).
Conducting interview studies: challenges, lessons learned, and open questions

Our recent work uses sociological theories and interview techniques to discover why so few developers use tools that help them write secure code. In this experience report, we describe nine challenges we encountered in planning and conducting an interview study with industrial practitioners, from choosing a population of interest to presenting the work in a way that resonates with the research community. In doing so, we aim to spur discussion in the software engineering research community about common challenges in empirical research and ways to address them.
Influence of diet on cardiovascular disease in African Americans, Africans, and African Caribbeans

Populations of African ancestry have differing dietary patterns and prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and cannot be considered a homogeneous group. However, CVD risk is increasing worldwide, and more efforts must address the prevention and treatment of CVD in these populations. Diet is an important part of preventing and treating CVD, but few interventions have investigated diet and CVD in people of African ancestry. Most diet or CVD interventions involving these populations have occurred in the United States and a few in African countries. None were found in Caribbean countries. The interventions have shown that reducing sodium and fat intake and increasing fruit and vegetable intake can improve CVD risk markers. However, more investigation is needed to further elucidate the benefits of diet on CVD and determine the best methods for achieving sustainable dietary behavior change in people of African ancestry.
How much tumor surgery do early-career orthopaedic oncologists perform?

Background There are few data on the types of procedures orthopaedic oncologists perform in their first years of practice. Because fellowships are graduating fellows each year and the number of tumor patients is limited, defining the practice patterns of early-career orthopaedic oncologists may help diminish early employment discontent and enhance workforce discussions.
Healthcare Disparities: The Salience of Social Class

Empirical evidence demonstrates that minority and marginalized populations receive less and lower quality healthcare than more advantaged groups. Ethical analyses of these disparities explain their injustice. That disparities exist and constitute a moral wrong are uncontroversial views. Less clear are the exact causes of healthcare disparities.Thanks go to several reviewers who read and commented on earlier drafts, including John Stone, John Arras, Jay Baruch, Terry Rosell, and an anonymous CQ reviewer.
Strong ETH holds for regular resolution

We obtain asymptotically sharper lower bounds on resolution complexity for k-CNF's than was known previously. We show that for any large enough k there are k-CNF's which require resolution width (1-~O(k-1/4))n, regular resolution size 2(1-~O(k-1/4))n, and general resolution size (3/2)(1-~O(k-1/4))n.
Palliative treatment for stroke.

Despite continued advances in prevention and treatment, stroke remains the leading cause of neurologic disability. This article reviews the broad spectrum of palliative efforts underway to treat the impairment and disability that results from stroke. Emphasis is placed on the importance of symptom control, increasing compensation, and enhancing residual and recovering function in patients with stroke. New approaches to impairment reduction have produced encouraging results, but disability reduction remains the corner-stone of care.
'New Raiments of Self': African American Clothing in the Antebellum South

This book examines the clothing worn by African Americans in the southern United States during the thirty years before the American Civil War. Drawing on a wide range of sources, most notably oral narratives recorded in the 1930s, this rich account shows that African Americans demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the role clothing played in demarcating age, sex, status, work, recreation, as well as special secular and sacred events. Testimonies offer proof of African Americans' vast technical skills in producing cloth and clothing, which served both as a fundamental reflection of the peoples' Afrocentric craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities, and as a reaction to their particular place in American society. Previous work on clothing in this period has tended to focus on white viewpoints, and as a consequence the dress worn by the enslaved has generally been seen as a static standard imposed by white overlords. This excellent study departs from conventional interpretations to show that the clothing of the enslaved changed over time, served multiple functions and represented customs and attitudes which evolved distinctly from within African American communities. In short, it represents a vital contribution to African American studies, as well as to dress and textile history, and cultural and folklore studies.
FAK in cancer: mechanistic findings and clinical applications

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed and activated in several advanced-stage solid cancers. FAK promotes tumour progression and metastasis through effects on cancer cells, as well as stromal cells of the tumour microenvironment. The kinase-dependent and kinase-independent functions of FAK control cell movement, invasion, survival, gene expression and cancer stem cell self-renewal. Small molecule FAK inhibitors decrease tumour growth and metastasis in several preclinical models and have initial clinical activity in patients with limited adverse events. In this Review, we discuss FAK signalling effects on both tumour and stromal cell biology that provide rationale and support for future therapeutic opportunities.
Intermittent control of liquid flow from fan nozzles in concurrent air streams : wind tunnel studies of droplet size effects

Abstract High-frequency, intermittent operation of hydraulic atomization nozzles can modulate flow rate without distorting droplet size spectra or spray distribution patterns. A direct-acting, coaxial solenoid valve was used for rapid (10 Hz) intermittent actuation of spray; modulation of the valve duty cycle was used to control temporally-averaged, volumetric flow rate. This study investigated the effects of intermittent flow control on droplet size spectra from fan nozzles operating in air streams similar to air-carrier and aircraft sprayers. Droplet size spectra were slightly affected by flow control over a 4:1 range. The predominant effect was increased production of larger droplets as flow was reduced; however, the effect was so slight that the volume median diameter of the droplet size distributions was not altered significantly. In equivalent comparisons of low flow rate nozzles operating continuously and higher flow rate nozzles operating intermittently, the intermittently controlled nozzles produced significantly larger droplets. The effects of intermittent flow control were similar for all air stream velocities. The flow control valve and technique appeared suitable for use on air-carrier and aircraft spraying systems.
Signal complexity and synchrony of epileptic seizures: is there an identifiable preictal period?

Abstract Objective Epileptic seizures are characterized by increases in synchronized activity and increased signal complexity. Prediction of seizures depends upon detectable preictal changes before the actual ictal event. The studies reported here test whether two methods designed to detect changes in synchrony and complexity can identify any changes in a preictal period before visual EEG changes or clinical manifestations. Methods Two methods are used to characterize different, but linked, properties of the signal—complexity and synchrony. The Gabor atom density (GAD) method allows for quantification of the time–frequency components of the EEG and characterizes the complexity of the EEG signal. The measure S , based on the goodness of fit of a multivariable autoregressive model, allows for characterization of the degree of synchrony of the EEG signal. Results Complex partial seizures produce very specific patterns of increased signal complexity and subsequent postictal low complexity states. The measure S shows increased synchronization later including a prolonged period of increased synchrony in the postictal period. No significant preictal changes were seen unless contaminated by residual postictal changes in closely clustered seizures. Conclusions Both GAD and S measures reveal ictal and prolonged postictal changes; however, there were no significant preictal changes in either complexity or synchrony. Any application of methods to detect preictal changes must be tested on seizures sufficiently separated to avoid residual postictal changes in the potential preictal period.
Nondestructive characterization for PDMS thin films using a miniature fiber optic photoacoustic probe

This paper presents a nondestructive ultrasound test method for characterizing resonant frequencies of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin films by using a miniature fiber optic photoacoustic (PA) probe. The PA probe was fabricated with an optical fiber and the synthesized gold nanocomposite. During the experiment, a PDMS film with thickness of 25 μm was cured and immersed into water media within a designed holder to clamp the film. An acoustic pulse was generated from the PA probe, propagated in the water media and excited the clamped film. A fiber optic pressure sensor based on Fabry-Perot (FP) principle was applied to collect excited acoustic signals on the other side of the film. The sensed response of the acoustic pulse was used to compute the resonant frequencies of the PDMS thin film based on de-convolution method.
Visualizing search behavior with adaptive discriminations

We examined different aspects of the visual search behavior of a pigeon using an open-ended, adaptive testing procedure controlled by a genetic algorithm. The animal had to accurately search for and peck a gray target element randomly located from among a variable number of surrounding darker and lighter distractor elements. Display composition was controlled by a genetic algorithm involving the multivariate configuration of different parameters or genes (number of distractors, element size, shape, spacing, target brightness, and distractor brightness). Sessions were composed of random displays, testing randomized combinations of these genes, and selected displays, representing the varied descendants of displays correctly identified by the pigeon. Testing a larger number of random displays than done previously, it was found that the bird's solution to the search task was highly stable and did not change with extensive experience in the task. The location and shape of this attractor was visualized using multivariate behavioral surfaces in which element size and the number of distractors were the most important factors controlling search accuracy and search time. The resulting visualizations of the bird's search behavior are discussed with reference to the potential of using adaptive, open-ended experimental techniques for investigating animal cognition and their implications for Bond and Kamil's innovative development of virtual ecologies using an analogous methodology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: CO3 2013.