cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experiments to Validate the Use of a Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG) to Turn Robots

Turning a robot, particularly an under-actuated bipedal humanoid robot, is challenging. Several methods proposed in the literature for producing human-like motion in such robots are innovative but are limited in their range of motion. This paper presents an approach to control the orientation of a robot using a control moment gyroscope (CMG). A demonstration platform is developed to test this concept and physical experiments are conducted to determine the prototype’s turning range and performance. This concept is then extended to a backpack mount where trials are conducted using human subjects to estimate the performance of the system that can potentially be used to turn bipedal humanoid robots.
Evidence of Piezoelectric Resonance in Isolated Outer Hair Cells

Our results demonstrate high-frequency electrical resonances in outer hair cells (OHCs) exhibiting features analogous to classical piezoelectric transducers. The fundamental (first) resonance frequency averaged fn ∼ 13 kHz (Q ∼ 1.7). Higher-order resonances were also observed. To obtain these results, OHCs were positioned in a custom microchamber and subjected to stimulating electric fields along the axis of the cell (1–100 kHz, 4–16 mV/80 μm). Electrodes embedded in the side walls of the microchamber were used in a voltage-divider configuration to estimate the electrical admittance of the top portion of the cell-loaded chamber (containing the electromotile lateral wall) relative to the lower portion (containing the basal plasma membrane). This ratio exhibited resonance-like electrical tuning. Resonance was also detected independently using a secondary 1-MHz radio-frequency interrogation signal applied transversely across the cell diameter. The radio-frequency interrogation revealed changes in the transverse electric impedance modulated by the axial stimulus. Modulation of the transverse electric impedance was particularly pronounced near the resonant frequencies. OHCs used in our study were isolated from the apical region of the guinea pig cochlea, a region that responds exclusively to low-frequency acoustic stimuli. In this sense, electrical resonances we observed in vitro were at least an order of magnitude higher (ultrasonic) than the best physiological frequency of the same OHCs under acoustic stimuli in vivo. These resonance data further support the piezoelectric theory of OHC function, and implicate piezoelectricity in the broad-band electromechanical behavior of OHCs underlying mammalian cochlear function.
A Realization Procedure for Multithreshold Threshold Elements

A synthesis procedure is introduced for obtaining multithreshold threshold-element realizations of arbitrary Boolean functions (including functions with don't cares). Through transforms of multithreshold threshold-element realizations, the procedure is also applicable to threshold-element-network realizations of functions. The procedure is useful for hand calculations for functions with a small number of variables, and has been programmed on a computer for functions having up to 11 variables?the number of variables is presently limited by storage allocation. The function to be realized is first completely decomposed about its variables to form a tree. The functions resulting at the tips of the tree branches from the complete decomposition have simple ``value functions'' (which specify a set of multithreshold realizations) that are uniquely determined by the weight chosen for the final variable in the decomposition. After choosing this weight, the given function is systematically reconstructed from the tree by choosing the weight of one variable at a time through the combined use of a theorem that specifies the allowable weights of the new variable and an analysis of the minimum possible number of thresholds required as a result of a given allowable weight. Experimental results of hand and computer calculations show the procedure to be fast in producing realizations with a small number of thresholds and a small sum of weight magnitudes.
Kinetics of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein and the relationship to postoperative infection in young infants undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

Background The utility of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as infectious biomarkers following infant cardiothoracic surgery is not well defined. Methods We designed a prospective cohort study to evaluate PCT and CRP after infant cardiothoracic surgery. PCT and CRP were drawn preoperatively and 24/72 h postoperation or daily in delayed sternal closure patients. Presence of infection within 10 d of surgery, vasoactive-inotropic scores at 24 and 72 h, and length of intubation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay were documented. Results PCT and CRP were elevated at 24 h. PCT then decreased while CRP increased in patients undergoing delayed sternal closure or cardiopulmonary bypass. In the delayed sternal closure group, PCT was significantly higher on postoperative days 2-5 in patients who ultimately developed infection. Higher PCT was independently associated with increased vasoactive-inotropic score at 72 h. CRP did not correlate with infection or postoperative support. Conclusion PCT rises after cardiothoracic surgery in infants but decreases by 72 h while CRP remains elevated. Sternal closure may affect CRP but not PCT. PCT is independently associated with circulatory support requirements at 72 h postoperation and with development of infection. PCT may have greater utility as a biomarker in this population.
Gold in silicon: Characterisation and infra-red detector applications

Gold is used as a deep level impurity in silicon in semi-conductor devices. In this paper the characteristics of the gold impurity centre are reviewed, an almost complete characterisation having been achieved by the indirect observation of its charge states in space-charge regions. The application of gold-doped devices as infra-red detectors is also discussed.
Effect of strain on thin film growth: deposition of Ni on Ag(100)

Abstract The results of Monte Carlo simulations of the structure and energetics of Ni thin films grown on Ag(100) are discussed. Despite a 13.9% lattice mismatch, layer-by-layer growth of pseudomorphic Ni is favored over an incommensurate Ni(111) structure, up to approximately ∼ 3.2 ML Ni. Reconstruction or clustering of the Ni overlayer is seen at submonolayer to monolayer coverages. The pseudomorphic multilayer film has a tetragonal structure due to the expansive intralayer strain inducing a compressive interlayer stress. The tetragonal Ni(100) overlayer appears metastable, since allowing interdiffusion via exchange of Ni and Ag atoms leads to a thermodynamically favored Ag/Ni/Ag(100) sandwich structure. A buckled, close-packed Ni(111) thin film structure is preferred at higher coverages and is found to inhibit interdiffusion of Ag atoms. A direct commensurate-incommensurate phase transition is never observed.
Predictors of medication discontinuation by patients with first-episode schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Abstract Background : Enhancing medication adherence early in the course of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder may substantially improve long-term course. Although extensively studied in multi-episode patients, little data exist on medication adherence by first-episode patients. Method : Medication adherence was assessed during the first year of treatment and following recovery from the first relapse in patients treated by a standardized medication algorithm. Results : During the first year of treatment, patients with poorer premorbid cognitive functioning were more likely to stop antipsychotics ( t =−2.54, df =75, p =0.01). Parkinsonian side effects increased the likelihood (hazard ratio=41.22; 95% CI=2.30, 737.89; p =0.01), and better executive function decreased the likelihood (hazard ratio=0.40; 95% CI=0.18, 0.88; p =0.02) that patients discontinued maintenance medication after a first relapse. Conclusion : Interventions to ameliorate cognitive deficits and Parkinsonian side effects may enhance treatment adherence.
Wheat gluten as a protein ingredient

Wheat gluten is a unique cereal protein due to its property of high elasticity. This elasticity is only present in hydrated gluten, and it is destroyed by heating. The property permits the formation of gas cells in flour dough, and is the essential cause of the texture of our daily bread. Wheat gluten is produced industrially from flour rather than from wheat, although some progress has been made recently in the latter direct process. All the wet separation methods basically involve mixing flour and water and allowing the starch granules to leave the gluten matrix in a mixed aqueous phase. The various methods of wet separation give rise to essentially similar glutens, but the type and severity of the drying process can lead to major changes in degree of elasticity of the reconstituted gluten. In spite of a rather low level of lysine, methionine and tryptophane, the nutritive value of wheat gluten can be high, particularly when mixed with other proteins which supplement these particular amino acids. Although gluten can be used alose, as in some canned vegetarian dishes, generally it is used as an additive to cereal and meat or fish foods. In cereal applications the base material is usually flour or maize, rice or wheat. The market for gluten in the Western World is of the order of 90,000 tons per year, and it is expected that the industrial use of wheat gluten will continue to expand with our technical ability to make use of its unique properties.
Early Systolic Clicks due to Mitral Valve Prolapse

Four patients had evidence that mitral valve prolapse was the etiology of isolated early systolic clicks that were "ejection" in timing, that is, within 80 msec of the first heart sound (S1). Phonocardiography demonstrated movement of the click closer to S1 (three patients) with no change (three patients) or an increase in click amplitude (one patient) on inspiration. Earlier movement of systolic clicks on inspiration is a known feature of midsystolic clicks related to mitral valve prolapse but not of true aortic ejection sounds. In three patients the early systolic click showed a variable relation to the carotid upstroke, suggesting that the two events were not related. The click of the fourth patient occurred after the carotid upstroke. In one patient the click could be brought out by standing. Apical holosystolic murmurs could be elicited in all patients. Left- and right-heart catheterizations and left ventricular angiograms revealed no evidence of semilunar valve or great vessel root abnormality. Thre...
Changes in the molecular topography of the light and heavy chains of type A botulinum neurotoxin following their separation.

Abstract Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A, an approx. 150 kDa protein, is composed of two subunits, the light and heavy chains ( ∼ 50 and ∼ 100 kDa, respectively). The neurotoxin's mode of action is believed to depend on coordinated but independent actions of the two subunit chains. The molecular environments of the aromatic amino acid residues of the dichain neurotoxin and the two isolated subunit chains were analyzed using near-ultraviolet circular dichroism (CD) (between 250 and 320 nm) and second-derivative ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy (between 240 and 320 nm) to investigate the conformational variations of the subunit chains in separated and conjugated forms. The mean residue weight ellipticities showed virtually no change (i.e., 1.7%) in the vicinities of Phe (268 nm), and only a small change (11%) around Tyr (279 nm) residues following dissociation of the subunit chains. However, significant changes (23–26%) at 286 nm as well as at 292 nm were noted, suggesting considerable alteration in the conformation of the subunits. Second-derivative ultraviolet abso isolated heavy and light chains at 70.7, 81.5 and 46.4%, respectively. A weighted mean of the degree of exposed Tyr residues in the separated heavy and light chains was 69.6%, virtually same as the 70.7% exposed Tyr residues observed in the intact dichain neurotoxin, indicating no difference in their Tyr exposure upon separation of the two chains. This was corroborated by the CD data which revealed only small changes in the CD signals of Tyr residues, and no alteration in those of the Phe residues following separation of the subunit chains. However, a change in the CD signal at 292 nm suggested that the conformations of Trp-containing segments of the two chains were significantly influenced upon their separation. The heavy and light chains of the neurotoxin therefore appear to exist as two semi-independent domains, in spite of being linked by disulfide and noncovalent bonds, and at least part of their conformations depends on interactions between them.
Artificial neural network prediction indicators of density functional theory metal hydride models

Abstract The metal hydride is a capable candidate for mobile storage for hydrogen-powered vehicles. An artificial neural network (ANN) has proved useful for many applications, and capable of much more in discovery of new materials. Because of its ability to generalize from examples presented to it, an ANN is a powerful tool for discovering new metal hydride combinations. An ANN can deduce quantitative structure property relationships for metal hydrides. The ANN found correlations between fundamental electronic and energy values modeled ab initio and several experimental parameters. Some of the properties successfully predicted with good correlation are: entropy, enthalpy, temperature at 1 atm of pressure, pressure at 25 °C, and the percent weight of hydrogen stored. The marriage of ANN to computational modeling produces good predictions for many important properties of metal hydrides.
A comparison of particle impact in gas-solid and liquid-solid erosion

Abstract The sizes of craters formed on cylindrical, electro-polished, OFHC copper erosion specimens subjected to impact by closely-sized glass beads, average diameter 540 μm, suspended in diesel oil in a slurry-pot erosion tester operating at nominal rotation speeds of 18.7, 14.0 and 9.35 m s−1 have been compared with those produced in an identical apparatus operating at the same speeds, in which the glass beads were suspended in air. Crater sizes were measured at the cylinder stagnation line and at location angles of 15°, 30°, 45°, 55° and 65° on either side of it. Impact craters formed under liquid-solid erosion conditions were found to be smaller than those formed in gas-solid erosion at the same nominal test speed. Crater sizes were related to impact velocities using diameter measurements from craters produced under slow loading conditions. The differences in normal impact velocities during gas-solid and liquid-solid erosion are discussed and the values compared with predictions from a mathematical model. The relative retardation of impacting particles in liquid-solid erosion is ascribed to fluid dynamic effects on particle velocities and trajectories, including squeeze-film retardation of particles immediately prior to impact. In both air and diesel oil the effective free-stream velocity was found to correspond with the nominal test speed. Impact crater eccentricity was measured for tests conducted at 18.7 m s−1 in air and diesel oil. Eccentricity was consistently greater for craters formed in diesel oil. Ripple pattern formation, owing to the displacement of material by plastic deformation, during the wear of copper subjected to repeated impact by glass beads suspended in diesel oil at 18.7 m s−1, is reported.
The synthesis of nickel aluminides by multilayer self-propagating combustion

The synthesis of Ni-Al intermetallic thin films by self-propagating combustion reactions was investigated for the 1:1 and 3:1 Ni/Al stoichiometries. The dependence of the combustion wave velocity on the individual layer thickness was determined. The marked decrease in velocity with layer thickness was consistent with results of modeling studies on multilayer systems. Activation energies for the synthesis of NiAl were determined to be in the range 127.9 to 149.8 kJ · mol−1, and those for the synthesis of Ni3Al were found to be in the range 133.8 to 146.3 kJ · mol−1. In the case of NiAl, the experimental value is attributed to a diffusion process of Al in NiAl. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) showed the sequence of steps in the formation of NiAl and Ni3Al. The dependence of the thermal peaks on the heating rate for both cases was found to be consistent with theory. The activation energies obtained from the DTA analysis were compared to previous results obtained with relatively thin layers.
The influence of vortical structures on the thermal fields of jets

In this investigation we explore the effect of unsteady vortical structures on the adiabatic wall temperature distribution in an impinging jet. Treating first the simpler case of a free jet, we introduce a conceptual model for the separation of the total temperature, appealing to the dynamics of particle pathlines and vortex rings in the jet. The presence of a region of higher total temperature on the inside of the jet and a region of lower total temperature toward the jet periphery, predicted by the model, exhibits good agreement with the experimental data taken at high subsonic Mach number. The results from a numerical simulation further confirm the theoretical expectations.Through a similar argument, we show that when a thermally insulated flat plate is inserted into the jet, the wall temperature distribution is modified by the presence of secondary vortical structures, which are induced near, and swept over, the plate surface. When the plate is near the jet nozzle, a region of lower wall temperature, attributable to these additional vortices, is observed in the experimental data. When the plate is further from the nozzle, no secondary vortices are formed and no region of lowered wall temperature is measured. Self-sustaining acoustic resonance, when it occurs, is found to alter significantly this picture of the wall temperature distribution.Although the scope of this work is limited to free and impinging jets, this present topic, along with the previously reported mechanism of the Eckert–Weise effect, exemplifies the wider family of problems in which unsteady vortical structure strongly affects the wall temperature and heat transfer.
Orphan Kinesin NOD Lacks Motile Properties But Does Possess a Microtubule-stimulated ATPase Activity

NOD is a Drosophila chromosome-associated kinesin-like protein that does not fall into the chromokinesin subfamily. Although NOD lacks residues known to be critical for kinesin function, we show that microtubules activate the ATPase activity of NOD >2000-fold. Biochemical and genetic analysis of two genetically identified mutations of NOD (NOD(DTW) and NOD("DR2")) demonstrates that this allosteric activation is critical for the function of NOD in vivo. However, several lines of evidence indicate that this ATPase activity is not coupled to vectorial transport, including 1) NOD does not produce microtubule gliding; and 2) the substitution of a single amino acid in the Drosophila kinesin heavy chain with the analogous amino acid in NOD results in a drastic inhibition of motility. We suggest that the microtubule-activated ATPase activity of NOD provides transient attachments of chromosomes to microtubules rather than producing vectorial transport.
Use of the decomposition technique to test the educational screening hypothesis

Abstract The principal issue addressed in this article is whether or not education directly creates productivity and earnings as taught by traditional human capital theory. If not, an alternative argument could be that employers use education as a screening device to select employees. Employing the decomposition technique to compare income for self-employed and private sector employees, evidence is presented which rejects the screenist theory.
Immunons revisited: Binding of multivalent antigens to B cells

Abstract The T-independent B cell response induced by highly multivalent hapten-polymer preparations has been studied extensively. The in vitro measured dose-response curve tends to be roughly bell-shaped with the peak response occurring at very low ligand concentrations, between 0.1–1 ng/ml for a variety of different ligands. Furthermore, polymers with more than approximately 10 haptens tend to be stimulatory, whereas polymers with fewer than 10 haptens conjugated, tend to be inhibitory. These observations have been perplexing when viewed within the context of standard theories of receptor ligation by multivalent ligands. We present a new analysis of these previous experiments that reconciles the differences between theory and experiment. From this theory it is concluded that the peak in the observed dose-response curve only weakly reflects properties of the ligand and the affinity of surface immunoglobulin for the hapten, but depends strongly on the density of antigen-specific B cells in the culture. The number of responding cells decreases at low ligand concentrations, because cells have to share limiting amounts of ligand and not because of the decreasing probability of receptors and ligands meeting each other. Our theory leads to the same conclusion as made by previous researchers, namely that a minimum number of receptor sites, of the order of 10, need to be bound to a single ligand in order to stimulate a B cell. While this conclusion was based on the lack of immunogenicity of antigens carrying less than a minimum number of haptens, the quantitative results of this study, derived from fitting experimental dose-response curves obtained with highly multivalent antigens, provide evidence for the immunon hypothesis that is based upon the degree of receptor aggregation. Our theory also provides quantitative agreement with experimental observations on systems, in which both stimulatory and non-stimulatory polymers are mixed in the same system.
The Religion of the Etruscans – Edited by Nancy Thomson de Grummond and Erika Simon

In the first chapter of this work, the author writes that “it is a little odd, given the acknowledged importance of this subject, that there are relatively few general, sustained accounts of Etrusc...
A botanical comparison of the united states pharmacopoeias of 1820 and 1960

It was not until the U.S.P. VI, published for the period 1880 to 1890, that tests and assays were included, setting the standards of strength and purity of drugs. The two pharmacopoeias, the first published in 1820 and the present sixteenth revision published in 1960, cover a span of 140 years, with revisions appearing every 5 to 10 years. Presently, revisions are published every 5 years. Of course, there are very distinct differences in the two compendia; the first U.S.P. listed drugs with both their English and Latin titles, a practice still in effect in the U.S.P. XVI. However, there the resemblance ends. The categories or uses of drugs, tests, assays, and specific doses were not considered in the first edition. From a botanical viewpoint, there were also several shortcomings. Although the scientific names of plant drugs were listed, author citations and plant families were omitted. The purpose of this paper is to record the results of a botanical comparison and a study of the contents of the U.S.P. of 1820 and 1960. Some plant drugs have remained official throughout the history of the pharmacopoeia; others, once official, have been elim-
Self-repairing polymers: poly(dioxaborolane)s containing trigonal planar boron

The molecular weight of poly(dioxaborolane)s can be controlled during the polymerization reaction or through post-polymerization processing in such a manner that hydrolytic damage to these materials may be repaired, thereby regenerating the polymer.
A Family Literacy Intervention to Support Parents in Children's Early Literacy Learning.

This study examines a family literacy intervention conducted in two first-grade classrooms with culturally diverse student populations. In the treatment and control classrooms, six parents and a classroom teacher learned practices for building home-school partnerships. Data were analyzed to determine changes in home-literacy practices, increases in parents' knowledge literacy instruction, and changes in children's literacy achievement. Data analyses demonstrated that participating parents showed significantly greater usage of effective storybook reading strategies before and after reading. Parental and teacher participation resulted in statistically significant differences in students' scores on the Concepts of Print assessment, compared to students in the control classroom.
Inhibition of the Plasma-Membrane-Associated Serine Protease Cathepsin G by Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3364c Suppresses Caspase-1 and Pyroptosis in Macrophages.

Tuberculosis is a disease associated with the infection of a great part of the world’s population and is responsible for the death of two to three million people annually. Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects macrophages and subverts its mechanisms of killing. The pathogen suppresses macrophage apoptosis by many different mechanisms. We describe that, upon uptake by macrophages, M. tuberculosis overexpresses an operon Rv3361c-Rv3365c and secretes Rv3364c. The Rv3365c knockout strain is deficient in apoptosis inhibition. The Rv3364c protein binds to the serine protease cathepsin G on the membrane, inhibiting its enzymatic activity and the downstream activation of caspase-1-dependent apoptosis. In summary, M. tuberculosis prevents macrophage pyroptosis by a novel mechanism involving cytoplasmic surveillance proteins.
Rapid isolation of cloned isotype switch variants using fluorescence activated cell sorting

We have used highly specific, directly fluorescein-conjugated heterologous (conventional) and monoclonal antibodies directed against mouse immunoglobulin isotypes in conjunction with the fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) to enrich and clone hybridoma cells producing new immunoglobulin heavy chain constant regions. Each variant retains the parental heavy chain variable region and the parental immunoglobulin light chain; thereby each variant binds the same dansyl (DNS) hapten. These isotype switch variants occur at frequencies of approximately 10-5 to 10-6. We were able to isolate the variants by first sorting for an approximate 1000-fold enrichment of the desired immunoglobulin-producing cells, growing these cells for five to nine days, followed by a second 1000-fold enrichment and direct cell cloning into 96 well culture trays. Clones were screened only 3-5 weeks after the original selection for secretion of dansyl-binding immunoglobulin of the selected isotype. Judicious combination of existing methods permits improved analytical techniques using the cell sorter. These include: first, "red" fluorescence staining of dead cells with ethidium bromide or propidium iodide and using the red fluorescence measurement to exclude dead cells from the green fluorescence selection; and second, the use logarithmic amplification of fluorescence signals, allowing for more succinct selection of fluorescence parameters for sorting.
Fluid-like instability of trapped electrons in confined plasmas

Abstract An instability, which does not depend on mode-particle resonances, can be driven by the drift of trapped electrons in the unfavorable curvature region of the confining magnetic field for selected values of the relevant mode transverse wavelengths.
Origins of breath nitric oxide in humans.

Study objectives Nitric oxide (NO) exists in the human breath, but little is known about its site of origin or enzyme source. The aims of this study were to locate the main site of NO release into human breath and to decide whether the inducible isoform of NO synthase (iNOS) and nasal bacteria contribute to breath NO. Design Using a chemiluminescence assay, NO levels were measured in air exhaled from the nose, mouth, trachea, and distal airway. The susceptibility of breath NO to treatment with a topical corticosteroid (to inhibit iNOS; intranasal beclomethasone dipropionate for 2 weeks) and with antibiotics (systemic amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid and intranasal bacitracin zinc, 5 to 10 days) was also tested. Participants Twenty-one healthy subjects, 9 intubated patients, and 7 patients undergoing bronchoscopy. All subjects were nonsmokers free of pneumonia, rhinitis, and bronchitis. Measurements and Results Breath NO levels, collected in the gas sampling bags, were greater (p Conclusions Most NO in normal human breath derives locally from the nose where it can reach high levels during breath-holding. NO is synthesized, at least in part, by a steroid-inhibitable, nonbacterial, NO synthase, presumably iNOS.
Consequences of Financial Reporting Failure for Outside Directors: Evidence from Accounting Restatements and Audit Committee Members

I use a sample of 409 companies that restated their earnings from 1997 to 2001 to examine penalties for outside directors, particularly audit committee members, when their companies experience accounting restatements. Penalties from lawsuits and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) actions are limited. However, directors experience significant labor market penalties. In the three years after the restatement, director turnover is 48% for firms that restate earnings downward, 33% for a performance-matched sample, 28% for firms that restate upward, and only 18% for technical restatement firms. For firms that overstate earnings, the likelihood of director departure increases in restatement severity, particularly for audit committee directors. In addition, directors of these firms are no longer present in 25% of their positions on other boards. This loss is greater for audit committee members and for more severe restatements. A matched-sample analysis confirms this result. Overall, the evidence is consistent with outside directors, especially audit committee members, bearing reputational costs for financial reporting failure.
The completeness of Peano multiplication

It is shown that the set of all theorems of Peano Arithmetic which mention only multiplication is a complete theory in the corresponding restricted language. The notion of a complete decidable covering of a theory is introduced.
Optimal Normative Pediatric Cardiac Structure Dimensions for Clinical Use

Cardiac structure size influences surgical decision making in pediatric cardiac surgery. Lack of universally adopted normative cardiac structure dimensions may confound decision making. A review of the relevant literature contained in 2 large databases was performed with a view to determine the optimal normative cardiac structure dimensions for clinical use. The current article initially discusses technical issues related to cardiac structure measurement and measurement normalization. It then describes the literature search strategy and examines the quality of published data in subjects below 19 years of age. The optimal normative dimension data set is then recommended.
Natural convection in porous media with anisotropic dispersive thermal conductivity

Abstract A numerical simulation is undertaken in order to study the effect of anisotropy of the effective thermal conductivity tensor on heat transport in the porous medium Rayleigh-Benard problem. The momentum equation includes an inertial drag (Forchheimer) term. The effective thermal conductivity tensor, in the energy equation, contains an isotropic stagnant component and a hydrodynamic dispersive component with principal axes aligned with the local velocity vector and with magnitude proportional to the local velocity amplitude. A parametric study of two-dimensional steady cellular convection reveals the following. (1) Dispersion increases the net heat transfer after a Rayleigh number ~ 100–200. As the degree of anisotropy of the effective thermal conductivity is increased, the wall averaged Nusselt number is decreased. (2) Using the available Rayleigh number-wavenumber variation data does not affect the divergence between simulation and experiment.
The Relationships Among Black Consciousness, Self-Esteem, and Academic Self-Efficacy in African American Men

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among Black consciousness, self-esteem, and academic self-efficacy in African American men. The participants were 120 African American male college students at a predominantly African American university. The authors administered 3 instruments--the Developmental Inventory of Black Consciousness (DIB-C; J. Milliones, 1980), the M. Rosenberg (1965) Self-Esteem Scale, and R. E. Wood and E. A. Locke's (1987) Academic Self-Efficacy Scale--to test the hypotheses. They used an independent-measures t test and a Pearson r correlation to analyze the data. The results of the study supported the hypotheses under investigation. Significant positive relationships were found between Black consciousness and self-esteem and Black consciousness and academic self-efficacy. The results of the study showed that Black consciousness appears to be an important construct to use in understanding self-esteem and academic self-efficacy in African American men.
Mouse resident microglia: Isolation and characterization of immunoregulatory properties with naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells

We describe a non-enzymatic procedure designed to isolate in high purity resident microglia from the brains of normal mice. This procedure allowed for the characterization of the cells without concern that their surface features had been enzymatically altered during tissue processing. A cell population was obtained and judged to consist primarily of microglia because essentially all the cells were Mac-1+, Mac-3+, F4/80+, CD44+, CD54+, and CD86+, and they expressed CD45 with a mean fluorescence intensity value of about one-half that of tissue macrophages. The cells also expressed marginal levels of MHC class I, CD14, CD40, and CD80, but lacked detectable MHC class II, CD4, CD8, CD45R, and CD102 molecules. Molecular phenotyping revealed that the purified microglial population contained mRNA transcripts encoding the receptor for colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), the macrophage growth factor, and contained few, if any, transcripts for glial fibrillary acidic protein, an astrocyte-specific marker. Ex vivo, the microglia constitutively stimulated, in the mixed leukocyte reaction, the proliferation of naive allogeneic CD8+, but not CD4+ T-cells. However, they failed to present a protein antigen to naive antigen-specific CD4+ T-cells unless pretreated with interferon-gamma, a response that was inhibited by antibodies to CD86. Agar-cloning experiments confirmed that normal mouse brain contains a CSF-1-responsive cell that gave rise to cells with identical immunophenotypic characteristics as freshly isolated resident microglia. Moreover, the microglial progenitor cell located in a density fraction that was different from that containing the mature resident microglia.
Multijunction cells for space applications

Abstract Recent efforts to improve space solar cell efficiency have involved development of various types of multijunction tandem solar cells. This paper reviews the limits to the efficiency of present-day designs and the most recent results from many active investigations involving silicon, germanium, CuInSe2 and III–V materials.
Amyloid-β and τ serve antioxidant functions in the aging and Alzheimer brain

Historically, amyloid-beta and tau (tau), the major components of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, respectively, have been considered central mediators of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Therefore, efforts to understand disease mechanisms have concentrated on understanding either the processes involved in amyloid-beta deposition as senile plaques or on the phosphorylation and aggregation of tau as neurofibrillary tangles. However, in light of recent evidence, such "lesion-centric" approaches look to be inappropriate. In fact, rather than initiators of disease pathogenesis, the lesions occur consequent to oxidative stress and function as a primary line of antioxidant defense. Given this, it is perhaps not surprising that the increased sensitivity to oxidative stress in the aged brain, even in control individuals, is invariably marked by the appearance of both amyloid-beta and tau. Additionally, in Alzheimer disease, where chronic oxidative stress persists and is superimposed upon an age-related vulnerable environment, one would predict, and there is, an increased lesion load. The notion that amyloid-beta and tau function as protective components brings into serious question the rationale of current therapeutic efforts targeted toward lesion removal.
The future of galaxies and the fate of intelligent life

We investigate the influence of recent advances in research on the gaseous content of the universe on our knowledge of star formation histories of spiral galaxies. The discovery of low-redshift population of absorbers and first steps made in understanding of the transition between high-redshift intergalactic and low-redshift galactic population of QSO absorption systems significantly reshape our picture of the gaseous content of the universe. It turns out that large quantities of gas which has not been astrated or astrated only weakly are bound to galaxies at later epochs, and present a potential reservoir of gas not only for solution of the gas consumption puzzle in spiral disks, but also a fuel for future star formation. This baryonic transition, although still hard to establish quantitatively, is a result of the simple physical processes. The resulting increase in the star formation timescales of spiral galaxies has some interesting consequences for the long-term future development of life and intelligent observers in the galactic context. Admittedly highly speculative, this qualitative picture may hopefully provide a motivation for detailed numerical modelling of the physical processes involved.
Seismic behavior of rack structures

Abstract In order to allow the owner to change the layout according to need, rack structures must be easy to assemble; therefore, the connecting elements must reflect this need. This paper presents experimental findings for a typical rack connection, tested under static and cyclic loads. The beam-to-column connection studied utilizes hooks fabricated with the beam; the hooks are to be inserted in special slots at the columns, in such a way that they can be easily disconnected when a new corridor or free space is required. The moment–rotation curves obtained show a continuous hardening enabling the connections to reach about half of the beam plastic moment. The failure mode is initiated with yielding of the outermost hooks in a progressive sequence towards the beam neutral axis. Non-linear analyses of the rack structure under different seismic conditions were performed, considering the measured moment–rotation curves. The non-linear calculated displacements were more than twice the displacements predicted with the classical linear analysis.
Robust and affordable mobile communications for emergency management

During any emergency, reliable communications can be a matter of life-and-death. First-responder communications are widely seen as a critical emergency management issue identified by Hurricane Katrina in the USA, and the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004. In cooperation with national, regional, and local emergency management organisations, a US research consortium has developed and demonstrated robust and affordable mobile communications systems particularly well suited for field operation in rural communities. This paper describes the development and demonstration at major public events and actual emergencies of a Man-portable and Interoperable Tactical Operation Centre (MITOC) which was funded by the US Department of Homeland Security. The result is a state-of-the-art mobile communications system that can be transported in a single small vehicle that upon arrival at an emergency is quickly transfigured into a robust command post with satellite communications, laptop computers, and other systems essential for organising and executing emergency management and crisis response.
Developing a journal club at your institution.

Beginning with this issue of the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, one article will be identified as a good reference for analysis in your journal club. This issue, the article chosen by the editor is “Quality of Life and Exercise: Strengthening the Connections” (Hacker, 2009; see pp. 31–39). If you don’t already have a journal club at your institution, this month’s Evidence-Based Practice column provides helpful hints on how to get one started.
The school-to-work movement in the United States: policies, problems and possibilities

Abstract The school‐to‐work movement is best understood as part of a broader educational reform initiative aimed at providing workers with the necessary skills to place the US in a position of international economic competitiveness. The school‐to‐work movement grew out of the educational reforms of the 1980s and 1990s and is defined largely by the School‐to‐Work Opportunities Act of 1994. The reforms of this period also influenced a paradigm shift in vocational education in the US. Although key premises of the school‐to‐work movement are invalid and the reforms have failed to build upon past efforts, the rediscovery of progressive vocational education practices holds promise for the improvement of public schooling in the US. The comprehensive high school is considered the setting logistically conducive for school‐to‐work activities.
Analysis of mixtures of drugs/chemicals along a fixed-ratio ray without single-chemical data to support an additivity model

This article presents and illustrates an approach to designing and analyzing studies involving mixtures/combinations of drugs or chemicals along fixed-ratio rays of the drugs or chemicals for generalized linear models. When interest can be restricted to a specific ray, we consider fixed-ratio ray designs to reduce the amount of experimental effort. When a ray design is used, we have shown that the hypothesis of additivity can be rejected when higher order polynomial terms are required in the total dose-response model. Thus, it is important that we have precise parameter estimates for these higher order polynomial terms in the linear predictor. We have developed methodology for finding a Ds-optimal design based on this subset of the terms in the linear predictor.
Evaluation of screening techniques and determination of criteria for assessing resistance to Corynebacterium michiganense in tomato

When screening populations segregating for resistance to Corynebacterium michiganense a rapid and reliable inoculation technique is needed. From the several techniques tested, inoculation of the petiole was found to give better differentiation of resistant and susceptible plants than did inoculation of the root or leaf. When petiole-inoculation was compared with stem-inoculation the latter showed the lowest environmental variation and is suggested for use in genetic studies. Stem-inoculation involved clipping the stems of 4 week old seedlings 1 cm above the cotyledonary leaves with scissors which had been dipped in inoculum.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and -9 Are Associated With High Stresses Predicted Using a Nonlinear Heterogeneous Model of Arteries

Arteries adapt to their mechanical environment by undergoing remodeling of the structural scaffold via the action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Cell culture studies have shown that stretching vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) positively correlates to the production of MMP-2 and -9. In tissue level studies, the expressions and activations of MMP-2 and -9 are generally higher in the outer media. However, homogeneous mechanical models of arteries predict lower stress and strain in the outer media, which appear inconsistent with experimental findings. The effects of heterogeneity may be important to our understanding of VSMC function since arteries exhibit structural hetero-geneity across the wall. We hypothesized that local stresses, computed using a heterogeneous mechanical model of arteries, positively correlate to the levels of MMP-2 and -9 in situ. We developed a model of the arterial wall accounting for nonlinearity, residual strain, anisotropy, and structural heterogeneity. The distributions of elastin and collagen fibers in situ, measured in the media of porcine carotid arteries, showed significant nonuniformities. Anisotropy was represented by the direction of collagen fibers measured by the helical angle of VSMC nuclei. The points at which the collagen fibers became load bearing were computed, assuming a uniform fiber strain and orientation under physiological loading conditions, an assumption motivated by morphological measurements. The distributions of circumferential stresses, computed using both heterogeneous and homogeneous models, were correlated to the distributions of expressions and activations of MMP-2 and -9 in porcine common carotid arteries incubated in an ex vivo perfusion organ culture system under physiological conditions for 48 h. While strains computed using incompressibility were identical in both models, the heterogeneous model, unlike the homogeneous model, predicted higher circumferential stresses in the outer layer correlated to the expressions and activations of MMP-2 and -9. This implies that localized remodeling occurs in the areas of high stress and agrees with results from cell culture studies. The results support the role of mechanical stress in vascular remodeling and the importance of structural heterogeneity in understanding mechanobiological responses.
Combination therapies for type 1 diabetes: why not now?

Type 1 diabetes (T1D), often referred to as juvenile diabetes, is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which insulin-producing b-cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas are being destroyed, resulting in hyperglycemia and the need for lifelong insulin injections. In addition to the impact on quality of life, life-threatening long-term complications can be caused by high blood sugar levels, which predominantly affect the vasculature, resulting in increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, blindness and reduced overall life expectancy. The disease is caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors and, since the precise cause is not known and the human pancreas is difficult to access, development of an immunotherapy has been slow. However, we have learned important lessons in recent years that should strongly impact upon future therapeutic decisions and, as proposed in this editorial, now lead us to prioritize testing the rationale of combination therapies in clinical trials. The foremost insight is that T1D, even after successful reversal with cyclosporine or nonmyeloablative stem cell therapy (both of which have considerable systemic side effects and, therefore, could not be applied as a generalized intervention) has the unfortunate tendency to recur [1,2]. This is due to the accumulation of b-cell antigen-specific memory T cells, which can expand and react more efficiently, as soon as b-cells are being augmented or reintroduced. This was elegantly demonstrated in recent islet transplantation trials in which the amount of preexisting autoimmune cells positively correlated with the rapidity of graft loss within 2–4 years [3]. In addition, earlier studies by Sutherland had demonstrated that islets within the pancreas of a nondiabetic twin transplanted into his diabetic sibling were destroyed within months by a recurrent autoimmune attack [4], demonstrating that even new syngeneic b-cells generated from autologous stem cells would be rapidly annihilated. These facts underline the need for devising a form of immunotherapy that can create longterm tolerance to b-cells while circumventing unacceptable side effects from chronic immunosuppression, most notably secondary cancers [5]. Thus, since there is little proof to date that a onetime resetting intervention can eliminate, control or decimate the autoreactive memory pool sufficiently, our options for monotherapies are rather limited at present [6].