cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Superplastic Sinter-Forging of Silicon Nitride with Anisotropic Microstructure Formation

The microstructure and mechanical properties of silicon nitride, produced by a superplastic sinter-forging technique, were investigated. The obtained silicon nitride exhibited a highly anisotropic microstructure, where rod-shaped grains tended to be aligned perpendicular to the forging direction. A very high bending strength of 2108 MPa as well as a high fracture toughness of 8.3 MPa.m 1/2 were achieved when a stress was applied perpendicularly to the pressing direction. This very high strength was considered to be due to the reduced flaw size by the superplastic sinter-forging process and the steep R-curve behavior caused by the grain alignment.
Fluctuations in state implicit self-esteem in response to daily negative events☆

A repeated assessment study examined changes in state implicit self-esteem after negative events. Multilevel analyses revealed that trait explicit self-esteem and self-concept clarity moderated the within-person association between daily negative events and state implicit self-esteem. People with low trait explicit self-esteem or low self-concept clarity experienced decreases in state implicit self-esteem when they experienced negative life events. In contrast, for people with high trait explicit self-esteem or high self-concept clarity, state implicit self-esteem remained stable after negative events. In addition, changes in state implicit self-esteem remained significant after controlling for state explicit self-esteem and daily negative affect. This study is the first to study changes in implicit self-esteem in the context of daily life events.
Developing and designing online engineering ethics instruction for international graduate students

The present project embarked on an educational intervention, consisting of a series of online ethics learning modules, to aid international graduate students in overcoming the acculturation barriers to understanding and inculcating normative ethical obligations associated with engineering practice and research in the United States. A fundamental initial step in the process of helping international, as well as domestic, engineering graduate students embrace ethical obligations is to provide clear instruction on fundamental engineering ethical principles and values relevant in the United States. Most institutes of higher education do not have a cohesive approach to basic graduate engineering ethics instruction, much less materials that have been calibrated for international students (National Science Foundation, http://www.nspe.org/Ethics/index.html , 2009). Herein the authors describe our instructional intervention, as well as to document the development, design, and assessment of the learning modules intended to provide students with a framework for learning ethical precepts and applying them in the engineering field. Think-Aloud Protocol and Cognitive Task Analysis results were used to improve the content modules and learning experience. Initial pilot findings indicate that the content modules increased student knowledge acquisition compared to pre-test performance, indicating a step-forward in the formulation of a useful learning tool for graduate engineering ethics instruction.
ORGANIZATION OF DATA FOR MONOCHROMATIC MULTIPLEX VOLUME HOLOGRAPHY

We derive the relationships for coded wave fronts in volume holography for reference and signal waves coded with two-dimensional wave fronts. We develop estimates for cross talk that is due to grating degeneracy, nonorthogonality, and momentum-mismatch reconstruction. We compare a number of multiplexing techniques on the basis of cross talk and other noise sources in a system.
Studies of protein aggregation in A53T α-synuclein transgenic, Tg2576 transgenic, and P246L presenilin-1 knock-in cross bred mice

Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson disease, associated with neuronal amyloid inclusions comprised of the presynaptic protein α-synuclein (α-syn); however the biological events that initiate and lead to the formation of these inclusions are still poorly understood. There is mounting evidence that intracellular α-syn aggregation may proceed via a seeding mechanism and could spread between neurons through a prion-like mechanism that may involve other amyloidogenic proteins. Several lines of evidence suggest that Aβ peptides and/or extracellular Aβ deposits may directly or indirectly promote intracellular α-syn aggregation. To assess the effects of Aβ peptides and extracellular Aβ deposits on α-syn aggregate formation, transgenic mice (line M83) expressing A53T human α-syn that are sensitive to developing α-syn pathological inclusions were cross bred to Tg2576 transgenic mice that generated elevated levels of Aβ peptides and develop abundant Aβ plaques. In addition these mice were bred to mice with the P264L presenilin-1 knock-in mutation that further promotes Aβ plaque formation. These mice demonstrated the expected formation of Aβ plaques; however despite the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated α-syn dystrophic neurites within or surrounding Aβ plaques, no additional α-syn pathologies were observed. These studies show that Aβ amyloid deposits can cause the local aggregation of α-syn, but these did not lead to more extensive α-syn pathology.
Probing the mesopause region thermal and dynamical structure above Fort Collins, Colorado, using a novel sodium Doppler lidar: evolution and results

ABSTRACT Continued hardware upgrades have permitted extension of th e Colorado State University (CSU) sodium fluorescence doppler temperature/wind lidar to two-beam operation overall full diurnal cycles. The lidar utilizes the abundance of neutral sodium atoms in the mesopause region to probe the sodium D 2 A transition at 3 pre-sel ected frequencies. Range-gated ratios of the returns at the 3 frequencies are then used to deduce temperature and ho rizontal wind profiles with different time resolutions, dependent on signal-to-noise ratio of the returns. From these measurements, atmospheric convective and dynamic stability can be assessed via the Brunt -Vaisala frequency and gradient Richardson number. The mesopause region is a crucial coupling region between the lower and upper atmosphere. The coupling occurs via waves-which consist of perturbations to the temperature and wind fields. Metal fluorescence lid ars are the only ground-based instrument able to simultaneously measure vertical profiles of mesopause temperatures and winds, thereby maximizing geophysical information obtained. This paper outlines major hardware upgrades leading to the current lidar capabilities, in addition to measurement methodology. Sample seasonal te mperature and wind statistics, taken from April 2002-May 2003, will then be provided, followed by samples from a 12-mont h seasonal statistical study of derived parameters such as wind shears, Brunt-Vaisala frequency, and Richardson number. Keywords: mesopause, MLT, sodium fluorescence lidar, climatology, atmospheric stability, Brunt-Vasaila frequency, Richardson number
Weaving Social Foundations Through Dance Pedagogy: A Pedagogy of Uncovering

AbstractToday’s dance educators enter classrooms populated by increasingly diverse students in which teachers’ pedagogical knowledge necessitates heightened understandings of race, ethnicity, social class, gender, and sexuality. Uncovering taken-for-granted assumptions, dominant stereotypes, and educational structures that reproduce social inequalities in schools requires teacher preparation in social foundations of education. This qualitative study examined an undergraduate dance pedagogy course weaving social foundations content taught through a critical feminist pedagogical perspective over a three-year period. Narrative data were drawn from student (n = 59) writing assignments and discussion posts. Inclusion approaches for social foundations are presented. The range and diversity of student narratives amplify the challenge of, and the need for, the inclusion of social foundations in dance teacher preparation.
Game Theory and Technical Communication: Interpreting the Texas Two-Step through Harsanyi Transformation

The author uses game theoretical models to identify technical communication breakdowns encountered during the notoriously confusing Texas Two-Step voting and caucusing process. Specifically, the author uses narrative theory and game theory to highlight areas where caucus participants needed instructions to better understand the rules of the game and user analysis to better anticipate participants' motives and strategies. As a central tool of analysis, the author uses Nobel Laureate John C. Harsanyi's work on “incomplete game” or Bayesian games. The article demonstrates opportunities for technical communication scholars and teachers to use interdisciplinary approaches to discover layers of technical communication in small group negotiations and to evaluate the layers of instructions and technologies needed to facilitate effective and ethical decision making in political caucusing.
Parallelized hybrid Monte Carlo simulation of stress-induced texture evolution

A parallelized hybrid Monte Carlo (HMC) methodology is devised to quantify the microstructural evolution of polycrystalline material under elastic loading. The approach combines a time explicit material point method (MPM) for the mechanical stresses with a calibrated Monte Carlo (cMC) model for grain boundary kinetics. The computed elastic stress generates an additional driving force for grain boundary migration. The paradigm is developed, tested, and subsequently used to quantify the effect of elastic stress on the evolution of texture in nickel polycrystals. As expected, elastic loading favors grains which appear softer with respect to the loading direction. The rate of texture evolution is also quantified, and an internal variable rate equation is constructed which predicts the time evolution of the distribution of orientations.
Virtual reality: Avatars in human spaceflight training

Abstract With the advancements in high spatial and temporal resolution graphics, along with advancements in 3D display capabilities to model, simulate, and analyze human-to-machine interfaces and interactions, the world of virtual environments is being used to develop everything from gaming, movie special affects and animations to the design of automobiles. The use of multiple object motion capture technology and digital human tools in aerospace has demonstrated to be a more cost effective alternative to the cost of physical prototypes, provides a more efficient, flexible and responsive environment to changes in the design and training, and provides early human factors considerations concerning the operation of a complex launch vehicle or spacecraft. United Space Alliance (USA) has deployed this technique and tool under Research and Development (RD a mock-up toolkit be assembled to facilitate dynamic design changes; markers should be placed in accurate positions on humans and flight hardware to help with tracking; 3D models used in the virtual environment be striped of non-essential data; high computational capable workstations are required to handle the large model data sets; and Technology Interchange Meetings with vendors and other industries also utilizing virtual reality applications need to occur on a continual basis enabling USA to maintain its leading edge within this technology. Parameters of interest and benefit in human spaceflight simulation training that utilizes virtual reality technologies are to familiarize and assess operational processes, allow the ability to train virtually, experiment with “what if” scenarios, and expedite immediate changes to validate the design implementation are all parameters of interest in human spaceflight. Training benefits encompass providing 3D animation for post-training assessment, placement of avatars within 3D replicated work environments in assembling or processing hardware, offering various viewpoints of processes viewed and assessed giving the evaluators the ability to assess task feasibility and identify potential support equipment needs; and provide human factors determinations, such as reach, visibility, and accessibility. Multiple object motion capture technology provides an effective tool to train and assess ergonomic risks, simulations for determination of negative interactions between technicians and their proposed workspaces, and evaluation of spaceflight systems prior to, and as part of, the design process to contain costs and reduce schedule delays.
Long-term renal function in heart transplant children on cyclosporine treatment

Renal function deterioration is a reason of concern in heart transplantation. Our aim was to evaluate long-term renal function in heart transplant children on cyclosporine (CsA) treatment and to investigate the effect of several variables possibly involved in renal function deterioration. Creatinine clearances were retrospectively reviewed in 50 children (median follow 99.7 months after heart transplant). Gender, age, and body weight at transplant, rejection episodes, CsA cumulative dose, and trough levels were analyzed. After an initial increase of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal function worsened in most patients; 28% of the children developed renal insufficiency (defined as GFR <80 ml/min per 1.73 m2), which was already evident in the first 3 years. Neither CsA dose, trough levels, nor other patient characteristics were found to be associated with renal function deterioration. In this study renal failure occurred in one-third of the patients. The lack of association of CsA with renal insufficiency may be explained by several reasons, including the limitations of the retrospective design of the study. However, it is possible that the nephrotoxic effect of CsA is more likely to occur in a set of predisposed patients. These must be soon identified to evaluate early a calcineurin inhibitor-sparing strategy.
The Shumards in Texas

Benjamin Franklin Shumard was appointed State Geologist of Texas in 1858. His brother, George Getz Shumard, served as his Assistant State Geologist; both were experienced field geologists. Benjamin Shumard had served in federally sponsored surveys of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa conducted by Dale David Owen, in Oregon and Washington by John Evans, and in the Missouri Geological Survey. George Shumard had accompanied Captain Randolph B. Marcy into Texas on two of his federally sponsored expeditions of exploration (the Pacific Railroad Survey along the 32nd parallel) to drill wells exploring for water east of the Guadalupe Mountains. George Shumard gave most of the fossils he collected to his brother for description and publication. Although the Geological and Agricultural Survey of Texas ended with the Civil War, the Shumards made three principal contributions to the geology of Texas: 1. They advanced the knowledge of the State's Cretaceous rocks, even though they did not recognize the Balcones Fault Zon...
TDDB on poly-gate single doping type capacitors

Lifetime projections for polycrystalline silicon (poly) gate single doping type capacitors are complicated by gate poly depletion and inversion during the accelerated test. The presence of poly depletion and inversion was experimentally confirmed by CV and IV measurements. Simple high field straight line extrapolation was found to overestimate the 5-V lifetime by 1200 times in the 68-AA oxide equivalent poly/poly capacitors. The overestimate can be minimized by limiting the test voltage below the gate poly inversion voltage. A sensitivity analysis of the overestimate to gate poly doping is also presented. >
Traveling wave solutions to some reaction diffusion equations with fractional Laplacians

We show the nonexistence of traveling wave solutions in the combustion model with fractional Laplacian $$\displaystyle (-\Delta )^s$$ when $$\displaystyle s\in (0,1/2]$$ . Our method can be used to give a direct and simple proof of the nonexistence of traveling fronts for the usual Fisher-KPP nonlinearity. Also we prove the existence and nonexistence of traveling wave solutions for different ranges of the fractional power $$s$$ for the generalized Fisher–KPP type model.
On the Tautomerism of 2,4‐Disubstituted Thiazolones

Four series of thiazolones − 2-phenyl-, 2-ethyl, 2-ethoxy, and 2-(ethylthio)thiazol-5-ones − have been synthesized. The tautomeric behavior of these thiazolones is discussed, and the keto form II, i.e. 2-ethylthiazol-5(2H)one has been characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic methods for the first time.
Regulation of nodulin gene expression

The expression of plant genes specifically induced during rhizobial infection and the early stages of nodule ontogeny (early nodulin genes) and those induced in the mature, nitrogen-fixing nodule (late nodulin genes) is differentially regulated and tissue/cell specific. We have been interested in the signal transduction pathway responsible for symbiotic, temporal and spatial control of expression of an early (Enod2) and a late (Leghemoglobin;lb) nodulin gene from the stem-nodulated legumeSesbania rostrata, and in identifying thecis-acting elements andtrans-acting factors involved in this process (De Bruijn and Schell, 1992). By introducing chimericS. rostrata lb promoter-gus reporter gene fusions into transgenicLotus corniculatus plants, we have been able to show that thelb promoter directs an infected-cell-specific expression pattern inLotus nodules. We have been able to delimit thecis-acting element responsible for nodule-infected-cell-expression to a 78 pb region of thelb promoter (NICE Element) and have analyzed this element in detail by site-specific mutagenesis. We have studied the interaction of the NICE element, and further upstreamcis-acting elements, withtrans-acting factors of both plant- and rhizobial origin. We have obtained evidence for the involvement of rhizobial proteins in infected-cell-specific plant gene expression (Welters et al., 1993). We have purified one of the bacterial binding proteins from theS. rostrata symbiontAzorhizobium caulinodans (AcBBP1), and cloned and mutated the corresponding gene, in order to examine its symbiotic phenotype. We have also found that theS. rostrata Enod2 gene is rapidly induced by physiologically significant concentrations of cytokinins, suggesting the role of cytokinin as a potential secondary signal involved in nodulation (Dehio and De Bruijn, 1992). We are examining whether the observed cytokinin induction, as well as the nodule-specific expression pattern, are modulated by theSrEnod2 promoter.
Results and problems on congruence lattice representations

We survey some results and problems on congruence lattice representations. We will consider congruence representations and similarity type, and we will consider simultaneous congruence representations. A seemingly innocuous problem unites the sections.
Cleavage of Scarecrow-like mRNA Targets Directed by a Class of Arabidopsis miRNA

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory molecules that mediate effects by interacting with messenger RNA (mRNA) targets. Here we show that Arabidopsis thaliana miRNA 39 (also known as miR171), a 21-ribonucleotide species that accumulates predominantly in inflorescence tissues, is produced from an intergenic region in chromosome III and functionally interacts with mRNA targets encoding several members of the Scarecrow-like (SCL) family of putative transcription factors. miRNA 39 is complementary to an internal region of three SCL mRNAs. The interaction results in specific cleavage of target mRNA within the region of complementarity, indicating that this class of miRNA functions like small interfering RNA associated with RNA silencing to guide sequence-specific cleavage in a developmentally controlled manner.
Histogenesis of benzo(a)pyrene-induced lesions in tracheal explants.

Cytokinetic and histogenic alterations associated with the development of benzo(a)-pyrene (BP) induced epidermoid metaplasia were studied in tracheal explants derived from normal hamsters. Treatment of the expiants with BP induced hyperplasia in both the basal and mucous cells. The hyperplasia of the basal cells persisted throughout the duration of the experiment whereas the hyperplasia of the mucous cells subsided between 7 and 10 days after treatment. This was accompanied by stimulation of ciliated cell differentiation and aberrant ciliogenesis which was not limited to the surface cells since some basal cells were observed differentiating into ciliated cells. Subsequently, the differentiation of basal cells into mucous cells was inhibited. Instead, the basal cells differentiated into metaplastic cells. With the progression of the lesions, the mucociliary surface layer was sloughed into the lumen due to the population pressure from the underlying actively proliferating metaplastic cells and their subsequent epidermoid differentiation. Approximately 50% of the expiants exhibited focal areas of squamous metaplasia at 7 days after the treatment and extensive epidermoid metaplasia was present in approximately 90% of the expiants at 10 days. These results support the hypothesis that BP induced epidermoid metaplasia of tracheal explants originates from the basal cells.
A Wearable Cardiac Monitor for Long-Term Data Acquisition and Analysis

A low-power wearable ECG monitoring system has been developed entirely from discrete electronic components and a custom PCB. This device removes all loose wires from the system and minimizes the footprint on the user. The monitor consists of five electrodes, which allow a cardiologist to choose from a variety of possible projections. Clinical tests to compare our wearable monitor with a commercial clinical ECG recorder are conducted on ten healthy adults under different ambulatory conditions, with nine of the datasets used for analysis. Data from both monitors were synchronized and annotated with PhysioNet's waveform viewer WAVE (physionet.org) [1]. All gold standard annotations are compared to the results of the WQRS detection algorithm [2] provided by PhysioNet. QRS sensitivity and QRS positive predictability are extracted from both monitors to validate the wearable monitor.
Groundfish species associations with distinct oceanographic habitats in the Northern California Current

Ecosystem-based management places a strong emphasis on habitat, but little work has been done to examine how water column properties may influence the distribution, abundances and structure of groundfish assemblages. We identified and described oceanographic habitats in the northern California Current based on temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a and the inherent variability in these factors. We then examined the distribution and the abundance of groundfishes in relation to these oceanographic habitats and conditions with the long-term goal of improving science for ecosystem-based management of the groundfish fishery of the west coast of the USA. Five summertime oceanographic habitats with distinct physical and biological characteristics were identified in the northeast Pacific Ocean off the northwest Coast of the USA: Offshore Habitat, Upwelling Habitat, Highly Variable Upwelling Habitat, River Plume Habitat, and Highly Variable Habitat. Overall, the species composition differed among the five oceanographic habitats, with certain groundfish species being highly indicative of some habitats; however, the majority of the associations were weak due to overlap of species distributions in the nearshore oceanographic habitats. In contrast, groundfish species showed strong associations with individual oceanographic factors, primarily depth, surface chlorophyll-a, and bottom salinity and temperature. In addition, latitudinal variations in upwelling intensity, river discharge and productivity led to the identification of three regions where high chlorophyll-a concentrations were associated with large abundances of specific groundfish species. The combined oceanographic datasets and data products that we produced have the potential to be a powerful tool for improving our knowledge of the west coast ecosystem.
Evaluation of two selective media for the isolation of Bacillus anthracis.

Aims: To evaluate two selective media, polymyxin, lysozyme, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, thallium acetate (PLET) agar and R&F Anthracis chromogenic agar (ChrA), for the isolation and selection of Bacillus anthracis. Methods and Results: Sixteen genotypically diverse B. anthracis strains were sub-cultured onto PLET and ChrA to test the sensitivity (ability of B. anthracis to grow and produce expected colony morphology) of both media. Fourteen of the 16 B. anthracis strains produced the expected morphology on PLET (88% sensitive) while 13/16 produced the expected morphology on the ChrA medium (81% sensitive). Seventeen other Bacillus strains and 18 nonBacillus spp. strains were used to evaluate the media’s selectivity (ability to inhibit non-B. anthracis growth). PLET inhibited growth of 14/35 strains (40% selective), including six Bacillus strains, while ChrA inhibited 3/35 (9% selective). In addition, we did not observe any differences between the recovered CFU on PLET or ChrA when plating extractions of spiked soil. Conclusions: Polymyxin, lysozyme, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, thallium acetate agar was more selective and sensitive than ChrA. Significance and Impact of the Study: Although both media are more expensive than sheep blood agar, for samples with high numbers of bacteria, they can be used to isolate B. anthracis with proper training and experience and with the knowledge that there are limitations to each media.
The positive and negative implications of anonymity in Internet social interactions: On the Internet, Nobody Knows You're a Dog

The growth of the Internet at a means of communication has sparked the interest of researchers in several fields (e.g. communication, social psychology, industrial-organizational psychology) to investigate the issues surrounding the expression of different social behaviors in this unique social context. Of special interest to researchers is the increased importance that anonymity seems to play in computer-mediated communication (CMC). This paper reviews the literature related to the issues of anonymity within the social context, particularly in CMC, demonstrating the usefulness of established social psychological theory to explain behavior in CMC and discussing the evolution of the current theoretical explanations in explaining the effects of anonymity in social behavior in CMC environments. Several suggestions for future research are proposed in an attempt to provide researchers with new avenues to investigate how anonymity can play both positive and negative roles in CMC.
Weight Change in Old Age and its Association with Mortality

Objectives Previous studies of weight change and mortality in older adults have relied on self-reported weight loss, have not evaluated weight gain, or have had limited information on health status. Our objective was to determine whether 5% weight gain or loss in 3 years was predictive of mortality in a large sample of older adults. Design Longitudinal observational cohort study. Setting Four U.S. communities. Participants Four thousand seven hundred fourteen community-dwelling older adults, age 65 and older. Measurements Weight gain or loss of 5% in a 3-year period was examined in relationship to baseline health status and interim health events. Risk for subsequent mortality was estimated in those with weight loss or weight gain compared with the group whose weight was stable. Results Weight changes occurred in 34.6% of women and 27.3% of men, with weight loss being more frequent than gain. Weight loss was associated with older age, black race, higher weight, lower waist circumference, current smoking, stroke, any hospitalization, death of a spouse, activities of daily living disability, lower grip strength, and slower gait speed. Weight loss but not weight gain of 5% or more was associated with an increased risk of mortality that persisted after multivariate adjustment (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.29-2.15) and was similar in those with no serious illness in the period of weight change. Those with weight loss and low baseline weight had the highest crude mortality rate, although the HR for weight loss was similar for all tertiles of baseline weight and for those with or without a special diet, compared with those whose weight was stable. Conclusions This study confirms that even modest decline in body weight is an important and independent marker of risk of mortality in older adults.
Modeling of the balanced bridge mine detection sensor using the transmission line matrix (TLM) technique

A numerical time-domain technique known as the transmission line matrix (TLM) method is used to analyze a ground penetrating radar (GPR) concept known historically as balanced bridge. This GPR concept is a dielectric anomaly (mine) detection sensor which operates in the UHF frequency band. This mine sensor consists of two receive broadband antennas separated by a single center transmit antenna. Traditionally, if care is taken in the construction of the antennas, the direct coupling and ground reflection energies are combined and nulled out by a hardware coupler when the sensor configuration is over homogeneous soil. When one of the two receiving antennas is over a dielectric anomaly (mine), the differenced energies from the two receiving antennas no longer produces a null and a peaked response is observed. This mine sensing technique has performed well under experimental tests at Fort Belvoir and Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Testing results, at different sites using different mine types, have indicated the sensor's performance in terms of probability of detection and false-alarm rates. The TLM method is used to describe the balanced bridge mine detector's response to targets and clutter as well as its unique capabilities in an attempt to shed light into occurring fundamental wave interactions.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Lower Eyelid Recession Combined with Ptosis Surgery in Patients with Poor Ocular Motility

Background: The authors treated ten patients (13 eyelids) with visually significant blepharoptosis and compromised corneal protective mechanisms resulting from paresis of ocular motility and absent Bell phenomenon. Methods: Traditional upper eyelid surgery consisting of frontalis suspension (6 eyelids) or levator aponeurosis advancement (7 eyelids) was used. In all patients, the ptosis repair was combined with maximum recession of the lower eyelid, using a posterior lamellar scleral spacer graft. The goal was to maintain a narrow, vertical, interpalpebral fissure to allow for eyelid closure, but to reposition this opening centrally over the pupil. Results: Postoperatively, all patients achieved significant improvement in superior visual field, with no associated keratopathy. Complications were few, minor, and transient. The postoperative cosmetic appearance was acceptable in all patients. Conclusions: This combined procedure allows repair of fair- to poor-function ptosis in patients in whom ptosis surgery previously has been considered risky. For the authors, this technique has been proven safe and effective and should be considered in any patient population with compromised corneal protective mechanisms.
Mass transfer in a fixed‐bed gas‐liquid catalytic reactor with concurrent upflow

Mass transfer coefficients for the hydrogenation of α-methylstyrene were measured in a packed-bed reactor with concurrent gas and liquid upflow. The packing was 0.29-cm alumina spheres coated with palladium catalyst. Mass transfer coefficients increased as the 1/2 power of the liquid rate and increased with gas rate to a gas phase Reynolds number of about 50. The severe decrease for higher gas rates may be due to pulsing flow.
Learning about International Relations in a Changing World

Basic international relations is one of the most challenging courses we teach. No matter what types of students enroll in the class, this course is often their first systematic opportunity to think about the larger context of the world in which they live. As a result, it is vital that the course be both engaging and as comprehensive as possible given the constraints of the typical academic calendar. This contribution to the Forum will discuss the approach and content of thirteen textbooks designed for Introduction to International Relations (IR) courses. The goal is not to evaluate or rank them but to survey the choices the authors have made regarding what topics to include and what to omit. Just like the professors teaching this type of introductory course, textbook authors have different preferences regarding what should be in an IR textbook. Some see the importance of theory, others history; some focus on traditional security; others on new security. Some view states as the major actors, whereas others are intent on including nonstate actors. The choices are numerous, and each one has a direct impact on how the field is framed and, in turn, on the educational experience offered to the student. In what follows, thirteen IR textbooks are compared and contrasted along a number of such content dimensions. To maintain comparability among the contributions to this Forum, the texts are categorized to indicate whether their discussion of a particular topic was in-depth (ID), moderate in coverage (M), or basic (B). To be covered in depth, the topic had to be carefully and fully examined, with the text devoting the equivalent of an entire chapter or a major portion of a chapter to the subject. Students reading an in-depth selection are generally provided with enough freestanding material that little further explanation is …
Retinol Inhibition of in Vitro Human Neutrophil Superoxide Anion Release

ABSTRACT: Retinol deficiency has been clinically associated with visual impairment as well as altered growth and differentiation of various epithelial cell populations. An additional factor that may be operative in the setting of retinol deficiency is impaired immunomodulation of the neutrophil inflammatory response. Our study demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibition by retinol of activated neutrophil superoxide anion (OJ) release. Concentration of drug (retinol) causing 50% inhibition of initial velocity OJ production (IC50) was 42.6 ± 10.9 ixM. Latter phases of the Oj release reaction displayed significantly lower ICso values. Similarly, as time of retinol-neutrophil incubation was increased, IC50 decreased. Retinol inhibition of neutrophil O2 did not appear to involve activation/ desensitization, cytotoxicity, or free-radical scavenging mechanisms. Retinol was shown to inhibit intact PMN O2 release even after addition of the respiratory burst stimulus. Moreover, retinol inhibited O2 release in membranes isolated from activated neutrophils. In addition to promoting proper organization and differentiation of epithelial cells, appropriate plasma/tissue retinol levels may also modulate the neutrophil tissue inflammatory response.
Why is PTEN an important tumor suppressor

Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) was originally cloned as a tumor suppressor for brain tumors. Now it is known as a tumor suppressor for many tumor types. In this review, we ask the simple question: why is PTEN such a common and important tumor suppressor? The most obvious answer is that there are no other family members that can replace PTEN. As a result, several pathways critical for cell transformation are misregulated. The most important of these is the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (P13K) PI3K-Akt pathway, which has downstream effects on transcription, proliferation, cell survival, invasiveness, and angiogenesis. In addition, PTEN is linked via several mechanisms to the p53 tumor suppressor. Through p53 and additional mechanisms, loss of PTEN leads to genomic instability. Hence, PTEN is important because its loss misregulates multiple Akt-dependent and -independent pathways critical for the development of cancer.
Does Knowledge of Seat Design and Whiplash Injury Mechanisms Translate to Understanding Outcomes

Study Design. Review of whiplash injury mechanisms and effects of anti-whiplash systems including active head restraint (AHR) and Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS).Objective. This article provides an overview of previous biomechanical and epidemiological studies of AHR and WHIPS and investigates whether seat design and biomechanical knowledge of proposed whiplash injury mechanisms translates to understanding outcomes of rear crash occupants.Summary of Background Data. In attempt to reduce whiplash injuries, some newer automobiles incorporate anti-whiplash systems such as AHR or WHIPS. During a rear crash, mechanically-based systems activate by occupant momentum pressing into the seatback while electronically-based systems activate using crash sensors and an electronic control unit linked to the head restraint.Methods. To investigate the effects of AHR and WHIPS on occupant responses and head and neck loads and motions, biomechanical studies of simulated rear crashes have been performed using human volunteers, mathematical models, crash dummies, whole cadavers, and hybrid cadaveric/surrogate models. Epidemiological studies have evaluated the effects of AHR and WHIPS on reducing whiplash injury claims and lessening subjective complaints of neck pain following rear crashes.Results. Biomechanical studies indicate that AHR and WHIPS reduced the potential for some whiplash injuries but did not completely eliminate the injury risk. Epidemiological outcomes indicate reduced whiplash injury claims or subjective complaints of crash-related neck pain between 43 and 75% due to AHR and between 21 to 49% due to WHIPS as compared to conventional seats and head restraints.Conclusion. Yielding energy-absorbing seats aim to reduce occupant loads and accelerations while AHRs aim to provide early head support to minimize head and neck motions. Continued objective biomechanical and epidemiological studies of anti-whiplash systems together with industry, governmental, and clinical initiatives will ultimately lead to reduced whiplash injuries through improved prevention strategies. Language: en
Ultrastructure of renal arterial vessels with special reference to elastic tissue content

Abstract Renal cortical tissue from normal Wistar rats was studied by electron microscopy for arterial vessels. The tissue was fixed in 4% glutaraldehyde, post-fixed im 1% osmium tetroxide and embedded in Spurr's embedding medium. When an arterial vessel was found, ultra-thin ( ∼30nm ) sections were cut, stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate, periodic acid with silver methenamine or silver tetraphenyl prophyrin sulphonate. Three types of arterial vessels were recognized: small artery, large arteriole and small arteriole. Each type demonstrated three layers consisting of endothelial cells, basement membrane and smooth muscle cells. The basement membrane with variable contents of elastic tissue appears to be the most valuable parameter for differentiating arterial vessels of different size. The proportion of elastic tissue in the basement membrane decreases in the following order: artery, large arteriole and small arteriole. Thus, a small artery has a thin basement membrane containing bulk elastic tissue; in contrast, a small arteriole has a more conspicuous basement membrane containing much less elastic tissue. In large arterioles, the basement membrane is of intermediate thickness and elastic tissue content. The concept of an ‘internal elastic lamina’ as a definitive layer of arterial vessels could not be supported by the results of this study.
Relationships Between Homosexual and Heterosexual Interest and Their Implications for Bisexuality: An Empirical Test

ABSTRACT Conceptualizing heterosexual and homosexual interest as reciprocal constructs can be a source of confusion, and may obstruct understanding of sexual orientation in counseling. We investigated the relationships between homosexual interest, heterosexual interest, and masculinity and femininity. Seventy-eight men attending a homophile organisation completed the Kinsey Scale, and two separate continua measuring degree of homosexual interest and degree of heterosexual interest independently. The correlation between the two continua was −.51, suggesting that homosexual and heterosexual interest are to some extent independent of one another, and that a single continuum which assumes homosexual interest to be the direct converse of heterosexual interest may not be an adequate measure of sexual orientation. No significant relationships between masculinity, femininity and sexual orientation were found. Implications for counseling people with concerns about sexual orientation and sex of partner are discussed.
Identity of naturalised exotic Wisteria (Fabaceae) in the south-eastern United States

Summary Exotic Wisteria are increasingly serious invasive plants of watersheds and managed forests throughout the south-eastern United States. Naturalised individuals are frequently identified as either Wisteria floribunda or W. sinensis, but may differ significantly from the original descriptions of either of those species. Here, we use data from the nuclear and chloroplast genomes to determine the species classification or hybrid status of naturalised plants collected in five south-eastern states. Twenty-four of twenty-five collections (96%) were identified as hybrids between W. floribunda and W. sinensis. Haplotype analyses show that naturalised hybrid Wisteria is genetically diverse and that no relationship between haplotype and collection location exists. Morphological characters that clearly differentiate the introduced species cannot be used to reliably identify naturalised individuals. These data, along with observations of the continued spread of Wisteria in the south-eastern United States, suggest that hybridisation may be playing a key role in the ongoing invasion of this taxon.
Histone neighbors in nuclei and extended chromatin

Histone neighbors in compact and extended chromatin have been investigated by cross-linking histones in nuclei and in nucleohistone extended with 6 M urea, using the bifunctional reversible reagent methyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate (MMB). Similar histone dimers are found in both conformational states of chromatin. The dimers most frequently found are H2b-H2a, H2b-H3 and H3-H2a; dimers found less frequently are H3-H4, H3-H3 and H2b-H4. More H3-H3 is found in nuclei than in extended chromatin. H1 is found predominantly as poly-H1, although it can be cross-linked to H2b or H3. After reaction with MMB, native compact chromatin is no longer extendable in 6 M urea, which shows that the reagent is capable of linking together histones holding the chromatin in a compact conformation. Thus the histone propinquity in extended chromatin mimics and intimate histone associations in compact chromatin.
Enhanced survival of ultraviolet-irradiated herpes simplex virus in cells exposed to antiviral agents

Enhanced survival of UV-irradiated HSV-1 is demonstrated in monkey cells exposed to inhibitors of viral DNA synthesis. Phosphonoacetic acid (PAA), adenine arabinoside (ara-A), and cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) pretreatment of infected cells is associated with concentration-dependent reactivation of UV-HSV-1. At concentrations that result in enhanced virus survival, inhibition of cell DNA synthesis is observed by either ara-A or ara-C, but not by PAA. Pretreatment of uninfected cells with acycloguanosine (ACG) is not associated with reactivation of irradiated HSV-1, and this is probably due to insufficient generation of ACG-triphosphate, the active inhibitor of viral and cell DNA synthesis.
Fines Migration in Two-Phase Flow

Experimental study of the effects of oil saturation and brine, oil, toluene and pentane extracts mouillability, of fines migration
Fine-scale genetic and social structuring in a central Appalachian white-tailed deer herd

Spatial genetic structure in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has been examined at regional scales, but genetic markers with the resolution to detect fine-scale patterns have appeared only recently. We used a panel of microsatellite DNA markers, radiotelemetry data, and visual observations of marked deer to study fine-scale social and genetic structure in a high-density population of white-tailed deer (12–20 deer/km 2 ). We collected genetic data on 229 adult females, 102 of which were assigned to 28 social groups. Our results were consistent with the conceptual model of white-tailed deer social structure, where philopatric females form social groups composed of related individuals. Within-group relatedness values approached the expected value for 1st cousins (R 5 0.103, SE 5 0.033), but individuals among groups (R 52 0.014, SE 5 0.003) and overall (R 52 0.009, SE 5 0.003) were unrelated. Fixation indices revealed a significant departure from equilibrium values among social groups (FST 5 0.076, SE 5 0.007) and an excess of heterozygotes within groups (FIS 52 0.050, SE 5 0.018), consistent with theoretical expectations for mammal populations characterized by female philopatry and a polygynous mating system. Analyses of spatial autocorrelation indicated genetic structuring occurred at a very fine spatial scale, where pairs of adult females within 1 km were genetically nonindependent. The occurrence of fine-scale genetic and social structure has implications for the ecology and management of white-tailed deer, including habitat use and resource competition, offspring sex allocation theories, disease transmission, and the consideration of social behaviors in management. DOI: 10.1644/09-MAMM-A-258.1.
Estimation of Residual Valve Gradient from Incomplete Data with Outliers

An important indicator for the long-term recovery after valve replacement surgery is postoperative valve gradient. This information is available only for patients received catheterization or echocardiogram postoperatively. It is plausible that sicker patients are more inclined to undergo these postoperative procedures and their valve gradients tend to be higher. Under this situation, ignoring the missing values and using sample mean based on the available information as an estimate of the whole study population leads to overestimation. Regression estimator is a reasonable choice to eliminate this bias if independent (explanatory) variables closely associated with both residual valve gradient and non-response mechanism can be identified. Using a series of patients receiving St. Jude Medical prosthetic valves, we found that valve area index can be used as an independent variable in the regression estimator. Two digressions from the standard assumptions used in linear regression, heteroscedastic trend of the error term and outliers were found in the data set. Iteratively reweighted least square (IRLS) was adopted to handle heteroscedasticity. Influence function approach was used to evaluate the sensitivity of outliers in regression estimator. Under an equal response rate mechanism, IRLS not only solves the problem of heteroscedasticity, but is also less sensitive to outliers.