cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Responsive and Enforced Interrupt Handling for Real-Time System Virtualization

The increasing performance of modern processors makes virtualization a viable solution for consolidating real-time systems into a single hardware platform. Although real-time task scheduling in a virtual machine can benefit from hierarchical scheduling, unbounded interrupt handling time and vulnerability to interrupt storms make practitioners hesitant to virtualize interrupt-driven real-time applications. In this paper, we propose vINT, an interrupt handling scheme designed for real-time system virtualization. vINT provides a pseudo-VCPU abstraction dedicated for interrupt handling, which overcomes the limits imposed by the timing parameters of virtual CPUs in an analyzable way. vINT also accounts for and enforces interrupt handling and resulting execution flows within a guest virtual machine. vINT does not require any change to the guest OS code, so it can be used for virtualizing proprietary, closed-source OSs. We analyze interrupt handling time as well as VCPU and task schedulability, with and without vINT. Our experimental results indicate that vINT achieves timely interrupt handling while providing as good task schedulability as when it is not used. Our case study based on a prototype implementation on the KVM hyper visor shows that vINT yields significant benefits in reducing interrupt handling time and in protecting real-time tasks against interrupt storms permeating into the virtual machine.
Are frequent platelet apheresis donors with borderline lymphopenia at risk of worsening lymphopenia and of decreasing immunoglobulins

Abstract Considering that during platelet apheresis (PA) platelet donors (PDs) lose an average of 2–3 × 108 lymphocytes per procedure when using Fenwal CS-3000 or Haemonetics V50 blood processors it would take approximately 200 PA to lose 5 × 1010 lymphocytes. In this setting the risk of becoming lymphopenic as a result of frequent PA may be remote. To confirm this impression we studied three populations (pops) of PDs. Pop A consisted of 57 newly recruited PDs. Pop B consisted of 58 veteran PDs giving an average of 47 times in a period of 2–4 years. And pop C was selected from 1023 consecutive PDs. It consisted of 50 PDs with ⩾ 6 PA and an absolute lymphocyte count of ⩽ 1.1 × 109/L in any of the last three PA. The average PD's absolute lymphocyte counts (× 109/L) of the last three PAs for pops A, B and C were 2.07 (SD = 0.42), 2.06 (SD = 0.53) and 1.25 (SD = 0.23) respectively. For pops B and C the average of the first three PA was essentially the same. Immunoglobulin (Ig) determinations were done in 32 repeat pop C PDs. Nine frequent donors (⩾ 50 PA and ⩾ 9 PA/yr) had higher IgG (P
Intercellular junctions and other cell surface differentiations of H4-IIE hepatoma cells in vitro.

Cells of the H4-II-E line retain a number of the differentiated features of normal hepatocytes. Individual cultures contain both monolayer and stratified regions. Utilizing a variety of electron microscopic (EM) techniques, intercellular junctions and surface differentiations in both regions of the cultures were investigated. Gap junctions resembled those in normal liver, but were smaller and occurred infrequently. In situ fracturing methods revealed rectilinear arrays of particles in the apical (exposed) surfaces of the cultures. The tight junction forms varied in complexity ranging from linear fibrils to continuous, circular forms that appeared to occlude extracellular, spherical pockets between individual pairs of cells. The complex forms, particularly the continuous, circular forms, were more commonly found in stratified regions of the culture. Microvilli extended into the pockets, which probably correspond to structures seen in sections. The pockets excluded colloidal lanthanum and their membranes were strongly stained with the Wachstein—Meisel ATPase method.
Adaptive Control of Flow Over Rotating Wind Turbine Blades Using the Beddoes-Leishman Dynamic Stall Model

A new control problem arises with unsteady flow over large-sized wind turbine blades, bringing a control issue for periodic time-varying systems (PTS). The plant is treated as a pitch and plunge system coupling with the Beddoes-Leishman stall model and Adaptive Control is used to overcome the fluctuation brought by periodic fluctuations of the flow. Floquet Theory is introduced for stability assessment using Runge-Kutta Method. A time-varying version of the adaptive control stability theorem is established. The theorem is demonstrated theoretically and numerically.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Demographic consequences of migration trends in Puerto Rico: 1950-1980.

"This paper examines the evolution and changes in migration patterns [in Puerto Rico] through the 1970's based on data from the 1980 census. The focus is on demographic consequences of migration, particularly with regard to population growth, redistribution and changing age structure." A final section is concerned with the socioeconomic implications of migration. (summary in FRE, SPA)
Relative contribution of the ACL, MCL, and bony contact to the anterior stability of the knee.

Ligaments and other soft tissues, as well as bony contact, all contribute to anterior stability of the knee joint. This study was designed to measure the in situ force in the medial collateral ligament (MCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterolateral structures (PLS), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in response to 110 N anterior tibial loading. The changes in knee kinematics associated with ACL deficiency and combined MCL+ACL deficiency were also evaluated. Utilizing a robotic/universal force-moment sensor system, ten human cadaveric knee joints were tested between 0° and 90° of knee flexion. This unique testing system is designed to determine the in situ forces in structures of interest without making mechanical contact with the tissue. More importantly, data for individual structures can be obtained from the same knee specimen since the robotic manipulator can reproduce the motion of the intact knee. The in situ forces in the ACL under anterior tibial loading to 110 N were highest at 15° flexion, 103 ± 14 N (mean ± SD), decreasing to 59.2 ± 30 N at 90° flexion. For the MCL, these forces were 8.0 ± 3.5 N and 38.1 ± 25 N, respectively. Forces due to bony contact were as high as 34.1 ± 23 N at 30° flexion, while those in the PLS were relatively small at all flexion angles. Combined MCL+ACL deficiency was found to significantly increase anterior tibial translation relative to the ACL-deficient knee only above 60° of knee flexion. These findings confirm the hypothesis that there is significant load sharing between various ligaments and bony contact during anterior tibial loading of the knee. For this reason, the MCL and osteochondral surfaces may also be at significant risk during ACL injury.
Stimulant actions of Δ 9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol in mice

Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) augments the locomotor activity produced by methamphetamine (0.5 mg/kg) in aggregated mice. THC-induced augmentation was dose related and lasted for a two-hour period. Maximal effective dosage of THC was 15 mg/kg with higher dosages of 30 and 60 mg/kg producing a decrease from maximum in locomotor activity. THC, 15 mg/kg, also increases locomotor activity among aggregated animals treated with saline. However, the increase was much less than the methamphetamine augmentation. In similar studies using isolated mice THC produced only a dose-related decrease in locomotor activity among both methamphetamine-treated and saline-treated animals. THC, 60 mg/kg, had no effect on methamphetamine-induced lethality in aggregated mice. However, at 15 mg/kg, THC significantly enhanced the lethality of methamphetamine. THC did not after methamphetamine lethality in isolated mice. Distribution studies using 14C-methamphetamine indicated that neither THC nor isolation of animals affected tissue concentration or disappearance of 14C material. Previously reported synergistic interaction between amphetamine and THC is related to aggregation of the animals rather than drug treatment. Since THC at low doses can stimulate motor activity in saline-treated animals, amphetamine may act only to amplify the behavioral activity produced by low doses of THC.
Spatial Distribution of Overwintering Eggs of the White Apple Leafhopper, Typhlocyba pomaria , and Parasitism by Anagras epos

Overwintering eggs of the white apple leafhopper (WALH), Typhlocyba pomaria McAtee, parasitized and unparasitized by the mymarid, Anagrus epos Girault, were randomly collected from apple twigs taken from within quadrants and levels of apple trees in 3 Michigan orchards. Subsamples included host eggs from twig bark of different age classes and at varying distances from the apex of the branch terminal. WALH eggs were most common on twig wood 3–4 yr old or 45–75 cm from the apex. In 2 of 3 orchards more dense populations were found in the upper tree canopy as compared to the lower. From ANOVA, variations in WALH densities more often were significantly different between trees (P ≦ 0.01 level) as compared to within trees in different quadrants and levels. The distribution of eggs parasitized by A. epos within trees and between trees was very similar to the distribution of the WALH, indicating that parasite search was well adapted to the ovipositional site preference of the host. Analysis of percent parasitization of WALH eggs per tree indicated a density dependent association between these 2 species in an orchard having the highest WALH density.
Human chorionic gonadotropin activates the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate‐Ca2+ intracellular signalling system in bovine luteal cells

Abstract Human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG, a hormone which increases intracellular cAMP, provoked rapid (30 s) and sustained (up to 30 min) increases in the levels of inositol mono-, bis- and trisphosphates (IP, IP 2 and IP 3 , respectively) in bovine luteal cells. LiCl (10 mM) enhanced inositol phosphate accumulation in response to hCG. Concentration-dependent increases in inositol phosphates, cAMP and progesterone accumulation were observed in hCG-treated luteal cells. hCG also induced rapid and concentration-dependent increases in cytosolic free Ca 2+ as measured by quin 2 fluorescence. These findings demonstrate that hCG stimulates the phospholipase C-IP 3 and diacylglycerol ‘second messenger’ system in the bovine corpus luteum.
The harmonic Gini coefficient and affluence indexes

Abstract The affluence of a society or community may be quantified by the proportion of its rich people and their income distribution. The harmonic income gap ratio and the harmonic Gini coefficient play important roles in the formulation and meaningful interpretation of affluence indexes. The Gastwirth coefficient is also very pertinent in this context. The main objective of the current study is to justify and incorporate these coefficients in the formulation of some robust affluence indexes.
A near-infrared imaging survey of interacting galaxies - The disk-disk merger candidates subset

Near-infrared imaging obtained for systems believed to be advanced disk-disk mergers are presented and discussed. These systems were chosen from a sample of approximately 170 objects from the Arp Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies which have been imaged in the JHK bands as part of an investigation into the stellar component of interacting galaxies. Of the eight remnants which show optical signs of a disk-disk merger, the near-infrared surface brightness profiles are well-fitted by an r exp 1/4 law over all measured radii in four systems, and out to radii of about 3 kpc in three systems. These K band profiles indicate that most of the remnants in the sample either have finished or are in the process of relaxing into a mass distribution like that of normal elliptical galaxies.
Stabilization of nonlinear systems over packet-drop links: Scalar case

Abstract In this paper, we study the stabilization problem of a scalar nonlinear system over a packet-drop channel. We consider moment stability notions adopted from the ergodic theory of dynamical systems. The main result of this paper proves that q -moment exponential stability requires a minimal quality of service from the communications link. The necessary conditions presented in the paper relate the positive Lyapunov exponent of the open loop system and the largest probability of erasure. For the first time, the dependence on the Lyapunov exponent highlights the important role played by the global non-equilibrium dynamics in nonlinear stabilization over networks.
Uranium, thorium, and lead systematics in Granite Mountains, Wyoming

Abstract Uranium, thorium and lead concentrations and isotopic compositions were determined on total rocks and a feldspar sample from widely separated parts of the Granite Mountains in central Wyoming. Linear relations defined by206Pb/204Pb −207Pb/204Pb and208Pb/204Pb −232Th/204Pb for the total rock samples define 2.8 billion-year isochrons. In contrast,238U/206Pb ages are anomalously old by a factor of at least four. The low238U/204Pb values, coupled with the radiogenic206Pb/204Pb and radiogenic207Pb/204Pb ratios, indicate that contents of uranium in near-surface rocks would have had to have been considerably greater than those presently observed to have generated the radiogenic lead. It is possible that more than 1011 kg of uranium has been removed from the Granite Mountains, and the most feasible interpretation is that most of this uranium was leached from near-surface rocks at some time during the Cenozoic, thus providing a major source for the uranium deposits in the central Wyoming basins.
Solar Distillation of Water from Soil and Plant Materials: A Simple Desert Survival Technique

Water obtained from soil and plant materials by a simple distillation technique can provide a means for survival under desert conditions. A hemispherical hole in soil (in some cases containing cut plant material) is covered with plastic film formed and held in a conical shape by a rock placed in the center. Water collects on the under side of the plastic, runs to the point of the cone, and drops into the container. A yield of 1.5 liters per day of potable water was obtained from a single "survival still."
Changing Epidemiology of Bacteremia in Infants Aged 1 Week to 3 Months

BACKGROUND Bacteremia in young infants has remained an important ongoing concern for decades. Despite changes in prenatal screening and infant immunizations, the current epidemiology of this problem has received little attention. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all blood cultures collected at Kaiser Permanente Northern California on full-term, previously healthy infants presenting for care between 1 week to 3 months of age for whom a blood culture was drawn from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2009. RESULTS: During the study period, 4255 blood cultures were collected from 160 818 full-term infants. Only 2% of all blood cultures were positive for pathogens (93/4255), whereas 247 positive cultures were due to contaminants. The incidence rate of true bacteremia was 0.57 in 1000 full-term births. The most common pathogen was Escherichia coli (56%). Ninety-eight percent of infants with E coli bacteremia had a urinary tract infection. Group B Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus were the second and third most common pathogens, respectively. There were no cases of Listeria monocytogenes bacteremia or meningococcemia and only 1 case of enterococcal bacteremia. Ampicillin resistant pathogens accounted for 36% of organisms. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates bacteremia in young infants occurs infrequently and in only 2.2% of those who had a blood culture drawn. On the basis of the epidemiology of pathogens found in this large cohort, these data suggest a change in currently recommended presumptive antibiotic coverage in 1-week to 3-month-old infants with suspected bacteremia. * Abbreviations: CSF — : cerebral spinal fluid GBS — : group B Streptococcus KPNC — : Kaiser Permanente Northern California UTI — : urinary tract infection WBC — : white blood cell
Urinary excretion of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in children of different ages.

The urinary excretion of cyclic AMP was investigated in 97 healthy children, 3 months to 16 years old. When the excretion was expressed as μmol/24 h an increase with age (r = 0.693, P < 0.001) and an increase with body weight (r = 0.700, P < 0.001) were found to be quite similar. In relation to surface area, the average excretion for children up to 9½ years old was 4.45 ± 1.71 μmol/m2 in contrast with 2.22 ± 0.66 μmol/m2 in older children (P < 0.001). The decline appears to be associated with approaching puberty. When cAMP excretion was related to urinary creatinine, an inverse correlation with age was found (r = −0.772, P < 0.001). In the youngest category, 3 months to 4 years old, the ratio was 9.26 ± 1.49 μmol/g creatinine vs 4.67 ± 1.05 μmol/g creatinine in the age group 12 to 16 years old (P < 0.001), which compares closely with the normal adult average of 4.34 ± 1.25 μmol/g creatinine found in our previous study. Throughout there was no evidence of sex differentiation.
Stereoselective metabolism of ftorafur (R,S-1-(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)-5-fluorouracil).

The metabolism of R and S isomers of ftorafur (FT) was studied in vivo and in vitro. FT and its metabolites, i.e., hydroxylated derivatives, (OH-FT), γ-butyrolactone (GBL), 5-fluorouracil (FU), and dehydro-FT, were analyzed by gas chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Although previous results did not demonstrate any differences in the biological activity of the FT isomers, R- and S-FT were metabolized to different extents by individual pathways. Cleavage of R-FT at the N1-C2′ position to form GBL by non-microsomal soluble enzymes in mouse and rabbit liver homogenates was greater than that of S-FT. Following IP administration of S-FT, both cis- and trans-4′-OH-FT were recovered in 24-h rat urine; however, significantly less trans-4′-OH-FT and no cis-4′-OH-FT was detected following R_FT administration. There were no glucuronide or sulfate conjugates of these OH-FT metabolites. These results indicate that urinary hydroxylated metabolites generated from racemic FT consist predominantly of α-l-4′-OH-FT and β-l-4′-OH-FT, and only a small fraction of the trans-4′-OH-FT appears in the β-d configuration of natural nucleosides, confirming earlier reports. The low extent of urinary excretion of hydroxylated FT metabolites in the β-configuration suggests that either there is stereoselective hydroxylation of S-FT or the hydroxylated metabolites with the natural β-d configuration generated from R-FT were preferentially further metabolized prior to excretion into urine. A sample of chemically synthesized β-d-4′-OH-FT was quantitatively converted to FU by thymidine phosphorylase in vitro; this compound may represent a potential FU prodrug.
Asymptotically covariantly constant spinor hair on black holes

It is demonstrated, in a straightforward approach, that a static black hole has no spinor hair if we assume that the fields vanish at infinity. We extend this to the case of asymptotically covariantly constant spinors (Witten spinors) which approach a constant value at spatial infinity. We show that with the dominant energy condition and in absence of external spinor sources, Witten spinors must vanish everywhere in the region exterior to a stationary black hole with an horizon in an asymptotically flat space-time.
Past hormone therapy in older women Does the brain recover from adverse effects

Women transitioning into menopause, particularly those who experience hot flashes, face the challenging decision about whether or not to initiate hormone therapy (HT). Those who choose to take HT must also decide how long to continue treatment. The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), the only randomized controlled trial of the effects of HT on incident dementia, found that conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), when combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate, doubled the risk of dementia in women who initiated treatment at age 65 years and later.1 Unopposed CEE (i.e., without medroxyprogesterone acetate) did not increase the incidence of dementia, but a pooled analysis of both treatment arms revealed a 76% increased incidence of dementia.2
Incidence of road injuries in Mexico: country report

We used data from various sources to triangulate to a national snapshot of the incidence of fatal and non-fatal road traffic injuries in Mexico in 2005. Data sources used include national death registration data, national hospital discharge data and a nationally representative health survey. We estimate that in 2005, 19,389 people died due to injuries and nearly one million were injured in road traffic crashes. While deaths in high-income countries are declining, this is not the case in Mexico. Young adult males are the demographic at the highest risk in non-fatal crashes, but the elderly have the highest road death rates primarily due to pedestrian crashes. Pedestrians alone comprise nearly half (48%) of all deaths. Cars pose a substantial threat to occupants (38% of deaths and 39% of hospital admissions) and to other road users.
Treatment with Propranolol of Severe Self-Injurious Behavior in a Blind, Deaf, Retarded Adolescent

ABSTRACT Self-injurious behavior represents a significant barrier to behavioral interventions with retarded children. The etiology of this behavior is hypothesized as secondary to a state of overarousal. β blockers are believed to be uniquely useful medications in having an effect on self-injurious behaviors through their ability to reduce arousal in the face of stimulation and demands. The case presented describes a multiply handicapped adolescent with severe self-injury who responded to 300 mg of propranolol with a gradual but steady reduction in self-injury over 12 months. Concurrent with this was the emergence of increased interactions and benefit from behavioral interventions.
Electron cyclotron wave propagation, absorption, and backscatter measurements in a laboratory plasma

Broadband microwave propagation and absorption processes and backscatter from objects immersed in a magnetized, finite, warm plasma column is addressed. In particular, the propagation, absorption, and backscatter of electron cyclotron waves are measured and compared with bounded vacuum hot plasma wave propagation, absorption, and ray tracing theory. The nonreciprocal nature of the transmission and absorption in an anisotropic plasma is measured. A homodyne technique which isolates the scattering from a single object in the plasma from the scattering from all other objects in the plasma and the walls of the containment device is developed and utilized. The range of absorption frequencies and nonreciprocity of the transmission signal are shown to be well correlated with wave trajectories in the associated regions of the Clemmow-Mullaly-Allis (CMA) diagram. It is shown that quasi-parallel propagation of electron cyclotron waves near resonance is present and that the transverse effects of wavenumber on propagation in the cylindrical plasma are small. >
Photochemistry of “Super” Photoacids. 2. Excited-State Proton Transfer in Methanol/Water Mixtures

Excited-state proton transfer to solvent (PTTS) of 5-cyano-2-naphthol was investigated in methanol/water mixtures. We have found that the time-resolved fluorescence data fit the solution of the Debye−Smoluchowski equation for the reversible geminate recombination of ions over the whole range of methanol/water concentration ratios. The rate constants of the elementary protolytic photochemical processes and their isotope effects were determined by a simultaneous analysis of the time-resolved fluorescence of the photoacid and its conjugated anion. The competition between adiabatic protonation and quenching of the excited naphtholate anion by the geminate proton was observed to diminish sharply near pure methanol. The dissociation rate coefficient near pure methanol depends on a power of the water concentration, which appears to decrease from 2 (for “ordinary” photoacids) to below 1 for “super” photoacids.
Corrugated quantum well infrared photodetectors

A new light coupling geometry for quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIP), which is referred as the corrugated- QWIP or the C-QWIP, has been demonstrated. The coupling scheme is based on the total internal reflection at a number of slanted sidewalls created within a detector pixel. The structure was found to be able to couple normal incident light efficiently into the detector with concomitant reduction in the dark current. For a C-QWIP with thinned substrate, the background photocurrent to the dark current ratio is improved by a factor of 4.9 compared with the edge coupling. The coupling scheme does not show significant wavelength and size dependence, and is therefore suitable for multi-color or high resolution thermal imaging. With these characteristics, a C- QWIP behaves as a detector with normal incident absorption. Because of its simple fabrication procedures, the manufacturability of the detector arrays can be greatly improved.
Radiant emission from the aluminum-water reaction

Abstract The exploding wire technique was used in connection with spectropic measurements to investigate the nature of the radiation emitted from the Al-H 2 O combustion process. The absolute spectral intensity emitted from the Al-H 2 O reaction throughout the 300–800 nm spectral region has been determined experimentally with a resolution of 4nm at various pressures. Higher resolution (0.57 nm resolution) spectroscopic measurements were also made in several regions of interest in the 300–800 nm spectral region. The spectra measured in this study were dominated by line and band emission, but a low-level continuum was also present. A simplified analysis showed that the observed continuum could be plausibly attributed to emission from small (∼0.01 μm) Al 2 O 3 (1) particles.
Synthesis and properties of Si and SiGe/Si nanowires

The fabrication of semiconductor nanowires, in which composition, size and conductivity can be controlled in both the radial and axial direction of the wire is of interest for fundamental studies of carrier confinement as well as nanoscale device development. In this study, group IV semiconductor nanowires, including Si, Ge and SixGe1-x alloy nanowires were fabricated by vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth using gaseous precursors. In the VLS process, gold is used to form a liquid alloy with Si and Ge which, upon supersaturation, precipitates a semiconductor nanowire. Nanoporous alumina membranes were used as templates for the VLS growth process, in order to control the diameter of the nanowires over the range from 45 nm to 200 nm. Intentional p-type and n-type doping was achieved through the addition of either trimethylboron, diborane or phosphine gas during nanowire growth. The electrical properties of undoped and intentionally doped silicon nanowires were characterized using field-assisted assembly to align and position the wires onto pre-patterned test bed structures. The depletion characteristics of back-gated nanowire structures were used to determine conductivity type and qualitatively compare dopant concentration. SiGe and SiGe/Si axial heterostructure nanowires were also prepared through the addition of germane gas during VLS growth. The Ge concentration in the wires was controllable over the range from 12 % to 25% by varying the inlet GeH4/SiH4 ratio.
The role of dicofol metabolites in the eggshell thinning response of Ring Neck Doves

Residue data is presented from shell thinning studies in Ring Neck Doves (Streptopelia risoria) fed 33 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kgp,p′ dicofol or the dicofol metabolite 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)2,2 dichloroethanol (p,p′ DCD) at 10 and 32 mg/kg for approximately 90 days. The metabolism and storage of dicofol and dicofol metabolites in breeding females is examined. Concentrations ofp,p′ dicofol, DCDp,p′ dichlorobenzophenone (p,p′ DCBP),p,p′ dichlorobenzydrol (p,p′ DCBH), and 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2 dichloroethylene (p,p′ DDE) were determined in liver, fat, heart, brain, oviduct and yolk of doves. The major metabolite was DCD. Doves exposed to DCD alone did not produce thinned eggshells at either dose. DCD was poorly metabolized by doves to DCBP and DCBH. DDE was present but in concentrations far below other OCs and was not a metabolite of dicofol. Doves had two metabolic routes for transforming dicofol to more water soluble metabolites, reduction to DCD and oxidation to DCBP with subsequent formation of DCBH. The formation of DCBH was limited by the rate of DCBP formation. Yolk residues of DCBP indicated individual doves varied in their ability to produce DCBP. DCBP accumulation in yolk over time was correlated with individual doves' eggshell thinning response over time of treatment. Doves with low rates of DCBP accumulation in yolk had greater declines in shell thickness per day of dicofol treatment. It is concluded that the dicofol metabolites DCD, DCBP, and DCBH are less toxic than dicofol to eggshell formation in ring neck doves.
Traumatic Hyphema in an Urban Population

We reviewed 241 patients (178 black and 63 white) who were examined and treated at the Detroit Medical Center between 1980 and 1989 for traumatic hyphema. Secondary hemorrhage occurred in 46 patients (19%) and was significantly higher in black patients (P
Refinery Cost Functions in the U.S. Gulf Coast

Abstract Construction cost functions for the main process units that comprise a refinery are developed. The cost estimates pertain exclusively to grassroots construction; are limited to equipment inside the battery limits; and include materials and labor, design, engineering, contractor's fees, overhead, and expense allowance. The methodological framework, data sources, and normalization procedures used for cost estimation is presented, followed by a discussion of the limitations of analysis. This material updates and extends the investment cost curves presented by Gary and Handwerk in a previous publication.
A Simulation Study of Compact Polarimetry for Radar Retrieval of Soil Moisture

A compact polarimetric (CP) radar system requires fewer measurements than a fully polarimetric (FP) system, thus allowing added flexibility in radar system design. Previous studies have shown the potential of using compact polarimetry for radar remote sensing of soil moisture. This paper extends previous studies by considering a time series data cube retrieval algorithm and measurements in the presence of vegetation. Vegetation information is assumed to be provided by an ancillary data source in the retrieval process. The performance of an algorithm for reconstructing FP information from CP measurements of vegetated soil surfaces is also examined. The results of the study show that only a modest degradation in soil moisture retrieval performance occurs when compact-pol measurements are used in place of full-pol data.
A Partition-Limited Model for the Plant Uptake of Organic Contaminants from Soil and Water

In dealing with the passive transport of organic contaminants from soils to plants (including crops), a partition-limited model is proposed in which (i) the maximum (equilibrium) concentration of a contaminant in any location in the plant is determined by partition equilibrium with its concentration in the soil interstitial water, which in turn is determined essentially by the concentration in the soil organic matter (SOM) and (ii) the extent of approach to partition equilibrium, as measured by the ratio of the contaminant concentrations in plant water and soil interstitial water, αpt (≤ 1), depends on the transport rate of the contaminant in soil water into the plant and the volume of soil water solution that is required for the plant contaminant level to reach equilibrium with the external soil-water phase. Through reasonable estimates of plant organic-water compositions and of contaminant partition coefficients with various plant components, the model accounts for calculated values of αpt in several pu...
Study of the effect of initial conditions on the scaling properties of CaF2 thin films

Abstract The growth of thermally deposited CaF 2 films was studied using three different substrates for deposition: glass, gold and silicon. Each substrate was chosen because of its different topography and used to determine the effect of substrate roughness on the growth of CaF 2 films. After thermally depositing a range of CaF 2 film thicknesses on the substrates, the CaF 2 surfaces were imaged using atomic force microscopy. The images were then used to determine the characteristic exponents which described the surface. In each case the Hurst exponent, H was found to rapidly increase from the initial substrate condition to a constant value ( H ≈ 0.85) with increasing CaF 2 film thickness. This rapid crossover is quite remarkable and occurs in films with nominal thicknesses less than ≈20 nm. These data indicate that the roughness of the substrate, or in other words the initial conditions, have little effect on the growth properties of CaF 2 films beyond the crossover at very small values of the film thickness. The scaling of the dynamic exponent, β , is also presented as are measurements of the CaF 2 film porosity.
PDGF stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK 1 protein tyrosine kinase in human mesangial cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) exerts multiple effects in glomerular mesangial cells, including transcription of genes that mediate its biological activity. We have partially characterized PDGF-mediated early mitogenic signal transduction pathways that include activation of protein kinase C alpha and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase. However, the precise mechanism of PDGF-induced gene transcription is not yet clear. A family of cytoplasmic transcription factors referred to as signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) has recently been identified. This group of transcription factors is activated by different cytokines via tyrosine phosphorylation. We studied the effect of PDGF on STATs in human mesangial cells. Using a gel retardation assay, nuclear and cytoplasmic extracts from PDGF-stimulated mesangial cells contained protein factors that bind to a DNA sequence representing the sis-inducible element (SIE) present in the c-fos gene promoter. These protein factors also bind to the enhancer element present in interferon-gamma responsive genes, suggesting the involvement of STAT proteins. The addition of monoclonal antibody that recognizes STAT 1 results in "supershift" of the DNA-protein complex stimulated by PDGF indicating the presence of STAT 1. Immunoblotting experiments with a monoclonal STAT 1 antibody revealed the presence of STAT1 alpha and STAT1 beta in mesangial cells. Since certain cytokines activate STATs via tyrosine phosphorylation mediated by JAK family of tyrosine kinases, we studied the effect of PDGF on JAK kinases. Antiphosphotyrosine immunoblotting of JAK 1 immunoprecipitates from PDGF-stimulated mesangial cell lysate showed increased tyrosine phosphorylation of this tyrosine kinase. In vitro immune complex kinase assay of JAK 1 immunoprecipitates from PDGF-stimulated mesangial cell lysate revealed activation of this tyrosine kinase. Taken together, these data demonstrate that PDGF activates the transcription factor STAT 1 in mesangial cells. The data also provide the first evidence that PDGF stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK 1, the cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase stimulated by many other cytokines to activate transcription via STATs. These observations indicate that JAK 1 is a downstream tyrosine kinase in PDGF receptor signaling and is a candidate for activation of STAT 1.
Microstructure Evolution in Laser Deposited Nickel-Titanium-Carbon in situ Metal Matrix Composite

Ni/TiC metal matrix composites have been processed using the laser engineered net shaping (LENS) process. As nickel does not form an equilibrium carbide phase, addition of a strong carbide former in the form of titanium reinforces the nickel matrix resulting in a promising hybrid material for both surface engineering as well as high temperature structural applications. Changing the relative amounts of titanium and carbon in the nickel matrix, relatively low volume fraction of refined homogeneously distributed carbide precipitates, formation of in-situ carbide precipitates and the microstructural changes are investigated. The composites have been characterized in detail using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (including energy dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS) mapping and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)), Auger electron spectroscopy, and transmission (including high resolution) electron microscopy. Both primary and eutectic titanium carbides, observed in this composite, exhibited the fcc-TiC structure (NaCl-type). Details of the orientation relationship between Ni and TiC have been studied using SEM-EBSD and high resolution TEM. The results of micro-hardness and tribology tests indicate that these composites have a relatively high hardness and a steady-state friction coefficient of ~0.5, both of which are improvements in comparison to LENS deposited pure Ni.
Validity of power indices

An important approach to understanding power seeks a generalized measure that can rank nation‐states from the most to the least powerful. Data‐oriented researchers have developed several such single‐ and multivariable, linear and nonlinear indices. The test of their usefulness varies with their intended purpose. For policymakers desiring the most efficient way to assess the likelihood that a nation‐state can achieve its goals, the key issues are parsimony in the selection of variables, stability over time, combinatorial patterns enabling successful prediction, and applicability across a range of situations. For theoreticians the index must “work” within the chosen theoretical context. If several indices meet the constraints imposed by the theory, then that one should be chosen that introduces the least amount of additonal (nontheoretical) information.
Fault Detection, Isolation, and Localization in Embedded Control Software

Embedded control software reacts to plant and environment conditions in order to enforce a desired functionality, and exhibit hybrid dynamics: control-loops together with switching logic. Control software can contain errors (faults), and fault-tolerance methods must be developed to enhance system safety and reliability. We present an approach for fault detection and isolation that is key to achieving fault-tolerance. Detection approach is hierarchical involving monitoring both the control software, and the controlled-system. The latter is necessary to safeguard against any incompleteness of software level properties. A model of the system being monitored is not required, and further the approach is modular and hence scalable. When fault is detected at the system level, an isolation of a software fault is achieved by using residue methods to rule out any hardware (plant) fault. We also proposed a method to localize a software fault (to those lines of code that contain the fault). The talk will be illustrated through a servo control application.
NUMERICAL CONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER IN METAL FOAM USING UNIT CELL GEOMETRY

Open-cell metal foam is a class of modern porous media that possesses high thermal conductivity, large accessible surface area per unit volume and high porosities (often greater than 90%). The high porosity means very low weight. The internal structure of the foam is web-like. Internal flow inside the foam is complex and includes flow reversal, destruction of boundary layers and vigorous mixing. All of these attributes make metal foam a very attractive heat transfer core for many applications. The rather complex and intrinsically random architecture of the foam is virtually impossible to capture exactly. In this paper, we present a unit cell geometrical model that was used to represent the foam structure for numerical analysis purposes. In particular, the unit cell is used to numerically study forced convection heat transfer between aluminum foam and air. The Navier-Stokes and the governing energy equation are solved directly and the temperature fields are obtained using COMSOL. The details of the modeling process are given in this paper. The results are encouraging and lend confidence to the modeling approach, which paves the way for other investigations of the foam, as well as optimization work based on the structure of the foam. NOMENCLATURE c specific heat of fluid (J.kg -1 .K -1 ) CPI number of cells per inch of foam d1 center-to-center distance between in-line spheres (m) F body forces (N) H half height between parallel plates (m) h local surface heat transfer coefficient (W.m -2 .K -1 ) I identity matrix k thermal conductivity (W.m -1 .K -1 ) Nu Nusselt number (dimensionless) p pressure Q heat per unit volume (J/m 3 )
Integrin-linked Kinase Regulates N-WASp-mediated Actin Polymerization and Tension Development in Tracheal Smooth Muscle

The contractile stimulation of smooth muscle tissues stimulates the recruitment of proteins to membrane adhesion complexes and the initiation of actin polymerization. We hypothesized that integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a β-integrin-binding scaffolding protein and serine/threonine kinase, and its binding proteins, PINCH, and α-parvin may be recruited to membrane adhesion sites during contractile stimulation of tracheal smooth muscle to mediate cytoskeletal processes required for tension development. Immunoprecipitation analysis indicted that ILK, PINCH, and α-parvin form a stable cytosolic complex and that the ILK·PINCH·α-parvin complex is recruited to integrin adhesion complexes in response to acetylcholine (ACh) stimulation where it associates with paxillin and vinculin. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-ILK and GFP-PINCH were expressed in tracheal muscle tissues and both endogenous and recombinant ILK and PINCH were recruited to the membrane in response to ACh stimulation. The N-terminal LIM1 domain of PINCH binds to ILK and is required for the targeting of the ILK-PINCH complex to focal adhesion sites in fibroblasts during cell adhesion. We expressed the GFP-PINCH LIM1-2 fragment, consisting only of LIM1-2 domains, in tracheal smooth muscle tissues to competitively inhibit the interaction of ILK with PINCH. The PINCH LIM1-2 fragment inhibited the recruitment of endogenous ILK and PINCH to integrin adhesion sites and prevented their association of ILK with β-integrins, paxillin, and vinculin. The PINCH LIM1-2 fragment also inhibited tension development, actin polymerization, and activation of the actin nucleation initiator, N-WASp. We conclude that the recruitment of the ILK·PINCH·α-parvin complex to membrane adhesion complexes is required to initiate cytoskeletal processes required for tension development in smooth muscle.
Improving quantitative neutron radiography through image restoration

Abstract Commonly in neutron image experiments, the interpretation of the point spread function (PSF) is limited to describing the achievable spatial resolution in an image. In this article it is shown that for various PSF models, the resulting blurring due to the PSF affects the quantification of the neutron transmission of an object and that the effect is separate from the scattered neutron field from the sample. The effect is observed in several neutron imaging detector configurations using different neutron scintillators and light sensors. In the context of estimation of optical densities with an algorithm that assumes a parallel beam, the effect of blurring fractionates the neutron signal spatially and introduces an effective background that scales with the area of the detector illuminated by neutrons. Examples are provided that demonstrate that the illuminated field of view can alter the observed neutron transmission for nearly purely absorbing objects. It is found that by accurately modeling the PSF, image restoration methods can yield more accurate estimates of the neutron attenuation by an object.
Trends in Army Signal Corps Research and Development Procurement

Signal Corps and general military electronic R&D procurement is undergoing continuing evolution in technology, techniques and controls, which have direct influence on industrial planning, management and operations. The close partnership of military and industry requires cognizance of and response to these pressures. Systems procurements generate the industrial ``team effort'' approach. Small business is gaining a strong foothold in the R&D effort through diversity of electronic research. Certain aspects of R&D are stimulating a limited move towards greater use of fixed price contracts. New trends have effect on industry approach to preparation of bid proposals and the military techniques of evaluation. Engineering efforts require management comptroller surveillance to avoid cost problems. Over-runs in cost contracts are being subjected to increasing military controls and limitations with serious effects on contractor management techniques. Contract management in industry is evaluated in terms of effective response to procurement trends.
Large-scale hydrothermal fluid discharges in the Norris–Mammoth corridor, Yellowstone National Park, USA

Abstract Norris–Mammoth corridor is a complex subsidence structure that extends ∼40 km northward from the 0.6 Ma Yellowstone caldera, and contains many hydrothermal features with high fluid discharges totaling ∼1000 l/s. About 150–250 l/s of hydrothermal water, which attains boiling temperature at surface and 360°C at depth, discharge from the Norris Geyser Basin, adjacent to the caldera. The highest thermal water and gas discharges in the corridor are from Mammoth Hot Springs, where 500–600 l/s thermal water with surface temperatures of up to 73°C and calculated subsurface temperatures of ∼100°C issue from ∼100 hot springs scattered over a score of step-like travertine terraces that range in age from ∼0.4 Ma to recent. All the thermal water is meteoric, likely recharged in the Gallatin Range at 2.5–3.0 km elevations. The isotopic and chemical compositions of thermal waters and solutes can be interpreted to indicate a common magmatic source for heat and volatile solutes located near Norris. However, the chemical and isotopic compositions of gases, especially the 3 He/ 4 He ratios, provide strong evidence for a separate magmatic source for the Mammoth system.
A discrimination based on punishment

Abstract Twelve white rats learned to press a bar or lever when this act was intermittently followed by pellets of food. Once a stable rate of pressing had been established, the animals were subjected to electric shock as a punishment for each response during alternate five minute periods within the experimental session. A difference in rates during the safe and punished phases was manifested both by the experimental group (8 rats), who were provided with a light as a signal when it was safe to respond, and also, contrary to expectation, by the control group (4 rats), who continued in darkness throughout the session. The differential responding by the control group was greatly reduced, however, when the duration of each phase was reduced from five minutes to one. The investigation was then continued to determine the role of some of the other factors in the situation. Increasing the severity of the shock increased the difference between the light and the dark rates. Withholding the pellets of food reduced ...