cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coaxial tube array space transmission line characterization

The coaxial tube array tether/transmission line used to connect an SP-100 nuclear power system to the space station was characterized over the range of reactor-to-platform separation distances of 1 to 10 km. Characterization was done with respect to array performance, physical dimensions and masses. Using a fixed design procedure, a family of designs was generated for the same power level (300 kWe), power loss (1.5 percent), and meteoroid survival probability (99.5 percent over 10 yr). To differentiate between vacuum insulated and gas insulated lines, two different maximum values of the E field were considered: 20 kV/cm (appropriate to vacuum insulation) and 50 kV/cm (compressed SF6). Core conductor, tube, bumper, standoff, spacer and bumper support dimensions, and masses were also calculated. The results of the characterization show mainly how transmission line size and mass scale with reactor-to-platform separation distance.
Thermal design, analysis and testing of the Halogen Occultation Experiment

This paper briefly introduces the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) and describes the thermal requirements in some detail. The thermal design of the HALOE is described, together with the design process and the analytical techniques used to arrive at this design. The flight hardware has undergone environmental testing in a thermal vacuum chamber to validate the thermal design. The HALOE is a unique problem in thermal control due to its variable solar loading, its extremely sensitive optical components and the high degree of pointing accuracy required. This paper describes the flight hardware, the design process and its verification.
On "Glass Snakes," White Moral Responsibility, and Agency Under Complicity

Where do we take our sit-ins when the WHITES ONLY signs come down, when Kresge closes its lunch counter and moves out of town, when power doesn’t live where it used to anymore? What happens when the contemporary configuration of power doesn’t have an address: when dogs and water hoses are traded in for numbers and tests; when gatekeepers are automated, and exclusion is familiar; when ideas are red-lined, and people are warehoused?
Targeted deep sequencing identifies rare loss-of-function variants in IFNGR1 for risk of atopic dermatitis complicated by eczema herpeticum

Background A subset of atopic dermatitis is associated with increased susceptibility to eczema herpeticum (ADEH+). We previously reported that common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IFN-γ (IFNG) and IFN-γ receptor 1 (IFNGR1) genes were associated with the ADEH+ phenotype. Objective We sought to interrogate the role of rare variants in interferon pathway genes for the risk of ADEH+. Methods We performed targeted sequencing of interferon pathway genes ( IFNG , IFNGR1 , IFNAR1 , and IL12RB1 ) in 228 European American patients with AD selected according to their eczema herpeticum status, and severity was measured by using the Eczema Area and Severity Index. Replication genotyping was performed in independent samples of 219 European American and 333 African American subjects. Functional investigation of loss-of-function variants was conducted by using site-directed mutagenesis. Results We identified 494 single nucleotide variants encompassing 105 kb of sequence, including 145 common, 349 (70.6%) rare (minor allele frequency IFNGR1 missense variants, including 3 damaging variants (Val14Met [V14M], Val61Ile, and Tyr397Cys [Y397C]) conferring a higher risk for ADEH+ ( P = .031). Variants V14M and Y397C were confirmed to be deleterious, leading to partial IFNGR1 deficiency. Seven common IFNGR1 SNPs, along with common protective haplotypes (2-7 SNPs), conferred a reduced risk of ADEH+ ( P = .015-.002 and P = .0015-.0004, respectively), and both SNP and haplotype associations were replicated in an independent African American sample ( P = .004-.0001 and P = .001-.0001, respectively). Conclusion Our results provide evidence that both genetic variants in the gene encoding IFNGR1 are implicated in susceptibility to the ADEH+ phenotype.
Micro-/Nanodroplets in Microfluidic Devices

Fluid is often transported in the form of droplets in nature. From the formation of clouds to the condensation of dew on leaves, droplets are formed spontaneously in the air, on solids, and in immiscible fluids. In biological systems, droplets with lipid bilayer membranes are used to transport subnanoliter amounts of reagents between organelles, between cells, and between organs, in processes that control our day-to-day metabolic activities. The precision of such systems is self-evident and proves that droplet-based systems provide intrinsically efficient ways to perform controlled transport, reactions, and signaling.
Domestic cats convert [2H8]‐β‐carotene to [2H4]‐retinol following a single oral dose

Many animals convert β-carotene to retinol to meet their vitamin A (VA) requirement. However, this pathway is inefficient in many carnivores. This study quantified the plasma response to a single oral dose of [(2) H(8)]-β-carotene in adult domestic cats, including measurement of [(2) H(4)]-retinol derived from the dose. Cats were fed with either a control diet containing adequate VA (n = 5) or a VA-devoid diet (n = 5) for 28 days. An oral dose of either 5 mg/kg body weight (BW) (n = 4) or 10 mg/kg BW (n = 6) of [(2) H(8) ]-β-carotene was administered on day 28. Plasma samples were collected prior to dosing and at 6, 12, 24, 32, 48, 72, 120, 168 and 216 h post-dose. Plasma retinoids and β-carotene were measured using HPLC and [(2) H(4)]-retinol by GC-ECNCI-MS (gas chromatography/electron capture negative chemical ionization/mass spectrometry). β-carotene was undetectable in plasma prior to dosing. Post-dose, mean peak plasma β-carotene was 0.37 ± 0.06 nmol/ml at 9.0 ± 1.8 h following the dose, while [(2) H(4) ]-retinol peaked at 3.71 ± 0.69 pmol/ml at 55.2 ± 16.3 h. The ratio per cent of total area under the curve for [(2) H(4)]-retinol compared with the β-carotene response was 4.6 ± 2.6%. There was little effect of diet or dose on the β-carotene or [(2) H(4)]-retinol responses. The appearance of [(2) H(4)]-retinol in plasma indicates that cats are capable of converting β-carotene to active VA. Conversion efficiency was not calculated in this study, but it is likely inadequate to meet cats' VA requirement without the inclusion of preformed VA in the diet.
The architecture of HORNET: A packet-over-WDM multiple-access optical metropolitan area ring network

Abstract To cost-effectively address the phenomenal demand for bandwidth in the metropolitan area, the Optical Communications Research Laboratory at Stanford University and Sprint Advanced Technology Laboratories have developed a novel architecture for a large-scale metropolitan area network (MAN). The network, which is called HORNET, is a packet-over-WDM multiple-access network featuring the use of fast-tunable transmitters and a novel “CSMA/CA” media access protocol to improve network efficiency well beyond that of today’s solution. This paper presents the design and implementation of the network architecture and gives an analytical discussion of its advantages.
Two-dimensional ion flux distributions in inductively coupled plasmas: Effect of adding electronegative gases to Ar

A two-dimensional array of planar Langmuir probes built on a 200 mm diam silicon wafer was used to measure the radial and azimuthal variation of ion flux impinging on the wafer surface in Ar/SF6 and Ar/Cl2 discharges maintained in an inductively coupled plasma etching reactor. The spatial variation of ion flux in a pure Ar discharge is approximately radially symmetric and peaks at the center of the wafer for pressures between 10 and 60 mTorr. The spatially averaged ion flux in a pure Ar discharge increases with increasing pressure and the corresponding uniformity degrades with increasing pressure within the pressure range studied. Addition of small amounts of electronegative gases to an Ar discharge flattens the radial and azimuthal ion flux distribution and accentuates azimuthal variations due to subtle asymmetries in the reactor geometry such as pumping ports. At fixed power, pressure, and flow rate, the spatially averaged ion current density decreases with increasing mole fraction of the electronegativ...
Electrospun poly(D,L-lactide) fibers for drug delivery: The influence of cosolvent and the mechanism of drug release

Controlled-drug release from electrospun fibers has found important biomedical applications in wound healing, transdermal delivery, and tissue engineering. In this study, poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) was electrospun into ultrafine fibers and loaded with tetracycline (TC) or chlorotetracycline (CTC) as model drugs. The influence of a cosolvent (methanol) at various concentrations was studied regarding physical properties, morphology, and in vitro release profiles of the drugs from the PDLLA nanofibers. Swelling tests in a physiological buffer solution were performed to determine the extent and rate of swelling of the fiber mats. The results showed that for both drugs electrospun fiber diameters decreased with increasing amounts of cosolvent, whereas water contact angles and drug-loading efficiency increased. However, similar in chemical structure, the two drugs exhibited considerably different release mechanisms. The results indicated that the concentration of methanol changed the release profiles mainly based on the morphology of the resultant nanofibers and the polymer/ drug/solvent interaction during the electrospinning and drug release process. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 115: 1-8, 2010.
Continuity and Changes in the Developmental Trajectories of Criminal Career: Examining the Roles of Timing of First Arrest and High School Graduation

Early onset of criminal career is one of the most robust predictors of persistence in offending. However, many antisocial children do not become chronic adult offenders. Using longitudinal data of young male offenders in the California Youth Authority, we examined trajectories of criminal behavior from childhood to adulthood. We particularly focused on the main and interaction effects of age at their first arrest and completion of high school education. First, we found that, on average, cumulative crime trajectory was curvilinear, with a subtle increase in childhood followed by a rapid increase in late adolescence and a slow down in adulthood. Second, earlier starters had a steeper cumulative growth in criminal behavior over time. Third, finishing high school served as a potential turning point in offenders’ lives, particularly for later starters. The results highlight that continuity and desistance in crime can be partially understood by timing of significant events and heterogeneity in response to turning points.
Observation of the antiferromagnetic transition in the linear chain compound KFeS2 by magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements

Abstract Magnetic susceptibility (ξ) measurements and the first heat capacity measurements on KFeS2 are reported. The data were obtained on a specially purified sample over the temperature ranges 10–360 K and 225–296 K, respectively. Both measurements revealed small but distinct singularities at the Neel temperature TN≈253 K; extensive short range ordering above TN was also evident from these data. The present work shows that the intrinsic ξ(T) of KFeS2 was largely masked by that from magnetic impurities in previous ξ studies of this compound.
"Moon Phrases": a social media faciliated tool for emotional reflection and wellness

We propose an early prototype: a web-based tool "Moon Phrases" that leverages an individual's social activity online for promoting emotional reflection and wellness. Specifically, Moon Phrases tracks the emotion and linguistic expression of individuals as manifested on the social media Twitter, and presents a novel visualization - an analogy to the phases of the moon, to reveal their longitudinal trends. Social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook provide a window onto the thoughts and feelings of individuals around small and big happenings in their lives. Motivated from research in psychology and BC I, we hypothesize that identifying the changes in language, emotion, and social activity on social media would enable individuals to reflect on their own behavior over time and in a fine-grained manner, which are otherwise known to be difficult to keep track of. We believe Moon Phrases thus bears the potential to act as a self-narrative or "behavioral fingerprint", and thereby serve as an unobtrusive mechanism to facilitate emotional well ness in individuals.
Anaerobic bacteria associated with epizootics in grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) and redfish (Sciaenops ocellata) along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Anaerobic bacteria tentatively identified as species of Catenabacterium were recovered from brain, liver, kidney and blood of fish involved in a massive epizootic of grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) and redfish (Sciaenops ocellata). Pathogenicity was demonstrated for grey mullet (M. cephalus) and sea catfish (Arius jelis) but not for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) or white mice. Diseased fish were disoriented, weak and swimming at the surface of the water. Thioglycolate and salt bovine blood agar containing 40 μg/ml gentamicin were useful as selective culture media.
Micromachined polycrystalline diamond hemispherical shell resonators

The hemispherical resonator gyro (HRG) is low loss and high stability, spurring recent interest in micro-scale hemispherical resonators. To achieve mode-matching and high-Q performance in a hemispherical resonator, geometric symmetry in combination with low thermoelastic damping structural material are critical. In this work, we describe the development of millimeter scale 3D hemispherical shell resonators fabricated from polycrystalline diamond, a material with low thermoelastic damping and very high stiffness. The relation between the fourth harmonic (4θ) in a Fourier analysis of the resonator's radius r(θ) and frequency mismatch (Δf) of the 2θ elliptical vibration modes of the shell resonator is demonstrated.
Equilibrium bid functions for auctions with an uncertain number of bidders

Abstract The number of rivals may be unknown when a bidding strategy is formulated in an auction. In a symmetric model with risk-neutral bidders holding independent information, we obtain explicit equilibrium bidding functions for first-price and second-price auctions with uncertainty about the number of rivals. Five auctions are revenue-equivalent: first-price and second-price auctions, each with the number of bidders known or uncertain, and English auctions.
An indication for “granny glasses”

A young woman with a large astigmatic refractive error obtained no visual improvement with glasses. Repeated manifest refractions revealed persistent variations in the apparent cylinder axis. A suitable choice of spectacle frames facilitated a satisfactory outcome. The pitfalls inherent in the clinical specification of cylinder axis, and the potential visual consequences, are discussed.
Ergonomic Considerations in Robot Selection and Safety

This paper will review the major physical features of humans versus robots that are important in the evaluation, selection, and safe operation of robots for industrial tasks. A model for robot performance is presented and the methods for predicting the time a robot takes to complete a task will be discussed.
Characterization of Conformation-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies Against Skeletal Ryanodine Receptor

Conformation-specific monoclonal antibodies are powerful tools for studies of proteins structure and function. Monoclonal andibodies suitable for structure studies of membrane proteins are those that bind the target molecule at a conformation-sensitive epitope, typically one that comprises a three dimensional structure. Monoclonal antibody Fab fragments have been shown to help crystallization of membrane proteins both by stabilizing a conformation and by increasing hydrophilic surface for crystal “packaging”.We have immunized mice with full-length rabbit skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor, isolated clonal hybridoma cell lines, cloned the Fab fragments, and tested the purified antibodies for specificity, affinity and conformation sensitivity. Two monoclonal antibodies showed conformation specificity. These antibodies detect the native receptor in an immunoprecipitation assay but not the denatured receptor in a Western blot analysis. Furthermore, these antibodies show sensitivity to calcium and affect ryanodine binding activity suggesting specificity to the closed state of the receptor rather then the open state.
Flow, Moisture, and Thermodynamic Variability Associated with Gulf of California Surges within the North American Monsoon

AbstractThis study uses an improved surge identification method to examine composites of 29 yr of surface observations and reanalysis data alongside 10 yr of satellite precipitation data to reveal connections between flow, thermodynamic parameters, and precipitation, both within and outside of the North American monsoon (NAM) region, associated with Gulf of California (GoC) moisture surges. The North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR), examined using composites of flow during all detected moisture surges at Yuma, Arizona, and so-called wet and dry surges (those producing anomalously high and low precipitation, respectively, over Arizona and New Mexico), show markedly different flow and moisture patterns that ultimately lead to the differing observed precipitation distributions in the region. Wet surges tend to be associated with moister precursor air masses over the southwestern United States, have a larger contribution of enhanced easterly cross–Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO) moisture transport, and tend...
Mitochondria in organismal aging and degeneration

Several lines of experimentation support the view that the genetic, biochemical and bioenergetic functions of somatic mitochondria deteriorate during normal aging. Deletion mutations of the mitochondrial genome accumulate exponentially with age in nerve and muscle tissue of humans and multiple other species. In muscle, a tissue that undergoes age-related fiber loss and atrophy in humans, there is an exponential rise in the number of cytochrome-oxidase-deficient fibers, which is first detectable in the fourth decile of age. Most biochemical studies of animal mitochondrial activity indicate a decline in electron transport activity with age, as well as decreased bioenergetic capacity with age, as measured by mitochondrial membrane potential. Mitochondrial mutations may be both the result of mitochondrial oxidative stress, and cells bearing pure populations of pathogenic mitochondrial mutations are sensitized to oxidant stress. Oxidant stress to mitochondria is known to induce the mitochondrial permeability transition, which has recently been implicated in the release of cytochrome c and the initiation of apoptosis. Thus several lines of evidence support a contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to the phenotypic changes associated with aging.
Anionic Synthesis of Poly(9-methyl-9-trimethylsilyl-2-vinylfluorene) (PMSVF). Spontaneous Deprotection-Protonation of PMSVF with Potassium Methoxide/Methanol Gives Poly(9-methyl-2-vinylfluorene)

The BuLi or potassium naphthalide initiated polymerization is described of 9-methyl-9-trimethylsilyl-2-vinylfluorene (MSVF) in tetrahydofuran at −78 °C. The purification is described of this monome...
Relationship between ultrasonic assessment of the corpus luteum and plasma progesterone concentration in heifers.

Abstract In nulliparous Holstein heifers, ultrasonography was used to measure cross-sectional areas of corpora lutea, central luteal cavities and luteal tissue on Days 2, 5, 8, and 11 and daily on Days 14 to 21 (pregnant heifers, n = 7) or Day 14 to the day of the subsequent ovulation (nonbred and bred nonpregnant heifers, n = 7 and n = 8, respectively). A blood sample for progesterone assay was collected prior to each ultrasound examination. Combined for the three reproductive statuses, luteal tissue area and plasma progesterone concentration increased (P
Wavelet-based approach to inverse halftoning

This paper introduces a new approach to inverse halftoning using nonorthogonal wavelets. The distinct features of this wavelet-based approach are: a) edge information in the highpass wavelet images of a halftone is extracted and used to assist inverse halftoning, b) cross-scale correlations in the multiscale wavelet decomposition are used for removing background halftoning noise while preserving important edges in the wavelet lowpass image, c) experiments show that our simple wavelet-based approach outperforms the best results obtained from inverse halftoning methods published in the literature, which are iterative in nature.
The Effect of Magnesium on the Thermodynamics of Nucleic Acid Tertiary Contact Formation

Functional RNAs fold into compact, well-defined tertiary structures despite strong electrostatic repulsion both within and between helices. To achieve these compact structures, many RNAs employ structural divalent cations, typically Mg2+. The simplest tertiary contact in nucleic acids is two helices, joined by some non-helical contact. To explore the fundamental characteristics of tertiary contact formation in nucleic acids we studied a system of two DNA helices tethered via a short PEG linker by both computational and experimental methods. Computationally, we predict the electrostatic repulsion between these helices as a function of Mg2+ and Na+ concentration. Experimentally, we linked the distal termini of these helices via a disulfide linker. Using small-angle x-ray scattering, we measured the fraction of intact disulfide bonds as a function of reducing strength of the buffer at a range of Mg2+ and Na+ concentration. Using these data we can extrapolate the magnitude of the strain on the disulfide bond, and thus the repulsion between the helices. Previous results show that the conformational ensemble is narrowly distributed around an extended, co-linear conformation at low salt and becomes more relaxed at high salt, but is unable to isolate a conformation in which the helices are stacked. Furthermore, previous results also suggest that specific interactions between Mg2+ and the phosphate backbone strongly are more important than simple ionic strength in determining the magnitude of the repulsive potential between the helices. In this project, we hope to experimentally demonstrate the energy of helix stacking and the different role of ionic strength and ionic specific interactions.
Immunosuppression in Patients with Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma from the Skin

. Sixteen of 70 patients with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from the skin had evidence of clinical immunosuppression. In addition to patients with lymphoproliferative disorders or renal failure, those with cicatricial pemphigoid and those undergoing chronic oral corticosteroid therapy were identified as being at high risk. Host immune surveillance appears to play a major role in determining the metastatic potential of cutaneous SCC.
Mammalian Circadian Autoregulatory Loop: A Timeless Ortholog and mPer1 Interact and Negatively Regulate CLOCK-BMAL1-Induced Transcription

We report the cloning and mapping of mouse (mTim) and human (hTIM) orthologs of the Drosophila timeless (dtim) gene. The mammalian Tim genes are widely expressed in a variety of tissues; however, unlike Drosophila, mTim mRNA levels do not oscillate in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) or retina. Importantly, hTIM interacts with the Drosophila PERIOD (dPER) protein as well as the mouse PER1 and PER2 proteins in vitro. In Drosophila (S2) cells, hTIM and dPER interact and translocate into the nucleus. Finally, hTIM and mPER1 specifically inhibit CLOCK-BMAL1-induced transactivation of the mPer1 promoter. Taken together, these results demonstrate that mTim and hTIM are mammalian orthologs of timeless and provide a framework for a basic circadian autoregulatory loop in mammals.
Hair care practices and their association with scalp and hair disorders in African American girls

Background Few studies have extensively examined the prevalence of hair care practices and their association with scalp and hair conditions in African American girls. Objectives We sought to determine the prevalence of hair care practices and their association with traction alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis (SD), and tinea capitis (TC). Methods A questionnaire was administered to caregivers of African American girls aged 1 to 15 years. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association of hair care practices with reported disorders. Results A total of 201 surveys were completed from dermatology (n = 98) and nondermatology (n = 103) clinics. Mean patient age was 9.8 ± 4.4 years. Essentially all respondents reported use of hair oils/grease (99%). Ponytails, braids, and cornrows were worn by 81%, 67%, and 49% of girls, respectively, within the past 12 months. In all, 61% reported hair washing every 2 weeks; 80% used hot combs; and 42% used chemical relaxers. Cornrows were significantly related to traction alopecia among respondents from nondermatology clinics only: adjusted odds ratio = 5.79 (95% CI 1.35-24.8, P = .018). Hair extensions and infrequent hair oil use were significantly related to SD: adjusted odds ratio = 2.37 (95% CI 1.03-5.47, P = .04) and 3.69 (95% CI 1.07-12.7, P = .039), respectively. No significant associations were observed for TC. Limitations Small sample size and disorders reported by caregivers were limitations. Conclusions Certain hair care practices were strongly associated with development of traction alopecia and SD. No association was found between hair washing frequency and SD or TC, or between hair grease use and TC. These results can be used to inform practitioners, advise parents, and adapt treatment regimens to accommodate cultural preferences.
An Investigation of the Reaction Pathway for Ethylene Hydrogenation on Pd(111)

The hydrogenation of ethylene on Pd(111) is probed using a combination of temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and reflection−absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). Ethylene adsorbs on clean Pd(111) in a di-σ configuration but converts to π-bonded species when the surface is presaturated by hydrogen. Ethane is formed with an activation energy of 3.0 ± 0.3 kcal/mol only when Pd(111) is pre-covered by hydrogen and not when ethylene and hydrogen are co-dosed, indicating that ethylene blocks hydrogen adsorption. Experiments performed by grafting ethyl species onto the surface by reaction with ethyl iodide indicate that ethyl species hydrogenate much more rapidly than the overall rate of ethylene hydrogenation, demonstrating that the addition of the first hydrogen atom to adsorbed ethylene to form an ethyl species is the rate-limiting step in the hydrogenation reaction. The adsorption geometry of ethyl iodide is found to depend on dosing conditions. When adsorbed at low exposures at 80 K, the mirror symm...
Solution to the left-handed DNA challenge

1. On a stamp: (1) 1964 Israeli stamp, or (2) 2002 Italian stamp 2. On a banknote: Turkish five-lira banknote 3. On a coin: (1) 2014 Congolese two-thousand-franc silver coin, or (2) the edge of a 2003 UK two-pound coin 4. On a TIME cover: 17 January 1994 5. On the cover of Watson’s “The Double Helix”: (1) Penguin 2001 paperback edition, or (2) Penguin 1997 hardcover edition 6. In a presidential caricature: Newsweek (USA) 24 August 1998 7. During the Olympic ceremony: Opening ceremony of the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens During your next chemistry conference trip, pay close attention to the gamut of logos of biotechnology companies, almost all of which nowadays incorporate an image of the DNA double helix. You will be surprised how many of them feature the infamous left-handed DNA. Many more examples of left-handed DNA can be found on the World-Wide Web. In particular, noteworthy is Tom Schneider’s virtual gallery, the Left Handed DNA Hall of Fame [2].
Cultural Adaptations of Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Treatment and Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in African Americans

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly disabling disorder, afflicting African Americans at disproportionately higher rates than the general population. When receiving treatment, African Americans may feel differently towards a European American clinician due to cultural mistrust. Furthermore, racism and discrimination experienced before or during the traumatic event may compound posttrauma reactions, impacting the severity of symptoms. Failure to adapt treatment approaches to encompass cultural differences and racism-related traumas may decrease treatment success for African American clients. Cognitive behavioral treatment approaches are highly effective, and Prolonged Exposure (PE) in particular has the most empirical support for the treatment of PTSD. This article discusses culturally-informed adaptations of PE that incorporates race-related trauma themes specific to the Black experience. These include adding more sessions at the front end to better establish rapport, asking directly about race-related themes during the assessment process, and deliberately bringing to the forefront race-related experiences and discrimination during treatment when indicated. Guidelines for assessment and the development of appropriate exposures are provided. Case examples are presented demonstrating adaptation of PE for a survivor of race-related trauma and for a woman who developed internalized racism following a sexual assault. Both individuals experienced improvement in their posttrauma reactions using culturally-informed adaptations to PE.
Function-Based Analysis and Redesign of a Flyable Electromechanical Actuator Test Stand

Critical faults prevent electromechanical actuators (EMAs) from controlling primary flight surfaces aboard commercial and military human air/spacecraft. However, the efficiency and simplicity of the EMAs makes them appealing for use. For successful implementation, diagnostic and prognostic techniques identifying these critical faults must be optimized. This paper builds the foundation for the design of a second-generation test stand whose aim is to inject known EMA faults and record the data output while onboard an aircraft. First, an overview of faults is presented. Next, functional modeling is introduced as an effective system level representation to implement early design changes. Specifically, functional modeling is proposed to isolate functions of the test stand that can affect faulted and nominal actuator data collection through violations of post-processing statistical assumptions. The data collected from the EMA test stand will be used for actuator prognostic purposes and therefore must closely represent a full-scale actuator installation. This methodology will increase experiment validity, verifiable conclusions made regarding actuator remaining useful life, and overall system reliability.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Semi-active tuned liquid column dampers for vibration control of structures

Semi-active systems are attractive for structural control applications because they offer some of the best features of both passive and active systems. This paper examines a passive tuned liquid column damper which is converted into a variable-damping semi-active system. Different semi-active algorithms based on the clipped-optimal and fuzzy control strategies are studied using numerical examples. The main objective of this paper is to study the effectiveness of different control algorithms for semi-active tuned liquid dampers for structural control applications.
A comparison of plucked feathers versus blood samples as DNA sources for molecular sexing

Feathers are increasingly collected as a nondestructive source of DNA for avian genetic research. Although feather samples are not optimal in some important ways than more robust blood or tissue samples, feather sampling requires less training for field workers, results in shorter handling times for the organism, generates no hazardous wastes, and requires simpler storage procedures. Along with these largely positive attributes comes a set of challenges, particularly the relatively low copy number of DNA present in feather samples. We compared the utility and reliability of feathers to the more traditional blood samples as sources of DNA for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular sexing of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapilla). DNA from 102 individuals was extracted separately from both single rectrices and from blood samples, and the sex of each bird was then determined using standard PCR-based methods. We found complete agreement between sex determinations based on feather versus blood DNA extractions. Slight variations in lab protocols were necessary to obtain consistent results from these two DNA sources; and we briefly discuss other sources of error that could occur in feather-based molecular sexing studies. This controlled comparison of feather versus blood samples demonstrates that plucked rectrices provide a highly reliable source of DNA for molecular sexing of wild birds. SINOPSIS Se esta incrementando la modalidad de usar plumas como una fuente no destructiva de ADN para llevar a cabo investigacion genetica en aves. Aunque las muestras tomadas de plumas, en algunas instancias no son optimas que muestras mas robustas como sangre y tejido, el uso de estas no requiere adiestramiento especial, toman menos tiempo en la manipulacion del ave, no generan desperdicios peligrosos y requieren un almacenaje sencillo. Aunque hay atributos positivos en el uso de plumas, tambien existe el problema de obtener una muestra baja de ADN. Examinamos la utilidad y confiabilidad de muestras de plumas en comparacion con tecnicas mas tradicionales como obtencion de muestras de sangre como una fuente de ADN para el sexado de Poecile atricapilla utilizando PCR. A tales efectos se extrajo ADN, de rectrices, de 102 individuos y un numero similar de muestras de sangre para determinar el sexo usando PCR. Encontramos resultados similares con ambos metodos. Sin embargo, fueron necesarios pequenas variaciones en el protocolo de laboratorio para obtener resultados consistentes, de ambas fuentes de ADN. Discutimos algunas fuentes de error que pueden ocurrir cuando se utilizan plumas para la determinacion del sexo utilizando tecnicas moleculares. Este estudio demuestra que las rectrices son una fuente confiable para obtener buenas muestras de ADN y poder determinar el sexo en aves silvestres.
Tasquinimod prevents the angiogenic rebound induced by fractionated radiation resulting in an enhanced therapeutic response of prostate cancer xenografts

BACKGROUND Tasquinimod is a novel inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis which enhances therapeutic efficacy when combined with androgen ablation and/or taxane-based chemotherapies in pre-clinical prostate cancer models. It has entered registration Phase III evaluation for the treatment of castration resistant prostate cancer. Since tasquinimod suppresses the angiogenic switch induced by tumor hypoxia as prostate cancers outgrow their blood supply, this raises the issue of whether tasquinimod also suppresses the angiogenic rebound induced by fractionated radiation thereby enhancing therapeutic response to fractionated radiation. METHODS Human endothelial and prostate cancer cells in culture and human prostate cancer xenografts growing in castrated male nude mice were evaluated for their response to radiation alone and in combination with tasquinimod. RESULTS At clinically relevant drug levels, tasquinimod significantly (P < 0.05) enhances anti-cancer efficacy of fractionated radiation with optimal timing for initiating daily tasquinimod treatment being after completion of the fractionated radiation. CONCLUSIONS Based upon cell culture studies and tumor tissue oxygenation (i.e., pO2), tumor vascular volume, and tumor blood vessel density measurements, the mechanism for such enhancement and optimal timing involves tasquinimod's ability to prevent the angiogenic rebound induced by fractionated radiation. Prostate 72:638–648, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inducible gene expression of the human immunodeficiency virus LTR in a replication-incompetent herpes simplex virus vector.

Abstract Although replication-incompetent herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors have the capability to express foreign genes, successful development of these vectors for gene delivery would require that expression of the foreign gene be regulated. To investigate the feasibility of obtaining inducible expression of a foreign gene in such a vector, a replication-incompetent HSV vector, vd120/LTRβ, was developed that used the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) long terminal repeat (LTR) to express theEscherichia coli lacZgene. Examination oflacZexpression from the HIV-1 LTR in vd120/LTRβ-infected cells indicated that the LTR was active as a promoter under both replicating and nonreplicating conditions, although expression oflacZunder nonreplicating conditions was approximately 4-fold lower. In addition, the LTR expressedlacZin a manner distinct from that of well-characterized HSV-1 promoters of each temporal class. The effect of the HIV-1 regulatory protein Tat on expression from the LTR in vd120/LTRβ was examined by infection of two different HeLa-derived cell lines that constitutively expressed Tat, HL2/3, and HLtat. Compared to infection of HeLa cells,lacZexpression from vd120/LTRβ-infected HL2/3 and HLtat cells increased from 4- to 24-fold, depending on the multiplicity of vector infection. Sustained expression oflacZfrom the LTR in vd120/LTRβ-infected cells was not observed even in the continuous presence of Tat, although vector could be recovered for up to 5 days after infection. However, the amount of recoverable vector decreased during this time, suggesting that cellular cytotoxicity may account for some of the decrease in Tat-mediated expression from the LTR.
Rapid measurement of boiling points and vapor pressure of binary mixtures of short-chain triglycerides by TGA method

Abstract Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), has been used to rapidly obtain data on the temperature dependence of vapor pressure (760, down to 20 mmHg) and the boiling points for simple binary mixtures of tributyrin (C4 : 0), tricaproin (C6 : 0) and/or tricaprylin (C8 : 0). Vapor-pressure measurements were taken for binary mixtures of the aforementioned compounds as a function of mole fraction. Additional measurements of methyl esters of rapeseed oil and tallow, “biodiesel”, were included for comparison. The resulting data were then compared to the projected behavior of ideal mixtures of the same components. These measurements were then used to determine the effective heat of vaporization, Δ H v .
Comparison of frequency of complications of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in children versus adults

Compared with adults patients (n = 309) receiving implantable cardioverter-defibrillators at the same institution, pediatric patients (n = 11) exhibited a trend toward lower defibrillation thresholds. At follow-up of 29 +/- 17 months, the incidence of recurrent arrhythmias was similar, but lead revisions and device infections were more common in the pediatric patients.
Radioenzymatic assay for tryptophan hydroxylase: [3H]H2O release assessed by charcoal adsorption

The rate-limiting reaction in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, is catalyzed by the enzyme, tryptophan hydroxylase. Studies on the characteristics of this enzyme have been hampered by its relative instability and paucity in the brain. We have modified a charcoal adsorption radioenzymatic assay used for the measurement of tyrosine hydroxylase to assess rat brain tryptophan hydroxylase activity. This protocol is based on the principle that aromatic amino acid hydroxylases are mixed-function oxygenases and will utilize O2 and reduced pterin to convert tritiated amino acid substrate to product and tritiated H2O. All product and unreacted substrate are adsorbed by acidified charcoal. The [3H]H2O is analyzed by liquid scintillation spectrometry and is indicative (stoichiometrically) of the amount of product formed and, thus, the activity of the enzyme. This assay has a high signal-to-noise ratio and is sensitive enough to determine enzymatic activity in homogenates of individual raphe nuclei. In addition, its simplicity in design allows for the simultaneous testing of large numbers of samples. The enzyme activity and kinetic determinations derived from this protocol agree with those of other investigators using more lengthy, involved procedures.
Absorption sensor for CO in combustion gases using 2.3 µm tunable diode lasers

Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy of CO was studied in the controlled laboratory environments of a heated cell and a combustion exhaust rig. Two absorption lines, R(10) and R(11) in the first overtone band of CO near 2.3 µm, were selected from a HITRAN simulation to minimize interference from water vapor at a representative combustion exhaust temperature (~1200 K). The linestrengths and collision broadening coefficients for these lines were measured in a heated static cell. This database was then used in a comparative study of direct absorption and wavelength-modulation absorption. CO concentration measurements using scanned-wavelength direct absorption (DA) and wavelength modulation with the second-harmonic signal normalized by the first-harmonic signal (WMS-2f/1f) all agreed with those measured by a conventional gas sampling analyzer over the range from <10 ppm to 2.3%. As expected, water vapor was found to be the dominant source of background interference for CO detection in combustion flows at high temperatures. Water absorption was measured to a high spectral resolution within the wavelength region 4295–4301 cm−1 at 1100 K, and shown to produce <10 ppm level interference for CO detection in combustion exhausts at temperatures up to 1200 K. We found that the WMS-2f/1f strategy avoids the need for WMS calibration measurements but requires characterization of the wavelength and injection-current intensity modulation of the specific diode laser. We conclude that WMS-2f/1f using the selected R(10) or R(11) transitions in the CO overtone band holds good promise for sensitive in situ detection of ppm-level CO in combustion flows, with high resistance to interference absorption from H2O.
Synthesis and analysis of RNA containing 6-trifluoromethylpurine ribonucleoside.

We report the synthesis of a 5‘-DMT-2‘-TBDMS-protected phosphoramidite of 6-trifluoromethylpurine ribonucleoside (TFMP) and its use in the site-specific incorporation of 6-trifluoromethylpurine into RNA. Properties of TFMP-substituted RNA suggest it will be valuable in the study of RNA structure and the binding of RNA-modifying enzymes, particularly the RNA-editing adenosine deaminases.
Registration, Turnout, and the Electoral Representativeness of U.S. State Electorates

This study examines state-level political participation in an analysis that integrates registration, turnout, and the representativeness of U.S. state electorates. The authors use data aggregated from the 1984 and 1986 November Current Population Surveys to obtain estimates of overall and group registration and turnout across the states. Results indicate that long-term political factors, such as party elite ideology and the restrictiveness of registration requirements, are the principal determinants of state registration levels. Liberal party elites and lenient registration requirements are especially critical to the registration of the poor and the less educated. Subsequently, a greater level of registration translates into heavier turnout both for the overall state electorate and for various demographic groups within this electorate. Greater turnout, in turn, produces a more representative active electorate.
A note on the decision rules of public regulatory agencies

In recent years economists have investigated the use of market mechanisms to deal with external diseconomies [Coase; Castle]. They have also recognized that many external diseconomies cannot be compensated by internalization. When this occurs the relevant problem becomes the specification of legal parameters for non-market regulation [Haveman; Galbraith; Castle]. This note examines an important component of the process of specifying the legal parameters the decision rules of public agencies. The analysis is presented in somewhat more formal terms than has appeared previously in the literature by using the analogy of statistical decision rules. This approach provides considerable insight on how a change in political decisions (policy assumptions) can reverse a regulatory agency's decisions without changing its technical evaluation procedures.1 Regulatory agencies are charged with establishing standards for such diverse items as drugs, industrial pollution and nuclear energy. They are also responsible for determining if the standards are being met and for enforcing compliance with them. Technical expertise in these areas constitutes the raison d'etre of the agencies, while policy assumptions are thought to belong in the sphere of the legislative bodies which establish guidelines and vote funds for the agencies. A point which is generally ignored, however, is that the daily decision rules of the agencies themselves are derived from the hypotheses they establish. The
Experimental investigation of straight and curved annular wall jets

Accurate turbulence measurements taken in wall jet flows are difficult to obtain, due to high intensity turbulence and problems in achieving two-dimensionality. The problem is compounded when streamwise curvature of the flow is introduced, since the jet entrainment and turbulence levels are greatly increased over the equivalent planar values. In this experiment, two-dimensional straight and curved incompressible wall jet flows are simulated by having a jet blow axially over a cylinder. Hot wire measurements and some Laser Doppler Velocimetry measurements are presented for straight and curved wall jet flows. The results for the straight wall showed good agreement between the annular flow data and the rectangular data taken by previous researchers. For the jets with streamwise curvature, there was agreement between the annular and corresponding rectangular jets for the flow region closest to the slot exit. An integral analysis was used as a simple technique to interpret the experimental results. Integral momentum calculations were performed for both straight and curved annular and two dimensional wall jets. The results of the calculation were used to identify transverse curvature parameters and to predict the values of those parameters which would delineate the region where the annular flow can satisfactorily simulate two dimensional flow.
Motion of Particles in Einstein's Relativistic Field Theory. VIII. Displacement Field, Fundamental Field, and Geodesics

In several earlier papers the author developed an approximation method for finding the Lorentz-covariant equations of structure and motion of interacting particles represented by singularities in Einstein's theory of the nonsymmetric field and in Einstein's theory of the gravitational field. In this paper techniques are presented for finding in these theories the displacement field, the fundamental field, and the equations of geodesics - in terms of a field denoted by ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$-to any order of approximation desired. The techniques are applied, and the displacement field, fundamental field, and the equations of geodesics are found, in terms of ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$, to those orders of approximation needed in future work - the fourth order when dealing with charged particles (and investigating interactions over atomic and molecular distances) and the eighth order when dealing with neutral particles (and investigating higher-order gravitational effects). Certain general properties of the above-mentioned fields and equations are also discussed.
Scaling law for the blue cheese model of damage

Abstract This paper presents the derivation of the scaling law for the stiffness of slit weakened two-dimensional continua. The derivation is based on fracture mechanics at the slit scale and is valid for elastic and elasto-plastic materials.