cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between non destructive and static modulus of elasticity of commercial wood plastic composites

The relationship between stress wave nondestructive (NDE) modulus of elasticity (MOE) and static MOE determined by four point bending test of commercial wood-plastic composites was evaluated in this study to assess the potential of using the NDE technique as a grading tool for wood plastics as it is currently done for solid lumber. The NDE MOE was evaluated on a Metriguard Model 340 E computer system, and the static MOE of the same boards measured on an Instron Universal Tester model 5587 according to the ASTM standard D 6109. Results showed that the NDE MOE values overestimated the static MOE from 3.5% to 17.6% depending on the boardwalk type. Regression analysis showed no significant correlation between the NDE MOE and the Static MOE. These results suggest that the stress wave NDE technique may not be appropriate to estimate the static MOE of wood plastic lumber. The trend however needs to be confirmed by further testing using a larger sample size and different combination of the raw materials.
Gold-silicon fiber shorts in VLSI devices

An analysis and documentation method used to expose fibrous gold-silicon particle shorts was developed. The particles are a consequence of the die bond scrub-in being performed in an oxidizing atmosphere. Initially attached to the substrate, the fibers become detached during vibration or temperature cycling and cause intermittent shorts. It is shown that this particle generating tendency can be eliminated by using an adequate amount of cover gas concentration, which eliminates oxidation of the silicon. The bonding pressure, amplitude, duration, and temperature are other process parameters requiring optimization. >
Mining evolving streams with resource adaptive computation

Summary form only given. The problem of streaming data has gained importance in recent years because of advances in hardware technology. The ubiquitous presence of data streams in a number of practical domains has generated a lot of research in this area. Example applications include surveillance for terrorist attack, network monitoring for intrusion detection, and others. Problems such as data mining which have been widely studied for traditional data sets cannot be easily solved for the data stream domain. This is because the large volume of data arriving in a stream renders most algorithms to inefficient as most mining algorithms require multiple scans of data which is unrealistic for stream data. More importantly, the characteristics of the data stream can change over time and the evolving pattern needs to be captured. Furthermore, we also need to consider the problem of resource allocation in mining data streams. Due to the large volume and the high speed of streaming data, mining algorithms must cope with the effects of system overload. Thus, how to achieve optimum results under various resource constraints becomes a challenging task. In this talk, the author provides an overview, discusses the issues and focuses on how to mine evolving data streams and perform resource adaptive computation.
Method for Increasing Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide in Bacteriological Incubators

We have adapted three incubators for culturing mycobacteria in an atmosphere of approximately 5% CO2 and two incubators for culturing other organisms in atmospheres of approximately 10% CO2.
THE FEDERAL STATISTICAL SYSTEM'S RESPONSE TO EMERGING DATA NEEDS

A number of recent reports on economic statistics (Juster, 1988; National Association of Business Economists, 1988; Office of Technology Assessment, 1989; Council of Economic Advisers, 1990), as well as articles in the press (for example, New York Times, October 20, 1989, page 1) have pointed to data gaps and inadequacies in the outputs of statistical agencies. Though one might argue some of the specifics, the content of these reports will evoke broad agreement among professional users of economic statistics. Budget cuts during the 1980's, alleged lack of "coordination and leadership" from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), increasingly noncompetitive Federal salaries for technical occupations, and increasing resistance by respondents to Federal statistical surveys are listed as causes of the data gaps; curiously, criticism of statistical agencies themselves is muted. Though it is undoubtedly true that statistical agencies could have made some head way toward filling data gaps had, e.g., more resources been available in the 1980' S2, a longer historical view of the statistical system suggests that
Winning the Dialect Popularity Contest: Mass-mediated Language Ideologies and Local Responses in Rural Valdres, Norway

In 2005, Norway's largest national radio network held a first-of-its-kind dialect popularity contest as part of its highly rated summer morning show. Listeners called in to vote for their favorite Norwegian dialect, and after eight weeks of voting and elimination rounds the rural Valdres valley was crowned national dialect champion. Winning the dialect popularity contest has contributed to a renewed sense of pride in using the distinctive local variety, particularly among young people, despite long-term convergence toward an urban regional norm. Taking the dialect contest as a point of departure, this paper presents theoretical insights into 1) the role of mass media in the reproduction of historically contingent national language ideologies, 2) the local effects and varied uptakes of mass-mediated ideologies, particularly along generational lines, and 3) the role of sociolinguistic aesthetics in mediating potential language-ideological contradictions. [dialect, language ideologies, Norwegian, mass media]
O-Acetylhomoserine Sulfhydrylase from Neurospora PURIFICATION AND CONSIDERATION OF ITS FUNCTION IN HOMOCYSTEINE AND METHIONINE SYNTHESIS

Abstract An enzyme was purified 500-fold from Neurospora which catalyzes the formation of homocysteine from O-acetylhomoserine and sulfide or methionine from O-acetylhomoserine and methylmercaptan. The two activities were not separated by purification. The rate with methylmercaptan is 1.8 times that with sulfide. No cystathionine is formed from cysteine, and there is essentially no α-ketobutyrate formed from O-acetylhomoserine or cystathionine. The enzyme is highly specific for O-acetylhomoserine, having negligible activity with homoserine, serine, and several of their other acyl derivatives. The apparent Michaelis constants are 7 x 10-3 m for O-acetylhomoserine in both reactions, 7 x 10-4 m for sulfide, and 8 x 10-4 m for methylmercaptan. A requirement for pyridoxal phosphate can be shown after dialyzing the enzyme with cysteine. Moderate inhibition was observed with methionine, S-adenosylmethionine, and S-adenosylhomocysteine, but not with cystathionine. No repression by methionine was observed. No mutants were found which are defective in this activity. Previous evidence led to the conclusion that these reactions are not the primary mechanisms in vivo for homocysteine and methionine synthesis. A possible temporary function for this enzyme may be formation of methionine from methylmercaptan at times of exhaustion of an exogenous source of sulfur.
Use of the Decision Case Method of Teaching in a Course on Death and Grief

ABSTRACT As a key professional and essential team member, social workers must be adequately prepared to address the complexities and challenges inherent in palliative, hospice, and bereavement care. Decision case method teaching is one means of exposing students to practice situations they may face and stimulating collaborative decision making in the classroom. This article explores the use of the decision case method in a master's level course on death and dying. The approach was well-accepted by students and a good fit for the university's academic focus on developing critical thinking abilities.
On the development of a laser detonator

The initiation of explosives by laser illumination has been known for many years. In this paper we will discuss the development of a working detonator design that reduces the energy required for detonation in a low-density secondary explosive by vaporizing a thin metal coating. We present data on the development of the design for a workhorse laser detonator that provides enhanced safety over existing exploding bridgewire detonators (EBWs). Comparison of this laser initiated data to an exploding-bridgewire (EBW) provides insight into the mechanism of initiation of detonation in low-density PETN by the plasma source. A novel diagnostic technique to determine the run-distance to detonation also known as the apparent Center-of-Initiation (COI) will also be discussed.
Pegylated interferons for chronic hepatitis C virus infection: an indirect analysis of randomized trials

Summary. Dual therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is recommended for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who meet criteria for treatment, but it is unclear whether pegylated interferon alfa-2a or pegylated interferon alfa-2b is more effective or associated with fewer adverse events. Because data from head-to-head trials of pegylated interferon regimens are sparse, we performed adjusted indirect analysis using trials comparing dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2a or pegylated interferon alfa-2b vs dual therapy with non-pegylated interferon. We searched for potentially relevant randomized controlled trials using electronic databases and reference lists. A total of 16 trials met inclusion criteria. Adjusted indirect comparisons found no statistically significant differences between dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2a and dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2b on the outcomes sustained virologic response [relative risk (RR) = 1.59, 95% CI: 0.56–4.46], withdrawal due to adverse events (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.29–2.55), anaemia (RR = 1.67, 95% CI: 0.32–8.84), depression (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.41–2.90) or flu-like symptoms (RR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.53–2.29). Adjusting for potential publication bias and stratifying analyses by indicators of methodological quality, human immunodeficiency virus infection status, hepatitis C virus genotype, dose of ribavirin or dose of pegylated interferon did not change conclusions. There is insufficient evidence to support conclusions that dual therapy with one pegylated interferon is superior to the other. However, because estimates are imprecise, our results also do not rule out a clinically significant difference. Head-to-head trials are needed to verify the results of indirect analyses and provide additional guidance on optimal treatment choices.
Growth and Characterization of Germanium-based type I Clathrate Thin Films Deposited by Pulsed Laser Ablation

Thin films of clathrate material have been grown using the laser ablation technique on a variety of substrates. Films deposited on silicon substrates exhibited a significant deficiency of Ga and Ge while the stoichiometry was preserved in films deposited on quartz, sapphire, and glass substrates. Ablation characteristics of the clathrate target for laser radiation at three different wavelengths in the UV, visible and IR were studied. The UV and IR laser wavelengths produce low ablation thresholds and high growth rates. Crystalline films were obtained above a growth temperature of 400°C. Conductivity measurements on the films at low current injection (<40 µA) showed semiconducting behavior. At high currents the films demonstrated a semiconductor-to-metal transition for temperatures lower than 150 K.
T= 92 analogue state in 63Ni

Abstract The T = 9 2 analogue of the ground state of 63Co has been observed in 63Ni by the 64Ni(p, d)63Ni reaction with 27.5 MeV incident protons. The observed excitation energy of this state, 11.85±0.08 MeV, yields a Coulomb displacement energy ΔEc = 8.97±0.08 MeV in excellent agreement with known values in this mass region. The angular distribution for this state is consistent with assignments of J π = 7 2 − , and, when compared with coupled-channel calculations, yields a spectroscopic factor of 0.21, indicating considerable fragmentation of the strength of the transition.
Prefrontal activity predicts monkeys' decisions during an auditory category task.

The neural correlates that relate auditory categorization to aspects of goal-directed behavior, such as decision-making, are not well understood. Since the prefrontal cortex plays an important role in executive function and the categorization of auditory objects, we hypothesized that neural activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) should predict an animal's behavioral reports (decisions) during a category task. To test this hypothesis, we tested PFC activity that was recorded while monkeys categorized human spoken words (Russ et al., 2008b). We found that activity in the ventrolateral PFC, on average, correlated best with the monkeys' choices than with the auditory stimuli. This finding demonstrates a direct link between PFC activity and behavioral choices during a non-spatial auditory task.
The different courses of early- and late-onset idiopathic and alcoholic chronic pancreatitis.

Abstract Background/Aims: Compared with alcoholic pancreatitis, little is known about the natural history of idiopathic pancreatitis. Two hundred forty-nine patients with alcoholic pancreatitis and 66 patients with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis seen at our institution between 1976 and 1982 were investigated. Methods: Records were analyzed retrospectively from the onset of symptomatic disease, and patients were followed up prospectively until 1985. Patients with early-onset (n =25) and late-onset (n = 41) idiopathic chronic pancreatitis had a median age at onset of symptoms of 19 and 56 years, respectively. Results: The gender distribution was nearly equal in idiopathic chronic pancreatitis, but 72% of patients with alcoholic pancreatitis were men ( P = 0.001 vs. idiopathic). In early-onset idiopathic pancreatitis, calcification and exocrine and endocrine insufficiency developed more slowly than in late-onset idiopathic and alcoholic pancreatitis ( P = 0.03). However, in early idiopathic chronic pancreatitis, pain frequently occurred initially ( P = 0.003 vs. late and alcoholic) and was more severe ( P = 0.04 vs. late and alcoholic). In late-onset idiopathic pancreatitis, pain was absent in nearly 50% of patients. Conclusions: There are two distinct forms of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis. Patients with early-onset pancreatitis have initially and thereafter a long course of severe pain but slowly develop morphological and functional pancreatic damage, whereas patients with late-onset pancreatitis have a mild and often a painless course. Both forms differ from alcoholic pancreatitis in their equal gender distribution and a much slower rate of calcification.
New far-infrared photon detectors

New and novel far-infrared photon detector concepts based on modern epitaxial growth and fabrication techniques are discussed. Simple analyses are carried out to compare the relative merits among three cases based on quantum wells, quantum dots, and free carrier absorptions. Typical results obtained on quantum dot detectors are presented and areas that need improvements are pointed out. Finally some comments are made on the realization of two-dimensional imaging devices.
Synchronization of Stochastic Ca2+ Release Units Creates a Rhythmic Ca2+ Clock in Cardiac Pacemaker Cells

In sinoatrial node cells of the heart, beating rate is controlled, in part, by local Ca2+ releases (LCRs) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which couple to the action potential via electrogenic Na+/Ca2+ exchange. We observed persisting, roughly periodic LCRs in depolarized rabbit sinoatrial node cells (SANCs). The features of these LCRs were reproduced by a numerical model consisting of a two-dimensional array of stochastic, diffusively coupled Ca2+ release units (CRUs) with fixed refractory period. Because previous experimental studies showed that β-adrenergic receptor stimulation increases the rate of Ca2+ release through each CRU (dubbed Ispark), we explored the link between LCRs and Ispark in our model. Increasing the CRU release current Ispark facilitated Ca2+-induced-Ca2+ release and local recruitment of neighboring CRUs to fire more synchronously. This resulted in a progression in simulated LCR size (from sparks to wavelets to global waves), LCR rhythmicity, and decrease of LCR period that parallels the changes observed experimentally with β-adrenergic receptor stimulation. The transition in LCR characteristics was steeply nonlinear over a narrow range of Ispark, resembling a phase transition. We conclude that the (partial) periodicity and rate regulation of the “Calcium clock” in SANCs are emergent properties of the diffusive coupling of an ensemble of interacting stochastic CRUs. The variation in LCR period and size with Ispark is sufficient to account for β-adrenergic regulation of SANC beating rate.
Nowcasting the development and evolution of deep convection

This paper addresses using satellite data for nowcasting severe storms in the 0-6 hour time frame. Weather, and weather related phenomena extend across a broad range of scales. In meteorology the link between the synoptic scale and the mesoscale is many times a key factor in controlling the intensity of local weather. The only observing tool capable of monitoring weather across those scales (and those scales interactions) is the geostationary satellite! Just as imagery from polar orbiting satellites helped advance understanding of synoptic scale phenomena, imagery from geostationary satellites is advancing our understanding of the mesoscale. A number of important discoveries using geostationary satellite imagery have had a dramatic impact on mesoscale meteorology and, in turn, our ability to provide short term forecasts and warnings for disaster related weather events, including: areas of incipient squall line development; location of regions with high probability of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms; mesoscale convective complexes; and, areas with heavy convective rainfall. As exciting as current capabilities are, satellite systems that will come into being during the next several years will provide capabilities well beyond the present ones.
Diagnostic value of AgNOR method in thyroid cytopathology : Correlation with morphometric measurements

A silver staining technique was applied to 51 thyroid smears. The numbers of silver-stained nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) were counted, and the mean AgNOR and nuclear area per cell were determined with an image analyzer. The mean AgNOR count per cell was significantly higher in malignant than in benign lesions, but there was a considerable overlap. The mean AgNOR area and the mean SD of the AgNOR area per cell were significantly higher in carcinomas than in benign lesions (P = 10–9 and P = 5 × 10–10, respectively) and there were only two and one benign cases, respectively, of overlap. A strong correlation was observed between the mean AgNOR area and the mean nuclear area (r = 0.88), the former being a better discriminator between benign and malignant lesions. The AgNOR technique may contribute to routine thyroid cytopathology. Diagn Cytopathol 1996;14:140–144. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The TIP Theory: Prescriptions for Designing Instruction for Teams

The purpose of the Team Instructional Prescriptions (TIP) theory is to prescribe a set of systematically integrated principles for designing instruction for teams. The structure of the theory is based on Reigeluth and Merrill's conditions–methods–outcomes framework. The TIP theory identifies two interrelated instructional outcomes: effective, efficient teamwork, and effective, efficient team task performance. These outcomes can be attained by prescribing concurrent instructional methods for both team development and task performance. The selection of instructional methods (specifically organizational strategies) is determined by three sets of condition variables: (1) team development stages (forming, performing I, and performing II); (2) task process dimensions (procedural/interdependent, procedural/independent, transfer/interdependent, and transfer/independent); and (3) task relationships (subordinate, coordinate, and superordinate). These three sets of conditions define 36 unique instructional conditions, each of which requires a slightly different set of organizational strategies (macro, mid–level, and micro).
Ratios of Regioisomers of Triacylglycerols Containing Dihydroxy Fatty Acids in Castor Oil by Mass Spectrometry

The triacylglycerols (TAG) containing dihydroxy fatty acids have been recently identified by mass spectrometry in castor oil. These new dihydroxy fatty acids were proposed as 11,12-dihydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid (diOH18:1), 11,12-dihydroxy-9,13-octadecadienoic acid (diOH18:2) and 11,12-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid (diOH18:0). The ratios of regioisomers of the TAG were estimated by fragment ions from the loss of fatty acids at the sn-2 position as α,β-unsaturated fatty acids by electro spray ionization-mass spectrometry of the lithium adducts (MS3). The content of regioisomeric diOH18:1-OH18:1-diOH18:1 (ABA, with two different fatty acids) was about 92% in the total of stereoisomeric diOH18:1-OH18:1-diOH18:1, OH18:1-diOH18:1-diOH18:1 and diOH18:1-diOH18:1-OH18:1 combined. The approximate contents of other regioisomers were as follows: diOH18:1-OH18:1-OH18:1 (92%), diOH18:1-diOH18:0-diOH18:1 (91%), diOH18:2-OH18:1-OH18:1 (80%) and diOH18:0-OH18:1-OH18:1 (96%). The ratios of regioisomers of TAG (ABC) containing three different fatty acids were estimated as about 7:1:2 (OH18:1:diOH18:1:diOH18:2) and about 7:2:1 (OH18:1:diOH18:0:diOH18:1). Ricinoleate (OH18:1) was predominately at the sn-2 position of TAG (both AAB and ABC) containing dihydroxy fatty acids and ricinoleate. Dihydroxy fatty acids were mainly at the sn-1,3 positions of TAG containing dihydroxy fatty acids and ricinoleate in castor oil. The ratios of the three regioisomers of TAG (ABC) containing three different fatty acids by mass spectrometry are first reported here.
Thermal characterization of overmolded underfill materials for stacked chip scale packages

Abstract Stacked chip scale package (SCSP) is a new electronic packaging technology for non-CPU products, such as hand-held computing and communication devices. In this technology, one or more wire-bonded silicon chips are stacked on top of another flipped silicon chip, and an overmolded underfill encapsulant is used to both encapsulate and underfill the wire-bonded chip and the flip chip in a single process. In this paper, the cure behavior, thermal stability, filler content, and thermomechanical properties of five overmolded underfill materials have been studied using DSC, TGA, TMA, and DMA. Results showed that there is a strong correlation between thermomechanical properties and the filler content of the material. Based on measured thermomechanical properties, a “figure-of-merit” approach was used to estimate the thermal stress induced in the package upon cooling. Results showed that an OMUF material with a low T g , low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and low modulus can effectively reduce the package thermal stress. The reliability results are in good agreement with the predictions based on thermal stress estimation.
Depletion of Appalachian coal reserves — how soon?

Abstract Much of the coal consumed in the US since the end of the last century has been produced from the Pennsylvanian strata of the Appalachian basin. Even though quantities mined in the past are less than they are today, this basin yielded from 70% to 80% of the nation's annual coal production from the end of the last century until the early 1970s. During the last 25 years, the proportion of the nation's coal that was produced annually from the Appalachian basin has declined markedly, and today it is only about 40% of the total. The amount of coal produced annually in the Appalachian basin, however, has been rising slowly over the last several decades, and has ranged generally from 400 to 500 million tons (Mt) per year. A large proportion of Appalachian historical production has come from relatively few counties in southwestern Pennsylvania, northern and southern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, Virginia and Alabama. Many of these counties are decades past their years of peak production and several are almost depleted of economic deposits of coal. Because the current major consumer of Appalachian coal is the electric power industry, coal quality, especially sulfur content, has a great impact on its marketability. High-sulfur coal deposits in western Pennsylvania and Ohio are in low demand when compared with the lower sulfur coals of Virginia and southern West Virginia. Only five counties in the basin that have produced 500 Mt or more exhibit increasing rates of production at relatively high levels. Of these, six are in the central part of the basin and only one, Greene County, Pennsylvania, is in the northern part of the basin. Decline rate models, based on production decline rates and the decline rate of the estimated, “potential” reserve, indicate that Appalachian basin annual coal production will be 200 Mt or less by the middle of the next century.
Gastric cation secretion in a patient with complete esophageal obstruction and permanent gastrotomy

1. Variation in the electrolytes of the gastric secretion, in response to several different stimuli, were determined in a patient with complete esophageal stenosis and a permanent gastric fistula, and are generally in agreement with those previously reported from this laboratory under a variety of conditions.
Modeling human motion patterns for multi-robot planning

Modeling human motion in complex environments without losing long-range dependencies is difficult due to the large number of combinatorially distinct paths humans may follow. Existing representations avoid this difficulty by limiting the prediction of human motion to a local level. As a result, robot motion planning algorithms that use these representations are reactive in nature, and fail to exploit higher-order dependencies. We present a novel motion model capable of representing the global path behavior of people. Our model compactly encodes higher-order temporal dependencies inherent in human mobility traces on an abstract representation of the environment that lends itself to combinatorial planning. We incorporate uncertainties into the planning process using POMDPs and present a general predictive multi-robot planning algorithm applicable to pedestrian datasets commonly found in the literature. We evaluate our planner by simulating multiple instances of a variant of the visibility-based target-tracking problem inspired by our previous work. We report encouraging results that demonstrate our multi-robot plans exhibit desirable combinatorial structure, e.g. robot re-use.
Risk Factors for Physical Impairment after Acute Lung Injury in a National, Multicenter Study

Rationale: Existing studies of risk factors for physical impairments in acute lung injury (ALI) survivors were potentially limited by single-center design or relatively small sample size. Objectives: To evaluate risk factors for three measures of physical impairments commonly experienced by survivors of ALI in the first year after hospitalization. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal study of 6- and 12-month physical outcomes (muscle strength, 6-minute-walk distance, and Short Form [SF]-36 Physical Function score) for 203 survivors of ALI enrolled from 12 hospitals participating in the ARDS Network randomized trials. Multivariable regression analyses evaluated the independent association of critical illness–related variables and intensive care interventions with impairments in each physical outcome measure, after adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, and baseline functional status. Measurements and Main Results: At 6 and 12 months, respectively, mean (± SD) values for strength (presented as proportion of maximum strength score evaluated using manual muscle testing) was 92% (± 8%) and 93% (± 9%), 6-minute-walk distance (as percent-predicted) was 64% (± 22%) and 67% (± 26%), and SF-36 Physical Function score (as percent-predicted) was 61% (± 36%) and 67% (± 37%). After accounting for patient baseline status, there was significant association and statistical interaction of mean daily dose of corticosteroids and intensive care unit length of stay with impairments in physical outcomes. Conclusions: Patients had substantial impairments, from predicted values, for 6-minute-walk distance and SF-36 Physical Function outcome measures. Minimizing corticosteroid dose and implementing existing evidence-based methods to reduce duration of intensive care unit stay and associated patient immobilization may be important interventions for improving ALI survivors’ physical outcomes.
Antiangiogenesis Strategies Revisited: From Starving Tumors to Alleviating Hypoxia

Ten antiangiogenic drugs targeting VEGF or its receptors are approved for cancer treatment. However, these agents, intended to block tumors' blood supply, may cause hypoxia, which may fuel tumor progression and treatment resistance. Emerging clinical data suggest that patients whose tumor perfusion or oxygenation increases in response to these agents may actually survive longer. Hence, strategies aimed at alleviating tumor hypoxia while improving perfusion may enhance the outcome of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Here I summarize lessons learned from preclinical and clinical studies over the past decade and propose strategies for improving antiangiogenic therapy outcomes for malignant and nonmalignant diseases.
Scavenger Receptor A Activation Enhances Peptidoglycan-Stimulated Interleukin-8 Release In BronchialEpithelium

INTRODUCTION: The immune response to certain pathogens or cellular stressors is initiated and regulated by pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system. Pattern recognition receptors are effective by utilizing either endocytic (Scavenger Receptors) or signaling receptors (Toll-like Receptors). It has been previously demonstrated that mouse dendritic cells deficient in scavenger receptor A (SRA) negatively regulated the immune response produced by Toll-like receptors when exposed to modified lipid proteins. Previously, we have shown that peptidoglycan contained in organic dust from swine barns stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokine release in bronchial epithelium. We hypothesized bronchial epithelial SRA would also have a regulatory role in the cytokine response produced by toll-like receptors. METHODS/MATERIALS: Primary and immortalized (Beas-2B) human bronchial epithelial cells were grown in serum-free media to 70% confluency. Cells were incubated with 100 100 100 μg/ml fucoidan (a known SRA ligand), μg/ml fetuin (a negative control for SRA), and μg/ml chondroitan sulfate (a known SRB ligand) for 24 hours. Each sample was then incubated with 10 μg/ml of peptidoglycan or media for 24 and 48 hours. The media was then collected and assayed for IL-8 using a standard sandwich ELISA. IL-8 production was significantly increased in cells pre-treated with fucoidan followed by peptidoglycan as compared to either RESULTS: media control (3-fold increase) or peptidoglycan only (2-fold increase). Cells treated with fucoidan, fetuin, or chondroitin sulfate demonstrated no significant increase in IL-8 production vs. media control. Cells pre-treated with fetuin or chondroitin sulfate followed by peptidoglycan produced no enhanced increase in IL-8 production when compared to peptidoglycan alone. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that peptidoglycan can stimulate IL-8 production maximally at 24 hours. When human bronchial epithelium is first treated with a SRA ligand, fucoidan, IL-8 release is increased. Increased production of IL-8 by bronchial epithelium under these conditions suggests that SRA has a co-stimulatory relationship with TLR-2. These results suggest that receptor crosstalk may have a role in the airway inflammatory response to inhaled Gram-positive bacteria.
Hotspot swells revisited

Abstract The first attempts to quantify the width and height of hotspot swells were made more than 30 years ago. Since that time, topography, ocean-floor age, and sediment thickness datasets have improved considerably. Swell heights and widths have been used to estimate the heat flow from the core–mantle boundary, constrain numerical models of plumes, and as an indicator of the origin of hotspots. In this paper, we repeat the analysis of swell geometry and buoyancy flux for 54 hotspots, including the 37 considered by Sleep (1990) and the 49 considered by Courtillot et al. (2003), using the latest and most accurate data. We are able to calculate swell geometry for a number of hotspots that Sleep was only able to estimate by comparison with other swells. We find that in spite of the increased resolution in global bathymetry models there is significant uncertainty in our calculation of buoyancy fluxes due to differences in our measurement of the swells’ width and height, the integration method (volume integration or cross-sectional area), and the variations of the plate velocities between HS2-Nuvel1a (Gripp and Gordon, 1990) and HS3-Nuvel1a (Gripp and Gordon, 2002). We also note that the buoyancy flux for Pacific hotspots is in general larger than for Eurasian, North American, African and Antarctic hotspots. Considering that buoyancy flux is linearly related to plate velocity, we speculate that either the calculation of buoyancy flux using plate velocity over-estimates the actual vertical flow of material from the deep mantle or that convection in the Pacific hemisphere is more vigorous than the Atlantic hemisphere.
Acquisition and extinction of a simple motor skill as a function of delay of knowledge of results

Abstract The present experiment demonstrates that the effects of delay of knowledge of results (KR) in a line drawing task depend upon the dependent variable which is considered and the original response tendency of the subjects. Delay of KR interfered with the acquisition of the correct response when number of correct responses is the dependent variable. When KR was omitted the immediate-KR group continued to make more correct responses than the delayed-KR group. However, there was a significant reduction in correct responses for both groups. When absolute error was the response measure there were no significant differences between immediate-and delayed-KR groups either during acquisition or extinction. Analysis of the type of response made during extinction suggested that the overshooting effect obtained by previous investigators may be typical of short responders trained under conditions of immediate reinforcement but not of those trained under delayed-KR. Greenspoon and Foreman (1956) obtained clear c...
Unequal Pay for Equal Work: The Gender Gap in Academic Medicine

An article in this issue provides the most recent evidence that, despite near-equal representation of women and men in medicine, equal compensation eludes us. Physicians should be mortified that no...
Origin, transport, and emplacement of an exotic island-arc terrane exposed in eastern Kamchatka, Russia

The regional stratigraphy of eastern Kamchatka includes an exotic, Early-Late Cretaceous ophiolite and Late Cretaceous island-arc volcanic sequence. Integrating the existing geologic and geophysical data, we examine the origin, transport, emplacement, and postemplacement deformation of the island-arc terrane, which is named the Olyutorsky island arc. Results from several paleomagnetic studies consistently indicate that the island-arc terrane originated >1000 km to the south of where it is presently exposed. Although the formative paleolatitudes of the island-arc rocks approximately correspond to the location of the Izanagi-Farallon subduction zone, the age of the volcanic rocks postdates the cessation of Izanagi-Farallon convergence, thus indicating that an unnamed plate or back-arc basin existed in the northwest Pacific during Late Cretaceous time. We examine two possible models for northward transport of the island-arc terrane to Kamchatka: (1) infra-oceanic transport with the Pacific or Kula plates and (2) coastwise translation of the island-arc terrane after accretion to the Eurasian margin far to the south of Kamchatka. For both models, the dominant Eocene and Miocene deformation ages observed in eastern Kamchatka are used as two possible age limits for the cessation of northward transport. Although the observed paleolatitudes from paleomagnetic data correspond best with the infra-oceanic transport model, the provenance of the Paleogene "transport" stratigraphy indicates a near-shore sediment supply. Our preferred interpretation is that the island-arc terrane (1) accreted onto the Eurasian margin concurrent with cessation of island-arc volcanism (Maastrichtian-Danian) and (2) underwent northward coastwise translation along a major strike-slip fault zone ending by middle-late Eocene time (43-50 Ma). It is unclear whether the ophiolite was exposed during arc-continent collision or whether the ophiolite was obducted onto the island arc prior to collision. A consequence of either infra-oceanic transport or coastwise translation is that an open corridor between the western terminus of the Aleutian Arc and Kamchatka must have existed until middle to late Eocene time. Spreading within the Komandorsky Basin, subduction of sea-mounts, and collision of the Aleutian Arc with Kamchatka are proposed to have instigated the second Miocene phase of deformation, which uplifted and reexposed the island-arc terrane.
Productivity Growth in U.S. Agriculture: A Postwar Perspective

There has been a long-standing fascination with productivity trends in U.S. agriculture. In part, this stems from the historical importance of agriculture to the economy but it also reflects economists' early and continued interest in quantifying the rate of return to society's sizable investment in agricultural R&D. The sum of government sponsored and private sector R&D investment in agriculture is estimated to have been $268 million in 1953.' In that year, total R&D investment in the economy from all sources amounted to $5.1 billion.2 Excluding defense and space-related R&D which accounted for approximately half of the U.S. total in the early fifties,3 R&D expenditures dedicated to agriculture equaled approximately 10% of total U.S. investment in R&D from all sources.
A model for determining protection levels for equipment classes within a set of subsystems

Abstract : Given a system of the structure assumed, or which was transformed into the structure assumed, a model is proposed which computes alternative sets of protecion levels for equipment classes to satisfy specified subsystem protection levels. The calcultion procedure is algorthmic or canonical once the system was represented in terms of the model. Procedures are suggested for further manipulating the alternative sets which are computed, to yield further alternatives. (Author)
The use of neural networks in PSRI target recognition

A method for classifying objects invariant to position, rotation, or scale is presented. Objects to be classified were multifunction laser radar data of tanks and trucks at various aspect angles. A segmented Doppler image was used to mask the range image into candidate targets. Each target is then compared to stored templates representing the different classes. The template and the image were transformed into the magnitude of the Fourier transform with log radial and angle axis, the mod F(ln r, theta ) mod position, scale, and rotation invariant (PSRI) feature space. The classification is accomplished using the shape of the correlation peak of the mod F(ln r, theta ) mod planes of an image and a template. A multilayer perceptron neural network using a backpropagation algorithm performs the classification with accuracy near 100%. Results are also presented which yield insight into the problem of selecting the number of hidden nodes for the network. >
Nonaqueous slip casting of YBa2Cu3O7−x ceramics

Abstract A ceramic casting process based on the fundamentals of slip casting has been developed to form high Tc superconductive ceramics. In this process, YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−x powders ( μ m) dispersed in acetone are cast into foundry molds prepared by a lost wax process. After casting, the mold is peeled away from the superconductor, yielding a ceramic monolith in the shape of the mold. This work describes the casting process, as well as the result of a preliminary investigation into the use of magnetic fields to orient the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−x grains during the forming process.
The effect of phase-reversed and flashed presentations upon the apparent contrast of sinusoidal gratings.

The effect of duration upon the apparent contrast of a 0.7- and 7.0-c/deg sinusoidal grating was determined for two modes of temporal presentation: phase reversals and on-off flashes. For both spatial frequencies at durations of less than 60 msec, the apparent contrast of phase-reversed presentations was less than that of on-off flashes. However, for the 0.7-c/deg target at durations of 100–300 msec, the apparent contrast of the phase-reversed presentations was significantly greater than that of on-off presentations. There was no difference in the effect of the two modes of temporal presentation upon apparent contrast at longer durations with the 7.0-c/deg grating. These results are discussed in terms of the role of response transients in the perceived contrast of suprathreshold gratings.
Daily Cone Beam CT Soft-tissue Matching by Radiation Therapists: A Prospective Credentialing and Validation Study

Daily Cone Beam CT Soft-Tissue Matching by Radiation Therapists: A Prospective Credentialing and Validation Study Junzo Chino M.D. and James Oleson M.D. Ph.D. Department of Radiation Oncology Duke Unversity Medical Center Durham NC Purpose/Objectives: In order to reduce margins in the treatment of prostate cancer, daily image guidance is required to ensure appropriate target coverage. Cone beam CT (CBCT) is a newly available technology which allows for a non-invasive target localization. We desired to determine whether radiation therapists can be trained to reliably match to soft tissue on daily CBCT without immediate physician supervision.
Adhesion behavior of electroless deposited Cu on Pt/Ta silicate and Pt/SiO2

Abstract X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to characterize the growth mode of sputter deposited Pt at ∼300 K on Ta silicate and SiO 2 thin films formed on a Si(1 0 0) substrate. The ability of Pt thin films to catalyze electroless Cu deposition on Ta silicate and SiO 2 was also studied. The XPS data show that Pt deposition results in conformal growth or “wetting” on Ta silicate and 2-D cluster growth on SiO 2 . Electroless Cu deposition on ∼11 monolayers (MLs) Pt/Ta silicate film results in an adherent Cu film which passed the Scotch tape test. In contrast, electroless Cu deposition on ∼11 ML Pt/SiO 2 results in a non-adherent Cu film due to weak Pt/SiO 2 interaction.
PAH IN FOSSIL FUELS AND THEIR GEOCHEMICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Abstract With the help of the advanced TSQ-45 model GC-MS-MS with INCOS data system, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) of 85 samples from twelve sedimentary basins both in China and abroad, including crude oils, source rocks, oil shales and coals, have been studied. PAH, source features, sedimentary environments and maturity of organic matter have been discussed. Three series, i.e. fluorene series, dibenzofuran series and dibenzothiophene series, may be derived from the same original materials, and their properties of internal compositions may be mainly controlled by oxi-reduction conditions. The major changes of PAH are cracking, dealkylation and structural rearrangement during the maturation of organic matter, therefore the changes in ring number of PAH, the internal composition of the same series of compounds and methylphenanthrene index may reflect the maturity of organic matter. On the basis of our analysis and study, a new maturity parameter, i.e. the stable three-fluorene series index, has been proposed. Biphenyl series compounds may be the products of high-temperature cracking. PAH can be used in oil-source correlation studies. The fingerprint of PAH is particularly important for those crude oils or source rocks which are high-mature or in which steroids and terpenoids have been severely altered because of biodegradation.
Diversity and Patterns of Regulation of Nicotinic Receptor Subtypesa

In our studies we explored the functional relevance of nAChR diversity, in part from the perspective of nAChR as ideal targets for regulatory influences, including those mediated via actions of ligands at other "interacting" receptors. We explored possible mechanisms for nAChR regulation and roles played by nAChR subtype and subunit diversity in those processes. We showed that regulatory factors can influence nAChR numbers at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels and can affect nAChR function and subcellular distribution. We also demonstrated that nAChR expression can be influenced (1) by nicotinic ligands, (2) by second messengers, (3) by growth factors, (4) by agents targeting the nucleus, and (5) by agents targeting the cytoskeleton. We found common effects of some regulatory influences on more than one nAChR subtype, and we found instances where regulatory influences differ for different cell and nAChR types. Even from the very limited number of these initial studies, it is evident that nAChR subunit and subtype diversity, which alone can provide diversity in nAChR functions, localization, and ligand sensitivity, dovetails with diversity in cellular signaling mechanisms that can affect nAChR expression to amplify the potential functional plasticity of cholinoceptive cells. As examples, we discussed potential roles for nAChR diversity and regulatory plasticity in synapse remodeling and in changes in neuronal circuit conditions. These examples illustrate how nAChR diversity could play important roles in the regulation of nervous system function.
Group Comparisons for Basic Skills Measures.

Correlation, regression, and score interval analyses were conducted for six academic measures as predictors of essay writing and overall performance. Comparisons for all analyses were made for men, women, Asians, blacks, Hispanics, and whites. The correlational comparisons showed few differences across groups, except that correlations tended to be lower for the white sample because of variance restrictions. The regression comparisons agreed with previous studies showing blacks and Hispanics to be generally overpredicted. On essay-writing performance, men were also overpredicted by conventional basic skills measures. In contrast, women tended to write better essays than would have been predicted by conventional basic skills measures. False negatives, those people who score low on a predictor but who excel on a criterion, occurred least in the black and Hispanic groups.
Unligated dirhodium tetra(trifluoroacetate): preparation, crystal structure and electronic structure

Abstract The title compound, Rh2(O2CCF3)4, without any exogenous axial ligands, has been obtained in crystalline form by sublimation. Its crystal structure has been determined: space group P 1 with α = 5.2499(5), b = 8.491(2), c = 9.172(2) A , α = 88.80(2), β = 88.53(1), γ = 76.43(1)°, V = 397.3(1) A 3 , Z = 1 . The molecules are linked by axially ligating each other to form infinite chains. The Rh-Rh distance is 2.3813 (8) A. The volatility of Rh2(O2CCF3)4 should allow spectrospcopic study of the isolated molecules and therefore the electronic structure has been treated by the SCF-Xα-SW method. The level ordering and composition show significant differences from those of Rh2(O2CH)2, although in both molecules there is a strong Rh-Rh σ bond. Ionizatio potential have been estimated by the transition state method.