cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biodiversity conservation implications of landscape change in an urbanizing desert of Southwestern Peru

Internal migration from the Peruvian highlands and rural areas has burdened urban areas with rapid growth. Urban expansion is threatening the desert habitat and unique vegetation communities surrounding Arequipa, one of Peru's largest cities. A 511 ha tract contiguous to the city of Arequipa has been informally designated an ecological park. Analysis of Landsat satellite imagery over a 16-year interval indicates that urban expansion is occurring in the direction of the park. The land use/land cover change analysis revealed other landscape patterns and processes, such as agricultural expansion, which are relevant to the study area. These dynamics, plus principles of landscape ecology, suggest that the park's size and shape may not be the most suitable. Conservation alternatives include the expansion of the park, the spatial connection to another nature reserve, or the design of co-management strategies. Given local historical events and the paucity of regional conservation efforts, social actors in Arequipa and in national governmental institutions will need to find practical ways to collaborate.
Therapeutic apheresis: A review of complications and recommendations for Prevention and management

Therapeutic apheresis procedures are a form of extracorporeal therapy that use different techniques to separate blood into the different components out of which the part containing the etiological agent in a disease process is discarded and the rest of the components of blood are re-infused into the patient, frequently with the addition of a replacement fluid or volume. These complex procedures have inherent risks of adverse events and factors that may impact on the incidence these events include the underlying disease state, anticoagulation techniques, replacement fluid type including the volume, issues related to the vascular access used, and the therapeutic apheresis procedure type and technique. We present a representative case based review of common complications of therapeutic apheresis and suggestions about how to prevent or manage these as presented at the 2010 Therapeutic Apheresis Academy.
Absorption Spectrum of Beryllium in the Neighborhood of the K Edge

The absorption spectrum of metallic Be has been investigated in the soft x-ray region extending from 60A to 250A. The $K$ discontinuity appears at 111A and coincides with the $K$ edge observed in the emission spectrum. Over the spectral range studied, the values of the linear absorption coefficient range from 0.25\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{5}$ to 2.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{5}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Characteristic secondary structure is also noticeable on the short wavelength side of the edge. The positions of secondary absorption maxima are compared with those previously found in the $K$ absorption spectrum of Al and with theoretical calculations based on the Hayasi model. The absorption spectrum has also been studied by irradiating Be absorbers with the continuous far ultraviolet radiation emitted by relativistic electrons accelerated in the Cornell synchrotron. Partial reduction of the data indicates good agreement with determinations based on the use of line spectra as the incident radiation.
Soil water evaluation using a hydrologic model and calibrated sensor network

Studies show that it may be possible to combine satellite-derived soil water maps with soil-vegetation-atmosphere transfer (SVAT) models to obtain spatially distributed, temporally continuous information on vadose zone water contents. However, before this method can be instituted, it is essential to determine the ability of a SVAT model to simulate vadose zone soil water contents. A study was designed to evaluate the simultaneous heat and water (SHAW) model by comparing its soil water predictions with measured soil water contents collected by electrical resistance sensors (ERS) during the Monsoon '90 multidisciplinary field experiment. ERS collected hourly soil water measurements at 5-, 15-, and 30-cm depths in a shrub-dominated site [Larrea tridentada (Sesse and Moc. ex DC.) Coville] with large bare interspace areas. Data collected by the ERS were calibrated to time domain reflectometer (TDR) sensor measurements placed adjacent to the ERS using an in situ calibration technique. Results indicated that the SHAW model overestimated soil water at each depth by 0.02 m{sup 3} m{sup {minus}3} under bare soil and underestimated soil wafer at each depth under shrub cover by 0.02 m{sup 3} m{sup {minus}3}. The ability of the model to simulate ERS water content values gives it the potential to bemore » periodically updated with remotely sensed data to predict vadose zone water content over large areas at high temporal resolutions.« less
Adhesive liquid core optical fibers for crack detection and repairs in polymer and concrete matrices

This work is an investigation into the feasibility of using liquid core optical fibers for the detection and self repair of cracking in cement or polymer materials generated by dynamic or static loading. These experiments rely on our current research sponsored by the National Science Foundation. It combines that work on the concept of internal adhesive delivery from hollow fibers for repair with nondestructive fiber optic analysis of the crack localization and volume within the same system. The need to monitor the internal state of civil structures and materials is great. Existing instrumentation techniques that mainly rely on magnetism, electricity, or stress gauges are limited if used for remote measurements in concrete or composites. They are sensitive to electrical magnetic noises and they degrade in the environment over time. Optical fibers are attractive because they are immune to electromagnetic interference and are sensitive over long distances. The combination of the ability to remotely measure crack occurrence in real time and determine the location and volume of crack damage in the matrix is unique in the field of optic sensors (or any sensors in general). The combination of this with crack repair, rebonding of any detached or broken fibers, and replenishment of liquid core chemicals, when necessary, make this a potentially powerful sensing and repair tool. Work on this research topic of the combination sponsored by the University of Illinois, looks very promising as a rapid innovative advance.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An examination of the impact of subject selection on hypothetical and self-reported taxpayer noncompliance

Abstract Understanding taxpayer noncompliance involves the use of government reported statistics as well as taxpayer self-reported data. Both sets of data are subject to biases, but both have information to offer tax researchers. The present study addressed whether self-reported compliance rates and hypothetical reporting decisions correspond to government reported compliance rates and whether self-reported compliance rates correspond to hypothetical reporting decisions. The relationships were found to be positively correlated, but the results were influenced by the method of sample selection for the subjects. The findings of this study provide additional insight to help researchers cautiously interpret results from behavioral tax studies.
Synthesis and infra-red spectroscopic characterization of random copolymers of 4-vinylphenol with n-alkyl methacrylates

Abstract A series of random copolymers of 4-vinylphenol with n-alkyl methacrylates were synthesized by free-radical copolymerization of 4-t-butyldimethylsilyloxystyrene and the corresponding alkyl methacrylates, followed by selective removal of the t-butyldimethylsilyl protective group. Copolymerizations were performed in benzene at 60°C using azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator and reactivity ratios were determined using the Kelen-Tudos method. Removal of the protective group was effected by tetrabutylammonium fluoride in tetrahydrofuran at ambient temperature. An infra-red spectroscopic characterization of these copolymers is reported.
Case of acquired or pseudo-Pelger-Huët anomaly

Pelger-Huet anomaly (PHA) is a rare benign autosomal-dominant anomaly with an incidence of ∼1 in 6000. It does not cause neutrophilia, but it can cause a false increase in band forms. It should be differentiated from acquired or pseudo-Pelger-Huet anomaly (PPHA), which has similar morphology, however; it is associated with different pathological states like Myelodysplastic syndrome, as well as with certain infections and drugs. We report a case of a 67-year-old Caucasian gentleman with past medical history of rheumatoid arthritis, type II diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism, who presented with 1 day history of fever (101°F) and night sweats. Medications include ibuprofen, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and levothyroxine. Patient denied any other symptoms. His work-up showed normal WBC count (8.6) and increase in bands (24%). The patient was admitted for further evaluation. During the next 2 days, the patient did not have any fever or any new symptoms. Peripheral blood smear was done as part of his work-up for bandemia, showed findings suggestive of PHA. Ibuprofen was discontinued. Follow-up few weeks later showed normal blood smear. Diagnosis of PPHA was made. The presented case showed that we should think of PHA\PPHA in any case with normal total WBC count and significant shift to the lift with no apparent explanation. Looking at smears directly under the microscopes is crucial to make diagnosis.
Wigner distribution approximation applied to differential equations

Galleani and Cohen recently developed a Wigner-distribution based approach for the study of linear differential equations in general, and the gliding tone problem in particular. In this research, we extend these results by considering an exponential chirp and also a set of arbitrarily selected forcing functions. These forcing functions are taken from a class of smoothed and monotonically increasing phase functions. By examining a number of arbitrary selected forcing functions from this set, insight is gained into the nature of the solution and the associated dynamics of the system.
Effect of shocks on film cooling of a full scale turbojet exhaust nozzle having an external expansion surface

Experimental film cooling data obtained during exploratory testing with an axisymmetric plug nozzle having external expansion and installed on an afterburning turbojet engine in an altitude test facility is presented. The shocks and local hot gas stream conditions had a marked effect on film cooling effectiveness. An existing film cooling correlation was adequate at some operating conditions but inadequate at other conditions such as in separated flow regions resulting from shock boundary layer interactions.
Effect of Exposure to Potassium Permanganate on Stress Indicators in Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Juvenile channel catfish Ictulurus punctatus were exposed to 1× (0.44 mg/L), 3× (1.32 mg/L), or 5× (2.19 mg/L) the recommended therapeutic concentrations of waterborne potassium permanganate (KMnO4) for 36 h to determine the toxicity of the chemical. The fish were observed for 14 d after exposure. Gill, liver, and blood samples were collected before exposure, at 12, 24, and 36 h of exposure, and at 48-h intervals for 14 d thereafter. Analysis of homogenized gill tissue showed a transient increase in manganese content that quickly disappeared once exposure was discontinued. Fish exposed to the 3× and 5× concentrations of KMnO4 experienced 9 and 50.6% mortality, respectively. Plasma cortisol was elevated more than ten-fold at the 5× concentration. Both plasma chloride and osmolality were significantly reduced at the 3× and 5× concentrations but were unchanged at the 1×. Packed cell volumes (PCV) of whole blood rose significantly in response to 3× and 5× concentrations of KMnO4 Mortality may have been the result of blood electrolyte depletion as indicated by increased PCVs, loss of chloride, and reduced osmolality. All stress indicators measured, except PCV at the 5× concentration, were indistinguishable from unexposed controls within 48 h after exposure was discontinued. At the l× concentration (the concentration most like that employed in a disease treatment) no changes were observed in any stress indicators measured suggesting that KMnO4 may be safely used as a disease therapeutant for channel catfish.
Interface Problems in Space Experimentation

Space experimentation is expanding rapidly. Unmanned satellites are being equipped with precision instruments of greater power, and manned space stations accommodating large crews are in the drawing-board stage. The interface problems between these sophisticated instruments and between man, the spacecraft, and the supporting ground stations are multidimensional. This paper analyzes the scientific/technical areas of space experimentation, and continues with a review of the subsystems and support systems required to supply and operate the large variety of instruments. Areas of major integration efforts are singled out and the requirements for further developments and improvements are listed. A bibliography of 95 references is enclosed to assist in the identification of more detailed reports on all vital aspects of space experimentation.
Pyrolysis of hexamethylcyclotrisilthiane and tetramethylcyclodisilthiane in the presence of cyclic siloxanes: evidence for the intermediacy of dimethylsilathione

Abstract Copyrolysis of hexamethylcyclotrisilthiane and hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane yields 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyl-2,4,6-trioxo-1,3,5,7-tetrasila-8-thiacyclooctane. Likewise, copyrolysis of hexamethylcyclotrisilthiane or tetramethylcyclodisilthiane with 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-2-oxa-1,3-disilacyclopentane yields 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyl-2-oxa-1,3,5-trisila-4-thiacycloheptane. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
Activation of bone marrow phagocytes following benzene treatment of mice.

Techniques in flow cytometry/cell sorting were used to characterize the effects of benzene and its metabolites on subpopulations of bone marrow cells. Treatment of male Balb/c mice with benzene (88...
Constructions of Hjelmslev planes

We present a new construction method for strongly n-uniform Hjelmslev planes which gives greater control in selecting the point and line neighborhood structures of the constructed planes. As a consequence, we are able to complete the proof of the Drake-Torner Theorem which asserts: the spectrum of invariant pairs for the class of finite, regular, minimally uniform projective Hjelmslev planes is the set of all Lenz-pairs.
Impact of Mechanical Unloading on Microvasculature and Associated Central Remodeling Features of the Failing Human Heart

Objectives This study investigates alterations in myocardial microvasculature, fibrosis, and hypertrophy before and after mechanical unloading of the failing human heart. Background Recent studies demonstrated the pathophysiologic importance and significant mechanistic links among microvasculature, fibrosis, and hypertrophy during the cardiac remodeling process. The effect of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) unloading on cardiac endothelium and microvasculature is unknown, and its influence on fibrosis and hypertrophy regression to the point of atrophy is controversial. Methods Hemodynamic data and left ventricular tissue were collected from patients with chronic heart failure at LVAD implant and explant (n = 15) and from normal donors (n = 8). New advances in digital microscopy provided a unique opportunity for comprehensive whole-field, endocardium-to-epicardium evaluation for microvascular density, fibrosis, cardiomyocyte size, and glycogen content. Ultrastructural assessment was done with electron microscopy. Results Hemodynamic data revealed significant pressure unloading with LVAD. This was accompanied by a 33% increase in microvascular density (p = 0.001) and a 36% decrease in microvascular lumen area (p = 0.028). We also identified, in agreement with these findings, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical evidence of endothelial cell activation. In addition, LVAD unloading significantly increased interstitial and total collagen content without any associated structural, ultrastructural, or metabolic cardiomyocyte changes suggestive of hypertrophy regression to the point of atrophy and degeneration. Conclusions The LVAD unloading resulted in increased microvascular density accompanied by increased fibrosis and no evidence of cardiomyocyte atrophy. These new insights into the effects of LVAD unloading on microvasculature and associated key remodeling features might guide future studies of unloading-induced reverse remodeling of the failing human heart.
Nuclear receptor coactivator/coregulator NCoA6(NRC) is a pleiotropic coregulator involved in transcription, cell survival, growth and development

NCoA6 (also referred to as NRC, ASC-2, TRBP, PRIP and RAP250) was originally isolated as a ligand-dependent nuclear receptor interacting protein. However, NCoA6 is a multifunctional coregulator or coactivator necessary for transcriptional activation of a wide spectrum of target genes. The NCoA6 gene is amplified and overexpressed in breast, colon and lung cancers. NCoA6 is a 250 kDa protein which harbors a potent N-terminal activation domain, AD1; and a second, centrally-located activation domain, AD2, which is necessary for nuclear receptor signaling. The intrinsic activation potential of NCoA6 is regulated by its C-terminal STL regulatory domain. Near AD2 is an LxxLL-1 motif which interacts with a wide spectrum of ligand-bound NRs with high-affinity. A second LxxLL motif (LxxLL-2) located towards the C-terminal region is more restricted in its NR specificity. The potential role of NCoA6 as a co-integrator is suggested by its ability to enhance transcriptional activation of a wide variety of transcription factors and from its in vivo association with a number of known cofactors including CBP/p300. NCoA6 has been shown to associate with at least three distinct coactivator complexes containing Set methyltransferases as core polypeptides. The composition of these complexes suggests that NCoA6 may play a fundamental role in transcriptional activation by modulating chromatin structure through histone methylation. Knockout studies in mice suggest that NCoA6 is an essential coactivator. NCoA6-/- embryos die between 8.5-12.5 dpc from general growth retardation coupled with developmental defects in the heart, liver, brain and placenta. NCoA6-/- MEFs grow at a reduced rate compared to WT MEFs and spontaneously undergo apoptosis, indicating the importance of NCoA6 as a prosurvival and anti-apoptotic gene. Studies with NCoA6+/- and conditional knockout mice suggest that NCoA6 is a pleiotropic coregulator involved in growth, development, wound healing and maintenance of energy homeostasis.
Effects of Roughage Type or Added Bentonite in Maintaining Fat Test

Abstract Four groups of five cows each were fed the following experimental rations having a grain to dry-roughage ratio of 3 to 1 for an eight-week period: Group I, hay + pelleted concentrate, Group II, same as Group I with addition of 5% sodium bentonite to the pelleted concentrate, Group III, corn silage + pelleted concentrate, Group IV, same as Group III, except for the addition of calcium lactate (equivalent to 5% of silage dry matter as lactic acid) to corn silage. The standard fat-depressing ration based on hay (Ration I) maintained fat test at 50% of normal. Addition of bentonite (Ration II) maintained test at 80% of normal (P
Balanced Aspect Ratio Trees and Their Use for Drawing Very Large Graphs

We describe a new approach for cluster-based drawing of very large graphs, which obtains clusters by using binary space partition (BSP) trees. We also introduce a novel BSP-type decomposition, called the balanced aspect ratio (BAR) tree, which guarantees that the cells produced are convex and have bounded aspect ratios. In addition, the tree depth is O(log n), and its construction takes O(n log n) time, where n is the number of points. We show that the BAR tree can be used to recursively divide a graph into subgraphs of roughly equal size, such that the drawing of each subgraph has a balanced aspect ratio. As a result, we obtain a representation of a graph as a collection of O(log n) layers, where each succeeding layer represents the graph in an increasing level of detail. The overall running time of the algorithm is O(n log n + m + D0(G)), where n and n are the number of vertices and edges of the graph G, and D0(G) is the time it takes to obtain an initial embedding of G. In particular, if the graph is planar each layer is a graph drawn with straight lines and without crossings on the n×n grid and the running time reduces to O(n log n).
Whispec: white-box testing of libraries using declarative specifications

We present a novel framework, Whispec, for white-box testing of methods that manipulate structurally complex data, such as those that pervade library classes. Given method preconditions as declarative constraints, our framework systematically generates test inputs for the methods to maximize their code coverage. The constraints are written in Alloy, a first-order language based on relations. To test a method, given its precondition constraint, we first solve that constraint using the Alloy Analyzer and translate a solution into a test input. Next, we execute the method on that input and build the path condition for the resulting execution path. Then, we run the analyzer on a conjunction of the precondition and a new path condition that represents a previously unexplored path. The solution is translated to a new test input, which triggers the next round of test generation. The iterative execution of Whispec can systematically enumerate inputs that maximize code coverage. Experiments using a variety of data structure implementations from the Java libraries show that our framework generates significantly smaller test suites (while maximizing coverage) than those generated by previous specification-based approaches.
Deposition stress effects on the life of thermal barrier coatings on burner rigs

A study of the effect of plasma spray processing parameters on the life of a two layer thermal barrier coating was conducted. The ceramic layer was plasma sprayed at plasma arc currents of 900 and 600 amps onto uncooled tubes, cooled tubes, and solid bars of Waspalloy in a lathe with 1 or 8 passes of the plasma gun. These processing changes affected the residual stress state of the coating. When the specimens were tested in a Mach 0.3 cyclic burner rig at 1130 deg C, a wide range of coating lives resulted. Processing factors which reduced the residual stress state in the coating, such as reduced plasma temperature and increased heat dissipation, significantly increased coating life.
Distribution of carbon-14 labeled C60 ([14C]C60) in the pregnant and in the lactating dam and the effect of C60 exposure on the biochemical profile of urine

This study was conducted to determine the distribution of [(14)C]C60 in the pregnant rat and fetuses, and in the lactating rat and offspring. Pregnant rats were dosed on gestation day (gd) 15 and lactating rats were dosed on postnatal day (pnd) 8 via tail vein injection with a suspension of approximately 0.3 mg [(14)C]C60 kg(-1) body weight prepared in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), or with PVP alone. Tissues were collected at 24 and 48 h after dosing. The largest portion of the administered dose was detected in the liver (approximately 43%, pregnant dam; approximately 35%, lactating dam) and lung (approximately 25%, lactating dam). Radioactivity (approximately 6%) was distributed to the reproductive tract, placenta and fetuses of the pregnant dam. Lactating rats had radioactivity distributed to the milk (3140 dpm g(-1) tissue, 24 h; 1620 dpm g(-1) tissue, 48 h), and to the pups' GI tract (2.8%, 24 h; 4.4% 48 h) and liver (<1%). Blood radioactivity was significant at 24 h (14-19%) and at 48 h (7%) after dosing; largely accounted for in the plasma fraction. Less that 4% of the dose was recovered in the maternal spleen, heart, brain, urine or feces. Metabolomics analysis of urine indicated that dams exposed to [(14)C]C60 had decreased metabolites derived from the Krebs cycle and increased metabolites derived from the urea cycle or glycolysis, as well as alterations in the levels of some sulfur-containing amino acids and purine/pyrimidine metabolites. This study demonstrated that [(14)C]C60 crosses the placenta and is transmitted to offspring via the dam's milk and subsequently systemically absorbed.
MicroRNA-146 inhibits thrombin-induced NF-κB activation and subsequent inflammatory responses in human retinal endothelial cells.

Purpose Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a key regulator of immune and inflammatory responses, plays important roles in diabetes-induced microvascular complications including diabetic retinopathy (DR). Thrombin activates NF-κB through protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1, a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, and contributes to DR. The current study is to uncover the roles of microRNA (miRNA) in thrombin-induced NF-κB activation and retinal endothelial functions. Methods Target prediction was performed using the TargetScan algorithm. Predicted target was experimentally validated by luciferase reporter assays. Human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were transfected with miRNA mimics or antimiRs and treated with thrombin. Expression levels of miR-146 and related protein-coding genes were analyzed by quantitative (q)RT-PCR. Functional changes of HRECs were analyzed by leukocyte adhesion assays. Results We identified that caspase-recruitment domain (CARD)-containing protein 10 (CARD10), an essential scaffold/adaptor protein of GPCR-mediated NF-κB activation pathway, is a direct target of miR-146. Thrombin treatment resulted in NF-κB-dependent upregulation of miR-146 in HRECs; while transfection of miR-146 mimics resulted in significant downregulation of CARD10 and prevented thrombin-induced NF-κB activation, suggest that a negative feedback regulation of miR-146 on thrombin-induced NF-κB through targeting CARD10. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-146 prevented thrombin-induced increased leukocyte adhesion to HRECs. Conclusions We uncovered a novel negative feedback regulatory mechanism on thrombin-induced GPCR-mediated NF-κB activation by miR-146. In combination with the negative feedback regulation of miR-146 on the IL-1R/toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated NF-κB activation in RECs that we reported previously, our results underscore a pivotal, negative regulatory role of miR-146 on multiple NF-κB activation pathways and related inflammatory processes in DR.
Structure-property relationships in the R-type hexaferrites: Cation distributions and magnetic susceptibilities of MX 2 Fe 4 O 11

The strong, and heretofore unexplained, dependence of the magnetic properties of the R-type hexaferrites MX2Fe4O11 on heat treatment has been investigated by means of57Fe and119Sn Mossbauer spectroscopy at 297 K.57Fe Mossbauer spectra of samples of BaTi2Fe4O11, BaSn2Fe4O11, and SrSn2Fe4O11, annealed at several temperatures consist of three partially resolved quadrupole doublet patterns. The pattern with the very large quadrupole splitting, i.e. 1.3 mm s−1 ≤ δEQ ≤ 1.7 mm s−1, is readily assigned to the trigonal bipyramidal site, and exhibits no dependence of its parameters, including the relative intensity, on heat treatment. The remaining two patterns are assigned to Fe3+ ions on octahedral sites, and exhibit relative intensities that are strongly dependent on heat treatment. The119Sn spectrum of BaSn2Fe4O11 is a broad, apparently single line that, with the exception of verifying the presence of tin as Sn4+, provides little insight into the details of the structure. The distributions of the cations over all the lattice sites have been deduced from the Mossbauer spectra and compared with the magnetic susceptibility data. It is concluded that the cation distributions of the Sn-containing phase are not strongly dependent on heat treatment, and the magnetic properties exhibit a similar insensitivity to heat treatment. The Ti analogs exhibit a strong dependence of cation distribution on heat treatment, which is reflected in widely varying magnetic ordering temperatures, a variation that is confirmed by the incipient magnetic hyperfine splitting despite the strong magnetic frustration in the R-type hexaferrites.
Usefulness of P-Wave Duration to Identify Myocardial Ischemia During Exercise Testing

It is well recognized that ST-segment depression is due to subendocardial ischemia secondary to an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. The increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure is associated with increased left atrial pressure, resulting in left atrial wall distension that contributes to increasing P-wave duration (PWD). The objective of this study was to determine if PWD measured in leads II and V 5 during maximum exercise stress testing could be a reliable predictor of myocardial ischemia. Patients with suspected coronary disease underwent maximum exercise stress testing with myocardial perfusion imaging. PWD was measured using leads II and V 5 at rest and after exercise, with electrocardiographic complexes magnified 4 times (100 mm/s, 40 mm/mV). The change in PWD was calculated as Δ = PWD recovery − PWD rest . ΔPWD and ST-segment changes were related to the absence or presence of ischemia (localized reversible perfusion abnormalities) on myocardial perfusion imaging scans. ΔPWD had sensitivity of 72%, specificity of 82%, negative predictive power (NPP) of 90%, and positive predictive power of 57%. ST-segment change had sensitivity of 34%, specificity of 87%, NPP of 80%, and positive predictive power of 47%. When ΔPWD and ST changes were combined, sensitivity increased to 79% and NPP increased to 91%. In conclusion, ΔPWD outperformed ST-segment changes in predicting myocardial ischemia on myocardial perfusion imaging scans. Furthermore, when ΔPWD and ST-segment changes were combined, sensitivity and NPP were also significantly increased. In this study population, measuring ΔPWD substantially increased the diagnostic value of maximum exercise stress testing.
The central dogma of cell biology

The Continuum Model proposes that preparations for DNA synthesis occur continuously during all phases of the division cycle. Various stimuli activate cell proliferation by changing the rate of initiator (protein) synthesis. Cell division does not initiate any process regulating cell proliferation. Cell division is the end of a process and the beginning of nothing. The alternative model which has cell proliferation regulated in the G1 phase of the division cycle is reexamined and the two types of evidence for this model, G1-variability and G1-arrest are shown to be compatible with the Continuum Model. Here, the Continuum Model is generalized to produce a new look at the logic of the division cycle in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This new view, the Central Dogma of Cell Biology, is presented and two predictions are made. I propose that (i) cell division does not have any regulatory function, and (ii) that DNA synthesis may, indeed, have some affect on the synthesis of initiator.
Preparation of Unidirectional End-Grafted α-Helical Polypeptides by Solvent Quenching

A simple “solvent quenching” approach to align an α-helical end-grafted poly(γ-benzyl l-glutamate) monolayer is presented. By sequentially treating poly(γ-benzyl l-glutamate) with good solvent (chloroform) and bad solvent (acetone), we obtained a highly aligned monolayer with an average tilt angle as small as 3°.
A Framework for the Assessment and Selection of Software Components and Connectors in COTS-Based Architectures

Software systems today are composed from prefabricated commercial components and connectors that provide complex functionality and engage in complex interactions. Unfortunately, because of the distinct assumptions made by developers of these products, successfully integrating them into a software system can be complicated, often causing budget and schedule overruns. A number of integration risks can often be resolved by selecting the 'right' set of COTS components and connectors that can be integrated with minimal effort. In this paper we describe a framework for selecting COTS software components and connectors ensuring their interoperability in software-intensive systems. Our framework is built upon standard definitions of both COTS components and connectors and is intended for use by architects and developers during the design phase of a software system. We highlight the utility of our framework using a challenging example from the data-intensive systems domain. Our preliminary experience in using the framework indicates an increase in interoperability assessment productivity by 50% and accuracy by 20%.
The effect of latex particle size on the rheology of thickened dispersions

Abstract The rheological behavior of model 100-nm poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) latices thickened with hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and with commercial Hydrophobe-modified Ethoxylated URethane (HEUR) associative polymers are compared with thickened 220-nm model PMMA latices. This study also includes a model film-forming (i.e., low glass transition temperature) methyl acrylate copolymer latex and two commercial 100-nm latices. In HEC-thickened pigmented and unpigmented dispersions, the smaller latices (at 0.32 volume fraction) are higher in viscosity due to a greater surface area and the related effect of hydration on the effective volume fraction of the dispersion. In HEUR associative thickeners, the viscosity of the smaller particle size latex is also influenced by the hydrophobicity of the synthesis surfactant, its concentration in the aqueous phase, particle separation distances and ion-dipole interactions. The viscosity is also dependent on the ratio of free surfactant to associative thickener concentration, the amount of formulation surfactant added with titanium dioxide in a pigmented coating, and on the adsorption of HEUR thickener on the latex, as determined by the relative size of the HEUR hydrophobes to that of the conventional surfactants. The studies indicate that HEUR associative thickeners facilitate lower viscosities at low shear rates (not attainable with cellulose ethers) in 100-nm latices, due to network disruption related to an excess of conventional surfactant in the total formulation.
Stimulation of erythropoiesis by cyclic adenosine monophosphate

Abstract CYCLIC AMP stimulated the incorporation of radioiron by the red blood cells in polycythemic mice. This effect was potentiated by prior incubation of cyclic AMP with dialyzed rat serum and was partially abolished in vivo , but not in vitro , by anti-erythropoietin. These experiments suggest both direct and indirect stimulatory effects of cyclic AMP on erythropoiesis.
Acceleration of peritoneal dialysis with minimum amounts of dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate.

Previous work had shown that dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate accelerated peritoneal dialysis of urea. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate when used as a single, short-term lavage prior to dialysis with control fluid. Intermittent dialysis was used for evaluation. Urea and phosphate were removed at about twice the normal rate, while creatinine removal was not significantly affected.
A real orthogonal space-time coded UWB scheme for wireless secure communications

Recent research reveals that information security and information-hiding capabilities can be enhanced by proper exploitation of space-time techniques. Meanwhile, intrinsic properties of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals make it an outstanding candidate for secure applications. In this paper, we propose a space-time coding scheme for impulse radio UWB systems. A novel real orthogonal group code is designed for multi-antenna UWB signals to exploit the full spatial diversity gain and achieve the perfect communication secrecy. Its performance in a frequency-selective fading channel is analyzed. The transmission secrecy, including low probability of detection (LPD), low probability of intercept (LPI), and anti-jamming performance, is investigated, and some fundamental tradeoffs between these secrecy metrics are also addressed. A comparison of the proposed scheme with the direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technique is carried out, which demonstrates that proper combination of UWB and space-time coding can provide substantial enhancement to wireless secure communications over other concurrent systems.
A biofilm growth protocol and the design of a magnetic field exposure setup to be used in the study of magnetic fields as a means of controlling bacterial biofilms

The use of prosthetic implants is increasing both in the United States and around the world and there is a concomitant rise in cases of biofilm-based, persistent infections that are quite serious and virtually impervious to antibiotic treatment. The development of alternate therapies that do not involve long term use of high levels of antibiotics or surgical intervention is needed. Based on the success of using electric or magnetic fields to alter certain physiological processes, it is hypothesized that relatively low level magnetic fields, in conjunction with the appropriate antibiotic, may be able to help control and eventually clear bacterial biofilms on a prosthetic. In order to test this hypothesis, it is necessary to first develop a means of growing laboratory grade biofilms on specific materials in a way that is repeatable between experiments and that can be reproduced by other laboratories. Secondly, a means of applying controlled magnetic fields to the surfaces supporting the biofilms at a defined temperature must be developed. This article addresses both of these points.
CONFORMITY AND NON-CONFORMITY AMONG MARRIED WOMEN: THE RIESMAN TYPOLOGIES

A study was conducted on 94 upper-middle cass, white, married women, roughly half of whom were over 30 yr. and also about half of whom had attended college. Subjects were given the Women's Social Situations Test and assessed on its three subscales, Self-Ideal, used to measure inner-direction, Self-Average, used to measure other-direction, and Idiosyncraticism, used to measure non-conformity. Scores on all subtests were significantly different from each other, the highest scores being on Self-Ideal, next highest on Self-Average, and lowest on Idiosyncraticism. The data also were analyzed according to item categories reflecting peer situations and those involving family situations. Self-Average and Idiosyncratic scores were significantly higher on peer items, whereas type of item made no difference on the Self-Ideal scale. Age yielded no differences on the three subscales. Education did make a difference on two of the subscales and indicated that those women who had attended college were higher on the Self-...
Disinfection of E. Coli Contaminated Urine Using Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes

We report the development of an electrochemical disinfection system for human urine, which does not require the addition of any external water or chemical reagents. It is designed to minimize energy consumption so that it may be powered from point-of-use sources such as photovoltaic solar panels. The system will be part of a modular outdoor toilet for use in less developed countries. Initial tests were conducted with a physiological saline solution and an organic dye to determine minimum-energy operating conditions. Disinfection was then quantified using synthetic urine and E. coli as the indicator organism. The colony forming unit (CFU) count of E. Coli was reduced from >109 CFU/100 mL to <1000 CFU/100 mL, World Health Organization permissible limits after treatment [World Health Organization, Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater, excreta and greywater, (2006)]. The effects of suspended fecal matter on disinfection efficiency were also studied.
Portable Plasma Biomedical Device for Cancer Treatment

This research study examined the effect of non-thermal portable atmospheric air plasma system on leukemia cancer cells. Acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) were exposed to atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma. To assess death caused by plasma exposure, cells were subjected to trypan blue exclusion assays and a kill-curve and assessment of death overtime were compiled using data from the assays. In addition to this, DNA was harvested from treated and untreated samples to determine if apoptotic ladders were present. Results have indicated that non-thermal plasma can cause cell death in THP-1 cells overtime, and the death that occurs corresponds directly to the amount of time that the cells were exposed to ionized plasma. Preliminary fluorescent imaging of the treated cells revealed that higher treatment doses are not only more likely to induce cellular death but are likely to induce necrotic death, while lower treatment doses that are capable of inducing death may induce apoptotic or programmed cellular death. Ideally the results obtained from these experiments will allow for further investigation of the effects of ionized non-thermal plasma on melanoma cell lines and will lead to an inexpensive method for treating early stage skin cancer and cancerous lesions.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Parallelism and concurrency for data-structures & algorithms courses (abstract only)

This workshop is inspired by Dan Grossman's SIGCSE 2011 workshop on Data Abstractions. We also review C/C++ conversions of the original Java-based materials and will also include material from the Parallel Algorithms course at Kent State. The workshop will appeal to data-structure and algorithms course instructors. Workshop topics will include divide and conquer approaches, work sharing concepts, and a scoped locking scheme in OpenMP for C++ classes. This material is driven via core data-structure examples (queues, sorting, reductions, etc.) and using a Fork/Join Framework found in OpenMP and Intel® Cilk Plus and Intel® Threading Building Blocks. Participants will write parallel programs and test them on the Intel® Many-core Testing Lab. Laptop Required. Laptop is required.
Rhetoric as Social Act: Cicero and the Technical Writing Model:

In recent years, a new pedagogical model has arisen in the teaching of technical writing, one of “technical writing as enculturation.” A close examination of this model reveals not only its relation to the workaday world of modern technology but also its roots in classical, especially Ciceronian, rhetoric. Our awareness that the model is both modern and classical may, in fact, enable us to carry its amplification and refinement even further.
Mathematical aspects of impedance imaging, with emphasis on linear reconstruction algorithms

Electrical impedance imaging systems1,2,3 make electrical measurements on the surface S of a body B, and from these measurements reconstruct an approximation to the electrical properties of the interior. Mathematically, the problem can be formulated as follows. The electric potential u satisfies the equations
RAPID COALESCENCE OF MERCURY DROPS AT PLANAR MERCURY-LIQUID INTERFACES

Two modes of coalescence were observed following impact of a mercury drop with a planar mercury interface in immiscible liquid-liquid systems. At low impact velocities slow stagewise coalescence occurred in the manner observed in many previous studies, while at high velocities coalescence occurred rapidly, within 0.05 seconds following impact. The probability of rapid coalescence increased from zero to one over a narrow velocity range. The critical velocity at which the rapid coalescence probability became 0.5 decreased with increasing drop diameter and decreasing continuous phase viscosity and was affected by drop oscillation for the largest viscosity continuous phase liquid studied.
Salt and divalent cations affect the flexible nature of the natural beaded chromatin structure.

Abstract A natural chromatin containing simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA and histone has been used to examine changes in chromatin structure caused by various physical and chemical treatments. We find that histone H1 depleted chromatin is more compact in solutions of 0.15M NaCl or 2 mM MgCl2 than in 0.01 M NaCl or 0.6M NaCL, and is compact in 0.01 M NaCl solutions if histone H 1 is present. Even high concentrations of urea did not alter the fundamental beaded structure, consisting of 110A beads of 200 base pair content, each joined by thin DNA bridges of 50 base pairs. The physical bead observed by EM therefore contains more DNA than the 140 base pair "core particle". The natural variation in the bridge length is consistent with the broad bands observed after nuclease digestion of chromatin. Chromatin prepared for EM without fixation containing long 20A to 30A fibers possibly complexed with protein.
Two-dimensional polymer networks near percolation

We report an extensive finite-size study of polymer networks near the percolation threshold, using numerical techniques. The polymers are modeled by random walks occupying the bonds of a two-dimensional square lattice. We measure the percolation threshold and critical exponents of the networks for various polymer lengths. We find that the critical occupation probability is a decreasing function of the polymer length, and the percolation of polymers with a fixed polymer length belongs to the same universality class as ordinary bond percolation. By adding particles to the lattice cells we can study the diffusion process in polymer networks. Measuring the current near percolation, we observe that its critical exponent is also independent of polymer length.
REGULATION OF BODY WEIGHT AND SERUM COMPOSITION BY HAGFISH IN VARIOUS MEDIA.

Abstract 1. 1. When put in dilute sea water hagfish gained weight rapidly then slowly returned to their original weight. 2. 2. In concentrated sea water the animals shrank and did not return to their initial weight. 3. 3. Substitution of isosmotic sucrose for one-fifth of sea water volume caused no change in body weight and the blood ion concentrations unless sucrose penetrated the body. When sucrose permeation occurred serum ions tended towards equilibrium with external ion concentrations. 4. 4. Similar experiments with urea caused a weight gain, which was maintained without regulation. The hagfish were permeable to urea and appeared to suffer a “uremic” poisoning. 5. 5. During dilution stress, blood sodium and chloride declined in proportion to thier decrease in the medium, but magnesium and calcium remained at initial concentrations. 6. 6. The results indicate that hagfish are very permeable to water but not to ions, particularly calcium and magnesium. 7. 7. Hagfish drink sea water, but analysis of the gut fluid failed to reveal any substantial differences in composition between it and sea water. 8. 8. It is suggested that the permeability of hagfish to water and lack of regulatory mechanisms for sodium chloride are the primary causes of their lack of osmotic homeostasis an therefore, their limited weight regulation.
Metabolic Clearance and Production Rates of Progesterone in Non-pregnant and Pregnant Baboons (Papio papio)

The metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of progesterone was examined in the baboon to determine whether the increased serum progesterone concentrations during gestation result from increased production or decreased clearance. MCR was determined by constant infusion of [3H]progesterone in 6 non-pregnant baboons and 13 pregnant animals, between 58 and 175 days gestation. Progesterone MCR (mean ± SE) was significantly greater in pregnant (1316 ± 105 I/day, P < 0.025; 87.3 ± 6.2 I/day/ kg, P < 0.01) than in non-pregnant animals (893 ± 75 I/day; 53.1 ± 3.5 1/day/kg). There was no correlation between progesterone MCR and gestational age. Mean (± SE) progesterone MCR was similar during the follicular (983 ± 119 I/day; 58.8 ± 3.8 1/day/kg) and luteal (802 ± 78 I/day; 52.4 ± 6.8 1/day/kg) phases of the menstrual cycle. Serum progesterone concentrations (mean ± SE), determined by radioimmunoassay, were 11.3 ± 1.2 ng/ml in pregnant animals and 5.9 ± 2.2 ng/ml during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The mean (± SE...