cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Small nonvanishing cosmological constant from vacuum energy: Physically and observationally desirable.

Increasing improvements in the independent determinations of the Hubble constant and the age of the universe now seem to indicate that we need a small nonvanishing cosmological constant to make the two independent observations consistent with each other. The cosmological constant can be physically interpreted as due to the vacuum energy of quantized fields. To make the cosmological observations consistent with each other we would need a vacuum energy density ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathit{v}}$\ensuremath{\sim}(${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ eV${)}^{4}$ today (in the cosmological units \ensuremath{\Elzxh}=c=k=1). It is argued in this paper that such a vacuum energy density is natural in the context of phase transitions linked to massive neutrinos. In fact, the neutrino masses required to provide the right vacuum energy scale to remove the age versus Hubble constant discrepancy are consistent with those required to solve the solar neutrino problem by the MSW mechanism. \textcopyright{} 1995 The American Physical Society.
α1-Adrenoceptor-Mediated Breakdown of Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate Inhibits Pinacidil-Activated ATP-Sensitive K+ Currents in Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) stimulates ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channel activity. Because phospholipase C (PLC) hydrolyzes membrane-bound PIP2, which in turn may potentially decrease K(ATP) channel activity, we investigated the effects of the alpha1-adrenoceptor-G(q)-PLC signal transduction axis on pinacidil-activated K(ATP) channel activity in adult rat and neonatal mouse ventricular myocytes. The alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine (MTX) reversibly inhibited the pinacidil-activated K(ATP) current in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 20.9+/-6.6 micromol/L). This inhibition did not occur when the specific alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin, was present. An involvement of G proteins is suggested by the ability of GDPbetaS to prevent this response. Blockade of PLC by U-73122 (2 micromol/L) or neomycin (2 mmol/L) attenuated the MTX-induced inhibition of K(ATP) channel activity. In contrast, the MTX response was unaffected by protein kinase C inhibition or stimulation by H-7 (100 micro mol/L) or phorbol 12,13-didecanoate. The MTX-induced inhibition became irreversible in the presence of wortmannin (20 micro mol/L), an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase, which is expected to prevent membrane PIP2 replenishment. In excised inside-out patch membranes, pinacidil induced a significantly rightward shift of ATP sensitivity of the channel. This phenomenon was reversed by pretreatment of myocytes with MTX. Direct visualization of PIP2 subcellular distribution using a PLCdelta pleckstrin homology domain-green fluorescent protein fusion constructs revealed reversible translocation of green fluorescent protein fluorescence from the membrane to the cytosol after alpha1-adrenoceptor stimulation. Our data demonstrate that alpha1-adrenoceptor stimulation reduces the membrane PIP2 level, which in turn inhibits pinacidil-activated K(ATP) channels.
Physiology and functional pathology of the lymphatic system applied to allergy of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

Abstract 1.1. The lymphatic system arises in the phylogenetic scale of life as it becomes necessary to remove from the body substances not readily absorbed by the blood. Its primary function is removal of components of extravascular fluid in the lymph bed. Alterations of this activity, usually produced by some type of lymphatic blockage or lowered tissue pressure, lead to stagnation of fluid in the interstitial tissue spaces. 2.2. Tissue fluid stagnation in the lymph bed of the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses plays a part in the pathogenesis of allergic sinusitis. 3.3. Irrigation of the maxillary sinus and fistulization of the sinus mucosa by sinus puncture to relieve trapped tissue fluid are efficient therapeutic measures in severe acute allergic sinusitis. 4.4. The removal of excess tissue fluid from the edematous mucosa of the maxillary sinus may be accelerated by application of local pressure to the mucosa. The formation of polypi in the middle meatus due to this increased tissue pressure in the mucosa of the maxillary sinus is described. 5.5. The application of pressure to the edematous mucosa of the maxillary sinus during subacute allergic sinusitis is an aid in relieving some cases of bronchial asthma. The duration of this relief is variable. So far it has continued until the patient is attacked again by an allergen or bacteria. The exact criteria for selecting patients suitable for the application of pressure to their maxillary sinuses are not well established. Apparently pressure should be applied as soon as the definite diagnosis of tissue fluid stagnation in the mucosa is made. Often this is possible long before constitutional symptoms such as bronchial asthma appear. The application of pressure to the mucosa of the maxillary sinus has a good physiologic background. Its therapeutic and practical clinical results can be evaluated better after it has been used more extensively.
Nonlinear dynamics of an elastic rod with frictional impact

A model is presented for the impact with friction of a flexible body in translation and rotation. This model consists of a system of nonlinear differential equations which considers the multiple collisions as well as frictional effects at the contacting end, and allows one to predict the rigid and elastic body motion after the impact. The kinetic energy is derived by utilizing a generalized velocity field theory for elastic solids. The model uses a dry coefficient of friction and a nonlinear contact force. We introduce a finite number of vibrational modes to take into account the vibrational behavior of the body during impact. The vibrations, the multiple collisions, and the angle of incidence angle, are found to be important factors for the kinematics of frictional impact. Analytical and experimental results were compared to establish the accuracy of the model.
Impact of Funding on Scientific Output and Collaboration: A Survey of Literature

This document critically reviews the papers that investigated the impact of funding on scientific output and on scientific collaboration. For the output, the focus is on the number of articles as a measure of the scientific productivity and the number of citations that a paper received as an indicator of the quality. Various methodological approaches have been adopted (e.g. bibliometrics (a set of methods to analyse the scientific literature quantitatively), statistical analysis) for this purpose. Reviewing the literature revealed that although the general assumption of the positive effect of funding on scientific development is completely (or partially) acknowledged in some studies, one can also find some contradictory results. In addition, we note that analysing the impact of funding on scientific output has attracted more attention of the researchers while investigating the impact of funding on collaboration has been only recently taken into consideration. The paper concludes by comparing the major results and methodologies of the reviewed studies while highlighting the research gaps.
Power distribution network management using networked control of timed discrete event systems

In this paper we investigate control and management of power distribution networks modeled as timed and networked discrete event systems. We assume that the controller (the supervisor) communicates with the system to be controlled via a shared communication network, and that this network experiences bounded delays and losses that impact the controller. Under these assumptions, the necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a controller is expressed as network controllability and network observability, which we define in the paper. We apply these results to a power distribution network, the IEEE 33-node (bus) test system, where the objective is to ensure the total substation transformer power stays within the given safety limits.
Use of Human Remains Detection Dogs for Wide Area Search After Wildfire: A New Experience for Texas Task Force 1 Search and Rescue Resources

In September 2011, wildfires in Bastrop County, TX, were the most destructive in the state's history, consuming more than 34 000 acres (13 759 hectares) and more than 1600 homes in the process. The wildfires began by consuming more than 30 homes across 2 miles (3.2 km) in 17 minutes, raising the fear that local residents may not have had sufficient time to escape the conflagration. Texas Task Force 1 deployed for a new mission, the search and recovery of human remains. Although there have been other larger and more widespread fires in the past, it was the speed at which this fire spread that created the environment requiring such a search. The mission was focused primarily on human detection, searching an area almost 72 square miles (186 km2) between September 7 and 11, 2011. To our knowledge, never before have human remains detection dogs been tasked with such an undertaking. Lessons learned from this event will educate all levels of government agencies, emergency medical services, fire departments, law enforcement, utilities, veterinary services, and search and rescue/recovery activities in the future. The utilization of human remains detection canines integrated with search teams trained in larger scale events is one such area that will benefit from this experience, with a final area searched of 15 598 acres (6312 hectares).
Poring over exosome structure

The authors analyse the eukaryotic exosome structure, published in EMBO reports, in light of the known archaeal and prokaryotic exosomes, and discuss its striking flexibility and the conservation of the RNA channelling mechanism.
DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES IN PORPHYRA. I. BLADE DIFFERENTIATION IN PORPHYRA PERFORATA AS EXPRESSED BY MORPHOLOGY, ENZYMATIC DIGESTION, AND PROTOPLAST REGENERATION1

Four areas containing different cell morphologies were mapped on Porphyra blades and five different cell types (i.e. tapered with long extensions, large and vacuolated, vegetative and dividing, and reproductive: males and females) were identified in them. Tissues from these areas were dissociated, and protoplasts and single cells were isolated from the dissociated tissue of each distinct region. Regeneration rates of the isolated cells and protoplasts (isolates) varied depending on their morphological type. Regeneration rates were lowest in cultured isolates from the area just above the holdfast (ca. 1 %) and increased gradually to over 80% in isolates from areas of vegetative and reproductive regions away from the holdfast. Four distinct morphological patterns were observed among the regenerating plants. Cells isolated from vegetative areas developed into leafy plants while in liquid culture, and into calli when grown on solid medium. Isolates from reproductive areas developed into either a long thin or short thick filamentous plant. Those from ripe patches of carposporangia developed into thin conchocelis filaments, while isolates from non-differentiated cells bordering the ripe reproductive patches developed into thick filaments resembling the morphology of conchosporangial branches. The blade of Porphyra appears simple as it consists of a single cell layer; however, it is complex both morphologically and physiologically.
University, agency, and collaborative models for nursing research: an overview.

An overview of several models for the conduct of nursing research is presented. These models include academic-based and agency-based research and collaborative research efforts. The advantages and limitations of each of the models are discussed. Collaborative research efforts are viewed as being the most advantageous to nursing. Collaborative projects have the greatest potential to make the maximal use of limited resources, to relate research to clinical practice, to study complex research questions, and to introduce clinicians to the research process.
Can they dig it? Functional morphology and semifossoriality among small-eared shrews, genus Cryptotis (Mammalia, Soricidae)

Small-eared shrews (Mammalia: Sorici- dae: Cryptotis), exhibit modifications of the forelimb skeleton that have been interpreted as adaptations for semifossoriality. Most species inhabit remote regions, however, and their locomotory and foraging behaviors remain mostly speculative. To better understand the morphological modifications in the absence of direct observations, we quantified variation in these species by measuring 151 individuals representing 18 species and populations of Cryptotis and two species of moles (Talpi- dae) for comparison. From our measurements, we calcu- lated 22 indices, most of which have been used previously to characterize substrate use among rodents and other taxa. We analyzed the indices using 1) aver- age percentile ranks, 2) principal components analysis, and 3) cluster analysis. From these analyses, we deter- mined that three basic modes of substrate adaptation are present within Cryptotis: 1) a primarily terrestrial mode, with species that are capable of burrowing, but lack adaptations to increase digging efficiency, 2) a semi- fossorial mode, with species whose forelimbs bones show strong muscle attachment areas and increased mechani- cal advantage, and 3) an intermediate mode. In addition to identifying new morphological characters and contrib- uting to our understanding of the functional morphology of soricids, these analyses provide additional insight into the ecology of the species of interest. J. Morphol.
“Hot Superconductors”: The Physics and Applications of Nonequilibrium Superconductivity

In recent years there has been increasing interest in the nonequi-librium properties of superconducting systems. In a broad sense, of course, all transport properties involve nonequilbirium (or metastable) states, and hence all of applied superconductivity depends upon these phenomena. However, we know from the fluctuation dissipation relation that linear transport coefficients can be determined by an analysis of equilibrium fluctuations. Thus, for some time efforts focused upon the nearly equilibrium situation and the problems of equilibrium fluctuations. Current interest in nonequilibrium superconductivity is associated with superconductors which are strongLy driven so that the quasipartides, phonons, and the pair field may be significantly different from their equilibrium values. It is this type of system, the “hot superconductor”, which will be discussed in this paper.
FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF GLAZED BRICK BY THE DRY-PRESS PROCESS*

Brick were made by the dry-press process from two fire clays with varying grain size, moisture content, and forming pressure. The effect of de-airing the mold box prior to compression was also studied. Glazed brick made in this investigation were compared with stiff-mud glazed brick and the properties of the former were found to equal those of the stiff-mud glazed brick when the forming variables were closely controlled.
Theoretical study of a surface clutter reduction algorithm

Backscattering from rough soil surfaces can generate significant radar clutter, as has been demonstrated in ground penetrating radar and soil moisture remote sensing studies. Removal of this clutter is necessary to improve sub-surface target detection and identification algorithms. A specular surface clutter removal algorithm recently developed at The Ohio State University has shown some success in removing smooth surface clutter in experimental data. However, this technique is based on a flat surface assumption for the soil surface, and its performance in more rough ground situations has not been established. In this paper, a theoretical study of the clutter reduction algorithm is performed through use of numerically generated rough surface backscattering coefficients.
Anatomical mapping of human herpesvirus reservoirs of infection

Following primary infection, all eight human herpesviruses persist lifelong in the human host. However, a mapping of all anatomic sites of human herpesvirus persistence is lacking. Fresh tissue specimens representing approximately 40 major anatomic sites from eight autopsies were screened using a recently developed real-time PCR method for detection of all eight human herpesviruses. Patients with evidence of active herpesvirus infection (herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7), and herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)) at the time of death were excluded to avoid detection of widely disseminated infection. Despite this precaution, widespread HSV-1 positivity (with blood positivity) was detected in one case-an elderly male who died of cardiac arrest. In a middle-aged male with HIV-AIDS, HSV-1 was found in neural and pharyngeal tissues, skin, cartilage, bone, and urinary bladder, whereas in two other cases, HSV-1 was restricted to neural tissues. HSV-2 was detected in a single site, the anus, in the male with HIV-AIDS. VZV was detected only twice, once in the adrenal gland and once in the small intestine. CMV was detected in three cases, most commonly in nasal mucosa, trachea, thyroid, intestine, and liver. EBV was detected in all eight cases, especially in nasal mucosa, tonsil, spleen, lymph node, tongue, and intestine, but in only two of six whole-blood specimens. HHV-6, like EBV, was detected in all eight cases, most commonly in salivary glands, thyroid, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. HHV-7, like EBV and HHV-6, was detected in all eight cases, most commonly in salivary glands, tonsil, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. HHV-8 was detected in only two sites (both lymph nodes) from two cases. Herpesviruses were detected in three of six whole-blood specimens, including HSV-1, EBV, HHV-6, and HHV-7. These results represent the most comprehensive mapping of herpesvirus tissue distribution in humans reported to date.
On the notion of ‘software independence’ in voting systems

This paper defines and explores the notion of software independence in voting systems: A voting system is software independent if an (undetected) change or error in its software cannot cause an und...
Gene Duplication and Evolution

The duplication of short chromosomal segments in the genome may contribute to the formation of new species. In his Perspective, Lynch explores the potential implications of new work ( Bailey et al .) that calculates the number of segmental duplications in the human genome, as well as other recent comparative data on fine-scale changes in chromosomal architecture.
British commercial television: Advertising, revenues, taxes

Few Americans are familiar with the financial structure of commercial television in Great Britain. This article is intended to illuminate the sometimes tortured fiscal relationships between ITA, the programme contractors, and the British government. Dr. Mayer, an independent television consultant, is assistant professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle.
Memristor-The missing circuit element

A new two-terminal circuit element-called the memristorcharacterized by a relationship between the charge q(t)\equiv \int_{-\infty}^{t} i(\tau) d \tau and the flux-linkage \varphi(t)\equiv \int_{- \infty}^{t} v(\tau) d \tau is introduced as the fourth basic circuit element. An electromagnetic field interpretation of this relationship in terms of a quasi-static expansion of Maxwell's equations is presented. Many circuit-theoretic properties of memistors are derived. It is shown that this element exhibits some peculiar behavior different from that exhibited by resistors, inductors, or capacitors. These properties lead to a number of unique applications which cannot be realized with RLC networks alone. Although a physical memristor device without internal power supply has not yet been discovered, operational laboratory models have been built with the help of active circuits. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the properties and potential applications of memristors.
Truth, Power, Theory: Hans Morgenthau's Formulation of Realism

The purpose of this article is to reconstruct the political realism of Hans J. Morgenthau. The article traces the development of his thought from his earliest writings on social science and politics in English in the 1940s through to his formulation of political realism in the classic text Politics Among Nations. The Struggle for Power and Peace and finally to his reconsideration of this theory in a series of texts that have been neglected by historians of political thought, the most significant of which is Science: Servant or Master? which revisits the terrain first explored by Morgenthau in Scientific Man Versus Power Politics. The article demonstrates that one core concept dominated the thinking of Morgenthau, that of ‘truth,’ which conditioned his thought about the nature of politics throughout his career. It is Morgenthau's commitment to discovering the truth of politics that led him to formulate realism as a sceptical theory of power politics in contrast to the optimistic but misleading theories of ...
Educational programs in management of technology (MOT)

Summary form only given. Enlargement of the worldwide manufacturing base, and the resulting shift in manufacturing capabilities, and the speed and scope of change in technological innovations have brought technology and the management of technology to the center of world-wide attention. Decision makers and engineers with technical management responsibilities must be conversant in technological issues that affect a firm's business strategy. The authors have examined the history of development of these educational programs-their philosophies, approaches, and contents. The programs developed at the University of Miami and several other institutions have been used for illustration and comparison. >
Software function allocation methodology

One of the challenges of distributed computer systems is the effective allocation of software system functions among the hardware components of the distributed system. Software function allocation methodology (SFAM) provides computer software system designers with a thorough and flexible method to allocate software system functions among the hardware components of a distributed computer system. Software designers select and rank relevant design parameters, analyse how well different distributed computer system components meet the chosen parameters, and allocate the software function accordingly. The paper defines the problem, covers necessary terminology, and discusses the current state of research. The preconditions necessary for an analysis using SFAM are covered along with the environment in which SFAM should be used. Details of SFAM components are discussed. A complete outline of the SFAM methodology is provided, along with discussion of key points and frequent examples.
Simulation of refraction focusing using negative-refractive-index metamaterials

A realization of a negative-refractive-index (NRI) metamaterial uses a periodic structure with a unit cell composed of a capacitively loaded loop (CLL) and a conducting pole. This realization can lead to a lens mechanism with refraction focusing. This paper presents the results of a simulation of such refraction focusing using Ansoftpsilas HFSS. The simulation shows the return loss of a transmitting probe in a parallel-plate structure and the insertion loss between the transmitting probe and three receiving probes placed at the same distance from the transmitter but on the opposite side of the metamaterial slabs. The focusing at the center receiving probe is represented by the low insertion loss to the center probe compared with higher insertion losses to the other probes located at the same distance.
Breast Cancer Screening Controversies

Background: The Cochrane Collaborative, a respected independent review body, recently published a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of screening mammography in decreasing breast cancer mortality. Based on the results of two controlled trials they judged to be of medium validity, they concluded that screening mammography was unjustified. In contrast, the US Preventive Services Task Force recently updated their screening recommendations, and based on a meta-analysis of the same randomized controlled trials, they recommended screening mammography for all women starting at age 40 years. Additionally the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care no longer recommends breast self-examination (BSE). This article reviews the controversies regarding breast cancer screening. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature using keywords and cross-referencing articles. We also used automated data from the Breast Cancer Screening Program at Group Health Cooperative to determine the sensitivity of the clinical breast examination (CBE) at our institution. For the latter we included all cancers diagnosed within 1 year of a screening examination and then determined which of those had been found by CBE. Results: Although most screening studies have shown that mammography decreases breast cancer death, there are controversies about the validity of some of the randomized controlled screening mammography trials. These controversies have led to different conclusions about the efficacy of screening mammography. Evidence is limited about the optimal interval for screening mammography. No studies have directly tested the efficacy of the CBE in decreasing breast cancer mortality. At Group Health Cooperative, 8% of all diagnosed breast cancers were found by the CBE alone (negative mammogram). Whether this 8% incremental increase in case finding leads to decreased breast cancer deaths is unknown. There is good evidence that training women to perform BSE does not increase breast cancer diagnoses or decrease breast cancer deaths. Conclusion: There are limitations to randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. The balance of the evidence still favors screening mammography in women aged 40 years and older at least every 2 years. The independent incremental benefit of the CBE, when added to mammography, in decreasing breast cancer mortality is unknown. Population-based education and training to do BSE are unlikely to lead to decreased breast cancer deaths. Many women find their own breast cancers, so women need to pay attention to symptoms or changes in their breasts.
Relationships Among Active Engagement in Life Activities and Quality of Life for Assisted-Living Residents

This cross-sectional research explored the relationships between active engagement in life activities (leisure, social, and instrumental activities of daily living) and quality of life for seniors aged 65 and older residing in assisted living facilities. It is increasingly recognized that active participation in diverse physical, cognitive, and social activities can promote older adults’ quality of life, including physical and mental health, but there is limited information about this in the population of residents in assisted living facilities. It is estimated that there are one million older adults residing in assisted living facilities, making assisted living facilities a rapidly growing segment of senior housing. Older adults who relocate to assisted living facilities commonly experience lifestyle changes, often related to their altered physical and social environment, reduced demands regarding household chores and meal preparation, and new opportunities for recreation and socialization. In this study...
Size regulation in Dictyostelium

The division of large aggregate centres into separate slugs was examined in two strains of Dictyostelium discoideum which differ in size. The evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that the size of the slugs is determined by two factors; one is the ability of a tip to inhibit surrounding cells from forming an independent, rival tip; the other is the ability of the surrounding cells to resist being subjected to the inhibition of the newly arisen tip. If the surrounding cells are easily inhibited, then the slugs produced will be large; if they are resistant to inhibition the resulting slugs will be correspondingly small. An assay for tip inhibition was developed which was used to estimate the volume and distance over which inhibition occurs, the time over which it acts and the effect of tip size and cell mass shape on size regulation. The measurements and the results of experiments which showed inhibition across a thin agar layer are consistent with the hypothesis that an inhibitor spreads out from the tip by simple diffusion. In further studies it was found that although inhibition strength varies with the size of the tip, the ability to inhibit was the same in both strains whereas the resistance to inhibition was greater in the smaller strain.
Evaluation Products, Customers and Contracts

Stop the bleeding is often one of the first commands in restructuring. It is rare when any two products, customers, services or contracts are equally profitable; some are probably very profitable and some unprofitable. The unprofitable, when averaged in with the profitable can make the overall company look bad. Identification and elimination of losing products, customers, services and contracts can dramatically improve profitability. This is corporate triage at a more detailed level. Those elements of a business that drain resources, and distract management time and attention should be eliminated. When they are, management can focus on improving the profitability and performance of its core business.
Impact of Drought on New Jersey's Water Resources

New Jersey, together with other northeastern states, in 1966 began to recover from its 5th consecutive year of severe drought. The environmental effects of this drought upon the state's surface water resources were manifold. Among them were deterioration of stream quality, severe decreases in streamflows, critical depletion of storage in reservoirs used for public-water supply, increased chemical-treatment costs for potable-water supplies, record high intrusion of salinity in estuaries, changing fish-migration patterns, and upstream movement of a major oyster predator onto seed beds. Residual effects of this drought on streamflow and water quality were evident for up to 2 years after the meteorological drought had ended.
Fatigue resistant carbon coatings for rolling/sliding contacts

Abstract The growing demands for renewable energy production have recently resulted in a significant increase in wind plant installation. Field data from these plants show that wind turbines suffer from costly repair, maintenance and high failure rates. Often times the reliability issues are linked with tribological components used in wind turbine drivetrains. The primary failure modes in bearings and gears are associated with micropitting, wear, brinelling, scuffing, smearing and macropitting all of which occur at or near the surface. Accordingly, a variety of surface engineering approaches are currently being considered to alter the near surface properties of such bearings and gears to prevent these tribological failures. In the present work, we have evaluated the tribological performance of compliant highly hydrogenated diamond like carbon coating developed at Argonne National Laboratory, under mixed rolling/sliding contact conditions for wind turbine drivetrain components. The coating was deposited on AISI 52100 steel specimens using a magnetron sputter deposition system. The experiments were performed on a PCS Micro-Pitting-Rig (MPR) with four material pairs at 1.79 GPa contact stress, 40% slide to roll ratio and in polyalphaolefin (PAO4) basestock oil (to ensure extreme boundary conditions). The post-test analysis was performed using optical microscopy, surface profilometry, and Raman spectroscopy. The results obtained show a potential for these coatings in sliding/rolling contact applications as no failures were observed with coated specimens even after 100 million cycles compared to uncoated pair in which they failed after 32 million cycles, under the given test conditions.
The Incidence of the Cost of the AAA Corn-Hog Program

There is much uncertainty in the minds of many people as to the incidence of the cost of the AAA crop and livestock reduction programs. Some feel that the cost is borne by the ultimate consumer; others believe that it is borne by millers, packers and other processors; still others think that it is borne after all by the farmers themselves; while a few may hold that the program involves no burden or loss to anyone, but is a clear net gain for all.
Temporal Changes in MRI Activity, Inflammation, Immunomodulation, and Gene Expression in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Subjects Treated with Helminth Probiotic Trichuris Suis (S30.004)

Objective: To define critical points at which immunological markers and gene expression patterns correlate with changes in brain MRI activity during treatment with Trichuris suis ova (TSO) in the HINT clinical trial for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Background Despite extensive investigation in animal models and promising results in exploratory studies of helminth-induced immunomodulation for autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, at present the mechanism of action and key operative molecules are not well-understood. Design/Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and serum were obtained from RRMS subjects before, during, and after treatment with 2,500 live TSO given orally every 2 weeks. Serial determinations of inflammatory markers (CRP, eosinophils), immune responses (PBMC phenotypes),and gene expression (Affymetrix GeneChip 1.0 ST Array) were performed and compared with brain MRI scans read by masked neuroradiologists. Results: New enhancing MRI lesions (NEL) were significantly reduced in 5 of 6 subjects after TSO treatment. In individual subject 110, for whom frequent MRI studies at 2-4 week intervals were performed, a 91% relative reduction in NEL was observed after treatment. Markers of inflammation peaked at 1-2 months after treatment initiation and declined thereafter. CD8+/CD161hi T cells, which may be associated with IL-17 production, decreased in frequency in 2 out of 3 subjects. Gene expression tested in 3 subjects by enrichment analysis demonstrated significant changes (z-score > 4.0) in 17 Gene Ontology (GO) pathways after treatment, including GO:0034143, regulation of TLR-4 pathway; GO:0002684, positive regulation of immune system; GO:0002694, regulation of leukocyte activation; and GO:0004896, cytokine receptor activity. Conclusions: In exploratory studies of RRMS subjects treated with the probiotic helminth TSO, early inflammation, likely due to innate immunity, was followed by favorable adaptive immune responses temporally associated with reduction in brain MRI activity. Supported by: National Multiple Sclerosis Society research grant GR 3613A4/1 to JF. NIH research grant 1R56AI091462-01 to ZF. Disclosure: Dr. Fleming has received personal compensation for activities with Coronado Biosciences as a scientific advisory board member. Dr. Isaak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hardin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Huston has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boland has nothing to disclose. Dr. Broman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kendziorski has nothing to disclose. Dr. Field has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fabry has nothing to disclose.
Simultaneous ion beam profile scan using a single laser source

We report on the world's first experiment of a simultaneous profile scan of the hydrogen ion (${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) beam using a laser wire system. The system was developed and brought to operational level of application at the superconducting linac of the Spallation Neutron Source accelerator complex. The laser wire profile scanner is based on a photodetachment process and therefore can be conducted on a 1-MW neutron production ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ beam in a nonintrusive manner. The new simultaneous profile scanning system allows one to simultaneously measure profiles of the ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ beam at nine different locations of the linac with high speed and accuracy, and therefore provides a unique tool for accelerator tuning and physics study. This paper describes the design, optical system and software platform developments, and measurement results of the simultaneous profile scanning system.
The effect of whole body x radiation on the specific anamnestic response in the rabbit.

An apparent discrepancy exists in reports concerning the effect of X radiation on the secondary or specific anamnestic response. Dixon et al1 reported that the secondary precipitin response to bovine gamma globulin in the rabbit was relatively resistant to X radiation. Taliaferro et al,2 on the other hand, found that the secondary hemolysin response to sheep red cells was equally as sensitive to X radiation as the primary response. The resolution of this discrepancy may be of importance to the theoretical problem of antibody production and to the practical problem of radiation survival. The depressing action of X radiation on the secondary hemolytic response to sheep red cells in the rabbit has been explained in various ways by suggesting that (a) the preliminary digestion of the insoluble antigen is a radiosensitive process,3 (b) the antibody response to polysaccharide antigens is more radiosensitive than the response to protein antigens,4 (c) the production of
It's not as easy as it looks: Commentary on an article by Wudbhav N. Sankar, MD, et al.: "The modified Dunn procedure for unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis. a multicenter perspective"

Loder et al. first pointed out the importance of physeal instability in predicting the risk of osteonecrosis after acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis, noting a 47% rate of osteonecrosis in their series1. Others have emphasized the importance of reduction of the slip, urgent treatment, and capsular decompression in decreasing the rate of osteonecrosis2,3. In 2009, Parsch et al. reported a 4.7% rate of osteonecrosis after open reduction of sixty-four hips with evidence of instability4. Since the efficacy of the modified Dunn procedure was reported by Ziebarth et al. and echoed by Slongo et al.5,6, substantial interest has been generated in the ability of this procedure to restore anatomy, in an attempt to prevent later problems associated with impingement, and to further reduce the rate of osteonecrosis. Indeed, some have even advocated surgical hip dislocation by means of the modified Dunn procedure as the new gold standard for treatment of unstable slipped capital femoral …
Study on the Preparation of IT-SOFC Electrolyte and Electrode Material by Citric Acid-nitrate Method

Electrode and electrolyte material fitting to IT-SOFC were synthesized by the combination of sol gel and citric acid-nitrate low temperature self-propagating combustion method.Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95(GDC)and La0.7Sr0.3Co0.3Fe0.7O3(LSCF) are used as electrolyte and cathode material respectively,while NiO-Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9(NiO-SDC)is a perfect anode precursor material.The crystal structure and reaction progress were investigated with XRD and TG-DTA.The results show that the electrode and electrolyte material with the diameter of tens of nm can be synthesized using sol gel and citric acid-nitrate low temperature self-propagating combustion method.Crystal growth and crystal structure depends strongly on pH value and the sinter temperature.
Report of the Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights. Mission to the Republic of Moldova

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights conducted an official visit to the Republic of Moldova from 8 to 14 September 2013. In the present report, the Special Rapporteur outlines the challenges facing the Republic of Moldova in implementing measures to tackle poverty and in ensuring the rights of those living in poverty in the country.The Republic of Moldova ranks as one of the poorest countries in Europe at a time when the cost of essential goods and services is steadily on the rise. The Special Rapporteur was concerned at the widening gap between urban and rural areas, the disproportionate vulnerability of certain groups as well as obstacles to poverty reduction, such as corruption and gaps in policy implementation.The report contains recommendations aimed at ensuring that relevant policies and programmes are implemented so as to enable those living in extreme poverty to enjoy their human rights on an equal basis with the rest of the population.
Traditionalists Lose with Gay Marriage

"We fight gay marriage and we win," says the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), the leading anti-gay marriage advocacy group. With the recent Supreme Court decision sidestepping the issue of whether gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to marry, marriage traditionalists may spin the decision as a victory of sorts. Yet it foreshadows not only the collapse of their position but mounting Republican losses at the ballot box.
Nano-metal-Assisted Chemical Etching for Fabricating Semiconductor and Optoelectronic Devices

This chapter summarizes the current state-of-the-art for semiconductor and optoelectronic device fabrication using Metal-assisted chemical Etching (MacEtch). It details MacEtch’s history, the physics and chemistry, processing considerations, and applications in device fabrication.
An evidence-based analysis of learning practices: the need for pharmacy students to employ more effective study strategies.

Abstract Introduction Learning is a process of constructing neural connections between what is being learned and what has already been learned. Superficial thought processes associated with memorization produce shallow, short-term learning. Higher-order thought processing (critical thinking) produces deep, long-term learning. Pharmacy students should study in ways that enable them to retain and apply what they learn. Predominant learning practices Investigators who surveyed the learning practices of pharmacy students have reported that most students resort to cramming in preparation for an upcoming exam. The practice of routinely keeping up with course material through regular study is much less common. Most students highlight or re-read material when studying rather than quizzing themselves, and many multitask or study with distractions such as texting, checking e-mails or using social media. Evidence-based learning practices Studies in cognitive psychology and education provide evidence to confirm the efficacy of the following learning practices: plan and manage study time, space out and repeat study, interleave (mix up) topics or methods, incorporate retrieval practice (self-quizzing, deliberative reading, or written paraphrasing), minimize distractions, leverage mistakes, and sleep at least seven hours a night. Conclusion Pharmacy students need to become proficient, lifelong learners. A superficial, memorization-oriented approach to learning is detrimental to professional growth. Faculty members should guide students to employ more effective evidence-based study strategies, while also exploring how curricular design, course content, academic policy or pedagogy might be predisposing students to pursue suboptimal learning practices. The issue calls for the academy to focus greater attention on how students learn.
Curative theranostic pretargeted radioimmunotherapy (PRIT) of GPA33-expressing colorectal cancer (CRC) using a bispecific antibody with high affinity for GPA33 and DOTA (D) metal complex (DPRIT).

33 Objectives We demonstrated that anti-GPA33 PRIT + either 86Y-DOTA-Bn or 177Lu-DOTA-Bn for PET imaging and theranostic treatment, respectively, of a mouse SW1222 subcutaneous (s.c.) xenograft model of CRC was safe and effective (Cheal SM, et al. (2015) Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging, in press). Since reporting those data, we have developed theranostic curative treatment regimens by (1) adding additional treatment cycles with higher total amounts of administered activity; and (2) utilizing nanoSPECT/CT for high-resolution quantitative imaging of mice undergoing 177Lu-DPRIT for “real-time” dosimetry. Methods Nude mice bearing established SW1222 s.c. xenografts (n = 20; tumor volume = 102 ± 40 mm3; average ± standard deviation (SD)) underwent treatment (n = 5-10/group) with either: no treatment (n = 5), 177Lu-DOTA-Bn only (n = 5), or a three consecutive cycles of PRIT regimen consisting of anti-GPA33 PRIT + 55 MBq of 177Lu-DOTA-Bn per cycle (n = 10; total administered activity: 165 MBq/mouse). Serial nanoSPECT/CT imaging was conducted on five randomly selected mice undergoing DPRIT up to 160 hours post-injection of the first cycle of 177Lu-DOTA-Bn for dosimetry calculations. Results DPRIT induced complete tumor response in 10/10 mice (controls: 10/10 dead at 21 days post-tumor inoculation), with tumor-free survival of all treated animals at 100 days and no obvious toxicities. Necropsy of 5/10 mice at 100 days verified cures, as well as showed no remarkable histopathologic findings of evaluation of kidney, liver, spleen, and bone/marrow. Dosimetry estimates of 177Lu-radiation exposure to tumor following cycle 1 was 4556 ± 637 rads (n = 5, average ± SD). Based on these data, a first-order approximation of the total 177Lu-radiation exposure to tumor following curative DPRIT (i.e., 3 cycles) was 14000 rads (with radiation doses to blood and kidney of 150 rads (therapeutic index (TI): 93) and 875 rads (TI: 16), respectively). Conclusions Theranostic DPRIT regiments with cumulative tumor radiation dose of ~14000 rads and TI (blood) of 93, TI (kidney) of 16, are safe and sufficient for cure of CRC.
Introduction to this special section: Iran

Iran has been a major player in oil and gas exploration and production since the early twentieth century. However, for nearly 40 years, little information on petroleum-related activities in Iran has been published in the United States or, to a large extent, globally. Political turmoil has isolated Iran since the late 1970s, but recent events have changed the situation and many of the internationally imposed sanctions have been lifted. Some international companies have started to engage Iran to partner in development and exploration activities.
Los animales en los haikus de José Juan Tablada: Taxonomía de una fauna interior

In his book of haikus entitled A Vase of Flowers, by the Mexican poet Jose Juan Tablada (1871-1945), animals comprise perceptual stages toward the reconstruction of the poetic voice in an inner pilmigrage. It starts with the search of a primitive voice embodied in the toad and the dog. The next stage is a Japanese garden with minuscule animals who escape to perception. The next stage will be a Hispanoamerican landscape with large anaimals subdued to the poetic gaze. Subsequently the poet takes control on his poetic voice in an oceanic landscape, with sea animals elaborated through intertextuality. Final destination is the integration of those perceptual stages into his poetic voice.
Review of a Unique Cooperative Undertaking by the Baylor Psoriasis Center, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, and the National Psoriasis Tissue Bank

1993 marked the 40th anniversary of Watson and Crick's publications describing the molecular structure of DNA and its genetic implications. During the past 15 years, we have refined our understandi...