cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fetal concentrations of the growth factors TGF-α and TGF-β1 in relation to normal and restricted fetal growth at term.

Abstract Transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and TGF-β1 are major anti-inflammatory cytokines and substantially contribute to normal pregnancy outcome. TGF-α stimulates placental mitosis, whereas TGF-β1 is a critical regulator of trophoblast invasion and fetal growth. We aimed to study cord blood TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations in intrauterine-growth-restricted (IUGR, usually associated with abnormal trophoblast invasion, uteroplacental vascular insufficiency and enhanced inflammation) and appropriate-for-gestational-age-(AGA) pregnancies, and investigate possible correlations of the above concentrations with several demographic parameters of infants at birth. Plasma TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations were determined by ELISA in 154 mixed arterio-venous cord blood samples from IUGR ( n = 50) and AGA ( n = 104) singleton full-term infants. After controlling for possible confounding factors (gender, birth-weight, gestational age, maternal age and parity), cord blood TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations were significantly higher in IUGR than AGA group ( b = 0.402, SE = 0.179, p = 0.027 and b = 0.152, SE = 0.061, p = 0.014, respectively). Delivery mode had an effect on cord blood TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations, both being elevated in cases of vaginal delivery ( b = −0.282, SE = 0.117, p = 0.018 and b = −0.123, SE = 0.059, p = 0.038, respectively). In conclusion, higher cord blood TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations may represent a compensatory response to the inflammatory process characterizing the IUGR state. Additionally, higher cord blood TGF-β1 concentrations in IUGRs could be attributed to increased shear stress, resulting from abnormal blood flow in IUGR fetal blood vessels. Finally, vaginal delivery-associated cytokine release may account for elevated TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations.
Formol titration of α-chymotrypsin, chymotrypsinogen, and model compounds in 4.8 M guanidine hydrochloride

Titration of model compounds in 4.8 M guanidine0.15 M KCl at 20° show that pK′ values of imidazoyl, phenolic, and carboxyl groups are shifted only slightly. Amino group ionizations are affected most, varying ±0.3 unit. The useful range of this system is from pH 1.5 to 12.0, in which all the normally ionizing groups of proteins can be titrated. Form-aldehyde titrations may also be performed to obtain additional information about the amino groups of proteins. In guanidine/formaldehyde, the pK′ of the hydroxymethylamino derivatives are shifted to lower values than in water. When chymotrypsinogen and α-chymotrypsin titrations were performed, the data indicated 36 ionizing groups in chymotrypsinogen, 15 of which are amino groups. Analysis of the difference between the ionic behavior of these proteins shows that α-chymotrypsin has two additional groups with pK′ 3 and two with pK′ 7.5 in guanidine. The groups with pK′ 7.5 are shifted to pK′ 4.2 in 3.1 M formaldehyde, which is indicative of the behavior of α-amino groups. The comparison of the Sorensen titration of α-chymotrypsin in water or guanidine indicates that all the amino groups of the protein react with formaldehyde in the native or denatured form.
From rags to riches

Comment on Estey et al, page [3469][1] Now that ATRA and anthracycline-based chemotherapy cure the majority of patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), one major focus of research has been to minimize exposure to chemotherapy in order to reduce toxicity. In this issue of
DISTINGUISHING LINK-HOMOTOPY CLASSES BY PRE-PERIPHERAL STRUCTURES

An open problem in link-homotopy of links in S3 is classification using peripheral invariants, analogous to that of Waldhausen for links up to ambient isotopy. An approach to such a classification was outlined by Levine, but shown not to be feasible by the author. Here, we develop an approach to finding classification counterexamples. The approach requires non-injectivity of a group homomorphism that is completely determined by minimal-weight commutator numbers (equivalent to the first non-vanishing invariants of Milnor). For non-injectivity, the minimal-weight commutator numbers must all be non-zero, and satisfy a certain system of polynomials, which we compute for 4- and 5-component links.
Genome-wide expression profiling and identification of gene activities during early flower development in Arabidopsis

We have used oligonucleotide microarrays to detect Arabidopsis gene expression during early flower development. Among the 22,746 genes represented on the Affymetrix ATH1 chip, approximately 14,660 (approximately 64.5%) genes were expressed with signal intensity at or more than 50 in each of the six organs/structures examined, including young inflorescences (floral stages 1-9), stage-12 floral buds, developing siliques, leaves, stems, and roots. 17,583 genes were expressed with an intensity at or above 50 in at least one tissue, including 12,245 genes that were expressed in all the six tissues. Comparison of genes expressed between young inflorescence or stage-12 floral buds with other tissues suggests that relatively large numbers of genes are expressed at similar levels in tissues that are related morphologically and/or developmentally, as supported by a cluster analysis with data from two other studies. Further analysis of the genes preferentially expressed in floral tissues has uncovered new genes potentially involved in Arabidopsis flower development. One hundred and four genes were determined to be preferentially expressed in young inflorescences, including 22 genes encoding putative transcription factors. We also identified 105 genes that were preferentially expressed in three reproductive structures (the young inflorescences, stage-12 floral buds and developing siliques), when compared with the vegetative tissues. RT-PCR results of selected genes are consistent with the results from these microarrays and suggest that the relative signal intensities detected with the Affymetrix microarray are reliable estimates of gene expression.
Analyzing the transportation impacts of increased coal haulage: Two case studies☆

Abstract Because of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (FUA) and other supporting legislation, one of the goals of U.S. national energy policy has been significantly increased coal utilization. How this increased usage will impact the U.S. freight transportation system is a matter of concern to carriers, coal shippers of other commodities, and federal, state, and local governments. This paper reports a methodology and results of studies that analyze these impacts through the use of a freight network equilibrium model (FNEM). The model is the first to explicitly represent both sets of primary decision makers in freight transportation, namely the carriers and the shippers of freight. The model is described, and model results for two case studies are presented. In the first, the cumulative transportation impacts of switching 42 power plants in the northeastern United States from oil or natural gas to coal are studied. The second is a similar study of conversion to coal of 14 powerplants in Florida. Results include coal source identification, coal source to powerplant routings, congestion levels, and rate estimates.
Three-dimensional in vitro tumor models for cancer research and drug evaluation.

Abstract Cancer occurs when cells acquire genomic instability and inflammation, produce abnormal levels of epigenetic factors/proteins and tumor suppressors, reprogram the energy metabolism and evade immune destruction, leading to the disruption of cell cycle/normal growth. An early event in carcinogenesis is loss of polarity and detachment from the natural basement membrane, allowing cells to form distinct three-dimensional (3D) structures that interact with each other and with the surrounding microenvironment. Although valuable information has been accumulated from traditional in vitro studies in which cells are grown on flat and hard plastic surfaces (2D culture), this culture condition does not reflect the essential features of tumor tissues. Further, fundamental understanding of cancer metastasis cannot be obtained readily from 2D studies because they lack the complex and dynamic cell–cell communications and cell–matrix interactions that occur during cancer metastasis. These shortcomings, along with lack of spatial depth and cell connectivity, limit the applicability of 2D cultures to accurate testing of pharmacologically active compounds, free or sequestered in nanoparticles. To recapitulate features of native tumor microenvironments, various biomimetic 3D tumor models have been developed to incorporate cancer and stromal cells, relevant matrix components, and biochemical and biophysical cues, into one spatially and temporally integrated system. In this article, we review recent advances in creating 3D tumor models employing tissue engineering principles. We then evaluate the utilities of these novel models for the testing of anticancer drugs and their delivery systems. We highlight the profound differences in responses from 3D in vitro tumors and conventional monolayer cultures. Overall, strategic integration of biological principles and engineering approaches will both improve understanding of tumor progression and invasion and support discovery of more personalized first line treatments for cancer patients.
Open Sourcing Social Solutions (Building Communities of Change)

70 countries. These Fellows are leading social entrepreneurs who have pioneered innovative solutions to societal challenges. As agents of change, these individuals have been as inspiring as they have been effective. However, as Ashoka has grown, it has faced a new challenge: to leverage the collective knowledge of Ashoka Fellows and galvanize members of the broader community in order to identify, envision, and realize the many untapped possibilities to effect positive social change through social entrepreneurship. Innovators often struggle to communicate their mission and describe their successes to potential investors who, in turn, struggle to assess the prospects of nascent ventures. Bridging this gap between innovation and investment is a crucial step in this leveraging and galvanizing process. Ashoka’s approach to addressing this gap has been to develop networks of contacts guided by well-defined protocols in order to assess the entrepreneurial potential of social enterprises. The increasing number and diversity of entrepreneurial ventures worldwide specifically directed toward addressing social problems is a welcome trend that nonetheless creates its own set of challenges. While Ashoka has continued to identify and assess social entrepreneurs using tried and true methods, the organization has also begun to experiment with new approaches to leverage the knowledge of these social entrepreneurs to attract other innovators. Changemakers is an important initiative of this sort, drawing on open source models to join innovators around the world into communities of change with peers, experts, investors, and interested members of the public. Our experience leads us to distinguish between different types of “open” models, including open innovation, open sourcing, and crowd sourcing. Changemakers has established a blend of these, which we call “crowd collaboration,” creating spaces where a wide range of voices can come together to propose, refine, reorient, reuse and reinvigorate innovative social solutions. This paper reviews Ashoka’s experience with Changemakers as a mechanism for accelerating innovation in order to take social change from a prospect for a few Charlie Brown
Error Analysis of Some Normal Approximations to the Chi-Square Distribution:

The chi-square distribution is one of the most widely used probability distributions; thus many functions have been advanced as approximations to the chi-square cumulative distribution function. One measure of the quality of an approximation is the maximum absolute error of the associated error function. This paper investigates the error functions for three normal approximations to the chi-square cumulative distribution function, those offered by Fisher, Wilson-Hilferty, and Kelley. In particular, a technique is developed for each approximation to find the maximum absolute error for fixed degrees of freedom. The maximum absolute error for each approximation and certain degrees of freedom is tabled.
Hardness of fine ground coals and mineral residues to predict slurry erosion

Abstract Precise, general mathematical description and prediction of mechanisms of slurry erosion is hampered by lack of a quantitative definition of hardness that describes the same property of both metal or ceramic surfaces and erosive particles. The exception is the Mohs hardness scale, defined by a comparison of simple scratch tests. This test cannot be applied to the solids in coal slurries, which are mixtures of different particles with a wide variation in relative hardness. Two simple devices were built to measure an equivalent Mohs hardness for fine powders and to demonstrate its correlation with established hardness scales. These tests can be applied to the suspended solids in coal liquefaction feed and discharge streams, in coal—oil fuel slurries, and in both raw and steam-dried coal—water slurries for pipeline transportation and process feed, to define their relative erosiveness. The values can be compared with the hardness, defined by the same method and on the same scale, for candidate metals and ceramics for slurry valves and pumps, to predict rates of erosion.
Incorporation of deoxycytidine triphosphate and thymidine triphosphate into nuclear DNA in vitro during early and late S phase in frog embryos.

Abstract There is a lower incorporation of labeled dCTP and TTP into isolated frog embryo nuclei in late S phase of neurulae, as compared to early S phase. At the tailbud stage dCTP incorporation is still lower in late S phase than in early S phase, but the incorporation of labeled TTP in late S phase was greater than during early S phase. Gel electrophoresis of H1 histone isolated from chromatin shows more H1 histone/μg DNA in tailbuds than in neurulae in both early and late S phases.
Quasars or blue stars

THE identification of southern hemisphere radio sources is in progress at the Yale University Observatory. The first epoch plates of the Yale–Columbia programme for determining the proper motion of southern stars have been examined for identifications, and I have already reported forty-one suggested identifications1, discussing the method and techniques in detail. In this communication I wish to point out that two radio sources, PKS 0320-37 and 1302-49, usually identified with the galaxies NGC 1316 and NGC 4945, may instead be quasi-stellar sources in the direction of those galaxies.
5-Hydroxytryptamine content of some arthropod venoms and venom-containing parts

Abstract The venom or venom-containing parts of 30 species of arthropods from North and South America were examined for their content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The characteristic fluorescence of 5-HT was used in its identification and quantitative estimation. No 5-HT was detected in venom or telsons of 7 species of scorpions. Venoms of 5 spiders were found to contain 5-HT. No 5-HT was detected in the stinging apparatus of two species of ants and 3 species of solitary wasps. Relatively large amounts of 5-HT were found in the sting apparatus of all social wasps that were examined. Most 5-HT was found in those wasps known to produce very painful stings.
Angular distributions from the 11B(d, n0)12C and 11B(d, n1)12∗C reactions for deuteron energies from 1.5 to 4.7 MeV

Abstract The angular distributions of resolved n 0 and n 1 neutron groups from 11 B+d were measured at bombarding energies of 1.51±0.05, 1.96±0.05, 2.36±0.04, 2.77±0.04, 3.47±0.04, 3.77±0.04, 4.11±0.044.68±0.03 MeV. They were obtained using a neutron spectrometer of low resolving power consisting of a polyethelene radiator with gas proportional d E /d x and scintillation E counters operating in coincidence to detect the recoil protons from the radiator. The shapes of the angular distributions do not allow an unambiguous specification of the reaction mechanism, which could involve both compound nucleus formation and direct interaction.
Hemoglobin Savaria - α49(CE7)Ser→Arg in the United States

Hemoglobin Savaria, first described in a Hungarian female (1), was found by us in a mother and her daughter during a routine clinical workup. There were no severe clinical problems or functional abnormalities of hemoglobin (Hb) associated with this variant, except for mild hypochromic, microcytic anemia.
Evolution of a U.S.-ECE Improved Headlamp Beam

Conventional U.S. and European headlamps were used as a basis for comparison with three experimental mid beams in field tests to evaluate visibility and glare of alternative "meeting" beams. Mean visibility distances of targets to the left of the drivers, at the center line of the two lane road used, were about half of those for the targets at the right side of the lane. Visibility distance of targets at the left of the lane were slightly greater with the ECE low and the mid beam using the ECE low beam than the other beams, but only close to the meeting point. Mean visibility of targets on the right of the lane was up to 24% greater with mid beams than either U.S. or ECE low beams. Discomfort glare was rated the same for all beams for targets on the right; but less for the ECE low beam and the mid beam using the ECE low beam than the mid beams using the U.S. low beam when observing targets on the left. It was concluded that improved meeting beams should use headlamps similar to the ECE low beam for urban driving, augmented by a third lamp such as the U.S. "type III" lamps used in these tests to form the "ECE-US mid beam" for use as a meeting beam on two lane and divided highways. Language: en
Structures of Virtue and Vice

The paper argues for new concepts in theological ethics: structures of virtue and structures of vice. The Catholic tradition's development of the ‘structures of sin’ in the 1970's and 80's was a significant contribution to magisterial teaching. However, this concept should be updated in light of the trajectory and concepts of post-Vatican II theological ethics. The article proceeds in two parts. Part one recapitulates the development of the concept of structures of sin in the Catholic tradition from the Second Vatican Council to Pope Benedict XVI's recent social encyclical, Caritas in veritate. Part two reflects on the findings of part one, and proceeds to define and defend the concepts structure of virtue and structures of vice. These related concepts more accurately capture the moral nature of social structures. Social structures have the capacity to produce just or unjust outcomes, and to play a significant role in the character formation of persons. Therefore, the structures of virtue and structures of vice are offered as insightful ways of discussing the moral status of social structures.
Lower bounds for the addition-subtraction operations in orthogonal range queries and related problems

Fredman has shown that Ω(logk N) lower bounds the complexity for doing aggregate orthogonal range queries on a set of N records in a dynamic environment, where the computing machine can use only addition for calculating aggregates. We introduce a natural k-dimensional analog to the Karlsson-Munro-Robertson (1985, in “The 12th ICALP Symposium,” pp. 318–327) contiguous segment assumption. This assumption is shown to be sufficient to extend Fredman's formalism so that subtraction as well as addition may be included in the Ω(logk N) lower bound. Since subtraction operations are known to speed up orthogonal range queries for static data structures with polylog memory redunduncy, it is significant that subtraction is not also helpful in a dynamic environment. The techniques introduced in Section 2 are stated in very general terms because they should have applications to other types of problems, besides those we consider.
An Examination of Dedifferentiation in Cognition Among African–American Older Adults

The structure and organization of cognitive abilities has been examined across the life span. The current analysis had three specific aims: (1) test the factor structure of a broad cognitive ability battery across three age groups; (2) examine differences in the pattern of factor covariation across age groups; and (3) examine the pattern of factor mean differences across age groups. A sample of 512 older African Americans (mean age = 66.6 years, 25.4% male) from the Baltimore Study of Black Aging was administered a battery of cognitive tests assessing the domains of perceptual speed, verbal memory, inductive reasoning, vocabulary, and working memory. Factor models were estimated separately in middle-age adults (50-59 years, n = 107), young-old adults (60-69 years, n = 198), and old-old adults (70-79 years, n = 207). There was loading invariance across the three age groups that suggests that the selected tests measured cognition similarly across age. There was no evidence of dedifferentiation across increasingly older age groups. Factor mean differences were observed with the middle-age group having significantly higher factor means than the young-old and old-old groups; however, there was only one factor mean difference between the young-old and the old-old groups. The results suggest that a pattern of dedifferentiation of cognitive abilities does not exist within this sample of older African Americans and that the 60-69 year age range may be a critical period for cognitive decline in this population.
Surgical repair of the abdominal bulge: correction of a complication of the flank incision for retroperitoneal surgery.

m l m r n r n e n t u he flank incision, a commonly used surgical approach o the retroperitoneum, affords access to the retroperitoeal structures without violating the peritoneal cavity. he incision generally extends from the periumbilical egion to the 11 intercostal space, although variations xist. Common applications include access to the aorta r iliac vessels and to the kidney or proximal ureter. lthough this approach was first described in the 1830s y Sir Astley Cooper, it did not become widely used in ascular surgery until it was reintroduced by Rob in 963 for access to the abdominal aorta. In the current ascular surgery literature, debate continues concerning he superiority of the retroperitoneal or transperitoneal pproach to the abdominal aorta. This debate notithstanding, there is agreement that the retroperitoneal pproach to the aorta is indicated in certain clinical sitations including obesity, multiple earlier laparotomies, orseshoe kidney, and suprarenal aortic aneurysms. In ddition, this incision is one of the preferred approaches o the kidney. Because the flank incision has become more widely sed, its complications have become better recognized. hese complications include local pain, intercostal neuopathy, incisional hernia, and the entity termed abominal or flank bulge or eventration. A flank bulge is ot a hernia because there is no underlying fascial defect. nstead, the protuberance of the abdomen is caused by a axity of the abdominal musculature. This laxity is beieved to be secondary to intercostal nerve injury as the ncision extends laterally toward the intercostal space. n two published series of patients undergoing a retro-
Level-density parameter of nuclei at finite temperature

Abstract The contribution of particle-particle (hole-hole) and of particle-hole ring diagrams to the nuclear level-density parameter at finite temperature is calculated. We first derive the correlated grand potential with the above ring diagrams included to all orders by way of a finite temperature RPA equation. An expression for the correlated level-density parameter is then obtained by differentiating the grand potential. Results obtained for the 40 Ca nucleus with realistic matrix elements derived from the Paris potential are presented. The contribution of the RPA correlations is found to be important, being significantly larger than typical Hartree-Fock results. The temperature dependence of the level-density parameter derived in the present work is generally similar to that obtained in a schematic model. Comparison with available experimental data is discussed.
United States Policy Toward the Multilateral Development Banks

During its first several decades, the World Bank operated with few constraints on its lending authority. Lending policies reflected primarily the economic and political objectives of Bank management and staff. With the establishment of the International Development Association (IDA) soft loan window 1960 this autonomy began to erode. The funds needed to support the IDA soft loans had to be replenished. This opened the door to greater political pressure on Bank policy by the administration and Congress. Since the mid-1980s environmental interest groups increasingly have been effective in bringing pressure to bear on World Bank and other MDB policy.
Tangle analysis of Gin site-specific recombination

We use the tangle model to study the action of the site-specific recombinase Gin, an enzyme that can introduce topological changes on circular DNA molecules. Gin and its bound DNA are modelled as a 2-string tangle which undergoes changes during recombination, thereby changing the topology of the DNA substrate. We show that the tangles involved in the analysis are all rational tangles. This technique allows us to prove that, under the model’s assumptions, there is a unique topological description of the enzymatic action. The Gin system is one of the few to date where tangle analysis can be carried out systematically and rigorously, yielding a single, biologically reasonable solution.
Global Terror, Global Vengeance?

It seems generally accepted that the attacks of September 11, 2001 in New York and Washington mark the beginning of an era of a new kind of violence. We are supposedly dealing with a form of terrorism so exceptional that it makes traditional concepts of war obsolete. Classical warfare between nations or alliances always involved States, and remained within the armature of recognized international law. It is said that the current struggle against terrorism no longer fits into this conceptual and juridical framework. Thus September 11, 2001 presumably made us cross a new threshold in that it manifested a type of violence that radically changed the nature of modern conflict. Such a conclusion is seductive and can seem well-founded.
Visual control of an autonomous vehicle (BART)-the vehicle-following problem

The authors consider the problem of vehicle-following including automatic steering and speed control of an autonomous vehicle following the motion of a lead vehicle. A visual control system for vehicle-following is presented. The system consists of the following modules: image processing, recursive filtering, and a driving command generator. First, the range and heading signal of the lead vehicle are obtained by visually identifying a unique tracking feature on the lead vehicle. Based upon this information, appropriate steering wheel and speed commands for driving are generated, which are then downloaded and executed on a microprocessor controller. The visual control system was tested on BART (Binocular Autonomous Research Team), a testbed vehicle developed at Texas A&M University for autonomous mobility. Successful full-scale test runs have been accomplished for speeds up to 20 mi/h. >
Inhomogeneous Field Distribution in Homogeneous Semiconductors Having an N-Shaped Negative Differntial Conductivity

Layer-like field inhomogeneities in homogeneous semiconductors which have been shown to occur whenever the conductivity decreases faster than linearly with increasing field strength, are discussed using Poisson and transport equations including drift and diffusion terms only. Stationary solutions are obtained for differential negative conductivity due to field-dependent carrier concentration or to field-dependent mobility in an approximation neglecting the diffusion term in the transport equation. When the diffusion is included, the method of characteristics is used to compare solutions for the case of field-dependent carrier concentration with the case of field-dependent mobility. A linear analysis of the behaviour of solutions near singular points is conducted for more detailed information about the solution near boundaries. Schichtformige Feldinhomogenitaten in homogenen Halbleitern, die auftreten, wenn die Leitfahigkeit mit wachsender Feldstarke starker als linear abnimmt, werden unter Benutzung der Poisson- und der Transportgleichung diskutiert, wobei nur Drift- und Diffusionsterme berucksichtigt werden. Stationare Losungen ergeben sich bei Vernachlassigung des Diffusionsterms in der Transportgleichung fur negative differentielle Leitfahigkeit, die durch feldabhangige Tragerkonzentration oder durch feldabhangige Beweglichkeit verursacht wird. Bei Berucksichtigung der Diffusion wird die Methode der Charakteristiken benutzt, um die Losungen fur den Fall der feldabhangigen Tragerkonzentration mit denen fur den Fall der feldabhangigen Beweglichkeit zu vergleichen. Es wird eine lineare Analyse der Losungen in der Nahe der singularen Punkte durchgefuhrt, um genauere Informationen uber die Losungen in der Nahe der Grenzen zu erhalten.
A View to a Kill: The Bacterial Type VI Secretion System

The bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS) is an organelle that is structurally and mechanistically analogous to an intracellular membrane-attached contractile phage tail. Recent studies determined that a rapid conformational change in the structure of a sheath protein complex propels T6SS spike and tube components along with antibacterial and antieukaryotic effectors out of predatory T6SS + cells and into prey cells. The contracted organelle is then recycled in an ATP-dependent process. T6SS is regulated at transcriptional and posttranslational levels, the latter involving detection of membrane perturbation in some species. In addition to directly targeting eukaryotic cells, the T6SS can also target other bacteria coinfecting a mammalian host, highlighting the importance of the T6SS not only for bacterial survival in environmental ecosystems, but also in the context of infection and disease. This review highlights these and other advances in our understanding of the structure, mechanical function, assembly, and regulation of the T6SS.
MHD RANKINE--HUGONIOT EQUATIONS APPLIED TO EARTH'S BOW SHOCK.

MHD Rankine-Hugoniot equations for ion density, thermal pressure and convective velocity magnitude and orientation during Pioneer 6 traversal of earth bow shock
Is the Sky Falling? Grade Inflation and the Signaling Power of Grades:

Grades are the fundamental currency of our educational system; they signal academic achievement and non-cognitive skills to parents, employers, postsecondary gatekeepers, and students themselves. Grade inflation compromises the signaling value of grades, undermining their capacity to achieve the functions for which they are intended. We challenge the 'increases in grade point average' definition of grade inflation and argue that grade inflation must be understood in terms of the signaling power of grades. Analyzing data from four nationally representative samples, we find that in the decades following 1972: (a) grades have risen at high schools and dropped at four-year colleges, in general, and selective four-year institutions, in particular; and (b) the signaling power of grades has attenuated little, if at all.
Low Energy Nanosecond Pulsed Plasma Sterilization for Endodontic Applications

The development of effective and safe methods for root canal disinfection, including mechanical, chemical and laser techniques, remains an important problem, and complete eradication of bacteria from the root canal system with minimum tissue trauma is still a serious challenge for endodontists. Recently, a pulsed, hollow-electrode based plasma dental probe has been developed to sterilize the root canal system during endodontic treatment. Driven by 100 ns, 1 kHz, 6 kV electric pulses, the plasma dental probe generates a room temperature, several centimeter long, ~2 mm in diameter, tapered cylindrical plasma plume in ambient atmosphere when a flow of He/(1%)O2 mixture exits the probe nozzle at 3 L/min. In preliminary experiments we observed 100% killing of the test organism Bacillus atrophaeus on nutrient agar plates with an exposure time of 60 s. The applied pulsed plasma has an average power ~2 W (energy per pulse, 1-2 mJ). The surface temperature of the nutrient agar directly under the plasma exposure increased from 22degC to 33degC in 3 min. Similar plasma plumes, operating close to room temperature, have been shown to inhibit bacterial growth without damaging skin. Measurements by plasma emission spectroscopy imply that active species (especially atomic oxygen) play an important role in the plasma sterilization process, and nanosecond electric pulses with optimal pulse conditions can be a highly efficient method for generating these radicals. Therefore, a nanosecond non-thermal plasma dental probe may prove to be a simple, safe, and effective procedure for root canal sterilization.
Overexpression of Superoxide Dismutase Protects Plants from Oxidative Stress (Induction of Ascorbate Peroxidase in Superoxide Dismutase-Overexpressing Plants)

Photosynthesis of leaf discs from transgenic tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum) that express a chimeric gene that encodes chloroplast-localized Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD+) was protected from oxidative stress caused by exposure to high light intensity and low temperature. Under the same conditions, leaf discs of plants that did not express the pea SOD isoform (SOD-) had substantially lower photosynthetic rates. Young plants of both genotypes were more sensitive to oxidative stress than mature plants, but SOD+ plants retained higher photosynthetic rates than SOD- plants at all developmental stages tested. Not surprisingly, SOD+ plants had approximately 3-fold higher SOD specific activity than SOD- plants. However, SOD+ plants also exhibited a 3- to 4-fold increase in ascorbate peroxidase (APX) specific activity and had a corresponding increase in levels of APX mRNA. Dehydroascorbate reductase and glutathione reductase specific activities were the same in both SOD+ and SOD- plants. These results indicate that transgenic tobacco plants that overexpress pea Cu/Zn SOD II can compensate for the increased levels of SOD with increased expression of the H2O2-scavenging enzyme APX. Therefore, the enhancement of the active oxygen-scavenging system that leads to increased oxidative stress protection in SOD+ plants could result not only from increased SOD levels but from the combined increases in SOD and APX activity.
A noise-whitening approach to multiple-access noise rejection in a CDMA system

Multiple-access interference is a limiting factor in DS-CDMA. Since multiple-access noise is the sum of many independent random processes, it is reasonable to approximate it by a Gaussian process of the same power spectral density. This leads to the criterion of maximizing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this paper, receivers that maximize SNR in a particular DS-CDMA system model under various constraints are proposed and analyzed. The method proposed here does not require locking and despreading multiple arriving CDMA signals. The performance of the system is analyzed when the receiver is constrained to operate bit-by-bit, in the absence of knowledge of the other users' spreading codes, timing, and phase. >
Biperpedia: an ontology for search applications

Search engines make significant efforts to recognize queries that can be answered by structured data and invest heavily in creating and maintaining high-precision databases. While these databases have a relatively wide coverage of entities, the number of attributes they model (e.g., GDP, CAPITAL, ANTHEM) is relatively small. Extending the number of attributes known to the search engine can enable it to more precisely answer queries from the long and heavy tail, extract a broader range of facts from the Web, and recover the semantics of tables on the Web.We describe Biperpedia, an ontology with 1.6M (class, attribute) pairs and 67K distinct attribute names. Biperpedia extracts attributes from the query stream, and then uses the best extractions to seed attribute extraction from text. For every attribute Biperpedia saves a set of synonyms and text patterns in which it appears, thereby enabling it to recognize the attribute in more contexts. In addition to a detailed analysis of the quality of Biperpedia, we show that it can increase the number of Web tables whose semantics we can recover by more than a factor of 4 compared with Freebase.
Women's Surnames: Decisions, Interpretations and Associations with Relational Qualities:

There has been little systematic empirical research to date concerning women's choices to change or keep their surnames upon marriage. This study of 110 women employs a dialectical perspective to explore women's decisions concerning their surnames. Specifically, we identify the issues involved in making this decision, examine associations between the surname chosen and relational qualities (satisfaction, love, commitment, intimacy) and interpret the meanings of the surname in association with meanings of marriage for these women. A combination of open-ended questions and scale measures was used. The results show that while name changers, name keepers and name combiners consider different issues when making their decisions, there are no significant differences in the three groups' relational characteristics. However, the meanings of marriage for these three groups clearly differ. The authors suggest avenues for further research.
A Factor Analytic Study of Epistemological Style Inventories

Abstract Literature concerning the measurement of epistemological style is characterized by a plethora of minimally developed instruments potentially measuring redundant styles. The purpose of the present study was to integrate the instrumentation efforts of previous researchers by factor analyzing available epistemological style inventories, the long-range goal being the development of a single, comprehensive measuring device. Seven different epistemological styles, as measured by five separate epistemological style inventories, were submitted to orthogonal principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation. Results revealed three significant factors, which were labeled Naive Realism, Logical Inquiry, and Skeptical Subjectivism. In addition, relationships were found between the factors derived and the demographic variables of gender, college major, and ethnicity. The heuristic potential of this preliminary model of epistemological style is discussed.
Photoluminescence of Crystalline cDtE double heterostructures grown by MBE

Low-temperature photoluminescence (LTPL) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) were used to study bulk material and interface properties of MBE-grown CdTe. CdTe and CdTe ternary-alloy double heterostructures (DH) grown on CdTe and InSb substrates show LTPL emission from excitons, dislocations, and other defects. Photoluminescence spectra changed with material composition and quality, with near-band exciton emissions increasing and emissions related to extended and point defects decreasing as defect density decreased and interfaces improved. Measured lifetimes from TRPL decay curves also reflected the quality of the DHs. Data showed that overall DH quality depends more upon buffer thicknesses than absorber layer thicknesses. CdTe/CdMgTe DHs grown on InSb substrates had the highest near-band PL and lowest defect emission as seen in low-temperature spectral emission and highest lifetimes in TRPL data.
Observations on Tripartiella bursiformis, Trichodina nigra and a pathogenic trichodinid, Trichodina fultoni

A series of epizootics caused by Trichodina fultoni is reported. Fish kept in running water at 12°c showed severe signs of trichodiniasis. At 12 °C T. fultoni lacked strict host specificity, but demonstrated some preference. A redescription of Tripartiella burstjormis, using the silver impregnated techniques, is given. This ciliate is reporred from Acantharchus pomotis. Trichodina nigra is reported from the same host.
Inactivation of Virus in Sewage

Inactivation of virus in sewage effluent was investigated using a rapid sampling reaction system. The effects of pH and varied reaction conditions are reported. Data presented strongly support the hypothesis that free chlorine is required for significant viral inactivation. The viricidal activity of chlorine at different pH levels correlates better with the persistence of free chlorine than with the theoretical percent HOCl present. It appears that the more significant role of pH in the inactivation of viruses is the control of chlorine wasting side reactions.
Unusual binding sites for horseradish peroxidase on the surface of cultured and isolated mammalian cells Suppression of binding by certain nucleotides and glycoproteins, and a role for calcium

Binding sites for horseradish peroxidase (HRP), with unusual properties, were detected on the surface of cultured and isolated cells after the cells (on cover slips) had been quickly dried, fixed in cold methanol, and postfixed in a paraformaldehyde solution. The reaction for surface-bound HRP was suppressed by micromolar concentrations of glycoproteins such as invertase, equine luteinizing hormone (eLH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The reaction was also suppressed by 20 mM CDP, UDP, GTP, NAD, and ribose 5-phosphate. Two to six times higher concentrations of GMP, fructose 1-phosphate, galactose 6 phosphate, mannose 6-phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate, and glucose 6-phosphate were required to suppress the binding eaction. AMP, ATP, heparin, mannan, and eight non-phosphorylated sugars showed relatively low competing potencies but fucoidin and α-lactalbumin were strong inhibitors. No addition of Ca2+ was required for the binding of HRP to the cell surface. However, calcium-depleted, inactive HRP did not compete with the binding of native (calcium-containing) HRP whereas H2O2-inactivated HRP suppressed the binding. GTP, NAD, ribose 5-phosphate, and EGTA accelerated the release of previously-bound HRP from the cell surface whereas glycoproteins (invertase, cLH, and hCG) did not do se. Addition of Ca2+ to GTP, NAD, ribose 5-phosphate or to EGTA prevented the accelerated release of HRP from the cell surface. It is suggested that calciam, present either in the surface membrane or in HRP itself, is involved in the binding of HRP to the cell surface and in the inhibition of binding by GTP, NAD, and ribose 5-phosphate. It is also suggested that α-lactalbumin, GTP, UDP, and CDP compete with the binding of HRP to a glycosyltransferase on the cell surface.
Real-Time Automated Simulation Generation Based on CAD Modeling and Motion Capture

This paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation of lowcost motion capture systems with the support of hardwaresoftware interfaces for realtime automated simulation generation using CAD models. To capture the motions of 3D objects in a physical environment, stereo vision systems are developed using two kinds of inexpensive, offtheshelf cameras: 1) Wii Remote (Wiimote) and 2) Firefly MV. In this paper, we present the system’s architectural design, the software developed to implement and integrate several existing algorithms, and effective approaches to addressing practical issues such as camera calibration, object identification, and registration between the realworld and virtualworld coordinate frames. Application examples have been developed to demonstrate realtime automated generation of simulations of assembly operations using Siemens NX software for CAD modeling.
Entropy viscosity approach for compressible turbulent simulations using discontinuous spectral element method

An improved shock capturing method is proposed for a high-order discontinuous spectral element method applied to simulation of compressible turbulent flows. The shock capturing method is an extension of the original entropy viscosity (EV) method, developed to capture shock waves and other discontinuities in the flow through adding localized artificial viscosity. The regularization method for Euler system of equations introduces artificial transport coefficients proportional to the local entropy generation which also acts as a shock sensor. In this paper, we present a new formulation for EV method which enables us to extend the use of EV method to turbulent viscous flows. This modified scheme generalizes the EV method, to situations where there are strong physical oscillations like those associated with turbulence. A test simulation for decaying isotropic turbulence is used to demonstrate the improved accuracy and numerical stability of the new scheme.
Seminole Bat, Lasiurus seminolus, in Central New York

An adult female Seminole bat, Lasiurus seminolus ( Rhoads), was collected by Karl Warren, William Werner, Jr., and the writer at Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York on September 2, 1953. It was shot about 7 pm E.S.T. while flying over a small pond situated in an open area that was bordered on three sides by woodland. Red bats ( Lasiurus b. borealis ) and little brown bats ( Myotis l. lucifugus …
Prevalence and distribution of MRI abnormalities in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic events

Abstract Introduction Both structural and functional abnormalities have been reported in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic events (PNEEs), although no truly consistent abnormalities have been found. Methods We retrospectively identified patients discharged from our EMU with video-EEG diagnoses of epileptic seizures, PNEEs, epileptic seizures plus PNEEs, interictal epileptiform abnormalities only, and nondiagnostic admissions. We then collected brain MRI results for analysis. Results We found significant brain MRI abnormalities in 33.8% of patients with PNEEs, clearly higher than the rate of brain MRI abnormalities in the healthy population. In addition, we found statistically significant differences in the locations of brain MRI abnormalities in patients with epileptic seizures (more frequently temporal) versus PNEEs (more frequently multifocal). Conclusion This multifocal nature of abnormalities in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic events may help to explain the underlying pathophysiology as it relates to psychiatric disorders which are so frequently comorbid with PNEEs.
Dog bites of the face with tissue loss.

Children are most frequently the victims of dog bites; the face is often the favored target. Even in apparently extensive injuries, enough skin generally remains to allow a reasonably direct closure, which is the preferred treatment. Infrequently, when significant soft tissue loss occurs, more complex methods require the surgeon's ingenuity in order to restore function and cosmesis without risking widespread infection or disfigurement. This article discusses the use of local flaps, skin grafts, or regional flaps in the proper circumstances. These options must be chosen carefully following an appropriate hierarchy of priorities, in order to achieve wound closure, to simultaneously restore anatomic landmarks, and to lessen the need for subsequent surgical revisions and psychological trauma. Language: en
Spinal cord ependymoma: a review of the literature and case series of ten patients

Spinal cord ependymoma (SCE) is a rare tumor that is most commonly low-grade. Complete surgical resection has been established as first-line treatment and can be curative. However, SCEs tend to recur when complete tumor resection is not possible. Evidence supporting the use of adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy is not definitive. We review the most recent literature on SCE covering a comprehensive range of topics spanning the biology, presentation, clinical management, and outcomes. In addition, we present a case series of ten SCE patients with the goal of contributing to existing knowledge of this rare disease.