cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential Overestimation of Carbon Sequestration in the Forested Wildland-Urban Interface in Northern New England

ing factors in remote sensing (Dwyer et al. 2000, Campbell 2007, Walton et al. 2008). The combination of ground data with remote sensing observations, especially in raster format, has proven necessary to improve the accuracy of estimates of ecosystem properties and functions. For example, extensive and fine-grain estimates of housing density are needed when integrating with ecological information such as land cover data (Radeloff et al. 2001). Housing development, along with other accompanying activities, has been recognized as a primary cause of anthropogenic landscape change in the United States and other countries in recent years (Antrop 2004, Cohen 2004, Nowak et al. 2005). Such impact could be strong in the northern New England region, USA, where about 72% of the land area was forested in 2001 (Zheng et al. 2009). The impact should be of particular concern in forested wildland– urban interface (WUI) areas, where by definition the majority of housing units (i.e., buildings and their lawns) are scattered within forestlands. Areas of intermixed housing units and forests are frequently classified as only forest cover with moderate-resolution imagery and techniques (Walton 2008, Walton et al. 2008). Even if housing units are detected, they may fall below the minimum mapping unit area of land cover maps derived from remotely sensed data (e.g., see Figure 1). In northern New England, the WUI accounts for 16% of its total land area, nearly double the mean WUI percentage of the conterminous United States (Radeloff et al. 2005). Studies have focused on how housing development in the WUI affects wildland fires, forest fragmentation, biodiversity, land-use planning, and wildlife maintenance (Soule 1991, Winter and Fried 2001, McKinney 2002) and may have other negative ecological consequences (Heimlich and Anderson 2001). However, studies have not examined how housing development in the forested WUI could reduce FCS, which could prove to be a potential error source because of the extent of WUI in the region. This study examines the potential error in an approach that is useful for promoting linkages between social and ecological studies, especially those studies regarding the terres-
An input/output subsystem for the Hawk operating system kernel

This paper describes the input/output subsystem that is provided with the Hawk operating system kernel and the SANDAC V computer. Hawk and the SANDAC V were designed for embedded hard real-time applications. The IOS is a hierarchically organized set of modules t h a t can be configured to match the requirements of a specific real-time application. It was designed to interact with and control a variety of peripheral devices, some of which do not match traditional models. The subsystem executes concurrently with the application tasks in either an asynchronous or synchronous fashion.
Tensile stresses in the edges of injection moldings: Roles of packing pressure, machine compliance, and resin compression

The slow spontaneous development of cracks in the edges of injection moldings under “field” conditions has been observed for 30 years or more. While environmental stress cracking agents have long been implicated, the magnitude and distribution of the stresses associated with cracking have been obscure. The current study of these stresses involved polycarbonate as a model test material that was molded under systematically varied molding conditions. Surface tensile stresses, though rarely great enough alone to cause “dry” crazing or cracking were revealed through exposure to environmental stress crazing and cracking (ESC) agents. Using an old technique involving a set of calibrated ESC liquids, edge tensile stresses as great as 18 MPa were found in the edges of the moldings. Other, independent methods of stress assessment gave results in semiquantitative agreement with those of the ESC tests. Packing force, machine compliance, injection hold time, and mold flashing emerged as major variables either raising or mitigating stress levels. The root cause of the edge tensions is the mismatch in the times and pressures at which the skins and cores of moldings solidify. In short, skins quench at low pressure first, while cores solidify later during the packing stage. Upon release from the mold, elastic recovery of the core stretches the skin. More importantly, machine and mold compliances allow expansion of the part in the packing stage, during which certain areas of the skin are stretched. Solidifying the core during the packing preserves part of the skin extension as elastic strain. These effects are capable of outweighing the classical tendency of quenching to generate skin compression and core tension. A number of other effects, including release from the mold before the core has solidified, and flashing of the mold, have been found to limit the rise of skin tension.
Persisting problems for a quantificational theory of complex demonstratives

I criticized Jeffrey King’s theory of complex demonstratives in “Problems for a Quantificational Theory of Complex Demonstratives.” King replied in “Complex Demonstratives as Quantifiers: Objections and Replies.” I here comment on some of King’s replies.
Mucosal vaccines: the promise and the challenge

Most infectious agents enter the body at mucosal surfaces and therefore mucosal immune responses function as a first line of defence. Protective mucosal immune responses are most effectively induced by mucosal immunization through oral, nasal, rectal or vaginal routes, but the vast majority of vaccines in use today are administered by injection. As discussed in this Review, current research is providing new insights into the function of mucosal tissues and the interplay of innate and adaptive immune responses that results in immune protection at mucosal surfaces. These advances promise to accelerate the development and testing of new mucosal vaccines against many human diseases including HIV/AIDS.
The fine structure of the colleterial glands of Hyalophora cecropia (Lepidoptera).

The structure of cells in the colleterial glands of the Cecropia silkmoth was examined. Morphologically and functionally the gland is divided into two regions, a tubular one in which columnar protein-synthesizing cells are located, and an expanded region in which flattened cells with very different structure are most prominent. The fine structure of the latter cells which are presumed to secrete a phenolic glucoside, closely resembles that of cells described in the colleterial glands of orthopterans. The protein-secreting cells have many features normally associated with pancreatic acinar, and other cells of similar function. Among these are extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum, an elaborate Golgi complex, and a modest number of mitochondria. Other features which are less usual in cells of this type are an elaborate secretory apparatus consisting of a cuticular tubule inserted into a microvilli-lined cavity at the apical end of the cell, and large numbers of cytolysomes, myelin figures, and lipid droplets. A chitogenous cell with a very distinct and specific type of ultrastructure is found associated with the secretory cell. This cell type is attached to the cuticular elements of the gland, and the main features of its cytoplasm are extensive bundles of microtubules which presumably serve as supportive elements for the secretory cells.
A preliminary study on the use of reference states in predicting transport rates in flows with chemical reactions

Abstract High-speed laminar Couette flows with additions, at the stationary surface, of substances capable of reacting with the free-stream gas are examined in a preliminary study on the use of reference states and constant-property solutions in predicting mass-, momentum- and energy-transfer rates in flows with chemical reactions. In order to simplify the analysis, a model in which Pick's Diffusion Law is applicable and in which Prandtl number and Schmidt number equal unity is studied. In general, evaluation of the reference state requires a description of the concentration distributions and, consequently, information concerning the chemical reactions. Since obtaining this information requires, in general, about as much effort as would solving exactly for the transport rates, it appears that the concept of a reference state is of limited practical value for the general problem of flows with chemical reactions. However, if the forward reaction rates are fast and the backward reaction rates are slow (a sufficient condition for diffusion-controlled reaction rates), then the problem of calculating the reference state is reduced to the problem of calculating the fluid velocity at the reaction plane. If, in addition, the reactions occur near either the inner or outer limit of the viscous layer, then calculations of the reference state are straightforward; in a linear approximation, the reference enthalpy is given by an expression including terms involving, as factors, the heat of reaction whereas the reference concentrations are given simply by the arithmetic averages of the concentrations at the two bounding surfaces. In numerical calculations for Couette flows with diffusion-controlled reaction rates, errors introduced in estimates of the location of the reaction zone appear to dominate any other errors which may be introduced when using these approximate methods. Since, for flows with inertoolant injections, the reference-state expressions developed for laminar Couette flows correlate satisfactorily also the results for laminar and (for limited available data) turbulent boundary layers, it is recommended that a study be made of the possibility of extending these reference-state expressions also to laminar and turbulent boundary-layer flows with reactive-coolant injections.
Autonomic effects of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation.

PURPOSE One hypothesis by which exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) reduces mortality and cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease invokes a beneficial effect of exercise on autonomic modulation. This study aimed to evaluate the autonomic effects of CR in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS Participants referred to phase 2 CR underwent 4 bicycle stress tests, 2 before starting CR and 2 after. On visits 1 and 3, a symptom-limited bicycle stress test was performed. On visits 2 and 4, the subject exercised to the same workload, but atropine was administered during maximal exercise to achieve parasympathetic blockade. Parasympathetic effect in exercise recovery was computed before and after CR. Heart rate variability for each segment was also quantified. Plasma catecholamine levels were obtained at baseline, peak exercise, and during recovery. RESULTS Seventeen subjects (age 56 ± 10 years; 4 women) were enrolled. Six completed the post-CR testing. There was a significant increase in parasympathetic effect during exercise recovery post-CR (P < .001). There was also a significant increase in heart rate variability during exercise recovery post-CR (P < .001). Resting catecholamine levels were not different pre- and post-CR (NS). Post-CR, there was a blunted increase in peak exercise plasma catecholamine levels compared with those seen pre-CR, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a shift toward increased parasympathetic and possibly, blunted sympathetic effect in this cohort after completion of an exercise-based CR program. Our findings provide insight into the mechanism for the observed changes in exercise parameters following exercise training, and the improved outcomes seen after CR.
Laparoscopic Evaluation for Contralateral Patent Processus Vaginalis: Part II

Abstract Between May 1, 1992 and August 1, 1995, 599 consecutively treated children under 10 years of age evaluated by the authors for a known inguinal hernia were involved in a prospective protocol to determine whether diagnostic laparoscopy has a place for evaluation of the contralateral inguinal region. The experience with the first 221 patients was reported at the 1993 AAP meeting. In this total experience, 81 patients had known bilateral inguinal hernias and did not require diagnostic laparoscopy. Five hundred eighteen patients had a unilateral inguinal hernia with the status of the contralateral region being unknown. Between May 1, 1992 and May 1, 1994, 368 children underwent evaluation using an umbilical approach. However, for the past 14 months, 150 patients have undergone the diagnostic laparoscopy through the ipsilateral hernia sac. Among the children under 1 year of age, 98 were found to have a unilateral hernia and also a contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) and 110 had a unilateral hernia. Of the children older than age 1, 116 had a unilateral hernia and CPPV and 194 had only a single hernia. After induction of anesthesia, it was suspected on clinical examination that 195 of the 518 patients had a CPPV. However, laparoscopy showed that only 94 (48%) had a CPPV. In the remaining 323 patients, the surgeon believed that a CPPV was not present based on the examination. This negative finding was verified in only 198 patients (61%), but a surprising 125 (39%) did have CPPV documented at the time of endoscopy. Insufflation alone was very unreliable for documenting the presence of CPPV. Of the 214 patients for whom CPPV on the contralateral side was documented during laparoscopy, only 41 (19%) had a positive finding on insufflation. This experience has convinced the authors that diagnostic laparoscopy is the most accurate means to ascertain whether a patient should undergo contralateral inguinal exploration. In addition, laparoscopy through the ipsilateral inguinal sac is now the preferred approach.
The identification of peroxy‐features at polymer surfaces by ESCA

A preliminary investigation of the identification of peroxy-features at polymer surfaces by ESCA is described. Oxidation of a hydrocarbon polymer in the effluent of a singlet molecular oxygen generator, based on a microwave discharge in oxygen, produces surfaces rich in peroxy-features. By comparison with experimental and theoretical studies of model systems these features can be identified in ESCA spectra by their characteristic O1s binding energies. The oxygen atoms in the peroxy-linkage have essentially the same binding energy, which is within a narrow range of 534.0 eV for simple peroxides and hydroperoxides and a narrow range of 535.2 eV for peroxy-features in more highly oxygenated environments; for example, peracids and peresters. Peroxy-linkages decompose rather rapidly under the typical x-ray flux used in the ESCA experiment.
Mechanisms of fracture propagation in experimentally extended Sioux quartzite

Abstract Notched samples of Sioux quartzite have been extended to failure at temperatures T between 25° and 710° C, strain rates ⋗e from 5.2 × 10−6 to 6.7 × 10−4 s−1 and 100 MPa confining pressure, and fracture morphologies examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy. In all the extension tests performed, sample failure occurred by the formation of a tensile fracture in or near the notch mid-plane. Differential stress magnitudes at failure are insensitive to variations in T and ⋗e and calculated tensile strengths are comparable to previously reported values for unconfined tests at room temperature. Force-displacement records show a change in mechanical response, from linear elastic behavior at temperatures between 25° and 412°C to significant yielding in compression prior to failure in the 500° to 710°C tests. In all cases, fractures consist almost entirely of intragranular cracks (IGC) which exhibit characteristic surface features which can be used to infer local crack propagation directions. In one test in which fracturing was initiated at an edge flaw, IGC propagation directions show no overall trend. The observations indicate that the mechanism of fracture propagation involves nucleation, growth and coalescence of IGC which are themselves propagating in all directions in the plane of the main fracture. The onset of inelastic yielding prior to failure at elevated temperatures is attributed to the formation of thermally induced GBC which act as nucleation sites for IGC during extension.
Editorial: The year 1992 in review: part II

This PDF file contains the editorial “Editorial: The year 1992 in review: part II” for OE Vol. 32 Issue 02
Challenges in the determination of strength parameters for simulation models of human movements

This study presents a method for determining in vivo strength parameters for the simulation models of human movements. Peak isometric, concentric and eccentric knee extensor torques of a male participant were measured on an isovelocity dynamometer. Torque-velocity and torque-angle relationships were determined using either dynamometer data alone or together with synchronised kinematic data obtained from video recordings. This was to investigate the feasibility of developing a simple method which required minimal equipment and data processing time. Results show that joint torque parameters determined from simple methods are not sufficiently accurate and therefore are not recommended to determine parameters for simulation models of human movements.
Gendered interpretations veiled with discourses of the individual

This paper is based on a year-long ethnography of a K-1 class. I report on the way gender was a significant implicit feature of interpreting kids’ everyday classroom activities, like why boys tended to go to the computer center and girls did not. In addition to explicating the gendered interpretations, the paper also discusses the way teachers used de-gendered narratives to explain the classroom activities. Rather than acknowledging gender as a significant feature of these often reported classroom activities, teachers attributed differences in performance to personal characteristics like personality or personal preference. The major contributions of the paper include extending our study of gender and schooling to a primary class, focusing on the interpretations of gendered activities and not just on the description of those activities, and locating a disjuncture between the interpretations that emerged through observations and the explanations that were offered by teachers for those same observations. Thi...
Use of a microemulsion system to incorporate a lipophilic chiral selector in electrokinetic capillary chromatography

The separation of (1R, 2S) and (1S, 2R)-ephedrine using microemulsion electrokinetic capillary chromatography is reported. The lipophilic chiral selector, (2R, 3R)-di-n-butyl tartrate (0.5% w/w), was introduced into the electrophoretic buffer consisting of 0.6% (w/w) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 1.2% (w/w) 1-butanol in 15 mM tris-hydroxyaminomethane buffer (pH 8.1). The two isomers of ephedrine were separated with excellent resolution.
A Childhood Obesity Program in Federally Qualified Community Health Centers

P and practitioners working in health centers may face challenges when trying to trying to encourage healthy lifestyles in an underserved patient population. One of the most challenging diseases to address is obesity. As the prevalence of childhood obesity reaches a new high, efforts must be made to reverse and protect children from this preventable disease. This column will describe how two federally qualified health centers used a modified version of a nationally known obesity prevention program called We Can to implement childhood obesity clinics.
Spatial variation in population dynamics in a colonial ascidian ( Botryllus schlosseri )

Recent interest in the dynamics of marine invertebrate populations has focused largely on taxa with an open population structure. However, in many colonial taxa with limited larval dispersal, settlers may be locally derived. Consequently, dynamics may vary among sites that are separated by relatively short distances. This study explored spatial variation in temporal dynamics of colonial ascidians (Botryllus schlosseri Pallas) inhabiting five sites distributed along a ≈ 17-km temperature and phytoplankton gradient in the Damariscotta River estuary, Maine, USA. Settlement and population densities and sexual reproductive status were assayed throughout the summer seasons of 1996 and 1997. Sexual reproduction and larval settlement commenced earlier in the summer in up-river populations, which subsequently underwent a seasonal population explosion that was much smalier in down-river populations. Two peaks in settlement density up-river (in early July and early September) suggest that colonies there may have completed two sexual generations, in contrast to a single generation at down-river sites. Similar spatial variation is expected among populations of other taxa with limited larval dispersal when they are distributed across environmental gradients.
Supplement use among men with prostate cancer.

Objectives. To characterize supplement use within a sample population of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Methods. A census of men diagnosed with prostate cancer at Duke University Medical Center from 1997 to 2002 (n 1402) was mailed a survey that ascertained data on health status, education, diet, exercise, smoking status, and information on supplement use. Differences between demographic and treatment subgroups were described and tested, as was change in supplement use after diagnosis. Results. Data from 805 respondents indicated that a majority (73%) used supplements, and 68% claimed that this information was shared with their cancer care provider. The most commonly reported supplements were multivitamins (56%), vitamin E (43%), vitamin C (33%), and calcium (26%). On average, 2.7 2.8 supplements per day were taken, and use increased significantly after diagnosis for most supplements. Use was significantly higher among men who were white (P 0.043), were more highly educated (P 0.002), exercise regularly (P 0.020), and who consume five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables (P 0.040). Conclusions. A high percentage of men with prostate cancer take supplements, especially those who are white, more educated, and who pursue healthful behaviors. Systematic means of capturing these data are necessary to begin to understand the potential impact of supplements on disease outcome, especially because no data exist to suggest that supplements are of any benefit after diagnosis. UROLOGY 66: 161‐166, 2005. © 2005 Elsevier Inc.
The Determinants of Information Value: Synthesizing Some General Results

This paper identifies the determinants of information value and synthesizes some general results concerning their effects. While some attributes of an information system exhibit a consistent directional effect on information value, attributes of the decision setting and decision maker do not.
The problem of the stability of technetium

Discussion, based on nuclear, geochemical and astronomical data, on the possible existence of isotopes of technetium with a period longer then 109 years. The only possible isotopes are Tc97 and Tc98 which, although radioactive, might have very long periods.
Room-temperature deformation and stress- induced phase

The microstructure within particles of the Laves phase Fe2Zr in a two-phase Fe-10 at. pct Zr alloy after compression was investigated using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Stress- induced phase transformation between C36 and C15 structures was found to be a major defor- mation mode for the Laves phase. Twinning and stacking faults were also found within C15 regions. Phase transformation models based on partial dislocations are discussed.
Comparison of the Behavior of Water in Silicalite and Dealuminated Zeolite Y at Different Temperatures by Molecular Dynamic Simulations

The behavior of water in silicalite and dealuminated zeolite Y (DAY), two highly hydrophobic zeolites, was investigated at different temperatures in the range 100−600 K by molecular dynamics simulations using the Compass force field. The full flexibility of water molecules and the zeolite framework was considered. This study confirmed behavior of water in silicalite pores reported previously by several authors, and extended previous work to include the different behavior of water in DAY pores. The results show that the behavior of water is more complex in silicalite than in DAY. Three different activation energies for water diffusion were obtained in silicalite in the range 250−600 K compared to two for DAY. The values of these activation energies are discussed in detail and are related to the strength of hydrogen bonds and the zeolite structure. Moreover, from the radial distribution functions (RDFs), it is shown that water mostly exists in the gas phase at room temperature in silicalite, whereas liquidl...
Magnetic susceptibility in Ti(Cr, Mn)SiO crystal approximant as a function of oxygen concentration — no evidence for a minimum in N(EF)

Abstract To examine the possible roles for oxygen in the formation of the icosahedral and crystal approximant phases in Ti-TM-Si alloys (TM = V, Cr, Mn, Fe), the magnetic susceptibility was measured in the α(TiCrSiO) and α(TiMnSiO) 1 1 crystal approximant phases. The measured magnetic susceptibility, ξ, for α(TiCrSiO) is nearly independent of temperature over the range 6–300 K, showing no measurable Curie-Weiss component, The susceptibility of α(TiMnSiO) contains a small Curie-Weiss component corresponding to a local-moment ( j = 5 2 ) from only a small fraction (∼0.2%) of the Mn. The electronic density of states at the Fermi energy, N(EF), estimated from the susceptibility contribution of the conduction electrons, changes monotonically with increasing oxygen in both alloys. This suggests that phase stabilization by oxygen does not arise from a Hume-Rothery-type mechanism in these alloys.
Deterministic and stochastic resilience analysis of minimum-time-controlled discrete-time systems

The resilience of discrete-time systems subject to minimum-time control is analysed for both deterministic and stochastic control gain perturbations. Lyapunov analysis is used to determine a tight upper bound on the control gain perturbations to maintain asymptotic stability.
In vivo toxicity, biodistribution, and clearance of glutathione-coated gold nanoparticles

Abstract Gold nanoparticles are emerging as promising materials from which to construct nanoscale therapeutics and therapeutic delivery systems. However, animal studies have shown that gold nanoparticles modified with certain thiol monolayers such as tiopronin can cause renal complications and morbidity. Although these effects may be eliminated by coadsorbing small amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG) onto the nanoparticle surface, PEG can also lower cellular internalization efficiency and binding interactions with protein disease targets, significantly reducing the potential for using gold nanoparticles as therapeutics. Using ICP-MS analysis of blood, urine, and several organs, we show in this article that glutathione-coated gold nanoparticles (1.2 nm ± 0.9 nm) cause no morbidity at any concentration up to and including 60 μM and target primary organs although providing gradual dissipation and clearance over time. This study suggests that glutathione may be an attractive alternative to PEG in the design of gold nanoparticle therapeutics. From the Clinical Editor This study describes the utility and toxicity of glutathione coated gold nanoparticles in comparison to PEGylated counterparts that are commonly used to increase “Stealth” properties and lower cytotoxicity. Too much PEG on the NPs can lead to lower cellular internalization efficiency and less efficient binding interactions with protein disease targets, significantly reducing the potential for using gold nanoparticles as therapeutics.
Determinate sentencing, formal rationality, and khadi justice in Maine: An application of Weber's typology

Abstract In the 1980s over twenty-five jurisdictions, including Maine, changed their sentencing policies. Nevertheless, only a few states approximated the goal of determinancy proposed by advocates of reform. Recent extensions of Weber's work on law finding to the area of punishment provide a means to reconceptualize the problem addressed by advocates of determinacy. This article refocuses debates about sentencing reform in terms of Weber's concept of formal rationality. It explains why one state—Maine—did not reduce judicial disparities and why determinacy failed to be introduced. Sentences from an experiment conducted among all members of Maine's judiciary are compared with guideline sentences in two states—Minnesota and Pennsylvania. This comparison clearly supports national criticism of Maine's failure to reduce judicial disparities in sentences. It is concluded that widespread sentencing disparities in Maine result from a criminal code legitimating substantively irrational decisionmaking or khadi justice. No attempt was made to move toward a formally rational system advocated by proponents of determinacy.
Conceptually modelling the trade-offs between continuous and traditional auditing

Continuous auditing (CA) has been of significant interest in recent years. The focus of CA in this research is in its use in the internal audit function. Specifically, the research examines the factors influencing an organisation’s mix of CA and traditional audit techniques in the internal audit function. A theoretical model is proposed based on a Cobb-Douglas production function using the capital variable to represent continuous internal audit techniques and labour the use of traditional techniques. A series of simulations are performed providing evidence that the conceptual model of CA adoption has face value validity. The optimal mix of capital (CA) and labour (traditional) for the organisation, given a budget restraint is generally not an all or nothing proposition. Mathematically, the percentage of the budget spent on these two forms of auditing techniques depends on the elasticity of substitution between labour (traditional auditing) and capital (continuous auditing).
Carbon cage structures in single wall carbon nanotubes: a new class of materials

Abstract A new class of materials, carbon cage structures contained within single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has been discovered. This class of hybrid materials could form the basis of functional devices for application in electronics, biomedicine and microelectromechanical systems. The cage structures internal to the SWNTs are found to be C 60 fullerenes resembling nanoscopic peapods. Peapods are found to coalesce into capsules and interior tubes under prolonged exposure to a 100 keV electron beam. Through in-situ experiments, it is found that peapods form via the motion of C 60 molecules to the nanotubes. The fullerenes enter the SWNTs, presumably through open ends and/or sidewall defects and are found to cluster in chains. In this paper, the structure, some properties and synthesis routes of these hybrid structures will be explained.
Integrating fragment assembly and biophysical methods in the chemical advancement of small-molecule antagonists of IL-2: an approach for inhibiting protein-protein interactions.

Fragment assembly has shown promise for discovering small-molecule antagonists for difficult targets, including protein−protein interactions. Here, we describe a process for identifying a 60 nM inhibitor of the interleukin-2 (IL-2)/IL-2 receptor (IL-2Rα) interaction. By use of fragment-based approaches, a compound with millimolar affinity was evolved to a hit series with low micromolar activity, and these compounds were optimized into a lead series with nanomolar affinity. Fragment assembly was useful not only for hit identification, but also for lead optimization. Throughout the discovery process, biophysical methods and structural biology demonstrated that compounds bound reversibly to IL-2 at the IL-2 receptor binding site.
Mark Thiessen Nation, John Howard Yoder: Mennonite Patience, Evangelical Witness, Catholic Convictions

(2008). Mark Thiessen Nation, John Howard Yoder: Mennonite Patience, Evangelical Witness, Catholic Convictions. Political Theology: Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 236-238.
Environmental temperature and the body fluid system of the fresh-water teleost—I. Ionic regulation in thermally acclimated rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri

Abstract 1. 1. Ionic regulation has been investigated as a function of environmental temperature in the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri. 2. 2. Plasma sodium and chloride levels are controlled within narrow limits over the range 3–21°C in both summer and fall-winter trout. Summer trout display an equivalently high capacity to regulate plasma potassium. Plasma potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphate tend to vary directly with temperature in the fall-winter fish. Tissue water declines with warm acclimation. No consistent trend is seen with respect to water distribution in summer trout. Among the fall-winter animals, however, cellular volume tends to vary inversely, and extracellular space directly with temperature. 3. 3. Variations in plasma potassium, sodium and chloride, tissue chloride and potassium, and water distribution substantiate the suggestion that some variation in regulation occurs on a seasonal basis. 4. 4. The data are discussed in terms of their relationship to neuromuscular and metabolic phenomena.
Acoustic impedance of rectangular panels

Abstract The modal radiation impedance of a rectangular panel simply supported in an infinite baffle in the presence of an inviscid, uniform, subsonic flow is determined. The analysis is based on an expansion in normal modes of the transverse vibration displacement field of the panel and the use of wavenumber-frequency transforms. Integral expressions for the modal radiation impedance and the cross-modal coupling impedance are formulated. A Gaussian quadrature with reusable abscissas is developed to evaluate these modal radiation impedances. Changes with respect to flow speed in modal radiation damping of a rectangular membrane are measured. For the first observable low order mode the change is significant and agrees with the theory. For higher order modes non-significant changes are predicted and measured. The computed modal radiation reactances of the membrane are compared with the best available experiments. Significant discrepancies exist. Their causes are discussed.
Photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by potassium tris(oxalato)ferrate(III)

Abstract The results of a kinetic study of the photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate by potassium tris(oxalato)ferrate(III) in aqueous sulphuric acid solution with light of wavelength 365 nm at 30 °C are presented. All reactions were carried out under completely deaerated conditions. The rate Rp of polymerization was followed by gravimetric estimation of the polymer formed and the rate of disappearance of the complex was followed by spectrocolourimetric estimation of the disappearing complex. Rp was found to be directly proportional to [M]3/2, [C]1/2 and I1/2, where [M], [C] and I refer to the concentration of monomer, the concentration of complex and the light intensity respectively. The rate of complex disappearance was found to be directly proportional to [C] and I. A reaction scheme is presented and the corresponding kinetic expressions are derived.
Nonepithelial tumors of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx. A clinicopathologic study VI. Fibrous tissue tumors (fibroma, fibromatosis, fibrosarcoma)

In a study of 256 nonepithelial neoplasms involving the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx, 23 lesions were classified as fibrous tissue tumors, including four cases of "fibroma", six of fibromatosis, and thirteen of fibrosarcoma. The clinical findings associated with these lesions are described, their histologic features illustrated, results of therapy presented and clinicopathologic correlations made. The "fibromas" presented a small localized nodules. None recurred after local excision. Fibromatosis, a locally aggressive tumor, does not metastasize, but may cause considerable morbidity or even death due to local infiltration which may be difficult to control surgically. Fibrosarcoma may cause death either by local infiltration or by metastasis, but has a better prognosis than most other sarcomas of this region. We recommend that a large en block resection be performed initially for fibromatosis and fibrosarcoma growing in this area, after the diagnosis has been made by biopsy. In this series, including patients who had more than one operation, recurrent tumor was seen following 10 of 12 limited local excisions performed for fibromatosis and fibrosarcoma, but in only one of 13 patients after a large bloc resection. The problems involved in histologically differentiating fibrous tissue tumors from other lesions are discussed. A patient with the rare syndrome of multicentric fibromatosis with spontaneous regression of lesions is presented.
Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae)

Ageratum conyzoides L., is an annual herb with a long history of traditional medicinal uses in many countries in the world, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions. A wide range of chemical compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, chromenes, benzofurans and terpenoids have been isolated from this species. Extracts and metabolites from this plant have been found to possess pharmacological and insecticidal activities. The comprehensive account of the chemical constituents and the biological activities are presented in this review such that the potential use of this plant either in pharmaceutics or as an agricultural resource can be evaluated.
Two Year Outcome of Children Hospitalized with RSV Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) and its Relation to Ribavirin (R) Treatment † 834

RSV infection during infancy has been associated with the development of asthma and sensitization to common allergens in children. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the effect of R on the 2 year clinical outcome of children hospitalized with RSV LRTI. Children who fulfilled at least one of the 1993 AAP criteria for treatment with R were identified by a computer assisted search of our medical records and the laboratory logs for the 1994-1995 RSV season. All children had laboratory confirmed infection(ELISA, culture, or both). Follow-up information was obtained by reviewing the outpatient medical records and by a telephone interview with the parents. 356 children were admitted to our institution during the study period with the diagnosis of RSV LRTI. 118 children qualified for inclusion. 63 children were treated with R and 55 were not. 30 R treated and 28 R not treated patients were located and included in the study. The majority of the R treated patients(19/30) were younger than 6 weeks of age, vs. 4/28 (P=.0003) of the R not treated patients. After 2 years from the original admission, 6 (20%) of the R treated children required one or more hospitalizations for a respiratory problem vs. 11(39%) of R not treated children (P=.18). 17(57%) R treated children used the emergency room (at least once) for respiratory problems vs. 22 (79%) (P=.13) of the R not treated children during the follow-up period. 19(63%) of the R treated children required 5 or more office visits for respiratory problems vs. 21(75%) of the R not treated children (P=.49) during the follow-up period. At the end of the study period 10 (33%) of the R treated children vs. 21(75%) of the R not treated children (P=.003) required asthma medications on a scheduled or prn basis. The interpretation of this study is confounded by the age differences between the groups. However, they are suggestive of a possible association between the use of R and a decrease in the development of reactive airway disease after RSV infection. The mechanism by which this may happen is unclear, but R use has been associated with a decrease in the development of RSV-specific IgE antibodies in the serum and nasopharyngeal secretions. Also, recurrent wheezing following RSV bronchiolitis has been associated with the initial IgE response.
Stratification of a cityscape using census and land use variables for inventory of building materials

A cityscape (or any landscape) can be stratified into environmental units using multiple variables of information. For the purposes of sampling building materials, census and land use variables were used to identify similar strata. In the Metropolitan Statistical Area of a cityscape, the census tract is the smallest unit for which census data are summarized and digitized boundaries are available. For purposes of this analysis, census data on total population, total number of housing units, and number of singleunit dwellings were aggregated into variables of persons per square kilometer and proportion of housing units in single-unit dwellings. The level 2 categories of the U.S. Geological Survey's land use and land cover data base were aggregated into variables of proportion of residential land with buildings, proportion of nonresidential land with buildings, and proportion of open land. The cityscape was stratified, from these variables, into environmental strata of Urban Central Business District, Urban Livelihood Industrial Commercial, Urban Multi-Family Residential, Urban Single Family Residential, Non-Urban Suburbanizing, and Non-Urban Rural.
Model Transformation for High-Integrity Software Development in Derivative Vehicle Control System Design

Derivative design benefits vehicle system development as a vehicle product typically has a large number of variations. To ensure high-integrity control of a vehicle system, the software for control derivatives must be developed consistently and trustfully across the product variations. Model transformation is a promising technology to support such software development. In this paper, we present our study of using a research model transformation tool GReAT in the software development of an enhanced cruise control system. Our results showed that current model transformation techniques partially meet the model transformation needs of high-integrity, derivative control software development. Further research is required to provide capability such as analysis integration and instance-directed rule executions.
Evacetrapib is a novel, potent, and selective inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein that elevates HDL cholesterol without inducing aldosterone or increasing blood pressure

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) catalyses the exchange of cholesteryl ester and triglyceride between HDL and apoB containing lipoprotein particles. The role of CETP in modulating plasma HDL cholesterol levels in humans is well established and there have been significant efforts to develop CETP inhibitors to increase HDL cholesterol for the treatment of coronary artery disease. These efforts, however, have been hampered by the fact that most CETP inhibitors either have low potency or have undesirable side effects. In this study, we describe a novel benzazepine compound evacetrapib (LY2484595), which is a potent and selective inhibitor of CETP both in vitro and in vivo. Evacetrapib inhibited human recombinant CETP protein (5.5 nM IC50) and CETP activity in human plasma (36 nM IC50) in vitro. In double transgenic mice expressing human CETP and apoAI, evacetrapib exhibited an ex vivo CETP inhibition ED50 of less than 5 mg/kg at 8 h post oral dose and significantly elevated HDL cholesterol. Importantly, no blood pressure elevation was observed in rats dosed with evacetrapib at high exposure multiples compared with the positive control, torcetrapib. In addition, in a human adrenal cortical carcinoma cell line (H295R cells), evacetrapib did not induce aldosterone or cortisol biosynthesis whereas torcetrapib dramatically induced aldosterone and cortisol biosynthesis. Our data indicate that evacetrapib is a potent and selective CETP inhibitor without torcetrapib-like off-target liabilities. Evacetrapib is currently in phase II clinical development.
LANL* V1.0: a radiation belt drift shell model suitable for real-time and reanalysis applications

Abstract. We describe here a new method for calculating the magnetic drift invariant, L*, that is used for modeling radiation belt dynamics and for other space weather applications. L* (pronounced L-star) is directly proportional to the integral of the magnetic flux contained within the surface defined by a charged particle moving in the Earth's geomagnetic field. Under adiabatic changes to the geomagnetic field L* is a conserved quantity, while under quasi-adiabatic fluctuations diffusion (with respect to a particle's L*) is the primary term in equations of particle dynamics. In particular the equations of motion for the very energetic particles that populate the Earth's radiation belts are most commonly expressed by diffusion in three dimensions: L*, energy (or momentum), and pitch angle (the dot product of velocity and the magnetic field vector). Expressing dynamics in these coordinates reduces the dimensionality of the problem by referencing the particle distribution functions to values at the magnetic equatorial point of a magnetic "drift shell" (or L-shell) irrespective of local time (or longitude). While the use of L* aids in simplifying the equations of motion, practical applications such as space weather forecasting using realistic geomagnetic fields require sophisticated magnetic field models that, in turn, require computationally intensive numerical integration. Typically a single L* calculation can require on the order of 105 calls to a magnetic field model and each point in the simulation domain and each calculated pitch angle has a different value of L*. We describe here the development and validation of a neural network surrogate model for calculating L* in sophisticated geomagnetic field models with a high degree of fidelity at computational speeds that are millions of times faster than direct numerical field line mapping and integration. This new surrogate model has applications to real-time radiation belt forecasting, analysis of data sets involving tens of satellite-years of observations, and other problems in space weather.
Plasma amyloid beta measurements - a desired but elusive Alzheimer's disease biomarker

Cerebrospinal fluid and positron emission tomography biomarkers accurately predict an underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology; however, they represent either invasive or expensive diagnostic tools. Therefore, a blood-based biomarker like plasma amyloid beta (Aβ) that could correlate with the underlying AD pathology and serve as a prognostic biomarker or an AD screening strategy is urgently needed as a cost-effective and non-invasive diagnostic tool. In this paper we review the demographic, biologic, genetic and technical aspects that affect plasma Aβ levels. Findings of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of plasma Aβ, including autosomal dominant AD cases, sporadic AD cases, Down syndrome cases and population studies, are also discussed. Finally, we review the association between cerebrovascular disease and Aβ plasma levels and the responses observed in clinical trials. Based on our review of the current literature on plasma Aβ, we conclude that further clinical research and assay development are needed before measures of plasma Aβ can be interpreted so they can be applied as trait, risk or state biomarkers for AD.
Hierarchical Motion Planning for Self-reconfigurable Modular Robots

Motion planning for a self-reconfigurable robot involves coordinating the movement and connectivity of each of its homogeneous modules. Reconfiguration occurs when the shape of the robot changes from some initial configuration to a target configuration. Finding an optimal solution to reconfiguration problems involves searching the space of possible robot configurations. As this space grows exponentially with the number of modules, optimal planning becomes intractable. We propose a hierarchical planning approach that computes heuristic global reconfiguration strategies efficiently. Our approach consists of a base planner that computes an optimal solution for a few modules and a hierarchical planner that calls this base planner or reuses pre-computed plans at each level of the hierarchy to ultimately compute a global suboptimal solution. We present results from a prototype implementation of the method that efficiently plans for self-reconfigurable robots with several thousand modules. We also discuss tradeoffs and performance issues including scalability, heuristics and plan optimality.