cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electroactive polymers as artificial muscles: A review

Electroactive polymers (EAP) are an emerging class of functional materials that respond to electrical stimulation with large displacement. This attractive characteristic earned them the name artificial muscles. Even though the actuation force and robustness of existing EAP materials require further improvement, there has already been a series of reported successes. The successful applications that were demonstrated include catheter steering element, miniature manipulator, dust wiper, miniature robotic arm, and grippers. Some of the currently considered applications may be difficult to accomplish, and it is important to examine the requirements to the level that current materials can address. Using EAP to replace existing actuators may be a difficult challenge, and therefore it is highly desirable to identify a niche application where it would not need to compete with existing capabilities. The field involves multidisciplines that include materials, chemistry, electromechanics, computers, electronics, etc. A review of the state of the art and some of the challenges to the application of these materials are provided.
The First Direct Evaluation of the Two-Active Site Mechanism for Chitin Synthase

Chitin synthase polymerizes UDP-GlcNAc to form chitin (poly-β(1,4)-GlcNAc) and is essential for fungal cell wall biosynthesis. The alternating orientation of the GlcNAc residues within the chitin chain has led to the proposal that chitin synthase possesses two active sites. We report the results of the first direct test of this possibility. Two simple uridine-derived dimeric inhibitors are shown to exhibit 10-fold greater inhibition than a monomeric control, consistent with the presence of two active sites. This observation has important implications for the development of antifungal agents, as well as the understanding of polymerizing glycosyltransferases.
Palliative reirradiation for recurrent rectal cancer

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy and acute and late toxicity of reirradiation for recurrent rectal cancer. Methods and Materials: Fifty-two patients with recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma following previous pelvic RT underwent reirradiation. Median initial RT dose to the pelvis was 50.4 Gy. Median reirradiation dose was 30.6 Gy. Twenty-two patients received 1.2 Gy b.i.d., and 30 patients received 1.8-2.0 Gy dally. Total cumulative doses ranged from 66.6 to 104.9 Gy (median: 84.4 Gy). Forty-seven patients (90% ) received concurrent 5-FU chemotherapy. Forty-four patients were followed until death, and the median follow-up time was 16 months. Results: The RTOG Grade 3 acute toxicity rate was 31%. The RTOG Grade 3 and 4 late toxicity rates were 23 and lo%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with reduced late toxicity was hyperfractionated delivery of reirradiation. Bleeding, pain, and mass effect were palliated completely in 100, 65, and 24% of instances, respectively, and the majority of responding patients were palliated until death. The overall median survival time from retreatment was 12 months. The 2- and 3-year overall actuarial survival rates were 25 and 14%, respectively. Conclusion: This unique institutional approach to recurrent rectal cancers resulted in excellent palliation of symptoms. Late complications appeared reduced by hyperfractionated treatment delivery. 0 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.
The safety of helium for abdominal insufflation

Background: A search for alternative methods of abdominal insufflation has been prompted by the fact that CO2 insufflation may cause acidosis, decreased cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, and increased cardiac filling pressures. This study evaluates the safety and the cardiopulmonary effects of helium abdominal insufflation (HAI). Methods: Thirteen ASA class III and IV patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures were studied in a prospective, nonrandomized protocol using HAI. Cardiopulmonary parameters were measured before and after anesthetic induction and every 30 min during HAI. Abdominal insufflation pressure was initially 10 mmHg and was increased to 15 mmHg after 30 min. All measurements were repeated 15 min after deflation of the abdomen. Changes were evaluated by ANOVA. Results: No significant cardiopulmonary complications were observed. No patient developed hypercarbia or acidosis. Peak inspiratory pressure increased with HAI from 20 ± 1 to 34 ± 2 cm H2O (p < 0.0001). Cardiac index decreased (3.35 ± 0.19 vs 2.37 ± 0.19 l/min/m2; p= 0.0303) and systemic vascular resistance increased (1,123 ± 66 vs 1,406 ± 126 dyne · s/cm5; p= 0.0512) while cardiac filling pressures increased with insufflation to 15 mmHg. Conclusions: Minimal cardiac and pulmonary aberrations were observed. Helium was safe for abdominal insufflation and may be the insufflating agent of choice in patients with significant cardiopulmonary disease.
Micronuclei in lymphocytes and exfoliated buccal cells of postmenopausal women with dietary changes in folate.

Folate deficiency is associated with anemia, birth defects, cancer and neuropsychiatric disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine if a moderate folate deficiency during controlled changes in folate intake would affect chromosomal .
The Buddha Nature: True Self as Action

Buddhism, and especially early Buddhism, is known for the anātman (no self) teaching. By any account, this teaching is central to both doctrine and practice from the beginning. Zen Buddhism (Chinese Ch'an), in contrast, is known for its teaching that the single most important thing in life is to discover the ‘true self’. Is there a real, or only an apparent, conflict between these two versions of Buddhism? Certainly there is at the least a radical change in the linguistic formulation of the teaching. Examining the two teachings on the linguistic level, we note that the use of the term ‘true’ in the phrase ‘true self’ may indicate that we have here a conscious reformation of the place of the term ‘self’ in the tradition, or perhaps that the use of this phrase in Zen is the product of such a conscious formulation. Thus we may expect, upon investigation, to find an evolution from one teaching to the other, rather than a true doctrinal disparity. The apparent, or linguistic, conflict between the two, however, remains; hence we must also expect to find a doctrinal formulation at some point in this evolution in which the apparent conflict is consciously apprehended and resolved.
Content-adaptive parallax barriers: optimizing dual-layer 3D displays using low-rank light field factorization

We optimize automultiscopic displays built by stacking a pair of modified LCD panels. To date, such dual-stacked LCDs have used heuristic parallax barriers for view-dependent imagery: the front LCD shows a fixed array of slits or pinholes, independent of the multi-view content. While prior works adapt the spacing between slits or pinholes, depending on viewer position, we show both layers can also be adapted to the multi-view content, increasing brightness and refresh rate. Unlike conventional barriers, both masks are allowed to exhibit non-binary opacities. It is shown that any 4D light field emitted by a dual-stacked LCD is the tensor product of two 2D masks. Thus, any pair of 1D masks only achieves a rank-1 approximation of a 2D light field. Temporal multiplexing of masks is shown to achieve higher-rank approximations. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) minimizes the weighted Euclidean distance between a target light field and that emitted by the display. Simulations and experiments characterize the resulting content-adaptive parallax barriers for low-rank light field approximation.
Synergism of flow and noise control technologies

Abstract This paper will discuss the synergism of flow and noise control technologies relevant to both air and undersea vehicles. Because many review publications specifically focus on either flow control or noise control, this presentation will not provide an exhaustive literature survey. Sufficient citations will highlight the effectiveness of the technologies; however, the primary goal of this paper is to outline direct and indirect linkages, counterproductive linkages, and examples with no linkages between noise and flow control technologies. Hence, woven through out the individual sections is a focus on the various forms of linkage between flow and noise control applications.
Degenerative Changes in the Superficial Epithelium of Chronic Hyperplastic Oral Mucosa: Clinicopathological and Histochemical Study

An unusual homogeneous, eosinophilic material has been observed in the superficial epithelium of chronic hyperplastic oral mucosa. A study of 40 specimens of epulis fissuratum and 69 specimens of irritation fibroma revealed the material's association with chronic inflammation of the hyperplastic mucosa. Histochemically, it is rich in protein, sulfhydryl groups, tryptophan, and carbohydrate.
Ashley Revisited: A Response to the Critics

The case of Ashley X involved a young girl with profound and permanent developmental disability who underwent growth attenuation using high-dose estrogen, a hysterectomy, and surgical removal of her breast buds. Many individuals and groups have been critical of the decisions made by Ashley's parents, physicians, and the hospital ethics committee that supported the decision. While some of the opposition has been grounded in distorted facts and misunderstandings, others have raised important concerns. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief review of the case and the issues it raised, then address 25 distinct substantive arguments that have been proposed as reasons that Ashley's treatment might be unethical. We conclude that while some important concerns have been raised, the weight of these concerns is not sufficient to consider the interventions used in Ashley's case to be contrary to her best interests, nor are they sufficient to preclude similar use of these interventions in the future for carefully selected patients who might also benefit from them.
42K spaces in submandibular gland of early postnatal rats: effects of carbachol and transport inhibitors.

Equivalent spaces of42K were measured in fragments of the submandibular gland of 1-, 7-, 14- and 21-day-old and adult rats in the absence and presence of carbachol and the transport inhibitors ouabain and furosemide. The results indicate that the42K space was increased by carbachol in an ouabain-sensitive manner at all ages studied and that part of the secretagogue-stimulated K uptake occurred by way of a furosemide-sensitive transport system in the latter part of the postnatal period and in the adult.
ON BOUND STATES AND SCATTERING IN POSITRON THEORY

The use of bound-state wave functions in calculations in positron theory is justified by the introduction of a new representation, in a certain sense intermediate between the Heisenberg and interaction representations. In the bound-state representation the definition of a stable vacuum state is possible only for a restricted class of external fields. Some attention is given to the problem of vacuum polarization, and it is shown that a very simple procedure accomplishes the charge renormalization with sufficient accuracy to be of use in certain scattering problems. The application to the scattering of radiation is discussed in some detail, in order to show the relation between the different points of view that may be adopted in problems of the coherent scattering by a bound electron and the "Delbr\"uck scattering" by virtual electron pairs.
ENSO Asymmetry in CMIP5 Models

AbstractThe El Nino–La Nina asymmetry is evaluated in 14 coupled models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The results show that an underestimate of ENSO asymmetry, a common problem noted in CMIP3 models, remains a common problem in CMIP5 coupled models. The weaker ENSO asymmetry in the models primarily results from a weaker SST warm anomaly over the eastern Pacific and a westward shift of the center of the anomaly. In contrast, SST anomalies for the La Nina phase are close to observations.Corresponding Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) runs are analyzed to understand the causes of the underestimate of ENSO asymmetry in coupled models. The analysis reveals that during the warm phase, precipitation anomalies are weaker over the eastern Pacific, and westerly wind anomalies are confined more to the west in most models. The time-mean zonal winds are stronger over the equatorial central and eastern Pacific for most models. Wind-forced ocean GCM experiments suggest...
Outcomes after transfer to a tertiary center for postcardiotomy cardiopulmonary failure.

Background Postcardiotomy shock affects 0.5% to 6% of cardiac operations and is associated with a high mortality. Many of these patients had their procedures performed at lower-volume cardiac surgery centers with limited resources. The objective of this study was to determine the outcomes in patients in postcardiotomy shock who were transferred to a tertiary care center for escalated care. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 104 postcardiotomy shock patients transferred to our institution between 2004 and 2012. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine predictors of in-hospital and overall survival. Results Seventy-eight percent of patients were receiving temporary mechanical support. The in-hospital mortality in our series was 46%. Multivariable predictors of in-hospital mortality included higher initial creatinine level on arrival and a history of known heart failure. Multivariable predictors of overall mortality included higher initial creatinine and lactate levels, lower initial ejection fraction, and a history of heart failure and hypertension. The Kaplan-Meier estimation of 5-year survival was 39% in all patients and 72% in patients who survived to hospital discharge. Conclusions Patients with postcardiotomy cardiac failure transported to a tertiary care center for advanced cardiac support had a nearly 50% survival, with excellent long-term survival of those discharged alive. Preservation of end-organ function, often with mechanical support, can improve survival.
The Effect of Product-Safety Regulation on Safety Precautions

This paper explores the means by which lighter safety regulations alter the precautionary behavior of 200 subjects in a field test of cigarette lighters with a child-resistant feature. The new lighter design leads respondents to believe the lighters are safer, but there is no clear-cut evidence that the effect on perceived risk levels is excessive. Using the estimated relationship between cigarette lighter risk perceptions and a variety of measures of precautions, this paper provides explicit estimates of the effect of regulations on precautionary behavior and on lighter safety. On balance, the child-resistant feature will reduce fire-related injuries by much more than any diminished precaution taking.
Behavioral Weight Control Treatment with Supervised Exercise or Peer-Enhanced Adventure for Overweight Adolescents

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of behavioral weight control intervention with a peer-enhanced activity intervention versus structured aerobic exercise in decreasing body mass index (BMI) and z-BMI in overweight adolescents. Study design Participants were randomized to 1 of 2 group-based treatment conditions: (1) cognitive behavioral treatment with peer-enhanced adventure therapy or (2) cognitive behavioral weight control treatment with supervised aerobic exercise. Participants included 118 overweight adolescents, ages 13 to 16 years, and a primary caregiver. Changes in BMI, standardized BMI, percent over BMI, and waist circumference were examined. Results Analysis of variance on the basis of intent-to-treat indicated significant decreases in all weight change outcomes at the end of treatment, with significant decreases maintained at the 12-month follow-up. No differences in treatment conditions were observed. Secondary analyses indicated that adherence with attendance and completion of weekly diet records contributed significantly to reductions in BMI. Conclusions A cognitive behavioral weight control intervention combined with supervised aerobic exercise or peer-enhanced adventure therapy is equally effective in short-term reduction of BMI and z-BMI in overweight adolescents. Adherence, as measured with session attendance and self-monitoring, is a key dimension of weight change.
A comparison of metabolite extraction strategies for 1H‐NMR‐based metabolic profiling using mature leaf tissue from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana

Metabolite analysis is recognized as an important facet of systems biology, however complete metabolome characterization has not been realized due to challenges in sample preparation, inherent instrumental limitations and the labor intensive task of data interpretation. This work aims to compare several commonly used metabolite extraction strategies for their effect on the (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolic profile of extracts of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Extractions were carried out on aliquots from a pool of homogenized plant tissue using CD(3)CN/D(2)O, buffered D(2)O, perchloric acid in D(2)O, CD(3)OD/D(2)O and CD(3)OD/D(2)O/CDCl(3) as the extraction solvents. The effects of lyophilization as a sample pretreatment, solvent evaporation and extract fractionation for removal of interfering species were studied. Representative spectra are presented for qualitative interpretation. Analytical reproducibility was evaluated by principal components analysis. Perchloric acid facilitated acid-catalyzed cleavage of sucrose, further complicating biological interpretation of the resulting metabolite profile. The solvent system CD(3)OD/D(2)O/CDCl(3) gave the least reproducible results in our hands. D(2)O extracts suffered from poor stability probably due to contamination by soluble enzymes, which were not denatured in this solvent. CD(3)CN/D(2)O extracts showed greater stability than D(2)O alone, but problems were encountered due to degradation of (1)H NMR spectral resolution during lengthy acquisitions due to partial phase separation. In addition, this solvent system produced spectra with significant contamination by lipids that obscured spectral regions containing the resonances of the aliphatic amino acids. These problems were solved by speedvacuuming the CD(3)CN/D(2)O extract and reconstituting in D(2)O solution.
The effect of thyroid hormone treatment on the gene expression and enzyme activity of rat liver sodium-potassium dependent adenosine triphosphatase

The effects of thyroid hormone (T3) treatment on liver Na,K-adenosine triphosphatase (Na,K-ATPase) at the levels of subunit messenger RNA (mRNA), enzymatic activity, and enzyme content were studied in euthyroid rats injected for 5 consecutive days with T3. Northern and slot blot analyses of polyadenylated mRNA revealed that T3 treatment coordinately increases the level of mRNA encoding the alpha 1- and beta 1-subunits, approximately 4- and 3-fold, respectively, above basal levels. To determine whether this increase in the subunit mRNA consequently results in an increase in the synthesis of the enzyme, a modified liver cell fractionation procedure was developed, and the subcellular fractions from control and T3-treated livers were examined biochemically. Western blot analysis and Na,K-ATPase assay demonstrated that T3 treatment resulted in a 2-fold increase in both the amount and activity of the enzyme. Furthermore, the Western blot analysis of endoglycosidase-H-treated membrane fractions revealed an incre...
Partial photoionization cross-sections and branching ratios of CO from 750 to 304 Å

Abstract The absolute values of the partial photoionization cross-sections and branching ratios for producing carbon monoxide ions in their X 2 Σ + , A 2 Π, B 2 Σ + and 2 Σ + (σ2s) states have been obtained as a function of wavelength from the A 2 Π ionization threshold to 304 A. Results have been obtained within autoionizing resonances as well as within the photoionization continuum.
Heat transfer from impinging jets to a flat plate with conical and ring protuberances

An experimental investigation of heat transfer from round jets, impinging normally on a flat plate with exchangeable, heat transfer enhancing protuberances, has been carried out, and the pertinent literature surveyed, for Reynolds numbers ranging from 14,000 to 67,000, and nozzle diameters from 3.18 to 9.52 mm. The experimental data at the stagnation point indicated laminar flow, and a significant enhancement of heat transfer there, due to the introduction of the spike protuberance; the ring protuberance reduced the local heat flux somewhat. Data have also been correlated by means of dimensional analysis and compared with the conical flow theory.
Self-assembled monolayers of positional isomers of (12-mercaptododecyloxy)phenol: The role of molecular structure on interfacial properties

Self-assembled monolayers of 3-(12-mercaptododecyloxy)phenol and 4-(12-mercaptododecyloxy)phenol are prepared in an effort to probe the role of the orientation of the terminal hydroxyl group on interfacial properties. Differences in the interfacial properties of these isomeric monolayers are characterized by reflection−absorption infrared spectroscopy, reductive desorption, and contact angle measurements. The coverage of 4-(12-mercaptododecyloxy)phenol is 40%−60% lower than that of 3-(12-mercaptododecyloxy)phenol, suggesting that structural differences between these monolayers contribute to the monolayer organization. This is supported by differences in the infrared spectra which show that the monolayers have different organization at the interface. Contact angle measurements using solutions buffered at pH 7 show that monolayers of 4-(12-mercaptododecyloxy)phenol have a lower surface energy than monolayers of 3-(12-mercaptododecyloxy)phenol. Contact angle titrations of these monolayer-modified surfaces al...
Heaterless ignition of inert gas ion thruster hollow cathodes

Heaterless inert gas ion thruster hollow cathodes were investigated with the aim of reducing ion thruster complexity and increasing ion thruster reliability. Cathodes heated by glow discharges are evaluated for power requirements, flowrate requirements, and life limiting mechanisms. An accelerated cyclic life test is presented.
Developing a “big” instrument from an automatic measurement system

A `big instrument' is developed from an automatic measurement system by adding an internal measurement structure, measurement accuracy specifications, and a front panel. It is done so that the user perceives one instrument instead of a collection of instruments. Any big instrument is directed toward an end user. Its measurement set is chosen to satisfy this user's need and, therefore, eliminates his software development tasks. The big instrument front panel has the same three functions as a simple instrument front panel: definition, execution, and presentation.
The airborne laser

The Airborne Laser (ABL), a high-flying megawatt laser that pinpoints a ballistic missile lifting off hundreds of kilometers away, is an alternative to terminal defenses. The utility of the ABL in future regional conflicts, and the consequent policy options the United States can exercise, will be highly dependent on its range. The ABL's range in turn is determined by the accuracy with which the primary laser beam can be pointed, the power density it can deliver, and the structural design of the missile being attacked. This paper's examination of these issues, including all the estimates of the ABL's capabilities, are from the author's own analyses. The findings combine information found in the open literature with the basic physics and engineering involved in propagating intense laser beams through the atmosphere.
Mechanisms of statin-mediated inhibition of small G-protein function.

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) have been reported to reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease. We have shown previously that statins inhibit a β-amyloid (Aβ)-mediated inflammatory response through mechanisms independent of cholesterol reduction. Specifically, statins exert anti-inflammatory actions through their ability to prevent the isoprenylation of members of the Rho family of small G-proteins, resulting in the functional inactivation of these G-proteins. We report that statin treatment of microglia results in perturbation of the cytoskeleton and morphological changes due to alteration in Rho family function. Statins also block Aβ-stimulated phagocytosis through inhibition of Rac action. Paradoxically, the statin-mediated inactivation of G-protein function was associated with increased GTP loading of Rac and RhoA, and this effect was observed in myeloid lineage cells and other cell types. Statin treatment disrupted the interaction of Rac with its negative regulator the Rho guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI), an interaction that is dependent on protein isoprenylation. We propose that lack of negative regulation accounts for the increased GTP loading. Isoprenylation of Rac is also required for efficient interaction with the plasma membrane, and we report that statin treatment dramatically reduces the capacity of Rac to interact with membranes. These results suggest a mechanism by which statins inhibit the actions of Rho GTPases and attenuate Aβ-stimulated inflammation.
Chemotaxonomy of Prototaxites and evidence for possible terrestrial adaptation

Abstract Silicified and carbonized axes of Prototaxites are chemically analyzed by means of X-ray and organic-extraction techniques. The isolation and identification of cutin and suberin derivatives, i.e., ω-hydroxymonocarboxylic acids, suggest that Prototaxites may have been a terrestrial plant or an aquatic plant showing chemical adaptation to periods of desiccation. Normal saturated acids showing no odd or even carbon-number predominance, phenyl and naphthyl aromatic acids, and normal and aromatic dicarboxylic acids isolated from fossil material, are considered inconsistent with an algal biochemistry. The normal saturated fatty acids isolated from Parka, Pachytheca, Spongiophyton, Protosalvinia, Orestovia and Taeniocrada are compared with Prototaxites. Parka, Pachytheca, Spongiophyton and Orestovia, parallel one another in their organic chemical constituents, while Protosalvinia, Taeniocrada and Prototaxites appear to have paralleled one another in their adaptation to a terrestrial habit.
Using economic threshold analysis to determine the intensity of HIV prevention services for HIV-seropositive persons.

Objective: Studies of the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions for persons living with HIV have examined interventions with very wide variation in intensity (from single session interventions to those offered twice-weekly for 6 months); this raises questions about cost-effectiveness. Herein the question is asked: at varied (but specified) levels of HIV transmission rates and intervention effectiveness, how much money can be spent per HIV-seropositive client on HIV prevention services and still be considered cost-saving to society (in the United States)? Design and methods: Standard methods of economic evaluation (threshold analysis, in particular) were used. Per-client HIV transmission rates and intervention effectiveness were specified and then allowed to vary widely. The threshold for intervention cost (as well as number of sessions per client) that could be justified on the basis of societal cost savings was then calculated. Results: If HIV transmissions are permanently prevented and lifetime medical costs are avoided in an HIV-seronegative partner, then monthly counseling sessions, even after high quality pre- and post-test counseling, and even at moderate levels of effectiveness, may be cost-saving to society (and at higher transmission rates and effectiveness, dozens of sessions per client could be cost-saving). If these interventions delay (but do not permanently prevent) HIV infection among HIV-seronegative partners, then the cost and number of session thresholds are substantially lower. Conclusions: Even with considerable uncertainty in input parameters, an economic evaluation threshold analysis framework can yield useful insights for guiding the selection of intensity of HIV prevention services for persons living with HIV.
Fabricating three‐dimensional polymeric photonic structures by multi‐beam interference lithography

The fabrication of true three-dimensional (3D) microstructures both rapidly and economically over a large area with negligible defects is attractive for a wide range of applications. In particular, multi-beam interference lithography is one of the promising techniques that can mass-produce polymeric 3D photonic crystals defect-free over a large area. This review discusses the relationship between beam geometry and the symmetry of the interference patterns, the lithographic process, and various types of photoresist systems, including thick films of negative-tone and positive-tone photoresists, organic-inorganic hybrids, hydrogels, and holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of mar/scratch resistance of coatings with a Nano-indenter and a scanning probe microscope

Mar/scratch resistance characterization techniques are presented in this paper, in which a Nano-indenter and a scanning probe microscope (SPM) are used to measure the micro mar resistance (MMR), different responses of coatings to the marring stress, and critical forces for rough trough, cracking, delamination, and chipping, quantitatively. It provides a full spectrum of the mar/scratch resistance behavior of the tested samples. To comprehensively evaluate a coating/material in a specified application, introduction of a quantitative index is very useful. The concept of the index and the procedure to calculate it are described in the paper, too. In addition, to meet the variety of coatings/materials properties and the requirements in their applications, some complementary test methods are discussed.
The evolution of non-quantitative geological graphics in texts during the formative years of geology (1788–1840)

Although modern geology uses both pictorial and graphical illustrations for conveying information and data presentation, early books in the discipline did not place such a reliance on graphics. This study investigated the numbers and types of graphics in 72 texts containing geological illustrations, which were considered to be representative (excluding works with solely mineralogical or paleontological illustrations), published during the formative years of geology (1788–1840) in terms of Edward R. Tufte's principles of graphic design. The text graphics were analyzed in terms of the presence of proxy or inferred imagery, direct or keyed labeling, unnecessary embellishment, and their data density; and whether they exhibited multivariate properties, represented the small multiple format, or exhibited graphic modifications. Mixed methodology analyses revealed four stages in the evolution of geologic illustrations in the interval from 1788–1840: (1) early pictorial or proxy representations; (2) the introducti...
Coordination layer control and decision making for automated ground vehicles

This paper is to set up a mathematical model for coordination control and decision making for automated highway system (AHS). The main function of the coordination manager is to coordinate all the maneuvers of each vehicle in a section of AHS such that they are performed coherently, safely and efficiently. A hybrid system model is used to unify both coordination layer and regulation layer. The upper level corresponding to the coordination layer is a programming problem which is to generate discrete optimal solution. Each solution determines some parameters of a reference trajectory of a specified maneuver for lower level control system (regulation layer). It decides when and where to execute the maneuver. The regulation layer is driven by the coordination layer command to the execute lower level control (throttle and brake) comes out of a feedback loop.
The mTOR/p70S6K Signal Transduction Pathway Plays a Role in Cardiac Hypertrophy and Influences Expression of Myosin Heavy Chain Genes in vivo

Objective: Rapamycin (R) inhibits p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) activity and hypertrophy of cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether rapamycin inhibits left ventricular (L V) hypertrophy in intact rats and whether it alters cardiac gene expression. Methods: 300 g rats were subjected to aortic constriction (AC) or sham-operation (SH) and studied 2 and 3 days after surgery. Beginning 1 day prior to surgery, rats were injected with rapamycin (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or carboxymethylcellulose vehicle (V), yielding 4 groups (SH-V, SH-R, AC-V, AC-R). Total RNA was extracted for determination of mRNA levels by Northern blotting. Results: L V dry weight/body weight ratios were 0.43 ± 0.04 (mean ± SE) for SH-V, 0.46 ± 0.02 for SH-R, 0.56 ± 0.02 for AC-V, and 0.53 ± 0.03 for AC-R. R inhibited cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure overload (ANOVA; p < 0.05). Rapamycin had no effect on the expression of atrial natriuretic factor mRNA, but increased the levels of β-myosin heavy chain mRNA 6-fold in hearts of SH-R and AC-R compared to SH-V. Rapamycin also increased the expression of α-myosin heavy chain mRNA in SH-R by 3-fold compared with SH-V, but had no effect on the AC-R group. Conclusion: The data suggest that an intact mTOR signaling pathway is required for rapid hypertrophic growth of the heart in vivo. Moreover, the data suggest a novel link between the mTOR/p70S6K signal transduction pathway and pretranslational control of myosin gene expression in the heart.
Thermal Model of Ocean Ridges

MCKENZIE'S model of crustal creation at the ocean ridges1,2 and its derivatives3,4 predicts such features as the topography and high heat flow of the ridges. In spite of this success there are some unsatisfactory aspects of the model; for example, the arbitrary temperature distribution in the intrusive zone gives rise to infinite heat generation and the lithospheric thickness is a free parameter not determined by the physics. We offer here a simple refinement of McKenzie's model that overcomes these difficulties. The essential difference stems from the inclusion of terms in the boundary conditions to account for the evolution of latent heat in places where the plate is growing. We first describe the physical basis of the model.
Dynamic light-scattering studies of hydroxyethyl cellulose solutions used as sieving media for electrophoretic separations

Abstract Dynamic light-scattering experiments are performed on semi-dilute solutions of hydroxyethyl cellulose which have been shown to be suitable as molecular sieving media for electrophoretic separations in a capillary format. The multi-exponential data analysis program CONTIN is used to determine the various relaxation processes present. The relationship between polymer concentration, C (g/ml), and the mesh-size of the entangled network, ϑ, is found to be ϑ(A) = 6.0 C ∮.68 , which is in good agreement with predictions based on the scaling theory of De Gennes and intrinsic viscosity measurements.
The Effect of Testability on Fault Proneness: A Case Study of the Apache HTTP Server

Numerous studies have identified measures that relate to the fault-proneness of software components. An issue practitioners face in implementing these measures is that the measures tend to provide predictions at a very high level, for instance the per-module level, so it is difficult to provide specific recommendations based on those predictions. We examine a more specific measure, called software testability, based on work in test case generation. We discuss how it could be used to make more specific code improvement recommendations at the line-of-code level. In our experiment, we compare the testability of fault prone lines with unchanged lines. We apply the experiment to Apache HTTP Server and find that developers more readily identify faults in highly testable code. We then compare testability as a fault proneness predictor to McCabe's cyclomatic complexity and find testability has higher recall.
Primacy effects in impression formation as a function of type of impression

To determine if the different order effects in impression formation observed in studies of adjective description (primacy effects) and in a face-to-face study of interaction (recency effects) are a function of the types of impressions requested (likableness vs cooperativeness, respectively), an adjective description study was done in which Ss were asked to form both types of impressions. Using adjectives that were normatively equated with respect to degrees of likableness and cooperativeness, it was found that likableness impressions were governed by primacy to a significantly greater degree than cooperativeness impressions.
Amperometric method for monitoring anaerobic respiration with nitrous oxide as the terminal electron acceptor

A commercially available Clark-type electrode with a platinum cathode, commonly used for monitoring oxygen uptake, may also be used to monitor respiration with N2O. The disadvantages of this system include a high sensitivity to O2, which may be overcome by excluding O2, and sensitivity to acetylene. The advantage of the method is that it may be used to monitor directly the reduction of N2O by respiring cells.
Über Kathepsin und Arginase in einem Melanosarkom beim Pferde

Es wird gezeigt, das Melanome beim Pferde bezuglich ihres Gehaltes an Kathepsin und Arginase eine Sonderstellung unter den bisher untersuchten bosartigen Geschwulsten einnehmen.
Performing a reaching task with one arm while adapting to a visuomotor rotation with the other can lead to complete transfer of motor learning across the arms

The extent to which motor learning is generalized across the limbs is typically very limited. Here, we investigated how two motor learning hypotheses could be used to enhance the extent of interlim...
Experimental study of Raman-active two-level systems in soda-lime-silica and lead oxide glasses

An experimental study of the low-frequency, low-temperature Raman scattering from two-level systems (TLS) has been carried out for a series of soda-lime-silica glasses with various amounts of CaO and BaO and also for a Steuben (PbO) glass. Raman scattering from the resonant interaction with TLS is observed for both kinds of glasses. Because of the experimental precision of these measurements, it has been possible to estimate the Raman-active TLS number density and to show that it does not scale with the strength of the boson peak in the vibrational spectrum. The cutoff in the Raman activity of TLS for all of these glasses is consistent with earlier far-infrared absorption studies.
Gibberellin inhibitors improve embryogenic tissue initiation in conifers.

Somatic embryogenesis (SE), the most promising technology to multiply high-value coniferous trees from advanced breeding and genetic engineering programs, is expected to play an important role in increasing productivity, sustainability, and uniformity of future forests in the United States. For commercial use, SE technology must work with a variety of genetically diverse trees. Initiation in loblolly pine (LP; Pinus taeda L.), our main focus species, is often recalcitrant for desirable genotypes. Initiation of LP, slash pine (SP; Pinus elliottii), Douglas-fir (DF; Pseudotsuga menziesii), and Norway spruce (NS; Picea abies) were improved through the use of paclobutrazol, a gibberellin synthesis inhibitor. Paclobutrazol was effective at concentrations ranging from 0.25 mg/l to 3.0 mg/l (0.85–10.2 μM) and optimal in LP at 1.0 mg/l. Using control media (no paclobutrazol) and 0.33–1.0 mg/l paclobutrazol, initiation percentages in LP, SP, DF, and NS were improved from 37.7% to 44.2% (across experiments), 19.3% to 28.5%, 16.9% to 23.7%, and 38.8% to 48.5%, respectively. Other gibberellin inhibitors such as flurprimidol, chlormequat-Cl, and daminozide also caused statistically significant increases in LP initiation when added to the medium at concentrations of 0.34, 10.0, and 1.0 μM, respectively. No detrimental effects on subsequent embryo development were observed when 29 new initiations from medium without GA inhibitor and 28 new initiations from medium containing paclobutrazol were tracked through culture capture, liquid culture establishment, cotyledonary embryo development, and germination.
The optical model of few-MeV neutron elastic scattering from Z = 39 to 51 targets

Abstract Neutron differential-elastic-scattering cross sections of elemental Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn and Sb were measured from ≈ 1.5 to 4.0 MeV, at intervals of ≲ 100 keV, with resolutions of ≈ 50 to 75 keV, and at ten or more scattering angles distributed between 20 and 160°. Complementary broad-resolution neutron total cross sections of elemental Y, Nb Rh, Pd, In, Sn and Sb were measured from ≈ 0.8 to 4.5 MeV at intervals of ≲ 50 keV. The experimental results were interpreted within the framework of the spherical optical-statistical model (OM). A “regional” OM parameter set, quantitatively describing the neutron-nucleus interaction in this mass-energy domain, was deduced from the observed cross sections. Characteristics of this “regional” OM potential are discussed, particularly the geometric, isospin and shell-dependent properties.
ickp: a consistent checkpointer for multicomputers

There has been much research on checkpointing algorithms for parallel and distributed systems; but surprisingly few implementations for uniprocessors, multiprocessors, and distributed systems, and none at all for multicomputers. We discuss ickp, our consistent checkpointer for the Intel iPSC/860, which is the first general-purpose checkpointer for a multicomputer. It is a checkpointing library that may be invoked asynchronously from the host processor, at a periodic interval, or by a library call. It implements three consistent checkpointing algorithms, two optimizations to reduce checkpoint time and overhead, and recovery. >
Transformation of Bacillus thuringiensis vegetative cells by electroporation.

A highly efficient procedure for the transformation of Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus subtilis using covalently closed circular plasmid DNA was developed by using the small Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pC194 and electroporation. We have achieved transformation efficiencies in B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (HD-73) greater than 5 × 106 transformants/μg plasmid DNA. The electro-transformation (or electroporation) procedure also worked with B. subtilis 168 although at a 200-fold less level of efficiency. The results indicated that the plasmid exists in double and single-stranded forms both in B. subtilis and B. thuringiensis. A second single-stranded species was also observed in both species. This technique may prove to be applicable to other members of the genus Bacillus.
Measurement of drug distribution in vascular tissue using quantitative fluorescence microscopy

Abstract Quantitative tools to assess vascular macromolecular distributions have been limited by low signal‐to‐noise ratios, reduced spatial resolution, postexperimental motion artifact, and the inability to provide multidimensional drug distribution profiles. Fluorescence microscopy offers the potential of identifying exogenous compounds within intact tissue by reducing autofluorescence, the process by which endogenous compounds emit energy at the same wavelength as fluorescent labels. A new technique combining fluorescence microscopy with digital postprocessing has been developed to address these limitations and is now described in detail. As a demonstration, histologic cross‐sections of calf carotid arteries that had been loaded endovas‐cularly with FITC‐Dextran (20 kD) ex vivo were imaged at two different locations of the electromagnetic spectrum, one exciting only autofluorescent structures and the other exciting both autofluorescent elements and exogenous fluorescent labels. The former image was used to estimate the autofluorescence in the latter. Subtraction of the estimated autofluorescence resulted in an autofluorescence‐corrected image. A standard curve, constructed from arteries that were incubated until equilibrium in different bulk phase concentrations of FITC‐Dextran, was used to convert fluorescent intensities to tissue concentrations. This resulted in a concentration map with spatial resolution superior to many of the previous methods used to quantify macromolecular distributions. The transvascular concentration profiles measured by quantitative fluorescence microscopy compared favorably with those generated from the proven en face serial sectioning technique, validating the former. In addition, the fluorescence method demonstrated markedly increased spatial resolution. This new technique may well prove to be a valuable tool for elucidating the mechanisms of macromolecular transport, and for the rational design of drug delivery systems.
Review: Molecular mechanism of microglia stimulated glioblastoma invasion

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the deadliest human cancers and is characterized by a high degree of microglia and macrophage infiltration. The role of these glioma infiltrating macrophages (GIMs) in disease progression has been the subject of recent investigation. While initially thought to reflect an immune response to the tumor, the balance of evidence clearly suggests GIMs can have potent tumor-tropic functions and assist in glioma cell growth and infiltration into normal brain. In this review, we focus on the evidence for GIMs aiding mediating glioblastoma motility and invasion. We survey the literature for molecular pathways that are involved in paracrine interaction between glioma cells and GIMs and assess which of these might serve as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention.
Energy harvesting from the human leg motion

Kinetic energy harvested from the human body motion seems to be one of the most attractive and convenient solution for wearable wireless sensors in healthcare applications. Due to their small size, such sensors typically have a very limited battery-powered lifetime. Therefore, frequent sensor recharge or replacement is required to maintain reliable data connectivity. Integrated micro-harvesters can prolong the operational lifetime of these sensors. This positively impacts their usability and can significantly help with their commercial applications such as remote vital sign monitoring. Our objective, in this paper, is to investigate the amount of harvestable kinetic energy from normal everyday human leg motion. Statistical analysis of leg motion measurements taken from 30 test subjects over a period of 8 hours during their daily activities is provided. This information along with the operational architecture of the harvesting device is used to obtain the distribution of harvestable energy. The results of such research can determine whether kinetic energy generated by typical human leg motion could be a promising supplemental energy resource that prolongs the operational lifetime of wearable medical sensors.
Biophysical effects of pulsed lasers in the retina and other tissues containing strongly absorbing particles: shockwave and explosive bubble generation

Damage by pulsed lasers to the retina or other tissues containing strongly absorbing particles may occur through biophysical mechanisms other than simple heating. Shockwaves and bubbles have been observed experimentally, and depending on pulse duration, may be the cause of retinal damage at threshold fluence levels. We perform detailed calculations on the shockwave and bubble generation expected from pulsed lasers. For a variety of different laser pulse durations and fluences, we tabulate the expected strength of the shockwave and size of the bubble that will be generated. We also explain how these results will change for absorbing particles with different physical properties such as absorption coefficient, bulk modulus, or thermal expansion coefficient. This enables the assessment of biological danger, and possible medical benefits, for lasers of a wide range of pulse durations and energies, incident on tissues with absorbing particles with a variety of thermomechanical characteristics.