cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrapartum mean platelet volume is not a useful predictor of new-onset delayed postpartum pre-eclampsia

Abstract Objective To determine whether intrapartum mean platelet volume (MPV) can predict new-onset delayed postpartum pre-eclampsia. Methods In a retrospective study, data were obtained for women with delayed postpartum pre-eclampsia (≥ 48 hours after delivery) who attended the Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA, between January 2002 and July 2010. Patients were divided into two subgroups: new-onset delayed postpartum pre-eclampsia (no history of hypertensive disorder before 48 hours after delivery) and other late-onset/delayed postpartum pre-eclampsia (history of hypertensive disorders). Cases with no hypertensive disorders paired by delivery date were selected as controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine whether MPV could distinguish between cases and controls. Results Data for 130 cases of new-onset delayed postpartum pre-eclampsia, 71 cases of other late-onset/delayed postpartum pre-eclampsia, and 405 controls were collected. MPV was significantly different between the pre-eclampsia subgroups (P = 0.007). ROC curves showed that MPV significantly distinguished new-onset delayed postpartum pre-eclampsia cases (area under the curve 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.5–0.6; P = 0.02), with a sensitivity and specificity of 58.1% and 55.4%, respectively. Conclusion Although MPV was significantly lower in women who went on to develop new-onset delayed postpartum pre-eclampsia than among controls, it is not a useful predictor. The low MPV suggests a different mechanism for the development of new-onset delayed postpartum pre-eclampsia.
Microphysical implications of cloud‐precipitation covariance derived from satellite remote sensing

[1] Covariance between cloud and precipitation water in shallow marine boundary layer clouds is assessed using collocated satellite observations from CloudSat and the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) at spatial scales typical of global models. An analytic construct is presented, which suggests that global models that do not take subgrid scale cloud-precipitation covariance into account in their microphysical parameterizations may significantly underestimate grid mean microphysical process rates in warm clouds. The proposed framework indicates a mean bias in autoconversion rates of 129% when subgrid scale cloud water variability is neglected and bias in accretion rates of 60% when subgrid cloud-precipitation covariability is neglected at a model grid resolution of 141 km. The bias in accretion rate is dependent on the significant correlation (ρ) found between cloud and precipitation, which in the global mean is found to be ρ = 0.44. The regional distribution of the process rate biases is largely governed by the spatial pattern of cloud water variance. Specific areas of low cloud water variance are found in the subtropical eastern ocean basins and the high latitudes, whereas much of the tropics display relatively larger cloud water variance. These regional distinctions in cloud water variance are associated with commensurate regionality in the process rate biases. The magnitude of the bias has a scale dependence that is governed by the spatial scaling behavior of the cloud and precipitation variances, which follow a power law scaling with exponent of 2/3 at scales below about 10 km and decreasing exponent above this length scale. While the parametric framework reduces biases in the accretion rate estimated from the grid-mean values of cloud and precipitation water, it is shown that it still undercorrects the accretion rate because it neglects the fact that the precipitation fractional area is less than the cloud fractional area and is preferentially colocated with the highest cloud water concentrations. These results imply that (1) predicting the appropriate balance of autoconversion to accretion in global models requires not only the subgrid scale cloud water variability but also the subgrid scale covariability of cloud and precipitation water and (2) the ability of a global model to calculate the correct regional variation in process rates depends crucially on the fidelity of that model to predict or diagnose the spatial distribution of the variance in cloud water.
Going Against the Grain Works: An Attributional Perspective of Perceived Ethical Leadership

This study provides an attributional perspective to the ethical leadership literature by examining the role of attributed altruistic motives and perceptions of organizational politics in a moderated mediation model. Path analytic tests from two field studies were used for analyses. The results support our hypotheses that attributed altruistic motives would mediate the relationship between perceived ethical leadership and affective organizational commitment. Moreover, the relationship between perceived ethical leadership and attributed altruistic motives was stronger when perceptions of organizational politics were high but weaker when these perceptions were low. The study concludes with a discussion of future research implications as well as managerial implications.
Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence analysis of cholera toxin genes of the CtxA- Vibrio cholerae strain Texas Star-SR.

Abstract The ctx operons from the Vibrio cholerae El Tor strain 3083 and its CtxA- derivative Texas Star-SR were cloned, and their nucleotide sequences were compared. A single missense mutation in the Texas Star-SR ctxA cistron which results in the substitution of threonine for alanine at position 191 of the 258-amino-acid CtxA precursor was identified. Immunoblot analysis detected the mutant CtxA intracellularly early in the culture cycle but not extracellularly at any growth stage.
On the asymptotic behavior of solutions to nonlinear, dispersive, dissipative wave equations

Abstract The renormalization techniques for determining the long-time asymptotics of nonlinear parabolic equations pioneered by Bricmont, Kupiainen and Lin are shown to be effective in analyzing nonlinear wave equations featuring both dissipation and dispersion. These methods allow us to recover recent results of Dix in a way which is both transparent and has interesting prospects for generalization.
An analytical description of Aristotle's enthymeme

The purpose of this article is to determine what an Aristotelian enthymeme is, and to describe the enthymeme so that we will not only be able to recognize one when we see it, but also so that we will be better able to use the concept as a tool for analyzing argumentative discourse. The analysis reveals five major distinguishing characteristics of enthymemes.
The H-mshi antigen is conserved among standard BALB/cBy, C57BL/6J, and wild-derived CAST/Ei and SPRET/Ei inbred strains of mice.

The recessive male sterility and histoincompatibility mutation (mshi) arose spontaneously in the standard inbred mouse strain BALB/cBy. In addition to generating sterility in homozygous males, mshi controls the loss of a minor histocompatibility antigen designated H-mshi. To determine whether the H-mshi antigen normally expressed by the BALB/cBy strain (H-mshic) is the same as or different from the antigen (H-mshix) expressed by the standard inbred C57BL/6J strain or the wild-derived CAST/Ei and SPRET/Ei strains, animals heterozygous for the mutant antigen-loss allele (H-mshi – ) and H-mshi x were grafted with tail skin from BALB/cBy mice. The long-term retention of grafts by these hosts indicates that the H-mshi antigen encoded by the BALB/cBy, C57BL/6J, CAST/Ei, and SPRET/Ei strains is histogenically identical. Conservation of this minor histocompatibility antigen among these evolutionarily diverse strains suggests that H-mshi encodes a functionally important cellular product(s).
Relational roots of IT worker organizational commitment

This paper builds a model showing how people relationships affect job satisfaction and organizational commitment in IT workers. The relationship predictors are trust in management and perceived harmonious teamwork. The effects of these predictors are contrasted with the effects of job characteristics. The general research testing steps are also outlined.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FRANKFURT-STYLE ARGUMENT

I reply to the challenges to Frankfurt-style compatibilism about causal determinism and moral responsibility presented in Daniel Speak's paper ‘The Impertinence of Frankfurt-Style Argument’. I seek to show how Speak's critiques rest on an ‘all-or-nothing’ attitude in various ways, and I attempt to defend the importance of Frankfurt-style argumentation in defence of compatibilism.
In the moment: women speak about surgical treatment decision making days after a breast cancer diagnosis.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To explore the pretreatment thoughts and behaviors of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer regarding their surgical treatment decision-making experience. RESEARCH APPROACH Qualitative, descriptive. SETTING A multispecialty breast center in the midwestern region of the United States. PARTICIPANTS 18 English-speaking women, aged 37-87 years, mean of 12 days postdiagnosis of clinical stage 0-11 breast cancer. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH Open to semistructured interviews were conducted during the period following surgical consultation but prior to surgical treatment. Transcribed interviews, originally analyzed to identify the psychological processes of women in response to breast cancer diagnosis, were additionally analyzed using directed content analysis focusing on women's thoughts and behaviors related to their surgical treatment decision-making process. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Breast cancer surgery and decision making pretreatment. FINDINGS Women's pretreatment thoughts and behaviors related to surgical treatment decision making were characterized by information processing, contemplating options, and interacting with others. Breast cancer information was used by women before the surgical consultation and after treatment decisions had been made. Treatment options were contemplated and preferences formed often before the initial surgical consultation. Women associated having options with a better prognosis. Age was a factor primarily in the type of information women desired. CONCLUSIONS Most women made their own surgical treatment decisions with ease, supported by the confidence instilled by their surgeons and oncology nurses. INTERPRETATION The findings provide oncology nurses with insight regarding women's desire for and use of information and their contemplation of surgical options, therefore suggesting areas on which to focus clinical assessment and to test tailored interventions.
Degradation of lysylbradykinin by endopeptidase 24.11 and endopeptidase 24.15.

Abstract Lysylbradykinin (LBK), a potent bioactive peptide with pleiotropic actions, is the major kinin generated in the extravascular space. To explore possible mechanisms of inactivation of this peptide in tissues, we evaluated its degradation by endopeptidase 24.11 (EP 24.11) and endopeptidase 24.15 (EP 24.15), two zinc metalloenzymes widely distributed in tissues. EP 24.11 cleaved LBK at the Gly5-Phe6 and Pro8-Phe9 bonds, whereas EP 24.15 cleaved the Phe6-Ser7 bond. Determination of kinetic constants for degradation of LBK by the two enzymes yielded k cat K m ratios of 5.2 × 105 and 8.4 × 105 for EP 24.15 and EP 24.11, respectively, indicating that LBK is a good substrate for both enzymes. The findings demonstrate that both EP 24.11 and EP 24.15 efficiently degrade LBK and thus may contribute to the inactivation of this peptide in tissues.
Magnetic flux of progenitor stars sets gamma-ray burst luminosity and variability

Long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are thought to come from the core-collapse of Wolf-Rayet stars. Whereas their stellar masses $M_*$ have a rather narrow distribution, the population of GRBs is very diverse, with gamma-ray luminosities $L_\gamma$ spanning several orders of magnitude. This suggests the existence of a "hidden" stellar variable whose burst-to-burst variation leads to a spread in $L_\gamma$. Whatever this hidden variable is, its variation should not noticeably affect the shape of GRB lightcurves, which display a constant luminosity (in a time-average sense) followed by a sharp drop at the end of the burst seen with Swift/XRT. We argue that such a hidden variable is progenitor star's large-scale magnetic flux. Shortly after the core collapse, most of stellar magnetic flux accumulates near the black hole (BH) and remains there. The flux extracts BH rotational energy and powers jets of roughly a constant luminosity, $L_j$. However, once BH mass accretion rate $\dot M$ falls below $\sim L_j/c^2$, the flux becomes dynamically important and diffuses outwards, with the jet luminosity set by the rapidly declining mass accretion rate, $L_j\sim \dot M c^2$. This provides a potential explanation for the sharp end of GRBs and the universal shape of their lightcurves. During the GRB, gas infall translates spatial variation of stellar magnetic flux into temporal variation of $L_j$. We make use of the deviations from constancy in $L_j$ to perform stellar magnetic flux "tomography". Using this method, we infer the presence of magnetised tori in the outer layers of progenitor stars for GRB 920513 and GRB 940210.
From Fundamental Law to the Supreme Law of the Land: A Reinterpretation of the Origin of Judicial Review

For a long time the question of whether the framers of the U.S. Constitution intended to establish judicial review of legislation was the subject of extensive and repeated investigation. The issue, however, was never definitively resolved, a consequence, it is widely agreed, of ambiguities and internal contradictions in the early record. More recently, interest in this basic question has declined, and it has simply been assumed that some form of judicial review was contemplated by the framers. At the same time support for the practice has deepened, and the debate, although still heated, has shifted to different grounds.
Enhancement of Rotylenchulus reniformis suppressiveness by Crotalaria juncea amendment in pineapple soils

Abstract The abilities of sunn hemp, Crotalaria juncea amendment to enhance Rotylenchulus reniformis suppressiveness were tested in soils collected from six pineapple fields with different length of time after nematicides 1,3-dichloropropene application, and after pineapple planting. Soils were frozen to kill the indigenous nematodes, then either amended or not amended with chopped C. juncea tissues and infested with 1000 R. reniformis in a greenhouse experiment. Cowpeas were grown in these soils for 6 weeks. Amendment enhanced the population density of nematode-trapping fungi (NTF), the percentage of eggs parasitized by fungi, and the bacterivorous nematodes. Enhancement of NTF was highest in soils that had least been treated with 1,3-dichloropropene and in soils planted with pineapple for the longest period of time. NTF can also be enhanced by C. juncea in soils that had been fallowed without nematicides treatment. The suppression on R. reniformis eggs was correlated with the enhancement of NTF (r=0.65, P
Ferrochelatase cDNA delivered by adenoviral vector corrects biochemical defect in protoporphyric cells

ABSTRACT Protoporphyria is generally an autosomal dominant disease characterized genetically by mutations in the ferrochelatase gene. The interaction between the wild-type and mutant ferrochelatase...
Oxidative addition of diphenylphosphine to the electron-rich triple bond of Re2X4(μ-dppm)2 (X = Cl or Br; dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2)

Abstract Diphenylphosphine oxidatively adds across the ReRe bond of Re2X4 (μ-dppm)2 (X = Cl or Br; dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2) to afford the dirhenium(III) complexes Re2(μ-X)(μ-PPh2)HX3(μ-dppm)2. An X-ray crystal structure determination on the chloride complex shows the ReRe bond distance to be 2.5918(7) A. Oxidation of the bromide complex with NOPF6 produces salts of the unusual dirhenium(III,II) cation {Re2(μ-H) (μ-Br)[P(O)Ph2]Br2(NO)(μ-dppm)2}+ in which the ReRe distance is 2.6273(8) A.
An explanation for the apparent cis-aziridine selectivity in the iron Lewis acid-catalyzed reaction of N-benzylidene aniline and ethyl diazoacetate

Abstract The reason for the apparent cis -aziridine selectivity in the reaction of ethyl diazoacetate with N -benzylidene aniline, catalyzed by [(η 5 -C 5 H 5 )(CO) 2 Fe(THF)] + [BF 4 ] − , is reported. The catalytic reaction produces both cis and trans -aziridines. Once the imine has been consumed, the trans -isomer is shown to undergo a catalytic decomposition, leaving cis -aziridine and by-products. The reaction is graphically profiled to illustrate the relative quantity of reactants and products as a function of time. A new mechanistic model is proposed in order to explain the observed selectivity.
Analysis of morbid events and risk factors for death after cardiac transplantation.

Abstract Risk factors for death after cardiac transplantation performed at the University of Alabana at Birmingham from January 1981 to July 1985 included (by multivariate analysis) higher calculated preoperative pulmonary vascular resistance (early and constant phases), murphology of cardiomyopathy (versus ischemic heart disease) (constant phase only) and black race (constant phase). overall actuarial survival was 71% at 1 year and 48% at 3 years (including azalhioprine and cyclosporine eras). The hazard function for death was highest immediately after operation and declined rapidly thereafter, merging with a constant phase of risk at about 3 months. The most favorable group for long-term survival was the group of white patients with ischemic heart disease and low pulmonary vascular resistance. When such patients had a pulmonary vascular resistance
Mechanisms of AAV transduction in glaucoma-associated human trabecular meshwork cells

Background Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease which leads to irreversible blindness. The trabecular meshwork tissue controls intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the major risk factor for glaucoma. Gene therapy treatment of chronic diseases requires the use of long-term expression, low toxicity and lack of immune response vectors. Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) possess these characteristics but have been unable to transduce the trabecular meshwork. Because of the importance of regulating elevated IOP by long-term gene therapy, we investigated mechanisms of AAV transduction to the human trabecular meshwork (TM). Methods Primary human trabecular meshwork cells (HTM) and perfused organ cultures were infected with rAAV2-GFP, RGD-pseudotyped rAAV2-GFP alone, or combined with recombinant ΔE1/E3 adenoviruses. Intracellular rAAV2 DNA and RNA were measured by relative quantitative and real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Host transcriptome was analyzed using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays. One transduction mechanism was tested using self-complementary AAV (scAAV). Results The dramatic transduction enhancement obtained upon co-infection of rAAV2 with ΔE1/E3 adenoviruses provides insights into transduction mechanisms in the HTM. Even if not transduced, rAAV2 enters TM cells. GeneChip analysis showed significant changes in host genes involved in cell cycle and DNA replication. Consequently, scAAV-GFP transduction was highly efficient. Other transduction-enhancement genes included coxsackie adenovirus receptor (CAR) and genes relevant to trabecular meshwork function. Conclusions The rate-limiting step of AAV transduction was not viral entry failure but, at least in part, host downregulation of DNA replication. Additional specific host genes might be involved. Our study revealed genes and mechanisms which led for the first time to efficient AAV transduction of the HTM. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The thermodynamics and kinetics of the polymerization of silicic acid in dilute aqueous solution

Abstract The polymerization of silicic acid has been investigated at a pH of 8.5 and initial monomer concentration of 300 p.p.m. The rate of polymerization was determined at 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45°C so that the activation energies could be calculated. The activation energies were found to be −16±4 kcal/mole in the 25–35°C region and 14±4 kcal/mole in the 35–40°C region. The negative activation energy is explained by assuming a pre-equilibrium step involving a hydrogen bonded species. The thermodynamic parameters were also determined for the polymerization process. A mechanism has been proposed for the polymerization reaction.
An algorithm for the Reich-Stivala analysis of TGA curves

Abstract Thermogravimetric analysis provides the most direct method of carrying out nonisothermal kinetic studies. Reich and Stivala have described an iterative method for determining the reaction order and activation energy from TGA curves. Using the temperature (°C) and deflection of the mass curve as direct input, an algorithm for this method has been developed for use on the Texas Instruments TI-59 calculator, and details of the algorithm and its use are presented.
Closed-end versus open-end: the choice of organizational form

Abstract We investigate the choice of organizational form for investment funds. We find that funds that hold less liquid securities with less transparent prices are more likely to be closed-end. The relation is economically meaningful as well as statistically significant. Our results are consistent with Fama and Jensen's [J. Law Econ. 26 (1983a) 327; J. Law Econ. 26 (1983b) 301] prediction that redeemable shares are not efficient when assets are relatively illiquid and asset prices are difficult to observe.
The Occupational Commitment of Men and Women: Personal and Family Variables.

The large influx of married women into the paid labor market has focused in creasing attention on work-family linkages, but little is known about how per sonal and family variables combine to differentiate men and women manifesting varying levels of commitment to work. The sample for this study consisted of men and women who were members of dual-earner marriages and had at least one child under the age of 18. Using discriminant analysis, certain combinations of variables were highly significant in discriminating between groups of women reporting high and low levels of occupational commitment and between groups of men reporting high and low levels of occupational commitment. Of the two sets of significant discriminating variables, marital adjustment made the largest relative contribution in differentiating the two groups of women, whereas em phasis on organization in the family environment was the strongest discriminator for men. The results support the contention that personal and family variables may have important implications for understanding the work commitment of both genders.
The moderating effect of avoidant coping on restrained eaters' risk for disinhibited eating: implications for dietary relapse prevention.

Abstract Avoidant coping style was tested as a moderating variable for the effect of ego threat on chronic dieters’ (restrained eaters) risk for disinhibited eating. Young women ( n =146) were randomly assigned to a speech threat or to a no threat condition and then participated in a bogus ice cream taste test. Analyses of covariance revealed that restrained eaters who scored higher on a standardized measure of avoidant coping consumed significantly more ice cream than restrained eaters who scored lower on avoidant coping regardless of the threat condition to which they were assigned. The findings suggest that dieters prone to using avoidant coping strategies may be particularly vulnerable to overeating and, therefore, could be at risk for lapses in dietary restraint. Hence, dietary relapse prevention programs might target dieters who tend to use avoidant coping strategies for cognitive-behavioral therapy to teach them adaptive coping skills.
The Boston keratoprosthesis in autoimmune disease

Purpose Patients with corneal blindness due to mucous membrane pemphigoid and Stevens Johnson syndrome who undergo corneal transplantation carry a poor prognosis for visual recovery. The Boston keratoprosthesis has been demonstrated to provide excellent retention rates and postoperative visual acuity in patients with corneal graft failure, however, poor visual outcomes still occur in patients with underlying autoimmune disease. Methods We reviewed the current literature to determine the results of keratoprosthesis in patients with blinding autoimmune diseases. Results Much of the published literature on keratoprosthesis fails to clearly differentiate outcomes on the basis of the underlying disorder. Based on available evidence, inflammation, retinal detachment, and glaucoma appear to be the most significant complications after keratoprosthesis in autoimmune patients, and a diagnosis of mucous membrane pemphigoid or Stevens Johnson Syndrome appears to be associated with a significantly higher complication rate than other preoperative conditions. Conclusion Patients with autoimmune diseases carry the worst prognosis for success with keratoprosthesis. Improvement in clinical outcomes might be achieved with changes in keratoprosthesis design and material, perioperative therapy, and/or surgical technique. Possible approaches to complications after Boston keratoprosthesis in patients with underlying autoimmune diseases will be discussed.
Information transmission in evolution

On the basis of a model previously established for the random-mutation portion of the synthetic theory of evolution, an investigation is made of the information that can be transmitted from the environment to the evolving species. The probability that a given adaptive character is produced decreases with increasing information measure of the adaptive character. The average information transmitted in any one evolutionary step is defined as the product of the information and its probability of transmission. The average information turns out to be very small for a reasonable number of trials and reasonable gene size. This is consistent with the conjecture that evolution proceeds in small steps, and the size of a step can be discussed quantitatively in terms of the amount of adaptive information that is being transmitted into the species.
Type of associative interference as a factor in verbal paired-associate learning

Summary Sixth-grade children served as Ss in an investigation of the effects of various types of interference on performance in a verbal paired-associate task. Four types of competing associative connections initially present in the task were studied; these were (a) an interstimulus item connection, (b) an interresponse item connection, and (c) two interword-pair S-R connections, one existing between the stimulus item of a weakly associated S-R pair and the response item of a strongly associated pair, and one existing between strong-pair S and weak-pair R. When compared with noncompetition controls, each of the four types of associative interference was found to have an over-all effect of impairing performance. The numbers and types of errors, however, were found to vary with the specific type of interference.
Molecular interaction and functional regulation of connexin50 gap junctions by calmodulin

Cx50 (connexin50), a member of the α-family of gap junction proteins expressed in the lens of the eye, has been shown to be essential for normal lens development. In the present study, we identified a CaMBD [CaM (calmodulin)-binding domain] (residues 141-166) in the intracellular loop of Cx50. Elevations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration effected a 95% decline in gj (junctional conductance) of Cx50 in N2a cells that is likely to be mediated by CaM, because inclusion of the CaM inhibitor calmidazolium prevented this Ca2+-dependent decrease in gj. The direct involvement of the Cx50 CaMBD in this Ca2+/CaM-dependent regulation was demonstrated further by the inclusion of a synthetic peptide encompassing the CaMBD in both whole-cell patch pipettes, which effectively prevented the intracellular Ca2+-dependent decline in gj. Biophysical studies using NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy reveal further that the peptide stoichiometrically binds to Ca2+/CaM with an affinity of ~5 nM. The binding of the peptide expanded the Ca2+-sensing range of CaM by increasing the Ca2+ affinity of the C-lobe of CaM, while decreasing the Ca2+ affinity of the N-lobe of CaM. Overall, these results demonstrate that the binding of Ca2+/CaM to the intracellular loop of Cx50 is critical for mediating the Ca2+-dependent inhibition of Cx50 gap junctions in the lens of the eye.
On the structure and thermochemistry of [18]annulene

Abstract The structure and thermochemistry of [18] annulene were studied by means of ab initio calculations at the 6-31G(SCF),6-31G∗(SCF) and 6-31G(RMP2-FC)//6-31G levels. At the RMP2 level, [18]annulene is 11.4 and 15.2 kcal mol−1 more stable in D6h symmetry than in its D3 and D3h forms, respectively. The calculated D6h geometry is consistent with the structure determined by X-ray crystallography. The RMP2 ab initio energy of this structure furnishes a ΔHf⊖ value in good agreement with the experimental value and enables an estimate of the resonance energy to be made. The latter relies upon the ab initio 6-31G (RMP2-FC) energies of linear polyenes, which are also reported here.
The Status of Spacecraft Bus and Platform Technology Development Under the NASA Ispt Program

The In-Space Propulsion Technology (ISPT) program is developing spacecraft bus and platform technologies that will enable or enhance NASA robotic science missions. The ISPT program is currently developing technology in four areas that include Propulsion System Technologies (electric and chemical), Entry Vehicle Technologies (aerocapture and Earth entry vehicles), Spacecraft Bus and Sample Return Propulsion Technologies (components and ascent vehicles), and Systems/Mission Analysis. Three technologies are ready for near-term flight infusion: 1) the high-temperature Advanced Material Bipropellant Rocket (AMBR) engine providing higher performance; 2) NASA's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) ion propulsion system, a 0.6–7 kW throttle-able gridded ion system; and 3) Aerocapture technology development with investments in a family of thermal protection system (TPS) materials and structures; guidance, navigation, and control (GNC and aerothermal effect models. Two component technologies being developed with flight infusion in mind are the Advanced Xenon Flow Control System and ultra-lightweight propellant tank technologies. Future directions for ISPT are technologies that relate to sample return missions and other spacecraft bus technology needs like: 1) Mars Ascent Vehicles (MAV); 2) multi-mission technologies for Earth Entry Vehicles (MMEEV); and 3) electric propulsion. These technologies are more vehicles and mission-focused, and present a different set of technology development and infusion steps beyond those previously implemented. The Systems/Mission Analysis area is focused on developing tools and assessing the application of propulsion and spacecraft bus technologies to a wide variety of mission concepts. These in-space propulsion technologies are applicable, and potentially enabling for future NASA Discovery, New Frontiers, and sample return missions currently under consideration, as well as having broad applicability to potential Flagship missions. This paper provides a brief overview of the ISPT program, describing the development status and technology infusion readiness of in-space propulsion technologies in the areas of electric propulsion, Aerocapture, Earth entry vehicles, propulsion components, Mars ascent vehicle, and mission/systems analysis.
Sporocyst size of isolates of Sarcocystis shed by the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana).

Abstract The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a definitive host for multiple Sarcocystis species including Sarcocystis neurona, one of the causative agents of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), a severe, neuromuscular disease of horses. Size and morphologic characteristics of isolates of Sarcocystis shed by the opossum were examined to determine if differences were useful in discriminating between the isolates and/or species. Collections of sporocysts from 17 opossums were molecularly characterized and measured using an ocular micrometer. The mean sporocyst size of isolates of S. neurona was 10.7 μm ×7.0 μm , Sarcocystis falcatula 11.0 μm ×7.1 μm , Sarcocystis speeri 12.2 μm ×8.8 μm , 1085-like isolate 10.9 μm ×6.8 μm , and 3344-like isolate 19.4 μm ×10.5 μm . The length and width of S. speeri were statistically different (p
Whorled: Cyclones, Systems, and the Geographical Imagination

[T]here is a vast field of topics that fall under the laws of correlation, which lies quite open to the research of any competent person who cares to investigate it. – Francis Galton, 1890Few Victo...
Classification of multiple observations using a rank nearest neighbor rule

Abstract We consider the problem of classifying multiple ( k ) univariate observations into one of two populations using a rank nearest neighbor (RNN) type rule. We derive the limiting total probability of misclassification (TPMC) (limiting risk) R ( k ) of the proposed RNN rule for k = 2 and obtain an upper bound of the limiting TPMC. Finally, with k varying from 1 to 5, some Monte Carlo results are reported to study the performance of the proposed rule.
Subsonic solutions to compressible transonic potential problems for isothermal self-similar flows and steady flows

Abstract We establish boundary and interior gradient estimates, and show that no supersonic bubble appears inside of a subsonic region for transonic potential flows for both self-similar isothermal and steady problems. We establish an existence result for the self-similar isothermal problem, and improve the Hopf maximum principle to show that the flow is strictly elliptic inside of the subsonic region for the steady problem.
The structural causes of infant mortality decline in Chile.

The effect of macro processes on infant mortality rates is explored in this analysis of Chilean provincial statistics over five decades. Urbanization and pluralism, as measured by the percent of the population in urban centers and the percent voting, predict lower infant mortality strongly and consistently. The theoretical rationale for linking macrostructural variables to biological outcomes is then examined in more detail. It is argued that the structural model employed here is an improvement on the conventional modernization/biomedical explanation because of its greater consistency and specificity, and because inclusion of measures of health technology in the tests did not eliminate the effect of the structural variables.
Computer assisted MTF determination in CT

A series of computer programs have been written to analyze a scan of the AAPM CT performance phantom resolution insert with little operator assistance. A representative analysis is done on a scan from an AS&E scanner as an example. Its point spread function, edge response function and modulation transfer function are presented.
Pharmacologic Agents for the Treatment of Obesity

Obesity guidelines state that pharmacologic therapy can be considered if a patient fails to lose 10 percent of their original body weight after 6 months of adhering to a low calorie diet, exercise, and behavior modification. Many published trials have shown sibutramine and orlistat to be effective for weight loss and weight maintenance when used with lifestyle modifications. However, few trials have studied the efficacy and safety of these medications in the elderly. This article provides a review of the FDA approved medications currently available for the treatment of obesity. Pertinent clinical trials are also reviewed and recommendations regarding the use of these agents in the elderly are discussed.
Asymmetry of living systems.

Abstract An analysis is made of the terms isometric symmetry, homeomorphic symmetry, temporal symmetry and generative symmetry . It is shown that the quest for symmetry is motivated by an esthetical attitude which prefers constancy and “being” to mutability and change. This attitude expresses itself in physics as the quest for parity and invariance and in mechanics as the elimination of “time's arrow” from differential equations. The principle of entropy contradicts the general validity of symmetry principles. Mach's principle that action and reaction are equal applies only to symmetrical systems, but as soon as friction, heat and entropy are taken into consideration it is seen that the laws of mechanics apply only to fictitious, non-existent isolated systems. The optical asymmetry of molecules, as well as the asymmetry found in the anatomy of plants and animals, further militates against the view that nature is governed by symmetry principles. In physiology, the selective preference for natural isomers and the vectorial nature of membrane transport indicate the importance of asymmetry for biological systems. It is concluded that organisms are asymmetrical systems in disequilibrium and that their study should be based on the concepts of perturbation theory.
Review of Single Coronary Artery with Report of 2 Cases

The paper includes a discussion of all published cases of single coronary artery and a consideration of the embryologic development and physiologic significance of this anomaly. The incidence and types of associated cardiac diseases are reviewed. Two additional case reports of this anomaly are included.
Importance of Native Seeds in White‐Winged Dove Diets Dominated by Agricultural Grains

Agricultural intensification is a key factor in the decline of many avian populations throughout the world, yet the exact mechanisms that contribute to these declines are relatively unresolved, especially for seed-eating species. We tested the hypothesis that forage quality, particularly protein content, limits productivity in birds consuming diets dominated by agricultural grains and lacking in native forages. We used white-winged doves (Zenaida asiatica) because columbids are highly granivorous and white-winged doves have declined in areas dominated by grain agriculture. We randomly assigned 52 pairs of captive doves to 1 of 2 treatments: we fed one treatment sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and the second sorghum plus native seeds (croton [Croton sp.] and native sunflower [Helianthus sp.]). Birds with access to native seeds fledged 123% more young per pair, with young weighing 32% more at fledging than those fed only sorghum. Doves with access to native seeds selected a diet consisting of 43% sorghum, 32% croton, and 25% sunflower. We conclude that agricultural grains, which typically have high metabolizable energy and low to moderate protein concentrations, are not sufficient for normal productivity of white-winged doves. The lack of native forages with sufficient metabolizable energy and protein content may be a factor in the declining productivity of white-winged doves in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, USA, as well as other species in regions dominated by agriculture.
Bernard S. Bloom (1940–2006)

The Journal has lost a loyal friend and trusted advisor when former board member Bernard S. Bloom, PhD, died at his home in Society Hill, Pennsylvania. A gifted economist, Bernie's contribution to the healthcare field was immeasurable and left an indelible impression on students and peers alike.
Synthesis and self-assembly of glycal-based bolaforms.

Glycal-based bolaforms serve as synthetically flexible components of molecular self-assembly. The compounds are prepared in good yield by a Ferrier reaction between triacetylglucal or -galactal or diacetylxylal and a long chain α,ω-diol, followed by deacetylation under Zemplen conditions. The reactions are stereoselective and preferentially afford the α-diastereomer. The bolaforms undergo self-assembly in water or water/dioxane solution to give a variety of nanostructures. In solution, bolaforms with C8 or C10 chains between glucal headgroups form nanoscale vesicles. In contrast, bolaforms with C12 chains exhibit lower solubility and a dynamic self-assembly, forming several different nanoscale structures. However, the solid-state structures of C12 bolaform isomers adopt shapes very similar to those of bolaforms possessing more extensive hydrogen-bonding networks, indicating that multiple hydrogen bonds in solution are important to formation of stable, discrete nanostructures but that only a few key interm...
Biomass-modified carbon paste electrodes for monitoring dissolved metal ions

Electrodes were prepared by incorporating dried, nonliving biomass of a common lichen, Ramalina stenospora, and Sphagnum (peat) moss in carbon paste. The electrodes were tested on solutions containing Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions by immersing the electrode in the solution for selected periods of time to accumulate ions. Following this the electrode was connected to a potentiostat and the applied voltage scanned from −1.0 to +0.5 V vs. SCE. Any adsorbed metal ions were stripped back into solution at the appropriate oxidizing voltage. The ratio of biomass to mineral oil to graphite has been found to be crucial to electrode performance. Different ratios of the three components using the lichen Ramalina stenospora were evaluated for maximum electrode performance. Only two electrode compositions gave a good electrode response for lead. Electrodes containing peat moss were superior in performance to lichen-containing electrodes for lead. Electrodes based on the lichens Cladina evansii and Letharia vulpina, the marine algae Ulva lactuca and Sargassum fluitans, the blue-green alga Spirulina platensis, and the aquatic plant Eichhornia crassipes did not respond to lead at all. All functioning electrodes studies showed a poor response toward copper(II) ions.
MEASUREMENTS OF TURBULENT HEAT TRANSPORT IN A BOUNDARY LAYER WITH AN EMBEDDED STREAMWISE VORTEX

Abstract All three components of the turbulent heat flux vector ( uθ , vθ , and wθ ) and most of the components of the Reynolds stress tensor are measured in a boundary layer disturbed by an embedded streamwise vortex. Some similarities are observed between the cross-plane heat fluxes ( vθ and wθ ) and the analogous Reynolds stress terms ( uv and uw ). However, the vortex interaction with the boundary layer seems to enhance heat transport more than momentum transport, especially in the vicinity of the vortex core. The cross-plane heat transport vector, formed from vθ and wθ , is nearly perpendicular to the isotherms at all points, suggesting that an isotropic eddy-diffusivity model would be suitable for this flow.
Synthesis of Isobutyl-C-galactoside (IBCG) as an Isopropylthiogalactoside (IPTG) Substitute for Increased Induction of Protein Expression

Addition of isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) to bacterial cultures is often used to induce expression of plasmid-based genes for the production of recombinant proteins under control of the lac promoter, but a simple method to circumvent the inherent instability of this compound has not been addressed experimentally. Herein we report the first synthesis of isobutyl-C-galactoside (IBCG), the C-glycoside analogue of IPTG, and show that IBCG is superior to IPTG in inducing protein expression over long induction times.
Intermittent binge alcohol exposure during the periadolescent period induces spatial working memory deficits in young adult rats

Abstract Human and animal studies suggest adolescence is a period of heightened sensitivity to adverse cognitive sequelae of alcohol exposure. The present study assessed the effects of intermittent binge ethanol intoxication during the periadolescent period of Wistar rats on subsequent performance in a Morris water maze spatial navigation task. On postnatal days 32–56, rats were exposed to ethanol or air 3 days/week via vapor inhalation chambers. Acquisition of spatial navigation was assessed beginning 5 days after the final day of exposure, with 3 days of training in the Morris Water maze (four trials per day spaced at 90-s intertrial intervals [ITIs]). Rats were placed into the water maze at one of four positions along the perimeter, with a different release position to begin each trial. A probe trial assessed retention of platform location on the day after the final set of training trials. Four days after this probe trial, rats entered a working memory phase in which the platform was in a new location each day and a variable ITI of 1, 2, or 4h was inserted between Trials 1 and 2; Trials 3 and 4 followed at 90-s intervals after Trial 2 on each day. The "savings" in latency to find the platform and distance traveled before finding it from Trial 1 to Trial 2 on each day served as an index of working memory. Ethanol-exposed rats showed similar acquisition of spatial navigation as control rats during training, as well as similar retention of platform location during the probe trial. However, rats exposed to average blood alcohol level (BAL) >200mg% showed accelerated forgetting, with decreased retention of platform location at the 2-h ITI ( P
A continuous sensor for damage detection in bars

The concept of a continuous sensor for detecting vibration and stress waves in bars is investigated in this paper. This type of sensor is a long tape with a number of sensing nodes that are electrically connected together to form a single sensor with one channel of data output. The spacing of the sensor nodes can be designed such that the sensor is capable of detecting acoustic emissions (AEs) occurring at any point along the length of the sensor. An active fiber composite material or piezoceramic wafers can be used as the active element of the sensor. The characteristics of this new type of sensor were investigated by a simplified simulation and through experiments. The scope of the simulation is primarily to determine the characteristics of the new type of sensor that is proposed and the simulation is not intended to model the complex dispersion characteristics of guided waves in bars. The sensor was modeled as being integrated within a uniform cantilever bar to measure longitudinal stress wave propagation. Damping was included in the model to attenuate the wave as it travels. The sensor was connected to an electrical tuning circuit to examine the capability to filter out undesirable noise due to ambient vibration that would occur in practice. The elastic response of the bar was computed in closed form, and the coupled piezoelectric constitutive equations and electric circuit equations were solved using the Newmark-Beta numerical integration method. Strain, vibration, and wave propagation responses were simulated and results indicate that damage to the bar can be detected by recognizable changes in the sensor output as the wave propagates along the bar and passes over each sensor node. Experiments were performed to verify the concept of the continuous sensor on a composite bar. The testing showed the continuous sensor can replace four or more individual sensors to detect AEs and thus may be a practical method for structural health monitoring.
Semantically linked photos for building Visual Web

The twenty-first century brought a new revolution in information technology. Capturing, storing, and sharing photos have now become easier than corresponding operations using text. This is a major change in the way information gets created, communicated, and consumed. According to estimates the number of photos captured in 2014 is 900 Billion! A photo represents a moment. The moment is usually related to an event at which more photos may have been captured. Each photo is taken at a place, with some associated emotions, may contain people and many objects that may also appear in other photos. Thus, a photo may be linked to many other photos along different dimensions. One may also create explicit links among photos or objects in photos. All these photos on the Web form a Visual Web that links photos with other photos and other information elements. This Visual Web has many new challenges. It also offers opportunities to address new societal issues and solve many difficult yet unsolved problems. In this paper, we will discuss nature of the Visual Web, technical challenges, and some interesting opportunities in this area.