cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
One-step preparation of bioactive enzyme/inorganic materials.

Simultaneous exfoliation of crystalline α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) nanosheets and enzyme binding, induced by shearing, without the addition of any toxic additives is reported here for the first time. These materials were thoroughly characterized and used for applications. The bulk α-ZrP material (20 mg mL-1) was exfoliated with low concentrations of a protein such as bovine serum albumin (BSA, 3 mg mL-1) in a shear reactor at 10k rpm for <80 minutes. Exfoliation was monitored by powder X-ray diffraction with samples displaying a gradual but complete loss of the 7.6 A (002) peak, which is characteristic of bulk α-ZrP. The fully exfoliated sample loaded with the protein was characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy in addition to other biophysical methods. Lysozyme, glucose oxidase, met-hemoglobin, and ovalbumin also induced exfoliation and directly produced enzyme/ZrP biocatalysts. Thus, exfoliation, biophilization and enzyme binding are accomplished in a single step. Several factors contributed to the exfoliation kinetics, and the rate increased with α-ZrP and BSA concentrations and decreased with pH. However, the exfoliation efficiency inversely depended on the isoelectric point of the protein with ovalbumin (pI = 4.5) being the best and lysozyme (pI = 11.1) being the worst. A strong correlation between the protein size and exfoliation efficiency was noted, and the latter suggests the role of hydrodynamic factors in the process. Exfoliation was also achieved by simple stirring using a magnetic stirrer, under low volumes, and model enzymes, indicating 60-90% retention of bound enzymatic activities. The addition of BSA to enzymes as the diluent and stabilizing agent also prevents enzymes from the denaturing effect caused by stirring. This new method requires no pre-treatment of α-ZrP with toxic exfoliating agents such as tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide and provides bioactive enzyme/inorganic materials in a single step. These protein-loaded biocompatible nanosheets may be useful for biocatalysis and biomedical applications.
Immune-Depleted Phenotype in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Brain Metastases Predicts for Worse Overall Survival.

Purpose/Objective(s) Among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 20-40% will develop brain metastases. Immunotherapy improves overall survival in metastatic NSCLC, but unfortunately those with brain metastases still have a median survival of around one year. One possible cause of this poor survival may be due to the immune-privileged status of the brain, which may limit the benefit of immunotherapy, emphasizing the need for local therapy with surgery and/or radiation. Here we utilized RNA-sequencing to evaluate the immunophenotype of NSCLC brain metastases. Materials/Methods Resected lung primary tumors and brain metastases from patients with NSCLC were collected and sequenced under an IRB approved protocol. Gene expression counts were obtained and used for a differential expression analysis (DEA) between brain and lung tumors, with a false discovery rate adjusted P-value of 0.05 and a two-fold change in expression as cut-offs for significance. CibersortX was run with the LM22 signature matrix, utilizing the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test for significance comparisons. Survival analysis was performed with Cox Regression analysis. Results There were 48 primary lung tumors and 66 brain metastases profiled. For the lung vs. brain DEA, 784 genes met significance thresholds, including 88 immune related genes, 97% of which were downregulated in metastatic brain tumors. CibersortX output showed a significantly higher immune score for lung tumors compared to brain (P Conclusion We have identified an immune-depleted subtype of NSCLC brain metastases that is associated with poor overall survival. Our results suggest that there is variability in the brain metastasis immune microenvironment which impacts patient outcomes and may be a feature that could be exploited by future personalized treatments that combine radiation with immunotherapy.
Dynamic Fracture Mechanics: Elastic crack growth at constant speed

Introduction The focus in this chapter, as well as in the following chapter, is on analytical models of crack growth phenomena based on nominally elastic material response. The analysis of Chapter 4 provides information on the nature of crack tip fields during rapid crack growth for several categories of material response, and parameters that characterize the strength or intensity of these fields are also identified. A main purpose in formulating and solving boundary value problems concerned with crack propagation is to determine the dependence of the crack tip field characterizing parameters on the applied loading and on the configuration of the body. For any particular crack growth process, it is often the case that its analytical modeling can be pursued at several scales of observation. For example, consider the case of crack growth in an engineering structure. The full structure can be analyzed to determine the stress resultants that are imposed at the fracturing section. Under suitable circumstances, these stress resultants can, in turn, be viewed as the applied loads in a two-dimensional plane stress or plane strain problem from which the dynamic stress intensity factor can be determined. At a finer scale of observation, the elastic stress intensity factor represents the applied loading in an analysis of nonlinear processes very close to the crack edge. By focusing on dominant effects at adjacent levels of observation in this way, various aspects of dynamic fracture phenomena can be analyzed.
Oscillation period of a slender rod with deformation effect

The oscillation of rigid rods is a simple and classical problem. The oscillation theory of rigid rods is widely applicable in various fields. However, the deformation effect on the oscillation periods of slender rods has not yet been studied. Herein we employ the energy method to derive the expression for the oscillation periods of deformable and slender rods. The derivation of the expression is straightforward. We present the deformation effect on the oscillation periods of slender iron wires. As the diameter of wires decreases and the length increases, the deformation effect becomes more significant and the percentage error of the oscillation period without including deformation effect increases. The expression for the oscillation periods of deformable and slender rods is verified by oscillation experiments.
Weather by the Numbers: The Genesis of Modern Meteorology

For much of the first half of the twentieth century, meteorology was more art than science, dependent on an individual forecaster's lifetime of local experience. In Weather by the Numbers, Kristine Harper tells the story of the transformation of meteorology from a "guessing science" into a sophisticated scientific discipline based on physics and mathematics. What made this possible was the development of the electronic digital computer; earlier attempts at numerical weather prediction had foundered on the human inability to solve nonlinear equations quickly enough for timely forecasting. After World War II, the combination of an expanded observation network developed for military purposes, newly trained meteorologists, savvy about math and physics, and the nascent digital computer created a new way of approaching atmospheric theory and weather forecasting. This transformation of a discipline, Harper writes, was the most important intellectual achievement of twentieth-century meteorology, and paved the way for the growth of computer-assisted modeling in all the sciences.
Culvert replacements: improvement of stream biotic integrity?

Roads and associated stream crossings can modify and degrade natural hydrology of a system and alter organism movement. Culvert replacement and stream crossing improvements are extremely common and often done with the intent to improve biotic integrity of a system. We evaluated 3 sites where poor road-stream crossings were improved by replacing improper culverts with full-span natural bottom structures. We used a before-after-control-impact paired series (BACIPS) design to determine if there was evidence of associated improvement in biotic integrity of the stream communities. Biotic integrity indices developed for coldwater fish and macroinvertebrates in the Northern Lakes and Forests Ecoregion were used to estimate responses of the biotic communities adjacent to culvert replacements. With poor to fair fish and macroinvertebrate communities prior to culvert replacement, we predicted communities would show improvement into the good range of the indices. With 2–4 years of pre-data and 3–5 years of postdata, we were not able to detect improvements in overall biotic integrity utilizing fish or macroinvertebrate index scores. Road crossing improvements may synergistically restore stream ecosystems, restore natural sediment dynamics, and improve passage; however, in these cases local biotic integrity scores were not significantly improved. Culvert replacements are often developed based on the potential, or the perception, that they will restore ecological integrity and biological communities or fisheries; however, as restoration practitioners, researchers, and managers, assessing these claims and learning from prior restoration attempts is necessary.
Virtual honeynets revisited

A new user-mode Linux based virtual honeynet architecture is presented in this paper. The new architecture has improved functionality that is difficult to realize in the GenII honeynet. Two new honeynet capabilities in particular are introduced. Honeypot controller is a new virtual honeynet component that assists in data control. The honeywall promises to have finer control over the honeypots through signal and system call redirections. The second new capability is the disk imager. The disk imager is capable of making forensic images of the virtual machine's file systems for further analysis. Since security for virtual honeynets is a big concern, the new virtual honeynet architecture utilizes security enhanced Linux to isolate the untrusted honeypots from the completely trusted honeywall. SELinux and other research work done in this field made the new honeynet architecture a viable alternative to GenII honeynets. A file system logging mechanism, FSLog, has been developed for the UML based virtual honeynet. In conjunction with the built-in tty logger, UML based honeynets have logging capabilities that are equivalent to their GenII honeynet counterparts. The current version of FSLog successfully logs eighteen virtual file systems system calls including the common, read(), write(), open() and close() functions. Its current functionality and how it pieces into the new architecture is also discussed. This work provides researchers with an alternative honeynet platform. The new virtual honeynet architecture is more portable, easier to setup, more cost effective and as secure as the GenII honeynet. The addition of the honeypot controller and disk imager components also makes the new virtual honeynet architecture more capable.
Dynamic scheduling of computer tasks using genetic algorithms

We concentrate on non-preemptive hard real-time scheduling algorithms. We compare FIFO, EDLF, SRTF and genetic algorithms for solving this problem. The objective of the scheduling algorithm is to dynamically schedule as many tasks as possible such that each task meets its execution deadline, while minimizing the total delay time of all of the tasks. We present a MicroGA that uses a small population size of 10 chromosomes, running for 10 trials using a rather high mutation rate with a sliding window of 10 tasks. The steady-state GA was determined to be better than the generational GA for our MicroGA. We also present a parallel MicroGA model designed for parallel processors. The parallel MicroGA works best when migration is used to move tasks from one processor to another to even out the load as much a possible. Test cases show that the sequential MicroGA model and the parallel MicroGA model produced superior task schedules compared to other algorithms tested. >
Working Memory Capacity: Limits on the Bandwidth of Cognition

Why can your brain store a lifetime of experiences but process only a few thoughts at once? In this article we discuss “cognitive capacity” (the number of items that can be held “in mind” simultaneously) and suggest that the limit is inherent to processing based on oscillatory brain rhythms, or “brain waves,” which may regulate neural communication. Neurons that “hum” together temporarily “wire” together, allowing the brain to form and re-form networks on the fly, which may explain a hallmark of intelligence and cognition: mental flexibility. But this comes at a cost; only a small number of thoughts can fit into each wave. This explains why you should never talk on a mobile phone when driving.
Lithology and zoology of an Antarctic Ocean bottom core

Abstract Polar deep-sea cores provide material for a thermo-time scale. An Antarctic Ocean deep-sea core from the Ross Sea can be correlated with three others from the same area, dated by Urry and described by Hough (1950). All the cores showed several alternations of glacial marine sediment and of fine-grained sediment which is apparently non-glacial. Organic deposits, notably radiolarian tests, are associated with glacial marine horizons and are lacking in the non-glacial ones, thus providing a zoological criterion for correlation. This association of sediments suggests inhibition of solar energy during deposition of strata where organic remains are lacking. For the period of sedimentation represented by the core, a record of Pleistocene and recent thermal regimen is provided. Amelioration of climates over the past 6000 years is indicated in this record.
Effects of shear loads on vibration and buckling of antisymmetric cross-ply cylindrical panels

This work deals with the effects of shear loads on the vibration and buckling of typical antisymmetric cross-ply thin cylindrical panels, subjected to combined loads. Changes in the buckling loads due to geometric and material parameter variations are investigated with particular emphasis on distinguishing the symmetric and antisymmetric modes. The paper presents the first known results on shear buckling of cross-ply cylindrical panels as well as vibrations of these structures under shear loads. The resulting interaction curves will allow one to formulate effectively a preliminary design of these panels which will withstand shear loads.
A yeast excision-repair gene is inducible by DNA damaging agents

Plasmids containing various RAD-lacZ gene fusions were integrated into the chromosome of haploid yeast cells. These integrant strains were tested for expression of Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase after treatment with agents that damage DNA or interfere with normal DNA replication. We did not observe induction of single-copy RAD1-lacZ or RAD3-lacZ fusion genes under the experimental conditions used. However, exposure of cells containing an integrated RAD2-lacZ fusion gene to UV-radiation, gamma-radiation, 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide, or nalidixic acid resulted in 4- to 6-fold enhanced expression of beta-galactosidase. Induction of the RAD2 gene after treatment of untransformed cells with 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide was confirmed by direct examination of RAD2 mRNA. Lower levels of induction (approximately equal to 50%) were observed after treatment of cells with other chemicals. Induction of the RAD2-lacZ fusion gene was also observed in cells transformed with single-copy and multicopy autonomously replicating plasmids.
ORAL RABIES VACCINATION VARIATION IN TETRACYCLINE BIOMARKING AMONG OHIO RACCOONS

Oral rabies vaccination (ORV) programs have traditionally relied on tetracycline marking as an index to bait uptake. Whether tetracycline serves well in this capacity depends on its deposition affinity and ability to be detected consistently among tissues selected for analysis from target species. We evaluated samples from 760 hunter-harvested raccoons (Procyon lotor) from areas in Ohio where ORV had been conducted during 1998, 1999, and 2001. Tetracycline marking was evaluated within and among first premolar (PM1), second premolar (PM2), and canine (CN) teeth, and mandibular bone (MB) by side (left versus right); and by tissue type. Tetracycline detection ranged from 6.5% in PM1 in 1998 to 56.3% in right-side MB in 2001. PM1 teeth were less frequently marked (21.7%) than PM2 (27.7%), CN (33.0%), or MB (42.0%). Tetracycline detection was similar in left and right PM1, PM2, and CN teeth, but differed in MB. Tetracycline marking was significantly different among all tissue types.
Cloning, sequencing, expression and characterization of DNA photolyase from Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract We have cloned the phr gene that encodes DNA photolyase from Salmonella typhimurium by in vivo complementation of Escherichia coli phr gene defect. The S.typhimurium phr gene is 1419 base pairs long and the deduced amino acid sequence has 80% identity with that of E. coli photolyase. We expressed the S.typhimurium phr gene in E.coli by ligating the E.coli trc promoter 5' to the gene, and purified the enzyme to near homogeneity. The apparent molecular weight of S.typhimurium photolyase is 54,000 dalton as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, which is consistent with the calculated molecular weight of 53,932 dalton from the deduced phr gene product. S.typhimurium photolyase is purple-blue in color with near UV-visible absorption peaks at 384, 480, 580, and 625 nm and a fluorescence peak at 470 nm. From the characteristic absorption and fluorescence spectra and reconstitution experiments, S.typhimurium photolyase appears to contain flavin and methenyltetrahydrofolate as chromophore-cofactors as do the E.coli and yeast photolyases. Thus, S.typhimurium protein is the third folate class photolyase to be cloned and characterized to date. The binding constant of S.typhimurium photolyase to thymine dimer in DNA is kD = 1.6 x 10(-9) M, and the quantum yield of photorepair at 384 nm is 0.5.
Long-time crystallization kinetics in zinc-neutralized ethylene–methacrylic acid ionomers

Abstract The classic paper by Flory [1] regarding the crystallization of random copolymers presents a theory where fractional crystallization depends only on molar substitution level if the comonomer cannot be incorporated into the crystal structure of the crystallizable comonomer. A rather large number of indirect experiments on ethylene copolymers since that publication nearly 60 years ago are consistent with this hypothesis; for example the crystallinity content in ethylene copolymers depends to a first approximation only on the level of molar substitution and not the identity of the comonomer. Ethylene–methacrylic acid copolymer ionomers offer a unique opportunity to test this hypothesis directly, since it is possible to vary crystallization kinetics simply by varying the neutralization cation or neutralization level, without changing the comonomer content or its distribution along the polymer backbone. After annealing times as long as 6 months, it was found that the constraints caused by the phase-separating ionic groups lead to significantly lower crystallinity levels versus the case where such constraints were not present. Although disproving Flory's theory in this particular case, the result was not surprising since Flory's original paper certainly did not consider the case where the other monomer can phase separate. One surprising result of this study was that the rates of formation of secondary crystals relative to the crystallization amount at infinite time was independent of neutralization level for the phase-separated ionomers; in other words the Avrami constants n and K were independent of neutralization level for the secondary crystals.
A Novel Analysis of the Mechanics of Cochlea, the Inner Ear

The human ear is often regarded as a paragon of mechanical engineering. To understand how the hearing system works, scientists have proposed detailed models of its specific aspects—the transfer of acoustic energy from the atmosphere to the tympanic membrane via the external ear; the coupling of the tympanic membrane to the oval window of the cochlea via ossicles; the resultant fluidic oscillations in the cochlear ducts; the formation of traveling waves in the basilar membrane of the cochlea; the mechanical stimulation of inner hair cells by the basilar membrane; and the consequential transduction of nerve impulses. Scientists have also proposed models to explain the phenomenon of enhancement of the traveling waves in the basilar membrane by synchronized co-contraction in the length of outer hair cells (OHCs). Although it is unrealistic that any OHC would contract in length without expanding in diameter, the models proposed by other analysts have so far incorporated the longitudinal contraction of OHCs only, suggesting that the impact of any diametric expansion of OHCs would be relatively trival. Here we show that the basilar membrane would behave like a Beam-Column system, which may be significantly influenced by the diametric expansion of OHCs.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Further development of matrix-based system reliability method and applications to structural systems

In efforts to estimate the risk and reliability of a complex structure or infrastructure network, it is often required to evaluate the probability of a ‘system’ event, i.e. a logical function of multiple component events. Its sensitivities with respect to design parameters are also useful in decision-making processes for more reliable systems and in reliability-based design optimisation. The recently developed, matrix-based system reliability (MSR) method can compute the probabilities of general system events including series, parallel, cut-set and link-set systems, and their parameter sensitivities, by use of efficient matrix-based procedures. When the component events are statistically dependent, the method transforms the problem into an integral in the space of random variables which cause the statistical dependence, termed as the common source random variables (CSRVs). One can identify CSRVs by fitting a generalised Dunnett-Sobel (DS) model to a given correlation coefficient matrix. This article intro...
Three-dimensional finite element simulations of ferroelectric polycrystals under electrical and mechanical loading

Abstract Complex, non-linear, irreversible, hysteretic behavior of polycrystalline ferroelectric materials under a combined electro-mechanical loading is a result of domain wall motion, causing simultaneous expansion and contraction of unlike domains, grain sub-divisions that have distinct spontaneous polarization and strain. In this paper, a 3-dimensional finite element method is used to simulate such a polycrystalline ferroelectric under electrical and mechanical loading. A constitutive law due to Huber et al. [1999. A constitutive model for ferroelectric polycrystals. J. Mech. Phys. Solids 47, 1663–1697] for switching by domain wall motion in multidomain ferroelectric single crystals is employed in our model to represent each grain, and the finite element method is used to solve the governing conditions of mechanical equilibrium and Gauss's law. The results provide the average behavior for the polycrystalline ceramic. We compare the outcomes predicted by this model with the available experimental data for various electromechanical loading conditions. The qualitative features of ferroelectric switching are predicted well, including hysteresis and butterfly loops, the effect on them of mechanical compression, and the response of the polycrystal to non-proportional electrical loading.
A novel nuclear role for the Vav3 nucleotide exchange factor in androgen receptor coactivation in prostate cancer

Increased androgen receptor (AR) transcriptional activity mediated by coactivator proteins may drive castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) growth. Vav3, a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), is overexpressed in human prostate cancers, particularly in models of CRPC progression. Vav3 coactivates AR in a Vav3 pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-dependent but GEF-independent manner. Ectopic expression of Vav3 in androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cells conferred robust castration-resistant xenograft tumor growth. Vav3 but not a Vav3 PH mutant greatly stimulated interaction between the AR amino and carboxyl termini (N-C interaction), which is required for maximal receptor transcriptional activity. Vav3 was distributed between the cytoplasm and nucleus with nuclear localization-dependent on the Vav3 PH domain. Membrane targeting of Vav3 abolished Vav3 potentiation of AR activity, whereas nuclear targeting of a Vav3 PH mutant rescued AR coactivation, suggesting that nuclear localization is an important function of the Vav3 PH domain. A nuclear role for Vav3 was further demonstrated by sequential chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, which revealed that Vav3 and AR were recruited to the same transcriptional complexes of an AR target gene enhancer. These data demonstrate the importance of Vav3 in CRPC and define a novel nuclear function of Vav3 in regulating AR activity.
Temperature Distribution in a Demonstration-Scale Filter Vessel With and Without Ash Bridging

The influence of ash bridging on the temperature distribution of the ceramic filters of a demonstration-scale filter vessel is analyzed. The Reynolds stress turbulence model of FLUENT™ code is used to study the gas flow behavior inside the filter vessel. Particle equations of motions are employed, and transport and deposition of the micron-size aerosols are studied. Computational results predict that ash bridging leads to a non-uniform temperature distribution along the ceramic candle filters in the bridging region. The analyses of ash bridging deposition on the internal surfaces of the filter show that the absence of ash bridging tends to promote the deposition of particles of 10 μm on the surfaces.
Machines and Mindlessness: Social Responses to Computers

Following Langer (1992), this article reviews a series of experimental studiesthat demonstrate that individuals mindlessly apply social rules and expecta-tions to computers. The first set of studies illustrates how individuals overusehuman social categories, applying gender stereotypes to computers and ethnicallyidentifying with computer agents. The second set demonstrates that people exhibitoverlearned social behaviors such as politeness and reciprocity toward comput-ers.Inthethirdsetofstudies,prematurecognitivecommitmentsaredemonstrated:Aspecialisttelevisionsetisperceivedasprovidingbettercontentthanageneralisttelevision set. A final series of studies demonstrates the depth of social responseswith respect to computer “personality.” Alternative explanations for these find -ings, such as anthropomorphism and intentional social responses, cannot explainthe results. We conclude with an agenda for future research.Computer users approach the personal computer in many different ways.Experienced word processors move smoothly from keyboard to mouse to menu,mixing prose and commands to the computer automatically; the distinctionbetween the hand and the tool blurs (Heidegger, 1977; Winograd & Flores, 1987).Novices cautiously strike each key, fearing that one false move will initiate anuncontrollable series of unwanted events. Game players view computers as
Modeling for reliability of ultra thin chips in a system in package

In this paper, ultrathin silicon chip failure mechanism and reliability performance of a system in package (SIP) package are investigated. Advanced finite element analysis (FEA) modeling is carried out to simulate die stress and delamination in the temperature cycling test. Parametric models with different ultrathin die thicknesses, different delamination areas and different bond wire positions are simulated. Temperature cycling modeling results have shown that the thinner die has lower tensile stress than the thicker die. Delamination increases die tensile stress in temperature cycling test. Larger delamination areas in the package induce higher die tensile stress. Comparing with three different delamination models, the model without delamination in the whole package induces lowest die tensile stress, the model with the largest delamination areas at die top surface, aluminum bond wire and lead frame DAP induces the highest die tensile stress. Finally, the modeling results disclose that the bond wire at different position has very limited impact on die stress during temperature cycling test.
Catalytic hydrogenation of model nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen compounds

Abstract The relative rates of heteroatom removal from model N-, S-, and O- compounds and of hydrogenation of polynuclear aromatics have been measured in competitive experiments over sulfided CoMo catalysts (300–1500 psig, 300–450 °C). Feed components and compositions were selected to approximate those of petroleum residua, shale oils, and coal oils and included fused ring thiophenes and furans, quinoline, indole and alkylphenols. The NSO compounds could be grouped by chemical type, both with respect to relative rates and to the mechanisms of heteroatom removal. Experiments showed that, where nitrogen or oxygen were bonded to an aromatic ring, saturation of that ring was necessary before CN or CO scission could occur and was rate determining. This was not true of S species. Based on experimentally determined product distributions from these model feeds, the hydrogen consumption associated with reaction of any given chemical type could be calculated. Comparison was made with the hydrogen consumed in the processing of atmospheric resids, shale oils, and coal oils.
Marketing Library Resources and Services to Distance Faculty

As academic libraries and librarians experience an increasingly complex higher education environment, it is essential to market library resources and services effectively. One component of a library's marketing plan for distance learners can be an assessment of the needs of distance faculty. Teaching faculty are influential in affecting student perceptions and their use of the library. This paper reports on an assessment of the needs of faculty who teach classes in distance graduate degree programs. Results from the survey provide strategic direction for delivering and marketing services to distance learners and distance faculty.
Eye dominance in the visual cortex using functional MRI at 1.5 T: An alternative method

Abstract Purpose: To develop a functional MRI method for producing eye dominance histograms in humans at 1.5 Tesla (T). Methods: In the first set of experiments, 8 normal persons were tested. The eye dominance of each voxel within the person's visually activated primary visual cortex was determined with Student t statistics during a left eye versus right eye contrast. Eye dominance distribution was plotted, and the mean t statistic was used to describe the histogram asymmetry. In the second set of experiments, the effect of monocular optical blur and decreased luminance via filter was studied, and eye dominance distributions were similarly determined. Results: The eye dominance histogram in each of the 8 normals was approximately symmetric; the average mean t value was +0.13. All 4 subjects with the right eye blurred had histograms approximately symmetric or slightly shifted toward the left eye (average mean t = +0.56), and all 4 subjects with the right eye filtered had histograms dramatically shifted toward the left eye (average mean t = +2.22). The average mean t for the group with the right eye filtered was significantly different from that of the other 2 groups ( P Conclusions: With noninvasive methods in normal persons, functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques at 1.5 T were able to characterize the distribution of eye dominance of voxels in primary visual cortex, based upon their t statistic in the left eye versus right eye contrast. The method is sensitive to filtering but relatively insensitive to visual blur. This approach may have a future use in the study of amblyopia in humans.(J AAPOS 2002;6:40-8)
Holmium:YAG laser bronchoscopy ablation of benign and malignant airway obstructions: an 8-year experience

Patients suffering from severe tracheobronchial obstruction are vulnerable to dyspnea, respiratory failure, obstructive pneumonia, and death. Treatment with a holmium:YAG laser, an alternative to the neodymium:YAG laser, may provide symptomatic relief. This is the largest case series to date describing the application of the holmium:YAG laser via bronchoscopy for benign and malignant obstructive disease. The data were retrospectively collected from 99 patients, with either benign or malignant tracheobronchial obstruction, who underwent 261 interventional bronchoscopy procedures in the operating room with laser ablation between January 2004 and November 2011. Categorical variables were analyzed with the chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests as appropriate in contingency tables, whereas Student’s t-test was performed for comparison of continuous variables. Patient follow-up was concluded on September 15, 2013. The holmium:YAG laser was used in 261 procedures performed on 99 patients with either benign or malignant disease. Symptomatic improvement was demonstrated in 90 % of all benign etiology cases and 77 % of all malignant etiology cases. Within the benign and malignant subgroups, improvement was dependent on anatomical location rather than etiology of the lesion. Complications occurred in 2.3 % of the procedures, with mortality in less than 1 % of procedures. Results confirm the usefulness and safety of the holmium:YAG laser in the treatment of patients with severe benign and malignant obstructive tracheobronchial obstructions. The holmium:YAG laser is an appealing alternative to the neodymium:YAG laser.
Theory of Oxygen Transport through Hemoglobin Solutions

A combination of equations describing diffusion, gas solubility, and mass conservation yields a general relation for oxygen transport in hemoglobin solutions. Total oxygen flux is shown to be the sum of the flux in the plasma and the flux due to transport by hemoglobin. The total flux depends not only on oxygen concentration gradient but also on absolute oxygen concentration.
A primer for using transgenic insecticidal cotton in developing countries

Many developing countries face the decision of whether to approve the testing and commercial use of insecticidal transgenic cotton and the task of developing adequate regulations for its use. In this review, we outline concepts and provide information to assist farmers, regulators and scientists in making decisions concerning this technology. We address seven critical topics: 1) molecular and breeding techniques used for the development of transgenic cotton cultivars, 2) properties of transgenic cotton cultivars and their efficacy against major insect pests, 3) agronomic performance of transgenic cotton in developing countries, 4) factors affecting transgene expression, 5) impact of gene flow between transgenic and non-transgenic cotton, 6) non-target effects of transgenic cotton, and 7) management of pest resistance to transgenic cotton.
Effect of Solute Depleted Area on the Distribution of MnS in Fe-3%Si

Hot deformation was applied on Fe-3%Si by the Gleeble-1500 thermo-mechanical system, and the effect of solute depleted area around the primary MnS particles precipitated prior to hot deformation on the distribution of strain-induced MnS particles was investigated. The obtained results showed that the depleted area around primary MnS particles affects significantly the distribution of strain-induced MnS particles, and the involved parameters were discussed.
Psychological health impact on 2-year changes in pain and function in persons with knee pain: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

Summary Objective We determined whether baseline depressive symptoms, knee-related confidence and general psychological distress influenced changes in pain and function during 2 years of follow-up. Design We included persons in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) dataset with baseline pain of 1 or greater on a 0–10 scale in at least one knee and no knee or hip surgery during the 2-year follow-up (n=3407). The four outcome variables were repeated chair standing, 20m walk and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain and Disability. Linear mixed effects models assessed the association of each mental health variable with the yearly change in each baseline adjusted outcome measure after controlling for covariates. Results Depressive symptoms were significantly predictive of worsening in most outcomes. The magnitude of worsening predicted for each year was small. For example, the dichotomized WOMAC Pain model indicated that depressed persons experience more rapid worsening than non-depressed persons at an average rate of 0.59 WOMAC points per year (95% CI 0.176, 1.013, P =0.005). Similar significant but very small effects of depressive symptoms on other outcomes were observed. Knee confidence was not predictive of change. General psychological distress was predictive of change in 20-m walk and WOMAC Pain. Conclusions The most consistent psychological predictor of yearly worsening was baseline depressive symptoms. Although a statistically robust predictor of outcome, given that change was very small and highly dependent on baseline status, our results indicate that a considerable degree of persistent depressive symptoms would be required to have a meaningful effect on future self-reported outcome.
PP2A-Mediated Regulation of Ras Signaling in G2 Is Essential for Stable Quiescence and Normal G1 Length

Quiescence (G0) allows cycling cells to reversibly cease proliferation. A decision to enter quiescence is suspected of occurring early in G1, before the restriction point (R). Surprisingly, we have identified G2 as an interval during which inhibition of the protein phosphatase PP2A results in failure to exhibit stable quiescence. This effect is accompanied by shortening of the ensuing G1. The PP2A subcomplex required for stable G0 contains the B56γ B subunit. After PP2A inhibition in G2, aberrant overexpression of cyclin E occurs during mitosis and is responsible for overriding quiescence. Strikingly, suppression of Ras signaling re-establishes normal cyclin E levels during M and restores G0. These data point to PP2A-B56γ-driven Ras signaling modulation in G2 as essential for suppressing aberrant cyclin E expression during mitosis and thereby achieving normal G0 control. Thus, G2 is an interval during which the length and growth factor dependence of the next G1 interval are established.
Thyroid Associated Ophthalmopathy with Ocular Myasthenia in Primary Hypothyroidism

A 62-year-female presented with bilateral proptosis and 1 year episodic eye pain, grittiness, redness, watering and intermittent diplopia for 6 months, and drooping of right eye lid for 2 months (Figure 1). She had a firm WHO grade-1b goiter, exopthalmos (26 mm and 23 mm in left and right eye respectively, Hertel exopthalmometer), clinical activity score of 1/6, without any evidence of bulbar, neck muscles and limb weakness.
ORGANIZATIONAL VARIABLES AND POLICY IMPACT: EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

This paper explores how administrative organization practices mediate the impact of equal employment opportunity policy. Extra organizational variables are discussed as factors influencing the significance of organizational action. Organizational action in EEO may be rooted in a theory of change which views people as the critical variables or in a theory of change which views organizational structures or processes as critical. Intervention strategies flowing from each assumption are catalogued and special issues raised in exploring the impact of alternative strategies are discussed.
The Second-Parameter Effect in Metal-Rich Globular Clusters

Recent Hubble Space Telescope observations have found that the horizontal branches (HBs) in the metal-rich globular clusters NGC 6388 and NGC 6441 slope upward with decreasing B-V. Such a slope is not predicted by canonical HB models and cannot be produced by either a greater cluster age or enhanced mass loss along the red giant branch (RGB). The peculiar HB morphology in these clusters may provide an important clue for understanding the second-parameter effect. We have carried out extensive evolutionary calculations and numerical simulations in order to explore three noncanonical scenarios for explaining the sloped HBs in NGC 6388 and NGC 6441: (1) a high cluster helium abundance scenario, in which the HB evolution is characterized by long blue loops; (2) a rotation scenario, in which internal rotation during the RGB phase increases the HB core mass; and (3) a helium-mixing scenario, in which deep mixing on the RGB enhances the envelope helium abundance. All three of these scenarios predict sloped HBs with anomalously bright RR Lyrae variables. We compare this prediction with the properties of the two known RR Lyrae variables in NGC 6388. Additional observational tests of these scenarios are suggested.
Screening for the identification of potential biological control agents that induce systemic acquired resistance in sugar beet

Abstract A pool of 11 randomly selected, uncharacterized Bacillus pumilus isolates from sugar beet were evaluated using a high-throughput screen that utilized laboratory-based tests for 2 pathogenesis-related proteins, chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase, and biphasic hydrogen peroxide production. The screen was followed by a glasshouse test for induction of systemic acquired resistance for control of Cercospora leaf spot in sugar beet. These isolates were compared to the known biological control agent, Bacillus mycoides isolate Bac J, and a chemical inducer of resistance, acibenzolar-S-methyl. All laboratory-based screens identified B. pumilus isolates 203-6 and 203-7, that reduced Cercospora leaf spot symptoms by approximately 70%, even when spatially separated from the casual agent, Cercospora beticola. This level of control was similar to B. mycoides isolate Bac J and acibenzolar-S-methyl. In all cases, systemic resistance elicitation was marked by an increase in 2 pathogenesis-related proteins, chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase, and was preceded by biphasic hydrogen peroxide production, also found in incompatible plant–pathogen interactions in which systemic resistance is induced. A combination of glycol chitin and aniline blue plate assays correctly identified all in planta inducers of systemic resistance as measured by control of Cercospora leaf spot in classical challenge assays for systemic acquired resistance without the inclusion of false positive identifications, reducing the workload in subsequent disease challenge assays by nearly 70%.
Suppression of excited state absorption (ESA) in lasing materials and non-linear optical pulse propagation dynamics in the media subject to ESA

A method of suppression of excited state absorption (ESA) by means of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is proposed. Optical pulse propagation in the medium subject to ESA is considered and relaxation soliton-type solutions are found.
Status of the Holifield Heavy Ion Research Facility

The Holifield Heavy Ion Research Facility presently operates the Oak Ridge Isochronous Cyclotron (ORIC). This accelerator provides heavy ions up to argon with energies useful for nuclear physics. The Phase I expansion of this facility, now a year away from completion, includes a 25-MV vertical folded tandem accelerator, beam transport and injection systems to use the ORIC as an energy booster, and additional experiment areas for the beams directly from the tandem. The tandem-cyclotron combination will provide heavy ions with energies up to 25 MeV/A for A < 35 and above 6 MeV/A up to A = 160, with intensities ? 1011 particles/sec. Building construction for the project is essentially complete. The accelerator manufacturer, National Electrostatics Corporation, has completed installation and testing of the 10-m-diam by 30-m-high accelerator pressure vessel and has begun installation of the accelerator system. The column structure and injector have previously been assembled at the NEC plant and the digital control system operated without voltage on the column. It is expected that voltage tests will begin at Oak Ridge in January 1979 and beam tests in April. Completion of the project, including acceptance tests of the tandem and the beam injection system for ORIC, is presently scheduled for November 15, 1979. Construction of Phase II for the facility, which will include a much larger booster cyclotron and additional research areas, is expected to begin in 1982.
Analysis of crack extension in anisotropic materials based on local normal stress

Abstract The normal stress ratio theory is applied to predict crack extension behavior in center-notched unidirectional graphite-epoxy of arbitrary fiber axis orientation, subjected to arbitrary far-field planar loading. The theory is applied within analytical solutions for two infinite plate geometries: a plate with a sharp center crack, and a plate with an elliptical center flaw. A critical analytical case is identified suggesting that application of the theory within a stress solution modelling crack tip shape may increase the accuracy of crack growth direction predictions. Crack extension direction, location of crack extension, and critical stress predictions of the theory are compared to those obtained from experiments on specimens subjected to tensile, shear, and mixed-mode far-field loading. The comparison shows that, applied within each analytical solution, the normal stress ratio theory provides verifiable predictions of crack growth behavior. By modelling actual notch tip shape, the elliptical notch solution is able to provide accurate qualitative predictions of the origin of crack extension along the periphery of a cut notch tip in a way that the sharp crack analysis cannot. The sharp notch solution appears to provide slightly more accurate crack growth direction predictions, however. Also, in predicting critical applied far-field stresses, the sharp crack solution appears to exhibit a stronger ability to model subtle experimental trends.
Experimental Investigation of Mobility Changes of Negative Ions in Superfluid Helium due to Photo-excitation

An electron injected into liquid helium forces open a small cavity called an electron bubble. Although one might expect these objects to have a simple structure, experiments have revealed several effects for which there is currently no explanation. In addition to the “normal electron bubble”, other negative ions have been detected which have higher mobility. It has also been found that by shining light onto electron bubbles the mobility can be increased, although it is not known by how much. In this paper we report on preliminary measurements of the change in mobility resulting from optical excitation. Mobility measurements are made by the time-of-flight method.
Hermeneutics as a … Foundationalism?

C'est une opinion courante, a tout le moins parmi les tenants de la philosophie continentale, que sont incompatibles l'hermeneutique epistemologique et le fondationalisme. Je soutiens que cette opinion est erronee. Sauf erreur de ma part, les traditions analytiques et continentales sont probablement plus proches l'une de l'autre qu'on ne le suppose d'habitude. L'epistemologie hermeneutique produit, selon moi, des affirmations descriptives a propos de la connaissance, tandis que le fondationalisme produit des affirmations normatives sur la maniere dont les opinions doivent etre reliees entre elles. Une fois qu'elles sont presentees de cette maniere, la pretendue incompatibilite de ces positions disparait. En outre, afin de susciter de nouvelles recherches, je joins a cet article un appendice presentant l'ebauche d'un prototype de fondationalisme hermeneutique.