cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of crack tip shielding mechanisms in fatigue of hybrid epoxy composites containing rubber and solid glass spheres

The fatigue crack propagation (FCP) resistance of epoxy-based composites containing various concentrations of solid glass spheres (SGS) and/or reactive liquid rubber (CTBN) was examined. The FCP results show that the simultaneous use of rubber and solid glass spheres (hybrid composites) results in synergistic improvement in FCP resistance of composites through the entire crack growth regime. The nature of synergistic interactions was elucidated by careful examination of the fatigue fracture surfaces and the subfatigue fracture surfaces of fatigue samples. It was shown that when rubber particles cavitate in the vicinity of the glass spheres, regardless of the nature of the interface, glass particle debonding from the matrix is suppressed due to a change in the crack tip localized stress state. This, in turn, results in improved pinning/bridging efficiency of the glass spheres. Furthermore, it was shown that crack tip plastic zone-rubber particle interactions induce a transition in FCP behavior of rubber-modified epoxies. Consequently, crack tip shielding mechanisms become active when the size of the plastic zone at the crack tip becomes large compared to the size of the rubber particles. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Endotoxin decreases corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 messenger ribonucleic acid levels in the rat pituitary.

Bacterial endotoxins produce profound activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, mediated by stimulation of hypothalamic CRF neurons. Although a number of studies have described direct pituitary actions of inflammatory mediators, the effects of inflammatory stimuli on the sensitivity of corticotropes to CRF remain to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of inflammatory stress on the CRF receptor 1 (CRF-R1) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the rat pituitary. The systemic injection of endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS); 50μ g/kg, iv] increased plasma concentrations of ACTH and corticosterone. Ribonuclease protection analysis of total RNA isolated from individual whole pituitaries indicated that LPS produced a significant decrease in CRF-R1 mRNA that was evident by 2 h after injection (to 57% of control) and more marked by 6 h (to 38% of control). To evaluate whether the decrease in CRF-R1 mRNA was dependent upon increased exposure to CRF and/or vasopressin (AVP), LPS w...
Underdevelopment of trabecular bone microarchitecture in the distal femur of nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy becomes more pronounced with distance from the growth plate.

We found that the underdeveloped trabecular bone microarchitecture in the distal femur of children with cerebral palsy (CP) who are unable to ambulate independently becomes more pronounced with increased distance from the growth plate. This suggests that the degree of underdevelopment in trabecular bone in children with CP is greater than previously understood. Children with CP who are unable to ambulate independently have severely underdeveloped trabecular bone microarchitecture in the distal femur. The aim of the study was to determine if the level of underdevelopment in trabecular bone microarchitecture is consistent across the distal femur in children with CP. Children with quadriplegic CP and typically developing children were studied (n = 12/group, 5–14 years). Apparent bone volume to total volume (appBV/TV), trabecular number (appTb.N), trabecular thickness (appTb.Th), and trabecular separation (appTb.Sp) were estimated in each of 20 magnetic resonance images collected above the growth plate in the distal femur. For the total region, appBV/TV, appTb.N, and appTb.Th were lower (30, 21, and 12 %, respectively) and appTb.Sp was higher (52 %) (all p ≤ 0.001) in children with CP than in controls. Distance from the growth plate was inversely related to appBV/TV and appTb.N and was positively related to appTb.Sp at the same distance in children with CP and controls (all p < 0.01). However, the relationships were stronger (r 2 = 0.87 to 0.92 versus 0.36 to 0.65) and the slopes were steeper in children with CP (all p < 0.01). Furthermore, the steepness of the slopes in children with CP was positively related to appBV/TV, appTb.N, appTb.Th, and appTb.Sp for the total region (r 2 = 0.37 to 0.75, p < 0.05). The underdeveloped trabecular bone microarchitecture in the metaphysis of the distal femur in children with CP becomes more pronounced with greater distance from the growth plate. This pattern is most profound in children with the least developed trabecular bone microarchitecture.
Clues to aural discrimination

Five measures of the items of the Multiple-Choice Intelligibility Test were obtained: apparent aural similarity of the four words available to a listener on hearing a stimulus, interconsonantal differences among the prevocalic portions of these words, phonemic discrepancies among these words, distinctive feature differences among these words, and the pooled discrimination score of the four words that were available to the responder on hearing the stimulus. The last score was made the target in a multiple correlation problem, and the relative contribution, combined and separately, of the four remaining measures to the target measure was determined. These four measures accounted for approximately 45% of the variance among the scores of discrimination. The strongest contributors were apparent aural similarity of the available responses and the phonemic discrepancy among the available responses.
Role of IKK and oscillatory NFκB kinetics in MMP‐9 gene expression and chemoresistance to 5‐fluorouracil in RKO colorectal cancer cells

Nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB) is a central participant in the metastasis and chemoresistance of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, it is not fully understood to what extent NFkappaB contributes to induction of the metastasis-associated matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) gene and sensitivity to the commonly used chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) in CRC. Using the RKO human CRC cell line and two NFkappaB signaling deficient RKO mutants, we investigated NFkappaB's role in the induction of MMP-9 and 5-Fu sensitivity in RKO CRC cells. NFkappaB plays a predominant role in MMP-9 gene induction in RKO cells, as evidenced by the failure of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) to induce MMP-9 in either of the NFkappaB signaling mutants. RKO cells exhibit a robust, oscillatory NFkappaB activity in response to TNFalpha not seen in either of the NFkappaB mutant cell lines, which instead demonstrate diminished, nonoscillatory NFkappaB activation. Analysis of TNFalpha-induced phosphorylation and MMP-9 promoter recruitment of the p65 NFkappaB subunit revealed a significant reduction in p65 phosphorylation as well as reduced and altered recruitment of p65 to the MMP-9 gene promoter in the mutants compared to the parental RKO cell line. 5-Fu only activated NFkappaB in the parental RKO cells through induction of IkappaB-kinase (IKK) activity and increased sensitivity to 5-Fu is observed in both NFkappaB mutant lines. Our results suggest that TNFalpha-dependent induction of MMP-9 gene expression is tightly regulated by oscillatory/cumulative activation of NFkappaB and that 5-Fu stimulates NFkappaB and RKO CRC cell survival through induction of IKK activity.
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-containing peripheral blood mononuclear cells during remission of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: low sensitivity and specificity prevent accurate prediction of relapse.

Abstract Serial samples of peripheral blood were obtained from 75 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission. An immunofluorescence assay was used to quantitative TdT-containing (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-containing) cells in the mononuclear leukocyte fraction of these specimens. Nine relapses in 8 patients were preceded by elevations (0.12–0.70%) in peripheral blood terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-containing cells noted 1–33 weeks prior to relapse. No such elevations were observed prior to 6 relapses in 4 patients. Peripheral blood terminal transferase deoxynucleotidyl-containing cells were elevated (0.12–0.61%) in 22 children who did not relapse over a 5–82 week period of observation. The sensitivity (67%) and specificity (68%) of this assay are inadequate to establish which patients have minimal residual leukemia.
Extensive Validation of a Monte Carlo Model for Hydrogen Arcjet Flowfields

A particle-based Monte Carlo numerical method is applied for the e rst time to model the nozzle and plume e ows of a low-thrust hydrogen arcjet. Starting from a continuum solution of the e ow just downstream of the constrictor, the present analysis employs the direct simulation Monte Carlo technique to compute the nonequilibrium e uid mechanics and thermochemical relaxation. Simulation of plasma e eld effects is included at a simple level using charge neutrality. A model is implemented to include ohmic heating in the simulation. Results are presented for two different arcjet e ow conditions. Comparisons of Monte Carlo results with experimental measurements for a variety of e owe eld properties are made in the nozzle interior, the nozzle exit plane, and the near-e eld plume e ow. Comparison of prediction with measurement is also made for thruster performance. For almost all e ow properties, good agreement is obtained between simulation and measurement. This indicates that the Monte Carlo model is a viable approach for optimization of arcjet performance, and for the prediction of spacecraft interaction effects.
Visible lights and visible light-activated composite resins

U ltraviolet light (W)-activated composite resins serve a useful purpose.‘,* The depth of cure provided by the various UV systems has contributed to their acceptance.3 Recently, the visible light-activated composite resins have gained in popularity. At the start of this investigation, there were 11 visible light-activated composite resins and eight visible lights for their polymerization on the market. Some manufacturers claim 4 mm depth of polymerization in a 20-second exposure to a visible light. This depth is greater and the exposure time shorter than that reported for UVactivated composite resins.3 There have been several reports on visible lightactivated systems.4-9 Swartz et al.’ found that these resins could be polymerized through 1 mm of enamel. Like Swartz et al.,4 Leung et aL5 found that a greater exposure time increased the hardness of the specimen at a particular depth. All studies were made in metal or plastic molds except for one cliaical report.‘j The purpose of this study was to compare the depth of polymerization in teeth of combinations of 11 visible light-activated composite resins and the eight visible lights. These results were compared with those obtained from the previous study on W-activated systems.3
Principles of initial experimental drug abuse liability assessment in humans

This paper describes the rationale and procedures for conducting what is considered by many to be the current "gold standard" for initial abuse liability testing of a novel compound: the classic acute dose-effect comparison study in volunteers with histories of drug abuse. Such a trial is most appropriate for predicting the likelihood of abuse by drug abusers and, in turn, the extent of drug diversion and illicit street sales if the novel compound became available in the community. The dose-effect abuse liability trial typically involves a double-blind complete crossover design in 10-14 subjects with histories of polydrug abuse in a controlled clinical pharmacology laboratory setting. Drug conditions usually involve placebo, three doses of the novel compound and three doses of an appropriate reference compound of known abuse liability. In each session, the time-course of effects of a single drug dose are evaluated. Intervals between experimental sessions are typically 1 to several days. The importance of testing high supra-therapeutic doses of the novel drug for the validity of the trial is emphasized, and the use of a dose run-up pilot study for selecting maximal doses and matching doses between the novel and comparison compound is explained. The rationale and description of outcome measures is discussed, including measures that reflect likelihood of abuse (e.g. drug vs. money choice and subject ratings of liking, good effects, estimated monetary street value), secondary measures that should be considered in interpreting likelihood of abuse (e.g. drug identification, subject-rated side effects and mood changes), and additional concurrent measures to establish equivalence of the novel and comparison compound (e.g. behavioral performance, observer-rated assessments, physiological measures).
GENETIC VARIATION AMONG HEPATITIS B AND RELATED VIRUSES

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) of man has several characteristics that distinguish it from viruses of other groups. These include its ultrastructure, viral DNA size and structure, a virion DNA polymerase which repairs a single-stranded region in the viral DNA, liver tropism, character of persistent infection, and association with hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently three other viruses have been found in other animal species that appear to share these characteristics although the viruses are not identical. HBV, Woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV), ground squirrel hepatitis virus (GSHV), and duck hepatitis virus (DHV) appear to be members of a new virus group that might be designated the Hepadna virus group. Genetic variation among hepatitis B viruses includes the antigenic variation in the surface antigen (HBsAg) which constitutes the known HBsAg subtypes. There is also frequent variation in DNA base sequence among HBVs isolated from different patients.
Adam Smith on growth and credit – Too weak a connection?

Adam Smith’s theory of economic growth, as presented in the Wealth of Nations, is based upon the potential for increasing returns in manufacturing generated by increased specialization and division of labour and upon the accumulation of real capital, which is necessary to support the greater division of labour. The increasing returns part of Smith’s theory leaves open the possibility that bank credit, issued judiciously, might be used to extend the market and so increase an economy’s growth rate. However, Smith’s theory of bank credit and note extension is quite conservative. Henry Dunning Macleod, a century after Smith, made much of the potential of credit to extend the market. Notes Smith’s apparent inconsistency and considers reasons why he might have chosen not to promote the use of credit to enhance economic growth.
Neuronally modulated transcription of a glycine transporter in rat dorsal cochlear nucleus and nucleus of the medial trapezoid body.

Neurotransmitter transporters limit transmitter concentration at the postsynaptic membrane by removing neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft. Not only do neurotransmitter transporters contribute to the regulation of synaptic transmission, but they themselves might be dynamically regulated by neuronal activity of the neurons in which they are expressed. In this experiment, we investigated the question of whether the transcription of two different glycine transporters, Glyt1 and Glyt2, is influenced by neuronal activity. These transporters are found in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) and medial nucleus of the trapezoid body. Glyt1 and Glyt2 mRNA were measured by using hybridization histochemistry and a semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Decreases in auditory primary afferent activity, caused by either unilateral labyrinthectomy or disruption of the middle ear ossicles, caused a reduction in Glyt2, but not Glyt1 mRNA in the ipsilateral DCN and in the contralateral medial nucleus of the trapezoid body. Acoustic stimulation at either 10 kHz or 40 kHz was used to provide controlled increases in primary afferent activity, evoking localized increases in Glyt2 mRNA in clusters of neurons in the DCN. The location of these clusters corresponded to the regions of the auditory tonotopic map devoted to these frequencies. The duration of changes in Glyt2 mRNA evoked by unilateral labyrinthectomy, measured with the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, was 5‐10 days. These data provide the first example of in vivo regulation of transporter transcription by neuronal activity. J. Comp. Neurol. 415:175‐188, 1999. r 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A net-centric XML based system of systems architecture for human tracking

Human detection and tracking is a primary focus for visual surveillance systems. However, current systems for human tracking are often complex and require vast amounts of computing resources. A reduction in complexity of the overall tracking system can be achieved by using a System of Systems (SoS) architecture. Once formed, a SoS architecture must achieve desirable levels of interoperability and integration. Proposed in this paper is a human tracking system that uses a net-centric SoS architecture capable of detecting a human via video surveillance and subsequently providing coordinates for mobile robot tracking. This SoS architecture establishes integration and conceptual interoperability through the standardization of communication and data representation. Within the SoS, communication is accomplished using a client-server architecture while data is structured according to a custom XML framework. The resulting SoS is composed of decentralized independent systems inter-operating on heterogeneous platforms to achieve the ultimate goal of human tracking.
Craniodental body mass estimators in the dwarf bushbaby (Galagoides)

This study reports data on 17 craniodental body mass estimators in a sample (n = 38) of dwarf galagos (Galagoides). Correlation coefficients (r) range from a high of 0.64 for bizygomatic breadth and body mass to a low of 0.10 for M(3) length and body mass. Of the 17 variables studied, 7 exhibit significant (P < 0.05) correlation coefficients, with 5 of the 7 being multitooth (i.e., tooth row) or cranial variables. In contrast to the correlation coefficients of greater than 0.90 (e.g., Martin [1980] Z Morphol Anthropol 71:115-124; Steudel [1981] Int J Primatol 2:81-90; Gingerich et al. [1982] Am J Phys Anthropol 58:81-100; Conroy [1987] Int J Primatol 8:115-137) published for higher taxonomic level analyses (i.e., all-primate or prosimian) for many of the same variables studied here, the current data indicate weaker relationships when analyzed at the generic level. Possible explanations for the contrast in correlation coefficients between the current and many previous studies include the following: 1) individual variation due to a geographically dispersed sample, 2) individual body mass fluctuations due to seasonal food availability, and 3) individual variation within the sample due to variation in life-history parameters. Because the overall size range of the individuals in a specific or generic level analysis is smaller than that in an ordinal or subordinal sample, the individual variation normally masked when using species means represents a larger proportion of the total variation in a more limited sample. This may then be a cause of these weaker correlations.
Comparison of some computer-based task management approaches

This article presents an assessment of four management systems to expose the essential characteristics of each management system, including planning techniques, problem representation, concurrency, and flexibility. The experimental part of the research shows that existing management systems can be used to attack a variety of problems. The authors conclude that flexible planning systems are quite beneficial since they can be used to solve a variety of design problems by making small modifications in the definition of their tools.
Application of faraday rotation spectroscopy for quantifying HO 2 radicals in combustion processes

Faraday rotation spectroscopy has been used for in situ quantification of HO 2 generated from an atmospheric flow reactor. HO 2 species concentrations are determined by non-linear fitting of the experimental data to a signal model.
Enhanced scavenging of210Pb and210Po by processes associated with the East Pacific Rise near 8°45′N

In 1977 and 1981 a hydrothermal plume was detected at the East Pacific Rise (EPR) near 8°45′N and at MANOP Site M, 25 km east of the EPR, by anomalous222Rn and Mn concentrations. In 1981, samples were also taken for210Pb,210Po and226Ra analyses to determine if enhanced scavenging of these elements occurred in the plume. At both the ridge crest and at Site M, the 210Pb/226Ra ratios range from 0.09 to 0.35, which are among the lowest values ever measured. It appears that removal of the210Pb is occurring by processes operating at or near the seafloor. There is also significant 210Po/210Pb disequilibrium at both locations, which appears to increase away from the seafloor towards the plume (as indicated by elevated Mn concentrations). An in-situ water column scavenging process is suggested by correlation of [210Pb-210Po] and Mn concentrations in the plume. The residence time of the210Po is only about 1 year, which is close to its residence time in surface waters but quite short compared to typical deep sea values. Thus rapid scavenging of the polonium in the plume and relatively rapid settling of particles from the plume is suggested.
Evaluating a mass transfer model for the dissolution of organics from oil films into water

Abstract A mass-transfer model analogous to one used to describe the volatilization of organics from natural waters was used to describe the dissolution of constituent organics from a floating oil film into the underlying water. The mass flux of a material across the oil-water interface was depicted using an oil-phase mass-transfer coefficient, ko a water-phase mass-transfer coefficient, kw, a partition coefficient, P, describing the equilibrium partitioning of a substance between oil and water, and the concentrations of the substance in the oil and water, Co and Cw, in the following expression: mass flux substance = k 0 k w k w + P k 0 (C 0 − P C w ) Rates of dissoltion were observed to vary with properties of the solute, P, the oil (viscosity, P, oil depth) and the environment (oil and water mixing, water depth). The observed rates of dissolution of chemicals from a low-viscosity oil (heptane) varied by a factor of ∼104 between the most rapidly and most slowly dissolving materials.
Strategic operations management decisions and professional performance in U.S. HMOs

Abstract Professional service organizations are becoming an increasingly important segment of the service sector in the U.S. but little attention has been paid to the management of these organizations, particularly in relation to technical performance. This paper reports the findings of a survey of managers of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) which related operations management decisions about organization, workforce management, quality management and planning and control, to clinical process and outcome performance. This research demonstrates that managerial decisions do affect clinical performance in HMOs. These findings have implications for both researchers and practitioners. For researchers, the study provides a framework for future research on the important link between management decisions and technical performance in professional service organizations. For practitioners, this study suggests that technical performance will be enhanced when professional work is appropriately managed.
WE‐C‐BRA‐06: In Vivo Detection of Proton End Range Effect in Human Lungs: Intra‐Subject Dose Response Comparison

Purpose: Preclinical studies have measured an increase in the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) at the distal end of proton therapy beams, however, no clinical consequences have been reported. This study compares the radiation pneumonitis dose response in lungs that received a terminating proton beam with their contralateral lung.Methods: Thirty‐four patients treated with proton therapy for esophageal cancer who received restaging [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) were selected. Each received a proton field arrangement that included a lateral beam terminating in one lung. The pulmonary radiation inflammatory dose response was quantified for each lung separately as the slope of the FDG uptake versus dose using regression modeling. The dose‐response was compared within subject between the entrance and end‐range containing lungs using the related sample Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: The spatial distribution of the regions that received between 1 and 10 Co‐60 Gy Equivalents (CGE) corresponded to the proton beam lateral and distal edges. The mean and range of SUV for the entire end range lung (0.65, 0.40 – 1.09) was lower than the entry lung (0.72, 0.40 – 1.17) (p=0.009). For the 1 to 10 CGE regions the dose response was higher in the end range lung (19.2 x 10‐ 2, range 0.8‐50 x 10‐2) versus the entry lung (10.2 x 10‐2, 0.03‐39 x 10‐2) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study found an enhanced radiationdose response in lungs that received radiation from the proton beam end‐range. This spatial variation in the dose response contradicts the prevailing isodose equals isoeffect assumption. This quantifiable enhancement represents a clinical manifestation of the increase in the RBE at the end range of proton beams.
Pump propagation in short-pulse-driven recombination x-ray lasers

The propagation of the optical laser (pump) used in optical-field ionized recombination x-ray lasing schemes [D. C. Eder et. al, Phys. of Plasmas 5, 1744 (1994)] is examined. A model which self consistently evolves the laser radiation as it ionizes a neutral gas is presented. The model allows for multiple ionization stages and for spatial variations in the neutral gas density appropriate for studying propagation through gas jets and laser evaporated gases. Typical experimental conditions are examined and it is found that ionization induced refraction plays a dominant role in the evolution of the laser pulse.
Alternate oucher form testing: Gender, ethnicity, and age variations

This study was part of a project to improve pain assessment and management for a multiethnic group of children. Based on its visual appeal for the clinical team, the Oucher was selected for trial. A reduced size and shortened screening technique were introduced. Children (N = 79) aged 3 to 12 years were randomly assigned to use the original or a reduced-size Oucher first. Scale scores were highly correlated regardless of size or presentation order. There were no differences attributable to age, gender, or ethnicity (Black, White, Hispanic). There is preliminary support for using the more convenient size and screening process.
Bioleaching of Ilmenite and Basalt in the Presence of Iron-oxidizing and Iron-Scavenging Bacteria

Bioleaching has been suggested as an alternative to traditional mining techniques in extraterrestrial environments because it does not require extensive infrastructure and bulky hardware. In situ bioleaching of silicate minerals, such as those found on the moon or Mars, has been proposed as a feasible alternative to traditional extraction techniques that require either extreme heat and/or substantial chemical treatment. In this study, we investigated the biotic and abiotic leaching of basaltic rocks (analogues to those found on the moon and Mars) and the mineral ilmenite (FeTiO3) in aqueous environments under acidic (pH ∼ 2.5) and circumneutral pH conditions. The biological leaching experiments were conducted using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, an iron (Fe)-oxidizing bacteria, and Pseudomonas mendocina, an Fe-scavenging bacteria. We found that both strains were able to grow using the Fe(II) derived from the tested basaltic rocks and ilmenite. Although silica leaching rates were the same or slightly less in the bacterial systems with A. ferrooxidans than in the abiotic control systems, the extent of Fe, Al and Ti released (and re-precipitated in new solid phases) was actually greater in the biotic systems. This is likely because the Fe(II) leached from the basalt was immediately oxidized by A. ferrooxidans, and precipitated into Fe(III) phases which causes a change in the equilibrium of the system, i.e. Le Chatelier's principle. Iron(II) in the abiotic experiment was allowed to build up in solution which led to a decrease in its overall release rate. For example, the percentage of Fe, Al and Ti leached (dissolved + reactive mineral precipitates) from the Mars simulant in the A. ferrooxidans experimental system was 34, 41 and 13% of the total Fe, Al and Ti in the basalt, respectively, while the abiotic experimental system released totals of only 11, 25 and 2%. There was, however, no measurable difference in the amounts of Fe and Ti released from ilmenite in the experiments with A. ferrooxidans versus the abiotic controls. P. mendocina scavenged some Fe from the rock/mineral substrates, but the overall amount of leaching was small (<2% of total Fe in rocks) when compared with the acidophilic systems. Although the mineralogy of the tested basaltic rocks was roughly similar, the surface areas of the lunar and Mars simulants varied greatly and thus were possible factors in the overall amount of metals released. Overall, our results indicate that the presence of bacteria does not increase the overall silica leaching rates of basaltic rocks; however, the presence of A. ferrooxidans does lead to enhanced release of Fe, Al and Ti and subsequent sequestration of Fe (and other metals) in Fe(III)-precipitates.
Benefits and barriers of user evaluation in software engineering research

In this paper, we identify trends about, benefits from, and barriers to performing user evaluations in software engineering research. From a corpus of over 3,000 papers spanning ten years, we report on various subtypes of user evaluations (e.g., coding tasks vs. questionnaires) and relate user evaluations to paper topics (e.g., debugging vs. technology transfer). We identify the external measures of impact, such as best paper awards and citation counts, that are correlated with the presence of user evaluations. We complement this with a survey of over 100 researchers from over 40 different universities and labs in which we identify a set of perceived barriers to performing user evaluations.
POEMS syndrome: 2014 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management.

Disease overview: POEMS syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome due to an underlying plasma cell neoplasm. The major criteria for the syndrome are polyradiculoneuropathy, clonal plasma cell disorder (PCD), sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, and the presence of Castleman disease. Minor features include organomegaly, endocrinopathy, characteristic skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload, and thrombocytosis. Diagnoses are often delayed because the syndrome is rare and can be mistaken for other neurologic disorders, most commonly chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. POEMS syndrome should be distinguished from the Castleman disease variant of POEMS syndrome, which has no clonal PCD and typically little to no peripheral neuropathy but has several of the minor diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome. Diagnosis: The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is made with three of the major criteria, two of which must include polyradiculoneuropathy and clonal PCD, and at least one of the minor criteria. Risk stratification: Because the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood, risk stratification is limited to clinical phenotype rather than specific molecular markers. The number of clinical criteria is not prognostic, but the extent of the PCD is. Those patients with an iliac crest bone marrow biopsy that does not reveal a plasma cell clone are candidates for local radiation therapy; those with a more extensive or disseminated clone will be candidates for systemic therapy. Risk-adapted therapy: For those patients with a dominant sclerotic plasmacytoma, first line therapy is irradiation. Patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or disseminated bone marrow involvement and for those who have progression of their disease 3–6 months after completing radiation therapy should receive systemic therapy. Corticosteroids are temporizing, but alkylators are the mainstay of treatment, either in the form of low dose conventional therapy or high dose with stem cell transplantation. The benefit of anti-VEGF antibodies is conflicting. Lenalidomide shows promise with manageable toxicity. Thalidomide and bortezomib also have activity, but their benefit needs to be weighed against their risk of exacerbating the peripheral neuropathy. Prompt recognition and institution of both supportive care measures and therapy directed against the plasma cell result in the best outcomes. Am. J. Hematol. 89:214–223, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ozone and SSTs

Abstract The possibility exists that exhaust products from a large fleet of supersonic transports (SSTs) might seriously reduce the atmospheric ozone layer that shields the Earth's surface from solar ultra-violet germicidal radiation. Both water vapour and nitrogen oxides, important constituents of SST exhaust, act to destroy ozone. Estimates of the effect suggest that it will be at least moderately serious. While confidence in the magnitude of the predicted effect is very low, the possibility exists that it might be disastrous, and some such predictions have been made. Research, including investigations of ambient conditions at flight altitude, of nitrogen oxide concentrations in jet exhausts, of reaction rates, and of stratospheric transport processes, is needed to improve the accuracy of prediction.
Hot-wire chemical vapor deposition of carbon nanotubes

Abstract Hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) has been employed for the continuous gas-phase generation of both carbon multi-wall and single-wall nanotube (MWNT and SWNT) materials. Graphitic MWNTs were produced at a very high density at a synthesis temperature of ∼600 °C. SWNTs were deposited at a much lower density on a glass substrate held at 450 °C. SWNTs are typically observed in large bundles that are stabilized by tube–tube van der Waals’ interactions. However, transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed only the presence of isolated SWNTs in these HWCVD-generated materials.
Epitope promiscuity of human monoclonal autoantibodies to T-cell receptor-combining site determinants.

To characterize the binding specificity and light- and heavy-chain variable region usage in monoclonal human autoantibodies (mAAbs) to T-cell receptors, we constructed heterohybridomas from peripheral blood B cells of three rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. From a panel of more than 200 heterohybridomas secreting IgM autoantibodies binding to T-cell receptor Vs chain first complementarity determining segments (CDR1), we characterized two IgM/λ molecules from a single patient in detail. These bound to both CDR1 peptide epitopes and intact TCR of recombinant single-chain T-cell receptor constructs, and to T-cell surface TCR. Spectratype analysis using epitopes mimicking a set of 24 Vs genes indicated that one molecule bound only a few members of the set, whereas the second showed considerable epitope promiscuity by binding to more than half of the tested CDR1 peptides. Both mAAbs used variants of a Vλ3 gene that were very similar to one another and to the germline gene. The epitope-promiscuous autoantibody used a VH4 gene identical to a germline prototype, while the other incorporated a VH3 sequence differeing in only a single residue from its germline prototype. The CDR3s of both were large and distinct from each other as well as from the corresponding segments of rheumatoid factors and “cold agglutinins” using the same or related VH germline genes. These mAAbs offer models for deciphering the basis of epitope promiscuity, and serve as candidates for direct use in immunomodulation because they are of intrinsic human origin and do not require molecular engineering to adapt them for use in therapy.
The development of induction within natural kind and artifact categories.

Abstract Recent studies have shown that children as young as age 3 1 2 use category membership as the basis of their inductive inferences. The present studies examine how children determine which category-based inductive inferences are warranted and which are unwarranted. Preschool and elementary school children learned various facts (e.g., “This apple has pectin inside”) and reported whether they thought the facts generalized to other items varying in similarity to the target (e.g., other apples, a banana, and a stereo). Categories included both natural kinds and artifacts and varied as to how similar category members were to one another (category homogeneity, as rated by adults). Results indicate that even the youngest children placed certain constraints on their inferences. However, the preschoolers made few principled distinctions among categories, basing their inferences primarily on category homogeneity. In contrast, older children made several distinctions that seemed based on domain-specific knowledge. Most importantly, they drew more inferences within natural kinds than within artifact categories, at times even overextending the distinction. Comparison with other research suggests that increasing scientific knowledge exerts powerful effects on patterns of induction within basic-level categories.
Indirect fluorometric detection techniques on thin layer chromatography and effect of ultrasound on gel electrophoresis

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is a broadly applicable separation technique. It offers many advantages over high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), such as easily adapted for two-dimensional separation, for whole-column'' detection and for handling multiple samples, etc. However, due to its draggy development of detection techniques comparing with HPLC, TLC has not received the attention it deserves. Therefore, exploring new detection techniques is very important to the development of TLC. It is the principal of this dissertation to present a new detection method for TLC -- indirect fluorometric detection method. This detection technique is universal sensitive, nondestructive, and simple. This will be described in detail from Sections 1 through Section 5. Section 1 and 3 describe the indirect fluorometric detection of anions and nonelectrolytes in TLC. In Section 2, a detection method for cations based on fluorescence quenching of ethidium bromide is presented. In Section 4, a simple and interesting TLC experiment is designed, three different fluorescence detection principles are used for the determination of caffeine, saccharin and sodium benzoate in beverages. A laser-based indirect fluorometric detection technique in TLC is developed in Section 5. Section 6 is totally different from Sections 1 through 5. An ultrasonic effect on the separation ofmore » DNA fragments in agarose gel electrophoresis is investigated. 262 refs.« less
Adult Learners in the Classroom.

Theory and research provide insight into the characteristics, needs, and teaching preferences of adult learners in the college classroom.
Novel Discriminative Stimulus Effects of TPA023B, Subtype-Selective γ-aminobutyric-acidA/Benzodiazepine Modulator: Comparisons with Zolpidem, Lorazepam, and TPA023

Anxiolytics with fewer unwanted effects may be created by varying GABAergic efficacy at the BZ binding site across GABAA receptor subtypes. TPA023 and TPA023B have in vitro antagonist efficacy at α1 subtypes and partial-agonist efficacy at α2/3 subtypes. TPA023B has partial-agonist efficacy at α5; TPA023 has none. Drug discrimination procedures were used to determine whether the novel GABAA receptor efficacy profiles would be reflected in a model of subjective effects of BZ-site ligands. Rats were trained to discriminate TPA023, TPA023B, the nonselective BZ anxiolytic lorazepam, or the α1-selective hypnotic zolpidem. The lorazepam, zolpidem, and TPA023 discriminations were learned in < 50 sessions. The TPA023B training group showed no evidence of acquiring the TPA023B discrimination after 160 sessions despite various procedural manipulations. Neither zolpidem- nor lorazepam-trained rats generalized to TPA023B. Within the same dose range, however, TPA023-trained rats generalized fully and dose-dependently to TPA023B. Number of training sessions to regain criterion discrimination performance following TPA023B tests in the lorazepam, zolpidem, and TPA023 groups increased as a function of dose, likely due to effects of residual TPA023B. Together with previous data, the present results suggest that elimination of α1 efficacy plus reductions in α2/3 efficacy permits anxiolysis but decreases BZ-like interoceptive stimulus effects.
The role of polymorphisms in the spliced leader addition domain in determining promoter activity in Brugia malayi.

Previous studies of Brugia malayi promoters have suggested that they are unusual in that they lack the CAAT or TATAA boxes that are often emblematic of eucaryotic core promoter domains. Instead, the region surrounding the spliced leader (SL) addition site appears to function as the core promoter domain in B. malayi. To test the hypothesis that polymorphisms in this SL addition domain are important determinants of promoter activity, a series of domain swap mutants were prepared replacing the SL addition domain of the B. malayi 13 kDa large subunit ribosomal protein (BmRPL13) with those of other ribosomal protein (RP) promoters exhibiting a wide range of activities. These constructs were then tested for promoter activity in a homologous transient transfection system. On average, polymorphisms in the SL addition domain were found to be responsible for 80% of the variation in promoter activity exhibited by the RP promoters tested. Essentially all of this effect could be attributable to polymorphisms in the 10nt located directly upstream of the SL addition site. A comparison of the sequence of this domain to the promoter activity exhibited by the domain swap mutants suggested that promoter activity was related to the number of T residues present in the coding strand of the upstream domain. Confirming this, mutation of the upstream domain of the promoter of the BmRPS4 gene to a homogeneous stretch of 10 T residues resulted in a significant increase in promoter activity.
The Phenomenon of Conglomerate Crystallization. XXII. Synthesis and Structural Characteristics of H-Carbonato(O,O')-trans-[CO(2,3,2-tet)(NO2)]2Cl2.3H2O

Abstract The unique, dinuclear, symmetrically μ-CO3 bridged compound, μ-carbonato(O,O')-trans-[Co(2,3,2-tet)-(NO2)]2C12.3H2O (I), was prepared by hydrogen peroxide oxidation of Co+2 in the presence of the 2,3,2-tet polyamine ligand, followed by addition of NaNO2. (I) crystallizes in the racemic space group P21/n with cell constants a = 9.187(1) A, b = 23.520(2), c = 14.201(1), β = 103.87(9), V= 2978.90 A3 and d(Z = 4 mol/cell) = 1.599 g cm−3. Data were collected in the range 4° ≤ 20 ≤ 50°, for a total of 5361 reflections, of which 3285 were independent and had I ≥ 3σ(I). These were used in the solution and refinement of the structure. The F(hkl)abs were corrected for absorption (μ = 13.540 cm−1) using Psi scan curves of eight suitable reflections, leading to transmission coefficient adjustments ranging from 0.9049 to 0.9967. The structure was solved by Patterson methods. Convergence of the refinement using anisotropic thermal parameters for the heavy atoms and idealized hydrogens (fixed B = 5.00 A2) gave ...
Nailfold biopsy in scleroderma and related disorders

Although nailfold capillary abnormalities associated with connective tissue disease (CTD) have been studied by direct in vivo microscopy, little is known of the underlying histology and morphology of this tissue. This report summarizes light microscopic study of glycolmethacrylate embedded nailfold biopsies from 13 CTD patients (9 scleroderma, 2 CREST, 2 undifferentiated CTD), 2 subjects with Raynaud's phenomenon alone, and 9 normal volunteers of similar age and sex distribution. The most striking and consistent finding was the presence of globular, eosinophilic, PAS-positive deposits in the cuticles of 14 of 15 patients and none of the controls. This material, identified by immunofluorescent staining as serum protein exudates, was associated with pronounced parakeratosis and elevated epithelial mitotic activity. Capillary ectasia with thinning of the basement membrane was often present in CTD biopsies. Occasional signs of endothelial swelling and proliferation were encountered in both populations. Inflammatory changes were rarely seen. In quantitative comparison with control tissues, the superficial dermis from CTD patients contained significantly fewer capillaries, cutaneous nerve bundles, and interstitial fibroblasts per unit area and fewer papillary capillaries per unit of epidermal length. Measures of capillary density in sectioned tissue correlated well with the results of in vivo microscopic examination.
An improved active/passive oceanic wind vector retrieval technique

This paper describes the advantages of combining passive and active microwave remote sensing observations for the purpose of ocean wind vectors retrievals. Previous studies have shown that a linear combination of horizontal and vertical polarized brightness temperatures contains a robust wind direction signal. In this paper, we present results from an end-to-end simulation of ocean measurements from a Ku-band (13.4 GHz) active/passive conical scanning satellite instrument. For this simulation, realistic wind fields from the NOAA National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) numerical weather model were used to produce simultaneous brightness temperatures and radar backscatter measurements. These measurements were processed using a maximum likelihood estimation technique to yield ocean wind vector retrievals that were compared to NCEP fields. Results demonstrate significant improvements over simulated measurements for an active (radar scatterometer) sensor.
The Role of Traffic Flow Preview for Planning Fuel Optimal Vehicle Velocity

A vehicle’s untimely arrival at a local traffic wave with lots of stops and goes increases its fuel use. This paper proposes predictive planning of the vehicle velocity for reducing the velocity transients in upcoming traffic waves. Macroscopic evolution of traffic pattern along the vehicle route is first estimated by combining a traffic flow model. The fuel optimal velocity trajectory is calculated by solving an optimal control problem with the spatiotemporally varying constraint imposed by the traffic. Preliminary simulation results indicate the potential for improvement in fuel economy with a little compromise on travel time.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Can ICDs prevent sudden cardiac death effectively in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Can ICDs prevent sudden cardiac death effectively in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Metabolic bone disease and parenteral nutrition

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is abnormal bone metabolism and includes the common disorders of osteoporosis and osteomalacia, which can develop in patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition (PN). Patients who require long-term PN have significant gastrointestinal failure and malabsorption, which is generally caused by severe inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal ischemia, or malignancy. The exact cause of MBD in long-term PN patients is unknown, but its origin is thought to be multifactorial, with factors including underlying disease, effect of medications used to treat this disease (eg, corticosteroids), and various components of the PN solution. Caring for patients on long-term PN requires routine assessment and monitoring for MBD. Appropriate adjustments of the PN solution can help reduce the risk for developing PN-associated MBD and in some instances improve bone mineral density. Recent developments in pharmacologic treatment for osteoporosis show promise for patients with MBD receiving PN.