cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A and model tyrosyl compounds in aqueous 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol: II. Spectral investigation of salvation

Abstract Several spectroscopic techniques were used to study the states of solvation of the tyrosyls of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A and tyrosyl model compounds in aqueous 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol. The wavelength of the tyrosyl peak of the direct spectrum of RNase and the fluorescent quantum efficiency of RNase change little from 0 to 50% methylpentanediol concentration, while for model compounds these properties change markedly. Solvent perturbation difference spectra show very low apparent exposure of tyrosyl. Model compounds show pronounced “magic” mole fraction extrema in thermal perturbation difference spectra, while RNase shows a much smaller effect. The results are interpreted as indicating that the exposed tyrosyl residues of native ribonuclease A in aqueous methylpentanediol are preferentially hydrated relative to the model compounds.
6 The Huainanzi’s “Heavenly Patterns” and the Shiji’s “Treatise on the Celestial Offices”: What’s the Difference?

Donald Harper has described this chapter as a synopsis of astro-calendrical knowledge derived from the more technical literature now restored to us; the Huainanzi seems to assume the Han reader's knowledge of the technical literature, without which it would have been difficult to follow the astrological essay. The precis of Huainanzi's "Heavenly Patterns" chapter explains how it achieves the lofty ambition expressed in "An Overview of the Essentials". Marc Kalinowski has explored the latter and their associated schema using excavated manuscripts from late Warring States and Han times. The prevailing practice among Liu An's specialists was clearly to rely virtually exclusively on schemata and devices like the mantic-astrolabe to make astromantic and hemerological predictions, rather than on direct visual observation. Even when the discussion of a topic in the "Heavenly Patterns" appears to match a topic in the Shiji's "Treatise", the resemblance is largely superficial. Keywords: "Heavenly Patterns"; Donald Harper; Huainanzi ; Liu An; Marc Kalinowski; Shiji's treatise; technical literature
The Primary Structure of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B III. THE CYANOGEN BROMIDE PEPTIDES OF REDUCED AND AMINOETHYLATED ENTEROTOXIN B, AND THE COMPLETE AMINO ACID SEQUENCE

Cyanogen bromide treatment of reduced, aminoethylated enterotoxin B yielded seven major peptides plus homoserine and homoserine lactone, as was expected from the number of methionine residues present in the enterotoxin B molecule. The cyanogen bromide peptides were fractionated on Sephadex G-50 and further purified by rechromatography on Sephadex G-50 or paper electrophoresis at pH 1.9. They contained a total of 239 amino acid residues. Tryptic peptides of each of the cyanogen bromide peptides were purified and their amino acid composition was determined. The order of these peptides in each cyanogen bromide peptide and the order of the cyanogen bromide peptides in enterotoxin B were established. Based on the information from tryptic, chymotryptic, and cyanogen bromide peptides, the complete amino acid sequence of enterotoxin B was established. Staphylococcal enterotoxin B is a single polypeptide chain containing 239 amino acid residues.
Internal anal sphincter relaxation associated with bisacodyl-induced colonic high amplitude propagating contractions in children with constipation: a colo-anal reflex?

Background Describe the association of internal anal sphincter (IAS) relaxation with colonic high- amplitude peristaltic contractions (HAPCs). Methods Retrospective review of colon manometry tracings of children with constipation to determine the IAS relaxation characteristics associated with HAPC’s (HAPC-IASR) events and compare them to the those seen during the performance of the anorectal manometry (ARMRAIR) events. Key Results A total of 70 HAPC- IASRs were observed in 15 patients, 65 after bisacodyl, two during fasting and three after a meal. In 64% of events, the IAS relaxation started when the HAPC reached left colon and in 36% as proximal as the hepatic flexure. High- amplitude peristaltic contraction propagation seems to be important in HAPC-IASR characteristics; those propagating distal to sigmoid colon demonstrated larger and longer IAS relaxation as well as lower residual pressure, but equivalent resting pressure compared with HAPC’s ending proximal to sigmoid colon. Although IAS resting pressure was comparable for ARM-RAIRs and HAPC-IASRs, the duration and magnitude of anal relaxation was higher, and the anal residual pressure was lower in HAPC-IASRs. Conclusions & Inferences We demonstrated that IAS relaxation in constipated children is associated with HAPCs migrating in the proximal and distal colon; in most cases, starting when peristalsis is migrating through left colon and in an important proportion while migrating proximally. We also demonstrated that HAPC-IASRs are different from ARM-RAIRs suggesting a neurally mediated reflex. Finally, the IAS relaxation characteristics are highly dependent on the degree of propagation of HAPCs, which could have important implications in the understanding of defecation disorders.
Evolutionary programming to optimize an assembly program

Evolutionary programming was used to attempt to optimize a program written in the pseudo-assembly language Redcode, invented by A.K. Dewdney. Corewars is the game under which Redcode programs compete. Since 1994, the last standardization of Redcode, many complicated, effective Redcode programs have been written by people, but intense study is required to learn the nuances of the language and perfect programs. Since this is such a difficult task, evolutionary techniques may outperform humans. Multiple point, variable length crossover and change, insert, and delete mutations were the operators used. Relative fitnesses were calculated within a subset of the population on remote client computers. A food model was used to select the most fit programs. Current results are preliminary, but already one of the resulting programs wins 38% and ties 29% against a common type of human-written program. The best performance is 151 wins, 49 losses, and 0 ties against a typical human program.
Introducing Artificial Neural Networks through a Spreadsheet Model

Business students taking data mining classes are often introduced to artificial neural networks (ANN) through point and click navigation exercises in application software. Even if correct outcomes are obtained, students frequently do not obtain a thorough understanding of ANN processes. This spreadsheet model was created to illuminate the roles of the following ANN parameters: weights, learning rates, threshold functions, and transformation functions. The spreadsheet ANN model project is given early in the semester, just after ANN is introduced. Students can see effects of ANN parameters as they make changes to spreadsheet model inputs, greatly enhancing discussion of ANN processes. After working with the spreadsheet model, students have expressed an appreciation for decisions based on patterns of historic data, and they like the ability to peek “behind the curtain” at processes of predictive software packages.
Electrical pumping in carrier-mediated membrane transport

Abstract A model of carrier-mediated pumping induced by electrochemical (redox) reactions is presented. The model is compared with published data for the facilitated transport of nitric oxide in a formamide membrane containing dissolved ferrous and ferric chlorides wherein the flux of nitric oxide is augmented by diffusion of the reversible complex, (NO—Fe2+. Passing a current through the membrane drives the reduction of ferric ions at the cathode and the oxidation of ferrous ions at the anode, coupling the charge and mass fluxes within the membrane. Our results indicate that this electrically powered, carrier-mediated membrane can pump permeant up to a concentration 0(10) times greater than that in the feed.
The Isolation of Illness

Reading the illness narratives of my professional collogues was a moving experience, which reminded me of my own vulnerability and made clear the wisdom of connecting the dots between lived experience and scholarship. Though this wisdom is compelling, it is far from clear how it might be done. Including lived-sexperience in medical humanities scholarship exposes researchers to the vulnerability and isolation that goes with illness. Disability studies analysis offers powerful tools for understanding this vulnerability and isolation. The next step is to take that analysis into applied medical scholarship. These articles provide a valuable start in that direction.
Detection of upper tract urothelial neoplasms: sensitivity of axial, coronal reformatted, and curved-planar reformatted image-types utilizing 16-row multi-detector CT urography

The purpose of our study was to determine the sensitivity of 16-row multi-detector computed tomography urography (CTU) axial, coronal reformatted, and curved-planar reformatted image-types for upper tract urothelial neoplasm detection. Twenty-one CTU examinations were identified that contained one or more pathology-proven upper tract urothelial neoplasms during our study period. Two readers independently reviewed 1.25 and 2.5 mm axial, coronal reformatted, and curved-planar reformatted excretory phase CTU images. Each reader then documented the location and appearance of lesions suspicious for upper tract urothelial neoplasm. These results were correlated with relevant endoscopic/surgical procedure notes as well as pathology results. Reader #1 detected 72%, 63%, 75%, and 72% of the known 32 upper tract urothelial neoplasms using 1.25 mm axial, 2.5 mm axial, coronal reformatted, and curved-planar reformatted image-types, respectively. Reader #2 detected 72% of the known neoplasms using each of the four image-types. No significant difference in sensitivity between image-types was identified. After combining the results for all four image-types, readers #1 and #2 had overall sensitivities of 94% and 91%. Axial, coronal reformatted, and curved-planar reformatted image-types have similar sensitivities for the detection of upper tract urothelial neoplasm in 16-row multi-detector CTU. Reviewing multiple image-types increases the sensitivity of urothelial lesion detection.
Targeting PI3-kinase (PI3K), AKT and mTOR axis in lymphoma

Targeted therapy represents a transformation in oncology, a field that has relied primarily on non-selective cytotoxic therapies. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is a family of ubiquitous signalling molecules involved in a wide variety of cellular processes and likewise, in a broad selection of human cancers. The discovery that the p110-δ form of PI3K is differentially expressed in normal and malignant lymphocytes has led to the development of specific inhibitors that are currently in clinical trials for lymphoma. Downstream effectors of PI3K, including v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT; also termed AKT1) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (serine/threonine kinase) (mTOR) are similarly important in lymphoma, and agents targeting these components of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR axis are also underway, although at earlier stages of development. In this review we examine the role of PI3K-AKT-mTOR in normal and malignant lymphocytes, as well as the preclinical and clinical status of a number of inhibitors of this pathway.
Raman spectrum of VK centers in KCl:Ag crystals

Abstract Raman spectra from an X-irradiated KCl:Ag crystal at 77°K is reported. A signal at 235 cm −1 is assigned to the V K center on the basis of experimental and theoretical considerations.
Regional and local determinations of particulate matter and visibility in the southwestern United States during June and July, 1979☆

Abstract Data on ambient particulate concentrations by size and elemental composition taken in Arizona and Utah are compared to simultaneous telephotometer measurements of standard visual range. Particulate samples were collected during the VISTTA program from 26 June to 11 July 1979, at Zilnez Mesa, Arizona, and compared to similar 24 h measurements made as part of a long term research program at Zion and Canyonlands National Parks in Utah. Samples were collected with rotating drum Multtday impactors which provide three aerodynamic size ranges; 15μm–3.5μm; 3.5μm–0.5μm, and less than 0.5/jm. Elemental composition of samples was measured using the particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) system at the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory. Measurements of visibility were made at Canyonlands National Park and Zilnez Mesa using both multiwavelength telephotometers and nephelometers. Results indicate that the particulate matter in each size range behaves to a large degree independently of the other size ranges, but that correlations are often observed between sites. On 29 June, an episode of elevated sulfur concentrations, > 1 μm m −3 of S, was observed at all three sites. Decreased visibilities were recorded for the episode period at both Canyonlands and Zilnez Mesa. Sulfur episodes on 22–24 June and 20–21 July measured at Zion and Canyonlands also correlated well with reduced visibility at Canyonlands. Episodes of reduced visibilities also occurred during periods of stable sulfur values. The strongest of these, on 1718 June, as well as a weaker one, 4–7 June, correlated well with fine soils in the 0.5–3.5 μm size range. The conclusion is that reduced visibility is associated with regional episodes of both increased sulfur and increased fine soils, with best correlations occurring in both cases for sizes somewhat greater than 0.5μm dia.
New Aspects of Antimicrobial Resistance and the Resulting Therapeutic Dilemmas

Emergence of resistance to antimicrobial agents among previously susceptible organisms continues to be an important obstacle to the successful treatment of bacterial infections. In hospitals, plasmid-mediated resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and monobactams has recently appeared in gram-negative bacilli, due primarily to mutations in TEM- and SHV-type enzymes. Among nosocomial enterococci, vancomycin resistance, beta-lactamase production, and high-level resistance to all aminoglycosides have recently been added to this organism's already formidable armamentarium of resistance properties. Also, resistance to fluoroquinolones and rifampin has been emerging in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In the community, organisms in which resistance plays a particularly important role are shigellae, Haemophilus influenzae, gonococci, and pneumococci, particularly in developing countries. beta-lactamase-producing meningococci have been reported for the first time. The selective pressure generated by the use of antimicrobial agents, together with the ability of bacteria to acquire and spread resistance and the capacity of humans to transmit bacteria, suggest that antimicrobial resistance will continue to be a problem for the foreseeable future.
Total quality management in the US Air Force: a study of application and attitudes

States that the US military has adopted total quality management (TQM) initiatives to help maximize effectiveness during downsizing. Identifies, however, some potential barriers to military applications, for example, the autocratic hierarchy on which the military is based may not be conducive to TQM. Focuses this investigation on the use of and attitudes towards TQM in one branch of the US military, the Air Force. Posits that results revealed that the military hierarchy is perceived as a barrier and that lower‐level personnel had more positive attitudes towards TQM. Shows that, in addition, TQM training was related to understanding of TQM concepts; however, training was not significantly related to the perceived relevance of TQM to the job or the military in general. Reveals the importance of going beyond TQM training and making the necessary changes so that learning can be applied.
What Can School Leaders Do About Violence in Schools

Like many people around the world, we were horrified and shocked by the brutal massacre of students and teachers that took place in Newtown, Connecticut at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December ...
Neural pathways connecting the deutocerebrum and lateral protocerebrum in the brains of decapod crustaceans.

The olfactory and accessory lobes of eureptantian decapod crustaceans are bilateral brain neuropil regions located within the deutocerebrum. Although the olfactory lobe seems to receive only primary olfactory inputs, the accessory lobe receives higher-order multimodal (including olfactory) inputs. The output pathways from both the olfactory and accessory lobes are provided by the axons of a large population of projection neurons, whose somata lie adjacent to the lobes. The axons of these neurons form a large tract that projects bilaterally to the medulla terminalis and hemiellipsoid body in the lateral protocerebrum. To gain insights into the ways in which olfactory information is processed on leaving the deutocerebrum, we examined the neuroanatomy of the projection neuron pathways of three species of eureptantian decapod crustaceans: the freshwater crayfish, Procambarus clarkii and Orconectes rusticus, and the clawed lobster, Homarus americanus. Projection neurons were labeled by focal injections of the lipophilic tracers DiI and DiA into the olfactory and accessory lobes. In all three species, projection neurons innervating the accessory lobe were found to exclusively innervate the neuropils of the hemiellipsoid body. In contrast, projection neurons innervating the olfactory lobes primarily target neuropil regions of the medulla terminalis. The results of this study indicate, therefore, that the projection neuron pathways from the olfactory and accessory lobes project to separate, largely nonoverlapping regions of the lateral protocerebrum. The implications of these findings for our understanding of the processing of olfactory information in the brains of decapod crustaceans are discussed.
Efficacy of repeated annual immunization with inactivated influenza virus vaccines over a five year period

Some reports have suggested that influenza virus vaccine is less effective in persons that have received prior annual vaccination(s) than in those receiving it for the first time. This issue was addressed by evaluating the efficacy of annual influenza vaccinations over a 5 year period in healthy adults employing commercially-available, inactivated whole-virus vaccine. Influenza vaccination had minimal effects on overall respiratory illnesses during epidemic periods. However, it reduced influenza virus shedding by an average of 38.8% and conferred protection against influenza virus infection during each epidemic. Some variation in infection rates were noted between vaccine groups given one or more than one annual immunization, and between years, but no consistent pattern of differences was noted in relation to number of successive years of vaccination. These results suggest that the current recommendation for annual influenza vaccination of persons at special risk of serious disease and complications is appropriate, but that continued efforts to improve the effectiveness of our prophylactic measures against influenza are needed.
Aesthetic comparison of wound closure techniques in a porcine model.

Objective: To compare various commonly used closure techniques and their esthetic results. Also to look for differences in cost, time, and ease of use among the methods. Design: A prospective comparison in a porcine skin model with a blinded assessment of outcomes. Methods: Thirty 6-cm, full-thickness skin incisions were made on the back of two domestic white swine. Undermining was accomplished, and buried simple, interrupted, absorbable, braided (Polysorb, US Surgical) subdermal sutures were placed in a uniform fashion in each wound. The skin was then closed using one of the following five methods: running subcuticular 4-0 nylon, running subcuticular 4-0 absorbable monofilament (Biosyn, US Surgical), tissue glue (Dermabond, Ethicon), adhesive tape, or running subcuticular nylon with intradermal injection of hyaluronic acid. Nonabsorbable sutures and tape were removed on postoperative day 7, and photographs were taken at regular intervals during a 12-week healing period. Biopsies were taken from wounds in each group at 2 weeks and 12 weeks for histologic comparison. Independent observers evaluated the photographs, and an independent histologist evaluated the biopsies to look for differences in inflammation and scar formation. The surgeons who performed the wound closure rated the ease of use and amount of time required for each technique. Results: Adhesive tape closure was faster and easier to perform. There were no significant differences among the adhesive tape, nylon, or absorbable suture groups regarding cosmetic appearance throughout the study period. The tissue glue wounds had more of a tendency to dehisce. Adhesive tape is less expensive than the other methods when material costs and operating room time are considered. Conclusion: Adhesive tape closure of surgical wounds is cosmetically acceptable, convenient, and saves both time and material costs. We recommend it as an alternative for closure of neck incisions.
Accessibility of Web‐based information resources for people with disabilities (part two): introduction

The previous special‐theme issue of Library Hi Tech (Vol. 20 No. 2) focused mainly on a variety of specific information resources commonly provided by libraries: online catalogs, electronic indexes and databases, e‐journals and online references works. This issue deals with accessibility issues, as they emerge in the library and education environment, which are not specifically tied to particular vendor‐supplied information products.
The national science foundation: Its role in electrical engineering research

The National Science Foundation, through its Program for Engineering Sciences, has been active in supporting research in engineering sciences since 1951. However, there remains a considerable lack of understanding of the Foundation's role and the assistance it can give to those in need of support for fundamental research. This article was prepared in an effort to bring to electrical engineers a better idea of the Foundation and its work.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide neurons in fetal cortical homografts to adult rat spinal cord.

Abstract Transplants of central nervous system to adult spinal cords are considered as potential aids in regeneration of the spinal cord and/or recovery of function after injury. The organization and development of the implant are important issues in seeking the potential for a transplant and host to become functionally integrated. This study uses embryonic cerebral cortex transplanted into the spinal cord of adult rats (T6) and examined the development and organization of the transplant with an antibody to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). The cell bodies of VIP neurons are in the implants at 30 days postimplantation, but few of the somata have processes. By 45 days postimplantation, VIP neurons in the implant have dendrites and axons and are clearly recognizable as cortical bipolar cells which are not normally present in the thoracic spinal cord. These data show that neurons in embryonic cerebral cortical implants into the spinal cord elaborate the appropriate biochemical and morphological constituents in spite of the ectopic location. However, the cell processes develop at a slower than normal pace. Morphological interaction between the host spinal cord and the implant can be demonstrated possibly as early as 45 days postimplantation and clearly at 6 months following the implant. Thus, further examination of cerebral cortical implants as a potential aid in allevation of paraplegia subsequent to spinal cord injury is warranted.
Weakly almost periodic mappings on two-dimensional manifolds

Abstract The behavior of a weakly almost periodic mapping on a two-dimensional manifold is examined. The subset consisting of the union of all minimal sets is discussed and a virtually complete description of this set and the action of the mapping on it is obtained.
Three-dimensional internal mammary lymphoscintigraphy: Implications for radiation therapy treatment planning for breast carcinoma

Conservative surgery combined with radiation therapy for the treatment of early breast carcinoma has been shown to achieve both a high rate of local tumor control and good cosmetic results with a minimum of complications. Whether the internal mammary lymph nodes (IMNs) should be included in the treatment volume is a topic of considerable controversy. Radionuclide internal mammary node lymphoscintigraphy (IMN-LS) can locate these nodes in three dimensions. We have analyzed the results of IMN-LS in 167 patients imaged at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and treated at the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy between 1977 and 1980. The location of the IMNs was found variable from patient to patient. At least one IMN was not included within tangential fields arbitrarily arranged to have a medial entrance point 3.0 cm across the midline in 17% of evaluable patients. However, 48% and 66% of patients had IMNs that could be adequately treated with fields positioned only 1.0 cm or 2.0 cm across midline, respectively. We conclude that when treatment of the IMNs is warranted, IMN-LS not only assures their complete coverage in the majority of patients but also may help reduce the amount of heart and lung irradiated.
Effects of menstrual cycle phase on ratings of implicitly erotic art.

Women’s perceptions of and responses to explicitly erotic stimuli have been shown to vary across the menstrual cycle. The present study examined responses to implicit eroticism. A total of 83 women provided reactions to paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe in 6 day intervals over the course of 1 month. Among freely cycling women (n = 37), 31% of their descriptions included sexual themes during the first half of their cycle, dropping to 9% of descriptions in the second half. In women using oral contraceptives (n = 46), there was no significant difference in descriptions across the cycle (13% in the first half vs. 17% in the second half). Results were discussed in terms of evolutionary psychology and social-cognitive perspectives on the relationships between hormonal fluctuations and sexuality.
IDENTIFICATION OF PETROLEUM RESIDUE SOURCES AFTER A FIRE AND OIL SPILL

ABSTRACT The evaluation of the environmental impacts resulting from an oil spill and fire at the West Hackberry Strategic Petroleum Reserve Complex was particularly challenging. The fire and spill resulted in two distinctive types of chemical releases into the environment. The spill released a large quantity of Arabian light crude oil into an area that had been exposed to Louisiana sweet crude oil during 40 years of production. The fire produced significant quantities of pyrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that were dispersed over a large area by wind. New methods were developed to identify samples, and consequently the areas, that were affected by these releases. Samples of sediment affected by the oil spill were distinguished from nonaffected samples by comparing the ratios of the alkyl phenanthrenes to the alkyl dibenzothiophenes (C1, C2, and C3) in a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the extractable hydrocarbons. These ratios effectively identified affected sediment even when the...
Structure of the poliovirus replicative intermediate RNA

Abstract The poliovirus replicative intermediate RNA has a heterogeneous sedimentation rate extending from 18 to 70 s. Heating of this RNA to between 60 and 75 °C (well below the melting temperature of double-stranded poliovirus RNA) causes a reduction in the sedimentation rate. Analysis on agarose columns has shown that this effect is due to release of molecules of RNA from the replicative intermediate which elute from agarose after viral RNA and which must be nascent molecules. Further, hybridization experiments have shown that there is continual replacement of the complementary RNA in the replicative intermediate by newly synthesized complementary RNA, in agreement with the hypothesis that double-stranded RNA arises as a by-product of the turnover of the replicative intermediate. From the data, it can be calculated that there are 6.5 growing viral RNA molecules in the average replicative intermediate. The data favor a semi-conservative model of replication.
Radiographic and Anatomic Basis for Prostate Contouring Errors and Methods to Improve Prostate Contouring Accuracy

Purpose Use of highly conformal radiation for prostate cancer can lead to both overtreatment of surrounding normal tissues and undertreatment of the prostate itself. In this retrospective study we analyzed the radiographic and anatomic basis of common errors in computed tomography (CT) contouring and suggest methods to correct them. Methods and Materials Three hundred patients with prostate cancer underwent CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The prostate was delineated independently on the data sets. CT and MRI contours were compared by use of deformable registration. Errors in target delineation were analyzed and methods to avoid such errors detailed. Results Contouring errors were identified at the prostatic apex, mid gland, and base on CT. At the apex, the genitourinary diaphragm, rectum, and anterior fascia contribute to overestimation. At the mid prostate, the anterior and lateral fasciae contribute to overestimation. At the base, the bladder and anterior fascia contribute to anterior overestimation. Transition zone hypertrophy and bladder neck variability contribute to errors of overestimation and underestimation at the superior base, whereas variable prostate–to–seminal vesicle relationships with prostate hypertrophy contribute to contouring errors at the posterior base. Conclusions Most CT contouring errors can be detected by ( 1 ) inspection of a lateral view of prostate contours to detect projection from the expected globular form and ( 2 ) recognition of anatomic structures (genitourinary diaphragm) on the CT scans that are clearly visible on MRI. This study shows that many CT prostate contouring errors can be improved without direct incorporation of MRI data.
Du Pont-State Relations

This paper examines the historical relations between the Du Pont Company and the U.S. federal government. Relations between the Du Pont Company and various segments of the state apparatus were varied and complex. I indicate how these historically contingent relations were affected by the strategies of capital accumulation adopted by the firm, the immediate organizational interests of the State, and the nature of class conflict in the society as a whole. These factors represent a combination of principles derived from neo-Marxian and neoWeberian theories of political economy. Corporations and governments are the most powerful organizations in advanced capitalist societies. Decisions regarding the most crucial issues that confront society as a whole are largely made within the context of these spheres of influence. Despite the importance of corporate and governmental organizations, relatively few theoretically-informed analyses regarding the specific content of relations between them exist in the literature. Most analyses of corporate-state relations begin at the institutional level of analysis and generalize to the level of the organization. As a result, these analyses tend to rely on rather sweeping, impressionistic, and often anecdotal evidence. What is required is a more detailed understanding of how specific relations are created, modified, and sustained over time. In this paper, I examine the historical interplay of relations between the E.I. du Pont de Nemours Company and the U.S. federal government.' The purpose of this paper is to identify the most historically significant aspects of these relations. First, I give a brief overview of the position of the Du Pont Company in the U.S. economy as a whole. Next, I describe the key factors which have influenced the development of Du Pont-state relationships. I then present a narrative summary of the history of these relations. Finally, I discuss these findings in light of more general theories of political economy.
Reference Enthalpy Method Developed from Solutions of the Boundary-Layer Equations

A simple average of local enthalpy over the velocity profile is proposed as the proper definition of reference enthalpy for the purpose of quasi-one-dimensional treatment of compressible boundary layers. Use of Van Driest's nearly exact solutions of the laminar boundary-layer equations shows that this definition produces Eckert's reference enthalpy formulation for the special case of an adiabatic wall. For surfaces other than adiabatic, either Eckert's form should be replaced by that of Young and Janssen, or the coefficient in Eckert's viscous heating term should be slightly modified. A similar analysis was conducted for turbulent flows using Whitfield and High's simplified solutions of the turbulent boundary-layer equations. Dorrance's derivation of reference quantities is also addressed. This work provides a theoretical basis for the empirical reference enthalpy formulas of Eckert and others and supplies practical expressions for the reference enthalpy of both laminar and turbulent compressible boundary layers.
Amniotic fluid and placental stem cells.

The amniotic fluid and the placenta are unique sources of different populations of stem cells—mesenchymal, hematopoietic, trophoblastic—and, possibly, of more primitive stem cells. Although much of the amniotic cavity/fluid and the placenta share a common embryonic origin, the specific origins of the stem cells found in these two compartments remain to be determined. Accordingly, it is not yet known whether all or part of these two stem-cell subsets are actually the same. The multilineage potential of the different stem cell populations from these two sources has begun to be described but still much remains to be learned. Thus, it is not surprising that clinical applications related to the use of these cells have yet to be reported. Nevertheless, fertile experimental work from many different groups has introduced a number of promising novel therapeutic concepts utilizing these cells, such as in tissue engineering, cell transplantation, and gene therapy.
The concept of family nursing.

A system-based conceptualization of family nursing is suggested, with family nursing practised on three system levels The level of individual family members views the family as the context of the individuals The interpersonal level addresses dyads and larger units and the family system level includes the structural and functional system components interacting with the environment Intervention on a higher system level includes the lower levels While family nursing falls within the practice scope of all nurses, intervention aimed at system change requires holistic understanding of the intricate relationships between family system components and the skills of clinical specialists
Convergence to steady state solutions of the Euler equations on unstructured grids with limiters

Abstract This paper addresses the practical problem of obtaining convergence to steady state solutions of the Euler equations when limiters are used in conjunction with upwind schemes on unstructured grids. The base scheme forms a gradient and limits it by imposing monotonicity conditions in the reconstruction stage. It is shown by analysis in one dimension that such an approach leads to various schemes meeting total-variation-diminishing requirements in one dimension. In multiple dimensions these schemes produce steady-state solutions that are monotone and devoid of oscillations. However, convergence stalls after a few orders of reduction in the residual. A new limiter is introduced that is particularly suited for unstructured grid applications. When reduced to one dimension, it is shown that this limiter satisfies the standard theory. With this limiter, it is shown that converged steady-state solutions can be obtained. However, the solutions are not monotone. There appears to be a conflict between achieving convergence and monotone solutions with the higher order schemes that employ limiters in the framework presented.
Work in progress: Gender impacts of relevant robotics curricula on high school students' engineering attitudes and interest

This study compares gender differences on Likert scale pre/post assessments of engineering interest, identity, and knowledge in three “traditional” introductory function- and task-oriented robotics courses and two biomedical robotics courses. In addition, the STEM Academy at a local high school is surveyed to identify their preferences given six hypothetical robotics curricula: three traditional function- and task-oriented courses and three contextualized courses consistent with helping society and gender-friendly messaging. The students are asked to rate each hypothetical course from least to most preferred. ANOVA is used to test our hypothesis that the biomedical robotics curriculum will result in higher gains in engineering interest and identity for all students, especially for the girls in the sample. This study adds to the literature base by empirically testing the role that the design problems and contexts we choose as engineering educators plays in the gender inclusiveness of K-12 engineering education efforts.
The Impact of Formalization on Warehousing Firms

Many of today's most successful companies have decided to focus on their core business and purchase other functional needs from outside vendors. Time and resource constraints make utilization of public or contract warehousing providers an attractive option. Because of their specialized expertise, external warehousing firms are often able to deliver services in a more cost‐effective and efficient manner. The researchers examined differential capabilities among warehousing service providers based upon the degree of formalized internal processes developed. Formalization was shown to impact: 1) the average number of services provided; 2) the average number of computer applications used in providing services to customers; and 3) the average number of installed technologies within the respondent firms. More highly formalized firms are positioned to be able to “offer more”.
Epidermal Impedance Sensing Sheets for Precision Hydration Assessment and Spatial Mapping

This paper presents a class of hydration monitor that uses ultrathin, stretchable sheets with arrays of embedded impedance sensors for precise measurement and spatially multiplexed mapping. The devices contain miniaturized capacitive electrodes arranged in a matrix format, capable of integration with skin in a conformal, intimate manner due to the overall skin-like physical properties. These “epidermal” systems noninvasively quantify regional variations in skin hydration, at uniform or variable skin depths. Experimental results demonstrate that the devices possess excellent uniformity, with favorable precision and accuracy. Theoretical models capture the underlying physics of the measurement and enable quantitative interpretation of the experimental results. These devices are appealing for applications ranging from skin care and dermatology, to cosmetology and health/wellness monitoring, with the additional potential for combined use with other classes of sensors for comprehensive, quantitative physiological assessment via the skin.
Water loss and evolution of the upper atmosphere and exosphere over martian history

Abstract The loss of water from Mars can be evaluated by studying the evolution of the escape rate of atomic oxygen over time. Throughout martian history, the evolution of solar radiation has led to significant variations in the macroscopic parameters of the thermosphere/ionosphere, which in turn govern the hot species population of the exosphere and especially the atmospheric loss rates. In this study, the combination of our Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) kinetic model and the 3D Mars Thermosphere General Circulation Model (MTGCM) [Valeille, A., Combi, M.R., Tenishev, V., Bougher, S.W., Nagy, A., 2009. Icarus. doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2008.08.018 ] is used to describe self-consistently ancient upper atmospheres of Mars for different solar inputs. 3D descriptions from the MTGCM of the ancient thermosphere/ionosphere are presented and discussed for the first time, including density profiles and temperature maps of the background neutrals and ions for the three epochs considered, which can be related to a solar EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) flux enhancement of 1, 3 and 6 times the present values. Furthermore, solar cycle effects are quantified and discussed for both present and past conditions. Along with maps of ion production by photoionization (PI), charge exchange (CE) and electron impact (EI), the DSMC model provides density and temperature profiles, return fluxes and atmospheric loss rates of suprathermal exospheric oxygen as functions of the Solar Zenith Angle (SZA). This approach allows us to study the effects of dynamics on the ancient Mars upper atmosphere structure. Thermospheric variations are found to be not as large as previous 1D models predicted. The study of the evolution of the heat balance suggests that the ancient Mars thermosphere, of about 3.5 billion years (Gyr) ago, was relatively similar to the present Venus thermosphere. While O 2 + dissociative recombination (DR) is by far the main source of atmospheric escape at present, its relative contribution is shown to be reduced in the past compared to secondary escape processes. Nevertheless, O 2 + DR is found to remain the main driver of atmospheric escape over this period. The long-term decay of atmospheric loss throughout the martian history (until about 3.5 Gyr ago) may be comparable to the short-term periodic variations at present. A heuristic scaling law for evolution of water over time is proposed and a conservative estimate of about 10 m of water is found to have escaped globally to space over the last ∼3.5 Gyr.
Comparing Measures of Reliability for Indices of Gingivitis and Plaque

The purpose of this methodological study was to compare methods used to assess reliability for gingival inflammation and plaque. Duplicate examinations were conducted by one examiner on 17 subjects (506 scoring sites), using the gingival index (GI), bleeding points index (BPI), and plaque index (PI). The percentage of agreement, the weighted and unweighted kappa coefficients, and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated as statistics of reliability for mesial buccal site scores and whole mouth mean scores when appropriate. For mesial buccal sites the respective values of the GI, BPI, and PI for weighted kappas were: 0.47, 0.49, and 0.75; for the correlation coefficients: 0.47, 0.49, and 0.76; for unweighted kappas, 0.39, 0.49, and 0.39; and for percentage of agreement 66.2%, 76.1%, and 51.2%. For whole mouth means the correlation coefficients for the GI, BPI, and PI were 0.87, 0.59, and 0.87, respectively. In conclusion, the most useful statistics in assessing the intraexaminer reliability of a solo examiner in descending order were the weighted kappa coefficient, Pearson correlation coefficient, the unweighted kappa coefficient, and percentage of agreement.
A class of nonlinear de Bruijn cycles

We describe an algorithm for determining a nonlinear de Bruijn sequence of length 2 n requiring only 3 n bits of storage. We then find a collection of crossjoins which can be applied to the sequence to produce a large class of related de Bruijn cycles. We give some ideas on the implementation of the generation of these sequences and some warnings about their possible deficiencies.
Lithium Diisopropylamide-Mediated Enolizations: Solvent-Independent Rates, Solvent-Dependent Mechanisms

Rate studies of a lithium diisopropylamide-mediated ester enolization reveal solvation effects that are not in accord with expectation. Metalations in THF, t-BuOMe, HMPA/THF, and DMPU/THF (HMPA = hexamethylphosphoramide, DMPU = 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2(1H)-pyrimidone) occur at nearly the same rates, yet proceed via four fundamentally distinct scenarios: (1) disolvated monomer in THF, (2) monosolvated dimer in t-BuOMe, (3) both monosolvated monomer and tetrasolvated dimer in HMPA/THF, and (4) mono- and disolvated monomers in DMPU/THF. The implication of reactive open dimers in t-BuOMe and triple ions in HMPA/THF underscores the importance of aggregate-based reactions.
The oxidative stress metabolite 4-hydroxynonenal promotes Alzheimer protofibril formation.

4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), formed as a consequence of oxidative stress, exists at increased concentrations in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and is found in amyloid β peptide (Aβ) plaques associated with AD. Although it remains an open question as to whether oxidative stress is a causative factor or a consequence of AD, we show here that 4-HNE, putatively resulting from the peroxidation of lipids, covalently modifies Aβ, triggering its aggregation. These Aβ modifications result from 1,4 conjugate addition and/or Schiff base formation, they occur at multiple locations on a single Aβ peptide, and they result in covalent cross-linking of Aβ peptides. The consequence of these reactions is that 4-HNE accelerates the formation of Aβ protofibrils while inhibiting the production of straight, mature fibrils. Recent studies implicating Aβ oligomers and protofibrils in the neurotoxic process that ultimately leads to AD suggest that the Aβ aggregates induced by 4-HNE may be important in the pathogenesis of AD. Thes...
A daily rhythm in heat tolerance in the salt marsh fish Fundulus heteroclitus

1)A daily rhythm in heat tolerance occurs in Fundulus heteroclitus acclimated to temperatures of 12°C or 27°C; the rhythm persists at least 30 days in the laboratory in the absence of any thermal fluctuation. 2) The significance of the rhythm appears to be anticipation of daily temperature changes in a highly fluctuating thermal environment. 3) A normal photoperiod is necessary for the full expression of the rhythm, although it appears to have a weak endogenous component which persists in darkness.
Blood pressure determinants in a middle-class black population: the University of Pittsburgh experience.

Abstract The relationship between blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, smoking, Type A behavior, anger, stress, geographic mobility, and socioeconomic status was assessed in 173 black college freshmen ages 16–22. In comparison with the overall black population of the United States, these students were generally from better educated, relatively affluent, black families. Among women, body mass index was a positive, independent predictor of systolic blood pressure, whereas alcohol consumption and state anger were inverse, independent predictors. Geographic mobility was found to be a positive, independent predictor of diastolic blood pressure among women. Among men, body mass index and heart rate were independent, positive predictors of systolic blood pressure. This study demonstrates important correlations between biological and psychosocial factors and blood pressure in an understudied population.
Bokeh microscopy-enabled microfluidic channels for facile point-of-care monitoring

We report the implementation of the bokeh microscopy scheme in microfluidic settings for future applications in point-of-care microchannel monitoring in highly resource-limited environments. We realize the functional integration using a single polymer microlens fabricated over the microchannel. The inherent simplicity of the bokeh microscopy enables image capturing with an off-the-shelf camera. Our pilot devices exhibit 10 ∼ 40 of magnification and 67 ∼ 252 μm of field-of-view extent, confirming their utility for monitoring 50 ∼ 100 μm microchannels carrying 10 ∼ 50 μm objects.