cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rice Water Weevil Resistance to Aldrin in Texas

Data from small-plot tests with aldrin as a seed treatment to control Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel conducted over a 10-year period indicate development of resistance during the period 1964 through 1967. Topical applications of aldrin to adult rice water weevils from 5 locations in the rice-growing areas of Texas indicated 3 General levels of resistance in 1966.
A useful integral function and its application in thermal radiation calculations

Abstract A new integral function has been discovered. The present function is found to be useful in computing the spectral emissivity of an isothermal volume containing either soot or gaseous species, or both. Examples of its application are discussed herein.
Enhancement of the Surface Modes in Photoacoustic FT-IR Spectroscopy Using a Highly Polarizable Inert Gas

Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy has been used for the analysis of surface functionality and adsorbed species. Using a highly polarizable gas in the photoacoustic cell and comparing the spectra with a nonpolarizable coupling gas, one can obtain useful information regarding the species present and their orientation with respect to the surface. A highly polarizable inert gas, xenon, enhances those surface modes which are preferentially oriented parallel to the surface and suppresses the intensity of the perpendicular modes. The two types of modes for adsorbed molecules on the oxide surfaces such as silica have been demonstrated. The intensities of the carbon monoxide mode (parallel to the surface) are greatly enhanced and those of adsorbed water (perpendicular) are suppressed. Surface hydroxyls show less intensity in xenon than helium, reflecting preferentially perpendicular orientation with respect to the surface. This method requires only a routine photoacoustic setup and the use of polarizable and nonpolarizable gases.
Adaptations to life in the sulfide system: a comparison of oxygen detoxifying enzymes in thiobiotic and oxybiotic meiofauna (and freshwater planarians)

Although thiobiotic meiofauna live under anoxia, they have higher levels of the oxygen-detoxifying enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) than oxybiotic species. Microoxyphilic oxybios have lower enzyme activities than other oxybiotic species. All meiofauna have lower activities than oxybiotic macrofauna. Catalase and SOD activities increased in direct proportion to sulfide tolerance in thiobios and to ambient oxygen concentration in oxybios. All meiofaunal species studied, including oxybios, are usually exposed to lower O2 concentrations than burrow-dwelling macrofauna and so have lower catalase and SOD activities. Enzyme activities in thiobios must be related to sulfide concentration and sulfide metabolism because simple oxygen exposure is an unlikely explanation. Thiobiotic catalase is insensitive to both azide and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, similar to a sulfide-insensitive bacterial enzyme called pseudocatalase. Catalase and SOD activities are inversely proportional to light sensitivity in three planarian species, suggesting a photo-protective role for these enzymes in these species.
Some observations of coarse shear bands in polystyrene

On the surface parallel to the shear direction, coarse bands appear as ridges, usually of isosceles cross-section with a height-to-base ratio of about 1/10. They split and join with thickness conservation but a corresponding change of cross-section. The shear strain along the same band is almost a constant with a most probable value of 1.8 but a spread between 1 and 3 among different bands. The bands terminate by reducing the shear strain to zero or by converting themselves to a bundle of fine bands at obstacles. Upon annealing the height of the band ridge is reduced until it disappears. When a banded surface is polished, the band pattern reappears upon either annealing or recompression. However, in the former case, the bands are valleys with reverse shear strain but in the latter they are ridges with almost no strain. Similar behaviour occurs on the polished cut surfaces in the middle of the specimen after annealing. On the side surface, the bands are wavy and they are steps rather than ridges. They also split and join with thickness conservation and they terminate freely. Based on these characteristics, the propagation of coarse bands can be viewed as the motion of macroscopic Volterra dislocations.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE VISCOELASTIC RETARDATION SPECTRUM DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EPOXY RESIN NETWORK

The evolution of the viscoelastic behavior of an epoxy resin at various stages of curing has been followed with the changes in the retardation spectrum. The creep J(t) and recoverable creep compliance Jr(t) curves of the neat epoxy resin Epon l00lF (Shell) were determined at temperatures between 30 and 77°C. The viscosity decreased over 8 orders of magnitude as the temperature was increased. Specimens with eight stages of network development were prepared by reacting all of the epoxy resin's oxirane rings with amine hydrogens from varying ratios of a monofunctional amine (methyl aniline) and a tetrafunctional amine 4,4′-diamino diphenyl sulfone (DDS). Preparations in which 25, 35, and 40% DDS were used did not result in a molecular network, so they were viscoelastic liquids. With 45% DDS, the product had a nascent network and was judged to be just beyond the point of incipient gelation. The remaining preparations from 0.50, 0.60, 0.70, and 1.0 DDS yielded tighter less compliant molecular networks. The creep and recoverable compliance curves were measured over a range of temperatures above the glass transition temperature, Tg. They were reduced to Tg, and retardation spectra L(ln τ) were calculated.
Stable oscillations in single species growth models with hereditary effects

Abstract We study single species growth models incorporating hereditary effects. Detailed calculations are carried out for a specific model with one delay parameter T as T varies in the entire range T >0. Using perturbation and bifurcation techniques, we show that the effect of the hereditary term is that the equilibrium state, which is stable for small values of T (say T T 1 ), is unstable for T 1 T T 2 , and regains its stability for large delays T > T 2 . We show that for T 1 T T 2 a stable oscillatory state, exists which bifurcates from the equilibrium state through an exchange of stability at T = T 1 and T = T 2 . Numerical computations and graphs of the solutions are given for the solutions in all ranges of T .
Infrared Electric Emitters for Drying Paper

The paper industry is the second largest consumer of energy in the Northwest. The majority of energy consumption in any paper mill occurs in the paper dryer section. This article presents a unique, complete dryer section design that is more economical than conventional paper dryers. The proposed dryers use infrared radiation as the primary form of heat transfer. The infrared dryer section design is compared to the conventional steam dryer section for a high speed newsprint paper machine. Since conventional steam dryer sections in paper machines are a major capital investment and last for decades, a simple, economical retrofit design of a conventional dryer section is included.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Evaluating spin diffusion in MAS-NOESY spectra of phospholipid multibilayers

Abstract Biological semisolids such as aqueous phospholipid dispersions are amenable to experiments that combine magic-angle spinning (MAS) to yield high-resolution 1 H NMR spectra and two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser spectroscopy (NOESY) to estimate proton-proton distances. Using several selectively deuterated dimyristoylphosphatidylcholines, a systematic investigation has been made into the origin of an anomalous NOESY crosspeak between methyl groups of the lipid headgroup and the acyl chains. Although the spin-relaxation and line-narrowing behavior in these multilamellar systems argue against efficient spin diffusion, interdigitated or chain-bendback structural models that bring these 1 H nuclei into close proximity are not implicated by the MAS-NOESY results for this phospholipid system. A mechanism has been proposed for spin communication between the two types of methyl protons within a conventional lipid bilayer structure: through-space interactions link the headgroup and backbone protons on adjacent molecules, and then spin diffusion occurs along the acyl chains.
The migratory pathway of neural crest cells into the skin of mouse embryos.

Abstract The migration of neural crest derived melanoblasts into the skin of mice was studied by the ectoderm-mesoderm recombination technique. Dorsolateral skin from albino and black mouse embryos at the time of initial melanoblast invasion was separated into ectoderm and mesoderm components, recombined with each other, and grown in the chick embryo coelom for a sufficient period to allow melanin formation. Recombined skin from embryos 11 days old formed pigment only when the mesodermal component was from a genetically black embryo. The black ectoderm-albino mesoderm recombinations failed to produce pigment in all cases. At this critical age when melanoblasts were first entering the skin, they were present exclusively in the mesodermal component. Skin recombinations made from 12-day mouse embryos showed a spread of melanoblasts into the ectodermal component, and by 13 and 14 days both dermal mesoderm and epidermal ectoderm were populated by melanoblasts.
A cross-regulation-free triple-output switched-capacitor DC-DC regulator for energy-harvesting applications

This paper presents a cross-regulation-free switched-capacitor (SC) DC-DC regulator that is able to simultaneously produce three different regulated output voltages for energy harvesting applications. With capacitor and power switch sharing, the proposed power stage can realize separate 2x, 3x and 4x outputs, while saving 3 flying capacitors and 9 power switches compared with using an independent single-output doubler, tripler and quadrupler. A sub-harmonic fixed on-time control scheme is developed not only to regulate all outputs, but also to improve the light-load regulator power efficiency, minimize cross-regulations between the three outputs, and provide predictable noise spectrum of all regulated outputs. Implemented in a standard 0.35μm CMOS process, the proposed regulator can provide three regulated outputs of 2V, 3V and 4V under 1.1V input voltage, and deliver up to 15mA (2V), 12mA (3V), 2mA (4V) local currents. The proposed regulator also achieves a maximum power efficiency of 89.8%.
Potential reversibility of lipofuscin accumulation

It is well established that the lipofuscin content of many post-mitotic cell types increases progressively during normal senescence. This age-related accumulation of lipofuscin may occur either: (1) because lipofuscin, once formed, is never degraded or eliminated from cells; or (2) because, despite turnover of this pigment, the rate of lipofuscin formation exceeds the rate at which it is eliminated. Little research has been performed to distinguish between these possibilities. Several studies suggest that lipofuscin may be turned over. However, definitive demonstrations that such turnover does occur under normal circumstances are lacking. It is possible to specifically halt new lipofuscin formation in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of animals at an age when significant amounts of lipofuscin have accumulated in these cells. By monitoring the RPE for possible decreases in lipofuscin content after new pigment formation has been halted, it should be possible to determine whether previously formed lipofuscin can be eliminated from the RPE.
Enabling multi-party 3D tele-immersive environments with ViewCast

Three-dimensional tele-immersive (3DTI) environments have great potential to promote collaborative work among geographically distributed users. However, most existing 3DTI systems only work with two sites due to the huge demand of resources and the lack of a simple yet powerful networking model to handle connectivity, scalability, and quality-of-service (QoS) guarantees.In this article, we explore the design space from the angle of multi-stream management to enable multi-party 3DTI communication. Multiple correlated 3D video streams are employed to provide a comprehensive representation of the physical scene in each 3DTI environment, and are rendered together to establish a common cyberspace among all participating 3DTI environments. The existence of multi-stream correlation provides the unique opportunity for new approaches in QoS provisioning. Previous work mostly concentrated on compression and adaptation techniques on the per-stream basis while ignoring the application layer semantics and the coordination required among streams. We propose an innovative and generalized ViewCast model to coordinate the multi-stream content dissemination over an overlay network. ViewCast leverages view semantics in 3D free-viewpoint video systems to fill the gap between high-level user interest and low-level stream management. In ViewCast, only the view information is specified by the user/application, while the underlying control dynamically performs stream differentiation, selection, coordination, and dissemination. We present the details of ViewCast and evaluate it through both simulation and 3DTI sessions among tele-immersive environments residing in different institutes across the Internet2. Our experimental results demonstrate the implementation feasibility and performance enhancement of ViewCast in supporting multi-party 3DTI collaboration.
Enzyme changes associated with mitochondrial malic enzyme deficiency in mice.

Summary A genetically determined absence of mitochondrial malic enzyme (EC 1.1.1.40) in c3H/c 6H mice is accompanied by a four-fold increase in liver giucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and a two-fold increase for 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase activity. Smaller increases in the activity of serine dehydratase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase are observed while the level of glutamic pyruvate transaminase activity is reduced in the liver of deficient mice. Unexpectedly, the level of activity of total malic enzyme in the livers of mitochondrial malic enzyme~leficient mice is increased approximately 50% compared to littermate controls. No similar increase in soluble malic enzyme activity is observed in heart of kidney tissue of mutant mice and the levels of total malic enzyme in these tissues are in accord with expected levels of activity in mitochondrial malic enzyme-deficient mice. The divergence in levels of enzyme activity between mutant and wild-type mice begins at 19--21 days of age. Immunoinactivati on experiments with monospecific antisera to the soluble malic enzyme and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase demonstrate that the activity increases represent increases in the amount of enzyme protein. The alterations are not consistent with a single hormonal response.
Identification and characterization of a second copy number control gene in mini-F plasmids

We previously reported the existence of a series of chemically induced trans recessive copy-number mutations (cop) for mini-F plasmids and the existence of a similar series of cop mutations induced by insertion of the ampicillin resistance transposon Tn3. In this paper we describe the experiments showing that these two series of mutations are in different genes. Briefly, the experiments show that the one mutant series can complement the other, that the mutations map in distinct but adjacent regions, that the copy numbers of double mutants are the products of the copy numbers determined by the single mutations, and that Tn3 does not elevate copy number by a polar effect on the adjacent cop gene defined by chemical mutagenesis. We term the latter gene copA and the gene mutated by Tn3, copB. We also demonstrate here that copB mutations are recessive to the wild type allele. Further, we have characterized copB by deletion and recombinational analysis as the series of five 19- to 22-base-pair directly repeated sequences that had previously been designated incC-that is, one of the incompatibility genes. The evidence for this conclusion is that plasmids lacking two, three or five direct repeats have their copy number elevated proportionately. Possible mechanisms for copB control of replication are discussed.
Buprenorphine: an analgesic with an expanding role in the treatment of opioid addiction.

Buprenorphine, a long-acting opioid with both agonist and antagonist properties, binds to μ-opioid (OP3), σ-opioid (OP2), δ-opioid (OP1), and nociceptin (ORL-1) receptors. Its actions at these receptors have not been completely characterized, although buprenorphine is generally regarded as a μ-opioid receptor partial agonist and a k-opioid receptor antagonist. Its pharmacology is further complicated by an active metabolite, norbuprenorphine. Although buprenorphine can be used as an analgesic agent, it is of greater importance in the treatment of opioid abuse. Because of its partial agonist activity at μ-opioid receptors and its long half-life, buprenorphine has proven to be an excellent alternative to methadone for either maintenance therapy or detoxification of the opioid addict. Although buprenorphine may ultimately prove to be superior to methadone in the maintenance of the pregnant addict, its effects on the developing fetus must be carefully evaluated.
Nylon 11/silica nanocomposite coatings applied by the HVOF process. II. Mechanical and barrier properties

Nylon 11 coatings filled with nominal 0–15 vol % of nanosized silica or carbon black were produced using the high velocity oxy-fuel combustion spray process. The scratch and sliding wear resistance, mechanical, and barrier properties of nanocomposite coatings were measured. The effect of powder initial size, filler content, filler chemistry, coating microstructure, and morphology were evaluated. Improvements of up to 35% in scratch and 67% in wear resistance were obtained for coatings with nominal 15 vol % contents of hydrophobic silica or carbon black, respectively, relative to unfilled coatings. This increase appeared to be primarily attributable to filler addition and increased matrix crystallinity. Particle surface chemistry, distribution, and dispersion also contributed to the differences in coating scratch and wear performance. Reinforcement of the polymer matrix resulted in increases of up to 205% in the glass storage modulus of nanocomposite coatings. This increase was shown to be a function of both the surface chemistry and amount of reinforcement. The storage modulus of nanocomposite coatings at temperatures above the glass transition temperature was higher than that of unfilled coatings by up to 195%, depending primarily on the particle size of the starting polymer powder. Results also showed that the water vapor transmission rate through nanoreinforced coatings decreased by up to 50% compared with pure polymer coatings. The aqueous permeability of coatings produced from smaller particle size polymers (D-30) was lower than the permeability of coatings produced from larger particles because of the lower porosities and higher densities achieved in D-30 coatings. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 78: 2272–2289, 2000
Decade-Long Trends in Mortality Among Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus at a Major Academic Medical Center

The prevalence of diabetes has risen markedly over the past decade and is projected to increase substantially.1 Over 20 percent of hospitalized patients are estimated to have diabetes,2 and individuals with diabetes have historically suffered higher inpatient mortality than individuals without diabetes.3 Over the past decade, evidence from large clinical trials has prompted recommendations for tighter inpatient and outpatient glucose control as well as more stringent blood pressure and lipid management in order to improve outcomes for patients with diabetes.4–6 It is unclear whether the mortality impact of diabetes has changed as a consequence.
Sensory Organ Replacement and Repair

The senses of human hearing and sight are often taken for granted by many individuals until they are lost or adversely affected. Millions of individuals suffer from partial or total hearing loss and millions of others have impaired vision. The technologies associated with augmenting these two human senses range from simple hearing aids to complex cochlear implants, and from (now commonplace) intraocular lenses to complex artificial corneas. The areas of human hearing and human sight will be described in detail with the associated array of technologies also described.
Protease-activated receptor signaling in the regulation of inflammation.

Objective: To discuss recent studies addressing the relationship between protease-activated receptor signaling, coagulation, and inflammation. Data Extraction and Synthesis: This review article covers relevant original articles published until October 2003 dealing with animal models, clinical trial data, and in vitro experiments. Conclusions: Although activation of protease-activated receptors has been implicated in the proinflammatory effects of the coagulation cascade, current data provide evidence that protease-activated receptor signaling plays a more complex role in the regulation of inflammation and endothelial homeostasis. Sensitive assays for coagulation activation have provided clear evidence that targeting the coagulation pathway effectively reduces the coagulopathy in sepsis. However, the effect of these anticoagulant agents on sepsis-associated inflammation is less clear. Further insight into this question will require the development or use of additional biomarkers for assessing pharmacologic interference with coagulation-related cell-signaling pathways.
Depression and frequency facilitation at a synapse in Aplysia californica: evidence for regulation by availability of transmitter.

Summary Synaptic depression and frequency facilitation were observed in the monosynaptic and uritary excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) obtained in the ‘parabolic burster cell’ (R15) by stimulating the right visceropleural connective in Aplysia californica . During trains of stimulation at 0.5–2 c/sec the size of the EPSP was initially depressed during the first few stimuli and subsequently slowly increased to reach a potentiated steady state after a few hundred stimuli. The relative amount of depression between the first two EPSPs depended on (a) the inter-stimulus interval, and (b) the size of the first EPSP. The larger the first EPSP the larger the percentage depression whether variations in the size of the first EPSP were due to natural interanimal variability or experimental manipulation of the concentrations of Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and Co 2+ . The amount of frequency facilitation (expressed as the ratio of the 100th EPSP to the first EPSP of a train) increased with increasing frequency of stimulation and was inversely related to the log of the size of the first EPSP both for natural variations in EPSP size and manipulations of the EPSP size by changing the divalent cation concentrations. Neither the level of hyperpolarization of R 15 nor partial curarization affected the relative depression and potentiation. We suggest that the initial depression is largely due to depletion of a rather small pool of transmitter available for release, while the frequency facilitation is the result of a Ca 2+ and frequency dependent increase in the net rate of supply of transmitter into the available pool.
PHARMACOTHERAPY COMBINED WITH OTHER TREATMENT METHODS.

Summary This paper attempts to review reports on combinations of drugs and other modalities. The following tentative impressions appear warranted: 1. Combined ECT and drugs: Anti-depressants may maintain post-ECT improvement in mood, but no decided advantage obtains from its use during a course of ECT treatment. Combination of reserpine and ECT may be dangerous. Phenothiazines may have beneficial effects as a tranquilizer, but synergism with ECT remains doubtful. 2. Combined occupational therapy and drugs: Apparently drugs make it possible for many inaccessible patients to participate meaningfully in social interaction and to learn new skills. 3. Combined psychotherapy and drugs: Various drugs are alleged to hasten or facilitate individual psychotherapy; however, where anxiety is reduced it is also reported that patients stop working in psychotherapy and become complacent. Individualization and special attention to drug dosage may optimize usefulness of drugs in this context. In group therapy, tranquilizers appear to facilitate interaction and enhance the group process.
Novel thermoplastic elastomers. I. Synthesis and characterization of star-block copolymers of PSt-b-PIB arms emanating from cyclosiloxane cores

The synthesis and characterization of novel thermoplastic elastomers consisting of multiple polystyrene-b-polyisobutylene (PSt-b-PIB) arms emanating from cyclosiloxane cores is described. The synthesis involved the sequential living cationic block copolymerization of styrene (St) and isobutylene (IB), followed by quantitative allylic end-functionalization of the living PSt-b-PIB+ to produce PSt-b-PIBCH2 CHCH2 prearms, and finally linking by hydrosilation of these prearms with SiH-containing cyclosiloxanes (e.g., 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexamethylcyclohexasiloxane, D). Two types of star-blocks, namely primary and higher-order star-blocks, were prepared: Primary star-blocks containing 3–9 PSt-b-PIB arms were obtained by using various cyclosiloxanes (D to D) and a close to exact stoichiometry between the SiH and allyl groups, [SiH]/[CC] ∼ 1, in the essential absence of moisture ([H2O] ∼ 100 ppm). Higher-order star-blocks consisting of 13–24 PSt-b-PIB arms radiating from complex coupled cyclosiloxanes were prepared by the use of SiH/allyl ratios significantly larger than unity ([SiH]/[CC] = 2–3) in the presence of controlled amounts of moisture ([H2O] ∼ 600 ppm). Reaction conditions (temperature, concentration, stoichiometry, solvent nature, catalyst concentration, etc.) for efficient syntheses have been developed. The products were characterized by 200 and 600 MHz 1H-NMR spectroscopy and triple-detector (RI, UV, LLS) GPC. The microstructure of the condensed cores in the higher-order star-blocks was studied by 2D-NMR (HMQC) spectroscopy, and the number of cyclosiloxane rings in the cores (i.e., the content (wt %) of cores in the star-blocks) was determined. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 2997–3012, 1998
Low sulfur coal a revision of reserve and supply estimates

Abstract Conventionally, the definition of low sulfur coal, on which traditional reserve and supply estimates are based, depends only on the weight of sulfur in a ton of coal. The Btu content of coal is not considered. However, coal purchases and SO2 regulations are based on Btu content. A recalculation of reserve estimates of low sulfur coal on a utility average Btu basis reduces traditional U. S. estimates by over 75% and Western estimates by almost 85%. When calculated on a Btu basis, maximizing low sulfur coal production results in a supply shortage by 1985. The data revisions are significant for both energy policy planning and air pollution control.
Fate of SO2 in the ancient Martian atmosphere: Implications for transient greenhouse warming

[1] There is increasing evidence that sulfur played an important role on early Mars. Sulfur is distributed ubiquitously on the Martian surface, and sulfur in Martian meteorites carries the signature of atmospheric interactions. Recent work suggests that the radiative properties of sulfur volatiles that were degassed into the Martian atmosphere may have caused a greenhouse effect early in the planet's history. It remains unclear, however, over what timescales warming from sulfur volatiles would have persisted, and consequently how significant this warming may have been. While most photochemistry research to date has concentrated on current Martian conditions, the ancient Martian atmosphere was thicker, warmer, and more reducing than the current regime. Here we investigate sulfur photochemistry in a 500 mb ancient Martian atmosphere. After adapting a model used to study sulfur photochemistry on Earth during the Archean, we find a short lifetime for SO2 in the current Martian atmosphere, similar to results of other photochemical studies. However, our simulations suggest that moderate mixing ratios of SO2 (10−8 ≤ f(SO2) ≤ 10−6) could have persisted in the ancient Martian atmosphere for hundreds of years, generating short but potent warming events following episodes of volcanic activity.
Phasing methods for protein crystallography.

The phase problem has been formulated as one of constrained global minimization and it leads to the minimal principle, which is the theoretical basis of ‘Shake-and-Bake’ — an algorithm for the automatic solution of the phase problem, ab initio. A related approach (termed ‘Half-Baked’) that, as in Shake-and-Bake, alternates phase refinement in reciprocal space with density modification in real space, has recently been formulated. The traditional techniques of direct methods have been integrated with isomorphous replacement and anomalous scattering and the first applications have been made. The accurate measurement of a limited number of structure invariants by means of multiple beam X-ray diffraction has become a reality. A feasibility study shows that, in combination with the direct method, the ability to measure the values of the structure invariants experimentally will strengthen existing techniques.
An assessment of the black ocean pixel assumption for MODIS SWIR bands

Abstract Recent studies show that an atmospheric correction algorithm using shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands improves satellite-derived ocean color products in turbid coastal waters. In this paper, the black pixel assumption (i.e., zero water-leaving radiance contribution) over the ocean for the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) SWIR bands at 1240, 1640, and 2130 nm is assessed for various coastal ocean regions. The black pixel assumption is found to be generally valid with the MODIS SWIR bands at 1640 and 2130 nm even for extremely turbid waters. For the MODIS 1240 nm band, however, ocean radiance contribution is generally negligible in mildly turbid waters such as regions along the U.S. east coast, while some slight radiance contributions are observed in extremely turbid waters, e.g., some regions along the China east coast, the estuary of the La Plata River. Particularly, in the Hangzhou Bay, the ocean radiance contribution at the SWIR band 1240 nm results in an overcorrection of atmospheric and surface effects, leading to errors of MODIS-derived normalized water-leaving radiance at the blue reaching ~ 0.5 mW cm− 2 μm− 1 sr− 1. In addition, we found that, for non-extremely turbid waters, i.e., the ocean contribution at the near-infrared (NIR) band
GM1 and the Aged Braina

: Aging is associated with the loss of brain neurotransmitter function, which apparently is the substrate for an adverse constellation of age-associated symptoms. In particular, cholinergic deficits have been associated with cognitive impairment in aging. Systemic administration of GM1 ganglioside, 30 mg/kg, ip, for 30 days, enhances the cholinergic neurochemical presynaptic markers, choline acetyltransferase, choline uptake, and acetylcholine, in the brain and spinal cord of aged 22–24-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition to correcting cholinergic neurochemistry, it improves spatial learning and memory impairment, and restores the number and the size of the cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain and striatum. The induced neuronal recovery by GM1 is long-lasting.
The association between cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Objective Increasing evidence suggests that some neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, are inversely related to cancer. Few epidemiologic studies have examined the relationship between cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), another major neurodegenerative disease. This study addresses that gap.
Fossilization of electrical corona streamers from silicon nitride crystals in the electron microscope

Abstract Single-crystal Si3N4 ribbons were irradiated by a 125 kev electron beam in an electron microscope to produce charging and electrical corona. Under reduced vacuum conditions, residual hydrocarbon contamination was observed to build up on the corona streamers to produce a kind of fossilized structure. The fossilized corona streamers were observed to be similar in appearance to Lichtenberg figures, but intrinsically more microscopical in detail.
Plasma-treated ultra-high-strength polyethylene fibres improved fracture toughness of poly(methyl methacrylate)

Use of ultra-high-strength polyethylene (UHSPE) fibres in composites has been limited by problems with adhesion to the matrix. The present study presents a gas-plasma treatment of UHSPE staple fibres (Spectra 900 and 1000) to improve adhesion to poly (methyl methacrylate). The gases used were nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide for treatment times of 0 and 1 min. No significant differences were observed in flexural stresses, and only modest improvements were seen in the flexural modulus and the stress-intensity factor by reinforcing the cements with surface-modified UHSPE fibres. At least a sixfold improvement in the toughness index (fracture energy) was observed by reinforcing the cements with carbon dioxide treated fibres with a fibre index, l/d, of 776 at 1 wt %. The fibres added reinforcement by a crack-bridging effect that significantly improved the toughness index. The plasma treatment altered the fibre surface sufficiently to cause significant differences in the susceptibility to plastic flow during the fibre pull-out process.
Experimental demonstration of negative refraction imaging in both amplitude and phase

We studied a two-dimensional square-lattice photonic crystal with all-angle negative refraction at its first band. Using this photonic crystal, we designed and fabricated a flat lens functioning as a cylindrical lens by increasing the vertical dimension of the photonic crystal. Two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulation validated negative refraction imaging. To perform the experiment, a microwave imaging system was built based on a vector network analyzer. Field distributions were acquired by scanning the imaging plane and object plane. The experiment demonstrated negative refraction imaging in both amplitude and phase, and obtained an image with feature size, 0.77λ0.
KAT-ML: an interactive theorem prover for Kleene algebra with tests

We describe KAT-ML, an implementation of an interactive theorem prover for Kleene algebra with tests (KAT). The system is designed to reflect the natural style of reasoning with KAT that one finds ...
Hypothalamic and rate feedback in the thyroid hormone regulation system: an hypothesis

Several alternative models of the system regulating the plasma concentration of thyroid hormones are presented and investigated from the point of view of certain optimal system performance indices. The models differ from each other in the number and types of feed-back pathways. Various combinations of thyroid hormone feedback actions at pituitary and/or hypothalamic chemoreceptor sites, having proportional and/or rate characteristics, are considered in terms of minimum energy consumption and minimum sensitivity to the maximum number of model parameters likely to vary. It is concluded that the model which includes proportional inhibitory feedback of thyroid hormone at the hypothalamic level and rate feedback of thyroid hormone at the level of the pituitary provides the best performance.
Molecular Imaging of Central Nervous System with Multi-modal Nonlinear Optical Microscopy

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and sum-frequency generation (SFG) microscopy are combined on the same platform. Simultaneous SFG imaging of astroglial filaments and CARS imaging of myelin sheath in spinal cord are shown.
IQ and Stratification: An Empirical Evaluation of Herrnstein and Murray's Social Change Argument

A state-level index of the conditions that Herrnstein and Murray suggest tightened the relationship between IQ and status in the past century as well as a measure of credentialing by examination are used to try to explain interstate variation in the association between IQ and status attainment circa 1990. The results contradict Herrnstein and Murray's interpretation and provide support for an alternative credentialing argument. The more a state uses written, IQ-like examinations as screening devices for occupational access, the stronger the relationship between IQ and income. Thus, rather than higher IQ leading to status attainment because it indicates skills needed in a modern society, IQ may reflect the same test-taking abilities used in artificial screening devices by which status groups protect their domains
Results of radiation therapy in the treatment of epithelial carcinoma of the ovary

Between 1967 and 1976, 82 patients who had epithelial carcinoma of the ovary and were treated with surgery and postoperative radiation therapy, respectively, were studied. Of these patients, 35% had Stage I disease, 16% Stage II, 45% Stage III, and 4% Stage IV. Serous cystadenocarcinoma was the histologic cell type in 54% of the patients, and mucinous cystadenocarcinoma was involved in 24%. Of the tumors, 35% were Grade 1, 34% Grade 2, 18% Grade 3, and 13% were unspecified. Survival at five years was 96% for Stage I patients, 60% for Stage II, and 60% for Stage III. No stage IV patient survived past two years. Stage III patients with no palpable tumor prior to radiation therapy did well, with 80% alive at more than two years, while only 10% of Stage III patients with palpable tumors prior to radiation therapy are alive. Patients with Stage III disease treated by whole-abdominal irradiation with a pelvic boost did better than those who received 3,000 rad or less to the pelvis. Radiation therapy continues to be an important treatment modality in epithelial carcinoma of the ovary, particularly in patients with minimal tumor burden.
GRASP: the group learning assessment platform

We demonstrate a prototype assessment technology designed to enable unobtrusive, real time assessment of group dynamics from speech. As part of that work, we describe a test bed for experimentation with alternative approaches for automatic processing of speech for this purpose. Furthermore, we present a specific successful technique for predicting activity levels and amount of overlapping speech in recordings of actual student group meetings recorded over a semester of a graduate engineering design project course.
Human Herpesviruses 6 and 7 and Central Nervous System Infection in Children1

The role and frequency of human herpesviruses (HHV)-6 and -7 in central nervous system (CNS) diseases of children are unclear. Cerebrospinal fluid samples from 245 pediatric patients (median age 43 days), submitted for evaluations of possible sepsis or of neurologic symptoms, were tested for HHV-6 and HHV-7 DNA by polymerase chain reaction. HHV-6 DNA was found in 3 of 245 samples, and HHV-7 was found in 0 of 245 samples. The three patients with HHV-6 DNA were <2 months of age. HHV-6 was likely pathogenic in two patients with meningitis who lacked evidence of another microbiologic cause. HHV-6 and HHV-7 are uncommon causes of CNS infection in children. HHV-6 may occasionally cause meningitis in young infants.
Conceptual and Methodological Issues in the Measurement of Capital Flight

This paper discusses alternative methodologies for measuring capital flight. While methodologies differ in approach, the identities used in balance-of-payments data make them close in the final measurement. The paper also presents capital flight estimates using the various methodologies. For a sample of 58 countries, the data clearly indicate that the various estimates for capital flight are most often quite close in measurement. The data also reveal that the occurrence of capital flight has not been confined to Latin America, but has been a phenomenon of global dimensions, with capital flight evenly distributed across countries relative to their GDP or exports. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high-performance, portable implementation of the MPI message passing interface standard

MPI (Message Passing Interface) is a specification for a standard library for message passing that was defined by the MPI Forum, a broadly based group of parallel computer vendors, library writers, and applications specialists. Multiple implementations of MPI have been developed. In this paper, we describe MPICH, unique among existing implementations in its design goal of combining portability with high performance. We document its portability and performance and describe the architecture by which these features are simultaneously achieved. We also discuss the set of tools that accompany the free distribution of MPICH, which constitute the beginnings of a portable parallel programming environment. A project of this scope inevitably imparts lessons about parallel computing, the specification being followed, the current hardware and software environment for parallel computing, and project management; we describe those we have learned. Finally, we discuss future developments for MPICH, including those necessary to accommodate extensions to the MPI Standard now being contemplated by the MPI Forum.
Phylogeny of Immunoglobulin Structure and Function. XI. Secretory Immunoglobulins in the Cutaneous Mucus of the Sheepshead, Archosargus Probatocephalus

Abstract Sheepshead cutaneous mucus was shown to contain immunoglobulin (Ig) which was antigenically identical to the serum high molecular weight (HMW) Ig. Ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography were used to fractionate the mucous Ig into two distinct molecular weight populations. One population had a molecular weight of ∼700,000 daltons, dissociated in denaturing solvents similar to the serum HMW Ig, and was composed of heavy (H) and light (L) chains of ∼70,000 and ∼25,000 daltons respectively. The second molecular weight population chromagraphed as a dimeric Ig population of ∼350,000 daltons. A portion of these dimeric Ig proteins were bonded noncovalently and dissociated on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels into monomeric forms. The other portion was observed to be covalently bonded and associated covalently with a ∼95,000 dalton protein which might be the teleost equivalent to the secretory piece of mammals. Both of the dimeric Ig populations had H and L chains of ∼70,000 and ∼25,000 daltons respectively. Additional work is required to assess the role possible secretory piece and the function of the secretory immune system in teleosts.
A case of urachal remnant presenting as acute abdominal pain.

Abstract A 30-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department, over sequential visits, with abdominal complaints. The patient’s presenting history and physical examination were mistakenly diagnosed variously as gastroenteritis, omphalitis, and appendicitis. Ultimately, the diagnosis of urachal fistula was made at surgery. This case is discussed in light of prior published experiences with this disease entity.
Improved thermal and mechanical properties of polybenzoxazines based on alkyl‐substituted aromatic amines

The thermal and mechanical properties of polybenzoxazine thermoset networks containing varying amounts of phenolic Mannich bridges, arylamine Mannich bridges, and methylene bridges have been investigated. In materials based on m-toluidine and 3,5-xylidine, the onset of thermal degradation is delayed until around 350 °C with no significant effect on the final char yield. The first of the three weight-loss events usually seen in aromatic amine-based polybenzoxazines is absent in these two materials. Materials with additional amounts of arylamine Mannich bridges and methylene bridges show improved mechanical properties, including higher crosslink densities and rubbery plateau moduli. Correlations between the observed mechanical properties and network structures are established. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 38: 3289–3301, 2000
Understanding Rural Village Energy Needs and Design Constraints

Today the primary challenge confronting engineers is to develop clean, sustainable technologies that can meet the needs of all of the world’s people. Traditionally this effort has focused on meeting the needs of the developed world. It is generally assumed that products needed for the developing world already exist or are relatively simple and hence do not require significant engineering design effort. As a consequence, many of the products intended to meet the needs of the poor miss the mark and do not meet their needs. This is particularly true in the design of products and processes intended to address the energy needs of the rural poor. Too often a set of standard assumptions is used, resulting in poor problem definition. And, because the design problem is not well defined, the resulting products and processes fail. Throughout the developing world it is common to find village water and energy projects that have failed. To design products and processes that meet the energy needs of the rural poor, the critical first step in the design process is a detailed in-village study of energy production and consumption dynamics. Quantifying village energy dynamics provides insight into the unfulfilled or unsatisfied needs of the consumer, establishes the design constraints, aids the engineer and the community members in prioritizing needs, and builds trust with the local community. This paper presents a field methodology developed to understand the energy needs of a rural sub-Saharan village of 700 people and discusses how this field methodology was used to establish the design constraints needed for a comprehensive energy solution.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Alcohol consumption patterns and predictors of use following liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease

For patients who receive a liver transplant (LTX) for alcoholic liver disease (ALD), investigators are focusing beyond survival to determine specific alcohol use outcomes. Studies suggest the use of alcohol ranges from 8 to 22% for the first post-transplant year with cumulative rates reaching 30 to 40% by 5 years following transplantation. Yet while investigators are interested in determining specific rates of alcohol use and predictors of use, only three studies since 1990 have been prospective. In 1998, we began a prospective study of post-LTX alcohol consumption in ALD recipients using multiple repeated measures of alcohol use. After 5 years of follow-up, we found that 22% had used any alcohol by the first year and 42% had a drink by 5 years. By 5 years, 26% drank at a heavier use (binge) pattern and 20% drank in a frequent pattern. In a univariate model, predictors of alcohol use included pre-transplant length of sobriety, a diagnosis of alcohol dependence, a history of other substance use, and prior alcohol rehabilitation.
Changing Facial Lesion.

A woman presented with a linear verrucous lesion extending from the anterior helix of the left ear down to the level of the ear lobe that had been present for as long as she could remember.
The Aquarius Ocean Salinity Mission High Stability L-band Radiometer

The NASA Earth Science System Pathfinder (ESSP) mission Aquarius, will measure global ocean surface salinity with ~120 km spatial resolution every 7-days with an average monthly salinity accuracy of 0.2 psu (parts per thousand) [1]. This requires an L-band low-noise radiometer with the long-term calibration stability of les0.15 K over 7 days. The instrument utilizes a push-broom configuration which makes it impractical to use a traditional warm load and cold plate in front of the feedhorns. Therefore, to achieve the necessary performance Aquarius utilizes a Dicke radiometer with noise injection to perform a warm - hot calibration. The radiometer sequence between antenna, Dicke load, and noise diode has been optimized to maximize antenna observations and therefore minimize NEDT. This is possible due the ability to thermally control the radiometer electronics and front-end components to 0.1degCrms over 7 days.