cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dual-polarization lidar identification of ice in a corona-producing wave cloud

On 5 February 2009 a colorful corona was observed when the Moon passed behind a thin wave cloud in Bozeman, Montana, USA. A dual-polarization lidar was used to determine that the diffracting particles were ice crystals, not the usually assumed liquid water droplets. Fraunhofer diffraction theory was used to estimate that the ice crystal effective diameter was 14.6 μm, much smaller than conventional ice crystals. The corona-producing cloud produced a lidar crosspolarization ratio of 0.4, confirming the presence of ice. The corona-producing cloud was located 9.5 km above mean sea level with air temperature near -60°C, thereby thermodynamically ruling out liquid water as well.
Volatility enhancement of thyrotropin releasing hormone for mass spectrometric studies.

Summary Effects of ionization chamber surfaces on volatility of Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH) have been investigated in a tandem mass spectrometer. Low velocity CH 3 NH 3 + ions were used as ionizing reagent in single collision processes. Temperature dependences of quasi-parent (TRH + Proton) ion yields were used to determine activation energies of sample volatilization. Activation energies of desorption from Teflon surfaces were 30 kcal/mole lower than values obtained with powder samples and samples dispersed on glass from dilute solutions. Ion impact spectra obtained with 2 μg samples of TRH on Teflon gave approximately 50% of total ions as quasi-parent and sufficient fragmentation to establish the amino acid sequence. Spectra are shown to be both temperature and surface sensitive. Volatility enhancement by dispersion of samples on selected surfaces facilitates study of small peptides with minimal chemical derivatization and should extend the range of sizes of derivatized molecules which may be evaporated in mass spectrometer ion sources.
Sevelamer Therapy for Pediatric End-Stage Renal Disease

Sevelamer, a non-calcium-containing, non-aluminum-containing phosphate binder, is frequently prescribed for treatment in adults with hyperphosphatemia secondary to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, published information regarding sevelamer use in children younger than 11 years is lacking. We report the use of sevelamer as a phosphate binder in a 19-month-old girl with ESRD who was receiving calcium carbonate 1250 mg 3 times/day for hyperphosphatemia. The patient's initial serum phosphorus concentration was 8.6 mg/dl, and the calcium-phosphorus product was 75 mg(2)/dl(2). This was well above the level that places patients at risk for complications such as joint, vessel, and soft-tissue calcification. An aluminum-containing phosphate binder was not an option given the patient's renal disease and the concern for neurotoxicity. Sevelamer was considered, but a MEDLINE search revealed no pediatric dosing information. An initial dosage of 100 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours was administered, as extrapolated from adult data, and then titrated to 130 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours based on the patient's response. The child's dietary phosphorus intake remained constant throughout her hospital stay. During sevelamer therapy, her serum phosphorus concentration dropped as low as 5.2 mg/dl; at discharge it was 6.5 mg/dl, with a corresponding calcium-phosphorus product in the upper 50s. No adverse effects associated with sevelamer were observed. In the dosages we used, sevelamer resulted in an acceptable calcium-phosphorus product and returned the patient's serum phosphorus concentration to near normal. Sevelamer appears to be a viable option as a phosphate binder in children with ESRD.
When Women Run Against Men

The electorate's reactions to women congressional candidates are examined using both election returns and survey data. When party and incumbency are controlled candidate sex alone is found to have little or no effect on election outcomes. A curious interaction is found between candidate sex and party, however. This is attributed to nomination patterns. R. Darcy is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Sarah Slavin Schramm is a Graduate Fellow in Political Science at George Washington University. An earlier version of this article was presented at the annual meeting of the Southern Political Science Association in Nashville, November 6-8, 1975. The authors are grateful to Janice Damato, who made useful suggestions and helped prepare the data for analysis. Mike Hamilton and the George Washington University Computing Center provided essential help. POQ 41 (1977) 1-12 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.172 on Fri, 07 Oct 2016 06:21:11 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Community Unionism in Baltimore and Stamford

To achieve the AFL-CIO's goal of organizing one million new workers each year, unions must develop strategies addressing the changing nature of work. Labor must reach beyond traditional jurisdictional boundaries to develop community-based organizing strategies. The author's case studies of efforts in Baltimore and Stamford demonstrate the benefits of multiunion alliances with local community organizations, ethnic groups, and religious institutions.
Cytokine-induced monocyte MMP-1 is negatively regulated by GSK-3 through a p38 MAPK-mediated decrease in ERK1/2 MAPK activation

Elucidation of the signal transduction events leading to the production of MMPs by monocytes/macrophages may provide insights into the mechanisms involved in the destruction of connective tissue associated with chronic inflammatory lesions. Here, we show that GSK-3 is a negative regulator of cytokine-induced MMP-1 production by monocytes. Inhibition of monocyte GSK-3 pharmacologically with SB216763 or GSK-3β siRNA caused a significant enhancement of MMP-1 by TNF-α- and GM-CSF-activated monocytes, indicating that induction of MMP-1 by TNF-α and GM-CSF involved phosphorylation/inactivation of GSK-3. TNF-α- and GM-CSF-induced phosphorylation of GSK-3 and subsequent MMP-1 production was blocked with the PKC inhibitor Go6976 but not by the AKT1/2 inhibitor AKT VIII, showing that cytokine phosphorylation of GSK-3 occurs primarily through a PKC pathway. Inhibition of GSK-3 resulted in decreased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK with a corresponding increase in phosphorylation of ERK1/2 MAPK. Enhanced MMP-1 production by treatment with SB216763 was a result of increased ERK1/2 activation, as demonstrated by inhibition of MMP-1 by PD98059, a specific ERK1/2 inhibitor. Conversely, the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 enhanced cytokine activation of ERK1/2 and the production of MMP-1 similar to that of SB216763. These findings demonstrate that the degree of cytokine-mediated phosphorylation/inhibition of GSK-3 determines the level of MMP-1 production through a mechanism involving decreased activation of p38 MAPK, a negative regulator of ERK1/2 required for cytokine-induced production of MMP-1 by monocytes.
A nonparametric test of total independence based on Kendall's tau

compute multivariate generalizations of tau. Under the hypothesis of total independence in K dimensions, the computed quantities can be shown to have asymptotic normal distributions, thereby permitting a test of the total independence hypothesis. Significant taus will provide information about nonindependence.
Ant colony optimization as a method for strategic genotype sampling.

Summary A simulation study was carried out to develop an alternative method of selecting animals to be genotyped. Simulated pedigrees included 5000 animals, each assigned genotypes for a bi-allelic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) based on assumed allelic frequencies of 0.7/ 0.3 and 0.5/0.5. In addition to simulated pedigrees, two beef cattle pedigrees, one from field data and the other from a research population, were used to test selected methods using simulated genotypes. The proposed method of ant colony optimization (ACO) was evaluated based on the number of alleles correctly assigned to ungenotyped animals (AKP), the probability of assigning true alleles (AKG) and the probability of correctly assigning genotypes (APTG). The proposed animal selection method of ant colony optimization was compared to selection using the diagonal elements of the inverse of the relationship matrix (A )1 ). Comparisons of these two methods showed that ACO yielded an increase in AKP ranging from 4.98% to 5.16% and an increase in APTG from 1.6% to 1.8% using simulated pedigrees. Gains in field data and research pedigrees were slightly lower. These results suggest that ACO can provide a better genotyping strategy, when compared to A )1 , with
Shot noise thermometry with carbon nanotubes

A carbon nanotube (CNT) thermometer is reported that operates on the principles of electrical shot noise. Shot noise thermometry is a self calibrating measurement technique that relates statistical fluctuations in dc current across a device to temperature. A self-heating shot noise model has been developed and applied to experimental data to determine the thermal resistance of a CNT device consisting of an array of vertical CNTs supported in a porous anodic alumina template. The thermal resistance is found to be 1.5 *108 K/W.
Effects of Radiation on the Oxidation Potential of Salt Brine

Two different types of experiments have shown that alpha and gamma radiation each increase the redox potential of salt brines. Other experiments have shown that the decrease in potential indicated by platinum electrodes in irradiated brines is due to the response of the electrodes to the hydrogen generated from the resulting water decomposition. Platinum electrodes indicated no change in redox potential of solutions containing equimolar concentrations of K3Fe(CN)5 and K4Fe(CN)5 when they were gamma irradiated in quartz containers; when stainless steel containers were used, the solutions reacted with the stainless steel but gamma radiation had no significant effect on that reaction or the solution composition. A gamma radiation dose rate of 2.4 × 104 rad/h measurably increased the uniform corrosion rate of mild steel in salt brines at 75°C, but at 150°C the increased thermal corrosion rate obscured any effect of even higher gamma radiation dose rates.
Distance-based node activation for geographic transmissions in fading channels

In wireless multi-hop packet radio networks (MPRNs) that employ geographic transmissions, sleep schedules or node activation techniques may be used to power off some nodes to conserve energy. We consider the problem of selecting which nodes should power on to listen to a scheduled transmission when the channel suffers from random fading. We choose the objective of maximizing the expected value of the distance covered in a single transmission between a transmitter and the farthest receiver that successfully receives the packet, under a constraint on the expected number of receivers that turn on. Since there is a tradeoff between the distance of a node from the transmitter and the probability that the node receives the message correctly, we propose to use node-activation based on link-distance (NA-BOLD). We investigate optimal and sub-optimal NA-BOLD schemes and compare their performance with that of schemes that use a constant sleep schedule for every node within some radius of the transmitter. Our results show that the proposed NA-BOLD schemes achieve significantly larger transmission distances than conventional schemes.
Ibuprofen therapy for cystic fibrosis lung disease: revisited.

Purpose of reviewIbuprofen was first advocated as a chronic therapy for cystic fibrosis lung disease in 1995, following a favorable report of a 4-year controlled trial. However, clinical use has been limited primarily by the concern about adverse effects. Additional clinical studies were advocated t
COLLOID CHEMISTRY IN CERAMICS

Introduction Mr. Chairman, Fellows of The American Ceramic Society, Members, and guests! I consider it a great honor to have been invited to deliver before this gathering the Edward Orton, Jr., Memorial Lecture for 1941. That your choice has fallen on me, neither a ceramist by profession nor a specialized ceramic chemist or physicist, makes me even more proud, and I therefore want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I come here not to offer you a lecture on recent developments in ceramics, a topic which undoubtedly will be handled in the course of your Meeting by more competent men, but to lay before you in simple form a few fundamental colloid chemical and physical concepts which have a direct bearing on basic problems in ceramics. This consideration of why and where colloid chemical reasoning and research have become a science indispensable for progressive developments in ceramics is the greatest tribute to the memory of Edward Orton, Jr., who pioneered in the United States in the importance of scientific research in ceramics.
The Calcium Oscillator of GnRH-1 Neurons Is Developmentally Regulated

Oscillations in intracellular calcium levels have been described in GnRH-1 neurons in both prenatal and adult cells. However, differences have been reported in the mechanisms underlying these [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations, dependent on the model used. The goal of this study was to address whether these changes depend on the maturation status of GnRH-1 neurons by assaying prenatal GnRH-1 cells maintained in explants, at two different developmental stages. This report documents an increase in the frequency of [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations between 1 and 3 wk of in vitro maturation. During the early stage, [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations are blocked by tetrodotoxin and are mainly triggered by excitatory neurotransmitters, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamate. In contrast, in the later stage, some cells exhibit residual tetrodotoxin-insensitive [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations, which are sustained by action potential-independent GABA and glutamate release. The strength of these two excitatory inputs remained relatively constant during the maturation process, and the increase in frequency of [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations observed at the later stage is due to a novel excitatory input carried by cholecystokinin. Together, these data indicate developmentally regulated release and interactions of neurotransmitters (known regulators of GnRH-1 cells in adults) and point to extrinsic factors regulating GnRH-1 cellular physiology.
Software Quality Improvement via Pattern-Based Model Refactoring

This paper describes an approach to refactoring a software model using design patterns to improve design quality. In this approach, we define a design pattern as a set of three components, a problem specification characterizing problem models, a solution specification characterizing solution models and a transformation specification describing how a problem model should be transformed to a solution model. A problem model is checked for pattern applicability against the problem specification. If the pattern is applicable, the transformation specification is instantiated and applied to the model to incorporate the pattern's solution properties. The resulting model is a solution model conforming to the solution specification of the pattern. We demonstrate the approach using the visitor design pattern and a distributed monitoring system.
IL-2 signaling prevents T cell anergy by inhibiting the expression of anergy-inducing genes

T cell responses are determined by the environment in which antigen is encountered. In the absence of proper costimulation, anergizing stimuli induce the activation of a specific program of gene expression. Proteins encoded by these genes impose a state of functional unresponsiveness in anergic T cells through the activation of different mechanisms that include dampening of the T cell receptor signaling and direct inhibition of cytokine expression. Anergy can be reversed by stimulating T cells in the presence of interleukin (IL-)2. Signaling through the IL-2 receptor has been shown to activate mTOR, which plays an important role in the integration of signals that determine the fate of T cells. The mechanisms underlying the IL-2-dependent regulation of T cell tolerance are still not fully elucidated. In this study we show that IL-2 receptor signaling mediated through JAK3 and mTOR inhibits the expression of anergy-inducing genes independently of any effect on cell cycle progression. Interestingly, we also show that this effect is likely due to changes on the levels of AP-1 activation induced by IL-2 receptor signaling in T cells. Our data identifies a mechanism that can explain how IL-2 may prevent or reverse the establishment of anergy in T cells and, therefore, helps to understand how the cytokine environment can be determinant to shape the outcome of T cell responses - tolerance or activation - when antigen is encountered.
Hybrid fuzzy logic committee neural networks for classification in medical decision support systems

Recent emphasis on healthcare cost containment has created a growing need for developing automated diagnostic systems to aid the physician. Such systems should be reliable and robust. Neural networks have been used to provide advice to the physician. However, the reliability and robustness of a neural network depend on various factors such as the architecture, the initial weights used in training and the training data. In order to improve the reliability and robustness, we have developed hybrid intelligent systems with committee neural networks and fuzzy logic. Our concept of committee networks involves training and evaluating several networks and recruiting five networks into the committee based on initial testing. A majority opinion of the member networks of the committee is used to arrive at the final decision. The system reliability is improved since several networks in the committee are used in to make the decision. We have developed and evaluated hybrid intelligent systems with fuzzy logic and committee networks for distinguishing spondyloarthropathy of the knee from rheumatoid arthritis. Testing revealed that majority opinion of the committee well classified the arthritis.
Performance specification and livelock detection/correction of a protocol using timed Petri nets

Timed Petri nets are used to detect and correct a possible livelock situation in the functioning of a protocol. This protocol is the reset procedure of the layer-three data transfer phase of the digital multiplexed interface (DMI) specification designed by AT&T. This data-transfer phase is based on the X.25 packet-level protocol. Using timed Petri nets, a performance specification for this procedure is also given. This approach to performance specification is based on the work of K. Garg (IEEE Trans. Software Engineering, vol.SE-11, p.1216-25, Oct. 1985). >
Pulling the plug visually: Images of resistance to ICTs and connectivity

As information and communication technologies (ICTs) become ever more present and pervasive in daily life, the use or non-use of ICTs can provide choices as well as obstacles or exclusion. As people look for ways to reduce ICT use and push back on ICT immersion, some express resistance to ICTs via ICTs. Building on past scholarship based largely on interviews, surveys and textual analysis, this exploratory study analyzes a collection of images posted online that express a critique of the ubiquity and constancy of ICT use, in more dramatic ways than texts allow and in far more subtle ways than a binary division between users and non-users. Our findings of this visual content analysis of 233 images discuss the use of humor, metaphor and blurred boundaries between digital and non-digital worlds in images of resistance and show distinct patterns in representations of problems engendered by ICTs, their criticism and in the antidotes suggested in the images.
Preparation and properties of models for the photosynthetic water oxidation center: Spin frustration in the [Mn4O2(O2CR)7(PiC)2] - anion

structure was solved by direct methods (MULTAN) and refined to values of conventional indices R (R,) of 7.01% (6.90%) by using 5778 unique reflections with F > 349. The structure of the anion consists of an [Mn4(p3-0),l8+ core with the four Mn atoms disposed in a 'butterfly" arrangement and 0 atoms triply bridging each plane ('wing"). Peripheral ligation is provided by seven p-AcO- and two chelating pic- groups; the overall structure has idealized C, symmetry. The anion of 1 bears striking similarity to the cation [Mn402(02CMe)7(bpy)2]+ reported previously, showing little structural consequence of the pic-for-bpy substitution. Treatment of [Mn30(02CR),(py),](C104) (R = Me, Et) with Na(pic)-'/,HzO in MeCN leads to formation of sparingly soluble Na[ Mn402(02CR)7(pi~)2] providing an additional synthetic route to the tetranuclear anions. Complex 1 can be cleanly converted to 2 by treatment with excess PhCOOH in MeCN, demonstrating facile carboxylate exchange with more acidic acids. Variable-temperature, solid-state magnetic susceptibility studies have been performed on complex 1 in the range 5-300 K. The effective magnetic moment, pen/Mn4, decreases gradually from 7.98 pB at 300.0 K to 6.35 pB at 25.00 K and then decreases more rapidly to 3.28 pB at 5.00 K. The data were fit to a theoretical expression derived fromthe appfopriate spin Hamiltonian for a Mn4O2 core with C, symmetry which also included an axial zero-field splitting term [D(S: - 1/3ST2)] for the S = 3 ground state. The fitting parameters are Jwb = -5.3 cm-I, Jbb = -24.6 cm-l, g = 1.96, and D = 3.7 cm-l with TIP held constant at 200 X lod cgsu; Jbb refers to the interaction between the two-body bis(p-oxide)-bridged Mn"' atoms, and Jwb refers to the four mono(poxide)-bridged pairs of Mdl' atoms. The exchange parameters are very similar to those previously reported for (Mn402(02CMe)7(bpy)2](C104).3H,0 (Jwb = -7.8 cm-l, JN = -23.5 cm-I), consistent with the structural similarities between the two complexes. The spin frustration present in these [Mn4O2I8+ complexes is examined in detail. Depending on the magnitudes of Jwb and Jw, different ground states are found. The presence of p3-oxide-bridged Mn1114 units in these complexes causes frustration in the spin alignment at each Mn ion. The proton NMR spectral data are reported for complex 1 in CDCI,, CD3CN, and (CD3)*S0. The spectra in all three solvents are very similar, supporting retention of the solid-state structure of the anion of 1 in good donor solvents. The only major influence of the pic-for-bpy substitution is to be found in the redox properties investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Complexes 1 and 2 display a quasi-reversible oxidation in CH2C12 at +OS2 and +0.54 V vs ferrocene, respectively. The latter is to be contrasted with the value of +0.87 V found previously for [Mn402(02CPh)7(bpy)2](C104), showing that oxidation to the 3Mn'l',Mn'V oxidation level becomes easier when bpy is replaced by pic-.
Early Experiences and Clinical Implications of Restenosis and Drug-Eluting Stents: Part 2

OBJECTIVETo review early clinical experience and future implications of drug-eluting stents (DES) in percutaneous coronary interventions.DATA SOURCESUsing the search terms sirolimus, paclitaxel, and drug-eluting stents, a literature review was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles and abstracts in MEDLINE (1966—June 2003). Recent meeting abstracts were also accessed through the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology Web sites. Citations from available articles were reviewed for additional references.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTIONPublished reviews and studies showing the effects of in-stent restenosis and drug-coated and -eluting stents were evaluated and reviewed.DATA SYNTHESISCurrent antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy have proven successful in preventing acute in-stent thrombosis, but not in-stent restenosis. Recently, stents eluted with certain antimitotic agents have demonstrated positive findings in reducing restenosis (eg, sirolimus, paclitaxel-eluting sten...
What Gaze Fixation and Pupil Dilation Can Tell Us About Perceived Differences Between Abstract Art by Artists Versus by Children and Animals

People with no arts background often misunderstand abstract art as requiring no skill. However, adults with no art background discriminate paintings by abstract expressionists from superficially similar works by children and animals. We tested whether participants show different visual exploration when looking at paintings by artists' versus children or animals. Participants sat at an eye tracker and viewed paintings by artists paired with "similar" paintings by children or animals, and were asked which they preferred and which was better. Mean duration of eye gaze fixations, total fixation time, and spatial extent of visual exploration was greater to the artist than child or animal images in response to quality but not preference. Pupil dilation was greater to the artist images in response to both questions and greater in response to the quality than preference question. Explicit selections of images paralleled total fixation times: Participants selected at chance for preference, but selected the artist images above chance in response to quality. Results show that lay adults respond differently on both an implicit as well as explicit measure when thinking about preference versus quality in art and discriminate abstract paintings by artists from superficially similar works by children and animals, despite the popular misconception by the average viewer that "my kid could have done that."
Recognition of Curved Objects

In this chapter we consider the problem of recognition and localization of objects with curved surfaces. Although polyhedral objects are encountered more frequently than curved objects in an industrial environment, objects with curved surfaces are more prevalent in natural scenes. One simple way of dealing with curved objects is to approximate them by polyhedral objects—an approach commonly used in earlier vision systems. However, such an approach has certain fundamental shortcomings in that the resulting description is not rich enough to capture the intrinsic properties of curved surfaces, is not stable to changes in viewpoint, and suffers from approximation errors. In this chapter, invariant surface curvatures, viz. the mean and Gaussian and principal curvatures, are used to come up with a description of curved surfaces that is invariant to viewpoint. As in the case of polyhedral objects, multiple-object scenes with clutter and partial occlusion are considered. This precludes the use of global shape descriptors, which means that only local shape descriptors based on the invariant surface curvatures can be used. The generalized Hough transform, on account of its ease of parallelization, is chosen as the constraint propagation technique.
TRENDS IN REAL-WORLD TREATMENT MODIFICATIONS AMONG HIGH-CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK PATIENTS WITH HYPERLIPIDEMIA

This study evaluated the patterns in lipid treatment modifications among patients with high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and newly treated with lipid lowering therapy (LLT). HealthCore Integrated Research DatabaseSM was used to identify patients (age 18-64) initiating statins and /or ezetimibe
Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Lung Function in Adolescent Boys and Girls

Background Little is known about the sex-specific effects of cigarette smoking on the level and growth of lung function in adolescence, when 71 percent of people in the United States who smoke tried their first cigarette. Methods We studied the effects of cigarette smoking on the level and rate of growth of pulmonary function in a cohort of 5158 boys and 4902 girls 10 to 18 years of age, examined annually between 1974 and 1989 in six cities in the United States. Results We found a dose–response relation between smoking and lower levels of both the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) and the forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75 percent of FVC (FEF25–75). Each pack per day of smoking was associated with a 3.2 percent reduction in FEF25–75 for girls (P = 0.01) and a 3.5 percent reduction in FEF25–75 for boys (P = 0.007). Whereas the FVC level was elevated in smokers, the rate of growth of FVC and FEV1 was reduced. Among adolescents of the same sex, smoking ...
Temperature and Moisture Effects on the Success of Egg Hatch in Trirhabda geminata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Eggs of Trirhabda geminata (Horn) were subjected to several constant temperatures (15, 22, 25, and 30°C) and moisture (wet or dry for varying lengths of time) regimens. Upon wetting, eggs changed color (from brown to yellow-orange) and swelled from 1.07 by 0.64 to 1.14 by 0.72 mm (length by width). Warmer temperatures shortened embryonic development time for eggs held wet. Eggs that were continuously held dry did not develop. A chilling requirement or diapause was not required for successful hatch. Optimal temperature for egg survival (98%) was 25°C. Some eggs hatched at all temperature regimens as long as they were in contact with a moisture source. The longer the period that eggs were held dry, however, the greater the decrease in survivorship. Approximately 10% of eggs held dry for extended periods (322 d) are still able to hatch when moistened. Our results indicate that moisture is required for egg development and is likely used as a proximal stimulus by T. geminata for the availability of its host plant.
BEHAVIOR OF THE INNER WALL LAYER OF THE GERMINATING FULIGO SEPTICA SPORE: EVIDENCE OF PEROXIDASE ACTIVITY

The spore wall of Fuligo septica is composed of an exterior electron-dense, spined layer and an interior more electron-transparent, fibrous layer. The fibrous material in the interior layer is often tightly packed. During germination, the exterior layer splits, but the inner layer does not. A remnant of this inner layer surrounds the newly released protoplast if the remnant is not left behind. The remnant appears to be derived from the fibrous wall material. However, swarm cells appear to be free of structural wall components. Cytochemical tests suggest peroxidase activity in the inner wall layer. Initial localization of peroxidase activity near the split in the outer wall may indicate peroxidase plays a role in the germination process. Light microscopic observations of Fuligo septica (L.) Wiggers show that during germination the spore wall ruptures to form a wedge-shaped split through which the protoplast emerges (11). Electron micrographs of this species indicate that the spore wall is composed of two layers: an outer electron-dense layer with spines and an inner, relatively electron-transparent layer (3). A two-layered wall has been observed in other Myxomycetes such as Arcyria cinerea (Bull.) Pers. (17) and Stemonitis virginiensis Rex (18). In these two species the inner layer is elastic and remains intact longer than the outer layer. However, in F. septica there are no published studies dealing with the behavior of the inner layer. In the present study, we examined the inner wall layer and compared its behavior with that of other Myxomycetes.
A Simple Model for Transient Thermal Behavior of Integrated Circuit Package Systems for Use in Determining a Thermal Design Power

The ever increasing power dissipation requirements of electronic components and the need to provide reliable, cost-effective thermal solutions requires the thermal engineer to accurately understand the component’s thermal design power (TDP). The TDP is impacted not only by the power-performance characteristics of the component architecture, but also by the inherent thermal characteristics of the cooling solution. A suitable TDP definition thus requires a clear understanding of the transient thermal response (resistance and capacitance) of the cooling solution. In this paper, a simple electrical analogy impedance network model that resembles the component with cooling solution is developed. Correlation models to predict the resistance and capacitance for this impedance network are built based on easily available parameters such as heat sink mass, surface area, specific heat etc. The accuracies of these models are validated experimentally with data collected on a PCB with several different thermal solutions. Development of these correlation models eliminates the need for complex time consuming transient experiments to characterize the system thermal characteristics like capacitance, which allows faster, more realistic TDP definitions and ability to analyze multiple thermal designs quickly and accurately.© 2009 ASME
On the motor activities of the alimentary canal after splanchnic and vagus section

In this investigation one series of animals was studied with only splanchnic nerves cut, and another series with only vagus nerves cut, and a third series with an entire severance of vagi and splanchnics. The animals used were cats.After the observations the movements of the various parts of the alimentary canal were studied by means of the shadows cast on a fluoroscope when food mixed with bismuth subnitrate had been fed and the animals exposed to the X-rays.Movements of the esophagus. — Splanchnic section resulted in no deviation from the normal. Bilateral vagus section resulted in the well-known paralysis of the thoracic esophagus. Swallowed food accumulated in the esophagus, and, during the first few days after operation, food was frequently regurgitated. The regurgitation, however, did not persist; there was still a hindrance to an easy passage through the esophagus, but swallowed food reached the stomach. In one case, nineteen days after the second vagus nerve had been cut, a bolus of semi-fluid mat...
65 UTEROPLACENTAL INSUFFICIENCY AFFECTS RENAL EXPRESSION OF ESTROGEN RECEPTORS IN INTRAUTERINE GROWTH-RESTRICTED RATS.

Background Uteroplacental insufficiency results in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). IUGR newborns are at an increased risk for later development of morbidities, including hypertension, at an incidence that varies between genders. Although we have previously demonstrated differences in gender-specific gene expression in the IUGR rat kidney, it is unknown whether IUGR affects kidney expression of either the androgen or estrogen receptors. Objective We hypothesized that IUGR would alter renal mRNA levels of the androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor 1 (ER1), and estrogen receptor 2 (ER2) in a gender-specific manner in day 0 (d0) and day 21 (d21) IUGR rat pups. Methods Bilateral uterine artery ligation was performed on day 19 pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats to render them IUGR, and pups were then harvested on day 21 (term). Levels of AR, ER1, and ER2 mRNA were quantified using real-time RT-PCR from whole kidneys on days 0 and 21. Results mRNA levels expressed as % of control ⊆ SEM. IUGR significantly increased renal ER1 mRNA levels in d21 males to 177 ⊆ 16.* In contrast, ER2 mRNA levels were significantly decreased to 57 ⊆ 6** in day 21 female kidneys. Identical changes in the ER1 and ER2 mRNA levels were seen in day 0 males and females but did not achieve statistical significance. *p Conclusions IUGR increases ER1 receptor expression in IUGR male rats while decreasing ER2 receptor expression in IUGR female rats. Interestingly, the differences in gene expression widens from day 0 to day 21 in the IUGR rat kidney. We speculate that such differences contribute to the gender-specific characteristics of the IUGR rat kidney.
Stealth Assessment in Games: Why, What, and How.

You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation (Plato). For the past 6-7 years, I have been examining ways to leverage good video games to assess and support important student competencies, especially those that are not optimally measured by traditional assessment formats. The term "stealth assessment" refers to the process of embedding assessments deeply and invisibly into the gaming environment. Though this approach produces ample real-time data on a player's interactions within the game environment and preserves player engagement, a primary challenge for using stealth assessment in games is taking this stream of data and making valid inferences about players' competencies that can be examined at various points in time (to see growth), and also at various grain sizes (for diagnostic purposes). In this talk, I will present recent work related to creating and embedding three stealth assessments--for creativity, conscientiousness, and qualitative physics understanding--into Newton's Playground, a game we developed that emphasizes nonlinear gameplay and puzzle-solving in a 2D physics simulation environment. I will begin by framing the topic in terms of why this type of research is sorely needed in education, then generally describe the stealth assessment approach, and finally provide some concrete examples of how to do it and how well it works regarding validity issues, learning, and enjoyment from a recent research study.
Abstract A07: Novel effectors of K-Ras-mediated and KSR1 dependent colon tumorigenesis

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to identify new effectors of K-Ras mediated and KSR1 dependent colon tumorigenesis. Background: Gene targeting and RNA interference identified Kinase suppressor of Ras1 (KSR1) as an effector of oncogenic Ras-induced tumor formation in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) and human colon tumor cells but dispensable for normal development. Therefore, KSR1 and its downstream signaling molecules are potential targets for therapy in colon tumorigenesis. Previous analyses identified nuclear co-activator Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1(PGC1) and transcription factor Estrogen Related Receptor α (ERRα) as effectors of Ras-induced and KSR1-dependent cell transformation in MEFs. To identify molecules that are essential for Ras-driven and KSR1-dependent colon tumorigenesis, we performed high-throughput screens with the human colon tumor cell line HCT116, using genome-wide siRNA and natural product libraries. The siRNA screen identified AMP-activated protein kinase subunit γ1 (AMPKγ1) as an effector of KSR1-dependent signaling. Results: Compared to non-targeting siRNA, RNAi of AMPKγ1 in HCT116 cells decreased anchorage-independent growth in polyHEMA-coated plates by 6-fold in 24 h (p Assay of natural product library for molecules that phenocopy RNAi of KSR1 and AMPK inhibitor Compound C identified 4-OH-Staurosporine. 4-OH-Staurosporine is a competitive inhibitor ATP binding to recombinant AMPK (α1β1γ1) (Ki=23.5 nM). 4-OH-Staurosporine treatment decreased phosphorylation of AMPK substrates acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) at Ser89 and Raptor at Ser792 and expression of PGC1β and ERRα in a panel of human colon tumor cell lines (HCT116, HCT15, SW480, CACO2, GEO). Treatment with 3.75μM 4-OH-Staurosporine also decreased viability of colon tumor cells (HCT116, 52%; HCT15, 15%; SW480, 12%, CACO2, 58%; DLD1, 16%; GEO, 15%) compared with HCEC (p Conclusion: These results demonstrate the importance of AMPK and its downstream signaling effectors PGC1β and ERRα in maintaining colon tumor cell survival driven by oncogenic Ras and demonstrate the value of using KSR1 as a reference standard to detect genes essential to colon tumor survival. Citation Format: Binita Das, Kurt Fisher, Hyunseok Kim, Deanna J. Volle, Deandra R. Smith, Robert S. Livergood, John MacMillan, Michael White, Robert Lewis. Novel effectors of K-Ras-mediated and KSR1 dependent colon tumorigenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on RAS Oncogenes: From Biology to Therapy; Feb 24-27, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2014;12(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A07. doi: 10.1158/1557-3125.RASONC14-A07
Autologous immune complex nephritis in rats. Influence of modification of mononuclear phagocyte system function

These studies were designed to determine the effect of modification of mononuclear phagocyte system function on a chronic immune complex disease. Autologous immune complex nephritis in rats (Heymann nephritis) was induced by immunization with renal tubular epithelial antigen (Fx1A). The mononuclear phagocyte system was impaired by splenectomy and stimulated by weekly intraperitoneal injections of zymosan. Serial determinations included 24-hour urinary protein excretion, serum antibody titers, C3, circulating immune complexes, creatinine, and creatinine clearance. Renal tissue was obtained at 21, 42, and 56 days after immunization to evaluate by immunofluorescence the amount of antigen and IgG deposited. Splenectomized rats with Heymann nephritis had significantly greater amounts of glomerular Fx1A antigen and IgG deposits at each time studied than did rats without modification of mononuclear phagocyte system function. Zymosan-treated rats had very few glomerular deposits. In the splenectomized rats, the creatinine clearance was depressed by 50%. All animals had normal levels of C3 and identical antibody titers. In an independent assessment of mononuclear phagocyte system function, plasma clearance of Fx1A was enhanced in zymosan-treated animals and depressed in splenectomized animals. These modifications of mononuclear phagocyte system function were associated with changes in the amount of glomerular deposits of IgG and the clinical course of membranous nephropathy in this animal model. Application of methods for stimulation of mononuclear phagocyte system function may have therapeutic efficacy in the future treatment of human membranous nephropathy.
F.Live: Towards interactive live broadcast FTV experience

Free-viewpoint television (FTV) is a visionary application that provides immersive experience to the audience with the freedom of changing viewpoint during the video playout. However, live broadcasting and user interaction do not coexist in existing FTV systems. In this paper, we propose F.Live, a framework of FTV content dissemination that supports user-initiated viewpoint changing for live broadcasting. Simulation result of a large-scale experiment, based on camera array settings of existing Nagoya systems and EyeVision System, shows that F.Live is capable of supporting 100,000 concurrent audiences with free-viewpoint low user interaction latency and feasible bandwidth requirements.
What can I say?: addressing user experience challenges of a mobile voice user interface for accessibility

Voice interactions on mobile phones are most often used to augment or supplement touch based interactions for users' convenience. However, for people with limited hand dexterity caused by various forms of motor-impairments voice interactions can have a significant impact and in some cases even enable independent interaction with a mobile device for the first time. For these users, a Mobile Voice User Interface (M-VUI), which allows for completely hands-free, voice only interaction would provide a high level of accessibility and independence. Implementing such a system requires research to address long standing usability challenges introduced by voice interactions that negatively affect user experience due to difficulty learning and discovering voice commands. In this paper we address these concerns reporting on research conducted to improve the visibility and learnability of voice commands of a M-VUI application being developed on the Android platform. Our research confirmed long standing challenges with voice interactions while exploring several methods for improving the onboarding and learning experience. Based on our findings we offer a set of implications for the design of M-VUIs.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Thoracic Surgery Practice and Access Task Force: 2014 Workforce Report

Background The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has intermittently surveyed its workforce, providing isolated accounts of the current state of thoracic surgical practice. Methods The 63-question survey instrument was received by 4,343 surgeon members of the STS, and responses were gathered between October 1 and November 5, 2014. The return rate was 29.1%. Results The median age of the active United States thoracic surgeons is 54 years. Women comprise 6.9% of the responders, constituting 6.3% of adult cardiac, 6.1% of congenital heart, and 11.8% of general thoracic surgeons. The decision to pursue a career in thoracic surgery was made before or in medical school by 48.3% of surgeons. Most survey respondents had a mean of 8.7 years of residency training after medical school graduation. The cumulative average educational debt was $62,815. Overall career satisfaction was 43.5% (very or extremely satisfied). STS Database participation greatly increased (89.9%) compared with the 2009 survey. Operative volume over the past 12 months decreased for 26% of surgeons. Malpractice premiums over the past 5 years have averaged between $54,310 and $$57,281. Of those who responded, 43.8% plan to retire between the age of 66 and 70 years. Conclusions These data provide a current, detailed profile of the specialty. Ongoing challenges remain length of training and educational debt. Case volumes, scope of practice, malpractice costs, and career satisfaction have remained relatively constant. With contraction of the current resident pool and the workforce ages, significant cardiothoracic surgeon shortages may develop as the United States population expands.
The impact of speech recognition on speech synthesis

Speech synthesis has changed dramatically in the past few years to have a corpus-based focus, borrowing heavily from advances in automatic speech recognition. In this paper, we survey technology in speech recognition systems and how it translates (or does not translate) to speech synthesis systems. We further speculate on future areas where ASR may impact synthesis and vice versa.
Effects of Lag Schedules and Response Blocking on Variant Food Consumption by a Girl with Autism

Food selectivity by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often viewed in the behavioral literature as a problem with compliance and treated accordingly. However, when viewed as a problem with invariance, it may be appropriate to treat the problem by using procedures that increase variant food consumption. Lag schedules of reinforcement have been shown to increase variability in verbal and play behavior of children with ASD. Therefore, we attempted to evaluate the effects of a lag schedule of positive reinforcement on variant food consumption by a girl with ASD and food selectivity. Ultimately, a lack of baseline variability in consumption precluded an evaluation of the programmed lag schedule but suggested that a discovery research approach may be informative. Thus, additional treatment components were added and evaluated in a component analysis. Response blocking of invariant consumption appeared to establish a lag schedule of reinforcement that increased variability and variety in food consumption, which was maintained across changes in the value of the lag schedule. Some potential behavioral processes responsible for the effects and implications for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production polarization and magnetic moment of Ξ+ antihyperons produced by 800-GeV/c protons

The polarization of \ensuremath{\Xi}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} $^{+}$ hyperons produced by 800-GeV/c protons in the inclusive reaction p+Be\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Xi}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} $^{+}$+X has been measured. The average polarization of the \ensuremath{\Xi}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} $^{+}$, at a mean ${\mathit{x}}_{\mathit{F}}$=0.39 and ${\mathit{p}}_{\mathit{t}}$=0.76 GeV/c, is -0.097\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.012\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.009. The magnetic moment of the \ensuremath{\Xi}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} $^{+}$ is 0.657\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.028\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.020 nuclear magneton.