cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vegetation controls on northern high latitude snow‐albedo feedback: observations and CMIP5 model simulations

The snow-masking effect of vegetation exerts strong control on albedo in northern high latitude ecosystems. Large-scale changes in the distribution and stature of vegetation in this region will thus have important feedbacks to climate. The snow-albedo feedback is controlled largely by the contrast between snow-covered and snow-free albedo (Δα), which influences predictions of future warming in coupled climate models, despite being poorly constrained at seasonal and century time scales. Here, we compare satellite observations and coupled climate model representations of albedo and tree cover for the boreal and Arctic region. Our analyses reveal consistent declines in albedo with increasing tree cover, occurring south of latitudinal tree line, that are poorly represented in coupled climate models. Observed relationships between albedo and tree cover differ substantially between snow-covered and snow-free periods, and among plant functional type. Tree cover in models varies widely but surprisingly does not correlate well with model albedo. Furthermore, our results demonstrate a relationship between tree cover and snow-albedo feedback that may be used to accurately constrain high latitude albedo feedbacks in coupled climate models under current and future vegetation distributions.
Use of deuterated water as a conservative artificial groundwater tracer

Conservative tracers are necessary to obtain groundwater transport velocities at the field scale. Deuterated water is an effective tracer for this purpose due to its similarity to water, chemical stability, non-reactivity, ease of handling and sampling, relatively neutral buoyancy, and reasonable price. Reliable detection limits of 0.1 mg deuterium/L may be obtained in field tests. A field example is presented in which deuterated water, bromide, and pentafluorobenzoic acid are used as groundwater tracers. Deuterated water appeared to be transported conservatively, producing almost identical breakthrough curves as that of other soluble tracers.
Efficient isolation of soluble intracellular single-chain antibodies using the twin-arginine translocation machinery.

One of the most commonly used recombinant antibody formats is the single-chain variable fragment (scFv) that consists of the antibody variable heavy chain connected to the variable light chain by a flexible linker. Since disulfide bonds are often necessary for scFv folding, it can be challenging to express scFvs in the reducing environment of the cytosol. Thus, we sought to develop a method for antigen-independent selection of scFvs that are stable in the reducing cytosol of bacteria. To this end, we applied a recently developed genetic selection for protein folding and solubility based on the quality control feature of the Escherichia coli twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway. This selection employs a tripartite sandwich fusion of a protein-of-interest with an N-terminal Tat-specific signal peptide and C-terminal TEM1 beta-lactamase, thereby coupling antibiotic resistance with Tat pathway export. Here, we adapted this assay to develop intrabody selection after Tat export (ISELATE), a high-throughput selection strategy for the identification of solubility-enhanced scFv sequences. Using ISELATE for three rounds of laboratory evolution, it was possible to evolve a soluble scFv from an insoluble parental sequence. We show also that ISELATE enables focusing of an scFv library in soluble sequence space before functional screening and thus can be used to increase the likelihood of finding functional intrabodies. Finally, the technique was used to screen a large repertoire of naive scFvs for clones that conferred significant levels of soluble accumulation. Our results reveal that the Tat quality control mechanism can be harnessed for molecular evolution of scFvs that are soluble in the reducing cytoplasm of E. coli.
The haloed line effect for hidden line elimination.

The haloed line effect is a technique where when a line in three-dimensional space passes in front of another line, a gap is produced in the projection of the more distant line. The gap is produced as if an opaque halo surrounded the closer line. This method for approximate hidden-line-elimination is advantageous because explicit surface equations are not necessary. The relative depth of lines, axes, curves and lettering is easily perceived. This technique is especially suitable for the display of finite element grids, three-dimensional contour maps and ruled surfaces. When the lines or curves on a surface are closer than the gap size, the gaps produced close up to produce a complete hidden-line-elimination. A simple but efficient implementation is described which can be used in the rendering of a variety of three-dimensional situations.
The role of mitosis in LDL transport through cultured endothelial cell monolayers

We (7) have previously shown that leaky junctions associated with dying or dividing cells are the dominant pathway for LDL transport under convective conditions, accounting for >90% of the transpor...
The Effect of Outliers on Regression Analysis: Regime Type and Foreign Direct Investment

The presence of outliers and influential cases can dramatically change the magnitude of regression coefficients and even the direction of coefficient signs (i.e., from positive to negative or vice versa). When researchers ignore abnormal observations, especially with respect to dependent variables, their empirical results can be misleading. Unfortunately, the fact remains underappreciated in studies of political science. To expound upon the outlier issue, I reexamine an empirical study that reports on two opposing effects of democratic institutions on inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI). In doing so, I illustrate the way influential outliers can drastically affect the substantive results of regression analysis. After properly reanalyzing outlying countries, I conclude that democratic countries attract more FDI than authoritarian countries.
Levemir® Early Clinical Experience Case Series

Abstract Forty-three case reports of patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with insulin detemir (Levemir ® , Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) were collected from doctors‘ offices for the purpose of analyzing 4 parameters: (1) effectiveness of glycemic control (fasting blood glucose [FBG] readings and glycosylated hemoglobin [A1C]); (2) tolerability (hypoglycemic episodes and weight gain); (3) dosing regimen; and (4) treatment discontinuations. Patients in the Levemir ® Early Clinical Experience Case Series showed improvement of mean FBG readings, with a mean decrease of 63 mg/dL from baseline by the third follow-up visit (24–41) weeks from treatment initiation). Mean A1C values decreased during this time from a baseline average of 8.6% to a final average of 7.0%. Four patients on insulin detemir reported hypoglycemic episodes, none of which required special interventions or discontinuation of treatment. A mean weight loss of 5 lb was observed at the final follow-up visit. Twenty-four (55.8%) patients were insulin-naive, and 19 (44.2%) were already on insulin at the time they were started on insulin detemir. Almost 91% of patients were on a once-daily regimen of insulin detemir; 4 patients discontinued treatment during the observation period. Overall, the observations from the Levemir ® Early Clinical Experience Case Series are good indicators of the early experience with insulin detemir in the United States, and are consistent with findings from controlled trials and large observational studies.
Stimulated Infrared Emission from Trivalent Uranium

Stimulated infrared emission from uranium(III) in CaF/sub 2/ was studied using a single CaF/sub 2/ crystal with 0.05 mole% uranium and silver films on both ends. The crystal was cooled with liquid helium and excited by a pulsed xenon discharge, and the radiation was isolated at 2.5 mu and detected. Oscilloscope traces of the detector response showed the ratio between the stimulated emission and the background light to be>1000 and relaxation oscillations to be present, the number of spikes increasing with the power of the xenon discharge. (D.L.C.)
Glauber theory and N-N inelasticity

A shortcoming of standard Glauber theory which becomes important in considering nucleon-nucleus reaction cross sections above the inelastic nucleon-nucleon threshold is discussed.
Relationship between quantitative ultrasound, anthropometry and sports participation in college aged adults.

The college years are an opportune timepoint of intervention in the primary prevention of osteoporosis. Physical activity is an important modifiable risk factor, yet national surveys reveal that young people are insufficiently active. To determine patterns of physical activity associated with improved skeletal status at this life stage, we assessed the relationship between self-reported physical activity patterns, grip strength, anthropometric measures, and calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measures in a study of college students (n=235), the Tufts Longitudinal Health Study (TLHS). Univariate analyses revealed several highly significant relationships between QUS parameters and anthropometry, but only among women, with the highest correlation for skeletal muscle mass. Grip strength was significantly related to broadband attenuation (BUA) and stiffness index (SI) in both men and women. Multiple regression analysis revealed that among the modifiable body composition compartments, muscle mass but not fat mass was significantly associated with higher BUA in men (P<0.05) and women (P<0.001), and higher SI in women (P<0.001). Among our sample of college students, current weight training (P=0.004), and moderate (P=0.003) and vigorous (P<0.001) sports participation were each significantly associated with higher SI. Multiple regression analysis revealed that sports participation (moderate and/or vigorous) was associated with higher SI by 10.22±3.93 units (P=0.011) among men and 7.28±2.36 units (P=0.002) among women. These data suggest that improved skeletal status in young adulthood may require more specific moderate to vigorous physical activity, such as that achieved with sport, than is currently recommended for overall health.
Intercalibration and Comparison in Two Laboratories of Measurements Incident to the Determination of the Geological Ages of Rocks

In an effort to extend the scope of geological age measurements based on the accumulation of helium in igneous rocks, researches were initiated which indicated disagreement when compared with previously published results from the same geological horizons. Cooperative investigations, undertaken by the authors, show that the radium determinations used in formulating the previous helium time scale are incorrect by more than a factor of two. The magnitude of the necessary downward revision of ages varies, depending upon the Th/U ratio of the individual rock specimens. Helium age determinations have been made on a number of igneous rocks by two entirely different techniques, the alpha-helium method and the radon-thorium-helium method. The alpha-helium method is independent of radioactive standards, and its results are in agreement with the new measurements by the radonthorium-helium method. These researches also represent the first comparison of helium age measurements on the same specimens by two or more observers. While the helium ages of many individual geological horizons are lowered by these new results, the total span of geological time remains unreduced. Precision radium standards in the region of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ gram have been verified.
Electron heating studies in silicon dioxide: Low fields and thick films

Novel metal‐oxide‐semiconductor structures with very large areas have been used together with the vacuum emission and carrier separation techniques to study electron heating down to low fields (≊1 MV/cm) and out to large oxide thicknesses (5200 A). At electric field magnitudes between 1.5 and 2.0 MV/cm, the threshold field for the onset of electron heating in silicon dioxide is observed. This onset is independent of oxide thickness and composition. Its value is consistent with all of the current theoretical calculations. At fields near threshold, a minimum average electronic energy of ≊1.0 eV is shown to be necessary to observe emission of the electrons into vacuum. Although the general trends in most of the data are approximately independent of oxide thickness out to 5200 A, certain thick oxide samples with higher water content and lower physical density do show deviations from stabilization at higher fields, particularly in the vacuum emission experiments. Also, the data tend to appear ‘‘noiser’’ as the...
The characterization of esulone C and chemotaxonomy of jatrophane diterpenes in leafy spurge

Abstract A new jatrophane diterpene, esulone C, was isolated and characterized from the ether extract of the roots of a North Dakota accession of the noxious weed leafy spurge. The ether extracts of North Dakota, Oregon, Montana and Austrian leafy spurge accessions were chromatographically compared for the occurrence of jatrophane diterpenes relative to the taxonomy and biological control of leafy spurge.
Highly Ouabain-Sensitive α3 Isoform of Na+,K+-ATPase in Human Brain

: The Na+,K+-ATPase α3 isoform has recently been demonstrated immunochemically in human brain. Conclusive biochemical evidence, however, is still lacking. In this study, a unique 50-kDa polypeptide, which is known to be specific to the rat α3 isoform, has been found in human brainstem Na+,K+-ATPase following formic acid treatment of the purified a isoform proteins. Human α3 Na+,K+-ATPase is also highly sensitive to ouabain inhibition, with a 50% ouabain inhibition value of 1.0 X 10−7 M. These results provide clear and direct evidence for the existence of the α3 isoform in human brain. Na+,K+-ATPase-α1, α2, and α3 isoforms—Human and rat brainstem axolemma—Ouabain sensitivity—Formic acid treatment. Peng J. H. F. et al. Highly ouabain-sensitive α3 isoform of Na+,K+-ATPase in human brain. J. Neurochem.58, 1180–1183(1992).
Development of Hypersonic Quiet Tunnels

Conventional hypersonic wind tunnels and shock tunnels sufier from high levels of freestream ∞uctuations which are typically one to two orders of magnitude above ∞ight levels. These freestream ∞uctuations are generally dominated by acoustic noise radiated from the turbulent boundary layers on the nozzle walls. Although the efiects of the noise are often small, and so can be neglected, this noise often has a dramatic efiect on laminar-turbulent transition on models, and it can have an signiflcant efiect on other phenomena as well. Quiet-∞ow hypersonic tunnels with low noise levels comparable to ∞ight have therefore been sought for more than 50 years. The development of these tunnels is reviewed. The largest efiort was carried out at NASA Langley from the late 1960’s through the middle 1990’s, and resulted in successful quiet tunnels at Mach 3.5 and 6, although the Mach 6 tunnel was later decommissioned. The effort was then carried forward at Purdue University from 1990 through the present, leading to the nowsuccessful Boeing/AFOSR Mach-6 Quiet Tunnel.
Interpretive procedures entailed in using the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test.

The authors examined the differences between a self-administered and counselor-administered Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test and the status accorded the score in determining diagnosis. It was found that interpretive work by counselors and clients led to a number of changed answers from first to second testing. It was further found that, since the counselors took into account supplementary information not provided by the test score alone, they frequently established a diagnosis that differed from the one indicated by the test they had administered. As a result of these two sets of changes, diagnostic classification by the self-administered test was found to be a poor predictor of the ultimate diagnosis by the counselors.
University of Virginia infrared sensor experiment (UVIRSE)

A suite consisting of an infrared sensor, optical sensors and a video camera are prepared for launch by a group of students at University of Virginia (UVA) and James Madison University (JMU). The sensors are a first step in the development of a Gas Filter Correlation Radiometer (GFCR) that will detect stratospheric methane (CH4) when flown on sub-orbital sounding rockets and/or from the hypersonic X-34 reusable launch vehicle. The current payload has a threefold purpose: (a) to provide space heritage to a thermoelectrically cooled mercury cadmium telluride sensor, (b) to demonstrate methods for correlating the IR reading of the sensor with ground topography, and (c) to flight test all the payload components that will become part of the sub- orbital methane GFCR sensor. Once completed the system will serve as host to other undergraduate research design projects that require space environment, microgravity, or remote sensing capabilities. The payload components have been received and tested, and the supporting structure has been designed and built. Data from previous rocket flights was used to analyze the environmental strains placed on the experiment and components. Payload components are being integrated and tested as a system to ensure functionality in the flight environment. This includes thermal testing for individual components, vibration testing from individual components and overall payload, and load testing of the external structure. Launch is scheduled for Spring 2001.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Incorporation of reversibly cross-linked polyplexes into LPDII vectors for gene delivery.

LPDII vectors are synthetic vehicles for gene delivery composed of polycation-condensed DNA complexed with anionic liposomes. In this study, we evaluated the stability and transfection properties of polyethylenimine (PEI, 25 kDa)/DNA polyplexes before and after covalent cross-linking with dithiobis(succinimidylpropionate) (DSP) or dimethyl·3,3‘-dithiobispropionimidate·2HCl (DTBP), either alone or as a component of LPDII vectors. We found that cross-linking PEI/DNA polyplexes at molar ratios ≥10:1 (DSP or DTBP:PEI) stabilized these complexes against polyanion disruption, and that this effect was reversible by reduction with 20 mM dithioerythritol (DTE). Transfection studies with polyplexes cross-linked at molar ratios of 10:1−100:1 in KB cells, a folate receptor-positive oral carcinoma cell line, showed decreasing luciferase gene expression with increasing cross-linking ratio. Subsequently, polyplexes, cross-linked with DSP at a molar ratio of 10:1, were combined with anionic liposomes composed of diolein/...
MobilityFirst, LTE and the evolution of mobile networks

This paper compares MobilityFirst,2 a future architecture for the Internet that emphasizes mobility support as essential core network functionality, with LTE, the dominant architecture that is being adopted as the upgrade path to 4G by cellular mobile network operators. The comparison is tentative because MobilityFirst is under-development as part of the NSF's Future Internet Architecture (FIA) research program,3 which was launched in 2010; while LTE is already in the early stages of commercial deployment globally by mobile operators. A novel aspect of the FIA program is to consider how proposed research architectures for the future Internet might impact industry/market structures and public policy. In keeping with this goal, it is clear that such an evaluation of MobilityFirst requires consideration of the ways that MobilityFirst might interact with LTE. After describing how these architectures differ, we offer preliminary thoughts on the implications of both for business models for future cellular mobile networks and for spectrum management policies. We explain how MobilityFirst is compatible with LTE, while offering the potential to stimulate innovation and competition through its more favorable compatibility with unlicensed spectrum regimes.
No light top quark after all

Abstract In models with charged Higgs bosons, various bounds on the top mass may not hold. In particular, the bound coming from Z 0 decays and the bound coming from B-B mixing can each be avoided. However, these two bounds cannot be simultaneously avoided. Consequently, the lower limit m t ⩾ 40 GeV announced by MARK II would be valid even if there existed a light charged Higgs.
Sex in the First Two Years of Marriage

This article points to the crucial role that developing a comfortable, functional couple sexual style has in the first two years of marriage. It highlights the destructive role played by the three major types of sexual conflicts-affairs, a sexual dysfunction (especially inhibited desire), and fertility issues. Sexual conflicts are a major cause of marital discord and dissolution. Early intervention increases the likelihood of success since couples are motivated to deal with an acute problem before it gets trapped in the guilt-blame cycle of a chronic sexual problem.
3D Segmentation of Prostate Ultrasound images Using Wavelet Transform

The current definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer is transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy. However, the current procedure is limited by using 2D biopsy tools to target 3D biopsy locations. This paper presents a new method for automatic segmentation of the prostate in three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound images, by extracting texture features and by statistically matching geometrical shape of the prostate. A set of Wavelet-based support vector machines (W-SVMs) are located and trained at different regions of the prostate surface. The WSVMs capture texture priors of ultrasound images for classification of the prostate and non-prostate tissues in different zones around the prostate boundary. In the segmentation procedure, these W-SVMs are trained in three sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes. The pre-trained W-SVMs are employed to tentatively label each voxel around the surface of the model as a prostate or non-prostate voxel by the texture matching. The labeled voxels in three planes after post-processing is overlaid on a prostate probability model. The probability prostate model is created using 10 segmented prostate data. Consequently, each voxel has four labels: sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes and one probability label. By defining a weight function for each labeling in each region, each voxel is labeled as a prostate or non-prostate voxel. Experimental results by using real patient data show the good performance of the proposed model in segmenting the prostate from ultrasound images.
A role for FXR and human FGF-19 in the repression of paraoxonase-1 gene expression by bile acids

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1), an enzyme that metabolizes organophosphate insecticides, is secreted by the liver and transported in the blood complexed to HDL. In humans and mice, low plasma levels of PON1 have also been linked to the development of atherosclerosis. We previously reported that hepatic Pon1 expression was decreased when C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet supplemented with cholic acid (CA). In the current study, we used wild-type and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) null mice to demonstrate that this repression is dependent upon CA and FXR. PON1 mRNA levels were also repressed when HepG2 cells, derived from a human hepatoma, were incubated with natural or highly specific synthetic FXR agonists. In contrast, fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF-19) mRNA levels were greatly induced by these same FXR agonists. Furthermore, treatment of HepG2 cells with recombinant human FGF-19 significantly decreased PON1 mRNA levels. Finally, deletion studies revealed that the proximal -230 to -96 bp region of the PON1 promoter contains regulatory element(s) necessary for promoter activity and bile acid repression. These data demonstrate that human PON1 expression is repressed by bile acids through the actions of FXR and FGF-19.
Glass Structure and Glass Durability

The vibrational spectra of silicate glasses provide some clues on the structure and stability of the glass-forming network. Wavenumbers of Raman bands are related to the types of linkages within the network and Raman intensities to the “speciation” within the network. Absolute infrared intensities which can be obtained from deconvolution of specular reflectance spectra can be used to obtain dipole derivatives which in turn can be correlated with effective charges on bridging and non-bridging oxygens. IR and Raman spectra measured on a variety of silicate glasses are used to extract network polymerization and bond effective charges which in turn are related to the durability of the glasses.
The glutamate transporters EAAT2 and EAAT3 mediate cysteine uptake in cortical neuron cultures

Cysteine availability is normally the rate-limiting factor in glutathione synthesis. How neurons obtain cysteine from extracellular space is not well established. Here we used mouse cortical neuron cultures to examine the role of the excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) in neuronal cysteine uptake. The cultured neurons expressed both EAAT2 and EAAT3. Cysteine uptake was predominately (> 85%) Na+-dependent, with an apparent Km of 37 μm. Cysteine uptake was reduced by the EAAT substrates l-glutamate and l-aspartate and by synthetic EAAT inhibitors. The non-selective EAAT inhibitor threo-β-hydroxyaspartate had a significantly greater maximal inhibitory effect than did the EAAT2-selective inhibitor, dihydrokainate, indicating uptake by both EAAT2 and EAAT3. Serine, a substrate of ASC uptake system, had negligible effects on cysteine uptake at 10-fold excess concentrations. To assess the functional importance of EAAT-mediated cysteine uptake in neuronal glutathione synthesis, cultures were treated with diethylmaleate to deplete glutathione, then incubated with cysteine in the presence or absence of EAAT inhibitors. Threo-β-benzyloxyaspartate and the non-transportable inhibitor threo-β-hydroxyaspartate both inhibited the cysteine-dependent glutathione synthesis. The findings suggest that neuronal EAAT activity can be a rate-limiting step for neuronal glutathione synthesis and that the primary function of EAATs expressed by neurons in vivo may be to transport cysteine.
Utilization of libration points for human exploration in the Sun-Earth-Moon system and beyond

Abstract A plan to use the Sun–Earth L2 libration point as the primary hub for future human space activities in the Earth's neighborhood is described. It is expected that the Sun–Earth L2 point will be the location of choice for a number of large astronomical observatories over the next 20 years. These observatories will probably require some level of servicing and/or repair by astronauts. To provide human access to the L2 point, the early development of a reusable vehicle called a Deep-Space Shuttle (DSS) is proposed. The DSS, based in low-Earth orbit, would be able to transport astronauts to and from the L2 point in about 35 days (including a 5-day stay time at L2). The Sun–Earth L2 point is also useful as a staging node for missions to near-Earth asteroids and Mars. For instance, a reusable interplanetary transfer vehicle (ITV) stationed at the L2 point could be used for the round-trip journey. The ITV would use lunar gravity-assists and a perigee ΔV maneuver to enter the desired interplanetary transfer trajectory. Just prior to the Earth-escape maneuver, a DSS “taxi” would transfer the crew to the ITV. A reverse procedure would be used to return the ITV to the libration point with the crew leaving the ITV just before the Earth-capture maneuver, and returning directly to Earth via an Apollo-style re-entry capsule. Using this technique, the L2-based ITV would save approximately 6.3 km / s in ΔV cost compared with an ITV stationed in low-Earth orbit.
The role of perceived relative parent personality in the development of heterosexuals, homosexuals, and transvestites.

This study examines the hypothesis that non-normative parent sex-role qualities contribute to homosexual and transvestite development. Using the Parent Characteristics Questionnaire (PCQ), this hypothesis was tested among samples of male and female heterosexuals, male and female homosexuals, and male transvestites. The PCQ assesses the relative distribution of five personality traits between mother and father: R-F (relative father) intellectuality, R-F dependence, R-F affiliation, R-F endurance, and R-F aggressivedominance. No significant differences were noted for the male homosexuals, while the hypothesized effects were evident for lesbian women and male transvestites, even when statistically controlling for age and education differences. Theoretical interpretations of the results are offered in the context of a nonpathological explanation of sexual orientation and preference.
Alternative Waste Minimization Analyses for the Printed Circuit Board Industry: Examples for Small and Large Manufacturers

The objective of the present waste minimization study for printed circuit (PC) board manufacture is to evaluate solid/liquid separation technologies, engineering data, waste recycling processes, and cost economics to assess the feasibility of achieving significant reduction in the usage of water, the generation of wastewater, and hazardous wastes. Two examples, for small and large manufacturers, demonstrate that an integrated waste minimization scheme can minimize waste by in-process recycling, resource recovery, process modification, and automation. Economic analyses of these two examples show that the integration waste minimization scheme is more profitable than that of the conventional sludge or the zero sludge schemes.
Promotion of Macrophage-Stimulated Autoreactive T Cell Proliferation by Interleukin-10: Counteraction of Macrophage Suppressor Activity During Tumor Growth

CD4+ autoreactive T cells are a major cell population in regulating immune responses to altered autologous neoplastic cells. Normal autoreactive T cells recognize major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules in association with self-peptides on antigen-presenting cells, such as macrophages (M phi). Tumor-bearing hosts (TBH) have decreased autoreactivity partly because tumors increase M phi secretion of suppressor molecules like prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and decrease M phi MHC class II expression. Because interleukin (IL)-10, a cytokine produced by T cells, M phi, and tumor cells, inhibits production of most M phi suppressor molecules, we determined if IL-10 could reverse tumor-induced murine splenic M phi-mediated suppression of autoreactive T cell proliferation. Tumor growth enhanced activated M phi production of PGE2, nitric oxide, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). IL-10 strongly reduced or inhibited M phi production of these molecules. When added to pure normal host (NH) CD4+ T cells, NH syngeneic splenic M phi stimulated autoreactive T cell proliferation more than did TBH splenic M phi. Exogenous IL-10 or M phi preincubation with IL-10 restored TBH M phi-stimulated autoreactivity to normal levels. IL-10 treatment had little or no effect on NH M phi-stimulated autoreactivity. IL-10 inhibited TBH M phi secretion of suppressor molecules in T cell proliferation assays because supernatants from IL-10-pretreated TBH M phi-syngeneic NH T cell cultures had decreased levels of suppressor molecules. When endogenous IL-10 activity was neutralized with anti-IL-10 monoclonal antibody, autoreactive T cell proliferation stimulated by NH or TBH M phi was slightly, but significantly decreased. Although IL-10 is known to inhibit M phi foreign antigen-presenting cell-dependent T cell proliferation, this study shows that IL-10 restores autoreactive T cell functions during tumor growth by counteracting M phi production of inhibitory molecules. These data suggest that IL-10 up-regulates anti-cancer autoreactive T cell responses by down-regulating suppressor M phi activity.
The Effect of Male Teachers on the Academic Achievement of Father-Absent Sixth Grade Boys

AbstractPrevious research has shown that as a group the reading achievement of father-absent elementary school boys is very low. It has been hypothesized that these boys might benefit from instruction by a male teacher. This study investigated whether assigning father-absent sixth grade boys to male teachers would result in higher academic achievement than that of similar boys assigned to female teachers, holding fifth grade achievement test scores and intelligence quotients statistically constant. Results indicated that male teachers had no significant effect upon the academic achievement of these boys. It is suggested that strategies other than assignment to male teachers be pursued by educators committed to helping improve the academic achievement of these boys.
Ab initio study of the SN1Ar and SN2Ar reactions of benzenediazonium ion with water. On the conception of "unimolecular dediazoniation" in solvolysis reactions.

The nucleophilic substitution of N2 in benzenediazonium ion 1 by one H2O molecule to form protonated phenol 2 has been studied with ab initio (RHF, MP2, QCISD(T)//MP2) and hybrid density functional (B3LYP) methods. Three mechanisms were considered: (a) the unimolecular process SN1Ar with steps 1 → Ph+ + N2 and Ph+ + H2O → 2, (b) the bimolecular process SN2Ar with precoordination 1 + H2O → 1·H2O, SN reaction 1·H2O → [TS]⧧ → 2·N2 and dissociation of the postcoordination complex 2·N2 → 2 + N2, and (c) the direct bimolecular process SN2Ar that bypasses precoordination and involves just the SN reaction 1 + H2O → [TS]⧧ → 2 + N2. The SN2Ar reactions proceed by way of a Cs symmetric SN2Ar transition state structure that is rather loose, contains essentially a phenyl cation weakly bound to N2 and OH2, and is analogous to the transition state structures of front-side nucleophilic replacement at saturated centers. In solvolysis reactions, all of these processes follow first-order kinetics, and the electronic relaxa...
High-spectral-resolution coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering with interferometrically detected broadband chirped pulses

To achieve high-spectral-resolution multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), one typically uses a narrowband pump pulse and a broadband Stokes pulse. This is to ensure a correspondence between anti-Stokes and vibrational frequencies. We obtain high-resolution CARS spectra of isopropanol, using a broadband chirped pump pulse and a broadband Stokes pulse, by detecting the anti-Stokes pulse with spectral interferometry. With the temporally resolved anti-Stokes signal, we can remove the chirp of the anti-Stokes pulse and restore high spectral resolution while also rejecting nonresonant scattering.
Effects of substrate heterogeneity on adsorption isotherms near a two-dimensional gas-liquid critical point.

We calculate adsorption isotherms for a model of a two-dimensional (2D) fluid system obeying Griffiths's 2D Ising scaling equation of state, in equilibrium with a 3D ideal gas. We model the effects of an imperfect substrate using the theory of Dash and Puff. We compare the Ising-model results with experimental isotherms of Kr adsorbed on MgO smoke. The model isotherms are used to evaluate empirical methods for determining the critical temperature and the calculation of the critical exponents \ensuremath{\gamma} and \ensuremath{\beta} from experimental isotherms. We find that current methods overestimate ${T}_{c}$, presently available substrates preclude a direct measurement of \ensuremath{\gamma}, and the blunt shape of the phase boundary makes the precise determination of \ensuremath{\beta} difficult.
Five Holiday Letters: A Fiction:

Moved by a desire to evoke in readers some possibilities for subjective meaning and emotional experiences available in reading personal correspondence, the author offers a set of five fictional holiday letters. The decision to use fiction is justified by recourse to current scholarship on nontraditional narratives in qualitative research. The author further discusses the grounds for this fictional presentation of research results by explaining his ambition to share his understanding of the structural properties of the holiday letters epistolary genre and its situated writers, which he acquired in earlier, more traditional qualitative studies, without minimizing the gains of fiction writing. More central to the purposes of this effort is his desire to create a unique character who gives voice to particular human struggles and values at the juncture of the modern and postmodern experience: Ginny Balfour is inspired by specific women letter writers but is a construction of his imagination.
Macro-cell and module placement by genetic adaptive search with bitmap-represented chromosome

The genetic algorithm has been applied to the VLSI module placement problem. This algorithm is an iterative, evolutional approach. A placement configuration is repre- sented by a set of primitive features such as location and orientation, and the features are arranged in the form of a two-dimensional bitmap chromosome. The representation is flexible, and can handle arbitrarily shaped cells, and pads, and is applicable to the placement of macro cells, and gate arrays. Three new versions of genetic operators, namely, crossover, inversion and mutation, are used to explore the solution space. Crossover creates new configurations by combining attributes from a pair of existing configurations. This feature passing scheme constitutes the primary difference between our genetic approach and the other traditional searching techniques. Inversion enables more uniform inheritance of features from one generation to the next, and mutation prevents the algorithm from getting trapped at local optima. We have pointed out that the bitmap representation enables the algorithm to divide the entire solution space into a set of feature-equivalent classes, or schemata where each class contains a set of solutions with common physical attributes. We show that the genetic algorithm adaptively biases the search based on the past observed fitness of the schemata. We also demonstrated the power of the genetic algorithm experimentally for macro cell placement, and obtained satisfactory results.
Writing and self-conscious mythopoiēsis in Euripides

Euripides uses a variety of strategies to draw attention to the novelties in his dramatic myth-creation or mythopoiēsis . He does so, for example, through multiple allusions to earlier poets, distinguishing himself from predecessors by acknowledging their influence while simultaneously producing something distinctive. Euripidean novelties are legitimized in several instances through cultic aetiologies. These aspects of Euripidean drama have long been acknowledged. More recently, Matthew Wright has shown how the characters in several Euripidean plays discuss their own myths in a self-conscious manner, a process he terms ‘metamythology’. A technique which has been less studied, however, is Euripides' exploration of the motif of writing and its connection to the act of mythopoiēsis within his work. Scholars who discuss writing in Euripides have done so either within the general context of inherent tensions between oral and written communication in Greek tragedy (or Greek literature), or have focused on the use of letters as dramatic devices. This paper argues that Euripides exploits the motif of writing in a way which is entirely different from the other tragedians, and puts forward the central thesis that writing in Euripides is associated self-consciously and metapoetically with plot construction and authorial control.
A Liouville-Gelfand Equation for $k$-Hessian Operators

In this paper we establish existence and multiplicity results for a class of fully nonlinear elliptic equations of k-Hessian type with exponential nonlinearity. In particular, we characterize the precise dependence of the multiplicity of solutions with respect to both the space dimension and the value of k. The choice of exponential nonlinearity is motivated by the classical Liouville-Gelfand problem from combustible gas dynamics and prescribed curvature problems.
Relationship between trigonelline concentration and promotion of cell arrest in G2 in cultured roots of Pisum sativum

Abstract Trigonelline, G2 Factor, present in cotyledons of Pisum sativum is transported to roots and shoots after germination. This hormone promotes prefere
Refining Quantum Cryptography

With its promise of security rooted in the laws of physics, quantum cryptography has seen tremendous growth as a worldwide research activity and the emergence of start-up commercial ventures since its invention 27 years ago. But in 2010, quantum hacking results ( 1 , 2 ) appeared to call into question the validity of the entire endeavor. Instead, the ensuing vigorous debate, combined with major network testbed results in Japan ( 3 ) and China ( 4 , 5 ), is defining a new, much brighter future for quantum crypto graphy research.
Part-Task vs. Whole-Task Training on a Supervisory Control Task

The efficacy of a part-task training for the psychomotor portion of a supervisory control simulation was compared to that of the whole-task training, using six subjects in each group, who were asked to perform a task as quickly as possible. Part-task training was provided with the cursor-control device prior to transition to the whole-task. The analysis of both the training and experimental trials demonstrated a significant performance advantage for the part-task group: the tasks were performed better and at higher speed. Although the subjects finally achieved the same level of performance in terms of score, the part-task method was preferable for economic reasons, since simple pretraining systems are significantly less expensive than the whole-task training systems.
Kidney gene database: a curated and integrated database of genes involved in kidney disease.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We have created a curated and integrated database, the Kidney Gene Database (KGDB) (http://www.urogene.org/kgdb) that contains current information about genes or genomic loci involved in human kidney disease.Materials and Methods: Genes that undergo molecular, genetic or epigenetic events that affect kidney function are identified through a biomedical literature search and catalogued in the database.Results: Events that are currently screened for are gene amplification, mutation, deletion, polymorphism, loss of heterozygosity, DNA methylation and DNA hypomethylation. In addition, genes that are uniquely expressed in the kidney, as determined by analyzing the expressed sequence tags database and the Serial Analysis of Gene Expression database, are also included in KGDB. For each gene KGDB provides basic information about the gene product, a tissue type gene expression profile, links to protein, mRNA and genomic DNA sequence information, relevant literature citations and cross-references to...
Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymers using a Fluorescently Labeled N-Alkoxyamine Initiator†

An initiator for nitroxide mediated 'living' free radical polymerization was prepared with a fluorescent tag attached to the initiating alkyl radical terminus. This was used to synthesize amphiphilic poly(acrylic acid)-block-polystyrene diblock copolymers, which self assembled in a tetrahydrofuran/buffer solution to form structures that are visible by fluorescence.
Redistribution of substituents on the methylgermanium moiety

Abstract Equilibria resulting from the redistribution on the methylgermanium moiety of halogens (Cl, Br, or I) with either methoxyl or methylthio groups have been studied by proton NMR. The resulting equilibrium constants indicate a nonrandom distribution of products with the mixed species being preferred. These constants are the same order of magnitude as the ones found previously for analogous systems based on silicon in place of germanium. Qualitative observations show that the rates of equilibrium in the analogous systems are faster for germanium than for silicon compounds.
TU-C-BRA-03: The Good and the Not-So-Good of the Finite Proton Range

The principal feature and physical advantage of protonradiation therapy is the finite range of protons in the patient. In a pristine proton pencil beam (ignoring effects of finite energy spectrum and finite source size), the distal dose gradient is, for all relevant energies, approximately twice as steep as the lateral gradient. What is not so good is that the localization of the distal dose gradient in the patient can be quite uncertain. The advantage of the distal dose gradient is therefore not currently used in clinical practice for tight conformation. Rather, conformation through lateral dose shaping is preferred. Uncertainties arise from several sources: dose calculation approximations, biological considerations, setup and anatomical variations, and internal movements of low and high density organs into the beam path. Organ motion also has a major impact on the range, which is managed by adding a distal safety margin. These margins reduce the benefit of proton therapy in treatment sites where the physical properties of protons could make a significant difference, such as lung cancer. Altogether, the physical advantage of proton therapy is not fully translated into a maximized dosimetric benefit in the patient. Furthermore, tangential avoidance of critical structures and use of patch fields, as currently practiced, increases the complexity of treatment and the number of beams. To fully utilize the finite proton range for clinical treatments, developments in three areas are necessary: 1. Management and reduction of organ motion. Organ motion can have a more severe effect on protondose distributions than on photondose distributions. This is because, to first order, photon therapy produces a static “dose cloud”, and organs move within this fixed dose cloud. This assumption is not valid in proton therapy. 2. Improved dose calculation. Protondose distributions and the end of proton range are strongly affected by, for example, metal implants and their resulting CT artifacts. Hence, a careful CT to stopping power conversion and correction of artifacts are required. Monte Carlo calculations can improve the dose calculation accuracy near the end of range, and model the range degradation effect more accurately. Some kind of in vivo dosimetry is also highly useful in proton therapy. One option is to do PET imaging of the positron emitters that are produced through nuclear interactions of the proton beam in the patient. 3. Reduction of the impact of residual uncertainties through robust treatment planning and intensity modulated proton therapy. Through a careful design of intensity modulated proton therapy plans the dosimetric effect of range uncertainties can be reduced. Educational Objectives: 1. Estimate the magnitude of range uncertainties in various sites such as lung and prostate. 2. Be able to explain the “static dose cloud” assumption and why it breaks down in proton therapy. 3. Name at least three methods to reduce range uncertainties. 4. Explain concept of robust protontreatment planning and tangential avoidance.
Characterizing the cylindrical via discontinuity

It is demonstrated that the nonorthogonal finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) technique can handle cylindrical via discontinuities without the use of an excessive number of unknowns as would be required with an equivalent orthogonal FDTD approach. Since the FDTD analysis is bandlimited in the frequency domain, the inaccurate, high-frequency components need to be removed before performing reliable transient analyses with the numerical results. The use of window filters to solve this problem is discussed, and a Hanning window is employed in a study of the transient response of an equivalent circuit for the via. >