cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Sol−Gel Systems for Solid/Liquid Separation†

A unique approach using sol−gel technology is presented for separating and recovering particulates and colloids from caustic waste slurries. The approach involves the addition of an alkali silicate and an organic gelling agent directly to the waste stream to immobilize particulates that range from macro sizes to submicron colloids. The particulates and colloids become trapped within a silica network that remains porous during the early stages of the sol−gel process. The freshly gelled monolith undergoes a process of syneresis, whereby the water and soluble salts are ejected from the monolith as it contracts. The approach has been illustrated by removal of ultrafine particulates from a Hanford Tank Waste simulant. Initial laboratory tests have shown that it is possible to produce silica monoliths in the presence of 4 M hydroxide. Analysis of the mother liquor produced during syneresis indicated quantitative recovery of the particulates within the monolith. The partitioning of ions between the silica gel an...
Oligo(ethylene glycol)-terminated monolayers on silicon surfaces and their nanopatterning with a conductive atomic force microscope

Functionalization of silicon substrate surfaces with a stable monolayer for resisting non-specific adsorption of proteins has attracted great interest, since it is directly relevant to the development of miniature, silicon-based biosensors and implantable microdevices, such as silicon-neuron interfaces. This brief review summarizes our contribution to the development of robust monolayers grown by surface hydrosilylation on atomically flat, hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces. The review also outlines our strategy and progress on the fabrication of single molecule patterns on such monolayer platforms.
An Approach to Decision-Based Design With Discrete Choice Analysis for Demand Modeling

In this paper, we present the importance of using a single criterion approach to DecisionBased Design (DBD) by examining the limitations of multicriteria approaches. We propose in this paper an approach to DBD as an enhancement to Hazelrigg’s DBD framework that utilizes the economic benefit to the producer as the single criterion in alternative selection. The technique of Discrete Choice Analysis (DCA) is introduced for constructing a product demand model, which is crucial for the evaluation of both profit and production cost. An academic universal motor design problem illustrates the proposed DBD approach. It appears that DBD, when applied correctly, is capable of unambiguously selecting the preferred alternative in a rigorous manner. Open research issues related to implementing the DBD approach are raised. The focus of our study is on demonstrating the approach rather than the design results per se. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1587156#
Lean job design and musculoskeletal disorder risk: A two plant comparison

This study examined the relationship between lean job design and work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors. Repetition, force, and posture were assessed for a sample of 56 production jobs across departments at a lean automobile-manufacturing plant and compared to 56 similar jobs at a traditional automobile-manufacturing plant. The results showed greater productivity in the lean plant: less waiting (p = .006) and walking (p < .001); and greater repetition exposure (p = .001). The mean rating for repetition was 5.5 in the lean plant, compared to 5.0 in the traditional plant based on the Latko (1997) hand activity level scale. However, the lean plant had significantly lower peak hand force ratings (p = .01). When examining force and repetition combined, the lean plant had a lower percentage of jobs above the American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)-recommended Threshold Limit Value (TLV®). The findings suggest that lean manufacturing does not necessarily increase workers' risk for WMSD injuries. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A formula for computing the number of quadtree node fragments created by a shift

A formula is provided to compute the number of new blocks resulting from the decomposition induced by a shift of a single quadtree node of arbitrary size by an arbitrary amount. A precise calculation is also presented for the average number of BLACK nodes required to represent a square of width 2 m in a region quadtree.
Exact Reconstruction Conditions for Regularized Modified Basis Pursuit

In this work, we obtain sufficient conditions for exact recovery of regularized modified basis pursuit (reg-mod-BP) and discuss when the obtained conditions are weaker than those for modified compressive sensing or for basis pursuit (BP). The discussion is also supported by simulation comparisons. Reg-mod-BP provides a solution to the sparse recovery problem when both an erroneous estimate of the signal's support, denoted by , and an erroneous estimate of the signal values on are available.
Patterns of hybrid loss of imprinting reveal tissue- and cluster-specific regulation.

BackgroundCrosses between natural populations of two species of deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus (BW), and P. polionotus (PO), produce parent-of-origin effects on growth and development. BW females mated to PO males (bw×po) produce growth-retarded but otherwise healthy offspring. In contrast, PO females mated to BW males (PO×BW) produce overgrown and severely defective offspring. The hybrid phenotypes are pronounced in the placenta and include PO×BW conceptuses which lack embryonic structures. Evidence to date links variation in control of genomic imprinting with the hybrid defects, particularly in the PO×BW offspring. Establishment of genomic imprinting is typically mediated by gametic DNA methylation at sites known as gDMRs. However, imprinted gene clusters vary in their regulation by gDMR sequences.Methodology/Principal FindingsHere we further assess imprinted gene expression and DNA methylation at different cluster types in order to discern patterns. These data reveal PO×BW misexpression at the Kcnq1ot1 and Peg3 clusters, both of which lose ICR methylation in placental tissues. In contrast, some embryonic transcripts (Peg10, Kcnq1ot1) reactivated the silenced allele with little or no loss of DNA methylation. Hybrid brains also display different patterns of imprinting perturbations. Several cluster pairs thought to use analogous regulatory mechanisms are differentially affected in the hybrids.Conclusions/SignificanceThese data reinforce the hypothesis that placental and somatic gene regulation differs significantly, as does that between imprinted gene clusters and between species. That such epigenetic regulatory variation exists in recently diverged species suggests a role in reproductive isolation, and that this variation is likely to be adaptive.
The public policy program of the Kennedy School of Government: A student's view

In September of 1969, the John Fitzgerald Kennedy School of Government, formerly the Harvard Graduate School of Public Administration, initiated a new program of professional graduate education for students expecting to enter public service. Twenty-one students were chosen to participate in the Public Policy Program's first experimental year. The author was one of those students, and in this article he attempts to explain the purposes of the Program, the features which distinguish it from other graduate educations with similar purposes, the form it took in its first year, and the direction in which it seems to be moving. At various stages of the article, also, the author has inserted student comments concerning the Program's first year and suggestions for its further evolution. The hope is that this format will offer a somewhat more intimate view of the Public Policy Program than could be gleaned from a reading of catalogs, news releases, or a hurried article by a faculty member.
Quantification of occipital EEG changes in Alzheimer's disease utilizing a new metric: The fractal dimension

In a retrospective preliminary investigation, the occipital electroencephalogram (EEG) changes associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) were examined using a novel quantification metric: the fractal dimension. The mean occipital EEG fractal dimension was determined for each of three patient groups representing a spectrum of clinical and EEG pathology: controls, probable AD, and autopsy-confirmed AD. The fractal dimension was significantly reduced in each of the AD groups with respect to controls (p < 0.001); and within the AD groups, it was significantly reduced in autopsy-confirmed AD relative to probable AD (p < 0.01). The fractal dimension findings paralleled the manifest EEG abnormalities in a way that suggests it has potential clinical utility in metric studies on the EEG, especially when applied to the dementias. Additionally, the EEG pathology studied here was particularly well-described by the fractal dimension, providing further support for a nonlinear approach to the background activity of the EEG.
The variable viscoelasticity oscillator

The complex dynamics of a variable viscoelasticity oscillator is studied using the novel concept of Variable-Order (VO) Calculus. The damping force in the oscillator varies continuously between the elastic and viscous regimes depending on the position of the mass. The oscillator considered here is composed of a linear spring of stiffness k that inputs a restitutive force Fk = -k x, a VO damper of order q(x(t)) that generates a damping force Fq = -cq q(x(t))x, and a mass m. A modified Runge-Kutta method is used in conjunction with a trapezoidal numerical integration technique to yield a second-order accurate method for the solution of the resulting VO Differential Equation (VODE). The VO oscillator is also modelled using a Constant Order (CO) formulation where a number of CO fractional order differentials are weighted to simulate the VO behavior. The CO formulation asymptotically approaches the VO results when a relatively large number of weights is used. For the viscoelastic range of 0 ≤ q ≤ 1, the dynamics of the oscillator is well approximated by the CO formulation when 5 or more fractional terms are included (e.g., 0, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1).
Influence of the prior oxide film on the growth and structure of oxides formed on Fe26Cr alloys at 600°C

Abstract A Fe26 Cr alloy has been oxidized at 600°C in 5 × 10 −3 , 5 × 10 −2 and 5 × 10 −1 torr oxygen to examine the influence of the prior oxide film on the growth and structure of oxides formed at high temperature. Different prior oxides were produced either by electropolishing or by annealing the electropolished specimen in vacuum at 600°C. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) showed the Cr content of the prior oxide film to be increased from ∼ 50 to ∼ 95% during annealing, and electron diffraction indicated a change in oxide structure from amorphous to crystalline. At 5 × 10 −3 torr, electropolished Fe26 Cr oxidizes faster than the vacuum annealed specimens because the amorphous prior oxide gives rise to a finer-grained cubic oxide with more grain boundary easy diffusion paths for cation transport. From AES and electron back-scattering Fe 57 Mossbauer spectroscopy it is concluded that this cubic oxide is a duplex layer of inner γ-Cr 2 O 3 and outer Fe 3 O 4 . The oxidation rate slows markedly when nucleated α-Fe 2 O 3 covers the cubic oxide. With increased oxidation time Fe 3 O 4 converts to α-Fe 2 O 3 and the γ-Cr 2 O 2 to α-Cr 2 O 3 . Annealed Fe26 Cr oxidizes slower primarily because of a lower cation transport through a coarser-grained cubic oxide rather than because of a higher Cr content in the prior oxide. α-Fe 2 O 3 nucleates at an earlier stage in the oxidation and essentially stifles the reaction. The extent of Cr incorporation into any of the Fe oxides produced in 5 × 10 −3 torr oxygen is small (⋞ 5%). Increasing the oxygen pressure from 5 × 10 −3 to 5 × 10 −2 and 5 × 10 −1 torr has little effect on the mechanism of oxidation of vacuum annealed Fe26 Cr, except that the overall extent of oxidation is less because of earlier α-Fe 2 O 3 formation and, after a few hours of oxidation, up to ∼ 20% Cr is incorporated into the α-Fe 2 O 3 lattice. On electropolished Fe26 Cr at 5 × 10 −2 and 5 × 10 −1 torr oxygen nodules of α-Cr 2 O 3 form and continue to grow both at grain boundaries and within the grains. Possible mechanisms for this nodule formation, which is exclusive to electropolished specimens oxidized at the higher pressures, are considered.
The window corner algorithm for robot path planning with translations

The feasible path problem is solved for planning a collision-free path to translate an arbitrary polyhedral robot from an initial position to some goal position in a polyhedral environment. The shortest path problem entails finding the shortest feasible path. The authors present two versions of the window corner (WC) algorithm, which is a novel solution to the problems for the case of single and multistep translational paths for two dimensions, and then summarize the extension to the three-dimensional WC algorithm, for feasible paths. The concept of window corners in the polyhedral cone representation (PCR) is introduced, which reduces the search space. The PCR cones store constraints between boundary elements. The PCO representation has O(m) vertices compared to O(m/sup 2/) in a C-space representation. The WC algorithm was tested and an example from assembly path planning is presented. >
Localized substrate removal technique enabling strong-confinement microphotonics in bulk Si CMOS processes

A novel post-processing fabrication technique, based on XeF2 etching, has been developed to locally remove the silicon substrate beneath polysilicon waveguides, enabling integration of low-loss strong-confinement microphotonics into standard bulk-silicon CMOS process flows.
Edge-mediated patterns of seed removal in experimentally connected and fragmented landscapes

While biological reserves remain central to biodiversity conservation, the amount of area available for terrestrial reserves may be inadequate for many taxa. Biodiversity spillover—the promotion of diversity in matrix areas surrounding reserves—might help address this shortfall in reserve area. However, the mechanistic underpinning of spillover remains uninvestigated. Two fundamental processes—seed dispersal and establishment—might generate plant biodiversity spillover. Here, we investigate the role of establishment in promoting spillover by assessing post-dispersal seed predation, a key component of establishment, in the matrix of a replicated, large-scale habitat fragmentation experiment, where spillover is elevated around patches connected by landscape corridors. Our results show that matrix seed predation may constrain the distance of this spillover effect by reducing establishment: seed removal was least at the matrix edge and increased further into the matrix. We found some support for matrix seed predation underpinning previously reported landscape-level variation in spillover. Of the three species we investigated, two showed evidence for elevated seed predation in the matrix surrounding the unconnected patches around which the lowest levels of spillover occur. However, seed predation did not explain connectivity-enhanced spillover, suggesting that seed dispersal likely drives this pattern. Management activities that increase seed deposition in the matrix may have beneficial effects via spillover. Our work also illustrates that matrix-mediated gradients in seed predation may be widespread, but likely vary depending upon matrix composition and the ecological system under consideration. In fragmented landscapes, this gradient could impact the distribution, abundance, and spread of plant species.
Synthesizing efficient out-of-core programs for block recursive algorithms using block-cyclic data distributions

In this paper, we present a framework for synthesizing I/O efficient out-of-core programs for block recursive algorithms, such as the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and block matrix transposition algorithms. Our framework uses an algebraic representation which is based on tensor products and other matrix operations. The programs are optimized for the striped Vitter and Shriver's two-level memory model in which data can be distributed using various cyclic(B) distributions in contrast to the normally used physical track distribution cyclic(B/sub d/), where B/sub d/ is the physical disk block size. We first introduce tensor bases to capture the semantics of block-cyclic data distributions of out-of-core data and also data access patterns to out-of-core data. We then present program generation techniques for tensor products and matrix transposition. We accurately represent the number of parallel I/O operations required for the synthesized programs for tensor products and matrix transposition as a function of tensor bases and data distributions. We introduce an algorithm to determine the data distribution which optimizes the performance of the synthesized programs. Further, we formalize the procedure of synthesizing efficient out-of-core programs for tensor product formulas with various block-cyclic distributions as a dynamic programming problem. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through several examples. We show that the choice of an appropriate data distribution can reduce the number of passes to access out-of-core data by as large as eight times for a tensor product and the dynamic programming approach can largely reduce the number of passes to access out-of-core data for the overall tensor product formulas.
Reservoir characterization, modeling, and evaluation of Upper Jurassic Smackover microbial carbonate and associated facies in Little Cedar Creek field, southwest Alabama, eastern Gulf coastal plain of the United States

An integrated field study of the microbial carbonate and associated reservoirs at Little Cedar Creek field in southwest Alabama, eastern Gulf coastal plain of the United States, provides an excellent opportunity to examine the spatial distribution of the sedimentary, petrophysical, and productivity trends in microbial reservoirs. This study includes characterizing the sedimentary, petrophysical, and hydrocarbon productivity characteristics of microbialites, developing a three-dimensional geologic reservoir model, and evaluating the hydrocarbon potential of these reservoirs. The lower reservoir comprises subtidal thrombolitic boundstone associated with microbial buildups oriented in a southwest to northeast direction over an area that encompasses 32 mi2 (83 km2). These buildups developed in clusters in the western, central, and northern parts of the field and attained thicknesses of 43 ft (13 m). The clusters are separated by interbuildup areas of microbialites of 7–9 ft (2–3 m) in thickness that are overlain by a thick section of nonreservoir microbially influenced lime mudstone and wackestone. Porosity in the microbial reservoirs includes depositional constructed void (intraframe) and diagenetic solution-enhanced void and vuggy pore types. This pore system provides for high permeability and connectivity in the reservoir beds. Permeability ranges to as much as 7953 md and porosity to as much as 20%. The microbial boundstone beds have high potential as hydrocarbon flow units; however, the buildup areas are separated by interbuildup areas associated with a thick section of low-permeability to nonreservoir beds that serve as potential baffles or barriers to flow. Much of the 17.2 million bbl oil produced from the field is from the microbial lithofacies. The results from the Little Cedar Creek field study have application in the design of improved development strategies for other fields producing from microbial carbonate reservoirs.
Applying a component-based software architecture to robotic workcell applications

Presents the results of applying a component-based control software architecture to robotic workcell applications. Robotic workcells are introduced, the underlying technology is discussed, and an overview of the software architecture is presented. Next, the results and experiences of applying the architecture to seven industrial applications are described in detail. As the results indicate, software reuse levels in excess of 90% are achieved. The paper concludes with a summary and discussion of future work.
Mapping 4-AP induced epilepsy propagation with a micro-electrode array in intact hippocampus in-vitro

Epileptic seizures are a symptom of epilepsy and are transient signs or symptoms of abnormal, excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. Epilepsy is the underlying tendency of the brain to recurrent unprovoked seizures. The hippocampus is a common site of seizures and hippocampal slices have been used to study the generation and propagation of seizures. A novel penetrating microelectrode array was designed and fabricated to record activity in the hippocampal preparation in mice. Furthermore, the hippocampus contains both longitudinal and transverse pathways therefore we tested the hypothesis that propagation can take along these two orthogonal pathways. In order to map this orthogonal propagation, a micro-machined 3D array is applied to an intact hippocampus preparation incubated in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) containing 4-AminoPyridine (4-AP). The data suggests that the 4-AP induced epileptic activity in hippocampus starts in CA3 region and propagates in transverse direction from CA3 to CA1 and in longitudinal direction of CA3 simultaneously. Therefore, a single interictal event can invade the entire hippocampus from the septal to the temporal region and from the CA3 to the CA1.
Intermediate Phase Nucleation at Diffusion Couple Boundaries

The nucleation of intermediate phases at the interphase boundary in diffusion couples is examined theoretically. A variational procedure is described which allows for a self consistent determination of the critical nucleus size and shape, the work of formation of the critical nucleus and the nucleation rate.
Pelvic floor anatomy in classic bladder exstrophy using 3-dimensional computerized tomography: initial insights.

Purpose: We present the pelvic floor anatomy of the major pelvic floor musculature in classic bladder exstrophy, including the levator ani, obturator internus and obturator externus. By improving our knowledge of pelvic floor anatomy we hope to understand better the relationship of the pelvic floor to the bony anatomy as well as the role of osteotomy in changing pelvic floor anatomy to enhance urinary control after surgery.Materials and Methods: 3-Dimensional computerized tomography was done in 6 boys and 1 girl, including 5 patients 2 days to 5 months old (mean age 7 months) undergoing primary closure and 2 who were 4 and 8 years old undergoing repeat closure. The pelvic floor musculature, including the levator ani, obturator internus and obturator externus, in these cases was compared to that in 26 age and sex matched controls.Results: The levator ani musculature encompasses a significantly wider area of 9.5 cm.2 in patients with classic bladder exstrophy than in controls. The anterior segment of the le...
Dietary diversity score is a useful indicator of vitamin A status of adult women in Northern Kenya

Objectives: Diets consisting of diverse food items provide a wide range of nutrients that can enhance nutritional quality of the diet. Few studies have, however, assessed dietary diversity and its effects on micronutrient health in rural populations in field settings. This study assesses how well Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), an indicator of dietary diversity based on a simple count of food groups consumed, predicts the micronutrient status, focusing on serum vitamin A concentration. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from women in food-insecure northern Kenya where dietary diversity is likely critical for micronutrient health yet under-studied. A linear regression model was applied to examine the relationships between DDS and serum retinol concentration. A logistic regression model was used to test DDS as a predictor of vitamin A insufficiency (serum retinol < 1.05 μmol/l). Results: DDS had a significant positive effect on serum retinol concentration (t = 2.01, P = 0.045) after adjusting for age, wealth, acute phase reaction, hemoglobin, vitamin A intake and vitamin A supplementation. A one unit increase in DDS by adding an extra food group in one's diet was significantly less likely to have vitamin A insufficiency (OR = 0.64, P = 0.026) after adjusting for the covariates. Conclusions: Our results indicate that diversified diets enhance vitamin A status relative to narrower diets with equivalent vitamin A content. DDS shows a potential as a low-cost, field-friendly method for exploratory assessments of vitamin A status, and a potential as a research tool for human biologists and anthropologists interested in dietary quality and micronutrient health. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hopf Bifurcation of End-to-End Network Congestion Control Algorithm

In this paper, a class of end-to end network congestion control algorithms with communication delays is studied. By choosing the communication delay as a parameter, the existence of bifurcation and the stability of the system are proved, and the formulas for determining the stability of bifurcation periodic solutions and the direction of the Hopf bifurcation are presented. Finally, the theoretical results are verify by the computer simulation.
Yin and Yang of MCP-1

See related article, pages 881–889 Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1, also known as CCL2) is a chemokine of the C-C type which recruits circulating monocytes to sites of inflammation. Over the past several years, MCP-1 has become established as a major factor in the development of atherosclerosis through its promotion of monocyte/macrophage accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques, leading in turn to chronic inflammation, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and plaque instability.1 Although not present in normal blood vessels, MCP-1 protein and mRNA are strongly expressed in areas of atherosclerosis.2,3 Knock out of the MCP-1 gene or the receptor for MCP-1, C-C chemokine receptor (CCR)-2, are associated with a decrease in the extent of atherosclerosis in murine models.4,5 MCP-1 is produced by endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques. Oxidized LDL in the arterial wall may upregulate the MCP-1 gene in vascular cells and stimulate the local adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells.6 LDL-C has been shown to upregulate CCR-2 expression on monocytes, and monocyte CCR2 expression is dramatically increased in hypercholesterolemic patients compared with normal controls.7 There has been increasing interest in the role of MCP-1 in other inflammatory conditions, including post-ischemic inflammation. A study published in this issue of Circulation Research by Dewald et al demonstrates that MCP-1 plays an important role in the healing of necrotic areas of myocardium following coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion.8 Mice with disruption of the MCP-1 gene exhibited striking delays in the recruitment of macrophages into the healing infarct and in the replacement of injured myocytes by granulation tissue without any effect on neutrophil mobilization. MCP-1 null mice had decreased and delayed infiltration of macrophages, …
Recent Recognition of Archbishop Peckham—Bibliographical

Since the opening of the century there has been a marked awakening of interest in the works of John Peckham and an increasing appreciation of his importance in many areas of medieval life and thought. As lecturer at Paris and Rome, as Provincial Minister of the Franciscans in England, and as Archbishop of Canterbury, this active and learned scholar devoted his attention to many literary and executive tasks, making substantial contributions in such varied fields as theology, philosophy, religious education, homiletics, canon law, Franciscan history, science, liturgics, and poetry.
High level programming for distributed computing

Programming for distributed and other loosely coupled systems is a problem of growing interest. This paper describes an approach to distributed computing at the level of general purpose programming languages. Based on primitive notions of module, message, and transaction key, the methodology is shown to be independent of particular languages and machines. It appears to be useful for programming a wide range of tasks. This is part of an ambitious program of development in advanced programming languages, and relations with other aspects of the project are also discussed.
Regulation of histone deposition proteins Asf1/Hir1 by multiple DNA damage checkpoint kinases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

CAF-1, Hir proteins, and Asf1 are histone H3/H4 binding proteins important for chromatin-mediated transcriptional silencing. We explored genetic and physical interactions between these proteins and S-phase/DNA damage checkpoint kinases in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Although cells lacking checkpoint kinase Mec1 do not display defects in telomeric gene silencing, silencing was dramatically reduced in cells lacking both Mec1 and the Cac1 subunit of CAF-1. Silencing was restored in cac1Δ and cac1Δ mec1Δ cells upon deletion of Rad53, the kinase downstream of Mec1. Restoration of silencing to cac1Δ cells required both Hir1 and Asf1, suggesting that Mec1 counteracts functional sequestration of the Asf1/Hir1 complex by Rad53. Consistent with this idea, the degree of suppression of silencing defects by rad53 alleles correlated with effects on Asf1 binding. Furthermore, deletion of the Dun1 kinase, a downstream target of Rad53, also suppressed the silencing defects of cac1Δ cells and reduced the levels of Asf1 associated with Rad53 in vivo. Loss of Mec1 and Rad53 did not alter telomere lengths or Asf1 protein levels, nuclear localization, or chromosome association. We conclude that the Mec1 and Dun1 checkpoint kinases regulate the Asf1-Rad53 interaction and therefore affect the activity of the Asf1/Hir complex in vivo.
Observations of Nocturnal Thunderstorms and Lighting Displays as Seen During Recent Space Shuttle Missions

During the recent space shuttle flights the Mesoscale Lightning Experiment, an observational program to observe thunderstorms and lightning from space, was conducted. The low light level TV cameras located in the payload bay of the space shuttle were commanded from the ground and used to collect video images. Presented in this paper are some of the images and supporting information.
A randomized, masked study of triiodothyronine plus thyroxine administration in preterm infants less than 28 weeks of gestational age: Hormonal and clinical effects

A randomized, placebo-controlled, masked study was conducted of the responses of thyroid parameters, cortisol, and the cardiovascular system to a single dose of triiodothyronine (T3) 24 h after birth, followed by a daily dose of thyroxine (T4) during 6 wk to infants <28 wk gestational age. Thirty-one infants were assigned to three groups:1) group A: T3 24 h after birth plus daily T4 during 6 wk; 2) group B: placebo T3 and T4 during 6 wk; and 3) group C: placebo T3 and placebo T4. T4, free T4, T3, free T3, reverse T3, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and cortisol were measured in cord blood and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 42, and 56. Data on pulse rate, blood pressure, and cumulative dose of inotropic agents were collected. T3 (0.5 μg/kg) resulted in a plasma increase until day 3. Thereafter, plasma T3 levels were comparable between the groups. T4, free T4, and reverse T3 were increased in groups A and B during the period of T4 administration. Thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression was of shorter duration in group A. T3 and T4 administration did not have any effect on cortisol levels. We did not find any effects of T3 or of T4 administration on the cardiovascular system. A single injection of T3 (0.5 μg/kg) given 22–26 h after birth only leads to a 2-d increase of T3 levels and does not have effects on the cardiovascular system. This study does not support the use of T3 according to our regimen in preterm infants.
Affiliative motivation, school attachment, and aggression in school

School attachment is a robust predictor of adjustment in children and youth. Previous research has demonstrated effects of school context on student attachment, but individual-level contributions have not been explored. Our study examined the role of affiliative orientation in school attachment and aggressive behavior in children and youth from Grades 3 through 12. A total of 834 students in three school districts completed self-report measures of affiliative motivation, attachment to school, and frequency of physically and relationally aggressive acts. Results supported the hypothesis that students high in affiliative orientation reported higher levels of school attachment and lower levels of physical and relational aggression. Path analysis indicated that the relation of affiliative orientation to aggression was mediated by school attachment, but that the mediational effect was moderated by sex. Male students, and students of both sexes with low affiliative motivation, may receive special benefit from practices designed to increase school attachment. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 231–246, 2006.
TCDD Induced Pericardial Edema and Relative COX-2 Expression in Medaka (Oryzias Latipes) Embryos

Exposure to dioxin and other aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands results in multiple, specific developmental cardiovascular phenotypes including pericardial edema and circulatory failure in small aquarium fish models. Although phenotypes are well described, mechanistic underpinnings for such toxicities remain elusive. Here we suggest that AhR activation results in stimulation of inflammation and "eicosanoid" pathways, which contribute to the observed developmental, cardiovascular phenotypes. We demonstrate that medaka embryos exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (0.05-1 ppb) during early development result in a dose-related increase in the prevalence of pericardial edema and that this phenotype correlates with an increase in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression. Those individuals exhibiting the edema phenotype had significantly greater COX-2 mRNA than their nonedematous cohort. Selective pharmacological inhibition of COX-2, with NS-398, and genetic knock down of COX-2 with a translation initiation morpholino significantly attenuated prevalence and severity of edema phenotype. Subsequently, exposures of medaka embryos to arachidonic acid (AA) resulted in recapitulation of the pericardial edema phenotype and significantly increased COX-2 expression only in those individuals exhibiting the edema phenotype compared with their nonedematous cohort. AA exposure does not result in significant induction of cytochrome P450 1A expression, suggesting that pericardial edema can be induced independent of AhR/aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator/dioxin response element interactions. Results from this study demonstrate that developmental exposure to TCDD results in an induction of inflammatory mediators including COX-2, which contribute to the onset, and progression of heart dysmorphogenesis in the medaka model.
Prenatal dexamethasone leads to both endothelial dysfunction and vasodilatory compensation in sheep.

We investigated long-term cardiovascular effects in the offspring of sheep exposed to prenatal dexamethasone (DM). We assessed in vitro vascular responsiveness and evaluated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) message and protein levels in femoral muscle removed from 5-month-old sheep. Dexamethasone was administered i.m. to pregnant ewes as 3 weekly courses (4 × 2 mg at 12 h intervals), starting on day 103 of gestation (term ≈149 days). Ewes were allowed to lamb. At 5 months of age a carotid catheter was placed for blood pressure measurement and hamstring muscle was removed from the lambs under general anaesthesia. We demonstrate that following prenatal DM exposure in the 5-month-old offspring: (1) blood pressure is unchanged; (2) as previously reported in the fetus, sensitivity to endothelin-1 (ET) is increased; (3) acetylcholine-induced relaxation is increased; (4) l-NAME suppressible vasodilatory response to ET is abolished; (5) there is no change in endothelium-independent vasodilatation; and (6) there is no change in eNOS RNA and protein levels, when compared to saline treated controls. We speculate that decreased agonist-induced NO release is not due to alteration in gene expression, but is more likely to be a post-transcriptional event. In summary, the lack of a difference in resting mean arterial pressure (MAP) between DM and control lambs indicates that the compensation we have previously demonstrated in the fetus following glucocorticoid exposure persists to 5 months postnatal age. Compensation is likely due to non-NO-dependent mechanisms, since no evidence was found of upregulated NOS.
High incidence of triple negative breast cancers following pregnancy and an associated gene expression signature

Breast cancer risk increases transiently in the period following pregnancy; pregnancy-associated breast cancers (PABC) are more aggressive than cases diagnosed in nulliparous women. We have previously reported that in the normal human breast pregnancy results in the upregulation of a number of inflammation related genes, suggesting a pro-tumorigenic environment as well as downregulation of ESR1 (ERα) and ERBB2 (HER2) and upregulation of ESR2 (ERβ), suggesting a protective effect. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possibility of differential regulation of the same gene set modulated in the normal breast, in human breast tumors following pregnancy. Gene expression was measured by real-time PCR on tumor regions isolated by laser capture microdissection from paraffin sections. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue microarrays (TMA) for protein expression. Hierarchical clustering was performed using the average linkage method to determine coordinate expression of sets of genes. We find that breast cancers detected within 10 years following pregnancy display a different gene expression pattern than those detected in nulliparous breast cancer patients. The gene expression difference is mainly attributable to a triple negative (TNBC) subgroup found to be more frequent in PABCs up to 10 years following a pregnancy. We also show that protein and mRNA expression levels correlate in half of the proteins tested by TMA. Despite the fact that this is a small study of 53 patients, we identified a gene expression signature that is differentially expressed in pregnancy-associated TNBC.
PRELIMINARY CHARACTERIZATION OF "SEX RATIO" AND REDISCOVERY AND REINTERPRETATION OF "MALE SEX RATIO" IN DROSOPHILA AFFINIS

In D. affinis "sex ratio" (sr), a form of meiotic drive characterized by the production of mostly or only female progeny by certain males, is associated with two different X chromosome sequences, XS-I XL-II and XS-II XL-IV. The behavior of the two sequences differed, depending on the Y chromosome constitution, being either YL or 0. Males with sequence XS-II XL-IV and YL produced progenies with nearly normal sex ratios; males with the same X chromosome sequence but in the absence of a Y chromosome in some cases gave progenies with nearly normal sex ratios but in other cases gave progenies which tended toward phenotypic sr. Males with sequence XS-I XL-II and YL gave progenies which were characteristically sr (0.97–0.98 females); in the absence of a Y chromosome males with this sequence produced progenies which were virtually all-male. This latter finding is presumably identical to Novitski's (1947) "male sex ratio" (msr). The interpretation offered here attributes msr to an interaction between sr sequence XS-I XL-II and the 0 condition. A general consideration of the available data on sr in D. affinis is presented.
Effects of topological defects and diatom vacancies on characteristic vibration modes and Raman intensities of zigzag single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Defects are ubiquitous in carbon nanotubes (CNTs), despite their large formation energies, and have astounding effects on their physicochemical properties. In this study, we employ density-functional theory (DFT) calculations to study systematically the atomic structure, stability, and characteristic vibrations of pristine and defected zigzag CNTs, where the defects are of the form of Stone–Wales (SW) and diatom vacancies (DV). The DFT optimized structures and the phonon modes are subsequently used in conjunction with a semiempirical bond-polarization model to study the nonresonant Raman spectra. For each defect type, we find two CNT structures with defects parallel or oblique to the tube axis. For the SW defects, the two structures have similar formation energies, whereas for the DV defect, only defects parallel to the tube axis are likely to exist. The results show that the defects induce a blue shift in the radial breathing mode (RBM) of metallic CNTs, whereas this mode is not shifted for semiconductin...
Clinical Evaluation of a New Screening Test for Syphilis

Sera from 200 healthy individuals, 141 patients with untreated syphilis, and 146 people who had been previously treated for syphilis were tested by use of the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL), Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) card, and Syphla-Chek tests. The Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody – Absorption (FTA–ABS) test also was performed on all specimens. Sera from healthy individuals were nonreactive in all screening tests. The VDRL and Syphla-Chek tests were the most sensitive in detecting untreated cases of syphilis, but this sensitivity was not statistically different from that of the RPR test. The titers of any two tests were in agreement to within one dilution more than 90% of the time.
Circadian Rhythm of Output from Neurones in the Eye of Aplysia: I. Effects of Deuterium Oxide and Temperature

1.The compound action potential (CAP) output from the isolated eye of Aplysia , in darkness at constant temperature, exhibits a circadian rhythm of CAP frequency and a circadian rhythm of CAP amplitude when recorded in culture medium for up to two weeks. 2.Deuterated culture medium lengthened the period of the CAP frequency rhythm linearly from 26.7 h in normal culture medium to 33.7 h in 50% D 2 O culture medium. In 60% D 2 O culture medium, the rhythm of CAP frequency was abolished after a single cycle. 3.Lowering temperature had a direct inhibitory effect on the CAP generating mechanism, so that CAP production was virtually abolished below 7 °C. 4.Lowering temperature decreased the amplitude and increased the period of the rhythm, and in eyes maintained at 9.5 °C the rhythm damped out after several cycles. Between 15 and 22.5 °C there was almost complete temperature compensation ( Q 10 1.07). 5.It is suggested that the CAP generating cells of the eye may be similar in mechanism to central endogenous bursters in Aplysia and other gastropods, and that the circadian rhythm of CAP frequency and CAP burst frequency may be due to a clock-controlled change in frequency of a membrane potential oscillation in the electrotonically coupled secondary neurones. Note: Laboratory of Sensory Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, U.S.A.
TRAF3 as a powerful and multitalented regulator of lymphocyte functions

This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the roles of the signaling adapter protein tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor 3 in regulating the functions of B and T lymphocytes. In B lymphocytes, TNFR-associated factor 3 inhibits signaling by TNFR superfamily receptors, Toll-like receptors, and interleukin-6R. In contrast, signaling to B cells by the virally encoded oncogenic protein latent membrane protein 1 is promoted by TNFR-associated factor 3. An important B cell-specific role for TNFR-associated factor 3 is the inhibition of homeostatic survival, directly relevant to the common occurrence of TNFR-associated factor 3 mutations in human B cell malignancies. TNFR-associated factor 3 was recently found to be a resident nuclear protein in B cells, where it interacts with and inhibits gene expression mediated by the cAMP response element-binding protein transcription complex, including expression of the prosurvival protein myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein 1. In T lymphocytes, TNFR-associated factor 3 is required for normal signaling by the T cell antigen receptor, while inhibiting signaling by the interleukin-2 receptor. Cytoplasmic TNFR -associated factor 3 restrains nuclear factor-κB2 activation in both T and B cells. Clinical implications and future directions for the study of this context-dependent signaling regulator are discussed.
A Study of the Temperature Field of Annular Finned Tubes with a Trapezoidal Cross-section

A new method is proposed for calculating the temperature distribution along the fin height (i.e., along the fin-root to fin-end direction) of an annular finned tube with a trapezoidal cross-section. Measurement results indicate that the proposed calculation method features a fairly high precision. Meanwhile, a non-uniform distribution of temperature was identified along the fin-width direction (namely, along the fin thickness direction), which is of major reference value for the structure optimization of annular fins.
Polymer-Based Nanocomposite Coatings for Anticorrosion Applications

The successful use of polymeric coatings for corrosion prevention or mitigation is often hindered by their inherently porous microstructure that fails to resist the ingress of detrimental species and/or by their vulnerability to damage by surface abrasion, wear, or scratches. Incorporation of nanomaterials in polymeric coatings can greatly improve their barrier performance. While the last decade has seen a substantial amount of research on polymeric nanocomposite coatings, the knowledge underlying the critical roles nanomaterials play remains scattered. This chapter discusses the utilization of nanotechnology to greatly enhance the properties of polymer-based coatings for anticorrosion applications, by modifying the microstructure of the coating bulk or endowing it with additional functionality. It starts with a brief discussion of the relevant knowledge base, including: microstructure of polymer nanocomposites, influence of nanomodification on properties of polymeric coatings, fabrication approaches, and the use of polymeric nanocoating as a carrier for corrosion inhibitors. It also provides a review of technological advances in the use of nanotechnology to produce high-performance polymeric coatings with outstanding corrosion resistance and other relevant properties. The chapter concludes with a snapshot review of the advanced characterization of nanocomposite coatings for corrosion protection.
Porcine Pepsinogen and Pepsin

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses porcine pepsinogen and pepsin. Pepsinogen, a protein with the molecular weight of 40,000 has one NH2-terminal amino acid, leucine, one COOH-terminus, and alanine. The protein is stable at neutrality but is transformed into pepsin at acid pH. Amino acid analyses of pepsinogen and pepsin reveal that pepsinogen contains 17 basic amino acids, whereas pepsin has four. Isolation and characterization of peptides obtained from tryptic hydrolysates of reduced-carboxymethylated pepsinogen accounted for 32 of the 41 amino acids of the NH2-terminus of the protein. In contrast to most globular proteins, the specific optical rotation, [α], the hydrodynamic properties and the enzymic activity of pepsin remain unaltered if the protein is dissolved in concentrated urea solutions or in guanidine hydrochloride, or if the solution is heated to 60°. No temperature transitions of the specific optical rotation are observed if the ɛ-amino groups of pepsinogen are replaced by nonpolar or acidic groups as is the case with carbamyl- and succinylpepsinogen. The lysine residues of the NH2-terminal portion of the pepsinogen molecule are conformational determinants of the protein by undergoing electrostatic interactions with some of the acidic groups of the pepsin moiety.