cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geostatistical incorporation of spatial coordinates into supervised classification of hyperspectral data

This paper presents a methodology to incorporate both hyperspectral properties and spatial coordinates of pixels in maximum likelihood classification. Indicator kriging of ground data is used to estimate, for each pixel, the prior probabilities of occurrence of classes which are then combined with spectral-based probabilities within a Bayesian framework. In the case study (mapping of in-stream habitats), accounting for spatial coordinates increases the overall producer's accuracy from 85.8% to 93.8%, while the Kappa statistic rises from 0.74 to 0.88. Best results are obtained using only indicator kriging-based probabilities, with a stunning overall accuracy of 97.2%. Significant improvements are observed for environmentally important units, such as pools (Kappa: 0.17 to 0.74) and eddy drop zones (Kappa: 0.65 to 0.87). The lack of benefit of using hyperspectral information in the present study can be explained by the dense network of ground observations and the high spatial continuity of field classification which might be spurious.
B-CLL cells are capable of synthesis and secretion of both pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules

Initial work has shown that clonal B cells from B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) are able to synthesize pro-angiogenic molecules. In this study, our goal was to study the spectrum of angiogenic factors and receptors expressed in the CLL B cell. We used ELISA assays to determine the levels of basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endostatin, interferon-α (IFN-α) and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) secreted into culture medium by purified CLL B cells. These data demonstrated that CLL B cells spontaneously secrete a variety of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors, including bFGF (23.9 pg/ml ± 7.9; mean ± s.e.m.), VEGF (12.5 pg/ml ± 2.3) and TSP-1 (1.9 ng/ml ± 0.3). Out of these three factors, CLL B cells consistently secreted bFGF and TSP-1, while VEGF was expressed in approximately two-thirds of CLL patients. Of interest, hypoxic conditions dramatically upregulated VEGF expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. We also employed ribonuclease protection assays to assay CLL B cell expression of a variety of other angiogenesis-related molecules. These analyses revealed that CLL B cells consistently express mRNA for VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1), thrombin receptor, endoglin, and angiopoietin. Further analysis of VEGFR expression by RT-PCR revealed that CLL B cells expressed both VEGFR1 mRNA and VEGFR2 mRNA. In summary, these data collectively indicate that CLL B cells express both pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules and several vascular factor receptors. Because of the co-expression of angiogenic molecules and receptors for some of these molecules, these data suggest that the biology of the leukemic cells may also be directly impacted by angiogenic factors as a result of autocrine pathways of stimulation.
Evolution and breakup of vortex rings in straining and shearing flows

A study of the effect of external straining and shearing flows on the evolution and form of breakup of vortex rings has been performed. Two orientations each of straining and shearing flows are considered. A theoretical analysis of the ring motion for small strain and shear rates is performed, and it is found that for shearing and straining flows in the plane of the ring, the ring may oscillate periodically. For a straining flow with compression normal to the initial plane of the ring, the linear theory predicts that the ring radius will expand with time. For shearing flow normal to the initial plane of the ring, the linear theory predicts tilting of the ring in the direction of the shear flow rotation.Numerical calculations are performed with both single vortex filaments and with a three-dimensional discrete vortex element method. The numerical calculations confirm the predictions of the linear theory for values of strain and shear rates below a certain critical value (which depends on the ratio R/σ0 of initial ring to core radii), whereas for strain and shear rates above this value the ring becomes very elongated with time and eventually pinches off. Three distinct regimes of long-time behaviour of the ring have been identified. Regime selection depends on initial ring geometry and orientation and on values of strain and shear rates. These regimes include (i) periodic oscillations with no pinching off, (ii) pinching off at the ring centre, and (iii) development of an elongated vortex pair at the ring centre and wider ‘heads’ near the ends (with pinching off just behind the heads). The boundaries of these regimes and theoretical reasons for the vortex behaviour in each case are described. It is also shown that the breakup of stretched vortex rings exhibits a self-similar behaviour, in which the number and size of ‘offspring’ vortices, at the point of pinching-off the ring, may be scaled by the product of the strain rate e (or shear rate s) and the oscillation period τ of a slightly elliptical ring with mean radius R.
Mitochondrial-nuclear epistasis contributes to phenotypic variation in wild yeasts

Background Mitochondria are ubiquitous organelles and are the main source of cellular energy. Mitochondria affect nearly every cellular process, including energy production, metabolite biosynthesis, ion homoeostasis, growth, cellular differentiation and apoptosis. In human and mice models, mitochondrial DNA variation is associated with various metabolic diseases. Mitochondrial functions require intricate interactions between mitochondrial (mt) and nuclear (n) genomes. The extent to which mitochondrial-nuclear (mt-n) interactions contribute to phenotypic variation in a population is unknown. We have made an attempt to find out if different combinations between the different mt and n genomes are found in natural populations would may lead to the expression of complex traits through epistatic interactions.
Current-induced remanent polarization of charge-density waves

It is found by measuring the low-field conductivity of segments of ${\mathrm{TaS}}_{3}$ single crystals that a current pulse equal to or larger than threshold for sliding charge-density-wave (CDW) conduction permanently destroys the inversion symmetry of the sample. The segments are limited at one end by the usual silver paint contacts which strongly perturb the motion of CDW's while at the other end a special weakly perturbing contact is applied. The low-field resistance of the segments depends on whether the last sliding CDW current pulse enters or exists the strongly perturbing contact. The results are interpreted as a direct confirmation of current-induced remanent CDW polarization recently reported by Janossy, Mihaly, and Kriza.
The Transformation of Corporate Control

This article presents a review of the book “The Transformation of Corporate Control,” by Neil Fligstein.
Transition to DSM-5: the resident perspective.

As psychiatric residency programs integrate the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) into training, it is useful to consider how residents are experiencing the transition. This article offers the resident perspective on how institutions, program directors, faculty, and residents may make the most of our transition to DSM-5. As a fourth-year resident, I have thought about the effect the DSM-5 rollout will have on the various stages of training and development during residency. Commentary and concerns informally gathered from psychiatry residents from across the country deepened my reflection. This article describes some of the ideas about how the new manual will impact residency training and makes suggestions about how to improve the educational experience for residents in this transition.
SARS, the First Pandemic of the 21st Century1

The 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) shocked the world as it spread swiftly from continent to continent, resulting in >8,000 infections, with approximately 10% mortality, and a devastating effect on local and regional economies. Three laboratories—one each in Hong Kong, Germany, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA—nearly simultaneously isolated an apparently new coronavirus as the cause of SARS. Through traditional virus isolation and molecular techniques, CDC's team recovered the virus from specimens and characterized it as a novel coronavirus. Specific nucleotide sequences of the new virus were identified in specimens from SARS patients, and an immune response to the agent was demonstrated in patients' sera. The potential for global spread of SARS was quickly recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network was activated to help identify and deploy volunteers from around the world to assist the most severely affected nations, and WHO rapidly issued several recommendations to help nations control outbreaks and prevent spread. Hong Kong was among the first cities affected by SARS, and its healthcare community suffered greatly from the disease. Some lessons from their experiences included recognition of the value of real-time information in a rapidly progressing epidemic with a large number of cases and the need for frequent patient updates, challenges of national efforts to maintain entry and exit health screening among international travelers, and implementation of home quarantine as an effective tool to interrupt SARS transmission. In Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the public health department had responsibility for SARS surveillance and case reporting, investigation and management of possible cases, identification and quarantine of contacts, health risk assessment, and communications, and they were a liaison with hospitals regarding infection control. These were massive responsibilities. Serious practical and legal challenges were encountered as the department successfully implemented quarantine measures for the first time in more than half a century. Daunting challenges were also overcome in disease surveillance and reporting; meeting the needs for accurate, timely information and guidance; and implementing effective infection control practices in healthcare facilities. One of the most important lessons was an awareness of the psychosocial problems among healthcare workers directly involved in facing SARS.
Positive selection of primate genes that promote HIV-1 replication

Evolutionary analyses have revealed that most host-encoded restriction factors against HIV have experienced virus-driven selection during primate evolution. However, HIV also depends on the function of many human proteins, called host factors, for its replication. It is not clear whether virus-driven selection shapes the evolution of host factor genes to the extent that it is known to shape restriction factor genes. We show that five out of 40 HIV host factor genes (13%) analyzed do bear strong signatures of positive selection. Some of these genes (CD4, NUP153, RANBP2/NUP358) have been characterized with respect to the HIV lifecycle, while others (ANKRD30A/NY-BR-1 and MAP4) remain relatively uncharacterized. One of these, ANKRD30A, shows the most rapid evolution within this set of genes and is induced by interferon stimulation. We discuss how evolutionary analysis can aid the study of host factors for viral replication, just as it has the study of host immunity systems.
Summed evoked responses using pure-tone stimuli.

Selected pure tones were used as stimuli in a study of evoked auditory responses in 25 adults. The effects of stimulus frequency, intensity, and duration on the evoked response were evaluated. Pure...
Intra and extravascular transmembrane signalling of angiopoietin‐1‐Tie2 receptor in health and disease

Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) is the primary agonist for Tie2 tyrosine kinase receptor (Tie2), and the effect of Ang-1-Tie2 signalling is context-dependent. Deficiency in either Ang-1 or Tie2 protein leads to severe microvascular defects and subsequent embryonic lethality in murine model. Tie2 receptors are expressed in several cell types, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, epithelial cells, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and glial cells. Ang-1-Tie2 signalling induces a chemotactic effect in smooth muscle cells, neutrophils and eosinophils, and induces differentiation of mesenchymal cells to smooth muscle cells. Additionally, this signalling pathway induces the secretion of serotonin, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and plasmin. Ang-1 inhibits the secretion of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMPs). Aberrant expression and activity of Tie2 in vascular and non-vascular cells may result in the development of rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, hypertension and psoriasis. Ang-1 has an anti-inflammatory effect, when co-localized with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the vasculature. Thus, Ang-1 could be potentially important in the therapy of various pathological conditions such as pulmonary hypertension, arteriosclerosis and diabetic retinopathy. In this article, we have summarized and critically reviewed the pathophysiological role of Ang-1-Tie2 signalling pathway.
Research Note: Genetic Adaptation to Multiple-Bird Cage Environment is Less Evident with Effective Beak Trimming,

Abstract Selection of hens with intact beaks for high performance in multiple-bird cages has produced a stock that clearly exceeds its unselected control when hens have intact beaks but shows less advantage when comparisons involve effectively beak-trimmed birds. The selected stock performed at about the same level as a stock recently derived from a commercial source (but with two generations of relaxed selection) when birds had intact beaks but at a lower level when birds had their beaks trimmed. Relative incidences of deaths from cannibalistic pecking were partially responsible for the results obtained.
Phase equilibria of Mg-rich corner in Mg–Zn–Al ternary system at 300 °C

Abstract The phase equilibria and compositions in Mg-rich corner at 300 °C were determined in the Mg-Zn-Al ternary system through the equilibrated alloy method by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assisted with energy dispersive spectroscopy of X-ray (EDS). The results show that there exist three three-phase regions consisted of α-Mg+Mg17Al12(γ)+Al5Mg11Zn4(ϕ), α-Mg+Mg32(Al, Zn)49(τ)+Al5Mg11Zn4(ϕ) and α-Mg+MgZn+Mg32(Al, Zn)49(τ), respectively. The intermetallic compounds in equilibrium with α-Mg phase all have large composition ranges, not appear to be linear. At the same time, both zinc and aluminum are soluble in the α-Mg solid solution, with which the compounds are in equilibrium.
Mesoscale moisture transport effects on forest edges in a fragmented landscape in Amazonia

This work explores the dry season micrometeorology of fragmented forests in Amazonia. Numerical simulations with a coupled atmosphere-vegetation model show that mesoscale moisture transport leads to a significant drying and vegetation stress at the forest edges. Increased evaporation cannot fully compensate for the drying. Typical convective precipitation events that occur in the dry season have a localized impact and do not affect the drying trend in the long term. Availability of soil moisture can partially mitigate the drying effect and consequent vegetation stress. Edge effects can dominate the vegetation dynamics and fire susceptibility of forest fragments as a whole. Hence, understanding the dynamics and drivers of edge effects is crucial for understanding the ecology and future of tropical forests in a changing climate.
What it has or what it does not have? Signposts from US data for rural children's digital access to informal learning

A fifth of US children live in rural areas with limited access to the informal learning opportunities available to their metropolitan counterparts. High-speed broadband internet access can be an important vehicle for delivering opportunities at home and outside of the classroom. In an attempt to explore what current data say about children's broadband access, the researcher examined recent data sets from two federal agencies. Results suggested that rural homes with children tended to have access to broadband but when they do not, cost and availability were barriers. Schools also tended to be sites of access that met the speeds required for current learning imperatives. Results are only suggestive; data sets reflect small samples not drawn from the same time or population. More precise and interoperable data must be collected for researchers and policy-makers to document the complementary roles of home and informal learning spaces in schools supported by broadband.
Male Gender is a Predictor of Morbidity and Age a Predictor of Mortality for Patients Undergoing Gastric Bypass Surgery

PurposeTo determine preoperative risk factors predictive of adverse outcomes after gastric bypass surgery.Summary Background DataGastric bypass results in sustained weight loss for seriously obese patients, but perioperative complications can be formidable. Preoperative risk assessment is important
Epidemiological and experimental aspects of lead and mercury contamination of food.

The pathways of heavy metals into human food are described. The significance of methylation in this process and the chemical state of lead and mercury in food are discussed. It is pointed out that the form of the metal (whether it is methylated or not) is critical to determining the toxicity of any given concentration. The significance of blood levels of mercury and lead is discussed along with antidotes and methods of excretion. 57 references, 4 figures, 1 table.
The effect of overpotential on performance degradation of the solid oxide fuel cell Ni/YSZ anode during exposure to syngas with phosphine contaminant

Abstract Phosphine (PH3) as a contaminant in coal syngas has been shown to cause permanent degradation on solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode performance. Previous studies on the performance degradation have been performed at constant current or constant voltage over the entire experiment. In this work, the effect of overpotential (difference between the open circuit voltage and the applied voltage) on rates of degradation of SOFC performance is examined. A commercial SOFC from MSRI is exposed in sequence to first hydrogen, then coal syngas and then coal syngas with 10 ppm PH3. The rates of cell power density loss rates are monitored for three overpotentials (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 V). There is no apparent correlation between the degradation rates and overpotential values. Post-mortem studies including SEM, XRD and XPS confirm the migration of nickel to the anode surface and the formation of a nickel phosphide phase.
The puzzle of pain.

Pain, as a complex experience, involves sensory, cognitive, and affective ingredients. The literature on these three aspects of pain is reviewed, larger attention being directed to the sensory or physiological research.
Ligand-Induced Repression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene Is Mediated by an NCoR1 Repression Complex Formed by Long-Range Chromatin Interactions with Intragenic Glucocorticoid Response Elements

Glucocorticoids are among the most potent and effective agents for treating inflammatory diseases and hematological cancers. However, subpopulations of patients are often resistant to steroid therapy, and determining the molecular mechanisms that contribute to glucocorticoid resistance is thus critical to addressing this clinical problem affecting patients with chronic inflammatory disorders. Since the cellular level of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a critical determinant of glucocorticoid sensitivity and resistance, we investigated the molecular mechanisms mediating repression of glucocorticoid receptor gene expression. We show here that glucocorticoid-induced repression of GR gene expression is mediated by inhibition of transcription initiation. This process is orchestrated by the recruitment of agonist-bound GR to exon 6, followed by the assembly of a GR-NCoR1-histone deacetylase 3-containing repression complex at the transcriptional start site of the GR gene. A functional negative glucocorticoid response element (nGRE) in exon 6 of the GR gene and a long-range interaction occurring between this intragenic response element and the transcription start site appear to be instrumental in this repression. This autoregulatory mechanism of repression implies that the GR concentration can coordinate repression with excess ligand, regardless of the combinatorial associations of tissue-specific transcription factors. Consequently, the chronic nature of inflammatory conditions involving long-term glucocorticoid administration may lead to constitutive repression of GR gene transcription and thus to glucocorticoid resistance.
Studies of the incorporation in vitro of deoxyribonucleic acid by cells of the Ehrlich-Lettré ascites carcinoma.

Abstract A study has been made of the incorporation in vitro of labeled DNA into the cells of the Ehrlich-Lettre carcinoma. Analysis of the specific activity ratios of adenine/thymine of the experimental DNA used in the incorporation experiments showed that the ratio remained relatively constant. This would suggest that the DNA is highly polymerized during its process of incorporation into the nucleus. There was some evidence of breakdown during the process of incorporation and the incorporation was at a maximum during the first 15 min of the incubation. A study of some metabolic events during the incorporation showed that DNA incorporation was greater in the absence of glucose than in the presence of 2·10 −2 M glucose. Maximum incorporation of DNA occurred with 2·10 −4 M glucose. NaF inhibited incorporation and 2,4-dinitrophenol stimulated incorporation, but both together produced a greater inhibition than NaF alone. This suggests that both respiration and glycolysis are involved in the energy requirements for incorporation of the highly polymerized DNA into these cells.
Crayfish assemblage shifts in a large drought‐prone wetland: the roles of hydrology and competition

Summary 1. Faster growing, larger and/or more aggressive crayfish species are predicted to dominate permanent waterbodies. We tested this prediction using a 9 year dataset for two species of crayfish (Procambarus alleni and Procambarus fallax) co-existing in a sub-tropical flowing slough in southern Florida. Using a series of laboratory and mesocosm experiments we also compared life history traits and performance of the respective species to test mechanisms that could explain dominance shifts in the local crayfish assemblages. 2. Over the 9-year period, P. alleni densities were the greatest in shallower, shorter-hydroperiod areas bordering the slough, while P. fallax densities were higher in deeper, longer-hydroperiod central areas. These areas were separated by 0.8–2 km of continuous wetland with no apparent barriers to movement between them. 3. Density of P. fallax was not strongly affected by any measures of hydrological variation, while P. alleni density increased with more severe drought conditions. Following the strongest droughts, P. alleni colonized areas in the centre of the slough where they had been absent or scarce in wetter years. 4. We conducted experiments to compare growth rates, drought tolerance, and competitive dominance of these species. P. alleni survived drought conditions better, had higher growth rates, and was the dominant competitor for space and food. While drought probably limits P. fallax in the drier slough habitats, neither drought sensitivity nor interspecific competition with P. fallax can explain decreases of P. alleni with wetter conditions. 5. Our results indicate that a competition-colonization tradeoff cannot explain the crayfish compositional dynamics in this wetland because P. alleni is both the best competitor and the best at surviving in and colonizing areas with the strongest droughts. Future attention should focus on the potential for selective effects of predators that co-vary with hydrology. 6. The traits (large size, fast growth, competitive dominance) exhibited by P. alleni, which is absent in long-hydroperiod wetlands, are those exhibited by dominant crayfish in permanent lakes and streams containing fish. Although these traits make crayfish less vulnerable to fish in some lakes and streams, life-history models of community structure across permanence gradients suggest the opposite traits should be favoured for co-existence with fish.
Dark matter searches : Technology and backgrounds

The current status of direct dark matter searches is reviewed, with special emphasis on the effect of various backgrounds to the sensitivity attainable by this technology. The current leader in sensitivity is the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search, now operating at the Soudan Underground Laboratory in Minnesota. The next generation of larger and more sensitive detectors will require ever more radiopure materials and access to screening facilities to ensure rapid turn-around in decisions based on material selection and fabrication modification. Recent surveys collected from the DUSEL working groups point to a tripling in screening needs, many of which require an overburden. Low background counting facilities should be established at existing underground sites and integration of their complementary strengths would ensure that new techniques in dark matter, solar neutrino, and neutrinoless double beta decay have the resources they need to build ton-scale detectors.
Accessibility requirements for systems design to accommodate users with vision impairments

New technology tends to be inaccessible to people with disabilities. Accessibility features are frequently added as the technology matures; doing so late in the cycle incurs significant costs. The initial omission of accessibility features often results from systems designers' lack of insight into accessibility requirements. This paper discusses accessibility requirements for accommodating users with vision impairments from the complementary perspectives of the systems architect, the assistive technology developer, and the application developer. The paper concludes with a historical perspective of the evolution of the current Windows™ accessibility features and gives insight into future industry directions.
Increased root length and branching in cotton by soil application of the plant growth regulator PGR-IV

Field and growth chamber studies were used to determine the effect of in-furrow application of PGR-IV on root and shoot development, and yield of cotton. In the field study, an in-furrow application of PGR-IV @ 73 mL ha−1 at planting increased yield by 18% compared to the untreated control, and by 11% compared to 2-foliar applications of 292 mL/ha−1 each at pinhead square stage of flower development and at first flower appearance. Growth chamber studies revealed that the in-furrow applications of PGR-IV @ 1.131µL/plant dramatically increased root length (+47%), root dry weight (+29%), number of lateral roots per plant (+75%), and nutrient uptake one week after planting. These differences were still apparent five weeks later at pinhead square but to a lesser degree. The yield enhancement from the foliar applications was associated with increases in leaf growth, nutrient uptake, and boll number, whereas the yield enhancement from the soil application was associated with enhanced root growth and nutrient uptake. The positive effect of PGR-IV on root growth and accelerated early-season growth could have very substantial benefits in cotton production.
Thyrocalcitonin in the dog: serum calcium and phosphorus responses.

Partially purified hog thyrocalcitonin caused both a hypocalcemia and a hypophosphatemia in the intact dog. Prior thyroparathyroidectomy abolished the hypophosphatemic response but did not eliminate the hypocalcemic response. (Endocrinology 81: 661, 1967)
Tomato extensin precursors P1 and P2 are highly periodic structures

Abstract Intact cultured tomato cells eluted with dilute salt solutions yielded two soluble precursors (P1 and P2) to the bound extensin network. HF-deglycosylation of P1 and P2 (with methanol as scavenger) followed by tryptic degradation and HPLC on Hamilton PRP-1, gave unique tryptic peptide maps. The P1 map consisted predominantly of the deca- and hexadecapeptides, H5 and H20: (P1-H5) Ser-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Thr-Hyp-Val-Tyr-Lys, and (H20) Ser-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Val-Lys-Pro-Tyr-His-Pro-Thr-Hyp-Val-Tyr-Lys; the P2 map consisted almost entirely of the di- and octapeptides, H3 and H4: (P2-H3) Tyr-Lys; (H4) Ser-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Val-Tyr-Lys, and small amounts of a closely related decapeptide containing intramolecularly-linked isodityrosine: (H11) Ser-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Val- 1 2 IDT-Lys- 1 2 IDT-Lys. Both P1 and P2 are therefore highly periodic structures: P1 consists to a considerable extent of repeated H5 and H20 peptide blocks, while P2 may consist entirely of a single repeating decapeptide Ser-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Val-Tyr-Lys-Tyr-Lys with occasional isoleucine for valine substitutions, and varying only in the extent of intramolecular IDT formation, which could stiffen the molecular rod. In P1, single tyrosine residues occur within the hexapeptide Val-Lys-Pro-Tyr-His-Pro region ofH20. This nonglycosylated region is sterically unhindered. Assuming a polyproline II conformation, all the basic residues of H20 lie in the same plane (available for pectic binding), while the hexapeptide tyrosine residue lies out of that plane and is therefore a prime candidate for the postulated inter molecular isodityrosine crosslink. Our sequences also reveal fundamental tetrapeptide and tripeptide periodicities of tomato extensin precursors: the contiguous decamers and hexadecamers consist of hydroxyproline tetrapeptides separated by a relatively few tripeptide sequences, (notably Tyr-Lys-Ser, Val-Tyr-Lys, Thr-Hyp-Val, Val-Lys-Pro, and Tyr-His-Pro). Furthermore, the presence of the pentapeptide Ser-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp in all the repeat peptides shows that extensin, like many synthetic block copolymers, consists of relatively rigid domains (glycosylated Ser-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp) separated by intervening (non-glycosylated) flexible spacers. Thus extensin is well-designed for its suggested role in mechanically coupling the cellulosic load-bearing polymers of the primary cell wall through formation of a network of defined porosity.
Design Freeboard and Economic Efficiency

: Design freeboard is an increment of height added to a dam, floodwall, levee, or channel, above and beyond the design flood height, intended to serve as a safety factor to account for unforeseen errors in design. Current policies of the Corps of Engineers with regard to the handling of design freeboard for local flood protection studies in economic analyses lead to economic inefficiency. An analysis of these policies in the case study of a levee raising plan for Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania, reveals that a $200 million project which is considered economically justified under anent policies is in fact not justified under strict economic efficiency criteria Congress has directed that water resources development projects be planned for the objective of National Economic Development. Under current policies that is not being done.
Perspectives on Quality and Safety in Pediatric Anesthesia

Organizational culture underlies every improvement strategy; without a strong culture, a change, even if initially successful, is short lived. Changing culture and improving quality require commitment of leadership, and leaders must play an active and visible role to articulate the vision and create the proper environment. Quality-improvement projects require a consistent framework for outlining a process, identifying problems, and testing, evaluating, and implementing changes. Wake Up Safe is a patient safety organization that strives to use quality improvement to make anesthesia care safer. Root cause analysis is a methodology in safety analytics based on a sequence of events model of safety.
Teacher's reports of their thinking about at‐risk learners and others

Abstract Twenty‐eight classroom teachers identified students in their rooms who were low achievers, at‐risk learners; low achievers, not at risk; average achievers; and special education students. We videotaped these students during reading lessons conducted by their teachers. Using a stimulated recall procedure, we interviewed teachers and asked them to report their thought processes during instruction, especially those that pertained to the target children. We found that teachers reported significantly more negative thoughts about at‐risk learners' than about average achievers' attending behavior and ability‐performance. Furthermore, at‐risk learners received a greater number of comments focused on the need to monitor their performance. Special education students received significantly more positive and negative comments about attending than did average achievers. In addition, they received more miscellaneous positive comments than did low, not at‐risk, and average achievers. Finally, teachers reported ...
Influence of Low NOx Burner Retrofit on the Performances of a Boiler

This paper presents the experimental investigation on the operational performances of a Boiler after a Low NOx burner retrofit. After the retrofit, several operational performances emerge a major change, including the unburned combustible in flying ash raise under higher load, the temperature of reheat steam drop greatly under lower load. As a result, the changes have an influence on the economy of boiler. As for it, a special experimental study was carried out to obtain the best operating mode, and the law of change on the several parameters. The research results are a significant reference to retrofit involved in Low NOx burner utilized to a boiler.
Active site formation in the direct process for methylchlorosilanes

Abstract The direct process for methylchlorosilane production was studied in a laboratory-scale fluidized bed reactor. The silicon was found to have discrete sites at which silanes were produced. The density of sites was controlled by the nature of the native oxide layer over the silicon. The active sites displayed regular geometry, indicating an anisotropic silicon reaction which preferentially leaves (111) planes exposed as the reaction proceeded. Carbon and SiO2 layers 200 A thick prevented active site formation.
6.5-W, 532-nm radiation by cw resonant external-cavity second-harmonic generation of an 18-W Nd:YAG laser in LiB(3)O(5).

We report 6.5 W of TEM00 cw 532-nm radiation generated by external resonant doubling in a LiB3O5 crystal. An 18-W, cw, injection-locked single-frequency Nd:YAG laser was used to generate 532-nm second-harmonic output with a 3-dB heterodyne linewidth of 15 kHz.
Pade´ approximations in noise filtering

Resume We first recall the results on the distribution of poles and zeros of Pade approximations to noisy Taylor series around a point. We then report the numerical experiment on noisy data coming from inelastic electron-scattering cross-sections on rare gases, as functions of the momentum transfer at fixed energy. We apply the Thiele algorithm (Pade approximations of type II) to those data, which are known to belong to an analytic function in a cut plane from −∞ to 0. In this case, the poles and zeros split into three families: 1. (i) Doublet pole-zero at a distance of the order of the computer roundoff. 2. (ii) Doublet pole-zero at a distance of the order of the noise in the experimental data. 3. (iii) Remaining poles and zeros compatible with the analytic structure of the experimentally measured function. By throwing away the first two families of poles and zeros (noisy ones), we were able to obtain an excellent filtering of the data compatible with the analytic structure of the analyzed function.
In vitro expansion and genetic modification of gastrointestinal stem cells in spheroid culture

It is useful to be able to grow enriched populations of stem cells in vitro. Growth of stem cells as tissue spheroids is a key methodology permitting sustainable culture of adult epithelial cells. Gastrointestinal stem cells can be propagated by using conditioned medium from a supportive cell line (L-WRN). This protocol describes how to prepare conditioned medium and how to culture stem cell-enriched epithelial spheroids from the mouse gastrointestine. These spheroids are also amenable to genetic modification with recombinant lentiviruses. This system enables many types of cell biological assays that have been performed with immortalized cell lines to be applied to spheroids. Isolation of epithelial cell units from mice takes up to 2 h, and stem cell-enriched gastrointestinal spheroids are obtained within 3 d. Genetically modified spheroids with lentiviruses can be obtained in 2 weeks.
Arginine supplementation induces myoblast fusion via augmentation of nitric oxide production

The semi-essential amino acid, L-arginine (L-Arg), is the substrate for endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide, a molecule that is involved in myoblast proliferation and fusion. Since L-Arg supply may limit nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in endothelial cells, we examined L-Arg supplementation in differentiating mouse myoblasts and tested the hypothesis that L-Arg exerts direct effects on myoblast fusion via augmentation of endogenous nitric oxide production. C(2)C(12) myoblasts in differentiation media received one of the following treatments for 120 h: 1 mM L-Arg, 0.1 mM N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), L-Arg + L-NAME, 10 mM L-Lysine, or no supplement (Control). Cultures were fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for microphotometric image analysis of myotube density, nuclear density, and fusion index (% of total nuclei in myotubes). Endogenous production of nitric oxide during the treatment period peaked between 24 and 48 h. L-Arg amplified nitric oxide production between 0 and 24 h and increased myotube density, total nuclei number, and nuclear fusion index. These L-Arg effects were prevented by the NOS inhibitor, L-NAME. Further, L-Lysine, a competitive inhibitor of L-Arg uptake, repressed nitric oxide production and reduced myotube density and fusion index. In summary, L-Arg augments myotube formation and increases nitric oxide production in a process limited by cellular L-Arg uptake.
Design and Testing of a Closed, Stirring Respirometer for Measuring Oxygen Consumption of Channel Catfish Eggs

Abstract A closed, stirring respirometer was designed to agitate small egg mass samples of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus while measuring oxygen consumption by the eggs. Egg mass samples ranging in size from 15 to 46 g were placed on a screen platform above a magnetic stir bar in the respirometer; the degree of agitation was controlled with a magnetic stir plate. Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and temperature were measured with a luminescent DO sensor and meter. The respirometer was used to determine routine metabolic rate and limiting oxygen concentration (the presumed hypometabolic transition zone) on egg mass samples from 10 different spawns at 0 to 5 d postfertilization. Routine metabolic rate increased from 4.8 ± 1.3 (0 d postfertilization) to 174.0 ± 7.8 mg O2·kg−1·h−1 (5 d postfertilization). The limiting oxygen concentration increased similarly up to 87.0% ± 2.7% (maximum individual value = 95.9%) air saturation by 5 d postfertilization. The respirometer described could not be used for s...
Regulatory T cells and type 1 diabetes

A resurgent interest in T cells with regulatory activity has prompted many recent investigations into their potential role in pathogenesis and prevention of type 1 diabetes. While some studies have suggested that regulatory T cells participate in the preservation of active tolerance to autoantigens, findings obtained in multiple animal models for type 1 diabetes have documented the therapeutic induction of protective regulatory T cells. A review of the proposed mechanisms operative in regulatory T cell-mediated diabetes prevention indicates a common theme of localized regulatory T cell activation and subsequent suppression of pathogenic T cell trafficking, differentiation, and/or effector function. However, adaptation of experimental protocols for regulatory T cell induction to clinical applications faces several challenges. Immunization with self-antigens carries obvious risks especially in the face of multiple variables that can affect generation, trafficking, and regulatory activity of autoantigen-specific T cells. We also emphasize that the frequent use of lymphopenic recipients of adoptively transferred pathogenic and regulatory T cells constitutes a potentially confounding variable that further complicates translation into clinical settings. The therapeutic induction of regulatory T cells in prediabetic individuals carries great potential but is currently limited by the risks associated with deliberate generation of autoimmune responses that may exacerbate rather than ameliorate the autoimmune process. However, in vitro amplification and autologous regulatory T cell therapy might soon become a clinical reality.
Crossed segmental inhibition in muscles

Abstract 1. In decapitate frogs the response of both gastrocnemius muscles to constant velocity stretch was studied with one muscle under constant preloading and the other under a range of preloadings. 2. The reflex response was first elicited at a threshold stretch velocity of approximately 40 mm/sec and subsequently increased for higher stretch velocities. 3. The effect of increasing the preloading of one muscle was to decrease the response of the muscle with constant preload, but the velocity threshold (40 mm/sec) did not change. 4. Tests of the fall time of frogs in a landing simulation and the stretch response results suggest that the frog may utilize a predictive control system to facilitate landing. 5. Results suggest a non-uniform distribution of excitatory and inhibitory effects on the motorneurons.
A simple alignment test for the interference optics of the ultracentrifuge

Abstract A simple variation of the boundary-cancelling test is described which makes it possible to determine, independently, the correct rotational positions of the condensing lens mask and cylinder lens. Although useful as an aid in alignment, it can also be used as a periodic check after alignment is completed. The test consists of making a double exposure, with and without the cylinder lens, of a spinning single-sector cell assembled with interference window holders and containing a protein solution. In a correctly aligned system, the fringes should be straight and symmetrically placed between the images formed by the slits in the condensing lens mask.
Introduction and Spread of the Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus Aculeatus) in Lakes Huron and Michigan

The threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) was not known to occur in the Great Lakes above Niagara Falls until 1980, when it was collected in South Bay, Manitoulin Island, in the Lake Huron basin. By 1984 this species had been found in tributaries of Lakes Huron and Michigan, and in the open waters of both lakes. All specimens identified were the completely plated morph that is most prevalent in fresh water along the east coast of North America. The status of this species in Lakes Huron and Michigan appears to be “Possibly Established.” If threespine stickleback increase in abundance they may eventually provide additional forage for large salmonids.
Non-Linear Evolution in CCFM and the Saturation Scale

We solve the CCFM equation numerically in the presence of a boundary condition which effectively incorporates the non-linear dynamics. We retain the full dependence of the unintegrated distribution on the additional coherence scale and extract the resulting saturation momentum. The interplay between the coherence of QCD radiation and that of non-linear physics leads to the asymptotic saturation of the saturation scale itself.
Rare Variant Analysis for Family-Based Design

Genome-wide association studies have been able to identify disease associations with many common variants; however most of the estimated genetic contribution explained by these variants appears to be very modest. Rare variants are thought to have larger effect sizes compared to common SNPs but effects of rare variants cannot be tested in the GWAS setting. Here we propose a novel method to test for association of rare variants obtained by sequencing in family-based samples by collapsing the standard family-based association test (FBAT) statistic over a region of interest. We also propose a suitable weighting scheme so that low frequency SNPs that may be enriched in functional variants can be upweighted compared to common variants. Using simulations we show that the family-based methods perform at par with the population-based methods under no population stratification. By construction, family-based tests are completely robust to population stratification; we show that our proposed methods remain valid even when population stratification is present.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 metabolism in mitochondria from primary renal cultures.

Abstract Previous in vitro studies concerning the renal metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) to form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and 24,25R-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) have utilized intact cell systems. In reflecting upon the possible mechanisms by which hormonally induced changes in the production of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 may be brought about, we asked whether altered mitochondrial hydroxylase activities can quantitatively account for changes in the total cellular output of these steroids. Our objective was to delineate between extramitochondrial processes (e.g. altered substrate delivery), and those events restricted to the renal mitochondria (altered hydroxylase activities). We have examined the effect of pretreating primary cultures of chick kidney cells with either 1,25(OH)2D3 or parathyroid hormone (PTH) on 25(OH)D3-hydroxylase activities present in subsequently isolated mitochondria. Pretreatment with 10−7 M 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced 1α-hydroxylase activity in both cells and mitochondria to approximately 60% of control values by 1 h, and to 25–30% by 2 h. The effect of PTH (10 ng/ml) in both mitochondrial and whole cell preparations was an approximate 40% increase in measured 1α-hydroxylase activity. 10 μM forskolin (FSK) elicited an approximate 2-fold increase in 1,25(OH)2D3 production. Reciprocal effects were observed with respect to 24-hydroxylase activity in both whole cell and mitochondrial preparations in response to exogenous 1,25(OH)2D3, PTH, and FSK. The findings demonstrate that these hormones initiate intracellular events which lead directly to altered 25(OH)D3 1α- and 24-hydroxylase activities within the renal mitochondria.
Weakly supervised natural language learning without redundant views

We investigate single-view algorithms as an alternative to multi-view algorithms for weakly supervised learning for natural language processing tasks without a natural feature split. In particular, we apply co-training, self-training, and EM to one such task and find that both self-training and FS-EM, a new variation of EM that incorporates feature selection, outperform co-training and are comparatively less sensitive to parameter changes.