cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Significant vertical water transport by mountain-induced circulations on Mars

[1] Using a 3-D, non-hydrostatic mesoscale Mars atmospheric model with detailed aerosol/cloud microphysics, we show that the formation of discrete afternoon clouds over the Olympus Mons volcano is due to the symbiosis of upslope thermal flow and a lee mountain wave circulation, and that these clouds exhibit complex particle distributions. Furthermore, we illustrate that this and other mountain-induced circulations transport large quantities of dust, water vapor, and water ice aerosol from lower altitudes into the free atmosphere general circulation. Therefore, these circulations are an important part of Mars’ net Hadley circulation and climatic forcing. Citation: Michaels, T. I., A. Colaprete, and S. C. R. Rafkin (2006), Significant vertical water transport by mountain-induced circulations on Mars, Geophys. Res. Lett., 33, L16201, doi:10.1029/2006GL026562.
Nonaqueous sol–gel syntheses of microporous manganese oxides

Microporous manganese oxides have been prepared by nonaqueous sol−gel reactions involving tetrabutylammonium (TBA) or tetraethylammonium (TEA) permanganate and methanol in the presence of alkali cation dopants. Layered birnessite-type materials were obtained for Na+ and K+ dopants in a 0.5:1 reactant ratio with manganese. Na−birnessite was isolated in hydrated and dehydrated forms (7 vs 5.6 A interlayer spacing) whereas only the hydrated K−birnessite was observed. Cryptomelane was generated with a K:Mn ratio of 0.25:1. Spinel manganese oxides were formed with Li+ dopants using 0.5:1 and 0.75:1 Li:Mn ratios. The materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analyses, Mn oxidation state determination, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Thin films of manganese oxides were prepared by spin coating TEAMnO4-derived sols onto glass slides. Unlike the bulk gel syntheses, only layered birnessite phases were obtained for thin films with Li+, Na+, and K+ dopants...
Operating strategies for Fischer-Tropsch reactors: A model-directed study

A comprehensive parametric study for a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis process has been conducted to investigate the relation between process parameters and reactor characteristics such as conversion, selectivity, multiplicity, and stability. A flexible model was employed for this purpose, featuring the dependence of Anderson-Shultz-Flory (ASF) factor on composition and temperature. All variable process parameters in industrial FT reactors were subject to variation, including reaction temperature, reactor pressure, feed ratio, inlet mass flux, feed temperature, heat transfer coefficient, catalyst concentration, catalyst activity, etc. While typical trade-off was encountered in most cases, i.e., the change of a parameter in one direction enhances one aspect but deteriorating another, the change of feed conditions gave some promising results. It has been found that decreasing the feed rate (or increasing the residence time) and/or lowering the feed concentration can successfully enhance the conversion up to more than 90% for our specific case, without hurting the product selectivity as well as effectively condense the region of multiple steady states. The benefits and limitations accompanied with the variation of the parameters were discussed in detail and a rational start-up strategy was proposed based on the preceding results. It is shown that the decrease of inlet mass flux (say, 85% decrease of the feed rate or 60% decrease of the feed concentration from the nominal condition chosen here) or the decrease of H2/CO ratio (specifically, below about 0.25), or their combination can eliminate multiple steady states. The resulting unique relation between temperature and manipulated variable (i.e., coolant flow rate) appears to assure a safe arrival at the target condition at the start-up stage.
Toward a unification of text and link analysis

This paper presents a simple yet profound idea. By thinking about the relationships between and within terms and documents, we can generate a richer representation that encompasses aspects of Web link analysis as well as text analysis techniques from information retrieval. This paper shows one path to this unified representation, and demonstrates the use of eigenvector calculations from Web link analysis by stepping through a simple example.
Reduction of ubiquinone and cytochrome b in electron transport particles with N,N1 -tetramethyl p-phenylenediamine

Cytochromes c, c1, a, and a3 in electron transport particles (ETP) are rapidly and completely reduced in anaerobiosis by the substrate N,N-tetramethyl p-phenylenedianine (TMPD) at concentrations of 50–100 μm in the presence of cysteine as reductaut for the oxidized TMPD. Cytochrome b and ubiquinone are reduced very slowly; the extent of reduction is about 65% for both pigments. The reduction is inhibited by cyanide and Antimycin A. It is unaffected by oligomycin and bis-(hexafluoroacetonyl) acetone, an uncoupler. The results are consistent with simple reverse electron transport from TMPD through reduced cytochromes c1 and c to cytochrome b and ubiquinone. An approximate equilibrium calculation based on the redox potentials of cytochrome b, ubiquinone, and TMPD shows that this extent of reduction is thermodynamically feasible.
Profiling the Reactive Metabolites of Xenobiotics Using Metabolomic Technologies

A predominant pathway of xenobiotic-induced toxicity is initiated by bioactivation. Characterizing reactive intermediates will provide information on the structure of reactive species, thereby defining a potential bioactivation mechanism. Because most reactive metabolites are not stable, it is difficult to detect them directly. Reactive metabolites can form adducts with trapping reagents, such as glutathione, which makes the reactive metabolites detectable. However, it is challenging to "fish" these adducts out from a complex biological matrix, especially for adducts generated via uncommon metabolic pathways. In this regard, we developed a novel approach based upon metabolomic technologies to screen trapped reactive metabolites. The bioactivation of pulegone, acetaminophen, and clozapine were reexamined by using this metabolomic approach. In all these cases, a large number of trapped reactive metabolites were readily identified. These data indicate that this metabolomic approach is an efficient tool to profile xenobiotic bioactivation.
Comparison of acute response to polychlorinated biphenyl in liver of rat and channel catfish: a biochemical and morphological study.

The acute response of liver of channel catfish and rat to poly chlorinated biphenyl was compared on a structural and functional basis. Both the rat and the fish had elevated microsomal enzyme activities. However, in the rat the response was quantitatively greater in all respects. Morphologically, rats responded with lipid accumulation and marked increases in smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Fish liver showed lipid accumulation and increased profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum with alterations in arrangement that appeared as vesicles and parallel cisternae. Minimal changes were seen in smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which appeared to be increased as discrete foci.
Smart Grid Infrastructure for Distribution Systems and Applications

This paper presents a new smart grid infrastructure for active distribution systems that will allow continuous and accurate monitoring of distribution system operations and customer utilization of electric power. The infrastructure allows a complete array of applications. The paper discusses four specific applications: (a) protection against downed conductors, (b) load levelization, (c) loss minimization and (d) reliability enhancement.
Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners With Learning Disabilities in the General Curriculuam

To be academically successful in general education classrooms, English language learners (ELLs) with learning disabilities (LD) need instruction that is simultaneously responsive to their disability, English language status, and culture. Because the majority of students with LD have reading disabilities, ESL and classroom teachers must be familiar with instructional strategies that will support language and literacy development in the content areas. This article provides an overview of instructional characteristics of ELLs with LD, and offers a framework for instructional planning and collaboration between content area, ESL, and special education teachers to ensure that students can be successful in the general education curriculum.
Combustion Gas Properties: Part II—Prediction of Partial Pressures of CO2 and H2O in Combustion Gases of Aviation and Diesel Fuels

Empirical formulae are presented by means of which the partial pressures of CO/sub 2/ and H/sub 2/O in the combustion gases of aviation fuel-air and diesel fuel-air systems can be calculated as functions of pressure, temperature, equivalence ratio, and hydrogen-to-carbon atomic ratio of the fuel. The formulae have been developed by fitting the data from a detailed chemical equilibrium code to a functional expression. Comparisons of the results from the proposed formulae with the results obtained from a chemical equilibrium code have shown that the mean absolute error in predicted partial pressures is around 0.8 percent. These formulae provide a very fast and easy means of predicting partial pressures of CO/sub 2/ and H/sub 2/O as compared to equilibrium calculations, and they are also applicable to gasolines, residual fuels, and pure alkanes and aromatics as well as aviation and diesel fuels.
Testing a new version of the size-advantage hypothesis for sex change: sperm competition and size-skew effects in the bucktooth parrotfish, Sparisoma radians

A variety of field studies suggest that sex change in animals may be more complicated than originally depicted by the sizeadvantage hypothesis. A modification of the size-advantage hypothesis, the expected reproductive success threshold model, proposes that sperm competition and size-fecundity skew can strongly affect reproductive pay-offs. Size-fecundity skew occurs if a large female’s fecundity is markedly higher than the aggregate of the other members of her social group and, together with paternity dilution from sperm competition, can produce situations in which large females benefit by deferring sex change to smaller females. Deferral by large females can create sex-size distributions characterized by the presence of large females and small sex-changed males, and it is precisely these distributions that the traditional size-advantage model cannot explain. We tested the predictions of the new model with the bucktooth parrotfish, Sparisoma radians, on coral reefs in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Collections and spawning observations determined that the local environmental regime of S. radians is characterized by pervasive sperm competition (accompanying 30% of spawns) and factors that can produce substantial size-fecundity skew in social groups. Dominant male removal experiments demonstrate that the largest females in social groups often do not change sex when provided an opportunity. Instead, smaller, lower-ranking females change sex when a harem vacancy arises. This pattern of sex change is in contrast to virtually all previous studies of social control of sex change in fishes, but provides strong support for the general predictions of the expected reproductive success threshold model. Key words: coral reefs, Labridae, protogyny, Scaridae, seagrass beds, size-fecundity skew, social control of sex change, sperm competition. [Behav Ecol 15:129–136 (2004)]
Subjective and objective sleep quality and aging in the sleep heart health study

OBJECTIVES: To examine the extent to which subjective and objective sleep quality are related to age independent of chronic health conditions. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: The Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) is a multicenter study designed to determine the cardiovascular consequences and the natural history of sleep disordered breathing. PARTICIPANTS: Five thousand four hundred seven community-dwelling adults who participated in the SHHS (mean age 63, range 45–99; 52% women). MEASUREMENTS: Unattended home polysomnography (PSG) and sleep questionnaires. RESULTS: Older age was associated with shorter sleep time, diminished sleep efficiency, and more arousals in men and women. In men, age was independently associated with more Stage 1 and Stage 2 sleep and less slow-wave (Stage 3 to 4) and rapid eye movement sleep. In women, older age was less strongly associated according to linear trend with sleep stage. Conversely, poor subjective sleep quality was not associated with older age in men, but older women had more trouble falling asleep, and there was a trend toward older women having more problems with waking up during the night and waking up too early. Associations between self-report and directly measured sleep time and sleep latency were low to moderate across age groups (correlation coefficient=0.06–0.32). CONCLUSION: Older age was more strongly associated with poorer sleep according to PSG in men than women, yet the subjective report of poor sleep with older age was stronger in women. The higher prevalence of chronic health conditions, including sleep apnea, in older adults did not explain changes of sleep parameters with aging and age–sex differences in these relationships.
Legitimizing Occupational Therapy’s Knowledge

Proceeding from the ethic that occupational therapy is the rightful keeper of its own practice and knowledge, this article strives to bring the profession's knowledge concerning the role of occupation in adaptation into sharp relief. Knowledge generated by many occupational therapists represented in the profession's historic literature, scholarship, practice models, position papers, and research is analyzed through a heuristic framework that distinguishes the process from the state of adaptation. This analysis offers evidence that, in the service of persons with profound and often medically incurable disabilities, occupational therapy has begun to explicate the role of occupation as a vital adaptive medium and cornerstone of quality in daily living. Related areas of knowledge development in which legitimate progress can be claimed are suggested. Nevertheless, it is argued that occupational therapy's knowledge must be further developed and its societal value better communicated through the concerted efforts of all practitioners, educators, and researchers.
Endogenous Entry in Markets with Adverse Selection

Since Akerlof's (1970) seminal paper the existence of adverse selection due to asymmetric information about quality is well-understood. Yet two questions remain. First, given the negative implications for trading and welfare, how do such markets come into existence? And second, why have many studies failed to flnd direct or indirect evidence of adverse selection? In addressing the flrst question directly we shed some light on the second. We consider a market in which flrms make an observable investment that generates products of a quality that becomes known only to the flrm. Entry has the tendency to lower prices, which may lead to adverse selection. The implied price collapse limits the amount of entry so that high prices are supported in the market equilibrium, which results in above normal proflts. While contributing to our understanding of markets with asymmetric information and ad- verse selection, the model also provides insight into the question of why markets with adverse selection are empirically hard to identify. The analysis suggests that rather than observing the canonical market collapse, such markets are instead characterized by less entry than would be empirically predicted and above normal proflts even in markets with low measures of concen- tration.
Some statistical opportunities in the agricultural sciences

Quantitative plant-disease epidemiology gained its primary motivation with the publication of VanderPlank's (1963) mathematical treatise, since which a range of predominantly deterministic models has been proposed by plant pathologists to describe the temporal dynamic of plant diseases. In this article, a number of results are reviewed. In particular, a summary is made of the primary models developed in the literature together with diseases for which they were proposed; estimation of the infection rate is considered for the generalized logistic model; and a bivariate stochastic model for stem and leaf infection is developed and used to obtain measures of plant disease stress. L'epidemiologie quantitative des maladies vegetales a acquis sa motivation premiere avec la publication du traite mathematique de VanderPlank (1963), d'apres lequel une variete de modeles majoritairement deterministes ont ete proposes par des pathologistes des plantes afin de decrire la dynamique temporelle des maladies vegetales. Dans cet article, un certain nombre de resultats sont passes en revue. En particulier, nous fournissons un sommaire des modeles primaires developpes dans la litterature, et des maladies pour lesquels ils sont proposes; nous considerons l'estimation du taux d'infection pour le modele logistique generalise; nous developpons un modele stochastique bivarie pour l'infection de la tige et de la feuille, afin d'obtenir des mesures du stress de la maladie des plantes.
Comparative in vitro activity of a new fluorinated 4-quinolone, T-3262 (A-60969).

Abstract The in vitro activity of a new quinolone, T-3262 [A-60969; DL-7-(3-amino-1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-6-fluoro-1-, 4-dihydro-4-oxo-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid monohydrate], was compared with those of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, ceftazidime, imipenem, and gentamicin. T-3262 inhibited 90% of isolates of the family Enterobacteriaceae at a concentration of less than or equal to 0.25 micrograms/ml. It was two to four times more active than ofloxacin and similarly or slightly less active than ciprofloxacin. Ninety percent of isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were inhibited at 0.5 micrograms/ml. It was 4- to 8-fold more active than ciprofloxacin and 8- to 16-fold more active than ofloxacin against Pseudomonas cepacia and Pseudomonas maltophilia, which were resistant to imipenem and gentamicin. Most Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Branhamella catarrhalis isolates were inhibited at concentrations of less than or equal to 0.008 micrograms/ml. The MIC for 90% of the Staphylococcus aureus isolates, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus, was 0.12 micrograms/ml; that for Staphylococcus epidermidis was 0.5 micrograms/ml, as was that for Enterococcus faecalis. It inhibited 90% of Bacteroides fragilis isolates at 2 micrograms/ml, considerably more active than ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. The frequency of spontaneous point mutational resistance was less than 10(-10) for members of the family Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp. Resistant strains could be selected by repeated subculture. Similar to other quinolones, its activity could be affected by culture conditions. T-3262 showed a postantibiotic suppressive effect on Escherichia coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus.
Periodontal bone loss associated with an improper flossing technique: a case report.

Abstract Purpose: This article documents a case in which soft tissue and bone damage was associated with a long-standing habit of improper flossing. Case description: A 33-year-old patient with excellent oral hygiene presented with gingival clefting and an unusual pattern of moderate angular bone loss at several sites. Previous radiographs suggested that some bony lesions had been present for more than 13 years. Examination revealed no evidence that the osseous defects were related to chronic periodontitis or occlusal trauma. The focus of treatment for these chronic injuries was teaching the patient an atraumatic flossing technique. Conclusion: As the lesions had gone undiagnosed for many years, this case underscores the need to look for clinical signs of floss-induced damage during periodic examinations.
Toll-like Receptor 2 Ligand—Induced Protection against Bacterial Endophthalmitis

Background. Activation of innate immunity plays a key role in determining the outcome of an infection. Here, we investigated whether Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in retinal innate response and explored the prophylactic use of TLR2 ligand in preventing bacterial endophthalmitis. Methods. C57BL/6 mice were given intravitreal injections of Pam3Cys, a synthetic ligand of TLR2, or vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline) 24 h prior to Staphylococcus aureus inoculation. The severity of endophthalmitis was graded by slit lamp, electroretinography, histological examinations, and determination of bacterial load in the retina. The expression of cytokines/chemokines and cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot, respectively. Results. Intravitreal injections of Pam3Cys up-regulated TLR2 expression in the retina of C57BL/6 mice, and Pam3Cys pretreatment significantly improved the outcome of S. aureus endophthalmitis, preserved retinal structural integrity, and maintained visual function as assessed by electroretinography in C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, Pam3Cys pretreatment activated retinal microglia cells, induced the expression of cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide, and remarkably reduced the bacterial load. Conclusions. This is the first report that highlights the existence and role of TLR2 in retinal innate immune response to S. aureus infection and suggests that modulation of TLR activation provides a novel prophylactic approach to prevent bacterial endophthalmitis.
Annual sums of carbon dioxide exchange over a heterogeneous urban landscape through machine learning based gap-filling

Abstract A small, but growing, number of flux towers in urban environments measure surface–atmospheric exchanges of carbon dioxide by the eddy covariance method. As in all eddy covariance studies, obtaining annual sums of urban CO 2 exchange requires imputation of data gaps due to low turbulence and non-stationary conditions, adverse weather, and instrument failures. Gap-filling approaches that are widely used for measurements from towers in natural vegetation are based on light and temperature response models. However, they do not account for key features of the urban environment including tower footprint heterogeneity and localized CO 2 sources. Here, we present a novel gap-filling modeling framework that uses machine learning to select explanatory variables, such as continuous traffic counts and temporal variables, and then constrains models separately for spatially classified subsets of the data. We applied the modeling framework to a three year time series of measurements from a tall broadcast tower in a suburban neighborhood of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. The gap-filling performance was similar to that reported for natural measurement sites, explaining 64% to 88% of the variability in the fluxes. Simulated carbon budgets were in good agreement with an ecophysiological bottom-up study at the same site. Total annual carbon dioxide flux sums for the tower site ranged from 1064 to 1382 g C m −2 yr −1 , across different years and different gap-filling methods. Bias errors of annual sums resulting from gap-filling did not exceed 18 g C m −2 yr −1 and random uncertainties did not exceed ±44 g C m −2 yr −1 (or ±3.8% of the annual flux). Regardless of the gap-filling method used, the year-to-year differences in carbon exchange at this site were small. In contrast, the modeled annual sums of CO 2 exchange differed by a factor of two depending on wind direction. This indicated that the modeled time series captured the spatial variability in both the biogenic and anthropogenic CO 2 sources and sinks in a reproducible way. The gap-filling approach developed here may also be useful for inhomogeneous sites other than urban areas, such as logged forests or ecosystems under disturbance from fire or pests.
Primers on Molecular Pathways

Despite tremendous scientific effort, conventional treatment approaches have had little impact on the course of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Therefore, urgency is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of pancreatic cancer with the hope that this will lead to preventative and treatment strategies to improve the outcome of the disease. Numerous factors contribute to progression of this disease, including constitutively active NFκB, which has been shown to positively influence cancer cell survival, proliferation, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. Recently, the cytoplasmic serine/threonine protein kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) was found to regulate NFκB activation and the proliferation and survival of pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, recent studies in other human malignancies have implicated GSK-3β as a regulator of cancer cell proliferation, survival and chemoresistance through distinct mechanisms. Thus, GSK-3β has emerged as a viable therapeutic target in the treatment of several human neoplasms.
Studies in the History of Probability and Statistics. XXXIV Napoleonic statistics: The work of Laplace

SUMMARY The work of Pierre Simon, Marquis de Laplace, was more important to the early development of mathematical statistics than that of any other individual. This paper reviews both his major contributions to statistical theory, and his application of this theory to scientific problems. These applications paradoxically reveal both surprising depth and unexpected limitations to his understanding of statistical concepts. Two of Laplace's investigations are examined in detail. The first of these is a solution of a multiple regression problem arising in an astronomical problem he solved in 1787. Secondly, a meteorological investigation Laplace made in 1823 and 1827 is discussed, and his methods of dealing with a multiple regression problem with correlated observations and with a multiple comparison problem are explained.
On the role of particle cracking in flow and fracture of metal matrix composites

The flow response of particle-reinforced metal matrix composites is studied using finite element methods. Unit cells containing either intact or cracked particles in a power law hardening matrix are used to determine the corresponding asymptotic flow strengths. The effects of the hardening exponent and the elastic mismatch between the particles and the matrix on the flow response are examined. For comparison, the flow response of power law hardening solids containing penny-shaped cracks is also evaluated. The latter results are found to be in reasonable agreement with those corresponding to composites that contain low volume fractions of cracked particles. The asymptotic results are used to develop a one-dimensional constitutive law for composites which undergo progressive damage during tensile straining. This law is used to evaluate the strain at the onset of plastic instability. It is proposed that the instability strain be used as a measure of tensile ductility when the particle content is low and the particles are uniformly distributed through the matrix.
Elastography of soft materials and tissues by holographic imaging of surface acoustic waves

We use optical interferometry to capture coherent surface acoustic waves for elastographic imaging. An inverse method is employed to convert multi-frequency data into an elastic depth profile. Using this method, we image elastic properties over a 55 mm range with <5 mm resolution. For relevance to breast cancer detection, we employ a tissue phantom with a tumor-like inclusion. Holographic elastography is also shown to be well-behaved in ex vivo tissue, revealing the subsurface position of a bone. Because digital holography can assess waves over a wide surface area, this constitutes a flexible new platform for large volume and non-invasive elastography.
Toward A Pragmatic Discourse of Constructivism: Reflections on Lessons from Practice

In the past few decades, a constructivist discourse has emerged as a very powerful model for explaining how knowledge is produced in the world, as well as how students learn. 1 For constructivists ...
A Snapshot of Secondary Education for Students with Mild Intellectual Disabilities.

Given the number of students identified with mild intellectual disabilities and the studies showing their poor postschool outcomes, it is surprising and alarming that little current research has examined educational programming for this population of students. This paper presents a secondary analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) relative to understanding the educational programming (i.e., curricular focus, course instruction, setting where receive instruction, participation in assessments, and parental satisfaction) for high school students with mild intellectual disabilities. The majority of students received instruction in the core content areas, were educated in special education settings for core content areas, and received a specialized or modified academically-focused curriculum. Further, the majority of students take some form of a standardized assessment and have parents satisfied with their education. Although the data provide a snapshot of educational programming for high school students with mild intellectual disabilities, the data from the NLTS2 were from the early 21 st century and future research should explore current educational programming, especially considering the impact of federal education legislation, such as No Child Left Behind (2002).
An algorithm for lossless transmission line analysis using bounce charts

The authors present the transient behavior of a lossless transmission line by means of bounce or lattice charts. Resistive, capacitive, and inductive loads were considered and implemented using the C programming language to run on IBM PCs. The algorithm has been extended to be applied to lossy transmission lines where the effects of both attenuation and phase constants are considered. >
CTCF Controls Expression and Chromatin Architecture of the Human Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Locus

The major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) locus includes a dense cluster of genes that function to initiate immune responses. Expression of insulator CCCTC binding factor (CTCF) was found to be required for expression of all MHC class II genes associated with antigen presentation. Ten CTCF sites that divide the MHC-II locus into apparent evolutionary domains were identified. To define the role of CTCF in mediating regulation of the MHC II genes, chromatin conformation capture assays, which provide an architectural assessment of a locus, were conducted across the MHC-II region. Depending on whether MHC-II genes and the class II transactivator (CIITA) were being expressed, two CTCF-dependent chromatin architectural states, each with multiple configurations and interactions, were observed. These states included the ability to express MHC-II gene promoter regions to interact with nearby CTCF sites and CTCF sites to interact with each other. Thus, CTCF organizes the MHC-II locus into a novel basal architecture of interacting foci and loop structures that rearranges in the presence of CIITA. Disruption of the rearranged states eradicated expression, suggesting that the formation of these structures is key to coregulation of MHC-II genes and the locus.
The degradation of guayule rubber and the effect of resin components on degradation at high temperature

Degradation of pure guayule rubber and rubber in the presence of stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid, has been studied at high temperatures (from 150°C to 600°C) using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). On-line mass spectrometric analysis of the products of decomposition has also been done to understand the mechanism of degradation. Degradation of rubber starts around 230°C in air and 330°C in nitrogen. Presence of acids changes the onset of degradation, because of low decomposition temperature of the acids. In the derivative curve, there is one Tmax for degradation in nitrogen; two for rubber; and three for rubber containing acids are observed for degradation in air. The activation energy of degradation, as observed by isothermal kinetics, in the 1–10% weight loss region, is 225 kJ/mol in nitrogen and 167 kJ/mol in air. In the 10–100% region, however, the activation energy of degradation measured by the Freeman and Carroll method using dynamic thermogravimetry, is 239 kJ/mol in both nitrogen and air atmosphere. The main products of pyrolysis in inert atmosphere are propylene, propane, isobutylene, methyl butene, isoprene, 2,3-dimethyl cyclopentene, octene, 2,4-dimethylcyclohexene, dipentene, etc. Isoprene is found to be the most abundant. Fragments having m/e values of 136, 121, 107, 93, 79, and 53 are also produced in large quantities. The ratio of concentration of dipentene to isoprene increases marginally with temperature. The concentration of other fragments however increases drastically with temperature. The additives have no effect on the nature of products obtained. The conversion to different fragments depends upon the temperature of degradation and the stability of intermediate products. All smaller molecules are obtained from either dipentene or isoprene. A mechanism of formation of these products has been suggested.
The Effect of Financing Constraints on Risk

We provide evidence on the causal link between financing constraints and the risk of corporate cash flows and returns. For identification, we compare public US firms in the same industry, location, and size quintile, but whose access to bank credit was differentially affected by WorldCom’s demise in 2002. A credit shortage induces a permanent increase in the volatility and skewness of operating cash flows and an increase in the correlation between firm stock and market returns. We document how firms’ cash, payout, and investment policies respond endogenously to mitigate the impact of constraints on risk.
Unhealthy environments, unhealthy consequences: Experienced homonegativity and HIV infection risk among young men who have sex with men.

Unfavourable social environments can negatively affect the health of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). We described how experienced homonegativity - negative perceptions and treatment that MSM encounter due to their sexual orientations - can increase HIV vulnerability among young MSM. Participants (n = 44) were young MSM diagnosed with HIV infection during January 2006-June 2009. All participants completed questionnaires that assessed experienced homonegativity and related factors (e.g. internalised homonegativity). We focus this analysis on qualitative interviews in which a subset of participants (n = 28) described factors that they perceived to have placed them at risk for HIV infection. Inductive content analysis identified themes within qualitative interviews, and we determined the prevalence of homonegativity and related factors using questionnaires. In qualitative interviews, participants reported that young MSM commonly experienced homonegativity. They described how homonegativity generated internalised homonegativity, HIV stigma, silence around homosexuality, and forced housing displacement. These factors could promote HIV risk. Homonegative experiences were more common among young Black (vs. non-Black) MSM who completed questionnaires. Results illustrate multiple pathways through which experienced homonegativity may increase HIV vulnerability among young MSM. Interventions that target homonegativity might help to reduce the burden of HIV within this population.
Koszul Algebras from Graphs and Hyperplane Arrangements

This work was started as an attempt to apply theory from noncommutative graded algebra to questions about the holonomy algebra of a hyperplane arrangement. We soon realized that these algebras and their deformations, which form a class of quadratic graded algebras, have not been studied much and yet are interesting to algebra, arrangement theory and combinatorics.
Implementing an Optical QoS Encoding Scheme in an Optical Packet Switching Fabric Test-Bed

The next-generation Internet may be required to invoke quality-of-service classes directly on the optical layer to optimize global network routing, as well as exploit optical packet switched architectures as a solution to switch high-bandwidth optical messages. In this work, the functionality of optical networks is enhanced to implement different service classes directly on the optical layer. A physical-layer quality-of-service encoding scheme is introduced for an optical switching fabric test-bed that allows for the prioritized transmission of broadband wavelength-striped messages. Contention is resolved by dropping low-priority messages. Packets with 8 × 10-Gb/s payloads are shown correctly routed error-free, with verified bit-error rates less than 10-12. A power penalty of 1.2 dB for the three-stage network test-bed is demonstrated.
Reversible heat-induced dissociation of the alpha-casein complex.

Abstract Sephadex gel filtration and ultracentrifugation at temperatures up to 8.5C demonstrated a reversible heat-induced dissociation of the alpha-casein complex into α s1 -casein and κ -casein, which occurred between 45 and 54C. Presumably, the dissociation is the result of a transition from predominantly hydrophilic interactions (hydrogen bonds) between α s1 - and κ -casein at low temperature to hydrophobic interactions involving only κ -casein at elevated temperature.
Progress Towards Gene Targeting in Plants

The ability to introduce genes asexually into somatic cells is one of the most powerful tools available for molecular genetic studies. Gene transfer has been used to evaluate biological consequences of defined mutations in regulatory regions, to determine the intracellular fate of gene products and to perturb the host’s genetic interactions. When transformed animal cells are incorporated in the germline, the role of the introduced gene in live animals can be evaluated (1–7). The regenerative potential of somatic plant cells allows similar experiments to be done in whole plants (8,9).
Conditioning data for calculation of the modulation transfer function

A method for conditioning data used in the measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) is discussed. This method is based upon imposing the constraint that the edge spread function (ESF) is monotonic. The advantages of this technique, when applicable, are demonstrated with simulated examples for which the true MTF is known. The application of this technique in the measurement of the MTF of a digital detector in clinical use is also demonstrated.
A Tribasic Stain for Thin Sections of Plastic-Embedded, OsO4-Fixed Tissues

Thin (0.5–1 μ) sections of plastic-embedded, OsO4-fixed tissues were attached to glass slides by heating to 70 C for 1 min. A saturated solution combining toluidine blue and malachite green was prepared in ethanol (8% of each dye) or water (4% of each dye). Methacrylate or epoxy sections were stained in the ethanol solution for 2–5 min. The water solution was more effective for some epoxy sections (10–80 min). Epoxy sections could be mordanted by 2% KMnO4, in acetone (1 min) before use of the aqueous dye, reducing staining time to 5–10 min and improving contrast. Aqueous basic fuchsin (4%) was used as the counter-stain in all cases; staining time varied from 1–30 min depending upon the embedding medium and desired effects, methacrylate sections requiring the least time. In the completed stain, nuclei were blue to violet; erythrocytes and mitochondria, green; collagen and elastic tissue, magenta; and much and cartilage, bright cherry red. Sections were coated with an acrylic resin spray and examined or pho...
People Transitioning Across Places: A Multimethod Investigation of How People Go to Football Games

Stokols and Shumaker suggested that places can be characterized in terms of whether they are occupied primarily by individuals, aggregates, or groups. The authors propose a fourth type of place, one occupied primarily by groups within an aggregate. This research used a multimethod approach to examine whether people go to football games alone or with others and, if with others, how many others. Observations of cars entering parking lots or parking decks indicated that on average each vehicle contained about 2.5 individuals. Surveys of individuals about to enter the stadium also indicated that on average people were in groups of about four. Computer vision tracking of pedestrians next to the stadium about 2 hr before the game indicated that, although about one quarter of the pedestrians were alone, groups averaged about four. Thus, the results suggested that informal groups became larger as a function of proximity to the stadium. Analyses of the space occupied by groups of different sizes indicated that as groups got larger, the amount of space per person
Abdominal motor unit activity during respiratory and nonrespiratory tasks

Abdominal muscles serve multiple roles, but the functional organization of their motoneurons remains unclear. To gain insight, we recorded single motor unit potentials from the internal oblique (IO...
Sensitivity and variability of Presage dosimeter formulations in sheet form with application to SBRT and SRS QA

Purpose: To measure sensitivity and stability of the Presage dosimeter in sheet form for various chemical concentrations over a range of clinical photon energies and examine its use for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery(SRS) QA. Methods: Presage polymerdosimeters were formulated to investigate and optimize their sensitivity and stability. The dosimeter is composed of clear polyurethane base, leucomalachite green (LMG) reporting dye, and bromoform radical initiator in 0.9–1.0 mm thick sheets. The chemicals are mixed together for 2 min, cast in an aluminum mold, and left to cure at 60 psi for a minimum of two days. Dosimeter response was characterized at energies Co-60, 6 MV, 10 MV flattening-filter free, 15 MV, 50 kVp (mean 19.2 keV), and Ir-192. The dosimeters were scanned by a Microtek Scanmaker i800 at 300 dpi, 216 bit depth per color channel. Red component images were analyzed with ImageJ and rit. SBRT QA was done with gamma analysis tolerances of 2% and 2 mm DTA. Results: The sensitivity of the Presage dosimeter increased with increasing concentration of bromoform. Addition of tin catalyst decreased curing time and had negligible effect on sensitivity. LMG concentration should be at least as high as the bromoform, with ideal concentration being 2% wt. Gamma Knife SRS QA measurements of relative output and profile widths were within 2% of manufacturer’s values validated at commissioning, except the 4 mm collimator relative output which was within 3%. The gamma pass rate of Presage with SBRT was 73.7%, compared to 93.1% for EBT2 Gafchromic film. Conclusions: The Presage dosimeter in sheet form was capable of detecting radiation over all tested photon energies and chemical concentrations. The best sensitivity and photostability of the dosimeter were achieved with 2.5% wt. LMG and 8.2% wt. bromoform. Scanner used should not emit any UV radiation as it will expose the dosimeter, as with the Epson 10000 XL scanner. Presage dosimeter in this form was sensitive enough for use in SRS and SBRT QA. The lower gamma pass rate for Presage compared to Gafchromic film can be attributed to the simple equipment used in the fabrication process, which limited the dosimeter’s sensitivity uniformity by agglomeration of air bubbles in the material, nonuniform concentration of chemicals throughout the material, and thickness variations. This demands improvements in mixing tools and molds.
Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy for Probing Monometallic, Bimetallic and Oxide-Metal Catalysts Under Reactive Atmospheres and Catalytic Reaction Conditions

Synchrotron-based ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) is an important in situ chemical probe in the toolbox of chemists and materials engineers. It uniquely aids in the investigation of the surfaces and interfaces of complex systems under dynamic environments, such as catalysts operating at the solid/gas interface. Nanoparticles (NPs) produced via colloidal chemistry offer the advantage of narrow particle distributions in APXPS studies of catalysts. They provide a narrow distribution in size, shape and composition of catalysts, which provide a closer correlation to actual catalysts than single crystal models for which APXPS is extensively employed. In this paper, some case studies of colloidaly-made uniform nanoparticles catalysts will be outlined. The examples will include monometallic, bimetallic and binary oxide-metal catalysts, where APXPS is used in different reactive atmospheres and during catalytic reactions. First, in situ CO oxidation studies of monometallic Rh NPs in the 2–7 nm range will be discussed. Next, APXPS studies of bimetallic NPs with size and composition control will be illustrated. NO-induced reversible core/shell restructuring of bimetallic PdRh NPs and gas-driven irreversible surface segregation of Cu in bimetallic CoCu NPs will be explained. To further illustrate the utility of the technique, APXPS and catalytic measurements carried out in parallel and under identical conditions will be described over bimetallic AuPd and CoPt NPs, during catalytic oxidation of CO. APXPS based structure–function correlations such as composition and ensemble dependence of catalytic activity will also be illustrated in this discussion. Finally, binary oxide-metal catalysts will be exemplified in APXPS studies of CeO2/Pt and TiO2/Co systems in hydrogen reducing atmospheres and/or during catalytic hydrogenation of CO2. Also, along with this idea, metal-support interactions in the forms of metal-induced reduction of oxide support, wetting and encapsulation of metal will be detailed in relation to catalytic properties.
An Note on a Categorical Semantics for ER-Models

We have a look at the semantics of Entity-Relationship models, a popular device for modelling data, but lacking a stringent semantics. In an earlier paper we have shown how to generate an algebraic speci cation for an extended ER-model; in this paper we extend the algebraic view of a model through a categorial interpretation. Inheritance induces a tree structure for an ER-model. This is decorated with objects from a suitable category, and we ask for a unifying view of this model. Our approach suggests using colimits as the semantics. It is shown that under very mild conditions the colimit exists, and that this colimit is an adjoint to the diagonal. Finally we show how to integrate binary relations into this approach by studying two general conditions on the morphism associated to a relation.
Associations Between Fatigue and Disability, Functional Mobility, Depression, and Quality of Life in People with Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Fatigue is a common symptom in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but its associations with disability, functional mobility, depression, and quality of life (QOL) remain unclear. We aimed to determine the associations between different levels of fatigue and disability, functional mobility, depression, and physical and mental QOL in people with MS. Methods: Eighty-nine individuals with MS (mean [SD] disease duration = 13.6 [9.8] years, mean [SD] Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score = 5.3 [1.5]) and no concurrent relapses were retrospectively analyzed. Participants were divided into two groups based on five-item Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS-5) scores: group LF (n = 32, MFIS-5 score ≤10 [low levels of fatigue]) and group HF (n = 57, MFIS-5 score >10 [high levels of fatigue]). Results: Sixty-four percent of the sample reported high levels of fatigue. Compared with group LF, group HF demonstrated significantly (P < .05) greater impairments in the Timed Up and Go test, Activities-s...