cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-carbohydrate diets reduce lipid accumulation and arterial inflammation in guinea pigs fed a high-cholesterol diet.

Introduction: Low-carbohydrate diets (LCD) efficiently induce weight loss and favorably affect plasma lipids, however, the effect of LCD on atherosclerosis is still argued. Objective: To evaluate the effect of LCD on the prevention of atherosclerosis. Methods: Twenty guinea pigs were fed either a LCD or a low-fat diet (LFD) in combination with high-cholesterol (0.25 g/100 g) for 12 weeks. The percentage energy of macronutrient distribution was 10:65:25 for carbohydrate:fat:protein for the LCD, and 55:20:25 for the LFD. Plasma lipids were measured using colorimetric assays. Plasma and aortic oxidized (oxLDL) were quantified using ELISA methods. Inflammatory cytokines were measured in aortic homogenates using an immunoassay. HE p = 0.039). Aortic cholesterol was also lower in the LCD (4.98 ± 1.3 mg/g) compared to the LFD group (6.68 ± 2.0 mg/g); p < 0.05. The Schultz staining method confirmed less aortic cholesterol accumulation in the LCD group. Plasma oxLDL did not differ between groups, however, aortic oxLDL was 61% lower in the LCD compared to the LFD group (p = 0.045). There was a positive correlation (r = 0.63, p = 0.03) between oxLDL and cholesterol concentration in the aorta of LFD group, which was not observed in LCD group (r = −0.05, p = 0.96). Inflammatory markers were reduced in guinea pigs from the LCD group (p < 0.05) and they were correlated with the decreases in oxLDL in aorta. Conclusion: These results suggest that LCD not only decreases lipid deposition, but also prevents the accumulation of oxLDL and reduces inflammatory cytokines within the arterial wall and may prevent atherosclerosis.
Viscoelastic Material Properties of SU-8 and Carbon-Nanotube-Reinforced SU-8 Materials

The viscoelastic material properties of SU-8 and carbon nanotube-reinforced SU-8 composite material are characterized by tensile testing. Dogbone samples of 0.1mm thickness are prepared by micro-fabrication process, which is composed of spin coat, soft bake, expose, and post exposure bake. To fabricate CNT polymer composite, carbon nano-tube of 0.2wt% is mixed with SU-8. To observe the effect of applied strain rate and temperature on Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio, strain rate is varied from 5×10-5 to 2.5×10-4 (/sec) at elevated temperatures in the range of 25 to 200°C. Since the viscoelastic material properties are important in polymer, creep, stress relaxation and dynamic mechanical analyses are performed at elevated temperatures. The viscoelastic material properties of SU-8 and CNT-reinforced SU-8 composite are compared, and the mechanical reliability of these polymers in MEMS applications is discussed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Space efficient hierarchical structures: relatively addressed compact quadtrees for GISs

Abstract Traditional pointer-based quadtree data structures are generally viewed as inferior to linear quadtree data structures when used in geographical information systems (GISs). This is largely due to their space inefficiency and to the fact that they are difficult to manage on secondary storage. In this paper, an improved, pointerbased quadtree called the relatively addressed compact quadtree (RACQ) is presented which possesses a pointer system and hierarchical structure. The RACQ solves the two problems associated with traditional pointer-based quadtrees.
Polarography in acetonitrile of some group-IV metal halides*

Summary The polarography and the conductance of solutions in acetonitrile of tin(IV) chloride and iodide, tin(II) chloride, and germanium(IV) and zirconium(IV) chlorides have been investigated. Tetraethylammonium perchlorate, chloride and iodide have been used as supporting electrolytes. With perchlorate the tetrahalides of tin and germanium yield two reduction waves, the first one corresponding to a two-electron reduction and the second wave to reduction to the metal. With chloride as supporting electrolyte only one four-electron reduction wave is observed, but two two-electron waves in iodide with tin(IV) and germanium(IV) chlorides. Tin(IV) iodide with tetraethylammonium iodide as supporting electrolyte yields a single, four-electron reduction wave, composite with the iodide wave. All compounds yield anodic waves which are poorly developed, probably because of film formation. Tin(II) chloride yields in the three supporting electrolytes an overall two-electron reduction wave. All waves appear to be irreversible and the anodic waves are of a complex nature. Contrary to the literature, zirconium tetrachloride in the presence of iodide and oxygen yields iodine, without reduction of zirconium(IV). Tin(IV) iodide reacts with chloride, the chloride replacing the iodide. From conductance data it is concluded that tin(IV) chloride and iodide dissociate into SnX3+ and X− ions, the ionization constants being 8×10−7 and 3.5×10−8, respectively. On the other hand, the dissociation of SnCl2 occurs mainly by the reaction: 2 SnCl2←SnCl++SnCl3− and to a lesser extent by the reaction SnCl2←SnCl++Cl−. The equilibrium constants for these two reactions were estimated to be 4×10−4 and 1.2×10−6, respectively.
Supranuclear efferent synapses on outer hair cells and deiters cells in the human organ of Corti

Synaptophysin immunoreactivity and transmission electron microscopy have demonstrated vesiculated nerve endings synapsing on the supranuclear zone of outer hair cells and also of Deiters' cells in the human organ of Corti. These fibers seem similar to supranuclear fibers, apparently derived from the olivocochlear efferent system, which have been described in the animal. However, these endings were found throughout the cochlea in the human whereas in the animal such fibers were limited to the apical cochlea. Although such fibers have been demonstrated among supporting cells by immunohistochemical techniques, this is the first demonstration by transmission electron microscopy of morphology consistent with a chemical synapse between such fibers and Deiters' cells. Although the role of such fibers is unknown, neurophysiologic evidence suggests that they may modify the micromechanics of the outer hair cell. The function of neural innervation of Deiters' cells is speculative.
Is graphene's future in the hands of the chemist?

One year after the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Geim and Novoselov for their groundbreaking work on graphene, James Tour asks, “Does graphene now belong to the chemist?”
Psychostimulant-induced alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter-2 function: Neurotoxic and therapeutic implications

The vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT-2) is an important regulator of intraneuronal monoamine concentrations and disposition as this protein sequesters critical cytoplasmic monoaminergic transmitters and contributes to their subsequent exocytotic release. This review primarily discusses the impact of psychoactive drugs (including those with abuse potential) on dopamine (DA)-related VMAT-2 and its function. In particular, the different responses by DA-related VMAT-2 and associated vesicles to plasmalemmal uptake blockers like methylphenidate and releasers like methamphetamine are presented. Recent preclinical findings suggest that vesicular transporter systems are highly regulatable, both by changes in localization as well as alterations in the kinetics of the VMAT-2 protein. The capacity for such shifts in VMAT-2 functions suggests the presence of physiological regulation that likely influences the activity of DA systems. In addition, these findings may contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of a variety of DA-related disorders such as substance abuse and Parkinson's disease and also suggest new therapeutic targets for treating such diseases.
Symmetric space scalar field theory

Some quantum field theories, such as the chiral SU(2) ⊗ SU(2) theory, can have a dynamics invariant under a group G that is realized on a vacuum which is invariant only under a subgroup H of G. These theories may be defined by scalar fields which are coordinates for the coset manifold G/H. They are thus non-polynomial theories on a symmetric space, with the group motions in this space described by a set of Killing vectors. We show how the Lagrange function may be constructed entirely from the Killing vectors. In particular, all physical quantities may be expressed in terms of the currents formed out of the Killing vectors. The current correlation functions do not exhibit the spurious wave function renormalizations which are encountered if ordinary Green's functions are computed. We illustrate the general method by calculating one-loop counter terms in a completely invariant fashion. An Appendix describes in simple terms the general theory of symmetric spaces, which should prove useful in other contexts.
Systematics of alpha-radioactivity in the rare earth region

Abstract Alpha decay energy data in the rare earth region are extended by means of closed decay energy cycle calculations and are then correlated for each element as a function of neutron number. The marked effect of the closed shell at 82 neutrons on the alpha decay energies is discussed. Evidence is presented for a sharp drop at 90 neutrons in the normal alpha-decay energy versus neutron number trend, as well as for a proton subshell at 64 protons. Half-lives are calculated using a formula derived from simple barrier-penetration theory. The calculated values are compared with experimental half-lives and discrepancies are discussed. Reduced level widths δ 2 are determined for rare earth alpha emitters using barrier penetration factors calculated from the real potential derived by optical model analysis of alpha elastic scattering data. The reduced widths are in turn used to propose hindrance factors for odd-mass alpha emitters.
Effect of thinning, fertilization with biosolids, and weather on interannual ring specific gravity and carbon accumulation of a 55-year-old Douglas-fir stand in western Washington.

Marketing timber is shifting from logs, lumber, and veneer measured volumetrically to include carbon storage and energy that are based on dry mass. Conversion between volume and dry mass relies on accurate estimates of wood specific gravity (SG). We measured width and SG of growth rings and their earlywood and latewood components with X-ray densitometry on trees from controlled, thinned, biosolid fertilized, and combined treatments applied to a 55-year-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) stand. We developed models to predict interannual SG from climate and treatment effects and compared 20 year changes in dry mass and carbon storage with estimates from biomass equations and from the Wood Handbook average SG. Thinning increased latewood width but did not affect ring SG. Biosolid fertilization increased earlywood and latewood width and decreased ring SG 8% by decreasing earlywood SG, latewood SG, and latewood percentage. SG decreased with increased July soil moisture deficit; alternativel...
Stability of TiO2 nanotube arrays in photoelectrochemical studies

Abstract Photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation gives an opportunity to acquire energy by means of clean and renewable resources such as water and solar light. A major problem in the PEC system is the stability of the photoanode material for long-term applications. Recently, self-assembled titanium dioxide (TiO2) semiconductors (and their hybrids) have shown potential to generate hydrogen in the PEC system. In the present investigation, stability of the nanotubular TiO2 in 1 M KOH solution under illumination conditions is investigated. The photoanode is found to be stable (in terms of activity and morphologically) for one month (8 h/day) without much change in the hydrogen generation rate. Possible photoelectrochemical reactions that can be responsible for degradation of performance of nanotubular TiO2 material are identified. Various spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements, viz., SEM, XRD, DRUV-Vis and Mott–Schottky are employed to confirm that the nanotubular TiO2 photoanode can be used for long-term applications.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Defense Industries

Review of Financial Economics vol. 17, Issue 1, (2008), With Peter Frederiksen and Bob McNab
Antiemesis After Total Joint Arthroplasty: Does a Single Preoperative Dose of Aprepitant Reduce Nausea and Vomiting?

Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is frequent after joint arthroplasty; in addition to causing patient distress, it interferes with early mobilization and hospital discharge. Various antiemetic agents reduce PONV, but their action is limited by a short half-life. Aprepitant, an antiemetic developed for patients receiving chemotherapy, has a duration of action much longer than other antiemetics.
MASA: a library for verification using manufactured and analytical solutions

In this paper we introduce the Manufactured Analytical Solution Abstraction ( MASA ) library for applying the method of manufactured solutions to the verification of software used for solving a large class of problems stemming from numerical methods in mathematical physics including nonlinear equations, systems of algebraic equations, and ordinary and partial differential equations. We discuss the process of scientific software verification, manufactured solution generation using symbolic manipulation with computer algebra systems such as Maple™ or SymPy, and automatic differentiation for forcing function evaluation. We discuss a hierarchic methodology that can be used to alleviate the combinatorial complexity in generating symbolic manufactured solutions for systems of equations based on complex physics. Finally, we detail the essential features and examples of the Application Programming Interface behind MASA , an open source library designed to act as a central repository for manufactured and analytical solutions over a diverse range of problems.
A National Profile of Childhood Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder

OBJECTIVE: To determine sociodemographics, patterns of comorbidity, and function of US children with reported epilepsy/seizure disorder. METHODS: Bivariate and multivariable cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (2007) on 91 605 children ages birth to 17 years, including 977 children reported by their parents to have been diagnosed with epilepsy/seizure disorder. RESULTS: Estimated lifetime prevalence of epilepsy/seizure disorder was 10.2/1000 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.7–11.8) or 1%, and of current reported epilepsy/seizure disorder was 6.3/1000 (95% CI: 4.9–7.8). Epilepsy/seizure disorder prevalence was higher in lower-income families and in older, male children. Children with current reported epilepsy/seizure disorder were significantly more likely than those never diagnosed to experience depression (8% vs 2%), anxiety (17% vs 3%), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (23% vs 6%), conduct problems (16% vs 3%), developmental delay (51% vs 3%), autism/autism spectrum disorder (16% vs 1%), and headaches (14% vs 5%) (all P < .05). They had greater risk of limitation in ability to do things (relative risk: 9.22; 95% CI: 7.56–11.24), repeating a school grade (relative risk: 2.59; CI: 1.52–4.40), poorer social competence and greater parent aggravation, and were at increased risk of having unmet medical and mental health needs. Children with prior but not current seizures largely had intermediate risk. CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally representative sample, children with seizures were at increased risk for mental health, developmental, and physical comorbidities, increasing needs for care coordination and specialized services. Children with reported prior but not current seizures need further study to establish reasons for their higher than expected levels of reported functional limitations. * Abbreviations: ADHD — : attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ASD — : autism spectrum disorder CI — : confidence interval MADDSP — : Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program NSCH — : National Survey of Children’s Health RR — : relative risk
Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis

Cancer development is a multiple-step process involving many cell types including cancer precursor cells, immune cells, fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Each type of cells undergoes signaling and functional changes during carcinogenesis. The current challenge for many cancer researchers is to dissect these changes in each cell type during the multiple-step process in vivo. In the last few years, the authors have developed a set of procedures to isolate different cell populations during skin cancer development using K14creER/R26-SmoM2(YFP) mice. The procedure is divided into 6 parts: 1) generating appropriate mice for the study (K14creER(+) and R26-SmoM2(YFP+) mice in this protocol); 2) inducing SmoM2(YFP) expression in mouse skin; 3) preparing mouse skin biopsies; 4) isolating epidermis from skin; 5) preparing single cells from epidermis; 6) labeling single cell populations for flow cytometry analysis. Generation of sufficient number of mice with the right genotype is the limiting step in this protocol, which may take up to two months. The rest of steps take a few hours to a few days. Within this protocol, we also include a section for troubleshooting. Although we focus on skin cancer, this protocol may be modified to apply for other animal models of human diseases.
Uncertainty relations involving ordinary second moments in time and frequency for discrete-time signals

Abstract In the discrete-time case, the product of the ordinary second moments of signal-energy distribution in time and frequency does not satisfy the Gabor uncertainty relation, in the sense that there is no strictly positive uncertainty limit. E.g., for the unit sample sequence, the product is zero. For specially defined second moments, the Gabor uncertainty relation is satisfied (Doroslovacki, Signal Processing 67 (1) (May 1998) 59). We are presenting here new results showing valid uncertainty relations involving one ordinary second moment. The results are important for conceptualization and characterization of the simultaneous time–frequency localization for sequences.
Site specific synthesis and polymerase bypass of oligonucleotides containing a 6-hydroxy-3,5,6,7-tetrahydro-9H-imidazo[1,2-a]purin-9-one base, an intermediate in the formation of 1,N2-etheno-2'-deoxyguanosine.

The reaction of DNA with certain bis-electrophiles such as chlorooxirane and chloroacetaldehyde produces etheno adducts. These lesions are highly miscoding, and some of the chemical agents that pro...
Influence of light fleck and low light on foliar injury and physiological responses of two hybrid poplar clones to ozone

Abstract Five-month old hybrid poplar clones NE388 and NE359 were exposed to square-wave 30, 55, and 80 ppb O3 (8 h/day, 7 day/week) under constant high light (HL) and light fleck (LF) during 28 May–29 June 1999, and exposed to 30 and 55 ppb O3 under HL, LF, and constant low light (LL) during 22 May–28 June 2000 within Continuously Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTR) in a greenhouse. Ramets of these two hybrid clones received similar total photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) within the LF and LL treatments. Visible foliar symptoms, leaf gas exchange, and growth were measured. More severe O3 induced foliar symptoms were observed on ramets within the LF and LL treatments than within the HL treatment for both clones. The LF treatment resulted in significantly greater foliar injury than the LL treatment for NE388. The LF and LL treatments generally resulted in lower photosynthetic rates (Pn) for both clones, but did not affect stomatal conductance (gwv); therefore, the ratios of gwv/Pn and the O3 uptake/Pn were greatest in plants grown under the LF treatment, followed by those grown under LL treatment; plants grown under HL had the lowest ratios of gwv/Pn and O3 uptake/Pn. Greater ratios of gwv/Pn and O3 uptake/Pn were consistently associated with more severe visible foliar symptoms. The negative impacts of the LF treatment on growth were greater than those of the LL treatment. Results indicate that not only the integral, but also the pattern of photo flux density, may affect carbon gain in plants. Increased foliar injury may be expected under light fleck conditions due to the limited repair capacity as a result of continuity of O3 uptake while photosynthesis decreases under LL conditions.
Photodecomposition of water vapor over TiO2 catalysts doped with Ta2O5

Abstract Both prereduction and NaOH coating of Ta-doped TiO 2 are necessary for measurable catalytic activity in gas-phase water decomposition under illumination with band gap light. The addition of RuO 2 to the catalyst enhances the rate of water photolysis. The influence of the above factors was studied using several TiO 2 samples, both doped and undoped, prereduced and nonreduced. The role of Ta-doping, RuO 2 and NaOH admixtures, and prereduction of the samples is discussed.
Acute pulmonary hemorrhage CT evaluation

The computed tomography (CT) scans and chest radiograph of seven patients with bronchoscopic or pathologically proven cases of pulmonary hemorrhage were reviewed to determine the appearance and value of each modality. CT revealed the presence and location in all cases while chest radiographs were falsely negative in two cases. The CT pattern was always an alveolar pattern while the pattern was more variable on chest radiographs. By providing better pattern definition than the chest radiographs, CT is the study of choice in detecting the presence of a suspected pulmonary hemorrhage.
The Influence of Study of a Second Language on Improvement in Spelling: A Longitudinal Study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which study of Latin might influence high school students' improvement in spelling. Skilled and less skilled spellers who chose to study Latin or other second languages in ninth-grade were given a standardized and an experimental spelling test, which allowed for a comparison of their spelling of words of Latin and Greek origin, both in the fall of their ninth-grade and the spring of their eleventh-grade year. While skilled spellers generally made greater progress than less skilled spellers, the students of Latin did not outperform students of other second languages either on the standardized spelling test or specifically on words of Latin origin. Analysis of errors on the experimental test indicated that certain words of Latin origin were misspelled as frequently by eleventh as by ninth graders; these may have affected the lower rate of improvement on words of Latin origin, in contrast to the words of Greek origin. The results suggest particular ways in which the relationship of spelling proficiency and study of language might be investigated further.
A longitudinal study of the vocationally undecided male student

Abstract Graduating seniors (n = 137) who were vocationally undecided as freshmen were compared to seniors who had persisted in a major or had immigrated to each of the six Holland vocational categories. No differences were found on personality as measured by the Omnibus Personality Inventory or ability as measured by the American College Test. The assumption that the “immigrant” sample might conceal differences between changers from one Holland category to another and originally undecided students was not supported.
Vibrational properties of tin clathrate materials

We have performed density functional calculations of the vibrational modes of three tin-based, cagelike clathrate materials: the pure type-I $({\mathrm{Sn}}_{46})$ and type-II $({\mathrm{Sn}}_{136})$ frameworks, and the donor/acceptor compensated compound ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{8}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{8}{\mathrm{Sn}}_{38}.$ We have also theoretically identified the infrared- and Raman-active modes in these materials and have computed their Raman spectra. In addition, we report measurements of the Raman spectrum of ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{8}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{8}{\mathrm{Sn}}_{38}$ and compare the experimental spectrum with the theoretical one. By this means, we are able to unambiguously identify the low-frequency ``rattling'' vibrational modes in this material, which are due to the motion of the Cs atoms that are loosely bound in the Sn cages.
Peripheral Auditory Physiology in the Lemon Shark: Evidence of Parallel Otolithic and Non-Otolithic Sound Detection

The intact ear of the lemon shark,Negaprion brevirostris, is sensitive to sound at low frequencies by electrophysiological criteria. The click-evoked compound action potential of the eighth nerve has a dynamic range of at least 30 dB, with a latency shortening of 120 to 170 μs/dB and an amplitude increase of 4 to 11%/dB relative to a nearly saturated response. The shape of the potential is dependent on the click phase and with the top of the head out of water these potentials are evoked by clicks with air sound pressure levels as low as 19.5 dB re 1 μbar and velocity levels in the water as low as 23 dB re 1 μvar. The calculated displacement thresholds range from 5×10−8 to 4×10−7 cm for this response, overlapping and extending slightly below the thresholds previously reported for whole animals. The frequency sensitivity for this measure of the ear's response also agrees with behavioral data, suggesting that the ear is the primary site for sound detection. Units in the eighth nerve fall into three classes: regularly spontaneous and non-acoustic, irregularly spontaneous and acoustic, and nonspontaneous and acoustic. The best excitatory frequencies for the acoustic units range from 375 Hz down to 31 Hz if not lower, with the majority below 200 Hz. There are two maculae in this ear that are capable of detecting sound. One, the macula neglecta, is a non-otolithic detector composed of two large patches of sensory epithelium that line the walls of the posterior canal duct and extend cilia complexes toward a gelatinous cupula that fills the lumen of the duct. Units in the branch of the eighth nerve that serves this macula are responsive to sound that appears to be transmitted through parietal fossa connective tissue and a dorsal opening in the otic capsule wall. The other sound detector is the macula of the otolithic sacculus. In juvenile lemon sharks this epithelium contains an estimated 300,000 hair cells that extend their cilia toward a large mass of otoconia. It is proposed that these two maculae may detect sound by dissimilar mechanisms that provide different directional responses and possibly different frequency responses and might allow unambiguous sound localization.
The Comparability of the Factorial Validity of the Study Attitudes and Methods Survey in a High School Sample and in a University Sample

For each of two samples of high school and university students, both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of a correlation matrix of 18 subtests (three subtests for each of six factor scales of the Study Attitudes and Methods Survey [SAMS]) were completed. Irrespective of whether an exploratory or confirmatory factor analytic approach was used, six hypothesized factors were clearly defined in an oblique as well as an orthogonal structure. A visual examination of the corresponding exploratory and confirmatory factor solutions indicated that they were comparable in the configurations realized. Application of statistical criteria proposed by Jbreskog and Sorbom (1986) to demonstrate factorial invariance suggested, however, that invariance in factor structure of the two correlation matrixes between the two samples had not been achieved.
“The End of Faith?” Science and Theology as Process

: A spate of recent books would claim that science's only role vis a vis theology is to discredit it. Sam Harris, in The End of Faith, credits religious faith as the source of much of the violence in today's world. Richard Dawkins, in The God Delusion, views religion as, at best, a profound misunderstanding, and at worst a form of madness. Both find an antidote to such irrationality in science. To Harris and Dawkins religion is a body of accumulated knowledge. However, religion can also be thought of as a process, one based on experience, questions, and results. One group that has systematized such a process is the Society of Friends, or Quakers. The Quaker tradition shows that it is quite possible for religion to rest on experience and questioning, and for these to form the basis for an active and involved faith, one that need never reject science and its findings, but will temper their use with the best wisdom that can be gained from personal and communal experience.
Optimization techniques for integrating spatial data

Two optimization techniques ta predict a spatial variable from any number of related spatial variables are presented. The applicability of the two different methods for petroleum-resource assessment is tested in a mature oil province of the Midcontinent (USA). The information on petroleum productivity, usually not directly accessible, is related indirectly to geological, geophysical, petrographical, and other observable data. This paper presents two approaches based on construction of a multivariate spatial model from the available data to determine a relationship for prediction. In the first approach, the variables are combined into a spatial model by an algebraic map-comparison/integration technique. Optimal weights for the map comparison function are determined by the Nelder-Mead downhill simplex algorithm in multidimensions. Geologic knowledge is necessary to provide a first guess of weights to start the automatization, because the solution is not unique. In the second approach, active set optimization for linear prediction of the target under positivity constraints is applied. Here, the procedure seems to select one variable from each data type (structure, isopachous, and petrophysical) eliminating data redundancy. Automating the determination of optimum combinations of different variables by applying optimization techniques is a valuable extension of the algebraic map-comparison/integration approach to analyzing spatial data. Because of the capability of handling multivariate data sets and partial retention of geographical information, the approaches can be useful in mineral-resource exploration.
Humanoid robots walking on grass, sands and rocks

Up to now humanoid robots have been designed primarily for walking on flat surfaces. In the future, humanoid robots are required to replace human beings to operate in natural or damaged man-engineered environments. In such environments, the robots may have to walk on rough surfaces such as grass, sands or rocks, which all impose great challenges to the stability of biped locomotion due to uncertainties and deformations of these surfaces. We investigate how humanoid robots can walk on these surfaces, using the Hubo 2+humanoid robot as the target of study. We will first introduce the overall structure of Hubo 2+, and model the deformation characteristics these surfaces. Then new walking patterns, a "step-over" gait and a ski-type gait, are proposed as a global approach to maintain stability while compliant motion is used to solve the robust foot-holding problem. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the new approaches.
Distribution- free test for slope in linear regression model with replications

Some distribution-free methods are suggested in the paper for testing the hypothesis about the slope parameter in a one-sample linear regression model with multiple observations at each level of independent variable. Asymptotic relative efficiencies of these tests are discussed, and the tests are compared with their nonparametric competitors.
The attractive interaction between an atom and a surface

Abstract Using a general self-energy formalism, we examine the interaction between an atom and a surface. Considered in detail are deviations from the Van der Waals force due to recoil and finite velocity of the particle. Calculations for positronium near a metal surface show that for such systems, recoil and velocity effects are significant even at very low energies. We also examine the mechanisms for energy exchange with the surface and calculations show that single quantum events do not always dominate the exchange rates.
A goal-directed production system for story understanding

Using knowledge to make inferences is a crucial aspect of natural language processing. While the notion of a script has been useful in this regard, other forms of knowledge are also needed. In particular, knowledge about goals and knowledge about stories is crucial for story understanding. The understander must know what types of goals characters in a story can have so as to be able to interpret their behavior. Knowledge about the point of a story is needed to direct the understanding process. These forms of knowledge can best be applied by means of hierarchical production system.
Predictors of Patrol Officer Interest in Cybercrime Training and Investigation in Selected United States Police Departments

Abstract Cybercrime has created substantial challenges for law enforcement, particularly at the local level. Most scholars and police administrators believe that patrol officers need to become more effective first responders to cybercrime calls. The evidence illustrates, however, that many patrol officers are neither adequately prepared nor strongly interested in taking an active role in addressing cybercrime at the local level. This study, therefore, examined the factors that predicted patrol officer interest in cybercrime training and investigations in two southeastern U.S. cities. The study specifically examined the relationship between demographics, cybercrime exposure, computer training, computer proficiency, Internet and cybercrime perceptions, and views on policing cybercrime with officer interest in cybercrime investigation training and conducting cybercrime investigations in the future. Officer views on policing cybercrime, particularly whether they valued cybercrime investigations and believed t...
Smoke signals from ferromagnetic monolayers: p(1×1) Fe/Au(100)

The surface magneto-optic Kerr effect (SMOKE) is used to study the magnetism of monolayer-range films of Fe grown on Au(100). The Fe grows epitaxially, in the [100] direction, in a layer-by-layer fashion for the first few layers, and raises a layer of Au above it to lower the surface free energy. Hysteresis curves have been measured for submonolayer and few-layer-thick films as a function of temperature. The Curie temperature for a 0.56 monolayer film is substantial (150°C) but markedly reduced from the Curie temperature for bulk Fe. The overall shape of the hysteresis curve and the coercivity give information on the morphology of the films corollary to LEED and Auger studies.
Impact of Enzyme Loading on the Efficacy and Recovery of Cellulolytic Enzymes Immobilized on Enzymogel Nanoparticles

Cellulase and β-glucosidase were adsorbed on a polyacrylic acid polymer brush grafted on silica nanoparticles to produce enzymogels as a form of enzyme immobilization. Enzyme loading on the enzymogels was increased to a saturation level of approximately 110 μg (protein) mg−1 (particle) for each enzyme. Enzymogels with varied enzyme loadings were then used to determine the impact on hydrolysis rate and enzyme recovery. Soluble sugar concentrations during the hydrolysis of filter paper and Solka-Floc with the enzymogels were 45 and 53 %, respectively, of concentrations when using free cellulase. β-Glucosidase enzymogels showed lower performance; hydrolyzate glucose concentrations were just 38 % of those using free enzymes. Increasing enzyme loading on the enzymogels did not reduce net efficacy for cellulase and improved efficacy for β-glucosidase. The use of free cellulases and cellulase enzymogels resulted in hydrolyzates with different proportions of cellobiose and glucose, suggesting differential attachment or efficacy of endoglucanases, exoglucanases, and β-glucosidases present in cellulase mixtures. When loading β-glucosidase individually, higher enzyme loadings on the enzymogels produced higher hydrolyzate glucose concentrations. Approximately 96 % of cellulase and 66 % of β-glucosidase were recovered on the enzymogels, while enzyme loading level did not impact recovery for either enzyme.
Sequence and Expression of Chicken βA2- and βB3-crystallins

Abstract Crystallins are a diverse group of proteins that contribute to the transparency and refractive properties of the eye lens. Previously, the chicken orthologs of four out of the six known bovine β-crystallin genes have been cloned and sequenced. In the present study, cDNAs corresponding to the chicken orthologs of βA2- and βB3-crystallin, the two previously unidentified chicken β-crystallins, have been isolated. In addition, sequence analysis of three independent chicken βB2-crystallin cDNAs yielded a deduced connecting peptide sequence which is considerably shorter than that reported previously. Thus, direct homologs of all of the known bovine β-crystallins are expressed in the chicken lens. This demonstrates that the duplications giving rise to the known vertebrate β-crystallins occurred over 300 million years ago. βB2- and βB3 /A1-crystallin are the most highly conserved of the β-crystallins suggesting that these genes may be important for other functions besides their refractive role in the lens. By Northern blot hybridization analysis, both βA2- and βB3-crystallin were shown to be lens-specific in the chicken embryo. The relative levels of βA2-crystallin remained stable from five days of embryogenesis until adulthood, while the relative amounts of βB3-crystallin increased until hatching and were appreciably lower in the adult lens. Approximately equal relative amounts of βA2-crystallin mRNA were found in the lens epithelia and fibers of 5 day embryonic chicken embryos; by contrast, βB3-crystallin mRNA was detected preferentially in the lens fibers. These data in combination with previous studies suggest that β-crystallin genes are regulated independently from each other in the developing chicken lens. The elucidation of the primary structures for all seven chicken β-crystallin polypeptides will facilitate future studies on the structure /function relationships responsible for lens transparency and on the molecular basis for β-crystallin gene expression during development.
Efficient domination of the orientations of a graph

Abstract For an orientation G of a simple graph G, N G [x] denotes the vertex x together with all those vertices in G for which there are arcs directed toward x. A set S of vertices of G is an efficient dominating set (EDS) of G provided that IFld | N G [x]∩ S| = 1 for every x in G . An efficiency of G is an ordered pair ( G , S), where S is an EDS of the orientation G of G. The number of distinct efficiencies of G is denoted is denoted by η(G). We give a formula for η(G) which allows us to calculate it for complete graphs, complete bipartite graphs, cycles, and paths. We find the minimum and maximum value of η(G) among all graphs with a fixed number of edges. We also find the minimum and maximum value of η(G), as well as the external graphs, among all graphs with a fixed number of vertices. Finally, we show that the probability a random oriented graph has an EDS is exponentially small when such graph is chosen according to a uniform distribution.
Mercury in first-cut baby hair of children with autism versus typically-developing children

Children with autism were examined to determine amounts of mercury (Hg) in their baby hair and the factors that might affect Hg body burden. US children with autism (n = 78) and matched controls (n = 31) born between 1988 and 1999 were studied. Hg in first-cut baby hair was determined using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS). Twenty samples were split and also measured with Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA). Logistic regression analysis showed that compared to children with higher levels of mercury (above 0.55 mcg g−1), children with lower levels of mercury in their hair (below 0.55 mcg g−1) were 2.5-fold more likely to manifest with autism. Children with autism had similar mercury exposure as controls from maternal seafood and maternal dental amalgams. Children with autism also had 2.5-fold higher incidence of oral antibiotic use during their first 18 months of life. Their mothers were possibly more likely to use oral antibiotics during pregnancy or nursing. The amount of Hg in the baby ...
Nox1-Based NADPH Oxidase Is the Major Source of UVA-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species in Human Keratinocytes

UVA radiation is a major environmental stress on skin, causing acute and chronic photodamage. These responses are mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), although the cellular source of these ROS is unknown. We tested the hypotheses that UVA-induced activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is required for ROS generation in human keratinocytes (HK) and that these ROS initiate rapid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis. Treatment of HK with a non-toxic dose of UVA rapidly increased NADPH oxidase activity and intracellular ROS, which were partially blocked by an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase and by a mitochondria-selective antioxidant. Depleting the Nox1 isoform of the catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase using small interfering RNA (siRNA) blocked the UVA-induced ROS increase, indicating that ROS produced by mitochondria or other sources are downstream from Nox1. Nox1 siRNA also blocked UVA-initiated PGE2 synthesis. The mechanism for activation of Nox1 is mediated by an increase in intracellular calcium. Ceramide, which has been proposed to mediate responses to UVA in HK, also activated NADPH oxidase. These results indicate that UVA activates Nox1-based NADPH oxidase to produce ROS that stimulate PGE2 synthesis, and that Nox1 may be an appropriate target for agents designed to block UVA-induced skin injury.
Polygalacturonase causes lygus-like damage on plants: cloning and identification of western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus) polygalacturonases secreted during feeding

Polygalacturonase (PG), an enzyme that degrades pectin within the plant tissue cell wall, has been postulated as the chemical cause of damage to plants by the mirid Lygus hesperus. Micro-injection of two pure recombinant Aspergillus niger PG II protein forms, the wild type enzymically active and the mutant inactive one, into alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) florets, demonstrates that the enzymatic activity rather than the PG protein structure per se elicits damage symptoms. A PG gene family has been described for the tarnished plant bug, L. lineolaris. Here we report cloning members of the L. hesperus PG gene family, Lhpg2, obtained with L. lineolaris PG-specific primers and a novel Lhpg4, amplified with degenerate primers that were designed based, in part on the N-terminal sequence from an active, partially purified L. hesperus salivary gland PG protein. Proteomic analyses revealed that the salivary gland PGs encoded by Lhpg2 and Lhpg4 are detected in a diet into which L. hesperus has extruded its saliva when feeding.
The histology of retinas from the Pinnipedia.

Abstract The cellular components, receptors, bipolar and ganglion cells of retinas from several species of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) were quantified. No area centralis was seen in any specimen. Only rod shaped receptors were observed. Ratios of these receptors to ganglion cells were determined and found to be similar to estimates of human parafoveal receptor to ganglion cell ratios. These histologically determined ratios support the behaviorally tested acuity in these animals.
Abstract 2617: uPAR and cathepsin B knockdown-induced nuclear translocation of JNK inhibits migration and induces apoptosis in glioma-initiating cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Treatment for glioblastoma (GBM) remains essentially palliative due to the aggressive infiltration of GBM cancer cells into normal brain tissue. In addition, the existence of a small subpopulation of highly resistant cells known as glioma-initiating cells (GICs), which escape radiation and chemotherapy-induced cell death, makes GBM currently incurable. Proteases, such as uPAR and cathepsin B that are responsible for cancer invasion and metastasis, are often detected in higher amounts in malignant tumors. In the present study, shRNA-mediated knockdown of uPAR and cathepsin B (pUC), alone or in combination with radiation, simultaneously inhibited migration and induced apoptosis of 5310 and 4910 non-GICs and GICs by regulating the JNK-MAPK pathway. Immunoblot and immunocytochemical analyses showed pUC treatment resulted in an increase in the levels of the phospho-JNK (p-JNK), which was mostly localized to the nucleus. We also observed an increase in the levels of p-JNK with radiation and with full-length uPAR and cathepsin B; however, it was confined to the cytoplasm of the cells. Depletion of cytosolic p-JNK with pUC treatment and/or with the JNK inhibitor decreased migration by downregulating the expression of the migratory molecules. Immunoprecipitation analysis and co-localization studies further confirmed the involvement of the cytosolic p-JNK in promoting migration of the glioma cells. The increase in the expression of nuclear p-JNK with pUC treatment increased the expression of apoptotic molecules, as observed by the western blot analysis. MTT assay revealed that non-GICs and GICs were rescued from pUC-induced cell death when treated in combination with a JNK inhibitor, which further confirms the importance of nuclear JNK in eliciting an apoptotic signal. In summary, cytosolic p-JNK aids cell migration while nuclear p-JNK drives cells toward cell death. As such, pUC treatment induced the translocation of p-JNK from cytoplasm to the nucleus, thereby simultaneously inhibiting migration and inducing apoptosis of non-GICs and GICs. Citation Format: Kiranmai Alapati, Divya Kesanakurti, Jasti S. Rao. uPAR and cathepsin B knockdown-induced nuclear translocation of JNK inhibits migration and induces apoptosis in glioma-initiating cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2617. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2617
Cobalt in pore waters of marine sediments

During early diagenesis on the sea floor, metal-recycling processes exert important controls on the preservation rates and distributions of metals in marine sediments. The elucidation of internal recycling processes, therefore, is important in understanding trace-metal mass balances in the oceans. Recent measurements of cobalt in seawater1 suggest that cobalt is scavenged from the deep sea and hence follows biogeochemical pathways similar to manganese. We present here measurements of cobalt in pore waters of marine sediments and find that cobalt was released into pore waters in the sub-oxic sediment zone during dissolution of sedimentary manganese oxides (Table 1, Fig. 1). Solid-phase cobalt concentrations in surface (oxic) sediments, above the pore water remobilization horizon, are almost double those measured in the deep (anoxic) sediment zone (Table 2, Fig. 1). The sediment and pore water distributions indicate that a large fraction of sedimentary cobalt is recycled with manganese between oxic and sub-oxic pore waters and redeposited in surface (oxic) sediments.
Directed self-assembly of Ge nanostructures on very high index, highly anisotropic Si(hkl) surfaces.

Families of very high-index planes, such as those which bifurcate spontaneously to form a hill-and-valley structure composed of opposing facets, provide natural templates for the directed growth of position-controlled self-organized nanostructures with shapes determined by the facet width ratio R. For example, deposition of a few ML of Ge on Si(173 100 373), corresponding to R(113/517) = 1.7, results in a field of 40-nm-wide Ge nanowires along [72 187 ] with a uniform period of 60 nm.