cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Regular Matroids Without Certain Minors

We extend several excluded-minor characterizations of graphs without certain minors to the class of regular matroids. By Seymour’s decomposition of the regular matroids, any regular matroid without a certain minor N can be constructed from N-free graphic matroids, cographic matroids, and \({R_10}\) (if \({R_10}\) is N-free) using 1-, 2-, and 3-sums. The converse, however, is not necessarily true. For example, the \({K_{3, 3}}\)-free graphs \({K_{5}\ e}\) and \({K_4}\) can be 3-summed over a certain triangle to form the graph \({K_{3, 3}}\). In this paper, we first prove a decomposition theorem of regular matroids without a vertically 4-connected minor with rank exceeding three. As a result, we extend to regular matroids some graph excluded minors results of Ding for the octahedron, Maharry for the cube, and Robertson for the Mobius ladder on eight vertices.
Childhood asthma hospitalization risk after cesarean delivery in former term and premature infants.

Background Cesarean delivery modifies infant gut bacterial flora composition, which may result in hindered tolerance to allergenic substances, thereby increasing the risk of asthma in accordance with the hygiene hypothesis. Results of previous studies regarding an association between birth route and asthma are conflicting, and these studies have not evaluated some potential confounding effects, including prematurity and maternal asthma. Objective To determine whether cesarean delivery in full-term and premature infants increases the risk of subsequent childhood asthma hospitalization. Methods We conducted a case-control study using the Washington State Birth Events Record Database linked to statewide hospitalization data. The study included 2,028 children hospitalized for asthma (cases) and 8,292 age-matched controls. Results Cesarean delivery was modestly associated with an increased risk of asthma hospitalization (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.39). However, when analyzed separately, there was an association between cesarean delivery and asthma hospitalization in premature infants (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.09-3.02) but not in full-term infants (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.97-1.34). Conclusions Cesarean delivery was associated with subsequent asthma hospitalization only in premature infants. Because mothers with asthma are reported to have increased rates of cesarean delivery and premature delivery, other factors in addition to the hygiene hypothesis, including genetic and in utero influences associated with maternal asthma, may contribute to the increased risk of asthma in premature infants.
Formation of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine following treatment of 2′-deoxyguanosine or DNA by hydrogen peroxide or glutathione

We have demonstrated that free radicals generated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), in the presence of divalent iron (Fe2+) and a chelator (EDTA), oxidize 2'-deoxyguanosine (dG) to 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). The 8-OHdG formed by this reaction was isolated and quantitated using reverse-phase HPLC with UV and electrochemical detection. A 1-h incubation of dG with H2O2 caused a 50% increase in 8-OHdG over background, which increased to 100% after 2 h. However, when an H2O2-generating system [glutathione (GSH), Fe2+, EDTA] was used, there was no increase in 8-OHdG yield after the 1-h incubation, but up to a 50% increase over background was observed with GSH after 2-h incubation. Attempts to detect increased levels of 8-OHdG after H2O2- or GSH-treatment of purified calf thymus or rat DNA, or purified Salmonella typhimurium DNA were not successful. This may have been because the treatment procedures used generated 8-OHdG in the control samples at sufficiently high levels to mask any H2O2-induced responses that may have been present. This artifactual production of 8-OHdG has presented a problem in all in vitro studies to date. In contrast, treatment of Salmonella cells (strain TA104) with increasing concentrations of H2O2, caused a doubling in the 8-OHdG yield. GSH-treatment of strain TA104 cells under the same conditions did not result in an increase of 8-OHdG. The study presented here shows that the ubiquitous molecule H2O2 can play a major role in DNA oxidation, mutation, and damage.
A Descriptive Profile and Socio-Historical Analysis of Female Executions in the United States

Abstract This paper constructs a descriptive profile and socio-historical analysis of female executions in the United States from 1632 to 1997. The profile documents the race, offense, age, and occupation of executed female prisoners, and the date, method, place, jurisdiction, and region of female executions. Historical analysis of these data suggests that female executions increase when women challenge the social, political, and economic interests of the male dominant group. In the colonial period, white female executions were higher than black female executions when white females challenged the male dominated leadership of newly established colonial settlements aimed to maintain social, political, and economic controls. Black female executions increased under the extreme controls imposed on protecting institutional slavery and when black females challenged their subordinate status as slaves. Female executions decreased in the immediate postbellum period when social relations were relatively positive, bu...
Efficient sinogram smoothing for dynamic neuroreceptor PET imaging

We have developed image-restoration techniques applicable to dynamic positron emission tomography that improve the visual quality and quantitative accuracy of neuroreceptor images. Starting wit data from a study of dopamine D-2 receptors in rhesus monkey striata using selective radioligands such as fallypride, we performed a novel effective 3D smoothing of the dynamic sinogram at a much lower computational cost than a truly 3D, adaptive smoothing. The processed sinogram was then input to a standard filtered back-projection algorithm and the resulting images were sharper and less noisy than images reconstructed from the unprocessed sinogram. Simulations were performed and the radioligand binding curves extracted from the restored images were found to be smoother and more accurate than those extracted form the unprocessed reconstructions. Comparison was also made to reconstructions from sinograms processed by the principal component analysis/projection onto convex sets algorithm.
Defining Pseudoptosis (Bottoming Out) 3 Years After Short-Scar Medial Pedicle Breast Reduction

Background Pseudoptosis (bottoming out) is a well-observed phenomenon occurring after all types of breast reduction surgery. The authors’ team previously reported the use of three-dimensional (3D) imaging to demonstrate that significant morphologic changes occur in the breast during the first year after short-scar medial pedicle breast reduction. This study extended this evaluation to postoperative year 3.
Contribution of "substrate shuttles" in hepatic alcohol metabolism in chronic alcoholism.

Abstract Chronic alcohol-feeding to mice results in an increased utilization of DPNH by hepatic mitochondria, in the presence and absence of “malate-aspartate shuttle” components. The utilization of alcohol and α-glycerophosphate by these mitochondria is also increased. Succinic dehydrogenase activity assayed with phenazine methosulphate as an index of mitochondrial permeability showed higher activity in mitochondria from chronic alcohol-treated mice compared to pair-fed controls. Alcohol-withdrawal from chronically-treated animals showed a lack of correlation between blood alcohol clearance, and hepatic microsomal alcohol-oxidizing activity on one hand, and between blood alcohol clearance and alcohol dehydrogenase activity on the other.
The Effects of Dietary Fat on Growth Performance, Carcass Composition, and Feed Efficiency in the Broiler Chick,

In two experiments broiler chicks were fed nonisocaloric diets with either 0, 3, or 7% added lard. Megacaloric percentages of all major nutrients were the same in all diets. In Experiment 1 (broiler chicks 0 to 5 d of age), added dietary lard did not affect body, heart, spleen, or pancreas weight. Liver weight was suppressed by the inclusion of lard in the diet, yet liver composition changed, becoming higher in protein and lower in fat. Yolk sac weight decreased during the first 5 d posthatch, with the decrease being most pronounced by 3 d of age. There were no differences in feed consumption due to treatment in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2 (broiler chicks 6 to 11 d of age), added dietary fat resulted in differences in liver, body, and fecal excreta composition. Chicks given 7% added lard had lower liver fat throughout the trial than chicks fed no added lard. Additionally, these chicks had a higher body protein content at 6 and 7 d of age. However, body fat only increased in chicks fed 7% added lard by 11 d of age. Furthermore, chicks receiving 7% added lard had elevated fecal fat at Day 6, but did not consume more feed than chicks receiving 0 or 3% added lard. Additionally, chicks fed lard had lower liver weights than those fed 0% added lard.
A prospective study comparing infection risk and disease activity in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with and without tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors are effective treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) but may increase infection rates. However, active JIA may also render patients vulnerable to infection. In this study, we prospectively assessed infection rates in JIA patients treated with and without TNF-α inhibitors and correlated disease activity with infection risk. TNF-α inhibitor-naive JIA subjects were followed up for 12 months. Subjects initiated on TNF-α inhibitors after enrollment were analyzed in the TNF group. Subjects treated without TNF-α inhibitors were analyzed in the non-TNF group. Questionnaires captured mild or severe infections. JIA disease activity by Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) disability index/pain score and physician joint count/global assessment was recorded. Twenty TNF and 36 non-TNF subjects were analyzed. The total infection rate ratio for TNF versus non-TNF group subjects was 1.14 (95 % CI, 0.78–1.66; p = 0.51). The average rate of infections per month was 0.29 for TNF and 0.24 for non-TNF subjects. No severe infections or hospitalizations occurred in either group. Secondary infectious outcomes were also similar between groups. Controlling for study group, an increase in CHAQ pain score correlated with an increase in several infectious outcome measures. Our results suggest no difference in infection rates between JIA subjects treated with and without TNF-α inhibitors. Additionally, JIA disease activity may have contributed to infection risk in our cohort, irrespective of immunosuppressive therapy. Future analysis of the relationship between treatment regimens, disease activity, and infection rates may help to further delineate predictors of infection risk in JIA patients.
Basketball-Related Injuries In School-Aged Children And Adolescents In 1997–2007

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine national patterns of basketball-related injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States among children and adolescents METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted with data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, from 1997 to 2007. Sample weights provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission were used to calculate national estimates of basketball-related injuries. Trend significance of the numbers and rates of basketball-related injuries over time was analyzed by using linear regression. RESULTS: An estimated 4 128 852 pediatric basketball-related injuries were treated in emergency departments. Although the total number of injuries decreased during the study period, the number of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) increased by 70%. The most common injury was a strain or sprain to the lower extremities (30.3%), especially the ankle (23.8%). Boys were more likely to sustain lacerations and fractures or dislocations. Girls were more likely to sustain TBIs and to injure the knee. Older children (15–19 years of age) were 3 times more likely to injure the lower extremities. Younger children (5–10 years of age) were more likely to injure the upper extremities and to sustain TBIs and fractures or dislocations. CONCLUSIONS: Although the total number of basketball-related injuries decreased during the 11-year study period, the large number of injuries in this popular sport is cause for concern.
A comparison of DEA and the stochastic frontier model using panel data

Two competing approaches for the measurement of efficiency are the stochastic frontier model and data envelopment analysis (DEA). Previous research has established that the two models applied to cross-sectional data are both adversely affected by measurement error. While the cross-sectional stochastic frontier model does not effectively handle statistical noise, panel data models do. This is true because additional information from multiple time periods is incorporated into the estimation. A panel data DEA model that uses averaged data has been shown to effectively smooth out measurement error. In this paper, we compare the panel data models using simulated data.
On the Role of Marangoni Effects on the Critical Heat Flux for Pool Boiling of Binary Mixtures

The Marangoni effect on the critical heat flux (CHF) condition in pool boiling of binary mixtures has been identified and its effect has been quantitatively estimated with a modified model derived from hydrodynamics. The physical process of CHF in binary mixtures, and models used to describe it, are examined in the light of recent experimental evidence, accurate mixture properties, and phase equilibrium revealing a correlation to surface tension gradients and volatility. A correlation is developed from a heuristic model including the additional liquid restoring force caused by surface tension gradients. The CHF condition was determined experimentally for saturated methanol/water, 2-propanol/water, and ethylene glycol/water mixtures, over the full range of concentrations, and compared to the model. The evidence in this study demonstrates that in a mixture with large differences in surface tension, there is an additional hydrodynamic restoring force affecting the CHF condition.
One-dimensional Ising model in arbitrary external field

The external potential needed to produce an arbitrary equilibrium density profile for a one-dimensional lattice gas with nearest neighbor interactions is solved exactly. The resulting sequence of direct correlation functions is shown to be of short range, and in the ferromagnetic case the even members alternate in sign at zero spin. The even Ursell distributions in this case likewise alternate in sign.
Two methods for determining the activity of δ-aminolevulinate synthetase within intact liver cells in culture

Abstract Two methods are described by which δ-aminolevulinate synthetase activity is assayed within cultures of intact chick embryo liver cells. The methods depend on blocking further metabolism of δ-aminolevulinate with levulinate (25 m m ). Under these conditions, the δ-aminolevulinate accumulates, much of it leaking out into the medium. The δ-aminolevulinate is measured colorimetrically in a 10-cm light-path cuvette. As little as 0.5 mg of cell protein/assay is required, and the lower limit of the spectrophotometric assay is 600 pmol/2 ml of culture medium. With the first method, the accumulation of δ-aminolevulinate can be followed during the induction, by chemicals, of δ-aminolevulinate synthetase within the intact cell. The second method serves as a quantitative assay for the amount of enzyme present at any one time point. Method 1 is sufficiently sensitive to measure the low activity of the uninduced enzyme as the accumulation of δ-aminolevulinate over a period of 16 hr. With cells in which δ-aminolevulinate synthetase has been chemically induced, method 1 yields a rate of δ-aminolevulinate production by these intact cells, 50–60% of the rate of δ-aminolevulinate produced by homogenates of the same cells incubated in an optimal assay medium. Glycine added to the culture medium at 5 m m increased by three-fold δ-aminolevulinate production by the induced intact cells. With method 2, the enzyme activity of intact cells which have been induced for a defined time, can be measured merely by replacing the culture medium with an “assay medium” containing levulinate (30 m m ), glycine (50 m m ), citrate (5 m m ) and buffer and then incubating the cells for 5 hr. During this time, δ-aminolevulinate accumulates at a linear rate. The rate is equivalent to that of the homogenates of the same cells. The advantage of method 2 compared with the assay of homogenized cells is that the enzyme can be assayed in small amounts of cells without harvesting. One 3.5-cm dish containing 0.7 mg of cell protein is sufficient for one determination.
Differentiation of mammary gland as a mechanism to reduce breast cancer risk

Pregnancy, mammary epithelial differentiation, and breast cancer risk Our understanding of the proposed protective role of mammary epithelial differentiation against breast cancer is based mainly on the important work by Irma and Jose Russo (1–3). The Russos have shown that terminal end buds (TEBs) in a rat mammary gland are the structures that give rise to malignant mammary tumors on exposure to chemical carcinogens, particularly to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. Breast cancers in women originate from a corresponding structure called the terminal ductal lobular unit (TDLU) or Lobule type 1 (Lob 1) (4). TEBs play a central role in mammary gland development in rats. The mammary fat pad is initially formed during the fetal period, and it contains limited stroma and a rudimentary epithelial tree. The epithelium is quiescent until about 3 weeks of postnatal age, when large club-shaped TEBs appear. They are the most actively growing terminal ductal structures and are believed to contain a pluripotent stem cell population that potentially gives rise to breast cancer (3,5,6). TEBs lead the growth of the epithelial ducts through the fat pad and eventually regress to terminal ducts or differentiate to alveolar buds and further to lobules when the mammary fat pad is filled with a highly branched ductal tree. These alveolar structures do not give rise to malignant tumors. The work by the Russos and others (7,8) has shown that a key developmental event, pregnancy, as well as exposures that mimic the hormonal environment of pregnancy induce differentiation of the TEB/ TDLU and dramatically reduce the risk of breast cancer. The idea that differentiation explains the protective effects of pregnancy has been questioned by several investigators (9). Arguing against this idea are findings that induction of differentiation by placental lactogen or the dopamine receptor inhibitor perphenazine (PPZ) does not reduce breast cancer risk in animal models. An alternative hypothesis has been proposed by Siverman et al. (10); according to his ‘‘cell fate hypothesis,’’ pregnancy hormones induce a molecular switch in mammary stem cells that leads to changes in cell proliferation and response to DNA damage. The molecular changes then inhibit cell proliferation in response to subsequent exposure to hormones or carcinogens (10,11).
One-Electron Relativistic Molecules with Coulomb Interaction

As an approximation to a relativistic one-electron molecule, we study the operator H=(−Δ+m 2)1/2−e 2 \(\sum\limits_{j = 1}^K {} \) Z j|x−R j|−1 with Z j≧0, e −2=137.04. H is bounded below if and only if e 2 Z j≦2/π, all j. Assuming this condition, the system is unstable when e 2ΣZ j>2/π in the sense that E 0=inf spec (H) → − ∞ as the R j → 0, all j. We prove that the nuclear Coulomb repulsion more than restores stability; namely E 0+0.069e 2 \(\sum\limits_{i < j}^K {} \) Z i Z j|R i−R j|−1≧0. We also show that E 0 is an increasing function of the internuclear distances |R i−R j|.
A framework for simulation validation coverage

Although verification and validation have been studied for modeling and simulation for many decades, we do not yet have a quantitative measure of the level of validation performed on a simulation model. Validation is especially important as it determines whether or not the results from the simulation model can be trusted and used to make statements about the studied system. We propose a validation coverage metric to quantify the validation performed on a simulation model based on the possible validation that could be performed on it. This metric takes into account the aspects of the simulation model that should be validated. To show how such a metric could be utilized, we propose a version of the metric specific to agent-based models, and analyze three example models. We find that the coverage metric can be used to quantify validation on a variety of simulation models.
Identification of a Gal/GalNAc Lectin in the Protozoan Hartmannella vermiformis as a Potential Receptor for Attachment and Invasion by the Legionnaires' Disease Bacterium

The Legionnaire's disease bacterium, Legionella pneumophila , is a facultative intracellular pathogen which invades and replicates within two evolutionarily distant hosts, free-living protozoa and mammalian cells. Invasion and intracellular replication within protozoa are thought to be major factors in the transmission of Legionnaire's disease. Although attachment and invasion of human macrophages by L. pneumophila is mediated in part by the complement receptors CR1 and CR3, the protozoan receptor involved in bacterial attachment and invasion has not been identified. To define the molecular events involved in invasion of protozoa by L. pneumophila , we examined the role of protein tyrosine phosphorylation of the protozoan host Hartmannella vermiformis upon attachment and invasion by L. pneumophila . Bacterial attachment and invasion were associated with a time-dependent tyrosine dephosphorylation of multiple host cell proteins. This host cell response was highly specific for live L. pneumophila , required contact with viable bacteria, and was completely reversible following washing off the bacteria from the host cell surface. Tyrosine dephosphorylation of host proteins was blocked by a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor but not by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. One of the tyrosine dephosphorylated proteins was identified as the 170-kD galactose/ N -acetylgalactosamine–inhibitable lectin (Gal/GalNAc) using immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting by antibodies generated against the Gal/GalNAc lectin of the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica . This Gal/GalNAc–inhibitable lectin has been shown previously to mediate adherence of E. histolytica to mammalian epithelial cells. Uptake of L. pneumophila by H. vermiformis was specifically inhibited by two monovalent sugars, Gal and GalNAc, and by mABs generated against the 170-kD lectin of E. histolytica . Interestingly, inhibition of invasion by Gal and GalNAc was associated with inhibition of bacterial-induced tyrosine dephosphorylation of H. vermiformis proteins. High stringency DNA hybridization confirmed the presence of the 170-kD lectin gene in H. vermiformis . We conclude that attachment of L. pneumophila to the H. vermiformis 170-kD lectin is required for invasion and is associated with tyrosine dephosphorylation of the Gal lectin and other host proteins. This is the first demonstration of a potential receptor used by L. pneumophila to invade protozoa.
Variation-tolerant and self-repair design methodology for low temperature polycrystalline silicon liquid crystal and organic light emitting diode displays

In low temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) based display technologies, the electrical parameter variations in thin film transistors (TFTs) caused by random grain boundaries (GBs) result in significant yield loss, thereby impeding its wide deployment. In this paper, from a system and circuit design perspective, we propose a new self-repair design methodology to compensate the GB-induced variations for LTPS liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and active-matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. The key idea is to extend the charging time for detected low drivability pixel switches, hence, suppressing the brightness non-uniformity and eliminating the need for large voltage margins. The proposed circuit was implemented in VGA LCD panels which were used for prediction of power consumption and yield. Based on the simulation results, the proposed circuit decreases the required supply voltage by 20% without performance and yield degradation. 7% yield enhancement is observed for high resolution, large sized LCDs while incurring negligible power penalty. This technique enables LTPS-based displays either to further scale down the device size for higher integration and lower power consumption or to have superior yield in large sized panels with small power overhead.
Synthesis of Hard Nitride Coatings by ion Beam Assisted Deposition

Ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD) has been used to deposit chromium nitride coatings using 1200 eV nitrogen ions from an RF-type ion source and thermally evaporated chromium. The ion/atom arrival ratio R was varied from 0 to 8 to modify the coating composition, microstructure, growth rate and stress state in order to optimize the properties of the material for use as a possible substitute for electroplated chromium in a number of anti-corrosion and tribological applications. The coatings were examined using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contained up to 44 at % nitrogen in a mixture of bcc Cr-N, Cr2N, and CrN. The microstructure of the coatings was examined by scanning electron microscopy, and the tribological behavior of the coatings was examined using an automated scratch testing and nanoindentation. XPS examination of the coatings indicates that nitrogen near the surface was bound to the metal as CrN and Cr2N in most of the coatings studied by XPS, which is expected to significantly affect their corrosion behavior. The high R values needed to form large amounts of the CrN phase in the bulk of the coating causes significant sputtering during deposition. This study indicates that it is not possible to form a coating consisting solely of cubic CrN by IBAD under these experimental conditions (room temperature substrate and partial pressure of nitrogen of 1.8 × 10 -2 Pa). Nevertheless, the IBAD coatings produced were hard, in a compressive stress state, and highly adherent, all properties that make them candidates for use in selected Army applications.
Analytical Solution to the Advective-Dispersive Equation with a Decaying Source and Contaminant

We present an analytical solution of the one-dimensional contaminant transport undergoing advection, dispersion, sorption, and first-order decay, subject to a first-order decaying contaminant concentration at the source and a Type I, Dirichlet, boundary at infinity. This solution is unique because of the boundary conditions imposed, but similar to other published solutions. We briefly describe the governing equations, boundary and initial conditions, and the solution techniques used to develop the analytical solution. We provide and discuss the analytic solution using examples with source decay less than, equal to, and greater than contaminant decay during transport. Then we compare the results to several published solutions in the fields of radioactive waste disposal and recalcitrant nonaqueous phase liquid modeling. The other analytical solution results are similar to ours, but the RT3D solution shows more numerical dispersion than our solution.
New Insights from a Classic System

A Genetic Switch Third Edition, Phage Lambda Revisited. by Mark Ptashne. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 2004. 168 pp. Paper, $39, £24.99. ISBN 0-87969-716-4. This revision includes a new chapter that considers discoveries such as interactions among proteins that bind to widely separated sites on DNA.
N-tuple Network, CART, and Bagging

Similarities between bootstrap aggregation (bagging) and N-tuple sampling are explored to propose a retina-free data-driven version of the N-tuple network, whose close analogies to aggregated regression trees, such as classification and regression trees (CART), lead to further architectural enhancements. Performance of the proposed algorithms is compared with the traditional versions of the N-tuple and CART networks on a number of regression problems. The architecture significantly outperforms conventional N-tuple networks while leading to more compact solutions and avoiding certain implementational pitfalls of the latter.
Effects of dinocap on otolith development: evaluation of mouse and hamster fetuses at term.

The morphology of otoliths in CD-1 mouse and Syrian hamster fetuses exposed to the fungicide dinocap were evaluated at the end of gestation. Pregnant mice were dosed by gavage with 0, 10, 15, 30, or 60 mg/kg/day dinocap in corn oil on days 7–16 of gestation. Pregnant hamsters were dosed by the same route with 0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day on days 7–14 of gestation. At the end of gestation (day 18 in mice, day 15 in hamsters) dams were killed and all fetuses were removed and fixed overnight in 70% ethanol. Fetal heads were then removed, left in 70% ethanol for at least 3 days, and then dehydrated in a graded ethanol series and cleared with methyl salicylate. Otoliths were examined by darkfield microscopy, and each otolith was scored for morphological completeness on a scale of 0 to 3. Otolith development was complete by day 18 of gestation in control mouse fetuses. Otolith development was complete in many, but not all, of the hamster fetuses by day 15 of gestation. In the mouse, dinocap exposure inhibited fetal otolith formation in a dose-related manner, with a significant effect on total otolith score occurring at 10 mg/kg/day and above. Dinocap affected otolith formation in the hamster only at 100 mg/kg/day (200 mg/kg/day was embryolethal), concommitant with severe maternotoxicity and fetotoxicity. The results of this study indicate that the CD-1 mouse is more sensitive than the Syrian golden hamster to the effects of dinocap on otolith development, and that otolith morphology can be easily examined in the mouse and hamster fetuses at term, although not by techniques currently used for fetal examination in standard teratology bioassays (e.g., Segment II studies).
Noise and analyzer-crystal angular position analysis for analyzer-based phase-contrast imaging.

The analyzer-based phase-contrast x-ray imaging (ABI) method is emerging as a potential alternative to conventional radiography. Like many of the modern imaging techniques, ABI is a computed imaging method (meaning that images are calculated from raw data). ABI can simultaneously generate a number of planar parametric images containing information about absorption, refraction, and scattering properties of an object. These images are estimated from raw data acquired by measuring (sampling) the angular intensity profile of the x-ray beam passed through the object at different angular positions of the analyzer crystal. The noise in the estimated ABI parametric images depends upon imaging conditions like the source intensity (flux), measurements angular positions, object properties, and the estimation method. In this paper, we use the Cramer–Rao lower bound (CRLB) to quantify the noise properties in parametric images and to investigate the effect of source intensity, different analyzer-crystal angular positions and object properties on this bound, assuming a fixed radiation dose delivered to an object. The CRLB is the minimum bound for the variance of an unbiased estimator and defines the best noise performance that one can obtain regardless of which estimation method is used to estimate ABI parametric images. The main result of this paper is that the variance (hence the noise) in parametric images is directly proportional to the source intensity and only a limited number of analyzer-crystal angular measurements (eleven for uniform and three for optimal non-uniform) are required to get the best parametric images. The following angular measurements only spread the total dose to the measurements without improving or worsening CRLB, but the added measurements may improve parametric images by reducing estimation bias. Next, using CRLB we evaluate the multiple-image radiography, diffraction enhanced imaging and scatter diffraction enhanced imaging estimation techniques, though the proposed methodology can be used to evaluate any other ABI parametric image estimation technique.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for stability of a class of second order switched systems

For a special class of systems, it is shown that the existence of a common quadratic Lyapunov function (CQLF) is necessary and sufficient for the stability of an associated switched system under arbitrary switching. Furthermore, it is shown that the existence of a CQLF for N (N > 2) subsystems is equivalent to the existence of a CQLF for every pair of subsystems. An algorithm is proposed to compute a CQLF for the subsystems, when it exists, using the left and right eigenvectors of a critical matrix obtained from a matrix pencil.
Synthesis of 2‐thiophene derivatives

The objective of this present study is the synthesis of certain new 2-thiophene derivatives to be evaluated as potential antispasmodic, analgesic, or local anesthetic agents. The first part of this study concerns the synthesis of β-aminoketones (Mannich bases). The second segment concerns the synthesis of γ-amino secondary alcohols by chemical reduction of the corresponding β-aminoketones. The third portion describes the synthesis of a series of γ-amino tertiary alcohols by application of the Grignard reaction to the corresponding Mannich bases. The last section of the study involves the preparation of γ-aminoalkyl esters from the corresponding tertiary alcohols.
Mechanisms of Impaired Potassium Handling With Dual Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Blockade in Chronic Kidney Disease

The combination of an aldosterone receptor antagonist added to an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor has been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular and renal end points in hypertensive humans ...
Where should noninvasive ventilation be delivered

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has assumed an important role in the management of certain types of respiratory failure in acute-care hospitals. However, the optimal location for NIV has been a matter of debate. Some have argued that all patients begun on NIV in the acute-care setting should go to an intensive care unit (ICU), but this is impractical because ICU beds are often unavailable, and it may not be a sensible use of resources. Also, relatively few studies have examined the question of location for NIV. One problem is that various units' capabilities to deliver NIV differ substantially, even in the same hospital. Choosing the appropriate environment for NIV requires consideration of the patient's need for monitoring, the monitoring capabilities of the unit, including both technical and personnel resources (nursing and respiratory therapy), and the staff's skill and experience. In some hospitals NIV is begun most often in the emergency department, but is most often managed in an ICU. Step-down units are often good locations for NIV, but many institutions do not have step-down units. With ICU beds at a premium, many hospitals are forced to manage some NIV patients on general wards, which can be safely done with more stable patients if the ward is suitably monitored and experienced. When deciding where to locate the patient, clinicians must be familiar with the capabilities of the units in their facility and try to match the patient's need for monitoring and the unit's capabilities.
Stress analysis of bonded joints by boundary element method

Boundary element method (BEM) has proven to have very good resolution of large stress gradients such as in front of cracks and in regions of stress concentration, yet its application in analysis of bonded joints is practically non-existent even though large stress gradients exist in the bonded region and bonded joints are one of the critical technology in modern design. This is because application of BEM to bonded joints is not simple or straight forward.
Asset Pricing at the Zero Lower Bound

In a New-Keynesian model subject to the zero lower bound (ZLB), constrained monetary policy endogenously results in time-varying equity risk premia and equity-bond market correlations. Liquidity traps at the ZLB are characterized by negatively skewed and increasingly uncertain consumption growth, labor growth, and inflation. Investors with recursive preferences price the liquidity traps, resulting in rising equity risk premiums. Real bond yields and equity returns become negatively correlated at the ZLB, while positive in normal times. The model provides a general equilibrium foundation for 1) the time-varying comovement amongst macroeconomic quantities and asset prices observed during the the Great Recession and 2) why real bonds ceased to provide investors with insurance at the ZLB, precisely when they valued it most.
The Serum Proteins in the Alcoholic and Mentally Ill Treated with Ghlorpromazine.

The interrelationship of biochemical factors with mental and behavioral abnormalities is an incompletely understood area in spite of the very considerable investigation that it has received and a number of suggestive results. Thus, based in part on an elec-trophoretic procedure developed by Grun-baum et al(1), Fessel and Grunbaum(2) found statistically significant variations from normal of certain blood proteins in various groups of chronically psychotic patients confined in a California state hospital. These involved, especially, deviations in the gamma and alpha-2 bands, and suggested among other things, an elevated macroglobulin level.In continuation of this type of investigation, a broader group of patients involving several types of psychotics and chronic alcoholics was subjected to a similar electropho-retic analysis for the blood protein fractions. In addition, the effect of chlorpromazine on the serum protein distribution of these patients was studied because of the beneficial effects of this drug...
Diversity of ground-dwelling ants in Pinus yunnanensis forest in Songhuaba Water Protection Area,Kunming

Diversity of ground-dwelling ants in undisturbed and disturbed Pinus yunnanensis forest in Songhuaba Water Protection Area,Kunming,Yunnan province,was investigated by pitfall trapping.Thirteen ant species of three subfamilies were captured in the undisturbed plot,with Lasius fuliginosus being most common;and twenty ant species from four subfamilies were captured in the disturbed plot,with Leptothorax sp.2 and Lasius alienus being most common.ACE Value of in the undisturbed and disturbed plots was 24.76 and 26.27,and no significant difference was found in both abundance and species richness among these plots.Species composition of the undisturbed plot was different from that of the disturbed plot,while some undisturbed transect was close to the disturbed plot.Lasius fuliginosus was indicator species for the undisturbed plot(IndVal=0.9787,P=0.001),and Pachycondyla sauteri was indicator species for the disturbed plot(IndVal=0.6667,P=0.001).Significant difference was found between ground-dwelling ant diversity and plant diversity in the plots.It was showed that diversity of ground-dwelling ant could indicate plant diversity in Pinus yunnanensis forest.The diversity of ground-dwelling ant in the water protection areas was lower.The species composition of ground-dwelling ant had changed by disturbance.The establishment of Songhuaba Water Protection Area made a positive contribution to the local biodiversity conservation,more efforts are in need.
The Effects of Magnetospheric Convection on Atmospheric Electric Fields in the Polar Cap

It is well-known that a potential difference of some 30 to 300 kV exists between the dawnside and the duskside boundaries of the polar cap ionosphere. This potential difference arises from interactions between the solar wind and the magnetosphere. In this paper we examine how the resulting ionospheric electric fields map down to the lower atmosphere. It is found that such fields map down to balloon altitudes of 30–40 km with little attenuation or distortion, in agreement with several previous authors’ results. It is also found that the mapping efficiency is not significantly affected by conductivity changes during auroral and polar cap absorption events, provided that these changes occur over areas larger than the scale size of electric fields involved. These results generally support the ideas behind balloon measurements of ionospheric electric fields. It also appears possible to infer magnetospheric convection electric fields from simultaneous ground-based measurements of vertical atmospheric fields at suitably spaced stations in the polar cap.
University Social and Public Engagement: Creative Nexuses for STEM Research and International Relations

The three hallmarks of universities encompass: teaching; research; and public engagement. While the first two receive considerable attention, university global or international relations – via university social and public engagement – are also espoused by various university executives and senior faculty. Universities allocate considerable credence in faculty evaluations to obtaining prestigious research fellowships and grants such as Fulbright Fellowships, the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Health, Research Council of Great Britain, and those of philanthropic bodies like Ford and Rockefeller Foundations. Via such awards, academicians interact in domestic and international or global arenas in research projects in social sciences and STEM. In order to explore how research, especially in Science/STEM fields – indispensable features of society that provide the bedrock physical and social infrastructures – are linked, our chapter focuses on nexuses among university social and public engagement via Science and STEM research in international venues. Hence our presentation: (1) explicates conceptual and policy frameworks of university engagement in relation to diplomacy and/or international relations; (2) explores aspects of science and diplomacy referencing some historical endeavors; (3) portrays salient illustrations of universities’ and individuals’ interactive endeavors based upon national grants and prestigious fellowship (for example, the field work of our current NSF grant and Fulbright Fellowship) as part of university research and public engagement that Ministries of Foreign Affairs and government officials view as forms of diplomacy; and (4) synthesizing findings and positing policies for enhancing mutual science diplomacy and research as features of university social and public engagement in domestic and global venues.
Using Debates in Human Resource Management (HRM) Courses: It Keeps Students Engaged

This empirical study investigates the utility of debates as a learning pedagogy in human resourcemanagement courses. It was conducted at a northeastern university in the United States with 67students from both graduate and undergraduate HRM classes. The findings suggest that studentsperceive there are positive correlations between debates and short and long-term learningoutcomes. Open-ended responses from students also enrich the data by identifying both positiveand negative aspects. Debate prompts and the debate format are also provided for humanresource management professors for use in their classes.
Kennewick Man and his contemporaries

PALEOINDIAN OR EARLY ARCHAIC? The bulk of ancient skeletons in the Americas date to the warmer post-glacial period known geologically as the early Holocene (10,000– 8500 yr BP), or culturally as the Early Archaic period . People from this period have been thought of as direct descendents of the Clovis (11,500–10,900 yr BP), and later Folsom (10,000–8500 yr BP) colonizers in the Americas (Fagan, 1987; Meltzer, 1993b, 2001). While most skeletal biologists who deal with ancient American skeletons recognize that these remains are not truly Late Pleistocene or “Paleoindian” in age, several of us continue to use the Paleoindian moniker to distinguish early skeletons dating from about 10,900 to 8500 yr BP. The rest of this chapter provides an overview of Paleoindian and Early Archaic skeletons found in the Americas. SUMMARY OF ANCIENT SKELETONS IN NORTH AMERICA Northeastern USA Trenton site, NJ (1877–1892) As discussed in Chapters 1 and 2, the Pleistocene gravels of Trenton, New Jersey, produced what appeared to be Paleolithic tools in association with fragmentary human skeletal remains (Abbott, 1876a; Holmes, 1892). However, the Trenton remains have recently been proven to be a modern skeleton incorporated into Pleistocene deposits. Other than this set of remains, there are no other suspected ancient human remains in the northeastern USA, which argues against the Solutrean model of colonization.
Computer Science Principles: Impacting Student Motivation & Learning Within and Beyond the Classroom

The Computer Science (CS) Principles framework seeks to broaden student participation and diversity in the field by focusing on the creative and social aspects of computing. As the pilot effort undergoes its early execution phases, this research contributes to the theoretical and practical application of CS Principles. We investigated the impact of CS Principles on student motivation and learning outcomes and sought to determine if the pedagogy created any lasting change on student perceptions of CS as a field of practice. We report a case study of how CS Principles created an effective framework for introducing undergraduate students to the fundamentals of computer science. We discuss how Self-Determination Theory instantiates Self-Directed Learning, Constructionist, and Connectivist learning theories, which can be used to inform the pedagogical framework. Quantitative and qualitative measures were used to assess the impact of CS Principles on student motivation and learning outcomes, followed by an additional surveying of students one year after the completion of the course. Results indicate that CS Principles facilitated positive programming experiences for students, helped increase learning interest and improve attitudes of CS as a field of study, positively changed perceptions of CS as a creative practice, and also encouraged students to continue learning CS after the course had finished. In particular, many non-majority students in the course self-reported to having positive changes and attitudes about CS explicitly because of the course. These finding suggest that CS Principles is a step in the right direction for creating more engaging and compelling curricula to diverse groups of students, especially those with minimal experience and exposure in the field. We discuss opportunities for future work using the selected theoretical framework for CS Principles.
Vast population genetic diversity underlies the treatment dynamics of ETV6-RUNX1 ALL

Ensemble-averaged genome profiling of diagnostic samples suggests that acute leukemias harbor few somatic genetic alterations. We used single-cell exome and error-corrected sequencing to survey the genetic diversity underlying ETV6-RUNX1 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at high resolution. The survey uncovered a vast range of low-frequency genetic variants that were undetected in conventional bulk assays, including additional clone-specific driver RAS mutations. Single-cell exome sequencing revealed APOBEC mutagenesis to be important in disease initiation but not in progression and identified many more mutations per cell than previously found. Using this data, we created a branching model of ETV6-RUNX1 ALL development that recapitulates the genetic features of patients. Exposure of leukemic populations to chemotherapy selected for specific clones in a dose-dependent manner. Together, these data have important implications for understanding the development and treatment response of childhood leukemia, and they provide a framework for using population genetics to deeply interrogate cancer clonal evolution.