cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Drying Cake Method for Measuring Suction-Stress Characteristic Curve, Soil–Water-Retention Curve, and Hydraulic Conductivity Function

A drying cake (DC) method is invented for measurement of the suction-stress characteristic curve (SSCC), the soil–water-retention curve (SWRC), and the hydraulic conductivity function (HCF) of soils under drying conditions. The DC method employs particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique to acquire digital still images of the radial displacement field of a disk-shaped soil specimen during drying, while the moisture content of the specimen is recorded using an electronic balance. A linear elasticity theory employing the suction-stress-based effective stress in both total and incremental forms is developed to calculate suction stress, suction, and hydraulic conductivity from the moisture-content-dependent displacement fields; thus permitting definition of the SSCC, SWRC, and HCF of a soil. Five different soils, representing a wide spectrum of soil variety from pure sand, to silt and organic silt, to non-swelling and swelling clays are used to illustrate and test the principle and theory, the validity, and applicability of the DC method. Established measurement techniques for the constitutive relationships of unsaturated soils, such as the Tempe cell, constant flow, transient water release and imbibition, and shear-strength relationships were used to validate the DC method. The results from the DC method were found to compare well with those techniques. Repeated DC tests confirm that the results from the test are unique. It is shown that the DC method is superior to other existing methods in: (1) providing simple and accurate data acquisition (involving taking sequential digital still images and monitoring specimen’s moisture content by an electronic balance without use of suction or moisture probe), (2) facilitating fast testing time (in less than one week for the primary drying path of the SSCC, SWRC, and HCF), (3) permitting concurrent measurement of the SSCC, SWRC, and HCF by using one soil sample, and (4) its applicability to all types of soils under wide suction and moisture-content conditions.
Toward Understanding the Value of Climate Information for Multiobjective Reservoir Management under Present and Future Climate and Demand Scenarios

Numerical simulation techniques and idealized reservoir management models are used to assess the utility of climate information for the effective management of a single multiobjective reservoir. Reservoir management considers meeting release and reservoir volume targets and minimizing wasteful spillage. The influence of reservoir size and inflow variability parameters on the management benefits is examined. The effects of climate and demand (release target) change on the management policies and performance are also quantified for various change scenarios. Inflow forecasts emulate ensembles of dynamical forecasts for a hypothetical climate system with somewhat predictable low-frequency variability. The analysis considers the impacts of forecast skill. The mathematical problem is cast in a dimensionless time and volume framework to allow generalization. The present work complements existing research results for specific applications and expands earlier analytical results for simpler management situations in an effort to draw general conclusions for the present-day reservoir management problem under uncertainty. The findings support the following conclusions: (i) reliable inflow forecasts are beneficial for reservoir management under most situations if adaptive management is employed; (ii) tolerance to forecasts of lower reliability tends to be higher for larger reservoirs; (iii) reliable inflow forecasts are most useful for a midrange of reservoir capacities; (iv) demand changes are more detrimental to reservoir management performance than inflow change effects of similar magnitude; (v) adaptive management is effective for mitigating climatic change effects and may even help to mitigate demand change effects.
Blunted TSH response to TRH and seizure duration in ECT.

The relationship between the thyrotropin (TSH) response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and the duration of seizures induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in depressed patients was investigated. In a balanced-order cross-over design, 16 depressed women were given 0.4 mg TRH or placebo intravenously, 20 min before ECT in the first two sessions. In the third ECT session TRH was given just prior to ECT. Thyrotropin (TSH) levels at various sampling times, as well as the duration of seizures, were measured. There was a significant inverse correlation between plasma TSH concentrations 20 min after TRH administration (deltaTSH) and seizure duration. Furthermore, when patients were categorized according to their TSH response to TRH, the group with blunted responses (deltaTSH 6 microIU/mL, n = 9). Finally, the seizure duration in the group with blunted TSH responses was reduced significantly when TRH was co-administered, while it remained unchanged in the group with non-blunted TSH responses. It is concluded that a blunted TSH response to TRH might indicate a seizure susceptibility as measured by the duration of seizures induced by ECT. The fact that TRH pre-administration had a reducing effect suggests that this substance might be involved in the pathophysiology of ECT-induced seizures.
Selective rotational energy transfer from individual Λ-doublet levels of highly rotationally excited CN(A2Π)

Abstract Optical–optical double resonance was employed to investigate inelastic transitions between highly rotationally excited CN( A 2 Π ) Λ-doublet, fine-structure levels, induced by collisions with argon. Rotationally excited CN was prepared by 193 nm photolysis of BrCN diluted in Ar at total pressure ∼1 Torr. Dramatically different final state distributions were observed for initial Λ-doublet levels of A′ and A″ symmetry. These propensities are believed to arise from approach in a `helicopter' orientation on the more attractive Ar–CN(A) A′ potential energy surface, followed by curve crossing to the A″ potential energy surface correlating with the next lower rotational asymptote.
PRESERVATION AND COLOR DIFFERENCES IN NUTTALLIDES UMBONIFERA

Abundant Nuttallides umbonifera (Cushman) in Holocene deep sea sediments of the western North Atlantic make them of great value for reconstructing deep sea paleo-environments. This species is particularly abundant in the high-deposition-rate sediments of the Laurentian Fan between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, where variations in test color came to our attention. Specimens ranged from a white, chalky appearance to a golden, translucent brown. Because we have conducted stable isotope studies using this species, we reasoned it is important to know the basis for the different colors. Living N. umbonifera are brown due to an internal, pigmented, chitinous layer of the test. In the natural environment, tests could be etched by corrosive bottom waters, or by corrosive pore waters on the millimeter to centimeter scale. By lightly subjecting brown specimens to dilute acid, we are able to etch and frost them until their tests appeared to lose their brown color and turn white. By measuring δ 13 C and δ 18 O on large individuals from the same sample, we show that, on average, there is no significant isotopic difference between the brown and white specimens. Thus, we rule out changing bottom water properties as the source of dissolution. Instead, it is likely that bioturbation creates local pockets of reducing conditions which cause etching of some (but not all) specimens in a contemporaneous population.
Impact of dietary fatty acids on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary DNA adducts

These studies examined the impact of dietary corn oil and its major constituent fatty acids on the occurrence of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary DNA adducts. In study 1, rats were fed diets containing 5, 10 or 20% corn oil for 2 weeks prior to DMBA treatment (25 mg/kg). Mammary DNA adducts increased significantly (P < 0.05) as the quantity of dietary corn oil increased. Liver glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities increased while UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activities decreased as the quantity of dietary corn oil increased. Increased adducts resulting from greater corn oil consumption were positively correlated with GST and negatively correlated with UGT activities. In study 2, rats were fed diets containing 5 or 20% corn oil, or 5% corn oil supplemented with 1.67% palmitic, 3.81% oleic or 8.78% linoleic acid (quantities in 15% corn oil) for 2 weeks prior to DMBA treatment (50 mg/kg). Total mammary DNA adducts were 75, 136 and 156% greater in rats fed the 20% corn oil, oleic acid-supplemented and linoleic acid-supplemented diets, respectively, than in those fed the 5% corn oil diet. Palmitic acid supplementation did not affect the occurrence of adducts. Adducts in study 2 did not correlate with GST or UGT activities. These studies demonstrate that enhanced DMBA bioactivation caused by increased corn oil consumption can be at least partially explained by increased intake of oleic and linoleic acids.
SU‐GG‐J‐131: Motion Assessment Using Phase‐ and Amplitude‐Binned 4D‐CT: Comparison with Cine CT

Purpose: To determine the accuracy of tumor motion extent measurements derived from phase‐ and amplitude‐binned 4D‐CT maximum intensity projections (MIPs). Method and Materials: Twelve stage I patients (13 lesions) received cine CT scans for 4D‐CT radiotherapy simulation. All lesions were in the middle of the lung parenchyma and not adjacent to surrounding tissue. Two 4D‐CT image sets were constructed: One sorted by phase, the other sorted by amplitude. MIPs were formed from each 4D‐CT image set and from unsorted cine CT data. Lesions were auto‐segmented on each image set using a threshold of −225 HU. Using the auto‐segmented contours as a guide, three‐dimensional motion extent was assessed visually on both 4D‐CT MIPs and compared with motion extent assessed on MIP from cine CT. The cine MIP was considered the reference image set because it includes all images at each couch position and therefore more accurately samples the respiratory pattern. Results: For phase‐binned 4D‐CT, motion extent was accurately identified on 12 of 13 lesions. For amplitude‐binned 4D‐CT, motion extent was accurately identified on 11 of 13 lesions. The two patients whose motion extent was missed on amplitude‐binned 4D‐CT demonstrated a substantial discrepancy near the superior edge of the tumor. Upon further investigation, this discrepancy was found to be caused by lag between the respiratory surrogate and internal anatomy.Conclusion: Both phase binning and amplitude binning were unable to accurately identify the motion extent for all 13 lesions. Though generally regarded as more artifact‐free, amplitude‐binned 4D‐CT demonstrated increased sensitivity to the correlation between respiratory surrogate and internal anatomy which caused inaccurate assessments of motion extent. MIP processed directly from cine CT should be used in place of MIP processed from 4D‐CT (either phase‐ or amplitude‐binned) wherever possible.
Optimized run-time race detection and atomicity checking using partial discovered types

Concurrent programs are notorious for containing errors that are difficult to reproduce and diagnose. Two common kinds of concurrency errors are data races and atomicity violations (informally, atomicity means that executing methods concurrently is equivalent to executing them serially). Several static and dynamic (run-time) analysis techniques exist to detect potential races and atomicity violations. Run-time checking may miss errors in unexecuted code and incurs significant run-time overhead. On the other hand, run-time checking generally produces fewer false alarms than static analysis; this is a significant practical advantage, since diagnosing all of the warnings from static analysis of large codebases may be prohibitively expensive.This paper explores the use of static analysis to significantly decrease the overhead of run-time checking. Our approach is based on a type system for analyzing data races and atomicity. A type discovery algorithm is used to obtain types for as much of the program as possible (complete type inference for this type system is NP-hard, and parts of the program might be untypable). Warnings from the typechecker are used to identify parts of the program from which run-time checking can safely be omitted. The approach is completely automatic, scalable to very large programs, and significantly reduces the overhead of run-time checking for data races and atomicity violations.
Transmission and Reception with Embedded Antennas

Electromagnetic problems relating to biomedical telemetry are reviewed. The reciprocal theorem is used with the previously determined receiving properties of embedded bare and insulated dipoles and two-element arrays to obtain the ratio of the voltage across the load in a receiving dipole or Yagi array in air to the voltages driving various embedded transmitting antennas. The solution of the electro-magnetic problem of the transponder at vrious depths in a body of skin is thus completed.
On the Determination of Cooperative Risk-Value Aware Strategies for Linear Stochastic Multi-Agent Systems

Abstract The work presents an attainment of risk-value based cooperative solutions for management control of linear stochastic multi-agent systems with distributed observation collections with the following complexities: (1) closed-loop performance robustness ensured by a risk-value model for tradeoffs between performance values and risks and (2) risk-averse decisions and cooperative control policies via local information patterns.
Phosphine adsorption and the production of phosphide phases on Cu(0 0 1)

Abstract The adsorption and thermal decomposition of PH 3 on a Cu(0 0 1) surface has been investigated by means of high-resolution helium atom scattering, Auger electron spectroscopy and temperature programmed desorption. Phosphine adsorption at T x 3 , and desorption of hydrogen between T x =250 K and T x =320 K. Molecular phosphine was not seen to desorb. Phosphine deposition at room temperature or above produces well-ordered copper–phosphorus phases exhibiting either c(6×8) or c(6×6) diffraction patterns, depending upon the deposition conditions. Auger electron spectra indicate that these ordered phases contain approximately 1/3 ML or more of phosphorus. Possible atomic models for the overlayer structures are discussed.
Lesbian Mothers' Bids for Normalcy in Their Children's Schools.

Abstract Albeit growing in number, lesbian mothers and their children remain a statistical minority in schools. Lesbian mothers in this study described their families as “normal” or “just like any other family.” From the perspective of queer theory, normal is a socially constructed and insidious concept. This study analyzes both the strategies participants used to be recognized as normal in their children's schools and the reasons such recognition was perceived to be important by participants.
Gender and Power in Britain 1640-1990

Gender and Power in Britain, 1640-1990 is an original and exciting history of Britain from the early modern period to the present, focusing on the interaction of gender and power in political, social, cultural, and economic life. Using a chronological framework, the book examines: * the roles, responsibilities, and identities of men and women * how power relationships were established within these various gender systems * how women and men reacted to the institutions, laws, customs, beliefs, and practices that constituted their various worlds * class, radical, and ethnic considerations * the role of the empire in the development of British institutions and identities * the Civil War * industrialization * Victorian morality * twentieth-century suffrage * the world wars * second-wave feminism. Students of both history and gender studies will find this incredibly useful in the pursuit of their degree.
Multiple actin-related sequences in the Drosophila melanogaster genome

In this paper we describe the isolation and characterization of a 7.2 kb D. melanogaster chromosomal DNA fragment (K1) which contains nucleotide sequences complementary to D. melanogaster actin mRNA. Plasmid K1 was identified using a Dictyostelium actin cDNA plasmid, B1, as a probe. D. melanogaster mRNA selected by hybridization with immobilized K1 DNA was translated in vitro to yield products which co-migrate with the D. melanogaster actins I, II and III in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and bind to DNAase I agarose. A physical map localizing restriction endonuclease cleavage sites in the K1 DNA fragment and the direction of transcription is presented. The position of the coding region has been localized by hybridization with labeled B1 DNA and with labeled poly(A)-containing D. melanogaster RNA. On the basis of hybridization of labeled subfragments of plasmid K1 to restriction endonuclease-cleaved D. melanogaster embryo DNA, we conclude that the nucleotide sequence of the presumptive coding region is responsible for labeling of a pattern of multiple restriction fragments from embryo DNA. The chromosomal locus from which DNA fragment K1 is derived has been localized by in situ hybridization to two closely linked bands in the region 88F. Related DNA sequences corresponding to putative actin genes have also been mapped cytologically. These results support the hypothesis that the genes for actin in D. melanogaster are members of a closely related family of coding sequences.
Noradrenergic projections to the spinal cord of the rat

Abstract Noradrenergic terminals were identified in the spinal cord of rats by immunocytochemical staining for dopamine-β-hydroxylase. Although immunoreactive fibers and terminals were observed throughout the spinal grey matter, heavier accumulations of terminal labeling were observed in the marginal layer of the dorsal horn, in the ventral horn among motoneurons, and in the autonomic lateral cell columns of the thoracic and sacral spinal cord. Two specific retrograde transport techniques were employed to identify the origins of these noradrenergic terminations in the spinal cord. Cells of origin were observed in the locus coeruleus, the subcoeruleus, the medial and lateral parabrachial, and the Ko¨lliker-Fuse nuclei, as well as adjacent to the superior olivary nucleus. These regions correspond to the A5–A7 cell groups of the pons. No spinally projecting noradrenergic cells were ever observed in the medulla. It was concluded that pontine noradrenergic cell groups are the sole source of noradrenergic terminals in the spinal cord.
Atypical Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Patient: Female, 59 Final Diagnosis: Atyipcal hemolytic uremic syndrome Symptoms: Delirium • headache Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Hematology Objective: Rare disease
Enterococcus faecalis can be distinguished from Enterococcus faecium via differential susceptibility to antibiotics and growth and fermentation characteristics on mannitol salt agar

Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are both human intestinal colonizers frequently used in medical bacteriology teaching laboratories in order to train students in bacterial identification. In addition, hospitals within the United States and around the world commonly isolate these bacteria because they are a cause of bacteremia, urinary tract infections, endocarditis, wound infections, and nosocomial infections. Given that enterococci are becoming more of a world health hazard, it is important for laboratories to be able to distinguish these bacteria within hospitalized patients from other bacterial genera. In addition, laboratories must differentiate different species within the Enterococcus genus as well as different strains within each species. Though enterococci are differentiated from other bacterial genera via classical culture and biochemical methods, nucleic acid sequencing is required to differentiate species within the genus—a costly, time consuming, and technically challenging procedure for laboratory technicians that, in itself, does not necessarily lead to speedy identification of bactericidal antibiotics. In this study, we perform antibiogram analysis to show (1) that penicillin can be rapidly employed to distinguish strains and clinical isolates of E. faecalis from E. faecium, (2) E. faecalis is susceptible to ampicillin, and (3) that vancomycin resistance in enterococci shows no sign of abating. Additionally, we show that E. faecalis can grow on mannitol salt agar and ferment mannitol, while E. faecium lacks these phenotypes. These data reveal that we now have rapid, cost effective ways to identify enterococci to the species, and not just genus, level and have significance for patient treatment in hospitals.
The Choice of Axes and Bandwidths for the Chrominance Signals in NTSC Color Television

This paper discusses the way in which bandwidth restriction is applied in the NTSC color television specification to eliminate color "crosstalk" in the received picture. The signal which modulates the subcarrier along one axis is limited by a low-pass filter so that along this axis of the color subcarrier double-sideband conditions may be maintained in transmission and reception. The particular choice of narrow-band axis is not important if the only objective is to eliminate color crosstalk. This leaves one free to make the axes choice hinge upon some important characteristics of the human eye. These eye properties are reviewed as they apply to the NTSC signal specification.
Why Does Affect Matter in Organizations

Executive Overview Interest in and research about affect in organizations have expanded dramatically in recent years. This article reviews what we know about affect in organizations, focusing on how employees' moods, emotions, and dispositional affect influence critical organizational outcomes such as job performance, decision making, creativity, turnover, prosocial behavior, teamwork, negotiation, and leadership. This review highlights pervasive and consistent effects, showing the importance of affect in shaping a wide variety of organizational behaviors, the knowledge of which is critical for researchers, managers, and employees.
The big green machine

Photosynthesis, the foundation of life on earth, is slowly yielding up its secrets, as the structure of a light harvesting complex associated with photosystem II demonstrates.
Hypothyroidism as a Factor in Maladjustment

(1936). Hypothyroidism as a Factor in Maladjustment. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 377-392.
Considerations on Synchronization for PCM Telemetry

This is a tutorial presentation of various considerations involved in the synchronization problem for PCM time-division multiplex telemetry. Information rates required for establishing and maintaining sychronization are noted. The great difference between real-time synchronization and synchronization in post-time data reduction is emphasized. Several synchronization schemes are discussed.
Molecular dynamics study of proton binding to silica surfaces

Molecular statics calculations on gas-phase and solvated clusters and on gas-phase and solvated slabs representing aqueous species and surfaces were applied to investigate acid/base reactions on silica surfaces. Our gas-phase approach, which was previously applied to goethite, predicts a surface pKaof 8.5 for the reaction >SiOH → >SiO−+ H+which is in good agreement with estimates based on potentiometric titration. However, the model gives an unrealistically large pKafor the reaction >SiOH+2→ >SiOH + H+. The model dependence of this result was checked by using two different types of interaction potentials, one based on quantum mechanical calculations on H4SiO4clusters, and another empirical model fitted to the structure and elastic properties of α-quartz. Because these models gave similar results, we hypothesize that the failure of the gas-phase models is due to intrinsic solvation effects not accounted for by our previously developed correlations. We tested this idea by carrying out energy minimization calculations on gas-phase clusters with one hydration shell as well as molecular dynamics simulations on fully-solvated H5SiO+4and a fully solvated (0001) surface of β-quartz. Though we are unable to establish a quantitative measure of the pKaof SiOH2groups, the solvated systems do indicate that SiOH groups do not protonate in any of our solvated models.
Validity of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol—II (J-Soap-II) in a Sample of Urban Minority Youth

Despite recent advances in risk assessment procedures, relatively little research has targeted validation of procedures with sexually offending minority youth. The current study used retrospective coding of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol—II (J-SOAP-II; Prentky & Righthand, 2003) with a group of 60 male youth of mostly Latino and African American ethnicity. Correlational and receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses were used to test the J-SOAP-II's relationship with and accuracy in predicting general reoffense, sexual reoffense, and treatment compliance. The J-SOAP-II total score was significantly correlated with all three of these outcome variables, and ROC analyses demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in predicting general (area under the curve [AUC] = .76) and sexual reoffending (AUC = .78). There was mixed support for the J-SOAP-II individual subscales, with Dynamic subscales consistently outperforming Static subscales. The implications of this research for juvenile sex-offender risk as...
Making Democracy Fun: How Game Design Can Empower Citizens and Transform Politics

In Making Democracy Fun: How Game Design Can Empower Citizens and Transform Politics, Josh Lerner argues that democracy has a problem. “Everyone loves democracy—except for most of the time, when th...
Isobutyraldehyde Administered by Inhalation (Whole Body Exposure) for up to Thirteen Weeks or Two Years Was a Respiratory Tract Toxicant but Was Not Carcinogenic in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice

Isobutyraldehyde (a chemical structurally related to formaldehyde and used as a flavoring agent) was studied for toxicity and carcinogenicity by exposing male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice. Animals were exposed to isobutyraldehyde vapors 6 h per day, 5 days per week for up to 13 weeks or 2 years. In the 13-week studies, groups of 10 male and 10 female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice were exposed to concentrations of 0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, or 8000 ppm. Chemical-related body weight depression and deaths occurred in rats and mice exposed to 4000 and 8000 ppm. Necrosis of the epithelium accompanied with acute inflammatory reaction was observed in the nasal turbinate, larynx, and trachea of rats exposed to 8000 ppm. Exposure of rats to 4000 ppm resulted in metaplasia of the nasal respiratory epithelium, inflammation, degeneration of the olfactory epithelium, and osteodystrophy of the nasal turbinate bone. In the 13-week mouse study, exposure to 8000 ppm or 4000 ppm resulted in necrosis of the epithelium lining of the nasal turbinates. Osteodystrophy of the nasal turbinate bone and squamous metaplasia of the nasal respiratory epithelium were noted in mice exposed 4000 ppm. Degeneration of the olfactory epithelium was noted in males exposed 2000 ppm and in females exposed to 4000 ppm. In the 2-year studies, groups of 50 male and 50 male F344/N rats and B6C3F1 were exposed to concentrations isobutyraldehyde vapors of 0, 500, 1000, or 2000 ppm 6 h per day, 5 days per week. There were no differences in survival rates or mean body weights between exposed groups and control rats. Survival of male mice exposed to 2000 ppm and mean body weights of female mice exposed to 1000 or 2000 ppm were lower than those of the of the controls. No increase in neoplasm incidence was observed in rats and mice in the 2-year studies that could be attributed to isobutyraldehyde exposure. Chemical-related nonneoplastic lesions were limited to the nose of rats and mice. They included squamous metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium (rats), suppurative inflammation (rats), and olfactory epithelial degeneration (rats and mice) at 1000 and 2000 ppm.
Update on transplanting beta cells for reversing type 1 diabetes

Whole pancreas has been used successfully for transplantation for more than 30 years, and islets have been used reproducibly with success for 10 years; both procedures require drugs for immunosuppression. Success is judged by discontinuation of exogenous insulin-based treatment and maintenance of normal or nearly normal hemoglobin A1c. Successful pancreas transplantation has beneficial effects on retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, macrovascular disease, and quality of life. Such findings are suggested for islet transplantation, but insufficient information is available to draw firm conclusions. Because of the paucity of annual pancreas donations, research for human beta cell surrogates is essential to provide a transplantation approach to therapy for a greater number of recipients.
Structure-based analysis of the β8 interactive sequence of human αB crystallin

The functional importance of the β8 sequence (131LTITSSLS138), which is on the surface of the α crystallin core domain of human αB crystallin, was evaluated using site-directed mutagenesis. Ultraviolet circular dichroism determined that mutating the surface-exposed, nonconserved residues, Leu-131, Thr-132, Thr-134, Ser-135, Ser-136, and Ser-138 individually or in combination (αAβ8 and CEβ8), had no measurable effect on secondary and tertiary structure. Size exclusion chromatography determined the size of the complexes formed by the β8 mutants to be 6−8 subunits larger than wt αB crystallin. In chaperone assays, the protective effect of the L131S, T132A, and S135C mutants of the β8 sequence was similar to wt αB crystallin when βL crystallin and alcohol dehydrogenase were the chaperone substrates and decreased to 66% when citrate synthase was the chaperone substrate. In contrast, the chaperone activity for all three substrates was dramatically reduced for the T134K, S138A, S136H, and CEβ8 mutants. The promi...
Gender differences in renal nuclear receptors and aryl hydrocarbon receptor in 5/6 nephrectomized rats

This study was aimed at delineating molecular pathways essential in gender-different pathogenesis of chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Renal transcripts of nuclear receptors and metabolic enzymes in male and female kidneys from 5/6 nephrectomized (Nx) rats 7 weeks post-Nx were examined using branched DNA signal amplification assay. Nx-males had marked kidney injury coupled with anemia and malnutrition. Nx-females had moderate renal injury, and were free of albuminuria, anemia, and malnutrition. Nx-males had systemic and renal inflammation, which were largely absent in Nx-females. Blood 17 β -estradiol, testosterone, and corticosterone did not change, whereas urinary testosterone decreased in both genders. Compared to males, female kidneys had higher androgen receptor (AR) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) but lower estrogen receptor α (ER α ). Compared to Nx-males, female remnant kidneys had less decreases in ER α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR α ), had no induction of AR and decrease of acyl-CoA oxidase, whereas had induction of cytochrome P 450 4a1 (Cyp4a1) but decrease of AhR. Renal protein expression of a 52-kDa isoform of Wilm's tumor 1 (WT1), transcription factor critical in nephrogenesis, decreased dramatically in Nx-males but largely preserved in Nx-females. In conclusion, gender divergences in basal expression and alteration of ER α , AR, AhR, WT1, and PPAR α /Cyp4a1 during CKD may explain gender differences in CKD progression and outcome of renal transplantation.
Thorium-230 Ages of Corals and Duration of the Last Interglacial Sea-Level High Stand on Oahu, Hawaii

Thorium-230 ages of emergent marine deposits on Oahu, Hawaii, have a uniform distribution of ages from ∼114,000 to ∼131,000 years, indicating a duration for the last interglacial sea-level high stand of ∼17,000 years, in contrast to a duration of ∼8000 years inferred from the orbitally tuned marine oxygen isotope record. Sea level on Oahu rose to ≥1 to 2 meters higher than present by 131,000 years ago or ∼6000 years earlier than inferred from the marine record. Although the latter record suggests a shift back to glacial conditions beginning at ∼119,000 years ago, the Oahu coral ages indicate a near present sea level until ∼114,000 years ago.
Moments of the Longitudinal Proton Structure Function F L from Global Data in the Q 2 Range 0.75 – 45.0 ( GeV / c ) 2

We present an extraction of the lowest three moments of the proton longitudinal structure function FL from world data between Q(2)=0.75 and 45 (GeV/c)(2). The availability of new FL data at low Bjorken x from HERA and at large x from Jefferson Lab allows the first determination of these moments over a large Q(2) range, relatively free from uncertainties associated with extrapolations into unmeasured regions. The moments are found to be underestimated by leading twist structure function parametrizations, especially for the higher moments, suggesting either the presence of significant higher twist effects in FL and/or a larger gluon distribution at high x.
An Investigation of Tip Force Characteristics of Brush Seals

Thanks to their compliant nature and superior leakage performance over conventional labyrinth seals, brush seals found increasing use in turbomachinery. Utilizing high temperature super-alloy fibers and their compliance capability these seals maintain contact with the rotor for a wide range of operating conditions leaving minimal passage for parasitic leakage flow. Consequently, the contact force/pressure generated at seal rotor interface is of importance for sustained seal performance and longevity of its service life. Although some analytical and numerical models have been developed to estimate bristle tip pressures, they simply rely on linear beam equation calculations and other such assumptions for loading cases. In this paper, previously available analytical and/or numerical models for bristle tip force/pressure have been modified and enhanced. The nonlinear cantilever beam equation has been solved and results are compared to a linear cantilever beam equation solution to establish application boundaries for both methods. The results are also compared to experimental data. With the support of testing, an empirical model has been developed for tip forces under operating conditions.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
THE EFFECT OF CYTOTOXIC AGENTS ON THE PRIMARY IMMUNE RESPONSE TO LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

Four drugs, representing four different categories of cytotoxic agents, were studied for their effect on the immune response to Listeria infection in mice. The development of the host's immune response is revealed by a progressive change in the slope of the bacterial growth curve in spleen and liver. It has its onset at 24 hr in untreated mice, but in the presence of effective immunosuppression the organism multiples uninterruptedly until the animal dies from overwhelming infection. When administered as single injections at the time of infection, cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, and azathioprine all produced an effective immunosuppression, characterized by continuous bacterial multiplication. Methotrexate was also immunosuppressive, but unlike the others its effects were reversible. They could be sustained, however, by further treatment. Studies of the time-response relationship indicated that cyclophosphamide was highly active over a broad time-span ranging from 2 days before infection to 4 days after infection. Vinblastine on the other hand was maximally active when given on the day of infection, while methotrexate had its greatest effect when given 48 hr after infection. These differences indicate that these three drugs act on different cell populations involved in the host's immune response. The effects observed have been discussed in relation to what is known of the modes of action of the drugs tested. An observation of interest was the phenomenon of enhanced immunity in animals treated with cyclophosphamide or vinblastine 7–11 days before, and with methotrexate 4 days before infection; reactive hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue following withdrawal of drug was again advanced as an explanation for the occurrence of this paradoxical effect. The experimental model employed is simple, requiring only routine bacteriological facilities and minimal equipment. It seems to offer a useful means of assessing the immunosuppressive activity of drugs and of determining the time-course of their action; it could also be of value in the screening of anticancer agents.
Simulation of bosonized lattice fermion theories.

A method is described for converting a fermionic lattice theory into an equivalent Ising-type system which may conveniently be simulated by standard Monte Carlo heat-bath techniques. Fluctuations in physical quantities such as chiral expectation values are found to be controlled. The method is applied to Dirac theory in two space, one time dimensions and excellent agreement is obtained with analytic lattice results.
Women in science: An exploratory analysis of trends in the United States

The number and percentage of degrees awarded to women by US academic institutions has increased since 1996. This paper explores three economic factors associated with these observed trends: the establishment and growth of public policies designed and initiated to encourage women to enter graduate studies in science; specific unexpected events that bring widespread attention to the accomplishments of women in science; and financial incentives to encourage the pursuit of a science-related career. The findings suggest that all three factors are significant. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Some exact sampling distributions for variogram estimators

For equally spaced observations from a one-dimensional, stationary, Gaussian random function, the characteristic function of the usual variogram estimator\(\hat \gamma k\) for a fixed lag k is derived. Because the characteristic function and the probability density function form a Fourier integral pair, it is possible to tabulate the sampling distribution of a function of a\(\hat \gamma k\) using either analytic or numerical methods. An example of one such tabulation is given for an underlying model that is simple transitive.
The Urinary Excretion of Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate in Children and Adolescents

Abstract ABSTRACT. The urinary excretion of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) was determined in 61 normal children and was found to be 1.95 μmoles/m2 of body surface area ± 0.07 (sem). An age-related pattern to the urinary excretion was not seen. However, when the urinary excretion of cyclic AMP was related to nmoles/mg creatinine, a distinct age-related pattern was seen with the higher excretion occurring in the younger age group while the adolescent excretion of cyclic AMP was lower and approached the reported adult values, r ; − 0.51, p < 0.001.
Diagnosis and evaluation of the patient with pulmonary hypertension

The term pulmonary hypertension is as imprecise as the term heart failure. Elevation in pulmonary arterial pressure can be caused by heterogeneous processes with profoundly different treatment implications. Pulmonary hypertension can present at any age and across all demographic ranges. Despite major advances in pathogenesis and treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension, the diagnosis of this life-threatening but treatable condition often remains delayed and incomplete. Because the presenting symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are nonspecific, a high index of suspicion is required for timely recognition. Accordingly, suspecting or recognizing pulmonary hypertension remains the first and critical hurdle in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. This article reviews the stepwise approach necessary for an efficient and accurate diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.
The Changing Face of Scientific and Engineering Computing

The guest editors discuss some recent advances in exascale computing, as well as remaining issues.
High School Choral Directors' Description of Appropriate Literature for Beginning High School Choirs

Undertaken to investigate and describe the literature performed with a population of “beginning” high school choirs, this study is a survey of 263 MENC high school choral directors. From the 80% re...
Designs for the Church in the Gospel Accounts of Jesus' Death

This paper focuses on the didactic function of the interpretation of Jesus' death in each of the Gospels as it is conveyed through the narrative's implicit commentary. It suggests that the evangelists tied the developing self-understanding of the emerging Christian communities to the death of Jesus. Mark interprets the church as a new ‘temple not made with hands’. Matthew relates the death of Jesus to the signs of the end-time and the hope of resurrection. Luke provides ethical instruction for the church, interpreting Jesus' martyrdom as a noble death, and John develops a rich portrait by which the church could define itself through the themes, images, and allusions of the Johannine passion narrative.
Noninvasive Perioperative Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Children With Tetralogy of Fallot

Early and accurate noninvasive means of identifying right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in children with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) are needed. RV function was examined using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), strain rate (SR), and strain analysis (SA) in children before (N = 37) and after (6-12 months; N = 32) TOF repair, and in a control group of children (N = 37). Plasma concentrations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) were measured. TDI, SR, and SA revealed that RV systolic and diastolic function indices were lower preoperatively in the TOF group compared with the control group, and did not improve after TOF repair. Plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in the TOF group pre- and postoperatively compared with the control group. In the preoperative TOF group, NT-proBNP concentration was significantly correlated with peak systolic SR and systolic strain in the mid segments of RV free wall. Plasma MMP-9 concentrations were significantly increased in the preoperative TOF group compared with the control group, and significantly correlated with plasma NT-proBNP and logNT-proBNP concentrations. RV function correlated with plasma NT-proBNP concentrations in children with TOF. Assessment of this noninvasive measure may help identify RV dysfunction in patients with TOF before they become clinically symptomatic.
A SIMULATION GAME FOR TEACHING SERVICE‐ORIENTED SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: DOES INFORMATION SHARING HELP MANAGERS WITH SERVICE CAPACITY DECISIONS?*

For decades, the Beer Game has taught complex principles of supply chain management in a finished good inventory supply chain. However, services typically cannot hold inventory and can only manage backlogs through capacity adjustments. We propose a simulation game designed to teach service-oriented supply chain management principles and to test whether managers use them effectively. For example, using a sample of typical student results, we determine that student managers can effectively use end-user demand information to reduce backlog and capacity adjustment costs. The game can also demonstrate the impact of demand variability and reduced capacity adjustment time and lead times.
Histone deacetylation of NIS promoter underlies BRAF V600E-promoted NIS silencing in thyroid cancer

The BRAF V600E mutation causes impaired expression of sodium iodide symporter (NIS) and radioiodine refractoriness of thyroid cancer, but the underlying mechanism remains undefined. In this study, we hypothesized that histone deacetylation at the NIS (SLC5A5) promoter was the mechanism. Using the chromatin immunoprecipitation approach, we examined histone acetylation status on the lysine residues H3K9/14, H3K18, total H4, and H4K16 at the NIS promoter under the influence of BRAF V600E. We found that expression of stably or transiently transfected BRAF V600E inhibited NIS expression while the deacetylase inhibitor SAHA stimulated NIS expression in PCCL3 rat thyroid cells. Although BRAF V600E enhanced global histone acetylation, it caused histone deacetylation at the NIS promoter while SAHA caused acetylation in the cells. In human thyroid cancer BCPAP cells harboring homozygous BRAF V600E mutation, BRAF V600E inhibitor, PLX4032, and MEK inhibitor, AZD6244, increased histone acetylation of the NIS promoter, suggesting that BRAF V600E normally maintained histone in a deacetylated state at the NIS promoter. The regions most commonly affected with deacetylation by BRAF V600E were the transcriptionally active areas upstream of the translation start that contained important transcription factor binding sites, including nucleotides -297/-107 in the rat NIS promoter and -692/-370 in the human NIS promoter. Our findings not only reveal an epigenetic mechanism for BRAF V600E-promoted NIS silencing involving histone deacetylation at critical regulatory regions of the NIS promoter but also provide further support for our previously proposed combination therapy targeting major signaling pathways and histone deacetylase to restore thyroid gene expression for radioiodine treatment of thyroid cancer.
Is There Adverse Selection in the Life Insurance Market? Evidence from a Representative Sample of Purchasers

This paper examines asymmetric information in the life insurance market using data that link life insurance holdings with death records for a representative sample of purchasers. This analysis finds no compelling evidence for adverse selection in a broad age cohort.
Recurrent insulin injection site abscesses due to Streptococcus milleri

A case is reported of recurrent insulin injection-site infections in an 11 year-old diabetic girl, due to Streptococcus milleri. This is a commensal organism which has been reported to cause extensive asbcesses in many organ systems, rarely the skin. It is microaerophilic, capable of surviving deep in the tissues and known to cause recurrent infections. A prolonged antibiotic course is therefore recommended.
Enhancing the Infrared Photoresponse of Silicon by Controlling the Fermi Level Location within an Impurity Band

Strong absorption of sub-band gap radiation by an impurity band has recently been demonstrated in silicon supersaturated with chalcogen impurities. However, despite the enhanced absorption in this material, the transformation of infrared radiation into an electrical signal via extrinsic photoconductivity—the critical performance requirement for many optoelectronic applications—has only been reported at low temperature because thermal impurity ionization overwhelms photoionization at room temperature. Here, dopant compensation is used to manipulate the optical and electronic properties and thereby improve the room-temperature infrared photoresponse. Silicon co-doped with boron and sulfur is fabricated using ion implantation and nanosecond pulsed laser melting to achieve supersaturated sulfur concentrations and a matched boron distribution. The location of the Fermi level within the sulfur-induced impurity band is controlled by tuning the acceptor-to-donor ratio, and through this dopant compensation, three orders of magnitude improvement in infrared detection at 1550 nm is demonstrated.