cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metal: Hana yori mo nao/Hana, 2006

This unusual film by Kore-eda is his one attempt at a jidaigeki/historical drama. In Hana yori mo nao/Hana (2006), Kore-eda sets the Chūshingura historical story in the background and places a plea for education, not violent revenge, in the foreground.
Second generation degrader foil for the CARIBU project

The Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) project utilizes 252 Cf to provide beams of neutron-rich nuclides with intensities not currently available at other facilities. The electroplated 252 Cf source is positioned inside a large helium gas catcher, where the ejected fission fragments lose their energy and are slowed. Prior to entering this gas catcher, the ions first pass through a gold cover foil to contain self-sputtering recoil emissions and then through an aluminium degrader foil, where much of their residual energy is reduced. In the past due to production limitations, a less than ideal cylindrical shaped degrader was utilized. This resulted in non-uniform energy loss as the ions passed through the degrader. With the advent of 3D printing, a new hemispherical degrader was prepared to enable a more uniform energy loss. The design, production, and assembly will be discussed.
Thermoelectric Property Requirements for On-Chip Cooling of Device Transients

Power dissipation in semiconductor devices peak over short durations with scales much shorter than the thermal time constant. The typical heat sink is too far away from the junction hotspot to provide effective temporal cooling over such durations. Here, we theoretically explore on-chip Peltier cooling over short (~100 ms) durations, as a potential solution for managing transients near the junction. Choosing a simple unipolar Peltier device, we evaluate the thermoelectric property requirements for achieving net cooling using a steady Peltier current. Net cooling occurs when the peak transient temperature rise is reduced in the presence of an operating thermoelectric device in comparison with that in its absence. When the substrate is bulk silicon, a large power factor (>50 mW/mK2) and thermal conductivity (>100 W/mK) are required for net cooling. The requirement is less stringent and the impact more promising in wide-bandgap electronics with low conductivity substrates, where Peltier cooling reduces the impact of interface thermal resistance. This study points out materials research priorities for on-chip Peltier cooling and paves the way for effective realization of transient thermal management in proximity to the junction.
Real-Time Feedback for Colonoscopy in a Multicenter Clinical Trial

We report the technical challenges, solutions, and lessons learned from deploying real-time feedback systems in three hospitals as part of a multi-center controlled clinical trial to improve quality of colonoscopy. Previous clinical trials were conducted in one center. The technical challenges for our multicenter clinical trial include 1) reducing additional work by the endoscopists to utilize real-time feedback, 2) handling different colonoscopy practices at different hospitals, and 3) training an effective CNN-based classification model with a large variety of patterns of data in day-to-day colonoscopy practice. We report performance of our real-time systems over a period of 20 weeks at each hospital. We conclude that CNN-based classification can achieve very good performance in real-world deployment when trained with high quality data.
Nonconvex Haar-TV denoising

Abstract The anisotropic total variation (TV) denoising model suppresses noise for two-dimensional signals that are vertically and horizontally piecewise constant. However, two-dimensional signals may have sparse derivatives in other directions. We propose a modification of the classical anisotropic two-dimensional TV regularizer from a spectral point of view. In the frequency domain, the TV regularizer can be considered as penalizing the high-frequency component of original signals and promoting only low-frequency components. The classical anisotropic TV, which applies l 1 -norm on vertical and horizontal differences, suppresses high-frequency components of the signals. The proposed operator, named Haar total variation (Haar-TV), penalizes two-dimensional signals that have more varied high-frequency regions. Furthermore, we propose non-convex penalties based on the Haar-TV operator since non-convex penalties can preserve edges and thus enhance the quality of the estimation. We derive a condition that preserves the strong convexity of the total cost function so the global minimizer can be reached.
OnlineBTD: Streaming Algorithms to Track the Block Term Decomposition of Large Tensors

In data mining, block term tensor decomposition (BTD) is a relatively under-explored but very powerful multilayer factor analysis method that is ideally suited for modeling for batch processing of data which is either low or multi-linear rank, e.g., EEG/ECG signals, that extract "rich" structures (> rank – 1) from tensor data while still maintaining a lot of the desirable properties of popular tensor decompositions methods such as the interpretability, uniqueness, and etc. These days data, however, is constantly changing which hinders its use for large data. The tracking of the BTD decomposition for the dynamic tensors is a very pivotal and challenging task due to the variability of incoming data and lack of efficient online algorithms in terms of accuracy, time and space.In this paper, we fill this gap by proposing an efficient method OnlineBTD to compute the BTD decomposition of streaming tensor datasets containing millions of entries. In terms of effectiveness, our proposed method shows comparable results with the prior work, BTD, while being computationally much more efficient. We evaluate OnlineBTD on six synthetic and three diverse real datasets, indicatively, our proposed method shows 10 – 60% speedup and saves 40 – 70% memory usage over the traditional baseline methods and is capable of handling larger tensor streams for which the classic BTD fails to run. To the best of our knowledge, OnlineBTD is the first approach to track streaming block term decomposition while not only being able to provide stable decompositions but also provides better performance in terms of efficiency and scalability.
INTERMEDIATE-AGE STELLAR POPULATIONS IN CLASSICAL QUASI-STELLAR OBJECT HOST GALAXIES

Although mergers and starbursts are often invoked in the discussion of quasi-stellar object (QSO) activity in the context of galaxy evolution, several studies have questioned their importance or even their presence in QSO host galaxies. Accordingly, we are conducting a study of z {approx} 0.2 QSO host galaxies previously classified as passively evolving elliptical galaxies. We present deep Keck/LRIS spectroscopy of a sample of 15 hosts and model their stellar absorption spectra using stellar synthesis models. The high signal-to-noise ratio of our spectra allows us to break various degeneracies that arise from different combinations of models, varying metallicities, and contamination from QSO light. We find that none of the host spectra can be modeled by purely old stellar populations and that the majority of the hosts (14/15) have a substantial contribution from intermediate-age populations with ages ranging from 0.7 to 2.4 Gyr. An average host spectrum is strikingly well fit by a combination of an old population and a 2.1 (+0.5, -0.7) Gyr population. The morphologies of the host galaxies suggest that these aging starbursts were induced during the early stages of the mergers that resulted in the elliptical-shaped galaxies that we observe. The current active galactic nucleus activity likelymore » corresponds to the late episodes of accretion predicted by numerical simulations, which occur near the end of the mergers, whereas earlier episodes may be more difficult to observe due to obscuration. Our off-axis observations prevent us from detecting any current star formation or young stellar populations that may be present in the central few kiloparsecs.« less
Conservative Protestant Child Discipline: The Case of Parental Yelling.

Conservative Protestant child discipline has recently become the subject of considerable social research and public controversy. However, no systematic empirical evidence has been brought to bear on conservative Protestant rates of parental yelling, which we view as a key indicator of an authoritarian style of parenting. We review parenting advice offered by conservative Protestant elites, who articulate child-rearing schemata grounded in both religious and psychological rationales for the discipline of youngsters. Notably, conservative Protestant family specialists advocate corporal punishment while discouraging the parental use of yelling at children. Data drawn from the 1987-88 National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH) indicate that conservative Protestant parents of preschoolers and school-age children are significantly less likely to report yelling at their children. Moreover, the estimated effects of denominational affiliation on the parental use of yelling are partly mediated by conservative theological views. We conclude by calling for research that analyzes the effects of the distinctive conservative Protestant approach to discipline on child well-being.
LED physics and implications for novel displays: the role of long-range carrier diffusion

We will discuss recent insights in the efficiency of III-Nitride emitters, and consequences for their use in novel applications, including micro-displays.
Regenerative Endodontic Therapy in Mature Teeth Using Human-Derived Composite Amnion-Chorion Membrane as a Bioactive Scaffold: A Pilot Animal Investigation

Abstract Introduction Human-derived composite amnion-chorion membrane (ACM) has been used for various regenerative treatments. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effectiveness of the ACM as a scaffold for pulp regeneration in mature canine teeth. Methods A total of 24 roots from mature premolars in dogs were included for regenerative procedures using blood clots (BC) (group 1, n = 8), collagen membrane (CM) (group 2, n = 8), and ACM (group 3, n = 8). Each tooth was left open through a buccal access to induce root canal infection and inflammation. The root canals were disinfected with 1.5% NaOCl and calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament. After 2 weeks, bleeding was evoked to induce blood clot formation (group 1) or before the placement of the membranes (groups 2 and 3). After 12 weeks, the animals were euthanized for histologic assessment. The histologic data including intracanal fibrous connective tissue, odontoblast-like cell lining, intracanal mineralized tissue, periapical inflammation, and apical closure were qualitatively and quantitively analyzed. Results Histologic analysis revealed that intracanal fibrous connective tissue was identified in all groups, but a higher volume of the fibrous tissues was formed in the ACM group. Odontoblast-like cells were only observed in the ACM group. The intracanal mineralized tissue was observed only in the BC and CM groups. The BC group showed more periapical inflammation than the ACM group (P Conclusions More intracanal fibrous tissue and odontoblast-like cell lining, and less periapical inflammation were observed after regenerative endodontic treatment in mature teeth using the ACM than blood clot alone or blood clot with collagen membrane. The use of the ACM may be useful for a cell-homing–based pulp regeneration in mature teeth.
Internet search engine queries on blue light glasses in the united states

Purpose : Many retailers advertise eyeglasses that filter out blue light from digital devices to prevent eye problems, despite the lack of scientific evidence and contradictory claims that blue light from digital devices cause any eye disease. Patients use search engines to learn about topics such as blue light filtering eyeglasses that are advertised or offered to them. In this study, we characterize the Google search term frequency patterns for insight into the increasing popularity of blue light filtering eyeglasses. Methods : We conducted a retrospective search query analysis using Google Trends (GT) for the search term blue light glasses, and glasses as a control. Queries were restricted to web search queries in all categories by Google users in the United States (US), from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2020. GT search term interest over time is provided as relative query frequency (RQF), which is the interest relative to the peak popularity of the search term for the given region and time period. Results : There is a pattern of exponentially increased searches for blue light glasses since December 2015, with peak popularity in September 2020. The increased RQF in January 2019 (26) and April 2020 (71) may correlate with the total lunar eclipse in the US on January 20-21, 2019, and the start of the Covid-19 pandemic that had many people transition to using digital devices for work and school from home, respectively. The September 2020 peak popularity may correlate with the beginning of the academic year. The GT pattern for the search term glasses was analyzed to determine if the dates of the increased RQFs for blue light glasses corresponded to similar dates for glasses. GT showed a positive linear trend in searches for glasses, with peak popularity in August 2017, which may be associated with the total solar eclipse in the US on August 21, 2017. Conclusions : Although there is a lack of evidence that blue light from digital devices cause eye disease and that blue light filtering eyeglasses can prevent these eye problems, there is a trend of increasing searches for blue light glasses over time. Retailers increasingly continue to advertise and sell blue light filtering eyeglasses;ophthalmologists should be aware of this trend and educate their patients and the public on the lack of evidence for such eyeglasses, and instead focus on healthy habits that can help prevent eye strain from using digital devices.
Taxation and the sustainability of collusion with asymmetric costs

This paper explores the sustainability of collusion under either ad valorem or specific taxation in an infinitely repeated duopoly game. I compare ad valorem taxes and specific taxes that generate the same average price or tax revenue in the Nash equilibrium of the stage game. I find that collusion is less sustainable under ad valorem than specific taxation when marginal costs are asymmetric and constant.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument in a Population of Working Nurses.

Background and purpose This study explored the psychometric properties of the Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument (C-CEI), previously validated for use with nursing students, to assess simulation performance among registered nurses working 12-hour shifts. Valid and reliable measurements are needed to test clinical and simulation competencies and characterize the effects of fatigue on nursing performance. Methods Trained raters scored nurses' patient care performance in simulation scenarios using the C-CEI. We analyzed the instrument's principal components, internal reliability, and construct validity. Results Internal reliability of the C-CEI aggregate score and the Clinical Decision-making component were high (>.70). The latter robustly correlated with predicted cognitive effectiveness, a measure of fatigue. Conclusions The C-CEI is a reliable measure for use among registered nurses and its further development will be important for testing performance of working nurses and fatigue-mitigation innovations.
Aspects of augmented social cognition: social information foraging and social search

In this paper, we summarized recent work in modeling how users socially forage and search for information. One way to bridge between different communities of users is to diversify their information sources. This can be done using not only old mechanisms such as email, instant messages, newsgroups and bulletin boards, but also new ones such as wikis, blogs, social tags, etc. How do users work with diverse hints from other foragers? How do interference effects change their strategies? How can we build tools that help users cooperatively search? We seek theories that might help us answer these questions, or at least point us toward the right directions.
The lateral posterior complex of the cat: studies of the functional organization.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the functional organization of the lateral posterior complex of the cat. The complex organization of the extrageniculate visual thalamus has historically resisted analysis and has inspired several sets of terminologies and divisional schemes. The number of specific subnuclei and the terminology to be applied to these areas continue to be actively debated. One of the major obstacles to analyzing this region has been the difficulty in identifying nuclear borders. Investigators have also argued that topographically organized projections can be used to define functional subdivisions. A systematic representation of the visual world has been identified for the lateral posterior region, and this represents a further step toward understanding the integrative role of the pulvinar-lateral posterior (LP) complex. It has also been widely shown that the visual cortex and the LP complex share reciprocal projections. Adding to the integrative role of the LP complex is another significant and unanticipated set of projections. Understanding the nature of thalamic influences on these various sensory pathways requires an interpretation of the number of functional areas in the posterior thalamus.
The dark cradles of stars.

Stars are born in dark clouds of molecular gas, which remain shrouded in mystery. Astronomers have found a new way to peer inside these star factories.
Comparison of Plasma Uric Acid Levels Obtained with Five Different Methods

1. A comparison has been made of plasma values obtained by 5 different methods for uric acid estimation. 2. According to the uricase method, the plasma concentration of uric acid in fasting normal subjects ranged from 1.9-5.1 with average of 3.7 mg. per 100 ml. 3. The closest agreement with the uricase method was obtained with the method of Kern and Stranaky which gave normal values ranging from 2.8 to 4.9 with an average of 3.8 mg. per 100 ml. 4. A variation of about 25 per cent was observed in the plasma uric acid levels over a period of 7 weeks.
Balancing the benefits and harms of drug treatments for older men with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Discussions with patients should include the small increase in risk of falls and fractures associated with selective α antagonists
Measured QoS performance of the DOCSIS hybrid-fiber coax cable network

The measured QoS performance of the DOCSIS hybrid-fiber coax (HFC) cable network is presented for the first time in this paper. The intent of the study is to characterize the behavior of the network in terms of throughput, packet loss rate, and average delay under different degrees of network loading and prioritization profiles. It is shown that the quantitative results can be derived using the Smartbits network analyzer. Based on the measurement results obtained, a QoS model using the weighted fair queuing algorithm was developed for the CMTS scheduler. Simulation results from OPNET demonstrated a close match between this model and the measured results. The empirical results and QoS model presented in this paper is useful for researchers and network designers who wish to understand the practical characteristics of the DOCSIS network.
A real-time reconfiguration algorithm for fault-tolerant VLSI and WSI arrays

Reliability is an important issue in the real-time operations of VLSI array processors. A new algorithm for the real-time reconfiguration of VLSI and WSI arrays is presented. This algorithm is characterized by its simplicity and locality. The control of this reconfiguration scheme is implemented in hardware for a real time execution. It supports multiple faults including transient/intermittent faults with a zero degradation time. Simulation results show that a good spare utilization rate is achieved with a computational complexity that is independent of the array size. >
Properties of a Pseudomonas stutzeri outer membrane channel-forming protein (NosA) required for production of copper-containing N2O reductase.

A protein (NosA) in the outer membrane of Pseudomonas stutzeri that is required for copper to be inserted into N2O reductase has been extracted and purified to homogeneity. The purified protein could form channels in black lipid bilayers. Like N2O reductase, NosA contained copper and was only made anaerobically. In contrast to N2O reductase, its synthesis was repressed by exogenous copper (but not by Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, or Fe). Also in contrast to N2O reductase, NosA homologs were not immunologically detectable in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas mendocina, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, or other strains of P. stutzeri. Images
Abstract 5579: Paclitaxel-induced apoptosis is BAK-dependent, but BAX and BIM-independent in breast tumor.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women. Understanding breast cancer at the molecular level is imperative for finding more effective approaches to successfully treat these patients. Microtubule inhibitors are among the most frequently used agents for breast cancer treatment, with proven efficacy in both localized and metastatic disease. Paclitaxel (Taxol) is a member of the taxane class of anti-neoplastic microtubule damaging agents and exhibits activity against a wide range of human malignancies including breast cancer. Paclitaxel stabilizes microtubules, resulting in G2/M cell cycle arrest, and continuous treatment with paclitaxel ultimately leads to cell death. However, the precise mechanisms of how this mitotic arrest triggers cell death are still unclear. When cells undergo paclitaxel-induced cell death, the BCL-2 family-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway is activated. Previous studies indicate that a BH3-only protein BIM (BCL-2 Interacting Mediator of cell death) plays a role in paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. We show here that BIM is dispensable in apoptosis with paclitaxel treatment using bim−/− MEFs (mouse embryonic fibroblasts), the bim−/− mouse breast tumor model, and shRNA-mediated down-regulation of BIM in human breast cancer cells. In contrast, both bak−/− MEFs and human breast cancer cells in which BAK was down-regulated by shRNA were more resistant to paclitaxel. In human breast cancer cells, paclitaxel treatment resulted in MCL-1 degradation which was prevented by a proteasome inhibitor, MG132. A cdk inhibitor, roscovitine, blocked paclitaxel-induced MCL-1 degradation and apoptosis, suggesting that cdk activation at mitotic arrest could induce MCL-1 phosphorylation and subsequent degradation in a proteasome-dependent manner. BAK was associated with MCL-1 in untreated cells and became activated in concert with loss of MCL-1 expression and its release from the complex. Our data suggest that BAK is the mediator of paclitaxel-induced apoptosis and could be an alternative target for overcoming paclitaxel resistance. Citation Format: Anna V. Miller, Mark A. Hicks, Amanda C. Richardson, Jolene J. Windle, Hisashi Harada. Paclitaxel-induced apoptosis is BAK-dependent, but BAX and BIM-independent in breast tumor. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5579. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5579
Poliovirus inhibition of the phytohemagglutinin response in human lymphocytes.

Human lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) acquired the ability to support the replication of poliovirus. The maximum number of cells producing virus in cultures of lymphocytes coincided with the peak of cellular RNA synthesis induced by PHA stimulation. In cultures infected with a high multiplicity of virus, the PHA-induced DNA synthesis of the lymphocytes was partially inhibited. The inhibition occurred when virus was added up to 3 days after initiation of the PHA-stimulated leukocyte cultures, but not after 3 days. Inhibition of DNA synthesis by poliovirus could also be demonstrated in leukocytes cultivated in the absence of PHA. Pre-incubation of the lymphocytes with poliovirus before stimulation with PHA resulted in enhanced inhibition of DNA synthesis. It is postulated that part of the inhibition of the response of lymphocytes to PHA results from an abortive infection of the cells before new cellular RNA synthesis begins.
Peroxiredoxin 6 as an antioxidant enzyme: protection of lung alveolar epithelial type II cells from H2O2-induced oxidative stress.

We evaluated the antioxidant role of peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) in primary lung alveolar epithelial type II cells (AEC II) that were isolated from wild type (WT), Prdx6−/−, or Prdx6 transgenic (Tg) overexpressing mice and exposed to H2O2 at 50–500 µM for 1–24 h. Expression of Prdx6 in Tg AEC II was sevenfold greater than WT. Prdx6 null AEC II exposed to H2O2 showed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity indicated by decreased “live/dead” cell ratio, increased propidium iodide (PI) staining, increased annexin V binding, increased DNA fragmentation by TUNEL assay, and increased lipid peroxidation by diphenylpyrenylphosphine (DPPP) fluorescence. Compared to Prdx6 null cells, oxidant-mediated damage was significantly less in WT AEC II and was least in Prdx6 Tg cells. Thus, Prdx6 functions as an antioxidant enzyme in mouse AEC II. Prdx6 has been shown previously to reduce phospholipid hydroperoxides and we postulate that this activity is a major mechanism for the effectiveness of Prdx6 as an antioxidant enzyme. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1274–1285, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Treatment of early stage breast cancer by limited surgery and radical irradiation

Abstract Eighty-five female patients with early stage breast cancer, i.e., Stage I and II were treated by limited surgery followed by radical radiation therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital between January, 1956 and December, 1974. Patients included those who were medically inoperable or who refused mastectomy. The 5-year survival rate was 83% and 76% for Stage I and II, respectively. The corresponding disease free survival (absolute) was 67% and 42%. Although the number of patients so treated is small, there was no significant difference in survival from the results of the radical mastectomy series at the same institution. No major complications were encountered. Seventeen of eighty-five patients developed minor problems; mostly fibrosis and minimal arm lymphedema stemming from older orthovoltage equipment and treatment techniques. With the current availability of megavoltage equipment, improvements in techniques and dosimetry, complications should decrease. Combined limited surgery and radical radiation therapy should be considered in those patients where a radical mastectomy is not feasible because of psychological or medical problems. Since this procedure results in a cosmetically acceptable breast, radical radiation in early stage breast cancer seems a reasonable alternative to radical mastectomy.
TH‐C‐351‐08: Clustering Analysis of Dynamic 11C‐Methionine PET in GBM for RT Target Definition

Purpose: To assess tumor differentiation in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) using dynamic 11C‐methionin (D‐MET) PET and fuzzy c‐means (FCM) clusteringanalysis; and to evaluate the added value of D‐MET PET in radiation therapy (RT) target definition. Method and Materials: D‐MET PETimages were obtained prior to RT in 25 patients with GBM. Each scan was composed of 15 phases acquired at 0–50 minutes following injection. Conventional MRI was also acquired before RT for target volume definition and after RT for evaluation of treatment outcome. D‐MET PET data were normalized to the mean uptake of each individual's cerebellum. Volume of interest (VOI) for the analysis was defined based on pre‐RT FLAIR‐MRI and extended to incorporate regions of high uptake of MET. Time‐activity curves of MET uptake in the VOI were classified using a FCM clustering algorithm with spatial constraints. The optimal number of clusters was determined for each dataset by calculating several clustering validity indices. The results of classification were reviewed by experts; and were also correlated to the patterns of local failure after RT. Results: Using the FCM clustering algorithm, time‐activity curves of MET uptake in the VOI were successfully partitioned into tumor, normal braintissue, inflammation response, surgical cavity and edema. Heterogeneous MET uptake in the tumor was also differentiated. In 15 of the 25 patients who had tumor progression, the pre‐RT PET in the clusters correspondent to the locations of recurrence had a median uptake value of 1.47 (last dynamic phase), which involves clusters beyond the hottest ones. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that dynamic MET‐PET is capable of differentiating active tumors in patients with GBM. It is also promising in providing extra information for RT target definition. Supported by NIHP01CA59827.
Riparian tree seedling distribution on Wisconsin River sandbars: controls at different spatial scales

We investigated the influence of physical characteristics at the local (quadrat) and landscape (sandbar, channel, and river cross-section) scale on the distribution of pioneer tree seedlings (Acer saccharinum, Betula nigra, Populus deltoides, and Salix spp.) on 30 sandbars along a 16-km reach of the Wisconsin River in 1998. At the landscape scale, new seedlings were most frequent in side channels that were inactive (stagnant) at low river flow, older seedlings were most frequent in narrower side channels, and saplings were most frequent on higher sandbars and in narrower channels. At the local scale, seedling occurrence in individual 1 × 2 m quadrats (n = 692) was significantly related to the horizontal and topographic position and the vegetative cover on the quadrat. Landscape relationships for species that dispersed prior to a small midsummer flood (Acer and Betula) were stronger than models for later dispersers (Populus and Salix), and models for old seedlings and saplings were stronger than those for ...
Free-radical crosslinking copolymerization of styrene/unsaturated polyester resins: 3. Kinetics-gelation mechanism

Abstract Based on the results of integrated analysis given in parts 1 and 2, a kinetics-gelation mechanism of styrene (ST)/unsaturated polyester (UPE) resins is proposed. The curing process can be divided into five stages: induction, microgel formation, transition with or without phase separation, macrogelation and post-gelation. A summary of the experimental results at different stages of ST/UPE resins with ST/UPE molar ratios of 2 and 4 at 40°C is given. The kinetics-gelation mechanism based on the concept of microstructure formation is then discussed.
P-groups with non-abelian automorphism groups and all automorphisms central

For each odd prime p this paper gives an example of a non-abelian p-group with a non-abelian automorphism group in which each automorphism is central.
A topographic map of the enzyme active center and antigenic sites on the neuraminidase of influenza virus A/Tokyo/3/67 (H2N2)

Abstract The antigenic structure of an influenza virus neuraminidase was probed with a panel of eight monoclonal antibodies and two different-sized substrates, fetuin and N -acetylneuraminyl lactose. Results of competitive radioimmunoassays between monoclonal antibodies indicated the existence of three overlapping antigenic sites. The effects of the same panel of monoclonal antibodies on the enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of sialic acid from fetuin (molecular weight 50,000 daltons) and from N -acetylneuraminyl lactose (molecular weight 600) were also examined. These results indicated that each of the antibodies prevented the approach of fetuin to the enzyme active center, whereas only three inhibited hydrolysis of N -acetylneuraminyl lactose. Taken together, the results suggest a topological map for the arrangement of the enzyme active center and three overlapping antigenic sites of the neuraminidase.
A General Nonlinear Relaxation Iteration Technique for Solving Nonlinear Problems in Mechanics

Abstract : The nonlinear relaxation method, an iterative approach used in conjunction with finite difference approximations, is illustrated via the solution to a very simple problem. Subsequently, the method is used to solve three geometrically nonlinear problems in mechanics: finite bending of a circular thin walled tube, the large deflection membrane response of a spherical cap, and finite deformations of a uniformly loaded circular membrane. Formulations for the three problems are quite different but this difference does not inhibit the use of the nonlinear relaxation technique. Solutions were obtained in approximately one man day per problem including the total time devoted to examining, planning, programming, debugging, etc. Solutions compare very favorably with results found elsewhere in the literature. The essential and important advantages of the nonlinear relaxation technique are: (a) versatility and ease of application, (b) efficiency with respect to people and computer time utilized, (c) insensitivity to starting values as far as convergence is concerned and (d) simplicity of logic that makes it a trivial task to learn how to employ it. (Author)
A reappraisal of the social security-fertility hypothesis: A bidirectional approach

Abstract There has been considerable debate in the literature regarding the social security-fertility hypothesis. By analyzing 81 countries for which data was available, numerous econometric models were developed to test both the relative importance of social security as a causal factor affecting fertility and the subsequent effect of lower fertility levels on social security expenditures. By controlling for economic development and testing the model at different points in time, the social security variable was found to be causally linked to subsequent fertility levels as well as fertility levels being causally linked to subsequent social security expenditures. Furthermore, the appropriate response lag was identified and various nonlinear functional forms were utilized to control for economic development. Finally, a Chow test was employed to show the existence of structural change between the developed and less developed nations.
Biology and Redescription of Pheromermis Pachysoma (V. Linstow) N. Gen., N. Comb. (Nematoda: Mermithidae), a Parasite of Yellowjackets (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Pheromermis pachysoma (von Linstow) n. gen., n. comb., a parasite of the yellowjacket, Vespula pensylvanica (Saussure), is described from California. The genus, Pheromermis, is characterized by the presence of four submedian cephalic papillae; large anteriorly placed cup-shaped amphids; an S-shaped vagina not bent in a transverse plane to the body; six hypodermal cords; paired, short, separate spicules; cuticle with cross fibers; and eggs lacking processes. The development of P. pachysoma is unique because a paratenic or transport host is required for completion of the life cycle. The adult nematodes occur in water or saturated soil and the eggs are fully embryonated at oviposition. The eggs hatch in the gut of various insects and infective stage juveniles penetrate the gut wall and enter a quiescent state in the tissues of these paratenic hosts. Wasp larvae are probably infected when they are fed paratenic hosts captured by worker yellowjackets. Postparasitic juveniles of P. pachysoma emerge from adult wasps when the latter visit wet sites after their fall emergence from the nest. The ant parasite, Mermis myrmecophila Baylis, is transferred to the genus Pheromermis.
Effects of oxygen tension in the gaseous phase on production and physical properties of bacterial cellulose formed under static culture conditions

Acetobacter produces a gelatinous membrane composed of a cellulose network when grown in liquid culture under static conditions. The oxygen tension in the gaseous phase was found to have an effect on cellulose production and on the physical properties of the membrane. Cellulose production was higher at oxygen tensions of 10% and 15% than that under atmospheric conditions. In contrast, cell growth remained constant under a variety of oxygen tensions. Unexpectedly, the density of the cellulose network was found to be inversely proportional to the level of cellulose production by cells in the membrane through electron microscopic examination and other studies. It was concluded that this interesting phenomenon can be explained by our previously proposed model of BC network formation.
Epidemiologic perspectives on myelodysplastic syndromes and leukemia

The ICD classification of the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and the four main features of the descriptive epidemiology of the condition are discussed. MDS is: (1) a rare disease; which may be, (2) on the increase; (3) which primarily affects the elderly; and (4) which predominantly affects men. We reviewed four causal models pertaining to the relationship between MDS and leukemia. These models may be described as: (1) non-biological correlates; (2) biological correlates; (3) early phase; and (4) interactive cause. Each model is described and the evidence in support of or against each is presented.
YouTube as archive: Who will curate this digital Wunderkammer?

At first glance, the ease with which individuals can access and contribute to YouTube sets it in direct opposition to large corporate media outlets with their top-down mode of dissemination. Howeve...
Energy Restriction as an Antitumor Target of Thiazolidinediones

Cancer cells gain growth advantages in the microenvironment by shifting cellular metabolism to aerobic glycolysis, the so-called Warburg effect. There is a growing interest in targeting aerobic glycolysis for cancer therapy by exploiting the differential susceptibility of malignant versus normal cells to glycolytic inhibition, of which the proof-of-concept is provided by the in vivo efficacy of dietary caloric restriction and natural product-based energy restriction-mimetic agents (ERMAs) such as resveratrol and 2-deoxyglucose in suppressing carcinogenesis in animal models. Here, we identified thiazolidinediones as a novel class of ERMAs in that they elicited hallmark cellular responses characteristic of energy restriction, including transient induction of Sirt1 (silent information regulator 1) expression, activation of the intracellular fuel sensor AMP-activated protein kinase, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, the interplay among which culminated in autophagic and apoptotic death. The translational implications of this finding are multifold. First, the novel function of troglitazone and ciglitazone in targeting energy restriction provides a mechanistic basis to account for their peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-independent effects on a broad spectrum of signaling targets. Second, we demonstrated that Sirt1-mediated up-regulation of β-transducin repeat-containing protein-facilitated proteolysis of cell cycle- and apoptosis-regulatory proteins is an energy restriction-elicited signaling event and is critical for the antitumor effects of ERMAs. Third, it provides a molecular rationale for using thiazolidinediones as scaffolds to develop potent ERMAs, of which the proof-of-principle is demonstrated by OSU-CG12. OSU-CG12, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-inactive ciglitazone derivative, exhibits 1- and 3-order of magnitude higher potency in eliciting starvation-like cellular responses relative to resveratrol and 2-deoxyglucose, respectively.
A Low Cost Signal Conditioning Module for Mechanical Measurements

Mechanical and electronic engineering technology faculty members at the University of Dayton have collaborated on the design of a signal conditioning circuit board for a mechanical measurements laboratory. This board includes amplification and filters necessary to interface a low voltage output from analog sensors with a computer data acquisition system. Printed circuit boards were produced, with easy to understand connections. Multiple units were assembled at a cost of under $20 per board. The price of other commercially available signal conditioning modules is 10 to 20 times that amount. This paper will present the details of the design and performance assessment of the signal conditioning module.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The effect of microbial mycolytic agents on Trichophyton rubrum.

Chitinolytic microorganisms isolated from forest soil and from healthy gypsy moth larvae (Porthetria dispar (L.) were screened for their ability to lyseTrichophyton rubrum mycelia. A few of these isolates were mycolytic on both autoclaved and on actively growing, intact,T. rubrum mycelia. Supernatants from these isolates, utilizing liveT. rubrum as the sole carbon source, showed the same mycolytic ability. Assays of the supernatants for enzymatic activity revealed exocellular, stable enzymes that released reducing substances including N-acetylglucosamine from the mycelia.
Geranylgeranylation facilitates proteasomal degradation of rho G-proteins in human trabecular meshwork cells.

PURPOSE To determine the role of posttranslational isoprenylation in regulating Rho G-protein activation and stability in human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. METHODS Transformed human TM cells (GTM3) were incubated for 24 hours in the presence of activated lovastatin (10 μM) to enhance the endogenous synthesis of latent Rho proteins. Medium was replaced, cycloheximide (CHX) was added to inhibit synthesis of new proteins, and lovastatin-pretreated cells were subsequently incubated (0-24 hours) in the absence (control) or presence of farnesyl pyrophosphate (10 μM) or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (10 μM). Relative changes in the content of total and GTP-bound Rho G-proteins were quantified by Western immunoblot and GTP-binding ELISA, respectively. Changes in filamentous actin stress fiber organization were visualized with AlexaFluor488-conjugated phalloidin. RESULTS GTM3 cells cultured in the presence of lovastatin exhibited a loss of actin stress fiber organization concomitant with a marked accumulation of cytosolic inactive (GDP-bound) Rho G-proteins. Addition of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate to the culture medium restored actin stress fiber organization while selectively facilitating the subcellular redistribution of accumulated Rho proteins from cytosol to membrane and increasing RhoA activation. Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate selectively enhanced the degradation of newly synthesized Rho proteins. Epoxomicin, a potent and selective inhibitor of the 20S proteasome, prevented geranylgeranyl-enhanced degradation of Rho proteins. CONCLUSIONS Posttranslational geranylgeranylation selectively alters the lifecycle of newly synthesized Rho proteins by facilitating their membrane translocation, functional activation, and turnover. Geranylgeranylation represents a novel mechanism by which active Rho proteins are targeted to the proteasome for degradation in human TM cells.
Note on the experimental determination of the relative fast-neutron sensitivity of a hydrogenous scintillator

A method for determining the relative fast-neutron sensitivity of a hydrogenous scintillator is outlined. The procedure is based upon the time-of-flight measurement of the prompt-fission-neutron spectrum of /sup 252/Cf. Detailed relative detector sensitivities are experimentally determined to few percent accuracies for neutron energies from a few 100 keV to 10 MeV.
The Effect of Relaxin on Cell Proliferation in Mouse Cervix Requires Estrogen Receptor α Binding to Estrogen Response Elements in Stromal Cells

The study objective was to determine whether stromal and/or epithelial estrogen receptor-α (ERα) is required for relaxin to promote proliferation of stromal and epithelial cells in the mouse cervix. Four types of tissue recombinants were prepared with cervical stroma (St) and epithelium (Ep) from wild-type (wt) and ERα knockout (ko) mice: wt-St+wt-Ep, wt-St+ko-Ep, ko-St+wt-Ep and ko-St+ko-Ep. Tissue recombinants were grafted under the renal capsule of syngeneic female mice. After 3 wk of transplant growth, hosts were ovariectomized and fitted with silicon implants containing 17β-estradiol (treatment d 1). Animals were injected sc with relaxin or vehicle PBS at 6-h intervals from 0600 h on d 8 through 0600 h on d 10. To evaluate cell proliferation, 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine was injected sc 10 h before tissue recombinants were collected at 1000 h on d 10. Relaxin promoted marked proliferation of both epithelial and stromal cells in tissue recombinants containing wt St (P < 0.001) but far lower proliferation in recombinants prepared with ko St, regardless of whether Ep was derived from wt or ko mice. An additional experiment using mice expressing wt ERα, a mutant of ERα that selectively lacks classical signaling through estrogen response element binding, or no ERα demonstrated that ERα must bind to an estrogen response element to enable relaxin's proliferative effects. In conclusion, this study shows that ERα-expressing cells in St, using a classical signaling pathway, are necessary for relaxin to promote marked proliferation in both stromal and epithelial cells of the mouse cervix.
Novel nanostructred Pd–Zr oxides

Abstract Novel nanostructured Pd–Zr oxides have been synthesized using chemical processing. The composition and structure have been investigated using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The phase stability, thermal behavior and catalytic property under methane atmosphere have been examined by using thermogravimetric analysis, in situ gas environment high temperature X-ray diffraction and gas mass spectroscopy. The study indicated that the alloying of Zr improves the thermal stability and modifies the hysteresis characteristic of the phase transition between Pd–Zr metal and oxide during the thermal cycling.
Siderophore−Manganese(III) Interactions II. Manganite Dissolution Promoted by Desferrioxamine B

Recent laboratory and field studies suggest that Mn(III) forms persistent aqueous complexes with high-affinity ligands. Aqueous Mn(III) species thus may play a significant but largely unexplored ro...
Regulation of [3H]nitrendipine binding by phospholipases A2 and C through direct and GTP-sensitive mechanisms.

Abstract We compared the effects of Phospholipases A 2 , C, B and D on [ 3 H]nitrendipine binding to hamster cardiac membranes, in the absence and presence of ATP or GTP. Phospholipase A 2 , competitively inhibited [ 3 H]nitrendipine binding to hamster cardiac membranes unchanged by ATP or GTP (K i = 5 ng/ml); as evidenced by complete and reversible displacement of [ 3 H]nitrendipine binding and increase in K D on Scatchard analyses. Phospholipase C also completely inhibited [ 3 H]nitrendipine binding to hamster cardiac membranes (K i = 5 ug/ml) with a decrease in B max and no change in K D on Scatchard analyses. The addition of GTP alone inhibited the PLC effect in EGTA-treated membranes. The addition of GTP with either CaCl 2 , or ATP or both resulted in an equal and opposite enhancement of the PLC effect. Phospholipases B and D had no effect on [ 3 H]nitrendipine binding. These data support: (1) Direct effect of PLA 2 on dihydropyridine binding. (2) Indirect regulation of dihydropyridine binding by Phospholipase C through a GTP and ATP-sensitive mechanism.
Least-cost swimming speeds and transportation costs in some pelagic estuarine fishes

Abstract A model, based on hydrodynamic theory, predicting least-cost swimming speed and cost of transport in mg O 2 ·kg −1 ·km −1 in relation to body length for pelagic estuarine fishes, indicated that least-cost swimming speeds in length-specific terms are less for larger fish than for smaller fish. Predicted least-cost swimming speeds ranged from 1.3 lengths per second for a 50-cm fish to 4.7 lengths per second for a 10-cm fish. The predicted minimum cost of transport for a fish 30 cm in body length was 110 mg O 2 ·kg −1 ·km −1 . Predictions from the model were consistent with empirically derived estimates for least-costs swimming speeds and cost of transport values for four estuarine species.