cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aflatoxin B1 reduces Na+-Pi co-transport in proximal renal epithelium: studies in opossum kidney (OK) cells

Abstract In vivo studies indicate that aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) may affect the renal regulation of inorganic phosphate (P i ), possibly by altering the renal response to parathyroid hormone (PTH). Therefore, the present study utilized opossum kidney (OK) cells, a mammalian renal epithelial cell line, to determine whether AFB 1 exposure alters sodium-phosphate (Na + -P i ) co-transport and the hormonal modulation thereof. OK cells are an established renal cell line with many properties analagous to the proximal renal epithelium, including receptors for PTH, insulin, and high levels of Na + -P i co-transport. PTH and insulin have been shown to decrease and increase Na + -P i co-transport, respectively, in OK cells. In the present study, AFB 1 -treated cells responded to PTH; however, AFB 1 exposure decreased Na + -P i uptake such that additional decreases in Na + -P i uptake in response to PTH were minimal. In the presence of insulin, AFB 1 -treated cells were only able to increase Na + -P i uptake to levels 30% below that of control cells. The net result was that the range of the proximal renal epithelium to adjust Na + -P i co-transport in response to hormonal modulation was reduced by AFB 1 exposure. Sodium-dependent L -alanine uptake was measured and was found not to be affected by the highest concentration of AFB 1 ; thus, indicating that AFB 1 exposure may have specific effects on Na + -P i uptake and does not generally inhibit Na + -dependent transport. These observations are evidence that AFB 1 exposure may alter key elements of renal function. Such effects raise concern that AFB 1 exposure may have broad physiological impact in addition to its known carcinogenic properties.
Nonepidermoid cancer of the gum

Twenty-six cases of nonepidermoid cancer of the alveolar ridge or gum were found in a 20-year survey at the Memorial Hospital in New York. Most of these cases were varieties of cancers of the minor salivary glands that presented most commonly as nonulcerated masses frequently invading underlying bone. These cancers demonstrated local recurrence on many occasions and carried an overall poor prognosis. The clinical behavior of the various pathologic types of minor salivary gland cancers resembles those found in the major salivary glands. More aggressive local surgical treatment should be undertaken to provide local control and better cure rates.
Defining the Synergistic Effects of Irradiation and T-Cell Immunotherapy for Murine Intracranial Tumors☆

In recent studies, we demonstrated that the systemic adoptive transfer of tumor-draining lymph node (LN) cells, activated ex vivo with anti-CD3 mAb or bacterial superantigens, was effective for treatment of tumors in the brain, an immunologically privileged site. In this study, we demonstrate that sublethal whole body irradiation (WBI) or local cranial irradiation of the tumor-bearing host prior to the adoptive transfer of LN cells, activated with the superantigen, SEC2, augments therapeutic efficacy, whereas body irradiation with cranial shielding is ineffective. WBI prior to tumor inoculation or treatment of tumor-bearing animals with cyclophosphamide to eliminate suppressor cells did not enhance the therapeutic efficacy of adoptively transferred cells. Analysis of brains by immunohistochemistry, 4 days after cell transfer, revealed a dense infiltrate of SEC2-activated T lymphocytes which exclusively express the T cell receptor V beta 8.2 phenotype, of both CD4 and CD8 subsets, throughout the tumors in both irradiated and nonirradiated animals. In addition, MAC-1+ cells were present within tumors irrespective of either irradiation or cell transfer. These findings demonstrate that the systemically transferred T cells could gain access to the tumor located in the CNS. However, the therapeutic enhancement by sublethal irradiation does not reflect an increase in T cell or MAC-1+ cell migration into the tumor.
Characterization of the mouse gene, human promoter and human cDNA of TSCOT reveals strong interspecies homology.

Abstract The regulation of gene expression in thymic epithelial cells is critical for T cell development. The mouse thymic epithelial gene Tscot encodes a protein with weak homology to bacterial 12 transmembrane co-transporters. Using competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we show that low level Tscot expression is detectable in several other tissues. Tscot was mapped to chromosome 4 and was also detected in other mammalian species by Southern blotting. The human cDNA clone showed 77% amino acid identity with the mouse sequence. The highest conservation was in the TM regions and in a small segment of the central cytoplasmic loop. Genomic clones spanning 17 164 bases of the Tscot gene revealed four exons with nine of the TM domains encoded in the first exon. The major transcriptional start site in mouse was identified by a primer extension analysis and confirmed by RT-PCR. Comparison of 1.7 kb of the human and mouse promoters identified six conserved possible regulatory elements, one containing a potential binding site for an interferon α inducible factor. Finally, as a functional test, 3 kb of the murine promoter was used to create a transgenic mouse that expresses enhanced green fluorescent protein message strongly in the thymus, weakly in the kidney and undetectably in the spleen, liver and heart.
The effects of coordination number and ligand size on the gas phase dissociation and stereochemical differentiation of cobalt-coordinated monosaccharides

Abstract Previously we have shown that stereoisomeric hexosamines and N-acetylhexosamines can be uniquely identified by mass spectrometry when they are derivatized with [Co(DAP) 2 Cl 2 ]Cl and subjected to ES-MS n studies. Here, we explore why the diastereomers dissociate differently by investigating the role of the auxiliary ligand. Complexes which have two, three, and four auxiliary nitrogens coordinated to the Co center are investigated. By comparing these complexes, we demonstrate that the ligand affects the dissociations by contributing to both the sterics and the electronics about the metal center. Finally, we use this information to gain new insight about a key dissociation mechanism, loss of formaldehyde, which occurs stereoselectively for the [Co(DAP)(GalNAc2H)] + complex.
Paper electrophoresis: temperature, paper wetness and serum component mobility with the kunkel system

Abstract A rapid Kunkel type electrophoretic system was used to determine the effect of wetness and temperature upon the mobility of serum components. Comparison is made with a Durrum type apparatus. Variability averaged 6.5% for albumin with both techniques. Observed component mobility increases both with wetness and temperature with the Kunkel system. When corrected by use of dextran, observed mobility values are independent of wetness, but increase directly with temperature. Comment is made on mobility markers and a wetness ratio, on specimen identification by mobility alone and on the usefulness of zone electrophoresis in qualitative analysis.
Loading of Substation Electrical Equipment with Emphasis on Thermal Capability Part I-Principles

Nameplate ratings for substation equipment do not always represent the maximum loading capability of the equipment because they do not reflect the influence of the environmental factors and loading patterns which will exist when the equipment is ultimately placed in service. This paper discusses the principles of thermal capability and describes the environmental factors and loading patterns which influence the maximum loading capability of substation equipment. A companion paper, Part II, describes the application of these principles and factors in determining the thermal capability of specific substation equipment.
The Quest for a Coherent School Science Curriculum: The Need for an Organizing Principle

Achievement test results from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) suggest that the performance of US students in science is not strong either in terms of international or national standards. Yet, the US is preceived as a world leader in standards-based and “hands-on” science reform. In this article I argue that the major policy issue confronting the science community that addresses this apparent disconnect is the development of an organizing principle that would serve to limit the number of essential topics, subordinating some topics in science standards to others. Furthermore, this organizing principle would weave the reduced set of topics into a sequence that is logical and that leads to an unfolding of a key story or stories in science that are intrinsically interesting to students and that provide the basis for understanding science by future literate citizens and not just the memorization of isolated facts to be forgotten when school finishes.
Growth and development of loblolly pine in a spacing trial planted in Hawaii

Abstract Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L) was planted at four square spacings (1.8, 2.4, 3.0, and 3.7 m) on the Island of Maui in 1961, and measured periodically for 34 years. Patterns of stand growth and development were examined and compared with yield model estimates of stand characteristics of plantations of the same initial spacings, ages, and site index in the southeastern United States. The Hawaiian plantings had much higher survival at all spacings and sustained high diameter growth in the face of intense competition. At Age 34, the 1.8 m spacing had 1585 stems/ha averaging 24.1 m tall and 28.8 cm DBH; the widest spacing (3.7 m) had 725 stems/ha, 26.1 m tall and 38.2 cm DBH. The highest basal areas (∼100 m2/ha) were double maxima attained in the southeastern United States and were reflected in similar differences in volume yields. The Hawaiian plantings demonstrate that growth potential of loblolly pine is far greater than is apparent from observations on plantations in its native habitat. To capture this potential in other situations, research must identify the tree, stand, and environmental characteristics associated with low mortality rates and high diameter growth in Hawaii, and, conversely, the factors that limit loblolly's potential in the southeastern United States.
Solar Activity and Earth's Climate

This is an exciting time for those pursuing the physical explanations of the widely reported correlations between magnetic activity in the outer layers of the Sun and changes in weather and climate on planet Earth. R. Benestad's book makes a persuasive case for the reality of one or more physical links, in the context of thorough discussions of applicable statistical tests. His book is a valuable update of the 1978 book by J. Herman and R. Goldberg, Sun, Weather and Climate, and reviews the extensive literature on this subject up to the beginning of 2001. More recent work adds to the solidity of the statistical associations. The state of research in this field can be compared with that of “continental drift” half a century ago; evidence from sea floor spreading could not be ignored, and the field was data-rich and theory-poor.
In the Middle: Career Pathways of Midlevel Community College Leaders

The leadership crisis in community colleges has led to speculation on who will lead these colleges in the future and how best to prepare leaders for these positions. Traditionally, little research occurred regarding midlevel administrators despite the fact that the majority of presidents come from within the ranks. The findings from this research show that midlevel administrators have little desire to move into top-level positions. Colleges need to consider how to make leadership more attractive and begin developing leaders for future openings.
Aerodynamic interaction between forewing and hindwing of a hovering dragonfly

The phase change between the forewing and hindwing is a distinct feature that sets dragonfly apart from other insects. In this paper, we investigated the aerodynamic effects of varying forewing-hindwing phase difference with a 60° inclined stroke plane during hovering flight. Force measurements on a pair of mechanical wing models showed that in-phase flight enhanced the forewing lift by 17% and the hindwing lift was reduced at most phase differences. The total lift of both wings was also reduced at most phase differences and only increased at a phase range around in-phase. The results may explain the commonly observed behavior of the dragonfly where 0° is employed in acceleration. We further investigated the wing-wing interaction mechanism using the digital particle image velocimetry (PIV) system, and found that the forewing generated a downwash flow which is responsible for the lift reduction on the hindwing. On the other hand, an upwash flow resulted from the leading edge vortex of the hindwing helps to enhance lift on the forewing. The results suggest that the dragonflies alter the phase differences to control timing of the occurrence of flow interactions to achieve certain aerodynamic effects.
Downstream development associated with the extratropical transition of tropical cyclones over the western North Pacific

Abstract The movement of a tropical cyclone into the midlatitudes involves interactions among many complex physical processes over a variety of space and time scales. Furthermore, the extratropical transition (ET) of a tropical cyclone may also result in a high-amplitude Rossby wave response that can extend to near-hemispheric scales. After an ET event occurs over the western portion of a Northern Hemisphere ocean basin, the high-amplitude downstream response often forces anomalous midlatitude circulations for periods of days to a week. These circulations may then be related to high-impact weather events far downstream of the forcing by the ET event. In this study, downstream development following ET events over the western North Pacific Ocean is examined. Local eddy kinetic energy analyses are conducted on four cases of North Pacific tropical cyclones of varying characteristics during ET into varying midlatitude flow characteristics during 15 July–30 September 2005. The goal is to examine the impact of e...
Sex differences in the occupational choices of second graders

Abstract A questionnaire was administered to 61 second graders. Sexual differences in occupational choices were apparent. Boys chose twice as many occupations as girls. Of 29 occupations selected as “most desirable,” only one was mentioned by both boys and girls. Of 37 occupations selected as “least desirable,” only two were mentioned by both sexes. More boys than girls knew their father's occupation. Although 76% of the girls knew their father's occupation, they did not select that occupation for themselves. A series of hypotheses based on the above data was generated.
Fe-oxide microcrystals in welded tuff from southern Nevada: origin of remanence carriers by precipitation in volcanic glass

Although it is widely recognized that remanent magnetism in ash-flow tuffs is carried by fine-grained Fe oxides, the origin, mineralogy, and significance of such magnetic carriers are not well understood. The authors have obtained transmission electron microscope images of distinctive Fe-oxide microcrystals in rhyolitic samples located 3.8, 7.6, and 18.5 m above the base of a 110-m-thick section of the Miocene Tiva Canyon Member of the Paintbrush Tuff. The Fe-oxide microcrystals are lath shaped and increase in size from 20 x 140 nm in the lowermost sample (near base of the member) to 120 x 800 nm in the uppermost sample (within the flow interior). Microcrystals in this size range are within or close to the range of single-domain grain size for magnetite. Electron diffraction and analytical X-ray data indicate that the microcrystals in the lower two samples are cubic Fe-oxides (magnetite/maghemite), with less than 10 mol% Ti end member, and that those in the uppermost sample are manganiferous hematite. Systematic variations in magnetic properties are consistent with the observed variations in size and mineralogy of the microcrystals. These microcrystals are morphologically distinct from grains that the authors interpret to be fragments of phenocrysts. The morphology and spatial distribution ofmore » the microcrystals as well as their increase in grain size, from the rapidly cooled base of the ash-flow sheet into the flow interior, are consistent with an origin by nucleation and growth from volcanic glass at elevated temperature, subsequent to emplacement.« less
On the Brittleness of Software and the Infeasibility of Security Metrics

How secure is a computer system? Bridges have a load limit, but it isn't determined (as "Calvin and Hobbes" would have it) by building an identical bridge and running trucks over it until it collapses. In a more relevant vein, safes are rated for how long they'll resist attack under given circumstances. Can we do the same for software?
Human health risks of municipal solid waste incineration

Recent estimates suggest that approximately 150-160 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) are generated each year in the United States (O'Leary et al. 1988; USEPA 1987a, 1988a, 1989). The amount of MSW produced could approximately double to as much as 290 million tons by the year 2000 (USEPA 1987a). Based on 1980 U.S. Bureau of Census population projections (Johnson 1989), this amount would constitute approximately five pounds per day per person. At the same time, the country's traditional means of disposal, land filling, is becoming less and less feasible. Existing sites are closing, new sites are scarce, and there is a widespread public perception that landfills represent unacceptable risks to human health and the environment. Approximately 1200 of the country's 6000 MSW landfills are expected to close in the next five years (O'Leary et al. 1988). New York City has closed 14 of its 17 landfills in the past 20 years (Inform Reports 1985). In response to the deepening MSW disposal crisis, the USEPA has recommended a four-tiered integrated waste management strategy involving source reduction, recycling, incineration, and land disposal (USEPA 1987a, 1988b, 1989). Incineration of MSW offers several benefits, including a reduction in waste volume by as much as 80% (USEPA 1987a) and an opportunity to convert heat generated by the combustion process into electricity or steam. Despite these advantages, however, concerns regarding the safety of MSW incinerators have led to widespread and vocal opposition to the siting of these facilities. The concerns have focused largely on the potentially toxic nature of stack emissions from MSW incinerators. For example, in February 1985, the Swedish Environ-
Cell-specific expression of estrogen-responsive genes in the uteri of cyclic, early pregnant and ovariectomized ewes

Abstract A single physiological dose of estradiol up-regulates estrogen receptor-α(ER), progesterone receptor (PR), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), c-fos, cyclophilin, and actin mRNAs in the endometrium of ovariectomized ewes. Therefore, we hypothesized that these genes would be up-regulated by the preovulatory surge of estrogen which occurs on the evening of Day 15 in the estrous cycle of sheep. ER and PR mRNA concentrations increased between Day 15 and Day 1 in cyclic ewes in most endometrial epithelial cells, while GAPDH mRNA increased in epithelial and stromal cells in the deep endometrium. Day 15 pregnant ewes had lower expression of ER, PR, GAPDH, cyclophilin and actin genes. For ER and GAPDH mRNAs, the greatest reduction occurred in the superficial endometrium. Ovariectomized ewes demonstrated concentrations of ER, PR, and GAPDH mRNAs that were similar to those in the cyclic ewes. While concentrations of c-fos mRNA did not differ between groups, those of cyclophilin and actin mRNAs were lower in the pregnant and ovariectomized ewes. In conclusion, ER, PR and GAPDH gene expression rose during estrus in endometrial cells with the highest ER gene expression and were repressed in pregnant ewes in superficial endometrial cells with the greatest PR gene expression.
Temperature responses and habitat selection by mangrove cicadas in Florida and Queensland (Hemiptera Cicadoidea)

The thermal responses of cicadas inhabiting mangrove swamps in Queensland, Australia and in Florida, USA show a remarkable convergence in selected temperature and thermal tolerance. Cicadas inhabiting the foreshore, Arunta perulata (Guerin-Meneville 1831) in Queensland, and Diceroprocta biconica (Walker 1850) in Florida, use similar habitats and the same activity period. Arunta perulata and Diceroprocta biconica show nearly identical temperature selection (32.8 ± 2.57 oC [n = 10] and 33.2 ± 2.86 oC [n = 26] respectively) and temperature tolerance (45.7 ± 1.53 oC [n = 8] and 45.3 ± 1. 59 oC [n = 27] respectively). Arunta interclusa (Walker 1858), which lives in the intertidal region, has lower temperature selection (29.4 ± 1.11 oC [n = 7]), sings earlier in the day and has higher temperature tolerance (47.8 ± 0.78 oC [n = 8]) than the other species. These observations suggest that adaptation to habitat rather than phylogenetic origin controls thermal responses in cicadas. KEY wORDS: cicadas, thermal adaptation, temperature responses, Diceroprocta, Arunta.
TEMPORAL DIFFERENCES IN FIBROBLAST PROLIFERATION AND PHENOTYPE EXPRESSION IN RESPONSE TO CHRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF ANGIOTENSIN II OR ALDOSTERONE

Chronic activation of the circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), as can occur with unilateral renal ischemia (URI), is associated with an adverse structural remodeling of the right and left ventricles characterized by reparative (i.e., microscopic scars) and reactive (i.e., perivascular/interstitial) fibrosis. The time course and cells involved in fibroplastic and fibrogenic phases of these events are unclear. Hearts were examined over the course of 8 weeks in rats infused with either angiotensin II or aldosterone, and compared to rats with URI. Tissue sections from the same heart were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, collagen specific picrosirius red, or immunolabeled with PCNA or α smooth muscle actin antibody. With angiotensin II or renal ischemia, fibroblast proliferation, presenting as focal accumulations at both sites of myocyte necrosis and widespread perivascular locations, was present in each ventricle on days 2 and 4, but not thereafter. α -Smooth muscle actin containing cells (myofibroblasts) appeared at day 2 and persisted through week 2 with renal ischemia and week 6 with angiotensin II. Macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes were transiently found at sites of necrosis between day 2–4 of renal ischemia. AngII-induced necrotic sites were characterized by macrophages and lymphocytes from day 2 through week 6, and neutrophils at day 2–4. Increased collagen volume fraction, presenting as immature scars associated with fibroblast clusters and interstitial/perivascular fibrosis, was evident on day 14 in both ventricles. In contrast, fibroblast proliferation during aldosterone infusion did not appear in both ventricles until week 3 and was associated with a subsequent reparative and reactive fibrosis as early as 4 weeks. Myofibroblasts became evident between 3–6 weeks; macrophages and lymphocytes were seen between 3–8 weeks. Neutrophils were not seen at any time point with aldosterone. Thus, the temporal cellular response and appearance of myocardial fibrosis associated with chronic elevations in angiotensin II and/or aldosterone differ. We conclude that separate pathogenic mechanisms are operative with these effector hormones of the RAAS.
Power‐law fluids flow through multiparticle system

A study on the flow of power-law fluids through a multi-particle system including both fixed bed and fluidized bed is presented. Equations for the pressure drop, the minimum fluidization velocity, and the bed expansion are obtained by extending the Blake-Kozeny's equation for the pressure drop through packed beds to power-law fluids. Bed expansion equations are also obtained by extending the Richard-son-Zaki's theory for the drag force in a multiparticle suspension to power-law fluids. These equations are compared with experimental data. On presente une etude de l'ecoulement des fluides d'entrainement dans un systeme a particules multiples forme a la fois de lits fixes et fluidises. On obtient des equations qui ont trait a la chute de pression a la velocite minimum de fluidisation et a l'expansion des lits, en etendant a des fluides d'entrainement l'equation de Blake-Kozeny relative a la chute de pression dans des lits garnis. On obtient egalement des equations pour l'expansion des lits en etendant a des fluides d'entrainement la theorie de Richardson-Zaki relativement a la force de trainee dans une suspension de particules multiples. On compare les dites equations avec des donnees experimentales.
Multiple charging of InAs/GaAs quantum dots by electrons or holes : Addition energies and ground-state configurations

Atomistic pseudopotential plus configuration interaction calculations of the energy needed to charge dots by either electrons or holes are described, and contrasted with the widely used, but highly simplified two-dimensional parabolic effective mass approximation (2D-EMA). Substantial discrepancies are found, especially for holes, regarding the stable electronic configuration and filling sequence which defies both Hund's rule and the Aufbau principle.
A Programmer's Reduction Semantics for Classes and Mixins

While class-based object-oriented programming languages provide a flexible mechanism for re-using and managing related pieces of code, they typically lack linguistic facilities for specifying a uniform extension of many classes with one set of fields and methods. As a result, programmers are unable to express certain abstractions over classes. In this paper we develop a model of class-to-class functions that we refer to as mixins. A mixin function maps a class to an extended class by adding or overriding fields and methods. Programming with mixins is similar to programming with single inheritance classes, but mixins more directly encourage programming to interfaces. The paper develops these ideas within the context of Java. The results are 1. an intuitive model of an essential Java subset; 2. an extension that explains and models mixins; and 3. type soundness theorems for these languages.
Oxalate Nephropathy Complicating Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: An Underrecognized Cause of Irreversible Renal Failure

Background and objectives: The most common bariatric surgery is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), which has been associated with hyperoxaluria and nephrolithiasis. We report a novel association of RYGB with renal insufficiency as a result of oxalate nephropathy. Design, setting, participants, & measurements: Eleven cases of oxalate nephropathy after RYGB were identified from the Renal Pathology Laboratory of Columbia University. The clinical features, pathologic findings, and outcomes are described. Results: Patients were predominantly white (72.7%) with a mean age of 61.3 yr. Indications for RYGB included morbid obesity (eight patients) and reconstruction after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer (three patients). All 11 patients had a history of hypertension, and 9 were diabetic. Patients presented with acute renal failure, often superimposed on mild chronic renal insufficiency (n = 7), at a median of 12 mo after RYGB. The mean creatinine at baseline, at discovery of acute renal failure, and at biopsy was 1.5, 5.0, and 6.5 mg/dl, respectively. Renal biopsies revealed diffuse tubular degenerative changes, abundant tubular calcium oxalate deposits, and varying degrees of tubulointerstitial scarring. In addition, seven biopsies had underlying diabetic glomerulosclerosis and two had glomerulosclerosis attributable to obesity and hypertension. Eight of 11 patients rapidly progressed to ESRD and required hemodialysis at a mean of 3.2 wk after renal biopsy. The remaining three patients were left with significant chronic kidney disease. Conclusions: Oxalate nephropathy is an underrecognized complication of RYGB and typically results in rapid progression to ESRD. Patients with pre-existing renal disease may be at higher risk for this complication.
Are exports an engine of growth? Another look at the evidence

(1987). Are exports an engine of growth? Another look at the evidence. Applied Economics: Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 277-283.
Variables associated with peripartum traits in dairy cows. IV. Seasonal relationships among temperature, photoperiod, and blood plasma prolactin.

Concentrations of prolactin in plasma were measured in 176 dairy cows and heifers from 13 days before calving to 2.5 days after calving over 21 mo. Prolactin averaged 35.1, 115.0, and 34.4 ng/ml prepartum (days -13 to -2), peripartum (days -1.0 to +.5), and postpartum (days +1.5 and +2.5). Season of the year affected prolactin in all periods. The linear covariate of daily photoperiod (hours of daylight per 24 h) accounted for as much variation in prolactin prepartum and postpartum as did linear covariates of both photoperiod and average daily temperature. However, it was possible to account for additional seasonal variation in prolactin peripartum by addition of the temperature covariate to the photoperiod covariate. Although photoperiod was related either directly or indirectly more than temperature to factors affecting prolactin seasonally, these statistical inferences cannot prove that prolactin is more dependent on photoperiod than on temperature because the two metereorological measures were correlated (r = .84). When the data were grouped for correlation analysis by months, correlations between temperature and prolactin among prepartum samples collected in the spring and in the fall were positive, small but significant.
Abstract Planning with Unknown Object Quantities and Properties

State abstraction has been widely used for state aggregation in approaches to AI search and planning. In this paper we use a powerful abstraction technique from software model checking for representing collections of states with different object quantities and properties. We exploit this method to develop precise abstractions and action operators for use in AI. This enables us to find scalable, algorithm-like plans with branches and loops which can solve problems of unbounded sizes. We describe how this method of abstraction can be effectively used in AI, with compelling results from implementations of two planning algorithms.
Colon cancer screening in U.S. adults aged 65 and older according to life expectancy and age.

Objectives To examine receipt of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening according to age and life expectancy (LE) in adults aged 65 and older. Design Population-based survey. Setting United States. Participants Community dwelling adults aged 65 and older who participated in the 2008 or 2010 National Health Interview Survey (N = 7,747). Measurements Receipt of CRC screening (e.g., colonoscopy within 10 years) was examined according to age and LE (≥10 and <10 years), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and survey year. Frequency of CRC screening was also examined according to age and LE at time of screening (e.g., age at colonoscopy rather than at interview). Participants screened when they were aged 75 and older or had less than a 10-year LE were considered to have received screening inconsistent with guidelines. Results Overall, 38.5% of participants had less than a 10-year LE; 40.2% were aged 75 and older, and 56.3% had received recent CRC screening (90.1% by colonoscopy). CRC screening was higher in 2010 (58.9%) than 2008 (53.7%, P <.001) and was associated with longer LE and younger age, although 51.1% of adults aged 75 and older reported receiving CRC screening, as did 50.9% of adults with less than a 10-year LE. Based on age and LE at time of screening (rather than at interview), 28.4% of CRC screening of adults aged 65 and older was targeted to those aged 75 and older and those with less than a 10-year LE. Of adults aged 65 to 75 with a 10-year LE or more (adults recommended for screening by guidelines), 39.2% had not recently been screened. Conclusion Older adults with little chance of benefit because of limited LE commonly undergo CRC screening, whereas many adults aged 65 to 75 with a 10-year LE or greater are not screened.
On the diffusive wave approximation of the shallow water equations

In this paper, we study basic properties of the diffusive wave approximation of the shallow water equations (DSW). This equation is a doubly non-linear diffusion equation arising in shallow water flow models. It has been used as a model to simulate water flow driven mainly by gravitational forces and dominated by shear stress, that is, under uniform and fully developed turbulent flow conditions. The aim of this work is to present a survey of relevant results coming from the studies of doubly non-linear diffusion equations that can be applied to the DSW equation when topographic effects are ignored. In fact, we present proofs of the most relevant results existing in the literature using constructive techniques that directly lead to the implementation of numerical algorithms to obtain approximate solutions.
Mammalian MAPK Signal Transduction Pathways Activated by Stress and Inflammation: A 10-Year Update

The mammalian stress-activated families of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were first elucidated in 1994, and by 2001, substantial progress had been made in identifying the architecture of the pathways upstream of these kinases as well as in cataloguing candidate substrates. This information remains largely sound. Nevertheless, an informed understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of these kinases remained to be accomplished. In the past decade, there has been an explosion of new work using RNAi in cells, as well as transgenic, knockout and conditional knockout technology in mice that has provided valuable insight into the functions of stress-activated MAPK pathways. These findings have important implications in our understanding of organ development, innate and acquired immunity, and diseases such as atherosclerosis, tumorigenesis, and type 2 diabetes. These new developments bring us within striking distance of the development and validation of novel treatment strategies. Herein we first summarize the molecular components of the mammalian stress-regulated MAPK pathways and their regulation as described thus far. We then review some of the in vivo functions of these pathways.
Impaired Learning of Social Compared to Monetary Rewards in Autism

A leading hypothesis to explain the social dysfunction in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is that they exhibit a deficit in reward processing and motivation specific to social stimuli. However, there have been few direct tests of this hypothesis to date. Here we used an instrumental reward learning task that contrasted learning with social rewards (pictures of positive and negative faces) against learning with monetary reward (winning and losing money). The two tasks were structurally identical except for the type of reward, permitting direct comparisons. We tested 10 high-functioning people with ASD (7M, 3F) and 10 healthy controls who were matched on gender, age, and education. We found no significant differences between the two groups in terms of overall ability behaviorally to discriminate positive from negative slot machines, reaction-times, and valence ratings, However, there was a specific impairment in the ASD group in learning to choose social rewards, compared to monetary rewards: they had a significantly lower cumulative number of choices of the most rewarding social slot machine, and had a significantly slower initial learning rate for the socially rewarding slot machine, compared to the controls. The findings show a deficit in reward learning in ASD that is greater for social rewards than for monetary rewards, and support the hypothesis of a disproportionate impairment in social reward processing in ASD.
Strongly nonlinear convection cells in a rapidly rotating fluid layer: the tilted f-plane

Investigation of the linear stability problem for rapidly rotating convection on an f-plane has revealed the existence of two distinct scales in the vertical structure of the critical eigenfunctions: a small length scale whose vertical wavenumber kz is comparable with the large horizontal wavenumber k⊥ selected at onset, and a large-scale modulation which forms an envelope on the order of the layer depth d. The small-scale structure in the vertical results from a geostrophic balance imposed by the Taylor–Proudman constraint. This primary balance forces rotational alignment and confines fluid motions to planes perpendicular to the rotation axis. For convective transport in the vertical this constraint must be relaxed. This is achieved by molecular dissipation which allows weak upward (downward) spiralling of hot (cold) fluid elements across the Taylor–Proudman planes and results in a large-scale vertical modulation of the Taylor columns.In the limit of fast rotation (i.e. large Taylor number) a multiple-scales analysis leads to the determination of a critical Rayleigh number as a function of wavenumber, roll orientation and the tilt angle of the f-plane. The corresponding critical eigenfunction represents the core solution; matching to passive Ekman boundary layers is required for a complete solution satisfying boundary conditions.An extension of this analysis, introduced by Bassom & Zhang (1994), is used to describe strongly nonlinear two-dimensional convection, characterized by significant departures of the mean thermal field from its conduction profile. The analysis requires the solution of a nonlinear eigenvalue problem for the Nusselt number (for steady convection) and the Nusselt number and oscillation frequency (for the overstable problem). The solutions of this problem are used to calculate horizontal and vertical heat fluxes, as well as Reynolds stresses, as functions of both the latitude and roll orientation in the horizontal, and these are used to calculate self-consistently north–south and east–west mean flows. These analytical predictions are in good agreement with the results of three-dimensional simulations reported by Hathaway & Somerville (1983).
Effects of N*(1440) resonance on particle production in heavy-ion collisions at subthreshold energies

We study quantitatively the effects of the [ital N][sup *](1440) resonance on the production of kaons, antikaons, and antiprotons in heavy-ion collisions at subthreshold energies. It is found that baryon-baryon collisions involving the [ital N][sup *] have minor effects on the production of kaons and antikaons. For the production of antiprotons---considerably different from the previous finding that baryon-baryon collisions involving the [Delta](1232) dominate---we found that collisions involving the [ital N][sup *] are at least equally important as those involving the [Delta]. Medium effects such as the broadened resonance widths and decreased masses of nucleons and antinucleons are also discussed.
Research and Application of Dynamic Control System for Secondary Cooling of Billet Continuous Casting

The continuous casting process is used for the solidification of molten steel into semi-finished shapes. The technology of secondary cooling is extremely important for output of the casting machine and quality of the strand. This paper presents a dynamic control system, including solidification model in the secondary cooling, feedforward control based on continuous temperature measurement in tundish and feedback control based on surface temperature measurement. The mathematical model of solidification process is developed according to the principle of solidification, and the model is verified by measuring billet shell thickness through nail shooting and sulfur printing. Prime water distribution is calculated by solidification model according to procedure parameters. And it is adjusted by the other two control strategies on line. The control system is applied on some caster and the effect is obvious, which indicates that the dynamic control system is better than the conventional open-loop system.
A Study of the Refractory Borides

The phases of the binary systems of boron with Ce, Ti, Zr, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Th, and U were determined by X-ray examination of samples prepared by heating various mixtures of boron and the respective metal to elevated temperatures in an atmosphere of argon. Data were obtained on the sintering behavior and stability at high temperatures of many of the phases. Several phases have promising refractory properties for use under inert or reducing conditions.
Transient Response of an Oscillating Heat Pipe by a Pulsed Heating in a High Magnetic Field Environment

An experimental investigation of a compact, triple-layer oscillating heat pipe (OHP) has been conducted to determine the fast-transient heating effect on the heat transport capability of an OHP in a high magnetic field environment. The OHP has dimensions of 1.3 cm thick, 22.9 cm long, and 7.6 cm wide embedded with two-independent closed-loops forming three layers of channels. The OHP was directly clamped to a railgun system in a medium caliber launcher (MCL) and subjected to high current electric discharges occurring over several microseconds. The experimental results show that the OHP is capable of significantly reducing peak temperatures during a pulsed heating event over pure copper, even in the presence of relatively high magnetic fields.
Endometrial adenocarcinoma in a cat

An adenocarcinoma of the uterus simulating a gravid uterus occurred in an 11 1/2-year-old unspayed Siamese cat.
Curvilinear parabolic approximation for surface wave transformation with wave-current interaction

The direct coordinate transformation method, which only transforms independent variables and retains Cartesian dependent variables, may not be an appropriate method for the purpose of simplifying the curvilinear parabolic approximation of the vector form of the wave-current equation given by Kirby [Higher-order approximations in the parabolic equation method for water waves, J. Geophys. Res. 91 (1986) 933-952]. In this paper, the covariant-contravariant tensor method is used for the curvilinear parabolic approximation. We use the covariant components of the wave number vector and contravariant components of the current velocity vector so that the derivation of the curvilinear equation closely follows the higher-order approximation in rectangular Cartesian coordinates in Kirby [Higher-order approximations in the parabolic equation method for water waves, J. Geophys. Res. 91 (1986) 933-952]. The resulting curvilinear equation can be easily implemented using the existing model structure and numerical schemes adopted in the Cartesian parabolic wave model [J.T. Kirby, R.A. Dalrymple, F. Shi, Combined Refraction/Diffraction Model REF/DIF 1, Version 2.6. Documentation and User's Manual, Research Report, Center for Applied Coastal Research, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, 2004]. Several examples of wave simulations in curvilinear coordinate systems, including a case with wave-current interaction, are shown with comparisons to theoretical solutions or measurement data.
Mitogen activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 regulates bone mass, osteoblast gene expression, and responsiveness to parathyroid hormone

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) signaling via PTH 1 receptor (PTH1R) involves mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP1) dephosphorylates and inactivates MAPKs in osteoblasts, the bone-forming cells. We previously showed that PTH1R activation in differentiated osteoblasts upregulates MKP1 and downregulates pERK1/2–MAPK and cyclin D1. In this study, we evaluated the skeletal phenotype of Mkp1 knockout (KO) mice and the effects of PTH in vivo and in vitro. Microcomputed tomography analysis of proximal tibiae and distal femora from 12-week-old Mkp1 KO female mice revealed osteopenic phenotype with significant reduction (8–46%) in bone parameters compared with wild-type (WT) controls. Histomorphometric analysis showed decreased trabecular bone area in KO females. Levels of serum osteocalcin (OCN) were lower and serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b) was higher in KO animals. Treatment of neonatal mice with hPTH (1–34) for 3 weeks showed attenuated anabolic responses in the distal femora of KO mice compared with WT mice. Primary osteoblasts derived from KO mice displayed delayed differentiation determined by alkaline phosphatase activity, and reduced expressions of Ocn and Runx2 genes associated with osteoblast maturation and function. Cells from KO females exhibited attenuated PTH response in mineralized nodule formation in vitro. Remarkably, this observation was correlated with decreased PTH response of matrix Gla protein expression. Expressions of pERK1/2 and cyclin D1 were inhibited dramatically by PTH in differentiated osteoblasts from WT mice but much less in osteoblasts from Mkp1 KO mice. In conclusion, MKP1 is important for bone homeostasis, osteoblast differentiation and skeletal responsiveness to PTH.
The Legal Origin of the 2008 Credit Crisis

Experts still debate what caused the credit crisis of 2008. This article argues that dubious honor belongs first and foremost to a little-known statute called the Commodities Futures Modernization Act of 2000 (CFMA). Put simply, the credit crisis was not due primarily to changes in the markets, it was due to changes in the law. The crisis was the direct and foreseeable (and in fact foreseen by the author and others) consequence of the CFMA’s sudden and wholesale removal of centuries-old legal constraints on speculative trading in over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives. Derivative contracts are probabilistic bets on future events. They can be used to hedge, which reduces risk, but they also provide attractive vehicles for disagreement-based speculation that increases risk. Thus the social welfare consequences of derivatives trading depend as an empirical matter on whether the market is dominated by hedging or speculative transactions. The common law recognized the differing welfare consequences of hedging and speculation through a doctrine called “the rule against difference contracts” that treated derivative contracts that did not serve a hedging purpose as unenforceable wagers. Speculators responded by shifting their derivatives trading onto organized exchanges that provided private enforcement through clearinghouses in which exchange members guaranteed contract performance. The clearinghouses effectively cabined and limited the social cost of derivatives risk. In the twentieth century, the common law was replaced by the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA). Like the common law, the CEA confined speculative derivatives trading to the organized (and now-regulated) exchanges. This regulatory system also for many decades kept derivatives speculation from posing significant problems for the larger economy. These traditional legal restraints on OTC speculation were systematically dismantled during the 1980s and 1990s, culminating in the 2000 enactment of the CFMA. That legislation set the stage for the 2008 crises by legalizing, for the first time in U.S. history, speculative OTC trading in derivatives. The result was an exponential increase in the size of the OTC market, culminating in 2008 with the spectacular failures of several systematically important financial institutions (and the near-failures of several others) due to speculative derivatives losses. In the wake of the crisis, Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. Title VII of the Act is devoted to turning back the regulatory clock by restoring legal limits on speculative derivatives trading outside a clearinghouse. However, Title VII is subject to a number of possible exemptions that may limit its effectiveness, leading to continuing concern over whether we will see more derivatives-fueled institutional collapses in the future.