cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The cretaceous Aguas Buenas and Río Matón limestones of southern Puerto Rico

Abstract The Aguas Buenas and Rio Maton Limestones occur as small lenses along two stratigraphic horizons in the volcaniclastic sequence of southern Puerto Rico. The Aguas Buenas suite forms the base of the coarsely volcaniclastic Torrecilla Breccia (probably mid Cretaceous), and the Rio Maton suite forms the base of the distal volcaniclastic rocks of the Robles Formation (probably mid- to Upper Cretaceous). The limestones are biosparrudites and biomicrudites in which the principal allochems are pelecypods (rudists and oysters) plus variable amounts of unidentified molluscs, echinoderms, and red algae. All rocks were deposited in shoal environments, but reef frameworks and extensive back-reef deposits are absent. Thus, the limestones appear to have developed on either: 1) small, isolated prominences constructed by volcanism from a deep-water base; or 2) banks temporarily maintained at sea level as underlying subaerial volcanic suites subsided through sea level when the locus of active volcanism shifted away from the area. The covering of the Rio Maton shoals by distal subaqueous materials appears to have been caused by rapid subduction possibly associated with plate reorganization in the northeastern Caribbean.
Cloud computing and equal access for all

Web-2.0 applications use the Web as a platform for delivering end-user applications. This transformation has a profound impact on how applications are authored, deployed and consumed. Software applications in this environment are no longer monolithic --- instead, they are naturally separated into distributed components that implement application and interaction logic. The application logic along with user data resides in the network cloud; the user interface made up of presentation and interaction logic is delivered in a form best suited to the user's needs, e.g., via a universal client such as a Web browser.The advantages of this usage/delivery model for mainstream users has been widely explored in the last 18 months. This keynote focuses on the impact of this transformation on users with special needs. Today, the potential for universal access presented by applications delivered via the Web remains largely unrealized. This is partly due to the impedance mismatch that results from trying to treat interactive Web applications as static Web documents. Eliminating this impedance mismatch requires innovation at all levels of the technology stack with respect to:• How Web applications are authored and deployed,• How Web applications are consumed,• How Web interaction is augmented by adaptive technologies.This keynote will describe some of these challenges and the accompanying opportunities.
Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) release from soil during treatment with Fenton's reagent

Abstract Fenton's Reagent was used to treat soil from a wood-treating site in southeastern Ohio which had been contaminated with creosote. Slurries, consisting of 10 g of contaminated soil and 30 mL water were treated with 40 mL of Fenton's Reagent (1:1 of 30% H2O2 : 8.84 mM FeSO4). Concentrations of fourteen PAHs were monitored during 24 hours treatment. In preliminary experiments, we observed a significant increase in the extractibility of the PAHs after 1 hour of treatment. Twelve of the fourteen PAHs showed consistent increases (13 to 56%) in extractibility from soil after one hour of contact time with the Reagent. Only acenaphthylene and acenaphthene showed no increase in extractibility. Electron exchange by structural iron in clay mineral and the swelling of clay layers is proposed as the release mechanism of tightly held PAHs. Results obtained in this study suggest that this treatment may enhance soil remediation. The results also indicate that the PAH analytical method employed may provide inaccurate results in some situations.
Mechanism of the Trefonas Effect (Polyphotolysis) in Novolak−Diazonaphthoquinone Resists

Polyphotolysis, namely the behavior of polyfunctional photoactive components (PACs), is an important aspect of dissolution inhibition resists. Polyfunctional PACs produce higher lithographic contrast and lead to higher line resolution. The effect is so important that trifunctional diazonaphthoquinone PACs have become the industry standard, virtually eliminating the use of the corresponding monofunctional inhibitors. We believe that polyphotolysis depends on an interaction between phenolic strings emanating from the acceptor groups of PACs located on the same backbone molecule. In the coating solution the strings of the PACs meet and connect with each other, and these connections survive into the solid resist film. After partial exposure some of the strings are severed from their anchors and would lose their inhibiting power, were it not for an unexpected effect that allows the severed strings to be reconnected to still polarized, living strings. In this process of reconnection the living strings increase in length, and the final result of exposure is the replacement of two shorter polarized strings by a single longer one. Inhibition depends on the overall number of phenolic units taking part in polarized strings. If there is only a small change in the overall length of the phenolic strings in the system, there will be only a small change in dissolution rate. That is precisely what Trefonas and Daniels observed.
Single-channel quantum-defect theory for the description of doubly excited states of helium

A single-channel quantum-defect theory for the doubly excited states of helium is formulated in hyperspherical coordinates. For doubly excited states associated with each excited ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$(N) threshold, the outer electron experiences asymptotically a combined Coulomb and dipole potential, -1/R+\ensuremath{\alpha}/${\mathit{R}}^{2}$. The two independent solutions in the asymptotic region for energies below and above the threshold are explicitly given for both the attractive and the repulsive dipole potentials. Quantum defects for $^{1}$P\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} doubly excited states of five channels in the N=3 manifold and of the dominant channels below the N=2, 3, and 4 thresholds of ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ are calculated in a single-channel hyperspherical potential, and the results are compared with quantum defects extracted from other theoretical calculations and recent experimental results. Procedures for obtaining diabatic curves from the adiabatic potentials are also discussed.
Enhanced Kinetics of CO2 Hydrate Formation under Static Conditions

Trapping CO2 in hydrates is one of the new technologies for CO2 capture and storage. One of the primary obstacles to this option is the low formation rate. This work presents the rapid formation of CO2 hydrates with a small amount of cyclopentane (CP). The formation kinetics was investigated in a 474 cm3 nonstirred batch reactor with 100 and 200 cm3 of water. At volume ratios of CP to water between 0.01 and 0.1, the maximum growth rate is 0.32 mol h−1 at CO2 pressures ranging from 1.9 to 3.4 MPa and at 274 K. CO2 hydrates (sI) and CO2 + CP (sII) binary hydrates coexist at the end of hydrate growth. The mole ratio of CO2 entrapped in the sI hydrates to that in the sII binary hydrates is higher with 100 cm3 of water than with 200 cm3 of water. The same trend is also observed for the total amount of CO2 entrapped in the hydrate phase. The growth rate depends not only on the water volume but also on the pressure. The hydrate growth rate and the water conversion reach a maximum at 3.06 MPa and then decrease as...
Normal studies are essential for objective medical evaluations of children who may have been sexually abused.

The findings of carefully conducted research studies of non-abused children should be used in medical evaluations for suspected sexual abuse if they are to be legally defensible. These studies have shown that a "wide" hymenal opening and a "narrow" rim of hymen should not be used as markers of abuse. Conclusion: The study by Myhre and associates is another addition to a growing collection of good science in a field of medicine where objectivity is essential. Language: en
Synthesis of sulfated glycosaminoglycans by embryonic corneal epithelium

Abstract The primary corneal stroma is produced by the overlying epithelium. The endothelium appears between 4 and 5 days, fibroblasts at 6 days, and at 12 days the epithelium stratifies. We investigated the synthesis of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) by the epithelium during this developmentally significant period. The sulfated GAG synthesized by isolated 4–6-day-old corneal epithelia during the first 24 hr in vitro are entirely accountable for as chondroitin sulfates and heparan sulfates. Nearly 50% of the total sulfated GAG synthesized by epithelia on Millipore filters is lost to the medium, but only 30–40% is lost when frozen killed lens capsule or stroma is the substratum. Retention of isotope by the tissue is correlated with visible matrix polymerization. The relative amount of heparan sulfate synthesized by the developing epithelium 24 hr in vitro decreases from about 50% of the total sulfated GAG for 4-day-old epithelium to 12% for 12-day-old epithelium. A similar decrease in heparan sulfate synthesis occurs with time in culture. The relative amount of GAG identified as chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate is the same when 3 H-glucosamine is used to label GAG as when 35 SO 4 is used. We conclude that the corneal epithelium produces only sulfated polysaccharides. Since hyaluronate is synthesized by whole 5-day-old corneas, it must be the product of the endothelium.
The polarization of T(p, n)He3 neutrons for proton energies from 2.9 to 12 MeV

Abstract The polarization of neutrons produced in the T(p, n)He3 reaction was measured for proton energies from 2.9 to 12 MeV. Polarizations were determined by scattering from helium in a high-pressure cell. By recording the helium recoils in coincidence with the scattered neutrons, background counts were reduced. A magnetic field produced by a solenoid was used to rotate the polarization vector of the neutrons. The polarization near 45° in the centre-of-mass system decreases from 0.26±0.03 at 2.9 MeV to −0.20±0.04 at 12 MeV, passing through zero at about 4.8 MeV. The angular distribution of the polarization changes considerably as the proton energy increases from 2.9 to 6 MeV. However, the shape of the 12-MeV distribution is similar to that at 6 MeV.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in a neutropenic infant with cervical lymphadenitis

Physical Examination Physical examination at the time of admission revealed a febrile 7-monthold female with a respiratory rate of 26 breaths/minute, a heart rate of 128 beats/minute, weight of 7.9 kg (50th percentile), and height of 68 cm ( 50th percentile). Pertinent findings included a clear nasal discharge and a single 2.5 2.0 cm right anterior tender, nonmobile cervical lymph node, which was hard in consistency with mild erythema, without warmth. The remainder of the examination was unremarkable.
“Slimming” a Java virtual machine by way of cold code removal and optimistic partial program loading

Embedded systems provide limited storage capacity. This limitation conflicts with the demands of modern virtual machine platforms, which require large amounts of library code to be present on each client device. These conflicting requirements are often resolved by providing specialized embedded versions of the standard libraries, but even these stripped down libraries consume significant resources. We present a solution for ''always connected'' mobile devices based on a zero footprint client paradigm. In our approach, all code resides on a remote server. Only those parts of applications and libraries that are likely to be needed are transferred to the mobile client device. Since it is difficult to predict statically which library parts will be needed at run time, we combine static analysis, opportunistic off-target linking and lazy code loading to transfer code with a high likelihood of execution ahead of time while the other code, such as exception code, remains on the server and is transferred only on demand. This allows us to perform not only dead code elimination, but also aggressive elimination of unused code. The granularity of our approach is flexible from class files all the way down to individual basic blocks. Our method achieves total code size reductions of up to 95%.
Uniqueness of completions for linear time varying differential algebraic equations

Abstract The extent to which a completion x ′= G ( t ) x +∑ r i = 0 R i ( t ) f ( i ) ( t ) of a linear ti me varying differential algebraic equation E ( t ) x ′( t )+ F ( t ) x ( t )= f ( t ) is unique is carefully examined. The implications for numerical methods for solving DAEs based on differentiated equations are discussed.
A Framework for Multi-Level Reliability Evaluation of Electrical Energy Systems

This paper proposes a framework for multi-level reliability evaluation of electrical energy systems. Reliability, independent of the criteria (deterministic or probabilistic) used to measure it, is often treated as a binary variable, i.e, the system is considered to be reliable if it meets some intended function and unreliable otherwise. This binary approach is appropriate in systems with a single intended function or in which degraded performance is not allowed. Electrical energy systems are highly distributed and have multiple functions, i.e., deliver power to different loads. Furthermore, electrical energy systems are dynamic, both in operational conditions and physical structure, which has an additional impact on system performance, and therefore on reliability. In this context, the paper presents multiple levels of reliability and defines the concept of degraded performance for power systems work. The proposed multi-level reliability evaluation framework explicitly models both structural and operational uncertainty. It will become increasingly important as user-based reliability considerations become more prominent in electric power systems.
Modeling the GABA and ephaptic feedback mechanisms in cat outer retina

Background In cat, the onset of dim backgrounds can enhance smallspot flicker responses of retinal horizontal cells [1]. This is called background-induced flicker enhancement. A biophysical model involving neural subcircuits in the outerplexiform layer (OPL) of the retina was proposed to explain the enhancement effect [2]. The model states that hyperpolarization of horizontal cell dendritic terminals, conducted centripetally through gap junctions from rodinduced hyperpolarization of peripheral horizontal cells, increases the flow of calcium into the cone synaptic pedicle, stimulating transmitter release by the cone presynaptic apparatus, and resulting in an enhanced postsynaptic cone response. It remains controversial as to what causes the increased calcium entry in response to horizontal cell hyperpolarization, and two hypotheses which are hotly debated have received the most attention. The first hypothesis proposes that hyperpolarization of the horizontal cell reduces the release of a blocking agent (most likely gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)) from the horizontal cell, allowing more calcium to enter the cone synaptic terminal [2]. The second hypothesis contends that the rise of calcium current is GABA independent and is caused by an ephaptic mechanism in which hemichannels (half of a gap junction) and a relatively high intersynaptic resistance play the key role [3,4]. It speculates that hyperpolarization of horizontal cells leads to an increased hemichannelmediated current flow through the intersynaptic cleft into the horizontal cell. As a result, the potential drop over the intersynaptic resistance will increase, and the nearby voltage-dependent calcium channels in the cone membrane will sense a local depolarization, giving rise to an augmented calcium influx. Although several experiments seem to support the ephaptic hypothesis [3,5,6], some recent experimental [7] and computational [8] analyses question its significance. However, it is still premature to dismiss the ephaptic hypothesis based on these recent results.
Notes concerning the cause and treatment ofceliac disease

Summary These objective data suggest that the defect in intestinal absorption of fat and carbohydrate in celiac disease lies within the intestinal mucosa. The absorption of fat in celiac disease, as well as the intestinal motility, absorption of glucose, and the clinical course, are favorably influenced by crude extracts of liver and the B complex of vitamins given parenterally. A tentative plan for the treatment of celiac disease is outlined. We are at present seeking to identify the active factor or factors in these substances and to understand their mode of action in celiac disease and on the intermediary metabolism of fat and carbohydrate in the intestinal mucosa.
Capacitive-mesh output couplers for optically pumped far-infrared lasers

The use of capacitive-mesh output couplers for optically pumped far-infrared molecular lasers has been extended throughout the far-infrared spectrum, between 42 microm and 1.2 mm, and the optimum grid constants have been found for several lines. At shorter wavelengths, performance has been improved by the use of a novel hybrid capacitive-mesh hole output coupler.
Teaching medical students the art of medical error full disclosure: evaluation of a new curriculum.

Background: Despite the acknowledgment that error disclosure is essential to patient safety and the patient–provider relationship, there is little undergraduate training related to error disclosure. Description: Pilot test and evaluate an educational module designed to improve student confidence in understanding and performing medical error disclosure. The training was designed to establish competency in the four Rs of apology—recognition, responsibility, regret, and remedy—and included a 3-hr interactive discussion, training DVDs, practice of full disclosure using standardized patients, and facilitated reflection. Students were assessed pre and post using a self-administered confidence survey. Evaluations: Confidence among students improved significantly from 11.5 ± 2.9 before to 15.3 ± 1.3 after the module (p <.0001). Conclusions: The full disclosure educational module significantly improved students' perceived confidence in admitting medical errors and their confidence in understanding and performing t...
Farewell to the luck (and Mind) argument

In this paper I seek to defend libertarianism about free will and moral responsibility against two well-known arguments: the luck argument and the Mind argument. Both of these arguments purport to show that indeterminism is incompatible with the degree of control necessary for free will and moral responsibility. I begin the discussion by elaborating these arguments, clarifying important features of my preferred version of libertarianism—features that will be central to an adequate response to the arguments—and showing why a strategy of reconciliation (often referred to as “deliberative libertarianism”) will not work. I then consider four formulations of the luck argument and find them all wanting. This discussion will place us in a favorable position to understand why the Mind argument also fails.
Effects of dietary chromium supplementation on cardiac mass, metabolic enzymes, and contractile proteins

Abstract Chromium, a popular but controversial micronutrient, can increase skeletal muscle growth when provided in supplemented quantities, presumably because of its suspected insulin like action. Whether chromium similarly affects cardiac muscle is an important issue because inappropriate cardiac growth can suggest decrements in cardiac performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if chromium supplementation impacted contractile and metabolic properties of the heart. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received a semi-purified basal diet supplemented with 300 PPB chromium picolinate (CONTR), or supplemented with 1500 PPB chromium picolinate (SUPPLEM). After 12 weeks on the respective diets, animals were killed, and the left ventricles removed and analyzed for differences in cardiac metabolic and contractile proteins. Chromium supplementation failed to alter body weights, left ventricular mass, total protein content, and myofibrillar protein content, citrate synthase, or hexokinase activity. The amount of the high ATPase myosin isoform, V1 was diminished by 11% in the SUPPLEM group (p ≤ 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the adaptive response of the heart to dietary chromium supplementation is limited to changes in the myosin isoform. These changes may provide the heart with a more economical contractile apparatus without compromising cardiac performance.
Differential effects of low-frequency rTMS at the occipital pole on visual-induced alpha desynchronization and visual-evoked potentials

Visual-induced alpha desynchronization (VID) and visual-evoked potentials (VEPs) characterize occipital activation in response to visual stimulation but their exact relationship is unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that VID and VEPs reflect different aspects of cortical activation. For this purpose, we determined whether VID and VEPs are differentially modulated by low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the occipital pole. Scalp EEG responses to visual stimuli (flashed either to the left or to the right visual field) were recorded for 8 min in six healthy subjects (1) before, (2) immediately following, and (3) 20 min after left occipital rTMS (1 Hz, 10 min). The parameters aimed to reduce cortical excitability beyond the end of the TMS train. In addition, simple reaction times to visual stimulation were recorded (left or right hand in separate blocks). In all subjects, VID was significantly and prominently reduced by rTMS (P = 0.0001). In contrast, rTMS failed to modulate early VEP components (P1/N1). A moderate effect was found on a late VEP component close to manual response onset (P = 0.014) but this effect was in the opposite direction to the VID change. All changes were restricted to the targeted left occipital cortex. The effects were present only after right visual field stimulation when a right hand response was required, were associated with a behavioral effect, and had washed out 20 min after rTMS. We conclude that VID and early VEPs represent different aspects of cortical activation. The findings that rTMS did not change early VEPs and selectively affected VID and late VEPs in conditions where the visual input must be transferred intrahemispherically for visuomotor integration (right visual field/right hand) are suggestive of rTMS interference with higher-order visual functions beyond visual input. This is consistent with the idea that alpha desynchronization serves an integrative role through a corticocortical "gating function."
Therapeutically reeducating macrophages to treat GBM

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of aggressive malignant brain cancer. The current lack of successful therapeutics means that this disease has a dismal prognosis. However, a new study in mice offers hope for patients with GBM by demonstrating the efficacy of a novel drug that targets GBM-associated macrophages (pages 1264–1272).
Association between dietary sodium and potassium intake with chronic kidney disease in US adults: a cross-sectional study.

Background/Aims: Clinical guidelines recommend a diet low in sodium and high in potassium to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular events. Little is known about the relationship between dietary sodium and potassium intake and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: 13,917 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2006) were examined. Sodium and potassium intake were calculated from 24-hour recall and evaluated in quartiles. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 2 or eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2 with albuminuria (>30 mg/g creatinine). Results: The mean (SE) age and eGFR of participants were 45.0 ± 0.4 years and 88.0 ± 0.60 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. 2,333 (14.2%) had CKD: 1,146 (7.3%) had an eGFR 2 and 1,514 (8.4%) had an eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and albuminuria. After adjustment for age, sex, race, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure, subjects in the highest quartile of sodium intake had lower odds of CKD compared to subjects in the lowest quartile (adjusted OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.66-0.96; p Conclusions: Higher intake of sodium and potassium is associated with lower odds of CKD among US adults. These results should be corroborated through longitudinal studies and clinical trials designed specifically to examine the effects of dietary sodium and potassium intake on kidney disease and its progression.
Distinct Structural Mechanisms for Inhibition of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase Isoforms by AZD7545, Dichloroacetate, and Radicicol

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) isoforms are molecular switches that downregulate the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) by reversible phosphorylation in mitochondria. We have determined structures of human PDK1 or PDK3 bound to the inhibitors AZD7545, dichloroacetate (DCA), and radicicol. We show that the trifluoromethylpropanamide end of AZD7545 projects into the lipoyl-binding pocket of PDK1. This interaction results in inhibition of PDK1 and PDK3 activities by aborting kinase binding to the PDC scaffold. Paradoxically, AZD7545 at saturating concentrations robustly increases scaffold-free PDK3 activity, similar to the inner lipoyl domain. Good DCA density is present in the helix bundle in the N-terminal domain of PDK1. Bound DCA promotes local conformational changes that are communicated to both nucleotide-binding and lipoyl-binding pockets of PDK1, leading to the inactivation of kinase activity. Finally, radicicol inhibits kinase activity by binding directly to the ATP-binding pocket of PDK3, similar to Hsp90 and Topo VI from the same ATPase/kinase superfamily.
The impacts of eBay on an information-based economy

Many new Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have emerged due to the internet and have benefited from new tools and business models. eBay has become internationally known for B2C and C2C e-commerce. This paper presents a case study to illustrate eBay's impacts and the tools which facilitate the eBay experience.
Generalized characteristic equation of branching information measures

The problem of determining all branching measures of inset information on open domains leads to the functional equation (*) $$\phi _1 (p,q) + \phi _2 (p + q,r) = \phi _3 (p,r) + \phi _4 (p + r,q)$$ for (p, q, r) inD 3 and real-valued mapsφ 1 (i = 1,⋯, 4) onD 2. Here, we letJ = ]0, 1[ m for some (fixed) positive integerm, and $$D_n = \left\{ {(p_1 ,p_2 , \ldots ,p_n )|p_i \in Jforalli,\sum\limits_{i = 1}^n {p_i \in J} } \right\}$$ forn = 2, 3,⋯. The main result of the paper is the general solution of equation (*). The general solution of (*) in the special case when the four unknown functions are equal and symmetric follows from a 1974 paper of Ng (Representation for measures of information with the branching property, Inform. and Control25, 45–56). The reduction of (*) to this special case is not easy, however, because of the absence of zeros from the domain. The first step is the known reduction of (*) to the two equations $$\begin{gathered} h(p,q) + k(p + q,r) = h(p,r) + k(p + r,q), \hfill \\ f(p,q) + g(p + q,r) + f(p,r) + g(p + r,q) = 0, \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ for (p, q, r) ∈ D 3 and real-valued mapsf, g, h, k onD 2. Equation (A) is eventually reduced to the special case with which Ng dealt. Some new methods developed include the general solution of some Sincov-type equations on restricted domains, and the general solution of $$U(x,y) = \Phi (x + y,q) - \Phi (x,q) - \Phi (y,q) - m(q)$$ for (x, y, q) ∈ D 3 and real-valued mapsm (onJ),U (onD 2), and skew-symmetric Ф (onD 2).
Abstract 5503: Anti-proliferative role of MMP-9 and uPAR/cathepsin B knockdown in negative regulation of DNA repair mechanisms in human glioma xenografts

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most lethal forms of brain tumors. Efficient repair of DNA damage, especially double strand breaks (DSBs) and anti-apoptotic mechanisms associated with GBM, makes treating GBM challenging. In the present study, siRNA-mediated transcriptional silencing of MMP-9 and uPAR (MU) and MMP-9 and cathepsin B (MC) in 4910 and 5310 glioma xenograft cells had significant anti-proliferative effect as assessed by BrdU, MTT and clonogenic assays. FACS analysis revealed cells were in sub-G0-G1 phase after xenograft cells were treated with MU or MC. We also investigated the role of MU or MC knockdown in reducing DNA damage response (DDR), which eventually leads to apoptosis in glioma xenograft cells. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed downregulation of DNA PKcs and Ku70/80 levels, which are responsible for non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair. Elevated γH2AX protein expression and increased comet tail length indicated that the reduced NHEJ DNA repair led to accumulation of DSBs in MU and MC knocked down cells. The binding efficiency of Ku70 and Ku80 to DSB was significantly reduced in glioma cells treated with MU or MC. In addition, we noticed a reduced γH2AX and Ku70/Ku80 colocalization at DSBs in MU- and MC-treated xenograft cells. Moreover, MU and MC knockdown in these xenograft cells resulted in the downregulation of several other proteins involved in DNA damage response and the survival pathway (e.g., ATM, Rad 51, CHK2, EGFR, Akt, and ERK). Immunohistochemistry of the brain sections of xenografts injected into nude mice showed a reduced expression of DNA PKcs in animals treated with MU and MC siRNA. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that silencing via MU and MC not only negatively regulates DNA damage response, but also downregulates the proteins associated with the survival pathway. Based on these findings, it appears that silencing MU or MC in addition to radiation could be an effective strategy to treat radioresistant high-grade gliomas, where treatment usually fails due to the enhanced repair of DSBs induced by radiation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5503. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5503
Minimum slugging velocity in fluidized beds containing vertical rods

A new method for determining the onset of slugging in fluidized beds is presented. Pressure-drop fluctuations, measured from below the distributor to the gas exit line, are transformed to the frequency domain by the power spectral density function (PSDF). The dominant frequency of the PSDF corresponds to the eruption frequency of bubbles or slugs. A fluidized bed is in the slugging regime when this dominant frequency, fd, remains constant with changing gas velocity. This method is an improvement over previous methods because of the simple nature of the apparatus required, and because it is possible to locate the pressure probes so that they do not interfere with the fluidization or undergo rapid wear from the constant particle movement. This method was used to determine the gas velocity corresponding to the transition from the bubbling to the slugging regime for a 10 cm diameter bed of sand fluidized with air and containing three 1.9-cm diameter vertical rods at 5.2 cm centre-to-centre triangular spacing and extending the length of the bed, and to compare the results with those from the same bed without any internal rods. The presence of the vertical rods inhibited the onset of the slugging regime, and significantly extended the bubbling regime to higher gas velocities.
On ATPG for Multiple Aggressor Crosstalk Faults

Crosstalk faults have emerged as a significant mechanism of circuit failure due to decreasing process geometries and increasing operation frequencies. Long signal nets are highly susceptible to crosstalk faults because they tend to have a higher coupling capacitance to overall capacitance ratio. Moreover, a typical long net also has multiple aggressors. In generating patterns to create maximal crosstalk induced delay on a victim net, it may be impossible to activate all aggressors logically or simultaneously to constructively induce maximum noise at the victim. Therefore, pattern generation must focus on activating a maximal subset of aggressors, weighted by actual coupling capacitance value, in close temporal proximity of the victim net transition. This max-satisfiability problem is constrained by fault effect propagation condition which involves determining an input signal assignment so as to propagate the fault effect at the victim to the primary output. In this paper, we present Automatic Test Pattern Generation (ATPG) solutions for multiple aggressor crosstalk faults for zero and unit delay models and compare the magnitude of crosstalk induced delay at the victim net. Our solution involves a combination of 0-1 Integer Linear Programming (ILP), for maximal aggressor excitation. Fault effect propagation is solved independently by using traditional stuck-at fault ATPG or by generating additional ILP constraints thus forming a integrated ILP formulation with error propagation. The effect of gate delays is summed by circuit transformation. The proposed technique was applied to ISCAS85 benchmark circuits. Results indicate that the percentage of total capacitance that can be switched varies from 75-100% for zero delay and 30-80% for variable delay case while achieving propagation of the fault effect to primary output.
DNA Immunization with the Cysteine-Rich Interdomain Region 1 of the Plasmodium falciparum Variant Antigen Elicits Limited Cross-Reactive Antibody Responses

The variant surface antigens of Plasmodium falciparum are an important component of naturally acquired immunity and an important vaccine target. However, these proteins appear to elicit primarily variant-specific antibodies. We tested if naked DNA immunization can elicit more cross-reactive antibody responses and allow simultaneous immunization with several variant constructs. Mice immunized with plasmid DNA expressing variant cysteine-rich interdomain region 1 (CIDR1) domains of the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) developed antibodies that were reactive to the corresponding PfEMP1s as measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and agglutination of parasitized erythrocytes (PEs). We observed some cross-reactive immune responses; for example, sera from mice immunized with one domain agglutinated PEs of various lines and recognized heterologous domains expressed on the surface of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. We found no significant antigenic competition when animals were immunized with a mixture of plasmids or immunized sequentially with individual constructs. Moreover, mixed or sequential immunizations resulted in greater cross-reactive agglutination responses than immunization with a single domain. Recombinant protein (Sc y179) immunization after priming with DNA (prime-boost regimen) increased antibody titers to the homologous domain substantially but seemed to diminish the cross-reactive responses somewhat. The titer of agglutinating antibodies was previously shown to correlate with protection. Surprisingly, the agglutination titers of sera from DNA immunization were high, similar to those of pooled human hyperimmune sera. These sera also appeared to give limited low-titer variant transcending agglutination. Thus, DNA immunization appears to be a very useful tool for developing variant antigen vaccines.
Icy wave-cloud lunar corona and cirrus iridescence

Dual-polarization lidar data and radiosonde data are used to determine that iridescence in cirrus and a lunar corona in a thin wave cloud were caused by tiny ice crystals, not droplets of liquid water. The size of the corona diffraction rings recorded in photographs is used to estimate the mean diameter of the diffracting particles to be 14.6 μm, much smaller than conventional ice crystals. The iridescent cloud was located at the tropopause [∼11–13.6 km above mean sea level (ASL)] with temperature near −70 °C, while the more optically pure corona was located at approximately 9.5 km ASL with temperature nearing −60 °C. Lidar cross-polarization ratios of 0.5 and 0.4 confirm that ice formed both the iridescence and the corona, respectively.
Surveillance for Equity in Primary Health Care: Policy Implications from International Experience

Experience around the world shows that health agencies can promote community-based surveillance for equity to focus low-cost interventions on priority needs. Social inequities which have seemed intractable can be resolved if care responds directly to demonstrated need. The concept of promoting equity as a basic principle of primary health care has an interesting psychological twist. The ethical imperative of equity can strengthen services when linked with the practical management tool of surveillance. Moral conviction in applying this social justice norm can facilitate action which is made efficient by the realism of statistically based methods of surveillance. If international agencies condition their aid on surveillance for equity their assistance will more likely go to those in greatest need. This is a more efficient and effective way of tracking their money than the previous tendency to set up vertical programmes which generally have poor sustainability. Surveillance helps mobilize political will and community participation by providing practical data for local, district and national decision-makers. The many field demonstrations of successful surveillance for equity tend to have been brushed off by development experts who say they are difficult to replicate nationally. The Model County Project in China shows how a systematic extension process can test procedures in experimental areas and adapt them for general implementation. Surveillance can help bureaucracies maintain capacity for flexible and prompt response as decentralization promotes decision-making by local units which are held responsible for meeting equity targets. Surveillance for equity provides a mechanism to ensure such accountability.
Probe of coherent and quantum states in narrow-gap semiconductors in the presence of strong spin-orbit coupling

In light of the growing interest in spin-related phenomena and devices, there is now a renewed interest in the science and engineering of narrow gap semiconductors. They offer several scientifically unique electronic features such as a small effective mass, a large g-factor, a high intrinsic mobility, and large spin-orbit coupling effects. Our studies have been focused on probing and controlling the coherent and quantum states in InSb quantum wells and InMnAs ferromagnetic semiconductors. Our observations are providing new information regarding the optical control of carriers and spins in these material systems. We demonstrated the generation of spin polarized photo-current in an InSb QW where a non-equilibrium spin population has been achieved by using circularly polarized radiation. In addition, the differential transmission measurements in InSb QWs demonstrated that the initial distribution function strongly influences the carrier relaxation dynamics. We employed the polarization-resolved differential transmission as well as the MOKE measurements to provide information on the spin relaxation dynamics in MOVPE grown InMnAs. Our measured T1 is comparable to the reported measurements in MBE grown InMnAs and several time resolved measurements on InAs.
Hormonal control of sexual receptivity during the estrous cycle of the rat

Abstract The effects of ovarian hormones on the display of sexual receptivity were investigated in female rats showing 4-day estrous cycles. Acute ovariectomies were performed on the day of expected behavioral estrus, timed so that the influence of ovarian estrogen alone, or of ovarian estrogen plus progesterone could be evaluated. High levels of receptivity can be elicited only following the combined action of estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen alone is not sufficient; supplementary estradiol benzoate fails to induce estrous behavior if the facilitative action of progesterone is prevented. Biphasic effects of progesterone were not detected under the physiological conditions employed and most likely are of minimal importance in regulating the duration of behavioral estrus. Estrus duration is controlled primarily by the levels of estrogen which condition the neural substrate for lordosis during the 24–36 hr period preceding the onset of receptivity. Exogenous estradiol benzoate added to the estrogen already secreted by the ovaries prolongs the period during which lordosis behavior can be elicited by progesterone injection. Possible contributing effects of adrenal progesterone to the control of estrous behavior were examined.
Functional Geometry of the Permeation Pathway of Ca2+-activated Cl− Channels Inferred from Analysis of Voltage-dependent Block

Abstract We examined the voltage-dependent block of Ca2+-activated Cl− channels by anthacene-9-carboxylic acid (A9C), diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid (DPC), 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS), and niflumic acid (NFA) in excised inside-out and outside-out patches fromXenopus oocytes. The fraction of the voltage field (δ) experienced by the blocking drug was determined from the voltage dependence of block. All the drugs blocked by entering the channel from the outside. δ was 0.6 for A9C, 0.3 for DPC and DIDS, and A9C > DIDS > DPC (K i (μm) = 10.1, 18.3, 48, and 111, respectively). Because the drugs are hydrophobic, they can cross the bilayer when applied from the inside and block the channel from the outside. The equilibrium geometries of the blockers were determined by molecular modeling and compared with their blocking positions (δ). This analysis suggests that the channel is an elliptical cone with the largest opening facing the extracellular space. The selectivity filter has an apparent size of 0.33 × 0.75 nm, because C(CN)3 −, which has these dimensions, permeates. The external opening is at least 0.60 × 0.94 nm, because DPC has these dimensions and penetrates the channel ∼30%.
Progress‐report of the Jesuit Seismological Association for the years 1941, 1942, and 1943

The tripartite arrangement between Science Service, the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, and the Jesuit Seismological Association has continued in fruitful operation during these years in spite of the difficult circumstances created by the war. Through this arrangement, telegraphic reports are received from important stations in the United States so that immediate determinations of the epicenters of earthquakes can be made independently by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey in Washington and the Central Station of the Jesuit Seismological Association in Saint Louis, In addition to this excellent arrangement, the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey has made available by mail to the Central Station of the Jesuit Seismological Association in Saint Louis information on earthquakes transmitted through courtesy of the State, War, and Navy Departments from such stations in the Pacific Area as Fairbanks and Sitka (Alaska), Honolulu (Territory of Hawaii), Brisbane, Perth, and Riverview (Australia), Wellington (New Zealand), Apia (Samoa), and Balboa Heights (Canal Zone). In addition to these, reports are received by mail from Tacubaya (Mexico) and from Bogota (Colombia), and through the courtesy of the Carnegie Institution of Washington readings are also obtained from the seismograms of the station at Huancayo (Peru).
The Comparative Analysis of Structure and Technology: A Critical Appraisal

The comparative analysis of organizational structure and technology has become one of the most important means of analyzing organizational phenomena. It is therefore necessary to inquire into its limitations. This investigation, based on a critical review of the pertinent literature, identifies and discusses four key problem areas, including (a) finding structural and technological patterns instead of developing theories to explain the patterns, (b) trying to understand social entities without reference to their components, (c) the assumption that structure and technology are independent concepts, and (d) the lack of a design orientation. Where possible, suggestions are made on how to overcome these problems and illustrative solutions from other organizational paradigms are furnished.
Interactive Effect of Cigarette Smoke Extract and World Trade Center Dust Particles on Airway Cell Cytotoxicity

Rescue workers and residents exposed to the environment surrounding the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) on September 11, 2001, have suffered a disproportionate incidence of chronic lung disease attributed to the inhalation of airborne dust. To date, the pathophysiology of this lung disease is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine whether airborne dust contaminants recovered from the surrounding area 24–48 h after the collapse of the WTC demonstrate direct cytotoxicity to two airway cell types that were most directly exposed to inhaled dust, airway epithelial and smooth muscle cells. It was also of interest to determine whether the presence of these dusts could modulate the effects of cigarette smoke on these cell types in that some of the individuals who responded to the collapse site were also smokers. Human cultured airway epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells were exposed to 10% cigarette smoke extract (CSE), WTC dust particles (10–53 μm; 0.01–0.5 μg/μl), or a combination of the two for...
Endothelin-1 receptor blockade and its effect on chronic rejection.

ENDOTHELIN-l (ET-l), a 21 amino acid peptide with potent vasoconstrictive properties has been implicated in the development of acute allograft rejection.) It is primarily produced by endothelial cells and its secretion, during acute rejection episodes, has been shown to be upregulated by TGFf3 and other proinflammatory cytokines released by graft infiltrating cells.) Additionally, ET-l has also been shown to facilitate proliferation of a-smooth muscle actin-positive (a-smA +) cells? Given that proliferation and/or accumulation of a-smA + cells is a prominent feature in neointimal thickening encountered in posttransplant vasculopathy, it is rational to propose that ET-l may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this lesion. To test this tenet, we proceeded to block ET-receptors (both ETA and ET B) by bosentan (a non peptide antagonist of ET -1) and to study its influence on the evolvement of chronic rejection (CR) in an established mouse model of aortic allotransplantation.3
Status of Deregulation and Locational Marginal Pricing in Power Markets

In this paper, we present the status of electricity deregulation in the United States. Furthermore, we describe the use and advantages and disadvantages of locational marginal pricing (LMP) in deregulated power markets. Finally, we present the use of LMP in analyzing electricity pricing in a deregulated electric utility environment. Using LMP, our proposed methodology for determining electricity prices in deregulated power markets is presented as an optimization problem that aims to minimize the total system production cost subject to physical and operational power system constraints. As building blocks in our modeling and analysis, we consider NERC guidelines for regional generation and transmission planning. We show an application of LMP in analyzing a six-bus test system. The details of the test system are included in this paper.