cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paleomagnetic contributions to the Klamath Mountains terrane puzzle—A new piece from the Ironside Mountain batholith, northern California

Abstract We obtained paleomagnetic samples from six sites within the Middle Jurassic Ironside Mountain batholith (~ 170 Ma), which constitutes the structurally lowest part of the Western Hayfork terrane, in the Klamath Mountains province of northern California and southern Oregon. Structural attitudes measured in the coeval Hayfork Bally Meta-andesite were used to correct paleomagnetic data from the batholith. Comparing the corrected paleomagnetic pole with a 170-Ma reference pole for North America indicates 73.5° ± 10.6° of clockwise rotation relative to the craton. Nearly one-half of this rotation may have occurred before the terrane accreted to the composite Klamath province at ~ 168 Ma. No latitudinal displacement of the batholith was detected.
A new procedure for determining dl amino acid ratios in fossils using reverse phase liquid chromatography

Abstract Amino acid geochronology is based largely on the extent of racemization in fossils, as measured by the ratio amounts of d - and l -isomers. Here we report a new, fully automated reverse phase HPLC procedure for simple and precise stereoisomeric separations. At least nine pairs of dl -amino acids are separated with baseline resolution in 75 min using commercially available reagents and equipment. By optimizing precolumn derivatization, we attained compound detectability in the sub-picomole range, sufficient for milligram-size molluscan samples. Analytical reproducibility for nine dl ratios in four fossils spanning a broad range of ages averages 7% (n=14–28). Asp and Glu dl ratios are the most consistently well resolved and reproduced, with analytical variations of 2 and 3%, respectively. Ratios in three fossil mollusc samples analyzed by the new method and measured previously by GC-based laboratories overlap in 17 out of 18 cases, when considering the ±1 sd analytical errors and ±1 sd inter-laboratory variation. To determine the hydrolysis procedure that minimizes induced racemization while maximizing amino acid recovery, we hydrolyzed seven powdered molluscan fossils of different ages and genera for 0–48 h at 110°C. Concentrations of most amino acids reached a stable plateau after 6–8 h. For young samples, in which faster-racemizing amino acids are targeted (especially Asp), a hydrolysis time of 6 h minimizes induced racemization while attaining nearly complete amino acid recovery. For older samples, 22 h at 110°C is preferred.
Changes in the physiological performance and energy metabolism of an estuarine mysid (Mysidopsis bahia) exposed in the laboratory through a complete life cycle to the defoliant DEF

Abstract Measures of physiological performance and energy metabolism were made on an estuarine mysid ( Mysidopsis bahia ) exposed throughout a life cycle to the defoliant DEF. Continuous exposure to DEF concentrations ≥ 0.246 μg/l reduced survival through release of the first brood. Young production by individual females was completely arrested in DEF concentrations ≥ 0.606 μg/l. Life-cycle exposure to concentrations ≥ 0.085 μg DEF/l reduced young production by the population. An interaction between mysid age and DEF exposure concentration modified growth rates and energy metabolism. Growth of early juveniles was not altered by DEF exposure. However, concentrations ≥ 0.140 μg/l and ≥ 0,085 μg/l retarded growth rates in older juveniles and young adults, respectively. Exposure to these same DEF concentrations stimulated respiration rates of most juvenile stages and young adults. Following 5-days exposure to DEF concentrations ≥ 0.085 μg/l, mysids excreted less ammonia. O:N ratios of unexposed mysids became lower as juveniles matured, while DEF exposure resulted in higher O:N ratios. Higher O:N ratios during maturation of DEF-exposed mysids suggests greater reliance on energy-rich lipid substrates to support elevated metabolic demands, leaving reduced lipid for reproductive preparations.
Thin films and solar energy applications

Abstract Solar energy is diffuse (1 kW m 2 at sea level) and its large scale utilization will require covering very large areas with solar energy conversion devices. For example, to produce all the electrical energy consumed in the US today, about 10,000 km2 of its area would need to be covered by devices which can convert sunlight into electricity with an efficiency of 10%. Economic considerations dictate that thin films will play a central role in the exploitation of solar energy. This paper will review the use of thin films in solar-thermal and solar-photovoltaic converters. In the former, thin film selective absorbers can increase the efficiency with which sunlight is transformed into heat. The problems of thermal absorber surfaces for concentrator systems will be discussed. In the case of solar-photovoltaic converters, the criteria for selection of appropriate semiconductors; grain size considerations; grain boundary problems: anti-reflection coatings and thin metal films in contacts will be discussed. The state of the art in selected thin film systems including the CuxS/CdS cell; the indium tin oxide on silicon cell and the metal insulator silicon cell; the CuInSe2/CdS and the amorphous silicon cell will be discussed.
Nuclear magnetic relaxation study of hindered rotational diffusion in gels

Polymeric gels are widely used in biotechnology, primarily for purification purposes in separation processes, but also as matrices for the physical entrapment of cells and macromolecules, or for the covalent attachment of enzymes and ligands (Mosbach. 1976). The restricted diffusion of molecules through these gels is an important concern in the design and operation of chromatographic separations, bioreactors, electrophoretic media, etc. Yet the fundamental aspects of the interactions between the gel fibers and the diffusing substances are still poorly understood. In this research note, nuclear magnetic relaxation is shown to be a useful probe pf the tumbling motion of molecules embedded in a gel. The technique is applied to study the rotational diffusion of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in polyacrylamide and agarose matrices.
Post-column oxidation of purpald–aldehyde adducts at nickel electrodes

Abstract Purpald (4-amino-3-hydrazino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole), a chromogenic agent for the detection of aldehydes after TLC has been studied as a possible post-column derivatizing agent for improving the detectability of aldehydes after HPLC separation. In the first step of a two step reaction, Purpald forms a colorless adduct with aldehydes. Subsequent oxidation of the colorless adduct by air or other means yields a highly colored compound in the second step. The oxidized Purpald–aldehyde adduct is deep purple in color and has an absorption maximum at 550 nm. An on-line post-column electrochemical reactor has been investigated as a possible alternative to air or chemical oxidation for the analysis of aldehydes using HPLC. The method was shown to form colored adducts in bulk solution and on-line using electrochemical oxidation at nickel electrodes for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and propionaldehyde. There was a marked increase in reaction time in bulk solution as the molecular mass of the aldehyde increased. Thus, when performing chromatography using on-line electrochemical oxidation the sensitivity of the method decreased significantly as the aldehyde molecular mass increased. Reactor design, electrode configurations, electrode potentials, and optimum reaction conditions are described.
On the Role of SST Forcing in the 2011 and 2012 Extreme U.S. Heat and Drought: A Study in Contrasts

This study compares the extreme heat and drought that developed over the United States in 2011 and 2012 with a focus on the role of SST forcing. Experiments with the NASA GEOS-5 atmospheric general circulation model show that the winter/spring response over the U.S. to the Pacific SST is remarkably similar for the two years despite substantial differences in the tropical Pacific SST. As such, the pronounced winter and early spring temperature differences between the two years (warmth confined to the south in 2011 and covering much of the continent in 2012) primarily reflect differences in the contributions from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, with both acting to cool the east and upper mid-west during 2011, while during 2012 the Indian Ocean reinforced the Pacific-driven continental-wide warming and the Atlantic played a less important role. During late spring and summer of 2011 the tropical Pacific SST force a continued warming and drying over the southern U.S., though considerably weaker than observed. Nevertheless, the observed anomalies fall within the models intra-ensemble spread. In contrast, the rapid development of intense heat and drying over the central U.S. during June and July of 2012 falls outside the models intra-ensemble spread. The response to the SST (a northward expansion of a modest summer warming linked to the Atlantic) gives little indication that 2012 would produce record-breaking precipitation deficits and heat in the central Great Plains. A diagnosis of the 2012 observed circulation anomalies shows that the most extreme heat and drought was tied to the development of a stationary Rossby wave and an associated anomalous upper tropospheric high maintained by weather transients.
Range inclusion and the UUP-property

Abstract Let A and B be positive operators on a complex Hilbert space H. The parallel sum A: B of A and B is the strong operator limit (as e ↓ 0) of the net (A + e)(A + B + 2e)−1 (B + e). If this net converges in norm, then (following Green and Morley), we say that the pair (A, B) is of class UUP. It is known that if Range A ⊆ Range(A + B), then (A, B) is a UUP-pair. In this work we establish that Range(A) ⊆ Range(A + B) if and only Range(B) ⊆ Range(A + B). We also show that if AB + BA + B2 ⩾ 0, then Range A ⊆ Range(A + αB) for all real α with α ⩾ 1 and that if AB + BA ⩾ 0, then Range (A) ⊆ Range(A + αB) for all α ⩾ 0. This implies several previously known results, e.g., that if AB = BA, then (A, B) is a UUP-pair. Finally we establish a number of other results which relate the class UUP to range inclusion.
Longitudinal induced IL-2 mRNA monitoring in renal transplant patients immunosuppressed with cyclosporine and in unmodified canine renal transplant rejection

Abstract Immune monitoring of transplant patients to define optimal immunosuppression continues to be important, as rejection occurs despite adjustment of dosaging of CsA or even FK506 to achieve “therapeutic-range” blood levels. Because CsA is known to inhibit upregulation of IL-2 mRNA transcription, we prospectively sequentially measured (induced) IL-2 mRNA in PHAstimulated BMC cultures from transplant recipients of kidneys from living-related donors ( n = 15) using a quantitative PCR assay, with a potential 24-hour turnaround time, to define immunologie events in real time. Reproducible individual patient sensitivity or refractoriness to CsA was determined pretransplant, by adding a range of CsA concentrations to the PBMC cultures and constructing induced IL-2 mRNA regression inhibition curves. However, this was not predictive of rejection episodes, but did correlate well with individual differences in IL-2 mRNA levels posttransplant, despite similar maintenance trough blood concentrations of CsA between patients. In this prospective study, seven patients experienced rejection episodes despite therapeutic CsA trough levels. Three of these, plus one not receiving CsA therapy, who happened to be prospectively tested at the time that rejection was clinically diagnosed, had a decrease in induced IL-2 mRNA before treatment was instituted. As a correlation to this observation in patients, induced IL-2 mRNA levels in unmodified rejection were sequentially measured in PBMC cultures in autologous vs allogeneic canine renal transplants and IL-2, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ mRNA were also measured in kidney biopsies. Sequential PHA lymphoproliferation assays of [ 3 H] thymidine incorporation on patient and dog PBMC cultures were also performed. Similar to the observations in patients, unmodified rejection in the canine renal allograft model also was accompanied by a decline of PHA-induced IL-2 mRNA in PBMCs as the serum creatinine concentrations became elevated. In the dog kidney biopsies at later phases of rejection, IL-10 mRNA levels were also significantly elevated ( p = 0.032).
Estimation of Low Quantity Genes: A Hierarchical Model for Analyzing Censored Quantitative Real-Time PCR Data

Analysis of gene quantities measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) can be complicated by observations that are below the limit of quantification (LOQ) of the assay. A hierarchical model estimated using MCMC methods was developed to analyze qPCR data of genes with observations that fall below the LOQ (censored observations). Simulated datasets with moderate to very high levels of censoring were used to assess the performance of the model; model results were compared to approaches that replace censored observations with a value on the log scale approximating zero or with values ranging from one to the LOQ of ten gene copies. The model was also compared to a Tobit regression model. Finally, all approaches for handling censored observations were evaluated with DNA extracted from samples that were spiked with known quantities of the antibiotic resistance gene tetL. For the simulated datasets, the model outperformed substitution of all values from 1-10 under all censoring scenarios in terms of bias, mean square error, and coverage of 95% confidence intervals for regression parameters. The model performed as well or better than substitution of a value approximating zero under two censoring scenarios (approximately 57% and 79% censored values). The model also performed as well or better than Tobit regression in two of three censoring scenarios (approximately 79% and 93% censored values). Under the levels of censoring present in the three scenarios of this study, substitution of any values greater than 0 produced the least accurate results. When applied to data produced from spiked samples, the model produced the lowest mean square error of the three approaches. This model provides a good alternative for analyzing large amounts of left-censored qPCR data when the goal is estimation of population parameters. The flexibility of this approach can accommodate complex study designs such as longitudinal studies.
Differential application of wear models to fractional thin films

Global application of bulk wear models, originally developed for monolithic bodies, to pre-deposited thin films and coatings can lead to the paradoxical prediction of wear removal rates exceeding the rate of film introduction into the tribological contact. A thin-film wear model is developed which resolves this paradox through differential wear model application, coupled with the fractional nature of such thin films which may exist as they are worn through and the corresponding fractional normal load that film supports. The model predicts the state of the wearing film as a function of position within the contact. A corresponding description of friction coefficient of contacts of such wearing fractional thin films is also developed, for purely sliding as well as combined rolling/sliding contacts. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that prediction of film state through the contact, from inlet to exit, enables subsequent prediction of the evolving global wear and friction behavior with time. The model is compared to examples of experimental friction data for thin films taken from the literature. The manuscript closes with a discussion of extension of the model to cases where such thin films are continuously replenished, such as in vapor phase lubrication.
Network modulation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

It has been proposed that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN DBS) and dopaminergic therapy ameliorate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease through similar functional mechanisms. We examined this notion using PET to compare the metabolic effects of these treatment approaches. Nine Parkinson's disease patients (age 61.7 ± 11.1 years) were scanned ON and OFF STN stimulation and nine others (age 60.0 ± 9.3 years) were scanned ON and OFF an individual titrated intravenous levodopa infusion. The two treatment groups were matched for baseline disease severity as well as clinical response to therapy. Similarities and differences in the effects of treatment on regional metabolism were assessed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). In addition, we used network analysis to assess the effect of therapy on the expression of an abnormal Parkinson's disease-related spatial covariance pattern (PDRP). We found that both STN DBS and levodopa therapy were associated with significant (P 0.6). These findings support the results of previous imaging studies indicating that effective symptomatic therapies for Parkinson's disease involve a common mechanism. The modulation of pathological brain networks is a critical feature of the treatment response in parkinsonism.
Conflict multiplicity estimation and batch resolution algorithms

The standard model of a multiple-access channel with ternary feedback is considered. When packets of a batch of k nodes initially collide, it is assumed that no a priori statistical information about k is available. An algorithm is presented and analyzed that enables the nodes to compute a statistical estimate of k. Combining the estimation procedure with tree algorithms leads to batch-resolution algorithms that resolve conflicts more efficiently than any other reported to date. Both complete-resolution and partial-resolution algorithms are presented. >
Synthesis of high contrast fluorescein-diethers for rapid bench-top sensing of palladium

A new series of palladium sensors based on fluorescein bis(allyl ether) compounds has been designed. We utilized reduced fluoresceins as key synthetic intermediates. These probes exhibit negligible background fluorescence and rapid reaction with palladium, allowing a concentration of <100 ppt to be detected in minutes using a handheld UV lamp.
Uptake of copper from plasma proteins in cells where expression of CTR1 has been modulated

Plasma proteins rather than amino acid chelates are the direct sources of copper for mammalian cells. In continuing studies on the mechanisms by which albumin and transcuprein deliver copper and the potential involvement of CTR1, rates of uptake from these proteins and Cu–histidine were compared in cells with/without CTR1 knockdown or knockout. siRNA knocked down expression of CTR1 mRNA 60–85% in human mammary epithelial and hepatic cell models, but this had little or no effect on uptake of 1 μM Cu(II) attached to pure human albumin or alpha-2-macroglobulin. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts that did/did not express Ctr1 took up Cu(II) bound to albumin about as readily as from the histidine complex at physiological concentrations and by a single saturable process. Uptake from mouse albumin achieved a 2–4-fold higher Vmax (with a lower Km) than from heterologous human albumin. Maximum uptake rates from Cu(I)–histidine were >12-fold higher (with higher Km) than for Cu(II), suggesting mediation by a reductase. The presence of cell surface Cu(II) and Fe(III) reductase activity responding only slightly to dehydroascorbate was verified. Excess Fe(III) inhibited uptake from albumin–Cu(II). Ag(I) also inhibited, but kinetics were not or un-competitive. In general there was little difference in rates/kinetics of uptake in the Ctr1+/+ and −/− cells. Endocytosis was not involved. We conclude that plasma proteins deliver Cu(II) to homologous cells with greater efficiency than ionic copper at physiological concentrations, probably through the mediation of a Steap Cu(II)-reductase, and confirm the existence of an additional copper uptake system in mammalian cells.
Multimode two-photon coherent states and unitary representation of the symplectic group

Abstract Pure coherent squeezed states of many degrees of freedom are analyzed via a fluctuation matrix description and a symplectic group description.
The hydroxylation of tryptophan

Products of the chemical hydroxylation of tryptophan by Fenton and Udenfriend reactions are similar to those obtained by ionizing radiation. When tryptophan is exposed to either of these systems, a mixture of four hydroxytryptophans, oxindole-3-alanine, and N-formylkynurenine is formed. This observation indicates that the hydroxyl radical attacks the aromatic nucleus as well as the 2 and 3 positions of the pyrrole ring. During gamma-radiolysis of nitrous oxide-saturated tryptophan solution and in the absence of oxygen or ferric edta, the hydroxyl radical adduct (or hydroxycyclohexadienyl radical) of tryptophan undergoes dimerization and polymerization, which results in a yellow product with maximal absorbance at 425 nm. In the presence of ferric edta, or in a Fenton system, the hydroxyl radical adduct disproportionates, and hydroxylated derivatives are formed. The yields of the hydroxytryptophans are proportional to the concentration of ferric edta to a limiting yield of 54% of the theoretical yield, which is taken to be one hydroxylated product per two hydroxyl radicals. Under these conditions, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-hydroxy-derivatives of tryptophan are found in the proportion 4:2:2:3, respectively. The presence of dioxygen during gamma-radiolysis increases the yield of N-formylkynurenine, but does not affect the total yield of hydroxytryptophans. Similarly, tryptophan subjected to the Udenfriend reaction yields 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-hydroxytryptophan and N-formylkynurenine in approximately equal amounts.
SILC and gate oxide breakdown characterization of 22nm tri-gate technology

The SILC behavior in 22nm tri-gate devices is reduced compared to 32nm planar devices due to gate optimization and benefits from the tri-gate architecture. A product risk assessment method is presented that compares SILC to hard breakdown. The technology is fully characterized for NMOS, PMOS, stress voltage and polarity, with data indicating that SILC is low risk for product operation.
Refactoring-aware software merging and configuration management

Refactoring tools allow programmers to change their source code quicker than before. However, the complexity of these changes cause versioning tools that operate at a file level to lose the history of entities and be unable to merge refactored entities. This problem can be solved by semantic, operation-based SCM with persistent IDs. MolhadoRef, our proto-type, can successfully merge edit and refactoring operations which were performed on different development branches, preserves program history better and makes it easier to understand program evolution.
An Adventure in Teaching Foreign Languages

Author's summary.— This article, the first of a series by members of the staff of the Department of Romance Languages of Ohio State University, attempts to present a view of present conditions necessitating a revision of methods and materials. It aims to be realistic in considering the following questions: (1) What are we teaching? (2) Whom are we teaching? (3) How are we teaching? (4) And Why? In progressive steps from the first day of the beginners' course to more advanced work in linguistics and literature, articles by W. S. Hendrix, G. B. Fitch, A. H. Schutz, and George R. Havens will follow.
COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY AND CATEGORIZATION OF STIMULUS OBJECTS BEING JUDGED

Summary.--Cognitive complexity and the categorization of stimulus objects being judged was examined. Previous research indicated that these stimulus objects could be analyzed in terms of two disrinct subgroups with reference to social distance. The cognitive complexity scores assigned to 10 stimulus objects by 82 Ss werc subjected to a principal factor analysis. Since the largest two factors extracted did not have appropriate content and left a large proportion of the total score variance unaccounted for, it was concluded that these role models could not be categorized into two distinct subgroups upon the basis of affective stimulus value. Future research should consider the significance of the individual stimulus objects being judged. An important methodological problem in the study of cognitive complexity concerns the affective stimulus value and categorization of an array of stimulus objects being judged. For much of the research on cognitive complexity, Tripodi and Bieri's (1963) modification of the Rep Test (Kelly, 1955) is employed to facilitate the assessment. The 10 by 10 grid consists of 10 rows, which represent personal constructs in the form of provided bipolar dimensions, and 10 columns, which represent 10 different role figures in one's social environment. The individual role figures are then rated on each of 10 provided constructs along a 6-point scale (+3 to -3, with no zero value). Miller and Bieri ( 1965 ) analyzed the 10 role figures in terms of two distinct subgroups. One subgroup consists of five more positive, socially close figures (self, mother, father, friend of the same sex, and friend of the opposite sex), and the other five more negative, socially distant figures (person you dislike, person you'd like to help, person with whom you feel most uncomfortable, boss, and person difficult to understand). These two subgroups were determined on the basis of assumed social distance or affective stimulus value. The role figures were analyzed with respect to these two clusters of role models, and greater complexity was indicated in judging the negative stimulus objects. A "vigilance" hypothesis was advanced to explain these results. It asserted that an individual would be more discriminating among negative, socially distant figures in his social environment so as to enable him to isolate these threatening individuals. Wilkins and Epting ( 1971 ) investigated the relationship between the various levels of the repression-sensitization personality dimension and cognitive complexity across these two categories of role figures. Data from 82 Ss in abnormal and advanced child psychology courses at the University of Florida showed the negative category of role figures indicated more complexity than the
A bijection between type Dn(1) crystals and rigged configurations

Hatayama et al. conjectured fermionic formulas associated with tensor prod- ucts of U ' q(g)-crystals B r,s . The crystals B r,s correspond to the Kirillov-Reshetikhin modules which are certain finite dimensional U ' q(g)-modules. In this paper we present a combinatorial description of the affine crystals B r,1 of type D (1) n . A statistic preserv- ing bijection between crystal paths for these crystals and r igged configurations is given, thereby proving the fermionic formula in this case. This bijection reflects two different methods to solve lattice models in statistical mechanics: t he corner-transfer-matrix method and the Bethe Ansatz.
Degraded Mode Vehicle Lateral Control Under Fault in Rear Sensors

This paper is concerned with vehicle lateral control for Automated Highway Systems (AHS) studied as a part of the California PATH (Partners for Advanced Transit and Highways) Program. In the PATH lateral control system, magnetometers are installed under both the front and the rear bumpers of the vehicle; these magnetometers measure the lateral deviation of the vehicle relative to the magnets buried along the centerline of each automated lane. Lateral controllers have been designed and tested successfully provided that there is no fault in magnetometers. It has been argued that these controllers are NOT tolerant to the fault in magnetometers. The focus of this paper is the degraded mode lateral control under fault in rear magnetometers. The aim of the controller design is to accomplish adequate performance with the remaining set of magnetometers: the front magnetometers. The effects of the fault are examined, and the significance of the linear time varying (LTV) property of the front magnetometer based vehicle lateral dynamics is recognized. Popular control methods for LTV systems generally involve gain scheduling by switching between several LTI controllers. Such controllers are complicated and it is difficult to prove the stability of the switching mechanism. To derive a simple, effective LTV controller, feedback linearization is applied to approximately cancel out the time varying terms in the plant and to function as a gain scheduler. However, due to the weakly damped zeros of the plant, feedback linearization with state feedback or matched observer state feedback results in weakly damped internal dynamics. In order to tune the internal dynamics, a mismatched observer is designed based on H-infinity optimal control techniques. Experimental results are presented to show the effectiveness of the controller design.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
SU-FF-T-442: Validation of the Monte Carlo Model of the Passive Scattering Nozzles at the Proton Therapy Center Houston

Purpose: To validate a Monte Carlo calculation model, simulating the passive scattering nozzles in the Proton Therapy Center Houston (PTCH). Methods and Materials: The passive scattering beam lines at the PTCH use three different snouts for small, medium and large treatment fields. Each snout is used with eight different range modulator wheels to produce flat spread out Bragg peaks (SOBPs) at various proton energies. MCNPX is currently used to simulate the passive scattered proton beams at the PTCH for various research and clinical projects. The validity of the model is crucial and it has to be demonstrated, that the simulations are in agreement with measured data. Proton beam data, measured for commissioning purposes, were compared with the results of Monte Carlo simulations. Tolerance criteria for acceptable agreement was chosen to be 3% dose difference in high dose regions and 2.5 mm distance in high gradient regions. Results: 32 SOBPs and 79 lateral profiles have been compared so far. In three cases, maximum dose differences (in high dose regions) were found to be 3.0 % and one simulated penumbra was found to differ by 2.1 mm when compared to the measurement. Differences for all other cases are below the tolerance level. Conclusion: The Monte Carlo simulation model of the passive scattering nozzles of the PTCH is found to be accurate for the investigated energies and field sizes.
The epithelial-mesenchymal interface of the male rat Mullerian duct: Loss of basement membrane integrity and ductal regression

Abstract Regression of the Mullerian duct in the male rat embryo is accompanied by degeneration and phagocytosis of epithelial and mesenchymal cells, removal of the ductal basement membrane, and loss of distinction between the epithelium and mesenchyme. The changes in basement membrane integrity occur temporally prior to and during duct regression and spatially in proximity to mesenchymal cell processes. Epithelial cell processes also extend into and through the basement membrane to contact mesenchymal cells and their cytoplasmic extensions. The dissolution of the basement membrane only occurs if the duct is fated to regress. Other alterations in the organization of the epithelial cells occur during regression and involve cellular reorientation and apparent intermixing with the mesenchyme cells. Although cell death apparently plays a role in the regression of the male Mullerian duct in the rat, our observations suggest that some cells of ductal origin may reenter the mesenchymal cell population.
Changes in dissolved sulfate, calcium and carbonate from interstitial water of near-shore sediments

Abstract Dissolved trace metal concentration, sulfate, carbonate and calcium were determined in the interstitial water expressed from two marine cores taken in the borderland off Southern California. C13/C12 ratios were measured for both the total dissolved carbonate species, and for the solid carbonate in the sediment. One core consisted of oxidizing sediment from the San Pedro Basin (SP), the other came from the Santa Catalina Basin (SC) where reducing sediments are overlain by about two meters of oxidizing sediment. Total dissolved carbon dioxide increased in both cores, reaching a maximum of 34·4 mM in SP and 12·3 mM in SC. δC13 of the dissolved carbonate decreased from —1·0%. at the surface of SP to−21·2%. at 500 cm depth; in SC the decrease was from − 6·0%. at the surface to −19·3%. at 500 cm. In the SP core dissolved calcium decreased from 10·4 mM at the surface to 3·7 mM at 500 cm depth, while sulfate decreased from 6 mM to 0·1 mM. There was no marked decrease in calcium or sulfate with depth in Santa Catalina. The results indicate that the increase in dissolved carbonate with depth arises largely from metabolic activity, rather than solution of solid carbonates. Calculations based on three different approaches indicate that surface interstitial water is undersaturated in calcium carbonate compared to surface sea water, but below 2 or 3 m, the interstitial water becomes supersaturated. It is suggested that solution of calcium carbonate under low pH, below the sediment-water interface, may result in transport of calcium from the sediment column into overlying sea water.
Multiscale friction mechanisms and hierarchical surfaces in nano- and bio-tribology

Abstract Various mechanisms of solid–solid and solid–liquid friction are studied in this review, and their relation to the surface roughness hierarchy is discussed. For ideal solid bodies with conservative forces acting between them, there would be no friction. Different deviations from the ideal state, such as the surface roughness, contamination and chemical heterogeneity, bulk material deformation and non-conservative adhesive bonds, lead to energy dissipation. Most heterogeneities involved into various dry friction mechanisms are associated with small ratios of magnitudes and of characteristic lengths of the forces at the interface and in the bulk. This small ratio leads to an almost linear dependence of the friction force upon load (the Coulomb law). However, the heterogeneities lead also to non-linear and multiscale effects. Mapping of dry friction mechanisms is proposed based upon the characteristic length parameters. It is discussed also how hierarchical friction mechanisms lead to biological hierarchical surfaces with reduced or increased adhesion and friction. Current advances in nano- and bio-tribology reveal a growing number of hierarchical (multiscale) surfaces. From the lotus leaf and gecko foot to self-affine and textured engineering surfaces, the hierarchy plays a fundamental role in frictional energy dissipation.
Case Studies of Teacher Education Students in a Field-Based and a University-Based Elementary Mathematics Methods Course.

L'etudiante ayant suivi ses cours de mathematiques sur le terrain, trouve que cette experience l'aide a mieux apprehender son role d'educatrice, a avoir le comportement et les reactions adequats et a developper ses connaissances mathematiques. L'etudiante suivant les cours a l'universite, souligne l'importance de la reflexion collective sur l'enseignement des mathematiques elementaires, mais les limites du champ d'experience ne lui permettent pas d'observer le comportement journalier des eleves ce qui cree un decalage entre ce qu'elle apprend dans ses cours theoriques et ce qui se passe sur le terrain. L'A. passe en revue les avantages et les inconvenients de chaque methode en marquant une preference pour la methode sur le terrain
Opiate antagonist-induced regulation of organ development

Naltrexone, a potent opioid antagonist, was given to preweaning rats in order to explore the influence of endogenous opioid systems on organogenesis. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected (SC) daily with either 1 or 50 mg/kg naltrexone to invoke a temporary or complete blockade, respectively, of opioid receptors; animals injected with sterile water served as controls. At weaning (Day 21), wet and dry weights, relative organ weight, and tissue water content were determined in 10 organ systems. Naltrexone's effects on growth depended on dosage, sex, and the organ system examined. In general, dosages of 1 and 50 mg/kg naltrexone caused significant decreases and increases, respectively, in organ weight. These changes in wet weight were not due to the state of hydration, but rather to dry weight, indicating that the content of cellular matter was altered. The changes in wet weight were similar to those for body weight, suggesting that a proportional increase or decrease in animal growth took place. Although the same organs in males and females within a dosage group were influenced by naltrexone, and usually to a similar degree, a dosage of 1 mg/kg naltrexone often affected different organ systems than the 50 mg/kg dosage. These results serve as the foundation for subsequent investigations directed towards delineating the role of endogenous opioid systems in developmental biology.
Reproductive Strategies and Islamic Discourse

Approximately 37 thousand Malians currently reside in France as part of the West African diaspora. Primarily Muslim, both women and men confront challenges to their understandings of Islamic prohibitions and expectations, especially those addressing conjugal relations and reproduction. Biomedical policies generate marital conflicts and pose health dilemmas for women who face family and community pressures to reproduce but biomedical encouragement to limit childbearing. For many women, contraception represents a reprieve from repeated pregnancies and fatigue in spite of resistance from those who contest women's reproductive decisions as antithetical to Islam. French social workers play a particularly controversial role by introducing women to a discourse of women's rights that questions the authority of husbands and of religious doctrine. Women and men frame decisions and debate in diverse interpretations of Islam as they seek to manage the contradictions of everyday life and assert individual agency in the context of immigration and health politics.
A Global Growth Rate Model for Aluminum Nitride Sublimation

A global model accounting for both the surface kinetics and transport in the vapor phase for AIN sublimation growth is described in this paper. The model parameters for the sticking coefficient of N 2 were identified from the experimental data. The refined model more accurately predicts the growth rate over a wider pressure range than the model considering transport only. Above 200 Torr the growth rate is determined by the transport, while below 100 Torr it is controlled by surface kinetics in the current temperature range (1700-1900°C).
Highly Purified Human T-Lymphocytes do not Respond to Mitogens-Including Calcium Ionophore and Phorbol Ester

The proliferative, and other, in vitro responses of human lymphocytes are dependent upon interactions with accessory cells. Studies of the nature of these required interactions are dependent upon the ability to isolate functionally pure populations of lymphocytes and accessory cells. We describe here a four-step separation procedure using plastic adherence, passage through columns of nylon wool and Sephadex G-10, and treatment with L-leucine methyl ester which produced T-lymphocyte populations which were functionally free of accessory cells, and accessory cell populations which were highly enriched for macrophages. T-lymphocytes were 91-98% Leu-4-positive, contained fewer than 0.05% Mo1- or Mo2-positive cells and fewer than 0.1% nonspecific esterase-positive cells, showed relatively little change in the T4/T8 ratio, and gave no proliferative response to a panel of mitogens. The accessory cell populations were 72-98% nonspecific esterase-positive, 91-99% OKM-1-positive and only 0-4% Leu-4-positive, and could fully restore the proliferative responses of the mitogen-treated lymphocytes. Using these purified cell populations, we have found that, contrary to a number of published observations, both the calcium ionophore A23187 and the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate were dependent on the presence of accessory cells to produce a mitogenic response by human lymphocytes.
Context, Challenges, and Tensions in Global Efforts to Engage Men in the Prevention of Violence against Women: An Ecological Analysis

As gender-based violence prevention programs around the world increasingly include efforts to engage men and boys as antiviolence allies, both the profound benefits and the inherent complexities of...
Studies on Beauregard sweetpotato clones naturally infected with viruses

The response of clonal sweetpotato naturally infected with viruses was investigated. Analyses included yield, canopy biomass, and root colour on twelve virus infected (V + ) clones and corresponding virus-tested (V−) mericlones (clones derived from meristem-tip culture) of ‘Beauregard’ sweetpotato. All V + clones tested positive for Sweet potato feathery mottle virus and some clones additionally tested positive for Sweet potato virus G (SPVG) and/or the newly identified Ipomoea vein mosaic virus (IVMV). The V− mericlones had greater marketable yields for the important US No. 1 grade in three of four plantings in comparison to their V + clonal counterparts. Comparisons within V− mericlones did not show significant yield differences, suggesting clonal variation was minimal in this randomly selected set of ‘Beauregard’ mericlones. Canopy vine weight was lower overall in two of three plantings for V + clonal variants in comparison to their V− mericlones. Skin and flesh was redder and more yellow in V− mericlo...
Distal Radioulnar Joint Implant Arthroplasty

Resection of the distal ulna for posttraumatic arthritis and treatment of arthritis and instability of the distal radioulnar joint can be improved with distal ulna prosthetic replacement. In this review, the anatomy, mechanics (kinematics and kinetics), rationale, and indications for surgical replacement of the distal ulna are presented. The surgical technique is precise and the important tenets of proper ulnar head implant insertion provides a guide for use of the implant. Preliminary results after 2 years of clinical experience are most encouraging.
Fuzzy and Rough Set Approaches for Uncertainty in Spatial Data

The management of uncertainty in databases is necessary for real world applications, especially for systems involving spatial data such as geographic information systems. Rough and fuzzy sets are important techniques that can be used in various ways for modeling uncertainty in data and in spatial relationships between data entities. This chapter discusses various approaches involving rough and fuzzy sets for spatial database applications such as GIS.
Do steroids ameliorate bile acid malabsorption in Crohn’s disease?

Steroids may partially restore impaired bile salt absorption in Crohn’s disease patients, highlighting a new modus operandi for steroids as their beneficial effects have traditionally been attributed to immunomodulatory effects alone Steroids are among the mainstays of medical therapy for Crohn’s disease but may lead to unfavourable long term complications. Recently, budesonide has been shown to be effective in inducing remission in mild to moderate disease while undergoing less systemic absorption compared with other corticosteroids.1 It is hypothesised that steroids exert their salutary effect through an immunomodulatory action on the small bowel mucosa.2 In this issue of Gut , Jung and colleagues3 shed light on the possibility of another potentially beneficial effect of steroid therapy—namely, the partial restoration of impaired bile salt absorption in Crohn’s patients with distal ileal involvement [see page 78] . The integrity of the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts is dependent on active uptake from the ileum, which is mediated by SLC10A2, known previously as the apical sodium dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT).4 Given the malady’s proclivity for the distal ileum, one of the classic hallmarks of intestinal Crohn’s disease is bile salt malabsorption.5–7 Bile salt malabsorption occurs when intestinal transport is appreciably disrupted, and the degree to which this occurs depends on the length of ileal involvement and/or resection.8 Therefore, the activity and functioning of the remaining ASBT, as well as colonic compensation by passive absorption of bacterially modified (secondary) bile acids are essential for keeping the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts partially intact.9,10 Mild bile salt malabsorption may result in cholerrhoeic enteropathy that is easily controlled with low dose bile …
Water and economic development : The role of variability and a framework for resilience

The article advances the hypothesis that the seasonal and inter-annual variability of rainfall is a significant and measurable factor in the economic development of nations. An analysis of global datasets reveals a statistically significant relationship between greater rainfall variability and lower per capita GDP. Having established this correlation, we construct a water resources development index that highlights areas that have the greatest need for storage infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of rainfall variability on water availability for food and basic livelihood. The countries with the most critical infrastructure needs according to this metric are among the poorest in the world, and the majority of them are located in Africa. The importance of securing water availability in these nations increases every day in light of current population growth, economic development, and climate change projections.
Synchronized ovulation for first insemination improves reproductive performance and reduces cost per pregnancy in dairy heifers

Abstract The objectives were to evaluate the effects of synchronizing estrus and ovulation to implement a timed artificial insemination (AI) at first insemination on reproductive performance and cost per pregnancy in dairy heifers. Six hundred eleven Holsteins heifers at approximately 400 d of age from 3 farms were enrolled in the study. Six days before moving to the breeding pens, heifers were allocated randomly to AI after detected estrus from study d 0 to 84 (CON, n=306), or to timed AI for first AI followed by detected estrus for the remainder of the 84-d study (TAI, n=305). Heifers receiving TAI were enrolled in the 5-d timed AI protocol on study d −6 (d −6, GnRH and a progesterone insert; d −1, PGF 2α and insert removal; d 0, PGF 2α ; d 2, GnRH + AI), and they were allowed to be bred the day before scheduled timed AI if detected in estrus. Starting on study d 0, estrus was detected daily. Heifers in estrus were inseminated on the same morning as detected estrus. Control heifers not inseminated by study d 7 received PGF 2α and this treatment was repeated every 2 wk until AI. The study lasted 84 d to allow a period of breeding equivalent to four 21-d estrous cycles. A herd budget accounting for inputs for both treatments was created to determine the cost per pregnancy. Sensitivity analysis compared economic differences between the 2 treatments under different input scenarios when detection of estrus after the first AI varied from 50 to 80%. Interval to first AI was 8 d shorter for TAI than for CON. Pregnancy at first AI did not differ between treatments (CON=58.3 vs. TAI=62.8%). In contrast, TAI increased pregnancy per AI (P/AI) compared with CON in heifers inseminated with sex-sorted semen (CON=31.6 vs. TAI=54.8%). The 21-d cycle insemination rate was greater for TAI (91.4%) than for CON (82.4%), even when evaluated after the first 21 d in the study (CON=68.2 vs. TAI=77.1%). The increased insemination rate improved the 21-d cycle pregnancy rate from 47.9% in CON to 57.2% in TAI heifers. In fact, the hazard of pregnancy was 60% greater for TAI than CON. The increased pregnancy rate in TAI reduced the median days to pregnancy by 12 d (CON=2.0 vs. TAI=14.0) and increased the proportion of pregnant heifers by 6.3 percentage points by study d 84 (CON=85.2 vs. TAI=91.5%). The cost per pregnancy was $17.00 less for TAI than CON. The sensitivity analysis indicated that TAI was economically more advantageous to produce a pregnancy compared with CON. Only when insemination rate after the first 21 d of breeding was very high and P/AI was relatively low did the cost per pregnancy become similar for the 2 treatments. Collectively, inseminating all heifers within 2 d of breeding with the 5-d timed AI protocol maintains P/AI, improves pregnancy rate, and reduces cost per pregnancy compared with insemination after detected estrus.