cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In-core measurement of dc electrical conductivity of ceramics

Abstract An in-situ dc conductivity capsule has been constructed and tested at the high flux beam reactor (HFBR) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The prototype capsule contained two alumina and one silicon nitride polycrystalline samples. In-situ measurement of the DC conductivity was made utilizing custom-made mineral insulated triaxial cables with a guard ring configuration for the samples and the sample holders. Sample and capsule temperatures were also measured in situ. This prototype capsule was designed to operate at ITER relevant temperatures of 80°C (alumina) and 300°C (alumina and silicon nitride) with an applied electric field of 133 V/mm. It is significant that a large prompt increase in conductivity occurred but that no permanent radiation-induced electrical degradation was observed in alumina after irradiation at 80°C to a neutron dose of > 0.1 dpa.
Analysis of positions of substitution of O-methyl or O-ethyl groups in partially methylated or ethylated cellulose by the reductive-cleavage method☆

A method is described for the analysis of positions of substitution of O-methyl and O-ethyl groups in commercial samples of O-methylcellulose and O-ethylcellulose, respectively. The method requires perethylation of O-methyl-cellulose and permethylation of O-ethylcellulose. Subsequent reductive cleavage of both polymers gives the same eight products, which are analyzed as their O-acetyl derivatives by gas-liquid chromatography.
Emerging Anatomy of the BAP1 Tumor Suppressor System

The genetic drivers of cancer are incredibly complex; they include frequent mutations in a small number of tumor suppressors and oncogenes, as well as a large landscape of rare genetic variants that may promote tumorigenesis in a lineage-dependent manner. A recent flurry of papers has demonstrated prevalent somatic and germline mutations in a novel tumor suppressor, the deubiquitinating enzyme BAP1, in a variety of tumor types, including some with metastatic potential ( 1 – 5 ). Through analysis of mice lacking BAP1 and human tumors, Dey et al. now identify BAP1 as a tumor suppressor in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a bone marrow and blood cell cancer syndrome that often evolves into highly aggressive acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), as reported on page 1541 of this issue ( 6 ). Functional analysis of the BAP1 protein interaction network in vivo, together with target gene identification, revealed a transcription complex in which ubiquitin removal from regulatory components by BAP1 likely specifies the repertoire of genes underlying tumor suppression.
The Editor, the Publisher, and His Mother: The Representation of Lesbians and Gays in the New York Times

The attention and prominence given to issues in media outlets may affect the importance citizens attribute to them, so the actors who influence mass media coverage decisions may have political power in society generally. This article seeks to measure the relative influence of journalists, social trends, events, government officials, editors, and owners on the New York Times coverage of lesbians and gays from 1960 to 1995. Although many factors affected the nature and frequency of such coverage, the findings of this article show that the owners of the Times exerted decisive influence. Documentary evidence reveals that the Times' owners actively intervened to suppress coverage of lesbians and gays until 1987, even as reporters and editors recognized that increased social visibility made them newsworthy. Statistical analysis confirms that, although some actual events and statements of officials attracted attention from the newspaper throughout the period, they were more likely to generate prominent coverage after 1987 when the stories were consistent with the enthusiasms of the owners.
Chemical effects of annealing ZnS capped anodic fluoride films on Hg1−xCdxTe (x∼0.2)

The chemical effects of annealing a three‐phase structure: ZnS–anodic fluoride–Hg1−xCdxTe used in infrared detector devices were studied using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The ZnS cap prevents the oxidation of the anodic fluoride upon annealing. The anodic fluoride is unstable in contact with the ZnS and a reaction takes place at their interface forming the stable ZnF2 compound and Te or HgTe. Nevertheless, the annealing does not affect the film–substrate interface as long as the fluoride has not reacted completely. This explains the relative thermal stability of electrical devices fabricated using this passivation scheme.
Detroit River Flow Characteristics and their Application to Chemical Loading Estimates

Abstract Unsteady flow characteristics were analyzed at the Windmill Point, Fort Wayne, Wyandotte, and Fermi sections of the Detroit River using two hydraulic transient mathematical models. Both models consist of the complete one-dimensional equations of continuity and motion and were calibrated using discharge measurements taken during the 1963-1973 period. The models were used to generate hourly, daily, and monthly flows for the year 1968. A statistical analysis was made of these flows at the Fort Wayne and Fermi sections. The flows at the Fort Wayne section were found to be representative of the entire river on a monthly basis and on a daily basis under most conditions. Individual section flows are necessary for use on an hourly basis or under Lake Erie wind, tide and seiche conditions. Application of flows to computation of Detroit River chloride loadings shows entirely different loading phenomena for both base and peak loadings between the upper and lower river. It also illustrates the danger of computing yearly loadings based upon a limited number of samples for the lower river.
A brief summary of bridge networks

An outline classification of Bridge networks that may be of assistance to users of Bridges, students, and others interested in the subject
Identification and disruptional analysis of the Streptomyces cinnamonensis msdA gene, encoding methylmalonic acid semialdehyde dehydrogenase

The msdA gene encodes methylmalonic acid semialdehyde dehydrogenase (MSDH) and is known to be involved in valine catabolism in Streptomyces coelicolor. Using degenerative primers, a homolog of msdA gene was cloned and sequenced from the monensin producer, Streptomyces cinnamonensis. RT-PCR results showed msdA was expressed in a vegetative culture, bump-seed culture and the early stages of oil-based monensin fermentation. However, isotopic labeling of monensin A by [2, 4-(13)C(2)]butyrate revealed that this MSDH does not play a role in providing precursors such as methylmalonyl-CoA for the monensin biosynthesis under these fermentation conditions. Using a PCR-targeting method, msdA was disrupted by insertion of an apramycin resistance gene in S. cinnamonensis C730.1. Fermentation results revealed that the resulting DeltamsdA mutant (CXL1.1) produced comparable levels of monensin to that observed for C730.1. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that butyrate metabolism in S. cinnamonensis in the oil-based fermentation is not mediated by msdA, and that methylmalonyl-CoA is probably produced through direct oxidation of the pro-S methyl group of isobutyryl-CoA. The CXL1.1 mutant and C730.1 were both able to grow in minimal medium with valine or butyrate as the sole carbon source, contrasting previous observations for S. coelicolor which demonstrated msdA is required for growth on valine. In conclusion, loss of the S. cinnamonensis msdA neither affects valine catabolism in a minimal medium, nor butyrate metabolism in an oil-based medium, and its role remains an enigma.
Miscibility of isotactic polypropylene in n-pentane and n-pentane + carbon dioxide mixtures at high pressures

Demixing pressures for solutions of isotactic polypropylene (Mw = 216 000; MwMn = 7.2) in n-pentane have been determined for polymer concentrations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 mass% in the temperature range from about 410 to 480 K. Isotactic polypropylene is completely miscible in n-pentane at these concentrations at pressures above about 10 MPa. Limited data are also presented for miscibility in binary mixtures of n-pentane + carbon dioxide. In the presence of carbon dioxide, higher pressures are required for complete miscibility.
Abstract B17: Mechanisms of resistance of BRAF fusions to first generation selective BRAF inhibitors

Astrocytomas are the most common type of central nervous system tumor in children. We and others have previously reported that activated BRAF mutations, via the KIAA1549-BRAF fusion gene, are a key feature of low-grade astrocytomas. We generated several different cell lines stably expressing various altered BRAF and BRAF-fusion constructs and evaluated first and second-generation BRAF inhibitors including PLX4720 and PLX-PB compounds. In vitro kinase assays demonstrated the KIAA1549-BRAF fusion kinase, like V600E BRAF, undergoes inhibition in the presence of both first and second-generation selective BRAF inhibitors. However, KIAA1549-BRAF fusion expressing cell lines were resistant to PLX4720 and displayed paradoxal activation to first-generation BRAF inhibitor suggesting distinct and cell-context dependent mechanisms for MAPK activation. In contrast, KIAA1549-BRAF-fusion-mediated MAPK activation was abrogated by PB-3, a second-generation, “paradox-breaking,” selective BRAF inhibitor. This suggests that pediatric low-grade astrocytomas harboring the KIAA1549-BRAF fusion may be responsive to second-generation BRAF inhibitors. Our current studies are focused on understanding how KIAA1549-BRAF fusion signaling is mechanistically different than canonical BRAF V600E mutant and how this impacts the differential responses to selective BRAF inhibition.
Chemoreception in hydra: specific binding of glutathione to a membrane fraction.

Abstract Specific binding of reduced [ 35 S] glutathione (GSH) was measured using a crude membrane fraction of Hydra vulgaris (attenuata). The specific binding shows both rapid displaceable and nondisplaceable components. Rapid displaceable binding accounted for 20% of the total specific binding. Data from saturation binding experiments indicates half maximal total specific binding occurs at 2 μM GSH which is similar to reported EC50 values from behavioral experiments. Calcium is required for displaceable binding of GSH to the putative receptor. Oxidized glutathione (GSSG), an antagonist of the GSH-activated feeding response, and S-methylglutathione (GSM), an agonist of the feeding response, inhibit the binding of radiolabeled GSH to the putative receptor. Glutamate, a putative competitive antagonist of the GSH-activated feeding response in hydra, does not inhibit the specific binding of radiolabeled GSH to the receptor and must therefore block the feeding response by a mechanism other than competitive inhibition.
Riparian forest invasion by a terrestrial shrub (Lonicera maackii) impacts aquatic biota and organic matter processing in headwater streams

Lonicera maackii, a highly invasive species of riparian habitats, has the potential to substantially alter aquatic ecosystems. We investigated effects of this terrestrial invader on aquatic biota and ecosystem processes in three 3rd order headwater streams in southwestern Ohio. We assessed (1) in situ leaf breakdown and (2) aquatic macroinvertebrate colonization of leaf packs containing senesced foliage from either a) invasive (L. maackii), b) native (Fraxinus spp. and Platanus occidentalis), and c) a native-invasive species mix. Leaf breakdown rates and macroinvertebrate density, richness, and functional feeding group (FFG) relative abundances were measured for leaf packs deployed in the autumn of 2009. Invasive leaf breakdown rates were up to 4× faster than native leaves (F = 20.46, df = 2, P < 0.001), resulting in significantly less organic matter remaining compared to the other leaf pack types throughout the study (Friedman’s test = 8.00, P < 0.05). The gathering-collector FFG, represented by Chironomidae and Hydropsychidae, dominated the macroinvertebrate community in the invasive and mixed species leaf packs (F = 73, df = 4, P < 0.01) in all streams but were only dominant in native packs in one stream (F = 41.91, df = 4, P < 0.05). In summary, L. maackii leaf breakdown was significantly faster than native leaves in headwater streams, and colonization of macroinvertebrates was variable depending on leaf pack species composition. These results support the hypothesis that L. maackii can have direct and significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems by influencing organic matter availability and macroinvertebrate community dynamics.
The utility of natural language interfaces (panel session)

Natural language interfaces are frequently proposed as a solution to the problems of “user-unfriendliness” present in many existing computer system interfaces. The panel will examine this claim, and discuss in what circumstances (if any) it is (or could be) true.As a starting point, let us define a natural language interface as an interface to a computer system that allows the user to control the system by English1 commands or queries. Sometimes the output seen by the user will also be in natural language. Currently, most natural language interfaces only accept typed, rather than spoken, input. Also, such interfaces typically can only handle input related to the restricted world of their underlying application, and moreover, only a subset (albeit expressively comprehensive) of that. Set against these advantages are the following standardly cited disadvantages:verboseness: English commands or queries can take many more keystrokes to enter than equivalent formal command lines or menu-based selection.coverage restrictions: Since current natural language interfaces cannot handle all natural language inputs, not even all those relevant to their domain of discourse, the user is faced with the task of learning what the system can and cannot deal with, usually by trial and error.Given these conflicting arguments, it seems better to avoid the general question of whether natural language interfaces are Good or Bad. Instead, the panel will concentrate on how the utility of natural language interfaces is affected by the environment (broadly conceived) in which they operate. We will also be concerned with how the utility of specific natural language or other types of interface can be determined in specific circumstances.Factors affecting the utility of natural language interfaces include:Type of user: Natural language interfaces are better suited to novice or casual users rather than expert or frequent users of a system. An expert or frequent user can afford the cost of learning a command language because of the terseness it allows. On the other hand, it may be more economical for a novice or infrequent user to enter a verbose natural language input than to find out the correct terse command line. Combination with other input types: It may be possible to build interfaces which combine natural language and other types of interface in way that retains the best features of both, while reducing the impact of their negative features.The above list of issues does not pretend to be comprehensive, out is intended as a basis for discussion. Many other issues will no doubt arise during the course of the panel.
Optical measurement of liquid film thickness and wave velocity in liquid film flows

Two optical techniques are described for measurement of a liquid film's surface. Both techniques make use of the total internal reflection which occurs at a liquid-vapor interface due to the refractive index difference between a liquid and a vapor. The first technique is used for film thickness determination. A video camera records the distance between a light source and the rays which are reflected back from the liquid-vapor interface. This distance can be shown to be linearly proportional to film thickness. The second technique measures surface wave velocities. Two photo sensors, spaced a fixed distance apart, are used to record the time varying intensity of light reflected from the liquid-vapor interface. The velocity is then deduced from the time lag between the two signals.
High efficiency ultra-deep dyeing of cotton via mercerization and cationization

A potentially environmentally responsible dyeing procedure for ultra-deep shades on cotton was developed using a cationization method in combination with mercerization. The effects of both treatments on dyeing performance and colorfastness properties of cotton fabrics dyed with reactive dyes were analyzed individually and in combination. Both mercerization and cationization have been proved to be effective in increasing the depth of shade on cotton. The colorfastness properties, except colorfastness to wet crocking, of mercerized–cationized cotton fabrics dyed without salt were much better than untreated cotton dyed using a conventional dyeing procedure. Unlike untreated cotton fabrics, the concentration of Na2CO3 in the dyeing process of mercerized–cationized cotton fabrics was lowered from 20 to 5 g/L without compromising dye fixation and colorfastness properties. With low concentrations of dyes and Na2CO3 and no electrolyte in the dye bath effluent, the dyeing procedure of mercerized–cationized cotton fabrics for ultra-deep shades is potentially a more environmentally benign method than conventional dyeing with reactive dyes.
Cilia on cultured ependymal cells examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Abstract The activity of cilia and their three-dimensional arrangement on the free surface of newborn rat ependymal cells in vitro have been investigated by phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy. According to our findings cilia in different developmental stages were present in the cultures. There were great differences in distribution and number of cilia from cell to cell.
Phospholipase A2 enzymes in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases

Purpose of review The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) family of proteins includes lipolytic enzymes that liberate the sn-2 fatty acyl chains from phospholipids to yield nonesterified fatty acids and lysophospholipids. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent findings showing distinct roles of several of these PLA2 enzymes in inflammatory metabolic diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis. Recent findings The group 1B PLA2 digestion of phospholipids in the intestinal lumen facilitates postprandial lysophospholipid absorption, which suppresses hepatic fatty acid oxidation leading to increased VLDL synthesis, decreased glucose tolerance, and promotion of tissue lipid deposition to accentuate diet-induced hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and obesity. Other secretory PLA2s promote inflammatory metabolic diseases by generating bioactive lipid metabolites to induce inflammatory cytokine production, whereas the major intracellular PLA2s, cPLA2α, and iPLA2, generate arachidonic acid and lysophosphatic acid in response to extracellular stimuli to activate leukocyte chemotactic response. Summary Each member of the PLA2 family of enzymes serves a distinct role in generating active lipid metabolites that promote inflammatory metabolic diseases including atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. The development of specific drugs that target one or more of these PLA2 enzymes may be novel strategies for treatment of these chronic inflammatory metabolic disorders.
Floccular lesions abolish adaptive control of post-saccadic ocular drift in primates.

After several days of exposure to optically-imposed post-saccadic retinal slip, the saccades of normal monkeys acquire an exponential ocular drift. This drift is in the direction of the imposed image motion, and persists in the dark. It has been argued that these changes result from the operation of a visually mediated adaptive mechanism that normally functions to minimize post-saccadic ocular drift. Adaptation to persistent post-saccadic retinal slip was assessed in two rhesus monkeys before and after bilateral ablations of the flocculi and portions of the paraflocculi (“flocculectomy”). After flocculectomy, both monkeys showed some post-saccadic ocular drift. Flocculectomized animals also failed to adapt to optically-imposed post-saccadic slip. We infer from this that the flocculi and/or paraflocculi are necessary for the successful suppression of postsaccadic ocular drift.
Investment, Moral Hazard, and Occupational Licensing

I analyse occupational licensing as an input regulation that requires minimum levels of human capital investment by professionals. By raising professionals' training levels, licensing helps alleviate moral hazard problems associated with the provision of high quality services. I also consider certification, whereby consumers are provided information about professionals' training levels. I show that licensing and certification tend to benefit consumers who value quality highly at the expense of those who do not. Licensing may raise total surplus if sellers' investments are not observable, but is Pareto-worsening if training levels are observable. Certification may, however, lead to excessive investment as a signalling device, and thus be Pareto Inferior to either licensing or to a policy of laissez-faire.
Dihedral angle dependence of 3J(POCH) in phosphites, phosphates, and thiophosphates

Abstract 3 J (POCH) values ranging from 0.29 to 24 Hz of twenty mono- and polycyclic phosphites, phosphates and thiophosphates have been correlated with their POCH dihedral angles which lie between 60 and 180°. It appears that there are separate correlations for the trivalent and pentavalent phosphorus systems, each of which takes the form of a curved band even when the dihedrals are known quite accurately. Reasons for the crude correlation are discussed in terms of hybridization, strain and long-range coupling concepts.
Generation of surf beat by non-linear wave interactions

Non-linear interactions among wind-generated gravity waves transfer energy to low frequency waves in a coastal zone. A transfer function is derived for a straight coastline of constant bottom slope. This model is applied to three actual cases, and numerical evaluation of the energy transfer produces low frequency spectra which are compared with observations.
Prognostic Value of Exercise Capacity in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: The FIT (Henry Ford ExercIse Testing) Project

Objective: To examine the prognostic value of exercise capacity in patients with nonrevascularized and revascularized coronary artery disease (CAD) seen in routine clinical practice. Patients and Methods: We analyzed 9852 adults with known CAD (meanSD age, 61� 12 years; 69% men (n¼6836), 31% black race (n¼3005)) from The Henry Ford ExercIse Testing (FIT) Project, a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent physician-referred stress testing at a single health care system between January 1, 1991, and May 31, 2009. Patients were categorized by revascularization status (nonrevascularized, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery) and by metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved on stress testing. Using Cox regression models, hazard ratios for mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and downstream revascularizations were calculated after adjusting for potential confounders, including cardiac risk factors, pertinent medications, and stress testing indication. Results: There were 3824 all-cause deaths during median follow-up of 11.5 years. In addition, 1880 MIs, and 1930 revascularizations were ascertained. Each 1-MET increment in exercise capacity was associated with a hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.87 (0.85-0.89), 0.87 (0.85-0.90), and 0.86 (0.84-0.89) for mortality; 0.98 (0.96-1.01), 0.88 (0.84-0.92), and 0.93 (0.90-0.97) for MI; and 0.94 (0.92-0.96), 0.91 (0.88-0.95), and 0.96 (0.92-0.99) for downstream revascularizations in the nonrevascularized, PCI, and CABG groups, respectively. In each MET category, the nonrevascularized group had similar mortality risk as and higher MI and downstream revascularization risk than the PCI and CABG surgery groups (P<.05). Conclusion: Exercise capacity was a strong predictor of mortality, MI, and downstream revascularizations in this cohort. Furthermore, patients with similar exercise capacities had an equivalent mortality risk, irrespective of baseline revascularization status. a 2014 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research n Mayo Clin Proc. 2014;89(12):1644-1654
The national cancer data base report on colorectal cancer

Background Previous Commission on Cancer studies have examined time trends in stage of disease, treatment patterns, and survival for colorectal cancer. Reported herein are the most current 1993 National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) data on colorectal cancer. Methods Two "calls for data," one in 1990 and one in 1991, have yielded a total of 71,560 colon cancer reports and 33,409 rectal cancer reports from hospital registries across the country. Results For colon cancer, continuation of the time trend toward proximal migration was reported. For both colon and rectal cancer, American Joint Committee on Cancer staging was used increasingly as the standard of appropriate cancer diagnosis. Increased use of multimodal treatment was reported for both colon and rectal cancers. African-American and non-Hispanic white, low-income patients were reported to have later stages of both colon and rectal cancers. Conclusions The NCDB provides a useful longitudinal perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of colon and rectal cancers.
Distribution of Thyroid Hormone-Responsive Translated Products in Rat Liver Polysome and Postribosomal Ribonucleoprotein Populations*

We investigated the possibility that hypothyroidism, like starvation, leads to a major disaggregation of polyribosomes and redistribution of mRNA to the nonpolysomal mRNA particle (mRNP) pool. The analysis involved the use of a translational assay of hepatic RNA obtained from bound and free polysomes and the subribosomal fractions (mRNP) of euthyroid and hypothyroid rats. Two-dimensional gel electrophoretograms of the in vitro synthesized 35S-labeled proteins revealed distinct protein patterns associated with each subcellular compartment. Of the 18 quantified T3-responsive sequences, the activities of 7 were preferentially associated with bound polysomes, 9 with free polysomes, and 2 with subribosomal mRNP in euthyroid rat livers. No major redistribution occurred in the transition from the euthyroid to the hypothyroid state. The distribution of mRNA activity of 1 T3-responsive sequence, that coding for Spot 14 (mRNAS14), was compared with the distribution of hybridizable mRNA, as determined with the use of a specific cDNA probe. In the euthyroid state, both techniques showed that approximately 70% of the total hepatic mRNAS14 was associated with free polysomes and 30% was associated with subribosomal complexes. A similar distribution was characteristic of the hypothyroid state. These findings demonstrate that T3-responsive sequences are found in all three mRNA compartments and that thyroid hormone action is not typically associated with a redistribution of mRNA among subcellular pools.
Effect of nonequilibrium deep donors in heterostructure modeling.

The deep donors (DX centers) which supply carriers in many GaAs-${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As heterostructures are known to be metastable at low temperatures, maintaining a nonequilibrium state because of a microscopic barrier to recombination if ionized. Earlier modeling by three of us [Kumar, Laux, and Stern, Phys. Rev. B 42, 5166 (1990)] incorrectly assumed the donors in the ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As to be in equilibrium with the electrons in the GaAs channel. We present data on the threshold voltage of heterostructures cooled under bias and results of calculations which assume that the deep donor charge is locked at the value attained at 100 K when the sample is cooled with a bias voltage applied. The revised calculations account for part of the discrepancy between the calculated threshold voltage for the quantum dot structure used in experiments by Hansen et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 62, 2168 (1989)] and the observed value. Part of the remaining discrepancy may be due to processing damage.
Failure cost design of structural systems

Abstract A systematic design approach based on applying weights to modes of failure is proposed. Representative individual failure modes are identified on the limit state surface using a nonlinear structural analysis program. Modal failure probabilities are computed in load space (in which randomness in structural resistance is included), and linearized around mean plastic moment capacities. Single- and multi-objective formulations with objectives of failure cost and initial cost, and with mean plastic moment capacities of structural members as decision variables are used. An iterative procedure with successively tighter bounds on the decision variables is employed. The procedure is applied to a simple frame for which optimum plastic moment capacities (single-objective case) and a trade-off curve between future (failure) cost and initial cost (multi-objective case) are found.
Polarization sensitivity of crayfish photoreceptors is correlated with their termination sites in the lamina ganglionaris

1. Crayfish,Procambarus clarkii, photoreceptor sensitivity to the e-vector of polarized light was measured with micropipettes filled with Lucifer Yellow. The terminals of the dye injected cells were located in the two plexiform layers of the lamina ganglionaris (first optic ganglion). 2. Receptors with greater sensitivity to the horizontal e-vector orientation projected their terminals to the distal plexiform layer (epl1) (Fig. 2). Conversely, receptors with greater sensitivity to the vertical e-vector projected their terminals to the proximal plexiform layer (epl2) (Fig. 3). 3. There was no spatial overlap in the locations of the two functional classes of receptor terminals (Fig. 4, Table 1). Thus monopolar cells with dendrites restricted to epl1 and epl2 (M3 and M4 of Nassel (1976) and Nassel and Waterman (1977)) can be unique information channels for horizontally and vertically polarized light respectively.
Noninvasive assessment of microvessels with the duplex scanner

This study was undertaken to determine if a duplex scanner equipped with a new 10 MHz probe could accurately evaluate microvascular anastomotic patency. The overall predictive accuracy of the duplex scanner was 90% (p less than 0.0001) with no difference noted among the three main anastomotic groups examined--acute artery, acute vein, and long-term artery. There was, however, a statistically significant difference (p less than 0.05) in the ability to interpret vessels that were patent (100%) versus those that were partially occluded (73%) or occluded (88%). It is believed that the duplex scanner has potential applications to preoperatively and intraoperatively study microvessels and postoperatively to supplement other techniques in monitoring acute and long-term anastomotic patency.
Consideration of load asymmetry, placement restrictions, and type of lifting in a design database for industrial workers

This paper provides a comprehensive psychophysical capacity (also called maximum acceptable weight or acceptable capacity) database for designing frequently performed industrial manual lifting tasks. The design data presented here are for male and female industrial workers working regular 8-hour shifts. The existing design databases, which are limited to sagittal lifting of symmetrical loads and were integrated in an earlier work, were expanded to include the effects of asymmetrical loads, asymmetrical lifting, and load placement in restricted spaces. The final design data tables thus are more comprehensive and realistic. Manual lifting jobs designed on the basis of these new tables, therefore, are expected to be safer and more productive.
Distribution, projection and dopaminergic regulation of the neurokinin B mRNA-containing neurons of the rat caudate-putamen.

Abstract Neurons containing transcripts encoding neurokinin B, a member of the tachykinin family, were studied in the rat caudate-putamen using hybridization histochemistry. Neurons containing neurokinin B mRNA were distributed throughout the caudate-putamen, with a slightly higher density in the middle portions as compared with the more rostral and caudal portions. These neurons were either isolated, often located close to neurons devoid of neurokinin B mRNA, or in small clusters of three to 10 cells. A larger group of neurons with neurokinin B mRNA was seen in the ventrolateral caudateputamen, near the tip of the external capsule. Neurokinin B mRNA was colocalized in neurons with substance P (59% of neurokinin B neurons had substance P mRNA) and with enkephalin mRNA (25% of neurokinin B neurons had enkephalin mRNA). After injections of the fluorescent dye Fluorogold into the globus pallidus and substantia nigra, retrograde axonal transport studies demonstrated neurokinin B mRNA in striatopallidal but not striatonigral projections. The influence ofdopaminergic input on the level of neurokinin B mRNA in the caudate-putamen was studied after 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area. Both the number of cells detected containing neurokinin B mRNA as well as the level of transcripts per cell increased on the side ipsilateral to the lesion, whereas the opposite was seen on the contralateral side. These results describe a novel neurochemical system within the rat basal ganglia that is regulated by dopaminergic innervation from the mesencephalon.
Microscopic approach to pion-nucleus dynamics.

Elastic scattering of pions from finite nuclei is investigated utilizing a contemporary, momentum-space first-order optical potential combined with microscopic estimates of second-order corrections. The calculation of the first-order potential includes (1) full Fermi-averaging integration including the \ensuremath{\Delta} propagation and the intrinsic nonlocalities in the \ensuremath{\pi}-N amplitude, (2) covariant kinematics, (3) invariant amplitudes, and (4) a finite-range off-shell pion-nucleon model which contains the nucleon-pole term. The \ensuremath{\Delta} nucleus interaction is included via the mean spectral-energy approximation. This approach produces a convergent perturbation theory in which the Pauli corrections (treated as a second-order term) cancel remarkably against the pion true-absorption terms. Parameter-free results, including the \ensuremath{\Delta}-nucleus shell-model potential, Pauli corrections, pion true absorption, and short-range correlations, are presented.
The algebra of piecewise differentiable currents on smooth manifolds

Abstract A deRham current on a smooth manifold is called piecewise differentiable if its distributional components are partial derivatives of smooth densities supported on closed embedded smooth simplices. Such currents arise naturally in the differential geometry of piecewise differentiable Riemannian metrics. The main purpose of this paper is to construct a natural graded differential algebra containing the piecewise differentiable currents as a subcomplex, and to show that the inclusion of the complex of deRham forms induces monomorphism in homology. This result enables us to show, in the next note, that the Chern-Weil construction can still be used to extract the characteristic classes from (discontinuous) piecewise differentiable metrics on smooth manifolds.
Infant Mortality and Social Environment in Georgia: An application of hotspot detection and prioritization.

Recent years have witnessed the growth of new information technologies and their applications to various disciplines. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate how the two innovative methods, upper level set scan (ULS) hotspot detection and the multicriteria prioritization scheme, facilitate population health and break new ground in public health surveillance. It is believed that the social environment (i.e. social conditions and social capital) is one of the determinants of human health. Using infant health data and 10 additional indicators of social environment in the 159 counties of Georgia, ULS identified 52 counties that are in double jeopardy (high infant mortality and a high rate of low infant birth weight). The multicriteria ranking scheme suggested that there was no conspicuous spatial cluster of ranking orders, which improved the traditional decision making by visual geographic cluster. Both hotspot detection and ranking methods provided an empirical basis for re-allocating limited resources and several policy implications could be drawn from these analytic results.
Minimum radiative transfer geometries

Abstract Optimal control methods are applied to minimize the radiative energy transfer to a two-dimensional body with imposed isoperimetric constraints on base height and surface arc-length. Primary emphasis is on the effect of changes in body geometry on the radiative energy transfer to the surface. The radiation field is specified by the differential approximation and simultaneous evaluation of the coupled flow and radiation fields is necessary. The fields are based on a one-strip integral method with a radiation closure condition applied at the base to circumvent the considerable difficulty associated with the attainment of radiative equilibrium in the large. A first-order gradient algorithm is applied to the system describing the state of the shock layer gas using body surface curvature as the control variable. A major problem proves to be numerical instabilities associated with the approximate, stiff system of ordinary differential equations. Some evidence indicates that the one-strip formulation leads to unrealistic behavior in the influence functions (adjoint variables) for the optimization procedure. Optimal solutions, obtained for a sequence of nose angles, demonstrate that nose angle has a crucial effect on the total radiative transfer to the surface for the assumed geometric constraints and flight conditions ( M∞≈ 30 ). Physically, the reduced transfer is related to the shock layer volume control achieved with optimal shapes; however, average temperature also tends to decrease for the optimal sequence. An overall minimum radiative transfer geometry requires a cusped nose; nevertheless, the total energy transfer rates are less by an order of magnitude relative to a reference wedge level for nose angles as large as 25 per cent of the wedge angle.
Play at Your Own Risk: Sport and the Injury Epidemic

Each year, more than 30 million children and adolescents participate in organized sports in the United States (US), and more than 4.3 million nonfatal sports- and recreation-related injuries are treated in US hospital emergency departments. Two types of activity-related injuries, in particular, that we study in the Bone and Joint Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Center at the University of Michigan are anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and head injury and concussion. Knee ACL injuries are occurring in epidemic-like proportions. In the US alone there are approximately 200,000 new ACL injuries at a total cost of over $1 billion per year. ACL-injured patients are at a significant risk of developing early onset osteoarthritis. Exacerbating the concern is the increase in ACL injury rates in youth and adolescents; particularly girls can experience ACL injury rates from two to five times greater than boys in the same sport. In addition, 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur in the US each year. Significantly more research is needed, but intriguing findings are surfacing. For example, high school athletes’ recovery times for a concussion are longer than college athletes’ recovery times. Moreover, high school athletes who sustain a concussion are 3 times more likely to sustain a second concussion. Preliminary studies state suggest women have a higher risk for head injury and post concussion syndrome due to potentially weaker neck muscles, different muscle activation patterns, and hormone variations. Three key questions must be answered to understand these and other sports-related injuries: 1) What is the magnitude of the epidemic? 2) What are the causes of injury? and 3) What can we do to prevent injuries? Without a greater awareness of the injury risk and a better understanding of the injury mechanisms, the risk of sport-related injuries may escalate in the coming years. Participation in sport can be beneficial for adults and children to promote exercise and healthy lifestyles. The benefits of exercise include decreasing the incidence of cardiovascular disease, obesity, osteoporosis, and diabetes and fostering a healthy image for children and youth. Although exercise and physical activity can have major benefits, some disadvantages do exist, including the
Nonintegral and Integral Folding Crystal Growth in Low Molecular Weight Poly(Ethylene Oxide) Fractions

The existence of nonintegral folding chain (NIF) crystals in a series of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) fractions with different molecular weights ranging between 3000 to 23,000 and different end groups has been observed through time-resolved synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), different scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments. The integral folding chain (IF) crystals are formed through thickening and thinning processes during and/or after the NIF crystallization. From our experimental observations, it is found that with increasing molecular weight, the thickening and thinning processes are increasingly hampered. At sufficiently high molecular weights, NIF crystals may be permanently retained. Both the thermodynamic and kinetic reasons for the processes which transfer the NIF crystals to IF crystals are proposed. Of additional interest, the fold length of initial NIF crystals increases with crystallization temperature (or decreasing supercooling) as commonly observed in polymer lamellar crystals. Further understanding of the chain diffusional motion along the c-axis of the crystals can be illustrated through the end group effect in the fractions with the same molecular weights. An introduction of increasingly bulky end groups can severely block the thickening and thinning processes.
The causes, prevalence and treatment of obesity revisited in 2009: what have we learned so far?

Obesity is a chronic disease that is increasing in prevalence in the United States and worldwide and is often accompanied by multiple comorbidities that lead to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In April 2009, the American Society for Nutrition hosted the symposium "An Integrative View of Obesity" at Experimental Biology 2009 in New Orleans, LA. The presentations addressed the causes of the obesity epidemic and notably discussed a combination of genetics, obesogenic environment, cultural and racial concerns, and treatment modalities based on what we have learned from research into the physiology and neuroendocrine regulation of appetite and satiety. The fat cell as an endocrine organ, in addition to contributions from the gut and pancreas, has helped us to understand the origins of this neuroendocrine regulation as a survival advantage in human ancestry, with obesogenic ramifications in today's toxic food environment. Suggestions for the reversal of the obesity epidemic were offered, including public health campaigns, community and medical programs, and industry-supported change in our food supply, eating patterns, and lifestyle. Community-structured programs for exercise and work-related physical activity could also engage a healthier lifestyle into the typical day for the average American as well as for individuals in other countries.
Agent-Neutral Reasons: Are They for Everyone?

According to both deontologists and consequentialists, if there is a reason to promote the general happiness – or to promote any other state of affairs unrelated to one's own projects or self-interest – then the reason must apply to everyone. This view seems almost self-evident; to challenge it is to challenge the way we think of moral reasons. I contend, however, that the view depends on the unwarranted assumption that the only way to restrict the application scope of a reason for action is by restricting it to those agents whose interests or projects are involved in the reason. In fact normative theories may coherently restrict application scopes in other ways. Thus we must take seriously the possibility that the reason to promote the general happiness, although genuine, does not apply to everyone.
Watchful waiting for solid renal masses: insight into the natural history and results of delayed intervention.

Purpose: We describe the short-term outcomes of patients whose renal masses were managed expectantly (ie watchful waiting) to provide insight into the natural history of small renal tumors. Additionally, this study examined the effects of delayed intervention in patients who required intervention after a period of expectant management.Materials and Methods: A total of 43 patients with 46 renal masses underwent planned expectant management of enhancing solid or cystic (Bosniak IV) renal masses. A subset of these patients (13) who underwent eventual intervention was also examined. Outcomes with regard to age, gender, growth rate, subsequent interventions and clinical followup are reported.Results: At a mean followup of 36 months 74% of patients had tumor growth with a mean (median) growth rate of 0.70 (0.35) cm per year. None of the patients had significant symptoms, disease progression or cancer specific death. There were 4 patients (10%) who died of other causes. The 13 patients undergoing eventual interv...
Hypertension leads to end organ inflammation in humanized mice

Aorta Sham 60 14 Ang II 199 73 * Lymph Nodes Sham 137 63 Ang II 832 247 * p < 0.05; Data are mean SEM (n 1⁄4 6) pretreatment (10 M, 24 hrs). Real-time RT-PCR was used to determine the expression of ERa, IL-1, complement component 3 (C3) and CCL3 levels. ERa expression was decreased by 40% in macropahges derived from postmenopausal women (Figure). Post-menopausal women treated with MHT since menopause had ERa levels similar to pre-menopausal women. In macrophages derived from pre-menopausal women, CRP treatment induced a 50-, 4-, 3-fold increase in the expression of IL1, C3 and CCL3, respectively. E2 pretreatment attenuated this inflammatory response in cells derived from pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women on MHT but not in post-menopausal women not on MHT (Figure). ERa expression and the anti-inflammatory effect of E2 is diminished in macrophages derived from post-menopausal women and restored to pre-menopausal levels with MHT therapy administered continuously from menopause. These results reveal a novel mechanism that may help explain the paradoxical findings from clinical trials.
Induction of focal adhesions and motility in Drosophila S2 cells.

Focal adhesions are dynamic structures that interact with the extracellular matrix on the cell exterior and actin filaments on the cell interior, enabling cells to adhere and crawl along surfaces. We describe a system for inducing the formation of focal adhesions in nor- mally non-ECM-adherent, nonmotile Drosophila S2 cells. These focal adhesions contain the expected molecular markers such as talin, vinculin, and p130Cas, and they require talin for their formation. The S2 cells with induced focal adhesions also display a nonpolarized form of motility on vitronectin-coated substrates. Consistent with findings in mammalian cells, the degree of motility can be tuned by changing the stiffness of the substrate and was increased after the depletion of PAK3, a p21-activated kinase. A subset of nonmotile, nonpolarized cells also exhibited focal adhesions that rapidly assembled and disassembled around the cell perimeter. Such cooperative and dynamic fluctuations of focal adhesions were decreased by RNA interference (RNAi) depletion of myosin II and focal adhesion kinase, suggesting that this behavior requires force and focal adhesion maturation. These results demonstrate that S2 cells, a cell line that is well studied for cytoskeletal dynamics and readily amenable to protein manipulation by RNAi, can be used to study the assembly and dynamics of focal adhesions and mechanosensitive cell motility.