cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polyolefin nanocomposite fibers and films

Polyolefins are a major part of plastics used in our daily life. However, the use of polyolefins in some demanding areas, such as high-temperature engineering applications, is limited due to their low melting temperature and insufficient mechanical properties. With the advent of nanotechnology, polyolefin nanocomposites have become increasingly important materials for applications no one would have imagined before. Methods of embedding carbon nanotubes, nanosilicates, nanosized metal oxides, and nanostructured molecules into polyolefin composites are being researched and developed extensively. Through solution mixing and melt compounding, two most convenient processes, nanoparticles can be added to the polymer matrix. The useful characterization techniques for nanocomposites are scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and thermal analysis. The recently reported research and development efforts concentrate on the improvement of mechanical properties, gas permeability, thermal and fire properties, dyeability, and optical transparency.
Ultrasound‐Mediated Diagnosis and Therapy based on Ultrasound Contrast Agents

Ultrasound-mediated diagnosis techniques have consistently attracted worldwide attention. Compared with other medical-diagnosis methods, relatively distinguished features of ultrasound being readily accessible, swift, inexpensive, and safe make it routinely used for diverse purposes. With the development of ultrasound-imaging devices, the recent advent of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) has expanded the sphere of ultrasound's influence to therapy. UCAs, which are generally gas-filled and microsized bubbles, have been grafted onto multifunctional particles or molecules to selectively detect various diseases and effectively treat them. Additionally, nanosized bubbles as well as microsized bubbles have lately received a lot of attention since the phase-transition behavior of the bubbles is observed under certain conditions. The focus here is an introduction to and the preparation of therapeutic and multimodal UCAs. Also, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), among the ultrasound-mediated techniques, which enables researchers and health-care providers to overcome existing approaches, is described in depth. To close, the future and challenges of diagnosis and therapy with ultrasound are reviewed.
Influence of price and brand image on restaurant customers’ restaurant selection attribute

The study examines the influence of price and brand image on three major restaurant quality attributes (ambiance, food quality, and service quality). A total number of 363 cases from the survey wer...
The qdesha in Hosea 4:14: Putting the (Myth of the) Sacred Prostitute to Bed

Despite a lack of evidence for the practice of sacred prostitution in the ancient Middle East, scholars have continued to understand the word qdesɔ in Hosea 4:14 to denote a female officiant who performed sexual acts in a cultic setting. This article argues that the understanding of the qdesɔ as a cultic prostitute has appealed to interpreters for over two millennia because the Hebrew word has a semantic range that includes both female cultic functionaries and prostitutes. The lexeme denotes a class of women who are employed outside of the patrimonial estate, including priestesses or prostitutes (but never both at the same time). When the prophet indicts the Israelites for sacrificing with qdesot, he deploys a pun that strengthens his metaphor of Israel as a wayward woman.
Field-Based Scoring of Soybean Iron Deficiency Chlorosis Using RGB Imaging and Statistical Learning.

Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is an abiotic stress in soybean that can cause significant biomass and yield reduction. IDC is characterized by stunted growth and yellowing and interveinal chlorosis of early trifoliate leaves. Scoring IDC severity in the field is conventionally done by visual assessment. The goal of this study was to investigate the usefulness of RGB (Red Green Blue) images of soybean plots captured under the field condition for IDC scoring. Sixty-four soybean lines with four replicates were planted in six fields over two years. Visual scoring (referred to as Field Score, or FS) was conducted at V3 – V4 growth stage; and concurrently RGB images of the field plots were recorded with a high-throughput field phenotyping platform. A second set of IDC scores was done on the plot images (displayed on a computer screen) consistently by one person in the office (referred to as Office Score, or OS). Plot images were then processed to remove weeds and extract six color features, which were used to train computer-based IDC scoring models (referred to as Computer Score, or CS) using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The results showed that, in the fields where severe IDC symptoms were present, FS and OS were strongly positively correlated with each other, and both of them were strongly negatively correlated with yield. CS could satisfactorily predict IDC scores when evaluated using FS and OS as the reference (overall classification accuracy > 81%). SVM models appeared to outperform LDA models; and the SVM model trained to predict IDC OS gave the highest prediction accuracy. It was anticipated that coupling RGB imaging from the high-throughput field phenotyping platform with real-time image processing and IDC CS models would lead to a more rapid, cost-effective, and objective scoring pipeline for soybean IDC field screening and breeding.
The Command Neuron

Of the many important concepts that have stemmed from the prolific research of Professor C. A. G. Wiersma, perhaps the one that has had the greatest impact on comparative neurobiology is that of the “command” neuron. The term has a long history of application in the invertebrates (for recent reviews, see Bowerman and Larimer, 1976a; Davis, 1976; Kennedy and Davis, 1977) and has recently found its way into the mammalian literature (Grillner, 1975). As evidenced at this symposium, however, the concept has also stirred considerable debate. Given the importance of the topic and the incompleteness of existing data on such neurons, this debate is both inevitable and desirable. As I hope to show in this chapter, such debate can help to clarify our thinking on the subject of the command neuron and can also illuminate fruitful areas for future research.
General chiral-symmetry breaking and sigma terms

We systematically investigate the properties of general chiral-symmetry breaking in a $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ model. We obtain not only the conventional results of nonlinear pion models, but also the effects of the symmetry breaking upon $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ terms. We show that the $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ terms depend upon the fraction of the pion mass coming from the chirally symmetric part of the model, as well as upon the representation of the symmetry-breaking part of the model.
Tibial Tubercle Fractures in Children and Adolescents

Objectives:To report patient characteristics, fracture types, treatment methods, and clinical outcomes of children and adolescents treated for tibial tubercle fractures.Methods:Patients age 19 and ...
Narrative data and analysis in Second Language teaching and learning

The present paper offers a modest contribution to the existing and ongoing attempt to find a place for narrative research in language education. The purpose is mainly to explore and highlight insights gleaned from narrative research with regard to narrative data and analysis. Due to the diverse and unique nature of second language learning and teaching, I would argue that gathering narrative data from second language learners are paramount and in line with the existing attempt to view second language teaching and learning in its own right and not as imitation of first language learning. To develop my argument, I will first discuss the position of narrative research in second language education highlighting the contribution and insights that narrative research brings to second language teaching and learning. I will proceed to define narrative research and explains the various tools to elicit narrative data as well as issues that narrative researcher needs to consider when collecting narrative data. The paper ends by looking at issues and strategies in analyzing narrative data. In all of the discussion, relevant research is cited to illustrate the point being discussed. The paper will end by highlighting that the discussion about narrative data and analysis are not aimed to replace other tools of data elicitation and analysis. Rather, it aims to invite teachers and researchers to see narratives as a viable option in research as the methodology continues to move forward.
A smart lighting system for greenhouses based on Narrowband-IoT communication

With the advance and popularity of communication technologies and the Internet, Internet of Things (IoT) becomes one of the most popular technologies in recent decade. IoT are applied to various applications, such as health care, smart home and environmental monitoring in our daily life. Three short-range communication technologies, Bluetooth, WiFi and ZigBee are widely used in IoT devices but along with short transmission range, middle power consumption and weakness of interference. Hence, Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) for the cellular network are proposed for wide coverage, lower power consumption and massive devices with reliable communication for IoT devices. Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) is highly valued by the industry for its reliable connection, optimal network topology, low latency, low power consumption and low construction cost.Due to rapid changes in climate, demands on environmental monitoring for various applications, such as animal migration and greenhouse of high-cost crops are increased. In this paper, a prototype of smart lighting system based on Narrowband-IoT communication is proposed for connecting the back-end system and fields such as outdoor greenhouses or street lights. In the testbed, the dimming of the light is scheduled and controlled as well as monitoring the environmental temperature and humidity of the field. Experimental results are shown to verify usabilities and advantages applying Narrowband-IoT to the smart lighting system.
Time-resolved two-photon spectroscopy of carotenoids

Abstract We have developed an experimental set-up allowing to measure transient absorption spectra of carotenoids after two-photon excitation (2PE), thereby exciting the lowest excited state S1 directly. We have compared 2PE and 1PE data of three carotenoids, lycopene, β-carotene, and neurosporene. Compared to ‘standard’ 1PE, the transient absorption spectra of all three carotenoids are broader after 2PE, suggesting larger conformational disorder induced by direct excitation of the S1 state. Also, 2PE generates slightly longer S1 lifetimes compared to 1PE, which is most likely due to increased magnitude of the S* signal after 2PE. The difference in the S* signal magnitude is explained by a different subsets of conformers excited by 1PE and 2PE.
Rethinking School-Based Bullying Prevention Through the Lens of Social and Emotional Learning: a Bioecological Perspective

This article makes the case for shifting the national focus from bullying prevention to the systemic integration of evidence-based practices of social and emotional learning (SEL) into US school programs and policies. Several meta-analyses demonstrate that SEL is a promising approach for reducing a range of disruptive behaviors in schools. The data also show that SEL enhances school engagement and climate, interpersonal relationships, well-being, and academic achievement. We critically analyze existing approaches to bullying prevention in the USA and, from a bioecological perspective, describe their limitations, in addition to the importance of emotions in the organization of children’s development. We discuss why schools should address the social and emotional development of children and adults in order to decrease harmful behaviors, form positive relationships, support psychological health, and offer more effective education. The bioecological perspective provides a framework for successfully integrating whole-school, evidence-based approaches to SEL, including statewide adoption of SEL standards and increased focus on school climate.
The Shape of Sound: a Geometric Morphometrics Approach to Laryngeal Functional Morphology

Diversification of animal vocalizations plays a key role in behavioral evolution and speciation. Vocal organ morphology represents an important source of acoustic variation, yet its small size, complex shape, and absence of homologous landmarks pose major challenges to comparative analyses. Here, we use a geometric morphometric approach based on geometrically homologous landmarks to quantify shape variation of laryngeal cartilages of four rodent genera representing three families. Reconstructed cartilages of the larynx from contrast-enhanced micro-CT images were quantified by variable numbers of three-dimensional landmarks placed on structural margins and major surfaces. Landmark sets were superimposed using generalized Procrustes analysis prior to statistical analysis. Correlations among pairwise Procrustes distances were used to identify the minimum number of landmarks necessary to fully characterize shape variation. We found that the five species occupy distinct positions in morphospace, with variation explained in part by phylogeny, body size, and differences in vocal production mechanisms. Our findings provide a foundation for quantifying the contribution of vocal organ morphology to acoustic diversification.
Search results outliers among MEDLINE platforms

Objective: Hypothetically, content in MEDLINE records is consistent across multiple platforms. Though platforms have different interfaces and requirements for query syntax, results should be similar when the syntax is controlled for across the platforms. The authors investigated how search result counts varied when searching records among five MEDLINE platforms. Methods: We created 29 sets of search queries targeting various metadata fields and operators. Within search sets, we adapted 5 distinct, compatible queries to search 5 MEDLINE platforms (PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO host, Web of Science, and Ovid), totaling 145 final queries. The 5 queries were designed to be logically and semantically equivalent and were modified only to match platform syntax requirements. We analyzed the result counts and compared PubMed’s MEDLINE result counts to result counts from the other platforms. We identified outliers by measuring the result count deviations using modified z-scores centered around PubMed’s MEDLINE results. Results: Web of Science and ProQuest searches were the most likely to deviate from the equivalent PubMed searches. EBSCO host and Ovid were less likely to deviate from PubMed searches. Ovid’s results were the most consistent with PubMed’s but appeared to apply an indexing algorithm that resulted in lower retrieval sets among equivalent searches in PubMed. Web of Science exhibited problems with exploding or not exploding Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. Conclusion: Platform enhancements among interfaces affect record retrieval and challenge the expectation that MEDLINE platforms should, by default, be treated as MEDLINE. Substantial inconsistencies in search result counts, as demonstrated here, should raise concerns about the impact of platform-specific influences on search results. This article has been approved for the Medical Library Association’s Independent Reading Program .
The political economy of landslides and international aid relief: a qualitative investigation in rural Uganda

This is a qualitative study of perspectives from community members on landslides in Bududa, Uganda. Interviews with community members reveal their perceptions of the causes, effects, and aid response to landslides. We employ a 'structural fieldwork' approach to explain community member's thoughts and experiences using critical macro-comparative perspectives relating to political ecology. This research brings attention to how large-scale unequal relationships in trade and international aid increase landslide vulnerability and there are ineffective relief efforts in a particular locale. Linking environmental degradation in Bududa to political, economic, and social factors provides a broader context in which to view risk from landslides in this community, as a critical case in demonstrating how economic globalization benefits some at the expense of others. Keywords: Landslides, unequal exchange, disaster, NGOs, political economy
The association between neighborhood greenness and incidence of lethal prostate cancer: A prospective cohort study.

Background Growing evidence suggests that neighborhood contextual environment could influence risk factors and, therefore, incidence of lethal prostate cancer. We studied the association between neighborhood greenness and lethal prostate cancer incidence and assessed mediation by vigorous physical activity. Methods A total of 47,958 participants were followed in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study from 1986 to 2014. Neighborhood greenness exposure was estimated using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) with 1 km resolution, assigned to home or work addresses at start of follow-up. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using sequentially adjusted Cox models with individual and contextual prostate cancer risk factors as covariates. Analyses were compared among those whose addresses were constant over follow-up and stratified by population density and address type. Results We observed 898 cases over 1,054,743 person-years. An interquartile range increase in NDVI was associated with 5% lower rate of lethal prostate cancer (aHR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.88, 1.03), with stronger associations in nonmovers (aHR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85, 1.01). Inverse associations were observed among men in high (aHR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.82, 0.99) but not low (aHR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.95, 1.29, P het = 0.086) population density areas, and those reporting from work (aHR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.75, 1.01) but not home (aHR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.91, 1.17, P het = 0.10) addresses. There was no evidence of mediation by vigorous physical activity. Conclusion We report inverse associations between neighborhood greenness and lethal prostate cancer when restricting to nonmovers and in high population density areas. Replication could confirm findings and clarify mechanisms.
Democracy without capacity

What are the consequences for democracy of inadequate state capacity? This essay argues, drawing on the case of India, that democracy without decay results in several pathologies, including democra...
Optimal Imaging Guidance During Transcatheter Mitral Valve-in-Valve Replacement in Bioprostheses With Radiolucent Sewing Rings.

Abstract Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement (TMVR) offers a less invasive strategy for managing bioprosthetic mitral valve dysfunction. TMVR positioning is challenging in the setting of a radiolucent bioprosthetic sewing ring. We present 2 cases demonstrating the roles of fluoroscopy and echocardiography in guiding TMVR placement within bioprostheses with radiolucent sewing rings. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)
Beyond Stretchability: Strength, Toughness, and Elastic Range in Semiconducting Polymers

Essentially all research done to date on the mechanical properties of polymeric semiconductors (e.g., for organic photovoltaics and thin-film transistors) has had the underlying goal of increasing ...
Defining an existing prefabrication workflow to identify measures for increased labour time utilization rates

This paper analyses the current operations and labour utilization rates for a project team engaged in the prefabrication of exterior wall panels, in an existing manufacturing facility in Tempe, Arizona. A current state process is defined for the BIM-to-install process of each exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) wall panel. Through analysis of the current state, it is found that only 17% of time was spent directly modelling components meant for prefabrication. The remaining 83% of time engaged in modelling is subject to optimization. Based on these findings, a discussion is presented regarding in place scheduling procedures, model and data management protocols, and field to shop verification/validation measures impacting modelling activities. Finally, a presentation of a series of future workflow interventions intended to improve labour utilization rates for modelling and shop personnel while enabling the internal shop ideal for "mass customization through prefabrication" is provided.
On $p$-metric spaces and the $p$-Gromov-Hausdorff distance.

For each given $p\in[1,\infty]$ we investigate certain sub-family $\mathcal{M}_p$ of the collection of all compact metric spaces $\mathcal{M}$ which are characterized by the satisfaction of a strengthened form of the triangle inequality which encompasses, for example, the strong triangle inequality satisfied by ultrametric spaces. We identify a one parameter family of Gromov-Hausdorff like distances $\{d_{\mathrm{GH}}^{\scriptscriptstyle{(p)}}\}_{p\in[1,\infty]}$ on $\mathcal{M}_p$ and study geometric and topological properties of these distances as well as the stability of certain canonical projections $\mathfrak{S}_p:\mathcal{M}\rightarrow \mathcal{M}_p$. For the collection $\mathcal{U}$ of all compact ultrametric spaces, which corresponds to the case $p=\infty$ of the family $\mathcal{M}_p$, we explore a one parameter family of interleaving-type distances and reveal their relationship with $\{d_{\mathrm{GH}}^{\scriptscriptstyle{(p)}}\}_{p\in[1,\infty]}$.
In Vivo Models of AI Resistance

The goal of endocrine therapy is to deprive the breast tumor of estrogens, which are key to the growth and progression of the tumor. This can be accomplished by blocking the receptor action via antiestrogens or blocking the biosynthesis of estrogen using aromatase inhibitors. Model systems have been devised to study the effectiveness of hormonal therapy on breast tumor growth. These models proved essential in bringing endocrine agents to the forefront of breast cancer therapy. Now, these models are being exploited to develop strategies to overcome resistance to endocrine agents. Cell lines or tumor xenografts that are deprived of estrogen or treated extensively with aromatase inhibitors serve as models of breast cancers of patients that are receiving AIs in the clinical setting.
A Ricardian interpretation of the provision of public housing services in Hong kong

This paper advances a Ricardian interpretation of the post-World War II growth experience in Hong Kong. It involves a nontradeable wage good item--housing services--the provision of which is subject to increasing cost in land-scarce Hong Kong. Since this obstacle to growth cannot be bypassed via imports, the paper documents how the government has been channelling the rental income of the landlord to subsidize the provision of such services. The government has, thus, promoted growth by dampening the increases in the cost of provision of a dominant wage good. Copyright 1992 by Oxford University Press.
Optical force microscopy.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the optical force microscopy. One goal of cell biology research is to observe individual cell components in their native environment. Nondamaging, high-resolution techniques for imaging molecular structures in aqueous buffer continue to be developed and improved. Scanning probe microscopy is emerging as an important technique for macromolecular imaging and manipulation, enabling investigators not only to image structures but also to examine their mechanical properties. In particular, use of the atomic force microscope (AFM) has become more and more prevalent for imaging biological surfaces. Applications of the AFM now range from acquiring topographic maps of macromolecular assemblies and cell surfaces to exploring the forces involved in maintaining intermolecular interactions. The optical tweezers have become established not only as a tool for manipulating microscopic particles, but as a sensitive force transducer as well. Because the tweezers act on small dielectric particles in a manner similar to that of a linear spring, they can serve as the foundation of a scanning probe microscope referred to as the optical force microscope (OFM).
IAU North Poles and Rotation Parameters for Natural Satellites

In 1970 the IAU defined any object’s north pole to be that axis of rotation which lies north of the solar system’s invariable plane. A competing definition in widespread use at some institutions followed the “right hand rule” whereby the “north” axis of rotation was generally said to be that that of the rotational angular momentum
Assessment of total hip arthroplasty as a predisposing factor for ischiofemoral impingement

To examine the effect of total hip arthroplasty (THA) on ischiofemoral (IF) and quadratus femoris (QF) spaces with the hypothesis that THA does not affect ischiofemoral relationships. The study was IRB approved and complied with HIPAA guidelines. We identified consecutive MR examinations (pelvis and/or hip) obtained at our institution in adults (≥18 years old) screened for THA-related complications. Native hips from the same individuals served as controls. We collected medical record data including age, gender, surgical history, and THA designs. Two radiologists independently measured the IF-RAD and IF-MRI (IF space on radiographs and MR imaging, respectively) and QF space (on MR imaging). Groups were compared using ANCOVA controlled for gender. The study group comprised 250 hips (132 subjects; 162 post-THA and 88 native hips). Subjects were aged 59 ± 10 years, with 66 males and 66 females. Comparison of IF-MRI and QF spaces between native and post-THA hips showed no differences (P > 0.12) and IF-RAD was higher in post-THA subjects (P = 0.01). No differences in the IF-MRI and QF spaces were present between native hips and different THA designs (P > 0.4). IF-RAD of metal-on-metal THA was higher than that of native hips (P = 0.01) and trended higher than ceramic-on-polyethylene THA (P = 0.08), with the remaining comparisons showing no significant differences (P > 0.4). Radiographic- and MRI-based measures in patients with standard THA do not show narrowing of IF and QF spaces.
Inkjet printed chalcopyrite CuInxGa1−xSe2 thin film solar cells

Abstract In this paper, we report a novel approach for the fabrication of chalcopyrite CuInxGa1−xSe2 thin film solar cells by inkjet printing. The short circuit current (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and total area power conversion efficiency (η) of the device are 29.78 mA/cm2, 386 mV, 0.44%, and 5.04%, respectively. Inkjet printing at atmospheric environment offers an opportunity for the direct patterning of absorber materials at large scale. This provides a potential cost advantage over conventional fabrication process that involves sequential deposition, patterning, and etching of selected materials. In addition, inkjet printing increases the raw material utilization ratio compared to more wasteful vacuum-based deposition techniques.
Surgery of the Aortic Arch

A 60-year-old male is seen in the emergency room of a tertiary hospital. He complains of severe chest pain which is “tearing” in nature and localizes to the anterior chest. His past medical history is remarkable for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease and an aortic arch aneurysm. His aneurysm is 5.5 cm in diameter and he was scheduled to undergo an elective surgical repair 7 days from his present emergency room visit [1]. He had a left carotid endarterectomy in the past, which required placement of a shunt following carotid cross clamp application. On examination, his blood pressure is equal, bilaterally, in both the arms. Auscultation reveals a regular rhythm without a murmur. His EKG is unchanged from his most recent EKG performed for his scheduled, elective aneurysm repair, 2 weeks ago. His medications include atorvastatin, metoprolol, aspirin (81 mg) and lisonopril. The chest X-ray shows a widened mediastinum. After his blood pressure and chest pain were stabilized with a short-acting beta blocker, narcotics and sedatives, a CT angiogram was obtained. This revealed an aortic dissection with a tear located in the aortic arch. The dissection extends proximally to the sinus of valsalva and distally down the descending aorta.
Arabidopsis as a Model System for Analysis of Leaf Senescence and Inflorescence-Meristem Longevity

The longevity of the Arabidopsis plant is a function of both the life span of the somatic tissue and the extent to which the meristems produce new somatic tissues. We have chosen to study the leaf as a model for somatic-tissue senescence, and the primary inflorescence meristem as a model for meristem longevity. Under constant light, temperature and humidity, we found that the individual adult rosette leaves and the primary inflorescence meristem have a determined life span. Arabidopsis’ life strategy is monocarpic, meaning the plant dies in association with the cessation of reproduction. We asked if senescence ensued as a result of reproduction by determining if we could uncouple reproduction from senescence. By analyzing single-gene mutants either delayed or defective in reproduction, we found no relationship between rosette-leaf life span and reproduction. In contrast, we did find that primary inflorescence-meristem longevity is nearly doubled in a male-sterile line where reproduction does not occur. We are using both individual leaf life spans and primary meristem longevity as markers to determine the role of heritable traits in the regulation of senescence and whole plant longevity. We are comparing leaf senescence and meristem proliferative ability in different ecotypes, existing developmental and hormonal mutants, and newly isolated mutants.
L-triiodothyronine differentially and nongenomically regulates synaptosomal protein phosphorylation in adult rat brain cerebral cortex: role of calcium and calmodulin.

Abstract Adult-onset thyroid disorders in humans impair several important central nervous system functions, causing various neuropsychiatric diseases. However, the mechanisms of thyroid hormone (TH) action in the mature mammalian brain remain unclear. Recent nongenomic actions of TH in adult brains are spotlighted. Many nongenomic mechanisms are modulated by phosphorylation–dephosphorylation of substrate proteins. In the present study, l -triiodothyronine ( l -T3) demonstrated differential regulation of phosphorylation status of five different synaptosomal proteins (63, 53, 38, 23, and 16 kD) in both a Ca 2+ /calmodulin (CaM)-dependent and -independent manner. l -T3 increased the level of phosphorylation of all these five proteins. Ca 2+ /CaM further stimulated phosphorylation of 63- and 53-kD proteins by l -T3, which were inhibited both by EGTA (Ca 2+ -chelator) or KN62 (Ca 2+ /CaM kinase-II [CaMK-II] inhibitor), suggesting the role of CaMK-II. l -T3 increased the phosphorylation of 23- and 38-kD proteins; the effect was independent of EGTA or KN62. The presence of Ca 2+ decreased l -T3-induced phosphorylation of 63-, 53- and 38-kD proteins. Surprisingly, l -T3-induced phosphorylation of 16-kD protein was not augmented further with Ca 2+ or Ca 2+ /CaM; instead, the presence of CaM abolished the l -T3-induced phosphorylation. EGTA or KN62 could not restore the effect of CaM-induced dephosphorylation of this protein. This study identified the role of Ca 2+ /CaM in the regulation of l -T3-induced protein phosphorylation and supported a unique nongenomic mechanism of second messenger-mediated regulation of protein phosphorylation by TH in mature rat brain. This has profound implications for higher mental functions and strategies for novel therapeutics.
Conditional knockout mouse for tissue‐specific disruption of the cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2) gene

Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) modulates many normal functions, and appears to play a role in a wide variety of pathophysiologic conditions. Cox-2 gene expression is induced in many different cell types, in response to many distinct stimuli. We generated a conditional knockout mouse in which critical exons of the Cox-2 gene are flanked with loxP sites. Cox-2flox/flox mice appear normal and are fertile. Recombination at the loxP sites, loss of Cox-2 protein expression, and prevention of induced PGE2 accumulation are observed in Cox-2flox/flox mouse embryo fibroblasts following infection with an adenovirus expressing CRE recombinase. In vivo recombination at the Cox-2flox allele was demonstrated in the liver of Cox-2flox/flox mice following intravenous injection of adenovirus expressing CRE recombinase. Spatially and temporally restricted elimination of the Cox-2 gene in Cox-2flox/flox conditional knockout mice should provide a valuable tool to analyze the cell type-specific role of Cox-2 in many disease models. genesis 44:143–149, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Movement of Black Crappies and Bluegills among Interconnected Lakes in Minnesota

Abstract The movement of fish among interconnected lakes has been documented for highly mobile species; however, little information is available for black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus. We assessed emigration of black crappies from 4 lakes and bluegills from 2 lakes within a chain of 16 lakes in west-central Minnesota by comparing the proportion of angler returns of T-bar anchor tags reported from lakes other than the one in which the fish were tagged. Over a 3-year period, black crappie angler tag returns from nonorigin lakes ranged from 6% to 23% in the four lakes. Annual emigration rates of black crappies ranged from 0% to 92%. For bluegills, the 3-year emigration rate was 9% from Le Homme Dieu Lake and 14% from Victoria Lake, with annual rates ranging from 3% to 36%. We found no evidence that the size of bluegills or black crappies at tagging affected the likelihood of emigration and no evidence that movement upstream or downstream was preferred. Fisheries managers sh...
Further comments on segregation during Bridgman growth of Cd x Hg 1- x Te

The authors comment on recent papers published by Capper et al. (1983) and Jones et al. (1983) which report and discuss the variation of composition with axial position in Bridgman-grown Cd(x)Hg(1-x)Te alloys. The validity of a diffusion-controlled model for non-mixing growth conditions is particularly noted.
Intracellular receptors mediate gonadal steroid modulation of LHRH-induced LH release

Abstract Primary cultures of enzymatically dispersed rat pituitary cells were used to study the role of intracellular receptors in gonadal steroid modulation of LHRH-induced LH release. Nuclear receptors for both testosterone (T) and 17β-estradiol (E) were observed, with KD values of 6.3 and 0.1 nM respectively. Occupation of these receptors was correlated with modulation of LH secretion. The relationship between these two parameters was nonlinear, so that steroid effects on LH secretion were maximal when fewer than 50% of the receptors were occupied. The androgen antagonist cyproterone blocked both T binding to nuclear receptors and T inhibition of LH secretion. Similarly, the estrogen antagonist CI-628 blocked both E binding and E stimulation of LH secretion. In cultures derived from pseudohermaphrodite rats, T did not bind to nuclear receptors, nor did it inhibit LH secretion. These results, showing a relationship between occupation of nuclear receptors and modulation of LH secretion, suggest that steroid effects on LH secretion are mediated by these receptors.
A Theory of Topographically Bound Balanced Motions and Application to Atmospheric Low-Level Jets

AbstractThe subject of this study is topographically bound low-level jets, such as the South American summertime low-level jet on the eastern side of the Andes and its companion, the Chilean low-level jet on the western side of the Andes. These jets are interpreted as balanced flows that obey the potential vorticity invertibility principle. This invertibility principle is expressed in isentropic coordinates, and the mathematical issue of isentropes that intersect the topography is treated by the method of a massless layer. In this way, the low-level jets on the western and eastern sides of the Andes can both be attributed to the infinite potential vorticity that lies in the infinitesimally thin massless layer on the topographic feature. To obtain a cyclonic flow centered on the topographic feature, the mountain crest must have been heated enough to draw down the overlying isentropic surfaces; otherwise, isentropic surfaces bend upward at the mountain crest and an anticyclonic flow is produced. Both anticy...
Stress cracking of plastics by gasoline and gasoline components

The susceptibility of polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, and cellulose acetate butyrate to gasoline-induced stress cracking was evaluated by measuring the critical strains of specimens exposed to a variety of commercial gasolines and gasoline components. Cellulose acetate butyrate exhibited the greatest resistance to gasoline followed by polymethyl methacrylate and polycarbonate. Stress cracking was a complex function of gasoline composition. Measured critical strains generally decreased and the severity of cracking of molded parts generally increased as the total aromatic content of the gasolines increased. However, a significant difference in critical strains was observed between the individual aliphatic components of gasoline. No correlation was observed between critical strain and gasoline type, i.e., premium, regular, or unleaded. The effect of time of exposure was examined, and it was observed that for some binary mixtures splashing caused much more severe cracking than continuous exposure.
A data retrieval system for blood donor information.

A “desk top” system for blood donor information, storage, and retrieval is described. The system can accept up to 1,000 different items of information on each of 10,000 donors. It is currently in active use for locating eligibles in a walking donor population of 2,500. It contains 80,000 items of information all of which can be searched without machine processing by laboratory personnel at any time of day or night.
A case of appendicocele

A 58-year-old woman with an unconfirmed diagnosis of uterine fibroids, and a past medical history of uterine polyps, two cesarean sections and a right inguinal herniorraphy presented to the emergency department with 1 month of sharp right lower quadrant pain that had become debilitating 24 h prior to presentation. She also complained of vaginal discharge and bleeding while denying nausea, vomiting and fever. Physical examination revealed a mass in the right inguinal area that was exquisitely tender to palpation and irreducible at the bedside. Her symptoms were exacerbated with a valsalva maneuver. Bowel sounds were present in all four quadrants. Laboratory findings were all within normal limits. She remained afebrile. The patient had an abdominal/ pelvic MRI earlier that day at an outlying facility ordered by her gynecologist. Unfortunately, the results were not available at the time the patient presented. On further consultation, recommendations were made for outpatient follow up. Given the patient’s presentation, undifferentiated gynecologic pathology and history of multiple abdominal surgeries, further evaluation was warranted to solidify the diagnosis, and to confirm the need for surgical intervention for the most likely diagnosis of an incarcerated inguinal hernia. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a fibroid uterus, focal lesions in the urinary bladder and right indirect inguinal hernia containing the appendix with mild stranding and thickening of the hernia sac wall concerning for acute appendicitis (Figs. 1, 2 and 3). The appendix measured 7.0 cm in length and 0.7 cm in diameter on pathologic evaluation.
Regulation of spblimp1/krox1a, an alternatively transcribed isoform expressed in midgut and hindgut of the sea urchin gastrula.

The sea urchin regulatory gene Spblimp1/krox produces alternatively transcribed and spliced isoforms, 1a and 1b, which have different temporal and spatial patterns of expression. Here we describe a cis-regulatory module that controls the expression of the 1a splice form in the midgut and hindgut at the beginning of gastrulation. Conserved sequence patches revealed by a comparison of the blimp1/krox locus in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and Lytechinus variegatus genomes were tested by gene transfer, in association with GFP or CAT reporter genes. An expression construct containing a conserved sequence patch immediately 5′ of exon 1a included the transcription initiation site for blimp1/krox1a. This construct displays specific mid and hindgut expression, indicating that these are the locations of endogenous blimp1/krox1a transcription during the gastrula stage. Its sequence contains binding sites for Brn1/2/4, Otx, and Blimp1/Krox itself, as predicted in a prior regulatory network analysis.
Teaching programming in the OOP era

This paper argues in favor of teaching a course in Procedural Programming first before a course in Object Oriented Programming. The basis of the argument is that considered as a paradigm, Object Oriented Programming comes in addition to the Procedural Programming paradigm and not as a replacement for it. In addition, we discuss the mathematics prerequisites required for programming and argue that Information Science departments should insist that students receive a firm foundation in traditional mathematical skills and that the use of instructional technology should reinforce these skills and not detract from them.
Psoriasis genetics: the way forward.

Identifying genetic locations of genes for complex traits such as psoriasis is a challenge. The approach that has been used is to identify large numbers of families with two or more affected children, and to perform a genome-wide linkage scan. The results of such studies are statistical estimates that a DNA marker is segregating with psoriasis in families more often than expected due to chance. In most linkage scans for genes for complex traits, the conventionally accepted statistical threshold, a logarithm of the odds (LOD) score of 3, is rarely met, and large numbers of potentially linked loci lie below this threshold. The hope is that additional scans with additional families will pinpoint the same regions. Such replication would be further evidence that one has localized a psoriasis locus.
Guidance for improving life-cycle design and management of milk packaging

Summary Life-cycle inventory and cost-analysis tools applied to milk packaging offer guidelines for achieving better environmental design and management of these systems. Life-cycle solid waste, energy, and costs were analyzed for seven systems including single-use and refillable glass bottles, single-use and refillable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles, paperboard gable-top cartons, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) flexible pouches, and polycarbonate refillable bottles on a basis of 1,000 gal of milk delivered. In addition, performance requirements were also investigated that highlighted potential barriers and trade-offs for environmentally preferable alternatives. Sensitivity analyses, indicated that material production energy, postconsumer solid waste, and empty container costs were key parameters for predicting life-cycle burdens and costs. Recent trends in recycling rates, tipping fees, and recycled materials market value had minimal effect on the results. Inventory model results for life-cycle solid waste and energy indicated the same rank order as results from previously published life-cycle inventory studies of container systems. Refillable HDPE and polycarbonate, and the flexible pouch were identified as the most environmentally preferable with respect to life-cycle energy and solid waste. The greater market penetration of these containers may be limited by performance issues such as empty container storage, handling requirements, and deposit fees for refillables, and resealability and puncture resistance for the pouch.
VLES modelling of geophysical fluids with nonoscillatory forward‐in‐time schemes

Atmospheres and oceans are mostly incompressible and turbulent. The experience of the meteorological community with modelling such flows is based primarily on centred in time and space (CTS) methods. Our experience applying non-oscillatory forward in time methods (NFT) to a range of flows has revealed some unexpected benefits specifically in the area of modelling geophysical turbulence where broad span of scales, density stratification, planetary rotation, inhomogeneity of the lower boundary, etc., make explicit modelling of subgrid-scale motions particularly challenging. It turns out that in the absence or insufficiency of a proper subgrid-scale model, NFT methods supply their own, implicit, turbulence models that are quite effective in assuring quality simulations of high-Reynolds number flows. Since such simulations abandon rigorous notion of the large-eddy simulation approach, and merely aim at computing explicitly large coherent eddies resolvable on the grid, they are referred to as very-large-eddy simulations (VLES). In this paper we will describe advantages of the NFT approach and illustrate them with an example of gravity-wave-breaking induced turbulence in a deep atmosphere. On the philosophical side, we challenge a common misconception that NFT methods are overly diffusive and therefore inadequate for high Reynolds number flow simulations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase relations in the Mo-Si-C system relevant to the processing of MoSi2-SiC composites

Phase relations in the Mo-Si-C system were evaluated at 1200 °C and 1600 °C within the composition range delimited by the phases Mo5Si3, MoSi2, Mo≤5Si3C≤1, and SiC. The evaluation included estimation of possible equilibria from known thermodynamic data of the binary phases as well as experimental work. For the experimental evaluation, high-purity powders were hot-pressed, heat-treated, and characterized by X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe analysis. It is shown that MoSi2 is in equilibrium with Mo≤5Si3C≤1 at 1600 °C, as previously established by Nowotnyet al, (Monatsh. Chem., 1954, vol. 85, pp. 255-72), and at 1200 °C, in contrast to the Mo5Si3-SiC equilibrium reported by van Looet al. (High Temp.- High Press., 1982, vol. 14, pp. 25-31). The thermodynamic estimation suggests that these phase relations should extend to lower temperatures in the range of compositions investigated. Thus, the third phase in silicon-lean MoSi2-SiC composites should be the Nowotny phase (Mo≤5Si3C≤1) instead of Mo5Si3. The Gibbs free energy of formation at 298 K of the idealized compound Mo5Si3C is estimated as -40.2 kJ/mol.
Site of conversion of desoxycorticosterone acetate to progestin.

The conversion of DCA to progestin invivo , which has been shown in the case of the monkey( 4 ) and now the rat, indicates one possible mechanismby which progestin may occur in the male. In addition,these studies also show that, at least in the rodent, theadrenals and the kidneys are the sites of this conversion. Investigations on the conversion of DCA to progestin in other species, as well as studies on the release See PDF for Table of progestin by tissue slices incubated with or withoutDCA, are currently in progress.
The Epidemiology of Chronic Hepatitis C and One-Time Hepatitis C Virus Testing of Persons Born During 1945 to 1965 in the United States

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States. HCV infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, end-stage liver disease, and liver transplantation. Newly available therapies can clear HCV in most infected persons who receive treatment. However, many persons living with HCV infection are unaware of their infection status, including those born during 1945-1965 (a population at increased risk for chronic hepatitis C in the United States). This review highlights the epidemiology of hepatitis C and the importance of HCV testing and linkage to care in an era of more effective antiviral therapies.