cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathfinding and target selection by developing geniculocortical axons

During development of the mammalian cerebral cortex, thalamic axons must grow into the telencephalon and select appropriate cortical targets. In order to begin to understand the cellular interactions that are important in cortical target selection by thalamic axons, we have examined the morphology of axons from the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) as they navigate their way to the primary visual cortex. The morphology of geniculocortical axons was revealed by placing the lipophilic tracer Dil into the LGN of paraformaldehyde-fixed brains from fetal and neonatal cats between embryonic day 26 (E26; gestation is 65 d) and postnatal day 7 (P7). This morphological approach has led to three major observations. (1) As LGN axons grow within the intermediate zone of the telencephalon toward future visual cortex (E30-40), many give off distinct interstitial axon collaterals that penetrate the subplate of nonvisual cortical areas. These collaterals are transient and are not seen postnatally. (2) There is a prolonged period during which LGN axons are restricted to the visual subplate prior to their ingrowth into the cortical plate; the first LGN axons arrive within visual subplate by E36 but are not detected in layer 6 of visual cortex until about E50. (3) Within the visual subplate, LGN axons extend widespread terminal branches. This represents a marked change in their morphology from the simple growth cones present earlier as LGN axons navigate en route to visual cortex. The presence of interstitial collaterals suggests that there may be ongoing interactions between LGN axons and subplate neurons along the entire intracortical route traversed by the axons. From the extensive branching of LGN axons within the visual subplate during the waiting period, it appears that they are not simply "waiting." Rather, LGN axons may participate in dynamic cellular interactions within the subplate long before they contact their ultimate target neurons in layer 4. These observations confirm the existence of a prolonged waiting period in the development of thalamocortical connections and provide important morphological evidence in support of the previous suggestion that interactions between thalamic axons and subplate neurons are necessary for cortical target selection.
CEO Involvement in Selecting Board Members and Audit Committee Effectiveness

Research finds independent audit committees are generally effective in monitoring the financial reporting and auditing processes. However, not all audit committees that appear in form to be independent are in fact actually independent. CEO involvement in the board selection process can affect whether an audit committee substantively functions as an independent one. We use financial statement restatements to examine whether the benefits of having an independent audit committee are diminished, or even eliminated, when the CEO is involved in the selection of board members. Our results indicate that the monitoring benefits of having an independent audit committee are only maintained when the CEO is not formally involved in selecting board members. Further, we find that these results appear to be driven by the more severe restatements, including misstatements in conjunction with fraudulent financial reporting. Thus, our evidence suggests that the diminishment in audit committee effectiveness with CEO involvement in selecting directors is associated with real economic costs to the firm. Finally, or results provide support for various post-SOX changes, which enhanced audit and nominating committee independence.
On Some of Physics’ Problems

The problems of physics which I would like to discuss have not created a crisis situation. It may be well to have a look at them, nevertheless, and to think about solutions for them. Problems are in the foreground of interest these days, and it may be refreshing to contemplate some which can be considered with a degree of detachment.
Globally stabilizing controllers for flexible multibody systems

Global asymptotic stability of nonlinear multibody flexible space structures under static dissipative compensation is established. The stability is shown to be robust to certain actuator and sensor nonlinearities, modeling error, and parametric uncertainty. The results are applicable to a wide class of systems, including large flexible space structures with articulated flexible appendages, which are classified as Class II/IV structures by NASA's Controls-Structures Interaction program. The stability proof uses the Lyapunov approach and exploits the inherent passivity of such systems. >
Matchmaker, Matchmaker Make Me A Match: An Insider's Guide to the Faculty Hiring Process

This essay analogizes the process of finding a law faculty position to internet dating. Along the way it provides insights into the law faculty hiring process. These insights are based on over a decade of attendance at the "meat market" in various capacities, speaking with hundreds of interviewers and mentoring hundreds of candidates.
Technology assessment and political decision-making

Abstract Often technology assessments (TA) performed in the public sector serve two very different masters. As a policy assessment tool employed in a political environment, TA must make allowance for the norms, values and sources of legitimacy for bureaucratic policy-making. At the same time, TA is evaluated and legitimated according to many of the same logical and methodological criteria as the sciences and other modes of systematic inquiry. This essay considers the sometimes conflicting values of rationality, political interests, and organizational routines that come into play in public sector TA. Allison's decision-making typology is employed to facilitate analysis of the conflicting values.
A numerical model for trickle bed reactors

Trickle bed reactors are governed by equations of flow in porous media such as Darcy’s law and the conservation of mass. Our numerical method for solving these equations is based on a total-velocity splitting, sequential formulation which leads to an implicit pressure equation and a semi-implicit mass conservation equation. We use high-resolution finite-difference methods to discretize these equations. Our solution scheme extends previous work in modeling porous media flows in two ways. First, we incorporate physical effects due to capillary pressure, a nonlinear inlet boundary condition, spatial porosity variations, and inertial effects on phase mobilities. In particular, capillary forces introduce a parabolic component into the recast evolution equation, and the inertial effects give rise to hyperbolic nonconvexity. Second, we introduce a modification of the slope-limiting algorithm to prevent our numerical method from producing spurious shocks. We present a numerical algorithm for accommodating these difficulties, show the algorithm is second-order accurate, and demonstrate its performance on a number of simplified problems relevant to trickle bed reactor modeling. c ∞ 2000 Academic Press
On the Convergence of DGFEM Applied to the Discrete Ordinates Transport Equation for Structured and Unstructured Triangular Meshes

The convergence properties of the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method (DGFEM) applied to the transport equation are presented for variants of Larsen’s test case. The analysis is performed ...
Photosynthetic capacity in potassium stressed soybean: Comparison of CO2 fixation and O2 evolution assays

Abstract Potassium deficiency in soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) may cause decreased photosynthetic capacity. Potassium‐stressed soybeans were compared by CO2 fixation and O2 evolution assays. Trifoliate leaves of potassium‐stressed soybean seedlings which did not show reduced chlorophyll content per unit fresh weight nor altered rates of light‐induced O2 evolution, fixed 38% less CO2 than did control leaves.
Enzymatic Control of Alginate Fouling of Dead-end MF and UF Ceramic Membranes

Abstract Membrane filtration plays a critical role in advanced wastewater treatment and reuse. However, alginate, one typical polysaccharide secreted by microorganisms in wastewater, may cause significant membrane fouling. This study explored the use of an enzyme, alginate lyase, to catalytically degrade alginate in order to decrease its fouling potential for 0.2 and 0.02 μm γ-Al 2 O 3 ceramic membranes. The results indicated that the enzyme significantly reduced membrane fouling and made the fouling easy to clean (i.e., reversible fouling). The enzymatic degradation of alginate followed Michaelis–Menten kinetics through the β-elimination mechanism. When 20 mg L −1 alginate lyase was added to 325 mg L −1 alginate solution at pH 6.7 ± 0.2, the weight-averaged molecular weight decreased from 35,500 to 2200 Da over a 2 h period. Meanwhile, polydispersity declined from 9.10 to 1.47. Membrane filtrations were compared between the original and the enzyme-reacted alginate at pH 6.7 ± 0.2 and an ionic strength of 0.075 M. At the end of 50-min filtration, alginate lyase reduced the foulant resistance by 82% and 85% for the 0.2 and 0.02 μm membrane, respectively, because the enzyme-reacted alginate had a higher diffusivity and less affinity/attachment to the membrane pores and surfaces. In addition, the enzyme improved the efficiency of backwash as well. Compared to the 0.2 μm membrane, 0.02 μm membrane had a more significant enhancement of backwashing with a 100% recovery rate obtained, because diffusivity is more important to clean tight membrane pores. A decline in the rejection rate of the membranes after enzymatic reactions was observed, which may be explained by decreased steric exclusion as evidenced by the size exclusion chromatography.
Does use of oral contraceptives enhance the toxicity of carbon disulfide through interactions with pyridoxine and tryptophan metabolism

It is proposed that oral contraceptive (OC) users are at increased risk to experiencing adverse psychological disorders (e.g. irritability, depression) from exposures to elevated levels of carbon disulfide (CS2). This theory is based on studies indicating that both OCs and CS2 induce either a vitamin B6 deficiency and/or enhance its requirement. Since disruptions of B6 metabolism are thought to explain, at least in part, the adverse psychological effects of OCs and CS2, it is speculated that joint exposure to these substances may result in an exaggerated disruption of B6 metabolism with the development of CS2 induced adverse psychological effects occurring at exposure levels below those normally associated with adverse effects.
Parallel evolution in sympatric, hybridizing species: performance of Colias butterflies on their introduced host plants

Shared ancestry and introgression can contribute to genetic similarity between hybridizing species, and it is generally difficult to disentangle these causes. However, shared ancestry plays a more limited role in traits that have recently undergone parallel directional selection in the two species, permitting the role of introgression to be better understood. The butterflies Colias eurytheme (Boisduval) and Colias philodice (Godart) (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) are native to North America and have shifted their host ranges in parallel onto several introduced weedy and agricultural legumes. These butterflies hybridize at moderate rates throughout their range, and there is a strong possibility that they could be sharing host-associated adaptations. We split families of each species among nine introduced, prospective hosts and measured survivorship, larval duration, pupal weight, and a new variable, effective daily growth rate (DGR), analogous to a compound daily interest rate in economics. We found strong effects of host, sex, and family (species), but negligible effects of the host*species interaction that would indicate species-specific differences in performance on different hosts. We found species-specific life-history differences: C. eurytheme matured significantly later and reached a significantly larger body size than C. philodice while growing at the same DGR. Protandry was strong, and males, in addition to pupating sooner than females, grew significantly faster than females as measured by DGR. We measured broad-sense heritabilities and genetic correlations for host-associated performance variables. Most pairwise comparisons of performance among hosts and most pairwise comparisons between performance variables showed positive genetic correlations, except survivorship where little heritability was found. Nevertheless, a factorial multivariate analysis of variance of G-matrices showed highly significant species, host, and host*species interactions, suggesting differentially evolving genetic architectures underlying host adaptation in these two species, despite the small differences in overall performance. At least some of the genes affecting host performance in Colias are likely to be in the small, species-diagnostic regions and not shared via introgression between these hybridizing species. For biologists interested in the evolutionary ecology of their host associations, including applied biologists managing their agricultural pest potential, C. eurytheme and C. philodice are most usefully studied as if they were a single polymorphic species wherever they co-exist. In studying species that hybridize readily with a sympatric congener, it may often be necessary to include the second species in the experimental design.
Flat-punch indentation of viscoelastic material

The indentation of standard viscoelastic solids, that is, the three-element viscoelastic material, by an axisymmetric, flat-ended indenter has been investigated theoretically. Under the boundary conditions of flat-punch indentation of a viscoelastic half-space, the solutions of the equations of viscoelastic deformation are derived for the standard viscoelastic material. Their generality resides in their inclusion of compressible as well as incompressible solids. They cover the two transient situations: flat-punch creep test and load-relaxation test. In experimental tests of their applicability, nanoindentation and microindentation probes under creep and relaxation conditions yielded a modulus from 0.1 to 1.1 GPa and viscosity from 1 to 37 Gpa · s for a crosslinked glassy polyurethane coatings. For bulk polystyrene, the values vary from 1 to 2 GPa and from 20 to 40 Gpa · s, respectively. The analysis here provides a fundamental basis for probing elastic and viscous properties of coatings with nanoindentation or microindentation tests. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 38: 10–22, 2000
Product analysis illuminates the final steps of IES deletion in Tetrahymena thermophila

DNA sequences (IES elements) eliminated from the developing macronucleus in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila are released as linear fragments, which have now been detected and isolated. A PCR‐mediated examination of fragment end structures reveals three types of strand scission events, reflecting three steps in the deletion process. New evidence is provided for two steps proposed previously: an initiating double‐stranded cleavage, and strand transfer to create a branched deletion intermediate. The fragment ends provide evidence for a previously uncharacterized third step: the branched DNA strand is cleaved at one of several defined sites located within 15–16 nucleotides of the IES boundary, liberating the deleted DNA in a linear form.
The influence of dietary copper concentration on hepatic copper in the duckling and the chick.

Following a field outbreak, in which many ducklings were lost after being fed an otherwise conventional diet containing over 200 parts/million copper, a series of small trials were conducted in which diets high in copper were fed to Khaki Campbell ducklings and to Light Sussex × Rhode Island Red chicks. The only losses that occurred were on days following weighing days, but the domestic duckling was found to accumulate copper in its liver to a much greater degree than the domestic chick, the results in this respect resembling those of Beck on the young muscovy. Species variation in dietary copper uptake, distribution and toxicity are discussed.
The Legal Dimensions of Oil and Gas in Iraq: Current Reality and Future Prospects

Part I. The Contextual Background: 1. The facts regarding Iraqi oil and gas reserves and their legal status prior to self-governance 2. The provisions of the Iraqi constitution addressing oil and gas activities: of the role of sub-central governing entities, handling of revenues, and 'present' v. 'future' fields Part II. The Complications Associated with Iraqi Legislative Measures: 3. The federal oil and gas framework law and sub-central government responses 4. A primer on the federal model production sharing agreement and the Kurdistan regional government's model production sharing contract 5. The federal oil and gas revenue sharing law - its many problems 6. Measures to reorganize the Iraq National Oil Company (INOC) and the ministry of oil 7. The matter of creditor claims: an examination of United Nations' Security Council Resolution 1790 (18 Dec. 2007) and its predecessors 8. Central government authority to strike oil and gas development agreements in the absence of a federal framework law 9. Distributing profits in the absence of a federal revenue sharing law 10. Changing the mix: transition fails and the face of Iraq is altered.
Evaluations of Elderspeak in a Caregiving Context

Abstract Elderspeak is a form of speech commonly used to address older adults. It is characterized by objective features such as increased volume and high pitch and by subjective features such as a patronizing tone. This experiment examined the effects of two contextual variables (age of speaker and family relationship) on third-party observers' (n= 188) attributions about people using and people receiving elderspeak. Regardless of the age of the speaker or their relationship to the addressee, people both using and receiving elderspeak were regarded negatively. Those using elderspeak were seen as having a worse demeanor than those using typical speech. Those receiving elderspeak were seen as being in a worse mood and as having decreased ability. Furthermore, observers' age stereotypes did not moderate these negative ratings. The negative impact of elderspeak may overwhelm more subtle features of the context in which it is used.
Balancing supramolecular reagents for reliable formation of co-crystals

The rational design and synthesis of a supramolecular reagent (SR) composed of two distinct hydrogen bonding sites (pyrazole-benzamide), and four co-crystals resulting from reactions between this SR and a variety of carboxylic acids are described; the observed primary intermolecular interaction is consistent and predictable in each case.
How would photons describe natural phenomena based upon their physical experiences

The question posed in the title represents an impossible approach to scientific investigation, but the approach is like a subjectivist. Obviously, photons cannot express their views; neither can we ask directly any scientific questions to the photons. The purpose is to draw the attention of the reader that even our strongly mathematically driven scientific enterprise is full of subjectivism when we start dissecting our thinking process. First, we frame questions in our mind to understand a natural phenomenon we have been observing. Let us not forget that framing the question determine the answer. The answers guide us to frame the foundational hypotheses to build a theory to “explain” the phenomenon under study. Our mind is a product of biological evolutionary requirements; which is further re-programmed by strong human social cultures. In other words, human constructed theories cannot spontaneously become rigorously objective, unless we consciously make them so. We need to develop a methodology of scientific thinking that will automatically force us to make repeated iterative corrections in generating questions as objectively as possible. Those questions will then guide us to re-construct the foundational hypotheses and re-frame the working theories. We are proposing that we add Interaction Process Mapping Epistemology (IPM-E) as a necessary extra thinking tool; which will complement the prevailing Measurable Data Modeling Epistemology (MDM-E). We believe that ongoing interaction processes in nature represent reality ontology. So the iterative application of IPM-E, along with MDM-E, will keep us along the route of ontological reality. We apply this prescription to reveal the universal property, Non-Interaction of Waves, which we have been neglecting for centuries. Using this property, we demonstrate that a large number of ad hoc hypotheses from Classical-, QM-, Relativity- and Astro-Physics can be easily modified to make physics more causal and understandable through common sense logics.
Imaging Proteolytic Activity in Live Cells and Animal Models

In addition to their degradative role in protein turnover, proteases play a key role as positive or negative regulators of signal transduction pathways and therefore their dysregulation contributes to many disease states. Regulatory roles of proteases include their hormone-like role in triggering G protein-coupled signaling (Protease-Activated-Receptors); their role in shedding of ligands such as EGF, Notch and Fas; and their role in signaling events that lead to apoptotic cell death. Dysregulated activation of apoptosis by the caspase family of proteases has been linked to diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity and inflammation. In an effort to better understand the role of proteases in health and disease, a luciferase biosensor is described which can quantitatively report proteolytic activity in live cells and mouse models. The biosensor, hereafter referred to as GloSensor Caspase 3/7 has a robust signal to noise (50–100 fold) and dynamic range such that it can be used to screen for pharmacologically active compounds in high throughput campaigns as well as to study cell signaling in rare cell populations such as isolated cancer stem cells. The biosensor can also be used in the context of genetically engineered mouse models of human disease wherein conditional expression using the Cre/loxP technology can be implemented to investigate the role of a specific protease in living subjects. While the regulation of apoptosis by caspase's was used as an example in these studies, biosensors to study additional proteases involved in the regulation of normal and pathological cellular processes can be designed using the concepts presented herein.
SU-C-141-01: Dose Impact in Lung Fibrosis Following Lung SBRT: Statistical Analysis and Geometric Interpretation

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that certain dosimetric parameters prognosticate treatment-induced lung fibrosis. To obtain estimates for most prognostic dose values and to utilize them in developing new planning strategies to reduce injury in future SBRT. Methods: Follow-up CT scans at 6 and 12 months were acquired from patients treated with SBRT (18Gy/Fx*3Fx or 12.5Gy/Fx*4Fx) for stage-1 primary lung cancers or oligometastic lesions. Fibrosis regions were identified in these scans and propagated to the planning CT coordinates by rigidly registering the follow-up and the planning CTs. Among a cohort of 8 properly registered cases, a bimodal behavior was repeatedly observed from the probability distribution for dose values within fibrosis regions. Based on a mixture-Gaussian assumption, an Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm was used to obtain characteristic parameters for such distribution. Geometric analysis was performed to interpret such parameters and infer the dose level that is potentially inductive of post-SBRT fibrosis. Results: The Gaussian mixture obtained from the EM algorithm closely approximates the empirical dose histogram within the fibrosis volume with good consistency. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test yields a goodness of fit value 0.039. The higher Gaussian component, contributed by the dose received by PTV, was located around the prescription dose (50 or 54 Gy), as expected. Geometrical analysis suggests the mean of the lower Gaussian component as a possible indicator for a threshold dose that induces fibrosis after SBRT. Conclusion: Bimodal behavior was observed in the dose distribution of lung fibrosis volumes after SBRT. Novel statistical and geometrical analysis has shown that the systematically quantified low-dose peak is a good indication of a threshold dose for injury. We seek to further improve the quality of registration to extend this analysis to a larger cohort for validation, and to explore planning strategies to reduce post-SBRT injury by controlling the exposure above the threshold value.
A RISK ANALYSIS OF AN LNG TERMINAL

The problem of evaluating the public risk associated with construction and operation of the proposed La Salle Terminal facility to import LNG and distribute to consumers is studied in detail. As spillage and ignition of LNG may cause severe public fatalities, it becomes necessary to determine the feasibility of such a project. The risk analysis shows that the risk levels to the public are less than those published in the literature as acceptable to society. The El Paso LNG Company and its subsidiaries plan to build and operate a marine terminal and LNG vaporization facility named La Salle Terminal, in Matagorda Bay, Texas. The La Salle Terminal will receive about 143 liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers per year from Algeria. From the carriers, LNG will be transferred to LNG storage tanks and from there it will be revaporized and distributed via high pressure intra-state pipelines. The paper aims at estimation and evaluation of the risk to the public from the operation of such a facility and to determine the feasibility of the project site. For this purpose, the model was divided into three components: 1. Development of accident scenarios and their associated probabilities; 2. Quantification of public risk; 3. Evaluation of public risk.
Contributions toward a monograph of Cybianthus (Myrsinaceae): III a revision of subgenus Laxiflorus

The nomenclatural history, morphology, ecology and taxonomy of the subgenus is reviewed and its relationship to other subgenera discussed. Keys, distribution maps and synonymies for each taxon are provided. Five species are recognized of which one,Cybianthus deltatus, is described as new, illustrated and discussed. One new combination,Cybianthus fulvopulverulentus subsp.magnoliifolius (Mez) Pipoly, is made.Cybianthus spicatus is a polymorphic ochlospecies, with four ecotypic growth forms. Five binomials are lectotypified.
Tailored substrates for studies of attached cell culture

Substrates for studies of the interactions of attached cells with extracellular matrix components are often prepared by allowing a protein to adsorb from solution onto a glass or polystyrene substrate. This method is simple and effective for many studies, but it can fail in cases that require rigorous control over the structure and composition of adsorbed protein. Self-assembled monolayers formed by the spontaneous ordering of terminally functionalized alkanethiols onto a gold substrate are a class of well-ordered substrates and provide a convenient method for tailoring substrates with ligands, proteins and other groups. Methods that can pattern the monolayers provide a general strategy to create substrates that control the size, shape and spacing of attached cells. This review illustrates recent work that has used these methods of surface chemistry to create tailored substrates for studies in cell biology.
Evaporation techniques for preparing rare-earth targets used in heavy-ion nuclear physics

Abstract The preparation techniques for producing targets of rare-earth isotopes depend greatly upon the chemical and physical properties of the particular rare-earth element. In most cases the isotope is supplied in the oxide form requiring a reduction to the metallic form. Collection efficiencies will be discussed.
Transforming child health care.

* Abbreviations: AAP — : Academy of Pediatrics ACA — : Affordable Care Act To improve children’s health outcomes and to save health care dollars, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Institute of Medicine, and others have called for health care delivery transformation.1,2 They recommend community child health activities and advocacy that address morbidities such as asthma, environmental toxicity, mental health concerns, obesity, substance abuse, and violence. The Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has required community health and advocacy educational components.3 The AAP and others are sponsoring residency programming and faculty development, learning collaboratives, and issue-based community health and advocacy opportunities. With all this emphasis on community child health, the findings in the article “Pediatrician’s Involvement in Community Child Health from 2004 to 2010”4 appear counterintuitive. Using AAP periodic surveys, Minkovitz et al have been monitoring pediatricians’ involvement in community child health. In 1989, 56.6% of pediatricians reported community health engagement, rising to 59.4% in 1993 and then falling to 45.1% in 2004,5 and 39.9% in 2010.4 However, this trending is … Address correspondence to Judith Palfrey, MD, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115. E-mail: judith.palfrey{at}childrens.harvard.edu
In situ measurements of clearance rates for the freshwater sponge Spongilla lacustris1

Clearance rates for Spongilla lacustris were determined in situ for three particle types. Mean values for Chlamydomonas reinhardti, Escherichia coli, and Rhodotorula glutinis are 0.055, 0.043, and 0.050 ml · s−1 · g−1 wet wt. Comparisons with a number of other freshwater filter feeders show that the rates for sponges are of similar magnitude.
A q -rational Murnaghan-Nakayama rule

Abstract The Murnaghan-Nakayama rule is a combinatorial rule for computing symmetric group characters. It has recently been extended to compute Iwahori-Hecke algebra characters and Brauer algebra characters. It is proved using the fact that the symmetric group L f and the general linear group GL(r, C ) centralize each other on the tensor space ⊗fV of f copies of the natural representation V of GL(r, C ). This tensor space contains the polynomial representations of GL(r, C ). The mixed tensor space Tm, n = (⊗m V) ⊗ (⊗n V∗ , where V∗ is the dual to V, contains the rational representations of GL(r, C ). When r ⩾ m + n, its centralizer is the complex algebra B m, nr which is a subalgebra of the Brauer algebra B m + nr. If we let Vq = V ⊗ C (q), then Tqm, n = (⊗m Vq) ⊗ (⊗n V q ∗ ) contains the rational representations of the quantum group U q(gl(r, C )), and when r ⩾ m + n its centralizer is the two-parameter Iwahori-Hecke algebra Hm, nr(q). We derive a combinatorial rule for computing B m, nr-characters and Hm, nr(q)-characters, and use it to compute character tables. The Murnaghan-Nakayama rules for L m and the Iwahori-Hecke algebra Hm(q) are obtained as the special case when n = 0.
Modeling of gas transport through a tubular solid oxide fuel cell and the porous anode layer

A design model is a necessary tool to understand the gas transport phenomena that occurs in a tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). This paper describes a computational model, which studies the gas flow through an anode-supported tubular SOFC and the subsequent diffusion of gas through its porous anode. The model is a numerical solution for the gas flow through a plug flow reactor with a diffusion layer, which includes the activation, ohmic, and concentration polarizations. Gas diffusion is modeled using the dusty-gas equations which include Knudsen diffusion. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) is used to experimentally determine micro-structural parameters such as porosity, tortuosity and effective diffusion coefficients, which are used in the diffusion equations for the porous anode layer. It was found that diffusion in the anode plays a key role in the performance of a tubular SOFC. The concentration gradient of hydrogen and water results in a lower concentration of hydrogen and a higher concentration of water at the reactive triple phase boundary (TPB) than in the fuel stream which both lead to a lower cell voltage. The gas diffusion determines the limiting current density of the cell where a higher concentration drop of hydrogen results in a lower limiting current density. The model validates well with experimental data and is used to improve micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cell designs.
Skulls and anterior teeth of Catopithecus (primates:Anthropoidea) from the Eocene and anthropoid origins

Recent finds of Catopithecus browni at an upper Eocene fossil site in the Fayum depression, Egypt, reveal features of the earliest higher primates. This basal anthropoidean shows a set of derived cranial and dental features that first occur in combination in this fossil. Old World Anthropoidea or Catarrhini can now be traced back to Catopithecus in Egypt. Size, shape, orientation of incisors and canines, and other features of the teeth and skull relate Catopithecus both to later Anthropoidea and to the early and middle Eocene cercamoniine adapoids. Most defining characteristics of higher primates cannot be documented earlier than the late Eocene of Africa.
Isolation and characterization of cloned human fetal globin genes

Abstract Three clones containing both the human G gamma and A gamma globlin genes have been isolated and characterized from a library of DNA fragments generated by partial Eco RI digestion of cellular DNA using charon 4A phage as vector. Two of the clones (NY 2 and 3) are identical and have an insert of 14.0 kb. The third clone (NY 1) has a 15.4 kb insert by virtue of an extra 1.4 kb Eco RI fragment at its 5' most end. This clone also has a Kpn I site not present in the other two suggesting it is the product of the gamma gene on the opposite chromosome. Restriction analysis of the three clones indicates that the G gamma and A gamma genes are linked on a single continuous piece of DNA and are separated by 3.5 kb and each contains at least one large intervening sequence of 0.85 kg between the Bam HI and Eco RI sites. These findings in cloned DNA provide direct evidence for linkage and organization of the gamma genes in man.
MR findings of an unusual intracranial neuroma simulating a meningioma

We report an unusual intracranial neuroma that simulated a meningioma on CT and magnetic resonance imaging. A diagnosis of meningioma was suggested because the tumor was tentorium-based; had enlarged into both the middle and posterior fossae; contained calcification and was homogeneous and densely enhancing on contrast CT; and was isointense with brain on T1- and T2-weighted images. The tumor proved to be a schwannoma with characteristic electron microscopic findings.
Generalizing the standard product rule of probability theory and Bayes's Theorem

Abstract In this paper the usual product rule of probability theory is generalized by relaxing the assumption that elements of sets are equally likely to be drawn. The need for such a generalization has been noted by Jeffreys [1998. Theory of Probability, 3rd ed, reprinted in Oxford classics Series, Oxford University Press (1st ed.,1939), Oxford. pp. 24–25], among others, in his work on an axiom system for scientific learning from data utilizing Bayes's Theorem. It is shown that by allowing probabilities of elements to be drawn to be different, generalized forms of the product rule and Bayes's Theorem are obtained that reduce to the usual product rule and Bayes's Theorem under certain assumptions that may be satisfactory in many cases encountered in practice in which the principle of insufficient reason is inadequate. Also, in comparing alternative hypotheses, allowing the prior odds to be random rather than fixed provides a useful generalization of the standard posterior odds.
The boron trifluoride nitromethane adduct

The separation of the boron isotopes using boron trifluoride.organic-donor, Lewis acid.base adducts is an essential first step in preparing 10 B enriched and depleted crystalline solids so vital to nuclear studies and reactor applications such as enriched MgB 2 , boron carbide, ZrB 2 , HfB 2 , aluminum boron alloys, and depleted silicon circuits for radiation hardening and neutron diffraction crystal structure studies. The appearance of this new adduct with such superior properties demands attention in the continuing search for more effective and efficient means of separation. An evaluation of the boron trifluoride nitromethane adduct, its thermodynamic and physical properties related to large-scale isotopic separation is presented. Its remarkably high separation factor was confirmed to be higher than the expected theoretical value. However, the reportedly high acid/donor ratio was proven to be an order of magnitude lower. On-going research is determining the crystal structure of deuterated and 11 B enriched 11 BF 3 .CD 3 NO 2 by X-ray and neutron diffraction.
Pediatric continuing education for out-of-hospital providers: is it time to mandate review of pediatric knowledge and skills?

Abstract [Gausche-Hill M. Pediatric continuing education for out-of-hospital providers: is it time to mandate review of pediatric knowledge and skills? Ann Emerg Med. July 2000;36:72-74.]
Changes in activity and interest in the third and fourth age: associations with health, functioning and depressive symptoms.

This study examines the changes in activity investment among older adults and the role of these changes in the relationship between health limitations and depression. Residents of six senior living facilities (N = 178) completed questionnaires including the Geriatric Depression Scale, health and functioning measures and the Revised Change in Activity and Interest Index (CAII-R) which measures self-perceived changes in the level of investment in social and leisure activities among older adults. Respondents indicated more disengagement from CAII-R subscales Active Instrumental (AI) and Active Social (AS) and increased engagement in Passive Social Spiritual. Fourth Age adults (age 80+) reported greater reductions in AI than Third Age adults (age 64–79). Reduced AS investment had the strongest association with depression and mediated the relationship between poor health or functioning and depression. These categories of activity may guide occupational therapy practitioners and other health providers in selecting the focus of intervention for older clients according to their identified life stage. The study provides evidence of distinct differences in interests within the parameters of normal aging and a baseline from which to assess the impact of illness and disability on the activity choices for clients in different life stages. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of material nonhomogeneity on crack propagation characteristics

The influence of material nonhomogeneity on the behavior of a moving crack is investigated. The model assumes a running crack in a material whose elastic properties may differ from those of the surrounding material. Theoretical calculations showed that the energy stored in elements ahead of the crack can be raised or lowered depending on the crack velocity, the crack length and the degree of material nonhomogeneity which is associated with the ratio of the shear moduli and the distance between the crack and the neighboring material with different elastic properties. Based on the strain energy density theory, predictions are made on how material nonhomogeneity can influence the initiation and/or arrest characteristics of cracks.
Public policymaking and research information.

provision of behavioral research to policymakers, agenda formation and public policy adoption
Green tea catechin, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate, inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor angiogenic signaling by disrupting the formation of a receptor complex

A potential mechanism by which green tea may prevent cancer development is through the inhibition of angiogenesis. We have shown previously that the green tea catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), inhibits endothelial cell tube formation through the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced Akt activation and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin phosphorylation. Furthermore, EGCG can suppress oxidant-induced production of the proangiogenic cytokine interleukin (IL)-8. To further elucidate the antiangiogenic mechanisms of EGCG, we investigated its regulation of other molecular processes in VEGF-induced signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We show that EGCG at physiological doses (0.5–10 μM) markedly inhibits the formation of a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 complex formed upon the binding of its ligand VEGF. This disruption results in a significant and dose-dependent decrease in PI3-kinase activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that EGCG decreased the PI3 kinase-dependent activation and DNA-binding ability of NF-κB, likely acting through decreasing phosphorylation and degradation of IκB. VEGF-induced IL-8 production at the mRNA (real time RT-PCR) and protein levels (ELISA) are also suppressed with EGCG. These results suggest a novel mechanism for green tea's anticancer effects where EGCG can abrogate VEGF signaling by interfering with the formation of a receptor complex, resulting in attenuated mitogenic and angiogenic signaling. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Subarachnoid hemolysate produces DNA fragmentation in a pattern similar to apoptosis in mouse brain

Stroke and traumatic brain/spinal cord injuries are often associated with hemorrhage. Despite the relative frequency of hemorrhage in the central nervous system (CNS), little is known about what role blood and hemoglobin (Hb) play in mediating cellular injury. Since Hb and hemolysate have been associated with generation of oxidative stress and cell injury, we examined whether apoptosis was present after cortical exposure to subarachnoid hemolysate. Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was induced in CD-1 mice (n=25) by injection of 50 microl of autologous hemolysate over the right parietal cortex. Saline-injected mice (n=13) were used as controls. Subjects were sacrificed at 24 h. Transcardiac perfusion fixation was performed on a subgroup of hemolysate- (n=15) and saline-injected (n=9) animals. Sections were stained for DNA fragmentation using the terminal deoxyuridine nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method and also immunostained for the hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein to assess blood distribution. In the remaining animals (n=6 SAH, n=4 saline), DNA was extracted and precipitated from 40 mg of tissue and subjected to electrophoresis on a 1.5% agarose gel. DNA fragmentation was evident on TUNEL staining in 10/15 subjects injected with hemolysate as compared to 0/9 subjects injected with saline (p<0.01, Fisher exact test). TUNEL-positive cells were most abundant closest to the site of cortical SAH, as evidenced by HO-1 immunoreactivity. TUNEL-positive cells were also seen remotely in the hippocampus and basal forebrain. The presence of apoptosis was suggested by DNA laddering on electrophoresis in the hemolysate-injected subjects (4/6 animals). No laddering was evident in saline-injected subjects (n=4). These results provide evidence that the presence of subarachnoid blood products is associated with DNA fragmentation and apoptotic cell death.
Cytokine mRNA in BALB/c mouse corneas infected with herpes simplex virus

PURPOSE To investigate cytokine mRNA expression and the influence of acyclovir and tetrandrine on that expression in the corneas of mice infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). METHODS Male BALB/c mice were infected in the right cornea with HSV-1. The corneas were harvested from control normal mice and from untreated, acyclovir-treated and tetrandrine-treated mice 14 days after infection. The infected corneas of each group were divided into inflamed and uninflamed depending on clinical observation. After total mRNA extraction from the corneas, gene expression of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor (beta (TGF-beta) was analysed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS No mRNA expression of the cytokines was found in normal corneas. IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha mRNA was seen in inflamed corneas, while mRNA expression of IL-6 and relatively weaker TGF-beta mRNA expression were found both in inflamed corneas and in infected but uninflamed corneas treated with acyclovir. TNF-alpha mRNA was present in the uninflamed corneas of tetrandrine-treated mice. No influence of either agent was found on TGF-beta gene expression. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that local IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha gene expression is required for corneal inflammation, whereas IL-6 and TGF-beta may exert antiviral and inflammation regulatory activities in HSV corneal infection.
The T-shirt: canvas for signs of the times

Changes in T-shirt messages over time were compared with changes in the cultural milieu. Messages on T-shirts worn by college students on a Southeastern university campus were collected (152 messages in 1983 and 132 in 2006). The changes in US culture from the 1980s to the beginning of the twenty-first century were examined. The theoretical framework was based on the concept of the Zeitgiest. Messages were categorised and six categories were identified and named based on the content. Highly significant differences were found in distribution of messages among categories and distribution of messages between positive and negative categories for the 2 years. Messages were more likely to be negative/offensive in 2006 than in 1983, which is consistent with the declining cultural climate expressed in the Zeitgeist.
Disentangling visual imagery and perception of real-world objects.

Abstract During mental imagery, visual representations can be evoked in the absence of “bottom-up” sensory input. Prior studies have reported similar neural substrates for imagery and perception, but studies of brain-damaged patients have revealed a double dissociation with some patients showing preserved imagery in spite of impaired perception and others vice versa. Here, we used fMRI and multi-voxel pattern analysis to investigate the specificity, distribution, and similarity of information for individual seen and imagined objects to try and resolve this apparent contradiction. In an event-related design, participants either viewed or imagined individual named object images on which they had been trained prior to the scan. We found that the identity of both seen and imagined objects could be decoded from the pattern of activity throughout the ventral visual processing stream. Further, there was enough correspondence between imagery and perception to allow discrimination of individual imagined objects based on the response during perception. However, the distribution of object information across visual areas was strikingly different during imagery and perception. While there was an obvious posterior–anterior gradient along the ventral visual stream for seen objects, there was an opposite gradient for imagined objects. Moreover, the structure of representations (i.e. the pattern of similarity between responses to all objects) was more similar during imagery than perception in all regions along the visual stream. These results suggest that while imagery and perception have similar neural substrates, they involve different network dynamics, resolving the tension between previous imaging and neuropsychological studies.
Substrate specificity in hydrocarbon utilizing microorganisms

Three bacteria (designated stram JOB5, 7E4, and 7E1C) isolated from soil by elective culture techniques and capable of growth on a wide variety of hydrocarbons were tested for substrate specificity. Non-proliferating cells of strain JOB5 grown on each of the C1 to CN series of normal ahphatic hydrocarbons were assayed for the capacity to oxidize all the alkanes, alcohols, fatty acids, and methyl-ketones in the homologous series of straight chain compounds. Cells of strain 7E4 grown on the gaseous alkanes (C1 C4) and strain 7E1C grown on propane were tested for the ability to oxidize the C1 to C4n-alkanes, alcohols, and fatty acids.