cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Procoagulant and fibrinolytic properties of bovine endothelial cells treated with monocrotaline pyrrole.

Abstract Administration to rats of monocrotaline pyrrole (MCTP), a putative metabolite of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid, monocrotaline, causes pulmonary microvascular thrombosis that is associated with vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension. It is possible that vascular thrombi contribute to the lesions that occur after MCTP treatment. Since MCTP is toxic to pulmonary endothelial cells and because the pulmonary endothelium is in a unique position to influence procoagulant and fibrinolytic reactions in the lungs, we examined changes in the procoagulant and fibrinolytic properties of cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells exposed to MCTP to see if they might favor thrombosis. Monolayers of confluent bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells received a single administration of MCTP or N , N -dimethylformamide vehicle, and the media or lysates were examined at 4, 24, 48, or 120 hr after treatment. MCTP caused a time-dependent cell detachment and an increase in release of lactate dehydrogenase into culture medium. Although cell numbers decreased dramatically with time, the protein concentration of cell monolayer lysates was unchanged by treatment. MCTP treatment caused no change in the amount of tissue factor activity/μg cellular protein in bovine endothehial cell lysates and only a small increase in the activity of Factor V in the culture medium at 120 hr. In addition, the medium from bovine endothelial cells treated with MCTP had a time-dependent increase in the activity of plasminogen activators and a decrease in the activity of plasminogen activator inhibitors. Thus, bovine endothelial cells exposed to MCTP in vitro do not produce changes in these procoagulant or fibrinolytic properties that would explain the thrombosis observed in vivo .
In vivo acute effects of carbofuran on protein, lipid, and lipoproteins in rat liver and serum

The objective of this investigation was to determine the changes in proteins, lipids, and lipoproteins in liver and serum of rats acutely intoxicated with carbofuran (1.5 mg/kg sc). Under the influence of carbofuran acute intoxication, analysis of globulin fractions revealed remarkable changes: In liver, the levels of alpha‐2, alpha‐3, and gamma were significantly elevated while alpha‐1 was reduced; in serum, alpha‐1 and alpha‐3 fractions were elevated while alpha‐2, beta, and gamma remained unchanged. A transient increase in total protein and albumin was noted only in liver. Carbofuran produced significant increases in triglycerides and cholesterol in liver that were also seen in serum. In both the liver and serum the levels of low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) were reduced while the values of very‐low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) were elevated. The concentration of high‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) was drastically reduced in liver (23% of control) with a proportional ris...
Foreign currency translation adjustments as predictors of earning changes

Abstract Bernard (1993) contends little progress has been made in identifying nonearnings accounting numbers which can predict future changes in income. As a test of the value relevance of foreign currency translation adjustments, this study links year-over-year changes in earnings per share to changes in the value of the cumulative translation adjustment account. The empirical tests are conducted on a sample of 204 U.S. multinational firms for the time period 1991–1996. The sample is derived from firms with subsidiaries in Mexico and Germany. In order to account for the heterogeneity of exchange rate exposure, the sample firms come from a wide range of industrial groupings, have varying sizes and different levels of capital intensity. A panel data set and weighted-least-squares (WLS) are employed to obtain parameter estimates. A major finding of this research is that the lagged value of per-share foreign currency translation adjustments can be used to predict year-over-year changes in earnings per share. The results of the current study also indicate that predictive ability is enhanced when firm specific interaction terms, which control for size, industry, location of direct foreign investment and capital intensity, are included in the estimating equation.
Tissue-specific regulatory elements of the Drosophila Gld gene.

Abstract Putative cis -acting regulatory elements immediately upstream of the Gld promoter were identified by comparative analysis of three Drosophila species. A 509 bp region containing these elements and the Gld promoter region was shown to confer tissue-specific regulation to a reporter gene similar to the pattern observed for Gld mRNA and protein. A dispersed repeat with a core motif of TTAGA was also capable of directing the expression of a reporter gene to several epidermally derived tissues in which GLD is normally expressed. These tissues include male and female somatic reproductive organs. The TTAGA elements and a palindromic element act antagonistically to block expression of reporter gene in some tissues. Previously reported mutations of the heat shock response element resulted in the creation of three TTAGA elements. This mutated hsp70 promoter directs expression of a reporter gene to many of the same tissues as does the Gld TTAGA elements. We have found TTAGA elements near the promoter of two other genes which show an identical expression pattern in the male ejaculatory duct as Gld and the mutant hsp70 .
Crystal growth and neutron characterization of potassium niobate

Abstract Crystals of KNbO 3 of up to 2.0 cm 3 in volume have been grown by the top-seeded solution technique to a reasonably high degree of perfection. The latter was determined by neutron diffraction techniques. The mosaic spread, Γ, taken as the full width at half maximum intensity of the rocking curve, was determined to be 10 minutes of arc for the largest crystal.
Inferring behavioral specifications from large-scale repositories by leveraging collective intelligence

Despite their proven benefits, useful, comprehensible, and efficiently checkable specifications are not widely available. This is primarily because writing useful, non-trivial specifications from scratch is too hard, time consuming, and requires expertise that is not broadly available. Furthermore, the lack of specifications for widely-used libraries and frameworks, caused by the high cost of writing specifications, tends to have a snowball effect. Core libraries lack specifications, which makes specifying applications that use them expensive. To contain the skyrocketing development and maintenance costs of high assurance systems, this self-perpetuating cycle must be broken. The labor cost of specifying programs can be significantly decreased via advances in specification inference and synthesis, and this has been attempted several times, but with limited success. We believe that practical specification inference and synthesis is an idea whose time has come. Fundamental breakthroughs in this area can be achieved by leveraging the collective intelligence available in software artifacts from millions of open source projects. Fine-grained access to such data sets has been unprecedented, but is now easily available. We identify research directions and report our preliminary results on advances in specification inference that can be had by using such data sets to infer specifications.
Considerations for an Extended Framework for Interactive Epoch-Era Analysis

Abstract Epoch-Era Analysis (EEA) is a framework that supports narrative and computational scenario planning and analysis for both short run and long run futures. Currently EEA is being applied to frame problems faced by the DoD's Engineered Resilient Systems (ERS) efforts. Because of the large amount of data that must be analyzed when extending EEA to large-scale problems, such as those posed by DoD, a “big data” problem is introduced. This motivates the need for extensions to EEA methods that overcome the computational and human cognition issues that arise as a result. The research presented here describes exploratory development of Interactive Epoch-Era Analysis (IEEA) methods, including human interface and reasoning considerations for epoch and era characterizations, as well as single and multi- epoch and era analyses. Visualization techniques and methods for mitigating computational resource restrictions that facilitate improved decision-making are also presented.
A model for the trench transistor

This paper discusses a model for the trench transistor used in the trench transistor cell (TTC), which is employed in Texas Instruments' 4-Mbit DRAM. PISCES-II simulations are used to study the unique characteristics that result from the nonuniform doping along the channel and the nonuniform gate oxides in these transistors. The simulations are correlated with experimental data and an analytical description is proposed to qualitatively explain the observed behavior.
A new look at irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]: A neuroenteric disorder

Irritable bowel syndrome is difficult to treat because of poorly defined pathophysiology, lack of diagnostic marker, and until recently, limited pharmacotherapy. After diagnosis, treatment includes diet and behavior modifications, along with pharmacologic treatment for mild disease and severe cases.
Microporous Montmorillonites Expanded with Alumina Clusters and M[(m-OH)Cu(m-OCH(2)CH(2)NEt(2))](6)(ClO(4))(3), (M = Al, Ga, and Fe), or Cr[(m-OCH(3))(m-OCH(2)CH(2)NEt(2))CuCl](3) Complexes.

Expanded clays bipillared with [Al(13)O(4)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)](7+) ions and with hexameric Cu complexes such as M[(m-OH)Cu(m-OCH(2)CH(2)NEt(2))](6)(ClO(4))(3), or with M[(m-OH)Cu(m-OCH(2)CH(2)NEt(2))](6)(PF(6))(3) where M = Fe, Al, Ga, form microporous materials whose stability and microporosity depend mainly on the identity of the hexamer central metal atom. In fact, a general decrease in thermal stability, interlamellar heights, surface areas, and pore volumes was noted when, in the (Cu,M) hexamer, M changed from gallium to aluminum to iron. Mossbauer results have indicated that only Fe(3+) in octahedral coordination is present in the iron-containing bi-PILC samples (bi-PILC = bipillared interlayered clays). It is believed that metals such as Fe(3+) and Cu(2+) can interact with the interlamellar Keggin ions thereby decreasing the stability of the alumina pillars. In contrast, the intermediate Al(13)-PILC structure is least affected when the more stable Cr complex is used. Bi-PILC materials containing 2.7-3.4% Cr stable to 500 degrees C have been obtained. The low polarity of the chosen solvent (acetonitrile) appears to inhibit the back-exchange of the intermediate PILC's Keggin ions with the hexameric Cu complexes. Elemental analysis together with XRD results suggests that the primary intercalation pathway was diffusion or ion exchange when Cr[(m-OCH(3))(m-OCH(2)CH(2)NEt(2))CuCl](3) or M[(m-OH)Cu(m-OCH(2)CH(2)NEt(2))](6)(ClO(4))(3), respectively, was used. In all preparations, bi-PILC were produced containing complexes that suffered ligand losses during the synthesis reaction. Molecular scale AFM images have shown that these complexes can be found also outside the clay interlamellar space.
Is Anyone a Cognitive Ethologist

We have heard a lot over the past two days about topics such as language, tool use, morality,conﬂict resolution, and culture in nonhuman animals. We’ve been instructed on how to studyanimal minds, and how to avoid being guilty of the wrong kinds of anthropomorphism. In brief,we’ve seen the results of a sea change in attitudes towards thinking of animals as cognitivelycomplex individuals whose mental capacities and biological heritage are continuous with those ofhumans.Many philosophers are interested in these developments, and the term “cognitiveethology” has become familiar to them. But philosophers’ use of this term shows little respect fortraditional diﬀerences among diﬀerent approaches to the scientiﬁc study of animal minds. Overthe past couple of years, I’ve encountered an increasing number of philosophers using “cognitiveethology” to refer to the study of animal cognition generally. (See, e.g., Kornblith 2002, p. 28, fn.1.) Perhaps this is as it should be, for part of the sea change that I just mentioned is anincreasing willingness of scientists trained in a variety of theoretical perspectives to take seriouslyquestions about animal minds (see, e.g., the diverse contributions to Bekoﬀ et al., 2002). It mightalso be argued that the old distinctions between animal learning theory, comparative psychologyand ethology are increasingly irrelevant to modern animal behavior scientists whose interests inanimal cognition may lead them to combine approaches from diﬀerent historical traditions (e.g.,Balda et al. 1998; Shettleworth 2001). Why not call all of this activity cognitive ethology? But ifeveryone’s a cognitive ethologist, then in a sense no one is, for the term would mark no distinctionin the study of animal cognition.Despite the willingness of philosophers to apply “cognitive ethology” generically toscientiﬁc studies of animal cognition, many of the scientists actually doing the work are reluctantto accept the label. One common reason for this is displayed by Alan Kamil in his essay “On theproper deﬁnition of cognitive ethology” (Kamil 1998). Kamil laments the association of the termwith apparently anecdotal approaches to allegedly intractable problems. The principal target ofsuch complaints is Donald Griﬃn, who originated the term “cognitive ethology” approximately 25years ago. In a series of books he has urged scientists to consider questions of conscious awarenessin animals. Resistance to Griﬃn’s call has deep causes in the history of studies of the animal1
The cellular basis of guard cell sensing of rising CO2

Numerous studies conducted on both whole plants and isolated epidermes have documented stomatal sensitivity to CO 2 . In general, CO 2 concentrations below ambient stimulate stomatal opening, or an inhibition of stomatal closure, while CO 2 concentrations above ambient have the opposite effect. The rise in atmospheric CO 2 concentrations which has occurred since the industrial revolution, and which is predicted to continue, will therefore alter rates of transpirational water loss and CO 2 uptake in terrestrial plants. An understanding of the cellular basis for guard cell CO 2 sensing could allow us to better predict, and perhaps ultimately to manipulate, such vegetation responses to climate change. However, the mechanisms by which guard cells sense and respond to the CO 2 signal remain unknown. It has been hypothesized that cytosolic pH and malate levels, cytosolic Ca 2+ levels, chloroplastic zeaxanthin levels, or plasma-membrane anion channel regulation by apoplastic malate are involved in guard cell perception and response to CO 2 . In this review, these hypotheses are discussed, and the evidence for guard cell acclimation to prevailing CO 2 concentrations is also considered.
Generalized convex kernels

The notion of the convex kernel of a setD is generalized to that of then-th order kernel ofD. Such kernels are studied for compact, simply connected subsets of the Euclidean plane. In particular, it is shown that under certain circumstances [see Theorem 4 and also section 5], these kernels have rather simple structures.
Electron Self-Exchange Kinetics for a Water-Soluble Ferrocenium/Ferrocene Couple: Rate Modulation via Charge Dependent Calix[6]arene-p-sulfonate Encapsulation.

Both trimethylaminomethylferrocene (TMAFc+) and the corresponding ferrocenium species can be encapsulated by calix[6]arene-p-sulfonate in water as solvent. Selective encapsulation of the TMAFc2+ form provides a basis for electrostatic acceleration of the TMAFc2+/+ self-exchange kinetics. Encapsulation of both redox forms by the anionic host, however, eliminates the reactivity enhancement effect.
Conclusion of "Nordic walking for geriatric rehabilitation: a randomized pilot trial" is based on faulty statistical analysis and is inaccurate.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are generally recognized as the strongest method for inferring causal inferences about the effects of treatments. As the National Research Council of the Nationa...
Treatment of pediatric suppurative mastoiditis: is peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) antibiotic therapy necessary?

OBJECTIVE: A review of the treatment of pediatric acute mastoiditis requiring surgical intervention managed with and without PICC therapy postoperatively.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study of 42 cases from 1989 to 2004 treated at a regional children's hospital.RESULTS: Sixteen patients received postoperative PICC therapy and 26 received a course of oral antibiotics. The PICC group received on average 12.12 days of intravenous antibiotics compared to only 3.53 days for the non-PICC group (P < 0.001). No differences were observed between the two groups in treatment outcomes. One patient from each group required rehospitalization. One minor complication was experienced in a patient in the PICC group. There were no surgical complications. The total cost for outpatient PICC therapy increased treatment costs by approximately $1500 to $2500.CONCLUSIONS: Oral antibiotic therapy is sufficient after surgical intervention for acute pediatric suppurative mastoiditis without intracranial complications and d...
Enhanced susceptibility to a chemical carcinogen in rats carrying MHC-linked genes influencing development (GRC)

In an approach to testing the possible relationship between embryogenesis and carcinogenesis, we examined the susceptibility of rats carrying the grc, which is an MHC-linked gene complex affecting growth and development, to the development of the cellular and biochemical changes known to be associated with the induction of cancer. Genetically related strains which differed mainly by the presence or absence of the grc were fed a diet containing 0.02% N-2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF), and the induction of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT)-positive foci, bile-duct proliferation and oval-cell proliferation in the livers of the two groups of animals were scored. All of the rats homozygous for the grc displayed GGT-positive foci (from three to six per section) and extensive bile-duct and oval-cell proliferation. By contrast, only 27% of the animals which did not carry the grc had GGT-positive foci in the liver, and these were present in smaller numbers (from one to three per section); there was no bile-duct or oval-cell proliferation. Biochemical studies of the liver and testes showed that the grc homozygotes had the metabolic abnormalities associated with the development of cancer: increased cholesterol biosynthesis; increased DNA synthesis, as indicated by an enhanced incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA; stimulation of the hexose monophosphate (HMP) pathway, as indicated by increased levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD); and decreased levels of circulating lipoproteins. Both the morphological response of the rats carrying the grc to feeding AAF and the biochemical abnormalities that exist in these animal are consistent with the changes which eventually lead to cancer. Thus, there appears to be a relationship in rats between aberrations in the control of growth and development, susceptibility to the chemical induction of cancer and the control of cholesterol biosynthesis.
Expression of heat shock-β-galactosidase hybrid genes in cultured Drosophila cells

Derivatives of Drosophila 70,000 dalton heat shock protein (hsp70) genes were constructed in which all of the hsp70 coding sequence but for the first seven codons had been substituted by a DNA segment coding for E. coli β-galactosidase. The constructs were capable of directing the synthesis of active β-galactosidase in COS1 (SV40 transformed African Green Monkey Kidney) cells. The hybrid genes were then used to develop a procedure permitting the introduction of genes and their transient expression in cultured cells of Drosophila melanogaster. Introduction of hybrid genes was achieved by DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection. Substantial gene activity was observed in heat-treated cells only 4 h, maximal activity 24 h after transfection. Various parameters of the transfection/transient expression system including the effects of different 3'nontranslated sequences on hybrid gene expression were investigated in an attempt to provide a useful procedure for studies of the expression of other genes in D. melanogaster cells. To show that promoters which are weaker than that of the hsp70 gene direct the synthesis of easily measurable amounts of β-galactosidase in D. melanogaster cells, the expression of a hsp84-β-galactosidase hybrid gene was also examined. Expression of the hsp70 hybrid gene occurs during heat shock, at temperatures at which other proteins are not made, and decreases sharply after heat treatment. The expression of the transfected gene therefore closely follows that of the endogenous hsp70 genes. This result suggests that a short hsp70 gene segment consisting of 195 base pairs of upstream sequence and a complete RNA leader region contain all the information required for the induced synthesis of proteins during heat shock.
Parameter Dependence in Continuum Electrostatic Calculations: A Study Using Protein Salt Bridges

Continuum electrostatic calculations were carried out for a data set of 21 salt bridges using three sets of parameters (charmm, parse, and a version of opls with slightly exaggerated atomic radii) and three representations of the dielectric boundary (approximate, exact, and smoothed versions of the analytic molecular surface). Comparisons of the overall results and a decomposition into terms due to desolvation, the direct salt bridge, and other interactions with the surrounding protein were used to analyze the effect of differences in parameter sets. It is concluded that (1) while numerical differences among the results can be significant, the underlying tension between desolvation penalty incurred and favorable interactions recovered upon folding is similar in all computations; (2) the largest variation occurs for the desolvation penalty, indicating the importance of fitting this property in parameter development; (3) the approximation of the molecular surface produces the largest desolvation penalties, ...
Physical versus Observational Properties of Clouds in Turbulent Molecular Cloud Models

We examine the question of how well the physical properties of clumps in turbulent molecular clouds can be determined by measurements of observed clump structures. To do this, we compare simulated observations of three-dimensional numerical models of isothermal, magnetized, supersonic turbulence with the actual physical structure of the models. We begin by determining how changing the parameters of the turbulence changes the structure of the simulations. Stronger driving produces greater density fluctuations, and longer wavelength driving produces larger structures. Magnetic fields have a less pronounced effect on structure, one that is not monotonic with field strength. Aligned structures are seen only with low-density tracers and when the intensity of the field is large. Comparing different regions with the same tracers (or conversely, the same region with different tracers) can give information about the physical conditions of the region. In particular, different density tracers can help determine the size of the density fluctuations and thus the strength of the driving. Nevertheless, velocity superposition of multiple physical clumps can fully obscure the physical properties of those clumps, and short-wavelength (compared with the size of the region under analysis) driving worsens this effect. We then compare Larson's relationships and mass spectra in physical and observational space for the same structure data set. We confirm previous claims that the mean density-size relationship is an observational artifact due to limited dynamical range in column density: it is the inevitable consequence of the presence of a lower cutoff in column density. The velocity dispersion-size relationship, on the other hand, is reproduced in both physical and observed clumps, although with substantial scatter in the derived slope, consistent with observations. Finally, we compute the mass spectra for the models and compare them to mass spectra derived from simulated observations of the models. We show that when we look for clumps with high enough resolution, both spectra converge to the same shape. This shape appears to be lognormal, however, rather than the power-law function usually used in the literature.
The Relationship Between Childhood Emotional Neglect and Adult Spirituality: An Exploratory Study

The present study is an exploratory investigation into an area of study that to date has received very little attention: the relationship between childhood emotional neglect and adult spirituality. Participants were surveyed regarding childhood emotional neglect and their spirituality. Spirituality was defined as involving four areas of connectedness: with a higher power, with others, with humanity, and with an inner core. The study hypothesized a predictive relationship between emotional neglect and connectivity and that degree of connectedness would be inversely associated with severity of neglect. Results indicate an inverse, statistically significant, yet weak predictive relationship between neglect and several types of connectivity.
Endoscopic management of large, postresection bronchopleural fistulae with methacrylate adhesive (super glue)

Bronchopleural fistulae that occur following pulmonary resection are usually managed by direct, operative closure. In complex cases, in which the risk of repeat thoracotomy is great, other means may be preferable. We report two patients, one with cystic fibrosis and one with extensive radiation fibrosis post-Askin's tumor, in whom the risk of thoracotomy was considered to be prohibitive. Both had a large fistula between the pleural cavity and a segmental bronchus from the right upper lobe. The cystic fibrosis patient had recurrent massive bleeding from the pleural space. A Teflon catheter was passed through a flexible bronchoscope and Super Glue (butyl or methyl methacrylate) was deposited into the fistula. In both cases, the fistula resolved promptly. One patient developed a large, recurrent granuloma at the site of the fistula requiring endoscopic resection. We believe that tissue adhesive may be a reasonable approach to the management of large bronchopleural fistulas when the risk of operative closure is great.
Eicosanoids and the immunology of cancer

Studies in both cancer patients and in animal tumor models have shown that immune defenses can mediate destruction of tumor, but these defenses are often functioning at a suppressed or suboptimal level. Frequently, prostaglandins, mainly PGE2, have been implicated in this tumor-associated subversion of immune function, with immune reactivities to tumor typically being enhanced by prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor. Both the tumor and tumor-induced host immune suppressive macrophages have the capacity to suppress immune functions through their production of PGE2. Although the inhibitory functions have been more widely studied, recent evaluations of the effects of PGE2 have led to the surprising realization that not all of the PGE2's effects are inhibitory to immune function. Summarized below are some of the well characterized inhibitory effects of PGE2, as well as the lesser studied stimulatory effects of PGE2 toward the effector cells that are considered to be important in the immune defense against cancer.
An ecological approach to examining how Americans seek information in today's information environment

In recent years, several scholars have called for an ecological approach to HIB (Human information Behavior) research in order to better understand information needs and information seeking. In this poster we present the theoretical background of the ecological approach and present the findings of a study that investigates correlations between people's information needs and the information channels they seek in relation to contextual and environmental factors.
RUNOFF POLLUTION FROM MULTIPLE FAMILY HOUSING

: Increasingly, residential development in urbanizing areas is accomplished by large housing projects, composed of clusters of townhouses or garden partments. It is hypothesized that the runoff from such developments should carry more pollution than that from the same number of housing units on separate plots, because the runoff is conveyed directly to drainage channels rather than being drained across lawns and gardens, which may absorb part of the pollutants. In order to evaluate this effect, storm event data were obtained from a planned unit development near Hightstown, N. J., using samples taken every 10 minutes throughout the storm at two different storm sewers. Results show heavy metals pollution about what had been anticipated, in accordance with the hypothesis given above, and BOD ammonia and phosphates higher than predicted. The results are significant for areawide water quality planning in metropolitan areas, where projections of future pollution loadings depends upon the land use.
Eliminating redundant columns in continuous tour scheduling problems

This paper presents a procedure for eliminating redundant columns in generalized set-covering formulations (GSCFs) of continuous tour scheduling problems that are characterized by labor requirements of zero in some planning periods. We describe the procedure and discuss properties of certain scheduling environments that may affect the appropriateness of its use. The procedure was applied to actual labor requirements and problem characteristics associated with 27 United Airlines Airport Stations and reduced the number of columns (tours) by an average of 56%.
Processing and properties of polymeric nano-composites

Polymeric nano-composites are prepared by melt intercalation in this study. Nano-clay is mixed with either a polymer or a polymer blend by twin-screw extrusion. The clay-spacing in the composites is measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology of the composites and its development during the extrusion process are observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Melt viscosity and mechanical properties of the composites and the blends are also measured. It is found that the clay spacing in the composites is influenced greatly by the type of polymer used. The addition of the nano-clay can greatly increase the viscosity of the polymer when there is a strong interaction between the polymer and the nano-clay. It can also change the morphology and morphology development of nylon 6/PP blends. The mechanical test shows that the presence of 5–10 wt.% nano-clay largely increases the elastic modulus of the composites and blends, while significantly decreases the impact strength. The water absorption of nylon 6 is decreased with the presence of nano-clay. The effect of nano-clay on polymers and polymer blends is also compared with Kaolin clay under the same experimental conditions.
Nonlinear Guided Waves for Structural Health Monitoring: Numerical Algorithm and Application to Railroad Track

The University of California at San Diego (UCSD), under a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Research and Development (R&D) grant, is conducting research to develop a system for in-situ measurement of the rail Neutral Temperature in Continuous-Welded Rail (CWR). It is known that CWR can break in cold weather and can buckle in hot weather. Currently, there is a need for the railroads to know the current state of thermal stress in the rail, or the rail Neutral Temperature (rail temperature with zero thermal stress), to properly schedule slow-order mandates and prevent derailments.UCSD has developed a prototype for wayside rail Neutral Temperature measurement that is based on non-linear ultrasonic guided waves. Numerical models were first developed to identify proper guided wave modes and frequencies for maximum sensitivity to the thermal stresses in the rail web, with little influence of the rail head and rail foot. Experiments conducted at the Large-scale Rail NT Test-bed indicated a rail Neutral Temperature measurement accuracy of a few degrees. Field tests are planned at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, CO in June 2012 in collaboration with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Ultracold neutrons: Production and experiments

Abstract The research with ultracold neutrons has greatly profited from the new intense sources which have become operational in recent years. The strongest source available at present is the Turbine Source at the High-Flux Reactor of the Institut Laue-Langevin which provides a flux increase by more than an order of magnitude over previous facilities. We report on some of the experiments conducted at this source and discuss further possible applications of ultracold neutrons.
PRECIS: Inferring invariants using program path guided clustering

We propose PRECIS, a methodology for automatically generating invariants at function and loop boundaries through program path guided clustering. We instrument function inputs and outputs together with predicates for branch conditions and record their values during each execution. Program runs that share the same path are grouped together based on predicate words. For each group with sufficient data we use linear regression to express the output as a function of the inputs. Groups with insufficient data are examined as candidates for clustering with neighboring groups. Candidates that share the same output function are merged into a cluster. For each cluster, we write an invariant that summarizes the behavior of the corresponding set of paths. We evaluate our technique using Siemens benchmarks. When compared to Daikon, we find that our method has significant advantages.
“Macho Men Don't Communicate”: The Role of Communication in HIV Prevention:

The current research project is an exploration of male interpersonal communication about sex in Puerto Rico. This study looks at how, when, and why men talk (or do not talk) about sex; particularly with their partners. Attention is given to interpersonal, communicative, and cultural aspects of sex and safe sex practices of Puerto Rican men. Seventeen heterosexual Puerto Rican men participated in this study. Overall, the ability to have meaningful communication about sex and take recommended precautions for safe sex (i.e., monogamy, discussion of previous sexual partners, and condom use) is limited, according to the participants.
First Total Synthesis of a Natural Product Containing a Chiral, β-Diketone: Synthesis and Stereochemical Reassignment of Siphonarienedione and Siphonarienolone

The first total syntheses of siphonarienolone and siphonarienedione are described. The development of a stereoselective synthesis of β-diketones facilitated the synthesis of the latter compound. The synthesis of the structures proposed for the natural products afforded compounds whose spectral data did not match those of the natural products. However, the synthesis of compounds isomeric to the proposed structures at C4 and C5 afforded compounds identical to the natural products, thereby reassigning the stereochemistry of the natural products.
Anthracyclines and Heart Failure

Doxorubicin and other anthracyclines are used to treat cancer, yet they elevate the risk of heart failure. A recent study provides insight into how doxorubicin causes heart failure and points to research strategies for reducing risk.
Measuring In Vivo Tumor pHe With CEST-FISP MRI

Paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (PARACEST) MRI contrast agents have been developed that can measure pH in solution studies, but these agents have not previously been detected in vivo. To use the PARACEST agent Yb-DO3A-oAA to measure the extracellular pH (pHe) in tumor tissue, a chemical exchange saturation transfer fast imaging with steady state precession MRI protocol was developed, the saturation period was optimized for sensitive chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) detection, and median filtering was used to remove artifacts in CEST spectra. These improvements were used to correlate pH with a ratio of two CEST effects of Yb-DO3A-oAA at a 7 T magnetic field strength (R(2) = 0.99, standard deviation of precision = 0.011 pH units). The PARACEST agent could not be detected in tumor tissue following i.v. injection due to the low sensitivity of in vivo CEST MRI. Yb-DO3A-oAA was detected in tumor tissue and leg muscle after directly injecting the PARACEST agent into these tissues. The measured CEST effects were used to measure a tumor pH of 6.82 ± 0.21 and a leg muscle pH of 7.26 ± 0.14, and parametric pH maps were also generated from these tissue regions. These results demonstrated that tumor pHe can be measured with a PARACEST agent and a rapid CEST-MRI protocol.
Deposition and characterization of metal sulfide dielectric coatings for hollow glass waveguides

Metal sulfide dielectric thin films have been deposited using dynamic wet chemistry processing on silver coated hollow glass waveguides (HGWs). The sulfides used were cadmium sulfide (CdS) and lead sulfide (PbS); both films have excellent infrared transparency and high refractive index contrast. The thickness of these thin films can be tailored to minimize the attenuation of the HGW over specific infrared wavelengths. We have made both single and multiple dielectric (2 and 3 layer) metal coated HGWs using CdS and PbS deposited over an inner Ag layer. The straight lowest loss measured at 1.55 µm for a 1,000-µm bore Ag/CdS/PbS/CdS HGW was 0.06 dB/m. This loss is three times less than that measured for a single layer Ag/CdS coated HGW at 1.55 µm.
The effects of interaction of rate of food supply and population density on the bioenergetics of the opportunistic polychaete, Capitella capitata (type 1)1

Weight-specific growth rates, population production, and trophic transfer efficiency (worm production/food supply) of different size classes of the polychaete Cupitella cupitata (type 1) were measured in the laboratory at 20°C under varying conditions of population density and rate of food supply (ration). A hyperbolic tangent function was fitted to the response of individual growth to unit nitrogen of food supply available per ur$ nitrogen biomass of worm (R : B). Maintenance ration, where growth = 0%, occurred at an R : B = 0.08; i.e. a 0.08 g N daily ration of food was needed to maintain 1 g N biomass of C. capita& Maximum daily individual growth rates of 2 1, 19, and 15% were predicted for small, medium, and large worms. The individual growth data were combined with long term population data collected at three food rations (50, 100, and 150 mg N m-2 d-l) to estimate long term population production. Changes in population density and the presence of meiofauna reduce the actual worm production for a given rate of food supply. Population production and trophic transfer efficiency changed dramatically as a function of rate of food supply, worm size, and biomass.
Macrophages from 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1-Deficient Mice Exhibit an Increased Sensitivity to Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation Due to TGF-β-Mediated Up-Regulation of SHIP1 Expression

11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11betaHSD1) performs end-organ metabolism of glucocorticoids (GCs) by catalyzing the conversion of C(11)-keto-GCs to C(11)-hydroxy-GCs, thereby generating activating ligands for the GC receptor. In this study, we report that 11betaHSD1(-/-) mice are more susceptible to endotoxemia, evidenced by increased weight loss and serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-12p40 levels following LPS challenge in vivo. Peritoneal and splenic macrophage (splnMphi) from these genetically altered mice overproduce inflammatory cytokines following LPS stimulation in vitro. Inflammatory cytokine overexpression by 11betaHSD1(-/-) splnMphi results from an increased activation of NF-kappaB- and MAPK-signaling cascades and an attenuated PI3K-dependent Akt activation. The expression of SHIP1 is augmented in 11betaHSD1(-/-) Mphi and contributes to inflammatory cytokine production because overexpression of SHIP1 in primary bone marrow Mphi (BMMphi) leads to a similar type of hyperresponsiveness to subsequent LPS stimulation. 11betaHSD1(+/+) and 11betaHSD1(-/-) BMMphi responded to LPS similarly. However, 11betaHSD1(-/-) BMMphi derived in the presence of elevated GC levels up-regulated SHIP1 expression and increased their capacity to produce inflammatory cytokines following their activation with LPS. These observations suggest the hyperresponsiveness of 11betaHSD1(-/-) splnMphi results from myeloid cell differentiation in the presence of moderately elevated GC levels found within 11betaHSD1(-/-) mice. GC-conditioning of BMMphi enhanced SHIP1 expression via up-regulation of bioactive TGF-beta. Consistently, TGF-beta protein expression was increased in unstimulated CD11b(-) cells residing in the BM and spleen of 11betaHSD1(-/-) mice. Our results suggest that modest elevations in plasma GC levels can modify the LPS responsiveness of Mphi by augmenting SHIP1 expression through a TGF-beta-dependent mechanism.
The Impact of Perceived Control on the Imagination of Better and Worse Possible Worlds

Effects of perceived control and close alternative outcomes on counterfactual generation were examined. Subjects played a computer-simulated "wheel of fortune"game along with another player (a confederate) in which two wheels spun simultaneously. Subjects had either control over spinning the wheel or control over which wheel would determine their outcome and which would determine the other player's outcome. Subjects experienced either a "near big win, " with a loss by the other player, or a "near loss, " with a big win by the other player. Results showed that (a) subjects generated counterfactuals about the aspect of the game they controlled, (b) the direction of these counterfactuals corresponded to the close outcome associated with the aspect they controlled, and (c) these counterfactuals predicted affective responses to the outcome of the spin. Cognitive and motivational implications of the influence of perceived control on counterfactual generation are discussed.
Enhancing mobile browsing and reading

Although the web browser has become a standard interface for information access on the Web, the mobile web browser on the smartphone does not hold the same interest to mobile users. A survey with 11 mobile users shows that only 18% of the participants like mobile web browsers, whereas 82% of them like other mobile applications. This research focuses on understanding mobile users' difficulties and proposes innovative ideas to enhance mobile web browsing. This research enhances mobile browsing and reading in three directions: (1) dynamically generating mobile web sites for browsing (2) using orientation sensor information to detect natural interactions and text-to-speech (TTS) to continue reading between different activities, and (3) providing a speech interface to ease web navigation and supporting dialog programming for repetitive tasks. The Read4Me Browser is a prototype system built to demonstrate the proposed ideas.
Calibration of complex polarimetric SAR imagery using backscatter correlations

A technique for calibration of multipolarization synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) imagery is described. If scatterer reciprocity and lack of correlation between co- and cross-polarized radar echoes (for azimuthally symmetric distributed targets) are assumed, the effects of signal leakage between the radar data channels can be removed without the use of known ground targets. If known targets are available, all data channels can be calibrated relative to one another and radiometrically as well. The method is verified with simulation and application to airborne SAR data. >
Increased Levels of Nuclear SREBP-1c Associated with Fatty Livers in Two Mouse Models of Diabetes Mellitus

Hepatic steatosis is common in non-insulin-dependent diabetes and can be associated with fibrosis and cirrhosis in a subset of individuals. Increased rates of fatty acid synthesis have been reported in livers from rodent models of diabetes and may contribute to the development of steatosis. Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) are a family of regulated transcription factors that stimulate lipid synthesis in liver. In the current studies, we measured the content of SREBPs in livers from two mouse models of diabetes, obese ob/ob mice and transgenic aP2-SREBP-1c436 (aP2-SREBP-1c) mice that overexpress nuclear SREBP-1c only in adipose tissue. The aP2-SREBP-1c mice exhibit a syndrome that resembles congenital generalized lipodystrophy in humans. Both lines of mice develop hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and hepatic steatosis. Nuclear SREBP-1c protein levels were significantly elevated in livers from ob/ob and aP2-SREBP-1c mice compared with wild-type mice. Increased nuclear SREBP-1c protein was associated with elevated mRNA levels for known SREBP target genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, which led to significantly higher rates of hepatic fatty acid synthesis in vivo. These studies suggest that increased levels of nuclear SREBP-1c contribute to the elevated rates of hepatic fatty acid synthesis that leads to steatosis in diabetic mice.
Vif Proteins of Human and Simian Immunodeficiency Viruses Require Cellular CBFβ to Degrade APOBEC3 Restriction Factors

ABSTRACT HIV-1 requires the cellular transcription factor CBFβ to stabilize its accessory protein Vif and promote APOBEC3G degradation. Here, we demonstrate that both isoforms of CBFβ allow for increased steady-state levels of Vif, enhanced APOBEC3G degradation, and increased viral infectivity. This conserved functional interaction enhances the steady-state levels of Vif proteins from multiple HIV-1 subtypes and is required for the degradation of all human and rhesus Vif-sensitive APOBEC3 proteins by their respective lentiviral Vif proteins.
Genetic connectivity and diversity of walleye (Sander vitreus) spawning groups in the Huron–Erie Corridor

article i nfo The Huron-Erie Corridor (HEC) connects the upper and lower Great Lakes, providing key fish passage. A cen- tury of channelization, dredging, and pollution has led to habitat loss and declining fish numbers. Since 2004, the multi-agency HEC initiative augmented fish spawning habitat at Belle Isle and Fighting Island in the Detroit River, whose populations are examined here. We analyze genetic patterns among seven spawning groups (N=311) of walleye Sander vitreus, a key fishery species, using nine nuclear DNA microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA control region sequences. Results reveal that all spawning groups contained appre- ciable genetic diversity (microsatellites: HO=0.72; mtDNA: HD=0.73) and showed a mixture of connectivity and divergence. Genetic relationships did not fit an isolation by geographic distance hypothesis, with some closely spaced populations being very different. Notably, the Flint River-Lake Huron spawning group was the most divergent, showing no genetic exchange. The Belle Isle and Fighting Island populations markedly differed, with the latter showing some genetic exchange with the Grosse Ile (Detroit River) and the Huron River (northwest Lake Erie) populations to the south. Walleye spawning at Fighting Island experienced no significant change in overall genetic diversity pre- versus post-habitat augmentation, but the allelic frequency changed. Our results comprise an important baseline for future population analyses and habitat assessment of these habitat augmentation areas. Despite habitat degradation and pollution, it appears that historic walleye spawning groups have persisted along the HEC, meriting continued genetic monitoring and further restoration efforts to conserve and enhance this important and diverse fishery.