cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Fetal Sex on Plasma Progesterone Levels

Progesterone levels in the rhesus fetus during the last trimester of pregnancy were higher in the umbilical vein than in the umbilical artery. Moreover, the progesterone concentration in both vessels exceeded that of maternal peripheral plasma. Progesterone levels in the umbilical vein were consistently higher in female fetuses (22.02 ± 3.24) than in male fetuses (7.29 ± 2.14); those in the umbilical artery were also higher in female fetuses (11.05 ± 1.75) than in male fetuses (5.16 ± 1.43). However, progesterone levels in the peripheral plasma of mothers were not affected by the sex of the fetus. The fetal genotype therefore may influence the rate of biosynthesis or the metabolism of progesterone in the rhesus placenta and may affect the fate of progesterone presented to the fetus. (Endocrinology 91: 253, 1972)
Structure of the Felidae hemoglobins and response to 2,3-diphosphoglycerate.

Abstract 1. 1. The hemoglobins found in various members of the Felidae have been separated and compared with respect to structure in relation to 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) sensitivity. 2. 2. Multiple hemoglobin components are found in the blood of all Felidae, and they are characterized by the presence of one of two types of β-chains that are common to the members of the family. 3. 3. The two types, A-β and B-β, are distinguished from one another by differences in positions of the βT-1 and βT-XIV peptides in fingerprints of tryptic digests. 4. 4. Components that contain the A-β type are invariably 2,3-DPG-sensitive whereas those that contain the B-β type are insensitive. 5. 5. The A-β and B-β chains are apparently products of nonallelic genes but are found in widely variable proportions in mixtures of hemoglobins in the blood of different members of the Felidae.
Preparation and properties of uniform colloidal metal phosphates IV. Cadmium-, nickel-, and manganese(II)-phosphates

Colloidal dispersions of uniform spherical particles of cadmium phosphate, nickel basic phosphate, and manganese (II) phosphate were prepared by aging at elevated temperatures metal salt solutions and phosphoric acid or sodium dihydrogen phosphate in the presence of urea and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Uniform spheres were obtained only if urea and the surfactant were added within a given range of concentrations.
Smoothed Rank Regression With Censored Data

A weighted rank estimating function is proposed to estimate the regression parameter vector in an accelerated failure time model with right censored data. In general, rank estimating functions are discontinuous in the regression parameter, creating difficulties in determining the asymptotic distribution of the estimator. A local distribution function is used to create a rank based estimating function that is continuous and monotone in the regression parameter vector. A weight is included in the estimating function to produce a bounded influence estimate. The asymptotic distribution of the regression estimator is developed and simulations are performed to examine its finite sample properties. A lung cancer dataset is used to illustrate the methodology.
Ribonucleotide reductase in regenerating livers of B12-deficient rats

Abstract Vitamin B 12 -deficient rats and normal rats were partially hepatectomized. Ribonucleotide reductase was partially purified from the regenerating livers of both control and deficient rats. Neither enzyme preparation showed any stimulation of activity upon addition of exogenous B 12 coenzyme. These experiments provide further evidence that mammalian ribonucleotide reductase does not require B 12 coenzyme for catalytic activity.
Absolute infrared intensities of hydrocarbons

Dipole-moment derivatives, calculated by both the CNDO/2 method with different parameterizations and the INDO method, are compared to the experimental values determined from absolute infrared intensity measurements for the IR active modes of methane, ethane, ethylene and acetylene. A parameter refinement procedure is introduced in which the CNDO/2 molecular orbital parameters are adjusted through a damped least-squares treatment to give best agreement with the observed dipole-moment derivatives. It is found that the refinement does not substantially improve the agreement obtained with the original CNDO/2 parameterization. The INDO method gives somewhat poorer agreement than the CNDO/2 calculations. As an example of the applicability of the molecular orbital methods toward reproducing relative infrared intensities, the spectrum of cyclopropane in the gasphase is examined.
Amplification of heat transfer by local injection of fluid into a turbulent tube flow

Abstract It is demonstrated experimentally that local fluid injection into a turbulent tube flow gives rise to substantial increases in the heat transfer coefficients in the region downstream of the injection station. In the experiments, fluid was injected into a mainstream flow through a ring of discrete holes situated just upstream of an electrically heated test section. Water was the working fluid. The augmentation of the heat transfer coefficients due to injection is found to increase as the ratio of the injected flow to the test section flow increases. The extent of the augmentation is greater for low Reynolds number turbulent flows than for high Reynolds number turbulent flows.
Evaluation of samarium-153 for synovectomy in an osteochondral fragment-induced model of synovitis in horses.

Objective— To determine the effects of intraarticular administration of Samarium-153 (153Sm) bound to hydroxyapatite microspheres (153SmM) on an osteochondral chip–Ninduced synovitis. Study Design— Sixty days after implantation of autogenous osteochondral fragments in the middle carpal and metacarpophalangeal joints, 153SmM was administered into 1 joint of each type. The contralateral joints were used as untreated controls. Animals or Sample Population— Fifteen horses without preexisting joint disease were randomly divided into 2 groups (7 in the carpal group, 8 in the metacarpophalangeal group). Methods— Horses had osteochondral fragments that were harvested from the lateral ridge of the trochlea of the talus and implanted bilaterally into a middle carpal joint and a metacarpophalangeal joint; the opposite joint type served as a control. Sixty days later, 10 to 15 mCi of 153SmM (20 to 50 μm diam) was injected into the fragment-implanted joints. Three horses were treated with nonradioactive hydroxyapatite fragments. Horses were examined clinically until they were killed 14 or 30 days later. Control and treated joints were examined grossly and microscopically to determine the effects of 153SmM on synovial membrane and cartilage. Results— Intraarticular 153SmM caused a transient flare with lameness, effusion, and edema for 48 to 72 hours. Implanted osteochondral chips induced a synovitis characterized by variable degrees of joint damage and synovial infiltrate. Use of 153SmM resulted in synovectomy of variable depth and extent. Conclusions— Intraarticular 153SmM may be a useful method for synovectomy of inflamed synovial membrane. Clinical Relevance— With further testing, radioactive pharmaceuticals might become useful clinical treatments for persistent synovitis not responsive to conventional techniques.
Application of wireless sensor networks to aircraft control and health management systems

Use of fly-by-wire technology for aircraft flight controls have resulted in an improved performance and reliability along with achieving reduction in control system weight. Implementation of full authority digital engine control has also resulted in more intelligent, reliable, light-weight aircraft engine control systems. Greater reduction in weight can be achieved by replacing the wire harness with a wireless communication network. The first step towards fly-by-wireless control systems is likely to be the introduction of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). WSNs are already finding a variety of applications for both safety-critical and nonsafety critical distributed systems. Some of the many potential benefits of using WSN for aircraft systems include weight reduction, ease of maintenance and an increased monitoring capability. This paper discusses the application of WSN for several aircraft systems such as distributed aircraft engine control, aircraft flight control, aircraft engine and structural health monitoring systems. A brief description of each system is presented along with a discussion on the technological challenges. Future research directions for application of WSN in aircraft systems are also discussed.
Diet controls normal and tumorous germline stem cells via insulin-dependent and -independent mechanisms in Drosophila

The external environment influences stem cells, but this process is poorly understood. Our previous work showed that germline stem cells (GSCs) respond to diet via neural insulin-like peptides (DILPs) that act directly on the germ line to upregulate stem cell division and cyst growth under a protein-rich diet in Drosophila. Here, we report that DILPs specifically control the G2 phase of the GSC cell cycle via phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) and dFOXO, and that a separate diet mediator regulates the G1 phase. Furthermore, GSC tumors, which escape the normal stem cell regulatory microenvironment, or niche, still respond to diet via both mechanisms, indicating that niche signals are not required for GSCs to sense or respond to diet. Our results document the effects of diet and insulin-like signals on the cell cycle of stem cells within an intact organism and demonstrate that the response to diet requires multiple signals. Moreover, the retained ability of GSC tumors to respond to diet parallels the long known connections between diet, insulin signaling, and cancer risk in humans.
Electronic Medical Records and Their Impact on Resident and Medical Student Education.

Objective Electronic medical records (EMRs) are becoming prevalent and integral tools for residents and medical students. EMRs can integrate point-of-service information delivery within the context of patient care. Though it may be an educational tool, little is known about how EMR technology is currently used for medical learners.
Finite element modeling of occlusal variation in durophagous tooth systems

In addition to breaking hard prey items, the teeth of durophagous predators must also resist failure under high loads. To understand the effects of morphology on tooth resistance to failure, finite element models were used to examine differences in total strain energy (J), first principal strain and the distribution of strains in a diversity of canonical durophagous tooth morphologies. By changing the way loads were applied to the models, I was also able to model the effects of large and small prey items. Tooth models with overall convex morphologies have higher in-model strains than those with a flat or concave occlusal surface. When a cusp is added to the tooth model, taller or thinner cusps increase in-model strain. While there is little difference in the relationships between tooth morphology and strain measurements for most models, there is a marked difference between effects of the large and small prey loads on the concave and flat tooth morphologies. Comparing these data with measurements of force required by these same morphologies to break prey items illustrates functional trade-offs between the need to prevent tooth failure under high loads by minimizing in-tooth strain versus the drive to reduce the total applied force.
A Survey of Factors Influencing High School StartTimes

The present study surveyed high school personnel regarding high school start times, factors influencing school start times, and decision making around school schedules. Surveys were analyzedfrom 345 secondary schools selected at random from the National Center for Educational Statistics database. Factors affecting reported start times included economic background of the students, number of bus tiers, and school size. Most schools had not contemplated changing or changed their school start times. Of those schools in which changes were contemplated, 32% noted concerns about teenagers' sleep needs and about 50% of the respondents endorsed possible positive outcomes, such as lower tardiness and absenteeism rates. Perceived barriers to changing school schedules commonly endorsed included sports practices, after-school activities, and the transportation system. Approximately 50% of respondents indicated that sleep is included in their district's high school health or biology course offerings.
Applications of Superconductivity

The unique properties of superconductors that we have discussed earlier are the basis of very many applications that will be described in this and the next chapter of this book.
Use of Rotational Stocking in Combination With Cultural Practices for Smutgrass Control—A Florida Case Study

On the Ground Smutgrass (Sporobolus indicus) is an invasive plant in Florida sandy soils, prevalent in central and south Florida where temperatures seldom drop below freezing and hard frost events are infrequent. Smutgrass becomes nonpalatable to cattle as it matures and cattle avoid grazing it after the emergence of seed stalks and when leaves become tough. However, young smutgrass growth is palatable to cattle. High stocking densities in combination with severe defoliation have proven deleterious for this grass. This study evaluated the use of increased stock density and rotational grazing management for 3 years following a one-time defoliation by mowing or burning smutgrass infested pastures.
Apoptosis: Key to the Attenuated Malaria Vaccine?

Malaria starts with infection of the host liver by Plasmodium sporozoites. Inoculation with radiation-attenuated Plasmodium sporozoites induces complete protection against malaria. Protection is mediated by dendritic cells (DCs) and CD8 + T cells, but the source of parasite antigens mediating this response remains unclear. Here, we show that hepatocytes infected with irradiated Plasmodium sporozoites undergo apoptosis shortly after infection. Infection with irradiated sporozoites induces the recruitment of DCs to the liver, where they phagocytose apoptotic infected hepatocytes containing parasite antigens. We propose that apoptotic Plasmodium-infected hepatocytes provide a source of parasite antigens for the initiation of the protective immune response.
Impulsive phase heating by uni-directional current systems in solar flares

The thermal interpretation of solar flare impulsive phase hard X-ray emission requires rapid heating of a substantial coronal volume to very high temperatures. In this study we investigate the possibility of producing such heating by current dissipation, driven by a tearing instability associated with a single uni-directional current system. Earlier research is synthesized by coupling the energy equation, including loss terms previously neglected, with an equation describing the evolution of the growing electric field. The resistivity due to the excitation of ion-cyclotron and ion-acoustic waves is computed by assuming marginal stability. It is found, for the fast tearing mode, that for initial growth rates γf≤ 0.3 s-1 (corresponding to a current channel width δl ≥ 3 × 105 cm), the electron heating is offset by convective losses, resulting in a very slow temperature rise. Furthermore, hard X-ray emitting temperatures (≈2 × 108 K) are never realized. For the larger growth rates corresponding to smaller current channel widths, heating from 107 to 108 K can be achieved in a few seconds. However, in this regime the maximum volume that can be heated is only of order 1020 cm3, some three to five orders of magnitude less than the volume of heated material that is inferred from hard X-ray emission measures. These results suggest that in the case of the fast tearing mode a more complicated geometry involving multiple small-scale, oppositely-directed, current channels may be necessary to achieve the required heating.
High-affinity fragment complementation of a fibronectin type III domain and its application to stability enhancement.

The tenth fibronectin type III (FN3) domain of human fibronectin (FNfn10), a prototype of the ubiquitous FN3 domain, is a small, monomeric β-sandwich protein. In this study, we have bisected FNfn10 in each loop to generate a total of six fragment pairs. We found that fragment pairs bisected at multiple loops of FNfn10 show complementation in vivo as tested with a yeast two-hybrid system. The dissociation constant of these fragment pairs determined in vitro were as low as 3 nM, resulting in one of the tightest fragment complementation systems reported so far. Furthermore, we show that the affinity of fragment complementation is correlated with the stability of the uncut parent protein. Exploring this correlation, we screened a yeast two-hybrid library of one fragment and identified mutations that suppress the effect of a destabilizing mutation in the other fragment. One of the identified mutations significantly increased the stability of the uncut wild-type protein, proving that fragment complementation can be used as a novel strategy for the selection of proteins with enhanced stability.
Fostering the entrepreneurial mindset in the engineering classroom

As the global economy continues to evolve, the requirements of our technology workforce are changing. In addition, over the past several years, there has been an ABET movement to revise engineering post secondary education. In response to these changing market needs, the biomedical engineering department piloted a new graduate level course during the 2007–2008 academic year, BioMedE599: Graduate Biomedical Engineering Design Team. The purpose of the course is to encourage the students to become adaptive learners through innovative design and provide them with the necessary skill sets to make them successful beyond the University environment as they approach new challenges. Interestingly, the culture cultivated during the two semester pilot course, resulted in more than a simple academic experiential exercise. Students in the class embraced an entrepreneurial mindset as evidenced by their abilities to raise $43,210 in external funds to develop their prototypes. Results suggest that the learning methods used in this course encourage students to take a more active role in their academic development and helps students develop critical entrepreneurial skills.
“Everybody Knows That Mass Media Are/Are Not [pick one] a Cause of Eating Disorders”: A Critical Review of Evidence for a Causal Link Between Media, Negative Body Image, and Disordered Eating in Females

This article reviews research pertaining to mass media as a causal risk factor for negative body image and disordered eating in females. The specific purpose is to clarify the impact of mass media by applying seven criteria that extend those of Kraemer et al. (1997) and Stice (2002). Although media effects clearly meet a majority of the criteria, this analysis indicates that, currently, engagement with mass media is probably best considered a variable risk factor that might well be later shown to be a causal risk factor. Recommendations are made for further research, with an emphasis on longitudinal investigations, studies of media literacy as a form of prevention, and clarification of psychosocial processes that moderate and mediate media effects.
Uniqueness and ergodic properties of attractive g -measures

We consider g -measures for the shift on where S is a finite set. For a certain class of continuous g , two g -measures are identified; they are equal if and only if there is a unique g -measure. We prove that the natural extensions of these measures are Bernoulli. With a further restriction on g when S is a two-point set, we show that there is a unique g -measure. We also consider extensions of these results to the non-continuous case.
Obtaining universally compoable security: towards the bare bones of trust

A desirable goal for cryptographic protocols is to guarantee security when the protocol is composed with other protocol instances. Universally Composable (UC) security provides this guarantee in a strong sense: A UC-secure protocol maintains its security properties even when composed concurrently with an unbounded number of instances of arbitrary protocols. However, many interesting cryptographic tasks are provably impossible to realize with UC security, unless some trusted set-up is assumed. Impossibility holds even if ideally authenticated communication channels are provided. This survey examines and compares a number of set-up assumptions (models) that were recently demonstrated to suffice for constructing UC-secure protocols that realize practically any cryptographic task. We start with the common reference string (CRS) and key registration (KR) models. We then proceed to the "sunspot" models, which allow for some adversarial control over the set-up, a number of models which better captures set-up that is globally available in the system, and a timing assumption. Finally, we briefly touch upon set-up models for obtaining authenticated communication.
Variation in microclimate associated with dispersed-retention harvests in coniferous forests of western Washington

Abstract Green-tree or structural retention is becoming increasingly common as a method of regeneration harvest in the Pacific Northwest. Amelioration of microclimatic stress is assumed to be one mechanism by which overstory retention enhances the survival of forest organisms and the potential for ecosystem recovery following timber harvest. We examined patterns of transmitted light (photosynthetic photon flux density, PPFD), air and soil temperature, and soil moisture across a broad gradient of dispersed retention in mature, coniferous forests at three locations in western Washington. Treatment means and within-treatment variation (coefficients of variation among sample points within treatments) were compared for warm, sunny days in 6–7-year-old experimental harvest units representing 0, 15, 40, and 100% retention of original basal area. Multiple linear regression was used to explore relationships between microclimate and plot-scale measures of forest structure (including overstory attributes, understory vegetation, and logging slash). PPFD and mean and maximum air and soil temperatures decreased with level of retention. PPFD showed the strongest response, but did not differ between 40 and 100% retention. Mean and maximum air temperatures were significantly greater at 0 and 15% retention than at 100%. Among harvest treatments (0, 15, and 40%), mean air temperature was significantly lower at 40 than at 0%, but maximum air temperature did not differ among treatments. Mean and maximum soil temperatures differed only between 0 and 100% retention. Minimum air and soil temperatures and late-summer soil moisture did not differ among treatments. Within-treatment variability (coefficient of variation, CV) did not differ significantly with level of retention for any of the variables sampled, but CVs for soil temperature showed a consistent increase with decreasing retention. In combination, topography, residual forest structure, and understory variables were good predictors of PPFD and mean and maximum temperatures (R2 of 0.55–0.85 in multiple regression models), but were poorer predictors of minimum temperatures and soil moisture (R2 of 0.10–0.51). Canopy cover appeared most frequently in the models and cover of understory vegetation was a significant predictor in models of soil temperature. Trends in microclimate among experimental treatments were consistent, in large part, with the early responses of bryophyte, herbaceous, and fungal communities at these sites. Our results suggest that 15% retention, the current minimum standard on federal forests within the range of the northern spotted owl, does little to ameliorate microclimatic conditions relative to traditional clearcut logging.
Image-based reconstruction for view-independent human motion recognition

In this paper, we introduce a novel method for employing image-based rendering to extend the range of use of human motion recognition systems. We demonstrate the use of image-based rendering to generate additional training sets for view-dependent human motion recognition systems. Input views orthogonal to the direction of motion are created automatically to construct the proper view from a combination of non-orthogonal views taken from several cameras. To extend motion recognition systems, image-based rendering can be utilized in two ways: (i) to generate additional training sets for these systems containing a large number of non-orthogonal views, and (ii) to generate orthogonal views (the views those systems are trained to recognize) from a combination of non-orthogonal views taken from several cameras. In this case, image-based rendering is used to generate views orthogonal to the mean direction of motion. We tested the method using an existing view-dependent human motion recognition system on two different sequences of motion, and promising initial results were obtained.
Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of a Pendred Syndrome-Associated Thyroid Carcinoma.

Pendred syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hearing loss and goiter and is caused by bi-allelic mutations (homozygous or compound heterozygous) of the PDS (SLC26A4) gene. The incidence of Pendred syndrome is 7.5-10/100,000 in the general population, and it carries a 1 % risk of developing thyroid carcinoma. Herein, we report a case of a patient with Pendred syndrome who developed a follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC)-that is approximately at an odd of 1/1,000,000. Targeted next-generation sequencing with ThyroSeq v2 was performed on the tumor, and only a TP53 mutation (TP53 p.R175H) was identified. The mutation was limited to the tumor nodule of FVPTC as shown by immunohistochemistry. This report represents the first extensive molecular study of a Pendred syndrome-associated thyroid carcinoma. The evidences support that thyroid carcinomas arising from dyshormonogenetic goiter require additional genetic alteration in addition to the purported thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) overstimulation. It is intrigue to note that the mutant p53 is involved in the development of a low-grade malignant thyroid tumor as FVPTC in this patient.
Strategies for phrenic nerve preservation during ablation of inappropriate sinus tachycardia

Background Radiofrequency (RF) ablation can alleviate drug-refractory inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST). However, phrenic nerve (PN) injury and other complications limit its use. Objective The purpose of this study was to characterize the maneuvers used to avoid PN injury and the long-term clinical outcomes. Methods The study consisted of a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent ablation for IST. Results RF ablation was performed on 13 consecutive female patients with drug-refractory IST. Eleven patients exhibited PN capture at desired ablation sites. In 1 patient, PN capture was not continuous throughout the respiratory cycle and ventilation holding sufficed to avoid PN injury. In 10 patients, pericardial access (PA) and balloon insertion was required. Initially (n = 4) a posterior PA was used, which was replaced by an anterior PA in the subsequent 6 cases. PA to optimal balloon positioning time was significantly lower in anterior vs posterior PA (16.3 ± 6 minutes vs 58 ± 21.3 minutes, P = .01), as was fluoroscopy time (15.66 ± 16.72 min vs 35.9 ± 1.8 min, P = .03). RF ablation successfully reduced sinus rate to Conclusion Ventilation holding and/or pericardial balloon insertion are frequently warranted in IST ablation. Anterior PA appears to facilitate the procedure over posterior PA.
Cost of ventral hernia repair using biologic or synthetic mesh.

Abstract Background Patients undergoing ventral hernia repair (VHR) with biologic mesh (BioM) have higher hospital costs compared with synthetic mesh (SynM). This study compares 90-d pre- and post-VHR hospital costs (180-d) among BioM and SynM based on infection risk. Methods This retrospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program study matched patient perioperative risk with resource utilization cost for a consecutive series of VHR repairs. Patient infection risks, clinical and financial outcomes were compared in unmatched SynM (n = 303) and BioM (n = 72) groups. Propensity scores were used to match 35 SynM and BioM pairs of cases with similar infection risk for outcomes analysis. Results BioM patients in the unmatched group were older with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and wound classification, and they more frequently underwent open repairs for recurrent hernias. Wound surgical site infections were more frequent in unmatched BioM patients (P = 0.001) as were 180-d costs ($43.8k versus $14.0k, P Conclusions BioM is used more commonly in hernia repairs involving higher wound class and ASA scores and recurrent hernias. Clinical outcomes after low-risk VHRs are similar; SynM utilization in low-risk hernia repairs was more cost-effective.
Dyadic perspectives on marital quality and loneliness in later life

Previous research on married couples has indicated that loneliness, an unrealized desire for close relationships, can affect even partnered adults. In addition to individual perceptions of the marital relationship, partner perceptions of the relationship might also heighten married adults’ experiences of loneliness. I employed a dyadic approach derived from the emotion-in-relationships model to examine the extent to which individual and partner reports of four dimensions of relationship quality are risk factors for loneliness among married older adults. Using structural equation modeling with dyadic data from 779 opposite-sex couples in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (2010–2011), I found that spouses’ reports of positive and negative relationship quality were associated with loneliness beyond individuals’ reports. For positive relationship quality, a partner’s report had an effect equal to one’s own report. For negative relationship quality, one’s own and one’s partner’s perceptions o...
How Public Opinion Constrains Presidential Unilateral Actions

This paper extends the presidency literature by examining the relationship between presidential unilateral actions and diff use support. Using executive orders data from 1981-2001 and the ANES survey data, this provides an opportunity to establish how public opinion constrains presidents ability to act unilaterally. Preliminary fi ndings suggest that di ffuse support is an important source of constraint on presidential unilateral powers. Further, this paper also examines whether a saliency factor impacts how presidents act unilaterally. By diff erentiating between executive orders that were reported in major media outlets and those that were not, preliminary findings suggest that diffuse support constrains only those unilateral actions that are not politically salient.
Identifying flowlines and limitations of flux analyses in the interior of Thwaites Glacier, Antarctica

Patterns in radar-detected internal layers in glaciers and ice streams can be tracked hundreds of kilometers downstream. We use distinctive patterns to delineate flowbands of Thwaites Glacier in the Amundsen Sea sector of West Antarctica. Flowbands contain information for the past century to millennium, the approximate time for ice to flow through the study region. GPS-detected flow directions (acquired in 2007/08) agree within uncertainty (~4°) with the radar-detected flowlines, indicating that the flow direction has not changed significantly in recent centuries. In contrast, InSAR-detected directions (from 1996) differ from the radar- and GPS-detected flowlines in all but the middle tributary, indicating caution is needed when using InSAR velocities to define flow directions. There is agreement between all three datasets in the middle tributary. We use two radar-detected flowlines to define a 95 km long flowband and perform a flux balance analysis using InSAR-derived velocities, radar-detected ice thickness, and estimates of the accumulation rate. Inferred thinning of 0.49 ± 0.34 m a–1 is consistent with satellite altimetry measurements, but has higher uncertainty due mainly to the velocity uncertainty. The uncertainty is underestimated because InSAR velocities often differ from GPS velocities by more than the stated uncertainties.
The Potential Impact of Online/Distance Education for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education: Results from a Meta-Analytic Investigation and Existing Research

The current investigation sought to understand if online and distance course offerings were providing a needed bridge to a post-secondary degree for students with disabilities. The results of this investigation suggest that there is an absence of empirical research on this topic in the existing published research. Results presented include findings from the K-12 data examining this impact, and the results from federal investigations on the prevalence of individuals with disabilities attending post-secondary institutions.
Effect of Cavities on Ultrasonic Attenuation and Velocity

Cavitation, voids, or porosity in materials can initiate several types of failure mechanisms. One type is creep, which begins with cavitation and eventually leads to microcracking, cracking, crack coalescing, and ultimate failure. Failure from creep can be avoided if cavitation is detected early.
DETECTION RESULTS OF THE BIOSAFETY CABINETS IN THE LABORATORY

Objective To know the conditions of operation and performance states of the bio-safety cabinets in the laboratory of medical and health units in Wenzhou.Methods On-the-spot examination with instruments was carried out to examine microclimate of bio-safety cabinets in the laboratory.Results The eligible rate of noise level of the bio-safety cabinets in lowest,was 37.5%.The illumination pass rate was 100%.The passing rate of cleanliness,air flow,windows,wind speed,vertical flow velocity of the bio-safety cabinets in CDC were significantly higher than those in hospital.There were differences in eligible rate between imported bio-safety cabinets and domestic bio-safety cabinets.A2 type biological safety cabinet's performance was significantly better than B2 type.Conclusions There are some problem in noises and microclimate of the biological safety cabinets in Wenzhou medical and health units.We should strengthen bio-safety cabinet management and maintenance.
ELASTO-PLASTICAL DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF EXPLOSIVE AUTOFRETTAGE

Based on the explosive pressure curve, dynamic mechanical property and constructive relationship of 43CrNiZMoVA steel which were tested with Hopkinsion bar equipment, the explosive autofrettage of thick - wall cylinder with nonlinear finite element method was analyzed in this paper. Under different explosive pressure, the change rule of the stress, displacement, velocity of different position and the size of plastical zone versus the time were obtained. Finally, the residual stress resulted in explosive autofrettage with Sachs method was measured, and the residual stresses of explosive autofrettage were compared with that of hydrostatic pressure.
Cardiomyopathy-Associated Mutation K15N in Tropomyosin Affects its Interaction with Leiomodin and Tropomodulin

The development of some familial dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM ) correlates with the presence of mutations in proteins that regulate the organization and function of thin filaments in cardiac muscle cells. Whereas the biological consequence of mutations affecting protein folding, stability and levels of intracellular expression is more apparent, understanding of harmful effects of mutations interfering with yet uncharacterized protein-protein interactions might be elusive. We used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to precisely localize the region of striated muscle α-tropomyosin that interacts with leiomodin-2 (Lmod2), a member of tropomodulin family of actin-binding proteins. The K15N mutation known to be associated with familial DCM is located within the newly identified Lmod2 binding site of tropomyosin. We studied the effect of this mutation on binding Lmod2 and Tmod1, cardiac isoforms responsible for correct lengths of the thin filaments. The mutation reduced binding affinity for both Lmod2 and Tmod1, however the decrease was more pronounced for binding Lmod2. The reduced affinity and the uneven effect of the K15N mutation on TM binding to Lmod2 and Tmod1 provide a molecular rationale for the development of familial DCM.
Gompertzian growth as a self-similar and allometric process.

The Gompertz law of growth has puzzled scientists for decades: while it successfully described growth kinetics of various biological systems (e.g., tumor growth), its foundation has remained unclear. In this paper I recognize the Gompertzian growth as founded on self-similarity, which is so abundant in natural phenomena that it justifiably represents a fundamental natural paradigm. The self-similarity leads to an allometric principle: the sizes of a given biological system at different times are related by a simple power law. The stated relation can be also viewed as basic functional growth equation with unique nonconstant solutions being the Gompertz and the exponential functions. This equation also provides the description of growth and regression dynamics in terms of a difference equation which already has found practical application in characterizing tumor growth kinetics.
A Tribute to the Pioneering Work of Thomas E. Jensen in the Field of Cyanobacterial Phytoremediation

The impact of the scientific works of Prof. Thomas E. Jensen has often been overlooked. This review paper brings together the focus of his works in a developmental narrative revealing the stages and their practical applications over the course of time. The stages of his research involved the ultrastructural revelations of cyanobacterial organization, the quantification of key components, recognition that sequestering of selected heavy metals and other cations could occur under stress conditions, using that knowledge to formulate applications in waste-water remediation, and developing a model system for both the retention of specific ions and their controlled release. It was found that the release could be predictably controlled by both pH adjustments as well as by regulating the oxygenation of the environmental conditions. Laboratory pilot studies have indicated that the prospects for large-scale applications in municipal and industrial wastewater conditions are possible. This type of phytoremediation has far greater possibilities in commercial circumstances than efforts with higher plants, in as much as the cells can be recycled for continuous ion processing. This review is a partial summary of some of the relevant academic works of Prof. Jensen over a span of nearly 50 years. His research has primarily been directed towards a better understanding of the organization and activities of cyanobacteria, and the special role that they are capable of playing in phytoremediation.
Neural architecture of the “transient” ON directionally selective (class IIb1) ganglion cells in rabbit retina, partly co-stratified with starburst amacrine cells

Recent physiological studies coupled with intracellular staining have subdivided ON directionally selective (DS) ganglion cells of rabbit retina into two types. One exhibits more "transient" and more "brisk" responses (ON DS-t), and the other has more "sustained' and more "sluggish" responses (ON DS-s), although both represent the same three preferred directions and show preference for low stimulus velocity, as reported in previous studies of ON DS ganglion cells in rabbit retina. ON DS-s cells have the morphology of ganglion cells previously shown to project to the medial terminal nucleus (MTN) of the accessory optic system, and the MTN-projecting, class IVus1 cells have been well-characterized previously in terms of their dendritic morphology, branching pattern, and stratification. ON DS-t ganglion cells have a distinctly different morphology and exhibit heterotypic coupling to amacrine cells, including axon-bearing amacrine cells, with accompanying synchronous firing, while ON DS-s cells are not coupled. The present study shows that ON DS-t cells are morphologically identical to the previously well-characterized, "orphan" class IIb1 ganglion cell, previously regarded as a member of the "brisk-concentric" category of ganglion cells. Its branching pattern, quantitatively analyzed, is similar to that of the morphological counterparts of X and Y cells, and very different from that of the ON DS-s ganglion cell. Close analysis of the dendritic stratification of class IIb1 ganglion cells together with fiducial cells indicates that they differ from that of the ON DS-s cells. In agreement with one of the three previous studies, class IIb1/ON DS-t cells, unlike class IVus1/ON DS-s ganglion cells, in the main do not co-stratify with starburst amacrine cells. As the present study shows, however, portions of their dendrites do deviate from the main substratum, coming within range of starburst boutons. Parsimony favors DS input from starburst amacrine cells both to ON DS-s and to ON DS-t ganglion cells, given the similarity of their DS responses, but further studies will be required to substantiate the origin of the DS responses of ON DS-t cells. Previously reported OFF DS responses in ON DS-t cells, unmasked by pharmacological agents, and mediated by gap junctions with amacrine cells, suggests an unusual trans-sublaminar organization of directional selectivity in the inner plexiform layer, connecting sublamina a and sublamina b.
Two-dimensional analysis of the supragranular layers in autism spectrum disorder

Abstract Neurons in the supragranular layers of the human cerebral cortex play an important role in long-range cortico-cortical connections. Alterations to these layers are of special interest in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as they could play a significant role in altered connectivity between distal regions of cortex. The present study isolated sampling boxes through the use of an automated boundary identification technique. A two-dimensional analysis of the Nissl-stained tissue was then performed to examine whether differences in cell size and number are present in ASD tissue. The analysis focused on layers II and III of association cortex sampled from frontal (BA9), temporal (BA21), and parietal (BA7) regions. In previous studies, both BA9 and BA21 have been linked to alterations in cortical connectivity in ASD. Aside from the expected differences between cortical layers and regions, data analysis revealed that ASD tissue possessed a higher density of cells, the magnitude of which was layer dependent, and that the cell profiles were of a smaller size. The results of this study suggest that cellular abnormalities with respect to cell size and number are present in multiple areas of association cortex, specifically within layers that are involved in long-range connectivity. Additionally, the results comport with previous findings of altered cortical minicolumns in frontal and temporal areas and further suggest that similar irregularities may also be present in parietal areas.
A Deep Understanding of Fractions Supports Student Success in Algebra

Algebra is frequently referred to as the “gateway” course for high school mathematics in much the same way as calculus can “open” or “close” doors for students interested in pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas. This chapter presents the idea that students’ challenges with algebra begin well before their first course in algebra and that these challenges are embedded in a complex set of issues. Weak or incomplete mathematical understanding of rational number concepts has a profound impact on students’ success in algebra and subsequently, courses that follow where students are expected to confidently, competently, and efficiently address situations in which “and the rest is just algebra” is invoked. Recognizing that developing students’ deep understanding of rational number concepts requires years of nurturing and care by capable, well-prepared teachers, both in terms of content and pedagogical knowledge, and a discussion of issues related to teacher preparation and teacher shortages and how these impact students’ preparedness for algebra and their success in mathematics is presented.
Associating: Dee Hock and the Creation of the Organization

This chapter describes the formation of the cooperative member association that would eventually be known as Visa. I first analyze the BankAmericard licensing system of the late 1960s, arguing that its problems could not have been solved solely by the application of new technology, as it was also suffering from serious organizational issues. I then introduce Visa’s founder, Dee Ward Hock, and describe how his own personal philosophy shaped the design of the new organization. Finally, I recount the formation of the new organization, which was initially known as National BankAmericard Incorporated (NBI).
Adsorption of oleate on apatite.

Adsorption experiments were conducted at two different solid loadings to investigate the mechanism of oleate adsorption on apatite. Adsorption density at pH 10 was found to be dependent on solids loading in an oleate concentration region where surface precipitation could occur. Analysis of adsorption isotherms indicated three distinct regions of adsorption. In region I (below the region of calcium oleate precipitation), molecular adsorption was observed. Simultaneous molecular adsorption and surface precipitation occurred in region II, while surface precipitation was predominant in region III along with some bulk precipitation. Correlation between flotation of apatite with sodium oleate and the mode of oleate interaction with the surface is established.
Analysis of early development in the zebrafish embryo.

The zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio), a small fresh water fish native to rivers of northeast India, has long been a favorite of tropical fish fanciers. Within the past few years, it has also become an organism of great interest to vertebrate embryologists. The potential of the zebrafish as an effective experimental system can be traced to the work of G. Streisinger who recognized that the organism was highly suited to genetic analysis (Streisinger et al. 1981). After his untimely death, the development of the system was continued at the University of Oregon, and more recently, at many laboratories in the United States and Europe. The result has been a productive investigation of the embryology, genetics, neurobiology, and molecular biology of the zebrafish embryo (reviewed most recently in Kimmel and Warga 1988; Kimmel 1989; Ekker and Akimenko 1991; Fulwiler and Gilbert 1991). In this review, I will attempt to summarize what is known about the early development, genetics, and molecular biology of the zebrafish. Development of the nervous system has been more intensively investigated than any other aspect of embryogenesis in this organism. This subject has been reviewed recently (Eisen 1991) and will not be covered in detail here.
Alcohol Use and Adolescent Development

Junior and senior high-school students were studied over a 4-year period. The likelihood of initiating drinking was directly related to the degree of transition- or problem-proneness, and a developmental relationship between onset of drinking and other sociopsychological attributes was found. It is concluded that becoming a drinker is an integral aspect of the process of adolescent development.