cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic changes in the CDKN2A locus are associated with differential expression of P16INK4A and P14ARF in HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is recognized as a distinct disease entity associated with improved survival. DNA hypermethylation profiles differ significantly by HPV status suggesting that a specific subset of methylated CpG loci could give mechanistic insight into HPV-driven OPSCC. We analyzed genome-wide DNA methylation of primary tumor samples and adjacent normal mucosa from 46 OPSCC patients undergoing treatment at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY using the Illumina HumanMethylation27 beadchip. For each matched tissue set, we measured differentially methylated CpG loci using a change in methylation level (M value). From these analyses, we identified a 22 CpG loci panel for HPV+ OPSCC that included four CDKN2A loci downstream of the p16(INK4A) and p14(ARF) transcription start sites. This panel was significantly associated with overall HPV detection (P < 0.05; ROC area under the curve = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.91–1.0) similar to the subset of four CDKN2A-specific CpG loci (0.90, 95% CI: 0.82–0.99) with equivalence to the full 22 CpG panel. DNA hypermethylation correlated with a significant increase in alternative open reading frame (ARF) expression in HPV+ OPSCC primary tumors, but not to the other transcript variant encoded by the CDKN2A locus. Overall, this study provides evidence of epigenetic changes to the downstream region of the CDKN2A locus in HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer that are associated with changes in expression of the coded protein products.
Neuropeptide Regulation of Appetite and Weight

IN THE last decade, the explosive increase in our knowledge of neuropeptides has demonstrated that the release of peptides from the gastrointestinal tract can modulate behavior; and, contrariwise, gastrointestinal peptides have been shown to be synthesized and released in the central nervous system and act as neurotransmitters. This review will concentrate on the role of peptides as modulators of feeding behavior and weight regulation. The complexities of the neurochemical regulation of food intake are not surprising when one considers the varied inputs involved in the determination of feeding behavior. With depletion of an organism's energy stores, a series of signals arise which force the animal to hunt for food. When the food source is found, the animal needs to do a cost-benefit analysis, i.e. a determination of whether the potential danger and the energy expenditure involved are justified in terms of the calories to be gained and secondarily, to decide whether or not the food is suitable for consumption.
Upper critical fields of the superconducting layered compounds Nb 1- x Ta x Se 2

The upper critical fieldsH c2 (T) of the superconducting layered compounds Nb1−x Ta x Se2 (0≤x≤0.20) have been measured with the magnetic field oriented either perpendicular or parallel to the layer plane. Just belowT c , positive (upward) curvature is seen inH c2 (T) for both field directions and for all compositions. The amount of positive curvature is not a function of crystal quality. At low temperatures,H c2 (T) displays enhanced linearity as compared to the prediction of the isotropic theory, and shows no evidence of Pauli paramagnetic limiting for either field orientation. The critical field slopesdH c2 /dT nearT c change only slightly with composition.H c2 (T) has been calculated for two Fermi surface models for NbSe2 using the band structure calculated by Wexler and Woolley. TheseH c2 (T) calculations indicate that Fermi surface anisotropy can explain the positive curvature and enhanced linearity seen in the experimental data. The calculations also show that theH c2 (T) data are better explained with a Fermi surface that consists of open, undulating cylinders with an additional smaller closed piece, than with a Fermi surface model that consists only of the open, undulating cylinders of the original Wexler and Woolley model.
The effects of strength testing schedules on muscle strength recovery following static work

In order to measure the recovery of muscle strength after static contractions, strength tests must be performed at various times recovery. This is shown to be an invasive procedure, particularly at typically-recommended schedules of one measurement every 30 s or every 60 s, as the measurement interferes with the recovery process. A predictive equation is given to correct recovery data for this invasiveness.
Study of process configuration and catalyst concentration in integrated alkaline extrusion of barley straw for bioethanol production

Abstract Barley straw was pretreated with alkali (NaOH) at increasing NaOH/DM ratios (6–10%) and neutralized in a twin-screw extruder, obtaining a substrate ready for the incubation with enzymes. Two process configurations were evaluated: with and without filtration inside the extruder. The enzymatic digestibility of the pretreated substrates was evaluated and filtration was proved to be beneficial for the enzymatic hydrolysis. A maximum enzymatic hydrolysis yield of 71% was attained for the barley straw pretreated with 8 g NaOH/100 g dry barley straw and filtration inside the extruder. The ethanol production was evaluated on this substrate for increasing solid loadings, 2.5, 15 and 20% (w/v). A global process yield based on ethanol production, including hydrolysis and fermentation, was calculated over the pretreated material in experiments at 20% (w/v) solids, reaching 53% of the maximum theoretical. The concentration of ethanol reached up to 29 g/l in these conditions.
On the duration of West Antarctic Ice Sheet grounding events in Ross Sea during the Quaternary

Abstract A back-stepping succession of three seismically-defined grounding zone wedges (GZWs) in the Glomar Challenger Basin palaeo-ice-stream trough is usually assigned to the short time that elapsed since the West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreat began at 11 ka 14C BP. Recent radiocarbon dates have however suggested an alternate interpretation in which the youngest of these three GZWs, the Gray Unit GZW on the middle shelf, corresponds to deposition during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). If so, then the Gray Unit must represent an amalgamation of erosion and deposition spanning a much longer time interval, i.e., the 100 ky interval between the Last Interglacial and the LGM. To test these conflicting interpretations, the Gray Unit sediment volume was mapped from seismic and multibeam data. Two end-member durations were calculated because flux during ice sheet retreat is significantly higher than flux during ice sheet advance. Using the retreat-mode flux, the 1.47 ky grounding event estimate shows that the middle shelf GZW could have been deposited during the post-LGM retreat. However, the 147.34 ky grounding event estimate based on the advance-mode flux also demonstrates that the GZW might reasonably represent an amalgamation of erosion and deposition as grounded ice gradually advanced between MIS5e and MIS2, i.e., from the Last Interglacial to the Last Glacial Maximum. These data thus require that both interpretations of how the near-surface stratigraphy relates to grounding-line translations in the last glacial cycle be considered feasible working hypotheses.
Topography of visual and somatosensory projections to the superior colliculus of the golden hamster

The topography of visual and somatosensory projections to the superior colliculus in the Syrian hamster was studied using electrophysiological techniques. The visual projection to the superficial layers of the colliculus is similar in general topography to that described for other rodents. The magnification of the visual field on the colliculus surface was greatest for nasal visual field. The magnification factor paralleled retinal ganglion cell density for corresponding visual field sectors. In the deep layers of the colliculus, a somatosensory projection is found in register with the visual projection such that the anterior somatosensory field and nasalmost visual field are both represented in rostral colliculus; posterior somatosensory fields and temporal visual fields are found in caudal colliculus. Likewise, upper visual and somatosensory fields are found in medial colliculus, and lower visual and somatosensory fields are found in lateral colliculus. Large receptive fields make the somatosensory topography less precise than the visual topography, but this lack of precision could serve to keep the two maps generally in register during eye and body movements.
Frictional slip between a layer and a substrate caused by a normal load

Abstract An elastic layer that rests on a substrate and is subjected to a concentrated normal force is used to investigate some aspects of frictional slip between two bodies. The formulation using known results for glide dislocations leads to a singular integral equation of a Cauchy type that must be solved numerically. Results for various quantities of interest are given graphically.
Detection of text strings from mixed text/graphics images

A robust system for text strings separation from mixed text/graphics images is presented. Based on a union-find (region growing) strategy the algorithm is thus able to classify the text from graphics and adapts to changes in document type, language category (e.g., English, Chinese and Japanese), text font style and size, and text string orientation within digital images. In addition, it allows for a document skew that usually occurs in documents, without skew correction prior to discrimination while these proposed methods such a projection profile or run length coding are not always suitable for the condition. The method has been tested with a variety of printed documents from different origins with one common set of parameters, and the experimental results of the performance of the algorithm in terms of computational efficiency are demonstrated by using several tested images from the evaluation.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
EFFECT OF CORTICOSTEROID (CS) ADMINISTRATION ON THE INCIDENCE OF NEONATAL NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS (NEC) IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (LBW) INFANTS. ♦ 1344

NEC is an important cause of increased mortality and morbidity in LBW infants. Recent meta-analyses suggest that antenatal CS administration reduces NEC, but it is not clear whether postnatal CS has a similarly propitious effect. We hypothesized that postnatal CS reduces the incidence of NEC, and as a first step in testing this, we conducted a prospective non-randomized analysis of the incidence of NEC (Bell stage II and III) among 237 LBW(≤1250g) infants who received vs. did not receive CS for management of lung disease. The number of infants in the two groups were: CS treated n = 110 (26 prenatally, 78 postnatally, and 6 both pre- and postnatally) and untreated n=127. Infants with anomalies, congenital infections, or IUGR were excluded. Age at onset of NEC and age at initiation of treatment with CS were recorded. Two infants who received CS after the onset of NEC were included in the untreated group. There were no significant differences between the groups in race, sex ratio, mode of delivery, Apgar scores, cord (UA) pH, use of umbilical catheters, human milk feedings, age at onset of NEC, and age when feedings started. The CS treated infants were of significantly lower birth weights and gestational ages (883±203 vs. 961±209 g, p=.004; 26.8±2 vs. 27.6±2 wk, p=.009). Six infants received CS pre and postnatally, none of them deveioped NEC. Although the postnatal recipients were smaller and of lower gestation than were the non recipients, NEC was much less frequent. This finding suggests that Table we should test our hypothesis, that postnatal CS reduces the incidence of NEC, using the design of a prospective, randomized trial. The small number of mothers treated with CS may explain failure to observe a similar effect of prenatal CS.
Preliminary X-ray crystallographic study of methanol dehydrogenase from Methylophilus methylotrophus.

Abstract Single crystals of methanol dehydrogenase from Methylophilus methylotrophus have been prepared by the macroseeding method. The crystals belong to the monoclinic space group C2, and have unit cell parameters a = 125.62 A , b = 63.83 A , c = 83.99 A , and β = 93.24 ° . There is one 62,000 Mr monomer in the asymmetric unit. The crystals diffract to beyond 2.0 A resolution.
Human Glomerular Epithelial Cell Express CD4 and Interaction with gp120 Protein Promotes PYK2 Tyrosine Phosphorylation

Abstract Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the predominant glomerular lesion in patients with HIV infection. Visceral glomerular epithelial cell (vGEC) injury is a key feature of this glomerular lesion. However, the exact mechanism of HIV-1-induced vGEC injury is not clear. We studied the presence of CD4 (HIV-1 receptor) in vGECs. vGECs were cultured from human kidneys and used during the 5th to 10th passages. Immunocytochemical studies were carried out to visualize CD4 receptors in these cells. Protein and RNA were extracted from vGECs and renal cortical tissues. Western and Northern blots were generated and probed for the expression of CD4. To determine the downstream effect of ligand receptor interaction, vGECs were treated either with variable concentrations of HIV-1 gp120 protein (0.001 to 0.1 μg/ml) for 1 min or with a fixed dose of gp120 protein (0.01 μg/ml) for variable time periods (0 to 10 min), and at the end of the incubation period, tyrosine phosphorylation of pyk2 was studied. Immunocytochemical studies showed the presence of CD4 receptors in vGECs. Western and Northern blot studies confirmed the presence of CD4 expression in these cells. gp120 protein promoted vGEC tyrosine phosphorylation of pyk2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The present study provides a mechanistical insight for the role of HIV-1 in the development of glomerular injury in patients with HIV infection.
Relief of autoinhibition of the electrogenic Na-HCO3 cotransporter NBCe1-B: role of IRBIT vs. amino-terminal truncation

Two maneuvers known to stimulate electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter 1 (NBCe1) activity are 1) deletion from the cytosolic amino-terminus (Nt) of NBCe1-C of an 87-amino acid sequence that...
Intermediate Scale Composite Material Fire Testing

Composite materials are increasingly being used in aviation applications. As the quantity of composite material increases, there is a corresponding need to develop a better understanding of composite material response in fire environments. We have recently developed a program to examine this problem experimentally and computationally. Although Sandia National Laboratories and Air Force Research Laboratories at Tyndall have slightly different focuses, we are collaborating to focus on understanding duration, intensity, and the underlying physics during composite fires, as well as the technology and procedures to safely manage composite fire events. In the past year, we have been performing both small and intermediate scale testing to understand the behavior of composite materials used in aviation applications. The current focus is on a set of intermediate scale tests to generate data useful for understanding the behavior of carbon fiber epoxy composites in adverse thermal environments. A series of tests has been performed in a 90 cm cubic enclosure with 25–40 kg of composite materials to generate a severe fire environment fueled mostly by the composites. Preliminary results of these tests will be reported to provide data on the severity of the environment in terms of thermal intensity, duration, and chemical products.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A parallel strategy for predicting the secondary structure of polycistronic microRNAs

The biogenesis of a functional microRNA is largely dependent on the secondary structure of the microRNA precursor pre-miRNA. Recently, it has been shown that microRNAs are present in the genome as the form of polycistronic transcriptional units in plants and animals. It will be important to design efficient computational methods to predict such structures for microRNA discovery and its applications in gene silencing. In this paper, we propose a parallel algorithm based on the master-slave architecture to predict the secondary structure from an input sequence. We conducted some experiments to verify the effectiveness of our parallel algorithm. The experimental results show that our algorithm is able to produce the optimal secondary structure of polycistronic microRNAs.
Statistical thermodynamic models for ideal oxide and silicate solid solutions, with application to plagioclase

Abstract Activity-composition relations are derived for ideal substitutional solid solutions through the Helmholtz free energy expressed in terms of the partition function. For solutions of the type (A, B) u Z w involving mixing on one type of atom site, ideal activities of end-member components are expressed by: a A u Z w = ( X A u Z w ) u , and a B u Z w = ( X B u Z w ) u . With multi-site mixing excluding charge balance restrictions, as in (A, B) α u (C, D) β v Z w , the ideal activity of an end-member component such as A u C v Z w is calculated as: a A u C v Z w = ( X α A ) u ( X β c ) v . These expressions support the ‘ionic solid solution model for the activities of components in ideal solid solutions. Ideal solution models for coupled substitutions involving charge balance are considered using plagioclase as an example. Ideal activity expressions for solid solution of albite and anorthite are derived with and without adherence to the Al avoidance principle. Mixing models involving local electrostatic balance are contrasted with those involving independent, random mixing of Na-Ca and Al-Si. Of several possible ideal solution models for plagioclase, only that specifying complete Al-Si ordering and local electrostatic neutrality yields activities conforming to Raoult's Law.
Reductive Lcec of Organic Compounds

Abstract Liquid chromatography and electrochemistry have been combined (LCEC) to form a new analytical approach with unique capabilities. While LCEC is now well established for oxidizable substances, its use for determination of reducible compounds is just beginning to develop. The electrochemistry of easily reducible functional groups (electrophores) is briefly discussed. Factors which influence the performance of reductive mode detection are reviewed, including mobile phase composition, electrode material, voltage waveform, and dissolved oxygen. Recent applications of reductive mode LCEC are presented.
Unreal III based 3-D virtual models for training at Nuclear Power Plants

Three dimensional (3-D) virtual reality models can be an effective tool for education and training in nuclear engineering applications. This technology can be used to model and simulate nuclear facilities with the help of custom-made packages and programming. This paper introduces useful features of a well known game engine, Unreal Engine III, for nuclear-specific virtual reality models. Specifically, some of the built-in features of this edition are exploited to add nuclear-specific applications and to enhance interactivity. Through these specifically developed interactive and 3-D graphical simulators, Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) personnel and first responders can “play” and experience the operational and emergency scenarios of a plant.
A kinematic analysis of the Thai boxing clinch

The purpose of the study was to investigate the kinematics between the double collar-tie and double underhook Thai Boxing clinching positions. Ten amateur mixed martial arts athletes executed six knee strikes for both clinching positions with their dominant limb directed towards a target. A standard two-dimensional video motion analysis was conducted, and the results showed a statistical significant difference at the hip joint angle and the angular acceleration of the knee and ankle. Within both clinching positions, there was a statistically significant correlation between the hip and knee joint angles, hip and knee angular velocities, and hip angular acceleration. Between both clinching positions, there was a statistically significant correlation at the knee joint angle, knee angular velocity, and hip angular acceleration. This study demonstrates the importance of the hip and knee joint movements in both clinching positions, which implies the applications of strength training and flexibility at these joints for sports performance and injury prevention. It is suggested that future studies analyzing the non-dominant leg are warranted to fully understand the Thai Boxing clinch.
Heat decreases formoterol delivery.

Study objectives: Based on anecdotal reports of formoterol aggregating in mailboxes in the summer in Arizona, we examined the effect of heat on formoterol as well as on drug delivery. Design: Formoterol capsules in original blister packaging were heated to 40 to 70°C (104 to 158°F) for 3 h and at 70°C (158°F) for 15 to 180 min. Capsules were removed from packaging, and a vacuum setup was used to dispense the formoterol into a filter using the device provided by the manufacturer. The weights of the capsule predispensation and postdispensation were measured to calculate drug delivery. Measurements were compared to those of capsules not exposed to heat. For comparison, tiotropium and a combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol (Advair; GlaxoSmithKline; Research Triangle Park, NC) were similarly tested. Results: Visual inspection of the heated capsules revealed gross distortion as well as visible clumping of formoterol at the higher temperatures. The mean (± SEM) change in the weights of capsules that underwent heating were significantly less than those obtained from capsules that had not been heated (mean change after heating for 3 h at 70°C, 2.3 ± 0.7 vs 24.7 ± 0.6 mg, respectively; p Conclusions: These data demonstrate that the exposure of formoterol to heat decreases drug delivery and that caution should be used when mailing, transporting or storing formoterol.
Simulating social commerce applied to buyer group pricing, recommendation incentives, and bundling

Currently social networks are used by buyers to become more aware of sellers and their goods. Increasingly, they are used with three other market mechanisms: Buyers use social networks to form buyer groups that leverage purchasing power. Sellers incentivize buyers to post recommendations on social media. Sellers or buyers compose compatible items into bundles with increased value and reduced price. In this paper we study the potential effects of social networks on these mechanisms. For comprehensive and consistent coverage, we simulate combinations of these mechanisms, using published metrics for authenticity. Our results show seller profitability increases with the use of social networks applied to all possible combinations.
Optical properties and correlation energy of defects in a-Ge:H

Abstract Gap-state optical absorption of undoped and doped a-Ge:H has been measured using photothermal deflection spectroscopy. We show that the absorption is due to Ge dangling bond defects whose energy lies ∼0.5 eV below the conduction band. We determine the correlation energy of the defect to be ∼0.1 eV. Unlike a-Si:H, gap-state absorption of a-Ge:H shows little or no change after intense illumination.
Discrete-time Optimal Control of Nonholonomic Mobile Robot Formations Using Linearly Parameterized Neural Networks

In this paper, the infinite horizon optimal tracking control problem is solved online and forward-in-time for leader follower based formation control of nonholonomic mobile robots. Using the back-stepping approach and the kinematic controller developed in our previous work, the dynamical controller inputs for the robots are approximated from nonlinear optimal control techniques to track the designed control velocities. The proposed adaptive dynamic programming approach uses neural networks (NNs) to solve the optimal formation control problem in discrete-time in the presence of unknown internal dynamics and a known control coefficient matrix. All NNs are tuned online using novel weight update laws, and the stability of the entire formation is demonstrated using Lyapunov methods. Numerical simulations are also provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Crystallization kinetics of As−Sb−S glass in bulk and thin film form

Abstract The kinetics of crystallization in As2−xSbxS3 glasses on a melt quenched bulk form and a thin film form was studied with a differential scanning calorimeter used in dynamic heating and isothermal mode. Our understanding of the crystallization mechanism was aided by SEM and X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystallization initiated at the surface of the samples, and for this reason, the films crystallized much quicker even though the apparent activation energy was higher in films. Data indicated the difference in the initial glassy state between bulk glasses and films.
Ind represses msh expression in the intermediate column of the Drosophila neuroectoderm, through direct interaction with upstream regulatory DNA.

The Drosophila neurectoderm is initially subdivided across the dorsoventral (DV) axis into three domains that are defined by the expression of three homeodomain containing proteins. These are from ventral to dorsal: Ventral nervous system defective (vnd), Intermediate neuroblasts defective (ind) and Muscle segment homeobox (msh). This is remarkably similar to the distribution of the orthologous homeodomain proteins in the developing neural tube of mice and Zebrafish. This pattern is partially governed by a ‘ventral dominance’ mechanism, in which Vnd represses ind and Ind represses msh. A major unanswered question in this process is: How does Ind direct positioning of the ventral border of msh expression. Toward this goal, we have identified regulatory DNA essential for expression of msh in the early neurectoderm. In addition, we demonstrated that Ind acts directly in this element by a combination of genetic and molecular experiments. Specifically, expression is expanded ventrally in ind mutant embryos and Ind protein directly and specifically bound to the msh regulatory DNA, and this interaction was required to limit the ventral boundary of msh expression. Developmental Dynamics 238:2735–2744, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ethical issues at the interface between orthopedics and bioengineering.

Involvement in medical research since the mid 1960s has at one time or another resulted in my participating as a member of a research team. Sometimes the team members have been all MD clinicians, sometimes a group of PhD researchers (usually biochemistry) and I, and sometimes a combination of bioengineers and clinical researchers. Some of the team efforts were exceedingly productive, and some fell short of their potential. After all is considered, it seems clearly evident that the output of a team that works comfortably with a shared vision can make much more substantive contributions than any individual working within the confines of a single discipline. But divisive issues that center on questions of right and wrong can arise in what had seemed a well-planned effort on the front end. Rather than embarking on a theoretical survey of bioethics, which I am in no way qualified to do, I wish to share a few real experience scenarios which involved clinicians and bioengineers who were working together. Right a...
Disappearance of enkephalins in the isolated perfused rat lung.

Enkephalin disappearance during a single passage through the isolated, Krebs'-perfused rat lung was examined by superfusion bioassay. The rat colon was used to quantitate enkephalin disappearance since it proved to be sensitive to physiologic concentrations (10−11M) of met5-enkephalin or an analog D-ala2-D-leu5-enkephalin. The rat stomach strip was used to assess the release of prostaglandins from the pulmonary vasculature. The rat lung rapidly degraded the enkephalins but released no prostaglandins in the dose-range of 0.1 – 50 ng. Captopril at doses which blocked conversion of angiotensin I to II inhibited the degradation of enkephalins across the lung.
Adaptive per-user per-object cache consistency management for mobile data access in wireless mesh networks

We propose and analyze an adaptive per-user per-object cache consistency management (APPCCM) scheme for mobile data access in wireless mesh networks. APPCCM supports strong data consistency semantics through integrated cache consistency and mobility management. The objective of APPCCM is to minimize the overall network cost incurred due to data query/update processing, cache consistency management, and mobility management. In APPCCM, data objects can be adaptively cached at the mesh clients directly or at mesh routers dynamically selected by APPCCM. APPCCM is adaptive, per-user and per-object as the decision regarding where to cache a data object accessed by a mesh client is made dynamically, depending on the mesh client's mobility and data query/update characteristics, and the network's conditions. We develop analytical models for evaluating the performance of APPCCM and devise a computational procedure for dynamically calculating the overall network cost incurred. We demonstrate via both model-based analysis and simulation validation that APPCCM outperforms non-adaptive cache consistency management schemes that always cache data objects at the mesh client, or at the mesh client's current serving mesh router for mobile data access in wireless mesh networks.
DIFFERENTIAL OMEGA IN THE DOMESTIC AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL ENVIRONMENT

At the present time there is interest within the aviation community to determine how the Omega navigation system could possibly be applied to domestic IFR navigation. Assuming Omega provides a sufficient navigation information rate for a significant number of users, there are two Omega methods that are contenders for utilization in the air traffic control system; Composite Omega and Differential Omega. It appears that Differential Omega would be significantly more accurate than Composite Omega. Furthermore, Composite Omega accuracies may not be sufficient for future domestic ATC requirements, whereas Differential Omega would likely meet these accuracy requirements. However, a complete implementation of the differential technique involves several fundamental considerations before this method can be considered further. Some of these considerations are the configuration and the required number of ground monitoring stations, the differential correction message format and data rate, the practicality of various alternatives for the ground-to-air link, and resulting receiver complexity. In analyzing these considerations, a proposed configuration of the differential ground monitor stations is examined. Using a technique to locate these monitor stations, it is shown that approximately fifty will be required to obtain coverage for the forty-eight contiguous states. Based on the number of monitor stations necessary and the amount of correction information required, a differential message format is developed. The variability of the Omega propagation error sources is analyzed, so that a differential correction update rate can be specified. The alternatives for the differential communications link for complete coverage are assessed with consideration given to maximizing the benefits of the differential system. The implications of the differential system with respect to airborne complexity is also discussed.
National sovereignty and consumer sovereignty: Some consequences of Brazil's economic opening

Abstract Brazil’s move toward greater openness in its foreign trade and capital account since the 1980s, reflects a weakening of the exercise of national sovereignty for economic objectives. In this paper, we argue that consumer sovereignty has been correspondingly increased. There are costs and benefits to Brazil from both kinds of sovereignty. Increasing constraints on macroeconomic policy making have been accompanied by an increase in the choices open to many individuals. The latter increase, however, has been limited by a highly skewed distribution of income, which has persisted despite the profound changes in economic policy.
Experimental investigation of the influence of buoyancy on turbulent flow adjacent to a horizontal plate induced by a trip wire

Abstract The effects of buoyancy force on fully developed turbulent mixed convective boundary layer flow over a horizontal heated flat plate are studied experimentally. A 4-mm trip wire, placed 10 cm from the leading edge of the plate, was used for accelerating the flow transition from laminar to turbulent. Measurements of the flow field were carried out at two streamwise locations ( x =125 and 150 cm), for two free stream velocities of u ∞ =1.15 and 2 m·s −1 , and four different temperature differences between the heated surface and the free stream air: Δ T =0 °C (i.e., forced convection) and Δ T =15,30, and 53 °C (i.e., mixed convection) by using a laser-Doppler velocimeter. The measured results are compared with results from turbulent flow theory. The results revealed, as expected, the trip wire did accelerate the transition of laminar boundary layer flow to a fully developed turbulent boundary layer flow. Also, it was found that the buoyancy force resulting from wall heating has negligible effect on the flow field as long as the flow is stable because the buoyancy force has no streamwise component
Urinary MMP-2 and MMP-9 predict the presence of ovarian cancer in women with normal CA125 levels.

Abstract Objective To determine whether urinary matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) predict the presence of ovarian cancer in patients with CA125 levels below the normal threshold of 35U/mL, a critical group of patients for whom no ovarian cancer biomarker is currently available. To determine whether these noninvasive biomarkers provide clinically useful information in the general ovarian cancer patient population as well. Methods ELISA analyses and substrate gel electrophoresis detected the levels and activity of urinary MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-9/neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) complex, and MMP-9 dimer in all ovarian cancer patients (n=97), those with CA125 Results In patients with CA125 Conclusion This study demonstrates the potential utility of urinary MMP-2 and MMP-9 to differentiate between ovarian cancer patients with normal CA125 levels and controls and suggests that urinary MMP-2 and MMP-9 may be a clinically useful aid in the diagnosis of advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer.
Elevated CO2 does not offset greater water stress predicted under climate change for native and exotic riparian plants

Summary In semiarid western North American riparian ecosystems, increased drought and lower streamflows under climate change may reduce plant growth and recruitment, and favor drought-tolerant exotic species over mesic native species. We tested whether elevated atmospheric CO2 might ameliorate these effects by improving plant water-use efficiency. We examined the effects of CO2 and water availability on seedlings of two native (Populus deltoides spp. monilifera, Salix exigua) and three exotic (Elaeagnus angustifolia, Tamarix spp., Ulmus pumila) western North American riparian species in a CO2-controlled glasshouse, using 1-m-deep pots with different water-table decline rates. Low water availability reduced seedling biomass by 70–97%, and hindered the native species more than the exotics. Elevated CO2 increased biomass by 15%, with similar effects on natives and exotics. Elevated CO2 increased intrinsic water-use efficiency (Δ13Cleaf), but did not increase biomass more in drier treatments than wetter treatments. The moderate positive effects of elevated CO2 on riparian seedlings are unlikely to counteract the large negative effects of increased aridity projected under climate change. Our results suggest that increased aridity will reduce riparian seedling growth despite elevated CO2, and will reduce growth more for native Salix and Populus than for drought-tolerant exotic species.
The n -Rays

IN trying to repeat Blondlot's experiments I have met with the usual lack of success, but one experiment I have made seems worthy of record. A small quantity of radium salt was accidentally spilled upon a barium platinocyanide screen, which consequently became faintly luminous in the dark. The light was very faint, and in order to see it more clearly I placed the screen nearly in contact with the eye. On touching the back of the screen with the finger, just under the luminous patch, there was seen to be a perceptible alteration in intensity of the light.
Change in Multiple Filtration Markers and Subsequent Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality.

Background and objectives Kidney disease progression, assessed by change in eGFR on the basis of creatinine, is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death. This study aimed to evaluate whether changes in multiple filtration markers, individually and combined, were associated with cardiovascular disease and death. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Creatinine, cystatin C, and β2-microglobulin were measured among 9716 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study participants in 1990–1992 and 1996–1998. Percentage change in three filtration markers (eGFR on the basis of creatinine, eGFR on the basis of cystatin C, and 1/β2-microglobulin) individually and the average of percentage change across all three filtration markers were calculated. Cardiovascular events and deaths were ascertained from 1996 to 2011. Cox regression models were adjusted for established risk factors for cardiovascular disease and mortality and first measurement of eGFR on the basis of creatinine. Results During a median follow-up of 14 years, there were 1922 cardiovascular events and 2285 deaths from any cause. Decline of >30% in each filtration marker was significantly associated with higher risk of mortality compared with stable kidney function (−9.9% to +9.9% change in the filtration marker) with hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 1.91 (1.67 to 2.18) for eGFR on the basis of creatinine, 2.29 (1.99 to 2.63) for eGFR on the basis of cystatin C, and 2.48 (2.15 to 2.86) for 1/β2-microglobulin, with similar associations for cardiovascular disease. An average decline of >30% across the three markers was strongly associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.82; 95% confidence interval, 2.42 to 3.29). Conclusions Kidney disease progression was assessed using >30% decline in eGFR on the basis of creatinine, eGFR on the basis of cystatin C, and 1/β2-microglobulin and average decline of >30% across the three filtration markers is strongly associated with risk of cardiovascular disease and death.
THE CONVERSION OF C'1S TO C'1 ESTERASE BY PLASMIN AND TRYPSIN

The formation of C'1 esterase from C'1, the first component of complement, may be brought about by the action of plasmin or trypsin upon C'1s, a subcomponent of C'1. These enzymes also decrease the esterolytic activity of C'1 esterase. The formation of C'1 esterase was demonstrated by measuring the appearance of an agent or agents with esterolytic properties and the capacity to inactivate C'2 and C'4, attributes of C'1 esterase. The activity of the agent which evolved was blocked by serum inhibitor of C'1 esterase. The implications of these observations, that the formation of C'1 esterase during complement fixation is mediated by proteolytic processes, are under study. The possible inhibition of C'1q by soybean trypsin inhibitor is in agreement with this hypothesis.
Expressed emotion and reciprocal affective relationships in families of disturbed adolescents

Relatives' expressed emotion (EE) is a known risk factor for relapse among recovering psychiatric patients. Recent research has focused on the behavioral correlates of EE, seeking better understanding of the family processes associated with this important variable. The present study used sequence analysis to explore interactions of high-EE and low-EE parent-child dyads in a sample of disturbed adolescents. High-EE mother-child interactions were characterized by bidirectional influence, and, in contrast to adolescents in low-EE dyads, adolescents in high-EE dyads had an oppositional style of responding. In Low-EE mother-child interactions, the adolescents showed more temporal consistency (stability) of affect than their high-EE counterparts. Overall, the results suggest that high-EE mother-child dyads constitute more tightly joined emotional systems than low-EE dyads. Consequently, interventions designed to reduce this connectedness might also reduce the risk of adolescent psychiatric problems.
Lessons From Students on Creating a Chance to Dream

For the most part, discussions about developing strategies to solve educational problems lack the perspectives of one of the very groups they most affect — students, especially those students who are categorized as "problems" and are most oppressed by traditional educational structures and procedures. In this article, Sonia Nieto uses interviews to develop case studies of young people from a wide variety of ethnic, racial, linguistics, and social-class backgrounds who at the time interviewed were attending and successfully completing junior or senior high school. By focusing on students' thoughts about a number of school policies and practices and on the effects of racism and other forms of discrimination on their education, Nieto explores what characteristics of these students' specific experiences helped them remain and succeed in school, despite the obstacles. In essence, these are lessons from students, and Nieto believes that in order to reflect critically on school reform, students need to be includ...
Two-channel spectroscopic polarization modulation ellipsometry: A new technique for the analysis of thin SiO2 films

Abstract A new spectroscopic ellipsometer is described, where the incoming light is dynamically polarized using a photoelastic modulator, and the reflected light is separated into orthogonally polarized beams using a Wollaston prism. Both beams are detected using photomultiplier tubes whose bias voltage is dynamically controlled for constant d.c. All three of the associated ellipsometry parameters (N = cos 2ψ, S = sin 2ψ sinΔ, C= sin 2ψcosΔ) can be determined simultaneously in a single scan s40–840 – nm or 5.16–147 eV). This instrument was used to study the optical properties of thin SiO2 films from 3 to 325 nm in thickness. Using a biased estimator fitting technique, the raw ellipsometric data can be fitted to an air-SiO2-interface-Si model, where the optical functions of the SiO2 layer and the interface region are approximated using one-term Sellmeier approximation Sellmeier approximation, and a 50% SiO2 Bruggeman effective medium approximation respectively. The refractive index of the SiO2 layer is dependent on film thickness, increasing with decreasing film thickness, but always being greater than that of fused quartz. The thickness of the interfacial region increases with increasing film thickness, being less than 0.2 nm for film thickness less than 20 nm.
Mechanistic insights into solar water oxidation by cobalt-phosphate-modified α-Fe2O3 photoanodes

Interfacing α-Fe2O3 photoanodes with the water-oxidation electrocatalyst Co-Pi is known to enhance their photon-to-current conversion efficiencies by reducing electron–hole recombination near their surfaces, particularly at more negative potentials, but the mechanism by which Co-Pi modification achieves this enhancement remains poorly understood. Conflicting experimental observations have been recorded with respect to the role of Co-Pi thickness and even the participation of Co-Pi in catalysis, raising important general questions concerning the fundamental properties of catalyst-modified PEC water-oxidation photoanodes for solar energy conversion. Here, we report results from electrochemical, spectroscopic, and microscopic measurements on mesostructured Co-Pi/α-Fe2O3 composite photoanodes that reveal evolving pathways of water oxidation with increasing Co-Pi thickness. These results highlight major fundamental differences between structured and planar Co-Pi/α-Fe2O3 composite photoanodes and help to reconcile previously conflicting mechanistic interpretations.
The response of meadow voles to an over-mark in which the two donors differ in gonadal hormone status

Scent over-marking occurs when an animal places its scent mark directly on top of another individual's scent mark. However, situations may arise in which the top- and bottom-scent donors of an over-mark differ in an individual characteristic(s), for example, gonadal hormone titres. We tested the hypothesis that adult meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, preferentially respond to a gonadectomized donor treated with gonadal steroid hormones over a gonadectomized donor not treated with gonadal steroid hormones, independently of the position of the scent marks in an over-mark. Male meadow voles spent more time investigating the scent marks of gonadectomized females treated with oestradiol than that of gonadectomized females treated with no oestradiol, independently of the position of the two scent marks in the over-mark. Female voles spent more time investigating the scent marks of gonadectomized males treated with testosterone than that of gonadectomized males treated with no testosterone, only when the former males were the top-scent donors. These results suggest that male meadow voles appear to base their preference on the oestradiol titre of females, rather than the position of the female's mark in an over-mark. In contrast, female meadow voles appear to use both the position of the male's scent mark in an over-mark and the male's testosterone titre for the basis of their preference.