cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaporation, two phase flow, and thermal transport in porous media with application to low-temperature fuel cells

Abstract A pore level model of the vapor transport, heat transfer, and evaporation are incorporated into a network model to study the mass transport inside a porous transport layer of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Viscous models are used for the flow of liquid water and for the air–vapor mixture. Thermal transport is included by performing an energy balance at each pore. Existing models for vapor transport and evaporation are adapted for incorporation into the network model. The effect on the water transport of different gas channel conditions such as temperature and relative humidity is studied. Effective thermal conductivities and vapor diffusivities are calculated from the simulation and compared against published values.
A National Evaluation of Community‐Based Youth Cessation Programs: End of Program and Twelve‐Month Outcomes

Most youth cessation treatment research consists of efficacy studies in which treatments are evaluated under optimal conditions of delivery. Less is known about the effectiveness of youth cessation treatments delivered in real-world, community based settings. A national sample of 41 community-based youth cessation programs participated in a longitudinal evaluation to identify site, program, and participant characteristics associated with successful cessation. Validated quit rates were comparable to those in randomized controlled trials; 7-day abstinence at the end of program averaged 14% and 30-day abstinence at 12 months averaged 12%. Multivariate GEE models explored predictors of smoking cessation at the end of the programs and at 12 months. Results showed correlates of both short- and long-term cessation. Findings point to the importance of both individual and community-level variables, including motivation, opportunities for and encouragement to engage in activities outside of academics, having youth participate in treatment before they become highly dependent smokers, and community norms and ordinances that discourage youth purchase, use and possession of tobacco. Providing evidence-based treatment to youth in community-based settings results in successful cessation.
Note on information measurement

The information measures by Hartley (1928) and Shannon (1948) have been extensively used in human performance studies. An alternative and most general information measure is briefly introduced in this paper, as a potentially useful measure in behavioral research. This new generalized measure contains a number of arbitrary parameters, making it a parameterized family of measures whose members include Hartley’s and Shannon’s measures and various others. Some of the well-known measures are shown to be special cases of the generalized measure, called the (α;, B, δ;) information measure. Some of its properties are also pointed out.
TWISTED HILBERT SPACES AND UNCONDITIONAL STRUCTURE

We show that a twisted Hilbert space with an unconditional basis is isomorphic to a Hilbert space.
Phase I hydroxylated metabolites of the K2 synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 retain in vitro and in vivo cannabinoid 1 receptor affinity and activity.

Background K2 products are synthetic cannabinoid-laced, marijuana-like drugs of abuse, use of which is often associated with clinical symptoms atypical of marijuana use, including hypertension, agitation, hallucinations, psychosis, seizures and panic attacks. JWH-018, a prevalent K2 synthetic cannabinoid, is structurally distinct from Δ9-THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Since even subtle structural differences can lead to differential metabolism, formation of novel, biologically active metabolites may be responsible for the distinct effects associated with K2 use. The present study proposes that K2's high adverse effect occurrence is due, at least in part, to distinct JWH-018 metabolite activity at the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R). Methods/Principal Findings JWH-018, five potential monohydroxylated metabolites (M1–M5), and one carboxy metabolite (M6) were examined in mouse brain homogenates containing CB1Rs, first for CB1R affinity using a competition binding assay employing the cannabinoid receptor radioligand [3H]CP-55,940, and then for CB1R intrinsic efficacy using an [35S]GTPγS binding assay. JWH-018 and M1–M5 bound CB1Rs with high affinity, exhibiting Ki values that were lower than or equivalent to Δ9-THC. These molecules also stimulated G-proteins with equal or greater efficacy relative to Δ9-THC, a CB1R partial agonist. Most importantly, JWH-018, M2, M3, and M5 produced full CB1R agonist levels of activation. CB1R-mediated activation was demonstrated by blockade with O-2050, a CB1R-selective neutral antagonist. Similar to Δ9-THC, JWH-018 and M1 produced a marked depression of locomotor activity and core body temperature in mice that were both blocked by the CB1R-preferring antagonist/inverse agonist AM251. Conclusions/Significance Unlike metabolites of most drugs, the studied JWH-018 monohydroxylated compounds, but not the carboxy metabolite, retain in vitro and in vivo activity at CB1Rs. These observations, combined with higher CB1R affinity and activity relative to Δ9-THC, may contribute to the greater prevalence of adverse effects observed with JWH-018-containing products relative to cannabis.
THE ROLE OF NUCLEAR POWER IN EUROPE'S FUTURE ENERGY BALANCE *

(1957). THE ROLE OF NUCLEAR POWER IN EUROPE'S FUTURE ENERGY BALANCE. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 47, No. 1, pp. 15-40.
Technique For Automatic Motion Correction In Digital Subtraction Angiography

The motion of the contracting heart has made it impossible to study coronary arteries after venous injection of a contrast medium using digital subtraction angiography (DSA), even with cardiac gating. The motion of the heart, as well as that of surrounding bone and tissue, produces artifacts in the difference image that often overlie the contrast-enhanced vessel images. Because the vessels are small and the contrast medium inherent in a venous injection is dilute, the intensity of a vessel image is weak. The motion artifacts typically are strong enough to obscure the vessel images, rendering the images diagnostically useless. A technique for removing motion artifacts is presented that permits removal of motion between a pair of images acquired during mask-mode DSA by geometrically transforming one image so that it is regis-tered with the other. The transformations can handle three-dimensional motion. Genetic optimization algorithms are employed to determine the optimum transformation. A series of phantom images are used to demonstrate the ability of the technique to remove three-dimensional motion.
The concentration dependence of the compression modulus of iostactic polystyrene/cis‐decalin gels

Comportement en relaxation; perte de solvant; variation du module avec la deformation; effets de la concentration
Creative Intuition: An Integrative Review

Researchers have suggested that certain individuals appear to have an intuitive sense, as they begin their creative work, about what their final product will be like. Many creators have supported this claim. In this article, a critical review of the relevant studies and claims, I suggest that there is at least some validity to the construct of creative intuition. The following four sources of evidence are critically discussed—autobiographical testimonies, analyses of historical evidence, psychometric assessment, and experimental studies. Together, these sources suggest that the notion of creative intuition is coherent, well-grounded, and empirically testable. Although some questions remain, creative intuition may be defined operationally and researched in systematic way.
Complexation of the Lowest Generation Poly(amidoamine)-NH2 Dendrimers with Metal Ions, Metal Atoms, and Cu(II) Hydrates: An ab Initio Study

A structural and thermodynamical characterization of complexation of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers with metal ions, metal atoms, and copper hydrates is carried out using ab initio (Hartree-Fock and density functional theory) techniques. Three binding sites (core, amide, and amine) are identified and the binding energies for attachment of naked Cu(II), Pt(II), Au(III), and Ag(I), as well as those of Cu, Pt, Au, and Ag to each of these sites are reported for PAMAM G0-NH 2 . Metal ions are tetracoordinated to the core site atoms, and three types of ion-amide site coordination are found: tetracoordinated for Ag(I), tridentate for Pt(II) and bidentate for Cu(II) and Au(III). A cooperative effect between amide and amine sites is found in the bidentate coordination of ions to amide and amine N atoms; for the metal atoms such coordination becomes monodentate (to the amine N). Metal atoms form bidentate (Pt, Cu, Ag), or monodentate (Au) complexes to the core and amide sites. A Cu(II) ion solvated with one water molecule retains its bidentate coordination to the amide site while keeping its strong interaction with the water oxygen, whereas a slightly weaker binding complex is formed between doubly hydrated Cu(II) and one of the amide oxygen atoms. The thermodynamics of Cu(II) hydration by 1 to 10 water molecules is compared with those of displacement complexation reactions where Cu 2 + in various degrees of hydration reacts with a G0-NH 2 dendrimer in gas phase.
Orthogonal vibroseis sweeps

Vibroseis is a method that imparts coded seismic energy into the ground. The energy is recorded with geophones and then processed using the known (coded) input signal. The resulting time-domain representation of vibroseis data is an impulsive wavetrain with wavelet properties consistent with the coded input signal convolved with the earth's reflectivity series. Historically, vibratory seismic surveys collect data from one source location at a time, summing one or more sources at each location. We present a method of designing orthogonal sweeps using the concept of combisweeps. The orthogonal sweeps allow simultaneous recording and later separation of two or more unique source locations. Orthogonality of sweeps permits separation of the data into unique source-location field records by a conventional correlation procedure. The separation power of the orthogonal sweeps is demonstrated by a comparison between separated data and data acquired with one vibrator. Separation noise was at a negligible level for our demonstration data sets when two vibrators were located 50 m to 200 m apart. Coincident generation and recording of two vibroseis sweeps at different locations would allow almost double the amount of data to be recorded for a given occupation time and requires only half the storage medium.
Theory and application of trapdoor functions

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new information theory and explore its appplications. Using modern computational complexity, we study the notion of information that can be accessed through a feasible computation. In Part 1 of this paper, we lay the foundation of the theory and set up a framework for cryptography and pseudorandom number generation. In Part 2, we study the concept of trapdoor functions and examine applications of such functions in cryptography, pseudorandom number generation, and abstract complexity theory.
Ethnic differences in adiponectin levels

Adiponectin levels were measured in African American and Caucasian women of varying body mass index (BMI). Plasma adiponectin levels were compared and the relationship between adiponectin and insulin sensitivity was assessed. Adiponectin levels were similar in the Caucasian obese (7.0 ± 0.8 μg/mL), African American obese (7.3 ± 3.5 μg/mL), and African American non-obese women (7.1 ± 1.2 μg/mL), but were significantly higher in Caucasian non-obese women (12.2 ± 1.4 μg/mL). Correlational analyses demonstrated that BMI, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) correlated significantly with adiponectin levels in only the Caucasian women. These results provide support for the notion that what applies to other ethnic populations might not apply to the African American population, and that the association between adiponectin and insulin sensitivity needs to be clarified in the African American population.
Sustained Elevation of Dendritic Calcium Evokes Widespread Endocannabinoid Release and Suppression of Synapses onto Cerebellar Purkinje Cells

Endocannabinoids can act as retrograde messengers that allow postsynaptic cells to regulate the strength of their synaptic inputs. In the cerebellum, Purkinje cells (PCs) release endocannabinoids through two mechanisms. Synaptic activation evokes local endocannabinoid release that relies on a pathway that involves the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR1 and phospholipase-C (PLC). In contrast, depolarization evokes endocannabinoid release from the entire dendritic arbor. This leads to depolarization-induced suppression of inhibitory (DSI) and excitatory (DSE) synapses by a mechanism that does not involve mGluR1 or PLC. This latter mechanism of endocannabinoid release has only been observed under artificial conditions that transiently elevate postsynaptic calcium to >5 μm. Here, we tested the possibility that this mechanism could lead to retrograde inhibition in response to more realistic calcium signals. At both climbing fiber and inhibitory synapses onto PCs, we found that prolonging the elevation of calcium significantly lowered the peak calcium required to evoke PLC-independent endocannabinoid release. This suggests that the mechanism of endocannabinoid release involved in DSI and DSE is likely to evoke endocannabinoid release in response to physiologically relevant levels of calcium. When dendritic calcium was elevated to 0.4–1 μm for 15 s or more, endocannabinoid release from PCs selectively suppressed inhibitory synapses. This suggests that inhibitory synapses are more sensitive to prolonged calcium increases. Thus, in contrast to localized retrograde inhibition evoked by synaptic activation, modest but sustained calcium elevation could globally suppress inhibitory synapses onto PCs.
Magnetic proximity effect in thin films of Ni on nonmagnetic metals

The effect on the ferromagnetism of very thin films of Ni in contact with the nonferromagnetic metals Al, Au, Cr, and Mn was studied by spin-polarized tunneling measurements. For up to three atomic layers of Ni in contact with Al, the measured spin polarization $P$ of the tunneling electrons was zero, implying that the Ni was not ferromagnetic. This result agreed with our previous result for Ni on Al. On the other hand, for only one atomic layer of Ni in contact with Au, $P\ensuremath{\simeq}4%$; for two atomic layers $P\ensuremath{\simeq}17%$, which was 70% of the thick-film value. Two atomic layers of Ni on Mn or Cr showed very small ($P\ensuremath{\simeq}1%$), but finite, values of polarization. These results are compared with other experimental results and with theory and show generally good agreement.
Neurocognitive functioning of a child with partial trisomy 6 and monosomy 21

This case study describes the neurocognitive presentation of a child with identified genetic abnormalities of trisomy 6 and monosomy 21 who was evaluated as part of a standard medical protocol for cochlear implantation following diagnosis of profound sensorineural hearing loss. This child received neurocognitive testing prior to cochlear implantation and approximately 12 months post-activation of his cochlear implant. While he has not fully developed oral language, his presentation suggested improvement in overall skills since the activation of the cochlear implant; however, less than would be expected for a typically developing child.
The use of spinal cord stimulation in refractory abdominal visceral pain: case reports and literature review.

: Patients will commonly seek medical attention for refractory abdominal pain. The many causes of abdominal pain include pathologies of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. Unfortunately, a large number of patients will develop chronic abdominal pain that is recalcitrant to definitive therapies and nonspecific treatments such as cognitive-behavioral, physical, and pharmacologic therapies. Although spinal cord stimulation is classically used for neuropathic and ischemic conditions, a growing number of reports describe its efficacy in visceral disease. We describe our experience with spinal cord stimulation in two patients with refractory abdominal pain. Although the exact etiology in these complex patients is not defined, it is theorized that visceral hypersensitivity is at least one component. Finally, we will summarize the applicable literature in order to explain a possible mechanism of analgesia in visceral disease.
Infrared absorbance of B2O3 at temperatures to 1250 °C

Infrared absorbance spectra and corresponding absorption coefficients of B2O3 at temperatures up to 1250 °C were measured in an external high temperature system using modulated radiation from a Fourier transform IR spectrometer.
Feedback mechanisms regulate retinoic acid production and degradation in the zebrafish embryo

Retinoic acid (RA) signaling in vertebrate embryos occurs in a distinct physical and temporal pattern. Regulating this spatial distribution is crucial to the development of the embryo, as RA in excess or in inappropriate tissues is teratogenic. In order to understand how RA availability is determined in zebrafish we have investigated the expression of cyp26a1, an enzyme that inactivates RA, and its relationship to raldh2, one of the enzymes that produce RA from retinal. cyp26a1 expression follows three phases: in presumptive anterior neurectoderm and in a circumblastoporal ring during gastrulation, in the tailbud throughout somitogenesis, and in multiple specific tissue types beginning at mid-somitogenesis and continuing through 48 h postfertilization (hpf). This expression was either adjacent or opposite to those tissues expressing raldh2. We then investigated how RA production might regulate these relationships. Endogenous RA produced by raldhs did not play a role in setting cyp26a1 expression in most tissues. However, exogenous RA regulates expression of both enzymes. cyp26a1 is up regulated in the embryo in a time, concentration, and tissue-dependent manner. Conversely, raldh2 expression is reduced with RA treatment. Tests of the raldh2 promoter in cell transfections proved that RA directly represses its activity. These data demonstrate that the feedback mechanisms regulating production and degradation of RA must be considered in any experiments altering levels of RA in the developing vertebrate embryo.
Plume Modeling of Stationary Plasma Thrusters and Interactions with the Express-A Spacecraft

Hall-effect thruster flight measurements are compared with results from two-dimensional plume and three-dimensional spacecraft interactions computer simulations. The measurements were acquired onboard Express-A 2 and A 3,two Russian communications satellites in geosynchronus orbit. The spacecraft carry four propulsion units for east-west and north-south station keeping. Each unit consists of two stationary plasma thrusters. Ion flux and energy spectra were recorded at various positions with respect to the thrusters and are compared with results from simulations using a uniform electron temperature, two-dimensional plume code that computes the expansion of the main ion beam by a fluid approach. The dynamics of the charge-exchange plasma are determined by a particle-in-cell method. Comparisons suggest good agreement for plume angles less than 40 deg and electron temperature between 8 and 11 eV. At approximately 4 and 9 m away from the thruster, and at plume angles less than 10 deg, the discrepancy between measured and computed values is found to be less than 10%. At larger angles, ion flux measurements exhibit large variations during operation of the same thruster. At 80 deg and 1.35 m away from the thruster, flux sensors recorded current densities that ranged between 12 and 55 mA/m 2 . The two-dimensional code computes 27 mA/m 2 for an anode mass flow rate of 5.3 mg/s at this location. Moments induced on the spacecraft during the operation of each thruster were also recorded by the attitude control system and are compared with results from a three-dimensional spacecraft interactions code. These measurements were taken during rotation of the solar arrays.
Cathodoluminescence Studies Of Semiconductor-Oxide Interfaces

Electron-beam induced emission from insulating oxides on semiconductors can be used to probe the oxide-semiconductor interface both by studying films of different thicknesses and by varying the penetration depth of the electron beam. In two important systems, anodic oxides on GaAs and thermal oxides on Si, major luminescence centers, possibly related to oxygen vacancies, are determined by these methods to be concentrated near the interface. Emission from native oxides can be observed on both these semiconductors and is similar to emission from thicker oxides, although there are modifications in the relative intensities and in the position of some lines. In the anodic oxide spacial inhomogeneities and changes in the sample with time are also demonstrated by cathodoluminescence.
Synaptic Estrogen Receptor-α Levels in Prefrontal Cortex in Female Rhesus Monkeys and Their Correlation with Cognitive Performance

In rat hippocampus, estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) can initiate nongenomic signaling mechanisms that modulate synaptic plasticity in response to either circulating or locally synthesized estradiol (E). Here we report quantitative electron microscopic data demonstrating that ER-α is present within excitatory synapses in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) of young and aged ovariectomized female rhesus monkeys with and without E treatment. There were no treatment or age effects on the percentage of excitatory synapses containing ER-α, nor were there any group differences in distribution of ER-α within the synapse. However, the mean size of synapses containing ER-α was larger than that of unlabeled excitatory synapses. All monkeys were tested on delayed response (DR), a cognitive test of working memory that requires dlPFC. In young ovariectomized monkeys without E treatment, presynaptic ER-α correlated with DR accuracy across memory delays. In aged monkeys that received E treatment, ER-α within the postsynaptic density (30-60 nm from the synaptic membrane) positively correlated with DR performance. Thus, although the lack of group effects suggests that ER-α is primarily in synapses that are stable across age and treatment, synaptic abundance of ER-α is correlated with individual performance in two key age/treatment groups. These data have important implications for individual differences in the cognitive outcome among menopausal women and promote a focus on cortical estrogen receptors for therapeutic efficacy with respect to cognition.
Mammary tumors induced by human adenovirus type 9: A role for the viral early region 4 gene

Human adenovirus type 9 (Ad9) elicits exclusively estrogen-dependent mammary tumors when injected into female rats. Three different histological types of mammary tumor (benign fibroadenomas, phyllodes tumors, and malignant solid sarcomas) have been described in Ad9-infected animals, with benign fibroadenomas being seen most frequently. Interestingly, in contrast to other adenoviruses, in which oncogenic viral functions are entirely encoded within the E1 region, Ad9 requires an E4 region transforming protein (ORF1) for its unique mammary oncogenicity. Studies of Ad9-induced rat mammary tumors may lead to a detailed molecular understanding for the development of fibroadenoma, a common human breast tumor.
Transonic and Low Supersonic Flow Losses of Two Steam Turbine Blades at Large Incidences

A linear cascade experiment was conducted to investigate transonic and low supersonic flow losses of two nozzle blades for the steam turbines. In the experiment, flow incidences were changed from -34° to 35° and exit Mach numbers were varied from 0.60 to 1.15. Tests were conducted at Reynolds numbers between 7.4×10 5 and 1.6×10 6 . Flow visualization techniques, such as shadowgraph, Schlieren, and surface color oil were used to document the flows. Measurements were made by using downstream traverses with Pitot probe, upstream total pressure probe, and sidewall static pressure taps
An Experimentation Platform for On-Chip Integration of Analog Neural Networks: A Pathway to Trusted and Robust Analog/RF ICs

We discuss the design of an experimentation platform intended for prototyping low-cost analog neural networks for on-chip integration with analog/RF circuits. The objective of such integration is to support various tasks, such as self-test, self-tuning, and trust/aging monitoring, which require classification of analog measurements obtained from on-chip sensors. Particular emphasis is given to cost-efficient implementation reflected in: 1) low energy and area budgets of circuits dedicated to neural networks; 2) robust learning in presence of analog inaccuracies; and 3) long-term retention of learned functionality. Our chip consists of a reconfigurable array of synapses and neurons operating below threshold and featuring sub- $\mu \text{W}$ power consumption. The synapse circuits employ dual-mode weight storage: 1) a dynamic mode, for fast bidirectional weight updates during training and 2) a nonvolatile mode, for permanent storage of learned functionality. We discuss a robust learning strategy, and we evaluate the system performance on several benchmark problems, such as the XOR2-6 and two-spirals classification tasks.
NPAS2: A Gas-Responsive Transcription Factor

Neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2) is a mammalian transcription factor that binds DNA as an obligate dimeric partner of BMAL1 and is implicated in the regulation of circadian rhythm. Here we show that both PAS domains of NPAS2 bind heme as a prosthetic group and that the heme status controls DNA binding in vitro. NPAS2-BMAL1 heterodimers, existing in either the apo (heme-free) or holo (heme-loaded) state, bound DNA avidly under favorably reducing ratios of the reduced and oxidized forms of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Low micromolar concentrations of carbon monoxide inhibited the DNA binding activity of holo-NPAS2 but not that of apo-NPAS2. Upon exposure to carbon monoxide, inactive BMAL1 homodimers were formed at the expense of NPAS2-BMAL1 heterodimers. These results indicate that the heterodimerization of NPAS2, and presumably the expression of its target genes, are regulated by a gas through the heme-based sensor described here.
Mutants of su+7 tRNA include a functional tRNA with an altered TΨCG sequence

Su+7 tRNA, the amber-suppressing anticodon mutant of tRNA(Trp) (E. coli), also relaxes stringent control. Further mutant Su+7 tRNAs have been isolated that have lost this regulatory effect. The sequence changes we have observed are a unique set. They include partially active suppressor tRNAs with a C to A change in the T pseudo uracil CG common sequence and in the anticodon stem. The activity of the T pseudo uracil CG and anticodon-stem mutants suggests that neither sequence is essential for ribosomal function. The third mutated site, a D-stem alteration, dramatically disturbs tRNA maturation. The mutations add to our knowledge of tRNA function, particularly with regard to the dispensability of the T pseudo uracil CG sequence for activity at the ribosomal A site.
Properties of Pb ( Zr , Ti ) O 3 ultrathin films under stress-free and open-circuit electrical boundary conditions

A first-principles-based scheme is developed to simulate properties of (001) PbO-terminated $\mathrm{Pb}({\mathrm{Zr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ti}}_{x}){\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ thin films that are under stress-free and open-circuit boundary conditions. Their low-temperature spontaneous polarization never vanishes down to the minimal thickness, and continuously rotates between the in-plane ⟨010⟩ and ⟨110⟩ directions when varying the Ti composition around $x=0.50$. Such rotation dramatically enhances piezoelectricity and dielectricity. Furthermore, the order of some phase transitions changes when going from bulk to thin films.
The effects of amphotericin B on lipid metabolism in cultured human skin fibroblasts

Amphotericin B inhibits hydroxymethylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase activity and incorporation of [3H]acetate into sterols and fatty acids of human skin fibroblasts. Delivery of cholesterol to cells via the low density lipoprotein receptor pathway is not altered. The effects of amphotericin B on cell lipid metabolism are partially reversed by both potassium and insulin.
Efficacy of zibotentan in colorectal cancer--letter.

In their study, Haque and colleagues evaluate the specific endothelin A receptor (ETAR) antagonist zibotentan in colorectal cancer cellular models with relevance to proliferation and migration potential of tumor cells and stromal fibroblasts. Interestingly, they demonstrate that ETAR is the
Evaluation of Hydrometeor Phase and Ice Properties in Cloud-Resolving Model Simulations of Tropical Deep Convection Using Radiance and Polarization Measurements

Satellite measurements are used to evaluate the glaciation, particle shape, and effective radius in cloudresolvingmodel simulationsof tropicaldeepconvection.Multidirectional polarized reflectancesconstrainthe ice crystal geometry and the thermodynamic phase of the cloud tops, which in turn are used to calculate nearinfrared reflectances so as to constrain the simulated ice effective radius, thereby avoiding inconsistencies between retrieval algorithms and model simulations. Liquid index values derived from Polarization and Directionality of the Earth’s Reflectances (POLDER) measurements indicate only ice-topped clouds at brightness temperatures (BTs) lower than 2408C, only liquid clouds at BT .2 208C, and both phases occurringattemperaturesinbetween.Liquidindexvaluescalculatedfrommodelsimulationsgenerallyreveal too many ice-topped clouds at BT .2 208C. The model assumption of platelike ice crystals with an aspect ratioof0.7isfoundconsistentwithPOLDERmeasurementsforBT,2408Cwhenveryroughicecrystalsare assumed, leading to an asymmetry parameter of 0.74, whereas measurements indicate more extreme aspect ratios of ;0.15 at higher temperatures, yielding an asymmetry parameter of 0.84. MODIS-retrieved ice effective radii are found to be 18‐28 m ma t BT ,2 408C, but biased low by about 5 mm owing primarily to the assumption of pristine crystals in the retrieval. Simulated 2.13-mm reflectances at BT ,2 408C are found to be about 0.05‐0.1 too large comparedto measurements, suggesting that model-simulated effective radii are 7‐15 mm too small. Two simulations with contrasting ice nucleation schemes showed little difference in simulated effective radii at BT ,2 408C, indicating that homogeneous nucleation is dominating in the simulations. Changes around 2408C in satellite observations suggest a change in cloud-top ice shape and/or size in natural deep convection possibly related to a change in the freezing mechanism.
LFA-1 Expression on Target Cells Promotes Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection and Transmission

While CD4 and the chemokine receptors are the principal receptors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other cellular proteins, such as LFA-1, are also involved in HIV infection. LFA-1 and its ligands, ICAM-1, ICAM-2, and ICAM-3, can be expressed on the cells infected by HIV, as well as on the HIV virions themselves. To examine the role of LFA-1 expressed on target cells in HIV infection, Jurkat-derived Jβ2.7 T-cell lines that express either wild-type LFA-1, a constitutively active mutant LFA-1, or no LFA-1 were used. The presence of wild-type LFA-1 enhanced the initial processes of HIV infection, as well as the subsequent replication and transmission from cell to cell. In contrast, the constitutively active LFA-1 mutant failed to promote virus replication and spread, even though this mutant could help HIV enter cells and establish the initial infection. This study clearly demonstrates the contribution of LFA-1 in the different stages of HIV infection. Moreover, not only is LFA-1 expression important for initial HIV-cell interaction, subsequent replication, and transmission, but its activity must also be properly regulated.
Coenzyme Q10 Ameliorates Ultraviolet B Irradiation Induced Cell Death Through Inhibition of Mitochondrial Intrinsic Cell Death Pathway

Ultraviolet B (UVB) induces cell death by increasing free radical production, activating apoptotic cell death pathways and depolarizing mitochondrial membrane potential. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an essential cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, serves as a potent antioxidant in the mitochondria. The aim of the present study is to establish whether CoQ10 is capable of protecting neuronal cells against UVB-induced damage. Murine hippocampal HT22 cells were treated with 0.01, 0.1 or 1 μM of CoQ10 3 or 24 h prior to the cells being exposed to UVB irradiation. The CoQ10 concentrations were maintained during irradiation and 24 h post-UVB. Cell viability was assessed by counting viable cells and MTT conversion assay. Superoxide production and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured using fluorescent probes. Levels of cleaved caspase-9, caspase-3, and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) were detected using immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. The results showed that UVB irradiation decreased cell viability and such damaging effect was associated with increased superoxide production, mitochondrial depolarization, and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Treatment with CoQ10 at three different concentrations started 24 h before UVB exposure significantly increased the cell viability. The protective effect of CoQ10 was associated with reduction in superoxide production, normalization of mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibition of caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. It is concluded that the neuroprotective effect of CoQ10 results from inhibiting oxidative stress and blocking caspase-3 dependent cell death pathway.
Learning programs from traces using version space algebra

While existing learning techniques can be viewed as inducing programs from examples, most research has focused on rather narrow classes of programs, e.g., decision trees or logic rules. In contrast, most of today's programs are written in languages such as C++ or Java. Thus, many tasks we wish to automate (e.g. programming by demonstration and software reverse engineering) might be best formulated as induction of code in a procedural language. In this paper we apply version space algebra [10] to learn such procedural programs given execution traces. We consider two variants of the problem (whether or not program-step information is included in the traces) and evaluate our implementation on a corpus of programs drawn from introductory computer science textbooks. We show that our system can learn correct programs from few traces.
Self-Monitoring of Attention with Learning-Disabled Children Past Research and Current Issues

This month's Topical Review describes an intervention technique that appears to be helpful with learning-disabled children who have difficulty sustaining attention to classroom tasks. The review should prove particularly helpful to teachers because it provides an in-depth description of the actual implementation of the technique with several children. Another helpful feature of this paper is that it presents the broad theoretical context for the use of self-monitoring techniques in a way that shows how the method is responsive to the special needs of learning-disabled children.—JKTThe primary focus of this article is a review of self-monitoring of attention studies with learning-disabled children. A rationale for the use of this procedure, based upon results obtained from laboratory research in the areas of memory, metacognition, and personal control, is discussed briefly. Following a detailed presentation of two studies conducted at the University of Virginia Learning Disabilities Research Institute, con...
Initial wall conditioning for the TMX‐U fusion experiment

The introduction of impurities and hydrogen from the walls and liners of the TMX‐U device can have a deleterious effect on the plasma. The area of these surfaces is large (∼107 cm2) and has a complicated shape, so cleaning is difficult. Techniques that have been used to condition these walls include (1) initial solvent cleaning; (2) baking; (3) glow discharge cleaning; (4) gettering; and (5) plasma clean up. Several diagnostic techniques, including UV and visible spectroscopy and residual gas analysis, have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of the conditioning procedures. A series of experiments was performed to optimize the glow discharge in the TMX‐U geometry; during approximately 80 h of glow discharge cleaning, low‐Z impurities were removed. Gettering along with pumping with liquid‐nitrogen‐cooled liners and cryopumps resulted in base pressures ∼10−8 Torr. This paper describes these procedures and their importance in the formation of initial plasmas in TMX‐U.
Predicting Crappie Recruitment in Ohio Reservoirs with Spawning Stock Size, Larval Density, and Chlorophyll Concentrations

Abstract Stock–recruit models typically use only spawning stock size as a predictor of recruitment to a fishery. In this paper, however, we used spawning stock size as well as larval density and key environmental variables to predict recruitment of white crappies Pomoxis annularis and black crappies P. nigromaculatus, a genus notorious for variable recruitment. We sampled adults and recruits from 11 Ohio reservoirs and larvae from 9 reservoirs during 1998–2001. We sampled chlorophyll as an index of reservoir productivity and obtained daily estimates of water elevation to determine the impact of hydrology on recruitment. Akaike's information criterion (AIC) revealed that Ricker and Beverton–Holt stock–recruit models that included chlorophyll best explained the variation in larval density and age-2 recruits. Specifically, spawning stock catch per effort (CPE) and chlorophyll explained 63–64% of the variation in larval density. In turn, larval density and chlorophyll explained 43–49% of the variation in age-...
A lower bound to transmission power for multicast in underwater networks using network coding

The purpose of this paper is to show that convexity of the underwater acoustic channel and that near-convexity of an approximate closed-form model for that channel holds, in order to use network optimization techniques. We obtain a lower bound on transmission power using subgraph selection to establish minimum-cost multicast connections in underwater acoustic networks with network coding. We solve this problem for a range of transmission distances that are of interest for practical systems and exploiting physical properties of the underwater acoustic channel. Since the complete model for the underwater channel is complex, an approximate model is used for numerical computations. We illustrate results numerically determining the lower bound on transmission power for different random two-dimensional deployment scenarios and unicast rates. Also, we quantify the performance gap of two practical network layer schemes with respect to the lower bound.
Multiple Order Coded Aperture (MOCA) Spectrometer

We introduce a Multiple Order Coded Aperture (MOCA) spectrometer that uses a cross-dispersive hologram and a coded aperture to achieve improved spectral range over traditional dispersive spectrometers at comparable resolution.
Entropy-based sensor selection heuristic for target localization

We propose an entropy-based sensor selection heuristic for localization. Given 1) a prior probability distribution of the target location, and 2) the locations and the sensing models of a set of candidate sensors for selection, the heuristic selects an informative sensor such that the fusion of the selected sensor observation with the prior target location distribution would yield on average the greatest or nearly the greatest reduction in the entropy of the target location distribution. The heuristic greedily selects one sensor in each step without retrieving any actual sensor observations. The heuristic is also computationally much simpler than the mutual-information-based approaches. The effectiveness of the heuristic is evaluated using localization simulations in which Gaussian sensing models are assumed for simplicity. The heuristic is more effective when the optimal candidate sensor is more informative.
YjgF Is Required for Isoleucine Biosynthesis when Salmonella enterica Is Grown on Pyruvate Medium

The YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family of proteins is conserved across the three domains of life, yet no biochemical function has been clearly defined for any member of this family. In Salmonella enterica, a deletion of yjgF results in a requirement for isoleucine when the mutant strain is grown in glucose-serine or pyruvate medium. Feedback inhibition of IlvA is required for the curative effect of isoleucine on glucose-serine medium. On pyruvate medium, yjgF mutants are unable to synthesize enough isoleucine for growth. From this study, we conclude that the isoleucine requirement of a yjgF mutant on pyruvate is a consequence of the decreased transaminase B (IlvE) activity that has previously been characterized in these mutants.
Reply to the letter by S. Niedzwecki regarding our article “Serum levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in thyroid cancer patients”

We are content with Dr. Kapoor’s comment concerning the results of our study on potential clinical utility of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) determination in peripheral blood of thyroid cancer patients. We believe that articles cited by Dr. Kapoor include promising data elucidating the role of IL-1/ IL-1ra system in the development, progression and metastases formation of various endocrine-related cancers. In our opinion, the explanation of IL-1ra potential role in cancer development needs twoway researches. On the one hand, the direct impact of IL1ra on cancer cells should be revealed, especially on the molecular level (gene polymorphism and mutation). On the other hand, the significance of the determination of the serum Il-1ra and other pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in processes accompanying human malignancy (e.g. inflammation, wound healing) remains to be elucidated. Furthermore, the close relationship between IL-1ra, interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 remains to be still up for discussion. However, in the light of our observation, increased IL1ra concentration in human plasma can be a useful, additional diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for the presence thyroid gland malignancy. The role of Il-1ra serum levels estimation in patients with other endocrine gland tumors pathology is yet to be determined. Langenbecks Arch Surg (2009) 394:403 DOI 10.1007/s00423-008-0421-4
A negative feedback loop involving small RNAs accelerates Vibrio cholerae’s transition out of quorum-sensing mode

Quorum sensing is a cell-to-cell communication process that allows bacteria to measure their population numbers and to synchronously alter gene expression in response to changes in cell population density. At the core of the Vibrio cholerae quorum-sensing signal transduction pathway lie four redundant small RNAs (sRNAs), named the Quorum Regulatory RNAs (Qrr1–4). Expression of qrr1–4 is cell population density-dependent due to a requirement for the quorum-sensing controlled phosphorylated response regulator LuxO-P, which is abundant only at low cell population density. When expressed, Qrr1–4 repress translation of HapR, the “master” quorum-sensing transcription factor. Here we show a negative feedback loop in which HapR activates transcription of the qrr genes, which indirectly leads to hapR repression. Efficient feedback activation of the qrr genes requires the simultaneous presence of LuxO-P (present only at low cell population density) and HapR (present only at high cell population density). For this reason, the feedback loop does not influence quorum sensing at steady-state low or high cell population density. However, LuxO-P and HapR are simultaneously present immediately following the switch from high to low cell density conditions. In this state, the HapR feedback loop dramatically accelerates V. cholerae’s transition from the high to the low cell density mode.
Activation of Bladder Mast Cells in Interstitial Cystitis: A Light and Electron Microscopic Study

Interstitial cystitis, a sterile bladder condition, is characterized by urinary frequency, urgency, burning and suprapubic pain. Increasing evidence indicates that interstitial cystitis is a heterogeneous syndrome that reflects an immune response to a variety of triggers. More than 50% of the patients have allergies, 30% have the irritable bowel syndrome and almost 20% suffer from migraine headaches. Increased numbers of mast cells have been reported in interstitial cystitis. Mast cell activation, which is critical if these cells were to be implicated in this syndrome, has been investigated by electron microscopy, which definitively shows mast cell secretion. Recently, methylhistamine, the major metabolite of histamine, and the specific mast cell marker, tryptase, were shown to be significantly elevated in urine of interstitial cystitis patients. Bladder biopsies from 53 patients were analyzed blindly for the number and degree of activation of mast cells using 4 different stains for light microscopy, as well as electron microscopy. Controls included 16 patients with incontinence and chronic bacterial cystitis. Mast cells in controls were less than 10/mm. 2 and were all nearly intact. Surprisingly, mast cells from 11 cancer patients averaged 50/mm. 2 but almost all were intact. In contrast, mast cells from 26 interstitial cystitis patients averaged 40/mm. 2 and more than 90% were activated to various degrees. Therefore, bladder mast cell activation is a characteristic pathological finding in at least a subset of patients with interstitial cystitis
American Rabbis in the 2000 Elections

The 2000 elections were watershed elections for the Jewish community. Joseph Lieberman, an observant Orthodox Jew, was nominated to be the Democratic vice presidential candidate and the events in Florida and New York highlighted the important role of the Jewish community in American politics. The 2000 elections were, therefore, a perfect time to assess the Jewish religious community's connection to politics. Although the central place of American Jews in the Democratic coalition has been long established and continued in 2000, the role of rabbis in maintaining that connection has not been explored empirically. We investigate how rabbis of the four great Jewish movements sustain Jewish political connections, asking: How do rabbis participate in politics, how do their political agendas resonate with their political action, how did they respond to Lieberman's candidacy, and what political information did they transmit to their congregations ?
Estuarine Exchange Flow Quantified with Isohaline Coordinates: Contrasting Long and Short Estuaries

AbstractIsohaline coordinate analysis is used to compare the exchange flow in two contrasting estuaries, the long (with respect to tidal excursion) Hudson River and the short Merrimack River, using validated numerical models. The isohaline analysis averages fluxes in salinity space rather than in physical space, yielding the isohaline exchange flow that incorporates both subtidal and tidal fluxes and precisely satisfies the Knudsen relation. The isohaline analysis can be consistently applied to both subtidally and tidally dominated estuaries. In the Hudson, the isohaline exchange flow is similar to results from the Eulerian analysis, and the conventional estuarine theory can be used to quantify the salt transport based on scaling with the baroclinic pressure gradient. In the Merrimack, the isohaline exchange flow is much larger than the Eulerian quantity, indicating the dominance of tidal salt flux. The exchange flow does not scale with the baroclinic pressure gradient but rather with tidal volume flux. T...