cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PRENATAL TCDD IN MICE INCREASES ADULT AUTOIMMUNITY

Two immunologically different mouse strains, C57BL/6 and SNF(1), were exposed to a mid-gestation dose of TCDD. The C57BL/6 mouse has a high-affinity aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and is sensitive to TCDD. The SNF(1) mouse has a low-affinity AhR but spontaneously develops autoimmune nephritis. Autoreactive Vβ(+)CD4(+)17a and Vβ(+)CD3(+) T cells were increased at 24-weeks-of-age in offspring of C57BL/6 mice, more so in females than males. The cytokine IFN-γ was elevated in the females, while IL-10 was elevated in males. Phenotypic changes in B-lineage cells were present in bone marrow and spleen, and circulating autoantibodies were increased after prenatal TCDD. Kidneys of males showed significant anti-IgG and anti-C3 deposition, suggesting early-stage autoimmune disease. The SNF(1) offspring similarly showed increased peripheral Vβ(+) cells in the females, increased autoantibody production in both sexes, and increased IFN-γ production in females. Male SNF(1) mice had increased anti-IgG and anti-C3 deposition in kidneys. Both mouse models therefore showed clear signatures of enhanced autoimmunity after prenatal TCDD.
Physical characterization of HPMC and HEC and investigation of their use as pelletization aids

Pelletization of drugs with suitable excipients by extrusion/spheronization is one of the popular approaches in the development of solid dosage forms, especially for extended-release formulations. However, the choice of pelletization aids is limited to the use of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), which is generally wet massed using water. In the formulation of water-sensitive drugs, however, pelletization excipients which may be wet massed using an organic liquid are desired. In the present study therefore, two cellulose ethers, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), were characterized for their physical properties, such as moisture content, bulk and tapped densities, median particle size and size distribution, surface area and surface morphology, in an attempt to evaluate the feasibility of their use as pelletization aids. Since HPMC and HEC are water-soluble, but insoluble in isopropyl alcohol, the latter was used as the wet massing liquid for pelletization. Microcrystalline cellulose, because of its established uniqueness as a pellet former, was used as the reference material and was also wet massed using isopropyl alcohol for consistency and comparison. Placebo pellets of the three cellulosic excipients, HPMC, HEC and MCC, were prepared by extrusion/spheronization. The placebo pellets were evaluated for their size and size distribution, hardness, friability, bulk and tapped densities and sphericity. Of the three cellulosic excipients, HPMC and MCC produced pellets with the most desirable attributes. In water as the dissolution medium, the HPMC pellets absorbed water and formed a single viscous gel matrix that slowly dissolved. HEC pellets were swollen but intact and slowly eroded, whereas MCC pellets stayed intact without dissolution or erosion. These findings indicate that HPMC will find application in pellet formulations of water-sensitive drugs, as well as in those formulations where water may not be used as wet massing liquid and an organic liquid must be used. It will also be a good choice as a pelletization excipient when complete water-solubility of all the formulation excipients is desired. It may be anticipated that modification of drug release from pelletized formulations may also be achieved by using cellulose ethers of varying viscosity grades and hydration rates.
Antepartum Prediction of Pulmonary Hypoplasia: An Elusive Goal?

Diagnosis of fetal pulmonary hypoplasia could be of great benefit to the obstetrician in the management of those pregnancies complicated by prolonged preterm ruptured membranes. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were employed for fetal diagnosis of pulmonary hypoplasia and we were unable to predict accurately those fetuses with pulmonary hypoplasia using two different published ultrasound formulas. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging appears not to offer any advantages over sonographic evaluation in the diagnosis of fetal pulmonary hypoplasia.
Characterization of silver deposits in tissue resulting from dermal application of a silver-containing pharmaceutical.

A procedure was developed to characterize the chemical nature of silver salts or complexes deposited in body tissues. The solubility of silver-containing material in tissues from kidneys of rabbits treated topically with silver sulfadiazine cream was determined in various solvents. The presence of silver was detected by a microchemical test and atomic absorption analysis. The toxicological significance of such characterizations is also discussed.
Examination of Chinese homeroom teachers’ performance of professional school counselors’ activities

Chinese homeroom teachers’ performance of professional school counselor activities was explored. A total of 109 homeroom teachers in Beijing and Harbin, China reported their performance of 68 different school counseling activities as part of their regular actions as a homeroom teacher. Results found that on average homeroom teachers performed a wide variety of counseling tasks and together almost all tasks were performed by homeroom teachers. Further, participants reported frequently providing individual counseling to students on a range of concerns. Findings in this study support calls for the continued development of school counseling in China, hiring more school counselors, and additional training for homeroom teachers. Limitations, recommendations, and avenues for future research are described.
Device-architecture co-optimization of STT-RAM based memory for low power embedded systems

Spin-transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM) is a fast, scalable, durable non-volatile memory which can be embedded into standard CMOS process. A wide range of write speeds from 1ns to 100ns have been reported for STT-RAM. The switching current of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) (which is the storage element of STT-RAM) is inversely proportional to the write pulse width. In this work, we propose a methodology to design STT-RAM for different optimization goals such as read performance, write performance and write energy by leveraging the trade-off between write current and write time of MTJ. We take the typical in-plane MTJ and advanced perpendicular MTJ (PMTJ) as our optimization targets. Our study shows that reducing write pulse width will harm read latency and energy. It is observed that “sweet spots” of write pulse width which minimize the write energy or write latency of STT-RAM caches may exist. The optimal write pulse width depends on MTJ specifications, STT-RAM capacity and I/O width. The simulation results indicate that by utilizing PMTJ, the optimized STT-RAM can compete against SRAM and DRAM as universal memory replacement in low power embedded systems.1
Identification of a New Waitea circinata Variety Causing Basal Leaf Blight of Seashore Paspalum.

Abstract Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) is a saline-tolerant, warm-season turfgrass species popular for golf course use in tropical and subtropical climates. A new variety of Waitea circinata (proposed as W. circinata var. prodigus) is described as the causal agent of basal leaf blight, a novel disease of seashore paspalum. Foliar necrosis and canopy thinning of seashore paspalum were observed on three different golf course fairways in Florida over an 18-month period. Five isolates with profuse, pink to yellow mycelia and small, salmon-colored or yellow to light-brown sclerotia were cultured from diseased turf foliage. Isolates grew rapidly over a temperature range of 25 to 35°C and were initially identified as an uncharacterized variety of W. circinata. Internal transcribed spacer sequences of rDNA from the isolates were compared with sequences from previously described W. circinata varieties. The paspalum isolates formed a phylogenetic clade that was distinct from the other W. circinata varietie...
Tibia vara: A complication of adolescent obesity

Tibia vara is characterized by inhibited growth of the medial portion of the proximal tibial growth plate, leading to progressive bowleg deformity. Twenty-nine adolescent patients with this condition were reviewed: all were black, 27 (93%) were male, and 19 (66%) had only one side affected. Progressive deformity rather than knee discomfort was the most common presenting complaint. The deformity reportedly developed rapidly during the adolescent growth spurt. The body weights of these patients exceeded the 95th percentile for age and gender by an average of 43 kg. The absence of significant symptoms and a body habitus that obscured the deformity often resulted in delayed diagnosis. Physicians involved in the care of obese black male adolescents should carefully examine them for tibia vara, which has a reported prevalence of 2% to 3% in this population. Treatment options are severely restricted if the condition is not diagnosed early.
Maximal Functions Associated to Filtrations

Abstract Let T be a bounded linear, or sublinear, operator from Lp(Y) to Lq(X). A maximal operator T*f(x)=supj |T(f·χYj)(x)| is associated to any sequence of subsets Yj of Y. Under the hypotheses that q>p and the sets Yj are nested, we prove that T* is also bounded. Classical theorems of Menshov and Zygmund are obtained as corollaries. Multilinear generalizations of this theorem are also established. These results are motivated by applications to the spectral analysis of Schrodinger operators.
Formalizing Teaching Responsibilities for Junior Surgical Housestaff Encourages Educator Development

Purpose Resident-led teaching on surgical services is typically disorganized, and the primary responsibility is often unassigned. Creation of a specified role of “teaching resident” (TR) is hypothesized to encourage residents to teach more, develop leadership skills, and enhance medical student clerkship experiences. Methods All residents in general surgery training at the University of California, San Francisco, were surveyed to determine perceptions of teaching responsibility. Independently, second-year residents were solicited for voluntary participation in a TR program that gave them primary responsibility for teaching medical students assigned to their services during a 1-month rotation. After completion of the TR rotation, these residents evaluated the TR experience with their prior rotation at the same hospital (which had the same service structure but no TR duties). Medical student clerkship evaluations were reviewed to compare experiences between the 2 periods as well. Results Overall response rate for the general survey administered to all residents was 93% (67/72). All 6 second-year residents rotating through the designated services over a 6-month period volunteered to participate, but 2 did not have assigned medical students. Evaluations of the TR program were thus completed by 100% (4/4) residents. Time spent teaching medical students increased significantly, from 0.625 hours/week pre-TR to 2.75 hours/week during TR (p = 0.0026). All felt that teaching skills and motivation to teach increased, and 75% also reported improvement in leadership skills. Medical student scores on a 5-point scale revealed an increase in clinical instruction from 2.17 pre-TR to 3.25 (p = 0.0054). Satisfaction of clerkship objectives also increased from 3.17 pre-TR to 3.75 (p = 0.038). Conclusions Junior surgical residents have interest in teaching, and their time spent doing so is significantly increased by the specific assignment of responsibility in a mid-level leadership role. Both residents and students benefit from this clinical service structure. Further formal development and program evaluation are in progress.
Combined operation of SFCL and optimal reclosing of circuit breakers for power system transient stability enhancement

This paper proposes the coordinated operation of optimal reclosing of circuit breakers and superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) for enhancing the transient stability of a multi-machine power system. The transient stability performance of the combined operation of optimal reclosing of circuit breakers and SFCL is compared with that of the combined operation of conventional reclosing of circuit breakers and SFCL. The total kinetic energy (TKE) of the generators in the system is used to determine the transient stability enhancement index. Simulations are performed through Matlab/Simulink software. Simulation results for both the three-line-to-ground (3LG)and single-line-to-ground (1LG) permanent faults at different points of the power system indicate that the proposed combination of optimal reclosing of circuit breakers and SFCL can enhance the transient stability of the system well. Also, the performance of the proposed method is better than that of the combined operation of conventional reclosing of circuit breakers and SFCL.
Radiation from oscillating dipoles immersed in a solid, and radiation-induced luminescence.

We have solved Maxwell's equations for a source, consisting of an oscillating dipole, located in a plane-bounded dielectric half space. Formulas are given for the radiation yield from this source in the region outside the dielectric. The medium is characterized by a local, complex dielectric function \ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega})=${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{1}$(\ensuremath{\omega})+i${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{2}$(\ensuremath{\omega}). The application of these formulas to the analysis of experimental data on luminescence from solids is discussed, and calculations are presented for aluminum, carbon, silver, copper, and gold.
Growth rates of Chinese and American alligators.

Abstract Growth rates in two closely related species, Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator) and Alligator sinensis (Chinese alligator), were compared under identical conditions for at least 1 year after hatching. When hatched, Chinese alligators were approximately 2/3 the length and approximately 1/2 the weight of American alligator hatchlings. At the end of 1 year of growth in captivity in heated chambers, the Chinese alligators were approximately 1/2 as long and weighed approximately 1/10 as much as American alligator yearlings. When the animals were maintained at 31 °C, Chinese alligator food consumption and length gain rates dropped to near zero during autumn and winter and body weights decreased slightly, apparently in response to the change in day length. At constant temperature (31 °C), food consumption by American alligators remained high throughout the year. Length gain rates in American alligators decreased slowly as size increased, but were not affected by photoperiod. Daily weight gains in American alligators increased steadily throughout the year. In autumn, provision of artificial light for 18 h a day initially stimulated both length and weight gain in Chinese alligators, but did not affect growth in American alligators. Continuation of the artificial light regimen seemed to cause deleterious effects in the Chinese alligators after several months, however, so that animals exposed to the normal light cycle caught up to and then surpassed the extra-light group in size. Even after removal of the artificial light, it was several months before these extra-light animals reverted to a normal growth pattern. These findings may be of interest to those institutions engaged in captive growth programs intended to provide animals for reintroduction to the wild or to protected habitat.
Detecting Spreadsheet Errors: An Education Case

In the past two decades, computing applications developed by non‐system professionals have increased dramatically throughout the professional accounting and business community. Unfortunately, prior research indicates that many end‐user computing applications such as spreadsheets contain difficult‐to‐detect errors. Relying on these error‐prone applications, professionals may make inappropriate decisions that can negatively impact financial results. This case enhances students' understanding of end‐user computing risk by illustrating the difficulty of detecting errors in spreadsheets. Furthermore, this case helps students improve their ability to detect spreadsheet errors.
TWO QUESTIONS ON POLYNOMIAL DECOMPOSITION

Given a univariate polynomial f(x) over a ring R, we examine when we can write f(x) as g(h(x)) where g and h are polynomials of degree at least 2. We answer two questions of Gusic regarding when the existence of such g and h over an extension of R implies the existence of such g and h over R. We also pose two new questions along these lines.
Clinical Outcomes following median to radial nerve transfers

Purpose To evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients with radial nerve palsy who underwent nerve transfers using redundant fascicles of median nerve (innervating the flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor carpi radialis muscles) to the posterior interosseous nerve and the nerve to the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Methods This was a retrospective review of the clinical records of 19 patients with radial nerve injuries who underwent nerve transfer procedures using the median nerve as a donor nerve. All patients were evaluated using the Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system. The mean age of patients was 41 years (range, 17–78 y). All patients received at least 12 months of follow-up (range, 20.3 ± 5.8 mo). Surgery was performed at a mean of 5.7 ± 1.9 months postinjury. Results Postoperative functional evaluation was graded according to the following scale: grades MRC 0/5 to MRC 2/5 were considered poor outcomes, whereas an MRC grade of 3/5 was a fair result, 4/5 was a good result, and 4+/5 was an excellent outcome. Postoperatively, all patients except one had good to excellent recovery of wrist extension. A total of 12 patients recovered good to excellent finger and thumb extension, 2 had fair recovery, and 5 had poor recovery. Conclusions The radial nerve is commonly injured, causing severe morbidity in affected patients. The median nerve provides a reliable source of donor nerve fascicles for radial nerve reinnervation. The important nuances of both surgical technique and motor reeducation critical for the success of this transfer have been identified and are discussed. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Theiler's virus encephalomyelitis is unaffected by treatment with myelin components.

Summary Treatment of SJL/J mice with myelin components prior to infection with Theiler's picornavirus did not effect the development of inflammatory demyelinating lesions characteristic of Theiler's mouse encephalomyelitis. These results suggest that the pathogenesis of this disease differs from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, which can be suppressed by such a treatment.
Neurophysiological Effects Induced in the Nervous Tissue by Low-Frequency, Pulsed Magnetic Fields

The influence of pulsed magnetic fields (PMF) on the properties of nervous tissue was investigated. Hippocampal slices or synaptosomes obtained from hippocampal tissue were used as model systems. The amplitude of potentials recorded in vitro from one of the hippocampal pathways (Schaffer collaterals that use glutamate as a neurotransmitter) was employed as a measure of the influence of magnetic fields on synaptic efficiency. The synaptic glutamate turnover and radioactive calcium accumulation were used as markers of the PMF influence on biochemistry of synaptic mechanisms. The exposure of hippocampal slices for 30 min to PMF amplified evoked potentials. While the frequency of 0.16 Hz exerted the strongest effect, lower (0.01, 0.07, 0.03 Hz) and higher (0.5 Hz) frequencies were much less effective. The enhancement of the neuronal excitability was correlated with significant increase in the neuronal spontaneous activity mediated by electrical synapses. The PMF-induced changes in the excitability of the tissue were accompanied by an increase in the synaptic turnover of glutamate. The release of radioactive D-Aspartate (a glutamate analog used as a marker for glutamate turnover) from the slices, and its uptake by synaptosomes were enhanced, and reduced respectively, following the stimulation with pulsed magnetic fields. The frequency which was the most efficient in amplification of evoked potentials (0.16 Hz) was also the most effective in the modulation of the release and uptake processes. The PMF-induced changes in neurotransmitter turnover coincided with an increase in 45Ca2+ accumulation observed in hippocampal slices exposed to PMF.
Occurrence of a Fission-Dust Particle in a Nuclear Emulsion

In the microscopic examination of an Ilford Nuclear Research emulsion exposed to cosmic radiation in the stratosphere, an unusual radioactive inclusion was noted. As shown in the photomicrograph (Fig. 1), the embedded particle is strongly beta-active and when examined under conditions of higher resolution the tracks originate from an opaque, nearly spherical granule with a diameter of 5–10 microns. One alpha-particle track with a recorded range of 14 ± 1 microns is associated with the embedded grain. The fused appearance of the inclusion, together with its beta- and alpha-activity, suggests that it may have originated from an atomic weapons detonation.
An approximate analytic method for solving 1D dual-phase-lagging heat transport equations

Abstract In this study, we develop an approximate analytic method for solving 1D dual-phase-lagging heat conduction equations, which are derived based on the original dual-phase-lagging model without the first-order Taylor series approximation. The approximate analytic solution is obtained by employing the method of separation of variables. The coefficients of the series solution are then approximated by polynomials. The numerical method is illustrated with two simple examples.
Feminist Theory of the Dressed Female Body: A Comparative Analysis and Applications for Textiles and Clothing Scholarship

The purpose of this analysis was to synthesize diverse theoretical positions advanced within contemporary feminist literature on the dressed female body and to consider the varied ways in which these theoretical positions may have bearing on the field of textiles and clothing. Feminist perspectives of the dressed body are discussed as related to (a) modern feminist readings of the body, (b) postmodern feminist readings of the body, (c) feminist musings about the possibility of the body as a vehicle for empowerment, and (d) feminist perspectives on ambivalence and the body. Throughout the discussion, feminist theories of the dressed body are compared and situated with respect to broader feminist ideologies and assumptions. Concluding this work, suggestions are provided for future applications of feminist theory of the dressed body to textiles and clothing scholarship.
Association of Obesity and Kidney Function Decline among Non-Diabetic Adults with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73m(2): Results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Background: Obesity is associated with higher end-stage renal disease incidence, but associations with earlier forms of kidney disease remain incompletely characterized. Methods: We studied the association of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) with rapid kidney function decline and incident chronic kidney disease in 4573 non-diabetic adults with eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73m2 at baseline from longitudinal Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort. Kidney function was estimated by creatinine and cystatin C. Multivariate analysis was adjusted for age, race, baseline eGFR, and hypertension. Results: Mean age was 60 years old, BMI 28 kg/m2, baseline eGFRCr 82 and eGFRCys 95 ml/min/1.73m2. Over 5 years of follow up, 25% experienced rapid decline in renal function by eGFRCr and 22% by eGFRCys. Incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) developed in 3.3% by eGFRCys, 11% by eGFRCr, and 2.4% by both makers. Compared to persons with BMI 25, overweight (BMI 25 - 30) persons had the lowest risk of rapid decline by eGFRCr (0.84, 0.71 - 0.99). In contrast, higher BMI categories were associated with stepwise higher odds of rapid decline by eGFRCys, but remained significant only when BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 (1.87, 1.41 - 2.48). Associations of BMI with incident CKD were insignificant after adjustment. Large WC and WHR were associated with increased risk of rapid decline only by eGFRCys, and of incident CKD only when defined by both filtration markers. Conclusions: Obesity may be a risk factor for kidney function decline, but associations vary by filtration marker used.
Structural heterogeneities of self-assembled peptide nanomaterials

We use Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) and Second Harmonic Imaging Microscopy (SHIM) to investigate the fundamental molecular mechanisms responsible for nucleation and growth of amyloidogenic-derived nanomaterials. The nanomaterials are assembled from of Amyloid-β(16-22), specifically Ac-KLVFFAE-NH2, the nucleating core of the Alzheimer's Amyloid-β protein. We describe how FLIM and SHIM can be used to follow different nucleation pathways and to quantify structural heterogeneities within these complex nanomaterials. New evidence suggests that different structures emerge from distinct nucleation pathways and these insights inform our understanding of the peptide self-assembly mechanisms. We discuss these insights in the context of a top down understanding of amyloidogenic diseases, the bottom up control of functional nanomaterials and the discovery of realtime structural indicators for nanofabrication strategies.
A double-labelling study of reticular collaterals to the spinal cord and cerebellum of the North American opossum

Injections of horseradish peroxidase into either the spinal cord or cerebellum label neurons in the gigantocellular and lateral reticular nuclei of the North American opossum. In order to determine if neurons which project to the spinal cord and cerebellum are intermingled in these two nuclei and if single neurons provide collaterals to both areas, we have employed fluorescent markers in double-labelling experiments. Our results show that reticular neurons innervating either the spinal cord or cerebellum are often close together and that a few provide collaterals to both areas. Neurons providing such collaterals are rare, however, comprising 2% or less of those innervating either target alone.
Division of Household Labor in the Family.

Factors identified from normative interaction, resource theory, and family development theory were related to female, shared, and male household task responsibilities of wives and husbands. The sample consisted of 68 couples in a Southeastern city. A questionnaire was used to obtain information from both wives and husbands. Findings tended to support all three frameworks. Liking of household tasks was significantly related to female, shared, and male task responsibility for wives and husbands. The husbands' educational levels and atti tudes toward women were significantly related to responsibility of husbands for non- traditional tasks. Attitudes toward women and educational levels of each of the spouses were related to responsibility for non-traditional tasks of the other spouses. Employed wives tended to reduce their reponsibility for female household tasks with little or no change in the responsibility of the husband. Implications and recommendations are discussed.
Performance and Reliability Analysis of Hybrid Concentrating Photovoltaic/Thermal Collectors With Tree-Shaped Channel Nets' Cooling System

Excess temperatures on concentrating photovoltaic (PV) modules can lead to a decrease in electrical efficiency and irreversible structural damage. Therefore, designing an appropriate cooling system becomes necessary for the lifetime and performance of concentrating PV (CPV) modules. The basic design considerations for cooling systems include low and uniform cell temperatures, minimal pumping power, high PV efficiencies, and system reliability. In this paper, a 3-D multiphysics computational model for a hybrid concentrating photovoltaic/thermal (HCPV/T) water collector is developed. The collector consists of a solar concentrator, 40 silicon cells connected in series, and a multichannel liquid cooling system with heat-recovery capability. A conjugate heat transfer model is used, assuming laminar flow through either parallel or tree-shaped branching cooling channels. The temperature distributions within the PV cells are determined for different cooling strategies. Comparisons are made by considering the thermal and electrical performances, such as PV cell temperature, electrical efficiency, and outlet water temperature, between a system incorporating tree-shaped channel networks and one having straight parallel channel cooling arrays. For identical convective surface area and pumping pressures in both configurations, the tree-shaped branched channel cooling networks yield lower PV cell temperatures and more uniform temperature distributions within the PV cells. Additionally, a finite-element mechanical analysis is used to estimate the fatigue life of the PV modules based on the temperature profiles obtained from both cooling channel configurations under a specified pumping pressure. The model results predict that the fatigue life of the module with the branched channels is almost twice that of the module with straight channels.
Status of the MINOS Experiment and Review of Long-Baseline Neutrino Oscillation Experiments in Europe and North America

Abstract Together with K2K in Japan, MINOS (Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search) and the CNGS (CERN Neutrinos to Gran Sasso) program represents the first generation of accelerator-based long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments. I report on the status of MINOS and CNGS — their goals, construction status, and prospects. In particular, construction and commissioning of the MINOS Far Detector is far along, and detector performance is being studied with cosmic ray data. Finally, I summarize ideas for the next generation of experiments currently being considered in Europe and North America.
Immune, health and endocrine characteristics of depressed postpartum mothers

The purpose of the study was to examine demographic, immune, endocrine, stress and health characteristics of depressed mothers, measured between 4 and 6 weeks postpartum, and compare them to non-depressed mothers. The top decile (N=25) of Profile of Mood States depression scores was used to categorize mothers as depressed and these data were then compared to means of the remaining mothers (N=175) in a study of stress and immunity during the postpartum. Depressed mothers were younger, had smaller birth weight infants, and their babies experienced more illness symptoms at 4-6 weeks postpartum. Depressed mothers were less likely to be breastfeeding and had lower serum prolactin levels. Depressed mothers were more likely to smoke, to have daytime sleepiness, and more symptoms of infection than non-depressed mothers. Depressed mothers also had higher perceived stress, postpartum stress, and negative life event reports. There was evidence suggesting that depressed mothers had a downregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, in that salivary cortisol was lower in depressed mothers. Depressed mothers also had lower serum levels of Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and a lower IFN-gamma/Interleukin-10 (IL-10) ratio in both sera and in whole blood stimulated cultures, suggesting a depressed Th1/Th2 ratio in depressed mothers. The data supports the possibility that postpartum depression may be associated with a dysregulated HPA axis and possible depressed cellular immunity.
Technology gap and international trade: an evolutionary model

We propose a model of the international technology gap that focuses on two sources of self-reinforcing mechanisms in the industrial competition: (i) a positive feedback that runs from innovations to profits to R & D expenditures, and (ii) learning effects in R & D and in production. We find that, if the cost of labor is lower in the late-starter country, several dynamic paths are possible, including one in which the late-starter catches up and then reverses the technology gap. When international diffusion of technology is introduced, the system has a bifurcation structure: if technology diffusion is relatively slow, there are two steady-state levels of the technology gap, one in favor of each country; if diffusion is fast, there is a unique stable equilibrium gap in favor of the country that has an exogenous (“Ricardian”) cost advantage.
Absence of selectivity in the loss of neurons from the developing cortical subplate of the rat

Neurons of the cortical subplate display evidence of cell death, although a significant population survives to the mature brain. The present study examined different populations of neurons to determine if the loss of cells was specific for a particular cell type. Immunocytochemical procedures for neurons expressing GluR2/3, GAD, or NPY, were used on tissue sections taken from animals at gestational day 18 to postnatal day 21. The rate of loss of labeled cells was similar for all groups of neurons. Thus, these data reveal no evidence that the loss of subplate neurons is specific to any major cell type.
The adaptive intestinal response to massive enterectomy is preserved in c-src-deficient mice

Abstract Background/Purpose: The Src family of protein tyrosine kinases has been implicated in the downstream mitogenic signaling of several ligands including epidermal growth factor (EGF). Because EGF likely plays a role in adaptation after massive small bowel resection (SBR), we tested the hypothesis that c-src is required for this important response. Methods: A 50% proximal SBR or sham operation (bowel transection or reanastomosis alone) was performed on c-src-deficient (n = 14) or wild-type (C57bl/6) mice (n = 20). The ileum was harvested on postoperative day 3 and adaptive parameters determined as changes in ileal wet weight, protein and DNA content, proliferation index, villus height, and crypt depth. Comparisons were done using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and a P value less than .05 was considered significant. Values are presented as mean ± SEM. Results: The activity of c-src was increased in the ileum of wild-type mice after SBR but remained unchanged in c-src-deficient mice. Despite this lack of increase, adaptation occurred after SBR in the c-src-deficient mice as demonstrated by increased ileal wet weight, protein and DNA content, proliferation index, villus height, and crypt depth similar to wild-type mice. Conclusions: The adaptive response of the intestine to massive SBR is preserved despite reduced activity of the c-src protein. The mitogenic signaling that characterizes intestinal adaptation and is associated with receptor activation by EGF or other growth factors probably occurs by mechanisms independent of c-src protein tyrosine kinase.
Efficient detail-preserving method of impulse noise removal from highly corrupted images

Images are often corrupted by impulse noise due to faulty image acquisition devices or during transmission. The goal of impulse noise removal is to suppress the noise while preserving edges and details. In this paper, an efficient method is proposed to remove impulse noise from a highly corrupted image while preserving the detail features. This new method is based on a detection-estimation strategy, in which the impulse noise is detected first using a quadratic filter, and a selectively chosen local mean is used to estimate the true value of the corrupted pixel. Simulation results indicate that the new method is much more efficient and effective than the median filtering and the out-range methods.
A System Map for the Ionic Liquid Stationary Phase 1,9-Di(3-vinylimidazolium)nonane Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide

The solvation parameter model is used to characterize the retention properties of the ionic liquid stationary phase 1,9-di(3-vinylimidazolium)nonane bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (SLB-IL100) over the temperature range 60–200 °C. The results are presented in the form of a system map comprising a continuous plot of the system constants of the solvation parameter model determined at 20 °C intervals as a function of column temperature. The ionic liquid stationary phase is a cohesive, polar solvent with significant hydrogen-bonding capability. It differs from polar siloxane-based and poly(ethylene glycol) stationary phases by being a moderate hydrogen-bond acid and is shown to possess separation properties that are not duplicated in a comprehensive database of system constants for commercially available open-tubular columns.
Liver sulfatide-reactive type II NKT cells recognize endogenous phospholipids

NKT cells are a unique population of T cells that recognize lipid antigens presented by a nonclassical MHC-like molecule CD1d. There are two types of NKT cells, type I and type II. Our group previously showed that type I NKT cells enhance and type II NKT cells suppress anti-tumor responses, and that these two types of NKT cells cross-regulate each other. One of the defined antigens for type I NKT cells is alpha-galactosylceramide (aGC), and aGC-loaded CD1d tetramers are widely used to study them. Unlike conventional T cells, each subset of NKT cells recognizes distinct antigens. Sulfatide (3-o-sulfo-beta-D-galactosylceramide), an endogenous lipid, is the only lipid proven to be recognized by type II NKT cells in vivo. In addition, recently phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylinositol (PI), also endogenous lipids, were reported to be recognized by type II NKT cell hybridomas. So far, type II NKT cells and their antigens are much less well characterized than type I due to lack of widely available tools to study them. Our laboratory had developed a new method to create sulfatide-loaded CD1d tetramers, which could identify type II NKT cells. In this study, we compared phospholipid-reactive type II NKT cells and sulfatide-reactive type II NKT cells. PG-or PI-loaded CD1d-tetramer-reactive NKT cells were observed in liver mononuclear cells, and they were distinct populations from aGC-loaded CD1d-tetramer-reactive cells, indicating that there were PG- and PI-reactive type II NKT cells. Simultaneous staining with PG-, PI-, and sulfatide-loaded CD1d-tetramers indicated, surprisingly, that these three populations were largely identical, even though the phospholipids have structures quite distinct from that of sulfatide. For functional studies, the effect of these lipid antigens in cytokine production and regulating anti-tumor immunity was tested. IFN-gamma and IL-4 production by spleen cells was detected after stimulation with sulfatide in vitro, but not with PG or PI. In the murine colon cancer cell line CT26 lung metastases model, the anti-tumor response induced by aGC was reduced by simultaneous injection of sulfatide. In contrast, PG injection didn't affect the anti-tumor response induced by aGC. These findings suggest that although PG and PI, when loaded onto CD1d, bind the same cells as do sulfatide-CD1d tetramers, their function in vitro and in vivo was distinct. Now we are further examining the activities of these phospholipids on type II NKT cells.
Determination of Transient Response of Semiconductor Detectors by Use of a Nanosecond-Pulse Electron Accelerator

An apparatus previously developed and used for determination of scintillator response characteristics has been used for similar studies of the transient response of semiconductor nuclear detectors. With this apparatus a detector pulse as short as 1.2 nsec has been observed. Pulses have been recorded for diffused junction and lithium-drift diodes, in silicon. The effects of depletion-depth, base resistance and electric filed intensity in the depletion region are revealed in the shape of the pulse. The experimental method and the application of the apparatus to measurement of detector properties is discussed.
Group delay equalization of multidimensional recursive filters

An effective optimization algorithm is developed to design multi-dimensional recursive phase equalizers. The optimization algorithm uses an iterative procedure to minimize the maximum group delay ripple. The criteria used to guarantee the stability of the equalizer is based on DeCarlo-Strintzis theorem. Using this technique, the algorithm can be used in higher dimensions with less intensive computations. Illustrative examples are included to show the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Instrument fault detection in systems with uncertainties

We demonstrate how to detect instrument faults in non-linear time-varying processes that include uncertainties such as modelling error, parameter ambiguity, and input and output noise. The design of state estimation filters with minimum sensitivity to the uncertainties and maximum sensitivity to the instrument faults is described together with existence conditions for such filters. Simulations based on a non-linear chemical reactor with heat exchange and feedback control illustrate the validity of the proposed method.
A divergence hypothesis

Abstract The paper uses U.S. data to reconsider the Kuznets hypothesis of sectoral convergence in levels of real product per worker. It shows a significant increase in the intersectoral inequality ratio in 1948–1982. The low productivity pure services play a role symmetrical to that of agriculture in developing countries, but their contribution to employment and to overall inequality increases over time. The findings suggest a revised view of product and employment accounts.
A unique elevated-temperature tension-torsion fatigue test rig

A unique tension-torsion fatigue test set up is described that allows strain-controlled tests at temperatures exceeding 649°C. The machine uses a large die set as a load frame resulting in lower cost and superior parallel positioning of the crossheads. Disposable weld-on grips were found to be cost effective for elevated-temperature testing. A new extensometer using commercially available capacitance probes was developed which can operate at the elevated temperature without cooling. Capacitance ring probes were utilized in an attempt to measure through-thickness strains. The characteristic behavior of the ring probes is discussed. Design modifications needed to make a successful measurement of through-thickness strains at elevated temperatures are presented.
High School Health as a Discipline: An Epistemological Framework for Interpreting Health Claims

(2000). High School Health as a Discipline: An Epistemological Framework for Interpreting Health Claims. Journal of Health Education: Vol. 31, No. 3, pp. 177-179.
A comparison of the regional slope characteristics of Venus and Earth: Implications for geologic processes on Venus

The range of 3 degree by 3 degree regional slopes of the Earth and Venus is similar (approximately 0.0-2.4 degrees), although the surface distribution of these values differs significantly. On earth, cratonic and abyssal plains form extensive regions of 0.0 degree slope. Within these regions a variety of features (mid-ocean ridges, volcanic island chains, subduction zones, and floded mountains) have regional slope characteristics influenced by seafloor spreading and plate recycling, as well as an active weathering regime. The plains provinces of Venus are much more rugged than earth's plains and are marked by numerous closely spaced circular and linear features (0.1-0.2 degree regional slope) concentrated into broad linear zones of global extent. Although Venus highlands are bounded by narrow zones of relatively steep slope, the margins of Aphrodite Terra and Beta Regio are not as steep as earth's continental margins and appear to be best developed parallel to the trends of major chasmata within these regions. Ishtar Terra's margins are significantly steeper and more continuous than other highland margins and are comparable to passive margins on earth. The Venus highlands do not contain appreciable smooth, flat interior regions, implying that highland topography is not significantly modified by erosion or deposition.
A Schottky-contact triangular-barrier optoelectronic switch (STOS)

A Schottky-contact triangular-barrier optoelectronic switch (STOS), grown by molecular beam epitaxy, has been fabricated. The triangular barrier, formed by inserting an InGaAs delta-doped (/spl delta/-doped) quantum well into an n/sup -/-GaAs layer, provides a potential well for hole accumulation. Due to the hole accumulation in the /spl delta/-doped well and the sequential avalanche multiplications in the reverse-biased p-n and metal-semiconductor junctions, a double S-shaped negative-differential-resistance phenomenon is observed in the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. The STOS shows a flexible optical function related to the triangular barrier height controllable by incident light. The multistate is switchable by both optical and electrical inputs.
Resource management in an active measurement service

Many network services such as voice, video, and collaborative applications require an informed view of network characteristics for effective operation. Sharing a network measurement service across multiple applications can significantly reduce measurement overhead, and remove the burden of performing network measurements from individual applications. To be effectively shared, a network measurement service must provide a variety of measurements to applications on-demand, including end-to-end available bandwidth, delay, and loss. We propose such a service, with a focus on quantifying and bounding the impact of active measurements on the network resources being measured. Resource bounds are necessary for wide-scale deployment, since not all users of the service can be trusted. The service informs applications of how service bounds affect their measurements. We introduce methods to characterize the behavior of active measurements for use in admission control and scheduling decisions. We evaluate our methods in experiments under realistic scenarios on the Emulab testbed.
Spurious numerical solutions in electromagnetic resonance problems

Recent progress in the analysis of the notorious problem of "spurious modes" is briefly reviewed and an easily verifiable "Prolongation of Local Gradients" condition is proposed. The condition is closely related to commutativity of the de Rham diagram for finite-element spaces. Several families of rectangular, hexahedral, triangular, and tetrahedral elements are examined in light of this new condition.
Saying what we mean: Making a case for ‘language acquisition’ to become ‘language development’

As applied linguists know very well, how we use language both constructs and reflects our understanding. It is therefore important that we use terms that do justice to our concerns. In this presentation, I suggest that a more apt designation than multilingual or second language acquisition (SLA) is multilingual or second language development (SLD). I give a number of reasons for why I think SLD is more appropriate. Some of the reasons that I point to are well known. Others are more current, resting on a view of language from a complex systems perspective. Such a perspective rejects the commodification of language implied by the term ‘acquisition’, instead imbuing language with a more dynamic quality, implied by the term ‘development’, because it sees language as an ever-developing resource. It also acknowledges the mutable and interdependent norms of bilinguals and multilinguals. In addition, this perspective respects the fact that from a target-language vantage point, regress in learner performance is as characteristic of development as progress. Finally, and most appropriately for AILA 2011, the term second language development fits well with the theme of the congress – harmony in diversity – because it recognizes that there is no common endpoint at which all learners arrive. For, after all, learners actively transform their linguistic world; they do not merely conform to it.