cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency domain electromagnetic and ground penetrating radar investigation of ephemeral streams: case study near the Southern High Plains, Texas

A frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) study was conducted on an ephemeral stream in north-central Texas to determine if FDEM and GPR measurements can be combined to determine the electrical characteristics of current and ancient stream channels. GPR data were collected at several frequencies to image sedimentary structures of different scale lengths, and to determine the formation porosity and water content of stream sediments. FDEM measurements were collected using Geonics EM31 and EM34 loop–loop instruments on a profile along the current stream channel and five profiles perpendicular to the channel. The results indicate that the greater spatial resolution of the EM31 mapped the current and possible ancient channels better than the EM34, however, the EM34 provided depth information on the formations underlying the channel sediments that the EM31 could not image. GPR measurements taken along a point bar deposit with 200, 100 and 25 MHz antennae indicated that the higher frequency antenna better resolved channel structures including laminar bedding, trough scours and cross-bedding, however, lower frequency antenna (25 MHz) imaged sedimentary structures within the underlying channel sediments. Common midpoint GPR measurements collected along the point bar deposit were used to estimate the sediment formation porosity (26%) and the water content, during a dry period, of the unsaturated (12%) and saturated (26 or 100% of the pore space) sediments. The combined results indicated that the FDEM data should be collected first because of the speed and ease of measurements. The FDEM data (especially the EM31) pointed to the locations of possible sedimentary structures, which can then be resolved by using different frequency GPR measurements.
Predictive searching for chain encoding by computers

This paper presents a new method of converting a curve into chain-code representation. At every step of chain encoding, a predictive searching is conducted so that an optimal code direction is determined. Optimization is performed on the basis of a minimum mean-square-error criterion. This approach works very well for complex geometrical configuration with overlapping, crossing, and touching characteristics. We have applied this method with great success to computer analysis of chromosomes.
Developmental and physiological effects of estrogen receptor gene disruption in mice.

Abstract Disruption of the estrogen receptor (ER) gene in mice causes infertility in both sexes. Infertility in female ER knockout (ERKO) mice results from altered development of accessory sex structures, disrupted endocrine physiology, and disrupted gametogenesis. Male accessory sex structures appear relatively normal, with infertility stemming from altered sexual behaviors and disrupted gametogenesis. These findings provide significant insights into the biological importance of the ER and suggest further areas for examining the impact of estrogens on reproductive biology. (Trends Endocrinol Metab 1997;8:137–145). © 1997, Elsevier Science Inc .
The Russian Revolution in Retreat, 1920–24: Soviet Workers and the New Communist Elite

Simon Pirani, London and New York: Routledge, 2008. Pp. xvi + 289; illustrations; notes; index. £85.00 (hardback). ISBN 978‐0‐415‐43703‐5 This important volume fully warrants the appreciations offe...
Psychological assessment of airline pilot applicants with the MMPI-2

Psychological tests like the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality inventory (MMPI) have been used widely to assess personality characteristics and appraise potential mental health problems of individuals applying for responsible positions. This study had three major goals: First, these data allowed for an evaluation of the effects of the new norms for the traditional validity and clinical scale scores of the MMPI-2 in an employment selection program. Second, the effects that test defensiveness had on the MMPI-2 scores of a group of individuals, airline pilot applicants who were taking the test in a preemployment context, were evaluated. Third, useful descriptive information was provided on the performance of airline pilot applicants on MMPI-2 scales to give interpretive guidelines for using the MMPI-2 in psychological screening. A sample of 437 airline pilot applicants seeking employment as airline flight crew members was administered the MMPI-2. Results of the study showed that the MMPI-2 norms were more ap...
Leaves and light capture: Light propagation and gradients of carbon fixation within leaves

The optical properties of leaves are remarkable: leaf epidermal cells commonly focus light; palisade cells channel light; and the intercellular air spaces intensely scatter light, which increases the probability for absorption for photosynthesis. New and sophisticated experimental techniques now make it possible to study how light behaves within the cell layers of a leaf and to measure internal gradients in photo-synthetic capacity. Thus, it is now possible to examine how variations in leaf anatomy can maximize photosynthetic performance in a wide variety of species and habitats.
Helix-coil energetics for helix formers and breakers reflect context and temperature: mutants of helically robust, guest-sensitive homopeptide hosts.

The natural amino acids are primarily helix breakers at the low assignment temperatures characteristic of many studies, but recent genomic analyses of thermophilic proteins suggest that at high temperatures, some breakers may become strong helix formers. Moreover, the breaker/former inventory has not been previously characterized at the physiologically relevant temperature of 37°C. The versatility of 13CO NMR chemical shifts as helicity reporters allows construction of two mutant peptide series, tailored to expand the range of temperature assignments for helical propensities and derived from the core hosts tL-Ala9XxxAla9-tL and tL-AlaNva4XxxNva4Ala9-tL, Nva = norvaline. For three limiting guests Xxx, the helix former Nva and the breakers Gly and Pro, we report wXxx[T] assignments at seven temperatures from 2 to 80°C, validating our reasoning and paving the way for assignment of a definitive wXxx[T] data-base. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 311–320, 2009. This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Activated protein C is not regulated by alpha-2-macroglobulin in plasma

Abstract Alpha-2-macroglobulin (a2M) is a wide spectrum plasma inhibitor which functions by a unique mechanism and is a secondary inhibitor of coagulation and fibrinolytic enzymes. Human activated protein C (APC) is the central enzyme of a major regulatory system of coagulation and fibrinolysis. APC is primarily regulated (inhibited) by a specific plasma inhibitor. We undertook this study to investigate the role of a2M as a secondary inhibitor of APC. APC did not interact with a2M by any of the known mechanisms of interaction. APC failed to bind and form the classic proteinase-a2M complex as seen with similar serine proteases, thrombin and trypsin. APC also failed to cleave the a2M molecule. Experiments, using purified APC and either purified a2M or plasma, failed to demonstrate APC binding to a2M in gel filtration chromatography. No enzymatic activity of APC or radiolabeled APC was demonstrated in the a2M peak. Using an immuno-enzymatic assay (Harpel, J Biol Chem 260:4257, 1985) for an a2M and enzyme complex, the amount of APC bound to a2M was less than 3% of the added APC (non-specific binding only); whereas in similar experiments with thrombin, 75–86% of the added trypsin or thrombin bound. These data demonstrate that APC is one of a small number of unique serine proteases that do not interact with a2M. The absence of sequence homology between the a2M ‘bait region’ and the APC substrate cleavage sequences appear to be the reason APC is not inhibited by a2M.
Endothelin-1 as a luteinization inhibitor: inhibition of rat granulosa cell progesterone accumulation via selective modulation of key steroidogenic steps affecting both progesterone formation and degradation.

Endothelin (ET)-1, is a 21 amino acid vasoactive peptide subject to regulation by cellular oxygen tension. However, an increasing body of information now suggests that ET-1 is a multifunctional peptidergic regulator the actions of which are not limited to the vascular system. Although ET-1 has been shown to inhibit the gonadotropin-supported accumulation of progesterone by cultured granulosa cells, the precise cellular mechanism(s) involved remain unknown. It was therefore the objective of this study to examine in greater detail the effects of ET-1 on progestin economy in cultured granulosa cells from immature rats. Treatment with ET-1 was inhibitory to the FSH-supported accumulation of progesterone in a dose-dependent manner, an action characterized by a median inhibitory dose of 2 x 10(-11) M and a maximal inhibitory effect of 90%. This inhibitory action of ET-1 was reversible following extensive washing and could not be accounted for by a decrease in the viable cell mass. Evaluation of the activities of progesterone-forming enzymes revealed ET-1 to be a potent (P < 0.01) inhibitor of cholesterol side-chain cleavage and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD)/isomerase (76.1 +/- 1.2% and 47.3 +/- 8.6% inhibition, respectively). Cellular radiolabeling with [3H]pregnenolone confirmed an ET-1-induced inhibition of the FSH-supported accumulation of radiolabeled progesterone. However, this effect was concomitant with enhancement of the accumulation of more distal metabolites, i.e. 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone, 5 alpha-pregnane-3 alpha, 20 alpha-diol, and 5 alpha-pregnane-3 alpha-ol-20-one. Analysis of the FSH-supported activities of the progesterone-degrading enzymes revealed ET-1 as a potent (P < 0.05) stimulator of 20 alpha-HSD and 5 alpha-reductase (3.6 +/- 1.0 and 1.7 +/- 0.3-fold, stimulation respectively). In contrast, no significant changes were observed in 3 alpha-HSD activity. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the ET-1 induced inhibition of gonadotropin-supported progesterone accumulation constitutes a complex phenomenon wherein ET-1 inhibits the activities of steroidogenic enzymes concerned with progesterone formation while enhancing the activities of enzymes concerned with progesterone degradation. We speculate that ET-1, possibly of intraovarian origin, acts as a luteinization-inhibitor to suppress premature luteinization at a time when continued preovulatory expression of ET-1 (in the intact but not ruptured follicle) may be contingent upon relative intrafollicular hypoxia.
Low-velocity Impact of Sandwich Composite Plates

In this paper we investigate impact and compression after impact properties of plain weave carbon fiber sandwich composites. Impact tests were conducted on different sample types to obtain information about absorbed energy and maximum impact force. The different samples consisted of foam-filled and hollow honeycomb cores with four-layer carbon fiber facesheets on one or both sides. The impact and compression after impact data provided valuable information to allow for comparisons between the different sample types. Also, the compression after impact tests were conducted in order to determine the reduction in compressive strength when comparing impacted to non-impacted samples. In conclusion, a two-degrees-of-freedom spring/mass model was compared to experimental results. The comparison helped illustrate the limitations of current impact theory.
Human in the loop: distributed data streams for immersive cyber-physical systems

Emerging research in cyber-physical systems (CPSs) often leaves out a key component--the ordinary user. We present requirements for Immersive CPSs, in which people interact with their local environments, and describe a design for distributed data stream creation and sharing.
Feeding of Predaceous Fishes on Out-Migrating Juvenile Salmonids in John Day Reservoir, Columbia River

Abstract Diets of northern squawfish Ptychocheilus oregonensis, smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu, walleye Stizostedion vitreum, and channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus from John Day Reservoir were examined to determine the extent of predation on juvenile salmonids during seaward migrations of the salmonids during April–August 1983–1986. Juvenile Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. and steelhead O. mykiss were the most important food group (by weight) of northern squawfish – about 67% – but made up smaller proportions of the food of the other predators: channel catfish, 33%; walleyes, 14%; smallmouth bass, 4%. Seasonal changes in diets indicated that northern squawfish preferred juvenile salmonids in May and August (generally the peak period of salmonid out-migration), and switched to prickly sculpin Cottus asper when numbers of juvenile salmonids declined; walleyes and smallmouth bass showed a preference only for prickly sculpin among the prey fishes analyzed. As judged by dietary composition and prey se...
Technique for measuring the elementary pinning force in thin films

We have developed a contactless technique which utilizes the ultrahigh sensitivity of a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) to measure the temperature dependence of the elementary pinning force of superconducting thin films near their transition temperature. Pinning from the edges of the film does not contribute to our measurement, and we have detected pinning forces as small as ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}6}$ dyn/cm. Initial measurements on niobium films indicate that the pinning force for films with grain boundary pinning sites is larger and has a steeper temperature dependence than films for which the pinning centers are crystal dislocations. The ${f}_{p}$ values that we measure for niobium are smaller than those reported recently for lead-bismuth films by Hyun et al.
Specific Practice Strategies for Empowerment-Based Practice With Women: A Study of Two Groups:

Although it is commonly agreed in the social work literature that empowerment principles are appropriate and helpful in work with women, it is not always clear how to implement these principles. This article presents the qualitative study of two groups—a political advocacy group and a group for survivors of domestic violence—that identified specific behaviors of social workers and experiences of clients that facilitate the empowerment of women.
Evaluation of 5 types of fishing material, 2 sterilization methods, and a crimp-clamp system for extra-articular stabilization of the canine stifle joint.

Objective— To evaluate the mechanical properties of 5 types of fishing material, 2 sterilization methods, and a commercially designed crimp-clamp system for the extra-articular repair of the canine stifle joint. Study Design— Experimental study. Sample Population— Animals were not used in this study. Methods— Two brands of monofilament nylon fishing line and 3 brands of monofilament nylon leader line were used to determine the effect of steam and ethylene oxide sterilization on strength and elongation of the material. A strand of 36-kg test monofilament nylon fishing material was wrapped around 2 rods or knotted to form a loop around 2 rods on a materials-testing machine. Ten trials of each brand of unsterilized, steam-sterilized, and ethylene oxide–sterilized fishing material were tested. A strand of each material was elongated to failure at a constant displacement of 1,000 mm/min to determine strength. A strand of each material was cycled 10 times to a load of 50 N to determine percent elongation. The brand of fishing material with the greatest strength and least elongation was crimped to form a loop around 2 rods on a materials-testing machine and tested as described above. ANOVA was used to determine the effect of sterilization method, brand of material, knot, wrap, and crimp on strength and elongation of the material, and a post-hoc t test was used when significant differences were found. A Student t test was used to compare fixation techniques (wrap, knot, and crimp). Results— Sterilization by steam or ethylene oxide had no significant effect on the strength of the nylon fishing material. Steam sterilization resulted in significant increases (2- to 4-fold) in elongation of most nylon fishing material when compared with unsterilized material. Ethylene oxide sterilization had minimal effect on elongation of the fishing material. Mason leader line showed no significant change in strength or elongation regardless of sterilization method. Significantly less strength and significantly less elongation were demonstrated in Mason leader line that was crimped as compared with Mason leader line that was knotted. Conclusion— Ethlylene oxide was the preferred method of sterilization to preserve strength and minimize elongation of the fishing material. Of the materials tested, Mason leader line had the least elongation and the greatest preservation of strength when ethylene oxide was used as the sterilization method. Mason leader line and Sufix fishing line were comparable choices when steam was used as the sterilization method. Significantly less elongation was demonstrated in crimped Mason leader line as compared with knotted Mason leader line. Clinical Relevance— Of the materials tested, Mason leader line and Sufix fishing line had the best mechanical properties for extracapsular stabilization of the canine stifle joint. Crimping is an attractive alternative to knotting and results in a reduction in elongation of the nylon fishing material.
Examining the Electoral Connection Across Time

Mayhew's (1974) thesis regarding the “electoral connection” and its impact on legislative behavior has become the theoretical foundation for much of the research on the contemporary U.S. Congress. Recently, scholars have begun to suggest that the Mayhewian electoral incentive may apply to politics in earlier congressional eras as well. To assess these claims more systematically, we consider four conditions that serve as the building blocks of the electoral connection—ambition, autonomy, responsiveness, and accountability. Through a detailed review of the literature on electoral politics in Congress, we discover that all four conditions were present in a strict sense as far back as the Progressive Era. Moreover, considerable evidence suggests that a weaker, less formalized version of the electoral connection existed even earlier in American history. We conclude by briefly discussing the implications of these findings on the rapidly growing literature examining the historical and institutional evolution of ...
Modeling of Microwave Scattering From Cloud Ice Crystal Aggregates and Melting Aggregates: A New Approach

Ice crystal aggregates and their melting process are modeled with a new approach for determining their microwave scattering characteristics and are compared with those obtained using effective dielectric constant representations. The aggregates are constructed from columnar crystals of random lengths (with the width being a function of the length), which are composed of a string of touching ice spheres with diameters equal to the column's width. The aggregates are melted using a model that incorporates the primary aspects of experimentally observed features of the melting process. The generalized multiparticle Mie method is used for computing the scattering cross sections of the dry and melting aggregates. The T-matrix method is used for computations involving a bulk representation of each aggregate with an effective dielectric constant model and an oblate spheroidal shape. The 3- and 35.6-GHz backscattering cross sections show significant differences between the two methods for both dry and melting aggregates. For sizes larger than 3 mm, these differences range from several decibels at 3 GHz to well over 7 dB at 35.6 GHz. Significant differences are also observed in the extinction cross sections during the melting process. It is concluded that the effective dielectric constant models of dry and melting ice crystal aggregates do not represent the interactions between the constituent crystals (and water droplets during melting) of the aggregates very well. Hence, bulk models must be used with caution particularly at millimeter wavelengths.
A FRAMEWORK FOR MODEL CURRICULA DEVELOPMENT IN CARTOGRAPHY AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

An integrated instructional program for cartography and geographic information systems in the Department of Geography at the University of Washington develops systematically with the use of a conceptual framework that consists of a matrix of instructional topics cross-listed by courses. Values in the matrix cells represent the depth of treatment for each topic within a course. The instructional program development process suggests that such a framework might be useful in model curricula development as well as departmental instructional program development.
Neonatal Seizures and Syndromes

Summary: Neonatal seizures frequently accompany neonatal encephalopathies. Seizures occur in ∼1.8–5/1,000 live births in this country and are caused by virtually any condition that affects neonatal brain function. This review provides a simple classification of seizures and emphasizes that many abnormal intermittent behaviors in this age group are not accompanied by ictal EEG patterns. Additionally, ≤50% of neonatal seizures are not associated with abnormal clinical behavior. This is a common phenomenon, particularly after anticonvulsant treatment in which the clinical seizures are suppressed but electrographic seizures continue unabated. Seizures also may be caused by genetic disorders, several of which are benign, familial, and caused by channelopathies involving potassium channels. The review also discusses the epileptic syndromes seen in neonates, including early myoclonic encephalopathy, Ohtahara syndrome, pyridoxine dependency, and glucose transporter type 1 syndrome.
Developmental and hormonal regulation of sunflower helianthinin genes: proximal promoter sequences confer regionalized seed expression.

DNA elements involved in the regulation of two sunflower helianthinin genes were identified by analysis of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) expression in transgenic tobacco driven by sequences derived from the 59 upstream regions of these genes. A 2.4-kb upstream region of the helianthinin gene HaG3-A conferred rigorous developmental GUS expression in transgenic tobacco seeds with no significant GUS activity in nonembryonic tissues. Regions of the helianthinin upstream regulatory ensemble (URE) conferred ectopic expression in nonembryonic tissues when analyzed outside of the context of the complete helianthinin regulatory complex. A proximal promoter region was identified that conferred significant GUS expression in seeds but not in leaves of transgenic tobacco. Three sequence motifs that bind to seed nuclear proteins were identified in the proximal promoter region; mutations in these motifs significantly reduced the level of nuclear protein binding. Another important class of cis-regulatory elements was identified in the helianthinin URE that conferred abscisic acid-responsive GUS expression. In the full-length helianthinin URE, these elements only responded to abscisic acid in the developing seed, suggesting that the helianthinin gene contains additional regulatory elements, possibly in the proximal promoter region, that ensure hierarchical control in the developing seed.
N‐(Diphenylmethylene)methanamine

(R = H) [13280-16-5] C14H13N (MW 195.28) InChI = 1S/C14H13N/c1-15-14(12-8-4-2-5-9-12)13-10-6-3-7-11-13/h2-11H,1H3 InChIKey = CCMGSLBRZVENEP-UHFFFAOYSA-N (R = Li) [64042-43-9] C14H12LiN (MW 201.21) InChI = 1S/C14H12N.Li/c1-15-14(12-8-4-2-5-9-12)13-10-6-3-7-11-13;/h2-11H,1H2; InChIKey = GFRRDRWZTKMVOW-UHFFFAOYSA-N (lithiation produces an α-amino carbanion equivalent) Alternate Names: benzophenone N-methylimine; N-(diphenylmethylene)methylamine. Preparative Methods: prepared by condensation of benzophenone with methylamine in the presence of TiCl41 or by various other methods.2, 3
CNT-Based Electrodes with High Efficiency for PEMFCs

A highly efficient fuel cell electrode structure based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is demonstrated. The CNTs were grown on carbon paper by chemical vapor deposition using electrodeposited Co/Ni catalyst. Pt was subsequently deposited by spraying of Pt precursor on CNTs followed by in situ reduction in hydrogen. Cyclic voltammograms show a significant improvement in the Pt utilization in the CNT-based electrode over conventional electrode (58% vs. 34%). Higher membrane electrode assembly performance was observed for CNT-based electrode with a maximum power density of 623 mW cm - 2 at Pt loading of 0.15 mg/cm 2 , 70°C and 3 atm.
ROBUSTNESS OPTIMIZATION OF FMS UNDER PRODUCTION PLAN VARIATIONS: THE CASE OF CYCLIC PRODUCTION

This paper discusses an extension of our previous work (Saitou, 1998) on robustness optimization of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) that undergo forecasted production plan variations. The extension is made to a more general class of FMS performing “non-linear” or “cyclic” production that allows multiple operation types per one machine type. As in our previous work (Saitou, 1998), a configuration of an FMS is modeled as a colored Petri net and the associated transition firing sequence, and the robustness of FMS is defined as the insensitivity of production performances against variations in production plan. The optimization of the robustness of the colored Petri net model is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem which minimizes production costs under multiple production plans (batch sizes for all jobs), and reconfiguration cost due to production plan changes. A genetic algorithm, coupled with a dispatching rule based on shortest imminent operation time (SIO), is used to simultaneously find an semi-optimal resource allocation and event-driven schedule of a colored Petri net. The resulting Petri nets are then compared with the Petri nets optimized for a particular production plan in order to address the effectiveness of the robustness optimization. The simulation results suggest that the proposed robustness optimization scheme should be considered when the products are moderately different in their job specifications so that optimizing for a particular production plan creates inevitably bottlenecks in product flow and/or deadlock under other production plans.
NONPARAMETRIC TESTS FOR SCALAR PROFILE ANALYSIS OF SEVERAL MULTIVARIATE SAMPLES

In an earlier paper [3] a nonparametric analogue of the hypothesis of parallelism of population profiles was formulated for several multivariate populations and asymptotically distribution-free tests were proposed. This formulation was primarily focussed on thelocation characteristics of the populations. We now extend the concept to consider the parallelism of populationscalar profiles. A class of asymptotically distribution-free tests based on generalizedU-statistics is studied as regards consistency and asymptotic power from scalar point of view.
Cell-free production of transducible transcription factors for nuclear reprogramming

Ectopic expression of a defined set of transcription factors chosen from Oct3/4, Sox2, c-Myc, Klf4, Nanog, and Lin28 can directly reprogram somatic cells to pluripotency. These reprogrammed cells are referred to as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). To date, iPSCs have been successfully generated using lentiviruses, retroviruses, adenoviruses, plasmids, transposons, and recombinant proteins. Nucleic acid-based approaches raise concerns about genomic instability. In contrast, a protein-based approach for iPSC generation can avoid DNA integration concerns as well as provide greater control over the concentration, timing, and sequence of transcription factor stimulation. Researchers recently demonstrated that polyarginine peptide conjugation can deliver recombinant protein reprogramming factor (RF) cargoes into cells and reprogram somatic cells into iPSCs. However, the protein-based approach requires a significant amount of protein for the reprogramming process. Producing fusion reprogramming factors in the large amounts required for this approach using traditional heterologous in vivo production methods is difficult and cumbersome since toxicity, product aggregation, and proteolysis by endogenous proteases limit yields. In this work, we show that cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a viable option for producing soluble and functional transducible transcription factors for nuclear reprogramming. We used an E. coli-based cell-free protein synthesis system to express the above set of six human RFs as fusion proteins, each with a nona-arginine (R9) protein transduction domain. Using the flexibility offered by the CFPS platform, we successfully addressed proteolysis and protein solubility problems to produce full-length and soluble R9-RF fusions. We subsequently showed that R9-Oct3/4, R9-Sox2, and R9-Nanog exhibit cognate DNA binding activities, R9-Nanog translocates across the plasma and nuclear membranes, and R9-Sox2 exerts transcriptional activity on a known downstream gene target.
A Solid Ammonium Ion Selective Electrode

Abstract A new ammonium ion selective electrode has been developed and found to be capable of measuring ammonium ion in the presence of other cations. The electrode's selectivity over other cations is reported as well as its response time to step changes in ammonium ion activity. In addition, blood serum samples have been analyzed for urea content by treatment with urease with no special sample pre-treatment required.
Non-prion-type transmission in A53T α-synuclein transgenic mice: a normal component of spinal homogenates from naïve non-transgenic mice induces robust α-synuclein pathology.

identity of the inducing factor(s) in tissue homogenates has not been unequivocally resolved. To determine whether degenerating tissues might contain non-αS components that could induce pathology in M83+/− mice, we conducted brain injections of young M83+/− mice with spinal cord (SC) homogenates prepared from motor-impaired M83+/+ mice, motor-impaired transgenic mice expressing the G93A variant of human superoxide dismutase-1 (hSOD-1), and healthy non-transgenic (NTg) mice. The intracerebral (hippocampal) injection of SC homogenates from affected M83+/+ mice served as a positive control and these mice were sacrificed at 120 days post-injection (DPI), at which time αS pathology was predominantly observed in the forebrain (hippocampus and entorhinal cortex), but also distributed in the midbrain, brainstem, and SC (Supplemental Fig. 1; Table 1). For the intrahippocampal injections of SC homogenates from paralyzed G93A hSOD-1 and NTg mice, the study design was to sacrifice mice at 180 DPI to assess pathology levels. Unexpectedly, two of the M83+/− mice injected with SC homogenate from paralyzed G93A hSOD-1 mice developed motor impairments prior to 180 DPI, leading to complete hind limb paralysis (Table 1). These two mice and the other three asymptomatic mice, sacrificed at 180 DPI, all had prominent αS inclusion pathology with a distribution typical of aged M83 mice, with additional pathology observed in the hippocampus (Fig. 1; Table 1). Even more surprisingly, 4 out of the 5 M83+/− mice injected in the hippocampus with SC homogenates from NTg mice also developed M83-type motor impairment and paralysis (Table 1). M83+/− mice injected with either G93A hSOD-1 or NTg SC homogenates showed similar levels of αS inclusion pathology (Fig. 1; Table 1). One pre-symptomatic mouse from each of these cohorts was sacrificed at 105 DPI to survey for earlier pathologic induction and these also presented with αS inclusion The injection of tissue homogenates from diseased animals into naive animals to induce a neurodegenerative phenotype is a feature that defines “prion-like” transmission. Several recent studies have demonstrated that transgenic mice expressing human A53T-α-synuclein (αS; Line M83), respond to injections of CNS tissue homogenates containing abundant αS pathology by accelerated onset of CNS pathology with concurrent accelerated motor impairment [1, 3–5, 9]. Homozygous line M83+/+ A53T αS mice naturally develop a severe motor phenotype between 8 and 16 months that is associated with the formation of αS inclusions in the spinal cord, brain stem, thalamus, periaqueductal gray, and motor cortex [2]. Hemizygous M83+/− mice do not begin to develop these phenotypes until 21 months or later [2], but disease can be induced earlier by injection of CNS homogenates from affected M83+/+ mice [5, 9]. Although purified αS protein fibrils can reproduce the effects seen with tissue homogenates [1, 3, 6, 8], the
Corpus-Based Linguistic Indicators for Aspectual Classification

Fourteen indicators that measure the frequency of lexico-syntactic phenomena linguistically related to aspectual class are applied to aspectual classification. This group of indicators is shown to improve classification performance for two aspectual distinctions, stativity and completedness (i.e., telicity), over unrestricted sets of verbs from two corpora. Several of these indicators have not previously been discovered to correlate with aspect.
Alcohol Consumption as Self-Medication against Blood-Borne Parasites in the Fruit Fly

Summary Plants and fungi often produce toxic secondary metabolites that limit their consumption [1–4], but herbivores and fungivores that evolve resistance gain access to these resources and can also gain protection against nonresistant predators and parasites [3, 5–8]. Given that Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly larvae consume yeasts growing on rotting fruit and have evolved resistance to fermentation products [9, 10], we decided to test whether alcohol protects flies from one of their common natural parasites, endoparasitoid wasps [11–13]. Here, we show that exposure to ethanol reduces wasp oviposition into fruit fly larvae. Furthermore, if infected, ethanol consumption by fruit fly larvae causes increased death of wasp larvae growing in the hemocoel and increased fly survival without need of the stereotypical antiwasp immune response. This multifaceted protection afforded to fly larvae by ethanol is significantly more effective against a generalist wasp than a wasp that specializes on D. melanogaster . Finally, fly larvae seek out ethanol-containing food when infected, indicating that they use alcohol as an antiwasp medicine. Although the high resistance of D. melanogaster may make it uniquely suited to exploit curative properties of alcohol, it is possible that alcohol consumption may have similar protective effects in other organisms.
Effects of Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Colonization on Water Quality Parameters in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron

Abstract A large-scale study of Saginaw Bay was initiated in 1990 and continued through 1993 to examine the effects of the zebra mussel colonization which began in summer/fall 1991. Saginaw Bay responded quickly to the zebra mussel colonization, as fall 1991 values of chlorophyll were similar to 1992 and 1993 values. In inner Saginaw Bay, where most zebra mussels were found, chlorophyll, kPAR, and total phosphorus values decreased, and Secchi disk depth increased during the study period, regardless of the presence or absence of zebra mussels at a specific station. At outer bay control stations no significant differences were found for chlorophyll, kPAR, and Secchi disk values. In order to examine longer-term trends, water quality data from 1979–1980 (STORET) were combined with our 1990 data (pre-zebra mussel period) and compared to values from the post zebra mussel period (fall 1991, all 1992 and 1993). At stations with high densities of zebra mussels, chlorophyll and total P decreased by 66% and 48%, respectively, and Secchi disk values increased 88%. At outer bay control stations no significant differences were found for chlorophyll or Secchi disk. When parameters were averaged throughout inner Saginaw Bay, zebra mussels caused a 59% and 43% decrease in chlorophyll and in total phosphorus and a 60% increase in Secchi disk transparency. Although zebra mussels significantly altered water quality parameters in the pelagic region of Saginaw Bay, they did not necessarily change system trophic state; rather they altered the spatial partitioning of resources.
Classification of fetal heart rate series

We study the problem of accurate automatic classification of fetal heart rate (FHR) signals using three different classification methods. FHR time series data are segmented into short (15s) spans of data, and features are extracted from them. These features include some established metrics of FHR trends such as acceleration and deceleration durations as well as a new set of features derived from the sequence of beat-to-beat percentage changes of the FHR signals. In total, we use 10 different features and demonstrate the feasibility of using them for classifying short segments into one of two suitably defined classes denoted as normal or abnormal. Classification is achieved using three different methods: support vector machine, a parametric Bayesian method and a non-parametric Bayesian method utilizing a neighbour-counting procedure for class-conditional density estimation. The performances of these methods are demonstrated on a database of physician-annotated recordings from which 580 short epochs of FHR patterns were extracted.
Interpretation of the Variation of Polarization over the Disk of Venus

Abstract The polarization of reflected sunlight is computed for model atmospheres of Venus as a function of location on the apparent planetary disk. The calculations are for both homogeneous (uniformly mixed) and layered models, as required to investigate the vertical distribution of particles. The results are compared with available observations, which are few in number and of poor spatial resolution. The results for the homogeneous and layered models are also integrated over the planet and compared with whole-disk observations. It is shown that the Rayleigh scattering observed in the polarization of Venus originates primarily from within the visible clouds, rather than from above the clouds. The photon mean free path is ∼5 km at the 50 mb pressure level, which is well within the visible clouds. Thus the visible “clouds” are actually a very diffuse hazy region. This visible cloud layer extends at least up to the level where the pressure is ∼10 mb. The results indicate that the atmosphere behaves, for thi...
Reducing the cost of extended waveform inversion by multiscale adaptive methods

Extended waveform inversion overcomes the “local minima” obstacle by adding an additional dimension of freedom to the model. However, one main challenge of this method is the computational intensity. In this abstract, we combine multiscale method with an adaptive approach to reduce the computational cost. In the multiscale strategy, the data and the source function are filtered by low-pass filters with low to high cutoff frequencies. Correspondingly, the space decomposition follows a coarse-to-fine scheme. Instead of using fixed subsurface offset range, in our adaptive approach, the adequate range is dynamically determined by measuring the data fitting at each background velocity step. Results from a synthetic example show a great improvement in computational efficiency while maintaining sufficient offset.
Response of ovipositing Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Acarina: Ixodidae) to photoperiod.

When engorged females of the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculalum Koch, were exposed to 4 photoperiodic regimens at constant conditions of 27°C and 80% RH, the patterns of daily oviposition of those exposed to the shortest (1/4 hr) and longest (16 hr) light periods differed significantly from the patterns of those exposed to light periods of 8 and 12 hr. Also, peak oviposition was reached within 1–3 days by females held in 8 and 12 hr of light; it was reached at 4–7 days by females exposed to the other regimens. The total number of eggs oviposited was not affected by photoperiod. Female Gulf Coast ticks produced about 69% of their initial engorged weight in eggs, and this percentage was not changed by changes in photoperiod.
Psychiatric Patients' and Staff's Perceptions of Clients' Satisfaction with Hospital Services

A client satisfaction scale was given to 30 psychiatric patients and 15 staff in a state hospital program. A correlation of .75 was found between staff perceptions of clients' satisfaction and the patients' reported satisfaction. Clients' satisfaction was not significantly correlated with scores on the I-E scale or Future Outlook Inventory but correlated .34 with age and —.35 with length of time in the hospital.
Nanoscale Pattern Transfer Using Sputter-Induced Corrugations Formed at the Si/SiO2 Interface

A conventional ion mill used for thinning transmission electron microscope samples has been used to produce nanoscale surface corrugations on the thermal oxide of Si. Using Ar ions with energies from 1.1 to 2.5 keV in an off-normal incidence geometry, the corrugations were produced with wavelengths from 30 to 80 nm and amplitudes of ~1 to 2 nm. The corrugated pattern in the oxide has been transferred to the underlying Si substrate by reactive ion etching, producing structures that have a much higher aspect ratio than the original corrugations.
Aerobic Dehydrogenation of Cyclohexanone to Cyclohexenone Catalyzed by Pd(DMSO)2(TFA)2: Evidence for Ligand-Controlled Chemoselectivity

The dehydrogenation of cyclohexanones affords cyclohexenones or phenols via removal of 1 or 2 equiv of H2, respectively. We recently reported several PdII catalyst systems that effect aerobic dehydrogenation of cyclohexanones with different product selectivities. Pd(DMSO)2(TFA)2 is unique in its high chemoselectivity for the conversion of cyclohexanones to cyclohexenones, without promoting subsequent dehydrogenation of cyclohexenones to phenols. Kinetic and mechanistic studies of these reactions reveal the key role of the dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) ligand in controlling this chemoselectivity. DMSO has minimal kinetic influence on the rate of Pd(TFA)2-catalyzed dehydrogenation of cyclohexanone to cyclohexenone, while it strongly inhibits the second dehydrogenation step, conversion of cyclohexenone to phenol. These contrasting kinetic effects of DMSO provide the basis for chemoselective formation of cyclohexenones.
Bilirubin Binding to PPARα Inhibits Lipid Accumulation

Numerous clinical and population studies have demonstrated that increased serum bilirubin levels protect against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Bilirubin is a potent antioxidant, and the beneficial actions of moderate increases in plasma bilirubin have been thought to be due to the antioxidant effects of this bile pigment. In the present study, we found that bilirubin has a new function as a ligand for PPARα. We show that bilirubin can bind directly to PPARα and increase transcriptional activity. When we compared biliverdin, the precursor to bilirubin, on PPARα transcriptional activation to known PPARα ligands, WY 14,643 and fenofibrate, it showed that fenofibrate and biliverdin have similar activation properties. Treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with biliverdin suppressed lipid accumulation and upregulated PPARα target genes. We treated wild-type and PPARα KO mice on a high fat diet with fenofibrate or bilirubin for seven days and found that both signal through PPARα dependent mechanisms. Furthermore, the effect of bilirubin on lowering glucose and reducing body fat percentage was blunted in PPARα KO mice. These data demonstrate a new function for bilirubin as an agonist of PPARα, which mediates the protection from adiposity afforded by moderate increases in bilirubin.
Phonetic variation in consonants in infant-directed and adult-directed speech: the case of regressive place assimilation in word-final alveolar stops

Pronunciation variation is under-studied in infant-directed speech, particularly for consonants. Regressive place assimilation involves a word-final alveolar stop taking the place of articulation of a following word-initial consonant. We investigated pronunciation variation in word-final alveolar stop consonants in storybooks read by forty-eight mothers in adult-directed or infant-directed style to infants aged approximately 0;3, 0;9, 1;1, or 1;8. We focused on phonological environments where regressive place assimilation could occur, i.e., when the stop preceded a word-initial labial or velar consonant. Spectrogram, waveform, and perceptual evidence was used to classify tokens into four pronunciation categories: canonical, assimilated, glottalized, or deleted. Results showed a reliable tendency for canonical variants to occur in infant-directed speech more often than in adult-directed speech. However, the otherwise very similar distributions of variants across addressee and age group suggested that infants largely experience statistical distributions of non-canonical consonantal pronunciation variants that mirror those experienced by adults.
Reirradiation of Recurrent Pediatric Brain Tumors after Initial Proton Therapy.

Abstract Purpose: The use of reirradiation for recurrent pediatric brain tumors has been increasing, but the effect of repeat radiation on critical cranial structures is unknown. Methods and Materials: Between July 2009 and May 2013, the records of 12 pediatric patients initially treated with proton therapy and then with reirradiation for recurrent brain tumors were retrospectively reviewed for toxicity and outcomes. Initial and repeat radiation dose distributions were deformed and merged to determine the maximum dose to 0.03 cm3 of the optic chiasm, optic nerves, spinal cord, brainstem, cochleae, pituitary, and uninvolved brain, and to 1 cm3 of the brainstem and brain on individual and composite plans. These dosimetric results were compared with auditory, neurocognitive, ophthalmologic, and endocrine outcomes to identify radiation-associated toxicities. Results: Median follow-up was 3.5 years from diagnosis. Median ages at initial and repeat radiation were 4.6 and 6.7 years, respectively. All patients in...
VITAMIN B6 AND OXALATE METABOLISM.

Publisher Summary There was considerable interest in the metabolism of oxalic acid by animals during the last half of the 19th century. Several years ago, it was observed that cats fed a commercial cat food developed oxalate nephrocalcinosis although there was no oxalate in their diet. Subsequent studies showed that because of the heat processing used in the preparation of the food, much of its vitamin B 6 content had become biologically unavailable. This chapter reviews some of the work that ensued because of these two observations. Deposition of oxalate in the urinary tract is a serious concomitant of several pathologic conditions of man. A relationship between vitamin B 6 deficiency and the endogenous production of oxalic acid has been observed in several animal species. Studies of the metabolism of oxalate precursors have raised new questions concerning the metabolism of a number of 2- and 3-carbon metabolites. It is now possible to produce in rat's urinary calcium oxalate calculi that are similar to those seen in man. Thus, a new approach has been provided for studying the effect of diet on the etiology of urinary stone formation.