cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy and failure in guinea pigs: II. Cytoskeletal remodeling

The cytoskeleton is a major regulator of cell shape. To explore potential mechanisms for maladaptation of cardiac myocyte shape in pressure overload-induced congestive heart failure, the abundance and organization of major intra- and extra-myofibrillar cytoskeleton of cardiac myocytes were examined with western blotting and confocal microscopy in guinea pigs with chronic aortic stenosis. It was found that: (1) the amount and distribution of alpha-actinin and myomesin remained unchanged at both the compensated hypertrophy and the congestive heart failure stages; (2) loss of titin was associated with myocyte lengthening in heart failure; (3) desmin protein and filaments in LV myocytes increased progressively with mechanical overload cardiac hypertrophy and subsequent heart failure; (4) a newly developed and validated quantitative confocal microscopic approach disclosed that the microtubule density in isolated LV myocytes increased by 21% at 4 weeks and by 48% 6 months after aortic constriction; (5) at the heart failure stage, microtubule density in LV myocytes showed a statistically significant inverse correlation to the LV maximum +dP/dt and a direct correlation to LV myocyte lengthening; (6) the increased microtubule density in LV myocytes in this model was not due to an increase in total tubulin; and (7) microtubule density in left atrial and right ventricular myocytes also increased when they underwent hypertrophy secondary to left heart failure. These results suggest that the down-regulation of titin and up-regulation of microtubule and desmin filaments may contribute to myocyte lengthening and malfunction in pressure overload congestive heart failure.
Nodal vs antinodal quasiparticles in optimally doped Bi2212 superconductor

High resolution angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) is used to study the temperature and momentum dependence of the quasiparticle dispersion in optimally doped Bi2212 superconductors. Coupling to bosonic excitations, manifested in the form of a kink in the dispersion, are reported at the nodal and antinodal region. Difference and similarities between the nodal and antinodal kink structure are discussed and coupling to phonon modes is presented as possible explanation.
Alternative splicing of EKLF/KLF1 in murine primary erythroid tissues

Alternative splicing has emerged as a vital way to expand the functional repertoire of a set number of mammalian genes. For example, such changes can dramatically alter the function and cellular localization of transcription factors. With this in mind, we addressed whether EKLF/KLF1 mRNA, coding for a transcription factor that plays a critical role in erythropoietic gene regulation, is alternatively spliced. We find that EKLF mRNA undergoes exon skipping only in primary tissues and that this splice variant (SV) remains at a very low level in both embryonic and adult erythroid cells, as well as during terminal differentiation. The resultant protein is truncated and partially encodes a non–erythroid Kruppel-like factor amino acid sequence. Its overexpression can alter full-length erythroid Kruppel-like factor function at selected promoters. We discuss these results in the context of stress and with respect to recent global studies on the role of alternative splicing during terminal erythroid differentiation.
Maximum likelihood estimation of monotone and concave production frontiers

In this paper we bring together the previously separate parametric and nonparametric approaches to production frontier estimation by developing composed error models for maximum likelihood estimation from nonparametrically specified classes of frontiers. This approach avoids the untestable restrictions of parametric functional forms and also provides a statistical foundation for nonparametric frontier estimation. We first examine the single output setting and then extend our formulation to the multiple output setting. The key step in developing the estimation problems is to identify operational constraint sets to ensure estimation from the desired class of frontiers. We also suggest algorithms for solving the resulting constrained likelihood function optimization problems.
A Transformation-induced Alteration of Cellular Membranes in Crown Gall Tumor Cells

Phospholipids were utilized as a membrane marker to test for transformation-induced alteration of cellular membranes of cultured crown gall cells of Vinca rosea L. Fully transformed cells contained less than half the amount of phospholipids (7.8 micrograms lipid P per gram fresh weight) of normal V. rosea cells (21.4 micrograms lipid P per gram fresh weight). The normal V. rosea callus cells were not significantly different ( P > 0.05) in phospholipid content from partially transformed crown gall cells (20.7 micrograms lipid P per gram fresh weight). Stimulation to rapid growth of the partially transformed cells by adding higher concentrations of inorganic salts and auxin did not significantly alter their phospholipid content (23.1 micrograms lipid P per gram fresh weight). These findings suggest that the transformation process is directly responsible for an alteration of the cellular membranes and that the membrane alteration cannot be attributed to secondary effects associated with the rapid growth of these neoplastic cells. Five classes of phospholipids were identified and quantified. Average percentage of total phospholipids contained in each class were as follows: phosphatidylcholine, 38.5 ± 4.3; phosphatidylethanolamine, 22.2 ± 0.8; phosphatidylinositol, 12.3 ± 2.9; phosphatidylserine, 0.8 ± 0.4; phosphatidic acid, 4.7 ± 1.3. Several unidentified phospholipids were also quantified. The relative amounts of the various classes of phospholipid compounds in normal and crown gall cells of V. rosea were not significantly different.
Interfaith Community Organizing Emerging Theological and Organizational Challenges

AbstractInterfaith work in the United States takes diverse forms: from grass-roots collaboration on projects such as feeding the homeless, to locally-sponsored interfaith dialogues, collaborations sponsored by national denominational bodies and shared work on federal ‘faith-based initiatives’. This article profiles the characteristics and dynamics of a particular type of interfaith work, done under the rubric of ‘broad-based’, ‘faith-based’ or ‘congregation-based’ community organizing. For reasons detailed below, we term this form of interfaith and religious-secular collaboration ‘institution-based community organizing’. By drawing on results from a national survey of all local institution-based community organizations active in the United States in 2011, this article documents the significance of the field, its broadly interfaith profile, how it incorporates religious practices into organizing, and the opportunities and challenges that religious diversity presents to its practitioners and to North American society.1
Optimal sensitivity in molecular recognition

Abstract Molecular recognition of DNA sequences is classically achieved by DNA hybridization of complementary sequences. In the context of mismatch detection, a sequence discrimination sensitivity is defined. Classical denatured DNA probes are compared to molecular beacons (DNA probes with a stemdashloop structure). Molecular beacons are shown to optimize the sequence discrimination sensitivity, by a proper design of the stem length and content. This paper discusses the issue of experimental signal-to-noise in genetic sequence detection, and gives a quantitative analysis and optimization of single-mismatch detection sensitivity.
Isopycnic centrifugation of mammalian metaphase chromosomes in nycodenz

Separation of chromosomes on the basis of buoyant density has proved difficult due to their high density and sensitivity to high ionic strength. Nycodenz is a new non-ionic gradient medium which offers significant advantages over previously described media for separation of chromosomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the banding characteristics of isolated mammalian metaphase chromosomes in Nycodenz gradients. The results indicate that chromosomes can be efficiently concentrated and separated from nuclei using Nycodenz gradients. Furthermore, chromosomes density-labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) can be separated from unlabeled chromosomes in Nycodenz gradients. Nycodenz does not appear to alter chromosome morphology or protein complement. The introduction of Nycodenz represents a significant new tool for use in chromosome separation and purification.
Wear of boundary-lubricated metal surfaces

Abstract In the past, the friction and wear of boundary-lubricated metallic surfaces were attributed to adhesion and shearing of lubricants. However, examination of the friction and wear of pure metals lubricated with mineral oil indicates that while the friction coefficient was typical of the values obtained in boundary-lubricated sliding, the predominant wear mechanism was an abrasive-type mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy and surface profilometry revealed many ploughing grooves on the surfaces. These results indicate that the ploughing mechanism may be the predominant factor in controlling friction and wear of boundary-lubricated surfaces. On the basis of slip line field analysis and surface topography statistics an approximate expression for the wear coefficient was derived. It was found that the wear coefficient depends on the sharpness of the surface asperities (or the entrapped wear debris), the interfacial “friction” and the extent of the plastically deformed zone below the surface.
Asthma outcomes: Biomarkers

Background Measurement of biomarkers has been incorporated within clinical research studies of asthma to characterize the population and associate the disease with environmental and therapeutic effects. Objective National Institutes of Health institutes and federal agencies convened an expert group to propose which biomarkers should be assessed as standardized asthma outcomes in future clinical research studies. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search of the literature to identify studies that developed and/or tested asthma biomarkers. We identified biomarkers relevant to the underlying disease process progression and response to treatment. We classified the biomarkers as either core (required in future studies), supplemental (used according to study aims and standardized), or emerging (requiring validation and standardization). This work was discussed at an National Institutes of Health–organized workshop convened in March 2010 and finalized in September 2011. Results Ten measures were identified; only 1, multiallergen screening to define atopy, is recommended as a core asthma outcome. Complete blood counts to measure total eosinophils, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (Feno), sputum eosinophils, urinary leukotrienes, and total and allergen-specific IgE are recommended as supplemental measures. Measurement of sputum polymorphonuclear leukocytes and other analytes, cortisol measures, airway imaging, breath markers, and system-wide studies (eg, genomics, proteomics) are considered as emerging outcome measures. Conclusion The working group participants propose the use of multiallergen screening in all asthma clinical trials to characterize study populations with respect to atopic status. Blood, sputum, and urine specimens should be stored in biobanks, and standard procedures should be developed to harmonize sample collection for clinical trial biorepositories.
Correspondence between middle frequency auditory loss in vivo and outer hair cell shortening in vitro.

Abstract The aromatic hydrocarbon, toluene, has been reported to disrupt auditory system function both in occupational epidemiological and in laboratory animal investigations. This agent, along with several other organic solvents, impairs hearing preferentially at middle frequencies — a finding that distinguishes these agents from the traditional high frequency impairment observed with ototoxic drugs such as aminoglycoside antibiotics and cisplatin. Prior investigations performed in vivo have identified the outer hair cell as a probable target for toluene exposure. The purpose of this investigation was to determine directly whether outer hair cells isolated from the guinea pig cochlea show morphological alterations consistent with the toxic response seen in physiological studies with toluene exposure. The effect of toluene superfusion on outer hair cell shortening was assessed for cells harvested from different locations within the cochlea. Control studies included assessment of cell shortening among outer hair cells exposed to trimethyltin and cells exposed to benzene. Trimethyltin disrupts high frequency hearing preferentially and benzene does not produce hearing loss in vivo. Toluene at a concentration of 100 μM produced a marked shortening of outer hair cells although the effect was significantly greater among cells isolated from the apical half of the cochlea than from the basal half of the cochlea. By contrast, trimethyltin at the same concentration produced a preferential shortening among outer hair cells from the base of the cochlea. Benzene (100 μM) did not disrupt outer hair cell length of cells harvested from the apex. The results indicate that intrinsic features of outer hair cells contribute significantly to the site of ototoxic impairment observed in vivo for toluene.
An analysis of oral surgical dental visits by provider type, 1996

Abstract Objective. The choice by consumers of the professional from whom they receive specific types of care is influenced by many factors. This study examines the roles that socioeconomic and racial factors play in deciding whether a generalist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon provides routine exodontia care in a community. Study Design. The 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey sampled 10,500 households consisting of 21,571 individuals. The combined full-year 1996 response rate of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey sample through the third round was 70%. An analysis was undertaken of surgical dental services and type of provider for each of several socioeconomic and demographic categories. All estimates and statistics reported were computed, taking into account the complex sampling design of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, with the use of the software package SUDAAN. Results. Data analyzed in this study reveal that the majority of oral surgical visits for all patients are to a generalist and not an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. In addition, nonwhite patients, patients from lower-income households, and patients with less education are more likely to receive surgical care from a generalist than from a specialist. On the other hand, white patients, patients from higher-income households, and patients with more education are more likely to receive surgical care from a specialist than from a generalist. Conclusions. Socioeconomic status and race seem to play a role in whether patients receive oral surgical care from a general dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2002;94:687-91)
Assessing Graduate Teacher Training Programs Can a Teaching Seminar Reduce Anxiety and Increase Confidence

Some effort to test the effectiveness of teacher assistant training programs is common, but these evaluations are typically limited to measures of student satisfaction. Two forms of assessment commonly used in elementary and secondary teacher training programs, measuring levels of teaching anxiety and teacher efficacy, may be of use for sociology programs interested in formally evaluating the effect of teaching seminars. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of a newly established teaching seminar using the Teaching Anxiety Scale and a Teaching Confidence Scale. Findings from pre- and posttest data show that the seminar lowered graduate students’ feelings of anxiety about teaching for the first time and increased their levels of confidence regarding mastery of common pedagogical skills. Qualitative feedback from evaluations further illustrates the positive effects of the seminar on students’ senses of themselves as teachers and their knowledge of effective teaching practices.
Ridge development as revealed by sub-bottom profiles on the central New Jersey shelf

Abstract Closely-spaced 3.5 kHz seismic profiles were collected over the north-easterly trending ridge and swale system 50 km east-southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey. They yield information on the Late Quaternary depositional history of the area, and on the origin of the ridge system. Four of the sub-bottom reflectors identified were sufficiently persistent to warrant investigation and interpretation. These reflectors, which have been cored, lithologically identified, and radiocarbon dated, are stratigraphically higher than the reflectors dealt with by the majority of previous studies. The upper three reflectors are definitely mid- and post-Wisconsin in age and present a record of the most recent glacial cycle. The upper three units associated with the observed reflectors appear to exert a pronounced influence on the bathymetry. The gently corrugated ridge system of Holocene sand is formed over the regionally flat-lying upper unit, an Early Holocene lagoonal silty clay. The characteristically flat, broad depressions of the area are floored by this lagoonal material. Locally, however, marine scour has cut through the silty clay into an underlying unit of unconsolidated fine Pleistocene sand. Several stages of trough development appear to be represented. After penetrating the lagoonal clay, troughs are initially narrow, but when incised through the sand into a lower, Pleistocene, silty-clay unit, the troughs become notably wider. As downcutting is inhibited by the lower clay, the upper clay is undercut as the trough widens in a fashion similar to a desert blowout. The sub-bottom reflectors indicate that ridge development on the central shelf has involved aggradation as well as erosion. Some ridges seem to have grown by vertical and lateral accretion from small cores. The internal structure of other ridges suggests that they formed by the coalescence of several small ridges. Others appear to have undergone appreciable lateral migration. The ridges appear to be in a state of continuing adjustment to the hydraulic regime of the deepening post-Pleistocene water column.
Transforming growth factor β1 as a biomarker for prostate cancer

Using the mouse prostate reconstitution (MPR) model system, under conditions where the ras and myc oncogenes are introduced via a recombinant retrovirus into both the mesenchymal and epithelial compartments of the urogenital sinus, poorly differentiated prostate cancer is produced with high frequency (> 90%) using inbred C57BL/6 mice. Northern blotting and immunohistochemical analysis showed that the transition from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to prostate cancer is invariably associated with the induction of elevated transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) expression. Similar analysis of TGF-beta 1 in human BPH and prostate cancer is consistent with our MPR results and indicates that the accumulation of extracellular TGF-beta 1 is significantly more intense in prostate cancer compared to normal or benign prostate tissues. Interestingly, where benign pathologies are observed in the prostatic stroma in the presence of benign prostatic epithelium, extracellular TGF-beta 1 is seen predominantly in the stromal compartment. Experimental studies clearly demonstrate that mRNA levels of TGF-beta 1 and other growth related genes are regulated by androgens in prostate cancer cells. Overall, our results suggest that elevated TGF-beta 1 is involved in the development of prostate cancer. Direct determination of TGF-beta 1 levels and distribution as well as analysis of localized and systemic effects produced by TGF-beta 1 may serve as useful biomarkers for prostate cancer.
Dietary Calcium Levels in Pre-Lay and Lay Diets in Leghorn Pullets

Four experiments over a period of four years with 1350 first-year pullets were designed to determine the influence of the calcium and phosphorus levels in the pre-lay diets on the growing birds and on their subsequent performance. Several dietary calcium levels in the lay period were studied, as well as the interaction between the pre-lay and lay diets. During the growing phase the pullets fed 3.0% calcium and 0.4% phosphorus had significantly (P less than 0.05) lower body weight at 20 weeks of age than thep ulletsin the other pre-lay treatments. Feed consumption and feed efficiency were also adversely affected by this treatment, and sexual maturity was significantly (P less than 0.05) delayed. Early lay mortality from this treatment was evident. On the basis of egg production, egg weight, shell deformation and percent poorly shelled eggs (PSE) at point-of-lay, the pre-lay diets did not influence lay performance nor was there an interaction between any combination of pullet and lay diets. As the calcium levels of the lay diets increased, egg production, feed consumption and shell rigidity increased. The 1.5% calcium level did not maintain bone mineralization as compared to the 3.0 and 4.5% calcium levels. It was noted that shell quality on the basis of PSE and deformation does not begin to deteriorate immediately after the onset of production. In fact there is a short period of time where the egg shells improve and then there is a gradual decline in shell rigidity. The layers fed the lay diet containing 1.5% calcium produced eggs weighing an average of 57.4 g. This was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower than the eggs of the 2.3, 3.0 or 4.5% calcium fed groups which produced eggs weighing 59.1, 58.6 and 59.4 g. respectively.
Trask loss enhances tumorigenic growth by liberating integrin signaling and growth factor receptor cross-talk in unanchored cells

The cell surface glycoprotein Trask/CDCP1 is phosphorylated during anchorage loss in epithelial cells where it inhibits integrin clustering, outside-in signaling and cell adhesion. Its role in cancer has been difficult to understand, because of the lack of a discernible pattern in its various alterations in cancer cells. To address this issue, we generated mice lacking Trask function. Mammary tumors driven by the PyMT oncogene and skin tumors driven by the SmoM2 oncogene arose with accelerated kinetics in Trask deficient mice, establishing a tumor suppressing function for this gene. Mechanistic investigations in mammary tumor cell lines derived from wildtype or Trask-deficient mice revealed a derepression of integrin signaling and an enhancement of integrin-growth factor receptor crosstalk, specifically in unanchored cell states. A similar restrictive link between anchorage and growth in untransformed epithelial cells was observed and disrupted by elimination of Trask. Together our results establish a tumor suppressing function in Trask that restricts epithelial cell growth to the anchored state.
Inhibition by extracts of frog and rat brain of MSH release by frog pars intermedia

Abstract The secretion of melanin-dispersing substance from the adenohypophyses of frogs, Rana pipiens Schreber, as determined by bioassay with frog skin, was inhibited by saline extracts of frog and rat cerebrum and hypothalamus, particularly by the latter. Isolated pars intermedia was similarly inhibited. However, rat pituitaries under similar conditions were neither inhibited nor stimulated by such extracts. The inhibitor of secretion in the frog appears to be something other than the usually considered neurohumors.
Expression of the cryIB crystal protein gene of Bacillus thuringiensis.

The cryIB gene of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. thuringiensis HD-2 codes for a Mr 139492 protein that is lethal to certain lepidopteran larvae. We used primer extension to map transcriptional initiation sites and found that cryIB was transcribed from two sites that are activated at different times during sporulation. The presumed promoter regions for the two start sites are very similar to the two promoters preceding the cryIA(a) gene, and the in vivo transcriptional start sites were found to be identical. Variable amounts of the full-length cryIB protein were detected by immunoblotting of extracts of recombinant cells of Escherichia coli; larger amounts were found when the TTG translational start codon was changed to ATG and when an htpR − strain of E. coli was used as the recipient for transformation. When expressed in E. coli, the cryIB protein was found to be toxic to the larvae of Artogeia rapae (LC50 of 58 ng/cm2) and exhibited little toxicity to the larvae of Manduca sexta (LC50 > 5000 ng/cm2).
Cytokinins in Citrus: Isolation of a Cell Division Factor from Lemon Seeds

STIMULATORS of plant cell division have been demonstrated in several types of fruits1–3 and seeds4,5. Stimulators of cell division have been reported in the fruitlets of apple, plum, peach, pear, quince and pumpkin1. Explants from the secondary phloem of carrot roots were used for bioassay. A highly active kinetin-like preparation has been isolated from peas and has been described as containing at least one active purine derivative which is different from kinetin5. Cell division factors from apple fruitlets and coconut milk have also been reported3.
Numerical Simulations of Residual Stresses in Repair Welded Clad Structures

As a consequence of inspections of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) and dependent on the indicated imperfections the possibility of special repairs on the inner RPV wall should be taken into consideration in the future. The paper contains the main results from numerical simulations of repair weld simulations on clad structures with anticipated sub-clad defects. Various specimens with different dimensions and material compositions have been investigated. The numerical simulations were supported by experimental measurements if possible. A number of parameters were varied to aid the optimization of the repair weld like the temper bead technique, the weld bead sequence, the interpass temperature and others. Moreover, some modeling issues have been addressed like hardening models and lumping of beads. The results are discussed with respect to support the repair weld optimization and appropriate modeling.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Time-delay networks for an analog computer

Time-delay networks suitable for an analog computer are designed by considering the location of poles and zeros in their transfer functions. The curve of phase shift against frequency should be a straight line. The negative slope of this curve is the time delay. Even-order derivatives of the curve automatically vanish at zero frequency. Roots of the transfer function are chosen to make vanish similarly as many as possible of the derivatives of odd order, higher than the first. Data are given for networks with one, two, three, and four pairs of roots.
Idiopathic Partial Thrombosis of the Corpus Cavernosum

We report the case of an idiopathic partial segmental thrombosis of the left corpus cavernosum. The diagnosis was made by physical examination and radiological imaging. The patient was treated conservatively with aspirin, and follow-up imaging at 3 and 7 months revealed mild persistent thrombosis. Erectile function was maintained at 1 year follow-up.
Did the Zipingpu Reservoir trigger the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake

[1] The devastating May 2008 Wenchuan earthquake (Mw 7.9) resulted from thrust of the Tibet Plateau on the Longmen Shan fault zone, a consequence of the Indo-Asian continental collision. Many have speculated on the role played by the Zipingpu Reservoir, impounded in 2005 near the epicenter, in triggering the earthquake. This study evaluates the stress changes in response to the impoundment of the Zipingpu Reservoir and assesses their impact on the Wenchuan earthquake. We show that the impoundment could have changed the Coulomb stress by −0.01 to 0.05 MPa at locations and depth consistent with reported hypocenter positions. This level of stress change has been shown to be significant in triggering earthquakes on critically stressed faults. Because the loading rate on the Longmen Shan fault is <0.005 MPa/yr, we thus suggest that the Zipingpu Reservoir potentially hastened the occurrence of the Wenchuan earthquake by tens to hundreds of years.
Caffeine Promotes Ultraviolet B-induced Apoptosis in Human Keratinocytes without Complete DNA Repair

In response to ultraviolet B damage, keratinocytes undergo apoptosis to eliminate damaged cells, thereby preventing tumorigenic transformation. Caffeine, the most widely consumed psychoactive substance, produces complex pharmacological actions; it has been shown to be chemopreventive in non-melamona skin cancer in mice through increasing apoptosis. Here we have investigated the molecular and cellular mechanisms in the pro-apoptotic effect of caffeine on UVB-irradiated human HaCaT keratinocytes. Pretreatment with caffeine increased UVB-induced apoptosis in HaCaT cells. Caffeine blocked UVB-induced Chk1 phosphorylation. In addition, similar to the effect of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, caffeine also inhibited phosphorylation of AKT and up-regulation of COX-2, two critical oncogenic pathways in skin tumorigenesis. However, phosphorylation of EGFR or ERK was unaffected. Inhibiting ATR pathways by siRNA targeting ATR had little effect on UVB-induced apoptosis or AKT activation, indicating that the inhibitory effect of caffeine on apoptosis and the AKT pathway does not require the ATR pathway. Inhibiting AKT by caffeine blocked UVB-induced COX-2 up-regulation. Expression of constitutively active AKT that was not inhibited by caffeine was found to protect cells from caffeine-promoted apoptosis post-UVB irradiation, indicating that AKT is an essential inhibitory target for caffeine to promote apoptosis. Caffeine specifically sensitized cells with unrepaired DNA damage to UVB-induced apoptosis. These findings indicate that in HaCaT keratinocytes, inhibiting the AKT/COX-2 pathways through an ATR-independent pathway is a critical molecular mechanism by which caffeine promotes UVB-induced apoptosis of unrepaired keratinocytes for elimination.
Simulation of the scattering in an atomic beam evaporated from a film

Abstract We have simulated the scattering in a pulsed atomic beam evaporated from a superfluid 4 He film. Assuming that the atoms leaving the surface of the film have an equilibrium Maxwellian distribution, we find that the experimentally observed deviations from Lambert's law are explained by scattering of the atoms after evaporation.
Strawberry creek on the University of California, Berkeley campus: A case history of urban stream restoration

1. Strawberry Creek (37°52′ N; 122°15′ W) is the major focus of open space on the University of California, Berkeley (Alameda County, California, USA) campus; it provides visual amenity and variety, riparian and wildlife habitat, and educational and recreational opportunities. 2. Since the beginning of this century, urbanization of the catchment, channel alteration and water quality degradation combined to cause deterioration of the creek's habitat and overall environmental quality; this was manifested by a marked absence of flora and fauna, obvious water pollution and severe erosion. 3. In 1987 a restoration project was undertaken that focused on water-pollution and erosion-control measures. In 1989, native three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) were successfully reintroduced. Family Biotic Index scores for the macroinvertebrate community indicated a change from the ‘poor’ water quality conditions in 1986 to ‘good’ water quality in 1991. 4. Environmental education programmes now involve over 1500 students who use the creek each year in laboratory exercises; a popular natural history and conservation walking-tour guidebook has also been prepared. 5. On-going restoration efforts include additional reintroductions of other native species, further environmental education efforts and monitoring. 6. Obstacles and key factors that led to the successful implementation of this project are presented to assist in implementing similar ecological restoration projects of urban streams.
Climbing, brachiation, and terrestrial quadrupedalism: Historical precursors of hominid bipedalism

The vertical-climbing account of the evolution of locomotor behavior and morphology in hominid ancestry is reexamined in light of recent behavioral, anatomical, and paleontological findings and a more firmly established phylogeny for the living apes. The behavioral record shows that African apes, when arboreal, are good vertical climbers, and that locomotion during traveling best separates the living apes into brachiators (gibbons), scrambling/ climbing/brachiators (orangutans), and terrestrial quadrupeds (gorillas and chimpanzees). The paleontological record documents frequent climbing as an ancestral catarrhine ability, while a reassessment of the morphology of the torso and forelimb in living apes and Atelini suggests that their shared unique morphological pattern is best explained by brachiation and forelimb suspensory positional behavior. Further, evidence from the hand and foot points to a terrestrial quadrupedal phase in hominoid evolution prior to the adoption of bipedalism. The evolution of positional behavior from early hominoids to hominids appears to have begun with an arboreal quadrupedal-climbing phase and proceeded though an orthograde, brachiating, forelimb-suspensory phase, which was in turn followed by arboreal and terrestrial quadrupedal phases prior to the advent of hominid bipedality. The thesis that protohominids climbed down from the trees to become terrestrial bipeds needs to be reexamined in light of a potentially long history of terrestriality in the ancestral protohominid.
Cyclonic Eddies in the Gulf of Mexico: Observations by Underwater Gliders and Simulations by Numerical Model

AbstractCirculation in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is dominated by the Loop Current (LC) and by Loop Current eddies (LCEs) that form at irregular multimonth intervals by separation from the LC. Comparatively small cyclonic eddies (CEs) are thought to have a controlling influence on the LCE, including its separation from the LC. Because the CEs are so dynamic and short-lived, lasting only a few weeks, they have proved a challenge to observe. This study addresses that challenge using underwater gliders. These gliders’ data and satellite sea surface height (SSH) are used in a four-dimensional variational (4DVAR) assimilation in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) general circulation model (MITgcm). The model serves two purposes: first, the model’s estimate of ocean state allows the analysis of four-dimensional fields, and second, the model forecasts are examined to determine the value of glider data. CEs have a Rossby number of about 0.2, implying that the effects of flow curvature, cyclostrophy, to...
Limitations of ROI Testing for Venting Design: Description of an Alternative Approach Based on Attainment of a Critical Pore-Gas Velocity in Contaminated Media

We utilize data from a Superfund site where radius of influence (ROI) testing was conducted in support of a venting design to describe limitations of ROI evaluation in more detail than has been done previously, and to propose an alternative method of design based on specification and attainment of a critical pore-gas velocity in contaminated subsurface media. Since accurate gas permeability estimation is critical to pore-gas velocity computation, we assess the usefulness of ROI testing data on estimation of radial permeability, vertical permeability, and leakance. We apply information from published studies on rate-limited vapor transport to provide the basis for selection of a critical design pore-gas velocity for soils at this site. Using single-well gas flow simulations, we evaluate whether this critical pore-gas velocity was achieved at measured ROIs. We then conduct a series of multi-well gas flow simulations to assess how variation in anisotropy and leakance affect three-dimensional vacuum and pore-gas velocity profiles and determination of an ROI. Finally, when attempting to achieve a critical design pore-gas velocity we evaluate whether it is more efficient to install additional wells or pump existing wells at a higher flow rate.
When Does Quality Count?: Perceptions of Hearsay Testimony About Child Sexual Abuse Interviews

This study assessed how the quality of a sexual abuse investigative interview with a child and the age of the child influence jurors’ reactions to either the original interview with the child or to testimony by an adult hearsay witness (the interviewer). Participants (N = 360) were randomly assigned to 1 of 12 conditions in a 2 (type of testimony:hearsay testimony vs. child interview) × (interview quality: poor, typical, or good) × (age of the child: 4 years old vs. 10 years old) factorial design. Participants reached individual verdicts, answered a series of questions, and then deliberated in a group with five other participants. As predicted, jurors in the child interview conditions were more likely to find the defendant guilty if they read the good interview than if they read either the poor or the typical interview, but in the hearsay conditions verdicts did not significantly differ by interview quality. These findings suggest that there is a significant loss of information when the testimony of a hearsay witness is used in place of the actual interview with the child, and call into question the appropriateness of admitting hearsay testimony by interviewers.
Working memory for social information: Chunking or domain-specific buffer?

Humans possess unique social abilities that set us apart from other species. These abilities may be partially supported by a large capacity for maintaining and manipulating social information. Efficient social working memory might arise from two different sources: chunking of social information or a domain-specific buffer. We test these hypotheses with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) by manipulating sociality and working memory load in an n-back paradigm. We observe (i) an effect of load in the frontoparietal control network, (ii) an effect of sociality in regions associated with social cognition and face processing, and (iii) an interaction within the frontoparietal network such that social load has a smaller effect than nonsocial load. These results support the hypothesis that working memory is more efficient for social information than for nonsocial information, and suggest that chunking, rather than a domain-specific buffer, is the mechanism of this greater efficiency.
Trisomy 21: rate in second-degree relatives.

The risk of recurrence for trisomy 21 offspring in couples with one affected child is accepted to be 1%. The rate of trisomy 21 in second- and third-degree relatives is not established. Tamaren et al [Am J Med Genet 15:393–403, 1983] reported a Down syndrome rate of 0.67% among aunts and uncles (second-degree relatives) of a Down syndrome proband. This eightfold rate increase over that for a control group can also be applied to nieces and nephews who are also second-degree relatives. One routinely discusses amniocentesis for lower risk levels; thus, should one offer amniocentesis to every sib of a trisomy 21 proband? We obtained extensive family histories on 141 trisomy 21 kinships to ascertain the rate of trisomy 21 in second-degree relatives. The rate for sibs agreed with the accepted 1% rate. Among aunts and uncles we found no trisomy 21 individuals. We conclude that the rate of trisomy 21 in second-degree relatives does not appear to be sufficiently increased to warrant routine discussion of amniocentesis with sibs of trisomy 21 individuals.
EXCHANGEABLE SODIUM, BODY POTASSIUM, AND BODY WATER IN PREVIOUSLY EDEMATOUS CARDIAC PATIENTS: EVIDENCE FOR OSMOTIC INACTIVATION OF CATION.

Measurements have been made of total exchangeable sodium, total body potassium, and total body water in a group of 13 previously edematous patients with heart disease, and in 20 "control" patients. The data show that while both groups have the same quantity of water as the per cent of body weight and the same body potassium concentration, the cardiac group has an excess of exchangeable sodium when compared with the "controls." Since the excess sodium in the cardiac group cannot be attributed to the loss of potassium or the accumulation of water, the results of these studies are taken as evidence that osmotic inactivation of a considerable amount of some cation, probably sodium, has taken place. It is suggested that a likely site for cation binding is in the polyanionic constituents of the connective tissues.
Fragile watermarking using the VW2D watermark

Two classes of digital watermarks have been developed to protect the copyright ownership of digital images. Robust watermarks are designed to withstand attacks on an image (such as compression or scaling), while fragile watermarks are designed to detect minute changes in an image. Fragile marks can also identify where an image has been altered. This paper compares two fragile watermarks. The first method uses a hash function to obtain a digest of the image. An altered or forged version of the original image is then hashed and the digest is compared to the digest of the original image. If the image has changed the digests will be different. We will describe how images can be hashed so that any changes can be spatially localized. The second method uses the Variable-Watermark Two- Dimensional algorithm (VW2D). The sensitivity to changes is user-specific. Either no changes can be permitted (similar to a hard hash function), or an image can be altered and still be labeled authentic. Latter algorithms are known as semi-fragile watermarks. We will describe the performance of these two techniques and discuss under what circumstances one would use a particular technique.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Uniqueness and parameter dependence of solutions of second-order boundary value problems

Abstract We consider the boundary value problem with nonhomogeneous multi-point boundary condition u ″ + a ( t ) f ( u ) = 0 , t ∈ ( 0 , 1 ) , u ( 0 ) = ∑ i = 1 m a i u ( t i ) + λ , u ( 1 ) = ∑ i = 1 m b i u ( t i ) + μ . A sufficient condition is obtained for the existence and uniqueness of a positive solution. The dependence of the solution on the parameters λ and μ is also studied. Our work complements some results in the literature, especially those in our earlier papers [L. Kong, Q. Kong, Second-order boundary value problems with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions I, Math. Nachr. 278 (2005) 173–193; L. Kong, Q. Kong, Second-order boundary value problems with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions II, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 330 (2007) 1393–1411].
Impact of DTI tractography on surgical planning for resection of a pediatric pre-pontine neurenteric cyst: a case discussion and literature review

We report a case of a four-year-old male who presented with symptoms of brainstem compression and lower cranial nerve neuropathies. MRI revealed a large, pre-pontine mass causing brainstem compression with an uncertain intra-axial component. Using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography and other imaging modalities, we were able to confirm that the lesion was extra-axial and did not involve the corticospinal tracts. In addition, DTI tractography illustrated that corticospinal tracts were displaced to the right obligating a left-sided approach. Upon resection, the mass was identified as a pre-pontine, extra-axial neurenteric cyst (NEC), which represents a rare finding in the pediatric population. The patient ultimately did well following the drainage and resection of the cyst wall and had excellent recovery. In this paper, we discuss the pathophysiology of and treatment options for NECs and explain how DTI tractography in our case assisted in planning the surgical approach.
Polarization surface-charge density of single semiconductor quantum rods

Electrostatic force microscopy was used to determine that single CdSe quantum rods (QRs) have a permanent polarization surface-charge density, an unexpected observation for supposedly well-shaped particles. The surface charge results from a slight angle between the QR sides and the direction of internal electric polarization. By contrast, despite the large dipole moment expected for CdSe QRs, none was observed. The unavoidable presence of permanently charged surfaces on CdSe QRs has the potential to impede the development of novel devices incorporating these materials.
The loom of creation

Abstract Computer graphics art is everywhere, from TV commercials, to beautiful ray-traced images appearing in computer graphics magazines, to processed images from the edges of the known universe. However, I find that insufficient attention is often given to computer art which students and computer hobbyists can easily produce given the simplest of line-plotting packages. This brief article is an attempt to renew interest in the inexhaustible reservoir of mangnificent shapes made possible with the lowly line.
Gonococcal infection: a model of molecular pathogenesis.

Human beings are the only reservoir for the gonococcus. In spite of public health efforts to control this pathogen, and the availability of adequate antibiotic therapy for 40 years, close to a mill...
Furnace brazing type 304 stainless steel to vanadium alloy (V–5Cr–5Ti)

Abstract In this investigation, pure copper was joined to type 304 stainless steel and V–5Cr–5Ti by brazing in a high vacuum furnace. Microstructural changes in the brazed region and surrounding substrates were examined as a function of holding time at temperatures of 20°C, 40°C and 60°C above the melting point of copper. Reaction layers, which were extremely brittle, formed between the Cu and V–5Cr–5Ti substrates. The formation of intermetallic phases at the filler metal/substrate interfaces was evaluated. Additionally, precipitates (FeCu 2 and FeCu 18 ) formed in the Cu rich filler region. For temperatures ⩾60°C above the melting point of Cu, extensive transverse cracking was observed. Hardness tests substantiated the hypothesis that the Cu/V–5Cr–5Ti reaction layer was extremely brittle, since micro-cracks propagated from the tips of the diamond-shaped indentations. Results of mechanical properties tests of the brazed material are also presented.
Harmony, structure, and force in theEssai analytique sur les facultés de l'âcme of Charles Bonnet

C. Bonnet a contribue a l'etude de la psychologie, et publie « l'essai analytique sur les facultes de l'âme » en 1760. Sa psychologie consiste a traiter l'âme comme une force indeterminee, gouvernee par des lois divines
Ex ante evaluation of the economic impacts of growth promotants in the U.S. livestock and meat sector

Introduction of animal growth-enhancing technologies will have significant economic impacts on the U.S. livestock sector. Products analyzed include somatotropins and β-agonists in both beef and pork. Economic impacts on the beef, pork, and poultry sectors are estimated using a quarterly econometric simulation model of the U.S. livestock sector. The model allows for: (1) dynamic interaction of the competing meat animal industries as growth-enhancing products become available in each industry; and (2) comprehensive accounting of the cross-commodity effects of the technology changes. Results show that initial adopters are likely to obtain some benefits, but industry profits return to "normal" in the longer run.