cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of northeastern and southeastern U.S. watershed response to the declines in atmospheric sulfur deposition

Abstract Since the implementation of the 1970 Clean Air Act and its 1990 amendments, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions and subsequent sulfur (S) deposition have been declining across the eastern U.S. Although temporal patterns of deposition have been similar in the northeast (NE) and southeast (SE) regions of the U.S., stream and watershed responses have differed. This is primarily due to the spatial extent of the last glaciation, which terminated in northern Pennsylvania, rendering the soils in the SE more clay-rich and deeper than soils in the NE. Through the use of improved estimates of atmospheric deposition and more highly constrained estimates of stream export, we calculated S mass balances from New Hampshire to Georgia for 8 glaciated NE watersheds and 8 unglaciated SE watersheds that have high frequency (i.e. weekly) chemistry data available. Overall, total atmospheric S deposition declined by 70–90% from the early 1990s to the late 2010s across all sites. The resulting S budgets show that the timing of the conversion of the watersheds from net S retention to net S release differ between regions. The SE watersheds converted recently (late 2000s–2010s), while the NE watersheds have been net exporters of S since the 1990s to early 2000s. This delayed response in the SE is a consequence of the much higher sulfate (SO42−) adsorption capacity of the soils in this region. The flow normalized concentrations of SO42−, which eliminates variability due to discharge, shows that the majority of NE sites converged to similar concentrations by the mid to late 2010s, whereas the SE sites exhibit much greater spatial variability in concentrations. An evaluation of the storage and release of S within watersheds, using changes in adsorbed S and dissolved S (i.e. flow normalized concentration), suggests irreversibility of the S adsorption processes in NE and SE watersheds. The conversion of watersheds to a net release of S indicates improvements in watershed recovery due to the declines in acid deposition across the Eastern U.S.
Model reduction for multi-scale transport problems using model-form preserving least-squares projections with variable transformation

Abstract A projection-based formulation is presented for non-linear model reduction of problems with extreme scale disparity. The approach allows for the selection of an arbitrary, but complete, set of solution variables while preserving the structure of the governing equations. Least-squares-based minimization is leveraged to guarantee symmetrization and discrete consistency with the full-order model (FOM). Two levels of scaling are used to achieve the conditioning required to effectively handle problems with extremely disparate physical phenomena, characterized by extreme stiffness in the system of equations. The formulation – referred to as model-form preserving least-squares with variable transformation (MP-LSVT) – provides global stabilization for both implicit and explicit time integration schemes. To achieve computational efficiency, a pivoted QR decomposition is used with oversampling, and adapted to the MP-LSVT method. The framework is demonstrated in representative two- and three-dimensional reacting flow problems, and the MP-LSVT is shown to exhibit improved stability and accuracy over standard projection-based ROM techniques. Physical realizability and local stability are promoted by enforcing limiters in both temperature and species mass fractions. These limiters are demonstrated to be important in eliminating regions of spurious burning, thus enabling the ROMs to provide accurate representations of the heat release rate and flame propagation speed. In the 3D application, it is shown that more than two orders of magnitude acceleration in computational efficiency can be achieved, while also providing reasonable future-state predictions. A key contribution of this work is the development and demonstration of a comprehensive ROM formulation that targets highly challenging multi-scale transport-dominated problems.
Fine-needle aspiration of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. Analysis of six cases.

BACKGROUND The chromophobe variant of renal cell carcinoma is a recently described and frequently unrecognized tumor. Because the prognosis of the chromophobe variant appears to be intermediate between that of oncocytoma and the clear cell variant of renal cell carcinoma, accurate diagnosis may be important for appropriate clinical management. METHODS A retrospective analysis of fine-needle aspirations of four primary and two metastatic chromophobe renal cell carcinomas (five typical and one eosinophilic variant) with histologically confirmed primary tumors was performed. Hale's colloidal iron stain was strongly positive in a diffuse cytoplasmic pattern in all resected primary tumors. RESULTS All fine-needle aspirations were characterized by cellular smears comprised of single cells and small groups of cells. The cytoplasm varied from granular to flocculent. A characteristic feature was the presence of occasional markedly enlarged, bizarre, often multinucleated cells, within a background of moderately atypical cells. Nuclear enlargement, hyperchromasia, pleomorphism, and outline irregularity were noted in all cases. These features imparted a koilocyte-like appearance to many of the cells. Intranuclear pseudoinclusions were present in four cases and were numerous in two. CONCLUSIONS Both primary and metastatic chromophobe renal cell carcinomas have unique cytologic features that allow for their distinction from oncocytoma and other variants of renal cell carcinoma. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 1997; 81:122-8. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Factors impacting performance of multithreaded sparse triangular solve

As computational science applications grow more parallel with multi-core supercomputers having hundreds of thousands of computational cores, it will become increasingly difficult for solvers to scale. Our approach is to use hybrid MPI/threaded numerical algorithms to solve these systems in order to reduce the number of MPI tasks and increase the parallel efficiency of the algorithm. However, we need efficient threaded numerical kernels to run on the multi-core nodes in order to achieve good parallel efficiency. In this paper, we focus on improving the performance of a multithreaded triangular solver, an important kernel for preconditioning. We analyze three factors that affect the parallel performance of this threaded kernel and obtain good scalability on the multi-core nodes for a range of matrix sizes.
Controllability of Hamiltonian systems with drift: action-angle variables and ergodic partition

Control of Hamiltonian systems with drift is investigated for the case when the drift is integrable. Transformation of the system to action-angle coordinates is used to describe the ergodic partition of the drift. This is in turn used to obtain conditions for controllability of such systems. The key idea is that control must be capable of moving the system transverse to any set in the ergodic partition of the drift Hamiltonian vector field. Using this, additional results on controllability of more general systems are obtained.
Insulation research advances are recorded

The quest for a better understanding of important problems underlying the improvement of electrical insulation is proceeding definitely through channels of research into related fundamentals, as outlined in the January issue of ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (pp. 24–29). During the first half of 1931 some seven papers have been presented before Institute conventions and District meetings covering certain specific efforts in insulation research. Two of these papers concerned themselves with cable oils, two with impregnated paper, and three devoted primary attention to mathematical attacks upon insulation problems. In whole or in part in several instances these same papers were discussed at the Washington, D. C. meeting (Nov. 7–8, 1930) of the National Research Council's electrical insulation committee, which conference was comprehensively reviewed in the January 1931 issue of ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING. All of the papers in question have been reviewed briefly in current news reports appearing in ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, but because of the importance of the subject and for the benefit of those it may serve, the following group of brief abstracts is published.
DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING OF HIGHWAY SAFETY PROJECTS

The selection of highway safety improvement projects is indeed a complex task. Usually, numerous hazardous locations are candidates for improvement, with several acceptable projects available at each location. Funds are seldom sufficient, however, to implement projects at the restriction of a limited budget. The classical economic analysis techniques such as rate of return and benefit cost cannot be relied upon to determine the optimum projects combination with this restriction. The technique of dynamic programming is ideal for application to this problem. An example consisting of three hazardous locations illustrates the pitfalls associated with previously recommended project selection processes and demonstrates the manner in which dynamic programming leads directly to the optimum safety project combination.
Multichannel nullforming at the National Weather Radar Testbed

Standard clutter filtering techniques in meteorological applications are limited to temporal filtering of radar data gathered by a single receiver. Using spatial data collected by the multi-channel receiver at the National Weather Radar Testbed phased array radar, novel clutter filtering techniques can be applied to meterological data. The spatial data collected by the sidelobe canceller channels is manipulated using linearly constrained minimum power (LCMP) beamforming with a quadratic constraint; constraints are selected to reject data from the sidelobes that is common to the sidelobe canceller channels and the sum channel, introducing nulls in the direction of ground clutter into the received beampattern and filtering out the clutter. This method of beamforming has proven effective in other fields, but has not yet been applied to meteorological surveillance radars. This paper explores the efficacy and efficiency of several methods of nullforming using data collected at the National Weather Radar Testbed.
China at War: Political Institutions During the Period of the Sino-Japanese War

The expansionists in Japan had long held the opinion that China’s unity was Japan’s disaster. In the mind of the Japanese militarists, a unified and strong China would block their aggressive designs in Asia. It was to their great disappointment that the Nationalist unification of the country was achieved in spite of their well-planned Tsinan Incident in May 1928, when the Japanese soldiers fought against the advance of the Nationalist troops in Shantung.1 Japan’s determination to take direct action in Manchuria could be traced back to the winter of 1928, when Chang Hsueh-liang, virtual leader in Manchuria after the death of his father, failed to comply with Japanese wishes to maintain a semi-independent status of Manchuria. Instead, he sided with the Nationalist Government in Nanking. On September 18, 1931, the Japanese army finally executed its long and carefully planned invasion of Manchuria in violation of the Covenant of the League of Nations, the Nine-Power Treaty of 1922, and the Kellogg-Briand Pact.
Glycosidases of Aspergillus niger. I. Purification and characterization of alpha- and beta-galactosidases and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase

Abstract Preparations of α- and β-galactosidases and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase of high specific activities have been prepared from a commercial enzyme source from Aspergillus niger. The enzymes were reasonably stable around their pH optima, which varied between 3.2 to 4.6. The Km and Vmax of the enzymes were determined by using appropriate p-nitrophenyl glycosides as substrates. The enzymes were highly specific for the anomeric configuration of the glycosidic linkage. The α-galactosidase hydrolyzed methyl-α-galactopyranoside, melibiose, raffinose, and stachyose, and split 37 to 40% of the total terminal 1,6-α-linked galactose residues from galactomannans from guar and locust bean. The β-galactosidase hydrolyzed methyl-β-galactopyranoside and lactose, and split 70 to 80% of the nonreducing terminal galactose residues from sialic acid-free fetuin, α1-acid glycoprotein and and human chorionic gonadotropin. The β-N-acetylglucosaminidase liberated N-acetylglucosamine from chitin oligosaccharides containing 2 to 6 residues. The enzyme removed 30 to 35% N-acetylglucosamine residues from ovalbumin glycopeptides and from sialic acid-free galactosidase-treated fetuin and α1-acid glycoprotein. The sialic acid-free galactosidase-treated human chorionic gonadotropin lost 60% of its N-acetylglucosamine residues when treated with the enzyme.
Cutting the Gordian knot: The effect of knowledge complexity on employee mobility and entrepreneurship

Employee entrepreneurship and employee moves to rival firms (employee mobility) have both been recognized as critical drivers of the transfer of knowledge. Drawing on a unique database of intra-industry inventor entrepreneurship and mobility events in the U.S. semiconductor industry, I examine the effect of the complexity of inventors' prior patenting activities on their decisions to join a rival firm or found a start-up. The findings show that even though complexity inhibits knowledge diffusion to rival firms through employee mobility, complex knowledge may be underexploited within existing organizations and may still flow to startups through employee entrepreneurship. This study sheds new light on how technology shapes patterns of employee entrepreneurship and mobility, with implications for knowledge flows and competitive dynamics.
Nonlinear feedback control of two manipulators in presence of environmental constraints

The coordinated control of two manipulators in the presence of environmental constraints is studied. Such a control method is needed in applications in which the two manipulators grasp a common object and move it along a surface while exerting a certain amount of contact force. The two manipulators constrain each other and are also constrained by the environment. It is observed that the motion and constraint equations obtained directly from mechanics are not suitable for control purposes. A set of equivalent equations is derived in the standard nonlinear system representation with clear state equations and output equations. A nonlinear feedback that linearizes and decouples the dynamic nonlinear system of the two constrained manipulators is found. The coordinated controller design is then carried out for the linearized system. >
Investigating the use of Egyptian blue in Roman Egyptian portraits and panels from Tebtunis, Egypt

The use of the pigment Egyptian blue is investigated on a corpus of fifteen mummy portraits and Roman-period paintings from Tebtunis, Egypt, housed in the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley. Egyptian blue has a strong luminescence response in the near infrared that can be exploited to created wide-field images noninvasively showing the distribution of the pigment on a work of art. A growing body of publications in the last decade highlights the increasing use of this tool and its sensitive detection limits. However, the technique is not wavelength specific. Both excitation and emission occur in a broad range. Although Egyptian blue has a strong emission in the NIR, a myriad of other compounds may emit light in this spectral region when excited in the visible. The limited number of studies including complementary analysis to verify the presence of Egyptian blue does not allow its identification on the basis of NIR luminescence alone. Through the use of in situ X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy of cross sections, this paper confirms the identification of Egyptian blue by NIR luminescence in unexpected areas, i.e., those not blue in appearance.
Simplification of fuzzy rule based systems using orthogonal transformation

It is known that removal of those redundant fuzzy rules from a rule base can result in a more compact fuzzy model with better generalizing ability. In this paper we propose a number of orthogonal transformation based methods which provide new or alternative tools for rule extraction. A common attribute of these methods is that they all work on a truth value matrix and employ some measure index to detect the rules that should be retained and eliminated. The performance of these methods is illustrated using a nonlinear plant modeling example.
Analysis of progressive change in automated visual fields in glaucoma.

Purpose To detect and estimate the rate of progression of visual field loss in subjects with glaucoma who undergo long-term automated perimetric visual field testing. Methods Automated visual field data were obtained for subjects with glaucomatous visual field loss and a minimum of seven threshold field tests over at least 4.5 years. Univariate linear regression was performed with respect to mean deviation (MD), corrected pattern standard deviation (CPSD), mean thresholds of clusters corresponding to the Glaucoma Hemifield Test (GHT), and thresholds of 52 individual test locations. Subjects were classified as progressive or stable (unchanged or improved) based on the slope and statistical significance of these parameters. Adjusted P values were used to maintain the overall type 1 error at 5%. Results One hundred ninety-one subjects with a mean follow-up period of 7.1 years (range, 4.5 to 10.5 years) and a mean number of visual field tests of 9.5 (range, 7 to 16) were included. Twenty-four subjects (12.6%) showed progression in MD (mean slope [95% confidence interval], -1.26 [-1.50, -1.01] dB/year), and 27 (14.1%) showed progression in CPSD (mean slope [95% confidence interval], 0.71 [0.58, 0.84] dB/year). Thirty-five subjects (18.3%) had > or = 1 progressive GHT cluster. The mean slope in progressive clusters ranged from -1.51 [-1.82, -1.20] to -2.84 [-3.39, -2.29] dB/year. Thirty-six subjects (18.8%) had > or = 1 progressive individual test locations. Fifty-two subjects (27.2%) were classified as progressive based on progression of CPSD, > or = 1 cluster and/or > or = 1 point. Conclusions Fewer than 1 in 3 subjects progressed by any one of the criteria for progression over an average of 7.1 years. Rates of progression that could be statistically confirmed were in the range of approximately 1 to 5 dB/year, depending on the number of fields, the variability over time, and the parameter assessed (global indices, GHT clusters, or individual points). No correlation between initial visual field status and the rate of progression was found. A minimum of approximately 5 years of follow-up with annual perimetry would be required to detect significant changes in the visual field by linear regression.
A common element in the immediate inducement of effortless, natural-sounding, fluent speech in people who stutter: 'the second speech signal'.

Recent attempts to find a common element in the inducement of fluent speech have focused on Wingate's notion that fluency can be induced via an altered manner of speaking by placing an emphasis on phonation. The problem with this notion of fluency enhancement is that it appears to be too expansive a scheme of fluency. The schemata allows for any forward flowing speech or speech-like act to be considered fluent despite the increased cognitive mediation, the extra effort involved in implementing the procedure, the unnaturalness of the resultant end product, and a lack of stability over time. It is proposed that the only significant characteristics of 'true fluency' are that it is indistinguishable from the typical fluent speech of people who do not stutter, and that it is effortless in nature. This is achieved via the use of a second speech signal which is not cognitive in nature, is operationally delineated, and is easy to manipulate.
Medical image supercomputing in a PACS infrastructure

ABSTRACT We have done a feasibility study for real-time image processing capabilities in the PACS environment with the intent to facilitate development of digital based clinical protocols. Four aspects of a central compute server are investigated to address the computational need of clinicalviewing: 1) fast computation, 2) efficient memory caching, 3) direct data access to the central file server, and 4) fast output to the local workstation. Potential clinical applications includecomputational and data intensive procedures such as image segmentation, image registration, vascular flow study, functional image study, etc. INTRODUCTIONUp till now, PACS is intended for acquisition, archiving, communication and display functions of radiological images [1]. These goals are consistent with the traditional roles of the analog film. As we enter an advanced era of PACS research, it is time to leap beyond the traditional clinical functions and explore the untapped potentials of digital tools, that being thepower of image processing. The opportunities for computer processing abound in both diagnostic
A study of the frequency of sister-chromatid exchange and of thioguanine-resistant cells in mouse spleen lymphocytes after in vivo exposure to ethylnitrosourea.

Abstract As part of the development of a multi-endpoint, in vivo, mouse model for mutagenesis we have measured the frequency of sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) and the frequency of thioguanine-resistant (TG r ) cells among the lymphocytes of the mouse spleen following acute, intraperitoneal exposure to ethylnitrosourea (ENU). The responses of these two endpoints have been monitored both as a function of the dose of ENU injected, ranging from 0 to 70 mg/kg, and as a function of time after injection, from 1 day to 72 days. The SCE frequency response was highest 1 day after the ENU was injected, increasing 2.5-fold over control values for mice that received 70 mg/kg, and declined to control values in all animals by 72 days. SCE showed a linear dose response both at 1 day and 8 days after injection. The frequency of TG r cells was at control levels at 1 day, but at 15, 36 and 72 days after ENU injection the frequency of TG r cells showed a linear dose response. In addition, the frequency of TG r cells increased linearly with time for both the 35 and 70 mg/kg doses. The frequency of TG r cells for mice that had received 70 mg ENU/kg 72 days previously, was 100-fold higher than in control animals, giving a frequency of 1.4 × 10 −4 .
Flavin-based fluorescent proteins: emerging paradigms in biological imaging

Flavin-based fluorescent proteins (FbFPs) are an emerging class of fluorescent reporters characterized by oxygen-independent fluorescence and a small size - key advantages compared to the green fluorescent protein (GFP). FbFPs are at a nascent stage of development. However, they have already been used as versatile reporters for studying anaerobic biosystems and viral assemblies. Recently, FbFPs with improved brightness and photostability have been engineered. In addition, several FbFPs show high degrees of thermal and pH stability. For these reasons, FbFPs hold strong promise to extend bioimaging to clinically and industrially significant systems that have been challenging to study using GFPs. In this review, we highlight recent developments in the FbFP toolbox and explore further improvements necessary to maximize the potential of FbFPs.
Mechanism of hydrolysis. II. New evidence for an acylated enzyme as intermediate.

Abstract Acetylcholinesterase catalyzes the hydrolysis of thiolacetic acid. The undissociated acid molecules are the direct reactants. The dissociation constant of the conjugate acid of the basic group of the enzyme calculated from the pH dependence of this reaction is about 3.10 −7 . This reaction is very strong evidence that the enzyme catalyzes oxygen exchange between acids and water, a necessary condition for the correctness of the proposed theory of enzymic activity, involving an acylated enzyme as intermediate. Trimethylammonium ion and 1:10-decane bis(trimethylammonium) bromide even in enormous excess only partially inhibit the reaction, whereas ethyl acetate hydrolysis is completely inhibited, thus indicating a spacial and functional separation of the anionic and esteratic enzyme sites. Prostigmine which reacts with both sites completely inhibits thiolacetic acid hydrolysis.
Visual Research Methods in the Social Sciences: Awakening Visions

Visual Research Methods in the Social Sciences: Awakening Visions STEPHEN SPENCER, 2011 London & New York: Routledge 275 + xv pp., £82.00, US$135.00 (hb), £24.99, US$47.95 (pb) ISBN 978–0–415–48382...
Progress of food irradiation in the United States

Abstract Irradiated foods have not yet made a significant impact in the United States marketplace. What progress has occurred to facilitate their commercialization? Irradiated produce has been sold in small quantities since 1992 and irradiated poultry was introduced in the marketplace in 1993. Federal inspection of irradiated commodities has settled into a regular routine. What must occur to further expand irradiated foods in the marketplace? Petitions to permit irradiation of red meats and seafood are being considered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a petition to permit the irradiation of shell eggs is being prepared for submission to FDA. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has accelerated efforts to develop the policies and regulatory structure needed to facilitate the approval of new irradiation treatments for imported plant products regulated by quarantine. When will greater commercialization occur? More positive coverage to food irradiation in recent months by both the trade and popular press indicates a change in attitude towards irradiated foods by both consumers and the food industry. Finally, actual consumer response to available irradiated foods casts a favorable light on the potential for increased marketing of value-added irradiated foods.
Treatment preferences of patients with binge eating disorder.

Objective The current study examined the treatment preferences of obese patients with binge eating disorder (BED). Method Participants were 103 consecutive patients with BED who responded to advertisements for treatment studies looking for persons who wanted to “stop binge eating and lose weight.” In addition to completing comprehensive assessment batteries, participants were provided descriptions of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral weight loss therapy (BWL) after which they were asked to choose and rate their preferred treatment. Results Sixty-three percent of participants stated they preferred CBT. Treatment preferences were not associated with (1) histories of obesity, dieting, binge eating, or weight cycling, (2) current obesity or eating disorder features, or (3) psychological features such as depression or self-esteem levels. In contrast, participants' stated treatment preferences were aligned with their perception of their primary problem (eating disorder vs. obesity) and their primary goals for treatment (stop binge eating vs. lose weight). The patients who preferred CBT based their treatment selection more on their problem perception than on their primary treatment goal, whereas the patients who preferred BWL selected treatment based more on their primary treatment goal (weight loss) than on their problem perception. Discussion Obese patients with BED express treatment preferences that are not associated with variability in their clinical characteristics but are aligned with their perception of their primary problem and with their primary goals for treatment. © 2005 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predicting top-of-atmosphere radiance for arbitrary viewing geometries from the visible to thermal infrared

In an earlier paper [Cota et al., Proc. SPIE 7087, 1-31 (2008)] we described how The Aerospace Corporation's Parameterized Image Chain Analysis & Simulation SOftware (PICASSO) may be used with a reflectance calibrated input scene, in conjunction with a limited number of runs of AFRL's MODTRAN4 radiative transfer code, to quickly predict the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance received by an earth viewing sensor, for any arbitrary combination of solar and sensor elevation angles. In the present paper, we extend the method to the short and midwave IR, where reflected solar and emitted thermal radiation both contribute to the TOA radiance received by a downlooking sensor.
Transport characteristics of suspension: VIII. A note on the viscosity of Newtonian suspensions of uniform spherical particles

Abstract A critical analysis was made of the extensive experimental data on the relative viscosity of suspensions of uniform spherical particles. By appropriate extrapolation techniques, non-Newtonian, inertial, and nonhomogeneous suspension effects were minimized. As a result, the scatter of the data was reduced from ±75% to ±13% at a volume fraction solids of 0.50. The coefficients of different power series relating relative viscosity and volume fraction solids were determined using a nonlinear least squares procedure. It was shown that a new expression containing three terms of a power series with coefficients determined from previous theoretical analyses and an exponential term with two adjustable constants fit the data as well as a power series with six terms, either three or four of which were adjustable constants with the remaining coefficients being theoretical values.
Factors that Affect Equine Wound Repair

The rate and outcome of wound healing are determined by many factors,some of which are already in effect when the horse is first presented to the veterinarian. A thorough understanding of wound healing principles,coupled with clear client communication, should enable the practitioner to minimize the number of additional factors that may exacerbate the initial situation.
Non-Canonical Notch Signaling Drives Activation and Differentiation of Peripheral CD4+ T Cells

Cleavage of the Notch receptor via a γ-secretase, results in the release of the active intra-cellular domain of Notch that migrates to the nucleus and interacts with RBP-JΚ, resulting in the activation of downstream target genes. This canonical Notch signaling pathway has been documented to influence T-cell development and function. However, the mechanistic details underlying this process remain obscure. In addition to RBP-JΚ, the intra-cellular domain of Notch also interacts with other proteins in the cytoplasm and nucleus, giving rise to the possibility of a alternate, RBP-JΚ independent Notch pathways. However, the contribution of such RBP-JΚ independent, “non-canonical” Notch signaling in regulating peripheral T-cell responses is unknown. In this report we specifically demonstrate the requirement of Notch1 for regulating signal strength and signaling events distal to the T-cell receptor in peripheral CD4+ T cells. By using mice with a conditional deletion in Notch1 or RBP-JΚ, we show that Notch1 regulates activation and proliferation of CD4+ T cells independently of RBP-JΚ. Furthermore, differentiation to TH1 and iTreg lineages although Notch dependent, is RBP-JΚ independent. Our striking observations demonstrate that many of the cell intrinsic functions of Notch occur independently of RBP-JΚ.. Such non-canonical regulation of these processes likely occurs through NF-ΚB. This reveals a previously unknown, novel role of non-canonical Notch signaling in regulating peripheral T-cell responses.
Transvaginal color Doppler sonography of the ureteral jets: a method to detect ureteral patency.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of the detection of ureteral jets into the bladder in obstetric-gynecologic patients using transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound. Methods Fifty-two women were recruited and categorized into four groups: 1) 20 normal nonsurgical, 2) 17 post-cesarean delivery, 3) 12 post-total abdominal hysterectomy, and 4) three with only one functional kidney or ureter. In the first three groups, transvaginal color Doppler sonography was used to evaluate the time to detection of the first jet and the number of jets in 5 minutes bilaterally. In the last group, the presence or absence of the jet was documented only on the functional side. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test and analysis of variance followed by Tukey honestly significant difference. Results Urine jets could be detected bilaterally in all women except for those with only one functional kidney (accuracy 100%). Time to detection of the first jet did not differ significantly in the nonsurgical, cesarean, or hysterectomy patients on either the right side ( P =.07) or the left side ( P =.43). The total number of jets was similar in the nonsurgical and cesarean patients, but was significantly lower in the hysterectomy group (right side P =.006; left side P =.004). In the women with one functional kidney, the normal side was identified in all cases. Conclusion Transvaginal color Doppler sonography is a simple, accurate technique that can be used to evaluate ureteral jets into the bladder in women. The length of time to detection of the first jet is not affected by the postoperative status. Fewer jets should be expected in women who have undergone hysterectomies. This method should be used when ureteral integrity is in question, especially after surgery.
p62 expression and autophagy in αB-crystallin R120G mutant knock-in mouse model of hereditary cataract

The formation of cataracts is associated with the accumulation of protein aggregates in the ocular lens, suggesting that defective protein degradation plays a role in cataract pathogenesis. Accumulation of the p62 protein has recently been identified as a marker for impaired autophagy in a variety of tissues; however, little information exists on its expression in the ocular lens and in cataracts. In the present study we examined the expression of p62 in the mouse lens and compared its expression in wild-type lenses with that in lenses from knock-in mice with an arginine to glycine mutation in αB-crystallin (αB-R120G) that is known to cause human hereditary cataract. Immunohistochemical, immunoblotting, and transmission electron microscopic analyses of wild type and αB-R120G mutant mice were performed. To assess the effect of increased protein aggregation on autophagy, immunohistochemical staining was performed with an anti-p62 antibody, revealing the presence of p62-positive punctate staining in a band of denucleated cortical fiber cells. The number and size of p62 puncta were significantly greater in αB-R120G homozygous mutant lenses than in wild type and heterozygous mutant lenses. p62 staining was also abundant in lens epithelial cells and was concentrated around the nuclear membrane. Double-membraned structures similar to autophagosomes containing cellular cytoplasmic content were detected in lens epithelial cells by transmission electron microscopy. The autophagosomes in lens epithelial cells from αB-R120G homozygous mutant mice were larger than those in wild type mice. Double-membraned structures that are probably autophagosomes were also detected in cortical fiber cells and were more abundant in the αB-R120G homozygous mutant lens than the wild type lens. This study demonstrates p62 distribution as speckles in the lens fiber cells, altered levels of p62 expression, and the presence of autophagosomes in the ocular lens of αB-R120G mutant mice. We propose that autophagy is inhibited in the αB-R120G mutant lenses because of a defect in protein degradation after autophagosome formation. Further work is necessary to determine the relationship between αB-crystallin function, autophagy, and cataract formation.
Electronic effects on thermal rearrangement in the Ziegler pyrolysis reaction

Abstract The changes in NMR chemical shifts between TMS 3 CLi versus TMS 3 CH and TMS 3 SiLi versus TMS 3 SiH show that the electronic structures of the two lithiated compounds are vastly different, thereby prohibiting the successful pyrolytic decomposition of TMS 3 CLi to TMS 2 CLi 2 . The moiety to be transferred in the Ziegler pyrolysis reaction must contain at least a partial positive charge for the reaction to be successful.
High‐performance emulation of hierarchical structures on hypercube supercomputers

The problem or emulating multilevel structures on hypercube supercomputers is studied in the paper. The frequently used pyramid belongs to the class of multilevel structures. Several algorithms have been published in the literature for the emulation of pyramids by hypercubes. The paper extends the most important of these algorithms to make them applicable for multilevel structures. Results for the Connection Machine system CM-2 with 16,384 processors are presented and comparative analysis of the new algorithms is carried out. It is shown that very often higher performance can be obtained for multilevel structures other than the pyramid.
Acute effects of MK801 on kainic acid-induced seizures in neonatal rats

Kainic acid (KA) causes behavioral and electrographic status epilepticus (SE) in rats of all ages. In adult rats, the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) channel blocker MK801 ((+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]-cyclohepten-5,10-imine ) is anticonvulsant against KA-induced seizures: it reduces their severity and protects against neuronal damage, although it may worsen electrographic seizures. Here we examined the effects of MK801 on KA seizures in the immature brain. Neonatal rats (P11-P12) were pretreated with MK801 (0.01, 0.1, 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline twenty minutes prior to KA (2 mg/kg, i.p.). Clinical seizure behavior was monitored for > 6 hrs, and in some rats the EEG was monitored with an intrahippocampal or intracortical electrode. MK801 caused immobility alternating with hyperactivity, ataxia, scratching and sometimes alternate limb cycling, which correlated with the appearance of spikes on the EEG. Compared to KA alone or KA preceded by 0.01 mg/kg MK801, the higher doses of MK801 (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) significantly lowered the latency to electrographic seizures (P < 0.001), ictal scratching (P < 0.0001), and status epilepticus (P < 0.0001). MK801 pretreatment did not lower significantly the death rate due to KA seizures. No histologic damage was seen after MK801, KA or both agents together. These results suggest that MK801 exacerbates KA-induced seizures in the neonatal brain, and may even cause ictal behavioral and electrographic manifestations by itself. The findings point to an age-dependency of NMDA antagonist action, and suggest caution in considering the use of NMDA antagonists in neonates.
A simple, but useful, application of image analysis

Available image analysis tools are useful aids to some common tasks necessary for diatom identification. In particular, availability of this technology allows easier and more certain enumeration of closely spaced and difficult to resolve striae. Dimensional information may also be easily and accurately measured and recorded.
Effects of BIAS on radiation induced defects in mos oxides: An ESR study

Abstract Electron spin resonance is used to study oxide damage centers generated by ionizing radiation in MOS capacitors as a function of bias and temperature during irradiation. Two centers are observed, an E' and an oxygen hole center. The concentration of E′ centers is about three times as high for samples irradiated under positive gate bias as for those irradiated under negative bias. The concentration of E' centers is independent of sample temperature during irradiation indicating that some charge carriers created by irradiation are still mobile at low temperatures. The oxygen hole center density is not a function of bias indicating that they are relatively uniformly distributed throughout the bulk of oxide.
An Improved Spectroradiometric Method and Apparatus for Measuring Small Polarization Ellipticities

A modification of the Senarmont-Chauvin compensator for measuring small polarization ellipticities has been applied to spectroradiometric work. Over the larger share of the usable spectral range of 0.6μ to 2.0μ the sensitivity is in a class with the best visual methods, and by some sacrifice of spectral purity may be made much more sensitive than any other known method. It has been applied in measuring the Kerr dispersion of CCl4, which is found to follow the Havelock law very closely.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE TO TRAINMEN'S SAFETY ON US RAILROADS, 1927-1954

The widespread diffusion of diesel locomotives in the United States after the Second World War reshaped nearly every aspect of American railroading. This article explores the contribution of the diesel locomotive to trainmen's safety on U.S. railroads between 1927 and 1954. The author begins by outlining the various dangers associated with steam engines, including locomotive boiler or cylinder explosions and broken rods. Bad maintenance often caused accidents. The author discusses how both methods and materials improved over time as a results of a group of modifications in design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Other topics covered include the Interstate Commerce Commission, the dangers of steam, the unions, and the risks and benefits of the diesel engine. The author concludes that while steam locomotives had once been dangerous, steady progress in technology and work practices, along with federal regulation after 1911, had greatly reduced the risks. Although the evidence suggests that when diesels arrived they reduced accidents per locomotive by as much as 60 percent, yet because the risks from steam were already low, the improvement in safety from the change to diesels was quite modest.
Biosynthesis of obacunone from nomilin in Citrus limon

Abstract Radioactive tracer work showed that [14C]nomilin was converted to at least four metabolites in Citrus limon. One metabolite was identified as obacunone, showing that obacunone is biosynthesized from nomilin in C. limon.
Erratum: How Do Sperm Get to the Egg? Bioengineering Expertise Needed!

Erratum to: Experimental MechanicsDOI 10.1007/s11340-009-9312-zThe author wishes to make the following correction at theend of the first paragraph under The First Gateway: TheCervix section:The length of the human cervical canal is 3 cm. At aswimming speed of 35 μm/sec, human sperm could passthrough the cervix in about 15 min.
A numerical solution of the multidimensional solidification (or melting) problem

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to develop a simple numerical technique with which to treat heat-transfer problems involving a change of phase. These problems are nonlinear due to the conditions at the moving interface boundary surface. The numerical scheme presented here solves the pertinent equations for the multidimensional problem and determines the temperature distribution in both media around the liquid-solid interface while at the same time it locates the loci of the latter as time progresses. The types of boundary conditions most frequently encountered in practice are studied in the analysis; the sample problems are selected in such a way as to reflect constant temperature and Newtonian cooling conditions at the boundary of the solidifying substance. The two-dimensional slab and the two- and three-dimensional corners are used to exemplify typical multidimensional geometries. Comparisons of the results obtained in this work with the few existing solutions show satisfactory agreement.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 Signaling Protects Mice from Tumor Development in a Mouse Model of Colitis-Induced Cancer

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disorder of chronic inflammation with increased susceptibility to colorectal cancer. The etiology of IBD is unclear but thought to result from a dysregulated adaptive and innate immune response to microbial products in a genetically susceptible host. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling induced by intestinal commensal bacteria plays a crucial role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, innate immunity and the enhancement of intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) integrity. However, the role of TLR2 in the development of colorectal cancer has not been studied. We utilized the AOM-DSS model for colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) in wild type (WT) and TLR2−/− mice. Colons harvested from WT and TLR2−/− mice were used for histopathology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and cytokine analysis. Mice deficient in TLR2 developed significantly more and larger colorectal tumors than their WT controls. We provide evidence that colonic epithelium of TLR2−/− mice have altered immune responses and dysregulated proliferation under steady-state conditions and during colitis, which lead to inflammatory growth signals and predisposition to accelerated neoplastic growth. At the earliest time-points assessed, TLR2−/− colons exhibited a significant increase in aberrant crypt foci (ACF), resulting in tumors that developed earlier and grew larger. In addition, the intestinal microenvironment revealed significantly higher levels of IL-6 and IL-17A concomitant with increased phospho-STAT3 within ACF. These observations indicate that in colitis, TLR2 plays a protective role against the development of CAC.
Baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia and heart rate responses during sustained visual attention in preterm infants from 3 to 6 months of age

Three groups of preterm infants were studied longitudinally at 14, 20, and 26 weeks of age (corrected for gestational age). The groups included infants with no perinatal medical complications, those with mild respiratory problems requiring ventilatory assistance, and those with respiratory distress syndrome. Baseline heart rate and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were recorded for 5 min, and heart rate was also recorded while the infants engaged in sustained visual attention to stimuli presented on video monitors. The heart rate response during stimulus orienting and sustained attention was smaller in those infants with respiratory distress syndrome than in the other preterm infants and in comparison with the response seen in full-term infants in previous research. Magnitude of RSA was positively correlated with the attention responses irrespective of the preterm group assignment. There was greater stability in baseline heart rate and RSA for the preterm infants than has been found with full-term infants. These data suggest that the cardiorespiratory functioning of the preterm infant indexes a stable individual difference characteristic that is correlated with heart responses during sustained attention, and heart rate attention systems may be damaged in the high-risk preterm infant.
There is no ordering on the classes in the generalized high/low hierarchies

We prove that the existential theory of the Turing degrees, in the language with Turing reduction, 0, and unary relations for the classes in the generalized high/low hierarchy, is decidable. We also show that every finite poset labeled with elements of (where is the partition of induced by the generalized high/low hierarchy) can be embedded in preserving the labels. Note that no condition is imposed on the labels.
Self-Observation of One's Own Reflected Image: A Report

Cooley's (1902/1964) model of the looking-glass self posits that the psychological self develops as a product of social reference and is dependent on social approval for an individual to maintain a sense of continuity about the self. This study tested the prediction that in the absence of direct social approval people would more likely than not seek self-approval of the self-image. Observations of unaccompanied adults with the opportunity to look at their own self-reflections in full-length windows did not support the prediction. A significant difference was found between the responses of males and females.