cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unions and the Popular Front: The West Coast Waterfront in the 1930s

Recent discussions of the history of American communism have generated a good deal of controversy. A youthful generation of “new social historians” has combined with veterans of the Communist party to produce a portrait of the Communist experience in the United States which posits a tension between the Byzantine pursuit of the “correct line” at the top and the impulses and needs of members at the base trying to cope with a complex reality. In the words of one of its most skillful practitioners, “the new Communist history begins with the assumption that … everyone brought to the movement expectations, traditions, patterns of behavior and thought that had little to do with the decisions made in the Kremlin or on the 9th floor of the Communist Party headquarters in New York.” The “new” historians have focused mainly on the lives of individuals, the relationship between communism and ethnic and racial subcultures, and the effort to build the party's influence within particular unions and working-class constituencies. Overall, the portrait has been critical but sympathetic and has served to highlight the party's “human face” and the integrity of its members.
Early mask results of KRS-XE and current progress in improving sensitivity and etch resistance

KRS-XE is a chemically amplified resist developed to enable electron-beam lithography for mask making at the 100nm node. This material has been shown to provide an excellent process window for mask manufacturing at this node. Characterization of this material using both 50keV raster and 75keV vector scan e-beam exposure systems will be presented. A higher sensitivity version of this material has been developed specifically for a vector, shaped beam 50keV application. Initial mask manufacturing results for this higher sensitivity version of KRS-XE will be presented for 75keV. In addition, recent developments using KRS-XE formulations modified to achieve high sensitivity and improved etch resistance will be discussed.
Congenital Mesoblastic Nephromea: Antenatal and Postnatal Sonographic Appearance With Pathologic Correlation

Congenital mesoblastic nephroma is the most common neonatal renal tumor. Although the mass may be large and is usually associated with polyhydramnios, these tumors rarely recur and rarely metastasize. Presented is a case, with clinical-pathologic correlation, of a pregnant female with size-greater-than-dates secondary to polyhydramnios associated with a congenital mesoblastic nephroma. This diagnosis should be considered in any fetus with polyhydramnios and a large flank/abdominal mass.
Impact Analysis of an Evening Program: Perceptions of Need, Time to Degree, and Degree Completion

Abstract Program evaluations in the literature for evening classes generally fail to examine impact-related questions and focus instead on satisfaction with services and curricular offerings. This study examined the consequences for students if evening classes were not available. All student groups reported negative impacts on degree completion and increased time to degree without these courses, among other problems such as difficulty scheduling courses and an inability to accommodate work schedules. While nontraditional students depended most on evening classes, traditional students and graduate students needed these courses as well, particularly to allow for student employment, clinical experiences, and practicum. The study results engendered greater support from university administration for the evening classes program.
Middle Byzantine Churches of Kastoria: Dates and Implications

The article proposes the following chronology for the Middle Byzantine chapels of Kastoria in northern Greece through an analysis of their formal architectural characteristics and construction materials in conjunction with a consideration of surviving fresco decoration: H. Stephanos, the Taxiarchs, and the Koubelidiki, late 9th or early 10th century; the Anargyroi, first half of the 11th century; and H. Nikolaos tou Kasnitzē, third quarter of the 12th century. The implications of this chronology for the understanding of Byzantine workshop practices, patronage patterns, and Macedonian history are also discussed. The appendix deals with the more problematic redating — from the 13th century to the late 11th or early 12th century — of the frescoes of the Mavriotissa Monastery located just outside Kastoria.
Association of sleep-wake habits in older people with changes in output of circadian pacemaker

Many elderly people complain of disturbed sleep patterns but there is not evidence that the need to sleep decreases with age; it seems rather that the timing and consolidation of sleep change. We tried to find out whether there is a concurrent change in the output of the circadian pacemaker with age. The phase and amplitude of the pacemaker's output were assessed by continuous measurement of the core body temperature during 40 h of sustained wakefulness under constant behavioural and environmental conditions. 27 young men (18-31 years) were compared with 21 older people (65-85 years; 11 men, 10 women); all were healthy and without sleep complaints. The mean amplitude of the endogenous circadian temperature oscillation (ECA) was 40% greater in young men than in the older group. Older men had a lower mean temperature ECA than older women. The minimum of the endogenous phase of the circadian temperature oscillation (ECP) occurred 1 h 52 min earlier in the older than in the young group. Customary bedtimes and waketimes were also earlier in the older group, as was their daily alertness peak. There was a close correlation between habitual waketime and temperature ECP in young men, which may lose precision with age, especially among women. These findings provide evidence for systematic age-related changes in the output of the human circadian pacemaker. We suggest that these changes may underlie the common complaints of sleep disturbance among elderly people. These changes could reflect the observed age-related deterioration of the hypothalamic nuclei that drive mammalian circadian rhythms.
Computationally Efficient Video Restoration for Nyquist Sampled Imaging Sensors Combining an Affine-Motion Based Temporal Kalman Filter and Adaptive Wiener Filter

In this paper, we present a computationally efficient video restoration algorithm to address both blur and noise for a Nyquist sampled imaging system. The proposed method utilizes a temporal Kalman filter followed by a correlation-model based spatial adaptive Wiener filter (AWF). The Kalman filter employs an affine background motion model and novel process-noise variance estimate. We also propose and demonstrate a new multidelay temporal Kalman filter designed to more robustly treat local motion. The AWF is a spatial operation that performs deconvolution and adapts to the spatially varying residual noise left in the Kalman filter stage. In image areas where the temporal Kalman filter is able to provide significant noise reduction, the AWF can be aggressive in its deconvolution. In other areas, where less noise reduction is achieved with the Kalman filter, the AWF balances the deconvolution with spatial noise reduction. In this way, the Kalman filter and AWF work together effectively, but without the computational burden of full joint spatiotemporal processing. We also propose a novel hybrid system that combines a temporal Kalman filter and BM3D processing. To illustrate the efficacy of the proposed methods, we test the algorithms on both simulated imagery and video collected with a visible camera.
Avoidance, protective, and weapons behaviors: an examination of constrained behaviors and their impact on concerns about crime

This study examined the impact of three types of constrained behaviors (i.e., avoidance, protective, and weapons behaviors) on two types of concerns about crime (i.e., concerns about crime for one's self and concerns about crime for others). Constrained behaviors have been the focal point of only a few studies, most of which have focused on one type or two types of constrained behaviors. Rather than discussing precisely how and why constrained behaviors impact fear of crime, most studies have simply controlled for constrained behaviors (see Ferraro, T. W. Franklin et al. for this discussion). The current study addressed these weaknesses by focusing on three types of constrained behaviors and by focusing more explicitly on how these behaviors affect concerns about crime (i.e., a proxy for fear of crime). This study is also unique in that it examined both personal concerns about crime and concerns about crime for others. Analyses using data from a national sample of US adults (N = 1207) found that the three...
Enhancing the bioavailability of resveratrol by combining it with piperine.

Scope Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a phytoalexin shown to possess a multitude of health-promoting properties in pre-clinical studies. However, the poor in vivo bioavailability of resveratrol due to its rapid metabolism is being considered as a major obstacle in translating its effects in humans. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that piperine will enhance the pharmacokinetic parameters of resveratrol via inhibiting its glucuronidation, thereby slowing its elimination. Methods and results Employing a standardized LC/MS assay, we determined the effect of piperine co-administration with resveratrol on serum levels resveratrol and resveratrol-3-O-β-D-glucuronide in C57BL mice. Mice were administered resveratrol (100 mg/kg; oral gavage) or resveratrol (100 mg/kg; oral gavage)+piperine (10 mg/kg; oral gavage), and the serum levels of resveratrol and resveratrol-3-O-β-D-glucuronide were analyzed at different times. We found that the degree of exposure (i.e. AUC) to resveratrol was enhanced to 229% and the maximum serum concentration (C(max)) was increased to 1544% with the addition of piperine. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that piperine significantly improves the in vivo bioavailability of resveratrol. However, further detailed research is needed to study the mechanism of improved bioavailability of resveratrol via its combination with piperine as well as its effect on resveratrol metabolism.
Variation of the fine structure in granulocytes of great apes

Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen der Granulocyten anthropoider Affen ergaben Unterschiede in der Struktur der eosinophilen Granula und eine bisher unbekannte fibrillare Granulationsform in Orangutan Neutrophilen.
Cranial movements during suction feeding in teleost fishes: Are they modified to enhance suction production?

Abstract Suction is produced during prey capture by most teleost fishes. Here, we ask two questions about the functional basis of suction feeding. First, is there variation in the kinematic pattern produced by different species while suction feeding? Second, do species termed ‘suction specialists’ demonstrate similar modifications to their feeding behavior? We used 10 kinematic variables in a principal component analysis to identify axes of variation among 14 suction feeding teleost species (representing nine families and five orders within the Euteleostei) that demonstrate different feeding habits and habitats. MANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests were used to assess differences among species. Most species clustered together on the principal component axes, suggesting a generalized mechanism that facilitates unidirectional flow. Typically, only one species stood out as ‘extreme’ on each functional axis, and a species that stood out on one axis did not stand out on others. Only one species, the flatfish Pleuronichthys verticalis, an obligate benthic feeder, demonstrated modifications consistent with enhanced suction production. This species displayed a suite of changes that should enhance suction production, including large hyoid depression, large cranial rotation, and small gape. We suggest that suction performance may be greatest in such obligate benthic feeders because cranial morphology is highly modified and prey are captured from the substrate.
Simultaneous determination of lot sizes and routing mix in job shops

Flexibility and versatility of batch production job shops has increased in the last 25 years through the use of multi-purpose numerically controlled NC machine tools; these computer controlled machines can perform a wide variety of different operations. In recent years, even greater flexibility has been achieved by flexible manufacturing systems, where groups of NC machines are linked by automated material handling devices and controlled by computer. In such shops, a batch of product may have several possible alternative routes that it may follow through the shop. A number of researchers have shown that determining the proper mix of routes for each product can have a significant effect on shop throughput and work-in-process inventory. Other researchers have found that the lot sizing decision also affects these performance measures. The primary thrust of this paper is to develop a model to explore the interaction between routing and lot sizing decisions in a multi-machine, multi-work center job shop. A heuristic is developed for simultaneously determining lot sizes and routing mix in problems of practical size, and numerical examples are provided in order to illustrate the solution method. The examples show that there can be considerable potential for performance improvement by simultaneous consideration of routing and lot sizing.
Exhaustive soxhlet extraction for the complete removal of residual compounds to provide a nonleaching silicone elastomer.

All commercially available silicone devices contain freely diffusible silicone oils, uncured oligomers, and other impurities (such as catalysts). These residuals have been found in quantities as high as 20% by weight in commercially available silicone medical devices. The fate and effects of these residuals have been the topic of much debate recently. In this study, a method for complete removal of these residual compounds was investigated. The total amount of extractable residuals was determined through exhaustive Soxhlet extraction of 5 silicone elastomers. LIM 6030 had 6.29%, LIM 6070 had 5.74%, Q7-4750 had 3.02%, Q7-4780 had 3.22%, and SE1935 had 0.13% extractables by weight. The amount of silicon containing residuals leaching from both the extracted and nonextracted samples was also evaluated for 3 and 18 days by inductively coiled plasma (ICP) analysis. A significant amount of leachable compounds, reported as μg Si/mg solid sample, was found in all nonextracted elastomers with the exception of SE1935 compared to blanks. The amount of leachable compounds found in the extracted elastomers was not found to be significantly higher than the amount found in the blanks. The residual compounds in silicone elastomers may be completely removed by exhaustive Soxhlet extraction and the resulting polymer does not leach silicon-containing compounds in vitro. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res (Appl Biomater) 53: 445–448, 2000
Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Inhibits Differentiation and Mineralization of Cementoblasts in vitro:

As an approach for improving the outcome and predictability of periodontal regenerative therapies, we have focused on determining the responses of cells within the local environment to putative regenerative factors. This study examined the effects of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) on murine cementoblasts in vitro. Northern blot analysis indicated that BMP-2 decreased mRNA levels of bone sialoprotein and type I collagen dose-dependently (10-300 ng/mL). At low doses, up to 100 ng/mL, BMP-2 had no effect on transcripts for osteocalcin and osteopontin, whereas at 300 ng/mL, BMP-2 greatly increased expression of these two genes. BMP-2 also inhibited cementoblast-mediated mineral nodule formation in a dose-dependent manner (inhibition was noted at 10 ng/mL). Noggin reversed the effects of BMP-2 on gene expression and on mineralization. These findings reflect the diverse responses of periodontal cells to BMP-2 and highlight the need to consider the complexity of factors involved in designing predictable regenerative therapies.
Ethanol from lignocellulosics, U.S. federal energy and agricultural policy, and the diffusion of innovation.

Abstract Lignocellulosic ethanol is a low carbon fuel source with the potential to assist in climate change mitigation. However, as a new technology in the process of moving toward commercial development, it is important to understand obstacles to its development. We focused on the role that policy may be playing in fostering or impeding its development in the U.S. One of the major ways of understanding technological development is the theory of the diffusion of innovation. This theory identifies factors that can impede and facilitate this diffusion. We assessed the degree to which three of the main U.S. federal energy policies aim at addressing three key aspects of innovation diffusion: time; risk; and communication. We determine that these policies focus more on the producer stage of the lignocellulosic ethanol lifecycle than the landowner or consumer stages. In addition, they contain many provisions aimed at overcoming risk- and communication-related impediments to adoption, but fewer aimed at speeding up the process. Finally, they contain at least one provision likely to be a serious impediment to adoption.
Reply to ‘Resistance reversal by RNAi silencing of MDR1 in CML cells associated with increase in imatinib intracellular levels’ by Widmer et al.

Reply to ‘Resistance reversal by RNAi silencing of MDR1 in CML cells associated with increase in imatinib intracellular levels’ by Widmer et al.
Mink Dictates the Alpha Subunit Composition of Surface-Expressed N-Type Potassium Channels

Homomeric and heteromeric complexes formed by members of the Kv3 subfamily of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel alpha subunits generate currents essential for the high-frequency firing of mammalian neurons. Kv3.1 and Kv3.2 alpha subunits generate delayed rectifier currents, whereas Kv3.4 generates fast-inactivating currents. This ‘N-type’ fast-inactivation occurs via an N-terminal ‘ball’ domain, which blocks the channel pore directly after opening, preventing K+ ion flux. Heteromeric channels containing Kv3.4 with either Kv3.1 or Kv3.2 exhibit N-type inactivation with a rate dependent upon the number of Kv3.4 alpha subunits in the tetramer. As Kv channel inactivation and inactivation recovery rates are important determinants of excitable cell action potential morphology and refractory period duration, the stoichiometry of these heteromeric complexes is expected to be tightly regulated. Here, using channel subunits cloned from rat and transiently expressed in CHO cells, we show that Kv3.4 current is significantly suppressed (>90%) by the ancillary beta subunit MinK (KCNE1) and that the suppression can be rescued by co-expression of Kv3.1. Through use of dominant-negative pore mutants and N-terminal A and B box (NAB) intra-subfamily binding domain mutants, we demonstrate that MinK ensures that Kv3.4 alpha subunits can only reach the surface as part of a heteromeric complex with Kv3.1. Thus, by acting as a molecular matchmaker, MinK governs Kv channel inactivation rate and, potentially, cellular excitability and refractory periods.
Oral Intubation Using a Lighted Stylet vs Direct Laryngoscopy in Older Children with Cervical Immobilization

Objective:To compare the tracheal intubation success rates of blind oral intubation using a lighted stylet vs standard of direct laryngoscopy in anesthetized pediatric patients wearing rigid cervical collars Methods: Seventy–eight children were randomly assigned to method of intubation (lighted stylet or direct laryngoscopy) and intubator; five patients were excluded after randomization. After sedation and paralysis, the patients were placed in rigid cervical spine collars to simulate intubating conditions for trauma patients. Three attempts at intubation were allowed. An observer recorded the following parameters during the procedure: 1) number of intubation attempts, 2) duration of each intubation attempt, and 3) complications. The intubators had limited prior experience with the lighted stylet technique. Results: Thirty–three patients were in the lighted stylet group and 40 were in the laryngoscopy group. The patients in the lighted stylet group required more attempts prior to successful intubation (2.2 vs 1.5, p < 0.01), and the success rate was higher for the laryngoscopy group (26/33 vs 39/40, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Blind oral intubation using a lighted stylet under controlled conditions took longer than direct laryngoscopy. However, among those successful on the first intubation attempt, the times to intubation were not significantly different between groups (44.5 vs 52.9 sec). The lighted stylet technique is a viable alternative technique for intubating children who have concurrent cervical spine immobilization.
New developments in the treatment of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol represent an important risk factor for the development and progression of coronary artery disease. In recent years, clinical outcome studies have verified that statin therapy may reduce the risk of initial or recurrent cardiovascular events in subjects with elevated or “normal” cholesterol levels. Subgroup analysis has also revealed that patients with low HDL benefit from this therapy. Two recently presented outcome trials using fibrate therapy also demonstrated a potential role for these medications in subjects with low HDL. The use of various HDL raising agents, singly or in combination on arteriographic progression and their potential mechanisms of action are reviewed. The latter may be an important consideration in the treatment of high-risk patients with low HDL.
Reproductive Experience and Expression of Dopamine D2 Receptor mRNA: A Possible Mechanism for Reduced Prolactin Secretion in Primiparous Rats

Reproductive experience (i.e. pregnancy and lactation) leads to reduced levels of circulating prolactin in both women and rats. Stimulation of prolactin secretion by dopamine antagonists is also blunted following reproductive experience in both species. Whereas a parity-induced reduction in haloperidol-stimulated prolactin secretion is evident in ovariectomised rats, it is unknown whether a similar attenuation of prolactin secretion is present in reproductively experienced, cycling pro-oestrous rats. The present study examined this possibility. Moreover, to determine possible mechanisms involved in parity-mediated changes in prolactin secretion, both dopamine utilisation within the arcuate nucleus/median eminence and expression of dopamine D 2 receptor mRNA (short and long forms) in the anterior pituitary were measured across the afternoon of pro-oestrous in reproductively experience and inexperienced females. Prolactin secretion was lower on the afternoon of pro-oestrous in primiparous females compared to age-matched, nulliparous controls. In addition, haloperidol-stimulated prolactin secretion was reduced in ovariectomised, reproductively experienced females. Although no differences in dopamine utilisation were observed as a function of reproductive experience, parity did affect the expression of both forms of D 2 receptor mRNA in the anterior pituitary. Compared with nulliparous controls, primiparous females had increased D 2 long mRNA expression at 12.00 h on pro-oestrous as well as increased D 2 short mRNA expression at 14.00 h. Because the ratio of D 2 long /D2 short can significantly effect lactotroph proliferation and prolactin secretion, a shift in relative expression of the two D 2 receptor isoforms within the anterior pituitary of parous females may help account for the reduction in prolactin secretion that occurs following reproductive experience.
Effect of erythromycin, thiocymetin, and three other antibiotics on Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae in the chick embryo.

Summary and DiscussionFive broad spectrum antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents have been tested for their relative effectiveness in suppressing L. icterohemorrhagiae infections in chick embryos. The drugs may be ranked in the following order of potency: erythromycin >penicillin G > streptomycin >aureomycin >thiocymetin > chloramphenicol. These results indicate that erythromycin is potentially a valuable aid to leptospirosis therapy. This must be tested in experimental animals in comparison with penicillin and streptomycin before any more definite statement can be made.
Product integration for finite-part singular integral equations: numerical asymptotics and convergence acceleration

Abstract We consider equations of the form ƒ(x)=g(x)+ƒ b a k(x,t) ƒ(t) (t−x)α dt, a > x > b, for integral α>1 and where the integral is taken in the Hadamard or finite-part sense (Davis and Rabinowitz (1984, pp. 11–13), Hadamard (1952, pp. 133–141), Paget (1981, p.447)). Such equations occur in fracture mechanics, gas radiation and fluid flow (Kaya and Erdogan (1987)). In particular, we study a variety of examples with α=2, k(x,t)=1 and [a, b]=[0,1]. In order to investigate the dependence of error upon the differentiability of the solution we construct equations whose solutions are x;v for many rational and integral values of v in the interval [-2, 10]. In addition, we compute cases where the solution function is discontinuous, or continuous but not differentiable, at an interior point of the interval. Based solely upon the empirical error analysis, a single extrapolation technique was developed which universally enhanced convergence.
Influence of Preexistent Donor Coronary Artery Disease on the Progression of Transplant Vasculopathy An Intravascular Ultrasound Study

Background Transplant vasculopathy (TxCAD) limits long-term survival of allograft recipients. The possibility that preexistent donor coronary disease (PEDD) might accelerate this process is of concern. The serial progression of sites with and without PEDD as assessed by intravascular ultrasonic imaging is explored in this study. Methods and Results Thirty patients with baseline intravascular imaging within 3 weeks of cardiac transplantation who had at least one annual follow-up study were included in this study. Vessel luminal area (LA), total area (TA), intimal index (II=TA−LA/TA), mean intimal thickness (MIT), and Stanford classification were expressed for each image site and for each patient at each study. Progression of sites and of patients with and without PEDD on the baseline study was compared. Patients with PEDD (n=9) still had significantly more intimal disease than those without PEDD (n=21) at the first follow-up study (MIT=0.35±0.13 versus 0.13±0.11 mm; II=0.29±0.11 versus 0.11±0.1; class=3.7±0.5 versus 2.2±0.94; P 1 year. Conclusions PEDD does not accelerate the progression of TxCAD within the first few years after cardiac transplantation. The pathophysiology of TxCAD is most likely immune mediated and does not seem to be accelerated by native coronary artery disease.
A simple technique to reduce clock jitter effects in continuous-time delta-sigma modulators

Continuous-time Delta-Sigma modulators are very sensitive to clock jitter effects. In this paper, we present a simple technique to reduce clock jitter effects. The technique employs two delayed elements to generate a feedback current waveform with a fixed-width return-to-zero time period, followed a fixed- width time period for active feedback, which is followed by another variable return-to-zero time period subject to clock jitter. It has been shown in the paper through behavioral simulation models that this technique is very effective to reduce independent clock jitter effects.
Treatment of Metronidazole-Resistant Trichomonas vaginalis With Tinidazole: Case Reports of Three Patients

Metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis has been reported across the United States. Some reports have suggested that clinically resistant cases could be increasing. Currently, metronidazole is the only drug available to treat trichomoniasis, including resistant cases. In such cases, treatment usually consists of giving higher and more prolonged doses of metronidazole, which patients are often unable to tolerate. Tinidazole, a second-generation nitroimidazole currently under development in the United States, has been shown to be an effective therapy in resistant T. vaginalis. Tinidazole appears to have several advantages over metronidazole, including greater in vitro potency against both sensitive and resistant strains of T. vaginalis, a more prolonged duration of action, and improved patient tolerability. This report describes the successful use of tinidazole in 3 cases of clinically metronidazole-resistant trichomoniasis.
A REVIEW OF THE CERATOPHYLLID SUBFAMILY DACTYLOPSYLLINAE. PART 2. DACTYLOPSYLLA JORDAN, 1929, AND FOXELLA WAGNER, 1929 (SIPHONAPTERA: CERATOPHYLLIDAE)

ABSTRACT There are three genera of fleas that are specific ectoparasites of the North American pocket gophers (Rodentia: Geomyidae): Spicata I. Fox, 1940, Dactylopsylla Jordan, 1929, and Foxella Wagner, 1929. All belong to the subfamily Dactylopsyllinae (Ceratophyllidae) and are restricted to the Nearctic Region of North and Central America. Seven species of Dactylopsylla Jordan, 1929, and the 14 named taxa of Foxella Wagner, 1929 are reviewed here with respect to their taxonomic affinities, distribution and host preferences. Dactylopsylla bluei psilos Prince and Stark, 1951, is a new synonym of Dactylopsylla bluei (C. Fox, 1909). Foxella (Afoxella) macgregori Barrera, 1953, is synonymized with Foxella (Afoxella) mexicana I. Fox, 1939. The remaining taxa are each briefly discussed with respect to their type data, nomenclatural history and non-genitalic characters. The following 11 names are new synonyms of Foxella (Foxella) ignota (Baker, 1895) and are not accorded subspecies status as done by previous au...
Effect of a modular extensive green roof on stormwater runoff and water quality

Abstract Runoff quantity and quality from a 248 m 2 extensive green roof and a control were compared in Connecticut using a paired watershed study. Weekly and individual rain storm samples of runoff and precipitation were analyzed for TKN, NO 3 + NO 2 –N, NH 3 –N, TP, PO 4 –P, and total and dissolved Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Hg. The green roof watershed retained 51.4% of precipitation during the study period based on area extrapolation. Overall, the green roof retained 34% more precipitation than predicted by the paired watershed calibration equation. TP and PO 4 –P mean concentrations in green roof runoff were higher than in precipitation but lower than in runoff from the control. The green roof was a sink for NH 3 –N, Zn, and Pb, but not for TP, PO 4 –P, and total Cu. It also reduced the mass export of TN, TKN, NO 3 + NO 2 –N, Hg, and dissolved Cu primarily through a reduction in stormwater runoff. Greater than 90% of the total Cu, Hg, and Zn concentrations in the green roof runoff were in the dissolved form. The growing media and slow release fertilizer were probable sources of P and Cu in green roof runoff. Overall, the green roof was effective in reducing stormwater runoff and overall pollutant loading for most water quality contaminants.
Terconazole cream for non-Candida albicans fungal vaginitis: Results of a retrospective analysis

Objective: Although it is FDA-approved for use in vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by non-Candida albicans species, terconazole cream has not been been studied in patients with these infections. We sought to assess the clinical and mycological efficacy of terconazole cream in women with non-C. albicans vaginitis.
Steroid metabolism by the bovine uterine endometrium and conceptus.

A comparison was undertaken of the in vitro ability of two uterine -specific tissues, viz endo metrium and conceptus, to metabolize neutral steroids. Tissues were obtained at slaughter from 55 cows on Days (D) 16, 19, 23 and 27 postbreeding. D16 and D19 uteri which did not contain any products of conception were designated nonpregnant (NP); those bearing membranes, pregnant (P). Endometrial (500 mg) and conccptus (intact or halved) tissues (n-227) were incubated in minimal essential media (MEM) with 10 ng isotopically labeled progesterone (P4) or androstenedione (A). Extent of metabolism and qualitative appraisal of steroid metabolites were determined after extraction and separation through chromatographic columns before and after chemical conversion procedures. Identification and quantification of metabolites were verified by recrystallization to constant specific activity with authentic radioinert parent compounds. Both substrates were metabolized extensively by tissues, with more metabolism occurring in 3 than in 1 h (P<0.OO1). Endometrial tissue metabolized similar amounts of P4/mg tissue on D16 and D19 irrespective of reproductive status (P vs. NP) or the location of tissue within the uterus. However, D27 endometrial tissue metabolized more P4 (P<0.01) than that from D16 or D19 (59.1 ± 2.6% vs. 44.0 ± 2.3%) of pregnancy. Major metabolites produced by endometrial tissue were hydroxylated So -reduced steroids, most notably So -pregnane - 3t , 20t -diol from P4 and So -androstane - 3�, 1 7� -diol from A. In contrast, conceptus tissue metabolized sub strates extensively to 5p-reduced steroids, Identified were 3a-hydroxy-Sp-pregnan-20-one and 5$-pregnane- 3o, 20o-diol from P4 and 3ce-hydroxy-5�-androstan- 17-one and 5�-androstane3a, 17o-diol from A. In addition, metabolism of A but not P4 resulted in production of small quantities (<200 pg) of estrone and estradiol-17a. The implications of the differential types of metabolites and extents of metabolism of P4 and A are discussed in relation to reproductive status of the cow.
Environmental and organismal predictors of intraspecific variation in the stoichiometry of a neotropical freshwater fish

The elemental composition of animals, or their organismal stoichiometry, is thought to constrain their contribution to nutrient recycling, their interactions with other animals, and their demographic rates. Factors that affect organismal stoichiometry are generally poorly understood, but likely reflect elemental investments in morphological features and life history traits, acting in concert with the environmental availability of elements. We assessed the relative contribution of organismal traits and environmental variability to the stoichiometry of an insectivorous Neotropical stream fish, Rivulus hartii. We characterized the influence of body size, life history phenotype, stage of maturity, and environmental variability on organismal stoichiometry in 6 streams that differ in a broad suite of environmental variables. The elemental composition of R. hartii was variable, and overlapped with the wide range of elemental composition documented across freshwater fish taxa. Average %P composition was ∼3.2%(±0.6), average %N∼10.7%(±0.9), and average %C∼41.7%(±3.1). Streams were the strongest predictor of organismal stoichiometry, and explained up to 18% of the overall variance. This effect appeared to be largely explained by variability in quality of basal resources such as epilithon N∶P and benthic organic matter C∶N, along with variability in invertebrate standing stocks, an important food source for R. hartii. Organismal traits were weak predictors of organismal stoichiometry in this species, explaining when combined up to 7% of the overall variance in stoichiometry. Body size was significantly and positively correlated with %P, and negatively with N∶P, and C∶P, and life history phenotype was significantly correlated with %C, %P, C∶P and C∶N. Our study suggests that spatial variability in elemental availability is more strongly correlated with organismal stoichiometry than organismal traits, and suggests that the stoichiometry of carnivores may not be completely buffered from environmental variability. We discuss the relevance of these findings to ecological stoichiometry theory.
Optically pumped potassium vapor laser

We present an optically pumped continuous wave Potassium vapor laser operating in a single longitudinal and a single transverse mode at 770 nm. The measured value of the slope efficiency was 20%.
The Mouse Blood-Brain Barrier Transcriptome: A New Resource for Understanding the Development and Function of Brain Endothelial Cells

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintains brain homeostasis and limits the entry of toxins and pathogens into the brain. Despite its importance, little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating the development and function of this crucial barrier. In this study we have developed methods to highly purify and gene profile endothelial cells from different tissues, and by comparing the transcriptional profile of brain endothelial cells with those purified from the liver and lung, we have generated a comprehensive resource of transcripts that are enriched in the BBB forming endothelial cells of the brain. Through this comparison we have identified novel tight junction proteins, transporters, metabolic enzymes, signaling components, and unknown transcripts whose expression is enriched in central nervous system (CNS) endothelial cells. This analysis has identified that RXRalpha signaling cascade is specifically enriched at the BBB, implicating this pathway in regulating this vital barrier. This dataset provides a resource for understanding CNS endothelial cells and their interaction with neural and hematogenous cells.
Mid-node admissible spaces for quadratic triangular 2D finite elements with one edge curved

A robust element distortion metric, based on the new concept of mid-node admissible spaces, for two-dimensional quadratic triangular finite elements is developed. The metric is based on the Jacobian determinant over the entire element, without requiring that it actually be computed everywhere on the element. The metric is relatively inexpensive to compute, especially for mildly distoted elements. The metric is able to detect elementsof poor quality that other distortion metrics fall to detect. It also has the ability to approve elements of good quality regardless of the extent to which they may appear geometrically distorted. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequent Silencing of the GPC3 Gene in Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines

GPC3 encodes a glypican integral membrane protein and is mutated in the Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome. Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome, an X-linked condition, is characterized by pre- and postnatal overgrowth as well as by various other abnormalities, including increased risk of embryonal tumors. The GPC3 gene is located at Xq26, a region frequently deleted in advanced ovarian cancers. To determine whether GPC3 is a tumor suppressor in ovarian neoplasia, we studied its expression and mutational status in 13 ovarian cancer cell lines. No mutations were found in GPC3 , but its expression was lost in four (31%) of the cell lines analyzed. In all of the cases where GPC3 expression was lost, the GPC3 promoter was hypermethylated, as demonstrated by Southern analysis. Expression of GPC3 was restored by treatment of the cells with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine. A colony-forming assay confirmed that ectopic GPC3 expression inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cell lines. Our results show that GPC3 , a gene involved in the control of organ growth, is frequently inactivated in a subset of ovarian cancers and suggest that it may function as a tumor suppressor in the ovary.
Workshop - how to teach and assess design of experiments

The ability to design experiments is a new requirement for engineering graduates introduced by ABET Engineering Criteria 2000 (Criterion 3, Outcome b). This requirement presents new challenges for engineering educators and students alike. The challenge for educators lies in the fact that traditional laboratory experiences typically include well-structured experiments that leave little room for design. Hence, there is a need to re-design at least some of these experiences, to make them more open-ended. The challenge for students lies in the fact that they are used to "cookbook" experiments, hence they find open-ended laboratories difficult. The Inquiry Continuum will be used as a tool to define the process and the skills necessary for the design of engineering experiments. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to apply this process in one of their laboratory courses. Results from the successful implementation of such a process in a variety of engineering disciplines will also be presented. The workshop format will combine direct instruction, individual practice, interaction among the participants, and discussion.
Transmission Loading Relief (TLR) and hour-ahead ATC

In open-access electricity markets, the reservations of transmission services are based on data resulting from the offline computation of Available Transfer Capability (ATC). When ATC data is inaccurate or misused, security violations can emerge and cause operators and operations planners to invoke Transmission Loading Relief (TLR) procedures. The paper illustrates the relationship between TLR and ATC, and presents possible approaches to reducing the need to invoke TLR procedures while improving the utilization of the transmission system.
Submicron scaling of HBTs

The variation of heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) bandwidth with scaling is reviewed. High bandwidths are obtained by thinning the base and collector layers, increasing emitter current density, decreasing emitter contact resistivity, and reducing the emitter and collector junction widths. In mesa HBTs, minimum dimensions required for the base contact impose a minimum width for the collector junction, frustrating device scaling. Narrow collector junctions can be obtained by using substrate transfer or collector-undercut processes or, if contact resistivity is greatly reduced, by reducing the width of the base ohmic contacts in a mesa structure. HBTs with submicron collector junctions exhibit extremely high f/sub max/ and high gains in mm-wave ICs. Transferred-substrate HBTs have obtained 21 dB unilateral power gain at 100 GHz. If extrapolated at -20 dB/decade, the power gain cutoff frequency f/sub max/ is 1.1 THz. f/sub max/ will be less than 1 THz if unmodeled electron transport physics produce a >20 dB/decade variation in power gain at frequencies above 110 GHz. Transferred-substrate HBTs have obtained 295 GHz f/sub T/. The substrate transfer process provides microstrip interconnects on a low-/spl epsiv//sub r/ polymer dielectric with a electroplated gold ground plane. Important wiring parasitics, including wiring capacitance, and ground via inductance are substantially reduced. Demonstrated ICs include lumped and distributed amplifiers with bandwidths to 85 GHz and per-stage gain-bandwidth products over 400 GHz, and master-slave latches operating at 75 GHz.
Design of the supervised asthma therapy study: implementing an adherence intervention in urban elementary schools.

Background Inhaled corticosteroids, when properly used, can offer considerable protection against asthma-related morbidity. However, adherence to prescribed inhaled steroids among children is low and rates differ markedly by population. The lowest rates of adherence and highest rates of morbidity are among inner-city and low income populations.
Resource Use and Nesting Behavior of Megachile prosopidis and M. chilopsidis with Notes on M. discorhina (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

Abstract The nesting behavior of Megachile prosopidis Cockerell, Megachile chilopsidis Cockerell, and Megachile discorhina Cockerell was studied in trap nests placed near Tucson, Arizona. Quantitative differences among the five distinct nest plugs made by M. prosopidis are described. The nest plugs fall into three structural types. The first layer of capping material deposited in the first structural type is sand and an unidentified oral secretion mixed to form a hard layer. In the second structural type, the first layer is made of soft resin mixed with sand or organic matter. A third, less common, structural type includes those nests capped with pure resin. The dominant pollen host plant species was identified as Cercidium microphyllum (Torr.) Rose and Johnston (Fabaceae). Two other legumes, Prosopis velutina Wooton and Olneya tesota A. Gray, became important pollen sources late in the nesting season. Resin samples taken from the nest caps were indistinguishable, by gas chromatography, from resin of Ence...
A PSF equalization technique for the Multi-Order Solar Extreme-ultraviolet Spectrograph (MOSES)

The Multi-Order Solar Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrograph (MOSES) is a rocket-borne slitless imaging spectrometer, designed to observe He II (30.4 nm) emission in the solar transition region. This instrument forms three simultaneous images at spectral orders m=−1, 0, +1 over an extended field of view (FOV). A multi-layer coating on the grating and thin film filters in front of the detectors defines the instrument passband. Each image contains a unique combination of spectral and spatial information. Our overarching goal in analyzing these data is to estimate a spectral line profile at every point in the FOV. Each spectral order has different image geometry, and therefore different aberrations. Since the point spread function (PSF) differs between any two images, systematic errors are introduced when we use all three images together to invert for spectral line profiles. To combat this source of systematic error, we have developed a PSF equalization scheme. Determination of the image PSFs is impractical for several reasons, including changes that may occur due to vibration during both launch and recovery operations. We have therefore developed a strategy using only the solar images obtained during flight to generate digital filters that modify each image so that they have the same effective PSF. Generation of the PSF equalization filters does not require that the PSFs themselves be known. Our approach begins with the assumption that there are only two things that cause the power spectra of our images to differ: (1) aberrations; and (2) the FOV average spectral line profile, which is known in principle from an abundance of historical data. To validate our technique, we generate three synthetic images with three different PSFs. We compare PSF equalizations performed without knowledge of the PSF to corrections performed with that knowledge. Finally, we apply PSF equalization to solar images obtained in the 2006 MOSES flight and demonstrate the removal of artifacts.
Dynamic Load Balancing and Scheduling for Parallel Power System Dynamic Contingency Analysis

Power system simulations involving solution of thousands of stiff differential and algebraic equations (DAE) are extremely computationally intensive and yet crucial for grid security and reliability. Online simulation of minutes to hours for a large number of contingencies requires computational efficiency several orders of magnitude greater than what is todays state-of-the-art. We have developed an optimized simulator for single contingency analysis using efficient numerical algorithms implementation for solving DAE, and scaled it up for large-scale contingency analysis using MPI. A prototype parallel high speed extended term simulator (HSET) on in-house high performance computing (HPC) resources at Iowa State University (ISU) (namely Cystorm Supercomputer) is being developed. Since the simulation times across contingencies vary considerably, we have focused our efforts towards development of efficient scheduling algorithms through work stealing for maximal resource utilization and minimum overhead to perform faster than real time analysis. This chapter introduces a novel implementation of dynamic load balancing algorithm for dynamic contingency analysis. Results indicate potential for significant improvements over the state-of-the-art methods especially master-slave based load balancing typically used in power system community. Simulations of thousands of contingencies on a large real system were conducted and computational savings and scalability results are reported.