cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of curium spontaneous fission neutrons for safeguardability of remotely-handled nuclear facilities: Fuel fabrication in pyroprocessing

Abstract Advanced nuclear reactor systems (NESs) will utilize remotely-handled facilities in which batch-type processing will occur in hot cells. There are no current formalized criteria for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards for these systems. This creates new challenges to develop methodologies for demonstrating the safeguardability of these facilities. A High Reliability Safeguards (HRS) approach therefore has been proposed to enhance intrinsic proliferation resistance by establishing an envelope of adaptable functional components as part of a facility design strategy. Additionally, system assessment can be modeled concurrently with safety and physical security by a risk-informed approach. The HRS approach is currently applied to a commercial pyroprocessing facility as an example system. A scoping study is presented as the first in a series of quantitative modeling efforts to extend the HRS approach. These efforts currently focus on investigating the magnitude of neutron fluxes due to spontaneous fission of curium for commercial batch sizes and held up materials for important processes in the system. Here, the fuel fabrication process is studied. The intent of these initial studies is to learn how the intrinsic properties of materials in the pyroprocessing system will affect facility design and safeguards. The model presented in this paper is intended to be adaptable to more practical and complex scenarios in order to evaluate the safeguardability of remotely-handled nuclear facilities.
Influence of Polyethylene Glycols on the Hemolytic Activity of Phenolic Preservatives

The influence of polyethylene glycols on the response of rabbit erythrocytes to hemolytic concentrations of phenol, m -cresol, and p -chlorophenol has been determined. Through their interactions with each of these preservative agents, the polyethylene glycols were capable of preventing hemolysis. The higher molecular weight polymers were more effective complexing agents than those with lower degrees of polymerization. The ability of phenol and polyethylene glycols to interact was enhanced by the presence of sodium chloride. The hemolytic method represents a new approach in appraising phenolic–polyethylene glycol interactions and consequent preservative availability.
Simpler problems for elastic Cosserat surfaces

For elastic Cosserat surfaces, we discuss an attempt to characterize cases where the equations can be reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations.
Coincidence of times for thermal decay of trapped electrons in γ-irradiated 3-methylpentane at 77°K by electron spin resonance and optical observations

Abstract Agreement has been obtained between ESR and optical measurements on the decay of trapped electrons in identical samples of γ-irradiated 3-methylpentane at 77°K.
A factorial approach to job families.

This is an experimental study of the application of factor analysis to a new domain—the formation of job families. Correlations between jobs are computed from the formula based on the number of common elements between two variables and the job analyses provide the basic data on the presence or absence of the elements. A first-order general factor and four common factors are obtained in a small sample of twenty occupations. Tentative interpretations are made and implications for job analysis and the formation of job families are pointed out.
Selective blockade of axonogenesis in cultured hippocampal neurons by the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor orthovanadate

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation has been implicated in several aspects of neurite outgrowth regulation. To address specific roles in early neuronal morphogenesis, hippocampal neurons in culture were treated with the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor orthovanadate. This treatment completely suppressed axon formation, yet enhanced formation of minor neurites. The inhibition of axonogenesis was dose dependent and occurred in parallel with a marked increase in cellular phosphotyrosine immunoreactivity, which was especially concentrated within neuritic growth cones and showed partial colocalization with f-actin. Both the blockade of axonogenesis and the elevation of phosphotyrosine were completely reversible. An additional and unexpected effect of orthovanadate was the appearance of many binucleate neurons. Immunoblotting experiments using a phosphotyrosine-specific antibody revealed an orthovanadate-induced reversible hyperphosphorylation of several protein bands, especially of two at 115 and 125 kD. These data suggest a potentially important role for tyrosine phosphatases and their phosphoprotein substrates in axonogenesis.
Gravity profiles across the Cheyenne Belt, a precambrian crustal suture in southeastern Wyoming

Abstract Geologic discontinuities across the Cheyenne Belt of southeastern Wyoming have led to interpretations that this boundary is a major crustal suture separating the Archaean Wyoming Province to the north from accreted Proterozoic island arc terrains to the south. Gravity profiles across the Cheyenne Belt in three Precambrian-cored Laramide uplifts show a north to south decrease in gravity values of 50–100 mgal. These data indicate that the Proterozoic crust is more felsic (less dense) and/or thicker than Archaean crust. Seismic refraction data show thicker crust (48–54 km) in Colorado than in Wyoming (37–41 km). We model the gravity profiles in two ways: 1) thicker crust to the south and a south-dipping ramp in the Moho beneath and just south of the Cheyenne Belt; 2) thicker crust to the south combined with a mid-crustal density decrease of about 0.05 g/cm 3 . Differences in crustal thickness may have originated 1700 Ma ago because: 1) the gravity gradient is spatially related to the Cheyenne Belt which has been immobile since about 1650 Ma ago; 2) the N-S gradient is perpendicular to the trend of gravity gradients associated with local Laramide uplifs and sub-perpendicular to regional long-wavelength Laramide gradients and is therefore probably not a Laramide feature. Thus, gravity data support the interpretation that the Cheyenne Belt is a Proterozoic suture zone separating terrains of different crustal structure. The gravity “signature” of the Cheyenne Belt is different from “S”-shaped gravity anomalies associated with Proterozoic sutures of the Canadian Shield which suggests fundamental differences between continent-continent and island arc-continent collisional processes.
Washo Peyote Songs

T HE Washo people of Nevada and California have been described linguistically as a small Hokan-speaking group among the Shoshonean-speaking peoples of the Great Basin (Kroeber 1907; Lowie 1939). They formerly inhabited a relatively abundant territory extending from Honey Lake in the north to Antelope Valley and Sonora Pass in the south, and from the Pinenut Range east of Carson Valley in Nevada to Lake Tahoe and the summit of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains of California in the west. Present population is variously reported at between 400 and 1000 individuals; the figures on file at the Nevada Indian Agency in Stewart, Nevada, support the larger estimates. The Washo were formerly distributed in small, band-like communities composed of semi-exogamous extended families which made use of the full range of their diversified setting in hunting and gathering, and were thus a highly mobile population. In recent times, however, there has been an increasing tendency to cluster in small colonies in or near the older white settlements of Nevada and California, and on the few remaining allotment acres provided by the government many years ago. The major source of money-income for families is provided by those members who are employed as laborers on road-construction gangs, ranches, and farms. A few women work as servants in the towns and resorts. There is little use of the land for agricultural purposes, while hunting, fishing, and gathering still provide an important part of subsistence. Despite the often drastic conditions of acculturation during the past one hundred years, the Washo have maintained considerable homogeneity as an ethnic and cultural minority.
Asking questions of retarded persons: a comparison of yes-no and either-or formats.

Abstract In view of evidence that mentally retarded persons frequently acquiesce when asked yes-no questions, these readily answered questions were systematically compared to either-or questions on the same topics in interviews with four samples of mentally retarded children and adults. Although slightly fewer interviewees could answer either-or questions than could answer yes-no questions, either-or questions yielded answers that were more consistent from wording to wording, less invalidated by systematic response bias, and somewhat more in agreement with answers given by outside informants, either attendants or parents. The use of pictures in conjunction with either-or questions, while failing to produce significant improvements, tended to increase responsiveness and eliminate the slight bias toward choosing the last of the two options that characterized answers to verbal either-or questions.
Surgical treatment for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Once considered a uniformly fatal condition, the outlook for newborns with hypoplastic left heart syndrome has been dramatically improved with either a protocol of staged reconstruction or cardiac transplantation. Currently, a significant shortage of suitable donor hearts restricts the applicability of transplantation for most newborns. At the University of Michigan, we have adopted a policy of staged reconstruction for all patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, reserving transplantation only for those unsuitable for reconstructive techniques. Between January 1990 and September 1998, 303 patients underwent the Norwood operation for classic hypoplastic left heart syndrome with an overall hospital survival of 76%. Among patients considered at standard risk, survival was significantly higher (86%) than that for those patients with important risk factors (42%), p=0.0001. Adverse survival was most strongly associated with significant associated noncardiac congenital conditions (p=0.008) and severe preoperative obstruction to pulmonary venous return (p=0.03). Survival following second stage reconstruction with a hemi-Fontan or bidirectional Glenn procedure was 98%. The Fontan procedure has been completed in 117 of these patients with a hospital survival rate of 91%. Survival after the Fontan procedure improved significantly when the second stage of the reconstruction was completed with a hemi-Fontan procedure compared to a bidirectional Glenn, 98% vs 81%, p<.05. Among the patients considered at standard risk, actuarial survival was 70% at 5 years. The largest decrease in survival occurred in the first month of life and late deaths affected primarily those patients in the high risk group. Neurodevelopmental outcome studies demonstrated normal verbal and performance scores in the majority of patients. Among centers utilizing a protocol of transplantation, donor organ shortages have resulted in a mortality of approximately 25% while awaiting transplantation with 5 year survival rates for those actually receiving organs essentially equal to those for staged reconstruction. Staged reconstruction and transplantation have significantly improved the intermediate-term outlook for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Factors addressing improvements in early first stage survival following the Norwood would be expected to add significantly to an overall improved late outcome. Outcome following cardiac transplantation is limited by donor availability in addition to the late complications of infection, rejection, graft atherosclerosis, and lymphoproliferative disease.
Liapunov functions for autonomous systems of second order.

LCL /Liapunov, Cetaev and LaSalle/ functions for autonomous systems of second order extended to more general differential equation systems
Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Humic Acid by Palladium-Modified Nitrogen-Doped Titanium Oxide

Palladium-modified nitrogen-doped titanium oxide (TiON/PdO) nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol–gel process, for visible-light-induced photocatalysis using humic acid (HA) as a target. Our work shows that palladium modification has strong effects on the optical and photocatalytic properties of nitrogen-doped titanium oxide (TiON) photocatalysts. TiON/PdO nanoparticles demonstrated an enhanced photocatalytic activity over TiON within a narrow range of palladium concentration. Beyond this range, the adverse effect of palladium modification was observed in the visible-light-induced degradation of HA. The effects of palladium modification are discussed in terms of its role in controlling electron–hole recombination.
15-Lipoxygenase-1 Metabolites Down-regulate Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ via the MAPK Signaling Pathway *

Human colon tumors have elevated levels of 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LO-1), suggesting that 15-LO-1 may play a role in the development of colorectal cancer. Also, 15-LO-1 metabolites can up-regulate epidermal growth factor signaling pathways, which results in an increase in mitogenesis. However, metabolites of 15-LO-1 can serve as ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), and activation of this receptor causes most colon cancer cell lines to undergo a differentiative response and reverse their malignant phenotype. Hence, the role 15-LO-1 plays in colon cancer is not clear. To clarify the role of 15-LO-1 in carcinogenesis, the effect of 15-LO-1 and its metabolites on epidermal growth factor signaling and PPARgamma was investigated. In HCT-116 cells, exogenously added 15-LO-1 metabolites, 13-(S)-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, 13-(R)-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, and 13-(S)-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid, up-regulated the MAPK signaling pathway, and an increase in PPARgamma phosphorylation was observed. Furthermore, in stable overexpressing 15-LO-1 HCT-116 cells, which produce endogenous 15-LO-1 metabolites, an up-regulation in mitogen-activated protein kinase and PPARgamma phosphorylation was observed. Incubation with a MAPK inhibitor ablated MAPK and PPARgamma phosphorylation. The 15-LO-1 up-regulates MAPK activity and increases PPARgamma phosphorylation, resulting in a down-regulation of PPARgamma activity. Thus, 15-LO-1 metabolites may not only serve as ligands for PPARgamma but can down-regulate PPARgamma activity via the MAPK signaling pathway.
Analysis of α-, β-, and γ-ray emission probabilities

Abstract It is desirable to utilize all available alpha-particle, beta-particle, and gamma-ray data when determining emission probabilities. Additional constraints from the decay scheme should also be considered. All data can be included in a fully constrained, covariance analysis to obtain a self-consistent set of emission probabilities. Renormalization of data measured on separate relative probability scales will also be discussed.
Design of efficient FIR filters using cyclotomic polynomial prefilters

The authors present an efficient FIR (finite impulse response) filter design algorithm that generalizes existing cascaded FIR prefilter-equalizer methods. They propose using cyclotomic polynomial building blocks to form a multiplierless prefilter with impressive stopband performance, and provide a straightforward strategy for choosing the polynomials to match the filter specifications. A uniformly space equalizer is optimally (L/sub infinity /) designed via a modified Parks-McClellan algorithm, or a more efficient, nonuniformly spaced equalizer is optimally (weighted L/sub 2/) designed using complex basis function subset selection methods. These techniques, which can be applied to a broad class of filter design problems, typically provide a 35-85% reduction in the number of additions and multiplications required, with a cost of 10-45% additional delays. >
CRITICAL POINT PREDICTION USING A MULTI-FLUID GENERALIZED CORRESPONDING STATES PRINCIPLE

Abstract The Generalized Corresponding States Principle (GCSP), based on the properties of two non-spherical reference fluids, offers flexibility and ease of computation for the prediction of thermodynamic and transport properties of pure fluids and fluid mixtures. In this work, the multi-fluid GCSP is used for the calculation of the critical properties of mixtures. Classes of mixtures studied include those containing: (1) simple spherical molecules; (2) large quasi-spherical molecules such as the cyclosiloxanes; (3) both spherical and large nonspherical molecules such as those important in supercritical extraction and hydrocarbon processing; and (4) molecules exhibiting strong dipole moments. The advantages of the GCSP method are outlined, particularly for fluids not usually amenable to conventional corresponding states treatments.
Aerodynamics of the hovering hummingbird

Since the first high-speed films were taken of hummingbirds nearly seventy years ago, it has been assumed that their mirror-image upstroke and downstroke shared the burden of weight support roughly equally. This led to the view that in hovering flight hummingbirds have converged — both biomechanically, and aerodynamically — on the flight style adopted by insects. A new study of the aerodynamics of the hovering hummingbird shows that while they share some aerodynamic ‘tricks’ with insects, they remain birds. They have a bird-like aerofoil and produce a downstroke three times as effective at generating lift as the upstroke. Despite profound musculoskeletal differences, hummingbirds (Trochilidae) are widely thought to employ aerodynamic mechanisms similar to those used by insects. The kinematic symmetry of the hummingbird upstroke and downstroke1,2,3 has led to the assumption that these halves of the wingbeat cycle contribute equally to weight support during hovering, as exhibited by insects of similar size4. This assumption has been applied, either explicitly or implicitly, in widely used aerodynamic models1,5,6,7 and in a variety of empirical tests8,9. Here we provide measurements of the wake of hovering rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) obtained with digital particle image velocimetry that show force asymmetry: hummingbirds produce 75% of their weight support during the downstroke and only 25% during the upstroke. Some of this asymmetry is probably due to inversion of their cambered wings during upstroke. The wake of hummingbird wings also reveals evidence of leading-edge vortices created during the downstroke, indicating that they may operate at Reynolds numbers sufficiently low to exploit a key mechanism typical of insect hovering10,11. Hummingbird hovering approaches that of insects, yet remains distinct because of effects resulting from an inherently dissimilar—avian—body plan.
Expert system approach in design of mechanical components

The present investigation is aimed toward the development of knowledge-based aids for the design of mechanical systems. We have developed and implemented the knowledgebased aid system, which includes MEET and DPMED. The basic approach of MEET follows along the lines ofDesign=Refinement+ Constraint Propagation. This approach has been proven successful in the circuit design domain. Our attempts to utilize MEET have convinced us that we need to extend this methodology to solve mechanical design problems. The DPMED methodology has been applied to design gear-pairs, v-belts, bearings, and shafts. Rules for selecting materials, critical design criteria, and so on are incorporated as part of the rule-system. In order for DPMED to select the design parameter values within the feasible design space, design criteria need to be investigated. Based on these criteria and input/output specifications, DPMED attempts to perform parameter selections. DPMED uses a general hill-climbing algorithm to guide the search.
An accurate wall temperature measurement using infrared thermometry with enhanced two-phase flow visualization in a convective boiling system

Abstract This paper presents an experimental strategy to achieve the accurate wall temperature measurement using infrared (IR) thermometry with the enhanced flow visualization. Our particular interest is focused on the measurement of two-phase flow parameters in a convective boiling system which involves a large heated area. For the present application, the important issues such as the design of test section and material selection were discussed along with our decision-making process. Then, the IR-based temperature tracking algorithm was established based on the multi-layer heater wall design proposed. To apply this algorithm, however, the optical properties of materials must be identified first. Thus, the optical features of selected materials, e.g., soda-lime glass and indium-tin-oxide (ITO) were investigated and the measured values were validated through experiments. The wall temperature tracking algorithm on the proposed heater wall design was validated both for steady-state and transient conditions. Also, such algorithm was proved to be applicable for the heat flux measurement. Finally, the feasibility of the present approach was demonstrated through a subcooled flow boiling experiment. The results showed that both the hydrodynamic motions of bubble and the corresponding wall temperature can be captured with high fidelity using the measurement strategy presented, from which the interrelation between the sliding vapor bubbles and the wall heat transfer were discussed.
pH‐Dependence in the Hydrolytic Action of the Human Fragile Histidine Triad

The human fragile histidine triad protein (Fhit) is a member of the HIT family of enzymes, which catalyze hydrolysis or nucleotidyltransfer reactions of dinucleoside polyphoshates. Fhit catalyzes the magnesium ion-dependent hydrolysis of P1–5′-O-adenosine-P3–5′-O-adenosine triphosphate (Ap3A) to adenosine-5′-O-phosphate (AMP) and the magnesium complex of adenosine-5′-O-diphosphate (ADP) by a double displacement mechanism, with the formation of an adenylyl enzyme as an intermediate. Fhit also catalyzes the hydrolysis of adenosine-5′-phosphoimidazolide (AMP-Im) and adenosine-5′-phospho-N-methylimidazolide (AMP-N-MeIm). The pH-dependence of these reactions is reported herein, in which the principal conclusions are as follows: The action of wild-type Fhit on MgAp3A is diffusion-limited and on AMP-Im and AMP-N-MeIm largely diffusion-limited and largely pH-independent. The actions of specifically mutated H96G-Fhit on AM-Im, and on AMP-N-MeIm, are not diffusion-limited and are pH-dependent. The actions of mutated forms of Fhit, H94G-Fhit, H98G-Fhit, and H94/98G-Fhit, are also not diffusion-limited and are pH-dependent. Log plots of kinetic parameters against pH show breaks that indicate a group on the enzyme must be protonated for maximal activity. Extensive analysis shows that the imidazole ring of His94 is not essential for the hydrolysis of MgAp3A or AMP-imidizolides, and the imidazole ring of His98 engages in binding the substrates. In the hydrolysis of AMP-Im, Fhit and its His94, His96, and His98 variants bind the monoanionic form of AMP-Im, and the proton required for formation of imidazole in the hydrolytic process originates with an acid/base group of the enzyme. Fhit and several variants also catalyze the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-AMP. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Premature termination from psychotherapy by adolescents

Every clinician has treated the adolescent who precipitously decides to terminate therapy before satisfactory resolution or diminution of the presenting symptoms. Most clinicians feel awkward, if not therapeutically impotent, when faced with an adolescent who is proclaiming a desire to stop treatment prematurely. A conceptual framework is presented in which the therapist takes an inclusive view of the adolescent and his/her world and tries to understand the meaning of premature termination at several levels: (1) the intrapsychic economy, (2) the dyadic relationship with the therapist, (3) the treatment approach, (4) the family system, and (5)’ other practical influences. Once the meaning is elucidated in a particular case, the therapist can then take steps to intervene at the most appropriate level in an empathic yet direct manner. Descriptions of these five levels along with illustrative case vignettes are provided.
Effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol administered subcutaneously to rabbits for 28 days

Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) to rabbits produced dose-related cumulative toxicity. Five groups of three New Zealand albino rabbits each received 28 daily treatments with isotonic saline, sesame oil of 15.9, 45.0 or 153.4 mg/kg/day of delta-9-THC dissolved in sesame oil. Dose-related dermal responses included erythema, edema, ulceration and nodule formation. Some of the granulomatous nodules contained an oily substance and exhibited liquefactive necrosis. The severities of erythema and ulceration were generally maximal during the first week of treatment, but edema and nodule formation were most severe after days 12 and 14, respectively. All rabbits survived treatment, but body weights, liver weights and liver glycogen levels were decreased in a dose-related manner. Maximal body weight effects occurred after day 19. Hemochemical changes occurred only in rabbits treated with 153.4 mg/kg/day and included decreased blood sugar and alkaline phosphatase, and increased serum potassium. Hematology parameters were normal throughout the treatment period. No drug-related pathological lesions occurred in internal organs. The cumulative body weight changes, significantly decreased hepatic glycogen levels and reduced blood sugar and alkaline phosphatase values may have indicated drug-induced metabolic changes.
Characterization of the Integrin αvβ3 in Arteriovenous Malformations and Cavernous Malformations

Background: Alpha V beta 3 (αvβ3) is an integrin specifically expressed on the endothelial cells of central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms. However, no data exist on the expression
Resource allocation in cube network systems based on the covering radius

When multiple copies of a certain resource exist in a cube network system, it is desirable that every nonresource node can reach the resource in a given number of hops. In this paper, we introduce systematic approaches to resource allocation in a cube system so that each nonresource node is connected with a specified number of resource copies and that the allocation performance measure of interest is optimized. The methodology used is based on the covering radius results of known codes. These codes aid in constructing desired linear codes whose codewords address nodes where resource copies are placed. The resource allocation problem is translated to an integer nonlinear program whose best possible solution can be identified quickly by taking advantage of basic properties derived from the known codes, yielding an optimal or near-optimal allocation result. Those basic properties lead to drastic time complexity reduction (up to several orders of magnitude smaller), in particular for large system sizes. Our approaches are applicable to any cube size, often arriving at more efficient allocation outcomes than what are attainable using prior schemes.
Development of multianalyte sensor arrays composed of chemically derivatized polymeric microspheres localized in micromachined cavities.

The development of a chip-based sensor array composed of individually addressable polystyrene−poly(ethylene glycol) and agarose microspheres has been demonstrated. The microspheres are selectively arranged in micromachined cavities localized on silicon wafers. These cavities are created with an anisotropic etch and serve as miniaturized reaction vessels and analysis chambers. A single drop of fluid provides sufficient analysis media to complete ∼100 assays in these microetch pits. The cavities possess pyramidal pit shapes with trans-wafer openings that allows for both fluid flow through the microreactors/analysis chambers and optical access to the chemically sensitive microspheres. Identification and quantitation of analytes occurs via colorimetric and fluorescence changes to receptor and indicator molecules that are covalently attached to termination sites on the polymeric microspheres. Spectral data are extracted from the array efficiently using a charge-coupled device allowing for the near-real-time di...
Aptitude treatment effects of laboratory grouping method for students of differing reasoning ability

This study examines aptitude treatment effects in an inquiry/learning cycle based physical science class for elementary education majors. The aptitude was formal reasoning ability and the students were arranged into three groups: high, middle, and low ability reasoners. The treatment was method of forming groups to work in the laboratory. Students in each of three classes were grouped according to reasoning ability. In one class the laboratory groups were homogeneous, i.e., students of similar reasoning ability were grouped together. In the second class the students were grouped heterogeneously, i.e., students of different reasoning ability were grouped together. In the third class, the student choice pattern, the students chose their own partners. The findings were that there were no aptitude treatment interaction for achievement or for gain in formal reasoning ability, that grouping students of similar cognitive ability together for laboratory work in the class was more effective in terms of science achievement than grouping students of differing cognitive ability together or than allowing students to choose their own partners, and that students at different levels of reasoning ability experienced differential gains in that ability over the semester.
A Bayesian model of binocular perception of 3D mirror symmetrical polyhedra

In our previous studies, we showed that monocular perception of 3D shapes is based on a priori constraints, such as 3D symmetry and 3D compactness. The present study addresses the nature of perceptual mechanisms underlying binocular perception of 3D shapes. First, we demonstrate that binocular performance is systematically better than monocular performance, and it is close to perfect in the case of three out of four subjects. Veridical shape perception cannot be explained by conventional binocular models, in which shape was derived from depth intervals. In our new model, we use ordinal depth of points in a 3D shape provided by stereoacuity and combine it with monocular shape constraints by means of Bayesian inference. The stereoacuity threshold used by the model was estimated for each subject. This model can account for binocular shape performance of all four subjects. It can also explain the fact that when viewing distance increases, the binocular percept gradually reduces to the monocular one, which implies that monocular percept of a 3D shape is a special case of the binocular percept.
Evolving Expressions and Art by Choice

One common criticism of algorithmic art is its slavish devotion to technical virtuosity at the expense of artistic intent and content. To address this problem, the author uses an algorithmic method known as “evolving expressions,” which both challenges the technical ability of the artist and also paves the way to “art by choice”—an art that re-creates what lies in the imagination by visualizing the creatures that live there, the creatures of our dreams.
The ecdysone regulatory pathway controls wing morphogenesis and integrin expression during Drosophila metamorphosis.

Abstract Drosophila imaginal discs are specified and patterned during embryonic and larval development, resulting in each cell acquiring a specific fate in the adult fly. Morphogenesis and differentiation of imaginal tissues, however, does not occur until metamorphosis, when pulses of the steroid hormone ecdysone direct these complex morphogenetic responses. In this paper, we focus on the role of ecdysone in regulating adult wing development during metamorphosis. We show that mutations in the EcR ecdysone receptor gene and crooked legs (crol), an ecdysone-inducible gene that encodes a family of zinc finger proteins, cause similar defects in wing morphogenesis and cell adhesion, indicating a role for ecdysone in these morphogenetic responses. We also show that crol and EcR mutations interact with mutations in genes encoding integrin subunits—a family of αβ heterodimeric cell surface receptors that mediate cell adhesion in many organisms. α-Integrin transcription is regulated by ecdysone in cultured larval organs and some changes in the temporal patterns of integrin expression correlate with the ecdysone titer profile during metamorphosis. Transcription of α- and β-integrin subunits is also altered in crol and EcR mutants, indicating that integrin expression is dependent upon crol and EcR function. Finally, we describe a new hypomorphic mutation in EcR which indicates that different EcR isoforms can direct the development of adult appendages. This study provides evidence that ecdysone controls wing morphogenesis and cell adhesion by regulating integrin expression during metamorphosis. We also propose that ecdysone modulation of integrin expression might be widely used to control multiple aspects of adult development.
Fast inhibition of glutamate-activated currents by caffeine.

Background Caffeine stimulates calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) in many cell types. In neurons, caffeine stimulates CICR presynaptically and thus modulates neurotransmitter release. Methodology/Principal Findings Using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique we found that caffeine (20 mM) reversibly increased the frequency and decreased the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in neocortical neurons. The increase in mEPSC frequency is consistent with a presynaptic mechanism. Caffeine also reduced exogenously applied glutamate-activated currents, confirming a separate postsynaptic action. This inhibition developed in tens of milliseconds, consistent with block of channel currents. Caffeine (20 mM) did not reduce currents activated by exogenous NMDA, indicating that caffeine block is specific to non-NMDA type glutamate receptors. Conclusions/Significance Caffeine-induced inhibition of mEPSC amplitude occurs through postsynaptic block of non-NMDA type ionotropic glutamate receptors. Caffeine thus has both pre and postsynaptic sites of action at excitatory synapses.
A simple gasket derived from prime numbers

Abstract Well-known gaskets are fractal because increasingly larger voids are created as these structures evolve. As a counter-example, a gasket is constructed using prime numbers, which does not appear to have larger voids as it evolves.
360: Does first-trimester ultrasound predict obstetrical and neonatal outcomes in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies?

lucency ultrasound with evaluation of the fetal anatomy at 11-14 weeks AND an early second trimester fetal anatomical survey between 15 and 17 weeks. All cases of ONTD diagnosed in our unit were identified using ICD-9 codes, and all MSAFP results over the same time frame were queried. Groups were compared using Fisher Exact test with p 0.05 as significance. RESULTS: Our unit performed 17,656 nuchal translucency ultraounds and 21,436 early anatomical surveys, and sent 11,809 speciens for MSAFP during the study period. 11 ONTD were diagnosed y our unit during this time frame (incidence of 0.56 to 0.67 per 1000). 1/11 ONTD (100%) were diagnosed by ultrasound; 0/11 (0%) were etected after MSAFP screening (p 0.0001). 7/11 cases (64%) were iagnosed during the first trimester; 4/11 (36%) were diagnosed at the arly second trimester anatomy scan. No cases of ONTD were diagosed after 18 weeks’ gestation, and no cases of ONTD were missed by ur unit (sensitivity 100%). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound for fetal anatomical survey during the first and early second trimester detected 100% of ONTD in our population with the majority identified in the first trimester. MSAFP was not useful as a screening tool for neural tube defects in the setting of this ultrasound screening protocol.
Detection of Nuclear Disintegrations Produced by 1.55-BeV Protons in Silver Chloride Single Crystals

A technique that makes tracks of heavy primary cosmic rays visibie in transparent silver chloride single crystais is shown to be applicabie to the study of nuclear disintegrations produoed by particles accelerated in high-energy machines. Tracks of events produced by a 1.55 Bev proton beam are presented and discussed. Events observed include hammer tracks, collision-produced particles with ranges greater than 1800 microns, and events thought to be decays of Be/sup 8/ into two alpha particles. (H.D.R.)
Functional Brain Network Changes Associated with Maintenance of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis

In multiple sclerosis (MS) functional changes in connectivity due to cortical reorganization could lead to cognitive impairment (CI), or reflect a re-adjustment to reduce the clinical effects of widespread tissue damage. Such alterations in connectivity could result in changes in neural activation as assayed by executive function tasks. We examined cognitive function in MS patients with mild to moderate CI and age-matched controls. We evaluated brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during the successful performance of the Wisconsin card sorting (WCS) task by MS patients, showing compensatory maintenance of normal function, as measured by response latency and error rate. To assess changes in functional connectivity throughout the brain, we performed a global functional brain network analysis by computing voxel-by-voxel correlations on the fMRI time series data and carrying out a hierarchical cluster analysis. We found that during the WCS task there is a significant reduction in the number of smaller size brain functional networks, and a change in the brain areas representing the nodes of these networks in MS patients compared to age-matched controls. There is also a concomitant increase in the strength of functional connections between brain loci separated at intermediate-scale distances in these patients. These functional alterations might reflect compensatory neuroplastic reorganization underlying maintenance of relatively normal cognitive function in the face of white matter lesions and cortical atrophy produced by MS.
CELL‐CYCLE ANALYSIS OF PERTURBED CELL POPULATIONS: COMPUTER SIMULATION OF SEQUENTIAL DNA DISTRIBUTIONS

A mathematical model is presented that permits simulation of a time sequence of DNA distributions with a single set of cell-cycle parameters. The method is particularly suited to the quantitative analysis of sets of sequential DNA distributions from perturbed cell populations. The model permits determination of the durations and associated dispersions of the phases of the cell cycle as well as the point in the cell cycle at which the perturbing agent exerts its effect. The mathematical details of the simulation technique are presented, and the technique is applied to the analysis of DNA distributions from perturbed cell populations. Three cell populations are modeled: CHO-line cells released from a block at the interface of the G1 and S-phases, 3T3 cells released from a G1-phase block produced by serum starvation, and S49 mouse lymphoma cells responding to a block in the G1-phase produced by N6,02′-dibutyryl adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate (Bt2cAMP).
The Ramonalinids: a new family of mound‐building bivalves of the Early Middle Triassic

Abstract: Ramonalina n. gen. is a large thick-shelled bivalve abundant in mounds preserved in the Gevanim Formation (late Anisian, Middle Triassic) of southern Israel. This bivalve was an edgewise-recliner with a flattened anteroventral (functionally basal) surface and partially fused valves. It is the basis of a new family, the Ramonalinidae, which is descended from the myalinids through adaptation to edgewise positioning. Ligamental attachment was inadequate to hold valves together on large adults, resulting in valve displacement followed by shell secretion in the apical area that fused valves together and caused irregular growth on abapical areas. The ramonalinids formed large, nearly monospecific mounds on firm mud substrates in shallow marine waters. These are the largest Middle Triassic bivalve mounds known.
Chagas' Disease Involving the Brain and Spinal Cord: MRI Findings

1Both authors: Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Campus Box 7510, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510. Address correspondence to K. M. Lury. hagas’ disease is the result of an infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi [1]. It is estimated that 16–18 million people are infected worldwide with T. cruzi, 50,000 of whom die each year. Most of these individuals have lived in Latin America, particularly Mexico, Central America, and Brazil. Acute involvement of the central nervous system by Chagas’ disease is rare, but presumed reactivation of chronic disease in immunosuppressed patients has been reported. It has been suggested that Chagas’ disease be included in the list of diseases that define AIDS. In this article, we present the imaging findings from an HIV-positive patient who presented with multiple lesions involving the brain and spinal cord that proved secondary to Chagas’ disease.
Degradation assessment of structures and passive components at nuclear power plants

This paper describes a multi-year research program to assess age-related degradation of structures and passive components important to the safe operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs). The purpose of the research effort is to develop the technical basis for the validation and improvement of analytical methods and acceptance criteria which can be used to make risk-informed decisions and to address technical issues related to degradation of structures and passive components. The approach adopted for this research program consists of two phases. In Phase I, specific degradation occurrences at plants were collected and evaluated, existing technical information on aging was reviewed, and a scoping study was performed to identify which structures and components should be studied in the subsequent phases of the research program. Based on the results of the Phase I effort, selected structures and passive components are evaluated in Phase II to assess the effects of age-related degradation using existing and enhanced analytical methods. Fragility analyses are performed for undegraded and degraded structures and passive components. These results can then be used to assess the potential impact of degradation on overall plant risk. The Phase II effort also utilizes the results of the analyses to develop probabilistic degradation acceptance criteria for the structures and passive components studied. These research activities provide useful tools to support the current goals of developing risk-informed and performance-based regulation in the nuclear industry.
Contributions of prostaglandin F2alpha and thromboxane A2 to the acute cardiopulmonary changes of pulmonary embolism

Abstract The contributions of prostaglandin F2α (PgF2α) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) to the acute cardiopulmonary changes of pulmonary embolism (PE) have been evaluated in dogs. Six dogs (Group I) received an LD50 autologous whole-blood-clot embolus. Twelve dogs (Group II) received 15 mg/kg of imidazole, a selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, intravenously 5 min prior to the LD50 embolus. Six dogs (Group III) received only imidazole intravenously. Pulmonary artery, left atrial, femoral artery, and tracheal pressures and cardiac output were recorded. Tracheal resistance and lung compliance were calculated. PgF2α was assayed in pre- and postembolization blood samples obtained simultaneously from the left atrium, pulmonary artery, and femoral artery. Characteristic changes of increased pulmonary arterial and airway resistance were similar in Groups I and II and were accompanied by significant increases in PgF2α. The PgF2α response to pulmonary embolism was not significantly different in the Group I and II dogs, indicating that while imidazole inhibits thromboxane synthetase, it does not inhibit cyclooxygenase. The Group III dogs demonstrated increases of PgF2α suggesting that endoperoxide intermediates usually metabolized to TXA2 may have been utilized for the synthesis of PgF2α. It is speculated that PgF2α and TXA2 produced in response to pulmonary embolism are protective in nature with PgF2α and TXA2 helping to maintain arterial pressure and PgF2α reducing ventilation to nonperfused alveoli during the acute insult.
Inactivation of the Type II TGF-β Receptor in Colon Cancer Cells with Microsatellite Instability

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a potent inhibitor of epithelial cell growth. Human colon cancer cell lines with high rates of microsatellite instability were found to harbor mutations in the type II TGF-beta receptor (RII) gene. Eight such examples, due to three different mutations, were identified. The mutations were clustered within small repeated sequences in the RII gene, were accompanied by the absence of cell surface RII receptors, and were usually associated with small amounts of RII transcript. RII mutation, by inducing the escape of cells from TGF-beta-mediated growth control, links DNA repair defects with a specific pathway of tumor progression.
Monotone but not Positive Subsets of the Cantor Space

A subset of the Cantor space W2 is called monotone iff it is closed upward under the partial ordering is a sequence of sets in F. We can now state the main result in the following form: THEOREM. For any quantifier Q over w), there is a monotone set Z c '2 of the form
Evidence for pseudo-gap behavior in defect-doped infinite layer (Ca, Sr)CuO2 thin films

A distinct crossover between the high temperature and low temperature normal state dc transport properties of epitaxial (Ca, Sr)CuO2 single crystal thin films has been observed. Defect-doped (Ca, Sr)CuO2 films with dc conductivity behavior ranging from insulating to metallic-like were obtained by growing stoichiometric and cation-deficient material under various film growth conditions. The results indicate that 2D variable-range hopping is the dominant transport mechanism at low temperatures. The high temperature behavior depends on the magnitude of the conductivity, resulting in either activated conduction or a ln ρ ∼ 1/T1/2 dependence that is reminiscent of thermally-activated tunneling in a granular metal/insulator matrix. The distinct crossover in behavior suggests the possibility of gap formation in the temperature range 150–200 K.
How Bacterial Carbohydrates Influence the Adaptive Immune System

The capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) of most pathogenic bacteria are T cell-independent antigens whose conjugation to carrier proteins evokes a carbohydrate-specific response eliciting T cell help. However, certain bacterial CPSs, known as zwitterionic polysaccharides (ZPSs), activate the adaptive immune system through processing by antigen-presenting cells and presentation by the major histocompatibility complex class II pathway to CD4(+) T cells. This discovery was the first mechanistic insight into how carbohydrates-a class of biological molecules previously thought to be T cell independent-can in fact activate T cells. Through their ability to activate CD4(+) T cells, ZPSs direct the cellular and physical maturation of the developing immune system. In this review, we explore the still-enigmatic relations between CPSs and the adaptive immune machinery at the cellular and molecular levels, and we discuss how new insights into the biological impact of ZPSs expand our concepts of the role of carbohydrates in microbial interactions with the adaptive immune system.