cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Insulating Al2O3 Overlayer Prevents Lateral Hole Hopping Across Dye-Sensitized TiO2 Surfaces.

Three chromophores of the general form [Ru(bpy′)2(4,4′-(PO3H2)2-2,2′-bipyridine)]2+, where bpy′ is 4,4′-(C(CH3)3)2-2,2′-bipyridine (Ru(dtb)2P); 4,4′-(CH3O)2-2,2′-bipyridine (Ru(OMe)2P), and 2,2′-bi...
Supports and Barriers to Home-Based Physical Activity During Preoperative Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND Physical activity and exercise appear to benefit patients receiving preoperative treatment for cancer. Supports and barriers must be considered to increase compliance with home-based exercise prescriptions in this setting. Such influences have not been previously examined. METHODS The authors used quantitative and qualitative methods to examine potential physical activity influences among patients who were prescribed home-based aerobic and strengthening exercises concurrent with preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation for pancreatic cancer. Physical activity was measured using exercise logs and accelerometers. Social support for exercise and perceived neighborhood walkability were measured using validated surveys. Relationships between influences and physical activity were evaluated using linear regression analyses and qualitative interviews. RESULTS Fifty patients received treatment for a mean of 16 (9) weeks prior to planned surgical resection. Social support from friends and neighborhood esthetics were positively associated with physical activity (P < .05). In interviews, patients confirmed the importance of these influences and cited encouragement from health care providers and desire to complete and recover from treatment as additional motivators. CONCLUSIONS Interpersonal and environmental motivators of exercise and physical activity must be considered in the design of future home-based exercise interventions designed for patients receiving preoperative therapy for cancer.
Scientific rationale and conceptual design of a process-oriented shelfbreak observatory: the OOI Pioneer Array

ABSTRACTThe Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) of the National Science Foundation in the USA includes a coastal observatory called the OOI Pioneer Array, which is focused on understanding shelf/s...
Mitochondrial DNA mutations associated with aminoglycoside ototoxicity

The mitochondrial DNA 12S rRNA has been shown to be the hot-spot for mutations associated with both aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss. Of those, the homoplasmic A1555G and C1494T mutations at a highly conserved decoding region of in the 12S rRNA have been associated with aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss in many families worldwide. The A1555G or C1494T mutation is expected to form novel 1494C-G1555 or 1494U-A1555 base pair at the highly conserved A-site of 12S rRNA. These transitions make the secondary structure of this RNA more closely resemble the corresponding region of bacterial 16S rRNA. Thus, the new U–A or G–C pair in 12S rRNA created by the C1494T or A1555G transition facilitates the binding of aminoglycosides, thereby accounting for the fact that the exposure to aminoglycosides can induce or worsen hearing loss in individuals carrying these mutations. Furthermore, the growth defect and impairment of mitochondrial translation were observed in cell lines carr...
Path-dependent bond-line evolution in equilibrated core honeycomb sandwich structures

During co-cure of honeycomb core sandwich panels, composite facesheets are cured and concurrently bonded to the core, introducing complex interactions that can lead to unsatisfactory bond-line form...
The level of impaired esophageal bolus transit measured by multichannel intraluminal impedance: Cross-sectional study.

Abstract Background Esophageal motility disorders (EMDs) are often diagnosed manometrically, yet the underlying pathology is not always clear. Esophageal function testing (EFT), which incorporates manometry and multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII), is considered a useful tool in the assessment of EMDs. Objective This study aims to assess the most likely level of impaired bolus transit within the esophagus which may help further localize and characterize EMDs. Methods In a retrospective study design, we reviewed consecutive EFTs over a period of 12 months. Data included diagnosis, presenting symptoms, and EFT results of liquid and viscous swallows. Each patient underwent 10 liquid and 10 viscous swallows, and bolus transit is measured at 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm above the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). We recorded the initial level of impaired bolus transit for each swallow. Results A total of 2358 swallows in 118 patients was included for analysis. Of these, 837 swallows (35.5%) were incompletely transmitted. The proportions of impaired bolus transit were 39%, 41%, 15.6%, 4.4% at 20 cm, 15 cm, 10 cm, and 5 cm above the GEJ, respectively. The common symptoms at presentation were dysphagia (47%), heartburn (44%), chest pain (24.6%) and regurgitation (18%). The mean lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was 24 ± 13.9 mmHg whereas the mean contraction amplitude was 84 ± 46.6 mmHg. Conclusion In patients with abnormal esophageal clearance, the most likely levels of impaired bolus transit are 15 and 20 cm above the GEJ. These levels of the esophagus should be a focus of attention in future studies evaluating the pathophysiology of esophageal dysmotility.
Risks to children from inhalation of aerosolized aqueous manganese emitted from ultrasonic humidifiers can be greater than for corresponding ingestion.

Abstract The essential trace element manganese (Mn) can cause neurotoxicity with inhalation acknowledged as a more severe health and cognition threat than ingestion. Methods: Over a range of aqueous Mn concentrations present in tap water, this research characterize exposures and risks for adults and 0.25, 1, 2.5, and 6 yr old children who ingest the water and inhale respirable particles produced by a room-sized ultrasonic humidifier filled with the same water. Aqueous Mn concentrations evaluated included 50 µg/L USEPA aesthetic guideline, 80 µg/L WHO infant guideline, and 120 µg/L Canadian regulatory level. Airborne-particle-bound Mn concentrations were generated for water filling an ultrasonic humidifier under four realistic room conditions (33 m3 small or 72 m3 large) with varying ventilation rates from 0.2/h -1.5/h. Average daily doses (ADD) and reference intake doses were calculated for ingestion and 8-h inhalation of humidified air. Hazard quotients (HQ) compared the intake doses and reference doses. Multi-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model quantified the particle deposition and deposited dose in children's and adults’ respiratory tracts. Results: At only 11 µg/L Mn, the resulting humidified air Mn exceeds USEPA's reference concentration of 0.05 µg/m3 Mn in small room with low, energy-efficient ventilation. Inhalation ADD are 2 magnitudes lower than ingestion ADD for identical water Mn concentrations and daily exposure frequency. Even so, ingestion HQs are approximately 0.2 but inhalation risk is significant (HQ>1) for children and adults when breathing Mn-humidified air under most small room conditions at 50, 80 or 120 µg/L Mn. MPPD model indicates inhaled Mn deposits in head and pulmonary regions, with greater Mn dose deposits in children than adults. Conclusion: Inhalation of Mn-particles produced from ultrasonic humidifiers can pose greater risks than ingestion at the same water concentration, especially for children. Aqueous Mn concentration and room size influence risks. Limiting manganese exposures and setting regulations requires consideration of both ingestion and inhalation of water.
Irrigation Is Significantly Associated with an Increased Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in Produce Production Environments in New York State.

Environmental (i.e., meteorological and landscape) factors and management practices can affect the prevalence of foodborne pathogens in produce production environments. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria species (including L. monocytogenes), Salmonella, and Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in produce production environments and to identify environmental factors and management practices associated with their isolation. Ten produce farms in New York State were sampled during a 6-week period in 2010, and 124 georeferenced samples (80 terrestrial, 33 water, and 11 fecal) were collected. L. monocytogenes, Listeria spp., Salmonella, and STEC were detected in 16, 44, 4, and 5% of terrestrial samples, 30, 58, 12, and 3% of water samples, and 45, 45, 27, and 9% of fecal samples, respectively. Environmental factors and management practices were evaluated for their association with terrestrial samples positive for L. monocytogenes or other Listeria s...
Absorption of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid by isolated sheep ruminal and omasal epithelia.

Alimet (Novus Inter., Inc., St. Louis, MO) feed supplement (an 88% aqueous solution of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid; HMB) is a source of L-Met commonly used in nonruminants and ruminants. The absorption of HMB across ovine omasal and ruminal epithelia was evaluated in this study. Ruminal and omasal epithelia were collected from eight lambs (BW = 67.6 kg +/- 9.1) and mounted in parabiotic chambers that were repeatedly sampled throughout a 60-min incubation. The appearance of HMB (using DL-[5-14C]-HMB as a radiolabeled marker) in serosal buffers increased quadratically (P < .004) with time in both tissues. More (P < .001) HMB appeared in the serosal buffers with omasal than with ruminal epithelia. Both tissues responded similarly, and, after 60 min of incubation, the accumulation of HMB within the tissues increased linearly (P < .001) as substrate concentration (.375, .75, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, and 12.0 mM) increased in mucosal buffers. As the concentration of HMB in the mucosal buffers increased, there was a quadratic (P < .001) increase in the appearance of HMB in the serosal buffer of the omasal epithelium, indicating some saturation of the system. The increase in serosal appearance of HMB was linear (P < .001) with ruminal tissue. The results indicate that there are probably multiple mechanisms involved in the absorption of HMB. Because saturation was observed in the omasum, it is likely that mediated transport accounts for at least a portion of the absorption of HMB in the omasum. Other mechanisms (e.g., diffusion and(or) paracellular absorption) are responsible for the balance of the absorption. Omasal epithelium appears to have a greater capacity for HMB absorption than ruminal epithelium. The enzymes involved in the conversion of HMB to 2-keto-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid were found in ruminal and omasal epithelia, liver and kidney. These results indicate that HMB can be absorbed across ruminal and omasal epithelium and that HMB can be used as a source of L-methionine.
Higher Order Deformations of Complex Structures

Deformations of complex structures by finite Beltrami differentials are consi- dered on general Riemann surfaces. Exact formulas to any fixed order are derived for the corresponding deformations of the period matrix, Green's functions, and correlation functions in conformal field theories with vanishing total central charge. The stress tensor is shown to give a simple representation of these deformations valid to all orders. Such deformation formulas naturally enter into the evaluation of superstring amplitudes at two- loop order with Ramond punctures, and at higher loop order, in the supergravity formulation of the RNS superstring.
Self-Reported Dietary Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Association with Bone and Lower Extremity Function

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between self-reported omega-3 fatty acid (O3FA) intake and bone mineral density (BMD) and lower extremity function in older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of baseline information from three separate ongoing studies of older adults, pooled for this analysis. SETTING: Academic health center. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred forty-seven men (n=118) and women (n=129) residing in the community or an assisted living facility. MEASUREMENTS: Self-reported dietary intake (O3FA, omega-6 fatty acids (O6FA), protein, and total calorie); BMD of the hip or heel; and lower extremity function including leg strength, chair rise time, walking speed, Timed Up and Go, and frailty. RESULTS: The mean reported intake of O3FA was 1.27 g/day. Correlation coefficients (r) between O3FA and T-scores from total femur (n=167) were 0.210 and 0.147 for combined femur and heel T scores. Similar correlations were found for leg strength (r=0.205) and chair rise time (r=−0.178), but the significance was lost when corrected for protein intake. Subjects with lower reported O3FA intake (<1.27 g/day) had lower BMD than those with higher reported O3FA intake. In a multiple regression analysis with femoral neck BMD as the dependent variable and reported intake of O3FA, O6FA, protein, and vitamin D as independent variables, reported O3FA intake was the only significant variable, accounting for 6% of the variance in BMD. CONCLUSION: Older adults had low reported intakes of O3FA. There was an association between greater reported O3FA intake and higher BMD. There was no independent association between reported O3FA intake and lower extremity function. Results from this preliminary report are promising and suggest further investigation.
The Shag-Band Menace: Tracing the Spread of a Contemporary Legend

The internet enables analysts to better track rumors and contemporary legends through time and space. Comments about sex bracelets reveal waves of concentrated attention; the spread of particular variants display a similar pattern. The diffusion of such stories reflects constructions of childhood and adolescent sexuality as social problems.
Developing Secure Agent Systems Using Delegation Based Trust Management

We present an approach to some security problems in multi-agent systems based on distributed trust and the delegation of permissions, and credibility. We assume an open environment in which agents must interact with other agents with which they are not familiar. In particular, an agent will receive requests and assertions from other agents and must decide how to act on the requests and assess the credibility of the assertions. In a closed environment, agents have well known and familiar transaction partners whose rights and credibility are known. The problem thus reduces to authentication – the reliable identification of agents’ true identity. In an open environment, however, agents must transact business even when knowing the true identities is un-informative. Decisions about who to believe and who to serve must be based on an agent’s properties. These properties are established by proving them from an agent’s credentials, delegation assertions, and the appropriate security policy. We begin by describing our approach and the concepts on which it is built. Then we present a design that provides security functions (authorization and credibility assessment) in a typical agent framework (FIPA) and describe initial work in its realization using the semantic web language DAML+OIL.
Quantitative analysis of bidirectional electron fluxes within coronal mass ejections at 1 AU

The solar wind electron heat flux is carried primarily by suprathermal electrons beamed antisunward along the interplanetary magnetic field. However, analysis of electron observations at 1 AU has shown that counterstreaming electron beams, suggesting closed magnetic structures, prevail within coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These structures might be magnetic 'tongues', magnetically detached plasmoids, or complex flux ropes. Here we show results of analysis of ISEE-3 observations within 39 CMEs, including the asymmetry between the two beams, its control by magnetic field orientation, and the variation of the electron distributions as CMEs convect past the spacecraft. We find that some CMEs are strongly asymmetric, with the antisunward beam generally dominant, while others contain nearly symmetric beams. The beam asymmetries, and the magnetic field orientations, exhibit characteristic trends as CMEs pass over the spacecraft. We present an example of a distinctive 'strahl-on-strahl' distribution, suggesting continued magnetic connection to the corona, in which a narrow antisunward beam is superimposed on a broader beam. Our results favor continuing magnetic connection to the Sun in a tongue or flux rope geometry rather than a fully detached plasmoid.
Prediction, Authority, and Entitlement in Shared Activity

Shared activity is often simply willed into existence by individuals. This poses a problem. Philosophical reflection suggests that shared activity involves a distinctive, interlocking structure of intentions. But it is not obvious how one can form the intention necessary for shared activity without settling what fellow participants will do and thereby compromising their agency and autonomy. One response to this problem suggests that an individual can have the requisite intention if she makes the appropriate predictions about fellow participants. I argue that implementing this predictive strategy risks derailing practical reasoning and preventing one from forming the intention. My alternative proposal for reconciling shared activity with autonomy appeals to the idea of acting directly on another's intention. In particular, I appeal to the entitlement one sometimes has to another's practical judgment, and the corresponding authority the other sometimes has to settle what one is to do.
Potential genetic modifiers of the cystic fibrosis intestinal inflammatory phenotype on mouse chromosomes 1, 9, and 10

Although cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, the severity of disease is highly variable indicating the influence of modifier genes. The intestines of Cftr deficient mice (CF mice: Cftrtm 1Unc) are prone to obstruction by excessive mucus accumulation and are used as a model of meconium ileus and distal intestinal obstruction syndrome. This phenotype is strongly dependent on the genetic background of the mice. On the C57Bl/6 background, the majority of CF mice cannot survive on solid mouse chow, have inflammation of the small intestine, and are about 30% smaller than wild type littermates. In this work potential modifier loci of the CF intestinal phenotype were identified. CF mice on a mixed genetic background (95% C57Bl/6 and 5% 129Sv) were compared to CF mice congenic on the C57Bl/6 background for several parameters of the intestinal CF phenotype. CF mice on the mixed background exhibit significantly greater survival when fed dry mouse chow, have reduced intestinal inflammation as measured by quantitative RT-PCR for marker genes, have near normal body weight gain, and have reduced mucus accumulation in the intestinal crypts. There was an indication of a gender effect for body weight gain: males did not show a significant improvement at 4 weeks of age, but were of normal weight at 8 weeks, while females showed improvement at both 4 and 8 weeks. By a preliminary genome-wide PCR allele scanning, three regions were found to be potentially associated with the milder phenotype. One on chr.1, defined by marker D1Mit36, one on chr. 9 defined by marker D9Mit90, and one on chr. 10, defined by marker D10Mit14. Potential modifier regions were found that have a positive impact on the inflammatory phenotype of the CF mouse small intestine and animal survival. Identification of polymorphisms in specific genes in these regions should provide important new information about genetic modifiers of the CF intestinal phenotype.
Developmental Pathways to Integrated Social Skills: The Roles of Parenting and Early Intervention

Dynamic skill theory was utilized to explain the multiple mechanisms and mediating processes influencing development of self-regulatory and language skills in children at 14, 24, and 36 months of age. Relations were found between family risks, parenting-related stresses, and parent-child interactions that contribute either independently or through mediation to the child's acquisition of self-regulatory skills even when accounting for the influence of language development. Variation in impacts between control and Early Head Start (EHS) intervention samples was compared to explore the sequence of developmental mechanisms over time. Findings indicate that EHS protects parenting, child language, and self-regulatory development from the effects of demographic risks and parenting stress, and thus supports parents to raise healthy children.
Calculation of the Band Structure and Optical Constants of Diamond Using the Nonlocal-Pseudopotential Method

The electronic band structure and optical constants of diamond are calculated using the empirical-pseudopotential method with an additional $\ensuremath{\ell}=1$ nonlocal term ${V}_{\mathrm{NL}}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{r})$ added to account for the strong potential experienced by $p$ electrons in the core region. ${V}_{\mathrm{NL}}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{r})$ strongly affects the $p$-like conduction bands, and the resulting band structure yields a plot of ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{2}(\ensuremath{\omega})$, the imaginary part of the dielectric function, which is in satisfactory agreement with experiment. In addition, the temperature-dependent peak at 7.8 eV in the optical spectrum, whose origin has been somewhat of a mystery, is identified with optical transitions beginning at $L$ and extending out along the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ direction in the Brillouin zone.
Current status of doctoral-level training in psychological testing.

Training directors of 82 American Psychological Association (APA)-approved doctoral programs in clinical psychology responded to a survey on the current status and recent changes in doctoral training in psychological assessment. Although testing continues to be a major focus of training, a slight decline in emphasis on assessment was noted, most notably with projective techniques. With few exceptions (e.g., NEO-PI, Personality Assessment Inventory), traditional tests were emphasized in coursework and also were considered “essential” for the practicing psychologist. Interestingly, there seems to be increased emphasis on the interview and neuropsychological testing compared to prior surveys of academic settings. Only 29% of the training directors reported that their programs have been significantly affected by managed care, suggesting that most academic programs are somewhat insulated from marketplace pressures. It is recommended that training programs balance their focus on traditional academic values with the realities of the clinical practice arena. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 57: 717–726, 2001.
Aeroelastic System Identification Using the Minimum Model Error Method

The minimum model error method is applied to identify models of a panel undergoing limit-cycle oscillations. This work is focused on identification using free-response position and velocity measurements. The response of the panel was obtained using two discretization approaches: through the use of finite differences and by Galerkin's method. Data from both transient and steady-state parts of the response are used for identification. The models obtained using the steady-state part of the free response were not able to capture the behavior of the true system. The models obtained using the transient part of the free response were able to capture the behavior of the panel very accurately. Accuracy of identified models of various model orders is also discussed.
Effect of days postpartum and exogenous GnRH on reproductive hormone and ovarian changes in postpartum suckled beef cows.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of days postpartum and exogenous gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) on reproductive hormone and ovarian changes in postpartum suckled beef cows. In experiment 1, eight suckled cows were bled at .5 hour intervals for 4 hours on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 postpartum. Although mean concentrations of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) were positively correlated with days postpartum, mean concentrations did not differ. The mean maximum change and the variance of plasma LH were low on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 postpartum. Although the number of cows with an ovarian follicle and follicular size increased with days postpartum, mean concentrations of estradiol-17beta did not change. The interval from parturition to the first detected ovarian follicle and the first postpartum estrus was 17.5 +/- 2.6 days and 36.0 +/- 2.2 days, respectively. An elevation in plasma progesterone was detected about one week prior to the first postpartum estrus in 6 of the eight cows in the absence of corpora lutea. In experiment 2, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) induced ovulation in 4 of the 8 cows treated on day 27, 28 or 29 postpartum whereas none of the 8 saline treated cows ovulated to treatment. The interval from parturition to first estrus and conception were similar for both groups (P >.10).
Nitric oxide inhibits macrophage-colony stimulating factor gene transcription in vascular endothelial cells.

Macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) contributes to atherogenesis by regulating macrophage-derived foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions. Here we report that nitric oxide (NO) inhibits the expression of M-CSF in human vascular endothelial cells independent of guanylyl cyclase activation. The induction of M-CSF mRNA expression by either oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) was attenuated by NO donors, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and 3-morpholinosydnonimine, but not by cGMP analogues, glutathione, or nitrite. Inhibition of endogenous NO production by N-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMA) also increased M-CSF expression in control and TNFα-stimulated cells. Nuclear run-on assays and transfection studies using M-CSF promoter constructs linked to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene indicated that NO repressed M-CSF gene transcription through nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that activation of NF-κB by L-NMA, ox-LDL, and TNFα was attenuated by GSNO and SNP, but not by glutathione or cGMP analogues. Since the induction of M-CSF expression depends upon NF-κB activation, the ability of NO to inhibit NF-κB activation and M-CSF expression may contribute to some of NO's antiatherogenic properties.
ISOLATION OF HUMAN LYMPHOCYTE MITOGENIC FACTOR

Stimulation of sensitized human peripheral T lymphocytes with tetanus toxoid release lymphocyte mitoqenic factor (LMF). LMP induces DNA and antibody synthesis in allogenic and autologous B lymphocytes. Initial studies showed that the biologically active fraction was precipitated by 40-60% ammonium sulfate and 33-50% ethanol. It sedimented in cesium chloride with a density of 1.250. To purify the activity, 1000ml of T cell supernate obtained from cells of a single donor were concentrated twenty fold by Amicon ultrafiltration on a xm-50 membrane. Concentrated supernate was chromatographed on Sephadex G-200. The biological activity eluted post albumin. It was electrophoresed on an LKB iso-electrofocusing column. A major peak of proliferative activity was found at pH=6.7±0.1. A second minor peak of activity was found at pH=7.2±0.1. In one instance, when the major peak was assayed for its ability to initiate de novo synthesis of IgG by tonsillar B lymphocytes, it was found to cause a twofold increase of precipitable 14C activity over control. The data suggest that stimulation of human peripheral blood T lymphocytes by antigen results in production of two factors that can induce DNA synthesis in autologous or allogenic B lymphocytes. It appears that both of these factors are of molecular weight greater than 50,000. At least one of the factors increases IgG synthesis in B cells derived from human tonsils, while the other was present in concentrations too low to study.
Laparoscopic and Robotic Approach to Genitourinary Anomalies in Children

Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized surgery for urologic disorders in pediatric patients. Laparoscopic procedures have become widely available for several different ablative and reconstructive operations in children. The success rates have paralleled those of open surgical techniques and provide the benefit of smaller incisions and less manipulation of tissue during the procedures. Robotics has enhanced these factors, coupled with increased dexterity, better visualization, and less fatigue, allowing greater precision. We must continue to evolve with the ever-changing advancements in technology and take a keen interest so that we can influence development.
A numerical method for two-phase flow consisting of separate compressible and incompressible regions

Abstract We propose a numerical method for modeling two-phase flow consisting of separate compressible and incompressible regions. This is of interest, for example, when the combustion of fuel droplets or the shock-induced mixing of liquids is numerically modeled. We use the level set method to track the interface between the compressible and incompressible regions, as well as the Ghost Fluid Method (GFM) to create accurate discretizations across the interface. The GFM is particularly effective here since the equations differ in both number and type across the interface. The numerical method is presented in two spatial dimensions with numerical examples in both one and two spatial dimensions, while three-dimensional extensions are straightforward.
Re-interpreting Great Lakes shorelines as components of wave-influenced deltas: An example from the Portage River delta (Lake Erie)

article i nfo Deltas deliver both sediment (bedload sands and suspended load muds) and water to a coastal environment. In the past, deltaic models have emphasized the sandy bedload component constructing a depositional feature that protrudes from the coastline. In contrast, wave-influenced deltas form where river discharge effectively blocks the prevailing longshore drift. The resulting delta is asymmetric, with an extensive strandplain of multiple beach ridges updrift, and fewer beach ridges with wetlands, ponds, and subsidiary bay-head deltas downdrift. In Lake Erie, an analysis of 28 vibracores from the Portage River delta demonstrates significant updrift-downdrift sedimentological differences. Updrift of the delta consists of N 3m thick gravel-rich sands overlying glaciolacustrine sediment. The deposits are organized into coarsening- upward, progradational shoreline sequences showing facies transitions from lower shoreface to upper shoreface to beachface to backbeach. A 1939 aerial photograph suggests N15 prograding shoreline sequences were accreted during present lake levels (highstand systems tract), resulting in re-attachment of a bedrock high (Catawba Island) to the mainland. Downdrift of the delta consists of a one progradational shoreline sequence b1 m thick that overlies peats and glaciolacustrine sediment. The peats have 14 C ages between 1616 and 2025 cal YBP, and are interpreted as wetlands that formed during an earlier phase of rising lake levels (lowstand and transgressive systems tracts). The overlying beach ridge was accreted during present lake levels (highstand system tract). The coastal features in this portion of Lake Erie are best understood as
On the desirability of mechanizing calculational proofs

Abstract Dijkstra argues that calculational proofs are preferable to traditional pictorial and/or verbal proofs. First, due to the calculational proof format, incorrect proofs are less likely. Second, syntactic considerations (letting the “symbols do the work”) have led to an impressive array of techniques for elegant proof construction. However, calculational proofs are not formal and are not flawless. Why not make them formal and check them mechanically?
Diffraction analysis of fiber array phase modulator for wavefront aberration control and agile beam steering and tracking

Conventional beam steering for optical sensors is mechanically complex, consisting of a large number of optical and mechanical components. Steering the field of view requires large and heavy gimbal components. One approach to non-mechanical beam steering consists of a phase-modulated optical fiber array. Agile beam steering of optical radiation using fiber arrays offer significant advantages, such as weight, stability, speed and power requirements, over conventional beam steering systems based on large optics telescopes and gimbals. This paper represents an analysis of an agile beam steering system incorporating a fiber array and phase modulator to continually track a moving object. Expressions and modeling of the far-field beam pattern and off-axis beam steering efficiency are presented.
Antiestrogens: Mechanisms and actions in target cells

Antiestrogens, acting via the estrogen receptor (ER) evoke conformational changes in the ER and inhibit the effects of estrogens as well as exerting anti-growth factor activities. Although the binding of estrogens and antiestrogens is mutually competitive, studies with ER mutants indicate that some of the contact sites of estrogens and antiestrogens are likely different. Some mutations in the hormone-binding domain of the ER and deletions of C-terminal regions result in ligand discrimination mutants, i.e. receptors that are differentially altered in their ability to bind and/or mediate the actions of estrogens vs antiestrogens. Studies in a variety of cell lines and with different promoters indicate marked cell context- and promoter-dependence in the actions of antiestrogens and variant ERs. In several cell systems, estrogens and protein kinase activators such as cAMP synergize to enhance the transcriptional activity of the ER in a promoter-specific manner. In addition, cAMP changes the agonist/antagonist balance of tamoxifen-like antiestrogens, increasing their agonistic activity and reducing their efficacy in reversing estrogen actions. Estrogens, and antiestrogens to a lesser extent, as well as protein kinase activators and growth factors increase phosphorylation of the ER and/or proteins involved in the ER-specific response pathway. These changes in phosphorylation alter the biological effectiveness of the ER. Multiple interactions among different cellular signal transduction systems are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and gene expression by estrogens and antiestrogens.
Spectrophotometric determination of copper with triethenetetramine in electroless plating baths

The blue colored triethenetetramine (TRIEN) complex formed at pH 10 in the presence of PDTA, formaldehyde, and cyanide offers a highly selective method for determining copper in the mg range. All constituents in the plating bath have been studied for their possible effects on forming the copper TRIEN complex. This method is based on the formation of a mixed complex of copper, TRIEN, and halides.
Structure and Bonding in Hypervalent Iodine Compounds

The structure and bonding in hypervalent iodine compounds are discussed in the 100th installment of JCE Featured Molecules. The molecules added to the JCE Featured Molecules collection this month are ICl, PhICl3, I3−, PhICl2, PhIO, PhI(OAc)2, the Dess−Martin periodinane, and IBX.
Determination of the Rydberg Constant from the HE11 n = 3-4 (4686A) Line Complex

The review of the fundamental physical constants by Taylor, Parker, and Langenberg (1) emphasized the need for a more accurate value for the Rydberg constant. At the International Conference on Precision Measurement and Fundamental Constants, Series (2) recommended that the most advanced spectroscopic techniques be used to measure the wavelengths of spectroscopically resolved fine structure components of hydrogen (and its isotopes) and ionized helium in order to redetermine the Rydberg. With the encouragement of the above individuals and Drs. William C. Martin and Frederick L. Roesler, a redetermination of the Rydberg is being pursued at NBS based on absolute wavelengths of the best resolved fine structure components of the n = 3–4 (4686A) transition in He 11. A preliminary discussion of this experiment was presented at the International Conference on Precision Measurement and Fundamental Constants (3). This paper is a progress report on that experiment.
Restoration thinning and influence of tree size and leaf area to sapwood area ratio on water relations of Pinus ponderosa

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex P. Laws) forest stand density has increased significantly over the last century (Covington et al. 1997). To understand the effect of increased intraspecific competition, tree size (height and diameter at breast height (DBH)) and leaf area to sapwood area ratio (A(L):A(S)) on water relations, we compared hydraulic conductance from soil to leaf (kl) and transpiration per unit leaf area (Q(L)) of ponderosa pine trees in an unthinned plot to trees in a thinned plot in the first and second years after thinning in a dense Arizona forest. We calculated kl and Q(L) based on whole- tree sap flux measured with heat dissipation sensors. Thinning increased tree predawn water potential within two weeks of treatment. Effects of thinning on kl and Q(L) depended on DBH, A(L):A(S) and drought severity. During severe drought in the first growing season after thinning, kl and Q(L) of trees with low A(L):A(S) (160-250 mm DBH; 9-11 m height) were lower in the thinned plot than the unthinned plot, suggesting a reduction in stomatal conductance (g(s)) or reduced sapwood specific conductivity (K(S)), or both, in response to thinning. In contrast kl and Q(L) were similar in the thinned plot and unthinned plot for trees with high A(L):A(S) (260-360 mm DBH; 13-16 m height). During non-drought periods, kl and Q(L) were greater in the thinned plot than in the unthinned plot for all but the largest trees. Contrary to previous studies of ponderosa pine, A(L):A(S) was positively correlated with tree height and DBH. Furthermore, kl and Q(L) showed a weak negative correlation with tree height and a strong negative correlation with A(S) and thus A(L):A(S) in both the thinned and unthinned plots, suggesting that trees with high A(L):A(S) had lower g(s). Our results highlight the important influence of stand competitive environment on tree-size-related variation in A(L):A(S) and the roles of A(L):A(S) and drought on whole-tree water relations in response to thinning.
A canonical formalism for systems governed by certain difference equations

This paper presents a general method of reducing second-order ordinary difference equations to equations of the first order. The method is developed via the discrete calculus of variations.
Expert system for evaluating product liability claims

The SKADE 2 expert system evaluates product liability claims and generates 'litigate or settle' decisions. This expert-system application may achieve savings for corporations. It can help to reduce excessive settlements and unnecessary trials by giving decision makers precise information about the eventual outcomes of similar past cases, or by organizing and structuring complex high-stakes product liability claims. The blackboard model provides the conceptual framework and organizing schema for the system. Interviews with litigators, claims adjusters, technical (product) experts, managers and lawyers provided the knowledge needed to develop the conceptual model and the system knowledge base. The results of experiments with the validation and analysis of a hypothetical case indicate that the blackboard is an appropriate model for the development of expert systems in the product liability domain. The initial success with the SKADE 2 system suggests that further work needs to be done on whether more complex models can be built to incorporate a broader range of determinants of product liability claims evaluation.
SOOT AND RADIATION IN COMBUSTING BOUNDARY LAYERS

Abstract Classical studies of boundary layer diffusion flames have neglected radiation. As a first step toward a better understanding of radiation heat transfer in fires, a numerical solution is obtained for a steady, laminar, radiating, combusting, boundary layer over a pyrolyzing fuel slab. Two Shvab-Zeldovich coupling functions are needed in the analyses, which treat forced and free flows separately. For these laminar systems, an optically thin approximation for radiation is valid, based on previous measurements of soot volume fraction in combusting boundary layers. As in non-radiating combustion, the mass transfer number, B, and the mass consumption number, rp, are the dominant parameters controlling the local pyrolysis rate and the excess pyrolyzate, respec- tively. The dominant role of the dimensionless heat of combustion, Dc, in determining the flame temperature makes it a significant parameter in radiating systems. The surface temperature and emissivity characterize the surface emission, which can...
Book Review: The Functional Art: An Introduction to Information Graphics and Visualization by Alberto Cairo

Review Editor: Erik Palmer 10.1080/15551393.2012.735592-F0001 Figure 1. Brazilian prison population (translated from Portuguese): A chart-based display that highlights the deep differences between ...
Sunitinib induces PTEN expression and inhibits PDGFR signaling and migration of medulloblastoma cells.

We previously showed that inhibition of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) blocks the survival and migration of medulloblastoma cells. Identification of in vitro PDGFR-targeting pharmacologic agents that are suitable for preclinical testing in medulloblastoma models in vivo will be critical for efficiently translating these agents to clinical investigation in children with medulloblastoma. In this study, we investigated whether the multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib, effectively inhibits PDGFR signaling required for medulloblastoma cell migration. Daoy and D556 human medulloblastoma cells pre-treated for 1 h with 0.2 μM sunitinib demonstrated induction of PTEN expression and significant inhibition of PDGFR signaling activity and transactivation of EGFR, in a RAS-independent manner, in response to PDGF-BB stimulation. Sunitinib pre-treatment markedly reduced medulloblastoma cell migration in response to both PDGF-BB and 10% serum at 4 and 24 h after treatment. Pre-treatment with sunitinib for 1 h also resulted in detachment and decreased viability of D556, but not Daoy, cells and only after 48 h following treatment. However, sunitinib did not induce apoptosis in either cell line at any time point, indicating that the anti-migratory effects of sunitinib were not due to impeding cell survival. Sunitinib similarly inhibited PDGFR signaling and migration of primary murine Smo/Smo medulloblastoma cells, suggesting that the Smo/Smo mouse is an appropriate model for preclinical testing of sunitinib. These results indicate that sunitinib may be an important pharmacologic agent for the treatment of invasive medulloblastoma, particularly given evidence of its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier to target tumor cells, and thus warrants further in vivo testing for confirmation of efficacy.
Factorization of polynomials over finite fields and decomposition of primes in algebraic number fields

Abstract It is shown that factoring polynomials over finite prime fields is polynomial-time equivalent to decomposing primes in algebraic number fields whose generating polynomials have discriminants not divisible by the given primes. The reduction from polynomial factorization to prime decomposition suggests a number-theoretic approach to the former problem. Along this line, two results will be shown based on the generalized Riemann hypothesis (GRH): 1. (1) Given p,n ϵ Z>0 with p prime, all the solutions to Φn(x) = O(p) can be found in time polynomial in n and log p, where Φn denotes the nth cyclotomic polynomial. 2. (2) Given p,n,a ϵ Z>0 with p prime, all the solutions to xn = a(p) can be found in time polynomial in n, log p, and log a.
Scuffing behavior of TiN-coated steel rollers under rolling and sliding conditions

Abstract Sputtered hard coatings were applied to steel surfaces to evaluate their performance in adhesive wear environments. Rolling and sliding tests were conducted to investigate the scuffing-wear resistance of coated rollers. Coatings were deposited separately on drive or driven rollers and on both rollers. For the cases of relatively smooth surfaces, the test results showed that sputtered coatings significantly increased the scuffing resistance over those of steel rollers without coatings. The friction and wear characteristics of various combinations were compared to identify their advantages. For the cases of relatively rough contact surfaces, coating only the drive roller increased the scuffing-failure load by at least five times over the case of uncoated rollers. When only the driven roller was coated or when both rollers were coated, the scuffing-failure load was not increased significantly. The surface roughness of contact pairs played an important role in the scuffing-wear properties under the present rolling and sliding conditions.
Commercial automated gel electrophoresis apparatus: application to DNA, band dispersion, nonlinear Ferguson curves, and isolation.

Recently available commercial automated gel electrophoresis apparatus with intermittent scanning of fluorescently labeled gel patterns (the HPGE-1000 apparatus of LabIntelligence, Menlo Park CA) was tested with regard to (i) its applicability to DNA in its native conformation, (ii) its ability to recognize the correct number of components, (iii) its capability to evaluate the width and shape of bands detected during electrophoresis, (iv) its ability to yield nonlinear Ferguson plots in a labor-saving fashion, and (v) its preparative potential. Ethidium homodimer (EtD) DNA (bp) ratios were systematically varied and the mobility of DNA fragments labeled at each ratio was measured in order to find a ratio which provided an unaltered mobility and presumably therefore an unaltered conformation of the fragment. That ratio was found to be 1/40 EtD/ DNA (bp) or less. With such weak labeling of DNA, a representative fragment of 527 bp length requires a minimum load of 200 ng and a 2 μg load for a full-scale peak height. Using the baseline automatically selected by the software of the apparatus, the band areas of the 17 components of a DNA digest were consistently evaluated by the software, as evidenced by the proportionality between DNA length and area. The areas of the separated bands of DNA fragments of 1857 and 121 bp length were found to be constant with time of electrophoresis. The dispersion coefficient was found to decrease with agarose concentration in electrophoresis at 1 V/cm; however, at higher field strength, the band width of the 1857 bp fragment was surprisingly found to increase with gel concentration, presumably due to stretching. Electrophoretic band dispersion was not found to be due to diffusion since zone spreading in the absence of the electric field under otherwise identical conditions does not proceed measurably. For the discontinuous buffer system of Wiltfang et al. (Electrophoresis 1993, 12, 352–366) the resolving power, in terms of theoretical plate equivalents, was approximately threefold higher compared to that in the Trisborate-EDTA (TBE) buffer under otherwise identical conditions. Two electrophoretic runs of the apparatus with different gel concentrations in its eight channels suffice to define nonlinear Ferguson curves, provided that the free mobility is measured by capillary electrophoresis. The commercial automated apparatus excels as a preparative device by allowing one to monitor the qualitative and quantitative success of electroelution.