cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Techniques for measuring low levels of hydrogen or hydrogen-bearing materials in solids

Three new nondestructive techniques for detecting ppm levels of hydrogen in metals and solids are discussed, along with a review of existing techniques. Two of the new techniques use neutron beams to detect hydrogen. One of these is applicable to steel samples on the order of 1–5 cm in dimension, and has a lower level of detection of 2 weight ppm. The second nuclear technique is applicable to any metal or solid with a mass number greater than about 12, is most suitable for samples on the order of a few millimeters thick, and has a lower level of sensitivity of 0.4 weight ppm. The third technique uses a modulated beam mass spectrometry system, can handle samples up to 100 grams of any size (as long as the sample can be heated uniformly) and has a sensitivity of less than 0.02 weight ppm. Suggestions for possible applications of these techniques are discussed.
Dynamic Pricing for Distributed Generation in Smart Grid

The smart grid introduces significant challenges for the reliability and economics of traditional power grids. Dynamic pricing is an important mechanism for improving effectiveness of the smart grid. Presently, the smart grid pricing research mainly focuses on the interactions between a single energy provider and multiple energy consumers. However, in a deregulated energy market, it is possible that there exist multiple energy suppliers who compete with each other. In this paper, we examine a microgrid consisting of multiple generators. We propose a generic pricing mechanism based on the QoS of the power supply inside the microgrid. In particular, a noncooperative game is formulated to capture the competitive market and to study the energy supply strategies of multiple energy suppliers. For solving the game, a distributed algorithm is proposed using which the energy suppliers can reach a Nash equilibrium point. Furthermore, we show that due to the inefficiency of distributed decisions, microgrids may cooperate and form a coalition. In this case, microgrids cooperate by jointly coordinating their energy supply in order to increase their aggregated utilities. As a result, their individual payoffs may increase substantially. Cooperative game theory is used to study the coalition formation process and the profit allocation inside the coalition. Numerical examples are presented to show the performance of the proposed pricing scheme.
Evaluation of the coke formation potential of residual fuel oils

Previously, engineering control and prediction of coke particulate emission has been hampered by the apparent inadequacy of the existing heavy fuel tests that were used as coking indicators, specifically: asphaltene contents (heptane and pentane), viscosity, specific gravity, and the Ramsbottom and Conradson Carbon Residues. A new measurement, the Coke Formation Index (CFI) has been established as a more accurate measure of the coke particulate formation propensity of residual oils. This parameter, combined with previously reported results concerning particle diameter dependence on initial droplet conditions, will allow more accurate prediction of heavy oil combustion particulate emissions than was previously possible. This improved understanding of the factors affecting cenospheric coke formation and oxidation will increase the potential for control of coke particulate emission. The CFI is measured using a free, isolated droplet combustion apparatus, closely simulating the conditions experienced by droplets in a real boiler and yet separating the coke formation and oxidation processes. The CFI has been evaluated for 41 different residual fuels. From these experiments the Coke Formation Index (CFI), or ratio of the particulate mass to the initial droplet mass, has been established as principally related to fuel properties. Correlation exists between the CFI and the fuel asphaltene content or the Ramsbottom or Conradson Carbon Residues, however there is also considerable variation. Close similarity to the carbon formation results reported by others using electrically heated foils is observed; however, the CFI technique also provides particle size, morphology and composition information not generated by other coke formation tests. Results suggest that, from a single experiment with only a small mass of fuel, the resultant particle size and mass distribution can be predicted for the spray distribution of full scale burners firing the same fuel.
Admission Hematocrit and Transfusion Requirements after Trauma

Background The decision to transfuse packed RBCs (PRBC) during initial resuscitation of trauma patients is based on physiologic state, evidence for blood loss, and potential for ongoing hemorrhage. Initial hematocrit (Hct) is not considered an accurate marker of blood loss. This study tests the hypothesis that admission Hct is associated with transfusion requirements after trauma. Methods From June to December 2008, data from 1,492 consecutive admissions at a Level I trauma center were retrospectively reviewed to determine whether initial Hct was associated with PRBC transfusions. From October 2009 through October 2011, data from 463 consecutive transfused patients were retrospectively reviewed to determine whether Hct correlated with number of PRBC units received. Results Packed RBC transfusion was not correlated with heart rate and was more highly correlated with Hct ( r = −0.45) than with systolic blood pressure or base deficit ( r = −0.32 or r = −0.26). Hematocrit was a better overall predictor than systolic blood pressure (sensitivity 45% vs 29%, specificity 94% vs 98%, area under receiver operator characteristic curve 0.71 vs 0.64). Lower Hct was associated with hypotension, more advanced shock, higher blood loss, and increased transfusion of PRBC, plasma, platelets, or cryoprecipitate (all, p Conclusion Admission Hct is more strongly associated with the PRBC transfusion than either tachycardia, hypotension, or acidosis. Admission Hct is also correlated with 24-hour blood product requirements in those receiving early transfusions. These findings challenge current thinking and suggest that fluid shifts are rapid after trauma and that Hct can be important in initial trauma assessment.
Training the scientist-practitioner for the 21st century: putting the bloom back on the rose.

The field of clinical psychology has been characterized over the past five decades as shaped by social, economic, and political forces outside of it. Even before the Boulder Conference, meetings and writings evidenced the underpinnings of the scientist–practitioner model that was to be developed in a welcoming climate (Dosier, 1947; Kubie, 1949; Luchins, 1949). Difficulties in implementation, however, produced a schism between the scientist and practitioner aspects. Our thesis is that the current environment dictated by managed care necessitates a reaffirmation of the scientist–practitioner model. We believe that clinical psychologists are in an unparalleled position to intercede among forces in the current climate because of their sensitivity to clinical and research issues, and we offer suggestions for how clinicians, researchers, and training programs can close the gap between research and practice. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 56: 327–340, 2000.
Potential utilization of Jatropha curcas L. press-cake residue as new precursor for activated carbon preparation: Application in methylene blue removal from aqueous solution

Abstract Low cost activated carbon was prepared from the press-cake residue of Jatropha curcas L. The effectiveness of this activated carbon and its modified forms (chemical and thermal activation) was evaluated for methylene blue (MB) dye removal from aqueous solution. Adsorption experiments were conducted in batch system at various pH and temperatures. The widely used isotherm models, Langmuir and Freundlich, were employed to represent equilibrium data. Kinetic data were analyzed using pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order model. Thermodynamic properties (ΔG0, ΔH0 and ΔS0) of the adsorption of methylene blue onto Jatropha carbons were also obtained. The thermal activated carbon (JAC-3) was more effective for MB dye removal compared to chemical (JAC-2) and parent (JAC-1) activated carbon.
The Effects of Three Systems of Housing Turkey Breeder Males on Semen Quality and Quantity

In 3 successive years (1971, 1972, and 1973) semen productivity and quality were measured for medium size Broad Breasted White turkey males kept under 3 different systems of management (cages, cubicles and floor). Biweekly semen volumes were obtained for each male from 30 to 52 weeks of age. Semen concentration, sperm motility, and normality determinations were made on individual males when 52 weeks of age. In one of the 3 test years (1973) a significantly lower volume of semen was produced by males kept on the floor as compared with comparable males kept in cages or cubicles. There were no appreciable differences in quality criteria of semen produced by males kept in the different systems of management. Males kept in individual cages were approximately 1 kg. lighter in body weight at 52 weeks of age than comparable males kept in cubicles and on the floor. Average feed intake measured over a 12 week period in 1973 showed that a ratio of daily feed comsumption to average body weight was approximately the same for males in all housing systems. There was some variability in mortality within test years but no trend over the 3 test years was evident.
Designing Optional No‐Fault Insurance Policies for Health Care Systems

Legislation to create optional no-fault insurance (ONFL) programs has recently been enacted in Florida and Virginia. ONFI programs provide compensation to patients when certain medical complications arise, provided the patient agrees not to sue the doctor for additional damages. The optimal design of ONFI programs is explored in this paper, focusing on the incentive effects of ONFI programs. The question of whether ONFI programs should be funded entirely by participating doctors, or whether social subsidies are optimal, is examined.
Gastric reflux is uncommon in acute post-tympanostomy otorrhea.

Objective Acute post-tympanostomy otorrhea (APTO) is a common complication of tympanostomy tube placement. APTO has been related primarily to viral upper respiratory infections and external ear contamination. Elevated levels of gastric enzymes have been found in a large proportion of chronic middle ear effusions, implicating gastric reflux (GR) in its pathogenesis. Thus, our objective was to determine whether GR may be a contributing factor in the development of APTO. Study design and setting Prospective, nonrandomized design. Otorrhea samples were collected from children with APTO. Total pepsinogen concentrations were measured with a commercial ELISA, using a pepsinogen I-specific capture antibody and horseradish peroxidase detection antibody. Results Twenty-six samples from 24 patients were collected and analyzed. Eight samples demonstrated measurable pepsinogen I, but the measured concentrations, 2–17 mg/L, were below the normal serum reference ranges. Conclusions GR does not play a major role in the development of APTO in children.
A NEW APPROACH TO DIRECT READING SPECTROCHEMICAL ANALYSIS

A preliminary note on the design and performance of a new type of direct-reading instrument for spectrochemical analysis is presented. A single multiplier phototube is used in combination with a rapid-scanning spectrometer. As the spectral lines cross the single exit slit, voltage pulses are generated by the phototube and are panoramically presented on an oscilloscope whose time-base is synchronized with the spectrum scan. The pulse heights are measured by converting them to “bursts” of constant amplitude pulses whose number is proportional to the magnitude of the original spectral line pulse. This is accomplished by means of a cathode-ray tube, a “comb-grid,” and a secondary multiplier phototube. The pulse bursts corresponding to the lines whose intensity is of interest are separated by means of electronic gates. High-speed scalers and mechanical registers indicate the time integrals of the spectral line intensities. Intensity ratios are automatically computed after the exposure and recorded on a variable span strip chart recorder, which may be empirically calibrated to read directly in percent. Preliminary data indicate that a precision of analysis of ±1 percent can be achieved.
Diversity as an Influence on Clients With Anxiety and Depressive Disorders: What the Responsible Social Worker Should Know

While gender and culture affect everyone, these influences are especially important to understand when a client may have an anxiety or depressive disorder. Ways in which gender and sociocultural diversity can affect individuals' vulnerability to depressive or anxiety disorders, symptom presentation, personal and family response, treatment preferences, and resources for coping are reviewed. Also considered are implications for how social workers in varied settings can best assist clients with these disorders to receive the help they may need.
Atomic Force Microscopy Study of the Pressure-Dependent Structural and Frictional Properties of n-Alkanethiols on Gold

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to study the effect of pressure on the structural and frictional properties of self-assembled monolayers of n-octadecanethiol on Au(111). Sharp microfabricated silicon nitride tips (tip radii 100−300 A) were used. At low load, the periodicity of the thiol layer is imaged. At higher load, the layer is observed to become disordered. At a critical contact pressure of ∼2.3 GPa, a transition from the thiol overlayer to the Au(111) substrate periodicity is observed in the lattice resolution images. This transition is gradual and reversible. During the transition, frictional forces first increase and then decrease as the tip−sample separation decreases by a distance approximately equivalent to the thickness of the thiol layer.
Mutations blocking sensitivity to gibberellic acid promote ethylene-induced male sterility in wheat

Ethylene is known to perturb normal reproductive development in wheat, particularly the development of functional pollen. Two experiments were carried out to test the hypothesis that increasing insensitivity to gibberellic acid (GA), conferred by the Rht genes, would be associated with increased male sterility in ethrel or Cerone®-treated wheat. Wild type (WT=rht1/rht1, rht2/rht2), single dwarf (SD=Rht1/Rht1, rht2/rht2 or SD=rht1/rht1, Rht2/Rht2), and double dwarf (DD=Rht1/Rht1, Rht2/Rht2) near-isogenic lines in six genetic backgrounds were treated with ethrel or Cerone® at the late tetrad to early uninucleate stage of pollen grain development. Ethrel induced pollen abortion in all genotypes but was highest for DD (41% above background) followed by SD (20%), and then WT genotypes (10%). Spikelet fertility decreased as the number of Rht alleles increased in response to ethrel or Cerone® treatments. Expressed as a percent of controls, spikelet fertility was 56% for WT, 42% for SD, and 29% for DD. The consistent linear relationship between the number of Rht alleles and sensitivity of ethylene-induced male sterility suggests that GA and its recognition may exert a stabilizing effect in pollen development in the presence of stress or an ethylene shock.
Carbon speciation of exhaust particulate matter of public transit buses running on alternative fuels

Abstract This paper examines the change from ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) to biodiesel (BD) in different idling mode with respect to organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) for public transit buses in Toledo, Ohio. The carbon source profile for both alternative fuels for eight carbon fractions was developed through real time experiments. The average OC and EC concentrations in biodiesel fueled bus were 109.53 and 12.06 μg/m 3 . The average OC and EC concentrations in ULSD fueled bus were 91.78 and 19.54 μg/m 3 . By comparison, it is clear that the ULSD fueled bus emits more elemental carbon and less organic carbon than the BD fueled bus. The OC/EC ratio was 9.82 for the BD fueled bus and 5.66 for the ULSD fueled bus. The carbonaceous fraction (CF) was 0.87 for the BD fueled bus and 0.88 for the ULSD fueled bus. The CF was 0.90 for hot idling and 0.86 for cold idling. OC1, OC2, and EC2 accounted for about 24.8%, 32.5%, and 47.2% of the Total Carbon (TC), respectively. Correlation analysis was also carried out for identifying the main fractions of OC and EC. The results indicated that the use of BD instead of ULSD is environmentally sustainable based on the above chemistry approach.
Mathematical simulation of soil vapor extraction systems: Model development and numerical examples

This paper describes the development of a numerical model for prediction of soil vapor extraction processes. The major emphasis is placed on field-scale predictions with the objective to advance development of planning tools for design and operation of venting systems. The numerical model solves two-dimensional flow and transport equations for general n-component contaminant mixtures. Flow is limited to the gas phase and local equilibrium partitioning is assumed in tracking contaminants in the immiscible fluid, water, gas, and solid phase. Model predictions compared favorably with analytical solutions and multicomponent column venting experiments. Sensitivity analysis indicates equilibrium phase partitioning is a good assumption in modeling organic liquid volatilization occurring in field venting operations. Mass transfer rates in volatilization from the water phase and contaminant desorption are potentially rate limiting. Simulations of hypothetical field-scale problems show efficiency of venting operations is most sensitive to vapor pressure and the magnitude and distribution of soil permeability.
Polyethylene and polypropylene nanocomposites based on a three component oligomerically-modified clay

Polyethylene and polypropylene nanocomposites were prepared using a novel oligomerically-modified clay that contains three components, styrene, lauryl acrylate and vinylbenzyl chloride. The nanocomposites were prepared by directly melt blending the polymers with the clay and they were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, to understand their morphology, and their thermal stability, flammability and mechanical properties were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimetry and mechanical testing, respectively. The reduction in peak heat release rate is about 60% at 5% inorganic clay loading and 70% at 8% inorganic clay loading.
Food Consumption Expenditures and Education of the Homemaker

Data reported in the 1965–66 U.S.D.A. Household Food Consumption Survey were analyzed with two objectives: (1) to determine whether household consumption expenditures for various food products are related to homemakers' education and (2) to compare income elasticities and the effects of homemakers' education for selected food products. Income and educational elasticities estimated for 22 different foods indicate that differences in homemakers' education in addition to household income can have significant effects on the composition of household food expenditures. In most cases the educational and income elasticities had the same sign suggesting similar directional effects of these two variables on expenditures. All but two of the income elasticities and approximately one-half of the educational elasticities were significantly different from zero.
Effect of loading frequency on trans-endplate nutrition across the intervertebral disc: A force-controlled unconfined compression experiment

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is affecting nearly 80% of the population at some point during their life. This degeneration is a cascading event and a primary cause of lower back pain. A healthy IVD primarily depends on diffusion through the cartilage endplates for its nutrition, however, transport is reduced if the vertebral endplates become sclerotic or proteoglycan content in the disc is diminished, causing cell apoptosis. It has been shown previously that loading frequency has a positive effect on the total nutrition transport for a displacement-controlled confined compression model. However these results are difficult to compare with in-vivo experiments. To closely mimic the natural state of IVD, a force-controlled unconfined compression model is implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics using the biphasic swelling theory. A comparative study between a model with heterogeneous and one with homogenous material properties has been presented. Both models were subjected to a square wave loading of 30 kPa where the frequency was varied from 0.1 to 5 Hz for a period of 300 seconds. Next, both models were subjected to loads that generated a 10% strain within the tissue. The heterogeneous model showed lower nutritional transport for both experiments, however, the observed trend was the same for both models. At higher frequencies the disc reported lower transport values.
Giant solar arches and coronal mass ejections in November 1980

Using data from the SOLWIND coronagraph and photometers aboard HELIOS-A we examine coronal mass ejections from an active region which produced a series of giant post-flare coronal arches. HXIS X-ray observations reveal that in several cases underlying flares did not disrupt these arch structures, but simply revived them, enhancing their temperature, density and brightness. Thus we are curious to know how these quasi-stationary X-ray structures could survive in the corona in spite of recurrent appearances of powerful dynamic flares below them. We have found reliable evidence that two dynamic flares which clearly revived the preexisting giant arch were not associated with any mass ejection. After two other flares, which were associated with mass ejections, the arch might have been newly formed when the ejection was over. In one of these cases, however, the arch had typical characteristics of a revived structure so that it is likely that it survived a powerful mass ejection nearby. In a magnetic configuration of the arch which results from potential-field modelling (Figure 1(b)) such a survival seems possible.
The specification of ethnic cleavages and ethnopolitical groups for the analysis of democratic competition in contemporary Africa

Ethnicity remains an important (but not the only) cost‐effective strategic resource for organizing collective political action in Africa's emerging democracies. To advance systematic analysis of the impact of ethnicity on current patterns of democratic politics and the potential for democratic consolidation, this article describes and presents a comprehensive data set on ethnopolitical groups in all 48 African countries. It explicates the theoretical orientation that informs the data set and the methodology used in defining, identifying and coding ethnopolitical groups.
Maturation of a Recurrent Excitatory Neocortical Circuit by Experience-Dependent Unsilencing of Newly-Formed Dendritic Spines

Local recurrent excitatory circuits are ubiquitous in neocortex, yet little is known about their development or architecture. Here we introduce a quantitative technique for efficient single-cell resolution circuit mapping using 2-photon (2P) glutamate uncaging and analyze experience-dependent neonatal development of the layer 4 barrel cortex local excitatory circuit. We show that sensory experience specifically drives a 3-fold increase in connectivity at postnatal day (P) 9, producing a highly recurrent network. A profound dendritic spinogenesis occurs concurrent with the connectivity increase, but this is not experience dependent. However, in experience-deprived cortex, a much greater proportion of spines lack postsynaptic AMPA receptors (AMPARs) and synaptic connectivity via NMDA receptors (NMDARs) is the same as in normally developing cortex. Thus we describe a approach for quantitative circuit mapping and show that sensory experience sculpts an intrinsically developing template network, which is based on NMDAR-only synapses, by driving AMPARs into newly formed silent spines.
Relationship between embryonic and tumor lipids: I. Changes in the neutral lipids of the developing chick brain, heart and liver

Organ dry weight, per cent total lipid, per cent neutral lipid, per cent phospholipid, and neutral lipid class composition of embryonic and mature brain, heart and liver were determined at 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 27 and 53 days after incubation was initiated. All three tissues showed an increase in total lipids from the 10th day to hatching (21st day). The 10th day brain showed relatively high levels of sterol esters which decreased with increased development while free sterol levels increased. Heart free sterol and sterol ester percentages decreased with increassed time, while triglyceride levels increased dramatically after the 16th day. Liver showed a massive accumulation of neutral lipid after the 17th day. The neutral lipid was not triglyceride, as might have been expected, but sterol ester. Liver sterol, sterol ester and triglyceride levels were approximately equal at the 10th and 13th days, after which time sterol ester rose rapidly to more than 90% of the total neutral lipids by the 19th day. The neutral lipid class distributions were characteristically different for each tissue throughout embryonic development. The relative high sterol ester levels in each of the tissues early in development suggests that the high level of sterol esters in neoplastic tissue may be related to the growth process of increasing cell numbers. On the other hand, the absence or the presence of only trace amounts of glyceryl ether diesters in any of the embryonic tissues suggests that the elevated levels of this lipid class in most tumors may be related to the neoplastic process or to conditions resulting from neoplasia.
Computation by oscillations: implications of experimental data for theoretical models of grid cells.

Recordings in awake, behaving animals demonstrate that cells in medial entorhinal cortex show ‘grid cell’ firing activity when a rat explores an open environment. Intracellular recording in slices from different positions along the dorsal to ventral axis show differences in intrinsic properties such as subthreshold membrane potential oscillations (MPO), resonant frequency and the presence of the hyperpolarization activated cation current (h-current). The differences in intrinsic properties correlate with differences in grid cell spatial scale along the dorsal-ventral axis of medial entorhinal cortex. Two sets of computational models have been proposed to explain the grid cell firing phenomena: oscillatory interference models and attractor dynamic models. Both types of computational models are briefly reviewed and cellular experimental evidence is interpreted and presented in the context of both models. The oscillatory interference model has variations that include an additive model and a multiplicative model. Experimental data on the voltage-dependence of oscillations presented here supports the additive model. The additive model also simulates data from ventral neurons showing large spacing between grid firing fields within the limits of observed MPO frequencies. The interactions of h-current with synaptic modification suggests that the difference in intrinsic properties could also contribute to differences in grid cell properties due to attractor dynamics along the dorsal to ventral axis of medial entorhinal cortex. Mechanisms of oscillatory interference and attractor dynamics may make complementary contributions to the properties of grid cell firing in entorhinal cortex.
A large-scale solar image dataset with labeled event regions

This paper introduces a new public benchmark dataset of solar image data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) mission. This is the first release, which contains over 15,000 images and nearly 24,000 solar events, spanning the first six months of 2012. It combines region-based event labels from six automated detection modules, ten pre-computed image parameters for each cell over a grid-based segmentation of the full resolution images, and a lower resolution version of the images for further analysis and visualization. Together, these components serve as a standardized, ready-to-use, solar image dataset for general image processing research, without requiring the necessary background knowledge to properly prepare it. We present here the fundamental dataset creation details and outline future improvements and opportunities as data collection continues for the coming years.
Abstract 332: The role of OLA1, a novel obg-like ATPase, in epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Human OLA1 is a 45 kDa cytosolic protein that belongs to the YchF subfamily of Obg-like P-loop GTPases and is ubiquitously expressed in most tissues. YchF proteins are highly conserved from yeast to humans and all have a greater affinity for ATP than GTP. Based on structure analysis, OLA1 is predicted to be a regulatory protein that interacts with its client protein(s) and exerts its downstream functions by the conformational switch between the ADP- and ATP-bound forms. However, the actual physiological functions of OLA1 are poorly understood. Our earlier studies have suggested that OLA1 is a negative regulator of cellular antioxidant response and functions through post-transcriptional mechanisms (PNAS 2009; 106:15356). Oxidative stress, mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), has been implicated in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a fundamental phenotypic alteration closely associated with cancer progression and metastasis. In this study we investigated the effect of OLA1 on EMT and the possible underlying mechanisms. We first demonstrated that the human lung epithelial carcinoma A549 cells, after exposure to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 for 3 days, underwent EMT as evidenced by acquisition of a mesenchymal-like morphology, down-regulation of epithelial-specific marker E-cadherin, and induction of mesenchymal marker vimentin. However, knockdown of OLA1 with sequence-specific siRNA in A549 cells resulted in a significant attenuation of the TGF-β1-induced EMT phenotypes, including those in cellular morphology and the EMT markers E-cadherin and vimentin, as compared with the cells transfected with the control non-targeting siRNA. Next, we questioned if this inhibitory effect on EMT was through inhibiting the Akt/GSK3β/Snail pathway. When treated with TGF-β1, OLA1-knockdown cells showed impaired GSK-3β phosphorylation (indicating an overactivation of GSK-3β), and subsequently reduced abundance of the transcription factor Snail that functions as the suppressor of E-cadherin gene expression. Concurrently, OLA1-knockdown cells exhibited significantly decreased TGF-β1-mediated intracellular ROS production assessed by DCFDA staining and flow cytometry analysis. Furthermore, we found that treatment of H2O2 abrogated resistance of OLA1-knockdown cells to TGF-β1-induced EMT, evidenced by phosphorylation of GSK-3β, upregulation of Snail and changes in expression of EMT markers. These results suggest that OLA1 plays an important regulatory role in EMT of human cancer cells, and inhibition of OLA1 may have a negative effect on EMT, probably through down-regulation of the ROS-dependent TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 332. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-332
Laboratory Preparation of a New Soy‐Based Kishk

KISHK, a popular Middle-Eastern fermented food is made by mixing bulgur with fermented milk (1:2) and sun-drying to 8-12% moisture contents. A laboratory method was developed for preparing a Kishk product with 14.9% protein. Bulgur-Yogart mix (62% moisture content) was fermented at 43°C for 24 hr to 9.5% moisture. An acceptable soybased Kishk (9.1% moisture, 17.2% protein) was also prepared by mixing Soy-Yogurt with bulgur at a ratio of 2:1. Finding indicated that the protein level of this Soy-Kishk was higher than that of milk-Kishk.
The N-terminal Nuclear Export Sequence of IκBα Is Required for RanGTP-dependent Binding to CRM1

Nuclear export of IκBα is mediated by the CRM1 nuclear export receptor. However, the identity of the nuclear export sequences NES(s) in IκBα that are responsible for binding of IκBα to CRM1 is controversial. Both a N-terminal NES-like region (amino acids 45–54) and a C-terminal NES-like region (amino acids 265–280) have, in a number of reports from different laboratories, been implicated in CRM1-dependent nuclear export of IκBα. We now demonstrate that the N-terminal NES-like region, but not the C-terminal NES-like region, is required for RanGTP-dependent binding of IκBα to CRM1. IκBα is a relatively weak substrate for CRM1, with an affinity for CRM1 that is 100-fold less than the minute virus of mice NS2 protein, a high affinity cargo protein for CRM1. We also demonstrate that IκBα functions as a physical adaptor between CRM1 and NFκB/Rel proteins. Both free IκBα and Rel-associated IκBα have comparable affinities for CRM1, suggesting that CRM1 does not discriminate between free IκBα and Rel-associated IκBα. Nuclear export of c-Rel by IκBα requires the N-terminal NES-like sequence of IκBα but is not affected by alanine substitutions within the C-terminal NES-like sequence of IκBα. In contrast, nuclear export of the v-Rel oncoprotein by IκBα is disrupted by alanine substitutions within either the N-terminal or the C-terminal NES-like sequences. However, alanine substitutions within the C-terminal NES-like sequence significantly reduce the affinity of IκBα for v-Rel, suggesting that loss of export function for this mutant is secondary to reduced association between IκBα and v-Rel. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the N-terminal NES-like sequence in IκBα is required for RanGTP-dependent binding of both free IκBα and NFκB/Rel-associated IκBα proteins to CRM1.
Biosynthesis of corticoids in guinea pig adrenal slices the effect of ACTH on [1-14C]acetate incorporation into adrenal steroids

Abstract Guinea pig adrenal slices were incubated either for 2 h in the presence of 200 μC [1- 14 C]acetate and [7- 3 H]progesterone or for three 2-h periods adding fresh medium with [1- 14 C]acetate to the slices every second hour. In the latter experiments the slices were then incubated for varying times in the presence or absence of [1- 14 C]-acetate and [7- 3 H]progesterone. The addition of ACTH to the incubation medium increased the incorporation of 14 C and 3 H into the adrenal steroids in both long- and short-term experiments. A NADPH-generating system increased the incorporation of both isotopes into adrenal steroids in long-term experiments. In the 2-h experiments, however, the NADPH-generating system decreased the specific activity of [ 14 C]sterols in the adrenal slices. In long-term experiments the steroid response to ACTH and NADPH addition could be maintained over repeated incubations with the same tissues, and ACTH decreased the [ 14 C]cortisol specific activity in such experiments. The data are discussed with regard to the mechanism of action of ACTH.
Nonbronchoscopic Bronchoalveolar Lavage for the Diagnosis for Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia in the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

We compared conventional bronchoscopic transbronchial biopsy (TBB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with non-bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (NB-BAL) in nine patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and bilateral lung infiltrates. NB-BAL was carried out with a control-tipped reusable catheter. In each patient, bronchoscopic procedures were performed in the right lung, followed immediately by NB-BAL in the left lung. The specimens obtained by NB-BAL confirmed the presence of P carinii pneumonia in seven of eight patients in whom the diagnosis was established by TBB or BAL. Viral cultures of NB-BAL specimens yielded cytomegalovirus (CMV) in four of five subjects with evidence of CMV via bronchoscopic technique, including two instances in which CMV was not detected by BAL. Complications were limited to right-sided pneumothorax attributable to TBB. Accuracy of NB-BAL appears to be comparable to that of conventional bronchoscopic approaches in the diagnosis of AIDS-related pulmonary infection with P carinii or CMV. NB-BAL may be a safer and more economical alternative to TBB and BAL in the diagnosis of pulmonary opportunistic infections.
H1N1-infected patients in ICU and their clinical outcome

Background: The swine flu (H1N1) with rapid spread and panic in population is truly global pandemic, affected mainly younger population. There is need to accumulate evidence regarding patient's intensive care parameters for effective management of newer strains of influenza viral infections. Hence an observed retrospective record analysis of confirmed H1N1 patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care centre is done. Aims: The study was designed to study the profile and pattern of H1N1 patients admitted to ICU and to study the distribution and associated factors with treatment outcomes. Materials and Methods: The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of 32 (RT-PCR confirmed) H1N1cases were collected and analyzed using Fischer's exact test/paired t test between survivors and nonsurvivors to know their significance. This data included criteria for admission to ICU, type of lung injury, mode of oxygenation, antiviral, and other drugs used. Results: There were 11 males and 21 female. Age ranged from 19 to 72 years. Age group of 15-45 years had most cases (78%) and mortality (60%). Most common symptoms were fever and breathlessness (100%). The mean duration of breathlessness was statistically significant (P = 0.037) between two groups. Most common signs were tachycardia and tachypnea. The 75% cases developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), of this 16% survived. Among these fatal cases nine were positive for procalcitonin (PCT) (P = 0.006). The rest of 25% developed acute lung injury (ALI) and recovered completely (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Fever and breathlessness were the main presenting complaints. Tachypnea and tachycardia as clinical signs predict development of respiratory complications. Arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) and PaO 2 /FiO 2 were important in deciding severity of lung injury and mode of ventilation. ARDS was observed to be the main cause of mortality in this study. Serum PCT level estimation is useful in determining outcome.
Possible mechanism for the foodweb transfer of covalently bound microcystins.

Abstract Microcystins (MCs) are cyanobacterial toxins that inhibit protein phosphatases 1 and 2A (PP1, PP2A) within an animal through both reversible and covalent interactions. Only MCs that have accumulated in animal tissue in reversible interactions are currently considered when estimating risk to higher trophic levels and humans through food web exposure. However, the majority of MCs is likely covalently bound to target proteins in tissues and these MCs are not quantified or included in these assessments. These covalently bound MCs may be made bioavailable in the digestive system of a consumer through the digestion of their attached protein phosphatase. Three common digestive enzymes, pepsin, chymotrypsin, and trypsin, did not digest cyclic MC-LR and MC-LY, but were very active against a control peptide with typical linkages and standard amino acids in “L” conformation, supporting the possibility for MC-peptide formation during gut passage. To test if digestion products could be biologically active in the consumer, four predicted MC-peptides were synthesized and assayed for activity against PP1 by the protein phosphatase inhibition assay (PPIA). All four MC-peptides were active against PP1 and comparably half (58%) as inhibitory as the parent toxin. This in vitro study demonstrated that MCs covalently bound to proteins may represent a reservoir of potential toxicity for consumers.
Storage Efficiency of Off-Season Irrigation

Water levels in the Ogallala aquifer are declining, and with the resultant decrease in water capacity of wells, irrigators face difficulty in meeting crop water needs. Off-season irrigation is common in the region, although research has shown it is often inefficient. Storage efficiency of off-season irrigation is affected primarily by the amount of water in the soil profile during storage. Because of much interest in off-season irrigation, our objective was to describe the relationship between water storage efficiency and soil profile water content. Through use of simulation results from a water balance model, we calculated net water gain on 15 May that resulted from fall or spring irrigation. Storage efficiency was related with the maximum of soil water (SW) from irrigation to 15 May. Storage efficiency was 90 to 95% of spring, or 80 to 85% of fall net irrigation amount, with SW in the lower half of the available water (AW) zone. As SW increased above ≈ 55% AW for fall or ≈ 60% AW for spring irrigation, storage efficiency decreased and approached zero with SW near 100% AW. This analysis will help producers understand water storage efficiency of off-season irrigation and how storage varies with SW.
Mouths Wide Shut: Gender-Quiet Teenage Males on Gender-Bending, Gender-Passing and Masculinities

Through individual narratives, three adolescent males of colour reflect on their fluid masculinities in relation to ethnicity, spirituality and sexuality. The self-described gender benders examine their complex relationships and hybrid identities, which cross the various boundaries of heteronormativity routinely legitimatised through peer norms and educational practices. They voice experiences and gender performances in context of the reshaping of the school’s official and unofficial heterosexist climate in which gender-bending males are often marginalised.
Chemical protection fabrics via surface oximation of electrospun polyacrylonitrile fiber mats

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) submicron fiber mats were modified to become reactive components of self-detoxifying chemical protection fabrics. Oximation of the mats with excess hydroxylamine resulted in functionalization of the fibers to form polyacrylamidoxime (PAAO). The fiber morphology remains intact after oximation, with fiber diameters ranging from 250 to 500 nm. Nucleophilic amidoxime groups enable the fiber mats to react with organophosphate pesticides or chemical warfare agents (CWA), as demonstrated using diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) as a CWA simulant. The DFP decomposition kinetics were investigated using 31P MAS NMR, which afforded measurement of the observed pseudo-first order reaction rate constant, kobs. The values of kobs with PAAO-functionalized fibers exceed those of the parent PAN fibers by as much as 80-fold at a water content of 130% by weight. The observed reaction rates depend on the amount of the reactive fiber mats, yielding an apparent second-order rate constant, k2 = 1.0 × 10−6 s−1mg−1. The hydrolytic degradation of DFP occurs only in the presence of free water, which serves as a medium to promote the nucleophilic action of the amidoxime groups in the fibers by facilitating proton transfer and stabilizing the transition state.
Escher's art, Smith chart, and hyperbolic geometry

The purpose of this article is to point out a conceptual link between an artistic creation by the well-known Dutch artist M.C. Escher (1898-1972), called Circle Limit IV (woodcut, 1960), and the most commonly used graphical aid in microwave engineering work, called the Smith chart (1939-1944), created by the U.S. engineer P.H. Smith (1905-1987)
Epigenetics in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Primer for Rheumatologists

Epigenetic anomalies are emerging as key pathogenic features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The effect of epigenetics in RA ranges from contributing to complex disease mechanisms to identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis and response to therapy. This review focuses on three key epigenetic areas in RA, namely DNA methylation, histone modification, and expression and/or function of microRNAs. Epigenomics studies of DNA methylation have identified alterations of genome-wide DNA methylation in cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Histone modification studies have focused on histone acetylation, which tends to be increased in RA. Preclinical studies show that inhibitors of histone deacetylases are effective in cellular and animal models of RA. Genome-wide and candidate microRNA surveys identified increased or reduced expression of selected microRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis. These microRNA are either pro or anti-inflammatory in multiple cell types or affect osteoclast physiology and the pathogenesis of bone erosion. Defining epigenetic contributions to the pathogenesis of RA, especially in combination with understanding genetic associations, could lead to novel therapy and a clearer understanding of disease risk.
Effects of rising energy prices on urban space

Abstract In this paper we review and analyze several well-known urban models that are presently being used to evaluate the impact of a decreasing energy supply on the spatial structure of our metropolitan areas. Certain models which demonstrate that rising energy prices reinforce a tendency for decentralization are shown to be extremely sensitive to modifications of certain desirable assumptions and, consequently, they may have restrictive applicability in urban policy formation. Acknowledging this possibility, we use a production function approach to derive, independently of the previously discussed models, results that indicate a rise in energy prices will generate centralizing urban adjustments.
Three component plasma electron distribution in the intermediate ionized coma of comet Giacobini‐Zinner

The observation of three distinct components of the electron distribution function measured in the intermediate ionized coma (IIC) and plasma tail of Comet Giacobini-Zinner is reported. It is believed that the cold component represents electrons produced close to the comet nucleus by ionization of cometary matter and subsequent cooling by Coulomb collisions. The second component also appears to be composed of electrons produced by photoionization of cometary neutrals, but sufficiently far from the nucleus that the distributions are largely unaffected by Coulomb interactions. The hot component is probably a population of electrons originating in the solar wind. Throughout the IIC, the electrostatic potential of the spacecraft was very low (less than 0.8 eV), implying that ICE generated very little impact-produced plasma during its passage.
Thermal-Aware Micro-Channel Cooling of Multicore Processors: A Three-Stage Design Approach

This study goes beyond the common micro-channel cooling system composed of uniform parallel straight micro-channels. Due to the highly non-uniform power dissipation on a multicore processor, the micro-channel cooling system is designed to fit with the heat load on the multicore processor. By applying effective strategies and arranging key design parameters, stronger cooling is provided under the high power core area, and less cooling is provided under the low power cache area to save the precious pumping power. The well designed thermal-aware micro-channel cooling systems could effectively lower the hot spot temperature and temperature gradients on chip.A three-stage approach to design thermal-aware micro-channel cooling system for multicore processor is developed. Two micro-channel cooling systems are specifically designed for a 2 core 150W Intel Tulsa processor and an 8 core 260W (doubled power) Intel Nehalem processor, to illustrate the design approach. The working fluid is single phase HFE7100. For the Tulsa processor, a strategy named strip-and-zone approach is used. The final design leads to 30kPa pressure drop and 0.094W pumping power while maintains the hot spot temperature to be 75 °C. For the Nehalem processor, a split flow micro-channel system and a widen-inlet strategy are applied. The final design takes 15kPa pressure drop and 0.0845W pumping power while maintains the hot spot temperature to be 82.8 °C. The design approach in this study provides the basic guide for the industrial applications of effective multicore processor cooling using micro-channels.© 2013 ASME