cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meson and Isobar Resonance Production in π − p Interactions at 3.63 BeV c

${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p$ interactions at 3.63 $\frac{\mathrm{BeV}}{c}$ have been studied using the BNL 20-in. hydrogen bubble chamber. 1054, 1693, 805, 1025, and 489 events of the reactiont ypes (1) ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}+p$, (2) ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+n$, (3) ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+p$, (4) ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+p+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$, and (5) ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+n$, respectively, have been identified. The $\ensuremath{\rho}$ meseon is produced abundantly in reactions (1) and (2), and an analysis of the decay angular distributions of the events in these peaks leads one to believe that they are produced via pion-pion scattering in states of angular-momentum zero and one. A detailed analysis of the energy and momentum-transfer dependence of the phase shifts necessary to describe such scattering is made. Using the Chew-Low method, the results have been extrapolated into the nonphysical region of momentum transfer, and they are found to agree quite well quantitatively with predicted values. Reaction (3) is found to be dominated by ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}$ and ${N}^{*}$ (1238) production. ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{0}$ production are the dominant features of reaction (4). Both of these mesons seem to be produced along with nucleon isobars. The ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ channel furnishes examples of these isobars decaying into a pion and into the 1238-MeV ${N}^{*}$, which in turn breaks up into a ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and a $p$. A peak is also found in the (${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{0}$) mass spectrum at 1250 MeV. Cross sections for the reactions and the various resonance channels are also presented.
Early Assessment of Myocardial Salvage by Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background—Myocardial salvage after acute myocardial infarction is defined clinically by early restoration of flow and long-term improvement in contractile function. We hypothesized that contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed early after myocardial infarction, indexes myocardial salvage. We studied the relationship between the transmural extent of hyperenhancement by contrast-enhanced MRI, restoration of flow, and recovery of function. Methods and Results—The left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded in dogs (n=15) for either 45 minutes, 90 minutes, or permanently. Cine and contrast-enhanced MRI were performed 3 days after the procedure; cine MRI was also done 10 and 28 days after the procedure. The transmural extent of hyperenhancement and wall thickening were determined using a 60-segment model. The mean transmural extent of hyperenhancement for the 45-minute occlusion group was 22% of the 90-minute group and 18% of the permanent occlusion group (P<0.05 for both). The ...
Turbulence Structure of the Convective Boundary Layer. Part II. Phonenix 78 Aircraft Observations of Thermals and Their Environment

Abstract A conditional sampling technique based upon the mixed layer spectra of vertical velocity and temperature is developed. This technique is used to analyze the turbulence data obtained by aircraft during the Phoenix 78 convective boundary layer experiment. Observations of the size, spacing and structure of thermals as well as their contribution to mixed layer processes are presents. Implications of these results for pollution dispersion are discussed. The observed scale dependence is also used to estimate what fraction of a turbulence statistic must be accounted for by the subgrid parameterizations of large eddy simulations.
Study on a New Type of Electric Larceny Using Half-Wave Rectifying Method

A new electricity larceny case is proposed in this paper, which using half-wave rectifying method. According to the fact that users consumption varies greatly, analyzing the phenomena discovered and stealing principle. Then simulating the method of electricity larceny in the laboratory, and dissecting the error of the half-wave rectifier stealing mode under different current and power factor. Finally, proposing preventive measures and proposals targeted.
Assigning Frequencies via Determinantal Equations: New Counterexamples and Invariants

The problem of arbitrary pole-zero assignment by fixed structure compensators has been addressed so far in terms of either necessary or sufficient conditions. The strongest existing condition is based on the rank of the differential of a related map on a degenerate controller and holds true generically when the degrees of freedom of the compensator exceed the number of frequencies to be assigned (mp>n for the output feedback problem). The complete (nongeneric) solvability of the problem is still open, even when complex controllers are considered. A simple necessary solvability condition is that the linear map, appearing as a factor of the main determinantal map, defining the assignment problem, is onto. Here we examine the special problem of assignment of matrix pencil zeros via diagonal perturbations and we present a new necessary and sufficient condition for complex solvability in terms of a new invariant involving the minors of this linear map. Based on this result, we demonstrate that for the important case where the degrees of freedom of the controller are equal to the number of frequencies to be assigned, the surjectivity of this linear map although it is necessary, it is not sufficient for the solvability of the problem
“CHOLERA FORCING” The Myth of the Good Epidemic and the Coming of Good Water

It has been frequently claimed that cholera epidemics, both in the 19th century and today, were and can be the key stimulus for procurement of safe water and sanitation, an idea that I call “cholera forcing.” “Technology forcing” refers to imposition of exogenous factors that suddenly make possible achievements that had not seemed so; cholera has been seen in this light. I argue that this view oversimplifies and underrepresents the importance of industrialization in securing water supplies. Careful study of the financial, political, and administrative foundations of such changes will be more fruitful.
COMPARISON OF OBSERVED RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF HARD WHEAT FLOUR DOUGH WITH PREDICTIONS OF THE GIESEKUS-LEONOV, WHITE-METZNER AND PHAN-THIEN TANNER MODELS

The measured rheological behavior of hard wheat flour dough was predicted using three nonlinear differential viscoelastic models. The Phan-Thien Tanner model gave good zero shear viscosity prediction, but overpredicted the shear viscosity at higher shear rates and the transient and extensional properties. The Giesekus-Leonov model gave similar predictions to the Phan-Thien Tanner model, but the extensional viscosity prediction showed extension thickening. Using high values of the mobility factor, extension thinning behavior was observed but the predictions were not satisfactory. The White-Metzner model gave good predictions of the steady shear viscosity and the first normal stress coefficient but it was unable to predict the uniaxial extensional viscosity as it exhibited asymptotic behavior in the tested extensional rates. It also predicted the transient shear properties with moderate accuracy in the transient phase, but very well at higher times, compared to the Phan-Thien Tanner model and the Giesekus-Leonov model. None of the models predicted all observed data consistently well. Overall the White-Metzner model appeared to make the best predictions of all the observed data.
Confidence Intervals for the Coefficient of Variation when Random Effects are Selected from Finite Populations

﻿The conceptualized infinite population from which random effects are sampled in many practical applications does not provide a good description of the data. When random effects are sampled from finite populations of known size, an assumed random effect..
The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment: Opportunitw or Threat for Management Communication?

Instituted as a regular part of the GMAT in October 1994, the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) has the potential to serve as a diagnostic tool in MBA programs. This article describes the new test and reviews the uses of the AWA scores and essays that have significant ramifications for management communication. It concludes by suggesting why it is vital for communication instructors to become involved in decisions about how to use the A WA results.
Under the Sign of the Reproduction

With the advent of technical reproduction, the publication of architecture, as a medium through which architectural ideas have been disseminated, has both conditioned our understanding of architecture and exacted profound changes within the very art that it has reproduced. In this article I investigate this twofold phenomenon, using the example of the Italian publications Casabella and Architettura from the period between the two world wars, and focusing specifically on the publication of the Mostra della Rivoluzione Fascista, held in Rome in 1932. I examine this exhibition through the means of its production and reproduction, under the assumption that publication is a cultural text, with its own message and its own potential to condition our understanding of architecture.
Cav1 L‐type Ca2+ channel signaling complexes in neurons

Ca(v)1 L-type Ca2+ channels play crucial and diverse roles in the nervous system. The pre- and post-synaptic functions of Ca(v)1 channels not only depend on their intrinsic biophysical properties but also their dynamic regulation by a host of cellular influences. These include protein kinases and phosphatases, G-protein coupled receptors, scaffolding proteins, and Ca2+-binding proteins. The cytoplasmic domains of the main pore forming alpha(1) subunit of Ca(v)1 offer a number of binding sites for these modulators, permitting fast and localized regulation of Ca2+ entry. Through effects on Ca(v)1 gating, localization, and coupling to effectors, protein modulators are efficiently positioned to adjust Ca(v)1 Ca2+ signals that control neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and gene expression.
Many-body analysis of the effects of electron density and temperature on the intersubband transition in GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs multiple quantum wells.

Infrared absorption spectroscopy is used to study conduction electron intersubband transitions between the ground and first excited states in a Si-doped ${\mathrm{Al}}_{0.3}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.7}$As/GaAs quantum well. A line-shape calculation is presented for the absorption coefficient as a function of the incident photon energy for different values of T and ${\mathit{n}}_{2\mathrm{D}}$ (where 2D is two dimensional). Good agreement between the numerical results and the experimental data is achieved. The measured blueshift or redshift of the peak position is quantitatively reproduced as T or ${\mathit{n}}_{2\mathrm{D}}$ is reduced, respectively. In the theory, the quasiparticle eigenstates are obtained using a self-consistent Hartree potential and a z-dependent effective mass and nonparabolic energy dispersion. The screened exchange interaction is calculated based on the Hartree self-consistent wave functions and the Thomas-Fermi screening model, and is found to play a crucial role in the T and ${\mathit{n}}_{2\mathrm{D}}$ dependence. The many-body theory includes the depolarization shift from a collective dipole moment and the excitonic shift from the vertex correction.
Thermal-induced modification of the contact mechanics of adhering liposomes

The physiochemical properties of the phospholipid bilayer directly modulate the interaction between adhered cells and extracellular matrixes. The thermotropic transition of phospholipid bilayer has been shown to be highly coupled with the mechanical properties of liposomes (Heimburg, T. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1998, 147, 1415). However, there is currently a lack of understanding of the thermal-induced effect on the adhesive contact mechanics of liposomes adhering on non-deformable substrates. In this study, high-resolution reflectance interference contrast microscopy, phase contrast microscopy, and contact mechanics modeling are applied to probe the interfacial adhesion contacts of phospholipid vesicles on fused silica substrates during gel to liquid crystalline transition of the bilayer. It is shown that the contact area, contact angle, and adhesion energy of adhering liposome increase during the thermotropic transition. The trend of adhesion energy against temperature is dictated by the complex interplay...
A NEW CONCEPT TO THE GENERAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE EFFECT OF LONGITUDINAL CONDUCTION FOR MULTISTREAM COUNTER FLOW HEAT EXCHANGERS

Longitudinal conduction effect on fluid temperatures in multistream counterflow heat exchanger, based on characteristic function
Platelet-derived growth factor stimulates phosphorylation of the 25 kDa mRNA cap binding protein (EIF-4E) in human lung fibroblasts

Platelet-derived growth factor exerts rapid effects on protein synthesis and polysome formation in cultured cells. We report that platelet-derived growth factor stimulates a rapid phosphorylation of eIF-4E in WI-38 human lung fibroblasts. The effect was dependent on both time and PDGF concentrations. Phosphoserine was the sole phosphoamino acid identified and tryptic phosphopeptide maps showed a single phosphopeptide under both control and PDGF conditions. Phosphorylation of eIF-4E may be one of the events required for initiating entry into G1 and commitment into S phase of the cell cycle.
Creatine Kinase Adenosine Triphosphate and Phosphocreatine Energy Supply in a Single Kindred of Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

A lethal and extensively characterized familial form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is due to a point mutation (Arg403Gln) in the cardiac β-myosin heavy chain gene. Although this is associated with abnormal energy metabolism and progression to heart failure in an animal model, in vivo cardiac energetics have not been characterized in patients with this mutation. Noninvasive phosphorus saturation transfer magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to measure the adenosine triphosphate supplied by the creatine kinase (CK) reaction and phosphocreatine, the heart's primary energy reserve, in 9 of 10 patients from a single kindred with HC caused by the Arg403GIn mutation and 17 age-matched healthy controls. Systolic and diastolic function was assessed by echocardiography in all 10 patients with HC. The patients with HC had impairment of diastolic function and mild systolic dysfunction, when assessed using global systolic longitudinal strain. Myocardial phosphocreatine was significantly decreased by 24% in patients (7.1 ± 2.3 μmol/g) compared with the controls (9.4 ± 1.2 μmol/g; p = 0.003). The pseudo-first-order CK rate-constant was 26% lower (0.28 ± 0.15 vs 0.38 ± 0.07 s −1 , p = 0.035) and the forward CK flux was 44% lower (2.0 ± 1.4 vs 3.6 ± 0.9 μmol/g/s, p = 0.001) than in the controls. The contractile abnormalities did not correlate with the metabolic indexes. In conclusion, myocardial phosphocreatine and CK-ATP delivery are significantly reduced in patients with HC caused by the Arg403Gln mutation, akin to previous results from mice with the same mutation. A lack of a relation between energetic and contractile abnormalities suggests the former result from the sarcomeric mutation and not a late consequence of mechanical dysfunction.
Hitting Two Birds with One Stone: Crystal Containing Both Disproportionation Products of the Mixed-Valence Ruthenium(II, III) Carboxylate

The disproportionation of the mixed-valence diruthenium(II, III) trifluoroacetate, [Ru2(O2CCF3)5] (1), is reported. The overall conversion leads to the triruthenium(II, III, III) and diruthenium(II, II) species according to the scheme: 4 Ru2 5+→ 2 Ru3 8+ + Ru2 4+. Both disproportionation products have been isolated and structurally characterized as they cocrystallize in a 2:1 ratio in the form of the acetone adducts to give the complex [Ru3O(O2CCF3)6·(OCMe2)3]2 [Ru2(O2CCF3)4·(OCMe2)2] (2). Compound 2 conforms to the triclinic space group, P 1 (No. 2), with the parameters a = 9. 9238(5) A, b = 12. 8388(7) A, c = 20. 1188(10) A, α = 103. 1390(10)°, β = 103. 1210(10)°, γ = 98. 1650(10)°, V = 2379. 8(2) A3, and Z = 1. The refinement of 747 parameters and 90 restraints resulted in the final R 1 value of 0. 0454 and wR 2 = 0. 0971 for 8003 reflections with I ≥ 2σ(I), and R 1 value of 0. 0697 and wR 2 = 0. 1071 for all 10, 755 data. The oxidized form is represented by a mixed-valence trinuclear ruthenium complex, [Ru3O(O2CCF3)6·(OCMe2 )3] (2a). This neutral complex possesses a μ3-oxo-centered Ru3O unit with peripheral ligands provided by bridging carboxylates and terminal acetone groups. The core dimensions of 2a indicate a valence-detrapped state in the range of temperatures 295–90 K. The central unit consists of a nearly equilateral triangular array with the Ru–O(oxo) bond distances of 1. 909(3), 1. 905(3), and 1. 910(3) A. The reduced form, [Ru2(O2CCF3)4·(OCMe2)2] (2b), is a typical tetrabridged diruthenium(II, II) carboxylate having coordinated acetone molecules at both axial sites. The Ru–Ru double bond in the paddlewheel unit is measured at 2. 2858(8) A. The mechanistic aspects of the disproportionation and the core conversion in 1 as well as in similar metal trifluoroacetates are discussed.
ω-Hydroxyacid derivatives in the epidermis of several mammalian species

Abstract 1. 1. ω-Hydroxyacids from the acylceramides and acylglucosylceramides of mammalian epidermis were examined by thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography to determine their degree of unsaturation and chain-length distributions. The species examined included human ( Homo sapiens ), pig ( Sus scrofa ) mouse ( Mus musculus ) and rat ( Rattus rattus ). 2. 2. Within a species, the ω-hydroxyacids from the acylceramide and acylglucosylceramide were essentially identical. 3. 3. The human ω-hydroxyacids proved to be mainly saturated with C30:0 being the major entity. 4. 4. The pig contained similar saturated, monoenoic and small amounts of dienoic ω-hydroxyacids, with C30:0, C32:1 being the major entities. 5. 5. The mouse and rat contained C32:0 and C34:1 as the major components.
The Long-Run Effects of Depreciation of The Dollar on Sectoral Output

Almost all previous research that investigated the impact of currency depreciation on domestic production relied on an aggregate measure of total output, i.e. GDP. In this paper we investigate the long-run relation between the exchange value of the dollar and production in eight different sectors of the U.S. economy by the means of cointegration analysis. For most sectors we find no evidence of a long-run relation between the value of the dollar and sectoral output. [F31]
Collaborative publishing in digital history

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide examples of how partnerships can be used to build innovative digital collections. Design/methodology/approach – This article explores multiple aspects of Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) Walker Library’s partnerships with the Center for Historic Preservation and MTSU’s graduate program in public history. Specific topics covered include pairing interpretive essays with groups of highly relevant images to engage students, incorporating responsive design to encourage use of mobile devices and creating an interactive map that links locations to digital content. Findings – By strengthening existing partnerships and proactively seeking new opportunities, libraries that do not have unique primary source collections can take a leading role in publishing digital history collections. Historians have been vital to the success of the Library’s digital projects, particularly those that incorporate multiple layers of historical context. Originality/value – T...
Evolution of microRNAs and the diversification of species.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ancient, short noncoding RNA molecules that regulate the transcriptome through post-transcriptional mechanisms. miRNA riboregulation is involved in a diverse range of biological processes, and misregulation is implicated in disease. It is generally thought that miRNAs function to canalize cellular outputs, for instance as “fail-safe” repressors of gene misexpression. Genomic surveys in humans have revealed reduced genetic polymorphism and the signature of negative selection for both miRNAs themselves and the target sequences to which they are predicted to bind. We investigated the evolution of miRNAs and their binding sites across cichlid fishes from Lake Malawi (East Africa), where hundreds of diverse species have evolved in the last million years. Using low-coverage genome sequence data, we identified 100 cichlid miRNA genes with mature regions that are highly conserved in other animal species. We computationally predicted target sites on the 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTRs) of cichlid genes to which miRNAs may bind and found that these sites possessed elevated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) densities. Furthermore, polymorphic sites in predicted miRNA targets showed higher minor allele frequencies on average and greater genetic differentiation between Malawi lineages when compared with a neutral expectation and nontarget 3′-UTR SNPs. Our data suggest that divergent selection on miRNA riboregulation may have contributed to the diversification of cichlid species and may similarly play a role in rapid phenotypic evolution of other natural systems.
Oral ondansetron decreases vomiting, as well as the need for intravenous fluids and hospital admission, in children with acute gastroenteritis

Commentary on: Z Fedorowicz, VA Jagannath, B Carter. Antiemetics for reducing vomiting related to acute gastroenteritis in children and adolescents.Cochrane Database Syst Rev2011;9:CD005506.
STAR-HASTE: Perfusion imaging without magnetic susceptibility artifact

A novel magnetic resonance imaging technique (STAR-HASTE) based on pulsed arterial spin labeling using a single shot acquisition method is described for perfusion imaging. The method is similar to EPISTAR in using STAR (Signal Targeting with Alternating Radiofrequency) technique for pulsed radiofrequency labeling of inflowing blood, but uses a half-Fourier single shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) sequence for data acquisition instead of echo-planar imaging (EPI). Our preliminary studies show that STAR-HASTE permits perfusion imaging to be performed without many of the artifacts encountered with other imaging methods based on EPI acquisition. The novel method not only provides similar perfusion information to that obtained by EPISTAR, as demonstrated in the functional brain imaging study, but also eliminates magnetic susceptibility artifacts and image distortion commonly observed in EPI images. Furthermore, this technique can be readily implemented in MR systems without EPI capability.
Effect of Diazepam on Cognition via Pupillometry

Continuous pupillary readings in response to a random-digit cognition task were obtained for 20 male subjects. Ten subjects were given 10 mg of diazepam, and 10 subjects were given placebos. Additional pupillary curves were recorded for both groups at 1 and 2 hr and compared to the initial curve. Subjects were required to repeat the exact sequence of verbalized randomized digits as a measure of performance. The results indicated that the diazepam treatment group differed significantly from the placebo group in terms of a depressed pupillary response. Furthermore, the performance recall measure was significantly reduced in the diazepam group. The relationships were clarified by an analysis of covariance and variance.
Analyzing corporate communications policy using ethnographic methods

The author suggests that those interested in creating or refining corporate communication policies should consider ethnographic analysis-observation, interviewing, and collecting situational data-to understand the complex web of meanings that make up organizational culture. She maintains that such an analysis can provide diagnoses of organizational policies and procedures as well as deeper understanding of communication behavior in organizations. As such, ethnographic analysis can promote beneficial change in policy issues. >
The optimal sequenced route query

Real-world road-planning applications often result in the formulation of new variations of the nearest neighbor (NN) problem requiring new solutions. In this paper, we study an unexplored form of NN queries named optimal sequenced route (OSR) query in both vector and metric spaces. OSR strives to find a route of minimum length starting from a given source location and passing through a number of typed locations in a particular order imposed on the types of the locations. We first transform the OSR problem into a shortest path problem on a large planar graph. We show that a classic shortest path algorithm such as Dijkstra's is impractical for most real-world scenarios. Therefore, we propose LORD, a light threshold-based iterative algorithm, which utilizes various thresholds to prune the locations that cannot belong to the optimal route. Then we propose R-LORD, an extension of LORD which uses R-tree to examine the threshold values more efficiently. Finally, for applications that cannot tolerate the Euclidean distance as estimation and require exact distance measures in metric spaces (e.g., road networks) we propose PNE that progressively issues NN queries on different point types to construct the optimal route for the OSR query. Our extensive experiments on both real-world and synthetic datasets verify that our algorithms significantly outperform a disk-based variation of the Dijkstra approach in terms of processing time (up to two orders of magnitude) and required workspace (up to 90% reduction on average).
Osteoclasts and giant cells: macrophage-macrophage fusion mechanism.

Membrane fusion is a ubiquitous event that occurs in a wide range of biological processes. While intracellular membrane fusion mediating organelle trafficking is well understood, much less is known about cell–cell fusion mediating sperm cell–oocyte, myoblast–myoblast and macrophage–macrophage fusion. In the case of mononuclear phagocytes, their fusion is not only associated with the differentiation of osteoclasts, cells which play a key role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, but also of giant cells that are present in chronic inflammatory reactions and in tumours. Despite the biological and pathophysiological importance of intercellular fusion events, the actual molecular mechanism of macrophage fusion is still unclear. One of the main research themes in my laboratory has been to investigate the molecular mechanism of mononuclear phagocyte fusion. Our hypothesis has been that macrophage–macrophage fusion, similar to virus–cell fusion, is mediated by specific cell surface proteins. But, in contrast with myoblasts and sperm cells, macrophage fusion is a rare event that occurs in specific instances. To test our hypothesis, we established an in vitro cell–cell fusion assay as a model system which uses alveolar macrophages. Upon multinucleation, these macrophages acquire the osteoclast phenotype. This indicates that multinucleation of macrophages leads to a specific and novel functional phenotype in macrophages. To identify the components of the fusion machinery, we generated four monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which block the fusion of alveolar macrophages and purified the unique antigen recognized by these mAbs. This led us to the cloning of MFR (Macrophage Fusion Receptor). MFR was cloned simultaneously as P84/SHPS-1/SIRPα/BIT by other laboratories. We subsequently showed that the recombinant extracellular domain of MFR blocks fusion. Most recently, we identified a lower molecular weight form of MFR that is missing two extracellular immunoglobulin (Ig) C domains. Shortly after we cloned MFR, CD47 was reported to be a ligand for P84/SIRPα. We have since generated preliminary results which suggest that CD47 interacts with MFR during adhesion/fusion and is a member of the fusion machinery. We also identified CD44 as a plasma membrane protein which, like MFR, is highly expressed at the onset of fusion. The recombinant soluble extracellular domain of CD44 blocks fusion by interacting with a cell-surface binding site. We now propose a model in which both forms of MFR, CD44, and CD47 mediate macrophage adhesion/fusion and therefore the differentiation of osteoclasts and giant cells.
Ontogeny of Vision in Marine Crustaceans

Marine crustaceans present an extremely interesting set of examples in which to examine visual development and metamorphosis. Larvae of these animals are almost always planktonic, living in the light field of open waters. The presence of a simple, predictable photic environment, the relatively basic visual requirements of larvae, and the need to remain transparent to reduce predation lead to the use of a single eye type throughout all marine crustacean larvae. Adult crustaceans, on the other hand, use a greater diversity of optical designs than all other animals combined, occupy habitats from the deep sea to mountaintops, and have very complex visual systems and behaviors. Thus, visual development varies tremendously among modern Crustacea. In this brief review, we consider the structure and development of marine crustacean eyes, focusing on optics, retinal design, and metamorphosis of the visual pigments.
Identifying, implementing and recognizing Arabic accents in facial expressions for a cross-cultural robot

In this work we attempt to understand the visual accents in Arabic facial expressions and create culture-specific facial expressions for a female multi-lingual, cross-cultural robot. This study will enable the investigation of the effect of creating such expressions on the quality of the human-robot interaction. Our work is twofold: we first identify the existence of accent variation in facial expressions across cultures, then we validate human recognition of these accents. Facial expressions embody culture and are crucial for effective communication; hence they play an important role in multi-lingual, cross-cultural human-robot interaction. Elfenbein and Ambady found that there are different accents in facial expressions, which are culture-specific, and that the differences in expressions between cultures can create misunderstandings [Elfenbein and Ambady, 2003]. Several studies compared American expressions with expressions from other cultures but none of them included Arabic facial expressions. There i...
Are Public Employees Overpaid

The research reported in this article shows that public employees, both state and local government employees, are not overpaid and may be slightly undercompensated. Comparisons with the private-sec...
Increased serum placenta growth factor level is significantly associated with progression, recurrence and poor prognosis of lung cancer

We recently found that the expression of placenta growth factor (PlGF) in lung cancer specimens is correlated with the progression and prognosis. In this study, serum samples were obtained from 72 patients with lung cancer and from 30 normal controls. Serum PlGF levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mean serum PlGF levels were significantly higher in lung cancer patients than in normal controls (19.1 ± 10.7 vs. 10.1 ± 4.5, P P = 0.015), positive lymph node metastasis ( P = 0.001), more advanced clinical stages ( P = 0.002), and loco-regional recurrence ( P = 0.037). The serum PlGF level was identified as an independent unfavorable prognosis factor by multivariate Cox regression analyses ( P = 0.014). Kaplan-Meier curve showed that lung cancer patients with a higher serum PlGF level had a significantly poorer cumulative recurrence-free survival than those with a lower serum PlGF level (log-rank test, P = 0.009). When we used the serum PlGF level of 19.1 pg/ml as a cutoff point, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for tumor recurrence was 80%, 56% and 78%, respectively. We conclude that the serum PlGF level may be a valuable biomarker for prediction of therapeutic effect, progression, recurrence and prognosis of lung cancer.
Standard electrical conductivity of isotropic, homogeneous olivine in the temperature range 1200°‐1500°C

In order to produce electrical conductivity-temperature plots suitable for interpreting mantle conductivity profiles, the authors have used several spatial averaging schemes to reduce the orthorhombic conductivity tensor of olivine to that appropriate for an isotropic material. The starting data were new measurements of electrical conductivity [sigma] in the three orthogonal principal directions of a San Carlos olivine (fayalite 9 per cent) to 1500[degrees]C at 1 atmosphere total pressure. These measurements were made in a CO[sub 2]/CO atmosphere that provided an oxygen partial pressure of 10[sup [minus]4] Pa (10[sup [minus]9] atmosphere) at 1200[degrees]C; this is slightly more reducing than the quartz-fayalite-magnetite (QFM) buffer curve. The highest [001] and lowest [010] conducting directions differ by a factor of 2.3. The next step was to obtain series and parallel bounds from the three principal directions; these absolute upper and lower bounds differ by 15 per cent. A standard conductivity curve comes from applying to the series and parallel curves various averaging schemes such as the Hashin-Shtrikman and Maxwell-Waff bounds or the effective medium, geometric mean, or (a new technique) self-similar methods; these all agree to within 3 per cent. The self-similar calculation demonstrates that the VRH method is a form of parallel averagemore » that is biased toward high values. The standard curve SO1 is given by [sigma] = 46.9 exp ([minus]1.38/kT) + 5.22 [times] 10[sup 8] exp ([minus]3.90/kT) where T is absolute temperature, k is the Boltzmann constant, and the activation energy is in eV. It is valid for the measurement interval of 1200[degrees]-1500[degrees]C and can be used for extrapolation on either side of this range. Uncertainties associated with applying SO1 to inferring mantle temperatures are discussed.« less
Percutaneous Renal Surgery for Renal Pelvic Tumors: Overcoming the Difficulties

Upper tract transitional cell carcinoma accounts for roughly 5 % of all urothelial malignancies. Tumors of the renal collecting system and ureter rarely remain clinically silent. Most patients present with either hematuria and/or flank pain. A variety of diagnostic approaches may be utilized; however, computed tomography urography is currently the most sensitive and specific imaging modality. Urinary cytology continues to be important because of its sensitivity for high-grade lesions. Ureteroscopy has both a diagnostic and therapeutic role. Although ureteroscopic biopsies rarely provide accurate staging, multiple studies have demonstrated the strong correlation between tumor grade and stage.
Reduced cerebral hemodynamic response in sleep disorders: A NIRS frequency-domain study

We applied NIRS to investigate changes in cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics in sleep-disordered breathing; namely, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. A detected reduced brain hemodynamic response to hypoxia may be a predictor of cerebrovascular morbidity.
Non-Contact Technique for Characterizing Full-Field Surface Deformation of Shape Memory Polymers

Thermally-actuated shape memory polymers (SMPs) typically display two phases separated by the glass transition temperature (Tg ). At temperatures well below the Tg , the polymer exhibits a relatively high elastic modulus. Well above the Tg the elastic modulus drops by several orders of magnitude. In this high temperature region, SMP materials can achieve strain levels well above 100 %. The complex behavior of SMPs (stiffnesses dropping to the order of 1 GPa and extremely high strain levels) precludes the use of traditional strain gages and low-contact force extensometers. The present study presents a detailed expansion of state-of-the-art thermomechanical testing techniques used to characterize the material behavior of SMPs. An MTS environmental chamber with an observation window allows for non-contact optical measurements during testing. A laser extensometer is used for measurement and active control of axial strain. The upper limit on the strain rate capability of the laser extensometer is established. In addition, the photographic strain measurement method known as digital image correlation (DIC) is incorporated, allowing for full field measurement of axial and transverse strains of SMPs over a range of temperatures and strain rates. The strain measurements of the DIC and laser extensometer are compared to each other as well as to clip-on extensometers and strain gages. The comparisons provide insight into the limitations of the traditional strain measurement systems. A series of tensile tests are performed on a commercial SMP from 25 °C up to temperatures of 130 °C and strain levels above 100 %. The laser extensometer provides a robust method for controlling the strain in the gage section of the samples. In addition, results show that the full field measurements of both the axial and the transverse strain are essential for characterizing the constitutive response of SMPs at room and elevated temperatures.© 2010 ASME
Gentrification, Social Justice and Personal Ethics

Gentrification, leading to displacement, is an increasingly recognized social problem. Individuals who are confronted with tight housing possibilities but have adequate incomes confront personal ethical issues on whether to act in ways that may contribute to displacement of lower-income residents, and researchers working on housing issues may be particularly concerned. In order to work out an ethical position, clarity is first needed on the differences among the various aspects of gentrification. The working definition used here is that gentrification includes the danger of displacement. A public policy response is thus required to deal with its social injustices. Specific steps are suggested for the development of such policy. Secondly, the suggestion is made that the individual choice of whether to move in or not is, importantly, a personal ethical choice and should take into account both the economic and political impact of the move itself but also the contribution that can be made through collective and political action by an in-mover to deal with the injustices of gentrification. However, it is also an ethical choice for the professions involved and their associations.
Problems in Food Sanitation and Measure in Yushu Earthquake Disaster Area

Objective To sum the experiences of food hygiene surveillance in earthquake relief in plateau.Methods The survey on food hygiene was done,and then a critical comprehensive strategy was constituted.Results No emergency had been displayed in Yushu disaster area.Conclusion It would ensure food hygiene safety in plateau disaster area by carrying out the critical comprehensive strategy.
Early salvage radiation therapy post-prostatectomy: Key considerations

Post-prostatectomy radiotherapy (RT) is commonly employed to maximize oncologic outcomes in patients with pathologic adverse features (adjuvant RT]) or to treat men with prostate-specific antigen or local recurrence after initial observation (salvage RT [SRT]). Randomized controlled trials have been unable to compare adjuvant RT versus SRT; however, there is growing retrospective evidence that observation and early SRT (eSRT) may be a suitable. The issue of patient selection is crucial; several clinical tools and some newer biomarker-based tools might help in this process. Moreover, the optimal prostate-specific antigen threshold for eSRT, the RT dose, the irradiation field and the use of hormonal therapy are still open questions. In this article, we review the current literature on eSRT and provide some insights on what's happening for the future.
Listening to elliptic speech: pay attention to stressed vowels

Abstract: If the phonological structure of an utterance is systematically distorted, then distorting those properties which are perceptually most salient would be expected to lead to maximal disruption of perception/comprehension. Four narrative paragraphs were subjected to systematic phonological distortions: (1) voiced obstruents were replaced by voiceless obstruents and vice versa; (2) nasal stops were replaced by oral stops and vice versa; (3) place of articulation for stops and nasals was changed at random; (4) front vowels were replaced by corresponding back vowels and vice versa. English phonotactic constraints were not violated. The elliptical speech paragraphs and a non-distorted paragraph were presented to listeners under various conditions. Althought the absolute level of difficulty of the perception/comprehension of the paragraphs varied according to listening and response conditions, vowel distortion produced a greater decrement in comprehension than any other phonological distortion. Perhaps listeners to continuous speech “pay attention to stressed vowels”.
Domain adaptation for learning from label proportions using self-training

Learning from Label Proportions (LLP) is a machine learning problem in which the training data consist of bags of instances, and only the class label distribution for each bag is known. In some domains label proportions are readily available; for example, by grouping social media users by location, one can use census statistics to build a classifier for user demographics. However, label proportions are unavailable in many domains, such as product review sites. The goal of this paper is to determine whether an LLP classifier fit in one domain can be modified to classify instances from another domain. To do so, we propose a domain adaptation algorithm that uses an LLP model fit on the source domain to generate label proportions for the target domain. A new LLP model is then fit on the target domain, and this self-training process is repeated to adapt the model from source to target. Our experiments on five diverse tasks indicate an 11% average absolute improvement in accuracy as compared to using LLP without domain adaptation. In contrast to existing domain adaptation algorithms, our approach requires only label proportions in the source domain, and the results suggest that the approach is effective even when the target domain is substantially different from the source domain.
Behavioral and Psychosocial Characteristics among Head Start Childcare Providers.

The aim of the study was twofold: (a) describe behavioral and psychosocial characteristics of Head Start childcare providers including technology use, physical activity, nutrition, depression, and quality of life and (b) examine associations among these characteristics. Using a cross-sectional design, a nonrandom sample of 80 Head Start childcare providers completed an online survey via SurveyMonkey. About 80.1% were overweight or obese. Nearly all had a computer or smartphone. About 55% met the national physical activity recommendation of 150 min/week. Approximately 56.2% did not know the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and 26.3% had ≥3 servings of vegetables per day. About 38.8% had major depression or dysthymia, and 31.3% had depressive symptoms. The top two perceived health needs were weight loss and stress management. Providing a health promotion and stress management program to childcare providers may benefit both providers and children, considering the strong influence of teachers on children.
Thermodynamics of radiation induced amorphization and thermal annealing of Dy2Sn2O7 pyrochlore

Abstract Thermodynamics and annealing behavior of swift heavy ion amorphized Dy2Sn2O7 pyrochlore were studied. Its amorphization enthalpy, defined as the total energetic difference between the irradiation amorphized and undamaged Dy2Sn2O7 states, was determined to be 283.6 ± 6.5 kJ/mol by high temperature oxide melt drop solution calorimetry. It has been an enigma that stannate and some other pyrochlores do not follow the general rA/rB−radiation resistance relation seen in most pyrochlore systems. In this work, we use the amorphization enthalpy, which reflects all the complex chemical and structural characteristics, as a more effective parameter to correlate the radiation damage resistance of pyrochlores with their compositions. It successfully explains the superior radiation damage resistance of the stannate pyrochlores compared with titanate pyrochlores. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveals a strong exothermic event starting at 978 K, which is attributed to long-range recrystallization based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, similar to the effect previously observed in Dy2Ti2O7. A second pronounced heat event beginning at ∼1148 K, which results from local structural rearrangement, is clearly decoupled from the first event for irradiated Dy2Sn2O7. Both the heat releases measured by DSC on heating to 1023 and 1473 K, and the excess enthalpies of the annealed samples indicate that the recovery to the original, ordered state was not fully achieved up to even 1473 K, despite XRD showing the apparent restoration of crystalline pyrochlore structure. The remaining metastability may be attributed to local disorder in the form of weberite-like short-range domains in the recrystallized material. Intriguingly, the second event for different pyrochlores generally starts at similar temperatures while the onset of the long range recrystallization is compositionally dependent. The amorphization and thermal annealing behavior observed in irradiated Dy2Sn2O7 may provide insights into the general mechanisms of radiation damage and recovery of pyrochlores relevant to their nuclear applications.
Depth-Selective Squid Eddy Current Techniques for Second Layer Flaw Detection

Detecting hidden damage at the second layer of lap joint structures in aircraft by using eddy current techniques is difficult because the cracks are usually located beneath the head of the rivets, which cause large signals that mask the relatively smaller signals from the second layer cracks. In addition, using lower frequency excitation for deeper penetration of the eddy currents reduces the signal-to-noise ratio. Several new techniques have been tried, such as using a sheet inducer to increase the penetration depth or using sensors that have a frequency independent response, to improve the signal to noise ratio [1, 2]. To better extract the information due to the cracks beneath the rivet at the second layer, we have developed a phase analysis of the magnetic field produced from the eddy currents induced by the sheet inducer.