cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improvements to TOVS retrievals over sea ice and applications to estimating Arctic energy fluxes

Modeling studies suggest that polar regions play a major role in modulating the Earth's climate and that they may be more sensitive than lower latitudes to climate change. Until recently, however, data from meteorological stations poleward of 70 degs have been sparse, and consequently, our understanding of air-sea-ice interaction processes is relatively poor. Satellite-borne sensors now offer a promising opportunity to observe polar regions and ultimately to improve parameterizations of energy transfer processes in climate models. This study focuses on the application of the TIROS-N operational vertical sounder (TOVS) to sea-ice-covered regions in the nonmelt season. TOVS radiances are processed with the improved initialization inversion ('3I') algorithm, providng estimates of layer-average temperature and moisture, cloud conditions, and surface characteristics at a horizontal resolution of approximately 100 km x 100 km. Although TOVS has flown continuously on polar-orbiting satellites since 1978, its potential has not been realized in high latitudes because the quality of retrievals is often significantly lower over sea ice and snow than over the surfaces. The recent availability of three Arctic data sets has provided an opportunity to validate TOVS retrievals: the first from the Coordinated Eastern Arctic Experiment (CEAREX) in winter 1988/1989, the second from the LeadEx field program in spring 1992, and the third from Russian drifting ice stations. Comparisons with these data reveal deficiencies in TOVS retrievals over sea ice during the cold season; e.g., ice surface temperature is often 5 to 15 K too warm, microwave emissivity is approximately 15% too low at large view angles, clear/cloudy scenes are sometimes misidentified, and low-level inversions are often not captured. In this study, methods to reduce these errors are investigated. Improvements to the ice surface temperature retrieval have reduced rms errors from approximately 7 K to 3 K; correction of microwaves (50 GHz) brightness temperatures for view angle dependence now allows the surface type (open water versus sea ice) to be determined; modifications to the clear/cloud tests have improved cloud detection over sea ice, especially where it is inhomogeneous; and improved surface temperature estimates have resulted in more successful diagnoses of low-level stratification. Applications of improved retrievals to studies of the Arctic energy budget are encouraging. Preliminary calculations of air-ice stress vectors, 10-m wind speed, and horizontal advection of heat and moisture are presented.
Island sizes and capture zone areas in submonolayer deposition: Scaling and factorization of the joint probability distribution

The joint probability distribution (JPD) for island sizes, s, and capture zone areas, A, provides extensive information on the distribution of islands formed during submonolayer deposition. For irreversible island formation via homogeneous nucleation, this JPD is shown to display scaling of the type ${F(s/s}_{\mathrm{av}}{,A/A}_{\mathrm{av}}),$ where ``av'' denotes average values. The form of F reflects both a broad monomodal distribution of island sizes, and a significant spread of capture zone areas for each island size. A key ingredient determining this scaling behavior is the impact of each nucleation event on existing capture zone areas, which we quantify by kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Combining this characterization of the spatial aspects of nucleation with a simplified but realistic factorization ansatz for the JPD, we provide a concise rate equation formulation for the variation of both the capture zone area and the island density with island size. This is achieved by analysis of the first two moments of the evolution equations for the JPD.
A Simple and Inexpensive Interface between a Liquid Chromatograph and A Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Detector

Abstract An interface device consisting of sampling valve, dispenser, timing circuit, and coanalyte addition is described. The liquid chromatograph eluent is dispensed (37μl) to the graphite furnace of an Hitachi 170–70 Zeeman effect atomic absorption spectrometer which serves as an element specific detector. The addition of coanalyte reduces the volatility for nonmetals and increases the sensitivity for these elements at low concentration. The interface is controlled by a timing circuit comprised of 555 timer intergrated circuits and allows automated single element analysis of the eluent with analysis repetition rate of approximately one per minute. The results using this interface for the monitoring of the separation of several selenium containing compounds (using Ni2+ as coanalyte) is discussed.
A genome-wide scan for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in affected sibpair families provides evidence of linkage

Objective Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) represents a heterogeneous group of disorders with a complex genetic component. A genome scan was performed to detect linkage to JRA in 121 families containing 247 affected children in North America (the JRA Affected Sibpair [ASP] Registry). Methods Genotype data collected for HLA–DR and 386 microsatellite markers were subjected to multipoint nonparametric linkage analysis. Following analysis of the entire set of families, additional analyses were performed after a priori stratification by disease onset type, age at onset, disease course, and selected HLA–DRB1 alleles. Results Linkage of JRA to the HLA region was confirmed (logarithm of odds [LOD] score 2.26). Additional evidence supporting linkage of JRA was observed at 1p36 (D1S214; LOD 1.65), 19p13 (D19S216; LOD 1.72), and 20q13 (D20S100; LOD 1.75). For early-onset polyarticular disease, evidence of linkage was found at chromosome 7q11 (D7S502; LOD 3.47). For pauciarticular disease, evidence supporting linkage was observed on chromosome 19p13 (D19S216; LOD 2.98), the same marker that supported linkage to the “JRA” phenotype. Other regions supporting linkage with JRA disease subtype included 20q13, 4q24, 12q24, and Xp11. Stratification of families based on the presence of the HLA–DR8 allele in affected siblings resulted in significant linkage observed at 2p25 (D2S162/D2S305; LOD 6.0). Conclusion These data support the hypothesis that multiple genes, including at least 1 in the HLA region, influence susceptibility to JRA. These findings for JRA are consistent with findings for other autoimmune diseases and support the notion that common genetic regions contribute to an autoimmune phenotype.
Species Differences between Rat and Mouse CCKAReceptors Determine the Divergent Acinar Cell Response to the Cholecystokinin Analog JMV-180

The cholecystokinin (CCK) analog JMV-180 acts as a partial agonist in rats and a full agonist in mice. Whether this functional variability is due to species differences in CCK receptor structure or to alterations in the cellular environment is unknown. To address this question, an adenoviral construct encoding the rat CCKA receptor (AdCCKAR) was used to express the rat receptor in acini from CCKAreceptor-deficient mice (CCKAR −/−). Infection of CCKAR −/− acini in vitro with pAdCCKAR led to a time-dependent increase in125I-CCK8 binding. The affinity for JMV-180 of the adenovirally transferred rat and the endogenous mouse CCKA receptors was not different. In native mouse acini, JMV-180 acted as a full agonist (both stimulation and inhibition of amylase release). In contrast, in mouse acini expressing pAdCCKAR JMV-180 acted as a partial agonist (only stimulation of amylase release). In addition, the pattern of protein synthesis induced by JMV-180 in CCKAR −/− mouse acini infected with AdCCKAR resembled the pattern observed in wild-type rats (lack of inhibition) rather than the respective pattern in wild-type mice (inhibition). These data suggest that species differences in the CCKA receptor of rats and mice account for the observed divergence in the acinar cell response to JMV-180.
A matrix metalloproteinase mediates airway remodeling in Drosophila

Organ size typically increases dramatically during juvenile growth. This growth presents a fundamental tension, as organs need resiliency to resist stresses while still maintaining plasticity to accommodate growth. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is central to providing resiliency, but how ECM is remodeled to accommodate growth is poorly understood. We investigated remodeling of Drosophila respiratory tubes (tracheae) that elongate continually during larval growth, despite being lined with a rigid cuticular ECM. Cuticle is initially deposited with a characteristic pattern of repeating ridges and valleys known as taenidia. We find that for tubes to elongate, the extracellular protease Mmp1 is required for expansion of ECM between the taenidial ridges during each intermolt period. Mmp1 protein localizes in periodically spaced puncta that are in register with the taenidial spacing. Mmp1 also degrades old cuticle at molts, promotes apical membrane expansion in larval tracheae, and promotes tube elongation in embryonic tracheae. Whereas work in other developmental systems has demonstrated that MMPs are required for axial elongation occurring in localized growth zones, this study demonstrates that MMPs can also mediate interstitial matrix remodeling during growth of an organ system.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REACTIONS OF THE THYROIDSTIMULATING HORMONE OF THE PITUITARY I. ITS INACTIVATION BY EXPOSURE TO THYROID TISSUE IN VITRO1

MANY ATTEMPTS have been made to demonstrate the thyroid-Stimulating hormone in the urine of patients with thyroid disease. More recent studies include those of Hertz and Oastler (1), Cope (2), Rawson and Starr (3), Starr et al. (4) and Jones (5). Hertz and Oastler found a thyroid-Stimulating substance in the urine of 9 myxedematous patients but were unable to demonstrate any hormonal effect in the urine of normal or thyrotoxic individuals. Both Cope and Jonesreported that they were not able to demonstrate the hormone in the urine of myxedematous patients. Rawson and Starr found demonstrable amounts of a thyroid-Stimulating substance in the urine of 21 normal medical students. They found a strongly positive thyroid-Stimulating effect in the urine of three men who had had total thyroidectomies for heart disease and in the urine of a majority of nonmyxedematous patients whose basal metabolic rates varied between – 34 and –17. No evidence of thyroid-Stimulating hormone was found in the urine of 12 of 14 thyro...
A brief review of the command forces (CFOR) program

The command forces (CFOR) program is implementing a new aspect of warfare simulation: explicit modeling of command and control. The program presents several aspects: a concept of operations where command and control nodes populate the battlespace in the same manner as weapons systems; an architecture where software simulation of command and control interacts with the battlefield through a set of common services; a software design for the services that forms an infrastructure that integrates with underlying semi-automated forces simulation; a mechanism that facilitates automated integration of real world C2 systems with simulations; and an implementation plan that integrates the efforts of multiple developers to produce a functioning multi-service command forces simulation. The CFOR program has passed through the concept and planning phases and is being implemented. Lessons learned from progress to date are presented along with a plan for further development and integration.
Comparative analysis of HLA-B 8101 by serology, isoelectric focusing, and sequence-based typing.

Abstract We describe a bone marrow donor evaluation on a twenty-four-year-old patient from Honduras, Central America. The patient’s phenotype included a HLA-B7v, with serologic reactivity to HLA- B7, 8101, and 48, and was consistent with, HLA-B∗8101. One-dimensional isoelectric focusing (IEF) identified HLA-B 7.1, a low frequency isotype that has previously been associated with the HLA-B7 variant, B∗0705. To further classify this allele, sequence based typing (SBT) was performed, confirming HLA-B∗8101 sequence homology. The diagnostic evaluation of this case illustrates the correlation of sequenced based typing and isoelectric focusing in defining HLA Class I antigen characteristics and the use of IEF in screening for rare and novel alleles.
Interdiffusion and compound formation in the Mo/Pd/Si thin film metallization system

Abstract The process of interdiffusion and compound formation in Mo/Pd/Si thin films was studied between 250 and 750°C via sheet resistance measurements, X-ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and Auger electron spectroscopy. The results indicate that thermal annealing of the Mo/Pd/Si thin film couples between 250 and 475°C lead to PdSi interaction, Pd 2 Si compound formation and consequently a small increase in the sheet resistance. In contrast, exposure of the Mo/Pd/Si thin films to temperatures higher than 475°C lead to MoPd 2 Si interaction in addition to PdSi interaction, MoSi 2 compound formation and a dramatic increase in the sheet resistance. The influence of interdiffusion and compound formation on the interface morphology in the Mo/Pd/Si system was studied, and the implications of these observations to a very-large-scale integration contact metallization utilizing an Mo/Pd 2 Si/Si system are discussed.
Interfacial effects in solids-stabilized emulsions: effect of surfactant and pH on film tension and particle interaction energy

Abstract In this paper, the effects of surfactant and pH on film tension and particle interaction energy for a layer of hydrophobic particles at an oil/water (O/W) interface are discussed. The surfactant (Aerosol-OT) was found to decrease the film tension, while the effect of pH was more complex. The results of our study are interpreted on the basis of the electrokinetic properties of the system, and potential applications in emulsification and demulsification are discussed.
The analysis of neurologic studies using an extended exponential model

At some point in time during a post-surgery period, an anesthesiologist may intervene using a medication to quicken a patient's conscious-recovery time. An assessment of such intervention methods has clinical importance. One performs an extension of the exponential model to address this issue. The model derived is the intervened exponential model (IED). Statistical properties of this new model, expressions to estimate the model parameters, and a test statistic procedure to verify conjectures about the intervention efforts are derived. Other concepts, such as the hazard function and its relevance to this model are introduced and examined. An illustrative example is pursued to demonstrate this procedure.
Distributed Bayesian learning with a Bernoulli model

In this paper, we study multi-agent systems where the agents learn not only from their own private observations, but also from the ones of other agents. We build on a recent work, where a Bayesian learning method proposed for a linear Gaussian model was studied. According to the method, the agents iteratively exchange information with their neighbors, and they update the summary of their information using the signals received from the neighbors. The agents aim at obtaining the global posterior distribution of the unknown parameters in as short time as possible in a distributed way. In this paper, the posteriors are modeled by Beta distributions. We address two settings, one where the private signals are observed without errors and another where they are contaminated with errors. Finally, we provide and discuss an example and show results from computer simulations.
Nationalism, international public health assistance, and epidemiologic transitions

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) describes itself as “an independent federal agency that conducts foreign assistance and humanitarian aid to advance the political and economic interests of the United States” (http://www.usaid.gov). The explicit nationalism in this mission statement raises a problem that stretches far beyond any particular ideology: How should the public health community respond when any nation A exerts an active interest in the public health of any nation B to further the economic and political interests of nation A? For Dr Aviles, the answer is that when nation A is the United States and nation B is El Salvador, the response should be condemnation.1 He concludes from his case study of Ayalde's report on Salvadoran public health2 and Omran's epidemiologic transition theory3 4 that both extol a harmful, Eurocentric colonialism; fail to consider the social, political and economic determinants of public health; and ignore health disparities. In his critique of epidemiologic transition theory, Dr Aviles disregards the fact that the causal response of “patterns of health and disease...to social and economic changes” is the theory's primary subject matter (page 3).4 He also overlooks the emphasis Omran placed from the start on examining transition disparities by socioeconomic measures such as gender and race: “The epidemiologic transition among the nonwhite population of the U.S. was …
Cloning of a sea urchin sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase.

Abstract Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase (SERCA), a vesicular integral membrane protein, is the best-characterized member of the P-type ion translocating ATPase superfamily. Here we describe the cloning and structural analysis of a sea urchin SERCA (suSERCA) cloned from testis cDNA. The ∼112 kDa suSERCA is 1022 amino acids with ∼70% identity and 80% similarity to all known mammalian SERCA isoforms. suSERCA shares all the structural features of mammalian SERCAs, including domains: A, actuator; N, nucleotide-binding; and P, phosphorylation, and also 10 transmembrane helices. Like human SERCA2, the suSERCA has a possible 11th transmembrane segment in its extreme C-terminus. The alignment of three sequences (suSERCA, human SERCA2, and rabbit SERCA1a) shows that the Ca2+ binding residues and kinks (required to form the ion-binding pocket) are 100% conserved. The annotated suSERCA gene consists of 24 exons separated by 23 introns and is ∼30 kb. Western blots show that suSERCA is present in sea urchin eggs and testis, but not in mature spermatozoa. Treatment of live sperm with SERCA inhibitors has no effect on intracellular calcium, suggesting the absence of SERCA in sea urchin spermatozoa.
Low-cost structured-light based 3D capture system design

Most of the 3D capture products currently in the market are high-end and pricey. They are not targeted for consumers, but rather for research, medical, or industrial usage. Very few aim to provide a solution for home and small business applications. Our goal is to fill in this gap by only using low-cost components to build a 3D capture system that can satisfy the needs of this market segment. In this paper, we present a low-cost 3D capture system based on the structured-light method. The system is built around the HP TopShot LaserJet Pro M275. For our capture device, we use the 8.0 Mpixel camera that is part of the M275. We augment this hardware with two 3M MPro 150 VGA (640 × 480) pocket projectors. We also describe an analytical approach to predicting the achievable resolution of the reconstructed 3D object based on differentials and small signal theory, and an experimental procedure for validating that the system under test meets the specifications for reconstructed object resolution that are predicted by our analytical model. By comparing our experimental measurements from the camera-projector system with the simulation results based on the model for this system, we conclude that our prototype system has been correctly configured and calibrated. We also conclude that with the analytical models, we have an effective means for specifying system parameters to achieve a given target resolution for the reconstructed object.
A Comparison of MBA Students' and Employers' Perceptions of the Value of Oral Communication Skills for Employment

Abstract The campus of Pace University-New York City has a large MBA program that includes both non-native- and native-English-speaking students. In this study, the authors sought to determine the differences in the perceptions of the value of oral communication skills (a) among MBA students and (b) between MBA students and prospective employers. Results indicate the presence of several significant differences in the perceptions of the importance of oral communication skills, both between employers and students and among students themselves.
Influence of prey availability on seasonal fluctuation in body condition in the wolf spider, Pardosa milvina (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Abstract Foraging by an organism varies over the season in response to environmental conditions. Predatory arthropods, such as spiders, are frequently in a food-limited state despite their polyphagous habits and may feed opportunistically to enhance rates of growth, survival and reproduction. We predicted that, to circumvent food limitation, spider foraging would be related to prey availability. We examined the extent to which body condition of spiders, a correlate of recent foraging, was related to prey availability and habitat type. Wolf spiders Pardosa milvina (Hentz 1844) were collected between May and October in two habitat types, corn and soybean fields. To assess changes in spider condition, we calculated and compared multiple body condition indices derived from morphometric measures of individual spiders. Prey abundance was monitored over the same period using a vacuum suction sampler. Body condition indices provided qualitatively equivalent results. Interestingly, juvenile males were in better co...
Alterations in subnuclear trafficking of nuclear regulatory factors in acute leukemia

The nuclear matrix plays an important role in the functional organization of the nucleus in part by locally concentrating regulatory factors involved in nucleic acid metabolism. A number of nuclear regulatory proteins initially identified due to their involvement in human cancer are localized to discrete nuclear matrix-attached foci and correct nuclear partitioning likely plays a role in their function. Two such examples are promyelocytic leukemia (PML) and acute myelogenous leukemia-1 (AML-1; Runx1). PML, the target of the t(15;17) in acute PML, is localized to PML nuclear bodies (also termed Nuclear Domain 10 and PML oncogenic domains), a nuclear matrix-associated body whose function appears to be quite complex, with probable roles in cancer, apoptosis, and in acute viral infections. In t(15;17)-containing leukemic cells, the PML nuclear bodies are disrupted, but reform when the leukemic cells are induced to differentiate in the presence of all-trans retinoic acid. AML1 (RUNX1) is a key regulator of hematopoietic differentiation and AML1 proteins are found in nuclear compartments that reflect their roles in transcriptional activation and repression. The t(8;21), associated with AML, results in a chimeric transcription factor, AML-1/ETO (eight twenty one), that remains attached to the nuclear matrix through targeting signals contained in the ETO protein. When co-expressed, ETO and AML-1/ETO co-localize to a nuclear compartment distinct from that of AML1 or PML nuclear bodies. Interestingly, enforced expression of ETO or AML-1/ETO changes the average number of PML nuclear bodies per cell. Thus, chromosomal translocations involving AML1 result in altered nuclear trafficking of the transcription factor as well as other changes to the nuclear architecture. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppl. 35:93–98, 2000. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Perceived Teacher Credibility and Student Learning: Development of a Multicultural Model

The primary goal of this study was to test a credibility-learning model in U.S., Chinese, German, and Japanese classrooms. Using structural equation modeling, an etic credibility-learning model was generated from the common significant paths of the hypothesized model across the four cultures. Teacher credibility showed only an indirect relationship to cognitive learning, mediated by affective learning and motivation. Specifically, teacher competence and caring showed a positive relationship to affective learning, which, in turn, was associated with motivation, which was then related to cognitive learning, but teacher trustworthiness had neither direct nor indirect association with affective learning, motivation, or cognitive learning. Additionally, the results of confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the three-factor model of teacher credibility applied across the four cultural groups.
Do shifts in federal reserve policy regimes explain interest rate anomalies

Abstract In October 1979 and October 1982 the Federal Reserve announced changes in operating procedures. Recent research suggests that unusual interest rate movements began prior to October 1979 and extend beyond October 1982, and thus, the changes in operating procedures may not be the primary source of these interest rate anomalies. We unexpectedly find support for this conclusion. We defined regime shifts as changes in the Fed's respose errant money growth, and we find that the Fed's response to errant money growth is not correlated with the unusual interest rate movements during this period.
Food consumption and survival of Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera : noctuidae) larvae following intoxication by Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki and thuringiensin

Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) third instars were exposed for 3 d to Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) var. kurstaki or thuringiensin incorporated into artificial diet. Surviving larvae were transferred to untreated cabbage, and survival time and consumption were measured. B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki intoxication was rapid and proportional to concentration, with LC50 values of 23.1 and 13.4 g/ml diet after 2 and 3 d, respectively. A latent toxicity was observed following transfer to cabbage, which decreased LC50 and LC90 values by a further 1.8 fold. Thuringiensin toxicity was low until 6 d after initial exposure, when mortality occurred in conjunction with larval molting. Mortality increased rapidly to >90% after 12 d. Consumption of untreated cabbage by surviving larvae was almost completely inhibited by thuringiensin (97-99% reduction); feeding inhibition was the primary factor involved, although larval survival was also reduced significantly. Food consumption and duration of the larval stage of larvae surviving intoxication by B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki were also reduced, but reductions were small compared with those caused by thuringiensin.
Phenylen‐verbrückte, cyclische Siloxane als Vorstufen nichtschrumpfender Sol‐Gel‐Systeme und deren Nutzung als Kapselmaterial

Eine neue Klasse thermisch widerstandsfahiger Sol-Gel-Polymere ist uber das Disilaoxacyclopentanderivat 1 zuganglich, da dessen Ringoffnungspolymerisation Polysiloxane ohne Schrumpfungsprobleme liefert. Damit kann diese Reaktion, bei der auf Wasser oder andere Losungsmittel verzichtet werden kann, unter anderem genutzt werden, um elektronische Bauteile einzukapseln.
Selection in vitro of single-stranded DNA molecules that fold into specific ligand-binding structures

We have isolated a set of ligand-binding DNA sequences from a large pool of random sequence DNAs by selection and amplification in vitro, using similar methods to those described for the isolation of ligand-binding RNAs. The ligand-DNA interactions are both sequence- and ligand-specific, and are dependent on proper folding of the single-stranded DNA. Some ligands led to the isolation of more DNA sequences than RNA sequences, and vice versa. Analysis of individual sequences reveals that ligand binding is DNA-specific; RNAs of identical sequence could not interact with the same ligands. Ligand-binding DNAs might be more suitable than RNAs as potential pharmacological reagents because of the greater stability of DNA. The apparent primacy of RNA in the early evolution of life may have been due to its availability rather than to its functional superiority.
Analysis of transmission through small apertures in conducting films

The transmission characteristics of small slots and circular apertures in conducting films are described using a waveguide mode analysis and numerical simulations. A set of modes are shown to exist for a circular waveguide hole which propagate for an arbitrarily small diameter. As the hole becomes small, loading with a dielectric allows for low loss over a significant wavelength range.
Genotyping mdx, mdx3cv, and mdx4cv mice by primer competition polymerase chain reaction

mdx, mdx3cv, and mdx4cv mice are among the most commonly used models for the study of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Their disease is caused by point mutations in the dystrophin gene. Despite widespread use of these models, genotyping has not always been straightforward. Current methods require multiple polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), post-PCR manipulations, and/or special equipment/reagents. Herein we report a simple, robust PCR genotyping method based on primer competition. This approach could also be applied in genotyping other point-mutation models.
Development of cardiac form and function in ectothermic sauropsids.

Evolutionary morphologists and physiologists have long recognized the phylogenetic significance of the ectothermic sauropsids. Sauropids have been classically considered to bridge between early tetrapods, ectotherms, and the evolution of endotherms. This transition has been associated with many modifications in cardiovascular form and function, which have changed dramatically during the course of vertebrate evolution. Most cardiovascular studies have focused upon adults, leaving the development of this critical system largely unexplored. In this essay, we attempt a synthesis of sauropsid cardiovascular development based on the limited literature and indicate fertile regions for future studies. Early morphological cardiovascular development, i.e., the basic formation of the tube heart and the major pulmonary and systemic vessels, is similar across tetrapods. Subsequent cardiac chamber development, however, varies considerably between developing chelonians, squamates, crocodilians, and birds, reflected in the diversity of adult ventricular structure across these taxa. The details of how these differences in morphology develop, including the molecular regulation of cardiac and vascular growth and differentiation, are still poorly understood. In terms of the functional maturation of the cardiovascular system, reflected in physiological mechanisms for regulating heart rate and cardiac output, recent work has illustrated that changes during ontogeny in parameters such as heart rate and arterial blood pressure are somewhat species-dependent. However, there are commonalities, such as a β-adrenergic receptor tone on the embryonic heart appearing prior to 60% of development. Differential gross morphological responses to environmental stressors (oxygen, hydration, temperature) have been investigated interspecifically, revealing that cardiac development is relatively plastic, especially, with respect to change in heart growth. Collectively, the data assembled here reflects the current limited morphological and physiological understanding of cardiovascular development in sauropsids and identifies key areas for future studies of this diverse vertebrate lineage. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparative precision analysis of chain-coding families for line-drawing encoding

Chain coding families are a collection of line drawing representation techniques which use the square grid for sampling and quantization. They include chain codes, generalized chain codes, and polycurve codes. For optimal selection among these techniques, it is important to investigate the properties of the chain coding families. In this paper, we evaluate comparatively precision of chain coding families by applying a stochastic line drawing model. Experimental results show that polycurve codes improve precision over chain codes and generalized chain codes.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Correction of lineshape distortions from pulsed NMR experiments with lock-in amplifier or boxcar integrator detection

Abstract A technique is described which eliminates instrumental baseline ripple observed in pulsed NMR experiments of solid samples which are detected with either a lock-in amplifier or boxcar integrator.
Mechanically Enhanced Reactivity of Silicon for the Formation of Silicon Nitride Composites

The chemical reactivity of silicon can be enhanced by mechanical activation. Ball milling elemental silicon powders with a small amount of carbon addition at ambient temperature has resulted in an enhanced nitridation of silicon at high temperatures. In comparison with powder mixtures without milling, the nitridation process at 1250°C has been accelerated by a factor of 9 and 23 by milling powder mixtures in N 2 and NH 3 , respectively, before nitridation. The enhanced nitridation process for powders milled in N 2 is primarily attributed to the mechanical activation, whereas for powders milled in NH 3 , the trapped nitrogen within the powder mixtures during milling also contributes to the enhanced nitridation process, in addition to the effect of the mechanical activation.
The messenger RNA sequences in growing and resting mouse fibroblasts.

Abstract The sequences present in messenger RNA in resting and growing 3T6 cells have been examined. First, the abundance and complexity classes of mRNA in growing 3T6 were compared to those in other established cell lines. The overall complexities measured for mRNA from HeLa cells and the three mouse fibroblast lines, 3T6, SV-PY-3T3, and L, are qualitatively similar and correspond to approximately 10,000 sequences. The relative amount of the two major abundance classes and their complexities appear identical in the three mouse fibroblast lines despite their different histories. HeLa cell mRNA is significantly different both in the amount and the complexity of the two major classes. The complexity of the two mRNA classes appears the same in resting and growing 3T6, although there is a small difference in relative amounts. Cross hybridizing cDNA and mRNA from resting and growing cells shows that the majority of mRNA sequences are the same in the two states. However, cross hybridization after the common sequences are removed shows that about 3% of the mRNA in resting cells is not present in the growing state, while the opposite cross shows 3% of the mRNA in growing cells is not present in resting cells. These differences may result from alterations in gene expression which are related to the growth state of the cell.
IDEOLOGICAL PURITY AND FEMINISM: The U.S. Women's Movement from 1966 to 1975

Through a reinterpretation of publications, interviews with long-term activists, and an analysis of change in the social environment, this article explains why feminist ideology failed to create unity among feminist women in the United States during the period 1966-1975, the years when contemporary feminism emerged. In spite of the desire to create a community of women to challenge the existing sociocultural structure, schisms within the movement often created divisive and antagonistic feminist group relations. In contrast to earlier research that attributed this lack of unity to competing ideologies, this article argues that, in many cases, feminist leaders used ideology and theory to promote radical self-identities that maintained existing social structural divisions. Thus, while feminism established a principle of unity for women as a group, disputes over ideological purity created divisions within the movement based on differences among women.
Isgur-Wise function in the small velocity limit.

We discuss the Isgur-Wise function $\ensuremath{\xi}(y)$ in the small velocity (SV) limit within the QCD sum-rule method. The behavior of $\ensuremath{\xi}(y)$ in the SV limit is sensitive to the particular form of the duality relations used to decontaminate the sum-rule predictions from the continuum contribution. Peculiarities of the duality relations in the problem at hand are revealed. It is shown that the proper requirements of duality and angular isotropy for $S$-wave states lead to an unambiguous form of the sum rules for the Isgur-Wise function. We illustrate the constraints due to these requirements using a toy model of the harmonic oscillator. The slope parameter and the shape of $\ensuremath{\xi}(y)$ are determined.
Effect of surgical correction of congenital ptosis on amblyopia.

PURPOSE To determine if amblyopia improves following surgical correction of congenital ptosis. METHODS Clinical records from 130 congenital ptosis patients presenting to the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Department of Ophthalmology between January 1999 and April 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient ages ranged from 2 months to 17 years old. Amblyopia was defined as best-corrected visual acuity of less than 20/40 and greater than 2 Snellen lines of difference between the 2 eyes. In younger patients, amblyopia was defined by a lack of fixation in the ptotic eye compared with the nonptotic one. All patients diagnosed with amblyopia were treated with occlusion therapy. RESULTS Of the 130 patients, amblyopia was found in 21.5% (28/130), associated strabismus was found in 16.2% (21/130), and associated anisometropia was found in 14.6% (19/130). There were 50 congenital ptosis patients treated surgically. Of these patients, using an upper age limit of 8 years, 15 patients were diagnosed with preoperative amblyopia (37.5%) reducing to 2 patients (5%, p < 0.005) postoperatively (average follow-up 19.8 months). There were 40 congenital ptosis patients without associated anisometropia or strabismus treated surgically. In this group, using an upper age limit of 8 years, 9 (27%) were diagnosed with preoperative amblyopia reducing to 1 (3%, p < 0.0196) postoperatively (average follow-up 18.1 months). No new cases of amblyopia were diagnosed postoperatively. Comparatively, in the nonsurgical group, amblyopia was present on initial examination in 8.7% (2/23), and was present in 17% (4/23) of these patients at follow-up (mean, 17.2 months). CONCLUSION Surgical correction of congenital ptosis may aid in the treatment of amblyopia.
The interaction of protein with single strands of DNA and RNA.

Summary A possible way in which single-stranded polynucleotide might interact with protein is described. Hydrogen bonds between glutamine and asparagine, and pyrimidine and purine, somwhat analogous to Watson-Crick base pairs, are visualized. The model suggests that proteins involved in single-strand interaction would be rich in glutamine and asparagine and that these residues would occur in sequences in which they were separated by two residues of some other amino acid.
Triton,... electron,... cosmon,...: An infinite regression?

Abstract I propose an elementary particle model in which the simplest near-Dirac particles triton, proton, and electron are members of the three top layers of a bottomless stack. Each particle is a composite of three particles from the next layer below in an infinite regression approaching Dirac point particles. The cosmon, an immensely heavy lower layer subquark, is the elementary particle. The world-atom, a tightly bound cosmon/anticosmon pair of zero relativistic total mass, arose from the nothing state in a quantum jump. Rapid decay of the pair launched the big bang and created the universe.
Assessment and Care of the Community‐Dwelling Alzheimer's Disease Patient

A two-year study of 159 community dwelling Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients evaluated in a geriatric clinic is reported. Patients were not as disabled as commonly supposed, having only a moderate reduction in cognitive function (Folstein mean Mini-Mental Status [MMS], 15.3) and physical activities of daily living (PADL), mean, 3.3, but were more dependent in their instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), mean, 1.9. Associated medical problems averaged 3.4 per patient. Forty-seven percent lived alone and 39% had not been out of the home in the previous week, making isolation a major concern. During the study, 34% went into nursing homes. Initial mean MMS of these patients was 12.4 compared to 16.6 for patients who remained at home, but activities of daily living (ADL) mean scores were not significantly different. Based on this assessment, the management of AD patients, including medication use, daycare, education and support for family caregivers, and nursing home placement, is discussed.
Enhancement of spin coherence using Q -factor engineering in semiconductor microdisc lasers

Semiconductor microcavities offer unique means of controlling light–matter interactions in confined geometries, resulting in a wide range of applications in optical communications1 and inspiring proposals for quantum information processing and computational schemes2,3. Studies of spin dynamics in microcavities, a new and promising research field, have revealed effects such as polarization beats, stimulated spin scattering and giant Faraday rotation4,5,6,7,8. Here, we study the electron spin dynamics in optically pumped GaAs microdisc lasers with quantum wells and interface-fluctuation quantum dots9 in the active region. In particular, we examine how the electron spin dynamics are modified by the stimulated emission in the discs, and observe an enhancement of the spin-coherence time when the optical excitation is in resonance with a high-quality (Q∼5,000) lasing mode. This resonant enhancement, contrary to expectations from the observed trend in the carrier-recombination time, is then manipulated by altering the cavity design and dimensions. In analogy with devices based on excitonic coherence, this ability to engineer coherent interactions between electron spins and photons may provide new pathways towards spin-dependent quantum optoelectronics.
1725 C ANESTHETIC COMPLICATIONS IN ADENO/TONSILLECTOMY (T+A) IN CHILDREN WITH/WITHOUT SLEEP DISTURBANCE (SD)

A retrospective study was done to determine the incidence of intra/postoperative anesthetic complications in children undergoing T+A for adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH). Charts of 65 children were reviewed; four children were excluded from the study because of complicating systemic diseases. Sixteen (26.2%) of 61 children (mean age 8.5 years) had been referred primarily because of severe SD and underwent polysomnography. We compared this group with the remaining group (n=45) to determine any difference in incidence of complications due to anesthesia. In 50 patients (82%) inhalation anesthesia was used, and in 11 patients (18%) nitrous oxide was supplemented with.I.V. pentothal/narcotics. In five patients (8.2%) there were minor complications which included laryngospasm (1), difficult intubation (2), postoperative upper airway obstruction (1), and lobar atelectasis (1). The incidence of complications was 4.4% in patients without severe SD and 18.75% in children with severe SD (P value=.11). All patients improved clinically post T+A. We conclude that general anesthesia for T+A in children with ATH with severe SD may present anesthetic and postoperative problems even when pre-medications are sparingly used.
The transcription factor Foxf1 binds to serum response factor and myocardin to regulate gene transcription in visceral smooth muscle cells

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) modulate their phenotype from a quiescent contractile state to a dedifferentiated, proliferative and migratory state during the pathogenesis of many diseases, including intestinal pseudoobstruction. Understanding how smooth muscle gene expression is regulated in these different phenotypic states is critical for unraveling the pathogenesis of these diseases. In the current study we examined the specific roles of Foxf1 in visceral SMC differentiation. Data show that Foxf1 is specifically required for expression of several contractile and regulatory proteins such as telokin, smooth muscle γ-actin, and Cav1.2b in visceral SMCs. Mechanistically, Foxf1 directly binds to and activates the telokin promoter. Foxf1 also directly binds to serum response factor (SRF) and myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs). Unlike Foxo4 and Foxq1, which bind to MRTFs and block their interaction with SRF, Foxf1 acts synergistically with these proteins to regulate telokin expression. Knock-out of Foxf1 specifically in SMCs results in neonatal lethality, with mice exhibiting GI tract abnormalities. Mice heterozygous for Foxf1 in SMC exhibited impaired colonic contractility and decreased expression of contractile proteins. These studies together with previous studies, suggest that different forkhead proteins can regulate gene expression in SMCs through modulating the activity of the SRF-myocardin axis to either promote or inhibit differentiation and proliferation thereby altering gastrointestinal contractility and development.
Quality of graduate department origin of faculty and its relationship to undergraduate course examination questions

Quality of graduate department origin for faculty and its relationship to the asking of undergraudate course examination questions requiring analysis or synthesis of course content was this study's focus. Findings indicated a tendency for faculty holding advanced degrees from higher quality graduate departments to ask more synthesis questions than their counterparts trained at lower quality departments. Implication for faculty selection are drawn from this study's findings.
The triplet polarizability and depolarization virial data for atomic gases

Abstract Contributions from the triplet (non-pairwise-additive) collisional polarizability to the depolarization of light by atomic gases are computed and shown to be negligible. Similarly, we evaluate the effect of electronic distortion (non-dipole-induced-dipole terms) on the three-body correlations and find it to be significant.
Polyelectrolyte effects in model photoresist developer solutions: roles of base concentration and added salts

ABSTRACT We demonstrate that poly(4-hydroxystyrene) and (5, 15, and 20) % tert-butoxycarboxy protected copolymers arepolyelectrolytes when dissolved in aqueous base solutions. The polyelectrolyte effect is quantified through theobservation of a correlation peak, measured with small-angle neutron scattering. Polyelectrolyte effects are weakenedwith added salts and excess base. These studies emphasize that salt additives screen the electrostatic interactions, whilepH leads to the ionization of the chain. Solvent quality is quantified and the chain configurations are measured in thelimit of high ionic strength. It is speculated that the developer-resist interactions will play an important role indevelopment-induced roughness, hence these equilibrium solution measurements can serve a predictive function forfuture photoresists dissolution models incorporating solvent quality as a parameter.Keywords: polyelectrolyte, photoresist, developer, roughness, additives, solvent quality, neutron scattering
ON THE PROBLEM OF INTEGER SOLUTIONS TO DECOMPOSABLE FORM INEQUALITIES

This paper proves a conjecture proposed by Chen and Ru in [1] on the finiteness of the number of integer solutions to decomposable form inequalities. Let k be a number field and let F(X1,…,Xm) be a non-degenerate decomposable form with coefficients in k. We show that for every finite set of places S of k containing the archimedean places of k, for each real number λ 0, the inequality has only finitely many -non-proportional solutions, where HS(x1,…,xm) = Πυ∈Smax1≤i≤m ||xi||υ is the S-height.