cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variations of sediment discharge from the Yangtze River before and after impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam

Abstract Over the past decades, > 50,000 dams and reforestation on the Yangtze River (Changjiang) have had little impact on water discharge but have drastically altered annual and particularly seasonal sediment discharge. Before impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) in June 2003, annual sediment discharge had decreased by 60%, and the hysteresis of seasonal rating curves in the upper reaches at Yichang station had shifted from clockwise to counterclockwise. In addition, the river channel in middle-lower reaches had changed from depositional to erosional in 2002. During the four years (2003–2006) after TGD impoundment, ~ 60% of sediment entering the Three Gorges Reservoir was trapped, primarily during the high-discharge months (June–September). Although periodic sediment deposition continues downstream of the TGD, during most months substantial erosion has occurred, supplying ~ 70 million tons per year (Mt/y) of channel-derived sediment to the lower reaches of the river. If sand extraction (~ 40 Mt/y) is taken into consideration, the river channel loses a total of 110 Mt/y. During the extreme drought year 2006, sediment discharge in the upper reaches drastically decreased to 9 Mt (only 2% of its 1950–1960s level) because of decreased water discharge and TGD trapping. In addition, Dongting Lake in the middle reaches, for the first time, changed from trapping net sediment from the mainstem to supplying 14 Mt net sediment to the mainstem. Severe channel erosion and drastic sediment decline have put considerable pressure on the Yangtze coastal areas and East China Sea.
REMEMBERING FOREIGN LANGUAGE VOCABULARY: ACOUSTIC AND SEMANTIC PARAMETERS

To determine whether second-language learners encode vocabulary in memory by families of associated meanings and/or interrelated sounds (acoustic and semantic encoding clusters), and to ascertain the correlation between such encoding and language proficiency, 75 students were administered tests of STM vocabulary recognition and language proficiency. In experiment 1, 59 Ss were selected from 5 groups: 1 native speaker group and a group from each of the 4 proficiency levels for foreign students studying English as a second language. In a second study to cross-validate the experiment, 16 native speakers and students of Persian as a second language were tested. Results indicated that second-language learners do encode vocabulary into acoustic and semantic memory clusters; semantic and acoustic recognition errors were significantly more frequent than nonrelated errors (p < .01). Learners at a low-proficiency level appeared to register vocabulary in memory more by sound similarities than by related meanings; high-proficiency learners relied on associated meanings rather than sound similarities. Significant positive correlations (r= .612, .675) were found between proficiency and percentage of semantic errors. Significant negative correlations (r=−.573, −.675) were found between proficiency and the percentage of acoustic errors.
Advances in Inorganic and Hybrid Ion Exchangers

Ion-exchange materials have been used in industrial applications for well over one hundred years. Since the introduction of polymer based ion exchangers more than seventy years ago, the use of these materials has grown and has dominated the commercial market for more than half a century. Inorganic and hybrid inorganic/organic materials continue to garner attention due to their chemical and radiation stability and effectiveness over wide range of conditions. Driving these research efforts is the desire to improve the selectivity and increase the capacity of the ion-exchanger for a particular application. This article presents a review of the literature detailing the syntheses, characterization, and ion-exchange performance of inorganic and hybrid ion-exchange materials.
Inventory Adjustment and Dynamic Winery Behavior

This paper develops a dynamic model of processor behavior which is applied to the California wine industry. Price, production, and input demand functions are derived from an optimal control model which takes into account inventory growth from aging and the linkage between product inventories and input purchases. An important feature of the model is that expected future market conditions and beginning inventories influence current behavior through changes in the inventory shadow price. The empirical results generally conform to the theoretical specification and emphasize the role of demand expectations on winery behavior.
A stretch-activated K+ channel sensitive to cell volume.

Abstract The role of K+ channels in cell osmoregulation was investigated by using the patch-clamp technique. In cell-attached patches from Necturus proximal tubule, the short-open-time K+ channel at the basolateral membrane could be stretch-activated by pipette suction, where a negative pressure of 6 cm H2O (588.6 Pa) was sufficient to increase the open probability of the channel by a factor of 4.0 +/- 0.8 (n = 7 tubules). A 50% reduction in bath osmolarity increased cell volume by 66 +/- 10% and increased the K+-channel open probability by a factor of 5.8 +/- 1.4 (n = 7) in the same cell-attached patches that were activated by pipette suction. A kinetic analysis indicates one open state and at least two closed states for this epithelial K+ channel. Both suction and swelling shorten the longest time constant of the closed-time distribution by a factor of 3, without significant effect on either the mean open time or the shorter closed-state time constant. The similar effect of suction and swelling is consistent with the hypothesis that stretch-activated K+ channels mediate the increase in macroscopic K+ conductance that occurs during osmoregulation of amphibian proximal tubules. Calculations based on a simple model indicate that small increments in cell volume could produce statistically significant increases in K+-channel activity.
On the Number of Steroid-Binding Sites of Δ5-3-Oxosteroid Isomerase

The number of steroid-binding sites in Δ5-3-oxosteroid isomerase of Pseudomonas testosteroni (EC 5.3.3.1) has been determined from measurements of the red shift of the ultraviolet chromo-phore of 19-nortestosterone upon binding to the enzyme. The experiments include spectroscopic measurements when limiting concentrations of either 19-nortestosterone or isomerase are titrated with varying concentrations of the complementary ligand. Analysis of the results indicates one binding site per subunit (Mr 13394). Scatchard plots indicate a single family of equivalent binding sites. 5,10-Secoestr-5-yne-3,10,17-trione is a suicide substrate of isomerase [Batzold & Robinson (1975) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 97, 2576]. The time course for inactivation of isomerase with an excess of 5,10-seco[7-3H]estr-5-yne-3,10,17-trione was parallel to the covalent incorporation of steroid and gave a final stoichiometry of nearly one steroid molecule per subunit of enzyme. Alkylation of [14C]iso-merase with excess of this 3H-labeled steroid followed by gel-filtration and dialysis gave an inactivated enzyme with a 3H/14C ratio that corresponds to one molecule of steroid bound per subunit; this stoichiometry was constant over a wide range of protein concentrations (0.1 − 10 mg/ml). Diffusion of [3H]progesterone into hexagonal crystals of isomerase showed that at saturation one steroid molecule was bound per protomer. Taken together these findings strongly support the conclusion that one molecule of steroid is bound per subunit of isomerase both in solution and in the crystal state.
Trypanosoma cruzi: role of the immune response in the natural resistance of inbred strains of mice.

Abstract Nine inbred strains of mice were challenged with 104 or 105 trypomastigotes of the Brazil strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. A spectrum of resistance was evident ranging from highly susceptible strains, e.g., C3H, which developed high parasitemias and died within 3 to 4 weeks, to resistant strains, e.g., C57BL/10, which developed low parasitemias and survived. Impairment of the immune system in resistant C57BL/10 mice by X-irradiation, splenectomy, or treatment with silica led to high, often fatal parasitemias. Athymic nude mice, in particular, attained exceptionally high parasitemias before dying. The immune response appears to be necessary for survival and to play a role in the natural resistance of some mouse strains by effectively eliminating parasites and minimizing parasitemia. Using congenic strains of mice, it was shown that the principal genetic determinant of resistance is not associated with their H-2 haplotype.
Research, development and manufacturing plans at CAMD

The X-ray micromachining activities at CAMD are described. Through the HI-MEMS Alliance Program, CAMD has developed an extensive technical infrastructure and process experience. The “X-ray Print-Shop” supports prototyping and is prepared for cost effective low-to-medium volume production of primary parts with high aspect ratio, including exposure of multiple level devices with alignment, as well as tilted and rotated exposures. Important lessons learnt during the course of the program will be reported. An up-grade of the facility to install a 7.5 Tesla superconducting wiggler in the ring is in progress. It will produce hard X-rays for ultra-deep X-ray lithography.
An engineering classification for certain basalt-derived lateritic soils

Abstract Engineering classifications which are useful for “temperate” zone soils usually fail to predict the field performance of lateritic soils, because the index tests upon which the classifications are based are not always reproducible for lateritic soils. Undisturbed and disturbed samples of twelve lateritic soils from Hawaii and Puerto Rico, all derived from basalt but representing various stages of weathering were subjected to engineering and mineralogic tests. The specific gravity of the solids increases as the degree of weathering increases; and both strength and void ratio exhibit systematic trends with increased weathering. These results suggest a classification based upon specific gravity and void ratio. Soils with specific gravities less than 3.05 and void ratios greater than 1.25 have low cohesion (less than 20 psi) and low internal friction angles (less than 35°); whereas soils with void ratios between 1.25 and 0.9 have higher cohesions. Still greater values for cohesion and friction angles are noted in soils with void ratios lower than 0.9. Soils with specific gravities greater than 3.05 and void ratios greater than 1.25 have low cohesion but high friction angles. Thus by measuring the void ratio and specific gravity of these soils one can estimate their strength.
Bounding material properties for automotive storage of hydrogen in metal hydrides for low-temperature fuel cells

Abstract Metal hydride material properties required for on-board hydrogen storage for use with automotive polymer electrolyte fuel cell systems are discussed. Thermodynamic relationships between enthalpy and entropy of sorption are determined such that the storage system can be thermally integrated with the fuel cell system and be refueled at reasonable H 2 supply pressures of 50–200 atm. Simple criteria are developed for specifying minimum discharge kinetic rates needed to satisfy hydrogen demand on automotive duty cycles. Simple criteria are also developed for specifying minimum charge kinetic rates needed to refuel metal hydride tanks in reasonable time. Accessible intrinsic capacity and bulk density of the metal hydride are determined for the storage system to achieve system level targets for gravimetric and volumetric capacities. Based on these analyses, it is recommended that the storage media properties be measured on samples prepared by mixing the metal hydride with a high thermal conductivity material, and compacted to 600 kg m −3 bulk density. The compact should have a minimum effective thermal conductivity of 8.5 W m −1 K −1 .
A 32P postlabeling assay for determining the incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine into cellular DNA

Abstract Randerath's procedure for 32 P postlabeling of 3′-monophosphate deoxyribonucleotides from digests of cellular DNA has been modified. 3′-Monophosphate deoxyribonucleotides are converted to 3′,5′-bis[ 32 P]phosphate deoxyribonucleotides with polynucleotide kinase and [ 32 P]ATP; these products are enzymatically converted by P1 nuclease and polynucleotide kinase into 5′-[ 32 P]monophosphate deoxyribonucleotides, which are separated from [ 32 P]ATP on an anion-exchange column eluted with 0.1 m NaH 2 PO 4 , pH 6.5. Labeled mononucleotides in the effluent are separated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Values for the base composition of calf thymus DNA determined with this modified assay compare very favorably with reported values. The assay was used to measure the level of incorporation of the clinically useful agent bromodeoxyuridine into the DNA of 9L rat brain tumor cells. The modified assay appears to be a very accurate method for the determination of levels of base analogs incorporated into DNA.
Effect of orthodontic banding on localized oral lactobacilli.

The lactobacillus index and the salivary lactobacillus counts increased significantly with the placement of orthodontic bands, and returned to the preband level after removal of the band. Many of the lactobacillus growth sites were on the gingival margins and edges of the bands.
Characterization of duplicate gene evolution in the recent natural allopolyploid Tragopogon miscellus by next-generation sequencing and Sequenom iPLEX MassARRAY genotyping.

Tragopogon miscellus (Asteraceae) is an evolutionary model for the study of natural allopolyploidy, but until now has been under-resourced as a genetic model. Using 454 and Illumina expressed sequence tag sequencing of the parental diploid species of T. miscellus, we identified 7782 single nucleotide polymorphisms that differ between the two progenitor genomes present in this allotetraploid. Validation of a sample of 98 of these SNPs in genomic DNA using Sequenom MassARRAY iPlex genotyping confirmed 92 SNP markers at the genomic level that were diagnostic for the two parental genomes. In a transcriptome profile of 2989 SNPs in a single T. miscellus leaf, using Illumina sequencing, 69% of SNPs showed approximately equal expression of both homeologs (duplicate homologous genes derived from different parents), 22% showed apparent differential expression and 8.5% showed apparent silencing of one homeolog in T. miscellus. The majority of cases of homeolog silencing involved the T. dubius SNP homeolog (164 ⁄254; 65%) rather than the T. pratensis homeolog (90 ⁄254). Sequenom analysis of genomic DNA showed that in a sample of 27 of the homeologs showing apparent silencing, 23 (85%) were because of genomic homeolog loss. These methods could be applied to any organism, allowing efficient and cost-effective generation of genetic markers.
High dimensional single index models

This paper addresses the problem of fitting nonlinear regression models in high-dimensional situations, where the number of predictors, p , is large relative to the number of observations, n . Most of the research in this area has been conducted under the assumption that the regression function has a simple additive structure. This paper focuses instead on single index models, which are becoming increasingly popular in many scientific fields including biostatistics, economics and financial econometrics. Novel methodology is presented for estimating high-dimensional single index models and simultaneously performing variable selection. A computationally efficient algorithm is provided for constructing a solution path. Asymptotic theory is developed for the proposed estimates of the regression function and the index coefficients in the high-dimensional setting. An investigation of the empirical performance on both simulated and real data demonstrates strong performance of the proposed approach.
DIETARY IRON AND EXPOSURE TO LEAD INFLUENCE SUSCEPTIBILITY TO SEIZURES

Previous work in this laboratory showed that concurrent consumption of an iron-deficient diet and exposure to lead caused seizure activity in Albany heterogeneous (HET) stock mice. In the present investigation, 26 Albany HET mice (ages 35 to 57 days of age) ate either an American Institute of Nutrition approved iron-sufficient (30 ppm) diet or an iron-deficient (less than 3 ppm) diet and drank either a 0.5% lead solution or distilled water for 12 weeks. We measured several activities in an open-field, hole-board apparatus, and spontaneous seizures which occurred during testing, changes in body weight, and hemoglobin levels. Replicating previous findings, mice fed the iron-deficient diet and treated with lead had more seizures with longer durations and longer postictal periods than animals given the iron-sufficient diet but also treated with lead. Mice not exposed to lead did not seize. Both lead-treated groups had lower rates of body-weight gain over the 3-mo. period and lower hemoglobin values than nonlead-treated animals. Changes in activity were observed in the open field as a function of diet and exposure to lead.
An Institutional Review of the MID Forehead Browlift Procedure

Brow ptosis gives the face a sad, heavy look and often disturbs the visual field. In this retrospective case series we looked at patients who underwent a mid forehead browlift to assess the efficacy of this technique in correcting this functional and aesthetic disfigurement. We identified 16 patients with greater than six months of postoperative photographic documentation. Information was collected concerning patient demographics, etiology and severity of brow ptosis, and outcome of surgery. Four independent evaluators were recruited to compare pre operative with post operative photographs for the following aspects: brow symmetry, elevation, incision scar, and overall appearance. The mid forehead browlift was found to offer excellent aesthetic results in all patients.
Endogenous endophthalmitis among patients with candidemia.

Abstract Thirty-eight patients with fungemia were examined prospectively for development of endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis was present in 10 of 27 (37%) patients with Candida albicans fungemia. Only one patient with nonalbicans fungemia developed endophthalmitis. Of the preselected factors studied, only hemodialysis and parenteral hyperalimentation correlated with an increased incidence of endophthalmitis. Antibody titers by latex agglutination were of little predictive value for endophthalmitis. Antigen titers by latex agglutination were performed in four cases with endophthalmitis. Antigenemia was demonstrated in three of the four patients, all of whom had negative antibody serologies. Although inconclusive, the preliminary data indicate the test may prove to be of clinical value. Periodic ophthalmoscopic examinations should be considered mandatory in the evaluation of patients with fungemia.
ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF "REACTIVE" AXON SWELLINGS IN VITRO AND THEIR HISTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES.

Application of a longitudinal current to fresh unfixed nerves produced, in 2 hrs, various types of axon swellings which were indistinguishable from reactive axon swellings in pathological material. Production of these swellings depended on an adequate time of exposure, an adequate current, and a local injury to the fiber. In electrophoretically produced axon swellings, many oxidative enzymes accumulated such as: DPN-diaphorase, TPN-diaphorase, cytochrome oxidase, succinic dehydrogenase, lactic dehydrogenase, isocitric dehydrogenase, malic dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and alcohol dehydrogenase. Alkaline and acid phosphatase did not accumulate in axonal swellings. There was also an accumulation of mitochondria, lipids (probably in mitochondrial membranes), proteins, carbohydrates, and ribonucleic acid. This array of substances was identical with that found in reactive axonal swellings produced both experimentally and pathologically in vivo. Axoplasm in reactive axon swellings that were produced in vivo showed the same electrophoretic convection as axoplasm of normal fibers. Accumulation of substances in an axon swelling can result from a confined local shift of axoplasm; it does not inherently indicate a changed rate of production by the nerve cell. Physiological currents in the tissue may well be responsible for the development of “reactive” axon swellings, as well as for the normal convection of axoplasm.
Gene overlap results in a viral protein having an RNA binding domain and a major coat protein domain

L-A double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) replicates in vivo in yeast in a conservative, asynchronous (first [+] strand then [-] strand), intraviral process. New particles are formed by packaging (+) strands. Added viral (+) single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) is specifically bound by empty virus-like particles (VLPs) and, in a reaction requiring a host factor, is converted in vitro to dsRNA. We find that the isolated binding complex replicates only if it was formed in the presence of the host factor. The VLP minor 180 kd protein, but not the major coat protein, has ssRNA binding activity on Western blots. The 180 kd protein shares a common antigenic domain with the major coat protein, the latter known to be encoded by L-A dsRNA. The 180 kd protein, but not the major coat protein, also shares an antigenic domain with a sequence encoded by the 3' end of the L-A (+) strand. Thus the 180 kd protein is also encoded by L-A dsRNA and consists of a major coat protein domain and a ssRNA binding domain.
Perceiving the locations of sounds

Frequently, we learn of the locations of things and events in our environment by means of hearing. Hearing, I argue, is a locational mode of perceiving with a robustly spatial phenomenology. I defend three proposals. First, audition furnishes one with information about the locations of things and happenings in one’s environment because auditory experience itself has spatial content—auditory experience involves awareness of space. Second, we hear the locations of things and events by or in hearing the locations of their sounds. Third, we auditorily experience sounds themselves as having relatively stable distal locations. I reject skepticism about spatial audition and auditory experience tracing to Strawson’s Individuals, and suggest that spatial auditory experience grounds a form of perceptual access to objects and events that is critical to negotiating one’s environment.
Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Treatment Strategies for the Next Millennium

This review focuses on specific treatments available for hepatitis B and discusses the replication of the hepatitis B virus to facilitate understanding of the mechanism of action of nucleoside anal...
Membrane antigen expression during hemopoietic differentiation

The pattern of certain groups of antigens expressed on the surface of hemopoietic cells changes either during the course of differentiation from pluripotent stem cells to mature functional cells or as a function of the proliferative state of the cells. A map of these changes is emerging and is providing valuable information for selecting and purifying rare stem cells and for classifying the acute leukemias. This knowledge is also beginning to provide insights into physiological and pathological cellular interactions affecting the early stages of hemopoiesis, and is being exploited to remove T lymphocytes from allogeneic bone marrow grafts in order to prevent graft-vs.-host disease as well as leukemic cells from bone marrow before autologous reinfusion. In this article I will briefly review the cellular basis of hemopoiesis and then discuss the methods used to determine the presence of antigens on normal hemopoietic cells. I will then summarize the pattern of membrane antigens expressed during differentiation and conclude by discussing the biological and therapeutic implications.
Stagnation flow on a plate with anisotropic slip

Abstract An axisymmetric stagnation flow impinges on a moving plate with different slip coefficients in two orthogonal directions. Such anisotropic slip occurs on geometrically striated surfaces and superhydrophobic strips. A similarity transformation reduces the Navier–Stokes equations to a set of 10th order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The problem is solved by asymptotic analysis for large slip and numerical integration. Anisotropy is reflected in the differences of slip velocities in the two directions, and may be considerable.
Asymptotic solutions of the Fröhlich steady-state model

Abstract Detailed asymptotic solutions are reported exhibiting the nonthermal, macroscopic excitation of oscillators in a model proposed by Frohlich to illustrate biological phenomena.
2D-IR correlation and principle component analysis of interfacial melting of thin ice films

Abstract The interfacial melting of a thin film of ice (15 nm thick) grown on the surface of a Ge prism is probed with attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. Extinction spectra are collected as the ice is heated from −23 to 0 °C. Moving window correlation and principle component analysis reveal a transition between different growth regions at −1 °C. The temperature dependence for the thickness of the interfacial interface is compared to theoretical models where a similar transition is postulated to occur for a small amount of impurities at the ice/vapor interface.
The nutritive value of the same protein preparations as estimated by human, rat, and chemical assays.

Results are summarized from studies in which the protein nutritional values of thirteen protein sources were estimated by human, rat, or chemical assays. Generally, agreement was poor between nutritive value as estimated in adult men and as estimated by various rat assays or by chemical (amino acid) scores. Possible reasons for this lack of agreement are briefly discussed.
A generalized Exner equation for sediment mass balance

[1] The advance of morphodynamics research into new areas has led to a proliferation of forms of sediment mass balance equation. Without a general equation it is often difficult to know what these problem-specific versions of sediment mass balance leave out. To address this, we derive a general form of the standard Exner equation for sediment mass balance that includes effects of tectonic uplift and subsidence, soil formation and creep, compaction, and chemical precipitation and dissolution. The complete equation, (17), allows for independent evolution of two critical interfaces: that between bedrock and sediment or soil and that between sediment and flow. By eliminating terms from the general equation it is straightforward to derive mass balance equations applicable to a wide range of problems such as short-term bed evolution, basin evolution, bedrock uplift and soil formation, and carbonate precipitation and transport. Dropping terms makes explicit what is not being considered in a given problem and can be done by inspection or by a formal scaling analysis of the terms. Scaling analysis leads directly to dimensionless numbers that measure the relative importance of terms in the equation, for example, the relative influence of spatial versus temporal changes in sediment load on bed evolution. Combining scaling analysis with time averaging shows how the relative importance of terms in the equation can change with timescale; for example, the term representing bed evolution due to temporal change in sediment load tends to zero as timescale increases.
Transforming growth factor-beta2 utilizes the canonical Smad-signaling pathway to regulate tissue transglutaminase expression in human trabecular meshwork cells.

Transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) is elevated in the aqueous humor of patients with glaucoma. This growth factor is known to increase extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the trabecular meshwork (TM) as well as increase intraocular pressure (IOP) in perfused human cultured anterior eye segments. In addition overexpression of TGF-β2 in the mouse TM leads to elevated IOP. Exogenous TGF-β2 also increases tissue transglutaminase (TGM2) protein levels and enzyme activity in TM cells. TGM2 is a calcium-dependent enzyme that mediates cross-linking of ECM proteins, thus making ECM proteins resistant to enzymatic degradation and physical breakdown. We have investigated the signaling pathway by which TGF-β2 induces TGM2 in human TM cells. Primary cultures of human TM cells (N = 6) were treated for 48 h with TGF-β2 (0-10 ng/ml) in serum-free medium. TGM2 enzyme activity differences between non-treated and TGF-β2 treated TM cells were studied using a biotin cadaverine assay. Endogenous TGF-β2 protein levels were examined in normal trabecular meshwork (NTM) and glaucomatous trabecular meshwork (GTM) cell strains. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression and co-localization of TGF-β2 and TGM2 in NTM and GTM tissues. Activation of Smad3 signaling pathway was evaluated by western immunoblot analysis using phospho-specific antibodies following exogenous TGF-β2 treatment. Pharmacological specific inhibitor of Smad3 (SIS3) and short interfering (si)RNAs were used to suppress Smad3 activity and CTGF gene expression respectively. Endogenous TGF-β2 levels were significantly elevated in cultured GTM cells (p < 0.05) when compared to NTM cells. Immunohistochemistry studies also demonstrated elevated expression and co-localization of both TGF-β2 and TGM2 in glaucoma human TM tissues. Exogenous TGF-β2 increased both TGM2 protein levels and enzyme activity in TM cells. Phosphorylation of Smad3 was stimulated in TM cell strains by exogenous TGF-β2. TGF-β2 induction of TGM2 was not inhibited with selective siRNA knockdown of CTGF. In contrast, a specific inhibitor of Smad3 (SIS3) and siRNA knockdown of Smad3 (p < 0.05) suppressed TGF-β2 induction of TGM2. This study demonstrated that TGF-β2 induction of TGM2 can be mediated via the canonical Smad-signaling pathway but does not appear to involve CTGF as a downstream mediator. Regulation of the Smad-signaling pathway in the TM may be useful in the therapy for glaucoma associated with aberrant TGF-β2 signaling.
Azimuthal Anisotropy in Core-Level X-Ray Photoemission from c (2×2) Oxygen on Cu(001): Experiment and Single-Scattering Theory

Azimuthal anisotropies in core-level x-ray photoemission from $c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)\mathrm{O}$ on Cu(001) have been found to show a strong dependence on polar emission angle. The anisotropies observed are $\frac{\ensuremath{\Delta}I}{{I}_{max}}\ensuremath{\lesssim}24%$ for O 1s emission, and \ensuremath{\lesssim} 41% for Cu $2{p}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ and Cu $3p$ emission. A single-scattering theoretical model is found to describe well both the O and Cu data, and suggests that O is present in fourfold coordination sites for which the O atoms are coplanar with the Cu surface atoms.
Cobalt and horseradish peroxidase tracer studies in the stellate ganglion of octopus

Abstract The connectivity of the stellate ganglion of Octopus was investigated using cobalt and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) tracers applied to severed preganglionic and postganglionic nerves. Centripetal cells, defined as cells in the ganglion which send their axons back toward the brain, were discovered by both methods. Application of HRP to the pallial (preganglionic) nerve labeled the preganglionic fibers which enter the ganglion and spread widely within the neuropil. Application of either tracer to a single stellar (postganglionic) nerve labeled motor neuron cell bodies spread over 1/4 to 1/3 of the ganglion. Since there are 25–40 such stellar nerves per ganglion, it may be inferred that there is only a limited topographic relationship between the location of motor neuron cell bodies in the stellate ganglion and the segment of mantle muscle which they innervate. The axon and many side branches of these motor neurons were also labeled. The smooth, diffuse form of HRP labeling produced in pre- and postganglionic axotomized neurons in Octopus is similar in appearance to that produced in damaged mammalian neurons.
Personal Vision and Feminist Epistemologies from a (Gay) Male Standpoint: Implications for 21st Century Textiles and Apparel Scholars

This paper emphasizes that feminism is both intellectually and politically relevant to textiles and apparel, a field traditionally dominated by women but also steeped in the home economics tradition, which is sometimes associated with domesticity and women's subservience. Since feminists value personal experience as a valid way of knowing, I use a personal narrative to articulate the site from which this discussion materializes and stress the connections between experience and knowing. The personal narrative also traces my intellectual development, conveys voice and shows that knowledge and the standpoints that knowledge makes possible are emergent and given to almost constant change.
Gender, States, and Social Policies: Skocpol's View

THEDA SKOCPOL, Protecting Soldiers and Mothers: The Political Origins of Social Policy in the United States. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1992. Pp. 712. $34.95. The rise of the welfare state is one of the astonishing facts of 20thcentury history. Virtually every industrialized nation, east and west, now devotes a substantial proportion of its public funds to the provision of social welfare programs for its citizens. Today, the standard of living of most people is determined not just by wage levels or labor market forces, but also by public transfer programs and welfare policies. While mindful of the fact that this has been a global process, in her impressive book Protecting Soldiers and Mothers, Theda Skocpol examines this phenomenon in one country, the United States. As in many other areas, in this too the United States is exceptional. The received wisdom views the United States as a "welfare laggard," as a country that, despite its wealth and industrial base, has been remarkably slow and ungenerous in providing social benefits like insurance for unemployment, old age, or disability. According to this received wisdom, American social welfare programs were established during the New Deal period, some two or three decades after many European nations undertook similar programs. Skocpol argues that the United States was indeed exceptional, but in a completely different way. Rather than being the welfare laggard, the United States was the welfare leader. Through Civil War
Ground-State Stability and Rotational Activation Parameters for Individual Rotamers of (R,S,S,R)-(N,N‘-Dimethyl-2,3-diaminobutane)PtG2 Complexes (G = 9-EtG, 3‘-GMP, and 5‘-GMP)

Rate constants for guanine rotation about the Pt−N7 bond in (R,S,S,R)-Me2DABPtG2 complexes (Me2DAB = N,N‘-dimethyl-2,3-diaminobutane; G = 9-EtG, 3‘-GMP, and 5‘-GMP) were evaluated from line-shape a...
Resonator-based Multichannel DQPSK Optical Modulator on SOI Platform

We propose a resonator-based multichannel DQPSK modulator with a small footprint on chip. The structure has been fabricated on SOI platform. A set of micro-heaters are used to adjust the wavelength of each modulator channel.
Vertical transport of carbon-14 into deep-sea food webs

Abstract During the years 1973 to 1976 the carbon-14 content was higher in epipelagic and vertically migrating, upper mesopelagic animals (caught between 0 and 500 m) than in lower mesopelagic, bathypelagic, and abyssobenthic animals (500 to 5180 m) in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Only one species of deep-sea fish had a Δ14C value as high as surface-caught fish. The 14C content of most animals was higher pre-bomb levels, but the relatively low 14C content of most deep-sea animals indicates that the majority of their carbon was not derived directly from a near-surface food chain labeled with bomb carbon. A mean residence time of about 35 y was estimated for the organic carbon pool for abyssobenthic animals based on the relative increase of radiocarbon in surface-dwelling animals since 1967. The results suggest that rapidly sinking particles from surface waters, such as fecal pellets, are not the major source of organic carbon for deep-sea fishes and large benthic invertebrates.
A reactive transport benchmark on heavy metal cycling in lake sediments

Sediments are active recipients of anthropogenic inputs, including heavy metals, but may be difficult to interpret without the use of numerical models that capture sediment-metal interactions and provide an accurate representation of the intricately coupled sedimentological, geochemical, and biological processes. The focus of this study is to present a benchmark problem on heavy metal cycling in lake sediments and to compare reactive transport models (RTMs) in their treatment of the local-scale physical and biogeochemical processes. This benchmark problem has been developed based on a previously published reactive-diffusive model of metal transport in the sediments of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Key processes included in this model are microbial reductive dissolution of iron hydroxides (i.e., ferrihydrite), the release of sorbed metals into pore water, reaction of these metals with biogenic sulfide to form sulfide minerals, and sedimentation driving the burial of ferrihydrite and other minerals. This benchmark thus considers a multicomponent biotic reaction network with multiple terminal electron acceptors (TEAs), Fickian diffusive transport, kinetic and equilibrium mineral precipitation and dissolution, aqueous and surface complexation, as well as (optionally) sedimentation. To test the accuracy of the reactive transport problem solution, four RTMs—TOUGHREACT (TR), CrunchFlow (CF), PHREEQC, and PHT3D—have been used. Without sedimentation, all four models are able to predict similar trends of TEAs and dissolved metal concentrations, as well as mineral abundances. TR and CF are further used to compare sedimentation and compaction test cases. Results with different sedimentation rates are captured by both models, but since the codes do not use the same formulation for compaction, the results differ for this test case. Although, both TR and CF adequately capture the trends of aqueous concentrations and mineral abundances, the difference in results highlights the need to consider further the conceptual and numerical models that link transport, biogeochemical reactions, and sedimentation.
Understanding and Forecasting Tropical Cyclone Intensity Change with the Typhoon Intensity Prediction Scheme (TIPS)

A multiple regression scheme with tropical cyclone intensity change as the dependent variable has been developed. The new scheme is titled the Typhoon Intensity Prediction Scheme (TIPS) and is similar to one used operationally at the National Hurricane Center. However, TIPS contains two major differences: it is developed for the western North Pacific Ocean, and utilizes digitized satellite data; the first time such satellite information has been combined with other predictors in a tropical cyclone multiple regression scheme. It is shown that the satellite data contains vital information that distinguishes between fast and slow developing tropical cyclones. The importance of other predictors (such as wind shear, persistence, climatology, and an empirical formula dependent on sea surface temperature) to intensity change are also clarified in the statistical analysis. A normalization technique reveals threshold values useful to forecasters. It is shown that TIPS may be competitive with the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in forecasting tropical cyclone intensity change.
Reaktionen von Amidacetalen

Reaktionen von Amidacetalen wie Ketalisierung von Carbonylverbindungen, Veresterung von Carbonsauren, Bildung von Phenolathern sowie Konfigurationsumkehr von 3-Hydroxysteroiden werden beschrieben sowie ihre Mechanismen und Nebenreaktionen diskutiert. – Das Dimethylacetal des N-Formylpyrrolidins verestert 4-Nitrobenzoesaure nicht nur schneller, sondern wegen der verminderten Nebenreaktionen auch in hoheren Ausbeuten als das gewohnlich benutzte Dimethylacetal des Dimethylformamids. Reactions of Amide Acetals Reactions of amide acetals, e. g. ketalisation of carbonyl compounds, esterification of carboxylic acids, formation of phenolic ethers and inversion of 3-hydroxy steroids are described and their mechanisms and side reactions discussed. – The dimethyl acetal of N-formyl- pyrrolidine esterifies 4-nitrobenzoic acid not only faster but, owing to diminished side reactions, also in higher yields compared to the commonly used dimethyl acetal of dimethyl- formamide.
Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Allergenicity of Milk Protein

Summary The mean contractions on the excised uterine strip from milk-sensitized guinea pigs, produced by a challenge with irradiated milk samples, revealed that a 9.30-megarad sample produced a response which was 85% of that for raw skimmilk. The mean cross-challenge response for this same sample was 19.4%, as compared to a zero cross-challenge response for raw skimmilk. Irradiation of milk samples at lower radiation doses of 2.79 and 5.58 megarads produced much larger initial responses and lower cross-challenge responses, as evidenced by the uterine strip contractions of milk-sensitized guinea pigs challenged in vitro with these samples. At radiation doses of 0.456, 2.79, 5.58, and 9.30 megarads, the mean lethal shocking doses (l.s.d. 50 values) for irradiated milk samples, when challenged on milk-sensitized guinea pigs, were 29±4, 64±11, 602±270, and 1,157±422µg. of protein nitrogen per 0.5-ml. dose injected. The increase in these l.s.d. 50 values reflects extensive molecular alteration in milk protein produced by ionizing radiation. The significance of the biochemical alteration in food proteins produced by ionizing radiations is discussed, and the clinical importance in the reduction of allergenic properties of protein so treated is implied in these studies.
Supporting those who go to fight ebola.

The Ebola epidemic is testing virtually every aspect of the public health and health care systems in the United States, including health care institutions’ public service commitments. Although the number of cases in the US remains very small, an extraordinary amount of public and hospital resources have been devoted to preparing for new cases domestically [1–4]. In contrast, although US hospital and medical professional organizations have called for an “enhanced focus” on containing Ebola in West Africa [5], there is a striking absence of public commitments on the part of US health care institutions to contribute to the containment effort. By quickly mobilizing qualified health care professionals (HCPs) to work in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, US hospitals could not only meet the needs of desperate patients, but could contain Ebola at its source, averting global risk [6]. Yet, US institutions’ response to the West African epidemic has been muted thus far. Reports indicate that many institutions—even those with a tradition of sending personnel to respond to other humanitarian crises—have asked their HCPs to stay home this time [7–9]. Although some academic medical centers (AMCs) in the US have invoked their usual policy that the university will support overseas work with services such as emergency travel assistance, others have specified that staff who serve in Ebola-affected regions do so in their personal capacity, not as employees. Still others have strongly cautioned against serving, prohibited official travel to affected regions, required staff to take vacation time or unpaid leave for 21 days following repatriation before returning to work, and made clear that the university will not assist if the HCP falls ill. The concerns that may motivate hospitals to discourage volunteers do not outweigh the countervailing considerations. At a minimum, institutions ought not to impede service; ideally, they would promote it.
Getting the Drift: Examining the Effects of Timing, Trap Type and Taxon on Herpetofaunal Drift Fence Surveys

ABSTRACT The evaluation of appropriate sampling methodologies is critical for accurately determining the distribution and status of herpetofaunal populations. We report the results of a year-long drift fence study, using multiple trap types (large pitfall traps, small pitfall traps and funnel traps), of a species-rich herpetofaunal community (59 species) surrounding an isolated wetland in the southeastern United States. Specifically, we determined the effects that timing, trap type and taxon had on capture rates of herpetofauna. We found that funnel traps captured the greatest number of herpetofaunal species, but a combination of funnel traps and large pitfall traps yielded the greatest number of individual captures due to complementary biases in capture efficiencies among herpetofaunal taxa. With little exception, small pitfall traps were relatively ineffective for sampling herpetofauna. We also found that the timing of drift fence monitoring affected herpetofaunal species accumulation rates but that sea...
Calcium Channels Are Ganging Up in the Sarcolemma

In this issue of Circulation Research , Navedo et al1 provide provocative and exciting data, indicating that up to ≈6 L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) (in this case Cav1.2) can physically interact with each other to gate in a coupled manner, producing large and long-lasting Ca2+ influx into smooth and cardiac muscle myocytes. This coupling appears to be relatively rare and transient, with a minority of overall LTCCs involved at any moment. However, coupling is favored by either displacement of calmodulin (CaM) from its binding location in the C-terminal LTCC domain, activation of protein kinase (PK)Cα, chronic hypertension (in vascular smooth muscle), and LTCC mutants that are associated with cardiac arrhythmias and hearing loss in humans (ie, Timothy syndrome, or long QT syndrome 8). The fundamental observations here were made using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy by measuring local submembrane Ca2+ events termed Ca2+ sparklets.2–4 These are attributable to Ca2+ entry via LTCC, unlike the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release events known as Ca2+ sparks or puffs (mediated by ryanodine or inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate [InsP3] receptor channels). Physiologically Ca2+ sparklets would be extremely small and brief events, because normal LTCC openings are <1 ms in duration, and current amplitude is only ≈0.2 pA (at physiological [Ca2+]o) resulting in an integrated Ca2+ influx of only 0.1 femtocoulomb (or 300 Ca2+ ions).5 This would produce a very small hard to detect fluorescence signal. However, the Ca2+ sparklets here are much larger, which enhances detectability. They are larger because they are attributable to more rare persistent openings (like mode 2 openings favored by the LTCC agonist Bay K 8644),6 elevation of [Ca2+]o, and measurements at negative voltages …
An automated design flow for 3D microarchitecture evaluation

Although the emerging three-dimensional integration technology can significantly reduce interconnect delay, chip area, and power dissipation in nanometer technologies, its impact on overall system performance is still poorly understood due to the lack of tools and systematic flows to evaluate 3D microarchitectural designs. The contribution of this paper is the development of MEVA-3D, an automated physical design and architecture performance estimation flow for 3D architectural evaluation which includes 3D floorplanning, routing, interconnect pipelining and automated thermal via insertion, and associated die size, performance, and thermal modeling capabilities. We apply this flow to a simple, out-of-order superscalar microprocessor to evaluate the performance and thermal behavior in 2D and 3D designs, and demonstrate the value of MEVA-3D in providing quantitative evaluation results to guide 3D architecture designs. In particular, we show that it is feasible to manage thermal challenges with a combination of thermal vias and double-sided heat sinks, and report modest system performance gains in 3D designs for these simple test examples.
"Survivor" torches "Who Wants to Be a Physician?" in the educational games ratings war.

We recently developed an educational game for reviewing respiratory physiology in a large classroom. The “Who Wants to be a Physician?” game encouraged medical students to be active participants in...