cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient Triangle and Quadrilateral Clipping Within Shaders

Abstract Clipping a triangle or a convex quadrilateral to a plane is a common operation in computer graphics. This clipping is implemented by fixed function units within the graphics pipeline under most rasterization application programming interfaces (APIs). It is increasingly interesting to perform clipping in programmable stages as well. For example, to clip bounding volumes generated in the geometry unit to the near plane or to clip an area light source to the tangent plane of a surface in a pixel unit. Although clipping a convex polygon is algorithmically trivial, doing so efficiently on vector architectures such as GPUs can be tricky. This article presents an implementation of Sutherland-Hodgman clipping, designed for vector processors. It has high branch coherence, uses only register storage (i.e., it does not require a move-relative memory operation), leverages both data and instruction parallelism, and has a peak register count of only two 4-vectors (7 scalars). I found it to be approximately fiv...
The emergence of Early-Middle Formative exchange patterns in Mesoamerica: A view from Altica in the Teotihuacan Valley

Abstract Early and Middle Formative exchange networks in Mesoamerica initiated lasting patterns of interaction that persisted through the duration of Prehispanic Mesoamerica. This is particularly true with relationships between the Gulf Coast and central Mexico. Recent analyses of Formative pottery from the Teotihuacan Valley identified a group of incised white-slipped pottery from the site of Altica that is compositionally distinct from any known central Mexican ceramics. We have determined through NAA, LA–ICP–MS, and petrographic thin section analyses that the majority of the white ware in the Altica sample was produced in the southern Gulf Coast. At the same time in that region, the Olmec center of San Lorenzo had increased its use of Otumba obsidian, an economic resource located within 10 km of Altica. We explore the significance of these relationships to model early exchange relationship in Mesoamerica.
Systemic blockade of the hyaluronan receptor for endocytosis prevents lymph node metastasis of prostate cancer

Tumor progression and metastasis are promoted by the remodeling of organized tissue architecture and engagement of molecular interactions that support tumor cell passage through endothelial barriers. Prostate tumor cells that secrete and turn over excessive quantities of pericellular hyaluronan (HA) exhibit accelerated growth kinetics and spontaneous lymph node metastasis in mice. The HA receptor for endocytosis (HARE) is an endocytic clearance receptor for HA in the liver that is also highly expressed in sinusoidal endothelium of lymph nodes and bone marrow, which are frequent sites of prostate cancer metastasis. In our study, we tested the hypothesis that HARE can act as an endothelial receptor for metastatic tumor cells with pericellular HA. In an orthotopic mouse model of prostate cancer, we delivered a monoclonal antibody against HARE that specifically blocks HA binding and internalization. This treatment fully blocked the formation of metastatic tumors in lymph nodes. No effects on primary tumor growth were observed and the antibody did not induce toxic outcomes in any other tissue. Our results implicate HARE for the first time in potentiation of tumor metastasis and suggest a novel mechanism by which tumor cell-associated HA could promote tissue-specific dissemination. “Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. This article is a US Government work, and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.”
Self-reported diagnostic and management strategies in childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: results of a survey of practicing pediatric hematology/oncology specialists.

Purpose: To assess current physician self-reported practices regarding initial management of childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and to determine physician self-reported willingness to participate in randomized clinical trials comparing different initial management strategies. Patients and Methods: A questionnaire was mailed in November 1997 to all 720 members of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology asking how they would diagnose and manage ITP in children 18 months, 5 years, and 15 years of age who were experiencing either dry purpura (cutaneous hemorrhage only) or wet purpura (active mucous membrane hemorrhage). Specific questions dealt with bone marrow aspiration, hospital admittance, treatment strategy, and specific doses of corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. Results: The response rate to the questionnaire was 57%. Most respondents indicated they usually perform a bone marrow aspirate when corticosteroids are to be prescribed and administer drug therapy to patients with newly diagnosed ITP with wet or dry purpura. Only 16% of respondents would administer no drug therapy to a child with dry purpura. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was preferred to steroids, with anti-D immunoglobulin prescribed less frequently. Hospital admittance often was used for patients with dry purpura and usually recommended for patients with wet purpura. Most respondents expressed willingness to randomize patients with dry purpura to IVIG versus no therapy and those with wet purpura to IVIG versus prednisone as part of a randomized controlled clinical trial. Conclusions: The self-reported care of the patient with ITP was influenced by the severity of presentation (dry versus wet purpura). Most physicians reported they would administer specific drug treatment in both scenarios. This survey illustrates the diverse diagnostic and management strategies currently used in childhood ITP. Because no one therapeutic approach is predominant and a scientific basis for decision making in childhood ITP has not been developed, future randomized trials are warranted. On the basis of these survey results, such trials are desired by most pediatric hematology/oncology specialists.
Locally p-Smooth Groups

Throughout this article, all groups will be finite and p will denote an odd prime number or be equal to 0. When unspecified, the notation used will be the same as in [9].
High-gradient magnetically seeded filtration

Abstract A two-step magnetically seeded filtration process that includes heterogeneous flocculation (shear-flow and Brownian) and magnetic filtration is examined experimentally. The effects of various parameters — magnetic-field strength, size of particles, flow rate, seeding concentration, and solution pH — on the removal efficiency are investigated. A breakthrough model — which combines trajectory analysis, a particle buildup model, and a bivariate population-balance model applicable for Brownian flocculation — is developed to predict particle breakthrough in a magnetic filter. Experiments show that the removal efficiency increases as magnetic-field strength and particle size are increased and flow rate is decreased. A maximum in the removal efficiency is observed at a certain seeding concentration and at the lower pH values, which is explained from competing effects that take place with respect to magnetic susceptibility and size of aggregates as the seeding concentration and solution pH are increased. Modeling results of the trajectory analysis show that the effect of hydrodynamic resistance becomes important as Reynolds number and particle size are increased or the magnetic-field strength is decreased. Similarly to experimental observations, the modeling results predict that the removal efficiency increases with increasing magnetic-field strength and particle size indicating that the relative importance of magnetic and drag forces and the aggregation rate in the flocculation step play an important role in the magnetically seeded process. The breakthrough model developed in this study provides a good description of the experimental breakthrough data obtained from magnetic filtration of paramagnetic particles and magnetically seeded filtration with Brownian-flocculation.
Enteric bacterial pathogens, villus atrophy and microbial growth

The effects of three bacterial pathogens on the villus architecture of small intestines and the role that bacterial virulence factors play in pathogenesis are described. Bacterial pathogens cause a spectrum of effects ranging from severe tissue damage to a lack of perceptible damage. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, which cause acute and severe diarrhea, does so by producing potent toxins, but these toxins act by altering the biological activity in epithelial cells. However, the cells are not damaged. Enteropathogenic E. coli and Salmonella, on the other hand cause various degrees of tissue damage. As part of their pathogenesis, they employ a type III protein secretion system to orchestrate internal changes in target cells. The expression of many virulence related genes is tightly regulated and appears to be turned on in response to cues found in the intestinal tract. The consequences of this level of regulation also is discussed.
The moderating effects of skin color and ethnic identity affirmation on suicide risk among low-SES African American women

This study examined the influence of concurrent racism and sexism experiences (i.e., gendered racism) on African American women’s suicidal ideation and behavior in the context of disadvantaged socioeconomic status. Drawing on a stress process framework, the moderating effects of ethnic identity and skin color were explored using multiple regression analyses. Data were from 204 low-income African American women in the B-WISE (Black Women in a Study of Epidemics) project. Findings suggested that experiencing gendered racism significantly increased these women’s risk for suicidal ideation or behavior, though only among women with medium or dark skin color. Also, having strong ethnic identity buffered the harmful effects of gendered racism. The moderating properties of skin color and ethnic identity affirmation likely operate through psychosocial pathways, blocking internalization of negative stereotypes and reducing the level of distress experienced in response to gendered racism.
Board monitoring, firm risk, and external regulation

We examine the relationship between board monitoring and firm characteristics using a broad sample of firms over the 8 year period from 1996 to 2003. We find that board independence and monitoring is negatively related to firm risk in the absence of external regulation. In addition, we find that external regulatory and political pressures affect the level of board monitoring, especially after the increased focus on board composition by the stock exchanges beginning in 1999 and the passage of the 2002 Sarbanes–Oxley Act. We find that the sensitivity of the negative relationship between board monitoring and firm risk decreases in the post 1999 period suggesting that firms have increased board monitoring in response to external regulations. We also find that these external regulations have had an asymmetrical impact on high-risk firm. In our empirical analysis we also control for other factors that affect board monitoring and find that firms in which the CEO has longer tenure and greater equity ownership have less board monitoring activity and that there is a negative relationship between the level of board monitoring and the level of shareholder rights.
Improved graft patency and altered remodeling in infrainguinal vein graft reconstruction for aneurysmal versus occlusive disease.

Abstract Purpose: This study attempted to determine whether autogenous vein used for infrainguinal reconstruction in patients with aneurysmal disease might demonstrate an altered adaptive response compared with those patients who underwent reconstructive surgery for occlusive disease, potentially altering graft patency. Methods: From 1974 to 1997, 43 patients underwent vein grafting for 60 popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA). Results: In an attempt to monitor early vein graft adaptation, serial graft surveillance by Duplex ultrasound scan was performed in a statistically valid subset of age-, sex-, and distal anastomotic site–matched patients with PAA and patients with occlusive disease (OD; n=8 PAA; n=8 OD). Compared with an age-matched and sex-matched cohort of patients (n = 60 grafts in each group) with occlusive disease and who had femoral below-knee bypass grafts (FBP) only, patients undergoing infrainguinal reconstruction for PAA had a higher 5-year primary graft patency (92% ± 4% for PAA vs 66% ± 7% for FBP; P P = .002). In a linear regression model, controlling for diameter at first follow-up after bypass grafting, first follow-up diameter was also predictive of final follow-up diameter. Conclusion: These data suggested altered remodeling of vein grafts in patients with popliteal artery aneurysm, which may have a beneficial effect on patency. (J Vasc Surg 1999;29:1022-30.)
Strotz Meets Allais: Diminishing Impatience and the Certainty Effect: Comment

Halevy (2008) states the equivalence between diminishing impatience (i.e., quasi-hyperbolic discounting) and the common ratio effect. The present paper shows that one way of the equivalence is false and shows the correct and general relationships: diminishing impatience is equivalent to the certainty effect and that strong diminishing impatience (i.e., hyperbolic discounting) is equivalent to the common ratio effect.
Anisotropic shift of surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticles doped in nematic liquid crystal

Study of the liquid crystal (LC) director around nanoparticles has been an important topic of research very recently, since it allows design and fabrication of next-generation LC devices that are impossible in the past. In our experiment, alkanethiol-capped gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were dispersed in nematic LC. Analysis of the LC director around GNPs was performed by investigating the behavior of surface plasmon polariton (SPP) absorption peaks of the GNPs using spectrophotometry technique. It is found that the incident linearly polarized light orientated at 0°, 45°, and 90° angles with respect to the rubbing direction experiences varying interaction with the LC medium. The corresponding transmission of light reveals the anisotropic shift in wavelength of SPP peak. The anisotropic behavior of SPPs of the GNPs is in agreement with theoretical calculations.
Highly selective two-color mid-wave and long-wave infrared detector hybrid based on Type-II superlattices

We report a two-color mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) co-located detector with 3 μm active region thickness per channel that is highly selective and can perform under high operating temperatures for the MWIR band. Under back-side illumination, a temperature evolution study of the MWIR detector's electro-optical performance found the 300 K background-limit with 2π field-of-view to be achieved below operating temperatures of 160 K, at which the temperature's 50% cutoff wavelength was 5.2 μm. The measured current reached the system limit of 0.1 pA at 110 K for 30 μm pixel-sized diodes. At 77 K, where the LWIR channel operated with a 50% cutoff wavelength at 11.2 μm, an LWIR selectivity of ~17% was achieved in the MWIR wave band between 3 and 4.7 μm, making the detector highly selective.
MYOCARDIAL CONTRACTILE PROTEINS IN LAMBS: MATURATIONAL CHANGES IN ENZYMATIC FUNCTION

Myosin (M) ATPase activity of contractile proteins (CP) has been shown to be an index of muscle energy utilization. Under certain conditions, a relationship exists between ATPase activity and contractile velocity. In the adult dog, mild chronic systolic pressure overload is associated with increases in M ATPase activity and contractile element velocity. We have previously demonstrated an increase in contractile element velocity (mechanical Vmax) in the left ventricle (LV) of the newborn lamb. To determine the enzymatic response of CP to hemodynamic alterations of the transitional circulation, we examined cardiac M ATPase activity in six lambs and four adult sheep. Tissue was obtained from the lateral wall of the LV; myosin was isolated by previously developed purification techniques utilizing (NH4)2SO4 fractionation of CP. Concentration of pure myosin was determined by the Lowry method and potassium activated ATPase activity was determined by phosphate assay as described by Fiske and SubbaRow. From the data obtained, we calculated enzymatic Vmax values as follows: The newborn LV responds to increasing demands of the transitional circulation with increases in energy utilization.
Responses of Jeffrey Pine on a surface mine site to fertilizer and lime

Controlled-release fertilization with two formulations, Forestcote 22-4-6 + Minors and Gromax 21-6-2 + Minors, and dolomitic lime were evaluated for their capacity to facilitate establishment and enhance nutrition of bareroot Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.) on an acidic Sierra Nevada surface mine. All amendments were applied at outplanting to the backfill of augered planting holes, with a low rate of 8 g and a high rate of 16 g per seedling for the two fertilizer formulations, whereas a single rate of 30 g was used for lime. Liming induced excessive seedling mortality throughout the study, whereas both fertilizer formulations also reduced survival but only as an interactive effect with the lime amendment. Growth stimulation by the fertilizer applications was readily apparent after three growing seasons, with the response to the high rate surpassing that to the low rate and the response to the Forestcote formulation exceeding that to Gromax. Conversely, the lime amendment depressed seedling growth, and it is likely that a propensity to exacerbate the stress imposed by dry growing season soils through interference with water uptake accounts for the overall poor performance of the seedlings that received this amendment. Improved N and P nutrition, with the former likely the most critical, was largely responsible for the growth stimulation resulting from fertilization. However, this treatment also suppressed the absorption of certain micronutrients as well as that of Al, and the amelioration of potential phytotoxicities may have also contributed to the favorable performance of fertilized seedlings. Further evidence for this conclusion was supplied by base cation/metallic element molar ratios involving Al and Mn, which were frequently increased by fertilization. In contrast, the influence of the lime amendment on seedling nutrition was marginal, with positive responses too infrequent to improve seedling performance.
Femtosecond time-resolved infrared laser study of the J−K transition of bacteriorhodopsin☆

Abstract The J − K transition of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle was monitored by sub-picosecond time-resolved infrared spectroscopy. IR difference spectra in the region between 1670 and 1600 cm −1 were taken at 1.5 and 9 ps, respectively, after photoexcitation of BR 570 at 540 nm. Spectral shifts of the bands at 1607 and 1661 cm −1 reflect the chromophoric conformational changes during the J to K transition. Kinetics, taken at 1640 and 1607 cm −1 show rise times determined by the dephasing times of the vibrational modes. The partial decrease of the bleach signal at 1640 cm −1 is interpreted as a recovery of the vibrationally cooled BR 570 electronic ground state and provides a new method to measure the photocycle quantum yield. The development of the bleach at 1661 cm −1 occurred faster than 500 fs, suggesting an almost instantaneous protein response to the electronic excitation.
A Computer Program to Analyze Cogeneration Plant Heat Balances and Equipment Design

This paper describes a computer program designed to calculate and analyze cogeneration plant heat balances and equipment and to plot heat balance diagrams. For normal design point conditions, the program calculates gas turbine performance, designs a heat recovery boiler to suit the process requirements, calculates a steam turbine performance and deaerator balance to complete the cycle. In addition, the program will calculate off-design performance for a supplementary firing option or for changes in ambient conditions, gas turbine part load or process conditions.Copyright © 1987 by ASME
Discrete time modeling of output disturbances in the dual active bridge converter

The small-signal modeling of dual active bridge (DAB) converter dynamics in discrete time is a useful analysis tool due to the ability to incorporate behavior during zero-voltage switching (ZVS) intervals explicitly, and is advantageous for the direct design of digital compensators. While the control-to-output transfer function has been modeled previously, accurate models of the output impedance of the DAB converter which account for the converter behavior during switching intervals have not been proposed. A discrete time model of the DAB output impedance is developed and tested against experimental results for a 1 MHz, 50-to-4 V, 10 W DAB converter. The model is then extended to the analysis of load current step changes asynchronous to the discrete time sampling instances.
The hTERT Gene Is Embedded in a Nuclease-resistant Chromatin Domain

Normal human cells rarely undergo spontaneous immortalization. Given that ectopic expression of the human telomerase catalytic subunit hTERT leads to cellular immortalization, the endogenous hTERT gene is likely constitutively repressed. Hence, we have examined the chromatin structure of the native hTERT locus and the neighboring loci, CRR9 and Xtrp2, in normal human fibroblasts and a set of immortal lines. Using generalized DNase I sensitivity assays, we revealed that the entire hTERT gene was embedded in a chromatin domain that was as resistant to the nuclease as the well studied β-globin loci in both telomerase-positive and -negative cells. This condensed domain was at least 100 kb in size and contained the intergenic region 5′ to the hTERT gene and the downstream Xtrp2 locus. A transition from the nuclease-sensitive CRR9 locus to the condensed region appeared near the 3′-end of the CRR9 gene. hTERT transcription was associated with the appearance of a major DNase I-hypersensitive site positioned around the hTERT transcription start site and several minor hypersensitive sites. In telomerase-negative cells, the inhibition of histone deacetylases by trichostatin A led to the opening of this chromatin domain, accompanied by transcription from the hTERT gene but not the Xtrp2 gene. In contrast, the inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide induced transcription from both the hTERT and Xtrp2 genes, indicating that histone deacetylases and labile factors coordinate to silence this chromosomal region. Taken together, our data suggest a novel mechanism of hTERT regulation at the chromatin level and have important implications for studying telomerase expression.
The application of SIMS to nutrient tracer studies in plant physiology

Current controversies in root physiology relating to the uptake and translocation of mineral nutrients are presented. The opportunities for a SIMS contribution to resolve these controversies are discussed for each of the stable isotope tracers relevant to plant nutrition. It is concluded that for all major nutrients except phosphorus there are promising stable isotope tracers. At the same time, there are challenges to overcome in each case, with respect to background levels, peak interferences and sometimes sensitivity. Techniques of tissue preparation and handling are discussed in some detail, giving attention to the special requirements of plant tissue preparation and analysis for diffusable ions. It is suggested that adapting a preparation and transfer system, designed for production of bulk frozen-hydrated cryofractured specimens, to a secondary ion mass spectrometer would permit easy, rapid preparation. Additionally, this preparation minimizes several serious technical problems inherent to other preparative methods. Difficulties in quantitation are treated briefly, outlining some difficulties specific to plant tissue analysis. Prospects for future applications in plant mineral nutrition are evaluated, taking into account current instrumental developments.
Multinucleated giant cells.

Recent studies directed toward developing a better understanding of the molecular and cellular biology basis of monocyte-derived multinucleated giant cell formation, function, and biologic activity are presented. In addition, HIV-1–infected T-lymphocyte syncytia and the significance of adhesion mole
Nonenymatic ligation of double-helical DNA by alternate-strand triple helix formation

Nonenzymatic ligation of double-stranded DNA has been performed using an alternate-strand binding oligodeoxyribonucleotide template to juxtapose the duplex termini in a triple helical complex. The template associates with the duplex termini by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding to alternate strands on opposite sides of the ligation site. Intermolecular and intramolecular ligation of linearized plasmid DNA are observed in the reaction, which depends on the template oligodeoxyribonucleotide and a condensing agent, N-cyanoimidazole. Intramolecular ligation products include those in which both strands are covalently closed in a circle. Ligation of the two strands is sequential and occurs at comparable rates for the first and second strands ligating. The covalent linkages formed in the reaction can be cleaved by the restriction endonuclease Stu I, supporting their identification as phosphodiesters.
An experimental study of the EO, E2 and E4 charge moments of 161Dy using muonic atoms

We report the measurement of the energies of 4f → 3d, 3d → 2p and 2p → 1s muonic atomic transitions in 161Dy. The energies have been interpreted in terms of a nuclear charge density which is a five-parameter generalized Fermi distribution. Band mixing effects were taken into account when interpreting the hyperfine structure (h.f.s.). Using the muonic 3d h.f.s. we determined the ground-state spectroscopic quadrupole moment to be 2.468 ± 0.029 e · b. The quadrupole static moments of the first two excited nuclear states of the ground-state band and the transition moments connecting these states to the ground state were determined relative to the ground-state moment by using the muonic 2p h.f.s. The ground-state intrinsic hexadecapole moment was found to be 1.2±0.5 e· b2 using the 3d h.f.s.
The glutamate dehydrogenase gene gdhA increased the resistance of tobacco to glufosinate

Summary The gene gdhA from Escherichia coli, that encodes a NADPH-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), directs a novel pathway in transgenic plants that allows an increase in ammonium assimilation. Glufosinate leads to plant death by the irreversible inhibition of glutamate synthetase (GS) leading to a disruption of subsequent GS-related processes resulting in elevated ammonium and disruption of photorespiration. Therefore, it was speculated that the gdhA-transformed plants may exhibit a novel mechanism of resistance to glufosinate by altered activity of the GDH-directed pathway(s) and subsequently related processes. Studies were conducted in the greenhouse to evaluate the resistance of tobacco plants containing the gdhA gene to glufosinate. Five tobacco genotype lines were investigated including a non-transformed control line, a positive control line and three transformed lines with levels of increasing GDH activity directed by the gdhA gene. Plants transformed with the gdhA gene expressed up to six times increased level of resistance (GR50) to glufosinate compared with the non-transformed control, which is 100 times less resistant than plants transformed with the bar gene. The GDH activity among lines was highly correlated (r 2 ¼ 0.9903) with the level of herbicide
Diphenylborane. A new hydroborating agent. Synthesis of alkyldiphenylboranes and their application to the conjugate addition reaction of organoboranes

Abstract Diphenylborane, prepared in situ by the reaction of methyl diphenylborinate with lithium aluminum hydride, reacts readily with olefins to provide the corresponding alkyldiphenylboranes. Diphenylborane generated by the reaction of boron trifluoride etherate with pyridinediphenylborane likewise reacts with olefins to give alkyldiphenylboranes. The latter method is suitable for the hydroboration of olefins containing functional groups. Alkyldiphenylboranes react with methyl vinyl ketone affording good to excellent yields of the corresponding 4-alkyl-2-butanones. The advantages for the use of alkyldiphenylboranes in the conjugate addition reactions of organoboranes are discussed.
Demonstration of neutralizing antibody to the suckling mouse cataract agent (SMCA).

SummaryPrevious studies have revealed that SMCA-infected mice confer protection against the effects of SMCA or GT-48 virus infection on their progeny, despite the fact that tests using an in ovo assay system consistently revealed very low antibody titers in the sera of infected mice. In the present studies, protective activity in the serum of infected mice was demonstrated by its ability to confer passive protection on GT-48 virus-inoculated suckling mice. Mouse or rabbit origin antisera were also demonstrated to confer passive protection on SMCA or GT-48 virus-inoculated suckling mice when inoculated into the dam at the time of challenge of the progeny. The neutralizing antibody in antisera prepared in mice and rabbits was assayed by means of a neutralization index test using GT-48 virus and assay of serum-virus mixtures in i.c. inoculated suckling mice. This test proved to be reliable and sensitive. When serum was diluted, neutralizing capacity decreased disproportionately, even when such accessory fact...
Lymphangiogenesis by blind‐ended vessel sprouting is concurrent with hemangiogenesis by vascular splitting

Development of effective vascular therapies requires the understanding of all modes of vessel formation involved in angiogenesis (here termed “hemangiogenesis”) and lymphangiogenesis. Two major modes of vessel morphogenesis include sprouting of a new vessel from a preexisting vessel and splitting of a preexisting parent vessel into two offspring vessels. In the quail chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) during mid-development (embryonic days E6–E9), lymphangiogenesis progressed primarily via blind-ended vessel sprouting. Isolated lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells were recruited to the tips of growing vessels. During concurrent hemangiogenesis, parent blood vessels expanded from the capillary network and split into offspring vessels, accompanied by transient capillary expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and recruitment of polarized mural progenitor cells. Lymphatics and blood vessels were identified by confocal/fluorescence microscopy of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor VEGFR-2, αSMA (specific to CAM blood vessels), homeobox transcription factor Prox1 (specific to lymphatics), and the quail hematopoetic marker, QH-1. VEGFR-2 was expressed intensely in isolated cells and lymphatics, and moderately in blood vessels. Prox1 was absent from isolated progenitor cells prior to lymphatic recruitment. Exogenous vascular endothelial growth factor-165 (VEGF165) increased blood vessel density and anastomotic frequency without changing endogenous modes of vascular/lymphatic vessel formation or marker expression. Although VEGF165 is a key cellular regulator of hemangiogenesis and vasculogenesis, the role of VEGF165 in lymphangiogenesis is less clear. Interestingly, VEGF165 increased lymphatic vessel diameter and density as measured by novel Euclidean distance mapping, and the antimaturational dissociation of lymphatics from blood vessels, accompanied by lymphatic reassociation into homogeneous networks. Published 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The acute hepatotoxicity of the isomers of dichlorobenzene in Fischer-344 and Sprague-Dawley rats: isomer-specific and strain-specific differential toxicity.

Abstract The acute hepatotoxicity of the three isomers of dichlorobenzene (DCB) was evaluated in male Fischer-344 (F344) rats at various times following ip administration. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, measured in F344 rats 24 hr postexposure, was dramatically elevated following doses of 1.8–5.4 mmol/kg of o-DCB. Conversely, equimolar doses of p-DCB produced no such toxicity, while m-DCB produced intermediate hepatic injury at or above doses of 2.7 mmol/kg. Histopathological changes in livers from treated animals qualitatively reflected elevations in 24-hr plasma ALT activity (time to maximal elevation). Phenobarbital pretreatment potentiated the acute hepatotoxicity of o- and m-DCB, but did not affect the toxicity of p-DCB. Likewise, SKF-525A pretreatment inhibited the hepatotoxicity of o-DCB. Equimolar doses of o- and m-DCB produced approximately equivalent depletion of intrahepatic glutathione, while p-DCB had no effect on hepatic GSH. Furthermore, prior depletion of hepatic glutathione by pretreatment with phorone markedly potentiated the hepatotoxicity of o- and m-DCB, while increasing the toxicity of p-DCB to a far lesser degree. The differential hepatotoxicity of the o- and m-DCB does not appear to be explained adequately by differences in their hepatic distribution or in in vivo covalent binding to hepatic proteins. Interestingly, male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats are relatively refractive to the acute hepatotoxicity of o-DCB following ip administration of 1.8 and 5.4 mmol/kg. The combination of these dramatic differences (structure-activity and animals strains) should be useful in elucidating key events involved in the hepatotoxicity caused by these compounds.
A propos de coefficients de temperature en biologie

Une revue des bases theoriques de l'equation proposee parBělehradek montre que celle-ci n'est autre chose que l'equation d'Esson ecrite d'une autre maniere (substitution de t° centigrade a T, temperature absolue). La raison de cette substitution de graduation est basee sur la pretendue existence d'un «zero biologique» au voisinage de 0° centigrade; impliquant par la, l'equivalence pour un systeme organique du 0° centigrade au 0° absolu pour un systeme inorganique.
REDUCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE: AN EVALUATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE JUSTICE SYSTEM‐COMMUNITY COLLABORATION*

Research Summary In 1999, three communities were selected to participate in a research demonstration designed to test the feasibility and impact of a coordinated response to intimate partner violence that involved the courts and justice agencies in a central role. The primary goals of the Judicial Oversight Demonstration (JOD) were to increase victim safety, hold offenders accountable, and reduce repeat offending using coordinated community services and integrated justice system policies in intimate partner violence court cases. The partnerships differed from earlier coordinated community responses to domestic violence by placing special focus on the role of the court, specifically the judge, to facilitate offender accountability in collaboration with both nonprofit service providers and other criminal justice agencies. This article presents the results of an impact evaluation of this demonstration in all sites. The demonstration received mostly positive responses from justice system agencies, service providers, offenders, and victims. Improvements were made in offender monitoring, consistent sanctioning, and increased supervision. However, these changes did not translate into gains in victim perceptions of their safety or into reductions in repeat violence in all sites. Policy Implications The demonstration had minimal impact on changing offender attitudes and behavior. The mixed results of the evaluation indicate that the most effective justice system responses to intimate partner violence must include a focus on protecting victims, close monitoring of offenders, and rapid responses with penalties when violations of court-ordered conditions are detected. Indications were found that JOD strategies were effective for some subgroups, including younger offenders with fewer ties to the victim and offenders with extensive arrest histories. The observed reductions in intimate partner violence in selected subgroups in the JOD sites may suggest a fruitful way to begin designing new intervention strategies, including prevention programs for men and women.
Cross-cultural partnership in business education: experience and outcomes

Globalisation and cross-cultural interactions are increasingly impacting business and education. Communication opportunities emerge in the process of establishing collaboration with educational systems of other countries. This paper examines some key perspectives on the process of establishing cross-cultural partnership in business education between a US university and a Korean university in the light of underlying theories about globalisation of education and cross-cultural interactions. An effective partnership was made possible through organisational commitment, trust between partners, clearly defined pedagogical practices and core curriculum view of business studies.
Deception in 3-Year-Olds

Children's ability to deceive was examined in order to determine whether they are able to hide their emotional expression intentionally. Three-year-oids were instructed not to peek at a toy while the experimenter left the room. When asked, the great majority either denied that they peeked or would not answer the question. Facial and bodily activity did not differentiate the deceivers from the truth tellers. Boys were more likely than girls to admit their transgression. These results indicate that very young children have begun to learn how to mask their emotional expressions and support the role of socialization in this process. Deception is a frequent activity in the life of individuals. It may take the simple form of agreeing with someone with whose opinion, in fact, we do not agree (e.g., saying we like the color of a tie when we do not) or other forms such as lying about a serious transgression. Deception can be directed toward the self as well, as in the case where we deny that we have a certain feeling when, in fact, we do feel this way (Lewis, in press). Moreover, cultures may have display rules that encourage masking negative emotion (Ekman, Friesen, & Ellsworth, 1972; Izard, 1977). Deception can be observed in all age groups, but the questions of how old a child must be in order to be able to deceive and how well a child can succeed in the deception are largely unexplored.
Stable Dropwise Condensation for Enhancing Heat Transfer via the Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition (iCVD) of Grafted Polymer Films

Ultra-thin copolymer films are deposited by initiated chemical deposition (iCVD) to investigate their performance under the condensation of water vapor. By forming a grafted interface between the coating and the substrate, the films exhibit stable dropwise condensation even when subjected to 100 °C steam. The applicability of the iCVD to complex substrate geometries is demonstrated on a copper condenser coil.
An electronically controlled transmission-line phase shifter

An investigation of a microstrip transmission line in which a measure of electronic control over the wave propagation constant can be achieved is presented. The microstrip line is constructed with an adjustable-width upper plate, obtained by placing a DC bias across the p+ and n+ strips in doped silicon. A change in the forward-voltage bias across the silicon strip changes the current amplitude, which in turn affects a change in the conductivity of the silicon. This change in the conductivity of the silicon semiconductor produces a change in the effective width of the microstrip line, thus producing a phase shift in a high-frequency signal propagating in the line. An electronically controlled transmission line (ECTL) has applications as a feed line for a traveling wave-array antenna. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 40: 402–406, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11393
Exploring the Racial Identities of Black Immigrants in the United States

This study draws upon immigrant incorporation theories to investigate whether native origin trumps skin color in shaping the racial identities of black migrants. Using survey data from the Multi-City Study of Urban Inequality, six groups of black migrants are compared across two racial identity dimensions: racial group identification and racial group consciousness. The results demonstrate that while black migrants, with the exception of Puerto Ricans, develop a shared racial group identity with native-born blacks over time, the meaning they attach to being black in America varies by native origin.
Providing “real-world” software engineering experience in an academic setting

At Milwaukee School of Engineering, the Software Development Laboratory was created with a vision of providing "real-life" software development experience to software engineering student teams. It provides students an opportunity to unite theory and practice while working on large scale ongoing projects in the context of a standardized development process. This paper provides details on how the lab is currently structured, its pedagogical philosophy, its challenges, its rewards and how it has evolved since its inception.
Uromodulin concentrations are not associated with incident CKD among persons with coronary artery disease

Background: A common variant of the UMOD gene was linked with prevalent chronic kidney disease (CKD) in large, genomics consortia. One community-based study found that urine concentrations of the uromodulin protein forecast risk of incident CKD. This study within persons with known coronary artery disease (CAD) evaluated whether uromodulin concentrations could distinguish CKD risk. Methods: In the Heart and Soul Study, the UMOD snp (12917707) was genotyped in 879 individuals with baseline creatinine clearance (CrCl) measured from a 24-hour urine collection. Uromodulin protein was measured from stored urine specimens among a subset of 120 participants, balanced by genotype. Incident CKD cases (N = 102) were defined by an initial CrCl > 70 ml/min and a 5-year follow-up CrCl <60 ml/min; controls (N = 94) were matched on age, sex, and race. Results: Among 527 self-described White participants with DNA, 373 (71%) were homozygous for the dominant allele (G/G), 133 (25%) were heterozygous (G/T) and only 21 (4%) were homozygous for the minor allele (T/T). The T/T genotype had an approximately 11 ml/min higher CrCl than the other 2 groups, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.20). The T/T genotype had significantly lower uromodulin levels than the common G/G genotype, and the G/T genotype had intermediate levels. However, uromodulin concentrations were similar between cases and controls (44 vs. 48 mg/dL, p = 0.88). Conclusions: This study among a cohort of persons with established CAD found no association between urine uromodulin and incident CKD, although UMOD genotype was associated with urine uromodulin concentrations.
Effect of theophylline, terbutaline, and their combination on the immediate hypersensitivity skin-test reaction

Methylxanthines and beta agonists can be expected to inhibit the antigen-induced hypersensitivity skin-test reaction by affecting cyclic 3', 5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) metabolism, yet in vivo studies produce conflicting results. The discontinuation of these drugs prior to skin testing may result in the exacerbation of asthmatic symptoms; however, if these drugs are maintained, the validity of the test remains in question. To determine the effect of these drugs on the skin-test response, 15 patients received theophylline, terbutaline, the combination, and placebo in a double-blind study. No statistically significant difference (p greater than 0.05) was found for the areas of wheal and flare in response to injected allergens or histamine, between placebo and theophylline, terbutaline, and their combination. A marginal decrease in wheal area in response to codeine following combination therapy was observed. Therapeutic theophylline and terbutaline serum concentrations were documented. There is no need to discontinue theophylline or terbutaline prior to skin testing.
Electro-Optic Resonant FSR Modulators Based on a Dual-Disc Resonator for Increasing the Sensitivity-Bandwidth Product

Resonant free-spectral-range (FSR) RF-optic modulators using dual-disc resonators with a 2:1 ratio of the radii of the discs have been proposed and theoretically analyzed to increase the sensitivity-bandwidth product compared with that of a single resonator modulator. The transmission of the coupled resonator structure is analyzed for various coupling parameters. The phase of the larger resonator is electro-optically modulated, and the output fields at the input laser frequency and the generated sideband frequencies are calculated. The detected RF power is then calculated. The modulator sensitivity, 3-dBe modulation bandwidth, and their product have been analyzed. The sensitivity and modulation bandwidth can be increased by factors of 1.9 and 6.4, respectively, for the different cases. The sensitivity-bandwidth product can be increased up to a factor of 3.3 in one design. For ±5% error of the ratio of the radius of each disc, errors of the sensitivity and modulation bandwidth were acceptable.
Representational practices in digital museums: A case study of the National Digital Museum Project of Taiwan

The study explores the semiotic aspects of the migration of museum artifacts to the digital domain. Seeing digital museums from a semiotic perspective helps foreground the representational practices utilized and the “museum effects” they create in the digital environment. Three levels of representational practices were discussed: the representation of the original artifacts by their digital images, the representation of the national consciousness by the cultural elements highlighted by the collections, and the representational schemes that provide access to cultural materials. A case study of the theme projects under Taiwan's National Digital Museum Project is presented with a view to examining current representational schemes for cultural materials. The relations among curatorial intention, the nature of the cultural image, and the representational schemes are explored. The implications of current practices on the dissemination of cultural materials online are discussed.
Impaired inhibitory control is associated with higher-order repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders.

Background Impairments in executive cognitive control, including a reduced ability to inhibit prepotent responses, have been reported in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These deficits may underlie patterns of repetitive behaviors associated with the disorder.
Cold‐trapped organic compounds at the poles of the Moon and Mercury: Implications for origins

[1] We have calculated evaporation rates for a range of organic compounds that may be cold-trapped at the poles of the Moon and Mercury. Organics vary widely in their volatilities and thus can be stable to evaporation at higher and lower temperatures than water. The detection of cold-trapped organics would point to volatile delivery by impacts, as comets and asteroids are the only plausible sources for organic molecules. The characterization of cold-trapped organics on both bodies may provide constraints on the thermal evolution of cold traps over time and the history of volatiles in the inner solar system.
The effect of predatory rent-seeking on household saving and portfolio choices: A cross section analysis

The existence of predatory behavior, when measured by the number of lawyers per capita and the crime rate, seems to have an impact on saving and investment behavior in U.S. households. Where the risk of redistribution are lowest, the incentives to save are higher and, a fortiriori, the willingness to invest in highly vulnerable financial instruments is enhanced. Either because of low saving rates or because of disintermediation, households in states where the risks of redistribution are greater avoid accumulating financial assets.