cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What does it mean to be special? The significance and application of the Brandon criterion

We review the application of Brandon’s criterion to identifying so-called “special” grain boundaries. The underlying principles of the Brandon criterion, and others that have followed it, are explained, and the choices of particular parameters within the criteria are considered in the light of experimental information in the literature. It is suggested that varying choices of the parameters may be appropriate for differing applications. An experimental study of the stability of CSL-related triple junctions is used to evaluate the applicability of Brandon-like criteria to these microstructural features.
18-membered cyclic esters derived from glycolide and lactide: preparations, structures and coordination to sodium ions.

From reactions between glycolide or lactide (4 equiv.) with 4-dimethylaminopyridine, DMAP (1 equiv.) and NaBPh4 (1 equiv.) in benzene at 70 °C the cyclic ester adducts (CH2C(O)O)6NaBPh4 and (CHMeC(O)O)6NaBPh4 are formed respectively. The structures of the salts Na[(S,R,S,R,S,R)-(CH3CHC(O)O)6]2BPh4·CH3CN and (CH2C(O)O)6NaBPh4·(CH3CN)2 are reported. The cyclic esters were separated by chromatography and the structures of (CH2C(O)O)6, (S,R,R,R,R,R)-(CHMeC(O)O)6 and (S,S,R,R,R,R)-(CHMeC(O)O)6 were determined. The 1H and 13C NMR data are reported for one of each of the six enantiomers of (CHMeC(O)O)6 and the two meso isomers. The mechanism for the formation of these 18-membered rings is discussed in terms of an initial reaction between DMAP and NaBPh4 in hot benzene that produces NaPh and DMAP : BPh3 in the presence of the monomer lactide. The cyclic esters (CHMeC(O)O)6 can also be obtained from the reaction between polylactide, PLA, in the presence of DMAP and NaBPh4. The cyclic esters 3-methyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione and 3,6,6-trimethyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione undergo similar ring enlarging reactions to give cyclic 18-membered ring esters as determined by ESI-MS.
Perinatal loss and parental distress after the birth of a healthy infant.

Purpose Determine whether levels of depressive symptoms and current stress related to prior perinatal loss differ from similar prenatal evaluations after the birth of a subsequent healthy full-term infant and investigate differences in depressive symptoms in the postpartum period among parents with and without a history of perinatal loss. Participants Seventy-four of the original 206 parents who participated in an earlier prenatal study agreed to participate at follow-up and were divided into 2 groups (38 parents with a history of perinatal loss and 36 parents with no prior losses). Methods and design A 2-wave, 2-group comparative design was used. Both mothers and fathers were recruited for this study. Surveys were completed via telephone interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t tests and Pearson correlations. Main outcome measures The Impact of the Event Scale (IES) is broadly used to evaluate the continuing influence of a past stressful life event. In the current study, the items were anchored to the traumatic event of perinatal loss. The IES contains 2 subscales: Intrusion and Avoidance. Cronbach's alphas for the current study were .80 (total scale), .85 (Intrusion subscale), and .69 (Avoidance subscale). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) is used to identify the duration and frequency of depressive symptoms experienced by the respondent during the previous week. The Cronbach's alpha for the current study was .92. Principle results There was a significant overall decrease in depressive symptoms after the birth of a healthy infant for fathers but not for mothers with prior perinatal losses. Nevertheless, approximately one third of the mothers with a history of loss continued to report CES-D scores that placed them at high risk for depression. There also was a significant decrease in stress related to the prior loss for both mother and fathers. The greater the stress associated with the prior loss, the greater were parents' depressive symptoms after birth. In contrast to the prenatal assessment, there were no significant differences in levels of depressive symptoms between the loss and nonloss groups at the postnatal assessment. Conclusions The stress associated with perinatal loss, although diminished after the subsequent birth of a healthy infant compared with that during pregnancy, remained high for many parents, especially mothers. Neonatal nurses need to continue to evaluate parents with a history of perinatal loss for ongoing psychological distress after the birth of a subsequent healthy infant.
What is learned in verbal conditioning

Summary The effects of awareness and instructions on verbal conditioning for Ss reinforced with “good” for constructing sentences beginning with first-person pronouns were investigated. Only Ss who were aware of correct response-reinforcement contingencies acquired the reinforced responses. Increments in the acquisition curves of aware Ss were specific to the pronouns for which they were aware of a correct contingency and corresponded with the trial block on which they reported becoming aware. Learning instructions resulted in more aware Ss acting on their awareness and had no effects on the conditioning performance of unaware Ss. These results were interpreted, within the general framework of cognitive learning theory, as supporting the hypothesis that “what is learned” in verbal conditioning is awareness of a correct response-reinforcement contingency.
Clinical and Histologic Characterization of Cutaneous Reactions to Stings of the Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) in Dogs

Four adult dogs received experimentally controlled stings in the dorsolateral abdominal skin by imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). The sites were examined grossly 15 minutes and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours and histologically 15 minutes and 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours after stinging. The initial gross lesions at 15 minutes were swelling and erythema, and the microscopic changes were vascular congestion and superficial dermal edema. By 6 hours, the lesions consisted of bright erythematous pruritic papules characterized microscopically by a band of full thickness dermal necrosis and inflammation. By 24 hours and continuing to the end of the study at 72 hours, the sites appeared completely normal grossly. Biopsies taken 24, 48, and 72 hours after stings contained microscopic changes similar to those present at 6 hours after stings. These histologic changes are unlike those described for human beings stung by imported fire ants. In human beings, fire ant stings are characterized histologically ...
Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels at Initiation of Care and Duration of Mechanical Ventilation in Critically Ill Surgical Patients

Objective: Limited data exist regarding the relationship between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and duration of respiratory support. Our goal was to explore whether vitamin D status at the time of intensive care unit (ICU) admission is associated with duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill surgical patients. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from a prospective cohort study involving 210 critically ill surgical patients. To explore the relationship between admission plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and duration of mechanical ventilation, we performed a Poisson regression while controlling for clinically relevant covariates. Only patients who required ≥48 hours of mechanical ventilation and survived ≥24 hours after discontinuation of respiratory support were included in the analytic cohort. Results: Ninety-four patients met inclusion criteria. Mean (standard deviation) plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was 16 (7) ng/mL and median (interquartile range) duration of mechanical ventilatio...
Web-based interactive simulation of groundwater pollutant fate and transport

A series of interactive web simulation models were developed to help students understand the coupled physical, chemical, and microbiological processes that affect the transport and fate of pollutants in groundwater. Conventional models that simulate coupled processes are often not effective learning tools because they are too complex, they suffer from cumbersome interfaces, and/or they are difficult to install and run. The web models are fully interactive Java applets that run locally through a web browser. They have graphical user interfaces, straightforward input and output fields, and rapid response times. These features enhance learning because students can rapidly visualize the impact of changes to parameter values and boundary and initial conditions, and explore the effect of different reaction processes. Presently, six different web models have been developed to explore coupled processes such as advection, longitudinal and transverse dispersion, linear or rate limited sorption, and first order decay. A web model was also developed to study the flow patterns caused by multiple pumping wells in two-dimensional steady flow. Several examples of how the models can be used to teach students about coupled processes are discussed. Last, an assessment of the effectiveness of the models to enhance student learning is presented. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 12: 75–83, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20000
Tight-binding representation of the optical matrix elements: Theory and applications

We have derived new expressions for the interband optical matrix elements of crystalline solids, applicable when the k-space Hamiltonian is known. The formalism does not require a complete knowledge of the electronic states and is hence useful for empirical band-structure calculations. We find that no additional parameters, other than those present in the Hamiltonian, are required. The accuracy of the results obtained from different tight-binding parameter sets for the GaAs/AlAs system for bulk semiconductors and heterostructures is compared.
Self-powered low noise magnetic sensor

Abstract In this letter, we present a self-powered magnetic sensor based on Metglas/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 (PMN–PT) laminates which has an extremely low equivalent magnetic noise in the quasi-static frequency range of f
A tem study of the microstructures of a modified 7075 and X2020 aluminum alloys produced by liquid dynamic compaction

Abstract The microstructures of 7075 + 1% Ni + 0.8% Zr, and the lithium containing X2020 high strength aluminum alloys processed by liquid dynamic compaction (LDC) were investigated using transmission electron microscopy. The intragranular precipitation of the major strengthening phases in the LDC alloys is not significantly altered from that in RS-PM alloys of equivalent compositions. Precipitate free zones are seldom observed in the LDC alloys. No significant difference was found in the intragranular precipitation of the as-deposited and hot rolled LDC compact when compared to that of the as-deposited and hot extruded LDC material. Hot rolling, however, appears to promote precipitation of the excess phases at the grain boundaries. Deformation of the LDC compacts by hot extrusion suggests improvements in toughness and fatigue resistance by a more efficient redistribution of any excess phases and by retention of uniformly precipitated intragranular strengthening phases.
Observation of degenerate stimulated four- photon interaction and four-wave parametric amplification.

Degenerate stimulated four-photon interaction and four-wave parametric amplification observed in ruby laser and liquid cell arrangements
Biofilm growth mode promotes maximum carrying capacity and community stability during product inhibition syntrophy

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) can interact syntrophically with other community members in the absence of sulfate, and interactions with hydrogen-consuming methanogens are beneficial when these archaea consume potentially inhibitory H2 produced by the SRB. A dual continuous culture approach was used to characterize population structure within a syntrophic biofilm formed by the SRB Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough and the methanogenic archaeum Methanococcus maripaludis. Under the tested conditions, monocultures of D. vulgaris formed thin, stable biofilms, but monoculture M. maripaludis did not. Microscopy of intact syntrophic biofilm confirmed that D. vulgaris formed a scaffold for the biofilm, while intermediate and steady-state images revealed that M. maripaludis joined the biofilm later, likely in response to H2 produced by the SRB. Close interactions in structured biofilm allowed efficient transfer of H2 to M. maripaludis, and H2 was only detected in cocultures with a mutant SRB that was deficient in biofilm formation ( delta pilA). M. maripaludis produced more carbohydrate (uronic acid, hexose, and pentose) as a monoculture compared to total coculture biofilm, and this suggested an altered carbon flux during syntrophy. The syntrophic biofilm was structured into ridges (~300 x 50 um) and models predicted lactate limitation at approximately 50 um biofilm depth. The biofilm had structure that likely facilitated mass transfer of H2 and lactate, yet maximized biomass with a more even population composition (number of each organism) when compared to the bulk-phase community. Total biomass protein was equivalent in lactate-limited and lactate-excess conditions when a biofilm was present, but in the absence of biofilm, total biomass protein was significantly reduced. The results suggest that multispecies biofilms create an environment conducive to resource sharing, resulting in increased biomass retention, or carrying capacity, for cooperative populations.
cAMP-dependent phosphoprotein changes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract cAMP-dependent phosphoprotein changes were determined using 1-dimensional SDS-gel electrophoresis in a cAMP-requiring yeast mutant (Saccharomyces cerevisiae AM18). During cAMP starvation, the yeast cells accumulated 3 32P-labeled bands with Mr = 72000, 54000, and 37000. The Mr = 72000 protein was the most prominent phosphorylated protein. After the readdition of cAMP, these phosphoproteins lost their 32P-label while phosphoproteins with Mr = 76000, 65000, 56000 and 30000 were accumulated. Similar phosphoprotein changes were also detected in cdc35 at the nonpermissive temperature, but not in wildtype (A363A) or cdc7 strains of S. cerevisiae.
Distribution Pattern of Metorphamide Compared with Other Opioid Peptides from Proenkephalin and Prodynorphin in the Bovine Brain

Metorphamide is a [Met]-enkephalin-containing opioid octapeptide with a C-terminal alpha-amide group. It is derived from proenkephalin and is, so far, the only endogenous opioid peptide with a particularly high affinity for mu opioid (morphine) receptors, a somewhat lesser affinity for kappa opioid receptors, and a relatively low affinity for delta opioid receptors. The concentrations of metorphamide in the bovine caudate nucleus, the hypothalamus, the spinal cord, and the neurointermediate pituitary were determined by radioimmunoassay and chromatography separation procedures. Metorphamide concentrations were compared with the concentrations of eight other opioid peptides from proenkephalin and prodynorphin in identical extracts. The other opioid peptides were [Met]-enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7 and [Met]-enkephalyl-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 from proenkephalin; alpha-neoendorphin, beta-neoendorphin, dynorphin A(1-8), dynorphin A(1-17), and dynorphin B from prodynorphin; and [Leu]-enkephalin, which can be derived from either precursor. All opioid peptides were present in all four bovine neural tissues investigated. Metorphamide concentrations were lower than the concentrations of the other proenkephalin-derived opioid peptides. They were, however, similar to the concentrations of the prodynorphin-derived opioid peptides in the same tissues. Marked differences in the relative ratios of the opioids derived from prodynorphin across brain regions were observed, a finding suggesting differential posttranslational processing. Differences in the ratios of the proenkephalin-derived opioids across brain regions were less pronounced. The results from this study together with previous findings on metorphamide's mu opioid receptor binding and bioactivities suggest that the amounts of metorphamide in the bovine brain are sufficient to make this peptide a candidate for a physiologically significant endogenous mu opioid receptor ligand.
Modeling black student academic performance in higher education

Recent research has noted differences in the predictive efficacy of educational attainment models produced for whites as opposed to blacks; and called for more resolution in the findings on blacks in advance of further comparative analyses. The National Study of Black College Students (NSBCS) is employed to develop a model that distinguishes between high- and low-performing black undergraduates attending public, four-year institutions. In the NSBCS sample (N=695), discriminant function analysis identifies several institutional and student characteristics which are related to black students' educational outcomes. Specifically, students with both high occupational aspirations and high academic performances tend to be male, attend comparatively larger schools, and, to a lesser degree, be relatively well-adjusted upperclassmen. When academic performance is the sole issue, it is positively correlated with institutional quality, but the advantage belongs to black females. Contrary to the suggestions of previous research, black community sentiment did not have relationships with educational outcomes to the extent expected. These results suggest that future models of black educational attainment marry traditional Wisconsin-type measures with institutional and student attributes.
Speech sample effects on pressure and flow measures in children with normal or abnormal velopharyngeal function.

Abstract Objective: This study examined the effect of certain test phoneme contexts on oral pressure and nasal flow values in young children with normal velopharyngeal (VP) function. Comparison was made with responses from children with abnormal function. Speakers: Ten children judged to have normal VP function (mean age = 5.2 years) and five children with VP incompetence (mean age = 7.8 years) were evaluated. Both groups were able to produce the speech sample with standard articulatory postures. Subjects were from the local community and a university cleft palate clinic. Design: Simultaneous oral pressure and nasal flow recordings were obtained from the speakers as they produced /p/ in speech stimule that varied in terms of test phoneme position in the syllable (releasing and arresting), adjacent vowel height (high, middle, and low), or adjacent consonant characteristics (voicing, placement, and manner). Within-subject differences in pressure and flow were examined to evaluate specific stimulus contrasts...
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase and Antiestrogen Resistance in Breast Cancer

Although antiestrogen therapies targeting estrogen receptor (ER) α signaling prevent disease recurrence in the majority of patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer, a significant fraction of patients exhibit de novo or acquired resistance. Currently, the only accepted mechanism linked with endocrine resistance is amplification or overexpression of the ERBB2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]) proto-oncogene. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that hyperactivation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, the most frequently mutated pathway in breast cancer, promotes antiestrogen resistance. PI3K is a major signaling hub downstream of HER2 and other receptor tyrosine kinases. PI3K activates several molecules involved in cell-cycle progression and survival, and in ER-positive breast cancer cells, it promotes estrogen-dependent and -independent ER transcriptional activity. Preclinical tumor models of antiestrogen-resistant breast cancer often remain sensitive to estrogens and PI3K inhibition, suggesting that simultaneous targeting of the PI3K and ER pathways may be most effective. Herein, we review alterations in the PI3K pathway associated with resistance to endocrine therapy, the state of clinical development of PI3K inhibitors, and strategies for the clinical investigation of such drugs in hormone receptor–positive breast cancer.
Partitioned expression of duplicated genes during development and evolution of a single cell in a polyploid plant

Polyploidy is an important driver of eukaryotic evolution, evident in many animals, fungi, and plants. One consequence of polyploidy is subfunctionalization, in which the ancestral expression profile becomes partitioned among duplicated genes (termed homoeologs). Subfunctionalization appears to be a common phenomenon insofar as it has been studied, at the scale of organs. Here, we use a high-resolution methodology to investigate the expression of thousands of pairs of homoeologs during the development of a single plant cell, using as a model the seed trichomes (‘‘cotton fiber’’) of allopolyploid (containing ‘‘A’’ and ‘‘D’’ genomes) cotton (Gossypium). We demonstrate that 30% of the homoeologs are significantly A- or D-biased at each of three time points studied during fiber development. Genes differentially biased toward the A or D genome belong to different biological processes, illustrating the functional partitioning of genomic contributions during cellular development. Interestingly, expression of the biased genes was shifted strongly toward the agronomically inferior D genome. Analyses of homoeologous gene expression during development of this cell showed that one-fifth of the genes exhibit changes in A/D ratios, indicating that significant alteration in duplicated gene expression is fairly frequent even at the level of development and maturation of a single cell. Comparing changes in homoeolog expression in cultivated versus wild cotton showed that most homoeolog expression bias reflects polyploidy rather than domestication. Evidence suggests, however, that domestication may increase expression bias in fibers toward the D genome, potentially implicating D-genome recruitment under human selection during domestication. cotton polyploidy subfunctionalization
The Goals and Strategies of Local Boundary Changes: Government Organization or Private Gain?

Urban research traditionally has explained local government boundary changes as the result of broad demographic and structural characteristics of cities, and has assessed the impact of local govern...
Conditional Mutator Phenotypes in hMSH2-Deficient Tumor Cell Lines

Two human tumor cell lines that are deficient in the mismatch repair protein hMSH2 show little or no increase in mutation rate relative to that of a mismatch repair-proficient cell line when the cells are maintained in culture conditions allowing rapid growth. However, mutations accumulate at a high rate in these cells when they are maintained at high density. Thus the mutator phenotype of some mismatch repair-deficient cell lines is conditional and strongly depends on growth conditions. These observations have implications for tumor development because they suggest that mutations may accumulate in tumor cells when growth is limited.
The remote determination of the mean kinetic temperature of planets and satellites having a negligible atmosphere

Abstract A novel method, called the crossover technique, has been devised for the remote determination of the surface temperature of planets, satellites, and asteroids having a negligible atmosphere. The method is discussed using new spectra of Mars as an example, and it is shown how it might be extended to other solar system objects. The accuracy of the method, both absolutely and in comparison to other methods, is also considered.
Identification of somatic hybrids in plant protoplast fusions with monoclonal antibodies to plasma-membrane antigens

Monoclonal antibodies generated by immunization with a plasma-membrane preparation from suspension-cultured cells of Nicotiana glutinosa L. were used in combination with fluoresceinor rhodamine-labeled goat anti-mouse immunoglobulins to identify heterokaryons in protoplast fusion procedures. Antibody labeling did not inhibit callus formation nor plantlet regeneration. The antibodies are non-invasive and surface labeling provides clear optical discrimination of true heterokaryons from unfused aggregates as well as from parental protoplasts and homokaryons. Labeling is stable throughout fusion and hence by pre-labeling parental protoplast populations the strategy is both versatile and of general applicability.
Ground state recovery and molecular structure upon ultrafast transition through conical intersections in cyclic dienes

Abstract Signatures of molecular structures immediately after the ultrafast crossing through a conical intersection (CI) were found in 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethyl-cyclopentadiene (PMCPD) and 1,3-cyclohexadiene (CHD). The molecules were excited at 267 nm, and the structures immediately after reaching their ground electronic states were observed using a structure-sensitive photoionization/photoelectron technique. PMCPD is found to revert to its original structure, but CHD is immediately launched toward the ring-opened structure upon crossing through the CI, proving that the ring opening reaction mechanism proceeds completely within an ultrafast time scale. The resulting hexatriene is observed to have a poorly defined fluxional structure.
Hepatocytes do not undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition in liver fibrosis in mice.

The origin of fibrogenic cells in liver fibrosis remains controversial. We assessed the emerging concept that hepatocytes contribute to production of extracellular matrix (ECM) in liver fibrosis through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We bred triple transgenic mice expressing ROSA26 stop β-gal; Albumin Cre; Collagen α1(I) GFP, in which hepatocyte-derived cells are permanently labeled by β-galactosidase (β-gal) and type I collagen-expressing cells are labeled by GFP. We induced liver fibrosis by repetitive carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injections. Liver sections and isolated cells were evaluated for GFP and β-gal as well as expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP-1). Upon stimulation with TGFβ-1, cultured hepatocytes isolated from untreated liver expressed both GFP and β-gal with a fibroblast-like morphological change but lacked expression of other mesenchymal markers. Cells from CCl4-treated livers never showed double-positivity for GFP and β-gal. All β-gal positive cells exhibited abundant cytoplasm, a typical morphology of hepatocytes and expressed none of mesenchymal markers including α-SMA, FSP-1, desmin, and vimentin. In liver sections of CCl4-treated mice, GFP-positive areas were coincident with fibrotic septa and never overlapped X-gal-positive areas. Conclusion: Type I collagen-producing cells do not originate from hepatocytes. Hepatocytes in vivo neither acquire mesenchymal marker expression, nor exhibit a morphological change clearly distinguishable from normal hepatocytes. Our results strongly challenge the concept that hepatocytes in vivo acquire a mesenchymal phenotype through EMT to produce the ECM in liver fibrosis.
On quadratic divergences in supergravity, vacuum energy and the supersymmetric flavor problem

We examine the phenomenological consequences ofquadratically divergent contributions to the scalar potential insupergravity effective Lagrangians. We focus specifically on the effectof these corrections on the vacuum configurationof scalar fields insoftly-broken supersymmetric theory is and the role these correctionsplay in generating non-diagonal soft scalar masses. Both effects can onlybe properly studied when the divergences are regulated in a manifestlysupersymmetric manner -- something which has ths far been neglected inpast treatments. We show how a supersymmetric regularization can impactpast conclusions about both types of phenomena and discuss what types ofhigh-energy theories are likely to be safe from unwanted flavor-changingneutral current interactions in the context of supergravity theoriesderived from heterotic string compactifications.
Migratory imaginations: The commodification and contradictions of shade grown coffee

Ces dernieres annees, la consommation de cafe cultive a l'ombre s'est rapidement developpee en Amerique du Nord, devenant un secteur etabli du marche lui-meme en expansion des produits biologiques. Le marche du cafe authentifie comme ayant ete cultive a l'ombre est influence par les fantasmes Nord americains d'une nature pure et vierge, et des representations romantiques de petits cultivateurs de cafe en defenseurs de l'environnement, desireux de proteger les oiseaux, la biodiversite, et les ressources naturelles. Ces constructions d'un habitat et d'une production agricole ecologique sont issues des pays du Nord et influencent directement les regulations constituant le systeme de certification de la culture a l'ombre. Par consequent, les cultivateurs qui cherchent a obtenir la certification pour la culture ombragee et ainsi avoir acces au marche durable du cafe se trouvent confrontes a un systeme de certification rigide dont les exigences peuvent apparaitre comme irrationnelles et excessives en comparaison avec le systeme d'agriculture local.
Logarithmic transform coefficient histogram matching with spatial equalization

In this paper we propose an image enhancement algorithm that is based on utilizing histogram data gathered from transform domain coefficients that will improve on the limitations of the histogram equalization method. Traditionally, classical histogram equalization has had some problems due to its inherent dynamic range expansion. Many images with data tightly clustered around certain intensity values can be over enhanced by standard histogram equalization, leading to artifacts and overall tonal change of the image. In the transform domain, one has control over subtle image properties such as low and high frequency content with their respective magnitudes and phases. However, due to the nature of many of these transforms, the coefficient’s histograms may be so tightly packed that distinguishing them from one another may be impossible. By placing the transform coefficients in the logarithmic transform domain, it is easy to see the difference between different quality levels of images based upon their logarithmic transform coefficient histograms. Our results demonstrate that combing the spatial method of histogram equalization with logarithmic transform domain coefficient histograms achieves a much more balanced enhancement, that out performs classical histogram equalization.
Itk functions to control actin polymerization at the immune synapse through localized activation of Cdc42 and WASP.

Actin polymerization at the immune synapse is required for T cell activation and effector function; however, the relevant regulatory pathways remain poorly understood. We showed previously that binding to antigen presenting cells (APCs) induces localized activation of Cdc42 and Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASP) at the immune synapse [1]. Several lines of evidence suggest that Tec kinases could interact with WASP-dependent actin regulatory processes [2]. Since T cells from Rlk−/−, Itk−/−, and Rlk−/− × Itk−/− mice have defects in signaling and development [3], we asked whether Itk or Rlk function in actin polymerization at the immune synapse. We find that Itk−/− and Rlk−/− × Itk−/− T cells are defective in actin polymerization and conjugate formation in response to antigen-pulsed APCs. Itk functions downstream of the TCR, since similar defects were observed upon TCR engagement alone. Using conformation-specific probes, we show that although the recruitment of WASP and Arp2/3 complex to the immune synapse proceeds normally, the localized activation of Cdc42 and WASP is defective. Finally, we find that the defect in Cdc42 activation likely stems from a requirement for Itk in the recruitment of Vav to the immune synapse. Our results identify Itk as a key element of the pathway leading to localized actin polymerization at the immune synapse.
Archaeological Inference and Inductive Confirmation

The limitations of the hypothetico-deductive (H-D) method of inductive confirmation are described, and an alternate method, the hypothetico-analog (H-A) method is described in detail. The H-A method can be characterized as a modified and supplemented form of the simple H-D method, and is proposed as being more appropriate for archaeological inference. Aspects of the H-A method that are given particular attention include the establishment of boundary conditions for reference classes, plausibility considerations, multiple working hypotheses, bridging arguments, and criteria for selecting alternative hypotheses. [scientific method, archaeological inference, hypothetico-analog method, inductive confirmation]
AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis: lessons from the laboratory.

(2004). AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis: Lessons from the laboratory. Current Eye Research: Vol. 29, No. 2-3, pp. 91-101.
History of Science and Technology: An ERIC/ChESS Sample

The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system encompasses the world's largest and most frequently used educational database. This database contains over 900,000 records with approximately 13,000 new documents added each year. These include journal articles, research papers, books, conference proceedings, government documents, and many others. One of the greatest strengths of the database is the interdis ciplinary nature of its holdings. The selected documents below include coverage from fields as diverse as science, rhetoric, and journalism, as well as the more traditional social studies. The "EJ" designation at the beginning of the record identifies the source as an educational journal. These are easily located in most academic libraries or are available through interlibrary loan. Those items preceded by an "ED" designation are also available in many libraries, or copies may be ordered from the ERIC Docu ment Reproduction Service (EDRS). For additional information, contact EDRS, 7420 Fullerton Road, Suite 110, Springfield, VA 22153-2852 or call (800) 443-3742 or e-mail . The ERIC Clearinghouse on Social Studies/Social Science Education (ChESS) welcomes requests for searches regarding any aspect of social studies from lesson plans/instructional materials to research articles and/or general information. Please contact: Matthew Paris, ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education at (800) 266-3815 or e-mail . Mr. Paris is an informa tion specialist and occasional actor. He holds a B.S. in Education with an emphasis in Social Studies and a Master s in Library and Information Science from Indiana University.
On Minimax Solutions of Linear Equations

where E" is the n dimensional Euclidean space and r,(jc) denotes the ith element of r{x). An excellent discussion of the above problem and several algorithms for its solution are given by Cheney (1966). He calls one of these algorithms, which is due to Stiefel (1959, 1960, 1963), the ascent algorithm. In this paper, we shall reformulate the ascent algorithm (Cheney, 1966, p. 45) by making use of the Generalised inverse (Penrose, 1955, 1956). This will make it possible for us to express the algorithm in the tableau form associated with the Revised Simplex Method for the solution of linear programming problem (Kiinzi, Tzschach, and Zehnder, 1968). The principal advantages of the algorithm given in this paper are:
EVALUATION OF ESTROGENS IN EXTRACTION-INDUCED HEMORRHAGE.

Abstract In a double-blind controlled study of ninety-five patients, Premarin intravenous, in the dosage schedule employed, was found to be ineffective in reducing hemorrhage during routine oral surgical procedures.
Circulation of perivisceral fluid in the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus

The principal driving mechanism of perivisceral-fluid circulation was investigated in the echinoid Lytechinus variegatus by metal-clad hot-wire anemometry. Analysis of 23 flow profiles from 13 individuals collected from 1 to 3 m water depth at Tarpon Springs and Sarasota, Florida (USA) in 1984 indicates that for this species, the ciliated epithelium is an ineffective driving mechanism for mixing of the perivisceral fluid. Instead, the Aristotle's lantern is the major driving force of circulation of the perivisceral fluid, with velocity fluctuations of ≦1.5 mm s-1 amplitude in the cavity center during intermittent periods of activity. These fluctuations rapidly decay as the ciliated surfaces are approached. Spectral analysis of velocity time-series reveals predominant energy-containing velocity fluctuations between 0.007 and 0.05 Hz. The circulation, which can be described as non-turbulent forced mixing, has revealed four different flow patterns which appear to be correlated with specific animal activities. A modified eddydiffusion model predicts that oxygen transport through the cavity over a 2 cm path length requires more than 20 h. Calculation of the oxygen flux to a ripe ovary suggests that supply does not meet ovarian oxygen demand in this case. Alternative pathways of oxygen transport invoking advection in perivisceral-fluid eddies and along the ciliated coelomic surfaces are compatible with the observed flow patterns and lead to much shorter oxygen-transport time scales of the order of 1 to 10 min.
Assembly of a mediator/TFIID/TFIIA complex bypasses the need for an activator.

Abstract Transcription in eukaryotic cells requires the remodeling of chromatin and the assembly of functional preinitiation complexes (PICs), which contain the general transcription factors (GTFs), RNA polymerase II (Pol II), and coactivators [1, 2]. Genetic and biochemical studies have implicated the multisubunit Mediator coactivator complex (Med) as a critical component of the PIC [3–5], a direct target of activators [6, 7], and a checkpoint for regulated gene expression during differentiation [8], development (reviewed in [9]), signaling [10, 11], and oncogenesis [12]. In this report, we show that a complex containing the activator GAL4-VP16, Med, and TFIID/TFIIA (DA) recruits pol II and the remaining GTFs to a model promoter in vitro. A preassembled DAMed complex bypasses the requirement for an activator. We also demonstrate that coordinated assembly of DAMed is essential to establishing a functional PIC. We conclude that the DAMed complex generates a platform that supports activated levels of PIC assembly and transcription.
A Single Expose Double Develop (SEDD) process for self-aligned lithographic applications

Abstract A Single Expose Double Develop process has been developed which incorporates the use of a tridensity mask to expose two self-aligned patterns in conventional photoresist with one masking step. This minimizes masking cycles and overlay errors which translates into increased yield. The resultant pattern can be customized for various applications, e.g. obtaining two dopant profiles with a single implant using a dual thickness photoresist pattern, transferring two patterns into underlying films with no alignment error using RIE or wet etching, etc... Experiments are shown which optimize the processing parameters of the photoresist to the density levels in the mask, utilizing characteristic curves for analysis. Process control is correlated to these curves through modelling and experiment. Examples of the applications of the SEDD process in VLSI devices and packaging are shown with SEM photographs.
Characterization of Nanostructured Titanates Obtained by Alkali Treatment of TiO2-Anatases with Distinct Crystal Sizes

Layered titanate nanotubes (TTNT) with a general formula NaxH2-xTi3O7·nH2O were synthesized by hydrothermally reacting TiO2-anatase with NaOH at 120 °C. Detailed TGA and XRD characterization indicated that the as-synthesized material rich in sodium as an interlayer cation contained intercalated water (n), which was reduced substantially after nearly complete proton exchange (x = ∼0), while the interlayer distance decreased approaching the interlayer distance d200 of H2Ti3O7. Chemical composition and crystal structure of TTNT as well as their dependence on sodium content were not affected by the crystallite size of the starting anatase. On the other hand, TEM examination and N2 adsorption measurements revealed distinct morphology at the nanometer scale and different textural properties depending on the precursor TiO2. Such dependence was rationalized based on a dissolution−recrystallization mechanism.
Adrenergic effects on the biology of the adult mammalian cardiocyte.

BACKGROUNDTo delineate the mechanism(s) of catecholamine-mediated cardiac toxicity, we exposed cultures of adult cardiac muscle cells, or cardiocytes, to a broad range of norepinephrine concentrations.METHODS AND RESULTSNorepinephrine stimulation resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in cardiocyte viability, as demonstrated by a significant decrease in viable rod-shaped cells and a significant release of creatine kinase from cells in norepinephrine-treated cultures. Norepinephrine-mediated cell toxicity was attenuated significantly by beta-adrenoceptor blockade and mimicked by selective stimulation of the beta-adrenoceptor, whereas the effects mediated by the alpha-adrenoceptor were relatively less apparent. When norepinephrine stimulation was examined in terms of cardiocyte anabolic activity, there was a concentration-dependent decrease in the incorporation of [3H]phenylalanine and [3H]uridine into cytoplasmic protein and nuclear RNA, respectively. The decrease in cytoplasmic labeling was largel...
Financial incentive-based approaches for weight loss: a randomized trial.

Context Identifying effective obesity treatment is both a clinical challenge and a public health priority due to the health consequences of obesity. Objective To determine whether common decision errors identified by behavioral economists such as prospect theory, loss aversion, and regret could be used to design an effective weight loss intervention. Design, Setting, and Participants Fifty-seven healthy participants aged 30-70 years with a body mass index of 30-40 were randomized to 3 weight loss plans: monthly weigh-ins, a lottery incentive program, or a deposit contract that allowed for participant matching, with a weight loss goal of 1 lb (0.45 kg) a week for 16 weeks. Participants were recruited May-August 2007 at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania and were followed up through June 2008. Main Outcome Measures Weight loss after 16 weeks. Results The incentive groups lost significantly more weight than the control group (mean, 3.9 lb). Compared with the control group, the lottery group lost a mean of 13.1 lb (95% confidence interval [CI] of the difference in means, 1.95-16.40; P=.02) and the deposit contract group lost a mean of 14.0 lb (95% CI of the difference in means, 3.69-16.43; P =.006). About half of those in both incentive groups met the 16-lb target weight loss: 47.4% (95% CI, 24.5%-71.1%) in the deposit contract group and 52.6% (95% CI, 28.9%-75.6%) in the lottery group, whereas 10.5% (95% CI, 1.3%- 33.1%; P = .01) in the control group met the 16-lb target. Although the net weight loss between enrollment in the study and at the end of 7 months was larger in the incentive groups (9.2 lb; t = 1.21; 95% CI, −3.20 to 12.66; P = .23, in the lottery group and 6.2 lb; t = 0.52; 95% CI, −5.17 to 8.75; P = .61 in the deposit contract group) than in the control group (4.4 lb), these differences were not statistically significant. However, incentive participants weighed significantly less at 7 months than at the study start (P = .01 for the lottery group; P = .03 for the deposit contract group) whereas controls did not. Conclusions The use of economic incentives produced significant weight loss during the 16 weeks of intervention that was not fully sustained. The longer-term use of incentives should be evaluated. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00520611
Specific Transforming Growth Factor-β Subtypes Regulate Embryonic Mouse Meckel's Cartilage and Tooth Development

Abstract Members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily have emerged as critical regulators for cell growth and differentiation. Whereas the different TGF-β subtypes are equipotent in the majority of biological assays using cell lines cultured in vitro, there are indications that in more complex systems involving epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, the TGF-β subtypes differ in their biological activities. To test the hypothesis that TGF-β subtypes specifically regulate either Meckel's cartilage or tooth morphogenesis, we designed experiments to compare loss of function effects of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 subtypes using a serumless, chemically defined medium to culture embryonic mouse E10 (42-44 somite pairs) mandibular explants. The major effect of loss of function resulting from abrogation of TGF-β1 using antisense treatment resulted in a 20% increase (P
Computer applications in analysis, mapping and cataloging of proteins separated by two dimensional electrophoresis

Two dimensional electrophoretic separation of complex mixtures of proteins can only be exploited to its fullest potential using sophisticated computerized spot detection, quantification, pattern recognition, pattern normalization, data reduction and data storage. We present a discussion of some of the technical problems and of the options available which will ultimately lead toward full computerization of the data.
Metallurgical Process DesignA Tribute to Douglas' Conceptual Design Approach

This case study illuminates a practical design problem for cleaner metallurgical manufacturing. The task consists of assessing the feasibility of a novel low-waste process capable of eliminating unwanted, hazardous waste streams in stainless steel production. The novel flowsheet evolves gradually as prescribed by the decision hierarchy of Douglas (Douglas, J. M. AIChE J. 1985, 31, 353−362). Successively refined economic potential estimators discriminate inferior options and discard process configurations with marginal economic performance early in the design cycle. The complex liquid metal reaction network is optimized via a multiphase total Gibbs free energy model. A bilevel mathematical program for the simultaneous optimization of economic performance at equilibrium within specified operational bounds is presented. The article uses the case study to elucidate methodological aspects in systematic decision making for metallurgical process synthesis. Examples for the beneficial use of mathematical modeling...
There are significantly more nonegative polynomials than sums of squares

We study the quantitative relationship between the cones of nonnegative polynomials, cones of sums of squares and cones of sums of even powers of linear forms. We derive bounds on the volumes (raised to the power reciprocal to the ambient dimension) of compact sections of the three cones. We show that the bounds are asymptotically exact if the degree is fixed and number of variables tends to infinity. When the degree is larger than two, it follows that there are significantly more nonnegative polynomials than sums of squares and there are significantly more sums of squares than sums of even powers of linear forms. Moreover, we quantify the exact discrepancy between the cones; from our bounds it follows that the discrepancy grows as the number of variables increases.
Few quark problems: A summary of the discussion session DS2

Abstract The discussion session on few quark problems was conducted by posing a few questions under four topical headings allowing approximately fifteen minutes for each topic, follwed by a fifteen minute period for topics chosen by the audience. Each prearranged topic was introduced with a brief discussion by the rapporteur (i.e. the provocateur).What follows is my reconstruction of the discussion. I have inserted a few editorial remarks and placed them in brackets.
Database design for predictive preventive maintenance system of automated manufacturing system

Abstract This paper presents a database design framework for predictive preventive maintenance system (PPMS). The database is designed to meet general maintenance management requirements, with special emphasis on the use of simulation modeling and opportunistic maintenance to evaluate the effectivensss of different maintenance strategies. Different stages and elements of database design and development are discussed.