cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergence of the Optimal M-Estimator over a Parametric Family of M-Estimators

We consider a method to select an optimal M-estimator over a family of M-estimators of a parameter. Assuming that there exists an estimate of the mean square error for each element of this family of estimators, a natural estimator to consider is the M-estimator in the class which minimizes the considered estimates of the mean square errors. It is shown that under regularity conditions, this M-estimator is asymptotically normal and its asymptotic mean square error is equal to the infimum of the asymptotic mean square errors of the M-estimators in the class. We see how this method works in two different situations. In order to tackle the former problem, we present sufficient conditions for the weak convergence of a class of M-estimators.
Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor: imaging findings

Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor (PHAT) is a rare soft tissue tumor of low malignant potential, which most often arises in the lower extremities. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no prior descriptions of the imaging features of this neoplasm. In this case series, we report the imaging findings in three patients. Two patients had a lower extremity subcutaneous PHAT, while the third patient had an intramuscular upper extremity PHAT. While imaging features are variable, a diagnosis of PHAT should be considered when encountering an enhancing, subcutaneous tumor with ill-defined margins, particularly in the extremity.
Cell cycle analysis and synchronization of the TN-368 insect cell line

A cell cycle analysis of theTrichoplusia ni (TN-368) insect cell line is described. By means of autoradiography and percent labeled metaphase data, the cell cycle parameters were determined to be as follows: S, 4.5 hr; G2, 8.5 hr; M, 0.5 hr; G1, 1.0 hr; the total cell time being 14.5 hr. A synchronization procedure using 50mm thymidine in a double block procedure was used to provide a method of obtaining a large number of cells in particular cell cycle phases, especially S and G2.
Pro-inflammatory high-density lipoproteins and atherosclerosis are induced in lupus-prone mice by a high-fat diet and leptin.

Atherosclerosis is accelerated in people with systemic lupus erythematosus, and the presence of dysfunctional, pro-inflammatory high-density lipoproteins is a marker of increased risk. We developed a mouse model of multigenic lupus exposed to environmental factors known to accelerate atherosclerosis in humans – high-fat diet with or without injections of the adipokine leptin. BWF1 mice were the lupus-prone model; BALB/c were non-autoimmune controls. High-fat diet increased total serum cholesterol in both strains. In BALB/c mice, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased; they did not develop atherosclerosis. In contrast, BWF1 mice on high-fat diets developed increased quantities of high-density lipoproteins as well as elevated high-density lipoprotein scores, indicating pro-inflammatory high-density lipoproteins; they also developed atherosclerosis. In the lupus-prone strain, addition of leptin increased pro-inflammatory high-density lipoprotein scores and atherosclerosis, and accelerated proteinuria. These data suggest that environmental factors associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome can accelerate atherosclerosis and disease in a lupus-prone background.
Supersymmetric model for triggering supernova Ia in isolated white dwarfs

We propose a model for supernovae Ia explosions based on a phase transition to a supersymmetric state which becomes the active trigger for the deflagration starting the explosion in an isolated sub-Chandrasekhar white dwarf star. With two free parameters we fit the rate and several properties of type Ia supernovae and address the gap in the supermassive black hole mass distribution. One parameter is a critical density fit to about $3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{7}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{g}/\mathrm{cc}$ while the other has the units of a space time volume and is found to be of order 0.05 Gyr ${R}_{E}^{3}$ where ${R}_{E}$ is the earth radius. The model involves a phase transition to an exact supersymmetry in a small core of a dense star.
Attenuation lengths of low-energy electrons in solids

Abstract A compilation is presented of measured attenuation lengths of low-energy electrons in solids in the energy range (40 to 2000 eV) normally employed in X-ray photoelectron and Auger-electron spectroscopy. The techniques used to obtain electron attenuation lengths are summarized, and it is pointed out that the accuracy of measurement needs both to be defined adequately and to be improved for more meaningful intercomparisons of data and theory. An approximate expression is derived to predict attenuation lengths using either dielectric data (derived from optical or electron-energy-loss data) or average excitation energies estimated from electron binding energies for given materials at electron energies greater than about 500 eV. Good agreement is found between the predictions of this formula and some measured attenuation lengths (e.g. for Al, C, Mo, W) but further work is required to validate the formula and to extend it to lower electron energies.
A Proportional Wire Calorimeter for Magnet Pole Tips

We describe the results of test beam evaluation of a total absorption calorimeter which is designed to have magnetic properties comparable to those of ordinary steel, and thus can be incorporated into the poles of a spectrometer magnet. The test device consists of an iron structure penetrated by a fine-grain pattern of holes, each acting as a gas proportional tube, such that 90% of the volume is occupied by iron. Details of shower development and sampling fluctuations relevant to the design of a large scale device are studied for showers initiated by electrons and hadrons.
Work in progress — Using podcasting in an inverted classroom

An "inverted classroom" is a teaching environment that mixes the use of technology with hands- on activities. In an inverted classroom, typical in-class lecture time is replaced with laboratory and in-class activities. Outside of class, lectures are delivered over some other medium such as video on-demand. As such, learning activities, which typically are done outside of class, are done in-class in the presence of the instructor. Passive activities, such as listening to lectures, are performed outside of class. In this paper, we describe the use of podcasting in an inverted classroom environment with the explicit goal of reclaiming lecture time for in-class laboratories and learning activities. This Work-in- Progress paper focuses primarily upon the description of the approach being piloted, technologies being utilized, and the characteristics of the pilot course.
Hide and Go Seek: Child's Play as Archival Act in Valerie Solanas's SCUM Manifesto

In contrast to celebratory chronicles that sanitize queer history, Valerie Solanas’s SCUM Manifesto casts bad girls as the central protagonists in the drama of social change. Archiving the adolescent urges and puerile political yearnings of degenerate dykes, it shows revolution to be a dirty girl’s game.
Reaction of 1,4-poly(2-trimethylsilylmethyl-1,3-butadiene) with phenylsulfenyl chloride

Reaction of 1,4-poly(2-trimethylsilylmethyl-1,3-butadiene) with phenylsulfenyl chloride yields predominantly poly(3-methylene-2-phenylthiobutane). The mechanism of this reaction is discussed. The product polymer has been characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, IR, GPC, TGA, and elemental analysis.
Diffusion tensor imaging eigenvalues: preliminary evidence for altered myelin in cocaine dependence.

Reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) has been reported in cocaine dependent subjects compared to non-drug using controls. There are several pathological mechanisms that could be responsible for these findings, since FA can be reduced through damage to axonal tracts and by neuronal loss. One way of obtaining more information about pathology underlying changes in FA on DTI is diffusion tensor eigenvalues, representing diffusion along the fiber tract (λ1) or perpendicular to the fiber tract (λT). Thirteen cocaine dependent subjects and 18 healthy controls underwent full brain DTI. Eigenvalues λ1 and λT of the corpus callosum were compared between cocaine users and controls. For λT there was a significant interaction of group×region of corpus callosum. Exploratory analysis of the subregions showed higher λT in the genu of the anterior corpus callosum of cocaine dependent subjects compared to control subjects. For λ1 there was no significant interaction of group×region of corpus callosum. Based on prior studies suggesting that alteration or damage to myelin increases diffusion perpendicular to the direction of fiber tracts (λT) with minimal effect on λ1 these findings are consistent with altered myelin in the corpus callosum in cocaine dependent subjects. © 2007 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Simple synthesis of optically active 2-fluoropropanoic acid and analogs of high enantiomeric purity

A very simple synthesis of optically active 2-fluoropropanoic acid 1 (R=CH3, R′=H) and analogs of high enantiomeric purity was developed using the sulfonates 2 of the corresponding optically active 2-hydroxycar☐ylic esters and potassium fluoride in formamide. Thus methyl (R)-2-fluoropropanoate (1, R=CH3, R′=CH3) was prepared in an optical purity of 96% from the mesylate of methyl (S)-lactate (ee 97.4 %) and isolated in 83% yield.
Comparison of morphine tolerance in body temperature and luteinizing hormone secretion

Small doses of morphine induce a hyperthermic response that does not change with repeated injections, whereas higher doses induce a hypothermia that changes to hyperthermia with repeated treatment. Experiment 1 confirmed these results in ovariectomized rats, using 6 repeated injections of morphine at 5 or 30 mg/kg. Using the same treatment regimen. Experiment 2 showed that the low dose of morphine induced a transient suppression of LH levels followed by a hypersecretion, and that repeated injections did not affect this response. The high dose (30 mg/kg) of morphine initially induced a sustained suppression of LH. Following the sixth injection of the high dose, subjects showed an intact or exaggerated suppression of LH, but an accelerated recovery to control levels. Experiment 3 extended the phase of repeated treatment of the high dose to 12 days and replicated the results of Experiment 2.
Vitrectomy surgery increases oxygen exposure to the lens: a possible mechanism for nuclear cataract formation.

Purpose To report vitreous oxygen tension before, immediately after, and at longer times after vitrectomy. Design A prospective, interventional consecutive case series. Methods Oxygen was measured using an optical oxygen sensor in patients undergoing vitrectomy. Intraoperatively, oxygen measurements were taken before and after vitrectomy in two intraocular locations: adjacent to the lens and in the mid-vitreous. Results Sixty-nine eyes underwent oxygen tension measurements at the time of vitrectomy. In baseline eyes, oxygen tension in the vitreous was low, measuring 8.7 ± 0.6 mm Hg adjacent to the lens and 7.1 ± 0.5 mm Hg in the mid-vitreous. The difference between the two locations was statistically significant ( P P P P P Conclusion Vitrectomy surgery significantly increases intraocular oxygen tension during and for prolonged periods after surgery. This exposes the crystalline lens to abnormally high oxygen and may lead to nuclear cataract formation.
WebVis: a hierarchical web homepage visualizer

WebVis, the Hierarchical Web Home Page Visualizer, is a tool for managing home web pages. The user can access this tool via the WWW and obtain a hierarchical visualization of one's home web pages. WebVis is a real time interactive tool that supports many different queries on the statistics of internal files such as sizes, age, and type. In addition, statistics on embedded information such as VRML files, Java applets, images and sound files can be extracted and queried. Results of these queries are visualized using color, shape and size of different nodes of the hierarchy. The visualization assists the user in a variety of task, such as quickly finding outdated information or locate large files. WebVIs is one solution to the growing web space maintenance problem. Implementation of WebVis is realized with Perl and Java. Perl pattern matching and file handling routines are used to collect and process web space linkage information and web document information. Java utilizes the collected information to produce visualization of the web space. Java also provides WebVis with real time interactivity, while running off the WWW. Some WebVis examples of home web page visualization are presented.
Relational diagnosis: an idea whose time has come?

Many marital and family therapists in the U.S., as well as the major organizations to which they belong, recognize that the DSMs and ICDs have become the accepted manuals for classification of individual mental and emotional dysfunctions. Because we/they have come to believe that many disorders emanate from interpersonal problems rather than from individual intrapsychic distress, a strong movement has mushroomed to develop a diagnostic system that describes relational disorders and to press for the inclusion of these in future versions of DSM and ICD. This commentary chronicles the evolution and accomplishments to date of those involved in this effort.
Relationship of Sleep Quality, Baseline Weight Status and Weight Loss Responsiveness in Obese Adolescents in an Immersion Treatment Program

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of baseline sleep on baseline weight status and weight-loss responsiveness in obese adolescents. Methods Twenty-five obese adolescents who participated in a 19-day summer camp-based immersion treatment (IT) program completed pre-intervention measures of sleep duration and quality, and pre- and post-intervention body mass index z -scores (zBMI) and waist circumference (WC) assessments. Objective measures of sleep were obtained by actigraphy for a random subset of six participants for 1 week pre- and post-intervention. Results Shorter weekday sleep durations and more sleep debt were related to higher pre-intervention WCs ( r = −0.54, p = 0.01 and r = −0.56, p = 0.01), and lower subjective sleep quality was related to higher pre-intervention zBMIs ( r = −0.49, p = 0.02). Longer weekend sleep durations and more sleep debt were related to smaller reductions in pre- to post-intervention zBMIs ( r = −0.47, p = 0.04 and r = −0.51, p = 0.03). For the subgroup of adolescents who wore actigraphs pre- and post-intervention, an increase in their sleep durations ( d = −0.25) and a reduction in their sleep latencies ( d = 0.52), zBMIs ( d = 0.31), and WCs ( d = 0.20) were observed. Conclusions These results provide further evidence linking poor sleep patterns and obesity in adolescence, and suggest that sleep patterns may impact the effectiveness of pediatric obesity interventions and that IT programs may improve sleep in obese adolescents. Overall, they provide support for addressing sleep problems as part of obesity interventions.
Pars plana lensectomy by ultrasonic fragmentation

Abstract Removal of the lens through a pars plana incision may be carried out with an aspiration-cutting device in young soft lenses, and with ultrasonic fragmentation, combined with an aspiration-cutting probe, in older, harder lenses. Extremely hard lenses cannot be efficiently removed through small incisions. These techniques are most useful when combined with a pars plana vitrectomy so that the same sized incision may be used for both procedures. In a few other selected situations, lensectomy through a pars plana incision is also advantageous. Adoption of this incision site for routine senile cataracts is unwarranted because: 1) small gauge instruments have little ability to remove very hard lenses; 2) vitreous must be incised in all cases, opening the door to unnecessary complications; and 3) loss of lens fragments into the posterior segment in 30–40% of eyes produces an unacceptably complex surgical procedure compared to limbal extraction.
Racist and Homophobic Bullying in Adulthood: Narratives from Gay Men of Color in Higher Education.

Bullying is a serious problem in contemporary American society. Many adults are now suffering from bullying, which has conventionally been thought of as a childhood behavior. While a general form of bullying has been focused on by contemporary scholars, specific types of bullying (racist bullying and homophobic bullying) have not well been studied. Furthermore, no study on the intersection of racist and homophobic bullying exists at this point. This article examines how racist-homophobic bullying is manifested in adulthood in the context of higher education. First, some concepts of general forms of bullying and bullying based on race and sexuality are stated. Then, narratives from two gay male college students of color are provided as examples to conceptualize racist-homophobic bullying. Last, implications for adult educators and Human Resource Development (HRD) practitioners are provided to lead anti-bullying initiatives in learning and workplace environments.
A new method for visualizing data on a sphere

A new method for visualizing data on a globe or unit sphere is described. Information that is distributed over a sphere—global oceanographic or geographic measurements, all‐sky astronomy observations, or any quantities that are best represented in spherical coordinates—can benefit from this technique. Retaining a better sense of the geometry and information content of the data, 3‐D graphics can provide an unobstructed view of the entire sphere, without undo deformation of its surface area. A ‘‘parametrized ray trace’’ produces look‐up tables (LUTs) that can be used for all visualizations. The ray trace result shows one or more spheres with the data as a texture map and three reflecting rectangles that ‘‘mirror’’ the far sides of the sphere(s) into view. The LUTs need only be created once, and a general purpose computer will do. No special purpose hardware is required beyond a PC or workstation that supports color. Examples from astronomical and geophysical datasets, which are commonly displayed with an area deforming (2‐D) projection, are presented.
Microwave sintering of transparent alumina

Transparent alumina samples have been successfully prepared by microwave sintering processing. In comparison to the conventional sintering processing, microwave sintering to transparent alumina can be achieved at lower sintering temperature and shorter sintering time. It was also found that the microwave heating could substantially increase the conversion rate of polycrystalline alumina to single crystalline sapphire, to improve the transparency and other properties of the transparent alumina samples.
Time-variant analysis of rotorcraft systems dynamics - An exploitation of vector processors

In this paper a generalized algorithmic procedure is presented for handling constraints in mechanical transmissions. The latter are treated as multibody systems of interconnected rigid/flexible bodies. The constraint Jacobian matrices are generated automatically and suitably updated in time, depending on the geometrical and kinematical constraint conditions describing the interconnection between shafts or gears. The type of constraints are classified based on the interconnection of the bodies by assuming that one or more points of contact exist between them. The effects due to elastic deformation of the flexible bodies are included by allowing each body element to undergo small deformations. The procedure is based on recursively formulated Kane's dynamical equations of motion and the finite element method, including the concept of geometrical stiffening effects. The method is implemented on an IBM-3090-600j vector processor with pipe-lining capabilities. A significant increase in the speed of execution is achieved by vectorizing the developed code in computationally intensive areas. An example consisting of two meshing disks rotating at high angular velocity is presented. Applications are intended for the study of the dynamic behavior of helicopter transmissions.
Integrated product and process design: a multi-objective modeling framework

Abstract In this paper we present an analytical multi-objective framework for the concurrent design of product and processes. The objective is to simultaneously consider the tolerance specification on the product or the component dimensions along with the selection of the manufacturing processes. For this purpose we consider three objectives: to minimize unit cost, to minimize quality loss and to minimize manufacturing lead time. We characterize the properties of the non-dominated solutions. These solutions provide flexibility needed in an agile manufacturing environment. The min–max approach is used to obtain trade-off solutions.
Relative Effectiveness of Three Stimulus Variables for Locating a Moving Sound Source

A study is reported in which it is shown that observers can use at least three types of acoustic variables that indicate reliably when a moving sound source is passing: interaural temporal differences, the Doppler effect, and amplitude change. Each of these variables was presented in isolation and each was successful in indicating when a (stimulated) moving sound source passed an observer. These three variables were put into competition (with each indicating that closest passage occurred at a different time) in an effort to determine their relative importance. It was found that amplitude change dominated interaural temporal differences which, in turn, dominated the Doppler effect stimulus variable. The results are discussed in terms of two interpretations. First, it is possible that subjects based their judgements on the potential discriminability of each stimulus variable. However, because the stimuli used involved easily discriminable changes, subjects may instead have based their judgements on the independence of a stimulus variable from different environmental situation conditions. The dominance ordering obtained supports the second interpretation.
Intraocular Molluscum Contagiosum After a Corneoscleral Laceration

Purpose To report molluscum contagiosum as a cause of severe posttraumatic intraocular inflammation. Methods A 9-year-old girl developed severe intraocular inflammation in the right eye after a corneoscleral laceration. She underwent vitrectomy, and bacterial and fungal cultures of intraocular fluids were negative. A pedunculated white-tan mass removed from her right optic nerve head was sent for histologic evaluation. Result Histologic examination of the tissue showed stratified keratinizing squamous epithelium with intracytoplasmic inclusions consistent with molluscum contagiosum. Conclusions It is likely that infected epithelial cells were implanted at the time of injury. Vitrectomy as debridement was curative.
MATURING PINE TRACHEIDS Organization of Intravacuolar Cytoplasm

The cytoplasm of the interior of maturing pine tracheids is revealed by scanning electron microscopy as a lamellate and filamentous intravacuolar reticulum immersed in vacuolar sap. Formation of cytoplasmic spherules and the breakdown of the cytoplasmic reticulum initiate protoplast disintegration that terminates in tracheid maturation. The process is believed to involve vacuolar membrane transformations.
Longitudinal force on a moving potential

We show a formal result of the longitudinal force acting on a moving potential. The potential can be velocity dependent, which appears in various interesting physical systems, such as electrons in the presence of a magnetic flux line, or phonons scattering off a moving vortex. By using the phase-shift analysis, we are able to show the equivalence between the adiabatic perturbation theory and the kinetic theory for the longitudinal force in the dilute gas limit.
Nicotine Inhibits Voltage-Dependent Sodium Channels and Sensitizes Vanilloid Receptors

Nicotine is an alkaloid that is used by large numbers of people. When taken into the body, it produces a myriad of physiological actions that occur primarily through the activation of neuronal nico...
Tamoxifen treatment failures in hormonally responsive breast cancers. Correlation with steroid receptors.

Clinical correlation of treatment response with estrogen (ERP) and progesterone (PgRP) receptors in 81 patients revealed a remission rate of 76% if both receptors were present in the tumor. The response rate was 89% in those patients with positive receptors in whom an endocrine ablative procedure was performed and was 63% in those patients treated with tamoxifen, suggesting that the latter modality may not be effective in the treatment of some hormonally responsive tumors. An assay to determine receptor sensitivity to tamoxifen was developed and correlated with clinical response to tamoxifen treatment. Of the 56 human breast tumors analyzed, 29 tumors were ERP- and PgRP-positive and ten of these were tamoxifen-insensitive. Sixteen tumors were ERP- and PgRP-negative and tamoxifen-insensitive. Of the remaining 11 tumors, four were tamoxifen-sensitive. Nineteen of the 56 patients whose tumors were analyzed were treated for advance breast cancers with tamoxifen. Twelve patients who were ERP- and PgRP-positive and tamoxifen-sensitive responded to this modality of treatment. Seven treatment failures were noted in this group all of whom were ERP-positive and tamoxifen-insensitive. Endocrine ablation failed either prior or subsequently in three of these patients all of whom were PgRP-negative. Two patients who were ERP- and PgRP-positive and tamoxifen-insensitive sub-sequently responded to an alternative antihormonal treatment.
Evaluation of women with possible appendicitis using technetium-99m leukocyte scan☆☆☆

The authors evaluated the use of technetium-99m albumin colloid white blood cell (TAC-WBC) scan in women with possible appendicitis. One hundred and nine women underwent 110 TAC-WBC scans. One woman had a second scan on a separate admission and was considered two individual patients in the analysis. Twenty-six women had appendicitis, 10 of whom had a perforated appendix at surgery. The TAC-WBC scan was indeterminate (abnormal but nondiagnostic for appendicitis) in 52 women (47%), nine of whom had appendicitis. Fifty-eight scans were read as positive or negative for appendiceal pathology. There were 16 true positives, 5 false positives, 36 true negatives, and 1 false negative. The predictive value of a positive scan was 76%, and the predictive value of a negative scan was 97%. The TAC-WBC scan was positive in 62% of patients with appendicitis and negative in 43% of the patients without appendicitis resulting in an overall accuracy of 47% in the 109 women. The main value of TAC-WBC scan in women with possible appendicitis is its high negative predictive value and the main problem with the TAC-WBC scan is its high indeterminate rate.
Characterizing the variance improvement in linear Dirichlet random effects models

An alternative to the classical mixed model with normal random effects is to use a Dirichlet process to model the random effects. Such models have proven useful in practice, and we have observed a noticeable variance reduction, in the estimation of the fixed effects, when the Dirichlet process is used instead of the normal. In this paper we formalize this notion, and give a theoretical justification for the expected variance reduction. We show that for almost all data vectors, the posterior variance from the Dirichlet random effects model is smaller than that from the normal random effects model.
Cookies versus clams: clashing tracking technologies and online privacy

Purpose – This article compares the use of deep packet inspection (DPI) technology to the use of cookies for online behavioral advertising (OBA), in the form of two competing paradigms. It seeks to explain why DPI was eliminated as a viable option due to political and regulatory reactions whereas cookies technology was not, even though it raises some of the same privacy issues. Design/methodology/approach – The paradigms draw from two-sided market theory to conceptualize OBA. Empirical case studies, NebuAd's DPI platform and Facebook's Beacon program, substantiate the paradigms with insights into the controversies on behavioral tracking between 2006 and 2009 in the USA. The case studies are based on document analyses and interviews. Findings – Comparing the two cases from a technological, economic, and institutional perspective, the article argues that both paradigms were equally privacy intrusive. Thus, it rejects the generally held view that privacy issues can explain the outcome of the battle. Politics...
Initial responses of woody vegetation, water quality, and soils to harvesting intensity in a Texas bottomland hardwood ecosystem

Sustainable management of bottomland hardwood forest ecosystems requires a knowledge of responses to management impacts, including timber harvesting. The effects of clearcutting and partial cutting on woody vegetation regeneration dynamics, surface and groundwater quality, soil physical properties, and soil respiration were tested in a bottomland hardwood ecosystem in southeastern Texas, USA, through comparison with non-cut control areas. Overstory removal only slightly affected composition of woody vegetation regeneration 1 year after harvesting compared with pre-harvest composition. Initial composition in both cutting treatments appeared to be the strongest determinant of post-harvest composition, at least for the first year after harvesting. There were few significant differences in groundwater properties when harvesting treatments were compared with control areas during a 17-month period following harvest. Turbidity, temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved O2, NH4-N, NO3-N, and PO4-P of streamwater did not vary significantly among treatments. Slight decreases in total and macroporosity were observed in association with higher bulk densities at 0–5 cm depth in the clearcut and partial cut treatments. Saturated hydraulic conductivity values did not decline significantly with treatment intensity. No significant differences among treatments in measured soil physical properties were observed at 5–10 cm depth. Although in situ soil respiration increased with harvest intensity, treatment had no significant effect on mineral soil respiration. In summary, most variables showed only slight response to harvesting, thereby indicating that harvesting practices can be conducted with minimal initial impacts on measured response variables.
Depletion of Suds3 reveals an essential role in early lineage specification

Preimplantation development culminates with the emergence of three distinct populations: the inner cell mass, primitive endoderm and trophectoderm. Here, we define the mechanisms underlying the requirement of Suds3 in pre/peri-implantation development. Suds3 knockdown blastocysts exhibit a failure of both trophectoderm proliferation as well as a conspicuous lack of primitive endoderm. Expression of essential lineage factors Nanog, Sox2, Cdx2, Eomes, Elf5 and Sox17 are severely reduced in the absence of Suds3. Importantly, we document deficient FGF4/ERK signaling and show that exogenous FGF4 rescues primitive endoderm formation and trophectoderm proliferation in Suds3 knockdown blastocysts. We also show that Hdac1 knockdown reduces Sox2/FGF4/ERK signaling in blastocysts. Collectively, these data define a role for Suds3 in activation of FGF4/ERK signaling and determine an essential molecular role of Suds3/Sin3/HDAC complexes in lineage specification in vivo.
Accurate Calibration Of A Photo-Elastic Modulator In Polarization Modulation Ellipsometry

An improved two-channel polarization modulation ellipsometer has recently been developed which has the capability of simultaneously measuring all three components of the reduced Stokes vector of light reflected from a sample surface. In contrast to the more conventional rotating analyzer ellipsometer, this instrument is very sensitive to A when A is close to 0° or 180°, and can measure the quadrant of iv and A. In order to maximize the accuracy and sensitivity of this instrument, new techniques have been developed to calibrate the photoelastic modulator. This paper presents techniques for determining (1) the drive voltage which determines the amplitude of the modulation as a function of wavelength, (2) the modulator static strain as a function of wavelength, and (3) the azimuthal angular orientation of the photoelastic modulator with respect to other optical elements in the system and to the sample itself. Once these calibrations have been performed, very accurate measurements of the ellipsometry parameters can be obtained.
Coverage of Axillary Lymph Nodes in Supine vs. Prone Breast Radiotherapy

Purpose To compare the dosimetry of target and normal tissue when tangents with the breast tissue were applied in a subset of breast cancer patients who had undergone computed tomography (CT) planning both supine and prone. Methods and Materials The CT images of 20 patients who had undergone simulation in supine and prone positions were used for planning. The axillary lymph node regions (level I-III), breast tissue, tumor bed, heart, and bilateral lungs were manually contoured. Standard tangent fields were designed for the whole breast to deliver a prescribed dose of 50 Gy. Dose–volume histograms were compared between the two sets. Results In each patient, coverage of breast tissue and tumor bed was readily achieved by either technique. In either position, treatment of the nodal regions was inadequate. On average, the mean dose to the nodal regions for levels I-III was ∼50% less in the prone as compared with the supine position. The mean ipsilateral lung volume receiving 95% of the prescribed dose was 6.3% in the supine position compared to 0.43% in the prone position. When planned supine, the mean heart volume receiving 30 Gy was 0.56% compared with 0.30% in the prone position. Conclusions Planning in either position was found to achieve adequate coverage of the breast tissue and tumor bed for all patients. Lung was better spared prone. Coverage of axillary nodes was inadequate in either position, but further reduced in the prone vs. supine position. The choice of optimal setup should take into considerations stage and risk of nodal recurrence.
Biomimetic glycoliposomes as nanocarriers for targeting P-selectin on activated platelets

The cell glycocalyx is an attractive model for surface modification of liposomes with the objectives of tissue targeting and prolonged circulation time. Here, we reported on glycocalyx-mimicking liposomes, prepared by incorporating a glycolipid of 3'-sulfo-Lewis a (SuLe(a))-PEG-DSPE with a headgroup of SuLe(a) and a spacer of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linked to two hydrophobic tails. This PEG spaced structure is used to mimic the extended structure of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) on activated leukocytes, in order to facilitate the specific binding of liposomes to the receptor of P-selectin expressed on activated platelets. Our results indicate that SuLe(a)-PEG-DSPE can form stable, narrowly distributed liposomes with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) and cholesterol, with a vesicle size of 113.3 nm. The resultant SuLe(a)-PEG-liposomes can facilitate their binding to the receptor of P-selectin 22 times higher than SuLe(a)-liposomes without a PEG spacer. Further studies by fluorescence microscopy show that SuLe(a)-PEG-liposomes can bind to activated platelets in vitro effectively. It suggests that biomimetic SuLe(a)-PEG-liposomes may be used as nanocarriers to target activated platelets for drug delivery to the injury sites of cardiovascular diseases.
Application of ion implantation to electrochemical studies

The application of ion implantation to electrochemical studies is illustrated with a study of electrocatalysis of the chlorine evolution reaction at RuO{sub 2}, IrO{sub 2}, TiO{sub 2} mixed oxide anodes in chloride solutions. Electrode/solution interfaces of well defined catalyst composition are generated in a reproducible manner by implantation of Ru (or Ir) into Ti followed by in situ oxidation of the near surface titanium alloys. Ion implantation enables the tailoring on an atomic scale of an electrochemical interface. Analysis by Rutherford backscattering adds the ability of quantitative mechanistic study in terms of actual ion concentration at the interface. In addition, ion implantation, as a processing technique, creates new materials with improved properties which may have future practical use in catalytic materials.
X-ray spectroscopy in the 100–1000 eV region☆

Abstract Some current methods for achieving low energy X-ray spectroscopy in the 10–100 A region are reviewed. Gratings, crystals and multilayers can be used as monochromators or dispersive analyzers. Some of the important characteristics are noted here which can help to determine their applicability to a given spectroscopic analysis situation. The “trade-off” between resolution and spectrographic speed (gratings versus multilayers) may be an important consideration when the number of photons available for measurement is limited, as, for example, by the excitation dosage allowed for a given sample. For pulsed X-ray sources and for time-resolved spectroscopy, special fixed-crystal spectrographs have been developed. These may be applied with X-ray diodes and fast oscilloscopes or with X-ray streak cameras for detection. The optimum design and characterization of the photocathode systems for such detection have been studied in detail and some of the results of this work are briefly reviewed.
Responses of sensitive and tolerant bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to ozone in open-top chambers are influenced by phenotypic differences, morphological characteristics, and the chamber environment.

Abstract Responses of bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines ‘S156’ (O3-sensitive) and ‘R123’ (O3-tolerant), and cultivars ‘BBL 290’ (O3-sensitive) and ‘BBL 274’ (O3-tolerant) to ambient ozone (O3) were investigated during the 2001 and 2002 growing seasons. Seedlings were grown in pots inside open-top chambers (OTCs), with charcoal filtered (CF) and non-filtered (NF) ambient air, and in non-chambered ambient air (AA) plots. Growth parameters from individual plants were evaluated after harvests at the end of vegetative (V4) and reproductive (R10) growth phases. Results at V4 indicated that CF did not provide additional benefits over NF in ‘S156’ in 2001 and 2002. In contrast, exposure to CF significantly impaired the growth of ‘R123’. At the end of R10, ‘S156’ produced more pods, most of which remained immature, and contained fewer seeds or were more frequently aborted, whereas pods produced in ‘R123’ reached pod maturation and senescence more consistently. Despite increased seed weights inside the OTCs, as observed in ‘S156’, differences between the two lines were insignificant when grown outside OTCs. Results from the ‘BBL 290’/‘BBL 274’ pair, especially at V4 phase, remained inconclusive. Plant morphological characteristics, variabilities in environmental conditions, and ‘chamber effects’ inside OTCs were influential in determining plant response to ambient O3.
An Interweaving MOF with High Hydrogen Uptake

An interweaving copper metal−organic framework possessing high porosity and high hydrogen uptake has been successfully designed and synthesized.
High-flux isobutanol production using engineered Escherichia coli: a bioreactor study with in situ product removal

Promising approaches to produce higher alcohols, e.g., isobutanol, using Escherichia coli have been developed with successful results. Here, we translated the isobutanol process from shake flasks to a 1-L bioreactor in order to characterize three E. coli strains. With in situ isobutanol removal from the bioreactor using gas stripping, the engineered E. coli strain (JCL260) produced more than 50 g/L in 72 h. In addition, the isobutanol production by the parental strain (JCL16) and the high isobutanol-tolerant mutant (SA481) were compared with JCL260. Interestingly, we found that the isobutanol-tolerant strain in fact produced worse than either JCL16 or JCL260. This result suggests that in situ product removal can properly overcome isobutanol toxicity in E. coli cultures. The isobutanol productivity was approximately twofold and the titer was 9% higher than n-butanol produced by Clostridium in a similar integrated system.
Immunization to minor histocompatibility antigens on transfused RBCs through crosspriming into recipient MHC class I pathways

Increased rates of graft rejection after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are observed in patients whose illnesses--such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia--necessitate chronic transfusion before BMT. Because BM transplants in these patients are routinely HLA matched, any immunization responsible for increased rejection is likely against minor histocompatibility antigens (mHAs). It has been assumed that contaminating leukocytes in red blood cell (RBC) units are the main sources of immunization to mHAs. However, in this report, we demonstrate that antigens on donor RBCs are presented in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I pathway of recipient antigen-presenting cells, resulting in activation and expansion of recipient CD8+ T cells specific for donor mHAs. Given that human hematopoietic progenitor cells express many of the known mHAs, this observation provides a mechanism by which chronic transfusion of even stringently leukoreduced RBCs may result in sufficient mHA immunization to increase the frequency of BMT rejection.
On the recognition of industrial parts

The authors present an algorithm for representing two-dimensional shapes that may be partially occluded or overlapped. Based on the approximated polygon, extended features that encompass neighborhoods of significant corners are defined. Two hypothetic angularities are first established to create hypothetic space. An analytic-circular-tag (ACT) which groups a specified number of consecutive hypothetic points in the sequence is used to provide a new scheme for matching technique. A hypothesis-generation-testing technique is used for contour matching. The experimental results demonstrate that the algorithms can be used to match complex industrial parts. >
Neural Proliferation and Restoration of Neurochemical Phenotypes and Compromised Functions Following Capsaicin-Induced Neuronal Damage in the Nodose Ganglion of the Adult Rat

We previously reported that neuronal numbers within adult nodose ganglia (NG) were restored to normal levels 60 days following the capsaicin-induced destruction of nearly half of the neuronal population. However, the nature of this neuronal replacement is not known. Therefore, we aimed to characterize neural proliferation, neurochemical phenotypes, and functional recovery within adult rat NG neurons following capsaicin-induced damage. Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injections of capsaicin or vehicle solution, followed by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) injections to reveal cellular proliferation. NG were collected at multiple times post-treatment (up to 300 days) and processed for immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, and dispersed cell cultures. Capsaicin-induced cellular proliferation, indicated by BrdU/Ki-67-labeled cells, suggests that lost neurons were replaced through cell division. NG cells expressed the stem cell marker, nestin, indicating that these ganglia have the capacity to generate new neurons. BrdU-incorporation within β-III tubulin-positive neuronal profiles following capsaicin suggests that proliferating cells matured to become neurons. NG neurons displayed decreased NMDAR expression up to 180-days post-capsaicin. However, both NMDAR expression within the NG and synaptophysin expression within the central target of NG neurons, the NTS, were restored to pre-injury levels by 300 days. NG cultures from capsaicin-treated rats contained bipolar neurons, normally found only during development. To test the functional recovery of NG neurons, we injected the satiety molecule, CCK. The effect of CCK on food intake was restored by 300-days post-capsaicin. This restoration may be due to the regeneration of damaged NG neurons or generation of functional neurons that replaced lost connections.
Nutrition Behavior Change among EFNEP Participants Is Higher at Sites That Are Well Managed and Whose Front-Line Nutrition Educators Value the Program

Effective programs to promote improved dietary practices among low-income families depend on the motivation and performance of front-line nutrition educators, yet little is known about the work context experienced by nutrition workers or how their perceptions of work context relate to program effectiveness. This research examined the perceived work context of nutrition educators, a multidimensional construct developed through formative research, in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in New York State. We proposed that work context, program management, and program and educator characteristics would be related to program effectiveness (reported behavior change among participants). A state-wide survey of paraprofessional Community Nutrition Educators (CNEs) in 30 program sites was conducted and analyzed in relation to program monitoring data. Greater behavior change was reported by participants in sites whose CNEs gave positive ratings to the value of EFNEP (P < 0.02) and to the managerial practices of their supervisors (P < 0.001). To our knowledge, this is the first time that an association was demonstrated between perceived work context at the front lines and effectiveness of a nutrition program. Higher behavior change scores were also reported at sites in which a greater proportion of participants received individual rather than group instruction (P < 0.001). Associations between participants' reported behavior change and CNEs' perceptions of program value and program management suggest that improvements in these areas could enhance nutrition program success.
Efficient MIMO Detection Based on Eigenspace Search with Complexity Analysis

A low-complexity, effective detection method for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems based on eigenspace search and linear equalization-based detection schemes is proposed in this paper. Based on the observation that solutions yielded by linear detectors are corrupted by color noise, the proposed method introduces a new constellation search procedure to augment linear detectors. Specifically, calibrated search is conducted around the initial solution yielded by linear detectors, in the directions guided by the eigenvectors corresponding to the dominant eigenvalues of the covariance matrix of the color noise to identify improved solutions. Complexity analysis is performed to understand the cost of this search procedure. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme yields an approximate 5 dB gain over linear equalization-based detectors in terms of symbol error rate (SER), at moderate additional computational cost.