cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Superior strength and ductility in a low density duplex steel studied by in situ neutron diffraction

Abstract A low density, high strength medium-Mn steel was processed to produce a bimodal duplex microstructure consisting of coarse grained γ-austenite with fine δ-ferrite grains decorating the γ-austenite boundaries. Using a combination of ex situ analysis and in situ neutron diffraction, the deformation mechanisms and lattice strains within each phase were identified for specimens undergoing uniaxial tension during room and elevated temperature loading up to 473 K. The coarse-grained high stacking fault energy γ-austenite deformed by dislocation glide, providing work hardening and ductility. Simultaneously, the fine grained δ-ferrite produced an elevated yield strength by strengthening the steel via a composite reinforcing mechanism. Neutron diffraction reveals that the yield strength reduction at elevated temperatures is due to a reduction in the δ-ferrite strength. The resulting combination 1200 MPa ultimate strength and 0.3 ductility achieved in this microstructurally engineered bimodal duplex steel exceeds that of typical hot worked medium-Mn steels.
Qualification of translational safety biomarkers

Safety biomarkers are important drug development tools, both preclinically and clinically. It is a straightforward process to correlate the performance of nonclinical safety biomarkers with histopa...
Testimony Before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing on the State of Patent Eligibility in America

This testimony, prepared for a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee on the State of Patent Eligibility in America, argues that the eligibility requirement plays a crucial role in reducing litigation costs by giving courts a mechanism to quickly dismiss infringement claims that plainly lack merit. Most patent validity requirements, including novelty, nonobviousness, and adequate disclosure, are viewed by courts to turn on disputed questions of fact, meaning that they cannot be resolved until after a trial or, at the earliest, shortly before trial on a motion for summary judgment. Eligibility, by contrast, is often viewed to present a question of law, meaning that it can be — and often is — resolved at the earliest stages of the case — before the costly discovery process begins. The legislation currently being considered by the Committee, which would effectively abolish the patent eligibility requirement, would take away a crucial tool courts can use to end particularly weak cases at low cost.
ABO phenotype and clinical correlates of COVID-19 severity in hospitalized patients

Aim: This study investigates the association between ABO blood phenotype and COVID-19 severity, measured by intensive care unit admission, need for intubation, hospitalization length and death. It ...
Substrate Modification during Chemical Vapor Deposition of hBN on Sapphire.

A comparison of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) layers grown by chemical vapor deposition on C-plane (0001) versus A-plane (1120) sapphire (α-Al2O3) substrate is reported. The high deposition temperature (>1200 °C) and hydrogen ambient used for hBN deposition on sapphire substantially alters the C-plane sapphire surface chemistry and leaves the top layer(s) oxygen deficient. The resulting surface morphology due to H2 etching of C-plane sapphire is inhomogeneous with increased surface roughness which causes non-uniform residual stress in the deposited hBN film. In contrast to C-plane, the A-plane of sapphire does not alter substantially under a similar high temperature H2 environment, thus providing a more stable alternative substrate for high quality hBN growth. The E2g Raman mode full width at half-maximum (FWHM) for hBN deposited on C-plane sapphire is 24.5 ± 2.1 cm-1 while for hBN on A-plane sapphire is 24.5 ± 0.7 cm-1. The lesser FWHM standard deviation on A-plane sapphire indicates uniform stress distribution across the film due to reduced undulations on the surface. The photoluminescence spectra of the hBN films at 300 and 3 K, obtained on C-plane and A-plane sapphire exhibit similar characteristics with peaks at 4.1 and 5.3 eV reported to be signature peaks associated with defects for hBN films deposited under lower V/III ratios. The dielectric breakdown field of hBN deposited on A-plane sapphire was measured to be 5 MV cm-1, agreeing well with reports on mechanically exfoliated hBN flakes. Thus, under the typical growth conditions required for high crystalline quality hBN growth, A-plane sapphire provides a more chemically stable substrate.
A novel SONOS nonvolatile flash memory device using hot hole injection for write and tunneling to/from gate for erase

A novel SONOS (polysilicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon) nonvolatile flash memory device which uses hot hole injection through the bottom oxide for write and tunneling to/from the gate through a thin top oxide for erase, with reduced power consumption, improved retention and subthreshold swing is proposed. The dynamic characteristics along with comparisons to NROM technology, forward/reverse read I/sub DS/ /spl sim/ I/sub GS/ characteristics, programming speeds and retention of SONOS device at room temperature are discussed.
Deep structure of lithospheric fault zones

[1] We calculate the cumulative width w of ductile shear zones accommodating plate motion in continental lithosphere, based on the assumptions that (1) the flow stress is controlled by the yield strength of intact rock at any given depth; (2) the yield strength profile through the crust can be constrained from observations in exhumed shear zones; and (3) strain localization is primarily caused by grainsize reduction leading to a switch to grainsize-sensitive creep. We use a mid-crustal stress-temperature profile measured in the Whipple Mountains, California, and calculate stress profiles at depth from published flow laws for feldspar and olivine. We conclude thatwfor a plate boundary shear zone accommodating 50 mm/yr displacement (comparable to the San Andreas Transform) may reach 180 km in the quartz-rich mid-crust, depending on water fugacity and thermal gradient. It narrows to a few meters in feldspathic lower crust and in the uppermost mantle, and then widens rapidly with depth in the lower lithosphere. We explore the effects of differences in crustal thickness and composition, thermal gradient, and water activity.
Spinoza's PSR as a Principle of Clear and Distinct Representation

It is argued first, that Spinoza's Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR) is best seen as an auxiliary premise and not as an axiom of the Ethics; second, that Spinoza held the PSR to be a self-evident truth that indicates a necessary condition for clearly and distinctly representing the existence or non-existence of a thing; and third, that this interpretation of Spinoza's PSR explains the near absence of the PSR within the demonstrations of the Ethics as well as the importance of the principle in Spinoza's thought.
Complex Analytic Class Number Formulas

The complex analytic class number formulas date back to the 19th century. They relate class numbers of cyclotomic fields and units. They arise by factoring the zeta function of a cyclotomic field in L-series, and looking at the factorization of the residue.
Antimicrobial activity of N-chloramine compounds

Cellular mechanisms of action of two representative N-chloramines were studied. Both compounds, 3-chloro-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolidinone (I) and N-chlorosuccinimide (III), inhibited bacterial growth and exerted profound inhibition of bacterial DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis at a concentration of 10(-5) M. Enzymes containing sulfhydryl groups generally were significantly inhibited by these chloramines at 10(-4) M. Dihydrofolate reductase, which contains no sulfhydryl groups, also was inhibited but at much higher chloramine concentrations (10(-2) M); ribonuclease, which also contains no sulfhydryl groups, was unaffected. All of these inhibitory effects of the chloramines could be prevented if sulfhydryl-containing reagents (mercaptoethanol or dithiothreitol) were added before or together with the chloramine. Once inhibition was produced by the chloramine, it was not reversible by later addition of the sulfhydryl reagents. These results suggest that these chloramines act at sulfhydryl sites as well as at other sites in both cells and purified enzymes.
The Absence of Lymphoid CD8+ Dendritic Cell Maturation in L-Selectin−/− Respiratory Compartment Attenuates Antiviral Immunity

Intratracheal instillation of L-selectin-deficient (L-Sel −/− ) mice with an adenovirus 2 (Ad2) vector resulted in the lack of respiratory Ad2- or β-galactosidase-specific CTLs with concomitant long-lived β-galactosidase transgene expression in the lungs. The absence of Ag-specific CTLs was attributed to a deficiency in lymphoid CD11c + CD8 + dendritic cells (DCs) in the lower respiratory lymph nodes (LRLNs). To enable L-Sel −/− CTL activity, cell-sorted L-Sel −/− CD8 + T cells were cocultured with cell-sorted L-Sel +/+ CD8 + or CD8 − DCs or L-Sel −/− CD8 − DCs. Only the CD8 + DCs restored CTL activity; L-Sel −/− CD8 − DCs failed to support L-Sel +/+ CTLs because these remained immature, lacking the ability to express costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, or CD86. Although no lung CD8 + DCs were detected, the DC environment remained suppressive in L-Sel −/− mice evident by the lack of CTL responses following adenoviral challenge with OVA in recipient L-Sel −/− adoptively transferred with OT-1 CD8 + T cells. To assess whether the L-Sel −/− CD8 − DCs could be induced into maturity, microbial stimulation studies were performed showing the failure of L-Sel −/− LRLN to make matured DCs. When L-Sel −/− mice were subjected in vivo to microbial activation before Ad2 vector dosing, CTL activity was restored stimulating the renewed presence of LRLN CD8 + DCs in L-Sel −/− mice. These studies show that impairment of L-Sel −/− DC maturation results in insufficient mature DCs that require microbial activation to restore increases in respiratory CD8 + DCs to support CTL responses.
Partitioned schemes of mapping neural networks onto mesh connected computers

Two new mapping methods for implementing neural networks on parallel mesh-connected processors are given. These are the rectangular region based mapping method and the no zero weight value mapping method. Implementation and performance comparisons with another existing method are carried out. One of these three methods can be used depending on system and problem parameters. >
Integrated biomass and fossil fuel systems towards the production of fuels and chemicals: state of the art approaches and future challenges

Volatility of crude oil prices and dependence of the United States on petroleum imports make the development of alternative refineries inevitable. Recent work has focused on developing and simulating such alternative processes from integrated biomass/natural gas and biomass/coal feedstocks to produce fuels and chemicals. These process simulations provide invaluable information on the performance and capability of the specific process alternative considered. However, the development of many alternative technologies, along with multiple feedstock and product possibilities, made the superstructure based optimization methods the natural approaches to be pursued. These process superstructures can be efficiently optimized to provide insights into topological, economic, and environmental trade-offs by simultaneously weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative. Despite the development of these powerful tools, several outstanding challenges need to be systematically addressed. These challenges include the implementation of different conversion technologies and feedstock types, investigating the production of a superset of fuels and chemicals, systematically addressing price uncertainties for robust refinery designs, and synthesizing a supply network optimization to potentially displace the petroleum demand. This perspective article reviews the current work on integrated biomass/natural gas and biomass/coal refineries, highlights the major advances in these fields, and discusses future directions.
Automorphisms of rational maps

Let f(z) be a rational map, Aut(f) the finite group of Mobius transformations commuting with f. We study the question: when can two kinds of more flexible automorphisms of the dynamics of f be realized in Aut(g) for some deformation g of f?
Homicide Arrest Clearances: A Review of the Literature

This is a review of the research literature on homicide arrest clearances or homicides for which no offender is arrested. The article describes the decline in the percent of homicides resulting in arrests and charges from over 90 pecent in 1960 to 61 percent in 2006. Research is reviewed on the reasons for the lack of public attention and concern and the low homicide clearance rates in the USA in comparison with other countries. Research on the extent to which homicides are uncleared because they involve low-status persons and those economically disadvantaged is compared with research suggesting that it is the characteristics of the homicide event that make clearance difficult. It seems that such factors as age, gender, and race/ethnicity play a role in whether the homicide is cleared by arrest. Characteristics of homicides that increase clearances include occurrence in private residences, domestic homicides, and homicide with weapons other than firearms. Research on what police can do to increase clearances is examined. Suggestions on how to increase access to information on how homicide investigations are carried out are also discussed.
Dermal Toxicity of 8-Methoxypsoralen Administered (by Gavage) To Hairless Mice Irradiated With Long-Wave Ultraviolet Light

Hairless mice were administered various amounts of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) by gavage, followed by irradiation with ultraviolet light (UVA) two or more times per week for periods ranging from 1 to 12 months. The minimum phototoxic dose was 20 mg/kg body weight by this route of administration and potential for serious organ toxicity in long-term exposures was investigated. No histologic features of cutaneous malignancy were encountered under test conditions which produced prolonged phototoxicity, deep ulceration, cicatrization, and other deformities. Repeated daily gavaged doses of 20 mg psoralen/kg body weight in conjunction with twice weekly irradiation for 10 min with UVA elicited an erythematous phototoxic reaction, but did not give rise to subsequent skin lesions. 8-MOP in repeated daily gavage doses of 30 mg and 40 mg/kg body weight combined with twice weekly UVA irradiation for 10 min caused severe burning with subsequent scarring, but did not induce malignant tumors in experiments lasting lasting 8 months. No organ toxicity was seen except for toxic liver changes when severe cutaneous burn and pronounced ulcerations were produced. Limited immunologic studies disclosed no abnormalities in this system.
The reaction 19F(d, pγ)20F

Abstract With a deuteron energy of 0.47 MeV, proton- and gamma-ray spectra and gamma-gamma and proton-gamma coincidences in 19 F(d, pγ) 20 F have been studied. A decay scheme for excited levels up to 3.5 MeV has been deduced. Proton-gamma directional correlations through some of the low-lying levels have been measured and have been analysed in terms of the distorted-wave theory of direct interactions. The results are consistent with the former assignment of J = 1 + for the 1.06 MeV level, and permit a new assignment of J = 2 + to be made for the 1.31 MeV level. For the first-excited level at 0.65 MeV, relations between the spin and the quadrupole-dipole mixing ratio have been found.
Speciation of Arsenic Animal Feed Additives by Microbore High-performance Liquid Chromatography with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Phenylarsonic compounds have been used as poultry and swine feed additives for the purpose of growth promotion and disease prevention. Owing to the lack of suitable analytical methods, however, knowledge of their metabolism, environmental fate and impact remains incomplete. In order to compensate for this, analytical procedures were developed that allow the speciation of arsenic animal feed additives by using microbore high-performance liquid chromatography (µHPLC) coupled on-line with ICP-MS. More specifically, reversed-phase (RP) chromatographic methods were optimised to achieve the separation of various phenylarsonic acids from each other and from the more toxic inorganic arsenic compounds. This mode of chromatography, however, exhibits limitations, especially in the presence of naturally occurring organoarsenic compounds. The application of RP ion-pairing chromatography eliminates such shortcomings by minimising the co-elution of arsenic species. In general, the µHPLC–ICP-MS methods developed in this study provide high selectivity, extremely good sensitivity, low limits of detection (low-ppb or sub-pg amounts of As), require small sample volumes (<1 µl), minimise waste and operate most efficiently under low mobile-phase flow rates (15–40 µl min–1), which are compatible for use with other types of mass spectrometers, e.g., electrospray. Reference materials containing naturally occurring arsenic compounds were spiked with phenylarsonic compounds and then analysed by using the procedures developed in this study.
The limitations of thoracic endovascular aortic repair in altering the natural history of blunt aortic injury

Background Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is accepted treatment for blunt aortic injury (BAI). We hypothesized that immediate TEVAR would reduce deaths from aortic rupture in patients with BAI. Methods Review of 81 patients with BAI who arrived alive at a level I trauma center over a 10-year period. Results Twenty-three patients (28%) died within 4 hours of admission, including 12 who died of aortic rupture. Fifty-eight patients (72%) survived beyond 4 hours, and 8 (14%) ultimately died of associated injuries. Forty patients (69%) underwent aortic repair (30 open repair, 10 TEVAR), and 2 died of multisystem organ failure (MSOF). Comparing open repair to TEVAR, there were no differences in the length of hospital stay (33 ± 27 vs 33 ± 31 days), operative complications (77% vs 70%), or mortality (7% vs 0). Ten patients (17%) with minimal BAI were treated with beta blockade and observation; 4 have not healed their aortic injuries and 6 have been lost to follow-up. Thirty-three of the original 81 study patients (41%) ultimately died. Compared with the patients who died, the survivors were younger (37 vs 48 years; P = .01) and less likely to develop aortic rupture (0 vs 12; P P P P P P = .02), and a higher prevalence of aortic repair (79% vs 6%; P Conclusion Mortality remains high for patients with BAI, but most patients who arrive alive at the hospital do not experience aortic rupture. Rupture occurs within the first 4 hours of admission, often before the injury is recognized in time for salvage with immediate TEVAR. The decision to repair BAI was based on the extent of associated injuries and on the individual surgeon's judgment. Survival was not influenced by the timing of repair, but further studies are needed to compare the outcome of open repair vs TEVAR in patients who survive beyond 4 hours.
CATALYTIC CONVERSION OF METHANOL TO LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT OLEFINS

Abstract Methanol is converted by use of an ion exchanged Chabazite catalyst to ethylene, propylene and propane with yields of 35, 30 and 25%respectively. The presence of water in the feed increases the selectivity towards ethylene. An increase in pressure from one to 27 atmospheres decreases the yield of ethylene while increasing the yields of propylene and propane. Carbon disulfide in the feed at 6000 ppm changes the character of the catalyst from an olefin producing catalyst to a dehydrogenation catalyst. Carbon disulfide in the feed at 2000 ppm, increases the life of the catalyst in producing olefins. Dimethyl ether accelerates the deactivation process in conversion to olefins. The use of a chabazite catalyst as described herein offers an attractive alternative route for producing olefins from coal based methanol.
Plant gene expression profiling with DNA microarrays

Abstract Researchers in this age face revolutionary challenges in the pursuit of biological questions. The availability of vast amounts of genome sequence information has dramatically altered both the experimental scale and strategies for conducting research. Experimental designs allowing high through-put screening, measurement and cross-referencing will benefit the most from this treasure of sequence data. The microarray is one of the technologies permitting simultaneous interrogation of complex nucleic acid mixtures. The genome-wide examination of gene expression with this technology has provided transcript profiles of numerous biological samples. When coupled with a microarray expression database and data analysis and viewing tools, these data can serve as a foundation for proposing hypotheses and performing dedicated research. For Arabidopsis thaliana (L. Heynh.), the completion of the genome sequence offers plant biologists rich information for further understanding the growth and development of this model plant. This knowledge will have a clear impact on the strategies chosen to improve other economically important crop plants. This article reviews the DNA microarray technology and its application in the field of plant research. As an example of the kind of meta-analysis that is possible with a large public microarray expression database, we identify genes with very stable expression patterns, suitable as reference or control genes in northern blots, and genes with highly variable expression patterns in 162 Arabidopsis experiments.
Surface melt area variability of the Greenland ice sheet: 1979–2008

The surface melt-area time-series (1979-2008) of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) shows large spatio-temporal variability. The overall melt-area time-series is characterized by a step-like increase in 1995. The melt-area trend for the entire ice-sheet between 1979-1994 is 7.64 × 10 3 ± 4.79 x 10 3 km 2 /year, which is 8-times higher than the period between 1995-2008 (9.64 x 10 2 ± 1.10 × 10 4 km 2 /year). This step-like increase of melt area in 1995 coincides well with mean summer air temperature patterns at 8 coastal sites. We find that the melt area and temperature change in 1995, both coincide to a general sign-reversal in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index in 1995. We also find that the northerly sectors of the ice sheet do not clearly coincide with changes in the NAO suggesting the influence of NAO is being felt predominantly on the central-eastern and central-western sectors of the ice sheet.
Frequency of the no mark leaflet allele in red clover

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is known for trifoliolate leaves with light marks (i.e., variegation) on the leaflets. However, red clover plants without leaf marks occur in some wild and cultivated populations. The no mark (NM) phenotype is due to a homozygous recessive genotype. This study was conducted to evaluate the core collection of red clover for frequency of the recessive allele that imparts the NM phenotype. Ninety-eight seeds from 82 accessions in the core collection and one selected population (Blankleaf, NSL 303023) were planted in individual containers in the greenhouse. Seedlings were evaluated weekly for leaf markings. If a plant had no mark on any of its leaves from emergence to flowering, it was classified as a NM phenotype. We assumed that all evaluated accessions were diploid and in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for the leaf mark locus. Estimates of gene frequencies for the NM trait ranged from 0.0 for 21 out of the 82 accessions to 0.67 for PI 419294 from Greece. The grand mean was 0.20. Our data indicated the recessive allele was absent or at least extremely rare in about 25% of the accessions. Assuming the core collection represents the genetic variability in the species, our data provide a basis for designing additional studies to determine if natural andlor artificial selection are responsible for variation among populations for this conspicuous feature of red clover.
Effect of the component parts of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⊕) as inhibitors of lactic dehydrogenase

Kinetic experiments were used to determine the Km value for NAD⊖ and the Ki values for the component parts of NAD⊖ functioning as inhibitors of the coenzyme. The inhibitory powers of these substances progressively increased as the structure of the inhibitors more closely resembled that of the complete coenzyme. The increasing degree of inhibition appears to be due to more complete binding at the active site of LDH as the structure of the inhibitor approaches the structure of NAD⊕ and effectively prevents the normal binding of the coenzyme.
Olfactory ensheathing glia express aquaporin 1

Olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) are distinct from other glia in their developmental origin, presence in both the peripheral and central nervous systems, and highly restricted location. OEG are present only in the olfactory lamina propria, olfactory nerve, and the outer two layers of the olfactory bulb, where they envelop bundles of olfactory sensory neuron axons in a manner distinct from myelination. Because of their unique properties and their association with the continually generated olfactory sensory neurons, OEG have attracted interest for their potential capacity to support axonal regeneration, for example, after spinal cord injury. However, study of the properties and function of OEG has been hampered by a paucity of neurochemical markers with which to identify and distinguish them definitively from other types of glia. Here we provide evidence through anatomical colocalization studies that OEG express the water channel aquaporin 1 (AQP1), both in vivo and in vitro. We propose that AQP1 expression represents an important distinguishing characteristic of OEG, which may impart unique function to these glia.
Bile, prolactin, and the maternal pheromone

When bile from females that had been lactating for 21 days was injected into the cecum of male rats it induced release of a maternal pheromone. Males injected with bile drawn from females in which prolactin had been inhibited, or from females that had been lactating for only 5 days, did not emit the pheromone. These data suggest a sex difference in the way prolactin alters the composition of bile so that the female can emit the maternal pheromone while the male normally cannot.
How Kaiser Permanente Uses Video Ethnography Of Patients For Quality Improvement, Such As In Shaping Better Care Transitions

Keeping patients and caregivers at the center of quality improvement is critical. Kaiser Permanente’s Care Management Institute adapted video ethnography to achieve this aim, using video to capture interviews with—and observations of—patients and caregivers, identify patient-centered improvement opportunities, and communicate them effectively to clinical and administrative leaders and front-line staff. This method is particularly effective for helping understand the needs of frail elders, patients nearing the end of life, those with multiple chronic conditions, and other vulnerable people who are not well represented in focus groups and patient advisory councils. As part of an initiative to improve care transitions for elders with heart failure, video ethnography contributed to greatly reduced thirty-day hospital readmission rates, helping reduce readmissions at one medical center from 13.6 percent to 9 percent in six months. It also helped improve the reliability of the readmissions reduction program. Wh...
Infarct vessel status after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and acute coronary angioplasty: prediction of clinical outcome.

To determine the risk of arterial reocclusion or recurrent ischemia after acute intervention in myocardial infarction, we analyzed the results of coronary arteriography performed acutely and at 1 week in 50 consecutive patients who received acute intervention. Successful recanalization of the infarct vessel was achieved in 46 (92%) patients after therapy with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, percutaneous coronary angioplasty, or both. Follow-up angiography in 44 showed early reocclusion in 10 patients (23%). Intermittent patency during acute arteriography was always associated with reocclusion; suboptimal (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] class 2) flow was associated with a 50% rate of reocclusion. Although residual stenosis of >50% alone was not predictive of rethrombosis, 90% of all reocclusions were associated with either stenosis >50%, TIMI 2 flow, or intermittent patency. Absence of these angiographic risk factors predicted a 95% patency rate at follow-up. In-hospital cardiac complications occurred in 17 of 23 (74%) patients with residual stenosis of >50% (death in four, ischemia in 13), and late revascularization was required in 53% of survivors. Only 15% of the group with <50% stenosis had an in-hospital ischemic event (p < 0.001). Thus, after acute intervention, an infarct vessel with intermittent patency or suboptimal flow is associated with a high rate of reocclusion. Residual stenosis ≥50% appears to predict a high incidence of negative in-hospital clinical outcomes and the need for subsequent revascularization.
Clinicopathologic conference: neurologic dysfunction in a premature infant.

deviation of both eyes, absent oculocephalic responses, marked bifacial weakness, absent corneal reflexes, and bilateral tongue atrophy, as well as persistence of the previously noted hypertonia. Laboratory evaluation included normal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Sequential electroencephalogram examinations were appropriate for age, except for 1 study that showed a less mature pattern than expected. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies were normal. Ophthalmologic examination showed immature retina in zone 2 and exotropia. Brainstemevoked potentials performed between 11 and 12 weeks showed no transmission through the brainstem. Karyotype was normal female (46,XX). Because of the striking impairment in brainstem function, the diagnosis of Mobius syndrome was considered. The infant’s condition did not improve during a 3-month period. The neurologic condition was considered fatal regardless of underlying cause, and, after consultation with the infant’s parents, life support was withdrawn. The infant died at approximately 3 months of age. An unrestricted postmortem examination was performed.
Inverter using loosely coupled inductors for wireless power transfer

This paper introduces the integration of Class DE inverter with loosely coupled inductors for near-field wireless power transfer (WPT) applications. The benefits of using Class DE inverter in the inverter stage of the WPT system are the low transistor voltage stress and zero-voltage switching (ZVS) of the transistors. The step-by-step integration of circuits using Class DE inverter, tuned loosely coupled planar inductors, and the rectifier are given. The planar inductors are embedded into furniture-like wooden structures to simulate real-world applications. A detailed procedure to design a Class DE inverter-based WPT system using loosely coupled inductors is given. The design is illustrated with an example for low power application. Simulation and experimental results are given for the Class DE inverter operating at 300 kHz.
Receptor-like Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase α Specifically Inhibits Insulin-increased Prolactin Gene Expression

Abstract A physiologically relevant response to insulin, stimulation of prolactin promoter activity in GH4 pituitary cells, was used as an assay to study the specificity of protein-tyrosine phosphatase function. Receptor-like protein-tyrosine phosphatase α (RPTPα) blocks the effect of insulin to increase prolactin gene expression but potentiates the effects of epidermal growth factor and cAMP on prolactin promoter activity. RPTPα was the only protein-tyrosine phosphatase tested that did this. Thus, the effect of RPTPα on prolactin-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) promoter activity is specific by two criteria. A number of potential RPTPα targets were ruled out by finding (a) that they are not affected or (b) that they are not on the pathway to insulin-increased prolactin-CAT activity. The negative effect of RPTPα on insulin activation of the prolactin promoter is not due to reduced phosphorylation or kinase activity of the insulin receptor or to reduced phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 or Shc. Inhibitor studies suggest that insulin-increased prolactin gene expression is mediated by a Ras-like GTPase but is not mitogen-activated protein kinase dependent. Experiments with inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase suggest that insulin-increased prolactin-CAT expression is phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-independent. These results suggest that RPTPα may be a physiological regulator of insulin action.
Production and characterization of antibodies against C-terminal peptide of protein F1: A novel phosphorylation at serine 209 of the peptide by protein kinase C

Protein F1 (GAP-43, B-50, neuromodulin, P-57), a neural tissue-specific phosphoprotein enriched in the growth cones of elongating neurites, is suggested to be involved in synaptic plasticity, neuronal development, and neurotransmitter release. In this study, a 21 amino acid polypeptide (AKPKES*ARQDEGKEDPEADQE) that corresponds to the C-terminus sequence of protein F1 (from position 204–224) was synthesized and used to produce anti-protein F1 antibodies. Immunoblot analysis has demonstrated that the prepared antibodies recognized intact protein F1. Protein F1 and the synthesized F1 peptide were phosphorylated in vitro by PKC. Furthermore, phosphorylated protein F1 was immunoprecipitated by anti-F1 peptide antibodies demonstrating that these antibodies recognized both native, non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated protein. The anti-protein F1 antibodies also stained the plasma membranes of cell bodies and neurities of mouse neuronal cultures obtained from 14-day old spinal embryonic tissue. By contrast, no glial cells were stained. These data suggest that serine 209 at the C-terminus of protein F1 may be a substrate for PKC phosphorylation in vivo. In addition, antibodies raised against F1 peptide revealed protein F1 immunoreactivity that outlined all neurites of cultured mouse spinal neurons.
Large-scale Transport Phenomena in the Keweenaw Region of Lake Superior: the Ontonagon Plume and the Keweenaw Eddy

Large-scale transport phenomena in the Keweenaw region of Lake Superior are examined using multi-sensor satellite remote sensing. Satellite-based estimates of chlorophyll a (COC2) and total suspended matter (TSMSAT) concentrations are obtained from Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) imagery, while lake surface temperatures (LST) are obtained from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) imagery. Analysis of 2 years of temperature, chlorophyll, and sediment maps reveal several potentially important features in central Lake Superior. SeaWiFS TSMSAT images indicate the presence of an offshore sediment plume originating near Ontonagon, Michigan that was observed on multiple occasions in March, April, and May of both years. Plume materials were observed northeast-ward of Ontonagon at distances of 80–100 km offshore, although reversals in the pattern were observed. During summer months, the Keweenaw current culminated in a clockwise rotating eddy east of the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Keweenaw eddy, identified in both AVHRR LST and SeaWiFS COC2 maps, was 50–75 km in diameter, and it changed shape and location during July, August, and September of both years. In August and September 1999, warm waters originating near the southern shore of Isle Royale and in central Lake Superior extended in a southeasterly direction toward the tip of the Keweenaw and were subsequently entrained in the Keweenaw eddy. The physical mechanisms that create the eddy and its potential biological significance for lower trophic food web interactions are not understood at this time.
Back to the future: embodied classroom simulations of animal foraging

This paper describes the design and pilot enactment of an instructional unit for elementary school students, Hunger Games, which centers on development of learner understandings of animal foraging behavior. Inspired by traditional teaching practices employing physical simulations, within the unit students engage in an embodied enactment of foraging using stuffed animals (with embedded RFID tags) as tangible avatars to represent their foraging among food patches (with camouflaged RFID readers) distributed around a classroom. Displays situated near the food patches provide students with information regarding the energy gain as the forage in the environment. A two-period pilot enactment of the unit demonstrated the feasibility of the design for classroom use, evidenced the development of affective relationships between learners and avatars, and afforded the emergence of unanticipated behaviors that promoted new questions about the science phenomena. The results suggest provisional support for the effectiveness of the unit as a science learning environment.
Myospryn Is a Direct Transcriptional Target for MEF2A That Encodes a Striated Muscle, α-Actinin-interacting, Costamere-localized Protein

The full repertoire of proteins that comprise the striated muscle Z-disc and peripheral structures, such as the costamere, have yet to be discovered. Recent studies suggest that this elaborate protein network, which acts as a structural and signaling center for striated muscle, harbors factors that function as mechanosensors to ensure coordinated contractile activity. Mutations in genes whose products reside in this region often result in skeletal and cardio myopathies, demonstrating the importance of this macromolecular complex in muscle structure and function. Here, we describe the characterization of a direct, downstream target gene for the MEF2A transcription factor encoding a large, muscle-specific protein that localizes to the costamere in striated muscle. This gene, called myospryn, was identified by microarray analysis as a transcript down-regulated in MEF2A knock-out mice. MEF2A knock-out mice develop cardiac failure during the perinatal period with mutant hearts exhibiting several cardiac abnormalities including myofibrillar disarray. Myospryn is the mouse ortholog of a partial human cDNA of unknown function named cardiomyopathy-associated gene 5 (CMYA5). Myospryn is expressed as a single, large transcript of ∼12 kilobases in adult heart and skeletal muscle with an open reading frame of 3739 amino acids. This protein, belonging to the tripartite motif superfamily of proteins, contains a B-box coiled-coil (BBC), two fibronectin type III (FN3) repeats, and SPRY domains and interacts with the sarcomeric Z-disc protein, α-actinin-2. Our findings demonstrate that myospryn functions directly downstream of MEF2A at the costamere in striated muscle potentially playing a role in myofibrillogenesis.
The purity of the Frobenius and local cohomology

rZ ring homomorphism (all rings are commutative, with identity, and homomorphisms preserve the identity) R --f S is called pure if for every R-module M, M ---f M RR S via m -+ m @ 1 is injective. Quite generally, if I is a homogeneous ideal of a graded ring R and rad(1) = rad((fo ,..., fi2)R), where f0 ,...,fn are forms of R, then the local cohomology modules H,i(R) can be expressed as direct limits of Koszul cohomology:
3D Formation Flight Using Differential Carrier-Phase GPS Sensors

: This paper describes research on three-dimensional (3D) formation flight using carrier-differential GPS sensors. Although absolute position at the centimeter level is generally not possible in real time, relative position between vehicles within the formation can be obtained at these levels of accuracy using carrier-phase differencing. However, several challenges, including solving for the integer biases, must be met before these measurements can be used in the formation state estimation. A method for generating a formation maneuver to rapidly solve for these biases is presented. A new testbed has been developed to better understand the problems associated with 3D formation flight. This testbed currently consists of two lighter-than-air vehicles (blimps) that operate in an indoor GPS laboratory. Operating indoors has several advantages, but also presents some significant challenges. A description of both the indoor environment and the GPS receiver developed for this application is given. Finally, experimental results are presented for a single blimp performing a large-scale autonomous flight and landing maneuvers. Data is also presented for the two-vehicle formation performing several maneuvers.
The Persistence of Preschool Effects: Do Subsequent Classroom Experiences Matter

Using rich longitudinal data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten cohort (ECLS-K), we find that children who attended preschool enter public schools with higher levels of academic skills than their peers who experienced other types of child care (effect size of. 14). This study considers the circumstances under which the preschool advantage persists, that is, the types of classrooms in which students who did not attend preschool ?catch up? to their counterparts who did. Specifically, we focus on two dimensions of the early school environment—class size and the level of academic instruction provided. The findings suggest that most of the preschool-related gap in academic skills at school entry is quickly eliminated for children placed in small classrooms and classrooms providing high levels of reading instruction. Conversely, the initial disparities persist for children experiencing large classes and lower levels of reading instruction. These results point out that the longer-term effects of early childhood experience partly depend on classroom experiences during at least the first years of school.
Behavioral self-control procedures for Disorders of Initiating and Maintaining Sleep (DIMS)

Abstract Behavioral self-control procedures have been demonstrated to be efficacious for certain types of Disorders of Initiating and Maintaining Sleep (DIMS). Controlled experiments have shown progressive relaxation, biofeedback-assisted relaxation, and stimulus control to be effective. Paradoxical intention produces benefit for some insomniacs, but is less reliable than the other procedures. The present review defines each procedure, describes the treatment plan for each, and reviews the evidence for efficacy. Future research will focus on refining the diagnostic process. It will include EEG assessment and a test of the efficacy of self-control procedures with secondary DIMS disorders associated with the side effects of chemotherapy for cancer, chronic pain, and the concomitant effects of aging.
An Independent Central Bank and an Independent Monetary Policy: The Role of the Government Budget—The Case of Poland 1924–26

Poland's 1924 stabilization plan created, as measured by contemporary criteria, an independent central bank. The stabilization's success was undermined by a fiscal disequilibrium when a capital levy failed to raise revenue. The Polish government covered the revenue shortfall by exploiting the right of the state to issue subsidiary coins. Although central bank independence was not compromised, Poland did not have an independent monetary policy. When the fiscal disequilibrium was corrected in 1926, the central bank gained complete control over monetary policy. Thus, a balanced budget may be more important to achieving price stability than arrangements to foster central bank independence.
Finite element simulation (FES): A computer modeling technique for studies of chemical modification of the ionosphere

Abstract A numerical modeling code for ionospheric modification experiments has been developed using finite element simulation (FES) techniques. The FES approach to multi-component diffusion and chemistry is described in the context of chemical release “active experiments” in the F-region ionosphere. Comparisons of simulation results matched to cases for which analytical solutions exist, as well as with actual experimental observations, point to a successful and versatile capability for predicting and interpreting chemical induced ionospheric modifications.
Nickel chloride-induced metabolic changes in the rat and guinea pig.

This study was undertaken to explore the toxic effects of nickel chloride (NiCl2) on body metabolism and to elucidate the mechanism of action involved. Nickel chloride was given by various routes: intraperitoneal (8 mg Ni/kg), intratracheal (1 mg Ni), and by long-term ingestion (drinking water, 225 ppm). In addition, an intragastric [14C]glucose load (600 mg) was also given to some of the intratracheally injected animals. The following parameters were measured in the serum to assess the effect of Ni on metabolism: total 14C radioactivity, glucose, insulin, total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Liver glycogen and glucose-6-phosphatase activity was measured to determine glucose turnover in the liver. 63Ni tissue distribution and excretion of 63Ni, calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, and glucose were also measured as a determination of metal and carbohydrate metabolism, A single intraperitoneal or intratracheal injection of Ni to rats caused a rapid transient increase in serum glucose, but a decrease in serum insulin and glucosuria. When exogenous insulin was given at the same time as the nickel challenge, the elevation of serum glucose was prevented. Glucose turnover studies indicated that the mechanism of action of nickel appears to be in the inhibition of insulin release. This inhibition of insulin release could be related to the extremely high concentration of nickel found in the pituitary and the effect of nickel on the secretion of the pituitary hormones (GH and ACTH).
Droughts of the Late 1980s in the United States as Derived from NOAA Polar-Orbiting Satellite Data

Abstract Drought is one of the most adverse and powerful weather-related disasters that occur every year across a portion of the United States. The consequences of droughts quite often can be devastating. To mitigate these consequences, droughts require careful monitoring. Recently, NOAA's National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service developed a new Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer-based vegetation condition index (VCI) that showed good results when it was used for drought detection and tracking. The VCI is a vegetation index with reduced noise and is adjusted for land climate, ecology, and weather conditions. This index provides a quantitative estimate of weather impact on vegetation and also measures vegetation conditions. Several large-area experiments showed that the VCI had excellent ability to detect drought and to measure the time of its onset and its intensity, duration, and impact on vegetation. The VCI provides accurate drought information not only for the cases with wel...
Vascular anatomy, pathophysiology, and classification of vascular malformations of the spinal cord

Abstract The vascular anatomy of the spinal cord is reviewed. This serves as a basis not only to understand the pathophysiology of spinal cord vascular malformations but also to logically classify these lesions. Imaging studies required to identify and categorize these vascular malformations are also described.