cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transport by Time Dependent Stationary Flow

We consider transport properties for Gaussian, stationary, divergence free, random velocity fields in ℝ2, which are Markov in time. We prove the existence of effective diffusivity. We also obtain its full asymptotics in the case of short time correlations, on a fully rigorous level. The main regularity assumption is that almost every realization of the random velocity field should be continuous in space and time, and Lipschitz continuous in space.
Searches for solar-influenced radioactive decay anomalies using spacecraft RTGs

Abstract Experiments showing a seasonal variation of the nuclear decay rates of a number of different nuclei, and decay anomalies apparently related to solar flares and solar rotation, have suggested that the Sun may somehow be influencing nuclear decay processes. Recently, Cooper searched for such an effect in 238Pu nuclei contained in the radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) on board the Cassini spacecraft. In this paper we modify and extend Cooper’s analysis to obtain constraints on anomalous decays of 238Pu over a wider range of models, but these limits cannot be applied to other nuclei if the anomaly is composition-dependent. We also show that it may require very high sensitivity for terrestrial experiments to discriminate among some models if such a decay anomaly exists, motivating the consideration of future spacecraft experiments which would require less precision.
G4-forming Sequences in the Non-transcribed DNA Strand Pose Blocks to T7 RNA Polymerase and Mammalian RNA Polymerase II

DNA sequences rich in runs of guanine have the potential to form G4 DNA, a four-stranded non-canonical DNA structure stabilized by formation and stacking of G quartets, planar arrays of four hydrogen-bonded guanines. It was reported recently that G4 DNA can be generated in Escherichia coli during transcription of plasmids containing G-rich sequences in the non-transcribed strand. In addition, a stable RNA/DNA hybrid is formed with the transcribed strand. These novel structures, termed G loops, are suppressed in recQ+ strains, suggesting that their persistence may generate genomic instability and that the RecQ helicase may be involved in their dissolution. However, little is known about how such non-canonical DNA structures are processed when encountered by an elongating polymerase. To assess whether G4-forming sequences interfere with transcription, we studied their effect on transcription elongation by T7 RNA polymerase and mammalian RNA polymerase II. We used a reconstituted transcription system in vitro with purified polymerase and initiation factors and with substrates containing G-rich sequences in either the transcribed or non-transcribed strand downstream of the T7 promoter or the adenovirus major late promoter. We report that G-rich sequences located in the transcribed strand do not affect transcription by either polymerase, but when the sequences are located in the non-transcribed strand, they partially arrest both polymerases. The efficiency of arrest increases with negative supercoiling and also with multiple rounds of transcription compared with single events.
The Use of Seedbed Modifications and Wood Chips to Accelerate Restoration of Well Pad Sites in Western Colorado, U.S.A.

Abstract Semiarid ecosystems of Western North America are expe-riencing a boom in natural gas development. However,these systems are slow to recover from the disturbancescreated. The purpose of this study was to develop improvedrestoration techniques on natural gas well pads in West-ern Colorado. This study examined effects and interac-tions of seedbed modiﬁcations, soil amendments, seed mix-tures, and seeding methods. The experiment was conductedin pinyon-juniper and semidesert shrub plant communi-ties on ﬁve natural gas well pads beginning in 2006. Soiland plant cover data were collected to assess the effec-tiveness of 16 different treatment combinations. After twogrowing seasons, we found that patches of soil salinity( > 4 dS/m) reduced plant cover to less than 20% on 55 ofour 240 experimental plots. These patches of salinity, suchas where reserve pits were buried, may need to be treatedto completely restore cover on the total gas pad area,although causes of salinity patches needs further investi-gation. After removing the 55 saline plots from our dataanalyses, we found that wood chips (WC) as a soil amend-ment increased organic matter content and reduced non-native species. Rough seedbed modiﬁcations increased theestablishment of native species, especially during years ofbelow average precipitation. Island broadcasting resultedin an increase of noxious plant cover during the secondgrowing season. From these ﬁndings we recommend thatdisturbed well pads in a similar environment be restored byseeding native species on sites that are amended with WCand physically modiﬁed to create a roughened seedbed.Key words: ecological processes, microcatchments, nativeplants, natural gas, revegetation techniques, soil amend-ments.Introduction
Reaction Kinetics for a Novel Flue Gas Cleaning Technology

This paper studies the kinetics of the reaction between NaClO3, FeSO4, and NaHSO3, which can potentially be used as an alternative to the conventional lime-limestone process for flue gas desulfurization. The key for the establishment of a kinetic model of the reaction is to find a way to determine concentrations of reactants or products during the reaction. The generation rate of Cl - during the reaction was monitored using a Dionex Series 4000i ion chromatograph. Based on the changes of Cl - concentrations at the designed initial reaction conditions, reaction orders for each reactant were derived. The reaction orders were determined to be 1.1 for NaClO3, 1.1 for FeSO4, and 1.4 for NaHSO3. The global rate coefficients of the reaction at temperatures ranging from 40 to 80 °C were determined. Furthermore, the preexponential factor and the activation energy in the empirical Arrhenius form of the reaction were derived from the relationship between temperature and its corresponding observed global rate coefficient.
Organic semiconductors: beyond Moore's Law.

Progress in all-organic electronic circuits has been hampered by the intrinsic low speed of organic devices. The fabrication of a fast organic rectifying diode opens the gate to novel applications.
A Learning Curriculum: Toward Student-Driven Pedagogy in the Context of Adult English for Academic Purposes, English for Specific Purposes, and Workplace English Programs

This article introduces the concept of a learning curriculum that places adult English as a second language (ESL) students' needs in the center and encourages the engagement of ESL learners in curriculum design. The study is based on contemporary research in the field of adult ESL program planning. It summarizes key components of a learning curriculum: holistic needs assessment conducted by and with ESL learners, content-based curriculum, and culture-based education for life and for rights—a curriculum that pushes boundaries and inspires ESL educators to acquire challenging new roles. In her conclusion, the author offers some practical advice and ideas about the implementation of a learning curriculum in adult ESL settings.
Electron-phonon coupling in A3C60: Contributions from intermolecular modes

An accurate tight-binding fit to the full valence-conduction band region in K3C60 is used to generate deformation potentials for several phonon modes, including the optic intermolecular vibrations and librations that have not been investigated previously. The resulting electron-phonon coupling constants indicate coupling that is likely to be crucial in understanding electronic transport in the fullerides, and will provide contributions to superconducting pairing. Results for the intramolecularA g (2) “pentagonal pinch” mode suggests nonadiabatic behavior for this (and possibly other) very high frequency modes.
Characterization of residual stresses in ferrous components by magnetic anisotropy measurements using a hall effect sensor array probe

A new surface sensor probe comprising an angular array of Hall effect sensors has been developed for characterization of residual stresses in ferrous materials by means of stress‐induced magnetic anisotropy measurements. The sensor probe applies a radially spreading ac magnetic field to a test sample, and detects stray fields in different directions simultaneously to determine the principal stress axes. In situ measurements were conducted on a annealed steel plate under four‐point bending stresses to evaluate the probe performance. The ratio of stray field signals measured along and perpendicular to the stress axis varies linearly with the surface stress, indicating the possibility of characterizing residual stresses in ferrous components using the sensor array probe.
Sedimentation disrupts natural regeneration of Zannichellia palustris in Fall River, California

Abstract Aquatic plants growing in flowing waters frequently inhabit dynamic substrates, subject to erosion or sediment deposition. Rooted macrophytes have disappeared from the upper portions of Fall River, CA where from 0.6 to 1.2 m of sandy sediments have accumulated. We assessed the abundance of Zannichellia palustris L. seeds in the seed bank, and performed experiments to determine the effect of sediment accumulation on germination and emergence of Z. palustris seedlings. In 1996 and 1997, sediment cores were collected from the upper 15 km of Fall River. Cores were placed in a greenhouse and germination monitored for the next 30–40 days. Viable germinating Z. palustris seeds were present in 67% of the cores collected in 1996. Z. palustris seed density was 1219 seeds m −2 on average and ranged from 0 to 5920 seeds m −2 . Seed abundance did not differ between the upper ( 11 cm) of cores collected in 1996 or 1997. We conducted four experiments in which Z. palustris seeds and natural sediments containing Z. palustris seeds were buried at various depths under sand. Burial by more than 2 cm of sand inhibited germination and emergence. The implication is that significant sediment accumulation may disrupt natural annual regeneration of Z. palustris from seeds, although a viable seed bank is maintained for several years.
Pulmonary complications of amiodarone toxicity.

A MIODARONE HYDROCHLORIDE, a benzofurone derivative, has been used since 1969 for the control of cardiac arrhythmias in the United States. It appears to be uniquely effective for some patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias. Although serum levels in the range of 1.0 to 2.5 pg/mL have been considered therapeutic,’ amiodarone concentrations in tissues such as fat, skin, and lung may be many times greater. A variety of side effects have been noted following use of this drug, including corneal microdeposits, alteration of thyroid function, dermatitis, pseudocyanotic skin discoloration, hepatic dysfunction, proximal muscle weakness, and peripheral neuropathy. Pulmonary complications were not appreciated until 1980, when the first report of suspected pulmonary toxicity appeared.2 Since then there have been a number of articles describing pulmonary toxicity due to this agent in Europe and the United States. The magnitude of the problem of pulmonary toxicity is difficult to determine. The literature is primarily one of case reports and the criteria used to make the clinical diagnosis of amiodarone pulmonary toxicity are imprecise and inconstant. There is no hallmark of this complication short of pulmonary histology, and lung biopsy has not been performed routinely. Patients receiving amiodarone commonly have a history of clinical conditions, including congestive heart failure, which may be difficult to distinguish from amiodarone lung toxicity. Furthermore, alterations in pulmonary function may occur in some amiodarone treated patients without other clinical manifestations of pulmonary toxicity. All of these factors make it difficult to estimate the incidence of clinically significant amiodarone pulmonary toxicity. Key features that should be used in defining this entity in future studies include: (1) biopsy evidence of alveolitis, (2) diffuse pulmonary infiltrates or infiltrates involving the upper lung zones, (?) dyspnea and cough, (4) exclusion of other conditions likely to produce the clinical picture including congestive heart failure, infection, and collagen vascular disease, and (5) improvement after stopping or decreasing the dose of amiodarone. With these provisos in mind, the best estimate of the incidence of clinically significant amiodarone pulmonary toxicity in the United States is 5% to 15%.3-‘2 It should be noted, however, that autopsy studies suggest this condition may be underdiagnosed.
Classes of analytic functions subordinate to convex functions and extreme points

In this paper we prove two sufficient conditions for an analytic function f to be an extreme point of the set of functions subordinate to a given convex mapping F when the image of the unit disk under F is a convex domain other than a half-plane, a strip or an infinite wedge.
Customer incivility as a social stressor: The role of race and racial identity for service employees.

Experiencing frequent incivility from customers is a noted social stressor linked with job burnout. Race (as a surface-level characteristic and as a deep-level identity) is proposed to explain emotional exhaustion, the primary burnout dimension, for service employees. The authors did not find that "microaggressions" were more likely toward racial minorities, nor any difference in job-related exhaustion between racial minority (primarily African American) and nonminority (White) retail employees. However, the centrality of minority employees' racial identity strengthened the association of customer incivility with emotional exhaustion because of increased stress appraisals, consistent with the Group Identity Lens Model. Proposals for future research on workforce racial diversity are made.
Sp1 and Krüppel-like factor family of transcription factors in cell growth regulation and cancer

The Sp/KLF family contains at least twenty identified members which include Sp1-4 and numerous kruppel-like factors. Members of the family bind with varying affinities to sequences designated as ‘Sp1 sites’ (e.g., GC-boxes, CACCC-boxes, and basic transcription elements). Family members have different transcriptional properties and can modulate each other's activity by a variety of mechanisms. Since cells can express multiple family members, Sp/KLF factors are likely to make up a transcriptional network through which gene expression can be fine-tuned. ‘Sp1 site’-dependent transcription can be growth-regulated, and the activity, expression, and/or post-translational modification of multiple family members is altered with cell growth. Furthermore, Sp/KLF factors are involved in many growth-related signal transduction pathways and their overexpression can have positive or negative effects on proliferation. In addition to growth control, Sp/KLF factors have been implicated in apoptosis and angiogenesis; thus, the family is involved in several aspects of tumorigenesis. Consistent with a role in cancer, Sp/KLF factors interact with oncogenes and tumor suppressors, they can be oncogenic themselves, and altered expression of family members has been detected in tumors. Effects of changes in Sp/KLF factors are context-dependent and can appear contradictory. Since these factors act within a network, this diversity of effects may arise from differences in the expression profile of family members in various cells. Thus, it is likely that the properties of the overall network of Sp/KLF factors play a determining role in regulation of cell growth and tumor progression. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Responses to adaptive feedback for software testing

As students learn to program they also learn basic software development methods and techniques, but educators do not often directly assess students' development processes or evaluate their adherence to specific techniques. However, automated grading systems provide opportunities to evaluate students' programming and provide feedback while the student is still in the process of developing. Consequently, automated adaptive feedback may help reinforce effective techniques and processes.This paper describes an adaptive feedback system that uses strategic reinforcement techniques to reward and encourage incremental software testing. By analyzing changes in students' code after they receive the system's reinforcement, we investigated students' responses to the presence and absence of rewards. We found that after receiving rewards, students respond with more test code in their subsequent submission.
Input frequency requirements for identification through Liapunov methods

A theorem is derived which specifies a sufficient number of input frequencies to guarantee identification of an unknown noise free linear plant. Since all of the referenced work relates to sufficient conditions for nulling of the parameter error vector, it is to be expected that various conditions on the system to be identified will have been imposed. It was found that some of these conditions appear to be necessary while others do not. The main contribution is to provide a theorem which considers the effect of unknown parameters in the state equation upon the frequency requirements.
Collaborative Partnerships and the Future of Global Orthopaedics

The body of evidence illustrating the impact of injury and musculoskeletal disease on global health continues to grow. The 2010 Global Burden of Disease study [11] estimated that injury accounted for 11% of disability-adjusted life years globally, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries as a result of road-traffic injuries. There are an estimated 1.2 million deaths and an additional 20 to 50 million nonfatal injuries from road-traffic injuries [14]. Appropriately, the WHO declared 2011 to 2020 a Decade of Action for road traffic safety [8]. This public health effort to promote injury prevention is likely to have an enormous long-term impact. However, while awaiting effective policy and infrastructure changes, orthopaedic surgeons in low- and middle-income countries are managing an overwhelming volume of musculoskeletal injuries with limited resources.
Concerning the Mechanism of Ring-Opening Polymerization by Coordinate Catalysts: The 2D Homonuclear J-Resolved Spectrum of Poly(cyclohexene oxide)

The use of 2D homonuclear J-resolved 1H NMR spectroscopy in the examination of the methine region of poly(cyclohexene oxide) formed by polymerization of cyclohexene oxide employing the Union Carbide calcium−amide−alkoxide catalyst reveals that the majority of the ring opening occurs by backside attack.
Liver Disorders in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Disorders of the hepatobiliary system are relatively common extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These disorders are sometimes due to a shared pathogenesis with IBD as seen in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and small-duct primary sclerosing cholangitis (small-duct PSC). There are also hepatobiliary manifestations such as cholelithiasis and portal vein thrombosis that occur due to the effects of chronic inflammation and the severity of bowel disease. Lastly, medications used in IBD such as sulfasalazine, thiopurines, and methotrexate can adversely affect the liver. It is important to be cognizant of these disorders as some do have serious long-term consequences. The management of these disorders often requires the expertise of multidisciplinary teams to achieve the best outcomes.
Abstract 5251: ASCL1 and RET expression define a clinically relevant subgroup of lung adenocarcinoma characterized by neuroendocrine differentiation

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA ASCL1 is an important regulatory transcription factor in pulmonary neuroendocrine cell development, but its value as a biomarker of neuroendocrine differentiation in lung adenocarcinoma (AD) and as a potential prognostic biomarker remains unclear. We examined ASCL1expression in lung cancer samples of varied histologic subtype, clinical outcome, and smoking status and compared to expression of traditional neuroendocrine markers. ASCL1 mRNA expression was found almost exclusively in smokers with AD, in contrast to non-smokers. ASCL1 protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) correlated best with synaptophysin compared to chromogranin and CD56/NCAM. Analysis of a compendium of 367 microarray-based gene expression profiles in stage I lung adenocarcinomas identified significantly higher expression levels of the RET oncogene in ASCL1 positive tumors (ASCL1+) compared to ASCL1- tumors (q-value < 10 - 9). High levels of RET expression in ASCL1+ but not in ASCL1- tumors was associated with significantly shorter overall survival in stage 1 (p = 0.007) and in all AD (p = 0.037). RET protein expression by IHC had an association with overall survival in the context of ASCL1 expression. In silico gene set analysis and in vitro experiments by ASCL1 shRNA in AD cells with high endogenous expression of ASCL1 and RET implicated ASCL1 as a potential upstream regulator of the RET oncogene. Also, silencing ASCL1 in AD cells markedly reduced cell growth and motility. These results suggest that ASCL1 and RET expression define a clinically relevant subgroup of approximately 10% of AD characterized by neuroendocrine differentiation. Citation Format: Farhad Kosari, Cristiane M. Ida, Marie Christine Aubry, Lin Yang, Irina V. Kovtun, Janet L. Schaefer Klein, Sandra C. Tomaszek, Stephen J. Murphy, Ping Yang, Dennis Wigle, George Vasmatzis. ASCL1 and RET expression define a clinically relevant subgroup of lung adenocarcinoma characterized by neuroendocrine differentiation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5251. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5251
Neural and hormonal control of food hoarding

Many animals hoard food, including humans, but despite its pervasiveness, little is known about the physiological mechanisms underlying this appetitive behavior. We summarize studies of food hoarding in humans and rodents with an emphasis on mechanistic laboratory studies of species where this behavior importantly impacts their energy balance (hamsters), but include laboratory rat studies although their wild counterparts do not hoard food. The photoperiod and cold can affect food hoarding, but food availability is the most significant environmental factor affecting food hoarding. Food-deprived/restricted hamsters and humans exhibit large increases in food hoarding compared with their fed counterparts, both doing so without overeating. Some of the peripheral and central peptides involved in food intake also affect food hoarding, although many have not been tested. Ad libitum-fed hamsters given systemic injections of ghrelin, the peripheral orexigenic hormone that increases with fasting, mimics food deprivation-induced increases in food hoarding. Neuropeptide Y or agouti-related protein, brain peptides stimulated by ghrelin, given centrally to ad libitum-fed hamsters, duplicates the early and prolonged postfood deprivation increases in food hoarding, whereas central melanocortin receptor agonism tends to inhibit food deprivation and ghrelin stimulation of hoarding. Central or peripheral leptin injection or peripheral cholecystokinin-33, known satiety peptides, inhibit food hoarding. Food hoarding markedly increases with pregnancy and lactation. Because fasted and/or obese humans hoard more food in general, and more high-density/high-fat foods specifically, than nonfasted and/or nonobese humans, understanding the mechanisms underlying food hoarding could provide another target for behavioral/pharmacological approaches to curb obesity.
Contralateral intracerebral hemorrhage as a complication of tumor biopsy

The authors report two cases of contralateral intratumoral hemorrhage after tumor biopsy in patients with bilateral glioblastoma multiforme. There was no evidence of systemic hypertension during either procedure. The occurrence of hemorrhage distant to the site of biopsy may be related to some aspect of the surgical procedure and should be recognized as a possible complication of brain tumor biopsy procedures.
Interleukin-6 activates phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, which inhibits apoptosis in human prostate cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND A number of recent studies have identified interleukin (IL)-6 as an important regulator of prostate cancer growth. Here, we investigate the potential interaction of IL-6 with phosphatidylinositol (PI)-3 kinase, a key growth regulatory enzyme, in prostate cancer cell lines. METHODS Tyrosine phosphorylation of p85, the regulatory subunit of PI-3 kinase, in the human prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and PC-3 was assessed by sequential immunoprecipitation with anti-p85 antibody and immunoblotting with anti-phosphotyrosine. The effects of wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI-3 kinase, and/or IL-6 on cell growth were assessed by MTT assays. DNA laddering experiments were performed to assay for programmed cell death. RESULTS Tyrosine phosphorylation of p85 is upregulated by IL-6 in both LNCaP and PC-3. IL-6 promotes coprecipitation of p85 with gp130, the signal-transducing component of the IL-6 receptor. Inhibition of PI-3 kinase with wortmannin induces programmed cell death in PC-3 cells. In contrast, wortmannin has no effect on LNCaP growth when used alone; however, combined with IL-6, wortmannin promotes apoptosis in these cells. CONCLUSIONS PI-3 kinase is involved in IL-6 signal transduction and delivers an antiapoptotic signal in human prostate cancer cell lines.
124Sb spectrum shape

Abstract The beta 124 Sb spectrum above 1.0 MeV was measured with a magnetic spectrometer employing a solid state device as detector. The emphasis was on the detailed shape of the highest energy group. The use of the solid state detector resulted in much lower background and helped in the precise determination of the end point and the shape. Attempts to check on the possible existence of a 1.658 MeV beta group and on the shape of the 1.59 MeV group were also made. The experimental shape of the highest energy group was found to be best fitted with an empirical shape factor Sαq 2 + λ 1 p 2 + D , with D = 16±2. The shape is also fitted very well by S = k (1+ aW + b / W + cW 2 ) with a = −0.250, b = −0.060 and c = 0.041. The end point of this group was found to be 2.305±0.005 MeV, which is somewhat lower than previous determinations. The data suggest the existence of the 1.658 MeV group, or, that if there is no such group, the shape of the 1.59 MeV group differs from the statistical shape.
Brain Branding: When Neuroscience and Commerce Collide

Products that align themselves with basic and clinical neurosciences do well in the market. There are reasons to be wary about such “brain branding” when commercial interests threaten to compromise scientific and clinical values. We describe three concerns. The first, exemplified in drug development and dissemination, is of the insidious effects of blurred boundaries between academia and industry. The second, exemplified by the sale of brain fitness products, is of commerce getting ahead of the motivating science. The third, exemplified by some functional imaging practices, is of the misuse of neuroscience in marketing technology. We propose three reasons for why brain branding appears to work. First is the seductive allure of neuroscience as providing seemingly deeper explanations of complex phenomena. The second is the persuasive power of pictures, which converges with the allure of neuroscience in brain imaging. The third is the context in which many physicians and patients find themselves. The relativ...
Using the Q-learning algorithm in the constructive phase of the GRASP and reactive GRASP metaheuristics

Currently many non-tractable considered problems have been solved satisfactorily through methods of approximate optimization called metaheuristic. These methods use non-deterministic approaches that find good solutions which, however, do not guarantee the determination of the global optimum. The success of a metaheuristic is conditioned by capacity to adequately alternate between exploration and exploitation of the solution space. A way to guide such algorithms while searching for better solutions is supplying them with more knowledge of the solution space (environment of the problem). This can to be made in terms of a mapping of such environment in states and actions using reinforcement learning. This paper proposes the use of a technique of reinforcement learning - Q-learning algorithm - for the constructive phase of GRASP and reactive GRASP metaheuristic. The proposed methods will be applied to the symmetrical traveling salesman problem.
Developmental Models and Early Experience.

This paper attempts to describe links between the transactional or dialectical and the mechanistic models of development and to provide a rationale for why both types are useful. Examples of data sets, deriving principally from the early experience literature, are provided which conform to both, and it is concluded that the applicability of the model for describing behavioral development is strongly influenced by where the individual stands on three empirical dimensions: (1) the relative power of the environments that the individual is exposed to; (2) the plasticity of the individual's behavior; and (3) the deviation of the individual from developmental norms. These factors crucially affect the degree of reciprocity found in organism-environment interactions, and the results suggest that differences between developmental models are reconcilable.
Evidence of foveal splitting in a commissurotomy patient

A bilateral projection of the central fovea, produced by naso-temporal overlap at the retinal vertical meridian, has been proposed as the anatomical basis of macular sparing. To evaluate this claim, a commissurotomy patient was required to compare target figures presented 1 degrees or less from the retinal midline with reference figures presented 2.5 degrees from the midline in the same or opposite visual field. The subject judged whether the target and reference were the same or different. It was found that the subject's fovea was effectively split with respect to the cerebral hemispheres; targets in the same visual field as the reference were readily matched with the reference, but accuracy dropped to chance for targets in the opposite field. Ways of reconciling this data with anatomical evidence of nasotemporal overlap and reports of macular sparing are discussed.
Quantifying spatial differences in metabolism in headwater streams

AbstractStream functioning includes simultaneous interaction among solute transport, nutrient processing, and metabolism. Metabolism is measured with methods that have limited spatial representativeness and are highly uncertain. These problems restrict development of methods for up-scaling biological processes that mediate nutrient processing. We used the resazurin–resorufin (Raz-Rru) tracer system to estimate metabolism at different spatial scales (habitat, subreach, and reach) in 2 headwater streams of the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest (Oregon, USA), and present a mathematical framework for its application. We investigated the relationship between metabolism and hydrodynamics, i.e., geomorphic units (e.g., pool–riffle, pool–cascade), bed materials (i.e., alluvium vs bedrock channels), and type of transient storage (i.e., pure hyporheic exchange, pure surface transient storage, and a combination of both). The metabolic hotspots detected by the Raz-Rru system in both watersheds were related to hydrody...
The role of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) in assessing ovarian reserve.

Context: Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) has been suggested as a marker for the quantity of oocytes remaining within the ovaries (ovarian reserve). It was shown to correlate with antral follicle counts (AFC), outcomes from ovarian stimulation, and onset of menopause. Thus, AMH was previously considered to be the ideal marker of ovarian reserve because it is exclusively produced by granulosa cells and is the only marker that was thought to be stable throughout the menstrual cycle. However, recent studies demonstrate fluctuations in AMH levels during the menstrual cycles, questioning the utility of AMH as a marker of oocyte quantity. Objective: We report the case of a 32-yr-old Gravida 0 woman with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism who presented for fertility treatment with unstable AMH levels. Patient and Methods: The patient's initial FSH and LH levels were both below 1.0 mIU/ml. Estradiol was 28 pg/ml. Her initial AMH and AFC were 0.20 ng/ml and 0, respectively. She underwent three cycles of fertilit...
Gestational hypoxia increases reactive oxygen species and inhibits steroid hormone-mediated upregulation of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel function in uterine arteries.

Gestational hypoxia inhibits steroid hormone–induced upregulation of Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channel activities in uterine arteries. We tested the hypothesis that increased reactive oxygen species play an important role in hypoxia-mediated inhibition of KCa channel activities. Uterine arteries were isolated from nonpregnant (nonpregnant uterine artery) and near-term (≈142–145 day) pregnant (pregnant uterine artery) sheep maintained at either sea level or high altitude (3820 m, Pao2: 60 mm Hg) for 110 days. In pregnant uterine arteries, hypoxia significantly decreased large conductance channel opener NS1619- and small conductance channel opener NS309-induced relaxations, which were partially restored by reactive oxygen species inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC significantly increased large conductance KCa but not small conductance KCa current densities in uterine arterial smooth muscle cells in pregnant animals acclimatized to high altitude. The NAC-sensitive component of small conductance KCa–induced relaxations was diminished in endothelium-denuded arteries. In nonpregnant uterine arteries, NS1619- and NS309-induced relaxations were diminished compared with those in pregnant uterine arteries. Treatment of nonpregnant uterine arteries with 17β-estradiol and progesterone for 48 hours increased small conductance KCa type 3 protein abundance and NS1619- and NS309-induced relaxations, which were inhibited by hypoxia. This hypoxia-mediated inhibition was reversed by NAC. Consistently, steroid hormone treatment had no significant effects on large conductance KCa current density in nonpregnant uterine arteries of hypoxic animals in the absence of NAC but significantly increased it in the presence of NAC. These results suggest an important role of hypoxia-mediated reactive oxygen species in negatively regulating steroid hormone–mediated upregulation of KCa channel activity and adaptation of uterine vascular reactivity in pregnancy, which may contribute to the increased incidence of preeclampsia and fetal intrauterine growth restriction associated with gestational hypoxia.
Supervisory run-to-run control of polysilicon gate etch using in situ ellipsometry

Polysilicon gate etch is a critical manufacturing step in the manufacturing of MOS devices because it determines the tolerance limits on MOS circuit performance. The etch used in the current study suffers from machine aging, which causes processing results to drift with time. Performing the etch for the same time with fixed process setpoints (recipe) for all wafers would produce unsatisfactory results. Thus, an in situ ellipsometer was employed with a new run-to-run supervisory controller, termed predictor corrector control (PCC), to eliminate the impact of machine and process drift. A novel modeling technique was used to predict uniformity from the ellipsometry data collected at a single site on the wafer. Predictive models are employed by the PCC supervisory controller to generate optimal settings (recipe) for every wafer which will achieve a target mean etch rate, while maintaining a spatially uniform etch. A 200 wafer experiment was conducted to demonstrate the benefits of process control. Implementation of PCC resulted in a 36% decrease in standard deviation from target for the mean etch rate. In addition, the data indicates that controlling etch rate may improve the control and uniformity of the line width change. >
Organizational Consolidation in American Protestant Denominations, 1890-1990

The religious sector in the United States is distinctive for the degree to which institutional change occurs not through the birth and death of organizations, but through mergers and schisms occurring among preexisting denominations. In this article we analyze mergers among mainstream Protestant denominations, as a means both to deepen our understanding of the dynamics of denominationalism and to broaden the field of discussion about organizational merger. We argue that patterns of merger in any sector are institutionally embedded: in the religious sector, the interaction of ingrained tradition and historical contingency influences the range of possible merger partners, the perceived advantages to merger and the power of actors that may encourage or discourage merger We pursue this argument using event-history data from denominations in four Protestant families between 1890 and 1990 to test hypotheses about the determinants of merger The analysis shows that merger is influenced by denominational identity (family, racial makeup), organizational characteristics (size, centralization, and membership concentration), and the diffuse influence of the ecumenical movement; many of these effects are time dependent, a result of long-term shifts in the roles of denominational elites.
Real-time communications in a computer-controlled workcell

A computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) system is composed of several workcells, each of which contains robots, numerical-control machines, sensors, and a transport mechanism. The author considers a communication subsystem that is designed to support real-time control and coordination of devices in each CIM cell. The concept of a poll number is proposed to control the access to the intracell bus. The bus access mechanism with the poll number is intended to minimize the probability of real-time messages missing their deadlines. Use of a poll number provides not only for decentralized control of the intracell bus, but also a high degree of flexibility in scheduling messages. The performance of the bus access mechanism with a poll number is analyzed and compared with that of a token bus which is widely used in CIM systems such as MAP (Manufacturing Automation Protocol) networks. The probability of a real-time message missing its deadline in a token bus is found to be much higher than that of the proposed mechanism. >
Cellular metabolism of water-soluble nitroxides: effect on rate of reduction of cell/nitroxide ratio, oxygen concentrations and permeability of nitroxides.

Abstract In order to interpret more accurately studies that have used nitroxides and to improve the efficacy of the use of nitroxides in both basic studies of cells and as contrast agents for in vivo NMR, we have initiated a systematic study of the distribution and metabolism of nitroxides in biological systems. Overall, the results provide a reasonably coherent picture of some aspects of the interactions between nitroxides and cells. Reduction of the nitroxides appears to be an intracellular process, so that one of the principal variables that affects the rate of reduction is the ability of a nitroxide to enter cells. The entrance of nitroxides into cells shows considerable variability and ranges from essentially no penetration (e.g., 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine- N -oxyl-4-trimethylamine) through rates that are comparable to rates of reduction (e.g., 2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine- N -oxyl-3-carboxylic acid), to rates that are so fast that there is complete equilibrium between intracellular and extracellular compartments (e.g., Tempone). The presence of a charged group on the nitroxide appears to be the important variable that affects their ability to enter cells. Once a nitroxides enters the cell, the structure of the nitroxide, e.g., piperidine vs. pyrrolidine ring, is major factor that affects the rate of reduction. The rates of reduction increase with increasing concentrations of nitroxides. This indicates that the principal mechanism(s) of reduction do not saturate in the concentration range we studied. We observed no abrupt changes in the rates of reduction over the entire concentration range of cells and nitroxides that we studied, which suggests that the mechanism(s) of nitroxide reduction did not change. The presence of oxygen decreased the observed rate of reduction of many of the nitroxides and this effect was independent of the concentration of nitroxide.
Boswellic acid induces epigenetic alterations by modulating DNA methylation in colorectal cancer cells

Accumulating evidence suggests that chemopreventive effects of some dietary polyphenols may in part be mediated by their ability to influence epigenetic mechanisms in cancer cells. Boswellic acids, derived from the plant Boswellia serrata, have long been used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases due to their potent anti-inflammatory activities. Recent preclinical studies have also suggested that this compound has anti-cancer potential against various malignancies. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying their anti-cancer effects remain elusive. Herein, we report that boswellic acids modulate DNA methylation status of several tumor suppressor genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. We treated RKO, SW48 and SW480 CRC cell lines with the active principle present in boswellic acids, acetyl-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA). Using genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression microarray analyses, we discovered that AKBA induced a modest genome-wide demethylation that permitted simultaneous re-activation of the corresponding tumor suppressor genes. The quantitative methylation-specific PCR and RT-PCR validated the gene demethylation and re-expression in several putative tumor suppressor genes including SAMD14 and SMPD3. Furthermore, AKBA inhibited DNMT activity in CRC cells. Taken together, these results lend further support to the growing notion that anti-cancer effect of boswellic acids may in part be due to its ability to demethylate and reactivate methylation-silenced tumor suppressor genes. These results suggest that not only boswellic acid might be a promising epigenetic modulator in the chemoprevention and treatment of CRC, but also provide a rationale for future investigations on the usefulness of such botanicals for epigenetic therapy in other human malignancies.
Pyrrhonism in Anthropological and Historical Research

Scepticism has fairly consistently had a bad press from those in a position of authority. The usual reasons for its disrepute are not themselves particularly reputable. They generally include at least the following claims: scepticism is a negative philosophy and hence incapable of making positive contributions to humanity, science, or religion; sceptics are nihilists who wreak havoc on social structure, science, and religion; and, though scepticism can on occasion be beneficial, the idea that we do not know anything is preposterous. These attitudes are widespread in the general populace but less common in the scientific community, where various ideas such as Heisenberg's uncertainty principle or Einstein's theory of relativity have made scepticism more acceptable. Although the usual reasons listed above might be remotely accurate representations of dogmatic scepticism, they completely misrepresent Pyrrhonic scepticism, that form of scepticism which has had most influence on Western civilization. 1 The position taken here is that Pyrrhonic scepticism need not be considered primarily a philosophical position. Historically, it was set forth as a philosophical position but only because philosophy once encompassed all of humanity's attempts to arrive at knowledge. Today, when science has primary claim to including under its roof most of our attempts to wrest knowledge from the world, Pyrrhonic scepticism is more approppriately viewed as a scientific position having general implications for scientific research.
Programming life histories: Effects of maternal and environmental variables upon open‐field behavior

Open-field behavior was studied as a function of three classes of variables: maternal characteristics, rearing environment, and sexual experience. Mothers of experimental subjects were either handled or nonhandled in infancy. Subjects were born and reared to weaning either in maternit cages or in Hebb-type free environments and were placed after weaning into either a laboratory cage or free enviroment. Sexual experience consisted either of bearing and raising a litter or no sexual experience. The results confirmed previous findings that offspring of mothers handled in infancy arc significantly less active in the open field than the offspring of nonhandled mothers. The maternal handling variable also interacted significantly with breeding experience: for rats which had not been bred, those raised by nonhandled mothers were more active than those raised by handled mothers; for females with breeding experience the reverse was true. Overall, thosc femalcs which had reared a litter were more active and defecated more than their nonbred littermates.
Kitcher, mathematics, and naturalism

This paper argues that Philip Kitcher's epistemology of mathematics, codified in his Naturalistic Constructivism, is not naturalistic on Kitcher's own conception of naturalism. Kitcher's conception of naturalism is committed to (i) explaining the correctness of belief-regulating norms and (ii) a realist notion of truth. Naturalistic Constructivism is unable to simultaneously meet both of these commitments.