cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Routine Use of Donor Heart De Vega Tricuspid Annuloplasty in Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

Purpose: Previous registry data reveals that patients with alcohol cardiomyopathy post orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) appear to have lower overall survival than patients with other forms of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. We sought to better characterize this population by comparing outcomes post-OHT in alcohol cardiomyopathy patients versus outcomes post-OHT in all other patients using a national cohort. Methods: 49841 OHT only recipients were identified from UNOS (19872014), and 199 had alcohol cardiomyopathy (exclusions include age< 18, re-OHT and lost to follow up). Other non-alcohol cardiomyopathy diagnoses included ischemic, restrictive, dilated, hypertrophic & other. Survival was censored at 12 years. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was adjusted for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, race, ischemic time, dialysis, life support, wait time & HLA mismatch. Results: There were 199 alcohol cardiomyopathy and 49642 patients with other cardiomyopathy diagnoses. The alcohol cardiomyopathy cohort was older (p= 0.014), more likely to be male (p< 0.001), and more likely to be Black or Hispanic (p< 0.001). This cohort was less likely to have had previous non-transplant cardiac surgery (p= 0.003) and a PRA greater than 20% (p= 0.004), but more likely to die of cardiovascular causes (p= 0.04). Survival (1, 5 and 10 years) was: alcohol cardiomyopathy (84, 65, 45%) and nonalcohol cardiomyopathy (86, 71, 51%) (Figure, log rank p= 0.028). Alcohol cardiomyopathy unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 1.24 (CI 1.02-1.51, p= 0.03). Multivariate analysis yielded a HR of 1.31 (CI 1.04-1.63, p= 0.02). Conclusion: This is the largest reported series of alcohol cardiomyopathy post-OHT survival. Survival was lower in the alcohol cardiomyopathy cohort compared to all other post-OHT patients in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Further study is warranted to better understand the factors that contribute to this impaired survival. ( 793)
Comparison of Methods for the Concentration of Bacterioplankton for in Situ Hybridization

Three approaches for concentrating stream bacterioplankton were compared for analysis by in situ hybridization: centrifugation; filtration onto a polymer membrane and transfer to a gel-coated slide; and filtration onto an inorganic filter disk. Stream bacterioplankton were hybridized with a species-specific oligonucleotide probe targeted for 23S rRNA of Burkholderia cepacia for analysis of variability among techniques. The inorganic filter technique yielded three to six times higher total cell counts and appeared to be effected less by interfering suspended particles and differences in site conditions than the other two concentration methods. Hybridization of samples with minimum cell loss yielded different, and presumably more accurate, estimates of the relative abundance of B. cepacia than the other methods.
Dysregulation of Protein Kinase A Signaling in the Aged Prefrontal Cortex: New Strategy for Treating Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway has been proposed as a mechanism for improving age-related cognitive deficits based on studies of hippocampal function. However, normal aging also afflicts prefrontal cortical cognitive functioning. Here, we report that agents that increase PKA activity impair rather than improve prefrontal cortical function in aged rats and monkeys with prefrontal cortical deficits. Conversely, PKA inhibition ameliorates prefrontal cortical cognitive deficits. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of rat brain further indicate that the cAMP/PKA pathway becomes disinhibited in the prefrontal cortex with advancing age. These data demonstrate that PKA inhibition, rather than activation, is the appropriate strategy for restoring prefrontal cortical cognitive abilities in the elderly.
Influence of phase shift on the responses of woven laminated composites

Abstract This paper focuses on understanding the influence of phase shift on the responses of woven laminates under uniaxial compression, uniaxial tension, biaxial compression, biaxial tension, and in-plane shear. Laminates in this paper have the same constituent microstructures in each layer of lamina. Fiber tows are modeled as transversely isotropic materials. Matrix is modeled as isotropic material before yielding and modeled as perfectly plastic material after yielding. All simulations are subject to periodic boundary conditions in the x and y direction whereas z direction, the through-thickness direction, is not subject to periodic boundary conditions. The results show that phase shift has significant influence on the homogenized tangential stiffness and the failure strength particularly under uniaxial compression. Under uniaxial compression, the laminate without phase shift has the lowest maximum strength and tangential stiffness and the laminates with 4 mm phase shift has the highest maximum strength and the highest tangential strength. Under biaxial compression, the laminate with 4 mm phase shift also has the highest maximum strength but the laminate with 2 mm phase shift has the lowest maximum strength. However, the tangential modulus do not change during the deformation under biaxial compression. The results show that by optimally arranging phase shift, the maximum strength for a laminate under uniaxial compression and biaxial compression can be reached.
Attacking information visualization system usability overloading and deceiving the human

Information visualization is an effective way to easily comprehend large amounts of data. For such systems to be truly effective, the information visualization designer must be aware of the ways in which their system may be manipulated and protect their users from attack. In addition, users should be aware of potential attacks in order to minimize or negate their effect. These attacks target the information visualization system as well as the perceptual, cognitive and motor capabilities of human end users. To identify and help counter these attacks we present a framework for information visualization system security analysis, a taxonomy of visualization attacks and technology independent principles for countering malicious visualizations. These themes are illustrated with case studies and working examples from the network security visualization domain, but are widely applicable to virtually any information visualization system.
Survival-rate regression using kernel conditional Kaplan–Meier estimators

We consider a regression model in which it is assumed that the conditional survival distribution of the response given the covariate, after transformation using a link function, satisfies a linear regression model. By proper choice of the link function the logistic and Cox models can be obtained. The response is allowed to be subject to right censoring. We consider an estimation procedure for the regression parameters and establish the asymptotic normality of the estimator when the covariate is one-dimensional. The finite sample performance of the proposed estimator is studied through simulations.
A note: Every homogeneous difference equation of degree one admits a reduction in order

Every difference equation x n+1 = f n (x n ,x n − 1,…,x n − k ) of order k+1 with each mapping f n being homogeneous of degree 1 on a group G is shown to be equivalent to a system consisting of an equation of order k and a linear equation of order 1.
Relation of Bekesy Tracings to Personality and Electrophysiologic Measures

Bekesy amplitudes of 10 white men, 10 white women, 10 colored men, and 10 colored women were compared and also correlated with MMPI personality measures, EEG amplitude changes, heart rate changes, ...
An examination of the effect of culture on pro‐social messages directed at African‐American at‐risk youth

This study was part of a larger project designed to develop effective, pro‐social messages for dissemination to African—American youth. The research methods used were designed to examine the world view and “sense making” schemata of the culture's participants. The study's findings indicate that messages intended for urban youth populations often fail to account for the culture of the audience. Two basic issues became evident: first, these messages overlook the social contexts that shape the receiver's reception and interpretation of messages in urban youth culture; second, the design of these messages incorrectly assumes that the linear communication style used by mainstream culture, with its accompanying syllogistic reasoning, will be persuasive with an audience that communicates in a highly interactive, oral style utilizing a more horizontal mode of influence.
The Earl of Northampton, Merchant Grievances and the Addled Parliament of 1614*

S. R. Gardiner, the doyen of English historians, wrote of the earl of Northampton's oration, delivered at a conference between the two houses of parliament in 1607, that it was ‘a speech which hardly any other man in England would have allowed himself to utter. In him was combined the superciliousness of a courtier with the haughtiness of a member of the old nobility. He treated the Commons as if they were the dust beneath his feet.’1 Furthermore, Northampton was accused by some contemporaries and most later historians of engineering the abrupt dissolution of the Addled Parliament in 1614, an abortive two-month session that was the last for seven years. For both, Northampton epitomized the authoritarian and anti-parliamentary views which came to dominate the early Stuart court.
Amygdala Modulation of Multiple Memory Systems: Hippocampus and Caudate-Putamen

A series of five experiments examined the differential mnemonic roles of the hippocampus and caudate-putamen and the modulatory influence of the amygdala on hippocampal and caudate-putamen memory processes. Findings indicate that (a) posttraining intrahippocampal injections of amphetamine selectively enhance memory in a hidden platform water maze task, (b) posttraining intracaudate injections of amphetamine selectively enhance memory in a visible platform water maze task, (c) posttraining intra-amygdala injections of amphetamine enhance memory in both water maze tasks, (d) preretention intrahippocampal lidocaine injections block expression of the memory enhancing effects of posttraining intrahippocampal amphetamine injections in the hidden platform task, (e) preretention intracaudate lidocaine injections block expression of the memory enhancing effects of posttraining intracaudate amphetamine injections in the visible platform task, (f) preretention intra-amygdala lidocaine injections do not block the memory enhancing effect of posttraining intra-amygdala amphetamine injections on either task, (g) in the hidden platform task, posttraining intrahippocampal, but not intracaudate, lidocaine injections block the memory enhancing effects of posttraining intra-amygdala amphetamine, (h) in the visible platform task, posttraining intracaudate, but not intrahippocampal, lidocaine injections block the memory enhancing effects of posttraining intra-amygdala amphetamine. The findings indicate a double dissociation between the roles of the hippocampus and caudate-putamen in memory and suggest that the amygdala exerts a modulatory influence on both the hippocampal and caudate-putamen memory systems.
Evaporation of Ammonium Nitrate Aerosol in a Heated Nephelometer: Implications for Field Measurements

Ammonium nitrate is a semivolatile aerosol component undertypical ambient conditions and thus difficult to measure. In the field, the aersosol scattering coefficient is usually measured with a nephelometer by heating the ambient aerosol to a low reference relative humidity (∼40%) in order to measure a light scattering coefficient that is intrinsic to an aerosol rather than dependent on atmospheric relative humidity. In this paper, we examine the decrease in the light scattering coefficient of ammonium nitrate aerosol due to evaporation in a heated nephelometer. Changes in the scattering coefficient of a laboratory-generated ammonium nitrate aerosol are measured as a function of mean residence time and temperature within the nephelometer sample volume. At the same time, the change in the aerosol size distribution due to ammonium nitrate evaporation is directly measured with a laser particle counter. The change in the aerosol size distribution and scattering coefficient is modeled as a function of mean residence time and temperature. Model results for the change in the aerosol scattering coefficient due to evaporation agree with measurements to within 10%. Application of the theory to conditions typical of NOAA field sites suggests that the decrease in the aerosol scattering coefficient due to the evaporation of ammonium nitrate is generally less than 20%.
Volume and solidity

(1967). Volume and solidity. Australasian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 45, No. 3, pp. 329-340.
Use of 3-Azabicyclo[3.2.2.]nonane in the Mannich Reaction III.: γ-Amino Tertiary Alcohols

Syntheses of a group of γ-amino tertiary alcohols by application of the Grignard reaction to the corresponding Mannich bases are described. These alcohols are to be screened for possible pharmacological activity.
Functional connectivity of the posterior hippocampus is more dominant as we age

The role of the hippocampus in memory is dependent on its interaction with distributed brain areas. Anterior and posterior hippocampus have different roles in memory processing, and are impacted differently by aging in terms of structural decline, however, functional connectivity of these hippocampal regions in aging is not well understood. Young (age 17-30) and aging (age 60-69) cognitively normal subjects underwent resting-state functional MRI revealing a shift from anterior hippocampus dominant hippocampus connectivity in younger age group to posterior hippocampus dominant connectivity in aging subjects. We identified a subset of neocortical regions that are connected to the anterior hippocampus in younger adults but to the posterior hippocampus among older subjects, suggesting an age-related reorganization of hippocampal networks supporting normal cognitive function. We also performed volumetric analysis which revealed no significant structural differences between groups. These findings provide evidence that "functional anatomy" which supports normal memory performance changes across the life span.
Remains of Prehistoric Human in Strata Deformed by the San Andreas Fault Near Stone Canyon, San Benito County, California

(Accepted for publication May 22, 1978) ABSTRACT: Stierman, D.J., Zubrow, E. and Atkinson, L., 1979. Remains of prehistoric human in strata deformed by the San Andreas fault. In: C.A. Whitten, R. Green and B.K. Meade (Editors), Recent Crustal Movements, 1977. Tectonophysics, 52: 381-387. Human bones discovered in a river terrace about 20 m from an actively creeping trace of the San Andreas fault place an upper limit on the age of a sand deposit which has been deformed by fault-related movements. Amino-acid racemization infers these bones are about 5000 years old. No evidence was found associating this burial with cultural activity. The relationship between these bones and the surrounding soils, as well as the disarticulation and mixing of the bones, suggests that these human remains were buried by stream action. Sorted materials in this terrace dip 20° to the southwest, and other features of this exposure show that fault-related vertical displacements occur along this segment of the San Andreas fault. This style of deformation is consistent with dip-slip movement postulated by published results of dynamic modeling of creep-related strain events at the Stone Canyon Geophysical Observatory, only a few hundred meters from the burial, and with published models of tilt events recorded at Melondy Ranch, 6 km to the southeast. However, extrapolation of deformation rates based on these models and with the short-term creep rate cannot be reconciled with deformation observed in the terrace. The bone fragments lie in the zone of complex deformation within the San Andreas fault zone. Holocene movements in this zone have occurred at least 20 m beyond the fault trace currently monitored for fault creep.
A MAPK-positive Feedback Mechanism for BLR1 Signaling Propels Retinoic Acid-triggered Differentiation and Cell Cycle Arrest

MAPK signaling is required for retinoic acid (RA)-triggered G0 cell cycle arrest and cell differentiation, but the mechanism is not well defined. In this study, RA is found to cause MAPK activation with sustained association of RAF to MEK or ERK, leading to a MAPK-dependent accumulation of p21Waf1/Cip1 and binding to CDK2 blocking G1/S transition. BLR1, a chemokine receptor, was found to function as a critical component of RA-triggered MAPK signaling. Unlike wild-type parental cells, RA-treated BLR1 knock-out cells failed to show RAF and consequential MEK and ERK phosphorylation, failed to accumulate CDK inhibitors that control G1/S transition, and failed to differentiate and arrest in response to RA, whereas ectopically overexpressing BLR1 enhanced MAPK signaling and caused accelerated RA-induced differentiation and arrest. Ectopic overexpression of RAF enhanced BLR1 expression in response to RA, whereas inhibition of RAF or MEK by inhibitors or knockdown of RAF by short interfering RNA diminished RA-induced BLR1 expression and attenuated differentiation and growth arrest. Ectopic expression of the RAF CR3, the catalytically active domain, in the BLR1 knock-out restored RA-induced MAPK activation and the ability to differentiate and arrest, indicating that RAF effects MAPK signaling by BLR1 to propel differentiation/arrest. Taken together, RA induces cell differentiation and growth arrest through activation of a novel MAPK pathway with BLR1 as a critical component in a positive feedback mechanism that may contribute to the prolonged MAPK signaling propelling RA-induced cell cycle arrest and differentiation.
A Deflationary Metaphysics of Morality

The metaphysical dispute between moral realists and antirealists is cast in terms of properties: the realist holds that moral properties exist, the antirealist denies this claim. There is a longstanding philosophical dispute over the nature of properties, and the obscurity of properties may make the realist/antirealist dispute even more obscure. In the spirit of deflationary theories of truth, we can turn to a deflationary theory of properties in order to clarify this issue. One might reasonably worry that such an account of properties would not be capable of properly characterizing disputes regarding the existence or nonexistence of genuine moral properties. In this paper, I will show that, within this framework, the traditional disputes over the existence of moral properties can be characterized in a far clearer fashion than is usually the case. A deflationary account of properties, along with an explanatory hierarchy of properties, makes the dispute in ontology clear.
Melanocytes, melanocyte stem cells, and melanoma stem cells

Melanocyte stem cells differ greatly from melanoma stem cells; the former provide pigmented cells during normal tissue homeostasis and repair, and the latter play an active role in a lethal form of cancer. These 2 cell types share several features and can be studied by similar methods. Aspects held in common by both melanocyte stem cells and melanoma stem cells include their expression of shared biochemical markers, a system of similar molecular signals necessary for their maintenance, and a requirement for an ideal niche microenvironment for providing these factors. This review provides a perspective of both these cell types and discusses potential models of stem cell growth and propagation. Recent findings provide a strong foundation for the development of new therapeutics directed at isolating and manipulating melanocyte stem cells for tissue engineering or at targeting and eradicating melanoma specifically, while sparing nontumor cells.
An objective comparison of leakage between commonly used earplugs.

Abstract Objective We sought to determine the efficacy of commonly used earplugs using an anatomically correct ear model. Methods The total volume and rate of water that leaked past the earplug and subsequent defect in the tympanic membrane over separately measured 30, 60, 120, and 180-second intervals were recorded. Scenarios tested included a control with no earplug, custom molded earplug (Precision Laboratories, Orlando, FL), Mack's plug (Warren, MI), Doc's plug (Santa Cruz, CA), and cotton balls coated with petroleum jelly. Results All plugs tested resulted in less leakage at all time points when compared with no plug (P Conclusions If the clinician feels that middle ear and external canal water exposure should be minimized, then use of earplugs, particularly the moldable variety, merits further consideration.
Sea-level-driven changes in ocean chemistry at an Upper Cambrian extinction horizon

A combined stratigraphic and isotopic study across a Late Cambrian mass-extinction horizon (Pterocephaliid-Ptychaspid biomere boundary) in cratonal and miogeoclinal sections of the western United States reveals evidence for a pattern of sea-level rise, decreasing 87 /Sr 86 Sr ratios, and increasing δ 13 C. The positive shift in δ 13 C, reaching maximum values a few metres above the extinction interval, is interpreted to reflect elevated primary productivity and an increase in the rate of burial of organic matter during expansion of the oxygen-minimum zone. The 87 /Sr 86 Sr decrease is interpreted to reflect some combination of increased sea-floor spreading rates and decreased continental weathering rates. The δ 13 C and 87 /Sr 86 Sr trends independently support the field-based hypothesis that a sea-level rise led to catastrophic oceanic overturn, possibly culminating in anoxic conditions, that ultimately proved lethal to a large fraction of the existing shelf fauna.
Spinal epidural abscess: correlation between MRI findings and outcome.

Our purpose was to determine if specific MRI findings in spinal epidural abscess (SEA), at the time of diagnosis, are associated with the clinical outcome. The clinical records and MRI studies of 18 patients with SEA were reviewed and follow-up was obtained from the outpatient medical record, telephone interview, or both. The association between findings on contrast-enhanced MRI and clinical outcome (weakness, neck or back pain, and incomplete functional recovery) was evaluated. With univariate analysis, narrowing of 50 % or more of the central spinal canal (P = 0.03), peripheral contrast-enhancement (P = 0.05), and abnormal spinal cord signal intensity (P = 0.05) were associated with weakness at follow-up. Persistent neck or back pain was associated with spinal canal narrowing (P = 0.02), peripheral contrast-enhancement (P = 0.02), and an abscess longer than 3 cm (P = 0.04) on MRI. Incomplete clinical recovery was associated with both abscess length (P = 0.01) and the severity of canal narrowing (P = 0.01). Abscess length, enhancement pattern, and severity of canal narrowing can be incorporated in a grading system that can be used to predict outcome.
Commentary on September 1985 NIH Consensus Development Conference on Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer.

AbstractThe conservative recommendations of the second (1985) NIH Consensus Development Conference on Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer may result in needless premature deaths. The failure to recommend chemotherapy for high-risk postmenopausal patients is contrary to current practice among American oncologists. A recent Chemotherapy Foundation survey of medical oncologists revealed that 75% employed adjuvant polychemotherapy for high-risk postmenopausal women. Valid statistical data supporting the survival benefit of tamoxifen are derived from both Stage I and Stage II postmenopausal patients. While recommending tamoxifen as treatment of choice for Stage II. the Consensus lost an opportunity to encourage increased survival in Stage I patients and also discouraged chemoprevention trials such as those now underway in England. The curative potential of chemotherapy for high-risk women regardless of age was ignored despite several large studies ongoing now for 8–19 years which indicate 10–27% increased ...
Detailed Study of the Stark Broadening of Balmer Lines in a High-Density Plasma

The Stark-broadened profiles of the Balmer lines ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$, ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}$, ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, and ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\delta}}$, have been measured in a high-current, wall-stabilized arc operated in hydrogen. Temperatures and electron densities have been determined with a plasma model assuming partial local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE), after a detailed plasma analysis revealed small deviations from complete LTE. The temperatures have been determined from line-to-continuum intensity ratios using ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}$ and continuum points in the near uv, and the electron densities were derived from absolute intensity measurements. The investigations cover the range of electron densities between 1.5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{16}$ and ${10}^{17}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ and temperatures between 0.9 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{4}$ and 1.4 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{4}$ K. Extensive comparisons with recent Stark-broadening theories and other experiments have been undertaken with the following principal results: The most pronounced differences between this experiment and theory occur in and near the line centers, where the measured profiles show systematically less structure than the calculations predict. Comparisons of the calculated and precisely measured ratios between the \textonehalf{}, \textonequarter{}, and $\frac{1}{8}$ widths within each line show that the recent theories are internally consistent within 6% for ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, whereas for ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ inconsistencies of order 25% occur. Similar inconsistencies, somewhat larger respectively, are found for the theoretical values of the half-width ratios between different Balmer lines. For the most important line ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}$, the measured half-widths agree within 7% with the calculated values. The total experimental error in this comparison, which originates predominantly in the electron-density measurement, is estimated not to exceed 6%. Very reproducible asymmetries and red shifts are observed for ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$. Somewhat smaller red shifts are also obtained for ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$. The shifts are approximately linear functions of the electron density. Comparisons with other experimental data show appreciable scatter between the various results. We estimate that for the most-often-studied line ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}$ the uncertainties in the theoretical Stark widths are of the order of (5-7)% for the range of our experiment.
Towards a model theory of diagrams

A logical system is studied whose well-formed representations consist of diagrams rather than formulas. The system, due to Shin [2, 3], is shown to be complete by an argument concerning maximally consistent sets of diagrams. The argument is complicated by the lack of a straight forward counterpart of atomic formulas for diagrams, and by the lack of a counterpart of negation for most diagrams.
Aromatase gene is amplified in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

The levels of the aromatase gene and its expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and seven additional cultured cells were investigated. Using normal human foreskin fibroblasts as the control, the aromatase gene appeared to be amplified in MCF-7 cells as shown by Southern and DNA slot blot analyses utilizing human placental aromatase cDNA as the probe. However, the promoter I.1 and the first exon of the aromatase gene were not amplified in MCF-7 cells based on results obtained from DNA slot blot analysis using oligonucleotide probes having sequences derived from those regions of human aromatase gene. Aromatase was expressed at a very low level in this cell line as indicated by Northern blot analysis to measure the level of aromatase mRNA, immunoprecipitation analysis to measure the level of aromatase protein, and aromatase activity measurement. Furthermore, nucleotide sequence analysis of the aromatase cDNA obtained from MCF-7 cells by PCR techniques, revealed no sequence difference from that of the enzyme expressed in placenta. These results lead us to conclude that the expression of aromatase in MCF-7 cells is under the control of an unusual promoter and aromatase gene expression is repressed at the transcriptional level in these cells.
Performance issues related to dielectric stack reflectors for vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Although semiconductor Bragg reflectors are widely used to realize vertical-cavity surface- emitting lasers, high-contrast dielectric stacks offer some advantages in terms of device flexibility and performance improvement. Here we discuss those advantages, and present data on both electrically driven and optically pumped vertical-cavity laser structures which incorporate ZnSe/CaF quarter-wave reflectors.
Sampling channel catfish ponds for pre-harvest off-flavor detection

Earthy-musty off-flavor in channel catfish can adversely affect the catfish industry if strongly off-flavored fish reach the market. Pre-harvest sensory evaluation of fish is commonly performed by processing plants for detecting unacceptable levels of off-flavor. In West Alabama, three to 12 fish are sampled over a period of up to 3 weeks before harvest. Despite this effort, off-flavored catfish regularly reach the market. A study was conducted in summer and fall on ten commercial catfish farms to determine the fraction of off-flavored fish in ponds. Flavor was assessed by sensory evaluation. A larger occurrence of off-flavor was found in summer than in fall. Fraction of off-flavored fish varied from 0 to 54% depending on the pond and the acceptance criterion used. Between-pond variance of the fraction of unacceptable fish was greater than within-pond variance. Therefore, Bayesian sampling should be used instead of conventional sampling based on the binomial function. Different sampling plans are proposed depending on levels chosen for producer and consumer risks. It was recommended to consider a sample size of at least 30 fishes.
Plasmonic nanoflowers: bioinspired manipulation of plasmonic architectures via active polymers

While technology relies on components defined in a fixed position on a rigid substrate, nature prefers soft substrates, and allows components to move significantly during morphogenesis. Taking inspiration from biological fabrication, we have developed a technique, called active polymer nanofabrication, which utilizes thermally active polymers to create complex nanoplasmonic substrates designed for molecular detection. We demonstrate the ability of active polymer nanofabrication to create ultra-dense nanoplasmonic prism arrays (plasmonic nanoflowers), and correlate changes in array morphology with optical properties. We investigate the associated changes in local electromagnetic fields with finite element analysis. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of active polymers to deform macroscopically while retaining nanostructure morphology. We expect these properties will make active polymer nanofabrication useful for a wide range of nanoplasmonic devices.
Deterministic Capacity Expansion Under Deterioration

This paper considers the deterministic capacity expansion problem with deterioration. First, the paper extends the conventional model by incorporating capacity deterioration effects and operating costs that are a function of: i the age of the facility and ii the extent of utilization of capacity. The model still has the useful properties of the standard model, enabling the use of efficient algorithms. Second, the paper extends well-known planning horizon results to this model using a novel dual-based approach, which also provides additional intuition. Finally, interesting computational results are provided that compare optimal and near-optimal forecast horizon values. The impact of capacity deterioration and convexity in variable costs on forecast horizons is also considered.
Excitation event design and accuracy verification procedure for high-fidelity terrain measurement systems

Traditionally, terrain profilers have been evaluated based on their ability to reproduce measurements made from some reference device (e.g., a rod and level). The measurement error inherent in these reference measurements has become significant as terrain profilers have become more accurate. The fundamental technical challenge in the design of terrain profilers is the removal of vehicle body motion from the height sensor measurement. The objective of this work is to develop design criteria for an excitation event that will quantitatively highlight the abilities and inadequacies of terrain profilers by testing the profilers under adverse measurement conditions. The design of a characteristic excitation event must fulfill two requirements. First, the event should excite the terrain profiler chassis at its primary ride and wheel-hop frequencies. Using these first two ride frequencies and the suspension damping ratio, relationships are developed that relate these parameters to the geometric excitation event dimensions. The terrain profiler's test velocity is also determined based on these frequencies. Second, the excitation event should be simple, light, inexpensive, and reproducible to ensure that it is used. The result of this work is an excitation event that insures that the terrain profiler will be excited to its highest attainable amplitude (near resonance). This excitation event provides the first step in developing an accuracy test for modern terrain profilers.
ACUTE BACTERIAL INFECTIONS IN THE ELDERLY MALE: CULTURES AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY TESTS

: In a Veterans Administration hospital, repeated cultures were made of body fluids from 92 elderly male patients who had acute illnesses during the observation period of twenty-eight months. The urinary and respiratory tracts were the most common sites of bacterial infection. The pneumococcus was the most common cause of respiratory-tract infection, but in a surprisingly large number of cases the offenders were the Klebsiella-aerobacter group, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli. Tracheostomy favored the growth of Pseudomonas. Escherichia coli was the most common cause of urinary-tract infection. Next in order were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and the Klebsiella-Aerobacter group. The presence of an indwelling catheter favored the growth of Pseudomonas, Staph. aureus, Paracolobactrum aerogenes and Proteus species. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common cause of skin infections. Escherichia coli was the organism most frequently found in septicemia. Tables are presented showing the sensitivity of various bacteria to 14 selected antibiotics. The findings indicate that the term “broad spectrum” should be used with great circumspection and possibly be restricted at present to such agents as kanamycin and chloramphenicol.
The Pathologic and Clinical Intersection of Atopic and Autoimmune Disease

Hypersensitivity reactions of the immune system have been broadly categorized into the atopic and autoimmune depending on whether the antigen triggering the reaction is endogenous (or self) or exogenous, the types of cellular and humoral components involved, and the clinical symptoms. Research into the pathophysiology of the resultant disease states has focused on a dichotomy between Th1 and Th2 T helper lymphocytes thought to govern autoimmune and atopic disease, respectively. Recent discoveries, however, have served to dispute this paradigm and have provided additional insight into the roles of Th17 cells, B-lymphocytes and T regulatory cells as well as the considerable communication and commonalities between the complex signaling pathways. Furthermore, clinical studies have served to challenge the idea that the presence of atopy and autoimmunity are mutually exclusive states. Finally, application of recent approaches to treatment—biologic targeted therapy in autoimmunity and induction of immune tolerance in atopic disease—to both disease states have shown mixed but promising results.
Genetic control of DNA initiation in Escherichia coli.

Abstract We describe the isolation, and properties of a mutant (CT28) of Escherichia coli with a temperature-sensitive defect in DNA initiation that is reversible. The mutation ( dna-28 ) responsible for this defect is shown to be located in the same region of the map as the dnaC group of DNA initiation mutants. A terminalized culture of CT28 initiates DNA synthesis synchronously immediately upon lowering the temperature, and will do so in the presence of chloram-phenicol. During prolonged incubation at the non-permissive temperature, the cells accumulate a capacity to initiate multiple rounds of replication per chromosome. The variation in the susceptibility of the argH − and thyA − alleles to reversion by pulse mutagenesis with nitrosoguanidine during a synchronous round of DNA replication, suggests that this round of replication is bidirectional and commences from an origin in the vicinity of 60 to 65 minutes. CT28 contains two temperature-sensitive mutations. These have been mapped and separated into two derivative strains. One of these, CT28-3b, carries the dna-28 mutation of the C locus, and like the parental double mutant is reversibly temperature-sensitive for an initiation function; but it is more temperature-sensitive than either the double mutant or the other single mutant derivative, CT28-1. The other, CT28-1, is not defective in DNA replication or initiation of replication at the non-permissive temperature.
Distributed beamforming with imperfect phase synchronization for cognitive radio networks

In this paper, we present the analysis and simulation evaluation of a cognitive radio network employing a distributed beamforming technique with imperfect phase synchronization in the presence of a primary receiver. Our system model consists of a group of cognitive transmitters, each with an ideal isotropic antenna and equal transmit power, communicating with a secondary receiver in the far-field. The objective of the network of cognitive transmitters is to optimize its beampattern in the direction of the secondary receiver while minimizing the beampattern in the direction of the primary receiver to a certain threshold. The phases of the transmitted signals determine the beampattern, and we demonstrate that an optimization problem can be formulated to determine the phases of the transmitters that satisfy the constraints. We then evaluate the beampattern under imperfect phase synchronization and present how the phase error can impact the performance of beamforming and cause protection to the primary receiver to suffer. The results bring some interesting insights to distributed beamforming with imperfect phase synchronization for cognitive radio networks.
Nonlinear Decentralized Control of a Flexible Cable-stayed Beam Structure

A decentralized controller that suppresses the vibrations of a flexible cable-stayed beam structure induced by an external random disturbance is presented. The controller is designed based on a lumped-mass model representation of the distributed parameter flexible beam structure. It contains a linear part and a nonlinear part. The linear part is used to introduce damping into the beam structure and the nonlinear part is used to further reduce the vibrations caused by the external disturbance. Its performance is assessed via digital computer simulation.
The Fine Structure of Neisseria meningitidis Lipooligosaccharide from the M986 Strain and Three of Its Variants

Neisseria meningitidis is a cause of fatal sepsis and epidemic meningitis. A major virulence factor is cell wall lipooligosaccharide (LOS). The M986 strain has been used extensively in immunological and vaccine research. Yet, the LOS repertoire of this strain is not known. Here we have investigated the LOS structures of M986 and three of its variants OP1, OP2-, and OP2+. This strain and its variants present a series of related LOS families that are increasingly truncated in their listed order. The major structural differences are seen in the lacto-N-neotetraose α-chain. The γ-chain Hep II contains two phosphoethanolamine (PEA) substitutions at C3 and C6/7. These substitutions were seen in all strains except OP2+ where the canonical core Hep II is missing. The PEA disubstitution was present in nearly stoichiometric amounts with only minor amounts of monosubstitution observed, and no glycomers devoid of PEA were seen. This was also the case in LOS with a complete lacto-N-neotetraosyl α-chain even though previous reports suggested that the presence of an extended α-chain hinders C3 PEA substitution of Hep II. Approximately 50% of γ-chain GlcNAc was present in its 3-OAc-substituted form. Because Hep II C3 PEA substitution and γ-chain GlcNAc OAc addition have been reported to negatively interact, the co-existence of these two modifications in these strains is unique. The LOS structures of M986 and three of its variants have been determined, which better defines these strains as tools for immunological and vaccine research.
Photoreactive elastin-like proteins for use as versatile bioactive materials and surface coatings.

Photocrosslinkable, protein-engineered biomaterials combine a rapid, controllable, cytocompatible crosslinking method with a modular design strategy to create a new family of bioactive materials. These materials have a wide range of biomedical applications, including the development of bioactive implant coatings, drug delivery vehicles, and tissue engineering scaffolds. We present the successful functionalization of a bioactive elastin-like protein with photoreactive diazirine moieties. Scalable synthesis is achieved using a standard recombinant protein expression host followed by site-specific modification of lysine residues with a heterobifunctional N-hydroxysuccinimide ester–diazirine crosslinker. The resulting biomaterial is demonstrated to be processable by spin coating, drop casting, soft lithographic patterning, and mold casting to fabricate a variety of two- and three-dimensional photocrosslinked biomaterials with length scales spanning the nanometre to millimetre range. Protein thin films proved to be highly stable over a three-week period. Cell-adhesive functional domains incorporated into the engineered protein materials were shown to remain active post-photo-processing. Human adipose-derived stem cells achieved faster rates of cell adhesion and larger spread areas on thin films of the engineered protein compared to control substrates. The ease and scalability of material production, processing versatility, and modular bioactive functionality make this recombinantly engineered protein an ideal candidate for the development of novel biomaterial coatings, films, and scaffolds.
Proximity-based traceability: An empirical validation using ranked retrieval and set-based measures

The automatic generation of traceability links attempts to reduce the burden of building requirements traceability matrices (RTMs) that will be vetted by a human analyst before use in verification and validation tasks such as criticality assessment or change impact analysis. Information Retrieval (IR) techniques, notably the Vector Space Model (VSM), have been used with some success to build textual artifact traceability matrices. A limitation of the VSM is that it disregards word or term location and the relationship between words in the textual artifacts being traced. This paper presents a VSM enhancement with consideration for term location, validating it on four datasets using ranked retrieval and set-based measures. These two types of measures provide a more detailed comparison between the two traceability techniques.
Divisibility of dedekind finite sets

A Dedekind-finite set is said to be divisible by a natural number n if it can be partitioned into pieces of size n. We study several aspects of this notion, as well as the stronger notion of being partitionable into n pieces of equal size. Among our results are that the divisors of a Dedekind-finite set can consistently be any set of natural numbers (containing 1 but not 0), that a Dedekind-finite power of 2 cannot be divisible by 3, and that a Dedekind-finite set can be congruent modulo 3, to all of 0, 1, and 2 simultaneously. (In these results, 2 and 3 serve as typical examples; the full results are more general.)
Integrated thermal-electrical-optical simulator of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

An integrated thermal-electrical-optical solver of vertical- cavity surface-emitting lasers has been developed on the basis of the effective frequency method combined with the rate equations for photon and carrier densities. The integrated solver is applied to analyze the performance characteristics of GaAs-based proton-implanted top-surface- emitting lasers, oxide-confined surface-emitting lasers and intracavity-contacted oxide-confined surface-emitting lasers. Numerical results confirm the experimentally observed significant advantage of oxide-confirmed structures over proton-implanted devices, and identify the intracavity- contacted design as the most advantageous for oxide-confined structures.
Postnatal calcitonin gene-related peptide in the superior olivary complex

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate quantitatively the distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive neurons within the superior olivary complex (SOC) at various postnatal ages. In the lateral superior olive (LSO), most if not all, CGRP-positive cells correspond to the cholingeric portion of the lateral olivocochlear system which innervates the cochlea. Brains from 1-day old (P1) through juvenile (P30) hamsters were used. At all ages, CGRP-positive neurons were seen throughout the various nuclei of the SOC. There was a dramatic shift in the distribution of CGRP-positive neurons from being predominantly periolivary to being predominantly confined within the LSO. The number of CGRP-positive neurons clearly increased as a function of increasing age. At the earliest postnatal ages, the LSO contained few if any immunostained cells, whereas at later ages the LSO contained the majority (greater than 70%) of the immunostained cells. Assuming that these CGRP-positive cells within the LSO correspond to olivocochlear neurons, these data suggest that in hamsters the lateral olivocochlear system may be immature at birth up until the second postnatal week.
Enzymatic and chemical modifications of lipoprotein(a) selectively alter its lysine-binding functions.

The pathogenicity of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease may depend upon its lysine binding sites (LBS) which impart unique functions to Lp(a) not shared with low density lipoprotein. Biologically relevant modifications of Lp(a) were tested for alterations of LBS activity using two previously described functional assays, a LBS-Lp(a) immunoassay and a lysine-Sepharose bead assay. In the LBS-Lp(a) immunoassay, minimal changes in the LBS activity of Lp(a) were observed after modification with lipoprotein lipase, sphingomyelinase, or phospholipase C. In contrast, a significant (p<0.003) increase in the LBS activity of Lp(a) occurred after phospholipase A2 (PLA2) treatment, and this increase was confirmed using the lysine-Sepharose bead assay. The increase depended upon the release of fatty acids from Lp(a) by PLA2. A decrease in the LBS activity of Lp(a) occurred after oxidation of Lp(a) with 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) (44% decrease), but CuSO4 oxidation increased LBS activity (210%). N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment of Lp(a) decreased (48%) LBS activity while homocysteine treatment had no (89%) effect. Thus, modification of phospholipids and protein moieties can alter the LBS-activity of Lp(a). Such enzymatic and chemical modifications may contribute to the variability in LBS function of Lp(a) seen within the population.