cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Band structure, cohesive energy, optical conductivity, and Compton profile of lithium

A self-consistent calculation of energy bands in lithium has been performed using the linear-combination-of-atomic-orbitals (LCAO) method. The basis set consisted of nine $s$-type, six $p$-type, and three $d$-type Gaussian orbitals. Exchange was included according to the $X\ensuremath{\alpha}$ method with $\ensuremath{\alpha}=\frac{2}{3}$. Results are presented for the band structure, Fermi-surface properties, cohesive energy, and the Compton profile. The interband contribution to the optical conductivity was calculated including the $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}$ variation of the momentum matrix elements. The distortions of the Fermi surface from spherical symmetry are less than 4%. The optical and thermal effective-mass ratios are 1.48 and 1.53, respectively. The onset of direct interband transitions is predicted to occur at 3.28 eV. The calculated cohesive energy is 0.124 Ry.
Reconfiguration and Communication-Aware Task Scheduling for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing

High-performance reconfigurable computing involves acceleration of significant portions of an application using reconfigurable hardware. When the hardware tasks of an application cannot simultaneously fit in an FPGA, the task graph needs to be partitioned and scheduled into multiple FPGA configurations, in a way that minimizes the total execution time. This article proposes the Reduced Data Movement Scheduling (RDMS) algorithm that aims to improve the overall performance of hardware tasks by taking into account the reconfiguration time, data dependency between tasks, intertask communication as well as task resource utilization. The proposed algorithm uses the dynamic programming method. A mathematical analysis of the algorithm shows that the execution time would at most exceed the optimal solution by a factor of around 1.6, in the worst-case. Simulations on randomly generated task graphs indicate that RDMS algorithm can reduce interconfiguration communication time by 11p and 44p respectively, compared with two other approaches that consider data dependency and hardware resource utilization only. The practicality, as well as efficiency of the proposed algorithm over other approaches, is demonstrated by simulating a task graph from a real-life application - N-body simulation - along with constraints for bandwidth and FPGA parameters from existing high-performance reconfigurable computers. Experiments on SRC-6 are carried out to validate the approach.
Pulmonary disposition of serotonin in the intact animal.

Abstract Trace doses of [3H]serotonin ([3H]5-HT) administered intravenously to mice accumulated rapidly in the lungs and were subsequently retained unchanged for long periods of time. Although maximal [3H]5-HT levels achieved in animals killed by stunning were approximately three times higher than after decapitation, the plasma decay curves, beginning 12 hr after administration, showed a similar first-order monophasic decay with half-lives ( T 1 2 ) of 108–120 hr). Examination of lung extracts obtained from mice sacrificed at time points ranging from 15 min to 1 week after [3H]5-HT injection revealed the presence of small quantities of a single metabolite, 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid. No difference in [3H]5-HT levels was observed in platelet “rich” and platelet “poor” plasma fractions when the number of platelets in the two fractions varied from 7.5 to 1, respectively. Reserpine was shown to markedly deplete pulmonary [3H]5-HT levels, while guanethidine was without effect.
The statistical character of Pc 4 magnetic pulsations at synchronous orbit

A statistical study of 215 magnetic pulsation events identified on the basis of waveform and period as Pc 4 (45- to 150-s period) observed at synchronous orbit by ATS 6 is reported. The study was designed to be similar to that done with Pc 3 (10- to 45-s period) by Arthur et al. (1977). These Pc 4 are found to occur most often near 1800 local time but are observed at all local times. The dominant period is approximately 100 s, but a secondary peak in the distribution occurred at approximately 53 s. They tend to be nearly linearly polarized, principally transverse to the ambient magnetic field. The Pc 4 are found to divide naturally into two classes (radial and azimuthal) on the basis of the azimuth of the major axis of polarization. These classes divide further into low-frequency (less than or equal to 0.015 Hz) and high-frequency (greater than or equal to 0.015 Hz) classes. These four classes organize the remaining wave characteristics quite well. Division of the Pc 4 events into these classes does not lead to identification of a single source mechanism as it did with Pc 3. However, some correspondence between the classes and various proposed mechanisms does exist.
Administrative databases, case-mix adjustments and hospital resource use: the appropriateness of controlling patient characteristics.

Hospital administrative databases are used for studying resource use and medical outcomes. The ability to use administrative data to make comparisons among providers requires accurate adjustment of rates based on case mix. Adjustment for case mix often incorporates pre-existing patient conditions such as comorbidities. We tested the hypothesis that some circulatory comorbidities can appear positively or negatively associated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), not for clinical reasons, but because of the population used for modeling. When statistical models included all discharges with a principal or primary diagnosis of coronary atherosclerosis, or angina with coronary atherosclerosis, multivariate analysis revealed that discharges with dysrhythmias and the more severely ill were less likely to receive PTCA. However, when analysis excluded discharges treated with options (e.g. bypass) reserved for patients with more severe conditions, the presence of dysrhythmias and more severe illness increased the odds of receiving PTCA. Variability involving the direction of association between patient characteristics and a specific intervention illustrates that rates adjusted for patient characteristics cannot be properly interpreted without a clear understanding of the rationale underlying strategies for case-mix adjustment.
Hooking mortality of white crappie, Pomoxis annularis Rafinesque, and spotted bass, Micropterus punctulatus (Rafinesque), in Texas reservoirs

. This study was conducted to estimate spring hooking mortality of white crappie, Pomoxis annularis Rafinesque, in Buchanan Reservoir, Texas, USA and summer hooking mortality of spotted bass, Micropterus punctulatus (Rafinesque), in Eagle Mountain Reservoir, Texas, USA. Reservoir surface water temperatures averaged 19 and 31°C, during white crappie and spotted bass experiments, respectively. White crappie (mean total length (TL) 267mm, range TL 190–340mm, standard error (SE) TL 6mm) were caught with size 5 single hooks baited with golden shiner, Notemigonus crysoleucas (Mitchill), and spotted bass (mean TL 220mm, range TL 143–326mm, SE TL 7mm) were caught with artificial lures (spinners) fitted with size 4 or 5 treble hooks. Fish were held in cages for 72 h to observe delayed mortality. Four of 43 white crappie (9·3%, 95% one-tail, upper confidence limit (UCL) = 13·7%) died and four of 47 spotted bass (8·5%, UCL = 15·2%) died. One of the white crappie that died was a sublegal-length fish. The relevance of these findings to the management of white crappie and spotted bass sport fisheries is discussed. It is concluded that under any management strategy necessitating release of some portion of the catch of white crappie and spotted bass, high survival of that portion could be expected.
Weathering of Stone Mountain Granite

The weathering of Stone Mountain Granite (adamellite) forms kaoiinite, endellite, allophane and gibbsite of which kaolinite is the most stable. Bulk density ranges from 2.65 in fresh rock to a minimum of 1.48 in saprolite. It is a good index of weathering. Abrasion pH ranges from 5.0 in saprolite to 9.3 in fresh rock, and is directly related to bulk density and the amount of clay mineral. Among the original minerals, biotite is least stable, followed by oligoclase. Residual microcline fragments occur at the base of the B horizon indicating that it is not completely weathered. Muscovite weathers slightly and quartz appears quite stable. Evidence shows that solution and reconstitution is necessary in the formation of some if not all clay minerals. This is particularly evident in the formation of endellite veins. Expansion of the rock in the early phases of weathering occurs but does not produce a significant increase in volume.
Mechanism of U insertion RNA editing in trypanosome mitochondria: the bimodal TUTase activity of the core complex.

Abstract Expression of the trypanosomal mitochondrial genome requires the insertion and deletion of uridylyl residues at specific sites in pre-mRNAs. RET2 terminal uridylyl transferase is an integral component of the RNA editing core complex (RECC) and is responsible for the guide-RNA-dependent U insertion reaction. By analyzing RNA-interference-based knock-in Trypanosoma brucei cell lines, purified editing complex, and individual protein, we have investigated RET2's association with the RECC. In addition, the U insertion activity exhibited by RET2 as an RECC subunit was compared with characteristics of the monomeric protein. We show that interaction of RET2 with RECC is accomplished via a protein–protein contact between its middle domain and a structural subunit, MP81. The recombinant RET2 catalyzes a faithful editing on gapped (precleaved) double-stranded RNA substrates, and this reaction requires an internal monophosphate group at the 5′ end of the mRNA 3′ cleavage fragment. However, RET2 processivity is limited to insertion of three Us. Incorporation into the RECC voids the internal phosphate requirement and allows filling of longer gaps similar to those observed in vivo . Remarkably, monomeric and RECC-embedded enzymes display a similar bimodal activity: the distributive insertion of a single uracil is followed by a processive extension limited by the number of guiding nucleotides. Based on the RNA substrate specificity of RET2 and the purine-rich nature of U insertion sites, we propose that the distributive + 1 insertion creates a substrate for the processive gap-filling reaction. Upon base-pairing of the + 1 extended 5′ cleavage fragment with a guiding nucleotide, this substrate is recognized by RET2 in a different mode compared to the product of the initial nucleolytic cleavage. Therefore, RET2 distinguishes base pairs in gapped RNA substrates which may constitute an additional checkpoint contributing to overall fidelity of the editing process.
Beyond He-3 nuclear sensors — TMFDs for real-time SNM monitoring with directionality

Due to He-3 shortages as well as other fundamental limitations of 60-y nuclear power technology being adapted for present-day sensor needs, transformational nuclear particle sensor system developments have sponsored by DARPA, DoE, DHS and NSF. These systems dispense with need for conventional He-3, liquid scintillation or solid-state devices. The novel systems detect a variety of radiation types via interactions with ordinary fluids such as water and acetone placed under metastable states of tensioned (yes, sub-zero or below-vacuum) liquid pressures at room temperature. Advancements have resulted which: enable directionality information in 30s to within 10 degrees of a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) neutron source at 25m (80ft); offer over 90% intrinsic efficiency; offer the ability to decipher multiplicity of neutron emission characteristic of spontaneous and induced fission from fissile isotopes; and, enable one to detect WMD-shielded neutrons in the 0.01 eV range, to unshielded neutrons in the 1–10 MeV range, coupled with the ability to detect alpha emitting special nuclear material (SNM) signatures to within 1–5 keV in energy resolution, and detection sensitivities to ultra-trace levels (i.e., to femto-grams per cc of SNMs such as Pu, and Am). The novel tension metastable fluid detector (TMFD) systems are robust, and are presently built in the laboratory with material costs in the ∼$50+ range — with inherent gamma blindness capability. A multi-physics design framework (including nuclear particle transport, acoustics, structural dynamics, fluid-heat transfer, and electro-magnetics), has also been developed, and validated. Comparison against He-3 technology is presented along with adaptation to variety of scenarios ranging from border crossings, to spent nuclear reprocessing plants to portals and moving platforms.
Magnetic Cell Labeling of Primary and Stem Cell-Derived Pig Hepatocytes for MRI-Based Cell Tracking of Hepatocyte Transplantation

Pig hepatocytes are an important investigational tool for optimizing hepatocyte transplantation schemes in both allogeneic and xenogeneic transplant scenarios. MRI can be used to serially monitor the transplanted cells, but only if the hepatocytes can be labeled with a magnetic particle. In this work, we describe culture conditions for magnetic cell labeling of cells from two different pig hepatocyte cell sources; primary pig hepatocytes (ppHEP) and stem cell-derived hepatocytes (PICM-19FF). The magnetic particle is a micron-sized iron oxide particle (MPIO) that has been extensively studied for magnetic cell labeling for MRI-based cell tracking. ppHEP could endocytose MPIO with labeling percentages as high as 70%, achieving iron content as high as ~55 pg/cell, with >75% viability. PICM-19FF had labeling >97%, achieving iron content ~38 pg/cell, with viability >99%. Extensive morphological and functional assays indicated that magnetic cell labeling was benign to the cells. The results encourage the use of MRI-based cell tracking for the development and clinical use of hepatocyte transplantation methodologies. Further, these results generally highlight the importance of functional cell assays in the evaluation of contrast agent biocompatibility.
Strategy for improved analysis of peptides by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) involving positively charged nanoparticles

A strategy for improved surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurements that extends the variety of analytes accessible to SERS analysis is developed. The strategy involves inducing aggregation by mixing positively charged nanoparticles which form SERS-active clusters when mixed with negatively charged silver nanoparticles fabricated using the Lee–Meisel process. To make positively charged nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles using the traditional Lee–Meisel process are fabricated and coated with a thin layer of silica and the silica modified with silane chemistry. Analytes with a significant amount of negative charge exhibit strong Raman bands when the strategy using these fabricated, positively charged nanoparticles for inducing cluster formation is used, enabling their detection and analysis. We envision the use of positively charged nanoparticles in cluster formation for expanding the range of analytes that can be detected using SERS and hence the range of applications SERS can play a role in. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prebreakdown current pulses in n-hexane and other dielectric fluids

A point-plane electrode geometry was used to apply negative DC stresses to n-hexane, trimethylpentane, and transformer oil. The resulting prebreakdown currents and light were observed with a state-of-the-art, low-noise amplifier and a high-speed digitizer. Currents appear as bursts of fast (on the order of 100 ns) negative pulses with progressively increasing amplitudes, and a wide bandwidth (at least 10 MHz) is required to resolve individual pulses. Light pulses occur coincidentally with current pulses, but are narrower. The effect of adding particles to the sample or increasing the applied high voltage is primarily to increase the burst rate, with little or no effect on other pulse characteristics such as shape, amplitude, or rate of increase. These observations suggest a model describing the source of the current pulses as a series of discharges inside an expanding low-density region. >
Properties of nuclear S-wave matter

Abstract Comparative Brueckner and Jastrow studies of the properties of nuclear matter are somewhat hampered by the complexities of realistic nucleon-nucleon potentials. To avoid some of these difficulties we investigate a nuclear matter model called S-wave matter, which consists of nucleons interacting via various of the Aviles S-wave delta function potentials. These potentials all fit the two-body S-wave scattering data for energies up to 500 meV. By using Jastrow methods we find two-body contributions to the ground state energy ranging from 18 to 29 MeV, depending on the particular potential used; the results for a given potential are in good agreement with the Brueckner results of Haftel. In addition, there are significant Jastrow three-body contributions, indicating that the equivalent three-body Brueckner contributions should be evaluated.
Global net community production estimated from the annual cycle of surface water total dissolved inorganic carbon

Global net community production is determined, for the first time, from the decrease in salinity (S)-normalized total dissolved inorganic carbon (NCT 5 CT 3 35/S) inventory in the surface mixed layer corrected for changes due to net air-sea CO2 exchange and diffusive carbon flux from the upper thermocline. Changes in the mixed layer NCT inventory are estimated using a derived annual cycle of NCT and global records of the mixed layer depth. The annual NCT cycle is deduced from regional algorithms relating NCT to sea surface temperature (SST) and nitrate (NO ), along with global records of seasonal mean SST and NO , and from the monthly mean surface partial 2 2 3 3 pressure of CO2 and total alkalinity fields using thermodynamic models. The two methods show similar regional trends and yield global net community production estimates of 6.7 and 8.0 Gt C (1 Gt C 5 1 3 10 12 kg carbon), respectively. The two global estimates are not significantly different and represent an 8-month period of 1990 (warming period) during which the mixed layer NCT concentration decreases. However, the estimates do not account for net community production during a 4-month cooling period. Ratios of net community production during the warming and cooling periods are estimated from multiyear sediment trap data at the Hawaii Ocean Time-series (228N, 1588W) and Ocean Weather Station P (508N, 1458W) sites. Global extrapolation of these ratios yields annual rates of net community production of 9.1 6 2.7 and 10.8 6 2.7 Gt C yr 21
Laser dental decay prevention: does it have a future?

Previous studies have recorded the reduction of caries-like lesions or demineralization in extracted human teeth that have been irradiated using CO 2 , Nd:YAG and Argon lasers, with CO 2 or Argon showing up to 40 - 50% reduction. By adding a chemical inhibitor, such as DAC or fluoride to lasing procedures, the demineralization can be reduced 60 - 80%. Studies have demonstrated the laser safety for Argon and CO 2 laser in these procedures. Clinical trials are being initiated to evaluate acid resistance of enamel exposed to laser radiation. This presentation will review prior results and present our current findings.
Molecular properties of adult mouse gastric and intestinal epithelial progenitors in their niches.

We have sequenced 36,641 expressed sequence tags from laser capture microdissected adult mouse gastric and small intestinal epithelial progenitors, obtaining 4031 and 3324 unique transcripts, respectively. Using Gene Ontology (GO) terms, each data set was compared with cDNA libraries from intact adult stomach and small intestine. Genes in GO categories enriched in progenitors were filtered against genes in GO categories represented in hematopoietic, neural, and embryonic stem cell transcriptomes and mapped onto transcription factor networks, plus canonical signal transduction and metabolic pathways. Wnt/β-catenin, phosphoinositide-3/Akt kinase, insulin-like growth factor-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, integrin, and γ-aminobutyric acid receptor signaling cascades, plus glycerolipid, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolic pathways are among those prominently represented in adult gut progenitors. The results reveal shared as well as distinctive features of adult gut stem cells when compared with other stem cell populations.
Associations between metabolic dysregulation and circulating biomarkers of fibrosis: the Cardiovascular Health Study

Aim Fibrosis is one postulated pathway by which diabetes produces cardiac and other systemic complications. Our aim was to determine which metabolic parameters are associated with circulating fibrosis-related biomarkers transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP).
Sub-Ångstrom Resolution with Aberration-Corrected TEM: Present and Future

Resolution is the ability to determine if a feature in an image represents two objects rather than one. Rayleigh's resolution criterion, an accepted standard in optics, was derived as a means for judging when two sources of light (stars) were distinguishable from a single source. In microscopy, resolution is the ability to determine if detail in an image represents distinct (separated) objects. In high-resolution TEM, these objects are atoms. Resolution of |d| is achieved when atoms separated by a (projected) distance |d| can be perceived as separate objects. TEM images are able to depict projected atom columns because they are interference patterns of the directly transmitted electron beam with beams diffracted from the specimen imaged under well-established conditions.
Profiling the humoral immune response of acute and chronic Q fever by protein microarray

Antigen profiling using comprehensive protein microarrays is a powerful tool for characterizing the humoral immune response to infectious pathogens. Coxiella burnetii is a CDC category B bioterrorist infectious agent with worldwide distribution. In order to assess the antibody repertoire of acute and chronic Q fever patients we have constructed a protein microarray containing 93% of the proteome of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever. Here we report the profile of the IgG and IgM seroreactivity in 25 acute Q fever patients in longitudinal samples. We found that both early and late time points of infection have a very consistent repertoire of IgM and IgG response, with a limited number of proteins undergoing increasing or decreasing seroreactivity. We also probed a large collection of acute and chronic Q fever patient samples and identified serological markers that can differentiate between the two disease states. In this comparative analysis we confirmed the identity of numerous IgG biomarkers of acute infection, identified novel IgG biomarkers for acute and chronic infections, and profiled for the first time the IgM antibody repertoire for both acute and chronic Q fever. Using these results we were able to devise a test that can distinguish acute from chronic Q fever. These results also provide a unique perspective on isotype switch and demonstrate the utility of protein microarrays for simultaneously examining the dynamic humoral immune response against thousands of proteins from a large number of patients. The results presented here identify novel seroreactive antigens for the development of recombinant protein-based diagnostics and subunit vaccines, and provide insight into the development of the antibody response.
Inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase b: synthesis, biochemical screening, and molecular modeling studies of novel analogues of hydantocidin

The synthesis and biochemical screening of four novel spironucleosides 1-4 against rabbit liver glycogen phosphorylase b (Gpb), along with molecular modeling studies on compound 2 and its 4-hydroxy analogue VII, have been presented. Gpb is a key enzyme of glycogen metabolism, and is known to be involved in the control of diabetes mellitus. The general strategy for synthesis involved base-catalyzed condensation of diethyl 2,4-dioxoimidazolidine-5-phosphonate (5) with either 2-deoxy-D-ribose or D-ribose, followed by sequential reactions involving ring-closure with phenylselenenyl chloride and reduction with tri-n-butyltin hydride catalyzed by azobisisobutyronitrile. Compounds 2 and 4 were found to be weak competitive inhibitors of Gpb, whereas 1 and 3 were inactive.
Classification by bootstrapping in single particle methods

In single-particle reconstruction methods, projections of macromolecules at random orientations are collected. Often, several classes of conformations or binding states coexist in a biological sample, which requires classification, so that each conformation can be reconstructed separately. In this work, we examine bootstrap techniques for classifying the projection data. When these techniques are applied to variance estimation, the projection images (particles) are randomly sampled with replacement from the data set and a bootstrap volume is reconstructed from each sample. In a recent extension of the bootstrap technique to classification, each particle is assigned to a volume in the space spanned by the bootstrap volumes, such that the projection of the assigned volume best matches the particle. In this work we explain the rationale of these techniques by discussing the nature of the bootstrap volumes and provide some statistical analyses.
Acute esophageal necrosis with spontaneous esophageal perforation in a patient with heat stroke

Acute esophageal necrosis with spontaneous esophageal perforation in a patient with heat stroke
Optimum transform-domain detection for multi-carrier spread spectrum based on partial-band interference models

Interfering signals in radio communication systems can assume a variety of forms. To excise interference, the use of models that are simple and general enough to cover its many forms, yet offer low detector implementation complexity and excellent performance are prefered. One such generic model is partial-band interference, which covers narrowband through to co-channel interference conditions. Two models are examined, Gaussian partial-band and sinusoidal partial-band interference in the presence of AWGN. The performance of various forms of optimum detector based on these models is examined and compared with conventional ad-hoc interference rejection techniques through simulation. In moderate to heavily-interfered channels, the model-based detection schemes can out-perform conventional techniques with minimal additional processing requirements. Furthermore, the simulation comparison studies give valuable insight into the relative merits and design weaknesses of both the proposed and ad-hoc detector structures.
Geometrical and flow configurations for enhanced microcantilever detection within a fluidic cell

Abstract This work focuses on studying the effect of the flow conditions and the geometric variation of the microcantilever’s supporting system on the microcantilever detection capabilities within a fluidic cell for various pertinent parameters. Such parameters include Reynolds number, height of the fluidic cell, surface reaction constant, and the Schmidt number. The results of this investigation show that the flow direction has a profound effect on the normal velocity across the microcantilever due to the presence of the supporting mechanism. In addition, the effect of the Reynolds number and the Schmidt number are also found to be significant on the species transfer characteristics within the fluidic cell. An interesting situation is presented in the present investigation, which relates to the effect of fluidic cell height on mass transfer. The results show that as the height of the fluidic cell decreases, mass transfer enhances due to an increase in the axial velocity along the microcantilever. Moreover, the normal velocity is found to decrease when decreasing the height of the fluidic cell and consequently minimizing any unfavorable microcantilever deflection. Finally, a correlation for the average mass flux along the microcantilever is obtained for various pertinent geometrical and flow configuration parameters. This work paves the road for researchers in the area microcantilever based biosensors to design efficient microsenor systems that exhibit minimal errors in the measurements.
Satellite microwave detection of boreal forest recovery from the extreme 2004 wildfires in Alaska and Canada

The rate of vegetation recovery from boreal wildfire influences terrestrial carbon cycle processes and climate feedbacks by affecting the surface energy budget and land-atmosphere carbon exchange. Previous forest recovery assessments using satellite optical-infrared normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and tower CO(2) eddy covariance techniques indicate rapid vegetation recovery within 5-10 years, but these techniques are not directly sensitive to changes in vegetation biomass. Alternatively, the vegetation optical depth (VOD) parameter from satellite passive microwave remote sensing can detect changes in canopy biomass structure and may provide a useful metric of post-fire vegetation response to inform regional recovery assessments. We analyzed a multi-year (2003-2010) satellite VOD record from the NASA AMSR-E (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS) sensor to estimate forest recovery trajectories for 14 large boreal fires from 2004 in Alaska and Canada. The VOD record indicated initial post-fire canopy biomass recovery within 3-7 years, lagging NDVI recovery by 1-5 years. The VOD lag was attributed to slower non-photosynthetic (woody) and photosynthetic (foliar) canopy biomass recovery, relative to the faster canopy greenness response indicated from the NDVI. The duration of VOD recovery to pre-burn conditions was also directly proportional (P < 0.01) to satellite (moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer) estimated tree cover loss used as a metric of fire severity. Our results indicate that vegetation biomass recovery from boreal fire disturbance is generally slower than reported from previous assessments based solely on satellite optical-infrared remote sensing, while the VOD parameter enables more comprehensive assessments of boreal forest recovery.
Obesity and Hyperbolic Discounting: Evidence and Implications

Efforts to use nutrition education to combat the growing obesity problem in the USA have been largely unsuccessful. One possible reason for the persistence of the obesity problem is the presence of consumers who discount hyperbolically. To counter this phenomenon, sophisticated agents may try to employ commitment devices to protect long–term health goals from short–term consumption decisions. This study uses data from the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals to examine the impact of hyperbolic discounting and use of commitment devices on individuals’ caloric consumption. The results suggest that obese dieters display behavior consistent with hyperbolic discounting.
Human Rights and Foreign Policy

Five recent books reveal the beginnings of important new work in conceptualizing the place of human rights concerns in national foreign policies. The moral force of claims of human rights requires that they be given serious consideration in foreign policy. Philosophical analysis also shows that categorical moral distinctions between personal (or civil and political) and economic and social rights must be abandoned. Any justifiable priority for one class of rights must rest on strategic or political, not conceptual or moral, grounds. Since human rights are only one of many foreign policy concerns, tradeoffs with other goals, interests, and values will be necessary. However, human rights and the national interest are often complementary. The “tradeoffs” actually made should be principled, instrumental decisions, rather than apparently ad hoc or cynical sacrifices of human rights.
Carbonic anhydrase facilitates CO2 and NH3 transport across the sarcolemma of trout white muscle

An isolated, perfused tail preparation was used to study the role of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in CO2 and NH3 transport across the sarcolemma of white muscle in the rainbow trout. Tissue was perfused with either control saline or saline containing the CA inhibitors quaternary ammonium sulfanilamide (QAS) or acetazolamide (Az). Inhibition of extracellular CA by QAS reduced CO2 efflux by approximately 30% and caused a significant increase in intracellular PCO2. Inhibition of total muscle CA activity (extracellular and intracellular) by Az also caused a reduction in CO2 efflux, but selective inhibition of intracellular CA only had no effect. Inhibition of both extracellular and intracellular CA activity resulted in increases in total intracellular ammonia concentrations, intracellular NH3 partial pressure (PNH3) and an increased PNH3 gradient across the sarcolemma. This suggests that both extracellular and intracellular CA function in normal NH3 transport out of the muscle. We suggest that CA in the extracellular boundary layer facilitates CO2 transport via the catalyzed hydration of CO2, thus maintaining the PCO2 gradient across the sarcolemma. H ions produced by that reaction serve to protonate excreted NH3, which helps maintain the PNH3 gradient. Thus CO2 and NH3 excretion are linked by the action of CA.
Beyond the Symbolic Species

Confusions about the nature of symbolic reference are at the core of two major challenges to understanding human language. A failure to take into account the complex iconic and indexical infrastructure of symbolic interpretation processes has blocked progress in the study of language structure, language evolution, neural processing of language, and language acquisition. Simplistic notions of symbolic interpretation are critiqued, the semiotic infrastructure of symbolic interpretive processes is described, and some implication for understanding the universals of grammar and syntax are explored. Finally, the evolutionary problem of language origins is re-examined and an unexpected important role for relaxation of selection is demonstrated.
Spender: Die Zeit und der Tod

Wenn Emerson der Meinung war: „In der Natur wird nichts geschenkt, fur alles mus gezahlt werden“, hatte er ebensogut das schwierigste Problem der Transplantationschirurgie vor Augen haben konnen: das Finden lebenden Gewebes von gesunden Menschen. Es ist schwer genug, so ein Gewebe nach dem Tod zu finden, und selbst dann mus noch ein Preis gezahlt werden. Aber in beiden Fallen erfordert die Verpflanzung von Organen von Mensch zu Mensch als unumgangliche Vorbedingung die Versorgung mit gesundem Gewebe von einem anderen Menschen.
Model organisms: New insights into ion channel and transporter function. stomatin homologues interact in Caenorhabditis elegans

In C. elegans the protein UNC-1 is a major determinant of anesthetic sensitivity and is a close homologue of the mammalian protein stomatin. In humans stomatin is missing from erythrocyte membranes...
A Case of Rapidly Progressive Dementia: Differentiating Dementia with Lewy Body from Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (P04.214)

OBJECTIVE: To present a case of rapidly progressive dementia with Lewy body (DLB) and to distinguish it from Cruetzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD) prior to autopsy. BACKGROUND: Once diagnosed, DLB has a three to seven year survival. Classically, patients have parkinsonism and visual hallucinations. In contrast, CJD is a rapidly progressive dementia with succession to death in less than one year, caused by prion disease. Diagnostic differences include clinical observations, EEG, CSF, and MRI results. DESIGN/METHODS: We present a literature review and case report of a 69 year old male patient with rapidly progressive dementia leading to institutionalization within two months and death within five months. He initially presented with two weeks of acute onset memory loss, generalized weakness, falls, and intermittent action tremor. Examination revealed memory difficulties, paratonia, rare myoclonic jerks, and intermittent high frequency postural tremor. Three weeks later, the patient had hallucinations, dysphonia, and dysphagia. In the following months, he responded to well to risperidone. His cognitive deficits fluctuated and myoclonus increased the week prior to death. RESULTS: In this patient with sudden onset dementia, serum studies were unremarkable. CSF studies, including cultures and tau protein, were normal. MRI revealed increased FLAIR signal within the supratentorial gray matter and cerebellum, hippocampi and basal ganglia, though repeat MRI one month prior to death was normal. PET scan showed scattered decreased perfusion. Four EEGs were obtained over the course of his illness, only demonstrating variable degrees of slowing with occasional triphasic waves correlating to the degree of encephalopathy. No PLEDs were identified. A presumptive diagnosis of DLB was made. The patient died of cardiopulmonary complications. Brain pathology confirmed Lewy body disease. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates the variable course of DLB. Differentiating between rapidly progressive dementias requires analysis of the sensitivities and specificities of a variety of neurologic tests. Disclosure: Dr. Daniello has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pathmanathan has nothing to disclose.
Who's in charge here?

almost destroyed our home. Although I was the only heir and the proceedings were uncontested, the process of acquiring the guardianship was time-consuming, expensive, and often delayed. In the interim, I concentrated on holding my marriage, family, and career together in the face of Mother's increasingly bizarre and violent behavior. Finally, after five months, I was appointed her guardian, gaining the right and responsibility to take care of matters that she no longer could. Our culture has come to value au-
Exposure of Apis mellifera to Bee-Collected Pollen Containing Residues of Microencapsulated Methyl Parathion

Average mortality of adult honey bees, Apis mellifera L., was from 29 to 72 times higher than normal the first 48 h after aged pollen containing microencapsulated methyl parathion (stored 13 ½ and 14 ½ months in the cells of wax combs) was introduced into small colonies. After one wk adult mortality was still 4 – 10 times higher than normal. After 4 wk, mortality was nearly normal again. Brood production of the exposed colonies was apparently only slightly affected. Chemical analysis of composite samples of the stored pollen showed that 26 ppm methyl parathion and 28 ppm degradation products from the polymer capsule were present. Wax and honey samples collected from these same combs at the same time contained only 0.03 and 0.05 ppm, respectively, of methyl parathion.
An Optical Immunoassay for the Direct Detection of Group A Strep Antigen

We used an optical immunoassay (Strep A OIA, Biostar, Boulder, Colo) to evaluate 483 throat-swab specimens for the presence of group A streptococcal (GAS) antigen. We compared the results with those achieved by a rapid latex test (PathoDx, Diagnostic Products, Los Angeles), with culture by standard methods, and with culture in an enriched Todd-Hewitt broth. Although the specificities of the two rapid assays were similar (98%), the sensitivity of the OIA technique (95%) exceeded that of the latex method (43%), and was felt to be as sensitive as culture. Strep A OIA appears to be a reliable, easily interpretable method for detection of GAS antigen directly from clinical specimens.
Computer-generated holographic stereograms

We examine one type of holographic stereogram and its implementation on two widely different media. The first medium is photoresist for a conventional computer-generated hologram. The second medium is photo-refractive polymer for re-writable holograms.
RF PLASMA THRUSTERS FOR SMALLSAT APPLICATIONS

The following is the first of a series of tests, dedicated to determining the feasibility of using the RF glow discharge phenomenon for a low power propulsion system. The main goals of this preliminary study are to explore electrode wear and characteristic operating parameters such as frequency, RF power, mass flow rate and gap distance. The RF thruster concept is characterized by a low-power RF glow discharge established between co-axial electrodes, analogous in design to an arcjet thruster. RF power sustains the plasma and ‘suspends’ charged particles within the electrode gap. The time duration of a half cycle does not allow the statistical majority of ions and electrons in the electrode gap to transverse the gap distance before the polarity reverses and causes the charged particles to be attracted in the opposite direction. The glow discharge is powered by an RF power supply encompassing a frequency range between 10 and 175 MHz. The power delivered to the glow discharge is in the range of 20 to 110 W and depends on the particular settings of the fundamental operating parameters. This paper explored the issue of electrode damage that may be caused by a glow discharge and compared it to DC glow discharge with equivalent operating conditions. In addition, it discusses the approach to a sensitivity study exploring the relations between the fundamental operating parameters (frequency, power, mass flow rate, and gap distance) and temperature.
Security constrained coordinated dynamic voltage stabilization based on model predictive control

Voltage instability and voltage collapse are complicated phenomenon which can be influenced by the interactions of all power system components. This paper presents an approach for optimal coordination of static var compensators (SVCs), transformer under load tap changers (ULTCs) and load shedding to improve voltage performance following disturbances and also to ensure a desired amount of post-transient voltage stability margin (an index of system security). The approach is based on model predictive control (MPC) with a decreasing control horizon. Since both continuous and discrete controls are considered, the MPC formulation leads to a mixed integer quadratic programming (MIQP) problem. Trajectory sensitivities are used to evaluate the effect of controls on voltage performance. The sensitivity of voltage stability margin with respect to the various control mechanisms is used to construct a constraint for guaranteeing certain post-fault stability margin in the MPC formulation. The MPC based coordination of these controls is applied to a modified 39-bus New England system to prevent voltage collapse.
Nonphosphatide fatty acyl esters of alkenyl and alkyl ethers of glycerol.

Evidence has been presented, in a preliminary communication from this laboratory (I), and by Schogt, Begemann, and Koster (2), to substantiate the previously postulated existence (3, 4) of nonphosphatide plasmalogens. This evidence was based mainly on observations made with unsaponifiable fractions obtained after treatment of neutral lipid with alkali. In our preliminary communication (I), for example, the neutral lipid of the digestive gland of the starfish (Asterius forbesi) was saponified. Fatty aldehyde was found to be released from the unsaponifiable fraction by mild acid treatment, and was detected with fuchsin. The color reaction used by Norton (5) to detect a&vinyl ethers’ of the phosphatide series (phosphatide plasmalogens) * Supported by grants from the American Heart Association and the Massachusetts Heart Association. 1 Since the discovery of the nature of the aldehydogenic linkage in the plasmalogens (6,7), these compounds have been referred to by many authors as &vinyl ethers of glycerol. This terminology could conceivably cause confusion in that the carbon atoms of the glycerol moiety are often referred to as LY, 8, and (Y’ in assignments of positions of attachment of various entities to the glycerol backbone.
Developing Health Analytics Design Artifact for Improved Patient Activation: An On-going Case Study

Health organizations have the opportunity to incorporate purposeful data analytics to improve decision making related to healthcare. Yet, adoption of analytics techniques in healthcare lags behind other industries. Patient activation refers to patients playing an active role in managing their own health and health care, and their perceived confidence in their ability to manage their own health. Yet, little search exists to guide the design of big data analytics that identify, monitor and improve the healthcare organization’s efforts in patient activation. The overall goal of the research is to fill this important gap. The focus is to collect and analyze data and develop our case-research based framework and its application in the development of Health Analytics Design Artifact for Improved Patient Activation.
Assessing the Sensitivity of Weighted Least Squares Model Fit Indexes to Local Dependence in Item Response Theory Models

Given the relationships of item response theory (IRT) models to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models, IRT model misspecifications might be detectable through model fit indexes commonly used in categorical CFA. The purpose of this study is to investigate the sensitivity of weighted least squares with adjusted means and variance (WLSMV)-based root mean square error of approximation, comparative fit index, and Tucker–Lewis Index model fit indexes to IRT models that are misspecified due to local dependence (LD). It was found that WLSMV-based fit indexes have some functional relationships to parameter estimate bias in 2-parameter logistic models caused by violations of LD. Continued exploration into these functional relationships and development of LD-detection methods based on such relationships could hold much promise for providing IRT practitioners with global information on violations of local independence.
Computer Simulated Imaging in Rhinoplasty

Computers have moved from curiosity to commonplace within the practice of facial plastic surgery. The ability to record, archive, manipulate, and recall digital images allows surgeons to more readily demonstrate relevant cases to future patients, critically review one’s own results, and improve communication with patients seeking aesthetic and functional nasal surgery. This chapter reviews the relevant body of literature regarding computer simulated imaging (CSI) as it pertains to rhinoplasty. Studies of the role of CSI in preoperative counseling are utilized to demonstrate the power of this technique as well as to provide guidelines for ethical and legal application of this technology. The accuracy of CSI is explored in detail to allow the practicing rhinoplasty surgeon have greater knowledge in determining how to incorporate CSI into their own practice. Recommendations for incorporating CSI in rhinoplasty evaluation, education, and preoperative planning are based upon both peer-reviewed literature and the author’s use of CSI and are further delineated in case studies.
AORTIC REGURGITATION NEGATIVELY AFFECTS LEFT VENTRICULAR MECHANICS AFTER TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

Background: Aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with worse outcomes, but the impact of AR on recovery of left ventricular (LV) mechanics is unclear. Methods: We analyzed echocardiograms obtained in 191 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR
The Third Reich's Intelligence Services: The Career of Walter Schellenberg

This is the first-ever analytical study of Nazi Germany's political foreign intelligence service, Office VI of the Reichssicherheitshauptamt and its head, Walter Schellenberg. Katrin Paehler tells the story of Schellenberg's career in policing and intelligence, charts the development and activities of the service he eventually headed, and discusses his attempts to place it at the center of Nazi foreign intelligence and foreign policy. The book locates the service in its proper pedigree of the SS as well as in relation to its two main rivals - the Abwehr and the Auswartige Amt. It also considers the role Nazi ideology played in the conceptualization and execution of foreign intelligence, revealing how this ideological prism fractured and distorted Office VI's view of the world. The book is based on contemporary and postwar documents - many recently declassified - from archives in the United States, Germany, and Russia.