cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synoptic monthly gridded global and regional four-dimensional World Ocean Database and Global Temperature and Salinity Profile Programme (T , S , u , v ) fields with the optimal spectral decomposition and P-vector methods

Synoptic monthly gridded (SMG) world ocean temperature (T) and salinity (S) fields with (1° × 1°) horizontal resolution and 28 standard vertical levels from the ocean surface to 3000 m deep have been established from the observational (T, S) profiles from the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) World Ocean Database (WOD) from January 1945 to December 2014 and the Global Temperature and Salinity Profile Programme (GTSPP) from January 1990 to December 2009 using the optimal spectral decomposition (OSD) method. The world ocean abstract geostrophic currents (u, v) are calculated from the 4D SMG-WOD and SMG-GTSPP (T, S) data using the P-vector inverse method. The SMG-WOD (T, S, u, v) and SMG-GTSPP (T, S, u, v) fields with a higher horizontal resolution (0.25° × 0.25°) have also been produced for the Mediterranean Sea, the Japan/East Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Copper and Connective Tissue: The Mechanism of Lysyl Oxidase

It has long been known that there is a relationship between copper-deficiency and solubilization of connective tissue. Although copper deficiency in humans is not common, cases have been reported in populations that subsist largely on a grain diet, and in such populations there has been noted a high incidence of musculo-skeletal weaknesses attributed to solubilization of collagen and elastin, the proteins of connective tissue. These are proteins with very organized structures. They are very strong and quite insoluble because of extensive cross-linking of the protein chains. As the degree of cross-linking decreases, the proteins become increasingly soluble. Several diseases and some inherited disorders are also characterized by solubilization of connective tissue and it is significant that these are also associated with abnormal copper distributions. Several recent reviews of the physiological aspects of copper are available1.
Tektronix PLOT 10 GKS—tailored for customer's needs

Tektronix has been setting graphics standards with hardware and software innovations for years. Already in the early Seventies Tektronix put a software tool on the market called PLOT 10 Terminal Control System.
Isolation, identification, and time course of human DNA typing from bed bugs, Cimex lectularius

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) are ectoparasitic wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals, typically in residential settings. The objectives of this study were to establish a time-course of human DNA quantitation from bed bugs and to generate human DNA profile(s) of a host and/or multiple hosts from a bed bug that fed on human blood. Female human genomic DNA concentrations ranged from 18.370 to 0.195ng/bed bug at 0-108h post blood meal (PBM), male human genomic DNA concentrations ranged from 5.4 to 0.105ng/bed bug at 0-108h PBM, and pooled human female and male blood ranged from 5.49 to 0.135ng/bed bug at 0-96h PBM. Human autosomal STR complete profiles were obtained until 72h PBM for female, male, and pooled human blood. These results reveal that identification of multiple human hosts is possible from a single bed bug. However, the ratio of each contributor may be variable depending on the amount of blood ingested from each individual and the time difference of blood consumed from each subject. Average peak heights for three STR markers of low (D3S1358), medium (D13S317), and high molecular weight (D2S1338), were also compared over time. Peak heights were consistently higher for the low molecular weight marker over all time intervals. These data suggest that some markers can be successfully recovered more than three days PBM. Hence, bed bugs can serve as physical evidence in temporal and spatial predictions to match suspects and/or victims to specific locations in criminal investigations.
Early effects of roflumilast on insulin sensitivity in adults with prediabetes and overweight/obesity involve age-associated fat mass loss – results of an exploratory study

Purpose Roflumilast (Daliresp, Daxas) is a FDA-approved phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor for the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In mice and in limited human studies, this oral medication can cause weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity. We set out to determine the mechanism of its effect on insulin sensitivity. Patients and methods Eight adults with overweight/obesity and prediabetes received roflumilast for 6 weeks. Before and after roflumilast, subjects underwent tests of insulin sensitivity, mixed meal test, body composition, markers of inflammation, and mitochondria function. Dietary intake and physical activity were also assessed. Our primary outcome was the change in peripheral insulin sensitivity, as assessed by the hyper-insulinemic euglycemic clamp. Results This study was underpowered for the primary outcome. Pre- and post-roflumilast mean peripheral insulin sensitivity were 48.7 and 70.0 mg/g fat free mass/minute, respectively, (P-value=0.18), respectively. Among the mixed meal variables, roflumilast altered glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone the most, although the average effect was not statistically significant (P=0.18). Roflumilast induced a trend toward significance in 1) decreased energy intake (from 11,095 KJ to 8,4555 KJ, P=0.07), 2) decreased fat mass (from 34.53 to 32.97 kg, P=0.06), 3) decreased total and LDL cholesterol (P=0.06 for both variables), and 4) increased plasma free fatty acids (from 0.40 to 0.50 mEq/L, P=0.09) The interval changes in adiposity and free fatty acid were significantly associated with the subject's age (P-value range= <0.001 to 0.02 for the correlations). Inflammatory and adhesion markers, though unchanged, significantly correlated with one another and with incretin hormones only after roflumilast. Conclusion We demonstrate, for the first time in humans, increasing percentage of fat mass loss from roflumilast with increasing age in adults with prediabetes and overweight/obesity. We also demonstrate novel associations among roflumilast-induced changes in incretin hormones, inflammatory markers, peripheral insulin sensitivity, and adiposity. We conclude that roflumilast's early effects on insulin sensitivity is indirect and likely mediated through roflumilast's prioritization of lipid over glucose handling. Clinical trials registration NCT01862029.
Doxorubicin-Induced p53 Interferes with Mitophagy in Cardiac Fibroblasts

Doxorubicin is a mainstay in pediatric chemotherapy treatment because of its efficacy treating leukemia and lymphoma. Unfortunately, every childhood cancer survivor will develop a chronic health problem, one of the most serious being cardiac disease. How doxorubicin damages the heart in such a way that disease progression occurs over multiple decades is still not understood.nnThe dose of doxorubicin selected does not cause apoptosis but does arrest cell cycle. It also decreases the cells ability to migrate. Gene profiling indicated a cardiac remodeling and inflammatory profile. Mitochondria increased ROS production and underwent membrane depolarization. Secondly, the Parkin:p53 interaction mechanism was investigated. Doxorubicin was found to increase p53 expression and it was shown to sequester Parkin. As a result, mitophagy in doxorubicin-treated cells was decreased. Lastly, cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from p53-/- mice and treated with doxorubicin. The gene expression phenotype in these cells was attenuated and migration was restored. Proliferation was still decreased. Mitochondrial dysfunction was also partially attenuated. Without p53, Parkin could now localize to the mitochondria and mitophagy was restored.nnDoxorubicin induces a deleterious phenotype in cardiac fibroblasts that may be due to the interaction between two stress responses caused by doxorubicins DNA and mitochondrial damage. Cardiac fibroblasts are a viable target and further research needs to be done to elucidate other harmful mechanisms at play in the fibroblast. Knowledge about the importance of cardiac fibroblasts in the development of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and a pathological mechanism broadens our understanding and ability to develop protective therapies to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors.nnThe project described was supported by all of the following sources for GJA: O_LISt. Baldricks Foundation Scholar (Career Development Award)nC_LIO_LITurn it Gold FoundationnC_LI The project described was supported by all of the following sources for TRM:nnO_LINIH T32GM113896 (STX-MSTP) awardnC_LIO_LINational Center for Advancing Translational Science, NIH through grant TL1 TR001119. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.nC_LI
GATA2 controls lymphatic endothelial cell junctional integrity and lymphovenous valve morphogenesis through MIR-126

Mutations in the transcription factor GATA2 cause lymphedema. GATA2 is necessary for the development of lymphatic valves and lymphovenous valves, and for the patterning of lymphatic vessels. Here, we report that GATA2 is not necessary for valvular endothelial cell (VEC) differentiation. Instead, GATA2 is required for VEC maintenance and morphogenesis. GATA2 is also necessary for the expression of the cell junction molecules VE-cadherin and claudin 5 in lymphatic vessels. We identified miR-126 as a target of GATA2, and miR-126-/- embryos recapitulate the phenotypes of mice lacking GATA2. Primary human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs) lacking GATA2 (HLECΔGATA2) have altered expression of claudin 5 and VE-cadherin, and blocking miR-126 activity in HLECs phenocopies these changes in expression. Importantly, overexpression of miR-126 in HLECΔGATA2 significantly rescues the cell junction defects. Thus, our work defines a new mechanism of GATA2 activity and uncovers miR-126 as a novel regulator of mammalian lymphatic vascular development.
Gravitational Wilson lines in AdS$_{\bf 3}$

The construction of gravitational Wilson lines in the Chern-Simons formulation of $AdS_3$ gravity in terms of composite operators in the dual boundary conformal field theory is reviewed. New evidence is presented that the Wilson line, dimensionally regularized and suitably renormalized, behaves as a bi-local operator of two conformal primaries whose dimension is predicted by SL(2,R) current algebra.
Increasing Work Skills for Students With Significant Disabilities: A Six-Step Model for Transition Worksite Programs:

Students with significant disabilities typically experience poor postschool employment outcomes. However, when provided opportunities to work and engage within their communities, they can gain nece...
The Origins of the Market for Corporate Law

I study the origins of the market for corporate charters and the emergence of Delaware as the leader of this market. Specifically, I assemble new data on 19th and 20th-century corporations to evaluate two widely-held beliefs: (1) the U.S. Supreme Court is responsible for enabling a national market for corporate charters in the 19th century and (2) Delaware became the leader in this market only because New Jersey (the initial leader) repealed its extremely liberal corporate laws in 1913. I argue that both claims are false: The Supreme Court always opposed a national market for corporate charters, and New Jersey’s decline began a decade before its 1913 repeal. It is more likely that the market for corporate charters emerged as a collateral consequence of interstate commerce and that New Jersey declined because Delaware and other states simply copied its laws.
An Introduction to Rights: The Prehistory of Rights

Rights are universal, many people say. Everybody possesses certain fundamental rights simply by virtue of being human. But there are also many people who say that rights are a modern, Western invention. Rights are something made up, “constructed,” by a certain historical culture – call it the modern, bourgeois West – that seeks, for its own purposes, to export its notions and even to impose them upon other cultures regardless of their traditional ways. And some people seem to want to say both that rights are something that modern Western culture made up and that rights belong to everybody simply by virtue of being human – ignoring the apparent inconsistency. One way of trying to reconcile these conflicting opinions about the nature of rights is to trace the history of rights discourse, and see whether rights or something equivalent to rights are recognized in all human cultures at all times. If they are, then that would settle the question: rights, whatever else they are, are not simply a modern Western invention. If, on the other hand, rights are not universally recognized across cultures, then the discovery may make us uneasy, for we will then have to face the following dilemma: Should we say that the particular moral cultures that do not, or did not, recognize rights are to that extent morally defective cultures, or should we say instead that the fact that a given culture rejects or ignores the idea of rights does not entitle us to draw any conclusions about its moral worth? (I ignore for now a third possibility, of viewing talk of rights as a decadent and defective mode of moral discourse – what could be called the narcissism worry .)
Acquisition and Acoustic Patterns of Southern American English /l/ in Young Children.

Purpose The aim of the current study was to examine /l/ developmental patterns in young learners of Southern American English, especially in relation to the effect of word position and phonetic con...
Evaluating the climate resilience in terms of profitability and risk for a long-term corn-soybean-wheat rotation under different treatment systems

Abstract Increasing climate variability and extreme weather events impose significant challenges to the crop production systems throughout the world. Alternative agricultural treatment systems have been proposed to manage these challenges. However, these treatments have not been sufficiently studied for their ability to improve climate resilience, especially in terms of profitability and risk management, which are important metrics of resilience that determine farm-level adaptation. Hence, we evaluated the climate resilience of three alternative agricultural treatments for a long-term (27-years) rotation of corn-soybean-wheat, cast in the temperate humid climate of Southwest Michigan, United States. The three alternative treatments include no-till, reduced input, and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic. These are compared to the conventional treatment along with the same crop rotation. Means and volatility of expected gross margins and risk preferences were used as the evaluation metrics. Results demonstrate that the net revenues from the USDA certified organic are largely expected to exceed the net revenues of conventional treatment. Also, for all commodities, organic treatment may exert greater annual stability in revenues. The no-till treatment dominates conventional and reduced input practices in expected annual net revenues with a relatively lower risk to those revenues in light of climate extremes. Furthermore, the organic and no-till treatments showed appropriateness to cater to a range of farmers with different risk preferences. Therefore, the organic and the no-till treatments were deemed climate-resilient. The conventional and reduced input treatments did not show resilience thus will be vulnerable to the changing climate. Despite the economic support for adopting resilient practices, growers have been slow to adopt new approaches. We suggest future research needs for understanding grower motivations for adopting climate-resilient practices and consider policy implications.
Multi-year soil microbial and extracellular phosphorus enzyme response to lime and phosphate addition in temperate hardwood forests

While reported short-term microbial responses to nutrient enrichment experiments are common, we provide results from a six-year data set in response to field manipulations of soil phosphorus (P) availability. We hypothesized that long-term shifts in P economics should result in the persistent suppression of P-acquiring extracellular enzymes when compared with ambient soils, as opposed to acclimation by the microbial community. P availability was experimentally increased, either directly by addition of phosphate fertilizer or indirectly by raising soil pH with lime in relatively P rich (i.e., glaciated) and P poor (i.e., unglaciated) forest soils. Soil chemistry, phosphatase enzymes (phosphomonoesterase, PM and phosphodiesterase, PD), and microbial structure (PLFA analysis) were measured annually for six years. Since the start of the experiment, the microbial communities have become more distinct across treatments. PD enzyme activity was more responsive to the treatments than PM, especially in the glaciated elevated P treatment where ambient P availability was greatest. The treatments dramatically suppressed P-acquiring enzyme activity with no indication of acclimation. These results suggest that the initial conditions and ambient nutrient supply of an ecosystem will have a strong influence on its response sensitivity to continuous nutrient enrichment.
Exception Status Listing in the New Adult Heart Allocation System: A New Solution to an Old Problem?

Background: One of the goals of the revised 6-tiered US adult heart allocation policy was to improve risk stratification of patients to lower exception status utilization for transplant listing. We...
Acoustics at the nanoscale (nanoacoustics): A comprehensive literature review. Part I: Materials, devices and selected applications

Abstract In the past decade, acoustics at the nanoscale (i.e., nanoacoustics) has evolved rapidly with continuous and substantial expansion of capabilities and refinement of techniques. Motivated by research innovations in the last decade, for the first time, recent advancements of acoustics-associated nanomaterials/nanostructures and nanodevices for different applications are outlined in this comprehensive review, which is written in two parts. As part I of this two-part review, firstly, active and passive nanomaterials and nanostructures for acoustics are presented. Following that, representative applications of nanoacoustics including material property characterization, nanomaterial/nanostructure manipulation, and sensing, are discussed in detail. Finally, a summary is presented with point of views on the current challenges and potential solutions in this burgeoning field.
Acquisition of pcnB [poly(A) polymerase I] genes via horizontal transfer from the β, γ-Proteobacteria.

Poly(A) polymerases (PAPs) and tRNA nucleotidyltransferases belong to a superfamily of nucleotidyltransferases and modify RNA 3'-ends. The product of the pcnB gene, PAP I, has been characterized in a few β-, γ- and δ-Proteobacteria. Using the PAP I signature sequence, putative PAPs were identified in bacterial species from the α- and e-Proteobacteria and from four other bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Aquificae). Phylogenetic analysis, alien index and G+C content calculations strongly suggest that the PAPs in the species identified in this study arose by horizontal gene transfer from the β- and γ-Proteobacteria.
Prying open the closet door: a call for research on sexual identity and mathematics education

Although personal identities influence teaching and learning and the field of mathematics education is committed to equity and diversity for all learners, sexual minorities have been neglected in mathematics education research. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to call for research on sexual identity in mathematics education. I first define key terms and their relationships. Next, I discuss how students’ sexual identity relates to school experiences and outcomes. I then summarize existing research on sexual identity and STEM/mathematics education. Finally, I recommend research on sexual identity and mathematics education that can advance our field in a continued commitment to equitable mathematics teaching and learning.
Evaluating different energized fracturing fluids using an integrated equation-of-state compositional hydraulic fracturing and reservoir simulator

Horizontal wells are often drilled and hydraulically fractured in tight reservoirs to produce hydrocarbons or heat. Different fracturing fluids such as slick water, gas, foam, gel, or a combination can be used with slick water being the most common fracturing fluid. In this paper, we study the impacts of different fracturing fluids on fractured well productivity using an in-house integrated hydraulic fracturing and reservoir simulator with an equation-of-state compositional model. We analyzed the fracture geometry, stress interference, proppant placement, and the subsequent well productivity using different fracturing fluids. The results clearly show that different fracturing fluids result in very different fracture shape, sand distribution, and water and hydrocarbon production. By conducting fracturing and production simulations in one simulator, we ensure that no physics and data loss occurs due to data migration between two different software packages for hydraulic fracturing and reservoir simulation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that a single integrated equation-of-state compositional hydraulic fracturing and reservoir simulator has been presented and applied for well lifecycle simulation.
Affirmative Stances in Training Programs toward Sexual and Gender Minority Clients: Views from Clinical and Counseling Psychology Graduate Students

Despite training recommendations to address mental health disparities among sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, the current state of SGM affirmative training in clinical and counseling doctoral psychology programs remains unclear. The present study surveyed 147 clinical and counseling psychology graduate students in the United States. Participants completed surveys on affirmative training stances in their graduate program for sexual minority clients, gender minority clients, and self-reported perceptions of their attitudes, knowledge, and skills related to SGM clients. Results revealed that current graduate students reported more affirmative stances for sexual minority clients compared to gender minority clients. SGM graduate students reported fewer affirmative stances in their programs for both sexual and gender minority clients compared to their heterosexual cisgender peers. Lastly, SGM identity was a significant predictor of perceived SGM clinical competency beyond years of training, program model, or type of graduate program. Implications for training and future research are discussed.
Regulation of epithelial sodium channels by cGMP/PKGII.

Airway and alveolar fluid clearance is mainly governed by vectorial salt movement via apically located rate-limiting Na+ channels (ENaC) and basolateral Na+/K+-ATPases. ENaC is regulated by a spectrum of protein kinases, i.e. protein kinase A (PKA), C (PKC), and G (PKG). However, the molecular mechanisms for the regulation of ENaC by cGMP/PKG remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we studied the pharmacological responses of native epithelial Na+ channels in human Clara cells and human αβγδ ENaCs expressed in oocytes to cGMP. 8-pCPT-cGMP increased amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current (Isc) across H441 monolayers and heterologously expressed αβγδ ENaC activity in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, 8-pCPT-cGMP (a PKGII activator) but not 8-Br-cGMP (a PKGI activator) increased amiloride-sensitive whole cell currents in H441 cells in the presence of CFTRinh-172 and diltiazem. In all cases, the cGMP-activated Na+ channel activity was inhibited by Rp-8-pCPT-cGMP, a specific PKGII inhibitor. This was substantiated by the evidence that PKGII was the sole isoform expressed in H441 cells at the protein level. Importantly, intratracheal instillation of 8-pCPT-cGMP in BALB/c mice increased amiloride-sensitive alveolar fluid clearance by ∼30%, consistent with the in vitro results. We therefore conclude that PKGII is an activator of lung epithelial Na+ channels, which may expedite the resolution of oedematous fluid in alveolar sacs.
Melanins and Resistance of Fungi to Lysis

Hyphal walls of Aspergillus phoenicis and Sclerotium rolfsii are composed of large amounts of glucose- and N-acetylhexosamine-containing polysaccharides, and the walls are extensively digested by streptomycete culture filtrates or by a mixture of purified chitinase and β-(1 → 3) glucanase preparations with the release of the monomeric units. A. phoenicis conidial walls also contain polymers of glucose and N-acetylhexosamine, but these walls are resistant to digestion by microorganisms or the enzyme combination active on the hyphae. When the melanin-containing spicules were removed from the spore surface, however, the chitinase and glucanase partially digested the underlying structural components. Microorganisms decomposing hyphal walls of S. rolfsii did not attack the melanin-covered sclerotia produced by this fungus. No microorganism capable of lysing two fungi, Rhizoctonia solani and Cladosporium sp., producing hyphae containing abundant melanin was found. The ecological significance of these findings and possible mechanisms for the protective influence associated with melanins are discussed.
What kinship is (part two)

Following on the determination of kinship as mutuality of being, Part Two considers some entailments of this intersubjective relationality in practice. Resume Comme suite a la definition de la parente comme une mutualite d'existence, cette deuxieme partie examine certaines implications pratiques de cette relationalite intersubjective.
Selective reinforcement of wing structure for flutter prevention.

The results of an analytical study are presented on the use of boron polyimide filamentary composite material for the purpose of increasing the flutter speed of a simple titanium full depth sandwich wing structure designed for strength. The results clearly demonstrate that selective reinforcement of wing surfaces, using judiciously placed filamentary composites, promises sizable mass savings in the design of advanced aircraft structures.
[F-18]-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET and PET-CT in diagnostic imaging evaluation of locally recurrent and metastatic bladder transitional cell carcinoma

Little data is available on the utility of positron emission tomography (PET) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) with [F-18]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in patients with bladder cancer. We retrospectively assessed the diagnostic utility of dedicated PET and hybrid PET-CT scans with [F-18]-FDG in the imaging evaluation of recurrent and metastatic bladder transitional cell carcinoma. The study group included 35 patients who were previously treated for the primary disease. We performed PET in 17 patients and 23 PET-CT scans in 18 patients. Diagnostic validation was by biopsy in 1 patient and clinical and radiological follow-up for up to 5 years in the remaining patients. PET and CT were true negative (TN) in 12 patients and true positive (TP) in 19 patients. In 4 patients in this group, both locally recurrent pelvic mass and distant metastases were demonstrated, while in 3 of these patients, unsuspected skeletal and/or nodal metastases were detected by PET-CT and these patients received additional courses of chemotherapy. PET was discordant with CT in 4 patients. PET was negative in 2 of these patients, while post-chemotherapy CT showed enlarged nodes that were determined to represent successfully treated disease. In another patient, a hypometabolic soft-tissue mass was considered to represent a scar, and a wait-and-watch strategy was pursued. In the remaining patient, PET showed random hypermetabolic osseous lesions that represented early marrow metastatic infiltration. The combined diagnostic information provided by PET-CT affected the clinical management in 17% of patients. FDG PET and PET-CT scanning may improve the imaging evaluation of patients with recurrent and metastatic bladder cancer.
The Developmental Epidemiology of Anxiety Disorders: Phenomenology, Prevalence, and Comorbidity

This article argues that the quality of diagnostic tools used to measure anxiety disorders in children and adolescents has improved enormously in the past few years. As a result, prevalence estimates are less erratic, understanding of comorbidity is increasing, and the role of impairment as a criterion for "caseness" is considered more carefully. Several of the instruments developed for epidemiologic research are now being used in clinical settings. Further integration of laboratory methods and clinical and epidemiologic ideas will benefit children with anxiety disorders and their families.
Application of signal detection methodology to a critical stimulus duration procedure: Evidence of a visual sensory store deficit among hypothetical schizotypals☆

Abstract The present study was an investigation of the ability of a traditional critical stimulus duration (CSD) procedure to equate schizophrenia spectrum and control subjects on visual initial input capacities. The original MMPI was administered to college students from a nonclinical setting. The 2-7-8 profile type was used in identifying the hypothetically schizotypal population (n = 12). Subjects producing an inflation free (n = 12) or a 4-9 (n = 12) MMPI code constituted the control groups. Analyses of CSD values using the commonly employed yes-no forced choice procedure revealed no significant differences among groups. A yes-no signal detection procedure was employed in constructing receiver operating characteristic curves for each individual's CSD. Transformed sensitivity and response bias analyses revealed that the 2-7-8 group demonstrated significantly lower visual sensitivity in comparison to the control groups. A less clear pattern of response bias differences was also obtained. These results are discussed in terms of the validity of commonly employed CSD procedures and the need for applied signal detection analyses in at-risk research.
Critical evaluation of the Vitek GNS F6 card results compared to standardized, reference susceptibility test methods

A large number of Enterobacteriaceae (291 unselected and 30 clinical challenge isolates) were used to evaluate the accuracy of the Vitek GNS-F6 susceptibility testing card for 10 antimicrobial agents (ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, mezlocillin, ofloxacin, piperacillin, ticarcillin, and ticarcillin/clavulanate). Results were compared to reference broth microdilution and disk diffusion methods. Highest interpretive error on initial processing were observed with ticarcillin/clavulanate (very major false-susceptible error, 3.4%), imipenem (major false-resistant error, 1.9%), and ampicillin/sulbactam (minor error, 15.9%). Repeat testing resolved many very major errors (21 of 41 results), and the overall accuracy rate was improved from 92.1 to 93.4%. Analysis of all minor interpretive errors demonstrated that the trend for Vitek was to report slightly lower MICs (6 of 10 drugs; 97 of 159 results) in comparison to the reference test results. If a heavy inoculum was used in the Vitek cards, false resistance was observed more frequently with aztreonam and penicillins. These data demonstrate that susceptibility testing accuracy with Vitek GNS-F6 card based on categorical agreement varies from 83.2% (ampicillin/sulbactam) to 99.4% (ciprofloxacin) when testing enteric bacilli. Some antimicrobial agents (beta-lactamase inhibitor/penicillin combinations, antipseudomonal penicillins) may require slight modification of interpretive software. Finally, the overall accuracy of the Vitek System was greater than 91% for 9 of 10 drugs tested with a very low, acceptable rate of false-susceptible error (0.8%).
Spatial variation of redox and trace metal geochemistry in a minerotrophic fen

Pore water and solid phase samples were collected from the upper 50 cm of a peat profile at four sites within a 10 m2 area in Kleinstuck Marsh, a minerotropic fen located in Kalamazoo, MI. Although the chosen sites are in close proximity to each other, they differ with respect to vegetation species and density. Pore water analyses for a suite of redox sensitive species (pH, alkalinity, dissolved Mn(II), Fe(II), Fe(III), sulfide, sulfate), together with Fe and Mn distributions inferred from operationally-defined sequential extractions, demonstrate that Fe(III) and Mn(IV) reduction occurs in the shallow peat at three of the four sites. At the fourth site, the only site containing the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), accumulation of dissolved sulfide in the pore waters and increased levels of oxidizable phases in the shallow peat point to increased net sulfate reduction relative to the other three sites. Speciation calculations indicate that pore water concentrations of phosphate, especially below ∼10 cm depth, are largely controlled by the solubility of phases such as strengite or hydroxylapatite, and that at all but the loosestrife site, dissolved Ca and Mg are likely determined by carbonate solubility. Fe and Mn distribution among operationally defined solid phase fractions are consistent with reductive dissolution of FMO in the uppermost peat, leading to precipitation of Fe sulfides and Mn carbonates deeper in the peat profile. Zn, Co, Cr and Ni distributions are consistent with release from FMO to form sulfides or organic associations deeper in the peat. Pb and Cu may also be released by reductive dissolution of FMO, or more likely, shift from primary association with organic matter to increased association with sulfides under more sulfidic conditions. This study highlights the existence of extreme lateral variations in peat pore water and solid phase geochemical profiles, even over quite small areas.
Generating high energy density plasmas using the flow Z-pinch concept

Summary form only given. The ZaP Flow Z-pinch experiment1 at the University of Washington investigates the effect of sheared flows on MHD instabilities. Axially flowing Z-pinch plasmas are produced that are 100 cm long with a 1 cm radius. The plasma remains quiescent for many radial Alfven times and axial flow times. The quiescent periods are characterized by low magnetic mode activity measured at several locations along the plasma column and by stationary visible plasma emission. Profiles of the plasma's axial flow are measured with a multi-chord ion Doppler spectrometer. A sheared flow profile is observed to be coincident with the quiescent period, and is consistent with classical plasma viscosity. Equilibrium is determined by the following diagnostic measurements: interferometry for density; spectroscopy for ion temperature, plasma flow, and density2; Thomson scattering for electron temperature; Zeeman splitting for internal magnetic field measurements3; and fast framing photography for global structure. Recent experimental modifications demonstrate that the plasma lifetime appears to only be limited by plasma supply and current waveform. With a new gas injection configuration, stable plasmas persist for the duration of the current pulse. The flow Z-pinch concept provides an approach to achieve high energy density plasmas4 (HEDP), energy densities exceeding 1011 Pa, which are large, easy to diagnose, and persist for longer durations. A new experiment, ZaP-HD, will investigate this approach. Experimental plans and scaling analyses will be presented.
Preface: Special issue on learning and robustness

The proliferation of huge amounts of datasets brings with it a series of special theoretical and computational challenges. This data avalanche arises in a wide range of scientific and commercial applications. With rapid advances in algorithms, computer and information technologies, many of these challenges are beginning to be addressed. Machine learning, knowledge discovery algorithms and optimization have become central to data analysis. In this special issue of CMS the authors have considered several issues of machine learning and non-convex optimization algorithms with several applications in finance. In the paper “Numerical Study of Learning Algorithms on Stiefel Manifold” by Takafumi Kanamori and Akiko Takeda non-convex optimization problems in machine learning are presented. Extensive computational results using different approaches are reported. The next paper “Calibrating Probability Distributions with Convex-ConcaveConvex Functions:Application toCDOPricing” byAlexanderVeremyev, Peter Tsyurmasto, Stan Uryasev, and R. Tyrrell Rockafellar, the authors apply the proposed methodology for the problem of calibrating probabilities of credit environments (market states) in the implied copula CollateralizedDebtObligations (CDO) pricingmodel. The third paper “Interaction between Financial RiskMeasures andMachine LearningMethods” by Jun-ya Gotoh, Akiko Takeda, and Rei Yamamoto the authors demonstrate how the financial risk measures relate to the machine learning methods, especially to support vector machines. In addition, they introduce the class of coherent risk-based methods and report extensive computational results. The paper by Theodore B. Trafalis, Indra Adrianto, Michael B. Richman, and S. Lakshmivarahan on “Machine-learning classifiers for imbalanced tornado data” deals with an important application of tornado prediction.
Detection of uranyl ion via fluorescence quenching and photochemical oxidation of calcein

This paper reports the detection of uranyl ion via fluorescence quenching of a dye molecule followed by the selective photocatalysis of the dye molecule by excited state uranyl. We have found that selectivity can be obtained when calcein, a highly fluorescent fluorescein-type dye, is quenched by complex formation with uranyl in solution at low concentrations. Following the quenching by uranyl, the entire sample is excited at a wavelength that is strongly absorbed by uranyl at 425 nm. This produces the excited state uranyl ion that has a large oxidation potential and photocatalytically decarboxylates the dye, breaking the dye/metal bond. The photocatalysis product is highly fluorescent and produces an increase in the fluorescence signal. The detection limit for uranyl via quenching is 60 nM and via photocatalysis is 40 nM. Interfering metal ions such as iron and chromate have little effect on the amount of fluorescence regenerated since their absorbance bands, modes of quenching, and photochemistry are different from uranyl.
Research and teaching access to a large clinical picture archiving and communication system

Purpose: To identify practical issues surrounding delivering digital images from picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) for research and teaching purposes. The complexity of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) access methods, security, patient confidentiality, PACS database integrity, portability, and scalability are discussed. A software prototype designed to resolve these issues is described.System Architecture: A six-component, three-tier, client server software application program supporting DICOM query/retrieve services was developed in the JAWA language. This software was interfaced to a large GE (Mt Prospect, IL) Medical Systems clinical PACS at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH).Conclusion: Images can be delivered from a clinical PACS for research and teaching purposes. Concerns for security, patient confidentiality, integrity of the PACS database, and management of the transactions can be addressed. The described software is one such solution for achieving this goal.
Strength of Graphite Tube Specimens Under Combined Stresses

Tubular specimens of two rocket nozzle-grade graphites were tested under ten biaxial stress states at room temperature. The static biaxial load was applied by internal fluid pressure and axial loads. Fracture strengths are compared with the maximum normal stress, the maximum strain energy, and the Stassi-D'Alia theories. Correlations between the results and the theories usually were not of a general nature.
Transient finite element analysis of nonlinear piezoelectric material

A transient analysis, using the finite element method, is presented to study the behavior of piezoelectric materials, including non-linear plasticity effects. The analysis involves the development of an elastic-plastic constitutive law for piezoelasticity. A mixed implicit-explicit integration scheme is constructed to solve the finite element equations so as to exploit the highlights of both transient integration methods. The developed program is used to study the transient behavior of a piezoelectric actuator. Linear solutions show an edge effect resulting in changes in the curvature of the surface during the initial step transient response. The effects of plastic deformation on the behavior of a piezoelectric actuator are presented. Such calculations can be used to predict behavior of a sensor or actuator after an extreme loading event.
Resistance of Soil to Liquefaction and Settlement

This paper presents a quantitative method of organizing field observations concerning liquefaction and non-liquefaction during actual earthquakes. The ratio τc/σ^-V is evaluated for 13 sites affected by 8 earthquakes and plotted against relative density (τc is the average peak dynamic stress during the earthquake, and σ^-V is the vertical effective overburden stress, both evaluated at the critical depth). The effect of the duration of shaking is considered by means of a correction to τc/σ^-V. For recent fluvial deposits and uncompacted hydraulic fills, the critical level of τc/σ^-V for fine sands is about 0.15. This result is in reasonable agreement with results from laboratory investigation. More evidence is required concerning coarser and denser granular deposits.
Silicon interactions with manganese and aluminum toxicity in sorghum

Abstract Silicon fertilization has been shown to alleviate Mn and Al toxicities in some plants. Experiments were conducted to assess the role of different Si levels on the alleviation of Mn and Al toxicity symptoms and on dry matter yields of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown in nutrient solutions with toxic levels of Mn and Al. Silicon concentration as high as 1780 μM had no detrimental effects on dry matter yields. At high Si levels (2670 and 3560 μM), shoot dry matter yields decreased, but root dry matter yields did not. Plants grown with 3600, 5400, and 7200 μM Mn showed marked visual toxicity symptoms in shoots but no effects on roots, even though root dry matter yield decreased more than shoot dry matter yield. The toxicity symptoms and the dry matter yield reductions caused by 3600 and 5400 μM Mn were partially alleviated by 1780 and 3560 μM Si, whereas no Si level overcame the severe effects induced by 7200 μM Mn. Plants grown with high Al (296 μM) had reduced root dry matter yields. Sil...
Impaired left ventricular relaxation is an early manifestation of diastolic dysfunction: can noninvasive indices be of help?

Abstract Diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle is characterized by two major components, impaired relaxation and decreased compliance. Impaired relaxation is often the first abnormality noted in diastolic dysfunction. Traditionally, invasive indices have been used as gold standards, in accurate detection of relaxation abnormalities of the left ventricle. Earlier noninvasive indices of relaxation, had some inherent limitations e.g. load-dependency. More recently newer noninvasive indices have been described, that accurately track changes in relaxation, detected by invasive indices. By utilizing an integrative approach and combining the use of traditional, noninvasive indices with the newer ones, it will be possible to detect abnormalities in relaxation, which could previously be detected only by invasive measurements.
Development and Validation of a Clinical Score to Estimate the Probability of Coronary Artery Disease in Men and Women Presenting with Suspected Coronary Disease

Abstract PURPOSE: Guidelines for the management of patients with suspected coronary disease have emphasized stratification into groups with low, intermediate, and high probability of significant coronary disease. Previously derived clinical prediction rules have been difficult to apply in clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a clinical score that facilitates this stratification process. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively acquired data from 915 patients with suspected coronary disease and normal resting electrocardiograms who presented for exercise testing at a university hospital. All patients subsequently underwent coronary angiography. Analysis included logistic regression with significant coronary disease (≥1 vessel with a ≥50% lesion) presence as the dependent variable and clinical variables as independent variables. From this analysis, a coronary disease score was developed to estimate prevalence of coronary disease from clinical variables. Validation of this score was performed in a separate prospectively acquired cohort of 348 patients. RESULTS: For the entire validation group, the prevalence of significant coronary disease was 16% (10/63) in the low probability group, 44% (86/195) in the intermediate probability group, and 69% (62/90) in the high probability group. Both men and women were stratified equally well into the 3 probability groups. CONCLUSION: The clinical score is an easily memorized and accurate method for categorizing patients with suspected but not proven coronary disease and normal resting electrocardiograms into clinically meaningful probability groups upon which decisions concerning appropriate diagnostic test selection could potentially be based.
Research Agenda for Complex Situations

Abstract:System of systems engineering involves the attainment of desired outcomes by multiple, independent systems. The integration of independent systems forms a complex condition. The research agenda describes the scientist's search for knowledge based on Epistemological, Ontological and Methodological facets. It does not demarcate understanding from knowledge nor allow for understanding to be the singular purview of any domain or perspective. The agenda complements traditional scientific approaches, and expands them to allow for multi-disciplinary methods. The paper identifies what is to be researched, how it to be studied, and what is sought from this research.
Long-term cancer control of radical prostatectomy in men younger than 50 years of age: update 2003.

Abstract Objectives To compare the cancer control in men younger than 50 years with that in older men treated with radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for localized prostate cancer in a contemporary series. In the 1970s and 1980s, men younger than 50 years old represented approximately 1% of newly diagnosed prostate cancer cases. However, with the widespread use of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and increased public awareness of prostate cancer, this figure has risen (3.7% to 4%). Previous studies, mostly carried out before the PSA era, reported conflicting data with respect to cancer control for these younger men treated with RRP. Methods We analyzed the data from 2897 men who underwent RRP between April 1982 and September 2001. Preoperative PSA level, clinical and pathologic stage, and biochemical recurrence were compared between 341 men younger than 50 years old and 2556 men 50 years old or older. Disease-free (PSA less than 0.2 ng/mL) survival rates were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Pathologic staging was compared using logistic regression analysis. Results Men younger than 50 years old had pathologic variables and 5, 10, and 15-year biochemical disease-free survival rates comparable to men aged 50 to 59 years (88%, 81%, and 69% versus 87%, 78%, and 71%, respectively). However, younger men had a lower incidence of extraprostatic extension (25% versus 31%; P P P P P P P P P P Conclusions Men diagnosed with prostate cancer who are younger than 50 years of age and are candidates for RRP tend to have a greater probability of organ-confined disease than older men. Younger men also demonstrate greater long-term cancer control rates than older men.