cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A study of the gas-phase chemical structure during CO2 laser assisted combustion of HMX

Abstract To study the chemical structure of the HMX flame, species and temperature profiles were measured in the gas phase at heat fluxes of 100 and 300 W/cm2. A microprobe/triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to measure quantitative species profiles, and fine wire thermocouples were used to measure temperature profiles. The flame and surface structures were observed using a high-magnification video system. The major species at the surface were H2O, CH2O, HCN, NO2, N2O, N2, CO, and NO at atmospheric pressure with both heat fluxes. There was no CO2 existing at the surface. The mole fraction of triazine was found to be approximately 2.5% at the surface, which has not been reported during combustion of HMX. The species could play an important role in the gas phase chemistry. The species profiles showed two-stage reaction zones. The species profiles also showed that increasing heat flux stretched the secondary reaction zone, but did not stretch the primary reaction zone. No plateau at a typical dark zone temperature was observed for either heat flux. Finally, the temperature profiles in the gas phase and species concentrations obtained at the surface with heat fluxes of 100 and 300 W/cm2 were used as inputs to a 1-D gas-phase flame model. Disagreement between the model and experiments for stable species was observed and investigated in detail.
Neuropharmacology of venlafaxine

Venlafaxine (Effexor) is an effective antidepressant and has also been approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Venlafaxine was initially characterized as an inhibitor of both serotonin (5HT) and norepinephrine (NE) uptake and was therefore termed a "dual uptake inhibitor." This chapter reviews data from both in vitro and in vivo studies regarding its effects on 5HT and NE neurotransmission. In addition, the effects of venlafaxine on other systems that may play a role in its therapeutic efficacy effects are described. The data indicate that venlafaxine is a relatively weak inhibitor of NE transport in vitro. In vivo studies indicate that venlafaxine selectively inhibits 5HT uptake at low therapeutic doses and inhibits both 5HT and NE uptake at higher therapeutic doses. This chapter concludes with a discussion of the effects of venlafaxine on various aspects of physiology.
U.S. universities and the world food problem

The imponderable now is time. Certainly, it is in short supply if we hope to improve the world's prospects for food production. The requisite scientific skills that can contribute to greater world agricultural production exist in a uniquely concentrated form in the U.S. universities. Incentives for increased university involvement in technical assistance created by the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1975 will not become effective until a mechanism which guarantees adequate and long-term funding is established. A continuing dialogue to define the nature and scope of needed reforms is necessary if maximum involvement of U.S. scientists in agricultural technical assistance is to be realized. Such involvement is vital in meeting the food needs of the developing world.
Circumscription of Malvaceae (Malvales) as determined by a preliminary cladistic analysis of morphological, anatomical, palynological, and chemical characters

We report a phylogenetic analysis of “core” Malvales (Tiliaceae, Sterculiaceae, Bombacaceae, and Malvaceae) based on morphological, anatomical, palynological, and chemical features. The results of the analyses lead to the conclusion that Tiliaceae, Sterculiaceae, and Bombacaceae, as variously delimited, are paraphyletic; only the Malvaceae are likely monophyletic. The genera of “core” Malvales form a well-defined clade. Genera of “Tiliaceae” constitute the basal complex within “core” Malvales. The “Sterculiaceae” (most genera)+ “Bombacaceae” + Malvaceae form a clade on the basis of a monadelphous androecium; “Bombacaceae”+ Malvaceae also form a clade, which is diagnosable on the basis of monoloculate anthers. It is clear that the traditional classification, with its arbitrarily delimited evolutionary grades, is unsatisfactory, especially if one seeks to reflect phylogeny accurately. Thus, Malvaceae is redefined to refer to the most recent common ancestor of plants previously considered to be “Tiliaceae,” “Sterculiaceae,” “Bombacaceae,” and Malvaceae, and all of the descendants of that ancestor. This broadly circumscribed Malvaceae can be diagnosed by several presumed synapomorphies, but we draw special attention to the unusual floral nectaries that are composed of densely packed, multicellular, glandular hairs on the sepals (or less commonly on the petals or androgynophore).
Silicon-, germanium- and tin-substituted acetylenes and their dicobalt hexacarbonyl complexes

Abstract A number of Group IV element-substituted acetylenes have been prepared, including the new Me 3 SiCCSiMe 2 H, Me 2 HSiCCSiMe 2 H, Me 3 SiCCCMe 3 and Me 3 SnCCCMe 3 . The dicobalt hexacarbonyl complexes of Me 3 SnCCSnMe 3 , Me 3 SnCCH, Me 3 GeCCGeMe 3 , Me 3 SnCCCMe 3 , Me 3 GeCCSiMe 3 and Me 3 SnCCSiMe 3 have been prepared by reaction of the appropriate acetylene with dicobalt octacarbonyl. Reaction of (Me 3 SnC 2 H)Co 2 (CO) 6 and (Me 3 SnC 2 CMe 3 )-Co 2 (CO) 6 with CH 3 COCl/AlCl 3 in methylene chloride gave (CH 3 COC 2 H)Co 2 -(CO) 6 and (CH 3 COC 2 CMe 3 )Co 2 (CO) 6 , respectively.
What are you? A CRT perspective on the experiences of mixed race persons in ‘post-racial’ America

In this article, the author employs Critical Race Theory (CRT) to examine the experiences of mixed race individuals in the United States. Drawing on historical and contemporary conditions involving persons of mixed race, the author considers how key ideas from CRT can be useful to frame an analysis of the experiences of multiracial persons in the US. To supplement the analysis, the author also includes fictionalized narratives in the tradition of CRT. In conclusion, the author considers how this examination of mixed race persons might inform K-12 education.
Semantic processing and organization in free recall.

It was hypothesized that both semantic processing and organizational activity are necessary for optimal free recall performance. In a series of three experiments, subjects were presented with a list of randomly selected nouns and were asked to make up a meaningful sentence for each noun. The subjects also rated the difficulty of using each noun. The subjects were instructed to try to remember words that were labeled “remember” words. For words that were labeled “story” words, the subjects were instructed only to make each sentence, using the word, part of an ongoing story which each subject was to make up. A test of retention for all presented words, using retention intervals of both 1 min and 24 h, showed that the story words were always recalled better than were the remember words. However, the amount of sequential organization was the same for both the story and the remember words. Recognition performance was found to be the same for both types of words. In addition, the story words were rated as being more difficult than the remember words. It was concluded that extensive semantic processing without organization is not sufficient for optimal recall
ELMR: efficient lightweight mobile records

In this paper we describe Efficient Lightweight Mobile Records (ELMR), a system that provides a practical protocol for accessing and updating database records remotely from low-end mobile devices using the 140-byte SMS channel.
Nonrecommended breast and colorectal cancer screening for young women: a vignette-based survey.

Background Little is known about the prevalence of physicians offering nonrecommended breast or colorectal cancer screening for young women. Purpose The goal of the current paper was to examine the percentage of primary care physicians nationally who self-report offering breast or colorectal cancer screening tests for young women, and physician/practice characteristics associated with such recommendations. Methods Analysis was performed in 2011 on data from a 2008 cross-sectional survey presenting a vignette of a health maintenance visit by an asymptomatic woman aged 35 years. This study included surveys sent to 1546 U.S. family physicians, general internists, and obstetrician–gynecologists aged n =505) and colorectal ( n =721) cancer screening analyses. Responses were weighted to represent physicians nationally. The main outcome was physician self-report of offering breast or colorectal cancer screening tests. Results 75.3% (95% CI=71.0%, 79.2%) of physicians offered breast cancer screening tests; most commonly these physicians reported offering mammography alone (76.5%, 95% CI=71.6%, 80.8%). A total of 39.3% (95% CI=35.5%, 43.2%) of physicians offered colorectal cancer screening tests; most commonly these physicians reported offering FOBT alone (43.3%, 95% CI=37.2%, 49.6%). In adjusted analysis, physician factors associated with offering breast and colorectal cancer screening tests were: estimating higher patient breast/colorectal cancer risk, and not listing the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force as a top influential organization. Conclusions A high percentage of physicians report offering nonrecommended breast or colorectal cancer screening tests for young women. Physicians' higher cancer-risk estimation accounted for some overscreening, but even physicians who estimated the patient to be at the same risk as the general population reported offering nonrecommended screening tests.
Studies of plasticized-polymer electrolytes containing mixed Zn(II) and Li(I)

Abstract Thin solid films of mixtures of PEGDME and PEO containing various ratios of ZnBr2 and LiBr have been prepared. Equal parts of PEGDME and PEO were used, and the ether oxygen to total metal ratio was kept constant at 16. Thermogravimetric data have shown that the thermal stability of the polymer electrolytes is affected more so by the zinc salt than the lithium salt. Differential scanning calorimetry data show that these electrolytes are inhomogeneous mixtures of amorphous regions and crystalline PEO and PEO/salt complexes. Conductivity data did not show a mixed-cation effect.
Selected-area small-angle electron diffraction

Selected-area small angle electron diffraction using double-condenser electron microscope, noting high resolution power
IMPACT OF GENDER ON PATTERNS OF DUAL ANTIPLATELET THERAPY CESSATION AND NON-ADHERENCE: ONE-YEAR RESULTS FROM THE PATTERNS OF NON-ADHERENCE TO ANTI-PLATELET REGIMENS IN STENTED PATIENTS (PARIS), AN OBSERVATIONAL SINGLE-ARM STUDY

Multiple clinical and sociodemographic factors are associated with adherence to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Studies have shown women to have higher rates of adverse events after PCI. Whether this increased risk is attributable to DAPT cessation is
Survival and Development of Lymantria mathura (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) on North American, Asian, and European Tree Species

The moth Lymantria mathura Moore is a polyphagous defoliator of forest and fruit trees in the Russian Far East, Japan, India, and China, and it would cause serious economic consequences if established in North America. To project the host range of this insect if accidentally introduced into North America, we examined survival and development of 1st instars of L. mathura on 24 broadleafed and conifer tree species from North America, Europe, and Asia. L. mathura performed well on hosts in the family Fagaceae regardless of the species origin. Survival and rate of development on European beech, Fagus grandifolia Ehrh., and American beech, Fagus syLvatica L., was equivalent to survival on oriental oak, QlIercus variabilis Blume. Performance of larvae was also high on white oak, Quercus alba L., and chestnut oak, Quercus prinus L. Suitability of other oaks, such as red oak, Quercus rubra L., black oak, Quercus velutina Lamarck, and pin oak, Quercus palustris Muenchh., was intermediate and equivalent to suitability of species from the families Juglandaceae, Betulaceae, and Oleaceae. Survival was poor on hosts from Aceraceae and Pinaceae. Comparison of host preferences and larval survival of L. mathura and of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), indicates differences between these species when tested on the same or congeneric host plants.
Species variation in BrdUrd-induced sister-chromatid exchanges

Abstract Peripheral blood lymphocytes from cattle, pigs, sheep and humans were cultured in the presence of 0.5, 1, 2, 5,10 or 20 μg/ml of BrdUrd. Sister-chromatid exchanges were scored in 25 second-division metaphases from each donor at each level of the chemical. Dose-response curves for all 4 species increased steeply to 2 μg/ml; above this level, SCE numbers increased less rapidly but maintained a linear relationship to increasing BrdUrd concentration. Comparisons of the straight-line portions of the dose-response curves showed human cells to be significantly more sensitive to increasing BrdUrd level than cow or pig cells and different from sheep at the 10% level of confidence.
Cell culture amplification of a defective Marek's disease virus.

A highly amplified 4-kb EcoRI fragment was present in DNA isolated from high cell culture passaged stocks (>93 passages) of 281MI/1, a serotype 2 Marek's disease virus (MDV). The isolated 4-kb fragment is amplified in the presence of MDV, replicating as a high molecular weight, head-to-tail concatemer. When the 4-kb fragment was cloned into pUC18 and cotransfected with MDV DNA into chicken embryo fibroblast cells, the plasmid clone also replicated as a high molecular weight concatemer.
Toward a Better Definition of High-Risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Comment on “Factors Predictive of Recurrence and Death From Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma”

Patient prognosis varies considerably among various types of skin cancer. Approximately 5% of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (CSCCs) metastasize, usually to regional nodes.1 A recent staging system has been developed for CSCC that combines tumor diameter with high-risk features, including primary tumor size greater than 2 cm, Breslow thickness greater than 2 mm, Clark level IV or greater, perineural invasion, poor differentiation, and primary site on the ear or lip, to classify tumors as T1 or T2. These high-risk factors have prognostic significance, particularly among immunocompromised patients. Immunosuppression contributes negatively to the prognosis and outcome of patients with CSCC; however, because strict TNM criteria exclude clinical risk factors in staging, immunosuppression was not included in the staging system.
Physical Activity and Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Events: Potential Mediating Mechanisms

Background— Higher levels of physical activity are associated with fewer cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Although the precise mechanisms underlying this inverse association are unclear, differences in several cardiovascular risk factors may mediate this effect. Methods and Results— In a prospective study of 27 055 apparently healthy women, we measured baseline levels of hemoglobin A1c, traditional lipids (total, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), novel lipids [lipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein A1 and B-100], creatinine, homocysteine, and inflammatory/hemostatic biomarkers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1) and used women’s self-reported physical activity, weight, height, hypertension, and diabetes. Mean follow-up was 10.9±1.6 years, and 979 incident CVD events occurred. The risk of CVD decreased linearly with higher levels of activity (P for linear trend <0.001). Using the reference group of <200 kcal/wk of act...
Normal female carrier and affected male half-sibs with t(X;5)(q13;p15). Location of a gene determining male genital development.

A unique family in which half-brothers have a maternally derived t(X;5) (q13;p15) and similar genital malformations is described. This family provides evidence for a gene required for male genital development located at Xq13.
INFLUENCES OF WETLAND AND LANDSCAPE CHARACTERISTICS ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF CARPENTER FROGS

The distribution of wetland breeding amphibians may be influenced by multiple habitat variables interacting at various scales. We applied a multi-scaled modeling approach to relate the presence and absence of carpenter frogs (Lithobates virgatipes), a species of conservation concern in Maryland, to several wetland and landscape characteristics. We also investigated relationships between wetland habitat quality and adjacent landscape composition using correlation analysis and summarized those relationships in a hierarchical path model. Breeding call surveys were conducted at 40 wetland sites to determine the presence of calling male carpenter frogs. We collected data on aquatic and terrestrial habitat using both on-site measurements and geographic information system analyses. Logistic regression modeling revealed that wetlands occupied by carpenter frogs were significantly more acidic, exhibited intermediate hydroperiods, and had higher proportions of surrounding forest cover than did sites unoccupied by carpenter frogs. Path analysis revealed forest cover exhibited a negative correlation with wetland pH and hydroperiod. Our study corroborates a growing body of research that suggests the distributions of many amphibians are related to forest cover adjacent to wetland habitat and provides evidence on the importance of forest cover for maintaining wetland habitat quality.
Undominated VCG redistribution mechanisms

Many important problems in multiagent systems can be seen as resource allocation problems. For such problems, the well-known Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG) mechanism is efficient, incentive compatible, individually rational, and does not incur a deficit. However, the VCG mechanism is not (strongly) budget balanced: generally, the agents' payments will sum to more than 0. Very recently, several mechanisms have been proposed that redistribute a significant percentage of the VCG payments back to the agents while maintaining the other properties. This increases the agents' utilities.One redistribution mechanism dominates another if it always redistributes at least as much to each agent (and sometimes more). In this paper, we provide a characterization of undominated redistribution mechanisms. We also propose several techniques that take a dominated redistribution mechanism as input, and produce as output another redistribution mechanism that dominates the original. One technique immediately produces an undominated redistribution mechanism that is not necessarily anonymous. Another technique preserves anonymity, and repeated application results in an undominated redistribution mechanism in the limit. We show experimentally that these techniques improve the known redistribution mechanisms.
Shaping using variable-size regions

Constellation shaping is extended to provide shaping gains without resorting to high-dimensional constellations. This is accomplished by dividing the constellation into unequally sized constellations, and selecting these constellations on an equiprobable basis. A design example is provided, demonstrating the simplicity and power of the approach. >
Electronic and Electromechanical Tester of physiological sensors

Physiological sensors for respiration, and electrodermal activity have been historically used in polygraph devices and sleep laboratories. Periodic testing of these sensors is important to maintain predictable performance of the measurement equipment. This paper describes an Electronic and Electromechanical Tester (EET) for physiological sensors that allows for accurate and repeatable reproduction of the recorded or computer-generated physiological signals. The tester is interfaced to a personal computer via USB and contains three time-synchronous channels: two electromechanical simulators for testing abdominal and thoracic respiratory sensors, and an electronic simulator for testing electrodermal sensors. All of the simulated physiological channels apply direct physical actuation to the corresponding sensors. Preliminary validation of the EET demonstrated high accuracy and repeatability of the simulated physiological signals with an average absolute difference between simulated waveforms in the range of 1%-3.9%.
Formal and informal regulation of industrial pollution : comparative evidence from Indonesia and the United States

The authors start from the premise that governments act as agents of the public in regulating pollution, using the instruments at their disposal. But when formal regulatory mechanisms are absent or ineffective, communities will seek other means of translating their preferences into reality. Recent empirical work suggests the widespread existence of such informal regulation: communities are often able to negotiate with or otherwise informally pressure polluting plants in their vicinity to clean up. Their thesis is that such informal regulation is likely wherever formal regulation leaves a gap between actual and locally preferred environmental quality. They use plant-level data from Indonesia and the United States -two countries that are very different, both socio-economically and in terms of pollution regulation- to test a model of equilibrium pollution under informal regulation. Their results suggest three common elements across countries and pollutants: abatement is generally subject to significant scale economies; within-country variations in labor and energy prices have little impact on pollution intensity; community incomes have a powerful negative association with pollution intensity. Their findings on community income are especially important, as they suggest a powerful role for informal regulation whether or not formal regulation is in place. The impact of income disparity on inter-county differences in U.S. pollution intensities seems to match the impact in Indonesia. Undoubtedly, this reflects differences in both preference for environmental quality and ability to bring pressure on polluting factories. The fact that such disparities exist in the United States, even for traditionally regulated pollutants, shows that U.S. regulation has not been able to ensure uniform environmental quality for all citizens regardless of income class.
Giant liver fluke in North Dakota moose.

The giant liver fluke (Fascioloides magna) is a parasite of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and wapiti (Cervus elaphus) that can cause extensive and conspicuous liver damage in moose (Alces alces), a dead-end host. The implication of F. magna as a factor in the long-term decline of moose in northwestern Minnesota has raised concern that a concurrent decline in moose in northeastern North Dakota may also be linked to this parasite. I reviewed data collected from moose hunter check stations in1977-1984 and necropsy reports of non-harvested animals examined in 1983-1992 to estimate past prevalence of F. magna in moose in North Dakota. I also collected livers from harvested moose in 2002 and 2003 to investigate the current occurrence of this parasite. I also surveyed 78 wetlands at 12 sites in 2003-2006 to examine the potential for F. magna transmission based on the occurrence of aquatic snail intermediate hosts. Flukes or signs consistent with fluke infection were observed in 19.6% of harvested moose (n = 158) in 1977-1984, and in 18.8% of moose necropsied (n = 32) in 1983-1992. Fascioloides magna was not recovered from any of the 78 moose livers collected in 2002 and 2003. However, lymnaeid snails were found at 10 of 12 sites in the aquatic gastropod surveys indicating that the intermediate hosts for this parasite occur widely throughout the range of moose in North Dakota. While this represents the first known report of F. magna in North Dakota, this parasite occurs at relatively low prevalence, and there is no evidence that it has been an important factor in recent moose declines, nor that it noticeably impairs the health of moose in North Dakota. Transmission may be limited by the transient availability of wetlands capable of supporting the life cycle of F. magna.
Oreamnos americanus (Rocky Mountain goat)

Skin biopsies from which these karyotypes were prepared came from one male and two female animals shot in Montana, USA. They were kindly supplied by Dr. B. W. O’Gara, Missoula, Montana. All specimens agree well in karyotypes. The sex chromosomes are unequivocally identifiable.
Clinical implementation of noninvasive prenatal testing among maternal fetal medicine specialists

Objective To assess the clinical implementation of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) among maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists. Method Practicing MFMs were invited by email to complete questionnaires via SurveyMonkey©. Results Of 278 respondents, 56% were male, 48% practiced in academic centers, and 94% currently offer NIPT. NIPT is most often being offered ‘to specific patients meeting certain criteria’ (59.2%), for indications of advanced maternal age (87.5%), abnormal screen results (94.9%), abnormal ultrasound findings (90.2%), and ‘when a high-risk patient declines invasive diagnostic testing’ (73.7%). Thirteen percent indicated NIPT is being offered as a diagnostic test. Regardless of whether NIPT was presented as a diagnostic or screening test, 65.3% of MFMs estimate ‘some’ of their patients have undergone invasive testing for confirmation. Responses were mixed concerning appropriate populations and diagnostic capabilities of NIPT, but MFMs generally agree NIPT should be confirmed with invasive testing and will replace conventional screening procedures. Conclusion Assessment indicates NIPT is being adopted by MFMs, largely in accord with recently published American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for MFM guidelines. Cost and test performance remain factors for not adopting NIPT. Further research on clinical management based on NIPT results and patient understanding of NIPT results is suggested. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning from a distance: effectiveness of online spirometry training in improving asthma care.

Abstract Objective We evaluated the effectiveness of a virtually delivered quality improvement (QI) program designed to improve primary care management for children with asthma. Methods Thirty-six physicians, nurses, and medical assistants from 14 primary care pediatric practices (7 matched practice pairs) participated in a cluster randomized trial from October 2007 to September 2008. All practices received a spirometer and standard vendor training. A 7-month QI program delivered during the study period included: 1) Spirometry Fundamentals™ CD-ROM, a multimedia tutorial; 2) case-based, interactive webinars led by clinical experts; and 3) an internet-based spirometry quality feedback reporting system. Practice pairs were compared directly to each other, and between-group differences were analyzed with the use of mixed effects regression models. Our main outcome measures were the frequency of spirometry testing, percentage of acceptable quality spirometry tests, asthma severity documentation, and appropriate controller medication prescribing. Results Participating practices uploaded a total of 1028 spirometry testing sessions, of which 340 (33.1%) were of acceptable quality. During the 7-month intervention period, there was no difference between intervention and control practices in the frequency of spirometry tests performed. Intervention practices were estimated to have significantly greater odds of conducting tests with acceptable quality compared with matched control practices, adjusting for quality in the baseline period (odds ratio 2.85; 95% confidence interval 1.78–4.56, P P Conclusions A multifaceted distance QI program resulted in increased spirometry quality and improved assessment of asthma severity levels. Successful participation in QI programs can occur over distance.
Analysis of the complications of cardiac catheterization over nine years

The mortality and morbidity associated with cardiac catheterization at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center has been analysed over a period of nine years (1971-1979) in order to identify correctable problem, obtain accurate data for patient information, and allow comparison with other institutions. In common with reports from other catheter laboratories, the mortality has fallen from 0.74% (952 patients) between 1971 and 1975 to 0.24% (819) patients between 1976 and 1979. There has been a similar decline in the combined incidence of myocardial infarction and cerebral embolism from 1.05% to 0.24% over the same period. Our patients with ischemic heart disease included many at high risk of complications in that three vessel disease was present in 53% and the ejection fraction was less than 50% in 24% of cases. In order to ensure that the best standards of cardiac catheterization are maintained, we agree with a recent suggestion that there should be a national surveillance program monitoring fatality and complication rates in all catheterization laboratories.
Empirically Derived Survival Rates of a Native Mussel, Amblema Plicata, in the Mississippi and Otter Tail Rivers, Minnesota

Abstract We used a mark-recapture method to measure survival of a native unionid mussel, Amblema plicata, at sites with low, moderate and high zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) densities (mean values ± se equaled 0.4 ± 0.2, 50.5 ± 13 and 1750 ± 260 individuals/m2 respectively) in the Mississippi River, Minnesota, and at one site without D. polymorpha in the Otter Tail River, Minnesota. In 1996 240 A. plicata from each site were uniquely marked. In 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 marked mussels were recovered; identified; survival determined; and, if alive, they were returned to the substratum. Mean annual survival differed significantly among sites (χ2 = 4.08, df 3, P < 0.0001). Mean annual survival rates in the Mississippi River's low infestation population (LOW) were 99 ± 0.3%, and 89 ± 1.2% in the moderately infested population (MOD), while survival at the highly infested population (HIH) was 65 ± 7.8%. Mean annual survival for the Otter Tail River population (REF) of A. plicata was 98 ± 0.5%. Results demo...
Changes in regional myocardial function and external work in exercising dogs with ischemia

Changes in regional myocardial work of the nonischemic wall and left ventricular (LV) asynchrony of the nonischemic wall during exercise-induced ischemia were examined in seven conscious dogs instrumented with a micromanometer for LV pressure measurement and sonomicrometers for control and ischemic wall thickness and LV external short and long axes. Ischemia was produced during steady-state exercise by a pneumatic constrictor on the left circumflex coronary artery. Time difference between peak thickening of control (anterior) and ischemic (posterior) walls was measured as an index of LV asynchrony. LV pressure-wall thickness loop area of both the control wall (LVP-CW loop) and ischemic wall was calculated as an index of regional myocardial external work. With ischemia during exercise, peak LV pressure decreased by 11%, and time difference of peak thickening in the two walls increased, accompanied by marked deformation of the LVP-CW loop during early relaxation, which was related to protodiastolic thickening of the ischemic wall. Thus, despite a significant increase in percent systolic thickening during exercise, loop area of control wall was not enhanced. These changes of the LVP-CW loop were confirmed by calculation of stress-strain loop areas as an additional index of regional myocardial external work but having true dimensions of work. Stress-strain loop area in the control wall during ischemic exercise showed a similar value to that during control exercise, thereby confirming lack of compensatory increase. Thus, during exercise-induced ischemia, regional myocardial external work in the normal region does not increase despite an increase in systolic wall thickening.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Improved spectral sensing in cognitive radios using photonic-based principal component analysis

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a microwave photonic system that iteratively performs principal component analysis on partially correlated, 8-channel, 13 Gbaud signals. The system that is presented is able to adapt to oscillations in interchannel correlations and follow changing principal components. The system provides advantages in bandwidth performance and fan-in scalability that are far superior to electronic counterparts. Wideband, multidimensional techniques are relevant to >10 GHz cognitive radio systems and could bring solutions for intelligent radio communications and information sensing, including spectral sensing.
Examining the Use of Facebook and Twitter as an Additional Social Space in a MOOC

ABSTRACTIn this study, the researchers examined if and to what extent social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter can augment participants’ learning experience in an xMOOC and offer an additional social space. Two research questions guided this inquiry: (1) What did MOOC participants consider the usefulness of the Facebook group and Twitter feed associated with their MOOC course? and (2) How did the participants use the Facebook group and Twitter feed associated with their MOOC course? The findings from participants’ perceptions and usage using both quantitative and qualitative data indicated that the additional social space provided by the two social media tools can augment the learning experience by providing an environment to share resources, connect with others, enhance communications, and provide a space to post personal feelings or reflections of learning in an informal and quick manner. However, the findings did not provide strong evidence to indicate any deeper interactions beyond these uses. ...
Aggregation and sedimentation of magnetite nanoparticle clusters

Magnetite nanoparticles are redox active constituents of subsurface and corrosive environments. In this study, we characterized the aggregation and sedimentation behavior of well characterized magnetite nanoparticle clusters using dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Both unfunctionalized (NaOH-magnetite) and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH-magnetite) surface functionalized nanoparticle clusters were employed. TMAOH-magnetite has a slightly smaller primary nanoparticle radius as determined by TEM (4 ± 0.7 nm vs. 5 ± 0.8 for NaOH-magnetite) and a smaller initial DLS determined cluster radius (<30 nm vs. 100–200 nm for NaOH-magnetite). Interestingly, in spite of its smaller initial nanoparticle cluster size, TMAOH-magnetite undergoes sedimentation more rapidly than NaOH-magnetite. This behavior is consistent with the more rapid aggregation of the smaller TMAOH-magnetite clusters as well as their lower fractal dimension, as determined by SAXS. This study illustrates that both nanoparticle cluster size and fractal dimension should be carefully considered when considering the environmental transport and fate of highly aggregated nanoparticles.
Effect of Adding Methods of Neutralizer on Rheological Behavior of Alumina Water-base Suspension and Properties of Green Sheets Using Acrylic Polymer

The effect of adding methods of neutralizer of ammonium hydroxide on the rheological behavior of alumina/water suspension with acrylic polymer and the properties of green sheets prepared from the suspension was investigated. The acrylic polymer used in the present work had the acid value of 20mgKOH/g and glass transition temperature of -15 degrees Celsius. The viscosity of aqueous polymer solution increased from 0.1 to 10.0 Pa·s with the added amount of ammonium hydroxide, indicating that the polymer was a kind of polyelectrolyte. The neutralizer was added (1) after the preparation of the suspension, (2) during the preparation of suspension, and (3) prior to the preparation of suspension i. e., mixed with the aqueous polymer solution. With method (1), the suspension required a long period of time to have a stable viscosity because the viscosity increased after the addition of ammonium hydroxide and then gradually decreased with the maximum viscosity of suspension at 24 h after the mixing. The measurement of adsorbed amount of polymer on Al2O3 suggested that neutralization of free polymer occurred competing the polymer desorption from Al2O3. On the other hand, with methods (2) and (3), the viscosity did not change with time. The packing degree of green sheets prepared from the suspension was large in the order of (1), (2), (3), indicating that the adding method of ammonium hydroxide greatly alters the properties of the suspension and green sheets.
Analysis of Nerve Agent Metabolites from Hair for Long-Term Verification of Nerve Agent Exposure.

Several methods for the bioanalysis of nerve agents or their metabolites have been developed for the verification of nerve agent exposure. However, parent nerve agents and known metabolites are generally rapidly excreted from biological matrixes typically used for analysis (i.e., blood, urine, and tissues), limiting the amount of time after an exposure that verification is feasible. In this study, hair was evaluated as a long-term repository of nerve agent hydrolysis products. Pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid (PMPA; hydrolysis product of soman) and isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA; hydrolysis product of sarin) were extracted from hair samples with N,N-dimethylformamide and subsequently analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Limits of detection for PMPA and IMPA were 0.15 μg/kg and 7.5 μg/kg and linear ranges were 0.3–150 μg/kg and 7.5–750 μg/kg, respectively. To evaluate the applicability of the method to verify nerve agent exposure well after the exposure event, rats were exposed...
KiC Assay: A Quantitative Mass Spectrometry-Based Approach

Protein phosphorylation is one of the most important posttranslational modifications (PTMs) involved in the transduction of cellular signals. The number of kinases in eukaryotic genomes ranges from several hundred to over one thousand. And with rapidly evolving mass spectrometry (MS)-based approaches, thousands to tens of thousands of phosphorylation sites (phosphosites) have been reported from various eukaryotic organisms, from man to plants. In this relative context, few bona fide kinase-client relationships have been identified to date. To merge the gap between these phosphosites and the cognate kinases that beget these events, comparable large-scale methodologies are required. We describe in detail a MS-based method for identifying kinase-client interactions and quantifying kinase activity. We term this novel Kinase-Client assay, the KiC assay. The KiC assay relies upon the fact that substrate specificities of many kinases are largely determined by primary amino acid sequence or phosphorylation motifs, which consist of key amino acids surrounding the phosphorylation sites. The workflow for detecting kinase-substrate interactions includes four major steps: (1) preparation of purified kinases and synthetic peptide library, (2) in vitro kinase peptide library assay, (3) liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem MS (MS/MS) analysis, and (4) data processing and interpretation. Kinase activity is quantified with the KiC assay by monitoring spectral counts of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated peptides as the readout from LC-tandem mass spectrometry. The KiC assay can be applied as a discovery assay to screen kinases against a synthetic peptide library to find kinase-client relationships or as a targeted assay to characterize kinase kinetics.
Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator-A296-299 Prevents Impairment of Cerebral Autoregulation After Stroke Through Lipoprotein-Related Receptor-Dependent Increase in cAMP and p38.

Background and Purpose— The sole Food and Drug Administration–approved treatment for stroke is tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), but its brief therapeutic window and complications of treatment constrain its use. One limitation may be its potential to exacerbate impairment of cerebral autoregulation after stroke. Vasodilation is maintained by elevations in cAMP. However, cAMP levels fall after stroke because of overactivation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors by toxic levels of glutamate, an effect that is exacerbated by tPA. Binding of wild-type (wt) tPA to the low-density lipoprotein–related receptor (LRP) mediates dilation. We propose that binding of wt-tPA to N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor reduces cAMP and impairs vasodilation. We hypothesize that tPA-A 296–299 , a variant that is fibrinolytic but cannot bind to N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, preferentially binds to LRP and increases cAMP and p38, limiting autoregulation impairment after stroke. Methods— Stroke was induced by photothrombosis in pigs equipped with a closed cranial window, cerebral blood flow determined by microspheres, and cerebrospinal fluid cAMP and p38 determined by ELISA. Results— Stroke decreased cerebral blood flow. Cerebral blood flow was reduced further during hypotension, indicating impairment of autoregulation. Autoregulation was further impaired by wt-tPA, which was prevented by MK801 and tPA-A 296–299 . Protection by tPA-A 296–299 was blocked by anti-LRP Ab, the LRP antagonist receptor-associated protein, and the p38 inhibitor SB 203580, but not by control IgG. Stroke reduced cerebrospinal fluid cAMP, which was reduced further by wt-tPA, but augmented by tPA-A 296–299 . Cerebrospinal fluid p38 was unchanged by wt-tPA, increased by tPA-A 296–299 , and decreased by anti-LRP Ab and receptor-associated protein. Conclusions— tPA-A 296–299 prevents impairment of cerebral autoregulation after stroke through an LRP-dependent increase in cAMP and p38.
First-Order Ordinary Differential Equations

This chapter focuses on frequently used first-order ordinary differential equations and methods to construct their solutions. Differential equations are first encountered in the beginning integral calculus courses. Although the phrase differential equation is not frequently used at that point, the problem of finding a function whose derivative is a given function is a differential equation. Some first-order equations can be classified as separable equations, others as homogeneous, and others as exact equations. However, most differential equations are neither separable, nor homogeneous, nor exact. A differential equation that can be written in the form, g ( y ) y 1 = m , is called a separable differential equation. Separable differential equations are solved by collecting all the terms involving y on one side of the equation and all the terms involving x on the other side of the equation and integrating. Therefore, in the case of a separable differential equation, the variables and integrate are separated on both sides of the equation. As any differential equation can be accompanied by one or more auxiliary conditions, a separable equation can be stated along with an initial condition.
Ancient DNA reveals substantial genetic diversity in the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) prior to a population bottleneck

ABSTRACT Critically endangered species that have undergone severe population bottlenecks often have little remaining genetic variation, making it difficult to reconstruct population histories to apply in reintroduction and recovery strategies. By using ancient DNA techniques, it is possible to combine genetic evidence from the historical population with contemporary samples to provide a more complete picture of a species' genetic variation across its historical range and through time. Applying this approach, we examined changes in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (526 base pairs) of the endangered California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus). Results showed a >80% reduction in unique haplotypes over the past 2 centuries. We found no spatial sorting of haplotypes in the historical population; the periphery of the range contained haplotypes that were common throughout the historical range. Direct examination of mtDNA from California Condor museum specimens provided a new window into historical po...
Alternate payment models for an episode of arthroplasty care: Are they good for patients?

Abstract Alternative payment models are proliferating and are being viewed by many as a likely path for improvement in the cost structure of health care delivery. Despite the promise to reduce the increase in spending for government and other payers, of equal importance is the impact on patient outcomes and experience. As data accumulates to address this question, it is critical that developers of such payment models follow key principles that are designed to ensure that such a significant alteration in the payment structures turn out to be beneficial for the recipients of care. Payment reform that results in improvements in factors important to patients are likely to prove durable, whereas those that threaten patient access or experience are not likely to stand.
Mitochondrial Cysteine Desulfurase and ISD11 Coexpressed in Escherichia coli Yield Complex Containing Acyl Carrier Protein.

Mitochondrial cysteine desulfurase is an essential component of the machinery for iron–sulfur cluster biosynthesis. It has been known that human cysteine desulfurase that is catalytically active in vitro can be prepared by overexpressing in Escherichia coli cells two protein components of this system, the cysteine desulfurase protein NFS1 and the auxiliary protein ISD11. We report here that this active preparation contains, in addition, the holo-form of E. coli acyl carrier protein (Acp). We have determined the stoichiometry of the complex to be [Acp]2:[ISD11]2:[NFS1]2. Acyl carrier protein recently has been found to be an essential component of the iron–sulfur protein biosynthesis machinery in mitochondria; thus, because of the activity of [Acp]2:[ISD11]2:[NFS1]2 in supporting iron–sulfur cluster assembly in vitro, it appears that E. coli Acp can substitute for its human homologue.
Electrographic Features of Lateralized Periodic Discharges Stratify Risk in the Interictal-Ictal Continuum.

Purpose To risk-stratify electrographic features of lateralized periodic discharges (LPDs) in acute structural brain lesions for predictors of electrographic seizures. Methods This is a retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients with LPDs. Epileptiform features of LPDs were described based on electrographic features: blunt delta morphology, sharply contoured, overlying fast frequencies, and/or rhythmicity (loss of interdischarge interval lasting ≥1 second). EEG seizures were defined as evolving in frequency, distribution, or morphology at ≥2 Hz for ≥10 seconds. Results Overall, electrographic seizures occurred in 55% of patients with LPDs. Lateralized periodic discharges with rhythmicity (odds ratio 13.91) were most significant for predicting status epilepticus and/or seizures. This was followed by LPDs with overlying faster frequencies (odds ratio 5.16) and then sharply contoured morphology (odds ratio 4.09). Blunt delta morphology (0.24) had the lowest risk for seizures. Conclusions Electrographic features of LPDs may help determine seizure risk in patients with acute structural lesions. Sharply contoured morphology, overlying fast frequencies, or rhythmicity, showed progressively higher risk of seizures on continuous electroencephalography, whereas blunt delta morphology had the lowest risk of seizures.
Religious Preference and Spanking Beliefs: Implications for School Corporal Punishment Policies

AMERICAN spanking beliefs were investigated by religious preference. Proportions agreeing with spanking were largest for Protestant (81%), followed by Catholic (69%). The association between Protestant and agreement with spanking (b=.718) was surprisingly strong considering associations with Catholic, Jewish, None, and Other were all inverse. The smaller Jewish proportion agreeing with spanking (51%) and the very strong inverse relationship between Jewish and agreement with spanking (b= -1.072) were unexpected. A separate analysis found large Christian (81%) and small Moslem (51%) proportions agreeing with spanking. Corporal punishment policies reflect American collective conscience on spanking. Deeper understandings of relationships between religious preference and spanking beliefs help stakeholders become aware of cultural undercurrents affecting school environments.