cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The reaction of Pawnee and Bliss Triumph potatoes to certain physiologic races ofActinomyces scabies

Bliss Triumph and Pawnee potatoes are commonly infected with scab in Colorado soils; but occasionally Pawnee is found to be free from scab in soils that produce a scabby crop of Bliss Triumph. This suggests that Pawnee is resistant to certain races ofActinomyces scabies that may scab Bliss Triumph severely. Experiments with four isolates ofActinomyces scabies in the greenhouse showed that Pawnee was resistant to two races that caused deep scab on Bliss Triumph; also that a race causing an intermediate type of pustule on Pawnee did not produce scab on Bliss Triumph.
Investigation of cotton functionalized with ZnO nanorods and its interaction with E. coli

Cotton fabric was functionalized with zinc oxide nanorods using an optimized hydrothermal growth strategy that provides uniform coverage of the cotton surface. The cotton bearing ZnO nanorods exhibits a lower propensity for contact transfer of E. coli than unmodified cotton fabric. The ZnO nanorods also impart modest antibacterial activity. Prospects in sterile packaging, wound dressing, and non-fouling textiles are discussed.
Judging the Effectiveness of Age-Correction Factors

Summary Several criteria for comparing the effectiveness of age-correction factors are discussed. Their usage in comparing multiplicative, herd-level, and additive correction factors is considered in detail, based on analyzing 5,577 Holstein records which had been age-corrected by the three sets of factors. No analysis showed any difference between the herd-level and multiplicative factors.
Invited Commentary: Resilience and Positive Youth Development Frameworks in Developmental Science

Positive youth development (PYD) and resilience science differ in emphasis and focus but share many roots, assumptions, concepts, and goals. Both frameworks are grounded in developmental systems theory, both are focused on positive adaptation, and both are translational, sharing a common goal of promoting positive development. Yet there also are differences. This commentary examines the concepts, methods, and goals that define the PYD framework as embodied by the 4-H Study of PYD from the perspective of contemporary resilience science in human development, with an eye toward delineating similarities, differences, and future directions.
Excitation of Surface Waves by Events in Southern Algeria

Surface-wave magnitudes ( M 8 ) of 4.1 and 3.2 are determined for two events in southern Algeria. The corresponding body-wave magnitudes ( m b ) are 5.8 and 4.9, respectively. The surface waves from these events are much smaller than would be expected from most earthquakes of comparable body-wave magnitudes, which fact suggests that these waves were generated by underground explosions.
The absolute nucleated red blood cell (aNRBC) count at birth is not an indicator for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

To establish the reproducibility of a published observation by Lubetzky et al. that infants affected by retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) had higher absolute nucleated red blood cell (aNRBC) counts than those unaffected. The authors suggested that infants exposed to intrauterine hypoxia are at higher risk for ROP. We attempted to verify this reported relationship of ROP with the aNRBCs at birth and hypothesized that infants with ROP⩾ stage 2 have higher aNRBCs at birth. We report a retrospective 1:1 case matched analysis where cases had a diagnosis of grade II ROP or worse and matching infants had confirmed stage I or no ROP. Eligible infants had birth weights of 501 to 1500 g and were discharged alive from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2008. Wilcoxon's signed rank test was performed for continuous comparisons. This study was approved by two local Institutional Review Boards. In all, 66 matched pairs were analyzed. When comparing aNRBCs there was no statistically significant relationship (w=−0.265, P=0.791) between the ROP affected group (M=4550, s.d.=7342) and the unaffected group (M=5287, s.d.=6524). We are unable to support the previously reported relationship of aNRBCs with ROP. Our population was three times larger, had higher aNRBCs and less retinopathy than previously reported. A biological principle of cause and effect or predisposition to ROP as reflected by aNRBCs should have been easier for us to demonstrate, if it existed.
Apoptosis in ischemic renal injury: Roles of GTP depletion and p53

Apoptosis in ischemic renal injury: Roles of GTP depletion and p53. Apoptosis is increasingly recognized as a major mode of cell demise after ischemic injury to the kidney. The mediators of apoptotic cell death are many and include changes in intracellular pH, calcium, free radicals, ceramide, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion. Recently, we identified guanosine triphosphate (GTP) depletion as an independent trigger for apoptotic death after chemical anoxia in vitro. We further demonstrated that GTP salvage with guanosine inhibits tubular cell apoptosis after ischemic injury in vivo. This inhibition of apoptosis was accompanied by a significant protective effect on renal function. We also showed that p53 is the mediator of apoptosis in the setting of GTP depletion and ischemic injury. Indeed, salvage of GTP with guanosine prevented the ischemia-induced increase in p53 protein. Further, pifithrin-alpha, a potent and specific inhibitor of p53, inhibited apoptosis and protected renal function with a profile similar to that seen with guanosine. Finally, the protective effects of pifithrin-alpha involved both down-regulation of the transcriptional activation of Bax and a direct inhibition of p53 translocation to mitochondria. We propose that GTP depletion and activation of p53 are major inducers of apoptotic cell death after ischemic renal injury. In this setting, guanosine and pifithrin-alpha are potent inhibitors of apoptosis and are thus potentially useful in preventing and ameliorating functional injury to the ischemic kidney.
The last of the dinosaur titans: a new sauropod from Madagascar

The Titanosauria, the last surviving group of the giant sauropod dinosaurs, attained a near-global distribution by the close of the Cretaceous period (65 Myr ago). With the exception of a few new discoveries in Argentina1,2,3, most titanosaurs are known only from fragmentary postcranial skeletons and rare, isolated skull elements4,5,6,7,8,9. Here we describe the most complete titanosaur yet discovered. Rapetosaurus krausei gen. et sp. nov., from the Maevarano Formation of Madagascar, provides a view of titanosaur anatomy from head to tail. A total-evidence phylogenetic analysis supports a close relationship between brachiosaurids and titanosaurs (Titanosauriformes10,11,12,13). The inclusion of cranial data from Rapetosaurus also lays to rest questions concerning the phylogeny of the enigmatic Mongolian genera Nemegtosaurus and Quaesitosaurus14,15. In spite of their elongated, diplodocoid-like skulls, all three taxa are now firmly nested within Titanosauria.
Theoretical model for the complex permittivity of water-in-oil microemulsions with ionic surfactants

Abstract A mathematical model for the permittivity of water-in-oil microemulsions with ionic surfactants is proposed. The model is based on a microscopic description of reverse micelles in a continuous oil medium. In this description the surfactant counterions are located in the water core of the reverse micelle and move in response to an imposed electric field. The origin of the dielectric relaxation is in the finite mobility of those counterions. The movement of counterions causes polarization of the reverse micelle and we show that micelle-micelle interactions occur. These interactions contribute to the high values observed for permittivity and to the behavior of the critical frequency of the dielectric relaxation. This new model for the complex permittivity of a microemulsion explains many reported experimental trends.
Gene Expression Profiling of Human Epidermal Keratinocytes in Simulated Microgravity and Recovery Cultures

Simulated microgravity (SMG) bioreactors and DNA microarray technology are powerful tools to identify "space genes" that play key roles in cellular response to microgravity. We applied these biotechnology tools to investigate SMG and post-SMG recovery effects on human epidermal keratinocytes by exposing cells to SMG for 3, 4, 9, and 10 d using the high aspect ratio vessel bioreactor followed by recovery culturing for 15, 50, and 60 d in normal gravity. As a result, we identified 162 differentially expressed genes, 32 of which were "center genes" that were most consistently affected in the time course experiments. Eleven of the center genes were from the integrated stress response pathways and were coordinately down-regulated. Another seven of the center genes, which are all metallothionein MT-I and MT-II isoforms, were coordinately up-regulated. In addition, HLA-G, a key gene in cellular immune response suppression, was found to be significantly up-regulated during the recovery phase. Overall, more than 80% of the differentially expressed genes from the shorter exposures ( or=9 d) exposures, more than 50 d were needed to recover to the impact level of shorter exposures. The data indicated that shorter SMG exposure duration would lead to quicker and more complete recovery from the microgravity effect.
Ignition with high-field, compact tokamaks☆

Compact, high-field experiments offer the most direct path to study burning plasma behavior. Several designs for these experiments have been proposed. The IGNITOR device has been proposed for construction at Ispra in northern Italy, and the CIT device has been proposed for construction at Princeton, N.J., in the USA. The programmatic role of these experiments is to build significantly on the achievements of JET, TFTR and JT-60, while setting goals that are modest, technically and financially, relative to an experimental test reactor such as ITER.
Factors of resistance in sorghum against Sitotroga cerealella (Oliv.) and Sitophilus oryzae (L.)

The structural components and physical characteristics of sorghum kernels were studied as factors of resistance against Sitotroga cerealella (Oliv.) and Sitophilus oryzae (L.). Specifically, the effects of kernel glumes, weight, size and hardness on larval entry site, oviposition site, emergence site, progeny production, and kernel damage and weight loss, were investigated. The larvae of S. cerealella entered kernels primarily in the germ end and its periphery. Females of S. oryzae oviposited eggsmainly in the endosperm portion of kernels. Larval entry into kernels, and subsequent development of S. cerealella was enhanced in kernels that were enclosed by glumes. In addition, S. cerealella caused greater damage and weight loss in kernels with glumes. In contrast, kernels with glumes yielded less adult progeny of S. oryzae, and sustained less kernel damage and weight loss. The emergence holes of S. cerealella were located mainly in the crown end, whereas those of S. oryzae were mostly in the endosperm portion of kernels. The heavier and larger kernels produced heavier and larger adult progeny of both species of insect.
Ionomycin releases calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and activates Na+/Ca2+ exchange in vascular smooth muscle cells

Ionomycin (1 microM) produced a large spike in cytosolic free Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i). The ionophore had no effect on [Ca2+]i if the sarcoplasmic reticulum had previously been Ca2+ depleted by stimulating neurohormone receptors. Ionomycin markedly increased 45Ca2+ efflux and decreased total cell Ca2+ by 60 to 70% in 1 min. Replacing extracellular Na+ [( Na+]o) with choline or N-methyl-D-glucamine strongly inhibited the effects of ionomycin on 45Ca2+ efflux and total Ca2+. Ionomycin caused similar peak increases in [Ca2+]i in the presence and absence of [Na+]o, but the exponential fall from the peak was faster in the presence of [Na+]o. Dimethylbenzamil, a potent blocker of Na+/Ca2+ exchange in these cells, strongly inhibited the effects of ionomycin on 45Ca2+ efflux and total cell Ca2+. We conclude that the increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ produced by ionomycin may be sufficient to activate the plasma membrane Na+/Ca2+ exchanger which removes Ca2+ from the cytosol and helps restore basal [Ca2+]i.
Guidelines for Creating a Bat-Specific Citizen Science Acoustic Monitoring Program

Bats are challenging study subjects and effective conservation depends on the collection of high-quality data to monitor changing abundances and distributions. Compilation of such data could be achieved through the use of acoustic monitoring programs that engage community stewards or citizen scientists. Currently, no guidelines exist for the creation of a bat-specific citizen science acoustic monitoring program. To address this problem, we compared program development guidelines relevant to other citizen science and acoustic monitoring programs to create a set of recommendations for developing such a program for bats. Our process included reviewing five U.S. citizen science program development guidelines and 12 U.S. and European acoustic monitoring programs to identify elements most frequently applied. Twenty-five essential program elements, encompassing five categories, and five additional unique elements were identified. Our recommendations provide a guide for developing a citizen science acoustic bat monitoring program locally, regionally, or nationally.
A Light and Transmission Electron Microscope Study of a Black Locust Tree, Robinia pseudoacacia (Fabaceae), Affected by Witches’-Broom, and Classification of the Associated Phytoplasma

Light and transmission electron microscopy of phloem sieve-tube elements, companion cells, and parenchymal cells in thin and ultrathin sections of small and medium rachises and small, medium and large leaflets of a black locust tree, Robinia pseudoacacia L., affected by witches’-broom disease revealed (in the small and medium rachises and leaflets) structures that were characteristic of phytoplasmas, and crystal-like inclusions in the phloem sieve-tube members. A crystal-like inclusion was also seen in a companion cell. Paracrystalline arrays were seen only (and very rarely) in phloem sieve-tube elements of medium rachises. Some elements contained several crystal-like inclusions and each inclusion had fracture planes. The crystal-like inclusions and paracrystalline arrays apparently have not been previously reported in the black locust. The paracrystalline arrays and crystal-like inclusions may merely be by-products of the plant’s metabolic activity. Extensive additional work would be required to establish the precise relationship (if any) of the arrays and inclusions to the black locust, witches’-brooming and/or phytoplasmas. Results from analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences amplified by the polymerase chain reaction indicated for the first time that the phytoplasma associated with black locust witches’-broom is a member of group 16 SrIII (peach X-disease) phytoplasma group. This raised the question of whether black locust may be a significant source of the phytoplasma for infection of other plants, especially agricultural crops.
The partial stream sampling assumption in intestinal perfusion studies

During the past several years, the technique ofin vivo intestinal perfusion with partial stream sampling has been increasingly widely used to gather information on intestinal absorptive processes in man. The basic technique involves infusion of test solution through a proximal opening; and aspiration of samples through one or more distal openings a fixed distance apart. Samples are analyzed for test solute concentrations; from such sample data, conclusions are drawn concerning alterations in stream concentrations between the sampling sites. An underlying assumption for the validity of such a method is: that sample concentrations are the same as average stream concentrations. This assumption has not previously been precisely stated. A precise statement of it is given here, together with an analytic proof of conditions necessary and sufficient for its validity. A brief verbal comment is included to clarify the practical meaning of the analytic statement.
Design and performance of a plasma-source mass spectrograph

A plasma-source, simultaneously detecting, Mattauch-Herzog mass spectrograph for multi-element analysis was developed. Simultaneous detection should improve throughput, precision, and sensitivity over those instruments that use quadrupole or sector mass spectrometers. The new instrument is compact (approximately 80 cm in length) and is designed to detect a complete atomic mass spectrum in two mass windows that straddle but avoid argon. The design and some figures of merit are presented. With a dc glow discharge source, a precision of 0. 5% determined from eight consecutive 10-s images was obtained for Cu isotope ratios in Naval Brass B. With the same sample, nickel and lead were detected at limits of 8 and 1 ppm. Measured Mg isotope ratios with an inductively coupled plasma source were within 4% of the expected values. The resolution at full width at half maximum is currently limited to approximately 60, in part because of poor peak shape. The origin of this peak shape has been determined to lie within the array detector and possibly results from its interaction with the fringing magnetic fields produced by the second sector.
A randomized trial of intravaginal nonoxynol 9 versus oral metronidazole in the treatment of vaginal trichomoniasis.

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of nonoxynol 9 suppositories in the treatment of vaginal trichomoniasis. Study Design: In this prospective comparison trial 46 women with documented motile trichomonads found on a wet preparation were randomly assigned to one of two treatment arms: (1) a single oral dose of 2 g metronidazole and (2) a single 150-mg nonoxynol 9 suppository placed intravaginally for 3 consecutive nights. Cure was determined by a repeated wet preparation examination. After its first year, the study was terminated because of the poor efficacy of the nonoxynol 9 suppositories. Results: Results were available for 33 patients. Three of 17 patients treated with nonoxynol 9 had negative wet preparation results at retest (17.6% cure rate). All 16 patients treated with metronidazole had negative wet preparation results (100% cure rate). All women with nonoxynol 9 failures who were evaluated after treatment with 2 g metronidazole had negative wet preparation results. Conclusion: Intravaginal nonoxynol 9 at the tested dose and by the tested method of delivery was not an effective cure for vaginal trichomoniasis. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:1008-10.)
Comparative costs of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting in multivessel coronary artery disease

Abstract The cost of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has been shown in a number of studies 1–3 to be significantly below that of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). It has been suggested that the cost of PTCA may be greater if there is a need to have a subsequent revascularization procedure for restenosis 2 or if there is a low primary success rate necessitating urgent or early elective CABG. 1,2 These earlier studies have concentrated on the traditional candidates for PTCA: patients requiring single-vessel revascularization. The relative cost of multivessel PTCA has not been examined and it is possible that the higher acute complication and restenosis rates noted in this subgroup of patients 4,5 may diminish the cost advantage of PTCA. This study examines the total 1-year revascularization costs in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing multivessel PTCA or CABG.
Stress Distribution in Plane Scarf and Butt Joints

The stress distribution in a plane scarf joint, which may have an arbitrary angle of scarf as well as arbitrary elastic parameters for its adherends and adhesive, is analyzed. The analysis is based on the two-dimensional elasticity theory in conjunction with the variational principle of complementary energy. Minimizing the energy functional leads to a specific optimization problem with two variables for the determination of the stresses. Some typical features of the stress distribution are shown by numerical examples. Criteria for uniformly distributed adhesive stresses which are of importance in practice are deduced. The butt joint is treated as a special case of scarf joints.
ON THE DETERMINATION OF REFRACTIVE INDEX AND THICKNESS OF THIN DIELECTRIC FILMS FROM MEASUREMENT OF TRANSMITTANCE

Refractive index and thickness of a transparent film (ZnS) on a transparent substrate (BK-7 glass) have been determined from measurement of normal incidence transmittance, using different methods. Some of the methods considered here are most widely used, as is apparent from the literature. The outcome of this study could help a researcher in selecting an appropriate method for such an application. The values of the refractive indices determined by different methods were found to be close to each other (within 0.5%). However, large (up to 4.4%) differences existed in the values of the thickness determined by different methods.
The Complexity of Markov Decision Processes

We investigate the complexity of the classical problem of optimal policy computation in Markov decision processes. All three variants of the problem finite horizon, infinite horizon discounted, and infinite horizon average cost were known to be solvable in polynomial time by dynamic programming finite horizon problems, linear programming, or successive approximation techniques infinite horizon. We show that they are complete for P, and therefore most likely cannot be solved by highly parallel algorithms. We also show that, in contrast, the deterministic cases of all three problems can be solved very fast in parallel. The version with partially observed states is shown to be PSPACE-complete, and thus even less likely to be solved in polynomial time than the NP-complete problems; in fact, we show that, most likely, it is not possible to have an efficient on-line implementation involving polynomial time on-line computations and memory of an optimal policy, even if an arbitrary amount of precomputation is allowed. Finally, the variant of the problem in which there are no observations is shown to be NP-complete.
Exploring the depths of play: re-calibrating metaphysical descriptions and re-conceptualizing sources of value

This paper has two main parts to it. First, it is an attempt to clarify certain metaphysical issues regarding play. Play scholars from any number of academic disciplines have created a vast body of literature on the topic that seems overwhelming. Therefore, I offer descriptions of four characteristics of play that seem most experientially prominent and most indicative of the many play descriptors that previous authors have used. Second, I make axiological claims that follow from the metaphysical descriptions. I argue against many previous authors, as I assert that play is not different in kind from our normal workaday lives but instead is only different by degree. Play is a deeper engagement with the world than that which we normally experience.
Convergence of distinct pathways to heart patterning revealed by the small molecule concentramide and the mutation heart-and-soul

Abstract Background: One of the earliest steps in heart formation is the generation of two chambers, as cardiogenic cells deployed in the epithelial sheet of mesoderm converge to form the nascent heart tube. What guides this transformation to organotypic form is not known. Results: We have identified a small molecule, concentramide, and a genetic mutation called heart-and-soul ( has ) that disrupt heart patterning. Both cause the ventricle to form within the atrium. Here, we show that the has gene encodes PKCλ. The effect of the has mutation is to disrupt epithelial cell-cell interactions in a broad range of tissues. Concentramide does not disrupt epithelial interactions, but rather shifts the converging heart field rostrally. What is shared between the concentramide and has effects is a reversal of the order of fusion of the anterior and posterior ends of the heart field. Conclusions: The polarity of cardiac tube assembly is a critical determinant of chamber orientation and is controlled by at least two distinct molecular pathways. Combined chemical/genetic dissection can identify nodal points in development, of especial importance in understanding the complex patterning events of organogenesis.
Fast interrupt platform for extended DOS

Extended DOS offers the unique combination of a simple operating system which allows direct access to the interrupt tables, 32 bit protected mode access to 4096 MByte address space, and the use of industry standard C compilers. The drawback is that fast interrupt handling requires both 32 bit and 16 bit versions of each real-time process interrupt handler to avoid mode switches on the interrupts. A set of tools has been developed which automates the process of transforming the output of a standard 32 bit C compiler to 16 bit interrupt code which directly handles the real mode interrupts. The entire process compiles one set of source code via a make file, which boosts productivity by making the management of the compile-link cycle very simple. The software components are in the form of classes written mostly in C. A foreground process written as a conventional application which can use the standard C libraries can communicate with the background real-time classes via a message passing mechanism. The platform thus enables the integration of high performance real-time processing into a conventional application framework.
Palaeomagnetism: In GAD we trust

Palaeomagnetists' basic assumption that Earth's magnetic field is a GAD, that is, a geocentric axial dipole, has been challenged by anomalous magnetic data from ancient Canadian basalts. At a closer look, fast continental drift could explain this anomaly.
Immobilization of Acetobacter acoti on cellulose ion exchangers: adsorption isotherms.

The adsorptive behavior of cells of Acetobacter aceti, ATCC 23746, on DEAE-, TEAE-, and DEHPAE-cellulose ion exchangers in a modified Hoyer's medium at 30 degrees Centigrade was investigated. The maximum observed adsorption capacities varied from 46 to 64 mg dry wt/g resin. The Langmuir isotherm form was used to fit the data, since the cells formed a monolayer on the resin and exhibited saturation. The equilibrium constant in the Langmuir expression was qualitatively correlated with the surface charge density of the resin. The adsorption was also ''normalized'' by considering the ionic capacities of the resins. The exceptionally high normalized adsorption capacity of ECTEOLA-cellulose, 261 mg dry/meq, may be explained by an interaction between the cell wall and the polyglyceryl chains of the exchanging groups in addition to the electrostatic effects. The effect of pH on the bacterial adsorption capacity of ECTEOLA-, TEAE-, and phosphate-cellulose resins was studied and the pH of the bacteria was estimated to be 3.0. 17 references.
Communication, Communication, Communication! Growth through Laboratory Instructing

This study examined gains undergraduate students made in their communication and collaboration skills when they served as peer teachers, i.e., laboratory instructors (LIs), for a General Psychology laboratory. Self-ratings of communication and collaboration skills were completed before and after teaching the laboratory. When compared to before the teaching experience, the students rated their skills significantly higher in written expression, oral expression, and participation skills. They also rated themselves significantly higher in written comprehension and expression skills than did a comparison group of non-LIs. Results from interviews also revealed beliefs that their communication and collaboration skills had substantially increased.
Mathematics, the Empirical Facts, and Logical Necessity

If we want to study the empirical content of mathematical statements, it is natural to start with those that, at least on the face of it, seem to make direct empirical predictions.1 For instance, many arithmetic statements seem to predict the outcome of counting after we have performed some specific physical operation. Thus, the statement that $$2+3=5$$ (*) seems to predict that if we put together 2 marbles and another 3 marbles and count them all together, we will find their number to be 5.
Real-time WiFi and gigabit data transmission in multiband 60-GHz radio-over-fiber system for band-mapped broadband wireless services

We propose a multiband 60-GHz radio-over-fiber (RoF) system to offer converged legacy and multi-gigabit wireless services. Real-time WiFi and 1-Gb/s OOK data over fiber and 60-GHz wireless propagation has been demonstrated for the first time.
1219 RESPIRATORY EVALUATION OF CHILDREN IN A CHLORINE GAS DISASTER: IDENTIFICATION OF RISK FACTORS

1219 RESPIRATORY EVALUATION OF CHILDREN IN A CHLORINE GAS DISASTER: IDENTIFICATION OF RISK FACTORS
Visualization of and Access to CloudSat Vertical Data through Google Earth

Online tools, pioneered by the Google Earth (GE), are facilitating the way in which scientists and general public interact with geospatial data in real three dimensions. However, even in Google Earth, there is no method for depicting vertical geospatial data derived from remote sensing satellites as an orbit curtain seen from above. Here, an effective solution is proposed to automatically render the vertical atmospheric data on Google Earth. The data are first processed through the Giovanni system, then, processed to be 15-second vertical data images. A generalized COLLADA model is devised based on the 15-second vertical data profile. Using the designed COLLADA models and satellite orbit coordinates, a satellite orbit model is designed and implemented in KML format to render the vertical atmospheric data in spatial and temporal ranges vividly. The whole orbit model consists of repeated model slices. The model slices, each representing 15 seconds of vertical data, are placed on the CloudSat orbit based on the size, scale, and angle with the longitude line that are precisely and separately calculated on the fly for each slice according to the CloudSat orbit coordinates. The resulting vertical scientific data can be viewed transparently or opaquely on Google Earth. Not only is the research bridged the science and data with scientists and the general public in the most popular way, but simultaneous visualization and efficient exploration of the relationships among quantitative geospatial data, e.g. comparing the vertical data profiles with MODIS and AIRS precipitation data, becomes possible.
The Effects of Nonnative Accents on Listening Comprehension: Implications for ESL Assessment

Tests of ESL listening comprehension attempt to sample from language that reflects what examinees will be expected to comprehend in the relevant contexts, but most listening tests do not address the fact that accented English is a normal part of ESL listening. To begin to explore the issue, this study examined the extent to which native-English-speaking and ESL listeners performed better on a test when the speaker shared their native language. Four groups of 100 listeners, whose native languages were Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and standard American English, heard brief lectures presented in English by speakers with different native languages and answered questions based on the lectures. The results indicated that both native and nonnative listeners scored significantly lower on listening comprehension tests when they listened to nonnative speakers of English, native speakers of Spanish scored significantly higher when listening to Spanish-accented speech, and native speakers of Chinese scored significantly lower when listening to speakers who shared their native language.
Chemical dependence of interatomic X-ray transition energies and intensities – a study of Mn Kβ″ and Kβ2, 5 spectra

Abstract A study of ligand (N, O, F) 2s to metal (Mn) 1s `interatomic' or `crossover' X-ray transitions is reported. We show that the energy of the Kβ″ feature is related to the ligand 2s binding energy and can be used to identify the type of ligand. For oxygen-ligated Mn compounds, the strength of the Kβ″ transition decreases exponentially with increasing Mn–O distance. This can be used to predict distances to ∼0.1 A. The Kβ2, 5 energy shows shifts of ∼1 eV per unit oxidation state. Kβ″ and Kβ2, 5 transitions are a promising tool for structural characterization of transition-metal complexes.
Two-dimensional combinatorial screening enables the bottom-up design of a microRNA-10b inhibitor

The RNA motifs that bind guanidinylated kanamycin A (G Kan A) and guanidinylated neomycin B (G Neo B) were identified via two-dimensional combinatorial screening (2DCS). The results of these studies enabled the “bottom-up” design of a small molecule inhibitor of oncogenic microRNA-10b.
Structuring of macroions confined between like-charged surfaces

We investigate the structuring of charged spherical nanoparticles and micelles (i.e., "macroions") between two surfaces as a function of bulk macroion concentration. Structuring is deduced from measured force profiles between a silica particle and a silica plate in the presence of an aqueous macroion (Ludox silica nanoparticle or sodium dodecyl sulfate micelle) solution, obtained with an atomic force microscope. We observe oscillatory force profiles that decay with separation. We find that the wavelength of the force profiles scales with the bulk number density as rho(-)(1/3), rather than with the effective macroion size. Only at very high silica nanoparticle concentration (above 10 vol %) in a low ionic strength solution does the wavelength become smaller than that predicted by the simple rho(-)(1/3) scaling; however, the original scaling is recovered upon the addition of a small amount of electrolyte. A comparison between the measured wavelength and the predicted spacing between the macroions in the bulk shows that the two variables differ in both magnitude and bulk density scaling. This finding suggests that confined macroions are more ordered than those in the bulk and the nature of this ordering is maintained over a relatively wide range of bulk concentration.
Microporous Vanadium Pentaoxide. 1. Vanadyl Isopropoxide in Microemulsions

Vanadium pentaoxide nanoparticles can be made by adding vanadyl isopropoxide to water contained in a reverse microemulsion of Aerosol OT in toluene. First-order rate constants of this process are o...
Can ultrasound be used to predict malignancy in patients with a thyroid nodule and an indeterminate fine-needle aspiration biopsy?

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether ultrasonography is helpful in predicting malignancy in patients with a thyroid nodule and atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AFLUS). Methods All patients with a preoperative ultrasound who underwent thyroidectomy for a nodule with AFLUS comprised the study population. A blinded review of gray-scale and color-Doppler sonographic images of the thyroid nodule was performed by an expert sonographer; results were compared with the original interpretation and were correlated with histopathology. All images were reviewed for hypoechogenicity, irregular margins, shape that was taller than wide, micro and macrocalcifications, absent halo, and intranodular hypervascularity. Results From 2010 to 2012, 61 patients underwent thyroidectomy for AFLUS with an ultrasound examination for review; 6 (10%) with cancer. Nodule shape that was taller than wide, was associated with cancer ( P Conclusion With the exception of nodule height greater than width, sonographic criteria were not helpful in deciding which patients with AFLUS should undergo thyroidectomy. Thyroidectomy is recommended in lieu of repeat biopsy for a nodule that is taller than wide. Standardized sonographic reporting should be implemented.
The cone of positive generalized matrix functions

Abstract Let c :S n → ℂ be a complex-valued function on the symmetric group S n , and let A = ( a ij ) be an n -by n complex matrix. The determinant-like polynomial d ( c , A ) = ∑ σ c ( σ ) ∏ t = 1 n a t σ ( t ) in the n 2 entries of A is called a generalized matrix function . The restriction of d ( c , ·) to hermitian matrices ( a i j = a ¯ j i ) is a nonlinear hermitian form in the ( n 2 + n )/2 complex entries a ij , with i ⩽ j . In this paper we examine the cone ℂ n of functions c satisfying the inequality 0 ⩽ d ( c , A ) for all hermitian matrices A . For n = 4 (the smallest nontrivial case), we give a complete description of ℂ 4 and its extreme rays. If c is a function in ℂ 4 , then d ( c , A ) is a sum of squares of the absolute values of nonlinear hermitian forms in the a ij . For n ⩾ 6, we exhibit a family of extreme rays in ℂ n . For each c (not necessarily in ℂ n ), we define a square matrix M ( c ) and show that if the comparison matrix of M ( c ) is positive semidefinite, then c is in ℂ n .
Pedestal fueling through interpretive analysis of measured main chamber and divertor target flux in DIII-D

Fueling of the pedestal from divertor and main chamber recycling in DIII-D is assessed by a combination of experimental measurements, plasma modeling and kinetic neutral analysis. The 2D profile of surface recycling between edge localized modes in H-mode was previously determined in DIII-D from surface mounted Langmuir probes and a plasma configuration where toroidally symmetric recycling was dominant. The measured profile of recycling neutrals is launched by the DEGAS2 code into a 2D background plasma profile reconstructed by the UEDGE fluid model and constrained to match the upstream temperature and density profiles. Divertor plasmas of varying density and temperature are constructed to test sensitivity to uncertainty in the divertor plasma conditions. The pedestal ionization rate from this analysis can match the inferred outward ion flux across separatrix only for high density, detached inboard divertor conditions.
Characterization of a 5-azacytidine-induced developmental Aspergillus fumigatus variant

The hypomethylating agent 5-azacytidine (5AC) is widely used in patients at risk of invasive mycoses. We sought to determine whether 5AC affects the developmental competence and virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. Incubation of A. fumigatus strain 293 with 5AC induced high-frequency conversion to a fluffy-variant (Af293FL). The conidiation defect was bypassed by exposing Af293FL to light during the initial 18 hours of growth on solid media. Transcriptional profiling revealed differential expression of multiple genes involved in G-protein signaling, including a putative G-protein coupled photoreceptor (opsin), suggesting that impaired signaling through a light-responsive pathway upstream of brlA is responsible for this phenotype. Af293FL was fully virulent in fruit fly and murine models of invasive aspergillosis. Moreover, Af293FL overexpressed aspergillopepsin F, had increased elastase activity and was more angioinvasive than the parental wild-type strain. The 5AC-induced A. fumigatus fluffy variant illus...
Measuring Quality of Life in Persons With Dementia

The development of treatment outcome measures has followed a pattern in which treatments are first developed to affect symptoms, and measures are developed concomitantly to detect differences in response rates between the treatment group and a comparison placebo group. For example, in the 1950s, distinct pharmacologic therapies were developed to lower blood pressure and to lessen the hallucinations and delusions associated with schizophrenia. At the same time, measures to assess these latter outcomes were validated.
The pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia: current clinical concepts.

SummaryDespite decades of intense research on the problem, pre-eclampsia remains one of the great mysteries of medical science. This paper is an overview of the existing knowledge on the disease that unifies the essential and validated findings of past and current scientific investigation. A key focus has been an attempt to distinguish foundationally pathogenic mechanisms from multiple epiphenomena that continue to be elucidated. The hypothesis was developed after taking into consideration the various known risk factors for pre-eclampsia, epidemiologic trends, and the most available research to date regarding the pathogenesis of the disease. In summary, it may be stated that pre-eclampsia is a systemic disease of maternal endothelial cell dysfunction, resulting from a deficient endovascular invasion of fetal extravillous cytotrophoblasts into the maternal spiral arterioles – a process facilitated by cytokine and angiogenic factor producing uterine/decidual CD56bright Natural Killer (NK) cells and impeded ...
Public Participation in Planning—A Multidimensional Model: The Case of Israel

Discussion of public participation has lacked a comprehensive framework. This paper presents a multidimensional model of public participation with an institutional perspective, designed to facilitate case analysis and enable systematic comparison. The model has three main dimensions: structure, process and actions. Participation structures and processes include organisation, representation, consultation and legal-administrative channels; actions include information exchange and alternative planning. A pilot application of this model framed a case study of public participation in Israel, where objections and appeals are the main channel for public involvement, giving participation an adversarial connotation. Based on the case study, proposals are made for changes to Israeli legislation, practices, and public awareness. The conclusion discusses the model's methodological, policy and practice implications.
On the coupling of waves in nondissipative and dissipative systems

The interaction between two waves in nondissipative and dissipative systems is analyzed with the general principles of coupled mode theory. It is shown that the character of the interaction is determined by the product C 12 C 21 of the coupling coefficients. The extreme cases of purely real and purely imaginary values of C 12 C 21 correspond to the nondissipative and dissipative systems, respectively. The results of the analysis are applied to the case of acoustic amplification.
A nutritionally mediated risk effect of wolves on elk

Though it is widely argued that antipredator responses carry nutritional costs, or risk effects, these costs are rarely measured in wild populations. To quantify risk effects in elk, a species that strongly responds to the presence of wolves, we noninvasively monitored diet selection and nutrient balance in wintering elk in the Upper Gallatin, Montana, USA, over three winters while quantifying the local presence of wolves at a fine spatiotemporal scale. Standard nutritional indices based on the botanical and chemical composition of 786 fecal samples, 606 snow urine samples, and 224 forage samples showed that elk were generally malnourished throughout winter. Increased selection for dietary nitrogen within forage types (e.g., grasses) led to approximately 8% higher fecal nitrogen in the presence of wolves. However, urinary allantoin : creatinine and potassium : creatinine ratios decreased in the presence of wolves, suggesting large declines in energy intake, equal to 27% of maintenance requirements. Urinary nitrogen : creatinine ratios confirmed that deficiencies in nitrogen and/or energy were exacerbated in the presence of wolves, leading to increased endogenous protein catabolism. Overall, the nutritional effects of wolf presence may be of sufficient magnitude to reduce survival and reproduction in wintering elk. Nutritionally mediated risk effects may be important for understanding predator-prey dynamics in wild populations, but such effects could be masked as bottom-up forces if antipredator responses are not considered.
Efficient network flow based min-cut balanced partitioning

We consider the problem of bipartitioning a circuit into two balanced components that minimizes the number of crossing nets. Previously, the Kernighan and Lin type (K&L) heuristics, the simulated annealing approach, and the spectral method were given to solve the problem. However, network flow techniques were overlooked as a viable approach to min-cut balanced bipartition to due its high complexity. In this paper we propose a balanced bipartition heuristic based on repeated max-flow min-cut techniques, and give an efficient implementation that has the same asymptotic time complexity as that of one max-flow computation. We implemented our heuristic algorithm in a package called FBB. The experimental results demonstrate that FBB outperforms the K&L heuristics and the spectral method in terms of the number of crossing nets, and the efficient implementation makes it possible to partition large, circuit instances with reasonable runtime. For example, the average elapsed time for bipartitioning a circuit S35932 of almost 20K gates is less than 20 minutes.
Steady-state thermo-optic model of a continuous-wave Raman laser

We present a model of a cw Raman laser that includes thermo-optic effects that are due to the heating that is inherent in Raman conversion. Thermal lensing and thermal index gratings at high output powers are addressed. With a quadratic duct model we show that broadening of the spatial modes is evident at low Stokes output powers and that accounting for thermal lensing in the laser design can significantly enhance the conversion efficiency. The model agrees with experimental results from a cw H2 Raman laser and allows for the design of high-power and solid-state cw Raman lasers.
Streptococcus mutans Dextransucrase: Stimulation of Glucan Formation by Phosphoglycerides

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and other phosphoglycerides stimulated water-insoluble and water-soluble glucan production by the Streptococcus mutans 6715 dextransucrase (EC 2.4.1.5). LPC stimulated crude extracellular dextransucrase 1.7-fold, the water-insoluble glucan-producing α form of the enzyme 6.5-fold, the water-soluble glucan-producing β form of the enzyme 2.1-fold, and the cell-associated dextransucrase 2.0-fold. Kinetic studies demonstrated that LPC did not change the Km for sucrose of α or β but increased the maximum velocity of the enzymes. The Km for LPC of the α enzyme was 10−5 M. LPC from various sources and synthetic preparations of lauroyl-LPC, myristoyl-LPC, and palmitoyl-LPC all stimulated glucan formation. Portions of phosphoglyceride molecules including fatty acids, phosphatidic acid, glycerophosphoric acid, glycerophos-phorylcholine, and choline, when tested individually or in combinations, did not enhance dextransucrase activity. The increased rates of glucan production caused by LPC and primer dextran were additive. Enzyme incubated with LPC before addition of sucrose was stimulated by dextran primer, and, conversely, enzyme treated with dextran was stimulated by addition of LPC with the sucrose substrate. Thus, dextransucrase can be activated by binding of intact phosphoglyceride molecules to a site on the enzyme that is distinct from either the glucosyl donor or glucosyl acceptor (primer) binding sites. Interactions between the S. mutans dextransucrase and amphipathic phosphoglycerides may explain properties of this enzyme which contribute to the cariogenicity of S. mutans.
Dynamics Modeling and Analysis of a Micro-particle Based Shooting and Harvesting System for Blood Vessel Cleaning and Enlargement

Blood vessel cleaning and enlargement are important medical practices in medicine. Traditional hard-touch methods, such as cardiac catheterization, have high risk of damaging blood vessels due to the mechanical friction mechanism. In this paper, a micro-particle based shooting and harvesting system for blood vessel cleaning and enlargement is proposed. This method avoids the hard-touch and reduces the risk of damaging blood vessels. A mathematical model to describe the dynamics of the system is presented. The goal is to better understand the cleaning and enlargement dynamics; so that effective operating strategies can be applied. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the dynamics model.