cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combining synaptic and cellular resonance in a feed-forward neuronal network

We derive a mathematical theory to explain the subthreshold resonance response of a neuron to synaptic input. The theory shows how a neuron combines information from its intrinsic resonant properties with those of the synapse to determine the neuron's generalized resonance response. Our results show that the maximal response of a postsynaptic neuron can lie between the preferred intrinsic frequency of the neuron and the synaptic resonance frequency. We compare our theoretical results to parallel findings on experiments of the crab pyloric central pattern generator.
Antioxidant responses to drought in sunflower and sorghum seedlings

To determine if antioxidant responses to drought differ between C3 and C4 plants, we grew Sorghum bicolor (C4 ) and Helianthus annuus (C3 ) under either watered or dry conditions in a growth chamber. Levels of leaf enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase), nonenzymatic antioxidants (ascorbate, glutathione and carotenoids) and stress parameters (Chl and malondialdehyde [MDA]) were determined. Under watered and drought conditions, Chl contents and leaf relative water contents (RWC) were higher in sorghum than in sunflower; however, MDA levels were higher in sunflower than in sorghum. Under watered conditions, inherent levels of antioxidants were not consistently higher or lower in sorghum than in sunflower. In response to drought, levels of antioxidants, Chl and MDA showed increase, decrease or remained unchanged depending on crop, duration of drought and kind of antioxidants. Duration of drought was divided arbitrarily into three stages. At an early stage of drought (watering had stopped for 3-4 d) when soil water content (WC) and leaf RWC had decreased only in sunflower, drought generally did not affect levels of antioxidants and stress parameters. At a middle stage of drought (watering had stopped for 5-6 d) when soil WC had decreased for both sorghum and sunflower but leaf WC and RWC had decreased only in sunflower, drought changed levels of some antioxidants in sunflower and sorghum. At a late stage of drought (watering had stopped for 7-8 d) when soil WC, leaf WC and RWC had decreased in sorghum and sunflower, most parameters studied were affected by drought. Because of the differential effect of drought, levels of antioxidants were not consistently higher or lower in sorghum than in sunflower under drought. These results show that, under both drought and watered conditions, sorghum does not have consistently higher or lower antioxidant levels than sunflower, and that antioxidant responses to drought differ in C3 and C4 plants.
Broadband THz filters for THz sensing devices

We propose a broadband filter using multi-layered frequency selective surfaces (FSS) for terahertz (THz) sensing devices. These types of filter windows are required to be placed in front of THz sensors to increase signal-to-noise ratio and reduce sensor sensitivity to mid IR and visible light. The FSS filter is simulated using polyethylene dielectric layers with fan shaped metal slots. Simulations show excellent flat band-pass response and a sharp out-of-band frequency response in 1-3 THz frequency range, centered at 1.95 THz. The -3 dB bandwidth achieved from this design is 1 THz (1.5THz-2.5THz).
A numerical study of three-dimensional turbulent channel flow at large Reynolds numbers

The three-dimensional, primitive equations of motion have been integrated numerically in time for the case of turbulent, plane Poiseuille flow at very large Reynolds numbers. A total of 6720 uniform grid intervals were used, with sub-grid scale effects simulated with eddy coefficients proportional to the local velocity deformation. The agreement of calculated statistics against those measured by Laufer ranges from good to marginal. The eddy shapes are examined, and only the u-component, longitudinal eddies are found to be elongated in the downstream direction. However, the lateral v eddies have distinct downstream tilts. The turbulence energy balance is examined, including the separate effects of vertical diffusion of pressure and local kinetic energy.It is concluded that the numerical approach to the problem of turbulence at large Reynolds numbers is already profitable, with increased accuracy to be expected with modest increase of numerical resolution.
Bubbles in the heart as first sign of gastric pneumatosis.

This case report describes a 5-week-old boy with an unusual presentation of gastric pneumatosis caused by suspected necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after cardiogenic shock. Postnatally, a pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum was supplied by a modified Blalock–Taussig shunt. On transthoracic echocardiography in week 5, primarily performed to rule out pericardial effusion, air bubbles have been apparent in the right atrium. Intracardiac air found on echocardiogram is generally associated with an indwelling venous catheter but—as exemplified by this case report—may also occur in the setting of NEC. An abdominal radiograph showed an isolated gastric pneumatosis, which is an unusual location of NEC. It is speculated that air moved through the connecting veins to the right atrium, the pneumatosis located in the gastric wall being a prerequisite to this pathophysiology. Conclusion: The suspected NEC was located in the stomach enabling the intramural air to pass through connecting veins to the right atrium. The first specific sign of NEC in our case was air bubbles in the right atrium on echocardiography.
Rational harmonic mode-locked ring fiber laser

We present a theory and experiment of the pulse train generated by a rational harmonic mode locked ring fiber laser. The pulse width is calculated as a function of the rational harmonic order and the optical transfer function of the modulator. The theoretical work is based on a time domain analysis, which predicts that the pulse width decreases when the rational harmonic order goes up. The pulse width as a function of the modulation amplitude and bias level of the modulator was measured, the experimental results agree with the theory.
Smoking and HIV: Prevalence, Health Risks, and Cessation Strategies

Health hazards due to smoking may undermine benefits of HIV treatment on morbidity and mortality. Over 40% of persons with HIV are current smokers. Health risks of smoking include increases in some HIV-associated infections, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, bacterial pneumonia and other lung disease, and overall mortality. Proven strategies for smoking cessation include various counseling approaches, nicotine replacement therapy and other pharmacotherapy; approaches may need to be individualized to address specific client needs and comorbidities. HIV clinicians and other service providers can have an influential role in screening their patients for smoking and promoting cessation programs to improve health.
Vasopressin and the regulation of evaporative water loss and body temperature in the cat.

Abstract The role of vasopressin as a possible mediator of the inhibition of evaporative water loss (EWL) in dehydrated, heat-stressed cats has been examined by intravenous (i.v.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of arginine vasopressin (AVP). In normally hydrated cats exposed to an ambient temperature (Ta) of 38°C, neither EWL nor body temperature (Tb), measured in the hypothalamus, was significantly altered by i.v. AVP infusion. Measurements of plasma osmolality (pOsm), pAVP and cerebrospinal fluid AVP (csfAVP) were made normally hydrated cats at Tas of 25 and 38°C and after dehydration for 1–4 days at these temperatures. The relationship between pOsm and pAVP can be described equally well by either a linear model or a log-linear model ( r = 0.81 for both models). The pOsm-csfAVP relationship is best described by alog-linear model ( r = 0.80). A possible role for intracranially released AVP in ody temperature regulation and control of EWL was examined by injecting various doses of AVP into the lateral ventricles of normally hydrated cats. No effect of AVP injection on Tb was observed at either a Ta of 23°C or 38°C. EWL was also unaffected by i.c.v. AVP administration at a Ta of 38°C. To confirm futher that intracranial AVP is not responsible for elevation of Tb and reduction of EWL during dehydration and heat-stress, specific antiserum to AVP was injected into the ventricle of dehydrated animals at a Ta of 38°C. No sinificant effect on either Tb or EWL was measured subsequent to antiserum infusion. These negative findings indicate that AVP does not suppress EWL by either a peripheral or a central action and is therefore not responsible for lowered EWL and elevated Tb seen in dehydrated heat-stressed cats.
Evaluation of numerical integration methods in elastodynamics

Abstract One-step algorithms are compared for the direct time integration of the spatially discretized equations of linear elastodynamics. Explicit and implicit methods are evaluated for stability and accuracy in terms of the frequency spectrum of the continuum as well as discrete solution. The closed form of the discrete spectrum of a bar and beam are given to illustrate inherent errors of a spatial discretization. Additional errors of a direct time integration scheme are interpreted in terms of the discrete modes. The Newmark family of second-order difference approximations is found superior to either the original or extended Wilson methods, and to that of Houboult. Less than half as many time steps are required for comparable accuracy. If an upper bound on the highest frequency of a system is found, an optimum algorithm for a given time step can be found, rather than the usual selection of a time step for a given algorithm. The algorithmic damping admitted by the Newmark family can be controlled as a “linear artificial viscosity” to smooth shock discontinuities without the excessive damping of the Wilson and Houboult methods. The implications of these algorithms in wave propagation problems are illustrated.
Cryogenic liquid hydrogen reorientation activated by constant reverse gravity acceleration of geyser initiation

A key objective for cryogenic fluid management in a spacecraft propulsion system is development of the technology necessary for acquisition or positioning of liquid outflow or vapor venting. Numerical simulation of positive liquid acquisition is attempted by introducing a reverse gravity acceleration from the propulsive thrust of auxiliary engines which exceeds critical value for the initiation of a geyser. Based on the computer simulation of flow fields during the course of fluid reorientation, six dimensionless parameters resulted. These parameters hold near-constant values through the entire range of liquid filled levels, from 30 to 80 percent, during the course of fluid reorientation.
Ultrasonographic differentiation of malignant from benign breast lesions: a meta-analytic comparison of elasticity and BIRADS scoring

There has been controversy regarding the accuracy of breast ultrasound elastography (USE) compared to conventional B-mode Ultrasound (USB). The purpose of this study was to conduct a direct comparative effectiveness analysis of USB versus USE or their combination in differentiating breast lesions through systematically reviewing recent literature. An extensive literature search of PubMed and other medical and general purpose databases from inception through August 2011 was conducted. Published studies that reported a direct comparison of the diagnostic performance of USE, using elasticity score versus USB, using breast imaging reporting and data system (BIRADS) for characterization of focal breast lesions were included. Summary diagnostic performance measures were assessed for each of the tests and their combination using bivariate generalized linear mixed modeling. The two tests were combined as: (1) conjunctive, where the outcome of the combination of tests is positive only if both test results are positive; (2) disjunctive, where the outcome of a combination of tests is negative only if both tests are negative. Twenty nine studies provided relevant information on 5,511 breast masses (2,065 cancers, 3,446 benign lesions). Sensitivity of USB, USE, and their conjunctive and disjunctive combinations were 96% (95% credible interval (CrI), 93–98%), 79% (95% CrI, 74–83%), 73% (95% CrI, 67–78%), and 99% (95% CrI, 98–99%), respectively. Specificity of USB, USE, and their conjunctive and disjunctive combinations were 70% (95% CrI, 55–83%), 88% (95% CrI, 82–92%), 97% (95% CrI, 95–99%), and 56% (95% CrI, 43–69%), respectively. The application of USE as a single test is not superior to USB alone. However, in low risk patients it is recommended to perform an USE following a positive USB result to decrease the rate of unnecessary biopsies.
The ecological significance of sulfur in the energy dynamics of salt marsh and coastal marine sediments

Sulfur is an important element in the metabolism of salt marshes and subtidal, coastal marine sediments because of its role as an electron acceptor, carrier, and donor. Sulfate is the major electron acceptor for respiration in anoxic marine sediments. Anoxic respiration becomes increasingly important in sediments as total respiration increases, and so sulfate reduction accounts for a higher percentage of total sediment respiration in sediments where total respiration is greater. Thus, sulfate accounts for 25% of total sediment respiration in nearshore sediments (200 m water depth or less) where total respiration rates are 0.1 to 0.3gCm−1 day−1 , for 50% to 70% in nearshore sediments with higher rates of total respiration (0.3 to 3gCm−2 day−1), and for 70% to 90% in salt marsh sediments where total sediment respiration rates are 2.5 to 5.5gcm−2 day−1 . During sulfate reduction, large amounts of energy from the respired organic matter are conserved in inorganic reduced sulfur compounds such as soluble sulfides, thiosulfate, elemental sulfur, iron monosulfides, and pyrite. Only a small percentage of the reduced sulfur formed during sulfate reduction is accreted in marine sediments and salt marshes. When these reduced sulfur compounds are oxidized, energy is released. Chemolithoautotrophic bacteria which catalyze these oxidations can use the energy of oxidation with efficiencies (the ratio of energy fixed in organic biomass to energy released in sulfur oxidation) of up to 21–37% to fix CO2 and produce new organic biomass. Chemolithoautotrophic bacterial production may represent a significant new formation of organic matter in some marine sediments. In some sediments, chemolithoautotrophic bacterial production may even equal or exceed organoheterotrophic bacterial production. The combined cycle of anaerobic decomposition through sulfate reduction, energy conservation as reduced sulfur compounds; and chemolithoautotrophic production of new organic carbon serves to take relatively low-quality organic matter from throughout the sediments and concentrate the energy as living biomass in a discrete zone near the sediment surface where it can be readily grazed by animals.
Uptake and transport by the ovine placenta of neutral nonmetabolizable amino acids with different transport system affinities

Placental uptake and transport of three nonmetabolizable amino acids with different reactivities for transport systems were studied in sheep under normal physiologic conditions. Methylaminoisobutyric acid (MeAIB), which has specific affinity for the sodium-dependent A system transporters, demonstrated placental concentrative uptake from the uterine and the umbilical circulations, but virtually no transport from mother to fetus. By contrast, aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) and aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid (ACP), which have affinity for both sodium-dependent and sodium-independent transporters, demonstrated both concentrative uptake and transport from mother to fetus. ACP transport rate to the fetus was approximately twice the AIB transport rate. It is concluded that a neutral amino acid which interacts almost exclusively with the weakly reversible system A transporters may be transported rapidly into the placenta and may attain high concentrations within this organ but cannot escape from placenta to fetus down its own concentration gradient because the exit route is controlled by reversible amino acid transporters at the fetal surface of the placenta. Conversely, high affinity for reversible Na-independent transporters may be a necessary condition for the rapid transport of an amino acid from placenta to fetus.
The Impact of Presidential Coattails on Outcomes of Congressional Elections

Presidential coattails are frequently addressed in American politics, but we know little about their impact on the outcomes in elections for the House. Yet it is here that they are most significant. If presidential coattails do affect congressional elections, they can be the cause of increased support for the president (from new representatives of his party) and increased support for policy change (from representatives of a new generation). This research examines the relationship between how well a president runs in a congressional district and the success of the congressional candidate of his party in winning the district. The analysis is done for each of the six presidential elections from 1952 through 1972, and is done separately for the North and South as well as for the country as a whole. In every instance, constituency party strength is controlled in order to isolate the impact of the presidential candidate on the congressional outcome. The basic conclusions are that presidential coattails have had...
The Rb-Sr Whole-Rock Age of the Stearns Shale (Lower Permian), Eastern Kansas, before and after Acid Leaching Experiments

Six untreated whole-rock samples of the Stearns Shale with low Sr87/Sr86 and Rb87/Sr86 ratios define a least squares isochron of 371 ± 15 m.y., with an initial Sr87/Sr86 ratio of 0.7091 ± 0.0015, using a 50 b.y. half-life for Rb87. Treatment of the samples with 2N HC1 with constant agitation for 15 minutes produced the following results: 6 samples of insoluble residue with much higher Sr87/Sr86 and Rb87/Sr86 ratios and a Rb-free leach of low Sr87/ Sr86. Least squares analysis of the insoluble residue samples yields a 276 ± 10 m.y. isochron with initial Sr87/Sr86 of 0.7195 ± 0.0005. This age is close to the presumed age of the Lower Permian and suggests that this method may allow the accurate dating of some predominantly allogenic calcareous shales.
Probing electronic communication for efficient light-harvesting functionality: dyads containing a common perylene and a porphyrin, chlorin, or bacteriochlorin.

The synthesis, photophysical, redox, and molecular-orbital characteristics of three perylene-tetrapyrrole dyads were investigated to probe the efficacy of the arrays for use as light-harvesting constituents. Each dyad contains a common perylene-monoimide that is linked at the N-imide position via an arylethynyl group to the meso-position of the tetrapyrrole. The tetrapyrroles include a porphyrin, chlorin, and bacteriochlorin, which have zero, one, and two reduced pyrrole rings, respectively. The increased pyrrole-ring reduction results in a progressive red shift and intensification of the lowest-energy absorption band, as exemplified by benchmark monomers. The arylethyne linkage affords moderate perylene-tetrapyrrole electronic coupling in the dyads as evidenced by the optical, molecular-orbital, and redox properties of the components of the dyads versus the constituent parts. All three dyads in nonpolar solvents exhibit relatively fast (subpicosecond) energy transfer from the perylene to the tetrapyrrole. Competing charge-transfer processes are also absent in nonpolar solvents, but become active for both the chlorin and bacteriochlorin-containing dyads in polar solvents. Calculations of energy-transfer rates via the Forster, through-space mechanism reveal that these rates are, on average, 3-fold slower than the observed rates. Thus, the Dexter through-bond mechanism contributes more substantially than the through-space mechanism to energy transfer in the dyads. The electronic communication between the perylene and tetrapyrrole falls in a regime intermediate between those operative in other classes of perylene-tetrapyrrole dyads that have previously been studied.
Behavior problems of mildly handicapped and normal adolescents

Adolescent male pupils identified as behaviorally disordered, learning disabled, and educable mentally retarded, as well as nonidentified normal boys were rated by their teachers on the Behavior Problem Checklist. There were 103 subjects in each subject category. Analysis of the ratings indicated significant differences for pupil category, dimension of behavior problem, and category by dimension interaction. The different categories were best discriminated on the basis of Conduct Disorder and Personality Problem. Results were discussed in terms of further research on the social‐emotional development of handicapped adolescents and planning specialized educational interventions.
Simulations of 20th and 21st century Arctic cloud amount in the global climate models assessed in the IPCC AR4

Simulations of late 20th and 21st century Arctic cloud amount from 20 global climate models (GCMs) in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 3 (CMIP3) dataset are synthesized and assessed. Under recent climatic conditions, GCMs realistically simulate the spatial distribution of Arctic clouds, the magnitude of cloudiness during the warmest seasons (summer–autumn), and the prevalence of low clouds as the predominant type. The greatest intermodel spread and most pronounced model error of excessive cloudiness coincides with the coldest seasons (winter–spring) and locations (perennial ice pack, Greenland, and the Canadian Archipelago). Under greenhouse forcing (SRES A1B emissions scenario) the Arctic is expected to become cloudier, especially during autumn and over sea ice, in tandem with cloud decreases in middle latitudes. Projected cloud changes for the late 21st century depend strongly on the simulated modern (late 20th century) annual cycle of Arctic cloud amount: GCMs that correctly simulate more clouds during summer than winter at present also tend to simulate more clouds in the future. The simulated Arctic cloud changes display a tripole structure aloft, with largest increases concentrated at low levels (below 700 hPa) and high levels (above 400 hPa) but little change in the middle troposphere. The changes in cloud radiative forcing suggest that the cloud changes are a positive feedback annually but negative during summer. Of potential explanations for the simulated Arctic cloud response, local evaporation is the leading candidate based on its high correlation with the cloud changes. The polar cloud changes are also significantly correlated with model resolution: GCMs with higher spatial resolution tend to produce larger future cloud increases.
Identification of Contamination in a Lake Sediment Core Using Hg and Pb Isotopic Compositions, Lake Ballinger, Washington, USA

Abstract Concentrations and isotopic compositions of Hg and Pb were measured in a sediment core collected from Lake Ballinger, near Seattle, Washington, USA. Lake Ballinger has been affected by input of metal contaminants emitted from the Tacoma smelter, which operated from 1887 to 1986 and was located about 53 km south of the lake. Concentrations and loadings of Hg and Pb in Lake Ballinger increased by as much as three orders of magnitude during the period of smelting as compared to the pre-smelting period. Concentrations and loadings of Hg and Pb then decreased by about 55% and 75%, respectively, after smelting ended. Isotopic compositions of Hg changed considerably during the period of smelting (δ 202 Hg = −2.29‰ to −0.38‰, mean −1.23‰, n = 9) compared to the pre-smelting period (δ 202 Hg = −2.91‰ to −2.50‰, mean −2.75‰, n = 4). Variations were also observed in 206 Pb/ 207 Pb and 208 Pb/ 207 Pb isotopic compositions during these periods. Data for Δ 199 Hg and Δ 201 Hg indicate mass independent fractionation (MIF) of Hg isotopes in Lake Ballinger sediment during the smelting and post-smelting period and suggest MIF in the ore smelted, during the smelting process, or chemical modification at some point in the past. Negative values for Δ 199 Hg and Δ 201 Hg for the pre-smelting period are similar to those previously reported for soil, peat, and lichen, likely suggesting some component of atmospheric Hg. Variations in the concentrations and isotopic compositions of Hg and Pb were useful in tracing contaminant sources and the understanding of the depositional history of sedimentation in Lake Ballinger.
Research Focused on Children and Youth

We reviewed 22 articles on children and youth published in 2011 in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and organized the articles by level of research and research type according to a framework adapted from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF; World Health Organization, 2007). The largest percentage of articles described intervention effectiveness studies classified as Level III or IV. The bulk focused on the Body Function/Body Structure construct of the ICF, but as a whole the studies addressed all the constructs except Biomedical Molecular/Cellular. Rigor remains a concern, although laudable efforts have been made to increase strength of the evidence. Longitudinal, efficacy, and qualitative studies, as well as studies examining adolescents and the transition to adulthood, were absent from articles in this review and are important areas for future investigation. Several studies explicitly addressed intervention fidelity, an imperative in evidence-based research needed to move the profession toward the Centennial Vision.
Spatial arrays generated by two signal waves and one pump wave.

Two signal waves combine with a pump wave to form two-dimensional gratings in a nonlinear medium by means of |E|2n terms in the electric polarization. |E|4 terms can be used to add and subtract the phases of the two signal waves.
Impact of energy storage on cascade mitigation in multi-energy systems

In this paper, we establish energy-hub networks as multi-energy systems and present a relevant model-predictive cascade mitigation control (MPC) scheme within the framework of energy hubs. The performance of both open- and closed-loop mitigation schemes is investigated for various energy storage scenarios. The results are illustrated using a small 11-hub network and a larger 69-hub network and show that sizing and performance ratings of energy storage devices have significant effect on cascade mitigation control in multi-energy systems. Specifically, we conclude that increasing energy storage capacity and limiting the rate of energy delivery improves long-term performance of our closed-loop MPC scheme.
The Effects of Special Class Placement on the Self-Concept of Exceptional Children

The impact of placement decisions on a child's self-concept will be a growing concern as mainstreaming efforts increase. A child's feelings of self-worth may vary from setting to setting and from one aspect of life to another. This paper well illustrates that self-concept is a complex entity. As Ribner demonstrates, both research and practice must consider these complexities, especially when the child's self-concept is in question. — G.M.S.The self-concept of minimally brain damaged children in special classes was compared with that of children with similar disabilities who were in the regular grades. Those in regular grades had significantly lower self-concepts in school adequacy but not in general competence. When compared with normal children, both groups of minimally brain damaged children had significantly lower self-concepts in school adequacy, but only those in regular grades held significantly lower self-concepts than normal children in general competence. No relationship was found between self-co...
Adult paddlefish migrations in relation to spring river conditions of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers, Montana and North Dakota, USA

Summary Migrations and movements of paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) into the regulated Missouri River and the largely unregulated Yellowstone River, North Dakota and Montana, USA were monitored with radio-telemetry to assess if (i) differential discharge between the Yellowstone River and the Missouri River influenced river selection, (ii) river conditions influenced directional movements in the Yellowstone River and (iii) inter-annual and sex-related migration patterns existed. In 2003 and 2004, telemetered upriver migrants selected the Yellowstone River rather than the Missouri River above its confluence with the Yellowstone River 34 of 54 times (63%). Fish typically ascended the river with flows that were increasing at a greater rate or decreasing at a lesser rate than the other river. Most (70%) upriver movements occurred when discharge and suspended sediment were increasing. Most (80%) downriver movements occurred when flows and suspended sediment were decreasing. Total migration distance was greater in 2004 than in 2003 for both sexes despite greater peak discharge in 2003. Movement of pre-spawn paddlefish into the Missouri River above its confluence with the Yellowstone River in response to attraction flows may have implications towards this stock’s reproductive success. Accordingly, these implications should be taken into account when regulating spring Missouri River discharge levels upriver at Fort Peck Dam.
Investigation of the electrical properties of PLD-grown Bi 2 Te 3 and Sb 2 Te 2

Bismuth Telluride (Bi2Te3) and Antimony Telluride (Sb2Te3) were deposited using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) in the presence of Argon gas. The substrate temperature (T) was varied from 25°C to 450°C. Impedance spectroscopy and four point probe techniques were used to characterize the electrical properties of the films. Nyquist plots were obtained from these measurements for all the films, and an equivalent circuit model was developed to fit the experimental data. It was found that the values of series resistance obtained from the impedance spectroscopy are consistent with the values of the sheet resistance obtained from the four point probe instrument. The extracted values of the circuit elements explain the role of the grain boundary in determining the film impedance.
Enzyme therapy by intramuscular route in chest diseases.

Among the pathognomonic signs of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis is an accumulation of tenacious, inspissated mucus which becomes adherent to the tracheobronchial tree. This “gunk” may aggravate and create the edema of the bronchial mucosa, and contractions of the smooth muscle bundles with resulting bronchospasm, and even emphysema. The mucus, which becomes glairy and tenacious and which obstructs the bronchial lumen, produces a thickened basement membrane persisting in some patients for periods of many months to years, causing respiratory and social embarrassment. Many therapeutic agents and methods have been employed with varying degrees of success and efficiency1 but none has satisfactorily removed these accumulations. Enzymes have long been used in the laboratory to liquefy thick heavy sputum by direct lytic action. To investigate in vivo application, Limber et al2 administered an aerosol of the enzyme try#{231}sin to animals without untoward effect and therapy proceeded to clinical studies. Aerosolized solutions of trypsin were shown to be effective in loosening, thereby facililating the raising of thick mucus, particularly from the upper part of the tracheobronchial tree. In their work with tuberculous patients, they concluded that the liquefying action was due to lysis of the mucus and also to stimulation of the cells of the mucous membrane lining the respiratory tract. Unger and Unger3 reported that aerosolized trypsin was effective in clearing the upper part of the respiratory tract in bronchiectasis, acute atelectasis, and bronchial asthma with infection, but the results in chronic bronchial asthma and emphysema were not as favorable. Our personal experience with aerosol trypsin was similar, but it was found that inhalation therapy was not tolerated by several patients because of the irritation to the mucous membrane. The findings of Farber et al’ showed alteration of the epithelial cells of the trachea when trypsin solution was inhaled as an aerosol. Rationale
Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial for Human Norovirus Inactivation in Oysters by High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing

Contamination of oysters with human noroviruses (HuNoV) constitutes a human health risk and may lead to severe economic losses in the shellfish industry. There is a need to identify a technology that can inactivate HuNoV in oysters. In this study, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial to assess the effect of high hydrostatic pressure processing (HPP) on Norwalk virus (HuNoV genogroup I.1) inactivation in virus-seeded oysters ingested by subjects. Forty-four healthy, positive-secretor adults were divided into three study phases. Subjects in each phase were randomized into control and intervention groups. Subjects received Norwalk virus (8FIIb, 1.0 × 10(4) genomic equivalent copies) in artificially seeded oysters with or without HPP treatment (400 MPa at 25°C, 600 MPa at 6°C, or 400 MPa at 6°C for 5 min). HPP at 600 MPa, but not 400 MPa (at 6° or 25°C), completely inactivated HuNoV in seeded oysters and resulted in no HuNoV infection among these subjects, as determined by reverse transcription-PCR detection of HuNoV RNA in subjects' stool or vomitus samples. Interestingly, a white blood cell (granulocyte) shift was identified in 92% of the infected subjects and was significantly associated with infection (P = 0.0014). In summary, these data suggest that HPP is effective at inactivating HuNoV in contaminated whole oysters and suggest a potential intervention to inactivate infectious HuNoV in oysters for the commercial shellfish industry.
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythensis are Components of a Polymicrobial Intracellular Flora within Human Buccal Cells

Previously, we used in situ hybridization and confocal microscopy to detect the periodontal pathogens Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythensis within buccal epithelial cells taken directly from the mouth. This study tested the hypothesis that the intracellular flora of buccal cells is polymicrobial. Mixtures containing a red fluorescent universal probe paired with green fluorescent versions of either A. actinomycetemcomitans-, P. gingivalis-, or T. forsythensis-specific probes were hybridized with buccal cells collected from each of 38 healthy humans. We verified co-localization of probe pairs within cells by generating three-dimensional reconstructions. Intracellular bacteria were detected in every subject. Each cell that was labeled with a species-specific probe also contained bacteria recognized only by the universal probe. Bacteria labeled with specific probes often occupied smaller regions within larger masses of bacteria. Those findings suggest that future studies of invasion by oral bacteria may need to include microbial consortia.
Cultural Democracy: Universities in the Creative Economy

The influence of globalization on institutions of higher education is one of the leading topics in educational policy today. As the nexus of innovation increasingly moves from labor-intensive ‘smok...
Private Moralities in the Public Sphere: Democratization, Islam, and Gender in Indonesia

ABSTRACT Over the past two decades, Indonesia has been transformed socially and politically by two major movements: the Islamic movement and the democratization movement. One point of convergence between these two movements has been a strong concern with establishing moral ascendancy over the perceived immorality of the previous regime and with building a new moral order as the foundation of a democratic nation. In this article, I examine how issues of gender and sexuality have become key arenas in which battles over competing views of democratization as well as Islamic morality are waged. I argue that amid an increasingly politicized division between liberal and conservative Islam, the struggle to gain symbolic control over public morality, and to acquire the political power that accompanies it, has rested in part on ideological contests between Muslim liberals and conservatives over the shifting boundaries and meanings of public and private in Indonesian society.
Linear rank tests for comparing treatments with a control when data are subject to unequal patterns of censorship

A class of asymptotically distribution-free tests is considered for comparing several treatments with a control when the, data are subject to unequal right-censorship. A particular member of this class is proposed for use in practice and an illustrative numerical example is given. A general result for the Pitman efficacy of a test based on an asymptotically normal test statistic is proved for the multiparameter case and using this result the efficacy of the proposed class of tests is obtained under sequences of translation and proportional hazards alternatives. Simulation studies are conducted to compare the performance of the proposed test, in terms of power, with some other tests.
Career perspectives of Michael N. Sawka.

This invited autobiography reviews the career of Michael N. Sawka. Influences: Dr. Sawka soon will retire after a 40-year research career and was influenced by great professors, mentors and colleagues. Career Path: After working at the Dayton Veterans Administration Medical Center and Wright State University, Dr. Sawka’s remaining 32 years were at the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine. Research Story: His primary research thrusts included: 1) physiology of upper body exercise; 2) blood volume and its impact on thermoregulation and performance; 3) hydration and its impact on thermoregulation and performance 4) heat stress physiology - adaptations / maladaptations and performance. Summary: His career highlights were the personal interactions, intellectual excitement and satisfaction of producing knowledge that will be “tested by time”.
The Impact of the US Sales Tax Rate on City Size and Economic Activity: A CGE Approach

This paper analyses the effects of the change in the US sales tax on economic activity and city size using a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. Previous works have been designed to isolate...
A finite-element model of radial bipolar field patterns in the electrically stimulated cochlea-two and three dimensional approximations and tissue parameter sensitivities

Field patterns within the electrically stimulated cochlea are described by a three-dimensional finite-element model. A radially-oriented bipolar electrode pair in an insulating carrier is modeled in scale tympani. Results are compared with an earlier two-dimensional model, and field pattern sensitivities for selected tissue resistivities are explored. >
Adaptive fault detection approaches for dynamic mobile networks

Recent technological advancements have led to the popularity of mobile devices, which can dynamically form wireless networks. Unfortunately, mobile devices are vulnerable to failure because of various factors, including physical damage due to deployment in harsh environmental conditions, limited energy, and malicious attacks. Detecting node failure is an important problem that has been widely studied; recent attention has focused on determining failure when nodes are mobile. Detection of node failure requires additional messages to be sent across the network, which is costly in terms of energy consumption. We contend that fault detection algorithms should be designed with consideration of the tradeoffs between cost and accuracy of fault detection. In this paper, we present two approaches to dynamically adapting a fault detection algorithm. We compare our adaptive approaches to existing approaches and evaluate the tradeoffs between cost and accuracy.
Regulation of Serotonin Release from the In Vitro Rat Hippocampus: Effects of Alterations in Levels of Depolarization and in Rates of Serotonin Metabolism

We analyze the time course of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) release from K+-depolarized hippocampal slices using a two-compartment kinetic model. The model is based on the assumptions that the rate of release is dependent on the amount of 5-HT in a releasable pool and that this pool may be resupplied during depolarization by newly synthesized 5-HT. Comparisons were made between predictions of the model and observed changes in 5-HT metabolism and in 5-HT release studied under a variety of experimental conditions. In accordance with predictions of the model, experimental manipulation of 5-HT synthesis and breakdown rates did not affect release immediately after depolarization but did affect the release rate during prolonged depolarization. Increasing bath tryptophan from 0 to 10 microM approximately doubled both 5-HT synthesis and the release rate after 40 min of K+-induced depolarization while having a smaller effect on release during the first 2 min. Inhibition of 5-HT breakdown did not significantly affect release during the first 2 min of depolarization but increased it over threefold after 40 min. In contrast, altering the concentrations of K+ or Ca2+ in the incubation medium affected mainly the early phase of 5-HT release and not the late phase. Reducing Ca2+ from 2.4 to 0.4 mM reduced 5-HT release by about 30% during the first 9 min of depolarization but did not affect release during the subsequent 30 min. Increasing the concentration of K+ from 18 to 60 mM stimulated release by sixfold during the first 2 min but only twofold after a subsequent 30 min. These results support our kinetic model and suggest that regulation of 5-HT metabolism at the site of the nerve terminal could be a mechanism for modulation of 5-HT release during prolonged discharge of serotonergic neurons.
Henry Dennison and Employee Representation: A Counterpoint in Management Thought

Although the period from approximately 1900 until the late 1920's is commonly seen as a time in which mechanistic models of management and organization predominated, several outstanding humanistic management writers and practitioners also emerged. An outstanding example of these industrial humanists was Henry Dennison. Among his employee-centered innovations at Dennison Manufacturing Company was that firm's employee representation plan. This plan opened upward channels of communications for employees and contributed to the granting of numerous employee benefits. While such contributions would be judged as modest by today's standards, the representation plan was an innovation for its time and was typical of the employee-oriented programs instituted by Dennison.
Neuroendocrine responses mediate macrophage function after trauma

Abstract Background Clearly understanding the interactions between macrophage (Mφ)-generated inflammatory mediators and the neuroendocrine system in regulating immune function after traumatic injury may aid in reversing trauma-mediated immune dysfunction and diminish the incidence and severity of infection in the traumatized patient. Methods Trauma consisted of an open femur fracture and 40% retro-orbital hemorrhage (Trauma) or anesthesia alone (Control). Female Balb/C mice (6-8 weeks) with intact adrenal glands (Intact) or a bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) were used. For glucocorticoid studies, corticosterone or a vehicle was administered via intraperitoneal (ip) injection 2 hours before the trauma. Splenic Mφs were harvested and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production, and mRNA, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity were measured. Results Mφ, PGE 2 and IL-6 production in Trauma+Intact mice was significantly increased compared with Control+Intact mice. Adrenalectomy decreased these levels to Control levels. Similar changes were observed for COX-2 and IL-6 expression. Mφ nuclear NF-κB levels were increased in Trauma+Intact mice compared with controls. Adrenalectomy abrogated this increase. Treating Trauma+Intact mice with RU-486 did not restore PGE 2 and IL-6 production or COX-2 and IL-6 messenger RNA to control levels. Administering exogenous glucocorticoid to Intact mice did not increase PGE 2 and IL-6 production or COX-2 and IL-6 mRNA to Trauma levels. Conclusions The neuroendocrine system upregulates certain Mφ inflammatory mediators, including PGE 2 , IL-6, and NF-κB, after trauma. This upregulation does not seem to be mediated via glucocorticoids and possibly may be mediated via catecholamines. Elucidation of the interactions between the neuroendocrine system, the immune system, and inflammatory mediator secretion might provide novel therapeutic strategies for the injured patient.
Mammalian Argonaute-DNA binding?

When a field shares the consensus that a particular phenomenon does NOT occur, this may reflect extensive experimental investigations with negative outcomes, or may represent the “common sense” position based on current knowledge and established ways of thinking. The current consensus of the RNA field is that eukaryotic Argonaute (Ago) proteins employ RNA guides and target other RNAs. The alternative -- that eukaryotic Ago has biologically important interactions with DNA in vivo – has not been seriously considered, in part because the only role contemplated for DNA was as a guide strand, and in part because it did not seem plausible that any natural source of suitable DNAs exists in eukaryotic cells. However, eukaryotic Argonaute domains bind DNA in the test tube, and several articles report that small inhibitory double-stranded DNAs do have the ability to silence target RNAs in a sequence-dependent (though poorly characterized) manner. A search of the literature identified potential DNA binding partners for Ago, including (among others) single-stranded DNAs residing in extracellular vesicles, and cytoplasmic satellite-repeat DNA fragments that are associated with the plasma membrane and transcribed by Pol II. It is interesting to note that both cytoplasmic and extracellular vesicle DNA are expressed at greatly elevated levels in cancer cells relative to normal cells. In such a pathological scenario, if not under normal conditions, there may be appreciable binding of Ago to DNA despite its lower affinity compared to RNA. If so, DNA might displace Ago from binding to its normal partners (miRNAs, siRNAs and other short ncRNAs), disrupting tightly controlled post-transcriptional gene silencing processes that are vital to correct functioning of a normal cell. The possible contribution to cancer pathogenesis is a strong motivator for further investigation of Ago-DNA binding. More generally, this case underscores the need for better informatics tools to allow investigators to analyze the state of a given scientific question at a high-level and to identify possible new research directions. Reviewers: This article was reviewed by Eugene Koonin, Kira S. Makarova, Alexander Maxwell Burroughs (nominated by L Aravind), and Isidore Rigoutsos. Open peer review: Reviewed by Eugene Koonin, Kira S. Makarova, Alexander Maxwell Burroughs (nominated by L Aravind), and Isidore Rigoutsos. For the full reviews, please go to the Reviewers’ comments section.