cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling no-take marine reserves in regulated fisheries: assessing the role of larval dispersal

We explored the effects of larval dispersal distance on the impact of no-take marine reserves (NTMRs) implemented in fisheries with catch regulations. NTMRs exist in many fisheries with harvest reg...
Timing of neurodegeneration and beta‐amyloid (Aβ) peptide deposition in the brain of aging kokanee salmon

Brains of kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka kennerlyi) in one of four reproductive stages (sexually immature, maturing, sexually mature, and spawning) were stained with cresyl violet and silver stain to visualize neurodegeneration. These reproductive stages correlate with increasing somatic aging of kokanee salmon, which die after spawning. Twenty-four regions of each brain were examined. Brains of sexually immature fish exhibited low levels of neurodegeneration, whereas neurodegeneration was more marked in maturing fish and greatest in spawning fish. Neurodegeneration was present in specific regions of the telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, and rhombencephalon. Pyknotic neurons were observed in all regions previously reported to be immunopositive for Aβ. Regions that did not exhibit neurodegeneration during aging included the magnocellular vestibular nucleus, the nucleus lateralis tuberis of the hypothalamus, and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, all of which also lack Aβ; perhaps these regions are neuroprotected. In 14 of 16 brain areas for which data were available on both the increase in Aβ deposition and pyknosis, neurodegeneration preceded or appeared more or less simultaneously with Aβ production, whereas in only two regions did Aβ deposition precede neurodegeneration. This information supports the hypothesis that Aβ deposition is a downstream product of neurodegeneration in most brain regions. Other conclusions are that the degree of neurodegeneration varies among brain regions, neurodegeneration begins in maturing fish and peaks in spawning fish, the timing of neurodegeneration varies among brain regions, and some regions do not exhibit accelerated neurodegeneration during aging. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 53: 21–35, 2002
Spatial aggregation effects on the simulation of landscape pattern and ecological processes in southern California plant communities

Accurate representation of the processes and components of natural systems is necessary for reliable ecological models, yet data generalization is often needed to reduce unneeded detail and to increase model efficiency. A spatially explicit, raster-based simulation model of disturbance and succession (LANDIS) was used to examine the effects of spatial aggregation on modeled pattern (species composition) and process (fire disturbance). At systematically increased levels of data aggregation, the model was tested on two landscapes, one based on species patterns that were initially random and one based on more realistic distributions, over 500-year time periods for a southern California (Mediterranean-climate) landscape. In both landscapes, spatial aggregation resulted in less frequent, more unpredictable, yet higher-severity fires, and plant species cover became more variable over time in response to infrequent, high-severity fire. The systematic effects of aggregation on pattern, process, and species response suggest that modelers can detect ranges of resolutions for which parameters hold, helping to identify appropriate levels of spatial generalization for their research.
Depth adaptive hierarchical hole filling for DIBR-based 3D videos

In this paper we introduce a depth adaptive approach for disocclusion removal in depth image-based rendering (DIBR). This approach extends the hierarchical hole-filling (HHF) presented in an earlier work. Similar to HHF, the depth adaptive approach results in synthesized 3D videos that are free of geometric distortions. Furthermore, the edges and texture around the disoccluded areas can be sharpened and enhanced through adding the depth adaptive preprocessing step before applying the hierarchal hole-filling. The subjective and objective results show a significant improvement in quality for the synthesized views using the depth adaptive approach.
Device characteristics of InGaN quantum well light-emitting diodes with AlInN thin barrier insertion

The MOCVD growths and device characteristics of 500-nm emitting InGaN quantum well (QW) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with the insertion of thin (~1 nm) AlInN barrier layers were investigated for efficiency droop suppression. Preliminary device characteristics of InGaN QW LEDs with thin AlInN barrier layers were also presented.
Supraumbilical midabdominal raphe, sternal atresia, and hemangioma in an infant: response of hemangioma to laser and interferon alfa-2a.

: We cared for an Infant girl with the clinical constellation of supraumbllical midabdomlnal raphe, sternal atresia, and cutaneous facial and upper trunk hemangioma. This is the first report of this clinical association in the dermatologic literature. The vascular component of the disorder responded to fiashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser therapy and to systemic Interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A).
Pediatric cochlear implantation - II: postoperative follow-up.

A child with a cochlear implant is expected to achieve the successful outcome of facilitated perception of sound and more oral communication. To achieve this goal, ongoing intervention from a variety of professionals is required. These professionals may represent the disciplines of medicine, audiology, social work, education, and speech / language pathology. In India, cochlear implantation is available in only a few large cities. Here, the otolaryngologist will direct the cochlear implant program. Besides determination of medical candidacy, device implantation and medical management, the otolaryngologist is responsible to ensure that other aspects of cochlear implant management are implemented. This paper, the second of two that describe the multidisciplinary, team approach of the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), in Pennsylvania, USA, discusses the non-medical aspects of cochlear implant post-implantation follow-up. The first article, previously published, discussed cochlear implant candidacy. The various speech tests used at CHOP for assessment are based on the English language. They may be translated into the regional Indian languages where the assessment and training can be carried out accordingly.
A refined simplex algorithm for the classical transportation problem with application to parametric analysis

The well-known sensitivity analysis (SA) of linear programming (LP) is rarely performed on transportation problems (TP) because it is not directly applicable to TP algorithms such as Stepping Stone or its modified versions. These algorithms do not provide the final LP tableau which is prerequisite to all post-optimality analysis. This prerequisite is automatically fulfilled by simplex or dual simplex. However, they are very tedious because they increase computational complexity through the introduction of additional variables. A further complication arises in that TP always has dependencies require that SA receive the more general treatment of parametric analysis (PA). This paper presents an efficient PA for TP.
The left ventricular color M-mode doppler flow propagation velocity Vp: In vivo comparison of alternative methods including physiologic implications

Three alternative methods have been proposed for determining the "velocity of propagation" (V(p)) from color M-mode Doppler transmitral flow images. A quantitative intermethod comparison is performed by using a broad class of images encountered in clinical practice. V(p) for 13 subjects was measured by using each of the 3 methods and then statistically compared. Differences among the definitions of V(p) generated large differences in its numerical value when computed from the same image. Depending on the choice of method, the value of V(p) can vary by as much as 250%. Advantages and limitations of each method are discussed in the context of the physical meaning of V(p). Development of an optimal version of V(p) and consensus on how it should be defined merits further attention. This will require a multidisciplinary approach encompassing physiology, fluid dynamics, image processing, and mathematical modeling.
IBM power systems platform: advancements in the state of the art in it availability

This paper surveys the current state of information technology (IT) availability on the IBM System p5® server platform, then describes how selected hardware and software features of the next-generation IBM Power™ Systems platform (by which we specifically mean IBM POWER6™ processor-based systems running the IBM AIX® 6 operating system) will enable client IT organizations to more closely approach true continuous availability. Also presented is information on several IT management disciplines that are critical to achieving high levels of availability. The objective is to enable accelerated adoption and success with the new Power Systems platform by explaining how the technologies can be used to improve IT availability. We define the underlying dependencies required to implement the new live partition mobility and the live application mobility features and show how the environment can be best designed for planned maintenance. Until now, the concept of server virtualization in the UNIX® environment has been limited to a single server, but the Power Systems platform extends the virtualization realm. A brief discussion is given comparing software clustering with the new mobility features and illustrating how they are complementary.
Effects of Intensity of Treadmill Training on Developmental Outcomes and Stepping in Infants With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Trial

Background and Purpose: Infants with Down syndrome (DS) are consistently late walkers. The purpose of this investigation was to test the effects of individualized, progressively more intense treadmill training on developmental outcomes in infants with DS. Subjects: Thirty infants born with DS were randomly assigned to receive lower-intensity, generalized treadmill training or higher-intensity, individualized training implemented by their parents in their homes. Methods: Research staff members monitored implementation of training, physical growth, and onset of motor milestones of all infants on a monthly basis. Results: Infants in the higher-intensity, individualized training group increased their stepping more dramatically over the course of training. Infants in the higher-intensity training group attained most of the motor milestones at an earlier mean age. Discussion and Conclusion: Treadmill training of infants with DS is an excellent supplement to regularly scheduled physical therapy intervention for the purpose of reducing the delay in the onset of walking.
Distributed virtual network topology control mechanism in GMPLS-based multiregion networks

This paper proposes a distributed virtual network topology (VNT) reconfiguration method for Internet Protocol over a wavelength-division-multiplexing network under dynamic traffic demand. We have developed a simple heuristic algorithm for calculating the VNT for distributed control. A generalized multiprotocol label switching (GMPLS)-based routing protocol has been developed. The VNT is quickly reconfigured by setting up and/or tearing down lightpaths using a GMPLS signaling protocol. Traffic demand is measured at the ingress node and advertised by the extended GMPLS routing protocol. Performance of the proposed method is investigated using variable traffic model.
Transvaginal ultrasound for the diagnosis of urethral diverticulum

ABSTRACTPurpose: We reviewed our experience with urethral diverticula and transvaginal ultrasound to evaluate female patients with this condition.Materials and Methods: All female patients who unde...
The effect of trust in system reliability on the intention to adopt online accounting systems

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine whether the three principles in the SysTrust® service converge on a single construct to measure potential users' trust in the reliability of a system, and whether trust in the reliability of a system, as defined by the three SysTrust principles, affects potential users' intent to use the system.Design/methodology/approach – In this study, the authors provide potential users with hands‐on experience with the online accounting system offered by Oracle Small Business Suites®. The authors subsequently assess their perception of the extent to which the system meets the three SysTrust principles, and their intent to use the system.Findings – The results show that potential users' perceptions of the three SysTrust principles converge on one factor, suggesting that they are indicative of the trust in system reliability as proposed by the AICPA and CICA. Moreover, the study shows that trust in system reliability, as defined by the three SysTrust principles, influen...
THE MAIN INEQUALITY OF 3D VECTOR ANALYSIS

This paper proves some simple inequalities for Sobolev vector fields on nice bounded three-dimensional regions, subject to homogeneous mixed normal and tangential boundary data. The fields just have divergence and curl in L2. For the limit cases of prescribed zero normal, respectively zero tangential, data on the whole boundary, the inequalities were proved by Friedrichs who called the result the main inequality of vector analysis. For this mixed case, the optimal constants in the inequality are described, together with the fields for which equality holds. The detailed results depend on a special orthogonal decomposition and the analysis of associated eigenvalue problems.
Image reconstruction algorithm for a special geometry of the PET-insert system

We are developing a PET-insert system with a half-ring insert that can not only image breast at a high resolution as other dedicated mammography systems but also image the chest and ancillary wall at a better resolution than the existing PET systems. Three different types of coincidences are acquired; coincidences between insert and insert (type II), coincidences between insert and scanner (type IS), and coincidences between scanner and scanner (type SS). The type II and IS data acquired in the proposed system does not sample the imaging FOV completely, hence an 2D iterative algorithm based on expectation maximization is developed that can estimate the activity in the FOV using all the three data sets. A novel approach to compute the 2D system matrix for the detector pairs acquiring coincidencs of type IS is developed that can account for gamma rays hitting the lateral surface of the detectors in the insert. This requires developing a new model for computing the system matrix in which the probabilities are computed using the lateral surfaces as well as the front surface of the detectors in the insert. Normalization factors are computed using a direct method to compensate for the non-uniformity in the intrinsic detection efficiency that depends on the material and length of the crystal. The proposed system is built in GATE and the data is generated with no attenuation and scatter from the phantom. It is demonstrated qualitatively using the simulation data that images with no visible artifacts can be reconstructed using the developed model for the system matrix and the normalization factors incorporated with the system matrix. A singular value decomposition and point source study is also performed to demonstrate the improvement in the proposed model compared to a conventional model for the system matrix.
Fluid Dynamics of a Transverse Jet Reactor for Zinc Aerosol Hydrolysis

A new concept for control of the flow field, and thus particle yield, in an aerosol reactor designed for the hydrolysis of Zn in the two-step Zn/ZnO solar thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production is described and evaluated. For the hydrolysis step, much attention has been given to Zn nanoscale reacting aerosols for their potential to increase conversion to ZnO and because they enable a continuous, controllable process. The success of this continuous process depends on achieving high particle yields in the reactor. A key challenge is to control the flow field in aerosol reactors to keep the particles entrained in the flow without deposition on the reactor wall. The ability of a new reactor concept based on transverse jet fluid dynamics to control the flow field and rapidly cool the Zn vapor is investigated. In the transverse jet reactor, evaporated Zn entrained in an Ar carrier gas issues vertically into the horizontal tubular reactor through which cooler H2O and Ar flow. Particles are formed in the presence of steam at ∼450 K. The trajectory of the jet is controlled via the effective velocity ratio, R, which is the square root of the ratio of the kinetic energy of the jet to that of the cross-flow. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model indicates that the trajectory of the jet can be controlled so that the majority of the Zn mass is directed down the center of the reactor, not near the reactor walls for R = 4.25 to R = 4.5. Experimentally, maximum particle yields of 93% of the mass entering the reactor are obtained at R = 4.5.
Evaluation of Tolerance to Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins Among Laboratory-Reared Western Bean Cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a destructive insect pest of dry beans and corn within its native range of western Nebraska and eastern Colorado. However, since the initiation of an eastward range expansion ofS. albicosta in the late 1990s, economic damage has been observed in the Midwest, and the species has now reached the Atlantic Coast and Quebec. Economic damage to corn occurs by larval feeding on ears, which is not controlled by commercial transgenic hybrids that express Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ab, but partial control is observed by corn varieties that express Cry1 F toxins. Inadequate protocols for laboratory rearing ofS.albicosta have hindered controlled efÞcacy experimentation in the laboratory and Þeld. We report anS.albicosta rearing methodology used to maintain a laboratory colony for 12 continuous generations. Rearing procedures were adapted for Bt toxin diet-overlay assays, revealing that S. albicosta larvae exposed to Bt toxin for 14 d were insensitive to Cry1Ab concentrations up to 25,000 ng/cm 2 . In contrast, neonates exposed to Cry1 F toxin at 250 ng/cm 2 , showed reduced developmental rates, with estimated effective concentrations of EC50 1,187.5 ng/cm 2 and EC95 10,000.5 ng/cm 2 . The ability to mass produce this pest insect will enhance fundamental research, including evaluation of control tactics and toxin susceptibility.
Multiple T-cell responses to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 are enhanced by dendritic cells.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific T-cell reactivity has been related to protection from disease progression. Optimal T-cell reactivity to HIV-1 presumably requires antigen processing and presentation by professional antigen-presenting cells, particularly dendritic cells (DC). Here we examined whether multiple HIV-1-specific T-cell functions are enhanced by stimulation with HIV-1 peptide-loaded DC derived from HIV-1-infected subjects on antiretroviral therapy. We first found that mature DC increased the number of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing T cells detected by enzyme-linked immunospot assay to overlapping 15-mer peptides of HIV-1 Gag and Nef, compared to stimulation with peptide-loaded, immature DC or to peptides without DC. IFN-γ production was lower in response to large pools of the Gag and Nef peptides, regardless of presentation by DC. We further observed that HIV-1 peptide-loaded, mature DC stimulated greater CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell proliferation than did the peptides without DC and that T-cell proliferation was lower in response to larger pools of the peptides. The lower T-cell IFN-γ and proliferation responses to the larger peptide pools were related to lower T-cell viability. Finally, the number of polyfunctional CD8+ and CD4+ T cells stimulated by HIV-1 peptide-loaded, mature DC, defined as positive by intracellular staining for more than one immune mediator (IFN-γ, interleukin 2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, macrophage inhibitory protein 1β, or CD107a), was greater than that stimulated by the peptides alone. These results indicate that DC can enhance multiple types of HIV-1-specific T-cell functions.
Corn and Sorghum Silage for Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract Corn and three forage sorghums were compared agronomically, chemically, and as feed for lactating dairy cows. The highest total dry matter production was obtained from FS-22, while corn produced the highest yields of grain. Two feeding experiments were conducted with 12 cows in a switch-back design. Differences in milk production were significant during one year, but differences in percentages of milk fat and solids-not-fat were not significant for either year. Large differences in change in body weight were not significant. Crude protein was highest in corn and lowest in Atlas and FS-22. Corn was lowest and FS-22 highest in per cent crude fiber. Crude fat and ash per cents varied considerably from year to year, but no significant differences among entries could be shown for these factors. Very little difference could be found in total dry matter in corn, Atlas, and FS-1a. The hybrid FS-22 produced the most total dry matter, but was somewhat lower in nutritional value.
Targeting AML1/ETO-Histone Deacetylase Repressor Complex: A Novel Mechanism for Valproic Acid-Mediated Gene Expression and Cellular Differentiation in AML1/ETO-Positive Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells

In t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the AML1/ETO fusion protein promotes leukemogenesis by recruiting class I histone deacetylase (HDAC)-containing repressor complex to the promoter of AML1 target genes. Valproic acid (VPA), a commonly used antiseizure and mood stabilizer drug, has been shown to cause growth arrest and induce differentiation of malignant cells via HDAC inhibition. VPA causes selective proteasomal degradation of HDAC2 but not other class I HDACs (i.e., HDAC 1, 3, and 8). Therefore, we raised the question of whether this drug can effectively target the leukemogenic activity of the AML1/ETO fusion protein that also recruits HDAC1, a key regulator of normal and aberrant histone acetylation. We report here that VPA treatment disrupts the AML1/ETO-HDAC1 physical interaction, stimulates the global dissociation of AML1/ETO-HDAC1 complex from the promoter of AML1/ETO target genes, and induces relocation of both AML1/ETO and HDAC1 protein from nuclear to perinuclear region. Furthermore, we show that mechanistically these effects associate with a significant inhibition of HDAC activity, histone H3 and H4 hyperacetylation, and recruitment of RNA polymerase II, leading to transcriptional reactivation of target genes (i.e., IL-3) otherwise silenced by AML1/ETO fusion protein. Ultimately, these pharmacological effects resulted in significant antileukemic activity mediated by partial cell differentiation and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Taken together, these data support the notion that VPA might effectively target AML1/ETO-driven leukemogenesis through disruption of aberrant HDAC1 function and that VPA should be integrated in novel therapeutic approaches for AML1/ETO-positive AML.
Assessing Students' Oral Proficiency in an Outcome-Based Curriculum: Student Performance and Teacher Intuitions

This article describes the results of a study conducted with two school districts in order to investigate (a) students' OPI ratings at the end of a typical 4-year sequence of study, (b) the degree to which teachers could accurately predict their students' proficiency ratings, and (c) the relationship between classroom achievement and oral proficiency ratings. Findings indicate that (a) students at a given level of foreign language (FL) study demonstrate a range of OPI ratings; (b) a typical 4-year sequence, for many students, is not sufficient time to attain Intermediate-Low oral proficiency; (c) teachers need some type of OPI training in order to predict accurately their students' OPI ratings using the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines; (d) in a proficiency-oriented curriculum there is a relationship between classroom achievement and students' OPI ratings; and (e) teachers of proficiency-oriented classes have some accurate intuitions regarding their students' oral progress and OPI ratings. This study provides valuable information for states and school districts as they assess student oral performance in an outcome-based or standards-driven curriculum.
Structural Phase Transitions and Vertical Mode Spectra in 2-D Finite Plasma Crystals

A numerical simulation utilizing a box_tree code is used to investigate the structure and vertical mode spectrum of finite two-dimensional (2-D) plasma crystals. The overall structural symmetry of the system is examined for various Debye lengths, and a transition from a predominantly hexagonal structure to a structure having concentric rings along the outer edge and hexagonal lattice symmetry in the interior is shown to develop as the Debye length increases. Both the vertical and horizontal oscillation modes for this type of system are investigated, where the horizontal mode spectra are shown to agree with the published results, whereas the vertical mode spectra obtained are shown to agree with an independent analytical method. The fundamental frequency for the vertical modes decreases as the mode number l decreases and is shown to have a maximum corresponding to that which would exist if the system acted in toto as a solid plane. For low-frequency vertical modes, the largest amplitude particle motion is concentrated within a few inner rings, with the outer rings remaining almost motionless. Both of these are in direct contrast with the data obtained for the horizontal modes, where it is shown that the largest amplitude particle motion is concentrated within the inner rings at high frequencies.
Observations on facial growth and its clinical significance

Summary In this article the following points have been emphasized: 1. A review was made of the major growth sites of the facial complex and their contributions to the development of varying types of facial patterns. 2. The methods of registration of serial cephalometric tracings, which have been previously used for the evaluation of individual facial growth patterns, were critically analyzed. 3. A new method of cranial registration was proposed and utilized in analyzing the facial growth patterns of growing children. Some of the children were undergoing orthodontic treatment; others were not. 4. The concept of the “constancy of the facial growth pattern” was questioned when applied to the individual. Ample evidence was presented to demonstrate that variation, not constancy, is the rule. 5. Two points—nasion and the pterygomaxillary fissure—previously thought to be relatively stable in all individuals, were proved to be highly variable during growth of some individuals. 6. Horizontal growth of the face is not necessarily more desirable than vertical development from the orthodontic point of view. The difference between favorable and unfavorable growth, from an orthodontic point of view, may perhaps best be explained in terms of individual bone morphology, bone interrelationship, and differential growth rates. These three phenomena are interdependent. 7. Orthodontic therapy will have a favorable influence upon the growth of the retrognathic type of facial profile, provided the genetic potential for harmonious development is present.
EFFECTS OF CATIONS, POLYANIONS, AND SULFHYDRYL REAGENTS ON MUSCLE PROTEINS.

Abstract Myosin gel, in dilute salt solution, can hydrate or dehydrate at pH 7.4; Ca ++ and polyanions are required for dehydration, and Mg ++ and polyanions are required for hydration. Addition of sulfhydryl reagents which add negative charges to three of the 42 sulfhydryl groups in myosin mimics the effect of ATP on hydration of myosin but not on actomysin, although ATPase of both is inhibited by the sulfhydryl reagents. Sulfhydryl reagents which do not add charge to the protein cause no change in hydration but do block the effect of ATP and PCMS on hydration. The binding of actin to myosin results in (a) greater specificity of the hydration reaction for ATP, rather than other polyphosphoric nucleotides; (b) greater insolubility (super precipitation) at comparable concentration of Ca ++ and Mg ++ ; (c) inability to hydrate on addition of sulfhydryl reagents. Conditions which cause dehydration of myosin gels increase ATPase activity, whereas hydration of the protein decreases ATPase activity. A role for the hydration and dehydration of myosin in muscle contraction is hypothesized.
Imaging Through Unknown Walls Using Different Standoff Distances

In through-the-wall imaging, errors in wall parameters cause targets to be imaged away from their true positions. The displacement in target locations depend on the accuracy of the estimates of the wall parameters as well as the target position relative to the antenna array. A technique using two or more standoff distances of the imaging system from the wall is proposed for application under wall parameter ambiguities. Two different imaging schemes can then be applied to correct for errors in wall characteristics. The first scheme relies on forming target displacement trajectories, each corresponding to a different standoff distance, and assuming different values of wall thickness and dielectric constant. The target position is then determined as the trajectories crossover point. In the second scheme, an image sequence is generated. Each specific image in this sequence is obtained by summing those corresponding to different standoff distances, but with the same assumed wall parameters. An imaging-focusing metric can then be adopted to determine the target position. The paper analyzes the above two schemes and provides extensive simulation examples demonstrating their effectiveness
Open-ended rectangular waveguide for nondestructive thickness measurement and variation detection of lossy dielectric slabs backed by a conducting plate

Solutions for fields inside a slab of a generally lossy dielectric medium backed by a conducting plate, placed outside a waveguide-fed rectangular aperture, are used for the microwave nondestructive thickness measurement of such dielectric slabs. Upon construction of the waveguide terminating admittance expression from its variational form, an inverse problem is solved to extract the slab thickness form the conductance and susceptance in a recursive manner. A comparison between the experimental and theoretical results showed that the significance of higher order modes is minimal; hence, the dominant mode assumption is, in general, valid for describing the aperture field distribution. The validity of this assumption has led to the construction of a simple integral solution which is fast converging for generally lossy dielectric slabs, and may easily be implemented for real-time applications. Good agreement was obtained between the theoretical and experimental results. Multiple thicknesses of two different dielectric samples were estimated in this way. >
GROWTH AND ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF CAPTIVE-REARED COMMON LOON (GAVIA IMMER) CHICKS

Abstract We measured the energy requirements during postnatal development of six hand-reared Common Loon (Gavia immer) chicks using continuous feeding trials and doubly labeled water. At fledging, the mean (± SE) body mass of chicks was 3,246 ± 51 g. They reached asymptotic body mass in ≈66 days and had a mean growth rate constant of 0.089 ± 0.002 day−1, which was greater than growth rate constants of other, similar-sized precocial birds. Between hatch and day 66, chicks allocated 16.5% of their metabolizable energy to new tissue, lower than the average for other bird species (20%), which might be expected considering their precocial mode of development. There was a developmental change in the assimilation efficiency of food (metabolizable energy coefficient), with a mean of 0.64 ± 0.03 in chicks aged 21 days, rising to 0.83 ± 0.07 in chicks aged 35 days. Les besoins en energie durant la croissance chez des jeunes Gavia immer eleves en captivite
Collaborating with Refugee Families to Increase Early Literacy Opportunities: a Pilot Investigation

In 2013, the USA admitted 69,909 refugees, 26,933 of whom were children (UNHCR, 2013). First- and second-generation refugee children may experience trauma related to the experience of displacement in addition to the obstacles of learning the English language. Given that students who speak English as a second language continue to perform significantly lower than peers on academic assessments (Kena et al. 2014), educators are tasked with developing effective and efficient ways to engage families to close the achievement gap and address the unique needs of refugee families. This article discusses factors that affect refugee families and strategies for enhancing collaboration to increase young children’s exposure to literacy activities. The strategies are demonstrated in a pilot study in which we sought to identify the effectiveness and acceptability of an early literacy program. Collaboration with local community organizations was instrumental in the implementation of the program. Results of the study indicated significant gains in receptive language. In addition, parents rated the program as acceptable.
Locomotor muscle afferents contribute to ventilatory control during exercise in heart failure patients

Background: Reduced ventilatory efficiency is a hallmark of heart failure (HF) and is linked to disease severity and worse prognosis. Mechanisms responsible for altered ventilatory efficiency remain poorly understood but may include neurologic feedback from locomotor muscles. This study was designed to determine the impact of blocking locomotor muscle afferent feedback on ventilation (VE) during exercise in HF patients. Methods: 5 HF patients with reduced systolic function (age=60±11 yrs, ht=1.81±0.03 m, wt=94±7 kg, ejection fraction 27±5%, NYHA class 2±0) underwent two 5 minute submaximal steady-state exercise sessions at 60% peak work (placebo-PLA vs regional neural blockade via intrathecal injection of fentanyl-RNB). Breath-by-breath measures included VE, breathing frequency (fb), tidal volume (VT), end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2), oxygen consumption (VO2), and carbon dioxide production (VCO2). Central chemoreceptor sensitivity was also measured via CO2 rebreathe. Results: At end exercise, there was no difference in VO2 (1.4±0.2 vs 1.4±0.2 L/min, p=0.43). whereas VE was reduced with RNB (48.0±6.5 vs 41.8±6.0 L/min, p<0.05) through a reduction in fb (27.2±5.2 vs 23.9±4.2 breaths/min, p<0.01) with no change in VT (1.8±0.2 vs 1.8±0.2 L/min, p=0.81). Additionally, the VE/VCO2 ratio was reduced (improved) with RNB (33.2±3.5 vs 28.2±2.8, p<0.05). After exercise, there was no difference between the conditions for chemoreceptor sensitivity (VE/PETCO2 slope=2.4±0.9 vs 2.4±0.6, p=0.80). Conclusion: In HF patients, blocking afferent neural feedback from the locomotor muscles during exercise reduces VE and improves ventilatory efficiency. Funded by NIH/NCRR grant KL2-RR024151.
User-activity aware strategies for mobile information access

Information access suffers tremendously in wireless networks because of the low correlation between content transferred across low-bandwidth wireless links and actual data used to serve user requests. As a result, conventional content access mechanisms face such problems as unnecessary bandwidth consumption and large response times, and users experience significant performance degradation, to this dissertation, we analyze the cause of those problems and find that the major reason for inefficient information access in wireless networks is the absence of any user-activity awareness in current mechanisms. To solve these problems, we propose three user-activity aware strategies for mobile information access. Through simulations and implementations, we show that our strategies can outperform conventional information access schemes in terms of bandwidth consumption and user-perceived response times.
Leukokinetic studies. XII. Kinetic studies of normal isologous neutrophilic granulocytes transfused into normal subjects.

SummaryTo determine if DFP32-labeled isologous granulocytes behave kinetically in a fashion similar to autologous granulocytes, the size of the total blood granulocyte pool, the distribution of cells in the circulating and marginal compartments and the half-disappearance time of isologous granulocytes were determined in 6 pairs of normal subjects. In 2 pairs of normal subjects the entry of labeled isologous granulocytes into experimentally induced inflammatory exudates was investigated. The results were compared with previously reported studies in which autologous blood was infused.The size of the total blood granulocyte pool and the distribution of cells in the circulating and marginal compartments were normal in all 12 of the subjects studied. However, in 5 of the 12 subjects the half-disappearance time was more rapid than normal. It is suggested that in these 5 subjects, naturally occurring granulocyte incompatibilities may have accounted for the rapid disappearance of cells from the circulation.Labele...
TEM Investigation of the Microstructure in Laser-Crystallized Ge Films

The crystallite morphology and defect structure of laser-crystallized Ge films have been characterized by transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopy. The elongated crystallites present in these films have their long axis in the [001] direction. In regions where these crystallites are well aligned with each other, competitive lateral growth and (110) texture are observed. The defects most frequently found are [111] microtwins. A growth model that accounts for the texture and defects is proposed.
Risks of parenteral antihypertensive therapy for the treatment of severe maternal hypertension are low.

ABSTRACTObjective: To determine whether the incidence of hypotension or adverse fetal heart tracing (FHT) category change differed following antepartum administration of intravenous (IV) labetalol versus hydralazine. Methods: Blood pressure and FHT categories were assessed one hour before and after medication administration. Hypotension was defined as ≥30% reduction in baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) or SBP <90 mmHg. Changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) were also compared. The National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) three-tier category system was used to describe the FHT. For all category II tracings, Parer and Ikeda’s system was also used. Results: Sixty-nine women received hydralazine and 31 women received labetalol during the study period. The incidence of hypotension (≥30% reduction in SBP) was similar between the labetalol (10%) and hydralazine (11%) groups (p = 0.98). No women experienced post-treatment SBP <90 mmHg. No association was observed between fetal heart...
Use of chimeric enzymes and site-directed mutagenesis for identification of three key residues responsible for differences in steroid hydroxylation between canine cytochromes P-450 3A12 and 3A26.

Canine cytochromes P-450 3A12 and 3A26 differ by 22 out of 503 amino acid residues. Chimeric constructs and site-directed mutants were used to identify the residues responsible for the much higher rates of steroid hydroxylation by 3A12. Six initial 3A12/3A26 hybrids were generated using convenient restriction sites, and site-directed mutagenesis was used to restore full 3A12 activity to two of the hybrids. One pair of 3A12/3A26 chimeras indicated that the first four residue differences between 3A12 and 3A26 were at least partially responsible for the differences in progesterone hydroxylation. Conversion in one of the hybrids of the Ile-187 residue found in 3A26 to the Thr in 3A12 conferred 3A12 levels of progesterone 6β-hydroxylase activity. Analysis of another chimera identified key residues within an internal Pst I fragment (codons 331–459) containing six amino acid residue differences. Subsequent site-directed mutagenesis of 3A26 residues Ser-368 and Val-369 to Pro and Ile, respectively, restored the rate of formation of 6β-hydroxyprogesterone by the hybrid to that of 3A12. The simultaneous conversion of 3A26 residues 187, 368, and 369 to those of 3A12 conferred greater than a third of the progesterone 6β-hydroxylase activity and all of the testosterone and androstenedione 6β-hydroxylase activity of 3A12. Addition of the carboxyl terminal 44 3A12 residues to the 3A26 triple mutant doubled progesterone 6β-hydroxylase activity. This is the first study to use catalytically distinct cytochromes P-450 3A from the same species in the elucidation of structure-function relationships.
Designing an Adaptive CORBA Load Balancing Service Using TAO

The growth of online Internet services during the past decade has increased the demand for scalable and dependable distributed computing systems. These systems face highquality-of-service requirements (such as immediate response time and 24/7 availability) and concurrently serve many clients that transmit a large, often bursty, number of requests. E-commerce and online stock trading systems are examples.
Language Relevant Object- and Color-Naming Tasks

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the language relevant object-and color-naming tasks of the LANA project. Lana can reliably designate objects using either their colors or their names as a means of identification. In the course of doing this, she demonstrated that she was both reading the question posed to her and responding differentially to the different question formats. Furthermore, when increasing the number of objects present increased the difficulty of the task, she introduced a review of a second visual scan for her own benefit and at her own initiative. In the tasks where one object had to be mentally selected from several others, Lana was able to single out objects on the basis of either name or color. That is, her language-relevant skills gave her a means of selective attention. Lana did not confine the six color and six object names to the pool of 36 training objects that were used for the training and initial formal testing of the color and object name terms.
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty without Bone-Grafting for Severe Glenoid Bone Loss in Patients with Osteoarthritis and Intact Rotator Cuff.

Background: Treating shoulders with osteoarthritis, an intact rotator cuff, and substantial glenoid bone loss is challenging. One option is reaming the glenoid flat and inserting a reverse prosthesis. This study reports the subjective, objective, and radiographic results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in this population. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 42 consecutive patients (23 women; mean age, 71 years [range, 53 to 89 years]) with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis, intact rotator cuffs, and Walch type-A2 (n = 19), B2 (n = 5), or C glenoids (n = 18) who had undergone a total of 42 RTSAs with glenoid reaming without bone-grafting between 2008 and 2013 (mean follow-up, 36 months [range, 24 to 66 months]). All patients were evaluated before and after surgery subjectively (using a visual analog scale for pain and 5 shoulder-specific outcome instruments), objectively (with goniometric examination of shoulder range of motion), and radiographically (to assess baseplate loosening and degree of scapular notching). Results: One baseplate (2%) failed, requiring revision surgery. There were no other signs of baseplate loosening in any patient at the last follow-up. Preoperatively to postoperatively, pain improved significantly (p < 0.001), as did all patient-reported outcome measures and the following range-of-motion parameters (p ≤ 0.001): active abduction, active flexion, and active external rotation with the arm elevated 90°. Eight (19%) of the patients had notching. Conclusions: RTSA without bone-grafting and with medialization of the baseplate in patients with osteoarthritis and severe glenoid bone loss resulted in significant improvement in pain and function with reliable short-term implant survivorship and may be a good alternative to anatomical TSA. Longer follow-up is needed to determine the relative advantages and disadvantages. This was an “off-label” indication for this device. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Imaging the Permeable Endothelium: Predicting Plaque Rupture in Atherosclerotic Rabbits.

The vascular endothelium is the natural barrier that regulates the translocation of cells and molecules between the systemic circulation and peripheral tissues. Endothelial dysfunction, such as decreased vascular tone, increased arterial stiffness, and leakage of cells and molecules through the endothelial barrier, is key both for initial atheroma formation and for atherosclerosis progression. Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques that are prone to rupture, and at high risk for causing severe acute clinical events, are characterized by an increased amount of fragile, dysmorphic, intraplaque microvessels with enhanced endothelial permeability. These leaky microvessels are the entry door for inflammatory cells, also key players in the formation of high-risk atheromas and in precipitating plaque rupture.1 Building on this knowledge, in the past 15 years, endothelial permeability has emerged as a promising diagnostic target to better stratify subjects at risk for cardiovascular disease and to quantify the effects of known or novel drugs on atherosclerosis progression. Concomitantly, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) community has made significant strides in developing and validating quantitative, noninvasive imaging methods to measure endothelial dysfunction and permeability in vivo. See Article by Phinikaridou et al MRI using either low-molecular weight (gadolinium [Gd] chelates) or Gd-based albumin binding agents (such as gadofosveset trisodium) has been extensively used to estimate endothelial permeability in atherosclerosis. Delayed enhancement imaging with MRI consists of the acquisition of one pre-image and one post-image acquired after contrast agent injection. The percent signal enhancement observed in the postcontrast acquisition, with respect to precontrast, is a semiquantitative measure of contrast agent extravasation in the vessel wall and, therefore, a surrogate measure of endothelial permeability. Increased magnetic resonance signal enhancement has indeed been demonstrated in human symptomatic carotid plaques using delayed enhancement imaging with both Gd diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid2 and gadofosveset.3 Delayed enhancement imaging after Gd diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid injection …
Won't Back Down Misfires on Parent Trigger, but Gets the Politics, Organizations Right

This essay briefly discusses recent American films about urban public schools, citing research to suggest that the genre accurately captures the dysfunctions of many schools as bureaucracies. This sets up a lengthy review of the most talked about education drama of 2012, Won’t Back Down. On its artistic merits, Won’t Back Down is something of an after school special, with great acting wasted in the service of a melodramatic script. The education policy instrument portrayed, the “parent trigger” enabling parents to take over dysfunctional schools, has questionable utility. That said, the movie captures nonresponsive bureaucracies, school boards indifferent to the interests of children, how bureaucrats can make activist parents and teachers pay a heavy price, and the sort of organizing tactics that can outlast the educational establishment. Most notably, the film excels at explaining the tactics and motivations of union leaders and members. In short, while it fails as a work of art, Won’t Back Down works as work of social science, exploring dilemmas of bureaucracy and democracy.
Theory and Mechanisms of Action of Neuroaugmentation

Neuroaugmentation techniques are important complementary treatments for the management of chronic pain. Spinal cord stimulation is used to treat patients with chronic radiculitis, complex regional pain syndrome, and ischemic pain.