cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF ZINC SUPPLY ON GROWTH AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN PECAN

ABSTRACT Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a nutrient disorder observed in pecan (Carya illinoinensis Wangenh. K. Koch) under field conditions, and can cause distorted leaf growth and severe rosetting of shoots. Conducting Zn studies with pecan in the field have been problematic because Zn nutrition is difficult to control. In this study, Zn nutrient disorders were induced in greenhouse-grown pecan seedlings using hydroponic culture. Zinc efficiency was compared in two pecan seedstocks, ‘Stuart’ and ‘Curtis’ by evaluating growth response, nutrient uptake, and leaf nutrient analysis. Zinc deficiency symptoms appeared in plants grown in the absence of Zn after six weeks. Deficiency symptoms were characterized by interveinal mottling, followed by interveinal chlorosis, interveinal necrosis, and marginal curling. Symptoms were confined to the youngest most distal three to five leaves. Differences in Zn efficiency between the two seedstock were observed. “Stuart” exhibited more severe deficiency ratings than “Curtis”. Z...
Shaping Event-Based Haptic Transients Via an Improved Understanding of Real Contact Dynamics

Haptic interactions with stiff virtual surfaces feel more realistic when a short-duration transient is added to the spring force at contact. But how should this event-based transient be shaped? To answer this question, we present a targeted user study on virtual surface realism that demonstrates the importance of scaling transients correctly and hints at the complexity of this dynamic relationship. We then present a detailed examination of the dynamics of tapping on a rigid surface with a hand-held probe; theoretical modeling is combined with empirical data to determine the influence of impact velocity, impact acceleration, and user grip force on the resulting transient surface force. The derived mathematical relationships provide a formula for generating open-loop, event-based force transients upon impact with a virtual surface. By incorporating an understanding of the dynamics of real interactions into the re-creation of virtual contact, these findings promise to improve the performance and realism of a wide range of haptic simulations
Multiple-Pulse Laser-Induced Damage To Metal Mirror Surfaces

The accumulation dependence of damage and laser induced damage morphologies on single crystal metal surfaces have been observed under Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation at 10 nsec pulses at a 10 Hz rate. Several different damage morphologies were observed: slip-line formation, ripple patterns, flat-melting, and boiling. Damage probability versus fluence curves and accumulation curves are plotted to investigate damage behavior as it correlates with morphology. Accumulation curves showed different damage behavior for crystals of different orientation. Threshold decrease due to accumulation was the largest on (111) Cu and Al surfaces, whidh also had the lowest single shot damage threshold. The threshold reduction in accumulation follows the equation FN = F1 NS-1 where FN is the N-pulse damage threshold, N the pulse number, and S the slope of the accumulation curve. Accumulation appears to be the result of the storage cycle of thermal stress-strain energy induced by each laser pulse, and multi-pulse damage results from plastic slip and fatigue.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An overview of contemporary 'portable' digital a.t.e. system architectures

The evolution of the ‘portable’ or ‘benchtop’ digital tester is briefly discussed in this paper in terms of the primary ‘drivers’ which lead to its development. The analysis of three current ‘representative’ portable digital a.t.e. system architectures is then provided and the impact each has on the six major functions common to any a.t.e. system design is briefly discussed. The paper also addresses the impact of the various architectures as they relate to the test program generation process. The paper then brieflydeals with the issue as to where digital benchtop/portable architectures appear to be headed and architectural improvements needed if the benchtop tester market is to realize its potential.
Photonic Readout of Microcantilevers for Sensor Applications

We have developed an in-plane photonic transduction method for microcantilever sensors that permits high sensitivity readout of microcantilever deflection and is scalable to large numbers of microcantilevers on a single chip.
The profile structure for Luce's choice axiom

Abstract A geometric approach is introduced to explain phenomena that can arise with Luce's choice axiom; e.g., differences occur when determining the likelihood of a ranking by starting with the “best-first,” or “worst-first” alternative. As shown, the problem is caused by the way we compute pairwise probabilities: it forces “best-first” and “worst-first” computations to use different information from a profile. Thus agreement holds only should the different information agree: this happens only with complete indifference. An alternative “best-first” and “worst-first” comparison, which always holds, is developed. Ways to increase the applicability of the choice axiom are introduced; e.g., profiles admitted by Luce's formulation for ten alternatives have nine degrees of freedom; the approach described here allows millions of degrees of freedom. New ways to compute probabilities, which combine “best-first” and “worst-first” computations, are given: their properties are identified with a profile decomposition. A new way to compute pairwise probabilities, which eliminates all profile restrictions and problems associated with the choice axiom, is introduced; e.g., “best-first” and “worst-first” computations now agree. Three and four alternatives are emphasized for reasons of exposition, but most results extend to any number of alternatives.
Does Dementia Caregiving Accelerate Frailty? Findings From the Health and Retirement Study

Purpose of the study Numerous studies have discovered negative health consequences associated with spousal caregiving at the end of life; however, little is known about how care-recipient cognitive status impacts caregiver health outcomes, specifically in the area of frailty, and whether health consequences remain over time. This study examines differences in frailty between spousal caregivers of persons with and without a dementia diagnosis. Design and methods Using 7 biannual waves of the Health and Retirement Study data (1998-2010), we examined odds of becoming frailer among surviving spouses of individuals who died between 2000 and 2010 (N = 1,246) with and without dementia. To assess increased frailty, we used a Frailty Index, which assesses chronic diseases, mobility, functional status, depressive symptoms, and subjective health. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between care-recipient cognitive status and whether, compared with the wave prior to death of the care-recipient, spousal caregivers were frailer: (1) in the wave the death was reported and (2) 2 years after the death was reported. Results Dementia caregivers had 40.5% higher odds of experiencing increased frailty by the time the death was reported and 90% higher odds in the following wave compared with non-dementia caregivers. Implications Given our findings, we discuss public health implications regarding the health and well-being of caregivers of persons with dementia. Given projected increases in dementia diagnoses as the population ages, we propose a need for interventions that provide enhanced support for dementia caregivers.
Physical sedimentology experiments with sulfuric acid solutions: Implications for Mars?

Abstract Physical sedimentology experiments have shown that sulfuric acid solutions may have formed some surface features seen on Mars. Recent data returned from Mars show the presence of jarosite, sulfate salts, hematite, phyllosilicates, and opaline silica, all of which precipitate from some terrestrial sulfuric acid solutions. There is a plethora of geochemical, mineralogical, and sedimentological data indicative of past sulfuric acid systems on Mars, but there has never been a comprehensive study published regarding sulfuric acid as a physical sedimentological agent. In the laboratory, we ran liquids of various compositions over sediments in order to test how these liquids entrain, transport, and deposit sediments. Pure water and concentrated sulfuric acid solutions produced the same general features, such as channels, gullies, and alluvial fans. However, sulfuric acid solutions yielded some distinct sedimentary features not produced by pure water runs. These features, narrow, deeply incised channels of consistent widths, rounded discrete fans, and air bubble “craters”, are similar to some Martian landscape features. These experimental results indicate that acid solutions should be considered a possible sedimentological agent on Mars.
Purification and characterization of β-galactosidase-1 from Drosophila melanogaster

β-Galactosidase-1 (EC 3.2.1.23) from adult Drosophila melanogaster was purified over 5200-fold to apparent homogeneity. The purified enzyme is a glycoprotein and a homodimer with a native mol. wt of 160 kDa. It has a molecular activity of 35 p-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside molecules hydrolyzed per second at 37°C, pH 6.0, and KM values of 1.26 ± 0.13 and 1.40 ± 0.10 mM for o- and p-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside, respectively. β-Galactosidase-1 comprises less than 0.02% of total soluble protein corresponding on average to 2–3 ng/adult fly. Antiserum was prepared against the purified enzyme and its specificity was determined by analysis of proteins immunoprecipitated from a partially purified extract of adult flies.
Effects of ethanol and 5-HT1A agonists on astroglial S100B.

Abstract Previous studies from this and another laboratory demonstrated that in utero ethanol exposure reduces 5-HT neurons and S100B-immunopositive glia that are proximal to these neurons. Our laboratory also found that these effects are prevented by maternal treatment with a 5-HT1A agonist. Because of S100B’s important role in the development of 5-HT neurons, the present study used both in vivo and in vitro models to investigate the potential involvement of S100B with the damaging effects of ethanol and with the protective effects of 5-HT1A agonists. We used in situ hybridization to address whether a 5-HT1A agonist could potentially affect S100B mRNA in vivo. Maternal treatment with buspirone between gestation days 13 and 20 significantly increased S100B mRNA in neuroepithelium of G20 offspring of control (40%) and ethanol-fed dams (20%). However, S100B mRNA was not altered in neuroepithelium from ethanol-exposed offspring. In astroglial cultures, we examined whether ethanol reduces the release of S100B and whether a 5-HT1A agonist could stimulate the release of this protein. We also evaluated the effects of ethanol and ipsapirone on astroglial content of S100B. Neither the concentration of S100B in astroglial media nor astroglial content of S100B were affected by ethanol. However, treatment with 100 nM ipsapirone, a 5-HT1A agonist, between the 6th and 7th day in vitro, increased astroglial release of S100B 2- to 3-fold. Thus, the protective effects of a 5-HT1A agonist on ethanol-treated 5-HT neurons might be associated with the ability of these drugs to release the neurotrophic factor S100B from astrocytes.
Threshold Properties of Partially Switched Ferrite Cores

A switching threshold relaxation effect has been observed which is detrimental to high-speed selection of partially switched (time-limited switching) ferrite memory cores. This paper discusses this threshold effect as determined by measurements on cores of 1- to 5-oe coercivity. Two aspects of switching threshold are observed: A static threshold (H f ) which is effective at a time long after switching, and a relaxation effect which is a reduction in threshold immediately after switching. The reduction is considerable and may limit the amplitude of the digit-disturb field that a core may withstand to a small fraction of the coercive force. A first approximation to the switching threshold dependence on time may be given as: H t = H f (1−e −3t/τ) for t>o. This representation is reasonably accurate for most ferrite cores, although a sum of exponentials is necessary for an improved description. The ratio of the static threshold to the coercivity (H f /H c ) is influenced by the duration and polarity (relative to the switching field) of the disturb field, the amplitude of the switching field, the flux state, the ambient temperature, and the ferrite composition. The static threshold of a core switched to the 50% flux state by a 10-nsec pulse may be only half the value of the threshold after switching to the 50% state with a 2-μsec pulse. The relaxation time also depends on the above mentioned parameters (except relative polarity) and, in addition, is influenced by the coercivity of the sample, lower coercivity samples having longer relaxation times. Measurements at ambient temperatures ranging from −195 °C to near the Curie temperature (+250°C) show the product of coercivity and relaxation time to be nearly constant for a given core. The relaxation time is a maximum at the 40–50% flux state and approaches zero at the major loop remanent flux states.
The interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 1 contributes to the regulation of NFAT.

IRAK-1 is a critical modulator regulating innate immunity signaling processes. However, the physiological substrates for IRAK-1 remain poorly defined. In this report, we have demonstrated that IRAK-1 is a kinase responsible for the constitutive phosphorylation and inactivation of the Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cell (NFAT). Expression of IRAK-1 suppressed NFAT reporter activity. Correspondingly, the levels of both nuclear NFATc1 and NFATc4 were constitutively elevated in IRAK-1-/- cells. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of NFATc4 at the S168PS170P site was significantly diminished in IRAK-1-/- cells. Mechanistically, we observed that IRAK-1 interacted with NFATc4 via the C-terminus of IRAK-1 and the N-terminal NHR region of NFATc4. IRAK-1 mutants that ablated either its kinase activity or its interaction with NFATc4 failed to suppress NFAT reporter activity. The expression level of COX-2, which is under the control of NFAT, was elevated in IRAK-1-/- cells. Functionally, ApoE-/-/IRAK-1-/- mice were protected from high-fat-diet induced hypertension and atherosclerosis. Taken together, our findings reveal NFAT molecules as novel physiological targets for IRAK-1.
Apoptosis and myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction was produced in rats and the contribution of apoptotic and necrotic myocyte cell death was measured quantitatively. Myocyte cell death by apoptosis involved 2.8 million cells at 2 hours after coronary artery occlusion and necrosis only 90,000 cells. Myocyte apoptosis continued to represent the major form of cell death, affecting 6.6 million cells at 4.5 hours, whereas myocyte necrosis peaked at 1 day, including 1.1 million cells. Apoptotic myocyte cell death was also present in the surviving portion of the wall adjacent to and remote from the infarcted myocardium where it peaked at 1-2 days. At this interval, 700/10(6) and 110/10(6) myocyte nuclei were undergoing apoptosis in the non-infarcted tissue bordering on and away from the ischemic area, respectively. Myocyte necrosis was absent in the viable myocardium after infarction. Since mechanical forces produced by pathologic loads may activate apoptosis, papillary muscles were exposed to high levels of resting tension in vitro and the magnitude of cell death in these samples was determined. Overstretching resulted in a 21-fold increase in apoptotic myocyte cell death which was coupled with the formation of reactive oxygen species, side-to-side slippage of myocytes, and depressed tension generation of the myocardium. In conclusion, apoptotic myocyte cell death plays a major role in ventricular remodeling after infarction, but whether physical forces, oxidant stress, architectural rearrangement of myocytes, and impaired force development of the myocardium in vivo are causaly related requires further investigation.
Effects of Sterilization Techniques and Culture Time on the Creep of Collagenous Ligament Analogues

Every year, approximately 200,000 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur in the United States; of these cases, 60,000–75,000 patients undergo ACL reconstruction [1]. The ACL plays a critical role in knee stability; however, it possesses little inherent capacity for healing. Although reconstruction is often used in active patients, issues such as donor site morbidity and long term joint stability have motivated interest in tissue-engineered ligament analogues.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Optical coherence tomography: basics, current application and future potential

Optical coherence tomography is a relatively novel imaging modality that utilizes light to generate high resolution images of intravascular structures. As result, OCT has rapidly become a preferred modality for imaging intracoronary structures such as coronary plaques and coronary stents. OCT is increasingly being utilized to further our understanding of intracoronary pathology and the effects of therapies both pharmacologic and procedural on the coronary vasculature. This review is intended to give an overview of the current investigational uses of OCT and its potential roles as the technology matures.
Provoked ictal SPECT in temporal and extratemporal drug-resistant epileptic patients: comparison of Statistical Parametric Mapping and qualitative analysis.

Summary Objective To compare Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) with qualitative analysis of provoked ictal SPECT, in terms of both diagnostic yield and efficacy in identifying the epileptogenic zone of temporal and extratemporal epileptic patients. Methods We included in the study 27 drug-resistant epileptic patients submitted to provoked ictal SPECT and for whom both SPM and qualitative analysis were obtained. A comparison between visual SPECT analysis and SPM results was performed in terms of lateralization and localization of the ictal hyperperfusion areas. Then, hyperperfusion areas were compared to epileptogenic zones to assess whether they co-localized or not. Results In twenty patients, a co-localization was found between hyperperfusion areas detected by both qualitative and SPM analysis of provoked ictal SPECT and epileptogenic zones. A concordance between SPM and qualitative analysis in all but two patients was obtained. These findings were observed for both temporal and extratemporal epilepsies. Conclusions The co-localization between provoked ictal SPECT hyperperfusion areas and epileptogenic zones found in most patients supports the usefulness of this technique in integrating data provided by neuroimaging and electroclinical correlations to correctly define epileptogenic zone. Moreover, this preliminary work suggests that SPM as entirely objective methodology is feasible and can be accurate also after provoked ictal SPECT.
THE PARTICIPATION OF EXCITED OXYGEN IN A CHEMILUMINESCENT REACTION

— Some properties of silica gel adsorbates of the acridine dye, acriflavine, have been investigated in the presence of oxygen and inert gases. In addition to its well-known quenching of phosphorescence, oxygen stimulates additional luminescence, a chemi-luminescence, at high concentrations of the dye triplet state molecules. The dependence of the chemiluminescence and of oxygen consumption on experimental variables have been explained in terms of a mechanism in which O2*, formed in the act of quenching of one photoexcited dye molecule by oxygen, diffuses to a second excited dye molecule where it may cause an irreversible oxidation. This oxidation may be accompanied by chemi-luminescence. Both the intensity of the chemiluminescence and the rate of oxygen consumption were found to be reduced specifically by inert gases having vibrational frequencies close to the vibrational spacings of oxygen. It was concluded that O2* is probably vibrationally excited oxygen and that it is deactivated principally by resonance energy transfer processes.
Fructose metabolism in humans – what isotopic tracer studies tell us

Fructose consumption and its implications on public health are currently under study. This work reviewed the metabolic fate of dietary fructose based on isotope tracer studies in humans. The mean oxidation rate of dietary fructose was 45.0% ± 10.7 (mean ± SD) in non-exercising subjects within 3–6 hours and 45.8% ± 7.3 in exercising subjects within 2–3 hours. When fructose was ingested together with glucose, the mean oxidation rate of the mixed sugars increased to 66.0% ± 8.2 in exercising subjects. The mean conversion rate from fructose to glucose was 41% ± 10.5 (mean ± SD) in 3–6 hours after ingestion. The conversion amount from fructose to glycogen remains to be further clarified. A small percentage of ingested fructose (<1%) appears to be directly converted to plasma TG. However, hyperlipidemic effects of larger amounts of fructose consumption are observed in studies using infused labeled acetate to quantify longer term de novo lipogenesis. While the mechanisms for the hyperlipidemic effect remain controversial, energy source shifting and lipid sparing may play a role in the effect, in addition to de novo lipogenesis. Finally, approximately a quarter of ingested fructose can be converted into lactate within a few of hours. The reviewed data provides a profile of how dietary fructose is utilized in humans.
Identification of cells deficient in signaling-induced alternative splicing by use of somatic cell genetics

In recent years, a growing number of mammalian genes have been shown to undergo alternative splicing in response to extracellular stimuli. However, the factors and pathways involved in such signal-induced alternative splicing are almost entirely unknown. Here we describe a novel method for identifying candidate trans-acting factors that are involved in regulating mammalian alternative splicing, using the activation-induced alternative splicing of the human CD45 gene in T cells as a model system. We generated a cell line that stably expresses a CD45 minigene-based GFP reporter construct, such that the levels of green-fluorescent protein (GFP) expressed in the cell reflect the splicing state of the endogenous CD45 gene. Following mutagenesis of this cell line, and multiple rounds of selection for cells that displayed aberrant levels of GFP expression, we isolated several cell lines that are at least partially defective in their ability to support regulated alternative splicing of endogenous CD45 pre-mRNA in response to cell stimulation. Thus we have successfully isolated mutants in a mammalian alternative splicing pathway through use of a somatic cell-based genetic screen. This study clearly demonstrates the feasibility of using genetic screens to further our understanding of the regulation of mammalian splicing, particularly as it occurs in response to environmental cues.
Effect of Maturation on Composition and In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility of Corn Plant Parts

Abstract Corn ( Zea mays L.) plants from four plots were harvested at 2-wk intervals from September 9, 1975, to December 9, 1975; separated into grain, cob, husk, leaf, and stalk; and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, cell wall, and in vitro digestibility of dry matter. Green weight yields of all plant parts except grain decreased with advancing maturity during sampling. Percentage of dry matter increased for all parts while total dry matter per hectare increased until plant dry matter reached 35% and then decreased. Grain as a percentage of the total dry matter of plant increased to 50, then remained relatively constant. Cob, husk, leaf, and stalk made up smaller percentages of the plant dry matter as it matured. Crude protein content of leaves declined but remained fairly constant in other plant parts through this sampling period. The percentage of cell wall increased and in vitro digestibility of dry matter decreased in all plant parts except grain which remained fairly constant with maturation. Increases in grain content offset decreases in digestibilities of other plant parts until the grain was physiologically mature; then total plant digestibility decreased. Livestock producers who plan to feed stover should harvest the stover simultaneously or as soon after grain harvest as practical.
Enhanced detection of planar retro-reflective arrays using polarization properties

This paper presents a design concept to aid in the detection and tracking of objects in a cluttered environment at 26GHz. Target tracking can generally be accomplished with the use of retro-reflectors which are able to return an incident signal back in the same direction with a radar cross section (RCS) that is independent of angle of arrival for a large range of incidence angles. In a cluttered environment, target tracking may be accomplished by modulating the backscatter requiring the utilization of an active structure. A planar Van Atta retro-reflector has been shown to be well suited for this purpose [1–2] as it is both planar and RCS modulation can easily be incorporated into the design. For operation, individual linear arrays are connected in pairs, depending on their relative distance from the array center. Lines of equivalent phase length connect the pairs such that the incident energy is reradiated back in the direction of incidence with large angle-independent RCS [3]. An illustration of the standard Van Atta layout is depicted in Figure A. More information regarding its performance and operation can be found in [1–3].
Self-Reports as a Measure of Crime? A Theoretical Approach to Understanding its Strengths and Weaknesses

This essay analyzes the self-report (SR) survey theoretically as a sociological phenomenon, making use of the rational choice theory (e.g. Coleman, Foundations of social theory. Cambridge: Harvard University Press). The paper argues two points: (1) the SR method has essential limitations for which there is no technical or methodological solution, and (2) the SR survey does have an important position in the field of crime research, but one should be concerned that it is aimed at the proper target populations, and implemented under the proper conditions.
Pharmacokinetics of intrathecal oligodeoxynucleotides.

BackgroundIntrathecal administration of antisense oligonucleotides is a frequently used technique to alter gene expression for research purposes. However, in the future, antisense oligonucleotides will likely be administered intrathecally to humans for therapeutic purposes. To date, there have been
A criterion for joint optimization of identification and robust control

A criterion for system identification is developed that is consistent with the intended use of the fitted model for modern robust control synthesis. Specifically, a joint optimization problem is posed which simultaneously solves the plant model estimate and control design, so as to optimize robust performance over the set of plants consistent with a specified experimental data set. >
Metabolic syndrome and the risk of Barrett's oesophagus in white males.

Background Few studies have examined the association between metabolic syndrome and Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Whether metabolic syndrome confers a risk greater than the sum of its components is unknown.
Comparison of Symptom Profiles between Postmastectomy Patients and Normally Healthy Middle-Aged Women

The symptom profiles of eighty-five women with no history of mastectomy or breast cancer were compared to those of seventy-three mastectomy patients in self-help groups, fifty mastectomy patients who had undergone breast reconstruction and 166 mastectomy patients who were neither in self-help nor reconstructed. There were no significant differences on the major symptom scales of the SCL-90 between any of the groups. The authors conclude that women distant in time from the cancer experience are no different from their normally healthy peers.
Rare earth elements in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans

Abstract The first profiles of Pr, Tb, Ho, Tm and Lu in the Pacific Ocean, as well as profiles of La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd and Yb, are reported. Concentrations of REE (except Ce) in the deep water are two to three times higher than those observed in the deep Atlantic Ocean. Surface water concentrations are typically lower than in the Atlantic Ocean, especially for the heavier elements Ho. Tm, Yb and Lu. Cerium is strongly depleted in the Pacific water column, but less so in the oxygen minimum zone. The distribution of the REE group is consistent with two simultaneous processes: 1. (1) cycling similar to that of opal and calcium carbonate 2. (2) adsorptive scavenging by settling particles and possibly by uptake at ocean boundaries. However, the first process can probably not be sustained by the low REE contents of shells, unless additional adsorption on surfaces is invoked. The second process, adsorptive scavenging, largely controls the oceanic distribution and typical seawater pattern of the rare earths.
Quantitative survivorship analysis of the velvetbean caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) pupae in soybean fields in Louisiana.

Seven species of insects including ground beetles, tiger beetles, earwigs, and the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, were identified in laboratory feeding trials as pupal predators of velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner. The survivorship and predation of velvetbean caterpillar pupae were studied in soybean fields in Louisiana. Two descriptive categories of predatory feeding action were identified, “partial” and “complete”. Predation was the principal mortality factor, accounting for 52.5 to 95.2% mortality in plots with fire ants. The red imported fire ant was a primary predator, accounting for 77.5 to 96.5% of total predator mortality for pupae under the soil surface in plots with fire ants. Our studies also indicated that the red imported fire ant seemed to reduce other ground-dwelling pupal predators of velvetbean caterpillar.
A Functional Approach to Subject Inversion

It has been argued by Kayne and Pollock (1978a-b) that, in French, full NP subject inversion (henceforth SI) can be reduced to a stylistic rule of the form Move NP, the application of which would be triggered by WH. To be descriptively accurate, a general analysis of SI would have to take into account on the one hand that not all WH-words are compatible with SI (e.g. *pourquoi part Jean?) as noted for instance by Cornulier (1974) and on the other that SI does occur in the absence of WH (e.g. in sentences with list interpretation, live coverage of sports events). These apparent exceptions can all be explained when we take into account a number of pragmatic factors such as focusing and discourse context. Taking these factors into account provides a basis for ex-plaing why some uses of SI are conditioned by style or register while others are not, and why consequently French syntax has to include at least two distinct rules of subject inversion.
Feasibility of Generating Adeno-Associated Virus Packaging Cell Lines Containing Inducible Adenovirus Helper Genes

The adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector system is based on nonpathogenic and helper-virus-dependent parvoviruses. The vector system offers safe, efficient, and long-term in vivo gene transfer in numerous tissues. Clinical trials using AAV vectors have demonstrated vector safety as well as efficiency. The increasing interest in the use of AAV for clinical studies demands large quantities of vectors and hence a need for improvement in vector production. The commonly used transient-transfection method, although versatile and free of adenovirus (Ad), is not cost-effective for large-scale production. While the wild-type-Ad-dependent AAV producer cell lines seem to be cost-effective, this method faces the problem of wild-type Ad contamination. To overcome these shortcomings, we have explored the feasibility of creating inducible AAV packaging cell lines that require neither transfection nor helper virus infection. As a first step toward that goal, we have created a cell line containing highly inducible Ad E1A and E1B genes, which are essential for AAV production. Subsequently, the AAV Rep and Cap genes and an AAV vector containing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene were stably introduced into the E1A-E1B cell line, generating inducible AAV-GFP packaging cell lines. Upon induction of E1A and E1B genes and infection with replication-defective Ad with E1A, E1B, and E3 deleted, the packaging cells yielded high-titer AAV-GFP vectors. Finally, the E2, E4, and VA genes of Ad, under the control of their endogenous promoters, were also introduced into these cells. A few producer cell lines were obtained, which could produce AAV-GFP vectors upon simple drug induction. Although future improvement is necessary to increase the stability and vector yield of the cells, our study has nonetheless demonstrated the feasibility of generating helper-virus-free inducible AAV producer cell lines.
Cardiac Vagal Regulation and Early Peer Status

A sample of 341 5 (1/2) -year-old children participating in an ongoing longitudinal study was the focus of a study on the relation between cardiac vagal regulation and peer status. To assess cardiac vagal regulation, resting measures of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and RSA change (suppression) to 3 cognitively and emotionally challenging tasks were derived. Results indicated that vagal regulation was positively associated with peer status. In addition, mediational analyses revealed that the relation between vagal regulation and peer status was mediated through better social skills for girls and better social skills and fewer behavior problems for boys. These findings are discussed in terms of the role of vagal regulation in the facilitation of children's positive social behavior.
The ‘Milk-Alkali’ Syndrome: Two Case Reports with Discussion of Pathogenesis

SUMMARY The milk-alkali syndrome is the association of hypercalcaemia and renal failure, with or without alkalosis, in the presence of absorption of excessive quantities of calcium, alkali, or both. Two patients with the milk-alkali syndrome are described, one representing an acute, reversible disorder and the other demonstrating a chronic syndrome with only partially reversible renal disease. Differential diagnosis is not difficult and is usually aided by the initial clinical evaluation as well as rapid response to conservative therapy. Because the initial stages of renal insufficiency are often fully reversible, the early identification and treatment of the milk-alkali syndrome can prevent progression to irreversible, chronic renal failure. Although non-absorbable antacids, H2 blockers, and sucralphate are the basis of modern treatment of peptic ulcer disease, the syndrome may still occur, especially in patients who self-treat symptoms of dyspepsia.
Seed and soil treatment for the control of potato scab

Treatment of seed and soil with certain chemicals was found to have no value in controlling scab infection in the irrigated, sandy soils of northern Colorado. The soils in which these tests were conducted, produced several crops of heavily scabbed tubers previous to these tests.
The Sleeper Wakes: Harlem Renaissance Stories by Women

In recent years there has been an explosion of interest in the art and culture of the Harlem Renaissance. Yet this significant collection is the first definitive edition of Harlem Renaissance stories by women. The writers include Gwendolyn Bennett, Jessie Redmon Fauset, Angelina Weld Grimke, Zora Neale Hurston, Nella Larsen, Alice Dunbar-Nelson, and Dorothy West. Published originally in periodicals such as The Crisis, Fire!!, and Opportunity, these twenty-seven stories have until now been virtually unavailable to readers. These stories are as compelling today as they were in the 1920s and 1930s. In them, we find the themes of black and white racial tension and misunderstanding, economic deprivation, passing, love across and within racial lines, and the attempt to maintain community and uplift the race. Marcy Knopf's introduction surveys the history of the Harlem Renaissance, the periodicals and books it generated, and describes the rise to prominence of these women writers and their later fall from fame. She also includes a brief biography of each of the writers. Nellie Y. McKay's foreword analyzes the themes and concerns of the stories.
Nursing Outcomes Classification: implications for nursing information systems and the computer-based patient record.

Abstract:Quality improvement, measurement, and accountability pervade all health care, including the agendas of nursing, other care providers, and consumer groups. One new face of quality is unequivocal: data will be more equitably shared among all groups for data-based quality judgments. This will
Thallassiomycetes. X. Variation in Growth and Reproduction of Two Isolates of Corollospora Maritima

(1967). Thallassiomycetes. X. Variation in Growth and Reproduction of Two Isolates of Corollospora Maritima. Mycologia: Vol. 59, No. 3, pp. 446-455.
Intra- and Interspecific Aggression in House Finches and House Sparrows

Although House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) and House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) are distinct taxonomically, they share several ecological and behavioral similarities. Both are gregarious and are semi-colonial nesters, defending only a small, variable territory surrounding the nest (Thompson 1960a, Summers-Smith 1963). Both species are conspicuously well adapted to man-modified habitats and regularly build nests on manmade structures. Further, numerous observers have reported interspecific conflict between the two species involving nest sites (Gilman 1908, Bergtold 1913, Evenden 1957, and Thompson 1960a). Both species feed extensively in a group and overlap considerably in food selection. The diet of the House Finch
Reform strategy and preliminary achievements of farming system in cropland for rice and vegetable in Guangdong

Two serious problems in farming system of Guangdong,the conflict between food security and profit increase of paddy land and the conflict between cultivation and natural process,and their causes were analyzed.The causes were improper emphasis on direct profit of cropland and excessive use of quality and quantity of cropland.Therefore,the traditional conception should be broken through and the rotation of vegetable-rice-vegetable high efficiency farming system(123 farming pattern) was put forward as the strategy to reform farming system in cropland for rice and vegetable in Guangdong.The scientific and technique connotation of 123 farming pattern and essence of the innovation were elaborated and preliminary achievements of the new pattern was summarized.
Development of Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Surgery: an Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Laparoscopic Versus Robotic Approaches

Introduction Laparoscopic and robotic surgery of the pancreas has only recently emerged as viable treatment options for benign and malignant disease. This review seeks to evaluate the current body of evidence on these approaches to pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy.
Differential effects of aging on motor and cognitive functioning in multiple sclerosis

Background:Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are impaired in motor and cognitive performance, but the extent to which these deficits are magnified by aging is unknown. In one prior study, difference...
Where did I come from? Where am I going? Functional differences in visual search fixation duration

Real time simulation of visual search behavior can occur only if the control of fixation durations is sufficiently understood. Visual search studies have typically confounded pre- and post-saccadic influences on fixation duration. In the present study, pre- and post-saccadic influences on fixation durations were compared by considering saccade direction. Novel use of a gaze-contingent moving obstructer paradigm also addressed relative contributions of both influences to total fixation duration. As a function of saccade direction, pre-saccadic fixation durations exhibited a different pattern from post-saccadic fixation durations. Post-saccadic fixations were also more strongly influenced by peripheral obstruction than pre-saccadic fixation durations. This suggests that post-saccadic influences may contribute more to fixation durations than pre-saccadic influences. Together, the results demonstrate that it is insufficient to model the control of visual search fixation durations without consideration of pre- and post-saccadic influences.
Simultaneous Parameter Identification and States Estimation using Neural Networks

Abstract A major step toward the development of intelligent control systems (ICS) is mathematical formulation of techniques for learning and identification of dynamical systems. Such techniques may be used for establishing true adaptive control systems, failure diagnostics, pattem recognition, and model- based fuzzy control systems. This paper presents a general technique of parameter identification and adaptive state estimation for linear time varying and time invariant systems. The proposed technique is based on the Hopfield network and Luenberger observer design. Mathematical derivations for systems represented in a state space form and those defined based on input/output maps are described. Simulation results for different cases are presented.
National Proxy 2.0: Controlling the Social Media of Olympians Through National Identification

The affordances of social media technologies increasingly allow Olympians to directly communicate with global audiences. Olympians can thus become more powerful autonomous discursive actors, threat...
Safety of Sedation for Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration While Febrile

Abstract Objective To determine the risks and outcomes of providing sedation to febrile patients scheduled for bone marrow aspiration or biopsy procedures. Patients and Methods During the 4-year period from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2016, data from the periprocedural courses of 12,134 consecutive patients in an outpatient procedure center at a large tertiary medical center were collected retrospectively and analyzed to determine whether febrile patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsy with propofol sedation present a unique patient safety risk. Results Eighty-four patients (0.7%) had preprocedural temperatures of greater than or equal to 38.3°C. Of these, 6 required unanticipated hospital admission for sustained hypoxemia and symptoms suggesting pneumonia. All 6 of these patients had a productive cough and room air oxygen saturations of less than 92% before their procedures. These 6 patients were diagnosed during their hospitalizations with either confirmed or presumed community-acquired pneumonia. All recovered without pulmonary sequelae. Only 2 of the other 78 febrile patients required unanticipated hospital admission, for both general weakness and dehydration. Conclusion Our findings suggest that patients who are febrile and who also have productive coughs and oxyhemoglobin saturations by pulse oximetry of less than 92% would be best served with outpatient evaluation of their pulmonary symptoms before undergoing their elective bone marrow aspiration procedures. In contrast, febrile patients without pulmonary symptoms fare well.
Powering Up Canada: A History of Power, Fuel, and Energy from 1600

Powering Up Canada provides us a far-reaching and informative overview of energy use in Canadian history. Editor R.W. Sandwell provides a useful summary and some overarching analytical ideas in bot...
Abstract 14217: Long Term Efficacy of Atrial Based Pacing and Beta Blocker Therapy to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death in Congenital Long Qt Syndrome

Introduction: Conflicting data exists for congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) treated with a combination of beta blockade and continuous pacing. High risk patients are usually treated with an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) exposing them to the risk of inappropriate shocks and potentially more frequent generator replacements. Appropriate therapy also has been shown to trigger ICD storm in many cases due to increased sympathetic discharge. We sought to examine the outcome of a cohort of patients at our institution treated with the combination of a beta blocker and atrial based pacing at a higher rate than previously described. Methods: The long term clinical course of patients with LQTS treated with beta blockers and atrial pacing were examined to identify recurrent syncope, cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac death or the need to upgrade to a defibrillator. Results: A total of 30 patients with LQTS (age 26.8 ± 21.3 years; 21 females) were identified with varying presentations - syncope (n=16); torsade de pointes (n=7); cardiac arrest (n=6); family history (n=1). All patients had a pacemaker implanted and arrhythmia diagnostics turned on. Lower rate was set to a mean of 89 ± 9 bpm [ ≥ 90 (n=20); ≥80 (n=9); 70 (n=1)]. 21 patients were programmed in the AAI mode, with the rest in the DDD (n=6) or DDI (n=3) modes. Over a mean follow up of 9.7 ± 6.6 years, no patient had recurrent syncope, cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death. None of the patients required upgrade to an ICD. 4 patients died during follow up from known unrelated causes. Conclusion: A combination of beta blocker therapy and atrial based pacing at a high rate is highly effective in preventing sudden death in patients with congenital LQTS. This approach may be particularly beneficial in the young population, in whom, implantation of a pacemaker rather than an ICD may enhance device longevity and avoid inappropriate ICD therapies.
A Contest of Values: A Cultural History of Approaches toward Alcohol

The problem of drinking alcoholic beverages has been of concern to American society since its beginning. At any given point in time, there is usually a perspective about alcohol which is generally accepted (e.g., it should be avoided; it should not be avoided, etc.). The problems raised by alcohol consumption (including problematic consumption itself) are sociologically fascinating because they serve as both instance of the problems of permission and control within American society. This paper looks at orientations toward alcohol use over time from a permission/control perspective. Society needs not only social control, but social permission as well. These two forces tend to alternate over time, and one instance where their operation can be observed is in orientations toward alcohol.
Complement and Its Role in Fungal Diseases

The complement system is a group of proteins that form an important component of both innate and antibody-mediated resistance to microbial infection. Activated in a cascade-like fashion, the complement system elicits a variety of effector mechanisms (Fig. 10.1). Initiation of the cascade can occur via two fundamentally different mechanisms termed the classical and alternative pathways.