cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of large woody debris removal on physical characteristics of a sand-bed river

1. Removal of large woody debris (LWD) is one of the most widely practised stream alterations, particularly in sand-bed rivers of the south-eastern USA. Selective removal of LWD has been proposed as an alternative to orthodox non-selective clearing in order to conserve ecological resources, but methods for comparing hydraulic and environmental effects of selective and non-selective removal have not been developed. Conservation of stream habitats requires quantification of LWD removal impacts on physical habitat. 2. Physical characteristics of straightened, sand-bed reaches of the South Fork Obion River in western Tennessee, USA that were rich in LWD were compared with those in similar reaches where debris had recently been removed using selective removal guidelines. 3. The mean volume of LWD per unit water volume was 0.0545 in the uncleared reaches, but nearly 60% lower (0.0225) in the cleared reach. 4. A simple technique for predicting hydraulic roughness in channels with varying amounts of LWD was developed. Hydraulic roughness, as measured by the Darcy-Weisbach friction factor, was about 400% greater in uncleared reaches at base flow but declined to a level about 35% greater than for the cleared reaches at higher flows. Predicted friction factors were within 35% of measured friction factors at higher flows. 5. Physical habitat diversity in this channelized sand-bed stream was strongly related to the density of LWD. Flow conditions in the uncleared reaches were more heterogeneous than in the cleared reach, especially at low flow. At low flow, uncleared reaches tended to be shallower, have lower velocities, slightly finer bed material, and more heterogeneous conditions overall. Shannon indices based on depth and velocity were an average of 48% higher in uncleared reaches. 6. Bed sediments underneath and immediately adjacent to LWD formations were finer and contained more organic matter than sediments distant from LWD. However, when all bed samples were considered, organic content was positively correlated with median grain size.
Inhibition of jet fuel aliphatic hydrocarbon induced toxicity in human epidermal keratinocytes

Jet propellant (JP)-8, the primary jet fuel used by the U.S. military, consists of hydrocarbon-rich kerosene base commercial jet fuel (Jet-A) plus additives DC1-4A, Stadis 450 and diethylene glycol monomethyl ether. Human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK) were exposed to JP-8, aliphatic hydrocarbon (HC) fuel S-8 and aliphatic HC pentadecane (penta), tetradecane (tetra), tridecane (tri) and undecane (un) for 5 min. Additional studies were conducted with signal transduction pathway blockers parthenolide (P; 3.0 µm), isohelenin (I; 3.0 µm), SB 203580 (SB; 13.3 µm), substance P (SP; 3.0 µm) and recombinant human IL-10 (rHIL-10; 10 ng ml−1). In the absence of inhibitors, JP-8 and to a lesser extent un and S-8, had the greatest toxic effect on cell viability and inflammation suggesting, as least in vitro, that synthetic S-8 fuel is less irritating than the currently used JP-8. Each inhibitor significantly (P < 0.05) decreased HEK viability. DMSO, the vehicle for P, I and SB, had a minimal effect on viability. Overall, IL-8 production was suppressed at least 30% after treatment with each inhibitor. Normalizing data relative to control indicate which inhibitors suppress HC-mediated IL-8 to control levels. P was the most effective inhibitor of IL-8 release; IL-8 was significantly decreased after exposure to un, tri, tetra and penta but significantly increased after JP-8 exposure compared with controls. Inhibitors were not effective in suppressing IL-8 release in JP-8 exposures to control levels. This study shows that inhibiting NF-κB, which appears to play a role in cytokine production in HC-exposed HEK in vitro, may reduce the inflammatory effect of HC in vivo. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of crossovers on estimates of survival in medically treated patients with coronary artery disease

Among 1661 consecutive patients with significant coronary artery disease treated medically at the Duke University Medical Center, 239 have undergone aortocoronary bypass surgery after at least 6 months of medical management. The purpose of this investigation was twofold: (1) to identify the distinguishing characteristics of these treatment crossovers; and (2) to illustrate a method of estimating the effect that withdrawing the crossovers from the analysis would have on the survival of the medically managed patients. Of 81 baseline characteristics compared, 25 were significantly (p less than 0.05) different between crossovers and noncrossovers. These included five characteristics that had previously been determined to be independent predictors favoring improved survival in medically treated coronary artery disease. A Cox regression analysis identified six variables independently associated with the time until crossover surgery. Crossover patients were younger and had superior ventricular function. A hazard score, which summarized in a single variable the overall risk of mortality, was developed from the prognostic baseline characteristics. Crossover patients had significantly (p = 0.003) lower hazard scores and hence would have been expected to have a superior survival compared with noncrossover patients. In our series, survival in the medically treated patients would likely have been higher had the crossovers remained in the medical group.
Engineering Plastics from Lignin. IX. Phenolic Resin Synthesis and Characterization

Abstract The performance of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins, formulated with lignin derivatives previously synthesized as phenolic resin prepolymers, was evaluated by thermal analysis of the curing process, and by a hard maple shear block test. At 54 and 60% phenol replacement levels, respectively, kraft (KL) and steam explosion lignin (SEL)-based resoles exhibited cure behavior very similar to a standard PF resin. Acid hydrolysis lignin gelled prematurely, and was found to be incompatible with the normal synthesis procedure. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to compare kinetic parameters for the curing process of neat and lignin derived phenolic resins. Activation energies and cure rates determined by DSC showed no difference between adhesives. High lignin contents had no inhibitory effect on resin cure. Shear strength properties were evaluated in a compression test, and results illustrate that both lignin-based resins have acceptable strength properties, both in a dry and accelerated agin...
A polarized single crystal Raman study of the librational phonons in p‐diiodobenzene

Single crystal polarized Raman spectra of p‐diiodobenzene in the region from 0 to 300 cm−1 are presented for sample temperatures from 2 to 330 K. Eleven of the twelve predicted gerade librational phonons are unambiguously assigned in terms of their space group symmetries. The temperature dependence of the Raman spectra does not show a soft gerade phonon at the nearly second‐order phase transition which occurs at 326 K. A significant anharmonicity for molecular motions above the I–I axis is indicated by the observation of overtones and combinations and broadening of these phonons as the temperature is raised from 2 K.
Endothelial cell expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1, tissue factor, and thrombomodulin on hydrophilic plasma polymers.

Endothelial cells (EC) from human aortas, microvessels, and pulmonary arteries were examined for their expression and activity of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tissue factor, and thrombomodulin in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) on the hydrophilic plasma polymers gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP), along with a fibronectin (FN) control. RNAs isolated from EC grown on these substrates were subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and dot-blot analysis. EC expression of MCP-1 and tissue factor was very low in the absence of TNFalpha but high for constitutively expressed thrombomodulin. TNFalpha induced EC expression and activity of MCP-1 and tissue factor and suppressed that of thrombomodulin on all substrates. Greater differences were seen with regard to cell origin, but little difference was seen among substrates. Basal secretion of MCP-1 was very low in aortic and pulmonary artery EC and even less in microvascular EC. TNFalpha increased MCP-1 secretion significantly in aortic and pulmonary artery EC but to a lesser extent in microvascular EC. In contrast, tissue factor expression was greater in pulmonary artery EC compared to microvascular and aortic EC. Basal expression of thrombomodulin was largely comparable for all three cell types grown on different surfaces, but TNFalpha suppressed thrombomodulin to different extents depending on the origin of the EC. The activity of tissue factor and thrombomodulin and the secretion of MCP-1 by EC were largely correlated with the expression of these genes. We conclude that EC origin may be an important determinant of cellular function on hydrophilic plasma polymer substrates. However, the differences in cellular function due to variations in substrate surface hydrophilicity could have been masked by the extracellular matrix remodeling that presumably occurred during EC growth to confluence.
A general Approach to Measure Three-Dimensional Forces from Cells

We have developed a technique to quantitatively map the traction forces exerted by cells encapsulated within three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel matrices. Methods using two-dimensional (2D) polyacrylamide gels, or arrays of elastic cantilevers have mapped the forces that cells generate against planar substrates and have revealed that such forces not only guide morphogenetic events, but can also feedback to regulate cellular functions including proliferation and differentiation. However, many cellular phenomena are altered or lost completely when cells are removed from their native 3D environment. Here, we use mechanically well defined synthetic hydrogels and the finite element method to measure the tractions generated by cells encapsulated within a fully three-dimensional matrix. We use this technique to investigate the role of 3D cellular tractions in both single and multicellular processes and uncover unique patterns of cellular forces that can be attributed to morphologically distinct filopodial like extensions. Additionally, by acquiring timelapse measurements of these forces, we have identified distinct force profiles that correspond to cellular processes which are invading into a 3D matrix. Because the hydrogels used in these studies have been shown to support a wide array of cellular and morphogenetic processes such as angiogenesis and tumor metastasis, and due to the general nature of our technical approach, we anticipate that this method will be applicable to a wide range of biological settings.
Mechanical Analog Calculator for Three-Dimensional Rotation Problems

A mechanical analog calculator (Geomac) has been developed that can be used for rotation programs in such fields as structural petrology, mineralogy, and paleomagnetism. The device consists of a group of concentric circles and arcs on which the problem is reconstructed, and the solution is found. In terms of precision, speed, and ease of operation, the calculator is thought to be superior o t stereographic solutions and preferable to digital computer programs for problems involving a small number of data.
Adaptive inverse control of linear and nonlinear systems using dynamic neural networks

In this paper, we see adaptive control as a three-part adaptive-filtering problem. First, the dynamical system we wish to control is modeled using adaptive system-identification techniques. Second, the dynamic response of the system is controlled using an adaptive feedforward controller. No direct feedback is used, except that the system output is monitored and used by an adaptive algorithm to adjust the parameters of the controller. Third, disturbance canceling is performed using an additional adaptive filter. The canceler does not affect system dynamics, but feeds back plant disturbance in a way that minimizes output disturbance power. The techniques work to control minimum-phase or nonminimum-phase, linear or nonlinear, single-input-single-output (SISO) or multiple-input-multiple-ouput (MIMO), stable or stabilized systems. Constraints may additionally be placed on control effort for a practical implementation. Simulation examples are presented to demonstrate that the proposed methods work very well.
Reliability, validity, and clinical application of the Visual Analogue Mood Scale.

The reliability and validity of the Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS) has been demonstrated in both a military and a private psychiatric hospital, inpatient population. The repeated and concurrent administration of the VAMS and the Digit-Symbol test identifies a mood-performance correlation which distinguishes patients with affective disorders, of manic or depressed type, from other psychiatric patients.
Systematic Error in the Measure of Microdamage by Modulus Degradation During Four-Point Bending Fatigue

The accumulation of fatigue damage in bovine and human cortical bone is conventionally measured by modulus or stiffness degradation. The initial modulus or stiffness of each specimen is typically measured in order to normalize tissue heterogeneity to a prescribed strain [1,2]. Cyclic preloading at 100 N for 20 cycles has been used for this purpose in both uniaxial tension and four-point bending tests [1–3]. In four-point bending, the specimen modulus is often calculated using linear elastic beam theory as, Display Formula(1)E=3Fl4bh2e where F is the applied load, l is the outer support span, b is the specimen width, h is the specimen height, and e is the maximum strain based on the beam deflection [2]. The maximum load and displacement data from preloading is used to determine the initial specimen modulus. The initial modulus and a prescribed maximum initial strain are then used to determine an appropriate load for fatigue testing under load control.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Evaluation and Comparison of Two Commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kits for Detection of Antigenically Diverse Human Noroviruses in Stool Samples

Two recently commercialized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, the SRSV(II)-AD (Denka Seiken Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) and IDEIA NLV (DakoCytomation Ltd., Ely, United Kingdom) kits, that detect human norovirus (HuNV) antigens in stool samples were evaluated to assess whether they could be used instead of reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) for routine diagnosis. The sensitivities and specificities of the two kits were tested with a panel of 103 stool samples containing HuNVs of 4 and 10 genetic subgroups within genogroups I and II (GI and GII), respectively, and 39 stool samples containing other enteric viruses. The Denka kit had a high sensitivity (>70% for 10 of the 14 subgroups) but a specificity of only 69%, and the Dako kit had a low sensitivity (<30% for 6 GII subgroups) but a high specificity of 100%. Statistical analysis suggests that HuNVs of four subgroups (subgroups GII/2, GII/5, GII/6, and GII/n) are likely to elude detection by the Dako kit. The two kits also demonstrated differences in reactivities. While the Dako kit discriminated between the GI and GII antigens of HuNVs, the Denka kit cross-reacted with samples containing all GI and GII subgroups of HuNVs. Moreover, the Denka kit also reacted with samples containing human sapovirus (HuSV). We demonstrate that the cross-reactivity of the Denka kit is not due to specific reactions with HuNV and HuSV antigens. These results indicate that neither the Denka kit nor the Dako kit has all the performance characteristics required to replace the RT-PCR methods used to detect HuNVs.
Effects of hindbrain melanin-concentrating hormone and neuropeptide Y administration on licking for water, saccharin, and sucrose solutions.

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and neuropeptide-Y (NPY) are orexigenic peptides found in hypothalamic neurons that project throughout the forebrain and hindbrain. The effects of fourth ventricle (4V) infusions of MCH (5 μg) and NPY (5 μg) on licking for water, 4 mM saccharin and sucrose (0.1 and 1.0 M) solutions were compared to identify the contributions of each peptide to hindbrain-stimulated feeding. NPY increased meal size only for the sucrose solutions, suggesting that caloric feedback is pertinent to the orexigenic effect; MCH infusions under identical testing conditions failed to produce increases for any tastant. In contrast to the effects previously reported after forebrain ICV NPY infusions, 4V NPY failed to increase either meal frequency for any taste solutions or ingestion rate in early phases of the sucrose meals. Overall, 4V NPY responses were limited to intrameal behavioral processes, whereas previously reported forebrain NPY stimulation elicits both consummatory and appetitive responses. A second dose-response experiment again showed no effect of MCH for doses up to 6 nM, supporting the conclusion that MCH-induced orexigenic responses require forebrain stimulation. The dissociation between MCH and NPY effects observed for 4V injections is consistent with reports that forebrain ICV injections of MCH and NPY produced nearly dichotomous effects on the pattern of licking microstructure, and collectively, the results indicate that the two peptides have separate sites of action in the brain.
The kinetics and mechanism of ultracentrifugal demulsification

Abstract The ultracentrifugal stability of Nujol-water-sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and olive oil-water-SDS emulsions was determined as a function of the concentration of SDS and of added sodium chloride. Nujol emulsions with concentrations of SDS below the critical micelle concentration (cmc) separate oil according to a first order rate law, which changed to a zero order when the cmc is reached, whether by increasing the concentration of SDS or by adding salt at a lower concentration of SDS. Olive oil emulsions separate oil according to a second order rate law at concentrations of SDS both above and below the cmc. Salt increases the stability of Nujol-water-SDS emulsions but makes olive oil-water-SDS emulsions less stable. These observations are discussed in terms of the various possible rate-determining steps in demulsification. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that a “collision rate” between drops is rate-determining in the case of olive oil emulsions, that the rate of film rupture controls the process with Nujol emulsions below the cmc of SDS, and that coalescence occurs only at the interface between emulsion and bulk oil with Nujol emulsions above the cmc.
A Longitudinal Examination of Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents With Spina Bifida

N ¼ 109, ages 10–17 years) as part of a larger longitudinal study. Results SB youth had statistically and clinically reduced physical HRQOL compared with the nonclinical and CHC samples at both time points. There were significant discrepancies between youth and parent-proxy reports of HRQOL; youth reported higher levels of physical and social HRQOL than parents. The majority of parent- and child-reported HRQOL domains remained stable, yet youth-reported social HRQOL increased over time. Conclusions Youth with SB are at risk for poor HRQOL. Examining modifiable condition and social–environmental predictors of youth HRQOL will be important in informing future interventions.
The rational use of computed tomography scans in the diagnosis of appendicitis.

Abstract Background: Recently, limited abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans have been reported (Rao, New England Journal of Medicine , 1998) to have accuracy as high as 98%. We compare our hospital's CT accuracy ordered by emergency room (ER) physicians with that of experienced surgeons provided only with the ER history and physical examination in the evaluation of appendicitis. Methods: All charts of patients 16 years or older with limited CT scans ordered by ER from January 1, 1996, through February 28, 1998, were reviewed. CT scans ordered when appendicitis was not in the differential were excluded from analysis. Pathology and clinical follow-up were criterion standards. Four surgeons reviewed ER history and physical and placed them into one of three categories: appendectomy, observe to rule out appendicitis, or discharge with follow-up (included admitting to another service or treating for another disorder). Results: A total of 526 charts were reviewed; 129 met the criteria for the study. The accuracy of CT scans as used by our ER was not as high as reported in the literature. In addition, surgeon accuracy approached that of the CT scan even without the ability to evaluate the patients in person. Noncontrast CTs were ordered before surgical evaluation in contrast to the Rao protocol, likely reducing their accuracy. Conclusions: Ordering CT scans to evaluate for appendicitis prior to surgical evaluation is of limited value.
Restitution of the bullfrog gastric mucosa is dependent on a DIDS-inhibitable pathway not related to \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}\) \end{document} ion transport

This study was conducted to determine the contribution of ion transport to restitution after injury in the gastric mucosa. For this, intact sheets of stomach from the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, we...
Planar Photonic Crystal Biosensor for Quantitative Label-Free Cell Attachment Microscopy.

In this study, a planar-surface photonic crystal (PC) biosensor for quantitative, kinetic, label-free imaging of cell–surface interactions is demonstrated. The planar biosensor surface eliminates external stimuli to the cells caused by substrate topography to more accurately reflect smooth surface environment encountered by many cell types in vitro. Here, a fabrication approach that combines nanoreplica molding and a horizontal dipping process is used to planarize the surface of the PC biosensor. The planar PC biosensor maintains a high detection sensitivity that enables the monitoring of live cell–substrate interactions with spatial resolution sufficient for observing intracellular attachment strength gradients and the extensions of filopodia from the cell body. The evolution of cell morphology during the attachment and spreading process of 3T3 fibroblast cells is compared between planar and grating-structured PC biosensors. The planar surface effectively eliminates the directionally biased cellular attachment behaviors that are observed on the grating-structured surface. This work represents an important step forward in the development of label-free techniques for observing cellular processes without unintended external environmental modulation.
Reflections on electronic medical records: when doctors will use them and when they will not.

Abstract Purpose Our purpose is to counter the common wisdom that doctors are refractory to change and therefore responsible for the limited use of electronic medical records. Methods We draw on experience with electronic medical records in two Harvard Medical School teaching hospitals dating back to the early 1980s. Results Doctors quickly become ardent users of electronic medical records if the software is sufficiently helpful in the care of their patients. Conclusions The key to enthusiastic acceptance of electronic medical records is computing that is easy to use and helpful to doctors, nurses, and other clinicians in the care of their patients.
A SUBCLASS OF HUMAN γA-GLOBULINS (γA2) WHICH LACKS THE DISULFIDE BONDS LINKING HEAVY AND LIGHT CHAINS

The gammaA2-subgroup of gammaA-globulins, previously delineated by antigenic studies, was found to differ strikingly from other immunoglobulins in the manner in which the polypeptide chains are bound together. The heavy and light chains were not linked to each other by disulfide bonds. Instead the light chains were disulfide linked to one another, and were present in the gammaA2-molecule as disulfide bridged L-L dimers. Antisera specific for gammaA2-proteins indicated the occurrence of two different antigenic types in all normal sera as well as saliva and colostrum. Both of these showed the unique interchain disulfide linkage. Quantitative analyses indicated higher levels of gammaA2-proteins in external secretions.
A Review of: “Public Management in Global Perspective by Salvatore Schiavo-Campo and Hazel M. McFerson”

This is an excellent volume that is unusual and perhaps unique in its field, a volume that works well both as a basic textbook and as a guide for public officials and practitioners. While drawing q...
Resilient Architecture of All-Optical Networks: Probabilistic Graphical Models for Crosstalk Attack Propagation

We study the resilience of all-optical network (AON) architectures under in-band crosstalk attacks. We first develop a cross-layer model that captures attack propagation based on probabilistic graphical models. At the physical layer, we use a directed probabilistic graph (Bayesian Belief Network) to model the attack propagation under static network traffic and a given source of attack. At the network layer, we use an undirected probabilistic graph (Random Field) to represent the probability distribution of active connections in the network. The cross-layer model is obtained by combining the physical- and the network-layer models into a factor graph representation. We then derive bounds on the network resilience for regular topologies. We show that for ring, star, and mesh-torus networks with link-shortest path routing and all-to-all traffic, the average network resilience loss grows linearly with respect to the network load when the network load is light; grows polynomially with respect to the probability of attack propagation from node to node along the attacker's route. We then show that the sum-product algorithm can be used for computationally efficient evaluation of network resilience for irregular topologies.
Infrared Spectra of Young Stars Embedded in the R Coronae Australis Cloud

Infrared spectra are presented for a magnitude-limited ( K< 12:5 mag) sample of stellar objects observed toward the R Coronae Australis molecular core. These spectra, which are used to identify young stellar objects in the cloud, include the wavelengths of emission lines from (Fe II) and H2, four of the Brackett series lines, the CO bandheads, as well as photospheric absorption lines of Al, Na, Mg, Si, and Ca. For a subset of the sample, the spectra are compared to those of infrared spectral standard stars to derive spectral types and luminosity classes. By comparing their placement in a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram with theoretical pre-main-sequence tracks and iso- chrones, we estimate the stellar masses and assess the evolutionary states of the members of this young aggregate. All of the sources classified via near-IR spectroscopy have masses in the range 0:2-2:5 M ⊙. The locus of points in the H-R diagram is lower than observed for other embedded clusters (e.g., NGC 2024 and the ρ Oph core), suggest- ing either a more advanced evolutionary state or a difference in the intrinsic stellar birthline for very young clusters. We discuss the implications of our results for the shape of the initial mass function of the embedded young cluster and the star-forming history of the cloud.
Mantle transition zone topography and structure beneath the Yellowstone hotspot

[1] The depths of the 410 and 660 km discontinuities beneath the Yellowstone hotspot are constrained using common conversion point imaging of P-wave receiver functions. The mean depth of the 410 and 660 is 411 ± 1.5 km and 656 ± 1.6 km, with 36–40 km of peak to peak topography. This topography is spatially uncorrelated, providing no evidence for a lower mantle plume currently beneath the hotspot. The topography suggests that ±200°C thermal anomalies exist with respect to an average mantle adiabat. Two warmer than normal regions are found: at the 410 to the NNW of the hotspot and at the 660 to the NE. Colder temperatures exist at the 410 under central Wyoming. Upper mantle convection and/or intermittent heat and mass transfer across the 660 may be responsible for the uncorrelated topography. Three negative arrivals about the 410 and 660 are observed that display correct Pds moveout.
A Revision of Eleodes Subgenus Eleodes Eschscholtz (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

ABSTRACT Keys, descriptions and figures are provided for the identification of 30 species assignable to the nominate subgenus of the tenebrionid genus Eleodes. Three species groups can be recognized: the grandicollis group, containing only E. grandicollis Mannerheim; the obscurus group, containing E. obscurus (Say), E. acutus (Say) and E. suturalis (Say); and the dentipes group, containing E. dentipes Eschscholtz, E. acuticaudus LeConte, E. adumbratus Blaisdell, E. armatus (LeConte), E. curvidens Triplehorn & Cifuentes, E. discinctus Blaisdell, E. eschscholtzi Solier, E. femoratus LeConte, E. gracilis LeConte, E. hispilabris (Say), E. loretensis Blaisdell, E. mexicanus Blaisdell, E. mirabilis Triplehorn, E. moestus Blaisdell, E. muricatulus Triplehorn, E. rossi Blaisdell, E. rugosus Perbosc, E. samalayucae Triplehorn, E. sanmartinensus Blaisdell, E. scyropterus Triplehorn, E. spinipes Champion, E. sponsus LeConte, E. subcylindricus Casey, E. tenuipes Casey, E. vanduzeei Blaisdell, and a new species descri...
A Detection and Warning System for Unintended Acceleration

This paper presents a data-driven method to detect vehicle problems related to unintended acceleration (UA). A diagnostic system is formulated by analyzing several specific vehicle events such as acceleration peaks and generating corresponding mathematical models. The diagnostic algorithm was implemented in the Simulink/dSpace environment for validation. Major factors that affect vehicles’ acceleration (e.g., changes of road grades and gear shifting) were included in the simulation. UA errors were added randomly when human drivers drove virtual cars. The simulation results show that the algorithm succeeds in detecting abnormal acceleration.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Genetic diversity and origin of North American green foxtail [Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv.] accessions

Setaria viridis (L.) P. Beauv. and its domesticated form, S. italica (L.) P. Beauv., have been developed over the past few years as model systems for C4 photosynthesis and for the analysis of bioenergy traits. S. viridis is native to Eurasia, but is now a ubiquitous weed. An analysis of the population structure of a set of 232 S. viridis lines, mostly from North America but also comprising some accessions from around the world, using 11 SSR markers, showed that S. viridis populations in the US largely separate by latitude and/or climatic zone. S. viridis populations from the Northern US and Canada (north of 44°N) group with accessions from Western Europe, while populations in the Mid and Southern US predominantly group with accessions from Turkey and Iran. We hypothesize that S. viridis in the US was most likely introduced from Europe, and that introductions were competitive only in regions that had climatic conditions that were similar to those in the regions of origins. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that Canadian S. viridis lines were fast cycling and undersized when grown in the Mid-Western and Southern US compared to their morphology in their native environment. A comparison of the population structure obtained with 11 SSR markers and ~40,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a common set of S. viridis germplasm showed that both methods essentially yielded the same groupings, although admixture was identified at a higher frequency in the SNP analysis. Small numbers of SSR markers can thus be used effectively to discern the population structure in this inbreeding species.
Resection of oesophageal strictures

Symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux can usually be managed non-operatively but, when stricture occurs, most informed physicians agree that an antireflux procedure is necessary. Nissen fundoplication has become the preferred operation for complicated reflux disease, and most strictures will resolve after control of reflux and two or three oesophageal dilatations. For those patients who have persistent stricture that is fibrotic, shortened, or does not respond to operative control of reflux, resection is indicated. Merendino and Dillard1 proposed the use of a jejunal segment for interposition between the oesophagus and stomach because of its isoperistaltic nature, relative resistance to acid injury, and lack of reflux into the proximal oesophageal segment2,3. Their study of both animals and humans demonstrated the jejunal segment to be the conduit of choice, and we have had long-term successful experience with its use4.
Virtual Coaches over Mobile Video

We hypothesize that the context of a smartphone, how a virtual human is presented within a smartphone app, and indeed, the nature of that app, can profoundly affect how the virtual human is perceived by a real human. We believe that virtual humans, presented over video chat services (such as Skype) and delivered using mobile phones, can be an effective way to deliver coaching applications. We propose to build a prototype system that allows virtual humans to initiate and receive Skype calls. This hardware will enable broadcast of the audio and video imagery of a character. Using this platform and a virtual human, we will conduct two user studies. The first study will examine factors involved in making a mobile video based character seem engaging and “real”. This study will examine how character appearance and the artifacts of the communication channel, such as video and audio quality, can affect rapport with a virtual human. The second study will examine ways to maintain a long-term relationship with a character, leveraging the character’s ability to call and interact with a real human over a longer period of time. These studies will help develop design guidelines for presenting virtual humans over mobile video.
Effect of explicit dimensional instruction on speech category learning

Learning nonnative speech categories is often considered a challenging task in adulthood. This difficulty is driven by cross-language differences in weighting critical auditory dimensions that differentiate speech categories. For example, previous studies have shown that differentiating Mandarin tonal categories requires attending to dimensions related to pitch height and direction. Relative to native speakers of Mandarin, the pitch direction dimension is underweighted by native English speakers. In the current study, we examined the effect of explicit instructions (dimension instruction) on native English speakers' Mandarin tone category learning within the framework of a dual-learning systems (DLS) model. This model predicts that successful speech category learning is initially mediated by an explicit, reflective learning system that frequently utilizes unidimensional rules, with an eventual switch to a more implicit, reflexive learning system that utilizes multidimensional rules. Participants were explicitly instructed to focus and/or ignore the pitch height dimension, the pitch direction dimension, or were given no explicit prime. Our results show that instruction instructing participants to focus on pitch direction, and instruction diverting attention away from pitch height, resulted in enhanced tone categorization. Computational modeling of participant responses suggested that instruction related to pitch direction led to faster and more frequent use of multidimensional reflexive strategies and enhanced perceptual selectivity along the previously underweighted pitch direction dimension.
Expansion of B-1a Cells with Germline Heavy Chain Sequence in Lupus Mice

B6.Sle1.Sle2.Sle3 (B6.TC) lupus-prone mice carrying the NZB allele of Cdkn2c, encoding for the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor P18INK4, accumulate B-1a cells due to a higher rate of proliferative self-renewal. However, it is unclear whether this affects primarily early appearing B-1a cells of fetal origin or later appearing B-1a cells that emerge from bone marrow. B-1a cells are the major source of natural autoantibodies, and it has been shown that their protective nature is associated with a germline-like sequence, which is characterized by few N-nucleotide insertions and a repertoire skewed towards rearrangements predominated during fetal life, VH11 and VH12. To determine the nature of B-1a cells expanded in B6.TC mice, we amplified immunoglobulin genes by PCR from single cells in mice. Sequencing showed a significantly higher proportion of B-1a cell antibodies display fewer N-additions in B6.TC mice than in B6 control mice. Following this lower number of N-insertions within the CDR-H3 region, the B6.TC B-1a cells display shorter CDR-H3 length than B6 B-1a cells. The absence of N-additions is a surrogate for fetal origin, as TdT expression starts after birth in mice. Therefore, our results suggest that the B-1a cell population is not only expanded in autoimmune B6.TC mice but also qualitatively different with the majority of cells from fetal origin. Accordingly, our sequencing results also demonstrated overuse of VH11 and VH12 in autoimmune B6.TC mice as compared to B6 controls. These results suggest that the development of lupus autoantibodies in these mice is coupled with skewing of the B-1a cell repertoire and possible retention of protective natural antibodies.
Foot Reconstruction by Free Flap Transfer

Free skin flap transfer for foot salvage and reconstruction was done in 10 patients whose follow-up exceeded 1 year. Nine of the 10 had successful results, and generally all achieved the desired reconstructive goal in one stage, with a minimum of hospitalization and disability time. In using a free skin flap transfer in weightbearing locations, the need for cutaneous innervation of the flap should be considered, but such innervation is not necessary for success.
Analysis on Current Situation and Influencing Factors of Health Related Knowledge and Behavior Among People in Rural Areas

Objective To promote better health education in rural areas,and provide basis for making policies on health services.Methods 2400 residents from Xindu district,Qu county and Santai county were investiga- ted by questionnaires.Group interview and in-depth interview were also applied.Results The correct rates of questions on health related knowledge about HBP,TB,HBV,human-transmissible highly pathogenic avian influenza and AIDS prevention were 44.0%,59.5%,78.0%,80.0% and 82.0% respectively.The correct rates of questions on health related behavior about boiled water drinking,washing hands with soaps,public towels,tooth brush and intake of iodinized salt were 22.0%,66.0%,74.2%,89.0% and 92.6% respec- tively.The awareness rate of health related knowledge and correct rate of health related behavior were directly influenced by economic and age factors.Conclusions The residents in rural areas have relative broad basic knowledge on health,and their health risk behavior transforms to a more healthy style.The factors of econom- ics and age have direct influence on the health related behavior and the awareness of health related knowl- edge.
Equine Herpesvirus 1 Myeloencephalopathy

Myeloencephalopathy is an uncommon manifestation of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), but it can cause devastating losses during outbreaks on individual farms. Clinical signs of neurologic disease reflect a diffuse multifocal hemorrhagic myeloencephalopathy secondary to vasculitis and thrombosis. Sudden onset and early stabilization of signs, including ataxia, paresis, and urinary incontinence; involvement of multiple horses on the premises; and recent history of fever, abortion, or viral respiratory disease in the affected horse or herdmates are typical features, although there is considerable variation between outbreaks in epidemiologic and clinical findings. Prevention is difficult because many asymptomatic horses are infected latently with EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy and because vaccines do not confer protection against neurologic manifestations of infection. This article reviews the pathogenesis, pathology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy and discusses prevention and control of equine herpesviral infections in the context of their epidemiology.
The Challenge of Global Cervical and Breast Cancer Prevention, Detection, and Treatment

Rupa is a 22-year-old woman who developed persistent vaginal bleeding after the birth of her fourth child. Examination revealed a 4 cm exophytic cervical lesion, with extension to the right pelvic sidewall. Cervical biopsy confirmed invasive poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.
Influence of hyperthyroidism on maximal shortening velocity and myosin isoform distribution in skeletal muscles.

The objectives of this study were 1) to examine the effects of hyperthyroidism on the myosin isoform distribution in slow and fast skeletal muscle, 2) to explore how these effects were manifested w...
Does the Husserl/Heidegger Feud Rest on a Mistake ? An Essay on Psychological and Transcendental Phenomenology

4. One should always read Heidegger’s explicit criticism of Husserl against the background of his implicit dependence on him. For instance, Heidegger’s rejection of Husserl’s “theoretism” conceals his dependence on Husserl’s idea that phenomenology is not a theory but reflective clarification. One should always read Husserl’s explicit criticism of Heidegger against the background of his own megalomania: since Heidegger refused to be Husserl’s disciple, he could only be “anti-scientific,” “anthropological,” not a phenomenologist at all.
Using Simulations to Teach Statistical Physics

An important goal of any physics course is student understanding of the key concepts. Another goal is to provide the students with the tools needed to do the physics. Pragmatic concerns make it difficult to achieve both of these goals. Many physics courses overemphasize theory, formal manipulations, and problem solving, and do not sufficiently explore related aspects of experimental and computational physics. The de-emphasis of experimental physics is partly due to the large costs both in money and time. The relative lack of computational physics is due to inertia, the amount of beautiful theory that we wish to show our students, and the time commitment involved in developing appropriate educational materials and in student time. Also, the time spent writing, modifying, and using computer programs can be excessive.
DETERMINATION OF THE STRUCTURE OF ALKALOIDS BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

The structure of alkaloids can be determined from their mass spectra even in rather complex cases, if a compound of related known structure is available. The method is thus particularly useful for the elucidation of the structure of minor alkaloids not available in the amounts required for successful chemical investigation, or of others which would necessitate elaborate degradation of the molecule. A number of examples are presented which support the assumption made at the outset of this work, that alkaloids of identical carbon skeleton but different substituents in the aromatic nucleus give very similar mass spectra, in which some peaks are at identical mass but others are shifted by the net difference in the mass of the additional substituents. The significance of these shifts is discussed and a detailed interpretation of the spectra is presented.
Fostering the Cultural Experiences and School Engagement of Samoan American Students in Urban Schools

We explored the associations of collective self-esteem and parent educational practices with school engagement in a sample of 128 Samoan middle and high school students in an urban school district....
Pregnancy causes a transient decrease in systemic ventricular function in women with pre-existing cardiac disease

Abstract Pregnancy is known to induce significant hemodynamic changes. The purpose of our study was to determine the effects of these hemodynamic changes during pregnancy on systemic ventricular function (SVF) in women with pre-existing cardiac disease. A retrospective review of women followed in the Wisconsin Adult Congenital Heart Disease program with a concurrent pregnancy from 2006 to 2015 was conducted. The SVF was measured in a baseline echocardiogram (obtained ≤ 12 months prior to the estimated dated of conception (EDC)), an echocardiogram during pregnancy, and a post-partum echocardiogram. To verify stability of the SVF in the years prior to pregnancy, SVF was also measured on a control echocardiograms (obtained > 12 months prior to EDC) and compared to the baseline echocardiogram. Systemic ventricular function was assessed in each echocardiogram by measuring global peak longitudinal strain (GPLS) and ejection fraction (EF). A total of 46 pregnancies were included. The average age at the EDC was 25.7 ± 5 years and the median gestational age at time of delivery was 38.0 weeks. The most common cardiac anomaly was coarctation of the aorta (26.1%) followed by tetralogy of Fallot (13%). The mean GPLS for the control echocardiograms, baseline echocardiograms, pregnancy echocardiograms and post-partum echocardiograms were as follows: − 18.9 ± 2.5, − 18.0 ± 3.4%, − 15.9 ± 2.9% and − 17.9 ± 3.6%. When measuring GPLS there was a significant drop in SVF during pregnancy (0 = 0.04) with a return to baseline in the post-partum period. When SVF was measured by EF there was a strong trend toward a significant drop in SVF during pregnancy (p = 0.08). Our results show there is a significant drop in systemic ventricular function during pregnancy in women with pre-existing cardiac disease when measured by GPLS, which returns to baseline in the post-partum period.
Corn Date of Planting and Maturity in Central Iowa

Inevitably, every year corn planting gets delayed or needs to be replanted because of weather somewhere in Iowa. Even if corn planting starts and progresses in a timely manner, there always is the question of what maturity should be planted. This trial was setup to determine what maturities are well suited for a given geographic location, but also how maturity selection should be adjusted as planting dates get pushed into late spring.
The Network Topology of Locally Interacting Agents and System-Level Distributions of Agent Actions

This work develops the mathematics that underlies many agent-based models and multi-agent systems, both of which could only previously be studied by computer simulation. It also introduces complexity into the study of economic systems while retaining closed-form analysis, and it establishes new results in the area of network-based learning. In essence, this work takes an economic system with N locally interacting agents and from it, constructs a system-level distribution of agent actions. The N agents possess a binary-valued attribute, and their decision-making depends on the local frequency of the attribute, as defined by an underlying network topology. There is an outside observer at the system level who knows both the global frequency of the attribute and agents' network topology, but not the configuration of the binary-valued attribute among agents. For every population size, global frequency of the attribute, and feasible network topology, this work constructs system-level distributions of agent actions. This work also solves the converse problem, that of inferring the network's topology from aggregate data. These theoretical findings offer new insights into the following set of applications: political election outcomes that depend on locally formed macroeconomic sentiments; the existence of a negative multiplier on a population's aggregate action following a strictly non-negative shock (stimulus) to the initial action of every agent; and dynamic deposit and withdrawal behavior for agents in a banking setting and how the underlying agent interaction network shapes risk management policies for the bank.