cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Modeling of Flow Over Rough Terrain

This paper presents a method for the propagation of uncertainty, modeled in a probabilistic framework, through a model-based simulation of rainflow on a rough terrain. The adopted model involves a system of conservation equations with associated nonlinear state equations. The topography, surface runoff coefficient, and precipitation data are all modeled as spatially varying random processes. The Karhunen-Loeve expansion is used to represent these processes in terms of a denumerable set of random variables. The predicted state variables in the model are identified with their coordinates with respect to the basis formed by the Polynomial Chaos random variables. A system of linear algebraic deterministic equations are derived for estimating these coordinates.
Subclinical Myocardial Disease in Heart Failure Detected by CMR

Noninvasive cardiac imaging plays a central role in the assessment of patients with heart failure at all stages of disease. Moreover, this role can be even more important for individuals with asymptomatic cardiac functional or structural abnormalities-subclinical myocardial disease - because they could have benefits from early interventions before the onset of clinical heart failure. In this sense, cardiac magnetic resonance offers not only precise global cardiac function and cardiac structure, but also more detailed regional function and tissue characterization by recent developing methods. In this section, some of the main methods available for subclinical myocardial disease detection are reviewed in terms of what they can provide and how they can improve heart failure assessment.
An evaluation of three paddlewheel aerators used for emergency aeration of channel catfish ponds

Abstract Oxygen transfer rate, power requirement and fuel consumption were determined for three paddlewheel aerators used for emergency aeration of channel catfish ponds. The power requirement of the tractor-powered units was directly related to the diameter of the paddlewheel drum and the paddle immersion depth. Oxygen transfer rates ranged from 6·9 to 41 kg h −1 and increased linearly with the power requirement. The largest paddlewheel aerator, operated at the maximum paddle depth, produced the highest oxygen transfer rate (41 kg h −1 ). Oxygen transfer efficiencies ranged from 1·29 to 1·97 kg kWh −1 .
Pathophysiologic Significance of S-T and T Wave Abnormalities in Patients With The Intermediate Coronary Syndrome

The frequent association of new ST-T wave changes without Q waves in the surface electrocardiogram of patients with the intermediate coronary syndrome necessitates a better understanding of the pathophysiologic significance of this finding. A previous study in patients with stable coronary artery disease indicated that the surface electrocardiogram is insensitive in detecting epicardial Q waves. This relation was evaluated in 21 patients with the intermediate syndrome, characterized by recurrent chest pain at rest associated with significant new S-T or T wave abnormalities, or both, and no new Q waves in the surface electrocardiogram at the time of open heart coronary bypass surgery. Unipolar electrograms were recorded from the epicardial surface of the left ventricle before the bypass procedure. In 19 patients, epicardial electrograms revealed initial R waves over areas of the left ventricle in which the acute S-T and T wave abnormalities were evident in the surface electrocardiogram. Two patients had epicardial Q waves (one laterally and one inferiorly). In seven patients, a transmural biopsy specimen was also obtained from the ische.nic area. All showed histologically normal myocardium without evidence of early inflammatory or necrotic tissue. Of the 19 patients discharged, only one demonstrated new postoperative Q waves that had been detected by epicardial recordings before bypass. In summary, patients with the intermediate syndrome exhibiting S-T or T wave abnormalities, or both, without new Q waves in the surface electrocardiogram generally do not have Q waves either in the intraoperative epicardial or postoperative surface electrocardiogram. In addition, no histopathologic abnormalities are apparent in biopsy specimens taken from the ischemic area.
Nest attentiveness in several Neotropical suboscine passerine birds with long incubation periods

Many species of tropical birds have prolonged incubation periods compared to other tropical species and to most species in temperate latitudes. One hypothesis for prolonged incubation is that these tropical species reduce nest attendance to minimize the risk of predation. The resulting decrease in average egg temperature would reduce embryo growth rate and lengthen the embryo development period. We sampled six species of Neotropical, lowland, inner forest antbirds (Thamnophilidae) and flycatchers (Tyrannidae) with average incubation periods between 17.9 and 23.3 days. Estimated total integrated 24-h nest attendance between clutch completion and hatching ranged between 14.2 and 19.5 days, representing 71–84 % of the incubation periods. Because total nest attendance in these species exceeded the incubation periods of most small passerine birds in temperate latitudes, and because average nest attendance per day did not differ substantially between these tropical species and temperate species, reduced nest attendance does not appear to cause their prolonged incubation periods. Instead, these extended egg periods likely reflect slower embryonic growth and development at a given egg temperature. Prolonged incubation can increase time-dependent mortality in the nest, which would require an increase in either post-fledging survival or adult reproductive success to favor a slow-growth evolutionary strategy. Mechanisms underlying the postulated trade-off between incubation period length and individual quality merit further investigation.
Synthesis and reactivity of some t-butyl-disilanes and -digermanes

Efficient methods of coupling R2EHCl (R = Me, t-Bu; E = Si, Ge) to give R2HEEHR2 have been developed. These dihydrides are readily halogenated with Br2 or I2 to give the corresponding 1,2-dihalo-disilane or -digermane. High yields of Me2ClGeGeClMe2 are obtained by treating hexamethyldigermane with conc. sulfuric acid and ammonium chloride. Conc. sulfuric acid exclusively cleaves methyl groups from [t-BuMe2Ge—]2 to give [t-BuMeClGe—]2 after treatment with ammonium chloride. The latter dichlorodigermane is formed as a mixture of d,l-enantiomers and the meso isomer as shown by NMR evidence. The bulky t-butyl groups render (t-Bu)4Si2Br2 inert to nucleophilic substitution or metal—halogen exchange with organolithium reagents.
Dopaminergic inhibition of striatal GABA release after 6-hydroxydopamine

Abstract We have examined the regulation of striatal GABA release by endogenous dopamine in rats with partial degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons. 6-Hydroxydopamine was administered into the lateral ventricles or medial forebrain bundle. Either 3 days or 3 weeks later, slices of neostriatum were prepared, preloaded with [ 3 H]GABA, and superfused in order to measure [ 3 H]GABA overflow in response to electrical stimulation (8 Hz). The loss of dopaminergic terminals was estimated by measuring tissue levels of dopamine. The impact of endogenous dopamine on [ 3 H]GABA was evaluated by measuring the ability of sulpiride, a D 2 dopamine receptor antagonist, to increase the depolarization-induced [ 3 H]GABA overflow. In non-treated or vehicle-pretreated rat neostriatum, sulpiride (10 μM) increased the depolarization-induced [ 3 H]GABA overflow to 193% of control. Three days after lesioning, the stimulatory effect of sulpiride on [ 3 H]GABA overflow was identical to that seen in control rats so long as the loss of tissue dopamine did not exceed 60%, although with larger lesions the sulpiride-induced response was reduced. Three weeks after lesioning, however, the stimulatory effect of sulpiride on electrically evoked [ 3 H]GABA overflow remained at the level seen in control tissue even in cases where tissue dopamine was reduced to 13% of normal. In contrast, no sulpiride-induced increase in [ 3 H]GABA overflow was detected 3 weeks after nearly complete lesions which reduced tissue dopamine to 2% of normal. These data suggest that short- and long-term compensatory changes maintain dopaminergic control over GABAergic projection neurons and interneurons until the loss of dopamine innervation is almost complete.
Surface condition effects on flame impingement heat transfer

Abstract Flame impingement heating is used in many industrial applications, including the heating and melting of both glass and metal. This heating process usually comprises multiple heat transfer mechanisms, such as forced convection, thermal radiation, and thermochemical heat release. However, little experimental data are available that can be used to determine the importance of each mechanism. This information would be useful for optimizing the heating process and for developing computer models. The objective of this study was to determine the relative importance of thermal radiation and to determine how the thermochemical heat release is affected by the surface properties of the target. This study investigated the heat transfer from oxygen-enhanced, natural gas flames (15 kW) impinging normal to a water-cooled metal disk ( d b = 135 mm) segmented into concentric calorimetric rings. Polished, untreated, and blackened surfaces were used to study emissivity effects. The heat flux to the blackened and polished surfaces was the highest and lowest, respectively. The flux to untreated surfaces was between the highest and lowest fluxes. The largest difference in the flux, between the polished and blackened surfaces, was only 9.8%. Catalyticity effects were investigated by using alumina-coated (nearly noncatalytic), untreated, and platinum-coated (highly catalytic) surfaces. The heat flux to platinum-coated surfaces was the highest. The fluxes to untreated surfaces were similar to those for alumina-coated surfaces. The largest difference in the flux, between the platinum-coated and the alumina-coated surfaces, was only 12%. Therefore, both nonluminous flame radiation and the thermochemical heat release from surface catalytic reactions were relatively small fractions of the total heat flux.
Children's Recollections of a Historic House Visit: Recall of Experiences and Use of Cognitive Tools

ABSTRACT This descriptive study explored the historic site visitor experience through children's recollections of their visits. Following a class field trip to a historic house, 22 third-grade students wrote reflective journal entries that detailed their experiences during the visit, a data collection method designed to focus on the authentic voices of children. After coding the journals using systematic content analysis, the data showed that participants recalled a variety of experiences, including narratives, objects and rooms/areas, on-site activities, affective responses, and physical sensory information. Participants used cognitive tools, such as description, analysis, and different types of responses to narratives, to create individual interpretations from their experiences. The consistency of the data suggests that educators and those conducting visitor studies take advantage of children's abilities to recall experiences and use cognitive tools to encourage further engagement with content and deepe...
Photochemical Functionalization of Hydrogen-Terminated Diamond Surfaces: A Structural and Mechanistic Study

Hydrogen-terminated diamond surfaces can be covalently modified with molecules bearing a terminal vinyl (CC) group via a photochemical process using sub-band-gap light at 254 nm. We have investigated the photochemical modification of hydrogen-terminated surfaces of nanocrystalline and single-crystal diamond (111) to help understand the structure of the films and the underlying mechanism of photochemical functionalization. A comparison of the rates of photochemical modification of single-crystal diamond and nanocrystalline diamond films shows no significant difference in reactivity, demonstrating that the modification process is not controlled by grain boundaries or other structures unique to polycrystalline films. We find that both single-crystal and polycrystalline hydrogen-terminated diamond samples exhibit negative electron affinity and are functionalized at comparable rates, while oxidized surfaces with positive electron affinity undergo no detectable reaction. Gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC...
Domestic Competition over Trade Barriers in the US International Trade Commission

As governments lower traditional tariffs, they may use non-tariff barriers, such as antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) laws, to protect domestic industries. Research on the US International Trade Commission (ITC), an independent agency responsible for adjudicating AD/CVD claims, finds mixed evidence of political influence in these cases. However, this research focuses predominately on the political influence of the petitioning industry. Applying theories of bureaucratic oversight, I posit that the ITC must be receptive both to petitioners and to firms that oppose trade barriers. Using an original data set compiled from ITC records of witness testimony in these cases, I demonstrate that domestic opposition to an AD/CVD petition has a significant effect on ITC decisions. Moreover, members of Congress actively intervene on both sides of AD/CVD petitions and have some influence on ITC decisions. These results suggest that AD/CVD politics in the United States is better understood as a contest between competing domestic interests than a captured bureaucracy providing rents to protectionist interests.
Evaluation of Green Tea Extract as a Glazing Material for Shrimp Frozen by Cryogenic Freezing

Solutions of green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract (GTE) in distilled water were evaluated as a glazing material for shrimp frozen by cryogenic freezing. Total of 2%, 3%, and/or 5% GTE solutions (2GTE, 3GTE, 5GTE) were used for glazing. Distilled water glazed (GDW) and nonglazed shrimp (NG) served as controls. The GTE was characterized by measuring color, pH, (o) Brix, total phenols, and % antiradical activity. Individual catechins were identified by HPLC. The freezing time, freezing rate, and energy removal rate for freezing shrimp by cryogenic freezing process were estimated. The frozen shrimp samples were stored in a freezer at -21 °C for 180 d. Samples were analyzed for pH, moisture content, glazing yield, thaw yield, color, cutting force, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) after 1, 30, 90, and 180 d. The HPLC analysis of GTE revealed the presence of catechins and their isomers and the total polyphenol content was 148.10 ± 2.49 g/L. The freezing time (min) and energy removal rate (J/s) were 48.67 ± 2.3 and 836.67 ± 78.95, respectively. Glazed samples had higher moisture content compared to NG shrimp after 180 d storage. GTE was effective in controlling the lipid oxidation in shrimp. Glazing with GTE affected a* and b* color values, but had no significant effect on the L* values of shrimp.
Movement patterns and space use of maternal grizzly bears influence cub survival in Interior Alaska

Abstract Foraging decisions and movement strategies by animals often involve a trade-off between meeting nutritional demands and minimizing risk of predation. We evaluated the influence of space use and movement patterns of maternal female grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) on cub (defined as first year of life) survival in eastern Interior Alaska, USA, during 2008–2012. We monitored 9 GPS radiocollared females that produced 28 cubs in 12 litters (x¯ litter size = 2.3, range = 2–3). The estimated annual cub survival rate was 0.39 (95% CI = 0.20–0.57). In all cases the entire litter survived or died prior to den entrance. All cubs in a litter died either concurrently or within 14 days in 5 of 7 litters lost. Sixty-nine percent of cub mortality occurred between 31 May and 16 June. We did not document cub mortality before 31 May. Females with surviving cubs remained within 1 km of the den for a longer period following emergence than those that lost cubs. Between den emergence and the onset of vegetation gree...
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF NUCLEOTIDE-FREE DIPHTHERIA TOXIN

The crystal structure of diphtheria toxin (DT) in the absence of nucleotide (nucleotide-free DT) has been determined at 2.3 A resolution to a crystallographicR factor and free R factor of 18.2 and 28.2%, respectively. A comparison of this structure to the previously determined structures of DT in complex with adenylyl(3'-5')uridine monophosphate (ApUp) and DT in complex with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) reveals that there are no significant movements of the two subdomains of the catalytic (C) domain associated with dinucleotide binding. The side chains of six residues within the active-site cleft, including Tyr65, Pro38, Tyr27, Thr23, Glu148, and Tyr54, show movements of up to 3 A upon dinucleotide binding. In the structure of nucleotide-free DT, the active-site loop residues 39 -47 of the C domain are well ordered and extend over the active-site cleft in approximately the same position as in the structure of DT in complex with ApUp. This is in contrast to the structure of the DT-NAD complex, in which the active-site loop is disordered. On the basis of a comparison of the nucleotide-free and NAD-bound DT structures, we suggest that the interaction of NAD with Pro38 and also possibly Tyr54 and Trp153 could disrupt the network of hydrogen bonds that stabilizes the position of the active-site loop over the active-site cleft, allowing this loop to become disordered. This may be an important step in binding of the C domain of DT to its substrate, elongation factor-2.
The finite element solution of elliptical systems on a data parallel computer

A study is conducted of the finite element solution of elliptic partial differential equations on a data parallel computer. A nodal assembly technique is introduced which maps a single node to a single processor. The system of equations is first assembled and then solved in parallel using a conjugate gradient algorithm for unsymmetric, non-positive definite systems. Using this technique and a massively parallel machine, problems in excess of 100k nodes are solved. Results of electromagnetic scattering, governed by the 2-d scalar Helmholtz equation, are presented for both an infinite cylinder and an airfoil cross-section. Solutions are demonstrated for a wide range of object sizes. A summary of performance data is given for a set of test problems.
Identification of cpsD, a gene essential for type III capsule expression in group B streptococci

Abstract We showed previously that a mutant strain of group B Streptococcus (GBS) defective in capsule production was avirulent. This study describes the derivation of an unencapsulated mutant from a highly encapsulated wild-type strain of type III GBS, COH1, by transposon mutagenesis with Tn916 delta E. The mutant, COH1-13, was sensitive to phagocytic killing by human leukocytes in vitro and was relatively avirulent in a neonatal rat sepsis model compared with the wild-type strain. No capsular polysaccharide was evident in the cytoplasm or on the cell surface of the mutant strain. The Tn916 delta E insertion site in COH1-13 was mapped to the same chromosomal location as the Tn916 insertion site in the unencapsulated type III mutant COH31-15 reported previously. Nucleotide sequencing of DNA flanking the insertion site in COH1-13 revealed an open reading frame, designated cpsD, with significant homology to the rfbP gene of Salmonella typhimurium. RfbP encodes a galactosyl transferase enzyme that catalyses the transfer of galactose to undecaprenol phosphate, the initial step in O-polysaccharide synthesis. A particulate fraction of a lysate of wild-type strain GBS COH1 mediated the transfer of galactose from UDP-galactose to an endogenous acceptor. The galactose-acceptor complex partitioned into organic solvents, suggesting it is lipid in nature or membrane-associated. Galactosyl transferase activity was significantly reduced in the unencapsulated mutant strain COH1-13. These results, together with the similarity in deduced amino acid sequence between cpsD and rfbP suggest that cpsD encodes a galactosyl transferase essential for assembly of the GBS type III capsular polysaccharide.
Studies of DNA dumbbells. V. A DNA triplex formed between a 28 base-pair DNA dumbbell substrate and a 16 base linear single strand.

CD spectra and melting curves were collected for a 28 base-pair DNA fragment in the form of a DNA dumbbell (linked on both ends by T4 single-strand loops) and the same DNA sequence in the linear form (without end loops). The central 16 base pairs (bp) of the 28-bp duplex region is the poly(pu) sequence: 5'-AGGAAGGAGGAAAGAG-3'. Mixtures of the dumbbell and linear DNAs with the 16-base single-strand sequence 5'-TCCTTCCTCCTTTCTC-3' were also prepared and studied. At 22 degrees C, CD measurements of the mixtures in 950 mM NaCl, 10 mM sodium acetate, 1 mM EDTA, pH 5.5, at a duplex concentration of 1.8 microM, provided evidence for triplex formation. Spectroscopic features of the triplexes formed with either a dumbbell or linear substrate were quite similar. Melting curves of the duplex molecules alone and in mixtures with the third strand were collected as a function of duplex concentration from 0.16 to 2.15 microM. Melting curves of the dumbbell alone and mixtures with the third strand were entirely independent of DNA concentration. In contrast, melting curves of the linear duplex alone or mixed with the third strand were concentration dependent. At identical duplex concentrations, the dumbbell alone melts approximately 20 degrees C higher than the linear duplex. The curve of the linear duplex displayed a significant pretransition probably due to end fraying. On melting curves of mixtures of the dumbbell or linear duplex with the third strand, a low temperature transition with much lower relative hyperchromicity change (approximately 5%) was observed. This transition was attributed to the melting of a new molecular species, e.g., the triplex formed between the duplex and single-strand DNA molecules. In the case of the dumbbell/single-strand mixture, these melting transitions of the triplex and the dumbbell were entirely resolvable. In contrast, the melting transitions of the linear duplex and the triplex overlapped, thereby preventing their clear distinction. To analyze the data, a three-state equilibrium model is presented. The analysis utilizes differences in relative absorbance vs temperature curves of dumbbells (or linear molecules) alone and in mixtures with the third strand.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Control of a dual stator winding induction machine as a source of dc power

This paper investigates the use of a dual stator winding squirrel-cage induction machine for generating dc power using series or parallel connected ac-dc PWM rectifiers. The operating principles and constraints when generating under minimum total copper loss condition are explored using the machine steady-state model considering magnetizing flux saturation effects. Regulation of the dc voltage using concepts of the nonlinear input-output linearization method including the design of the controllers are set forth and confirmed to be effective by computer simulation results. Some experimental waveforms of the generator under load are also included in the paper.
Accuracy of Sonography to Predict Estimated Weight in Fetuses With Gastroschisis

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine whether sonographic formulas for estimating fetal weight are as accurate for fetuses affected with gastroschisis as they are for healthy fetuses. We hypothesized that because the most commonly used Hadlock formulas rely on the abdominal circumference as a biometric variable, estimates of birth weight are less reliable in fetuses with gastroschisis than in healthy fetuses. Methods We performed a chart review of all fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis at 3 tertiary care institutions from 1990 to 2008. Charts were reviewed for clinical and sonographic data. The estimated fetal weight at the prenatal sonogram closest to delivery was compared to the birth weight. Published Hadlock formulas using 4 biometric parameters were used to calculate the estimated fetal weight. Data analysis was performed using the Student t test and χ(2) test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results One hundred eleven patients with gastroschisis were identified. Sixty-six patients had a prenatal sonogram with a calculated estimated fetal weight within 7 days of delivery; 88 patients had a sonogram within 14 days. The mean birth weights ± SD were 2292 ± 559 and 2477 ± 531 g in the 0- to 7- and 8- to 14-day groups, respectively. Sonographic biometric measurements underestimated the birth weight by an average of 5.6%. Intrauterine growth restriction was predicted in 72% of all pregnancies but was only present in 52%. Conclusions Our study shows a systematic error of birth weight underestimation when using the Hadlock formulas in fetuses affected with gastroschisis.
Divisible motives and Tate's conjecture

This article gives an analogue of Taylor’s trick in the context of motives for absolute Hodge cycles. The aforementioned trick, rst sketched by Taylor in a letter to Clozel, gives two conditions ensuring that an mn-dimensional ‘-adic Galois representation is divisible by m. We give a detailed proof of this result, and extend it to motives by using Tannakian duality. 1 2
Measurement of morphologic changes induced by trauma with the use of coherence tomography in porcine vocal cords.

Background and objective To evaluate the ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) (a noncontact, high-resolution imaging technique that generates detailed cross-sectional images of tissue structure) to image and document acute response to trauma in the larynx. Materials and methods Porcine larynges were dissected to expose the vocal cords. Vocal cords were imaged with 1310 nanometer (nm) light source with a bandwidth of 75 nm at 1 frame/second (s). Vocal cord injuries were simulated by applying topical phenolic acid, injecting titanium dioxide into the submucosa, and carbon dioxide laser irradiation. Results The epithelium, basement membrane, and lamina propria were clearly delineated, and the effect of each intervention could be monitored as lesions progressed. The OCT image corresponded closely with histology. Conclusion OCT is a powerful imaging tool with the potential for use in real time and has potential for multiple clinical applications in the larynx.
Aromatase Inhibitors in Human Lung Cancer Therapy

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world. It is a highly lethal disease in women and men, and new treatments are urgently needed. Previous studies implicated a role of estrogens and estrogen receptors in lung cancer progression, and this steroidal growth-stimulatory pathway may be promoted by tumor expression and activity of aromatase, an estrogen synthase. We found expression of aromatase transcripts and protein in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells using reverse transcription-PCR and Western immunoblots, respectively. Aromatase staining by immunohistochemistry was detected in 86% of archival NSCLC tumor specimens from the clinic. Further, biological activity of aromatase was determined in NSCLC tumors using radiolabeled substrate assays as well as measure of estradiol product using ELISA. Significant activity of aromatase occurred in human NSCLC tumors, with enhanced levels in tumor cells compared with that in nearby normal cells. Lung tumor aromatase activity was inhibited by anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, and treatment of tumor cells in vitro with anastrozole led to significant suppression of tumor cell growth. Similarly, among ovariectomized nude mice with A549 lung tumor xenografts, administration of anastrozole by p.o. gavage for 21 days elicited pronounced inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. These findings show that aromatase is present and biologically active in human NSCLCs and that tumor growth can be down-regulated by specific inhibition of aromatase. This work may lead to development of new treatment options for patients afflicted with NSCLC.
Spatial and Temporal Regulation of Condensins I and II in Mitotic Chromosome Assembly in Human Cells

Two different condensin complexes make distinct contributions to metaphase chromosome architecture in vertebrate cells. We show here that the spatial and temporal distributions of condensins I and II are differentially regulated during the cell cycle in HeLa cells. Condensin II is predominantly nuclear during interphase and contributes to early stages of chromosome assembly in prophase. In contrast, condensin I is sequestered in the cytoplasm from interphase through prophase and gains access to chromosomes only after the nuclear envelope breaks down in prometaphase. The two complexes alternate along the axis of metaphase chromatids, but they are arranged into a unique geometry at the centromere/kinetochore region, with condensin II enriched near the inner kinetochore plate. This region-specific distribution of condensins I and II is severely disrupted upon depletion of Aurora B, although their association with the chromosome arm is not. Depletion of condensin subunits causes defects in kinetochore structure and function, leading to aberrant chromosome alignment and segregation. Our results suggest that the two condensin complexes act sequentially to initiate the assembly of mitotic chromosomes and that their specialized distribution at the centromere/kinetochore region may play a crucial role in placing sister kinetochores into the back-to-back orientation.
Health literacy and heart failure management in patient-caregiver dyads.

Abstract Background Older adults with heart failure (HF) often need caregivers to assist with care, yet little is known about the health literacy of both patients and their caregivers. The objective of this study was to assess health literacy and the relationship between health literacy and HF self-care in HF patient-caregiver dyads. Methods and Results Seventeen patient-caregiver dyads were recruited. Dyads completed a measure of HF self-care and 2 measures of health literacy: 3 validated questions and a nutrition label reading task. Patients were older than caregivers and the majority of both patients and caregivers were female. Caregivers had higher health literacy by both the health literacy questions (P = .001) and label-reading measure (P = .001). All caregivers had adequate health literacy as assessed by the 3 questions, but 29% had inadequate health literacy according to the label-reading task. Caregivers and patients scored adequately in HF maintenance but inadequately in management and confidence domains. Conclusions Caregivers had better health literacy than patients; however, the task-oriented label-reading measure revealed poorer health literacy than the self-report measure. Measures of health literacy that reflect day to day tasks may be more illuminating than the 3 questions.
Ultrasound molecular imaging with modulated Acoustic Radiation Force-based beam sequence in mouse abdominal aorta: A feasibility study

Ultrasound-based molecular imaging has been implemented in pre-clinical studies of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, existing methods face substantial challenges in large blood vessel environments. We hypothesized that a clinically translatable method, the modulated Acoustic Radiation Force (ARF)-based imaging, is capable of rapid detection of inflammation in the abdominal aorta of a murine model. Mice stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were used as an inflammation model (M Inflammation ). Age-matched normal mice were used as controls (M Normal ). P-selectin-targeted (MB P-selectin ), and isotype control (MB Control ) microbubbles were synthesized by conjugating anti-P-selectin, and isotype control antibodies to the shell of microbubbles, respectively. The abdominal aorta of mice were imaged for 180 s during a constant infusion of microbubbles. The parameter produced from the new imaging sequence, residual-to-saturation ratio (RSR), was used to assess P-selectin expression. For the inflammation model, RSR of the M Inflammation + MB P-selectin group was 40.9%, significantly higher (p < 0.0005) than other groups. Feasibility was demonstrated to achieve rapid and statistically significant assessment of P-selectin in a mouse abdominal aorta for the first time. The proposed technique closes the gap toward rapid targeted molecular imaging in large blood vessels, and thus has the potential for early diagnosis and treatment selection of atherosclerosis via ultrasound molecular imaging.
Should We Be Impressed with High Performance

Popular discourse as well as several recent academic theories view high performance as a signal of capability. Although it is reasonable to believe that more capable firms will achieve higher performance, several other factors influence firm performance, including luck. As a result, high performance is, at best, a very noisy signal of capabilities. Moreover, because it is a rare event, high performance is more likely for firms that engage in practices that produce high variability in outcomes. If such practices lead to lower average performance, exceptionally high performance will in fact be a signal of incompetence rather than competence.
Reinforcement learning with adaptive Kanerva coding for Xpilot game AI

The Xpilot-AI video game platform allows the creation of artificially intelligent and autonomous control agents. At the same time, the Xpilot environment is highly complex, with very many state variables and action choices. Basic reinforcement learning (RL) techniques are somewhat limited in their application when dealing with such large state- and action-spaces, since the repetition of exposure that is key to their value updates can proceed very slowly. To solve this problem, state-abstractions are often generated, allowing learning to move more quickly, but often requiring the programmer to hand-craft state representations, reward functions, and action choices in an ad hoc manner. We apply an automated technique for generating useful abstractions for learning, adaptive Kanerva coding. This method employs a small sub-set of the original states as a proxy for the full environment, updating values over the abstract representative prototype states in a manner analogous to Q-learning. Over time, the set of prototypes is adjusted to provide more effective coverage and abstraction, again automatically. Our results show that this technique allows a simple learning agent to double its survival time when navigating the Xpilot environment, using only a small fraction of the full state-space as a stand-in and greatly increasing the potential for more rapid learning.
Alternative equations for whole-body protein synthesis and for fractional synthetic rates of proteins

Abstract In a constant infusion study of a mass isotope of leucine, two alternative equations are commonly available to calculate amino acid oxidation rate and, thence, whole-body protein synthesis. One, developed by Matthews et al (Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 1980;238:E473-E479), is shown here to require assuming a tracee steady state (TSS), namely, that tracee (unlabeled) amino acid concentrations and fluxes (rates of oxidation and incorporation into protein) are unaltered compared with the preinfusion state. The other, developed by Garlick and coworkers (Melville et al, Metabolism 1989;38:248-255), stems from a protein steady state (PSS) assumption, namely, that protein synthesis is unaffected by the tracer infusion. We derive here a simple expression for the relative difference in whole-body protein synthesis computed from the two assumptions, and a simple test of the validity of TSS in the form of an equality that must be satisfied by plasma measurements at all times. We also propose two experiments to discriminate between the two assumptions. Theoretical reasons and experimental evidence from the literature are offered to support PSS. The two assumptions result in different expressions for fractional synthetic rates (FSRs) of individual or organ proteins—TSS requires the use of tracer-to-tracee ratios and PSS the use of enrichments. An expression is derived here for the relative difference in FSR with TSS vs PSS. For both whole-body synthesis and for FSR, the TSS assumption consistently results in an underestimate, the relative bias roughly equal to the precursor amino acid enrichment.
Evaluation of the circumplex structure of the Activation Deactivation Adjective Check List before and after a short walk

Background and purpose: The Activation Deactivation Adjective Check List (AD ACL; Thayer, 1989, The biopsychology of mood and arousal. New York: Oxford University Press) has been used in several studies to assess affective responses to bouts of physical activity. In recent years, researchers have suggested that the structure of this multidimensional measure should approximate a circumplex. This hypothesis was examined using a circumplex-specific confirmatory method. Methods: Volunteers ðn ¼ 165Þ completed the AD ACL before and after a short walk. The data were analyzed using Browne’s Circumplex models for correlation matrices. (Psychometrika, 57, 469–497) circular stochastic process model and CIRCUM software and the analyses were performed at the item level. Results and conclusions: Before the walk, the circumplex provided a close fit to the data, whereas, after the walk, the fit was lower, but still reasonable. At neither time did items theorized to belong to one subscale become interspersed with items theorized to belong to an adjacent subscale. The AD ACL represents a satisfactory, albeit imperfect, option for the assessment of affective responses to physical activity from a circumplex perspective. In the future, closer fit to circumplex structure should be achieved by taking the specific structural postulates of the circumplex model into account from the beginning of the scale development process. # 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Unsteady heat conduction in the soil layers above underground repository for spent nuclear fuel

Due to radioactivity of spent nuclear fuel, a repository is expected to act as a heat source of exponentially decreasing intensity over hundreds of years. In case of underground emplacement of such a heat source, the temperature changes in the soil layers surrounding the heat source may have important implications such as evaporation of the water contained in the soil and its subsequent condensation. Assuming a uniformly distributed power generation over a horizontal, relatively thin, circular zone of several thousand meters diameter located several hundred meters below the ground surface, the temperature variations along the vertical centerline of the heating zone was estimated analytically under simplifying assumptions. Unsteady one-dimensional heat conduction in a semi-infinite solid with an exponentially decreasing heat flux at the proximal end was considered. The corresponding solution of the Fourier equation for heat conduction contains Error Functions of complex arguments. The evaluation of the Error Functions for discrete space and time parameters was performed applying analytical procedures and using standard tables. The results show temperature distributions in the soil at various time points over thousands of years after underground emplacement of spent nuclear fuel.
Growth Factors Enhance Interleukin-1β-Induced Persistent Activation of Nuclear Factor-κB in Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Objective— Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) is required for interleukin-1β to persistently activate nuclear factor (NF)-κB and concomitantly express inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The present study examined whether platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or epidermal growth factor (EGF) could influence the VSMC response to interleukin-1β via an ERK-related signaling pathway. Methods and Results— Treatment of VSMCs with PDGF or EGF alone potently induced ERK phosphorylation and DNA synthesis but did not induce NF-κB activation or iNOS expression. However, either PDGF or EGF markedly enhanced interleukin-1β-induced persistent NF-κB activation and iNOS expression but did not affect the early and transient NF-κB activation. Growth factor-induced DNA synthesis was attenuated in the presence of interleukin-1β. Inhibition of ERK phosphorylation with selective inhibitors (PD98059 or U0126) attenuated interleukin-1β-induced persistent NF-κB activation and iNOS expression in either the absence or presence of the growth factors. Conclusions— These results indicate that interleukin-1β-induced expression of NF-κB-dependent genes, such as iNOS, is potentiated in the presence of growth factors through a mechanism requiring ERK-dependent enhanced NF-κB activation, and the results also suggest that NF-κB activation is not required for PDGF or EGF to trigger DNA synthesis in VSMCs.
Functional Neuroanatomy of Spatial Orientation Processing in Turner Syndrome

Turner syndrome (TS), a neurogenetic disorder characterized by the absence of one X chromosome in a phenotypic female, is frequently associated with visuospatial impairments. We investigated the neural mechanisms underlying deficits in spatial orientation processing in TS. Thirteen subjects with TS and 13 age-matched typically developing controls underwent neuropsychological assessments and were scanned using functional MRI while they performed easy and difficult versions of a judgment of line orientation (JLO) task. Controls and subjects with TS activated parietal-occipital regions involved in spatial orientation during the JLO task. However, activation was significantly less in the TS group. Control subjects responded to increased task difficulty by recruiting executive frontal areas whereas subjects with TS did not activate alternate brain regions to meet increased task demands. Subjects with TS demonstrate activation deficits in parietal-occipital and frontal areas during the JLO task. Activation, and possibly deactivation, deficits in these areas may be responsible for the visuospatial deficits observed in females with TS.
Atomistic based continuum investigation of plastic deformation in nanocrystalline copper

A continuum model of nanocrystalline copper was developed based on results from independent atomistic calculations on 11 bicrystals containing high angle grain boundaries. The relationship between grain boundary structure and its mechanical response was investigated. Based on the atomistic calculations; a constitutive law for grain boundary interfaces was implemented within a finite element calculation that consisted of a microstructure loaded in compression. The yield strength as a function of grain size was compared to experimental data and molecular dynamics results. Calculations were performed to demonstrate the relationship between intragranular plasticity and grain boundary sliding.
Variables Associated with Anxiety and Depression in Children with Autism

Mothers of 627 children with autism (ages 1–17, IQs 16–146) completed the Pediatric Behavior Scale. Maternal ratings of anxiety and depression increased with age and IQ, but were unrelated to gender, parent occupation, and race. Anxiety and depression were highly correlated with each other and with autism severity, somatic complaints, mood disturbance, and social problems. Remaining correlations with behavior problems, attention deficit, hyperactivity, and sleep problems were small. The strongest combined predictors of anxiety and depression were autism severity, verbal IQ, and age, explaining 25% and 23% of the variance. Findings suggest that anxiety and depression have a direct link with autism (increasing with autism severity) and a developmental component (increasing with age and IQ). Anxiety is present in most children with autism and depression is present in about half. Therefore, all children with autism should be screened for anxiety and depression and treated if indicated. Controlled studies are needed to determine what interventions are effective in reducing anxiety and depression in autism.
MICHAEL ADDITIONS AS AN EFFICIENT MEANS FOR BRANCHING AND CROSSLINKING

3Polyesters such as poly(hydroxybutyrate)s, poly(caprolactone), poly(lactide), poly(glycolide), have been extensively investigated for applications including food packaging, surgical fixation devices, and medical supplies. These aliphatic polyesters degrade in the body and in the environment producing non-toxic byproducts. 4 Polycaprolactone is a semicrystalline polymer which degrades enzymatically and hydrolytically. Synthesis and characterization of a diverse group of linear and branched biodegradable and biocompatible polymers have been studied in the literature. The effect of topology on biodegradation rates and biocompatibility was investigated. Incorporation of biodegradable polymers into a crosslinked structure is important in terms of improving the mechanical properties and controlling the biodegradation rate. Crosslinked materials are more stable compared to linear or branched analogs. Moreover the release from the networks can be controlled via controlling the crosslink density. Therefore, biocompatible and biodegradable networks have received significant interest in the literature. 5 In literature, several biodegradable polymers such as poly(butylene succinate)s, poly(caprolactone), and poly(lactide)s are crosslinked via several methods including UV-radiation, reaction with peroxides, reaction of triethoxysilane end groups, and post-polymerization. 6
Bibliography of 2015 Scientific Publications on the Ramsar Convention or Ramsar Sites

This paper provides a consolidated and categorized bibliography of scientific articles published in 2015 that discuss the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands or individual Ramsar Sites. The articles are separated into two main categories: (a) articles that discuss the Ramsar Convention or its implementation generally, and (b) articles about wetland sites that are on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Articles in the latter category are further separated into subcategories by region (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania). Each entry summarizes the article’s Ramsar connection. This bibliography is intended to facilitate research and provide timely, relevant article updates to the members of the Ramsar community.
Disease-Specific Oncology – Disease-Specific Palliative Care

Cancer is a unique disease which requires special attention to the affected patients and families right from the time of diagnosis. These patients develop peculiar physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs that require a multidimensional approach to address them. It is therefore important for clinicians to have background knowledge of such special needs when caring for these patients. The presentation of palliative care cases can be disease specific, just like in many other medical cases. The disease trajectory, symptom profile, and the needs of cancer patients may be different from those of non-cancer cases. Even among cancer cases, there may be differences based on specific disease types and patient demographics such as age, gender, and ethnicity. It is also known that although there may be some differences in the physical symptoms, the psychological, social, and spiritual needs of these patients are invariably similar. The ultimate goal of palliative care is to deliver care that is patient specific rather than disease specific, and therefore personalized care is key to the delivery of a successful palliative intervention. The concept of prognostication is very important to both clinicians and patients and family members, but, regrettably, it is not well understood even among clinicians.