cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Staffing of an Interlibrary Loan Unit: An Exercise in Data-Driven Decision Making and Debunking “Anecdata”

The former Head of Access Services of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Library reports on the recent attempt to restructure the interlibrary loan unit of the department. Reviewing workflows, data reports, technology use, and staff assignments precipitated staffing changes that allowed the Library to become more efficient and to reallocate librarian time to library areas in need of greater support due to changing workflows across the organization. The greatest challenges proved to be moving beyond unfounded perception (or “anecdata”) when making decisions, determining staff members’ skill strengths and weaknesses, and changing established work habits. Short-term benefits included improved workflows, improved ability to handle absences and student worker scheduling, and reduced staff stress.
Pheromone Inactivation by the Gut of Periplaneta americana

RECENT interest in insect pheromones has been stimulated by the notion that the use of pheromones in traps would have the merit of specificity and would reduce the need for broadcasting insecticides1.
Electrostatically enhanced cyclone separators

Abstract The separative performance of a cyclone can be enhanced if electrical forces are employed to supplement the inertial forces. By precharging the particles and applying a radial electric field within the cyclone, collection efficiency is improved. In the present paper, a model is developed for such an electrostatically augmented cyclone. The model assumes that turbulence promotes complete radial mixing within each of three regions: the entrance region, the downflow region and the core (or upflow) region. Based on this model, an analytic expression for the collection efficiency of cyclone separators is developed.
Transcriptional Networking Cap-tures the 7SK RNA 5′-γ-Methyltransferase

In a recent issue of Molecular Cell, Jeronimo et al. (2007) identify BCDIN3, a Cdk9-associated protein, as the enzyme that forms the distinctive γ-methylphosphate cap structure of 7SK, a noncoding RNA that regulates Cdk9 activity.
A Study of Flame Observables in Premixed Methane - Air Flames

The use of particular experimental flame observables as flame markers, and as measures of flame burning and heal release rates requires the establishment of robust correlations between the particular observable and the rate in question. In this work, we use a compilation of results from numerical computations of the interaction of a premixed methane flame with a two-dimensional counter-rotating vortex pair using detailed kinetics. The data set involves the use of two different chemical mechanisms, a two-fold variation in flow time scales, and the examination of both stoichiometric and rich methane flames. Correlations between a number of flame observables and heat release and burning rates are examined. We study HCO, ▽·v, OH, CH, CO, CH3, CH2O, CH2*, and C2H2, as well as various concentration products (surrogates for production rates) including [OH][CH2O], [OH][CH4], and [OH][CO]. Other concentration products expected to relate to chemiluminescent observables such as CH*, OH* and CO2*, are also studied. H...
A CAD-Based Blade Geometry Model for Turbomachinery Aero Design Systems

A CAD-centric approach for constructing and managing the blade geometry in turbomachinery aero design systems is presented in this paper. Central to the approach are a flexible CAD-based parametric blade model definition and a set of CAD-neutral interfaces which enable construction and manipulation of the blade solid model directly inside the CAD system’s geometry kernel. A bottleneck of transferring geometry data passively via a file-based method is thus eliminated, and a seamless integration between the CAD system, aero design system, and the larger design environment can be achieved. A single consistent CAD-based blade model is available at all stages of the aero design process, forming the basis for coupling the aero design system to the larger multi-disciplinary design environment. The blade model construction is fully parameterized so that geometry updates can be accurately controlled via parameter changes, and geometric sensitivities of the model can be easily calculated for multidisciplinary interaction and design optimization. A clear separation of the parameters that control the three-dimensional shape of the blade (such as lean and sweep) from the parameters that control the elemental profile shape allows any blade profile family or shape definition to be utilized. The blade model definition, construction interface, and implementation approach are described. Applications illustrating solid model construction, parametric modification and sensitivity calculation, which are key requirements for automated aerodynamic shape design, are presented.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The problem of highly constrained tasks in group decision support systems

Abstract Most experimental uses of group decision support systems (GDSS) are associated with relatively unrestricted domains, for example, idea generation and preference specification, where few restrictions on potential solutions exist. However, an important GDSS task is that of resource allocation across functional areas of the organization, including supply chain applications. These types of tasks, such as budget planning and production planning, are typically highly constrained and difficult to solve optimally, necessitating the use of decision aids, such as those found in GDSS. We use a model based on adaptive search of a genetic algorithm as the analogy for the group decision making process. We apply this model to experimental data gathered from GDSS groups solving a production planning task. The results indicate very low estimated crossover rates in the experimental data. We also run computational experiments based on adaptive search to mimic the GDSS data and find that the low estimated crossover rate might be due to the highly constrained search space explored by the decision making groups. The results suggest further investigation into the presumed beneficial effects of group interaction in such highly constrained task domains, as it appears very little true information exchange occurs between group members in such an environment. Furthermore, the simulation technique can be used to help predict certain GDSS behaviors, thus improving the entire GDSS process.
Impact of heterogeneity-based dose calculation using a deterministic grid-based Boltzmann equation solver for intracavitary brachytherapy.

Purpose To investigate the dosimetric impact of the heterogeneity dose calculation Acuros (Transpire Inc., Gig Harbor, WA), a grid-based Boltzmann equation solver (GBBS), for brachytherapy in a cohort of cervical cancer patients. Methods and Materials The impact of heterogeneities was retrospectively assessed in treatment plans for 26 patients who had previously received 192 Ir intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer with computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance-compatible tandems and unshielded colpostats. The GBBS models sources, patient boundaries, applicators, and tissue heterogeneities. Multiple GBBS calculations were performed with and without solid model applicator, with and without overriding the patient contour to 1 g/cm 3 muscle, and with and without overriding contrast materials to muscle or 2.25 g/cm 3 bone. Impact of source and boundary modeling, applicator, tissue heterogeneities, and sensitivity of CT-to-material mapping of contrast were derived from the multiple calculations. American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 43 (TG-43) guidelines and the GBBS were compared for the following clinical dosimetric parameters: Manchester points A and B, International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) report 38 rectal and bladder points, three and nine o'clock, and D2cm3 to the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid. Results Points A and B, D 2 cm 3 bladder, ICRU bladder, and three and nine o'clock were within 5% of TG-43 for all GBBS calculations. The source and boundary and applicator account for most of the differences between the GBBS and TG-43 guidelines. The D 2cm3 rectum ( n = 3), D 2cm3 sigmoid ( n = 1), and ICRU rectum ( n = 6) had differences of >5% from TG-43 for the worst case incorrect mapping of contrast to bone. Clinical dosimetric parameters were within 5% of TG-43 when rectal and balloon contrast were mapped to bone and radiopaque packing was not overridden. Conclusions The GBBS has minimal impact on clinical parameters for this cohort of patients with unshielded applicators. The incorrect mapping of rectal and balloon contrast does not have a significant impact on clinical parameters. Rectal parameters may be sensitive to the mapping of radiopaque packing.
Relative Susceptibility of Two Sweetpotato Varieties to Storage Root Damage by Sweetpotato Flea Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

The feeding of soil dwelling insects on storage roots is one of the most serious management issues faced by sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (Convolvulaceae), growers in the southern United States. Field studies were conducted to evaluate the relative susceptibility of two commonly grown sweetpotato varieties to sweetpotato flea beetle, Chaetocnema confinis Crotch (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae, various species). The incidence and severity of sweetpotato flea beetle damage was significantly lower in the variety Covington than Beauregard in two small plot replicated studies. Surveys conducted in commercial sweetpotato fields also showed significantly less sweetpotato flea beetle damage in fields planted to Covington compared with those planted to Beauregard. There was no clear evidence of varietal effect on the incidence of wireworm damage in the study. Results indicate that the severity of wireworm damage as measured by the size of feeding scars may be less in Covington than Beauregard.
On establishing constitutive equations for use in design of high-temperature fast-reactor structures

Abstract The presentation describes the approach being used to establish constitutive equations for wide use in the design of fast breeder reactor (FBR) components in the US. The approach combines exploratory experiments, constitutive model studies, studies of computational techniques, and tests of simple structural configurations. Short-time (elastic-plastic) behavior, long-time (creep) behavior, and their interactions are considered, and some of the background to equations now identified for use in current FBR design applications involving three structural alloys is discussed. Comments are also given on current efforts aimed at identifying improved constitutive equations for these alloys and on properties data required for design applications. References are cited which have addressed the status of the process at various times.
Comparison of Hybrid RANS/LES Turbulence Models on a Circular Cylinder at High Reynolds Number

Three hybrid RANS/LES turbulence models are applied to the flow over a three dimensional circular cylinder at high Reynolds number. Time-step and grid sensitivity studies are performed. The time-step study indicates that 200 steps per primary shedding cycle are required for temporal accuracy using a second order time implicit algorithm. The grid study indicates that some degree of grid independence can be achieved for the simulation of unsteady turbulent flows using these new turbulence models. As the mesh resolution is increased smaller scale turbulent structures become visible. A computational mesh with a grid resolution resulting in a ratio of the turbulent length scale to grid length scale greater than two produced a reasonable simulation with all three hybrid models.
A novel viral mechanism for dysregulation of β-catenin in Kaposi's sarcoma–associated herpesvirus latency

The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) is expressed in all KSHV-associated tumors, including Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). We found that beta-catenin is overexpressed in both PEL cells and KS tissue. Introduction of anti-LANA small interfering RNA (siRNA) into PEL cells eliminated beta-catenin accumulation; LANA itself upregulated expression of beta-catenin in transfected cells. LANA stabilizes beta-catenin by binding to the negative regulator GSK-3beta, causing a cell cycle-dependent nuclear accumulation of GSK-3beta. The LANA C terminus contains sequences similar to the GSK-3beta-binding domain of Axin. Disruption of this region resulted in a mutant LANA that failed to re-localize GSK-3beta or stabilize beta-catenin. The importance of this pathway to KSHV-driven cell proliferation was highlighted by the observation that LANA, but not mutant LANA, stimulates entry into S phase. Redistribution of GSK-3beta can therefore be a source of beta-catenin dysregulation in human cancers.
Quaternary history of the Thatcher Basin, Idaho, reconstructed from the 87Sr/86Sr and amino acid composition of lacustrine fossils: implications for the diversion of the Bear River into the Bonneville Basin

Abstract The Bear River, the largest river in the Great Basin, was diverted from its former course to the Pacific Ocean into the Bonneville Basin by Quaternary basalt flows that form the northern rim of Thatcher Basin, Idaho. Reconstructing the history of the river's diversion is important to understanding the aquatic biogeography of the Bonneville Basin and the climatological implications of its lake-level fluctuations. This study employs strontium (Sr) isotopes in lacustrine mollusc fossils as a tracer of Bear River water that entered Lake Thatcher, a small lake into which the redirected river flowed en route to the Bonneville Basin. The 87Sr/86Sr composition and Sr concentration of modern rivers were measured to construct a mixing model for Lake Thatcher water. The low 87Sr/86Sr ratio of the Bear River and its large discharge assures that the presence or absence of its flow into Lake Thatcher is readily detectable. Temporal control is provided by amino acid geochronology on lacustrine molluscs and calibrated using tephrochronology and 14C dating. 87Sr/86Sr ratios of six fossil molluscs from the oldest exposed Quaternary deposits in Thatcher Basin (lower Main Canyon Formation, MCF) indicate that, during the early Quaternary (>620 ka), the basin was occupied by shallow, locally fed lakes. A single shell from the base of the upper MCF, together with sedimentological evidence, suggests that the Bear River may have been diverted into Thatcher Basin by ∼140 ka. 87Sr/86Sr ratios in eight younger shells from the upper MCF indicate that the Bear River was not present in the basin between ∼140 and ∼80 ka. By 50±10 ka, however, it was tributary to Lake Thatcher. A simple hydrologic model shows that, if not for drainage through Oneida Narrows, Thatcher Basin would fill to its highest shoreline under present climate, even without the input of the Bear River. It is not clear when the lava flows that form the northern divide had been built high enough to allow Lake Thatcher to spill over its former southern divide into the Bonneville Basin, but it was probably by ∼100 ka. At that time, headward incision of Oneida Narrows was underway. By ∼20 ka, the incision of the narrows was complete and Lake Bonneville had backed up into Thatcher Basin.
Understanding how social networking influences perceived satisfaction with conference experiences

Abstract Social networking is a key benefit derived from participation in conferences that bind the ties of a professional community. Building social networks can lead to satisfactory experiences while furthering participants' long- and short-term career goals. Although investigations of social networking can lend insight into how to effectively engage individuals and groups within a professional cohort, this area has been largely overlooked in past research. The present study investigates the relationship between social networking and satisfaction with the 10th Biennial Conference of Research on the Colorado Plateau using structural equation modelling. Results partially support the hypothesis that three dimensions of social networking – interpersonal connections, social cohesion, and secondary associations – positively contribute to the performance of various conference attributes identified in two focus group sessions. The theoretical and applied contributions of this paper shed light on the social syst...
FACTORS AFFECTING COLOR PROPERTIES OF BEEF PATTIES COOKED ON AN OUTDOOR GAS GRILL

Visual and instrumental color properties were obtained on beef patties cooked on an outdoor gas grill. Factors evaluated as to their influence on color were fat content, (20–28% vs 6–10%) patty handling prior to cooking (fresh, thawed either as patties or bulk ground beef), endpoint in cooking (57, 66, 71C, slit in outer edge of patty during cooking showing brown color), lighting conditions and evaluation time post-cooking. Factors resulting in less pink/red color and more brown color in cooked patties were (1) higher fat content, (2) cooking bulk frozen, thawed, then pattied product, (3) higher endpoint temperature and longer time postcooking before evaluation. Termination of cooking by observing brown color in slits in patties cooked on a gas grill was not synonymous with a safe internal temperature.
Relative effects of cigarette smoke and ethanol on acute platelet thrombus formation in stenosed canine coronary arteries

In 10 open chest dogs with mechanically stenosed coronary arteries acute platelet thrombus formation with subsequent embolisation reduced coronary blood flow cyclically by -10.2(3.3) ml.min-2 (as measured with an electromagnetic flow probe). Ventilating the dogs with cigarette smoke increased the flow reduction to -13.5(4.6) ml.min-2. Ethanol 1.0 ml.kg-1 iv completely abolished acute thrombus formation and flow reductions in all 10 dogs. Repeat ventilation with cigarette smoke after ethanol failed to renew flow reductions in nine of the 10 dogs. It is suggested that ethanol effectively inhibits the exacerbating effects of cigarette smoke on acute platelet thrombus formation when both are being used simultaneously.
Computer-aided preoperative planning of lower extremity deformity correction by the Ilizarov method

A computer-aided preoperative planning system has been developed for orthopaedic surgery in lower extremity deformity correction using the Ilizarov method. The system is composed of an ultrasonic digitizer as input device, a HI plotter as output device, and a 3 PC, with superVGA monitor, a mouse and a menu driven program ontrolling all the input/output and user graphics interfaces.
Numerical estimates of Hausdorff dimension

Numerical methods for estimating Hausdorff dimension, useful in the analysis of turbulence, are explained and applied to a specific example. In particular, methods involving rescaling and approximation by Cantor sets are discussed.
Evaluation of endophytic bacteria as potential biological control agents for oak wilt

Abstract Endophytic bacteria were isolated from surviving live oaks (Quercus fusiformis) in Texas, where oak wilt is epidemic, and evaluated as potential biological control agents for the disease. Of the 889 bacterial isolates tested, 183 showed in vitro inhibition of the pathogen, Ceratocystis fagacearum. Six isolates were further evaluated for colonization of containerized Spanish oaks (Quercus texana) and live oaks. In general, when injected into the stems, Bacillus species colonized Spanish oaks more extensively than Pseudomonas species; whereas, the opposite was true for live oaks. In containerized live oaks inoculated with the oak wilt pathogen, preinoculation with Pseudomonas denitrificans 1-15 reduced the number of diseased trees by 50% and in the same trial decreased the percentage of crown loss by 17%. In a second trial, no reduction in numbers of diseased trees was observed; however, preinoculation with either strain 1-15 or Pseudomonas putida 5-48 significantly reduced crown loss. These studies indicate that a potential exists for the utilization of selected bacteria to control oak wilt.
Biological Nanopore MspA for DNA Sequencing

Nanopore sequencing is a single molecule technique that has the potential to provide fast and low-cost DNA sequencing. In nanopore sequencing, an ionic current passing through a small pore would directly map the sequence as single stranded DNA is driven through the constriction. The mutant pore protein, MspA, derived from Mycobacterium smegmatis forms a short and narrow channel ideal for nanopore sequencing. Here we present recent advances in nanopore sequencing using the biological porin MspA. Homopolymers of adenine, cytosine, thymine, and guanine each generate unique current signatures when held in MspA. Additionally, we show that individual nucleotides passing through MspA modulate the ionic current in a predictable manner providing sequence information. MspA has a high signal-to-noise ratio and the single nucleotide sensitivity desired for nanopore sequencing. These results indicate that MspA is an ideal candidate for nanopore DNA sequencing.
Impact of the human egalitarian syndrome on darwinian selection mechanics.

With nothing more than kin selection and reciprocal altruism theories to work with, the selection basis of human degrees of altruism and cooperation is often difficult to explain. However, during our prehistoric foraging phase, a highly stable egalitarian syndrome arose that had profound effects on Darwinian selection mechanics. The band's insistence on egalitarianism seriously damped male status rivalry and thereby reduced the intensity of selection within the group by reducing phenotypic variation at that level, while powerful social pressure to make de- cisions consensual at the band level had a similar effect. Consensual decisions also had another effect: they increased variation between groups because entire bands enacted their subsistence strategies collectively and the strategies varied between bands. By reducing the intensity of indi- vidual selection and boosting group effects, these behaviors provided a unique opportunity for altruistic genes to be established and maintained. In addition, the egalitarian custom of socially isolating or actively punishing lazy or cheating noncooperators reduced the free-rider problem. In combination, these phenotypic effects facilitated selection of altruistic genes in spite of some limited free riding. This selection scenario remained in place for thousands of generations, and the result was a shift in the balance of power between individual and group selection in favor of group effects. This new balance today is reflected in an ambivalent human nature that exhibits substantial altruism in addition to selfishness and nepotism.
More well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas in individuals younger than 40 years old.

Original Article Sasaki T, Moles DR, Imai Y, Speight PM. Clinico-pathological features of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity in patients Level of Evidence 4 Purpose/Question The authors compared the clinical characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma in patients younger than and older than 40 years. Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Cohort study
Patron-Initiated Purchasing: Evaluating Criteria and Workflows

The University of Mississippi Libraries began a patron-initiated purchasing program in 2009. After a successful year of purchasing, the authors evaluated both the criteria and workflows. The process included sharing results with subject librarians and the Collection Development Steering Committee. As a result, changes were made to both the criteria and the workflows.
Teaching Current Advances in Psychology: Student and Instructor Advantages

A course, Current Advances in Psychology, is described. Students read and discuss recent articles from journals, such as American Psychologist and Psychological Bulletin. In addition, videotapes depicting recent advances in psychology are shown. Students benefit by reading important journal articles and participating in an active learning process, wherein research is examined carefully and critically. Instructors benefit by reading current psychological literature and kicking the lecture habit.
Purification of two forms of kanamycin acetyltransferase from Escherichia coli

Abstract Kanamycin acetyltransferase acylates aminoglycoside antibiotics using acetyl-CoA, and thereby conveys bacterial resistance to several clinically important antibiotics, notably amikacin. The enzyme was quantitatively and reproducibly released from Escherichia coli W677 harboring plasmid pMH67 by a modified osmotic shock procedure (bacterial cells are incubated overnight in sucrose and again without sucrose before onset of osmotic shock). The enzyme was purified by dye-ligand chromatography on Affi-Gel Blue in addition to antibiotic affinity chromatography on neomycin-Sepharose-4B. The activity did not increase with subsequent chromatography on ion-exchange, hydrophobic, or molecular-exclusion gels. However, both dye-ligand and molecular-exclusion chromatography, as well as disc-gel electrophoresis, separated the purified enzyme equally into two active protein fractions. Based on the more active of the two forms, the purification was 112-fold with a specific activity of 1.9 IU/mg. The less-active form has an unusual absorbance spectrum, with a maximum near 255 nm, which cannot be explained by the amino acid composition. Chromatography of this form alone regenerated both forms, suggesting that the enzyme is noncovalently conjugated to an uncharged chromophore, such as a lipid. The purified enzyme has a very sharp pH optimum at 5.5 with a plateau on the alkaline side, but is most stable between pH 8.5 and 9.5. Data from electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and gelfiltration on Ultrogel AcA 44 are consistent with a tetrameric protein of 60–70,000 Da.
Exposure to low levels of ozone results in enhanced pulmonary retention of inhaled asbestos fibers.

Health effects associated with exposure to ozone at environmentally relevant concentrations are subject to considerable controversy. Currently, no compelling evidence exists that exposure to low levels of ozone leads to lasting impairment of pulmonary structure or function. One adverse health effect of ozone may be to change lung uptake or clearance functions for other inhaled air pollutants. As a test of this hypothesis, Fischer 344 rats were continuously exposed to 0.06 ppm ozone 7 days a week with a slow rise in ozone to a peak of 0.25 ppm and subsequent decrease to 0.06 ppm over a 9-h period five times each week for 6 wk. Three days after the end of ozone exposure, animals were exposed to aerosolized asbestos fibers for 5 h and examined immediately after or 30 days after exposure to asbestos. Filtered air control animals were simultaneously exposed to asbestos. Immediately after the end of fiber exposure, lung asbestos fiber burden was similar in both groups. However, 1 month after exposure, fiber mas...
INTERSPECIFIC PLANT ASSOCIATION EFFECTS ON VESICULAR–ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA OCCURRENCE IN ATRIPLEX CONFERTIFOLIA

SUMMARY Earlier studies with the shrub Atriplex confertifolia (Chenopodiaceae) suggested that the occurrence of mycotrophy was related to the community from which root samples were obtained; plants in disturbed areas were non-mycotrophic, while those growing in native areas possessed infection. Upon closer examination when neighbouring plants were studied, the level of mycorrhizal infection of Atriplex confertifolia was found to be related to its interspecific plant associations. When Atriplex confertifolia occurred solitarily, or in the presence of non-mycorrhizal A. gardneri, it was non-mycotrophic. However, when occurring near grasses or Artemisia spinescens, it possessed mycorrhiza infection. What appeared to be a community effect for the occurrence of mycorrhiza is nothing more than an association effect in which level of infection is related to the degree of mycorrhizal host plant cover. In disturbed communities little chance occurs for encountering a neighbouring mycorrhizal plant, while native plant communities are composed primarily of mycorrhizal counterparts.
Flow cessation triggers endothelial dysfunction during organ cold storage conditions: strategies for pharmacologic intervention.

Background. Vascular pathologies constitute a major cause of graft rejection after organ transplantation. Recent studies have documented an improvement in transplant outcome when organs are preserved through pulsatile perfusion; however, the underlying mechanisms of these observations are poorly characterized. We hypothesized that the temporaryabsenceofflowoccurringinthecontextoforgancoldstorageconditionsdisruptsendothelialvasoprotective programs, and that this consequence of stasis may be a target for pharmacological modulation. Methods. The expression of the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) and its vasoprotective target genes were assessed during cold storage conditions in cultured human endothelial cells and murine aortic segments. In addition, we evaluated the effect of simvastatin used as a supplement in a cold preservation solution on the expression of vasoprotective genes, and on endothelial activation and apoptosis. Results.TheexpressionofendothelialKLF2anditsvasoprotectivetranscriptionaltargetswererapidlylostduringcold preservation in vitro and ex vivo. Importantly, simvastatin treatment blocked the decay of KLF2, sustaining a vasoprotective phenotype, and preventing endothelial activation and apoptosis. Conclusions.Flowstasisleadstoacuteendothelialdysfunctionandapoptosisinthecontextofcoldstorageconditions. Supplementation of organ preservation solutions with pharmacologic agents that restore endothelial vasoprotective programs, by upregulating KLF2, may represent a significant advancement of current organ preservation techniques.
Orbital angular momentum in four channel spatial domain multiplexing system for multi-terabit per second communication architectures

Bandwidth increase has always been an important area of research in communications. A novel multiplexing technique known as Spatial Domain Multiplexing (SDM) has been developed at the Optronics Laboratory of Florida Institute of Technology to increase the bandwidth to T-bits/s range. In this technique, space inside the fiber is used effectively to transmit up to four channels of same wavelength at the same time. Experimental and theoretical analysis shows that these channels follow independent helical paths inside the fiber without interfering with each other. Multiple pigtail laser sources of exactly the same wavelength are used to launch light into a single carrier fiber in a fashion that resulting channels follow independent helical trajectories. These helically propagating light beams form optical vortices inside the fiber and carry their own Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM). The outputs of these beams appear as concentric donut shaped rings when projected on a screen. This endeavor presents the experimental outputs and simulated results for a four channel spatially multiplexed system effectively increasing the system bandwidth by a factor of four.
Noninvasive survey methods for carnivores

The status of many carnivore populations is of growing concern to scientists and conservationists, making the need for data pertaining to carnivore distribution, abundance, and habitat use ever more pressing. Recent developments in "noninvasive" research techniques - those that minimize disturbance to the animal being studied - have resulted in a greatly expanded toolbox for the wildlife practitioner.Presented in a straightforward and readable style, "Noninvasive Survey Methods for Carnivores" is a comprehensive guide for wildlife researchers who seek to conduct carnivore surveys using the most up-to-date scientific approaches. Twenty-five experts from throughout North America discuss strategies for implementing surveys across a broad range of habitats, providing input on survey design, sample collection, DNA and endocrine analyses, and data analysis. Photographs from the field, line drawings, and detailed case studies further illustrate on-the-ground application of the survey methods discussed.Coupled with cutting-edge laboratory and statistical techniques, which are also described in the book, noninvasive survey methods are efficient and effective tools for sampling carnivore populations. "Noninvasive Survey Methods for Carnivores" allows practitioners to carefully evaluate a diversity of detection methods and to develop protocols specific to their survey objectives, study area, and species of interest. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in the study of carnivores, from scientists engaged in primary research to agencies or organizations requiring carnivore detection data to develop management or conservation plans.
Ungulate Damage to Safflower in Utah

In Utah, farmers are concerned that ungulates are damaging safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) fields. We examined elk (Cervus elaphus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) damage to safflower production in San Juan County, Utah during 2009 and 2010. We collected data on damaged safflower plants within 28 fields, totaling 1,581 ha (13 fields totaling 963 ha during 2009; 15 fields totaling 618 ha during 2010). We compared 3 methods to assess yield losses: ungulate-proof exclosures, adjacent plant compensation method, and counting the number of damaged plants in 50-m transects (safflower count method). Exclosures were of limited use because they could not be erected until farmers stopped cultivating their fields. Hence, this method did not account for ungulate damage to young plants. The adjacent plant compensation method assessed yields within 1 m of a randomly selected damaged plant to account for any compensatory growth of neighboring plants, but this method proved inaccurate because ungulate herbivory was concentrated so that a browsed plant was often surrounded by other browsed plants so no compensatory growth by surrounding plants occurred. The most accurate method was the safflower count method, which determined the number of damaged plants within a field and then multiplied this number by the decrease in yield from an average damaged plant. We used this method to examine 981,000 plants for damage. Deer and elk damaged or killed 7.2% of safflower plants during 2009 and 1.4% of plants during 2010. Overall yield reduction was 2.9% during 2009 and 0.6% in 2010. The value of safflower loss within all surveyed fields in 2009 was $9,023 for a loss of $9.42/ha. The loss of value within surveyed fields in 2010 was $2,330, or $3.77/ha. The best model for predicting ungulate damage during 2009 included distance to a canyon and the percent of a field bordered by a fallow field, whereas the best model for 2010 included distance to a canyon and the percent of a field bordered by a wheat field. We surveyed safflower farmers during the spring of 2010 to compare perceived losses in their fields during 2009 to those measured that same year. Farmers believed that damage by deer and elk reduced their yields by 20% with most damage caused by elk ( = 12% by elk, 7% by deer, 1% by other wildlife). On average, perceptions of damage were 5.2 times greater than the actual levels we measured during 2009. This was not surprising because farmers usually surveyed their field from the field's edge where ungulate damage was concentrated. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Leukocytosis as a harbinger and surrogate marker of Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalized patients with diarrhea

Objectives Clostridium difficile is the etiological agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis and is a leading cause of nosocomial diarrhea. The objective of the study was to examine if leukocytosis could be a harbinger and surrogate marker of C. difficile infection in hospitalized patients. Methods We retrospectively examined the medical records of 70 hospitalized patients who presented with diarrhea of variable severity and who underwent stool examination for enteric pathogens, including C. difficile. We specifically recorded the white blood cell count and the pattern and severity of leukocytosis in two groups of patients--those who were C. difficile-positive and those who were negative. Results Leukocytosis was common in C. difficile-positive patients, compared to in C. difficile-negative patients (mean 15,800/mm3 vs 7700/mm3, p Conclusions Infection with C. difficile should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden onset of leukocytosis in hospitalized patients previously or concurrently treated with antibiotics. Doing so may obviate the need for expensive and time-consuming tests for other etiologies.
A New Transform Method For Image Data Compression

Two new linear integer transforms, called the Newton and the Stirling transforms, are introduced, some of their properties are explored and their possible application to image data compression is discussed. Computer simulation for digital filtered image results are presented.
Kinematics and backgrounds for HAPPEX measurements

Measurements and systematic errors of the 4-momentum transfer squared (Q 2) and backgrounds for the 2005 HAPPEX runs are described.
The permeability of the frog choroid plexus to nonelectrolytes.

Anin vitro preparation of the frog choroid plexus has been used to measure the permeability of the choroidal epithelium to 50 nonelectrolytes by an osmotic method. The method involves the measurement of nonelectrolyte reflection coefficients (σ) by a rapid electrical procedure. For the majority of compounds tested, there was a good correlation between the rate of solute permeation and the solute's bulk-phase lipid: water partition coefficients; i.e., the higher the partition coefficient the greater the permeability. The membrane lipids of the choroid plexus differ from the membrane lipids of the gall bladder in at least three ways: (1) the lipids of the choroid plexus cannot distinguish between branched chain solutes and their straight chain isomers; (2) small polar solutes such as urea and acetamide permeate via the membrane lipids to a significant extent; and (3) the smaller selectivity ratios suggest that the lipids of the choroid plexus contain more hydrogen bonding sites (i.e., there are stronger solute: lipid intermolecular forces in the choroid plexus). The permeability characteristics of the choroid plexus are qualitatively similar to those of most other cell membranes. In addition, there is evidence for the presence of a special mechanism for the transport of sugar across this epithelium.
T-cell abnormalities in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a lymphoid malignancy characterized by the accumulation of clonal B cells co-expressing B-cell markers (CD19, CD20, CD23) along with the T-cell antigen CD5. Al...
Death Caused by Ingestion of an Ethanol-Based Hand Sanitizer

Abstract Background The use of hand sanitizer is effective in preventing the transmission of disease. Many hand sanitizers are alcohol-based, and significant intoxications have occurred, often in health care facilities, including the emergency department (ED). Objectives We present this case to highlight potential toxicity after the ingestion of an ethanol-based hand sanitizer. Case Report A 36-year-old man presented to the ED with ethanol intoxication. Ethanol breath analysis was measured at 278 mg/dL. After 4 h, the patient was less intoxicated and left the ED. Thirty minutes later, he was found apneic and pulseless in the ED waiting room bathroom after having ingested an ethanol-based hand sanitizer. Soon after a brief resuscitation, his serum ethanol was 526 mg/dL. He never regained consciousness and died 7 days later. No other cause of death was found. Conclusion The case highlights the potential for significant toxicity after the ingestion of a product found throughout health care facilities. Balancing the benefit of hand sanitizers for preventing disease transmission and their potential misuse remains a challenge.
Ambiguities in Visual Tracking of Articulated Objects Using Two- and Three-Dimensional Models:

Three-dimensional (3D) kinematic models are widely-used in video-based figure tracking. We show that these models can suffer from singularities when motion is directed along the viewing axis of a single camera. The single camera case is important because it arises in many interesting applications, such as motion capture from movie footage, video surveillance, and vision-based user-interfaces.We describe a novel two-dimensional scaled prismatic model (SPM) for figure registration. In contrast to 3D kinematic models, the SPM has fewer singularity problems and does not require detailed knowledge of the 3D kinematics. We fully characterize the singularities in the SPM and demonstrate tracking through singularities using synthetic and real examples.We demonstrate the application of our model to motion capture from movies. Fred Astaire is tracked in a clip from the film “Shall We Dance”. We also present the use of monocular hand tracking in a 3D user-interface. These results demonstrate the benefits of the SPM ...
The effect of steroid on myeloid leukemic cells: The potential of short-course high-dose methylprednisolone treatment in inducing differentiation, apoptosis and in stimulating myelopoiesis

Several in vitro studies have shown that dexamethasone (Dex) and prednisolone can induce differentiation of some mouse and human myeloid leukemic cells to macrophages and granulocytes. Based on in vitro experiments, we have shown that short-course (3-7 days) high-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) (20-30 mg/kg/day) treatment can induce differentiation of myeloid leukemic cells in vivo in children with different subtypes of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) (AML-M1, -M2, -M3, -M4, -M7). We have also shown that induction of apoptosis of myeloid leukemic cells with or without differentiation is possible by short-course HDMP treatment. In addition, short-course HDMP treatment has been shown to be effective in accelerating leukocyte recovery, possibly stimulating normal CD34-positive hematopoietic progenitor cells. Addition of HDMP to mild cytotoxic chemotherapy (low-dose cytosine arabinoside (LD-Ara-c), weekly mitoxantrone and Ara-c or 6-thioguanine) increased the remission rate (87-89%) and improved the outcome of AML children. We believe that the results of our 17-year clinical experience will provide important benefits to AML patients.
Evaluation of different adaptive filtering techniques applied to white-light interferometric sensor systems

Abstract The performance of several digital processing schemes is compared in this paper, including a number which have been proposed to a.d the identic Sn of the antral fringe in white-light interferometric sensor systems. The paper aims to illustrate those technques which enable the best performance to be achieved and conclusions are drawnonthecomparative selection, resource implications and operating ranges and speeds.
Trust in Government and Goal Pursuit in a Transition Society

The development of life goals and aspirations is vital to positive youth development, and may be especially important in societies undergoing dramatic political and socioeconomic changes. Scholars have identified a wide range of factors associated with goal-directed behavior during youth, but the linkage between trust in government and goal pursuit has received scant attention in this literature. Using data from a nationally representative survey and focus group discussions with Russian youth, this study examines the impact of trust in government on goal pursuit in post-communist Russia. The analysis finds that trust in government has a significant effect on the likelihood of goal pursuit among 25–30 year old respondents, but a negligible impact on goal-oriented behavior of younger respondents. The results from the focus groups further suggest that failure avoidance, historical legacies, and limited access to resources inhibit goal pursuit in the post-communist state. The present analysis seeks to contribute to extant research by investigating youth development in a transition society.
Tag contrast in breath‐hold CINE cardiac MRI

Contrast between tagged and nontagged myocardium was investigated using rapid gradient echo segmented k-space CINE MRI. The transient behavior of magnetization was measured in stationary and moving phantoms using gradient recalled acquisition in steady-state GRASS and spoiled GRASS (SPGR) sequences with TR ≈ 7 ms and TE ≈ 2.5 ms. Bloch equation simulations were used to compute theoretical results. Understanding the transient behavior of magnetization is important because tags only persist in the myocardium during the nonequilibrium transition to steady state. The transition to steady state for both SPGR and GRASS is reproducible after one heartbeat, and including unprocessed data from the first heartbeat leads to image artifacts. In a moving phantom, simulations and experimental results showed that GRASS and SPGR are essentially equivalent. Tag-tissue contrast in SPGR was very sensitive to imaging tip angle. The optimum tip angle for the scanning parameters used in this study was 11°.
Specificity and cross-reactions in a strain of pig kidney cells resistant to 2,6-diaminopurine.

Abstract 1. 1. The specificity of resistance to 2,6-diaminopurine (DAP) in a strain of pig kidney cells was investigated by comparing the action of structural analogues on resistant and sensitive cell lines. Compounds used included physiological purines as well as mercapto and methyl analogues. 2. 2. Resistant and sensitive lines did not differ in response to hydroxypurines and mercaptopurines, but cross-reactions with the DAP resistant strain were observed in experiments with unsubstituted purine, and with 6-methylpurine. It has not proved possible to associate DAP resistance with a particular molecular configuration.
Group prenatal care: review of outcomes and recommendations for model implementation.

The intent and delivery of prenatal care have evolved since its formal inception in the early 1900s. Group prenatal care offers an alternative care delivery model to the currently dominant prenatal care model. The group model has been associated with a number of improved perinatal outcomes including decreased preterm birth, higher birth weight, improved breast-feeding initiation and duration, decreased cesarean delivery, and greater patient satisfaction. This article outlines the tenets of CenteringPregnancy, the current dominant form of group prenatal care, reviews literature regarding perinatal outcomes related to group prenatal care, suggests future research agendas, and highlights relevant considerations when implementing this alternate model of prenatal health care delivery. Target Audience: Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians Learning Objectives: After completing this CME activity, physicians should be better able to identify the elements of the CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care model, evaluate which perinatal outcomes have been associated with CenteringPregnancy and similar group prenatal care models, and compare the benefits and risks to implementing a group prenatal care model.
Heat Transfer to a Nonisothermal Rotating Disk in a Non-Newtonian Fluid

Abstract The steady heat transfer in the laminar incompressible boundary layer flow of power-law fluids past a rotating disk with a step discontinuity in surface temperature is studied analytically. By means of appropriate transformation variables, the equations for the temperature profile and the local wall heat flux can be expressed explicitly in terms of the Prandtl number. The solution is obtained in terms of an infinite set of similar solutions which could be expressed as universal functions. For most of the non-Newtonian fluids commonly encountered having large Prandtl numbers; only a few of the functions are needed to yield accurate results.