cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sintering of periclase during flame guncreting

The flame guncreting of basic refractories was studied on a rig, the base part of which was a model of a standard 130 ton oxygen converter. The highly refractory constituent of the guncrete body consisted of industrial magnesite powder obtained by fine grinding. The fuel was natural gas. A guncrete coating up to 100 mm thick was applied to the lining of the model.
Damped Least-Squares Method for Automatic Lens Design

A modification introduced in the damped least-squares method automatically assigns a damping factor to each parameter in a manner that compensates for the relative sensitivities of the variables. The convergence rate of the lens-design process is thereby considerably improved. The operation of the program is described, in particular the use of Lagrangian undetermined multipliers for the control of boundary conditions.
Modulation of light-enhancement to symbiotic algae by light-scattering in corals and evolutionary trends in bleaching

Calcium carbonate skeletons of scleractinian corals amplify light availability to their algal symbionts by diffuse scattering, optimizing photosynthetic energy acquisition. However, the mechanism of scattering and its role in coral evolution and dissolution of algal symbioses during “bleaching” events are largely unknown. Here we show that differences in skeletal fractal architecture at nano/micro-lengthscales within 96 coral taxa result in an 8-fold variation in light-scattering and considerably alter the algal light environment. We identified a continuum of properties that fall between two extremes: (1) corals with low skeletal fractality that are efficient at transporting and redistributing light throughout the colony with low scatter but are at higher risk of bleaching and (2) corals with high skeletal fractality that are inefficient at transporting and redistributing light with high scatter and are at lower risk of bleaching. While levels of excess light derived from the coral skeleton is similar in both groups, the low-scatter corals have a higher rate of light-amplification increase when symbiont concentration is reduced during bleaching, thus creating a positive feedback-loop between symbiont concentration and light-amplification that exposes the remaining symbionts to increasingly higher light intensities. By placing our findings in an evolutionary framework, in conjunction with a novel empirical index of coral bleaching susceptibility, we find significant correlations between bleaching susceptibility and light-scattering despite rich homoplasy in both characters; suggesting that the cost of enhancing light-amplification to the algae is revealed in decreased resilience of the partnership to stress.
Sport and tourism: globalization, mobility and identity

Sport and tourism: globalization, mobility and identity, by James Higham and Tom Hinch, Oxford, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2009, 314 pp., USD $45.95, ISBN 978-0-7506-8619-5 The goal of this book was to...
Assay and regional distribution of a soluble protein characteristic of the nervous system.

An assay, based on complement fixation, was described for the S-100 protein, a protein characteristic of the nervous system. It was found to be distributed in all parts of the nervous system both peripherally and centrally. It was not possible to deduce from the distribution the localization in cell type, but in human brain the concentration in each of twenty-six areas was consistent from brain to brain.
Frequency-domain turbo detection for LDPC-coded single-carrier mimo underwater acoustic communications

This paper proposes a frequency-domain detection scheme for single-carrier multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) underwater acoustic (UWA) communication using low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. The new scheme employs turbo equalization technology together with iterative decoding technique, leading to a double-layer turbo detection structure. In the outer-layer turbo equalization, a soft-decision frequency-domain equalizer (FDE) iteratively exchanges soft information with the soft-decision LDPC channel decoder. Within each outer-layer iteration, the LDPC decoder performs inner-layer iterative decoding with sum-product algorithm. The new scheme achieves excellent detection performance attributing to the double layers of iterative operation, which has been tested by experimental data measured in two undersea trials: WHOI09 and ACOMM09. Experimental results have demonstrated that it achieves consistently decent detection performance with different modulations, different symbol rates, and different transmission ranges.
Antigenic and immunological mimicry of peptide mimotopes of Lewis carbohydrate antigens

Peptides may substitute for carbohydrates in reactions with carbohydrate-specific molecules. Recently, we found that peptides containing aromatic residues mimic mucin and histo-blood group related carbohydrate epitopes, eliciting polyclonal responses cross-reactive with bacterial and viral antigens that express these carbohydrate forms. These results demonstrate that peptides can function in in vivo and in vitro models as carbohydrate surrogate antigens. To further explore the nature of the antigenic and immunogenic properties of such mimotopes, synthetic peptides with aromatic amino acids were tested to delineate reactivity patterns with several anti-neolactoseries monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). These MAbs recognize biologically important conformations of the histo-blood group related Lewis antigens expressed on the surface of a variety of human cancers. Results by ELISA demonstrate that the MAbs can distinguish particular peptide motifs that include the sequences GGIYYPYDIYYPYDIYYPYD, GGIYWRYDIYWRYDIYWRYD and GGIYYRYDIYYRYDIYYRYD. Substitution of Arg by Pro diminished the reactivity of the anti-Lewis Y (LeY) MAb BR55-2. Binding of LeY to BR55-2 was inhibitable by the Arg containing peptides. Serum against all three peptides displayed reactivity with synthetic histo-blood group related antigen probes. Immunologic presentation of the peptides as multiple antigen peptides (MAPs) improved peptide ability to induce LeY specific immune responses. Serum bound to human tumor cells that preferentially expressed neolactoseries antigens, but not to normal tissues. Immunoprecipitation of human breast tumor cell lysates before and after treatment with tunicamycin confirmed serum carbohydrate binding. The anti-peptide sera mediated tumor cell killing by complement mediated cytotoxicity. These results indicate that mapping peptide epitopes with anti-carbohydrate antibodies can lend to defining antibody fine specificities that can go undetected by screening of carbohydrate antigens alone. In addition, these results confirm that peptides and carbohydrates can bind to the same antibody binding site and that peptides can structurally mimic salient features of carbohydrate epitopes.
Glycinergic interventions potentiate the ability of MK 801 to raise the threshold voltage for tonic hindlimb extension in mice

Milacemide, an acylated prodrug of glycine, was able to increase the efficacy with which [+]-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5h-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate (MK 801) antagonized the electrical precipitation of seizures in mice. The mechanism of milacemide's potentiation of MK 801's antiseizure efficacy in intact mice is unclear; however, a glycine agonist selective for the strychnine-intensitive site on the NMDA receptor complex was also able to potentiate MK 801. The exciting possibility exists that an exogenous glycinergic intervention can potentiate NMDA-mediated neural transmission in intact animals.
Control of Steroid Synthesis in Adrenal Fasciculata Cells

The control of steroid synthesis in adrenal fasciculata cells is considered in terms of two types of control by ACTH: control of cholesterol availability to inner mitochondrial cytochrome P-450scc. This process controls total steroid synthesis and is rapidly activated by ACTH. The several steps in cholesterol transfer are examined. partitioning of metabolism by means of competition between enzymes for limiting amounts of steroid intermediates. Changes in such competition determine the ratio of steroid products from the adrenal cells. Such changes typically are a slower response to ACTH. A critical aspect of such competition is the modulation of multiple activity P-450 cytochromes: P-450(17 alpha) (17 alpha-hydroxylation and 17,20 lyase) and P-450(11 beta) (11 beta- and 18-oxidases). Factors such as substrate binding, electron transfer steps and lipid environment are considered in addition to new enzyme synthesis. The ACTH stimulation of steroid synthesis in bovine adrenal cell primary cultures is examined as a model for both types of regulation.
Laser surgery of leg veins

The use of lasers and light sources in treating lower-extremity blood vessels has not been as successful as they are for treatment of facial telangiectasia. Several reasons for this lack of success include increased hydrostatic pressure on the lower extremities and the anatomy of lower-extremity blood vessels. These vessels are in a deeper location, have thick surrounding adventitial tissue, and have increased basal lamina when compared with facial telangiectasia. Improvements in matching pulse duration to vessel size, use of more penetrating, longer wavelengths, and the addition of sophisticated cooling methods have improved the results with leg veins during the past 2 years. Further refinements in laser technology over the next few years will probably enhance treatment efficacy of lower-extremity telangiectasias.
Testing the Effectiveness of In-Home Behavioral Economics Strategies to Increase Vegetable Intake, Liking, and Variety Among Children Residing in Households That Receive Food Assistance

Abstract Objective To test the effectiveness of behavioral economics strategies for increasing vegetable intake, variety, and liking among children residing in homes receiving food assistance. Design A randomized controlled trial with data collected at baseline, once weekly for 6 weeks, and at study conclusion. Setting Family homes. Participants Families with a child (9–12 years) will be recruited through community organizations and randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 36) or control (n = 10) group. Intervention The intervention group will incorporate a new behavioral economics strategy during home dinner meal occasions each week for 6 weeks. Strategies are simple and low-cost. Main Outcome Measure(s) The primary dependent variable will be child's dinner meal vegetable consumption based on weekly reports by caregivers. Fixed independent variables will include the strategy and week of strategy implementation. Secondary dependent variables will include vegetable liking and variety of vegetables consumed based on data collected at baseline and study conclusion. Analysis Mean vegetable intake for each strategy across families will be compared using a mixed-model analysis of variance with a random effect for child. In additionally, overall mean changes in vegetable consumption, variety, and liking will be compared between intervention and control groups.
Blackboard agents for mixed-initiative management of integrated process-planning/production-scheduling solutions across the supply chain

As companies increasingly customize their products, move towards smaller lot production and experiment with more flexible customer/supplier arrangements, they increasingly require the ability to respond quickly, accurately and competitively to customer requests for bids on new products and efficiently work out supplier/subcontractor arrangements for these new products. This in turn requires the ability to rapidly convert standard-based product specifications into process plans and quickly integrate new orders with their process plans into existing production schedules across the supply chain. This paper describes IP3S, a blackboard-based agent for supporting integrated process planning/production scheduling across the supply chain. IP3S agents support concurrent development and dynamic revision of integrated process-planning/production-scheduling solutions across the supply chain, maintenance of multiple problem instances and solutions across the supply chain, flexible user-oriented decision making, declarative representation of control information, the use of a common representation for exchanging information, coordination with other planning/scheduling agents and information sources, and ease of integration with legacy systems. The IP3S agent has been customized for and validated in the context of a large and highly dynamic machine shop at Raytheon's Andover manufacturing facility. Empirical results show an average performance improvement of 23% in solution quality over a decoupled approach to building process-planning/production-scheduling solutions.
Gated phase-modulation approach to fiber-optic gyroscope with linearized scale factor.

A phase-modulation approach to closed-loop fiber-optic gyroscopes is described that uses an all-fiber gyroscope, which can provide a linearized scale factor. Preliminary experimental results with manual closing of the feedback loop show good linearity in the scale factor. This approach has, in theory, an inherent suppression of source-wave- length dependence of the scale factor.
Drug and Device Effects on Peak Oxygen Consumption, 6-Minute Walk Distance, and Natriuretic Peptides as Predictors of Therapeutic Effects on Mortality in Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction

Background— Although peak oxygen consumption (peak Vo2), 6-minute walk distance (6MW), and natriuretic peptides (BNP and NT-proBNP) are predictors of mortality in heart failure (HF) patients, it is not known whether therapy-induced changes in these measures can predict therapeutic effect on mortality. The objective of this analysis is to quantitatively assess the relationship between therapeutic effects on commonly proposed short-term markers in HF trials and therapeutic effects on long-term outcome in patients with HF and left ventricular dysfunction. Methods and Results— We identified drug or device therapies for which there exists at least 1 randomized, controlled trial (RCT) assessing mortality over at least 6 months in at least 500 patients. For each of these therapies, we identified RCTs assessing the short-term changes in Vo2, 6MW, BNP, and NT-proBNP (few of the mortality RCTs assessed the short-term changes in markers). For each intervention, we calculated the odds ratio for mortality (using random effect meta-analysis when necessary), as well as the trial level average drug- or device-induced change in the markers. We assessed the correlation between the odds ratio for death with the placebo-corrected change in the functional parameter or biomarker across the interventions. We identified mortality RCTs of 27 distinct therapies (n=73 267 patients) with a median follow-up of 19 months, that directed the search for RCTs of the effect of those interventions on the functional markers and biomarkers. There were 54 peak Vo2 trials (n=4646 patients), 34 6MW trials (n=6995 patients), 15 BNP trials (n=7233), and 6 NT-proBNP trials (n=1946) included in this analysis. There was no significant correlation between the average therapy-induced placebo-corrected change in peak Vo2 and the odds ratio for mortality ( r =0.158, P =0.26). Increased drug or device-induced average change in 6MW was correlated with increased odds ratio for mortality ( r =0.373, P =0.036). There was no significant correlation between the average therapy-induced, placebo-corrected change in the natriuretic peptides and the odds ratio for mortality (BNP: r =−0.065, P =0.82, NT-proBNP: r =−0.667, P =0.15). There was no apparent relation between change in the functional parameter or biomarker and categorical effect on mortality. Conclusions— This analysis, limited to trial level data from different therapeutic eras, suggests that drug- or device-induced effects on peak Vo2, 6MW, and natriuretic peptides found in short-term trials do not predict the corresponding average long-term therapeutic effects on mortality for patients with HF and left ventricular dysfunction.
Delegating Direct Democracy: Interparty Legislative Competition and the Adoption of the Initiative in the American States

Between 1898 and 1918, voters in 20 American states adopted constitutional amendments granting citizens the power of the initiative. The embrace of direct democracy by voters invites inquiry into why some state legislatures opted to delegate to citizens the power of the initiative, while others did not. Drawing on an original data set, this article uses Event History Analysis hazard models to explain the puzzle of why legislatures might devolve institutional power to citizens. Our longitudinal, macrolevel analysis of socioeconomic and political forces reveals that political considerations—interparty legislative competition, party organizational strength, and third parties—are the most powerful predictors of a legislature's decision to refer the initiative to the ballot. Although several of our findings comport with the conventional wisdom explaining the adoption of the initiative during the Progressive Era, others are surprising, offering us new theoretical insights into why and when legislative bodies might be willing to divest themselves of their institutional power.
GENE DIVERSITY AND GENETIC STRUCTURE IN A NARROW ENDEMIC, TORREY PINE (PINUS TORREYANA PARRY EX CARR.).

Recent reviews have suggested that tree species are the most variable of organisms, as measured by proportion of polymorphic loci or average heterozygosity (Hamrick, 1979; Hamrick et al., 1979). Average heterozygosity is greater than 0.30 for several conifers. By contrast, annual herbaceous species have a mean heterozygosity of 0.13 (Hamrick et al., 1979). Conifers have several mechanisms that promote outcrossing, and are expected to maintain high levels of genetic variation. Despite these mechanisms, it is uncertain whether the breeding system is capable of maintaining variability in small populations and in the absence of migration. While the genetic consequences of reduced population size have long been understood in theory, empirical evidence is scarce in plants, particularly in tree species. The potential to maintain high levels of genetic variation in reduced and scattered populations is important because of its implications for genetic resource conservation, and in fact, for the ability of species to respond to environmental change and avoid extinction. Because most conifers are commercially valued and exploited for lumber and paper products, much of the original forest in North America has been destroyed, and the tendency under management will be to reduce native populations to scattered relicts. One way of forecasting the fate of species reduced in numbers is to make use of natural experiments, by examining the genetic structure of species that occur in disjunct populations (Shaffer, 1981). We chose to investigate how much variation might be preserved in conifers by observing a narrow endemic, Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana Parry ex Carr.). The investigation also contributes to an understanding of the biogeography of the California Channel Islands. Torrey pine has the smallest population of any known pine. The 1973 count in the 445 ha (1,100 acre) Torrey Pines State Reserve on the Pacific Coast at San Diego, California was 3,401 mature trees (Calif. Dept. Parks Rec., 1975). Including seedlings, the Reserve's naturalist estimated ca. 7,000 individuals in 1979 (H. Nicol, pers. comm.). The population includes only two other small stands, contiguous with the Reserve. Another population occurs on Santa Rosa Island, one of the Northern Channel Islands off the California coast near Santa Barbara. There may be 2,000 individuals on the northeast coast of the island. Climatic, edaphic, and floristic characteristics of the two sites were summarized by Haller (1967). The San Diego and Santa Rosa Island populations are separated by 280 km and the island is 40 km from the mainland. It is highly unlikely that there has been any significant opportunity for gene exchange within recent centuries. Nor is Torrey pine likely to exchange genes with its closest relatives, digger pine (Pinus sabiniana Dougl.) and Coulter pine (Pinus coulteri D. Don), both of which are allopatric. Controlled crosses with Digger pine succeed only with difficulty and there have been no hybrids with Coulter pine despite several attempts (Critchfield, 1966).
Expression of 17 Genes in Clostridium thermocellum ATCC 27405 during Fermentation of Cellulose or Cellobiose in Continuous Culture

Clostridium thermocellum is a thermophilic, anaerobic, cellulolytic bacterium that produces ethanol and acetic acid as major fermentation end products. The effect of growth conditions on gene expression in C. thermocellum ATCC 27405 was studied using cells grown in continuous culture under cellobiose or cellulose limitation over a approximately 10-fold range of dilution rates (0.013 to 0.16 h(-1)). Fermentation product distribution displayed similar patterns in cellobiose- or cellulose-grown cultures, including substantial shifts in the proportion of ethanol and acetic acid with changes in growth rate. Expression of 17 genes involved or potentially involved in cellulose degradation, intracellular phosphorylation, catabolite repression, and fermentation end product formation was quantified by real-time PCR, with normalization to two calibrator genes (recA and the 16S rRNA gene) to determine relative expression. Thirteen genes displayed modest (fivefold or less) differences in expression with growth rate or substrate type: sdbA (cellulosomal scaffoldin-dockerin binding protein), cdp (cellodextrin phosphorylase), cbp (cellobiose phosphorylase), hydA (hydrogenase), ldh (lactate dehydrogenase), ack (acetate kinase), one putative type IV alcohol dehydrogenase, two putative cyclic AMP binding proteins, three putative Hpr-like proteins, and a putative Hpr serine kinase. By contrast, four genes displayed >10-fold-reduced levels of expression when grown on cellobiose at dilution rates of >0.05 h(-1): cipA (cellulosomal scaffolding protein), celS (exoglucanase), manA (mannanase), and a second type IV alcohol dehydrogenase. The data suggest that at least some cellulosomal components are transcriptionally regulated but that differences in expression with growth rate or among substrates do not directly account for observed changes in fermentation end product distribution.
Poor WOMAC Scores in Contralateral Knee Negatively Impact TKA Outcomes: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative

While total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to have excellent outcomes, a significant proportion of patients experience relatively poor post-operative function. In this study, we test the hypothesis that the level of osteoarthritic symptoms in the contralateral knee at the time of TKA is associated with poorer post-operative outcomes in the operated knee. Using longitudinal cohort data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), we included 171 patients who received a unilateral TKA. We compared pre-operative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores in the contralateral knee to post-operative WOMAC scores in the index knee. Pre-operative contralateral knee WOMAC scores were associated with post-operative index knee WOMAC Total scores, indicating that the health of the pre-operative contralateral knee is a significant factor in TKA outcomes.
Comments on Sidman’s Remarks Series

(2011). Comments on Sidman’s Remarks Series. European Journal of Behavior Analysis: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 339-341.
A nonlinear control of the instantaneous power in dq synchronous frame for PWM AC/DC converter under generalized unbalanced operating conditions

This paper proposes a new control scheme for regulating the instantaneous power for PWM AC/DC type rectifiers under generalized unbalanced operating conditions. By nullifying the oscillating components of instantaneous power at the poles of the converter instead of the front-end through solving a set of nonlinear control equations in real time, the harmonics in the output DC voltage can be eliminated more effectively under generalized unbalanced operating conditions on the AC input side. The control scheme allows the PWM rectifier to generate a DC output without substantial even-order harmonics and to maintain nearly unity power factor under generalized unbalanced operating conditions, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the DC-link capacitor and AC inductors leading to the possibility of reduced total cost. Simulation results along with experimental results under the two examples of the unbalanced operating conditions confirm the feasibility of the new control method.
Changes in Biomarkers of Inflammation and Angiogenesis During Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Introduction. Angiogenesis and inflammation are both important to the pathogenesis of malignancies. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer causes drastic hormonal changes that alter both disease and host factors. We measured inflammatory and angiogenic biomarkers in ADT-treated and control groups of men with prostate cancer. Materials and Methods. Baseline and 12-week plasma samples were collected from 37 ADT-naive men with locally advanced or recurrent prostate cancer. Of those, 23 initiated ADT with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and 14 served as nontreatment controls. Samples were tested for a panel of angiogenic and inflammatory biomarkers. Results. The treatment group had significantly higher concentrations of the inflammatory biomarkers interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-, and stromal cell–derived factor (SDF)-1. None of the angiogenic biomarkers were significantly different between the groups at baseline. Among patients with a short prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time (<6 months), the proangiogenic factor basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was lower at baseline. In the treatment group, plasma placental growth factor (PlGF) increased and IL-6 decreased after 12 weeks of ADT. Moreover, the treatment group continued to have significantly higher concentrations of the inflammatory biomarkers IL-1, IL-8, and SDF-1 as well as bFGF than controls. Discussion. These men were characterized by elevations in several traditional markers of aggressive disease and also by higher levels of several inflammatory biomarkers. Although ADT decreased IL-6 levels, IL-1, IL-8, and SDF-1 remained significantly higher than in controls. The role of these biomarkers should be further explored. The Oncologist 2012;17:212–219
Finding Citations to Social Work Literature: The Relative Benefits of Using Web of Science, Scopus, or Google Scholar

Abstract Past studies of citation coverage of Web of Science , Scopus , and Google Scholar do not demonstrate a consistent pattern that can be applied to the interdisciplinary mix of resources used in social work research. To determine the utility of these tools to social work researchers, an analysis of citing references to well-known social work journals was conducted. Web of Science had the fewest citing references and almost no variety in source format. Scopus provided higher citation counts, but the pattern of coverage was similar to Web of Science . Google Scholar provided substantially more citing references, but only a relatively small percentage of them were unique scholarly journal articles. The patterns of database coverage were replicated when the citations were broken out for each journal separately. The results of this analysis demonstrate the need to determine what resources constitute scholarly research and reflect the need for future researchers to consider the merits of each database before undertaking their research. This study will be of interest to scholars in library and information science as well as social work, as it facilitates a greater understanding of the strengths and limitations of each database and brings to light important considerations for conducting future research.
A survey of numerical methods for solving matrix Riccati differential equations

A review of previously developed numerical methods for solving matrix Riccati differential equations (RDEs) arising in optimal control, filtering, and estimation is presented. The following algorithms for solving RDEs are described: the direct integration method; the Davison-Maki method; a negative exponential method; the automatic synthesis program (ASP) matrix iteration procedure; the Schor method for Riccati differential equations; the Chandrasekhar method; a method using an algebraic Riccati solution; Leipnik's method; a square-root algorithm; an almost analytic approximation; and a matrix-valued approach. Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The matrix-valued approach is the most useful for stiff RDEs, regardless of whether the equations are time varying or time invariant, symmetric or nonsymmetric, rectangular or square. >
Anomaly superfield for both ∂μ J5μand∂μJμ in two dimensions

In two dimensions we find a supermultiplet which contains ∂μ J5μand∂μJμas components, and a corresponding anomaly superfleld. We confirm this anomaly superfleld by diagram calculations.
Developing rat brain: changes in cholesterol, galactolipids, and the individual fatty acids of gangliosides and glycerophosphatides

Groups of brains from rats of various ages–7 to 275 days–were analyzed for their contents of galactolipids (cerebroside + cerebroside sulfate), cholesterol, and the individual fatty acids of the gangliosides and glycerophosphatides. Ganglioside stearate was found to accumulate at a steady pace during the first 20 days of life, then more slowly for at least 32 days more, then to decrease. Ganglioside arachidate, on the other hand, accumulated steadily throughout the period covered. The glycerophosphatide acids showed several inversions in the ratios between selected pairs of acids, the trend being toward increasing unsaturation and chain length. Higher contents of 22:6 and 20:4 acids than previously reported were found, presumably because of improved methods. The galactolipids and cholesterol were deposited at very similar rates after about 15 days, the molar ratio of the deposits (cholesterol/galactolipids) being about 2.2, the value found for purified myelin.
THE HYDRAULIC MODEL OF CHESAPEAKE BAY

ABSTRACT The Hydraulic Model of Chesapeake Bay is located at Matapeake, Maryland. It is a fixed bed geometrically distorted model constructed to a horizontal scale of 1 to 1000 and a vertical scale of 1 to 100, a distortion ratio of 10. The model will be operated using salt water introduced into the model ocean and fresh water flowing into the system through model tributaries. Linear geometric scales in conjunction with model laws determine hydraulic similitude between the model and its prototype. One year of hydrologic record in nature can be reproduced on the model in 3.65 days. The model will be used in the study of many different estuarine problems, including: 1. The effects on salt water intrusion that are due to modifications of the physical or hydraulic regimen of the estuary. 2. Diffusion, dispersion, and flushing of wastes. 3. The effects of power plant cooling water discharges. 4. Tidal flooding by storm surges. The Hydraulic Model of Chesapeake Bay will be a powerful addition to the tools available for analysis of estuarine physical problems by scientists, engineers, and planners working on Chesapeake Bay.
Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Cocaine Effects

Cocaine has been shown to be a highly addictive and toxic drug. It produces these effects and a variety of other physiological and behavioral effects through its interactions with several distinct central nervous system receptor sites. We present the results of a series of studies that utilized multiple site analyses to elucidate which cocaine binding sites influence the reinforcing and toxic effects of cocaine and with what proportion of influence. The nature of cocaine interactions with monoamine transporters is also discussed, especially with the dopamine transporter, which has been shown to be the cocaine binding site that is primarily associated with the reinforcing effects of cocaine. We also provide evidence that vulnerability to both the toxic and addictive effects of cocaine may be significantly influenced by genetic differences in both humans and animals. In view of the fact that cocaine is commonly abused in a polydrug situation, we present the results of both behavioral and biochemical experiments which suggest that common biochemical pathways may mediate the reinforcing or addictive properties of drugs of abuse. Finally, we discuss research on the biochemical mechanisms associated with effects of ethanol, particularly those which may also influence cocaine self-administration, and speculate on pharmacotherapeutic strategies for concurrent abuse of cocaine and ethanol.
Shifting Racialized Identities Among Mexican Heritage Women of the Rural South Brown Faces in Black and White Places

During the past generation, rural southeast Georgia has been transformed by the New Latino Diaspora, with many counties’ Hispanic populations now exceeding 10% and still growing. Just as these communities have been transformed, so have the Hispanics who have settled in Dixie. This is the first longitudinal study that examines the macro-level social and micro-level discursive co-construction and renegotiation of racial positionings by Mexicans in this region. The study examines the applicability of models of immigrant racialization, developed in other regions of the United States regarding other immigrant groups, to contemporary Hispanics living in the traditionally African American and White rural South. A grounded theory coding of participant interviews from 1998 to 2014 yielded a thematic frequency matrix, which was then evaluated via software-based cluster analysis. The resultant model of Mexican racialization allows for both permeability between categories and individual agency while recognizing the p...
Time-Varying Optimal Currency Hedging and the Preference for Skewness

We derive an Optimal Hedge Ratio (OHR) under the mean-variance-skewness framework, where investors are allowed to have heterogeneous preference for skewness. Allowing heterogeneous preference for skewness changes the investors optimal hedging decisions. Using spot and futures exchange rate data, we estimate bivariate GARCH models allowing for skewness and excess kurtosis in the conditional bivariate distribution, and compare the new OHR with the standard mean-variance OHR. We find that (i) Skewness of futures returns influence hedging decisions. Investors with skewness preference seem to be choosing a hedge ratio in order to construct a mean-variance-skewness efficient portfolio, which may appear to be mean-variance inefficient. However, Japanese Yen and Euro investors obtain higher levels of positive skewness in their hedged portfolios without sacrificing mean-variance efficiency; (ii) The preference for skewness and risk-avert level of investors are positively correlated. Investors with higher risk-aversion level construct a hedged portfolio with higher level of positive skewness (lower level of negative skewness) in returns; (iii) The sign of futures returns are negatively correlated with hedging decisions of the mean-variance-skewness investors. When futures returns are positive (negative), investors with skewness preference tend to hedge less (more) than the mean-variance investors. In addition, the using of the bivariate asymmetry distributions improved the goodness-of-fit of the models.
Decay of Mass Oscillations in Rectangular Basins

The objective of the present study is to examine the decay of mass oscillations as a possible avenue for scaling friction in a hydraulic model of closed basins. A mathematical model for the damping of the uninodal seiche in a rectangular closed basin utilizing the one-dimensional hydrodynamic channel equation is presented as the analytical approach to the problem. Experimental data are presented for comparison with the analytical results. It is shown that the similitude requirement for frictional damping requires equality of the Froude number in model and prototype and equality of the Proudman number in the model and prototype. Through adjustment of boundary friction, model verification can be accomplished when the aforementioned criteria can not be met. The present study elaborates upon other previous work, and gives improved theoretical predictions for a long wave and shallow basin.
More insights into a human adipose tissue GPAT activity assay

Adipose tissue fatty acid storage varies according to sex, adipose tissue depot and degree of fat gain. However, the mechanism(s) for these variations is not completely understood. We recently published findings based on the glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) enzyme activity assay we optimized for use with human adipose tissue. These findings include a decrease in total GPAT and GPAT1 as a function of adipocyte size in both omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue and a strong, positive correlations between ACS, GPAT, and DGAT activities for both sexes and depots and between these storage factors and palmitate storage rates into TAG. The aim of this commentary is to expand upon the data from our recent publication. We describe here additional details on the optimization of the GPAT enzyme activity assay, a correlation between DGAT and percentage palmitate in the diacylglycerol fraction, and sex differences in fatty acid storage factors and storage rates into TAG at high palmitate concentrations.
Mechanisms of methane transport through Populus trichocarpa

Abstract. Although the dynamics of methane (CH4) emission from croplands and wetlands have been fairly well investigated, the contribution of trees to global CH4 emission and the mechanisms of tree transport are relatively unknown. CH4 emissions from the common wetland tree species Populus trichocarpa (black cottonwood) native to the Pacific Northwest were measured under hydroponic conditions in order to separate plant transport mechanisms from the influence of soil processes. Roots were exposed to CH4 enriched water and canopy emissions of CH4 were measured. The average flux for 34 trials (at temperatures ranging from 17 to 25 °C) was 2.8 ± 2.2 μg CH4 min−1 (whole canopy). Flux increased with temperature. Compared to the isotopic composition of root water CH4, δ13C values were depleted for canopy CH4 where the warmest temperatures (24.4–28.7 °C) resulted in an epsilon of 2.8 ± 4.7 ‰; midrange temperatures (20.4–22.1 °C) produced an epsilon of 7.5 ± 3.1 ‰; and the coolest temperatures (16.0–19.1 °C) produced an epsilon of 10.2 ± 3.2 ‰. From these results it is concluded that there are likely multiple transport processes at work in CH4 transport through trees and the dominance of these processes changes with temperature. The transport mechanisms that dominate at low temperature and low flux result in a larger fractionation, while the transport mechanisms that prevail at high temperature and high flux produce a small fractionation. Further work would investigate what combination of mechanisms are specifically engaged in transport for a given fractionation of emitted CH4.
Inhibition of Bacterial Toxin Activity by the Nuclear Stain, DRAQ5™

The repeats-in-toxin family of toxins includes proteins produced by Gram negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli (α-hemolysin), Bordetella pertussis (adenylate cyclase toxin), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (LtxA), which contribute to the pathogenesis of these organisms by killing host cells. In the case of LtxA produced by A. actinomycetemcomitans, white blood cells are targeted, allowing the bacteria to avoid clearance by the host immune system. In its association with target cells, LtxA binds to a receptor, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1, as well as membrane lipids and cholesterol, before being internalized via a lysosomal-mediated pathway. The motivation for this project comes from our discovery that DRAQ5™, a membrane-permeable nuclear stain, prevents the internalization of LtxA in a Jurkat T cell line. We hypothesized that DRAQ5™, in crossing the plasma membrane, alters the properties of the membrane to inhibit LtxA internalization. To investigate how DRAQ5™ interacts with the lipid membrane to prevent LtxA internalization, we used studied DRAQ5™-mediated membrane changes in model membranes using a variety of techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy. Our results suggest that DRAQ5™ inhibits the activity of LtxA by decreasing the fluidity of the cellular lipid membrane, which decreases LtxA binding. These results present an interesting possible anti-virulence strategy; by altering bacterial toxin activity by modifying membrane fluidity, it may be possible to inhibit the pathogenicity of A. actinomycetemcomitans.
The Importance of Biological Sex and Estrogen in Rodent Models of Cardiovascular Health and Disease

Nearly one-third of deaths in the United States are caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD) each year. In the past, CVD was thought to mainly affect men, leading to the exclusion of women and female animals from clinical studies and preclinical research. In light of sexual dimorphisms in CVD, a need exists to examine baseline cardiac differences in humans and the animals used to model CVD. In humans, sex differences are apparent at every level of cardiovascular physiology from action potential duration and mitochondrial energetics to cardiac myocyte and whole-heart contractile function. Biological sex is an important modifier of the development of CVD with younger women generally being protected, but this cardioprotection is lost later in life, suggesting a role for estrogen. Although endogenous estrogen is most likely a mediator of the observed functional differences in both health and disease, the signaling mechanisms involved are complex and are not yet fully understood. To investigate how sex modulates CVD development, animal models are essential tools and should be useful in the development of therapeutics. This review will focus on describing the cardiovascular sexual dimorphisms that exist both physiologically and in common animal models of CVD.
High-flow oxygen therapy and other inhaled therapies in intensive care units

Summary In this Series paper, we review the current evidence for the use of high-flow oxygen therapy, inhaled gases, and aerosols in the care of critically ill patients. The available evidence supports the use of high-flow nasal cannulae for selected patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure. Heliox might prevent intubation or improve gas flow in mechanically ventilated patients with severe asthma. Additionally, it might improve the delivery of aerosolised bronchodilators in obstructive lung disease in general. Inhaled nitric oxide might improve outcomes in a subset of patients with postoperative pulmonary hypertension who had cardiac surgery; however, it has not been shown to provide long-term benefit in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Inhaled prostacyclins, similar to inhaled nitric oxide, are not recommended for routine use in patients with ARDS, but can be used to improve oxygenation in patients who are not adequately stabilised with traditional therapies. Aerosolised bronchodilators are useful in mechanically ventilated patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but are not recommended for those with ARDS. Use of aerosolised antibiotics for ventilator-associated pneumonia and ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis shows promise, but the delivered dose can be highly variable if proper attention is not paid to the delivery method.
The Emigrants:Straight Outta Compton, Dope, and Emerging from the Ghetto

Many recent movies about African American life have focused on people leaving the ghetto. Earlier movies about groups living in ghettoes have portrayed the ghetto as a permanent reality. Moviemakers explored ghetto life as an interesting subject and a source of cultural innovation. Life was hard, but social and cultural ways to cope with difficulty helped. Now, the ghetto is presented as a dangerous and depressing place. The only effective way to cope with it is to leave and find more nurturing environments. A few talented individuals and hard workers can succeed that way. They are seen as heroic because they refuse to accept defeat or failure. Few ghetto residents can take this route out of the ghetto, and the many who cannot are ignored or blamed. The audience can applaud the few successes and find a happy outcome to ghetto movies.
Protein profiles and antifungal activities of kernel extracts from corn genotypes resistant and susceptible to Aspergillus flavus

Mechanisms of resistance to infection by the fungus Aspergillus flavus and accumulation of aflatoxin were studied in kernels of resistant (GT-MAS:gk, Mp420) and susceptible (Pioneer 3154, Deltapine G-4666) corn genotypes. Proteins from kernel extracts of corn genotypes were analyzed by several methods of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Consistent differences in protein profiles were detected among genotypes. Several proteins were unique to or present in greater concentration in resistant genotypes, whereas others were present only in susceptible genotypes. Extracts of resistant kernels showed markedly greater antifungal activity against A. flavus than did susceptible kernel extracts. Results from the present study suggest a role for kernel proteins in resistance to A. flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination in corn genotypes GT-MAS:gk and Mp420.
Current Management of Ebstein’s Anomaly in the Adult

Ebstein’s anomaly is a congenital malformation of the tricuspid valve and the right heart with a spectrum of clinical and morphologic presentations. Minor anomalies of the tricuspid valve may not be recognized until adulthood whereas major anomalies leading to heart failure and cyanosis require surgical intervention earlier in life. Echocardiography is the imaging modality of choice for both diagnosis and management of patients with Ebstein’s anomaly. Surgical correction includes tricuspid valve repair or replacement and associated findings such as interatrial communications and arrhythmias should be addressed at the time of surgery. Pre-pregnancy evaluation should be considered in all Ebstein’s anomaly patients and for those who are cyanotic, surgical correction must be considered due to the maternal and fetal ramifications of cyanosis in pregnancy. Most acyanotic Ebstein’s anomaly patients are able to tolerate pregnancy with manageable or no complications. Those patients with mild anomalies and no right heart dilation can participate in sports whereas those with severe anomalies are discouraged from competitive sports. Physical activity as tolerated is important in all patients with adult congenital heart disease. Adult congenital heart specialists should evaluate patients prior to cardiac or noncardiac surgery. Longitudinal clinical follow-up in all Ebstein’s anomaly patients (both repaired and unrepaired) is warranted to follow for signs and symptoms of heart failure, arrhythmias, cyanosis, and other associated findings. This should be ideally performed in collaboration with an adult congenital heart center of excellence.
The analogy generation game

I have grown increasingly allergic to arguments about analogies and origins in archaeology. Analogies are simply devices to stimulate the invention of ideas. The source of intuition is fairly irrelevant for the power of the ideas thus generated. The history of science is full of exciting hypotheses that had amusing sources, often far removed from the actual contexts to which the idea ultimately applied.
The Wild Plant Remains

ABSTRACTWild plant utilization by the Antelope House inhabitants is discussed in two aspects. The first is the problem of seasonal availability under varying climatic conditions, as exemplified by the array of plant foods obtainable in three different kinds of spring seasons. The second aspect concerns the inventory of useful materials derived from just one Plant Resource Group, the Talus Communities. By these examples, human and plant interaction over the four seasons and seven resource groups is approached.