cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AUTONOMIC DIURNAL CYCLES IN THE WATER RELATIONS OF NONEXUDING DETOPPED ROOT SYSTEMS.

The intake of water through the freshly cut end of the stumps of previously wilted detopped plants has received little study. The term "negative exudation" will be used to refer to this reverse flow of water through the cut stump into the root system. This terminology used by McDermott (10) appears to avoid the confusion which may arise if such uptake of water is referred to as "absorption'' by the root system. Rosene (12), Eaton (4), and others have investigated the effects of solution concentrations on reversing the movement of water through root systems. Litvinov (9), Crafts and Kennedy (3), Kramer (8), and later McDermott (10) have examined some aspects of the influence of the moisture content of the soil surrounding the roots on water intake by the cut stump of detopped plants. However, no measurements of negative exudation extending over periods of several days have come to the writer's attention.
Evaluation of bacterial detachment rates in porous media

The ability of published biomass detachment rate expressions to describe experimental data obtained from porous media reactors usingPseudomonas aeruginosa grown aerobically on glucose was evaluated. A first-order rate expression on attached biomass concentration best reflected effluent substrate concentration for combined data sets. Detachment rate coefficientk d1 was dependent on initial substrate concentration. Simulation of porous media reactor experiments indicated that responses using higher influent substrate concentrations possessed greater sensitivity to variations ink d1. Simulations of field bioremediation systems suggest the use of accurate biofilm development kinetics is important in the prediction of well bore biofouling.
Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity in porous media: Percolation theory

Abstract The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is an important property of porous media whose estimation is still investigated. In this study, we developed a new unsaturated hydraulic conductivity model from applying percolation theory to the pore–solid fractal approach (PSF). In actual applications the pore size distribution was obtained from the soil water retention curve. Using 104 soil samples from the UNSODA data base, the new developed unsaturated hydraulic conductivity model was compared with the Mualem's approach combined with water retention models of van Genuchten and PSF. The calculated root mean square error (RMSE) for the new model developed in this study, vG-M and PSF-M models was 0.69, 0.91 and 0.83 cm day− 1, respectively. The results showed that percolation theory model estimated unsaturated hydraulic conductivity curve better than the vG-M and PSF-M models especially at high water contents.
Model based services discovery and management

Service systems fail all too frequently. "Overdue, over budget and disappointing' are the words frequently used by organisations to describe their experience in the development and commissioning of complex information systems enabled services. More considered analyses question anticipated productivity gains, and in the longer term, a failure of service provision to track the changing requirements of the organisation. As a major supplier of IT and IT-enabled services, Hewlett-Packard has invested heavily in developing and understanding of the reasons that services fail to delight, as well as developing technologies and management processes that mitigate against failure. This paper describes a (predictive) model based approach to service-systems analysis that aids in understanding the goals, the specifications and dynamics of a service system. Our contribution is a model based service discovery process and technology that can be used to dramatically improve inter-stakeholder communications, provide a design and management infrastructure that is robust to the inevitable changes that affect any commissioning organisation, and lay the grounds for more sophisticated cost-benefit analyses than are currently commonly used. We draw on a number of large scale (multi-billion dollar) service projects to illustrate the application and benefits of this approach to service discovery and management.
Distribution of gold and rhenium between nickel-iron and silicate melts: implications for the abundance of siderophile elements on the Earth and Moon

Abstract The distribution equilibrium of Au and Re between nickel-iron and basaltic melts was studied at 1400–1600°C, using radioactive tracers. Metal/silicate distribution coefficients were 1–3 orders of magnitude higher than earlier estimates, as follows. Mauna Loa basalt—Fe10Ni90: DAu = 3.3 × 104, DRe = (2.4−89) × 104. Gorda Ridge basalt—Fe10Ni90: DAu = (18−75) × 104. Synthetic lunar basalt—Fe70 Ni30: DAu≥ 2 × 104, DRe ≥ 2 × 103. The experimental ΔG1800° for the distribution of Au between nickel-iron and Mauna Loa basalt is −40 kcal/mole, compared to a calculated value of about −110 kcal/mole for a reaction involving simple Au3+ ions. Presumably the difference represents stabilization of Au(III) by complex formation with ligands such as Cl−, H2O, etc. Gold abundances in lunar basalts are roughly consistent with the measured DAu, but those in terrestrial basalts are two orders of magnitude too high. This discrepancy may reflect complexing by volatiles in the Earth's upper lithosphere, as well as oxidative destruction of metal in the final stages of accretion. In the absence of a metal phase, siderophile trace elements would remain trapped in the upper mantle and crust.
Stokes slip flow through a grid of circular cylinders

The Stokes flow through a row of equally spaced circular cylinders with partial slip on the boundaries is studied by domain decomposition and matching. The pressure drop or resistance across the grid is found for various slip and normalized cylinder radii. Asymptotic formulas are found for sparcely and closely spaced cylinders.
Charge pumping in floating-body SOI FinFETs

We review recent work that shows that reliable estimates of process- and radiation-induced interface-trap density can be obtained for conventional floating-body SOI FinFETs without body contacts. A modified charge pumping technique provides estimates of interface-trap density without detailed analysis, adjustable fitting parameters, and/or device simulation for devices in which the gate length is less than ~100 nm and the fin width is less than ~70 nm. Charge pumping currents are approximately linear with frequency up to ~300 kHz for the devices and measurement conditions used in this study.
Estimation of QRS Complex Power Spectra for Design of a QRS Filter

We present power spectral analysis of ECG waveforms as well as isolated QRS complexes and episodes of noise and artifact. The power spectral analysis shows that the QRS complex could be separated from other interfering signals. A bandpass filter that maximizes the signal (QRS complex)-to-noise (T-waves, 60 Hz, EMG, etc.) ratio would be of use in many ECG monitoring instruments. We calculate the coherence function and, from that, the signal-to-noise ratio. Upon carrying out this analysis on experimentaly obtained ECG data, we observe that a bandpass filter with a center frequency of 17 Hz and a Q of 5 yields the best signal-to-noise ratio.
Mimetic and Non‐Mimetic Populations of Eleutherodactylus gaigeae (Dunn) in lower Central America and Colombia (Amphibia: Anura, Leptodactylidae)

Eleutherodactylus gaigeae populations, in the valleys of the Rio Cauca, Rio Magdalena, and Rio Sinu, are drab colored frogs whereas trans‐Andean and Central American populations are black with yellow, orange, or gold dorsolateral stripes. Some trans‐Andean populations are syntopic with similarly patterned poison‐dart frogs (Phyllobates) but most populations retain the mimetic color pattern in spite of the absence of the toxic models.
Long term analysis of PALS soil moisture campaign measurements for global soil moisture algorithm development

Abstract An important component of satellite-based soil moisture algorithm development and validation is the comparison of coincident remote sensing and in situ observations that are typically provided by intensive field campaigns. The planned NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission has unique requirements compared to previous soil moisture satellite programs because both active and passive microwave observations are needed. The primary source of these combined observations has been an aircraft-based SMAP simulator called PALS (Passive and Active L-band System). This paper presents an overview of the field experiment data collected using PALS that spans 10 years. Data from the various campaigns were merged to form a single data set. Analyses showed that the data set contains an extensive range of soil moisture values collected under a variety of conditions and that the quality of both the PALS and ground truth data meets the needs of SMAP algorithm development and validation. The study suggests that the data set should be expanded in order to achieve globally representative land cover diversity and that more observations under dense vegetation conditions and longer time series would be desirable.
Survey of US chiropractors' perceptions about their clinical role as specialist or generalist

Objective The purpose of this study was to provide new information that describes chiropractors' professional identity relative to their perceived clinical role as specialist or generalist.
Tooling to improve data center efficiency

This survey paper investigates research relating to the opportunity to develop new tools to increase data center efficiency. We review techniques to improve data center efficiency, as well as the availability of research tools to achieve that goal. The techniques and tools discussed focus on reduced server utilization (power proportional), and reduced infrastructure power through air flow and free air cooling (green computing). In addition, some comprehensive research tools address both areas. We consider which methods may be appropriate for smaller data centers.
Solder joint reliability performance of electroplated SnAg mini-bumps for WLCSP applications

As microelectronic packages migrate to smaller and thinner form factors, WLCSP packaging is becoming more prevalent in the industry. In certain applications, overall WLCSP package heights are restricted to a maximum of 300um. In these situations, electroplated solder mini-bumps can be used to reduce the solder bump height to the sub-100um range. This in turn allows the use of manageable Si wafer thickness for processing. The downside of the electroplated mini-bump structures is the reduced package standoff after surface mounting, which can reduce solder joint reliability. When electroplating Pb-free solder, the composition is typically limited to a binary alloy composition. This reduces the flexibility a vendor has over the control of mechanical properties through solder alloy selection. In addition, the use of these bump structures at high temperatures can be detrimental since any intermetallic compound growth that may occur will represent a much larger volume percentage of the overall solder joint when compared to a larger bump size. This study focuses on the solder joint reliability of WLCSP devices with electroplated Sn-2.5Ag bumps. The bump size is 80um height × 120um diameter on a Cu/Ni UBM stack. Drop testing and thermal cycle testing was performed on 4×4 ball array daisy chain devices following JEDEC testing specifications, and Weibull lifetime estimation plots were created. In addition, Sn-Ni intermetallic compound (IMC) growth was characterized. Board mounted samples were aged at 125°C and 150°C for over 1000hrs. Cross sections were performed in roughly 168hr intervals in order to measure the resulting IMC layer thickness. IMC growth over time was fitted using a power relationship, and the diffusion rate constant and activation energy was calculated. It was found that thermal aging at 125°C resulted in very little IMC growth, while increasing the aging temperature to 150°C resulted in severe IMC growth. The high stress applied to the solder joint from the rapid IMC growth in the small bump area caused cracking of the UBM layer shortly after 500hrs of aging, which resulted in catastrophic failure after roughly 1000hrs. The results show that the Sn-2.5Ag mini-bump structure is quite robust through mechanical stressing of the solder joints. Depending on the final application temperature, they are an adequate interconnect structure to obtain ultra-low package thicknesses.
Early physiologic responses to hemorrhagic hypotension

The identification of early indicators of hemorrhagic hypotension (HH) severity may support early therapeutic approaches and bring insights into possible mechanistic implications. However, few systematic investigations of physiologic variables during early stages of hemorrhage are available. We hypothesized that, in certain subjects, early physiologic responses to blood loss are associated with the ability to survive hemorrhage levels that are lethal to subjects that do not present the same responses. Therefore, we examine the relevance of specific systemic changes during and after the bleeding phase of HH. Stepwise hemorrhage, representing prehospital situations, was performed in 44 rats, and measurements were made after each step. Heart and respiratory rates, arterial and venous blood pressures, gases, acid-base status, glucose, lactate, electrolytes, hemoglobin, O 2 saturation, tidal volume, and minute volume were measured before, during, and after bleeding 40% of the total blood volume. Fifty percent of rats survived 100min (survivors, S) or longer; others were considered nonsurvivors (NS). Our findings were as follows: (1) S and NS subjected to a similar hemorrhage challenge showed significantly different responses during nonlethal levels of bleeding; (2) survivors showed higher blood pressure and ventilation than NS; (3) although pH was lower in NS at later stages, changes in bicarbonate and base excess occurred already during the hemorrhage phase and were higher in NS; and (4) plasma K + levels and glucose extraction were higher in NS. We conclude that cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses, essential for the survival at HH, can differentiate between S and NS even before a lethal bleeding was reached.
Simulation and design of SiGe HBTs for power amplification at 10 GHz

Device modeling using a commercial numerical simulator has been employed for SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) device design for high frequency (10 GHz), high power applications. In this study, the effects of the design of the epitaxial layer structure on power gain at 10 GHz were investigated. In particular, the base doping and width, the Germanium concentration, profile and width, and the collector doping were investigated. Device layout and self-heating effects were not considered. The device performance was also investigated as a function of the displacement of the collector p-n junction from its SiGe/Si heterojunction and the associated formation of a parasitic barrier in the conduction energy band.
TYPES OF DISGUISED RURAL UNEMPLOYMENT AND SOME POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Introduction DISGUISED unemployment has come in for a considerable amount of discussion, pro and con, since Rosenstein-Rodan [45] and later Nurkse [38] first made it part of their explanations of economic backwardness. The notion has been developed rather exhaustively at the theoretical level, especially as it applies to agriculture, and W. Arthur Lewis [24] and Fei and Ranis [10] have constructed elaborate models in which the concept is assigned a key role. Empirical studies, aimed at measuring the extent of the 'surplus' labour which the disguised unemployment represents, have also been attempted but the results have been, to say the least, rather more unclear. Kao, Anschel, and Eicher, reviewing some of the more important of the empirical studies, concluded: 'To date, there is little reliable evidence to support the existence of more than token-5 per cent -disguised unemployment in underdeveloped countries' [20, p. 141]. But, Yong Sam Cho's very careful investigation of South Korean agriculture reaches an opposite conclusion: '. . . approximately 30 per cent of the total labour time available annually is unutilized' [5, p. 78]. In the case of India, there is an even more direct conflict of research findings. Mathur concluded that: 'In West Bengal, which is one of the most thickly populated states of India, disguised unemployment comes out to be almost one-third (33.1 per cent) of the rural working force' [28, p. 187]. On the other hand, on the basis of studying the data of the Indian Farm Management Institute, Paglin concluded that the marginal product of labour in Indian agriculture is positive and that there is no substantial amount of surplus labour [40]. Thus, the empirical results are contradictory and one is at a loss to understand why.' To be sure, some of the differences may be real. The phenomenon may exist in one country and not in another; or in a country at one point in time, or in one region, and not at an earlier point in time or in some other region. But, even more fundamentally, one can argue that different investigators have been measuring different things. 'Surplus' labour in agriculture can be caused by several different sets of underlying social and economic forces. Like the common cold, disguised unemployment is not a single malady but a loose generic category covering a variety of specific
The interface microscopy of crystalline linear high polymers

Solution-grown crystals of polyethylene may reach lateral dimensions large enough for optical microscopy. Interference microscopy represents, in this case, a suitable method of observation of morphology and defects as well as quantitative determinations. The double-beam interference method used in the Baker type microscope has been applied to determine refractive indices and lamellar thicknesses. The Nomarski double-beam interferometer has been used for hot-stage experiments. Multiple-beam techniques involving silvering of crystal surfaces and using an ordinary light microscope for observation have been developed. The applicability of the different types of interference microscopy to polymer research is illustrated in a series of representative photomicrographs of polyethylene.
Problem-Based Learning in K–12 Education Is it Effective and How Does it Achieve its Effects?

Enthusiasm for problem-based learning (PBL) is widespread, yet there exists little rigorous experimental evidence of its effectiveness, especially in K-12 populations. Reported here is a highly controlled experimental study of PBL in a middle school population. Between- and within-subject compari- sons are made of students learning the same material under three instruc- tional conditions: lecture/discussion, characteristic small-group PBL, and solitary PBL. Assessments of comprehension and application of concepts in a new context 9 weeks after instruction showed superior mastery in both PBL conditions, relative to the lecture condition, and equivalent perfor- mance in the two PBL conditions, the latter indicating that the social com- ponent of PBL is not a critical feature of its effectiveness.
Embryonic development in the reduced folate carrier knockout mouse is modulated by maternal folate supplementation.

BACKGROUND: The reduced folate carrier (RFC1) is a ubiquitously expressed integral membrane protein that mediates delivery of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate into mammalian cells. In this study, embryonic/fetal development is characterized in an RFC1 knockout mouse model in which pregnant dams receive different levels of folate supplementation. METHODS:RFC1+/− males were mated to RFC1+/− females, and pregnant dams were treated with vehicle (control) or folic acid (25 or 50 mg/kg) by daily subcutaneous injection (0.1 mL/10 g bwt), beginning on E0.5 and continuing throughout gestation until the time of sacrifice. RESULTS: Without maternal folate supplementation, RFC1 nullizygous embryos die shortly postimplantation. Supplementation of pregnant dams with 25 mg/kg/day folic acid prolongs survival of mutant embryos until E9.5–E10.5, but they are developmentally delayed relative to wild-type littermates, display a marked absence of erythropoiesis, severe neural tube and limb bud defects, and failure of chorioallantoic fusion. Fgfr2 protein levels are significantly reduced or absent in the extraembryonic membranes of RFC1 nullizygous embryos. Maternal folate supplementation with 50 mg/kg/day results in survival of 22% of RFC1 mutants to E18.5, but they develop with multiple malformations of the eyelids, lungs, heart, and skin. CONCLUSIONS: High doses of daily maternal folate supplementation during embryonic/fetal development are necessary for early postimplantation embryonic viability of RFC1 nullizygous embryos, and play a critical role in chorioallantoic fusion, erythropoiesis, and proper development of the neural tube, limbs, lungs, heart, and skin. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Automatic data base schema design and optimization

The production of an appropriate CODASYL Data Base Task Group (DBTG) Data Description Language (DDL) schema for a given data management application is a significant design problem. This research is devoted to the development of a methodology to automate and optimize the design of DBTG schema structures, using analytic modelling and optimization techniques.Given an implementation independent description of the data management requirements, it is possible to produce a schema configuration which is optimized with respect to logical record access rate, subject to storage and feasibility constraints, within a selected class of schemas. The storage/access rate trade off is expressable as an integer program, which can be mapped into a network traversal problem with a known dynamic programming solution.
ACAT1 deletion in murine macrophages associated with cytotoxicity and decreased expression of collagen type 3A1.

In contrast to some published studies of murine macrophages, we previously showed that ACAT inhibitors appeared to be antiatherogenic in primary human macrophages in that they decreased foam cell formation without inducing cytotoxicity. Herein, we examined foam cell formation and cytotoxicity in murine ACAT1 knockout (KO) macrophages in an attempt to resolve the discrepancies. Elicited peritoneal macrophages from normal C57BL6 and ACAT1 KO mice were incubated with DMEM containing acetylated LDL (acLDL, 100 lg protein/ml) for 48 h. Cells became cholesterol enriched and there were no differences in the total cholesterol mass. Esterified cholesterol mass was lower in ACAT1 KO foam cells compared to normal macrophages (p < 0.04). Cytotoxicity, as measured by the cellular release of [ 14 C]adenine from macrophages, was approximately 2-fold greater in ACAT1 KO macrophages as compared to normal macrophages (p < 0.0001), and this was independent of cholesterol enrichment. cDNA microarray analysis showed that ACAT1 KO macrophages expressed substantially less collagen type 3A1 (26-fold), which was confirmed by RT-PCR. Total collagen content was also significantly reduced (57%) in lung homogenates isolated from ACAT1 KO mice (p < 0.02). Thus, ACAT1 KO macrophages show biochemical changes consistent with increased cytotoxicity and also a novel association with decreased expression of collagen type 3A1.
Taxonomic anxieties: Axis I and Axis II in prison.

This essay describes the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatry in the prison setting. The distinction between the Axis I disorders (major mental illness) and those designated Axis II (character disorders) is explored in terms of the professional division of labor in prison and the problems posed for prison discipline by "behaviorally disturbed" inmates. Conflicts over diagnosis are placed in ethnographic and historical perspective and form the basis for a discussion of the problematic relationship between disciplinary space and issues of subjection and agency, [prisons, psychiatric diagnosis, ethnography of prison, subjection, mental illness in prison, character disorders]
LFSR Reseeding with Irreducible Polynomials

We propose an innovative scheme for LFSR re- seeding based on the efficient generation of the seeds of any non-primitive irreducible polynomial. The scheme has very small hardware overhead irrespective of the number of seeds and guarantees that the generation of the pattern subsequence from each seed is disjoint. Experimental results demonstrate the potential of the mechanism for pseudorandom test pattern generation in a parallel chain test-per-scan environment.
The Photo-Oxidation of Polypropylene Monofilaments3 Part II: Physical Changes and Microstructure

The photo-oxidative degradation of polypropylene monofilaments with xenon-arc irradiation results initially in a drop in elongation-to-break, followed by a decrease in tensile strength on prolonged irradiation. A microscopic examination of fibers that were first peeled to reveal the interior of the filament and then uv-irradiated showed that the interior is partially fibrillar, and that the fibrillar zones are more resistant to photo-oxidative scission than the surrounding nonfibrillar matrix. The formation of cracks in the outer sheath of the fiber and through the nonfibrillar regions correlates with the drop in elongation-to-break. Fibrils are not severed until after long uv exposure times, corresponding to the observed drop in tensile strength. Fiber melting temperatures estimated from DSC endotherms drop steadily during photo-oxidation. This drop and the observed decrease in x-ray crystallinity may be associated with the photo-oxidative cleavage of tie molecules and chain-extended crystalline zones.
Liver disease after hematopoietic cell transplantation in adults

Liver-related complications constitute a large component of the overall morbidity and mortality associated with hematopoietic cell transplantation. Affecting up to 80% of allogeneic HCT recipients, prompt recognition and treatment are essential. The differential diagnosis is broad and is best categorized by time of onset after transplantation. Early complications include drug-induced liver injury, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and graft-versus-host disease. Late complications include infectious sequelae, cirrhosis, and hepatic malignancies. Patients being considered for hematopoietic cell transplantation should be screened and evaluated for liver-related complications to help improve outcomes.
Diagnosis and Management of Common Dermatoses in Children: Atopic, Seborrheic, and Contact Dermatitis

Atopic, seborrheic, and contact dermatitis can significantly reduce the quality of life of patients and their families. Although differing in specific aspects of their epidemiology, etiology, and pathobiology, all 3 dermatoses are common in the pediatric population, and they share a common treatment approach. Although effective and widely used to manage exacerbations of pediatric dermatitis, the use of topical corticosteroid remains a concern for some physicians and parents because of its potential for systemic absorption and adverse events associated with prolonged use. Newer additions to the dermatitis treatment algorithm, such as the topical calcineurin inhibitors, may provide an effective steroid-sparing treatment option. Adjuvant treatments, such as antihistamines, antifungals, and antibiotics, also can provide benefit in appropriate circumstances. As there is no cure for dermatitis, a comprehensive, multipronged management strategy of preventive measures, such as trigger avoidance and periodic pharmacologic treatment, will provide patients and caregivers with the best opportunity to successfully control the disease.
Endoscopic Endonasal Clipping of Intracranial Aneurysms: Surgical Technique and Results.

Objective Microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms requires meticulous technique and is usually performed through open approaches. Endoscopic endonasal clipping of intracranial aneurysms may use the same techniques through an alternative corridor. The aim of this article is to report a series of patients who underwent an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review. Surgical outcome and complications were noted. The conceptual application and the technical nuances of these procedures are discussed. Results Ten patients underwent EEA for clipping of 11 intracranial aneurysms arising from the paraclinoidal internal carotid artery (n = 9) and vertebrobasilar system (n = 2). The internal carotid artery aneurysms projected medially, whereas the vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms were directly ventral to the brainstem with low-lying basilar apices. One patient required craniotomy for distal control given the size and thrombosed nature of the aneurysm. Proximal and distal vascular control with direct visualization of the aneurysm was obtained in all patients. In all cases, aneurysms were completely occluded. Among complications, 3 patients had postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and 2 other patients had meningitis. Two patients suffered lacunar strokes. One recovered completely and the other remains with mild disabling symptoms. Conclusions EEAs can provide direct access for microsurgical clipping of rare and carefully selected intracranial aneurysms. The basic principles of cerebrovascular surgery have to be followed throughout the procedure. These surgeries require a skull base team with a neurosurgeon well versed in both endoscopic endonasal and cerebrovascular surgery, working in concert with an otolaryngologist experienced in skull base endoscopy and reconstruction.
Multiple-ring architecture and its FDDI applications

This paper discusses a networking concept referred to as multiple-ring architecture (MRA). In FDDI reliability applications, MRA is an attractive alternative to the popular dual homing architecture for the following reason. Unlike the requirement of several reliable concentrators needed in the dual homing architecture, the MRA only requires several routing interfaces at each backbone node (i.e., at each router node); different fiber cables and networks share the same set of routers, creating a set of highly fault tolerant networks of low overall cost and complexity.
HhAntag, a Hedgehog Signaling Antagonist, Suppresses Chondrogenesis and Modulates Canonical and Non-Canonical BMP Signaling

Chondrogenesis subtends the development of most skeletal elements and involves mesenchymal cell condensations differentiating into growth plate chondrocytes that proliferate, undergo hypertrophy, and are replaced by bone. In the pediatric disorder Hereditary Multiple Exostoses, however, chondrogenesis occurs also at ectopic sites and causes formation of benign cartilaginous tumors--exostoses--near the growth plates. No treatment is currently available to prevent or reverse exostosis formation. Here, we asked whether chondrogenesis could be stopped by targeting the hedgehog pathway, one of its major regulators. Micromass cultures of limb mesenchymal cells were treated with increasing amounts of the hedgehog inhibitor HhAntag or vehicle. The drug effectively blocked chondrogenesis and did so in a dose-dependent manner as monitored by: alcian blue-positive cartilage nodule formation; gene expression of cartilage marker genes; and reporter activity in Gli1-LacZ cell cultures. HhAntag blocked chondrogenesis even when the cultures were co-treated with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2), a strong pro-chondrogenic factor. Immunoblots showed that HhAntag action included modulation of canonical (pSmad1/5/8) and non-canonical (pp38) BMP signaling. In cultures co-treated with HhAntag plus rhBMP-2, there was a surprising strong up-regulation of pp38 levels. Implantation of rhBMP-2-coated beads near metacarpal elements in cultured forelimb explants induced formation of ectopic cartilage that however, was counteracted by HhAntag co-treatment. Collectively, our data indicate that HhAntag inhibits not only hedgehog signaling, but also modulates canonical and non-canonical BMP signaling and blocks basal and rhBMP2-stimulated chondrogenesis, thus representing a potentially powerful drug-based strategy to counter ectopic cartilage growth or induce its involution.
Pulmonary artery catheter

Since its inception, the pulmonary artery catheter has enjoyed widespread use in both medical and surgical critically ill patients. It has also endured criticism and skepticism about its benefit in these patient populations. By providing information such as cardiac output, mixed venous oxygen saturation, and intracardiac pressures, the pulmonary artery catheter may improve care of the most complex critically ill patients in the intensive care unit and the operating room. With its ability to transduce pressures through multiple ports, one of the primary clinical uses for pulmonary artery catheters is real-time intracardiac pressure monitoring. Correct interpretation of the waveforms is essential to confirming correct placement of the catheter to ensure accurate data are recorded. Major complications related to catheter placement are infrequent, but misinterpretation of monitored data is not uncommon and has led many to question the utility of the pulmonary artery catheter. The evidence to date suggests that the use of the catheter does not change mortality in many critically ill patients and may expose these patients to a higher rate of complications. However, additional clinical trials are needed, particularly in the most complex critically ill patients, who have generally been excluded from many of the research trials performed to date.
Effects of V-22 Blade Modifications on Whirl Flutter and Loads

A CAMRAD II model of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor was constructed for the purpose of analyzing the effects of blade design changes on whirl flutter. The model incorporated a dual load-path grip/yoke assembly, a swashplate coupled to the transmission case, and a drive train. A multiple-trailer free wake was used for loads calculations. The effects of rotor design changes on whirl-mode stability were calculated for swept blades and offset tip masses. A rotor with swept tips and inboard tuning masses was examined in detail to reveal the mechanisms by which these design changes affect stability and loads. Certain combinations of design features greatly increased whirl-mode stability, with (at worst) moderate increases to loads.
NETWORK CONGESTION ARBITRATION AND SOURCE PROBLEM PREDICTION USING NEURAL NETWORKS

Rapidly growing needs for networking in the Internet and in local Intranets make network management increasingly important in today's computer world. We propose using learning techniques to predict network congestion problems before they start impacting the performance of services. In this paper, we focus on using a simple feed-forward neural network to predict severe congestion in a network. We also use neural networks to predict the source or sources responsible for the congestion, and we design and apply a simple control method for limiting the rate of the offending sources so that congestion can be avoided. Unlike the usual TCP/IP flow control, the proposed method is applied only to selected nodes and converges faster to the final rate. The described techniques set the stage for a new wave of network managers that are capable of preventing networking problems instead of repairing them.
A small change in the design of a slit bioaerosol impactor significantly improves its collection characteristics.

While several methods are available for bioaerosol monitoring, impaction remains the most common one, particularly for collecting fungal spores. Earlier studies have shown that the collection efficiency of many conventional single-stage bioaerosol impactors falls below 50% for spores with an aerodynamic diameter between 1.7 and 2.5 μm because their cut-off size is 2.5 μm or greater. The cut-off size reduction is primarily done by substantially increasing the sampling flow rate or decreasing the impaction jet size, W, to a fraction of a millimetre, with both measures often impractical to implement. Some success has recently been reported on the utilization of an ultra-low jet-to-plate distance, S (S/W < 0.1), in circular impactors. This paper describes a laboratory evaluation and some field testing of two single-stage, single-nozzle, slit bioaerosol impactors, Allergenco-D and Air-O-Cell, which feature the same jet dimensions and flow rate but have some design configuration differences that were initially thought to be of low significance. The collection efficiency and the spore deposit characteristics were determined in the laboratory using real-time aerosol spectrometry and different microscopic enumeration methods as the test impactors were challenged with the non-biological polydisperse NaCl aerosol and the aerosolized fungal spores of Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus versicolor, and Penicillium melinii. The tests showed that a relatively small reduction in the jet-to-plate distance of a single-stage, single-nozzle impactor with a tapered inlet nozzle, combined with adding a straight section of sufficient length, can significantly decrease the cut-off size to the level that is sufficient to efficiently collect spores of all fungal species. Furthermore, it appears that the slit jet design may improve the application of partial spore counting methodologies with respect to those applied to circular deposits. Data from a demonstration field study, conducted with the two samplers in environments containing a variety of fungal species, supported the laboratory findings.
Estimating the risk of bowel ischemia requiring surgery in patients with tomographic evidence of pneumatosis intestinalis

Abstract Background Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) presents a challenging dilemma for surgeons given its association with both benign and life threatening conditions. As such, the need for surgical intervention is oftentimes difficult to discern. We hypothesize that a clinical nomogram can be used to predict the need for surgical intervention in patients with PI. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 217 consecutive cases with PI on abdominal computed tomography over a 10-year period at a tertiary care hospital. Bivariable and multivariable analysis were conducted to assess the statistical significance of the association between patient factors and need for surgical intervention, defined as positive findings at surgery. Results There were 217 patients with PI identified during the study, of which 178 were treated with curative intent. Of these, 82 patients underwent surgical exploration, and 96 patients were managed conservatively. Forty-four percent of patients who had radiographic evidence of PI were managed conservatively and did well, whereas an additional 6% underwent nontherapeutic laparotomies. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that patients with tenderness on examination, lactic acidosis, and tachycardia had significantly higher likelihood of the need for surgical intervention, whereas patients with diabetes had a lower likelihood of surgical intervention. These and other selected patient characteristics can be used to efficiently and reliably estimate the probability of ischemic bowel at laparotomy. Conclusions The presence of PI does not always warrant surgical intervention. We present a nomogram to assist with clinical decision-making based on the presence of clinical factors.
Integration Possibilities in Exsys Corvid

Exsys Corvid constitutes a very competitive expert system shell that facilitates, among many other features, database integration. In the current research we intend to bring to attention all the integration possibilities that Corvid offers by theoretical and practical approaches.Thus, in current research, we will conduct the study by implementing into real applications the theory as it is stated in the Corvid User Guide Manual. We will mainly use, for exemplification purposes, economic and financial analysis cases to illustrate real-world examples.
Why is Reality Television (TV) so Appealing? An Examination of Factors Affecting Adolescent Television Viewing

This paper proposes to examine the various reasons why adolescents watch reality television. The sample included 178 students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 attending a suburban high school. The Incidence of Reality Television Viewing Scale measured prevalence of adolescent television viewing. Teens who displayed higher incidences of reality television viewing significantly reported lower levels of life satisfaction. Peer acceptance, voyeurism, perceptions of real life situations, and adolescent implementation of reality television behavior or social learning are significant factors influencing adolescent reality television viewing. While age does not significantly impact adolescent television viewing, gender does as girls watch reality television more than boys, are more likely to exhibit voyeurism, display a greater need for peer acceptance, utilize what they had learned from reality television viewing, and believe what they see as real in reality television. Overall, GPA has significant influence on the factors of voyeurism, peer acceptance, and adolescent implementation of reality television behavior or social learning. This study also found a significant relationship between the incidence of social networking and the incidence of reality television viewing as adolescents who indicate a greater incidence of social networking also exhibit a greater incidence of reality television viewing.
Cys34-PEGylated Human Serum Albumin for Drug Binding and Delivery

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives were conjugated onto the Cys-34 residue of human serum albumin (HSA) to determine their effects on the solubilization, permeation, and cytotoxic activity of hydrophobic drugs such as paclitaxel (PTX). PEG(C34)HSA conjugates were prepared on a multigram scale by treating native HSA (n-HSA) with 5- or 20-kDa mPEG-maleimide, resulting in up to 77% conversion of the mono-PEGylated adduct. Nanoparticle tracking analysis of PEG(C34)HSA formulations in phosphate buffer revealed an increase in the number of nanosized aggregates relative to n-HSA, both in the absence and presence of PTX. Cell viability studies conducted with MCF-7 breast cancer cells indicated that PTX cytotoxicity was enhanced by PEG(C34)HSA when mixed at 10:1 mol ratios, up to a 2-fold increase in potency relative to n-HSA. The PEG(C34)HSA conjugates were also evaluated as PTX carriers across monolayers of HUVEC and hCMEC/D3 cells, and found to have permeation profiles nearly identical to those of n-HSA.
A fourth-order boundary treatment for viscous fluxes on Cartesian grid finite-volume methods

This study focuses on a fourth-order boundary treatment for nite-volume schemes to solve the compressible Navier-Stokes equations on a Cartesian grid. A fourth-order nite-volume stencil is derived for the viscous stress tensor operator and the modi ed fourth-order stencil near the physical boundary is developed. Fourier error analysis and stability analysis are performed for the fourth-order elliptic operator. For time integration, we use the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. The fourth-order scheme was applied to the transient Couette ow and the solution accuracy was veri ed.
Abstract 3669: Autocrine interleukin/STAT3 signaling in breast implant-associated T cell anaplastic large cell lymphoma cell lines suggests a mechanism for tumor progression and effective therapy

Recently, over 80 cases of anaplastic large-cell kinase (ALK)-negative, T-cell, anaplastic, non-Hodgkin lymphomas (T-ALCL) have been identified worldwide in patients with textured saline and silicone breast implants. These breast implant-associated T-ALCL cases are striking for their homogeneous clinical presentation and pathology that is distinct from established classes of ALCL. In order to understand the nature of this newly emerged clinical entity, we have established three new cell lines, designated T cell Breast Lymphoma (TLBR) -1, -2, and -3, from patient primary tumor biopsy specimens. Characterization of these pre-clinical models confirmed fidelity to the original tumor biopsy specimens and highlighted unique features that may aid the development of effective treatments for these cancers. Gene expression analysis demonstrated significant up-regulation of survivin and down-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes (BID, BAK, BBC3) by all TLBR cell lines relative to healthy donor T cells. This preliminary finding prompted examination of upstream regulators of cell survival in T cells, namely the interleukin signaling associated with the JAK/STAT pathway. TLBR cell lines were found to secrete high levels of IL-6 and IL-10, and were strongly positive for the cognate receptors. The TLBR cell lines also showed elevated levels of STAT3 and pSTAT3 by immunoblotting techniques, along with a simultaneous reduction in expression of the pSTAT3 phosphatase, SHP-1. These results implicate an unregulated autocrine STAT3 pathway present in the TLBR cell lines that strongly contributes to their tumorigenesis. Assays of various inhibitors of this pathway support this hypothesis since targeting of STAT3 with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Sunitinib, led to dramatic in vitro cell death in all TLBR cell lines. More specific inhibition of STAT3 with S3I-201 had comparable results with Sunitinib. Furthermore, IL-6 neutralization by a monoclonal antibody or SHP-1 restoration by 5-azacytidine treatment also demonstrated moderate efficacy in inhibiting TLBR cell line growth in vitro. These discoveries strongly suggest the use of these reagents in the clinical treatment of Breast Implant Associated T-ALCL. The TLBR cell lines closely resemble the primary breast implant-associated lymphomas from which they were derived, and as such provide valuable preclinical models to study the unique biology and provide clinicians with improved knowledge for treatment and diagnosis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3669. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3669
Zeros ofm-accretive operators in Banach spaces

An operatorT defined on a subsetD(T) of a Banach spaceE and taking values in 2E is said to bem-accretive if for each λ>0, the mappingJλ=(I+λT)−1 is a single-valued nonexpansive mapping defined on all ofE. In this paper, facts derived from an elementary analysis of the bahavior of {Jλx}λ≧0 for fixedxeD(T) are applied to obtain theorems concerning existence of zeros and surjectivity.
The causal relation between benzene exposure and multiple myeloma

To the editor: The causal relation between benzene exposure and multiple myeloma The evidence cited by Bergsagel et al in their recent review does not at all support their conclusion that “there is no causal relationship between exposure to benzene or benzene-containing solvents and multiple
Everyday racial discrimination, everyday non-racial discrimination, and physical health among African-Americans.

Past research has identified a link between discrimination and health outcomes among people of color. Perceptions of the cause of discrimination (racial vs. other) seem to be important for mental health; however, this relationship has not been fully examined for physical health. Using data from the National Survey of American Life, we find that, among African Americans, racial discrimination and overall discrimination regardless of attribution are associated with negative health outcomes while non-racial discrimination is not. The results suggest that racial discrimination has a unique adverse effect on physical health for African Americans that practitioners need to better understand.