cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of electrically evoked cortical potential thresholds generated with subretinal or suprachoroidal placement of a microelectrode array in the rabbit

The aim of the study was to directly compare the threshold electrical charge density of the retina (retinal threshold) in rabbits for the generation of electrical evoked potentials (EEP) by delivering electrical stimulation with a custom-made microelectrode array (MEA) implanted into either the subretinal or suprachoroidal space. Nine eyes of seven Dutch-belted rabbits were studied. The electroretinogram (ERG), visual evoked potentials (VEP) and EEP were recorded. Electrodes for the VEP and EEP were placed on the dura mater overlying the visual cortex. The EEP was recorded following electrical stimulation of the MEA placed either subretinally beneath the visual streak of the retina or in the suprachoroidal space in the rabbit eye. An ab externo approach was used for placement of the MEA. Liquid perfluorodecaline (PFCL; 0.4 ml) was placed within the vitreous cavity to flatten the neurosensory retina on the MEA after subretinal implantation. The retinal threshold for generation of an EEP was determined for each MEA placement by three consecutive measurements consisting of 100 computer-averaged recordings. Animals were sacrificed at the conclusion of the experiment and the eyes were enucleated for histological examination. The retinal threshold to generate an EEP was 9 ± 7 nC (0.023 ± 0.016 mC cm−2) within the subretinal space and 150 ± 122 nC (0.375 ± 0.306 mC cm−2) within the suprachoroidal space. Histology showed disruption of the outer retina with subretinal but not suprachoroidal placement. The retinal threshold to elicit an EEP is significantly lower with subretinal placement of the MEA compared to suprachoroidal placement (P < 0.05). The retinal threshold charge density with a subretinal MEA is well below the published charge limit of 1 mC cm−2, which is the level below which chronic stimulation of the retina is considered necessary to avoid tissue damage (Shannon 1992 IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng. 39 424–6).
Estradiol accelerates extinction of lithium chloride-induced conditioned taste aversions through its illness-associated properties.

Abstract Estradiol accelerates extinction of LiCl-induced conditioned taste aversions when it is present during a period that starts 2–3 days after acquisition and extends throughout extinction (before and during extinction). It has been suggested that estradiol acts before, not during, extinction and that its effect on extinction is associated with its illness-inducing properties. This hypothesis is based on previous work which shows an attenuation of conditioned taste aversion learning when rats are exposed to illness-inducing agents during a period that starts 2 days after acquisition and ends 2 days before extinction trials are initiated. Four experiments were designed to test elements of this hypothesis. The first two experiments demonstrated that if an estradiol-filled Silastic capsule is implanted before extinction of a LiCl-induced aversion, when the conditioned taste is not present, it accelerates extinction, but if it is implanted during extinction, when the conditioned taste is present, it prolongs extinction. The third experiment showed that the same dose of estradiol that accelerates extinction of a LiCl-induced aversion was effective in producing a conditioned taste aversion when it was present for 18 h after consumption of a novel sucrose solution. The fourth experiment indicated that serum levels of estradiol were elevated during the 18 h. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the acceleration of extinction by estradiol is associated with its illness-inducing properties. It is suggested that estradiol acts on neural areas that mediate illness information and that one of these areas, the area postrema is necessary for estradiol to accelerate extinction of a LiCl-induced aversion.
Wave propagation in nonlinear one-dimensional soil model

The objective of the research conducted by the authors is to explore the feasibility of determining reliable in situ values of shear modulus as a function of strain. In this paper the meaning of the material stiffness obtained from impact and harmonic excitation tests on a surface slab is discussed. A one-dimensional discrete model with the nonlinear material stiffness is used for this purpose. When a static load is applied followed by an impact excitation, if the amplitude of the impact is very small, the measured wave velocity using the cross-correlation indicates the wave velocity calculated from the tangent modulus corresponding to the state of stress caused by the applied static load. The duration of the impact affects the magnitude of the displacement and the particle velocity but has very little effect on the estimation of the wave velocity for the magnitudes considered herein. When a harmonic excitation is applied, the cross-correlation of the time histories at different depths estimates a wave velocity close to the one calculated from the secant modulus in the stress-strain loop under steady-state condition. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA expression in hemangiomas and vascular malformations.

Abstract Hemangiomas are vascular tumors that appear at or shortly after birth and undergo a rapid growth before involuting. During the proliferative phase, hemangiomas are infiltrated by macrophages, cells that are capable of initiating angiogenesis. Vascular malformations grow slowly, commensurate with the child, and do not regress or become infiltrated by macrophages. We demonstrate byin situhybridization increased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA expression during hemangioma and vascular malformation growth. We found markedly upregulated expression of MCP-1 mRNA in all proliferative hemangioma specimens, expressed by α-actin+perivascular smooth muscle cells and interstitial HAM 56+macrophages. In contrast, 9 of 10 clinically involuting hemangiomas displayed no expression of MCP-1 mRNA. We found no expression of MCP-1 mRNA in vascular malformations, which correlates with the minimal monocytic infiltration of these lesions. We also showed that dexamethasone and interferon-α downregulate MCP-1 mRNA in cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells. Glucocorticoids can be efficacious in 30–50% of cases when given in the proliferative phase of hemangioma growth, but have no beneficial effect on vascular malformations. Interferon-α has been used to dramatically induce regression of steroid–refractory hemangiomas. Both of these agents’ beneficial action on proliferative hemangiomas may, in part, result from reduced MCP-1 production and reduced influx of angiogenic macrophages.
Movement of fossil pore fluids in granite basement, Illinois

The compositions of pore fluids in granite cores from the Precambrian basement in northern Illinois were determined. The estimated chloride concentration in the aqueous phase increases from near zero at the upper contact with sandstone to 2.7 M at 624 m below the contact. Traces of aliphatic oil are present in the overlying sandstone and the upper 516 m of granite, and oil occupies most of the pore space in one sample of unaltered granite 176 m below the contact. The oil has a δ 13 C of −25‰, about the same as average petroleum. The high concentrations of salt more than 500 m below the contact imply that little or no fresh water has reached these levels of the granite by flow. Lower concentrations near the contact are consistent with replacement of brine in the sandstone by fresh water at least 11 m.y. ago and subsequent upward diffusion of salt from the granite. Geologic data suggest that the time of replacement was about 130 Ma.
Sonographic features of retroperitoneal neurilemoma

Seven cases of retroperitoneal neurilemoma confirmed by histology had an ultrasound examination. There were 5 women and 2 men with a mean age of 55. Most of the cases (5/7) had a palpable mass clinically. Of the 7 cases, 4 had a mass with cystic degeneration and internal echoes on sonogram, consistent with the macroscopic findings of tumors. The internal echoes represented blood clots and residual tissue (or septa) in cyst. Or the remaining 3 cases, one showed a confluent lobulated mass, the second had a solitary homogeneous mass with small cysts, and the third one, which was the smallest (4 cm × 4 cm × 6 cm), had a hypoechoic and homogeneous pattern. The sonograms of all 7 cases were consistent with the macroscopic features of the tumors. The sonographic pattern of tumor parenchyma is either homogenously hyperechoic or hypoechoic. Because of the cystic degeneration, hemorrhage, and residual tissue of retroperitoneal neurilemoma, the sonographic pattern was variable. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Chemistry of the t-butoxyl radical: evidence that most hydrogen abstractions from carbon are entropy-controlled.

Absolute rate constants and Arrhenius parameters for hydrogen abstractions (from carbon) by the t-butoxyl radical (tBuO·) are reported for several hydrocarbons and tertiary amines in solution. Comb...
INTERGENERATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL MOBILITY IN BRITAIN AND THE U.S. SINCE 1850: COMMENT

Using historical census and survey data, Long and Ferrie (forthcoming) found a significant decline in social mobility in the United States from 1880 to 1973. We present two critiques of the Long-Ferrie study. First, the data quality of the Long-Ferrie study is more limiting than the authors acknowledge. Second, and more critically, they applied a method ill-suited for measuring social mobility of farmers in a comparative study between 1880 and 1973, a period in which the proportion of farmers dramatically declined in the U.S. We show that Long and Ferrie's main conclusion is all driven by this misleading result for farmers.
A redox-based mechanism for the neuroprotective and neurodestructive effects of nitric oxide and related nitroso-compounds

Congeners of nitrogen monoxide (NO) are neuroprotective and neurodestructive. To address this apparent paradox, we considered the effects on neurons of compounds characterized by alternative redox states of NO: nitric oxide (NO.) and nitrosonium ion (NO+). Nitric oxide, generated from NO. donors or synthesized endogenously after NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor activation, can lead to neurotoxicity. Here, we report that NO.- mediated neurotoxicity is engendered, at least in part, by reaction with superoxide anion (O2.-), apparently leading to formation of peroxynitrite (ONOO-), and not by NO. alone. In contrast, the neuroprotective effects of NO result from downregulation of NMDA-receptor activity by reaction with thiol group(s) of the receptor's redox modulatory site. This reaction is not mediated by NO. itself, but occurs under conditions supporting S-nitrosylation of NMDA receptor thiol (reaction or transfer of NO+). Moreover, the redox versatility of NO allows for its interconversion from neuroprotective to neurotoxic species by a change in the ambient redox milieu. The details of this complex redox chemistry of NO may provide a mechanism for harnessing neuroprotective effects and avoiding neurotoxicity in the central nervous system.
The impact of system latency on dynamic performance in virtual acoustic environments

Engineering constraints that may be encountered when implementing interactive virtual acoustic displays are examined. In particular, system parameters such as the update rate and total system latency are defined and the impact they may have on perception is discussed. For example, examination of the head motions that listeners used to aid localization in a previous study suggests that some head motions may be as fast as about 175°/s for short time periods. Analysis of latencies in virtual acoustic environments (VAEs) suggests that: (1) commonly specified parameters such as the audio update rate determine only the best‐case latency possible in a VAE, (2) total system latency and individual latencies of system components, including head‐trackers, are frequently not measured by VAE developers, and (3) typical system latencies may result in undersampling of relative listener‐source motion of 175°/s as well as positional instability in the simulated source. To clearly specify the dynamic performance of a particular VAE, users and developers need to make measurements to average system latency, update rate, and their variability using standardized rendering scenarios. Psychoacoustic parameters such as the minimum audible movement angle can then be used as target guidelines to assess whether a given system meets perceptual requirements.
A STUDY ON LOCAL-GLOBAL COOPERATIVITY IN PROTEIN COLLAPSE

We study the effect of secondary structure formation on cooperativity of protein collapse using a simple homopolymer model on a “210” lattice that allows a geometrically consistent representation of α-helical conformation. Monte carlo simulations were carried out in the range of temperatures and energetic parameters that characterize relative strength of global (i.e., between monomers that are far apart in sequence) and local (helix-stabilizing) contacts R = ηg/ηl. The complete phase diagram presented here exhibits a narrow region of temperatures and R-values in which compact conformations with considerable helical content dominate the equilibrium. It was shown that at certain values of R, the collapse transition occurs in a narrow temperature range and is accompanied by a pronounced increase of helical content. However, the simulations do not support a two-state transition scenario at which transition occurs between two (metha) stable states corresponding to free energy minima. Rather, we observe at all ...
Attempts at Passive Transfer of Allergic Eczematous Sensitivity in Man by Means of White Cell Suspensions

The problem of demonstrating antibodies in allergic eczematous contact-type sensitization has always been of great interest to the dermatologist. For it is perhaps in eczematous sensitization more than in any other form in human beings that the clinical events often present the most beautiful demonstration of the cardinal characteristics of allergic sensitization. Here one can observe in clear cut fashion such immunologic phenomena as the incubation period, the spontaneous flare-up, the local differences in sensitivity, the coming and waning of sensitivity, as well as many other of the well known characteristic allergic phenomena.
A role for CK2α/β in Xenopus early embryonic development

CK2 is expressed widely in early embryonic development in several animal models, however its developmental role is unclear. One of the substrates of CK2 that is important in embryonic development is β-catenin, the transcriptional co-activator of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. This pathway has been implicated in diverse aspects of embryonic development, including one of the earliest events in embryonic development, the establishment of the dorso-ventral embryonic axis. In Xenopus laevis, dorso-ventral axis formation is dependent upon stabilization of β-catenin in the future dorsal side of the embryo. Since CK2 phosphorylation of β-catenin stabilizes it, we hypothesized that CK2 might be critical to upregulation of β-catenin in Xenopus embryos and to the process of axis establishment. Our results demonstrate that CK2 is required for dorsal axis formation and is for normal upregulation of Wnt signaling genes and targets. Thus, CK2 is a regulator of endogenous axis formation in vertebrates.
Thermal stability of refractory materials for high-temperature composite applications

A computational thermodynamic analysis of the stability of group IV, V, and VI transition metal borides, carbides, nitrides, and oxides is presented. The results of these computations can be employed to assess the stability and decomposition of these materials at high temperatures under different ambient conditions. The thermodynamic stabilities of group IV, V, and VI compounds increase with atomic number of the metal in the same group and decrease with atomic number in the same period. Based on the equilibrium computations of the decomposition reactions considered, V3B4, HfC, HfN and Ti3O5 are the most stable compounds in each class. In general, the refractory oxides are the most stable compounds followed by the borides, carbides and nitrides.
Response of vegetation to climatic changes of different duration in the late neogene

The late Neogene climate is characterized both by a general cooling at middle and high latitudes and by short-term temperature oscillations that developed into the ice ages. The effect of these climatic forcings on vegetation is known in only a few cases where the fossil record is sufficiently long, closely sampled and well dated. These records are important in testing models of vegetational change and in demonstrating that present vegetation is a product of past climatic variability on different temporal scales.
Process Integration: The Future of Chipmaking

As with any concept in its early stages or realization, there are many ways of thinking about what we call "process integration" in semiconductor manufacturing. In its most simple form, we consider it to be the combining of two or more sequential processing steps, normally performed in separate systems, into a unified process flow within one fabrication tool.
Should Osteopathic Students Applying to Allopathic Emergency Medicine Programs Take the USMLE Exam

Introduction: Board scores are an important aspect of an emergency medicine (EM) residency application. Residency directors use these standardized tests to objectively evaluate an applicant’s potential and help decide whether to interview a candidate. While allopathic (MD) students take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), osteopathic (DO) students take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). It is difficult to compare these scores. Previous literature proposed an equation to predict USMLE based on COMLEX. Recent analyses suggested this may no longer be accurate. DO students applying to allopathic programs frequently ask whether they should take USMLE to overcome this potential disadvantage. The objective of the study is to compare the likelihood to match of DO applicants who reported USMLE to those who did not, and to clarify how important program directors consider it is whether or not an osteopathic applicant reported a USMLE score. Methods: We conducted a review of Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) data for 2010-2011 in conjunction with a survey of EM residency programs. We reviewed the number of allopathic and osteopathic applicants, the number of osteopathic applicants who reported a USMLE score, and the percentage of successful match. We compared the percentage of osteopathic applicants who reported a USMLE score who matched compared to those who did not report USMLE. We also surveyed allopathic EM residency programs to understand how important it is that osteopathic (DO) students take USMLE. Results: There were 1,482 MD students ranked EM programs; 1,277 (86%, 95% CI 84.3-87.9) matched. There were 350 DO students ranked EM programs; 181 (52%, 95% CI 46.4-57.0) matched (difference=34%, 95% CI 29.8-39.0, p<0.0001). There were 208 DO students reported USMLE; 126 (61%, 95% CI 53.6-67.2) matched. 142 did not report USMLE; 55 (39%, 95% CI 30.7-47.3) matched (difference=22%, 95% CI 11.2-32.5, p<0.0001). Survey results: 39% of program directors reported that it is extremely important that osteopathic students take USMLE, 38% stated it is somewhat important, and 22% responded not at all important. Conclusion: DO students who reported USMLE were more likely to match. DO students applying to allopathic EM programs should consider taking USMLE to improve their chances of a successful match. [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(1):101–106.]
Simulation as a tool in family therapy research

The efficacy and validity of simulation for purposes of training and evaluation are well established. Simulation has proven valuable in human behaviour research as well. However, based on the belief that families and other small groups behave differently, many family theorists have concluded that simulation may not be valid for family research despite the fact that some empirical studies showed little difference between simulated and actual families, suggesting that the disparity may not be as great as commonly believed. Ongoing and future studies controlling for ‘time together’, a dimension presumed to be critical in comparing simulated with actual families, may demonstrate that differences are not sufficiently large to preclude the use of simulated families in family research. Methodological problems are addressed and directions for future research proposed.
Relationship of nitrogenase activity to plant water stress in field-grown soybeans.

Abstract Soybeans are often subjected to periods of water deficits during ontogeny. Water stress can produce lower leaf water potentials, stomatal closure, decreased photosynthesis, and ultimately result in reduced yields. Although the responses of many physiological processes to water deficits have been extensively studied, the effects on nitrogen fixation, an important process for leguminous plants, have received little attention in field experiments. We conducted an experiment to relate the effects of reduced soil moisture on the nitrogenase activity of soybean nodules to changes in leaf water status, stomatal activity, nodule water content and apparent canopy carbon exchange during an imposed drying cycle. Field-grown soybeans were subjected to a 19-day drying cycle during early seed fill. At chosen intervals, midday measurements of selected physiological proceses were made in stressed and well-watered control plants. Leaf water potential, leaf conductance to water vapor, nodule moisture content, apparent carbon exchange and nitrogenase activity declined as the duration of the stress period increased. All physiological processes, except apparent canopy carbon exchange rate, returned to control levels upon adequate rewatering. The incomplete recovery of apparent carbon exchange was attributed to decreased leaf area index resulting from leaf senescence during the stress period. The data support the hypothesis that decreases in nitrogenase activity are primarily caused by nodule dehydration and tissue damage and not directly related to short-term changes in photosyntheses. It is apparent that nitrogenase activity declined similarly with other physiological processes, however, the observations did not conclusively define the precise relationships of nitrogenase activity to the other physiological processes.
Possible Relationship Between the Fluorine Content of Enamel and Resistance to Dental Caries

That the susceptibility and immunity of teeth to caries is to be accounted for, at least in part, by differences in composition is a hypothesis that has long been attractive. The evidence for the claims (7, 8) that such differences exist have failed of confirmation. We (3) found enamel and dentin fractions prepared from sound and carious teeth to possess compositions, with respect to the calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and carbonate contents, which were not significantly different. LeFevre and Hodge (9) found whole tooth inorganic substance prepared from carious specimens to differ from that obtained from sound teeth only with respect to a slightly higher moisture content of carious tooth substance.2 Without regard to the data to be presented below, there is evidence that marked changes in some of the properties of enamel accompany changes in its fluorine content. The amount of fluorine in mottled enamel is relatively slight (4) in comparison to the total inorganic material; yet it produces, or is accompanied by, profound changes in the appearance and properties of the enamel. In this connection it is worthy of mention that it has not been demonstrated that mottling of enamel is due entirely to the effect of fluorine combined in the inorganic phase and is possible that the condition is produced, in part, by the operation of the fluoride ion on enzymes during the calcification of the enamel. The effect of fluorine added to the diet on the quality of the teeth of rats first observed by Schulz and Lamp (13) and independently by McCollum, Simmonds, Becker,
The Role of Dress Codes, Uniforms in Urban Schools:

Administrators in large urban schools today often face problems relating to student appearance and attire. Are dress codes or uniforms the solution? These writers consider the implica tions of that...
Endocrine problems in adolescence

Summary The point of view has been advanced that most of the endocrine problemsof adolescence are expressions of physiologic variations which can be best handled by a sane program of physical and mental hygiene. An essential part of this program consists in the education of the parent to a proper understanding of the factors involved. Those conditions for which specific glandular therapy exists have been reviewed in the light of our current knowledge. In a field of research which is shifting so rapidly, the practitioner should adopt a cautious attitude toward the clinical application of as yet undigested experimental material. In preparing this survey, the chief emphasis has been given to methods with which the writer has had direct experience and to those employed by investigatiors upon whom he has grown to rely. To these workers, too numerous to cite, grateful appreciation is due. Their papers should be consulted for the details of the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures which could be described only briefly here. The writer has also leaned heavily on the experience and counsel of his associates in the Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics of the New York Hospital. This synthesis of experience derived from sympathetic and qualified workers in both adult medicine and in pediatrics appears to offer the most promise for the development of this important field of investigation. The point of view expressed in this survey, with its chief reliance on sound physical and mental hygiene rather than endocrine therapy, may seem unduly pessimistic in the light of much that is appearing in the current literature. This position, however, is not a negative but rather a positive one, since it stresses the existence of powerful forces inherent in the organism, which, if properly utilized, can make for a healthy transition from adolescence to adulthood. As regards the specific endocrine problems of adolescence which still remain unsolved, a consideration of the progress of the past ten years should be reassuring as to the future.
Commercial rodent diets contain more sodium than rats need.

The dietary sodium requirements for rats have been a matter of debate. Our hypothesis was that normal commercial rodent chow contains sodium in excess of dietary needs and that this could have a si...
Sympathetic reinnervation of the pineal gland after postganglionic nerve lesion does not restore normal pineal function

The activity of the enzyme serotonin N-acetyltransferase (NAT) in the rat pineal gland exhibits a large circadian rhythm, with peak activity occurring at night. This rhythm is dependent on stimulation of the pineal gland by neurons whose cell bodies are in the superior cervical ganglia and whose axons reach the gland via the internal carotid nerves (ICNs). Two days after both ICN were cut, crushed, or frozen, nighttime NAT activity was decreased by 90%. The remaining low level of enzyme activity was not affected by decentralization of the superior cervical ganglia. Thus, this enzyme activity did not depend on the activity of neurons in these ganglia. Bilaterally lesioning the ICN also abolished the neuronal uptake of norepinephrine in the pineal, further indicating that the sympathetic innervation of the gland had been destroyed. Three months after crushing both ICNs, nighttime NAT activity was only 20% of control values. However, in these animals, bilateral decentralization of the superior cervical ganglion reduced this low level of NAT activity by 90%. Thus, NAT activity, although low, was again dependent on sympathetic nerve stimulation. In contrast to this rather small recovery of nocturnal NAT activity, the norepinephrine uptake capacity of the gland recovered to 60% of control values. A similar discrepancy between the extent of recovery of NAT activity and of norepinephrine uptake was observed when the ICNs were frozen rather than crushed. To determine to what extent the sympathetic nerves that had reinnervated the pineal gland in these lesioned animals were capable of regulating NAT activity, their cervical sympathetic trunks were stimulated electrically at 5 Hz for 3 hr during the daytime.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
'Unwilling or Unable': Toward an Normative Framework for Extra-Territorial Self-Defense

Non-state actors, including terrorist groups, regularly launch attacks against states, often from external bases. When a victim state seeks to respond with force to those attacks, it must decide whether to use force on the territory of another state with which it may not be in conflict. International law traditionally requires the victim state to assess whether the territorial state is “unwilling or unable” to suppress the threat itself. Only if the territorial state is unwilling or unable to do so may the victim state lawfully use force. Yet there has been virtually no discussion, either by states or scholars, of what that test requires. The test's lack of content undercuts its legitimacy and suggests that it is not currently imposing effective limits on the use of force by states at a time when trans-national armed violence is pervasive. This Article provides the first sustained descriptive and normative analysis of the test. Descriptively, it explains how the “unwilling or unable” test arises in international law as part of a state's inquiry into whether it is necessary to use force in response to an armed attack. It identifies the test's deep roots in neutrality law, while simultaneously illustrating the lack of guidance about what inquiries a victim state must undertake when assessing whether another state is “unwilling or unable” to address a particular threat. Normatively, the Article plumbs two centuries of state practice to propose a core set of substantive and procedural factors that should inform the “unwilling or unable” inquiry. It then applies those factors to a real-world example – Colombia's use of force in Ecuador in 2008 against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – to explore how the use of these factors would affect the involved states' decision-making and the evaluation by other states of the action's legality. The Article argues that the use of these factors would improve the quality of state decision-making surrounding the use of force in important substantive and procedural ways.
The Effects of AlCl3 Additions on Rhizosphere Soil and Fine Root Chemistry of Sugar Maple (Acer Saccharum)

Increased Al mobilization and Ca and Mg leaching have been linked to nutritional imbalances in sugar maple across the northeastern US and Canada. The susceptibility of sugar maple fine roots to Al stress is poorly understood, in part because roots respond to Al stress by altering the chemistry of the rhizosphere. AlCl3 was applied to plots of sugar maple at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH. After two years of treatment, we sampled fine roots of sugar maple, rhizosphere soil, and bulk soil in the Oa horizon and the upper 10 cm of the mineral soil. AlCl3 treatments resulted in significantly less Ca (21%) and Mg (30%) in fine roots from the organic horizon, but had no significant effect on fine root Al. Fine root (Ca+Mg):Al ratios were 42% lower in AlCl3 plots than in controls, though most roots had ratios above critical toxicity thresholds developed for hydroponically grown sugar maple seedlings. In the mineral horizon, roots differed only in Mg concentration, which was 22% lower in AlCl3 plots. In the AlCl3 treated plots, rhizosphere soil in the organic horizon had 47% greater Al and 29% less Mg than in controls. Combining data from both treatments we found significantly less Al and organically bound Al in rhizosphere soil than in bulk soil, possibly due to leaching of Al from the rhizosphere by organic acids released by roots. These results suggest that increased mobilization of Al in soil lowers (Ca+Mg):Al ratios in sugar maple fine roots, though roots may minimize Al stress by leaching Al from the rhizosphere.
Use of a Side Deposit to Increase Consumption in Children with Food Refusal

Research has shown that nonremoval of the spoon and physical guidance procedures can be effective in treating active food refusal (e.g., head turning and spoon pushing) and increasing food consumption. These procedures alone may not be effective in treating more passive food refusal (e.g., sitting still without opening mouth). We defined and evaluated the use of a side deposit procedure using a reversal design. Results showed that this procedure, when added to a treatment package including other components (e.g., nonremoval of the spoon and physical guidance), was effective in increasing food consumption and treating passive food refusal. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards an Etiology of Adjunct Islands

This paper examines the connection between certain island phenomena for long distance movement, and matching island conditions on focus projection. Based on a description of focus projection that Lisa Selkirk and Michael Rochemont formulate, I take the basic pattern to be that pitch accent on a word may license focus marking on a phrase only if the pitch accented word is not separated from the focus marked phrase by a phrase in Specifier position or in adjunct position. Long distance movement operations are similarly incapable of moving a phrase out of a phrase in Specifier or adjunct position. Using Chomsky's notion of "phase," I argue that this is because Specifiers and adjuncts are phonological phases, and make proposals about what movement and focus projection is that thereby derives this effect. I then propose an interpretation of Chomsky's Bare Phrase Structure that derives the phaseness of these phrases.
Obesity genomics: assessing the transferability of susceptibility loci across diverse populations

The prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled worldwide over the past three decades, but substantial differences exist between nations. Although these differences are partly due to the degree of westernization, genetic factors also contribute. To date, little is known about whether the same genes contribute to obesity-susceptibility in populations of different ancestry. We review the transferability of obesity-susceptibility loci (identified by genome-wide association studies) using both single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and locus-wide comparisons. SNPs in FTO and near MC4R, obesity-susceptibility loci first identified in Europeans, replicate widely across other ancestries. SNP-to-SNP comparisons suggest that more than half of the 36 body mass index-associated loci are shared across European and East Asian ancestry populations, whereas locus-wide analyses suggest that the transferability might be even more extensive. Furthermore, by taking advantage of differences in haplotype structure, populations of different ancestries can help to narrow down loci, thereby pinpointing causal genes for functional follow-up. Larger-scale genetic association studies in ancestrally diverse populations will be needed for in-depth and locus-wide analyses aimed at determining, with greater confidence, the transferability of loci and allowing fine-mapping. Understanding similarities and differences in genetic susceptibility across populations of diverse ancestries might eventually contribute to a more targeted prevention and customized treatment of obesity.
Broadband Complex Dielectric Permittivity of Porous Aluminum Silicate–Pyrolytic Carbon Composites

The broadband (10 kHz–18 GHz) complex dielectric permittivity of electrically lossy aluminum silicate–pyrolytic carbon composites is studied as a function of carbon content. The composites are made from a commercial machinable ceramic that is treated by oxalic acid refluxing, followed by sucrose pyrolysis within the open porosity. The resulting composites have a slightly percolating conductor configuration that exhibits non-Debye dielectric properties. Such composites are useful as microwave absorbers in vacuum electronic amplifiers, for suppressing spurious oscillations, and for bandwidth control. Four contributions to the dielectric response were observed and analyzed. These consist of a direct current conductivity contribution that is significant only at frequencies below 1 MHz, an irregular low-frequency relaxation, a strong non-Debye, high-frequency relaxation with its upper portions extending into the microwave regime, and an underlying, broadband loss consistent with a universal dielectric response. The microwave behavior is dominated by changes in the position, intensity, and Cole–Cole exponent of the high-frequency relaxation as the carbon content increases.
An algorithm for temperature-dependent growth rate simulation.

With the current advances in insect population modelling, the need for more accurate simulation of temperature-dependent growth rates has become vital. The day-degree concept, with its linear temperature–rate relationship, has not been adequate for simulation of field populations under highly variable temperature conditions. Similarly, several of the non-linear relationships proposed in the past (Janisch’s catenary, parabola) have also been inadequate. All of these relationships produce large errors at temperature extremes.This paper presents a comparison of various functions which have been used for developmental time estimation and an algorithm for a sigmoid function which can be used in simulations having either a calendar or a physiological time base. Validation of the algorithm is presented for three insect species.
Cerebral Blood Flow Links Insulin Resistance and Baroreflex Sensitivity

Insulin resistance confers risk for diabetes mellitus and associates with a reduced capacity of the arterial baroreflex to regulate blood pressure. Importantly, several brain regions that comprise the central autonomic network, which controls the baroreflex, are also sensitive to the neuromodulatory effects of insulin. However, it is unknown whether peripheral insulin resistance relates to activity within central autonomic network regions, which may in turn relate to reduced baroreflex regulation. Accordingly, we tested whether resting cerebral blood flow within central autonomic regions statistically mediated the relationship between insulin resistance and an indirect indicator of baroreflex regulation; namely, baroreflex sensitivity. Subjects were 92 community-dwelling adults free of confounding medical illnesses (48 men, 30-50 years old) who completed protocols to assess fasting insulin and glucose levels, resting baroreflex sensitivity, and resting cerebral blood flow. Baroreflex sensitivity was quantified by measuring the magnitude of spontaneous and sequential associations between beat-by-beat systolic blood pressure and heart rate changes. Individuals with greater insulin resistance, as measured by the homeostatic model assessment, exhibited reduced baroreflex sensitivity (b = -0.16, p < .05). Moreover, the relationship between insulin resistance and baroreflex sensitivity was statistically mediated by cerebral blood flow in central autonomic regions, including the insula and cingulate cortex (mediation coefficients < -0.06, p-values < .01). Activity within the central autonomic network may link insulin resistance to reduced baroreflex sensitivity. Our observations may help to characterize the neural pathways by which insulin resistance, and possibly diabetes mellitus, relates to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
A hierarchical simulation environment for mobile wireless networks

A hierarchical simulator has been designed for multimedia communication protocols in a wireless mobile environment. The hierarchical approach integrates performance evaluation of protocols with their implementation. The approach supports scalability studies of the protocols in an efficient manner using coarse grain models that abstract implementation details of the protocol and its execution environment by a few key parameters. Fine grain, low level models that capture implementation details are used for detailed evaluation of small networks and for automatic implementation on radio platforms. The design, evaluation, and implementation cycle is closed by feeding the measurements from the implementation back into the model to improve its accuracy. The paper describes the use of the environment in the evaluation and implementation of a cluster based multihop protocol for multimedia traffic.
Adherence to the 2006 American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations for cardiovascular disease risk reduction is associated with bone health in older Puerto Ricans

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis are 2 major public health problems that share common pathophysiological mechanisms. It is possible that strategies to reduce CVD risk may also benefit bone health. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that adherence to the 2006 American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations (AHA-DLR) is associated with bone health. Design: We previously developed a unique diet and lifestyle score (American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Score; AHA-DLS) to assess adherence to the AHA-DLR. In a cross-sectional study of 933 Puerto Ricans aged 47–79 y, we modified the AHA-DLS to test associations with bone health. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck, trochanter, total hip, and lumbar spine (L2–L4) was measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: For every 5-unit increase in the modified AHA-DLS, BMD at the femoral neck, trochanter, total hip, and lumbar spine (L2–L4) was associated with a 0.005–0.008-g/cm2 (P < 0.05) higher value. No component of the AHA-DLR alone was responsible for the observed positive associations. For every 5-unit increase in the modified AHA-DLS, the odds for osteoporosis or osteopenia at the trochanter, total hip, and lumbar spine (L2–L4) were lower by 14% (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.92), 17% (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92), and 9% (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84, 0.99), respectively. Conclusions: Dietary guidelines for CVD risk reduction may also benefit bone health in this Hispanic cohort. Synchronizing dietary guidelines for these 2 common diseases may provide a simplified public health message. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT01231958","term_id":"NCT01231958"}}NCT01231958.
FDTD modeling in the design of optical chemical sensor structures

The FDTD (finite-difference time-domain) method was applied to the analysis of excitation and emission as well as to optimization of the design of planar waveguide fluorescence sensors. The local protein environment of fluorescent sources has been taken in account, which has been shown to be very important in integrating the optical and chemical design of such sensor structures. The authors describe the major aspects of modeling these structures and present the results of optimization of waveguides for immunochemical fluorosensors. The results obtained indicate good agreement with previously developed numerical methods in obtaining the electric fields of propagating modes in waveguides. >
Rotating diffraction grating laser beam scanner.

The resolution, bandwidth, and duty cycle of a laser beam scanner make it useful as an image recorder. Laser image recorders can have either a flatfield or a cylindrical recording surface, the flatfield being preferable in applications where dimensional stability is extremely important . A problem with flat field recording systems is the difficulty in obtaining a constant scan rate. This difficulty is a result of the image position for a distortion-free lens being proportional to the tangent of the field angle, rather than the field angle itself. Hence, if the field angle changes at a constant rate (such as the case for rotating mirror scanners), the scan rate is not a constant. One method of eliminating this problem is to use a so-called f-0 lens, which produces a distorted image by the conventional definition, so the image height is proportional to the field angle. 2 This Letter describes a second method of obtaining a linear scan rate for a flat field recorder. It is shown that by using two counterrotating diffraction gratings a constant angular mechanical motion can be used to give a nonuniform angular scan of a light beam. Under appropriate conditions, the angular scan is sufficiently nonlinear that when used with a distortion-free focusing lens a substantially linear scan rate results. The counterrotating diffraction grating scan system has been described previously by Brameley in U.S. Patent 3,721,486; however, it was not pointed out that for appropriate grating parameters a substantially linear scan rate is obtained over a reasonable scan angle. Also, this paper demonstrates that similar results can be obtained using a single rotating diffraction grating folded back onto itself. The rotating diffraction grating scanner is capable of scanning more than one line at a time without line curvature. A 100% duty cycle can be obtained. The rotating diffraction grating scanner is illustrated in Fig. 1. If two identical blazed diffraction gratings are illuminated with a quasi-monochromatic plane wavefront, as illustrated in the figure, and the gratings are counterrotated, the focus of the principal diffraction order will scan a vertical straight line in the focal plane of the focusing lens. If in the zero angle position the lines in the two gratings are parallel, when one grating rotates an angle α in the clockwise direction and the other grating rotates an angle α in the counterclockwise direction, the beam resulting from the +1 diffraction order of the first grating and the -1 diffracted order of this beam produced by the second grating is deviated by an angle θ, given by the equation where d is the spacing of the grating lines and l is the wavelength. If the lens is distortion-free and has focal length f, the focused spot will move a distance l, given by the equation
The Variable Effect of a Diet High in Unsaturated Fat in Hyperlipemic Subjects

1 4 There also have been reports of the beneficial effect of a diet high in unsaturated fatty acids in the treatmnemit of patients with hyperlipemia.’7 During the past four years chemical analyses of ultracentriFugally separated serum lipoprotein fractions performed in this laboratory have revealed three major patterns of lipid abnornialities. These patterns were first decribed by one of us (E. B.) in 1O57,� and the two most common have recently been described in detail by Furman, Howard, Lakshmi and Norcia.7 The most common abnormality has consisted of an elevation of total serum choles
Cost-effectiveness studies in radiation therapy

The field of radiation therapy has made dramatic technical advances over the past 20 years. 3D conformal radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy and proton beam therapy have all been developed in an attempt to improve the therapeutic ratio: higher cure rates with lower toxicity. Unfortunately, although the costs of radiation therapy are certainly increasing, it is unclear whether its clinical benefit has also improved. Cost-effectiveness analyses are designed to formally evaluate the cost of a treatment relative to an associated change in quality-adjusted survival. As the cost of oncologic care is increasing, it is critically important to assess the cost-effectiveness of radiation therapy. This article will describe the issues surrounding the delivery and cost of radiation therapy, and it will summarize the work that has been done to evaluate the use of cost-effectiveness in radiation oncology.