cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uranium dioxide films with xenon filled bubbles for fission gas behavior studies

Abstract Electron beam evaporation and ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD) methods were utilized to fabricate depleted UO 2 films and UO 2 films with embedded Xe atoms, respectively. The films were fabricated at elevated temperature of 700 °C and also subsequently annealed at 1000 °C to induce grain growth and Xe atom redistribution. The goal of this work was to synthesize reference UO 2 samples with controlled microstructures and Xe-filled bubble morphologies, without the effects attendant to rector irradiation-induced fission. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) microstructural characterization revealed that fine Xe-filled bubbles nucleated in the as grown films and subsequent annealing resulted in noticeable bubble size increase. Reported results demonstrate the great potential IBAD techniques and UO 2 films have for various areas of nuclear materials studies.
Prostate cancer progression in the presence of undetectable or low serum prostate-specific antigen level.

BACKGROUND. The serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level after definitive treatment for prostate cancer (PC) is a powerful predictor of outcome. Occasionally, PC progression can occur despite low or undetectable PSA levels. The authors report on the clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients who experienced PC progression with undetectable or low PSA levels. METHODS. From an electronic database of all patients with PC who were treated at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1999 and 2004, a group of 46 patients was identified who had progression to metastatic PC detected with concomitant PSA levels from 0.1 ng/mL to 2 ng/mL. Patient charts were reviewed for tumor stage, Gleason score, pretreatment PSA level, and the presence of atypical histologic variants (ie, ductal, sarcomatoid, or small cell cancers). The nadir PSA level after treatment and the PSA level at the time metastatic PC was detected were determined. The patients were followed semiannually, and imaging studies were obtained at the discretion of treating physicians. The sites of metastasis and histologic confirmation were reported when available. RESULTS. Twenty-three of 46 patients underwent radical prostatectomy, 11 patients received radiation therapy, and 12 received hormone treatment as their initial form of therapy. Progression to metastatic disease with concomitant, undetectable PSA levels occurred in 10 patients, including 3 patients who had not received treatment with hormones. The sites of metastasis included bone (n = 35 patients), liver (n = 7 patients), retroperitoneal lymph nodes (n = 5 patients), lungs (n = 4 patients), and brain (n = 1 patient). Aggressive and locally advanced PC were common features in these patients: Eighty-five percent had Gleason scores ≥7, 63% had clinical T3 or T4 tumors, and 41% had pretreatment PSA levels >10 ng/mL. Atypical histologic variants were observed in 21 patients (46%) and in 8 of 10 patients who progressed with undetectable PSA levels. In 10 patients (22%), metastasis were detected in the presence of an undetectable PSA level. Eight of those patients had small cell carcinoma. In 19 patients (41%), progression to metastasis occurred without any increase in their PSA from the nadir level. Thirty-one patients (67%) were asymptomatic at the time metastasis was detected, and the detection of metastasis in these patients occurred only because of routine imaging studies. CONCLUSIONS. Progression of PC may occur despite undetectable or low PSA levels. Complete physical evaluation and imaging studies may be indicated in the surveillance of patients with high-grade, locally advanced tumors, especially when atypical histologic variants are present. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Notes and Correspondence: Polarimetric radar observation of multiple freezing levels

Abstract An unusual multiple freezing-level event observed with polarimetric radar during the second phase of the Improvement of Microphysical Parameterization through Observational Verification Experiments (IMPROVE-2) field program is described. The event occurred on 28 November 2001 when a warm front moved over the Oregon Cascade Mountains. As the front approached, an elevated melting layer formed above a preexisting melting layer near ground. Continued warming of the lower atmosphere eventually dissipated the lower melting layer. The polarimetric measurements are used to estimate the height of the freezing levels, document their evolution, and deduce hydrometeor habits. The measurements indicate that when the two freezing levels were first observed melting was incomplete in the upper melting layer and characteristics of particles that passed through the two melting layers were similar. As warming progressed, the character of particles entering the lower melting layer changed, possibly becoming ice pell...
Chemical evidence for advection of hydrothermal solutions in the sediments of the Galapagos Mounds Hydrothermal Field

Pore water profiles of Ca, Mg, F, PO4−3 and Mn in the Galapagos Mounds Hydrothermal Field are believed to reflect, in part, upwelling of hydrothermal solutions through the sediments. Concentration-depth profiles in a low heat flow area just north of the Mounds Field display diagenetic changes typical of those found in pore waters underlying highly productive surface waters, consistent with the inference of no water flow or very slow downwelling (w < 5 cm/yr) of bottom water through these sediments. Rates of upward advection calculated from Mounds Field pore water profiles of Ca, Mg, and F profiles agree well with each other, averaging about 1 cm/yr in the pelagic sediments near the mounds and 15–30 cm/yr within the hydrothermal mounds themselves. The upward advection also modifies the shape of PO4−3 and Mn profiles. Advection rates inferred from the pore water data are generally in reasonable agreement with those made from heat flow data. The higher Ca and lower Mg, F, PO4−3 and Mn concentrations in Mounds Field pore waters (compared with those of the low heat flow area) suggest chemical exchange between the solution and basalt prior to upwelling. Li+, K+, Rb+, Sr++ and SO4− concentrations are indistinguishable from bottom water. This suggests very high effective water/rock ratios during the reactions which produced the upwelling solutions, perhaps due to extensive prior alteration of basalt adjacent to the flow path of water through the crust Inferred reaction temperatures are between 70–150°C.
REGULATION OF INITIATION OF DNA SYNTHESIS IN CHINESE HAMSTER CELLS : I. Production of Stable, Reversible G1-Arrested Populations in Suspension Culture

Suspension cultures of Chinese hamster cells (line CHO) were grown to stationary phase (approximately 8–9 x 105 cells/ml) in F-10 medium. Cells remained viable (95%) for at least 80 hr in stationary phase, and essentially all of the cells were in G1 Upon resuspension or dilution with fresh medium, the cells were induced to resume traverse of the life cycle in in synchrony, and the patterns of DNA synthesis and division were similar to those observed in cultures prepared by mitotic selection. Immediately after dilution, the rates of synthesis of RNA and protein increased threefold. This system provides a simple technique for production of large quantities of highly synchronized cells and may ultimately provide information on the biochemical mechanisms regulating cell-cycle traverse.
The role of agency goals and local context in Great Lakes water resources public involvement programs

As complex social phenomena, public involvement processes are influenced by contextual factors. This study examined agency goals for public involvement and assessed the importance of local context in remedial action planning, a community-based water resources program aimed at the cleanup of the 42 most polluted locations in the Great Lakes Basin. Agency goals for public involvement in remedial action plans (RAPs) were agency-oriented and focused on public acceptance of the plan, support for implementation, and positive agency-public relations. Corresponding to these goals, citizen advisory committees were created in 75% of the RAP sites as a primary means for public input into the planning process. Factors that influenced the implementation of public involvement programs in remedial action planning included public orientation toward the remediation issue, local economic conditions, the interaction of diverse interests in the process, agency and process credibility, experience of local leadership, and jurisdictional complexity. A formative assessment of “community readiness” appeared critical to appropriate public involvement program design. Careful program design may also include citizen education and training components, thoughtful management of ongoing agency-public relations and conflict among disparate interests in the process, overcoming logistical difficulties that threaten program continuity, using local expertise and communication channels, and circumventing interjurisdictional complexities.
Modulation of silica-induced lung injury by reducing lung non-protein sulfhydryls with buthionine sulfoximine.

Abstract A role for non-protein sulfhydryl moieties (NPSH) (e.g., glutathione) in silica (SI)-induced cellular inflammation and fibrosis was examined in C57B1/6 mice depleted of lung NPSH by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). Lung NPSH levels in the BSO-treated groups were reduced to approx. 50% of the non-BSO-treated animals. In BSO-treated Si-injected (2 mg/mouse) animals, the number of pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) lavaged from the lungs was significantly increased on day 1 and decreased on day 7. Moreover, BSO-treated Si-exposed mice evidenced significantly more lavage protein and albumin on days 1 and 3, respectively, than non-BSO-treated Si-exposed mice. Si-induced collagen deposition, however, was decreased by 18% in the BSO-treated animals. These data suggest that lung NPSH lessens the potential of silica to elicit acute lung injury.
Maximizing children's physical activity using the LET US Play principles

Abstract Background Staff in settings that care for children struggle to implement standards designed to promote moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), suggesting a need for effective strategies to maximize the amount of time children spend in MVPA during scheduled PA opportunities. The purpose of this study was to compare the MVPA children accumulate during commonly played games delivered in their traditional format versus games modified according to the LET US Play principles. Methods Children (K–5th) participated in 1-hour PA sessions delivered on non-consecutive days (summer 2014). Using a randomized, counterbalanced design, one of the six games was played for 20 min using either traditional rules or LET US Play followed by the other strategy with a 10 min break in between. Physical activity was measured via accelerometry. Repeated-measures, mixed-effects regression models were used to estimate differences in percent of time spent sedentary and in MVPA. Results A total of 267 children (age 7.5 years, 43% female, 29% African American) participated in 50, 1-hour activity sessions. Games incorporating LET US Play elicited more MVPA from both boys and girls compared to the same games with traditional rules. For boys and girls, the largest MVPA difference occurred during tag games (+ 20.3%). The largest reduction in the percent of time sedentary occurred during tag games (boys − 27.7%, girls − 32.4%). Overall, the percentage of children meeting 50% time in MVPA increased in four games (+ 18.7% to + 53.1%). Conclusion LET US Play led to greater accumulation of MVPA for boys and girls, and can increase the percent of children attaining the 50% of time in MVPA standard.
SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS AND MICROBIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF STORED MECHANICALLY TENDERIZED BEEF SEMIMEMBRANOSUS MUSCLE

One pass through a mechanical tenderizer improves the tenderness of Good grade beef semimembranosus roast. When comparing roast that had been tenderized four times with untenderized roast, cooking drip was increased (P < 0.01), cooking evaporation was decreased (P < 0.01) and cooking rate was faster (P < 0.01). Both aerobic and anaerobic microbial numbers were higher (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) for samples tenderized four times than untenderized controls or those tenderized one or two times. Taste panel acceptability at 4 wk was decreased (P < 0.05) compared to acceptability at the initial period or following 2 wk of storage.
von Hippel-Lindau Disease: A Familial, Often Lethal, Multi-System Phakomatosis

A review of 36 cases of von Hippel-Lindau disease underscores the important role of the ophthalmologist in evaluating this phakomatosis. Retinal angiomatosis occurred in almost two-thirds of those affected, was usually diagnosed before other target organs, and frequently led to decreased visual acuity. Common non-ophthalmic manifestations included cerebellar (69%), medullary (11%) and spinal (8%) hemangioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma (22%), and polycythemia (17%). Pheochromocytoma was a les common association. The most common causes of death were cerebellar hemangioblastoma and renal cell carcinoma. For the surveillance of suspected von Hippel-Lindau victims, a detailed family history and retinal examination is recommended. Essential laboratory tests include a complete blood count and computed tomography of the head, upper cervical region, and abdomen. Periodic pre-symptomatic screening is imperative for follow-up investigation of affected individuals to determine possible additional occult manifestations and of non-affected family members at risk to von Hippel-Lindau disease.
Taking care of a dying grandparent: case studies of grandchildren in the hospice caregiver role.

This study aims to provide insight into the role of grandchildren as informal hospice caregivers. It presents 4 cases that highlight the challenges and perceptions of grandchildren who care for a grandparent at the end of life. A researcher met regularly with family caregivers to discuss the problems or challenges during hospice caregiving. Although each caregiver presented unique individual experiences, several themes are common among the family caregivers including fatigue, stress, guilt, and loss of the “grandchild” identity. Grandchildren caregivers often take care of 3 generations (grandparents, parents, and children) and in many cases need additional assistance to help them overcome the challenges associated with managing a household, career, family, and caregiving roles.
Learning in the oculomotor system: from molecules to behavior.

Abstract A combination of system-level and cellular—molecular approaches is moving studies of oculomotor learning rapidly toward the goal of linking synaptic plasticity at specific sites in oculomotor circuits with changes in the signal-processing functions of those circuits, and, ultimately, with changes in eye movement behavior. Recent studies of saccadic adaptation illustrate how careful behavioral analysis can provide constraints on the neural loci of plasticity. Studies of vestibulo-ocular adaptation are beginning to examine the molecular pathways contributing to this form of cerebellum-dependent learning.
Computer proofs about finite and regular sets: the unifying concept of subvariance

The work described here is a part of ongoing efforts to construct a set-theoretic framework that is convenient for automated reasoning in mathematics within first order logic. The specific topic in focus here is the theory of invariant and subvariant sets, which permits the development of a unified theory of regular and finite sets. Appendices are included listing theorems involving the axiom of regularity, the classes REGULAR and FINITE of regular sets and finite sets, respectively, as well as general theorems about invariant and subvariant subsets, all proved using McCune's automated reasoning program Otter.
A function for neurons (DUM) neurosecretory on skeletal muscle of insects.

The action of dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons of the locust Schistocercagregaria and the grasshopper Romalea microptera was examined on the intrinsic rhythmic contractions that occur in their jumping muscles. The DUM neuron directly innervating the muscles, DUMETi, causes from partial to complete inhibition of the rhythm outlasting the stimulation by up to several minutes. The extent of inhibition, its time of onset and its duration, are proportional to the number and frequency of impulses. Other DUM neurons either exert a weaker, delayed effect, or none at all.
Ego development and interpersonal style in adolescence

In psychodynamic psychiatry and psychoanalysis, the concept of ego development is important for both clinical and theoretical work. It has been difficult, however, to derive techniques which meaningfully measure ego development for use in clinical research. The Loevinger Sentence Completion Test has been found reliable and valid, but no study has shown it directly pertinent to clinical perspectives. Our research investigated clinically relevant correlates of ego development, using the Loevinger test followed by videotaped interviews of 98 adolescent girls, to discover how certain character styles predicted to be associated with different ego levels would be expressed in interpersonal interactions. Our results were consistent with clinical and theoretical descriptions of adolescents from varying ego development levels. These findings emphasize the relevance and usefulness of the ego development measure for clinical research and studies of the life cycle.
Discovering maximal cohesive subgraphs and patterns from attributed biological networks

With the availability of vast amounts of protein-protein, protein-DNA interactions, and genome-wide mRNA expression data for several organisms, identifying biological complexes has emerged as a major task in systems biology. Most of the existing approaches for complex identification have focused on utilizing one source of data. Recent research has shown that systematic integration of gene profile data with interaction data yields significant patterns. In this paper, we introduce the problem of mining maximal cohesive subnetworks that satisfy user-defined constraints defined over the gene profiles of the reported subnetworks. Moreover, we introduce the problem of finding maximal cohesive patterns which are sets of coehsive genes. Experiments on Yeast and Human datasets show the effectiveness of the proposed approach by assessing the overlap of the discovered subnetworks with known biological complexes. Moreover, GO enrichment analysis show that the discovered subnetworks are biologically significant. The proposed algorithm takes only seconds to several minutes to run on the Human dataset depending on how stringent the user-defined constraint is.
Pathology education: quo vadis?

Summary The teaching of pathology and the face of pathology as a career are changing rapidly. A short questionnaire was constructed covering key areas impacted by curricular change to collect data for a workshop to be held at the Annual Meeting of the West and Mid-West Region of the Association of Pathology Chairs. Questions included the ongoing existence of pathology as a separate discipline, the degree of ‘control' exercised by pathology faculty, the length of the course (hours), the use of microscopes, and selected outcomes data, specifically National Board of Medical Examiners graphs of comparative performance of disciplines and US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 data. The written responses and discussion by attendees at the meeting are presented with preliminary analysis and commentary. It was concluded that ‘evidence-based education' represents something of a novelty, worthy of further study.
Circle-map scaling in a two-dimensional setting

Hopf bifurcations in two-dimensional maps give rise to closed invariant curves and circle maps induced on these curves. It is not obvious whether the induced maps will exhibit the full array of scaling phenomena familiar from the study of one-dimensional maps. In the present work we numerically study a variable Jacobian map (the coupled logistic map). A detailed investigation along its critical line shows an excellent agreement of the map with the critical scaling predictions for a circle map with a smooth cubic inflection point. This occurs in spite of the fact that within mode-locking intervals on the critical line, which together occupy a set of full measure, the induced map has no cubic inflection point.
Simulations of single- and two-component galaxy decompositions for spectroscopically selected galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

We present the results of fitting simulations of an unbiased sample of SDSS galaxies utilizing the fitting routine GALFIT and analysis pipeline PyMorph. These simulations are used to test the two-dimensional decompositions of SDSS galaxies. The simulations show that single S{\'e}rsic models of SDSS data are recovered with $\sigma_{\mathrm{mag}} \approx 0.025$ mag and $\sigma_{\mathrm{radius}} \approx 5\%$. The global values (half-light radius and magnitude) are equally well constrained when a two-component model is used. Sub-components of two-component models present more scatter. SDSS resolution is the primary source of error in the recovery of models. We use a simple statistical correction of the biases in fitted parameters, providing an example using the S{\'e}rsic index. Fitting a two-component S{\'e}rsic + Exponential model to a single S{\'e}rsic galaxy results in a noisier, but unbiased, recovery of the input parameters ($\sigma_{\mathrm{total mag}} \approx 0.075$ mag and $\sigma_{\mathrm{radius}} \approx 10\%$); fitting a single S{\'e}rsic profile to a two-component system results in biases of total magnitude and halflight radius of $\approx 0.05-0.10$ mag and 5\%-10\% in radius. Using an F-test to select the best fit model from among the single- and two-component models is sufficient to remove this bias. We recommend fitting a two-component model to all galaxies when attempting to measure global parameters such as total magnitude and halflight radius.
Spatial and Temporal Heterogeneity of Larval Shad in a Large Impoundment

Abstract Factors that affect recruitment of threadfin shad Dorosoma petenense and gizzard shad D. cepedianum, two important prey species in southern reservoirs, are not well understood. Larval shad typically have not been identified to species, though interactions between shad larvae likely affect their recruitment and that of their predators. Using myomere counts to identify larval shad to species, we quantified spatial and temporal variation in species distributions in West Point Reservoir, Alabama–Georgia. We sampled larvae every 3–4 d at three distances from shore (inshore and 25 and 50 m offshore) at each of three sites. Larval threadfin shad migrated offshore in all three sites, whereas larval gizzard shad were evenly distributed across distances from shore. Because of these movement differences, larval gizzard shad and larval threadfin shad may encounter different habitat-specific predation rates, climatic effects, and food availability. In addition, larval gizzard shad were present before larval t...
Analysis of a process for curing composites by the use of embedded resistive heating elements

The curing of net-shaped fiber/resin layups is the common and critical step in the fabrication processes for thermosetting-matrix composite products. Significant improvements in the processing cycle time and cure uniformity may be realized through the use of embedded conductive elements generating internal resistive heating during the process. This paper presents a detailed numerical investigation of the cure process in the presence of embedded resistive heating sources supplementing a conventional external heating schedule. A numerical model, validated with experimental data, is utilized to explore the process over a wide range of resistive heating configurations, and dimensionless groups encompassing process and material parameters. Based on a systematic parametric analysis, feasible operating regimes and optimal embedded heating configurations are identified with the objective of minimizing the fabrication time subject to constraints.
Hyperammonemia: A Report of Maternal Biliary Cirrhosis and Neonatal Outcome

Although uncommon during pregnancy, cirrhosis results in multiple medical complications impacting both mother and fetus. Previous reports suggest liver dysfunction in pregnancy causes accumulation of neurotoxins within the maternal compartment that increases neonatal morbidity through placental transfer. We present a case of a 36-year-old G2P1 female with history of biliary cirrhosis presenting at 32-weeks' gestation with hepatic congestion progressing to hepatic encephalopathy prompting delivery. Umbilical cord sampling and postnatal infant testing demonstrated elevated ammonia levels which resolved by 12 hours of life without intervention. At discharge, the infant did not demonstrate evidence of neurologic deficit. We conclude that acute maternal hepatic encephalopathy and hyperammonemia due to chronic liver disease do not portend adverse neonatal outcomes, notably encephalopathy.
Online versus face‐to‐face learning: looking at modes of instruction in Master’s‐level courses

This study examined performance of Master’s‐level students in an online course in Cognition, Learning and Assessment and compared it with the performance of students in a face‐to‐face classroom set...
Efficient in vitro and in vivo expression of covalently modified plasmid DNA

The tracking of plasmid DNA (pDNA) movement within cells requires the attachment of labels to the DNA in a manner such that: (a) the pDNA remains intact during the labeling process and (b) the labels remain stably attached to the DNA. Keeping these two criteria in mind, we have recently developed a series of alkylating reagents that facilitate the one-step, covalent attachment of compounds directly onto nucleic acids in a nondestructive manner. Using these DNA-alkylating reagents, we have attached a wide range of both fluorescent and nonfluorescent reporter molecules onto pDNAs. We now show that even with the covalent attachment of various marker compounds, the pDNA remains expression competent. The ability to create labeled, expression-competent DNA allows for the simultaneous tracking of both pDNA location and reporter gene expression within living or fixed cells.
Polymers in Random Porous Materials: Structure, Thermodynamics, and Concentration Effects

The distribution of dissolved macromolecules between a bulk solution and the interior of a porous substrate occurs in a variety of technologically important systems. The partition coefficient K, which is the ratio of concentration in the pores to that in the bulk, is primarily determined by the effective size of the polymer molecules. For dilute solutions, K decreases rapidly as the effective polymer dimensions exceed the average pore size. We have used liquid-state theory to construct a rigorous integral equation model for the structure of concentrated flexible linear polymers in the presence of a rigid matrix of discrete repulsive obstacles. We have used the structural information to calculate the thermodynamic properties of the polymer in these model porous materials. In particular, we have been able to calculate the partition coefficient as a function of concentration. The model provides good agreement with thermodynamic properties obtained from previous computer simulations of bulk polymer solutions ...
Parallel reconstructions of MRI: Evaluation using detection and perceptual difference studies

Parallel imaging using multiple coils and sub-sampled k-space data is a promising fast MR image acquisition technique. We used detection studies and perceptual difference models on image data with ¼ sampling to evaluate three different reconstruction methods: a regularization method developed by Ying and Liang of UIUC, a simplified regularization method, and an iterative method. We also included images obtained from a full complement of k-space data as "gold standard" images. Detection studies were performed using a simulated dark tumor added on MR images of bovine liver. We found that human detection depended strongly on the reconstruction methods used, with the simplified regularization and UIUC methods achieving better performance than the iterative method. We also evaluated images using detection with a Channlized Hotelling Observer (CHO) model and with a Perceptual Difference Model (PDM). Both predicted the same trends as observed in the human detection studies. We are encouraged that PDM gives trends similar to that for detection studies. Its ease of use and applicability to a variety of MR imaging situations make it attractive for evaluating image quality in a variety of MR studies.
Public health principlism: the precautionary principle and beyond.

*The views represented are the author's alone and should not be construed as representing policies of the American Medical Association.
Left atrial volume in the prediction of first ischemic stroke in an elderly cohort without atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical importance of left atrial (LA) volume in the prediction of first ischemic stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study included randomly selected residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, aged 65 years or older, who had undergone transthoracic echocardiography at least once at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 1998, were in sinus rhythm, and had no history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, atrial fibrillation, or valvular heart disease. Patients were monitored through medical records for first ischemic stroke or death. RESULTS Of 1554 residents (59% women) aged 75±7 years, 92 (6%) had experienced at least 1 ischemic stroke over 4.3±2.7 years (incident stroke rate, 1.4 per 100 person-years). Left atrial volume of 32 mL/m 2 or greater (hazard ratio [HR], 1.63; confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.46) was independent of age (HR, 1.04; CI, 1.02-1.07), diabetes (HR, 1.91; CI, 1.07-3.41), myocardial infarction (HR, 1.64; CI, 1.01-2.64), and hyperlipidemia (HR, 1.55; CI, 1.01-2.37) for the prediction of first ischemic stroke. When quartiles of LA dimension were plotted against quartiles of indexed LA volume, a stepwise increase in risk with each quartile increment was evident only for indexed LA volume. Also, an LA volume of 32 mL/m 2 or greater was associated with an increased mortality risk (HR, 1.30; CI, 1.09-1.56), independent of age, sex, and stroke status. CONCLUSIONS In our elderly cohort with no prior atrial fibrillation, LA volume was independently predictive of first ischemic stroke, incremental to age, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and hyperlipidemia. It was also an independent predictor of death.
Modeling circulation systems in buildings using state dependent queueing models

Circulation systems within buildings are analyzed using M/G/C/C queueing models. Congestion aspects of the traffic flow are represented by introducing state dependent service rates as a function of the number of occupants in each region of the circulation system. Analytical models for unidirectional and multi-source/single sink flows are presented. Finally, use of the queueing models to analytically determine the optimal size and capacity of the links of the circulation systems is incorporated into a series of software programs available from the authors.
Impact of a Rapid Microarray-Based Assay for Identification of Positive Blood Cultures for Treatment Optimization for Patients with Streptococcal and Enterococcal Bacteremia

Implementation of the Verigene Gram-positive blood culture test led to reductions in time to acceptable antibiotic overall (1.9 versus 13.2 h, respectively; P = 0.04) and time to appropriate antibiotic for patients with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (4.2 versus 43.7 h; P = 0.006) and viridans group Streptococcus (0.2 versus 7.1 h; P = 0.02).
TREASURY BILL FUTURES AS A HEDGING TOOL: A RISK-RETURN APPROACH

The primary purpose of this study is to measure the hedging performance of Treasury Bill Futures on a risk-return basis. A theoretical model is presented and hedging effectiveness is tested using T-Bill cash and futures data. Successful hedging depends critically upon the ability to determine the optimal hedge ratio. The results also indicate that the traditional one-to-one hedge outperforms the more sophisticated hedge ratio models; however, even here the risk-return benefits of hedging are minimal.
Mouse macrophage arginase.

SummaryMouse peritoneal macrophages in culture released a macromolecular factor capable of inhibiting mouse L1210 lymphoma cells in vitro. The factor was proved to be arginase by several criteria. The inhibition was reversed by adding arginine or citrulline to culture, the arginine in the culture medium was consumed, and the guanido group of arginine was hydrolyzed exclusively to urea as demonstrated by electrophoresis and chromatography. The factor has a molecular weight of 110,000 and a Km value of 1.0 × 10-2M. These and other parameters, such as a requirement for Mn2+, alkaline pH optimum, substrate specificities, and inhibition by ornithine, were similar to those of liver arginases. The arginine in the medium was decomposed by first-order kinetics, and the arginase activity in the supernatant of 10 × 106 peritoneal exudate cells/ml was enough to deplete arginine in the medium to below the level required for L1210 cells to grow in culture.Arginase activity was also detected in the peritoneal washing fl...
Making the switch: channel switching in romantic couple conflict

This work explores the role of channel switching, or switching between forms of face-to-face and mediated communication (e.g., text messaging, instant messaging) in romantic couple conflict. Exploratory interviews were conducted with 24 individuals currently involved in a romantic relationship of at least 3 months. Initial results indicate that many patterns of channel switching are used during conflict and that participants have a number of motivations for initiating a channel switch. Implications for the design of communication technologies for romantic couples are discussed.
Exploring the corollaries of students’ social justice intentionality

The preparation of students to take part in social justice advocacy has been increasingly embraced within higher education in the USA; nevertheless, the corollaries of social justice intentionality...
Nodulation of annual medicago by strains ofR. Meliloti in a commercial inoculant as influenced by soil phosphorus and pH

Four species of annual medics showed poor growth and little or no nodulation in an inoculated, acid soil low in available phosphorus. Nodulation was significantly increased by adding phosphorus to the soil. The number of nodules found on the roots of each species was approximately the same for soil at pH 5.5 or 6.8.
Early regulative ability of the neuroepithelium to form cardiac neural crest

The cardiac neural crest (arising from the level of hindbrain rhombomeres 6–8) contributes to the septation of the cardiac outflow tract and the formation of aortic arches. Removal of this population after neural tube closure results in severe septation defects in the chick, reminiscent of human birth defects. Because neural crest cells from other axial levels have regenerative capacity, we asked whether the cardiac neural crest might also regenerate at early stages in a manner that declines with time. Accordingly, we find that ablation of presumptive cardiac crest at stage 7, as the neural folds elevate, results in reformation of migrating cardiac neural crest by stage 13. Fate mapping reveals that the new population derives largely from the neuroepithelium ventral and rostral to the ablation. The stage of ablation dictates the competence of residual tissue to regulate and regenerate, as this capacity is lost by stage 9, consistent with previous reports. These findings suggest that there is a temporal window during which the presumptive cardiac neural crest has the capacity to regulate and regenerate, but this regenerative ability is lost earlier than in other neural crest populations.
Matrix metalloproteinase-dependent shedding of intercellular adhesion molecule-5 occurs with long-term potentiation

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that can be released or activated in a neuronal activity dependent manner. Although pathologically elevated levels of MMPs may be synaptotoxic, physiologically appropriate levels of MMPs may instead enhance synaptic transmission. MMP inhibitors can block long term potentiation (LTP), and at least one family member can affect an increase in the volume of dendritic spines. While the mechanism by which MMPs affect these changes is not completely understood, one possibility is that the cleavage of specific synaptic cell adhesion molecules plays a role. In the present study, we have examined the ability of neuronal activity to stimulate rapid MMP dependent shedding of the intercellular adhesion molecule-5 (ICAM-5), a synaptic adhesion molecule that is thought to inhibit the maturation and enlargement of dendritic spines. Since such cleavage would likely occur within minutes if it were relevant to a process such as LTP, we focused on post stimulus time points of 30 min or less. We show that NMDA can stimulate rapid shedding of ICAM-5 from cortical neurons in dissociated cell cultures and that such shedding is diminished by pretreatment of cultures with inhibitors that target MMP-3 and -9, proteases thought to influence synaptic plasticity. Additional studies suggest that MMP mediated cleavage of ICAM-5 occurs at amino acid 780, so that the major portion of the ectodomain is released. Since reductions in ICAM-5 have been linked to changes in dendritic spine morphology that are associated with LTP, we also examined the possibility that MMP dependent ICAM-5 shedding occurs following high frequency tetanic stimulation of murine hippocampal slices. Results show that the shedding of ICAM-5 occurs in association with LTP, and that both LTP and the associated ICAM-5 shedding are reduced when slices are pretreated with an MMP inhibitor. Together, these findings suggest that neuronal activity is linked to the shedding of a molecule that may inhibit dendritic spine enlargement and that MMPs can affect this change. While further studies will be necessary to determine the extent to which cleavage of ICAM-5 in particular contributes to MMP dependent LTP, our data support an emerging body of literature suggesting that MMPs are critical mediators of synaptic plasticity.
RCM-E simulation of bimodal transport in the plasma sheet

Plasma sheet transport is bimodal, consisting of both large-scale adiabatic convection and intermittent bursty flows in both earthward and tailward directions. We present two comparison simulations with the Rice Convection Model—Equilibrium (RCM-E) to investigate how those high-speed flows affect the average configuration of the magnetosphere and its coupling to the ionosphere. One simulation represents pure large-scale slow-flow convection with time-independent boundary conditions; in addition to the background convection, the other simulation randomly imposes bubbles and blobs through the tailward boundary to a degree consistent with observed statistical properties of flows. Our results show that the bursty flows can significantly alter the magnetic and entropy profiles in the plasma sheet as well as the field-aligned current distributions in the ionosphere, bringing them into much better agreement with average observations.
A benchmark for how well neural nets generalize

This paper discusses the problem of extending the domain of learning sets and introduces HERBIE, a program which achieves this through graphical procedures rather than via neural networks. It is argued that for theoretical reasons HERBIE is well-suited to serving as a benchmark for measuring generalization efficacy, and therefore to serving as a means of testing claims of emergent distributed intelligence in neural nets. The successful results of tests of HERBIE as a pattern recognizer are presented, and HERBIE's behavior is favorably compared to neural nets for several real generalization problems. Finally, applications of HERBIE independent of its serving as a generalization benchmark, particularly in the area of cognitive science, are discussed.
Peak intraoral air pressures during speech.

Peak intraoral air pressures were recorded during speech acts of ten children and ten adults by use of a polyethylene tube positioned in the oral-pharyngeal cavity. These pressures were measured du...
Embedded Configuration Interaction Description of CO on Cu(111): Resolution of the Site Preference Conundrum

We apply an embedded configuration interaction (ECI) theory to study the adsorption of CO on Cu(111), a well-known case where standard approximations to exchange-correlation within density functional theory (DFT) fail qualitatively to predict the correct site preference and quantitatively overbind CO to both hollow and on-top sites. In ECI theory, the chemisorption region is represented by a cluster consisting of CO and a few (4−10) nearby Cu atoms, with the effect of the periodic metallic background accounted for by an effective one-electron embedding potential derived from periodic DFT. The embedded cluster is then treated using accurate ab initio multireference configuration interaction methods for electron correlation. The ECI theory yields a CO adsorption site preference and binding energy in excellent agreement with experiment, without resorting to ad hoc corrections.
Sweetening of sour natural gases by mixed-solvent absorption: Solubilities of ethane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide in mixtures of physical and chemical solvents

Solubilities of ethane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide have been measured in propylene carbonate, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and tetramethylene sulfone (sulfolane); and in mixtures of these physical solvents with monoethanolamine and diglycolamine, in the range −10 to 100°C. Thermodynamically consistent equations are given for gas absorption with chemical reaction at equilibrium. Henry's law describes physical equilibrium between the acidic gas in the vapor phase and free acid solute in the liquid phase. Equilibrium constants describe chemical equilibria for the absorbed gas and the chemical solvent. Preliminary design calculations for sweetening natural gases by absorption with mixed solvents suggest that, under some circumstances, mixed-solvent absorption may be more economical than using conventional aqueous alkanolamine.
Evaluation of a gas chromatography method for azelaic acid determination in selected biological samples

Background : Azelaic acid (AzA) is the best known dicarboxilic acid to have pharmaceutical benefits and clinical applications and also to be associated with some diseases pathophysiology. Materials and Methods : We extracted and methylesterified AzA and determined its concentration in human plasma obtained from healthy individuals and also in mice fed AzA containing diet for three months. Results: AzA was detected in Gas Chromatography (GC) and confirmed by Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS), and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMC). Our results have shown that AzA can be determined efficiently in selected biological samples by GC method with 1nM limit of detection (LoD) and the limit of quantification (LoQ); was established at 50nM. Analytical Sensitivity as assayed by hexane demonstrated an analytical sensitivity at 0.050nM. The method has demonstrated 8-10% CV batch repeatability across the sample types and 13-18.9% CV for the Within-Lab Precision analysis. The method has shown that AzA can efficiently be recovered from various sample preparation including liver tissue homogenate (95%) and human plasma (97 %). Conclusions: Because of its simplicity and lower limit of quantification, the present method provides a useful tool for determining AzA in various biological sample preparations.
Phase II study: the combination DTIC, BCNU, actinomycin D, and vincristine in disseminated malignant melanoma

Thirty patients with disseminated malignant melanoma received the combination DTIC, BCNU, actinomycin D, and vincristine. The objective response rate was 17 percent concomitant with moderate-to-severe nausea and vomiting in 80 percent of patients. Hematologic toxicity was transient. In the dose and schedule that we used, the four-drug regimen does not offer meaningful benefit for patients with advanced melanoma.
High-Q integrated inductors on trenched silicon islands

An implementation of high quality factor (Q) copper (Cu) inductors on CMOS-grade silicon substrates using a fully CMOS-compatible process is presented. A low-temperature fabrication sequence is employed to reduce the loss of Si wafers at RF frequencies using micromachining technique. This method does not require air suspension of the inductors, resulting in mechanically-robust structures that are compatible with any packaging technology. An InH inductor fabricated on this low-loss micromachined Si substrate exhibits a high peak Q of 51 at 1.0GHz (40 at 2.4GHz) with a self-resonant frequency larger than 10GHz.
Nest Mosquito Trap quantifies contact rates between nesting birds and mosquitoes

ABSTRACT: Accurate estimates of host-vector contact rates are required for precise determination of arbovirus transmission intensity. We designed and tested a novel mosquito collection device, the Nest Mosquito Trap (NMT), to collect mosquitoes as they attempt to feed on unrestrained nesting birds in artificial nest boxes. In the laboratory, the NMT collected nearly onethird of the mosquitoes introduced to the nest boxes. We then used these laboratory data to estimate our capture efficiency of field-collected bird-seeking mosquitoes collected over 66 trap nights. We estimated that 7.5 mosquitoes per trap night attempted to feed on nesting birds in artificial nest boxes. Presence of the NMT did not have a negative effect on avian nest success when compared to occupied nest boxes that were not sampled with the trap. Future studies using the NMT may elucidate the role of nestlings in arbovirus transmission and further refine estimates of nesting bird and vector contact rates.
Rigor and transparency in statistical analyses can help to ensure valid research

Adherence to important assumptions of statistical methods has significant ramifications for development of new knowledge in landscape ecology for two fundamental reasons: these methods will continue to be used widely and will thus affect much of the research on which advances in landscape ecology will be founded; and the degree to which statistical methods are applied appropriately will influence the statistical validity of that research. Rigorous statistical analyses are essential because no discipline can efficiently advance scientifically if one of its primary approaches for generating new knowledge is used incorrectly. Assessing and communicating compliance with statistical assumptions should be standard practice in confirmatory analyses. Better understanding of the robustness of statistical methods to deviations from assumptions can improve investigators’ decisions about which methods to apply. Explanations about the consequences of actual or possible violations of assumptions can clarify the validity of results. Many of the papers in a sample of 215 research articles published in Landscape Ecology during 2004–2013 exhibited substantial lack of clarity about adherence to statistical assumptions. Brief author statements about whether important statistical assumptions were adequately met would improve confidence in results. Ultimately, rigor and transparency in confirmatory statistical analyses will help to ensure the validity of landscape ecology research.