cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current-driven plasma waves in the Versatile Toroidal Facility (VTF)

Summary form only given, as follows. We have been conducting laboratory experiments to investigate plasma turbulence that can affect the propagation of electromagnetic waves. This work is aimed at simulating the ionospheric plasma turbulence and cross-checking our radar experiments at Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The large toroidal plasma device, called the Versatile Toroidal Facility (VTF), can produce a radially inhomogeneous plasma imposed in a helically shaped magnetic field. VTF plasma has a sharp density gradient and an intense magnetic field-aligned current, simulating well the plasma environment in the auroral ionosphere. A broad spectrum of plasma waves can be excited in VTF by the injected microwaves and electron beams. In this paper, we discuss the excitation of low-frequency plasma waves driven by electric currents, including ion acoustic waves and current-convective modes. A good agreement has been found between the experimental results and the theories developed for the VTF plasmas. However, our experimental results are quite different from those obtained in the rocket/space shuttle experiments. The differences in the laboratory experiments and space experiments arise from two facts. One is that the plasma inhomogeneity does not play a significant role in the space experiments. The other is that the electron beam injected in the space experiments does not produce a drifting Maxwellian plasma as seen in the VTF plasmas. The contrast between the VTF experiments and the active space experiments show that VTF can adequately simulate the ionospheric plasma turbulence and complement the rocket/space shuttle experiments.
Fit of the removable partial denture base and its effect on abutment tooth movement

Abstract The effect of the fit of a partial denture base on abutment tooth and denture base movement was tested under controlled laboratory conditions. Even with the most accurately fitted base, the partial denture moved when it was loaded. The fit of the partial denture affected both the direction and the magnitude of abutment tooth movement.
Effect of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on the Risk of First and Recurrent Ventricular Tachyarrhythmic Events in MADIT-CRT

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) on the risks of first and recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmic events (VTEs) in the MADIT-CRT. Background Reverse remodeling associated with CRT-D therapy was suggested to reduce arrhythmic risk. However, the effect of the device on the risk of recurrent VTEs among patients who experience a first arrhythmic event has not been investigated. Methods The CRT-D versus defibrillator-only risks for first and subsequent fast VTEs (>180 beats/min) were assessed by Cox proportional hazards and Andersen-Gill proportional intensity regression modeling, respectively, in efficacy analyses recognizing active device-type during follow-up. Results Multivariate analysis showed that CRT-D was associated with a significant 29% (p = 0.003) reduction in the risk of a first VTE, with a pronounced effect among patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.58; p Conclusions In MADIT-CRT, active treatment with CRT-D was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of life-threatening VTEs. However, our findings suggest that CRT-D does not reduce the risk of subsequent VTEs in patients who experience a first arrhythmic event and may increase subsequent arrhythmic risk in non-LBBB patients. (Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation With Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy [MADIT-CRT]; NCT00180271 )
Unique and overlapping functions of the Exo1, Mre11 and Pso2 nucleases in DNA repair

The Mre11 and Pso2 nucleases function in homologous recombination and interstrand cross-link (ICL) repair pathways, respectively, while the Exo1 nuclease is involved in homologous recombination and mismatch repair. Characterization of the sensitivity of single, double and triple mutants for these nucleases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to various DNA damaging agents reveals complex interactions that depend on the type of DNA damage. The pso2 mutant is uniquely sensitive to agents that generate ICLs and mre11-H125N shows the highest sensitivity of the single mutants for ionizing radiation and methyl methane sulfonate. However, elimination of all three nucleases confers higher sensitivity to IR than any of the single or double mutant combinations indicating a high degree of redundancy and versatility in the response to DNA damage. In response to ICL agents, double-strand breaks are still formed in the triple nuclease mutant indicating that none of these nucleases are responsible for unhooking cross-links.
Globalization, ecotourism and the promise of development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This paper examines the current phenomenon of rapidly increasing ecotourism in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially regarding ecotourism's impacts on the people of the region. The discussion tak...
Skin Friction Measurements in a Gas-Liquid Pipe Flow Via Optical Interferometry

An instrument for the measurement of wall shear stress in two-phase flows is described. The device, termed a Laser Interferometer Skin Friction (LISF) meter, determines the wall shear by optically measuring the time rate of thinning of a thin oil film placed on the wall of the flow channel. The LISF meter has proven to be a valuable tool for measurement of wall shear in single-phase gaseous flows but, to date, had not been applied to liquid or gas-liquid flows. This paper describes modifications to the LISF meter developed to facilitate its use in two-phase flows. The instrument's configuration, governing theory, and data reduction procedure are described. Additionally, results of validation experiments for a single-phase water flow are presented, which demonstrate the instrument's ability to accurately measure wall shear. Measurements are also presented for two-phase, water-air flows in a duct of square cross section at various superficial gas and liquid velocities within the bubbly flow regime. Results of the measurements confirm previous observations that the addition of a very small amount of the gaseous phase increases the wall shear significantly over that in a single-phase water flow
Characterization of Xpr (Xpct) reveals instability but no effects on X-chromosome pairing or Xist expression.

X-chromosome inactivation balances X-chromosome dosages in male and female mammals by transcriptionally repressing one X in the female sex. Proper counting and the mutually exclusive choice of active X and inactive X have been hypothesized to involve X-chromosome crosstalk via homologous chromosome pairing. Transient pairing of two female Xs requires noncoding Tsix and Xite. A recent study suggested a new pairing element (Xpr), located ~200 kb upstream of Xist, in the Xpct region. Xpr is proposed to induce pairing and activate Xist expression. Here, we further characterize Xpr and find that the Xpr sequence is unstable when introduced as transgenes into male ES cells. Xpr transgenes show an unusual tendency to disperse throughout the nucleus. However, we observe neither pairing between Xpr alleles nor ectopic Xist expression. In the absence of Tsix, Xpr does not induce inter-allelic Xic interactions. Female ES cells carrying Xpr transgenes are more stable. Nonetheless, pairing also does not seem to occur ...
Multiple Clipping for Optimization of Arc Draw on Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display

In this paper, we investigate the possible methods of generating circles and arcs on an active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) within a custom graphics engine called enhanced system integrated graphic hardware topography II (ENSIGHT II). Research is done to choose the best possible method of generating complete circles and arcs. An algorithm utilizing Bresenham's circle algorithm with thirteen different clipping modes is developed, implemented and placed accordingly inside of ENSIGHT II. To prove the algorithm is working as described, simulation is performed and then demonstrated with an Altera XA10 FPGA Development Board and a Toshiba 6.3" AMLCD
Finite element analysis of cardiac defibrillation current distributions

A two-dimensional finite element model of the canine heart and thorax developed to examine different aspects of the distribution of current through cardiac tissue during defibrillation is discussed. This model allows comparison of the various electrode configurations for the implantable cardioverter/defibrillator. Since the electrical criteria for predicting defibrillation thresholds are not known, defibrillation energy in dogs was measured to determine the voltages to apply to the model for calculating current distribution. Analyzing isopotential contours, current lines, power distributions, current lines, power distributions, current density histograms, and cumulative current distributions allowed the critical fraction and threshold current density for defibrillation to be estimated, various electrode configurations to be compared, and the sensitivity of the defibrillation threshold to electrode position, patch size, and tissue conductivity to be assessed. It was found that blood can shunt defibrillation current away from the myocardium, that myocardial tissue conductivity strongly affects the current distributions, and that epicardial patch size is more important than subcutaneous patch size. >
Lipopolysaccharide results in a marked decrease in hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α in rat liver

The acute-phase response can result in decreased liverspecific functions and death as a result of liver failure. We show here that lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin that induces the acute-phase response, results in a marked decrease in the major isoforms of the transcription factor, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF-4), in livers of rats. HNF-4 is a nuclear receptor that is critical for the expression of several liver-specific genes. This decrease in HNF-4 is primarily the result of a posttranscriptional mechanism, because mRNA levels are normal, and there are no major changes in the splicing patterns. This decrease was of functional significance, because expression of a gene that is highly dependent on HNF-4, HNF-1, was reduced. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a cytokine whose levels are increased in vivo in response to LPS. IL-1 resulted in a decrease in HNF-4 levels in HepG2 cells. This IL-1–induced decrease was likely caused by degradation via the proteasome, because it was prevented by the addition of the proteasome inhibitor, MG132. We conclude that the decrease in HNF-4 that occurs in vivo after the administration of LPS may be the result of IL-1–induced degradation, and likely contributes to the liver insufficiency that occurs. IL-1 antagonists or proteasome inhibitors might increase HNF-4 protein levels in the acute-phase response, which could result in increased liver function and survival. (HEPATOLOGY 2001;34:979-989.)
Nerve Sheath Tumors

Most nerve sheath tumors are benign. They can be schwannomas or neurofibromas. They either occur sporadically or as part of neurofibromatosis (NF) I or II , or schwannomatosis . Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST ) are rare but more common in NF I , especially in plexiform neurofibroma .
Analysis of boundary control for a multiple-input DC-DC converter topology

This paper studies boundary control for a multiple-input buck-boost (MIBB) converter topology with equal voltages at each input leg. In addition to not requiring different input voltages as in previously suggested MIBB converters, when input voltages are equal the proposed controller eliminate the need for forward-conducting bidirectional-blocking switches (FCBBs) also present in previous MIBB topologies. The prescribed controller makes the closed loop MIBB system to behave as a single-input buck-boost converter so that a solution to in the sense of Filippov can be defined in reflective mode. Large-signal asymptotic stability of the desired operating point is subsequently established using Lyapunov's direct method. The state-dependent switching strategy presented ensures that the system avoids certain limitations that occur when multiple-input converters that operate based on switching period-sharing. These restrictions include different input voltages, and limited number of input legs. A lower parts count and better efficiency may then be achieved. Robustness and other attributes of boundary control make the proposed strategy favorable. Both pros and cons of the proposed scheme are discussed and design recommendations are given. The analysis is verified by simulations and an experimental setup with four input legs.
Magnetic resonance imaging of injuries in the child athlete

Sports related injuries in children and adolescents are an increasingly frequent clinical problem. Soft tissue injury is relatively less common in children than in adults and radiographs suffice in most situations. However there are specific clinical circumstances where MR imaging is of value. We discuss and demonstrate a variety of acute and chronic sports related conditions where MR imaging has contributed to the diagnosis and management. Some conditions such as apophysitis, osteochondritis and chronic physeal injuries are unique to childhood while others including spondylysis and stress fractures are unusual conditions outside the context of sport in this age group.
Effect of Medicaid disease management programs on emergency admissions and inpatient costs.

Objective To determine the impact of state Medicaid diabetes disease management programs on emergency admissions and inpatient costs. Data National InPatient Sample sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Project for the years from 2000 to 2008 using 18 states. Study Design A difference-in-difference methodology compares costs and number of emergency admissions for Washington, Texas, and Georgia, which implemented disease management programs between 2000 and 2008, to states that did not undergo the transition to managed care (N = 103). Data Extraction Costs and emergency admissions were extracted for diabetic Medicaid enrollees diagnosed in the reform and non-reform states and collapsed into state and year cells. Principal Findings In the three treatment states, the implementation of disease management programs did not have statistically significant impacts on the outcome variables when compared to the control states. Conclusions States that implemented disease management programs did not achieve improvements in costs or the number of emergency of admissions; thus, these programs do not appear to be an effective way to reduce the burden of this chronic disease.
Osmophores, floral features, and systematics of Stanhopea (Orchidaceae)

The floral fragrance glands (osmophores) of 18 species of Stanhopea and Sievekingia were examined through a series of developmental studies at light and electron microscope levels including late bud stages through postanthesis. Various characters were identified to be of potential systematic value and were recorded for each species. These characters included: texture of the osmophore surface, number of distinct cell layers comprising the osmophore, nature of lipid inclusions in osmophore cells, and presence or absence of plastoglobuli in osmophore amyloplasts. These characters were combined with traditional features of floral lip morphology for cladistic analysis. Sievekingia was the postulated outgroup. Stanhopea ecornuta showed the largest number of plesiomorphic characters. Stanhopea pulla, S. annulata, and S. candida were only slightly more derived. Stanhopea anfracta, S. gibbosa, S. martiana, S. oculata, S. radiosa, S. ruckeri, S. saccata, S. shuttleworthii, S. tigrina, S. vasquezii, and S. wardii form a monophyletic group that can be recognized by a labellum with an articulated epichile and a bicornuate mesochile (or hypochile). Stanhopea tricornis may be a hybrid between a species of Sievekingia and Stanhopea.
Development of Problem-Based Learning Modules for Engineering Thermodynamics

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional approach that fosters active learning, supports knowledge construction, integrates disciplines, and naturally combines classroom learning with real-life applications. This approach can be described as student-centered and concept-embedded. This paper presents the development of curricular materials in Engineering Thermodynamics that are founded on PBL, supported by technology through simulations, and target higher levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning. Thermodynamics is restructured as modules presenting practical applications first whereas principles are introduced just-in-time and as encountered. Theoretical information is presented to support the understanding of knowledge as students apply inquiry-based learning. These modules are carefully designed to reflect traditional concepts but made more exciting as students discover the need for the laws and principles. The classroom format is interactive, cooperative and revolves around students’ needs. Formative and summative assessment tools are designed to examine the effectiveness of created modules.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Physiologic Surface-Active Agents and Drug Absorption VIII: Effect of Bile Flow on Sulfadiazine Absorption in the Rat

The absorption of sulfadiazine was determined in rat intestinal loops in situ under four experimental conditions—viz., control, bile duct ligation, sham bile duct ligation, and sodium dehydrocholate-stimulated bile flow. Enhanced bile flow increased the absorption of the drug about 50%, apparently by increasing the solubility and dissolution rate of sulfadiazine. This possibility is supported by the results of in vitro solubility studies. Rats with a ligated bile duct, on the average, showed significantly reduced absorption compared to control levels. The results suggest that bile plays an important, although not critical, role in the absorption of sulfadiazine under these experimental conditions.
Motivated Reasoning, Political Sophistication, and Associations between President Obama and Islam

Recent polls reveal that between 20% and 25% of Americans erroneously indicate that President Obama is a Muslim. In this article, we compare individuals' explicit responses on a survey about religion and politics with reaction time data from an Implicit Association Test (IAT) to investigate whether individuals truly associate Obama with Islam or are motivated reasoners who simply express negativity about the president when given the opportunity. Our results suggest that predispositions such as ideology, partisanship, and race affect how citizens feel about Obama, which in turn motivates them to accept misinformation about the president. We also find that these implicit associations increase the probability of stating that Obama is likely a Muslim. Interestingly, political sophistication does not appear to inoculate citizens from exposure to misinformation, as they exhibit the same IAT effect as less knowledgeable individuals.
Invariant recognition of cluttered scenes by a self-organizing ART architecture: figure-ground separation

A neural network model, called an FBF (feature-boundary-feature) network, is proposed for automatic parallel separation of multiple image figures from each other and their backgrounds in noisy gray-scale or multicolored images. The system is capable of automatic figure-ground separation, which is accomplished by iterating operations of a feature contour system (FCS) and a boundary contour system (BCS) that have been derived from an analysis of biological vision. The FCS operations include shunting nets to compensate for variable illumination and diffusion nets to control filling-in. The BCS operations include oriented filters joined to competitive and cooperative interactions designed to detect, regularize, and complete boundaries in up to 50% noise, while suppressing the noise. >
Surgical repair of truncal valve regurgitation

OBJECTIVES: Truncal valve regurgitation remains a short- and long-term risk factor for patients with truncus arteriosus. There are limited data available on techniques and outcomes of truncal valve repair (TVR). The aim of this study was to report our experience with TVR in patients of all ages. METHODS: From 1997 to 2012, 36 patients (13 neonates, 30 children and 3 adults) underwent TVR for significant regurgitation. RESULTS: There were 3 early deaths (8%), all of which were in neonates. Twenty-two patients had a quadricuspid, 13 a tricuspid and 1 a bicuspid truncal valve before repair. Valve repair improved regurgitation in 31 of 36 repairs. The median regurgitation decreased from moderate-severe to mild (P< 0.001). During a mean follow-up of 38.3 ± 44.9 months (range 1 month—15 years), there was 1 late death, 16 patients required reoperation on the truncal valve and 1 required a second reoperation. Freedom from reoperation was 91.4 ± 4.8% at 1 year, 55.0 ± 10.4% at 5 and 22.9 ± 12.2% at 10 years. A quadricuspid valve after repair tended to worsen freedom from reoperation (P= 0.15), and tricuspidization tended to improve freedom from reoperation (P= 0.19). Neonatal repair (hazards ratio (HR) 4.1, P= 0.03) and leaflet thinning (HR 22.5, P= 0.002) were independent predictors of reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Valve repair for truncal valve regurgitation is feasible, with good results. Surgical creation of a tricuspid truncal valve seems to provide the best outcomes in this challenging population.
The progression of anterior translation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a caprine model

Large post-operative anterior-posterior translations are frequently reported after quadruped anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. To determine when the translation increases occur and the mechanism responsible, we followed the anterior and posterior translation limits in 18 goat knees for six months. Reconstructions were performed using grafts 4 or 7 mm wide placed in initially tight or lax positions. The anterior and posterior translation limits at 50 N were monitored using Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis. Graft bone block stability and soft tissue segment lengths were also assessed. Large (> 2 mm) increases in anterior translation were noted in 71% of the subjects at two weeks, and in 88% at eight weeks. The translations in the lax and tight groups were indistinguishable after two weeks. Joints with wide grafts had less anterior translation compared to narrow grafts at all time periods, but were significant different only at 26 weeks. The posterior translation limit moved anteriorly over the 26 weeks. Eight of nine joints had stable graft bone markers and/or increases in graft soft tissue lengths. In conclusion, increased anterior translation occurred soon after ACL reconstruction, was associated with graft soft tissue changes, and appeared to be reduced by larger grafts. A post-surgical decrease in posterior translation limit was also observed.
Pseudo-random pattern testing of bridging faults

While previous research has focused on deterministic testing of bridging faults, this paper studies pseudo-random testing of bridging faults and describes a means for achieving high fault coverage in a built-in self-test (BIST) environment. Bridging faults are generally more random pattern testable than stuck-at faults, but examples are shown to illustrate that some bridging faults can be much less random pattern testable than stuck-at faults. A fast method for identifying these random-pattern-resistant bridging faults is described. State-of-the-art test point insertion techniques, which are based on the stuck-at fault model, are inadequate. Data is presented which indicates that even after inserting test points that result in 100% single stuck-at fault coverage, many bridging faults are still not detected. A test point insertion procedure that targets both single stuck-at faults and non-feedback bridging faults is presented. It is shown that by considering bath types of faults when selecting the location for test points, higher fault coverage can be obtained with little or no increase in overhead. Thus, the test point insertion procedure described here is a low-cost way to improve the quality of built-in self-test.
A research note on the dimensions of communication reticence

The present investigation extends the debate regarding the underlying structure of a general communication reticence construct. The Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, the Unwillingness‐to‐Communicate Scale and the Writing Apprehension Test were factor‐analyzed. Separate factor analyses produced multidimensional solutions for each measure. A single factor analysis of all of the scale items produced a seven factor solution that offers a better understanding of the elements contributing to a communication reticence syndrome. The emerging factors indicated that communication reticence varies according to context of communication, mode of communication, personality type of the communicator, attitudes toward the communication process, and communication history.
Stress and Adaptation in Cross-Cultural Transition

To explore the possible association of various stages in the cross-cultural adaptation process with different degrees of stress (imbalance in need-press relationship) and levels of human and skill resources, the Activities Index, Organizational Climate Index, Personal Orientation Inventory, and Adjustment Questionnaire were administered to 40 Peace Corps trainees. Peace Corps Assessment Ratings were used as measures of language, teaching and interpersonal skills, and cultural knowledge. One-way analyses of variance indicated significant differences between the defensive retreat, acknowledgement, and adaptation and change stages on the stress, and personal and skill resource areas. The step-wise regression procedure included language and teaching skills and the inventory's scale for acceptance of aggression in the equation explaining 94% of the variance in stage of adaptation.
Brief Review: Hypertension in Pregnancy : A Manifestation of the Insulin Resistance Syndrome?

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), which includes both gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, is a common and morbid pregnancy complication for which the pathogenesis remains unclear. Emerging evidence suggests that insulin resistance, which has been linked to essential hypertension, may play a role in PIH. Conditions associated with increased insulin resistance, including gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and obesity, may predispose to hypertensive pregnancy. Furthermore, metabolic abnormalities linked to the insulin resistance syndrome are also observed in women with PIH to a greater degree than in normotensive pregnant women: These include glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and high levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, leptin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These observations suggest the possibility that insulin resistance may be involved in the pathogenesis of PIH and that approaches that improve insulin sensitivity might have benefit in the prevention or treatment of this syndrome, although this requires further study.
Promotion by sodium barbital induces early development but does not increase the multiplicity of hereditary renal tumors in Eker rats.

Induced cell proliferation is important in the mode of action of many non-genotoxic renal carcinogens. Since Tsc2 mutant (Eker) rats are genetically predisposed to the development of renal cell tumors, they provide a useful animal model in which to study the action of renal carcinogens. Sodium barbital was used as a model non-genotoxic renal carcinogen to test whether a concentration that increased renal tubular proliferation without severe nephrotoxicity would enhance tumor induction in a hereditary tumor model. First, a subchronic concentration-response study was conducted in wild-type male Long-Evans rats to determine increased cell proliferation without severe nephrotoxicity. Rats were dosed with sodium barbital in the feed at 0, 50, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 or 4000 p.p.m. for 3 or 8 weeks. Cell proliferation within the cortex and nephrotoxicity were quantitated. Enhanced proliferation with minimal nephrotoxicity occurred at 500 p.p.m. A second study was conducted in male Tsc2 mutant rats given sodium barbital in the feed at 0, 100 or 500 p.p.m. from 9 weeks of age to either 6 or 12 months of age. An additional group of rats was treated with sodium barbital for 6 months and then provided control feed until 12 months of age. Rats necropsied at 6 months of age had a concentration-dependent increase in preneoplastic and total renal lesions. Sodium barbital-treated rats necropsied at 12 months of age had numbers of lesions that were not different from controls. Total combined preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in the 6 month, high dose group was the same as the 12 month control group. These data show that sodium barbital caused progression to the stage of spontaneous renal lesions in Tsc2 mutant rats but did not increase their overall number. These data suggest that enhanced cell proliferation without significant cytotoxicity exerted a promotional influence in this hereditary model.
Ciliary transport regulates PDGF-AA/αα signaling via elevated mammalian target of rapamycin signaling and diminished PP2A activity.

This study shows the tight interplay of regulation among signaling pathways within the cilium. While anterograde and retrograde transport distinctly regulate PDGFRα protein levels, disruption of ei...
The Influence of Pre-Irradiation Heat Treatments on Thermal Non-Equilibrium and Radiation-Induced Segregation Behavior in Model Austenitic Stainless Steel Alloys

The effect of pre-irradiation heat treatments on thermal non-equilibrium grain boundary segregation (TNES) and subsequent radiation-induced grain boundary segregation (RIS) is studied in a series of model austenitic stainless steels. The alloys used for this study are based on AISI 316 stainless steel and have the following nominal compositions: Fe-16Cr-13Ni-1.25Mn (base 316), Fe-16Cr-13Ni-1.25Mn-2.0Mo (316 + Mo) and Fe-16Cr-13Ni-1.25Mn-2.0Mo-0.07P (316 + Mo + P). Samples were heat treated at temperatures ranging from 1100 to 1300 C and cooled at 4 different rates (salt brine quench, water quench, air cool and furnace cool) to evaluate the effect of annealing temperature and quench rate on TNES. The alloys were than processed with the treatment (temperature and cooling rate) that resulted in the maximum Cr enrichment. Alloys with and without the heat treatment to enrich the grain boundaries with Cr were characterized following irradiation to 1 dpa at 400 C with high-energy protons in order to understand the influence of alloying additions and pre-irradiation grain boundary chemistry on irradiation-induced elemental enrichment and depletion profiles. Various mechanistic models will be examined to explain the observed behavior.
CTER OnLine: evaluation of an online master of education focusing on curriculum, technology and education reform

CTER Online is a master of education program developed in 1998 at the College of Education, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, aimed at precollege teachers interested in issues concerning curriculum, technology, and education reform. The first set of 26 students graduated in May 2000. This paper presents an evaluation of CTER Online over its first two years, describing the initial stakeholder analysis that motivated the design of the evaluation, presenting data from surveys and from in-depth case studies, and outlining the overall theoretical framework for the design, implementation, and revision of CTER OnLine. It concludes with recommendations for online education.
Branched foliar trichomes of Lobelioideae (Campanulaceae) and the infrageneric classification of Centropogon

The morphology of branched foliar trichomes in Lobelioideae (Campanulaceae) was studied via scanning electron microscopy. Trichomes of this type are found only in the Neotropical endemics Burmeistera, Centropogon, and Siphocampylus, and in the Hawaiian endemic Cyanea. The 37 species examined included all species with branched trichomes in Burmeistera, Centropogon sect. Burmeisteroides, Centropogon sect. Niveopsis, Centropogon sect. Wimmeriopsis, Cyanea, and Siphocampylus, plus about one- fourth of the 100 species comprising Centropogon sect. Siphocampyloides. Trichomes observed conformed to eight structural types. Dendritic, multangulate, multangulate-dendritic, echinoid, and furcate hairs were found only in Centropogon sect. Siphocampyloides, Cyanea, and Siphocampylus. Echinoid-dendritic hairs were confined to Centropogon sect. Burmeisteroides, stellate hairs to Centropogon sect. Wimmeriopsis, and multiseriate- multangulate hairs to Burmeistera and Centropogon sect. Niveopsis. Within Centropogon, the distribution of trichome types is consistent with the currently accepted classification of the genus. Correlations with other data, both morphological and molecular, suggest that branched trichomes have evolved in the subfamily repeatedly, perhaps as many as 11 times.
Turtle Consensus: Moving Target Defense for Consensus

Consensus is a basic building block in middleware configuration services [4, 18]. While such services are designed to tolerate crash failures in asynchronous settings, they may not stand up well to Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks. Specifically, malicious clients can carefully craft workloads that substantially degrade the performance of many state-of-the-art consensus protocols. By exploiting protocol-specific vulnerabilities, attackers can constantly force the protocol participants to slow execution paths [8]. In this paper, we investigate designing consensus protocols that provide acceptable performance under DoS attacks that aim to saturate the bandwidth of protocol participants.We propose a new asynchronous consensus protocol that we call Turtle Consensus. Turtle Consensus employs previously proposed crash-tolerant consensus protocols and exploits their diverse characteristics by switching between protocols from round to round. Some protocols are fast under benign conditions but their performance suffers greatly under attack. Other protocols may not be as fast under benign conditions, but their performance may actually benefit from naive attacks. By reconfiguring the consensus protocol on-the-fly we can achieve the best of both worlds: excellent performance in benign scenarios and acceptable performance while under attack, even if the client workload is high. We evaluate Turtle Consensus against adversarial scenarios where at most one process may fail and show that we can achieve better performance than existing crash-tolerant protocols under attack.
Histologic Studies in Muscle of Hyperparathyroidism

Patients with hyperparathyroidism may develop persistent proximal muscle weakness with the clinical characteristics of a myopathy 1–8. This condition is distinct from the clinical constellation of weakness, lassitude, nausea, and vomiting that is associated with hypercalcemia 9,10. The so-called hyperparathyroid myopathy has a more chronic course, often with muscular wasting, whereas hypercalcemia-induced symptoms are temporary and rapidly reversible.
CB-11DIVERSE ROLES FOR RhoA AND RhoC IN GLIOBLASTOMA

A number of Rho family members have been shown to control tumor cell proliferation, survival and invasion. Rhophilin, an effector of both RhoA and RhoC, is amplified in glioblastoma and its expression strongly correlates with decreased patient survival. Importantly, rhophilin 2 has recently also been shown to be a critical driver gene of the mesenchymal phenotype in human glioblastoma. However, the cellular functions of RhoA and RhoC in glioblastoma largely remain to be characterized. Here we show that depletion of RhoA, but not RhoC, significantly inhibits glioblastoma cell proliferation. Conversely, depletion of RhoC, but not RhoA, significantly inhibits glioblastoma cell invasion into ex vivo brain slices. In line with this, depletion of RhoC, but not RhoA, also inhibits nuclear squeezing through a 3 mm pore size filter. In addition, we found that depletion of either RhoA or RhoC inhibit glioblastoma cell survival in clonogenic assays. Thus, RhoA and RhoC differentially regulate distinct aspects of the malignant behavior of glioblastoma. We also have identified PDZ-RhoGEF as a critical activator of both RhoA and RhoC in glioblastoma cells, as depletion of this guanine nucleotide exchange factor strongly diminishes serum-stimulated activation of both GTPases. In addition, consistent with the results of depleting either RhoA or RhoC, we showed that depletion of PDZ-RhoGEF, significantly inhibits glioblastoma cell proliferation, invasion and clonogenicity. We also showed that depletion of PDZ-RhoGEF significantly enhances mouse survival in a patient-derived xenograft model.
Decreased Movement Path Tortuosity Is Associated With Improved Functional Status in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury.

Objective To determine if movement path tortuosity in everyday ambulation decreases in Veterans being treated in a residential setting for traumatic brain injury. Elevated path tortuosity is observed in assisted living facility residents with cognitive impairment and at risk for falls, and tortuosity may decrease over the course of cognitive rehabilitation received by the Veterans. If observed, decreased tortuosity may be linked to improved clinical outcomes. Design Longitudinal observational study without random assignment. Setting Veterans Affairs Medical Center inpatient residential polytrauma treatment facility. Patients Twenty-two Veterans enrolled in a postacute predischarge residential polytrauma treatment facility. Interventions None, observation-only. Main outcome measure Mayo-Portland Adaptability Index-4, and movement path tortuosity measured by Fractal Dimension (Fractal D). Fractal D was obtained continuously from an indoor movement tracking system primarily used to provide machine-generated prompts and reminders to facilitate activities of daily living. Patients were deemed "responders" (N = 10) if a significant linear decline in Fractal D occurred over the course of treatment, or nonresponders (N = 12) if no significant decline was observed. Results Responders had lower discharge Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory scores (mean = 32.6, SD = 9.53) than non-responders (mean = 39.5, SD = 6.02) (F = 2.07, df = 20, P = .05). Responders and nonresponders did not differ on initial injury severity or other demographic measures. Conclusions Fractal D, a relatively simple measure of movement path tortuosity can be linked to functional recovery from traumatic brain injury.
Research Progress in All-Nitrogen Compounds

The all-nitrogen compounds are the promising candidates as energetic materials for high performance solid propellants. The high energies of these compounds are attributed to the large differences in bond energy between N––N single bond,N==N double bond and N≡≡N triple bond in nitrogen molecule. Although both all-nitrogen anions and all-nitrogen cations have been synthesized successfully, the synthesis of their compounds is not successful. The successful synthesis of nitrogen cluster compounds is due to the stabilization action of carbon nano-tube and C60 to nitrogen clusters. The poly-nitrogens have been prepared at high temperature under high pressure, but they are unstable at ambient temperature under atmospheric pressure. The research progresses in three types of all-nitrogen compounds are reviewed.
Multi-functional Clock Synchronization Device Based on the SPOC Technology

The multi-functional GPS clock synchronization device was researched in this paper.The system used in Altera's SOPC solution and the GPS signal receiver module,it can synchronized the GPS clock automatically.And the frequency and phase can be adjustable independently and judge the input signal frequency automatically.The device provides synchronous clock for the electronic transformer and electronic transformer calibrator.Several field experiments show that the device meets the design requirements and achieves good effect.
Adverse reactions after receiving rabies vaccination and its nursing care

[Objective]To analyze the adverse reactions after receiving rabies vaccination,put forward the relevant nursing measures.[Methods]The basic information,age distribution,time of occurrence and clinical manifestations of 49 patients with adverse reactions after receiving rabies vaccination were analyzed.[Results]Among 49 patients,16(32.7%) cases were children aged 1-10 years old,and 11(22.4%) cases were elderly people over 60 years old.20 cases occurred the adverse reactions after the first dose of vaccine,which accounted for 40.8%.24(49.0%) cases had the partial reactions.After patients were given the appropriate nursing care,all of them had safely undergone the vaccination period.47 patients completed the full vaccination,and there was no failure case.[Conclusion]The vaccine can prevent the occurrence of rabies,but it can also cause adverse reactions.It is important to closely monitor the adverse reactions after vaccination,carry out the relevant nursing measures to reduce the incidence of adverse reactions,eliminate the psychological barriers,and improve the whole course vaccination rate and immune effect.
Immunodysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, and Enteropathy, X-Linked (IPEX) Syndrome

Forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) is a transcriptional regulator that plays an essential role in the maintenance of self-tolerance and prevention of autoimmune diseases by regulating the function of CD4 + T regulatory cells (Tregs). Thus, X-linked germ line mutations resulting in decrease or loss of FOXP3 protein cause Treg deficiency and result in early-onset and fatal autoimmune disorders collectively called immunodysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, and enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome. Without treatment, IPEX syndrome can lead to death within the first years of life. We review here the current knowledge on the effects of FOXP3 mutations, the clinical presentation of IPEX syndrome and its immunological alterations, and how to facilitate a correct diagnosis of the disease in order to timely administer the best available treatment.
RNA-protein interactions in assembled editing complexes in trypanosomes.

Abstract Multisubunit RNA editing complexes recognize thousands of pre‐mRNA sites in the single mitochondrion of trypanosomes. Specific determinants at each editing site must trigger the complexes to catalyze a complete cycle of either uridylate insertion or deletion. While a wealth of information on the protein composition and catalytic activities of these complexes is currently available, the precise mechanisms that govern substrate recognition and editing site specificity remain unknown. This chapter describes basic assays to visualize direct photocrosslinking interactions between purified editing complexes and targeted deletion and insertion sites in model substrates for full‐round editing. It also illustrates how variations of these assays can be applied to examine the specificity of the editing enzyme/substrate association, and to dissect structural or biochemical requirements of both the substrates and enzyme complex.
Effect of anomalous pathway location on rate of canine experimental A-V reentrant tachycardia.

The effect of anomalous pathway (AP) location and conduction time on the cycle length (CL) and sustainability of paroxysmal A-V reentrant tachycardia was studied in 15 dogs, using an anomalous pathway simulator (APS). The APS was a programmable digital electronic circuit with ability for unidirectional conduction, ventricular sensing, adjustable delay, and atrial stimulation. Contiguous pairs of ventricular sensing electrodes were placed along the A-V ring in each dog at the following sites: anterior, posterior, and lateral right (AR, PR, and LR) and anterior, posterior, and lateral left (AL, PL, and LL) and septal (S). There were significant differences in the CL of tachycardias among the tested sites (P less than 0.01). The CL of tachycardias from the LL site was significantly longer and from the PR site significantly shorter than that from the other sites (P less than 0.05). These differences in CL of tachycardias in relation to the AP location were explicable in terms of corresponding variation in conduction times of the various components of the tachycardia circuit (e.g., intra-atrial, A-V nodal, intraventricular conduction times). The differences in magnitude of the CL of tachycardias, although significant, were small. It was also found that all sites allowed maintenance of tachycardias up to an AP conduction time of 10 ms. In 27% of experiments, atrial refractoriness prevented sustained tachycardias at pathway delays of 1 ms. The relationship between AP conduction time and CL of tachycardias was exponential.
Gemeinsame Züge der Nebel

Das erste Kapitel stellte eine kurze Skizze unserer heutigen Auffassung vom Reiche der Nebel dar. Das dem Einblick zugangliche Muster ist ein ungeheures Raumgebiet, uber das mehr oder weniger gleichmasig Sternsysteme verstreut sind. Dieses alles soll jetzt systematischer und eingehender entwickelt werden.
From Model Hamiltonians to ab Initio Hamiltonians and Back Again: Using Single Excitation Quantum Chemistry Methods To Find Multiexciton States in Singlet Fission Materials

Due to the promise of significantly enhanced photovoltaic efficiencies, significant effort has been directed toward understanding and controlling the singlet fission mechanism. Although accurate quantum chemical calculations would provide a detail-rich view of the singlet fission mechanism, this is complicated by the multiexcitonic nature of one of the key intermediates, the 1(TT) state. Being described as two simultaneous and singlet-coupled triplet excitations on a pair of nearest neighbor monomers, the 1(TT) state is inherently a multielectronic excitation. This fact renders most single-reference ab initio quantum chemical methods incapable of providing accurate results. This paper serves two purposes: (1) to demonstrate that the multiexciton states in singlet fission materials can be described using a spin-only Hamiltonian and with each monomer treated as a biradical and (2) to propose a very simple procedure for extracting the values for this Hamiltonian from single-reference calculations. Numerical ...