cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forest fires, sunglint, and a solar eclipse: Responsive remote sensing with AeroCube-4

The AeroCube-4 CubeSat, a picosatellite in a 10-cm cube form factor with a mass of 1 kg, has performed several responsive remote-sensing activities of a nature usually performed by much larger spacecraft. By leveraging AeroCube-4's three-axis attitude control, 2-megapixel cameras, and an extensive ground segment, more than 11,000 images have been downlinked (approximately 1 GB of data) over two years of operations. Three path-finding experiments are described here, carried out to demonstrate CubeSats' feasibility as a platform for remote sensing: forest fire detection in the Canadian Northwest Territories, sunglint imagery, and imaging of the 3 November 2013 solar eclipse.
Economic Comparison of Projects Incorporating Decision Theory and the Expected Gain-Confidence Limit Criterion

(1974). Economic Comparison of Projects Incorporating Decision Theory and the Expected Gain-Confidence Limit Criterion. The Engineering Economist: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 61-70.
Constructing a new closure theory based on the third-order Ornstein-Zernike equation and a study of the adsorption of simple fluids

The third-order Ornstein-Zernike equation (OZ3) is used in the construction of a bridge functional that improves over conventional liquid-theory closures (for example, the hypernetted chain or the Percus-Yevick equations). The OZ3 connects the triplet direct correlation C((3)) to the triplet total correlation h((3)). By invoking the convolution approximation of Jackson and Feenberg, we are able to express the third-order bridge function B(3) as a functional of the indirect correlation γ. The resulting expression is generalized to higher-order bridge terms. This new closure is tested on the adsorption of Lennard-Jones fluid on planar hard surfaces by calculating the density profiles and comparing with Monte Carlo simulations. Particular attention is paid to the cases where molecular depletion on the substrate is evident. The results prove to be highly accurate and improve over conventional closures.
Maximum Likelihood Acoustic Factor Analysis Models for Robust Speaker Verification in Noise

Recent speaker recognition/verification systems generally utilize an utterance dependent fixed dimensional vector as features to Bayesian classifiers. These vectors, known as i-Vectors, are lower dimensional representations of Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) mean super-vectors adapted from a Universal Background Model (UBM) using speech utterance features, and extracted utilizing a Factor Analysis (FA) framework. This method is based on the assumption that the speaker dependent information resides in a lower dimensional sub-space. In this study, we utilize a mixture of Acoustic Factor Analyzers (AFA) to model the acoustic features instead of a GMM-UBM. Following our previously proposed AFA technique (“Acoustic factor analysis for robust speaker verification,” by Hasan and Hansen, IEEE Trans. Audio, Speech, Lang. Process., vol. 21, no. 4, April 2013), this model is based on the assumption that the speaker relevant information lies in a lower dimensional subspace in the multi-dimensional feature space localized by the mixture components. Unlike our previous method, here we train the AFA-UBM model directly from the data using an Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm. This method shows improved robustness to noise as the nuisance dimensions are removed in each EM iteration. Two variants of the AFA model are considered utilizing an isotropic and diagonal covariance residual term. The method is integrated within a standard i-Vector system where the hidden variables of the model, termed as acoustic factors, are utilized as the input for total variability modeling. Experimental results obtained on the 2012 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Speaker Recognition Evaluation (SRE) core-extended trials indicate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in both clean and noisy conditions.
A 2D artificial dielectric with 0 ≤ n < 1 for the THz region

We demonstrate a 2D artificial dielectric medium, fabricated using a parallel-plate waveguide configuration, whose refractive index varies from close to unity down to zero in the THz region.
Repeating ACTH Stimulation Test Is Necessary to Diagnose ACTH Deficiency in Neonatal Hypopituitarism With Initial False Negative Result

Low-dose 1-µg adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test has generally been the test of choice to evaluate adrenocortical function in neonates with suspected ACTH deficiency. There are limited data about its sensitivity in diagnosing central adrenal insufficiency in this age group. We urge caution interpreting cortisol results in the neonatal period and to maintain a high degree of suspicion for false negative testing.
The roles of IFN-γ versus IL-17 in pathogenic effects of human Th17 cells on synovial fibroblasts

Th17 cells, while indispensable in host defense, may play pathogenic roles in many autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanisms by which human Th17 cells drive autoimmunity have not been fully defined. We assessed the potential of the human Th17 CD4 T cell subset to induce expression of cell–cell interaction molecules and inflammatory mediators by fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), and the roles of IFN-γ and IL-17 in these interactions. Th1 or Th17 cells were induced from healthy adult donor CD4 T cells and were co-cultured with FLS for 48 h with/without neutralization of IFN-γ, IL-17A, or both. Alternatively, FLS were treated only with IFN-γ or IL-17 for 48 h. FLS expression of CD40, CD54, and MHC-II, as well as IL-6 and IL-8 secretion, were assessed by surface staining followed by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. Both Th1 and Th17 cells secreted IL-17 as well as IFN-γ, although IFN-γ production was much greater from Th1 cells. FLS expression of CD40, CD54, and MHC-II significantly increased upon co-culture with Th1 cells, while Th17 cells increased only the percentage of FLS that were CD54+. Both T cell subsets induced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion by RA FLS. Neutralization of IL-17A did not reduce FLS expression of CD40, MHC-II, or CD54, but did inhibit IL-6 and IL-8 secretion. Although IFN-γ was a weak inducer of IL-6 secretion and significantly inhibited IL-8 secretion from FLS when used as a single stimulus, neutralization of IFN-γ inhibited the secretion of both cytokines in Th17/FLS co-cultures with RA but not OA FLS. FLS cell–cell interaction molecules and soluble inflammatory mediators are differentially regulated by IFN-γ and IL-17. The effects of IFN-γ may depend in part on the particular milieu of other co-existing cytokines and its potential to induce cell–cell interactions. The potential benefit of therapeutic neutralization of either IL-17 or IFN-γ could depend on the relative proportions of these cytokines in the synovial compartment of an RA patient.
Ocular Perforation Following Retrobulbar Anesthesia for Retinal Detachment Surgery

We encountered three examples of the perforation of the globe by the retrobulbar needle in a series of 4,000 patients who had undergone retinal reattachment surgery with local anesthesia. The presence of significant myopia was a contributing factor in all three cases. We managed the perforation site through the detached retina with cryopexy and external tamponade, and we treated perforations through the attached retinas either with cryopexy at surgery or photocoagulation postoperatively.
Infrared spectroscopy of Triton and Pluto ice analogs: the case for saturated hydrocarbons.

The infrared transmission spectra and photochemical behavior of various organic compounds isolated in solid N2 ices, appropriate for applications to Triton ad Pluto, are presented. It is shown that excess absorption in the surface spectra of Triton and Pluto, i.e., absorption not explained by present models incorporating molecules already identified on these bodies (N2, CH4, CO, and CO2), that starts near 4450/cm (2.25 microns) and extends to lower frequencies, may be due to alkanes (C(n)H(2n+2)) and related molecules frozen in the nitrogen. Branched and linear alkanes may be responsible. Experiments in which the photochemstry of N2: CH4 and N2: CH4: CO ices was explored demonsrtrate that the surface ices of Triton and Pluto may contain a wide variety of additional species containing H, C, O, and N. Of these, the reactive molecule diazomethane, CH2N2, is particularly important since it may be largely responsible for the synthesis of larger alkanes from CH4 and other small alkanes. Diazomethane would also be expected to drive chemical reactions involving organics in the surface ices of Triton and Pluto toward saturation, i.e., to reduce multiple CC bonds. The positions and intrinsic strengths (A values) of many of the infrared absorption bands of N2 matrix-isolated molecules of relevance to Triton and Pluto have also been determined. These can be used to aid in their search and to place constraints on their abundances.
The formation of histamine by fetal rat liver.

Abstract Some of the characteristics of the histidine decarboxylase derived from fetal rat liver have been determined. The pH optimum is 6.6; pyridoxal 5'-phosphate is required as a coenzyme; the enzyme is not appreciably inhibited by a-methyl DOPA; and benzene neither activates nor inhibits the enzyme. The fetal enzyme activity appears shortly after the appearance of liver cells, reaches a peak at the fourteenth day of gestation and apparently disappears rapidly after birth. At the present time the functional significance of this enzyme remains obscure.
Abstract 1327: Targeting the RB-pathway in sarcoma: Utility of CDK4/6 inhibitors

Background: Sarcomas are rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. Survival rates have not improved with standard chemotherapy; however, molecular insights have posed new drug targets. Aberrations in the RB-pathway, including loss of RB, CDK4 and cyclin D1 overexpression and p16 loss, have been identified in sarcomas. PD 03322991 (PD) is a second generation CDK4/6 inhibitor with the potential to reactivate the RB-pathway and suppress cell cycle progression. We evaluated the efficacy of PD in a panel of sarcoma cell lines. Methods: Sarcoma cell lines (HT-1080, SK-LMS-1 and SaOS-2) were evaluated for RB-pathway alterations using western blot. Cells were treated with PD for 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 days to determine IC50 values by MTT assay. Following the same treatment protocol at IC50 concentrations of PD, cells were harvested for cell cycle analysis, western blot and annexin cell death assay. Results: HT-1080 and SK-LMS-1 were RB-positive with high expression of phospho-RB; SaOS-2 was RB-negative. CDK4/6 were uniformly expressed. HT-1080 and SK-LMS-1 had p16 loss while SaOS-2 overexpressed cyclin D1. PD was effective in all cell lines. Increasing treatment duration led to reduction of IC50 values. PD caused marked G1 arrest as early as day 1 in RB-positive HT-1080 (86.2% vs 74.2% [vehicle]) and SK-LMS-1 (91.4% vs 67.8% [vehicle]) but not RB-negative SaOS-2 (52.9-59.4% vs 57.0% [vehicle]). Annexin assay demonstrated minimal apoptosis with PD (HT-1080: 1.4-3.0% vs 41.2% [control], SK-LMS-1: 0.6-12.0% vs 23.4% [control], SaOS-2: 3.6-7.3% vs 78.7% [control]). Conclusions: PD appears to have a cytostatic rather than cytotoxic effect in sarcoma. RB-negativity does not preclude PD efficacy but may require higher IC50 values. In RB-negative sarcomas, PD does not cause cell cycle arrest suggesting an alternate mechanism from reactivation of the RB-pathway is present. PD may serve as a potential therapy for sarcoma and should be studied in combination with other targeted therapies that can take advantage of its ability to cause G1 arrest. Citation Format: Ashleigh M. Francis, Jason P. Carey, Angela Alexander, Khandan Keyomarsi, Kelly K. Hunt. Targeting the RB-pathway in sarcoma: Utility of CDK4/6 inhibitors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1327. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1327
Fitness support group for organ transplant recipients: self-management, self-efficacy and health status.

Title. Fitness support group for organ transplant recipients: self-management, self-efficacy and health status. Aim. This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe postoperative self-management behaviours, perceived self-efficacy and health outcomes in adult organ transplant recipients who participated in a fitness support group. Background. Self-management behaviours designed to promote patient autonomy contribute to positive health outcomes after therapeutic interventions. Despite an increase in organ transplantation, little is known about the impact of self-management on health outcomes after adult organ transplantation. Even less has been investigated regarding nursing interventions in the organ transplantation patient demographic to promote positive outcomes. Method. Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, 20 participants completed a questionnaire that included measures of self-management, self-efficacy and health status during the 2006 training season. Findings. Participants were, on average, 55 years of age and 6 years since transplantation. Their results were compared to mean values as reported in the literature, and revealed consistently superior scores for the outcome variables. The mean amount of weekly aerobic exercise in the transplant group was 3·2 hours (sd 1·4). Participants demonstrated impressively high amounts of self-efficacy. Confidence was inversely related to extent of illness interference in activities of daily life (r = −0·772, P = 0·01). Health status scores also exceeded the norms, with all participants reporting at least ‘good’ health. Seventeen participants reported zero emergency department visits in the last 6 months. Nursing interventions geared toward maximizing patient self-efficacy may improve health outcomes for adults after solid organ transplantation. Conclusion. Group participation in a fitness programme may support achievement of self-management activities and feelings of self-efficacy in maintaining disease management.
Therapeutic approaches for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited, progressive, neurodegenerative disease for which there is presently no cure or effective therapeutic intervention. While physiologically complex, FRDA is caused by deficits in production and expression of frataxin (FXN), a mitochondrial protein important for regulation of iron-sulfur cluster containing enzymes in the cell. Depletion of FXN is associated with dysfunction of ATP synthesis, mitochondrial iron accumulation, potentially an increase in oxidative stress, and cellular dysfunction. Therapeutic development presently focuses on improving mitochondrial function and increasing FXN expression. Gene therapy, a field which has undergone significant advances in recent years, may offer a promising treatment for FRDA in the future. This collection of approaches provides many possible opportunities for treating this multisystem disorder.
Measurement of plasma acetate kinetics using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract Previous studies suggest that plasma acetate may be an important fuel in man, accounting for ∼ 10% of energy expenditure. Available methods for the determination of plasma acetate kinetics are difficult and time consuming. We describe here a procedure for the determination of plasma acetate concentration and specific activity using automated high-performance liquid chromatography that is precise and sensitive and accommodates large numbers of samples. The procedure involves extraction from plasma with diethyl ether, derivatization with bromoacetophenone, and separation on a C-18 reversed-phase column. The specific activities of d -β-hydroxybutyrate and lactate can also be determined. Acetate turnover was measured in four dogs and was similar to that previously reported in sheep and humans. Transport of [14C]acetate into red blood cells was negligible.
Attenuated inheritance of body weight by running in monozygotic twins.

Purpose: Genetic factors account for 40%�70% of the population variation in body mass index (BMI), suggesting that genetic predisposition is a major risk factor for excess weight. The purpose of this study was to test whether exercise attenuates the inherited risk for excess body weight. Methods: Survey questionnaires of exercise (usual running distance) and BMI were obtained from a national sample of 582 female and 344 male self-identified monozygotic (MZ) twins. Regression analyses were used to test whether running disparity diminished the inheritance of BMI when adjusted for age, education, cigarette use, and selected dietary variables. Results: The active twins ran between 0 and 10.7 km·d-1 more than their less active twins if female (mean ± SD = 1.61 ± 1.50 km·d-1) and between 0 and 13.7 km·d-1 more if male (1.88 ± 1.78 km·d-1). Average BMIs of the less active twins were 22.38 ± 3.56 and 24.59 ± 3.08 kg·m-2 in females and males, respectively. Within-twin correlations were significant (P < 0.0001) for usual distance run (females: r = 0.64; males: r = 0.61) and BMI (females: r = 0.67; males: r = 0.71). Greater running differences (?km·d-1) attenuated the effect of the less active twins� BMIs on their active MZ twins� BMI (females: -14.3% per ?km·d-1, P < 10-7; males: -7.4% per ?km·d-1, P = 0.004), such that by 4 ?km·d-1, the inherited risk was reduced by 58.8% in females and 29.6% in males. Conclusions: These results are consistent with the attenuation of the inherited risk of excess body weight by running, which is remarkable because BMI regulation is assumed to be multifactorial, its genetic inheritance is polygenic, and no single genetic polymorphism currently explains >1% of the BMI variance.
Relationship of plasma free fatty acids to other blood components in ruminants under various physiological conditions.

Abstract Experiments were conducted with cows and goats to determine the normal concentrations of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and their relationship to blood sugars and blood ketones. Plasma FFA concentrations in cows and goats were within the ranges reported for nonruminant species (100–2,000 μ eq/liter), but under normal non-fasting conditions were lower (200–300 μ eq/liter) than values reported for nonruminants. The plasma FFA concentration tended to be depressed 4 to 6 hr after feeding, at which time blood sugars were also depressed and blood ketones increased. Upon fasting, the plasma FFA concentration increased, whereas the blood sugars were depressed and blood ketones increased. The response of all blood components to feeding or fasting was much greater in milking than in dry animals. Correlations under fed and fasting conditions, respectively, were sugar vs. ketones, −.54, −.63; sugar vs. FFA, .01. −.75; ketones vs. FFA, .10, .81. This suggests that blood sugar is a controlling factor in ketogenesis, under both fed and fasting conditions, but that plasma FFA are a primary source of ketones only under fasting conditions. The plasma FFA concentration was elevated at parturition, but was not consistently higher at the time of peak milk production.
Development of an Experimental Facility for Investigating Critical Heat Flux of Saturated Flow Boiling of Refrigerant-123 in Microchannels

An experimental facility is developed to investigate critical heat flux (CHF) of saturated flow boiling of Refrigerant-123 (R-123) in microchannels. Six parallel Microchannels with cross sectional area of 0.2 mm × 0.2 mm are fabricated on a copper block, and a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) cover is then placed on top of the copper block to serve as a transparent cover through which flow patterns and boiling phenomena could be observed. A resistive cartridge heater is used to provide a uniform heat flux to the microchannels. The experimental test facility is designed to accommodate test sections with different microchannel geometries. The mass flow rate, inlet pressure, inlet temperature of Refrigerant-123, and the electric current supplied to the resistive cartridge heater are controlled to provide quantitative information near the CHF condition in microchannels. A high-speed camera is used to observe and interpret flow characteristics of CHF condition in microchannels.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Challenges and progress in the production of transgenic cattle

The production of transgenic cattle presents a number of unique challenges not encountered in other species. First, the survival of microinjected zygotes is low; only 15% in vivo-derived develop into morulae and blastocysts and, of these, only about 18% yield live calves. Second, transgene integration frequency is relatively low, around 3%. Thus, more than 1000 zygotes must be injected to produce a single transgenic calf. Obtaining sufficient zygotes from donor cattle to sustain a transgenic cattle programme is logistically and financially prohibitive, since the average superovulated donor yields only about four microinjectable zygotes per collection attempt. In vitro oocyte maturation and fertilization techniques may be used to alleviate this problem, although initially the developmental potential of in vitro-derived microinjected zygotes is lower than their in vivo-produced counterparts (8% v. 15%, respectively, yield morulae and blastocysts). Since only 3-5% of calves born from microinjected zygotes produced in either fashion yield transgenics, at least 20-30 pregnancies must be carried to term for every transgenic calf born. These conditions require that large herds of donor and recipient cattle be maintained. Recipient requirements could be reduced if transgene integration frequency could be increased, but improvements in the near future are unlikely since the mechanism of integration after pronuclear microinjection is poorly understood. Alternatively, embryos could be screened for integrated transgenes before transfer; however, efforts in this area have been complicated by high frequencies of false positive results. Although yet to be developed, bovine embryonic stem cells would alleviate many of these problems and permit a wider range of genetic manipulations.
Measuring the Impact of Haptic Feedback Using the SOLO Taxonomy

The application of Biggs’ and Collis’ Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes taxonomy in the evaluation of student learning about cell membrane transport via a computer‐based learning environment is described in this study. Pre‐test–post‐test comparisons of student outcome data (n = 80) were made across two groups of randomly assigned students: one that received visual and haptic feedback, and one that relied on visual feedback only as they completed their virtual investigations. The results of the Mann–Whitney U‐test indicated that the group mean difference scores were significantly different statistically (p = .043). Practically speaking, this study provides some early evidence suggesting that the haptic augmentation of computer‐based science instruction may lead to a deeper level of processing. The strengths and weaknesses of this current diagnostic approach and a novel approach based on a non‐verbal model of cognition are discussed in light of their potential contributions to the teaching and learnin...
Can God Help? Religion and Spirituality among Adolescent Male Sex Offenders

Religion has been identified as a key protective factor against delinquency among teens. Sex offending, in particular, is often seen as a moral as well as a clinical and a correctional issue. Yet, there is virtually no research exploring religion among adolescent sex offenders. Although religion is a multidimensional construct, it has most frequently been assessed by one or two blunt measures such as church attendance or self-rated salience of religion in existing studies (Johnson, De Li, Larson, & McCullough, 2000). In this project, we used a multidimensional measure (the BMMRS) to explore the impact of religion on delinquency committed by adolescent sex offenders (N = 196). We found that religion played a significant role in the lives of the incarcerated adolescent males who formed the sample. In a mediation analysis, religion partially meditated the relationship between trauma and nonsexual delinquency among this population. Implications for research and treatment are explored.
Using Informal Conversation in the Clinical Setting as a Measure of Communication Potential for Adults with Aphasia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of informal conversation as a tool for de- termining ability to communicate potential regardless of modality (verbal or nonverbal). Four individuals with aphasia (two non-fluent and two fluent) and four non-impaired individuals participated in this study. Selected segments of conversational discourse were analyzed for communication act usage during a 20-30 minute dyadic interaction with the investigator. Results revealed no significant differences between the total number of communication acts used by the participants. However, the participants with aphasia used a higher number of nonverbal and a combination of both verbal and nonverbal acts when compared to the non-impaired participants. Implications for clinical application are discussed. Given that communication is required for most daily ac- tivities, the impact of aphasia on functions of everyday life can be significant. Concepts of aphasia have been influ- enced by the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The ICF model provides clinicians with a framework for conceptualizing the development of treatment goals, not only for impairment and activity limitations but also for participation in life situations and social roles. The Ameri- can Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has recommended the use of the ICF model as outlined in the Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology (ASHA, 2001) and Preferred Practice Patterns for the Profession of Speech-Language Pathology (ASHA, 2004). ASHA en- courages clinicians to address impairments, activity limita- tions, and participation restrictions in their assessment and treatment of communication disorders. Additionally, ASHA recommends that clinicians recognize the environmental and personal factors that may have an influence on commu- nication. The ICF defines communication for societal participation as "holding a conversation: starting and sustaining an inter- change of thoughts and ideas, carried out by means of spo- ken, written, sign or other forms of language, with one or
Recurring Molecular Alignment Induced by Pulsed Nonresonant Laser Fields

We examine the rotational wavepackets created by the nonadiabatic interaction of a linear molecule with a pulsed nonresonant laser field. We map out the recurrences of the wavepackets and of the concomitant alignment as a function of the duration and intensity of the laser pulse. We derive an analytic solution to the time-dependent Schrodinger equation in the short-pulse limit and find it to agree quantitatively with our numerical computations. This indicates that the recurrences are favored under an impulsive transfer of action from the radiative field to the molecule. The recurring wavepackets afford field-free alignment of the molecular axis.
Large scale systems research: A perspective

With the objective of isolating some of the sorts of training and background that can be valuable to researchers entering the emerging field of large scale system theory, the author traces the brief history of his personal involvement with large scale systems research. Those experiences that have led to significant progress or insight are identified and some key unresolved issues in large scale system theory are noted.
A New Constitutive Model for the Chemical Aging of Rubber Networks in Deformed States

This paper describes the finite element implementation of a recently developed constitutive model for the chemical aging of rubber in deformed states. The model was developed from molecular dynamics simulations that investigated two stage networks. The model includes the effects of multiple stages of cross-linking and scission while the sample is deformed and the effects of physical entanglements. Given the deformation and chemical history of a sample, finite element calculations using this model are shown to make quantitative predictions of permanent set for two sample experimental systems.
Differences between partners from Black and White heterosexual dating couples in a path model of relationship commitment

Both partners from Black and White dating heterosexual couples (Ns = 111 and 535, respectively) were compared on mean levels of eight variables from a model of relationship commitment as well as on the strength of the links posited by the model. Although mean differences by race were found for seven of the variables, all effects were small in size. Direct, indirect, and cross-partner links were generally stronger for females than for males for the total sample but did not differ by race for either males or females. Findings support the view that despite slight racial differences in mean levels of relationship-oriented variables, the variables linked to relationship functioning are similar for Black and White partners from dating couples.
Alteration of respiratory cycle timing by propranolol

Abstract The present study was undertaken to explore the effect of propranolol on respiratory cycle timing and breathing pattern using mice and guinea pigs. Propranolol was administered via aerosol or via injection. Mice exposed to propranolol aerosols exhibited a breathing pattern that was characterized by a pause between breaths. The length of such pauses (Tp) increased as the propranolol exposure concentration was raised. We also observed at increasing propranolol concentrations that the time of inspiration (TI) and time of expiration (TE) decreased. Thus, the respiratory rate of these animals was seen to increase, remain unchanged, or decrease depending on the balance between TP versus TI and TE. Guinea pigs also exhibited pauses between breaths during exposure to propranolol aerosols, but such pauses were not observed as consistently as in mice. TP again rose while TI and TE fell in guinea pigs exposed to increasing propranolol concentrations. This species was, however, less sensitive than mice. Intraperitoneal injections of propranolol failed to elicit such alterations in respiratory pattern or timing in either species. These changes in respiratory timing obtained with an aerosol of propranolol were most probably due to a local effect on vagal nerve endings or to its bronchoconstricting effect.
The role of axonemal components in ciliary motility.

Abstract 1. 1. The axoneme is the detergent-insoluble cytoskeleton of the cilium. 2. 2. All axonemes generate movement by the same fundamental mechanism: microtubule sliding utilizing ATP hydrolysis during a mechanochemical cycling of dynein arms on the axonemal doublets. 3. 3. Structure, fundamental biochemistry and physiology of the axoneme are conserved evolutionarily, but the phenotypes of beating movements and the responses to specific cytoplasmic signals differ greatly from organism to organism. 4. 4. A model of asynchronous dynein arm activity—the switch point hypothesis—has been proposed to account for cyclic beating in the face of unidirectional sliding. The model suggests that the diversity of beat phenotype may be explicable by changes in the timing of switching between active and inactive states of doublet arm activity. Evidence of axonemal splitting in arrested axonemes provides new support for the hypothesis.
Discrete dynamic optimization applied to on-line optimal control

A general method has been developed for controlling deterministic systems described by linear or linearized dynamics. The discrete problem has been treated in detail. Step-by-step optimal controls for a quadratic performance index have been derived. The method accommodates upper and lower limits on the components of the control vector. A small binary distillation unit was considered as a typical application of the method. The control vector was made up of feed rate, reflux ratio, and reboiler heat load. Control to a desired state and about a load upset was effected. Calculations are performed quite rapidly and only grow significantly with an increase in the dimension of the control vector. Extension to much larger distillation units with the same controls thus seems practical.
Fast and robust approach to long-distance quantum communication with atomic ensembles

Quantum repeaters create long-distance entanglement between quantum systems while overcoming difficulties such as the attenuation of single photons in a fiber. Recently, an implementation of a repeater protocol based on single qubits in atomic ensembles and linear optics has been proposed [Duan et al., Nature (London) 414, 413 (2001)]. Motivated by rapid experimental progress towards implementing that protocol, here we develop a more efficient scheme compatible with active purification of arbitrary errors. Using similar resources as the earlier protocol, our approach intrinsically purifies leakage out of the logical subspace and all errors within the logical subspace, leading to greatly improved performance in the presence of experimental inefficiencies. Our analysis indicates that our scheme could generate approximately one pair per $3\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{min}$ over $1280\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{km}$ distance with fidelity $(F\ensuremath{\geqslant}78%)$ sufficient to violate Bell's inequality.
Differential activation of Rac1 and RhoA in neuroblastoma cell fractions

Abstract The Rho guanine nucleotide triphosphatases (GTPases) Rac1 and RhoA are important regulators of axon growth. However, the specific roles each plays are complicated by implications that each is involved in promoting and inhibiting neurite outgrowth. Differential regulation of Rac1 and RhoA activation in cell bodies and growth cones may be important in directing axon growth. To test this, we separated neuroblastoma cells into growth cone and cell body fractions and assessed Rac1 and RhoA activation in response to outgrowth promoters, serum withdrawal and 8-bromoadeosine-5′,3′-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP), and outgrowth inhibitors, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) or semaphorin 3A (Sema 3A). In whole cell lysates, serum withdrawal decreased and CSPGs or Sema 3A increased RhoA activity, but no treatments affected Rac1 activity. In growth cones, serum withdrawal or 8-Br-cAMP increased Rac1 activation and serum withdrawal decreased RhoA activation. Conversely, outgrowth inhibitors decreased Rac1 activity. Additionally, 8-Br-cAMP reversed increases in RhoA activity induced by Sema 3A in whole cell lysates and CSPGs in growth cones. These data suggest that activation of RhoA and Rac1 is differentially regulated in specific cellular regions, perhaps contributing to the complexity of Rho GTPase-mediated axon growth.
Characteristics of 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren

We have characterized 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the invasive ant Solenopsis invicta. Primer pairs were evaluated on fire ants collected from monogyne mounds in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. The observed and effective number of alleles ranged from two to six and from 1.31 to 2.64, respectively. The observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.1613 to 0.7826 and from 0.1491 to 0.6242, respectively. The polymorphism information content of the microsatellites ranged from 0.1482 to 0.6208. Probability tests indicated significant deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at three loci. Pairwise tests did not detect linkage disequilibrium between any pair of loci.
Matching Instructional Tasks to Learner Ability: The Inclusion Style of Teaching

(2000). Matching Instructional Tasks to Learner Ability: The Inclusion Style of Teaching. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 71, No. 3, pp. 26-30.
Apoptosis in acute and chronic central nervous system disease induced by Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus.

Apoptosis has been observed in neural development and in various neurological diseases, including viral infection and multiple sclerosis. Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus is divided into two subgroups based on neurovirulence: the highly neurovirulent GDVII strain produces an acute fatal polioencephalomyelitis in mice, whereas the attenuated DA strain produces demyelination with virus persistence preceded by an acute infection. TUNEL combined with immunocytochemistry was used to detect apoptosis in the central nervous system and to characterize which cell types were involved during the acute stage in both GDVII and DA virus infection and during the chronic stage in DA virus infection. We found that during the acute stage, apoptosis was induced in neurons in both virus infections. However, the number of apoptotic neurons was much greater in GDVII virus-infected mice than in DA virus-infected mice (P< 0.01). During the chronic stage of DA virus infection, apoptotic cells were detected only in the spinal cord white matter. Some of these cells were dual labeled for fragmented DNA and carbonic anhydrase II, an oligodendrocyte marker. Our results indicate that apoptosis of neurons could be responsible for the fatal outcome in GDVII virus infection. In contrast, apoptosis of oligodendrocytes can contribute to the chronic demyelinating DA virus infection.
Dysregulated Complement Activation as a Common Pathway of Injury in Preeclampsia and Other Pregnancy Complications

The complement system protects the host against invading organisms, initiates inflammation and dispose of immune complexes and the products of inflammatory injury. The complement system provides an important link between the innate and adaptive immune systems. Experimental observations suggest that increased complement activation causes and/or perpetuates inflammation during pregnancy. Recent studies suggest a link between complement activation and preeclampsia. Excessive activation or insufficient regulation of complement recruits leukocytes and unleashes potent inflammatory and anti-angiogenic mediators associated with placental insufficiency and maternal endothelial dysfunction characteristic of preeclampsia. We review the animal and human studies that link complement activation and pathogenic events in preeclampsia, present evidence that activation of the complement system is associated with the development of preeclampsia and provides new targets to prevent its complications.
Influence of estrogen on glutathione levels and glutathione-metabolizing enzymes in uteri and R3230AC mammary tumors of rats

Abstract The glutathione content and the activities of several enzymes in its metabolism, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, were assayed in uteri obtained from estrogen-treated rats and in R3230AC mammary adenocarcinomas obtained from ovariectomized, intact and estrogen-treated hosts. Normal mammary glands, obtained 10–12 days post-partum, were also examined for these parameters. A daily pharmacological dose of 0.4 μg of estradiol-17β induced a maximal increase in uterine weight and in reduced glutathione (GSH); higher doses of estrogen did not significantly increase either of these parameters. Levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were comparable in both estrogen-treated and untreated rats. The time course of the estrogen-induced uterotrophic response was associated with increases in glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activities with the increased GSH level preceding the increase in uterine weight. Compared to neoplasms from intact or ovariectomized animals, tumors from estrogen-treated hosts exhibited significant decreases in levels of GSSG and GSH, as well as in glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities, but demonstrated a significant elevation of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity. Normal glands from lactating rats had decreased GSH levels, lower activities of glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, but elevated γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity versus tumors from intact rats. Tumors from estrogen-treated rats more closely resembled mammary glands during lactation. The divergent growth responses elicited by estrogen in the uterus and mammary tumor are correlated with the observed changes in GSH levels and enzymes involved in glutathione metabolism.
Values, health care reform, and universal participation.

In his Perspective article in the July 30, 2009, issue of the Journal, 1 Brett was critical of an overreliance on one American value — choice — and argued that equity was at least as important. We at the Hastings Center (a nonpartisan bioethics research institute) believe that a sophisticated and nuanced account of values can and should be the beating heart of health care reform. To date, however, the nuts and bolts of reform have been front and center, while the underlying values have received scant attention or, worse, been used as cudgels to batter opponents. We need to engage . . .
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from dental school clinic surfaces and students

Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from frequently touched dental school clinic surfaces were compared with MRSA isolated nasal cultures of dental students. Method Sixty-one dental students and 95 environmental surfaces from 7 clinics were sampled using SANICULT (Starplex Scientific Inc, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada) swabs. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis, the mec A gene, multilocus sequence type, and SCC mec type were determined by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Results Thirteen (21%) dental students and 8 (8.4%) surfaces were MRSA positive. Three MRSA strains were SCC mec type IV, whereas 3 were nontypeable isolates and Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive (PVL+), and none were USA300. One surface and 1 student isolate shared the same multilocus sequence type ST 8 and were 75% related. Two groups of students carried the same MRSA strains. Conclusion The MRSA-positive samples were from 4 of 7 dental clinics. In addition, 21% of the dental students carried MRSA, which is > 10 times higher than the general public and twice as frequent as in other university students. This is the first study to characterize MRSA from dental clinic surfaces and dental students and suggests that both may be reservoirs for MRSA. Further studies are needed to verify this premise.
Coordination of the eyes and head: movement kinematics.

When the head is restrained, saccades are characterized by lawful relationships between movement amplitude, peak velocity, and duration. In addition, the spatiotemporal progression of saccades (i.e., movement kinematics) is predictable if saccade amplitude and direction are known. However, when the head is free to move, changes in the direction of the line of sight (gaze shifts) often involve saccades associated with simultaneous head movements. The metrics (duration, amplitude, peak velocity) and kinematics of saccades occurring in conjunction with head movements cannot be predicted on the basis of saccade amplitude and direction alone. For example, when the head is unrestrained, velocity profiles of 35 degree eye movements can be symmetrical and might have peaks approximately 600 degrees/s. But, 35 degrees eye movements can also have peak velocities of approximately 300 degrees/s and have velocity profiles with two pronounced peaks: an initial peak followed by a reduction and subsequent increase in velocity. Saccade amplitude and direction are insufficient to predict the shape of the velocity profile. However, as illustrated in this report, if the amplitude of the concurrent head movement is taken into account, saccade kinematics are predictable even during gaze shifts with large head components. The data presented here are indicative of an interaction between eye and head motor systems in which head movement commands alter the execution of concurrent saccades.
"The Blow Which Civilization Has Suffered": American Preservationists and the Great War, 1914–1919

The destruction of Rheims cathedral in 1914 by the invading German armies forced American preservationists to action. While New Yorkers demanded that belligerents respect international laws protecting antiquities, Bostonians requested diplomatic intervention by the Wilson Administration. Virginia preservationists, despite some reservations about the war, stressed Anglo-American unity. With patriotic groups setting the focus and mastering the coalition, preservationists joined the preparedness movement, using historic sites to rally the then-neutral nation. When the United States declared war in April 1917, preservationists aided the home-front effort, recognizing in the end the necessity for more concerted action both at home and abroad.
The evolution of technology

Preface 1. Diversity, necessity, and evolution 2. Continuity and discontinuity 3. Novelty: psychological and intellectual factors 4. Novelty: socioeconomic and cultural factors 5. Selection: economic and military factors 6. Selection: social and cultural factors 7. Conclusion: evolution and progress Bibliography Sources of questions Index.
Epidermal Growth Factor and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor: The Yin and Yang in the Treatment of Cutaneous Wounds and Cancer.

Significance: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF receptor (EGFR) play an essential role in wound healing through stimulating epidermal and dermal regeneration. The development of new therapies for enhancing wound healing has included the use of EGF. In addition, EGFR inhibitors (EGFRis) have become a therapeutic option for the treatment of cancer. Thus, therapies targeting EGF/EGFR are useful for the treatment of both cutaneous wounds and cancer. Recent Advances: Identification of EGFR as a regulator of normal and pathological cell function has allowed for the development of EGFRis for the treatment of cancer and topical administration of EGF to enhance wound healing. Critical Issues: The use of EGFRi has emerged as an option for metastatic cancers. These drugs induce dermatological toxicity, a papulopustular rash that is pruritic and painful; chronic use may negatively impact wound healing. Currently, there is no standard therapy to alleviate the side effects caused by EGFRi administration except to r...
The Effect of Target Vector Selection on the Invariance of Classifier Performance Measures

In this paper, the multiclass supervised training problem is considered when a discrete set of classes is assumed. Upon generating affine models for finite data sets, we have observed the invariance of certain measures of performance after a trained classifier has been presented with test data of unknown classification. Specifically, after constructing mappings between training vectors and their desired targets, the class membership and ranking of test data has been found to remain either invariant or close to invariant under a transformation of the set of target vectors. Therefore, we derive conditions explaining how this type of invariance can arise when the multiclass problem is phrased in the context of linear networks. A bioinformatics example is then presented in order to demonstrate various principles outlined in this work.