cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Explaining Legume Success in Tropical Dry Forests Based on Seed Germination Niches: A New Hypothesis

ABSTRACT To test a new hypothesis explaining Fabaceae success in tropical dry forests, we compared seed germination of 34 species includinglegumes and non-legumes. Legume seeds germinated twice as fast with higher ﬁnal percentages compared to other taxa, which mayafford them a competitive advantage in highly seasonal environments.Abstract in Spanish is available in the online version of this article. Key words: Costa Rica; Fabaceae; germination rate; plant traits; seed germination; tropical dry forest. S PECIES FROM THE FAMILY F ABACEAE ( THE LEGUMES ) ARE ABUNDANTAND DIVERSE IN TROPICAL FORESTS (Gentry 1988). Legumes are oneof the few plant families with the ability to form symbiotic associ-ations with nitrogen-ﬁxing bacteria (Corby 1988, Quispel 1988),thus, their abundances in plant communities may affect nitrogencycling at the ecosystem scale (Cleveland et al. 1999). Indeed,newly ﬁxed nitrogen by legumes is thought to fuel much of thenet primary production in the tropics (Cleveland et al. 2013),although the magnitude of this process may vary with local soilconditions or climate (Nardoto et al. 2013). However, symbioticnitrogen ﬁxation is energetically expensive, and this process ishypothesized to be down-regulated under conditions of high soilnitrogen availability. As nitrogen availability is generally high inlowland tropical ecosystems (Vitousek & Matson 1988), the highabundances of legumes in tropical forests present a ‘paradox’(Crews 1999, Hedin et al. 2009). This apparent paradox has beenresolved, in part, by assuming that legume trees employ a perfectlyfacultative strategy and only ﬁx nitrogen under conditions of lownitrogen availability (Hedin et al. 2009). However, not all legumesﬁx nitrogen (Corby 1988), and legumes often differ from othertaxa in ways other than high foliar nitrogen (McKey 1994, Powers& Tifﬁn 2010). It is therefore possible that traits such as fecundity,dispersal, dormancy, and/or germination, which determine spe-cies’ regeneration niche (Grubb 1977), and not biological N
Structural and Functional Analysis of G Protein–Coupled Receptor Kinase Inhibition by Paroxetine and a Rationally Designed Analog

Recently we identified the serotonin reuptake inhibitor paroxetine as an inhibitor of G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) that improves cardiac performance in live animals. Paroxetine exhibits up to 50-fold selectivity for GRK2 versus other GRKs. A better understanding of the molecular basis of this selectivity is important for the development of even more selective and potent small molecule therapeutics and chemical genetic probes. We first sought to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying paroxetine selectivity among GRKs. We directly measured the KD for paroxetine and assessed its mechanism of inhibition for each of the GRK subfamilies and then determined the atomic structure of its complex with GRK1, the most weakly inhibited GRK tested. Our results suggest that the selectivity of paroxetine for GRK2 largely reflects its lower affinity for adenine nucleotides. Thus, stabilization of off-pathway conformational states unique to GRK2 will likely be key for the development of even more selective inhibitors. Next, we designed a benzolactam derivative of paroxetine that has optimized interactions with the hinge of the GRK2 kinase domain. The crystal structure of this compound in complex with GRK2 confirmed the predicted interactions. Although the benzolactam derivative did not significantly alter potency of inhibition among GRKs, it exhibited 20-fold lower inhibition of serotonin reuptake. However, there was an associated increase in the potency for inhibition of other AGC kinases, suggesting that the unconventional hydrogen bond formed by the benzodioxole ring of paroxetine is better accommodated by GRKs.
Optimal therapeutic strategy for treating patients with hypertension and atherosclerosis: focus on olmesartan medoxomil.

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a major factor in mortality rates around the world and contributes to more than one-third of deaths in the US. The underlying cause of CV disease is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory process that is clinically manifested as coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, or peripheral artery disease. It has been predicted that atherosclerosis will be the primary cause of death in the world by 2020. Consequently, developing a treatment regimen that can slow or even reverse the atherosclerotic process is imperative. Atherogenesis is initiated by endothelial injury due to oxidative stress associated with CV risk factors including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cigarette smoking, dyslipidemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Since the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a key role in vascular inflammatory responses, hypertension treatment with RAAS-blocking agents (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs] and angiotensin II receptor blockers [ARBs]) may slow inflammatory processes and disease progression. Reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability has an important role in the process of endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. Therefore, agents that increase NO and decrease oxidative stress, such as ARBs and ACEIs, may interfere with atherosclerosis. Studies show that angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonism with an ARB improves endothelial function and reduces atherogenesis. In patients with hypertension, the ARB olmesartan medoxomil provides effective blood pressure lowering, with inflammatory marker studies demonstrating significant RAAS suppression. Several prospective, randomized studies show vascular benefits with olmesartan medoxomil: reduced progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with stable angina pectoris (OLIVUS); decreased vascular inflammatory markers in patients with hypertension and micro- (pre-clinical) inflammation (EUTOPIA); improved common carotid intima-media thickness and plaque volume in patients with diagnosed atherosclerosis (MORE); and resistance vessel remodeling in patients with stage 1 hypertension (VIOS). Although CV outcomes were not assessed in these studies, the observed benefits in surrogate endpoints of disease suggest that RAAS suppression with olmesartan medoxomil may potentially have beneficial effects on CV outcomes in these patient populations.
Regioselective 2-hydroxylation of 17β-estradiol by rat cytochrome P4501B1

Abstract Previous work demonstrated that human cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1) forms predominantly 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2), a metabolite which is carcinogenic in animal models. Here, we present results from kinetic studies characterizing the formation of 4-OHE2 and 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2) by rat CYP1B1 using 17β-estradiol (E2) as a substrate. K m and K cat values were estimated using the Michaelis–Menten equation. For rat CYP1B1, the apparent K m values for the formation of 4-OHE2 and 2-OHE2 were 0.61 ± 0.23 and 1.84 ± 0.73 μM; the turnover numbers ( K cat ) were 0.23 ± 0.02 and 0.46 ± 0.05 pmol/min/pmol P450; and the catalytic efficiencies ( K cat / K m ) were 0.37 and 0.25, respectively. For human CYP1B1, the apparent K m values for the formation of 4-OHE2 and 2-OHE2 were 1.22 ± 0.25 and 1.10 ± 0.26; the turnover numbers were 1.23 ± 0.06 and 0.33 ± 0.02; and the catalytic efficiencies were 1.0 and 0.30, respectively. The turnover number ratio of 4- to 2-hydroxylation was 3.7 for human CYP1B1 and 0.5 for rat CYP1B1. These results indicate that, although rat CYP1B1 is a low K m E2 hydroxylase, its product ratio, unlike the human enzyme, favors 2-hydroxylation. The K i values of the inhibitor 2,4,3′,5′-tetramethoxystilbene (TMS) for E2 4- and 2-hydroxylation by rat CYP1B1 were 0.69 and 0.78 μM, respectively. The K i values of 7,8-benzoflavone (α-NF) for E2 4- and 2-hydroxylation by rat CYP1B1 were 0.01 and 0.02 μM, respectively. The knowledge gained from this study will support the rational design of CYP1B1 inhibitors and clarify results of CYP1B1 related carcinogenesis studies performed in rats.
Henry Granjon Prize Competition 2006 Winner, Category B “Materials behaviour and weldability” The Influence of Molybdenum on the Microstructure of Stainless Steel Welds

The excellent corrosion resistance of superaustenitic stainless steel (SASS) alloys has been shown to be a direct consequence of high concentrations of Mo. The presence of Mo can have a significant effect on the microstructural development of welds in these alloys. In this research, the microstructural development of welds in the Fe-Ni-Cr-Mo system was analyzed over a wide variety of Cr/Ni ratios and Mo contents. The system was first simulated by construction of multi-component phase diagrams using the CALPHAD technique. Data gleaned from vertical sections of these diagrams were inserted in the compositional range of a liquidus projection to produce diagrams that can be used as a guide to understand the influence of composition on microstructural development. A large number of experimental alloys were then prepared via arc-button melting for comparison with the diagrams. Each button was characterized using various microscopy techniques. The expected δ-ferrite and γ-austenite phases were accompanied by martensite at low Cr/Ni ratios and by σ-phase at high Mo contents. The results were used to construct a map of expected phase transformation sequence and resultant microstructures as a function of composition. Electron microprobe measurements of selected alloys were performed to compare the distribution of Mo solute between different solidification modes. Severe Mo microsegregation was observed in alloys that solidified directly as austenite; this was attributed to the low diffusivity of Mo in austenite. The level of Mo microsegregation could be significantly reduced in alloys that solidified as δ-ferrite first and subsequently transformed to austenite by a solid state transformation. Magnetic ferrite measurements were also used to produce quantitative relationships between alloy composition and ferrite content, and the results were then plotted on the WRC-1992 diagram. The results of this work provide a working guideline for future base metal and filler metal development of these alloys.
The role of active Bradyrhizobium japonicum in iron stress response of soybeans

The objective of this study was to identify the sites of H-ion exudation and Fe(III) reduction along both inoculated and non-inoculated roots of A7 and T203 soybeans. A split-root system was used in which half the roots of each plant were inoculated and actively fixing nitrogen and the other half were not. Expectedly, the Fe-stress response was strong on both sides of the split-root system in the +N -Fe treatment of variety A7 (inactive nodules) but not of variety T203. The Fe-stress response of A7 was enhanced by the presence of active nodules. Variety T203 is Fe inefficient and normally fails to produce any Fe-stress response, but in the absence of nitrogen and iron (-N-Fe), inoculated roots responded to Fe stress with exudation of both H-ions and reductants. Intact split-root systems were embedded in agar to determine the location of H-ion exudation and Fe(III) reduction. On the inoculated side of the -N-Fe and -N + Fe treatments (active nodules) of both soybean varieties, H-ion production was associated mainly with the active nodules. However, quantities of H-ion release were much greater under Fe stress (-N -Fe) than with adequate Fe (-N +Fe). Reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) was found only on the nodulated side with T203, but on both sides with A7. In variety T203 the Fe reduction was associated with younger roots located just below the nodule clusters on the inoculated side of the -N treatments. Active nodules appear to play a key role in the Fe-deficiency stress response of T203 soybean.
Outdoor play in early childhood education settings: Is it safe and healthy for children?

Outdoor play is an important and integral part of a high-quality early childhood education curriculum. Outdoor play environments should have equipment that is safe and developmentally appropriate for the children served. The appropriate adult-child ratio should be maintained to prevent unnecessary accidents as well as provide the interaction needed to assist children in developing outdoor physical, social, and language skills. Each facility should have teachers with up-to-date CPR and first-aid training to take care of emergency situations.
Parallel-Flow-Induced Vibration of Fuel Rods

Abstract A mathematical model is proposed to describe the phenomena of parallel-flow-induced vibrations of a flexible rod, and a solution is obtained for a rod with arbitrary end conditions; the solution can be used for fixed, hinged, cantilevered, and other elastically supported end conditions. Comparisons between model predictions and flow-test data for rods with fixed and cantilevered end conditions show that the model successfully predicts the essential features of the system behavior: (1) the adjacent rods and duct wall may considerably increase the added mass; (2) the fundamental frequency may increase or decrease with flow velocity, depending on the end conditions; (3) the system damping increases with increasing flow velocity, and is attributed to the normal drag force and the Coriolis acceleration; (4) the rms rod response increases with flow velocity and follows an approximate power function relationship; and (5) the increase in rigidity at the ends tends to reduce the rms response.
An adaptive real-time Web search engine

The Internet provides a wealth of information scattered all over the world. The fact that the information may be located anywhere makes it both convenient for placing information on the Web and difficult for others to find. Conventional search engines can only locate information that is in their search index and users do not have much choice in limiting or expanding the search parameters. Some web pages like those for news services change frequently and will not work well with index based search engines because the indexed information may become obsolete at any moment.We are proposing an efficient algorithm for finding information on the Web that gives the user greater control over the search path and what to search for. Unlike the conventional techniques, our algorithm does not use an index and works in real time. We save on space, we can search any part of the Internet indicated by the user, and since the search is in real time, the result will be current.
Pyrolytic destruction of polychlorinated biphenyls in a reductive atmosphere

Abstract This paper discusses the development of an innovative technology for the pyrolytic destruction of halogenated hydrocarbons in a reductive environment. The technology developed demonstrated the potential for resource recovery, as reaction products could be commercially used. The process was specifically directed at the dehalogenation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a class of chlorinated compounds most difficult to thermally decompose due to the high strength of their carbon-chlorine bonds. PCBs have extensive industrial applications, and are regarded as pollutants of serious environmental concern due to their persistence and insidious health effects. Pyrolysis experiments were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions in batch reactor systems with Aroclor 1254 (a mixture of PCB congeners) to evaluate the process feasibility, and to determine the destruction and removal efficiencies (DREs). The pyrolysis was conducted under a variety of operating conditions to investigate the effect on DREs due to changes in process variables such as reactor residence time, reaction temperature, and reactant (methane) concentration. Under optimal conditions — a residence time of 7 minutes, reaction temperature of 1000°C, and stoichiometric excess methane — a DRE of over 99.999% was achieved. The reaction products were dehalogenated hydrocarbons, hydrogen chloride, and soot. The dehalogenated compounds formed were identified as aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC /MS). The study also included a scientific analysis of free-radical reactions and associated mechanisms involved in the decomposition of the halogenated hydrocarbons. Achievement of the highest DREs suggests that the process needs further investigation as a method for dehalogenation of chlorinated hydrocarbons with the potential of product recovery for commercial use.
Consumer perceptions of service quality attributes at sporting events

Abstract Building on existing knowledge in the service marketing literature, this study investigates the importance of service attributes used by sports fans when evaluating the quality of their service experience at sporting events. A pool of 35 attributes was generated based on sports marketing and service quality literature, and pretest information provided from an MBA Services Marketing class and two undergraduate Sports Marketing classes. Cooperation was obtained from the athletic department of a university from a major athletic conference in the southeast. The sample was drawn from fans attending four basketball games during the month of February. The data were analyzed as follows. First, the mean importance value for each of the sports marketing service quality attributes was calculated. Next, the 35 attribute importance items were factor analyzed. Nine factors emerged from the data. The interpretation of these factors lead to the following labels (in order of variance explained): (1) employees, (2) price, (3) facility access, (4) concessions, (5) fan comfort, (6) game experience, (7) showtime, (8) convenience, and (9) smoking. After conducting the exploratory factor analysis, differences were examined in the mean importance values of these factors across a variety of demographic and fan identification characteristics.
The apparent effects of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption on the Greenland ice sheet melt extent

The indirect climatological effects of major volcanic eruptions can be of great importance because of the complex feedbacks that exist in the global climate system. One such effect is the melt area reduction on the Greenland ice sheet. Using passive microwave satellite data for the period 1979–1995, the melt conditions of the ice sheet before and after the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruptions are examined. Statistical tests indicate that an observed drop following the eruptions has a 97% to 99% probability of being outside the limits of undisturbed variability. Furthermore, this anomaly diminishes as the time from the eruption increases. These characteristics, in conjunction with an observed increasing melt trend prior to the eruptions indicate that Mt. Pinatubo has had a significant effect on the melt conditions, and consequently the energy balance characteristics of the Greenland ice sheet.
Taming Dr. Frankenstein: A primer on the challenges posed by cyber-physical systems

The technology drivers causing the change in delivery of complex systems are the pervasive use of electronic control units, and consequently of communication networks, and the blurring of distinctions between software, firmware, hardware and multi-physics systems. These drivers are creating the possibility for placing vastly more functionality into products, but at the same time increase interconnectivity and the risk of unwanted system interactions found late in the development process. To solve this problem we need a rigorous approach to systems engineering intended as a methodology for product system level design, optimization and verification that: • Provides guarantees of performance and reliability against customer requirements while achieving cost and time-to-market objectives; • Produces modular, extensible architectures for products incorporating mechanical components, embedded electronic systems and application software; • Exploits analytical tools and techniques to determine design choices and ensure robust system performance despite variations caused by product manufacturing, integration with other products and customer operation; and • Achieves these objectives through the coordinated execution of a prescriptive, repeatable and measurable process.
A biocognitive approach to the conscious core of immediate memory

The limited capacity of immediate memory “rides” on the even more limited capacity of consciousness, which reflects the dynamic activity of the thalamocortical core of the brain. Recent views of the conscious narrow-capacity component of the brain are explored with reference to global workspace theory (Baars 1988; 1993; 1998). The radical limits of immediate memory must be explained in terms of biocognitive brain architecture.
The Measurement of Cord Tensions in Tires

Abstract Tensions were measured in the reinforcing cords of tires during curing, post-inflation, and in service, using a miniature transducer employing resistance strain gauges. Cord tension varied throughout the cure cycle and was influenced by temperature, ply fabric width, cord modulus, and shrinkage. The cord tension reached a maximum (i.e., 2.2 lb) immediately after mold closing when the tire was forced out to mold dimensions. The tension was proportional to the fiber modulus and inversely proportional to the width of ply fabric. About two minutes after mold closing, the tension decreased sharply because the rubber became soft. The cord position shifted in the rubber and the tension was removed. Thereafter, thermal shrinkage of the fiber determined the cord tension as the tire temperature increased and the rubber cured around the cord. During post-inflation, tension was proportional to inflation pressure and reached 5.0 lb at 35 psi. Under these conditions, the cord stretched and tire size was relate...
Abstract 346: Differentiation induced apoptosis in AML cells: The role of p73 in p53-independent versus p53-mediated apoptosis

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Human acute myeloid cell lines can be induced to differentiate into macrophage-like cells by phorbol esters. Differentiation is accompanied by cessation of cell proliferation and initiation of apoptosis. Many of these cell lines, like HL-60, are p53 deficient and therefore execute a differentiation-induced, p53-independent program of cell death. Evaluating changes in gene expression during a time course of PMA-induced HL-60 cell differentiation by DNA microarray analyses and RT-qPCR reveals up-regulation of several pro-apoptotic genes (ex. TNF, MCL1, EGR2, BCL3) and down-regulation of several anti-apoptotic genes (ex. BCL2, ANXA3, TSC22D3). Interestingly, RNA levels of p73 are unchanged, suggesting p73 does not substitute for the missing p53 function via activation of p73 gene transcription, however, we report here that p73 protein levels increase dramatically during the differentiation time course. By reintroducing p53 into HL-60 cells, we compare the changing gene expression profile during p53-mediated apoptosis versus that which occurs during phorbol ester-induced p73 accumulation through protein stabilization. Common and unique gene expression changes define the putative p73-dependent apoptosis program compared to p53-dependent apoptosis. Citation Format: Michael Roberts, Rizwan Saffie, Harold Salmons, Mansoor Ghoto, Juliana Schneider, Jeffrey Forrester. Differentiation induced apoptosis in AML cells: The role of p73 in p53-independent versus p53-mediated apoptosis. [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 346. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-346
Exploring the Impact of Study Abroad on Students’ Intercultural Communication Skills: Adaptability and Sensitivity:

This study answers a need for outcome assessment in study abroad by exploring the intercultural communication skills of study abroad and on campus students. Through a pretest and posttest of two specific skills, intercultural adaptability and intercultural sensitivity, study abroad students were compared to students who stay on campus to measure their change (if any) during the course of the semester. Using the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory and the Intercultural Sensitivity Index, the two student groups individually assessed their strengths and weaknesses through a self-reported inventory at the beginning and end of the fall 2002 academic semester. Results confirmed the hypothesis that students who study abroad exhibit a greater change in intercultural communication skills after their semester abroad than students who stay on campus. Results also indicated that exposure to various cultures was the greatest predictor of intercultural communication skills.
Using multipole point charge distributions to provide the electrostatic potential in the variational explicit polarization (X-Pol) potential

The equations defining the variational explicit polarization (X-Pol) potential introduced in earlier work are modified in the present work so that multipole point charge distributions are used instead of Mulliken charges to polarize the monomers that comprise the system. In addition, when computing the electrostatic interaction between a monomer whose molecular orbitals are being optimized and a monomer whose electron density is being used to polarize the first monomer, the electron densities of both monomers are represented by atom-centered multipole point charge distributions. In the original formulation of the variational X-Pol potential, the continuous electron density of the monomer being optimized interacts with external Mulliken charges, but this corresponds to the monopole truncation in a multipole expansion scheme in the computation of the Fock matrix elements of the given monomer. The formulation of the variational X-Pol potential introduced in this work (which we are calling the “multipole variational X-Pol potential”) represents the electron density of the monomer whose wave function is being variationally optimized in the same way that it represents the electron densities of external monomers when computing the Coulomb interactions between them.
Follow the laggard? Not all bottlenecks are created equal

In a mixed push and pull system, the location of the slowest link does not generally coincide with where the greatest congestion is. Goldratt's solution to the ever-lengthening line of hikers thus assumes away the most difficult problem of correctly identifying the slowest link in a system. By putting the slowest hiker in front, Goldratt's solution seems to imply that the exact location of the most restrictive bottleneck is critical to increasing the throughput rate. In fact, the location of the slowest link does not affect the throughput rate of a batch process. This paper uses a system dynamics model to clarify some of the conceptual confusion that has been created by Goldratt's counterintuitive conclusions. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The application of generalized linearity to automatic gain control

The important concept of a linear system has been generalized to include situations in which signals are combined by processes other than addition. In this paper, particular attention is paid to cases for which the combining process is multiplications and the design of a signal filtering device which is linear for multiplied signals is presented. The use of this device as an automatic gain control and as a precision volume compressor-expander is discussed.
Heterospecific eavesdropping in a nonsocial species

Many species respond to heterospecific alarm calls, and the majority are social taxa and possess complex alarm calls themselves. Thus, the ability to respond to heterospecific alarm calls may be facilitated by possessing both these traits. Gunther’s dik-dik (Madoqua guentheri) is a monogamous, territorial, and nonsocial miniature antelope with a simple vocal repertoire. Dik-diks are highly vulnerable to predation and could benefit from eavesdropping on heterospecific alarm calls. We broadcast recordings of white-bellied go-away bird (Corythaixoides leucogaster) alarm calls to dik-diks to test whether they could respond to heterospecific alarm calls. On hearing a go-away bird alarm call, dik-diks increased their likelihood to run to cover, decreased their foraging activity, increased their rate of head turning, and increased their period of vigilance compared with a nonthreatening bird song. Thus, predation risk alone, in the absence of complex sociality or complex communicative abilities, may be sufficient to drive the evolution of heterospecific eavesdropping. Key words: associative learning evolution, eavesdropping, dik-dik, heterospecific alarm call. [Behav Ecol 19:1041–1046 (2008)]
Reliability modeling of nanoelectronic circuits

Reliability and its modeling have become critical issues for nanotechnology-based circuits. This paper considers the use of probabilistic models of unreliable logic gates to estimate the reliability of nanoelectronic circuits and derive fundamental error bounds for logic gates. Two methods are experimentally contrasted with respect to accuracy and computational complexity.
Complex Independent Component Analysis by Entropy Bound Minimization

We first present a new (differential) entropy estimator for complex random variables by approximating the entropy estimate using a numerically computed maximum entropy bound. The associated maximum entropy distributions belong to the class of weighted linear combinations and elliptical distributions, and together, they provide a rich array of bivariate distributions for density matching. Next, we introduce a new complex independent component analysis (ICA) algorithm, complex ICA by entropy-bound minimization (complex ICA-EBM), using this new entropy estimator and a line search optimization procedure. We present simulation results to demonstrate the superior separation performance and computational efficiency of complex ICA-EBM in separation of complex sources that come from a wide range of bivariate distributions.
The challenges to invisible computing

The paper discusses some of the challenges to invisible computing. It clarifies the distinction between ubiquitous and invisible computing using an example from digital photography. It considers computer networking challenges and data management.
Financial Impact of Surgical Site Infection after Kidney Transplantation: Implications for Quality Improvement Initiative Design

Background Surgical site infection (SSI) after kidney transplantation has been associated with worse graft and patient survival. Although there are clinical incentives to reduce the incidence of SSI, it is unknown whether these are aligned with financial incentives for payers and providers. We use post−kidney transplant surgical site infection (SSI) to quantify the financial implications of surgical complications. The goal of this study was to quantify the financial costs of SSI after kidney transplantation and to determine the party bearing the brunt of these costs. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of all adult, first-time kidney-only transplant recipients at the University of Michigan Health System from September 2003 to April 2008 (n = 869). The primary exposure variable was SSI. SSI was defined as skin dehiscence, fascial dehiscence, or bowel evisceration. Primary outcomes measures were hospital revenue (payer costs), hospital inpatient costs, and hospital margin. We used simple univariate ( t -test) analysis and multivariate (generalized linear regression) models to control for donor, recipient, and insurer characteristics. Results Eighteen percent of patients had documented SSIs. In cases with an SSI hospital revenue increased by $20,176, hospital margin decreased by $4,278, and hospital costs increased by $24,454. When adjusted for donor and recipient characteristics, SSI was independently associated with an $11,132 increase in hospital revenue. Conclusions Although SSIs have negative financial effects on both hospitals and payers, the impact is greater on payers. Payers have the primary financial incentive to reduce SSI, and broad-based, quality improvement initiatives can be prudent investments for payers. Quantification of the costs associated with SSI can be used to define financial parameters for such initiatives that might prove beneficial to multiple stakeholders.
Routine analysis and characterization of highly insoluble polycyclic aromatic compounds by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART)

Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART), is used for the first time for the routine rapid analysis of highly insoluble polycyclic aromatic compounds. Direct analysis of such compounds as solid samples under solvent-free conditions shows that DART is a powerful analytical platform capable of providing high-throughput analysis for these complex samples, requiring no special sample pre-treatment or instrument setup.
Noncoherent limiter-discriminator detection of standardized FQPSK and OQPSK

This paper presents fast-synchronized noncoherent limiter discriminator detection of standardized FQPSK (Feher quadrature phase-shift-keying) and filtered OQPSK (offset quadrature phase-shift-keying) suitable for nonlinearly amplified (NLA) second and third generation wireless communication systems with fast fading, cochannel interference, or strong phase noise. Based on the phase characteristics of FQPSK and OQPSK, noncoherent limiter-discriminator detection is presented. Then we apply maximum-likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE) with lookup tables to improve the bit error rate (BER) performance.
Formulating Pseudo-Natural Language

We present the formulation of primitive verbal pattern and show its use in natural language. These verbal patterns are presented as the production of sounds based on simple timing and note patterns. Superimposing syllables on these verbal patterns yield words. Vedic chants have been used as a medium for effective and efficient memorization and verbal communication. We illustrate the use of repetitive tonal phrases in Vedic chants. Such simple and fundamental mnemonic characteristics is used together with syllables is used for word formulation. Association of basic semantic concepts with formulated words and a rudimentary sentence formulation scheme are presented. Formulated sentence can be used for communication and conversation purposes.
Comparison of esthetic values among Caucasians and Pacific-Asians.

As a first step in understanding the relation between racial and individual features which affect dental esthetic values, native Pacific Asians and Caucasians rated facial drawings of females with various occlusal relations. While differences emerged, esthetics ratings were unrelated to racial congruence or to the individual's own malocclusion. Greater tolerance for malocclusion was found in Asians. Implications for dental treatment and perceived need for treatment are discussed.
High resolution shear profile measurements in entangled polymers.

This study was supported by the National Science Foundation (DMR0551185 and DMR0606040) and by KAUST-CU Center for Energy and Sustainability. We are grateful to Erik Herz and Ulrich Wiesner for providing fluorescent nanoparticle tracers used in the study. [
Echoes of Radio Waves

Following the magneto-ionic theory of Appleton-Hartree, an explanation for the existence of echoes of long delay has been formulated. Realizing that the ordinary and extraordinary rays have opposite senses of polarization, it may be seen that one of these rays will penetrate the E layer while the other may not. The wave which penetrates the E layer will be reflected back from the F layer to the E layer and being repeatedly reflected between the two layers will travel around the earth and finally back to the ground. This time delay will account for the existence of echoes of long delay.
Regression of upper gastric cancer in mice by FHIT gene delivery

Fhit expression is reduced in most cancers, and Fhit replacement by FHIT expression viruses in lung, esophageal, pancreatic, and cervical cancers induces apoptosis in the cancer cells. Mice carrying one or two inactivated Fhit alleles are hypersensitive to development of Nnitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced forestomach tumors. In the present study, we investigated the kinetics and mechanism of tumor reversal and intervention by oral delivery of FHIT expression viruses. Tumor analysis showed that: a) by 37 days post-NMBA, control mice showed ∼7 tumors and by 84 days ∼10 tumors/forestomach; b) mice receiving FHIT virus at 2 or 42 days post-NMBA showed significantly reduced tumor burdens; c) Fhit was still expressed at 82 days postinfection; d) control viral infection had no effect on tumor development; and e) reduced Bcl2, increased Bax expression, and increased TUNEL-positive apoptotic nuclei characterized the restored epithelia of FHIT transduced forestomachs. Thus, FHIT viral gene delivery prevents or retards development of carcinogen-induced forestomach tumors and reverses development of established tumors by 60–70% through an apoptotic pathway. This dramatic reduction in tumor burden emphasizes the efficacy of targeting the FHIT apoptotic pathway for tumor eradication.
Asymptotic allometry and transition to the canopy in Abies balsamea.

Summary There is a lack of consensus in theoretical and empirical literature on whether height–diameter (H:D) relationships of canopy trees are asymptotic. To investigate H:D allometry, particularly in the transition to the canopy, we focused on shade-tolerant Abies balsamea, across steep physical gradients associated with elevation, and correlated biotically generated gradients of stem density, canopy height and canopy species composition. We addressed these questions: A. What is the relation between H:D allometric form and emergence into the canopy? B. Is H:D allometry asymptotic? C. What aspects of the H:D relationship are most sensitive to environmental conditions? Using maximum likelihood, we compared the performance of alternative H:D forms (linear, power function, non-sigmoid asymptotic and sigmoid asymptotic), incorporating elevation and local canopy height as covariates. Abies balsamea H:D allometric form was clearly sigmoid asymptotic, by a wide AIC margin, across all gradients, to an asymptote slightly above canopy height. The commonly used power function had essentially no empirical support (ΔAIC >> 10). Canopy height decreased with elevation, but with much variation, so elevation was a poor predictor of the asymptote. Across environmental gradients, H:D allometries overlapped for trees far below the canopy, but diverged strongly for trees approaching different canopy heights. Changes in resource allocation and modification of growth form that could generate asymptotic H:D allometries are consistent with known physical forces and diverse research findings in tree developmental biology and physiology. Synthesis. The H:D asymptote and its tight relation to canopy height, unapparent in aggregated H:D data, became clear only when canopy height and elevation were included explicitly in allometric models. Asymptotic H:D allometries may be the norm, though often undetected, in unmanaged forests without recent catastrophic disturbance. Appropriate asymptotic H:D models may reduce error in forest carbon and biomass estimation and promote theoretical and empirical integration in the ecology and evolution of tree allometry.
A geoscience perspective on immersive 3D gridded data visualization

We describe visualization software, Visualizer, that was developed specifically for interactive, visual exploration in immersive virtual reality (VR) environments. Visualizer uses carefully optimized algorithms and data structures to support the high frame rates required for immersion and the real-time feedback required for interactivity. As an application developed for VR from the ground up, Visualizer realizes benefits that usually cannot be achieved by software initially developed for the desktop and later ported to VR. However, Visualizer can also be used on desktop systems (unix/linux-based operating systems including Mac OS X) with a similar level of real-time interactivity, bridging the ''software gap'' between desktop and VR that has been an obstacle for the adoption of VR methods in the Geosciences. While many of the capabilities of Visualizer are already available in other software packages used in a desktop environment, the features that distinguish Visualizer are: (1) Visualizer can be used in any VR environment including the desktop, GeoWall, or CAVE, (2) in non-desktop environments the user interacts with the data set directly using a wand or other input devices instead of working indirectly via dialog boxes or text input, (3) on the desktop, Visualizer provides real-time interaction with very large data sets that cannot easily be viewed or manipulated in other software packages. Three case studies are presented that illustrate the direct scientific benefits realized by analyzing data or simulation results with Visualizer in a VR environment. We also address some of the main obstacles to widespread use of VR environments in scientific research with a user study that shows Visualizer is easy to learn and to use in a VR environment and can be as effective on desktop systems as native desktop applications.
Motor unit action potential number estimation in the surface electromyogram: wavelet matching method and its performance boundary

Given that the motor unit action potential (MUAP) originates at some distance below a standard surface electromyography (EMG) electrode, the basic shapes of surface MUAPs can ideally be represented by only a very small number of waveforms or wavelet functions. Based on this determination, we evaluate ways to estimate the number of MUAPs present in standard surface EMG records, using wavelet based matching techniques to identify MUAP occurrences. The reason for this approach is that estimates of the numbers of MUAPs are likely to be a more accurate reflection of the neural command to muscle than are current EMG quantification methods, which treat the EMG as a continuous signal. We further attempt to assess the accuracy and general applicability of wavelet based methods used for this purpose, and the performance boundaries of the counting methods are also explored. We show that the performance of wavelet matching methods is mainly determined by the MUAP superposition rate in the signal. To explore this prediction more directly, we compared the MUAP number estimation results by wavelet matching methods using a highly selective multiple concentric ring surface electrode and a standard single differential surface EMG electrode.
Estrogen receptor-mediated regulation of oxidative stress and DNA damage in breast cancer

Estrogens have been implicated to be complete carcinogens in breast and gynecologic tissues. Possible mechanisms may include differential metabolism with subsequent formation of reactive oxygen species and/or a receptor-mediated pathway, which may also involve indirect modulation of intracellular redox state. Estrogen-mediated oxidative DNA damage in mammary gland epithelia includes the induction of 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine, both in vitro and in vivo, thereby suggesting a role for oxidative stress in the initiation and/or progression of breast neoplasia. In order to study this phenomenon, we have treated estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha)-positive MCF-7 cells and ER-alpha-negative MDA-MB-231 cells with 10 nM 17beta-estradiol (E2), while measuring changes in antioxidant status and sensitivity to DNA damage by peroxide. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with E2 resulted in a marked decrease in the ability for these cells to metabolize peroxide, which paralleled a decrease in catalase activity and total glutathione levels. These observations also correlated with an increased sensitivity to peroxide-induced DNA damage. The estrogen-induced effects were all opposed by the anti-estrogen tamoxifen. In addition, the estrogen-mediated down regulation of peroxide metabolism, catalase activity, and sensitivity to DNA damage were not observed in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with E2 also resulted in increased glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutases (I) and (II) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities. Therefore, in this breast cancer model antioxidant status is modulated through the actions of the ER. The data may explain some of the estrogen-induced pro-oxidant effects previously reported in vivo. In addition, this is the first report indicating that E2 is capable of inducing an increase in sensitivity to oxidative DNA damage through an ER-mediated mechanism.
A Method for the Rapid Hydrolysis of Urinary Glucuronoside Metabolites of Testosterone

β-glucuronidase hydrolysis of ethyl acetate-extracted glucuronoside metabolites of testosterone is more rapidly achieved than enzymatic hydrolysis of these conjugates in untreated urine. Less enzyme is required, provided the extracted conjugates are incubated under optimal conditions. Near-maximum hydrolysis required 24 hr. with the extracted conjugates and 72 hr. with untreated urine.
All the Eagles and the Ravens in the House Say Yeah: (Ab)original Hip-Hop, Heritage, and Love

This paper explores how hip-hop artists mobilize sound and style to manage loss, build new futures, and create resilient communities. Embracing an "untraditional" medium, young people contest settler violence and hegemonies of shame by expressing unique, politicized possibilities of being Indigenous, or what I am calling (ab)originality: a style of being first, fresh, and foremost. Heritage is an act of reverent rebellion: an individual honors continuity, but defies the trappings of tradition, which shackle Indigeneity to the geography and the customs of the past. Through love and creativity, artists claim visibility, voice, and everywhere.
A Note on the Conditioning Influences of Regional Culture

A foreign observer who visited the Old South in the fifth decade of the twentieth century would assuredly pick out Virginia and South Carolina as the two States in which there was the least sign or promise of recovery; and he would be astonished to find the effects of even so great a social catastrophe as theirs persisting so starkly over so long a period. In these States the memory of that catastrophe is as green in our generation as if the blow had fallen only yesterday; and 'the War' still means the Civil War on many Virginian and South Carolinian lips, though two fearful wars have since supervened. In fact, twentiethcentury Virginia or South Carolina makes the painful impression of a country living under a spell, in which time has stood still. This impression will be heightened through contrast by a visit to the State which lies between them. In North Carolina the visitor will find up-to-date industries, mushroom universities and a breath of the hustling, 'boosting' spirit which he has learnt to associate with the 'Yankees' of the North. He will also find that North Carolina has produced some of the great men of the twentieth century, such as Woodrow Wilson and Walter Page.
Frechet differentiation of the stretch and rotation tensors

Explicit formulas are derived for the Frechet differentials and Frechet derivatives of the right and left stretch tensors and the rotation tensor, regarded as functions of the deformation gradient. Novel decompositions, due to Chen and Wheeler, are re-interpreted.
EFFECT OF RESERPINE AND GUANETHEDINE ON EXCRETION OF 3-METHOXY-4-HYDROXYMANDELIC ACID IN MAN.

SummaryThe effect of intravenous reserpine and guanethedine on urinary excretion of VMA in man has been studied. No remarkable or consistent changes occurred after either drug. Significance of these findings is discussed.