cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plant Bio-Wars: Maize Protein Networks Reveal Tissue-Specific Defense Strategies in Response to a Root Herbivore

In this study we examined global changes in protein expression in both roots and leaves of maize plants attacked by the root herbivore, Western corn rootworm (WCR, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera). The changes in protein expression Are indicative of metabolic changes during WCR feeding that enable the plant to defend itself. This is one of the first studies to look above- and below-ground at global protein expression patterns of maize plants grown in soil and infested with a root herbivore. We used advanced proteomic and network analyses to identify metabolic pathways that contribute to global defenses deployed by the insect resistant maize genotype, Mp708, infested with WCR. Using proteomic analysis, 4878 proteins in roots and leaves were detected and of these 863 showed significant changes of abundance during WCR infestation. Protein abundance patterns were analyzed using hierarchical clustering, protein correlation and protein-protein interaction networks. All three data analysis pipelines showed that proteins such as jasmonic acid biosynthetic enzymes, serine proteases, protease inhibitors, proteins involved in biosynthesis and signaling of ethylene, and enzymes producing reactive oxygen species and isopentenyl pyrophosphate, a precursor for volatile production, were upregulated in roots during WCR infestation. In leaves, highly abundant proteins were involved in signal perception suggesting activation of systemic signaling. We conclude that these protein networks contribute to the overall herbivore defense mechanisms in Mp708. Because the plants were grown in potting mix and not sterilized sand, we found that both microbial and insect defense-related proteins were present in the roots. The presence of the high constitutive levels of reduced ascorbate in roots and benzothiazole in the root volatile profiles suggest a tight tri-trophic interaction among the plant, soil microbiomes and WCR-infested roots suggesting that defenses against insects coexist with defenses against bacteria and fungi due to the interaction between roots and soil microbiota. In this study, which is one of the most complete descriptions of plant responses to root-feeding herbivore, we established an analysis pipeline for proteomics data that includes network biology that can be used with different types of “omics” data from a variety of organisms.
Molecular Profiling of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Caenorhabditis elegans

Cellular effects of primary mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as potential mitochondrial disease therapies, can be modeled in living animals such as the microscopic nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. In particular, molecular analyses can provide substantial insight into the mechanism by which genetic and/or pharmacologic manipulations alter mitochondrial function. The relative expression of individual genes across both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, as well as relative quantitation of mitochondrial DNA content, can be readily performed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of C. elegans. Additionally, microarray expression profiling offers a powerful tool by which to survey the global genetic consequences of various causes of primary mitochondrial dysfunction and potential therapeutic interventions at both the single gene and integrated pathway level. Here, we describe detailed protocols for RNA and DNA isolation from whole animal populations in C. elegans, qRT-PCR analysis of both nuclear and mitochondrial genes, and global nuclear genome expression profiling using the Affymetrix GeneChip C. elegans Genome Array.
Improving the Interface Passivation of Si HJ Solar Cells by Interrupted Deposition of Thin a-Si:H Film

In this paper, the effects of interrupted deposition of intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon (i.a-Si:H) on the Si surface passivation are studied. Vibrational and optical properties of the i.a-Si:H films have been studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) respectively. The experiment confirms that the improved passivation from interrupted deposition arises from film densification and pinhole filling during the two-step deposition process. The i.a-Si:H films with interrupted deposition showed a higher fraction of low Si-H stretching mode vibration than the uninterrupted growth – an indication of compactness and densification, by incorporation of free hydrogen atoms into the i.a-Si:H network and resulting in improved implied open circuit voltage, iV OC >750mV with effective minority carrier lifetime, τeff > 5 ms.
Fast FDTD Method for Large-Scale Layout Extraction and Analysis of Integrated Circuits

In this paper, a fast FDTD solver is developed to perform the layout extraction and analysis of integrated circuits. In this solver, the time step is not restricted by the small space step encountered in the IC layout. Instead, it can be chosen to be arbitrarily large, thus making the full-wave FDTD simulation from DC to high frequencies become feasible. Meanwhile, the computational cost at each time step is also minimized via analytical identifications of the column space that determines the field solution. Numerical experiments have validated its accuracy and efficiency.
A differential response to cetuximab in patients with recurrent unresectable or metastatic head and neck cancer following immunotherapy (IO) exposure: An institutional experience.

e17500Background: Metastatic head and neck cancer is a diagnosis with poor prognosis and very little in terms of available active therapy. Until recently the mainstay of therapy was chemotherapy wi...
A call to excellence in patient experience

In this address, the incoming associate editor describes his early experience with the Patient Experience Journal (PXJ) and issues a call to action to the PXJ community. In the call to action, the PXJ community is asked to build upon our collective history of scholastic and practical excellence. The combination of practical relevance and methodological rigor in our contributions will help to ensure a future in which patient experience is paramount in health service delivery conversations. In addition, gaps in the patient experience literature and emergent opportunities for theoretical and practical contributions are recommended.
Abstract 117: Transplantation of Bone Marrow Cells from miR-150-KO Mice Improves Immune Function and Attenuates Arterial Stiffness and Hypertension in Senescence-Accelerated Mice

Background and Objective: Aging is associated with increased prevalence of arterial stiffness and hypertension. The senescence-accelerated mouse (SAMP1) demonstrates early and spontaneous aging phe...
The collective power of women's organisations in Chuuk, FSM.

Achieving gender equality is a key component for improving global health, but how to do so remains a complex undertaking. Each community’s experiences with gender inequality and vision for equality...
Enacting Relationships of Kinship and Care in Educational and Research Settings

In this chapter, we share an edited transcript of a conversation that we, the authors, held about methods for researcher self-care and protection. Working with the transcript, we crafted four ideational composites that are grounded in our life experience and personal stories of engaging in research with youth and communities with whom we have strong relationships. Each of these composites focuses on a set of relational dimensions about researcher self-care. We offer these composites as points of reflection and hope that other researchers may glean meaning from our stories in ways that are personally affirming as well as enriching.
Chapter 9 – Underwater Acoustics

Publisher Summary The purpose of this chapter is to discuss underwater acoustics. Underwater acoustic systems can be divided into four categories such as active sonar systems, seismic systems, underwater communications and navigation systems, and passive systems. Examples of these systems are: active sonar systems, seismic systems, under water communications and telemetry systems and navigations, and passive systems. Acoustic waves are used in underwater detection and communications is that electromagnetic waves do not propagate for long distances in water except at very long wavelengths. At these long wavelengths, the waves are not useful for most underwater search purposes, but long wavelength electromagnetic waves are used in communication systems. Transmission of sound waves is very complicated, so plane waves of sound are studied, and these are the simplest type of wave motion propagated through a fluid medium. Shallow water is a noisy and highly variable environment for most underwater acoustic operations. Average ambient noise level is higher in winter than in summer due to better sound transmission conditions. Shallow water ambient noise levels undergo wide variations with respect to time and place and are a mixture of shipping and industrial, wind noise, and biological noise. The purpose of seismic exploration is to search for ocean sub-bottom structural features that might have oil and mineral deposits. One of the necessary conditions for the formation of oil and gas fields is that the rock below the seabed has supported simple life.
A survey on congestion detection and control in connected vehicles

Abstract The dynamic nature of vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) induced by frequent topology changes and node mobility, imposes critical challenges for vehicular communications. Aggravated by the high volume of information dissemination among vehicles over limited bandwidth, the topological dynamics of VANET causes congestion in the communication channel, which is the primary cause of problems such as message drop, delay, and degraded quality of service. To mitigate these problems, congestion detection, and control techniques are needed to be incorporated in a vehicular network. Congestion control approaches can be either open-loop or closed loop based on pre-congestion or post congestion strategies. We present a general architecture of vehicular communication in urban and highway environment as well as a state-of-the-art survey of recent congestion detection and control techniques. We also identify the drawbacks of existing approaches and classify them according to different hierarchical schemes. Through an extensive literature review, we recommend solution approaches and future directions for handling congestion in vehicular communications.
Clinico-Radiologic Outcomes After Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Patients with Complex High-Risk Multiple Arteriovenous Malformations.

Objective The present study aims to define the outcome and risks of patients with multiple arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) treated by stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the records of 1232 patients with AVMs who underwent SRS at our center between 1987 and 2017. We identified 10 patients who had SRS for multiple AVMs (total of 25). Eight patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage before SRS. Four patients had hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. A Spetzler-Martin grade I AVM was diagnosed in 11 AVMs, grade II in 7, grade III in 6, and grade IV in 1 AVM. The median maximum diameter was 12 mm, the median target volume was 1.1 cm3, and the median margin dose was 20 Gy. Twenty-four AVMs were treated with single-session SRS, and 1 AVM was treated with volume-staged SRS. Results The angiographic complete obliteration rate of each AVM was 18.2%, 58.0%, and 66.4% at 3, 5, and 7 years, respectively. The angiographic complete obliteration rate of all treated AVMs in each patient was 11.1%, 51.4%, and 51.4% at 3, 5, and 7 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, higher marginal dose (≥18 Gy, P = 0.031) was significantly associated with complete obliteration of AVMs. After obliteration of all their AVMs was confirmed no patient bled. Conclusions Patients with complex multiple AVMs often presented with a brain hemorrhage. Reduction in bleeding risk after SRS requires complete obliteration that is more likely if the initial AVM margin dose is ≥18 Gy for each AVM.
Groundwater from perennial springs provide refuge from wildfire impacts in mountainous semiarid watershed

Abstract Warming temperatures, earlier snowmelt, and the elongation of dry seasons are contributing to the propensity for more frequent and severe wildfires in semiarid, mountainous watersheds, which act as source watersheds for communities, especially in the southwestern United States. Research on how vegetation and water sources will respond following wildfires in these watersheds is critical for water resource, land, and forest managers. Little research has been completed on the effect of groundwater discharged from springs on revegetation of burned forests. We test whether springs, as perennial sources of water in semiarid watersheds, have the potential to protect roots and seeds from being damaged and facilitate the regrowth of native vegetation in areas affected by wildfires, thereby creating zones of fire refugia and mitigating the propensity for floods, erosion, and incursion of invasive species. The effect of springs on revegetation is studied in the Asaayi Creek Watershed located in the Chuska Mountains, NM/AZ, and in the Royal Gorge Park located near Canon City, CO. In the Asaayi Creek watershed, remote sensing imagery and ground surveys show that springs facilitated revegetation following a June 2014 wildfire. Post-fire time lapse photography reveal more abundant vegetation around springs and more diverse vegetation in areas where there are multiple springs. Significantly higher Enhanced Vegetative Index (EVI) values are observed around perennial springs in the Asaayi Creek watershed and also around intermittent springs in the Royal Gorge area, one year after wildfires occurred in each study area. However, the revegetation around the perennial springs in the Asaayi Creek Watershed is widespread compared to Royal Gorge. There are multiple perennial springs that are clustered close together in Asaayi Creek Watershed, and only three intermittent flowing springs are located in the Royal Gorge burn area. Springs in the Asaayi Creek watershed provide a critical source of water that directly impacts soil moisture near the springs and in turn, protects roots and buds allowing native vegetation to regenerate.
Associations between Substance Use and Depressive Symptoms among Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence.

Associations between substance use and depression among women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) have received limited empirical attention. This study examined how demographics, frequency...
Does the Order of Face-to-Face and Computer-Mediated Communication Matter in Diverse Project Teams? An Investigation of Communication Order Effects on Minority Inclusion and Participation

This study investigated whether meeting electronically first using computer-mediated communication (CMC) before meeting face-to-face (FTF) increases the inclusion of a female group member in a predominantly male project team. We used an experimental design and a sample of 200 college students grouped within 50 four-person teams of one woman and three men. Twenty-five teams communicated using CMC first, then FTF. The other 25 teams communicated using FTF first, then CMC. Results showed that women felt more included in the teams when they used CMC first and then FTF as opposed to the more often recommended FTF and then CMC. Findings showed that the order of communication medium influenced perceived inclusion, which in turn influenced individual participation. Conventional wisdom suggests that today’s project teams, whose members typically use a variety of communication media, should always meet FTF first at the beginning of their life cycle to enhance individual and team performance. Our study suggests that within diverse teams in which one minority team member is different from the rest of team and may feel excluded, initial CMC may help the minority member feel more included. This study shows that the order of communication medium can influence team outcomes. In particular, meeting using CMC first and then FTF can be helpful for diverse teams with minority team members.
Combining Collaborative Reflection based on Worked-Out Examples with Problem-Solving Practice: Designing Collaborative Programming Projects for Learning at Scale

Computer science pedagogy has overwhelmingly favored problem-solving practice over methods of engagement like worked-out example study especially in advanced classes. This is due to the belief that while these alternative methods may improve student conceptual learning, they may leave them less able to perform on authentic problem-solving tasks from a lack of hands-on practice. In this paper, we perform a direct comparison of this trade-off in a synchronous collaborative programming project by adjusting the boundary between problem-solving and collaborative reflection based on a worked-out example while keeping the total time on task constant. We find that the more time students spent on worked example study, the more was the observed improvement in the pre- to post-test scores with no significant difference in performance on a subsequent problem-solving task. These results, therefore, challenge the dominant place of problem-solving practice in the advanced curricular context and inform the design of collaborative programming projects at scale.
Report from the Field: Researching Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery Usage by Health Sciences Libraries during the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the spring of 2020, a number of health sciences library personnel who continued to provide Interlibrary Loan (ILL)/Document Delivery (DD) during the COVID-19 (COVID) pandemic anecdotally not...
Fast Processing and Querying of 170TB of Genomics Data via a Repeated And Merged BloOm Filter (RAMBO)

DNA sequencing, especially of microbial genomes and metagenomes, has been at the core of recent research advances in large-scale comparative genomics. The data deluge has resulted in exponential growth in genomic datasets over the past years and has shown no sign of slowing down. Several recent attempts have been made to tame the computational burden of sequence search on these terabyte and petabyte-scale datasets, including raw reads and assembled genomes. However, no known implementation provides both fast query and construction time, keeps the low false-positive requirement, and offers cheap storage of the data structure. We propose a data structure for search called RAMBO (Repeated And Merged BloOm Filter) which is significantly faster in query time than state-of-the-art genome indexing methods- COBS (Compact bit-sliced signature index), Sequence Bloom Trees, HowDeSBT, and SSBT. Furthermore, it supports insertion and query process parallelism, cheap updates for streaming inputs, has a zero false-negative rate, a low false-positive rate, and a small index size. RAMBO converts the search problem into set membership testing among K documents. Interestingly, it is a count-min sketch type arrangement of a membership testing utility (Bloom Filter in our case). The simplicity of the algorithm and embarrassingly parallel architecture allows us to stream and index a 170TB whole-genome sequence dataset in a mere 9 hours on a cluster of 100 nodes while competing methods require weeks.
Bullet colic

Ureteral obstruction by intramural bullet, buckshot, or related missle following penetrating abdominal trauma is rare; a search of the literature revealed only 4 previously described cases [1–4]. A fifth case of a bullet migrating from the renal pelvis to the ureter has been reported at autopsy [5]. We present 2 new cases of delayed symptomatic ureteral obstruction (“bullet colic”) after abdominal gunshot wounds.
Epigenetic fun(ction) in the sun.

Tanning, or increased epidermal pigmentation, protects organisms from ultraviolet radiation (UV)-induced damages. In this issue of Development Cell, Li et al. demonstrate a key role for a chromatin regulator—the Polycomb complex—in epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) in mediating UV-induced tanning responses and epidermal pigmentation.
On the Methodological Problems of the History of Science: An Analytical Approach

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the methodological problems of the history of science. Mikulinski's approach to the definition, systematization, and solution of “the methodological problems of the history of science” is too limited and one-sided. It primarily deals with the “internalism-externalism” issue—namely, with the question of the relation between intellectual and social factors in scientific development. It is too one-sided in the sense that Mikulinski's own discussion is somewhat externalistic—that is, it emphasizes social developments in the field and neglects the conceptual analysis of its problems. The chapter reviews that the methodological problems of the history of science is systematized in terms of the notion of a philosophy of the history of science. At the same time, this idea helps to conceptualize the various practices in that increasingly popular field that includes the work of philosophical minded historians of science and of historical minded philosophers of science. The philosophy of the historiography of science is simply the philosophy of a particular science or discipline. The chapter studies the topics like the aim, methods, presuppositions, and logical structure of the historiography of science.
Religion and Modern Society: Mary Douglas and Modern Primitives

Introduction The work of Mary Douglas provides a framework for thinking about modern culture, the changing nature of social solidarity, the decline in the social functions of religious rituals and the quest for personal authenticity through corporeal regulation. Douglas can be relatively easily interpreted as a modern exponent of Emile Durkheim's sociology, especially of his sociology of knowledge and religion. Durkheim's core sociological ideas are well known, and hence I shall merely sketch some of the salient issues in this ‘Introduction'. In The Elementary Forms of Religious Life ([1912] 2001), Durkheim argued that the separate components of a culture can only be understood within a system, and thus the idea of the profane only makes sense in the context of its opposite, namely the sacred. We can therefore study religion as a classificatory system that divides the world into people, objects or spaces that are either sacred or profane. From a sociological perspective, this system is important because such religious rituals have the function of creating cohesive social groups and rituals that give rise to collective emotions which in turn reinforce group cohesion. In terms of Durkheim's typology of societies, we have evolved from a social world in which the individual was submerged in the social group (mechanical solidarity) to a society based on separate individuals held together by such institutions as the law, the division of labour and nationalist ideologies (organic solidarity); and finally we are in a transitional stage between the old and the new – the old gods are dead and new ones have yet to arrive.
The Ethical Context of Entrepreneurship: Proposing and Testing a Developmental Framework

The aim of this study is to increase our understanding of the ethical climate of entrepreneurial firms as they grow and develop. A developmental framework is introduced to describe the formal and informal ethical structures that emerge in entrepreneurial firms over time. Factors influencing where firms are within the developmental framework are posited, including the entrepreneur's psychological profile, lifecycle stage of the business, and descriptive characteristics of the venture. It is also proposed that the implementation of ethical structures will impact perceptions of the clarity and adequacy of the ethical standards of the firm and the firm's preparedness to deal with ethical challenges as they arise. Results are reported of a cross-sectional survey of small firms at different stages of development. The findings indicate the existence of four distinct clusters of firms based on their formal and informal ethical structures: Superlatives, Core Proponents, Pain and Gain, and Deficients. Evidence is also provided of statistically significant relationships between the proposed antecedent and outcome variables. Implications are drawn from the results, and priorities are established for future research.
Response of the newborn infant to major surgery. I. Effects on water, electrolyte, and nitrogen balances.

Balance data for sodium, potassium, chloride, nitrogen, and water were obtained postoperatively in 15 newborn infants operated upon in the first 4 days of life and in 5 control newborn infants. The infants showed a response in terms of electrolyte and water balances which is significantly different from that reported in adults: The volumes of urine were equal to or greater than those in normal infants of a comparable age. The data suggest a diminished capacity of the newborn to conserve water postoperatively, but a normal capacity to dilute the urine. No evidence of retention of water was observed. The urinary excretion of sodium and chloride was equal to or larger than that of normal infants. The infants who had losses postoperatively from gastrointestinal suction showed no capacity to reduce renal excretion of these ions while they suffered these large extrarenal losses. The concentrations of sodium and chloride in the serum remained normal or became slightly elevated postoperatively. Losses of potassium and nitrogen in the urine were of the same relative magnitude as those in adults. The observed responses are discussed in terms of the function of antidiuretic and adrenocortical hormones in the newborn infant. The application of these data to practical considerations of fluid and electrolyte therapy in the postoperative management of the newborn infant are discussed briefly.
Environmental regulatory reform: discussion

Within the general rubric of environmental policy reform, the three papers in this session address the current policy situation, the issues driving the policy reform movement, and how economics can contribute to the debate and its outcome. The papers fit together well to paint a picture of the evolution of environmental policy and some of the issues and challenges for economists associated with that evolution. Although the authors note a number of issues and challenges, there are other important points which deserve attention. In addition, I find myself challenging some of the points raised by the authors. It is toward these points that I focus this discussion paper.
Analysis and correction of biases in cross-relaxation MRI due to biexponential longitudinal relaxation.

Purpose Cross-relaxation imaging (CRI) is a family of quantitative magnetization transfer techniques that utilize images obtained with off-resonance saturation and longitudinal relaxation rate (R1) maps reconstructed by the variable flip angle (VFA) method. It was demonstrated recently that a significant bias in an apparent VFA R1 estimation occurs in macromolecule-rich tissues due to magnetization transfer (MT)-induced biexponential behavior of longitudinal relaxation of water protons. The purpose of this article is to characterize theoretically and experimentally the resulting bias in the CRI maps and propose methods to correct it. Theory The modified CRI algorithm is proposed, which corrects for such biases and yields accurate parametric bound pool fraction f, cross-relaxation rate k, and R1 maps. Additionally, an analytical correction procedure is introduced to recalculate previously obtained parameter values. Results The systematic errors due to unaccounted MT-induced biexponential relaxation can be characterized as an overestimation of R1, f, and k, with a relative bias comparable with the magnitude of f. The phantom and human in vivo experiments demonstrate that both proposed modified CRI and analytical correction approaches significantly improve the accuracy of the CRI method. Conclusion The accuracy of the CRI method can be considerably improved by taking into account the contribution of MT-induced biexponential longitudinal relaxation into variable flip angle R1 measurements. Magn Reson Med 71:830–838, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative effects of host and viral factors on early pathogenesis of Marek's disease.

Abstract A series of experiments on the early pathogenesis of Marek's disease was conducted according to a uniform scheme. In each experiment, there was a single variable-age, genetic strain, or virus strain. Virus assays from spleen, buffy coat, and bone marrow, and fluorescent antibody tests on spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and thymus were conducted on five birds per group daily from the 3rd through the 10th day postinoculation. From these data, it was apparent that the response could be divided into two periods: 4 to 6 days = early; 8 to 10 days = late. Serological tests showed all groups except the 1-day-old group to have neutralizing antibody by the end of the 10-day period. With few exceptions, none of the variables tested exerted any appreciable influence on the level of virus growth in spleen, bursa, or thymus during the early period. High levels of infection occurred in all birds during that period. Changes in infection pattern which occurred during the late period were significant and could be correlated with occurrence of Marek's disease in test samples of birds held until 7 weeks after infection. Infectivity levels dropped appreciably in the case of resistant N-line birds given JM virus, and, during the late period, infection levels were significantly higher in GA-infected birds than in those given viruses of lower virulence. Whereas the virus titers during the 8- to 10-day period usually reflected the eventual clinical pattern of Marek's disease, the levels of viral antigen (fluorescent antibody tests) were much less consistent. One further experiment conducted by the same uniform scheme demonstrated no significant effects on early pathogenesis or course of Marek's disease in birds given continuous oral medication with amino-ureido-sulfone.
Effects of cyclic fatigue stress-biocorrosion on noncarious cervical lesions.

Problem Although there is a high prevalence of noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs), the etiology of these lesions remains contentious. Purpose To evaluate the combined effects of cyclic fatigue stress and biocorrosion activity on NCCLs. Materials and Methods Extracted premolar teeth were allocated into four groups (N = 10). Two groups were cyclically fatigue loaded (100 N; 72 cycles per minute; 9,200 cycles) and placed in either hydrochloric acid gel (pH = 0.1) or orange juice (pH = 4). The other two groups were stored in identical chemical solutions without fatigue load. The buccal–lingual width of each tooth was measured before and after testing. The depth of biocorrosion, normalized by the percentage change in buccolingual width, normalized by time (hour) was calculated. The data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test (α = 0.05). Results Mean (SD) of the depth of biocorrosion values were as follows: teeth receiving fatigue loading with hydrochloric acid gel exposure (1.003%/hour [0.063]) revealed a significantly higher depth of biocorrosion than the fatigue-loaded group with orange juice exposure (0.511%/hour [0.281]) (p < 0.01). For the groups without fatigue loading, those with hydrochloric acid gel (0.022%/hour [0.006]) had a significantly higher depth of biocorrosion than the group with orange juice (0.009%/hour [0.004]) (p < 0.01). The cyclically fatigue-loaded teeth with hydrochloric acid gel had a significantly greater depth of biocorrosion than either group without fatigue loading (p < 0.001). Conclusions Cyclic fatigue stress—acidic biocorrosion had a significant effect on the depth of the NCCLs. Clinical Significance In order to manage the destructive NCCLs lesions properly, it is essential to understand the etiology of these lesions. The present study indicated that the combined mechanisms of cyclic fatigue stress and biocorrosion could contribute to the formation of NCCLs.
Dielectric Surface-Controlled Low-Voltage Organic Transistors via n-Alkyl Phosphonic Acid Self-Assembled Monolayers on High-k Metal Oxide

In this paper, we report on n-alkyl phosphonic acid (PA) self-assembled monolayer (SAM)/hafnium oxide (HfO(2)) hybrid dielectrics utilizing the advantages of SAMs for control over the dielectric/semiconductor interface with those of high-k metal oxides for low-voltage organic thin film transistors (OTFTs). By systematically varying the number of carbon atoms of the n-alkyl PA SAM from six to eighteen on HfO(2) with stable and low leakage current density, we observe how the structural nature of the SAM affects the thin-film crystal structure and morphology, and subsequent device performance of low-voltage pentacene based OTFTs. We find that two primary structural factors of the SAM play a critical role in optimizing the device electrical characteristics, namely, the order/disorder of the SAM and its physical thickness. High saturation-field-effect mobilities result at a balance between disordered SAMs to promote large pentacene grains and thick SAMs to aid in physically buffering the charge carriers in pentacene from the adverse effects of the underlying high-k oxide. Employing the appropriate n-alkyl PA SAM/HfO(2) hybrid dielectrics, pentacene-based OTFTs operate under -2.0 V with low hysteresis, on-off current ratios above 1 x 10(6), threshold voltages below -0.6 V, subthreshold slopes as low as 100 mV dec(-1), and field-effect mobilities as high as 1.8 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1).
Object-based Epistemology at a Creationist Museum

In a regional young-earth creationist museum, objects are presented as if they speak for themselves, purportedly embodying proof that the earth is less than 10,000 years old, that humans have lived on earth throughout its history, and that dinosaurs and humans lived simultaneously. In public lectures, tours, and displays, museum associates emphasize direct observation over inference or theory. These emphases resonate closely with the “object-based epistemology” of the late nineteenth century described in Steven Conn’s Museums and American Intellectual Life, 1876–1926. In Conn’s description, museum objects, artfully arranged and displayed, were intended to speak for themselves, and observation and categorization were valued over experiment and theory. The regional young-earth creationist museum is observed to partly succeed and partly fail in implementing an object-based epistemology. Although object-based epistemology represents a nineteenth-century approach to knowledge and museum display, it is compatible with an inductive approach to biblical interpretation and it confers various rhetorical advantages to creationist arguments. It is concluded that a focus on the theory-laden nature of data would likely strengthen nature-of-science education efforts to increase public acceptance of evolution.
Energy transfer from electronically excited NO2

Abstract Photoionization studies have shown that O 2 (a 1 Δ) is formed by energy transfer from electronically excited NO 2 . The efficiency of this energy transfer process is sufficient to make it a major source of singlet molecular oxygen in polluted urban atmospheres.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and impaired autonomic modulation in male twins.

Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to increased morbidity. An inflexibility of the autonomic nervous system might be the underlying mechanism. We aimed to assess whether PTSD and combat trauma exposure are associated with lower heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic function and a predictor of death. Methods We measured HRV by power spectral analysis on 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram in 459 middle-aged veteran male twins. Combat trauma was assessed with the combat exposure scale, and current and remitted PTSD was assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for Psychiatry Disorders. Mixed-effects regression models were used to test associations of PTSD and HRV between and within twin pairs. Results Of all twins, 211 had combat exposure, 31 had current PTSD, and 43 had remitted PTSD. Current PTSD was inversely associated with very-low-frequency and low-frequency HRV both in individual twins and within 20 pairs discordant for current PTSD. Twins with current PTSD had a 49% lower low-frequency HRV than their brothers without PTSD (p Conclusion In middle-aged veteran men, combat exposure and current PTSD are associated with measures of autonomic inflexibility previously shown to have prognostic significance. The negative health impact of combat exposure on autonomic function is mediated largely through PTSD and might reverse with remission of PTSD.
Gonio-Ienses and Prisms

The following is a compilation of the most commonly used gonio-lenses and prisms in use today. The list is not intended to be totally inclusive. The information provided is that supplied by the manufacturer.
A description of micro- and mainframe-computer programs to summarize frequency, duration and sequences of behavior

Abstract Computer programs were developed to hasten the summarization of behavioral data. Behavioral data may be collected by hand (pencil, paper and watch), strip-chart mechanical event recorder, electronic event recorder or by a computer. These behavioral data, in raw form, enter (electronically or manually) a microcomputer (IBM-PC, 128K) or mainframe computer. The microcomputer version summarizes the number of occurrences (frequency), duration and sequence of each behavior. As a microcomputer memory is limited, a program to summarize larger data sets containing more behavior patterns was developed on our mainframe computer (CDC Cyber 730/760). This sequential analysis program can accumulate up to 10 behavioral sequences (9 orders of transition) of up to 50 behaviors in a data set containing up to 10 000 elements. The computer-summary of each treatment may be combined to determine if treatment differences exist. An example data set is provided.
Phosphorus runoff from a phosphorus deficient soil under common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) genotypes with contrasting root architecture.

The selection and breeding of crop genotypes with root traits that improve soil resource extraction is a promising avenue to improved nutrient and water use efficiency in low-input farming systems. Such genotypes may accelerate nutrient extraction (“nutrient mining”), but may also reduce nutrient loss via soil erosion by producing greater shoot biomass and by direct effects of root traits on aggregate formation and water infiltration. Little is known about the effects of root architecture on phosphorus (P) runoff and soil erosion, and the relative importance of root and shoot traits on runoff P loss has not been determined. Four genotypes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and two genotypes of soybean (Glycine max) selected for contrasting root architecture were grown in a low P soil (Aquic Fragiudult, <20 mg kg−1 Mehlich-3 P, 3% slope) and subjected to rainfall-runoff experiments with and without shoot removal. Plots with intact shoots had significantly lower runoff volumes (1.3–7.6 mm) and total P loads in runoff (0.005–0.32 kg ha−1) than plots with shoots removed (7.0–16.8 mm; 0.025–1.95 kg ha−1). Dissolved reactive P leached from plant material did not contribute significantly to P loss in runoff. Total root length acquired from soil cores differed significantly among genotypes. Root length densities in the upper 15 cm of soil mid-way between rows were less than 4.0 cm cm−3 and variation in root length density was not correlated with runoff or P loss. Root length density also did not affect rainfall infiltration or surface runoff volume. We conclude that for annual dicotyledonous crops such as bean and soybean with relatively low root length densities, root traits have little direct effect on soil erosion.
Surgical treatment for vertigo: patient survey of vertigo, imbalance, and time course for recovery.

OBJECTIVES: To assess surgical treatment of vertigo by patient ratings of postoperative vertigo, imbalance, and timing of symptom improvement.METHODS: A total of 3637 surgeries for vertigo were performed since 1974. Questionnaires sent to a random sample of patients operated since 1994 were completed by 28 endolymphatic sac shunt (ES), 54 vestibular nerve section (VNS), and 14 labyrinthectomy patients.RESULTS: All groups rated current vertigo characteristics and AAO-HNS disability as improved (all P ≤ 0.001), though “spinning dizziness” remained in some patients in each group. The ES and VNS groups rated all characteristics of imbalance as improved (all P ≤ 0.001), but it remained present in the majority. Vertigo resolved within 2 months in 75%, but some indicated months or even 1 to 2 years before attacks stopped.CONCLUSIONS: Based on patient ratings, surgery improved vertigo in all surgical groups and improved imbalance for ES and VNS groups. Imbalance will likely remain after surgery for vertigo. Patie...
POSITIVITY OF RICCI CURVATURE UNDER THE KÄHLER–RICCI FLOW

In each complex dimension n ≥ 2, we construct complete Kahler manifolds of bounded curvature and non-negative Ricci curvature whose Kahler–Ricci evolutions immediately acquire Ricci curvature of mixed sign.
Synthesis and restructuring of inorganic nano-particles in counterflow diffusion flames

Abstract The formation/growth/coagulation/sintering of flame-generated inorganic aggregates at low particle volume fractions (O(10−1ppm)) was investigated. Al2O3 particles synthesized in a Al(CH3)3 (TMA)-seeded atmospheric pressure counterflow diffusion flame (CDF) fueled with CH4/O2/N2 were used as the model material/combustion system. Experimental techniques included thermocouple, laser light scattering (LLS) and thermophoretic sampling/Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Local aggregate morphology evolution was characterized in terms of “primary” particle size, aggregate size, and fractal structure. Additionally, the effects of temperature and TMA concentrations on morphology and size were also investigated systematically in the CDF. Light scattering signals as well as TEM analysis clearly illustrated particle/aggregate size and morphology evolution as a result of two competing processes, with coagulation increasing aggregate sizes, and sintering reducing aggregate surface areas. Mean “primary” particle diameters were found to be in the range of 13–47 nm, increasing with TMA concentration and sampling position (increasing residence time). On the other hand, mean aggregate sizes reached a maximum at about 4 mm above the bottom fuel duct (corresponding to a local temperature of only 1250 K) and increased with TMA seed level. Fractal dimension and fractal prefactor of alumina aggregates with negligible sintering rates were found to be 1.52 and 2.4, respectively. The final products were larger spherical particles with up to 60 nm diameter, resulting from complete “collapse” of the aggregates. These observations were shown to be compatible with our independent evaluation of the characteristic times associated with the participating rate processes in this class of two-phase CDFs. Systematic modification of these characteristic times can be used to control the size and morphology of flame-synthesized particles.
Predawn disequilibrium between plant and soil water potentials in two cold-desert shrubs.

Classical water relations theory predicts that predawn plant water potential should be in equilibrium with soil water potential (soil Ψw) around roots, and many interpretations of plant water status in natural populations are based on this expectation. We examined this expectation for two salt-tolerant, cold-desert shrub species in glasshouse experiments where frequent watering assured homogeneity in soil Ψw and soil-root hydraulic continuity and where NaCl controlled soil Ψw. Plant water potentials were measured with a pressure chamber (xylem Ψp) and thermocouple psychrometers (leaf Ψw). Soil Ψw was measured with in situ thermocouple psychrometers. Predawn leaf Ψw and xylem Ψp were significantly more negative than soil Ψw, for many treatments, indicating large predawn soil-plant Ψw disequilibria: up to 1.2 MPa for Chrysothamnus nauseosus (0 and 100 mm NaCl) and 1.8 MPa for Sarcobatus vermiculatus (0, 100, 300, and 600 mm NaCl). Significant nighttime canopy water loss was one mechanism contributing to predawn disequilibrium, assessed by comparison of xylem Ψp for bagged (to minimize transpiration) and unbagged canopies, and by gas exchange measurements. However, nighttime transpiration accounted for only part of the predawn disequilibrium. Other mechanisms that could act with nighttime transpiration to generate large predawn disequilibria are described and include a model of how leaf apoplastic solutes could contribute to the phenomenon. This study is among the first to conclusively document such large departures from the expectation of predawn soil-plant equilibrium for C3 shrubs, and provides a general framework for considering relative contributions of nighttime transpiration and other plant-related mechanisms to predawn disequilibrium.
A proposed curriculum in meteoritics for college students

A “major” or curriculum in meteoritics, leading to the bachelor's degree in colleges and universities, is outlined. It is recognized that a major in meteoritics would consist of a “combination major” in astronomy and geology, calling for an extensive preparation in the form of certain specified “lower-division” courses in chemistry, geology, mathematics, and physics, as well as 15 “upper-division units” in astronomy and 10 “upper-division units” in geology, for the major proper.
Managing change in an OTS-aware requirements engineering approach

Rapid changes in a component-based application (CBA), or the capabilities available in off-the-shelf (OTS) components, have significant impact on the specification and evolution of requirements in an OTS-aware requirements engineering paradigm. A well-disciplined, systematic methodology that explicitly supports the use of OTS components needs a clearly defined process for effectively managing the inevitable changes and determining the impact of such changes on the system. In this paper, we present a Non-functional Requirement (NFR) Framework based approach that supports representing changes either to an OTS component or a CBA, the associations from components to the requirements using positive and negative contributions, reasoning about the impact of change, and (re-)evaluating the degree of meeting requirements as a result of these change.
Comparison of Meclizine Levels in the Plasma of Rats and Dogs after Intranasal, Intravenous, and Oral Administration

Meclizine, used prophylactically for the prevention of motion sickness and vertigo, is presently available only in oral form. We report herein that, when given intranasally, meclizine dihydrochloride is absorbed in rats about half as effectively as when given intravenously, but about six times more effectively than after oral administration, as estimated by the area under the plasma concentration–time curve. The mean times to peak levels in plasma are about 8.5 min after an intranasal dose and 49.0 min after oral delivery. We extended these studies to a second species, the beagle dog, and achieved qualitatively similar results with a new formulation (Mecnazone; Nastech Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.). The fraction absorbed intranasally was about 0.89 that of an equivalent intravenous dose but about four times that of an equivalent oral administration. In these studies, the mean times to peak levels in plasma was 11.9 min after an intranasal dose and 70.0 min after an oral dose. Terminal elimination kinetics were the same for all routes within each species. Intranasal delivery of meclizine therefore appears to be superior to the oral route for the more rapid achievement of substantial levels in plasma at a reduced dose.