cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sediments Beneath Multi-Year Sea Ice: Delivery By Deltaic and Eolian Processes

Abstract: Little is known about land-to-sea sediment transport and deposition in polar regimes with multi-year sea ice such as at the mouth of the Taylor Valley, one of the Dry Valleys in Antarctica. This study integrates textural analysis of 574 coastal subaerial and nearshore submarine sediment samples with data from sediment traps and with published grain-size analyses of offshore sea-ice surface and submarine sediments to reconstruct transport and depositional processes from the shoreline to ∼ 8 km offshore. Sediment, primarily sand sized, is transferred into the marine environment via two processes: 1) erosion, transport, and deposition of till by ephemeral meltwater streams that deliver sediment to the subaqueous part of the delta built over the last ∼ 7,500 years, and 2) onshore to sea-ice sediment transport by wind during rare but powerful foehn wind events. Because the distributaries flow into quiet water beneath the sea ice, most of their load is dropped close to shore, but a small amount of fine-grained sediment, mostly silt, is carried kilometers offshore, probably by low-density, low-salinity plumes. Wind deposits sediment on the sea ice with median grain size decreasing from medium to fine sand within 1.5 km of the shoreline; even offshore sea-ice sediment contains very little silt and almost no clay. Nearshore the sea-ice sediment is coarser than that on the underlying seafloor, but in a few kilometers offshore the median grain sizes of the seafloor and sea-ice sediments are similar; this reflects a mixture of sea-ice-rafted eolian sediment and fine-grained delta-derived sediment transported beneath the sea ice. This system is unusual in the relative effectiveness of the transport systems. The feeble distributaries deposit their sediment load immediately upon entering the quiet water, and only a minor amount of silt and clay is carried seaward under the ice. In contrast, winds deposit coarser sediment on the nearshore sea ice and carry fine sand > 7 km offshore, although the amount and grain size of sediment is attenuated within 1.5 km of shore. Melting of the sea ice drops sediment onto the seafloor, where it mixes with the delta-derived silt and clay. Similar combinations of eolian and fluvial transport processes may have operated in polar regimes dominated by multi-year sea ice in the past. Understanding of the modern processes in Explorers Cove may aid recognition of ancient sediments deposited under multi-year sea ice, as well as help predict future changes in processes around Antarctica as the distribution of multi-year sea ice shifts in response to climate change.
Does Location Matter? An Empirical Analysis of Geographic Scope and MNC Market Valuation

This study examines the relationship between market valuation and the geographic scope of U.S. multinational corporations' (MNCs) foreign operations by focusing on the importance of the location of MNC operations. The location factors utilized here capture the degree of segmentation/integration between the United States and the foreign regions where the MNC operates. The results indicate that MNCs with presence in countries with developing economies have significantly higher market values than MNCs that operate only in countries with advanced economies. Furthermore, the market value impact of intangible assets increases with the degree of an MNC's expansion into developing locations only; this result is consistent with the notion that internalizing markets for the cross-border transfer of intangibles leads to competitive advantages.
4-Hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal (HNE) catabolism and formation of HNE adducts are modulated by β oxidation of fatty acids in the isolated rat heart.

Abstract We previously reported that a novel metabolic pathway functionally catabolizes 4-hydroxy-2( E )-nonenal (HNE) via two parallel pathways, which rely heavily on β-oxidation pathways. The hypothesis driving this report is that perturbations of β oxidation will alter the catabolic disposal of HNE, favoring an increase in the concentrations of HNE and HNE-modified proteins that may further exacerbate pathology. This study employed Langendorff perfused hearts to investigate the impact of cardiac injury modeled by ischemia/reperfusion and, in a separate set of perfusions, the effects of elevated lipid (typically observed in obesity and type II diabetes) by perfusing with increased fatty acid concentrations (1 mM octanoate). During ischemia, HNE concentrations doubled and the glutathione–HNE adduct and 4-hydroxynonanoyl-CoA were increased by 7- and 10-fold, respectively. Under conditions of increased fatty acid, oxidation to 4-hydroxynonenoic acid was sustained; however, further catabolism through β oxidation was nearly abolished. The inhibition of HNE catabolism was not compensated for by other disposal pathways of HNE, rather an increase in HNE-modified proteins was observed. Taken together, this study presents a mechanistic rationale for the accumulation of HNE and HNE-modified proteins in pathological conditions that involve alterations to β oxidation, such as myocardial ischemia, obesity, and high-fat diet-induced diseases.
Uncertainty of Monte Carlo variance estimates: application to the simulation of x-ray imaging detectors

Knowledge of the uncertainty associated with Monte Carlo estimates is useful for determining when to stop a simulation run when statistical uctuations fall below a desired tolerance level, and for designing and analyzing variance reduction techniques. In this work, we discuss how to analytically calculate the uncertainty of Monte Carlo variance estimates from higher order moments of the distribution of events. In addition, we show how these expressions can be incorporated in the study of x-ray imaging detectors to manage runtime and precision of the simulation. Our analysis can be used to design variance reduction techniques for Monte Carlo simulations when, as in many cases in imaging, the variance and not the mean, is the quantity of interest.
Overcoming photodamage in second-harmonic generation microscopy: real-time optical recording of neuronal action potentials.

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) has proven essential for the highest-resolution optical recording of membrane potential (Vm) in intact specimens. Here, we demonstrate single-trial SHG recordings of neuronal somatic action potentials and quantitative recordings of their decay with averaging at multiple sites during propagation along branched neurites at distances up to 350 μm from the soma. We realized these advances by quantifying, analyzing, and thereby minimizing the dynamics of photodamage (PD), a frequent limiting factor in the optical imaging of biological preparations. The optical signal and the PD during SHG imaging of stained cultured Aplysia neurons were examined with intracellular electrode recordings monitoring the resting Vm variations induced by laser-scanning illumination. We found that the PD increased linearly with the dye concentration but grew with the cube of illumination intensity, leading to unanticipated optimization procedures to minimize PD. The addition of appropriate antioxidants in conjunction with an observed Vm recovery after termination of laser scanning further refined the imaging criteria for minimization and control of PD during SHG recording of action potentials. With these advances, the potential of SHG as an effective optical tool for neuroscience investigations is being realized.
Hypervelocity impact penetration mechanics

Abstract Inert dense metal penetrators having a mass and geometry capable of missile delivery offer significant potential for countering underground facilities at depths of tens of meters in hard rock. The proliferation of such facilities among countries whose support for terrorism and potential possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) constitutes threats to world peace and U.S. Security. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Energy National Laboratories and private sector R&D firms have pursued an aggressive research effort to explore the attributes of high velocity impact penetrators for countering such facilities. The penetration of crustal rocks with metal rods (such as tungsten or steel alloys) at high velocities involves complex wave propagation phenomena within the rod and inelastic response of both the penetrator and target material. In this paper we examine the sensitivity of penetration depth (for a fixed tungsten alloy mass impacting a limestone target) to impactor velocity, strength and geometry. Analyses are based upon a matrix of first principle finite difference calculations using the Sandia CTH (release 7.1) Shock Physics Code. Results indicate that impact velocity, penetrator yield strength and target yield strength strongly influence the penetration depth. Maximum penetration depth is achieved by a delicate trade off between penetrator kinetic energy and penetrator inelastic deformation (erosion). Numerical analyses for the parameter variations exercised in this study (impact velocities 1–3.5 km/s and penetrator yield strengths of 1–4 GPa) produced penetration depths of a tungsten alloy rod (length 200 cm, diameter 20 cm) which varied from 5.1 m to 28 m in a homogeneous limestone target.
Purification and properties of placental prolactin-related protein-I

Abstract We used sucrose density gradient centrifugation, size exclusion chromatography, and high-pressure reversed-phase chromatography in the purification of bovine prolactin-related protein-I (bPRP-1) to homogeneity from a secretory granule-enriched fraction of fetal cotyledon. Amino terminal sequence was unambiguous, consistent with the nucleic acid sequence of the cDNA 50 codons distal to the initial AUG in the open reading frame, and began with the residues: RKSFTDRFMNAASLSHDFY-. This is distinct from the signal peptide cleavage site predicted by the algorithm of von Heijne (1986) as well as that expected by comparison with other members of the growth hormone/prolactin family of hormones. The level of bPRP-I in uterine fluid was sufficient to detect by Western blot of unfractionated material and estimated as at least 0.65 μM. In contrast, bPRP-I was undetectable in the serum by this method. Interaction of [ 125 I]-bPRP-I with high molecular weight serum components interfered with its measurement by radio-immunoassay, and could be replicated with purified α 2 -macroglobulin with an apparent K D of about 0.41 μM. Thus, the bPRP-I gene product is processed, secreted and distributed in a manner consistent with a paracrine action at the materno-fetal interface.
Location of Casualty Collection Points

In this paper I find the best location of casualty collection points (CCPs). CCPs are expected to become operational in case of a human-made or natural disaster with mass casualties, such as a high-magnitude earthquake. Five objective functions are suggested and analyzed: p-median, p-center, p-maxcover, min-variance, and Lorenz curve. Multiobjective models are also analyzed. To illustrate the location problem, the models are applied to a scenario based on a large earthquake hitting Orange County, CA as a case study. The optimal locations for the CCPs using the objective functions are found, analyzed, and compared.
Quality of life after treatment for acoustic neuroma using the new PANQOL Scale

Objectives: To compare quality of life in acoustic neuroma patients undergoing different treatment algorithms using the PANQOL scale, a new validated and disease specific quality of life instrument. Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Methods: One hundred forty-three patients with acoustic neuromas and 40 general otolaryngology controls completed the 26 question PANQOL scale and the SF-36 general health related quality of life scale. PANQOL data was analyzed in relation to chart medical data. Results: The only PANQOL domain to show a significant difference between conservative, gamma knife, and microsurgery treatment groups was the face domain, which was worst in the microsurgery group and best in the conservative group. The SF-36 did not capture any significant differences between treatment groups. All treatment groups had significantly lower PANQOL hearing and balance scores compared to controls. Acoustic neuroma cases had a significantly better PANQOL general health score compared to general otolaryngology controls. Conservative management cases showed an inverse correlation between tumor size and PANQOL face and pain scores. Gamma knife cases showed an inverse correlation between tumor size and PANQOL general health, energy and total scores, and also an inverse correlation between time since treatment and PANQOL face score. Microsurgery cases showed an inverse correlation between tumor size and PANQOL pain score. Conclusions: Individual PANQOL domain scores showed important correlations with patient and tumor characteristics that were unique to different treatment algorithms. Only PANQOL hearing and balance scores were significantly worse in cases compared to controls. The PANQOL scale should prove useful in future prospective studies.
Provenance of Upper Ordovician (Richmondian) Bald Eagle and Juniata Formations, Central Pennsylvania: Implications for Nature of Taconian Orogeny in Central Appalachians: ABSTRACT

Medium to coarse-grained lithic sandstones and lithic-pebble conglomerates of the Bald Eagle and Juniata Formations contain recycled sedimentary, End_Page 1922------------------------------ low-grade metamorphic, and volcaniclastic detritus that was shed northwestward in an alluvial and/or fluvial system from an uplift produced during the Taconian orogeny. Intermediate to felsic volcaniclastic rock fragments comprise approximately 3% of the framework grains. They consist of devitrified shards, partially kaolinized plagioclase laths, and biotite in a cryptocrystalline groundmass. Siltstone, mudstone, chert, radiolarian chert, and recycled grains are indicative of a sedimentary source. Chlorite-quartz, epidote-quartz, and muscovite-chlorite phyllite clasts indicate a low-grade metamorphic provenance. Quartz varieties plotted on a diagram are consistent with a low-grade metamorphic provenance. Metaquartzite, slate, and cataclastic lithic fragments indicate tectonic deformation in the source area. Provenance criteria support a plate tectonic model involving an eastward-dipping subduction zone in the central Appalachians during the Middle to Late Ordovician. The climax of the Taconian orogeny has been described as a collision of an island arc with the North American continental margin. Petrologic data from the Bald Eagle and Juniata Formations suggest that this collision was accompanied by uplift of accretionary prism and continental margin or forearc basin sediments prior to the Richmondian. The presence of sedimentary, low-grade metamorphic, cataclastic, and volcaniclastic lithic fragments, and the notable absence of higher grade metamorphic and plutonic grain-types, indicate unroofing at relatively shallow levels of the orogene. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1923------------
Dynamic Behaviour of a Bit-Motor-Thruster Assembly

Case studies show that the use of a thruster in the bottomhole assembly of a drillstring is beneficial for the operator because of a considerably improved rate of penetration and smooth drilling conditions. From a dynamics standpoint, the axial and torsional vibrations of the drillstring are improved by the use of a simple thruster device. The thruster acts like an 'anti-vibration' tool. Laboratory measurements of a full scale assembly containing a bit, a downhole mud motor and a thruster were carried out to quantify the forces, accelerations and dynamic pressures. Measurements were made at a 6kHz sampling rate and under various operating conditions. The signals were analysed by digital signal processing techniques to determine dynamic characteristics. The dynamics of the considered systems were then described by transfer functions. In these tests, the measured vibration response was used to calibrate the unknown parameters of a bit-motor-thruster dynamics time domain model that includes mud flow forcing effects. The computer application then predicts the dynamic behaviour of a complete drillstring while drilling.
Some two‐on‐two homogeneous stochastic combats

Abstract : In this reprint we consider two versions of two-on-two homogeneous stochastic combat and develop expressions, in each case, for the state probabilities. The models are natural generalizations of the exponential Lanchester square law model. In the first version, a marksman whose target is killed resumes afresh the killing process on a surviving target; in the second version, the marksman whose target is killed merely uses his remaining time to a kill on a surviving target. Using the state probabilities we then compute such important combat measures as (1) the mean and variance of the number of survivors as they vary with time for each of the sides, (2) the win probabilities for each of the sides, and (3) the mean and variance of the battle duration time. As an application, computations were made for the specific case of a gamma (2) interfiring time random variable for each side and the above combat measures were compared with the appropriate exponential and deterministic Lanchester square law approximations. The latter two are shown to be very poor approximation in this case.
Concavity and Efficient Points of Discrete Distributions in Probabilistic Programming

We consider stochastic programming problems with probabilistic constraints involving integer-valued random variables. The concept of a p-efficient point of a probability distribution is used to derive various equivalent problem formulations. Next we introduce the concept of r-concave discrete probability distributions and analyse its relevance for problems under consideration. These notions are used to derive lower and upper bounds for the optimal value of probabilistically constrained stochastic programming problems with discrete random variables. The results are illustrated with numerical examples.
Electrical conductivity of tetrathiofulvalinium tetracyanoquinodimethan (TTF) (TCNQ)

The temperature dependence of the dc electrical conductivity of tetrathiofulvalinium tetracyanoquinodimethan (TTF)(TCNQ) measured along the crystallographic $a$, $b$, and ${c}^{*}$ axes and the corresponding anisotropies $\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}^{b}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}^{a}}$ and $\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}^{b}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}^{{c}^{*}}}$ are reported. Standard four-probe measurements are supplemented by applying the technique of Montgomery to the question of inhomogeneous currents in this anisotropic conductor. We have observed that the intrinsic anisotropy contains two maxima which provide a direct internal method for unambiguously testing the validity of four-probe measurements of the conductivity along the principal conducting $b$ axis. The transverse transport properties are diffusive and yield an electrical anisotropy greater than 500 at room temperature which increases to greater than ${10}^{4}$ near 58 K. The extreme sensitivity of this one-dimensional metal to crystalline imperfections is experimentally demonstrated through temperature cycling studies. The dc results confirm (TTF)(TCNQ) is a one-dimensional metal exhibiting a strongly temperature-dependent $b$-axis conductivity that reaches maximum values exceeding ${10}^{5}$ ${(\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m})}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. These data are taken as confirming evidence that above 58 K the metallic state exhibits strong electron correlations associated with a many-body collective state in which the conductivity can greatly exceed the limitations of single-particle scattering.
Rotational spectroscopy of DO2 by FIR LMR and millimeter-wave absorption

Abstract We report the measurement of approximately 50 rotational transitions in the DO 2 radical between 230 and 2530 GHz by high-resolution millimeter-wave and far-infrared laser magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The radical was generated in the gas phase by the reaction of chlorine atoms and oxygen or discharged oxygen with deuterated methanol. The data were analyzed in conjunction with previously published high-resolution spectra of the molecule in the ground vibronic state in order to extract the best set of parameters in the effective Hamiltonian describing the molecule. The fine structure (spin-rotation) parameters derived in the present work were used together with those for HO 2 [A. Charo and F. C. De Lucia, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 94, 426–436 (1982)] in order to determine all of the symmetry-allowed spin-rotation tensor components for the hydroperoxyl radical. The results cannot be interpreted in terms of contamination of the ground state wavefunction by the lowest lying A 2 A state alone and information from quantum chemical calculations of spin-orbit matrix elements between the ground and higher excited states or additional experimental data involving higher excited electronic states are necessary before a complete rationalization of the results is possible.
Safety of rapid intravenous infusion of valproate loading doses in epilepsy patients

IV valproate may be given to patients requiring rapid elevation of serum valproate or for patients unable to take oral medication. Previously we established the loading dose of IV valproate needed to achieve serum concentrations of > 100 ug/ml. This study evaluated the safety of rapid infusion of valproate to achieve high therapeutic levels. Twenty-four infusions of IV valproate were carried out electively in twenty-one patients with epilepsy (ages 2-54 years). The dose ranged from 21-28 mg/kg (mean 24.2 mg/kg). Target infusion rates were 3 or 6 mg/kg per min, yielding an infusion duration of 4.17 or 8.34 min. ECG was monitored; blood pressure was measured before and after infusion. Post infusion serum valproate concentrations were 64-204.1 ug/ml (mean 132.6). There were no significant changes in blood pressure and no ECG abnormalities observed. Transient pain occurred at the site of injection in five patients, associated with redness in two. This appeared to related to the concentration of valproic acid in the infusion fluid. We conclude that a loading dose of IV valproate can be administered safely and rapidly. This finding enables further studies evaluating IV valproate as a non-sedative anticonvulsant in the management of status epilepticus.
Chapter 18 Complement activation by biomaterials

Abstract The complement system constitutes an important mediator of the inflammatory response to the contact of blood with biomaterials and its activation serves as an index of biocompatibility. In this review, the sequential steps involved in complement activation and their measurement are presented; the biological properties and clinical sequelae of these activation products also are discussed.
Echocardiographic assessment of the left ventricular outflow tract in the Boxer.

Background: Soft, variable ejection murmurs are common in Boxers and are associated with increased left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) ejection velocities. Whether these murmurs are physiologic or indicate mild aortic stenosis is controversial. Ejection velocity is impacted by LVOT area and ventricular stroke volume (SV), suggesting that these variables are pertinent to murmur development. Hypothesis: Boxers with ejection murmurs have a smaller LVOT and equivalent SV indices, compared with values in dogs without murmurs. Animals: Three age-and weight-matched groups of dogs—15 Boxers with soft ejection murmurs (group I); 15 Boxers without murmurs (group II); and 15 nonBoxer dogs without murmurs (group III) — were studied. Methods: All dogs underwent 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic examinations. The LVOT size at multiple levels; LVOT ejection velocity, stroke distance, and SV index; and right ventricular SV index were determined and compared by analysis of variance. Results: Indexed LVOT areas in Boxer groups were not different, but were significantly smaller than those of non-Boxer dogs. Ejection velocities and stroke distances were significantly different across all groups, with group I having the highest and group III having the lowest values. Doppler SV indices (ml/m2) for group-I versus group-II Boxers were 70±16(SD) versus 62±12 for the LVOT (P= .27) and 58±12 versus 48±9 for the right ventricle (P= .14). Conclusions and clinical importance: These data suggest that a relatively smaller LVOT in Boxers predisposes them to increased ejection velocity and development of murmurs. The contribution of SV to the genesis of these often labile murmurs requires additional study.
Superoxide-dependent lipid peroxidation and vitamin E content of microsomes from hepatomas with different growth rates.

Abstract Lipid peroxidation of microsomal membranes isolated from rat liver, and Morris hepatomas 9618A (slow-growing) and 3924A (fast-growing) was induced by superoxide radicals generated by the action of xanthine oxidase on xanthine. The peroxidation, measured as malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxide formation, was optimized with regard to iron concentration and chelation of iron by ADP. In such conditions hepatoma microsomes catalyze lower rates of lipid peroxidation than the normal counterpart. However, while microsomes from hepatoma 3924A show a marked decrease in both the malondialdehyde and hydroperoxide production rates, microsomes from hepatoma 9618A differ moderately from the control, mainly in the long-term production of hydroperoxides. It is also reported here that the 9618A microsomes partially lack cytochrome P -450 (about 40% deficiency), but they have a fatty acid composition similar to that of control. No differences were found in the content of vitamin E between normal and hepatoma 3924A microsomes. Moreover, induction of vitamin E deficiency in hepatoma 3924A microsomes does not influence the rate of either malondialdehyde or lipid hydroperoxide production. On the basis of these results and previous data on the lipid composition of hepatoma 3924A microsomes it is proposed that (i) the high resistance to superoxide-dependent lipid peroxidation of hepatoma 3924A microsomes is related to the low substrate availability rather than the content of membrane antioxidants; and (ii) a limitation only in the propagation phase characterizes the hepatoma 9618A microsomal lipid peroxidation and would be due to the partial deficiency of the endogenous propagating agent, cytochrome P -450.
On the Nature of the Variable Infrared Emission from Sagittarius A

Recent infrared (IR) observations of the center of our Galaxy indicate that the supermassive black hole (SMBH) source Sgr A* is strongly variable in the IR. The timescale for the variability, ~30 minutes, is comparable to that of the X-ray flares observed by Chandra and XMM-Newton, suggesting a common physical origin. In this paper, we investigate the nature of the IR emission in the context of models recently proposed to interpret the X-ray flares. We show that the IR emission in Sgr A* can be well explained by nonthermal synchrotron emission if a small fraction of the electrons in the innermost region of the accretion flow around the black hole are accelerated into a broken power-law distribution, perhaps through transient events such as magnetic reconnection. The model predicts differences in the variability amplitudes of flares in the IR and X-rays, in general agreement with observations. It also predicts that the IR emission should be linearly polarized, as has indeed been observed during one epoch. IR and X-ray flares analogous to those observed in Sgr A* may be detectable from other accreting SMBHs, provided L 10-8LEdd; at higher luminosities, the flaring emission is dominated by thermal synchrotron self-Compton emission, which is likely to be less variable.
Assessment of the role of pancreatic proteases in human abdominal aortic aneurysms and occlusive disease

Previous studies on the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms have shown both elastase-like activity in the aortic wall and a decreased elastin content. The present study, using specific radioimmunoassays for pancreatic elastase 2 (IRE2) and cationic trypsin(ogen) (IRCT), investigates the concentrations of these proteases which are known to circulate in blood, in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Aortic specimens were obtained from 32 patients with aneurysms and 21 patients with atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Aortic tissue, obtained at autopsy from young adults, served as controls. Elastase-like activity was 300% and 800% higher, respectively, in aortic homogenates from aneurysms in comparison to occlusive disease and control aortic tissue. This was associated with 1.4-fold higher level of IRE2 and 2.7-fold higher levels of IRCT as compared to occlusive disease. Although there was no significant difference in the aortic collagen concentration among all 3 groups, the elastin content of aneurysmal aorta was 85% and 74% lower, respectively, in comparison to control and occlusive aorta. The results of this investigation demonstrate the presence of pancreatic elastase 2 and cationic trypsin(ogen) in abdominal aortic aneurysmal tissue and suggest that circulating pancreatic proteases contribute to the pathophysiology of aneurysms of the infrarenal aorta.
A Very Private TGF-β Receptor Embrace

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Groppe et al. (2008) describe the crystal structure of a six-element TGF-β:receptor complex, addressing long-standing questions about the restrictive nature of this vital receptor interaction.
Response of the edematous isolated lung to static positive end-expiratory pressure

Abstract : Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) has been demonstrated to improve systemic arterial oxygenation in respiratory distress secondary to interstitially edematous lung. Clinical improvements, however, may be limited by the adverse circulatory effects of PEEP impairing venous return and reducing cardiac output. In an effort to eliminate this variable experimentally, the effects of graded levels of PEEP in the isolated canine lung made edematous by venous constriction were studied. These observations suggested that the increased mean inflation pressures of PEEP do not facilitate mobilization of interstitial fluid nor improve lung mechanics and that the observed improvement in gas exchange probably relateds to inflation of previously collapsed alveoli. In clinical use, however, PEEP is applied at one level for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, to delineate the prolonged effects of static PEEP, isolated canine lungs made edematous by venous constriction were treated with various levels of PEEP and observed for four hours or until hemorrhagic deterioration occurred.
Computational fluid dynamics nose-to-tail capability - Hypersonic unsteady Navier-Stokes code validation

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) research for hypersonic flows presents new problems in code validation because of the added complexity of the physical models. This paper surveys code validation procedures applicable to hypersonic flow models that include real-gas effects. The current status of hypersonic CFD flow analysis is assessed with the compressible Navier-Stokes code as a case study. The methods of code validation discussed go beyond comparison with experimental data to include comparisons with other codes and formulations, component analyses, and estimation of numerical errors. Current results indicate that predicting hypersonic flows of perfect gases and equilibrium air are well in hand. Pressure, shock location, and integrated quantities are relatively easy to predict accurately, whereas surface quantities such as heat transfer are more sensitive to the solution procedure. Modeling transition to turbulence needs refinement, although preliminary results are promising.
Effects of the physical state of tropospheric ammonium-sulfate-nitrate particles on global aerosol direct radiative forcing

Abstract. The effect of aqueous versus crystalline sulfate-nitrate-ammonium tropospheric particles on global aerosol direct radiative forcing is assessed. A global three-dimensional chemical transport model predicts sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium aerosol mass. An aerosol thermodynamics model is called twice, once for the upper side (US) and once for lower side (LS) of the hysteresis loop of particle phase. On the LS, the sulfate mass budget is 40% solid ammonium sulfate, 12% letovicite, 11% ammonium bisulfate, and 37% aqueous. The LS nitrate mass budget is 26% solid ammonium nitrate, 7% aqueous, and 67% gas-phase nitric acid release due to increased volatility upon crystallization. The LS ammonium budget is 45% solid ammonium sulfate, 10% letovicite, 6% ammonium bisulfate, 4% ammonium nitrate, 7% ammonia release due to increased volatility, and 28% aqueous. LS aerosol water mass partitions as 22% effloresced to the gas-phase and 78% remaining as aerosol mass. The predicted US/LS global fields of aerosol mass are employed in a Mie scattering model to generate global US/LS aerosol optical properties, including scattering efficiency, single scattering albedo, and asymmetry parameter. Global annual average LS optical depth and mass scattering efficiency are, respectively, 0.023 and 10.7 m2 (g SO4-2)-1, which compare to US values of 0.030 and 13.9 m2 (g SO4-2)-1. Radiative transport is computed, first for a base case having no aerosol and then for the two global fields corresponding to the US and LS of the hysteresis loop. Regional, global, seasonal, and annual averages of top-of-the-atmosphere aerosol radiative forcing on the LS and US (FL and FU, respectively, in W m-2) are calculated. Including both anthropogenic and natural emissions, we obtain global annual averages of FL=-0.750, FU=-0.930, and D FU,L=24% for full sky calculations without clouds and FL=-0.485, FU=-0.605, and D FU,L=25% when clouds are included. Regionally, D FU,L=48% over the USA, 55% over Europe, and 34% over East Asia. Seasonally, D FU,L varies from 18% in DJF to 75% in SON over the USA. The global annual average contribution from anthropogenic aerosol is FL=-0.314 and FU=-0.404, which yield normalized direct radiative forcings (G) of GL=-205 W (g SO4-2)-1 and GU=-264 W (g SO4-2)-1.
Linking genotypes with phenotypes in human retinal degenerations: Implications for future research and treatment

Although undoubtedly it will be incomplete by the time it is published, the target article by Daiger et al. organizes mutations in genes that produce retinal degenerations in humans into categories of clinically relevant phenotypes. Such classifications should help us understand the link between altered photoreceptor cell proteins and subsequent cell death, and they may yield insight into methods for preventing consequent blindness.
Research Note Turning an Elite Cross-Sectional Survey into a Panel Study While Protecting Anonymity

A procedure is described for turning an elite cross-sectional survey into a panel study — even when no records exist that link individuals to their original questionnaires — and that also protects ...
Mercury: An overview

Abstract Our knowledge of Mercury is very incomplete. We know less about Mercury than any other terrestrial planet and most outer Solar System objects. In most respects Mercury is very different from the Moon and most other objects in the Solar System. Our present knowledge of Mercury is reviewed with a goal of understanding where interpretations are rather firm and where they are weak or major conficts exist. It is clear that Mercury could provide information that would help constrain the origin and evolution of the inner Solar System. However, only further spacecraft exploration can provide the data to address these problems.
Roles of amino acids, protein, and fiber in leaf-feeding resistance of corn to the fall armyworm

The free amino acids have been shown by isolational work and choice bioassays to be more important than all other factors evaluated in defining leaf-feeding resistance of corn (Zea mays L.) to fall armyworm (FAW) [(Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith)] larvae. 6-MBOA (6-methoxybenzoxazolinone) and maysin, toxins present in corn, were shown not to be significant factors for leaf-feeding resistance to first-instar FAW larvae because of their low concentrations in the whorl. Amino acid analysis showed that while the ratios of the essential amino acids in susceptible (S) and resistant (R) lines were similar, there were differences in the nonessential amino acids, particularly aspartic acid, which was higher in R lines. Also, the ratio of essential amino acids to nonessential amino acids was important, being too low in expressed whorl leaf juice (obtained from V8–V10 growth stage plants) to support larval growth, although juice was stimulatory in choice tests. The total protein content of whorls in S lines was about 15% higher than in R lines, but the significance of this difference is uncertain, because nutritional tests showed that larval growth increased with total protein only up to 12% protein. Sugars were only slightly stimulatory. Thus, the amino acids along with higher hemicellulose content of R lines, established by us earlier, appear to explain much of the basis of resistance in corn to larval leaf-feeding of the FAW.
Aligning Components of Recognition and Response and Response to Intervention to Improve Transition to Primary School.

Children face numerous transitions throughout their school careers. Research has demonstrated that early transitions can positively or negatively impact future school performance. Establishing effective models to ensure carryover of instructional strategies and interventions into early elementary school can increase the likelihood children will have a smooth transition to kindergarten from preschool. Response and Recognition (R&R) is a framework for delivering a continuum of instructional strategies and interventions to meet children’s needs at the preschool level. Response to Intervention (RtI) is a framework for implementing a continuum of instructional strategies and interventions to meet children’s needs at the K-12 level. The purpose of this paper is to outline the similarities and differences between the R&R and RtI frameworks and to provide recommendations of ways the two frameworks can be used to ensure a smooth transition into primary school.
A Novel Topology Discovery Service for Self-Organized WSNs

We propose a topology discovery service, which is a network service that promotes the concept of cross-layer design. The topology service, which is the fundamental of any self-organized and self-healing WSN, maintains several topology parameters that describe the sensor field and how the nodes are distributed in the field. To demonstrate the benefits of our service, we design a density-aware GPSR routing protocol (DA-GPSR) to take advantage of the parameters provided by our service and improve the performance of the original GPSR protocol. DA-GPSR uses node density to route around areas with high node density (i.e., crowded areas) and improves end-to-end performance of GPSR. We use TinyOS and TOSSIM for the implementation and simulation, respectively.
Vacuum weathering of sulfur - Temperature effects and applications to Io

The effect of surface temperature on the initial transient and subsequent steady-state behavior of the vacuum-sublimation rate and the UV/visible spectral reflectance of frozen sulfur has been investigated. Surface temperature is found to be the dominant parameter controlling the rate of vacuum weathering of sulfur. The present results suggest that any freshly-frozen sulfur deposits on Io at typical Io hotspot temperatures should display major transient changes in color in a matter of hours to days. It is noted that these rapid changes in spectral reflectivity should be readily detectable by future high-resolution synotopic observations of Io spectrum in the UV/visible.
The Way Forward in the World of Robotics

N. Sharkey exaggerated the dangers of robotics use in his Perspective on “The ethical frontiers of robotics” (19 December 2008, p. [1800][1]). Although the number of child-minding robots has increased in some countries, such technology should perhaps be regarded as a special case of ubiquitous medical computing, smart homes, and telemedicine; these are sources of ethical challenges, to be sure, but they do not warrant preying on emotions by invoking threats of child neglect and abuse ([ 1 ][2], [ 2 ][3]). Intuitively, we also suspect that nannybots are not good for the psychological development of children left in their care, but until empirical research demonstrates this, we must suspend judgment; such research might, in fact, find no harm at all. Similarly, we are as horrified and angry as Sharkey is when non-combatants are harmed by military robots, but whether such devices generally increase or reduce the number of civilian casualties is also an empirical question. The job of applied ethics is not limited to warning about worst-case scenarios. Rather, it must include the identification and analysis of challenges raised by new technologies and the identification of suitable precautions, constraints, and trade-offs required to protect safety, privacy, and liberty. Sharkey has made a start as regards robotics, but much more needs to be done. The agencies that fund these technologies should ensure that adequate resources are devoted to the analysis of concomitant ethical, legal, and social issues. 1. [↵][4]1. K. W. Goodman 1. K. W. Goodman , in Ethics, Computing, and Medicine: Informatics and the Transformation of Health Care, K. W. Goodman , Ed. (Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, 1998), pp. 1–31. 2. [↵][5]1. K. E. Himma, 2. H. T. Tavani 1. K. W. Goodman , in The Handbook of Information and Computer Ethics, K. E. Himma, H. T. Tavani , Eds. (Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, 2008), pp. 293–309. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1164582 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #ref-2 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [5]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2 in text"
Tenuous paths in unexplored territory: From T cell receptor signaling to effector gene expression during thymocyte selection

Abstract During the last step of αβ T cell development, thymocytes that have rearranged genes encoding TCR chains and express CD4 and CD8 coreceptors are selected on the basis of their TCR reactivity to escape programmed cell death and become mature CD4 or CD8 T cells. This process is triggered by intrathymic TCR signaling, that activates ‘sensor’ transcription factors ‘constitutively’ expressed in DP thymocytes. Eventually, TCR-signaled thymocytes evolve effector transcriptional circuits that control basal metabolism, migration, survival and initiation of lineage-specific gene expression. This review examines how components of the ‘sensing’ transcription apparatus responds to positive selection signals, and highlights important differences with mature T cell responses. In a second part, we evaluate current observations and hypotheses on the connections between sensing transcription factors and effector circuitries.
Supplementation of trace elements in parenteral nutrition: Rationale and recommendations

Abstract The management of the trace element component of total parenteral nutrition solutions is an important but often overlooked aspect of nutritional support. Individualized supplementation regimens can be designed to accomplish a broad spectrum of therapeutic objectives. This review encompasses the last twenty years of clinically relevant research, with supplementation recommendations derived from observations of intravenously fed patients and controlled clinical trials.
Integrating Home Energy Simulation and Dynamic Electricity Price for Demand Response Study

This paper studies how to develop and evaluate demand response strategies from the consumer's perspective through a computational experiment approach. The proposed approach includes a home energy consumption simulator, a demand response mechanism obtained through optimization, particle swam or heuristic method, and an integrative computing platform that combines the home energy simulator and MATLAB together for demand response development and evaluation. Several demand response strategies are developed and evaluated through the computational experiment technique. The paper investigates and compares characteristics of different demand response strategies and how they are affected by dynamic pricing tariffs, seasons, and weather. Case studies are conducted by considering home energy consumption, dynamic electricity pricing schemes, and demand response methods.
Not the same old hindsight bias: Outcome information distorts a broad range of retrospective judgments

The hindsight bias (e.g., Fischhoff, 1975) illustrates that outcome information can make people believe that they would have (or did) predict an outcome that they would not (or did not) actually predict. In two experiments, participants (N = 226) made a prediction immediately before receiving outcome information. Therefore, participants could not distort or misremember their predictions to make them align with the outcome information. In both experiments, participants distorted their reports of how certain they recalled having been in their prediction, how good of a basis they had for making the prediction, how long they took to make the prediction, and so forth. Experiment 2 showed that these effects were diminished when participants engaged in private thought about the upcoming questions prior to receiving outcome information, suggesting that the effect is not due to impression management concerns.
Cellular Responses to Excess Phospholipid

Phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) is the major membrane phospholipid in mammalian cells, and its synthesis is controlled by the activity of CDP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT). Enforced CCT expression accelerated the rate of PtdCho synthesis. However, the amount of cellular PtdCho did not increase as a result of the turnover of both the choline and glycerol components of PtdCho. Metabolic labeling experiments demonstrated that cells compensated for elevated CCT activity by the degradation of PtdCho to glycerophosphocholine (GPC). Phospholipase D-mediated PtdCho hydrolysis and phosphocholine formation were unaffected. Most of the GPC produced in response to excess phospholipid production was secreted into the medium. Cells also degraded the excess membrane PtdCho to GPC when phospholipid formation was increased by exposure to exogenous lysophosphatidylcholine or lysophosphatidylethanolamine. The replacement of the acyl moiety at the 1-position of PtdCho with a non-hydrolyzable alkyl moiety prevented degradation to GPC. Accumulation of alkylacyl-PtdCho was associated with the inhibition of cell proliferation, demonstrating that alternative pathways of degradation will not substitute. GPC formation was blocked by bromoenol lactone, implicating the calcium-independent phospholipase A2 as a key participant in the response to excess phospholipid. Owing to the fact that PtdCho is biosynthetically converted to PtdEtn, excess PtdCho resulted in overproduction and exit of GPE as well as GPC. Thus, general membrane phospholipid homeostasis is achieved by a balance between the opposing activities of CCT and phospholipase A2.