cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence: the case against the male sling

For the man suffering from urinary incontinence following prostatectomy, two surgical options are currently available: the bulbous urethral sling and the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). The authors discuss the literature for the two techniques, and explain why they believe AUS implantation is the preferred option in this patient population.
Role of hypoglycemia and carbon dioxide in the reaction to stress.

STRESS evokes increased activity of the adrenal cortices. The sequence of events by which this end result is brought about has yet to be outlined. Under the stress of hypoxia it has been shown that the observed alterations are not due to the hypoxemia per se, but rather to the resulting hypocapnia (Langley et al., 1950). Long (1947) suggested that a common element in the various forms of stress may be the increased output of the adrenal medulla. Some time ago Lewis et al. (1942) presented evidence which indicated that hypoxia caused hypogtycemia and the hypoglycemia triggered the pituitary-adrenal axis. Recent experiments implicate the hypothalamus in this sequence of events (Porter, 1953). But despite the assault on this problem spreading over two decades, the mechanism remains obscure. For this reason a series of experiments were carried out in an attempt to shed some light upon the role of hypoglycemia and carbon dioxide in the reaction to stress.
Measuring the Primary Effect of Reading: Reading-Storage Technique, Understanding Judgments, and Cloze*

The newly developed reading-storage (RS) type of test was evaluated by comparing it to a modified version of the cloze test in three experiments involving 48 college students reading passages at four levels of difficulty. The experiments involved the following conditions: reading versus non-reading of passages, varying degrees of passage deletion, and varying amounts of interpolated activity between passages and tests. The RS test seemed to be more reliable and equally valid as the cloze test in measuring gain in understanding during reading. The RS type of test appears to offer a better objective technique for measuring the primary effect of reading.
Nonprobabilistic, convex-theoretic modeling of scatter in material properties

Nonprobabilistic, convex modeling of uncertain material properties for viscoelastic structures is developed in this paper. In particular, the problem of forced vibrations of viscoelastic beams is studied. First the analytic solution by Inman is generalized for a deterministic set of variables, describing material properties. Next, these variables are treated as varying in a solid "ball" in the four-dimensional space, thus modeling the scatter in material properties. The least favorable response needed for the design of the structure is determined.
Effect of temperature on the toxicity of S-bioallethrin andcypermethrin to susceptible and kdr -resistant strains of Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

The toxicity of two pyrethroid insecticides, S-bioallethrin and cypermethrin, was investigated over time at 12, 25 and 31°C in susceptible and kdr resistant strains of Blattella germanica (L.). Both strains showed a negative temperature coefficient (i.e., greater kill with decreasing temperature) for S-bioallethrin. The susceptible strain had a negative temperature coefficient for knockdown, but a positive temperature coefficient for mortality towards cypermethrin. The resistant strain had a negative temperature coefficient towards cypermethrin at all times. Resistance to S-bioallethrin was generally greatest at 25°C initially, although the difference between temperatures and the level of resistance diminished with time. Resistance to cypermethrin was significantly less at 12°C than at 25 or 31°C.
QEEG-Based Protocol Selection: A Study of Level of Agreement on Sites, Sequences, and Rationales Among a Group of Experienced QEEG-Based Neurofeedback Practitioners

ABSTRACT Background. The history of neurofeedback is marked by a diversity of theoretical bases and specific protocol development approaches, including standard protocols based on research, symptom/neurophysiological function-based approaches, and approaches based on quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) assessment (Budzynski, 1999; Demos, 2005). Although this diversity of approaches currently characterizes clinical practice within the field, one might assume that a certain degree of uniformity exists among practitioners who follow one particular treatment model. That is, clinicians who follow a symptom/function-based approach might be expected to select similar protocols for a given client, and practitioners who base their protocols largely on QEEG likewise would develop similar protocols for the same client. Method. To test this latter assumption, 13 neurofeedback practitioners having 5 to 20 years of experience using QEEG and neurofeedback were sent the same QEEG data and presenting problems of a ...
The nickel partition geothermometer applied to the prehistoric Makaopuhi Lava Lake, Hawaii

Abstract Consequences of application of the nickel partitioning thermometer to minerals of the prehistoric Makaopuhi Lava are: 1. (1) Poikilitic orthopyroxene did not crystallize in exchange equilibrium with groundmass augite, 2. (2) readjustment of olivine compositions did not extend into the subsolidus range 3. (3) poikilitic orthopyroxene probably crystallized in exchange equilibrium with phenocryst olivine at about 1040°C.
Effects of phase fraction on phase morphology and triple junction configuration in anisotropic systems

Abstract It has been demonstrated that Herring’s anisotropic triple-junction equilibrium conditions do not predict a unique triple-junction configuration for junctions involving at least one anisotropic interface. In this paper, we minimize the total interfacial energy of a model two-dimensional anisotropic system to predict the preferred triple-junction configuration(s). Both the relative values of the interfacial energies and the phase fractions affect the energetics. Maps of the energetically preferred configuration(s) spanning a wide range of phase fraction and relative interfacial energies are presented. Parallel trends and key differences between the behaviors of the model anisotropic system and a (similarly configured) isotropic system are detailed. Lastly, we show how the approach used to predict equilibrium configurations (based on assumed interfacial energies) can be reversed to obtain relative interfacial energies for experimental systems where equilibrium has been reached but only geometrical parameters can be measured.
Tetrabromobisphenol A decreases cell-surface proteins involved in human natural killer (NK) cell-dependent target cell lysis.

Human natural killer (NK) lymphocytes are able to destroy tumor cells and virally-infected cells. Interference with their function can leave an individual with increased susceptibility to cancer development and/or viral infection. We have shown that the tumor-destroying (lytic) function of NK cells can be dramatically decreased by exposure to the environmental contaminant tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). TBBPA is a flame retardant used in a variety of materials including circuit boards, carpeting, and upholstery and has been found in human blood samples. TBBPA interferes with NK cell lytic function, in part, by decreasing the ability of NK cells to bind to target cells. This study examines the effects of exposures to concentrations of TBBPA (i.e., that were able to decrease the binding capacity of NK cells) on the expression of cell-surface proteins (CD2, CD11a, CD16, CD18, and CD56) that are needed for NK cells to bind target cells. NK cells were exposed to TBBPA for 24 h, 48 h, and 6 days or for 1 h followed by 24 h, 48 h, and 6 days in TBBPA-free media. Twenty-four-hour exposures to 5 µM TBBPA caused decreases in four of the cell-surface proteins examined. CD16 was decreased by >35%. The decreases in cell-surface proteins after a 48-h exposure were similar to those seen after 24 h. The results indicate that TBBPA exposures that decrease the binding function of human NK cells do so by decreasing the expression of cell-surface proteins needed for attachment of NK cells to targets cells.
A serious problem in using the Jarvis model for the prediction of crosstalk

The coupled transmission-line equations for a three-conductor, lossless transmission line are solved in symbolic form for its crosstalk voltages using various approximations [1, 2]. The most frequently-used approximate model for predicting crosstalk is referred to as the Jarvis model after its original publisher in 1963 [3]. The Jarvis model uses three approximations that simplify the result. One of the approximations requires that all four line terminations be matched which is unrealistic for virtually all crosstalk problems.
Dynamic modeling of cutting acoustic emission via piezo-electric actuator wave control

The fundamental understanding of the dynamic behavior of acoustic emission signals in relation to machining process parameters plays an important role in the automation monitoring and control of metal cutting operations. This paper presents an analytical model for acoustic emission dynamics in orthogonal cutting with chip thickness variation. An analytical expression for acoustic emission generated in turning is established as an explicit function of the cutting parameters and tool/workpiece geometry. Based on the theoretical static cutting acoustic emission model, the generation of the RMS acoustic emission is formulated as the function of three process parameters, namely tool displacement, cutting speed, and rake angle. The incremental change of the RMS acoustic emission is related to the chip formation process in an elemental cutting area and it is characterized by the dynamic variation of these process parameters. The analysis of the RMS acoustic emission is then extended into the dynamic transfer function between tool displacement and RMS acoustic emission. Experimental results via simultaneous tool displacement control by piezo-electric actuator and measurement of RMS AE generated during cutting confirm the validity of the analytical acoustic emission model in orthogonal cutting process.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Enhances Ha-ras-induced Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Intestinal Epithelial Cells via Stabilization of mRNA

Oncogenic ras induces the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in a variety of cells. Here we investigated the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in the Ras-mediated induction of COX-2 in intestinal epithelial cells (RIE-1). RIE-1 cells were transfected with an inducible Ha-Ras(Val12) cDNA and are referred as RIE-iRas cells. the addition of 5 mM isopropyl-1-thio-beta-D-galactopyranoside (IPTG) induced the expression of Ha-Ras(Val12), closely followed by an increase in the expression of COX-2. Neutralizing anti-TGF-beta antibody partially blocked the Ras-induced increase in COX-2. Combined treatment with IPTG and TGF-beta1 resulted in a 20-50-fold increase in the levels of COX-2 mRNA. The t1/2 of COX-2 mRNA was increased from 13 to 24 min by Ha-Ras induction alone. The addition of TGF-beta1 further stabilized the COX-2 mRNA (t1/2 > 50 min). Stable transfection of a luciferase reporter construct containing the COX-2 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) revealed that TGF-beta1 treatment and Ras induction each stabilized the COX-2 3'-UTR. Combined treatment with IPTG and TGF-beta1 synergistically increased the luciferase activity. Furthermore, a conserved AU-rich region located in the proximal COX-2 3'-UTR is required for maximal stabilization of COX-2 3'-UTR by Ras or TGF-beta1 and is necessary for the synergistic stabilization of COX-2 3'-UTR by oncogenic Ras and TGF-beta1.
Continuous control of hybrid automata with imperfect mode information assuming separation between state estimation and control

The safety control problem for hybrid automata with imperfect mode information and continuous control is addressed. When the controller does not have access to the mode of the system, available static feedback techniques cannot be applied. We propose a dynamic feedback strategy in which a mode estimator constructs the set of possible current system modes. A control map is designed that on the basis of the current mode estimates returns the set of all possible safe control inputs. This dynamic feedback map implicitly assumes separation between state estimation and control. Termination conditions are provided. The proposed control technique is applied to a semi-autonomous cooperative active safety system.
Signal modeling using increments of extended self-similar processes

The article expands the fractional Brownian motion (fBm) model by investigating the idea of generalizing self-similarity to create extended self-similar (ESS) processes for which fBm processes are a subset. Properties of ESS processes are discussed, and an ESS increment model parameterized by variables controlling short and long term correlation effects is examined. We propose a fast parameter estimation algorithm for the new model which is based on the decorrelation effect of the Haar transform on the ESS increments, and we demonstrate the performance of this parameter estimation algorithm with numerical simulations. >
Development and performance evaluation of a streamlined method for nucleic acid purification, denaturation, and multiplex detection of Bluetongue virus and Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus

Bluetongue virus (BTV) and Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) possess similar structural and molecular features, are transmitted by biting midges (genus Culicoides), and cause similar diseases in some susceptible ruminants. Generally, BTV causes subclinical disease in cattle, characterized by a prolonged viremia. EHDV-associated disease in cattle is less prominent; however, it has emerged as a major economic threat to the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) industry in many areas of the United States. The recent emergence of multiple BTV and EHDV serotypes previously undetected in the United States demonstrates the need for robust detection of all known serotypes and differential diagnosis. For this purpose, a streamlined workflow consisting of an automated nucleic acid purification and denaturation method and a multiplex one-step reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the simultaneous detection of BTV serotypes 1–24 and EHDV serotypes 1–7 was developed using previ...
Getting a Handle on the Role of Coenzyme M in Alkene Metabolism

Summary: Coenzyme M (2-mercaptoethanesulfonate; CoM) is one of several atypical cofactors discovered in methanogenic archaea which participate in the biological reduction of CO2 to methane. Elegantly simple, CoM, so named for its role as a methyl carrier in all methanogenic archaea, is the smallest known organic cofactor. It was thought that this cofactor was used exclusively in methanogenesis until it was recently discovered that CoM is a key cofactor in the pathway of propylene metabolism in the gram-negative soil microorganism Xanthobacter autotrophicus Py2. A four-step pathway requiring CoM converts propylene and CO2 to acetoacetate, which feeds into central metabolism. In this process, CoM is used to activate and convert highly electrophilic epoxypropane, formed from propylene epoxidation, into a nucleophilic species that undergoes carboxylation. The unique properties of CoM provide a chemical handle for orienting compounds for site-specific redox chemistry and stereospecific catalysis. The three-dimensional structures of several of the enzymes in the pathway of propylene metabolism in defined states have been determined, providing significant insights into both the enzyme mechanisms and the role of CoM in this pathway. These studies provide the structural basis for understanding the efficacy of CoM as a handle to direct organic substrate transformations at the active sites of enzymes.
Contiguous conventional and plexiform schwannomas. Report of two cases.

✓The authors present clinical, imaging, and histological features of two adult patients found to harbor a conventional schwannoma contiguous with a deep plexiform schwannoma. One patient had neurofibromatosis (NF) Type 2 (NF2), and both intracranial (bilateral oculomotor, trigeminal, acoustic, and hypoglossal schwannomas as well as meningiomas) and intraspinal (schwannomas and meningiomas) lesions. The proximal forearm lesions consisted of a conventional schwannoma and an underlying plexiform component. The second patient, who did not have NF2, presented with a similar enlarging mass in the distal arm; two contiguous lesions were resected. Both patients exhibited distinct, readily identifiable, magnetic resonance imaging features. Plexiform schwannomas are rare lesions that occur sporadically or, on occasion, in association with NF2 or meningiomas with or without multiple schwannomas. The authors believe that a more careful examination of patients with NF2 may show that these people have a higher incidenc...
Line search-based inverse lithography technique for mask design

As feature size is much smaller than the wavelength of illumination source of lithography equipments, resolution enhancement technology (RET) has been increasingly relied upon to minimize image distortions. In advanced process nodes, pixelated mask becomes essential for RET to achieve an acceptable resolution. In this paper, we investigate the problem of pixelated binary mask design in a partially coherent imaging system. Similar to previous approaches, the mask design problem is formulated as a nonlinear program and is solved by gradient-based search. Our contributions are four novel techniques to achieve significantly better image quality. First, to transform the original bound-constrained formulation to an unconstrained optimization problem, we propose a new noncyclic transformation of mask variables to replace the wellknown cyclic one. As our transformation is monotonic, it enables a better control in flipping pixels. Second, based on this new transformation, we propose a highly efficient line search-based heuristic technique to solve the resulting unconstrained optimization. Third, to simplify the optimization, instead of using discretization regularization penalty technique, we directly round the optimized gray mask into binary mask for pattern error evaluation. Forth, we introduce a jump technique in order to jump out of local minimum and continue the search.
Philosophy for Social Inquiry

NOBODY TODAY DENIES the utility of the social sciences. If one were inclined to do so, the military expenditures of the federal government on social inquiry would silence him at once. Yet the pick-up in "business" occasioned by the war in Korea and the general threat it entails, serves only to put off a pervasive restlessness or uneasiness among the more thoughtful inquirers within the ranks. The concrete difficulties which make for the underlying uncertainties about social inquiry are easy to discern. In the first place the rapidly expanded activities of social science during the great depression and the second world war bore practically no fruit in the way of sound theoretical progress. Secondly, although we may claim to have won some very important practical techniques for controlling economic conditions within very narrow limiting conditions, research activities since the war have apparently accomplished nothing in the way of removing the basic social difficulties which lead to war, not to mention other increasing social tensions. It looks as though the more social problems we "'solve" the more difficult it becomes to reach real solutions. Even those who profess loudly a complete separation between theory and practice can hardly fail to be concerned about the situation, although they may loudly profess that it is merely a practical concern to keep "pure" social science alive. Indeed, a cynical theorist might find a superficial parallel between this development in the social area and an apparently corresponding development in the physical sciences. He might argue, for example, that the progress of physics has resulted in both a multiplication of new problems and an increasing difficulty in answering basic physical questions. For the sake of examining this apparent parallel between social and physical inquiry let us suppose for the moment that the claim about the physical sciences is legitimate. Even so, and even supposing a complete separation of theory, yet the parallel breaks down. For as physical science develops there is no corresponding difficulty in solving the practical physical problems-that is, technological problems-which arise. The progress of the physical sciences is doubtless a factor in the general breakdown
Timing of cyber conflict

Nations are accumulating cyber resources in the form of stockpiles of zero-day exploits as well as other novel methods of engaging in future cyber conflict against selected targets. This paper analyzes the optimal timing for the use of such cyber resources. A simple mathematical model is offered to clarify how the timing of such a choice can depend on the stakes involved in the present situation, as well as the characteristics of the resource for exploitation. The model deals with the question of when the resource should be used given that its use today may well prevent it from being available for use later. The analysis provides concepts, theory, applications, and distinctions to promote the understanding strategy aspects of cyber conflict. Case studies include the Stuxnet attack on Iran’s nuclear program, the Iranian cyber attack on the energy firm Saudi Aramco, the persistent cyber espionage carried out by the Chinese military, and an analogous case of economic coercion by China in a dispute with Japan. The effects of the rapidly expanding market for zero-day exploits are also analyzed. The goal of the paper is to promote the understanding of this domain of cyber conflict to mitigate the harm it can do, and harness the capabilities it can provide.
NO news is no new news

In the paper ‘NO News’, Preston et al. (2004) make a number of erroneous assumptions regarding nitrogen oxide chemistry. These authors also present some very significant misinterpretations of previous research into the effects of various nitrogen oxides on germination of post-fire followers. Methodological differences between the study by Preston et al. (2004) and previous work are also problematic, such as using NO-donors in solution versus the use of direct application of various nitrogen oxides in the gaseous phase. A closer review of these studies, with the proper understanding of nitrogen oxide chemistry, and interpretations of the available literature, would lead to the conclusion that, contrary to the authors’ assertions, the Preston et al. (2004) study supports, rather than refutes, earlier findings by Keeley and Fotheringham (1997, 1998a, b, 2000).
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The effect of tibial tunnel placement on range of motion.

In 111 patients who had anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, postoperative radiographic measure ments of anterior to posterior and medial to lateral location of the tibial tunnels were correlated with the final range of motion achieved. In the 25 patients with extension deficits of 10° or more, placement of the tibial tunnel was more anterior (average, anterior 23% of the tibia) than in the remaining 86 patients with extension deficits of <10° (average, anterior 29% of tibia). This difference was statistically significant with P < 0.001. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the more anterior the placement of the tibial tunnel, the greater the loss of both flexion (P = 0.01) and extension (P = 0.002). In the 21 patients with full extension but flexion <130°, placement of the tibial tunnel tended to be more medial (average, medial 40% of the tibia) than in the 65 patients without flexion deficit (average, medial 45% of the tibia). We conclude that placement of the tibial tunnel in the "eccentri...
Methylation by a Unique α-class N4-Cytosine Methyltransferase Is Required for DNA Transformation of Caldicellulosiruptor bescii DSM6725

Thermophilic microorganisms capable of using complex substrates offer special advantages for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels and bioproducts. Members of the Gram-positive bacterial genus Caldicellulosiruptor are anaerobic thermophiles with optimum growth temperatures between 65°C and 78°C and are the most thermophilic cellulolytic organisms known. In fact, they efficiently use biomass non-pretreated as their sole carbon source and in successive rounds of application digest 70% of total switchgrass substrate. The ability to genetically manipulate these organisms is a prerequisite to engineering them for use in conversion of these complex substrates to products of interest as well as identifying gene products critical for their ability to utilize non-pretreated biomass. Here, we report the first example of DNA transformation of a member of this genus, C. bescii. We show that restriction of DNA is a major barrier to transformation (in this case apparently absolute) and that methylation with an endogenous unique α-class N4-Cytosine methyltransferase is required for transformation of DNA isolated from E. coli. The use of modified DNA leads to the development of an efficient and reproducible method for DNA transformation and the combined frequencies of transformation and recombination allow marker replacement between non-replicating plasmids and chromosomal genes providing the basis for rapid and efficient methods of genetic manipulation.
A Threshold Inventory Rationing Policy for Service-Differentiated Demand Classes

Motivated by a study of the logistics systems used to manage consumable service parts for the U.S. military, we consider a static threshold-based rationing policy that is useful when pooling inventory across two demand classes characterized by different arrival rates and shortage (stockout and delay) costs. The scheme operates as a ( Q, r) policy with the following feature. Demands from both classes are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis as long as on-hand inventory lies above a threshold levelK. Once on-hand inventory falls below this level, low-priority (i.e., low shortage cost) demand is backordered while high-priority demand continues to be filled. We analyze this static policy first under the assumption that backorders are filled according to a special threshold clearing mechanism. Structural results for the key performance measures are established to enable an efficient solution algorithm for computing stock control and rationing parameters (i.e.,Q, r, andK). Numerical results confirm that the solution under this special threshold clearing mechanism closely approximates that of the priority clearing policy. We next highlight conditions where our policy offers significant savings over traditional "round-up" and "separate stock" policies encountered in the military and elsewhere. Finally, we develop a lower bound on the cost of the optimal rationing policy. Numerical results show that the performance gap between our static threshold policy and the optimal policy is small in environments typical of the military and high-technology industries.
Deep Inelastic Scaling in Nuclear and Particle Physics

These lectures are intended to be a pedagogical introduction to some of the ideas and concepts concerning scaling phenomena which arise in nuclear and particle physics. The level will be fairly modest and is aimed at the graduate student who has some familiarity with Feynman diagrams and the rudiments of quantum field theory. In actual fact, the first two-thirds of these lectures really only requires a standard background in non-relativistic quantum mechanics.
Applications of Nonstandard Analysis in Additive Number Theory

This paper reports recent progress in applying nonstandard analysis to additive number theory, especially to problems involving upper Banach density.
The topology at infinity of Coxeter groups and buildings

The connectivity at infinity of a finitely generated Coxeter group W is completely determined by topological properties of its nerve L (a finite simplicial complex). For example, W is simply connected at infinity if and only if L and the subcomplexes \( L-\sigma \) (where \( \sigma \) ranges over all simplices in L) are simply connected. This characterization extends to locally finite buildings.
Carbon Dioxide Preservation of Fresh Poultry

Abstract THE use of carbon dioxide as a preservative for fresh poultry was advocated as early as 1934. Smith (1934) flowed carbon dioxide into an airtight room containing non-eviscerated birds and found that at least 70% carbon dioxide was needed to hold down bacterial counts for four months at a temperature of 30°F. Smith concluded that better results were obtained in air, because evidence of green decomposition appeared on birds in carbon dioxide after eight weeks. Lea (1934) concluded that although carbon dioxide practically eliminated mold and bacterial spoilage on chickens held at 0°C., autolysis of the tissues by enzymes prevented any great extension of storage life. Eviscerated poultry held in atmospheres containing more than 20% carbon dioxide lost its bloom and had yellow skin according to Ogilvy and Ayres (1951). Storage life under atmospheric conditions, at 32°F., was 15 days. The storage period was extended to 25 days when 10% . . .
Consequences of declining snow accumulation for water balance of mid‐latitude dry regions

Widespread documentation of positive winter temperature anomalies, declining snowpack and earlier snow melt in the Northern Hemisphere have raised concerns about the consequences for regional water resources as well as wildfire. A topic that has not been addressed with respect to declining snowpack is effects on ecosystem water balance. Changes in water balance dynamics will be particularly pronounced at low elevations of mid-latitude dry regions because these areas will be the first to be affected by declining snow as a result of rising temperatures. As a model system, we used simulation experiments to investigate big sagebrush ecosystems that dominate a large fraction of the semiarid western United States. Our results suggest that effects on future ecosystem water balance will increase along a climatic gradient from dry, warm and snow-poor to wet, cold and snow-rich. Beyond a threshold within this climatic gradient, predicted consequences for vegetation switched from no change to increasing transpiration. Responses were sensitive to uncertainties in climatic prediction; particularly, a shift of precipitation to the colder season could reduce impacts of a warmer and snow-poorer future, depending on the degree to which ecosystem phenology tracks precipitation changes. Our results suggest that big sagebrush and other similar semiarid ecosystems could decrease in viability or disappear in dry to medium areas and likely increase only in the snow-richest areas, i.e. higher elevations and higher latitudes. Unlike cold locations at high elevations or in the arctic, ecosystems at low elevations respond in a different and complex way to future conditions because of opposing effects of increasing waterlimitation and a longer snow-free season. Outcomes of such nonlinear interactions for future ecosystems will likely include changes in plant composition and productivity, dynamics of water balance, and availability of water resources.
Propagation of space-charge waves in diodes and drift spaces

It has generally been found that propagation of space-charge waves may be described 1) in space-charge-limited gaps by Gauss' hypergeometric functions, 2) in gaps with no space charge but with an accelerating homogeneous field by Bessel functions with real argument; and 3) in spaces free of dc fields by simple trigonometric functions. The equations derived become simpler through the selection of the dc velocity u, rather than the time t, as the independent variable.
The Genetic Basis of Diabetes Mellitus

Familial risk, pathogenesis, clinical onset, and treatment of diabetes mellitus vary according to etiology. Although Type 2 diabetes has a higher familial risk, more is known about the genetics of Type 1 diabetes. Genes contributing 60% to 65% of susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes mellitus are known. Type 1 diabetes is associated with susceptibility genes in the HLA region on chromosome 6p21 and the insulin gene on chromosome 11p15, and at least eight additional susceptibility genes are under investigation. Islet cytoplasmic antibodies provide humoral evidence of Type 1 diabetes risk. Only 10% of the genes contributing susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes mellitus are known, and they are primarily associated with uncommon subtypes of the disorder. The insulin receptor gene on chromosome 19p13 and at least five glucose transporter genes contribute to Type 2 diabetes susceptibility, and further associations may emerge from study of the glycogen synthase gene, the glucokinase gene, the MODY genes, and the leptin gene. Diabetes comorbidities may result from genetic and environmental susceptibilities independently or in combination.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 Induces Neointima Formation Through Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1–Dependent Pathways

Objective— The mechanisms through which transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 promotes intimal growth, and the pathways through which TGF-β1 expression is regulated in the artery wall, are incompletely understood. We used a mouse model to investigate mechanisms of TGF-β1–induced intimal growth. Methods and Results— Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of TGF-β1 in uninjured carotid arteries of wild-type mice induced formation of a cellular and matrix-rich intima. Intimal growth appeared primarily due to cell migration and matrix accumulation, with only a negligible contribution from cell proliferation. Overexpression of TGF-β1 also stimulated expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor [PAI]-1) in the artery wall. To test the hypothesis that PAI-1 is a critical downstream mediator of TGF-β1–induced intimal growth, we transduced carotid arteries of PAI-1–deficient ( Serpine1 −/−) mice with the TGF-β1–expressing vector. Overexpression of TGF-β1 in Serpine1 −/− arteries did not increase intimal growth, matrix accumulation, cell migration, or proliferation. Moreover, TGF-β1–transduced arteries of Serpine1 −/− mice secreted 6- to 10-fold more TGF-β1 than did arteries of wild-type mice that were infused with the same concentration of the TGF-β1–expressing vector. Conclusions— PAI-1 is both a critical mediator of TGF-β1–induced intimal growth and a key negative regulator of TGF-β1 expression in the artery wall.
Segmental Mobility of Polyolefin Melts

Processes on different length scales affect the dynamics of chain molecules. Small-scale effects determine the mobility of individual chain segments and, with it, much of the temperature and density dependence of the transport properties of polymers. They are conveniently described by a local friction coefficient, which is inversely proportional to the probability for segmental motion. In this work, an exact enumeration scheme for the simulation of interactions and relative motion of two short chain sections on a lattice is combined with an equation of state to predict the variation of the friction coefficient with temperature, pressure, and small-scale chain structure. The method is applied here to polyolefins, i.e., hydrocarbon chains that differ mostly in small-scale architecture, and the theoretical results are compared with experimental data. For temperatures well above the glass transition temperature, the approach gives a good qualitative representation of the variation of the friction coefficient with chain structure and temperature. Furthermore, there is excellent agreement between calculated and experimental pressure variation of the viscosity at low to moderate pressures. A first estimate of the effects of chain flexibility on segmental mobility is also included.
Potential donor rotational bone grafts using vascular territories in the foot and ankle.

Background: An improved understanding of the extraosseous and intraosseous blood supply of the distal aspect of the tibia, distal aspect of the fibula, cuboid, and cuneiforms should identify vascular territories that would enable surgeons to perform rotational vascularized pedicle bone-grafting procedures in the foot and ankle. Methods: We investigated the blood supply of twenty cadaveric lower extremities using two vascular injection techniques. In order to define the extraosseous and intraosseous arterial anatomy in this region, ten specimens were sequentially subjected to injection with Batson's compound, soft-tissue digestion, and bone-clearing according to a modified Spalteholz technique. To further characterize the extraosseous vascular anatomy, the other ten specimens were injected with latex and dissected. Results: We identified a consistent and previously unnamed blood supply to the distal aspect of the tibia, distal aspect of the fibula, cuboid, and cuneiforms. Four vessels, each present in all of our specimens, provided distinct vascular territories to bone. A branch of the proximal lateral tarsal artery supplied a consistent vascular territory in the cuboid with an average of fifteen nutrient vessels. Similarly, a branch of the distal medial tarsal artery to the first cuneiform supplied an average of nine nutrient vessels superior to the tibialis anterior tendon insertion. A branch of the anterior lateral malleolar artery to the fibula supplied an average of seven nutrient vessels to the lateral malleolus. A branch of the distal lateral tarsal artery provided the midsection of the third cuneiform with an average of seven nutrient vessels. In the latex-injected specimens, harvesting of the vascularized pedicle bone grafts designed from these data demonstrated their anatomic plausibility and arcs of rotation. Conclusions: Four new rotational vascularized pedicle bone grafts have been identified in the foot and ankle. These grafts were present in all of our specimens, were well vascularized, had wide arcs of rotation, and were relatively easy to harvest. Clinical Relevance: These new rotational vascularized pedicle bone grafts should enhance the ability of the surgeon to treat a variety of problems in the foot and ankle.
It Matters a Hole Lot Perceptual Affordances of Waste Containers Influence Recycling Compliance

This article examines whether specialized lids on waste receptacles affect recycling compliance in public settings. Thirty waste receptacles were assigned to a lids-present and lids-absent condition, and the number of recyclable items found in recycling and waste bins served as the dependent measure. Results indicated the presence of specialized recycling container lids increased the beverage-recycling rate by 34%, which suggests that perceptual affordances of specialized container lids improve recycling compliance. Possible underlying mechanisms and implications for institutions seeking to promote recycling as an environmentally responsible behavior are discussed.
Processing of Yield Map Data

Yield maps reflect systematic and random sources of yield variation as well as numerous errors caused by the harvest and mapping procedures used. A general framework for processing of multi-year yield map data was developed. Steps included (1) raw data screening, (2) standardization, (3) interpolation, (4) classification of multi-year yield maps, (5) post-classification spatial filtering to create spatially contiguous yield classes, and (6) statistical evaluation of classification results. The techniques developed allow more objective mapping of yield zones, which are an important data layer in algorithms for prescribing variable rates of production inputs.
Lead Zirconate-Lead Titanate (PZT) Ceramics From Organic-Derived Precursors

Organic-derived precursors can facilitate the preparation of PZT ceramics, particularly in the areas of processing and batch reproducibility. The use of partially alkoxide-derived precursors and completely organic-derived precursors has been studied. Two methods of alkoxide hydrolysis were evaluated for preparing zirconia which included direct hydrolysis in water and hydrolysis of alkoxide-base reaction products in acetone-H2O mixtures. The chemistry of these methods is discussed along with pertinent aqueous surface chemistry of the hydrated zirconia products. This work suggests that alkoxide-derived precursor properties are related to the solution chemistry used in their preparation.
Vector vs. superscalar and VLIW architectures for embedded multimedia benchmarks

Multimedia processing on embedded devices requires an architecture that leads to high performance, low power consumption, reduced design complexity, and small code size. In this paper, we use EEMBC, an industrial benchmark suite, to compare the VIRAM vector architecture to superscalar and VLIW processors for embedded multimedia applications. The comparison covers the VIRAM instruction set, vectorizing compiler and the prototype chip that integrates a vector processor with DRAM main memory. We demonstrate that executable code for VIRAM is up to 10 times smaller than VLIW code and comparable to /spl times/86 CISC code. The simple, cache-less VIRAM chip is 2 times faster than a 4-way superscalar RISC processor that uses a 5 times faster clock frequency and consumes 10 times more power VIRAM is also 10 times faster than cache-based VLIW processors. Even after manual optimization of the VLIW code and insertion of SIMD and DSP instructions, the single-issue VIRAM processor is 60% faster than 5-way to 8-way VLIW designs.
Harnessing Genetic Variation in Leaf Angle to Increase Productivity of Sorghum bicolor

The efficiency with which a plant intercepts solar radiation is determined primarily by its architecture. Understanding the genetic regulation of plant architecture and how changes in architecture affect performance can be used to improve plant productivity. Leaf inclination angle, the angle at which a leaf emerges with respect to the stem, is a feature of plant architecture that influences how a plant canopy intercepts solar radiation. Here we identify extensive genetic variation for leaf inclination angle in the crop plant Sorghum bicolor, a C4 grass species used for the production of grain, forage, and bioenergy. Multiple genetic loci that regulate leaf inclination angle were identified in recombinant inbred line populations of grain and bioenergy sorghum. Alleles of sorghum dwarf-3, a gene encoding a P-glycoprotein involved in polar auxin transport, are shown to change leaf inclination angle by up to 34° (0.59 rad). The impact of heritable variation in leaf inclination angle on light interception in sorghum canopies was assessed using functional-structural plant models and field experiments. Smaller leaf inclination angles caused solar radiation to penetrate deeper into the canopy, and the resulting redistribution of light is predicted to increase the biomass yield potential of bioenergy sorghum by at least 3%. These results show that sorghum leaf angle is a heritable trait regulated by multiple loci and that genetic variation in leaf angle can be used to modify plant architecture to improve sorghum crop performance.
Recovering Homelands, Governance, and Lifeways: Book Review of Blood Struggle: The Rise of Modern Indian Nations by Charles Wilkinson

When scholars write about Indians and property, they often focus on property losses. This scholarship is, of course, inspired by the staggering dispossession of Indian lands. Between 1492 and 1960, tribes lost most of North America to white settlers and their governments. Charles Wilkinson's new book, Blood Struggle: The Rise of Modern Indian Nations, notes, however, that since the 1960s, American Indian tribes have acquired about 7.5 million acres of land - an area measuring "one and a half times the size of Massachusetts." This figure represents an increase of fifteen percent over 1960s figures, and takes the total Indian land base in the lower forty-eight states to fifty-eight million acres. These figures represent a dramatic turn of events, given both the overwhelming history of Indian land loss and importance of a growing land base to contemporary tribal governance, socio-economics, and culture. While the story of how tribes are reclaiming their property is a dramatic one, it is just one of many tribal sovereignty success stories recounted in Wilkinson's latest book. Indeed, the most immediately striking thing about Blood Struggle is that, in an era when many Indian law scholars lament tribes' overwhelming losses before the United States Supreme Court, Wilkinson is positive about, even uplifted by, the state of Indian law and policy. Blood Struggle's optimism seems to come from its focus on the human stories underlying the law and policy. While Wilkinson acknowledges the institutional power of the federal government, he credits Indian people and their modern sovereignty movement as a collective force in their own right. On their own initiative, tribes have significantly restored their land bases, cultures, economies, and governing institutions. Challenges remain, such as the Supreme Court's ongoing reluctance to recognize the foundational principles or realities of Indian law, but Blood Struggle suggests that the tribal sovereignty movement will ultimately prevail.
Experimental observation of the asymmetric instability of intermediate-reduced-volume vesicles in extensional flow

Vesicles provide an attractive model system to understand the deformation of living cells in response to mechanical forces. These simple, enclosed lipid bilayer membranes are suitable for complementary theoretical, numerical, and experimental analysis. A recent study [Narsimhan, Spann, Shaqfeh, J. Fluid Mech., 2014, 750, 144] predicted that intermediate-aspect-ratio vesicles extend asymmetrically in extensional flow. Upon infinitesimal perturbation to the vesicle shape, the vesicle stretches into an asymmetric dumbbell with a cylindrical thread separating the two ends. While the symmetric stretching of high-aspect-ratio vesicles in extensional flow has been observed and characterized [Kantsler, Segre, Steinberg, Phys. Rev. Lett., 2008, 101, 048101] as well as recapitulated in numerical simulations by Narsimhan et al., experimental observation of the asymmetric stretching has not been reported. In this work, we present results from microfluidic cross-slot experiments observing this instability, along with careful characterization of the flow field, vesicle shape, and vesicle bending modulus. The onset of this shape transition depends on two non-dimensional parameters: reduced volume (a measure of vesicle asphericity) and capillary number (ratio of viscous to bending forces). We observed that every intermediate-reduced-volume vesicle that extends forms a dumbbell shape that is indeed asymmetric. For the subset of the intermediate-reduced-volume regime we could capture experimentally, we present an experimental phase diagram for asymmetric vesicle stretching that is consistent with the predictions of Narsimhan et al.
Osteopontin inhibits nitric oxide production and cytotoxicity by activated RAW264.7 macrophages

Osteopontin (OPN), a secreted acidic phosphoglycoprotein found in many tissues and body fluids, is produced in increased amounts in response to certain infections and after malignant transformation. In this study we examined the action of OPN on macrophage cytotoxicity and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. A human OPN cDNA was cloned into the bacteriophage T7-based vector, pET8C, and the encoded protein purified from an induced culture of Escherichia coli carrying the plasmid. Recombinant OPN inhibited NO production by macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide plus interferon-gamma. OPN also inhibited the cytolytic activity of the activated macrophages toward NO-sensitive P815 mastocytoma cells, an action that was blocked by the NO synthase inhibitor, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. Inhibition of NO production correlated with an OPN-dependent decrease in the abundance of inducible NO synthase mRNA. The shape of the dose-response curve, with a maximal effect over a narrow range of OPN concentrations, suggested a complex interaction of OPN with cell surface receptors. Our data support the hypothesis that tumor-cell-derived OPN functions to protect the tumor cells from macrophage-mediated destruction.