cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cross-site learning in deep learning RGB tree crown detection

Abstract Tree crown detection is a fundamental task in remote sensing for forestry and ecosystem ecology. While many individual tree segmentation algorithms have been proposed, the development and testing of these algorithms is typically site specific, with few methods evaluated against data from multiple forest types simultaneously. This makes it difficult to determine the generalization of proposed approaches, and limits tree detection at broad scales. Using data from the National Ecological Observatory Network, we extend a recently developed deep learning approach to include data from a range of forest types to determine whether information from one forest can be used for tree detection in other forests, and explore the potential for building a universal tree detection algorithm. We find that the deep learning approach works well for overstory tree detection across forest conditions. Performance was best in open oak woodlands and worst in alpine forests. When models were fit to one forest type and used to predict another, performance generally decreased, with better performance when forests were more similar in structure. However, when models were pretrained on data from other sites and then fine-tuned using a relatively small amount of hand-labeled data from the evaluation site, they performed similarly to local site models. Most importantly, a model fit to data from all sites performed as well or better than individual models trained for each local site.
Microbial activities are dependent on background conditions

Taking the case of H. pylori and ulcer, Lynch et al., demonstrate how framing Koch’s postulate by an interventionist account clarifies the latter’s explanatory strength in proportionality with the weaknesses in specificity and stability due to the influence of background conditions. They suggest this approach as an efficient way to bypass the enigma of background conditions and microbial activity in the microbiome’s causal relations. However, it is the background conditions and the microbial interactions in the stomach that determine whether the presence of H. pylori results in an ulcer. I agree with their analysis of the problems and challenges with the microbiome causal explanation but argue that their suggested framework is insufficient without a proper understanding and inclusion of the background conditions and microbial interactions. The reductionist approach fits well within the model of causal explanation that centers on one causal entity. However, such a model is weak in specificity and is too broad because it does not address the factors of microbial activity and background conditions. I argue that for a better causal explanation with explanatory strength in specificity, it is essential to include the background conditions and microbial interactions. Furthermore, I argue that this inclusion changes the framework of the causal relations from looking for the causal entity to looking at the causal process.
Trends in prevalence and spatiotemporal distribution of gastroschisis in Arkansas, 1998-2015.

BACKGROUND Arkansas (AR) had the highest prevalence of gastroschisis in a recent study including 15 U.S. states. Our objective was to evaluate trends in prevalence and the spatiotemporal distribution of gastroschisis in AR. METHODS Infants with gastroschisis, born 1998-2015, were identified from the Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System. Birth record data were used as denominators for calculations. Maternal residence at delivery was geocoded for spatial analyses. Annual prevalence rates (PRs) were calculated. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to examine trends in gastroschisis and report the annual percent changes (APCs) in PRs. Spatiotemporal analyses identified counties with unusually high PRs of gastroschisis. Poisson regression, including county, year, and county*year indicators, was fit to evaluate the PRs of gastroschisis, while adjusting for county-level maternal variables. RESULTS We identified 401 cases of gastroschisis among 694,459 live births. The overall PR of gastroschisis was 5.8/10,000 live births. The prevalence of gastroschisis had a significant APC of +5.3% (p < .0001) between 1998 and 2012, followed by a nonsignificant yearly average decrease of -17% through 2015 (p = 0.2). The Emerging Hot Spot Analysis and SaTScan identified an overlapping five-county cluster from 2006 to 2013. Poisson regression model, including county (inside vs. outside cluster), time (before vs. after 2006), and county*time indicators, was fit to evaluate the PRs of gastroschisis. The model did not confirm the presence of a spatiotemporal cluster, once it adjusted for county-level maternal characteristics (p = .549). CONCLUSION Close monitoring of rates of gastroschisis is warranted to determine if the PRs of gastroschisis continue to decline in AR.
High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Pediatric Critical Asthma.

BACKGROUND: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been used in the treatment of pediatric asthma, although high-quality data comparing HFNC to aerosol mask nebulizer are lacking. We hypothesized that HFNC would perform similarly to the aerosol mask for meaningful clinical outcomes in children with critical asthma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children with critical asthma (age 2–17 y) with a modified pulmonary index score (MPIS) ≥ 8 admitted to our pediatric ICU as part of a quality improvement project. Patients were managed with our MPIS-based, respiratory therapist-driven protocol. Subjects were divided into 2 cohorts by initial respiratory support: HFNC or aerosol mask. Data included demographics, initial respiratory support, and MPIS over time. Primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcome was difference in MPIS over time. RESULTS: We included 171 subjects, with 104 in the HFNC group and 67 in the aerosol mask group. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was lower in the HFNC group (5 [IQR 4–9] vs 7 [IQR 5–10] y, P = .006)], while other demographic characteristics were similar. Initial MPIS was similar between HFNC and aerosol mask groups (11 [IQR 9–12] vs 10 [IQR 9–12], P = .15). There were no significant differences for hospital LOS (2.9 [IQR 2.1–3.9] vs 3.0 [IQR 2.3–4.4] d, P = .47), pediatric ICU LOS (1.9 [IQR 1.4–2.8] vs 1.8 [IQR 1.5–3.0] d, P = .92), or time to MPIS CONCLUSIONS: HFNC performed similarly to aerosol mask in pediatric patients with critical asthma.
Usefulness of Semisupervised Machine-Learning-Based Phenogrouping to Improve Risk Assessment for Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Semisupervised machine-learning methods are able to learn from fewer labeled patient data. We illustrate the potential use of a semisupervised automated machine-learning (AutoML) pipeline for phenotyping patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation and identifying patient groups with similar clinical outcome. Using the Transcatheter Valve Therapy registry data, we divided 344 patients into 2 sequential cohorts (cohort 1, n = 211, cohort 2, n = 143). We investigated patient similarity analysis to identify unique phenogroups of patients in the first cohort. We subsequently applied the semisupervised AutoML to the second cohort for developing automatic phenogroup labels. The patient similarity network identified 5 patient phenogroups with substantial variations in clinical comorbidities and in-hospital and 30-day outcomes. Cumulative assessment of patients from both cohorts revealed lowest rates of procedural complications in Group 1. In comparison, Group 5 was associated with higher rates of in-hospital cardiovascular mortality (odds ratio [OR] 35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4 to 309, p = 0.001), in-hospital all-cause mortality (OR 9, 95% CI 2 to 33, p = 0.002), 30-day cardiovascular mortality (OR 18, 95% CI 3 to 94, p
Feedforward and feedback control of locked mode phase and rotation in DIII-D with application to modulated ECCD experiments

The toroidal phase and rotation of otherwise locked magnetic islands of toroidal mode number n = 1 are controlled in the DIII-D tokamak by means of applied magnetic perturbations of n = 1. Pre-emptive perturbations were applied in feedforward to 'catch' the mode as it slowed down and entrain it to the rotating field before complete locking, thus avoiding the associated major confinement degradation. Additionally, for the first time, the phase of the perturbation was optimized in real-time, in feedback with magnetic measurements, in order for the mode's phase to closely match a prescribed phase, as a function of time. Experimental results confirm the capability to hold the mode in a given fixed-phase or to rotate it at up to 20 Hz with good uniformity. The control-coil currents utilized in the experiments agree with the requirements estimated by an electromechanical model. Moreover, controlled rotation at 20 Hz was combined with electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) modulated at the same frequency. This is simpler than regulating the ECCD modulation in feedback with spontaneous mode rotation, and enables repetitive, reproducible ECCD deposition at or near the island O-point, X-point and locations in between, for careful studies of how this affects the island stability. Current drive was found to be radially misaligned relative to the island, and resulting growth and shrinkage of islands matched expectations of the modified Rutherford equation for some discharges presented here. Finally, simulations predict the as designed ITER 3D coils can entrain a small island at sub-10 Hz frequencies.
4D flow MRI left atrial kinetic energy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is associated with mitral regurgitation and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction

To noninvasively assess left atrial (LA) kinetic energy (KE) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients using 4D flow MRI and evaluate coupling associations with mitral regurgitation (MR) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Twenty-nine retrospectively identified patients with HCM underwent 4D flow MRI. MRI-estimated peak LVOT pressure gradient (∆PMRI) was used to classify patients into non-obstructive and obstructive HCM. Time-resolved volumetric LA kinetic energy (KELA) was computed throughout systole. Average systolic (KELA-avg) and peak systolic (KELA-peak) KELA were compared between non-obstructive and obstructive HCM groups, and associations to MR severity and LVOT ∆PMRI were tested.The study included 15 patients with non-obstructive HCM (58.6 [45.9, 65.2] years, 7 females) and 14 patients with obstructive HCM (51.9 [47.6, 62.6] years, 6 females). Obstructive HCM patients demonstrated significantly elevated instantaneous KELA over all systolic time-points compared to non-obstructive HCM (P < 0.05). Obstructive HCM patients also demonstrated higher KELA-avg (14.8 [10.6, 20.4] J/m3 vs. 33.4 [23.9, 61.3] J/m3, P < 0.001) and KELA-peak (22.1 [15.9, 28.7] J/m3 vs. 57.2 [44.5, 121.4] J/m3, P < 0.001) than non-obstructive HCM. MR severity was significantly correlated with KELA-avg (rho = 0.81, P < 0.001) and KELA-peak (rho = 0.79, P < 0.001). LVOT ∆PMRI was strongly correlated with KELA metrics in obstructive HCM (KELA-avg: rho = 0.86, P < 0.001; KELA-peak: rho = 0.85, P < 0.001).In HCM patients, left atrial kinetic energy, by 4D flow MRI, is associated with MR severity and the degree of LVOT obstruction.
Understanding Analytics Needs of Video Game Streamers

Live streaming is a rapidly growing industry, with millions of content creators using platforms like Twitch to share games, art, and other activities. However, with this rise in popularity, most streamers often fail to attract viewers and grow their platforms. Analytic tools—which have shown success in other business and learning contexts—may be one potential solution, but their use in streaming settings remains unexplored. In this study, we focused on game streaming and interviewed 18 game streamers on Twitch and Mixer about their information needs and current use of tools, supplemented by explorations into their Discord communities. We find that streamers have a range of content, marketing, and community information needs, many of which are not being met by available tools. We conclude with design implications for developing more streamer-centered analytics for video game streamers.
Ethics of split liver transplantation: should a large liver always be split if medically safe?

Split liver transplantation (SLT) provides an opportunity to divide a donor liver, offering transplants to two small patients (one or both could be a child) rather than keeping it whole and providing a transplant to a single larger adult patient. In this article, we attempt to address the following question that is identified by the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network and United Network for Organ Sharing: ‘Should a large liver always be split if medically safe?’ This article aims to defend an answer—‘not always’—and clarify under what circumstances SLT is ethically desirable. Our answer will show why a more dynamic approach is needed to the ethics of SLT. First, we discuss a case that does not need a dynamic approach. Then, we explain what is meant by a dynamic approach and why it is needed.
Improving the quality of care for people with giant cell arteritis

ABSTRACT Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis with numerous potential complications and societal costs. After the publication of international guidelines, we found a number of deficiencies in the local care pathway of patients suspected to have GCA. These included poor referral and management pathways, and absence of dedicated monitoring and follow-up. In this paper, we describe a 10-year transformation which led to our service being nominated for a national award. A comprehensive consensus pathway saw referral numbers rise from 19 to 135 from 2012 to 2019. A consensus management pathway has meant that patients are assessed within 2 days of referral and glucocorticoids started at point of referral. All patients with suspected GCA are clerked and managed according to this agreed pathway which is available on the hospital intranet. The introduction of diagnostic ultrasonography has meant that the need for biopsies has dropped by >80% reducing the annual cost of diagnostics by >£140,000. The introduction of a vasculitis specialist nurse has resulted in improving education, contact and speed of access to our service. The improvements in the service resulted in our service becoming a finalist in the Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Patient Care Award in 2020.
A multiscale microstructural characterization of SiO2-Al2O3 foams

Abstract Recent advances in engineering of porous ceramics have enabled the ability to fabricate silica-alumina foams (SAF) with controllable porosity. In an earlier investigation ( doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2020.01.042 ), we examined the thermophysical properties, as well as the efficacy of Na-activated SAF foams for thermal insulation applications. As an important follow-up, in this work, we focus on microstructural characterization of SAF foams and provide fundamental insights into the chemical and structural features that underlie SAF foams. In this regard, we carry out X-ray micro computed tomography (μCT), in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. μCT images clearly show the closed cell nature of the foams; in addition, the ratio of average pore-size to average strut thickness decrease with increasing mass density of the foams. An analysis of SEM images demonstrates that the compositional and structural features of both the strut walls and the interior walls of the pores are very similar, primarily consisting of inorganic silica and alumina particles. SEM data also indicate that the SAF foams demonstrate a hierarchical pore structure. Further insights obtained from EDX maps, XRD data, and NMR spectra, clearly indicate the presence of a crystalline ‘film’ phase (NaAlSiO4) in close proximity with the inorganic particles. We hypothesize that the observed NaAlSiO4 phase is formed due to the high pH conditions pertaining to the synthesis protocols and serves as a binder phase between constituent silica particles.
Do improvements in upper extremity motor function affect changes in bladder management after cervical spinal cord injury

One of the most important predictors of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) adoption after spinal cord injury (SCI) is upper extremity (UE) motor function at discharge from rehabilitation. It ...
Chapter 10. Agents for the Treatment of Heart Failure

Publisher Summary Drugs used for treating heart failure are primarily the cardiac glycosides and diuretics. The cardiac glycosides are positive inotropic agents— that is, they increase the force of myocardial contraction, although their effect on cardiac rhythm may also be important. Recently, attention is turning to the response of the peripheral vasculature to the failing heart and vasodilators are being increasingly investigated. This chapter reviews such recent developments. Cardiac glycosides are particularly effective in cases where cardiac rhythm is accelerated. Indeed, their use in failure accompanied by normal sinus rhythm is questionable. A complicating factor in the interpretation of the mode of action of the cardiac glycosides in vivo is that they have neuroexcitatory activity. A significant vagomimetic action is demonstrated at therapeutic doses, and this probably accounts for their effectiveness in atrial flutter and fibrillation. In the use of vasodilators, the mode of action is interpreted by considering preload that determines ventricular filling pressure; the inotropic state of the heart, which is the ability to perform work; and after load, which is a measure of arterial impedance to the ejection of blood during systole. In health, stroke volume can be maintained within limits in the face of varying outflow impedance and, therefore, vasodilatation may produce hypotension if cardiac output is not sufficiently augmented by the reflex increase in heart rate. In decompensated heart failure, however, where no cardiac reserve exists, stroke volume bears a much accentuated inverse relationship to output impedance, so that a reduction in peripheral resistance causes an increase in stroke volume.
Construction and characterization of Tn5virB, a transposon that generates nonpolar mutations, and its use to define virB8 as an essential virulence gene in Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Transfer of the T-DNA from the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens into plant cells involves movement of a single-stranded DNA-protein intermediate across several membrane and cell wall barriers. The 11 VirB proteins encoded by the Ti plasmid are hypothesized to form at least part of a membrane-localized T-DNA transport apparatus. Although available genetic and biochemical analyses support this hypothesis, detailed study of this transport apparatus is hindered by the fact that most available mutations in the virB operon are in the form of transposon insertions that have polar effects. In this study we constructed a transposon, Tn5virB, that can be used to generate nonpolar insertions in operons of A. tumefaciens and used it to demonstrate that virB8 is an essential virulence gene.
Site-specific conjugation improves therapeutic index of antibody drug conjugates with high drug loading

Site-specific conjugation improves therapeutic index of antibody drug conjugates with high drug loading
Histamine-releasing activity (HRA). II. Interaction with basophils and physicochemical characterization.

HRA had an apparent m.w. of 10,000 to 15,000 daltons as determined by gel exclusion chromatography. HRA was relatively resistant to the effects of elevated temperature but was destroyed by trypsin and α-chymotrypsin. The effect of trypsin was prevented by soybean trypsin inhibitor. Nucleases and neuraminidase had no effect on HRA.
Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Genotype and Dopamine Regulation in the Human Brain

A functional polymorphism in the gene for catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) has been shown to affect executive cognition and the physiology of the prefrontal cortex in humans, probably by affecting prefrontal dopamine signaling. The COMT valine allele, associated with relatively poor prefrontal function, is also a gene that may increase risk for schizophrenia. Although poor performance on executive cognitive tasks and abnormal prefrontal function are characteristics of schizophrenia, so is psychosis, which has been related to excessive presynaptic dopamine activity in the striatum. Studies in animals have shown that diminished prefrontal dopamine neurotransmission leads to upregulation of striatal dopamine activity. We measured tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA in mesencephalic dopamine neurons in human brain and found that the COMT valine allele is also associated with increased TH gene expression, especially in neuronal populations that project to the striatum. This indicates that COMT genotype is a heritable aspect of dopamine regulation and it further explicates the mechanism by which the COMT valine allele increases susceptibility for psychosis.
Focusing versus diversifying bank mergers: analysis of market reaction and long-term performance ∘

This paper explores the paradox of bank mergers: on average, bank mergers do not create value yet they continue to occur. Using cross-sectional analysis to examine 56 bank mergers between 1991 and 1995, I test several facets of focus and diversification. The study finds that upon announcement the market rewards the mergers of partners that focus their activities and geography. Long-term efficiency, however, is enhanced when the merger involves a relatively inefficient acquirer and payment is not made solely with cash. Long-term stock performance is further enhanced when the surviving firm does not engage in cross-subsidization. The study suggests market participants correctly realize that focusing mergers create value, but investors may need to rethink the facets of focus they value.
Phonon-polariton Based THz Spectroscopy

We demonstrate a THz spectrometer based on grating interferometric measurement of phonon-polariton propagation before and after interaction with a sample. The temperature dependent dielectric response of the relaxor ferroelectric KTN was measured.
Hunting Coreshine with (Warm) Spitzer: From Grain Growth to Planet Formation

“Hunting Coreshine with Spitzer” (P.I. R. Paladini) is the largest (165.5 h) approved Cycle-8 Warm Spitzer Mission proposal in the Galactic science category. The goal of the survey is an unbiased investigation of the coreshine effect, which is thought to provide direct evidence for grain growth in cold, dense environments. The survey has now been fully executed: 90 sources, selected from the Planck Early Cold Cores Catalog, have been observed with IRAC at 3.6 and 4.5 μm using long (i.e. deep) exposures. Here we present the rationale of the survey.
Welfare Reform and Asset Accumulation : Asset Limit Changes, Financial Assets, and Vehicle Ownership

Objective. Over the past decade, federal and state governments have substantially liberalized asset limits in welfare. This article examines whether this policy change promotes asset accumulation among the target population of actual and potential welfare recipients. Methods. Utilizing household data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics as well as state data, this study employs a difference-in-difference approach in order to determine whether state asset limits affect the target population's financial and vehicle asset accumulation. This study develops a new policy measure that considers the time period following the adoption of liberalized asset limits. Results. Analysis results suggest that increased asset limits may have successfully encouraged the target population's asset accumulation. The earlier a state raised its asset limit, the more likely welfare recipients were to accumulate financial assets and to possess bank accounts. Conclusion. It is recommended to liberalize asset eligibility rules to promote long-term economic advancement of poor households.
Changes in monogalactosyl diacylglycerols, alkylgalactolipids and cerebroside fatty acid esters in maturing rat brain measured by high-performance liquid chromatography

A newly developed high-performance liquid chromatography method was used to measure four nonpolar glycolipids in developing rat brain. The accumulation patterns of nonhydroxy- and hydroxycerebroside fatty acid esters were similar to those of myelin cerebrosides. In contrast, both monogalactosyl diacylglycerol and alkylgalactolipids reached maximal levels at the early stages of myelination.
Suelos ideales para agricultura sostenible

To achieve Sustainable Agriculture systems, each soil should satisfy the requirements of the plants according to the climate of the place. That Ideal Soil should be able to sustain physically the crops and, it should also allow them to grow and to accomplish the indispensable vital functions to attain the maximum production levels through the time. This paper describes the functions and associated attributes that must fulfill an ideal soil in the North of the Pampean Region (Argentine). Techniques to measure soil attributes with the critical limits are proposed, and the sensibility of some of them to detect differences between systems and the tendency regarding to the sustainability of several management practices are also analyzed.
Effect of shape factors and material property variations on modeling the response of thermal microactuators

This work addresses the effects of electro-thermal property variations and conductive shape factors on modeling the response of electro-thermal microactuators. A 3D modeling technique that accounts for conductive heat loss is implemented to simulate the actuator steady state and transient response. The deflection response predicted by the model is compared to experiment and simplified modeling techniques that use conductive shape factors. Effect of polysilicon thermophysical property variations on the actuator response is also investigated using the developed model. The results of the simulations show that simplified models with shape factors can be used for actuator simulations for both the steady-state and transient cases.
Decolorization of organic dyes on Pilkington Activ™ photocatalytic glass

Abstract The air–solid photocatalytic degradation of organic dye films Acid Blue 9 (AB9) and Reactive Black 5 (RBk5) is studied on Pilkington Activ™ glass. The Activ™ glass comprises of a colorless TiO2 layer deposited on clear glass. The Activ™ glass is characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Using AFM, the TiO2 average agglomerate particle size is 95 nm, with an apparent TiO2 thickness of 12 nm. The XRD results indicate the anatase phase of TiO2, with a calculated crystallite size of 18 nm. Dyes AB9 and RBk5 are deposited in a liquid film and dried on the Activ™ glass to test for photodecolorization in air, using eight UVA blacklight-blue fluorescent lamps with an average UVA irradiance of 1.4 mW/cm2. A novel horizontal coat method is used for dye deposition, minimizing the amount of solution used while forming a fairly uniform dye layer. About 35–75 monolayers of dye are placed on the Activ™ glass, with a covered area of 7–10 cm2. Dye degradation is observed visually and via UV–vis spectroscopy. The kinetics of photodecolorization satisfactorily fit a two-step series reaction model, indicating that the dye degrades to a single colored intermediate compound before reaching its final colorless product(s). Each reaction step follows a simple irreversible first-order reaction rate form. The average k1 is 0.017 and 0.021 min−1 for AB9 and RBk5, respectively, and the corresponding average k2 is 2.0 × 10−3 and 1.5 × 10−3 min−1. Variable light intensity experiments reveal a p = 0.44 ± 0.02 exponent dependency of initial decolorization rate on the UV irradiance. Solar experiments are conducted outdoors with an average temperature, water vapor density, and UVA irradiance of 30.8 °C, 6.4 g water/m3 dry air, and 1.5 mW/cm2, respectively. For AB9, the average solar k1 is 0.041 min−1 and k2 is 5.7 × 10−3 min−1.
Sinus and adenoid inflammation in children with chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma.

Abstract Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and asthma frequently coexist in children and adults. However, the precise pathophysiologic mechanism of this interaction is still poorly understood, especially in children, owing to the lack of direct measurements of mucosal inflammation in the upper airways. Objective To determine the pathophysiologic mechanism by analyzing the expression of a large array of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the sinus and adenoid tissues surgically removed from pediatric patients with CRS refractory to medical management. Methods Twenty-eight children 2 to 12 years old diagnosed with CRS with or without asthma and 10 controls were included in this prospective, nonrandomized study. Mucosal expression of 40 inflammatory cytokines was measured with a multiplex assay and was normalized to total tissue protein. Results Compared with children with CRS and without asthma, children with CRS and asthma had significantly higher sinus levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and adenoid levels of epidermal growth factor, eotaxin, fibroblast growth factor-2, growth-related oncogene, and platelet-derived growth factor-AA. Conclusion The inflammatory response in the upper airway mucosa of children with asthma and CRS was similar, but more severe, compared with children with CRS without asthma. This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that asthma in these patients is caused or exacerbated by severe upper airway disease and supports the concept that treating sinus disease is paramount in the management of chronic asthma in children using, for the first time, direct measurements of airway inflammation in children.
Long-term transgene expression in cardiac and skeletal muscle following fetal administration of adenoviral or adeno-associated viral vectors in mice.

Background In utero gene transfer may provide advantages for the correction of congenital genetic disorders. In the present study we compare the ability of adenovirus (AdCMVLacZ), and two serotypes of adeno-associated virus (AAVCMVLacZ serotypes 2 and 2/5), to target cardiac and skeletal muscle after prenatal systemic or intramuscular injection in mice and assess the immune response to the vectors. Methods Day 14 gestation fetal mice underwent direct intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection of AdCMVLacZ, and AAVCMVLacZ serotypes 2 and 2/5 vectors. Tissues were processed for β-galactosidase expression in frozen or high-resolution thin plastic sections at early and late time points. Neutralizing antibodies to Ad and AAV were analyzed in separate fetal experimental and neonatal or adult control groups after administration and re-administration of the vectors. Results A single injection of each vector in utero resulted in sustained expression of β-galactosidase transgene in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Transgene expression was detected for the length of the study, i.e. 86, 58, and 31 weeks after birth for AdCMVLacZ, and AAVCMVLacZ serotypes 2 and 2/5, respectively. High-level expression in the myocardium was observed independent of the vector or route of administration. Neutralizing antibody responses to AAV and Ad antigens were reduced and long-term expression in muscle was not ablated on postnatal re-administration of vector. Conclusions Sustained, high-level cardiac and skeletal muscle transgene expression can be obtained after prenatal gene transfer with each of these vectors. The potential for immune response to viral antigens is altered, but not entirely ablated after in utero exposure. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paper chromatography of amino acids and other organic compounds in selected solvents

Abstract The influence of variations in temperature, presence and absence of buffers, and presence of other compounds in the applied solution on the R F values of 70 organic compounds has been evaluated in phenol-water and butanol-propionic acid-water systems. R F values of selected compounds in ethanol-acetic acid, butanol-ethanol-water, butanol-acetic acid-water, and ethanol are given. The production of methionine sulfoxide from methionine in phenol-water is discussed.
Probing structure and functional dynamics of (large) proteins with aromatic rings: L-GFT-TROSY (4,3)D HCCH NMR spectroscopy.

NMR assignment of aromatic rings in proteins is a prerequisite for obtaining high-quality solution structures of proteins and for studying the dynamics and folding of their molecular cores. Here we...
Spontaneous growth of interacting cracks in a cruciform pattern

Abstract The stability of the growth regime of a system of four equal cracks is studied. The cracks are positioned symmetrically in a cruciform pattern, and they grow toward the center of the symmetry because of nonuniform thermal contraction or incremental injection of incompressible fluid. It is shown that, for either loading condition, a critical stage will be reached at which one pair of coplanar cracks runs together to form a single crack, while the other pair remains stationary. In fact, for the hydraulic loading, the effective fluid pressure acting on the cracks decreases as the cracks grow spontaneously.
Cytolytic Immune Lymphocytes in the Armamentarium of the Human Host

The author of the monograph "Cytolytic Immune Lymphocytes..." (published in 2008 by Schenk Buchverlag Campus Dialog, Budapest, Passau, Pecs) proposed several research projects and described certain clinical events that require further elaboration and documentation. In this article the author provides what is required and has since become available. The first subject matter in question concerns the fusogenic viruses. The ancient fusogenic viruses might have created the first eukaryotic cell(s) by uniting archaeabacterial and prokaryotic/protobacterial protospheroplasts. Extant fusogenic viruses either produce tumor cell syncytia and lyse them, thus practicing viral oncolysis. Or, create chimaeric fusion products, the so-called "natural hybridomas", of lymphoma cells exhibiting transmembrane budding of retrovirus particles or envelope proteins, and anti-viral specific antibody-producing plasma cells. The second topic concerns the horizontal-lateral mode of acquisition of those genes, which were "present in the waiting" in the amphioxus, sea urchin, and the agnathans, and met in the primitive gnatostomata sharks to encode in unison the entire adaptive immune system. The consensus of opinion is such that these genes derived from newly acquired transposons/retrotransposons. The author points out that the extant Epstein-Barr virus harbors genes displaying sequence homology with those genes from the sharks up to mammals that regulate the somatic hypermutation of specific antibody production. The author proposes that an ancient herpesvirus might have propagated the V(D)J and RAG genes from sea urchins to sharks. The third area is that of lymphocytes cytotoxic/cytolytic to virally infected or malignantly transformed host cells. This discovery led to the adoptive immune lymphocyte therapy of tumors. Installed in the adaptive immune system are regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells for he protection of "self". Tumor cells masquerading as "self" are protected by these cells from attacks launched by immune T cells. The author supports the replacement of IL-2 by IL-15, inasmuch as IL-2 stimulates not only immune T cells, but also regulatory T cells expressing the CD25 IL-2 receptor. The administration of low dose whole body radiotherapy prior to immune lymphocyte therapy increases the efficacy of immune lymphocyte therapy. The author observed this phenomenon in the mid-1960s. The explanation of this phenomenon revealed itself just recently. In pre-irradiated hosts the intestinal wall becomes permeable to the gut flora; the intestinal bacteria activate the entire innate immune system in the mesenteric lymph nodes and a rapid activation of the adaptive immune faculties follows.
Influence of environmental conditions on the quality attributes and shelf life of ‘Goldfinger’ bananas

Abstract ‘Goldfinger’ bananas ( Musa accuminata , FHIA-01) were harvested, held for 14–22 d at five temperatures and a constant relative humidity (RH) or at five RHs and a constant temperature and evaluated for quality attributes. The objectives of this work were to: (1) create quality curves for bananas stored at chilling and non-chilling temperatures; (2) create quality curves for bananas stored at a non-chilling temperatures and different RHs; (3) identify which sensory quality attribute limits the shelf life and marketability of bananas when stored at chilling and non-chilling temperatures or at different RHs; and (4) correlate subjective sensory attributes with quantitative quality measurements. Results from this study showed that temperature had a more significant impact on the quality of banana than RH. Bananas stored at temperatures higher than 10 °C were yellower and softer but had lower starch and higher soluble solids and total sugar content than those stored at lower temperatures. When stored at 2, 5 and 10 °C, bananas developed chilling injury (CI) and abnormal ripening when transferred to 20 °C. The most remarkable impact of RH on banana quality was on weight loss, which was significantly higher in fruit held below 80% RH than in fruit held in 87 or 92% RH. CI was the first sensory quality attribute to reach the limit of acceptability in fruit stored at 2, 5 and 10 °C, whereas color changes and softening limited the shelf life of bananas stored at 15 and 20 °C. Changes in color and/or softening were the two main sensory attributes that limited the shelf life of bananas stored at different RHs. Overall, for maximum quality and shelf life bananas should be stored at or above 15 °C and 92% RH. Finally, sensory attributes can be used to estimate peel color, pulp softening and sweetness, while SSC can be used as a reliable and simple method to estimate the total sugar content of bananas stored at different temperatures or different RHs.
Imbibition and Germination: Influence of Hard Seed Coats on RNA Metabolism

RNA metabolism of Indian rice grass seeds was studied in relation to imbibition and germination. These seeds germinate only after scarification of the seed coats. The hard seed coats restrict germination but not water intake or changes in the quantity and quality of RNA formed during early hours of soaking. These changes differ markedly from those in scarified (H2SO4 treated) seeds which are able to germinate. Gibberellic acid hastens germination of scarified seeds and causes changes in the population of RNA transcribed.
Gender and age differences in associations between peer dieting and drive for thinness

Objective: To examine associations between peer dieting and drive for thinness (DT) in men and women of three age groups and to compare rates of perceived vs. reported peer dieting. Method: Data came from an epidemiological study in which surveys were completed by women (n = 1,468) and men (n = 592) from three age groups: late adolescent (mean ± SD age: 20.0 ± 1.6 years), adult (30.0 ± 1.6), and midlife (40.1 ± 2.0). Results: Significant associations were found between perceived peer dieting and DT in women and men. For women, associations were strongest in late adolescents for same-sex peers. Associations in men did not differ by age group or peer sex. Expected gender differences in the strength of associations were not found. Reported dieting occurred at or below rates perceived for peers. Conclusion: Results may partially account for why DT has been found to decline with age in women, but not men. Longitudinal research is needed to support cross-sectional findings. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
The Attitudes of Psychiatric Nursing Staff Toward Staff Development Programs: A Quasi-Experimental Analysis

This study investigated psychiatric nursing staff's attitudes toward in-service education; how these attitudes may change; and the factors promoting such changes. A sample of 55 psychiatric nursing staff at a major midwestern academic hospital were administered the Staff Development Evaluation Survey (DES) (Hagerty and Abraham, 1982-reliability: Cronbach's alpha = .83, test-retest coefficient = .81) before and after their participation in a comprehensive in-service educational program. Although attitudes were consistently favorable, this quasi-experimental, one-group, pretest-posttest study revealed a general trend of decreasing attitudes after program implementation. Yet this trend was found to be a function of the professional responsibilities, educational backgrounds, and work settings. Moreover, this trend could be explained as the result of a significant decrease on one dimension of the SDES: the administrative issues related to staff development. The implications for nursing administrators and educa...
Onset Features and Subsequent Clinical Evolution of Childhood Diabetes over Several Years

Lipton RB, Drum ML, Danielson KK, Greeley SAW, Bell GI, Hagopian WA. Onset features and subsequent clinical evolution of childhood diabetes over several years. Aim: To explore whether it is possible to predict a child's eventual diabetes phenotype using characteristics at initial presentation, we reassessed 111 young patients on average 7.8 ± 4.2 (2.2–19.7) [mean ± SD (range)] years after diagnosis. Methods: Medical records at diagnosis for 111 patients, aged 0–17, were compared with their follow-up characteristics including stimulated C-peptide (CP) and islet autoantibodies (AB). Results: Initially, 18 patients were obese; 9 displayed other type 2 diabetes (T2DM) features (polycystic ovary syndrome, acanthosis, diagnosed T2DM); the remaining 84 had a classic type 1 diabetes (T1DM) presentation. At follow-up, 83 patients (75%) with no measured CP were classified as T1DM; 17 (15%) were CP+ and AB− and thus considered T2DM. Eleven patients with both T1DM and T2DM features were classified as having mixed diabetes phenotype (MDM). One-fifth (22 subjects) changed presumed phenotype at follow-up. In multivariable models, T1DM patients were younger at diagnosis, had higher initial glucose values, were more likely to have experienced ketoacidosis, and less likely to be obese or of African American ethnicity. Conclusions/interpretation: Ten percent of subjects had MDM and 15% had T2DM at ∼8 years' duration. Although no onset feature was completely reliable, ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia were more likely to predict T1DM; obesity and African American ethnicity made T2DM more likely. At diagnosis, features of T2DM in addition to obesity were strongly predictive of eventual T2DM phenotype. Given the significant percentage who changed or had mixed phenotype, careful tracking of all young people with diabetes is essential to correctly determine eventual disease type.
SURVNET, a Prototype Survivable Local Area Network

MITRE is investigating the use of a multiple-bus local area network architecture for making tactical command and control systems more survivable and has developed an experimental survivable network, SURVNET. The network consists of several bus segments, adaptively interconnected by microprocessors that can detect bus faults and automatically enable paths around them. Fault detection and reconfiguration algorithms exercised in the microprocessors control reconfiguration. The bus access method is an adaptation of the draft IEEE Standard 802.4 token-passing protocol. This paper describes the architecture, the algorithms, and the experimental network.
High pressure PVT measurements

Abstract In the past decade, a number of new experimental techniques for determining the PVT behavior of fluids at high pressures have been developed or improved. These techniques will be reviewed, and their relative merits discussed. Several techniques that have been developed or improved upon at Texas A&M will be discussed in greater detail.
EFFECTS OF CHRONIC PARTIAL OUTLET OBSTRUCTION ON BLOOD FLOW AND OXYGENATION OF THE RAT BLADDER

Purpose: Experimental partial bladder outlet obstruction in rats and rabbits drives the bladder through 3 sequential responses, referred to as hypertrophy, compensation and decompensation. The hypertrophy phase, which is a period of rapid bladder growth, has previously been shown to be accompanied by a significant increase in bladder blood flow in rats and rabbits in a manner that likely supports the bladder cell growth process. However, chronic periods of obstruction in the rabbit have been shown to reduce significantly bladder blood flow, especially to the detrusor smooth muscle, corresponding with a loss of bladder contractile function or decompensation in these animals. We determined the effects of chronic 1 to 4-week partial outlet obstruction on rat bladder blood flow and directly correlated them with hypoxia in the rat bladder.Materials and Methods: Rats underwent surgical partial bladder outlet obstruction under anesthesia. At weekly intervals after surgery relative blood flow to the bladder and s...
Post Voyager comparisons of the interiors of Uranus and Neptune

The recent Voyager flyby of Uranus and Neptune has provided refined values for the gravitational moments and rotation periods of those planets. Using these new parameters, models of the interiors of these planets show that their density distributions are very similar. This lends support to the conjecture that their compositions are similar as well. The models are indeed consistent with such a conjecture. The difference in the internal heat sources of these two planets may be due to the fact that heat transport from the interior of Uranus is inhibited by a statically stable interior.
Differential Daily Writing Contingencies and Performance on Major Multiple-Choice Exams

On 4 of 7 days in each unit of an undergraduate human development course, students responded in writing to specific questions related to instructor notes previously made available to them. The study compared the effects of three writing contingencies on the quality of student writing and performance on major multiple-choice exams in the course. The three contingencies were (1) receiving credit for all writing products each unit, (2) receiving credit for one randomly selected writing product each unit, and (3) receiving no credit for any writing product each unit. On all dimensions of exam performance, writing for daily credit produced higher scores than did writing for random credit and writing for no credit. The daily-writing contingency also produced the highest writing ratings across all units; the writing for random credit produced the next highest writing scores; and the writing for no credit yielded the lowest writing scores. Across all three contingencies, writing scores were highly correlated with performance on multiple-choice exams.
TiO2 nanotubular and nanoporous arrays by electrochemical anodization on different substrates

The preparation of nanotubular arrays on different substrates and nanoporous structures on titanium foil by means of electrochemical anodization of titanium layer has been investigated. Highly aligned nanotubes of TiO2 on flexible, rough and flat substrates are reported. Modification of anodization conditions of titanium on specific substrates such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), conducting glass and granular alumina was found to affect the morphology of TiO2 nanotubes. Two different kinds of aqueous electrolytes have been applied, containing either glycerol or H2SO4, in order to investigate the effect of ion mobility on anodization process. Galvanostatic and potentiostatic anodization modes have been investigated: transition from nanotubes to nanoporous structures has been highlighted in galvanostatic mode, depending on the intensity of anodization current density. These results pave the way for massive production of TiO2 nanotubes over, in principle, whatever substrate, enabling exploitation of new functional properties derived from the combination of tubes and substrates.