cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased susceptibility to erythrocyte C5b-9 deposition and complement-mediated lysis in chronic renal failure.

Increased susceptibility to erythrocyte C5b-9 deposition and complement-mediated lysis in chronic renal failure. Background Decreased red blood cell survival contributes to the anemia of chronic renal failure patients. Because patients on chronic dialysis therapy are frequently exposed to excessive complement activation, we investigated the susceptibility of this patient population to erythrocyte C5b-9 deposition, complement-mediated lysis, and ghost formation. Methods We developed a flow cytometric assay using antibodies to both glycophorin and the C5b-9 complex to detect C5b-9 deposition on intact erythrocytes and erythrocyte ghosts. Serum C5b-9 levels and C5b-9 deposition on erythrocyte ghosts were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results A significant increase in C5b-9 deposition on intact erythrocytes was demonstrated in patients with advanced chronic renal failure (2.2±0.5%) and in patients on chronic maintenance hemodialysis (2.3±0.4%) compared with normal volunteers (0.9±0.1%, P = 0.005 vs. chronic renal failure, P P ≤ 0.001 vs. advanced chronic renal failure and chronic hemodialysis patients). Treatment of erythrocyte preparations with cobra venom factor, which activates the complement cascade, resulted in dramatic increases in the percentages of C5b-9–positive erythrocyte ghosts in patients with chronic renal failure (49.9±6.9%) and in chronic hemodialysis patients (45.0±4.2%) compared with normal volunteers (22.3±2.7%, P P Conclusions Patients with chronic renal failure and on hemodialysis therapy are susceptible to erythrocyte C5b-9 deposition with subsequent lysis and ghost formation. Susceptibility to complement-mediated erythrocyte injury may contribute to the anemia of chronic renal disease.
Selachohemecus benzi n. sp. (Digenea: Sanguinicolidae) from the blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus (Carcharhinidae) in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Selachohemecus benzi Bullard & Overstreet n. sp. infects the heart and kidney of the blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus in the northern Gulf of Mexico off Florida and Mississippi, USA. Specimens of S.␣olsoni Short, 1954, the only congener and only other named blood fluke reported from a chondrichthyan in the Gulf of Mexico, were collected from the heart of the Atlantic sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon terraenovae from two new localities, Apalachicola Bay, Florida, and Mississippi Sound, Mississippi, USA. The new species differs from S. olsoni by having a larger body (1.4–3.8 mm long), robust tegumental body spines numbering 51–63 along each lateral body margin, a testis extending from the posterior caeca to the ovary, and a medial ovary with lobes. We amend the diagnosis of Selachohemecus Short, 1954 to accommodate it and provide a diagnostic key for all named chondrichthyan blood flukes.
A Ge(Li) spectrometer for studying neutron capture gamma rays

Abstract A gamma-ray spectrometer, using a 30 cm3 coaxial Ge(Li) detector, which can be operated as a pair spectrometer at high energies and in the Compton suppression mode at low energies provides an effective means of obtaining thermal neutron capture gamma spectra over nearly the entire capture gamma energy range. The energy resolution (fwhm) of the spectrometer is approximately 0.5% at 1 MeV and 0.1% at 7 MeV. Capture gamma-ray energies can be determined to an accuracy of about 1 keV. The relatively high efficiency of this spectrometer allows the use of an external neutron beam geometry, which simplifies sample changing. Using a 4096 channel pulse height analyzer, the capture gamma spectrum of an element may be obtained in about one day. Low cross section (order of 0.1 b) elements with many weak intensity gammas may be studied. Over 100 gamma rays have been identified in the spectrum of one such element, Zr. Spectra of Ti and Zr are presented to illustrate the performance of the spectrometer.
ON THE MECHANISM OF THE BRO + HBR REACTION

Abstract The reaction of the bromine oxide radical, BrO, with HBr has been examined with coupled-cluster methods. The HO+HCl reaction is also examined and is used to calibrate the results for the BrO+HBr reaction. The heat of reaction and activation energy barrier for BrO+HBr are calculated to be −9.3±4 and 3.6 kcal mol −1 , respectively.
BMI Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery in Diabetes: How Low Can We Go?

The benefit of weight loss on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes is well known; weight management is foundational to good diabetes care. Intensive lifestyle intervention, which produces modest (5–10%) weight loss can produce durable (demonstrated up to 4 years) improvement in HbA1c and some cardiovascular risk factors (1,2). As for bariatric surgery, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis (3) of 621 bariatric surgery studies (>135,000 patients) reported that diabetes “improved or resolved” in 84%. Thus, there is a growing appreciation for the role of bariatric surgery as a tool in diabetes management. The appreciation that bariatric surgery might yield remission of diabetes stimulated the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to convene a consensus committee to define the terms “partial remission,” “complete remission,” and “durable remission\x{201d} (4). This is an important step because slight variation in definition can yield significant differences in remission rates (5). If we are to be able to develop evidence to support recommendations for this procedure in diabetes, we must be able to compare results across studies. Surgery for obesity has typically been reserved for patients with more severe obesity, and current guidelines (6) for the diagnosis and management of obesity indicate bariatric surgical procedures for patients with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 or for patients with a serious comorbidity (such as type 2 diabetes) and BMI ≥35 kg/m2. These BMI cut points are drawn from observations of large populations that show …
Family and Social Factors Associated with Substantiation of Child Abuse and Neglect Reports

One hundred fifty-nine families who were reported for child abuse or neglect to a country social services agency in a single fiscal year were studied empirically to test the ecological model of child abuse and neglect. Several family and social factors were studied. Only two, size of family and stage in family developmental cycle, were significantly associated with an increased risk of substantiation of the report. Two potential sources of social support, the use of regular child care and the presence of an extended family member, were tested for their effect on substantiation in those cases where risk factors such as the two mentioned above and combinations of risk factors such as single parenthood and unemployed head of household were associated with higher rates of substantiation. In every case, these two examples of social support reduced the substantiation rate. The influence of the use of regular child care was especially strong in mitigating the effect of the family and social risk factors.
Deformation Induced Martensite in NiTi and its Shape Memory Effects Generated by Low Temperature Laser Shock Peening

In this study, laser shock peening (LSP) was utilized to generate localized deformation induced martensite (DIM) in NiTi shape memory alloy. The DIM was investigated by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of temperature and laser intensity on DIM transformation were investigated. It has been found that higher laser intensity and lower processing temperature leads to higher volume fraction of DIM. This is attributed to the increase of the chemical driving force and the increase in the density of potential martensite variant for martensite nucleation at low temperatures. The localized shape memory effect in micrometer scale after low temperature LSP has been evaluated.
Biogenic amines in the nervous system of the boll weevil, Anthanomous Grandis

Abstract 1. The biogenic amines of the ventral nerve chord (VNC) of the boll weevil, Anthanomous grandis, were analyzed by histochemical techniques and liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LCEC). 2. Histochemical analysis with glyoxylic acid, but not formaldehyde, revealed a blue-green fluorescence (emission maximum between 435 and 470 nm) in the abdominal and subesophageal ganglia of the brain but inconsistent fluorescence in the thoracic ganglia. 3. A marked fluorescence observed in day 1, 2, 5 and 6 post-pupal females was variable in day 3–4 females. 4. LCEC analyses revealed the presence of l -dihydroxyphenylalanine, norepinephrine, dopamine and a fourth catecholamine tentatively identified as deoxyepinephrine.
Effects of Moisture and Time on Stiffness of Unbound Aggregate Base Coarse Materials

Resilient modulus and Young's modulus are parameters increasingly used to characterize the behavior of pavement materials, both in the laboratory and in the field. The small-strain modulus response of unbound aggregate base coarse materials to various moisture environments was documented. Modulus is not constant, even when held at constant moisture, and significant changes in modulus occur with drying and wetting of the material. The response to drying and wetting cycles appears to be repeatable and suggests that the underlying mechanism that controls the response is reversible. This behavior can have a significant effect on the use of modulus for pavement design and quality acceptance.
Wideband disc‐ring dielectric resonator antenna

A dielectric resonator excited by a coaxial probe and designed for an omni-directional pattern is considered. Combining two dielectric resonators of different dielectric material with each other enhances bandwidth. The effect of antenna parameters such as dielectric constant and probe length are investigated. The analysis is performed numerically, using the method of moments and verified by the FDTD method. The agreement between the two methods is excellent. A 45% bandwidth is achieved with this structure. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 35: 425–428, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10628
Resonance in elemental benzenoids

Abstract The phenomenon of resonance amongst a set of different classical chemical structures entails at an elementary level the enumeration of these resonance structures, corresponding (in benzenoid molecules) to perfect matchings of the underlying molecular (π-network) graph. This enumeration is analytically performed here for the finite-sized elemental benzenoid graphs corresponding to hexagonal coverings on suitable closed surfaces, namely the torus and the Klein bottle. Relevance is also indicated for a class of benzenoid structures corresponding to cylinders with polyhex coverings on the sides (but not the “ends”).
Arterial remodeling after experimental percutaneous injury is highly dependent on adventitial injury and histopathology

Abstract Background: The extent and nature of unfavorable geometric remodeling, especially related to the adventitia, has not been studied previously. The purpose of this study was to examine two methods of experimental arterial injury, characterize the extent of remodeling, and determine if remodeling is injury-specific. Methods: Two methods for producing coronary stenoses in pigs were used: heat injury using thermal balloon angioplasty (resulting in adventitial fibrosis), and copper stent implantation (resulting in intense inflammation). Histomorphometric parameters included changes in neointimal thickness (delta neointima) from uninjured to injured sections, and differences in area circumscribed by the internal and external elastic laminas (delta internal elastic lamina area and delta external elastic lamina area, respectively). Remodeling was calculated for each lesion as the enlargement of the external elastic lamina area or internal elastic lamina area for incremental neointimal thickening, expressed as the slopes delta external elastic lamina area/delta neointima and delta internal elastic lamina area/delta neointima. Results: Remodeling indices for the heat lesions were negative (delta internal elastic lamina area/delta neointima=−0.15, delta external elastic lamina area/delta neointima=−0.64) and indicated little remodeling in contrast to copper stent injury (delta internal elastic lamina area/delta neointima=0.95, delta external elastic lamina area/delta neointima=1.20). Conclusions: Remodeling in fibrotic compared to inflammatory lesions differs markedly, and may explain increased restenosis rates observed in thermal balloon angioplasty in patients. This formulation may be useful to study remodeling and restenosis following other interventional technologies.
Studies of type IV collagenase regulation by hypoxia

Abstract Recent data suggest that patients with more hypoxic solid tumors are more likely to develop metastases and die. We speculated that upregulation of the metastasis-associated type IV collagenase MMP-9 (gelatinase B) by hypoxia might be correlated with the increased risk of distant failure in patients with hypoxic tumors. The promoter for MMP-9 contains consensus binding sites for the transcription factors NF κ B and AP-1 which are upregulated under hypoxic conditions in HeLa cells and these transcription factors are critical to transcriptional activation of the MMP-9 gene. A variety of tumor cell lines were examined for induction of MMP-9 and the related protease MMP-2 under hypoxic conditions. Although hypoxia did upregulate MMP-9 in one alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cell line, we were unable to demonstrate a consistent hypoxia-mediated increase in MMP-9 protein, RNA, or transcriptional activity measured with reporter constructs. These results suggest that MMP-9 expression is not directly affected by exposure to hypoxia in vitro.
Encoding transition systems in sequent calculus

Intuitionistic and linear logics can be used to specify the operational semantics of transition systems in various ways. We consider here two encodings: one uses linear logic and maps states of the transition system into formulas, and the other uses intuitionistic logic and maps states into terms. In both cases, it is possible to relate transition paths to proofs in sequent calculus. In neither encoding, however, does it seem possible to capture properties, such as simulation and bisimulation, that need to consider all possible transitions or all possible computation paths. We consider augmenting both intuitionistic and linear logics with a proof theoretical treatment of definitions. In both cases, this addition allows proving various judgments concerning simulation and bisimulation (especially for noetherian transition systems). We also explore the use of infinite proofs to reason about infinite sequences of transitions. Finally, combining definitions and induction into sequent calculus proofs makes it possible to reason more richly about properties of transition systems completely within the formal setting of sequent calculus.
Fully relativistic R-matrix calculation of electron impact excitation of Ne IX

We report on a fully relativistic close-coupling (CC) calculation of the electron impact excitation (EIE) of $\mathrm{Ne}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{IX}$. The multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock (MCDF) method was used in a calculation of $\mathrm{Ne}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{IX}$ atomic structure. The EIE calculation of $\mathrm{Ne}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{IX}$ was carried out using the Dirac $R$-matrix method and the MCDF orbitals for principal quantum number $n\ensuremath{\le}5$ with target states up to $n=5$ corresponding to $49\mathrm{CC}$ (49 target states in the CC expansion). The EIE calculation included both resonance and channel coupling effects. We demonstrate that strong resonances appear in the excitation of the highly charged ion $\mathrm{Ne}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{IX}$, in particular for intercombination and forbidden transitions. Compared to less highly charged He-like ions, we show that for $\mathrm{Ne}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{IX}$ all $N$-shell and $O$-shell levels start to give rise to Rydberg resonant states dipping just below $M$-shell and $N$-shell target thresholds, respectively. In comparison with previous calculations carried out with either the close-coupling or the distorted wave method, our calculations show significant differences with respect to cross sections and effective collision strengths. The important $\mathrm{Ne}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{IX}$ line intensity $G$ ratio $(G=(i+f)∕r)=[\mathrm{forbidden}+\mathrm{intercombination}]∕\mathrm{resonance})$ calculated based on our MCDF and Dirac $R$-matrix results is in good agreement with the existing accurate EBIT measurements. This calculation has direct applications to laboratory measurements and observations of astrophysical x-ray sources.
Stat proteins and oncogenesis.

The discovery of Stat proteins’ key role in IFN signaling, initially described over ten years ago, provided the first molecular link of growth factor receptor stimulation to the direct activation of a transcription factor (1). Since that time a large number of growth factor receptors and some nonreceptor tyrosine kinases have been found to lead to the activation of these transcription factors (2). The contributions of individual Stat proteins to normal cytokine signaling and development have been studied in various cell culture systems and in vivo in mice made deficient for one or more of these proteins (3). This approach has identified some related roles, as well as many unique, nonoverlapping physiological roles, for the various members of the Stat family. In summary, Stat1-deficient mice are unable to respond to IFNs and are subsequently susceptible to bacterial and viral pathogens. Likewise, disruption of Stat2 gives rise to animals unable to respond to type 1 IFNs, with increased susceptibility to viral infections (see Candotti et al., this Perspective series, ref. 4). Stat4- and Stat6-deficient animals reveal a requirement for IL-12– or IL-4–mediated proliferation of T cells, respectively (see Decker et al., this series, ref. 5). The phenotypes of Stat5A and Stat5B individual knockouts reveal the importance of Stat5A in breast development and lactation and the importance of Stat5B in the development of sexually dimorphic patterns of gene expression within the liver. In addition to these phenotypes, Stat5A/5B double knockouts are abnormal in their T cell and B cell development. Because Stat3-deficient animals die early in embryogenesis, the role of this protein in a number of biological functions had to be determined in conditional knockouts. As discussed by Levy and Lee in this series (6), Stat3 is implicated in keratinocyte migration, T cell apoptosis, IL-10–mediated signaling in macrophages, and the induction of apoptosis in the involuting breast. Beyond these various roles in normal cellular and physiological processes, the Stat proteins are now known to participate in cellular transformation and oncogenesis. Here, I consider the evidence implicating these molecules, particularly Stats 1, 3, and 5, in tumor formation and progression.
Estimating Geohydrologic Properties from Borehole-Geophysical Logs

Borehole-geophysical logs can be used to estimate geohydrologic properties based on in situ measurement of rock and water properties. Estimates of properties of both formation and water, such as coefficient of diffusion, formation factor, cementation exponent, hydraulic conductivity, irreducible water content and specific yield can be assessed from borehole-geophysical data and selected algorithms and graphs. Water properties, such as resistivity, sodium chloride concentration, viscosity and density, can also be estimated using data from borehole-geophysical logs. Water resistivity using the spontaneous-potential method can be estimated if an empirical correction for fresh water is applied. Estimates of formation properties, such as porosity and permeability, can also be made using borehole-geophysical data.
The composition of Speier's catalyst

Abstract It is proposed that the very important and useful “Speier catalyst” contains the complex H[(C3H6)PtCl3] in a solution of isopropyl alcohol. It is this platinum complex which is the active catalyst ingredient in hydrosilylation reactions. When solvent was removed from an “aged” solution of chloroplatinic acid in isopropyl alcohol, the Zeise type dimer, (C3H6)2Pt2Cl4, was deposited as an orange solid. This dimer underwent solvolysis and dissociated into a monomeric species when it dissolved in isopropyl alcohol. Spectroscopic methods involving 195Pt NMR, 1H NMR (360 MHz), far infrared, IR and ESCA were employed in reaching these conclusions.
Quality Assurance of Mix Properties of Hot-Mix Asphalt Concrete: Multistate Analysis Comparing Contractor and State Transportation Agency Test Results

A typical component of highway construction quality assurance programs is the process by which highway construction elements are sampled and tested to ensure compliance with specifications and other project requirements. Results of contractor-performed tests of mix properties of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) concrete are increasingly used in the acceptance decision by many state departments of transportation (DOTs). Results of tests performed by contractors and state DOTs in Florida, North Carolina, and California consistently indicate that differences between contractors and state DOT test results for HMA concrete are statistically significant for most mix properties. Furthermore, these comparisons consistently indicate less variable and more favorable contractor test results, relative to specification limits, that give more favorable acceptance outcomes. Details of quality assurance processes (sampling and testing frequencies, verification procedures, and acceptance procedures) seem to have little, if any, effe...
A coarse-grained model for β- d -glucose based on force matching

Cellulosic ethanol production is a two-stage process that involves the hydrolysis of cellulose to form simple sugars and the fermentation of these sugars to ethanol. Hydrolysis of cellulose is the rate-limiting step, and there is a great need to characterize the process with numerical simulations to better understand the complex mechanisms involved. The ultimate goal is to generate accurate coarse-grained molecular models that are capable of predicting the structure of lignocellulose before and after pretreatment so that subsequent ab initio calculations can be performed to probe the degradation pathways. As a first step toward that goal, the force-matching method is used to derive coarse-grained models for β-d-glucose molecules in aqueous solution. Using the same reference, an all-atom molecular dynamics simulation trajectory, two sets of three- and six-site coarse-grained models of β-d-glucose are developed using two definitions of the coarse-grained center site location: center of mass (CG-CM) and geometric center (CG-GC). The performance of these coarse-grained models is evaluated by comparing the coarse-grained predictions for bond-length distributions and radial distribution functions to those obtained from the all-atom reference simulation. The six-site coarse-grained models retain more structural details than the three-site coarse-grained models. Comparison between center site definitions shows that CG-CM models generally predict local ordering better, while CG-GC models predict long-range structure better.
Positron-emitting resin microspheres as surrogates of 90Y SIR-Spheres: a radiolabeling and stability study

Abstract Commercially available resin microspheres and SIR-Spheres were labeled with metallic positron emitters and evaluated as positron emission tomography (PET) imaging surrogates of 90 Y SIR-Spheres. Radiolabeling was performed using a batch method, and in vitro stability over 24 h was evaluated in saline at physiological pH at 37°C. The activity per microsphere distribution, as evaluated by autoradiography, showed the activity per microsphere to be proportional to the square radius of the spheres, suggesting surface binding. The in vivo stability of radiolabeling was evaluated in rats by micro-PET imaging after the intravenous injection of labeled microspheres. The different resin microspheres and radionuclides evaluated in this study all showed good radiolabeling efficiency and in vitro stability. However, only resins labeled with 86 Y and 89 Zr proved to have the in vivo stability required for clinical applications.
Modelling platelet-blood flow interaction using the subcellular element Langevin method.

In this paper, a new three-dimensional modelling approach is described for studying fluid – viscoelastic cell interaction, the subcellular element Langevin (SCEL) method, with cells modelled by subcellular elements (SCEs) and SCE cells coupled with fluid flow and substrate models by using the Langevin equation. It is demonstrated that: (i) the new method is computationally efficient, scaling as O(N ) for N SCEs; (ii) cell geometry, stiffness and adhesivity can be modelled by directly relating parameters to experimentally measured values; (iii) modelling the fluid – platelet interface as a surface leads to a very good correlation with experimentally observed platelet flow interactions. Using this method, the three-dimensional motion of a viscoelastic platelet in a shear blood flow was simulated and compared with experiments on tracking platelets in a blood chamber. It is shown that the complex platelet-flipping dynamics under linear shear flows can be accurately recovered with the SCEL model when compared with the experiments. All experimental details and electronic supplementary material are archived at http://biomath.math.nd.edu/scelsupplementaryinformation/.
A Reconfigurable Optical Demultiplexer based on a MEMS Deformable Blazed Grating

The operation of a cyclic reconfigurable optical wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer based on a micromachined tunable blazed grating (TBG) is introduced and a 1times3 demultiplexer is experimentally demonstrated in the C-band
ON THE COMBINATION THEOREM FOR NEGATIVELY CURVED GROUPS

We give a simple proof of a sufficient condition for an amalgamated free product of two negatively curved groups to be negatively curved, and we compute the curvature of such products.
A Survey-Based Evaluation of Self-Perceived Competency after Nephrology Fellowship Training

Background and objectives: There have been no recent analyses of the adequacy of training in U.S. nephrology training programs or the importance of specific aspects of fellowship training in the careers and practices of nephrologists who recently completed training. Design, setting, participants, & measurements: An internet-based survey was sent to members of the American Society of Nephrology who completed nephrology training in 2004 to 2008. Respondents were asked to rate their fellowship training (little or no training, some training but not enough to feel competent, well trained and competent) in specific areas and the importance of each area to their current careers and practices. Results: Among 133 recent adult nephrology trainees, most felt well trained and competent in many areas of patient care and core content. A significant percentage of respondents reported receiving little or no training, or some training but not enough to feel competent in other specific areas, such as genetic renal disease, care of adults with childhood kidney disease, pregnancy complications, poisoning, nutrition, end-of-life care, clinical pharmacology, home and self-care hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, plasmapheresis, interpretation and performance of renal ultrasound and other renal imaging, renal biopsy pathology interpretation, business and administrative aspects of nephrology, research, and research funding. Many of these areas were also identified as somewhat or very important to the careers and practices of respondents. Conclusions: Nephrology training programs are perceived as doing an excellent job training fellows in many areas. Gaps in training should be addressed in fellowship training and post-training education.
Natural-abundance radiocarbon as a tracer of assimilation of petroleum carbon by bacteria in salt marsh sediments

The natural abundance of radiocarbon ( 14 C) provides unique insight into the source and cycling of sedimentary organic matter. Radiocarbon analysis of bacterial phospholipid lipid fatty acids (PLFAs) in salt-marsh sediments of southeast Georgia (USA)—one heavily contaminated by petroleum residues—was used to assess the fate of petroleum-derived carbon in sediments and incorporation of fossil carbon into microbial biomass. PLFAs that are common components of eubacterial cell membranes (e.g., branched C15 and C17, 10-methyl-C16) were depleted in 14 C in the contaminated sediment (mean D 14 C value of +25 ± 19& for bacterial PLFAs) relative to PLFAs in uncontaminated ‘‘control’’ sediment (D 14 C = +101 ± 12&). We suggest that the 14 C-depletion in bacterial PLFAs at the contaminated site results from microbial metabolism of petroleum and subsequent incorporation of petroleum-derived carbon into bacterial membrane lipids. A mass balance calculation indicates that 6–10% of the carbon in bacterial PLFAs at the oiled site could derive from petroleum residues. These results demonstrate that even weathered petroleum may contain components of sufficient lability to be a carbon source for biomass production by marsh sediment microorganisms. Furthermore, a small but significant fraction of fossil carbon is assimilated even in the presence of a much larger pool of presumably more-labile and faster-cycling carbon substrates.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic technique with a functionalized microwire sensor for rapid detection of foodbornepathogens

In this study, a label-free biosensor based on electrochemical impedance measurement followed by dielectrophoretic force and antibody-antigen interaction was developed for detection and quantification of foodborne pathogenic bacteria. In our previous work, gold-tungsten wires (25 μm in diameter) were functionalized by coating with polyethyleneimine-streptavidin-anti-Escherichia coli antibodies to improve sensing specificity, and fluorescence intensity measurement was employed to quantify bacteria captured by the sensor. The focus of this research is to evaluate the performance of the developed biosensor by monitoring the changes of electron-transfer resistance (ΔR(et)) of the microwire after the bioaffinity reaction between bacterial cells and antibodies on its surface as an alternative quantification technique to fluorescence microscopy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been used to detect and validate the resistance changes in a conventional three-electrode system in which [Fe(CN)₆³⁻]/[Fe(CN)₆⁴⁻] served as the redox probe. The impedance data demonstrated a linear relationship between the increments of ΔR(et) and the logarithmic concentrations of E. coli suspension in the range of 10³-10⁸ CFU/mL. In addition, there were little changes of ΔR(et) when the sensor worked with Salmonella, which clearly evidenced the sensing specificity to E. coli. EIS was proven to be an ideal alternative to fluorescence microscopy for enumeration of captured cells.
Neuronal Mechanisms of Habituation and Dishabituation of the Gill-Withdrawal Reflex in Aplysia

We have examinived the nieural correlates of habittuatiotn atid dishabitiuation of tlhe gill-withdrwal reflex in Aplysia. We obtained intracelllular recordings from identified gill motor neurons in the abdominal ganglionz of a semi-intact preparation of Aplysia wlhile we simultaneously recorded behavior responises of the gill. Habituation and dishabituation were not due to peripheral changes in either the sensory receptors or the gill musculature butt were caused by changes in the amplitlude of the excitatory synaptic potentials produced at the gill motor neurons.
Optimum pre- and post-filters for robust scalar quantization

An N-level scalar quantization system for continuous alphabet i.i.d. sources with a pre- and post-filter as suggested by Popat and Zeger (see IEEE Trans. Commun., vol.40, no.11, p.1670, 1992) is considered. The idea is that the pre-filter changes the distribution of the source to approximately Gaussian, which is then quantized by a Lloyd-Max (1960, 1982) quantizer for Gaussian random variables. For many sources, the overall system outperforms one that directly quantizes the sources. We propose an iterative algorithm for designing the optimum filters, to minimize the overall mean squared error between the input and output of the quantization system. It is found experimentally that the design algorithm always converges very rapidly to a solution where the optimum pre- and post-filters are all pass filters. We prove the convergence of the design algorithm for the N=2 case, and conjecture that convergence to the same solution always holds for any N.
Cooperative defense within a single-pursuer, two-evader pursuit evasion differential game

This paper is motivated by a desire to develop analytical formulations for cooperative defensive strategies against predator(s).We formulate a single-pursuer, two-evader differential game with a novel cost functional. Each of the three agents are modeled as massless particles that move with constant velocity. The pursuer attempts to capture either of the evaders while minimizing its cost. Simultaneously, the evaders strive to maximize the pursuer's cost. The proposed cost functional represents the increased cost to the pursuer when presented with multiple, potentially dangerous targets. It captures the effect of cooperation between the evaders. In order to solve the game, we develop the optimality conditions for the equilibrium strategies. We then integrate the resulting system of ordinary differential equations backwards in time from the terminal conditions to generate the optimal trajectories of the three agent system. The resulting trajectories display cooperative behaviors between the two evaders, which are qualitatively similar to behaviors found in predator-prey interactions in nature. Brief description of singular surfaces is also included.
When What You Hear Influences When You See Listening to an Auditory Rhythm Influences the Temporal Allocation of Visual Attention

The three experiments reported here demonstrated a cross-modal influence of an auditory rhythm on the temporal allocation of visual attention. In Experiment 1, participants moved their eyes to a test dot with a temporal onset that was either synchronous or asynchronous with a preceding auditory rhythm. Saccadic latencies were faster for the synchronous condition than for the asynchronous conditions. In Experiment 2, the effect was replicated in a condition in which the auditory context stopped prior to the onset of the test dot, and the effect did not occur in a condition in which auditory tones were presented at irregular intervals. Experiment 3 replicated the effect using an accuracy measure within a nontimed visual task. Together, the experiments’ findings support a general entrainment perspective on attention to events over time.
Knowledge-based boundary detection applied to cardiac magnetic resonance image sequences

The authors describe a knowledge-based system for detecting the interior and exterior boundaries of the left ventricle (LV) from time-varying cross-sectional images on the beating heart obtained noninvasively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The goal is a system for automatically classifying and measuring cardiac function through estimates of LV wall thickness, wall motion, etc. This knowledge-based system makes use of the Dempster and Shafer (D/S) theory to manage the knowledge. The theory is also used to control the flow of system information for more efficient use of limited computational resources and memory space. >
Metallothionein overexpression in human trophoblastic cells protects against cadmium-induced apoptosis.

Proper functioning of trophoblastic cells is essential for maintenance of the placenta and development of the embryo/fetus. Exposure of trophoblasts to toxic exogenous factors, such as cadmium (Cd), perturbs placental function and affects fetal outcome. Cellular responses to Cd exposure include induction of the metal-binding protein, metallothionein (MT), and initiation of apoptosis. To analyze the functional relationship between cellular MT levels and apoptosis in trophoblasts, we have examined the effects of DNA transfection-mediated alterations in MT levels on trophoblastic function and apoptosis, with and without Cd exposure, using the trophoblast-like JEG-3 human choriocarcinoma cell line. JEG-3 cells stably transfected with human MT-IIa cDNA expression constructs, in either sense or antisense orientation, were unchanged in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) production or expression of the apoptotic markers, bcl-2 and CPP-32. However, MT overexpression significantly prolonged the recovery time of int...
The Vertical Profile of Wind and Temperature in Cyclones and Anticyclones over the Eastern Two-Thirds of the United States: A Climatology

Abstract A climatological analysis, based upon operational surface and upper-air data from 1957 to 1994, of the wind and temperature profiles composited with respect to each quadrant of surface cyclones and anticyclones, is presented for the eastern two-thirds of the United States. The cyclones and anticyclones are located via an objective procedure. Hodographs and soundings are also composited with respect to season, geographic region, time of day, and, for cyclones only, intensity. Vertical profiles of the static-stability parameter are composited with respect to season and quadrant for both cyclones and anticyclones. The structures of mean cyclones and anticyclones are shown and discussed. A diurnal variation in hodographs (vertical shear) is found, which shows up in both cyclones and anticyclones as a rotation in the counterclockwise direction between 0000 and 1200 UTC above the boundary layer. The effect is greater in cyclones than in anticyclones. This variation is hypothesized to be in part due to ...
Using Scientific Knowledge to Inform Preschool Assessment: Making the Case for "Empirical Validity"

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 crystallized the concern for accountability in education. National testing was mandated as a way to improve the “broken” educational system. Publicly funded early education programs were not spared from such testing. While the positive effects of high-quality early education on children’s later school achievement is well demonstrated, too many early care and educational settings in the United States are of minimal or poor quality. Accountability is clearly important for increasing the quality of our early childhood programs, however, it is not yet evident how best to formulate a standard of accountability that reflects the body of knowledge we have gained concerning how young children learn. In this report, we propose two major thrusts designed to bring about a more scientifically informed accountability system: reconceptualizing the ways in which we think about the validity of our test instruments, and reconceptualizing markers of development from products of learning (performance standards) to processes of learning. We introduce the term “empirical validity” to draw attention to the fact that assessments should be built on current empirical work in the various developmental domains. This report focuses on the domains of language and literacy, two areas of major concern for the Federal Head Start program and for which there is an abundance of current research. This body of knowledge provides many examples illustrating how an emphasis on process rather than product can be vital for improving the quality of education. For example, although vocabulary is centrally important and psychometrically adequate tests of early vocabulary exist, these tests do not measure essential aspects of word learning that have been identified as predictive of later language and reading success in early language learning literature. Our case study of language and literacy illustrates how today’s developmental science offers a new knowledge that can be strategically incorporated in assessments for empirically valid testing of children’s competencies. The same argument for “empirically valid” and evidence-based assessments applies to other domains of cognitive growth and to socio-emotional development. The future of preschool assessment would be well served by attention to primary research that focuses on the processes of learning. In this report, we also suggest that one possible avenue for progress in assessment would center on integrative and dynamic assessment techniques that would comprehensively capture the nature of children’s learning, minimize validity concerns related to context and culture, and evaluate how competencies in different developmental domains interact for optimal learning. To bridge the gap between science and policy, developmental scientists and test developers are urged to work together to create innovative ways to chart the developmental processes that support learning and progress toward social maturity in ways designed to ensure that research findings are continuously reflected in current assessments.
Postischemic endothelium-dependent vascular reactivity is preserved in adhesion molecule-deficient mice

Previous studies utilizing monoclonal antibodies directed against specific leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion proteins have suggested that neutrophils mediate endothelial cell injury in a number o...
Identifying the Customer for Continuing Education

In order to identify the community’s needs for continuing education, a community college researched its market. One interesting result of the study was the discovery that previous education was a key determinant of the potential customer’s interest in continuing education.
Implementing a Delight Strategy in a Restaurant Setting The Power of Unsolicited Recommendations

Identifying specific initiatives that can be undertaken by frontline employees to enhance customer delight is of great interest to service firms. In the hopes of contributing to this objective, the current research evaluates the impact of server recommendations on customer delight. Findings indicate that unsolicited server recommendations have a significant positive impact on customer delight. Moreover, the research provides no evidence to suggest that repercussions will result for the service provider even if the provision of an unsolicited recommendation leads to a negative outcome. The mediating role of expectations is examined to gain a better understanding of these recommendation effects. Consistent with self-fulfilling prophecy, the results reveal that customers are capable of experiencing delight even in heightened pre-experience expectation situations. These results provide evidence that the pursuance of customer delight as a strategic objective may warrant additional consideration.
Damage Potential of Hesperotettix viridis (Orthoptera: Acrididae) on a Rangeland Weed, Gutierrezia sarothrae

The vulnerability of broom snakeweed, Gutierrezia sarothrae (Pursh) Britton & Rusby, to herbivory by the grasshopper, Hesperotettix viridis (Thomas), was quantified by placing various densities of grasshoppers on individual caged plants. Field experiments were conducted in the summers of 1989 and 1990 at 2 shortgrass prairie locations in eastern New Mexico. In general, grasshoppers removed most photosynthetic tissue from small plants within 7 d at an initial density of 16 grasshoppers per plant, and in ≈14 d with an initial density of 8 per plant. Grasshopper densities of 2 per plant rarely consumed all photosynthetic tissue, irrespective of plant size, during caged experiments. Although not consistent over sites and years, grasshopper feeding reduced plant volume and the number of photosynthetic stems from small and medium plants at densities of 8 and 16 grasshoppers per plant. Grasshopper defoliation caused 8, 23, 34, and 47% G. sarothrae mortality at densities of 2, 4, 8, and 16 grasshoppers per plant, respectively. Grasshopper feeding pressure was significantly correlated with observed defoliation and suggests feeding by >4 H. viridis per plant results in a significant decrease in aboveground photosynthetic biomass.
Effect of substrate temperature on the structure of ZnO films prepared by RF magnetron sputtering

ZnO thin films were prepared on glass substrates by radio frequency(RF) magnetron sputtering technique,and their structural properties and surface morphology were characterized using the measurements of XRD and SEM by changing substrate temperature.The results of XRD and SEM indicated that the films were preferred c-axis orientations,and their surfaces were smooth and compact,and the grain size was uniform when the substrate temperature was 400 ℃.
Inflows of Speculative Capital,the Dilemma of Interest Rate Policy and the Optimal Combination of Monetary Policy Tools

A theoretical model is proposed to consider the policy characterized by some optimal combination of interest rate policy and bank reserve requirements to achieve the goals of preventing inflation and reducing inflows of hot money.The model shows that the effect of bank reserve requirements policy imposes direct constraint on bank lending,which can be circumvented to some extent by financing through non-bank channels.Interest rate policy,on the other hand,prevents financing through arbitrage,and results in more efficient funds allocation.The side effect of attracting speculative capital inflows,due to higher interest rate,can be countered with reserve policy.
Criminal Courts and Procedure

This chapter provides both a historical and modern perspective on criminal procedure around the world.
A Curriculum for Clerkship Students to Foster Professionalism Through Reflective Practice and Identity Formation.

Abstract Introduction Research suggests that students become less patient-centered and empathetic in response to both internal and external factors, including the organizational culture, or hidden ...
Teaching young children about HIV and AIDS.

Given the younger age of initiation of sexual behavior, the real risk of HIV infection for youth, and the greater efficacy of intervention that begins prior to active sexual participation, effective AIDS prevention programs need to begin during the elementary grades. This article outlines ways that mental health clinicians can promote and support elementary school AIDS education programs and addresses potential barriers to implementing such programs. The article concludes by offering recommendations for future directions for AIDS prevention efforts at the elementary school level.
Foreign-born population concentration and neighbourhood growth and development within US metropolitan areas:

Immigrant populations are a major driver of growth in many US metropolitan areas, and considerable research has focused on the effects of immigrant populations on neighbourhood outcomes. However, much of this research is based on data from 1990 or earlier, prior to substantial growth in the diversity of the immigrant population and to changes in immigrants’ US settlement patterns. This research uses tract-level data from the 2000 Decennial Census and the 2009–2013 American Community Survey to explore the relationship between an existing immigrant population and future changes in neighbourhood characteristics within the 100 largest US metropolitan areas. Spatial regression models are used to identify the neighbourhood features that predict future proportional growth in a neighbourhood’s foreign-born population. In addition, the associations between a neighbourhood’s initial foreign-born concentration and future neighbourhood relative income and population growth are investigated. Consistent with previous w...