cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cellular electrophysiologic effects of dexamethasone sodium phosphate: implications for cardiac stimulation with steroid-eluting electrodes.

Abstract Impregnation of implantable cardiac pacemaker electrodes with dexamethasone sodium phosphate (dexamethasone) has been associated with reduced energy requirements for both atrial and ventricular stimulation. To determine whether cardiac cellular electrophysiologic effects of dexamethasone could in part account for lower stimulation thresholds, conventional microelectrode recording and stimulation techniques were used to assess both the immediate (acute) effects of dexamethasone (10 −6 and 10 −4 M) in superfused isolated rabbit right atrial and right ventricular preparations, and chronic effects in rabbit right ventricular tissue following 2 weeks of either daily parenteral dexamethasone (5 mg/kg, plasma concentration approximately 1 to 5 × 10 −5 M) or saline placebo injections. In acute superfusion studies, dexamethasone resulted in a concentration dependent prolongation of spontaneous right atrial cycle length, but did not significantly affect right atrial transmembrane action potential characteristics or refractoriness. However, acute dexamethasone superfusion tended to increase right ventricular resting membrane potential and diminish stimulation threshold. On the other hand, compared to findings in saline-injected control rabbits, chronic dexamethasone injection had little effect on right ventricular stimulation threshold transmembrane action potential characteristics, or right ventricular refractoriness. Thus, the acute direct electrophysiologic effects of high-dose dexamethasone are compatible with the early reduction of cardiac stimulation thresholds associated with dexamethasone impregnated pacing electrodes. On the other hand, electrophysiologic findings in the presence of chronic dexamethasone exposure do not fully account for long-term reduction of stimulation energy requirements.
Sustaining the “Societal and Scriptural Fence”: Cultural, Social, and Political Topographies of Same-Sex Marriage in Alabama

In June 2006, voters in Alabama overwhelmingly approved a statewide referendum that added a prohibition against same-sex marriage to the state's constitution. This research examines the Alabama vote by “placing” the politics of sexuality within the state's multifaceted web of cultural and social space. We fuse a traditional electoral geography approach with an overall postpositivist cultural and social perspective, beginning with an assessment of the politics of place by situating Alabama as a place with a long history of battles over the so-called culture wars. The cultural politics of the legislative debate and the geographic distribution of the actual vote are also examined within a socio-demographic context, drawing some comparisons from a similar vote in Georgia in 2004, another state in the American Deep South. Those opposed to same-sex marriage in Alabama made effective use of various social constructions that are deeply embedded within a “moral” geography, situating the state as a fenced-off basti...
Log ft values for second-forbidden β-transitions and the decay of 24Na☆

Abstract The 4 + → 2 2 + , β-transition in 24 Na decay is important because it has been considered to have the lowest log ft (10.7) for a second-forbidden β-transition. We find that this β-transition is possible but only a lower limit on the log ft (>11.2) is really established. Therefore, a revision of J π assignment rules based on log ft is appropriate.
Electrodynamics of the stratosphere using 5000 m3 superpressure balloons

The Electrodynamics of the Middle Atmosphere research project encompasses the design of a microprocessor-controlled payload and the launch of up to eight small superpressure balloons in the 1982-1984 period. The primary payload instrument will measure the vector electric field from dc to 10 kHz, and the payloads will include instruments measuring local ionization, electrical conductivity, magnetic field, and temperature and pressure fluctuations. In addition, optical lightning will be recorded. The simultaneous measurement of these stratospheric parameters by several balloons, for periods extending over several solar rotations, will allow the study of electrical coupling between atmosphere and magnetosphere, of global current systems, and of global response to solar flares and magnetospheric storms.
The determination of chromium species in natural waters

Abstract A method for the determination of chromium species has been developed and successfully applied to both fresh and sea water samples. The method utilizes pre-concentration of total chromium, chromium(ni) and particulate chromium at natural pH with accurate and precise analysis by a single flameless atomic absorption procedure. A minimal blank allows for a reliable detection limit of 0.02 nM, which is sufficient for most natural waters with chromium concentrations in the range 0.01–10 nM. Immediate shipboard preconcentration of the samples minimizes storage problems. The method is simple and rapid; 20 samples can be analysed in duplicate for total chromium, chromium(III) and particulate chromium in one day with routinely available reagents and equipment.
Student Reactions to Teacher Response in Multiple‐Draft Composition Classrooms*

Research in L1 and L2 student writing has suggested that teacher response to student compositions is most effective when it is given on preliminary rather than final drafts of student essays (Freedman, 1987; Krashen, 1984). One area of research in L1 and L2 composition is the assessment of student reactions to the feedback they receive from their teachers (Cohen & Cavalcanti, 1990; Hedgcock & Lefkowitz, 1994; Leki, 1991; McCurdy, 1992). However, most previous studies of ESL student response to their teachers' written comments on their essays have been undertaken in single-draft, rather than multiple-draft, contexts. In this study, 155 students in two levels of a university ESL composition program responded to a survey very similar to the ones utilized by Cohen (1987) and McCurdy (1992) in single-draft settings. The results of the survey indicated that students pay more attention to teacher feedback provided on preliminary drafts (vs. final drafts) of their essays; that they utilize a variety of strategies to respond to their teachers' comments; that they appreciate receiving comments of encouragement; and that, overall, they find their teachers' feedback useful in helping them to improve their writing. Responses also showed that students had a variety of problems in understanding their teachers' comments, suggesting that teachers should be more intentional in explaining their responding behaviors to their students.
Effects of evapotranspiration partitioning, plant water stress response and topsoil removal on the soil moisture regime of a floodplain wetland: implications for restoration

Understanding how the soil moisture regime changes following hydrological restoration activities in wetlands is essential for managers interested in establishing targeted wetland vegetation species. Based on observations from two floodplain sites in southwestern Wisconsin, a variably saturated hydrological model was developed and used to illustrate the importance of changing evapotranspiration (ET) partitioning [through changes in leaf-area index (LAI)], the plant water stress function, and the thickness of a surficial silt-loam alluvial deposit on the soil moisture regime. Floodplain restoration activities at these sites consisted of removing a layer of post-settlement alluvium, which is a part of this deposit. Field observations following restoration of the pre-settlement floodplain surface at one of the sites show a drier soil moisture regime at 10 and 25 cm depths at the restored (RES) site than at the unrestored site even though the potentiometric surface in a shallow monitoring piezometer was closer to the surface at the RES site. Simulations show that four factors may have contributed to this observation of relatively drier soils at the RES site: (1) lower LAI increases soil evaporation, (2) anaerobiosis limits transpiration near saturation, (3) a confining unit inhibits upward flow of water, and (4) removal of a 0·5-m silt-loam layer decreases the reservoir of soil moisture available to plant roots. Our work suggests the importance of effectively characterizing parameters that affect ET partitioning (i.e. LAI), determining the appropriate plant water stress function, and considering the effect of floodplain deposits that act as confining units when simulating the hydrology of floodplain wetland ecosystems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MIMO SPACE-TIME CODING FOR DIFFUSE OPTICAL COMMUNICATION

A multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) diffuse optical communications link is implemented and evaluated using a 2 × 2 Alamouti-type space-time coding scheme to increase link performance beyond that of single input, single output (SISO) and multiple input, single output (MISO) systems. We present a representative profile of received power versus distance, and comparative bit-error probability performance. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1108–1110, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21558
Characteristics of the Biopsychosocial Crisis of Infertility

As many as 5 to 12 million individuals of childbearing age in the United States may now be infertile. For couples who wish to conceive but cannot do so, discovery of physical infertility, coupled with strong expectations about conceiving and raising children, sets the stage for a complex series of reactions labeled here as the crisis of infertility. Infertile couples frequently struggle with strong feelings, ranging from disbelief and denial to isolation, guilt, and grief. Problems coping with infertility are worsened by physical and psychological stresses accompanying medical procedures. The marital relationship may be severely tested as well. For many individuals, the infertility crisis is resolved with virtually no support from anyone. With empathy and understanding, counselors can help infertile individuals to work through this crisis productively.
Crystallization of Honey

The quality of crystallized honey is highest when the crystals are small. The physical phenomena of crystal growth and the factors and method of controlling fine crystallization are discussed.
Crossing the Hot Chocolate River with Families

Abstract The field of adventure therapy has created numerous physically and psychologically challenging activities designed to assist clients in identifying and changing personal and interpersonal issues. This article describes one adventure therapy activity, the Hot Chocolate River, as applied to the office-based family therapy setting. The Hot Chocolate River is an engaging experiential activity that may elicit strong emotions and familial patterns of interaction. Objectives, instructions, a case study, and clinical resources for conducting this activity are discussed.
Influence of prestraining on high temperature, low frequency fatigue crack growth in superalloys

Abstract The objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of prestraining on the low frequency crack growth behavior of wrought alloy 718 at 650°C. A series of crack growth experiments were carried out on specimens with two levels of prestraining, 1% and 2%, in addition to specimens with no prior deformation. Work in these experiments included continuous measurements of crack length and near field crack tip displacements, fractographic analysis of fracture surface facets, qualitative determination of the slip density in the crack tip region and Auger spectroscopy analysis for the objective of determining the thickness of surface oxide layers formed during the fracture process. It is concluded from this work that prestraining leads to a reduction in the crack growth rate. This conclusion has been examined on the basis of the notion that the deformation-associated slip line density is the rate controlling element of the chromium oxide build up taking place at the slip line-grain boundary intersection nodes within the crack tip region.
Canonical transient receptor potential TRPC7 can function as both a receptor- and store-operated channel in HEK-293 cells

Previous studies on the activation mechanism of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels have often produced conflicting conclusions. All seven have been shown to be activated by phos...
Prevalence of the early warning signs of melanoma among participants in the 1989 Rhode Island skin cancer screening.

Discussion. The mechanism of action of cyclosporine is unknown. Inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation" and synthesis and/or release of cytokines from inflammatory cells3 have been demonstrated. Both effects may be important for cyclosporine's beneficial action in psoriasis. This case demonstrates the efficacy of cyclosporine in pustular psoriasis of the palms, a disease characterized by its chronic, recalcitrant course. Thus far, one patient has been reported whose disease responded to cyclosporine (14 rug/kg/day)." We believe that our observation of the therapeutic efficacy of the drug at daily doses as lowas 4.8 to 2.1 mg/kg is important, particularly because long-term maintenance therapy may be necessary. Recent investigations have shown the relative safety of low-dose cyclesporine regimens. In 29 patients studied by renal biopsy, no signs of nephrotoxicity were observed at doses less than 7.5 rug/kg/day, whereas in five of nine patients taking higher daily doses, nephrotoxicity occurred.l? Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Environment, Development, and Trade between High-and Low-Income Countries

As the environmental impacts of agriculture receive increasing public attention, it is to be expected that proposals for agricultural trade liberalization will be judged, in part, on their environmental merits. It also is possible that environmental policies will be viewed as politically acceptable substitutes for conventional agricultural and trade policies (OECD). Thus, there is demand from the general public and the policy community to know the environmental impacts of agriculture and how these impacts are likely to change with trade liberalization. There is no doubt that agricultural trade liberalization will change the location and intensity of production and that agricultural externalities will decrease in some areas and increase in oth-
Weed Sources of Lygus Bugs in the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin in Washington

Collections of lygus bugs, mainly Lygus hesperus Knight and L. elisus Van Duzee, were made at weekly intervals in the lower Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin in Washington from weed hosts and alfalfa. Early in the season the crucifers, hoary cress, Cardaria draba (L.) Desv., tumble mustard, Sisymbrium altissimum (L.), and flixweed, Descurainia sp., are the primary hosts. Pepperweed, Lepidium latifolium L., and Russian thistle, Salsola kali L., are common mid-season weed hosts. Lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L., kochia, Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad., marsh-elder, Iva xanthifolia Nutt., pigweed, Amaranthus retroflexus L., and ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., are major reproductive sites in late season and host the potential overwintering populations. When a disturbed site, e.g., ditch bank, roadside, or field edge, returns to some degree of ecological stability with a grass cover, the pioneer species of weeds frequented by the lygus bugs cannot compete with the natural grasses, and lygus populations are markedly reduced.
Lead uptake by plants--the influence of lead source.

Greenhouse studies suggest that the amount of lead taken up by plants is a function of the lead salt used to treat the soil.
Partially Oxidized Graphene/Metallic Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Film-Coated Electrode for Nanomolar Detection of Dopamine

Enriched metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes (mSWCNTs) were dispersed in aqueous solution of partially oxidized graphene (po-Gr). As-prepared po-Gr/mSWCNTs suspension was used to modify glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface, which showed high electrocatalytic activity for dopamine (DA) oxidation in pH 7.0 phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution. Using po-Gr/mSWCNTs/GCE we could detect DA from 350 to 3600 nM, with a detection limit down to 25 nM in physiological condition (in pH 7.0 PBS); whereas, po-Gr/GCE (without mSWCNTs) and bare GCE produced measurable signals only at or above 200 nM DA. Thus, the po-Gr/mSWCNTs film we fabricated is a promising nanomaterial for fabrication of biosensors for nanomolar detection of DA.
Parents as therapists for autistic children: A model for effective parent training

Abstract The severity of autistic children's behavior problems, as well as their characteristic difficulties in generalizing newly-acquired skills across settings, underline the importance of maximizing the amount of intervention services available, and of providing such services in more than a single environment. For these reasons, parental participation in child treatment can contribute significantly to the rate of child progress. This paper describes a well-documented parent-training paradigm that enables parents to serve as home tutors and therapists for their own autistic children. The report includes descriptions of the training provided to home programmers, as well as detailed information on how they deliver services to parents. Training begins as the home programmer engages in relationship building with assigned parents. Subsequently, home programmer and parents jointly pursue a specified sequence of activities that includes: (1) identification of child target behaviors; (2) collection of baseline data at home; (3) development of the new instruction or treatment program, and implementation of that program in the day school or treatment setting; (4) parents' observation of the new program at school; (5) parents' guided implementation of the program at school; (6) parents' supervised use of the program in their own home; and (7) parents' ongoing data collection and program implementation at home, with regular support from the home programmer. This is a continuing cycle of home programming activities; when the child achieves a particular treatment goal, another home program is initiated. The model includes tested procedures for prompting parents' continued involvement, assessing the effectiveness and appropriateness of intervention programs delivered by parents, and for obtaining parents' evaluations of the training services received. Underlying all steps in this outline is an emphasis on individualized training for parents, as well as individualized programming for children. The model can be readily implemented in special education and day treatment programs for autistic children, and has been shown to successfully solicit ongoing parent participation, thus increasing the total amount of treatment programming available to children.
Hemodynamic Forces Regulate Collagen Deposition in the Embryonic Chicken Outflow Tract

Alterations in blood flow at early embryonic stages can lead to detrimental remodeling and heart defects, but these structural adaptations are not well understood. We hypothesize that deposition of collagens will be increased as shear stress is increased — leading to a stiffer wall. To test this hypothesis a suture (OTB) was tightened around the outflow tract (OFT) of stage HH18 chick embryos for 24 hours to reduce cross sectional area of the lumen. Sham and OTB embryos were immunostained for collagen I, III, VI and XIV, imaged with confocal microscopy, and staining was quantified by grayscale analysis. Changes in fibril collagens I and III were not observed, however deposition of collagens VI and XIV increased in a degree-of-constriction dependent manner. The observed increase in collagen VI and XIV deposition suggests they play a key role in structural adaptation to increased hemodynamic pressure.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Electrophysiological analysis of the ascending and descending components of the micturition reflex pathway in the rat

Electrophysiological techniques were used to examine the organization of the spinobulbospinal micturition reflex pathway in the rat. Electrical stimulation of afferent axons in the pelvic nerve evoked a long latency (136 ± 41ms) response on bladder postganglionic nerves, whereas stimulation in the dorsal pontine tegmentum elicited shorter latency firing (72 ± 25ms) on these nerves. Transection of the pelvic nerve eliminated these responses. Firing on the bladder postganglionic nerves was evoked by stimulation in a relatively limited area of the pons within and close to the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDT) and adjacent ventral periaqueductal gray. Stimulation at sites ventral to this excitatory area inhibited at latencies of107 ± 11ms the asynchronous firing on the bladder postganglionic nerves elicited by bladder distension. Electrical stimulation of afferents in the pelvic nerve evoked short latency (13 ± 3ms) negative field potentials in the dorsal part of the periaqueductal gray as well as long latency (42 ± 7ms) field potentials in and adjacent to the LDT. The responses were not altered by neuromuscular blockade. Similar responses were elicited by stimulation of afferent axons in the bladder nerves. The sum of the latencies of the ascending and descending pathways between the LDT and the pelvic nerve (i.e. 72 ms plus 42 ms = 114 ms) is comparable although somewhat shorter (22 ms) than the latency of the entire micturition reflex. These results provide further evidence that the micturition reflex in the rat is mediated by a spinobulbospinal pathway which passes through the dorsal pontine tegmentum, and that neurons in the periaqueductal gray as well as the LDT may play as important role in the regulation of the micturition.
A microcosm approach for evaluating the effects of the fungicides benomyl and captan on soil ecological processes and plant growth

Abstract The effects of benomyl and captan on soil ecological processes were tested in integrated terrestrial microcosms containing agricultural soil, organic amendments and wheat seedlings. The effects of the two fungicides on important soil ecological processes were evaluated by measuring soil microbial activity and biomass, including soil substrate-induced respiration (SIR), soil enzyme activity (dehydrogenase, urease and acid phosphatase) and microbial biomass nitrogen concentrations; nitrogen dynamics, including extractable inorganic nitrogen, dissolved organic nitrogen concentrations, net N mineralization and nitrification rates; rates of organic matter decomposition, using chopped wheat straw; in situ inorganic nitrogen concentrations using ion-exchange resin bags, and plant growth. The quality of the organic amendments (ground alfalfa leaves or chopped wheat straw) influenced the effects of the two fungicides on soil microbial processes and nitrogen availability strongly. Rates of SIR, soil enzyme activities (except urease activity), microbial biomass N and dissolved organic N concentrations were all decreased significantly by the fungicide treatments. Rates of wheat straw decomposition were also inhibited by the fungicide applications. Soil urease activity, NH 4 + –N and NO 3 − –N concentrations, and initial net N mineralization and nitrification rates were increased by the fungicide treatments. In situ concentrations of NH 4 + –N and NO 3 − –N in ion-exchange resin bags differed between the two fungicide treatments. Captan increased amounts of NH 4 + –N and NO 3 − –N in the resin bags significantly, compared to those in the untreated controls, or in benomyl-treated soils. The germination success of wheat seeds after 7 days, plant biomass (shoot+roots) as well as the total nitrogen uptake, were all increased by the captan treatment. The two fungicides differed in their effects on some soil processes and plant growth, as well as on rates of nitrogen uptake by plants; captan having a greater and long-lasting overall influence than benomyl. We concluded that these integrated microcosm techniques and resultant data can provide a better understanding of the interactions between fungicide applications and soil ecological processes than single investigations of the individual processes.
Probing the Electronic and Structural Properties of Chromium Oxide Clusters (CrO3)n− and (CrO3)n (n = 1–5): Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Density Functional Calculations

Photoelectron spectroscopy has been conducted for a series of (CrO3)n− (n = 1–5) clusters and compared with density functional calculations. Well-resolved photoelectron spectra were obtained for (CrO3)n− (n = 1–5) at 193 nm (6.424 eV) and 157 nm (7.866 eV) photon energies, allowing for accurate measurements of the electron binding energies, low-lying electronic excitations for n = 1 and 2, and the energy gaps. Density functional and molecular orbital theory (CCSD(T)) calculations were performed to locate the ground and low-lying excited states for the neutral clusters and to calculate the electron binding energies of the anionic species. The experimental and computational studies firmly establish the unique low-spin, nonplanar, cyclic ring structures for (CrO3)n and (CrO3)n− for n ≥ 3. The structural parameters of (CrO3)n are shown to converge rapidly to those of the bulk CrO3 crystal. The extra electron in (CrO3)n− (n ≥ 2) is shown to be largely delocalized over all Cr centers, in accord with the relativ...
Balancing environmental and industry sustainability: A case study of the US gold mining industry

Mandatory insurance requirements and/or mitigation fees (royalties) for mining companies may help reduce environmental risk exposure for the federal government. Mining is examined since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxic Release Inventory reveals that this sector produces more hazardous waste than any other industrial sector. Although uncommon, environmental expense can exceed hundreds of millions of dollars per development. Of particular concern is the potential for mines to become unfunded Superfund sites. Monte Carlo simulation of risk exposure is used to establish a plausible range of unfunded federal liabilities associated with cyanide-leach gold mining. A model is developed to assess these costs and their impact on both the federal budget and corporate profitability (i.e., industry sustainability), particularly if such costs are borne by offending firms.
Puffiness of the eyelids and lips with multiple subcutaneous masses in 2-month-old infant.

Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther 3(4) Fourth Quarter 2010 hemoncstem.edmgr.com 196 Skin involvement can be the initial sympf tom of hematologic diseases in children.1 Lymphoblastic leukemia/ lymphoma (LBL) is a neoplasm of the precursor Iymphoid cells considered to be the lymphomatotis variant of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Distinction between LBL and ALL relies on the massive presence in the latter of blast cells in the bone marrow (>25% blasts) and in the blood. According to the Revised EuropeanfAmerican Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms (REAL clasf silication), ALL and LBL account for 80% and 20% of neoplastic proliferation of lymphoblasts, respectively.2 LBL affects predominantly children and young adults with occasional older patients have been reported.3,4 A 2fmonthfold female presented with multiple subf cutaneous swellings on the scalp, shoulders and upper and lower limbs for the previous week. The swelling prof gressed to the eyelids and lips with intermittent stridor after receiving treatment for a common cold (Figure 1). Angioneurotic edema was suspected. She received stef roids treatment and frequent adrenaline nebulization, but the condition progressed. On examination, she apf Puffiness of the eyelids and lips with multiple subcutaneous masses in 2-month-old infant
Anti-HIV double variable domain immunoglobulins binding both gp41 and gp120 for targeted delivery of immunoconjugates.

Background: Anti-HIV immunoconjugates targeted to the HIV envelope protein may be used to eradicate the latent reservoir of HIV infection using activate-and-purge protocols. Previous studies have identified the two target epitopes most effective for the delivery of cytotoxic immunoconjugates the CD4-binding site of gp120, and the hairpin loop of gp41. Here we construct and test tetravalent double variable domain immunoglobulin molecules (DVD-Igs) that bind to both epitopes. Methods: Synthetic genes that encode DVD-Igs utilizing V-domains derived from human anti-gp120 and anti-gp41 Abs were designed and expressed in 293F cells. A series of constructs tested different inter-V-linker domains and orientations of the two V domains. Antibodies were tested for binding to recombinant Ag and native Env expressed on infected cells, for neutralization of infectious HIV, and for their ability to deliver cytotoxic immunoconjugates to infected cells. Findings: The outer V-domain was the major determinant of binding and functional activity of the DVD-Ig. Function of the inner V-domain and bifunctional binding required at least 15 AA in the inter-V-domain linker. A molecular model showing the spatial orientation of the two epitopes is consistent with this observation. Linkers that incorporated helical domains (A[EAAAK]nA) resulted in more effective DVD-Igs than those based solely on flexible domains ([GGGGS]n). In general, the DVD-Igs outperformed the less effective parental antibody and equaled the activity of the more effective. The ability of the DVD-Igs to deliver cytotoxic immunoconjugates in the absence of soluble CD4 was improved over that of either parent. Conclusions: DVD-Igs can be designed that bind to both gp120 and gp41 on the HIV envelope. DVD-Igs are effective in delivering cytotoxic immunoconjugates. The optimal design of these DVD-Igs, in which both domains are fully functional, has not yet been achieved.
A configurable signal analyzer for embedded systems

Rapid adaptability is a critical requirement for modern communication intelligence systems. This paper explores the concept of combining model based design with a runtime framework to realize an easily reprogrammable signal analyzer for embedded COMINT systems. Signal processing experts design algorithms using modeling tools tailored to the domain. The tools produce output that can be loaded directly to the embedded system. Platform independence is achieved by using XML and CORBA as principal elements of the design.
Janus flap: bilateral nasoseptal flaps for anterior skull base reconstruction.

Abstract Objective Large dural defects after extended endoscopic endonasal skull base resections require meticulous reconstruction to prevent a cerebrospinal fluid leak postoperatively. The nasoseptal flap is a vascularized tissue graft developed to aid in the multilayer reconstruction of the skull base. The purpose of this study is to describe the first experiences with bilateral nasoseptal flaps for reconstruction of very large skull base defects. Study Design Prospective, observational study. Setting Large tertiary referral center (New York Presbyterian Hospital). Subjects and Methods Five patients underwent a multilayer reconstruction after an extended endoscopic transsphenoidal skull base surgery that included bilateral nasoseptal flaps. Pathologies consisted of two pituitary macroadenomas, one planum sphenoidale meningioma, one craniopharyngioma, and one cavernous sinus hemangioma. Results All five patients underwent successful skull base reconstruction without a cerebrospinal fluid leak, complication at the reconstruction site, or anterior extension of the posterior septal perforation. Conclusion Bilateral nasoseptal flaps are a viable option for large dural defects of the anterior and ventral skull base when one nasoseptal flap may not completely seal the entire defect.
Thinking Like a Librarian: Tips for Better Legal Research

When it comes to conducting legal research, being able to think like a lawyer is a good start. A researcher needs to be able to identify issues, read and analyze primary sources like cases and statutes, and determine which materials are relevant. But in order to find those primary sources, a good researcher needs to think not just like a lawyer, but also like a librarian; in particular, a law librarian. Law librarians make excellent legal researchers for two reasons: (1) their knowledge of general (non-law specific) research techniques, and (2) their knowledge of legal resources and law-related research tools. By applying traditional research techniques to the legal field, law librarians are able to research more efficiently and effectively. This article will offer four research tips for thinking like a librarian that will improve one’s legal research. Everyone in the legal profession – law students doing research for a paper or as a faculty research assistant, summer associates and new attorneys doing research for more senior attorneys, and law professors and seasoned attorneys researching for themselves – can benefit from the ideas covered in this article.
Novel Retro-Inverso Peptide Inhibitor Reverses Angiotensin Receptor Autoantibody–Induced Hypertension in the Rabbit

Activating autoantibodies to the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) have been implicated in hypertensive disorders. We investigated whether AT1R antibodies produced in immunized rabbits will activate AT1R and contribute to hypertension by a direct contractile effect on the vasculature and whether they can be blocked by a novel decoy peptide. A multiple antigenic peptide containing the AT1R epitope AFHYESQ, which is the receptor-binding epitope of AT1R-activating autoantibodies, was used to immunize 6 rabbits. AT1R antibody activity was analyzed in AT1R-transfected cells, and their contractile effects were assayed using isolated perfused rat cremaster resistance arterioles. A retro-inverso d-amino acid epitope-mimetic peptide was tested for AT1R antibody inhibition in vitro and in vivo. All immunized animals produced high AT1R antibody titers and developed elevated blood pressure. No changes in measured blood chemistry values were observed after immunization. Rabbit anti-AT1R sera induced significant AT1R activation in transfected cells and vasoconstriction in the arteriole assay, both of which were blocked by losartan and the retro-inverso d-amino acid peptide. A single intravenous bolus injection of the retro-inverso d-amino acid peptide (1 mg/kg) into immunized rabbits dropped the mean arterial pressure from 122±11 to 82±6 mm Hg. Rabbit anti-AT1R sera partially suppressed angiotensin II–induced contraction of isolated rat cremaster arterioles, and the pressor response to angiotensin II infusion was attenuated in immunized animals. In conclusion, AT1R-activating autoantibodies and the retro-inverso d-amino acid peptide, respectively, have important etiologic and therapeutic implications in hypertensive subjects who harbor these autoantibodies.
Genetic Influences on Tobacco Use: A Review of Human and Animal Studies

This paper provides an overview of the literature which indicates that genetic factors regulate the use of alcohol and tobacco by humans. The methods used to make genetic assessments in humans and the results obtained are discussed. Studies using animals have been helpful in identifying simpler behavioral components of the dependence process that are regulated by genetic factors. An overview of the genetic methods used most often in animal studies is presented along with an in-depth discussion of how these methods have been useful in uncovering genetic influences on nicotine responses in animals. Data which indicate that genetic factors regulate brain nicotinic receptor numbers and response to nicotine are also included as examples of how genetic strategies have been useful in increasing our understanding of how genes may influence behavior.
Stable reactive power balancing strategies of grid‐connected photovoltaic inverter network

Summary In this paper, a distributed reactive power control based on balancing strategies is proposed for a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverter network. Grid-connected PV inverters can transfer active power at the maximum power point and generate a certain amount reactive power as well. Because of the limited apparent power transfer capability of a single PV inverter, multiple PV inverters usually work together. The communication modules of PV inverters formulate a PV inverter network that allows reactive power to be cooperatively supplied by all the PV inverters. Hence, reactive power distributions emerge in the grid-connected PV inverter network. Uniform reactive power distributions and optimal reactive power distributions are considered here. Reactive power balancing strategies are presented for both desired distributions. Invariant sets are defined to denote the desired reactive power distributions. Then, stability analysis is conducted for the invariant sets by using Lyapunov stability theory. In order to validate the proposed reactive power balancing strategies, a case study is performed on a large-scale grid-connected PV system considering different conditions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shoreline Change as a Proxy for Subaerial Beach Volume Change

Abstract It is difficult and expensive to calculate changes in sediment volume for large sections of sandy beaches. Shoreline change could be a useful proxy for volume change because it can be collected quickly and relatively easily over long distances. In this paper, we summarize several studies that find a high correlation between shoreline change and subaerial volume change. We also examine three new data sets. On Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the correlation coefficients between the time series of shoreline change and subaerial volume change at two locations are 0.73 and 0.96. On Assateague Island, the correlation coefficient between along-coast variations in shoreline change and subaerial volume change is 0.71. On the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the average correlation coefficient between temporal variations in shoreline change and subaerial volume change is 0.84. For spatial variations, the average correlation coefficient is 0.88. It is therefore concluded that shoreline change is a useful proxy for s...
Influence of Antigen Insertion Site and Vector Dose on Immunogenicity and Protective Capacity in Sendai Virus-Based Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 Vaccines

Recombinant Sendai virus (rSeV) was used as a live, attenuated vaccine vector for intranasal inoculation and mucosal expression of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) surface glycoprotein of human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3). Two vaccine candidates rSeV-HPIV3HN(P-M) and rSeV-HPIV3(F-HN) were constructed in which the HPIV3 HN open reading frame and an additional gene junction was inserted in the P-M and F-HN gene junctions of rSeV, respectively. The rSeV-HPIV3HN(P-M) virus was attenuated compared to rSeV-HPIV3(F-HN) in LLC-MK2 cells, and yet both vaccine candidates grew to similar extents in NHBE cells and in the respiratory tracts of cotton rats. These results suggest that in vitro vector growth in NHBE cells more accurately predicts virus yield in cotton rats than does growth in LLC-MK2 cells. Both vaccine vectors elicited high levels of serum neutralizing antibodies and conferred protection from HPIV3 challenge in cotton rats. Compared to vaccination with a high dose (2,000,000 PFU), intranasal inoculation with a low dose (200 PFU) resulted in a 10-fold decrease in vector growth in the nasal cavity and trachea and a 50-fold decrease in the lungs. However, low-dose vaccination resulted in only modest decreases in anti-HPIV3 antibodies in sera and was sufficient to confer complete protection from HPIV3 challenge. Varying the HPIV3 antigen insertion site and vector dose allowed fine-tuning of the in vivo growth and immunogenicity of rSeV-based vaccines, but all four vaccination strategies tested resulted in complete protection from HPIV3 challenge. These results highlight the versatility of the rSeV platform for developing intranasally administered respiratory virus vaccines.
Making the GigaPixelArtZoom

Before the age of movies and the internet, people flocked to see large-scale panoramas displayed in buildings designed specifically for them. Fast forward to the present, and only very recently can such large-scale panoramic imagery again be created and viewed.
CD4+ T‐cell development in a mouse expressing a transgenic TCR derived from a Treg

CD4(+)Foxp3(+) Treg maintain peripheral tolerance and influence immune responses to foreign antigens. The thymus is an important source of Treg, but controversy exists as to whether T cells are selected into the Treg lineage based on signals received through TCR specific for self-peptides. To examine the specificity of TCR expressed by Treg and its effect on CD4(+) T-cell development, we generated Treg-TCR transgenic mice. Deletion of >90% of CD4(+) T cells in RAG-sufficient mice, and nearly 100% deletion in RAG(-/-) mice expressing this TCR indicate that the TCR is specific for an unknown, naturally expressed peptide in the thymus. Deletion occurs late in development, suggesting this peptide is presented by APC in the thymic medulla. These studies are the first to describe the effects of expressing a Treg-TCR on CD4(+) T-cell development. The implications of our data for models of Treg selection are discussed.
Epistasis for Fitness-Related Quantitative Traits in Arabidopsis thaliana Grown in the Field and in the Greenhouse

The extent to which epistasis contributes to adaptation, population differentiation, and speciation is a long-standing and important problem in evolutionary genetics. Using recombinant inbred (RI) lines of Arabidopsis thaliana grown under natural field conditions, we have examined the genetic architecture of fitness-correlated traits with respect to epistasis; we identified both single-locus additive and two-locus epistatic QTL for natural variation in fruit number, germination, and seed length and width. For fruit number, we found seven significant epistatic interactions, but only two additive QTL. For seed germination, length, and width, there were from two to four additive QTL and from five to eight epistatic interactions. The epistatic interactions were both positive and negative. In each case, the magnitude of the epistatic effects was roughly double that of the effects of the additive QTL, varying from −41% to +29% for fruit number and from −5% to +4% for seed germination, length, and width. A number of the QTL that we describe participate in more than one epistatic interaction, and some loci identified as additive also may participate in an epistatic interaction; the genetic architecture for fitness traits may be a network of additive and epistatic effects. We compared the map positions of the additive and epistatic QTL for germination, seed width, and seed length from plants grown in both the field and the greenhouse. While the total number of significant additive and epistatic QTL was similar under the two growth conditions, the map locations were largely different. We found a small number of significant epistatic QTL × environment effects when we tested directly for them. Our results support the idea that epistatic interactions are an important part of natural genetic variation and reinforce the need for caution in comparing results from greenhouse-grown and field-grown plants.
Electrical control of droplet direction with phase-varied fresnel lens on acoustic wave liquid ejector

This paper describes a novel design of a multi-directional acoustic ejector with capability of electrical control on the droplet ejection angle by changing the operating frequency. The newly developed ejector consistently ejects uniform droplets in diameter of 70 µm, with electrical control of the directional angle from −30° to 35° (with respect to normal direction of liquid surface plane) as the operating frequency is varied from 16.78 MHz to 19.08 MHz. To produce the electrically adjustable oblique ejections of nano-liter droplets, destructive wave interference is intentionally introduced through a phase-varied lens. With the novel lens, the direction of the droplet ejection depends monotonically on the operating frequency of the driving signal. This paper presents the experimental results, as well as the theoretical analysis and simulation verification of the phase-varied lens design that gives the electrical control on the direction of ejected droplets.
Intelligent control of model helicopters - a building block approach

There is a growing interest in the modeling and control of model helicopters using nonlinear dynamic models and nonlinear control. A helicopter is an underactuated system with fewer independent control actuators than degrees of freedom to be controlled, making the control difficult. Further, most of the models and control are derived for separate flight conditions such as take-off or hovering because of the complexity involved. This simplification in fact seems to make the problem more difficult since the simplified model might not have the properties associated with the original physical system. Analytical techniques based on Lyapunov theory are then used to design the controller and the design can become extremely complex. In this paper, we present a new nonlinear and adaptive controller design. The design methodology basically involves making the combined dynamics of the helicopter and the controller to resemble the dynamics of a nonlinear time varying electrical circuit having the required properties, using a process similar to reverse engineering. This conceptually simple procedure leads to a new general class of complex nonlinear and adaptive controller algorithms without the use of or the necessity for complex analytical tools, and hence can be understood and applied easily. Even though the solution provided here is for a particular flight condition, this approach can easily be extended to multiflight conditions.
Error analysis for Galerkin POD approximation of the nonstationary Boussinesq equations

In this article, we study error estimates for approximate solutions of POD Galerkin type for the equations for the motion of a nonstationary viscous thermally conducting fluid in a bounded domain. Time discretization is based on backward Euler scheme. We study both the fully implicit and semi-implicit versions of this scheme. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 27: 1639-1665, 2011
MODELING DYNAMICS OF POST-DISASTER RECOVERY

Natural disasters result in loss of lives, damage to existing facilities, and interruption of businesses. The losses are not instantaneous, but rather continue to occur until the community is restored to a functional socio-economic entity. Hence, it is essential that policy makers recognize this dynamic aspect of the incurred losses and make realistic plans to enhance recovery. However, this cannot take place without understanding how homeowners react to recovery signals. These signals can come in different ways: from policy makers showing their strong commitment to restore the community by providing financial support and/or restoration of lifeline infrastructure; or from the neighbors showing their willingness to reconstruct. The goal of this research is to develop a model that can account for neighbors’ dynamic interactions by incorporating their signals in a spatial domain. A multi-agent framework is used to capture emergent behavior such as formation of clusters. The results from the model confirm the important role of spatial externality in agents’ decision-making and the process of recovery. The results further highlight the significant impact of discount factor and the accuracy of the signals on the percentage of reconstruction. Finally, cluster formation was shown to be an emergent phenomenon during the recovery process.