cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films for Sustainable Specialty Crop Production

Plastic mulch films are employed in the production of vegetables and other specialty crops worldwide due to the benefits they provide, such as reduction of weeds and water loss by evaporation, and control of soil temperature. The benefits can lead to better product quality and yield, and to a more efficient utilization of agricultural inputs such as water. Unfortunately, polyethylene (PE), the most commonly employed constituent of plastic mulches, is poorly biodegradable, thereby requiring the mulch’s’ expensive and laborious retrieval after harvest. The opportunities for recycling and landfilling of PE mulches are not readily available or are impractical. Residual PE fragments are readily dispersed in soil-related ecosystems and watersheds, where they can harm micro- and macro-organisms. Biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) have been developed to address the disposal-related deficiencies. Although the purchase costs of BDMs are over two-fold higher than PE mulches, BDMs are inexpensively plowed into the soil after harvest. Despite the environmental benefits of replacing PE plastic mulches with BDMs, and potential savings of labor costs at harvest, the long-term impact of multiyear BDM employment on soil health and specialty crop productivity is still a concern. This chapter provides a review of BDMs in specialty crop production, including commonly employed polymeric constituents. The authors’ recent interdisciplinary research on the long-term impacts of BDMs on specialty crop production and soil fertility will also be discussed.
Modified Generalized Stacking Fault Energy Surface of II–VI Ionic Crystals from Excess Electrons and Holes

Electron and hole carriers are ubiquitous in semiconductors and play an important role in determining the electronic properties that are essential in biolabeling and electronic device applications....
A discrete differential geometry-based approach to numerical simulation of Timoshenko beam

Abstract We report a discrete differential geometry-based numerical method for the simulation of geometrically nonlinear dynamics of thick beam — known as Timoshenko beam. Our numerical framework discretizes the beam into a number nodes and uses the degrees of freedom of each node – position and rotation angle – to construct discrete elastic energies. Equations of motion resulting from balance of forces are formulated at each degree of freedom. These equations are integrated using a second order, implicit Newmark-beta time marching scheme. We find that the structural rigidity and natural frequency computed in Timoshenko beam framework are always lower than the one obtained using Euler–Bernoulli beam method for both naturally straight and curved beams. For quantitative comparison, we analytically solve the Euler–Lagrange equations using both Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories for a number of examples. A good match between the analytical solution and the numerical results in the geometrically linear regime indicates the correctness of our discrete model. The simulation can seamlessly handle geometrically nonlinear deformation that is often not amenable to an analytical approach.
Second-Generation Nigerian Children’s Descriptions of Racism and Perceptions of Irish Identity

In recent decades, Ireland has experienced an increase in diversity due to immigration. The purpose of this study is to explore how three Irish-born primary-grade children of Nigerian immigrants in...
Evaluation of a Magic Camp for Children with Hemiparesis: A Pilot Study.

This single-group open trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a two-week magic camp as a means of hand-arm motor skills training to improve upper limb motor function (unilateral and bi...
Comprehensive mapping of the human cytokine gene regulatory network

Proper cytokine gene expression is essential in development, homeostasis, and immune responses. Studies on the transcriptional control of cytokine genes have mostly focused on highly researched transcription factors (TFs) and cytokines, resulting in an incomplete portrait of cytokine gene regulation. Here, we use enhanced yeast one-hybrid (eY1H) assays to derive a comprehensive network comprising 1,380 interactions between 265 TFs and 108 cytokine gene promoters, greatly expanding the known repertoire of TF-cytokine gene interactions. We found an enrichment of nuclear receptors and confirmed their role in cytokine regulation in primary macrophages. Additionally, we used the eY1H-derived network as a framework to identify pairs of TFs that synergistically modulate cytokine gene expression, and to identify novel TF-cytokine regulatory axes in immune diseases and immune cell lineage development. Overall, the eY1H data provides a rich resource to study cytokine regulation in a variety of physiological and disease contexts.
Global Climate Justice

Based on the optimal temperatures for the agriculture, industry and service sectors productivity as well as climate projections of the year 2100 under the business as usual path per country, this chapter reveals for the very first time climate winners and losers around the world from now on until the year 2100. Overall and simply seen from a narrow-minded GDP perspective, the world will macroeconomically benefit more from climate change until 2100 than lose. Winning and losing from a warming earth is significantly positively correlated with the Paris COP 21 emissions country percentage of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) for ratification. The chapter concludes with introducing the climatorial imperative—advocating for the need for fairness in the distribution of the global earth benefits among nations based on Kant’s imperative to only engage in actions one wants to experience themselves being done to oneself. While the method to measure the gains from climate change can certainly be refined in future studies, the following research is meant as very first preliminary step to open a gate to find climate mitigation incentives from a welfare redistribution perspective.
Effect of replacement of sunflower seed meal with isonitrogenous Polistes instabilis on in vitro methanogenesis and rumen fermentation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing sunflower seed meal (SM) with isonitrogenous Polistes instabilis (PI) on in vitro methanogenesis, rumen fermentation and nutrient...
Effectiveness of CAD/CAM technology: A self-assessment tool for preclinical waxing exercise.

Introduction This study assessed the utility of CAD/CAM technology as a self-assessment tool for preclinical waxing compared to traditional student self-assessment to evaluate preclinical work. Material and methods Thirty-seven students completed the wax-up of the maxillary left central incisor with the goal of recreating original anatomy and completed a traditional self-assessment. The original, unreduced cast and waxings were scanned with an intraoral scanner (E4D, Planmeca). Using CAD/CAM software (Compare, Planmeca), each waxing was superimposed over the original. Tolerance (250 µm) was set to illustrate under- and over-contoured areas, enabling visualisation of the waxing compared to original in three dimensions. Students then completed another self-assessment and an exit survey. Results Twenty-four per cent of self-assessment responses changed after using Compare Software. 20% changed from satisfactory to unsatisfactory. Four per cent changed from unsatisfactory to satisfactory. Greatest change in response occurred in the Incisal Edge (49%) rubric category. Interproximal Contact Area (3%) demonstrated least change in response. Seventy per cent strongly agreed that Compare Software enabled more effective assessment of Lingual Contour. Eight per cent strongly disagreed that Compare Software enabled more effective assessment of finishing. Discussion CAD/CAM software can improve student's critical self-assessment. Different rubric categories demonstrated differing rates of response change, indicating more critical of certain aspects of the waxing. Majority strongly agreed that the software enabled more effective self-assessment. Conclusion CAD/CAM technology enhances student's learning in dental wax-up through improving self-assessment. This technology may improve teacher-student communication, reduce one-on-one teaching time and allow higher student-teacher ratio.
Inference of a Dynamic Aging-related Biological Subnetwork via Network Propagation

Gene expression (GE) data capture valuable condition-specific information (condition can mean a biological process, disease stage, age, patient, etc.) However, GE analyses ignore physical interactions between gene products, i.e., proteins. Because proteins function by interacting with each other, and because biological networks (BNs) capture these interactions, BN analyses are promising. However, current BN data fail to capture condition-specific information. Recently, GE and BN data have been integrated using network propagation (NP) to infer condition-specific BNs. However, existing NP-based studies result in a static condition-specific subnetwork, even though cellular processes are dynamic. A dynamic process of our interest is human aging. We use prominent existing NP methods in a new task of inferring a dynamic rather than static condition-specific (aging-related) subnetwork. Then, we study evolution of network structure with age we identify proteins whose network positions significantly change with age and predict them as new aging-related candidates. We validate the predictions via e.g., functional enrichment analyses and literature search. Dynamic network inference via NP yields higher prediction quality than the only existing method for inferring a dynamic aging-related BN, which does not use NP. Our data and code are available at https://nd.edu/cone/dynetinf.
Quantum confinement and size resolved modeling of electronic and optical properties of small soot particles

Abstract Electronic and optical properties of flame-generated carbon nanoparticles were modeled based on quantum confinement and amorphous semiconductor theory of monodispersed particles. The ionization energies and optical band gaps of polydispersed particles 4–23 nm in volume median diameter (Liu et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 116 (2019) 12692–12697) were re-analyzed by deconvolution to obtain particle-size specific properties. The complex refractive index was derived from optical absorption and the Kramers–Kronig relations over the wavelength range of 185–1400 nm. Dependence of the refractive index on the primary particle size is shown for the first time. The real component of the refractive index is weakly dependent on the particle size, but the imaginary component is found to be particularly sensitive to the particle size. The refractive indices of relatively large soot particles are found to be in close agreement with literature values in the visible spectrum; those of smaller particles (〈 ∼ 15 nm in diameter) show a significant difference from the literature values. The current result highlights the need for accounting for the size effect in the refractive index in laser diagnostics of soot in flames. It also suggests that some of the earlier extinction and scattering measurements of flame soot may have to be re-evaluated, especially for lightly sooting flames and during the early stage of soot growth.
Chapter 10 – Granular Impact: A Grain-scale Approach

This work summarizes a series of studies on two-dimensional granular impact, where an intruding object strikes a granular material at high speed. Many previous studies on granular impact have used a macroscopic force law, which is dominated by an inertial drag term proportional to the intruder velocity squared. The primary focus here is on the microscopic force response of the granular material, and how the grain-scale effects give rise to this inertial drag term. We show that the inertial drag arises from intermittent collisions with force-chain-like structures. We construct a simple collisional model to explain the inertial drag, as well as off-axis instability and rotations. Finally, we show how the granular response changes when the intruder speed approaches d/tc, leading to a failure of the inertial drag description in this regime. Here, d is the mean particle diameter and tc the characteristic momentum transfer time between two grains.
Aqueous Self-Assembly of Peptide–Diketopyrrolopyrrole Conjugates with Variation of N-Alkyl Side Chain and π-Core Lengths

Peptidic sequences when conjugated to π-electronic groups form self-assembled networks of π-electron pathways. These materials hold promise for bio-interfacing charge transporting applications because of their aqueous processability and compatibility. In this work, we incorporated diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP), a well-established π-core for organic electronic applications, within the peptidic sequence. We embedded different numbers of thiophene rings (2 and 3) on both sides of the DPP to alter the length of the π-cores. We also varied the length of the N-alkyl side chains (methyl, butyl, hexyl) attached to the DPP core. These variations allowed us to explicitly study the effect of π-core and N-alkyl side-chain length on photophysical properties and morphology of the resulting nanomaterials. All of these molecules formed H-type aggregates in the assembled state. Longer π-cores have relatively red-shifted absorption maxima, whereas the N-alkyl variation did not present significant photophysical changes.
A nAttractor mechanism for nAdS2/nCFT1 holography

We study the nearly AdS2 geometry of nearly extremal black holes in $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ supergravity in four dimensions. In the strictly extreme limit the attractor mechanism for asymptotically flat black holes states that the horizon geometries of these black holes are independent of scalar moduli. We determine the dependence of the near extreme geometry on asymptotic moduli and express the result in simple formulae that generalize the extremal attractor mechanism to nearly extreme black holes. This is a nAttractor mechanism.
Phase 1 trial of adavosertib (AZD1775) in combination with concurrent radiation and cisplatin for intermediate-risk and high-risk head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background Adavosertib (AZD1775) is an inhibitor of the Wee1 kinase. The authors conducted a phase 1b trial to evaluate the safety of adavosertib in combination with definitive chemoradiotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed, intermediate-risk/high-risk, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods Twelve patients with intermediate-risk/high-risk HNSCC were enrolled, including those with p16-negative tumors of the oropharynx, p16-positive tumors of the oropharynx with ≥10 tobacco pack-years, and tumors of the larynx/hypopharynx regardless of p16 status. All patients were treated with an 8-week course of concurrent intensity-modulated radiotherapy at 70 grays (Gy) (2 Gy daily in weeks 1-7), cisplatin 30 mg/m2 weekly (in weeks 1-7), and adavosertib (twice daily on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8). The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and the recommended phase 2 dose of adavosertib given concurrently with radiation and cisplatin. Secondary objectives were to determine the 12-week objective response rate and progression-free and overall survival. Results Three patients (25%) experienced a dose-limiting toxicity, including febrile neutropenia (n = 2) and grade 4 thromboembolism (n = 1). Two dose-limiting toxicities occurred with adavosertib at 150 mg. The median follow-up was 14.7 months. The 12-week posttreatment objective response rate determined by positron emission tomography/computed tomography was 100%. The 1-year progression-free and overall survival rates were both 90%. The maximum tolerated dose of adavosertib was 100 mg. Conclusions Adavosertib 100 mg (twice daily on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8), in combination with 70 Gy of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and cisplatin 30 mg/m2 , is the recommended phase 2 dose for patients with HNSCC.
Different names for “natural gas” influence public perception of it

Abstract In many countries, natural gas is perceived more favorably than other fossil fuels. Here, we experimentally test (N = 2931) how perceptions of natural gas vary depending on what it is called. We find that Americans have stronger positive feelings for the term “natural gas” than “natural methane gas” (d = 0.59), “fossil gas” (d = 0.80), “fracked gas” (d = 0.81), “methane” (d = 0.94), and “methane gas” (d = 0.96). Democrats and Republicans both reported more positive views of “natural gas” than “natural methane gas” or “methane [gas].” But the patterns for the two political parties differed for perceptions of “fossil gas” and “fracked gas,” which were both viewed relatively positively by Republicans but negatively by Democrats. Analyses of open-ended word associations found that many participants associated methane with words like “pollution” and “global warming,” whereas they associated natural gas with words like “clean.” The results suggest that the terms used for this fossil fuel have very different meanings among the public, which may affect people's risk perceptions, consumer choices, and support for related policies.
Increases in Positive Emotions as Precursors to Therapeutic Change.

Increases in positive emotions may not only be indicators of progress in therapy, but precursors to that improvement. Conducted in a psychology training clinic, this naturalistic, repeated-measures study tracked changes over the course of therapy in 34 clients' emotional experience and two of the primary targets of clinical interventions, symptom distress and relationship functioning. During treatment, positive emotions increased, negative emotions decreased and improvements were seen in therapeutic outcomes. Positive and negative emotions were correlated, as were changes in positive and negative emotions. However, despite this association, increases in positive emotions were a significant predictor of concurrent improvements in symptom distress and relationship functioning, even when decreases in negative emotions were included in the same model. Additionally, positive emotions not only predicted change in these treatment outcomes over the same time period, they also predicted future change. This study contributes to research on the critical role positive emotions play in psychotherapy and may encourage the development of interventions focusing on increasing positive emotions. These findings highlight the distinct functioning of positive emotions separate from negative and the value of attending to positive emotions during therapy.
Two-Time Physics

After the Kaluza–Klein scenario found a home in string theory, physicists became accustomed to the concept of extra space dimensions. Their presence was essential for the mathematical consistency of the theory. Adding extra dimensions of space now seemed natural and even necessary, but physicists shied away from adding also extra dimensions of time. Why? Extra time dimensions had actually been quite discouraging to a lot of theorists because extra times bring additional problems that nobody knew how to resolve for many decades.
Environmental and Contextual Sources of Global Variation in Entrepreneurial Activities

This chapter examines economic and institutional factors affecting entrepreneurial activities. Factors analyzed include entrepreneurial opportunities, skills, access to capitals, incentives, culture as well as overall macro-economic environment and institutional contexts. The focus is thus on the demand- as well as supply side perspectives of entrepreneurship. We also discuss examples of measures taken by various governmental and non-governmental agencies to change some of the institutional factors to stimulate entrepreneurship.
Food Habits of Dabbling Ducks During Fall Migration in a Prairie Pothole System, Heron Lake, Minnesota

We conducted an analysis of dabbling duck food habits in the fall of 2002 and 2003 in the Heron Lake system. Gizzard contents of hunter-harvested birds were analyzed using the percent aggregate volume method to determine what food items were consumed and in what quantity. Curltop Ladysthumb ( Polygonum lapathifolium ) was the food item consumed most often (82.2%) and in the greatest volume (34.2 ml). Sago Pondweed ( Stuckenia pectinata ) was the only food item of which multiple plant parts were consumed. However, the seeds and tubers only comprised 1.27 and 0.07 of the total aggregate percent.
The effect of variations in translucency and background on color differences in CAD/CAM lithium disilicate glass ceramics.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of variations in translucency and background on color differences (ΔE) for different shades of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) lithium disilicate glass ceramics. Materials and Methods A pilot study suggested n = 10 as an appropriate sample size for the number of lithium disilicate glass ceramic cylinders per group. High-transparency (HT) and low-transparency (LT) cylinders (diameter, 12 mm; length, 13 mm) were fabricated in three ceramic shades (BL1, A2, C3) using CAD/CAM technology and were cut into specimen disks (thickness, 1.2 mm; diameter, 12 mm) for placement on Natural Die (ND1 and ND4) backgrounds. Four combinations of translucency and background color were evaluated in terms of color differences for the three ceramic shades: group 1 (HT ND1, reference), group 2 (HT ND4), group 3 (LT ND1), and group 4 (LT ND4). A spectrophotometer was used to measure the color differences. Nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis tests) were used to evaluate the color differences among the tested groups, and Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction were used as post hoc tests. Furthermore, for each ceramic shade, the HT groups were compared to the LT groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results Significant differences were present among the tested groups of the same ceramic shade (p < 0.001). The highest ΔE values were observed in the HT ND4 group for BL1, while the lowest ΔE values were found in the LT ND1 group for both A2 and C3. Further, the HT groups and the groups with a darker background (ND4) showed increased ΔE values compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, the results suggested that the translucency and background color significantly influenced the lithium disilicate glass ceramic color among the BL1, A2, and C3 ceramic shades. Changing the underlying color from a lighter background to a darker background resulted in increased color differences.
An estimate of the order of an optimal FIR band-pass digital filter

The computer program of McClellan, Parks and Rabiner [1] for designing optimal (minimax) FIR filters requires the order of the filter as an input parameter. Although a reliable estimate for the lowpass case is known [2], no such estimate exists for the bandpass case. In this paper we investigate the problem of estimating the order of an optimal bandpass filter. The effects of the design specifications on filter order are studied, and a simple estimate of the filter order is presented.
Environmental Effects of Genetically Modified Crops: Differentiated Risk Assessment and Management

The environmental risks and benefits of genetically modified crops have varying degrees of certainty. The U.S. regulatory system evaluates a suite of hazards for the crops primarily by minimizing type I error. However, genetically modified crops vary widely in their potential for environmental harm. We develop a differentiated risk assessment process using three models that shift from primary emphasis on controlling type I error for crops similar to conventionally bred varieties to stringent control of type II error for the most novel genetically modified crops. Parallel risk management approaches with economic considerations are discussed. Crop biotechnology development implications are drawn.
Prediction of Pavement Performance through Neuro‐Fuzzy Reasoning

: Government agencies and consulting companies in charge of pavement management face the challenge of maintaining pavements in serviceable conditions throughout their life from the functional and structural standpoints. For this, the assessment and prediction of the pavement conditions are crucial. This study proposes a neuro-fuzzy model to predict the performance of flexible pavements using the parameters routinely collected by agencies to characterize the condition of an existing pavement. These parameters are generally obtained by performing falling weight deflectometer tests and monitoring the development of distresses on the pavement surface. The proposed hybrid model for predicting pavement performance was characterized by multilayer, feedforward neural networks that led the reasoning process of the IF-THEN fuzzy rules. The results of the neuro-fuzzy model were superior to those of the linear regression model in terms of accuracy in the approximation. The proposed neuro-fuzzy model showed good generalization capability, and the evaluation of the model performance produced satisfactory results, demonstrating the efficiency and potential of these new mathematical modeling techniques.
Psychosocial needs of ethnic minority, inner-city, pediatric cancer patients

Purpose Limited data are available regarding the psychosocial impact of cancer on families of culturally diverse backgrounds living in medically underserved communities. The unique psychosocial needs of families of children with cancer from an ethnically diverse inner-city population is the focus of this study.
Physical and biological feedbacks of deforestation

[1] Forest vegetation can interact with its surrounding environment in ways that enhance conditions favorable for its own existence. Removal of forest vegetation has been shown to alter these conditions in a number of ways, thereby inhibiting the reestablishment of the same community of woody plants. The effect of vegetation on an environmental variable along with vegetation susceptibility to the associated environmental conditions may imply a positive feedback: Changes in the internal conditions controlling this variable such as deforestation could inhibit the reestablishment of woody vegetation cover that in turn would act to further degrade the conditions necessary for forest regeneration. Understanding these feedbacks is important because in some cases where these feedbacks are present, deforestation can lead to irreversible state shifts where the forest vegetation cannot recover. In this review, we examine the different cases in which deforestation can lead to a loss of conditions necessary to sustain forest vegetation. We examine the spatial scale and extent of each feedback in addition to considering the temporal scale over which a feedback may be considered irreversible. Juxtaposing the spatial extent of these feedbacks with a map of deforestation enables the identification and discussion of at-risk areas to state changes following deforestation. Last, we discuss the economic implications of these feedbacks and how socioeconomic factors can affect the convergence of a system to a given stable state.
Bernard-Soulier Disease: a Study of Four Patients and their Parents

Summary. Two families with Bernard-Soulier disease, including four patients and three of their parents, were studied and detailed clinical summaries are presented. One patient in each family has suffered severe bleeding problems while the other affected sibling is less severely affected. There has been no excessive bleeding in any of the parents or other family members. The patients demonstrated the abnormalities characteristic for Bernard-Soulier disease: thrombocytopenia, giant platelets, prolonged bleeding time, abnormal platelet aggregation to human FVIIIvWF and ristocetin or bovine FVIIvWF alone, defective ristocetin-induced binding of human 125I–FVIIIvWF multimers, decreased platelet lysis by a drug-dependent antibody and complement, and a decreased concentration of membrane glycoprotein I. The parents had normal platelet counts, bleeding times, and FVIII-mediated aggregation. However, the parents had anormally large platelets, decreased sensitivity to lysis by a drug-dependent antibody and complement, and a decreased concentration of membrane glycoprotein I. Therefore the heterozygous state for Bernard-Soulier disease is recognizable by platelet membrane abnormalities although there is no defect of platelet function and no excessive bleeding. Red cell membrane proteins of one patient were normal, suggesting that phenotypic expression of the Bernard-Soulier disease defect is restricted to platelets.
Pathology of pulmonary hypertension

This article briefly discusses the traditional concepts of severe pulmonary hypertension and then details how the concept of severe pulmonary hypertension has moved from a vasoconstrictive to an angioproliferative disorder.
Mechanism of angiopoietin-1 mediated endothelial progenitor cell recruitment in wound healing

Abstract Introduction: Gene transfer of Angiopoietin-1(Ang-1) corrects diabetic impaired wound healing by recruiting endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs) and enhancing neovascularization. EPCs are thought to be mobilized from the bone marrow through MMP9 activation of stem cell factor(SCF). We hypothesize that Ang-1’s effects on EPC recruitment are mediated through an MMP9 dependant-SCF activation mechanism. Methods: 8mm wounds were made in MMP9-/- or control mice. Wounds were treated with either 108PFU Ad-Ang-1(n=12), AdControl(n=12) or PBS(n=12). Half of MMP-9 -/- mice received daily intravenous SCF. Wounds at 7 days were analyzed for epithelial gap, capillary density(CD31), and EPCs(GATA-2). Serum SCF levels were assessed by ELISA. Letters in parentheses correspond to Table 1. Data expressed as mean+/-SEM. Results: Results: In control mice, Ang-1 had no effect on wound closure(a), neovascularization(b), or EPC recruitment(c). In MMP9-/- mice, AdAng1 accelerates reepithelialization(d)(p ∗ . Control MMP9 −/− MMP9 −/− IV SCF Ang1 Ad CTRL PBS Ang1 Ad CTRL PBS Ang1 Ad CTRL PBS Epithelial gap (mm) 2.7 ± 0.1 (a) 3.4 ± 0.2 (a) 2.6 ± 0.1 (a) 3.2 ± 0.1 ∗ (d) 4.1 ± 0.2 (d) 3.8 ± 0.2 (d) 2.7 ± 0.2 ∗ ∗ (g) 4.6 ± 0.4 (g) 4.5 ± 0.1 (g) Cap density (Caps/HPF) 7.5 ± 0.4 (b) 7.0 ± 0.4 (b) 7.0 ± 0.3 (b) 4.1 ± 0.5 (e) 3.9 ± 0.4 (c) 3.9 ± 0.6 (e) 8.4 ± 0.7 ∗ ∗ (h) 4.4 ± 0.4 (h) 4.6 ± 0.4 (h) EPCs (EPCs/HPF) 8.3 ± 0.2 (c) 7.3 ± 0.3 (c) 7.2 ± 0.2 (c) 2.0 ± 0.3 (f) 1.5 ± 0.3 (f) 1.6 ± 0.2 (f) 6.4 ± 0.3 ∗ ∗ (i) 2.4 ± 0.3 (i) 2.6 ± 0.2 (i) ∗ Indicates statistically significant differences (p Conclusions: Ang-1 mediated EPC recruitment and neovascularization occurs via an MMP-9 dependant activation of SCF mechanism. Ang-1 effects on reepithelialization are independent of this pathway. While SCF mobilizes EPCs, it has no effect on wound healing. SCF in combination with Ang-1 results in site specific recruitment of EPCs and enhanced neovascularization. EPC recruitment by Ang-1 is a novel and potentially potent therapeutic strategy to enhance impaired wound healing.
Development of a liver respiratory motion simulator to investigate magnetic tracking for abdominal interventions

We have designed and constructed a liver respiratory motion simulator as a first step in demonstrating the feasibility of using a new magnetic tracking system to follow the movement of internal organs. The simulator consists of a dummy torso, a synthetic liver, a linear motion platform, a graphical user interface for image overlay, and a magnetic tracking system along with magnetically tracked instruments. While optical tracking systems are commonly used in commercial image-guided surgery systems for the brain and spine, they are limited to procedures in which a line of sight can be maintained between the tracking system and the instruments which are being tracked. Magnetic tracking systems have been proposed for image-guided surgery applications, but most currently available magnetically tracked sensors are too small to be embedded in the body. The magnetic tracking system employed here, the AURORA from Northern Digital, can use sensors as small as 0.9 mm in diameter by 8 mm in length. This makes it possible to embed these sensors in catheters and thin needles. The catheters can then be wedged in a vein in an internal organ of interest so that tracking the position of the catheter gives a good estimate of the position of the internal organ. Alternatively, a needle with an embedded sensor could be placed near the area of interest.
Cellular contribution of the different regions of the somatopleure to the developing limb.

Regionalization of the presumptive limb region was examined before and at the onset of limb development by means of a variety of transplantation experiments between quail and chick embryos in ovo. The results demonstrate a two-step process, the first of which is the designation of the region of the somatopleure that would become part of the limb, followed by specification of dorsal and ventral regions of the limb. The medial half of the somatic mesoderm is the region which gives rise to the limb with only a smaller cellular contribution from the lateral half of the somatic mesoderm. The cellular contribution of the medial region of the somatopleure appeared to determine the type of limb formed (i.e., wing or leg). The second process relates to changes in the ability of the somatic ectoderm to undergo extensive lateral displacement with development. Starting at stage 14, the medial and lateral somatic ectoderms maintain their position after transplantation, in contrast to earlier stage limb or flank ectoderms which undergo extensive lateral displacement with development. The positional determination of the dorsal and ventral properties of the medial and lateral ectoderms of the prospective limb region and their distal displacement during limb outgrowth may be important morphogenetic events in limb development. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
5.1 cm Diameter Borehole Probe Containing an Intrinsic Germanium Detector and 4000 Channel Multi-Channel Analyzer

The above mentioned system of cryo-sonde and electronic package has proven to be fieldworthy in both it's reliability and data utility, and is currently being used as the instrumentation system of the newly-formed Geophysical Services Division of PGT.
Systemic Effects of Fluticasone Nasal Spray: Report of 2 Cases

ABSTRACT Objective To describe two clinical cases of systemic side effects from use of fluticasone nasal spray. Methods A retrospective review of medical records of two patients using this drug was undertaken, and their clinical presentations and laboratory data are summarized. Results Despite many clinical reports about the potential side effects from inhaled corticosteroids, no previously published clinical reports or studies have addressed such problems with the use of potent glucocorticoid nasal sprays. Two patients are described in whom different clinical problems developed after overuse of fluticasone nasal spray, a commonly advertised and prescribed drug. One patient was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. In the other patient, bone mineral density decreased substantially in 1 to 2 years despite preventive estrogen therapy. These patients had suppressed plasma or urinary cortisol, a low plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (corticotropin) level, or an abnormal response to a cosyntropin stimulation test. Conclusion Patients should be clearly warned that the prescribed dosing for fluticasone nasal spray should be carefully followed because overuse may cause serious side effects. (Endocr Pract. 2005;11:194-196)
Tissue Distribution of AU-rich mRNA-binding Proteins Involved in Regulation of mRNA Decay

Short lived cytokine and proto-oncogene mRNAs are destabilized by an A+U-rich element (ARE) in the 3′-untranslated region. Several regulatory proteins bind to AREs in cytokine and proto-oncogene mRNAs, participate in inhibiting or promoting their rapid degradation of ARE mRNAs, and influence cytokine expression and cellular transformation in experimental models. The tissue distribution and cellular localization of the different AU-rich binding proteins (AUBPs), however, have not been uniformly characterized in the mouse, a model for ARE mRNA decay. We therefore carried out immunoblot and immunohistochemical analyses of the different AUBPs using the same mouse tissues. We show that HuR protein, a major AUBP that stabilizes the ARE mRNAs, is most strongly expressed in the thymus, spleen (predominantly in lymphocytic cells), intestine, and testes. AUF1 protein, a negative regulator of ARE mRNA stability, displayed strong expression in thymus and spleen cells within lymphocytic cells, moderate expression in the epithelial linings of lungs, gonadal tissues, and nuclei of most neurons in the brain, and little expression in the other tissues. Tristetraprolin, a negative regulator of ARE mRNA stability, displayed a largely non-overlapping tissue distribution with AUF1 and was predominantly expressed in the liver and testis. KH-type splicing regulatory protein, a presumptive negative regulator of ARE mRNA stability, was distributed widely in murine organs. These results indicate that HuR and AUF1, which functionally oppose each other, have generally similar distributions, suggesting that the balance between HuR and AUF1 is likely important in control of short lived mRNA degradation, lymphocyte development, and/or cytokine production, and possibly in certain aspects of neurological function.
Laser-Induced Rate Processes in Gases: Dynamics, Unimolecular Decay, and Scattered Field

We have recast a linear quantum-mechanical Boltzmann equation, describing the dynamics of a gas of $N$-level atoms absorbing light between an arbitrary pair of levels, into the form of a generalized master equation. The atoms are permitted to undergo both phase-changing and energy-changing collisions with a heat bath of inert molecules. The possibility of unimolecular decay is incorporated into the Boltzmann equation. The solutions of the generalized master equation give an accurate description of the system for short as well as long times and for arbitrary light-field intensity. Eigenvalues obtained from the solution of the $N$-level master equation are shown to have particular significance with regard to the scattered electromagnetic field, with the imaginary parts of the complex eigenvalues providing the location and the real parts of the eigenvalues giving the widths of scattered radiation bands. The dynamics and scattered field for a two-level system is discussed in detail. Two collision parameters giving the frequency of phase-changing and energy-changing collisions are important. For special values of these parameters, our results reduce to scattered field spectra calculated previously. When unimolecular decay is included, one identifies the smallest eigenvalue of the generalized master equation with the macroscopic rate constant. Observation of the scattered field for different incident field intensities would permit separation of radiative and thermal effects in an enhanced reaction rate, without requiring an accurate temperature measurement.
Transient Elasto-Dynamic Response of a Circular Crack in a Thick Plate Under Torsion

The elastodynamic response of a thick plate under torsion is considered. A penny-shaped crack is assumed to exist in the center of the plate such that the problem is axisymmetric in nature. The crack is pressurized suddenly along its surfaces resulting in transient conditions. This problem is also equivalent to that of sudden appearance of a crack in the loaded plate. Hankel and Laplace transforms are used to reduce the problem to the solution of a pair of dual integral equations. A numerical Laplace inversion routine is used to recover the time-dependence of the solution. The dynamic stress intensity factor is determined and its dependence on time and geometry is discussed.
The city at play: Second Life and the virtual urban planning studio

This study interrogates the idea of using videogames and game‐like virtual worlds as a means to advance studio education pedagogy. Looking at a series of case studies of urban planning courses taught using Second Life, the results describe the potentials, and limits, of this emerging digital media. Key findings are that the virtual worlds provided additional benefits to student learning and engagement through fun and intellectual simulation of play. The virtual world environment allowed students to interact in a novel and unique way, improving upon traditional studio education.
Factors Affecting the Relative Deposition of Strontium and Calcium in the Rat

Varying the calcium, phosphorus, carbonate, and lactate content of the diet was shown to affect the deposition in bone of Sr(89) to a degree quite different from concurrent effects on Ca(45) deposition. The influence of these findings on the evaluation of the Sr(90) fallout hazard is discussed.
The Levitated Ring in FM-1

The design and tests of the 60 inch diameter superconducting ring and Dewar assembly are described. The ring has been successfully levitated in the slide unstable mode in the FM-1 Machine. The magnet, wound of 4221 turns of 90 mil RCA Nb3Sn ribbon, has a current capacity of 375,000 ampere turns. The coil is charged inductively or by external power supply, and is housed in a seven inch minor diameter toroidal Dewar with external connections for filling, venting and charging under high vacuum. Test results of quench temperature vs. current for isochoric life of the ring at full current is approximately one hour. This corresponds to 10.7°K at 25 atmospheres.
A note on business replies to consumer letters of praise and complaint

Abstract Business firms require feedback from the marketplace to determine whether or not the needs of the firm's customers are being satisfied. When feedback takes the form of consumer letters, it seems obvious that it is simply good marketing practice to respond to letters of complaint and good consumer relations to respond to any letter from a consumer. With the dual objectives of providing introductory marketing students with a meaningful and participatory exercise in consumerism and of exploring an apparently virgin research area, a project was undertaken which generated 250 letters to business firms concerning their products and services. The analysis of the business firms' responses attempted to find out: What types of business firms replied? In what from did these firms reply? And, how did the “customers” react to their replies?
Development of portable 3D optical measuring system using structured light projection method

Three-dimensional (3D) scanners are becoming increasingly common in many industries. However most of these scanning technologies have drawbacks for practical use due to size, weight, accessibility, and ease-of-use. Depending on the application, speed, flexibility and portability can often be deemed more important than accuracy. We have developed a solution to address this market requirement and overcome the aforementioned limitations. To counteract shortcomings such as heavy weight and large size, an optical sensor is used that consists of a laser projector, a camera system, and a multi-touch screen. Structured laser light is projected onto the measured object with a newly designed laser projector employing a single Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) mirror. The optical system is optimized for the combination of a Laser Diode (LD), the MEMS mirror and the size of measurement area to secure the ideal contrast of structured light. Also, we developed a new calibration algorithm for this sensor with MEMS laser projector that uses an optical camera model for point cloud calculation. These technical advancements make the sensor compact, save power consumption, and reduce heat generation yet still allows for rapid calculation. Due to the principle of the measurement, structured light triangulation utilizing phase-shifting technology, resolution is improved. To meet requirements for practical applications, the optics, electronics, image processing, display and data management capabilities have been integrated into a single compact unit.
Soil heavy metal contamination in residential neighborhoods in post-industrial cities and its potential human exposure risk

This study assessed the extent of potential human risk to heavy metal exposure by comparing concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in soil in 43 vacant lots in two low income neighborhoods, Hough (Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio) and Weinland Park (Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio) in USA to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Soil Screening Levels (SSLs) and to regional background concentrations. At least one soil sample in all the lots in Weinland Park and 27 out of 28 (96%) of the lots in Hough exceeded the natural background concentration of Pb in Franklin (14 to 25 mg/kg soil) and Cuyahoga (56 to 136 mg/kg soil) counties, respectively. When compared to the USEPA’s SSL for Pb for human ingestion of soil, soil from only 1 out of 15 (6.6%) lots in Weinland Park and 15 out of 28 (54%) in Hough neighborhood exceeded the SSL of 400 mg Pb/kg soil. All sites in both neighborhoods exceeded the SSL for As (0.4 mg/kg soil); however only 1 lot (6.6%) in Weinland Park and 3 (11%) in Hough exceeded the background concentrations of As in Franklin (9 to 33 mg/kg soil) and Cuyahoga (5 to 20 mg/kg soil) counties. Thirteen (86%) lots in Weinland Park and 25 (89%) in Hough had soil Zn concentration higher than the background in Franklin County (71 to 177 mg/kg soil) and Cuyahoga County (56 to 137 mg/kg soil) respectively, however they were all within the SSL of 23,000 mg Zn/kg soil. Significant correlations were observed within metals, soil properties, and between metals and soil properties including texture, moisture, pH, organic matter and active carbon suggesting unique associations in the two neighborhoods. Results indicate that Pb is a metal of concern in 54% of the vacant lots in Hough neighborhood. The study highlights the need for comparing vacant lot heavy metal concentrations to both USEPA’s SSLs and natural background concentrations in the area for establishing safety of a lot prior to its use for urban agriculture.
The electrochemical behavior of Al2S3 in molten MgCl2 + NaCl + KCl eutectic

Abstract The electrochemical behavior of Al2S3 in MgCl2 + NaCl + KCl eutectic has been studied at graphite electrodes at 1023 K using the technique of linear sweep voltammetry. The electrolytic decomposition of Al2S3 in the eutectic involves the cathodic reduction of aluminum ions (or aluminum-ion-containing species) and the anodic oxidation of sulfide ions (or sulfide-ion-containing species). The reduction has been found to proceed by a reversible, three-eletron transfer that forms an insoluble product. The average apparent diffusion coefficient for aluminum ions during deposition is 1.03 × 10−5 cm2 s−1. The oxidation involves the two-electron discharge of sulfide ions (S2− ⇌ S + 2e), followed by the dimerization of sulfur atoms to S2 (S + S ⇌ S2), which is very fast and very much displaced towards S2. The average apparent diffusion coefficient for sulfide ions is calculated to be 2.73 × 10−5 cm2 s−1.
Delayed reinforcement : effect of a brief signal on behavior maintained by a variable-ratio schedule

In alternating phases, pigeons received immediate and delayed food reinforcement under a variable-ratio schedule for pecking a key. A 3-sec delay produced less disruption in responding if the entire delay interval was signaled rather than unsignaled. Effects of signaling different.5-sec portions of the delay interval were also examined. Most birds showed little or no decrease in responding if the signal occurred at the beginning of the delay interval, but showed a substantial decrease in responding if the signal occurred in the middle or at the end of the delay interval.