cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A conservative tracer for glacial ocean circulation from carbon isotope and palaeo-nutrient measurements in benthic foraminifera

THE ratio of cadmium to calcium (Cd/Ca) and the carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) in the calcite tests of benthic foraminifera both record nutrient distributions in the ocean1,2. Strict interpretation of both δ13C and Cd as nutrient tracers has led to conflicting views of glacial ocean circulation3–5. Here we show that, when one takes into account the fact that δ13C reflects air–sea exchange as well as nutrient distributions, these two proxies can provide complemen-tary information about the movement of deep water in the glacial ocean. We use the Cd concentration (assumed to be controlled primarily by biological cycling) to infer the age history of glacial deep water, and deduce the sources of deep water from the carbon isotope air–sea exchange signature, a conservative tracer that we construct using both Cd and δ13C measurements. Our analysis suggests that there were at least two sources of glacial deep water: a less dense component originating in the North Atlantic Ocean, and a more dense component which may have originated in the Pacific Ocean. As well as demonstrating the potential of this approach, our findings provide further support for a Pacific glacial deep water source, evidence for which has until now been both scarce and conflicting3,5–12.
Retrograde loading of nerves, tracts, and spinal roots with fluorescent dyes.

Retrograde labeling of neurons is a standard anatomical method1,2 that has also been used to load calcium and voltage-sensitive dyes into neurons3-6. Generally, the dyes are applied as solid crystals or by local pressure injection using glass pipettes. However, this can result in dilution of the dye and reduced labeling intensity, particularly when several hours are required for dye diffusion. Here we demonstrate a simple and low-cost technique for introducing fluorescent and ion-sensitive dyes into neurons using a polyethylene suction pipette filled with the dye solution. This method offers a reliable way for maintaining a high concentration of the dye in contact with axons throughout the loading procedure.
Acute Triangulations of Polygons

This paper proposes a combinatorial approach to planning non-colliding trajectories for a polygonal bar-and-joint framework with n vertices. It is based on a new class of simple motions induced by expansive one-degree-of-freedom mechanisms, which guarantee noncollisions by moving all points away from each other. Their combinatorial structure is captured by pointed pseudo-triangulations, a class of embedded planar graphs for which we give several equivalent characterizations and exhibit rich rigidity theoretic properties. The main application is an efficient algorithm for the Carpenter’s Rule Problem: convexify a simple bar-and-joint planar polygonal linkage using only non-self-intersecting planar motions. A step of the algorithm consists in moving a pseudo-triangulation-based mechanism along its unique trajectory in configuration space until two adjacent edges align. At the alignment event, a local alteration restores the pseudo-triangulation. The motion continues for O(n3) steps until all the points are in convex position.
Variables That Predict Verdicts in Domestic Violence Cases

Literature on the prosecution of domestic violence cases tends to focus on prosecution strategies or policies, and prosecutorial discretion. There is a dearth of studies concerning factors that are associated with verdicts in domestic violence trials. This study of 140 domestic violence cases appearing before the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in Chesterfield County, Virginia, examines the demographic and court process variables that are associated with particular verdicts in domestic violence offenses. A discriminant function analysis determined that five variables can predict verdicts: race of perpetrator, gender of perpetrator, relationship between victim and perpetrator, previous criminal history, and availability of Polaroid pictures of the crime for use as evidence. The typical guilty case was a White male, married to or living with the victim, with a previous criminal history, and whose case file included Polaroid pictures of the crime.
Obesity has few effects on future psychosocial functioning of adolescents.

Abstract We reexamine the effects of obesity on a wide range (n = 17) of indicators of functioning drawn from five broad domains: interpersonal problems, psychological problems, suicidal behaviors, academic performance, and psychiatric disorders. Evidence on this question is mixed. Data are analyzed from a large community sample of adolescents 11–17 at baseline (n = 4175) who were followed up a year later (n = 3134). Using measured height and weight, overweight was defined as 95th > BMI ≤ 85th percentile and obese as BMI > 95th percentile. At baseline, obesity was associated with increased odds only for any mood disorder and poor perceived mental health. For boys, there were no significant associations, but girls had higher odds of problems at school, poor perceived mental health, and mood disorders. Results from the two-wave cohort reveal obesity increased future risk only for poor perceived mental health. For boys, the same pattern was observed, but for girls there were no significant associations. Overall, we found that weight status had few deleterious effects on adolescent social functioning, in multivariate, prospective analyses. If there is an effect of obesity on functioning, it may operate through mediators such as body image.
A reevaluation of the assignment of the vibrational fundamentals and the rotational analysis of bands in the high-resolution infrared spectra of trans- and cis-1,3,5-hexatriene

Abstract Assignments of the vibrational fundamentals of cis - and trans -1,3,5-hexatriene are reevaluated with new infrared and Raman spectra and with quantum chemical predictions of intensities and anharmonic frequencies. The rotational structure is analyzed in the high-resolution (0.0013–0.0018 cm −1 ) infrared spectra of three C-type bands of the trans isomer and two C-type bands of the cis isomer. The bands for the trans isomer are at 1010.96 cm −1 ( ν 14 ), 900.908 cm −1 ( ν 16 ), and 683.46 cm −1 ( ν 17 ). Ground state (GS) rotational constants have been fitted to the combined ground state combination differences (GSCDs) for the three bands of the trans isomer. The bands for the cis isomer are at 907.70 cm −1 ( ν 33 ) and 587.89 cm −1 ( ν 35 ). GS rotational constants have been fitted to the combined GSCDs for the two bands of the cis isomer and compared with those obtained from microwave spectroscopy. Small inertial defects in the GSs confirm that both molecules are planar. Upper state rotational constants were fitted for all five bands.
Antiretroviral therapy: an update for the non-AIDS specialist.

Purpose of review The treatment of HIV infection has been transformed by the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy. For patients who respond and can tolerate lifelong therapy, HIV infection may become a chronic disease requiring long-term ambulatory care follow-up. The current management of antiretrovirals is increasingly complex because of the large number of agents, wide spectrum of toxicities, adherence issues, and drug interactions. This review summarizes the currently available agents, recommended and alternative combinations, commonly encountered adverse events, and viral resistance issues. Recent findings Twenty antiretroviral medications are commercially available in the United States. Six new agents have been introduced since 2000, including one drug in a novel class of HIV fusion inhibitors. The adverse effects of antiretrovirals are well characterized and include lactic acidosis related to nucleoside reverse transcription inhibitors; metabolic and body habitus changes, primarily attributed to protease inhibitors; and concern about the long-term vascular consequences of elevated lipids and insulin resistance associated with treatment. The recommended antiretroviral therapy by an expert panel as of October 2004 is summarized. Summary The benefits of antiretroviral therapy are clear: reduced morbidity and mortality related to advanced HIV infection. Managing antiretroviral therapy, along with their adverse effects and drug interactions, is complex. Modern treatment mandates a thorough understanding of the agents. Consultation with an HIV-experienced clinician should be considered in most circumstances.
Irregular migration: policy responses in Africa and Asia.

This article reviews population policies designed to curb or respond to irregular migration flows with particular emphasis on policies adopted by governments in Africa and Asia. An overview of policies on the world level indicates a number of similarities that transcend regional lines and levels of development. Policy decisions are often influenced by the nature and attributes of the undocumented migrant population and by the current social economic and political situation in the receiving country. Governments are frequently more tolerant of migrants who possess needed skills or settle in sparsely populated areas that have manpower shortages. Between the 2 policy extremes of amnesty and deportation several measures have been employed including stricter border controls stringent visa requirements work permit systems and efforts to ensure that migrants do not violate the conditions of their admission. In many cases several policy measures are used simultaneously. Ensuring the observance of appropriate measures for the recruitment of migrant workers their departure from the home country and placement in employment in the country of immigration is widely regarded as the best way to prevent illegal movements of workers. Temporary worker programs are sometimes advocated to provide legal channels for potential migrants. At the national level institutions that deal with irregular migrants tend to be limited in their mandate to a law enforcement role. In Africa most governments have recently strengthened border and documentary controls and attempted to regulate migration through the labor market. In many cases mass expulsions have been necessary as a result of laissez-faire policies. In Asia on the other hand mass deportation has been less common as a result of more stringent security measures and documentary controls. In both countries policies have been basically reactive in response to rapidly changing political and economic conditions. Needed is an international convention to serve as a guideline for the humanitarian treatment of undocumented workers.
Motor skill overlearning effects on retention and relearning by retarded boys.

The stabilometer was used to study the effects that 50%, 100%, and 150% overlearning had on retention and relearning by 100 mentally retarded boys after eight weeks of no practice. All subjects practiced to a learning criterion at which point the learning group stopped. The overlearning groups continued practicing until they attained their designated overlearning levels. Twenty subjects were retested for habit strength 24 hr after reaching criterion. Subjects were retested for retention and relearning after eight weeks of no practice. Analysis showed a relationship between overlearning and retention and relearning of a gross-motor skill, and supported the contention that overlearning is important in retention and relearning by mentally retarded boys.
How to kill an enzyme (in more ways than one).

Abstract The crystal structures of a zymogen and two mutants of the serine-carboxyl protease kumamolisin beautifully describe the mode of inhibition and activation of the proenzyme, while reminding us that our understanding of the enzymatic mechanisms is far from complete.
Euphorbia lathyris reconsidered: Its potential as an energy crop for arid lands

Abstract Euphorbia lathyris is a latex-bearing plant which has received widespread attention as a possible source of liquid fuels. A three-year research programme was undertaken in order to evaluate the species as an arid lands energy crop. Agricultural requirements have been qualitatively determined. When grown as a winter crop E. lathyris used 71 cm of water, corresponding to an irrigation requirement of approximately 100 cm, to produce a maximum of 15 tons of dry biomass and the equivalent of 7·5 bbl crude oil hectare −1 . Assessment of a world collection of germplasm showed genetic variability in the amount of high-energy extractables produced by the species to be low, indicating that rapid development of improved strains through plant breeding is unlikely. Genetic, agronomic and chemical data from this research indicate that E. lathyris is unsuitable for culture in arid lands and that the plant's overall potential may be limited.
Effects of right ventricular morphology and function on outcomes of patients with degenerative mitral valve disease

Objective The study objective was to investigate whether, in patients undergoing surgery for degenerative mitral valve disease, associated right ventricular remodeling and dysfunction are stronger determinants of preoperative organ dysfunction and prognosis than functional tricuspid regurgitation. Methods From January 2001 to January 2011, 4197 patients underwent primary mitral valve surgery for degenerative valve disease at Cleveland Clinic. Using a quasi-experimental enriched study design, 781 patients were randomly selected within each grade of functional tricuspid regurgitation. Renal function was assessed by glomerular filtration rate and blood urea nitrogen, and hepatic function was assessed by Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Preoperative and postoperative right ventricular morphology and function were measured de novo on stored echocardiographic images. To assess survival, 3471 patient-years of follow-up data were available for analysis. Results Several preoperative right ventricular variables, but not functional tricuspid regurgitation grade ( P > .05), were associated with preoperative renal and hepatic dysfunction, but neither was associated with early mortality ( P = .001), but not functional tricuspid regurgitation grade ( P > .2), was among the risk factors for later mortality. Postoperative unadjusted right ventricular function, but not functional tricuspid regurgitation grade ( P ≥ .2), was associated with both early ( P = .04) and later ( P = .01) mortality, but in multivariable analysis appeared to be a surrogate for worse preoperative condition. Conclusions Together with patient comorbidities and operative factors, right ventricular morphology and function are associated more strongly with preoperative organ dysfunction and prognosis than is functional tricuspid regurgitation severity in patients undergoing surgery for degenerative mitral valve disease. Our previous study showed that tricuspid valve repair remains the most effective treatment to improve right ventricular function.
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics and nonlinear kinetics in a cellular signaling switch

We develop a rigorous nonequilibrium thermodynamics for an open system of nonlinear biochemical reactions responsible for cell signal processing. We show that the quality of the biological switch consisting of a phosphorylation-dephosphorylation cycle, such as those in protein kinase cascade, is controlled by the available intracellular free energy from the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis in vivo: $\ensuremath{\Delta}G={k}_{B}T\mathrm{ln}﻿([\mathrm{A}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{P}]/{K}_{\mathrm{e}\mathrm{q}}[\mathrm{A}\mathrm{D}\mathrm{P}])$, where ${K}_{\mathrm{e}\mathrm{q}}$ is the equilibrium constant. The model reveals the correlation between the performance of the switch and the level of $\ensuremath{\Delta}G$. The result demonstrates the importance of nonequilibrium thermodynamics in analyzing biological information processing, provides its energetic cost, establishes an interplay between signal transduction and energy metabolism in cells, and suggests a biological function for phosphoenergetics in the ubiquitous phosphorylation signaling.
Familial Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum and Valvular Heart Disease

The clinical and pathologic findings are presented of a patient with pseudoxanthoma elasticum leading to fatal valvular heart disease. The literature concerning the involvement of the heart by this disease is reviewed and reveals that valvular heart disease has not been described as a clinical problem heretofore. The occurrence of the condition in the relatives of the patient is described.
The effect of essential fatty acid deprivation on the metabolic transformations of [1-14C]linolenate in developing rat brain

Linolenic acid undergoes rapid metabolism in the brain of 21-day-old rats. Radioactivity is rapidly transferred from linolenic acid to the C20 (n--3) fatty acids while that in docosapentaenoic acid (22 : 5 n--3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22 : 6 n--3) gradually increases. A greater proportion of the radioactivity is associated with the polyunsaturated and less with saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in essential fatty acid-deprived rats relative to controls.
Variations in the duration of phases of the cardiac cycle in normal hearts as studied by the electrokymograph.

Abstract The usefulness of the electrokymograph as a tool in the study of cardiovascular dynamics has been demonstrated by several workers in the past few years. 1.2 3 Much of the work has been concerned with the contours of tracings obtained by recording the movements of the various borders of the heart and great vessels. Somewhat less emphasis has been placed on the actual timing of the events of the cardiac cycle. While changes in contour of the border tracings are found in pathologic conditions, the interpretation of these contour changes depends upon a knowledge of the many normal variations. A more fundamental approach to the analysis of electrokymographic tracings is the measurement of the duration of the various phases of the cardiac cycle. The present paper presents data regarding the mean duration and standard deviation of the phases of the cardiac cycle in normal subjects. The effect of the cardiac rate upon the duration of the phases of the cardiac cycle is pointed out, and some of the difficulties in interpretation are discussed.
Junction geometry in Cu2S/CdS or Cu2S/Cd1−xZnxS solar cells prepared by the solution reaction method

Abstract A quantitative theoretical model is proposed to describe the junction geometry of Cu2S/CdS or Cu2S/Cd1−xZnxS solar cells prepared by the solution reaction process. All the parameters of the model are experimentally assessable. To a good approximation, Cu2S penetrations into the CdS or Cd1−xZnxS grain boundaries are triangular in cross sections. Both the size of the penetrations and the midgrain Cu2S thickness can show important local variations. Averages of these quantities are determined for the Cu2S/CdS case using the present model. These values are then used to estimate their effect on the cell parameters. An identical analysis can be applied to the Cu2S/Cd1−xZnx solar cells.
Measurement of mood states in stroke patients: Validation of the visual analog mood scales

Abstract Objective: The Visual Analog Mood Scales (VAMS) were recently developed by Stern and colleagues to assess mood state in neurologically impaired patients. These brief scales require that a patient place a single pen mark along a 100mm vertical line to indicate how he or she presently feels. Although previous studies have garnered evidence in support of the validity of these brief scales when administered to psychiatric patients and healthy young adult and geriatric control subjects, it is presently unknown whether the VAMS are valid measures of internal mood state in neurologically impaired stroke patients. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess reliability and validity of the VAMS in a stroke-patient population. Participants: Participants were 41 (21 men and 20 women) inpatients admitted for either acute stroke or rehabilitation following stroke. Design: Participants completed both the VAMS and a modified version of the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Nonparametric multitrait-multimethod analyses were performed using the Pearson correlations among and between the six subscales of the VAMS and the POMS. Conclusion: The VAMS possess good convergent and discriminant validity when administered to stroke inpatients, providing further support for the utility of these brief, easily administered scales.
Unilateral disclosure of private information by a regulated firm

Abstract It is common practice for regulators to depend on regulated firms for self-monitoring and self-reporting in spite of incentives for misrepresentation. Our analysis provides some justification for such dependence. We study disclosure of information in a game theoretic model of regulation, in which both the regulator and the firm are players in the game. Instead of designing a regulation scheme that compels disclosure, we study unilateral disclosure in a given regulatory framework (a framework which we believe has counterparts in current regulatory practice). The results provide insight to informal relationships between firms and regulators. Because the game is a single period game, the informal relationship in which the disclosures occur cannot be attributed to the existence of reputations and long term relationships.
Size of the social network versus quality of social support: which is more protective against PTSD?

Purpose Supportive social networks are important to the post-traumatic response process. However, the effects of social network structure may be distinct from the perceived function of those networks. The present study examined the relative importance of role diversity and perceived strength of social support in mitigating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Long range interaction between a He atom and a semiconductor surface

Abstract The dispersion interaction between a He atom and a solid has the form V ∼ - C 3 z -3 at large distance. We calculate the value of C 3 for several cases (Ge, Si, GaAs, and diamond) using experimental results for ∈ 2 (ω). The model dielectric function of Breckenridge, Shaw and Sher is found to yield good agreement with the value of C 3 obtained from experimental data.
Corporate-Academic Partnerships: Creating a Win-Win in the Classroom.

For instructors seeking ways to provide sales students with experiential learning projects designed to develop and enhance skills in an authentic environment, corporate-academic partnerships offer a viable option. The author describes a unique and innovative corporate-academic integrated project, including course content, role plays, and corporate partner involvement, implemented in the sales management course. After reviewing the experiential learning literature and outlining the project, assessments of the project's efficacy are conducted. Based on the quantitative and qualitative results reported, implications and considerations for the classroom are offered.
ALLEE EFFECT LIMITS COLONIZATION SUCCESS OF SEXUALLY REPRODUCING ZOOPLANKTON

Understanding the dynamics of populations at low density and the role of Allee effects is a priority due to concern about the decline of rare species and interest in colonization/invasion dynamics. Despite well-developed theory and observational support, experimental examinations of the Allee effect in natural systems are rare, partly because of logistical difficulties associated with experiments at low population density. We took advantage of fish introduction and removal in alpine lakes to experimentally test for the Allee effect at the whole-ecosystem scale. The large copepod Hesperodiaptomus shoshone is often extirpated from the water column by fish and sometimes fails to recover following fish disappearance, despite the presence of a long-lived egg bank. Population growth rate of this dioecious species may be limited by mate encounter rate, such that below some critical density a colonizing population will fail to establish. We conducted a multi-lake experiment in which H. shoshone was stocked at densities that bracketed our hypothesized critical density of 0.5-5 copoepods/m3. Successful recovery by the copepod was observed only in the lake with the highest initial density (3 copepods/m3). Copepods stocked into small cages at 3000 copepods/m3 survived and reproduced at rates comparable to natural populations, confirming that the lakes were suitable habitat for this species. In support of mate limitation as the mechanism underlying recovery failure, we found a significant positive relationship between mating success and density across experimental and natural H. shoshone populations. Furthermore, a mesocosm experiment provided evidence of increased per capita population growth rate with increasing population density in another diaptomid species, Skistodiaptomus pallidus. Together, these lines of evidence support the importance of the Allee effect to population recovery of H. shoshone in the Sierra Nevada, and to diaptomid copepods in general.
Bone marrow triglyceride accumulation and hormonal changes during long-term alcohol intake in male and female rats

Background: Chronic alcohol consumption may influence the metabolism of adipocytes, the most abundant stromal cell phenotype in bone marrow, and promote bone marrow triglyceride accretion. Methods: Male and female rats 35 days old were fed the Lieber-De Carli liquid diet containing 36% of the calories as alcohol and were compared with pair-fed rats given an isocaloric liquid diet in which maltose-dextrin substituted for the calories supplied by alcohol. Other control rats were fed chow ad libitum. The rats were maintained on these diets for 64 days, after which the femurs were recovered and examined. Results: End weights of male and female alcohol-fed rats were significantly lower than both control groups. Femur diaphyseal bone marrow triglyceride levels were significantly increased in alcohol-fed male and female rats compared with both control groups. Femur bone marrow cavity diameters were significantly increased and cortical thickness was significantly decreased by alcohol in both males and females. Serum insulin levels were significantly decreased by alcohol only in female rats compared with the ad libitum but not the pair-fed control group, and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were significantly reduced in male and female rats given the alcohol diet compared with both controls. Male testosterone and female estradiol levels remained unchanged. Male estradiol levels were significantly increased by alcohol compared with both controls, and female progesterone levels were significantly reduced by alcohol compared with pair-fed rats. Whereas female leptin levels were unchanged by alcohol, male leptin levels were significantly increased by alcohol compared with pair-fed rats. Conclusions: Hormonal and growth factor changes during chronic alcohol consumption accompany triglyceride accumulation in diaphyseal bone marrow and may parallel the effects of alcohol on mesenchymal stem cells and the balance between osteogenic and adipogenic lineages and their cellular progenies.
Early Childhood Risk Factors for Decreased FEV1 at Age Six to Seven Years in Young Children with Cystic Fibrosis.

Rationale: There are limited objective measures of the severity of lung disease before children are able to routinely perform spirometry, generally at age 6 years. Identifying risk factors for reduced lung function at age 6 provides opportunities to intervene and slow the progression of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease.Objectives: To evaluate early childhood predictors of lung function at age 6–7 in a large U.S. CF cohort in the current era of widespread early eradication therapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa).Methods: Participants were children with CF enrolled before age 4 in the Early Pseudomonas Infection Control (EPIC) Observational Study, a multicenter, longitudinal study that enrolled P. aeruginosa–negative children not exceeding 12 years of age. Linear regression was used to estimate the association between potential early childhood risk factors and the best FEV1% predicted at age 6–7 years.Measurements and Main Results: Four hundred and eighty-four children (of 1,797 enrolled in the ...
Maximum conditional likelihood linear regression and maximum a posteriori for hidden conditional random fields speaker adaptation

This paper shows how to improve hidden conditional random fields (HCRFs) for phone classification by applying various speaker adaptation techniques. These include maximum a posteriori (MAP) adaptation as well as a new technique we introduce called maximum conditional likelihood linear regression (MCLLR), a discriminative variant of the widely used MLLR algorithm. In previous work, we and others have shown that HCRFs outperform even discriminatively trained HMMs. In this paper we show that HCRFs adapted via MCLLR or via MAP adaptation also work better than similarly adapted HMMs. We also compare MCLLR and MAP adaptation performance with different amounts of adaptation data. MCLLR adaptation performs better when the amount of adaptation data is relatively small, while MAP adaptation outperforms MCLLR with larger amounts of adaptation.
Monetary Integration in East Asia: Evidence from Real Effective Exchange Rates

This paper investigates the feasibility of forming a monetary union in East Asia by examining the cointegration and causality of the real effective exchange rates of local currencies. A “pentagon” group of five countries is found—South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia—which may have potential for success for further monetary integration. Singapore is loosely tied to this group. The Greater China area—China, Hong Kong and Taiwan—does not show any significant degree of integration either internally or externally. Neither a yen bloc nor a US dollar bloc is forming in East Asia.
A mouse model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction due to chronic infusion of a low subpressor dose of angiotensin II

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a clinical syndrome of HF symptoms associated with impaired diastolic function. Although it represents ∼50% of patients with HF, the mechanisms of disease are poorly understood, and therapies are generally ineffective in reducing HF progression. Animal models of HFpEF not due to pressure or volume overload are lacking, therefore limiting in-depth understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and the development of novel therapies. We hypothesize that a continuous infusion of low-dose angiotensin II (ATII) is sufficient to induce left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and HFpEF, without increasing blood pressure or inducing LV hypertrophy or dilatation. Osmotic pumps were implanted subcutaneously in 8-wk-old male mice assigned to the ATII (0.2 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) or volume-matched vehicle (N = 8/group) for 4 wk. We measured systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressures through a tail-cuff transducer, LV dimensions and ejection fraction through echocardiography, and LV relaxation through pulsed-wave Doppler and LV catheterization. Myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area were measured. ATII infusion had no effects on systemic arterial blood pressure. ATII induced significant impairment in LV diastolic function, as measured by an increase (worsening) in LV isovolumetric relaxation time, myocardial performance index, isovolumetric relaxation time constant, and LV end-diastolic pressure without altering LV dimensions, mass, or ejection fraction. Chronic infusion of low-dose ATII recapitulates the HFpEF phenotype in the mouse, without increasing systemic arterial blood pressure. This mouse model may provide insight into the mechanisms of HFpEF.
ISOLATING THE ROLE OF GRAVITY ON PARTICLE DISPERSION

The goal of our work in this paper is to examine and model the role of gravity on the dispersion of particles in a turbulent flow field. We examined the role of gravity on particle dispersion for a large range of scales (0<St<10) using numerical, quasi-numerical and experimental methods. The numerical results were obtained using pseudo-spectral direct numerical simulation of isotropic turbulence. The quasinumerical results were obtained by measuring fluid turbulence along the path of a simulated particle moving through a real turbulent channel flow. The experimental work will be flown in a KC-135 in order to obtain a real microgravity environment. All of our work to date shows that increasing particle size leads to an increase in particle dispersion in the absence of gravity. We present a model that predicts this dispersion to within 10%. Hence, as drift velocity decreases and the particle moves closer to the speed of the fluid, turbulence plays a larger role on the particle's motion. We are currently constructing an experiment to measure particle dispersion in a microgravity environment Using a box of grid generated isotropic turbulence, we will track the path and velocity of the particles using stereo image velocimetry (SIV). Experimental dispersion measurements will be compared to analogous results obtained from the numerical and quasi-numerical techniques.
Expression of β-Amylase from Alfalfa Taproots

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) roots contain large quantities of β-amylase, but little is known about its role in vivo. We studied this by isolating a β-amylase cDNA and by examining signals that affect its expression. The β-amylase cDNA encoded a 55.95-kD polypeptide with a deduced amino acid sequence showing high similarity to other plant β-amylases. Starch concentrations, β-amylase activities, and β-amylase mRNA levels were measured in roots of alfalfa after defoliation, in suspension-cultured cells incubated in sucrose-rich or -deprived media, and in roots of cold-acclimated germ plasms. Starch levels, β-amylase activities, and β-amylase transcripts were reduced significantly in roots of defoliated plants and in sucrose-deprived cell cultures. β-Amylase transcript was high in roots of intact plants but could not be detected 2 to 8 d after defoliation. β-Amylase transcript levels increased in roots between September and October and then declined 10-fold in November and December after shoots were killed by frost. Alfalfa roots contain greater β-amylase transcript levels compared with roots of sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). Southern analysis indicated that β-amylase is present as a multigene family in alfalfa. Our results show no clear association between β-amylase activity or transcript abundance and starch hydrolysis in alfalfa roots. The great abundance of β-amylase and its unexpected patterns of gene expression and protein accumulation support our current belief that this protein serves a storage function in roots of this perennial species.
Numerical and theoretical developments in plasma erosion opening switch research

Summary form only. The plasma erosion opening switch (PEOS) can conduct megaampere levels of current for 50 ns to 1 mu s before opening into a load. The opening times can be a factor of ten times smaller than the conduction times. It has been observed experimentally that the switch does not open until the magnetic field and current penetrate through to the load end of the plasma, and that current is spread almost uniformly in a broad channel behind the current front. Theoretical analyses of the PEOS have been carried out to understand the physical mechanisms behind the current penetration, conduction, and switch opening processes. Particle-in-cell, fluid, and magnetohydrodynamic simulations, as well as analytic means, have been compared to experimental results. These methods have shown the important roles played by boundary conditions and emission models, electrostatic potentials that develop in the plasma, anomalous resistivity, and magnetic insulation and gap formation near the cathode. In the long-conduction-time switch, the effects of J*B acceleration of the plasma are more important than in the short-conduction-time switch and have been given special consideration. Simulations have been run with and without additional modeling for anomalous collisions. In the former case, broader current channels and linear conduction current sealing with density and switch length are observed, bringing collisional simulation results in closer agreement with experimental data. >
A foveated passive UHF RFID system for mobile manipulation

We present a novel antenna and system architecture for mobile manipulation based on passive RFID technology operating in the 850 MHz - 950 MHz ultra-high-frequency (UHF) spectrum. This system exploits the electromagnetic properties of UHF radio signals to present a mobile robot with both wide-angle dasiaperipheral visionpsila, sensing multiple tagged objects in the area in front of the robot, and focused, high-acuity dasiacentral visionpsila, sensing only tagged objects close to the end effector of the manipulator. These disparate tasks are performed using the same UHF RFID tag, coupled in two different electromagnetic modes. Wide-angle sensing is performed with an antenna designed for far-field electromagnetic wave propagation, while focused sensing is performed with a specially designed antenna mounted on the end effector that optimizes near-field magnetic coupling. We refer to this RFID system as dasiafoveatedpsila, by analogy with the anatomy of the human eye. We report a series of experiments on an untethered autonomous mobile manipulator in a 2.5D environment that demonstrate the features of this architecture using two novel behaviors, one in which data from the far-field antenna is used to determine if a specific tagged object is present in the robotpsilas working area and to navigate to that object, and a second using data from the near-field antenna to grasp a specified object from a collection of visually identical objects. The same UHF RFID tag is used to facilitate both the navigation and grasping tasks.
Future forces transforming apparel retailing in the United States: An environmental scanning approach

The apparel retail landscape in the United States has undergone dramatic changes during the past decade. In most major segments, apparel retailers have faced market saturation combined with slow spending growth. Furthermore, the early years of the 21st century have produced an age of anxiety and uncertainty that has resulted in fear and inertia among consumers and retailers alike. What, then, is the outlook for apparel retailing in this uncertain world? As an attempt to generate viable answers to this question, the researchers identify environmental change factors that may affect the future of apparel retailing. Three major forces transforming apparel retailing in the United States—changes related to plus-size, aging, and Hispanic/Latino consumers—emerge from the environmental scanning procedures. Each force pushes apparel retailers toward a new mentality of defining their customers and making strategic decisions for long-term prosperity.
Histologic characteristics of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia associated with different pancreatic lesions

Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) has been found in association with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), mucinous cystic neoplasm, and other pancreatic lesions, but the characteristics of PanINs associated with these lesions are not well characterized. In this study, 185 partial or total pancreatectomy specimens were collected, and 173 had complete slides for reviewed, which included 74 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, 28 IPMNs, 7 mucinous cystic neoplasms, 44 other nonductal tumors, and 20 nontumorous lesions. Differences in grade, extent, and duct involvement among PanINs associated with different lesions were analyzed. Patients with PanINs were older than those without, regardless of associated tumor or lesions. No sex predilection was noted. PanINs were found in 89%, 96%, 86%, 64%, and 55% pancreata with ductal adenocarcinomas, IPMNs, mucinous cystic neoplasm, other nonductal tumors, and nontumorous lesions, respectively. PanIN 1 and 2 were commonly associated with all types of lesions, but high-grade PanIN 3 was more frequently associated with ductal adenocarcinomas. Ductal involvement of PanINs was more extensive in association with ductal adenocarcinomas than in any other types of pancreatic tumors or lesions. PanINs associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas affected both the main and branched ducts, whereas PanINs associated with other types of pancreatic tumors or lesions were mainly present in the branch ducts. No statistical differences were observed in distribution, extent, and grade of PanINs among IPMNs, mucinous cystic neoplasms, other nonductal tumors, and nontumorous lesions. Our study demonstrated a high concurrence between PanINs and other precancerous lesions and histologic features of PanINs associated with different pancreatic diseases.
Teachers’ Awareness of Their Diverse Classrooms: The Nature of Elementary Teachers’ Reflections on Their Science Teaching Practice

This multiple case study examined the reflections of elementary teachers as they taught science to English language learners (ELLs). The six participants in this study developed explanations about their science teaching with ELLs as they engaged in reflective practice using video-based tools during a professional development experience. Open coding was used to analyze the data and cross-case comparison identified similarities and differences among the participants’ cases. Participants’ reflections indicated that knowledge of their students’ culture and backgrounds influenced their teaching practices and the focus of their reflections. Themes that emerged from participants’ reflections related to navigating the school world, managing the technical classroom, negotiating barriers, nurturing all students, and understanding learning. Findings illustrate the importance of examining teachers’ reflective writings in order to develop an understanding of how they use students’ backgrounds to inform their teaching ...
Transmit and receive space-time-frequency adaptive processing for cooperative distributed mimo communications

In this paper, the problem of informed-transmitter cooperative MIMO communications is addressed. The informed-transmitter link assumes that the distributed transmit nodes have access to channel state information. The channel state information includes the channel between the transmit and receive antenna arrays and a statistical model for interference impinging upon the receive array. In principle, the channel will have resolvable delay spread. In addition, because the distributed sets of nodes do not have a common local oscillator and move independently, the receiving set of nodes may observe resolvable independent frequency offsets and frequency spread from each of the transmit nodes. To compensate for this doubly dispersive channel, a space-time-frequency channel estimate is constructed. The frequency components of the channel estimate enable improved channel prediction capabilities. Space-time-frequency transmit adaptive processing approaches are developed. These techniques are demonstrated in simulation.
Modification of vincristine dosing during concomitant azole therapy in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients

Objective. Vincristine is an important component in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is now the backbone of therapy in the induction and consolidation phases of this disease. Proper dosing of vincristine is required to maximize disease control while avoiding toxicity. The gastrointestinal toxicity of vincristine such as decreased peristalsis can potentially be increased if the CYP 3A4 enzyme is inhibited. This interaction may become more prevalent with increasing use of CYP 3A4 inhibitors such as the azole antifungals. Since azoles are increasingly being used for prophylaxis and treatment of fungal infections in this patient population, an assessment of vincristine dosing and toxicity is the first step to constructing guidelines for the coadministration of these agents.Methods. ALL patients !18 years of age receiving vincristine-based therapy from August 2003 through December 2007 with or without azole therapy were included. Data was collected using electronic patient medical record...
Inhibitors of Poly(ADP-ribose) Synthetase Enhance the Cytotoxicity of 42°C and 45°C Hyperthermia in Cultured Chinese Hamster Cells

SummaryTwo inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase, 5-methylnicotinamide and m-methoxybenzamide, enhanced the cytotoxicity of 42°C and 45°C hyperthermia in cultured Chinese hamster V79 cells. The inhibitors showed minimal toxicity for cells treated at 37°C, and did not appreciably alter cellular ATP levels under any of the experimental conditions used. Enhanced cell killing occurred when the inhibitors were added after an acute (5–10 min) 45°C heat shock, and after 50 and 100 min exposures to 42°C. When present during heating at 42°C, the inhibitors reduced the shoulder of the 42°C survival curves but did not appreciably affect the slopes. The results suggest a possible role for poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase in the survival response of V79 cells to hyperthermia.
cAMP-Dependent protein kinase II interactions with nuclei derived from rat mammary tumor

cAMP-dependent protein kinase from bovine heart exhibited significant interactions with nuclei from rat mammary tumors. These enzyme-nuclear interactions occurred when the intact holoenzyme was preincubated with 10 nM cAMP, 1 mM MgATP at 24C to produce high-affinity monophasic cAMP-dissociation kinetics. The enzyme-nuclear interactions are correlated with the loss of cAMP and PO4 from the purified enzyme. The data indicate that the high affinity cAMP-dependent protein kinase II exhibits significant nuclear interaction which may be related to cAMP function in rat mammary tumors.
4G/4G PAI-1 gene variant in a patient with non-healing ulcers

Plasminogen activator inhibitor is a serine protease inhibitor from the serpin gene family that modulates fibrin clot breakdown.PAI-1 irreversibly inhibits tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) from activatingplasminogen. PAI-1 also inhibits integrin-vitronectin and vitronectin-vitronectin interactions that are essential for cell migration,adhesion, and angiogenesis. We describe a patient, who developed chronic non-healing ulcers after minimal trauma to severalareas of his body. Genetic testing revealed the 4G/4G homozygous genotype for the polymorphism in the promoter regionof the PAI-1 gene. Increased PAI-1 activity prevents the breakdown of the fibrin clot and cell migration to remodel damagedtissue. A combination of poor clot fibrinolysis and cell recruitment to the site of injury may explain our patient’s non-healingulcers following minor traumatic injury. Early treatment with excision and skin grafting may benefit patients presenting withnon-healing ulcers and the homozygous 4G/4G PAI-1 variant. To our knowledge, there have been no reports in the literatureassociating PAI-1 overexpression and chronic non-healing wounds.