cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of insulin-dependent glucose uptake by trivalent arsenicals: possible mechanism of arsenic-induced diabetes.

Abstract Chronic exposures to inorganic arsenic (iAs) have been associated with increased incidence of noninsulin (type-2)-dependent diabetes mellitus. Although mechanisms by which iAs induces diabetes have not been identified, the clinical symptoms of the disease indicate that iAs or its metabolites interfere with insulin-stimulated signal transduction pathway or with critical steps in glucose metabolism. We have examined effects of iAs and methylated arsenicals that contain trivalent or pentavalent arsenic on glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Treatment with inorganic and methylated pentavalent arsenicals (up to 1 mM) had little or no effect on either basal or insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. In contrast, trivalent arsenicals, arsenite (iAs III ), methylarsine oxide (MAs III O), and iododimethylarsine (DMAs III O) inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in a concentration-dependent manner. Subtoxic concentrations of iAs III (20 μM), MAs III O (1 μM), or DMAs III I (2 μM) decreased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by 35–45%. Basal glucose uptake was significantly inhibited only by cytotoxic concentrations of iAs III or MAs III O. Examination of the components of the insulin-stimulated signal transduction pathway showed that all trivalent arsenicals suppressed expression and possibly phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). The concentration of an insulin-responsive glucose transporter (GLUT4) was significantly lower in the membrane region of 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with trivalent arsenicals as compared with untreated cells. These results suggest that trivalent arsenicals inhibit insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by interfering with the PKB/Akt-dependent mobilization of GLUT4 transporters in adipocytes. This mechanism may be, in part, responsible for the development of type-2 diabetes in individuals chronically exposed to iAs.
Localization of cytomegalovirus antigens in liver allografts over time

Abstract Cytomegalovirus (CMV) hepatitis is a common and serious complication of orthotopic liver transplantation. Immunohistochemical studies are the most sensitive methods of diagnosis. We compared immunoperoxidase staining with monoclonal antibodies to CMV immediate early and early antigens with routine hematoxylin-eosin stain. Eleven of 140 liver allograft recipients at our institution had CMV hepatitis identified by hematoxylin-eosin stain on biopsy specimens. We stained serial sections of all previous biopsy specimens and one post-ganciclovir biopsy specimen (when available) from each of these patients. One or both monoclonal antibodies confirmed the original hematoxylin-eosin stain diagnoses. Cytomegalovirus was detected in earlier, hematoxylin-eosin stain-negative biopsy specimens in seven of 11 patients. Detection of immediate early antigen often preceded that of early antigen. Earlier biopsy specimens demonstrated less positive staining, which become more extensive closer in time to the hematoxylin-eosin stainpositive biopsy specimens. Sinusoidal cells became positive earlier than hepatocytes. In one patient occult CMV antigens persisted in biopsy specimens following ganciclovir treatment. We conclude that (1) immunohistochemical staining for CMV antigens can result in earlier detection of viral infection, which may lead to earlier, more effective treatment; (2) CMV infection and antigen expression is focal, requiring extensive examination for diagnosis; (3) extent of occult infection may indicate the extent of active infection in the organ as a whole; (4) most CMV hepatitis begins with infection of sinusoidal lining cells as a result of hematogenous spread from within the allograft or from systemic viremia; and (5) posttreatment biopsy specimens may be more sensitive than resolution of serum liver enzyme abnormalities in evaluating the success of ganciclovir therapy.
EXAFS study on zinc halide glasses

Abstract EXAFS spectra are measured for ZnCl 2 and ZnBr 2 glasses by a laboratory-type X-ray absorption spectrometer. Structural parameters are obtained by a curve fitting method using theoretical phase shifts and backscattering amplitudes. Further, a ‘fine adjustment’ technique proposed by Teo et al. is used to improve the accuracy of the bond distance determination. The results for ZnCl 2 glass are in agreement with the previous study of Desa et al. For ZnBr 2 glass the Zn-Br bond distance was determined to be 2.44 A and the four-fold coordination which has been predicted by Raman spectroscopic studies on ZnBr 2 -based glasses was confirmed.
CLONIDINE BLOCKS ACUTE OPIATE-WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial, clonidine eliminated objective signs and subjective symptoms of opiate withdrawal for 240--360 min in eleven addicts in a hospital setting. In an open pilot study of the effects of clonidine on longer-term opiate abstinence and symptoms, the same patients did well while taking clonidine for one week. There was only one documented instance of heroin use, in a patient who did not take clonidine after hospital discharge. 6 weeks or more after the study, four patients were back on reduced doses of methadone, one was on tricyclic antidepressants, and seven were off of all opiates. All eleven patients were doing well. These data suggest that opiate withdrawal is due to increased neuronal activity in areas such as the locus coeruleus which are regulated by both alpha-2 adrenergic and opiate receptors.
Resolving subtle stratigraphic features using spectral ridges and phase residues

AbstractSeismic interpretation is dependent on the quality and resolution of seismic data. Unfortunately, seismic amplitude data are often insufficient for detailed sequence stratigraphy interpretation. We reviewed a method to derive high-resolution seismic attributes based upon complex continuous wavelet transform pseudodeconvolution (PD) and phase-residue techniques. The PD method is based upon an assumption of a blocky earth model that allowed us to increase the frequency content of seismic data that, for our data, better matched the well log control. The phase-residue technique allowed us to extract information not only from thin layers but also from interference patterns such as unconformities from the seismic amplitude data. Using data from a West Texas carbonate environment, we found out how PD can be used not only to improve the seismic well ties but also to provide sharper sequence terminations. Using data from an Anadarko Basin clastic environment, we discovered how phase residues delineate inci...
Identification of a regulator that controls stationary-phase expression of catalase-peroxidase in Caulobacter crescentus.

Expression of the catalase-peroxidase of Caulobacter crescentus, a gram-negative member of the α subdivision of the Proteobacteria, is 50-fold higher in stationary-phase cultures than in exponential cultures. To identify regulators of the starvation response, Tn5 insertion mutants were isolated with reduced expression of a katG::lacZ fusion on glucose starvation. One insertion interrupted an open reading frame encoding a protein with significant amino acid sequence identity to TipA, a helix-turn-helix transcriptional activator in the response of Streptomyces lividans to the peptide antibiotic thiostrepton, and lesser sequence similarity to other helix-turn-helix regulators in the MerR family. The C. crescentus orthologue of tipA was named skgA (stationary-phase regulation of katG). Stationary-phase expression of katG was reduced by 70% in the skgA::Tn5 mutant, and stationary-phase resistance to hydrogen peroxide decreased by a factor of 10. Like the wild type, the skgA mutant exhibited starvation-induced cross-resistance to heat and acid shock, entered into the helical morphology that occurs after 9 to 12 days in stationary phase, and during exponential growth induced katG in response to hydrogen peroxide challenge. Expression of skgA increased 5- to 10-fold in late exponential phase. skgA is the first regulator of a starvation-induced stress response identified in C. crescentus. SkgA is not a global regulator of the stationary-phase stress response; its action encompasses the oxidative stress-hydrogen peroxide response but not acid or heat responses. Moreover, SkgA is not an alternative ς factor, like RpoS, which controls multiple aspects of starvation-induced cross-resistance to stress in enteric bacteria. These observations raise the possibility that regulation of stationary-phase gene expression in this member of the α subdivision of the Proteobacteria is different from that in Escherichia coli and other members of the γ subdivision.
Colonization of Intestinal Endometriosis by Benign Colonic Mucosa: A Pattern Potentially Misdiagnosed as Invasive Mucinous Carcinoma:

Endometriosis is well known for creating diagnostic pitfalls for pathologists. It may produce masses mimicking neoplasms or cause diagnostic quandaries, particularly when the patient age, location, and/or epithelial appearance are atypical. This study reports a patient with endometriosis causing rectal bleeding and involving the cecum. It produced a mass clinically considered appendiceal. The endometriosis was focally lined by intestinal epithelium including Paneth cells. In the deep endometriotic glands embedded within intestinal wall, direct fusion of the intestinal and the endometrial epithelium—the benign intestinal epithelium apparently colonizing the endometriotic foci—was found. The mass effect, plus deep-seated intestinal epithelium, closely mimicked invasive well-differentiated mucinous carcinoma. This is yet another peculiar presentation of endometriosis with potential for misinterpretation as a more serious condition, specifically well-differentiated mucinous carcinoma of the cecum or appendix.
Contrasting academic and tobacco industry estimates of illicit cigarette trade: evidence from Warsaw, Poland

Objective To compare two different methods for estimating the size of the illicit cigarette market with each other and to contrast the estimates obtained by these two methods with the results of an industry-commissioned study. Methods We used two observational methods: collection of data from packs in smokers’ personal possession, and collection of data from packs discarded on streets. The data were obtained in Warsaw, Poland in September 2011 and October 2011. We used tests of independence to compare the results based on the two methods, and to contrast those with the estimate from the industry-commissioned discarded pack collection conducted in September 2011. Results We found that the proportions of cigarette packs classified as not intended for the Polish market estimated by our two methods were not statistically different. These estimates were 14.6% (95% CI 10.8% to 19.4%) using the survey data (N=400) and 15.6% (95% CI 13.2% to 18.4%) using the discarded pack data (N=754). The industry estimate (22.9%) was higher by nearly a half compared with our estimates, and this difference is statistically significant. Conclusions Our findings are consistent with previous evidence of the tobacco industry exaggerating the scope of illicit trade and with the general pattern of the industry manipulating evidence to mislead the debate on tobacco control policy in many countries. Collaboration between governments and the tobacco industry to estimate tobacco tax avoidance and evasion is likely to produce upward-biased estimates of illicit cigarette trade. If governments are presented with industry estimates, they should strictly require a disclosure of all methodological details and data used in generating these estimates, and should seek advice from independent experts.
Copper trace cracking under die perimeter of BGA packages: a combined effect of mold and die attach materials

This research examines the combined effect of mold and epoxy die attach materials on the cracking formation of fine copper traces routed under the die perimeters of plastic BGA packages, under different thermal ramping rates. A designed plastic BGA package with specific traces routed and coupled with the active silicon device procured is used. The objective is accomplished by the use of the methods of finite elemental analysis coupled with the design of experiment. For the JEDEC's MRT L4 and TC Condition B reliability stressing, it is found that a lower CTE and a lower dynamic tensile modulus combination of both mold and die attach materials tends to reduce the occurrence of trace cracking, while the effect of thermal ramping rate is found to be insignificant until 1000 cycles of TC is exceeded. Furthermore, a detailed failure analysis is performed on the stressed parts through continuity testing, mold decapsulation, high magnification X-ray, CSAM, SEM, and parallel polishing to confirm the modeling results and experimental findings.
Bias dependence of GaAs and InP MESFET parameters

A comparative analysis of the bias dependence of critical RF parameters in GaAs and InP metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MESFET's) led to the following conclusions. 1) The drain-gate feedback capacitance in GaAs MESFET's is lower than in InP MESFET's, because of a stronger tendency in GaAs to form stationary Gunn domains at the typical drain bias levels employed. 2) The drain-source output resistance in InP MESFET's is lower than in GaAs MESFET's mainly for high drain current units, a fact which is linked to a substrate related softer pinch-off behavior in InP. 3) The current-gain cutoff frequency fT, in the current saturation range of the GaAs MESFET decreases strongly with drain bias as a result of the formation of the stationary Gunn domain. In the InP MESFET, this effect is weaker. At the optimum bias, fT is only 10-20 percent higher in InP MESFET's than in GaAs ones.
Entrepreneur start-up versus persistence decisions: A critical evaluation of expectancy and value:

Research suggests that entrepreneurs tend to seek to maximize utility when considering whether to pursue a new venture opportunity. However, when choosing whether to persist with their current vent...
Choice of density-dependent seedling recruitment function affects predicted transient dynamics: a case study with Platte thistle

Modelers have to make choices about which functional forms to use for representing model components, such as the relationship between the state of individuals and their vital rates. Even though these choices significantly influence model predictions, this type of structural uncertainty has been largely ignored in theoretical ecology. In this paper, we use integral projection models (IPMs) for Platte thistle as a case study to illustrate that the choice of functional form characterizing density dependence in seedling recruitment has important implications for predicting transient dynamics (short-term population dynamics following disturbances). In one case, the seedling recruitment function is modeled as a power function, and in the other case, we derive density dependence in seedling recruitment from biological first principles. We chose parameter values for the recruitment functions such that both IPMs predicted identical equilibrium population densities and both recruitment functions fit the empirical recruitment data sufficiently well. We find that the recovery from a transient attenuation, and the magnitude of transient amplification, can vary tremendously depending on which function is used to model density-dependent seedling recruitment. When we loosen the restriction of having identical equilibrium densities, model predictions not only differ in the short term but also in the long term. We derive some mathematical properties of the IPMs to explain why the short-term differences occur.
Can work and training programs reform welfare

Over the past thirty years the number of Americans on welfare has increased by 460 percent, generating concern about both the monetary and social costs involved. Long-term welfare dependence produces adverse outcomes for many families by distorting incentives for work and marriage. Government programs to reduce welfare have focused on work and training programs to raise the skills of welfare recipients, but these programs have not significantly reduced welfare participation. Policies to scale back welfare are essential for reducing welfare disincentives. New approaches to the delivery of education are viewed as an important preventive strategy.
Effect of load models on AC/DC system stability and modulation control design

This paper investigates important aspects related to the effect of load models on the modulation control design and stability of a modulated ac/dc system. Static load is modeled as a nonlinear function of load bus voltage and dynamic load is modeled by an equivalent induction motor. DC power and reactive power modulations are considered for the modulation controllers. A method for eigenvalue sensitivity calculation is developed to predict the effect of load characteristics on system stability. Eigenvalue sensitivity and simulation results show that static and dynamic load characteristics may have a considerable effect on the system stability. Figure 1 shows an ac/dc power system model used for studying the effect of nonlinear load on system stability. Reactive power modulation gain is obtained via optimal control theory. Figure 2 shows speed response of synchronous generator for a 5% change in reference current (Iref) of the rectifier terminal. Reactive power modulation by static var compensator improves system stability with constant impedance load model. However, reactive power modulation makes the system unstable when the modulation gain is based on constant impedance load model and the actual load is represented by induction motor. Important conclusions resulting from the computations and simulations performed for an integrated ac/dc system are listed below. 1. The dynamic behavior of induction motor load has a significant effect on the system stability. Induction motor in most cases reduces the overall system damping.
Parechovirus typing in clinical specimens by nested or semi-nested PCR coupled with sequencing.

Abstract Background The Parechovirus genus ( Picornaviridae ) contains two known species, Human parechovirus (HPeV) and Ljungan virus (LV). HPeVs cause a wide spectrum of disease, including meningitis, gastroenteritis, encephalitis, respiratory illness, and neonatal sepsis-like disease. LVs are associated with diabetes and myocarditis in bank voles and have been proposed to cause disease in humans. The ability to rapidly and accurately type parechoviruses is critical to understanding their role in human disease. Objectives For parechovirus molecular typing, we sought to develop reverse transcription, nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays to amplify the sequence encoding the VP1 capsid protein from all known members of the Parechovirus genus. Study design The assays consist of a two-step RT-PCR with primers flanking VP1 (PCR1), followed by semi-nested PCR2A and PCR2B reactions that produce overlapping amplicons, encompassing the complete VP1 gene, as well as a nested PCR2C that amplifies a shorter internal VP1 amplicon. Results All primer sets are 100% sensitive and 100% specific for the 77 parechovirus culture isolates tested. The semi-nested and nested PCR primer sets are 94% sensitive and 100% specific for detection of parechovirus in original specimens. Viral genotype can be deduced from analysis of amplicon sequences. Parechoviruses of the same type share ≥77% complete VP1 nucleotide sequence identity or ≥87% amino acid identity, while those of different types share ≤73% nucleotide identity and ≤81% amino acid identity. Conclusions The PCR primers described here amplify VP1 sequences from all known parechoviruses, providing a sensitive, reliable system for molecular typing directly from original clinical specimens.
A Novel Technique for Sculpting Costal Cartilage in Microtia Repair and Rhinoplasty

ImportanceTransforming a block of costal cartilage into a complex 3-dimensional framework that reflects the contours of a normal ear or nasal bridge requires the creation of many subtle curves, con...
Motion of a gas bubble inside a spherical liquid container with a vertical temperature gradient

Description du mouvement de la bulle tenant compte des effets de gravite, du gradient de tension interfaciale et des dimensions finies du recipient. Calcul du champ d'ecoulement a l'interieur et a l'exterieur de la bulle. Determination du champ de temperature
Kantian Liberalism, Regime Type, and Military Resource Allocation: Do Democracies Spend Less?

In this paper, we evaluate the liberal claim that democratic states devote fewer resources to their militaries. Low military spending is thought to avert conflict spirals and release more resources to fund domestic programs. While prominent in many liberal international relations theories, most notably in Immanuel Kant's, this proposition has received little empirical scrutiny. Using several indicators of military resource allocation and data on a wide range of states since 1816, we find empirical support for the liberal argument, although regime type is not necessarily the strongest influence on military resource allocation.
Uğurbil, K.: A Journey Toward Functional Brain Imaging and Ultrahigh Field Magnetic Resonance in Humans

Immediately after my PhD, I joined an effort in Bell Laboratories focused on using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in intact biological systems. This effort is approximately contemporaneous with the development of magnetic resonance imaging. The focus on extracting biochemical information from in vivo NMR spectroscopy ultimately motivated my interest in using imaging to extract physiological and functional information and in functional imaging in the brain (fMRI). Intertwined in this effort is the drive to higher magnetic fields that was undertaken both to improve fMRI and in vivo spectroscopy, leading to today's exploding interest in the use of 7 T for human imaging and the efforts currently in progress toward achieving 10.5 and 11.7 T for human studies. Keywords: functional imaging; fMRI; brain; ultrahigh magnetic fields; spectroscopy; in vivo spectroscopy; chemical shift imaging; magnetization transfer
The use of interactive video client simulation scores to predict clinical performance of occupational therapy students.

OBJECTIVE. Student academic performance (grades) has traditionally shown a weak correlation with clinical performance (supervisor ratings). A computer-based interactive video client evaluation program was created to determine whether the decision making of occupational therapy students on a client simulation explained variability in fieldwork supervisor ratings not accounted for by grades. METHOD. Two student cohorts (N = 43; N = 30) selected evaluation procedures for a client with a cerebrovascular accident from on-screen menus and recorded and interpreted client responses as shown on videodisc. Multiple regressions were calculated in which grades and simulation scores were used to predict fieldwork supervisor ratings. RESULTS. In cohort 1, grade in a physical disabilities course predicted 31% of the variance in supervisor ratings, whereas the simulation score for "completeness" accounted for an additional 12%, F(2, 39) = 16.75, p <.0001, adjusted R 2 =.434. Students with better grades received higher ratings, whereas students who evaluated the simulated client less exhaustively received higher ratings. For cohort 2, fieldwork ratings were best predicted by a combination of several simulation efficiency scores (number of correct answers given per unit time), F(4, 21) = 6.17, p <.002, adjusted R 2 =.453. Mostly, higher efficiency scores were associated with higher supervisor ratings. CONCLUSION. Video simulations of client encounters may measure decision-making skills not measured by grades, in particular, making correct decisions in a timely manner within a realistic context.
Loss of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Isoforms During Murine Oocyte Growth Induces Offspring Cardiac Dysfunction

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) is a constitutively active serine threonine kinase with 1) two isoforms (GSK3A and GSK3B) that have unique and overlapping functions, 2) multiple molecular intracellular mechanisms that involve phosphorylation of diverse substrates, and 3) implications in pathogenesis of many diseases. Insulin causes phosphorylation and inactivation of GSK3 and mammalian oocytes have a functional insulin-signaling pathway whereby prolonged elevated insulin during follicle/oocyte development causes GSK3 hyperphosphorylation, reduced GSK3 activity, and altered oocyte chromatin remodeling. Periconceptional diabetes and chronic hyperinsulinemia are associated with congenital malformations and onset of adult diseases of cardiovascular origin. Objectives were to produce transgenic mice with individual or concomitant loss of GSK3A and/or GSK3B and investigate the in vivo role of oocyte GSK3 on fertility, fetal development, and offspring health. Wild-type males bred to females with individual or concomitant loss of oocyte GSK3 isoforms did not have reduced fertility. However, concomitant loss of GSK3A and GSK3B in the oocyte significantly increased neonatal death rate due to congestive heart failure secondary to ventricular hyperplasia. Individual loss of oocyte GSK3A or GSK3B did not induce this lethal phenotype. In conclusion, absence of oocyte GSK3 in the periconceptional period does not alter fertility yet causes offspring cardiac hyperplasia, cardiovascular defects, and significant neonatal death. These results support a developmental mechanism by which periconceptional hyperinsulinemia associated with maternal metabolic syndrome, obesity, and/or diabetes can act on the oocyte and affect offspring cardiovascular development, function, and congenital heart malformation.
Clinical and biological significance of precursor lesions of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is primarily a malignant tumor of older adults most prevalent in Southeast Asia, where liver fluke infestation is high. However the etiology in western countries is unknown. Although the incidence of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma has remained constant, incidence of intrahepatic CC (ICC) which differs in morphology, pathogenesis, risk factors, treatment and prognosis is increasing. While this increase is associated with hepatitis C virus infection, chronic nonalcoholic liver disease, obesity, and smoking, the pathogenesis of ICC and molecular alterations underlying the carcinogenesis are not completely elucidated. Benign biliary lesions such as biliary intraepithelial neoplasia, intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct, von Meyenburg complex or bile duct hamartoma, and bile duct adenoma have been associated with ICC. For each of these entities, evidence suggests or supports a role as premalignant lesions. This article summarized the important biological significance of the precursor lesions of ICC and the molecular mechanisms that may be involved in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinogenesis.
Secondary PDZ domain-binding site on class B plexins enhances the affinity for PDZ–RhoGEF

PDZ domains are abundant protein interaction modules and typically recognize a short motif at the C terminus of their ligands, with a few residues in the motif endowing the binding specificity. The sequence-based rules, however, cannot fully account for the specificity between the vast number of PDZ domains and ligands in the cell. Plexins are transmembrane receptors that regulate processes such as axon guidance and angiogenesis. Two related guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), PDZ–RhoGEF and leukemia-associated RhoGEF (LARG), use their PDZ domains to bind class B plexins and play critical roles in signaling. Here, we present the crystal structure of the full-length cytoplasmic region of PlexinB2 in complex with the PDZ domain of PDZ–RhoGEF. The structure reveals that, in addition to the canonical C-terminal motif/PDZ interaction, the 3D domain of PlexinB2 forms a secondary interface with the PDZ domain. Our biophysical and cell-based assays show that the secondary interface contributes to the specific interaction between plexin and PDZ–RhoGEF and to signaling by plexin in the cell. Formation of secondary interfaces may be a general mechanism for increasing affinity and specificity of modular domain-mediated interactions.
Appearance Discrimination, “Lookism,” and “Lookphobia” in the Workplace

This article focuses on appearance and attractiveness discrimination in the American workplace. As such, this article discusses issues related to lookism and lookphobia as a real challenge for managers who are recruiting, attracting, interviewing, hiring, appraising, and promoting employees. The article provides a discussion of societal norms concerning attractiveness, the existence of appearance discrimination in employment, the presence of preferring the pretty, and then the authors examine important civil rights laws that relate to such forms of discrimination. Finally, recommendations for employers and managers are provided for fair and non-discriminatory hiring and promotional practices.
Large-Scale Cost-Effective Packaging

VLSI circuits challenge traditional electronic packaging methods. Several new package types, however, efficiently handle high-I/O devices.
Adaptive control system for exoskeleton performing sit-to-stand motion

In this paper, an exoskeleton performing a sit-to-stand motion is studied. A new approach to control system design for this mechanism is proposed. Proposed control system uses information about currents in the motor's armature cores to assess how much the system is loaded and change its behavior accordingly. It also uses ZMP (zero moment point) principle for assessing system's balance. In the paper, some results of the numerical simulation are presented. On a few examples it was shown how changing duration of sit-to-stand motion influences dynamical behavior of the mechanical system.
Comparative Literature at the University of Alberta: The Dissolution of a Department

On the factors that influenced the reclassification of the Comparative Literature Program at the University of Alberta from its own department into a program within larger departments.
Incorporation of globally available datasets into the roving cosmic-ray neutron probe method for estimating field-scale soil water content

Abstract. The need for accurate, real-time, reliable, and multi-scale soil water content (SWC) monitoring is critical for a multitude of scientific disciplines trying to understand and predict the Earth's terrestrial energy, water, and nutrient cycles. One promising technique to help meet this demand is fixed and roving cosmic-ray neutron probes (CRNPs). However, the relationship between observed low-energy neutrons and SWC is affected by local soil and vegetation calibration parameters. This effect may be accounted for by a calibration equation based on local soil type and the amount of vegetation. However, determining the calibration parameters for this equation is labor- and time-intensive, thus limiting the full potential of the roving CRNP in large surveys and long transects, or its use in novel environments. In this work, our objective is to develop and test the accuracy of globally available datasets (clay weight percent, soil bulk density, and soil organic carbon) to support the operability of the roving CRNP. Here, we develop a 1 km product of soil lattice water over the continental United States (CONUS) using a database of in situ calibration samples and globally available soil taxonomy and soil texture data. We then test the accuracy of the global dataset in the CONUS using comparisons from 61 in situ samples of clay percent (RMSE = 5.45 wt %, R2 = 0.68), soil bulk density (RMSE = 0.173 g cm−3, R2 = 0.203), and soil organic carbon (RMSE = 1.47 wt %, R2 = 0.175). Next, we conduct an uncertainty analysis of the global soil calibration parameters using a Monte Carlo error propagation analysis (maximum RMSE ∼ 0.035 cm3 cm−3 at a SWC = 0.40 cm3 cm−3). In terms of vegetation, fast-growing crops (i.e., maize and soybeans), grasslands, and forests contribute to the CRNP signal primarily through the water within their biomass and this signal must be accounted for accurate estimation of SWC. We estimated the biomass water signal by using a vegetation index derived from MODIS imagery as a proxy for standing wet biomass (RMSE
Effects of Starvation on Survival and Maintenance of Soldier Proportion in Laboratory Groups of the Formosan Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Laboratory groups of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, had ca. 2% soldier proportions under starvation conditions and ca. 11% when food was provided, regardless of initial soldier proportions. In the absence of food, soldiers were starved or cannibalized before workers were sacrificed. Data suggest that soldiers may represent an emergency food ration for colony survival under starvation conditions.
Optimization of End-Around Taxiway for Efficient Operations and Environmental Benefits

Optimization of End-Around Taxiways (EATs) is a near-term operational change to mitigate emissions impacts of aviation and increase efficiency at airports. An end-around taxiway is a path for an aircraft to taxi around an active runway. End-around taxiways provide benefits such as increase departure throughput, increase safety, reduced surface congestion, increase efficient taxi-in procedures, and yield environmental benefits. The goals of this work are to investigate the use of current taxiways and to develop a decision-support model based on environmental consequences of EATs. This study analyzes EAT use at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Dallas/Fort-Worth International Airport (DFW), and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) using ASDE-X data from 10 September 2012 to 28 February 2013. The end-around taxiway provides a path for arrivals to taxi independently of adjacent runway traffic. The trends and patterns of aircraft taxi routes showed the EAT is used the most during peak arrival and peak departure hours. This study provides decision-makers at the operations level the necessary information to effectively use end-around taxiways and conventional taxiways from an environmental perspective. Decision rules were developed to maximize environmental benefits. The decision scenario analysis concluded that the most promising decision rule at ATL, DFW, and DTW to yield the most environmental benefit is based on arrival time. Simple decision rules based on arrival time and terminal destination results in average aircraft fuel reduction from 3% to 14%.
Chronic Diarrhea in Travelers: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations

Although the epidemiology, and pathophysiology of travelers' diarrhea are well understood, the long-term consequences of this syndrome are poorly appreciated. Many people struck with travelers' diarrhea do not completely recover but rather develop one of several chronic diarrheal syndromes. In some patients an episode of travelers' diarrhea seems to unmask a preexistent, underlying gastrointestinal disorder. The frequency of these complications and the magnitude of this problem are unknown. The differential diagnosis, diagnostic workup, and treatment of such patients have been outlined; unfortunately, many patients with chronic diarrhea elude diagnosis, and treatment is problematic. Some of the questions that must be answered include the following: What is the magnitude of the problem of chronic diarrhea following travelers' diarrhea? What is the natural history of patients with this syndrome? Which individuals are most likely to develop a chronic diarrheal syndrome, and can they be identified in advance? Are new etiologic agents involved in these chronic diarrheal syndromes? Answers to these questions will require well-organized, multicenter studies of a large number of travelers to various locales.
Maintenance care and supportive periodontal therapy

This paper presents a review of the literature and clinical observations concerning the long-term professional care of all dental patients. Gingivitis, ubiquitous in the adult population, is often without significant consequences to the dentition; however, gingivitis may develop into periodontitis. Patients with gingivitis, therefore, should be monitored professionally, especially those patients with other risk factors (attachment loss, age, smoking, and abnormal tooth mobility). In patients without substantial attachment loss, professional examination, prophylaxis, and oral hygiene instruction should be provided once or twice a year, depending on the presence of other risk factors. All patients who have been treated for periodontitis should be recalled, after completion of treatment and a healing phase, every 3 to 4 months. Sites with active periodontitis should be re-treated. Topical use of fluorides is recommended.
Treatment of Neonatal Seizures

The rapid sequential phenobarbital treatment of neonatal seizures was examined in 120 newborns and the efficacy of high dose monotherapy was compared with the addition of a second anticonvulsant for persistent seizure activity.
Helium Ion Microscope Fabrication of Solid-State Nanopore Devices for Biomolecule Analysis

Solid-state nanopores are an emerging technology for the detection and analysis of biomolecules at the single-molecule level. Consisting of one or more nanometer-scale apertures in a thin, solid-state membrane, a number of methods have been utilized to make these devices. However, conventional approaches are either non-trivial to scale up or lack sufficient precision for many applications. In this chapter, we describe the use of the helium ion microscope to produce nanopores. We demonstrate control over diverse aspects of the device and discuss a range of applications that have been enabled by their implementation.
The influence of water vapor on the impulse flashover of nonuniform gaps in air and on dielectric surfaces using a positive point

The photomultiplier technique, in conjunction with a fast 517 Tektronix oscilloscope, is used with a movable slit to measure the light from corona streamers as they progress from a positive point to the cathode, and at the required pulsed-voltage level to trigger off a filamentary spark as it crosses the gap. This technique is similar to the method used by Loeb and Hudson1 and Amin,2 and is also described in Loeb's book.3
Analysis of aluminum resistance spot welding processes using coupled finite element procedures

A comprehensive analysis procedure has been developed to perform the incrementally coupled thermal-electrical-mechanical analysis to simulate the resistance spot welding process of aluminum alloys. Because aluminum has high thermal conductivity, low melting temperature and low yield strength, deformation resulting from resistance spot welding is expected to be more severe than for steel. Compared with most of the published work in this area, this paper takes into account the incremental changes in sheet-deformed shape, contact area and current density profile as well as large deformation effects. The present analysis procedures consider electrical contact resistivities to be not only functions of contact temperature but also functions of pressure. Joule heating at the contact surfaces is computed using an equivalent surface heat generation concept. This new procedure is suitable for analyzing many important parameters such as contact area changes, electrode movement and dynamic resistance, as well as other factors that contribute to weld quality such as weld size, weld indentation, sheet separation and weld residual stresses. It can also be used to study nugget development and analyze the mechanisms of electrode wear and weld cracking.
Low-Symmetry Mixed Fluorinated Subphthalocyanines as Fluorescence Imaging Probes in MDA-MB-231 Breast Tumor Cells.

Boron subphthalocyanines (SPcs) are aromatic macrocycles that possess a combination of physical and optical properties that make them excellent candidates for application as fluorescent imaging probes. These molecules have intense electronic absorption and emission, and structural versatility that allows for specific tuning of physical properties. Herein, we report the synthesis of a series of low-symmetry fluorinated SPcs and compare them to analogous compounds with varying numbers of peripheral fluorine atoms and varied aromaticity. Across the series, with increasing addition of fluorine atoms to the periphery of the ring, a downfield chemical shift in 19F NMR and a bathochromic shift of electronic absorption were observed. Expanding the size of the aromatic ring by replacing peripheral benzo- groups with naphtho- groups prompted a far more drastic bathochromic shift to absorption and emission. Fluorescence quantum yields (Φf) proved to be sufficiently high to observe intracellular fluorescence from MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cells in vitro by epifluorescence microscopy; fluorination proved vital for this purpose to improve solubility. This report lays the groundwork for the future development of these promising SPcs for their ultimate application as near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent imaging probes in biological systems.
Wideband spectrum holes detection implementation for cognitive radios

The ability to dynamically discover portions of unused radio spectrum is a central ability of cognitive radios as it allows for dynamic access and sharing of the spectrum. Focusing on implementation lessons, this work steps through the design, implementation, and analysis of a wideband spectrum holes detector. Energy detection and cyclostationary detection algorithms for detecting spectrum holes are compared and the former is seen to perform better in applications with a constrained sensing time. A multiband energy detection algorithm able to scan a gigahertz-order range of frequencies and discover spectrum holes in real time is implemented on a software-defined radio. Resource utilization and requirements of the implementation are analyzed. Experiments are performed on the implementation to measure performance, study practical issues, and demonstrate its detection ability over a wide bandwidth with reasonable latency.
Association of Anthropometric Measures with Prostate Cancer among African American Men in the NCI-Maryland Prostate Cancer Case-Control Study

Background: Obesity is a cancer risk factor. Although it does not increase the risk of localized prostate cancer, it raises the risk of the aggressive disease in men of European ancestry. Few studies investigated obesity as a prostate cancer risk factor in men of African ancestry. Findings from those studies were heterogeneous, but some reported an association of excess body fatness with aggressive disease.Methods: We examined the relationship of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio with prostate cancer in African American (AA) and European American (EA) men in the NCI-Maryland Prostate Cancer Case-Control Study consisting of 798 men with incident prostate cancer (402 AA and 496 EA) and 1,008 population-based controls (474 AA and 534 EA). BMI was self-reported. Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio were calculated from measurements at enrollment.Results: A high BMI either at enrollment or years prior to it was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer in AA men. In contrast, an elevated BMI tended to increase the disease risk in EA men. Waist circumference was inversely associated with prostate cancer in both AA and EA men, whereas a high waist-hip ratio did not associate with prostate cancer in AA men but tended to be associated with advanced/aggressive disease in EA men.Conclusions: Our findings reveal an obesity paradox among AA men in this study population, where a high BMI and waist circumference associated with a decreased disease risk.Impact: Our observations expand the knowledge of how obesity may affect prostate cancer risks in AAs. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(8); 936-44. ©2018 AACR.
Laboratory Evaluation of Dynamic Routing of Air Traffic in an En Route Arrival Metering Environment

Arrival air traffic operations in the presence of convective weather are subject to uncertainty in aircraft routing and subsequently in flight trajectory predictability. Current management of arrival operations in weather-impacted airspace results in significant flight delay and suspension of arrival metering operations. The Dynamic Routing for Arrivals in Weather (DRAW) concept provides flight route amendment advisories to Traffic Management Coordinators to mitigate the impacts of convective weather on arrival operations. DRAW provides both weather conflict and schedule information for proposed route amendments, allowing air traffic managers to simultaneously evaluate weather avoidance routing and potential schedule and delay impacts. Subject matter experts consisting of retired Traffic Management Coordinators and retired Sector Controllers with arrival metering experience participated in a simulation study of Fort Worth Air Route Traffic Control Center arrival operations. Data were collected for Traffic Management Coordinator and Sector Controller participants over three weeks of simulation activities in October, 2017. Traffic Management Coordinators reported acceptable workload levels, a positive impact on their ability to manage arrival traffic while using DRAW, and initiated weather mitigation reroutes earlier while using DRAW. Sector Controllers also reported acceptable workload levels while using DRAW.
Invariant Manifolds and Bifurcations in the Taylor Problem

The calculations of Davey 1962, of Davey, DiPrima, and Stuart 1968, and of Eagles 1971, on the Taylor problem of the flow between concentric rotating cylinders are interpreted as calculations of the finite dimensional invariant unstable manifold in the infinite-dimensional configuration space of the system and subsequent determination of the fixed points and closed orbits of the dynamical system in that manifold. The procedure is not a spectral method or eigenfunction expansion method, although certain of the eigenfunctions of the linearized problem play an important role. In contrast with such methods, the restriction to a finite number of dimensions is not an approximation, because the manifold under study is rigorously invariant. (There are of course plenty of other approximations to worry about.)
Readability of online information about HPV Immunization.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is highly effective in preventing anogenital cancers, but vaccination rates in the United States remain low. In deciding whether to vaccinate their children, ...