cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationships between seasonal patterns of live fuel moisture and meteorological drought indices for Mediterranean shrubland species

Measurements of seasonal patterns of live fuel moisture content and ignitability (in terms of time to ignition) of four Mediterranean shrub species were performed in North Western Sardinia (Italy). Relationships between the two variables were evaluated. Relationships between live fuel moisture content and environmental conditions (i.e. rainfall, air temperature and soil moisture) were analysed. Two groups of species were identified in relation to the different response of live fuel moisture content to seasonal meteorological conditions. Seasonal patterns of live fuel moisture content were also compared with five meteorological drought indices: Duff Moisture Code and Drought Code of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System, Keetch–Byram Drought Index, Canopy Drought Stress Index and Cumulative Water Balance Index. In addition, the capability of the meteorological drought indices to describe moisture variation for each species was evaluated. Although the Drought Code was formulated to describe changes in the moisture content of dead fuel, it was shown to have a good potential for modelling live fuel moisture variation of a group of shrubland species that are sensitive to meteorological conditions, with a clear and large decrease of moisture content during the drought season.
Proton backscattering as a technique for light ion surface interaction studies in CTR materials investigations

Analysis of near-surface helium and hydrogen isotope depth profiles by a specialized proton backscattering technique has been demonstrated as a means to characterize the concentration, initial position, and subsequent migration behavior of all Z atom species (except 1H) in metals. The projected range (Rp) of helium implanted at 50 keV in Nb, V Ti and Cu has been measured and, for the latter two metals, has been found to agree with theoretical calculations within 100 A (3%). Deuterium has also been detected and profiled (in Ti) using this technique. Detection sensitivity has been demonstrated at the 7 at % level for D in Ti and at the 0.5 at % level for 4He in Cu. In addition, surface and bulk distributions of carbon, oxygen and 3He have been profiled and, in principle, the depth distributions of tritium, 6Li, 7Li, Be, B, N, and F are also simultaneously resolvable if contained within the foil samples. The technique has been used to investigate the effect of radiation damage and in situ annealing on implanted helium profiles in copper. From these observations the mechanism for helium release from the end-of-range location has been delineated.
Impact of oxLDL on Cholesterol-Rich Membrane Rafts

Numerous studies have demonstrated that cholesterol-rich membrane rafts play critical roles in multiple cellular functions. However, the impact of the lipoproteins on the structure, integrity and cholesterol composition of these domains is not well understood. This paper focuses on oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDLs) that are strongly implicated in the development of the cardiovascular disease and whose impact on membrane cholesterol and on membrane rafts has been highly controversial. More specifically, we discuss three major criteria for the impact of oxLDL on membrane rafts: distribution of different membrane raft markers, changes in membrane cholesterol composition, and changes in lipid packing of different membrane domains. We also propose a model to reconcile the controversy regarding the relationship between oxLDL, membrane cholesterol, and the integrity of cholesterol-rich membrane domains.
Serial MRI changes in comatose cardiac arrest patients.

Neuroimaging may prove useful in identifying cardiac arrest patients destined for a poor recovery, as certain patterns have been associated with a poor outcome. However, MRI changes evolve temporally and spatially, which may lead to misinterpretation and misclassification of patients. Eight comatose patients following cardiac arrest underwent diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at two time points, and one patient underwent DWI at three time points. Each of the prespecified areas of each study were read as either “normal” or “abnormal” by two stroke neurologists. Neurological examinations, including GCS scores, were recorded on days 0, 1, 3, and 7. Outcomes were determined by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), with poor outcome defined as mRS score ≥4 at 6 months. In the acute (<24 h) period, two patients exhibited changes on DWI and FLAIR in the cerebellum and basal ganglia. In the early subacute period (days 1–5), cortical abnormalities predominated, with a shift to more white matter changes in the late subacute period (days 6–12). We observed more widespread imaging abnormalities in patients with poor outcomes, and partial or full resolution of DWI abnormalities in the two patients with good outcomes. MRI patterns after global hypoxic-ischemic injury follow a characteristic pattern with variable acute changes in the cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum, followed by predominantly cortical and white matter changes in the early and late subacute periods. Diffuse, persistent widespread changes on MRI may help to predict poor outcome.
Agility and mixed-model furniture production

Abstract The manufacture of upholstered furniture provides an excellent opportunity to study the impact of lot size and a comprehensive communication system on classical production management functions. The objective of this paper was to study a production system that has implemented concepts inherent in MRP, JIT and TQM while recognizing the need for agility in a somewhat complex and demanding environment. For agile production it appears essential that an on-line, real-time data capture system provide the status and location of production lots, components, subassemblies for schedule control. Current status of all material inventories and work in process is required to develop and adhere to schedules subject to frequent changes. For the large variety of styles and fabrics customers may order, the flexibility of small lots and a real-time, on-line communication system is required. Such a system can provide timely, accurate and comprehensive information for intelligent decisions with respect to the product mix, effective use of production resources and customer requirements.
Allometric scaling of xenobiotic clearance: Uncertainty versus universality

Statistical analysis and Monte Carlo simulation were used to characterize uncertainty in the allometric exponent (b) of xenobiotic clearance (CL). CL values for 115 xenobiotics were from published studies in which at least 3 species were used for the purpose of interspecies comparison of pharmacokinetics. The b value for each xenobiotic was calculated along with its confidence interval (CI). For 24 xenobiotics (21%), there was no correlation between log CL and log body weight. For the other 91 cases, the mean±standard deviation of the b values was 0.74±0.16; range: 0.29 to 1.2. Most (81%) of these individual b values did not differ from either 0.67 or 0.75 at P=0.05. When CL values for the subset of 91 substances were normalized to a common body weight coefficient (a), the b value for the 460 adjusted CL values was 0.74; the 99% CI was 0.71 to 0.76, which excluded 0.67. Monte Carlo simulation indicated that the wide range of observed b values could have resulted from random variability in CL values determined in a limited number of species, even though the underlying b value was 0.75. From the normalized CL values, 4 xenobiotic subgroups were examined: those that were (i) protein, and those that were (ii) eliminated mainly by renal excretion, (iii) by metabolism, or (iv) by renal excretion and metabolism combined. All subgroups except (ii) showed a b value not different from 0.75. The b value for the renal excretion subgroup (21 xenobiotics, 105 CL values) was 0.65, which differed from 0.75 but not from 0.67.
The effects of communication skills training on patients’ participation during medical interviews

Recent models of physician-patient communication emphasize information exchange in promoting partnership. Although considerable attention has been given to physicians' information exchange, little research has examined patients' communication contributions. The purpose of this research was to test the effectiveness of a training booklet designed to enhance patients' communication skills in information exchange. A nested design was used, such that 25 physicians each saw six patients, two patients in each of three communication skills interventions (i.e. trained, informed, control). The dependent variables included several discourse categories designed to assess patients' information seeking, provision, and verifying. Results indicate that trained patients engaged in more effective and efficient information seeking, provided physicians with more detailed information about their medical condition, and used more summarizing utterances to verify information they received from physicians. Additionally, dyads consisting of trained patients demonstrated a more patient-controlled style of communication than did dyads consisting of informed or untrained patients.
Early Drug Distribution: A Generally Neglected Aspect of Pharmacokinetics of Particular Relevance to Intravenously Administered Anesthetic Agents

There is considerable variability in response to intravenously administered anesthetic drugs (e.g., hypnotics, benzodiazepines, and narcotics) that have a rapid onset of effect (such as hypnosis, anxiolysis, and analgesia) and a low margin of safety (because of cardiovascular or respiratory depression, etc.). Although the onset of effect for these drugs occurs seconds to minutes after injection, traditional pharmacokinetic models are based on blood samples that are first obtained after drug effects have peaked. As a result, many studies have failed to provide a pharmacokinetic rationale for dosage adjustments of these drugs.
Moment analysis of multibreath nitrogen washout with a variable input gas composition.

A multibreath N2 washout method is presented for evaluating the gas distribution (or ventilation inhomogeneity) and absolute lung volume (FRC) of mechanically ventilated subjects. Because a mechanical ventilator cannot deliver a step change of the input gas composition to subjects, an analysis has been developed to deal with a variable inspired N2 fraction. The N2 washout data are transformed so that they are the same for either variable or step inputs of inspired N2 fraction. The transformed washout curve (end-tidal N2 fraction against dilution number) has a characteristic shape which is indicative of the inhomogeneity of gas distribution and mixing. As a quantitative index of ventilation inhomogeneity a mean dilution number (MDN), which is the ratio of the first to the zeroth moments of the washout curve, is computed. Computer simulations and experiments with subjects having normal or obstructed lungs showed that the method is valid. The MDN and FRC provide a means of assessing the effects of therapeutic interventions on mechanically ventilated subjects.
Heterogeneous oxidation of mercury in simulated post combustion conditions

Abstract Heterogeneous mercury oxidation was studied by exposing whole fly ash samples and magnetic, nonmagnetic, and size-classified fly ash fractions to elemental mercury vapor in simulated flue gas streams. Fly ash from sub-bituminous Wyodak–Anderson PRB coal and bituminous Blacksville coal were used. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analyses, and BET N2 isothermal sorption analyses were performed to characterize the fly ash samples. Mercury speciation downstream from the ash was determined using the Ontario Hydro method. Results showed that the presence of fly ash was critical for mercury oxidation, and the surface area of the ash appears to be an important parameter. However, for a given fly ash, there were generally no major differences in catalytic oxidation potential between different fly ash fractions. This includes fractions enriched in unburned carbon and iron oxides. The presence of NO2, HCl, and SO2 resulted in greater levels of mercury oxidation, while NO inhibited mercury oxidation. The gas matrix affected mercury oxidation more than the fly ash composition.
Origins of the Winter War: A Study of Russo-Finnish Diplomacy

The origins of the Winter War cannot be explained solely by reference to the hectic days which followed the Nazi attack upon Poland in September 1939. Issues then debated in both Helsinki and Moscow had deeper historical roots. Neither country could forget the bitter days of revolution, counter-revolution, and civil war in 1917–1918. Neither party had been fully satisfied with the Treaty of Dorpat (1930) which drafted the territorial lines of demarcation and specified mutual rights and obligations.
Metal organic frameworks showing hydrocarbon adsorption properties commensurate with their pore structure

Commensurate adsorption occurs when the number of molecules adsorbed per unit cell relates to the symmetry of the framework and its topology. While rare in zeolite materials, commensurate adsorption has been observed in several MOF materials. In some MOF materials, several molecules having dimensions within a limited size range show this effect. This paper describes the commensurate adsorption properties of three MOF materials and also two MOFs showing unusual combined structure-composition adsorption features.
Ferromagnetic Anisotropy and the Itinerant Electron Model

The purpose of the present investigation is to explore the possibilities of the "itinerant" or "collective" electron picture in the theory of metals to explain the quenching of orbital angular momentum in solids and, through the introduction of $l$,$s$ coupling, the phenomenon of ferromagnetic anisotropy in cubic crystals. The approach used is that of the Bloch "approximation of tight binding" in the theory of metals, the exchange energy being treated as a Weiss internal field as in the work of Stoner and Slater, and the spin-orbit coupling being introduced as a perturbation. The anisotropy is shown to appear in the fourth approximation, and to have the correct order of magnitude for iron and nickel. The model also predicts the correct sign of ${K}_{1}$ in nickel and iron, but this prediction is not entirely satisfactory because computational difficulties prevent the inclusion of all the $d$-wave functions in the calculation. A qualitative discussion of the behavior of iron-nickel alloys is given. The chief weakness of the model is its failure to take account adequately of Russell-Saunders coupling within the atom, and the dependence of many of its predictions on details of the model which are not very well established.
The roles and recognition of Haptic-Ostensive actions in collaborative multimodal human-human dialogues

The RoboHelper project has the goal of developing assistive robots for the elderly. One crucial component of such a robot is a multimodal dialogue architecture, since collaborative task-oriented human-human dialogue is inherently multimodal. In this paper, we focus on a specific type of interaction, Haptic-Ostensive (H-O) actions, that are pervasive in collaborative dialogue. H-O actions manipulate objects, but they also often perform a referring function.We collected 20 collaborative task-oriented human-human dialogues between a helper and an elderly person in a realistic setting. To collect the haptic signals, we developed an unobtrusive sensory glove with pressure sensors. Multiple annotations were then conducted to build the Find corpus. Supervised machine learning was applied to these annotations in order to develop reference resolution and dialogue act classification modules. Both corpus analysis, and these two modules show that H-O actions play a crucial role in interaction: models that include H-O actions, and other extra-linguistic information such as pointing gestures, perform better.For true human-robot interaction, all communicative intentions must of course be recognized in real time, not on the basis of annotated categories. To demonstrate that our corpus analysis is not an end in itself, but can inform actual human-robot interaction, the last part of our paper presents additional experiments on recognizing H-O actions from the haptic signals measured through the sensory glove. We show that even though pressure sensors are relatively imprecise and the data provided by the glove is noisy, the classification algorithms can successfully identify actions of interest within subjects.
Maintenance of differentiation in primary cultures of avian tendon cells

Abstract When avian tendon cells are transferred from an in vivo environment to an in vitro environment, they lose their ability to synthesize large amounts of collagen relative to other cell proteins and thereby forgo the hallmark of their differentiated state. This research has systematically investigated the role of various components in the standard cell culture medium in order to decipher why it is an inadequate environment for maintaining differentiated function. The results show that serum levels in excess of 0.5% can be detrimental to a high production of collagen synthesis. The magnitude of this serum effect was also found to be a function of cell density. High cell densities, apparently acting through an increase in the CO 2 concentration, reverse the inhibitory effect of serum. In addition, if the lactate ion concentration is raised to 30 mM (the highest concentration tested), the level of collagen synthesis relative to total cellular protein is restored to its initial level of 30%. Thus, the major differentiated function of avian tendon cells can be retained in cell culture. Moreover, the results appear to implicate high cell density as the normal stabilizing factor in maintaining differentiation in ovo. A high concentration of cells tend to switch the cell metabolism to one which is more anaerobic, thereby favoring high collagen synthesis. Reduction in the cell division rate, which also occurs at high cell densities, does not appear to effect the ratio of collagen to other cell proteins synthesized.
Properties Of Reflection Holograms Recorded In Polaroid's DMP-128 Photopolymer

Optical and microstructural properties of reflection holograms recorded in DMP-128 are reported. The optical properties are determined from transmission spectra of the holograms by ignoring the relatively small effects of light scattering and absorption. Microstructure is revealed by light and electron microscopic examination of hologram sections prepared either by diamond grit abrasion or by freeze fracture. Fringe planes are clearly seen with both sectioning procedures. The spacing between adjacent planes is strongly affected by processing conditions. Standard processing produces reflection holograms with fringe plane spacing that decreases continuously from the film:substrate interface to the film:air interface. These holograms have wide spectral bandwidths (100-200nm) and irregular band shapes. Narrow bandwidth holograms are produced from slightly more complicated processing steps. The optical properties of both types of holograms are compared to a theoretical model developed to account for nonuniform fringe plane spacing. Important experimental features such as spectral bandwidth and diffraction efficiency are readily explained by the theory and the observed microstructure.
Divergence in alternative Hicksian welfare measures: the case of revealed preference for public amenities

This paper investigates the divergence between the two Hicksian welfare measures of non-traded amenity improvement associated with housing. First, the Hicksian surplus measures for amenity changes are analytically developed based on explicit specification of utility structures. A hedonic two-stage approach is then applied to empirically show that, for quantity changes, in contrast to hypothetical markets, divergence in real market is small. The paper also analytically develops expressions for the income and substitution effects and empirically shows that for a given income effect, the greater the substitution effect the smaller the divergence between the two measures. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strain gradient plasticity solution for an internally pressurized thick-walled cylinder of an elastic linear-hardening material

An elastic-plastic solution is presented for an internally pressurized thick-walled plane strain cylinder of an elastic linear-hardening plastic material. The solution is derived in a closed form using a strain gradient plasticity theory. The inner radius of the cylinder enters the solution not only in non-dimensional forms but also with its own dimensional identity, which differs from that in classical plasticity based solutions and makes it possible to capture the size effect at the micron scale. The classical plasticity solution of the same problem is recovered as a special case of the current solution. To further illustrate the newly derived solution, formulas and numerical results for the plastic limit pressure are provided. These results reveal that the load-carrying capacity of the cylinder increases with decreasing inner radius at the micron scale. It is also seen that the macroscopic behavior of the pressurized cylinder can be well described by using classical plasticity based solutions.
Sexual orientation and disordered eating behaviors among self-identified male and female college students

Abstract This study compared the risk of a) clinically diagnosed eating disorders, and b) disordered eating behaviors, separately among three groups of United States college students, controlling for known covariates. These groups included college students self-identifying as: 1) gay/lesbian; 2) bisexual; and, 3) unsure, with self-identified heterosexuals as the reference. Data from the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment II (2008–2009) were utilized (N = 110,412). Adjusted logistic regression analyses, stratified by self-reported gender, examined the effect of self-identified sexual identity on clinical eating disorder diagnosis and disordered eating behaviors. Covariates included self-reported binge drinking (past 2 weeks), stress (last 12 months), smoking (past 30 days), depression (past 12 months), fraternity/sorority membership, college athletics participations, and race. Additional logistic regression sub-analyses examined sexual minorities only, with gay/lesbian as the referent. Gay, unsure, or bisexual men were at significantly increased odds to report both clinical eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors when compared to heterosexual men in both the unadjusted and adjusted models (p
Mapping air contaminants indoors using a prototype computed tomography system

Single and multiple plumes of sulphur hexafluoride were measured and mapped using a prototype open-path Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (OP-FTIR)-computed tomography (CT) system in an indoor exposure chamber. The OP-FTIR-CT system accurately mapped the position of concentration peaks at different locations in the chamber, and estimated concentrations within a range of 4-50% when compared with point samples measured by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. Two OP-FTIR spectrometer ray configurations, one with 100 rays and the other with 136 rays, were used to scan the chamber and reconstruct the concentration maps. Ray configuration and time to scan the entire chamber were found to have a profound effect on the quality of the reconstructed maps. The ability to obtain real-time, non-invasive measurements, and to generate spatially and temporally resolved maps of multiple chemicals, makes the OP-FTIR-CT system a promising technique for monitoring source emissions and evaluating exposures to air contaminants in a workplace.
Implementations for coalesced hashing

The coalesced hashing method is one of the faster searching methods known today. This paper is a practical study of coalesced hashing for use by those who intend to implement or further study the algorithm. Techniques are developed for tuning an important parameter that relates the sizes of the address region and the cellar in order to optimize the average running times of different implementations. A value for the parameter is reported that works well in most cases. Detailed graphs explain how the parameter can be tuned further to meet specific needs. The resulting tuned algorithm outperforms several well-known methods including standard coalesced hashing, separate (or direct) chaining, linear probing, and double hashing. A variety of related methods are also analyzed including deletion algorithms, a new and improved insertion strategy called varied-insertion, and applications to external searching on secondary storage devices.
Systematics of smooth leaf margin Juniperus of the western hemisphere based on leaf essential oils and RAPD DNA fingerprinting

Abstract The composition of the leaf essential oils of 13 taxa of the smooth leaf margin Juniperus in sect. Sabina from the western hemisphere are reported and compared. In addition, DNA fingerprinting revealed similar patterns among these species. Based on these data, a new species, very similar to J. blancoi and J. scopulorum , is recognized from northern Mexico: Juniperus mucronata sp. nov. R.P. Adams. Although the terpenes and morphology support the recognition of J. barbadensis var. lucayana (see Adams, R.P., 1995a, Revisionary study of Caribbean species of Juniperus (Cupressaceae). Phytologia, 78, 134–150), the RAPDs do not favor that alignment. Therefore, J. lucayana will be recognized as a distinct species at present. The recognition of J. ekmanii and J. urbaniana as varieties of J. gracilor is supported by the RAPDs data and these varieties will be maintained in the treatment of Juniperus .
Transcriptional regulation in eukaryotic ribosomal protein genes

Understanding ribosomal protein gene regulation provides a good avenue for understanding gene regulatory networks. Even after 5 decades of research on ribosomal protein gene regulation, little is known about how higher eukaryotic ribosomal protein genes are coordinately regulated at the transcriptional level. However, a few recent papers shed some light on this complicated problem.
Noninvasive Estimation of Left Ventricular Function After Mitral and Aortic Valve Replacement With the Hancock Porcine Prosthesis

Left ventricular function was noninvasively assessed by echocardiography, and left ventricular ejection time index (LVETI) was derived from external carotid pulse tracings in 25 patients before (B) and an average of 17 days after (A) Hancock porcine valve implantation. Fifteen patients had aortic valve replacement and 10 had mitral valve replacement; 4 had a combined procedure.In the aortic and combined group, (n = 15) there were significant (P < 0.0025) changes of mean (± 1 SD) left ventricular end-systolic dimension (ESD), B = 5.1 ± 0.9, A = 4.3 ± 0.9 cm; end-diastolic dimension (EDD), B = 5.7 ± 1, A = 4.9 ± 0.9 cm; mean rate of circumferential fiber shortening (VCF), B = 0.37 ± 0.05, A = 0.75 ± 0.04 circumf/sec and LVETI, B = 0.45 ± 0.05, A = 0.39 ± 0.02 sec. In subgroups with preoperative aortic stenosis (n = 8), combined aortic stenosis and insufficiency (n = 3), and coexisting aortic and mitral disease (n = 4), there was a uniform reduction of ESD, EDD, and LVETI with an increase of VCF. In the isol...
Concept Analysis of Burden in Caregivers of Stroke Survivors During the Early Poststroke Period

It is important to understand burden in caregivers of stroke survivors during the early poststroke period if we are to prevent or decrease the longer-term experience of caregiver burden and its consequences. This article reports a concept analysis of burden in caregivers of stroke survivors during the early poststroke period. A literature review using MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases (1960-2014) identified 32 relevant articles published from 1993 to 2013. Rodgers's evolutionary method of concept analysis was used. Three attributes--objective and subjective aspects, time spent caring for the stroke survivor, and uncertainty about the future for the stroke survivor and caregiver--were identified. Multiple definitions of caregiver burden have been used. In the early poststroke period, burden appears closely interconnected with other factors, some of which may be modifiable.
Temporal Interaction between Single Spikes and Complex Spike Bursts in Hippocampal Pyramidal Cells

Cortical pyramidal cells fire single spikes and complex spike bursts. However, neither the conditions necessary for triggering complex spikes, nor their computational function are well understood. CA1 pyramidal cell burst activity was examined in behaving rats. The fraction of bursts was not reliably higher in place field centers, but rather in places where discharge frequency was 6-7 Hz. Burst probability was lower and bursts were shorter after recent spiking activity than after prolonged periods of silence (100 ms-1 s). Burst initiation probability and burst length were correlated with extracellular spike amplitude and with intracellular action potential rising slope. We suggest that bursts may function as "conditional synchrony detectors," signaling strong afferent synchrony after neuronal silence, and that single spikes triggered by a weak input may suppress bursts evoked by a subsequent strong input.
Calculation of heating of passive implants by the RF electromagnetic field in MRI

The in-vitro and in-vivo temperature rises during MRI for a sample passive implant in the form of a metal rod of 8 mm diameter and 118 mm length in the right humerus were calculated with FDTD and the heat equation. The temperature rise in a phantom test was calculated for a background medium with electric properties specified in ASTM F2182–09 and for a medium with electrical properties of the cancellous bone that surrounds the implant. Scaled to local background SAR, in-vitro rises are greater for the bone. For a patient in the MRI coil with landmark in the torso and a whole body SAR of 2 W/kg, the calculated temperature rise after six minutes of RF power deposition was 1.3 °C for 64 MHz and 2.4 °C for 128 MHz. The numerical methods presented here could be extended to determine the temperature rises that would occur in the phantom and in the patient for other implants.
The Importance of Religion in Adolescents’ Lives

This study examines the importance and relative impact of religious behaviors in the development of adolescents. The links among adolescents’ positive emotional and behavioral outcomes, religious practices in the home, and extracurricular activities at school are explored.
Clinical and Epidemiological Features of Enterococcus casseliflavus/flavescens and Enterococcus gallinarum Bacteremia: A Report of 20 Cases

The clinical significance of intrinsically vancomycin-resistant enterococci is not yet fully established, as these organisms are infrequently recovered from clinical specimens. We report our experience with 20 cases of Enterococcus gallinarum and Enterococcus casseliflavus/flavescens bacteremia in humans from 1992 through 1998. Sixteen cases of bacteremia were caused by E. gallinarum. Underlying conditions were present in 19 (95%) of the patients and included malignancy, receipt of transplant, and Caroli's disease. Polymicrobial bacteremia was present in 9 patients (45%). E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus/flavescens, although they are infrequently isolated from clinical specimens, may cause serious invasive infections.
Stability of lipid/DNA complexes during agitation and freeze–thawing

It is well established that cationic liposomes facilitate the delivery of DNA and offer substantial advantages over viral-based delivery systems. However, these synthetic vectors readily aggregate in liquid formulations which in clinical trials requires preparation of lipid/DNA complexes at the bedside immediately before injection. This temporal requirement could be eliminated if complexes were formulated as stable preparations that could be shipped, stored, and administered as needed. To this end, our study investigates the stability of lipid/DNA complexes during physical stresses that might be encountered during shipping and storage, i.e., agitation and freeze-thawing. Our data show that agitation significantly reduces transfection rates in complexes prepared with three different commercially available lipid formulations. Additional experiments indicate that slow freezing is more damaging than rapid freezing, and that sucrose is able to preserve transfection and complex size during freeze-thawing. These results are consistent with previous reports and demonstrate that frozen formulations may be suitable for maintaining transfection rates of lipid/DNA complexes. Under certain conditions, we observe a reproducible 3-fold increase in transfection after freeze-thawing that is prevented by high concentrations of sucrose. Together, these data suggest that physical stresses can alter structural characteristics of lipid/DNA complexes that can markedly affect rates of DNA delivery.
Design and analysis of a sustainable oyster aquaculture business for the West and Rhode Rivers

The water quality in the West and Rhode Rivers (WRR), two mezohaline sub-estuaries of the Chesapeake Bay, has declined due to local runoff of excess nutrients and total suspended solids (TSS) entering from the Chesapeake Bay. Previous research identified the feasibility of using large colonies of bi-valves (e.g. oysters or clams) in the river to remove the excess nutrients. Based on this research, an experiment conducted by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center failed to establish a colony of clams due to naturally arising variability in salinity levels. Unlike clams, oysters are resilient to variations in naturally occurring environmental conditions, however, due to a lack of frequent reproduction by the oysters they are unable to build and sustain a viable oyster colony with critical mass. The goal of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of a self-sustaining oyster colony, by harvesting a portion of the colony to fund the purchase of additional oyster. Design alternatives were evaluated for growing the colony((i) Remote Setting aquaculture, (ii) Nursery aquaculture, and (iii) Spat-on-shell aquaculture), and for distribution of the oyster product (shucked, half-shell). Three models were used to evaluate these design alternatives; (1) an oyster growth model to simulate the growth rate and survivability of oysters using stochastic environmental variables, (2) a 2D Tidal Mixing Model (2DTMM) to simulate the dynamic flow of nutrients and sediment within the WRR, and (3) a financial model to simulate the sustainability of an oyster aquaculture business with deterministic prices and demand. An analysis of cost versus utility (sustainability, public approval) shows that a 10 million remote setting aquaculture system sold at half shell would be the most cost-effective and sustainable alternative.
Regulation of motoneuron death in the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernsus

A sexual dimorphism in the number of motoneurons in the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) of rats is engendered by a sex difference in ontogenetic cell death. Testicular secretions, specifically androgenic steroids, reduce SNB motoneuron death in males. The fate of the target muscles generally mirrors that of the motoneurons, and androgens appear to exert their effects upon the target muscles, sparing the motoneurons as a secondary consequence. Treatment with ciliary neurotrophic factor can also spare SNB motoneurons in newborn females, raising the possibility that this factor normally mediates androgen's effect upon motoneuron survival. The ontogeny of calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity is delayed in SNB cells compared with other motoneurons and is further delayed in the SNB cells of females. In both sexes, calcitonin gene-related peptide is detected after the period of SNB motoneuron death is complete. A sex difference in motoneuron number is also seen in the human homologue of the SNB and, because ontogenetic death of motoneurons in humans overlaps the period of androgen secretion, may arise in a manner similar to that in the rat SNB. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Improved Validation of Peptide MS/MS Assignments Using Spectral Intensity Prediction

A major limitation in identifying peptides from complex mixtures by shotgun proteomics is the ability of search programs to accurately assign peptide sequences using mass spectrometric fragmentation spectra (MS/MS spectra). Manual analysis is used to assess borderline identifications; however, it is error-prone and time-consuming, and criteria for acceptance or rejection are not well defined. Here we report a Manual Analysis Emulator (MAE) program that evaluates results from search programs by implementing two commonly used criteria: 1) consistency of fragment ion intensities with predicted gas phase chemistry and 2) whether a high proportion of the ion intensity (proportion of ion current (PIC)) in the MS/MS spectra can be derived from the peptide sequence. To evaluate chemical plausibility, MAE utilizes similarity (Sim) scoring against theoretical spectra simulated by MassAnalyzer software (Zhang, Z. (2004) Prediction of low-energy collision-induced dissociation spectra of peptides. Anal. Chem. 76, 3908–3922) using known gas phase chemical mechanisms. The results show that Sim scores provide significantly greater discrimination between correct and incorrect search results than achieved by Sequest XCorr scoring or Mascot Mowse scoring, allowing reliable automated validation of borderline cases. To evaluate PIC, MAE simplifies the DTA text files summarizing the MS/MS spectra and applies heuristic rules to classify the fragment ions. MAE output also provides data mining functions, which are illustrated by using PIC to identify spectral chimeras, where two or more peptide ions were sequenced together, as well as cases where fragmentation chemistry is not well predicted.
Factors associated with survival in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a report from the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group.

Abstract Objective To identify factors associated with survival in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data on 3100 patients with CDH in the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group from 82 participating pediatric surgical centers (1995-2004). Covariates considered included prenatal and perinatal clinical information, specifics of surgical repair, and the duration of extracorporeal support. Result Nine hundred seven patients from the registry were identified as having been both managed with ECMO and undergone attempted surgical repair. The survival rate for the entire Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group registry was 67% and 61% for those receiving ECMO in whom repair was attempted ( P P P P P Conclusion Our model identifies a group of pre-surgical and postsurgical parameters that predict survival rate in patients with CDH on ECMO support. This model was derived from the retrospective data from a large database and will need to be prospectively tested.
A critical examination of the salicylaldehyde method for the determination of primary amines in the presence of secondary amines

The salicylaldehyde method for the differentiation of primary and secondary amines in mixtures has been critically evaluated. This method yields best results in acetonitrile. In mixtures of amines one can expect high results for the primary amine with correspondingly low results for the secondary amine. Corrections can be made with known mixtures of the amines.
Experiences with eucalyptus: deploying an open source cloud

With the recent trend of exploiting resources of the cloud, we have embarked on a journey to deploy an open source cloud using Eucalyptus. During the past year we have learned many lessons about the use of Eucalyptus and clouds in general. The area of security provides significant challenges in operating a cloud, the scalability supposedly inherent in clouds isn't a given, and the process of supporting cloud users is different and more complicated than supporting desktop or even HPC users.
Spatial distribution of water quality parameters in Spring in Taihu lake estimated by Kriging interpolation

In order to analyze the spatial distribution of water quality parameters of lakes.With Taihu lake as the study area,fifteen water quality parameters observed in twenty-six observation stations in April of 2004 were used,and then the concentration of these parameters,water temperature,SD,Ch1-a,DO,pH,BOD_5,COD_(Mn),COD_(Cr),NO_2-N,NO_3-N,NH_3-N,CL~-,SO_4~(2-),TN and TP analyzed.The Kriging interpolation was applied to estimate the water quality parameters spatial distributions.The result can directly reflect the spatial distribution of water quality parameters and the situation of pollution in Taihu lake.It showed that water quality parameters were correlated to some extent.The pollution of Meiliang gulf and Wuli lake located in the north of Taihu lake is the most serious area.
Laboratorial research of in-situ CO_2 huff'n'puff for heavy oil reservoirs

CO_2 flooding is considered an effective technology for improving oil recovery.The main factors which restrain the wide application of this technology are its dependence on natural CO_2 sources,corrosion of well,safety and environmental problems etc.The technology of in-situ generation of carbon dioxide eliminates its adverse impact on environment and other restricting factors.The results of experiments indicate that the technology of in-situ generation of carbon dioxide is effective,the oil recovery can be enhanced about 10%.
Measles epidemiological analysis and reply measure of Shuyang county in 2007

Get the message of measles epidemiologic feature from January to August in 2007 to provide message for formulating to eliminate measles.Use descriptive epidemiology method to analyze legal communicable disease reporting and measles monitoring system.There are 150 measles cases in Shuyang county from January to August in 2007,among which 26.00% of cases under 8 months old,44.66% of cases is from 8 months to 15 years old,12.67% of cases is from 15 to 19 years old,16.67% of cases is over 20 years old.Furthermore,46.67% of cases has no immunization history,10.67% of cases has one immunization history,8.00% of cases has twice immunization history and 34.66% of cases with unknown immunization history.Reinforcing measles immunization at the right moment was beneficial means to elevate population immunity and lower morbility,even block measles virus transmission within short period.
Sex differences in responsiveness to the prescription opioid oxycodone in mice

Over-prescription and increased nonmedical use of oxycodone has become a major concern. Despite its increased use, preclinical data concerning oxycodone's effects are still limited, especially in rodent models. To address this, we examined oxycodone's effects on place preference, locomotor activation, corticosterone levels, and thermal analgesia across a range of doses (between 0.3 and 10mg/kg) in gonadally intact, adult male and female C57BL/6J mice. Males and females showed oxycodone-induced conditioned place preference and did not show significant between-sex differences in their place preference behavior. During both CPP conditioning sessions and open field assay, locomotor activity was increased by 1, 3, and 10mg/kg oxycodone in females and by 3 and 10mg/kg oxycodone in males. Plasma corticosterone levels were higher in females (compared to males) at baseline as well as following acute oxycodone injection and open field testing. The time course of oxycodone-induced analgesia was similar in males and females, however the total antinociceptive effect (AUC0-120min) was larger in males compared to females at the highest dose tested (10mg/kg). Taken together, these data suggest that male and female mice are modestly different in their responses to oxycodone.
Basic reproduction number and transmission dynamics of common serogroups of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli

Understanding pathogens9 transmission dynamics are essential to determine the epidemiology, ecology and ways of controlling enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) in the animals and their environment. Our objective was to estimate the epidemiological fitness of common EHEC strains in cattle populations. For that purpose, we developed a Markov chain model to characterize the dynamics of 7 serogroups of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157) in cattle production environments based on a set of cross-sectional data on infection prevalence in two years at two states. The basic reproduction number ( R 0 ) was estimated using a Bayesian framework for each serogroup based on two criteria (using serogroup alone: the O-group data; and using O serogroup, Shiga toxin gene(s), and intimin ( eae ) gene together: the EHEC data). In addition, correlations between external covariates (e.g., location, ambient temperature, dietary, and probiotics usage) and prevalence/ R 0 were quantified. R 0 estimates varied substantially among different EHEC serogroups, with EHEC O157 having R 0 >1 (∼1.5) and all other six EHEC serogroups less than 1. Using the O-group data substantially increased R 0 estimates for O26, O45, and O103 serogroups ( R 0 >1), but not for others. Different covariates had distinct influences on different serogroups: the coefficients for each covariate were different among serogroups. Our modeling and analysis of this system can be readily expanded to other pathogen systems in order to estimate the pathogen and external factors that influence spread of infectious agents. Importance and Highlights In this paper we describe a Bayesian modeling framework to estimate basic reproduction numbers of multiple serotypes of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli respectively according to a cross-sectional study. We then couple compartmental model to reconstruct infection dynamics of these serotypes and quantify their risk in the population. We incorporate different sensitivity levels of detecting different serotypes and evaluate their potential influence on the estimation of basic reproduction numbers.
Calculation of Occluded Diffuse and Nondiffuse Radiative Exchange Form Factors

AbstractA procedure is described to calculate the radiative exchange form factor between polygons. The spatial distribution of the emitting surface can be arbitrary and occluding surfaces are taken into account. Emitted radiant power is discretized into collimated, homogeneous beams leaving in a three-dimensional, angular spray. Since a beam is homogeneous, the flux transported to a receiving surface is proportional to the intersection area of beam and surface. Occluding surfaces change the shape of the areas of intersection by casting collimated shadows. The total radiant power transported is proportional to the sum of the areas of intersection of all beams. Test cases are presented that demonstrate the utility and accuracy of the procedure and compare the computational expense with ray casting.