cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary palmitic acid (16:0) enhances high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein receptor mRNA abundance in hamsters

In order to examine the qualitative effect of different fats and specific fatty acids on plasma lipids and lipoprotein metabolism, six low fat, cholesterol-free diets were fed to young male hamsters (10/group) for a 4-week period. Fat blends were formulated with coconut oil, palm oil, soybean oil, high oleic acid safflower oil, butter, corn oil, and canola oil. Diets contained 13% energy as fat and dietary polyunsaturate/saturate ratios ranged from 0.12 to 1.04, one of which incorporated the American Heart Association-recommended concentrations of saturates, monoenes, and polyenes and another reflected the current American Fat Blend. In three diets the polyunsaturate/monounsaturate/saturate ratio was held constant while only the 12:0, 14:0, and 16:0 were varied. Plasma lipoproteins and apoproteins were assessed in conjunction with the abundance of specific hepatic and intestinal mRNA for the low density lipoproteins (LDL) receptor and various apolipoproteins associated with cholesterol metabolism. The plasma cholesterol response was lowest with the American Heart Association blend and equally elevated by the more saturated, low polyene diets (polyunsaturate/saturate, 0.12-0.38). Replacing 12:0 plus 14:0 from coconut oil with 16:0 as palm oil induced a significant increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol with a trend toward decreased LDL. These shifts in lipoprotein cholesterol were corroborated by measures of the LDL/HDL ratio, the plasma apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio, and differences in the synthesis of apolipoproteins and the LDL receptor based on estimates of the mRNA for these proteins in the liver and gut, using specific cDNA probes for apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein E, and the LDL receptor. Although it has been suggested that dietary polyenes lower total plasma cholesterol, including HDL, and that saturated fat increases both these pools of cholesterol, the current data represents the first evidence that a specific saturated fatty acid, i.e., palmitic acid, may enhance HDL production.
From Qualitative Work to Intervention Development in Pediatric Oncology Palliative Care Research

Qualitative methods can be particularly useful approaches to use with individuals who are experiencing a rare disease and thus who comprise a small sample (such as children with cancer) and are at points in care that few experience (such as end of life). This data-based methods article describes how findings from a qualitative study were used to guide and shape a pediatric oncology palliative care intervention. Qualitative data can lay a strong foundation for subsequent pilot intervention work by facilitating the development of an underlying study conceptualization, providing recruitment feasibility estimates, helping establish clinically meaningful inclusion criteria, establishing staff acceptability of a research intervention, and providing support for face validity of newly developed interventions. These benefits of preliminary qualitative research are described in the context of this study on legacy-making, which involves reports of children (7-12 years of age) living with advanced cancer and of their parent caregivers.
Particle Transport Across the Transpired Turbulent Boundary Layer

The results of the experimental and theoretical investigation are presented to determine the effects of surface inclination and density of particulates on deposition control by transpiration. Effects of the particle size and injection rate were reported in a recent paper by Kozlu and Louis (1986). The purpose of this work is to obtain a better insight into the deposition process by investigating the different aspects of the problem. An application of the work is the control of deposition of small particles (0.5–3 μm) contributing most of the mass of the solid carryover entering turbines burning fuels derived from coal. Experimental study is carried out in a wind tunnel facility containing a porous transpired section. Similar flows and particle motions are achieved by choosing the proper Reynolds and Stokes numbers which are representative of the conditions found in industrial gas turbines. The study after reviewing the effects of size and injection rates on deposition determines the interaction between transpiration and the inertial impaction of particulates using the glass particles. Tests were also conducted on the inclined plate with coal particles to determine the density effects on the particle concentration profiles and consequently on the arrival rates. Experimental data are used to predict the concentration profiles of particulates for different density values. For inclined plate experiments, the turbulent Schmidt numbers obtained from the experiments are in agreement with the theoretical prediction of Tchen (1947) as found in the flat plate.
Al and pH anomalies in the Manus Basin reappraised: comments on the paper by T. Gamo et al., “Hydrothermal plumes in the eastern Manus Basin, Bismarck Sea: CH4, Mn, Al and pH anomalies”

Water column pH and Al anomalies observed in the Manus Basin by Gamo et al. (Deep-Sea Sea Research I, 40, 1993, 2335–2349) ∼ 200m above their suspected source led them to suggest a high temperature (200–300°C), low pH hydrothermal fluid. However, the pH anomalies were more likely to have been caused by CO2H2S-rich fluids. In addition, solubility constraints suggest that the source of the observed Al anomalies at this site is not high temperature (200–300°C), low pH hydrothermal fluids. Instead, the data seem to suggest the issuance of fluids by some non-steady state volcanic/hydrothermal process.
Discretization of the Navier‐Stokes equations with slip boundary condition

We propose and analyze a two-level method of discretizing the nonlinear Navier-Stokes equations with slip boundary condition. The slip boundary condition is appropriate for problems that involve free boundaries, flows past chemically reacting walls, and other examples where the usual no-slip condition u = 0 is not valid. The two-level algorithm consists of solving a small nonlinear system of equations on the coarse mesh and then using that solution to solve a larger linear system on the fine mesh. The two-level method exploits the quadratic nonlinearity in the Navier-Stokes equations. Our error estimates show that it has optimal order accuracy, provided that the best approximation to the true solution in the velocity and pressure spaces is bounded above by the data. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 17: 26–42, 2001
Trifluralin-mediated polyploidization of Rosa chinensis minima (Sims) Voss seedlings

Many diploid rose species and cultivars possess valuable traits that can be introgressed into modern tetraploid cultivars. Interspecific, interploidy crosses are possible, but triploid hybrids typically have limited fertility, hindering further breeding and selection. Tetraploidizing diploids before mating with tetraploids can alleviate fertility barriers. The efficiency of trifluralin was investigated for polyploidization of Rosa chinensis minima (2n = 2x = 14) seedlings. Treatments were trifluralin at 0.086% and 0.0086%, colchicine (0.5%), and distilled water and contained 2% dimethyl sulfoxide and a surfactant. Approximately 5 μl of the treatment solution was applied to the apical meristem of seedlings (N = 337, 82–85 per treatment) in the process of cotyledon expansion. Guard cell length, pollen diameter, and root tip squashes of rooted cuttings were used to detect polyploidy in meristematic layer (L)I, LII, and LIII, respectively. Trifluralin (0.086%) was the most effective treatment for polyploidization (LI 20.2%, LII 12.9%, LIII 12.9%), followed by trifluralin (0.0086%) (LI 10.6%, LII 7.1%, LIII 4.7%) and colchicine (LI 2.4%, LII 0%, LIII 0%). Polyploidization consistently occurred from LI inward. Polyploids as a group had reduced pollen stainability and a lower leaflet length to width ratio than diploids. In addition, two diploid seedlings were identified which produce 2n pollen. Considerations in selecting germplasm and generating somatically-induced polyploids from seedlings versus clones for use in breeding are discussed.
Estimation of water quality model parameters

A modified Gauss-Newton method was utilized to estimate water quality model parameters, which is important in the modeling of water quality transport process. This method served the unknown parameters of three engineering problems exceptionally well. We applied this method to obtain a set of water quality parameters by solving the kinetic equations for dissolved and particulate water quality species during episodic events in the Indian River Lagoon, FL. The method was successful in producing water quality model parameters, and the relative errors between measurements and model predictions are below 46.4% and 39.4% for all dissolved and particulate water quality state variables, respectively. In this study we evaluated a good capability of suggested parameter estimation method by comparing a couple of water quality model simulations: (1) water quality model simulation using model parameters produced by the modified Gauss-Newton method and (2) water quality model simulation employing model parameters obtained by the trial-and-error method. The average relative error and ROC score between observed data and water quality model results using model parameters calculated by the modified Gauss-Newton method are 58.3% and 0.565, respectively. In the case of water quality model simulation using model parameters obtained by the trial-and-error method, the average relative error and ROC score are 60.5% and 0.555, respectively. This suggests that the modified Gauss-Newton method efficiently yields water quality model parameters resulting in better or similar model prediction errors when compared to the trial-and-error method.
015 Cryo-electron microscopy and tomography of molecular machines, protein aggregates and cells

Electron cryo-microscopy and tomography has become a critical structural tool that brings structural insights that cannot be obtained by X-ray crystallography. The advances in cryo-specimen preparation, data collection and data processing have allowed us to reconstruct 3D images of molecular machines, amyloid proteins and cells at unprecedented resolutions. I will present multiple examples to demonstrate how this emerging technology reveals protein folds in virus, multiple conformations during protein aggregations in neuro-degenerate disease and virus assembly inside a bacterium. Source of funding: NIH and Welch Foundation. Conflict of interest: None declared. wah@bcm.edu
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE NACREOUS LEPTOIDS (SIEVE ELEMENTS) IN THE POLYTRICHACEOUS MOSS ATRICHUM UNDULATUM

A B S T R A C T The physiological phloem equivalents, leptoids, of the polytrichaceous moss Atrichum undulatum appear to be similar to the nacreous sieve elements that occur in many higher plants. These leptoids are elongated cells with nacreous thickenings on their radial and tangential walls. Their oblique end walls, which lack such thickenings, are traversed by numerous pores through which the plasmalemma, endoplasmic reticulum, and cytoplasm are continuous between adjacent leptoids of a longitudinal file. These end walls closely resemble the simple sieve areas of the sieve elements found in Polypodium v'ulgare. The leptoid sieve pores have a median expanded area and frequently are occluded by small amorphous protein plugs at each end. Also, callose was observed as electron-luscent areas both on the faces of the end walls and as a thin cylinder surrounding the lateral area of each pore. Amorphous and granular cytoplasmic contents of the leptoids appear to be morphologically similar to the slime (Pprotein) found in the sieve-tube elements of many angiosperms. Differentiating leptoids are characterized by the formation of numerous membrane-bound protein bodies in close association with polysomes and endoplasmic reticulum. As the leptoid matures, the contents of the protein bodies become dispersed in the cytoplasm. Ultrastructurally and ontogenetically the leptoids in the gametophores of A. undulatium appear almost identical to the sieve elements of P. vulgare and therefore should be considered sieve elements rather than phloem-like equivalents.
Absorbable stapling techniques in continent urinary diversion.

The principle of bowel detubularization to decrease peristaltic pressure and increase reservoir capacity is applied in contemporary continent urinary diversions. The process of detubularization and refashioning of the spatulated bowel segment approximates 1 of operating time and is the most time-consuming aspect of pouch construction. The employment of devices applying absorbable staples (“absorbable staplers”) has substantially reduced the time required to fashion bowel reservoirs. This article reviews the adaptation of the absorbable stapler to continent urinary diversion using small- and large-bowel segments.
Intrapulmonary chemoreceptors in Gallus domesticus: adequate stimulus and functional localization.

Abstract Experiments were performed in anesthetized chickens in order to determine functional characteristics and localization of intrapulmonary chemoreceptors. Each lung of the bird was separately unidirectionally ventilated with controlled gas mixtures at controlled flow rates; pulmonary blood flow to one lung could be occluded. Action potentials in vagal afferents from the receptors as well as ventilatory responses to stimulation of the receptors were recorded. Main findings include: (a) Presence of two groups of afferent fibers carrying activity from intrapulmonary chemoreceptors, one in the vagus, the other in the cardiac sympathetic nerve, (b) Intrapulmonary chemoreceptors show high sensitivity to CO 2 concentration in lung gas and blood; they show little sensitivity to arterial pH, to most drugs which stimulate arterial chemoreceptors, to mild mechanical distortion of the lung, or to substances in bronchial arterial blood, (c) The receptors are located in the parabronchi. It is suggested that physiological processes monitored by intrapulmonary CO 2 receptors are those which modify parabronchial P CO 2 , i.e. ventilation, venous CO 2 load, and mixed venous P CO 2 .
Riparian roots through time, space and disturbance

Riparian zones are landscape features adjacent to streams and are widely recognized as important in reducing erosion and filtering groundwater. Few studies directly investigate rooting dynamics of riparian areas, and little information exists concerning riparian root densities, biomass, depth profiles, changes through time, or vulnerability to disturbance. This study examined spatial and temporal patterns in root systems in streamsides influenced by season, hydrologic regime, vegetative composition, and ice storm disturbance in the eastern Adirondacks, New York. Sequential root cores and in-growth cores were collected from June 2000 through August 2001 in a riparian area with minimal ice storm damage adjacent to a third-order stream. Data were used to assess seasonal trends in root biomass and to provide a reference for spatial comparisons. The biomass and surface area of roots collected in the reference site cores were compared with cores collected at nine additional riparian sites differing in degree of canopy damage from the January 1998 ice storm. Average root biomass at the reference site was 1330 g/m2, comparable to or greater than values reported for terrestrial and other riparian systems. Root biomass varied seasonally with a maximum root biomass in August, 2000; this result was not repeated the following year after the water table inundated much of the rooting zone in mid-June. Root biomass was spatially variable on a range of scales. Although the maximum root surface area occurred in the upper 10 cm, root biomass peaked at 20–30 cm belowground, unlike observations from most other root studies where the maximum root biomass has been found in the top 10 cm. Areas severely damaged by the ice storm had significantly less root biomass and surface area than areas with low damage. This study demonstrates that root biomass in riparian areas is highly dynamic over time, space, and across disturbance sites. Our findings suggest that the spatial variability in root densities has direct implications for riparian vulnerability to erosion.
A method for determining the drift velocity of plasma depletions in the equatorial ionosphere using far‐ultraviolet spacecraft observations

Received 7 February 2007; revised 12 June 2007; accepted 25 July 2007; published 27 November 2007. [1] The Far-Ultraviolet Imager (IMAGE-FUV) on board the NASA IMAGE satellite has been used to observe plasma depletions in the nightside equatorial ionosphere. Observations from periods around spacecraft apogee, during which equatorial regions are visible for several hours, have allowed the velocity of these plasma depletions to be determined. A new method for determining the velocity of these depletions using an image analysis technique, Tracking Of Airglow Depletions (TOAD), has been developed. TOAD allows the objective identification and tracking of depletions. The automation of this process has also allowed for the tracking of a greater number of depletions than previously achieved without requiring any human input, which shows that TOAD is suitable for use with large data sets and for future routine monitoring of the ionosphere from space. Furthermore, this automation allows the drift velocities of each bubble to be determined as a function of magnetic latitude, which will give us the capability of retrieving geophysically important parameters such as the electric field, which are believed to vary rapidly with magnetic latitude.
Baseline predictors of end-stage renal disease risk in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy: New lessons from the RENAAL Study

Treatment of diabetic nephropathy represents a significant economic burden, one that currently cannot be met in many regions in the world. The incidence of diabetes in the United States and Europe continues to rise, while regions such as Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America are facing a pandemic [1]. These regions do not have the medical or financial resources necessary to face this burden. In addition, present knowledge of the risk factor(s) that contribute to progressive diabetic nephropathy is limited. Therefore, the ability to identify those patients at high risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and the power to focus therapeutic modalities to delay the progression to ESRD, are severely lacking. The RENAAL study represents a large repository of clinical information that allows a greater understanding of nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. The RENAAL study was initiated to investigate the longterm renal protective role of losartan in patients (N = 1513) with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy [defined as urinary albumin to creatinine ratio of 300 mg/g and serum creatinine values greater than 1.3 mg/dL (female) and 1.5 mg/dL (male)]. Patients were randomized to either losartan or placebo, with additional antihypertensive medications added until the goal blood pressure of <140/90 mm Hg was reached. Patients were followed for a mean of 3.4 years. The population of RENAAL was ethnically diverse, with Asians accounting for 17%, blacks 15%, Hispanics 18%, and whites 48% of the patients. The study demonstrated that losartan, compared with placebo, significantly reduced the incidence, and delayed the time to the composite outcome of a doubling of serum creatinine concentration (DSCr), ESRD (defined as the need for dialysis or transplantation), or death (risk
Copyright in the networked world: sound publication

There are times when the US copyright laws seem to stem from a culture that puts little value on providing public access to its own past. Two recent conferences discussed problems raised by copyright laws for those interested in multimedia (especially sound) recordings. Part of the discussion focused on how to interpret the copyright status of pre‐1972 sound recordings. One provision of the current law appears to throw all pre‐1972 sound recordings into a uniquely old‐fashioned situation where no federal copyright regulation applies until all protection ceases in 2067. Many common assumptions based on the 1976 law and on analogies from print may not hold up.
Laptops in Psychology: Conducting Flexible In-Class Research and Writing Laboratories

This chapter describes an undergraduate psychology research methods course in which laptops facilitated online organization, electronic portfolios, and flexible laboratories to improve student engagement, capability, and understanding.
An inventory-theoretic approach to product assortment and shelf-space allocation

Abstract The purpose of this research is to generalize and integrate existing inventory-control models, product assortment models, and shelf-space allocation models. We first generalize the inventory-level-dependent demand inventory model to explicity model the demand rate as a function of the displayed inventory level. We then investigate the product assortment and shelf-space allocation problems by extending this model into the multi-item, constrained environment. A greedy heuristic and a genetic algorithm are proposed for the solution to the integrated problem.
Mitochondrial Thioredoxin. Novel Regulator for NADPH Oxidase and Angiotensin II– Induced Hypertension

The source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in cardiovascular systems includes NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and uncoupling of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) as well as mitochondria. In particular, NADPH oxidase has been considered a predominant source of ROS in the pathogenesis of hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure. Recent data suggest that angiotensin (Ang) II, a potent hypertensive hormone which is known to activate NADPH oxidase, induces mitochondrial dysfunction, which, in turn, promotes excess amounts of ROS, eg, superoxide (O2·−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and peroxynitrite from mitochondria.1 This contributes to endothelial dysfunction by reducing NO bioavailability and activating apoptotic signaling, thereby progressing cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and aging. The role of mitochondrial ROS is demonstrated by previous reports that transgenic mice overexpressing catalase targeted to the mitochondria exhibit an extended life span.2 Mice overexpressing peroxiredoxin 3, the mitochondria-specific peroxidase linked to thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), show improved survival after myocardial infarction.3 Furthermore, Ang II-converting enzyme inhibitors and Ang II type I receptor blockers prevent age-related mitochondrial dysfunction, hypertension-induced renal mitochondrial dysfunction, and cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction in the setting of acute ischemia.1 However, the role of mitochondria-derived ROS and its relationship with NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in Ang II-induced hypertension remain unclear. One of the major antioxidant defense systems against mitochondrial ROS (in particular, H2O2) is thiol-reducing systems, including thioredoxin (Trx), glutaredoxin, and the glutathione system. The Trx system (Trx, Trx reductase, and NADPH) reduces oxidized cysteine groups on protein through an …
Outbreak of Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) in Iowa Barley, 1996.

An outbreak of ergot, caused by Claviceps purpurea, occurred in barley (Hordeum vulgare) grown in northeastern Iowa and southwestern Wisconsin in 1996. In a nine-county area of intensive dairy prod...
The flux of mercury in the South Atlantic Bight

Abstract Mercury concentrations in South Atlantic Bight continental shelf waters average 12.7 ± 6.4 ng 1−1. Approximately 31% of the total is associated with organic matter. Southeastern rivers have average mercury concentrations of around 20 ng 1−1 of which about 27% is associated with organic matter. Atmospheric mercury levels over the continental shelf average about 3 ng (SCM)−1, primarily in the vapor phase. Gulf Stream intrusions exert the major influence on mercury concentrations in continental shelf waters. River runoff has little influence.
Stack Monitor for the Proof-of-Breeding Project

This stack monitor system Is a coordinated arrangement of hardware and software to monitor four hot cells (8 stacks) during the fuel dissection for the Proof-of-Breeding Project. The cell monitors, which are located In fan lofts, contain a microprocessor, radiation detectors, air flow sensors, and air flow control equipment. Design criteria Included maximizing microprocessor control while minimizing the hardware complexity. The monitors have been programmed to produce concentration and total activity release data based on several detector measurements and flow rates. Although each monitor can function independently, a microcomputer can also be used to control each cell monitor Including reprogramming If necessary. All programming is software, as opposed to firmware, with machine language for compactness in the cell monitors and Basic language for adaptability. In the microcomputer controller.
Role of Glycosylation in the Lipid-Binding Activity of the Exchangeable Apolipoprotein, Apolipophorin-III

Non-glycosylated recombinantLocusta migratoriaapolipophorin-III, apoLp-III, was expressed inE. coliand its physical-chemical properties were compared to those of the glycosylated native apoLp-III. Fluorescence quantum yield and acrylamide quenching studies indicated a slightly higher accessibility of the Trp residues in the recombinant apoLp-III. Far-UV CD spectroscopy indicated that the recombinant apoLp-III has a lower α-helical content than the glycosylated apoLp-III. Both proteins spontaneously formed discoidal recombinant lipoprotein particles when incubated with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC). Interaction with lipid promotes an increase in α-helical content. CD and fluorescence studies indicate that both proteins adopt the same conformation in the lipid-bound state. However, the kinetics of association of the recombinant protein with DMPC is 5-fold faster than that of the native protein. The results suggest that glycosylation inhibits the lipid binding activity by preventing the exposure of hydrophobic domains and/or decreasing the conformational flexibility of the protein.
Cancer chemoprevention by dietary chlorophylls: A 12,000-animal dose–dose matrix biomarker and tumor study

Recent pilot studies found natural chlorophyll (Chl) to inhibit carcinogen uptake and tumorigenesis in rodent and fish models, and to alter uptake and biodistribution of trace (14)C-aflatoxin B1 in human volunteers. The present study extends these promising findings, using a dose-dose matrix design to examine Chl-mediated effects on dibenzo(def,p)chrysene (DBC)-induced DNA adduct formation, tumor incidence, tumor multiplicity, and changes in gene regulation in the trout. The dose-dose matrix design employed an initial 12,360 rainbow trout, which were treated with 0-4000ppm dietary Chl along with 0-225ppm DBC for up to 4weeks. Dietary DBC was found to induce dose-responsive changes in gene expression that were abolished by Chl co-treatment, whereas Chl alone had no effect on the same genes. Chl co-treatment provided a dose-responsive reduction in total DBC-DNA adducts without altering relative adduct intensities along the chromatographic profile. In animals receiving DBC alone, liver tumor incidence (as logit) and tumor multiplicity were linear in DBC dose (as log) up to their maximum-effect dose, and declined thereafter. Chl co-treatment substantially inhibited incidence and multiplicity at DBC doses up to their maximum-effect dose. These results show that Chl concentrations encountered in Chl-rich green vegetables can provide substantial cancer chemoprotection, and suggest that they do so by reducing carcinogen bioavailability. However, at DBC doses above the optima, Chl co-treatments failed to inhibit tumor incidence and significantly enhanced multiplicity. This finding questions the human relevance of chemoprevention studies carried out at high carcinogen doses that are not proven to lie within a linear, or at least monotonic, endpoint dose-response range.
Subcellular calcium oscillators and calcium influx support agonist-induced calcium waves in cultured astrocytes

We have analysed Ca2+ waves induced by norepinephrine in rat cortical astrocytes in primary culture using fluorescent indicators fura-2 or fluo-3. The temporal pattern of the average [Ca2+]i responses were heterogeneous from cell to cell and most cells showed an oscillatory response at concentrations of agonist around EC50 (200 nM). Upon receptor activation, [Ca2+]i signals originated from a single cellular locus and propagated throughout the cell as a wave. Wave propagation was supported by specialized regenerative calcium release loci along the length of the cell. The periods of oscillations, amplitudes, and the rates of [Ca2+]i rise of these subcellular oscillators differ from each other. These intrinsic kinetic properties of the regenerative loci support local waves when stimulation is continued over long periods of time. The presence of local waves at specific, invariant cellular sites and their inherent kinetic properties provide for the unique and reproducible pattern of response seen in a given cell. We hypothesize that these loci are local specializations in the endoplasmic reticulum where the magnitude of the regenerative Ca2+ release is higher than other regions of the cell. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ or blockade of Ca2+ channels by inorganic cations (Cd2+ and Ni2+) during stimulation of adrenergic receptors alter the sustained plateau component of the [Ca2+]i response. In the absence of Ca2+ release, due to store depletion with thapsigargin, agonist occupation alone does not induce Ca2+ influx in astrocytes. This finding suggests that, under these conditions, receptor-operated Ca2+ entry is not operative. Furthermore, our experiments provide evidence for local Ca2+ oscillations in cells which can support both wave propagation as well as spatially discrete Ca2+ signalling.
Effects of active oxidation on the flexural strength of α-silicon carbide

This paper reports the effects of oxygen partial pressure (P{sub 0{sub 2}}) on the oxidation behavior and room-temperature flexural strength of sintered {alpha}-SiC investigated. Groups of flexure bars were exposed at 1400{degrees}C to flowing Ar containing various levels of oxygen. The changes in weight, flexural strength, and surface morphology of the samples were strongly influenced by the P{sub 0{sub 2}} level. When the P{sub 0{sub 2}} was higher than 3 {times} 10{sup {minus}5} MPa, SiO{sub 2} was formed on the surface (i.e., passive oxidation occurred) and the strengths of the samples were not significantly affected. However, when the P{sub 0{sub 2}} was lower than 2 {times} 10{sup {minus}5} MPa, material loss occurred (active oxidation), decreasing the weight and strength of the samples.
A new automatic generation control with heterogeneous assets for integration of renewables

High penetration of intermittent, non-dispatchable distributed energy sources (DER) necessitates new tools for Automatic Generation Control. The intermittency in turn introduces an increasing need to install expensive spinning-reserves. This paper presents a new control strategy that avoids this expensive solution. This strategy consists of three components, the first of which is a combined use of different assets including storage, demand-response and thermal units to meet load fluctuations at high and low frequencies. The second is the use of a one step-ahead stochastic load model that helps provides accurate set-points for the assets to follow. The third is the use of a cyber-communication infrastructure that monitors, computes, and communicates the necessary information to various nodes. Together the resulting Decision and Control strategy provides a necessary blueprint for the design of a Smart Grid.
Live feed and variable snapshot recording of embedded magnetostrictive particulate sensors

This paper details an experiment using MSP, embedded into the matrix of carbon fiber beams, to locate predetermined damage in each sample. The fabrication process of the composite samples and the development of the data acquisition system used for this experiment are heavily detailed, including our method of implementing a live data feed with variable "snapshot" recording. Also included are preliminary results from the experiment. These preliminary results suggest credible flaws and lead to improvements in the fabrication process. This work identifies potential obstacles when fabricating composites embedded with MSP and proposes possible solutions.
A simple sequential criterion for testing a normal mean with unknown variance

Simply fully sequential tests of the null hypothesis, μ=μoversus an alternative either of the form , are proposed for a normal population with mean y and unknown variance. Both tests are shown to terminate finitely with prob-ability one; other properties of the tests are discussed. Simu-lation is used to estimate the true error frequencies and average sample sizes of the tests and to compare the proposed one-sided.test with Bartlett' (1946) test.
Reply to the Letter to the editor: Acetabular retroversion in military recruits with femoral neck stress fractures.

To the Editor, I would like to thank Dr. Davis for his interest in our study. I would agree that the frequency and duration of the physical training is the major contributor to the development of a femoral neck stress fracture. Due to the retrospective nature of the study, we were unable to control for all the variables in the control group including activity level. This is certainly a weakness in the retrospective study design. Because of the rigorous level of activity of military recruits, a control group who has already had pelvic radiographs, as well as similar activity levels, would be difficult to construct outside of healthy military recruits or endurance athletes. The average military recruit is 18 to 20 years old, and as the recruit has just passed a rigorous entrance physical, it is likely the recruit has few medical problems. Few recruits have imaging unless an injury is suspected. Therefore, we choose a group of comparable age for the closest match. We compared the study and control groups for the presence of a crossover sign using a Fisher’s exact test. The crossover sign was significantly higher in the study group (p = 0.009). Within the study group, stress fractures occurred with and without the presence of a crossover sign. While significance was not reached (p = 0.09), statistics revealed a trend. While this is an imperfect comparison, it certainly produced some interesting results, including a higher frequency of acetabular retroversion in the femoral neck fracture group and the control group as compared to those previously reported in the general population. In order to control for activity level, a prospective study of new military recruits who consented for a routine pelvic radiograph prior to beginning training would have to be undertaken. Those who developed femoral neck stress fracture could then be compared with the group who did not. This is a potential future project, but was beyond the scope of our original study design. While I agree that our study does not demonstrate a causal relationship between acetabular retroversion and femoral neck stress fracture, it certainly raises the question of a relationship. This study was meant as pilot study to investigate a question based on a clinical observation and has fueled future research projects to further investigate this relationship. We are currently developing an acetabular retroversion model, which can be tested biomechanically so that strains across the femoral neck can be measured during cyclic loading.
System-level exploration for Pareto-optimal configurations in parameterized system-on-a-chip

In this work, we provide a technique for efficiently exploring the power/performance design space of a parameterized system-on-chip (SOC) architecture to find all Pareto-optimal configurations. These Pareto-optimal configurations will represent the range of power and performance tradeoffs that are obtainable by adjusting parameter values for a fixed application that is mapped on the SOC architecture. Our approach extensively prunes the potentially large configuration space by taking advantage of parameter dependencies. We have successfully applied our technique to explore Pareto-optimal configurations of our SOC architecture for a number of applications.
Traitement endovasculaire percutané exclusif des anévrysmes de l'aorte abdominale par le dispositif Zenith

L'approche percutanee lors de la mise en place d'une endoprothese aortique a l'avantage theorique d'etre moins invasive et plus rapide. Le but de cette etude etait de demontrer l'utilite de cette approche lors de la mise en place d'une endoprothese a fixation suprarenale, en utilisant un dispositif de fermeture percutanee a sutures. Nous avons mene une etude retrospective monocentrique sur 14 patients ayant beneficie d'un traitement endovasculaire percutane d'AAA par le dispositif Zenith entre aout 2003 et Mai 2007. Les complications immediates et tardives directement liees au procede de fermeture ont ete analysees au cours d'un suivi moyen de 12,1 ± 2,0 mois. Le diametre anevrysmal moyen etait de 5.6cm. Le taux de succes technique immediat de la fermeture percutanee etait de 96% (27/28 vaisseaux). Il n'y a eu qu'un seul echec d'hemostase, qui a necessite une conversion chirurgicale. Au cours du suivi, un patient a presente une claudication, necessitant une reparation arterielle chirurgicale. Aucune autre complication telle que thrombose, faux anevrysme, infection ou thrombose veineuse profonde n'est survenue. L'approche percutanee a des avantages par rapport a l'abord chirurgical de l'artere femorale, mais comporte aussi un certain nombre de risques specifiques, precoces et tardifs. Au total, malgre un systeme de largage de gros calibre, la technique du “preclose”peut etre appliquee de facon fiable lors de la mise en place d'une endoprothese Zenith.
Accuracy of computational soft tissue predictions in orthognathic surgery from three-dimensional photographs 6 months after completion of surgery: a preliminary study of 13 patients.

This study aimed at a preliminary evaluation of the accuracy of computed three-dimensional (3D) predictions in orthognathic surgery by comparing predicted and real postoperative results. Pre- and postoperative 3D photographs and time-matching computed tomography (CT) and cone-beam CT scans of the face of 13 patients with dentofacial deformities were analyzed. Three-dimensional photographs were fused with preoperative CT data using dedicated software (3dMDvultus, version 2.2.0.8). Postoperative CT data were superposed on the preoperative skull. With an activated rendering function, the osteotomies were simulated in the preoperative CT data and the bony segments moved to their real postoperative position, resulting in a textured soft tissue prediction. This computed skin surface was compared with the real postoperative result by dividing the face into a surgically treated lower half and an untreated upper half. A statistical quantitative analysis of the surfaces was performed. The mean differences between surfaces were +0.27 mm for the untreated upper half and –0.64 mm for the surgically treated lower half (p < 0.001). Averaged distributions of absolute errors showed more discrepancies between predicted and real postoperative results in the lower half of the face. Errors exceeding 3 mm were encountered in 4 % of the upper halves versus 29.8 % of the lower halves (p < 0.001). The accuracy of a specific software platform for predicting 3D soft tissue changes after surgery was insufficient. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Prevalence of overweight and central adiposity is associated with percentage of indigenous ancestry among native Hawaiians.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship of percentage of indigenous ancestry with body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) among Native Hawaiians. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, observational study among 567 rural native Hawaiian men and women, aged 30 or older, enrolled between 1993-96. MEASUREMENTS: Ancestry was assessed by self-report, and was verified with a brief genealogical interview. Anthropometric measurements, as well as dietary and physical activity histories were also obtained. RESULTS: Percentage Hawaiian ancestry was significantly associated with increased body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and age. The association between percentage Hawaiian ancestry and both anthropometric measures persisted after adjusting for age, leisure time physical activity and total dietary energy intake. CONCLUSION: Obesity and central adiposity were highly prevalent among Hawaiians participating in this study. The association between BMI and WHR with percentage Hawaiian ancestry, unexplained by differences in diet and physical activity, suggests genetic factors play an important role in the high prevalence of obesity observed among Native Hawaiians.
Effect of Boundary Conditions on Numerically Simulated Tornado-like Vortices.

Abstract The boundary conditions for Rotunno's numerical model which simulates tornado-like vortices are examined. In particular, the lateral boundary condition for tangential velocity and the upper boundary condition for radial and tangential velocities are considered to determine if they have any significant impact on vortex development. The choice of the lateral boundary condition did not appear to have any real effect on the development of the vortex over the range of swirl ratios studied (0.87–2.61). The upper boundary conditions attempt to simulate both the presence and absence of the flow-straightening baffle. The boundary condition corresponding to the baffle in place produced a distinct boundary layer in the u and v field and very strong upflow and downflow within the vortex core. When this condition is removed, there is both radial and tangential motion throughout the domain and a reduction of the vertical velocity. At small swirl ratio (S = 0.87) this boundary condition has a profound impact on...
Self-assembled monolayers of ω-(3-thienyl)alkanethiols on gold

Thiophene-containing alkanethiols, Th−(CH2)n−SH (Th = 3-thiophene) with n = 2, 6, and 12, have been synthesized and self-assembled onto gold-coated Si(111) wafers. The properties of the monolayers have been compared with those of methyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) having the same number of methylene units. X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS and UPS) demonstrate formation of surface thiolate bonds and assembly with the thiophene rings at the periphery of the monolayers. Dynamic contact angle measurements using water and hexadecane probe liquids are consistent with this conclusion and, particularly in the case of 12-(3-thienyl)dodecanethiol, indicate a densely packed, well-ordered monolayer. Ellipsometry measurements yield thickness values of 6.7, 10.7, and 17.9 A for n = 2, 6, and 12, respectively. Assuming the alkyl chains are in a fully extended all-trans conformation, these data indicate tilt angles of 42, 41, and 35°, respectively. Quartz crystal microbalance measur...
Paper: Optimal and near-optimal incentive strategies in the hierarchical control of markov chains

This paper considers Markovian Stackelberg problems with one leader and N followers. Firstly, an algorithm is proposed to compute optimal affine incentive strategy for the leader and Nash reactions of the followers, for general finite state Markov chains, under the average-cost-per-stage criteria. Next, this algorithm is analyzed in the context of weakly-coupled Markov chains to compute near-optimal strategies from a reduced-order aggregate model. The robustness of the near-optimal solution is established, and the multimodel feature of the computational algorithm is highlighted.
Increased antimicrobial susceptibility rates for Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream isolates across the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System

This study sought to characterize the trends in antimicrobial susceptibility rates for Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing bacteremias across the US Veterans Healthcare Administration from 2007 through 2013 utilizing a national clinical database. Data were gathered from 107 Veterans Affairs medical centers involving 4418 patients with 4826 blood cultures with positive growth of P. aeruginosa. Susceptibility rates of β-lactam antimicrobials, carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides all significantly increased throughout the 7-year period, closely corresponding to a significant decline in the incidence of P. aeruginosa blood cultures of nosocomial origin. Several statistically significant increases in susceptibility rates were found for antimicrobial agents across different geographic regions of the United States. There were no statistically significant decreases in susceptibility rates for any antimicrobial agents for any region. Levels of multidrug resistance significantly declined throughout the study period in 2 regions and increased in 1. Additional efforts should evaluate variables associated with these improvements.
SCF—MO—LCAO—CI Studies of the Pi‐Electronic Structures of Acrolein and Glyoxal Using Ohno's Resonance Integral Formula and Constrained to Satisfy Koopmans' Theorem Exactly

The pi‐electronic structures of the trans and cis diastereomers of acrolein are studied within the framework of the Pople—Pariser—Parr approximation in which: (1) Resonance integrals are evaluated by a formula originally derived by Ohno, (2) valence‐state ionization potentials of non‐carbon atoms are chosen by the constraint that Koopmans' theorem is satisfied literally for the first ionization potential of the molecule, and (3) all penetration integrals are neglected. The effects of including nonnearest‐neighbor resonance integrals and of using ``fixed'' effective atomic charges in lieu of ``self‐consistent electronegativity'' values are investigated. Also examined is the effect of modifying Ohno's resonance integral formula when used for heteropolar bonds. The optimum agreement between calculations and the limited experimental evidence available occurs when ``self‐consistent electronegativity'' effective atomic charges are used along with nonnearest‐neighbor resonance integrals computed from a modified Ohno formula. Application of the ``best'' acrolein procedures to the glyoxal molecule suggests either that one cannot use the modified Ohno formula to obtain good spectroscopic intervals and reasonable charge densities from a single set of parameters unless the Koopmans' theorem constraint is relaxed or else that the experimental upper limit to the ionization potential is in error by 0.5 eV or more.