cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of demulsifier partitioning on the destabilization of water-in-oil emulsions

The factors affecting the demulsification and interfacial behavior of water-in-oil emulsions in the presence of oil-soluble demulsifiers were investigated. Using both model water-in-oil and water-in-crude oil emulsion systems with demulsifiers with different chemical structures, the effects of demulsifier partitioning on the interfacial and film rheological properties were studied. The experimental results were compared and related with the demulsifier performance. There is a one-to-one correlation between the performance of demulsifier and the interfacial activity of the partitioned demulsifier; the partitioned demulsifier components exhibit an increase in static and dynamic interfacial activity, low dynamic interfacial and film tension, and a low film dilational modulus with a high adsorption rate−low interfacial tension gradient (Marangoni−Gibbs stabilizing effect) and have excellent demulsification performance.
Toward validating state-dependent macroscopic anisotropy in unsaturated media : field experiments and modeling considerations

Abstract This paper describes a series of detailed soil-water tracer experiments conducted in a natural landscape and provides a discussion on approaches one might take to model the observed flow and transport. The field experiments provide supporting evidence for a variable, state-dependent anisotropy in the hydraulic conductivity of an unsaturated medium. This phenomenon has been postulated previously in a number of independent theoretical and experimental investigations. In general, these previous studies identify layered heterogeneity as a primary cause of the macroscopic state-dependent anisotropy. In addition, we develop a simple scenario to show how hysteresis-enhanced moisture content variations can cause a texturally homogeneous porous medium profile to behave anisotropically under transient unsaturated conditions. We recognize that both of these factors (layered heterogeneity and hysteresis-enhanced moisture content variations) contribute to the anisotropic behavior observed in the tracer experiments, but we do not quantify the relative magnitude of their contributions. However, we do introduce a simple procedure for incorporating variable anisotropy into a predictive numerical model.
MRI segmentation: Methods and applications

The current literature on MRI segmentation methods is reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on the relative merits of single image versus multispectral segmentation, and supervised versus unsupervised segmentation methods. Image pre-processing and registration are discussed, as well as methods of validation. The application of MRI segmentation for tumor volume measurements during the course of therapy is presented here as an example, illustrating problems associated with inter- and intra-observer variations inherent to supervised methods.
Polygyny and child growth in a traditional pastoral society : The case of the datoga of Tanzania.

In this paper I use measures of childhood growth to assess from both an evolutionary theoretical and an applied public health perspective the impact of polygyny on maternal-child welfare among the Datoga pastoralists of Tanzania. I report that the growth and body composition of children varies in such a way as to suggest that polygyny is not generally beneficial to women in terms of offspring quality. Cross-sectional analysis of covariance by maternal marriage status revealed that children of first and second wives in polygynous marriages grow relatively poorly, that this is correlated with maternal physical status, and that the pattern is not modified by household wealth. I discuss how the dynamics of sexual conflicts operating during the formation and maintenance of marriages may be important factors in the etiology of poor child growth in this population, leading to complex patterns of variation in anthropometric indicators of both women and children. The theoretical conclusion is that improved evolutionary models of polygyny should be designed to examine the potential for adaptive tradeoffs between the currencies of offspring quality and quantity for all types of parents in a polygynous population. The practical conclusion is that a better understanding of the relationships between marriage practices and health outcomes would assist in the development of culturally appropriate health and nutrition interventions.
Tandem linkage of Shaker K+ channel subunits does not ensure the stoichiometry of expressed channels.

Shaker K+ channels are multimeric, probably tetrameric proteins. Substitution of a conserved leucine residue to valine (V2) at position 370 in the Drosophila Shaker 29–4 sequence results in large alterations in the voltage dependence of gating in the expressed channels. In order to determine the effects of this mutation in hybrid channels with a fixed stoichiometry of V2 and wild-type (WT) subunits we generated cDNA constructs of two linked-monomeric subunits similar to the tandem constructs previously reported by Isacoff, E. Y., Y. N. Jan, and L. Y. Jan. (1990. Nature (Lond.). 345:530–534). In addition, we constructed a tandem cDNA containing a wild-type subunit and a truncated nonfunctional subunit (Sh102) that suppresses channel expression. We report that the voltage-dependence of the channels produced with WT and V2 subunits varied significantly with the order of the subunits in the construct (WT-V2 or V2-WT), while the WT-Sh102 construct yielded currents that were much larger than expected. These results suggest that the tandem linkage of Shaker subunits does not guarantee the stoichiometry of the expressed channel proteins.
THEORY OF GEOTROPISM BASED ON MASS ACTION

1. It is shown that the rate of geotropic curvature of a piece of stem of Bryophyllum calycinum when suspended horizontally increases with the mass of an apical leaf attached to the stem. 2. It is shown that the dry weight of the stem increases with the mass of the leaf attached and also that the degree of curvature increases with this increase in the dry weight of the stem. 3. The conclusion is drawn that geotropic curvature is in this case a function of mass action of the material sent by the leaf into the basal part of the stem. 4. The material sent by a leaf into the apical part of a stem does not lead to the same geotropic curvature.
Jovian ionospheric models

This paper reports results obtained on ionosphere formation in the Jovian upper atmosphere with special reference to some of the recently available reaction rates, and to recent models of the Jovian neutral atmosphere based on the possibility of a warmer mesopause. In the older models of the Jovian ionosphere, the major ions were H+ which were lost only by pure radiative recombination. This led to high electron densities and practically no diurnal change. In contrast, recent models have relatively much smaller electron densities, especially in lower regions, and may be susceptible to significant diurnal variation.
Effects of Acute and Chronic Reboxetine Treatment on Stress-induced Monoamine Efflux in the Rat Frontal Cortex

Reboxetine is a selective noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor that displays an antidepressant profile in both animal tests and in clinical trials. The present study examined the ability of reboxetine to alter stress-induced increases in norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine efflux in the frontal cortex in awake behaving rats. Acute systemic administration of reboxetine (0.3–20.0 mg/kg) dose-dependently increased extracellular norepinephrine in the frontal cortex while having no effect on extracellular serotonin. At 20 mg/kg, reboxetine also increased extracellular dopamine. Application of a 20-min tailpinch stress increased extracellular norepinephrine. This effect was greatly potentiated in rats pretreated with reboxetine. Tailpinch did not elicit increases in dopamine in saline treated animals but this stimulus increased dopamine levels following reboxetine pretreatment. Furthermore, chronic administration of reboxetine for 14 days resulted in elevated basal concentrations of extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine and a greater net increase of extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine, but not serotonin, in response to tailpinch compared with vehicle control animals. Taken together, these data support the view that the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems are modified by reboxetine treatment and may be important factors in the mechanism of action of antidepressant compounds.
The Role of State Goal Orientation in the Goal Establishment Process

This research examined the role of state goal orientation in an integrative model of goal setting and task performance. To test this model, 2 separate studies were conducted: Study 1 examined this model in a sample of 101 undergraduate students completing course examinations, whereas Study 2 tested this model in a sample of 155 participants performing a complex decision-making task. Consistent with the propositions of Kanfer (1990, 1992) and recent research by Chen, Gully, Whiteman, and Kilcullen (2000), both of these studies found that the impact of distal personality traits on performance related variables is likely to be mediated by a more proximal manifestation of the personality trait. More specifically, it was found that dispositional goal orientation influenced self-efficacy through its impact on the formation of a more situation-specific state goal orientation. Implications of these findings as well as suggestions for future research on the personality construct of goal orientation are discussed.
Compartment Model Predicts VEGF Secretion and Investigates the Effects of VEGF Trap in Tumor-Bearing Mice

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, is important in tumor growth and metastasis. A key regulator of angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which has been targeted in numerous anti-angiogenic therapies aimed at inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Systems biology approaches, including computational modeling, are useful for understanding this complex biological process and can aid in the development of novel and effective therapeutics that target the VEGF family of proteins and receptors. We have developed a computational model of VEGF transport and kinetics in the tumor-bearing mouse, which includes three compartments: normal tissue, blood, and tumor. The model simulates human tumor xenografts and includes human (VEGF121 and VEGF165) and mouse (VEGF120 and VEGF164) isoforms. The model incorporates molecular interactions between these VEGF isoforms and receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), as well as co-receptors (NRP1 and NRP2). We also include important soluble factors: soluble VEGFR1 (sFlt-1) and α-2-macroglobulin. The model accounts for transport via macromolecular transendothelial permeability, lymphatic flow, and plasma clearance. We have fit the model to available in vivo experimental data on the plasma concentration of free VEGF Trap and VEGF Trap bound to mouse and human VEGF in order to estimate the rates at which parenchymal cells (myocytes and tumor cells) and endothelial cells secrete VEGF. Interestingly, the predicted tumor VEGF secretion rates are significantly lower (0.007 – 0.023 molecules/cell/s, depending on the tumor microenvironment) than most reported in vitro measurements (0.03 – 2.65 molecules/cell/s). The optimized model is used to investigate the interstitial and plasma VEGF concentrations and the effect of the VEGF-neutralizing agent, VEGF Trap (aflibercept). This work complements experimental studies performed in mice and provides a framework with which to examine the effects of anti-VEGF agent
A critical evaluation of vestibular schwannoma surgery for patients younger than 40 years of age.

BACKGROUND: There are few published prospective data sets specifically focusing on patients younger than 40 years old undergoing microsurgery for vestibular schwannoma. OBJECTIVE: We describe functional outcomes and long-term tumor control after surgery in patients younger than 40 years old enrolled in a prospectively collected database over a 25-year period. METHODS: We selected all vestibular schwannoma patients from a prospectively collected database who were younger than 40 years old at the time of surgical resection for a vestibular schwannoma. Rates of tumor control and hearing preservation were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and risk factors for facial nerve palsy, hearing loss, and trigeminal neuropathy were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 204 patients younger than 40 years of age met our inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Our data indicate that surgical resection leads to durable long-term freedom from tumor recurrence or progression in 89% of young patients at 15 years of follow-up. Consistent with other published series, hearing was preserved in 68% of patients with smaller tumors (<3 cm). Facial nerve function was preserved in 76% of patients with smaller tumors and 52% of patients with larger tumors (P < .001). On multivariate logistic regression, tumor size was a significant predictor of hearing loss, whereas gross total resection was nearly a significant predictor of hearing loss controlling for other variables (P = .06). CONCLUSION: We present the largest prospectively studied cohort of young patients undergoing microsurgical resection of vestibular schwannoma. These data suggest that surgical resection provides excellent long-term tumor control in these patients.
Diabetes: Clinical inertia--a barrier to effective management of T2DM.

In routine primary care, clinicians are slow to intensify glycaemic management in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), despite access to an increasing number of therapeutic resources. This so-called clinical inertia is troubling and could explain why we are failing to meet targets for diabetes control in many patients.
The epistemically virtuous clinician

Today, modern Western medicine is facing a quality-of-care crisis that is undermining the patient–physician relationship. In this paper, a notion of the epistemically virtuous clinician is proposed in terms of both the reliabilist and responsibilist versions of virtue epistemology, in order to help address this crisis. To that end, a clinical case study from the literature is first reconstructed. The reliabilist intellectual virtues, including the perceptual and conceptual virtues, are then discussed and applied to the case study. Next, a similar method is employed to examine the responsibilist intellectual virtues, including curiosity, courage, honesty, and humility, and to apply them to the case study. To round out the discussion, the love of knowledge and both theoretical and practical wisdom are explored and applied to the case study. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of how the notion of an epistemically virtuous clinician addresses the quality-of-care crisis, in terms of the connection between ethical and intellectual virtues, and of the notion’s implications for medical education.
The Contribution of Psychiatric Disorder to Juvenile Recidivism

Youths formally referred to probation authorities in Texas (791 male, 200 female) self-administered a structured diagnostic interview at intake. Data on demographics, offense characteristics, and reoffending (within 12 months of baseline) were extracted from official justice records. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the contribution of diagnosis to recidivism, adjusting for demographic and offense characteristics. Baseline externalizing disorders were associated with increased recidivism risk for both genders, whereas youths’ recidivism risk was not influenced by anxiety disorder. Girls with comorbid substance use and affective disorder were nearly four times more likely to reoffend than girls with no disorder. In contrast, among males, this disorder profile was associated with only approximately half the level of recidivism risk. Results substantiate practice guidelines that recommend comprehensive mental health assessment in juvenile justice settings and identify youths with certain mental health needs who might be well served by diversion programs.
Stimulation of bovine herpesvirus-1 productive infection by the adenovirus E1A gene and a cell cycle regulatory gene, E2F-4

Identifying cellular genes that promote bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) productive infection is important, as BHV-1 is a significant bovine pathogen. Previous studies demonstrated that BHV-1 DNA is not very infectious unless cotransfected with a plasmid expressing bICP0, a viral protein that stimulates expression of all classes of viral promoters. Based on these and other studies, we hypothesize that the ability of bICP0 to interact with and modify the function of cellular proteins stimulates virus transcription. If this prediction is correct, cellular proteins that activate virus transcription could, in part, substitute for bICP0 functions. The adenovirus E1A gene and bICP0 encode proteins that are potent activators of viral gene expression, they do not specifically bind DNA and both proteins interact with chromatin-remodelling enzymes. Because of these functional similarities, E1A was tested initially to see if it could stimulate BHV-1 productive infection. E1A consistently stimulates BHV-1 productive infection, but not as efficiently as bICP0. The ability of E1A to bind Rb family members plays a role in stimulating productive infection, suggesting that E2F family members activate productive infection. E2F-4, but not E2F-1, E2F-2 or E2F-5, activates productive infection with similar efficiency as E1A. Next, E2F family members were examined for their ability to activate the BHV-1 immediate-early (IE) transcription unit 1 (IEtu1) promoter, as it regulates IE expression of bICP0 and bICP4. E2F-1 and E2F-2 strongly activate the IEtu1 promoter, but not a BHV-1 IEtu2 promoter or a herpes simplex virus type 1 ICP0 promoter construct. These studies suggest that E2F family members can stimulate BHV-1 productive infection.
Born–Rytov controversy. II. Applications to nonlinear and stochastic scattering problems in one-dimensional half-space media

The Born and Rytov methods are applied to a study of the propagation and the scattering of waves in a one-dimensional (1-D) half-space medium with a permittivity either depending on the wave intensity or having a stochastic property. Both Born and Rytov series in the 1-D nonlinear half-space case are compared with their counterparts in a 1-D homogeneous dielectric half-space case. The multiple scattering in a 1-D random half-space, consisting of a host material and randomly distributed scatterers, is treated with a random medium model. We have derived the autocorrelation function for the case in which 1-D scatterers are randomly distributed in a host medium. We show that the autocorrelation function has an exponential-decay shape and depends on the fractional length, the average physical length, and the scattering strength of these scatterers. Under the bilocal approximation the effective permittivity for this 1-D random half-space medium is shown to have an oscillatory dependence on range. When it is applied to estimate the ensemble-averaged scattered fields in the 1-D random half-space case, the Rytov method is not as useful as the Born method because the Rytov method suffers a more serious divergence problem than the Born method.
Regulating Gene Expression through RNA Nuclear Retention

Summary Multiple mechanisms have evolved to regulate the eukaryotic genome. We have identified CTN-RNA, a mouse tissue-specific ∼8 kb nuclear-retained poly(A) + RNA that regulates the level of its protein-coding partner. CTN-RNA is transcribed from the protein-coding m ouse c ationic a mino acid t ransporter 2 ( mCAT2 ) gene through alternative promoter and poly(A) site usage. CTN-RNA is diffusely distributed in nuclei and is also localized to paraspeckles. The 3′UTR of CTN-RNA contains elements for adenosine-to-inosine editing, involved in its nuclear retention. Interestingly, knockdown of CTN-RNA also downregulates mCAT2 mRNA. Under stress, CTN-RNA is posttranscriptionally cleaved to produce protein-coding mCAT2 mRNA. Our findings reveal a role of the cell nucleus in harboring RNA molecules that are not immediately needed to produce proteins but whose cytoplasmic presence is rapidly required upon physiologic stress. This mechanism of action highlights an important paradigm for the role of a nuclear-retained stable RNA transcript in regulating gene expression.
A study of an optical lunar surface communications network with high bandwidth direct to earth link

A lunar surface systems study explores the application of optical communications to support a high bandwidth data link from a lunar relay satellite and from fixed lunar assets. The results show that existing 1-m ground stations could provide more than 99% coverage of the lunar terminal at 100Mb/s data rates from a lunar relay satellite and in excess of 200Mb/s from a fixed terminal on the lunar surface. We have looked at the effects of the lunar regolith and its removal on optical samples. Our results indicate that under repeated dust removal episodes sapphire rather than fused silica would be a more durable material for optical surfaces. Disruption tolerant network protocols can minimize the data loss due to link dropouts. We report on the preliminary results of the DTN protocol implemented over the optical carrier.
Closing loopholes in the federal research regulations: some practical problems.

Shamoo and Schwartz (2008) argue that to protect the dignity, rights, and welfare of people who participate in research, the U. S. should close existing loopholes in the federal regulations. Currently, federal regulations only apply to research conducted or funded by one of the 17 federal agencies that accept the Common Rule (45 C. F. R. 46), research that will be used to support an application for a new drug, biologic, and medical device regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, or research conducted to generate data to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency for regulatory purposes (Shamoo and Schwartz 2008, Resnik 2007). The Common Rule is the most influential of all of these regulations, because most academic institutions the receive federal funding have decided to apply the Common Rule to all human subjects research under their authority, regardless of the source of funding (Gunsalus 2006).
The Individual Woman Microenterprise Owner: An Exploration of Apparel Retailers From an Integrated Black Feminist Perspective

Black Barbadian women traditionally used micro-enterprises (MEs) to combat social and economic injustices yet little is known about their perspectives. Utilizing two frameworks, Brush's (1992) integrated perspective and Collins’ (2000) Black feminist thought, this research examines apparel retailing ME owners’ views of roles, motivations, decisions, and successes. Using both frameworks (Brush, 1992; Collins, 2000) revealed important insights. Participants viewed MEs as means for survival, cultural enhancement, and opportunities for future generations. Roles were linked to cultivating relationships and producing products for the community. Motivations included reaction to the environment and needs for freedom. Personal preference guided decision-making, while definitions of success included personal fulfillment and acceptance. The combined perspectives for understanding these themes required placing them into the context of the participants' lives and helped to unveil MEs additional purpose, which was to p...
Evidence-Based Practices and Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders:

The past several years have been Witness to a variety of education reform and reorganization efforts, including for students With disabilities. Prominent among these restructuring efforts have been initiatives that require educators to adopt practices that are supported by research. NoteWorthy examples of this trend include the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and other calls for use of effective practice methods by educators and others Who are connected With students With disabilities. Although this is a daunting challenge for any group of students, the process of identifying and consistently and correctly using effective practice methods has been especially demanding for professionals Who Work With children and youth With autism spectrum disorders. This article discusses issues and factors that relate to identifying and using effective practices With students With autism-related disorders. Recommended effective practice methods are also provided.
Absence of strongly kin‐preferential behavior by adult female sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys)

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that kin-preferential behavior would be present in sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys), a species taxonomically close to baboons and macaques. The affiliative behavior of the adult female members of a large captive group of these mangabeys was analyzed to test this prediction. These females groomed, were approached by, were in proximity to, and were in contact with their kin significantly more than expected, but only when all kin were included in the analysis. Removal of only the mother-infant (< 1 year) dyadic interactions removed all significant kin effects. Kin-preferential behavior was also absent in affiliative interactions among the adult females as a class. Affiliation between mothers and offspring significantly exceeded that for all other kinship categories (such as siblings, etc.), and affiliation with kin other than offspring did not differ from that with nonkin adults. In their interactions with nonkin, the adult females showed some preference (duration of grooming) for those adult females of similar age, an effect predicted by the intensity of interaction among members of the same age cohort during development. These similar-aged females may also be paternally related. In comparing these results with the existing literature on kin-preferential behavior, two conclusions may be reached: (1) age and degree of kinship are primary factors that must be considered in order to avoid the existing overgeneralization of the importance of kinship in primate social organization, and (2) the role and importance of affiliative behavior in kin-selection theory should perhaps be re-examined in light of questions raised by this study.
Enabling wireless communication in aircraft using multiple antenna system

This paper develops and applies a complete channel model for MIMO in aircraft that includes the effects of noise, interference and channel correlation. Clarke's, hyper-Rayleigh, IEEE TGn and an advanced ray-tracing model were used to predict the channel effects. Gaussian noise, thermal noise (at the transmitter and the receiver), non-Gaussian noise, and the aircraft system noise were included as well. It was observed that the IEEE TGn model (D) has about a 1-2 bit/sec/Hz lower capacity as compared to the hyper-Rayleigh model and Clarke's model when the transmitter and receiver are in the far field. The reduction in capacity from co-channel interference and correlation are quantified. Polarization agile PIFA and patch antennas were found to give higher capacity than the dipoles or regular patches for both correlated and un-correlated channels. This was due, in part, to the fact that more of these antennas could be placed on a small (8cm × 3cm) sensor surface.
Globalization of agricultural pollution due to international trade

Abstract. Almost 90% of freshwater resources consumed globally are used to produce plant and animal commodities. Water-scarce countries can balance their water needs by importing food from other countries. This process, known as virtual water transfer, represents the externalization of water use. The volume and geographic reach of virtual water transfers is increasing, but little is known about how these transfers redistribute the environmental costs of agricultural production. The grey water footprint quantifies the environmental costs of virtual water transfers. The grey water footprint is calculated as the amount of water necessary to reduce nitrogen concentrations from fertilizers and pesticides released into streams and aquifers to allowed standards. We reconstructed the global network of virtual grey water transfers for the period 1986–2010 based on international trade data and grey water footprints for 309 commodities. We tracked changes in the structure of the grey water transfer network with network and inequality statistics. Pollution is increasing and is becoming more strongly concentrated in only a handful of countries. The global external grey water footprint, the pollution created by countries outside of their borders, increased 136% during the period. The extent of externalization of pollution is highly unequal between countries, and most of this inequality is due to differences in social development status. Our results demonstrate a growing globalization of pollution due to virtual water transfers.
Peripheral vascular responses to fluorocarbon administration

Abstract To detect the local effect of hyperoxia on skeletal muscle vasculature, 2.5-ml boluses of oxygenated or deoxygenated fluorocarbon emulsion (FO 2 or FN 2 ) were washed through the hindlimb of anesthetized dogs at prevailing arterial pressure. Instantaneous hematocrit changes at the outflow were registered and stored in digital form with the red cells serving as the nondiffusible tracer in the resulting washout curves. A gamma density function was fitted and the gamma index ( 1 √α ) was derived as a measure of skewness or perfusion heterogeneity. After recovery from the initial hypotensive reaction to fluorocarbon emulsion, washout curves for FO 2 and FN 2 were registered and blood samples were taken during 40 min of normoxia followed by 40 min of hypoxic hypoxia. The initial reaction to fluorocarbon significantly increased the gamma index so that the experiments began with a high index of perfusion heterogeneity in the limb vasculature. No significant difference was seen between FO 2 and FN 2 in normoxia but FO 2 maintained greater heterogeneity during hypoxia. The increased heterogeneity observed after the fluorocarbon reaction correlated highly with the severity of the hypotensive reaction which was also found to correlate inversely with the ability of the limb musculature to increase the O 2 extraction ratio with onset of hypoxia. This blunting of microcirculatory reactivity to hyperoxia and hypoxia was attributed, in part, to the initial transient fluorocarbon reaction, possibly mediated by complement activation.
Helicobacter pylori dysregulation of gastric epithelial tight junctions by urease-mediated myosin II activation.

Background & Aims Helicobacter pylori -induced gastritis predisposes to the development of gastric cancer. Increased epithelial tight junction permeability and alterations in apical-junctional complexes are also associated with an increased risk of carcinogenesis. Phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain (MLC) by MLC kinase (MLCK) regulates tight junction function. We determined whether MLCK was activated by H pylori and defined the mechanisms through which such activation dysregulates gastric epithelial barrier function. Methods MKN28 gastric epithelial cells were cocultured with the H pylori cag + strain 60190 or cagA − , cagE − , ureB − , or vacA − mutants. MLC phosphorylation and barrier integrity were determined by immunoblot analysis and transepithelial electrical resistance measurements, respectively. Localization of the tight junction protein occludin was determined by immunocytochemistry in MKN28 cells and INS-GAS mice. Results H pylori induced a progressive loss of barrier function that was attenuated by inactivation of ureB , but not cagA, cagE , or vacA . Reductions in transepithelial electrical resistance were also dependent on functional urease activity. H pylori increased MLC phosphorylation in epithelial monolayers; this was significantly decreased by inhibition of MLCK or Rho kinase or by loss of UreB. H pylori infection of either cultured monolayers or hypergastrinemic INS-GAS mice induced occludin endocytosis, reflecting cytoskeletally mediated disruption of tight junctions. Conclusions H pylori increases MLC phosphorylation, occludin internalization and barrier dysfunction in gastric epithelial cells. This process requires functional urease activity and is independent of the cag pathogenicity island or VacA. These data provide new insights into the mechanisms by which H pylori disrupts gastric barrier function.
Comparison of incremental with multipoint MUNE methods in transgenic als mice

Several methods of motor unit number estimation (MUNE) are in current use. Uncertainty still exists about which is preferable and how results obtained from one method compare to another. We studied changes with MUNE over time in the SOD1(G93A) transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), using both incremental and multipoint methods. This mouse model of motor neuron degeneration is highly consistent, with a monotonic decline in motor neuron number starting at approximately 60 days of life. Five mice were studied four times each, starting at day 60 of life and approximately every 20 days thereafter, using both methods. Results were quite comparable for both methods, with the incremental method yielding slightly higher estimates of motor unit size, and hence smaller MUNEs. Correlations between the two methods were 0.71 for single motor unit action potential (SMUAP) amplitude and 0.95 for MUNE. In this model, therefore, both MUNE methods yield similar estimates and are equally effective at documenting progression of a lower motor neuron disorder.
Effect of multiple pulses on the plasma chemistry during the remediation of NOx using dielectric barrier discharges

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) are being investigated to remediate NOx from atmospheric gas streams. The interaction of species generated during previous pulses of repetitively pulsed devices, such as DBDs, make their operation fundamentally different from single pulse operation. To investigate these effects, the reaction chemistry of multiple pulses during NOx remediation was modelled. Reactions between radicals produced during a pulse with the products from previous pulses produce significantly different end products. For example, approximately 10?ppm of methyl nitrate (CH3ONO2) was obtained by multiple pulsing whereas less than 1?ppm of it was produced with single discharge formats. Multiple pulsing has also been found to be more efficient for NOx remediation. W-values for NOx remediation decreased from 240?eV for a single pulse (58?J?l-1) to 185?eV when the same energy was distributed over 20?pulses. 3Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Differentiation of Pathogenic and Saprophytic Leptospires I. Growth at Low Temperatures

The minimal growth temperature of the pathogenic leptospires is between 13 and 15 C. The saprophytic leptospires have a minimal growth temperature between 5 and 10 C, or approximately 5 C below that of the pathogens. The capability of the saprophytic leptospires to grow at temperatures below those which allow the growth of the pathogenic leptospires provides a simple method of discrimination. With an inoculum yielding approximately 8 × 107 cells per ml in the test medium and an incubation temperature of 13 C, the saprophytic leptospires were easily differentiated from the pathogenic leptospires. All 13 saprophytic leptospires tested grew in the 10% rabbit serum medium at 13 C, whereas none of the 20 pathogens grew during the 30-day incubation period.
Can Solid Matrix Priming With GA3 Break Seed Dormancy in Eastern Gamagrass

Abstract Development of methods for breaking seed dormancy in eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides, L.) could increase its use. Solid matrix priming, the controlled hydration of seed in a system of solid carrier and water, has been used with some success to enhance germination in warm-season grasses. gibberellic acid (ga3), a known promoter of eastern gamagrass germination, can be added to solid matrix priming systems. In this study, systems were evaluated for conditioning eastern gamagrass seeds using the solid carriers Agro-Lig, MicroCel E, and Vermiculite #5. GA3 was added in 0.01 M concentration solutions to systems with water potentials of −0.4 and −0.6 MPa in Agro-Lig and −0.2 and −0.4 in MicroCel E and Vermiculite #5 and compared with systems with deionized water. Priming seed with GA3 increased germination to 18% compared with 13% without GA3. MicroCel E and Vermiculite #5 were suitable materials for controlled hydration of eastern gamagrass seed. Germination was only 11% in Agro-Lig compared ...
Navigation Charring for Inland Waterways

Recognizing the economic potential of the Tennessee River for both commercial navigation and pleasure boating, the TVA has encouraged these uses of the river through the development of a well marked, deep water channel, the publication of navigation charts, and periodic inspections. Multicolor charts showing the sailing line and navigation aids cover the entire waterway. Chart preparation, both field and office procedures, is outlined in this paper. Basic sources of data and equipment employed are mentioned.
Atomic inversion for an atom coupled to a squeezed vacuum in a coherently driven cavity

With the generation of squeezed light in many laboratories around the world, quantum optical systems interacting with squeezed light have received considerable attention. One of the simplest system among these is a single two level atom interacting with a squeezed vacuum. Studies of a single two-level atom in free space driven by coherent light and decaying into a squeezed vacuum have indicated that the fluorescent spectrum shows several modifications over the spectrum of normal resonance fluorescent [1, 2]. Here, we have studied the atomic inversion for a single two-level atom coupled to a broad band squeezed vacuum centered about the atomic resonance frequency. The atom is placed inside a coherently driven cavity. In particular we investigate the effects of atomic and cavity detunings on inversion. The time evolution for the density operator of this system is governed by $$ \frac{{\partial \hat{\rho }}}{{\partial t}} = - i{\Delta_c}[{\hat{a}^{{^{\dag }}}}\hat{a},\hat{\rho }] - i{\Delta_a}[{\hat{\sigma }_z},\hat{\rho }] + g[{\hat{a}^{{^{\dag }}}}{\hat{\sigma }_{ - }} - \hat{a}{\hat{\sigma }_{ + }},\hat{\rho }] + \varepsilon [{\hat{a}^{{^{\dag }}}} - \hat{a},\hat{\rho }] + \frac{\gamma }{2}\left( {N + 1} \right)\left( {2{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ - }}\hat{\rho }{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ + }} - {{\hat{\sigma }}_{ + }}{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ - }}\hat{\rho } - \hat{\rho }{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ + }}{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ - }}} \right) + \frac{\gamma }{2}N\left( {2{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ + }}\hat{\rho }{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ - }} - {{\hat{\sigma }}_{ - }}{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ + }}\hat{\rho } - \hat{\rho }{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ - }}{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ + }}} \right) - \gamma \left( {M{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ + }}\hat{\rho }{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ + }} + {M^{*}}{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ - }}\hat{\rho }{{\hat{\sigma }}_{ - }}} \right) + \kappa \left( {2\hat{a}\hat{\rho }{{\hat{a}}^{{^{\dag }}}} - {{\hat{a}}^{{^{\dag }}}}\hat{a}\hat{\rho } - \hat{\rho }{{\hat{a}}^{{^{\dag }}}}\hat{a}} \right) $$ (1) where and are cavity and atomic detunings with respect to the driving field, γ is the atomic decay rate for spontaneous emission into an ordinary vacuum, 2κ is the rate at which the cavity is losing photons, e is the driving field amplitude, g is atom field coupling constant, and N and M are parameters that describe the squeezed reservoir coupled to the atom. They are related to the squeezing parameter r by N=sinh2(r) and |M|=sinh(r) cosh (r)
Inoperable Rules: Difficulties with the Abstract Analysis of Law

One significant but commonly unrecognized problem with the social-scientific analysis of law is that it often suggests rules that simply cannot be put into practice. This does not have to be so; economic analysis, for instance, can enlighten legal doctrine in helpful and practical ways. But too often, high-level deductive analyses of law seem to forget that judges have to decide real cases, and the analyses ignore the practical operational limits of courts and of litigation. Distinctions and conclusions that look sensible or even compelling in the abstract often fail to translate to real cases.My goal in pointing out this trend is not only to criticize several significant law-and-economics analyses but also to provide a map of potential pitfalls to aid similar kinds of analysis in the future.There are several reasons that the normative conclusions of law-and-economics scholars are often inoperable. Perhaps the most significant arise from limits on information to which courts or private parties have access -- limits to which formal analysis is often (as a positive matter) insensitive, even though it need not be. Thus, for instance, as others have persuasively shown, the "theory of efficient breach" in contract law fails because it assumes that a promisor has full access to information about the value of contractual performance to a promisee. Other reasons for a disconnect between analysis and implementation are that social-scientific scholarship often suggests rules that require intractable ex post classification or framing and rules that would demand unrealistically complex analysis from courts.
The Origin of Poorly Conditioned Susceptibility Matrix Within Inverse CVM Algorithm in the Case of PD3V: A Comparison to the Case Of NI3V.

We have shown that the difficulties met to determine interactions in the case of Pd3V is related to the nature of the system. The degeneracy of this system implies instabilities in the inverse procedure that leads to the interactions.We have pointed out that the parameter, responsible for the degeneracy if any, is known with a good accuracy and appears as the pertinent parameter.
Effect of Non-Conforming Thread Root Radius on the Fatigue Performance of Preloaded Threaded Fasteners

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the effect of thread root non-conformance on the fatigue performance of preloaded M12×1.5 Class 10.9 fasteners. Thread roots were dimensionally inspected using optical methods in accordance with the DIN 933 specification. Axial load fatigue tests were performed in accordance with ISO 3800. Each bolt specimen was subjected to a fixed stress amplitude of 42 MPa above and below various levels of the mean tensile stress. Test data was analyzed and fracture surfaces were examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Analysis of the test data showed that a non-conforming thread root radius had an adverse effect on the fatigue performance of preloaded threaded fasteners.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Ischemic Stroke of the Spinal Cord: A Pediatric Emergency in an Otherwise Healthy Child

Abstract Background Spinal cord infarctions in children are rare, with few cases reported in the literature. Recognition is challenging, as children's clinical presentations and underlying pathological processes differ from those of adults. Most reported cases are in children with predisposing medical conditions, but spinal cord strokes can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. Case Report A 10-year-old boy with no significant medical history presented with progressive left-sided weakness and neck pain. He was diagnosed with ischemic infarction of his inferior medulla and cervical spinal cord. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Ischemic stroke of the spinal cord should be considered in children with clinical weakness, even in the absence of risk factors.
Hyperlocal News Coverage: A Population Ecology Perspective

Adopting a population ecology perspective, this study tests the influence of population-level factors on news coverage in hyperlocal websites. Specifically, level of legitimacy of the hyperlocal website population is assessed as a predictor of frequency and favorability of coverage of local businesses and government organizations. Traditional “field-level” predictors from media sociology are also examined. Among the field-level factors tested, professional background of staff and affiliation with traditional media organizations proved most important in explaining favorability of coverage, and level of advertising was an important predictor of frequency of coverage. The level of the population’s legitimacy also corresponded significantly with frequency of coverage. Results suggest that factors related to the population level and to institutionalization over time are relevant, even for the hyperlocal website, a relatively young and idiosyncratic media form. These factors warrant attention in future research.
Auditory habituation via spike-timing dependent plasticity in recurrent neural circuits

This paper presents evidence that spiking neuron models of parts of the human auditory system demonstrate habituation to real auditory word stimuli. This is accomplished via the simple addition of a model of spike-timing dependent plasticity to synapses. This result is interesting because the base neural circuit has also been used for pragmatically useful behaviors such as speech recognition. The model increases our understanding of the neural basis for behaviors in the developing human infant by showing that habituation learning can be implemented in the same neural substrate that underlies other types of learning (such as permanent word-learning).
Advanced information technology: transforming service innovation and design

ABSTRACTThis research explores the role of advanced information technologies at the ‘fuzzy’ front-end of service innovation and design. Service researchers have been exploring the application of technology to services for a while, however there has been little attention paid to the use of technology at the front-end of service innovation and design. Research suggests that advanced information technologies should be useful in research and development for services; but how this may occur has not been explored. Bringing together design thinking and the technology–organization–environment framework for technology adoption this research develops propositions for research to expose how technology can advance and transform service innovation and design. Theoretical and practical research questions are offered to guide inquiry in this emerging research space.
Reducing the Clinical and Socioeconomic Burden of Narcolepsy by Earlier Diagnosis and Effective Treatment

The burden of narcolepsy is likely the result of 2 main aspects: the clinical difficulties and disability incurred as a direct effect of the disorder and the socioeconomic burden. The clinical burden includes the symptoms, diagnosis, comorbidities, treatment, and even mortality that can be associated with narcolepsy. Lifelong therapy is necessary for these patients. Effective treatment results in long-term benefits from both patient and societal perspectives by improving clinical outcomes, potentially enabling improved education and increased employment and work productivity, and quality of life. Thus, reducing the time to appropriate management results in improved outcomes in these patients.