cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Viscous flow of vortices in ideal type-II amorphous superconductors

Low-field flux-flow resistivity in ideal type-II amorphous bulk superconductors ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}$Ni and ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}$Rh in both as-quenched and annealed states has been studied. The results provide the first experimental evidence that it is necessary to include all the energy-dissipation terms arising from normal current in the vortex cores (Bardeen-Stephen mechanism), relaxation of the order parameter (Tinhkam mechanism), and as well the slow diffusion mechanism of relaxation of the order parameter caused by the anomalous term in the time-dependent microscopic theory (Gor'kov-Kopnin mechanism) in the viscosity coefficient at low field. The last term is absent in "clean" alloys.
N-Acetylcysteine Increases the Frequency of Bone Marrow Pro-B/Pre-B Cells, but Does Not Reverse Cigarette Smoking-Induced Loss of This Subset

Background: We previously showed that mice exposed to cigarette smoke for three weeks exhibit loss of bone marrow B cells at the Pro-B-to-pre-B cell transition, but the reason for this is unclear. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutathione precursor, has been used as a chemopreventive agent to reduce adverse effects of cigarette smoke exposure on lung function. Here we determined whether smoke exposure impairs B cell development by inducing cell cycle arrest or apoptosis, and whether NAC treatment prevents smoking-induced loss of developing B cells. Methodology/Principal Findings: Groups of normal mice were either exposed to filtered room air or cigarette smoke with or without concomitant NAC treatment for 5 days/week for three weeks. Bone marrow B cell developmental subsets were enumerated, and sorted pro-B (B220 + CD43 + ) and pre-B (B220 + CD43 2 ) cell fractions were analyzed for cell cycle status and the percentage of apoptotic cells. We find that, compared to sham controls, smoke-exposed mice have ,60% fewer pro-B/ pre-B cells, regardless of NAC treatment. Interestingly, NAC-treated mice show a 21–38% increase in total bone marrow cellularity and lymphocyte frequency and about a 2-fold increase in the pro-B/pre-B cell subset, compared to sham-treated controls. No significant smoking- or NAC-dependent differences were detected in frequency of apoptotic cells or the percentage cells in the G1, S, or G2 phases of the cycle. Conclusions/Significance: The failure of NAC treatment to prevent smoking-induced loss of bone marrow pre-B cells suggests that oxidative stress is not directly responsible for this loss. The unexpected expansion of the pro-B/pre-B cell subset in response to NAC treatment suggests oxidative stress normally contributes to cell loss at this developmental stage, and also reveals a potential side effect of therapeutic administration of NAC to prevent smoking-induced loss of lung function.
Association between average glucose levels and hospital mortality among critically ill patients

The objective of the study was to determine the association between average glucose level (AVG) and hospital outcomes in critically ill patients.
Stochastic Image Registration with User Constraints.

Constrained registration is an active area of research and is the focus of this work. This note describes a non-rigid image registration framework for incorporating landmark constraints. Points that must remain stationary are selected, the user chooses the spatial extent of the inputs, and an automatic step computes the deformable registration, respecting the constraints. Parametrization of the deformation field is by an additive composition of a similarity transformation and a set of Gaussian radial basis functions. The bases’ centers, variances, and weights are determined with a global optimization approach that is introduced. This approach is based on the particle filter for performing constrained optimization; it explores a series of states defining a deformation field that is physically meaningful (i.e., invertible) and prevents chosen points from moving. Results on synthetic two dimensional images are presented.
Respiratory and Electrical Responses to Light Stimulation in the Retina of the Frog

Isolated retinas from frogs9 eyes were preserved in a circulating medium; transretinal electrical potential and ultraviolet absorbancy were monitored. In response to visible stimulation, changes in absorbancy were observed which correlate with the c- wave of the electroretinogram. They are tentatively identified as cyclic oxidations of pyridine nucleotides reflecting the energy expenditure associated with evoked neuronal activity.
Analysis of charge transfer efficiency noise on proton-damaged CCDs for the Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Camera 3

Proton induced charge transfer efficiency (CTE) degradation has been studied in the large format charge-coupled device (CCD) flight-like candidates for Wide Field Camera 3 for the Hubble Space Telescope. These detectors were irradiated with different proton fluences. This paper focuses on the statistical nature of CTE degradation due to damage on one of the irradiated devices with exceptional initial CTE characteristics. In radiation damaged CCDs, CTE noise can be the dominant noise component. In contrast to other noise sources, CTE noise has a component of fixed pattern noise that can be removed by the appropriate calibration technique. A large set of data was acquired and analysis of it confirms the expectation that CTE damage is a local phenomenon and it varies widely across the CCD surface. Possible mitigation solutions and their practicality are discussed in some detail.
The effects of variation on learning word order rules by adults with and without language-based learning disabilities.

Abstract Non-adjacent dependencies characterize numerous features of English syntax, including certain verb tense structures and subject–verb agreement. This study utilized an artificial language paradigm to examine the contribution of item variability to the learning of these types of dependencies. Adult subjects with and without language-based learning disabilities listened to strings of three non-words for which the first and third elements had a dependent relationship. In the low variability condition, 12 non-words occurred in the middle position, and in the high variability condition, 24 non-words occurred in this position. Non-disabled adults were able to learn the non-adjacent contingencies and generalize the underlying structure to new strings, but only when variability was high. Adults with language-based learning disabilities did not perform above chance levels under either variability condition. Thus, this group showed poor sensitivity to statistical information in speech input that both infants and non-disabled adults are known to track. Learning outcomes: As a result of this activity, the reader will: (1) understand the advantages of using an artificial language to investigate language learning; (2) become familiar with a paradigm for studying the rapid learning of syntactic contingencies; (3) comprehend how the ability to map language structure differs for non-disabled adults and adults with a history of language/learning disability as a function of variability in the input the listener receives.
A compiler for generating the global stiffness matrix for symbolically-defined regular finite element analysis grids

Abstract A MAPLE system compiles definitions of regular grids into a custom FORTRAN program. These regular grids are defined in terms of symbols which represent the geometry of the object being analyzed. The FORTRAN program takes as input, the numeric values for these symbols. It generates the global stiffness matrix, K. This is solved for the displacement vectors in the equation Kx = B. This system produces the same displacements as NASTRAN and has been benchmarked favorably against this commercial product.
The effect of shear and poisson's ratio in the static bending of wood beams

New displacement equations for the static bending of six common types of simple, finite anisotropic or orthotropic beams are presented. The effect of shear and Poisson's ratios in the determination of Young's modulus by static bending is discussed.
The influence of artistic quality on judgments of patient and non-patient status from human figure drawings.

(1958). The Influence of Artistic Quality on Judgments of Patient and Non-patient Status from Human Figure Drawings. Journal of Projective Techniques: Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 338-340.
Raman spectroscopy and deuterium exchange of the filamentous phage fd

The filamentous phage fd has been investigated using the techniques of Raman spectroscopy and deuterium exchange. Despite the rather uniform secondary structure of the fd phage coat protein, which is predominantly alpha-helix, the deuterium exchange is complex. A substantial fraction of the helical peptides exchange deuterium by 8 h at room temperature, yet another substantial fraction does not exchange following an additional 5 months at 4 degrees C. Heating the phage to 70 degrees C for several hours leads to additional deuterium exchange compared to samples soaked for 5 months in heavy water. We suggest that the wide variation in peptide exchange rates may be related to the phage protein quaternary structure, which has been shown to be a double layer of tightly packed helices. The accomplishment of enhanced exchange by reaction at high temperature combined with digital difference spectroscopic methods has enabled us to define the structure of the amide III and III' bands. The complexity of these bands is unexpected for a simple helical protein, but we suggest that the complexity arises at least in part from end-effects that become important in short alpha-helices.
Morphology of the rich supercluster 1451 + 22

The morphological properties of the rich supercluster 1451 + 22 are investigated using photographic galaxy photometry in a two-color system especially sensitive to redshift. By measuring about 125,000 galaxies in five Palomar Schmidt fields, the supercluster's shape, density profile, density contrast, and galaxy population are found. The data suggest that the structure of 1451 + 22 is that of a face-on pancake, flattened against the plane of the sky, although spherical models are not ruled out. Filaments which are rich in early-type galaxies do exist, but most of the supercluster mass lies outside these regions. In addition, 1451 + 22 may have a core-halo structure, with the central degree containing a much higher galaxy density and a larger percentage of elliptical and SO galaxies than the outer regions. If 1451 + 22 is flat, the mean luminosity density contrast of the supercluster over the field is rho/rho(field) about 10, and the total mass of the system is probably greater than 10 to the 16th solar masses. If the supercluster is quasi-spherical, the observed density contrast is rho/rho(field) about 5, implying a total mass-to-light for the supercluster of about 130, and a cosmological density parameter of about 0.3. 73 references.
Childhood Stress and Decreased Longevity in a Prehistoric Population

1954 Lead and Lead Poisoning in Early America: Lead Compounds. Industrial Medicine and Surgery 23:75-80. Rabinowitz, M., G. Wetherill, and J. Kopple 1975 Absorption, Storage and Excretion of Lead by Normal Humans. In Trace Substances in Environmental Health, Vol. 9. D. D. Hemphill, ed. Pp. 361-368. Columbia: University of Missouri. Rathbun, T. A. 1987 Health and Disease at a South Carolina Plantation: 1840-1870. American
Van Hove exciton-cageons and high-Tc superconductivity XB. Polaronic coupling in the doped material

A purely ionic interpretation of the tilting-mode instabilities in La2−xAxCuO4 (A  Sr, Ba) is shown to be not self-consistent: the dominant factor influencing the doping dependence of the interlayer mismatch is the large change in the CuO bond length. But such a large dependence of the bond length on valence leads to a strong electron-phonon coupling, contradicting the assumption that covalent effects were negligible. This coupling is closely related to the vHS-JT effect. This new insight clarifies the role of the tilt-mode instabilities. The main JT coupling is not to these modes, but to the in-plane OO bond-stretching modes which split the vHS degeneracy. However, as these modes soften, they couple to the lower-lying tilt modes, so that the ultimate instability has a finite tilt component. This in turn simplifies the description of the JT instabilities. The tilt modes, while strongly coupled to the electrons, are quadratic in the tilt angle. On the other hand, the bond-stretch modes have a large, linear coupling to electrons, with clear polaronic effects. This is connected with the fact that, near a vHS, valence fluctuations are slow and relatively long lived, coupling to local phonon modes. A striking result of this is that there will be a large polaronic band narrowing near the vHS, whether or not the vHS is near the Fermi level. This vHS localized band narrowing provides a natural explanation for the common occurrence of extended vHS's.
Modeling of chemical-mechanical polishing with soft pads

A new model is developed for chemical-mechanical polishing with soft pads. Contrary to prevalent views based on the existing polishing rate equation (i.e., the Preston's equation), the new model predicts a nonlinear pressure dependence of the polishing rate. It is shown that the fundamental mechanism of the pressure dependence for CMP with a soft pad is completely different from that with a hard pad. This new model, which is shown to be consistent with experimental evidence, resolves an apparent inconsistency between the Preston's equation and experimental observations concerning the pressure dependence of the polishing rate. The new model provides an important starting point for elucidating the other aspects of the CMP process including the pattern-density dependence of the planarization rate.
Nutritional management of pregnancy in a chronic hemodialysis patient with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Abstract Pregnancy, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and end-stage renal disease requiring dialytic therapy each demand specialized nutritional intervention. When all three occur simultaneously, assessment of needs and monitoring for adequacy become complex. Detailed nutritional information is lacking for this combination, forcing practitioners to glean recommendations and potential concerns from literature addressing each individual diagnosis. Glycemic control, appropriate micronutrient supplementation, and consistently meeting calorie and protein needs may reduce likelihood of an adverse pregnancy outcome.
Hue-saturation-value feature analysis for robust ground moving target tracking in color aerial video

Ground moving target tracking in aerial video presents a difficult algorithmic challenge due to sensor platform motion, non-uniform scene illumination, and other extended operating conditions. Theoretically, trackers which operate on color video should have improved performance vs. monochromatic trackers by leveraging the additional intensity channels. In this work, ground moving targets in color video are characterized in the Hue-Saturation-Value (HSV) color space. Using segmented real aerial video, HSV statistics are measured for multiple vehicle and background types and evaluated for separability and invariance to illumination change, obscuration, and aspect change. HSV statistics are then calculated for moving targets from the same video segmented with existing color tracking algorithms to determine HSV feature robustness to noisy segmentation.
Neuropeptide distributions in the colon, cecum, and jejunum of the horse

The pelvic flexure portion of the equine large colon is the proposed location of a pacemaker mechanism. This study was conducted to ascertain whether the distribution of certain putative neurotransmitters differs at the pelvic flexure compared to other sampling sites. Tissue samples were collected from the intestinal tracts of six horses. Serial sections from these samples were reacted with primary antisera specific for substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), methionine-Enkephalin, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The regional distribution of immunoreactive neuronal elements was uniform for each of the neuropeptides except VIP. Although neurons exhibiting VIP-like immunoreactivity were abundant throughout the colon, they were somewhat more plentiful near the apex of the pelvic flexure and the left dorsal colon. These neurons may participate in the initiation and propagation of the propulsive/retropulsive contraction waves, which emanate from this location and are believed to lend a sphincter-like capacity to the pelvic flexure. The submucosal plexus was replete with neurons with intense substance P and VIP-like reactivity. Reactive fibers left submucosal ganglia to project to the intestinal mucosa, reflecting a possible secretogogic role for these neurons. This role may be especially important for the horse as a hindgut fermenter. There were abundant methionine-Enkephalin and substance P-like reactive varicosities throughout the myenteric plexus, many of which established a pericellular plexus of varicose fibers. The abundance of these varicosities, which may correlate with a high degree of neuronal integration, did not vary regionally. These data may enhance our understanding of both normal colonic peristalsis and motility disorders caused by a depletion of these neuropeptides. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Observations on organic brain damage and clinical improvement following protracted insulin coma.

A study of eight cases of chronic schizophrenics who developed protracted coma during insulin shock therapy is reported. Five of the eight patients showed a marked improvement after protracted coma, and three remained unimproved. The improvement consisted of loss of tension and hostility. Patients became friendly, affable, relaxed and interested in the environment. In spite of the return of delusional systems, the improved patients were able to function on a higher level than previously. In four of the five improved patients, improvement was preceded by severe organic brain deficit of varied duration. The organic deficit was demonstration through clinical observation, a battery of psychological tests and electro-encephalograms. Improvement is attributed to the organic brain damage which results in disruption of associative pathways not unlike the disruption in lobotomy.
Soft metrics: What are they and what use are they for the Intelligence Community?

Modern decision making challenges the human capacity to reason in an environment of uncertainty, imprecision, and incompleteness of information. Atop the uncertainty, ranking in the presence of multiple criteria, multiple agents, and heterogeneous sources of information is often the main task to accomplish by the analysts in the Intelligence Community (IC). Soft metrics are attributes of decision criteria that cannot be expressed numerically. These metrics are at the core of a computational engine that is perception-based, with computational 'atoms' expressed in natural language (NL). The soft metrics approach as a basis for natural language-based computing contributes to fast analyses and an efficient use of human resources in contemporary decision making such as: intelligence data analysis, the Global Strike (target pairing), risk analysis, threat assessment, strategic interactions, conflict analysis, and the strategic deterrence assessment.
Thin Film Solar Modules: The Low Cost, High Throughput and Versatile Alternative to Si Wafers

Thin film solar cells (TFSC) have passed adolescence and are ready to make a substantial contribution to the world's electricity generation. They can have advantages over c-Si solar modules in ease of large area, lower cost manufacturing and in several types of applications. Factors which limit TFSC module performance relative to champion cell performance are discussed along with the importance of increased throughput and yield. The consensus of several studies is that all TFSC can achieve costs below 1 $/W if manufactured at sufficiently large scale >100 MW using parallel lines of cloned equipment with high material utilization and spray-on encapsulants. There is significant new commercial interest in TFSC from small investors and large corporations, validating the thin film approach. Unique characteristics are discussed which give TFSC an advantage over c-Si in two specific markets: small rural solar home systems and building integrated photovoltaic installations. TFSC have outperformed c-Si in annual energy production (kWhrs/kW), have demonstrated outdoor durability comparable to c-Si and are being used in MW scale installations worldwide. The merits of the thin film approach cannot be judged on the basis of efficiency alone but must also account for module performance and potential for low cost. TFSC advocates should promote their unique virtues compared to c-Si: lower cost, higher kWhr/kW output, higher battery charging current, attractive visual appearance, flexible substrates, long-term stability comparable to c-Si, and multiple pathways for deposition with room for innovation and evolutionary improvement. There is a huge market for TFSC even at today's efficiency if costs can be reduced. A brief window of opportunity exists for TFSC over the next few years due the Si shortage. The demonstrated capabilities and advantages of TFSC must be proclaimed more persistently to funding decision-makers and customers without minimizing the remaining challenges. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Method for analysis of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis data using the Havriliak-Negami model

Abstract A new method is presented for analysis of single frequency dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) data in the complex plane. The applicability of the method is restricted to cases where the polymer is thermorheologically simple and whose dynamic mechanical properties are well described by the Havriliak–Negami (HN) model. The method involved two steps: (1) the HN model was used to describe the shape of the complex plane representations of the DMTA data; and (2) the HN relaxation time ( τ ) was solved for at each temperature over which experimental measurements were made. This procedure resulted in the determination of four temperature independent HN parameters ( α , β , E 0 , and E ∞ ) and one temperature dependent parameter, τ ( T ). These model parameters were then used to calculate the dynamic mechanical properties over a range of temperatures and frequencies. The calculated moduli and loss factors were generally in good agreement with the experimental values for two elastomeric materials, neoprene and plasticized polyvinylchloride, that were subjected to the analysis procedure, over an 80° temperature range and three decades of frequency. It was also demonstrated that complex plane analysis of frequency multiplexed DMTA data could be used to calculate shift factors for time–temperature superposition. The corresponding master curves for storage modulus and loss factor created by horizontal shifts along the log(frequency) axis were smooth, providing additional support to the validity of the analysis procedure.
Primary Localization of an Ectopic ACTH-Producing Bronchial Carcinoid Tumor by Indium 111Pentetreotide Scintigraphy—Authors’ Response

When 111Indium pentetreotide scintigraphy is the only positive imaging study, the risks of unsuccessful surgery should be weighed against the risk of alternative therapeutic approaches. Serious consideration should be given to medical management of hypercortisolism with subsequent conventional imaging to confirm the tumor.
Analytical approaches to the characterization of samples of microbial communities using patterns of potential C source utilization.

Abstract Profiles of potential utilization of 95 separate C sources by microbial communities can be readily generated from direct incubation of environmental samples in BIOLOG microplates. Color formation from a redox indicator dye is used to quantify the degree of C source utilization. I aimed to examine different analytical approaches for classifying microbial communities based on these profiles. Specifically, the relative effects of average rate of color development versus the pattern of relative C source utilization on the classification of rhizosphere samples from different crop types were evaluated. The average rate of color development was correlated to the density of total (acridine-orange) bacterial cells (R2 = 0.52) and active (5-cyano-2,3-ditolyl tetrazolium chloride) bacterial cells (R2 = 0.70) inoculated into the plate. Analysis of plates with different rates of color development after a specific incubation period resulted in samples with variation in the overall extent of color development (expressed as average well color development, or AWCD). Classification of these samples using principal component analysis was significantly influenced by the variation in AWCD, resulting in the classification of samples based on the density of inoculum rather than the pattern of C source utilization. The effect of variation in AWCD was eliminated by normalizing data prior to ordination, or by using an alternative ordination technique, detrended correspondence analysis. Variation in AWCD can be limited through multiple-plate readings and subsequent selection of plates with a common reference point in AWCD. The specific AWCD used for analysis does not appear important for classification purposes; consistent discrimination of rhizosphere samples from different crop types was apparent for analysis across a wide range of AWCD (0.25–1.00 abs. units). The specific differences in C source utilization between rhizosphere sample types did depend on the set point used for analysis due to the differences in the rate of color formation among wells. Results suggest that single-plate readings can be used to classify samples, but only if potential differences in AWCD are accounted for in the data analysis. Repeated plate readings will provide a more complete understanding of differences in C source utilization among samples.
Internal fault currents in A-C motors

VARIOUS TYPES OF PROTECTIVE DEVICES, such as relays, fuses, and circuit breakers, are used to provide a-c-motor fault protection. The effectiveness of these devices in protecting motors is, in most cases, dependent on the magnitude of the fault current. A general answer to this question of the magnitude of fault currents under different conditions of a-c system grounding, system capacity, fault location, and motor connections is presented. Results are approximate, but the results provide a reasonable basis for the comparison of the effectiveness of different methods of short-circuit protection.
Synthetic PEGylated Glycoproteins and Their Utility in Gene Delivery

PEGylated glycoproteins (PGPs) were synthesized by copolymerizing a Cys-terminated PEG-peptide, glycopeptide, and melittin peptide. Compositionally unique PGPs were prepared by varying the ratio of PEG-peptide (20-90%) and melittin (0-70%) with a constant amount of glycopeptide (10%). The PGPs were purified by RP-HPLC, and characterized for molecular weight and polydispersity by GPC-HPLC and SDS-PAGE and for composition by RP-HPLC following reduction to form monomeric peptides. PGPs formed DNA condensates of 200-300 nm in diameter that were administered to mice via the tail vein. Biodistribution studies confirmed their primary targeting to liver hepatocytes with a DNA metabolic half-life of 1 h. Upon stimulation by hydrodynamic dosing with saline, PGP DNA (5 microg) mediated luciferase expression in the liver detected by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) after 24 h. The level of gene expression mediated by PGP DNA was 5000-fold less than direct hydrodynamic dosing of an equivalent amount of DNA and was independent of the mol percent of melittin incorporated into the polymer, but dependent on the presence of galactose on PGP. The results establish the ability to prepare three-component gene delivery polymers that function in vivo. Further design improvements in fusogenic peptides for gene delivery and for the simultaneous use of a nuclear targeting strategy will be necessary to approach levels of expression mediated by the direct hydrodynamic dosing of DNA.
Effects of Hardiness and Appraisal on the Psychological Distress and Physical Health of Caregivers to Elderly Relatives

The goal of this study was to identify characteristics of caregivers that contribute to differences in psychological distress and physical health in family caregivers to elderly relatives. It was h...
Refining the model for selective cleavage at acidic residues in arginine-containing protonated peptides

Abstract Simple glycine-based peptides containing acidic [aspartic (D) and glutamic acid (E)] and basic residues [arginine (R)] were dissociated by surface-induced dissociation (SID) both in a tandem double quadrupole (Q1Q2) and a hybrid sector/time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer, as well as by low-energy collision-induced dissociation in an ion trap mass spectrometer. The synthetic peptides investigated were G D GGG D G, G D GGG D GR, RG D GGG D G, RG D GGG D GR, GGG D GR, GGG E GR, and G D GGG E GR. The mass spectral results obtained support and extend our previous findings that selective cleavages at the C–(O)–N bond adjacent to the acidic residues (C-side) predominate in the spectra when the number of ionizing protons equals or is less than the number of arginine residues. They also support our conclusion that these cleavages are induced by the side-chain acidic hydrogens of D or E residues. Stochastic molecular modeling procedures have been employed in this work to probe the gas-phase conformations for these protonated peptides. These searches have revealed possible conformers of singly protonated GGG D GR, and RG D GGG D G peptide ions where the protonated arginine is solvated by nearby carboxylic and carbonyl oxygens along with simultaneous intramolecular H bonding between the D side-chain acidic hydrogen(s) and the adjacent C-side peptide bonds. Electrospray ionization/surface-induced dissociation fragmentation efficiency curves (percent fragmentation versus SID laboratory collision energy) are also presented for some of these peptides. The relative position of these curves both with the Q1Q2 and sector/TOF instruments along with less pronounced selective cleavages for the E-containing peptides support our previous conclusion that selective cleavage at E residues require longer time frames for dissociation than for D-containing peptides. The total sum of these findings underscores the idea that gas-phase secondary structure (i.e. conformation) can have an influence in peptide fragmentation.
Changes of Zero-Bending-Moment States and Structures of Rat Arteries in Response to a Step Lowering of the Blood Pressure

There are many papers on tissue remodeling of blood vessels in hypertension, but there are few documents describing the tissue remodeling of the blood vessels following a step lowering of the blood pressure. The present article presents data on the opening angle, the vessel wall thickness, and the thicknesses of the intima-media and adventitia layers of the blood vessels of the lower body (the abdominal aorta, and the common iliac, femoral, saphenous branch, medial plantar, and plantar metatarsal arteries) of the rat after a step lowering of the blood pressure and flow by a controlled constriction of the aorta below both renal arteries. We found a pattern of changes that depend on space (location on the vascular tree), time (after the blood pressure change), and the intensity of disturbance. We model mathematically the dynamics shown by the experimental results by means of the indicial response functions, which are defined as the morphometric changes in response to a step decrease of blood pressure or blood flow. Under the hypothesis that there is a range of linearity between the degree of tissue remodeling and the amplitude of the pressure change, we can use the indicial functions to predict the remodeling of the vessel under an arbitrary history of decreasing blood pressure; and conversely, we can compute the indicial response functions from pertinent results of a single experiment. The totality of all our experiments is consistent with the linearity hypothesis within the range of the experiment. The mathematical analysis and the formulas are presented in the Appendix. © 2002 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Phase-Tilt Weather Radar: Calibration and preliminary results

The Phase-Tilt Weather Radar is an X-band (9.41GHz) phased array radar based on a novel, low-cost architecture that mechanically tilts in elevation and electronically scans in azimuth. This architecture has been developed specifically for low-cost, small-scale radar applications and in dense radar networks. The electronic scanning in azimuth combined with mechanical elevation tilt allow for increased scan speed at severely reduced maintenance costs. This paper presents the calibration and preliminary data results of the Phase-Tilt Weather Radar. Measurements from a severe thunderstorm in Amherst, MA, US will be presented, along with initial calibration analysis and tests performed. Analysis of the data indicates good weather sensitivity and dual polarimetric performance, commensurate with similarsized, mechanical X-band radars.
The Effect of Breeding System on Polymorphism in Mitochondrial Genes of Silene

Gynodioecy is a breeding system characterized by the co-occurrence of hermaphrodite and female individuals, generally as the result of nuclear–cytoplasmic interactions. The question remains whether the genetic factors controlling gynodioecy are maintained in species over long evolutionary timescales by balancing selection or are continually arising and being replaced in epidemic sweeps. If balancing selection maintains these factors, then neutral cytoplasmic diversity should be greater in gynodioecious than hermaphroditic species. In contrast, epidemic sweeps of factors controlling gynodioecy should decrease cytoplasmic diversity in gynodioecious relative to hermaphroditic species. We took a comparative approach in which we sequenced two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome b (cob) and cytochrome oxidase (cox1), for multiple populations of several hermaphroditic, gynodioecious, and dioecious species in the genus Silene. Breeding system was predictive of polymorphism. Gynodioecious species harbor many old haplotypes while hermaphroditic and dioecious species have little to no nucleotide diversity. The genealogical structure of neither gene departed from neutral expectations. Taken together, our results suggest that balancing selection acts on cytoplasmic male-sterility factors in several gynodioecious species in the genus.
National Government Responses to Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Certification: Insights from Atlantic Canada

Over the last decade, the proliferation of social and environmental certification programmes has attracted the attention of a growing number of political scientists interested in new forms of ‘private’ transnational governance. However, we still lack analyses on the nature and extent of different state responses to and involvement in new private transnational governance arrangements in particular sectors and in different jurisdictions. This article advances our understanding of the interactions between nation-state and private transnational modes of governance by analysing the role of national government authorities in Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) fisheries certification in Atlantic Canada, known more for the disastrous collapse of Northern cod stocks than good marine stewardship. Focusing on the 2008 certification of Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) fisheries off the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the analysis finds that the implementation and maintenance of MSC certification in this case ...
Culture and the subjective effects of stress

Abstract The quality of life is a multidimensional, subjective and variable concept. It can be approached by considering either its positive or negative aspects. In this paper, one of the latter—stress—is discussed. It is argued that stress is a general problem and that environments can be conceptualized as stress-modulating devices, so that preferences for particular environments can be partly interpreted in terms of stress reduction. It is further argued that although stress has received much attention, the importance of its subjective effects and the role of culture and perception in it have been neglected. Rather than dealing with two sets of variables — environmental stimuli and organismic factors — a third set should be considered — cultural variables; a three-element model of stress is, therefore, proposed. The implications of this model are discussed, the principal being that the effects of particular stressors depend on their meaning, although the role of species-specific constancies cannot be ignored. The variable effects of apparently minor and major stressors can then be understood and related to the notion in perturbations in homeostasis. Various ways of coping with stress are then discussed and illustrated, as is their relation to environmental variables. Given the argument about the importance of subjective, cognitive factors and the central role of culture in the subjective effects of stress, the implications for planning and design are discussed.
Cytometric analysis of BAL T cells labeled with a standardized antibody cocktail correlates with immunohistochemical staining.

Background: Determining T-cell phenotypes of lung cells obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is frequently clinically useful, particularly for evaluating causes of interstitial lung disease. The current standard of determining CD4/CD8 T-cell subsets by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of cytocentrifuge slides is labor-intensive and subject to interpreter variation. Flow cytometry (FCM) is a precise and rapid method commonly used in research to characterize cells in the lung. However, few studies address the methodology of analysis of BAL lymphocytes by FCM. Methods: Patients underwent bronchoscopy for clinical purposes. A BAL cell differential and T-cell subtype was requested by the treating physician to supplement the evaluation of patients with suspected interstitial lung disease. We used a commercially available T-cell antibody reagent, approved for analysis of blood via FCM, for T-cell subtyping of clinical BAL specimens. Results: The percentages of CD4 and CD8 T-cell populations, as well as the CD4/CD8 ratios showed excellent correlation with IHC staining of cytocentrifuge slides regardless of the acquisition program used, as long as the gating strategy remained consistent (r ≥ 0.9693 for CD4, r ≥ 0.9589 for CD8, and r ≥ 0.9485 for the CD4/CD8 ratio). Conclusion: These findings validate the use of standardized, commercially available antibody cocktails for BAL lymphocyte subtyping, making this technique available to clinicians and researchers with access to a three-color or four-color flow cytometer. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Relationships among vertical mixing, nitrate uptake, and phytoplankton growth during the spring bloom in the southeast Bering Sea middle shelf

Abstract The temporal development of a spring diatom bloom in the southeast Bering Sea middle shelf for three consecutive ice-free years is analyzed. Physical and chemical criteria are used to divide the bloom period into prebloom, bloom, and postbloom stages. At this shelf depth, the shallowing of the mixed layer was most important in triggering bloom conditions by diminishing phytoplankton respirational losses. This occurred in late April to early May during a hiatus in wind mixing associated with low pressure systems. Sver drup's (1953, Journal du Conseil. Conseil International pour l'Exploration de la Mer,18, 287–295) critical depth model accurately predicted changing prebloom growth conditions probably because it described the mean daily mixed layer light conditions to which the plant communities were exposed. The usefulness of this integrative model diminished as species composition changed since compensation depth light levels for later bloom species were not known. A nitrate advection diffusion model indicated that a cross pycnocline mixing rate of 2.1 m d−1 was associated with bloom conditions. Estimated convective vertical mixing rates in the upper water column were low during the period leading to nitrate exhaustion suggesting that cells remained at favorable light levels for extended periods. Since both net respirational loss and the supply of nutrients to the mixed layer were dependent on vertical mixing, bloom development could be described as a function of upper water stability. Discrepancies arose when rapid changes in mixing conditions decreased the correspondence between measured nitrate uptake rates and the prevailing surface layer buoyancy. Signals generated by periodic factors such as the Mf (neap-spring) tide and aperiodic storm events were resolved during the spring bloom. Approximately 37% of new nitrogen productivity was due to wind mixing events that occurred after initial water column stabilization and prolonged high rates of nitrate uptake. This enhancement varied from 10 to 50% among years which suggests that large-scale meteorological factors determine May entrainment activity and influence the intensity and pattern of production on this shelf. The passage of low pressure systems temporarily pumped nutrient-rich outer shelf water ( 100m) into the middle shelf domain (
Social, Demographic, and Medical Influences on Physical Activity in Child and Adolescent Cancer Survivors

OBJECTIVE This study evaluated associations between social, environmental, demographic, and medical predictors, and child and adolescent survivors' physical activity (PA). METHODS A structured telephone survey was conducted with 105 caregiver-survivor (aged 8-16 years) pairs and 36 caregivers of younger survivors (aged 6-7 years) alone. Participants completed measures assessing survivor PA and proposed predictors of PA including demographic, medical, social, and environmental influences. RESULTS Social influences, including family PA, family support for PA, and peer support for PA, emerged as unique predictors of survivor PA. These variables predicted PA after controlling for demographic and medical factors. Child survivors' PA was more strongly predicted by family influences while adolescent survivors' PA was more strongly influenced by family and peer influences. CONCLUSIONS Child and adolescent survivors' PA is strongly influenced by social factors. This finding parallels results with healthy children. PA interventions should focus on family and peer support to increase survivors' PA behaviors.
IFN-γ Promotes Muscle Damage in the mdx Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by Suppressing M2 Macrophage Activation and Inhibiting Muscle Cell Proliferation

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a degenerative disorder that leads to death by the third decade of life. Previous investigations have shown that macrophages that invade dystrophic muscle are a heterogeneous population consisting of M1 and M2 macrophages that promote injury and repair, respectively. In the present investigation, we tested whether IFN-γ worsens the severity of mdx dystrophy by activating macrophages to a cytolytic M1 phenotype and by suppressing the activation of proregenerative macrophages to an M2 phenotype. IFN-γ is a strong inducer of the M1 phenotype and is elevated in mdx dystrophy. Contrary to our expectations, null mutation of IFN-γ caused no reduction of cytotoxicity of macrophages isolated from mdx muscle and did not reduce muscle fiber damage in vivo or improve gross motor function of mdx mice at the early, acute peak of pathology. In contrast, ablation of IFN-γ reduced muscle damage in vivo during the regenerative stage of the disease and increased activation of the M2 phenotype and improved motor function of mdx mice at that later stage of the disease. IFN-γ also inhibited muscle cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro, and IFN-γ mutation increased MyoD expression in mdx muscle in vivo, showing that IFN-γ can have direct effects on muscle cells that could impair repair. Taken together, the findings show that suppression of IFN-γ signaling in muscular dystrophy reduces muscle damage and improves motor performance by promoting the M2 macrophage phenotype and by direct actions on muscle cells.
Mechanisms of lymphocyte‐mediated lysis

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells use multiple mechanisms to destroy their target cells. Pore formation resulting in osmotic lysis of the target is one mechanism; the pore-forming protein (perforin) responsible for this activity has been purified. Antigenically and functionally it resembles proteins of the membrane attack complex of complement. The other known mediators of cytotoxicity appear to be closely interrelated. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), lymphotoxin (LT), and leukalexin are the three members of this group that have been purified, although their mechanisms of action are still unknown. CTLs fragment the DNA of target cells, as do TNF, LT, and leukalexin; this may be one of the mechanisms of action of these mediators. CTLs and NK cells do not self lyse. The basis of this phenomenon is unclear, although recent advances have shed some light on the problem.
Acute Septicemia Caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus in Turkey Poults

SUMMARY Streptococcus gallolyticus, previously known as Streptococcus bovis biotypes I and II/2, is a well-known cause of sepsis and meningitis in humans and birds. The present case report describes an outbreak of fatal septicemia associated with S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus (S. bovis biotype II/2) in 11 turkey flocks in Pennsylvania between 2010 and 2013. Affected poults were 2–3 wk of age. Major clinical observation was sudden increase in mortality among turkey poults without any premonitory clinical signs. Postmortem examination findings revealed acute septicemia with lesions such as fibrinous pericarditis, meningitis, splenic multifocal fibrinoid necrosis, hepatitis, osteochondritis, myositis, and airsacculitis. Gram-positive cocci were isolated from several organs by routine bacterial culture. Biotyping identified bacteria as streptococci, whereas 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing identified them as S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles revealed that all the s...
Filtering and condensing in text-based decision support systems

Three categories of text-based information systems are discussed: computer-mediated communication systems, document-based systems, and text-based decision support systems. A model for a text-based decision-support system that actively supports environmental scanning and organizational communication by filtering and condensing text is presented. A brief discussion of future research directions is provided. >
In-vitro model for simultaneous simulation of the serum kinetics of two drugs with different half-lives

Simultaneous administration of two drugs is frequently practised in clinical chemotherapy because of the synergistic potential of drug combinations. During in-vitro testing of the effect of such drug combinations, differences in the pharmacokinetic properties of the two drugs should be considered. This paper presents the mathematical background and the technical components of an in-vitro model that allows the simultaneous simulation of first order elimination kinetics of two drugs with different half-lives. The model allows simulations of multiple dose regimens of either bolus injections or continuous infusions of each drug.