cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An in-depth investigation of student information gathering meetings with stakeholders and domain experts

Information gathering activities in engineering design projects play an important role in the identification and definition of stakeholder needs and requirements. However, few studies have explored how students gather information from stakeholders and domain experts in capstone design settings. In this study, we analyzed audio recordings from 19 information gathering meetings submitted by six capstone design teams to investigate how student designers gathered information during these meetings. Our findings include 22 information gathering behaviors that student design teams exhibited during their meetings, half of which were more similar to recommended best practices for information gathering and half of which were less similar. Our findings, including the list of behaviors and associated examples, may be used to guide student designers in employing effective information gathering approaches.
Energy and Economic Narratives

This chapter introduces the reader to the concepts and ideas within the book. A real-world story of a Texas town voting on whether to allow natural gas drilling within its borders leads to defining the two types of narratives, those of energy and economics, that form the basis of the book. The competing energy narratives are those that promote fossil fuels versus those that promote renewable energy. The competing economic narratives are those whose worldviews center on technological optimism and the assumption of infinite substitutability of technology and human capability for physical resources versus those whose worldviews center on technological realism and the consideration of feedbacks from the finite Earth. Using these narratives for context, the chapter includes contemporary stories and debates that show how the narratives play out in media and the public sphere.
Fully printed prothrombin time sensor for point-of-care testing.

Abstract With an increasing number of patients relying on blood thinners to treat medical conditions, there is a rising need for rapid, low-cost, portable testing of blood coagulation time or prothrombin time (PT). Current methods for measuring PT require regular visits to outpatient clinics, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, decreasing patient quality of life. In this work, we developed a handheld point-of-care test (POCT) to measure PT using electrical transduction. Low-cost PT sensors were fully printed using an aerosol jet printer and conductive inks of Ag nanoparticles, Ag nanowires, and carbon nanotubes. Using benchtop control electronics to test this impedance-based biosensor, it was found that the capacitive nature of blood obscures the clotting response at frequencies below 10 kHz, leading to an optimized operating frequency of 15 kHz. When printed on polyimide, the PT sensor exhibited no variation in the measured clotting time, even when flexed to a 35 mm bend radius. In addition, consistent PT measurements for both chicken and human blood illustrate the versatility of these printed biosensors under disparate operating conditions, where chicken blood clots within 30 min and anticoagulated human blood clots within 20–100 s. Finally, a low-cost, handheld POCT was developed to measure PT for human blood, yielding 70% lower noise compared to measurement with a commercial potentiostat. This POCT with printed PT sensors has the potential to dramatically improve the quality of life for patients on blood thinners and, in the long term, could be incorporated into a fully flexible and wearable sensing platform.
Pancytopenia caused by allopurinol and azathioprine interaction in a heart transplant patient: a case report

Background Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive now less commonly prescribed after orthotopic heart transplantation. Patients with solid organ transplantation are at increased risk for numerous comorbidities including gout. Co-administration of allopurinol for gout prophylaxis and azathioprine increases the risk for severe myelosuppression due to drug-drug interactions. Case summary A 57-year-old male with a history of heart transplant 6 years prior presented with a month of severe fatigue and shortness of breath. His admission laboratory values were notable for severe pancytopenia. Medical workup revealed no haematologic malignancy, viral infection, or other consumptive process. After extensive review, it was discovered that the patient was taking excessive allopurinol for gout. His haematologic abnormalities resolved following discontinuation of allopurinol and treatment with filgrastim and romiplostim and was able to be discharged from the hospital. Discussion Azathioprine and allopurinol can potentially cause profound cytopenias due to the increased production of the active metabolites of azathioprine. Given the association between gout and solid organ transplantation, recognition of the risks of medication interaction as well as communication amongst health care providers and between providers and their patients is paramount.
Anatomy and Pathophysiology of Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Acute axillosubclavian vein thrombosis is a disorder of the anterior thoracic outlet and can be associated with anatomic abnormalities such as occult first rib fracture, abnormal venous or bony anatomy and an abnormally lateral insertion of the costoclavicular ligament. With repetitive overhead activity the subclavian vein sustains continuous damage from mechanical compression. Over time, intraluminal and extraluminal scarring progresses, blood flow becomes impaired and collaterals form to compensate. Acute occlusion results from occlusion of the subclavian vein itself or of the collaterals. Prompt thrombolysis followed by thoracic outlet decompression leads to excellent results. Balloon venoplasty and venous stenting should not be used as primary long-term treatment strategies as untreated mechanical compression will result in recurrent venous occlusion and stent fracture.
Long-Range Carrier Diffusion in ( In , Ga ) N Quantum Wells and Implications from Fundamentals to Devices

Photoluminescence measurements on high-quality $(\mathrm{In},\mathrm{Ga})\mathrm{N}$ quantum wells reveal that carriers diffuse laterally to long distances at room temperature, up to tens of microns. This behavior, which shows a pronounced dependence on the excitation density, contrasts with the common expectation of a short diffusion length. The data is well explained by a diffusion model taking into account the full carrier recombination dynamics, obtained from time-resolved measurements. These observations have important implications for understanding the high efficiency of III-nitride emitters, but also for proper interpretation of photoluminescence experiments and for the design of efficient small-scale devices.
Electron overflow of AlGaN deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes

We have studied the design, epitaxy, and performance characteristics of deep ultraviolet (UV) AlGaN light emitting diodes (LEDs). By combining the tunnel junction and polarization-engineered AlGaN electron blocking layer, a maximum external quantum efficiency and wall-plug efficiency of 0.35% and 0.21%, respectively, were measured for devices operating at ∼245 nm, which are over one order of magnitude higher than previously reported tunnel junction devices at this wavelength. Severe efficiency droop, however, was measured at very low current densities (∼0.25 A/cm2), which, together with the transverse magnetic (TM) polarized emission, is identified to be the primary limiting factors for the device performance. Detailed electrical and optical analysis further shows that the observed efficiency droop is largely due to an electrical effect instead of an optical phenomenon. Our studies suggest that AlGaN deep UV LEDs with efficiency comparable to InGaN blue-emitting quantum wells can be potentially achieved if issues related to electron overflow and TM polarized emission are effectively addressed.
#JACCCardioOnc: Evolution of a Dedicated Social Media Strategy for JACC: CardioOncology.

Author(s): Brown, Sherry-Ann; Yang, Eric H; Reza, Nosheen; Guha, Avirup; Ismail-Khan, Roohi; Pemmaraju, Naveen; Fradley, Michael G; Lopez-Mattei, Juan
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Patterns of Nodal Disease and Proposed Radiotherapy Target Volumes.

Purpose/Objective(s) Radiotherapy (RT) plays an important role in locoregional control for anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). Due to its rarity, RT guidelines for ATC are lacking. In this single institution retrospective analysis, we describe ATC patterns of nodal disease at presentation, recurrence, and progression and propose corresponding RT target volumes. Materials/Methods We used a prospectively maintained database to identify all ATC patients with definitive or adjuvant IMRT and chemotherapy from 2006 to 2020. Patients receiving palliative RT were excluded. We identified in-field, marginal (within the 40-50 Gy isodose line), and out-of-field sites of locoregional recurrence and progression (LRR). Sites of disease at presentation and LRR were mapped to inform RT target volume recommendations. Results Forty-seven patients met inclusion. Median follow-up was 6.6 months (IQR: 1.9-19.6). Forty-four (93.6%) patients underwent resection. Table 1 summarizes RT nodal coverage and sites of disease. All patients received elective nodal RT to levels II-IV and VI. RT volumes also included: IA (23.4%), IB (44.7%), V (87.2%), VII (27.7%), and mediastinal 1-6 (53.2%). Cumulative incidence of LRR at 3- and 12-months was 26.1% (95% CI: 15.9-42.8) and 35.7% (23.9-53.4). Isolated LRR risk at 3- and 12-months was 6.5% (2.2-19.8) and 8.9% (3.4-22.9). Fourteen (29.8%) in-field LRRs occurred at a median interval of 44 days (range: 15-208) from completion of RT. Sites of in-field LRR included the postoperative thyroid bed, ipsilateral III-IV, VI, 1, and 3A. Four (8.5%) patients experienced marginal LRRs at a median of 35 days (range: 32-139), 3 of whom progressed in the mediastinum at 2, 3P, 4, and 6. Two (4.3%) patients experienced out-of-field LRRs at VII and the contralateral retromolar trigone, respectively. Throughout the pre-treatment and follow-up period, no patients had disease at IA and 1 (2.1%) patient each had disease at IB and VII. Five (10.6%) patients had bilateral neck disease. No baseline or treatment characteristics, including RT dose (stratified by Conclusion Isolated LRR risk in ATC patients treated with comprehensive RT and chemotherapy is low. Complete inclusion of mediastinal levels 1-6 is warranted to avoid marginal failures. Distant recurrence remains common and additional efforts are needed to appropriately select patients for comprehensive treatment. No dose-response relationship was observed between 51 and 70 Gy.
Efficient asymmetric IPsec for secure iSCSI

In this paper we propose a new asymmetric IPsec scheme to enhance the security of data at the remote end, while simultaneously improving the overall performance. The idea is to apply IPsec encryption/decryption in a segmented manner on the iSCSI traffic, such that the user data remains encrypted after leaving the sender, and is decrypted only when it is retrieved by the sender. A dual key cryptographic scheme is proposed where the private key is used to encrypt the iSCSI payload at the sender and traditional IPsec is modified to encrypt/decrypt only on the TCP/iSCSI headers. A development test bed was built using UserMode-Linux virtual machines for developing and debugging the asymmetric IPsec software and running as the sender and receiver to verify the functionality and security features of the proposed design. A benchmark test bed was built with two real PCs where the asymmetric IPsec modules can be dynamically loaded. The performance results show that the existing implementation of the proposed asymmetric IPsec scheme reduces the IPsec processing time by about 25%.
A mathematical model for effect of tumor stroma on rate of metastasis formation

Analysis of the NIH SEER database suggests that the volume-dependence of the rate of metastasis formation is slight. One possible explanation is that metastases arise only from a slowly-proliferating sub-population of tumor cells. However, a large part of the volume of many solid tumors consists of stromal cells, including immune cells, among which macrophages are often the most populous, as well as fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Experimental evidence points to a cooperative role of tumor-associated macrophages and myofibroblasts in tumor cell migration into the circulation; tumor stroma may therefore also significantly affect the metastatic rate. The effect of factors secreted by these cells, as well as cooperativity, appears in many cases to be quite local; hence spatial distribution of the cell populations has an effect on the interactions. A spatially-distributed model is developed for rate of metastatic formation from a solid tumor mass, including macrophages, myofibroblasts, and cell-derived factors involved in recruitment of these cell populations to the tumor, as well as migration and intravasation. Matrix metalloproteinases and the biphasic effect of nitric oxide are considered. The role of TGF-beta , both in promoting EMT (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition) at the tumor site and inhibiting MET (mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition) at the metastatic site is included. The model is used to predict rate of metastasis formation as a function of growing tumor volume. While a few damping effects exist in the system, overall it is difficult to explain a weak dependence on volume. The model provides insight into the important role of stroma in metastasis.
Social Justice and the Research Curriculum

This article presents a study of justice as a concept and value in the research curriculum. Twelve researchers and research instructors were asked to define justice, discuss how it informed their work, and indicate whether a justice focus required special topics, theories, or methods. The conceptual literature on justice, research textbooks, and syllabi were reviewed. Most respondents defined justice broadly, and did not perceive certain topics, theories, or methods as more relevant to justice than others. Further, justice was not systematically discussed in classes, syllabi, and textbooks. Questions for future investigation and implications for social work educators are discussed.
Concordance of Proxy‐Perceived Change and Measured Change in Multiple Domains of Function in Older Persons

Objectives: To compare proxy perceptions about change over 6 months in physical, instrumental, affective, and cognitive functioning of older persons with computed change in patient self-report and performance and patient's own perceptions about change. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Recovery from hip fracture that occurred in community-dwelling persons in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1990–91. The recovery from the sixth to the 12th month postfracture was observed. Participants: One hundred forty-one hip fracture patients aged 65 and older and a self-designated proxy for each. Measurements: For specific tasks of physical and instrumental functioning, proxy perception of change over the previous 6 months asked in the 12th month postfracture was compared with change in criterion measures (subject self-report and observed performance) from the sixth to the 12th month postfracture. For global change over the previous 6 months in each area of functioning, proxy perception was compared with the subject's own perception in the 12th month postfracture. Results: Agreement between proxy perceptions of change and change in criterion measures was poor. There was a general pattern for proxies to overstate improvement and understate deterioration in comparison with change observed in criterion measures for specific tasks of physical and instrumental functioning. Proxies' global perceptions reported subjects improving less and deteriorating more than patients' own perceptions. Conclusion: Proxy perceptions about task-specific and global changes in subjects' functional health over a short period of time are systematically different from patient report and observed performance.
Intraoperative hemodialysis during liver transplantation: A decade of experience

Liver transplantation (LT) for patients with renal dysfunction is frequently complicated by major fluid shifts, acidosis, and electrolyte and coagulation abnormalities. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has been previously shown to ameliorate these problems. We describe the safety and clinical outcomes of intraoperative hemodialysis (IOHD) during LT for a group of patients with high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. We performed a retrospective study at our institution of patients who underwent IOHD from 2002 to 2012. Seven hundred thirty-seven patients underwent transplantation, and 32% received IOHD. The mean calculated MELD score was 37, with 38% having a MELD score ≥ 40. Preoperatively, 61% were in the intensive care unit, 19% were mechanically ventilated, 43% required vasopressor support, and 80% were on some form of renal replacement therapy at the time of transplantation, the majority being on CRRT. Patients on average received 35 U of blood products and 4.8 L of crystalloids without significant changes in hemodynamics or electrolytes. The average urine output was 450 ml, and the average amount of fluid removal with dialysis was 1.8 L. The 90-day patient and dialysis-free survival rates were 90% and 99%, respectively. One-year patient survival rates based on the pretransplant renal replacement status and the MELD status were not statistically different. This is the first large study to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of IOHD in a cohort of critically ill patients with high MELD scores undergoing LT with good patient and renal outcomes. Liver Transpl 20:756-764, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Market Structure for Institutional Investors: Comparing the U.S. and the E.U. Regimes

In 2007, both the U.S. and the E.U. implemented sweeping reforms in the regulation of stock exchange trading and market structure, following diametrically opposite approaches. While the E.U. effort is deregulatory and decentralized, allowing investors' choices to determine how different marketplaces interact, U.S. rules are detailed and interventionist, mandating specific principles for the interaction of orders. To explore the impact of these surprising choices of regulatory design, this article focuses on institutional investors, who have come to dominate stock exchange trading in recent years. Because these investors trade in large blocks, their orders may affect the stock price to their detriment, increasing their liquidity costs. However, the new U.S. rules limit institutional investors' flexibility in choosing a trading strategy that would reduce their liquidity costs effectively. As a result, these rules introduce unnecessary volatility in the market and may harm the informational value of stock prices. Instead, the European framework relies on disclosure of quote and last sale information, and helps investors monitor market participants more successfully.
Assessing poisoning risks related to storage of household hazardous materials: using a focus group to improve a survey questionnaire.

Background In fall of 2004, the authors began an investigation to characterize the correlations between the storage of Household Hazardous Materials and the associated health risks, particularly to children. The study area selected was Genesee County, Michigan, near Flint, with data to be collected by a phone survey of residents and through the acquisition of county hospital records containing procedure codes indicating treatment for poison emergencies, and review of poison control center data.
Polarization of Primary Human Monocytes by IFN-γ Induces Chromatin Changes and Recruits RNA Pol II to the TNF-α Promoter

Monocyte polarization by IFN-gamma or IL-4 drives a complex series of cellular responses leading to increased intracellular killing (IFN-gamma) or enhanced healing (IL-4) among other functional responses. We studied the effect of IL-4 and IFN-gamma polarization on histone modifications at the TNF-alpha locus in human primary monocytes. IFN-gamma polarization markedly increased the expression of TNF-alpha, whereas IL-4 treatment decreased the expression. We found that IFN-gamma alone increased histone H4 acetylation at the TNF-alpha promoter. The effect of IFN-gamma on TNF-alpha expression was durable upon cytokine washout and even repolarization with IL-4. Concordantly, IFN-gamma-mediated H4 acetylation was also durable. IFN-gamma recruited activating transcription factor-2 via p38 to the TNF-alpha promoter, but inhibition of p38 had minimal effect on H4 acetylation. In a novel finding, we found that IFN-gamma recruited RNA Pol II to the human TNF-alpha promoter via ERK signaling, but did so without initiating transcription, leading to a poised condition. These studies provide an important perspective on monocyte polarization. Polarization by IFN-gamma has a durable effect on TNF-alpha expression, and histone acetylation may provide a mechanism for persistence of the effect.
Two-Center Integrals Involving Correlated Orbitals. I. Inclusion of James-Coolidge or HylleraasrijnTerms

All integrals needed to evaluate the correlated wave functions with polynomial terms of inter-electronic distance are included. For this form of the wave function, the integrals needed can be expressed as a product of integrals involving at most four electrons.
An Asilomar moment

As governments in the US and Europe contemplate legislation that would divert funding of some genomics-driven research to Offices of Homeland Security and the like, and that would restrict the freedom of biologists to publish and share some of their data, we of the scientific community are facing a crisis, brought on by fears of bioterrorism, that eerily mirrors the early days of recombinant DNA research.
Promoting Health by Addressing Basic Needs Effect of Problem Resolution on Contacting Health Referrals

Members of vulnerable populations have heightened needs for health services. One advantage of integrating health risk assessment and referrals into social service assistance systems such as 2-1-1 is that such systems help callers resolve problems in other areas (e.g., housing). Callers to 2-1-1 in Missouri (N= 1,090) with at least one behavioral risk factor or cancer screening need were randomly assigned to one of three health referral interventions: verbal referrals only, verbal referrals + a tailored mailed reminder, or verbal referrals + telephone health navigator. After 1 month, we assessed whether the nonhealth problems that prompted the 2-1-1 call had been resolved. Logistic regression estimated effects of having the problem resolved on calling a health referral. Callers were predominantly female (85%) and had a high school education or less (61%); nearly half (47%) had incomes under $10,000. The most common service requests were for utility assistance (35%), home/family problems (23%), and rent/mortgage assistance (12%). At follow-up, 38% of callers reported that all problems prompting their 2-1-1 call had been resolved, and 24% reported calling a health referral. Resolving all problems prompting the 2-1-1 call was associated with a higher odds of contacting a health referral (odds ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval [1.02, 2.05]) compared to people whose problems were not resolved. Multifaceted interventions that help meet non-health-related needs and provide support in reaching health-related goals may promote health in vulnerable populations.
Musculoskeletal pain in gynecologic surgeons.

Abstract Objective To describe the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and symptoms in gynecologic surgeons. Design Prospective cross-sectional survey study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting Virtual. All study participants were contacted and participated via electronic means. Participants Gynecologic surgeons. Interventions An anonymous, web-based survey was distributed to gynecologic surgeons via electronic newsletters and direct E-mail. Measurements and Main Results There were 495 respondents with complete data. When respondents were queried about their musculoskeletal symptoms in the past 12 months, they reported a high prevalence of lower back (75.6%) and neck (72.9%) pain and a slightly lower prevalence of shoulder (66.6%), upper back (61.6%), and wrist/hand (60.9%) pain. Many respondents believed that performing surgery caused or worsened the pain, ranging from 76.3% to 82.7% in these five anatomic regions. Women are at an approximately twofold risk of pain, with adjusted odds ratios (OR) of 1.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–3.2; p = .02) in the lower back region, OR 2.6 (95% CI, 1.4–4.8; p = .002) in the upper back, and OR 2.9 (95% CI, 1.8–4.6; p = .001) in the wrist/hand region. Conclusion Musculoskeletal symptoms are highly prevalent among gynecologic surgeons. Female sex is associated with approximately twofold risk of reported pain in commonly assessed anatomic regions.
Monotherapy for stage T1–T2 prostate cancer: radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, or permanent seed implantation

Abstract Background and Purpose To review the freedom from biochemical recurrence (FBR) rates after permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB), external beam radiotherapy (RT) to a minimum 70Gy, or radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinically localized stage T1–T2 adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Patients and Methods The study cohort consisted of 1819 consecutively treated clinical stage T1–T2 (AJCC 1997) localized prostate cancer patients between 1992 and 1998. All patients received monotherapy treatment without additional adjuvant therapy. The distribution by treatment modality was as follows: RT for 340, RP for 746, and PPB for 733 cases. The median follow-up time was 58 months for all cases (51 months for PPB cases, 56 months for RT cases, and 64 months for RP cases). Biochemical relapse was defined as to be detectable PSA levels in RP cases, and the ASTRO consensus panel definition for the RT and PPB cases. Results The 7-year FBR rates for PPB vs EBRT vs RP were 74, 77, and 79%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified iPSA ( P P Conclusions Pretreatment PSA levels, and biopsy Gleason score determined outcome in this study cohort. Biochemical failure rates in this study cohort are similar between PPB, RT, and RP as monotherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer.
Origin of the Columbia Plateau and Snake River plain: Deflection of the Yellowstone plume

Previous models relating the Snake River plain and Columbia River Basalt (northwest United States) to the Yellowstone plume have not taken into account the effects of the subducted Farallon and Juan de Fuca plates. Not only did subduction shield the surface from mantle plume activity, but it deflected the plume in the direction of plate motion. A variety of geophysical and geologic evidence suggests that the plume penetrated the subducted slab at ∼17.5 Ma, causing eruption of the Columbia River Basalt. The plate boundary then migrated over the plume, and the Yellowstone plume has recovered to a more nearly vertical conduit, forming the Snake River plain and Yellowstone plateau.
Isotropic Hilbert spatial filtering

Abstract The Hilbert transform spatial filtering method is a descendant of the knife edge method for testing lenses, mirrors, and other phase objects. So far, the Hilbert method is not angular-isotropic. In other words, when rotating the object, not only will the image rotate, but the image will also change its appearance drastically. We present a modified Hilbert method that does not suffer from this angular anisotropy.
Electronic Energy Gap in Ferromagnets Due to a Strong Internal Magnetic Field

The internal field in $3d$ ferromagnets is sufficiently strong that the motion of conduction electrons is affected to the extent that Landau quantization effects can be important. At low temperature we consider the scattering of conduction electrons from magnetic moments which are antiparallel to the direction of spontaneous magnetization and find an energy gap exists in the electronic energy spectrum. The current-carrying gap state gives rise to a frequency-dependent transverse conductivity which is enormous in the zero-frequency limit, suggesting an alternative mechanism for the spontaneous Hall effect in ferromagnets.
Orientationally enhanced photocurrent and electrooptic modulation effects in bacteriorhodopsin/polyvinyl alcohol thin films

Polymeric films of bacteriorhodopsin, formed by embedding purple membrane fragments into a poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix without field poling, exhibit modulated photocurrent and electrooptic effects when an AC modulating rectangular voltage or a sinusoidal voltage is applied across the films. When the modulating frequencies are lower than 100 Hz, both effects are enhanced by the orientation of the purple membrane fragments and exhibit two different orientational time constants. The orientational enhancement at low frequencies (∼7.1 Hz) arises from the permanent dipole moments of membranes, and the enhancement at higher frequencies (∼74.8 Hz) is attributed to the induced dipole moments of the purple membrane molecules. For quantitative analyses of these processes, a theoretical model is proposed. From the combination of model calculations and fitted experimental results, we determine that the permanent dipole moment of the membrane material is ∼33 kD and the induced dipole moment is ∼10-13 cm3. We also demons...
Double Descent and Its Correlates among the Herero of Ngamiland

TRUE double or dual descent, i.e., the utilization in one society of both patrilineal and matrilineal principles of affiliation resulting in two lineage systems cross-cutting each other, has been found in scattered examples from several parts of the world (Murdock 1940). Our knowledge of the variety and operation of some African double descent systems has been greatly enhanced by recent studies by British anthropologists of the "structural-functional"
Acidic mist and nitrogen fertilization effects on growth, nitrate reductase activity, gas exchange, and frost hardiness of red spruce seedlings

summary Acidic deposition may contribute to the decline of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) in eastern North America; response to acidic mist may depend on mist content and plant nutrient status. We grew red spruce seedlings with high or low nitrogen fertilization to roots (other elements in constant proportion to N), exposed only shoots to pH 3.0, high sulphate (10:1, S:N) or high nitrate (1:10, S:N) mist for 5 wk, then moved seedlings outdoors for cold acclimation. Effects of mist content were found until the third week of cold acclimation. Foliar necrosis was higher after exposure to sulphate than to nitrate mist and greater in older than new needles. Sulphate-misted seedlings had lower new-shoot biomass, shoot water content, and nitrate reductase activity, and higher foliar sulphur levels than nitrate-misted seedlings. They also had greater needle frost hardiness (estimated by electrolyte leakage) at the start of cold acclimation. Effects of fertilization were found throughout the experiment. High-N fertilization increased biomass, tissue N level, and shoot water content, and decreased foliar necrosis from mist. During cold acclimation, high-N seedlings had lower transpiration and photosynthetic rates and higher water use efficiency than low-N seedlings. High-N fertilization increased needle frost hardiness after 5 wk of acclimation and decreased visible needle injury after an outdoor frost. However, high-N seedlings had fewer needle primordia in terminal buds and more bud frost-damage than low-N seedlings. Fertilization, mist content, and their interaction strongly affected seedlings, showing that nutrient status can influence the response of red spruce to acidic deposition and frost.
Dye-sensitized photoinactivation of the lactic dehydrogenase and acetylcholinesterase from the boll weevil, Anthonomous grandis

Abstract The lactic dehydrogenase and acetylcholinesterase enzymes of the boll weevil, Anthonomous grandis , have been shown to be inactivated by dye-sensitized photooxidation mediated by substituted xanthenes. The efficiency of the photooxidation reaction was correlated with the degree of halogenation of the dye molecule, the efficiency of the dye in singlet oxygen formation, and the strength of binding to lactic dehydrogenase. Changes in the in vivo levels of these enzymes due to ingestion of rose bengal by adult weevils are not further modified in the presence of light.
In-plane correlations between protons and deuterons for 16O-induced reactions on 27A1 and 197Au at 310 MeV

Abstract In-plane correlation between two light particles have been investigated for 16O induced reactions on 27A1 and 197Au targets at 310 MeV incident energy. Within the statistical accuracy of the experiment no differences could be established for the shapes of singles and coincidence proton spectra. The importance of kinematical correlation imposed by energy and momentum conservation for finite equilibrated systems is pointed out. The observed angular correlations are not explained by simply assuming a maxwellian spectrum in the rest frame of a single moving source.
Optical diagnostics for temperature measurement in a DC arcjet reactor used for diamond deposition

a-state in this plume. LIF measurements of CH are complicated by the presence of C3 and we discuss strategies to deal with this interference. The gas temperature describing the rotational distributions obtained for NO, C2 and CH agree within experimental error. Optical emission measurements indicate that the rotational and vibrational distributions of the excited A-state of CH and a-state of C2 are characterized by vibrational and rotational populations which are at least 1000 K above the ground state distributions. The excited states are collisionally quenched before their population distributions equilibrate with the gas temperature. We also determine relative populations of the ground and excited states along the axis of the plume between the arcjet nozzle and the substrate and relative populations for a cross section of the jet, midway between the nozzle orifice and the substrate. The measured relative ground and excited state populations for both CH and C2 show different trends along the plume axis, indicating that the ground and excited states of these molecules are products of different chemical mechanisms; such mechanisms are discussed.
Lyme Disease: Laboratory Issues

This article describes the laboratory modalities available to confirm the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Use and limitations of these methods are discussed. Current guidelines for the use of recommended serologic methods and discussion of newer methods also are provided.
Physical and rheological characterization of poly(aryloxyphosphazene) copolymers

A series of poly(aryloxyphosphazene)s was prepared with phenoxy and p-ethylphenoxy substituents in various ratios. The thermal, morphological, and rheological properties of this series of polymers were studied by differential thermal analysis, x-ray analysis, and rheometrics mechanical spectroscopy. Thermal analysis showed that the resulting polymers follow melting-point-depression- and glass-transition-temperature-composition relationships expected of random copolymers. The lower first-order transition temperature [T(1)] disappears near equimolar substitution while the higher first-order transition temperature (Tm) persists over the whole range of compositions. X-ray analysis revealed that crystalline order in the polymer chain direction is destroyed by nearly equimolar substitution but lateral order remains. The rheological characterization of a copolymer with nearly equimolar substitution showed that the polymer is in a pseudocrosslinked state indicating the existence of chain-to-chain interactions. When a small amount of an antioxidant (6-dodecyl-1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline) is added, the lateral order of the copolymer is destroyed, and its rubbery plateau modulus decreases by several fold.
Pollymerization-Depolymerizatic Tobacco Mosaic Virus Protein

Knight and Lauffer1 reported that nucleic acid-free protein, obtained by degrading tobacco mosaic virus in alkaline solutions, tended to aggregate to form rapidly sedimenting particles. Schramm2 showed that nucleic acid-free rod-like particles resembling tobacco mosaic virus but void of activity could be obtained by allowing the protein, isolated after mild alkaline treatment of the virus, to aggregate. The structure of these nucleic acid-free protein rods has been shown by Franklin3 to be similar to that of the intact virus, except for the absence of nucleic acid. In other words, the protein sub-units are arranged in a giant helix around a hollow core.
The role of leaders in enabling student voice

This article explores how leadership can help to enable student voice to occur in schools. We find that the relationship between teachers and the school leader is a critical context for enabling vo...
Antigenic relationships of murine coronaviruses: Analysis using monoclonal antibodies to JHM (MHV-4) virus

Monoclonal antibodies were produced to JHMV-DL, a neurotropic member of the mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) or murine coronavirus group. Of 23 antibodies isolated, 10 were specific for the major envelope glycoprotein, gp180/90, 10 for the nucleocapsid protein, pp60, and 3 for the minor envelope glycoprotein, gp25. Eleven different MHV isolates were used in antibody binding assays to study antigenic relationships among the viruses. Each MHV isolate tested had a unique pattern of antibody binding, indicating that each is a distinct strain. Conservation of JHMV-DL antigenic determinants varied among the three proteins, with pp60 showing intermediate conservation, gp180/90 little conservation, and gp25 marked conservation in the different MHV strains. Monoclonal antibodies to pp60 proved most useful in delineating antigenic relationships among MHV strains. These antigenic groups correlated with pathogenic types, indicating that pp60 may be one of the gene products which mediates the distinct disease patterns manifested by different murine coronaviruses.
Effects of early postmyocardial infarction exercise testing on self-perception and subsequent physical activity

The effects of exercise testing 3 weeks after clinically uncomplicated myocardial infarction (MI) on subsequent physical activity were evaluated in 40 consecutive men with a mean age of 52 +/- 9 years. Patients' confidence in their ability to perform various physical activities was evaluated with self-efficacy scales which patients completed before and after a symptom-limited treadmill exercise test. Increases in confidence (self-efficacy) for activities similar to treadmill exercise (walking, stair climbing, and running) were greatest after treadmill exercise, whereas increases for dissimilar activities (sexual intercourse and lifting) were greatest after test results were explained by a physician and nurse. The intensity and duration of subsequent physical activity at home were more highly correlated with self-efficacy after treadmill exercise than with peak treadmill heart rate. Of the 8 patients whose treadmill tests were limited by angina pectoris, 7 had self-efficacy scores which remained low after treadmill testing or which decreased from initially high values after treadmill testing. These patients had lower peak heart rates and work loads than patients whose self-efficacy increased or remained high after treadmill testing. After MI, patients' perception of their capacity for physical activity and their actual patterns of subsequent physical activity are influenced by early treadmill testing in a manner which is congruent with these patients' treadmill performance.
A Wavelet-Based Multilevel Approach for Blind Deconvolution Problems

We develop a multilevel approach to solving a blind deconvolution problem, with the ultimate intent of recovering signals which are known to have edges. First, we discuss how to generate a hierarchy of blind deconvolution problems by means of the Haar wavelet transform, and we give a modified regularized total least norm approach for solving the resulting coarse-grid problems. Use of the Haar wavelet transform for intergrid manipulation is motivated by the fact that they can preserve desirable properties of the blurring matrix when restricted to the coarse grid, and because their orthonormality helps with the interpretability of the noise and subproblems in the hierarchy. Recognizing that in blind deconvolution problems the blurring matrices are often assumed to be structured, we subsequently discuss treatment of the case when both the known linear operator and the unknown perturbation to the operator are banded Toeplitz matrices. For this case, since the matrix structure is inherited at coarser levels, a...
United Nations Global Compact: The Promise–Performance Gap

The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) was created in 2000 to leverage UN prestige and induce corporations to embrace 10 principles incorporating values of environmental sustainability, protection of human rights, fair treatment of workers, and elimination of bribery and corruption. We review and analyze the GC’s activities and impact in enhancing corporate social responsibility since inception. First, we propose an analytical framework which allows us to assess the qualities of the UNGC and its principles in the context of external and internal elements that influence code effectiveness and implementation. Second, we analyze UNGC performance in encouraging companies to become signatory members and bring about demonstrable change in corporate CSR-sustainability activities. In its 10-year report, UNGC has proclaimed growth in both membership and program activity. However, all credible and publicly available data and documentation conclusively demonstrate that the UNGC has failed to induce its signatory companies to enhance their CSR efforts and integrate the 10 principles in their policies and operations. The result has been a loss of public trust and support of UNGC from important constituencies among civil society organizations, and those individuals and groups adversely impacted by corporate activities and resultant negative externalities. This diminished credibility has also made UNGC largely dependent on the corporate sector for its very survival. We conclude that this dependence has in turn impaired and would continue to hinder UNGC’s ability to fulfill its mission. Such an outcome raises serious questions as to the viability, usefulness, and continued existence of UNGC.
Cerebral type 2 astroglia are heterogeneous with respect to their ability to respond to neuroligands linked to calcium mobilization.

Very little information is available concerning the pharmacology of type 2 astroglia. During the past decade it has become apparent that two distinct lineages of astroglial cells can be defined in vitro. These two lineages are commonly referred to as type 1 and type 2 and are distinguished from each other on the basis of their morphological features and antigenic phenotypes. In contrast to type 1 astroglia, very little is known about the pharmacology of type 2 astroglia. The lack of information concerning the responsiveness of these cells stems primarily from difficulties encountered in isolating large numbers of type 2 astroglia free of other cell types. In the present study video- and photometer-based imaging systems were used to monitor the influence of a series of neuroligands on the intracellular calcium levels of individual cerebral type 2 astroglia in order to assess their expression of calcium-mobilizing receptors. The responses of 85 immunocytochemically identified cerebral type 2 astroglia to bradykinin (BK), norepinephrine (NE), histamine (HIST), carbachol (CARB), 2-methyl-thio ATP (2MT-ATP), glutamate (GLUT), and serotonin (5-HT) were analyzed. Approximately 50% of cerebral type 2 astroglia responded to BK, NE, HIST, CARB, and 2MT-ATP whereas only 16% and 9% of the cells responded to GLUT and 5-HT, respectively. The number of neuroligands that increased calcium in individual cells ranged from 0 to 6. These responses are quite similar to those previously demonstrated in cultured cerebral type 1 astroglia. No pattern of receptor co-expression was observed for the different neuroligands tested. While variable, distinct differences were observed in the time course of the calcium responses elicited by different neuroligands. The present study demonstrates that cultured cerebral type 2 astroglia are heterogenous when judged by their ability to respond to neuroligands with a rise in intracellular calcium.
Evolution of the MG

Evolutionary principles can be applied to the development of the sportscar of the genus MG after its migration to the United States.
Variability of macrobenthic diversity and distributions in Alaskan sub-Arctic and Arctic marine systems with application to worldwide Arctic Systems

Long-term data from Port Valdez and short-term data from the northeastern Chukchi Sea were reviewed to gain insights into temporal drivers of macrobenthic biodiversity in Alaskan marine systems. Climate indices associated with oceanographic processes, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation in the North Pacific, and the Arctic Oscillation in the Arctic, were strongly correlated with macrobenthic density and taxon richness, indicating inadequacies of inferences concerning biodiversity from short-term studies as shifts in benthic assemblages are possible when influenced by climate-driven changes in water circulation. Species accumulation curves demonstrate that less than 50 % of biodiversity information may be captured in an area within two years, independent of sampling scale, with 90 % captured in 17 years. Additionally, assumptions of water temperature as a limiting factor for benthic organisms may not hold in Alaska as many organisms are widely dispersed across temperature regimes and, instead, some species may be limited by regional-scale biological interactions. Thus, species-specific investigations of life history and environmental tolerances together with long-term data sets are needed to predict future climate-driven responses to better conserve and manage resources. The two study areas share 33 % of species in common as a result of oceanographic linkages indicating that past geological history is as important as current oceanographic conditions for our understanding of the present. Better availability and retrospective analyses of historic data will contribute to a greater understanding of macroscale ecological patterns. The study also demonstrates the importance of considering broader studies in management decisions, like the long-term Port Valdez study, that can inform decision processes for research in Arctic seas.
Vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of complex gynecologic wound failures.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Complex wound failures are a source of significant morbidity and mortality. They are costly and time consuming to treat, and may evolve into chronic, debilitating conditions. Vacuum-assisted closure is a novel wound healing technique applying subatmospheric pressure to wounds to expedite healing. CASES: We report the successful use of vacuum-assisted closure therapy on three patients on a gynecologic oncology service with complex wound failures of various chronicity. In all cases, vacuum-assisted closure therapy was well tolerated and demonstrated efficacy within 48 hours of initiation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that vacuum-assisted closure therapy should be included in the armamentarium of the gynecologist addressing complex wound failures.