cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FACTORS AFFECTING RED SPRUCE REGENERATION IN DECLINING AREAS OF CAMELS HUMP MOUNTAIN, VERMONT'

Scarcity of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) seedlings in declining spruce-fir forests of Camels Hump mountain, Vermont, prompted a study on some contributing factors involved in failure of spruce regeneration. Cones were shorter than those from low elevation red spruce trees from unaffected sites. Seed number in cones collected in declining areas of Camels Hump was low as were seed sizes and weights. Seed germination was at control levels only in good seed years. Capacity of seeds to form seedlings was reduced relative to that of controls, although seedling growth was normal. Coniferous litter contains presumed allelopathic substances leachable by contemporary precipitations that affect seed germination and seedling root development in red spruce, but not in balsam fir. Shield fern contains leachable substances that reduce seed germination and seedling root development in red spruce, but not balsam fir. Roots of red spruce germlings have lower capacity to penetrate through the increased forest duff depths of declining forests than do balsam fir roots. It is anticipated that substantial reproduction of red spruce will not occur in declining montane conifer forests under 'present conditions.
Endocrine function of neuropeptide Y knockout mice

Among its many proposed functions, neuropeptide Y (NPY) is thought to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Specifically, increased hypothalamic NPY signaling may be critical in mediating the neuroendocrine response to fasting. To determine the consequences of NPY deficiency on endocrine physiology, multiple hormones were quantitated in wildtype and NPY-knockout mice under fed and fasted conditions. Serum concentrations of leptin, corticosterone, thyroxine, and testosterone were normal in NPY-knockout males fed ad libitum. A 48-hour fast resulted in a 50% reduction in leptin, a 60% reduction in thyroxine, a 75% reduction in testosterone, and a 12-fold increase in corticosterone in both wildtype and NPY-knockout mice. Fasting also increased the estrous cycle length by 3 days in both wildtype and NPY-deficient female mice. We conclude that NPY is not essential for appropriate function of the gonadotropic, thyrotropic, or corticotropic axes under ad lib fed conditions or in response to acute fasting.
Nodosculda Fisherorum, New Genus and New Species of Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopoda: Sculdidae) from the Cretaceous (Late Albian) of Texas, USA

The order Stomatopoda comprises a large number of modern representatives but only a relatively small number of fossil representatives. This low number of fossil mantis shrimp could be attributed to the fact that, in general, they have a poorly calcified cuticle, and their body is highly articulated and flexible, as compared to decapods, which may lead to a high rate of disarticulation and decomposition. A new genus, and species of Cretaceous stomatopod is described from a clastic, shallow water environment, of what today is north-east Texas. Nodosculda fisherorum n. gen. n. sp. is a relatively small mantis shrimp characterized by strong, defensive ornament on the carapace, thorax, and pleon. Although preserved in clastic sediments, these specimens show a remarkably good state of preservation. Articulated pleopods with attached setae, and muscle fibers have been identified on the pleon.
Detection performance of LPI waveforms of chaotic spread-spectrum systems with antenna arrays

Low probability of intercept (LPI) performance of a direct-sequence (DS) spread-spectrum (SS) system with chaotic spreading sequences has recently been investigated considering energy detectors, synchronous/asynchronous and coherent/noncoherent intercept receivers with a binary detection approach. In this paper, a simple detection scheme using two antenna elements is proposed to detect the presence of chaotic signals. The detection probabilities under the proposed method are derived and expressed in terms of the antenna spacing. Comparisons between systems using binary correlation methods and the proposed methods are given in terms of the LPI performance. The improvement of the detection performance under the proposed detection method is observed.
Photodynamic antifungal activities of nanostructured fabrics grafted with rose bengal and phloxine B against Aspergillus fumigatus

This study demonstrates that nanostructured fabrics grafted with rose bengal (RB) and phloxine B (PB) have photodynamic antifungal effects on Aspergillus fumigatus. RB and PB were attached to vinyl benzyl chloride, and, subsequently, this was polymerized with acrylic acid and styrene sulfonic acid to produce long, water-soluble polymers to attach to the fabric surface. This gave high grafting yield and photodynamic antifungal activity against A. fumigatus. In RB and PB microdilution tests, there was no visible turbidity at 63 µmol/L. When polymerized RB and PB were incorporated into fabrics, the actions of polymerized RB and PB resulted in less hyphal growth and germination of conidia on A. fumigatus than the free RB and PB dyes. Nanostructured fabrics created by bonding RB- or PB-containing polymers to electrospun nylon mats exhibited higher concentrations of the dyes, equivalent to 86 µmol/L. The microstructured fabrics created by bonding RB- or PB-containing polymers to spunbonded nylon nonwoven fabrics only exhibited the equivalent of 32 µmol/L of the dyes. The nanostructured fabrics had a specific surface area of 28.1 m2/g, whereas the microfabric had 1.5 m2/g. Thus, the nanostructured fabrics increased the surface area 18.7× and the reflectance percent 16.2× when compared with the microstructured fabrics. This resulted in much higher photodynamic antifungal activity against A. fumigatus. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42114.
Validation of landslide hazard assessment by means of GPS monitoring technique – a case study in the Dolomites (Eastern Alps, Italy)

Abstract. In the last years a research project aimed at the assessment of the landslide hazard and susceptibility in the high Cordevole river basin (Eastern Dolomites, Italy) have been carried out. The hazard map was made adopting the Swiss Confederation semi-deterministic approach that takes into account parameters such as velocity, geometry and frequency of landslides. Usually these parameters are collected by means of geological and morphological surveys, historical archive researches, aerophotogrammetric analysis etc. In this framework however the dynamics of an instable slope can be difficult to determine. This work aims at illustrating some progress in landslide hazard assessment using a modified version of the Swiss Confederation semi-deterministic approach in which the values of some parameters have been refined in order to accomplish more reliable results in hazard assessment. A validation of the accuracy of these new values, using GPS and inclinometric measurements, has been carried out on a test site located inside the high Cordevole river basin.
Complexity Generated by Iteration of Hierarchical Modules in Bryozoa

SYNOPSIS. Growth in colonial organisms by iteration of modules inherently provides for an increase in available morpho-ecospace relative to their solitary relatives. Therefore, the interpretation of the functional or evolutionary significance of complexity within groups that exhibit modular growth may need to be considered under criteria modified from those used to interpret complexity in solitary organisms. Primary modules, corresponding to individuals, are the fundamental building blocks of a colonial organism. Groups of primary modules commonly form a second-order modular unit, such as a branch, which may then be iterated to form a more complex colony. Aspects of overall colony form, along with their implications for ecology and evolution, are reflected in second-order modular (structural) units to a far greater degree than by primary modular units (zooids). A colony generated by modular growth can be classified by identifying its second-order modular (structural) unit and then by characterizing the nature and relationships of these iterated units within the colony. This approach to classifying modular growth habits provides a standardized terminology and allows for direct comparison of a suite of functionally analogous character states among taxa with specific parameters of their ecology.
Structural Isomers of Ti2O4 and Zr2O4 Anions Identified by Slow Photoelectron Velocity-Map Imaging Spectroscopy

High-resolution anion photoelectron spectra are reported for the group 4 metal dioxide clusters Ti2O4– and Zr2O4–. Slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging (SEVI) spectroscopy of cryogenically cooled, mass-selected anions yields photoelectron spectra with submillielectronvolt resolution, revealing extensive and well-resolved vibrational progressions. By comparison of the spectra with Franck–Condon simulations, we have identified the C2v and C3v isomers as the ground states of Ti2O4– and Zr2O4– anions, respectively. Minor contributions from the C2h isomer of Ti2O4– and the C2v isomer of Zr2O4– are also seen. The SEVI spectra yield upper bounds for the adiabatic detachment energies, as well as vibrational frequencies for various modes of the neutral Ti2O4 and Zr2O4 species.
Endotoxin tolerance dysregulates MyD88- and Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-β-dependent pathways and increases expression of negative regulators of TLR signaling

Endotoxin tolerance reprograms cell responses to LPS by repressing expression of proinflammatory cytokines, while not inhibiting production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial effectors. Molecular mechanisms of induction and maintenance of endotoxin tolerance are incompletely understood, particularly with regard to the impact of endotoxin tolerization on signalosome assembly, activation of adaptor-kinase modules, and expression of negative regulators of TLR signaling in human cells. In this study, we examined LPS-mediated activation of MyD88-dependent and Toll-IL-1R-containing adaptor inducing IFN-β (TRIF)-dependent pathways emanating from TLR4 and expression of negative regulators of TLR signaling in control and endotoxin-tolerant human monocytes. Endotoxin tolerization suppressed LPS-inducible TLR4-TRIF and TRIF-TANK binding kinase (TBK)1 associations, induction of TBK1 kinase activity, activation of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-3, and expression of RANTES and IFN-β. Tolerance-mediated dysregulation of the TLR4-TRIF-TBK1 signaling module was accompanied by increased levels of suppressor of IκB kinase-e (SIKE) and sterile α and Armadillo motif-containing molecule (SARM). LPS-tolerant cells showed increased expression of negative regulators Toll-interacting protein (Tollip), suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1, IL-1R-associated kinase-M, and SHIP-1, which correlated with reduced p38 phosphorylation, IκB-α degradation, and inhibited expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. To examine functional consequences of increased expression of Tollip in LPS-tolerized cells, we overexpressed Tollip in 293/TLR4/MD-2 transfectants and observed blunted LPS-inducible activation of NF-κB and RANTES, while TNF-α responses were not affected. These data demonstrate dysregulation of TLR4-triggered MyD88- and TRIF-dependent signaling pathways and increased expression of negative regulators of TLR signaling in endotoxin-tolerant human monocytes.
Low oxygen levels in earliest Triassic soils

An earliest Triassic methane postapocalyptic greenhouse following the Permian-Triassic (P-T) extinction event was proposed on the basis of evidence of deeply weathered paleosols at high latitudes with features of low-latitude soils, and low stomatal index values of seed fern leaves. Reexamination of distinctive phyllosilicates, unique to a single stratigraphic level, in paleosols located just above the isotopically defined Permian-Triassic boundary in Australia and Antarctica furnishes additional tests of this hypothesis. Illite is the dominant clay mineral in earliest Triassic paleosols from Antarctica, but the paleosols also contain conspicuous green nodules of coarsely crystalline berthierine. Examples from the geologic record and from experimental studies indicate that the formation of berthierine is restricted to reducing conditions. The occurrence of this unusual mineral in soils may indicate soil oxygen consumption by the influx of atmospheric methane to form carbon dioxide, which in turn warmed the earliest Triassic, giving rise to a postapocalyptic greenhouse.
Will You Be My CF Mentor

Abstract This article defines “mentor” and “supervisor” as the terms relate to the Issues and Ethics Statement put forth by ASHA in 2007. In addition, the article provides the reader with a rationa...
Did the Whistle-Stop Campaign Matter?

have long been thought to have relatively minimal effects (Finkel 1993), recent literature suggests a more definitive role for campaigns in determining election outcomes (Campbell 2000, 2001; Holbrook 1996; Shaw 1999). This articles contributes to this growing body of research by focusing on a campaign that is widely viewed (albeit in the absence of much empirical analysis) as having been decisive-the presidential campaign of 1948.
Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling circuits with two supply voltages

This paper presents circuits that enable dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) for fine-grained chip multi-processors to reduce both dynamic and leakage power dissipation. Each processor can run on either a high voltage or low voltage power supply, or disconnect from both. Switching between power supplies is performed dynamically, where scaling decisions are based on each processor's workload, allowing for reduced power consumption without a significant impact on performance. Tradeoffs in performance versus circuit area and supply noise are examined. The DVFS circuits are designed in a wrapper around each individual processor, resulting in a 12% area overhead. DVFS operation utilizing supply voltages of 1.3 V and 0.8 V on a nine-processor JPEG application reduces average energy consumption by 48% while reducing performance by only 8%.
Abdominal myomectomy—a safe procedure in an ambulatory setting

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of minilaparotomy myomectomy in an ambulatory setting. Design Retrospective, nonrandomized study. Setting Center for Assisted Reproduction, Bedford, Texas. Patient(s) One hundred eighty-nine women desiring fertility with symptomatic uterine leiomyomata. Intervention(s) Minilaparotomy myomectomy in an ambulatory setting. Main Outcome Measure(s) Operative time, blood loss, recovery time, postoperative analgesia, and complications. Result(s) The mean diameter of the largest leiomyoma was 4.4 cm (range, 1–14 cm). The mean number and weight of the leiomyomata was 4.9 (range, 1–35) and 109.8 gm (range, 1–1,165 g), respectively. The mean operative time was 73 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 96 mL. On average, patients required 3.5 hours of recovery time. In the recovery room, patients received a mean of 12 mg of morphine/37 mg of meperidine for pain control postoperatively before discharge home. Only one major complication, pulmonary edema related to extubation, occurred. Conclusion(s) This study demonstrates that minilaparotomy myomectomy, when performed using a systematic operative technique, can be accomplished in an outpatient setting with minimal blood loss, fast recovery time, and a low complication rate. Postoperatively, patients require minimal analgesia, which permits them to be discharged home the same day. Minilaparotomy myomectomy is a safe, cost-effective treatment of most symptomatic uterine leiomyomata in an ambulatory setting.
Fabrication and characterization of spinel magnetic nanoparticle thin film transmission lines

Spinel magnetic nanoparticle thin films were fabricated on high resistivity silicon substrates. TRL (through-reflect-line) calibration standards for CPW lines were fabricated on samples of high resistivity silicon with and without the magnetic thin film. Measurements show an increase of approximately 0.3 in the effective combined dielectric/magnetic constant for a film thickness of 100 nm. Capacitors are fabricated to determine the relative permittivity of the thin film. The relative permeability is determined using comparisons of the measured effective dielectric/magnetic constant with simulated data.
Is knowledge of health behavior associated with low birth weight

Objective: To examine the relationship of patient knowledge concerning seven health behaviors identified by the U.S. Public Health Service Expert Panel and low birth weight.Methods: Interviews of 538 women delivering at an inner-city hospital in New Orleans were conducted. Information concerning patient characteristics, health behavior knowledge, and birth weight was collected. Data were analyzed as dichotomous and compared using odds ratios. Logistic regression was chosen to calculate adjusted odds ratios, including only factors found to be associated with the tested end point, low birth weight.Results: A majority of women knew all seven health behavior items. Individual items were known by ≥80% of respondents. Knowledge associated with low birth weight included avoidance of alcohol and drugs, taking of prenatal vitamins, and following a proper diet. Information on all seven was not associated with a reduction in low birth weight. Other factors found to be associated with low birth weight included inadeq...
Who cares? A lesson from pakistan on the health of living donors.

As a fresh-faced first year medical student in London several decades ago I was approached in hushed tones by one of my classmates who feared he would lose his prestigious spot on the university rugby team because of an abnormal urinalysis. He needed a pristine sample of urine that I happily provided, several times in fact, until his place in the team was secured. Twenty years later the tables were turned on me when purchasing a life insurance policy. The ‘doctor’ evaluating me accompanied me to the lavatory door, and although he didn’t enter, he checked the temperature of the resulting sample!
Arms, Guano, and Shipping: The W. R. Grace Interests in Peru, 1865–1885

In this article Mr. Secada analyzes the origins of W. R. Grace and Company and its rise as a dominant actor in Peruvian economic history. He attributes this ascendancy primarily to the arms trade in which Grace engaged on behalf of the Peruvian government during the War of the Pacific (1879–84). Grace's early status as an intimate of the dominant Peruvian elite, its deft manipulation of its ambiguous position as an American shipping house, its imaginative construction of a nascent intercontinental trading network utilizing both sea and rail transport, and its willingness to invest its own capital in the development of potential product lines—all served to catapult the firm within a period of thirty years into a powerful trading house and foreign investor in Latin America.
Recovery patterns of shoulder subluxation after stroke: a six-month follow-up study.

AbstractPurpose: Poststroke shoulder subluxation is a common complication that is thought to be irreversible without intervention. This study explores the natural recovery patterns of shoulder subluxation 6 months after stroke onset. Method: Ten first-stroke survivors were evaluated in a free-standing rehabilitation hospital within 6 weeks of stroke onset and were reevaluated 6 months thereafter. Shoulder subluxation was measured in terms of glenohumeral asymmetries between affected and unaffected shoulders using anteroposterior radiographs before and after fitting of an appropriate support. Main outcome measures included shoulder subluxation asymmetries, range of motion, pain, and motor function as measured by the Fugl-Meyer Motor Function Assessment. Results: Decreases in vertical asymmetry 6 months after initial evaluation were correlated with significant motor recovery (r = .7382, p = .018) and were associated with increases in the range of motion of shoulder abduction (r = .7167, p = .020). However, ...
Vacuolar H+-ATPase in human breast cancer cells with distinct metastatic potential: distribution and functional activity

Tumor cells thrive in a hypoxic microenvironment with an acidic extracellular pH. To survive in this harsh environment, tumor cells must exhibit a dynamic cytosolic pH regulatory system. We hypothesize that vacuolar H(+)-ATPases (V-ATPases) that normally reside in acidic organelles are also located at the cell surface, thus regulating cytosolic pH and exacerbating the migratory ability of metastatic cells. Immunocytochemical data revealed for the first time that V-ATPase is located at the plasma membrane of human breast cancer cells: prominent in the highly metastatic and inconspicuous in the lowly metastatic cells. The V-ATPase activities in isolated plasma membranes were greater in highly than in lowly metastatic cells. The proton fluxes via V-ATPase evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy in living cells were greater in highly than in lowly metastatic cells. Interestingly, lowly metastatic cells preferentially used the ubiquitous Na(+)/H(+) exchanger and HCO(3)(-)-based H(+)-transporting mechanisms, whereas highly metastatic cells used plasma membrane V-ATPases. The highly metastatic cells were more invasive and migratory than the lowly metastatic cells. V-ATPase inhibitors decreased the invasion and migration in the highly metastatic cells. Altogether, these data indicate that V-ATPases located at the plasma membrane are involved in the acquisition of a more metastatic phenotype.
Folate composition of 10 types of mushrooms determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

White button, crimini, shiitake, maitake, enoki, oyster, chanterelle, morel, portabella, and uv-treated portabella mushrooms were sampled from U.S. retail outlets and major producers. Folate [5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-CH3-H4folate), 10-formyl folate (10-HCO-folate), 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-HCOH4folate)] was analysed using a validated LC–MS method in four composites of each product, including an in-house mushroom control composite and a reference material (BCR 485 Lyophilised Mixed Vegetables). Chanterelle and morel had the lowest total folate (2–6 lg/100 g), oyster had the highest (mean, 44.2 lg/100 g); other types contained 12.4 lg/100 g (shiitake) to 29.8 lg/100 g (vitamin D-enhanced portabella). Enoki and oyster had almost exclusively 5-CH3-H4folate. Morel and chanterelle contained predominately formyl folates. Other species had similar amounts of 5-CH3-H4folate and formyl folates. Enoki, oyster, and shiitake, unlike all others, had low to non-detectable 10-HCO-folate (<1 lg/100 g). These precise data on the composition of folate vitamers in different types of mushrooms will facilitate assessment of the dietary contribution of naturally occurring folate.
Vanadium–vitamin B12 bioconjugates as potential therapeutics for treating diabetes

The synthesis and blood glucose lowering properties of the first vanadium–vitamin B12 bioconjugates are reported.
Domains with Boundaries

In this chapter we consider the dynamics of N vortices in planar domains with solid boundaries. The domains could be closed, simply connected regions in the plane (e.g., interior of a unit circle), closed, multiply connected regions (e.g., interior of an annular region), or they could be unbounded but containing a solid boundary (e.g. upper half-plane or corner geometries). This problem differs considerably from that described in the previous chapter for two important reasons: • On the solid boundary ∂D the condition of no fluid penetration must be imposed: $$u \cdot n = 0{|_{\partial D}}$$ (1) • The presence of boundaries can break symmetries that would otherwise exist and thus reduce the number of conserved quantities.
Characterization of High Rate Deposited PECVD Silicon Dioxide Films for MCM Applications

Silicon dioxide has recently received considerable attention as an interlayer dielectric for use in multichip modules (MCMs) because of its excellent properties. A high deposition rate at relatively low temperatures is desirable for process compatibility and high throughput. PECVD silicon dioxide films up to 7 μm thick were deposited at 1000 A/min in a showerhead type system using SiH 4 , N 2 O, and N 2 . Substrate temperature was varied from 250-350°C. The deposited films were annealed at various temperatures (up to 500°C). Uniformity, etch rate, film stress, refractive index, Si 2p and O 1s binding energies, and Si-H and OH bonding configurations were studied. C-V and I-V characterizations of the films were performed to investigate their electrical quality. All the as-deposited films exhibited moderate compressive stress. A considerable change in stress was observed after annealing the films in the above noted temperature range. OH content in the films was found to decrease and the hydrogen content in the films was found to increase with increasing deposition temperature. A good correlation between silanol (Si-OH) and hydrogen content and silicon richness of the films with film stress was observed. The refractive index was found to decrease with increasing anneal temperature for all the films. Etching rates were lower for films deposited at higher temperatures. All films exhibited excellent breakdown characteristics.
Physical Interference Driven Dynamic Spectrum Management

Dynamic spectrum management can drastically improve the performance of wireless networks struggling under increasing user demands. However, performing efficient spectrum allocation is a complex and difficult process. Current proposals make the problem tractable by simplifying interference constraints as conflict graphs, but they face potential performance degradation from inaccurate interference estimation. In this paper, we show that conflict graphs, if optimized properly, can produce spectrum allocations that closely match those derived from the physical interference model. Thus we propose PLAN, a systematic framework to produce conflict graphs based on physical interference characteristics. PLAN first applies an analytical framework to derive the criterion for identifying conflicting neighbors, capturing the cumulative effect of interference. PLAN then applies a local conflict adjustment algorithm to address heterogeneous interference conditions and improve spectrum allocation efficiency. Through detailed analysis and experimental evaluations, we show that PLAN builds a conflict graph to effectively represent the complex interference conditions and allow the reuse of efficient graph-based spectrum allocation solutions. PLAN also significantly outperforms the conventional graph model based solutions.
Adhesion Molecules in Inflammation

Over the past few years the molecular basis of leucocyte-leucocyte and leucocyte-endothelium adhesion has been dissected and the key molecules defined. Recent studies in a variety of animal models suggest that agents that interfere with leucocyte-endothelium adhesion prevent a variety of different types of experimental tissue injury. Although anti-inflammatory agents currently in use clearly interfere with the adhesive interactions involved in inflammation, a number of attempts are being made to capitalise on recent gains in our understanding with the development of anti-inflammatory agents that interfere with specific adhesive interactions. Reperfusion injury, arthritis and transplant rejection are the most promising targets of anti-adhesion therapy. Various approaches are currently being tested in the laboratory and the clinic.
Theory of the Reaction n + d → n + n + p

We calculate the proton energy spectrum at various angles for the process $n+d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n+n+p$ at 14.4-MeV incident-neutron laboratory energy, using our exact three-body theory with separable, $S$-wave, spin-dependent, two-body forces. The major features of the experimental data are reproduced, but not the precise magnitudes. The integral equations we solve are quite singular and we find it necessary to deform the integration path. This involves the careful treatment of some branch points. Our results are not good enough to resolve the problem of the neutron-neutron scattering length, but by comparing Watson theory with our exact calculations we show that Watson theory is inadequate in this problem.
CO2-Enhanced Thermolytic H2 Release from Ammonia Borane

This work presents the accelerated dehydrogenation of ammonia borane (AB) at 85 °C under carbon dioxide atmosphere. The presence of CO2 significantly enhances the thermolysis kinetics, and the hydrogen release becomes faster as the CO2 pressure increases from 1.70 to 3.67 bar. Around 4 bar of CO2, 1.33 equiv of hydrogen is released from AB in 1 h. The accelerated AB thermolysis is due to CO2 reacting with AB, or intermediates like diammoniate of diborane (DADB), or primary thermolysis products including linear dimers of aminoborane (LDAB), which accelerates AB thermolysis, and this reaction has been confirmed by ATR-FTIR, Raman, and 11B and 13C solid-state MAS NMR measurements.
Collaborative nets

Large networks such as the electric grid, are controlled by multitudes of agents, such as relays, voltage regulators and optimization programs. To make such agents more effective, we suggest: a common framework for specifying tasks, a collaborative net by which neighboring agents can exchange information, and a protocol to ensure that the collaborations will be helpful. We propose a basic protocol and examine its properties both analytically and empirically. From the results, we conclude that collaborative nets have considerable potential. We identify the issues that must be resolved before this potential can be realized in practice.
Comparison of Soot Evolution Using High-Speed CMOS Color Camera and Two-Color Thermometry in an Optical Diesel Engine Fueled With B20 Biodiesel Blend and Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel

Biodiesel is a desirable alternative fuel for the diesel engine due to its low engine-out soot emission tendency. When blended with petroleum-based diesel fuels, soot emissions generally decrease in proportion to the volume fraction of biodiesel in the mixture. While comparisons of engine-out soot measurements between biodiesel blends and petroleum-based diesel have been widely reported, in-cylinder soot evolution has not been experimentally explored to the same extent. To elucidate the soot emission reduction mechanism of biodiesel, a single-cylinder optically-accessible diesel engine was used to compare the in-cylinder soot evolution when fueled with ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) to that using a B20 biodiesel blend (20% vol/vol biodiesel ASTM D6751-03A). Soot temperature and KL factors are simultaneously determined using a novel two-color optical thermometry technique implemented with a high-speed CMOS color camera having wide-band Bayer filters. The crank-angle resolved data allows quantitative comparison of the rate of in-cylinder soot formation. High-speed spray images show that B20 has more splashing during spray wall impingement than ULSD, distributing rebounding fuel droplets over a thicker annular ring interior to the piston bowl periphery. The subsequent soot luminescence is observed by high-speed combustion imaging and soot temperature and KL factor measurements. B20 forms soot both at low KL magnitudes over large areas between fuel jets, and at high values among remnants of the fuel spray, along its axis and away from the bowl edge. In contrast, ULSD soot luminescence is observed exclusively as pool burning on the piston bowl surfaces resulting from fuel wall impingement. The soot KL factor evolution during B20 combustion indicates earlier and significantly greater soot formation than with ULSD. B20 combustion is also observed to have a greater soot oxidation rate which results in lower engine-out soot emissions. Measured soot temperatures near 1875K were similar for the two fuels for the duration of combustion. For both fuels, higher fuel injection pressure led to lower late-cycle soot KL levels. The trends of soot natural luminosity correlated well with the trends of soot KL factor, suggesting that relatively simple measurements of combustion luminosity may provide somewhat quantitative information about in-cylinder soot formation and oxidation. The apparent rate of heat release (ARHR) analysis under steady skip-fire conditions indicates that B20 combustion is less sensitive to wall temperature than that observed with ULSD due to a lesser degree of pool burning. B20 was found to have both a shorter ignition delay and shorter combustion duration than ULSD.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Tumor cells cotransduced with B7.1 and γ-IFN induce effective rejection of established parental tumor

Genetic modification of tumor cells with the gene for the B7.1 or with the genes for cytokines results in increased tumor cell immunogenicity. In the work reported here, immunization of naive animals with either B7.1 or γ-IFN gene-modified MCA106 tumor cells effectively protects the host from subsequent challenge with parental tumor. The same treatment fails to induce regression of established tumors, although tumor-specific CTL are generated in the tumor-bearing animals. In contrast, a large tumor burden of the MCA106 fibrosarcoma can be successfully eliminated by treatment with MCA106 tumor cells cotransduced with the B7.1 and γ-IFN genes. Antitumor immunity induced by the cotransductants is primarily dependent on CD8+ T cells and partly on CD4+ T cells and NK cells, and the enhanced therapeutic effect may be attributed to the in vivo increase of CTL precursors following treatment. The γ-IFN and B7.1 genes must be expressed on the same tumor cell for optimal therapeutic effect. Our results suggest that tumor vaccines with a potent immunoprotective effect do not necessarily have therapeutic potential and that weakly immunogenic tumors may be rendered highly immunogenic by cotransfection with the genes for B7.1 and γ-IFN.
Multivariate analysis of selection in experimental populations derived from hybridization of two ecotypes of the annual plant Diodia teres W. (Rubiaceae)

Morphologically variable F2 genotypes derived from hybridization of coastal and inland ecotypes of the annual plant Diodia teres were used to identify selection on morphological traits in the natural habitat of each ecotype. These ecotypes occur in very different habitats, and have evolved pronounced morphological differentiation. Selection analysis can suggest whether present patterns of selection can explain morphological differences between ecotypes. F2 genotypes were characterized morphologically, clonally replicated, and transplanted into the habitat of each ecotype. Selection was measured on six morphological traits. Directional and stabilizing selection occurred on many traits; direction and strength of selection varied sharply at different stages of growth, as revealed by a path-analysis approach that divided selection into a set of independent components. Directional selection favored traits of the native population at the coastal habitat, but less so at the inland habitat. Selection was of sufficient strength to create the observed morphological differences between ecotypes in 25-100 generations, given constant selection and sufficient genetic variation. In effects on fitness, most traits were neither independent nor consistently interactive with other traits. Rather, many traits entered into strong but evanescent interactions affecting particular components of fitness. Observed interactions did not support the hypothesis that the morphology of each ecotype was functionally integrated to a high degree.
Study of the Factors Affecting the Precision and Accuracy of Thyroxine (T4) Determinations

Factors affecting the precision and accuracy of the chromatographic and analytical schemes for determination of serum T4 levels by column chromatography and bromination of the column eluates have been studied. The factors which affect chromatography include reagent constitution and concentration, resin mesh size, and number, volume, and types of washes employed. In the analytical scheme, the factors that influence precision and accuracy of the automated analysis of the column eluates are type of manifold used, duration and temperature of reactant incubation, effects of chloride ion concentration and pH on sensitivity, optimal concentration of eerie ammonium sulfate, and optimal concentration of bromate and bromide ions, as well as the duration of bromate-bromide interaction with the sample. Resolution of the various factors studied resulted in the reported method for the determination of serum T4, together with an approach to the quantitation of iodine contamination based on the ratio of the second eluate to the sum of the first and second eluates. The method reported has a reproducibility of ± 0.16 to ± 0.32 μ g. per 100 ml. (1 SD). A short survey of the correlation between levels of serum T4 and disease states is also presented.
Magnetization transfer effects in MR imaging of in vivo intracranial hemorrhage.

PURPOSE Recent papers have hypothesized that diamagnetic effects of clotting and conformational changes in aging red blood cells immobilize the hemoglobin protein and thus are responsible for the marked hypointensity of acute hematomas on T2-weighted spin-echo MR images. To test that hypothesis, the authors evaluated 24 hemorrhagic components of intracranial hemorrhagic lesions using accepted criteria based on spin-echo images as the definitions of the stage of the hemorrhage. METHODS As a measure of the effects of macromolecular (hemoglobin protein) immobility, magnetization transfer contrast was elicited using a pulsed saturation magnetization transfer experiment. The apparent magnetization transfer contrast (AMTC) was determined by comparing the signal intensities of saturated with unsaturated images and quantified for acute isolated hemorrhages, acute nonisolated hemorrhagic lesions, and subacute-to-chronic hemorrhages. RESULTS The AMTC of isolated acute hemorrhage was significantly less than that of normal, white matter and gray matter, indicating the lack of significant magnetization transfer and therefore the lack of effects of restriction of hemoglobin mobility on the signal intensity of acute hemorrhage. Acutely hemorrhagic tissue (nonisolated acute hemorrhage) has significantly more AMTC than isolated acute hemorrhage, but still not exceeding that of brain parenchyma. CONCLUSION This in vivo data concurs with in vitro data and reinforces the concept that the marked hypointensity of acute hematomas is mainly a magnetic susceptibility effect.
External Dependency and Evolution in Marketing Channels

The literature on marketing channel evolution appears to lack an explanatory mechanism for understanding channel processes in complex and changing market environments. This paper examines the nature of external dependencies of channel actors and the strategies for managing these in the face of environmental uncertainty. It shows that channel control and power locates at the level best able to manage external dependencies and thus absorb uncertainty. It shows that complex channel structures evolve in response to increasingly complex and dynamic environments.
Experimental bypass of the left ventricle

Bypass of the left ventricle was accomplished in dogs and the entire circulation was supported temporarily by only the right ventricle. The atrial septum was excised, and the atrium was repartitioned so that the pulmonary veins were in continuity with the right ventricle and the venae cavae were connected through the atrium. Anastomosis of the superior vena cava to the right pulmonary artery brought systemic venous return directly to the lungs. The main pulmonary artery was ligated proximal to the bifurcation, preserving distal confluence of right and left pulmonary arteries. A tubular prosthesis between the proximal pulmonary artery and the aorta connected the right ventricle to the systemic circuit. This procedure, or some modification of the principle, may have clinical feasibility in the treatment of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Initial Management of Disorders of Sex Development in Newborns

Disorders of sex development are challenging to evaluate and diagnose in the newborn. As pediatric urologists, our goals are to (1) identify patients who should be evaluated; (2) rule out life-threatening syndromes; and (3) involve a multidisciplinary team for evaluation, diagnosis, and gender assignment. This review briefly goes over the newborn differential diagnosis in disorders of sex development, highlights the important laboratory and imaging data needed, and discusses the multidisciplinary approach to gender assignment and care of these patients. Early involvement of the family in decision-making with the multidisciplinary team is paramount to a timely evaluation and diagnosis in these patients.
The Effect of Plant Age on the Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Rice Blast in Arkansas

Field experiments were conducted in 1997 to determine how plant maturity affected the rate and distance of rice blast development from foci. A sulfate non-utilizing (sul) mutant of P.grisea was used as a marked strain that could be distinguished from wild-type (background) inoculum. Plants, 28 or 42 days old, of the susceptible cultivar M204’ were inoculated with P. grisea in the greenhouse. Inoculated plants were then transplanted as foci in the centers of 12.5-m2 plots of M204 which also were either 28 or 45 days old (660 and 1090 degree day thermal units, respectively). Lesion formation was detected three days after transplanting on greenhouse inoculated plants and the focal strength was determined to be 45 lesions / focus in the younger plants and 90 lesions / focus in the older plants. The number of lesions per plant were recorded weekly at distances of 0.3, 1.6, 3.1, 4.7, and 6.3-m from the focal center (0.09-m2). Disease developed rapidly at the focus within 10days in both the younger and older plants (6 and 5 lesions / plant respectively). However, disease spread from foci differed considerably between the different aged plants whereby disease occurred earlier and was more severe in the younger plants. For example, a mean of 15 lesions / plant were observed on the younger plants I.6-m from the foci after 18 days, while only 1 lesion / plant was observed at the same distance in the older plants. After 30days, the mean number of lesions observed on the younger plants at all distances (45, 32, 24, 14 and 12 lesions / plant, respectively) was significantly higher than on the older plants (12, 12, 4, 2, and 0.5 lesions / plant, respectively). The sul mutant was recovered from over 90% of the lesions collected 10 and 40 days after transplanting, indicating inoculum introduced at foci at the beginning ofthe season was responsible for initiating and perpetuating the epidemic.
Co-morbid obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression: a Bayesian network approach.

Background Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is often co-morbid with depression. Using the methods of network analysis, we computed two networks that disclose the potentially causal relationships among symptoms of these two disorders in 408 adult patients with primary OCD and co-morbid depression symptoms. Method We examined the relationship between the symptoms constituting these syndromes by computing a (regularized) partial correlation network via the graphical LASSO procedure, and a directed acyclic graph (DAG) via a Bayesian hill-climbing algorithm. Results The results suggest that the degree of interference and distress associated with obsessions, and the degree of interference associated with compulsions, are the chief drivers of co-morbidity. Moreover, activation of the depression cluster appears to occur solely through distress associated with obsessions activating sadness – a key symptom that ‘bridges’ the two syndromic clusters in the DAG. Conclusions Bayesian analysis can expand the repertoire of network analytic approaches to psychopathology. We discuss clinical implications and limitations of our findings.
Qualitative Research in Palliative Care: Applications to Clinical Trials Work.

Abstract Background: While vast opportunities for using qualitative methods exist within palliative care research, few studies provide practical advice for researchers and clinicians as a roadmap to identify and utilize such opportunities. Objective: To provide palliative care clinicians and researchers descriptions of qualitative methodology applied to innovative research questions relative to palliative care research and define basic concepts in qualitative research. Body: We describe three qualitative projects as exemplars to describe major concepts in qualitative analysis of early palliative care: (1) a descriptive analysis of clinician documentation in the electronic health record, (2) a thematic content analysis of palliative care clinician focus groups, and (3) a framework analysis of audio-recorded encounters between patients and clinicians as part of a clinical trial. Conclusions: This study provides a foundation for undertaking qualitative research within palliative care and serves as a framewor...
Improving Well-being and Behavior in Adolescents Utilizing a School-based Positive Psychology Intervention

This study is a multi-component Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI) with the goal of improving daily happiness and classroom behavior in a sample at-risk high-school students. PPIs have increasi...
Targeting autophagy in cancer

Autophagy is a mechanism by which cellular material is delivered to lysosomes for degradation, leading to the basal turnover of cell components and providing energy and macromolecular precursors. Autophagy has opposing, context-dependent roles in cancer, and interventions to both stimulate and inhibit autophagy have been proposed as cancer therapies. This has led to the therapeutic targeting of autophagy in cancer to be sometimes viewed as controversial. In this Review, we suggest a way forwards for the effective targeting of autophagy by understanding the context-dependent roles of autophagy and by capitalizing on modern approaches to clinical trial design.
Do Trauma Activations Affect Interruptions in the Emergency Department

Clinicians have anecdotally indicated that interruptions increase following trauma activations in the emergency department (ED), yet it is unknown whether interruptions change following the end of ...
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Outcomes Following the Norwood Procedure: An Analysis of the Pediatric Heart Network Single Ventricle Reconstruction Trial Public Data Set

BackgroundChildren with single ventricle heart disease require frequent interventions and follow‐up. Low socioeconomic status (SES) may limit access to high‐quality care and place these children at...