cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A composite microcavity of diamond nanopillar and deformed silica microsphere with enhanced evanescent decay length

We report the experimental realization of a composite microcavity system, in which negatively-charged nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond nanopillars couple evanescently to whispering-gallery modes (WGMs) in a deformed, non-axisymmetric silica microsphere. We show that the deformed microsphere can feature an evanescent decay length four times larger than that of a regular silica microsphere. With the enhanced evanescent coupling, WGMs can in principle couple to NV centers that are 100 to 200 nm beneath the diamond pillar surface, providing a promising avenue for exploring evanescently-coupled cavity QED systems of NV centers in ultrahigh purity diamond.
Canopy leaf area constrains (CO 2 )-induced enhancement of productivity and partitioning among aboveground carbon pools

Net primary productivity (NPP) is enhanced under future atmospheric [CO2] in temperate forests representing a broad range of productivity. Yet questions remain in regard to how elevated [CO2]-induced NPP enhancement may be affected by climatic variations and limiting nutrient resources, as well as how this additional production is distributed among carbon (C) pools of different longevities. Using 10 years of data from the Duke free-air CO2 enrichment (Duke FACE) site, we show that spatially, the major control of NPP was nitrogen (N) availability, through its control on canopy leaf area index (L). Elevated CO2 levels resulted in greater L, and thus greater NPP. After canopy closure had occurred, elevated [CO2] did not enhance NPP at a given L, regardless of soil water availability. Additionally, using published data from three other forest FACE sites and replacing L with leaf area duration (LD) to account for differences in growing season length, we show that aboveground NPP responded to [CO2] only through the enhancement of LD. For broadleaf forests, the fraction of aboveground NPP partitioned to wood biomass saturated with increasing LD and was not enhanced by [CO2], whereas it linearly decreased for the conifer forest but was enhanced by [CO2]. These results underscore the importance of resolving [CO2] effects on L to assess the response of NPP and C allocation. Further study is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms that control the differential allocation of C among aboveground pools in different forest types.
Atherosclerosis of the left main coronary artery: 5 year results of surgical treatment

Three hundred consecutive patients received coronary arterial bypass grafts as treatment for stenosis of the left main coronary artery. Ostial stenosis was more prevalent among women (P less than 0.001). Operative (hospital) mortality was 4 percent (12 of 300). Among 148 survivors who underwent recatheterization after a mean interval of 16.5 months, the graft patency rate was 88 percent. After a minimal follow-up period of 49 months and a mean interval of 69 months, 75 percent of the survivors were asymptomatic and 94 percent were employed or fully active. The actuarial 5 year survival rate was 88.2 percent. The presence of right coronary artery disease, abnormal preoperative ventricular function and incomplete revascularization adversely affected survival, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Comparison of this long-term follow-up study with controlled and noncontrolled studies of nonsurgical treatment of obstructions of the left main coronary artery indicates that myocardial revascularization alleviates cardiac symptoms and increases life expectancy in patients with severe atherosclerosis of this artery.
Nitrogen management for high yield and quality of citrus in sandy soils

We are in the process of developing N best management practices for citrus in sandy Entisols to Increase N uptake efficiency and to minimize NO 3 leaching below the rooting depth. We evaluated the effects of N sources as either dry granular form (DGF), fertigation (FRT), or controlled-release fertilizer (CRF), and rates (56-280 kg N ha -1 yr -1 ) with optimum irrigation management on: (i) the fruit yield and quality and leaf nutrient concentrations of bearing 'Hamlin' orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] trees on 'Cleopatra' mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) rootstock (planted in 1974) grown in a Tavares fine sand (hyperthermic, uncoated Typic Quartzipsamments) and (ii) changes in NO 3 -N status in soil solution sampled from the vadose zone both within and below the root zone. For the DGF and FRT sources, 3-yr mean fruit yield increased with an increase in N rates in the range of 112 to 224 kg ha -1 yr -1 . For further increase in N rate, the fruit yield showed a diminishing response, which was quite marked for the DGF. The N requirements for 1 Mg of fruit, mean across all N rates, were 1.79, 2.58, and 2.75 kg N for the CRF, FRT, and DGF sources, respectively. Leaf N concentrations were maintained within the optimal range (25-27 g kg -1 ) at N rates ≥168 kg ha -1 yr -1 , regardless of source of N. Various N rates and sources did not significantly affect the fruit size, nor juice quality parameters. The improved management of irrigation and fertilizer placement and timing of application contributed to minimized leaching of NO 3 -N below the root zone.
Vindesine: Phase II evaluation in colon cancer and description of its platelet stimulating activity

Fifteen previously treated patients with measurable metastatic colon carcinoma were entered into a phase II study of vindesine, 3 mg/m2/week IV. Fourteen patients were evaluable for response. No objective tumor response was observed; however, seven patients experienced stable disease lasting 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 19, and 26 weeks. Neurologic toxicity was the most common nonhematologic side-effect noted, manifesting as abdominal pain, constipation, paralytic ileus, or paresthesias. Leukopenia was observed in 16% of the 104 weekly courses. Nine patients had a 50% increase of their platelet counts above their pretreatment platelet counts; six patients had a doubling of their pretreatment platelet counts. Mean platelet counts revealed a linear increase with successive treatments during the initial 8 weeks of therapy. Serial CEA determinations demonstrated a parallel relationship with clinical progression in six of seven patients.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy with or without distal gastrectomy and extended retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for periampullary adenocarcinoma, part 2: randomized controlled trial evaluating survival, morbidity, and mortality.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (the Whipple procedure) is the traditional resectional procedure for patients with periampullary adenocarcinoma (carcinoma of the head, neck, or uncinate process of the pancreas; ampulla of Vater; distal common bile duct; or peri-Vaterian duodenum). The outcomes of patients undergoing surgical resection depend on various tumor-specific factors 1–7 (e.g., primary tumor location, tumor size, status of resection margins and the presence or absence of lymph node metastases), tumor DNA content, 8 molecular genetics of the tumor, 9 postresection CA 19-9 levels, 10 and the use of postoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation. 7,11–14 In the last several years, an unanswered question has arisen regarding patient survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy: Does radical (extended) pancreaticoduodenectomy improve patient outcome? In 1973 Fortner proposed radical pancreatic resection as a means of increasing resectability and improving the outcome for pancreatic cancer patients. 15 Initially presented as “regional resection of the pancreas,” the operation typically involved a total pancreaticoduodenectomy with subtotal gastrectomy, accompanied by resection of the transpancreatic portion of the portal vein, and occasionally further vascular resection and reconstruction. 16–18 In the last several years, radical resection has evolved to be most commonly defined as a wide en bloc pancreaticoduodenal resection, incorporating a wide soft tissue resection margin, combined with harvesting of specific lymph node stations and a retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. Currently, most studies in support of radical pancreaticoduodenectomy are nonrandomized retrospective studies, 19–21 which are limited by their lack of concurrent controls and lack of random allocation to standard versus radical resection. Contrary to many of these published reports, a nonrandomized comparison by Henne-Bruns et al. found no survival advantage to extended retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. 22 However, one prospective, randomized multicenter Italian study by Pedrazzoli et al. 23 suggested a survival advantage. This study accrued 81 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma over 3 years and allocated patients to standard versus radical lymphadenectomy. While the two groups were similar with respect to multiple preoperative parameters, morbidity, and overall survival, a posthoc subgroup analysis suggested that patients with node-positive tumors had a significantly (P < .05) better survival after radical lymphadenectomy. We present here a follow-up report extending our interim analysis 24,25 of a prospective, randomized single-institution study designed to evaluate the impact of standard versus radical (extended) pancreaticoduodenal resection on postprocedure morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival.
1141584386 Cell type specific regulation of human placenta growth factor

Background: Maternal serum levels of PlGF are significantly lower in preeclamptic patients than in normal pregnant women. PlGF mRNA expression is cell type specific with high levels in trophoblast but comparatively low levels in most nontrophoblast. Despite two consensus hypoxia response elements (HREs), PlGF expression is down regulated by hypoxia in trophoblast, but increased in other cell types. These observations suggest unique regulatory mechanisms control PlGF expression. We sought to characterize PlGF promoter regions which function to regulate transcription rates in different cell types and under hypoxia. Methods: Regions of human PlGF gene (−1521/+34), (−828/+34), (−698/+34) were cloned into a reporter vector and (−844/−677) was cloned into a minimal TK promoter containing expression vectors. Trophoblast (JEG3 and JAR), and nontrophoblast (HeLa and hEK-293) were transiently transfected to determine functional responsiveness of the regions. A PlGF gene region containing two HREs was cloned upstream of a TK containing vector to determine hypoxia (1% O2) responsiveness. Results: PlGF (−1521/+34), (−828/+34) regions showed high promoter activity in trophoblast cells, but little activity in nontrophoblast cells. PlGF (−844/−677) cloned downstream of the TK reporter, augmented promoter activity in trophoblast but not nontrophoblast cells. When cloned upstream to the TK promoter, this region significantly decreased activity in nontrophoblast cells. Surprisingly, the PlGF region containing HREs produced little increase in minimal promoter activity during hypoxia in any of the cells. Conclusions: PlGF transcription is cell type specific and a region of PlGF (−828/−698) may act as an enhancer in trophoblast yet mediates repressor activity in nontrophoblast. The putative HREs in PlGF 5’UTR do not seem to increase PlGF transcription under hypoxia suggesting that they are not essential for governing PlGF expression. Further understanding of transcriptional regulation of PlGF in trophoblast may facilitate approaches to increase expression during preeclampsia.
Subpicosecond characterization of the optical properties of the primary electron donor and the mechanism of the initial electron transfer in Rhodobacter capsulatus reaction centers

Abstract The optical difference spectrum of the excited primary electron donor, P*, in Rb. capsulatus reaction centers has been measured 600 fs after a 350-fs flash at 870 nm. The spectrum is characterized by bleaching in the ground state absorption bands at 855 and 600 nm, and a weak featureless transient absorption in between. The lack of significant (if any) bleaching at 800 nm indicates that P does not contribute appreciable oscillator strength to the 800-nm ground state absorption band. The conversion of P* to P + BPH − L is accompanied by isosbestic points in the transient difference spectra at 765 and 798 nm. The existence of the longer-wavelength isosbestic point, occurring essentially at the near-infrared absorbance maximum of the accessory BChls, provides compelling evidence that if state P*BChl − L forms, its transient concentration is exceedingly small. At certain wavelengths in the near-infrared the absorption changes develop somewhat more slowly than the rate at which P* decays, a finding that may reflect a contribution from readjustments in the pigment-protein complex in response to electron transfer.
A Comparison of Reading Comprehension across Selected Content Areas.

Fifty fifth‐grade students read passages at three readability levels from four content areas. They answered vocabulary, literal, and interpretive/applied questions based upon each passage, Significan differences in comprehension were, found across ability levels and across content areas. Students performed better, as might be expected, on literature and social studies passages than on mathematics and scientific materials. Teachers and test makers are encouraged to include a number of passages from a variety of content areas in informal and standardized tests.
Thermal Dimerization of 3,4-Dimethyl-1-Phenylphosphole within the Coordination Sphere of [(η6-Arene)Ru(DMPP)2Cl]PF6 Complexes

Thermolysis of a 1,2-dichloroethane solution containing a 1:1.5:1 molar ratio of (η6-C6Me6)Ru(DMPP)Cl2, DMPP, and NaPF6 produced [(η6-C6Me6)Ru(DMPP)2Cl]PF6 (1), [(η6-C6Me6)Ru(DMPP)2[4+4]Cl]PF6 cont...
THE CAROTENOID PIGMENTS IN THE THREE-SPINED STICKLEBACK, GASTEROSTEUS ACULEATUS.

Abstract 1. 1. Three pigments were recovered from material extracted from the mandibular region of the male three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus. 2. 2. The main pigment fraction in mature animals behaves chemically like a mono-hydroxy xanthophyll, but differs spectrally. The minor fraction includes a caroten ester and astaxanthin. This differs from the previous report of taraxanthin as the only pigment in this species. 3. 3. Immature males possess the same pigments, but in greatly reduced concentrations and lack astaxanthin. 4. 4. The nature of the mechanism that controls color intestinal and its relation to the chromatophores are discussed.
Applying a theory of organization change to adopting JIT

Abstract In order to remain competitive, many manufacturing firms have attempted to implement major changes in their organizations. One such change is adopting the “just-in-time” (JIT) concept in their operations. However, there is little research on the applicability of any of the theories of planned organization change to the adoption of JIT. The purpose of this study is to empirically relate the theory of planned organization intervention by Lewin and Schein to the adoption of JIT related changes.
Simulation, measurement, and asymmetric buckling of thermal microactuators

Predicting the force capabilities of thermal microactuators is a key issue when designing to meet specific size and power requirements. This paper uses simulation and experimental measurements to characterize the force capabilities of chevron-shaped thermal in-plane microactuators. Force measurements are obtained using a novel dual stage in situ force gauge that performs the functions of both a fixed load spring and a movable force gauge. Results show that a significant decrease in performance can occur for some designs due to higher-order asymmetric buckling, which may be caused by an offset load or process variations. Nonlinear finite element models are used to simulate the behavior, provide predictions of the force output capability, and develop design rules for mitigating the effect of asymmetric buckling.
American Indian Constitutional Reform and the Rebuilding of Native Nations – Edited by Eric D. Lemont

The collection of nine essays and many first‐hand reports presented here is not so much history—although it contains some historical information—as it is social science, law, political science, and...
Use of Associative Memory and Self-Organization in Conceptual Design

Experienced human designers store known design solutions. Whenever a new design problem is encountered, the designer uses the known elemental functional requirements and associates them with the known design solutions and retrieves the most closely matching solution. This design solution can be either directly used or mutated to generate a new design solution. In this paper the authors propose a model based on human associative memory as a means for capturing the conceptual design process. The associative memory is modeled as an Artificial Neural Network. The development and implementations of the model are discussed with the help of relevant examples. The two layer perceptron is trained using the back propagation algorithm.
Examination of Side-Chain Interactions in Poly-L-Tryptophan

WHILE hypochromism has been examined quantitatively by Tinoco1 for polynucleotides and Imahori and Tanaka2 have reported decreased extinction of the peptide absorption band at 1900 A. in poly-L-glutamic acid in the helical conformation, it was of interest to examine interactions of the aromatic side-chains of poly-L-tryptophan. The results of absorption and fluorescence studies of the polyamino-acid compared with a suitable model for the monomer are discussed in this communication.
Human cytomegalovirus pUL97 kinase induces global changes in the infected cell phosphoproteome

Replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is regulated in part by cellular kinases and the single viral Ser/Thr kinase, pUL97. The virus-coded kinase augments the replication of HCMV by enabling nuclear egress and altering cell cycle progression. These roles are accomplished through direct phosphorylation of nuclear lamins and the retinoblastoma protein, respectively. In an effort to identify additional pUL97 substrates, we analyzed the phosphoproteome of SILAC-labeled human fibroblasts during infection with either wild-type HCMV or a pUL97 kinase-dead mutant virus. Phosphopeptides were enriched over a titanium dioxide matrix and analyzed by high-resolution MS. We identified 157 unambiguous phosphosites from 106 cellular and 17 viral proteins whose phosphorylation required UL97. Analysis of peptides containing these sites allowed the identification of several candidate pUL97 phosphorylation motifs, including a completely novel phosphorylation motif, LxSP. Substrates harboring the LxSP motif were enriched in nucleocytoplasmic transport functions, including a number of components of the nuclear pore complex. These results extend the known functions of pUL97 and suggest that modulation of nuclear pore function may be important during HCMV replication.
Mechanisms, effects, and scales of dispersal in freshwater zooplankton

The distribution of organisms can be regulated by local environmental factors and regional processes such as dispersal. Here, we review recent work on the role of dispersal for generating population and community structure in freshwater zooplankton. We examine evidence for different mechanisms of dispersal among lakes, for the effects of dispersal limitations on populations and communities, and for the effects of spatial scale on dispersal rates. Zooplankton move via human or animal vectors, flowing surface waters, and wind; the relative importance of the different modes of transport is poorly understood. Several lines of evidence suggest that dispersal among lakes separated over short spatial scales (,10 km) is sufficiently rapid that local interactions should limit species diversity and composition more than the supply of colonists. However, dispersal limitation over broad scales (tens to thousands of kilometers) might constrain geographic ranges and influence community structure. The current explosion in the incidence of exotic species indicates that such global- or continental-scale dispersal was limiting in the past. The spread of exotic species also provides opportunities to study the scale dependence of zooplankton dispersal. We show how patterns of range expansion can be used to estimate the change in invasion likelihood with distance to a source population. Such dispersal functions provide a crucial link between small-scale experimental studies and broad-scale geographic patterns. Theories of geographic structure in communities and populations come from two broad schools of thought. The regional approach examines the importance of movement of individuals and the colonization of isolated patches of habitat separated over broad spatial scales. Parallel theories have been developed for regional control of both genetic variation in populations (Slatkin 1985) and species diversity in communities (MacArthur and Wilson 1963). The regional approach often emphasizes neutral or drift processes such as colonization and extinction and ignores differences among species or environments (Hubbell 2001). By contrast, the local approach examines the response of species to conditions that influence population growth rates within relatively small, homogeneous patches of habitat (MacArthur 1972). Local-scale ecology focuses on differences among organisms or habitats that allow coexistence of multiple species or genotypes. The local and regional views have both enjoyed 1
Diversification of function in the haloacid dehalogenase enzyme superfamily: The role of the cap domain in hydrolytic phosphoruscarbon bond cleavage.

Abstract Phosphonatase functions in the 2-aminoethylphosphonate (AEP) degradation pathway of bacteria, catalyzing the hydrolysis of the C P bond in phosphonoacetaldehyde (Pald) via formation of a bi-covalent Lys53ethylenamine/Asp12 aspartylphosphate intermediate. Because phosphonatase is a member of the haloacid dehalogenase superfamily, a family predominantly comprised of phosphatases, the question arises as to how this new catalytic activity evolved. The source of general acid-base catalysis for Schiff-base formation and aspartylphosphate hydrolysis was probed using pH-rate profile analysis of active-site mutants and X-ray crystallographic analysis of modified forms of the enzyme. The 2.9 A X-ray crystal structure of the mutant Lys53Arg complexed with Mg 2+ and phosphate shows that the equilibrium between the open and the closed conformation is disrupted, favoring the open conformation. Thus, proton dissociation from the cap domain Lys53 is required for cap domain–core domain closure. The likely recipient of the Lys53 proton is a water-His56 pair that serves to relay the proton to the carbonyl oxygen of the phosphonoacetaldehyde (Pald) substrate upon addition of the Lys53. The pH-rate profile analysis of active-site mutants was carried out to test this proposal. The proximal core domain residues Cys22 and Tyr128 were ruled out, and the role of cap domain His56 was supported by the results. The X-ray crystallographic structure of wild-type phosphonatase reduced with NaBH 4 in the presence of Pald was determined at 2.4 A resolution to reveal N e-ethyl-Lys53 juxtaposed with a sulfate ligand bound in the phosphate site. The position of the C(2) of the N -ethyl group in this structure is consistent with the hypothesis that the cap domain N e-ethylenamine-Lys53 functions as a general base in the hydrolysis of the aspartylphosphate bi-covalent enzyme intermediate. Because the enzyme residues proposed to play a key role in P C bond cleavage are localized on the cap domain, this domain appears to have evolved to support the diversification of the HAD phosphatase core domain for catalysis of hydrolytic P C bond cleavage.
Precision software defined DSSS radio frequency ranging

This work presents a software-defined wireless RF round-trip time-of-flight ranging system. Range measurements are performed using half-duplex direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications operating in the 915 MHz ISM band. Baseband clock offsets are directly tracked during each measurement, obviating a need for precise time synchronization as a prerequisite for ranging. Ranging performance of better than 7 cm in 1 standard deviation at over 100 meters separation distance has been measured using a prototype radio implementation with +15 dBm RF transmit power, 13-chip PN code, and 512 PN code copies in the ranging preamble.
A model of fracture testing of soft viscoelastic tissues.

Abstract Fracture, or tear, toughness of soft tissues can be computed from the work of fracture divided by the area of new crack surface. For soft tissues without significant plastic deformation, total work, which can be measured experimentally, is composed of the sum of fracture and viscoelastic work. In order to deduce fracture work, a method is needed to estimate viscoelastic work. Two different methods (Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Minnesota, 2000; J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Med. 12 (2001) 327) have been proposed to estimate viscoelastic work in a fracture test of a soft tissue. The relative merits of these methods are unknown because the true viscoelastic work in an experiment is unknown. In order to characterize the accuracy of these methods, a theoretical model of crack propagation of viscoelastic soft tissue in a tensile test is presented, from which the exact viscoelastic work is calculated. The material is assumed to obey the standard linear solid model. The “exact” solution for the viscoelastic work during the fracture is computed from the model and compared with the work estimated by the two methods. It was found that both methods tend to underestimate the viscoelastic work done, and thus overestimate the fracture work and fracture toughness, although the errors were greater with the Fedewa method. It was further found that low displacement rates can give rise to a “snap” effect, where rapid crack growth can cause a disproportionate amount of viscoelastic energy to be dissipated during unloading. This modeling approach may be useful in evaluating other experimental methods of soft tissue fracture.
Phylogeny of North American Powassan virus.

To determine whether Powassan virus (POW) and deer tick virus (DTV) constitute distinct flaviviral populations transmitted by ixodid ticks in North America, we analysed diverse nucleotide sequences from 16 strains of these viruses. Two distinct genetic lineages are evident, which may be defined by geographical and host associations. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of lineage one (comprising New York and Canadian POW isolates) are highly conserved across time and space, but those of lineage two (comprising isolates from deer ticks and a fox) are more variable. The divergence between lineages is much greater than the variation within either lineage, and lineage two appears to be more diverse genetically than is lineage one. Application of McDonald–Kreitman tests to the sequences of these strains indicates that adaptive evolution of the envelope protein separates lineage one from lineage two. The two POW lineages circulating in North America possess a pattern of genetic diversity suggesting that they comprise distinct subtypes that may perpetuate in separate enzootic cycles.
The Making of a Black Slum-Ghetto: A Case Study of Neighborhood Transition

This paper attempts to advance understanding of neighborhood transition by describing and analyzing the transformation of Cleveland's Hough district from a white, middle-class neighborhood into a black slum-ghetto. The findings indicate that of the various factors precipitating the change, none was more important than several urban renewal programs and the profiteering activities of a number of realty companies and investors. These and other findings are discussed and analyzed in terms of their correspondence with the human ecological and power-conflict approaches to neighborhood and community transition. The analysis finds considerable support for the power-conflict approach and raises several questions regarding the assumptions and methodology of human ecology. Several policy implications of the findings and of applying the power-conflict approach are discussed.
Enhancement of murine bone marrow ablation by combining whole body hyperthermia with total body irradiation and cyclophosphamide

Bone marrow ablation using combined whole body hyperthermia (WBH), total body irradiation (TBI), and cyclophosphamide (Cy) was investigated in C3H f/Sed mice to demonstrate cytotoxic synergism between the three modalities. TBI was given on day 0. WBH treatment was for 1 hr at 41.8 degrees C, given in daily sessions for 1, 2 or 3 modalities. TBI was given on day 0. WBH treatment was for 1 hr at 41.8 degrees C, given in daily sessions for 1, 2 or 3 consecutive days following TBI. Total cyclophosphamide doses were 160 and 240 mg/kg given in 2 daily injections on days 1 and 2 following TBI. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte and lymphocyte numbers were determined by differential cell counts. The total peripheral blood cell counts were also determined. WBH alone, given in daily sessions for 3 days, did not reduce the total peripheral blood cell counts. However, when WBH was added to TBI (6.3 Gy) peripheral blood cellularity was reduced on day 2, but no significant heat/radiosensitization was evident after day 2. WBH (3 daily sessions) significantly reduced the peripheral blood cellularity and resulted in bone marrow ablation when it was combined with TBI and Cy. CY (160-240 mg/kg) combined with TBI (5.4 Gy) resulted in bone marrow ablation and subsequent death in 14-22% of mice treated; 60-100% of mice died from bone marrow ablation when WBH was added to TBI (5.4 Gy) and Cy (160-240 mg/kg). Femoral and vertebral tissue sections showed total loss of progenitor cells when WBH, TBI (5.4 Gy), and Cy (240 mg/kg) were combined whereas lessor treatment was associated with histologically verified reconstitution of progenitor cells inside the marrow cavities. These studies indicate that bone marrow ablation can be achieved when using WBH in combination with lower doses of TBI and Cy.
Specifying C++ concepts

C++ templates are key to the design of current successful mainstream libraries and systems. They are the basis of programming techniques in diverse areas ranging from conventional general-purpose programming to software for safety-critical embedded systems. Current work on improving templates focuses on the notion of concepts (a type system for templates), which promises significantly improved error diagnostics and increased expressive power such as concept-based overloading and function template partial specialization. This paper presents C++ templates with an emphasis on problems related to separate compilation. We consider the problem of how to express concepts in a precise way that is simple enough to be usable by ordinary programmers. In doing so, we expose a few weakness of the current specification of the C++ standard library and suggest a far more precise and complete specification. We also present a systematic way of translating our proposed concept definitions, based on use-patterns rather than function signatures, into constraint sets that can serve as convenient basis for concept checking in a compiler.
An accurate error measure for adaptive subdivision surfaces

A tight estimate on the maximum distance between a subdivision surface and its linear approximation is introduced to guide adaptive subdivision with guaranteed accuracy.
The case for higher-level power management

Reducing the energy consumed in the use of computing devices is becoming a major design challenge. While the problem obviously must be addressed with improved low level technology, we claim there is potential value in a higher level perspective, as well. In our approach, the needs of applications serve as the driving force for the development of power management functions in the operating system and of a power based API that allows a partnership between applications and the system in setting energy policy. The development of a PalmPilot application is used as an illustration. We advocate that reducing energy consumption should be raised to first class status among performance goals when software is being designed. In support of this objective, new programming models, measurement tools, and system support mechanisms must be developed. These needs motivate our Milly Watt Project.
The Anelasticity of the Mantle

The attenuation of seismic waves provides the most direct data regarding the non-elastic properties of the Earth. Recent experimental results from body waves, surface waves and free oscillations provide estimates of the anelasticity in various regions of the Earth. Results to date show that the upper mantle is more attenuating than the lower mantle, the maximum attenuation is in the vicinity of the low-velocity zone, a rapid increase in attenuation occurs in the vicinity of the C-region of the mantle and compressional waves are less attenuated than shear waves. A frequency dependence of Q has not yet been discovered. Most laboratory measurements of attenuation have been performed at ultrasonic frequencies on pure specimens of metals, glasses, plastics and ceramics. A general feature of laboratory measurements is an exponential increase of attenuation with temperature on which are superimposed peaks which can be attributed to dislocation or other defect phenomena. Measurements on natural rocks at atmospheric pressure can be attributed to the presence of cracks. The intrinsic attenuation of rocks as a function of temperature and pressure is not known. However, on other materials grain boundary phenomena dominate at high temperature. This can be attributed to increased grain boundary mobility at high temperatures. High pressure would be expected to decrease this mobility. If attenuation in the mantle is due to an activated process it is probably controlled by the diffusion rate of defects at grain boundaries. Estimates of attenuation in the lower mantle then yield an estimate of the activation volume of the defects contributing to the loss. If the lower mantle is assumed homogeneous the estimated activation volume is a small fraction of the presumed molal volume of materials making up the lower mantle. Stress induced migration of small point defects is a possible loss mechanism consistent with the observations.
Gene alteration of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in response to massive small bowel resection.

Background The intestinal adaptive response [increased epithelial cell (EC) proliferation and apoptosis] after massive small bowel resection (SBR) is partially controlled by intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). To identify IEL factors contributing to EC adaptation post-SBR we utilized microarray assays.
A Comparative Study of Path Level Traffic Grooming Strategies for WDM Optical Networks with Dynamic Traffic - Invited Paper

Traffic grooming continues to be a rich area of research in WDM optical networks. In this paper, we identify four kinds of path level traffic aggregation/grooming strategies - point to point (P2P), point to multi-point (P2MP), multi-point to point (MP2P), and multi-point to multi-point (MP2MP). We develop an auxiliary graph based approach as a generic network dimensioning solution for these architectures. Using our model, we compare the performance of various architectures employing path level aggregation in both single hop and multi-hop scenarios. For the studied scenarios, we observe the following - (1) MP2MP outperforms other architectures by multiple orders of magnitude in single hop networks, (2) P2P performs the best in multi-hop transceiver constrained scenarios, and (3) P2MP performs the best in multi-hop wavelength constrained scenarios.
Neighborhoods and systemic inflammation: High CRP among legal and unauthorized Brazilian migrants

We estimate cross-sectional associations of neighborhood-level disorder, socioeconomic characteristics and social capital with individual-level systemic inflammation, measured as high C-reactive protein (CRP), using Boston Metropolitan Immigrant Health & Legal Status Survey (BM-IHLSS) data—a sample of relatively young, healthy foreign-born Brazilian adults. Logistic regression analyses suggest high CRP is positively associated with neighborhood disorder and negatively related to neighborhood social capital. Although we find no significant associations between other neighborhood socioeconomic variables and high CRP; males, those who were born in an urban area and those who had been graduated from high school were less likely to have had high CRP. Unauthorized Brazilian adults, those who smoked cigarettes daily and those who had a higher body mass index were more likely to have had high CRP. Our findings suggest that investigating sociogeographic stressors and social support may be important for understanding physiological dysregulation even among relatively healthy U.S. sub-populations.
An investigation of OFDM-CDMA waveforms using different modulation schemes on HF multipath/fading channels

One of the key limitations of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) waveforms when used for data transmission on multipath fading channels is frequency selective fading. This type of fading can cancel out or severely degrade the signal strength of many of the OFDM tones, producing an irreducible error rate. In the early 1990’s, researchers combined some of the characteristics of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Spread Spectrum (SS) with OFDM in order to create a more robust modulation scheme which could survive frequency selective fading and thus OFDM-CDMA was born. This paper will investigate the performance of OFDM-CDMA waveforms using different modulation schemes on HF multipath fading channels. In addition, several Multi-User Detection (MUD) schemes will be applied in the demodulation process to determine their benefits.
Memory efficient algorithms for cactus graphs and block graphs

Abstract We present constant-work-space polynomial time algorithms for solving the shortest path problem, finding the chromatic polynomial, clique number, number of components, circumference, and girth of cactus graphs and block graphs. For some of these problems we also present in-place algorithms, which perform faster than the corresponding constant-work-space algorithms. The problems considered are fundamental to many areas of graph theory, computational geometry, and combinatorial optimization, and have a wide range of applications including transportation, robotics, and image processing.
Fast pyrolysis behavior of banagrass as a function of temperature and volatiles residence time in a fluidized bed reactor.

A reactor was designed and commissioned to study the fast pyrolysis behavior of banagrass as a function of temperature and volatiles residence time. Four temperatures between 400 and 600°C were examined as well as four residence times between ~1.0 and 10 seconds. Pyrolysis product distributions of bio-oil, char and permanent gases were determined at each reaction condition. The elemental composition of the bio-oils and chars was also assessed. The greatest bio-oil yield was recorded when working at 450°C with a volatiles residence time of 1.4 s, ~37 wt% relative to the dry ash free feedstock (excluding pyrolysis water). The amounts of char (organic fraction) and permanent gases under these conditions are ~4 wt% and 8 wt% respectively. The bio-oil yield stated above is for 'dry' bio-oil after rotary evaporation to remove solvent, which results in volatiles and pyrolysis water being removed from the bio-oil. The material removed during drying accounts for the remainder of the pyrolysis products. The 'dry' bio-oil produced under these conditions contains ~56 wt% carbon which is ~40 wt% of the carbon present in the feedstock. The oxygen content of the 450°C, 1.4 s 'dry' bio-oil is ~38 wt%, which accounts for ~33 wt% of the oxygen in the feedstock. At higher temperature or longer residence time less bio-oil and char is recovered and more gas and light volatiles are produced. Increasing the temperature has a more significant effect on product yields and composition than increasing the volatiles residence time. At 600°C and a volatiles residence time of 1.2 seconds the bio-oil yield is ~21 wt% of the daf feedstock, with a carbon content of 64 wt% of the bio-oil. The bio-oil yield from banagrass is significantly lower than from woody biomass or grasses such as switchgrass or miscanthus, but is similar to barley straw. The reason for the low bio-oil yield from banagrass is thought to be related to its high ash content (8.5 wt% dry basis) and high concentration of alkali and alkali earth metals (totaling ~2.8 wt% relative to the dry feedstock) which are catalytic and increase cracking reactions during pyrolysis.
Full circle? The Single Tax Principle, BEPS, and the New US Model

On October 5, 2015, the OECD and G20 released the final BEPS package. It included the following new preamble to the OECD model tax treaty:(State A) and (State B)…Intending to conclude a Convention for the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and on capital without creating opportunities for non-taxation or reduced taxation through tax evasion or avoidance…This language embodies the OECD and G20’s official commitment to preventing both double taxation and double non-taxation, i.e., to the single tax principle.The official press release that accompanied the final package quoted OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria as stating that “[t]he measures we are presenting today represent the most fundamental changes to international tax rules in almost a century”. How innovative is the final BEPS package?This paper will argue that while there is some innovation in BEPS, it is in fact more of a continuation that a sharp break with the past. Like Alexis de Tocqueville’s French Revolution, BEPS represents both continuity and change. In particular, the single tax principle has formed the theoretical basis of much of the international tax regime from the beginning. And it is in fact this continuity rather than any sharp change that gives the final BEPS package its promise to, as Secretary General Gurria also promised, “put an end to double non-taxation.”
Nanobiohybrids: Bioinspired Sensors

Nanohybrid artificial membranes made by intercalation of amphiphilic molecules into the galleries of a layered host, exhibit characteristics similar to biological membranes and they can be used as sensors. Different responses have been observed even for molecules that have similar features for example, saccharin and its sodium salt suggesting that the nanohybrid might be useful in developing an electronic nose. The dynamic range of the saccharin sensor is 20 - 300μM. In this paper we present our results on sensor fabrication and testing and discuss possible sensing mechanisms. In addition, we describe our work on immobilizing in the nanohybrid membranes Glucose Oxidase, Horseradish Peroxidase and Gramicidin and evaluating their performance.
Wilmont Chemical Corporation

The Wilmont Chemical Corporation produces a variety of industrial products, including a specialty chemical called SC. The company uses an actual costing system and the LIFO inventory method. At the beginning of each year, the companyâ¬"s controller estimates the total direct cost (omitting any manufacturing overhead allocation) per unit of producing SC. Unfortunately, the market demand and selling price are difficult to predict, as are the raw material and direct labor costs. Monthly budgets are prepared in advance, and are subsequently compared with actual results.The controller is wondering if the companyâ¬"s financial statements would be more â¬Smanagerially relevantâ¬? if the company changed to an estimated costing system, where raw material inventory is kept at estimated costs and finished goods inventory is kept at estimated production costs. The case provides information for comparing the actual operating results for a month with the budgeted amounts. Students are asked to prepare three monthly income statements: one using the companyâ¬"s actual costing system; one using an estimated costing system; and, one using a hybrid costing system that incorporates both actual and estimated costs. They are then asked to take a position as to which of the three income statements presents the most managerially relevant information.
Reconstruction of the medial talonavicular joint in simulated flatfoot deformity.

Background:Reconstructing the ligamentous constraints of the medial arch associated with adult acquired flatfoot deformity remains a challenge. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of several reconstruction techniques of the medial arch. We hypothesized that an anatomic reconstruction of the spring ligament complex would correct the deformity better than other techniques tested.Methods:Three reconstructions of the medial support structures were performed on each specimen to recreate the different lines of action and insertions of the medial ligamentous complex in 12 specimens with a simulated flatfoot deformity. Talonavicular and tibiocalcaneal (hindfoot) orientations were measured in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes in the intact, flatfoot, and reconstructed conditions.Results:While each reconstruction technique corrected the deformity (P < .05), proximal fixation of the graft corrected the greatest amount of talonavicular deformity while also correcting hindfoot valgus (P < .05).Con...
Fractal aggregation and disaggregation of newly formed iron(III) (hydr)oxide nanoparticles in the presence of natural organic matter and arsenic

Water chemistry affects the nucleation kinetics, precipitate morphology, and quantity of iron(III) (hydr)oxide nanoparticles, directly impacting the reactive surface area of geomedia and fate of associated waterborne contaminants. In this study, we utilized in situ grazing-incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) and complementary ex situ techniques to investigate heterogeneous iron(III) (hydr)oxide nucleation on quartz in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM) and arsenate. Results indicate unique fractal aggregation behavior in the systems containing NOM and precipitating iron(III) (hydr)oxide nanoparticles. Furthermore, the coexistence of arsenic and NOM lead to the formation of two distinct particle size ranges: larger particles dominated by arsenic effects, and smaller particles dominated by NOM effects. These new findings provide important implications for understanding the nucleation, growth, and aggregation of iron(III) (hydr)oxides in aqueous systems where NOM is present, such as natural surface waters and water and wastewater treatment plants. This study also offers new insight into how NOM-associated iron(III) (hydr)oxides can interact with aqueous contaminants such as arsenate.
Growth inhibitory and arginase activities in liver and hepatoma extracts.

SummaryThe growth-inhibitory activity against H. Ep. # 2 cells observed in phosphate buffer extracts of rat liver appears to be due to the enzyme, arginase. This conclusion is based on the findings that (1) extracts of hepatomas containing lower levels of the enzyme also contain less inhibitory activity; (2) partial purification of the inhibitory factor results in a similar purification of the enzyme; (3) molecular weights of the enzyme and of the inhibitory factor are similar; and (4) various treatments alter the enzyme and inhibitory activities similarly.Supported in part by USPHS Grant CA 10729. The authors acknowledge the valuable technical support of Mrs. C. M. Jackson, Ms. Louise Lawson, and Ms. Tommie Lou Barker.