cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The energy model muddle

It is well-known that modelers and policy analysts gain access to policymaking arenas based on what they know. Therefore, critics of models are quick to employ various types of technical standards when evaluating policy models in order to assess validity and reliability of claims to knowledge. This article argues that, in the effort to make models better, overreliance on technical standards misses the important political and policy reasons to model: models call attention to the modelers and to their advice about important policy problems of the day. In this sense, models are used as symbols, as claims to authority, whether or not the underlying knowledge is technically up to snuff. Drawing on the experience of energy policy models, this article explores the problem of models as knowledge versus models as symbols and it examines the muddle that conflicts between them produce.
Integrative Social Studies for Urban Middle Schools: A Case for Multiple Literacies

Abstract In this article the authors argue that the integration of mainstream, standard or “school” literacy into social studies instruction is necessary to ensure that students in urban middle school classrooms learn social studies content. Then the authors ask even more from social educators—arguing for social studies instruction from perspectives of feminist praxis that include multiple literacies—or standard, community, and personal literacies—to validate and engage disinterested students. The argument for multiple literacies develops around an analysis of instructional differences in two personal classroom vignettes that reveal cognitive, sociocultural, and critical theories of literacy proficiency. Following the discourse model established by Lugones and Spelman (1983), they also critically examine their own attempts to apply those theoretical perspectives in an urban junior high school. Without presupposing unity of expression, this article, then, is a collection of the authors' interpretive experi...
Manganese superoxide dismutase: a hepatic acute phase protein regulated by interleukin-6 and glucocorticoids.

The superoxide dismutases (SODs) are important metallo-enzymes which scavenge and dismutate the superoxide free radical. They are thought to be the main enzymes in the antioxidant defense system. Identification of stimuli that control transcription of the SOD genes is essential for understanding SOD gene regulation. In this study we show that manganese SOD (MnSOD) mRNA levels are elevated by lipopolysaccharide, a bacterial endotoxin, in rat liver. However, neither lipopolysaccharide nor tumor necrosis factor-α had an effect on MnSOD mRNA expression in cultured primary hepatocytes. On the other hand, the inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-6 did increase MnSOD mRNA levels, either 2- or 15-fold, respectively, over a 20-h period in hepatocytes. The IL-6-induced increase in MnSOD mRNA levels was attenuated by dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, in hepatocytes cultured for less than 16 h. In contrast, in hepatocytes originally cultured for more than 16 h, IL-6 and dexamethasone produced a synergis...
The association of Parkinson’s disease with bone mineral density and fracture in older women

Among community-dwelling older women, compared to those without Parkinson’s disease (PD), women with PD have 7.3% lower BMD and an increased risk for hip fracture (HR = 2.6). Studies reporting an association of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk often have been prone to selection bias, and have not accounted for potentially important explanatory variables, including recent weight loss. Further, little is known about the association between PD and non-hip fractures. Consequently, we investigated the independent association of PD with hip BMD and long-term fracture risk. Associations of self-reported PD with hip BMD and incident hip and non-spine, non-hip fracture were analyzed using linear regression and Cox proportional hazards, respectively. This prospective cohort study analyzed 8,105 older women with known PD status (n = 73 with PD) at four US clinical centers of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. Compared to women without PD, age-adjusted mean total hip BMD was 7.3% lower in women with PD. Women with PD had a 2.6-fold higher age-adjusted risk for incident hip fracture. Parkinson’s disease was not significantly associated with non-spine, non-hip fractures. In age-adjusted models, women with PD had lower hip BMD and increased hip fracture risk, associations that were no longer significant after further weight and multivariate adjustment. Older women with PD should be considered for evaluation and treatment to reduce their fracture risk.
Sleep duration across the lifespan: Implications for health

Obtaining sufficient sleep of adequate quality is increasingly becoming recognized as an important domain of healthy behavior. The Institute of Medicine has released two separate reports in recent years focused on the public health and safety implications of untreated sleep disorders and insufficient sleep.1,2 Further, adequate sleep has been included as a national health priority in Healthy People 2020.3
Meteotsunami forecasting: sensitivities demonstrated by the 2008 Boothbay, Maine, event

To support development of a meteotsunami forecasting capability for the USA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration funded a project in 2011 focused on meteotsunami forecasting for the US east coast. Meteotsunami forecasting shares many similarities with traditional tsunami forecasting, though the characterization and integration of the source with numerical forecast models is much different. Given meteotsunami source characterization through atmospheric observations and models, it is conceivable that meteotsunami alerts could be issued and their impact forecasted using existing tsunami forecast models with high-resolution coastal definition. To test this, the 2008 Boothbay, Maine, meteotsunami is simulated using an atmospheric source consisting of a moving pressure disturbance coupled with a tsunami forecast model. Sensitivities of the modeled impact to the source characteristics, such as speed, wavelength, and direction, are also tested. Results show that the observed impact can be re-created through numerical modeling when the pressure disturbance period is roughly matched with the harbor resonance and observed meteotsunami period.
Acute demyelinating lesions with restricted diffusion in multiple sclerosis

Background and objectives:It is widely accepted that typical acute demyelinating lesions in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) exhibit vasogenic edema with increased diffusion, as demonstrated by an increased apparent diffusion coefficient on MRI. In contrast, acute ischemic lesions demonstrate cytotoxic edema with restricted diffusion. Recent reports have documented selected cases of acute demyelinating lesions exhibiting restricted diffusion (ADLRD) in MS. We aimed to assess the morphologies, distributions, signal characteristics and changes over time of nine ADLRD. An additional goal was to obtain clinical correlations and relate our findings to all previously published case reports describing ADLRD.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed at two academic centers. MRI characteristics of nine ADLRD found in six RRMS patients were compared with typical active symptomatic contrast-enhancing lesions with increased or normal diffusion in control RRMS patients.Results:The average si...
Transmission fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy investigation of structure property relationships in low-k SiO x C y :H Dielectric thin films

In order to understand the structure property relationships for inorganic low dielectric constant (i.e. low-k) materials, transmission Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been utilized to study the local bonding structure in various plasma enhanced chemically vapor deposited low-k materials in the SiOxCy:H phase diagram. The FTIR measurements were combined with additional mechanical, electrical, and optical property measurements to elucidate the structure property relationships for these materials. The combined measurements show that increased incorporation of terminal methyl bonding results in a decrease in network bonding that manifests itself in a reduction in mass density, dielectric constant, refractive index, Young’s modulus and many other important material properties.
Discourses in the Mirrored Room: A Postmodern Analysis of Therapy

A postmodern approach is used to examine the discourses that circulate in the therapy room. Dominant discourses support and reflect the prevailing ideologies in the society. Three ready examples concern gender relations: the male sex drive discourse, the permissive discourse, and the marriage-between-equals discourse. I point out how the therapy room is a mirrored room that can reflect back only the discourses brought to it by the family and therapist. There is a predetermined content in the conversation of therapy: that provided by the dominant discourses of the language community and culture. I suggest that therapists need to develop a reflexive awareness if muted discourses are to enter the mirrored room.
Estimation of Free Dopamine in the Cytoplasm of the Giant Dopamine Cell of Planorbis corneus by Voltammetry and Capillary Electrophoresis

: Voltammetric electrodes having a tip diameter of 2–12 μ and microscale capillary zone electrophoresis have been used for dynamic and static monitoring of dopamine in the somal cytoplasm of the giant dopamine neuron of Planorbis corneus. Intracellular dopamine levels can be altered by extracellular application of dopamine or ethanol. The latter experiment provides a means to estimate total stores of endogenous dopamine, and the evidence presented suggests that at least 98% of these stores are bound and not directly accessible to the cytoplasm.
Research Article: Temperature and photoperiod effects on activity of the northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda)

Abstract Changes in pattern of activity may help shrews survive harsh winter conditions. In particular, shrews may become less active and less nocturnal during winter. To better understand the mechanisms underlying the shrew response to winter conditions we measured several kinds of activity and an index of nocturnality (night-day ratio) for six northern short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda) in laboratory activity chambers. Experimental conditions were light:dark (L:D) cycles of 16:8 or 8:16 crossed with temperatures of 5°C or 19°C. Shrews were given unlimited food and prevented from hoarding. Feeding activity was greater (P < 0.001) and time spent out of the den was less concentrated during night (P = 0.021) at 5°C than 19°C. Overall activity did not vary with photoperiod or temperature, but shrews were more consistently active through the day at lower temperatures. Shrews may become less strictly nocturnal during winter because of the need to forage more frequently during the day. Food limitation and...
The Selenium Needs of Laying and Breeding Hens

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the quantitative relationship between supplemental dietary selenite and the deposition of selenium in eggs of Single Comb White Leghorn pullets consuming diets adequate with respect to all other nutrients, including vitamin E and a synthetic antioxidant, and to evaluate the influence of vitamin E, increased antioxidant levels, and an unsaturated fat on the efficacy of supplemental selenite for performance of laying and breeding hens. Results indicate that dietary levels of ca .05 ppm selenium are adequate to sustain egg production in laying pullets but that levels less then .10 ppm result in a deficiency of selenium dependent glutathione peroxidase. A level of ca .10 ppm selenium in vitamin E-deficient diets is required for optimal hatchability and subsequent performance of progeny. When diets of laying hens formulated with selenium-deficient ingredients were supplemented with .10 ppm selenium as Na2 SeO3, the selenium concentration of the edible contents of eggs was found to be .26 ppm after 20 weeks of feeding. This concentration is within a nutritionally important range and is far below levels shown to have any toxic effects on experimental animals.
Counterpoint: full disclosure-where is the evidence for nefarious conflicts of interest?

In May 2009, the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) jointly adopted a report establishing standards for proper relationships between individual cardiothoracic surgeons and industry [4, 5]. One of the standards addresses the question of disclosure: “Members should disclose their own or their institutions’ financial relationship with the manufacturer of a drug or device whenever clinical research or experience with a particular procedure or device is presented at a meeting or is published.” This standard is stated in broad terms, and the precise meaning of “disclose” is not spelled out. The AATS and the STS require that all authors must disclose relationships with companies that could constitute a COI before their papers can be presented at annual meetings [6, 7]. Both organizations report only the name of the possibly conflicted author, the company with which he has a relationship, and the nature of the relationship. No other details are published in the annual meeting program. The AATS and STS official journals, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery (ATS) and Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (JTCVS), respectively, have specified the details of industry relationships that must be disclosed before a paper will be published. If a conflict is disclosed, ATS places a text box on the title page of the published article: “Dr X discloses that he/she has a financial relationship with company Y.” No additional details are provided [8]. The JTCVS disclosure statement requires reporting not only the name of the company with which a conflict exists and the nature of the relationship, but also the dollar amount received by the author—other
The bi-polar planar near-field measurement technique, part I: implementation and measurement comparisons

A novel customized bi-polar planar near-field antenna measurement technique is presented as an alternative to the plane-rectangular and plane-polar measurement techniques. The bi-polar near-field scanner incorporates an axially rotating test antenna and a rotating probe-carrying arm to sample the near-field on a data grid consisting of concentric circles and radial arcs. This technique offers a large scan plane size with reduced "real estate" requirements and a simple mechanical implementation resulting in a highly accurate and cost-effective antenna measurement and diagnostic system. Part I of this two-part paper gives an introduction to the bi-polar near-field technique and a description of the unique hardware implementation at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Measured results are compared with those produced by a far-field range and a plane-rectangular planar near-field range to verify the implementation and validate the method. Excellent agreement was obtained for both the co-polarized and cross-polarized fields. >
An electrothermal microlens scanner with low-voltage large-vertical-displacement actuation

This letter reports the design, fabrication, and operation of a microlens scanner that can perform large vertical scans at low actuation voltages. Photoresist (PR) reflow technique was used to form a 210-/spl mu/m-diameter PR microlens on a lens holder which is integrated with a large-vertical-displacement (LVD) microactuator. The lens holder is fabricated using a maskless deep-reactive-ion-etch complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor microelectromechanical systems process. A maximum static vertical displacement of 280 /spl mu/m is achieved with a 700 by 320 /spl mu/m LVD device at a low actuation voltage of 10 V. The microlens has a focal length of 188 /spl mu/m, a numerical aperture of 0.35, and a resonant frequency of about 1 kHz.
Recommendations for Development of Resilience-Based State-and-Transition Models

The objective of this paper is to recommend conceptual modifications for incorporation in state-and-transition models (STMs) to link this framework explicitly to the concept of ecological resilience. Ecological resilience describes the amount of change or disruption that is required to transform a system from being maintained by one set of mutually reinforcing processes and structures to a different set of processes and structures (e.g., an alternative stable state). In light of this concept, effective ecosystem management must focus on the adoption of management practices and policies that maintain or enhance ecological resilience to prevent stable states from exceeding thresholds. Resilience management does not exclusively focus on identifying thresholds per se, but rather on within-state dynamics that influence state vulnerability or proximity to thresholds. Resilience-based ecosystem management provides greater opportunities to incorporate adaptive management than does threshold-based management because thresholds emphasize limits of state resilience, rather than conditions that determine the probability that these limits will be surpassed. In an effort to further promote resilience-based management, we recommend that the STM framework explicitly describe triggers, at-risk communities, feedback mechanisms, and restoration pathways and develop process-specific indicators that enable managers to identify at-risk plant communities and potential restoration pathways. Two STMs representing different ecological conditions and geographic locations are presented to illustrate the incorporation and application of these recommendations. We anticipate that these recommendations will enable STMs to capture additional ecological information and contribute to improved ecosystem management by focusing attention on the maintenance of state resilience in addition to the anticipation of thresholds. Adoption of these recommendations may promote valuable dialogue between researchers and ecosystem managers regarding the general nature of ecosystem dynamics.
An empirical study of data speculation use on the Intel Itanium 2 processor

The Intel Itanium architecture uses a dedicated 32-entry hardware table, the advanced load address table (ALAT) to support data speculation via an instruction set interface. This study presents an empirical evaluation of the use of the ALAT and data speculative instructions for several optimizing compilers. We determined what and how often compilers generated the different speculative instructions, and used the Itanium's hardware performance counters to evaluate their run-time behavior. We also performed a limit study by modifying one compiler to always generate data speculation when possible. We found that this aggressive approach significantly increased the amount of data speculation and often resulted in performance improvements, of as much as 10% in one case. Since it worsened performance only for one application and then only for some inputs, we conclude that more aggressive data speculation heuristics than those employed by current compilers are desirable and may further improve performance gains from data speculation.
Investigation of the one-step direct contribution to the 28Si(18O, 18F)28Al reaction at 19.6 MeV/nucleon☆

Abstract Cross sections for the 28 Si( 18 O, 18 F) 28 Al reaction have been measured at 19.6 MeV/nucleon. Realistic microscopic DWA calculations using a double folding model with an M3Y effective N-N interaction account for a negligible fraction of the previously measured cross sections at ∼3 MeV/nucleon, but give ∼30% of those observed at 19.6 MeV/nucleon.
Chaoborus predation and zooplankton community structure in a rotifer-dominated lake

During summer, Chaoborus punctipennis larval densities in the water column of fishless, eutrophic Triangle Lake become very high, and coincidently, the spined loricate rotifer Kellicottia bostoniensis becomes the dominant zooplankter. Research was done to test the hypothesis that selective predation by Chaoborus on soft-bodied rotifers controls species dominance in the mid-summer zooplankton of this lake. In situ predation experiments showed positive selection by Chaoborus for the soft-bodied Synchaeta oblonga, negative selection for K. bostoniensis, and intermediate selection for Polyarthra vulgaris, a species with rapid escape tactics. However, during a 21 day in situ mesocosm experiment, zooplankton dominance and succession in Chaoborus-free enclosures was identical to that in enclosures with Chaoborus at lake density. Despite the selective predation, Chaoborus larvae may not exert significant top-down control on rotifers, whose intense reproductive output during mid-summer in temperate eutrophic lakes results in new individuals at rates that exceed predatory losses.
State Intervention as an Obstacle to Economic Growth in the Habsburg Monarchy

State intervention as an obstacle to economic growth and development is a proposition that is especially intriguing in connection with the Habsburg monarchy of the eighteenth century. The posing of the question forces the historian to consider whether it can be applied to the problem of a static society ruled by a dynasty and controlled by a large agglomeration of urban-corporate and rural-manorial structures. What is a state in this context and what are obstacles to economic progress?
Arts Voices: Middle School Students and the Relationships of the Arts to their Motivation and Self-Efficacy

This study explores the question “Does arts education have a relationship to eighth-grade rural middle school students’ motivation and selfefficacy?” Student questionnaires, focus-group interviews, and follow-up interviews were data collection methods used with 92 eighth-grade middle school students. Strong emphasis was placed on gathering personal narratives, comments, and opinions directly from the students. Content analysis was used to analyze the student interviews. Middle school students felt that there were both positive and negative relationships between their arts education classes and their motivation and self-efficacy. The students in this study had much to share on the arts courses offered in their school. Personal motivation, belief in self, creative thinking, and peer relationships are only some of the topics addressed in this article.
A Straight Path to Circular Proteins

Folding and stability are parameters that control protein behavior. The possibility of conferring additional stability on proteins has implications for their use in vivo and for their structural analysis in the laboratory. Cyclic polypeptides ranging in size from 14 to 78 amino acids occur naturally and often show enhanced resistance toward denaturation and proteolysis when compared with their linear counterparts. Native chemical ligation and intein-based methods allow production of circular derivatives of larger proteins, resulting in improved stability and refolding properties. Here we show that circular proteins can be made reversibly with excellent efficiency by means of a sortase-catalyzed cyclization reaction, requiring only minimal modification of the protein to be circularized.
Quantitative Control of Adaptive Cardiac Hypertrophy by Acetyltransferase p300

Background— Acetyltransferase p300 is essential for cardiac development and is thought to be involved in cardiac myocyte growth through MEF2- and GATA4-dependent transcription. However, the importance of p300 in the modulation of cardiac growth in vivo is unknown. Methods and Results— Pressure overload induced by transverse aortic coarctation, postnatal physiological growth, and human heart failure were associated with large increases in p300. Minimal transgenic overexpression of p300 (1.5- to 3.5-fold) induced striking myocyte and cardiac hypertrophy. Both mortality and cardiac mass were directly related to p300 protein dosage. Heterozygous loss of a single p300 allele reduced pressure overload–induced hypertrophy by ≈50% and rescued the hypertrophic phenotype of p300 overexpressers. Increased p300 expression had no effect on total histone deacetylase activity but was associated with proportional increases in p300 acetyltransferase activity and acetylation of the p300 substrates histone 3 and GATA-4. Rem...
Subclass discriminant analysis

Over the years, many discriminant analysis (DA) algorithms have been proposed for the study of high-dimensional data in a large variety of problems. Each of these algorithms is tuned to a specific type of data distribution (that which best models the problem at hand). Unfortunately, in most problems the form of each class pdf is a priori unknown, and the selection of the DA algorithm that best fits our data is done over trial-and-error. Ideally, one would like to have a single formulation which can be used for most distribution types. This can be achieved by approximating the underlying distribution of each class with a mixture of Gaussians. In this approach, the major problem to be addressed is that of determining the optimal number of Gaussians per class, i.e., the number of subclasses. In this paper, two criteria able to find the most convenient division of each class into a set of subclasses are derived. Extensive experimental results are shown using five databases. Comparisons are given against linear discriminant analysis (LDA), direct LDA (DLDA), heteroscedastic LDA (HLDA), nonparametric DA (NDA), and kernel-based LDA (K-LDA). We show that our method is always the best or comparable to the best
Comparison between in vivo and in vitro enzyme activities in continuous and batch fermentations of Clostridium acetobutylicum

In vitro activities of key enzymes and related parameters (ATP and ADP concentrations, intracellular pH (pH i ), cell volume and the transmembrane ΔpH) in various continuous and batch fermentations of Clostridium acetobutylicum were studied in order to investigate the regulation (genetic vs. enzyme level) of the solventogenesis process. In vitro activities varied significantly among an acidogenic (glucose limited) and three solventogenic (an iron limited, a CO gassed and a biomass recycle) continuous fermentations. However, in vitro enzyme activities did not correlate with in vivo specific production rates in continuous cultures indicating that solvent formation is regulated primarily at the enzyme level. Carbon monoxide (CO) gassing of an acidogenic continuous culture resulted in butyrate uptake without acetone formation due to inactivation of the acetoacetate decarboxylase by CO. In continuous, and to some extent in batch cultures, butyrate can be taken up via the reversal of the butyrate kinase and phosphotransbutyrylase pathway. Solvent formation in batch fermentations is both a result of enzyme induction and regulation. Acetone formation and the induction of acetoacetate decarboxylase occur simultaneously whereas both alcohol dehydrogenases are induced several hours before initiation of alcohol production. Finally, the levels of intracellular and related cell parameters (pH i , ΔpH, ATP and ADP concentrations) are discussed and related to the possible mechanisms of solventogenesis.
Warm Climates in Earth History

Warm Climates in Earth History, Brian T. Huber, Kenneth G. MacLeod, and Scott L. Wing (Editors), 2000, Cambridge University Press, 462 p., (Hardcover $115.00) ISBN: 0-521-64142-X. It would be profoundly incorrect to assert that long-term episodes of past global warmth, whether driven by increased atmospheric “greenhouse” gas concentrations or not, represent analogs to the predicted future anthropogenically induced global warming. The rate and magnitude at which the present atmospheric composition is changing probably are significantly higher than any natural event, as presently known. It is also rather unlikely that most such rapid events, if they occurred, would be faithfully recorded in sedimentary rocks of most environments unless their effects were long lasting. Yet understanding the nature of past events provides important insight into climate processes and can help to refine quantitative models for global warming. Study of episodes of past global warmth using data-based climate reconstructions and numerical models contributes to the solution of two unrelated but important problems. First, numerical models act as a testing ground for hypotheses based on inferences from data on the basis of a quantitative approach. Secondly, the data furnish constraints for testing the efficacy of different climate models in climate hindcasting or forecasting. The first objective satisfies our intellectual quest for an understanding of the controls of climate variability in the past, and the second objective focuses on societal implications of global change in assessing the ability of climate models to predict the consequences of changing boundary conditions such as pCO2. The first objective is the obvious focus of the collected papers in Warm Climates in Earth History, although the second is implicit and acknowledged in the book's Preface. Warm Climates in Earth History consists of 14 primarily multiauthored chapters contributed by a total of 34 different authors. In essence, the individual …
Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus on Wheat: Biology and Management

Wheat streak mosaic virus is a virus that infects wheat and is transmitted by the wheat curl mite. This virus is responsible for wheat streak mosaic, a widely distributed disease of wheat that can cause economically important yield losses. The current viral taxonomy, vector biology, disease cycle, and management options of Wheat streak mosaic virus are reviewed in this article.
The importance of emotional intelligence traits for auditors

The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of individual emotional intelligence (EI) traits for auditors in Big 4 and mid-sized public accounting firms. A total of 112 auditors were surveyed from all of the Big 4 and ten mid-sized firms, with respondents ranging from partner to first year staff accountants. Each participant rated and ranked the 15 EI traits identified in the TEIQue model for their importance to auditors. Stress management, adaptability, self-motivation, self-esteem and emotional regulation were rated as the most important traits. Trait happiness, impulsiveness, trait optimism, emotional expression and emotional perception were rated as less important, but still somewhat important. Assertiveness was considered to be more important to audit management as compared to supervisor/staff levels. Public accounting firms have already accepted the importance of EI in the audit process, yet prior accounting research has not explored which particular EI traits are most important. Understanding the relative importance of the various EI traits can lead to better screening of new hires and more focused EI training. This paper finds that all EI traits have some relevance for auditors across firm size and management/staff levels, however certain traits are considered much more important than others. This is an original finding.
Proventricular Acanthae and Their Phylogenetic Implications

Proventricular acanthae, or microspines, have been described in fleas and scorpionflies and a species of rhynchophorine beetle. Acanthae are described here from some members of other insect orders. Among the Coleoptera, they occur in Dibolocelus ovatus (Gemminger and Harold) (Hydrophilidae); Odontotaenius disjunctus (Illiger) (Passalidae); Calosoma alternans F. (Carabidae); Cybister fimbriolatus (Say) (Dytiscidae); and in Rhynchophorus cruentatus (F.), Sphenophorus cariosus (Olivier), S. pertinax (Olivier), Rhodobaenus tredecimpunctatus (Illiger), Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, and Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal,(Curculionidae: Rhynchophorinae). Acanthae were found in Agulla adnixa (Hagen) larva (Raphidiodea: Raphidiidae); Mantispa interrupta Say (Neuroptera: Mantispidae); Corydalus cornutus (L.) larva and adult, and Chauliodes rastricornis Rambur (Megaloptera: Corydalidae); Euborellia annulipes (Lucas) (Dermaptera: Carcinophoridae); Labidura ripara (Pallas) (Dermaptera: Labiduridae); Romalea microptera (Beauvois) (Orthoptera: Acrididae); Blaberus discoidalis Serville (Blattaria: Blaberidae); and larval Paragnetina kansensis (Banks) (Plecoptera: Perlidae). Acanthae were not found in Xylotrechus colonus (F.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae); Lethocerus americanus (Leidy) (Heteroptera: Belostomatidae); Acrosternum hilare (Say) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae); Tibicen linnei Smith and Grossbeck (Homoptera: Cicadidae); Ophion sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae); larval Calosoma alternans F.; Anax junius Dairy (Odonata: Aeschnidae); Tabanus atratus F. (Diptera: Tabanidae); Chrysopa oculata Say (Neuroptera: Chrysodipae); Diapheromera femorata (Say) (Phasmida: Phasmidae); larva of Ceratomia catalpae (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae); Pteronarcys californica Newport (Plecoptera: Pteronarcidae); Tipula sp. (Diptera: Tipulidae); larva of Hesperophylax sp. (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae); and Hexagenia bilineata (Say) larva and adult (Ephemerida: Ephemeridae). It is hypothesized that the presence of acanthae in fleas and scorpionflies is not indicative of a closer relationship between these two groups than of either to any other group. Fleas appear to be a sister group of the Diptera, based on a phylogenetic analysis. Criteria formerly assumed to be indicative of close flea-scorpionfly relationship are shown to be either plesiomorphic insect characters or convergent autapomorphies.
Transcriptional targeting of conditionally replicating adenovirus to dividing endothelial cells

Transcriptional targeting of conditionally replicating adenovirus to dividing endothelial cells
Physical Disability and Increased Loneliness among Married Older Adults: The Role of Changing Social Relations

Examining the social context of disablement, we investigated how changes in social relations affect loneliness among married older men and women. With longitudinal data on 914 married persons from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), we found that changes in the quality of marital and nonmarital relations moderate the effect of disability on loneliness in unexpected ways. Increases in negative marital quality buffer the effect of physical disability, while increases in nonmarital support exacerbate it. Although not predicted by existing theory, these findings are consistent with some prior work suggesting that health-related stressors, like physical disability, condition the meaning of changes in social relations. We find, however, that negative social relations ameliorate loneliness only among disabled married men; disabled married women experience increased loneliness under similar circumstances. These differences have not been previously identified. We conclude by discussing the gendered nature of the social context of disablement.
An Improved Decoupling Control Method for Three-phase Grid-connected Inverters with SVPWM

As the traditional decoupling control method of d-and q-axis components of the grid current is realized by adding the minus q-axis and positive d-axis components of the grid current multiplying inductive reactance of the total filter inductance into the output of the grid current controller,respectively,the grid-connected inverter has poor waveform quality of the grid current.As the three-phase-leg voltage cannot directly reflect the change of the reference grid current with the traditional decoupling control method,the grid-connected inverter has slow dynamic response.In order to solve the problems,the d-and q-axis components of the grid current in the decoupling components of the grid current controller is substituted by that of the reference grid current.The operating principle of the traditional and improved decoupling control methods is illustrated.Experimental results on a 15 kVA three-phase grid-connected inverter with SVPWM verify the theoretical analysis.Compared with the traditional decoupling control method,the grid-connected inverter with the improved decoupling control method has high waveform quality of the grid current,small ripple power and fast dynamic response.
Anomalous uptake and circulatory characteristics of the plant-based small RNA MIR2911

Inconsistent detection of plant-based dietary small RNAs in circulation has thwarted the use of dietary RNA therapeutics. Here we demonstrate mice consuming diets rich in vegetables displayed enhanced serum levels of the plant specific small RNA MIR2911. Differential centrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, and proteinase K treatment of plant extracts suggest this RNA resides within a proteinase K-sensitive complex. Plant derived MIR2911 was more bioavailable than the synthetic RNA. Furthermore, MIR2911 exhibited unusual digestive stability compared with other synthetic plant microRNAs. The characteristics of circulating MIR2911 were also unusual as it was not associated with exosomes and fractionated as a soluble complex that was insensitive to proteinase K treatment, consistent with MIR2911 being stabilized by modifications conferred by the host. These results indicate that intrinsic stability and plant-based modifications orchestrate consumer uptake of this anomalous plant based small RNA and invite revisiting plant-based microRNA therapeutic approaches.
Effects of supplementation on voluntary forage intake, diet digestibility, and animal performance

A data base was constructed to describe and estimate supplementation effects in nonlactating cattle consuming forage ad libitum. The data base included 66 publications on 126 forages (73 harvested and 53 grazed) and a total of 444 comparisons between a control, unsupplemented treatment and a supplemented treatment. Daily gains were reported for 301 comparisons and voluntary intake for 258. Direct measures of forage digestibility were reported for 202 comparisons, and total diet digestibility for 150. Supplements did not increase gain in all cases. Change in ADG due to supplement was not related closely to intake of supplemental TDN. Lowest increases in ADG were with native forages supplemented with molasses alone or with low intakes of molasses containing high levels of NPN. Greatest increases in gain were with improved forages, supplements with > 60% TDN, and supplemental CP intake > .05% of BW. Supplements decreased voluntary forage intake (VFI) when supplemental TDN intake was > .7% of BW, forage TDN:CP ratio was 1.75% of BW. When supplements increased VFI, forage TDN: CP ratio was > 7 (N deficit), and VFI when fed alone was often low. There was little relationship between change in VFI and sources of supplemental CP and TDN. Supplements caused total diet TDN concentration to deviate from expected values by -10 to +5% of OM. When supplemental TDN intake was > .7% of BW, diet TDN concentration was always less than expected. There was little relationship between deviation from expected total diet TDN and type or composition of forages or supplements. Empirical multiple regression equations were developed to estimate effects of supplements on VFI and total diet TDN concentration. The most acceptable intake equation estimated VFI when fed with supplement (r2 = .84) That equation included VFI when fed alone, supplement intake, CP and TDN concentrations in forage and supplement, and classification codes describing forages and supplemental energy. The most acceptable equation for estimating total diet TDN concentration included only the expected total diet TDN concentration (r2 = .87). These equations may be used in nutritional models to account for associative effects.
Agent-Based Modelling of Organizational Performance

In a Complex Adaptive System (CAS) such as healthcare, co-evolution of the agents and the system produces emergent order. Investigations into drivers of organizational performance reveal the importance of coherent group effort (Organizational Culture) as well as strategy. Non-linear improvements in performance result as Organizational Culture advances. These advances are heavily dependent upon starting point and exhibit path dependency. We developed a NetLogoTMagent-based model showing the evolution of Organizational Culture based upon selected starting points of Organizational Culture, Values, Purpose, Intellectual Capital and Perspective. Parameters change in accordance with interactions of the agents in time and space as well as the impact of both planned and stochastic external variables on the parameters. We used the biologic allometric scaling equation, y = kx α , reasoning that Organizational Productivity behaves in the organization like biologic variables behave in the organism. At baseline, the model consistently mirrors a 10-year empiric study of real-world organizations. Without intervention, Organizational Culture reaches an asymptotic maximum with minimal, linear improvement in performance over time. By altering the starting point, or by closing “structural holes” in the organization, Organizational Culture passes through phase-transitions with resulting non-linear increase in Organizational Performance.
Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients With a Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction from 35% to 50.

The risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in patients with mild-to-moderately reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is unknown. This retrospective case-control study aims to identify the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with the development of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) as documented on permanent pacemakers or implantable loop recorders in tertiary care center patients with an LVEF of 35% to 50%. Data pertaining to patient demographics, previous medical history, heart failure functional class, echocardiographic parameters, and survival were compared between the groups. Of the 326 patients with an LVEF within the target range, 90 patients (27.6%) had NSVT recorded on their device and 236 patients (72.4%) did not. Compared with patients without NSVT, patients with NSVT had a higher body mass index (28.4 kg/m2 vs 26.8 kg/m2, p = 0.02), more ischemic heart disease (57.8% vs 32.8%, p
Heterotopic interstitial pregnancy: A case report.

Abstract Introduction Before the advent of assisted reproductive technologies, the incidence of heterotopic pregnancy was estimated to be in 1 out of 30,000 pregnancies in the United States. With interstitial pregnancy comprising only 2.4% of ectopic pregnancies, spontaneous heterotopic interstitial pregnancies are exceedingly rare. Case A 27-year-old pregnant woman (gravida 3 para 1011) with a history of one prior term vaginal delivery and a spontaneous abortion in the first trimester presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and a positive home pregnancy test. Transvaginal ultrasound confirmed heterotopic pregnancy and she underwent operative management, at which point a ruptured interstitial pregnancy was identified. Conclusion Heterotopic and interstitial pregnancies are rare and to see them together in a spontaneous pregnancy is virtually unique. The case report describes our management of this rarely seen condition.
Exploring the capabilities of monochromated electron energy loss spectroscopy in the infrared regime.

Monochromated electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) is one of the leading techniques to study materials properties that correspond to low (<5 eV) energy losses (i.e. band-gaps, plasmons, and excitons) with nanoscale spatial resolution. Recently a new generation of monochromators have become available, opening regimes and unlocking excitations that were previously unobservable in the electron microscope. The capabilities of these new instruments are still being explored, and here we study the effect of monochromation on various aspects of EELS analysis in the infrared (<1 eV) regime. We investigate the effect of varying levels of monochromation on energy resolution, zero-loss peak (ZLP) tail reduction, ZLP tail shape, signal-to-noise-ratio, and spatial resolution. From these experiments, the new capabilities of monochromated EELS are shown to be highly promising for the future of localized spectroscopic analysis.
Contemporary Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer: Balancing Chance for Cure with Risk for Complication

Radiotherapy plays an integral role in the management of most patients with cancers of the head and neck. Better understanding of radiobiology and radiation physics has allowed radiation oncologists to enhance the tumoricidal effects of radiation and reduce the severity of normal tissue toxicities. This article reviews the biologic foundation of head and neck radiotherapy, the physical principles and technological innovations that enable delivery of highly conformal radiation, the acute and late complications of radiation-based treatments, and the clinical evidence supporting contemporary practice.
Costs of adapting to climate change for human health in developing countries

This paper is one component of a global study on the Economics of Adaptation to Climate Change (EACC) in developing countries; the focus in this paper is human health. The main human health impacts of climate change are increased incidence of vector-borne disease (malaria), water-borne disease (diarrhea), cardio respiratory diseases, heat- and cold-related deaths, injuries and deaths from extreme weather events (flooding), and a greater prevalence of malnutrition. Adaptation measures comprise all actions taken to reduce, prevent, or treat these additional cases of disease or death, including actions outside the health sector such as disaster reduction programs, food and water security measures, and the provision of infrastructure services. For tractability and to reduce duplication with other components of the EACC study, the scope of this paper is limited to conventional public health adaptation activities, with a focus on malaria and diarrhea. This study also incorporates updates and revisions to the unit cost of prevention and treatment for malaria and diarrhea and updates to the exposure-response functions used to compute the relative risk for malaria.
Isolation of Immunoglobulins by Gel Filtration on Sephadex G 200 Column

In contrast to adsorption, to distribution, or to ion exchange Chromatographic procedures, Sephadex gel chromatography or gel filtration fractionates components of a mixture on the basis of their molecular size. These gels, which are able to function on this principle, are also called molecular sieves. Small molecules which may enter the pores of a highly cross-linked gel polymer, will be retained on the column, while large molecules will travel free in the liquid that fills the spaces between the swollen gel granules (void volume). For a detailed description of the gel filtration processes the students should consult specified literature (Flodin, 1962).
Modeling the germination kinetics of clostridium botulinum 56A spores as affected by temperature, pH, and sodium chloride.

The germination kinetics of proteolytic Clostridium botulinum 56A spores were modeled as a function of temperature (15, 22, 30°C), pH (5.5, 6.0, 6.5), and sodium chloride (0.5, 2.0, 4.0%). Germination in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth was followed with phase-contrast microscopy. Data collected were used to develop the mathematical models. The germination kinetics expressed as cumulated fraction of germinated spores over time at each environmental condition were best described by an exponential distribution. Quadratic polynomial models were developed by regression analysis to describe the exponential parameter (time to 63% germination) (r2 = 0.982) and the germination extent (r2 = 0.867) as a function of temperature, pH, and sodium chloride. Validation experiments in BHI broth (pH: 5.75, 6.25; NaCl: 1.0, 3.0%; temperature: 18, 26°C) confirmed that the model's predictions were within an acceptable range compared to the experimental results and were fail-safe in most cases.
Analysis of the Learning Curve and Patient Outcomes of Endovascular Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms Using Fenestrated and Branched Stent Grafts: Prospective, Nonrandomized, Single-center Physician-sponsored Investigational Device Exemption Clinical Study

Objective:To evaluate the outcomes and learning curve of fenestrated and branched endovascular repair (F/BEVAR) of thoracoabdominal aneurysms.Summary of Background Data:Endovascular aneurysm repair has reduced morbidity and mortality compared with open surgical repair. However, application to thorac