cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolomic Differentials in Women With and Without Fibromyalgia.

A nontargeted plasma metabolomic analysis was conducted to compare differentially expressed metabolites in women with and without fibromyalgia (FM) using data and samples collected from two parent studies in women with FM (n = 20) and comparative data collected from newly recruited age-matched women (n = 20). Blood plasma samples were analyzed for metabolite content using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Consolidation of positive and negative ion mode metabolomics data with fold change (>2 or <0.5) and variable importance of projection scores ≥1 revealed statistically significant metabolites comparing samples from women with and without FM. Metabolite profiles in patients with FM differed from the comparison group in energy, lipid and amino acid metabolites reflecting heightened oxidative stress, inflammation, and tryptophan degradation in patients with FM. Study results may contribute to further identification of unique metabolomic profiles enhancing understanding of the pathophysiology of FM and for the development of effective therapeutic options.
Adaptive behavior of adults with Down syndrome and their health-related quality of life

Adaptive behavior, the ability to function in one’s environment, is compromised in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Problems with adaptive behaviors may impact the individual’s physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aims to describe the adaptive behavior of adults with DS and examine the role adaptive behavior has on their HRQOL. Sixty dyads of adults with DS and their caregivers completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (Vineland-II) and QualityMetric 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, version 2 (SF-12v2). All mean adaptive behavior levels were in the low range except coping and receptive communication, which were within the moderately low range. A significant negative correlation existed between age of the adult with DS and overall adaptive functioning, daily living skills, and socialization. Pairwise comparison revealed significant differences across Vineland-II domains, with ratings of socialization higher than daily living skills and communication, and daily living skills higher than communication. Only mental HRQOL was positively correlated with daily living skills, socialization, and overall adaptive functioning. Two parallel regression models were created, resulting in written communication (negative) and interpersonal relationships (positive) being the only significant predictors of mental HRQOL. Caregiver-reported adaptive behavior of adults with DS was in the low to moderately low ranges. By exploring associations between adaptive behavior and HRQOL, adults with DS, their caregivers, their providers (including healthcare, education, and service providers), and researchers can develop and target interventions to improve the adaptive behavior and, thus, the HRQOL of adults with DS.
Racial Integration, White Appropriation, and School Choice: The Demise of the Colored Schools of late Nineteenth Century Brooklyn

This study examines school desegregation in late-nineteenth-century Brooklyn from a spatial perspective, analyzing enrollment data and policy debates within the context of the shifting racial and g...
Quantity vs. Quality: On Hyperparameter Optimization for Deep Reinforcement Learning.

Reinforcement learning algorithms can show strong variation in performance between training runs with different random seeds. In this paper we explore how this affects hyperparameter optimization when the goal is to find hyperparameter settings that perform well across random seeds. In particular, we benchmark whether it is better to explore a large quantity of hyperparameter settings via pruning of bad performers, or if it is better to aim for quality of collected results by using repetitions. For this we consider the Successive Halving, Random Search, and Bayesian Optimization algorithms, the latter two with and without repetitions. We apply these to tuning the PPO2 algorithm on the Cartpole balancing task and the Inverted Pendulum Swing-up task. We demonstrate that pruning may negatively affect the optimization and that repeated sampling does not help in finding hyperparameter settings that perform better across random seeds. From our experiments we conclude that Bayesian optimization with a noise robust acquisition function is the best choice for hyperparameter optimization in reinforcement learning tasks.
The Cambridge Introduction to Sanskrit

Ideal for courses in beginning Sanskrit or self-study, this textbook employs modern, tried-and-tested pedagogical methods and tools, but requires no prior knowledge of ancient languages or linguistics. Devanāgarī script is introduced over several chapters and used in parallel with transliteration for several chapters more, allowing students to progress in learning Sanskrit itself while still mastering the script. Students are exposed to annotated original texts in addition to practise sentences very early on, and structures and systems underlying the wealth of forms are clearly explained to facilitate memorisation. All grammar is covered in detail, with chapters dedicated to compounding and nominal derivation, and sections explaining relevant historical phenomena. The introduction also includes a variety of online resources that students may use to reinforce and expand their knowledge: flash cards; video tutorials for all chapters; and up-to-date links to writing, declension and conjugation exercises and online dictionaries, grammars, and textual databases.
Regarding "MR Imaging of the Cervical Spine in Nonaccidental Trauma: A Tertiary Institution Experience".

We would like to thank Jacob et al for raising an important, relevant issue in their article entitled “MR Imaging of the Cervical Spine in Nonaccidental Trauma: A Tertiary Institution Experience.”[1][1] They reported a relatively high incidence (69%) of cervical spine injury (CSI) in
Analysis of Unintentional Falls in Pediatric Population and Predictors of Morbidity

ABSTRACT Introduction Unintentional falls are a leading cause of pediatric traumatic injury. This study evaluates clinical outcomes of fall-related injuries in children under the age of 10. Methods The National Trauma Database was queried for children who experienced an unintentional fall. Patients were stratified by age in two groups: 1-5 and 6-10 years old. The primary outcome was post discharge extension of care, defined as transfer to skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center after discharge from the hospital. Descriptive statistics and a multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to compare the two groups. Results From 2009 to 2016, a total of 8,277 pediatric patients experienced an unintentional fall, with 93.6% of patients being discharged home. Falls were more common in younger children, with greater odds of post discharge extension of care. Predictors of increased associated risk of extended medical care included intracranial hemorrhage (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.06) and thoracic injuries (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.1.05) (P Conclusion The majority of children experiencing an unintentional fall are discharged home, with mortality being very rare. However, younger age is prone to more severe and serious injury patterns. Intracranial hemorrhage and thoracic injury were a predictor of need for extended medical care.
Who Needs ACL Surgery

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is common in the general population, with an incidence of up to 75 per 100,000 person-years (Herzog et al., Sports Health 10(6):523–531, 2018), and is occurring more frequently in the young, active population with early sports participation (Beck et al., Pediatrics 139(3):e20161877, 2017). Following careful evaluation and accurate diagnosis with history, physical examination, and relevant imaging, surgical reconstruction of the ruptured ACL may be performed using various graft types and fixation techniques, with the goal of return to sport restoration of knee stability and prevention of degenerative changes (Sanders et al., Am J Sports Med 44(7):1699–1707, 2016; Sanders et al., Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 25(2):493–500, 2017). As incidence of ACL injury and ACL reconstruction continue to increase, it is imperative to define clear indications for who needs ACL surgery.
Abstract 5116: Inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling by NVP-BKM120 promotes ABT-737-induced toxicity in established and primary cultured glioblastoma cells

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Identification of therapeutic strategies that might enhance the efficacy of Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737 is of great interest in many cancers including glioma. Our recent study suggested that Akt is a crucial mediator of apoptosis sensitivity in response to ABT-737 in glioma cell lines. Inhibitors of PI3-K/Akt are currently being assessed clinically in patients with glioma, as PI3K/Akt inhibition would be expected to have many pro-apoptotic effects, we hypothesized that there may be unique synergy between PI3-K inhibitors and BH3-mimetics. We assessed the combination of the PI3K inhibitor BKM120 and the Bcl-2 family inhibitor ABT-737 in established and primary cultured glioma cells. We found that the combined treatment with these agents led to a significant activation of caspase-8, 3, PARP and cell death irrespective of PTEN status. The enhanced lethality observed with the combination also appears dependent upon the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, smac/DIABLO and apoptosis-inducing factor to the cytosol. Further study revealed that the upregulation of Noxa, truncation of Bid, activation of Bax and Bak caused by these inhibitors was the key factor for the synergy. In addition, we demonstrated the release of proapoptotic proteins Bim and Bak from Mcl-1. We found defects in chromosome segregation leading to multinuclear cells and loss of colony forming ability, suggesting the potential use of BKM120 as a promising agent to improve the anti-cancer activities of ABT-737. Citation Format: Esther P. Jane, Daniel R. Premkumar, Alejandro Morales, Kimberly A. Foster, Ian Pollack. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling by NVP-BKM120 promotes ABT-737-induced toxicity in established and primary cultured glioblastoma cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5116. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5116
Abstract 4077: Impact of RET/PTC3 oncogene's inflammatory and transformative signaling on tumorigenicity of thyroid and non-thyroid tumorigenic cell lines

Rearranged in transformation/ papillary thyroid carcinoma 3 (RET/PTC3 or RP3), is a unique fusion oncogene, responsible for a benign version of PTC. RP3 has an active inflammatory component leading to the secretion of various pro-inflammatory cytokines, however the role of inflammation in development and progression of PTC has not been clearly defined. Facilitating investigation of this issue is our finding that the transforming and inflammatory signals of RP3 can be functionally separated allowing us to study each in isolation. We generated several RP3 mutants ablated in; 1) transformative signaling due to mutation of a tyrosine residue (RP3Y588Fmutant) which prevents the binding of downstream adaptor proteins 2) inflammatory signaling through mutation of binding sites for TRAF2 and TRAF6. Transformation only RP3 mutants grew tumors in immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice, strengthening our hypothesis that the inflammatory component of RP3 is responsible for the benign nature of PTC. To assess the impact of inflammatory RP3 on the progression of different tumors, various thyroid and non-thyroid tumorigenic cell lines were transduced with MSCV_IRES_GFP_RP3 mutants and sorted for GFP expression. With highly immunogenic MC57G cells (C57BL/6 mice), the transforming only mutants developed tumors whereas wild type RP3 along with inflammatory only RP3 were rejected. Inflammation only RP3 mutant also led to slower tumor growth in Renca cell line (Balb/c) demonstrating the effect to be independent of haplotype. We are currently extending the analysis to PTC lines with BRAF and KRAS mutations, which are usually associated with more aggressive tumor profiles without an inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Our data so far suggest that contrary to the contemporary view, inflammation can retard tumor progression. Thus, the RP3 oncogene might be exploited in this regard. Future experiments aim to further characterize the importance of RP3-driven inflammation in tumor growth through continued in vivo and in vitro studies. Citation Format: Suresh C. Kari, Laurence C. Eisenlohr. Impact of RET/PTC3 oncogene9s inflammatory and transformative signaling on tumorigenicity of thyroid and non-thyroid tumorigenic cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4077. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4077
Tax Cuts for Whom? Heterogeneous Effects of Income Tax Changes on Growth & Employment

This paper investigates how tax changes for different income groups affect macroeconomic activity. Using historical tax return data from NBER’s TAXSIM, I construct a measure of who received (or who paid for) postwar tax changes for each income and payroll tax change that Romer & Romer (2010) classify as exogenous. At the national level, I aggregate tax changes for all taxpayers in the the bottom 90% and the top 10% of AGI and relate these aggregates to output, employment, and consumption growth. At the state level, I construct Bartik instruments for state tax shocks using national tax changes and each state’s share of high income taxpayers. If tax cuts for high income earners generate substantial economic activity, then states with a large share of high income taxpayers should grow faster following a tax cut for high income earners. I find that the negative relationship between tax changes and real GDP growth over a two year period is almost entirely driven by tax changes for lower income groups. The empirical relationship between tax cuts for the top 10% percent and job creation is negligible in magnitude, statistically insignificant, and much weaker than that of equivalently sized tax cuts for the bottom 90%.
Evaluation of Five Control Algorithms for Addressing CMG Induced Jitter on a Spacecraft Testbed

Spacecraft often experience jitter from reaction wheels, control moment gyros (CMGs), or from motion of other internal parts. One may isolate fine pointing equipment by passive techniques, but active vibration control employing knowledge of the periodic nature of jitter can improve performance. Previous work by the authors and co-workers tested active isolation using a 6 degree-of-freedom Stewart platform. A new class of applications is laser communication relay satellites, which replaces radio frequencies communication by laser communications. Laser beam jitter can be corrected by control of tip and tilt in fast steering mirrors. This paper develops experiments testing five candidate jitter cancellation algorithms on the Bifocal Relay Mirror Spacecraft, Three Axis Simulator 2 testbed at the Naval Postgraduate School. Jitter results from the CMGs. Multiple period repetitive control (MPRC) and matched basis function repetitive control (MBFRC) are tested. Both use disturbance period information from Hall effect sensors for the CMG three phase brushless DC motors. Filtered-X LMS, adaptive linear model predictive control, and the Clear Box algorithm with Adaptive Basis Method are also tested. The best disturbance rejection resulted from the last of these choices, with a 66 % overall amplitude reduction. Concerning MPRC it was discovered that repeating an addressed period can be used as a technique to decrease sensitivity to accurate knowledge of the disturbance period.
Efficient adaptive Volterra filters for active nonlinear noise control with a linear secondary-path

Using a nonlinear filter to control a linear device has been studied in Strauch and Mulgrew (1998), and been proved to be effective in active noise control (ANC) when: i) the secondary path has a linear and nonminimum phase transfer function, and the reference noise is a nonlinear, predictable noise or non-Gaussian noise; ii) the primary path has a nonlinear effect. Tan et al. (2001) reinforced these statements and successfully implemented this idea with an adaptive Volterra filter, and developed an algorithm called the Volterra filtered-x LMS (VFXLMS) algorithm. However this VFXLMS suffers from a heavy computational burden as well as stability problems. In this paper, we provide several alternatives to VFXLMS: the modified Volterra LMS algorithm that increases the convergence rate by slightly increasing the computational burden, the filtered-error Volterra LMS algorithms (including the adjoint Volterra LMS algorithm and the secondary-path equalization Volterra LMS algorithm) that greatly reduce the computational complexity and improves the convergence rate. Analysis and simulation results prove the effectiveness of our proposed adaptive algorithms.
Effect of temperature on the proliferation of Gymnodinium breve and Gomphosphaeria aponina

The effect of temperature on the growth and proliferation of two marine microorganisms, the toxigenic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium breve, and a potential bio-control organism, the blue-green alga Gomphosphaeria aponina, was determined by culturing the organisms in thermal gradients established by heating and cooling the opposite ends of an aluminum bar that had been adapted to hold culture tubes. Gradients were linear and stable for the duration of each trial. There was no relationship between variations in light and growth of the organisms. Gymnodinium breve showed optimum growth at 22°C, and proliferated over a range of temperatures (17° to 30°C). Below 17°C cultures of G. breve declined in growth, and at 4°C the organisms died within 5 h. Above 31°C there was rapid decline in viability of cells, and at 33.5°C the organism died within 24 h. Gomphosphaeria aponina showed optimum growth between 24° and 29°C, with a maximum at 27°C. Growth at temperatures greater than 31°C was minimal, but the organism survived. Limitation may be due to repression of the bio-synthesis of an iron-transport compound.
Bromine incorporation factors for trihalomethane formation for the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio Rivers

Abstract The bromine incorporation factor describes the distribution of the four trihalomethane compounds in the mixture formed when a natural water is chlorinated. This factor was determined for the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio Rivers by chlorinating water samples at three levels each of pH and free chlorine concentration. Samples were collected during the summer, fall, and spring seasons of the year at 12 sites on the Mississippi River from Minneapolis, MN, to New Orleans, LA, and on the Missouri and Ohio Rivers 1.6 kilometers upstream from their confluences with the Mississippi. The bromine incorporation factor increased as the bromide concentration increased, and decreased as the pH, initial free-chlorine and dissolved organic-carbon concentrations increased. Variation of the bromine incorporation factor with distance along the Mississippi River approximately paralleled the variation of the bromide concentration with distance along the river, with the Missouri River samples having the highest bromine incorporation factors for all combinations of pH and free-chlorine concentration.
HIV prevention for youths in foster care: Understanding future orientation and intended risk behaviors

Youths in foster care face challenges, including making healthy behavioral choices. Empirical data from a sample show how intentions to engage in HIV-risk behaviors vary among youths in foster care. Youths who hold safer attitudes about prevention and those who have fewer peers with behavioral problems more often intend safer behavior. Among young women, a stronger orientation toward the future is associated with fewer behavioral intentions that involve HIV risk. Youths in foster care who are in higher grades, express greater self-efficacy, or have fewer problems with mental health or substance abuse express a stronger and more hopeful orientation toward the future. These research results support the application of integrated health behavior theory among youths in foster care, showing that preventive attitudes, well-behaved peers, and a stronger orientation toward the future are associated with fewer behavioral intentions that precede HIV risk.
The analysis of space use patterns.

In this paper we describe and test a new method for characterizing the space use patterns of individual animals on the basis of successive locations of marked individuals. Existing methods either do not describe space use in probabilistic terms, e.g. the maximum distance between locations or the area of the convex hull of all locations, or they assume a priori knowledge of the probabilistic shape of each individual's use pattern, e.g. bivariate or circular normal distributions. We develop a method for calculating a probability of location distribution for an average individual member of a population that requires no assumptions about the shape of the distribution (we call this distribution the population utilization distribution or PUD). Using nine different sets of location data, we demonstrate that these distributions accurately characterize the space use patterns of the populations from which they were derived. The assumption of normality is found to result in a consistent and significant overestimate of the area of use. We then describe a function which relates probability of location to area (termed the MAP index) which has a number of advantages over existing size indices. Finally, we show how any quantities such as the MAP index derived from our average distributions can be subjected to standard statistical tests of significance.
Case report 511

An eight-year-old white male child, who was well until six months prior to being evaluated at the University of Michigan, developed multiple skin nodules over his right elbow, knees, dorsum of the hands and fingertips. The skin lesions were papulo-nodular and reddish. Approximately two to three months after the appearance of the nodules, he noted pain and stiffness in his wrists and knees. He also developed Raynaud's phenomena of the fingers of the left hand. Radiographs of the hands demonstrated soft tissue swelling, but no
Influence of Rent Differentials on the Choice between Office Rent Contracts with and without Relocation Provisions

In this paper we concern ourselves empirically with the influence of rent differentials on the choice between rent contracts with and without relocation provisions investigating the effects of relocation provisions on office rents. The study departs from the extant literature by using a switching simultaneous-equations model to estimate hedonic rent functions for alternative office lease contracts with choices of relocation provisions. The empirical results suggest that price considerations and certain lease terms are important determinants of the choice of office relocation rights. The results also suggest that certain tenant characteristics, like tenant size and creditworthiness, have only a marginal effect on the choice of relocation rights.
Equal-status interracial contact: A review and revision of the concept.

Abstract The existence of equal-status interracial interaction often has been taken for granted, despite the existence of negative and contradictory research results. A major problem lies in the fact that the equal-status concept has remained vague and inconsistently defined. In some cases, equal status has been defined as contact between selected members of rival groups who are matched on some variables such as socioeconomic status. In other instances, an attempt has been made to establish equal status positions, i.e., treating people as equals within the situation. The accumulation of evidence, however, suggests that equal status interracial contact is not so easily arranged. In this paper, a reformulation of the equal-status concept is proposed and a critical review of previous research is developed. Studies where equal status is confirmed, questionable, and nonexistent are differentiated. Many studies which obtained favorable results were found to have a questionable basis for claiming equal status, despite having done so. It is suggested here that these studies can be explained with reference to far less problematic variables that are also identified with the theory of contact, i.e., intimacy, common goals, institutional support, racial/ethnic balance, etc. Studies in which equal status is confirmed invariably result in positive change. Some research was uncovered in which the existence of equal status, although questionable, was maintained even in the face of negative results. A more critical and systematic approach is advised, and a reformulation of the equal status concept is offered.
Telomeres and adversity: Too toxic to ignore

A stark warning about the societal costs of stress comes from links between shortened telomeres, chronic stress and disease, say Elizabeth H. Blackburn and Elissa S. Epel.
Enzyme Replacement Therapy in a Feline Model of MPS VI: Modification of Enzyme Structure and Dose Frequency

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in the MPS VI cat is effective at reducing or eliminating pathology in most connective tissues. One exception is that cartilage and chondrocytes remained distended with extensive lysosomal vacuolation after long-term, high-dose ERT. In this study, we demonstrate that recombinant human N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphatase (4S) is taken up by chondrocytes via a mannose-6-phosphate-dependent mechanism and is effective at removing MPS storage. In vitro, the penetration of 4S into articular cartilage is low (partitioning coefficient = 0.06) and i.v. administered enzyme does not distribute significantly into articular cartilage in vivo. To alter the tissue distribution of 4S, the enzyme was coupled to ethylene diamine or poly-L-lysine, increasing its overall charge and diffusion into cartilage, and the dosing frequency of unmodified 4S was increased. Modification resulted in active 4S that maintained its ability to correct MPS storage and increased the partitioning coefficient of 4S into cartilage by 77% and 50% for ethylene diamine and poly-L-lysine, respectively. However, in vivo ERT studies demonstrated that response to therapy was not significantly improved by either the enzyme modifications or change to the dosing regimen, when compared with ERT with unmodified enzyme. Distribution experiments indicated the majority of enzyme is taken up by the liver irrespective of modification. To optimize therapy and improve the amount of enzyme reaching cartilage and other tissues demonstrating poor uptake, it may be necessary to bypass the liver or prolong plasma half-life so that proportionately more enzyme is delivered to other tissues.
Late Cambrian hard substrate communities from Montana/Wyoming: the oldest known hardground encrusters

Hardground surfaces from the Late Cambrian Snowy Range Formation in Montana/Wyoming are the oldest known non-reefal hard substrates exhibiting encrusting fossils. These surfaces range in age from Early Franconian to early Trempealeauan. Hardgrounds were developed on slightly hummocky to planar, truncated surfaces of glauconite-rich, carbonate, flat pebble conglomerates, which were deposited during episodes of storm scouring in shallow subtidal environments of the Montana/Wyoming shelf. Snowy Range hardgrounds are encrusted by a low diversity assemblage of fossils dominated by simple discoidal holdfasts of pelmatozoans, probably crinoids, and including small conical spongiomorph algae? and probable stromatolites. Macroborings (e.g. Trypanites) are notably absent from all hardground surfaces, although sharp-walled, vertical, cylindrical holes (borings?) occur in micrite clasts imbedded in certain flat pebble conglomerates. No evidence of faunal succession or microecologic partitioning of irregular surfaces was observed on these Cambrian hardgrounds.
Comparison of parenterally administered calcium kinate gluconate with calcium gluconate and calcium chloride.

Abstract The pharmacologic and toxic properties of calcium kinate gluconate, calcium gluconate, and calcium chloride have been studied in mice, dogs, and monkeys. The pharmacologic properties appeared to be based on the calcium concentration except for acute intravenous tolerance where calcium kinate gluconate was better tolerated than calcium gluconate. Calcium kinate gluconate and calcium gluconate injections produced transient decrease in blood clotting time, but increased platelet counts were observed only following calcium kinate gluconate injections. The calcium kinate gluconate effect on blood probably was attributable to the presence of calcium and kinic acid. No toxic properties of calcium kinate gluconate and calcium gluconate were observed in a 6-month tolerance study in dogs. Good clinical tolerance of calcium kinate gluconate was reported on over 200 cases.
Measurement of systematic outflow from the solar transition region underlying a coronal hole

This letter presents measurements of small Doppler shifts in the line center position of 629A OV obtained with a new high-resolution EUV spectrometer flown aboard a sounding rocket. A major result is the detection of an apparent systematic outflow (relative to the quiet sun) of approximately 3 km/s average and 5 km/s maximum in the solar transition region underlying a well-defined low-latitude coronal hole. This is reminiscent of a similar apparent outflow observed by Cushman and Rense in the coronal line 303A Si XI. The hypothesis that this is evidence for acceleration of the high speed solar wind deep in the transition region and inner corona is explored briefly.
Influence of Temperature and Humidity on Survival of Penicillium digitatum and Geotrichum citri-aurantii

Longevity of conidia of Penicillium digitatum (cause of citrus green mold) and arthroconidia of Geotrichum citri-aurantii (cause of sour rot of citrus) was determined under controlled temperature and relative humidity (RH) or ambient summer conditions in central California. Longevity at low RH was longer than at high RH. Hours to kill 99% of the conidia (LT99) of nine P. digitatum isolates were determined at 50°C and 75 or 95% RH. At 75 and 95% RH, the LT99 was 24.9 and 4.9 h, respectively. The LT99 was 30 and 42 days, respectively, for conidia of P. digitatum under ambient conditions at two outdoor locations. The LT99 of arthroconidia of G. citriaurantii from colonies cultured on potato dextrose agar was briefer than that of conidia of P. digitatum. At 45°C and 75 or 95% RH, the LT99 was about 4 and 2 h, respectively, whereas at 50°C, none was viable after 1 h at either humidity. Sanitation is an important practice for managing these diseases. Since there was little or no survival of either fungus after 1 day at 50°C and 75% RH or higher, we conclude that commercial sanitation could employ a similar regime.
Phase-sensitive detection of emission and scattering by electro-optic demodulation

Abstract Fluorescence-free Raman spectra and measurements of optical relaxation are obtained using intensity modulation spectroscopy.
MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE ROOTS OF RED PINE, PINUS RESINOSA. II. FUNGAL COLONIZATION OF ROOTS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF MYCORRHIZAE

A B S T R A C T Observations are reported on the distribution and appearance of long- and short-root apices of nursery seedlings and plantation trees. Only emerging lateral roots over 50% of the diameter of the mother roots become long-roots, and only from 10 to 21% attain this initial size. Shortroots have rounded apices with small, sharply delimited, hemispherical or lens-shaped meristematic zones. Long-roots have pointed apices with paraboloid-shaped meristematic zones showing light-absorbing zones near the apex as well as near the base of the paraboloid. In smalldiameter long-roots, lateral short-roots tend to be uniformly distributed throughout the increment, but in large-diameter roots they are closer together at the two ends of the increment. Lateral roots may be missing completely in the largest-diameter pioneer roots. Both long- and short-roots are inhabited by various species of fungi, mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal. The patterns of fungal distribution in long-roots vary from the proximal to the distal ends of the seasonal growth increments, depending on root growth and morphology. Mycorrhizal-forming fungal species appear to predominate during the growing season but non-mycorrhizal species may become prominent during the dormant season. The reactivation of apical and lateral meristems following dormancy occurs somewhat in advance of growth resumption by the fungi. However, delay in growth of the fungi is usually not long enough to permit emerging laterals to escape infection from the developing Hartig net in the mother root. Very large first-order laterals of 3-0 seedlings and large pioneer roots in the plantations may ultimately acquire a sufficiently rapid growth rate to escape the fungus. When this occurs lateral roots may be initiated from a fungal-free zone in the mother root and may become infected later. A very sparse Hartig net suffices for a strong invasion of emerging laterals, because hyphal growth is stimulated in the vicinity of a developing lateral.
Coupled biogeochemical cycling of iron and manganese as mediated by microbial siderophores

Siderophores, biogenic chelating agents that facilitate Fe(III) uptake through the formation of strong complexes, also form strong complexes with Mn(III) and exhibit high reactivity with Mn (hydr)oxides, suggesting a pathway by which Mn may disrupt Fe uptake. In this review, we evaluate the major biogeochemical mechanisms by which Fe and Mn may interact through reactions with microbial siderophores: competition for a limited pool of siderophores, sorption of siderophores and metal-siderophore complexes to mineral surfaces, and competitive metal-siderophore complex formation through parallel mineral dissolution pathways. This rich interweaving of chemical processes gives rise to an intricate tapestry of interactions, particularly in respect to the biogeochemical cycling of Fe and Mn in marine ecosystems.
Effect of SAR resolution on target identification

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors are being developed with better resolution to improve target identification, but this improvement has a significant cost. Furthermore, higher resolution corresponds to more pixels per image and, consequently, more data to process. Here, the effect of resolution on a many class target identification problem is determined using high resolution SAR data with artificially reduced resolution, a Mean-Squared Error (MSE) criterion, and template matching. It is found each increase in resolution by a factor of two increases the average MSE between a target and possible confusers by five to ten percent. Interpolating SAR images in the spatial domain to obtain artificially higher resolution images results in an average MSE that is actually much worse than the original SAR images. Increasing resolution significantly improves target identification performance while interpolating low- resolution images degrades target identification performance.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Distributed active radiation for THz signal generation

Despite the aggressive scaling of silicon-based IC's over the past few decades, the transistor characteristics have yet to improve so that the ‘THz’-range (∼300GHz-to-3THz) circuits can be effectively designed using the conventional techniques. This has led the few attempts at signal generation at these frequencies in CMOS to produce very small power levels (e.g., tens of nano-watts)[1,2]. The broad range of applications that could benefit from efficient power generation justifies novel approaches that allow high power generation and efficient radiation in CMOS. This can be achieved by removing the artificial boundaries between levels of abstraction such as electromagnetics, antenna, propagation and circuits; when we can truly leverage the advantages of the new design space that lies in the confluence of these separate treatments leading to more optimal design [3].
An Analysis Of Two Classes Of Grazing Incidence Mirrors For Use With Rowland Circle Spectrometers

Results are presented of a comparative analysis of Hettrick Bowyer Type II (HBII) and Wolter-Schwarzschild Type II (WSII) optics for use with Rowland circle spectrometers. The HBII can substitute, with few exceptions, for a WSII in any Rowland circle with little change in spectrometer performance or design. However, the HBII telescope offers several clear advantages over the WSII in these configurations. Because the HBII employs a virtual focus, it requires a much shorter instrument length than a WSII. For example, a 3-m Rowland circle spectrometer, fed by an optimized, f/10, 1-m diameter WSII, has a total instrument length of 6 m. If a HBII is used to feed the identical spectrometer, the entire instrument length can be as little as 3 m. In addition, the improved imaging gained with the larger graze angles of the HBII design results in better resolution in slitless operation modes.
Brain vasopressin involvement in behavioral sensitization to amphetamines and drinking hypertonic salt solutions.

Sodium restriction cross-sensitizes rats to the psychomotor effects of amphetamines and activation of brain vasopressin pathways induce a psychomotor sensitization and facilitate salt intake in sodium-deficient rats. In Experiment 1, we tested the hypothesis that male rats previously sensitized to central VP injections would subsequently show enhanced psychomotor responses to amphetamine. Rats were administered either saline, intraventricular injections of VP (50 ng) or amphetamine (1 or 3 mg/kg, d-amphetamine sulfate, i.p.) on two consecutive days. All rats were administered amphetamine on day 3 and behavior was monitored. Amphetamine on day 3 elicited a significantly greater psychomotor response in rats that had two prior injections of amphetamine or VP, than in rats previously treated with saline or those receiving amphetamine for the first time on Day 3. In Experiment 2, the hypothesis that prior experience with central VP would cross-sensitize the rat to drinking hypertonic sodium (NaCl) solutions was tested. Naive male rats were administered intraventricular injections of VP (50 ng) or isotonic saline for 3 days and on the fourth day non deprived rats were given access to 0.3 M NaCl and water for 1 h. Control (isotonic saline treated) rats only drank 1 ml of 0.3 M NaCl, but need-free rats previously exposed to central VP injections drank significantly more hypertonic saline (4 ml). These results show that prior experience with central VP cross-sensitizes rats to the psychomotor stimulant effects of amphetamine and the ingestion of concentrated NaCl solutions. Supported by NIH DK50586 and RR15640.
Cadmium Sulfide Neutron Detectors: Annealing of Radiation Damage

A new method for measuring fast-neutron fluences using CdS has recently been developed. The technique consists of detecting induced conductivity resulting from the beta decay of radioisotopes which are produced by the neutron irradiation. In previous studies of radioactive decay effects in these detectors it was necessary to correct the conductivity data for effects associated with radiation damage (defects). In this study, electrical changes associated with neutron-induced defects have been minimized by annealing the detectors at 300°C before measuring electrical changes resulting from radioactive decay. The measured conductivity following annealing is just the induced conductivity from beta decay, and no further corrections for radiation damage are required. These results also (1) confirm the accuracy of the previous correction procedure, and (2) show that differences in the radioactive decay rate constants and the rate constants determined from the associated electrical changes, which have been observed for some detectors, are not necessarily due to errors introduced by that correction procedure. Given in this paper is a brief discussion of some of the general characteristics of CdS neutron detectors as well as a detailed description of the annealing experiments.
A Spatial Mixture Model of Innovation Diffusion

The diffusion of new product or technical innovation over space is here modeled as an event-based process in which the likelihood of the next adopter being in region r is influenced by two factors: (i) the potential interactions of individuals in r with current adopters in neighboring regions, and (ii) all other attributes of individuals in r that may influence their adoption propensity. The first factor is characterized by a logit model reflecting the likelihood of adoption due to spatial contacts with previous adopters, and the second by a logit model reflecting the likelihood of adoption due to other intrinsic effects. The resulting spatial diffusion process is then assumed to be driven by a probabilistic mixture of the two. A number of formal properties of this model are analyzed, including its asymptotic behavior. But the main analytical focus is on statistical estimation of parameters. Here it is shown that standard maximumlikelihood estimates require large sample sizes to achieve reasonable results. Two estimation approaches are developed which yield more sensible results for small sample sizes. These results are applied to a small data set involving the adoption of a new Internet grocery-shopping service by consumers in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Renal Calculi

Purpose: To gain better understanding of ESWL® efficacy in children with renal calculi we report our outcomes using this technique.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of children who underwent ESWL as monotherapy for renal calculi at our institution from 1988 to 2007. Data included clinical characteristics, stone-free rate and its relationship to stone size and location, lithotriptor and complications.Results: The 33 boys and 29 girls with an average age of 10 years underwent a total of 69 treatments. A 53% and 63% stone-free rate was achieved after 1 and 2 ESWL sessions, respectively. A trend toward a higher stone-free rate (61% to 70%) after 1 ESWL session was seen in children with stones less than 50 mm2, renal pelvic stones and treatment with the Dornier® HM3 lithotriptor. Children with stones greater than 100 mm2, a caliceal location and those treated with the Dornier MFL 5000 lithotriptor had a higher failure rate (25% to 46%). Five patients (8%) required ureteroscopy after ESWL due to re...
Multinuclear magnetic resonance studies of collagen molecular structure and dynamics

We have measured the percentages of cis and trans Gly-Pro and X-Hyp peptide bonds in thermally unfolded type I collagen. 13C-nmr solution spectra show that 16% of the Gly-Pro and 8% of the X-Hyp bonds are cis in unfolded chick calvaria collagen. These results support the hypothesis that cis–trans isomerization is that rate-limiting step in the propagation of the collagen triple helix. We have used multinuclear solid-state nmr to study the molecular dynamics of the collagen backbone in tendon, demineralized bone, and intact bone as a function of temperature, hydration, and pH. These studies show that collagen backbone motions are characterized by a broad distribution of correlation times, τ, covering the range from 10−4 to 10−9 s. In the case of nonmineralized collagen, the root-mean-square fluctuations in azimuthal angle, γrms, range from ca. 10° when τ ∼ 10−9 s to ca. 30° when τ < 10−4 s; in the case of bone collagen, γrms values are about half as large as those found in nonmineralized collagen. Backbone motions are negligible at temperatures below −25°C. This is also the case at 22°C when demineralized bone collagen is lyophilized. In contrast, flexibility of hydrated demineralized bone collagen greatly increases as pH is lowered from 7 to 2. The more limited flexibility observed at neutral pH is a consequence of the intermolecular interactions that contribute to fibril organization and strength. However, the fibrils retain significant flexibility at physiological pH, enabling them to distribute stress and dissipate mechanical energy.
Proliferation and differentiation of normal granulopoietic cells in continuous bone marrow cultures.

Modified conditions are reported for successful continuous bone marrow cultures with stem cell self-renewal and granulocyte-macrophage differentiation. Cells cultured over several weeks were found to be identical to freshly isolated bone marrow cells. Polymorphic neutrophils derived from cultures and primary bone marrow neutrophils both showed C3 and IgG receptors and both actively phagocytosed foreign particles. Cultured and normal CFU-c were identical, both in their dose responsiveness to CFS and in their sedimentation rate characteristics.
A joint approach for phase offset estimation and residual motion error compensation in airborne SAR interferometry

Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) allows the generation of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) exploiting the phase difference (interferogram) of SAR data pairs relevant to the same illuminated area and received by slightly different look angles. Within the processing chain leading from the acquired SAR data pair to the final InSAR DEM, it is necessary to calculate a proper phase offset value to add to the unwrapped SAR interferogram. Moreover, in the airborne case, it can be necessary also the compensation of the residual motion errors not perfectly removed by the exploited Motion Compensation (MOCO) procedures during the focusing step. In this paper we present a novel algorithm for joint InSAR phase offset calculation and residual motion error compensation based on the use of an external low accuracy DEM. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is assessed on real data acquired by the multi-antena airborne OrbiSAR and TELAER system, both operating at X-band.
Scaling and analysis of mixing in large stratified volumes

Abstract This work develops scaling and governing equations for mixing processes in large interconnected enclosures under stratified conditions. Injected buoyant jets, plumes from heat sources, and wall jets from heat transfer to structures can generate such mixing. Using the hierarchical two-tiered scaling analysis method, criteria are developed for the prediction of ambient enclosure fluid stratification due to temperature and/or concentration gradients. Simplified governing equations for mass, energy, and species conservation result. In their simplified form, the governing equations allow both scaling and simplified modeling and analysis of integral system behavior. The application to numerical analysis of mixing is illustrated with an example related to nuclear reactor containment mixing.
The Types and Distribution of α-Thalassemia-2 in China

We studied 111 cases of Hb H disease from different families using Bam HI and Bgl II restriction enzymes. The results showed that 76 cases (68.5%) were of the deletion type, eight cases (7.2%) had Hb Constant Spring (Hb CS, and 27 cases (24.3%) were of the nondeletion and Hb CS types (αT).Distribution of the α-thalassemia-2 (α-thal-2) gene varies with the different regions in China. The rightward deletion (α−3.7) is found chiefly in Guangdong Province, the leftward deletion (α−4.2) mostly in Jiangxi Province, and the nondeletional type in Guangxi Province where the Han nationality is most prominent.We studied the nondeletional Hb H type by DNA gene mapping, digestion with Msp I, and hybridization with a 32p-α probe for the presence of the Hb Quong Sze [α125(H8)Leu→Pro] mutation. It appears that none of these α-thal-2 genes contain the Hb Quong Sze mutation.