cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased tacrolimus levels in a pediatric renal transplant patient attributed to chronic diarrhea

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. It is metabolized in both the gut and the liver by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 enzyme system and is a substrate for the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) drug efflux pump. As CYP3A4 enzymes and P-gp are present at differing concentrations throughout the gastrointestinal tract, the bioavailability of tacrolimus may be influenced by changes in gastrointestinal transit time in addition to changes in hepatic metabolism. We report the case of a pediatric renal transplant patient who experienced a three-fold increase in serum tacrolimus concentrations during an episode of gastroenteritis with chronic diarrhea.
Energetic and Endocrine Mediation of Natal Dispersal Behavior in Belding's Ground Squirrels

Abstract Natal dispersal, the permanent departure of an individual from its birth site, is sex biased in most mammals, with males dispersing at higher rates or over greater distances than do female conspecifics. Because dispersal movements may be energetically expensive, their occurrence should theoretically be influenced by energy availability. Moreover, the male bias typical of mammalian dispersal suggests that this behavior might be mediated by gonadal androgens. Using free-living Belding's ground squirrels ( Spermophilus beldingi ) as subjects, we provisioned juveniles with extra food to evaluate energetic influences on male dispersal behavior. Provisioning increased body mass and body fat of juvenile males and caused them to disperse at younger ages, but did not affect blood glucose levels. Dispersing males were fatter than same-aged males that had not yet dispersed. Moreover, body fat of provisioned and unprovisioned males did not differ when evaluated relative to the week during which they dispersed, suggesting that there may be a fat threshold for dispersal. In a second experiment, we measured plasma concentrations of testosterone (T) in provisioned and unprovisioned, free-living juveniles to evaluate the hypothesis that male dispersal behavior is activated by concurrent high levels of T. We observed no increase in plasma T associated with dispersal by juvenile males, no sex differences in circulating T among juveniles, and no effects of food provisioning on juvenile T levels. In a third experiment with free-living S. beldingi, we concurrently altered early androgen exposure by treating females with T at birth and manipulated energy availability by food provisioning. Perinatal T-treatment increased the likelihood of dispersal among juvenile females. Provisioning increased body mass and body fat of juveniles and caused males and T-treated females to disperse at significantly younger ages than either their unprovisioned counterparts or the few provisioned control females that dispersed. These results suggest that early T exposure in this species determines the probability of dispersal, whereas the amount of energy an individual has stored as fat strongly influences the timing of dispersal. Early T exposure also appears to cause the timing of dispersal to respond to energy availability and body fat in a male-typical way, possibly by organizing masculine mass and fat thresholds for dispersal.
The effects of long-term nitrogen loading on grassland insect communities

Just as long-term nitrogen loading of grasslands decreases plant species richness and increases plant biomass, we have found that nitrogen loading decreases insect species richness and increases insect abundances. We sampled 54 plots that had been maintained at various rates of nitrogen addition for 14 years. Total insect species richness and effective insect diversity, as well as herbivore and predator species richness, were significantly, negatively related to the rate of nitrogen addition. However, there was variation in trophic responses to nitrogen. Detritivore species richness increased as nitrogen addition increased, and parasitoids showed no response. Insect abundances, measured as the number of insects and insect biovolume (an estimate of biomass), were significantly, positively related to the rate of nitrogen addition, as were the abundances of herbivores and detritivores. Parasitoid abundance was negatively related to the rate of nitrogen addition. Changes in the insect community were correlated with changes in the plant community. As rates of nitrogen addition increased, plant species richness decreased, plant productivity and plant tissue nitrogen increased, and plant composition shifted from C4 to C3 grass species. Along this gradient, total insect species richness and effective insect diversity were most strongly, positively correlated with plant species richness. Insect biovolume was negatively correlated with plant species richness. Responses of individual herbivores varied along the nitrogen gradient, but numbers of 13 of the 18 most abundant herbivores were positively correlated with their host plant biomass. Although insect communities did not respond as strongly as plant communities, insect species richness, abundance, and composition were impacted by nitrogen addition. This study demonstrates that long-term nitrogen loading affects the entire food chain, simplifying both plant and insect communities.
Elliptic points of the Picard modular group

We explicitly compute the elliptic points and isotropy groups for the action of the Picard modular group over the Gaussian integers on 2-dimensional complex hyperbolic space.
Contrast medium assisted fluid flow measurements

In this paper the development and evaluation of two new approaches for ultrasound time-domain fluid flow measurements by tracking echoes scattered by a contrast agent following injection of a bolus of the contrast agent are described. Their feasibility was investigated by measuring velocity or velocity profile of blood flowing in a mock circulatory loop in vitro. Measurements were made with a one transducer intravessel approach and a two transducer extravessel approach. A hybrid cluster or vector cross-correlation method was used to track the motion of the scatterers in the two transducer time-domain method. This cluster or vector cross correlation method was developed to reduce the ambiguity resulted from misregistration which is a common problem in target tracking by correlating signal patterns. The experimental results show a good agreement between the measured data and those estimated from timing the volume. Although the discussions given in this paper pertain only to blood flow measurements, there is no reason to indicate that these approaches can not be used for fluid flow measurements in an industrial environment if suitable contrast agents can be developed. >
Analysis of femoral artery Doppler signals by LaPlace transform damping method

Abstract The LaPlace transform damping (LTD) method of common femoral artery Doppler waveform analysis is a new method for assessing aortoiliac stenosis. A microcomputer was used to analyze the waveform to determine the value of the damping parameter, which is related to inflow stenosis. The study included 60 limbs with arterial disease and 20 limbs in normal control subjects. With a damping value of 0.60 used as the cutoff point between nonocclusive lesions and iliac stenoses of greater than 50% diameter reduction, we found a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93% (overall accuracy 95%). Unlike Doppler waveform analysis by the pulsatility index method, the accuracy of the LTD method is not affected by occlusion of the superficial femoral artery. The Doppler signal processor and the computer currently used for the LTD analysis are simple to operate and fully suitable for routine use in a clinical vascular laboratory. Our experience indicates that the LTD method of waveform analysis provides the best noninvasive method for detection of significant inflow disease. (J VASC SURG 1984;1:520-4.)
Critical Appraisal. Bulk-Fill Composites, Part II.

The Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry published a Critical Appraisal of bulk-fill flowable composite resins by Dr. Ricardo Walter in early 2013 (JERD 2013;25(1):72-6). Since then, new bulk-fill composite options have become available and have rapidly achieved great popularity. This two-part Critical Appraisal reviews some of the more recent information on the various bulk-fill options.
Rapid Detection and Identification of Mucopolysaccharides in Urine

This technic decreases the time required for MPS (mucopolysaccharide) testing, and per mits quantitative measurement of urinary MPS without the need for elaborate electrophoretic and chromato graphic equipment. The method, if supplemented by a differential chromato graphic study, helps identify specific fractions of the MPS components. These two screening methods are useful for confirmation of clinical diagnosis of various mucopolysaccharidoses.
Investigation of the role of a-Si:H based-alloy solar cell thickness on 1.00 MeV proton irradiation resistance

The role of thickness and composition in the 1.00 MeV proton radiation resistance of hydrogenated amorphous silicon based-alloys solar cells is reported. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry is used to analyze the cells. Single-junction a-Si:H and a-Si/sub x/Ge/sub 1-x/:H, and dual-junction a-Si:H solar cells were investigated using proton fluences in the 1.00*10/sup 13/ to 1.00*10/sup 15/ cm/sup -2/ range. The investigations show that 1.10 mu m thick single-junction a-Si:H cells have a lower radiation resistance than 0.32 mu m thick cells. >
A model to assess the value of an intermediate R&D result

A framework is offered for assessing the value of an intermediate result in an R&D project under competition. The assessed value of an intermediate result can be used as a minimum price acceptable to the inventor (reservation price) when the knowledge is disseminated to others. This issue is especially important if a firm (or society) is concerned about the distributive aspect of access to superior knowledge. The model discussed incorporates a number of structural variables, including research cost, future development cost, potential profits, rivalry, and discount rate. For invention production functions with the memorylessness property (e.g. exponential functions), a closed-form equation for the reservation price is derived. How the model can be applied in a competitive R&D situation is demonstrated. >
Metastability of CMOS latch/flip-flop

Optimal device size, aspect ratio, and configurations for the design of the metastable hardened CMOS latch/flip-flops are obtained by using the AC small-signal analysis in the frequency domain instead of the usual time-domain approach. The Miller effect on the metastability is investigated for the configurations which have a better metastable resolving capability. The mean time between failure (MTBF) was measured, and the result verifies this new design approach. The power supply disturbance and temperature variation effects on the metastability were also measured, and the data show that a 0.75-V change of power supply voltage and 75 degrees C change of chip temperature cause a four orders of magnitude difference in the MTBF. The simulation results using the AC small-signal frequency-domain analysis agree well with the measurement data for the different power supply voltages and chip temperatures, confirming that an AC small-signal approach can be used more widely for the design of metastable hardened latch/flip-flops. The other parameters are discussed in terms of their effects on the latch/flip-flop's susceptibility to the metastable state. >
Some urgent problems of the strength of materials and durability of structures

We present some important theoretical and experimental results obtained in the field of fracture mechanics of materials and durability of structural elements. The main foundations (concepts) of the fracture mechanics and strength of cracked elastoplastic bodies are formulated and some urgent problems of advanced studies in this field of science of materials and their strength are posed. Some problems of the fatigue fracture and durability of metals operating in working media are also investigated.
Representation is space-variant

Under shift, caused for example by eye movement, or by relative movement of the subject or object of perception, the cortical representation undergoes very large changes in “size” and “shape.” Space-variance of cortical representation rules out models that fundamentally require linear interpolation between shifted patterns (e.g., Edelman's model) or rigid shift of an invariant retinal stimulus corresponding to shift at the cortex (e.g., the shifter theory of van Essen). Recently, a computational solution of “quasi-shift” invariance for space-variant mappings has been constructed (Bonmassar & Schwartz 1997a; 1997b).
Secondary Effects in Flexible Hydrogen Bonding Networks

Abstract Extension of Jorgensen's secondary interaction hypothesis to conformationally flexible systems has been examined. The results indicate that secondary interactions between covalently adjacent hydrogen bonding groups are as important as secondary interactions between hydrogen bonding groups brought together by the primary interactions. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Association of Mild Transient Elevation of Troponin I Levels With Increased Mortality and Major Cardiovascular Events in the General Patient Population

Abstract Context.—The prognostic value of mild elevation of cardiac-specific troponin I (cTnI) levels is poorly defined, which can make interpretation of such an elevation difficult. Objective.—To study the prognostic value of transient mild elevation of cTnI levels in the hospitalized patient population. Design.—We performed a case-control study that compared the outcome of patients hospitalized for any cause with at least 2 subsequent transient cTnI measurements of 0.1 ng/mL or higher and less than 1.5 ng/mL with matched controls with cTnI levels less than 0.1 ng/mL. A cohort of 118 patients (mean ± SD age, 67.4 ± 14.0 years; 35.6% men) was followed up for an average ± SD of 11.9 ± 7.9 months. Seventy-one cases were matched with 37 controls in terms of demographics, coronary artery disease risk factors, and reason for admission. End points were all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular end points, including cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and revascularization. Results.—The total eve...
Comparing employee health benefits in the public and private sectors, 1997

ABSTRACT: Data from the 1997 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Employer Health Insurance Survey provide new information comparing public- and private-sector employee health benefits. The federal government is ahead of other employers in adopting managed competition principles using financial incentives and consumer information to promote choosing efficient plans. Federal employees experience a $200 annual compensation gap relative to those in the private sector, but it is partly explained by advantage in purchasing power. In contrast, state and local governments make higher payments toward health insurance than private-sector employers do. Their premiums are equivalent, but they pay a greater share of the total cost.
INHERITED DISORDERS AS A RISK FACTOR AND PREDICTOR OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME IN PEDIATRIC CANCER

Each year in the United States, an average of one to two children per 10,000 develop cancer. The etiology of most childhood cancer remains largely unknown but is likely attributable to random or induced genetic aberrations in somatic tissue. However, a subset of children develops cancer in the setting of an underlying inheritable condition involving a germline genetic mutation or chromosomal aberration. Despite overall improved survival rates for children with cancer over recent decades, many patients experience neurological and neurocognitive complications during the course of their illness and/or as late effects of treatment. Improvements in therapy, longer survival times, and improved imaging techniques have all increased both the time that patients are at risk and the ability to detect such complications. How an underlying inherited disorder influences the incidence, timing, etiology, and treatment of such sequelae has not been extensively documented, but evidence exists for an increased risk for secondary malignancies and in some cases life-threatening sensitivity/toxicity to conventionally dosed cancer treatments, thus emphasizing the need for the early recognition of such syndromes. This review outlines the major tumor- and treatment-related neurodevelopmental sequelae in pediatric cancer patients, with particular attention to children with an underlying inheritable disorder.
Acute cervicitis and vulvovaginitis may be associated with Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompetent hosts is generally asymptomatic or may present as a mononucleosic syndrome. Its association with acute cervicitis and vulvovaginitis has rarely been reported. A 24-year-old woman presented with pelvic pain, vulvodynia, abnormal vaginal discharge, burning with urination, fatigue, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. The vulva and cervix were red with vesicular lesions on the cervix. Genital herpes simplex infection (HSV) was suspected and valacyclovir was given orally. However, serial viral cultures performed 7 weeks apart did not isolate HSV as suspected, but CMV was confirmed by immunofluorescence and early antigen research. Blood tests confirmed an acute CMV infection. Typical inclusions were found at histology. Symptoms resolved slowly with persistence of cervical lesions at 7 weeks from diagnosis. The frequency of CMV genital infection is probably underestimated. The infection is not always asymptomatic and might be confused with genital HSV infection. The clinical course is longer.
Optimal replacement policies for k-out-of-n systems

The authors study a discrete-time, infinite-horizon, dynamic programming model for the replacement of components in a binary k-out-of-n:F system. The goal is to trade off the component replacement and system failure costs. Under the criterion of minimizing the long-run average cost per period, it is optimal to follow a critical component policy (CCP), viz., a policy specified by a critical component set and the rule: replace a component if and only if it is failed and is in the critical component set. Computing an optimal CCP is a binary nonlinear programming problem, which can be solved by searching through a set with O(n/sup k-1/) points. This approach to finding an optimal CCP is practical when k is small. In particular, assuming s-independent components, it requires O(n/sup 2k-1/) calculations. The authors analyze in detail the two most important cases with small k: the series (1-out-of-n:F) system and the 2-out-of-n:F system. >
Graphical stability analysis for a fuzzy PID controlled robot arm model

Describes a graphical approach to stability analysis for a two-link flexible-joint robot arm model controlled by a fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller developed by the present authors. This new fuzzy PID controller preserves the simple linear structure of its conventional counterpart yet enhances its self-tuning control capability, thereby significantly improving tracking control performance. A simulation result on a two-link flexible-joint robot arm model is included to visualize such satisfactory performance. A simple and realistic sufficient condition for the stability of the overall feedback control system is then derived from a graphical approach, giving a safe region for design, on which the fuzzy PID controlled robot arm system have guaranteed stability.
Out of touch, out of reach: Tactile predispositions as predictors of interpersonal distance

The effects of touch avoidance, a person's general predisposition to approach or avoid tactile communication, on interpersonal distance was examined through four hypotheses. Two of the four hypotheses, both involving interpersonal distance from female confederates, were confirmed. Additionally, die combined effects of touch avoidance, receiver apprehension, and physical attraction on interpersonal distance were examined in a series of multiple regression models. The models accounted for 27–99% of the variance in interpersonal distance. The study demonstrates that communication predispositions are reasonably good predictors of interpersonal behavior. Additionally, the study suggests that attitudes toward communication, and particularly touch, determine the spatial intimacy of communication encounters.
Who Wants to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Objective. We examine cognitive, economic, and partisan heuristic theories of why some people express support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Methods. Data come from a mail survey of 623 residents of central Pennsylvania, a region in which mitigation costs exceed potential benefits from slowing the rate of global warming. Results. Ordinary least squares analysis shows that people who can accurately identify the causes of climate change and who expect bad consequences from climate change are likely to support both government anti-fossil fuel initiatives and voluntary actions. Economic circumstances and anxieties are not important predictors, but the belief that environmental protection efforts do not threaten jobs for people like the respondent, limit personal freedoms, and hurt the economy is a strong predictor. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to support government efforts to reduce emissions. Conclusions. Cognitive explanations of support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are more powerful than economic or partisan heuristic ones. People want to reduce emissions if they understand the causes of climate change, if they perceive substantial risks from climate change if average surface temperatures increase, and if they think climate change mitigation policies will not cost them their jobs.
Upgrading railroad test track, Pueblo, Colorado

The railroad test track (RTI) at the Transportation Technology Center (TIC) in Pueblo, Colo., was constructed in the early 1970s to support high-speed testing of new railroad rolling stock. Through the years it has been used to test a wide range of railroad passenger and freight cars and locomotives. Now, 20 years later, a new high-speed train set is being procured by Amtrak for service in the improved Northeast Corridor. The test facilities at Pueblo will play an important role in acceptance and safety testing of new high­ speed train sets in the United States. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) commissioned a study to review the existing condition of the test track and to make recommendations as to possible improvement options so that the facility would be able to test current and future generations of high-speed rail equipment. This paper describes the condition of the test track and explores ways in which it may be modified to accommodate the testing of high-speed train technologies in the near future and into the next century.
The sleepy patient: Evaluation and management

Abstract Problems of excessive sleepiness are common in our society, significant for psychological as well as medical treatment, and often denied or minimized by patients. In some cases this symptom indicates a life-threatening sleep disorder. Excessive sleepiness, when suggested by history, should, therefore, be carefully reviewed for differential diagnosis and for severity following procedures like those discussed below. Behavioral and psychological treatments are often the most appropriate initial intervention; a sleep disorders center consultation may be helpful. In more severe or special cases, a sleep disorders center referral is essential. Guidelines are presented to assist the clinical psychologist in treatment and/or referral of these patients.
Infusion-Baited Ovitraps to Survey Ovipositional Height Preferences of Container-Inhabiting Mosquitoes in Two Florida Habitats

To ascertain mosquito species-specific oviposition height preferences, a study was conducted evaluating the response of field populations of container-inhabiting mosquitoes to water, oak (Quercus spp.), or oak—pine (Pinus spp.) infusion-baited ovitraps in four suburban and four sylvatic habitats in north central Florida. In total, 48 ovitraps, 24 suspended at each height of 1 or 6 m (near the ground or tree canopy, respectively), were monitored weekly for 5 mo. Throughout our study, we collected 13,276 mosquito eggs, representing five species from four genera, the most common being Aedes triseriatus (Say), Aedes albopictus Skuse, and Orthopodomyia signifiera (Coquillett). Significantly more Ae. triseriatus and Ae. albopictus eggs were oviposited in containers with oak and oak—pine infusions compared with water alone. Significantly more Ae. albopictus eggs were recovered from traps at 1 m in suburban habitats, whereas more Ae. triseriatus eggs were recovered at 6 m in sylvatic habitats.
'Strictly' Speaking, Louisiana Gun Regulations Are No Longer 'Reasonable'

In 2012, Louisiana citizens voted to amend the state’s constitution concerning the right to bear arms. The new amendment now states the right to bear arms is a fundamental right and this right is protected through strict constitutional scrutiny. Prior to the change, all a valid law needed was rational basis. Currently Louisiana is the only state to apply a strict scrutiny standard to firearm regulation. This paper discusses the impact of such an unprecedented shift in constitutional analysis as it applies to firearm possession in Louisiana. After discussing prior jurisprudence applying rational basis, this paper examines State v. Draughter, a case concerning felons’ right to bear arms, the first constitutional challenge under the new amendment. This research surveys the impact of Draughter on prior Louisiana jurisprudence, and questions the validity of other statutes that were constitutional under the prior amendment. The evaluation continues by comparing the strict scrutiny of firearm regulation opposed to other fundamental rights such as freedom of speech. Further, it is uncertain what impact the 2012 change will have on other possession statutes, and the author questions the necessity for conceal-and-carry permits.
A Conversation about Leadership

As part of LLAMA’s focus on new leaders in our profession, the editorial team at LL&M began a new feature in the last issue entitled “New Perspectives in Leadership.” Since Associate Editor Beth Blakesley works with (and lives next door to) Linda Crook, the current President of the New Members Round Table and 2008 Emerging Leader, Beth thought it would be easy to contact her for an interview with LL&M. Linda thought it would be even better for them to interview each other, to have a conversation about leadership.
Scope and status of public diplomacy research by public relations scholars, 1990–2014

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the scope and status of public diplomacy research by public relations scholars between 1990 and 2014. The work examined authorship, research topics, methodological approaches and contributions to theory building in public diplomacy. The research revealed tremendous potential for public relations researchers to contribute to the intellectual and practical development of public diplomacy. The investigation also identified a need for empirical studies that would deepen our understanding of how diplomatic actors build and sustain relationships with foreign publics and the potential role and value of public relations concepts and practices in such processes. Recommendations for future research are offered.
Minute 242 and Beyond: Challenges and Opportunities for Managing Transboundary Groundwater on the Mexico-U.S. Border

Sharing transboundary groundwater remains one of the most pressing and difficult issues in Mexico-U.S. relations despite Minute 242 of the International Boundary and Water Commission, signed in 1973, which acknowledges the need to develop a comprehensive groundwater agreement for the border region. This essay profiles the numerous groundwater disputes along the border and analyzes current institutional and political opportunities for resolving them. Common pool resources theory and recent work in prescriptive international law are utilized to identify opportunities for greater binational cooperation. Given the history and complexity of the transboundary water dispute, this paper concludes with four recommendations: first, that the two countries continue to strengthen and share technical knowledge; second, that they strive for incremental solutions; third, that they prioritize settling their most tractable disagreements; and finally, that they support international efforts to further develop prescriptive international legal principles as articulated in the recent Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of International Watercourses and the Bellagio Draft Treaty on transboundary groundwater.
Production of Hydrogen Sulfide from Sulfur-Containing Compounds by Various Bacteria. I. Experiments with Beef Infusion Agar Basic Medium.

Discussion and Summary1. None of the 22 strains of bacteria studied failed to produce hydrogen sulfide from beef infusion agar slants supplemented with cystine and cysteine. The latter may have bee...
Churchill's secret biological weapons

During World War II British plans to use biological warfare agents were restrained less by moral scruples than by fears of German retaliation.
Using Single-Turnover Kinetics with Osmotic Stress to Characterize the EcoRV Cleavage Reaction

Type II restriction endonucleases require metal ions to specifically cleave DNA at canonical sites. Despite the wealth of structural and biochemical information, the number of Mg(2+) ions used for cleavage by EcoRV, in particular, at physiological divalent ion concentrations has not been established. In this work, we employ a single-turnover technique that uses osmotic stress to probe reaction kinetics between an initial specific EcoRV-DNA complex formed in the absence of Mg(2+) and the final cleavage step. With osmotic stress, complex dissociation before cleavage is minimized and the reaction rates are slowed to a convenient time scale of minutes to hours. We find that cleavage occurs by a two-step mechanism that can be characterized by two rate constants. The dependence of these rate constants on Mg(2+) concentration and osmotic pressure gives the number of Mg(2+) ions and water molecules coupled to each kinetic step of the EcoRV cleavage reaction. Each kinetic step is coupled to the binding 1.5-2.5 Mg(2+) ions, the uptake of ∼30 water molecules, and the cleavage of a DNA single strand. We suggest that each kinetic step reflects an independent, rate-limiting conformational change of each monomer of the dimeric enzyme that allows Mg(2+) ion binding. This modified single-turnover protocol has general applicability for metalloenzymes.
Allometry Varies among 6-Year-Old Pinus taeda (L.) Clones in the Virginia Piedmont

Clonal forestry is becoming a reality in the southeastern United States owing to recent improvements in somatic embryogenesis for Pinus taeda (L.). Differences in aboveground and belowground carbon allocation between individual genotypes could have significant implications for productivity and carbon sequestration and cycling in clonal plantations. We assessed biomass partitioning, allometry, coarse root morphology, and crown size of 10 P. taeda clones at age 6 in the Virginia Piedmont in control and operationally fertilized plots. Clonal effects were observed for biomass partitioning to foliar, branch, stem, taproot, and lateral root fractions; allometric relationships including root/shoot, stem/foliage, branch/foliage, and stem/taproot ratios; root morphology; and crown size. Clonal differences in biomass partitioning were the result of both differences in allometry and differences in growth rates. Growth efficiency (stem/foliage ratio) showed a twofold difference among the two most disparate clones even after standardizing for different growth rates. Clone-by-fertilizer interactions were observed for total, aboveground, and belowground biomass and for root depth sampled up to 1 m. Differences in partitioning and allometry were not clearly tied to tree or stem growth rates, indicating that there may be opportunities to select and deploy clones with rapid stem volume growth rates that have biomass partitioning patterns tailored to various precision-silviculture applications. FOR. SCI. 59(1):50-62.
SF_6 Decomposition Product Detection Technology by GC-MS

Formation of SF6 decomposition products is closely related to the insulation defects of SF6 electrical equipment.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS),used to detect SF6 decomposition products,can help to achieve a comprehensive evaluation of SF6 electrical equipment operating conditions.Through research on some analytical variables influencing detection results,such as the temperature of GC column and inlets,split ratio,split flow and so on,this paper attempts to explore the optimal analytical conditions for detecting SF6 decomposition products using GC-MS and proposes detection methods.It is concluded that the proposed methods,applicable in detecting the running and failure SF6 gas,are conducive to the operation state evaluation and maintenance of SF6 electrical equipment.
Rethinking Hybridity in Monica Ali’s Brick Lane

The London neighbourhood of Tower Hamlets does not at first glance seem like a place that Muslim immigrants would struggle to accli¬matise to: the local high streets boast not just mosques and cultural centres, but Islamic schools, halal grocers, shops selling everything from “halal toothpaste” to “Islamic toys”—even organisations offering “Islamic medical advice.” In 2011, posters appeared proclaiming the area a “Shariah Controlled Zone.” In the eyes of many (particularly in the right-wing press), it is no longer simply an immigrant neighbourhood, but a kind of independent region (the “Islamic Republic of Tower Hamlets”) where Christians must assimilate to Muslim law and ritual rather than the other way around. It is “Londonistan” come to life. It is, we are breathlessly told, a place where immigrants are in complete control.
Multiplexed miRNA northern blots via hybridization chain reaction

Northern blots enable detection of a target RNA of interest in a biological sample using standard benchtop equipment. miRNAs are the most challenging targets as they must be detected with a single short nucleic acid probe. With existing approaches, it is cumbersome to perform multiplexed blots in which several RNAs are detected simultaneously, impeding the study of interacting regulatory elements. Here, we address this shortcoming by demonstrating multiplexed northern blotting based on the mechanism of hybridization chain reaction (HCR). With this approach, nucleic acid probes complementary to RNA targets trigger chain reactions in which fluorophore-labeled DNA hairpins self-assemble into tethered fluorescent amplification polymers. The programmability of HCR allows multiple amplifiers to operate simultaneously and independently within a blot, enabling straightforward multiplexing. We demonstrate simultaneous detection of three endogenous miRNAs in total RNA extracted from 293T and HeLa cells. For a given target, HCR signal scales linearly with target abundance, enabling relative and absolute quantitation. Using non-radioactive HCR, sensitive and selective miRNA detection is achieved using 2′OMe-RNA probes. The HCR northern blot protocol takes ∼1.5 days independent of the number of target RNAs.
Shah Jahan 1628–1658

When Jahangir died Khan Jahan Lodi made the mistake of rebuffing an overture from Shah Jahan for support in the succession. His severed head went south to Shah Jahan who received his trophy in a pleasure boat on the Tapti river at Burhanpur. Shah Jahan's confident sense of Mughal grandeur found creative expression in monumental building at various scales. His first commissioned work, the Peacock Throne, set the tone for a new era of ceremonial display. The Taj Mahal was his second larger project, one which has been greatly admired as one of the triumphs of monumental building in world history. Shahjahanabad was his third project, which was a carefully designed courtly city. In 1648, Shah Jahan moved his court, army and household to the newly completed imperial capital, Shahjahanabad, at Delhi. By the end of Shah Jahan's reign, however the empire was moving towards its greatest political crisis.
Complicated gallstone disease: diagnosis and management of Mirizzi syndrome

Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is characterized by an obstruction of the proximal bile duct due to extrinsic compression by either an impacted stone in the gallbladder neck or local inflammatory changes. Although this is a rare syndrome in developed countries (0.7–1.4 %), preoperative diagnosis and careful surgical management are essential to avoid bilio-vascular injuries and misdiagnosed malignancy. The purpose of this study was to review our experience in the diagnosis and management of MS, assess the role of laparoscopy and the risk of concomitant gallbladder carcinoma. This study took place in a large county hospital which serves indigent and undocumented immigrants without easy access to healthcare. Data were collected through a retrospective chart review of 4939 patients that underwent cholecystectomy over 6 years. Patient demographics, preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative data and outcomes were analyzed. MS was identified in 60 of 4939 patients (1.21 %) who underwent cholecystectomy. The mean age at presentation was 47 years, and 35 patients were females. The most common symptom at presentation was abdominal pain (100 %) followed by nausea/vomiting (87 %) and jaundice (43 %). Type I MS was diagnosed in 16 patients and 44 had type II MS. Preoperative diagnosis was achieved in 43 patients (71 %). Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was the best diagnostic modality. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successful in 4 out of 16 patients with type I MS. Three patients (5.26 %) had simultaneous gallbladder cancer. Overall morbidity was 27 % and mortality was 0. Clavien grade ≥3 complications were seen in six patients (10 %). The mean length of follow-up was 2.3 months (range 0–5) for type I MS patients and 5.4 months (range 0–46) for type II patients. MS is rare, but preoperative diagnosis or intraoperative suspicion is important. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be possible in selected type I cases. Open cholecystectomy is the standard of care for type II MS.
Synthetic diagnostics platform for fusion plasmas (invited)

A Synthetic Diagnostics Platform (SDP) for fusion plasmas has been developed which provides state of the art synthetic reflectometry, beam emission spectroscopy, and Electron Cyclotron Emission (ECE) diagnostics. Interfaces to the plasma simulation codes GTC, XGC-1, GTS, and M3D-C1 are provided, enabling detailed validation of these codes. In this paper, we give an overview of SDP’s capabilities, and introduce the synthetic diagnostic modules. A recently developed synthetic ECE Imaging module which self-consistently includes refraction, diffraction, emission, and absorption effects is discussed in detail. Its capabilities are demonstrated on two model plasmas. The importance of synthetic diagnostics in validation is shown by applying the SDP to M3D-C1 output and comparing it with measurements from an edge harmonic oscillation mode on DIII-D.
Nigeria’s Diplomacy: The Challenges of Regional Power and Leadership in a Globalizing World

Nigeria has played a dominant leadership role in the West African subregion as well as in the African continent for much of its independent history, but there are specific challenges to its position stemming from both domestic socioeconomic and diplomatic limitations. This chapter outlines the various diplomatic initiatives pursued by Nigeria and the factors that impact Nigeria’s diplomacy. It argues, however, that Nigeria can enhance its role in the region and the world by developing its soft power potential. It can do this by, among other things, strengthening its democracy, reducing societal inequalities, and modernizing its diplomatic infrastructure and approaches in order to meet the challenges of a changing global environment.
Transient electrical discharges in a high voltage cold cathode vacuum diode

The experimental approach used in this work differs from that used by past investigators in three principal respects. First, a high voltage pulse which increases at 4 × 1012 v/sec to a value as high as 900 kV was used. Second, transient currents as high as 10,000 A were monitored from a cold planar cathode (located 1 to 19 mm from an identical anode) in a vacuum of 4 × 10−5 Torr. Third, the transient current and voltage were time correlated to within 4 nsec for an interval (usually less than 150 nsec) which was long enough for the negative slope in the voltage-current characteristic to appear. This technique has enabled the identification of several distinct stages in the discharge phenomena.
Parents' Reports of Children's Internalizing Symptoms: Associations with Parents' Mental Health Symptoms and Substance Use Disorder.

This brief report examined the unique associations between parents’ ratings of child internalizing symptoms and their own depression and anxiety in families with parental substance use disorder (SUD). Further, we examined whether parental SUD (father only, mother only, both parents) was related to discrepancy in mothers’ and fathers’ reports of children’s internalizing symptoms. Participants were 97 triads (fathers, mothers) in which one or both parents met criteria for SUD. Polynomial regression analyses were conducted to examine whether father-mother reports of child internalizing symptoms had unique associations with parents’ own symptoms of depression and anxiety while controlling for child gender, child age, and SUD diagnoses. Controlling for fathers’ symptoms and other covariates, mothers experiencing more depression and anxiety symptoms reported more symptoms of child internalizing symptoms than did fathers. Mothers’ and fathers’ SUD was associated with higher anxiety symptoms among mothers after controlling for other variables. A second set of polynomial regressions examined whether father-mother reports of child internalizing symptoms had unique associations with parents’ SUD diagnoses while controlling for child gender and child age. After controlling for mothers’ symptoms and other covariates, parents’ reports of children’s internalizing symptoms were not significantly associated with either parent’s SUD or parental SUD interactions (i.e., both parents have SUD diagnoses). Taken together, mothers’ ratings of children’s internalizing symptoms may be accounted for, in part, by her reports of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Q-Space Analysis of the Light Scattering Phase Function of Particles with Any Shape

Q-space analysis is applied to the light scattering phase function of a wide variety of non-spherical and irregularly shaped particles including a great many types of dusts, fractal aggregates, spheroids, irregular spheres, Gaussian random spheres, thickened clusters and nine types of ice crystals. The phase functions were either experimental data or calculations. This analysis method uncovers many specific and quantitative similarities and differences between the scattering by various shapes and also when compared to spheres. From this analysis a general description for scattering by a particle of any shape emerges with specific details assigned to various shapes.
Publicness and directedness

SNS users can define their communication context by manipulating a messages publicness and directedness, leaving behavioral traces for observers to interpret. This study investigated how publicness and directedness of a Facebook self-disclosure post influence observers attributions and perceptions of the message and the message sender. With an online between-subjects experiment, participants (N=242) were randomly assigned to be exposed to a post of either high or low publicness, either directed to a specific user or not, either about the positive aspect of the poster or about the negative aspect. Results showed high publicness led observers to make more dispositional attribution about the message senders impression management intention, and self-disclosure was perceived as less intimate. Moreover, message sender was perceived as less likable due to such dispositional attribution. Directed message led to more interpersonal attribution, which further enhanced perceived message intimacy. Disclosure valence moderated influences of publicness and directedness. Specifically, negative self-disclosure on SNS was more associated with social norm violation and was not appreciated to be made public if it was not directed at anyone. High publicness is associated with greater dispositional attribution.High directedness is associated with greater interpersonal attribution.Dispositional attribution leads to lower social attraction of the message sender.Interpersonal attribution leads to higher message intimacy.Disclosure valence moderated the effect of publicness and directedness on senders social attraction.
Transition from intravenous to enteral ketamine for treatment of nonconvulsive status epilepticus.

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a diagnosis that is often challenging and one that may progress to refractory NCSE. Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist that increasingly has been used to treat refractory status epilepticus. Current Neurocritical Care Society guidelines recommend intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion as an alternative treatment for refractory status epilepticus in adults. On the other hand, enteral ketamine use in NCSE has been reported in only 6 cases (1 adult and 5 pediatric) in the literature to date. A 33-year-old woman with a history of poorly controlled epilepsy presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, followed by recurrent focal seizures that evolved into NCSE. This immediately recurred within 24 h of a prior episode of NCSE that was treated with IV ketamine. Considering her previous response, she was started again on an IV ketamine infusion, which successfully terminated NCSE. This time, enteral ketamine was gradually introduced while weaning off the IV formulation. Treatment with enteral ketamine was continued for 6 months and then tapered off. There was no recurrence of NCSE or seizures and no adverse events noted during the course of treatment. This case supports the use of enteral ketamine as a potential adjunct to IV ketamine in the treatment of NCSE, especially in cases without coma. Introduction of enteral ketamine may reduce seizure recurrence, duration of stay in ICU, and morbidity associated with intubation.
Playing with Embeddings : Evaluating embeddings for Robot Language Learning through MUD Games

Acquiring language provides a ubiquitous mode of communication, across humans and robots. To this effect, distributional representations of words based on co-occurrence statistics, have provided significant advancements ranging across machine translation to comprehension. In this paper, we study the suitability of using general purpose word-embeddings for language learning in robots. We propose using text-based games as a proxy to evaluating word embedding on real robots. Based in a risk-reward setting, we review the effectiveness of the embeddings in navigating tasks in fantasy games, as an approximation to their performance on more complex scenarios, like language assisted robot navigation.