cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcium oxalate in mammalian thyroids: a re-evaluation.

Summary Although calcium oxalate crystals in the thyroid have been thought to occur only in human glands, this compound may be found in thyroid glands of a wide variety of mammalian species. Mechanisms underlying the formation of these deposits and their biological significance remain unclear but various possibilities are discussed.
Unintended Consequences of Carbon Policies: Transportation Fuels, Land-Use, Emissions, and Innovation

Renewable fuel standards, low carbon fuel standards, and ethanol subsidies are popular policies to incentivize ethanol production and reduce emissions from transportation. Compared to carbon trading, these policies lead to large shifts in agricultural activity and unexpected social costs. We simulate the 2022 Federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and find that energy crop production increases by 39 million acres. Land-use costs from erosion and habitat loss are between $277 and $693 million. A low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) and ethanol subsidies have similar effects while costs under an equivalent cap and trade (CAT) system are essentially zero. In addition, the alternatives to CAT magnify errors in assigning emissions rates to fuels and can over or under-incentivize innovation. These results highlight the potential negative effects of the RFS, LCFS and subsidies, effects that would be less severe under a CAT policy.
Voltage-sensitive ion channel of Escherichia coli.

A voltage-sensitive, cation-selective ion channel ofEscherichia coli has been reconstituted into liposomes and studied with the patch-clamp method. The single channel conductance was 91 pS in symmetric solutions of 150mm KCl. Many channels were open most of the time, with frequent brief transitions to closed levels. Multiple conducting units could close and reopen simultaneously, and this apparent cooperativity in gating was increases with depolarizing voltages. Above a voltage threshold, the channels closed irreversibly, often in groups.
Organ preservation with histidine-tryptophan ketogluatarate solution in clinical pancreas transplantation: an update of the indiana university experience

In May 2003, University of Wisconsin (UW) solution was replaced with Histidine-Tryptophan Ketoglutarate (HTK) solution as the preservation fluid for abdominal organ procurements in our center. Herein we have reported our updated results with HTK in pancreas transplantation. Between May 2003 and October 2006, 152 pancreas transplantations were performed in which 146 used HTK. The procedures were as follows: simultaneous kidney pancreas transplantation (n = 85; 55%), pancreas after kidney transplantation (n = 41; 30%), and solitary pancreas transplantation (n = 20; 15%). Donor and recipient data were collected with primary outcomes as primary nonfunction (PNF), and 30-day and 1-year graft and patient survival. Patient demographics are as follows: age (36 +/- 12 years), gender (males, 89: females, 57), race (white, 135; African American, 11). Mean flush volume was 3.8 +/- 1 L. The mean cold ischemia time was 8 +/- 3 hours. Mean warm ischemia time was 48 +/- 23 minutes. There were no cases of PNF in this cohort. Thirty-day and 1-year patient survival rates were 99% and 95%, respectively. The 30-day and 1-year graft survivals rates were 95% and 93%, respectively. There were 10 grafts lost with 7 vascular complications (6 venous and 1 arterial thrombosis). There were 2 cases of chronic rejection and 1 graft lost to noncompliance. These statistics compare favorably with International Pancreas Transplant Registry reported 1-year survival for pancreas allografts. All other patients were insulin independent by discharge. Serum fasting blood glucose and serial amylase remained comparable at all intervals posttransplantation to those of a historical UW cohort. Within this range of cold ischemia times, HTK appears to provide effective pancreas preservation.
The internal energy of product ions formed in mass spectral reactions

Major factors which determine the distribution of internal energy of a primary product ion A+, P(E)A+, at formation are delineated in terms of the quasi-equilibrium theory and a variety of experimental evidence is offered to support these conclusions. These major factors include: the P(E) of the molecular ion, the rate constants as a function of energy, κ(E), for M+·A+ + N0 and for competing reactions of M+·, and the partitioning of excess internal energy between A+ and N0. The ‘fluctuation effect’ on this partitioning makes P(E)A+ relatively insensitive to many structural and energy changes.
Endotracheal naloxone reversal of morphine-induced respiratory depression in rabbits

In an emergency, intravenous access may be difficult to obtain rapidly. Alternate routes of administration for drugs are, therefore, desirable. Our study was performed to determine if naloxone could be efficacious in reversing morphine-induced respiratory depression in rabbits when administered using the endotracheal route. Our results indicate that naloxone administered in this fashion is effective in reversing morphine-induced respiratory depression in the rabbit. Mean minute ventilation was depressed to greater than half of resting baseline levels using morphine sulfate. Endotracheally administered naloxone reversed this respiratory depression and resulted in a greater than five-fold increase in mean minute ventilation above baseline levels. We concluded that endotracheal naloxone is efficacious in reversing morphine-induced respiratory depression in the rabbit. The endotracheal route may be an effective alternative for naloxone administration in man when rapid intravenous access is not obtainable.
Measurement of dissociation rate of biomolecular complexes using CE

Fluorescence anisotropy (FA), non-equilibrium CE of equilibrium mixtures (NECEEM) and high-speed CE were evaluated for measuring dissociation kinetics of peptide-protein binding systems. Fyn-SH3-SH2, a protein construct consisting of the src homology 2 (SH2) and 3 (SH3) domain of the protein Fyn, and a fluorescein-labeled phosphopeptide were used as a model system. All three methods gave comparable half-life of approximately 53 s for Fyn-SH3-SH2:peptide complex. Achieving satisfactory results by NECEEM required columns over 30 cm long. When using Fyn-SH2-SH3 tagged with glutathione S-transferase (GST) as the binding protein, both FA and NECEEM assays gave evidence of two complexes forming with the peptide, yet neither method allowed accurate measurement of dissociation rates for both complexes because of a lack of resolution. High-speed CE, with a 7 s separation time, enabled separation of both complexes and allowed determination of dissociation rate of both complexes independently. The two complexes had half-lives of 22.0+/-2.7 and 58.8+/-6.1 s, respectively. Concentration studies revealed that the GST-Fyn-SH3-SH2 protein formed a dimer so that complexes had binding ratios of 2:1 (protein-to-peptide ratio) and 2:2. Our results demonstrate that although all methods are suitable for 1:1 binding systems, high-speed CE is unique in allowing multiple complexes to be resolved simultaneously. This property allows determination of binding kinetics of complicated systems and makes the technique useful for discovering novel affinity interactions.
Horton the elephant is a criminal: Using Dr. Seuss to teach social process, conflict, and labeling theory

It is fairly well known that Theodor Geisel (“Dr. Seuss”) often used art and storytelling as political and social commentary, but no one has attempted to interpret his work through the lens of sociological/criminological theory. This paper argues that several of his tales can be used as aids in teaching the basic principles of many sociological/criminological theories. The author analyzes several of his works and uses one, Horton Hears a Who to illustrate his subtle but powerful commentary on the creation and application of laws, the impact of social stratification, the pervasive and dangerous influence of social and political power derived from economic power, and the nature of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation. The author describes how to create a classroom exercise to teach theory using this particular Seuss story.
Campylobachter fetus infection in a patient with Hodgkin's disease.

To the Editor. — Campylobacter fetus commonly infects cattle and is transmitted venereally from the testes of bulls. In humans the route of infection is unclear, but man may acquire the disease by ingestion of contaminated water or food. 1 The infection usually occurs in adults with underlying disease such as chronic alcoholism or cardiovascular disease. However, it is uncommon in patients with malignant neoplasms. There have been isolated reports of C fetus infection associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, hepatoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. 1 To our knowledge, this is the first report of the infection occurring in a patient with Hodgkin's disease. Report of a Case.— The patient is a 25-year-old man with a history of Hodgkin's disease, nodular sclerosis, stage IV with pulmonary involvement. Dysuria of two weeks' duration developed and was associated with urethritis and a purulent urethral discharge. Urine and urethral cultures were obtained
Cytotoxic lesions of the pontine tegmentum alter the sleep of cats in a cold environment.

The pontine tegmentum of the cat was lesioned by microinjection of a cytotoxin (ibotenic acid) into the brainstem. The sleep-waking cycle of intact cats and cats with the cytotoxic lesions of the pont
Effects of internal defibrillation on an implanted pacing system with programmable polarity

Management of multiple cardiac arrhythmias in some patients with both an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and a pacemaker has demonstrated several advantages. In such circumstances, it is imperative that pacemaker function and its programmed parameters be preserved following a deftbrillation shock. This article describes the effects encountered by a specific programmable polarity pacemaker (Relay® 294–03) when subjected to electrical defibrillation in a canine model. Three pacemakers were repeatedly tested in three separate dog experiments. Each pacemaker, with its leads implanted in the right atrium and the right ventricle, was subjected to a minimum total number of 24 high energy biphasic and monophasic shocks (600–700 V) delivered by a coexisting ICD system using three different defibrillating lead configurations. None of the pacemaker systems showed any failure in function; all pacemakers continued to function within preshock specification and conversion to unipolar pacing and/ or backup mode was not observed in any of the tests. Intracardiac electrical potentials measured directly off the ICD and the pacemaker leads, during a defibrillation shock (mean 566.6 V; 23.7 J), showed that potentials measured in a bipolar configuration (tip-ring: mean 21.0 V in atrium, 12.0 V in ventricle) were significantly less than potentials measured in a unipolar configuration (tip-can: mean 387.9 V in atrium, 394.0 V in ventricle; ring-can: mean 405.6 V in atrium, 395.4 V in ventricle). Our compatibility tests demonstrate that use of this programmable-polarity pacemaker in concert with an ICD system appears to be safe. Testing similar to the present study should be conducted prior to complete clinical acceptance of combined ICD and pacemaker implantation.
Conversion of SiO2 Diatom Frustules to BaTiO3 and SrTiO3

Diatom frustules were used as bio-templates to synthesize functional ceramics via solid–gas displacement reactions. Silica-based frustules were exposed to TiF4 at 330°C to form TiOF2, which was later converted to TiO2 (anatase) by heat treatment in air at 600°C. The TiO2 frustules were then exposed to molten Ba(OH)2 or Sr(OH)2 to form BaTiO3 or SrTiO3, respectively. In both cases, near-complete conversion was achieved while retaining the morphology of the original silica frustules. BaTiO3 and SrTiO3 frustules exhibit nearly phase pure, nanocrystalline perovskite structure.
Steatohepatitis: Risk factors and impact on disease severity in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus coinfection.

Hepatic steatosis has been reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection. However, the features of steatohepatitis, including cytologic ballooning and pericellular fibrosis, its risk factors, and the impact on disease severity in such patients are unknown. To assess this, we prospectively reviewed liver histology in consecutive coinfected patients to define the prevalence and severity of the features of steatohepatitis, its risk factors, and its impact on the severity of liver disease. A total of 222 subjects (74% male, mean age 45, 78% African American, 90% genotype 1) were studied. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26, and 18% had a BMI >30. The prevalence of risk factors for steatosis were: diabetes (31%), hypertension (15%), dyslipidemia (8%), metabolic syndrome (9%), and alcohol abuse (21%). Steatosis was present in 23% and steatohepatitis was present in 17%. The steatosis was mild (5%-33%) in 19%, and moderate to severe (>33%) in 4%. Cytologic ballooning and pericellular fibrosis were present in 30% and 13%, respectively. The mean Ishak score was 6.9, and 33% had bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis. Both steatosis and cytologic ballooning were associated with BMI, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance, and presence of either was strongly associated with advanced fibrosis (P < 0.0001). By multiple logistic regressions, the following associations were identified: increased BMI, diabetes, and genotype 3 with steatosis; diabetes with cytologic ballooning; and longer duration of infection with steatohepatitis. Conclusion: Steatosis and steatohepatitis are present in 23% and 30%, respectively, of patients with HIV/HCV coinfection, and both are associated with an increased risk of having advanced fibrosis. Although we did identify genotype 3, increased BMI, and diabetes as risk factors, we found no independent association with antiretroviral therapy. (HEPATOLOGY 2008;47:1118–1127.)
Harvard man, American dough boy, Mississippi Jew: the papers of Samuel (Sam) Leyens Switzer in Virginia

Archives function both as repositories of documents and materials and as sites of memory collection and classification. This article explores the provenance and process of collecting and archiving through the lens of the collection of personal papers of Samuel Switzer, a Northern educated Southerner, World War I soldier, and a Jew. It examines how the interplay of Switzer’s various identities affected the donor’s and archivists’ perspectives on the collection’s importance and relevance and demonstrates the impact of these viewpoints on the collection’s presentation and use by scholars.
Aging in black America: Service needs and utilization patterns

Abstract This paper profiles the findings of an analysis of the black elders in the Supplement on Aging to the 1984 National Health Interview Survey. This national survey offers insight into the prevalence rates of various health problems and limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Focusing on the 65 + sample of elders, older blacks report higher rates of chronic problems such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and strokes than older whites, but are less likely to report cancer. Older blacks are more likely than older whites to experience three or more ADL limitations, and almost 14% had three or more IADL limitations. These findings are important in view of the trend toward determining multiple ADLs to determine eligibility for various in-home services. Since many of the problems experienced by black elders may be life-style related, an opportunity may exist for effective intervention with health promotion strategies.
Cleavage Specificities of Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus RNase H Implicated in the Second Strand Transfer During Reverse Transcription

Reverse transcription of a retroviral RNA genome requires two template jumps to generate the linear double-stranded DNA required for integration. The RNase H activity of reverse transcriptase has several roles during this process. We have examined RNase H cleavages that define the maximal 3' and 5' ends of Moloney murine leukemia virus minus strand DNA prior to the second template jump. In both the endogenous reaction and on model substrates in vitro, RNase H cleaves the genomic RNA template between the second and third ribonucleotides 5' of the U5/PBS junction, but other minor cleavages between 1 and 10 nucleotides 5' of this junction are also observed. Similar experiments examining the specificity of RNase H for tRNA primer removal revealed that cleavage generally leaves a ribo A residue at the 5' end of minus strand DNA. These observations suggest that three bases are typically duplicated on the ends of the minus strands, leading to an intermediate following the second jump which contains unpaired nucleotides. Model substrates mimicking the structure of this intermediate demonstrate that reverse transcriptase has little difficulty in utilizing such a branched structure for the initiation of displacement synthesis.
Indomethacin enhancement of glycerol-induced acute renal failure in rabbits

Indomethacin enhancement of glycerol-induced acute renal failure in rabbits. Seventy-three rabbits (2 to 3 kg in weight) were studied during a control period and after receiving 50% glycerol (G) or mercuric chloride (M) with or without indomethacin (I) (controls received the diluent used for I). Plasma creatinine, plasma renin activity, blood pressure, sodium and potassium concentrations, hematocrit value, urinary output, body wt and histologic appearance of the kidney were determined. I enhanced the incidence and severity of the acute renal failure produced by G but failed to aggravate that produced by M. Because the dose of I used in this study blocked the synthesis of renal prostaglandins in the rabbit, we suggest that renal prostaglandins protect against the development of G-induced acute renal failure (a circulatory type of renal failure) in this animal model. Furthermore, the failure of I to aggravate M-induced acute renal failure indicates that it is unlikely that I aggravates G-induced acute renal failure by a direct nephrotoxic effect. No evidence was found for other possible side actions of I being responsible for the observed aggravation.
Improvement of hydrologic model soil moisture predictions using SEBAL evapotranspiration estimates

Soil moisture conditions influence practically all aspects of Army activities and are increasingly affecting its systems and operations. Regional distributions of high resolution soil moisture data will provide critical information on operational mobility, penetration, and performance of landmine and UXO sensors. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) developed the Gridded Surface/Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA), which is a grid-based two-dimensional hydrologic model that has been effectively applied to predict soil moisture conditions. GSSHA computes evapotranspiration (ET) using the Penman-Monteith equation. However, lack of reliable spatially-distributed meteorological data, particularly in denied areas, makes it difficult to reliably predict regional ET and soil moisture distributions. SEBAL is a remote sensing algorithm that computes spatio-temporal patterns of ET using a surface energy balance approach. SEBAL has been widely accepted and tested throughout the world against lysimeter, eddy-covariance and other field measurements. SEBAL estimated ET has shown good consistency and agreement for irrigated fields, rangelands and arid riparian areas. The main objective of this research is to demonstrate improved GSSHA soil moisture and hydrological predictions using SEBAL estimates of ET. Initial results show that the use of SEBAL ET and soil moisture estimates improves the ability of GSSHA to predict regional soil moisture distributions, and reduces uncertainty in runoff predictions.
A Computational Study of Chlorocarbene Additions to Cyclooctyne

Dichloro- and phenylchlorocarbene (CCl2 and PhCCl) add to cyclooctyne via a barrierless process (MP2/6-311+G*, B3LYP/6-311+G*, B3LYP/6-31G*) to yield the expected corresponding cyclopropene adducts. A three-dimensional potential energy surface (PES) for CCl2 addition to cyclooctyne (B3LYP/6-31G*) shows the formation of the cyclopropene product and also possible formation of a vinylcarbene. Residing in a shallow energy well, the vinylcarbene easily rearranges to the cyclopropene product, or to an exocyclic vinyl bicyclo[3.3.0]octane. Although the calculated three-dimensional PES indicates possible dynamic control of the cyclooctyne−chlorocarbene system through the putative formation of a vinylcarbene (in addition to the expected cyclopropene), additional calculations and preliminary experimental work show paths through the vinylcarbene to be unlikely. If the additions of chlorocarbenes to cyclooctyne are controlled by reaction dynamics, we predict that the vast majority of the reactions proceed via traditi...
Development and application of a surrogate distillate fuel

Author(s): Wood, CP; Mc donell, VG; Smith, RA; Samuelsen, GS | Abstract: A surrogate fuel comprised of 14 pure hydrocarbons is formulated based on the distillation curve and compound class composition of a petroleum-derived JP-4. The goal is to establish a fuel of controlled composition for modeling, and for the study of fuel property and chemical composition effects in the combustion of JP-4 fuels. Spatially resolved interferometric measurements of droplet size and droplet velocity are obtained and compared for both the petroleum and surrogate JP-4 in a nonreacting spray chamber. Measurements are also obtained for a high aromatic JP-5 of purposefully disparate properties. The performance of these three fuels is then compared in a swirl-stabilized, spray-atomized model laboratory combustor where in-flame measurements of velocity and temperature are acquired and compared. The nonreacting measurements of atomization quality establish that the atomization characteristics of the petroleum and surrogate JP-4 are identical, whereas the atomization performance of the JP-5 is significantly different. Under reacting conditions, substantial differences between the JP-4 and JP-5 are observed in both the velocity and thermal fields, whereas the surrogate, in contrast, yields an identical velocity and thermal field to that of the petroleum JP-4. © 1989, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., All rights reserved.
Barrier asymmetry and the mm-wave performance of resonant tunnel diodes

The effects of barrier asymmetry in a resonant tunnel diode (RTD) on the frequency response of the negative dynamical resistance are described for (i) DC biasing in the positive differential resistance (PDR) region and (ii) DC biasing in the negative differential resistance (NDR) region. Collector barriers more transparent than emitter barriers enhance performance for NDR DC-biased devices. Asymmetry has no apparent effect for PDR DC-biased devices operating in transit time mode.
Elevated plasma chymotrypsin-like protease (chymase) activity in women with preeclampsia.

Objective: Chymase, a chymotrypsin-like protease, is a non-ACE angiotensin II (Ang II) generating enzyme. We determined if maternal chymotrypsin-like protease/chymase activity was increased in women with preeclampsia (PE). Methods: Maternal plasma was extracted from venous blood of healthy nonpregnant women, women with normal and preeclamptic pregnancies. Chymotrypsin-like protease/chymase activity was measured by a colorimetric assay. Maternal vessel chymotrypsin-like protease/chymase expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. Results: Maternal plasma chymotrypsin-like protease/chymase activity was significantly higher in women with PE than in nonpregnant and normal pregnant women: 0.181 ± 0.011 vs. 0.097 ± 0.05 (p < 0.01) and 0.132 ± 0.013 (p < 0.05) μkat/mL. Chymotrypsin-like protease/chymase activity was markedly reduced 24 hours postpartum in women with PE, p < 0.05. Enhanced chymotrypsin-like protease/chymase expression was observed in vascular endothelium in women with PE compared with those ...
On Optimal Coding of Hidden Markov Sources

The hidden Markov model (HMM) is widely used to model processes in several real world applications, including speech processing and recognition, image understanding and sensor networks. A problem of concern is that of quantization of the sequence of observations generated by an HMM, which is referred as a hidden Markov source (HMS). Despite the importance of the problem, and the well-defined structure of the process, there has beenvery limited work addressing the optimal quantization of HMS, and conventional approaches focus on optimization of parameters of known quantization schemes. This paper proposes a method that directly tracks the state probability distribution of the underlying source andoptimizes the encoder structure according to the estimated HMS status. Unlike existingapproaches, no stationarity assumption is needed, and code parameters are updated on they: with each observation, both the encoder and the decoder refine the estimated probability distribution over the states. The main approach is then specialized to a practical variant involving switched quantizers, and an algorithm that iteratively optimizes the quantize codebooks is derived. Numerical results show superiority of the proposed approach overprior methods.
Abundance and diaspore weight in rare and common prairie grasses.

Abundance (g/m2) and diaspore weight are positively correlated in seven species of perennial grasses that occur in prairies. The rare grasses ( 10.0 g/m2) have heavy dispersal units (2.23 to 2.80 mg). This result is the first reported differentiating trait between related rare and common organisms occurring in same habitat. Three hypotheses that explain this phenomenon are compared; the third most likely holds. First, rare grasses may be rare because their small seeds are less successful in establishment than those of common grasses. Second, if the persistence of small populations is marginal, rare grasses may devote less energy (or other currency) to seed production. Third, rare grasses may be colonizers of spatially and temporally rare microsites appropriate for growth and thus have seeds adapted for longer distance dispersal than those of common grasses. This last hypothesis suggests a new pathway for the evolution of weeds.
Synthesis of an affinity ligand (‘UPHIT’) for in vivo acylation of the κ-opioid receptor

The isothiocyanate analog (1S,2S-trans-2-isothiocyanato-4,5-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide, 3a) of the highly selective κ-opioid receptor agonist, U50,488, was prepared as a potential site-directed affinity ligand for acylation of κ-opioid receptors in vivo. The isothiocyanate (3a) which we have designated UPHIT and its enantiomer (3b) were synthesized in 3 steps starting from optically pure (1S,2S)-(+)-trans-2-pyrrolidinyl-N-methyl-cyclohexylamine (4a) and its enantiomer (4b), respectively, thus defining their absolute stereochemistry. Binding in vitro of the 1S,2S enantiomer 3a to κ receptors labelled by [3H]U69,593 was shown to occur with an IC50 value of 25.92 ± 0.36 nM, whereas 827.42 ± 5.88 and 115.10 ± 1.23 nM were obtained for the IC50 value of the 1R,2R enantiomer (3b) and (±)-3 respectively. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of 100 μg of (±)-3 into guinea-pig brain followed by analysis of remaining κ-binding sites 24 h later revealed that (±)-3 depleted 98% of the κ receptors that bind [3H]U69,593 and 40% of those that bind [3H]bremazocine. These preliminary data suggest exciting uses for these compounds in furthering our knowledge of the κ-opioid receptor.
Processing and electrical properties of carbon nanotube/vinyl ester nanocomposites

Vinyl ester resins are often utilized in advanced naval composite structures due to the relatively low viscosity of the resin and the capability to cure at ambient temperatures. These qualities facilitate the production of large naval composite structures using resin infusion techniques. Vinyl ester monomer was synthesized from the epoxy resin to overcome processing challenges associated with volatility of the styrene monomer in vinyl ester resin. In this research we have investigated the use of a calendering approach for dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in vinyl ester monomer, and the subsequent processing of nanotube/vinyl ester composites. The high aspect ratios of the carbon nanotubes were preserved during processing and enabled the formation of a conductive percolating network at low nanotube concentrations. An electrical percolation threshold below 0.1 wt.% carbon nanotubes in vinyl ester was observed. Formation of percolating carbon nanotube networks at low concentration holds promise for the utilization of carbon nanotubes as in situ sensors for detecting deformation and damage in advanced naval composites.
Effect of higher-order group-velocity dispersion on ultrashort pulses propagating in optical fibers

Abstract The effects of higher-order group-velocity dispersion (GVD) on spectral development and temporal shaping of ultrashort pulses propagating in normal dispersion domain of fibers are investigated by using an improved split-step Fourier method. It is verified that the second-order GVD contributes to asymmetry in the pulse power spectrum and temporal shaping. This asymmetry depends on the fiber length, the pulse duration, the pulse intensity, and the parameters of the second-order GVD. The effect of the higher-order GVD on the first-order soliton of an ultrashort pulse propagation in anomalous dispersion fibers is also calculated. Our results agree well with experiments and results obtained by solving the generalized nonlinear Schrodinger equation.
Tests for the properties of solar gravity mode signals in total irradiance observations

Abstract Total irradiance observations of the type reported by /1/ are analyzed for power spectra and these spectra are found to have a significant fraction of the gravity mode power density located in sidebands of classified eigenfrequencies. The power density in the sidebands varies over the period of years and the distributions of power density are consistent with the observed differential rotation of the photosphere. These two properties suggest that the sidebands are harmonics of the rotational frequencies of the nonuniform solar surface. These findings give further evidence that gravity mode signals are present in the total irradiance observations as well as give an independent check on the gravity mode detections by /2,3/. The small fraction of the power density remaining at the eigenfrequencies of the gravity modes can account for the difficulty that has been experienced in detecting gravity mode signals in total irradiance observations /4,5/.
Calcific nodule morphogenesis by heart valve interstitial cells is strain dependent.

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) results in impaired function through the inability of valves to fully open and close, but the causes of this pathology are unknown. Stiffening of the aorta is associated with CAVD and results in exposing the aortic valves to greater mechanical strain. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is enriched in diseased valves and has been shown to combine with strain to synergistically alter aortic valve interstitial cell (AVIC) phenotypes. Therefore, we investigated the role of strain and TGF-β1 on the calcification of AVICs. Following TGF-β1 pretreatment, strain induced intact monolayers to aggregate and calcify. Using a wound assay, we confirmed that TGF-β1 increases tension in the monolayer in parallel with α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression. Continual exposure to strain accelerates aggregates to calcify into mature nodules that contain a necrotic core surrounded by an apoptotic ring. This phenotype appears to be mediated by strain inhibition of AVIC migration after the initial formation of aggregates. To better interpret the extent to which externally applied strain physically impacts this process, we modified the classical Lame solution, derived using principles from linear elasticity, to reveal strain magnification as a novel feature occurring in a mechanical environment that supports nodule formation. These results indicate that strain can impact multiple points of nodule formation: by modifying tension in the monolayer, remodeling cell contacts, migration, apoptosis, and mineralization. Therefore, strain-induced nodule formation provides new directions for developing strategies to address CAVD.
A Note on the Cohomology of Finite-Dimensional Cocommutative Hopf Algebras☆

Abstract In the context of finite-dimensional cocommutative Hopf algebras, we prove versions of various group cohomology results: the Quillen–Venkov theorem on detecting nilpotence in group cohomology, Chouinard's theorem on determining whether akG-module is projective by restricting to elementary abelianp-subgroups ofG, and Quillen's theorem which identifies the cohomology ofG, “modulo nilpotent elements.” This last result is only proved for graded connected Hopf algebras.
Identification of Haemoglobin S in red cells and normoblasts, using fluorescent anti-Hb S antibodies.

SUMMARY Anti-haemoglobin S antibodies were raised in horses and purified by affinity chromatography. These antibodies recognize β6 valine, while they fail to bind to haemoglobins with a glutamyl (Hb A) or a lysyl (Hb C) residue in this position. The purified anti-Hb S antibodies were composed of equine IgG(a, b) and IgG(T) subclasses and failed to cause precipitation with Hb S, evidently because of the bivalency of both antibodies and antigen. Identification of Hb S in single erythrocytes was achieved by reacting the fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated anti-Hb S antibodies with the haemoglobin antigen in fixed blood smears. All the red cells from persons with sickle cell trait and sickle cell anaemia are labelled with the anti-Hb S-FITC, while red cells from persons with normal haemoglobin or other mutant haemoglobin genotypes are not. Erythrocytes from new-borns with sickle cell trait bind the anti-Hb S antibody, although the intensity of labelling varies from cell to cell. This method of cellular identification of Hb S preserves the morphological characteristics of the reactive cells and permits observations of the pattern of haemoglobin synthesis among cells of various degrees of maturity. Fluorescent identification of Hb S in fixed blood smears may be applicable to prenatal diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies.
In Search of the True West: Western Economic Models and Russian Rural Development

In the period between the Emancipation of 1861 and the Stolypin Reforms of 1906, educated Russians sought to make use of Western models as a basis for Russian strategies for rural development. Marxists and reforming officials of the tsarist regime looked particularly to England, and to the universal economic benefits which private property systems and ‘men of property’ contributed to England's agricultural and industrial revolutions. In contrast, Russia's leading economists and statisticians looked as well to the economic example of Denmark and Germany, and proposed more pluralistic approaches to the dilemmas of development.
Runx1 Is Expressed in Adult Mouse Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Differentiating Myeloid and Lymphoid Cells, But Not in Maturing Erythroid Cells

The transcription factor Runx1 marks all functional hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the embryo and is required for their generation. Mutations in Runx1 are found in approximately 25% of acute leukemias and in familial platelet disorder, suggesting a role for Runx1 in adult hematopoiesis as well. A comprehensive analysis of Runx1 expression in adult hematopoiesis is lacking. Here we show that Runx1 is expressed in functional HSCs in the adult mouse, as well as in cells with spleen colony-forming unit (CFU) and culture CFU capacities. Additionally, we document Runx1 expression in all hematopoietic lineages at the single cell level. Runx1 is expressed in the majority of myeloid cells and in a smaller proportion of lymphoid cells. Runx1 expression substantially decreases during erythroid differentiation. We also document effects of reduced Runx1 levels on adult hematopoiesis.
China's Zhiqing Generation Nostalgia, Identity, and Cultural Resistance in the 1990s

Using interview data and a content analysis of personal narratives, this article shows that the nostalgia exhibited by China's zhiqing generation in the 1990s emerged as a form of cultural resistance against the changing conditions of Chinese modernity. At the center of this collective nostalgia was a concern for meaning and identity newly problematized by the conditions of contemporary life. Under these conditions, among former educated youth, nostalgia becomes a means of identity construction. Nostalgia connects individuals to their past, compels them to articulate their generational experience in narratives, and contrasts a past viewed as containing beauty, meaning, and purpose with a present increasingly dominated by economic inequality and instrumental rationality. In its conclusion, the article suggests that the zhiqing nostalgia marks a shift in contemporary Chinese political life from a macropolitics of mass political campaigns to a micropolitics of social and cultural orientation.
Black Hole Entropy from Conformal Field Theory in Any Dimension

Restricted to a black hole horizon, the ``gauge'' algebra of surface deformations in general relativity contains a Virasoro subalgebra with a calculable central charge. The fields in any quantum theory of gravity must transform accordingly, i.e., they must admit a conformal field theory description. Applying Cardy's formula for the asymptotic density of states, I use this result to derive the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy. This method is universal\char22{}it holds for any black hole, and requires no details of quantum gravity\char22{}but it is also explicitly statistical mechanical, based on counting microscopic states.
Amyloid beta accumulation in HIV-1-infected brain: The role of the blood brain barrier.

In recent years we face an increase in the aging of the HIV-1-infected population, which is not only due to effective antiretroviral therapy but also to new infections among older people. Even with the use of the antiretroviral therapy, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders represent an increasing problem as the HIV-1-infected population ages. Increased amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition is characteristic of HIV-1-infected brains, and it has been hypothesized that brain vascular dysfunction contributes to this phenomenon, with a critical role suggested for the blood-brain barrier in brain Aβ homeostasis. This review will describe the mechanisms by which the BBB may contribute to brain Aβ accumulation, and our findings in the context of HIV-1 infection will be discussed.
The effects of some sulfur compounds on thallotoxicosis in mice.

Abstract Mercaptopropane and α-monothioglycerol have a moderate protective action in mice when given 6 hours after thallium. AET, APT, and diphenylthiocarbazone will show protective action in mice even when given 24 hours after and LD90 of thallium.
Impact of intraoperative vasopressors use in free tissue transfer for head, neck and extremity reconstruction

Abstract: Generalanesthesiainduceshypotensionandthisiscommonlytreatedintraoperatively with administering vasopressors. Microsurgeons are hesitantto use vasopressors due to the potential risk of inducing vasoconstriction andflap necrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of intraope-rative vasopressor utilization in patients undergoing free tissue transfer recon-struction and to determine its impact on patient outcomes.An IRB-approved retrospective review was performed for 47 consec-utive patients undergoing free tissue transfer for head, neck, and extremityreconstruction at Wake Forest Baptist Health over a 3-year period.Free flap survival was 97%, with 3% of patients having total flapnecrosis and 17% with partial flap necrosis. The frequency of intraoperativevasopressor use was 53.2%. There was no significant difference in the fre-quency of total or partial flap necrosis between patients who received intra-operative vasopressors and those who did not. Similarly, there was no statisticalsignificance in the rate of arterial or venous thrombosis between the 2 groups(P = 0.095 and P = 0.095, respectively). The use of vasopressors did not sig-nificantly increase postoperative complications. The timing of vasopressor ad-ministration did not affect outcomes.Intraoperative vasopressors are used more frequently than previouslyrealized during free tissue transfer for reconstructive surgery. The use of in-traoperative vasopressors does not appear to adversely affect outcomes offree tissue transfer. Further investigation and larger study size are needed toanalyze the timing of drug administration, dose, and type of vasopressor tobetter understand the impact of intraoperative vasopressor use in free tissuetransfer outcomes.Key Words: vasopressors, free tissue transfer, microsurgery(Ann Plast Surg 2014;72: S135YS138)
Effects of fragmentation, supplementation and the addition of phase II compost to 2nd break compost on mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) yield

Abstract Double-cropping offers growers an opportunity to increase production efficiency while reducing costs. We evaluated degree of fragmentation, supplementation, and addition of phase II compost (PIIC) to 2nd break compost (2BkC) on mushroom yield and biological efficiency (BE%). One crop was extended as a triple crop in which we evaluated effect of compost type, and addition of phase II compost and supplement. All crops involved removing the casing layer after 2nd break and then using 2BkC for the various treatments. Simple fragmentation of the compost increased mushroom yield by 30% compared to non-fragmented compost. Addition of a commercial supplement to fragmented compost increased mushroom yield by 53–56% over non-supplemented, fragmented 2BkC. Fragmented, supplemented 2BkC resulted in a 99% and 108% yield increase over the non-fragmented control depending on degree of fragmentation (3×, 1×, respectively). A 3rd crop of mushrooms was produced from 2BkC, but yields were about one-half that of the 1st and 2nd crops. Double-cropping (and even triple-cropping) offers growers an opportunity to increase bio-efficiency, reduce production costs, and increase profitability. The cost of producing Agaricus bisporus continues to rise due to increasing expenses including materials, energy, and labor. Optimizing production practices, through double- or triple-cropping, could help growers become more efficient and competitive, and ensure the availability of mushrooms for consumers.
Thermoelastic Micromechanical Stresses Associated with a Large α‐Silicon Carbide Grain in a Polycrystalline β‐Silicon Carbide Matrix

The thermoelastic micromechanical stresses associated with a single large hexagonal alpha-SiC grain within a fine-grain-size cubic (3C) beta-SiC matrix were calculated. The naturally occurring residual stresses which are created during cooling from the processing temperatures and the effects of superimposed applied external stresses are both considered. A significant effect of the shape or geometry of the alpha-SiC grain is revealed, with the largest residual stresses associated with the naturally occurring tabular or platelet structure. The stresses are compared with the published strength results for these materials, which suggests that the residual stresses assume a significant role in the strength reduction that is observed.
Reliable wireless multicast using fast low-density codes

Recently, there has been the high demand for one-to-many reliable multicast distribution under wireless environments. The characteristics of multicast protocol combined with the inherent wireless channel impairment make the network performance drastically degrade as the group size or packet loss rate increases. Although the conventional Reed-Solomon FEC (forward error correction)-based scheme can mitigate problems such as NACK implosion and exposure, its computational complexity makes itself inappropriate for software implementation in resource-limited wireless device. We studied efficient wireless multicast protocol using low-density erasure codes known as tornado FEC and furthermore improved the encoding and decoding speed of tornado FEC by our novel interleaving technique without degrading its overall performance. We call new codes homogeneous tornado FEC (HTF). Our protocol scheme aims at a multicast bulk data distribution in wireless local area networks such as IEEE 802.11.
Physicians' estimates of cardiac index and intravascular volume based on clinical assessment versus transesophageal Doppler measurements obtained by critical care nurses.

• OBJECTIVES To compare physicians’ estimates of cardiac index and intravascular volume with transesophageal Doppler measurements obtained by critical care nurses, to assess the overall safety of transesophageal Doppler imaging by critical care nurses, and to compare hemodynamic measurements obtained via transesophageal Doppler imaging with those obtained via pulmonary artery catheterization. • METHODS Data were collected prospectively on 106 patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Physicians estimated cardiac index and intravascular volume status by using bedside clinical assessment; critical care nurses, by using transesophageal Doppler imaging. In 24 patients, Doppler measurements were obtained within 6 hours of placement of a pulmonary artery catheter and recording of cardiac output and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure. • RESULTS With Doppler measurements as the reference, physicians correctly estimated cardiac index in 46 (43.8%) of 105 patients, underestimated it in 24 (22.9%), and overestimated it in 35 (33.3%). They correctly estimated volume status in 31 patients (29.5%), underestimated it in 16 (15.2%), and overestimated it in 58 (55.2%). Doppler measurements of cardiac output correlated with those obtained via pulmonary artery catheterization (r = 0.778; P < .001). Two patients had minor complications: dislodgement of a nasogastric tube and inability to obtain a Doppler signal. • CONCLUSION Physicians’ assessment of cardiac index and intravascular volume in patients receiving mechanical ventilation is correct less than half of the time. Transesophageal Doppler imaging by critical care nurses appears to be a safe method for measuring cardiac index and estimating intravascular volume. Measurements obtained via Doppler imaging correlate well with those obtained via pulmonary artery catheterization. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2003;12:336-342)
Effect of Red-Light Cameras on Capacity of Signalized Intersections

AbstractRed light running (RLR) is one of the most common violations drivers commit at signalized intersections. To avoid RLR violations, some drivers may decide to stop abruptly, even though they had the opportunity to cross the stop line before the onset of the red light. This action happens more frequently at intersections with a red-light camera (RLC). The consequence of this change in drivers’ stopping behavior is the potential reduction of the usable clearance interval and the slight decline in the intersection capacity. However, different agencies’ guidelines take different approaches to estimate the clearance lost time (CLT) for capacity analysis of signalized intersections; there is not an adjustment factor for considering the impact of RLCs. In an attempt to quantify the effect of RLCs on the capacity of signalized intersections, field data were collected at eight intersections: four with RLCs and four without, in the cities of Opelika and Auburn, Alabama. A total of 1,191 cycles and a total of ...