cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social Relationships and Farm-to-Institution Initiatives: Complexity and Scale in Local Food Systems

Farm-to-institution (FTI) initiatives have the potential to further the development of local food systems, create new markets for farmers, and increase the availability of local farm products. Yet the complexity and scale of FTI pose challenges. For many scholars and practitioners, local food systems' significance and potential for social change lie in direct relationships between producers and consumers. This article describes an empirical study that examined relationships in FTI in Michigan. Three key findings emerged. First, relationships of trust operate throughout even the large and complex local food systems we investigated. Second, linear supply chain models may neglect important components of local food systems. Third, local food relationships appear to foster creative and adaptive problem solving. Implications for further research are discussed.
Formation of Massive Stars and the Structure of Galaxies

Observations of the formation of massive stars in giant complexes, and of the density-wave triggering of star formation, are reviewed. Current evidence suggests that density waves may not directly enhance the star formation rate, as formerly believed, but that the waves only organize where star formation occurs in a galactic disk. The evidence for propagating star formation is also summarized. Such propagation implies that massive stars strongly interact with the surrounding interstellar medium. This interaction can lead to exotic behavior in some situations, such as global oscillations of star formation in dwarf or clumpy irregular galaxies, or “starburst” explosions in galactic nuclei.
Effects of articulation styles on perception of modulated tempos in violin excerpts

We investigated effects of legato, staccato and pizzicato articulation styles on the perception of modulated tempos. Seventy-two music majors served as participants. Two solo violin excerpts were chosen with contrasting rhythmic rates and were recorded in all three articulation styles. Examples were presented to listeners in three conditions of tempo modulation: gradual increase, gradual decrease or no change. Tempo changes were produced gradually so that listeners would not notice abrupt changes. Analysis of results showed that articulation style and the direction of modulation affected listeners' perception of tempo, and, importantly, these two factors interacted significantly. Legato examples were judged as increasing in tempo more (and decreasing less) than staccato and pizzicato examples in both excerpts. Differences between articulation styles were not as large in the example with greater rhythmic activity. Listeners preferred the no-change and tempo-increase modulations to the tempo decreases. Impl...
An experimental analysis of spatial competition in a dense infaunal community: The importance of relative effects

A densely populated soft-sediment community was experimentally analysed for interspecific competition for space in laboratory experiments. No interspecific competitive interactions leading to a decrease in survivorship could be documented over a five-week period. The four most abundant species all coexisted in laboratory microcosms. The two tube-buiding species, the tanaid Leptochelia dubia and the polychaete Rhynchospio arenincola, could not exclude the mobile bivalve Transennella tantilla or the burrowing amphipod Paraphoxus spinosus. None of the species increases its emigration frequency when other species are present. Paraphoxus is found to be a browsing predator on Phynchospio but inflicts no detectable mortality. The coexistence of these species is permitted by virtue of the fact that none of the species can alter the soft-sediment habitat sufficiently to make the habitat unsuitable for the other species.
Glucose Biosensors Based on Carbon Nanotube Nanoelectrode Ensembles

This paper describes the development of glucose biosensors based on carbon nanotube (CNT) nanoelectrode ensembles (NEEs) for the selective detection of glucose. Glucose oxidase was covalently immobilized on CNT NEEs via carbodiimide chemistry by forming amide linkages between their amine residues and carboxylic acid groups on the CNT tips. The catalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide liberated from the enzymatic reaction of glucose oxidase upon the glucose and oxygen on CNT NEEs leads to the selective detection of glucose. The biosensor effectively performs a selective electrochemical analysis of glucose in the presence of common interferents (e.g., acetaminophen, uric and ascorbic acids), avoiding the generation of an overlapping signal from such interferers. Such an operation eliminates the need for permselective membrane barriers or artificial electron mediators, thus greatly simplifying the sensor design and fabrication.
Interval-integration underlies amplitude modulation band-suppression selectivity in the anuran midbrain

We examined the mechanisms that underlie ‘band-suppression’ amplitude modulation selectivity in the auditory midbrain of anurans. Band-suppression neurons respond well to low (5–10 Hz) and high (>70 Hz) rates of sinusoidal amplitude modulation, but poorly, if at all, to intermediate rates. The effectiveness of slow rates of sinusoidal amplitude modulation is due to the long duration of individual ‘pulses’; short-duration pulses (<10 ms) failed to elicit spikes when presented at 5–10 pulses s−1. Each unit responded only after a threshold number of pulses (median=3, range=2–5) were delivered at an optimal rate. The salient stimulus feature was the number of consecutive interpulse intervals that were within a cell-specific tolerance. This interval-integrating process could be reset by a single long interval, even if preceded by a suprathreshold number of intervals. These findings indicate that band-suppression units are a subset of interval-integrating neurons. Band-suppression neurons differed from band-pass interval-integrating cells in having lower interval-number thresholds and broader interval tolerance. We suggest that these properties increase the probability of a postsynaptic spike, given a particular temporal pattern of afferent action potentials in response to long-duration pulses, i.e., predispose them to respond to slow rates of amplitude modulation. Modeling evidence is provided that supports this conclusion.
Habitat Distinctions: Planetary versus Interplanetary Architecture

This design essay explores the distinction between the design of a crew habitat for interplanetary space travel and one for the Mars surface. It articulates the design implications of the "Being There versus Getting There" philosophy that argues that the interplanetary and surface capabilities are fundamentally so different that it is not possible to optimize them within a single set of habitation elements. Rather, design optimization demands separate interplanetary and surface habitats. Definitions EMU: external mobility unit; the Space Shuttle suit EVA: extra-vehicular activity IPV: Interplanetary vehicle IVA: Intravehicular activity PLSS: portable life support system GCR; galactic cosmic ray LEO: low Earth orbit SPE: solar particle event SR&QA: safety, reliability and quality assurance TEIV: trans-Earth injection vehicle TMIV: Trans-Mars injection vehicle _________________________________ Architect, Advanced Projects Branch, Space Projects Division, Senior Member AIAA Copyright © 1996 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. No copyright is asserted in the United States under Title 17, U.S. Code. The U.S. Government has a royaltyfree license to exercise all rights under the copyright claimed herein for government purposes. All other rights are reserved to the copyright owner. Introduction This essay seeks to clarify the distinguishing characteristics of interplanetary vehicle crew habitats and planetary surface habitats: what they have in common and what makes them different. These distinctions derive from the argument that a Trans Mars Injection Vehicle (TMIV) or Trans Earth Injection Vehicle (TEIV) differs so fundamentally from a Mars Surface Habitat in functional and architectural character that no single design can serve both purposes (Cohen, June 1996 & Cohen, July 1996). This line of reasoning presents the Being There versus Getting There view of Mars exploration, in which the design problem definition decomposes the mission architecture into two separable parts -the transportation system and the surface system. By decoupling these major elements of the Mars exploration system, it becomes possible to optimize each for simpler, singular goals, rather than force every piece to become multipurpose -doing many things, but doing none of them well.
A theoretical and experimental comparison of directly and externally modulated fiber-optic links

Analytic models of directly and externally modulated fiber-optic links were derived and experimentally confirmed. The models were used to optimize the operating parameters of fiber-optic links. Experimental measurements on these optimized links indicated net incremental link power gains of +3 dB for direct modulation and +11 dB for external modulation. The implications of these optimizations for other measures of link performance, such as bandwidth and noise figure, are presented. >
TAPHONOMY OF DIPTERA IN LACUSTRINE ENVIRONMENTS: A CASE STUDY FROM FLORISSANT FOSSIL BEDS, COLORADO

The purpose of this paper is to study the taphonomy of fossil flies (Diptera) preserved in the lacustrine deposits of the Florissant Fossil Beds (late Eocene), Colorado, United States. Three hundred and twenty-six fossil Diptera were examined, collected from a nearshore (n = 215) and an offshore (n = 111) site. The degree to which a specimen's preservation quality correlated with the ability to identify the specimen to various taxonomic levels and whether specimen size, orientation, or disarticulation had an effect on a preservation quality were evaluated. Also examined was the influence of depositional environment on these variables. Preservation quality was found to be important for identification to species level, but specimens of low preservation quality were still identifiable to the family and genus levels. Specimen size, orientation, and disarticulation were not correlated with the identifiability of a specimen. There was no significant difference in the orientation, disarticulation, or preservation quality of specimens found in the nearshore and offshore sites. There was a significant difference in the size of specimens preserved at each site, with larger specimens being found offshore. More specimens were found in the offshore site, but species richness did not differ between the two sites. Composition of taxa did differ depending on the site. These results demonstrate the importance of collecting all specimens, as even poor quality and disarticulated specimens are identifiable and useful in studies of insect ecology and evolution. In addition, depositional environments should be documented, as size sorting can bias the taxonomic composition of assemblages.
A Study of Teacher-Mediated Enhancement of Students’ Organization of Earth Science Knowledge Using Web Diagrams as a Teaching Device

Current research indicates that students with enhanced knowledge networks are more effective in learning science content and applying higher order thinking skills in open-ended inquiry learning. This research examined teacher implementation of a novel teaching strategy called “web diagramming,” a form of network mapping, in a secondary school earth science class. We report evidence for student improvement in knowledge networking, questionnaire-based reports by the students on the merits of web diagramming in terms of interest and usefulness, and information on the collaborating teacher’s perceptions of the process of implementation, including implications for teacher education. This is among the first reports that teachers can be provided with strategies to enhance student knowledge networking capacity, especially for those students whose initial networking scores are among the lowest.
Role of the Two Sialic Acid Binding Sites on the Newcastle Disease Virus HN Protein in Triggering the Interaction with the F Protein Required for the Promotion of Fusion

ABSTRACT Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-induced membrane fusion requires an interaction between the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) attachment and the fusion (F) proteins, triggered by HN′s binding to receptors. NDV HN has two sialic acid binding sites: site I, which also mediates neuraminidase activity, and site II, which straddles the membrane-distal end of the dimer interface. By characterizing the effect on receptor binding avidity and F-interactive capability of HN dimer interface mutations, we present evidence consistent with (i) receptor engagement by site I triggering the interaction with F and (ii) site II functioning to maintain high-avidity receptor binding during the fusion process.
A Critical Mass Model of Bilingualism among U.S.-Born Hispanics

The overarching question in this article is: What contextual and individual-level factors influence the decision to maintain Spanish, or see to it that one's children learn and maintain it? Ifirst model the configuration of area-specific circumstances that influence the degree to which Spanish-English bilingualism (as opposed to English monolingualism) is viable or desirable in a particular metro area. When contextual incentives for bilingualism are included in individual-level models, contextespecially bilinguals' status and Hispanics' political influence - greatly influences the odds of bilingualism among native-born Hispanic adults. In addition to other macrolevelfactors, there is evidencefor a critical mass effect. People are more likely to maintain bilingualism when lots of others around them are doing the same thing.
Area and latency improvements for direct digital synthesis using the residue number system

Two residue number system-based direct digital synthesizers are presented. The High-Agility Direct Synthesizer exhibits a frequency switching latency which is reduced by as much as 50% below that of traditional, binary number system-based designs. The Reduced Area Direct Synthesizer has a chip area which is reduced by more than 40%. The area reduction is due primarily to the decomposition of the sine ROM into several small look-up tables, while the latency reduction is due to the shortening of the carry paths in the phase accumulator.
Dynamics of 2-Day Equatorial Waves

The dynamics of the 2-day wave, a type of convectively coupled disturbance that frequents the equatorial western Pacific, is examined using observations and a linear primitive equation model. A statistical composite of the wave’s kinematic and thermodynamic structure is presented. It is shown that 1) the wave’s wind and temperature perturbations can be modeled as linear responses to convective heating and cooling, and 2) the bulk of the wave’s dynamical and convective structure can be represented with two vertical modes. The observations and model results suggest that the 2-day wave is an n 5 1 westward-propagating inertio‐gravity wave with a shallow equivalent depth (14 m) that results from the partial cancelation of adiabatic temperature changes due to vertical motion by convective heating and cooling.
Computational analysis of stresses acting on intermodular junctions in thoracic aortic endografts.

Purpose: To evaluate the biomechanical and hemodynamic forces acting on theintermodular junctions of a multi-component thoracic endograft and elucidate theirinfluence on the development of type III endoleak due to disconnection of stent-graftsegments.Methods: Three-dimensional computer models of the thoracic aorta and a 4-componentthoracic endograft were constructed using postoperative (baseline) and follow-upcomputed tomography (CT) data from a 69-year-old patient who developed type IIIendoleak 4 years after stent-graft placement. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)techniques were used to quantitate the displacement forces acting on the device. Thecontact stresses between the different modules of the graft were then quantified usingcomputational solid mechanics (CSM) techniques. Lastly, the intermodular junctionfrictional stability was evaluated using a Coulomb model.Results: The CFD analysis revealed that curvature and length are key determinants of thedisplacement forces experienced by each endograft and that the first 2 modules wereexposed to displacement forces acting in opposite directions in both the lateral andlongitudinal axes. The CSM analysis revealed that the highest concentration of stressesoccurred at the junction between the first and second modules of the device. Furthermore,the frictional analysis demonstrated that most of the surface area (53%) of this junction hadunstable contact. The predicted critical zone of intermodular stress concentration andfrictional instability matched the location of the type III endoleak observed in the 4-yearfollow-up CT image.Conclusion: The region of larger intermodular stresses and highest frictional instabilitycorrelated with the zone where a type III endoleak developed 4 years after thoracic stent-graft placement. Computational techniques can be helpful in evaluating the risk ofendograft migration and potential for modular disconnection and may be useful inimproving device placement strategies and endograft design.J Endovasc Ther. 2011;18:559–568Key words: stent-graft, thoracic aortic endografts, migration, component disconnection,displacement forces, contact stresses, frictional stability, intermodular disjunction, thoracicaortic aneurysm, computational solid mechanics, computational fluid dynamics
Two-Layer Geostrophic Vortex Dynamics. Part 1. Upper-Layer V-States and Merger

We generalize the methods of two-dimensional contour dynamics to study a twolayer rotating fluid that obeys the quasi-geostrophic equations. We consider here only the case of a constant-potential-vorticity lower layer. We derive equilibrium solutions for monopolar (rotating) and dipolar (translating) geostrophic vortices in the upper layer, and compare them with the Euler case. We show that the equivalent barotropic (infinite lower layer) case is a singular limit of the two-layer system. We also investigate the effect of a finite lower layer on the merger of two regions of equalsign potential vorticity in the upper layer. We discuss our results in the light of the recent laboratory experiments of Griffiths & Hopfinger (1986). The process of filamentation is found to be greatly suppressed for equivalent barotropic dynamics on scales larger than the radius of deformation. We show that the variation of the critical initial distance for merger as a function of the radius of deformation and the ratio of the layers at rest is closely related to the existence of vortex-pair equilibria and their geometrical properties.
Distribution of androgen receptor immunoreactivity in the spinal cord of wild‐type, androgen‐insensitive and gonadectomized male rats

The polyclonal antiserum PG21 was used to detect androgen receptor (AR) protein in three motoneuronal pools of the male rat lumbar spinal cord. In gonadally intact, wild-type males, the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB), dorsolateral nucleus (DLN), and retrodorsolateral nucleus (RDLN) all displayed immunolabeling of cell nuclei. The percentage of motoneurons displaying such labeling was highest in the SNB and lowest in the RDLN. This pattern of AR immunocytochemical labeling agrees well with previous steroid autoradiographic studies of androgen accumulation in the rat spinal cord. In contrast, virtually no motoneurons in any of the three pools displayed nuclear AR immunostaining in long-term gonadectomized males or in gonadally intact males carrying the Tfm mutation, which renders the AR incompetent. In gonadectomized males, labeling was restored in the SNB and DLN, but not the RDLN, 30 min after an injection of replacement testosterone. Eight hours of testosterone exposure restored immunolabeling in all three motor nuclei. Apparent cytoplasmic staining was seen in SNB motoneurons of untreated castrates and Tfm rats, but not intact rats, suggesting that AR residing in the cytoplasm translocates to the nucleus on binding to androgen in these motoneurons. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
“The Poor Remain”: A Posthumanist Rethinking of Literary Humanitarianism in Indra Sinha’s Animal’s People

Human rights have become a dominant framework through which to narrate and read political violence. Indra Sinha’s Animal’s People questions humanitarian rhetoric that promises to rescue the poor, and it challenges the construction of a humanitarian reader. Through a reading of the novel, I argue that narrating politically situated events as humanitarian concerns dislocates suffering from its source rather than disrupting the transnational power structures that allow for slow violence and the supposed ‘dehumanization’ of individuals and groups. The narrative structure of literary humanitarianism, which the novel satirizes, suggests that readers may perform a humanitarian act by bearing witness to trauma, and it encourages privileged readers to contemplate suffering as a depoliticized crisis of the imagination. I analyze how Animal’s People challenges such a project by mixing the metaphors of seeing and hearing, unsettling ‘the human,’ and critiquing humanitarian journalism for effacing economic and political realities like those of the 1984 gas leak in Bhopal, India. As the novel’s main character deliberates on whether or not to accept humanitarian aid two decades after a gas leak in the fictional city of Khaufpur (a clear stand-in for Bhopal), it presents a posthumanist perspective that problematizes the normative assumptions of literary humanitarianism.
Epidemiology and natural history of multiple sclerosis: new insights

Purpose of review The cause of multiple sclerosis remains elusive. We review recent epidemiological studies of genetic and environmental factors that influence susceptibility to the disease and its clinical course. Recent findings Genetic advances strengthen the association of multiple sclerosis with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 allele and interferon-g polymorphisms and suggest that apolipoprotein E alleles play an important role. In the environmental realm, nested case‐control studies show that prior Epstein‐Barr virus exposure is overrepresented in multiple sclerosis. Smoking has been associated with both risk of multiple sclerosis and progressive disease. Vitamin D deficiency might tie together environmental clues with higher multiple sclerosis prevalence rates; dietary vitamin supplementation is also associated with reduced multiple sclerosis risk. Natural history studies demonstrated dissociation between relapses and disease progression, facilitated the ability to distinguish neuromyelitis optica and related syndromes from typical multiple sclerosis, and spawned the exploration of large datasets to model longterm disease activity. Summary Our understanding of the contributions of specific genetic and environmental factors that contribute to multiple sclerosis has improved. Further refinements will eventually allow powerful longitudinal studies to assess genetic and environmental interactions with implications for prediction of individual disease susceptibility, clinical course, and response to therapy.
Journalism, advocacy and the social construction of consensus

Scholarship examining media coverage of social problems largely examines coverage of contentious issues. In this study, I contribute to our understanding of journalist practices by examining covera...
Effect of a Sand Substrate on the Growth and Condition of Apalone mutica Hatchlings

Smooth Softshell Turtles, Apalone mutica, prefer medium to large rivers with clean sand where they spend substantial amounts of time buried in the bottom sand substrate; however, the habitat requirements of hatchling A. mutica are poorly known. We designed a laboratory experiment to determine whether the presence of an underwater sand substrate affects growth and condition of hatchling A. mutica. We found that hatchlings maintained on a sand substrate grew faster and differed in body appearance compared to hatchlings maintained without a sand substrate. A readily accessible sandy substrate in which to bury may be a significant habitat component for A. mutica hatchlings. In addition, investigators maintaining A. mutica, and likely other softshell species in the laboratory, should consider the species' substrate requirements in their research design.
Novel—and "Neu"—Therapeutic Possibilities for Heart Failure*

Adverse effects of pharmacotherapeutics in patients rarely lead to novel therapies in animal models of disease. In this issue of the Journal , however, Liu et al. ([1][1]) provide a remarkable case of such “bedside-to-bench” research: they demonstrate that neuregulin-1 therapy substantially
Language repertoires and state construction in Africa: Case studies from independent Africa

Each of the three patterns of African national development that has been identified necessitates a distinct language repertoire. Citizens of states where there has been language rationalization need to become equipped to read and write in the official language of state business. And what about those who do not speak it? In Africa, few states with significant language minorities will carry out a rationalization program. But for those minorities, bilingualism will persist, perhaps for centuries. Nonetheless, if everyone within the state's boundaries becomes fluent in the state language, speakers of the nonchosen languages will find that they use them in a decreasing number of social domains. Intergenerationally, this situation pushes toward assimilation into the language of the state by all social groups. To be sure, historical memories of the language will remain, and some social strata – for example, religious diviners, or griots – will seek to maintain those memories. These memories will serve the interests of a counterhegemonic project, or regional revival, if conditions allow. Also, many citizens involved in technical work or international commerce will need to learn an international language. But for most purposes citizens will need to know but one language to fulfill themselves within the national arena. For citizens of states that settle on a 2-language formula, each person will need to identify him- or herself with a regional language group. Interregional job mobility within the country will be somewhat constrained, because parents will find it difficult to get an education for their children in their own language outside of their geographical zone.
Libertarianism Ancient and Modern: Reflections on the Strauss-Rothbard Debate

During the 1950’s and early 1960’s Murray N. Rothbard was writing “private” book reviews in his capacity as a research analyst for the Volcker Fund. Towards the end of his tenure in this position Rothbard penned reviews of Strauss’s What is Political Philosophy? Thoughts on Machiavelli, On Tyranny and essay entitled “Relativism.” The recent publication of these reviews affords us an opportunity to place the thought of Rothbard into comparative perspective with that of Leo Strauss. In so doing we are examining two figures who are frequently identified, whether rightly or wrongly, as the intellectual godfathers of contemporary libertarianism and neo-conservatism respectively.
Addition of Sn–OiPr across a C═C Bond: Unusual Insertion of an Alkene into a Main-Group-Metal–Alkoxide Bond

An example of unusual addition of a main-group-metal alkoxide across an alkene C═C bond was demonstrated with a dimethylvinylsilyl-substituted Sn-POSS complex (POSS = incompletely condensed polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane). The structure of the pentacoordinated Sn chelate product was confirmed by 1H, 13C, and 119Sn NMR and ESI-MS.
Fast Zerbst Transient Analysis and Application to Intrinsic Gettered P-type Epitaxial Wafers

One of the principal difficulties in applying the Zerbst analysis to MOS capacitor transient recovery is the extremely long retention time of the MOS capacitor in high lifetime materials. Typically the retention time is thousands of seconds at room temperature, so long times are required for a significant number of measurements. Furthermore, extrapolating the result of high temperature measurements back to room temperature can lead to large errors. A modified C-t transient response using a step from accumulation to depletion followed by light and then a small step from inversion to stronger inversion speeds up the generation lifetime measurement and separates the surface generation from the bulk generation. Pre- and post-epitaxial intrinsically gettered p/p+ wafers were subjected to high temperature CMOS process simulation and MOS capacitors with Al dots and guard rings were fabricated. Generation lifetime of about 5 msec were measured using the modified fast Zerbst method on properly intrinsically gettered epitaxial wafers, particularly the pre-epitaxial intrinsically gettered wafers.
On the relevance of peptide sequence permutations in shotgun proteomics studies.

In collision-induced dissociation (CID) of peptides, it has been observed that rearrangement processes can take place that appear to permute/scramble the original primary structure, which may in pr...
Environmental Surveys Over Time

Components of surveys designed to measure attributes of the environment over time are outlined and some of the challenges that these surveys pose for statisticians and analysts are identified. Aspects of design for repeated surveys are introduced and the effects of measurement error on longitudinal estimates are illustrated.
Interaction of the prostaglandin and renin-angiotensin systems in isolated rat glomeruli

Renal glomeruli were isolated from rat kidneys using a passive mechanical sieving technique. Suspensions of 40–50 mg glomeruli were placed in glass chambers and superfused by a modified Krebs-Ringer solution. Effluent collections of 10-min fractions were measured for renin or prostaglandin (PG) E2 concentration using radioimmunoassays. The perfusate was altered to contain either the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, angiotensin II, or arachidonic acid. Isoproterenol at 1.78 or 8.1 X 10(-4) M produced a significant release of renin, but the concentration of PGE2 was unaffected. Isoproterenol-stimulated renin release was blocked by 1.2 X 10(-4) M propranolol but was unaffected by 6.3 X 10(-6) M meclofenamate. Angiotensin II at 4 or 40 X 10(-9) M altered neither renin nor PGE2. Arachidonic acid administered at 1.6 or 16.0 X 10(-5) M produced a marked increase in PG synthesis and stimulated a significant release of renin. Treatment of glomeruli with 6.3 X 10(-6) M meclofenamate attenuated PGE2 synthesis and abolished renin release, but 1.2 X 10(-4) M propranolol had no effect on PG synthesis or the coincident release of renin. These results give direct evidence of an interrelating mechanism between renal prostaglandins and renin release that is independent of external tubular or hemodynamic stimuli and show that the beta-adrenergic pathway of renin stimulation is independent of any modifying influence exerted by prostaglandins.
Indications and Techniques for Spinal Instrumentation in Thoracic Disk Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. OBJECTIVE To identify the indications, techniques, and outcomes for instrumented fusion during thoracic discectomy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Thoracic discectomy may require extensive bone removal to avoid spinal cord manipulation, but the indications and techniques for instrumented fusion during thoracic discectomy remain poorly delineated. METHODS The authors identified 220 consecutive patients who underwent thoracic discectomy between 1992 and 2012. Clinical and radiographic variables were compared between patients who underwent instrumented fusion and patients without instrumentation, and among surgical approaches utilized for discectomy. RESULTS Patient age for the entire cohort averaged 49±13.01 years, and mean clinical follow-up was 45 months (range, 1-218 mo). Patients underwent 226 thoracic discectomy procedures, including 48 thoracotomy, 136 thoracoscopy, and 42 posterolateral approaches. Seventy-eight patients required instrumented fusion and, compared with patients without instrumentation, were more likely to present with myelopathy (P<0.0001) and harbor giant (P=0.0012), calcified (P=0.019), or transdural (P=0.0004) herniated disks. Surgery with instrumentation resulted in greater blood loss (P<0.0001), longer hospital stay (P<0.0001), and a higher complication rate (22% vs. 9.9%), yet patients in both cohorts had similar rates of symptom resolution postoperatively. Of the patients who underwent thoracic discectomy without instrumentation, 3 (2.1%) developed delayed deformity or instability and required subsequent surgery for fixation and fusion at an average 6.3 months postoperatively (range, 4-8 mo). Patients who underwent instrumented fusion exhibited no nonunions or delayed deformity. CONCLUSIONS Thoracic discectomy without fixation is a reasonable clinical option in carefully selected patients, but instrumented fusion is safe and effective in other patients. Indications for fixation and fusion are thus proposed.
High pressure elasticity and thermal properties of depleted uranium

Studies of the phase diagram of uranium have revealed a wealth of high pressure and temperature phases. Under ambient conditions the crystal structure is well defined up to 100 gigapascals (GPa), but very little information on thermal conduction or elasticity is available over this same range. This work has applied ultrasonic interferometry to determine the elasticity, mechanical, and thermal properties of depleted uranium to 4.5 GPa. Results show general strengthening with applied load, including an overall increase in acoustic thermal conductivity. Further implications are discussed within. This work presents the first high pressure studies of the elasticity and thermal properties of depleted uranium metal and the first real-world application of a previously developed containment system for making such measurements.
Study on land use and land cover change based on remote sensing and GIS——A case study of Duolun County in Inner Mongolia

Assisted by the dataset of Digital Elevation Model,Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and land use maps,four periods of Landsat MSS,TM and ETM+ data from 1970s to near present were adopted for the classification of the historical land use change in Duolun County of Inner Mongolia in China.Based on the platform of the Geographic Information System,changeable patterns of the regional land use were spatially and statistically analyzed for the above four durations. The results revealed that there have been obvious changes in the land use patterns in the past 3 decades.The area has been dominated by grassland,farmland and unused land,and changes in land uses during the 4 periods showed differences. Maximum change in forestland occurred in the period of 2000～2004 with the changeable ratio of 39.17%;Minimum change in farmland occurred from 1975 to 1990 with a relative small changeable ratio of 0.32%.Based on the land use statistics in 1970s,the significant land use change was mainly focusing on the increase of farmland and grassland and the decrease of forestland and unused land in 1990s. To the year of 2000,the increase of forestland,unused land and farmland,and the remarkable decrease of grassland featured mainly.In the year of 2004,the decrease of the area of farmland and unused land while the increase of grassland and forestland was obvious,which showed a real regional improvement on environmental conditions across Duolun County according to the land use change in recent years.
Organ boundary NAC-domain transcription factors are implicated in the evolution of petal fusion.

Research rationale: Evolution of fused petals (sympetaly) is considered to be an important innovation that has repeatedly led to increased pollination efficiency, resulting in accelerated rates of plant diversification. Although little is known about the underlying regulation of sympetaly, genetic pathways ancestrally involved in organ boundary establishment (e.g. CUP SHAPED COTYLEDON [CUC] 1–3 genes) are strong candidates. In sympetalous petunia, mutations in the CUC1/2-like orthologue NO APICAL MERISTEM (NAM) inhibit shoot apical meristem formation. Despite this, occasional ‘escape shoots’ develop flowers with extra petals and fused inter-floral whorl organs. Central methods: To To determine if petunia CUC-like genes regulate additional floral patterning, we used virus-induced silencing (VIGS) following establishment of healthy shoot apices to re-examine the role of NAM in petunia petal development, and uniquely characterise the CUC3 orthologue NH16. Key results: Confirming previous results, we found that reduced floral NAM/NH16 expression caused increased petal–stamen and stamen–carpel fusion, and often produced extra petals. However, further to previous results, all VIGS plants infected with NAM or NH16 constructs exhibited reduced fusion in the petal whorl compared to control plants. Main conclusions: Together with previous data, our results demonstrate conservation of petunia CUC-like genes in establishing inter-floral whorl organ boundaries, as well as functional evolution to affect the fusion of petunia petals.
A membraneless alkaline direct liquid fuel cell (DLFC) platform developed with a catalyst-selective strategy

Abstract With a logical management of the catalyst selectivity, we present a scalable, membraneless alkaline direct liquid fuel cell (DLFC) platform. The uniqueness of this innovation is that the inexpensive (non-platinum) cathode catalysts, based on strongly coupled transition-metal-oxide nanocrystals and nano-structured carbon materials (e. g., NiCo2O4 nano-particles on a nitrogen-doped graphene and MnNiCoO4 nano-particles on a nitrogen-doped multi-wall carbon nanotube), exhibit high activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) but without activity for the anode fuel oxidation reaction (FOR). Therefore, operation of the DLFCs allows the anode fuel to freely enter the cathode. This strategy avoids the reliance on expensive or difficult-to-develop cation- or anion-exchange membranes and circumvents the scalability concerns of the conventional membraneless DLFCs that are operated under a laminar-flow principle. With proper catalyst selectivity, a variety of organic liquids can be used as anode fuels. The high power density delivered by the membraneless DLFCs with inexpensive components and safe fuels can enable the development of not only small-scale portable power sources but also large-scale energy generation systems for transportation and stationary storage.
PF4/H Complexes Induce Germinal Centers in Vivo

Abstract 269 Mice injected with ultra-large complexes (ULCs) of platelet factor-4 (PF4) and heparin (PF4/H) exhibit a strong immune response which mimics that seen in patients developing Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)(Suvarna, Blood 2005). Previous studies with this murine immunization model have shown that murine (m) PF4/H ULCs potently activate dendritic cells (DCs) (Chudasama, Blood 2010) and initiate a T-cell dependent immune response (Suvarna, Blood 2005). To examine cellular/anatomic basis of PF4/H antibody formation, we examined the role of the spleen and germinal center formation in mice injected with mPF4/H complexes. To evaluate the role of the spleen, we immunized splenectomized mice (SPL) (n=15) and wild type (WT) mice (n=15) retro-orbitally with 100 mg/mL mPF4 and 5 U/mL Hep for 5 days. Antibodies to mPF4/H complexes were detected by an ELISA developed in our laboratory (Suvarna, Blood 2005; Suvarana, Blood 2007). As shown in [Figure 1][1], SPL animals showed a marked reduction in Ab formation compared to WT animals (mean A450nm ± SD; SPL 0.206 ± 0.253 vs. WT 0.76 ± 0.788, p<0.003). We next asked if antibody responses to PF4/H were associated with germinal center (GC) formation. The GC is a hallmark of T-cell dependent (TD) immune responses and is considered vital for development of high-affinity and isotype-switched antibodies. For these studies, mice were injected with a high dose of PF4/H (400 ug/mL PF4: 10 U/mL heparin) (n=2), standard protocol dose of PF4/H (100 ug/mL: 5 U/mL) and or buffer (Hank's Balanced Salt Solution, n=3) daily for 5 days via retro-orbital injection. As a positive control for GC formation, we injected two mice with a conventional antigen, nitrophenyl conjugated chicken gamma-globulin (NP-CGG). Mice expressing high antibody titers on Day 16 (mean A450nm± SD; high dose- 1.112 ± 0.5767; standard dose- 1.186 ± 0.7853) were sacrificed, spleens harvested and frozen in an embedding medium. Splenic sections (5m, longitudinal) were obtained as frozen sections and stained with immunohistochemical markers for GCs (GL-7 FITC; 1:400, counter-stain- FITC Alexa Fluor 488; 1:200), T-cells (TCR-β PE; 1:200) and B-cell follicles (B220 Biotin; 1:400, counter-stain- Streptavidin Alexa Fluor 350; 1:200). Images were obtained using Carl Zeiss AxioVert 200M microscope and analyzed with AxioVision Rel 4.6 software. Fluorescent images were processed with Adobe photoshop CS5.1. As shown in [Figure 2][2], we noted that mice injected with NP-CGG, had ∼ 22 GC's, mice injected with buffer had 2 GC's and mice injected with high and standard dose of PF4/H, had ∼20–22 and 15–17 GC's respectively. These studies show that mPF4/H complexes elicit GC formation in association with secretion of mPF4/H Abs and that GC formation is comparable to that seen with conventional antigen. ![Figure][3] ![Figure][3] Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: #F1 [2]: #F2 [3]: pending:yes
A simple frequency response compensation method for current probe measurements of ESD currents

The transfer impedance of a current probe is typically not constant within the current probe's operational frequency range. As it is based on induction, it will suffer from reduced sensitivity at lower frequencies. Thus, a current probe cannot be used directly in a time domain measurement. The low frequency roll-off of a current probe can severely distort the actual waveform. A simple frequency response compensation method is proposed here to enable ESD current measurements with current probes. The method enables a current probe to be used for time domain measurements, such as when measuring ESD transient current and estimating the total transferred charge. If a probe's datasheet provides the transfer impedance for the probe, no additional measurements are needed. Advantages and disadvantages of directly using the measured complex transfer impedance, instead of approximating the transfer impedance by a circuit, is discussed in this paper.
Achieving Research Design Excellence Through the Pursuit of Perfection: Toward Strong Theoretical Calibration

Supply chain research has become increasingly theory-driven, research designs have become more rigorous, and analytical methods have grown in depth and breadth. Given this important and positive progression, we believe that it is time for scholars to abandon a popular data collection method – single source surveys – due to its inherent limitations. In the past, single source surveys have fueled important steps forward in knowledge development but the field has progressed to the point that stronger designs are needed. Rather than attacking past research grounded in single source surveys (including our own) or offering stop-gap advice (e.g., get more respondents), we offer a more constructive path forward – scholars should let their theory drives their designs. Specifically, we propose the concept of theoretical calibration; the degree to which the key tenets of a study's theory are captured within its research design and describe four approaches that scholars can take to increase theoretical calibration. Our hope is that, in the future, surveys will remain one important method among many that can be used to build knowledge and inform managers, but that journal gatekeepers will judge designs that rely on single source surveys alone to no longer be sufficient. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Methodologic Differences Across Studies of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Lead to Varying Estimates of Stroke Risk.

Background Guidelines for anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation (AF) assume that stroke risk scheme point scores correspond to fixed stroke rates. However, reported stroke rates vary widely across...
Management patterns of gastric polyps in the United States

Objective Recent guidelines on endoscopic sampling recommend complete gastric polyp removal for solitary fundic polyps >10 mm, hyperplastic polyps >5 mm and all adenomatous polyps. We aim to describe endoscopic approach to polyps in the time period prior to the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guidelines and to identify opportunities for clinical practice improvements. Design Retrospective review of the Clinical Outcome Research Initiative (CORI) database, including all oesophagogastroduodenoscopies (OGDs). Reviewers grouped interventions during procedures based on instruments used for polyp sampling by forceps or snare polypectomy. Logistic regression estimated the effect of variables of interest on method of polypectomy. Results Of 783 037 OGDs reported in the CORI database, 25 670 (3.3%) described gastric polyps and met the inclusion criteria. Mean gastric polyp size was 6.5±4.9 mm, and 46.2% and 14.5% were located in the corpus and antrum, respectively. Polyps in the forceps group were smaller than polyps in the snare group (5.7±4.0 mm vs 9.3±6.4 mm, respectively, p 10 mm that only underwent forceps biopsy. Forceps were used more frequently in the gastric fundus. Conclusions Snare polypectomy was underused in gastric polyps, per current ASGE guidelines. Anatomical location and endoscopic features of polyps were important predictors of the approach to gastric polypectomy.
4 – Intraoperative Brain Mapping

This chapter discusses the electrical stimulation mapping. Electrical stimulation mapping (ESM) identifies those brain areas whose function is necessary for a particular behavior at a point in time by interrupting local cerebral activity and interfering with the behavior. Behavioral changes after brain lesions and intraarterial amobarbital perfusion provide similar data in the extraoperative setting. ESM was in regular use to identify sensory-motor cortex. The technique depends on the observation that application of a relatively small electrical current to the surface of primary cortices evokes a response: localized movement from motor cortex, tingling dysesthesias from sensory cortex, phosphenes from calcerine visual cortex and rarely a roaring noise from primary auditory cortex. ESM utilizes two effects, the evoked responses at relatively small currents for identification of primary corticies and their subcortical pathways and in the remainder of cortex, disruption of function with larger currents. Although the precise physiologic events responsible for these behavioral effects of stimulation are not known, it is likely that the smaller currents predominantly excite neurons and en passage fibers, whereas the larger currents block local function by depolarization.
Effect of Joint Sampling Technique on Bacterial Load in Synovial Fluid Samples of Swine in a Commercial Setting

In this trial sampling technique did impact levels of bacterial contamination present in synovial fluid. The differences in contamination levels were highly variable between sampling techniques, ranging from no bacteria present to bacterial concentrations of 10^6. Needle aspiration proceeded by skinning of the joint resulted in the lowest level of contamination in samples indicating the skin is a major source of contamination and the use of needle aspiration over swab collection significantly reduces contamination levels.
Enhancing positive self-concept through creativity in the classroom.

(1981). Enhancing Positive Self-Concept through Creativity in the Classroom. Health Education: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 35-35.
Mixed propranolol and tizanidine overdose treated with intravenous lipid emulsion

We describe a case of mixed propranolol and tizanidine overdose and response to treatment with intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) in conjunction with glucagon therapy. A 35-year-old male was unrespon...