cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of soluble unreactive phosphorus using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract 31 P-NMR spectra of soluble unreactive phosphorus (SUP) were obtained over a year from a small mid-western lake (Crystal Lake). Lake water samples were concentrated with ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis membranes (RO). These membranes were also used to fractionate the SUP according to molecular weight. A sample from the Mississippi River was also analyzed with 31 P-NMR. Diester and monoester phosphates, phosphonates, tri- and/or tetrapolyphosphates, and orthophosphate were detected in these samples. Use of the lanthanide shift reagent (LSR) praseodymium ethlylenediamine tetraacetate, alkaline bromination degradation procedures, and adjustment of sample pH in conjunction with 31 P-NMR spectroscopy provided additional information regarding the SUP. It was found that the SUP pool exists as a variety of organic phosphorus compounds which vary with respect to their apparent molecular size. Secondly, 31 P-NMR data from Crystal Lake demonstrate that the SUP composition varies as a function of season and/or general lake conditions. Thirdly, comparison of Crystal Lake and Mississippi River spectral data shows that the SUP composition differs between distinct hydrological sites. 31 P-NMR spectral data, in conjunction with other information such as LSR data, pH adjustment data, and alkaline bromination data, also illustrate that a portion of the SUP may become incorporated into an aggregate that forms during UF/RO concentration procedures.
Potential use of visual mold ratings to predict mycotoxin contamination of grain sorghum

(...) Several sorghum hybrids were examined for bird damage and visible grain mold prior to harvest at seven locations in 1986 and 1987. Zearalenone and deoxynivalenol levels were analyzed in the harvested samples. Bird damage, Fusarium grain mold, zearalenone, and deoxynivalenol were detected in 68, 87, 67, and 88% of all samples, respectively (...)
Linear sequential coding of random space-time fields

Optimal (least-mean-square-error) linear preprocessing of observations of a random space-time signal preparatory to transmission over a sampled-data channel may be partitioned into a conventional ''state-variable'' filter operating on all current and past observations available to the primary transducer, and a linear coder which selects the combination of state estimates to be transmitted at each sampling instant. The post-sampling reconstruction filter is of conventional design, as if its objective were to reproduce not the original field but its prefiltered estimate. Both prefilter and postfilter incorporate dynamical models of the underlying physical process, with appropriate feedback in the two situations. Design of the coder requires further elaboration of the criterion of optimality: in general, a weighted space-time averaged mean-square error of the reconstructed signal. For the special case of pseudo-observations on a periodic spatial lattice, in which the error structure of the prefiltered field is homogeneous, the optimal coder is ideally wave-number-limited to a single spectral cell. The location and shape of this cell, and the relative weightings applied to the components of the prefiltered field over the cell, may vary from one sampling instant to the next. Examples are presented for (1) a one-dimensional ''Rossby wave'' field; (2) a two-dimensional diffusion process, sampled on a 60^o rhombic lattice; and (3) a second-order wave field in one spatial dimension.
Ranking Electrical Feeders of the New York Power Grid

Ranking problems arise in a wide range of real world applications where an ordering on a set of examples is preferred to a classification model. These applications include collaborative filtering, information retrieval and ranking components of a system by susceptibility to failure. In this paper, we present an ongoing project to rank the underground primary feeders of New York City's electrical grid according to their susceptibility to outages. We describe our framework and the application of machine learning ranking methods, using scores from Support Vector Machines (SVM), RankBoost and Martingale Boosting. Finally, we present our experimental results and the lessons learned from this challenging real-world application.
Duration of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Regimens

The median duration of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens was reported to be 11.8 months in one US study, but that study included both treatment-experienced and treatment-naive patients. The duration of initial HAART regimens for treatment-naive patients alone has not been reported. We selected 405 antiretroviral-naive patients who were seen at the University of Alabama at Birmingham HIV Outpatient Clinic from 1 January 1996 through 9 October 2001, and we assessed the duration of initial and successive HAART regimens in this group. Any antiretroviral medication change, excluding dosage changes, that lasted >or=14 days was considered to indicate the start of a new regimen. The median duration of regimens was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and proportional hazards regression was used to identify factors associated with shorter duration of initial regimen. The median duration of initial regimens was 1.6 years, and medication toxicity-associated events were the cause of one-half of discontinuations. Only a history of opportunistic infection and injection drug use were significantly associated with shorter regimen duration.
Spatial context in collaborative information seeking

Space and time are considered the most important dimensions for studying systems and methods that support collaboration in information seeking. Several investigations have provided us with insights into people's preferences and experiences relating to these two dimensions, but there is a lack of empirical evidence. A user study is presented, involving 60 subjects in 30 pairs, in which the experience and performance of users are compared while performing an information-seeking task in three different spatially defined collaboration settings: (1) working at the same workstation, (2) working in the same room at different workstations, and (3) working in different rooms. The results show significant differences among the experimental conditions, indicating the impact of space on collaboration. The pros and cons of different spatial set-ups are derived from an extensive analysis that uses several traditional information retrieval measures such as precision and recall, as well as unconventional assessments involving coverage and diversity.
Genetic influences on cholinergic drug response

Three mouse strains were tested for oxotremorine effects on open-field activity and body temperature. Open-field activitiy was depressed less severely in C3H mice than in C57BL, which were less affected than DBA. While no differences in the hypothermic effects of oxotremorine were observed 15 min after injection, the time courses of the drug effect on body temperature indicated that C3H were less affected than C57BL or DBA. No differences in the activities of acetylcholinesterase or choline acetyltransferase were found among the three strains in cortex, cerebellum, hindbrain (pons-medulla), or total midbrain. While no differences in muscarinic receptor levels were found in the four large brain areas, finer dissection of the midbrain revealed small differences in total receptor number in striatum, hippocampus, and remaining midbrain areas. C3H mice exhibited greater QNB binding than C57BL and DBA mice in striatum; DBA mice exhibited greater QNB binding in hippocampus than C57BL (C3H mice were not different from either strain); and C57BL had less QNB binding than the other two strains in midbrain. All of these differences were small (20% or less). No differences in KD were observed. The inhibition of receptor binding by either oxotremorine or nicotine was the same in all strains, but the IC50 for oxotremorine varied from region to region. While behavioral differences in the effects of oxotremorine are clear, ther is no obvious biochemical explanation for these differences.
On the stability of a class of distributed parameter systems

In order to determine the stability intervals or the stability independently of the free parameter T, an Algebraic method is developed for a class of distributed parameter systems whose characteristic functions contain s, sinh(sT) and cosh(sT). Thus, the power of algebraic approaches is completely preserved. The approach can be easily extended to distributed parameter systems of which the characteristic functions contain s sums of terms containing sinh(ksT) and cosh(msT) for integer values of k and m to some upper values. >
Fluorocarbon Fiber-Optic Raman Probe for Non-Invasive Raman Spectroscopy

We report the development of a novel fiber-optic Raman probe using a graded index fluorocarbon optical fiber. The fluorocarbon fiber has a simple Raman spectrum, a low fluorescence background, and generates a Raman signal that in turbid media serves as an intense reference Raman signal that corrects for albedo. The intensity of the reference signal can easily be varied as needed by scaling the length of the excitation fiber. Additionally, the fluorocarbon probe eliminates the broad silica Raman bands generated in conventional silica-core fiber without the need for filters.
Reduced density of parvalbumin- and calbindin D28k-immunoreactive neurons in experimental cortical dysplasia

Cortical dysplasia (CD) is a congenital brain malformation in humans that is closely associated with intractable epilepsy. This study utilized an animal model of CD, in utero irradiation in rats, to determine if experimental dysplastic cortex demonstrates a reduction in the density of inhibitory interneurons. Fetal rats were exposed to external irradiation on gestational day 17 to produce diffuse CD and heterotopic grey matter. As adults, these rats were processed for immunohistochemistry using primary antibodies for parvalbumin (PA), calbindin D28k (CA), the 67 kD subunit of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67), and cresyl violet staining. Quantitative methods were used to determine the density of immunoreactive neurons and cresyl violet-stained neurons in the neocortex at the rostro-caudal level of the anterior commissure. Compared to control values, the density of PA- and CA-immunoreactive neurons was reduced in dysplastic cortex. Density of glutamic acic decarboxylase-immunoreactive neurons was not different between control and dysplastic cortex. Overall neuronal density, measured in cresyl violet-stained sections, was not significantly different between control and dysplastic cortex. These data suggest a selective reduction in inhibitory interneurons in experimental CD cortex or an impaired ability for these neurons to produce PA and CA.
Pyronin Y in the methyl-green-pyronin histological stain.

Two samples of pyronin Y were found which, with the exception of eosinophilic granules and osteoid, stained only nucleic acids in animal tissues. Good differentiation was obtained. with n-butyl alcohol. It was therefore possible to prepare a differentially staining mixture of either of these pyronins combined with methyl green. This mixture stains polymerized desoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) clear green, depolymerized DNA and ribonucleic acid red. The red staining of eosinophilic granules and osteoid is readily distinguished by its persistence after ribonuclease or warm-buffer extraction. The staining mixture consists of: (1) pyronin Y (Edward Gurr or G. T. Gurr), CHCl3 extracted, 2% aq, 12.5 ml; (2) methyl green, CHCl3 extracted, 2% aq, 7.5 ml; (3) distilled water, 30 ml. The staining procedure is as follows. (1) Immerse slides 6 min in the dye mixture. (2) Blot with filter paper. (3) Immerse in 2 changes of n-butyl alcohol, 5 min each. (4) Xylene, 5 min. (5) Cedar oil, 5 min. (6) Apply Permount and cover.
Frequency mixing in a four-level atom interacting with a strong bichromatic field

We have considered the fluorescent spectra arising from the interaction of a four-level atom with two strong electromagnetic fields whose initially populated modes ω a and ω b are in resonance with three of the atomic transition frequencies. Green's function formalism has been used in the limit of high photon densities to calculate the excitation spectra near the frequencies ω = ±(2ω a - ω b ). Expressions for the total relative intensity of the system have been derived as a function of the parameter ζ = Ω2 b /Ω2 a , where Ω a and Ω b are the Rabi frequencies of the two laser fields, respectively. For ζ = 0, the spectra consist of a central peak at ω = 2ω a - ω b and a pair of sidebands at ω = 2ω a - ω b ± Ω a √2, both having spectral widths of the order of γ0, where γ0 is the spontaneous emission probability. The relative intensity of the central peak for Ω a ≠ 0 is reduced by 25 per cent of its original value obtained for Ω a = 0. For ζ ≠ 0, the relative intensity of the central peak increases slowly as...
RECOVERY FROM DAMAGE INDUCED BY ACRIDINE PLUS NEAR-ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

—Escherichia coli cells treated with sublethal doses of acridine plus near-UV light exhibit an effective split-dose recovery response that requires an incubation period of about 30–45 min. Studies of the metabolic requirements for split-dose recovery revealed the following: (a) DNA synthesis is not required for split-dose recovery; (b) inhibition of electron transport or protein synthesis reduces the efficiency of split-dose recovery by about one-half; (c) inhibition of phospholipid synthesis or cell wall synthesis completely eliminates the split-dose recovery response. These results suggest an involvement of membrane repair mechanisms in response to damage by acridine plus near-UV light. Additional evidence for such a process was provided by more direct assays for membrane recovery. It was found that cells treated with sublethal doses of acridine plus near-UV light are sensitive to low concentrations of detergents, and lose that sensitivity upon incubation. Likewise, treated cells are susceptible to lethal osmotic shock, but can recover from this susceptibility if incubated after treatment but prior to exposure to low osmotic conditions. Based on accumulating evidence, we propose that E. coli cells are capable of repairing membrane damage resulting from exposure to acridine plus near-UV light.
Augmented inherited multi-index structure for maintenance of materialized path query views

Materialized complex object-oriented views are a promising technique for the integration of heterogeneous databases and the development of powerful data warehousing systems. Path query views are virtual classes formed from selection queries that specify a predicate upon the value of an aggregation hierarchy path. The primary difference between previous work regarding OODB indexing and the efficient implementation of materialized path query views addressed in this paper lies in the nature of their usage. For OODB indexing, query usage is the primary purpose of index structures. Because the materialized view data itself can be used to answer queries, the primary use of index structures with regard to materialized path query views is for the incremental maintenance of views in the face of updates. We have developed an augmented inherited multi-index (AIM) strategy that is specifically tailored for the maintenance of materialized path query views. We find that we can improve update performance by augmenting traditional inherited multi-indices with structured representations of the path queries that use them. This enables us to use class hierarchy relationships to prune the number of aggregation paths that must be re-instantiated during update propagation and also to support complex path queries that include cycles.
Constitutive Steroidogenesis in the R2C Leydig Tumor Cell Line Is Maintained by the Adenosine 3′,5′-Cyclic Monophosphate-Independent Production of a Cycloheximide-Sensitive Factor that Enhances Mitochondrial Pregnenolone Biosynthesis*

These studies were designed to characterize constitutive steroidogenesis in Leydig tumor cells. Constitutive steroidogenesis was investigated by comparing constitutively active R2C Leydig tumor cells to trophic hormone-responsive MA-10 Leydig tumor cells. Unlike the MA-10 cells, R2C cells appeared to synthesize steroid hormones independently of the cAMPprotein kinase pathway. Although the adenylate cyclase of R2C cells could be stimulated in the expected manner by cholera toxin, cAMP concentrations in these cells were low, and R2C cell steroidogenesis could be dissociated from other cAMPdependent processes. Two cAMP-dependent processes in steroidogenic cells, protein kinase activation and lactate formation, showed low basal activities in R2C cells and could be stimulated by (Bu)2cAMP with a dose dependence similar to that detected in MA-10 cells. Steroid hormone biosynthesis parallelled these other cAMP-dependent processes in MA-10 cells, but not in R2C cells. Cycloheximide, however, caused similar dose-d...
Predicting the course of myasthenic weakness following double filtration plasmapheresis.

Objective – To evaluate the clinical course of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) up to 3 months after double filtration plasmapheresis (DFP). Material and methods – We recorded the MG score and measured the level of acetylcholine receptor antibody (AchRAb) at baseline and day 1 (D1), week 1 (W1), 1 month (M1), 2 (M2) and 3 months (M3) after DFP in 16 MG patients. Based on the difference in score during follow-up, we divided our patients into clinical improvement (CI) and clinical worsening (CW) groups. Results – The MG score decreased in all courses from a mean of 8.1 at baseline to 5.6 at D1, and to 4.7, 4.0, 3.8, and 3.7 at W1, M1, M2, and M3, respectively. In the CW group, AchRAb levels were significantly higher at M1 (P = 0.022). The AchRAb level at W1 correlated significantly with the MG score at M3 (P = 0.027) and the changes of MG score from W1 to M1 (P = 0.029). The ratio of AchRAb levels of M1 to W1 correlated well with MG score at W1 (P = 0.032), at M3 (P = 0.001), and the changes of MG score from W1 to M1 (P = 0.004). Conclusion – Excessive rebounds of AchRAb level at W1 may suggest clinical worsening and further increases in AchRAb level at M1 predict poorer outcome after DFP.
Effects of elevated CO2 and temperature‐grown red and sugar maple on gypsy moth performance

Summary Few studies have investigated how tree species grown under elevated CO2 and elevated temperature alter the performance of leaf-feeding insects. The indirect effects of an elevated CO2 concentration and temperature on leaf phytochemistry, along with potential direct effects on insect growth and consumption, may independently or interactively affect insects. To investigate this, we bagged larvae of the gypsy moth on leaves of red and sugar maple growing in open-top chambers in four CO2/temperature treatment combinations: (i) ambient temperature, ambient CO2; (ii) ambient temperature, elevated CO2 (+ 300 μL L−1 CO2); (iii) elevated temperature (+ 3.5°C), ambient CO2; and (iv) elevated temperature, elevated CO2. For both tree species, leaves grown at elevated CO2 concentration were significantly reduced in leaf nitrogen concentration and increased in C: N ratio, while neither temperature nor its interaction with CO2 concentration had any effect. Depending on the tree species, leaf water content declined (red maple) and carbon-based phenolics increased (sugar maple) on plants grown in an enriched CO2 atmosphere. The only observed effect of elevated temperature on leaf phytochemistry was a reduction in leaf water content of sugar maple leaves. Gypsy moth larval responses were dependent on tree species. Larvae feeding on elevated CO2-grown red maple leaves had reduced growth, while temperature had no effect on the growth or consumption of larvae. No significant effects of either temperature or CO2 concentration were observed for larvae feeding on sugar maple leaves. Our data demonstrate strong effects of CO2 enrichment on leaf phytochemical constituents important to folivorous insects, while an elevated temperature largely has little effect. We conclude that alterations in leaf chemistry due to an elevated CO2 atmosphere are more important in this plant–folivorous insect system than either the direct short-term effects of temperature on insect performance or its indirect effects on leaf chemistry.
Increased Hypothalamic Somatostatin Expression in Mice Transgenic for Bovine or Human GH

Acute studies of GH removal by hypophysectomy or GH replacement in adult rats have shown that GH has a positive influence on its hypothalamic inhibitory hormone somatostatin (SRIH). The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of lifelong exposure to elevated GH on the development and differentiation of SRIH-producing hypothalamic neurons, including comparison of differing GH levels and heterologous species of GH. Expression of somatostatin peptide and mRNA was evaluated using respective immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization in brains of transgenic mice bearing constructs of either human (hGH) or bovine (bGH) linked to metallothionein (MT) promoter or bGH linked to phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) promoter. Nontransgenic littermates served as controls. All transgenic constructs resulted in high levels of circulating heterologous GH and significantly elevated body weights. Both bGH levels and body weights were higher in PEPCK-bGH than in MT-bGH mice; mean weights were not different between MT-bGH and MT-hGH mice. Numbers of SRIH-immunoreactive neurons in the hypophysiotropic periventricular nucleus (PeN) of transgenic mice showed a two-fold increase (P < 0.01) relative to control animals; the number of SRIH-positive cells in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) was comparable for transgenic and control mice. Total SRIH mRNA in situ hybridization intensity also showed a two-fold increase (P < 0.05) in the PeN of all transgenic mice compared with controls, and was not elevated in the MBH. The higher levels of GH produced in PEPCK-bGH transgenic mice led to greater weight gain, but not to greater SRIH expression than in other GH-transgenic mice, suggesting that the increased SRIH cell number and mRNA in the PeN of MT-GH-transgenic mice may represent a plateau of maximal feedback stimulation. The results indicate that lifelong elevated heterologous GH in mice stimulates hypothalamic SRIH expression markedly. It is not known whether this mechanism is direct or indirect via a mediator of GH such as IGF, but the heterologous GH appears to be specific to these hypophysiotropic neurons.
GEOMETRY OF CHOW QUOTIENTS OF GRASSMANNIANS

We consider Kapranov’s Chow quotient compactification of the moduli space of ordered n-tuples of hyperplanes in P r−1 in linear general position. For r = 2 ,t his is canonically identified with the Grothendieck-Knudsen compactification of M0,n which has, among others, the following nice properties: (1) modular meaning: stable pointed rational curves; (2) canonical description of limits of one-parameter degenerations; (3) natural Mori theoretic meaning: log-canonical compactification. We generalize (1) and (2) to all (r, n), but we show that (3), which we view as the deepest, fails except possibly in the cases (2 ,n ), (3,6), (3,7), (3,8), where we conjecture that it holds.
Application of microcomputers to superconducting magnet experiments

Three types of microcomputer applications have been implemented for superconducting magnet experiments: (1) a dedicated programmable waveform generator, (2) a dedicated remote data acquisition terminal, and (3) a stand-alone data processing unit for experiments. We report here our experiences with these implementations and the rationale behind the choice of hardware/software in each type of application. In particular, details are given on implementing an Intel SBC 80/10 microcomputer system as a remote data acquisition terminal of a PDP-10 and as an on-line signal conditioning device.
"Mint" Condition: Contact Dermatitis in an Adolescent Numismatist

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is common in children and adolescents. A history of persistent rash despite appropriate treatment should raise suspicion of ACD. We present the case of a 16-year-old boy with chronic dermatitis suspected of being a possible nickel allergy. He and his mother denied known common exposures. Patch testing confirmed allergies to multiple metals and several preservatives. A detailed social history revealed that the patient was an avid coin collector. Information about hobbies and activities should be elicited in any patient in whom ACD is suspected to determine exposures they may not initially have considered relevant. This case highlights the importance of pre- and posttest counseling and exposure history.
Editorial Overview: Supplying the Demand for Professional Development

This issue of Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning Journal includes research from scholars from across the nation (South Atlantic, Midwest) and the globe (Haceteppe,Turkey and Perth, Austr...
The Quality and Information Content of Segment Reporting

This paper assesses the quality of segment reporting using a measure based on the correlation between the performance of the segment and its industry. The findings show that the quality of segment information particularly earnings is lower than that of stand-alone firms. The difference is attributed both to measurement errors as well as to the operational structure of multi-segment firms. The results also suggest that stock market considerations and political costs play a role in segment reporting. Market tests indicate that the information content of segment information is inversely related to its quality.
Smartloss: A Personalized Mobile Health Intervention for Weight Management and Health Promotion.

Background: Synonymous with increased use of mobile phones has been the development of mobile health (mHealth) technology for improving health, including weight management. Behavior change theory (eg, the theory of planned behavior) can be effectively encapsulated into mobile phone-based health improvement programs, which is fostered by the ability of mobile phones and related devices to collect and transmit objective data in near real time and for health care or research professionals and clients to communicate easily. Objective: To describe SmartLoss, a semiautomated mHealth platform for weight loss. Methods: We developed and validated a dynamic energy balance model that determines the amount of weight an individual will lose over time if they are adherent to an energy intake prescription. This model was incorporated into computer code that enables adherence to a prescribed caloric prescription determined from the change in body weight of the individual. Data from the individual are then used to guide personalized recommendations regarding weight loss and behavior change via a semiautomated mHealth platform called SmartLoss, which consists of 2 elements: (1) a clinician dashboard and (2) a mobile phone app. SmartLoss includes and interfaces with a network-connected bathroom scale and a Bluetooth-connected accelerometer, which enables automated collection of client information (eg, body weight change and physical activity patterns), as well as the systematic delivery of preplanned health materials and automated feedback that is based on client data and is designed to foster prolonged adherence with body weight, diet, and exercise goals. The clinician dashboard allows for efficient remote monitoring of all clients simultaneously, which may further increase adherence, personalization of treatment, treatment fidelity, and efficacy. Results: Evidence of the efficacy of the SmartLoss approach has been reported previously. The present report provides a thorough description of the SmartLoss Virtual Weight Management Suite, a professionally programmed platform that facilitates treatment fidelity and the ability to customize interventions and disseminate them widely. Conclusions: SmartLoss functions as a virtual weight management clinic that relies upon empirical weight loss research and behavioral theory to promote behavior change and weight loss. [JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2016;4(1):e18]
Sputter deposited zirconia-alumina nanolaminate coatings

The mechanical properties of zirconia are known to be a function of phase composition. This article shows that a nanolaminate geometry can be used to control the phase composition of zirconia thin-film coatings. The nanolaminates consist of nanoscale multilayers of polycrystalline zirconia and amorphous alumina grown by reactive sputter deposition. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy results show that both monoclinic (m) and tetragonal (t) zirconia polymorphs are formed in the zirconia layers. The zirconia layers have a strong crystallographic texture. Most zirconia crystallites grow with closest-packed planes (either t{111} or \( m\{ 11\bar 1\} \) ) oriented parallel to the substrate. The volume fraction of tetragonal zirconia, the desired phase for transformation-toughening behavior, increases with decreasing zirconia layer thickness. Nanolaminates with a volume fraction of tetragonal zirconia exceeding 0.8 were produced without the addition of a stabilizing dopant, and independent of the kinetic factors that limit tetragonal zirconia growth in pure zirconia coatings.
The renal erythropoietic factor (REF). IX. Its subcellular distribution.

SummaryThe appearance of the REF in the light mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of rat kidney was studied during a continuous 22.5 hr exposure to hypoxia. Within 15 min a depletion of the REF occurred in the microsomal fraction (105,000g) but ESF-generating activity was detectable at this time in the light mitochondrial fraction (21,000g). Beginning with 1 hr of hypoxia, REF activity reappeared in the microsomal but decreased in the light mitochondrial fraction. At 10 hrs, REF activity was again present in the light mitochondrial but not in the microsomal fraction. With further exposure, the REF was again evident in both fractions up to 22.5 hr. Plasma ESF values rose steadily from hours 2 to 10 followed by a decrease at hour 15 and a secondary rise at 22.5 hours. It is suggested that the REF is generated in the microsomal fraction from which the factor is transported to the peroxisomes contained within the light mitochondrial fraction.
Evidence from a cluster of small earthquakes for a fault at 18 km depth beneath Oak Ridge, southern California

Abstract A swarm of about 50 small earthquakes ( M ∼ 1.5) occurred for a month during 1989 beneath Oak Ridge, southern California. Location accuracy using conventional analysis of arrival-time picks is limited for these events by the weak, emergent nature of arrivals on the available seismograms. However, waveform cross-correlation techniques are found to provide precise relative event locations due to the similarity of the waveforms recorded at individual stations. The relocated events form a small cluster about 1 km across at a depth of ∼ 18 km and are aligned along a plane that dips 35° to the northwest. Estimated standard errors for the locations are generally less than 50 m. The time evolution of the sequence shows a gradual migration of activity away from its initiation point. Three additional events occurred several months later; these align along the same plane but are displaced about 500 m to the southeast from the main swarm. Reliable fault-plane solutions are difficult to obtain for these events due to the small number of station records available, the limited range of takeoff angles, and the weak initial arrivals on many of the seismograms. Stacking the records at each station over the different events greatly reduces prearrival noise levels and assists in resolving the average P first motions. Analysis of these first-motion data indicates that the slip planes of probable focal mechanisms are not in agreement with the plane defined by the seismicity. The seismicity alignment may represent the extension of the Simi fault, in which case some shallowing of the fault dip would be required to match the observed 35° dip at 18 km.
Learning to Embody Leadership Through Mindfulness and Somatics Practice

The ProblemGiven the unpredictable nature of organizational life, leadership development programs that rely primarily on cognitive processing and critical reflection are no longer sufficient. What ...
Recruitment of purinergically stimulated Cl- channels from granule membrane to plasma membrane

HT29-Cl.16E and HT29-Cl.19A are two different subcloned cell lines derived from the human adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29. They are similar in their ability to grow and differentiate to polarized epithelial cells but differ in that HT29-Cl.16E is goblet cell-like with many mucin granules, whereas HT29-Cl.19A lacks mucin granules. Extracellular ATP stimulates Cl- secretion in both cell lines through luminal purinergic P20 receptors and, in HT29-Cl.16E, also mucin secretion release. To evaluate whether fusion of mucin granules is associated with an increase in Cl- conductance of the plasma membrane, the effects of two fusion inhibitors on luminal Cl- conductance were measured. Blockage of actin depolymerization with phalloidin (1 microM) inhibited purinergically stimulated but not adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-stimulated luminal Cl- efflux by 50% in HT29-Cl.16E. The same treatment was without effect in HT29-Cl.19A. The fungal metabolite wortmannin, which is an inhibitor of regulated exocytosis in leukocytes, at 100 nM inhibited Cl- secretion by 70% in HT29-Cl.16E. This inhibition was not a direct effect on purinergically stimulated Cl- channels because wortmannin concentrations of up to 1 microM did not affect the secretory response in HT29-Cl.19A. The wortmannin inhibition of Cl- secretion is associated with an inhibition of granule fusion as judged by electron microscopy. The differential inhibition of Cl- secretion in the related HT-29 clones that differ with respect to the presence of mucin granules indicates that 1) the granule fusion inhibitors, phalloidin and wortmannin, have no direct inhibitory effects on purinergically and cAMP-activated Cl- channels, 2) a major portion of purinergically but not cAMP-activated Cl- channels is associated with granule fusion in HT29-Cl.16E, and 3) the signaling pathways for Cl- secretion and granule fusion are not completely identical.
The Robotic Appendicovesicostomy and Bladder Augmentation

The use of robotic approaches has permeated the field of urology with continued advances in pediatric urology. Increasingly, more complex urologic procedures are being performed using a minimally invasive approach. The goal is to deliver at least equivalent long-term outcomes while minimizing the morbidity classically associated with open approaches. The robotic-assisted laparoscopic Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy with (RALIMA) or without (RALMA) ileocystoplasty represents the forefront of reconstructive pediatric urology. Select centers have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these procedures. We review the indications, preoperative preparations, operative techniques, outcomes, current controversies, and future directions of RALMA and RALIMA.
Investigating wind speed-dependent models for electric power transmission lines

This paper presents an approach to include changes of wind speed along a transmission line into the line model itself; it then uses the wind speed-dependent model to determine line power handling capabilities when the line is subjected to different wind speeds and wind speed profiles along the length of the line. Case studies are presented to show the effects of wind speed, and therefore of conductor temperature, on the line maximum power transfer. Quantifiable difference are noted when the line models take into account wind speed information. Moreover, the determined voltage stability limits are compared to the line thermal ratings to determine the most limiting factor.
Egonet tensor decomposition for community identification

Real-world networks are known to exhibit community structure, characterized by presence of dense node clusters with loose edge connections among them. Although identification of communities is a well-studied subject, most approaches only focus on edge-based criteria which may not incorporate important grouping information captured by higher-order structures e.g., cliques and cycles, to name a few. In order to overcome this limitation, the present paper advocates a novel three-way tensor network representation that captures spatial dependencies among node neighborhoods. Each tensor slice captures a connectivity matrix pertaining to a unique egonet, defined as the subgraph induced by a node and its single-hop neighbors. Constrained tensor factorization is pursued to reveal the hidden and possibly overlapping community structure. Numerical tests on synthetic and real world networks corroborate the efficacy of the novel approach.
China and the U.S. Strategic Construction of Cybernorms: The Process is the Product

This paper explores the role norms - shared expectations about appropriate behavior within a given community - play in advancing U.S. interests in changing Chinese behavior in cyberspace. It focuses on two recent normative achievements: (1) the U.N. Group of Governmental Experts’ consensus that international law applies in cyberspace; and (2) the U.S.-China understanding that neither State would pursue cyber-espionage for commercial advantages. To date, both agreements have been studied largely in terms of their contents - on what they say. In contrast, this paper undertakes a broader, process-based analysis of U.S. efforts to generate cybernorms. It compares and contrasts the two projects by examining (a) their respective normative ingredients (i.e., the type of desired behavior, the identity of the group subject to the norm, the source of the norm’s propriety, and the extent of any shared expectations); (b) where the norm promotion occurred (i.e., grafted onto an existing institution or deployed in a newly established process); and (c) the choice of mechanisms - incentives, persuasion, socialization - by which the United States sought to develop and evolve each norm. Doing so reveals a diverse range of choices that offers a new lens for analyzing and assessing how cybernorms may emerge (or change) in a global, dynamic and pluralistic environment. As such, this paper provides a framework for strategizing about the potential risks and rewards of pursuing different normative processes, whether in U.S. efforts to impact China’s behavior in cyberspace or vice-versa. States and scholars would thus do well to assess current and future efforts to construct cybernorms with China and other States by looking at not just one, but all the aspects of normative processes.
Randomized phase 2 trial of regadenoson for treatment of acute vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease

Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) agonists have been shown to decrease tissue inflammation induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation in mice with sickle cell disease (SCD). The key mediator of the A2AR agonist's anti-inflammatory effects is a minor lymphocyte subset, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. We tested the hypothesis that administration of an A2AR agonist in patients with SCD would decrease iNKT cell activation and dampen the severity of vaso-occlusive (VO) crises. In a phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we administered a 48-hour infusion of the A2AR agonist regadenoson (1.44 μg/kg per hour) to patients with SCD during VO crises to produce a plasma concentration of ∼5 nM, a concentration known from prior studies to suppress iNKT cell activation in SCD. The primary outcome measure was a >30% reduction in the percentage of activated iNKT cells. Ninety-two patients with SCD were randomized to receive a 48-hour infusion of regadenoson or placebo, in addition to standard-of-care treatment, during hospital admission for a VO crisis and had analyzable iNKT cell samples. The proportion of subjects who demonstrated a reduction of >30% in activated iNKT cells was not significantly different between the regadenoson and placebo arms (43% vs 23%; P = .07). There were also no differences between regadenoson and placebo groups in length of hospital stay, mean total opioid use, or pain scores. These data demonstrate that a low-dose infusion of regadenoson intended to reduce the activity of iNKT cells is not sufficient to produce a statistically significant reduction in such activation or in measures of clinical efficacy. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01788631.
Modeling of IR spectra for nerve agent-sorbent binding

An inverse analysis of experimentally measured infrared absorption spectra for the custom sorbent SiFA4H, nerve agent precursor and simulant DMMP, and intermolecularly bonded structure SiFA4H+DMMP is presented. These structures and their associated infrared spectra provide general understanding of the process whereby an analyte chemical may be detected using infrared spectral analysis. The inverse analysis presented provides estimates of permittivity functions, which when combined with the Clausius-Mossotti relation, can predict molecular polarizabilities associated with SiFA4H-SiFA4H and SiFA4H-DMMP interactions. Molecular polarizabilities deduced from measured absorption coefficients are modeled using molecular dynamics simulations.
Complement Regulatory Genetic Mutations in the Setting of Autoimmune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case Series

Abstract Objective To explore the benefits of adding eculizumab for the treatment of refractory autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) with complement dysregulation. Patients and Methods From January 1, 2014, through July 1, 2017, we identified patients with iTTP defined by ADAMTS13 (disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) levels less than 5% and the presence of ADAMTS13 inhibitor. Patients who progressed after receiving standard of care management for iTTP were subjected to a comprehensive evaluation to look for evidence of complement activation. Herein, we share our single-institute experience regarding the clinical course and treatment algorithm for 3 patients with refractory iTTP. Results All the patients had clinical deterioration despite treatment with plasma exchange, corticosteroids, rituximab, and vincristine, which prompted us to look for evidence of complement activation and associated genetic mutations. Complement-related genetic aberrations were present in all 3 patients, who had had different degrees of complement activation. The first 2 patients did not benefit from eculizumab when treatment was started before complete clearance of inhibitors to ADAMTS13. However, they had durable remissions when eculizumab was introduced after clearance of ADAMTS13 inhibitors. The third patient started eculizumab therapy after inhibitor levels were undetectable. Conclusion We found eculizumab therapy to be effective in all 3 patients. However, its efficacy was prominent only after clearance of antibodies against ADAMTS13 via therapeutic plasma exchange.
X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography for 3D breast imaging: A simulation study

Purpose The objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of x-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) for early breast un-palpable microcalcification (μCa) detection in three dimensions (3D). The proposed technique provides the true 3D imaging for breast volume which overcomes the disadvantage of the tissue superposition in mammography. Methods A 3D breast digital phantom was rendered from two-dimensional (2D) breast CT slices. Three different tissue types, including the skin, adipose tissue, and glandular tissue, were labeled in the 3D breast phantom. μCas were manually embedded in different locations inside the breast phantom. For each tissue type, the initial pressure rise caused by the x-ray-induced acoustic (XA) effect was calculated according to its themoacoustic properties. The XA wave's propagation from the point of generation and its detection by ultrasound detector array were simulated by Matlab K-Wave toolbox. The 3D breast XACT volume with μCa was acquired without tissue superposition, and the system was characterized by μCas placed at different locations. Results The simulation results illustrated that the proposed breast XACT system has the ability to show the μCa cluster in 3D without any tissue superposition. Meanwhile, μCa as small as 100 μm in size can be detected with high imaging contrast, high signal to noise ratio (SNR), and high contrast to noise ratio (CNR). The dose required by the proposed XACT configuration was calculated to be 0.4 mGy for a 4.5 cm-thick compressed breast. This is one-tenth of the dose level of a typical two-view mammography for a breast with the same compression thickness. Conclusions The initial exploration for the feasibility of 3D breast XACT has been conducted in this study. The system feasibility and characterization were illustrated through a 3D breast phantom and simulation works. The 3D breast XACT with the proposed system configuration has great potential to be applied as a low-dose screening and diagnostic technique for early un-palpable lesion in the breast.
Urban Fate and Transport Modeling of Contaminants: The Unique Needs of Emergency Response and the Potential for Adapting Existing Models

Wide area urban contamination events, such as after a terrorist attack or other chemical, biological or radiological disaster, pose a logistical challenge for …
Social media diaries and fasts: Educating for digital mindfulness with pre-service teachers

Abstract With social media access nearly ubiquitous, teachers and students must explore how to mitigate distractions and unhealthy uses. In this mixed methods study, the authors invited 60 pre-service teachers across two universities to cultivate mindfulness around social media beliefs, habits, and behaviors by completing a social media survey, diary, and fast. Participants identified reasons for regular social media use, including unconscious impulses, and made new realizations about what is gained and lost in social media engagements. Participants were optimistic about teaching similar lessons. The authors recommend pedagogical guidelines for social media mindfulness that allow for complexity, variance, and idiosyncrasy.
Cooperative intermolecular S–Cl⋯O and F⋯F associations in the crystal packing of α,ω-di(sulfonyl chloride) perfluoroalkanes, ClSO2(CF2)nSO2Cl, where n = 4, 6

Single-crystal, X-ray crystallographic studies of ClSO2(CF2)4SO2Cl and ClSO2(CF2)6SO2Cl reveal the first examples of S–Cl⋯O halogen bonding complemented by short F⋯F contacts between neighbouring chains that result in stabilized crystals. These compounds allow the study of intermolecular associations involving halogens where hydrogen bonding cannot be operative.