cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Hamiltonian chaos to Maxwell’s Demon

The problem of the existence of Maxwell's Demon (MD) is formulated for systems with dynamical chaos. Property of stickiness of individual trajectories, anomalous distribution of the Poincare recurrence time, and anomalous (non-Gaussian) transport for a typical system with Hamiltonian chaos results in a possibility to design a situation equivalent to the MD operation. A numerical example demonstrates a possibility to set without expenditure of work a thermodynamically non-equilibrium state between two contacted domains of the phase space lasting for an arbitrarily long time. This result offers a new view of the Hamiltonian chaos and its role in the foundation of statistical mechanics. (c) 1995 American Institute of Physics.
Impaired cAMP signaling does not account for the attenuated EDHF-mediated dilations in female rat middle cerebral artery.

Abstract Dilations to endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) are significantly attenuated in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) isolated from female compared to male rats. Since gap junctions appear to be involved in the EDHF pathway and cAMP has been shown to enhance gap junction permeability, we tested the hypothesis that elevation of cAMP would enhance EDHF-mediated dilations in female rat MCA. Vascular diameter was measured in perfused MCA segments using videomicroscopy in the presence and absence of IBMX, an inhibitor of cAMP phosphodiesterase. In the presence of l -NAME and indomethacin, dilation to 10 − 4 M ATP was significantly reduced in females (48 ± 12%) compared to males (92 ± 2%). IBMX, an inhibitor of cAMP phosphodiesterase, had no significant effect on ATP-mediated dilations in both males and females. Basal cAMP levels were comparable in male and female MCAs (1.7 pmol/mg protein). Incubation with IBMX (2 × 10 − 4 M) significantly elevated cAMP in both male (12.8 pmol/mg protein) and female (11.2 pmol/mg protein) MCAs. Our results demonstrate that reduced EDHF dilations in female rat MCA cannot be solely attributed to impaired cAMP signaling. Future studies will target other potential sites along the EDHF pathway in order to identify why EDHF dilations are reduced in the female compared to the male rat MCA.
On the 2-Dimensional Channel Assignment Problem

We consider the 2-dimensional channel assignment problem: given a set S of iso-oriented rectangles (whose sides are parallel to the coordinate axes), find a minimum number of planes (channels) to which only nonoverlapping rectangles are assigned. This problem is equivalent to the coloring problem of the rectangle intersection graph G = (V, E), in which each vertex in V corresponds to a rectangle and two vertices are adjacent iff their corresponding rectangles overlap, and we ask for an assignment of a minimum number of colors to the vertices such that no adjacent vertices are assigned the same color. We show that the problem is NP-hard.
Accuracy of AJCC staging for breast cancer patients undergoing re-excision for positive margins

Background: The current AJCC protocol for breast cancer staging does not include additional tumor found at the time of re-excision in the calculation of tumor size. We hypothesize that the AJCC protocol may result in understaging and undertreatment of breast cancer patients who have additional tumor found at re-excision. Methods: In a retrospective chart review of breast cancer patients, patients with tumor present at re-excision for positive margins were placed in group 1 (n=72); patients with no tumor present at re-excision, or who underwent a single, negative margin procedure were placed in group 2 (n=147). Results: Patients in group 1 had a higher risk of nodal metastases when compared to patients in group 2. Mean tumor size did not differ significantly between the subgroups. Positive re-excision was strongly associated with lymph node metastases on multivariate analysis after correction for age, grade, stage, and lymphatic invasion (odds ratio=3.13, 95% CI=1.58 6.18,P=.0011). Conclusions: Current AJCC guidelines may result in undertreatment of breast cancer patients with positive re-excisions. The presence of additional tumor at the time of re-excision should be considered when determining the need for systemic therapy, and may be relevant in determining T stage.
Photosynthetic properties of two different soybean suspension cultures

Summary The photosynthetic properties of two commonly used suspension cultured lines, embryogenic and photoautotrophic (PA, SB-1 line) cells of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] were characterized. We found that compared to the dark green PA cells, the light green embryogenic cells contained fewer and smaller plastids with less-developed thylakoid membranes. The embryogenic cells also contained much lower contents of both chlorophyll and the large subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco; EC 4.1.1.39) protein, an undetectable level of Rubisco small subunit protein, and a very low rate of photosynthesis. While the DNA contents of the nuclear genomes were similar in these two types of cultured cells, the embryogenic cells possessed a markedly lower content of plastid DNA. The 18-year-old PA suspension culture, SB-1, continues to evolve with higher Rubisco and plastid DNA contents than leaves, and with small decreases in nuclear DNA content that appears to mimic changes in chromosome numbers. These findings may prove useful in the application of plastid transformation, particularly when non-leaf or non-green tissues must be used as targets for transformation and plant regeneration.
Development and characterization of an adult model of obstructive hydrocephalus

Abstract While hydrocephalus is common in adults its pathophysiology is not fully understood and its treatment remains problematic. Previous animal models have been acute, developmental, or involved non-specific blockage or inflammation and are not suitable for study of chronic adult-onset hydrocephalus. In this study, we describe the development of a canine model which allows basic physiological studies along with diagnostic and treatment procedures via surgical occlusion of the fourth ventricle with a bolus injection of cyanoacrylic gel glue. A total of 26 adult male canine mongrels were used for the induction of chronic hydrocephalus and were monitored for 1–12 weeks post-induction using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), intracranial pressure measurements, and neurological fitness assessments. Of these, 81% (21/26) developed hydrocephalus that was mild ( N =6), moderate ( N =7), or severe ( N =8). Pressures were mild and transiently elevated, and brain compliance decreased. Clinical symptoms were also mild and transient. This model is unique in its focal obstruction without local compression or general inflammation and should facilitate the study of the pathophysiology and treatment of chronic adult-onset hydrocephalus.
Resilience of partial k-tree networks with edge and node failures

The resilience of a network is the expected number of pairs of nodes that can communicate. Computing the resilience of a network is a #P-complete problem even for planar networks with fail-safe nodes. We generalize an O(n2) time algorithm to compute the resilience of n-node k-tree networks with fail-safe nodes to obtain an O(n) time algorithm that computes the resilience of n-node partial k-tree networks with edge and node failures (given a fixed k and an embedding of the partial k-tree in a k-tree).
Quantitative genetic variation in an ecological setting.

Abstract The machinery was developed to investigate the behavior of quantitative genetic variation in an ecological model of a finite number of islands of finite size, with migration rate m and extinction rate e , for a quantitative genetic model general for numbers of alleles and loci and additive, dominance, and additive by additive epistatic effects. It was necessary to reckon with seven quadratic genetic components, whose coefficients in the genotypic variance components within demes, σ Gw 2 , between demes within populations, σ s 2 , and between replicate populations, σ r 2 , are given by descent measures. The descent measures at any time are calculated with the use of transition equations which are determined by the parameters of the ecological model. Numerical results were obtained for the coefficients of the quadratic genetic components in each of the three genotypic variance components in the early phase of differentiation. The general effect of extinction is to speed up the time course leading to fixation, to increase σ r 2 , and to decrease σ s 2 (with a few exceptions) in comparison with no extinction. The general effect of migration is to slow down the time course leading to fixation, to increase σ Gw 2 , at least in the later generations, and to decrease σ s 2 (with a few exceptions) in comparison with no migration. Except for these, the effects of migration and extinction on the variance components are complex, depending on the genetic model, and sometimes involve interaction of migration and extinction. Sufficient details are given for an investigator to evaluate numerically the results for variations in the quantitative genetic and ecological models.
JFR DIALOGWHITHER PETROLEUM MICROPALEONTOLOGY? ACTION ITEMS FOR A “RENAISSANCE”

There are now signs, admittedly tentative, that the demand for petroleum industry micropaleontologic analysis and interpretation is increasing. Many previously under-utilized consultants are currently turning away work. One ‘super major’ has begun hiring micropaleontologists again for work in the various subspecialties. Another is ‘re-deploying’ personnel internally to a biostratigraphy team that analysis has shown requires additional staffing. There is little doubt in my mind that these events are related to: 1) higher worldwide oil and natural gas prices (particularly as compared to just three years ago), 2) a dramatic increase in non-U. S. petroleum exploration opportunities, as foreign governments opened their borders to significant external investment, and 3) a dramatic loss of petroleum micropaleontologic expertise caused by the retirements and layoffs associated with the nearly continuous downsizing of the petroleum industry through the last fifteen years. In this column, I’d like to share some of my thoughts with those of you involved in petroleum company, petroleum consulting, and academic (teaching and research) settings as micropaleontologists, and provide some insight to those that think they might wish to become involved in the future. Quite simply, I want to offer some observations and suggestions regarding what each of these three groups can do to help develop and nurture what I choose to call “The 3-Way Relationship” . “The 3-Way Relationship” : What do I mean by this phrase? First, a brief bit of background. Since the major petroleum industry downsizings of the mid 1980’s in North America (and later, around the world), three things have happened to micropaleontologists: 1) hundreds of them are no longer employed by petroleum companies, 2) many, but certainly some lesser number than hundreds, have moved on to successful positions in a rapidly expanding petroleum consulting industry, and 3) there are fewer new …
Initiation of Waterhammer in Horizontal and Nearly Horizontal Pipes Containing Steam and Subcooled Water

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1983.
Energy levels for broilers

One of the most important decisions to be made in feeding poultry is to determine the level of energy that will balance growth, carcass quality and efficiency of feed utilization with profitability of production. Strict adherence to measures of efficiency such as feed:gain ratios has caused many to overlook the potential benefits of modifying energy levels periodically to adjust to changes in price relationships among ingredients and in cost and quality of the finished product. It has been consistently shown that if an adequate quantity of essential nutrients is maintained in relationship to dietary energy, increasing levels of dietary energy for broilers results in a more rapid rate of gain and improvement in feed conversion efficiency. Controversy exists regarding the influence of dietary energy levels on carcass composition and quality, but in general, carcass fatness increases as dietary energy level increases. Selecting the optimum dietary energy level for broiler diets depends upon many factors, not all of which have been fully defined or quantitated. Higher energy levels may allow for more rapid gains or for a greater quantity of meat to be produced in a given time so that capital costs of housing, equipment and labor may be reduced. On the other hand, the ingredient and production costs of higher energy diets in contrast to diets of lower energy density may negate the benefits of improved performance.
Review of medication adherence in children and adults with ADHD.

AbstractObjective: To review the literature on the prevalence, potential causes, and consequences of medication nonadherence in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a common, chronic, and impairing neuropsychiatric disorder, affecting 4.4% of the US adult population. Medications alleviate many aspects of the disorder, but associated difficulties with disorganization and planning can lead patients to have poor adherence and subsequent treatment failure. This review will examine the scope and consequences of medication nonadherence in children and adults with ADHD. Methods: Comprehensive literature reviews via PubMed searches were conducted for continuity of medication and medication adherence (and related terms) in ADHD (and ADD). The studies were reviewed and classified regarding prevalence, measure of adherence or continuity, etiology, and consequences of medication nonadherence in childhood/adolescent and adult ADHD. Results: Stud...
Lyman Imaging Telescope Experiment

We describe the Lyman Imaging Telescope Experiment (LITE) which is a NASA Ultraviolet Astrophysics Branch supported Advanced Mission Concept mission. The prime scientific aim of the LITE mission will be to carry out the first set of very high spatial resolution (0.2 arc sec), wide field of view (10 arc minute), pointed observations in several narrow wavelength bands in the far ultraviolet region of the spectrum (900 - 1600 angstroms). LITE will possess excellent detection sensitivity, such that limiting magnitudes for typical images are expected to be close to that of the HST WFPC II instrument. The proposed far ultraviolet astrophysical studies will encompass the emission of diffuse gas with temperatures in the range 80,000 - 1,000,000 K.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A remote Raman system for planetary exploration: evaluating remote Raman efficiency

Landers and rovers are important to solar system exploration, and we are designing and analyzing a remote Raman system for a planetary mission. Raman spectroscopy is a common and powerful technique for materials analysis. We have developed a system that enables Raman spectroscopic measurements at distances of more than 50 meters. In order to design a flight instrument, we need to quantitatively understand the Raman efficiency of natural surfaces. We define remote Raman efficiency as the ratio of radiant exitance leaving a natural surface to the irradiance of the incident laser. The radiant exitance of a natural surface is the product of the sample radiance (minus background), the projected solid angle in steradians, and the spectral bandwidth of the spectrometer. The laser irradiance is the product of the energy of the laser (mJ/pulse) and the pulse rate (Hz), divided by the area of the laser spot. We have determined the remote Raman efficiency for several minerals and rocks: dolomite marble, dacite, milky quartz, anorthosite, calcite, biotite granite, magnesite, chert, gypsum (selenite), fibrous gypsum, and sandstone. By quantifying the remote Raman efficiency, we will be able to determine the number and quality of spectra that a remote Raman system can acquire on a planetary surface where available power is limited. Studies on hematite indicate that Raman shift (and thus remote Raman efficiency) depends on laser wavelength.
PCBQ: Computerized quantification of total PCB and congeners in environmental samples

Abstract Computerized methodologies for the quantification of total PCBs, PCB in Aroclor mixtures and individual PCB congeners in environmental samples are presented. The method for total PCBs is based on a multiple-linear regression analysis using data from capillary gas chromatography of Arocolor standards. PCB congeners were identified and their weight percentages determined in Aroclor mixtures by GC/MS. PCB congeners and total PCBs were accurately quantified in predetermined test data and environmental samples.
The role of perioperative high inspired oxygen therapy in reducing surgical site infection: A meta-analysis

Background The clinical role of hyperoxia for preventing surgical site infection remains uncertain because randomized controlled trials on this topic have reported disparate results. Our objective in this systematic review was to determine whether perioperative hyperoxia reduces surgical site infection. Methods An electronic search was conducted using the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINE, Cochrane Collaboration's CENTRAL, and EMBASE databases. Included studies consisted of randomized controlled trials in an adult population with a clearly defined comparison of high oxygen versus low oxygen or control, and with a documented assessment for perioperative infection. Pooled estimates for odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were obtained for our primary outcome (surgical site infection) using the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan version 5.0.25 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). ORs were calculated using a random effects model. Results The literature search ultimately yielded 7 trials, enrolling 2728 patients, that were included in the analysis. There were 1358 patients randomly assigned to hyperoxia and 1370 to control. The pooled infection rate in the hyperoxia group was 15.5% versus 17.5% in the control group. Hyperoxia resulted in an OR of 0.85 for surgical site infection (95% confidence interval: 0.52, 1.38) (P = 0.51). However, 2 subgroup analyses (general anesthesia and colorectal surgery trials) showed a benefit for high inspired oxygen therapy of decreasing surgical site infection. Conclusions Perioperative high inspired oxygen therapy overall was not found to be beneficial for preventing surgical site infection based on this meta-analysis. The positive results of 2 subgroup analyses (general anesthesia and colorectal surgery trials) suggest a benefit for hyperoxia in decreasing surgical site infection. Additional studies are needed to further investigate this intervention.
Bacteriophage-induced Inhibition of Host Functions II. Evidence for Multiple, Sequential Bacteriophage-induced Deoxyribonucleases Responsible for Degradation of Cellular Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Abstract Degradation of bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) after infection with T4 bacteriophage was studied in an endonuclease I-deficient host. The kinetics of degradation were similar to those seen in other hosts with a normal level of this enzyme. Irradiation of extracellular phage with ultraviolet (UV) destroyed the capacity of the infecting virus to induce extensive breakdown of host DNA, which was, however, converted to high-molecular-weight material. Addition of chloramphenicol to T4-infected cells provided data which can be interpreted to indicate the involvement of at least two endodeoxyribonucleases and one exodeoxyribonuclease having a high degree of specificity. A model is proposed showing the sequential action of two endodeoxyribonucleases followed by an exodeoxyribonuclease in the degradation of host DNA. The appearance of these hydrolytic enzymes requires protein synthesis. Infections leading to partial degradation only (UV-irradiated phages, gene 46 mutants) effectively inhibited the synthesis of bacterial messenger ribonucleic acid and of β-galactosidase.
Low-density lipoprotein oxidation, antioxidants, and atherosclerosis: a clinical biochemistry perspective

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in westernized populations. An increased concentration of plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol constitutes a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Several lines of evidence support a role for oxidatively modified LDL in atherosclerosis and for its in vivo existence. Antioxidants have been shown to decrease atherosclerotic lesion formation in animal models and decrease LDL oxidation; the evaluation of LDL oxidation in vivo is therefore very important. However, there is a paucity of methods for direct measurement of LDL oxidation. Of the direct methods currently available, the preferred ones seem to be the measurement of F2-isoprostanes, autoantibodies to epitopes on oxidized LDL, and the assessment of antioxidant status. Of the indirect measures, the most uniformly accepted procedure is examining the oxidative susceptibility of isolated LDL by monitoring conjugated diene formation.
Numerical Geometric Sensitivity Analysis Of Flow And Thermal Patterns Within A Combustor Simulator

Developing high performance gas turbine engines depend greatly on the understanding the turbine and combustor sections and their interaction. Combustor exit flow is known to be highly nonuniform in the radial and circumferential directions especially near the end wall flow regions. These endwall flows are known to effect turbine passage secondary flows which can greatly affect heat transfer to the vane surface as well as vane performance. To date much of the research performed on combustor and turbine engine sections have been independent of one another. It is for this reason that the Turbine Research Facility (TRF) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base has added a non-reactive full scale annular combustor simulator to the facility to study combustor vane interaction. That is, to investigate the effect that engine representative combustor exit profiles has on overall turbine performance and heat transfer. In order to help facilitate the experimental efforts performed by the TRF a fully three dimensional CFD analysis has been undertaken. The CFD analysis allows an understanding of how the simulator exit profiles are obtained by tracking the flow through two rows of staggered dilution holes and six rows of staggered film cooling holes on both the ID and OD liners of the main simulator chamber. The simulators chamber annuli liners are adjustable and interchangeable allowing for a multitude of configuration possibilities. This study will focus on these geometric parameters and determine the overall exit profile sensitivity to various configurations. The dilution jets diameter as well as jet pitch angle offset will be varied. In addition, mass flux distribution will be varied. Understanding the exit profile sensitivity due to geometric and mass flux parameters will enable the experiment to be optimally configured to study turbine section aerodynamic performance and heat transfer.
Immunization with Chaperone-Peptide Complex Induces Low-Avidity Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Providing Transient Protection against Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Heat shock proteins loaded with viral peptides were shown to induce a CD8+ T cell response and confer protective immunity against challenge with herpes simplex virus (HSV). The delivery system consisted of recombinant human hsp70 coupled to the peptide SSIEFARL, which is the immunodominant peptide epitope, recognized by HSV specific T cells in C57BL/6 mice. Immunization resulted in CD8+ T-cell responses, measured by peptide-specific tetramers and peptide-induced intracellular gamma interferon expression and cytotoxicity, similar to responses resulting from immunization with a recombinant vaccinia virus that expressed SSIEFARL as a minigene (VvgB) and UV-inactivated HSV. However, the durability of the hsp70-SSIEFARL response was less than that resulting from VvgB and HSV immunization and in addition the CD8+ T-cell responses in the memory phase were functionally less effective. Mice challenged soon after immunization showed excellent immunity, but by 90 days postimmunization this had waned to be significantly less than the level of immunity in both VvgB- and HSV-immunized mice.
Hybrid-basis modeling of electron transport through molecules on silicon

Following considerable recent progress in experimental techniques and theoretical modeling of molecular electronics, the promise of molecular devices has attracted the interest of a lot of physicists, chemists, and engineers towards electron transport in such nanoscale systems. The conducting properties of molecular devices have been theoretically studied by using both first-principles and semi-empirical methods. In this work, we develop a formalism to couple two different basis functions in order to accurately model both molecules and contacts under non-equilibrium condition. As an example, we use EHT parameters optimized to describe bulk silicon, and couple it with an ab-initio basis set, 6-3lg(d), to simulate the contact surface atoms and the molecules grown on silicon. Such a coupling is achieved by matching the surface Green's function in real space in both basis sets. Moreover, we use this hybrid-basis formalism to couple the contacts with a density-functional treatment of the molecule to simulate scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) measurements of C60 on a Si substrate. Our simulated conductance-voltage curves can be used to explain the different STS results observed experimentally due to the different types of bonding between C60 and silicon. As a final application of our hybrid-basis modeling technique, we describe STM measurements of organic molecules grown on silicon. Our simulations exhibit a prominent negative-differential resistance (NDR) in such molecular I-Vs due to the interaction between the molecular levels and the silicon band-edge. We are able to use these results to qualitatively interpret experimental observations of room-temperature negative differential resistance.
Shaping light: MOEMS deformable mirrors for microscopes and telescopes

Micromachined deformable mirrors (DMs) have enabled rapid advances in applications ranging from large telescope astronomy and free space laser communication to biological microscopy and retinal imaging over the past decade. In this talk I describe our efforts at Boston University and at Boston Micromachines Corporation to design, fabricate, and control MOEMS DMs for adaptive optics (AO) applications. Integration of the DMs in AO systems is described, along with results demonstrating unprecedented advances in resolution and contrast in microscopes and telescopes challenged by unavoidable wavefront aberrations. MEMS-DM research offers the rare opportunity to introduce technology that is both more economical and more capable than the state-of-the-art.
Brokering Peace: Networks, Legitimacy, and the Northern Ireland Peace Process

Goddard, Stacie E. (2012) Brokering Peace: Networks, Legitimacy, and the Northern Ireland Peace Process. International Studies Quarterly, doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2478.2012.00737.x © 2012 International Studies Association After over 20 years of fighting in Northern Ireland, the Belfast Agreement of 1998 has successfully implemented a power-sharing agreement. Belfast was not the first attempt at a peaceful settlement; indeed, some scholars count as many as seven prior peace attempts in Northern Ireland, the most significant being the Sunningdale Agreement of 1973. Why was it that politicians successfully negotiated the peace in 1998, while these prior attempts failed? Drawing from social network theory, I argue that the Belfast Agreement succeeded, not because of a change of interests or disappearance of spoilers, but because of the presence of brokers at the bargaining table. Brokers, in particular, have the capacity to legitimate settlements—to frame settlements in such a way that they appear consistent with principles held by multiple coalitions. As a result, brokers are both more likely to build a winning coalition for a settlement, as well as marginalize spoilers who seek to undermine the peace.
Economic coercion and currency crises in target countries

Despite significant research on the efficacy and inadvertent humanitarian and political effects of economic sanctions, surprisingly little is known about the possible economic and financial consequences of sanctions for target economies. Synthesizing insights from the currency crisis literature with sanctions scholarship, we argue that economic sanctions are likely to trigger currency collapses, a major form of financial crisis that impedes economic growth and prosperity. We assert that economic coercion instigates currency crises by weakening the economy and creating political risks conducive to speculative attacks by currency traders. To substantiate the theoretical claims, we use time-series cross-national data for the 1970–2005 period. The results from the data analysis lend support for the hypothesis that sanctions undermine the financial stability of target countries. The findings also indicate that the adverse effect of economic coercion on the financial stability of target economies is likely to b...
Vegetative Survey of Wetland Habitats at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Southeastern Louisiana

I conducted a vegetative survey of the wetland habitats at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (JLNHPP) - Barataria Unit. Although wetland habitats make up over 65% of the total park area, there has never been a thorough vegetative survey of this portion of the preserve. Three main habitats were identified: freshwater floating marsh, spoil banks, and waterways. The floating-marsh habitat was further divided into three different community types: thick mat, thin mat, and wax-myrtle thicket. The thick-mat community encompasses four vegetative associa- tions characterized by their dominant species. These are the Sagittaria lancifolia, Typha spp., Schoenoplectus americanus, and Spartina spp. associations. Overall, I identified 168 species in 113 genera in 60 families. Of these, 47 species had never been recorded in the area now encompassed by JLNHPP, and 27 species had not previously been recorded in Jefferson Parish, LA. The three most prevalent families were Cyperaceae (29 species), Poaceae (24 species) and Asteraceae (16 species).
Transitional occupations of southeastern Somerset Island, Nunavut

Quatre sites de la periode transitionnelle sur l'ile Somerset se comparent bien a des sites de l'Independancien II du Haut Arctique. Les quatre sites se situent dans la meme region a des elevations entre des occupations du Predorsetien et du Dorsetien ancien. Ces sites sont ici decrits en mettant l'accent sur leurs caracteristiques architecturales. Sur tous ces sites, on remarque des amenagements axiaux a dalles verticales ainsi que des assemblages contenant des bifaces a encoches laterales peu profondes, des pre-hampes de lances a “sabot fourchu”, des tetes de harpon a logette fermee, des simili-burins, des microlames tres minces et des aiguilles a chas incises. Certains de ces sites presentent aussi des foyers exterieurs et de possibles caches. Les datations au radiocarbone placent ces occupations dans la periode de Transition (i.e. 800-500 av. J.-C.). Tout comme durant l'Independancien II, les sites sont de dimensions variees (trois petits et un grand) et associes a des polynies.
Study of the normal and failing isolated human heart: Decreased response of failing heart to isoproterenol

Abstract We evaluated the effects of isoproterenol in right ventricular papillary muscles derived from normal and failing isolated human hearts. Basal values for the peak force developed, rate of force development (dFdt), and time to peak tension (TPT) were similar in both groups. Isoproterenol produced a significantly smaller ( p 50 ) of isoproterenol was flvefold higher in failing muscle as compared to normal muscle. We conclude that failing cardiac muscle demonstrates decreased responsiveness to β-receptor mediated stimulation.
Urban Mexican-American mothers’ beliefs about caries etiology in children

Hoeft KS, Barker JC, Masterson EE. Urban Mexican-American mothers’ beliefs about caries etiology in children. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 244–255. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Objectives: Caries is a severe condition which disproportionately affects Latino children in the US. This study sought contextual understanding of urban, low-income Mexican-American mothers’ beliefs, perceptions, knowledge and behavior surrounding causes of caries. Methods: In urban San Jose, CA, a qualitative study was conducted with a convenience sample of Mexican-American mothers of young children about their beliefs and knowledge about the causes of caries. Audio-taped in-depth interviews with open-ended questions, primarily in Spanish, were translated to English and then transcribed verbatim. Texts were independently read and thematically analyzed by two researchers. Results: Even while expressing uncertainty, all 48 mothers mentioned specific causes of caries, most frequently citing candy or juice consumption (85%), poor oral hygiene (65%) and use of the bottle (52%). Mothers rarely recognized cariogenic foods beyond candy, did not know or perform recommended oral hygiene routines, and demonstrated confusion and uncertainty about exactly how baby bottles are detrimental to teeth. Nearly half of these mothers also mentioned secondary cavity causes, such as genetics, lack of calcium, not going to the dentist or lack of fluoride. Mothers did not mention the role of bacteria. While mothers recognized that oral hygiene can counteract the detrimental effects of candy consumption, they did not recognize its beneficial effects in other contexts. Nor did they know about other preventive activities. Conclusions: Mothers recognized the three major important factors causing caries: sugar consumption, poor oral hygiene and bottle use. However, their knowledge is limited in depth and specificity which restricts development of caries prevention behaviors. More comprehensive education is needed, including about caries prevention (oral hygiene) behaviors, which could lead to an increased sense of self-efficacy with respect to their children’s oral health.
Increase of γδ T Lymphocytes in Murine Lungs Occurs during Recovery from Pulmonary Infection by Nocardia asteroides

Previous studies have demonstrated that gammadelta T lymphocytes are important for host resistance to pulmonary infection of the murine lung by log-phase cells of Nocardia asteroides. To study the role of gammadelta T cells in nocardial interactions in the murine lung, C57BL/6J wild type and C57BL/6J-Tcrd (gammadelta T-cell knockout mice) were infected intranasally with log-phase cells of N. asteroides GUH-2. At 3, 5, and 7 days after infection, the gammadelta T cells were quantified by multiparameter flow cytometry. At the same time, Gram and hematoxylin-eosin stains of paraffin sections were performed to monitor the host responses. The data showed that gammadelta T lymphocytes increased significantly within the lungs after intranasal infection, and the peak of this cellular increase occurred at 5 days. Furthermore, at this time, greater than 50% of the CD3 T-cell receptor (TCR)-positive (CD3+) cells were gammadelta TCR positive. Histological examination clearly showed divergent inflammatory responses in the lungs of wild-type mice compared to gammadelta T-cell knockout mice. The C57BL/6J-Tcrd mice were less capable of clearing the organism, and the polymorphonuclear leukocyte response lasted longer than in wild-type C57BL/6J mice. These results showed that gammadelta T cells were actively involved in modulating the innate host responses to murine pulmonary infection by N. asteroides.
Toxicity profile of delayed high dose sodium thiosulfate in children treated with carboplatin in conjunction with blood‐brain‐barrier disruption

Purpose To assess the safety of delayed high dose intravenous (i.v.) sodium thiosulfate (STS) in a case series of 12 children with malignant brain tumors who were treated with intraarterial (i.a.) carboplatin in conjunction with blood-brain-barrier disruption (BBBD). Methods Twelve children ages 17 months–12 years underwent a total of 132 BBBD chemotherapy treatments and also received delayed high dose STS (i.v.). Dose 1 of STS (10–16 g/m2) was administered 2 or 4 hr after carboplatin, and a second STS dose was administered 4 hr after dose 1 if the child had impaired baseline hearing. Toxicity data were graded in accordance with the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (Version 2). Audiologic monitoring to evaluate the otoprotective potential of STS was performed on 11 children. Ototoxicity was defined in accordance with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) criteria. Baseline and end of treatment hearing status were graded using Brock's criteria. Results Nausea and vomiting were well controlled with anti-emetics administered approximately 30 min prior to STS infusion. Analogous to results in adult patients, there was mild transient hypernatremia and a trend for improved protection from ototoxicity in children who received STS delayed to 4 hr post-treatment versus 2 hr. Tumor responses were seen in heavily pre-treated patients with relatively chemo-resistant tumors, suggesting that STS did not protect the tumor from platinum cytotoxicity. Conclusion High dose STS is well tolerated in children under 12 years of age. Further studies of STS in children are warranted to assess otoprotection and the impact of STS on platinum mediated efficacy. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Response of Chickens with Different Hemoglobin Genotypes to Phenylhydrazine-induced Anemia 1. Electrophoretic Properties of Hemoglobin

Abstract NUMEROUS experiments have been conducted to establish the theory of gene control through gene induction and repression in bacteria (Jacob and Monod, 1959; Monod and Cohen-Bazire, 1953). Using a model for control of gene activity proposed by Jacob and Monad (1959), genes can be classified as structural, operator, or regulator. The structural genes code for a specific messenger RNA (MRNA) which acts as a template for synthesis of a specific protein. The operator genes control the initiation of the MRNA transcription from the structural genes. The function of the regulator gene is to synthesize a repressor substance, which controls the functioning of the operator gene. The regulator genes are in turn controlled by chemical substances from the external or internal environment of the cell. This system then provides for some control of gene activity by the environment of the organism. The effects of control systems of this nature have been…
Establishing the Feasibility of Direct Observation in the Assessment of Tics in Children with Chronic Tic Disorders

Behavior analysis has been at the forefront in establishing effective treatments for children and adults with chronic tic disorders. As is customary in behavior analysis, the efficacy of these treatments has been established using direct-observation assessment methods. Although behavior-analytic treatments have enjoyed acceptance and integration into mainstream health care practices for tic disorders (e.g., psychiatry and neurology), the use of direct observation as a primary assessment tool has been neglected in favor of less objective methods. Hesitation to use direct observation appears to stem largely from concerns about the generalizability of clinic observations to other settings (e.g., home) and a lack of consensus regarding the most appropriate and feasible techniques for conducting and scoring direct observation. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate and establish a reliable, valid, and feasible direct-observation protocol capable of being transported to research and clinical settings. A total of 43 children with tic disorders, collected from two outpatient specialty clinics, were assessed using direct (videotape samples) and indirect (Yale Global Tic Severity Scale; YGTSS) methods. Videotaped observation samples were collected across 3 consecutive weeks and two different settings (clinic and home), were scored using both exact frequency counts and partial-interval coding, and were compared to data from a common indirect measure of tic severity (the YGTSS). In addition, various lengths of videotaped segments were scored to determine the optimal observation length. Results show that (a) clinic-based observations correspond well to home-based observations, (b) brief direct-observation segments scored with time-sampling methods reliably quantified tics, and (c) indirect methods did not consistently correspond with the direct methods.
Team-Based Activities to Promote Engaged Learning

Like their counterparts in other disciplines, accounting educators are gradually moving away from talk-and-chalk lectures to project-based learning, real-world problem solving, and team collaboration. Slower to change are the ways in which the impact of these innovative teaching methods have been assessed, with student reactions and traditional performance indicators overemphasized and core interpersonal attributes of the team setting underemphasized. This article reports on a pilot study in which an accounting professor opted to take full advantage of a technology-enhanced classroom to create a stimulating learning environment that promoted student engagement and unique collaborative opportunities.
A Plancherel formula for Sp 2 n / Sp n × Sp n and its application

We compute the spherical functions on the symmetric space Sp 2n =Sp n Sp n and derive a Plancherel formula for functions on the symmetric space. As an application of the Plancherel formula, we prove an identity which amounts to the fundamental lemma of a relative trace identity between Sp 2n and f Sp n .
Mapping and Monitoring Louisiana's Mangroves in the Aftermath of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

GIRI, C.; LONG, J., and TIESZEN, L., 2011. Mapping and monitoring Louisiana’s mangroves in the aftermath of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Journal of Coastal Research, 27(6), 1059–1064. West Palm Beach (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Information regarding the present condition, historical status, and dynamics of mangrove forests is needed to study the impacts of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and other stressors affecting mangrove ecosystems. Such information is unavailable for Louisiana at sufficient spatial and thematic detail. We prepared mangrove forest distribution maps of Louisiana (prior to the oil spill) at 1 m and 30 m spatial resolution using aerial photographs and Landsat satellite data, respectively. Image classification was performed using a decision-tree classification approach. We also prepared land-cover change pairs for 1983, 1984, and every 2 y from 1984 to 2010 depicting ‘‘ecosystem shifts’’ (e.g., expansion, retraction, and disappearance). This new spatiotemporal information could be used to assess short-term and long-term impacts of the oil spill on mangroves. Finally, we propose an operational methodology based on remote sensing (Landsat, Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer [ASTER], hyperspectral, light detection and ranging [LIDAR], aerial photographs, and field inventory data) to monitor the existing and emerging mangrove areas and their disturbance and regrowth patterns. Several parameters such as spatial distribution, ecosystem shifts, species composition, and tree height/biomass could be measured to assess the impact of the oil spill and mangrove recovery and restoration. Future research priorities will be to quantify the impacts and recovery of mangroves considering multiple stressors and perturbations, including oil spill, winter freeze, sea-level rise, land subsidence, and land-use/land-cover change for the entire Gulf Coast. www.JCRonline.org
Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Leakage in Multiple Enteric Inflammation Models in Chickens

Enteric inflammation models can help researchers study methods to improve health and performance plus evaluate various growth promoters and dietary formulations targeted to improve performance in poultry. Oral administration of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d; 3-5 kDa) and its pericellular mucosal epithelial leakage is an established marker to evaluate enteric inflammation in multiple species. The present study evaluated different methods to induce gut inflammation in poultry based on FITC-d leakage. Four independent experiments were completed with different inflammation treatment groups; serum FITC-d and/or retention of FITC-d in GI tract was/were determined. In experiment 1 (n=10 birds/treatment; broilers; processed at 14d), groups included control (CON), Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS; drinking water at 0.75%) and feed restriction (FRS; 24h before processing). Experiment 2 (n=14birds/treatment; leghorns; processed at 7d) included CON, DSS, FRS, and rye based diet (RBD). In experiments 3 and 4 (n=15 birds/treatment; broilers; processed at 7d), groups were CON, DSS, high fat diet (HFD), FRS, and RBD. In all experiments, FRS and RBD treatments showed significantly higher serum FITC-d levels compared to the respective CON. This indicates that FRS and RBD results in disruption of the intact barrier of the GIT, resulting in increased gut permeability. DSS and HFD groups showed elevation of serum FITC-d levels although the magnitude of difference from respective CON were inconsistent between experiments. FRS was the only treatment which consistently showed elevated retention of FITC-d in GIT in all experiments. The results from present studies showed that FRS and RBD, based on serum FITC-d levels, can be robust models to induce gut leakage in birds in different age and species/strains.
Non-Uniform B-Spline Surface Fitting from Unordered 3D Point Clouds for As-Built Modeling

The three-dimensional mapping of the built environment is of particular importance for engineering applications such as monitoring work-in-progress and energy performance simulation. The state-of-the-art methods for fitting primitives, non-uniform B-Spline surface NURBS and solid geometry to point clouds still fail to account for all the topological variations or struggle with mapping of physical space to parameter space given unordered, incomplete, and noisy point clouds. Assuming an input of points that can be described by a single non-self-intersecting NURBS, this article presents a new method that leverages segmented point clouds and outputs NURBS surfaces. It starts by successively fitting uniform B-Spline curves in two-dimensional as planar cross-sectional cuts on each surface. An intermediate B-Spline surface is then computed by globally optimizing and lofting over the cross-sections. This surface is used to parameterize the points and perform final refinement to a NURBS. For cylindrical segments such as pipes, a new supervised method is also introduced to string the fitted segments, identify connection types, standardize the connections, and then refine them using NURBS optimization. Experimental results show the applicability of the proposed methods for as-built modeling purposes.