cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Out of Alaska: morphological diversity within the genus Eurytemora from its ancestral Alaskan range (Crustacea, Copepoda)

The copepod genus Eurytemora occupies a wide range of habitat types throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with among the broadest salinity ranges of any known copepod. The epicenter of diversity for this genus lies along coastal Alaska, where several species are endemic. Systematic analysis has been difficult, however, because of a tendency toward morphological stasis in this genus, despite large genetic divergences among populations and species. The goals of this study were to (1) analyze patterns of morphological variation and divergence within this genus, focusing on Eurytemora species that occur in North America, and (2) determine patterns of geographic and salinity distribution of Eurytemora species within the ancestral range in Alaska. We applied a comparative multivariate morphological analysis using 16–26 characters from 125 specimens from 20 newly collected sites in Alaska and 15 existing samples predominantly from North America. Results from principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses identified seven distinct morphological species of Eurytemora in North America (E. affinis, E. americana, E. canadensis, E. composita, E. herdmani, E. pacifica, and E. raboti), and identified diagnostic characters that distinguish the species (forming the basis for a new identification key). Several previously named species were regarded as synonyms. The sites we sampled in Alaska were remarkable in the high levels of sympatry of Eurytemora species, to a degree not seen outside of Alaska. Future studies of Eurytemora should shed light on patterns of habitat invasions and physiological evolution within the genus, and yield insights into mechanisms leading to its remarkably broad geographic and habitat range.
Framing the Lewinsky Affair: Third‐Person Judgments by Scandal Frame

Recent studies have documented a "third-person effect" whereby people are found to judge others as more influenced than themselves by the mass media. Meanwhile, contemporary research on issue framing has demonstrated the powerful role of mass media in shaping people's political judgments. But are the perceptual judgments that define third-person effects sensitive to how the media frame an issue? Two studies investigated this question in the context of the Lewinsky-Clinton scandal, one in late August 1998 and the other during spring 1999. Several hundred undergraduates in each study were randomly assigned to one of two media frames. In the 1998 study, the political scandal was depicted as a matter of sexual indiscretion by the president or as legal wrongdoing; in the 1999 study, the recently concluded impeachment process was depicted as the consequence of partisanship or of Clinton's actions. The participants' judgments of media influence on themselves and on the public were then recorded. The results show that third-person effects were sensitive to issue framing, but change occurred primarily in participants 'judgments about their own vulnerability to media influence.
Fatty acids of seeds of North American pedicillate Trillium species

Abstract The fatty acid components of the lipids of the seed elaiosomes of a group of pedicillate Trillium species differed only slightly from those of the seeds proper. The fatty acids seem to offer no clue to the range of ant activities associated with myrmecochory in this genus.
Digitally continuous functions

Abstract In (Rosenfeld, 1986), a natural analog of the usual ϵ-δ definition of a continuous function is stated for digital pictures, and several properties of such digitally continuous functions are examined. The current paper expands on the work of (Rosenfeld, 1986). In particular, we examine digital versions of several important classes of continuous functions, including homeomorphisms, retractions, and homotopies.
Mental health and adaptation of young Liberians in post-conflict Liberia: a key informant's perspective

Civil wars have been raging in regions of Africa, bringing tremendous emotional and physical mayhem and destruction to populations and infrastructures. Much attention has been given to descriptions of child soldiers and the war, but little is known about the circumstances of young Liberians in post-conflict situations. This study explores the ways in which young Liberians are surviving in the post-conflict Liberian context. We used qualitative data collected in Liberia using key informants focusing on individuals who work with young Liberians. We found that young Liberians are suffering from trauma and are engaging in violence, substance abuse, and sexual violence. They have also developed mechanisms for survival that include a high level of adultification, a phenomenon by which young people take on adult responsibilities. Key informants felt that young Liberians have problems respecting authority and accepting help. Furthermore, they are influenced by negative peers. These behaviors increase young Liberi...
Circulatory model studies of external cardiac assist by counterpulsation

A hydraulic model of the circulatory system was used to study external cardiac assist (ECA) as a noninvasive, synchronous, counterpulsative aid to the failing heart. Four different modes of external pressurisation of the legs were compared. (1) In uniform compression, a spatially-uniform pressure is applied simultaneously to the entire length of the leg. (2) In graded compression, a decreasing pressure is applied simultaneously from foot to groin. (3) In sequential compression, a wave of compression is applied, at uniform pressure level, from foot to groin. (4) In graded-sequential compression, the gradation of pressure and wave-like application are combined. Depressurisation was either to atmospheric pressure or to a vacuum. For each mode tests were made with broad ranges of pressure and timing parameters. “Optimal” combinations of these were selected for comparisons among the modes. The effectiveness of cardiac assist was assessed in terms of (i) the augmentation of mean diastolic pressure, signifying increased coronary perfusion; and (ii) the lowering of mean systolic pressure, signifying reduced left ventricular oxygen requirements. Measurements of regional volume flow rates and of cross-sectional area of the leg artery provided additional insights. All four external cardiac assist modes produced substantial augmentation of mean diastolic pressure. The simplest mode, namely, uniform compression, was however the least effective in this respect. The graded, sequential, and graded-sequential modes were all better, in ascending order. These results are explained haemodynamically in terms of the tendency of a uniformly-pressurised collapsible vessel to form an occlusive flow-limiting throat at its downstream (proximal) end. Nonuniform compression is the means by which this phenomenon may be avoided. Application of vacuum during depressurisation further increased the diastolic augmentation for every external cardiac assist mode. The changes in mean systolic pressure produced by ECA were much smaller than the changes in mean diastolic pressure. In general, the modes with greater diastolic augmentation also had relatively higher mean systolic pressures. With depressurisation to atmosphere, application of external cardiac assist increased the mean systolic pressure slightly, relative to the unassisted condition. However, depressurisation to 6.7 or 13.3 kPa (50 or 100 mmHg) vacuum resulted in either a reduction or virtually no change of mean systolic pressure, relative to the unassisted condition.
Ball-valve thrombus obstructing a bioprosthetic mitral valve

We present a patient with a large, left atrial ball valve thrombus that was intermittently obstructing a bioprosthetic mitral valve. The diagnosis was confirmed by transesophageal two-dimensional echocardiogram. The transthoracic study initially had failed to demonstrate the true ball valve nature of the thrombus and instead, suggested two separate mass lesions, one in the left atrium and one in the bioprosthetic mitral valve.
A mouse model to study the wound healing response following filtration surgery

· Background: Failure of trabeculectomy is attributed to an exaggerated wound healing response at the episcleral level. We have developed a simple technique in mice that creates corneoscleral wounds and used it to study the role of growth factors in wound healing associated with loss of fistular patency. In addition, the effect of suramin on the wound healing response has been investigated. · Materials and methods: Using black C57B1/6 mice, we created a fistula from the subconjunctival space to the anterior chamber by external penetration with a 25-gauge needle through the bulbur conjunctiva. Eyes were examined by light microscopy at different times following surgery and evaluated for the presence of growth factors in the sclerosing wound by immunohistochemistry. In an additional group, suramin (1.0 mg/ml) was applied topically five times. · Results: The limbal/scleral wounds closed rapidly. Granulation tissue consisting mostly of fibroblasts developed within the first 2 days, and the collagen component increased over time. By 4 weeks, the wound was completely healed. We found that within 1 day after surgery GF β2 reached high intensity. TGF β1 and PDGF A reached maximal intensity by day 2 and remained elevated for about a week. PDGF B was present at moderate intensity even before surgery. Myofibroblastic differentiation was observed from days 2 to 7. Suramin-treated wounds showed a decrease of cells and delay in fibroblast maturation. TGF β1 and TGF β2 levels persisted longer than in the controls, while PDGF A and PDGF B levels were lower than in the controls at all time points. · Conclusions: The mouse corneoscleral wound model that we have developed mimics the process of wound healing and fistulizing surgery that takes place in other animal models and in human eyes in which the outcome of the surgery is poor. Our analysis of the appearance of growth factors associated with wound healing demonstrates that PDGF A as well as TGF β1 and TGF β2 appear early in the process at high levels and are potential targets for interventive strategies to ensure channel patency. Suramin has a distinct effect on the wound healing process and expression of growth factors and may be a promising substance for clinical use.
Density, Permeability, Infiltration, and Absorption Used to Assess Quality of Hot-Mix Asphalt Longitudinal Joints:

Longitudinal joint quality is critical to the successful performance of hot-mix asphalt pavements. The implementation of longitudinal joint quality specifications is gaining momentum in many states, with density being the most common quality parameter. However, distress at the joint is caused by the ability of air and water to enter the pavement structure, an ability that may be more compatible with a measure of permeability. The objective of this study was to provide guidance for the implementation of joint quality specifications by compiling information that more completely describes the relationships of density, absorption, permeability, and infiltration. On two resurfacing projects, eight joint construction techniques were used, and the ability of each to improve joint quality was assessed. In addition, joint quality was evaluated with regard to proximity to the joint. In general, the joint heater, joint stabilizer, and notched wedge construction methods were the best performers in regard to density a...
INHIBITION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES AND OTHER BACTERIA BY SODIUM DIACETATE

Growth and survival patterns of Listeria monocytogenes strain Scott A were studied in brain heart infusion broth containing sodium diacetate. Minimum inhibitory concentrations decreased with decrease in temperature, from 35 and 32 mM at 35C and 20C, respectively, to 28 mM at 5C. Broth pH containing 35, 32, and 28 mM sodium diacetate was 5.25, 5.40 and 5.60, respectively. Sodium diacetate was more effective than acetic acid alone in inhibiting the organism over the pH range of 5.0-6.0. Addition of 21 mM (0.3%) sodium diacetate to ground beef or beef slurry suppressed total aerobic counts during refrigerated storage. Although the meat pH decreased from 5.6 to 5.2 by the addition of the compound, a major part of the antimicrobial effect was attributed to the diacetate and not just pH. Sodium diacetate suppressed growth of three additional L. monocytogenes strains and strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Salmonella enteriditis and Shewanella putrefaciens. P. fragi, Yersinia enterocolitica, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus fermentis and Staphylococcus aureus were insensitive to the compound. Sodium diacetate has potential for use in controlling growth of listeriae in meat, poultry and fish products and suppressing growth of certain Gram-negative spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms.
Effect of irradiation damage on the shear strength of Cu-Nb interfaces

The influence of irradiation-induced damage on the interfacial shear strength of Cu–Nb interfaces was characterized via compression of nanolaminate pillars performed in situ in a transmission electron microscope. Chemical mixing and interfacial roughening during MeV Kr ion irradiation leads to increased interfacial shear strength by as much as 60%, from 0.6 GPa for the as-deposited material to 0.95 GPa for samples irradiated at liquid nitrogen temperature. The increase in interfacial shear strength was most pronounced at low temperatures (∼−196 °C), but it is still significant at ∼300 °C. This observation was correlated with increased chemical mixing at lower temperatures, as determined from compositional profiles characterized by energy-dispersive spectroscopy.
Pulmonary manifestations of sarcoidosis.

Summary Sarcoidosis affects the lungs in more than 90% of cases. Symptoms include cough, dyspnea, and chest pain. The entire respiratory tract can be involved. The most common areas of involvement are the airways and interstitium. Airway disease can lead to airway obstruction while interstitial lung disease can lead to restrictive disease. Patients may have a mix of these areas of involvement. For the symptomatic patient, the identification of disease involvement can usually be determined by pulmonary function testing and chest imaging. The chest X-ray staging system has been widely used in sarcoidosis, high-resolution computer tomography (HRCT) can provide detailed information regarding lung involvement. Unfortunately the various patterns seen on HRCT have limited the ability to develop a simple scoring system. Special studies such as bronchoscopy can be useful for detecting large airway disease. Other chest manifestations include adenopathy, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary muscle weakness. Fibrotic lung disease can lead to bronchiectasis, which can become infected. In this issue Everything you always wanted to know about sarcoidosis… but were afraid to ask D. Valeyre, Bobigny, France and M. Humbert, Kremlin-Bicetre, France Pathogenesis of Sarcoidosis J. Muller-Quernheim et al. Freiburg, Germany Pulmonary Manifestations of Sarcoidosis R.P. Baughman et al. Cincinnati, USA Pulmonary hypertension complicating sarcoidosis H. Nunes et al. Bobigny, France Cardiac sarcoidosis C. Chapelon-Abric, Paris, France Neurosarcoidosis: clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment K. Nozaki, Charleston, USA and M.A. Judson, Albany, USA Ocular sarcoidosis B. Bodaghi et al., Paris, France Skin manifestations of sarcoidosis J. Mana and J. Marcoval, Barcelona, Spain
Long-segment colon interposition for acquired esophageal disease.

Abstract Background . Long-segment colon interposition has been used for esophageal replacement for acquired esophageal disease. The indications for use, morbidity, and functional results of these conduits have been debated. Methods . We reviewed the medical records, office visits, and operative reports of patients undergoing long colon interposition for acquired esophageal disease at our institution from 1956 to 1997. Results . Long colon interposition was performed in 52 patients for caustic injury (n = 20), gastroesophageal disease (n = 16), previous irradiation (n = 8), primary motility disorders (n = 4), and acquired absence of the esophagus (n = 4). From 1976 to 1997, acquired diseases accounted for 62% of long colon interposition. The left colon was used in 46 patients and the right colon in 6. The in-hospital mortality rate was 4%. Early complications included graft ischemia in 5 patients, anastomotic leak in 3, and small bowel obstruction in 1. Late complications included anastomotic stenosis requiring dilation in 26 patients, with 2 requiring surgical revision, and bile reflux requiring surgical diversion in 1 patient. Swallowing function was excellent in 24% of patients, good in 66%, and poor in 10%. Conclusions . Long colon interposition can be performed safely, with acceptable long-term functional results in patients with acquired esophageal disease.
The Effects of IL-1 on Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in Rabbit Articular Chondrocytes

Abstract IL-1-activated chondrocytes express a large number of genes which contribute to cartilage degradation. The signaling pathways activated in response to IL-1 in these cells are not well-defined. We examined the effects of IL-1 and other stimuli on the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in rabbit articular chondrocytes. We demonstrate that IL-1 activates three MAPKs, ERK, JNK and p38, in a time and dose-dependent manner. Activation is maximal by 15 minutes and returns to baseline levels by 1 hour. Maximal activation of ERK and p38 occurs with 1 ng/ml IL-1 whereas activation of JNK requires 10-fold higher levels. In contrast to IL-1, the PKC activator, PDBu preferentially activates ERK while TNFα preferentially activates JNK. LPS and TGFβ fail to stimulate any of the kinases examined. These results suggest that activation of the various MAPK pathways is important in the response of chondrocytes to IL-1, cytokines and growth factors.
A system evaluation of lead—acid battery chargers: Part I. Cells with antimonial positive grids

Abstract Three lead—acid battery charge control methods are evaluated on the basis of battery cycle life, changes in charging efficiency during successive cycling, and the effects of battery design on charger/battery interaction. Lead—acid battery charging systems which use gases evolved from the battery during charge as a means for charging control are potentially more efficient than conventional battery charging systems. Further, it is expected that gas-controlled charging systems can result in prolonged life because they avoid elevated temperatures associated with overcharging and excessive gassing which loosen active materials from the plate structure during overcharge. The selection of a suitable current profile is discussed, followed by a description of the three charging methods. Details are given for the two types of batteries tested, for the testing procedure, and the resulting battery performance throughout cycle life.
Real-space entanglement spectrum of quantum Hall systems

We study the real-space entanglement spectrum for fractional quantum Hall systems, which maintains locality along the spatial cut, and provide evidence that it possesses a scaling property. We also consider the closely related particle entanglement spectrum and carry out the Schmidt decomposition of the Laughlin state analytically at large size.
Developmental aspects of nociception

Research has documented the existence of multiple, endogenous systems that modulate nociception. Based on the effects of opioid antagonists and endocrine lesions, endogenous analgesia systems have been organized into four classes: neural-opioid, neural-nonopioid; hormonal-opioid; hormonal-nonopioid. Developmental research on the ontogeny of endogenous analgesic function has revealed differential rates of maturation. Front-paw shock, a stimulus that activates a neural-opioid analgesic response, has been shown to be functionally mature by 28 days of age in the rat. Similarly, hind-paw shock, a stimulus that elicits a neural-nonopioid analgesic response, reaches maturity after two months of age. However, the hormonal-opioid analgesic system activated by cold-water immersion reaches adult levels by 10 days of age. Food deprivation produces a hormonal-opioid analgesic response in adult rats, and food deprivation/isolation of rat pups has been found to elicit an analgesic response in 6-day-old rats. From these data it seems that the rate of development of the different endogenous analgesic systems is related to the activation of neural or hormonal components. Whether the differential rates of development and the neural-hormonal distinction are related to the ecological validity of the activating stimulus remains to be determined.
Ventral Striatum Reactivity to Reward and Recent Life Stress Interact to Predict Positive Affect

Background Stressful life events are among the most reliable precipitants of major depressive disorder; yet, not everyone exposed to stress develops depression. It has been hypothesized that robust neural reactivity to reward and associated stable levels of positive affect (PA) may protect against major depressive disorder in the context of environmental adversity. However, little empirical data exist to confirm this postulation. Here, we test the hypothesis that individuals with relatively low ventral striatum (VS) reactivity to reward will show low PA levels in the context of recent life stress, while those with relatively high VS reactivity will be protected against these potentially depressogenic effects. Methods Differential VS reactivity to positive feedback was assessed using blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging in a sample of 200 nonpatient young adults. Recent life stress, current depressive symptoms, and PA were assessed via self-report. Linear regression models were used to investigate the moderating effects of VS reactivity on the relationship between recent stress and state PA across participants. Results Recent life stress interacted with VS reactivity to predict self-reported state PA, such that higher levels of life stress were associated with lower PA for participants with relatively low, but not for those with high, VS reactivity. These effects were independent of age, gender, race/ethnicity, trait PA, and early childhood trauma. Conclusions The current results provide empirical evidence for the potentially protective role of robust reward-related neural responsiveness against reductions in PA that may occur in the wake of life stress and possibly vulnerability to depression precipitated by stressful life events.
Molecular paleontology: some current advances and problems

Abstract Molecular paleontology is the application of molecular analytical techniques to fossil or subfossil material in order to test for the presence of original biomolecules. These molecules may be proteins, DNA, carbohydrates or lipids, or their diagenetic products. Molecular investigations of fossil specimens seek to assess if any original chemical/molecular material persists, whether or not this material retains systematic significance, if molecular preservation can be or is linked to morphological preservation, and to understand degradation patterns for biomolecules that may enter the geologic record.
Ensemble forecasting of major solar flares: First results

We present the results from the first ensemble prediction model for major solar flares (M and X classes). The primary aim of this investigation is to explore the construction of an ensemble for an initial prototyping of this new concept. Using the probabilistic forecasts from three models hosted at the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (NASA-GSFC) and the NOAA forecasts, we developed an ensemble forecast by linearly combining the flaring probabilities from all four methods. Performance-based combination weights were calculated using a Monte Carlo-type algorithm that applies a decision threshold Pth to the combined probabilities and maximizing the Heidke Skill Score (HSS). Using the data for 13 recent solar active regions between years 2012 and 2014, we found that linear combination methods can improve the overall probabilistic prediction and improve the categorical prediction for certain values of decision thresholds. Combination weights vary with the applied threshold and none of the tested individual forecasting models seem to provide more accurate predictions than the others for all values of Pth. According to the maximum values of HSS, a performance-based weights calculated by averaging over the sample, performed similarly to a equally weighted model. The values Pth for which the ensemble forecast performs the best are 25% for M-class flares and 15% for X-class flares. When the human-adjusted probabilities from NOAA are excluded from the ensemble, the ensemble performance in terms of the Heidke score is reduced.
Chasing the Wind: Regulating Air Pollution in the Common Law State

Chasing the Wind: Regulating Air Pollution in the Common Law State. By Noga Morag-Levine. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2003. 264p. $35.00.This book covers an impressive array of topics: the contrasting styles of air pollution regulation in the United States and Europe; the English common law of “noxious vapours” from 1611 to 1900; the origin of the highly effective British Alkali Inspectorate; the development of the common law of nuisance in Pennsylvania from 1869 to 1970; American regulation of “smoke” and “odors” over the past century; and a detailed examination of contemporary regulation of odor at foundries in four American cities. The author is to be commended for the extensive research packed into nine dense chapters.
A characterization of Markov equivalence classes for acyclic digraphs

Undirected graphs and acyclic digraphs (ADGs), as well as their mutual extension to chain graphs, are widely used to describe dependencies among variables in multivariate distributions. In particular, the likelihood functions of ADG models admit convenient recursive factorizations that often allow explicit maximum likelihood estimates and that are well suited to building Bayesian networks for expert systems. Whereas the undirected graph associated with a dependence model is uniquely determined, there may, however, be many ADGs that determine the same dependence (= Markov) model. Thus, the family of all ADGs with a given set of vertices is naturally partitioned into Markov-equivalence classes, each class being associated with a unique statistical model. Statistical procedures, such as model selection or model averaging, that fail to take into account these equivalence classes, may incur substantial computational or other inefficiencies. Here it is shown that each Markov-equivalence class is uniquely determined by a single chain graph, the essential graph, that is itself simultaneously Markov equivalent to all ADGs in the equivalence class. Essential graphs are characterized, a polynomial-time algorithm for their construction is given, and their applications to model selection and other statistical questions are described.
17 beta-estradiol preserves endothelial vasodilator function and limits low-density lipoprotein oxidation in hypercholesterolemic swine.

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular events are less prevalent in premenopausal women and women receiving estrogen replacement than in postmenopausal women or men. Endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) is an important local modulator of vascular tone, and abnormal endothelial function is related, in part, to the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Estrogens possess substantial antioxidant activity and inhibit LDL modification in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS We investigated the effects of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) on endothelial vasomotor function in cholesterol-fed miniature swine. Animals underwent ovariectomy or a sham procedure and received E2 or placebo via implant yielding three groups: sham, ovariectomy (E2 placebo), and implant (E2 implant). After 16 weeks, coronary arteries were harvested and endothelial function was examined in vitro. Vessels from the sham and implant groups demonstrated preserved endothelium-dependent relaxation to bradykinin, substance P, and A23187. Vessels from the ovariectomy group exhibited impaired relaxation to bradykinin and substance P (P CONCLUSIONS Thus, E2 preserves endothelial function in cholesterol-fed swine in association with protection of LDL against oxidative modification. These data suggest that E2 may, in part, favorably affect vascular function and coronary artery disease by virtue of its antioxidant properties.
The dependence of tumor neutralization on bone-marrow-derived cells.

Radiosensitive host cells capable of potentiating tumor neutralization by immunocytes in normal recipients are present only in the bone marrow and not in the spleen or thymus. This was shown by selectively eliminating either the bone marrow, spleen or thymus of groups of mice and then subcutaneously injecting these animals with sensitized splenocytes and tumor cells. Bone marrow ablation was accomplished by the administration of the bone-seeking radioactive isotope 88Sr which did not reduce thymic or splenic cellularity. Sensitized splenocytes completely inhibited the growth of admixed tumor cells in normal, nude, splenectomized, or 88Sr-treated animals, but the sensitized cells were as ineffective in 89Sr-treated recipients as in 900-rad irradiated mice. Bone marrow cells of normal donors admixed with sensitized splenocytes and the sensitizing tumor cells caused a significant inhibition of tumor growth in 900-rad and 89Sr-treated mice. Therefore, the radiation-sensitive host cells that potentiate the tumor-inhibitory effect of sensitized splenocytes are unique to the marrow and, in the intact animal, apparently emigrate from this organ to interact with sensitized immunocytes at the site of tumor growth.
A simulation testbed for LPD networks with power control

There is a growing interest in low probability of detection (LPD) communication networks due to increased focus on tactical networks, and due to improved processing capabilities for spread spectrum waveforms. The probability of detection by an interceptor is affected by design decisions made throughout the hardware and protocol levels of the communication system. Because of the difficulty of analytically modeling the effects and interactions of system design choices made at different levels of the system upon the probability of detection, particularly in the networking context, the authors have developed a combined simulation and analytical model of a network of mobile communicating nodes operating in the presence of jammers and hostile communication interceptors such as power radiometers. They use the model to examine the efficacy of dynamic power control in LPD networks. >
Panel Beat: Layout and Timing of Comic Panels

In comic book conventions, the size of a panel is generally proportional to the amount of narrative time that passes or the amount of time a reader spends viewing the panel. This poster paper describes work in progress to develop an automated system to assist in generating comic book panel layouts from a given sequence of panel artwork, the desired narrative duration of each panel, desired reading order, and a user-provided library of preferred page layout style guidelines.
Ultrasound Assessment of Inflammation and Renal Tissue Injury With Microbubbles Targeted to P-Selectin

Background Routine methods capable of assessing tissue inflammation noninvasively are currently not available. We hypothesized that tissue retention of microbubbles targeted to the endothelial cell adhesion molecule P-selectin would provide a means to assess inflammation with ultrasound imaging. Methods and Results Phospholipid microbubbles targeted to P-selectin (MBp) were created by conjugating monoclonal antibodies against murine P-selectin to the lipid shell. The microvascular behaviors of MBp and control microbubbles without antibody (MB) or with isotype control antibody (MBiso) were assessed by intravital microscopy of cremasteric venules of control and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α–stimulated wild-type mice. Retention of all microbubbles increased (P<0.05) with TNF-α treatment because of increased attachment to activated leukocytes. Extensive attachment of MBp directly to the venular endothelium or to adherent platelet-leukocyte aggregates was observed in TNF-α–stimulated mice, resulting in 4-fold ...
Development of a high-throughput Candida albicans biofilm chip.

We have developed a high-density microarray platform consisting of nano-biofilms of Candida albicans. A robotic microarrayer was used to print yeast cells of C. albicans encapsulated in a collagen matrix at a volume as low as 50 nL onto surface-modified microscope slides. Upon incubation, the cells grow into fully formed “nano-biofilms”. The morphological and architectural complexity of these biofilms were evaluated by scanning electron and confocal scanning laser microscopy. The extent of biofilm formation was determined using a microarray scanner from changes in fluorescence intensities due to FUN 1 metabolic processing. This staining technique was also adapted for antifungal susceptibility testing, which demonstrated that, similar to regular biofilms, cells within the on-chip biofilms displayed elevated levels of resistance against antifungal agents (fluconazole and amphotericin B). Thus, results from structural analyses and antifungal susceptibility testing indicated that despite miniaturization, these biofilms display the typical phenotypic properties associated with the biofilm mode of growth. In its final format, the C. albicans biofilm chip (CaBChip) is composed of 768 equivalent and spatially distinct nano-biofilms on a single slide; multiple chips can be printed and processed simultaneously. Compared to current methods for the formation of microbial biofilms, namely the 96-well microtiter plate model, this fungal biofilm chip has advantages in terms of miniaturization and automation, which combine to cut reagent use and analysis time, minimize labor intensive steps, and dramatically reduce assay costs. Such a chip should accelerate the antifungal drug discovery process by enabling rapid, convenient and inexpensive screening of hundreds-to-thousands of compounds simultaneously.
Have CPAs Captured State Accountancy Boards

ABSTRACT: All states in the U.S. regulate the practice of public accounting. An important part of the regulatory apparatus is the state accountancy board (SAB). SABs implement the laws that govern public accounting. State societies of CPAs (SSCPAs), in contrast, are advocacy mechanisms that can potentially be used by members of the profession to achieve their regulatory objectives. Economic theory raises the possibility that regulatory bodies such as SABs might be captured by the profession that they regulate. We examine the composition of SABs and find that the majority of members are CPAs. A survey of CPA SAB members reveals that nearly one-third of the respondents are past leaders of their SSCPAs. We further find that the percentage of board members who are CPAs and the percentage of our respondents who are past leaders of their SSCPAs are positively associated with the rapidity with which states adopt two important accountancy laws (interstate mobility and the 150-hour education requirement) that can ...
Transmission geometry laser ablation into a non‐contact liquid vortex capture probe for mass spectrometry imaging

RATIONALE Capture of material from a laser ablation plume into a continuous flow stream of solvent provides the means for uninterrupted sampling, transport and ionization of collected material for coupling with mass spectral analysis. Reported here is the use of vertically aligned transmission geometry laser ablation in combination with a new non-contact liquid vortex capture probe coupled with electrospray ionization for spot sampling and chemical imaging with mass spectrometry. METHODS A vertically aligned continuous flow liquid vortex capture probe was positioned directly underneath a sample surface in a transmission geometry laser ablation (355 nm, 10 Hz, 7 ns pulse width) set up to capture into solution the ablated material. The outlet of the vortex probe was coupled to the Turbo V™ ion source of an AB SCIEX TripleTOF 5600+ mass spectrometer. System operation and performance metrics were tested using inked patterns and thin tissue sections. Glass slides and slides designed especially for laser capture microdissection, viz., DIRECTOR(®) slides and PEN 1.0 (polyethylene naphthalate) membrane slides, were used as sample substrates. RESULTS The estimated capture efficiency of laser-ablated material was 24%, which was enabled by the use of a probe with large liquid surface area (~2.8 mm(2) ) and with gravity to help direct ablated material vertically down towards the probe. The swirling vortex action of the liquid surface potentially enhanced capture and dissolution not only of particulates, but also of gaseous products of the laser ablation. The use of DIRECTOR(®) slides and PEN 1.0 (polyethylene naphthalate) membrane slides as sample substrates enabled effective ablation of a wide range of sample types (basic blue 7, polypropylene glycol, insulin and cyctochrome c) without photodamage using a UV laser. Imaging resolution of about 6 µm was demonstrated for stamped ink on DIRECTOR(®) slides based on the ability to distinguish features present both in the optical and in the chemical image. This imaging resolution was 20 times better than the previous best reported results with laser ablation/liquid sample capture mass spectrometry imaging. Using thin sections of brain tissue the chemical image of a selected lipid was obtained with an estimated imaging resolution of about 50 µm. CONCLUSIONS A vertically aligned, transmission geometry laser ablation liquid vortex capture probe, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry system provides an effective means for spatially resolved spot sampling and imaging with mass spectrometry.
Miguel de Unamuno, ¿poeta vanguardista? El diálogo entre teoría y praxis lírica en el Cancionero

Por favor, no me compares; ?poetas esos Narcisos que hacen juegos malabares? Poetas, no, ipoetisos! (Unamuno, ‘Cancion 150’ [21-4-1928]) De haberse publicado este articulo unos anos atras, no mucho...
AgCam: scientific imaging from the ISS Window Observational Research Facility

The agricultural camera (AgCam) is a two-band digital imaging payload that will be operated in the pressurized Window Observational Research Facility (WORF) onboard the International Space Station. Its primary mission is to provide on-demand, high-resolution remote sensing imagery to support precision agriculture and natural resource end-users in the Upper Midwest. The major benefits of AgCam are its ability to provide 10-meter data in two spectral bands, to make map products available to end-users within 48 hours of data acquisition, and to be able to revisit any site in the Upper Midwest within 2-to-3 days throughout most of the growing season. In addition, the system will deliver map products without any per-scene cost as a service to regional end-users. AgCam is being designed, built, and tested by students at the University of North Dakota, under the supervision of faculty and staff in the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences and the School of Engineering & Mines.
Who Gets the House? Renegotiating Property Rights in Post-Socialist Urban China

Privatization of urban housing in China has altered the basic parameters of household dissolution from those that prevailed before 1980. For several reasons, divorce was rare during the Mao years, but one critical barrier was employer control over urban housing. Thirty years later, employers no longer supply new flats and the majority of urban couples are homeowners. Simultaneous with the privatization of urban real estate has been a divorce revolution. In 1978 there was one divorce for every twenty marriages and courts handled half of the cases. By 2008 there was one divorce for every five marriages and courts finalized less than 30 percent of cases. Through a comparison of the changes in black letter law and arguments made by ordinary citizens in 24 focus groups, the article illustrates how ordinary citizens are negotiating with black letter law to institutionalize post-socialist property rights.
Simultaneous localization and mapping with environmental structure prediction

Traditionally, the SLAM problem solves the localization and mapping problem in explored and sensed regions. This paper presents a prediction-based SLAM algorithm (called P-SLAM), which has an environmental structure predictor to predict the structure inside an unexplored region (i.e., look-ahead mapping). The prediction process is based on the observation of the surroundings of an unexplored region and comparing it with the built map of explored regions. If a similar structure is matched in the map of explored regions, a hypothesis is generated to indicate that a similar structure has been explored before. If the environment has repeated structures, the mobile robot can utilize the predicted structure as a virtual mapping, and decide whether or not to explore the unexplored region to save exploration time. If the mobile robot decides to explore the unexplored region, a correct prediction can be utilized to localize the robot and speed up the SLAM process. We also derive the Bayesian formulation of P-SLAM to show its compact recursive form for real-time operation. We have experimentally implemented the proposed P-SLAM in a Pioneer 3-DX mobile robot using a Rao-Blackwellized particle filter in real-time. Computer simulations and experimental results validated the performance of the proposed P-SLAM and its effectiveness in an indoor environment
Assembly of the Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap4p/Hap5p-DNA complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The CCAAT-binding factor (CBF) is an evolutionarily conserved multimeric transcriptional activator in eukaryotes. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the CCAAT-binding factor is composed of four subunits, termed Hap2p, Hap3p, Hap4p, and Hap5p. The Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap5p heterotrimer is the DNA-binding component of the complex that binds to the consensus 5′-CCAAT-3′ sequence in the promoter of target genes. The Hap4p subunit contains the transcriptional activation domain necessary for stimulating transcription after interacting with Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap5p. In this report, we demonstrate that Hap2p, Hap3p, and Hap5p assemble via a one-step pathway requiring all three subunits simultaneously, as opposed to the mammalian CCAAT-binding factor which has been shown to assemble via a two-step pathway with CBF-A (Hap3p homolog) and CBF-C (Hap5p homolog) forming a stable dimer before CBF-B (Hap2p homolog) can interact. We have also found that the interaction of Hap4p with Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap5p requires DNA binding as a prerequisite. To further understand the protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions of this transcription factor, we identified the minimal domain of Hap4p necessary for interaction with the Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap5p-DNA complex, and we demonstrate that this domain is sufficient to complement the respiratory deficiency of a hap4Δ mutant and activate transcription when fused with the VP16 activation domain. These studies provide a further understanding of the assembly of the yeast CCAAT-binding factor at target promoters and raise a number of questions concerning the protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions of this multisubunit transcription factor.
Shedding Light on the Role of Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine in Reward

Successful reward seeking requires the interaction of multiple psychological processes, including learning (i.e., creating connections between actions/stimuli and rewarding outcomes), motivation (i.e., wanting to obtain rewarding outcomes), and affect (i.e., liking rewarding outcomes). There are two
Formalin inactivation of the lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus reveals a major neutralizing epitope not recognized during natural infection.

Five hybridomas that secrete monoclonal antibodies which neutralize the infectivity of lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus (LDV) were isolated from BALB/c mice primed with Formalin-inactivated LDV. Competition analyses indicated that all five neutralizing monoclonal antibodies recognize contiguous, if not identical, epitopes on the envelope glycoprotein of LDV (VP-3) which are not recognized by nonneutralizing VP-3-specific monoclonal antibodies isolated from the same fusion. Despite the presence of neutralizing activity, polyclonal anti-LDV antibodies obtained from persistently infected mice did not compete for binding to LDV with four of the five neutralizing monoclonal antibodies tested. The results indicate that the envelope glycoprotein of LDV possesses a major neutralizing epitope which is poorly recognized, if at all, by mice during a natural infection but is rendered immunogenic by Formalin inactivation of the virus. The epitope was also not immunogenic in a rabbit, since its polyclonal LDV-neutralizing antibodies did not inhibit binding of the mouse monoclonal antibodies to LDV. Passive immunization with the neutralizing monoclonal antibodies did not protect mice from LDV infection and did not alter the course of infection. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies have been used to select a neutralization escape variant by a novel combination of in vitro and in vivo isolation. Images
Gentamicin Nephrotoxicity: Failure of Three Cephalosporins to Potentiate Injury in Rats

Abstract The possibility that gentamicin and cephalosporin antibiotics may act synergistically to produce nephrotoxicity was evaluated in an experimental model. Necrosis of the proximal tubules occurred when rats were treated with 60 to 120 mg/kg of gentamicin for 5 days but not when 15 to 20 mg/kg per day was given for up to 4 weeks. In all gentamicin-treated animals lysosomes of proximal tubules were increased in size and number and the lumens of many tubules contained a granular deposit. Examination by electron microscopy revealed that the abnormal lysosomes contained membranous whorls. The luminal deposits consisted of similar material; identical bodies were also present in the urinary sediment. To determine whether concurrent administration of a cephalosporin would augment the nephrotoxic potential of gentamicin, additional rats were treated for 4 weeks with daily injections of gentamicin (20 mg/kg) and either cephaloridine, cephalothin, or cefazolin (500 mg/kg). None of the combination regimens produced any more injury than did gentamicin alone.
Reply: Is Pump the Answer to Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction?

We thank Drs. Guha and Estep very much for their endorsement of our concept to explore the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) as a treatment for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) [(1)][1]. As ours is a concept paper, its publication was largely intended to initiate
Prepurchase Information Seeking Behavior of New Car Purchasers—The Learning Hypothesis:

This article reports the results of an empirical test of hypotheses derived from learning theory in an attempt to explain prepurchase information seeking behavior in terms of repeat purchase data. ...
Manufacturing of Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Electrodes by Spraying

Spraying is a well-established coating process used to fabricate electrodes for both PEMFC and DMFC fuel cells, and also for the fabrication of gas-diffusion media (GDM) used in fuel cells (1-7). Despite its popularity as a process there is little basic research on how spray parameters and nozzle characteristics affect the drop sizes of catalyst inks, and how those droplet sizes, affect the electrode structure, porosity, conductance and eventually the overall MEA performance. We present results from an experimental study to systematically answer these questions, characterizing the spray nozzle and measuring drop diameters, and then investigating the microstructural effects on electrode performance. For this purpose, first a spraying apparatus was developed and calibrated, and MEA's were fabricated with fixed electrode loadings but with different droplet sizes. Droplet sizes were controlled by characterizing the spray nozzle and measuring the spray by two methods, optically by utilizing high-speed photography and by the hot wire method (8-12).