cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medicago truncatula‐derived calcium oxalate crystals have a negative impact on chewing insect performance via their physical properties

Plant structural traits often act as defenses against herbivorous insects, causing them to avoid feeding on a given plant or tissue. Mineral crystals of calcium oxalate in Medicago truncatula Gaertn. (Fabaceae) leaves have previously been shown to be effective deterrents of lepidopteran insect feeding. They are also inhibitors of conversion of plant material into insect body mass during or after consumption. Growth of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), larvae was correspondingly greater on calcium oxalate-defective (cod) mutants of M. truncatula with lower levels of crystal accumulation. Data presented here show that insects feeding on M. truncatula leaves with calcium oxalate crystals experience greater negative effects on growth and mandible wear than those feeding on artificial diet amended with smaller amorphous crystals from commercial preparations. Commercial calcium oxalate can be added to insect artificial diet at levels up to 7.5-fold higher than levels found in wild-type M. truncatula leaves with minimal effect on insect growth or lepidopteran mandibles. These data suggest that negative impacts of calcium oxalate in the diet of larvae are due to physical factors, and not toxicity of the compound, as high levels of the commercial crystals are readily tolerated. In contrast to the dramatic physical effects that M. truncatula-derived crystals have on insect mandibles, we could detect no damage to insect peritrophic gut membranes due to consumption of these crystals. Taken together, the data indicate that the size and shape of prismatic M. truncatula oxalate crystals are important factors in determining effects on insect growth. If manipulation of calcium oxalate is to be used in developing improved insect resistance in plants, then our findings suggest that controlling not only the overall amount, but also the size and shape of crystals, could be valuable traits in selecting desirable plant lines.
Lymphomatoid papulosis associated with mycosis fungoides: a study of 21 patients including analyses for clonality.

Abstract Background Although an association of lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) with mycosis fungoides (MF) is recognized, our understanding of this relation is limited. Objective We sought to document the clinical experience at the University of California, San Francisco, in 21 patients who had both LyP and MF and to do clonality studies in 7 of those patients in whom this was possible. Methods We conducted chart review of the 21 patients and analysis for T-cell receptor-γ gene rearrangements by the polymerase chain reaction. Results Of 54 patients, 21 (39%) with LyP had associated MF. LyP preceded MF in 14 (67%), MF preceded LyP in 4 (19%), and there was concurrent appearance in 3 (14%). Of the 21 patients, 20 (95%) were type A and only 1 (5%) was type B. An identical clone was found in lesions of both LyP and MF in all 7 patients in whom analysis was possible. Conclusion Findings of this study strengthen the idea that LyP and MF are related T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
Availability of H2O2 for oxidation of SO2 in clouds in the Northeastern United States

Abstract A technique using inert tracers was used to determine SO4 formed from in situ oxidation of SO2 by H2O2 in 20 summer clouds at Whiteface Mountain, New York. The amount of in situ SO4 formed, along with H2O2 present in cloud water, was used to determine the total available H2O2. In 11 of the clouds, for which SO2 concentration was
Heat transfer from a high temperature safety rod placed in a perforated guide tube and surrounded by an array of cold tubes

Abstract In this paper, a simple natural convection heat-transfer model for a safety rod placed in a perforated guide tube is proposed. The geometry is typical of the Savannah River K reactor. The proposed model for the rod and the perforated guide-tube assembly is benchmarked against prototypical test data obtained by Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. The results showed that the proposed model was in good agreement with the experimental data except at very high temperatures where the model slightly underpredicted the rod and tube temperatures. By evaluating the thermal conductivity of the fluid (air) at the wall temperature, the prediction of the high temperature natural convection data was further improved.
Rad51 Protein Controls Rad52-mediated DNA Annealing

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rad52 protein plays an essential role in the repair of DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs). Rad52 and its orthologs possess the unique capacity to anneal single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) complexed with its cognate ssDNA-binding protein, RPA. This annealing activity is used in multiple mechanisms of DSB repair: single-stranded annealing, synthesis-dependent strand annealing, and cross-over formation. Here we report that the S. cerevisiae DNA strand exchange protein, Rad51, prevents Rad52-mediated annealing of complementary ssDNA. Efficient inhibition is ATP-dependent and involves a specific interaction between Rad51 and Rad52. Free Rad51 can limit DNA annealing by Rad52, but the Rad51 nucleoprotein filament is even more effective. We also discovered that the budding yeast Rad52 paralog, Rad59 protein, partially restores Rad52-dependent DNA annealing in the presence of Rad51, suggesting that Rad52 and Rad59 function coordinately to enhance recombinational DNA repair either by directing the processed DSBs to repair by DNA strand annealing or by promoting second end capture to form a double Holliday junction. This regulation of Rad52-mediated annealing suggests a control function for Rad51 in deciding the recombination path taken for a processed DNA break; the ssDNA can be directed to either Rad51-mediated DNA strand invasion or to Rad52-mediated DNA annealing. This channeling determines the nature of the subsequent repair process and is consistent with the observed competition between these pathways in vivo.
Considerations for implementing machine vision for detecting watercore in apples

Watercore in apples is a physiological disorder that affects the internal quality of the fruit. Growers can experience serious economic losses due to internal breakdown of the apple if watercored apples are placed unknowingly into long term storage. Economic losses can also occur if watercore is detected and the entire `lot' is downgraded; however, a gain can be obtained if watercored fruit is segregated and marketed as a premium apple soon after harvest. Watercore is characterized by the accumulation of fluid around the vascular bundles replacing air spaces between cells. This fluid reduces the light scattering properties of the apple. Using machine vision to measure the amount of light transmitted through the apple, watercored apples were segregated according to the severity of damage. However, the success of the method was dependent upon two factors. First, the sensitivity of the camera dictated the classes of watercore that could be detected. A highly sensitive camera could separate the less severe classes at the expense of not distinguishing between the more severe classes. A second factor which is common to most quality attributes in perishable commodities is the elapsed time after harvest at which the measurement was made. At the end of the study, light transmission levels decreased to undetectable levels with the initial camera settings for all watercore classes.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mobile token-based authentication on a budget

We propose a light-weight, cheap authentication device for unlocking a user's smartphone. The device can be carried on a key chain and automatically unlocks the smartphone whenever its owner wants to use it. Our goal is to build a device that works with existing smartphones, requires no recharging or maintenance, and is always available. We propose two approaches: one based on magnetic fields detected by the smartphone's compass and the other based on an acoustic transmitter that generates a signal picked up by the handset's microphone. We experiment with both approaches and report on their effectiveness. These devices may find applications beyond smartphones, such as unlocking laptops, cars, and homes. These designs show that contactless authentication can offer a convenient and secure alternative to PIN-based unlocking.
Some History of the Debate on Educational Policy of Accountants in Australia

The Australian professional accounting bodies developed their present educational policies during the period prior to 1964 when two major reports were issued. This paper traces the development of those educational policies, but particularly the crystallization of the philosophy underlying the decision of the Australian Society of Accountants to adopt degree level entry in 1965. The Institute of Chartered Accountants followed suit some years later. This signalled the end of the traditional system of part-time technical training associated with work experience, and established full degree-level education as a pre-requisite for professional accountants.
Vascular damage and lipid peroxidation in choline-deficient rats

Abstract Dietary butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) protected rats against the vascular damage of acute choline deficiency. The protection was not due to decreased food intake or lower body weight in the animals fed the antioxidants. Dietary vitamin E supplementation did not protect against vascular damage. Free radical concentrations were higher in the liver, heart and kidneys of choline-deficient rats than in those of controls, but differences were small and variation was great. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive material (TBA) was consistently higher in livers of choline-deficient rats than in those of controls, but values were dependent on and inversely proportional to dietary levels of vitamin E. Conversely, TBA levels were high in livers of rats fed the BHA- and BHT-supplemented, choline-deficient diet. Therefore, hepatic TBA values did not always correlate with the extent of vascular damage. Diene conjugation was not detected in hepatic lipids of choline-deficient rats during the first 48 hr, but was found consistently after 10 days. The occurrence of diene conjugation in hepatic lipids was related directly to the incidence and severity of vascular damage.
Kagome lattice antiferromagnets and Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interactions

We study the consequences of in-plane $({D}_{p})$ and out-of-plane $({D}_{z})$ Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya (DM) interactions on the thermodynamic properties of spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ Heisenberg model on the kagome lattice using numerical linked cluster expansions and exact diagonalization and contrast them with those of other perturbations such as exchange anisotropy and dilution. We find that different combinations of the DM anisotropies lead to a wide variety of thermodynamic behavior, which are quite distinct from those of most other perturbations. We argue that the sudden upturn seen experimentally in the susceptibility of the material $\mathrm{Zn}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{(\mathrm{O}\mathrm{H})}_{6}{\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$ can be understood in terms of Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya anisotropies with ${D}_{p}g\ensuremath{\mid}{D}_{z}\ensuremath{\mid}$. We also show that the measured specific heat of the material puts further constraints on the allowed DM parameters.
Serial Bronchography following Pulmonary Allotransplantation

Plain chest roentgenography and bronchography were performed preoperatively and at weekly postoperative intervals following allotransplantation of the left lung in a group of five mongrel dogs. Transient bronchial narrowing was observed to originate at the bronchial anastomosis and to extend distally to involve major lobar bronchi. The caliber of the bronchial lumen at the site of the bronchial anastomosis ranged from 64 percent to 73 percent of baseline levels in the first postoperative week. Bronchial narrowing was attributed in part to the intraluminal protrusion of edematous bronchial mucosa. In the second week figures ranged between 80 percent and 86 percent of preoperative measurements. Bronchograms appeared normal after the fourth postoperative week. Observations of the bronchial lumen on oblique plain chest roentgenograms correlated well with findings on bronchography. Plain chest roentgenography is thus a reliable means of assessing the status of the bronchial anastomosis. In an uncomplicated reimplantation response one should observe progressive increase in the width of the bronchial lumen after the first postoperative week.
Comparison of Tropospheric Decorrelation Errors in the Presence of Severe Weather Conditions in Different Areas and Over Different Baseline Lengths

: In this paper, a new method is introduced to estimate and characterize tropospheric spatial decorrelation errors (TSDE). Mathematical derivations are provided to identify TSDE on a per satellite basis through the use of single and dual-frequency Carrier Phase measurements. It will be shown that the processing error in the estimated TSDEs is less than 0.17 m due to all error sources. The probability of having a processing error larger than this is less than 10−6. To characterize the TSDE, continuous DGPS measurement data from three pairs of GPS receivers in the CORS network were analyzed for different baseline lengths over long data periods of one year to capture most weather conditions for a particular geographic area. Close correlation was found between large TSDEs and severe weather conditions. Furthermore, it was found that the modified Hopfield model (MHM) was ineffective to reduce TSDE in the presence of severe weather conditions. The largest TSDE observed was approximately 0.4 m on a baseline of 16 km at Athens, OH.
Retrofit Constant Speed Fan Laboratory Exhaust Systems Using Multi-Stack and Variable Frequency Drive Techniques

Constant speed fan exhaust systems are the most popular exhaust system in laboratory buildings since they satisfy building architectural requirement, and have low initial costs with reliable performance. The constant speed fan exhaust system maintains constant stack exit velocity to prevent toxic exhaust air downwash back to occupied areas near the building or on the roof top. To achieve constant velocity when the exhaust airflow is less than the design value, makeup air is introduced to the system at the inlet of the exhaust fan. Since the laboratory exhaust airflow is often significantly less than the design airflow, exhaust fans consume significantly more energy than is necessary. Multi-stack and Variable frequency drive techniques can reduce both the make-up airflow rate and fan energy in the constant speed fan exhaust system retrofit. This paper introduces the application principles, describes the optimal methods of stack sizing, and presents an example. The application example showed that the average annual fan power is 50% of the design fan power for a two-stack system, and 47% for a three-stack system.
Low Field Helium Magnetometer for Space Applications

Measurement of low magnetic fields using a magnetometer which utilizes the optical pumping of metastable helium atoms
What is the Coase Theorem

The Coase Theorem is interpreted as asserting that the equilibrium level of an externally (e.g., pollution) is independent of institutional factors (in particular, assignment of liability for damage), except in the presence of transaction costs. It is shown here that absence of income effects (due to parallel preferences or quasi-linear utility functions) is not only sufficient (which is well known) but also necessary for this to be true. Equilibrium may be perfectly competitive or other Pareto optimal and individually rational, in particular an element of the core. Both convex and non-convex (Starrett type) economies are considered.
Separation of radiolabeled orthophosphate and adenosine 5'-triphosphate by 20% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: an assay for brain microsomal Mg2+/Ca2+ ATPase activity.

Measuring orthophosphate is an important tool in biochemical analyses used to study membrane transport ATPases essential for calcium homeostasis. Current techniques involve extraction of radioactive phosphate with organic solvents, a technique that results in large quantities of hazardous radioactive waste. Other colorimetric assays are less sensitive and are complicated by interference of background absorbance from membrane tissue and unutilized ATP. This report describes a unique assay for the detection of inorganic phosphate and its application to the study of rat brain microsomal Mg2+/Ca2+ ATPase from a membrane fraction. The technique involves the separation of radioactive phosphate from unused gamma-radiolabeled ATP by resolution on 20% polyacrylamide gels. Both are visualized with X-ray film and quantitated by liquid scintillation counting after extraction from the gels. The assay can detect as little as 4.1 pmol of radiolabeled ATP and ATPase activity in 3.5 ng/microliter of membrane protein. This method offers the advantage of simultaneous quantitation of radiolabeled ATP and radioactive orthophosphate without the generation of large quantities of radioactive waste. The results demonstrate the development of a novel assay procedure for quantitating orthophosphate that is extremely sensitive, reproducible, and applicable to the study of any phosphate liberating enzyme.
Elevated nm23 protein expression is correlated with diminished progression-free survival in patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

Abstract Objectives: The role of the candidate metastasis-suppressor gene nm23-H1 first characterized in breast cancer remains controversial, with both metastasis suppression and disease progression being linked to elevated nm23-H1 gene expression in different human tumor types. We sought to characterize (1) the pattern and intensity of nm23-H1/nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinase expression in human epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) and (2) the relationship between nm23-H1/NDP kinase expression and tumor extent at diagnosis (FIGO stage) and response to treatment as defined by progression-free survival and actuarial survival. Methods: Twenty-four patients with EOC aged 61.1 ± 13.0 (mean ± SD) years were followed for 614.0 ± 289.7 days after a debulking procedure, cisplatin-based chemotherapy (19 of 24), and second-look laparotomy (9 of 24). After the primary debulking procedure, 63% of patients had no or microscopic residual disease. Overnight incubation of formalin-fixed tumor sections at 4°C with primary rabbit polyclonal IgG antibody to human nm23-H1/NDP kinase was followed by detection with standard ABC method. Nonimmune rabbit serum and normal breast tissue served as controls. Immunohistochemical staining was graded by a clinically blinded observer for intensity of staining (0, negative; 1, weak; 3, strong), pattern of staining (focal or diffuse), and histologic grade of tumor (1 through 4). Results: Of the EOCs, 54% were histologic grade 3 or 4 and 58% were FIGO stage III; 88% (21 of 24) stained positively, and 18 of 21 stained strongly and 14 of 21 stained diffusely. No correlation was found between either intensity or pattern of nm23-H1/NDP kinase immunostaining and histologic grade. No correlation was found between either staining pattern or intensity and FIGO stage. There was a trend toward decreased actuarial survival with both focal pattern ( P = 0.12, log-rank test) and strong intensity ( P = 0.15, log-rank test) of nm23-H1 staining. Decreased progression-free survival was likewise correlated with focal nm23-H1/NDP kinase immunostaining pattern ( P = 0.02, log-rank test) and strong intensity of nm23-H1/NDP kinase staining ( P = 0.08, log-rank test). Conclusions: Expression of nm23-H1/NDP kinase is strongly upregulated in most EOCs. Redundant overexpression of nm23-H1/NDP kinase may contribute to deranged cell cycle progression and EOC proliferation. Pattern and intensity of nm23-H1/NDP kinase immunostaining of EOC tissue retrieved at primary operation may identify patients at risk for tumor progression and help guide treatment strategies. These findings suggest that nm23-H1 gene expression may have distinct if not opposite biologic functions in EOC and breast carcinoma.
Further results on the joint characteristic function of the complex scalar LMS adaptive weight

Further results are obtained for the joint characteristic function of the single-weight complex-scalar LMS adaptive algorithm. An expression for the conditional characteristic function of the complex weight at time n+1, given the complex weight at time n, is derived. This result is used to obtain a partial differential-difference equation for the characteristic function of the complex weight, in agreement with previous results obtained by another method. >
Meniscal repair: open and arthroscopic outside-in techniques

Abstract This article reviews the principles of meniscal function and healing and provides an overview of techniques for meniscal repair, including open and outside-in techniques.
Acquisition and analysis of X-band moving target signature data using a 160-GHz compact range

Acquisition of full-polarimetric millimeter-wave, or microwave, moving target signature sets sufficient for developing ATR algorithms have proven to be costly and difficult to achieve operationally. Thorough investigations involving moving targets are often hindered by the lack of rigorously consistent signature data for a sufficient number of targets across requisite viewing angles, articulations and environmental conditions. Under the support of DARPA's TRUMPETS (through Mission Research Corporation) and AMSTE programs in conjunction with the US Army National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), X-band far-field turntable signature data has been acquired on 1/16th scaled models of the Bradley and BTR-70 vehicles specifically constructed for moving target investigations using ERADS' 160 GHz fully polarimetric compact range. The tracks/wheels of the scale models were translated incrementally as the radar's transmit frequency was stepped across a 10.5 GHz bandwidth. By acquiring a full frequency sweep at each track/wheel position with appropriate translation resolution, HRR RCS profiles of doppler-shifted body/track components were generated. HRR profiles of the equivalent stationary vehicle were also generated for analysis using the vehicle's HRR profiles for any given track position. These full-polarimetric HRR RCS profiles were acquired at an azimuth resolution and sweep-to-sweep phase stability sufficient for generating doppler shifted and standard ISAR imagery of either/both the moving and stationary vehicle. As a low-cost technology, this signature survey enabled researchers on the TRUMPETS and AMSTE programs to perform correlation studies between moving and stationary target HRR RCS profiles as well as ISAR imagery for a complete spin of the vehicle at a single elevation angle. [1-4] Data sampling was of sufficient density to enable researchers to simulate complex (non-linear) vehicle movement such as driving around a curve. Certainly more complex scenarios could be investigated with the existing signature data like acceleration/deceleration effects. A summary of the moving target signature data acquired is presented, along with a description and examples of the signature analysis techniques exploited. This signature data is available from NGIC on request for Government Agencies and Government Contractors with an established need-to-know.
A multicenter evaluation of sequential multimodality therapy and clinical outcome for the treatment of advanced endometrial cancer

Abstract Objectives The appropriate sequencing of chemotherapy and radiation for the treatment of advanced endometrial cancer has not yet been determined. We sought to evaluate the outcome and adverse effects in patients with advanced stage endometrial cancer treated with postoperative chemotherapy and radiation to determine whether there was an advantage to a particular sequencing modality. Methods A multicenter retrospective analysis of patients with surgical stages III and IV endometrial cancer from 1993 to 2007 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were comprehensive staging procedure including hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, ±Alloccurrencesof"+/-"werechangedtoaplusminussign.Pleaseverify.-->selective pelvic/aortic lymphadenectomy, and treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. Differences in frequencies of adverse events were tested with Pearson's chi-square test for comparing proportions. OS and PFS rates were calculated using Kaplan–Meier estimates. Hazard Ratios (HR) were estimated from multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Results One hundred and nine patients with advanced stage endometrial cancer were identified who received postoperative adjuvant therapies; 41% ( n =45) chemotherapy followed by radiation and then further chemotherapy (CRC), 17% ( n =18) radiation followed by chemotherapy (RC), and 42% ( n =46) chemotherapy followed by radiation (CR). The median age was 62 years (range: 35–83); 48% had endometrioid tumors; and 90% underwent optimal cytoreduction. There was no difference in the frequency of adverse effects due to either chemotherapy ( p =0.35) or radiotherapy ( p =0.14); dose modifications ( p =0.055); or delays ( p =0.80) between the various sequencing modalities. There was a significant difference between adjuvant treatment groups for both OS (log rank p =0.011) and PFS (log rank p =0.025), with those receiving CRC having a superior 3-year OS (88%) and PFS (69%) compared to RC (54% and 47%) or CR (57% and 52%). After adjusting for stage, age, grade, race, histology and cytoreduction status the OS HR for therapy was 5.74 (95% CI, 1.96 to 16.77) for RC and 2.60 (95% CI, 1.01 to 6.71) for CR, compared to CRC, p =0.003. When the analysis was restricted to optimally cytoreduced patients, those who were treated with RC were at higher risk for disease progression [HR=3.53 (95% CI, 1.29 to 9.71)], p =0.024, and death [HR=7.24 (95% CI, 2.25 to 23.37)], p =0.001, than patients who received sequential CRC. Conclusions Sequential CRC was associated with improved survival in women with advanced stage disease compared to other sequencing modalities with a similar adverse effect profile. Future clinical trials are needed to prospectively evaluate appropriate sequencing and types of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of advanced stage endometrial cancer.
Tandemly arranged variant 5S ribosomal RNA genes In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Most of the ribosomal RNA genes of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are about 9 kilobases (kb) in size and encode both the 35S rRNA (processed to produce the 25S, 18S, and 5.8S species) and 5S rRNA. These genes are arranged in a single tandem array of 100 repeats. Below, we present evidence that at the centromere-distal end of this array is a tandem arrangement of a different type of rRNA gene. Each of these repeats is 3.6 kb in length and encodes a single 5S rRNA. The coding sequence of this gene is different fro-n that of the "normal" 5S gene in three positions located at the 3' end of the gene.
Special Issue: Selected Papers from Super Computing 2012

As the chairs for the SC12 Technical Papers, we were surprised and delighted to have the highest number of technical paper submissions ever to the SC conference series. Authors submitted 472 paper for review, and the 175 member program committee accepted 100 of these papers for presentation during the conference – an acceptance rate of 21%. From these 100 papers, the committee also nominated exceptional papers as finalists for Best Paper and Best Student Paper, numbering six and nine papers, respectively, with two papers in both categories. The authors of several of these finalist papers were offered the opportunity to publish extended versions of their papers in this special issue; ten authors accepted. Here, we provide a brief introduction to these ten papers. “Compiler-directed file layout optimization for hierarchical storage systems” by Wei Ding, Yuanrui Zhang, Mahmut Kandemir and Seung Woo Son. This paper describes a new perspective on optimizing file layouts for hierarchical storage caches using compilerdriven analysis. The fully automated method shows improvements on 16 I/O intensive workloads, increasing performance by 23.7% on average. “Efficient and reliable network tomography in heterogeneous networks using BitTorrent broadcasts and clustering algorithms” by Kiril Dichev, Fergal Reid and Alexey Lastovetsky. This paper describes a new solution to the problem of managing end-to-end bandwidth in BitTorrent-style data transfers. Their method
Early Postoperative Increase in Defibrillation Threshold with Nonthoracotomy System in Humans

The stability of the defibrillation threshold (DFT) early after implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator was evaluated in 15 patients. All but one patient had a three lead nonthoracotomy system using a subcutaneous patch, a right ventricular endocardial lead, and a lead in coronary sinus (n = 5) or superior vena cava (n = 9). Shocks were delivered using simultaneous in nine, sequential in three, and single pathway (coronary sinus not used) in one patient. DFTs were measured at implant (n = 15), 2-8 days postoperation (postop, n = 15), and 4-6 weeks later (n = 8). The DFT was defined as the lowest energy shock that resulted in successful defibrillation. The DFT was assessed with output beginning at 18 joules or 2-4 joules above the implant DFT. All shocks were delivered in 2- to 4-joule increments or decrements. DFTs were significantly higher postoperatively than DFTs at implant (22.7 +/- 7.0 J vs 16.9 +/- 3.9 J; P < 0.05). Eight of 15 patients had DFT determined at all three study periods. In these patients, DFT increased at postop (22.8 +/- 8.3 J vs 16.4 +/- 3.9 J at implant; P < 0.05) and returned to baseline at 4-6 weeks (16 +/- 7.1 J vs 16.4 +/- 3.9 J at implant; P = N.S.). Thus, in patients with a multilead nonthoracotomy system, a DFT rise was observed early after implant. The DFT appears to return to baseline in 4-6 weeks. These results have important implications for programming energy output after implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation.
The Receiving End of Reform: Everyday Responses to Neoliberalisation in Southeastern Mexico

In southeastern Mexico, community forestry activities designed to join conservation and development experienced a significant institutional shift in 1992 when the federal government revised national policies and programs to conform to neoliberal economic and political designs. Mexico's embrace of neoliberalism produced revisions to the federal constitution that ended agrarian reform and created the possibility of dismantling the ejido, a form of collective property. This article builds upon the literature on neoliberalism and environment as well as studies on community forestry by examining the creative accommodations that rural producers have made in navigating Mexico's neoliberal turn. In contrast to previous work that emphasizes macro-level processes (eg, privatization of public natural resources) and local resistance, I employ Bourdieu's theory of practice to examine the symbolic and material dimensions of local responses to neoliberal policy reform. Drawing on research from nine communities in the state of Quintana Roo, I argue that local producers have accommodated neoliberal policies and programs by adopting hybrid logics, property regimes, forms of organization, and modes of exchange. Moreover, I contend that these creative responses constitute elements of a long-standing "culture of accommodation" to institutional change that predates Mexico's neoliberal reforms.
Astrocytic laminin regulates pericyte differentiation and maintains blood brain barrier integrity

Blood brain barrier (BBB) breakdown is not only a consequence of but also contributes to many neurological disorders, including stroke and Alzheimer's disease. How the basement membrane (BM) contributes to the normal functioning of the BBB remains elusive. Here we use conditional knockout mice and an acute adenovirus-mediated knockdown model to show that lack of astrocytic laminin, a brain-specific BM component, induces BBB breakdown. Using functional blocking antibody and RNAi, we further demonstrate that astrocytic laminin, by binding to integrin α2 receptor, prevents pericyte differentiation from the BBB-stabilizing resting stage to the BBB-disrupting contractile stage, and thus maintains the integrity of BBB. Additionally, loss of astrocytic laminin decreases aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and tight junction protein expression. Altogether, we report a critical role for astrocytic laminin in BBB regulation and pericyte differentiation. These results indicate that astrocytic laminin maintains the integrity of BBB through, at least in part, regulation of pericyte differentiation.
The efficacy of mineral oil combined with feed restriction in enhancing the elimination of heptachlor epoxide from mink (Mustela vison)

Adult female mink previously fed diets containing 0 (control) and 6.25 mg heptachlor/kg diet for 181 days were fed either the same control diet ad libitum (AL) or the control diet containing 10% mineral oil and restricted by 45% of ad libitum intake (MO/R) for 21 days to determine the efficacy of the latter treatment in enhancing the elimination of heptachlor epoxide (HE) from mink. Kit mink (2–3 months of age) whelped by dams of the control and 6.25 mg/kg groups were also fed the MO/R or AL diets for 21 days. Daily consumption (g/kg bw/day) of the AL diet by kit mink was significantly greater than consumption of the same diet by the adult females. Body weights of the control adults and the control and 6.25 mg/kg kits were significantly reduced by feeding the MO/R diet. Two adults from the control group and one adult from the 6.25 mg/kg group fed the MO/R diet died during the 21-day period. No mortalities occurred in kit mink fed either diet. Administration of the MO/R diet caused a significant reduction in body fat of the control adults and kits, but not in the 6.25 mg/kg adults and kits. Decreases in body fat of the MO/R groups were not associated with greater elimination of HE when compared to the AL groups. Comparison of HE body burdens in adult female and kit mink from the former 6.25 mg/kg heptachlor group at day 21 indicated that consumption of the MO/R diet did not increase the elimination of HE when compared to day 21 HE body burdens in adults and kits fed the AL diet. Heptachlor epoxide body burdens were reduced by 78 (MO/R) and 80% (AL) in the 6.25 mg/kg adults, while HE elimination from the 6.25 mg/kg kits was 96 and 93%, respectively. The half-lives of HE in the adults were 9.1 (AL) and 10.9 (MO/R) days, and 4.9 (AL) and 4.6 (MO/R) days in the kits. These results indicate that HE is readily mobilized and eliminated from mink.
Pool Boiling Heat Transfer With Binary Mixture on Open Microchannel Surface

Two-phase cooling is considered an attractive option for electronics cooling due to its ability to dissipate large quantities of heat. In recent years, pool boiling has shown tremendous ability in high heat dissipation applications. Researchers have used various fluid medium for pool boiling including water, alcohol, refrigerants, nanofluids and binary mixture. In the current work, binary mixture of water with ethanol was chosen as the working fluid. Plain copper chip was used as the boiling surface. Effect of various concentrations of binary mixture was investigated. A maximum heat flux of 1720 kW/m2 at a wall superheat of 28°C was recorded for 15% ethanol in water. It showed a 1.5 fold increase in CHF over pure water.© 2013 ASME
Reducing Absenteeism and Rescheduling Among Grocery Store Employees With Point-Contingent Rewards

The purpose of this research was to evaluate a reward program designed to reduce absenteeism among staff (N = 38) at a grocery store. The intervention included public feedback and a credit reward system whereby participants got store dollars for attendance and authorized rescheduling of work assignments. Results showed that absenteeism decreased from a group mean of 8 shifts missed per week during baseline to 4.25 shifts missed per week during the intervention before increasing to 6.75 shifts missed per week during the reversal phase. The mean total rescheduling occurrences were reduced from a baseline average of 19.83 per week to 9.25 per week during the intervention and returned to 22.25 per week during the reversal. Employees were also less likely to leave early during the intervention period.
Association of unrecognized preoperative cognitive impairment with postoperative cognitive and functional outcomes in elderly people awaiting hip fracture repair

predictor effects. The severity of bias in parameter estimates may be further exacerbated by the appropriateness of the methodological choices and assumptionsmade for handlingmissing data. The purpose of this study is to perform a comprehensive analysis of the impact of different approaches for handling missing data on the misclassification probabilities of AD diagnosis as a distal outcome.Methods:Using data from individuals diagnosed at baseline as mild cognitively impaired enrolled in 33 Alzheimer’s Disease Centers across the United States, we will conduct a systematic assessment of a) the amount, level, and pattern of missingness in all potential predictors and the outcome of interest (variables are summarized in Table 1), and b) the assumptions about the observed missing data mechanism given the characteristics of the data. Using this information, we will implement five different techniques for handlingmissing data.Wewill apply a variable selectionmethod to reduce dimensionality that selects variables and estimates parameters simultaneously. The overall performance ofmissing data approacheswill be assessed using multiple criteria.Results: At the time of this submission we had completed three of the five proposed missing data approaches. Results show significant differences in the sensitivity and specificity of the prediction model for discriminating converters from non-converters in theMCI group. Further, the choice ofmissing data treatment affects the relative importance of predictors of conversion to AD. Conclusions: Not adjusting for the presence of non-random missing data may lead to biased parameter estimates and inaccurate inferences, reducing the validity of observed causal associations.
Placebo practice trials: the best predictor of adherence readiness for HAART among drug users?

AbstractPurpose: This study assessed the utility of a placebo practice trial in determining adherence readiness among drug users. Method: Participants with histories of drug dependency completed a 2-week practice trial that mimicked HAART (Phase 1), followed by a 2-week observation of adherence to HAART (Phase 2) for those who began antiretroviral therapy during the study period. The primary measure of adherence was electronic monitoring. Results: There were 201 participants enrolled; 39% met criteria for current drug dependency. Mean adherence to the practice trial was 67%. Of the 184 Phase 1 completers, 83 (45%) initiated HAART prior to the end of the study. Mean adherence to HAART was 74%, including 33 patients (39%) with 90+% adherence. Adherence to the practice trial was correlated with antiretroviral adherence (r = .49, p < .001), and 90+% adherence to the practice trial was an accurate marker of the "adherence readiness" (ability to adhere 90+% on HAART) of 72% of the participants. In multivariate ...
Cooperation of Science and Management for Harmful Algal Blooms: Domoic Acid and the Washington Coast Razor Clam Fishery

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) may be increasing in frequency and intensity worldwide. Coastal economies suffer significant income losses when fisheries or beaches are closed to protect human health and subsistence fishing communities are at risk. Despite these hardships, managers must often conservatively close harvests across a wide area or for long periods, because they lack scientific information that would allow them to predict HAB events. The outer coast of Washington State has experienced several closures of the razor clam (Siliqua patula) fishery starting in 1991, due to domoic acid (DA) contamination caused by toxic blooms of the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia. Improved science-based management was needed to minimize the impact of DA on this fishery and the coastal communities that relied on it for income, tourism, and subsistence. The Olympic Region Harmful Algal Bloom (ORHAB) Partnership, comprised of state and tribal managers, scientists, and local stakeholders, evolved in response to this need; it has ...
Variation in the use of general extenders and stuff in instant messaging interactions

Abstract Motivated by the demonstrated consequentiality of vague multiword expressions in spoken and written language use, the present study examines instances of vague language in the context of synchronous computer-mediated interactions. The focus is on multiword expressions encoding shared knowledge termed as general extenders (GEs) ( Overstreet, 1999 ), such as and stuff and or something. Variations in the frequencies of adjunctive and disjunctive GE use between native and non-native English language users in a corpus of over 500 one-on-one instant messaging interactions are explored in relation to the findings from corpus linguistic research on spoken English. The analysis based on their referential sets of meaning suggests a variation in the use and functions of GEs in computer-mediated interactions, with non-native language users utilizing fewer disjunctive and societal GEs than native language users. The findings, methodological considerations and pedagogical implications are discussed in relation to prior work on vague language.
Green Goggles: Designing and Teaching a General Chemistry Course to Nonmajors Using a Green Chemistry Approach

A novel course using green chemistry as the context to teach general chemistry fundamentals was designed, implemented and is described here. The course design included an active learning approach, with major course graded components including a weekly blog entry, exams, and a semester project that was disseminated by wiki and a public symposium. Results include self-reports of gains in knowledge of both general and green chemistry concepts as well as how they are related, and that the project and wiki participation contributed most to their learning gains in the course. Other qualitative results include attitudinal changes and increase in critical thinking skills. Course improvements for future offerings are also reported.
Black Theology, a weapon in the struggle for freedom: a Gramscian analysis

Abstract South African churchmen created Black Theology during the late 1960s and early 1970s to add a theological dimension to the African struggle against apartheid. In doing this, they looked to western Christianity, African-American theology, and their own experience of suffering as sources of inspiration, while creating a new religious culture and political orientation to liberate their people from European domination. Hence, Black Theology is in fact an anti-ruling class ideology designed to subvert the existing sociopolitical order. This study examines that ideology treating it as a case study and using Gramscian theory as an interpretive grid. Moreover, it argues that Black Theology informs Gramsci and in so doing, identifies four specific contributions that Christianity is capable of making to a cultural revolution, which include a moral standard, a structured community, an emancipatory language, and a divinely inspired comment to the struggle.
Interactions between acridines and triphenyl methane dyes: their possible role in therapeutic interference.

Abstract The interaction of trypaflavine, or its N-ethyl analog, with the triphenyl methane dyes, Crystal Violet and parafuchsin, has been investigated. Molecular orbital calculations indicate that interaction between the two species is feasible and likely. Experimental evidence from X-ray diffraction determination, spectrophotometry in the visible region and fluorescence quenching confirms the existence of a complex between the species, with a 1:1 ratio of dyes, and the lack of fluorescence quenching with the model quencher methylene blue indicate that this 1:1 complex forms only when both molecules are flat. The formation of this complex is discussed as a possible explanation of the therapeutic interference by triphenyl methane dyes on the action of the acridines.
Monotectic Growth: Unanswered Questions

Early solidification experiments in immiscible alloy systems almost immediately led to conflicting findings between investigators. Investigations revealed that several factors usually considered unimportant, especially the interfacial energy relationships between phases, could have a dramatic influence on the types of microstructures produced in immiscible alloy systems. During the 1980s, work concentrated on the influence interfacial energy on microstructure. However, some findings raised new questions. In the mid 1990s and continuing through today, most efforts have focused on modeling the monotectic growth process and on obtaining steady state coupled growth conditions in hypermonotectic alloys. This paper focuses on some of the advances that have been made to date in understanding solidification in immiscible alloy systems and some of the questions that remain to be answered.
Single-photon quantum error rejection and correction with linear optics

We present single-photon schemes for quantum error rejection and correction with linear optics. In stark contrast with other known proposals, our schemes do not require multi-photon entangled states, are not probabilistic, and their application is not restricted to single bit-flip errors.
CRYSTALLIZATION AND PRELIMINARY X-RAY ANALYSIS OF BORRELIA BURGDORFERI OUTER SURFACE PROTEIN A (OSPA) COMPLEXED WITH A MURINE MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY FAB FRAGMENT

Abstract The Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface lipoprotein OspA is a current focus for vaccine development to prevent Lyme disease infection. A soluble, recombinant form of the protein lacking the aminoterminal lipid membrane anchor was cocrystallized with the Fab fragment of an agglutinating mouse monoclonal antibody. The crystals belong to space group P2 1 2 1 2 1 , with a = 90.0 A, b = 91.9 A, and c = 102.9 A and they were found to diffract to a maximum resolution of 2.8 A using synchrotron radiation.