cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accessing the Web

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has recently established a World Wide Web site on the Internet. The site features news updates and information about The Society, registration forms for upcoming events, committee newsletters, a directory of Society members, educational materials, and a program for searching abstracts from cardiothoracic surgery journals. The STS site also hosts Web pages for The Annals of Thoracic Surgery displaying instructions for authors, upcoming tables of contents, current issue abstracts, and a featured article for on-line discussion by Society members. To access the Web site, members need the following:
Twist disclinations in the carbonaceous mesophase

Abstract Disclinations are prominent features of the microstructures of coke and graphite because their lamelliform structures are formed via a liquid crystal, the carbonaceous mesophase. Polarized-light techniques have been applied to study disclination structures in the fibrous and lamellar microconstituents which result from uniaxial and biaxial extension, respectively, of the plastic mesophase. The strong preferred orientations of these characteristic microconstituents of needle coke aid in resolving their disclination structures. The fibrous microconstituent contains primarily wedge disclinations in parallel, with rotations of ± π and ±2 π . Disclinations with appreciable twist character have been identified at the boundaries of the folds which characterize the lamellar microconstituent. The twist disclinations are not rare, but their inherent structure makes identification difficult on a random plane of section. The folded regions constitute disclination loops of rotation π. Vestiges of the doubly curved surfaces of undeformed mesophase are found in the double curvature of some folded regions; the rotation vector along the disclination loop bounding such folds is conserved in magnitude but not in direction.
The Neglected Firm

The article presents a review of the book “The Neglected Firm,” by Jorge Vasconcellos e Sa.
Should postpartum mood disorders be given a more prominent or distinct place in the DSM-IV?

In this review we consider the literature on postpartum psychoses as well as on non-psychotic postpartum depression with a goal of determining how such disorders should be categorized in DSM-IV. We conclude that the majority of postpartum psychoses are affective in nature and that, despite the observation of “confusion” in many such presentations; the symptom picture is not sufficiently unique to warrant a separate diagnostic category. We could find no evidence of unique presentation of non-psychotic postpartum depression. Nonetheless, because of the unique complications associated with postpartum disorders (e.g., disruption of the mother-infant bond, infanticide), we recommend that postpartum presentations be given a more prominent place in the text of DSM-IV and that a course specifier, “postpartum onset,” be applied to major depressive or manic/hypomanic episodes in Bipolar I, Bipolar II, or Major Depressive Disorder, or to Acute Psychotic Disorder when appropriate. Depression 1:59–70 (1993). © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
T cell inhibitor secreted by macrophages and endothelial cells.

Abstract On stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), normal human macrophages (Mφ) and endothelial cells (EC) produced factors which inhibited interleukin 2 (IL-2)-dependent lymphocyte proliferation and PHA plus interleukin 1 (IL-1)-dependent mouse thymocyte proliferation but not IL-1-dependent human fibroblast proliferation, suggesting that they were inhibitors of the IL-2 response. In addition, these factors inhibited the production of IL-2 by normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The factors also inhibited PBMC proliferation in response to PHA and concanavalin (Con A) but did not inhibit the proliferation of EC, U937 cells, or Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells. On Sephadex G200 gel filtration, the inhibitory factors from both Mφ and EC were detected almost entirely in a 130- to 150-kDa fraction, but active material was also detected in a 15- to 20-kDa fraction. On isoelectric chromatofocusing of the 130- to 150-kDa fraction, inhibitory activity was associated with fractions eluted at three isoelectric points, pH 7.0, 5.4, and 4.8. The isoelectric fractions isolated from Mφ and EC showed similar patterns of inhibition. When 130- to 150-kDa fractions from Sephadex G200 of the Mφ and EC supernatants were treated with an antibody against a macrophage-derived suppressor factor produced by the human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1, the activity of both fractions was neutralized. The above findings suggest that normal Mφ and EC secrete an identical or closely related inhibitor of IL-2 synthesis and IL-2 response, and that this inhibitor regulates these IL-2-related functions by a suppressive action on the T lymphocyte.
Bradykinin receptor antagonists type 2 attenuate the inflammatory changes in peptidoglycan-induced acute arthritis in the Lewis rat.

Objective and Design: We studied the ability of bradykinin (BK) receptor antagonists type 1 and 2 (B1-RA, B2-RA) to prevent acute inflammation.¶Material: A peptidoglycan-polysaccharide (PG-APS)-induced model of arthritis in the Lewis rat was analyzed.¶Treatment: Four groups of animals were studied for 5 days. Treatment was administered subcutaneously (s.c.) 1 mg/kg every 12 h. Group I received PG-APS and was treated with the B2-RA, CP-0597 (DArg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Thi-Ser-DTic-NChg-Arg). Group II received PG-APS and was treated with a combined B1 and B2-RA, B9430 (DArg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Igl-Ser-DIgl-Oic-Arg). Group III received PG-APS and albumin control. Group IV received albumin control.¶Methods: Joint diameter, liver weight, hematocrit, white blood count and plasma concentrations of prekallikrein, high molecular weight kininogen, HK and IL-1β were measured. Groups were compared by ANOVA.¶Results: Acute arthritis and hepatomegaly were attenuated in the B2-RA-treated animals (p<0.05). Weight loss was more pronounced in the B1/B2-RA-treated animals. Anemia induced by PG-APS was prevented by B2-RA and B1/B2-RA treatment (p<0.001). A marked decrease in plasma HK to 64% of normal was found in the disease-untreated animals, which was completely normalized by B2-RA treatment and partially attenuated by the B1/B2-RA (78%). The decrease in plasma prekallikrein levels was prevented by combined B1/B2-RA treatment (p<0.05). Finally, elevated plasma IL-1β levels were lowered by B1/B2-RA treatment and were below detection limits with the B2-RA treatment.¶Conclusions: These results indicate that the systemic inflammation is due in part to BK generation which can be blocked by B2-RA, while inhibiting the B1 receptor prevents an anti-inflammatory response.¶
The power of a partner: Using collaborative reflection to support constructivist practice in middle grades science and mathematics

(1996). The power of a partner: Using collaborative reflection to support constructivist practice in middle grades science and mathematics. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 229-246.
Gauge-Invariance Restrictions on Pole Models for K L → γ γ Decay

Within the usual pole-model assumptions which have been employed for calculating the ${K}_{L}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decay, we show that gauge invariance excludes ${K}^{*}$-pole graphs and allows only the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$- and $\ensuremath{\eta}$-pole contributions.
Fast algorithm for generating sorted contour strings

Abstract Automatic generation of contours for graphical display and map plotting has been studied extensively since the early days of computing. The individual segments making up a contour line are often determined by subdividing the object of interest into small triangles and computing the contours assuming a linear variation on each triangle. However, efficient storage of contour data and the need to place labels (automatically) or to smooth the contours require that the contours be generated in continuous strings of segments. A simple approach to generate such strings is to sort the randomly generated contour segments. Since sorting can be time-consuming, the majority of previous approaches are contour-tracing algorithms that traverse the surface and generate the contour in a continuous sequence of segments. In this paper, we present a new sorting algorithm. The algorithm is relatively easy to implement, can be applied to any type of surface, and works for both 2D and 3D objects. The algorithm is significantly faster than the contour tracing approach, particularly when large numbers of segments are involved.
Infrared Images Of Microwave Scattering From A Ferrite Coated Cylinder

The electromagnetic(EM) scattering from a solid metal cylinder and a solid metal cylinder with a complex coating is investigated experimentally. Infrared detection of the heating patterns produced on a thin lossy carbon screen by the scattered EM field is used to map this field. Results are presented in the 2 to 4 GHz range at several angles of incidence.
“People, places, and things:” Network factors matter in the experiences of mental health court participants

Mental health courts (MHC) are expanding nationally but the evidence base involves substantial gaps in research. Although positive outcomes are associated with MHC participation, it is unclear as to what factors contribute to outcomes. The current study addresses gaps in research by exploring the experiences of MHC participants and associations between network factors and treatment adherence from consumers participating in two MHCs (N=80). A mixed-method design drawing from multiple data sources is utilized. Study results suggest network factors are significantly associated with treatment adherence and play an important role in recovery. Results have implications for social work practice and research.
High-density lipoprotein therapy: is there hope?

The treatment of lipid abnormalities generally has focused on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction based on extensive clinical trials and the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. Unfortunately, it has become increasingly clear that a significant percentage of patients continue to have cardiovascular events despite being on LDL-C–lowering medications and having LDL-C levels below 100 mg/dL. Numerous epidemiologic studies have associated low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore, recent data show that up to 55% of patients hospitalized for CVD have low HDL-C levels (<40 mg/dL) on admission, suggesting a possible target for further reducing CVD. Low HDL-C also is part of the atherogenic phenotype associated with obesity, glucose intolerance, and hypertension, termed the metabolic syndrome, and often is seen in patients with insulin resistance states. In general, the first line of therapy for increasing HDL-C in patients with levels below 40 mg/dL is lifestyle modification with smoking cessation, exercise, weight loss, and diet modifications. The pharmacologic treatment of isolated low HDL-C in patients without coronary disease is controversial but should be considered in those with a strong family history of CVD. In patients with coronary artery disease and isolated low HDL-C, statins remain the first-line therapy and should be instituted after lifestyle modifications, with the goal of increasing HDL-C above 40 mg/dL. If concomitant hypertriglyceridemia is present, a fibrate or niacin should be considered. Although statins do offer some HDL-C–raising properties, they tend to have modest effects. If treatment goals have not been achieved with either lifestyle changes or statin therapy, then the next agent of choice is niacin. Among the various HDL-C–raising therapies, niacin continues to be the most potent therapeutic option available. There are several novel HDL-C therapies in the research pipeline; however, only one class of medications is relatively close to clinical use, the cholesteryl ester transferase protein (CETP) inhibitors. Although one of the CETP inhibitors, torcetrapib, has received much negative attention from a large randomized trial showing increased mortality associated with its use, the overall class of therapeutic agents may still hold some benefit. Currently, two new CETP inhibitors without the off-target effects of torcetrapib are undergoing clinical research. Overall, the use of HDL-C–modifying agents likely will increase over the next decade.
Effect of chemical interaction on barenblatt crack profiles in brittle solids

Abstract A self-consistent solution for continuum-slit Barenblatt cracks with interactive chemistry is presented. Environmental species entering the crack mouth are limited in their transport along the ever-narrowing interface by molecular size restrictions. The ensuing cohesion zone behind the tip consists of three regions: an extended far region of weak solid-fluid-solid attraction; a small intermediate region of strong solid-fluid-solid repulsion; and an exclusionary near-tip intrinsic region of strong solid-solid attraction. To facilitate an analytical solution of the equations for the crack-opening displacements, the cohesion stresses are taken to be uniformly distributed within each of these zones. The magnitudes of these stresses are expressed in terms of the intersurface energies that define equilibrium crack states, for virgin and healed interfaces. Illustrative calculations of the crack profiles are given for the well-documented mica-water system. It is shown that the penetrating species cause a significant local bulge in the repulsion region, consistent with Thomson's picture of a molecular wedge.
Applying software engineering in CS1

This paper introduces a method for incorporating software engineering concepts into the computer science curriculum earlier by using a structured project in CS1. The project is designed such that it must be completed using phases of a software development cycle. This approach provides the students earlier exposure to software engineering and grounds software engineering practice throughout the curriculum. With a better understanding of and appreciation for the software development process, students are better prepared to handle future academic and professional projects. This paper presents a detailed discussion of the CS1 project and its execution, accompanied by results and feedback from a post-project survey administered to students.
Peripheral sympathetic innervation of the deep pineal gland of the golden hamster.

Both the superficial and deep pineal components of the intact hamster contain a rich network of green to yellow-green fluorescent nerve fibres. After either superior cervical ganglionectomy or after transection of the nervi conarii the majority of the fluorescing fibres disappeared from both the superficial and deep pineal mases. Although the deep pineal remained intact after surgical removal of the superficial pineal, it was devoid of any green or yellowgreen fluorescent fibres.
Scanning electron microscopy of neurons isolated from the pedal disk and body column of Hydra

Segments of pedal disk and body column were cut from specimens of Hydra littoralis and separated into epidermis and gastrodermis, then macerated to isolate neurons for scanning electron microscopy. Bipolar and multipolar ganglion cells were present in both tissue layers, whereas sensory cells were found only in the gastrodermis. A single cilium projected from the perikaryon of some bipolar and multipolar ganglion cells; the cilium was long in the pedal disk ganglion cells and short in those from the body column. Ganglion cells from the pedal disk had short, thick processes, whereas those from the body column had long, thin neurites. Gastrodermal sensory cells were characterized as unipolar by the presence of an apical cilium near the perikaryon or as asymmetrical bipolar by the presence of a narrow neck region between the perikaryon and cilium. The axon was short in pedal disk sensory cells and long in those from the body column.
Statistical Efficiency of Simultaneous Target and Sensors Localization with Position Dependent Noise

This work derives the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) for an acoustic target and sensor localization system in which the noise characteristics depend on the location of the source. The system itself has been previously examined, but without deriving the CRLB and showing the statistical efficiency of the estimator used. Two different versions of the CRLB are derived, one in which direction of arrival (DOA) and range measurements are available ("full-position CRLB"), and one in which only DOA measurements are available ("bearing-only CRLB"). In both cases, the estimator is found to be statistically efficient; but, depending on the sensor-target geometry, the range measurements may or may not significantly contribute to the accuracy of target localization.
Monkeypox virus and insights into its immunomodulatory proteins.

Monkeypox is a disease that is endemic in Central and Western Africa. However, in 2003, there was an outbreak in the US, representing the first documented monkeypox cases in the Western hemisphere. Although monkeypox virus is less fatal and not as transmissible as variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, there is concern that monkeypox virus could become a more efficient human pathogen. The reason for this may lie in the virus' genetic makeup, ecological changes, changes in host behavior, and the fact that with the eradication of variola virus, routine smallpox vaccination is no longer carried out. In this review, we focus on the viral proteins that are predicted to modulate the host immune response and compare the genome of monkeypox virus with the genomes of variola virus and the vaccinia virus, the orthopoxvirus that represented the smallpox vaccine. There are differences found in several of these immune-modulating genes including genes that express proteins that affect cytokines such as interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon. There are also differences in genes that code for virulence factors and host range proteins. Genetic differences likely also explain the differences in virulence between two strains of monkeypox virus found in two different regions of Africa. In the current setting of limited smallpox vaccination and little orthopoxvirus immunity in parts of the world, monkeypox could become a more efficient human pathogen under the right circumstances.
Preoperative Pain and Function Profiles Reflect Consistent TKA Patient Selection Among US Surgeons

Background As the number of primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) performed in the United States increases, policymakers have questioned whether the indications and timing of TKA have evolved so that surgery is offered earlier.
Expression and purification of a recombinant LL-37 from Escherichia coli

Human cathelicidin-derived LL-37 is a 37-residue cationic, amphipathic alpha-helical peptide. It is an active component of mammalian innate immunity. LL-37 has several biological functions including a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities and LPS-neutralizing activity. In order to determine the high-resolution three-dimensional structure of LL-37 using NMR spectroscopy, it is important to obtain the peptide with isotopic labels such as (15)N, (13)C and/or (2)H. Since it is less expensive to obtain such a peptide biologically, in this study, we report for the first time a method to express in E. coli and purify LL-37 using Glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion system. LL-37 gene was inserted into vector pGEX-4T3 and expressed as a GST-LL-37 fusion protein in BL21(DE3) strain. The recombinant GST-LL-37 protein was purified with a yield of 8 mg/l by affinity chromatography and analyzed its biochemical and spectroscopic properties. Factor Xa was used to cleave a 4.5-kDa LL-37 from the GST-LL-37 fusion protein and the peptide was purified using a reverse-phase HPLC on a Vydac C(18) column with a final yield of 0.3 mg/l. The protein purified using reverse-phase HPLC was confirmed to be LL-37 by the analyses of Western blot and MALDI-TOF-Mass spectrometry. E. coli cells harboring the expression vector pGEX-4T3-LL-37 were grown in the presence of the (15)N-labeled M9 minimal medium and culture conditions were optimized to obtain uniform (15)N enrichment in the constitutively expressed LL-37 peptide. These results suggest that our production method will be useful in obtaining a large quantity of recombinant LL-37 peptide for NMR studies.
When I'm within my rights: An expectancy‐based model of actor evaluative and behavioral responses to compliance‐resistance strategies

The present study's purpose is to assess the impact of target's compliance‐resistance strategies on the actor's behavioral and evaluative responses. It is proposed that the actors have certain expectations about the compliance‐gaining interaction based upon their perceptions of rights to seek compliance. Resistance strategies vary in negative valence and affect actors’ perceptions of expectancy violations, and subsequent evaluative and behavioral responses. Expectancy violations theory provides a predictive rationale for these responses of the actor. A model is tested in which valence of the target's compliance resistance strategy and the actor's perceived rights are found to predict positive expectancy‐violations, evaluations of the resistance message, and intentions to pursue the targets’ compliance.
Failure of low-dose recombinant human IL-2 to support the survival of virus-specific CTL clones infused into severe combined immunodeficient foals: lack of correlation between in vitro activity and in vivo efficacy.

Although CTL are important for control of lentiviruses, including equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), it is not known if CTL can limit lentiviral replication in the absence of CD4 help and neutralizing antibody. Adoptive transfer of EIAV-specific CTL clones into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) foals could resolve this issue, but it is not known whether exogenous IL-2 administration is sufficient to support the engraftment and proliferation of CTL clones infused into immunodeficient horses. To address this question we adoptively transferred EIAV Rev-specific CTL clones into four EIAV-challenged SCID foals, concurrent with low-dose aldesleukin (180,000 U/m2), a modified recombinant human IL-2 (rhuIL-2) product. The dose was calculated based on the specific activity on equine PBMC in vitro, and resulted in plasma concentrations considered sufficient to saturate high affinity IL-2 receptors in humans. Despite specific activity on equine PBMC that was equivalent to recombinant equine IL-2 and another form of rhuIL-2, aldesleukin did not support the engraftment and expansion of infused CTL clones, and control of viral load and clinical disease did not occur. It was concluded that survival of Rev-specific CTL clones infused into EIAV-challenged SCID foals was not enhanced by aldesleukin at the doses used in this study, and that in vitro specific activity did not correlate with in vivo efficacy. Successful adoptive immunotherapy with CTL clones in immunodeficient horses will likely require higher doses of rhuIL-2, co-infusion of CD4+ T lymphocytes, or administration of equine IL-2.
Primary murine CD4+ T cells fail to acquire the ability to produce effector cytokines when active Ras is present during Th1/Th2 differentiation.

Constitutive Ras signaling has been shown to augment IL-2 production, reverse anergy, and functionally replace many aspects of CD28 co-stimulation in CD4+ T cells. These data raise the possibility that introduction of active Ras into primary T cells might result in improved functionality in pathologic situations of T cell dysfunction, such as cancer or chronic viral infection. To test the biologic effects of active Ras in primary T cells, CD4+ T cells from Coxsackie-Adenovirus Receptor Transgenic mice were transduced with an adenovirus encoding active Ras. As expected, active Ras augmented IL-2 production in naive CD4+ T cells. However, when cells were cultured for 4 days under conditions to promote effector cell differentiation, active Ras inhibited the ability of CD4+ T cells to acquire a Th1 or Th2 effector cytokine profile. This differentiation defect was not due to deficient STAT4 or STAT6 activation by IL-12 or IL-4, respectively, nor was it associated with deficient induction of T-bet and GATA-3 expression. Impaired effector cytokine production in active Ras-transduced cells was associated with deficient demethylation of the IL-4 gene locus. Our results indicate that, despite augmenting acute activation of naive T cells, constitutive Ras signaling inhibits the ability of CD4+ T cells to properly differentiate into Th1/Th2 effector cytokine-producing cells, in part by interfering with epigenetic modification of effector gene loci. Alternative strategies to potentiate Ras pathway signaling in T cells in a more regulated fashion should be considered as a therapeutic approach to improve immune responses in vivo.
Effects of dietary fat on food intake and brain uptake and oxidation of fatty acids

The present study was designed to investigate (a) whether dietary fat manipulation, quantitatively and/or qualitatively, may influence the transport of fatty acids into the brain and oxidation of fatty acids in the hypothalamus; and (b) if an inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation changed food intake on these diets. Rats were fed for 4 wk 5% or 34% corn oil or tallow diets that were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. It was found that rats fed corn oil diets had significantly higher brain uptake index of palmitate than did rats fed tallow diets. In a second experiment, rats were fed either 30% corn oil or tallow diets and injected with either saline or mercaptoacetate (MA). Both saturated fat diets and mercaptoacetate injection reduced lateral hypothalamic, but not ventromedial hypothalamic fatty acid oxidation. Mercaptoacetate increased food intake only in the corn oil fed rats. It is proposed that these uptake and metabolic changes contribute to alterations in either energy expenditure or feeding behavior.
Novel glucocorticoid receptor coactivator effector mechanisms

Glucocorticoids regulate numerous distinct physiological processes, most of which rely on the ability of the hormone-bound glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to change the expression of target genes in a cell- and promoter-dependent manner. The transcriptional activity of GR depends on coactivators that regulate transcription by remodeling chromatin or by facilitating the recruitment of the basal transcriptional machinery. Coactivators are often part of multiprotein complexes that are not specific for GR but also mediate the activity of other nuclear receptors (NRs) and unrelated transcription factors. Surprisingly, recent results reveal that the activity of coactivators might contribute to the receptor, promoter and cell specificity of NR action. The emerging picture shows coactivators as flexible, but precise, coordinators of complex and dynamic networks, in which transcriptional regulation by GR and other NRs is linked to other signaling pathways.
The modified gait abnormality rating scale in patients with a conversion disorder: A reliability and responsiveness study

Individuals with conversion disorder have neurologic symptoms that are not identified by an underlying organic cause. Often the symptoms manifest as gait disturbances. The modified gait abnormality rating scale (GARS-M) may be useful for quantifying gait abnormalities in these individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability, responsiveness and concurrent validity of GARS-M scores in individuals with conversion disorder. Data from 27 individuals who completed a rehabilitation program were included in this study. Pre- and post-intervention videos were obtained and walking speed was measured. Five examiners independently evaluated gait performance according to the GARS-M criteria. Inter- and intrarater reliability of GARS-M scores were estimated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Responsiveness was estimated with the minimum detectable change (MDC). Pre- to post-treatment changes in GARS-M scores were analyzed with a dependent t-test. The correlation between GARS-M scores and walking speed was analyzed to assess concurrent validity. GARS-M scores were quantified with good-to-excellent inter- (ICC = 0.878) and intrarater reliability (ICC = 0.989). The MDC was 2 points. Mean GARS-M scores decreased from 7 ± 5 at baseline to 1 ± 2 at discharge (t26 = 7.411, p < 0.001) and 85% of patients improved beyond the MDC. Furthermore, GARS-M scores and walking speed measurements were moderately correlated (r = -0.582, p = 0.004), indicating that the GARS-M has acceptable concurrent validity. Our findings provide evidence that the GARS-M scores are reliable, valid and responsive for quantifying gait abnormalities in patients with conversion disorder. GARS-M scores provide objective measures upon which treatment effects can be assessed.
Nitrogen-Centered Activators of Peroxide-Reinforced Oxygen Delignification

In an effort to augment the efficiency of an oxygen delignification stage, we examined the effectiveness of various heterocyclic aromatic nitrogen compounds as possible activators of such a stage. It was shown that a variety of such compounds may act as activators in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, improving the delignification efficiency of oxygen delignification. Among the group of activators examined, 1,10-phenanthroline was found to be the most potent. Injecting the activator in the middle of the delignification stage (simulating a two-stage process) was shown to provide most of the benefits. The optimum injection time was found to at 30 min from the onset of the delignification. At the optimal charge of 1,10-phenanthroline (0.3%), the delignification was improved by 18%. While the presence of copper ions was found to further improve the efficiency of the activating system, this was accompanied by an extensive carbohydrate degradation.
Analyzing Pedestrian Traffic Behavior Using Video Footage, Zone of Comfort and Situation Awareness

This paper presents methods to quantify pedestrian traffic behavior. Video footage from a university building corridor was used to quantify pedestrian behavior. A coordinate conversion technique that maps images in the footage onto a real floor plan coordinate system was applied for image processing and data collection. This study has empirically examined pedestrians' preferred minimum distance to obstructions with respect to their changes in speed and trajectory. Subjective-observer rating of situation awareness (SA) was utilized to explain SA and related factors (speed and zone of comfort). Five elements of pedestrian SA are also discussed since they appear to be related to pedestrian navigation to achieve one's goal. The result of this study shows that speed of the pedestrian, zone of comfort, and SA score are closely related. Language: en
Potential performance theory (PPT): describing a methodology for analyzing task performance.

Based on potential performance theory (PPT), a methodological paradigm is developed that allows for individual-level analyses. The proposed methodology distinguishes among observed performance, strategy, and consistency, with the idea that changes in observed performance can be caused by changes in strategy or consistency. Equations are presented that allow the computation of strategy and consistency scores for groups and individuals, with the goal of enabling researchers to find the reasons why performance improves or does not improve. More specifically, people may (1) develop better strategies, (2) use them more consistently, (3) both, or (4) neither. It is even possible to have strategy—consistency trade-offs, as individuals focus on one at the expense of the other. Data obtained from an experiment illustrate these possibilities.
Effectiveness of a two-part educational intervention to improve hypertension control: a cluster-randomized trial.

Study Objective. To measure the effectiveness of a multifaceted educational intervention to improve ambulatory hypertension control. Design. Cluster-randomized trial. Setting. Academic health system using an ambulatory electronic medical record. Subjects. A total of 10,696 patients with a diagnosis of hypertension cared for by 93 primary care providers. Intervention. Academic detailing, provision of provider-specific data about hypertension control, provision of educational materials to the provider, and provision of educational and motivational materials to patients. Measurements and Main Results. The primary outcome was blood pressure control, defined as a blood pressure measurement below 140/90 mm Hg, and was ascertained from electronic medical records over 6 months of follow-up. We determined the adjusted odds ratio for the association between the intervention and the achievement of controlled blood pressure. When we accounted for clustering by provider, this adjusted odds ratio was 1.13 (95% confidence interval 0.87–1.47). Adjusted odds ratios were 1.03 (95% confidence interval 0.78–1.36) in patients whose blood pressure was controlled at baseline and 1.25 (95% confidence interval 0.94–1.65) in those whose blood pressure was not. These odds ratios were not significantly different (p=0.11). Conclusions. These results were consistent with no effect or, at best, a relatively modest effect of the intervention among patients with hypertension. Had we not included a concurrent control group, the data would have provided an unduly optimistic view of the effectiveness of the program. The effectiveness of future interventions may be improved by focusing on patients whose blood pressure is uncontrolled at baseline.
Rigid polyurethane foam reinforced with cellulose whiskers: Synthesis and characterization

A novel nanocomposite of rigid polyurethane foam was prepared by the polymerization of a sucrose-based polyol, a glycerol-based polyol and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate in the presence of cellulose whiskers. The cell morphology of the resulting foams was examined by scanning electron microscopy which showed both the pure foam and the nanocomposite foam had homogeneous cell dispersion and uniform cell size of approximately 200 μm. Analysis of the foams by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy indicated that both samples exhibited signals attributed to the polyurethane including the NH stretching and bending vibrations at 3320 cm−1 and 1530 cm−1, the OC=O vibration at 1730 cm−1 and the CO-NH vibration at 1600 cm−1. FT-IR analysis of the nanocomposite indicated that cellulose whiskers were crosslinked with the polyurethane matrix as the signal intensity of the OH stretch at 3500 cm−1 was significantly reduced in comparison to the spectral data acquired for a control sample prepared from the pure polyurethane foam mixed with cellulose whiskers. According to ASTM standard testing procedures, the tensile modulus, tensile strength and yield strength of the nanocomposite foam were found to be improved by 36.8%, 13.8% and 15.2%, and the compressive modulus and strength were enhanced by 179.9% and 143.4%, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis results testified the improvements of mechanical properties and showed a better thermal stability of the nanocomposite foam.
31P-nuclear magnetic resonance and 31P(1H) nuclear Overhauser effect analysis of mixed egg phosphatidylcholine-sodium taurocholate vesicles and micelles

Abstract The permeability characteristics of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) vesicles to Eu3+ has been examined by 31P-nmr, in various mixed lipid systems. It has been found that incorporation of small amounts of sodium taurocholate (NaTC) in the EPC vesicle greatly increased the vesicular permeability to Eu3+. Incorporation of cholesterol in the EPC vesicle significantly inhibits the ability of NaTC to induce permeability alterations in this mixed system. It has been reported that at low EPC:NaTC ratios (2:1-0.65:1), mixed micelles of the components are formed [ N. A. Mazer, R. F. Kwasnick, M. C. Carey, and G. B. Benedek, 1977 , in Micellization, Solubization, and Microemulsions (Mittal, K. L., ed.) Vol. 1, pp. 483-402, Plenum Press, New York]. By examination of the 31P-nmr linewidths of EPC, at various ratios of EPC:NaTC, it is possible to follow the decrease in size of the EPC vesicle, as it becomes incorporated into the smaller NaTC micelles. The 31P{1H} nuclear Overhauser enhancement of the simple EPC vesicle is not significantly different from this same parameter measured for EPC, when it exists in mixed micellar systems with NaTC. This indicates that there must be considerable internuclear head group interactions of EPC molecules in EPC-NaTC mixed micelles. This argues for sequestering of EPC in such micelles.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF TETRASPOROGENESIS IN PALMARIA PALMATA (RHODOPHYTA)1

The tetrasporangial initial in Palmaria palmata (L.) O. Kuntze (formerly Rhodymenia palmata (L.) Greville) arises from a cortex cell which enlarges and deposits a protein-rich wall layer. This cell undergoes mitosis to form a tetrasporocyte and a stalk cell. Synaptonemal complexes are formed in the sporocyte nucleus while in the cytoplasm floridean starch is deposited in association with ER or with particles presumed to be ribosomes. Microbody-like structures become numerous between the nuclear envelope and perinuclear ER, and clusters of non-membranous, spherical structures also are associated with the nucleus. Chromatin condensation is reversed following pachytene and a prolonged diffuse stage ensues, when dictyosomes and ER produce vesicles which deposit mucilage rich in sulfated and acidic polysaccharides around the tetrasporocyte. A conspicuous lenticular thickening of the mucilage sheath develops at the apical end of the sporangium. Dictyosomes are frequently associated with mitochondria which may be associated with chloroplasts. Following nuclear divisions the tetrasporocyte is cleaved into four spores by sequentially initiated, but simultaneously completed periclinal and anticlinal furrows. When mucilage deposition ceases, the dictyosomes begin to produce vesicles with glycoprotein-rich contents. These vesicles are abundant in released tetraspores, and they probably contain adhesive material aiding in the attachment of the liberated spores.
Surface and defect microstructure of GaN and AlN layers grown on hydrogen-etched 6H-SiC(0001) substrates

Abstract Hydrogen-etching of 6H–SiC(0001) substrates removed mechanical polishing damage and produced an array of parallel, unit cell high steps. The initial stage of AlN deposition on these etched substrates occurred via island nucleation, both on step edges and on terraces. Coalesced AlN films did not show scratch-induced undulations observed on the surfaces of AlN films deposited on as-received substrates. The films also had a lower density of growth pits. The majority of threading dislocations (TDs) observed in these films were of a type. Jagged networks of misfit dislocations were seen on the terraces in the 15 nm thick AlN/hydrogen-etched SiC composite. GaN islands nucleated primarily at undulations in AlN layers and at hillocks on the AlN surface of as-received and hydrogen-etched substrates, respectively. Complete coalescence of these islands occurred at thicknesses close to 20 nm, and subsequent growth occurred via the step-flow mechanism. Strain measurements showed more strain relaxation in GaN films grown on the hydrogen-etched substrate. On- and off-axis X-ray rocking curves revealed statistically similar full width at half maximum values for both on- and off-axis reflections, indicating similar densities of TDs in the two types of films. The majority of TDs in GaN epi-layers resulted from defective regions observed contiguous to the GaN/AlN interfaces.
Traditional Knowledge, Use, and Management of Living Marine Resources in American Samoa: Documenting Changes over Time through Interviews with Elder Fishers

Abstract: We interviewed elder fishermen in American Samoa to better understand their perspectives on traditional use and management of marine resources and changes in the status of certain species over the course of time. Elder fishermen provide an important source of information in a context of limited catch data, declining fishing effort, and evolving local fishing traditions. Most fishermen interviewed during the study described a decline in the quality of various nearshore habitats, a general decrease in abundance of edible reef fish, and diminished abundance of locally valued palolo, atule, giant clams, and octopus. Populations of reef sharks and turtles are typically seen as stable or increasing. Fishermen from the relatively densely populated island of Tutuila tended to report a greater decrease in abundance of marine resources in general than did fishermen from the more remote Manu'a Islands. Elder fishermen commonly reported deterioration of nearshore and shoreline habitats as an issue of concer...
Temperature‐dependent Li isotope ratios in Appalachian Plateau and Gulf Coast Sedimentary Basin saline water

Lithium (Li) concentrations of produced water from unconventional (horizontally drilled and hydraulically fractured shale) and conventional gas wells in Devonian reservoirs in the Appalachian Plateau region of western Pennsylvania range from 0.6 to 17 mmol kg−1, and Li isotope ratios, expressed as in δ7Li, range from +8.2 to +15‰. Li concentrations are as high as 40 mmol kg−1 in produced waters from Plio-Pleistocene through Jurassic-aged reservoirs in the Gulf Coast Sedimentary Basin analyzed for this study, and δ7Li values range from about +4.2 to +16.6‰. Because of charge-balance constraints and rock buffering, Li concentrations in saline waters from sedimentary basins throughout the world (including this study) are generally positively correlated with chloride (Cl), the dominant anion in these fluids. Li concentrations also vary with depth, although the extent of depth dependence differs among sedimentary basins. In general, Li concentrations are higher than expected from seawater or evaporation of seawater and therefore require water–mineral reactions that remove lithium from the minerals. Li isotope ratios in these produced waters vary inversely with temperature. However, calculations of temperature-dependent fractionation of δ7Li between average shale δ7Li (−0.7‰) and water result in δ7Liwater that is more positive than that of most produced waters. This suggests that aqueous δ7Li may reflect transport of water from depth and/or reaction with rocks having δ7Li lighter than average shale.
Genome-wide identification of QTL conferring high-temperature adult-plant (HTAP) resistance to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) in wheat

High-temperature adult-plant (HTAP) resistance to stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) is a durable type of resistance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This study identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring HTAP resistance to stripe rust in a population consisting of 169 F8:10 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between a susceptible cultivar Rio Blanco and a resistant germplasm IDO444. HTAP resistance was evaluated for both disease severity and infection type under natural infection over two years at two locations. The genetic linkage maps had an average density of 6.7 cM per marker across the genome and were constructed using 484 markers including 96 wheat microsatellite (SSR), 632 Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) polymorphisms, two sequence-tagged-site (STS) from semi-dwarf genes Rht1 and Rht2, and two markers for low molecular-weight glutenin gene subunits. QTL analysis detected a total of eight QTL significantly associated with HTAP resistance to stripe rust with two on chromosome 2B, two on 3B and one on each of 1A, 4A, 4B and 5B. QTL on chromosomes 2B and 4A were the major loci derived from IDO444 and explained up to 47 and 42% of the phenotypic variation for disease severity and infection type, respectively. The remaining five QTL accounted for 7–10% of the trait variation. Of these minor QTL, the resistant alleles at the two QTL QYrrb.ui-3B.1 and QYrrb.ui-4B derived from Rio Blanco and reduced infection type only, while the resistant alleles at the other three QTL, QYrid.ui-1A, QYrid.ui-3B.2 and QYrid.ui-5B, all derived from IDO444 and reduced either infection type or disease severity. Markers linked to 2B and 4A QTL should be useful for selection of HTAP resistance to stripe rust.
Distributed Event Region Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, we propose a graph-based method for distributed event-region detection in a wireless sensor network (WSN). The proposed method is developed by exploiting the fact that the true events at geographically neighboring sensors have a statistical dependency in an event-region detection scenario. This spatial dependence amongst the sensors is modeled using graphical models (GMs) and serves as a regularization term to enhance the detection accuracy. The method involves solving a linear system of equations, which can be readily implemented in a distributed fashion. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the performance of our proposed approach.
On the mechanism of cephalosporin isomerization

Abstract A theoretical study of the Δ 3 ↔ Δ 2 isomerization of the cephalosporins is presented. Pairs of isomers, and various possible intermediates resulting during the Δ 3 double bond migration to the Δ 2 position are examined. Two model compounds, the 7-acetamido-desacetoxy cephalosporanic acid and 7-acetamido-3-chloro-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acids, having +1 and -1 substituents at C-3 as well as their methyl esters were considered for this study. The AM1 and PM3 molecular orbital techniques, which included solvent (water) effects were employed. The study explains the resistance of the cephalosporanic acids toward isomerization as a result of the impossibility to deprotonate at C-2, due to the easier deprotonation of the carboxylic functionality. The ratio of isomers in equilibrium mixtures of the esters is determined by their thermodynamic stabilities. Structural factors have an important role in this process.
Implications of soils on mid-Miocene-aged drifts in the McMurdo Dry Valleys for ice sheet history and paleoclimate reconstruction

Abstract Strongly developed soils on unconsolidated deposits of mid-Miocene age occur in the uplands above 1500 m elevation in the Asgard Range and Quartermain Mountains in the McMurdo Dry Valleys. Inferred from the preservation and distribution of their surfaces, these deposits have been largely unmodified since a widespread glacial erosional event prior to 10 Ma. Composition of the till plays a key role in soil development on these ancient surfaces. Soils derived from dolerite-rich till have significantly greater depths of staining and ghosts, color-development equivalents of the Bw horizon, and extractable Fe than sandstone-rich tills. However, no significant differences were found in depth of visible salts, salt stage, electrical conductivity of the horizon of salt enrichment, and profile quantities of salts, which implies a similar age for the soils. The soils on the Miocene-aged deposits are less developed than soils of early Quaternary and Pliocene age at lower elevation in the Dry Valleys, inconsistent with the conclusion that these are relict Miocene surfaces. We suggest that the lower stage of soil development on the surfaces of Miocene age deposits primarily reflects higher erosion (deflation) rates than soils on Pliocene age deposits at lower elevation. If so, several meters of material may have been removed on 10-million-year timescales and that many of the erosion features ascribed to ancient glacial erosion could simply be the result of subaerial erosion under cold desert conditions. In this case, the soils would only reflect the climate of the last few million years. Although the soils are classified primarily as Typic Anhyorthels and Typic Anhyturbels, some of the soils on doleritic till have saltpans enriched in NaNO 3 or Na 2 SO 4 and are classified in petronitric or petrogypsic subgroups.