cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transverse Polarization of Lambda Hyperons in Relativistic Au-Au Collisions at the AGS

We investigate the transverse polarization of A hyperons produced in 11.6 A GeV/c Au−Au collisions at the AGS. Experiment E896 yields results in two independent detector systems, a Silicon Drift Detector Array at midrapidity and a Distributed Drift Chamber at forward rapidity. In this article we focus on the mid-rapidity measurements. The results reveal a dependence of the polarization on the transverse momentum and Feynman-x of the A hyperons. The heavy-ion data are consistent with previous measurements in proton-proton and proton-nucleus collisions within statistical errors.
Oral administration of edible oil before ERCP: effect on selective biliary cannulation.

Background A fatty meal before ERCP relaxes the sphincter of Oddi and may facilitate biliary cannulation. Objective To assess the effect of an oral fatty meal before ERCP on time to and success rate of biliary cannulation. Design Human clinical study. Setting Tertiary ERCP center. Patients Adult patients with intact papilla undergoing ERCP for presumed biliary pathology. Interventions Patients arriving more than 1 hour before the procedure were given oil by mouth. Patients not receiving oil served as controls. The need for a precut sphincterotomy was considered a failure of initial cannulation. Main Outcome Measurements Appearance of the papillary orifice, bile flow, cannulation success rate, cannulation and fluoroscopy times. Results A total of 86 patients received oil (mean age 52.8 years; 40% male), and 103 patients served as controls (mean age 53.3 years; 49% male). The papillary orifice was open in 52 of 86 (61%) and 38 of 103 (37%) patients in the oil and control groups, respectively ( P = .002). Bile flow was seen in 59 of 86 (68%) and 50 of 103 (49%) patients, respectively ( P = .009). The overall initial biliary cannulation success rate was 80 of 86 (93%) and 97 of 103 (94%), respectively ( P = .77). There was no difference in cannulation success rates, cannulation, and fluoroscopy times for fellows or faculty endoscopists in each group. No pulmonary aspiration was seen in either group. Limitations Unblinded study. Conclusions The biliary orifice appeared more open and bile flow was seen in more patients receiving oil, but there was no difference in successful biliary cannulation rates and cannulation and fluoroscopy times in the 2 groups.
Catalytic reduction of nitric oxide over activated carbons

Abstract The reduction of NO to N 2 using NH 3 as a reductant over activated carbons was investigated using an integral reactor system. The effects of varying the gas-phase and surface oxygen concentrations were studied in detail. Surface oxygen was introduced by treating a coconut shell activated carbon with sulphuric acid at 100–300 °C. The type and concentration of surface oxides were investigated by infrared spectroscopy, linear temperature-programmed desorption of surface oxides, and adsorption of reactant gases. Increasing the gas-phase oxygen concentration increased NO conversion significantly. The activity of activated carbon at reaction temperatures > 150 °C was enhanced by sulphuric acid treatment. Sulphuric acid acted as an oxidizing agent and created acidic surface functionalities including carboxyl and carbonyl groups.
The Changing Roles of Dietary Carbohydrates: From Simple to Complex

The dietary recommendations made for carbohydrate intake by many organizations/agencies have changed over time. Early recommendations were based on the need to ensure dietary sufficiency and focused on meeting micronutrient intake requirements. Because carbohydrate-containing foods are a rich source of micronutrients, starches, grains, fruits, and vegetables became the foundation of dietary guidance, including the base of the US Department of Agriculture's Food Guide Pyramid. Dietary sufficiency recommendations were followed by recommendations to reduce cholesterol levels and the risk for cardiovascular disease; reduction in total fat (and hence saturated fat) predominated. Beginning in the 1970s, carbohydrates were recommended as the preferred substitute for fat by the American Heart Association and others to achieve the recommended successive reductions in total fat and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Additional research on fats and fatty acids found that monounsaturated fatty acids could serve as an alternative substitution for saturated fats, providing equivalent lowering of LDL-C without concomitant reductions in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increases in triglycerides witnessed when carbohydrates replace saturated fat. This research led to a sharper focus in the guidelines in the 1990s toward restricting saturated fat and liberalizing a range of intake of total fat. Higher-fat diets, still low in saturated fatty acids, became alternative strategies to lower-fat diets. As the population has become increasingly overweight and obese, the emergence of the metabolic syndrome and its associated disruptions in glucose and lipid metabolism has led to reconsiderations of the role of carbohydrate-containing foods in the American diet. Consequently, a review of the evidence for and against high-carbohydrate diets is important to put this controversy into perspective. The current dietary recommendations for carbohydrate intake are supported by the evidence.
Optical diagnostics of laser initiated, RF sustained high pressure seeded plasmas

Summary form only given. High-pressure, inductively-coupled plasmas (ICP) have been used for variety of scientific and industrial applications over a large gas pressure range from 50-760 torr. High density ~1011-1014 cm-3, large (500-2500 cc) volume, atmospheric plasmas are of great interest in applications such as material processing, biological decontamination, radar and stealth antennas. We present a technique for producing these plasmas and measuring their excitation temperature, density and plasma evolution from a seed gas by means of optical emission and millimeter wave interferometry. The plasma is produced by utilizing a seed (15 mtorr) organic gas, tetrakis (dimethyl-amino) ethylene (TMAE), in high-pressure argon or nitrogen gas is pre-ionized by a 193 nm excimer laser (300 mJ), 20 ns pulse width. The seed plasma is then sustained by the efficient absorption of the pulsed 13.56 MHz radio frequency (RF) power (1-25 kW) through inductive coupling of the wave fields, which reduces the RF power requirement for plasma initiation to a great extent. Optical emission spectroscopy is used to characterize the temporal evolution of the plasma and measuring the excitation temperature. The optically emitted spectral lines illustrate the temporal plasma evolution from a TMAE seed plasma initiated by the laser and early RF power to the steady-state RF plasma of neutral background gases such as argon and nitrogen. A three channel, wide band (200-850 nm) ST2000 Ocean optics spectrometer is used to record the plasma spectral emission perpendicular to the plasma column axis. Each channel is connected to a separate grating spectrometer (1200 lines/mm, with an optical resolution of 0.3 nm), which counts photons using a linear CCD array (2048 pixels). Samples are taken over the following wavelength ranges; 200-500 nm, 400-700 nm, and 600-850 nm. The results show that the laser ionization of the TMAE seed gas and transition to argon plasma is readily accomplished with our system. The spectroscopic measurements can also provide highly localized measurements of the plasma conditions in regions that are less accessible to interferometer measurements. We also present initial spectroscopic measurements of a high power UV laser focused in air near a dielectric microwave window
Reaction of the unsaturated complex [(η5-C5Me5)2Rh2(μ-NO)(μ-CO)] BF4 with diazo compounds

Abstract The unsaturated compound [(η 5 -C 5 Me 5 ) 2 Rh 2 (μ-NO)(η-CO)] BF 4 , prepared from (η 5 -C 5 Me 5 )Rh(CO) 2 and NOBF 4 , reacts with diazo reagents N 2 CRR' to form, after decarbonylation, the unsaturated alkylidene compounds [(η 5 -C 5 Me 5 ) 2 Rh 2 (μ-NO)(η-CRR')] BF 4 .
Respiratory Responses to Unsupported Arm Lifts Paced During Expiration

Unsupported arm exercise endurance is reduced in both normal subjects and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in association with an increase in dyspnea and alterations in the patte...
Activation energies derived from the pre-glass transition annealing peaks

Abstract The paper explores the use of the DSC annealing peaks for estimating the activation energies of the β-relaxation in low and high molecular glassy systems. For the four studied systems that include d -glucose (dextrose), maltitol, poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) the estimated values of the activation energy are 59 ± 10, 71 ± 6, 73 ± 12 and 75 ± 7 kJ mol−1. These values together with the activation energies determined earlier from the annealing peaks of polystyrene (PS), PS–clay nanocomposite, indomethacin, ursodeoxycholic acid and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) have been compared against the literature values of the activation energies of the β-relaxation. It is concluded that the DSC estimates typically do not deviate for more than 20% from the reference values obtained by the standard dielectric and mechanical methods.
Failure of Hydrotaea aenescens, a larval predator of the housefly, Musca domestica, to establish in wet poultry manure on a commercial farm in Florida, U.S.A.

Hydrotaea aenescens (Weidemann) (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae and pupae were released in high-rise pullet houses in Pascoe County, Florida, U.S.A., for biological control of houseflies, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), in three separate tests during a 14-month period (April 1994-May 1995) and did not become established. However, H. aenescens believed to be from our releases did become established at a caged-layer farm 0.3 km from the release farm. Moisture in pullet house manure generally exceeded 80%, which is above the level at which H. aenescens is reared in colony. Caged-layer manure was also very wet, but crusted areas provided sites for H. aenescens larval development. Results demonstrate that H. aenescens adults will disperse from release sites and populate preferred sites without becoming a nuisance.
STRUCTURE-PRESERVING DUAL-ENERGY CT FOR LUGGAGE SCREENING

We propose a new structure-preserving dual-energy (SPDE) CT inversion technique for luggage screening, which can mitigate metal artifacts and provide precise object localization. Such artifact reduction can increase material identification accuracy in security applications. Our main objective is formation of enhanced photoelectric and Compton pixel property images from dual-energy X-ray tomographic data. We achieve this aim by incorporating three important elements in a single unified framework. First, we generate our images as the solution of a joint optimization problem, which explicitly models the projection process. Second, we include metal aware data weighting to reduce streaks and metal artifacts. Third, we estimate a regularized joint boundary field and apply it to both the photoelectric and Compton images in order to improve object localization as well as smoothing inside the objects. We evaluate the performance of the method using real dual-energy data. We demonstrate a significant reduction in noise and metal artifacts.
Numerical Modeling Study for Fish Screen at River Intake Channel

A numerical modeling study of hydraulic performances of an angled vertical fish screen at a river diversion intake channel that was developed using a porous media numerical scheme. Flow patterns in the intake channel induced by the fish screen were computed with a three-dimensional fluid dynamics computation program solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Screen flow head loss coefficient were simulated and compared with the physical model values converted from the test measurements for the porous media numerical scheme applicability test. For validation of the numerical model, fish screen velocity ratio profiles of sweeping and approach were compared with physical model measurements. Different types of screen face material and baffle installations for uniform approach flow distributions were simulated. The numerical model shows very good agreement with the velocity ratio measurements, and modeling capability for different screen material types and baffle installations by controlling of the numerical model of the porous opening directions and adjustment of baffle porosities respectively.
Left ventricular outflow obstruction

Patients with left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction comprise a diverse group of neonates, infants, children, and young adults. The patients may be critically ill or asymptomatic. In this article, the presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes are discussed in patients with coarctation of the aorta, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, valvar aortic stenosis, subaortic stenosis, and Shone's anomaly.
Fiscal Discipline and Exchange Rate Systems

A new ‘fiscal’ theory of price determination has implications for exchange rate systems and common currency areas. We show that deeper monetary integration requires the discipline of a Ricardian regime; that is, the government must guarantee fiscal solvency for any sequence of prices or exchange rates. Particularly striking results are that a currency peg is not credible without the discipline of a Ricardian regime, and a common currency area is not viable if fiscal policy in two (or more) of the countries in the union is Non-Ricardian. Interestingly, constraints written into the Maastricht Treaty are sufficient for a Ricardian regime.
Progressive Thoughts about Progressive Disease

In this issue of Clinical Cancer Research , Desai et al. ([1][1]) present evidence that new modules appearing in preexisting lesions can represent clonally resistant populations. Imatinib mesylate, the prototypic oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has activity against ABL, KIT, and platelet-
Upper Extremity Venous Doppler Ultrasound

Ultrasound is the initial imaging modality of choice when evaluating the upper extremity venous system. When sonographic findings are equivocal or nondiagnostic, particularly in evaluating the central deep veins, MR venography or catheter venography correlation may be helpful. Ultrasound provides an accurate, rapid, low-cost, portable, noninvasive method for screening, mapping, and surveillance of the upper extremity venous system.
Critical incident story creation and culture formation in a self‐directed work team

Storytelling has been identified as an important vehicle for culture transmission. Explores the role of story creation and storytelling in culture change and culture formation. Using an anthropological approach, the research was conducted using qualitative methodology and a holistic definition of culture. Based on research in a company which had recently reorganized knowledge workers into self‐directed work teams, describes the process by which a critical incident becomes a story used to form culture. Addresses the questions: how does culture form in an organization? How can one identify its presence when one cannot assume that every grouping has culture? Can one see culture forming? What part do stories have to play in culture formation and change? Contributes to our understanding of some of the issues involved in managing self‐directed work teams.
Increased renal Na-K-ATPase, NCC, and β-ENaC abundance in obese Zucker rats

Renal sodium retention, as a result of increased abundance of sodium transporters, may play a role in the development and/or maintenance of the increased blood pressure in obesity. To address this ...
Abuse, Bullying, and Discrimination as Risk Factors for Binge Eating Disorder

Objective: This study examined whether sexual and physical abuse, bullying by peers, and ethnicity-based discrimination are associated with an increased risk for developing binge eating disorder in black women and in white women and whether any increase in risk is specific for the development of binge eating disorder. Method: A community sample of 162 women with binge eating disorder and 251 healthy and 107 psychiatric comparison subjects was interviewed for exposure to the risk factors under investigation. Results: White subjects with binge eating disorder reported significantly higher rates of sexual abuse, physical abuse, bullying by peers, and discrimination than healthy comparison subjects. Only rates of discrimination were significantly higher in white women with binge eating disorder than in matched psychiatric comparison subjects. In black women with binge eating disorder, rates of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and bullying by peers—but not discrimination—were significantly higher than in healthy comparison women. Rates of sexual abuse were significantly higher in black women with binge eating disorder than in psychiatric comparison subjects. Conclusions: Consistent with previous research examining ethnicity-specific patterns of risk for psychiatric disorder, we found both ethnic similarities (physical abuse and bullying by peers) and differences (sexual abuse and discrimination) in the risk for binge eating disorder.
Theoretical formalism of radiative jet energy loss in a finite size dynamical QCD medium

The computation of radiative energy loss in a finite-size QCD medium with dynamical constituents is a key ingredient for obtaining reliable predictions for jet quenching in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions. We here present a theoretical formalism for the calculation of the first order in opacity radiative energy loss of a quark jet traveling through a finite-size dynamical QCD medium. We show that, while each individual contribution to the energy loss is infrared divergent, the divergence is naturally regulated once all diagrams are taken into account. Finite-size effects are shown to induce a nonlinear path-length dependence of the energy loss, recovering both the incoherent Gunion-Bertsch limit, as well as destructive Landau-Pomeanchuk-Migdal limit. Finally, our results suggest a remarkably simple general mapping between energy-loss expressions for static and dynamical QCD media.
Quasi-electrostatic field analysis and simulation of Martian and terrestrial dust devils

[1] Recent experimental and modeling studies show that large quasi-static electric fields (2–20 kV/m) can be developed in a Martian or terrestrial dust devil as a result of contact electrification and charge separation of dust grains with different sizes and compositions. Electric discharging occurs when the maximum electric field reaches breakdown values (∼20 kV/m on Mars and ∼3 MV/m on Earth, at surface altitudes). We derive a maximum electric field in a dust devil and develop a two-dimensional (2-D) cylindrically symmetric finite element model for Martian and terrestrial dust devil simulations. Unlike previous models with unlimited field growth, the tribocharging process and the time evolution of the dust devil electric field are self-consistently limited in our model and the saturated maximum electric fields in our simulations are comparable to past measurements. We study the saturated maximum electric fields for dust storms of different size, atmosphere conductivity and time rate of tribocharging. We also discuss the 2-D cylindrical field structures surrounding a dust devil and the conductivity gradient effect to the field growth of large Martian dust storms.
Intelligent validation and routing of electronic forms in a distributed workflow environment

This paper describes a knowledge-based system for improving the efficiency of automated workflow systems by 1) ensuring the correctness and completeness of data contained on forms that are originated and transmitted electronically, and 2) generating an electronic "routing slip" that reflects who must approve the form. The system uses a form-independent validation engine and form-specific constraints to check that electronic forms are filled out correctly. If no errors are detected during validation, the system uses information on the form to generate a list of individuals and/or organizations that must approve it. The system, implemented in CLIPS and running on Macintosh computers, communicates with an off-the-shelf electronic forms package via AppleScript and can operate within the Apple Open Collaboration Environment (AOCE). The system has successfully validated and generated approval paths for approximately ten different types of forms, and is easily extended to new forms. >
A fourth polymorph in the family of BEDT-TTF salts with thiocyanatocuprate(I) anions: (BEDT-TTF)4Cu3(NCS)5

A new crystallographic modification was found in the family of BEDT-TTF salts containing thiocyanatocuprate(I) anions. The cation radical salt crystallizes in the P{sup {bar 1}} space group with a = 8.2720(9) {angstrom}, b = 19.099(2) {angstrom}, c = 43.758(5) {angstrom}, {alpha} = 81.088(4){sup o}, {beta} = 87.253(4){sup o}, {gamma} = 83.790(4){sup o}, V = 6786.2(13) {angstrom}{sup 3} at 150 K. The BEDT-TTF radical cations pack in an {alpha}-type motif, but every four columns, there is a slip in the layer. Where this slip occurs, the stacks are coupled in a {beta}'' manner. The material exhibits semiconductive behavior with an activation energy of 0.13 eV above 250 K and 0.22 eV below. Packing motif of the (BEDT-TTF){sub 4}Cu{sub 3}(NCS){sub 5} structure.
Hawks, doves, and opportunistic opposition parties

Parliamentary regimes offer the unique opportunity for opposition parties to react to foreign policy by proposing no-confidence motions (NCMs). The threat of an NCM bringing down the government may be enough to induce pacific behavior by the executive. Yet, this simplistic characterization neglects the possible electoral motivations of opportunistic opposition parties. I develop a theory that opposition parties respond to involvement in international conflict by proposing NCMs as a tool to influence voters’ opinions with an eye toward the next election. I develop two expectations based on policy disagreement and issue ownership that I use to explain the electorally motivated decision to propose NCMs following conflict. I test these expectations with a dataset of 14 European parliamentary democracies from 1970 to 2001. The empirical evidence suggests that the partisanship of both the government and opposition parties interact to create varying electoral incentives to propose NCMs based on issue ownership. ...
Interpretation of Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation from Diesel Exhaust Photooxidation in an Environmental Chamber

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from diesel exhaust was investigated using an environmental chamber. Particle volume measurement based solely on mobility diameter underestimated the SOA formation from diesel exhaust due to the external void space of agglomerate particles. Therefore, particle mass concentration and fractal-like dimension was determined from the particle effective density as a function of particle mass using an aerosol particle mass analyzer and scanning mobility particle sizer (APM–SMPS). Continuous aging of aerosol measured by an increase of atomic ratio (O/C) underscored the importance of multigenerational oxidation of low-volatile organic vapors emitted from diesel engine as a possible significant source of ambient oxygenated SOA. Higher particle effective densities were observed when raw exhaust was injected into a full bag as opposed to filling a bag with diluted exhaust using an ejector diluter. This suggests that the dilution method, in addition to dilution ratio, may impa...
Electroretinographic evaluation and SWS1 opsin gene expression in the vision of juvenile longtooth grouper Epinephelus bruneus (Bloch, 1793)

Electroretinogram (ERG) recordings and short-wave sensitive 1 (SWS1: ultraviolet sensitive) opsin gene expression data were obtained to investigate the spectral sensitivity and scotopic luminous sensitivity of juvenile longtooth groupers Epinephelus bruneus. The ERG showed broad spectral sensitivity (350–600 nm; λmax = 560 nm approx.) in the photopic condition. The scotopic vision was maximally sensitive to green light (λmax = 500 nm approx.). SWS1 opsin gene expression was measured in the eyes using the reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction method (RT-PCR). This indicated that the ultraviolet sensitivity in the photopic spectral response curve (360 nm approx.) was attributable to SWS1 opsin absorption. The contribution of the β-band cannot rule out. Scotopic luminous sensitivity in this species similar to that in other coastal fishes and higher than that in pelagic fishes. These results suggest that the vision of a juvenile longtooth grouper is adapted to conditions in shallow coastal waters.
Electronic warfare systems

Electronic warfare (EW) is an important capability that can advance desired military, diplomatic, and economic objectives or, conversely, impede undesired ones. In a military application, EW provides the means to counter, in all battle phases, hostile actions that involve the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum-from the beginning when enemy forces are mobilized for an attack, through to the final engagement. EW exploits the EM environment by sensing and analyzing an adversary's application of the spectrum and imposing appropriate countermeasures (CMs) to hostile spectrum use. EW sensors are one means by which the military gathers tactical intelligence from noncooperative forces. EW sensors, together with EW CMs, mitigate the effectiveness of an adversary's electrooptic/infrared, and radio frequency-controlled weapons. EW enhances the survivability of the host force through control and manipulation of the EM environment and denies or limits its use by an adversary. EM spectrum CMs to threat systems can be selectively applied on a time- and/or frequency-multiplexed basis so that host force use of the EM spectrum is uninhibited.
Interaction between Bacteriophage DMS3 and Host CRISPR Region Inhibits Group Behaviors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Bacteriophage infection has profound effects on bacterial biology. Clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and cas (CRISPR-associated) genes are found in most archaea and many bacteria and have been reported to play a role in resistance to bacteriophage infection. We observed that lysogenic infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 with bacteriophage DMS3 inhibits biofilm formation and swarming motility, both important bacterial group behaviors. This inhibition requires the CRISPR region in the host. Mutation or deletion of five of the six cas genes and one of the two CRISPRs in this region restored biofilm formation and swarming to DMS3 lysogenized strains. Our observations suggest a role for CRISPR regions in modifying the effects of lysogeny on P. aeruginosa.
Development of New Analogs of the Highly Potent Anti-Cancer Compound BKM-570

Some peptide hormones (bombesin-like peptides, bradykinin, etc.) have been identified as growth factors in human cancer. Furthermore, many neuropeptide receptors expressed in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells have a general ability to stimulate intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, a process linked to the proliferation of SCLC. Our highly potent B1 and B2 receptor antagonist peptide, B9430 (DArg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Igl-Ser-DIgl-Oic-Arg) (Igl = α-(2-indanyl)glycine; Oic = octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid), blocked Ca2+ mobilization by bradykinin but did not inhibit the growth of SCLC. However, dimers of B9430 with appropriate linkers at the amino terminus or N-acylated analogs are potent cytotoxic agents for SCLC cells in vitro and in vivo [1]. Based on these structures, we developed a highly potent anti-cancer mimetic, BKM-570 (Figure 1), which showed impressive growth inhibition of SCLC in vitro and in vivo in nude mice [2]. We have now synthesized a number of analogs of this simple acyl tyrosine amide for structure-activity studies. The newly developed BKM-1110, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorocinnamoyl-[(4-cyano)-L-phenylalanine] N-(2,2,6,6-tetra-methyl-4-piperidyl)amide, (F5c-PCNF-Atmp) (Figure 1) is twice as potent in vitro (ED50 = 0.95 (llM on SHP-77 SCLC cells) as BKM-570 (Table 1).
Recent Progress in Materials and Devices toward Printable and Flexible Sensors

Printable electronics present a new era of wearable electronic technologies. Detailed technologies consisting of novel ink semiconductor materials, flexible substrates, and unique processing methods can be integrated to create flexible sensors. To detect various stimuli of the human body, as well as specific environments, unique electronic devices formed by "ink-based semiconductors" onto flexible and/or stretchable substrates have become a major research trend in recent years. Materials such as inorganic, organic, and hybrid semiconductors with various structures (i.e., 1D, 2D and 3D) with printing capabilities have been considered for bio and medical applications. In this review, we report recent progress in materials and devices for future wearable sensor technologies.
Photosynthesis, Leaf Conductance, and Leaf Chlorophyll Content in Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae)-Injured Peppermint Leaves

Effects of feeding injury by the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), on 14-CO2 assimilation (net photosynthesis), leaf conductance to gas exchange, and leaf chlorophyll in peppermint, Mentha piperita L., were investigated. Rates of 14-CO2, assimilation were reduced in proportion to degree of sustained injury and probably were the result of reduced leaf conductance to gas exchange, which inhibited influx of carbon dioxide to chloroplasts. Assimilation rates for both uninjured and variously injured leaves were correlated with leaf conductance. Inhibition of gas exchange in injured leaves was the predominant factor responsible for reduced photosynthesis. Extractable leaf chlorophyll was reduced in proportion to the degree of injury sustained. Leaf injury was estimated by using an injury index developed for these studies
A Novel Low Temperature Self-Aligned Ti Silicide Technology for Sub-0.18 μm Cmos Devices

A novel low temperature self-aligned Ti silicidation with Ge + pre-amorphization implant (PAI) is presented. Compared to conventional high temperature PAM silicidation, the advantages of Ti salicidation at temperatures below the recrystallization of a pre-amorphized layer are: (1) C49 TiSi 2 silicide formation occurs only in the pre-amorphized layer so that the silicide depth can be well controlled, forming a very sharp interface between the silicide and the Si substrate; (2) Ti just reacts with the amorphous layer, avoiding the so-called bridging issue in which the silicide grows laterally over the isolation or spacer; (3) the effects of metal thickness and substrate doping on silicide formation are suppressed.
Influence of gender and use of regional anesthesia on carotid endarterectomy outcomes.

Objective Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the most commonly performed surgical procedure to reduce the risk of stroke. The operation may be performed under general anesthesia (GA) or regional anesthesia (RA). We used a national database to determine how postoperative outcomes were influenced by gender and type of anesthesia used. Methods All patients who underwent CEA between 2005 and 2011 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (N = 41,442). Incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) within 30 days as well as other postoperative complications, operative time, and hospital length of stay were examined in groups separated by gender and anesthesia type. Multivariable logistic regression with effect modification was used to determine significant risk-adjusted differences between genders and type of anesthesia to assess outcomes after CEA. Results The male-to-female ratio among CEA cases performed was approximately 3:2. Most cases were performed under GA (85% male patients, 86% female patients). Adjusted multivariable analysis showed no statistical difference in rates of MI and stroke based on gender or type of anesthesia used. There were, however, higher 30-day postoperative local complications and MI (both P P P Conclusions On adjusted multivariate analysis, there is no statistically significant difference in postoperative incidence of MI or stroke between men and women undergoing CEA. Use of RA vs GA did not affect this finding. Furthermore, there was no correlation between gender and the type of anesthesia chosen. Women, however, experienced decreased operative times and increased length of stay regardless of anesthesia type.
Platelet coagulation factor Va: the major secretory platelet phosphoprotein

Platelet-derived coagulation factor Va is the primary secreted substrate for a thrombin-stimulation-dependent platelet kinase. Human platelet factor Va, consisting of a molecular weight (M(r)) 105,000 heavy chain and an M(r) 74,000 light chain, incorporates phosphate in at least two sites on the light chain. Phosphorylated factor Va represents 50% of the secreted protein-associated phosphate. This modification occurs exclusively at serine residues and is inhibited by H-7 and staurosporine, which suggests a protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated event. Purified plasma factor V and Va are phosphorylated in the light chain region by rat brain PKC. The activity of platelet factor Va in prothrombinase on platelets is not altered when phosphorylation is inhibited by staurosporine. Plasma-derived factor Va in the presence of thrombin stimulated platelets is phosphorylated on both the heavy chain and the light chain. Plasma factor V and factor Va heavy chain phosphorylation occurs without light chain phosphorylation in the presence of added 32P gamma-ATP and non-stimulated or collagen-stimulated platelets or casein kinase II. This differential phosphorylation of factor Va heavy and light chain shows two independent platelet kinase activities that act on factor Va. The heavy chain factor V/Va kinase activity is similar to casein kinase II, which we have demonstrated previously to act on factor Va and accelerate activated protein C inactivation of the cofactor. Our data show platelet-dependent phosphorylation of platelet and plasma factor V and Va resulting in significant covalent modifications of the cofactor. These modifications may play a role in directing the extracellular distribution of factor V and factor Va.
Pioneers Putting Their Hands to the Plow

By the end of 1875, 92 of 307 MNAS students completed Class A and became eligible to receive the certificate designed by Charles Barry for the school’s first commencement ceremony. Sixty-four graduates (28 men and 36 women, including four married women) were recognized at the June ceremony. We tend to think of post-secondary students as young adults in their late teens or early twenties, who enter college immediately after high school. When the school opened its doors, however, few had even completed high school. In this sense, normal schools often substituted for high school, and normal art school students tended to be older than those in other state normal schools.
The Nature of Post-Cold War Security

The end of the East-West struggle has upset the simple bipolar lens with which the major powers were used to looking at the world. The lack of a clearly identifiable ‘enemy’ figure has contributed to the profusion of new ‘threats’ and to the neo-realist assumption that a multipolar world is, of necessity, more unstable than the bipolar system typifying the Cold War era.
Springsteen as Developmental Therapist: An Autoethnography

Based on differing theories of moral development proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg, Martin Hoffman, and John Gibbs, this paper posits that listening to Bruce Springsteen’s music can increase moral growth. Scores of Springsteen songs parallel psychological techniques used to increase moral development, such as being exposed to two or more beliefs that are contradictory, social perspective-taking by listening to moral dilemmas, gaining empathy with the distress that another person experiences, hypothetical contemplation, and meta-ethical reflection. Through qualitative-based autoethnographical storytelling, the author outlines how his moral development was enabled through such Springsteen songs as “Factory,” “Highway Patrolman,” “Independence Day,” “Johnny 99,” and “Used Cars,” as well as two self-disclosures from Springsteen’s Live 1975-85 album.
‘The Unofficial Force’: Irregular Author Love and the Higher Criticism

The final essay of the volume puts a twist on literary devotion by introducing the Baker Street Irregulars, a Sherlock Holmes fan club and literary society founded in the early twentieth century that continues to this day. Baker Street Irregulars come from every walk of life, but nearly all are educated professionals working outside the academy. Founded on the whimsical idea that Dr. Watson, Holmes’s loyal sidekick and ostensible Boswell, was in fact the stories’ author and Arthur Conan Doyle a mere press agent or even plagiarist, the club offers a curious example of fan culture that fundamentally challenges the notion of authorship through its acts of devotion. This essay illuminates the longstanding push-and-pull between professional and amateur literary engagement (or, to put it another way, the productive tension between academic and popular canonization) and shows that the material and social literary manifestations of the nineteenth century extend well into the twentieth century and beyond, continuing the active, transatlantic construction of English literature.
Investigation of Time/Frequency Domain CFD Methods to Predict Turbomachinery Blade Aerodynamic Damping

Accurate and efficient prediction of blade aerodynamic damping is critical for the design of turbomachines such as gas and steam turbines. Traditional unsteady time-marching CFD methods used in aerodynamic damping calculations are expensive because they require simulation of many or all blade passages in a given blade-row. In order to reduce computational cost, one can use a pitch-change method and reduce the problem to a small sector of the geometry (one or two blades). Even still, the time-marching method is expensive as many vibration cycles must be simulated to reach a quasi-steady periodic state. To further reduce computational cost, a time/frequency solution method is required.This paper uses an implicit pressure-based time/frequency solution method in combination with a Fourier transformation (FT) pitch-change method and validates its implementation in ANSYS CFX solver. Three cases are investigated, including Standard Configuration 11 (subsonic and transonic), and NASA Rotor 67 transonic fan. Predictions of unsteady pressure coefficient are compared against the experimental data and reference full wheel simulations, over a range of nodal diameters. Computational resources (CPU time) required by the time/frequency method are compared to time transient simulations and discussed in detail.© 2016 ASME
Addition of chia seed mucilage for reduction of fat content in bread and cakes

In this study, breads and chocolate cakes were prepared with different levels of chia mucilage dried at 50°C or lyophilized as fat, resulting in healthier products. Results indicated that breads and chocolate cakes made with chia mucilage can replace up to 50% of fat without affecting the technological and physical characteristics. The replacement of 75% of fat, for both types of mucilage, had a significant reduction in fat content of 56.6% in breads and 51.6% in cakes, producing a slight decrease in the technological characteristics of the products. Sensorial parameters showed good acceptability, with greater purchase intent for both products when added with chia mucilage dried at 50°C. Therefore, chia mucilage proved to be a new alternative for replacing fat in food products, preserving the quality attributes and making them healthier foods.
Genome editing: That's the way the CRISPR crumbles

Nathaniel Comfort finds heroism but little nuance in Jennifer Doudna's account of her co-discovery.
Not All Orbitopathy Is Graves': Discussion of Cases and Review of Literature.

Introduction Graves’ orbitopathy is the extra thyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease and the most common cause of exophthalmos. It is also known as thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) as it occasionally occurs in euthyroid or hypothyroid patients with chronic thyroiditis. 5% of patients with Graves’ orbitopathy can be euthyroid or hypothyroid as they have low titers of anti–thyrotropin-receptor antibodies which are difficult to detect in some assays. Orbitopathy has also been seen in a small percentage of patients with Hashimotos thyroiditis. The eye involvement in Graves’ is frequently bilateral and symmetric. These patients pose few diagnostic difficulties when the ocular findings occur concomitantly with the thyroid disease. However, when unilateral and asymmetric ocular findings occur with normal or mildly abnormal thyroid function tests, alternate etiologies should also be pursued. We aim to discuss some conditions like sarcoidosis, lymphoma, orbital pseudo tumor and orbital malignancy that mimic TAO. Cases: Three patients were referred to us with concern for Graves’ orbitopathy. After further workup, we diagnosed the first patient with specific orbital myositis from sarcoidosis. Our second patient had CD10- positive B-cell lymphoma. Our third patient had orbitopathy likely secondary to Hashimotos or Orbital Pseudo tumor. Conclusion Our cases and discussion describe some other conditions that clinically mimic TAO and the importance of pursuing further work up for accurate diagnosis when presentation of orbitopathy is atypical.
A microstrip photonic crystal bandgap device with a switchable negative epsilon plasma element

We present a microstrip photonic bandgap (PBG) device with a switchable plasma element integrated into the patterned ground plane. A pulsed laser plasma is generated in one of the PBG cavity structures creating a medium having an effective negative permittivity in the 8–10 GHz frequency range due to the high plasma density ne = 1017 cm−3. The PBG structure consists of a linear array of seven cavities along the length of the microstrip manufactured by removing cylindrical portions of copper in the ground plane. The plasma is produced in the central cavity of the PBG array and recombines over times of several microseconds allowing for the characterization of the microstrip transmission over a range of plasma density. The results confirm a switchable transmission due to plasma interactions with the electromagnetic field within the PBG structure.
Data Management and Analytics

Abstract Big data and strong data governance coupled with data analytics and artificial intelligence will lead to a new paradigm of information and knowledge in heart failure (“medical intelligence”). It therefore behooves us to rethink medical data in traditional forms of tedious databases/registries and even randomized clinical trials to innovate this valuable asset to create a clinical-digital convergence. Big data is therefore not about a collection of technological and analytical tools but rather about a new philosophical transformation in our health care ecosystem in which medical data, artificial intelligence, and personalized health are inextricably intertwined with human intellect and machine intelligence.
Entrustable professional activities for quality and patient safety.

Abstract Background Further efforts are warranted to identify innovative approaches to best implement competencies in nursing education. To bridge the gap between competency-based education, practice, and implementation of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, one emerging approach is entrustable professional activities (EPAs). Purpose The objective of this study was to introduce the concept of EPAs as a framework for curriculum and assessment in graduate nursing education and training. Methods Seven steps are provided to develop EPAs for nurses through the example of a quality and safety EPA. The example incorporates the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) patient safety competencies and evidence-based literature. Findings EPAs provide a practical approach to integrating competencies in nursing as quality and safety are the cornerstones of nursing practice, education, and research. Discussion Introducing the EPA concept in nursing is timely as we look to identify opportunities to enhance nurse practitioner (NP) training models and implement nurse residency programs.
Estimating efficiency in a spatial autoregressive stochastic frontier model

Abstract The spatial autoregressive stochastic frontier model of Glass et al.(2016) is based on distributional assumptions on two-sided and one-sided error terms. After estimating the model parameters, the efficiency estimates need to be corrected due to the presence of spatial autoregressive term in their model. Glass et al.(2016) estimate the corrected efficiencies by employing ideas from a distribution-free method on the efficiency estimation, which may be sensitive to outliers. We propose an alternative way to correct efficiency estimates that is in line with the distribution-based methods.
ON THE SIMPLE GROUP F OF ORDER 214 · 36 · 56 · 7 · 11 · 19

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the structure of simple group F of order 214 · 36· 56·7·11·19. It also discusses the conjugacy classes and the character tables of CG(3B), NG ( ) and CG (2B). This information is very useful to determine the conjugacy classes and the character table of G. The chapter highlights the existence of an irreducible character of degree 133, 133 being the smallest possible degree of any nontrivial character of G. It is important to obtain the degrees of all irreducible characters of G to construct the character table of G. However, it is impossible to find out the degrees unless a number of characters are known.
CRT-700.37 Accurate Model to Predict Coronary Obstruction during TAVR

Coronary Obstruction (CO) occurrence during TAVR often proves fatal. Existing CO predictive parameters based on coronary height ( h ) and Sinus of Valsalva diameter (SOVd)(1,2) lack 3D geometric information on the aortic root and calcific lesions, and are prone to error. In this study we aim to
Impact of glycemic status on longitudinal cognitive performance in men with and without HIV infection.

OBJECTIVES To determine the relationship between glycemic status and cognitive performance in men living with HIV (MLWH) and without HIV infection. DESIGN A prospective HIV/AIDS cohort study in four US cities between 1999 and 2016. METHODS Glycemic status was categorized as normal glucose, impaired fasting glucose, controlled diabetes mellitus and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus at each semiannual visit. Cognitive performance was evaluated using nine neuropsychological tests which measure attention, constructional ability, verbal learning, executive functioning, memory and psychomotor speed. Linear mixed models were used to assess the association between glycemic status and cognition. RESULTS Overall, 900 MLWH and 1149 men without HIV were included. MLWH had significantly more person-visits with impaired fasting glucose (52.1 vs. 47.9%) and controlled diabetes mellitus (58.2 vs. 41.8%) than men without HIV (P < 0.05). Compared with men with normal glucose, men with diabetes mellitus had significantly poorer performance on psychomotor speed, executive function and verbal learning (all P < 0.05). There was no difference in cognition by HIV serostatus. The largest effect was observed in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus throughout the study period, equivalent to 16.5 and 13.4 years of aging on psychomotor speed and executive function, respectively, the effect of which remained significant after adjusting for HIV-related risk factors. Lower CD4+ nadir was also associated with worse cognitive performance. CONCLUSION Abnormalities in glucose metabolism were more common among MLWH than men without HIV and were related to impaired cognitive performance. Metabolic status, along with advanced age and previous immunosuppression, may be important predictors of cognition in the modern antiretroviral therapy era.