cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The sieve plate of Echium (Boraginaceae): developmental aspects and response of P-protein to protein digestion

The development of the sieve plate, including pore formation, was examined in sieve elements of the primary phloem in leaf midveins of five species of Echium (Boraginaceae). The material was processed without attempts to prevent callose deposition and plugging of pores with P-protein. A pore develops by enlargement of a plasmodesmal canal and removal of plasmodesmal core. Initially, callose is deposited at each end of a plasmodesma, encircling its strand. Callose accumulates and thickens the wall at the pore site, which is covered with the plasmalemma and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae. Both membranous entities appear to be spatially associated with the plasmodesmal strand. Lysing of the wall in the middle lamella region allows the merging of the two opposite callose masses. Removal of the plasmodesmal strand and most of the callose opens the pore. The plasmalemma lines the pore. P-protein tightly packed in pores was digested by protease.
Embryo Survival in First-Service and Repeat-Breeder Cattle after Ovariectomy and Hormone Therapy

Summary Fifteen first-service dairy cattle were bilaterally ovariectomized five, six, or seven days post-breeding. Eight of these cattle were given daily subcutaneous injections of progesterone at 25 mg per hundredweight and estrone at 6.25 μg per hundredweight; six cattle had normal pregnancies when killed 50–62 days post-breeding; uteri of the other two contained degenerating embryos. Seven animals were given progesterone alone; five had normal pregnancies at 27–89 days post-breeding. Of 20 clinically normal repeat-breeder cattle, three (15%) were pregnant at 53–99 days after a control service. Seventeen were rebred, ovariectomized, and given exogenous hormones. Three (18%) were pregnant at 38–62 days; uteri of five others contained degenerate embryonic membranes at 35 days. Fertility was not improved by ovariectomy and injection of hormones that maintained early pregnancies in a high percentage of first-service cattle.
H2—AgCl: A spectroscopic study of a dihydrogen complex

H2—AgCl has been observed on a Fourier transform microwave spectrometer equipped with laser ablation source and determined to be a dihydrogen complex. Transitions up to J = 3–2 have been measured and analyzed for four isotopologues of the complex containing ortho and para H2. The ortho and para spin states have been included in one fit, a deviation from the typical H2 complex. Rotational constants B and C, centrifugal distortion constants ΔJ and ΔJK, nuclear electric quadrupole coupling constants χaa, χbb, and χcc for 35Cl and 37Cl have been fit for both spin states while nuclear spin-nuclear spin constants Daa, Dbb, and Dcc, and nuclear spin-rotation constant Caa have been reported for the ortho spin state. Quantum chemical calculations predict a strong bonding interaction and the strength of the complex has been related to reported χaa and ΔJ values amongst a host of comparable species, including the AgCl monomer itself. Bond lengths have been determined for Ag—Cl, Ag—H2 center-of-mass, and H—H and are reported.
In-school asthma management and physical activity: children's perspectives.

AbstractObjective: Regular physical activity (PA) is an important component of pediatric asthma management. No studies have examined how in-school asthma management influences PA from children’s perspectives. The aim of this study was to explore children’s perceptions of the impact of in-school asthma management on PA. Methods: Qualitative interviews with 23 inner-city minority children with asthma (aged 8–10 yrs; 12 girls, 11 boys) were conducted in 10 Bronx, New York elementary schools. Sampling continued until saturation was reached. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and independently coded for common themes. Results: Interviews produced five themes representing students’ perceptions about (1) asthma symptoms during in-school PA; (2) methods to control asthma episodes during school PA; (3) methods to prevent asthma episodes during school; (4) limited accessibility of asthma medications; and (5) negative feelings about asthma and medication use. The majority of students experienced asthma symptoms w...
Changing central Pacific El Niños reduce stability of North American salmon survival rates.

Pacific salmon are a dominant component of the northeast Pacific ecosystem. Their status is of concern because salmon abundance is highly variable—including protected stocks, a recently closed fishery, and actively managed fisheries that provide substantial ecosystem services. Variable ocean conditions, such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), have influenced these fisheries, while diminished diversity of freshwater habitats have increased variability via the portfolio effect. We address the question of how recent changes in ocean conditions will affect populations of two salmon species. Since the 1980s, El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events have been more frequently associated with central tropical Pacific warming (CPW) rather than the canonical eastern Pacific warming ENSO (EPW). CPW is linked to the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO), whereas EPW is linked to the PDO, different indicators of northeast Pacific Ocean ecosystem productivity. Here we show that both coho and Chinook salmon survival rates along western North America indicate that the NPGO, rather than the PDO, explains salmon survival since the 1980s. The observed increase in NPGO variance in recent decades was accompanied by an increase in coherence of local survival rates of these two species, increasing salmon variability via the portfolio effect. Such increases in coherence among salmon stocks are usually attributed to controllable freshwater influences such as hatcheries and habitat degradation, but the unknown mechanism underlying the ocean climate effect identified here is not directly subject to management actions.
Stable operation of a simple power system with no equilibrium points

The paper demonstrates stable operation of a single-machine-infinite-bus power system on viable attractors using a simple frequency based feedback control even when there are no equilibrium points in the model. Specifically, the paper shows an application of a nonlinear control law for operating on stable limit cycles and chaotic attractors beyond the static bifurcation limit.
The Fused Thoracic-Abdominal Ganglion of the Hermit Crab ( Pagurus Pollicaris ): Neuromuscular Relationships in the Thoracic and Abdominal Flexor Muscles

1. The physiological and morphological properties of the thoracic flexor neuromuscular systems are described for the hermit crab Pagurus pollicaris . There are two pairs of flexor muscles in thoracic segments 3 to 5: the dorsal flexors and the ventral flexors. 2. The dorsal flexors are composed of fast fibres and are asymmetrical. On the left side the muscle branches laterally so that it has two points of insertion on the thoracic-abdominal sternite, compared with only one for the right side. The ventral flexors are composed of slow fibres. 3. The dorsal flexors are supplied by two excitatory motor axons that run in the thin nerve of the first abdominal root. The ventral flexors are innervated by at least seven excitors: two from the thin nerve of the first abdominal root, three from the thick nerve of the first abdominal root, and two from the thin nerve of the fifth thoracic root. Cobalt backfilling of the first abdominal root revealed that most cells are located on the dorsal and ventral surfaces in the centre of the thoracic-abdominal (TA) ganglion. Although most of the efferent cell bodies from the thin nerve of the fifth thoracic root are located rostrally in the midline of the TA ganglion, two or three somata can be found in the same region as cell bodies from the first abdominal root. 4. Stimulation of the giant interneurone elicits a spike in the giant flexor motor neurone and a contraction of the dorsal flexor muscles, and a spike in one of the axons in the thin nerve of the fifth thoracic root and a contraction of the ventral flexors. 5. Axons in the third abdominal root innervate the flexor muscles in the first abdominal segment. Motor axons in this root, which includes a giant flexor motor neurone, have cell bodies in the TA ganglion-not in the first abdominal ganglion. 6. Most of the motor axons in the fourth and fifth thoracic roots have cell bodies located in the fused TA ganglion. This suggests that the TA ganglion consists of a fusion of the first abdominal ganglion and the fourth and fifth thoracic ganglia.
An anatomical and temporal portrait of physiological substrates for fatty acid amide hydrolase

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) regulates amidated lipid transmitters, including the endocannabinoid anandamide and its N-acyl ethanolamine (NAE) congeners and transient receptor potential channel agonists N-acyl taurines (NATs). Using both the FAAH inhibitor PF-3845 and FAAH(−/−) mice, we present a global analysis of changes in NAE and NAT metabolism caused by FAAH disruption in central and peripheral tissues. Elevations in anandamide (and other NAEs) were tissue dependent, with the most dramatic changes occurring in brain, testis, and liver of PF-3845-treated or FAAH(−/−) mice. Polyunsaturated NATs accumulated to very high amounts in the liver, kidney, and plasma of these animals. The NAT profile in brain tissue was markedly different and punctuated by significant increases in long-chain NATs found exclusively in FAAH(−/−), but not in PF-3845-treated animals. Suspecting that this difference might reflect a slow pathway for NAT biosynthesis, we treated mice chronically with PF-3845 for 6 days and observed robust elevations in brain NATs. These studies, taken together, define the anatomical and temporal features of FAAH-mediated NAE and NAT metabolism, which are complemented and probably influenced by kinetically distinguishable biosynthetic pathways that produce these lipids in vivo.
Perioperative atrial tachycardia is associated with increased mortality in infants undergoing cardiac surgery

Objective Few data are available on the frequency or importance of perioperative atrial tachycardia in infants. We hypothesized that atrial tachycardia in infants undergoing cardiac surgery is not rare and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Methods From 2007 through 2010, 777 infants (median age, 1.8 months; interquartile range, 0.33–5.73) underwent cardiac surgery. Their medical records were reviewed for atrial tachycardia during the perioperative period. Results Of the 777 patients, 64 (8.2%) developed atrial tachycardia. The independent risk factors for developing atrial tachycardia included surgical age 6 months or younger (odds ratio, 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–19.15), use of 3 or more inotropes (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–6.2), and heterotaxy syndrome (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–7.4). All-cause mortality in the atrial tachycardia group was increased (21.9% vs 7.2%, P P P Conclusions Atrial tachycardia is common in infants undergoing cardiac surgery and is independently associated with decreased survival. Among survivors, antiarrhythmic agents successfully controlled atrial tachycardia in most patients with a low recurrence risk after discontinuation.
Is “Latin American Thought” Philosophy?

: A durable question in Latin American thought is whether it could amount to a characteristically Latin American philosophy. I argue that if, as is now widely conceded, there is a role for philosophical analysis in thinking about problems that arise in applied subjects, such as bioethics, environmental ethics, and feminism, then why not also in Latin American thought? After all, the focus of Hispanic thinkers has often been upon the issues that arise in their own experiences of the world, and they make up a diverse group of peoples related by very idiosyncratic ethnic and historical connections. I believe that, given some appropriate criteria, the existing corpus of works by Latin American thinkers is a part of a distinctive philosophy.
Improving distribution system performance with integrated STATCOM and supercapacitor energy storage system

The STATCOM (synchronous static compensator) based on voltage source converter (VSC) is used for voltage regulation in transmission and distribution systems. However, strict requirements of STATCOM losses and total system loss penalty preclude the use of high frequency PWM (pulse-width modulation) for VSC based STATCOM applications. This constraint of implementing VSC without PWM results in VSC DC voltage dip, over-currents and trips of the STATCOM during and after system disturbances and faults, when its VAR support functionality is most required. In this paper, the integration and control of energy storage systems (ESSs), such as supercapacitor (ultracapacitor - UCAP) into a D-STATCOM (Distribution system STATCOM) is developed to mitigate such problems, enhance power quality and improve distribution system reliability. This paper develops the control concepts to charge/discharge the UCAP by the D-STATCOM, and validate the performance of an integrated D-STATCOM/UCAP system for improving distribution system performance under all types of system related disturbances and system faults - such as single-line to ground fault (SLG), line-line fault and 3-phase system faults. Simulation results of a 125 kVA D-STATCOM validate that integrated the D-STATCOM with 600 V, 1.0 Farad UCAP is suited for distribution system voltage regulation and voltage sag mitigation. In case of a system fault, UCAP based energy storage will aid to keep the D-STATCOM DC voltage constant and avoid over-current and trips of the VSC based D-STATCOM.
High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Breast Cancer

(2000). High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Breast Cancer. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 18, No. 5, pp. 440-455.
Knockout of glial channel ACD-1 exacerbates sensory deficits in a C. elegans mutant by regulating calcium levels of sensory neurons

Degenerin/epithelial Na(+) channels (DEG/ENaCs) are voltage-independent Na(+) or Na(+)/Ca(2+) channels expressed in many tissues and are needed for a wide range of physiological functions, including sensory perception and transepithelial Na(+) transport. In the nervous system, DEG/ENaCs are expressed in both neurons and glia. However, the role of glial vs. neuronal DEG/ENaCs remains unclear. We recently reported the characterization of a novel DEG/ENaC in Caenorhabditis elegans that we named ACD-1. ACD-1 is expressed in glial amphid sheath cells. The glial ACD-1, together with the neuronal DEG/ENaC DEG-1, is necessary for acid avoidance and attraction to lysine. We report presently that knockout of acd-1 in glia exacerbates sensory deficits caused by another mutant: the hypomorphic allele of the cGMP-gated channel subunit tax-2. Furthermore, sensory deficits caused by mutations in G(i) protein odr-3 and guanylate cyclase daf-11, which regulate the activity of TAX-2/TAX-4 channels, are worsened by knockout of acd-1. We also show that sensory neurons of acd-1 tax-2(p694) double mutants fail to undergo changes in intracellular Ca(2+) when animals are exposed to low concentrations of attractant. Finally, we show that exogenous expression of TRPV1 in sensory neurons and exposure to capsaicin rescue sensory deficits of acd-1 tax-2(p694) mutants, suggesting that sensory deficits of these mutants are bypassed by increasing neuronal excitability. Our data suggest a role of glial DEG/ENaC channel ACD-1 in supporting neuronal activity.
Distributed spatial clustering in sensor networks

Sensor networks monitor physical phenomena over large geographic regions. Scientists can gain valuable insight into these phenomena, if they understand the underlying data distribution. Such data characteristics can be efficiently extracted through spatial clustering, which partitions the network into a set of spatial regions with similar observations. The goal of this paper is to perform such a spatial clustering, specifically δ-clustering, where the data dissimilarity between any two nodes inside a cluster is at most δ. We present an in-network clustering algorithm ELink that generates good δ-clusterings for both synchronous and asynchronous networks in $O(\sqrt{N} {\rm log}N)$ time and in O(N) message complexity, where N denotes the network size. Experimental results on both real world and synthetic data sets show that ELink’s clustering quality is comparable to that of a centralized algorithm, and is superior to other alternative distributed techniques. Furthermore, ELink performs 10 times better than the centralized algorithm, and 3-4 times better than the distributed alternatives in communication costs. We also develop a distributed index structure using the generated clusters that can be used for answering range queries and path queries. The query algorithms direct the spatial search to relevant clusters, leading to performance gains of up to a factor of 5 over competing techniques.
An Evaluation of Major Components in a Self-Control Therapy Program for Depression:

Five conditions were compared in a study attempting to disassemble a behavioral self-control program previously shown to be effective in the treatment of moderate depression. Conditions were: (1) Self-Monitoring only; (2) Self-Monitoring plus Self-Evaluation; (3) Self-Monitoring plus Self-Reinforcement; (4) the full Self-Control package including Self-Monitoring, Self-Evaluation, and Self-Reinforcement; and (5) a Waiting List Control. Fifty-six volunteer female subjects from the community were screened on MMPI and Research Diagnostic Criteria for moderate, nonpsychotic, nonbipolar depression. Therapy was conducted in seven highly structured weekly 11/2 hour group sessions. Results indicated that all treatment conditions did better than the Waiting List controls on self-report and interviewer rating measures of depression. Only minor differences were found on behavioral observation measures taken in interview and group settings. No consistent effects were found for separate components, with the possible ex...
ERP Nonword Rhyming Effects in Children and Adults

In a simple prime–target auditory rhyming event-related potential (ERP) paradigm with adults and 6-, 7-, and 8-year-old children, nonword stimuli (e.g., nin–rin, ked–voo) were used to investigate neurocognitive systems involved in rhyming and their development across the early school years. Even absent semantic content, the typical CNV to primes and late rhyming effect (RE) to targets were evident in all age groups. The RE consisted of a more negative response to nonrhyming targets as compared to rhyming targets over posterior sites, with a reversal of this pattern at lateral anterior sites. The hypothesis that the CNV indexes phonological memory processes was not well supported by correlation analyses conducted with the ERP measures and scores on standardized behavioral tests. However, the onset of the rhyming effect was later in those scoring lower on phonological awareness measures.
Documentation Status as a Contextual Determinant of HIV Risk Among Young Transgender Latinas

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the contextual factors that determine or mitigate vulnerability to HIV among Latina transgender women. Documentation status (legal authorization to live in the United States) has been cited by other studies as a barrier to recruitment or engagement in HIV-related care among immigrant Latinos, but not explored as a determinant of HIV risk for transgender immigrant Latinas. Methods: We collaborated with a community-based organization to explore these contextual, including social and structural, factors. In-depth interviews in Spanish captured life histories of eight 18- to 29-year-old transgender Latinas, who collectively self-identify as chicas trans. Codes were assigned deductively from the interview guide, and emerging themes were identified throughout data collection. Results: Most participants migrated to the United States from Central America after experiencing discrimination and violence in their countries of origin. Participants emphasized d...
Spectroscopy and Spectroscopic Imaging: In Vivo Chemical Assays by Exploiting the Chemical Shift

Spectroscopy (magnetic resonance spectroscopy; MRS) is often viewed (and marketed) as an advanced application of MRI. It is usually an add-on module that must be purchased from the manufacturer. This viewpoint is a strange one, as NMR was originally used for spectroscopy, and it was only after several “add-ons” that NMR spectrometers came to be used for imaging. Very-high-field research instruments designed for spectroscopy of homogeneous solutions held in test tubes are in fact sold with options to upgrade them for imaging of very small animals such as mice.
Superficial basal cell carcinoma on the face is a diagnostic challenge

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer. The incidence of BCC is rising. The nodular, superficial spreading, and infiltrating variants are the three most commonly encountered types of BCC in descending order of prevalence. Superficial spreading basal cell carcinoma (SSBCC) accounts for 15-26% of all cases of BCC. It usually occurs on the trunk and upper extremities, but may be seen on the face. Surgical excision is the most commonly used treatment for BCC. Topical chemotherapy agents such as imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) may be various alternatives or adjuvants in the treatment of SSBCC. characteristically shows areas of uninvolved skin between tumor nests.[7].
INFLUENCE OF NUTRITION, ENVIRONMENT, AND THE ISOLATE, ON BASIDIOCARP FORMATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND STRUCTURE IN ATHELIA (SCLEROTIUM) ROLFSII

Forty-two isolates of Sclerotium rolfsii from California were grown on eight media to determine nutritional conditions promoting formation of the teleomorph (Athelia rolfsii). Most of the isolates (71%) formed hymenia on PDA containing 2% activated charcoal (C-PDA). Of an additional 34 isolates from areas other than California, 17 also fruited on this medium. The extent of hymenial formation on C-PDA was influenced by the conditions of incubation and the isolate. Best results were obtained when 6 or 8 mm diam mycelial plugs taken from 8- to 10-da-old PDA cultures were used as inocula, and when dishes were incubated for 4-5 wk at 24-28 C and low light intensities. Transfer of mycelial plugs from a nutrient-rich medium, e.g., PDA, to one poorer in nutrients, e.g., Brown's medium or dilute PDA, induced fruiting in certain isolates. In general, nutritional or environmental conditions that restricted optimal growth and sclerotial production by the fungus favored hymenial formation. The salient features of the development and structure of the basidiocarp are described and illustrated. The teleomorph of the plant pathogenic fungus Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. was first described by Goto (9) who provisionally placed it in Corticium centrifugum (Lev.) Bres. Curzi (5) later proposed that C. rolfsii should be designated as the basidial state of S. rolfsii. The teleomorph was transferred to Pellicularia by West (22), and subsequently placed in Botryobasidiulm by Venkatarayan (21). Talbot in 1973 (19) suggested that the basidial state of S. rolfsii belonged to the genus Athelia, and acting upon his suggestion, Tu and Kimbrough (20) made the combination A. rolfsii. We accept A. rolfsii (Curzi) Tu and Kimbrough as the name for the teleomorph. The teleomorph of S. rolfsii has been reported infrequently from nature (11, 22), but there are some reports of hymenial formation in culture (1, 9, 14, 15). However, in most studies, observations of fruiting have been incidental. Most workers, with the exception of Goto (10, 11) and Kulkarni and co-workers (1, 13), reported hymenial formation in two or three isolates grown on one or two media. Possible differences between isolates in their ability to fruit and the influence of media on hymenial formation, were not investigated. Moreover, the conditions that promoted formation of the basidiocarp in different isolates of S. rolfsii were never clearly described. There are few published light micrographs and no scanning electron micrographs of the teleomorph, and adequate descriptions of the development and structure of the basidiocarp are lacking, thus making identification difficult. This study was undertaken to establish the nutritional and environmental conditions that induce hymenial formation in isolates of S. rolfsii and to describe the development and structure of the basidiocarp. Seventy-six isolates from various hosts and geographical areas were tested. Media used by other workers, and additional media developed in this study, were employed. The conditions that
Controllable Cross-Linking of Vapor-Deposited Polymer Thin Films and Impact on Material Properties

We report the single-step preparation of controllably cross-linked poly(divinylbenzene) (PDVB) and poly(4-vinylpyridine-co-divinylbenzene) thin films using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-based methods for quantifying film composition and degree of cross-linking are elucidated; the validity of these methods is assessed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and nanoindentation. The extent of reaction of divinylbenzene (DVB) pendant vinyl bonds in homo- and copolymer films is unaffected by changes in initiator concentration, suggesting that bond reactivity, rather than radical concentration, is the limiting factor. Analysis of film step coverage (S) over high aspect ratio (AR) features and sticking probability calculations lend insight into the reactivity of both monomers and explain the extreme conformality of PDVB films (S = 0.87 ± 0.02 at AR = 4.7). In addition, the incorporation and cross-linking of DVB moieties in the copolymer are extremely reproduc...
Cracking the Nut – Building a Clinical Pedagogy of Externship

Externships offer a tantalizing experiential option for law schools. Students are hungry for the real-world experience, the networking potential, and the chance to take the skills they have learned in the classroom to the next level. Administrators love externships because of their high enrollment, low cost nature: externships leverage small amounts of resources from hundreds of outside organizations. Faculty appreciate these programs because they provide students with context and skills, inspire them in the doctrinal classroom, and require little diversion of resources from the more traditional faculty ranks. However, the danger of grasping too tightly to externships as the experiential solution is the temptation to avoid thinking carefully about connecting the external experience to the doctrinal and skills training that law schools are charged to deliver. It is possible to leverage students’ real world excitement into deeper reflection and enhanced skills, but it requires us to confront the black hole of most externship programs: the seminar.While it is tempting, we are not free to abandon the externship seminar altogether; indeed I will argue that we have heightened obligations under the American Bar Association’s Standards to be more attentive to rigor and assessment in the externship context. Yet, well-established models from either doctrinal or clinical courses are poor fits for externship seminars, in which enrolled students are working at many different sites and constrained by confidentiality. So, we need a unique pedagogy of externship; that is what this article proposes. The Legal Skills Learning Taxonomy – based on Bloom’s taxonomy in the psychomotor domain – describes the competencies that mark a student’s legal skills development. Students engaged in different substantive work can use this tool to assess their initial proficiency, set meaningful and aggressive goals, reflect on their performance feedback, target their learning in the seminar and develop a depiction of their own progress by the end of the semester.
Impact of Scrambling on Barcode Entropy

 Impact of Scrambling on Barcode Entropy Marie Vans, Steven J. Simske HP Laboratories HPL-2011-52 Security printing, security, payload density, barcode, DataMatrix Security barcodes and other barcodes linked to on-line databases have become commonplace due to the increased availability of mobile phones equipped with high quality cameras. In this paper, we provide methods for quantifying the entropy of the embedded barcode data, assuming methods other than the standards-specified error correcting code (ECC) approaches can be adopted. Higher entropy, which reduces the likelihood of a fraudulent agent being able to "guess" correct barcodes, is measured directly using a variety of novel algorithms and applied to large sets of barcodes. Our data, however, show that removing ECC provides the additional advantage of increasing the entropy. Thus, all other settings (data payload size, printing technology, substrate used, etc.) being equal, eliminating the ECC increases the security of the information content for the barcodes (DataMatrix) tested. External Posting Date: May 6, 2011 [Fulltext] Approved for External Publication Internal Posting Date: May 6, 2011 [Fulltext] To be publishing in Journal of Imaging Science and Technology Copyright 2011 Journal of Imaging Science and Technology Page 1 Impact of Scrambling on Barcode Entropy Marie Vans Hewlett-Packard Laboratories 3404 E. Harmony Rd., Mailstop 36 Fort Collins CO 80528 Marie.Vans@hp.com +1.970.898.1341 Steven J. Simske Hewlett-Packard Laboratories 3404 E. Harmony Rd., Mailstop 36 Fort Collins CO 80528 Steven.Simske@hp.com +1.970.898.9561
Epidemiological Analysis of Viral hepatitis A in Fengtai District of Beijing during 1991-2009

[Objective] To understand the epidemic situation of viral hepatitis A (VHA) in Fengtai district of Beijing, provide scientific basis for making the prevention and control measures.[Methods]The data of epidemic situation and population in Fengtai district of Beijing during 1991-2009 were analyzed epidemiologically.[Results]During 1991-2009, there were 2200 cases of VHA in Fengtai district, and the annual average morbidity was 11.59/lakh. And the highest and lowest morbidity was in 1991 (56.75/lakh) and 2009 (0.30/lakh), respectively.[Conclusion]The morbidity of VHA in Fengtai district showed a descending trend in the last 19 years. In order to reduce the morbidity of VHA, it is very important to improve the immunization and strengthen the comprehensive preventive measures among susceptible population.
Epidemiological analysis of tuberculosis among the fifth Division of Xinjiang production and construction corps( 2009-2014)

Objective To improve and formulate the local strategy of tuberculosis control and prevention on the basis of analyzing epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis among the fifth Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Methods Registered tuberculosis cases and demographic information were from the National Disease Supervision Information Management System and annual statistical yearbook,SPSS 16. 0 was used for statistical analysis. Results The average reported incidence of the fifth division was 75. 13 /100 000,showing a declining trend. The annual reported incidence between different regions showed statistically significance( χ2= 2. 159,P 0. 01). In addition,male annual reported incidence( 89. 70 /100 000) was higher than that of female( 59. 60 /100 000). The high risk occupation focused on farmers( 29. 54%) and retirees( 27. 34%). The incidence of the floating population was higher than that of local population. Conclusion Most of the high risk population was: people of the registered local household,farmers and retirees. Besides,the situation of tuberculosis epidemic was different between regions.
Availability and function of arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi during revegetation of dewatered reservoirs left after dam removal

Revegetation following dam removal projects may depend on recovery of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal communities, which perform valuable ecosystem functions. This study assessed the availability and function of AM and EM fungi for plants colonizing dewatered reservoirs following a dam removal project on the Elwha River, Olympic Peninsula, Washington, United States. Availability was assessed via AM fungal spore density in soils and EM root tip colonization of Salix sitchensis (Sitka willow) in an observational field study. The effect of mycorrhizal fungi from 4 sources (reservoir soils, commercial inoculum, and 2 mature plant community soils) on growth and nutrient status of S. sitchensis was quantified in a greenhouse study. AM fungal spores and EM root tips were present in all field samples. In the greenhouse, plants receiving reservoir soil inoculum had only incipient mantle formation, while plants receiving inoculum from mature plant communities had fully formed EM root tips. EM formation corresponded with alleviation of phosphorus stress in plants (lower shoot nitrogen:phosphorus). Thus, revegetating plants have access to AM and EM fungi following dam removal, and EM formation may be especially important for plant P uptake in reservoir soils. However, availability of mycorrhizal fungi declines with distance from established plant communities. Furthermore, EM fungal communities in recently dewatered reservoirs may not be as effective at forming beneficial mycorrhizae as those from mature plant communities. Whole soil inoculum from mature plant communities may be important for the success of revegetating plants and recovery of mycorrhizal fungal communities.
Laser Treated Carbon Nanotube Yarn Microelectrodes for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Dopamine in Vivo

Carbon nanotube yarn microelectrodes (CNTYMEs) exhibit rapid and selective detection of dopamine with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV); however, the sensitivity limits their application in vivo. In this study, we introduce laser treatment as a simple, reliable, and efficient approach to improve the sensitivity of CNTYMEs by three fold while maintaining high temporal resolution. The effect of laser treatment on the microelectrode surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersion spectroscopy, and laser confocal microscopy. Laser treatment increases the surface area and oxygen containing functional groups on the surface, which provides more adsorption sites for dopamine than at unmodified CNTYMEs. Moreover, similar to unmodified CNTYMEs, the dopamine signal at laser treated CNTYMEs is not dependent on scan repetition frequency, unlike the current at carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) which decreases with increasing scan repetition frequency. This frequency independence is caused by the significantly larger surface roughness which would trap dopamine-o-quinone and amplify the dopamine signal. CNTYMEs were applied as an in vivo sensor with FSCV for the first time and laser treated CNTYMEs maintained high dopamine sensitivity compared to CFMEs with an increased scan repetition frequency of 50 Hz, which is five-fold faster than the conventional frequency. CNTYMEs with laser treatment are advantageous because of their easy fabrication, high reproducibility, fast electron transfer kinetics, high sensitivity, and rapid in vivo measurement of dopamine and could be a potential alternative to CFMEs in the future.
Immunotoxicity of Pesticides

Publisher Summary This chapter appraises the reaction of the human immune system when it is exposed to different types of pesticides. Chemicals such as pesticides have the potential to alter the immune system, making an individual more susceptible to infection. There are four potential outcomes to pesticide exposure. The first outcome, and the most common, is no alteration to the immune system as a result of pesticide exposure. The second potential outcome is an increase in activation of the immune system with the potential to develop into an autoimmune disease. A third possible outcome of pesticide exposure is a decrease in the immune system activity resulting in immunosuppression. The final potential outcome is the development of hypersensitivity. Depending on the pesticide, these alterations can include a decrease in neutrophil and macrophage function, a decrease in the number of thymocytes, a decrease/increase in mitogen-induced proliferation, a decrease in antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, and a decrease/increase in cytokine secretion. As in other types of pesticide-induced toxicities, the route of exposure, length of exposure, dose, and timing of exposure of a pesticide must be taken into consideration when evaluating the potential of a pesticide to be immunotoxic. In addition, these factors can also influence whether a pesticide is immunosuppressive or potentiates the immune system.
Disturbance rejection of peak current-mode control for bidirectional battery charging

This paper presents the disturbance rejection of peak current-mode control for bidirectional Buck-Boost converter using slope compensation. The equivalent circuits and transfer functions are derived for the peak-current mode control using small signal modeling. In order to utilize the benefits of peak current-mode controller and eliminate its drawbacks, slope compensation has been added. The derived transfer functions help to analyze the stability of the controller and current disturbance rejection. Bode plots of the current transfer functions are extracted to analyze the correct behavior of the controller and compare the results for different perturbation ratio under various slope compensations. The detailed stability analysis leads to design criteria and choose appropriate parameters for the robust disturbance-rejection control.
Investigation of transient/residual strain and stress in dissimilar weld

Abstract Optimizing welding parameters to achieve low residual stress (RS) with the aid of stress reduction techniques usually relies on the study of residual strain distribution in weldment. However, investigating transient strains using experimental methods such as strain gauges gives an additional view on how RS is reduced. In this work, the transient strain and stress on the surface of dissimilar plate during gas-tungsten arc (GTA) welding process have been studied using non-destructive strain gauge method. It is demonstrated that strain gauge measurements during dissimilar welding processes can be used to indicate residual elastic strain and stress. Moreover, three- dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model has been developed and verified with experimental work (neutron diffraction measurement), and was employed to examine the formation of RS upon cooling of a 304-1018 dissimilar weldment. The strain gauge (SG) measurement method shows good agreement with FE model and neutron diffraction measurements. The assumptions and limitations associated with strain measurement and determination of the stress state are explored. Lastly, curvature due to dissimilar weld and its effects on strain measurement, which is in contrast with similar weld, was measured and discussed.
Changes in regional cerebral blood flow and sucrose space after 3-4 weeks of hypobaric hypoxia (0.5 ATM).

The brain is exquisitely sensitive to changes in its oxygen supply. Indeed, oxygen delivery to the brain is regulated on a moment to moment basis. While the brain depends on oxygen for oxidative energy metabolism, there is also the danger of excess exposure to oxygen and the attendant problems of oxygen toxicity. Consequently, there must be mechanisms which regulate regional cerebral blood flow that optimize the contradictory requirements of energy demand and oxygen toxicity. Thus, regional blood flow is usually kept low so that brain tissue oxygen tension is low (Sick et al., 1982) to avoid toxicity until functional requirements produce increased neuronal activity which are accompanied by local increases in blood flow to accommodate the resultant increased energy demand (Kreisman et al., 1981; laManna et al., 1987). This hypothesis is a possible explanation for the paradoxical observations which indicate that the brain is always “on the brink” of hypoxia (Rosenthal et al., 1976) despite a demonstrable large reserve blood flew capacity. The mechanisms of local control of oxygen delivery seem to be set so that there is just sufficient oxygen for immediate energy demand but no more. Hypoxic and hypoxemic conditions will obviously force a response from the regulatory mechanisms in order that the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption be maintained (LaManna et al., 1984).
A Permeability-Limited Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Model for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in Male Rats.

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling is a powerful in silico tool that can be used to simulate the toxicokinetics and tissue distribution of xenobiotic substances, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in organisms. However, most existing PBPK models have been based on the flow-limited assumption and largely rely on in vivo data for parametrization. In this study, we propose a permeability-limited PBPK model to estimate the toxicokinetics and tissue distribution of PFOA in male rats. Our model considers the cellular uptake and efflux of PFOA via both passive diffusion and transport facilitated by various membrane transporters, association with serum albumin in circulatory and extracellular spaces, and association with intracellular proteins in liver and kidney. Model performance is assessed using seven experimental data sets extracted from three different studies. Comparing model predictions with these experimental data, our model successfully predicts the toxicokinetics and tissue distr...
Difference in inspiratory flow between volume and pressure control ventilation in patients with flow dyssynchrony.

Abstract Purpose Flow dyssynchrony is common during volume control ventilation but minimized during pressure control. Characterizing inspiratory flow during pressure control breaths can inform adjustments of the fixed flow of volume control to address flow dyssynchrony. This study compared inspiratory flow peak and pattern between volume control and adaptive pressure control breaths. Material and methods Subjects with or at risk for ARDS were ventilated with volume control decreasing ramp flow at different tidal volumes and subsequently with adaptive pressure control targeting those same tidal volumes. Inspiratory flows of volume control breaths exhibiting flow dyssynchrony, and those of pressure control breaths at the same set tidal volumes without flow dyssynchrony were analyzed, for a total of 17 subject-tidal volume conditions. Peak flow and flows at 10, 25, 50 and 75% of inspiratory time were compared between modes. Results Group peak flows were not different between modes, but at 50 and 75% of inspiratory time flows were higher during adaptive pressure control. In 8 subject-tidal volume conditions V T were higher (> 1 ml/kg PBW) on adaptive pressure control than on volume control. Conclusions In patients with flow dyssynchrony during volume control ventilation, adjustment of inspiratory flow pattern should be considered to minimize this dyssynchrony.
Asia, Ancient Southwest: Scripts, South Semitic

The West Semitic writing traditions seem to have split early into a North Semitic and a South Semitic variant, with characteristic sign shapes and traditional sign order. The apparent focus of the spread of this system to Ancient North Arabian in one direction and Ancient Ethiopic (Ge'ez) in another was the constellation of Ancient South Arabian city-states in what is now Yemen. In Ethiopia the system underwent a unique transformation into a syllabary in which vowels are noted by more or less systematic modification of sign shapes.
An Examination of Physical Education Teachers' Perceptions of Utilizing Contemporary Music in the Classroom Environment: A Qualitative Approach

Objectives: To provide further information regarding physical education (PE) teachers’ perceptions of incorporating music in PE lessons and to evaluate the influence of music on the classroom environment using a qualitative approach. Method: Electronic survey interviews were conducted with 26 veteran PE instructors (10 male, 16 female), from 7 states and 24 schools (7 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, 4 high schools). Participant teaching experience ranged from 1 to 25 years. Results: Analyses of interview transcripts revealed four major themes concerning the use of music in the PE environment: (1) classroom management, (2) student learning, (3) class climate, and (4) music as a motivational tool. Two repeating themes within the major theme of classroom management were the assistance of music in starting and stopping class activities. Other classroom environmental factors within the major themes of student learning, class climate, and music as a motivational tool were specific to student focus, the predilection of contemporary music by students in the classroom, and perceived increased motivation in classroom activities by students, respectively. Conclusions: Study findings point to the fact PE teachers find music as a helpful tool to assist in class activities. Incorporated during class activities, music may help to create a positive class climate, serving as a tool to help PE teachers manage students and keep them on task. Subscribe to TPE
Feminism in Coalition: Rethinking Strategies for Progressive Politics Across Difference

In addition to offering an overview of the articles in this symposium, this short introduction provides a conceptual framing for this collective conversation. Proceeding from the conviction that in...
Efficient Probabilistic Reverse k-Nearest Neighbors Query Processing on Uncertain Data

A reverse k-nearest neighbors (RkNN) query returns all the objects that take the query object q as their k nearest neighbors. However, data are often uncertain in numerous applications. In this paper, we focus on the problem of processing RkNN on uncertain data. A probabilistic RkNN (PRkNN) query retrieves all the objects that have higher probabilities than a user-specified threshold to be the RkNN of q. The previous work for answering PRNN query are mainly based on the distance relationship between uncertain objects, and are inapplicable for PRkNN when k > 1. In this paper, we design a novel algorithm for PRkNN query to support arbitrary values of k on the basis of two pruning strategies, namely spatial pruning and probabilistic pruning. The spatial pruning rule is defined on both the distances and the angle ranges between uncertain objects. And an efficient upper bound of probability is estimated by the probabilistic pruning algorithm. Extensive experiments are conducted to study the performance of the proposed approach. The results show that our proposed algorithm has a better performance and scalability than the existing solution regarding the growth of k.