cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A change point model for estimating the onset of cognitive decline in preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

Dementia is characterized by accelerated cognitive decline before and after diagnosis as compared to normal ageing. Determining the time at which that rate of decline begins to accelerate in persons who will develop dementia is important both in describing the natural history of the disease process and in identifying the optimal time window for which treatments might be useful. We model that time at which the rate of decline begins to accelerate in persons who develop dementia relative to those who do not by using a change point in a mixed linear model. A profile likelihood method is proposed to draw inferences about the change point. The method is applied to data from the Bronx Ageing Study, a cohort study of 488 initially non-demented community-dwelling elderly individuals who have been examined at approximately 12-month intervals over 15 years. Cognitive function was measured using the Buschke Selective Reminding test, a memory test with high reliability and known discriminative validity for detecting dementia. We found that the rate of cognitive decline as measured by this test in this cohort increases on average 5.1 years before the diagnosis of dementia.
Evaluation of pool‐riffle naturalization structures on habitat complexity and the fish community in an urban Illinois stream

Urbanization and its associated stressors such as flow alteration, channel modification and poor water quality is a leading cause of ecological degradation to rivers and streams. Driven by public concern to address this issue, there has been a dramatic increase in urban restoration projects since 1990 using in-stream structures. Attempts at restoring the ecological condition of urban streams using structures have produced varied results, but projects do not often meet planned ecological goals. A major challenge to improving the ecological health of urban streams is to better understand how to incorporate ecological assessments into a ‘restoration’ design framework with reasonable expectations for ecological recovery. A naturalization design framework was used in a project on a 0.62-km reach of the North Branch of the Chicago River in Northbrook, Illinois. Initial surveys of channel morphology, habitat and biota identified poor pool-riffle bed structure and fish biodiversity, which became the basis for research and development of a pool-riffle structure specifically designed for constrained, low-gradient channels. Habitat and fish surveys were conducted pre- and post-construction. The project improved mesohabitat structure, and fish abundance, and biomass and diversity were greater for 2 years following construction (2002–2003) compared to 3 years prior to construction (1999–2001). However, the improved fish metrics were in the low range when compared to rural streams in the same ecoregion, and the fish community consisted primarily of tolerant, slow-water species. Absent were intolerant and riffle dwelling species, such as insectivorous cyprinids and darters. Assessment of pre- and post-project ecological condition and the use of species information provided a basis for ecologically informed design and expanded our understanding of the limitations to restoring urban streams. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconfigurable and Tunable Metamaterials: A Review of the Theory and Applications

Metamaterials are being applied to the development and construction of many new devices throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. Limitations posed by the metamaterial operational bandwidth and losses can be effectively mitigated through the incorporation of tunable elements into the metamaterial devices. There are a wide range of approaches that have been advanced in the literature for adding reconfiguration to metamaterial devices all the way from the RF through the optical regimes, but some techniques are useful only for certain wavelength bands. A range of tuning techniques span from active circuit elements introduced into the resonant conductive metamaterial geometries to constituent materials that change electromagnetic properties under specific environmental stimuli. This paper presents a survey of the development of reconfigurable and tunable metamaterial technology as well as of the applications where such capabilities are valuable.
Surgical anatomy of the infratemporal fossa: the styloid diaphragm revisited.

Introduction The infratemporal fossa (ITF) gives passage to most major cerebral vessels and cranial nerves. Dissection of the ITF is essential in many of the lateral cranial base approaches and in exposure of the high cervical internal carotid artery (ICA). We reviewed the surgical anatomy of this region. Methods Direct foraminal measurements were made in seven dry skulls (14 sides), and the relationship of these foramina to each other and various landmarks were determined. Ten ITF dissections were performed using a preauricular subtemporal-infratemporal approach. Preliminary dissections of the extracranial great vessels and structures larger than 1 cm were performed using standard macroscopic surgical techniques. Dissection of all structures less than 1 cm was conducted using microsurgical techniques and instruments, including the operating microscope. The anatomic relationships of the muscles, nerves, arteries, and veins were carefully recorded, with special emphasis regarding the relationship of these structures to the styloid diaphragm. The dissection was purely extradural. Results The styloid diaphragm was identified in all specimens. It divides the ITF into the prestyloid region and the retrostyloid region. The prestyloid region contains the parotid gland and associated structures, including the facial nerve and external carotid artery. The retrostyloid region contains major vascular structures (ICA, internal jugular vein) and the initial exocranial portion of the lower Cranial Nerves IX through XII. Landmarks were identified for the different cranial nerves. The bifurcation of the main trunk of the facial nerve was an average of 21 mm medial to the cartilaginous pointer and an average of 31 mm medial to the tragus of the ear. The glossopharyngeal nerve was found posterior and lateral to stylopharyngeus muscle in nine cases and medial in only one. The vagus nerve was consistently found in the angle formed posteriorly by the ICA and the internal jugular vein. The spinal accessory nerve crossed anterior to the internal jugular vein in five cases and posterior in another five cases. It could be located as it entered the medial surface of the sternocleidomastoid muscle 28 mm (mean) below the mastoid tip. The hypoglossal nerve was most consistently identified as it crossed under the sternocleidomastoid branch of the occipital artery 25 mm posterior to the angle of the mandible and 52 mm anterior and inferior to the mastoid tip. Conclusion The styloid diaphragm divides the ITF into prestyloid and retrostyloid regions and covers the high cervical ICA. Using landmarks for the exocranial portion of the lower cranial nerves is useful it identifying them and avoiding injury during approaches to the high cervical ICA, the upper cervical spine, and the ITF.
CFD analysis of a symmetrical planar SOFC with heterogeneous electrode properties

Abstract A comprehensive 2-D CFD model is developed to investigate bi-electrode supported cell (BSC) performance. The model takes into account the coupled complex transport phenomena of mass/heat transfer, charge (electron/ion) transport, and electrochemical reactions. The uniqueness of this modeling work is that heterogeneous electrode properties are taken into account, which includes not only linear functionally graded porosity distribution but also various nonlinear distributions in a general sense according to porous electrode features in BSC design. Extensive numerical analysis is performed to elucidate various heterogeneous porous electrode property effects on cell performance. Results indicate that cell performance is strongly dependent on porous microstructure distributions of electrodes. Among the various porosity distributions, inverse parabolic porosity distribution shows promising effects on cell performance. For a given porosity distribution of electrodes, cell performance is also dependent on operating conditions, typically fuel/gas pressure losses across the electrodes. The mathematical model developed in this paper can be utilized for high performance BSC SOFC design and optimization.
A Comparison of External and Self-Instructional Teaching Formats with Mentally Retarded Adults in a Vocational Training Setting.

A theory recently proposed by Whitman postulates that self-instructional training procedures should have special utility for low ability individuals. Although past studies have shown that self-instructional training programs can be employed to improve the performance of mentally retarded individuals in work situations, research has not examined whether this training format is superior to external instruction. To test Whitman's theory, mentally retarded adults were taught to perform a complex sequencing task through one of two training formats: self-instruction or external instruction. Performance was evaluated through the examination of accuracy measures obtained during training, maintenance, and generalization assessments. Results indicated that participants receiving self-instructional training were able to achieve and sustain a higher level of performance than participants receiving external instruction. While self-instructionally trained subjects also showed superior performance on the generalization assessment, these results were not statistically significant. Secondary analyses revealed that higher ability participants, self-instructionally trained participants, and participants who reached criterion on the training and generalization tasks self-verbalized more frequently during the various assessments. In contrast to prediction, there was no significant difference in the length of time required to train individuals in the two instructional groups.
From Global to Local: Uncovering the Structural Causes of Civil War

Sixteen Million One: Understanding Civil War. By Paradigm Publishers, 2009. 229 pp., $24.95 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-1-59451-620-7). The title, Sixteen Million One, which is derived from the estimated total casualties resulting from civil wars during the past fifty years, investigates the causes of civil wars, as well as policies that can reduce the incidence and severity of these conflicts. Regan's work is novel in several respects. The book accomplishes a task that most academics avoid: Bringing often arcane social scientific studies to bear on a policy issue of contemporary import and doing so via accessible language and methodology. Moreover, Regan demonstrates the process by which social scientists rely on firsthand observations to identify behavioral puzzles that can, in part, be informed by social science methods. In particular, Sixteen Million One underscores Regan's considerable experience exploring firsthand ongoing civil wars, ranging from Palestine to Nicaragua, investigations that are supplemented by Regan's observations about contemporary, rural America. In short, Sixteen Million One demonstrates that in order to understand, as Ted Robert Gurr posed it famously, “why men rebel,” it is important to discuss such motivations directly with the rebels and non-rebels. Last, the policy component of Sixteen Million One is fortified by Regan's personal experience serving as a mediator in his local community, an important, even novel, vantage point from which to consider the nuance between social science rigor and insight derived from …
Autophagy releases lipid that promotes fibrogenesis by activated hepatic stellate cells in mice and in human tissues.

Background & Aims The pathogenesis of liver fibrosis involves activation of hepatic stellate cells, which is associated with depletion of intracellular lipid droplets. When hepatocytes undergo autophagy, intracellular lipids are degraded in lysosomes. We investigated whether autophagy also promotes loss of lipids in hepatic stellate cells to provide energy for their activation and extended these findings to other fibrogenic cells. Methods We analyzed hepatic stellate cells from C57BL/6 wild-type, Atg7 F/F , and Atg7 F/F -GFAP-Cre mice, as well as the mouse stellate cell line JS1. Fibrosis was induced in mice using CCl 4 or thioacetamide (TAA); liver tissues and stellate cells were analyzed. Autophagy was blocked in fibrogenic cells from liver and other tissues using small interfering RNAs against Atg5 or Atg 7 and chemical antagonists. Human pulmonary fibroblasts were isolated from samples of lung tissue from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or from healthy donors. Results In mice, induction of liver injury with CCl 4 or TAA increased levels of autophagy. We also observed features of autophagy in activated stellate cells within injured human liver tissue. Loss of autophagic function in cultured mouse stellate cells and in mice following injury reduced fibrogenesis and matrix accumulation; this effect was partially overcome by providing oleic acid as an energy substrate. Autophagy also regulated expression of fibrogenic genes in embryonic, lung, and renal fibroblasts. Conclusions Autophagy of activated stellate cells is required for hepatic fibrogenesis in mice. Selective reduction of autophagic activity in fibrogenic cells in liver and other tissues might be used to treat patients with fibrotic diseases.
Adult “congenital” bilateral occlusion of the foramina of monro

Bilateral occlusion of the foramina of Monro was detected and treated in a hydrocephalic adult who developed rapid striking recent memory loss. She was treated by midline windowing of the third ventricle into the dilated lateral ventricles at a location 2 cm posterior to the occluded foramina of Monro. No inflammation was present. A biopsy specimen showed no evidence of malignancy. A reservoir was placed for long-term measurement of intraventricular pressure. Ten-year follow-up with pressure measurements, serial computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging showed no evidence of tumor.
Hypofractionated radiosurgery has a better safety profile than single fraction radiosurgery for large resected brain metastases.

The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of single fraction radiosurgery (SFR) with hypofractionated radiosurgery (HR) for the adjuvant treatment of large, surgically resected brain metastases. Seventy-five patients with 76 resection cavities ≥ 3 cm received 15 Gray (Gy) × 1 SFR (n = 40) or 5–8 Gy × 3–5 HR (n = 36). Cumulative incidence of local failure (LF) and radiation necrosis (RN) was estimated accounting for death as a competing risk and compared with Gray’s test. The effect of multiple covariates was evaluated with the Fine-Gray proportional hazards model. The most common HR dose-fractionation schedules were 6 Gy × 5 (44 %), 7–8 Gy × 3 (36 %), and 6 Gy × 4 (8 %). The median follow-up was 11 months (range 2–71). HR patients had larger median resection cavity volumes (24.0 vs. 13.3 cc, p < 0.001), planning target volumes (PTV) (37.7 vs. 20.5 cc, p < 0.001), and cavity to PTV expansion margins (2 vs. 1.5 mm, p = 0.002) than SFR patients. Cumulative incidence of LF (95 % CI) at 6 and 12-months for HR versus SFR was 18.9 % (0.07–0.34) versus 15.9 % (0.06–0.29), and 25.6 % (0.12–0.42) versus 27.2 % (0.14–0.42), p = 0.80. Cumulative incidence of RN (95 % CI) at 6 and 12 months for HR vs. SFR was 3.3 % (0.00–0.15) versus 10.7 % (0.03–0.23), and 10.3 % (0.02–0.25) versus 19.2 % (0.08–0.34), p = 0.28. On multivariable analysis, SFR was significantly associated with an increased risk of RN, with a HR of 3.81 (95 % CI 1.04–13.93, p = 0.043). Hypofractionated radiosurgery may be the more favorable treatment approach for radiosurgery of cavities 3–4 cm in size and greater.
Systematics of the phase behavior in lanthanide sesquioxides

Abstract The crystal structures of the lanthanide (Ln) sesquioxides, Ln 2 O 3 , are systematized according to the radius ratio η between the lanthanide ion crystal radius and the “equivalent formula unit radius” which is derived from the unit cell volume of the sesquioxide. New criteria for the stability range of each structure are given quantitatively. These criteria were used to correlate the phase transformations of lanthanide sesquioxides with two critical values of η : B → A occurs at η = 2.26; C → B occurs at η = 2.42. The C → B phase transformation pressure in Eu 2 O 3 was estimated. The polymorphism of lanthanide sesquioxides at any temperature and pressure can be estimated using these new systematic critical values.
Chronic posttraumatic aneurysm of descending aorta with fistulous communication into pulmonary artery

We report an unusual case of presumed posttraumatic chronic proximal descending aneurysm associated with a fistula into the pulmonary artery. Review of the literature showed that a fistula of the descending aorta into the pulmonary artery is uncommon and that only a few patients have survived. This rare entity is best treated with open repair; however, in patients at high risk an endovascular stent graft is an option.
Plant types and seasonality of wild-plant foods, Tanzania to Southwestern Africa: Resources for models of the natural environment

Pursuant to understanding the ecological adaptations of the African hominids, we have analysed some of the characteristics of 419 wild plant species exploited for food by humans in a broad portion of the African summer-rain climatic region running from Tanzania to southwestern Africa. With regard to general growth form: trees, arborescents (other woody forms that can mature as trees), and forbs provide the majority of edible species. Although the grasses are diverse and abundant, most appear not to provide food items for humans. Woody rosette forms (e.g. palms and cycads) and truc shrubs (as opposed to arborescents) are both species-poor. The woody vines and lianas appear to provide even fewer edible species. Stem succulents, parasites, and ferns provide almost no edible species. When scasonality and growth form are both taken into consideration, deciduous trees, perennial forbs, and mushrooms are the most species rich “edible” plant types. Deciduous trees primarily provide edible fruit/seed/pods, particularly during the rainy season, leaves in the rainy season and some underground parts on a more or less year-round basis. Perennial forbs provide flowers, fruit/seed/pods, or leaves in the rainy season, but most (78%) of the edible species also provide underground parts on a more or less year-round basis. The general pattern of species providing edible above-ground parts in the rainy season is reinforced by the mushrooms, evergreen/semi-evergreen trees, and arborescents, as well as the speciespoor plant types. The overall potential dictary pattern is that of a pronounced seasonal change in the quality of plant foods, from a variety of types of food items provided by several different types of plants during the rainy season to mainly fruit/seed/pods and/or underground parts in the dry season. This implies a predictable qualitative as well as quantitative scasonal shift in the wild-plant-food diet of prehistoric humans wherever the tropical summerrain climate imposed itself or remained in effect.
Two-Area Analysis of System Time Error and Inadvertent Interchange Energy in Interconnected Power Systems

For any one control area, the rest of the interconnection is considered as one equivalent area. System time error and inadvertent interchange energy of an area are considered as a vector with two coordinates. This vector can be decomposed into two vector components: a component caused by the area itself, and a component caused by the rest of the interconnection.
Scanning Electron Microscope/Image Analyzer Determination of Dimensional Postharvest Changes in Fruit Cells

A scanning electron microscope was used to obtain pictures of apple and apricot cells in which the turgor had been modified to varying degrees. The cell configuration in the photos were evaluated, using an image analyzer, to detect physical changes in the cell walls. Moisture loss of 2% in apples had a significantly measurable effect on the ratio of cell length to breadth, and on cell roundness index. Configurational changes in the cell were also observed during storage, drying, rehydration and chemical treatment. This SEM/IA configurational analysis technique proved to be an effective way to detect physical changes.
Citation opportunity cost of the high impact factor obsession.

The pressure to publish in high-impact journals has never been higher and has led to growing distortions in the use of the impact factor [1,2]. With increasing quantification of scientific impact and the growing dependence on easily-calculated statistics — for example, impact factors, the h-index [3] and the number of citations — by academic bodies to make critical career decisions, a few high-impact journals get a deluge of submissions, up to 94% of which are rejected. The rejection rates are steadily getting higher.
Developmental influence of magnesium deficiency on rat molar tooth composition and dental caries

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if caries susceptibility of offspring could be altered by maternal magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency was evident by reductions in the magnesium content of serum, tibia, milk, and muscle as well as by an increase in both serum and kidney calcium. Maternal magnesium deficiency however was not severe enough to influence gestational weight gain, litter size, pup survival or weanling pup weight. Offspring originating from these magnesium deficient dams had less calcium, phosphorus and zinc in molar dentin compared to controls at the end of a 45-day caries test period. This apparent preeruptive reduction in mineral content of offspring dentin was associated with higher caries scores on the first and second molar buccal surface.
RACE IN THE WORLD SYSTEM

David Theo Goldberg, The Racial State. London: Blackwell, 2002, 319 pages, ISBN 0-631-19919-5, $66.95.Howard Winant, The World is a Ghetto: Race and Democracy Since World War II. New York: Basic Books, 2001, 428 pages, ISBN 0-465-04340-2, $32.00.Most American social scientists interpret racism as an individual malady and miss, ignore, or simply do not believe in the institutional and global nature of “White supremacy” (Mills 1997). Two limitations that ensue from this myopia are, first, the assumption that societies are not racialized entities (for a critique, see Bonilla-Silva 1997) and, second, a high degree of analytical provincialism—most studies by American scholars are narrow in scope and often are confined to the United States (for early exceptions, see Cox 1948, 1959; Du Bois 1920, 1945).
A sufficient condition for the stability of atmospheres with magnetic fields

Using the MHD energy principle, it is shown that P + B sq/8 x pi = constant is a sufficient condition for the stability of magnetized fluid systems with the following properties: the gravitational acceleration g is uniform, the magnetic field lines lie in parallel planes aligned with g, and all quantities are uniform in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the field lines. An example of a stable system is given, consisting of a vertical sheet of plasma supported against gravity by bowed field lines.
CHARACTERISTICS OF RESOURCE PROTECTION PLANS: AN ANALYSIS OF METHODS1

ABSTRACT During the past 10 years, a variety of plans have been developed for the evaluation, assessment and protection of natural resources and wetlands from the impacts of oil spills. Each plan has contributed to our knowledge of resource evaluation and planning. Several methods have been used to develop and organize the information available, as it applies to spill response. A comparison of several methods in use on the Pacific Coast of the United States is made from existing protection plans. Analysis of the component methods shows that each plan contains elements of similarity to other plans, but each also includes some unique or innovative approaches to the common problems. Distinctive characteristics of each plan are noted, discussed, and compared. The convenience of each plan for use in the field is reviewed. Each of the resource protection plans develops some needed contribution to interagency oil spill response efforts. There is a trend toward comprehensive planning efforts with practical field ...
What's in a Theory of Rank?

A wise senior social psychologist once reacted to the news that he had been scooped by saying, “Oh good! Now we don't have to do those studies” (J. Mills, personal communication, ca. 1980). I admit...
The Tandem Ring Opening/Ring Closing Metathesis Route to Oxaspirocycles: An Approach to Phelligridin G

Phelligridin G is an unusual natural product that contains an embedded spiro-fused furanone core. We have investigated two furan-based synthetic approaches towards the spirocyclic core structure of this natural product from readily available 2-phenylfurans. Although initial studies involving an oxidative cyclization were unsuccessful, we were ultimately able to access this key system through a sequential intermolecular furan Diels-Alder reaction followed by a metathesis-based reorganization. A related approach led to an expanded C ring to form spiro-fused pyran spirocycles.
Europe supplies substantial aerosol phosphorus to the Mediterranean

Biologically unproductive ocean regions depend on the wind to transport necessary nutrients, such as phosphorus, from the land. In the Mediterranean Sea, winds from Europe and North Africa bring phosphorus-laden dust particles and aerosols to remote waters. Previous research assumed that North Africa is the primary source of these particles because large Saharan dust storms create red rain events across the Mediterranean, making them an obvious source of nutrients.
Responses of zooplankton and Chaoborus to temephos in a natural pond and in the laboratory.

Application of the organophosphorus insecticide temephos to a natural pond in central Minnesota was followed by reduction within 24 hr in all cladocerans, inDiaptomus leptopus and inChaoborus americanus, and increases in cyclopoid copepods, copepod nauplii and the rotiferKeratella cochlearis. Daphnia pulex that reappeared 35 days post-application were ex-ephippial. After application, reproduction of cladocerans andDiaptomus was markedly reduced compared to the previous year, an effect attributed to temephos.Daphnia population density was strongly reduced into the fall season, long after the spring applications, compared with both a reference pond's and the previous season's populations. On-site bioassays demonstrated 24-hr mortalities ofDaphnia andChaoborus that were comparable to the population decreases in the pond. Laboratory toxicity tests showedDaphnia was the most sensitive followed byChaoborus andDiaptomus. Comparable results were seen in the pond population changes,in situ bioassays and laboratory toxicity data forDaphnia and forChaoborus, but sensitivities in the pond were somewhat greater than in the laboratory. Risk assessment research calls for long-term field reproduction analysis to avoid a false “recovery” report, combined with laboratory life cycle analysis and short acute exposure tests.
A case of catamenial pneumothorax with diaphragmatic fenestrations.

Abstract Background: Considerable controversy exists with regards to the physiopathogenesis of catamenial pneumothorax. The rarity of catamenial pneumothorax makes understanding of its pathophysiology and verification of etiological mechanisms difficult. Objective: To contribute evidence to the knowledge base on the pathogenesis of catamenial pneumothorax. Case Report: We describe a case of catamenial pneumothorax with images that substantiate the pore hypothesis as a cause of recurrence of air in the pleural cavity in this patient. Conclusion: Our case report contributes evidence that transperitoneal migration of endometrial implants may occur through diaphragmatic fenestrations. Surgical options may be more viable to prevent recurrent pneumothoraces in such patients.
Reactive formation of dicarbon from the reactions of electronically excited radicals, CH(A2Δ) and CCl(A2Δ)

Abstract The 2 × 193 nm photodissociations of CHCl 3 and CCl 4 have been examined using dispersed emission. It was found that the initial photodissociation of CHCl 3 forms large amounts of CH(A 2 Δ) while the photodissociation of CCl 4 , forms lesser but still significant amounts of CCl(A 2 Δ). Emission rise time measurements show that photoproducts quickly react to form C 2 (d 3 Π g ).
Heat stress abatement during the dry period influences prolactin signaling in lymphocytes

Heat stress perturbs prolactin (PRL) release and affects dairy cow lactational performance and immune cell function. We hypothesized that greater PRL concentration in plasma of heat-stressed cows relative to cooled cows would decrease expression of prolactin receptor (PRL-R) mRNA and increase mRNA expression of suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) in lymphocytes, altering their cytokine production. To test this hypothesis, multiparous Holstein cows were dried off 46 d before their expected calving date and assigned randomly to heat stress (HT; n=9) or cooling (CL; n=7) during the entire dry period. A second study was conducted the following year with an additional 21 cows (12 HT; 9 CL). Lymphocytes were isolated from cows at -46, -20, +2, and +20 d relative to expected calving date and mRNA expression of PRL-R, SOCS-1, SOCS-2, SOCS-3, cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CIS), and heat shock protein 70 KDa A5 (HSPA5), and housekeeping genes hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS), ATP synthase, H+ transporting mitochondrial F1 complex, beta subunit (ATP5B), and ribosomal protein S9 (RPS9) was analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cows exposed to HT had greater PRL concentration in plasma compared with CL cows. Measurement of lymphocyte proliferation indicated that lymphocytes of CL cows proliferated more than those from HT cows and exressed more PRL-R mRNA and less SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 mRNA relative to HT cows. Further, lymphocytes from CL cows produced more tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) than those from HT cows. These results suggest that changes in PRL-signaling pathway genes during heat stress are associated with differential cytokine secretion by lymphocytes and may regulate lymphocyte proliferation in dairy cows.
Calculation of the Outcomes of Remodeling of Arteries Subjected to Sustained Hypertension Using a 3D Two-Layered Model

Arteries manifest a remodeling response to long-term alterations in arterial pressure and blood flow by changing geometry, structure, and composition through processes driven by perturbations of the local stresses in the vascular wall from their baseline values. The objective of this study is twofold—to develop a general method for calculating the remodeling responses of an artery considered as a two-layered tube; and to provide results for adaptive and maladaptive remodeling of a coronary artery. By formulating an inverse problem of vascular mechanics, the geometrical dimensions and mechanical properties of an artery are calculated from a prescribed deformed configuration, stress field, structural stiffness, and applied load. As an illustrative example we consider a human LAD coronary artery in both a perfect and incomplete adaptive response to a sustained step-wise change in pressure and a maladaptive response due to impaired remodeling of adventitia. The results obtained show that adventitia plays an important role in vascular mechanics when an artery is subjected to high arterial pressure. In addition to its well-known short term function of preventing over-inflation of an artery, it seems reasonable to accept that the manner by which adventitia remodels in response to a chronic increase in pressure is essential for preserving normal arterial function or may lead to an increased risk of developing vascular disorders.
Attitudes toward suicide: a factor analytic approach.

Suicide occurs in a cultural context, but that context, especially in terms of community attitudes, has not been explored fully. This study presents a 100-item questionnaire (the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire; SOQ) and a factor analysis of 285 respondents. The results, 15 factors that accounted for 76.6% of the total variance, underscore the complexities of such attitudes.
Surface Oxidation Behaviour of Cubic BN Powders

In order to improve the sinterability of the cBN, surface oxidation treatment was conducted to form a B2O3 film on the surface of the cBN powders. The cBN powders (d50 = 7.5 μm) were used as original powders. The heat treatment processes were 500, 800, 900, 950, 980 and 1000 °C holding for 30 minutes, respectively. The oxidation reactions which probably happened were calculated based on the thermodynamics. The experimental results showed that the oxidation starting temperature of cBN powders was higher than 800 °C. The higher the oxidation temperature, the greater the mass gain of the cBN powders.
Sequence analysis and molecular characterization of a nitrocatechol dioxygenase gene from Pseudomonas putida.

A Pseudomonas putida capable of degrading polychlorinated biphenyl was also found to transform 4-nitrocatechol to 3-nitro-2-hydroxy-6-oxo-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (NHODA). Crude cell extract of this bacterium exhibited an enzyme (nitrocatechol dioxygenase, Ndo) activity catalyzing this transformation. The gene encoding Ndo was cloned in E. coli. The cloned gene (ndo) expressed in E. coli had enzyme activity that degraded not only 4-nitrocatechol but also 4-chlorocatechol, 4-methylcatechol, 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl, and 4′-chloro-2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cloned ndo exhibited an open reading frame of 939 base pairs. This sequence can encode a 313 amino acids protein of approximately molecular weight of 35 kd, which was confirmed by in vitro transcription and translation assay and SDS-PAGE analysis. A putative ribosomal binding site (GAGGAGA) was present 7 base pairs upstream from the AUG start codon and a promotor site homologous to E. coli ‘−10’ and ‘−35’ regulatory region was l...
Benthic community structure and biomarker induction in grass shrimp in an estuarine system

The impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and lead contamination on benthic community structure and grass shrimp (Palaeomonetes sp.) biochemical markers were investigated in a bayou that has been heavily contaminated by PAHs and heavy metals. The benthic community had decreased species richness as well as decreased numbers of individuals along a contamination gradient. Grass shrimp collected in the field showed a contaminant-gradient increase in heat shock protein 63 and cytochrome P450 1A (as measured by ECOD metabolism). Grass shrimp had elevated ECOD metabolism when exposed in the laboratory to sediments from the most contaminated site. However, individual variation was too great for statistically significant changes. In addition, heat shock protein levels were not significantly elevated in laboratory exposed shrimp. Benthic community structure and wild-caught grass shrimp are clearly impacted in this bayou.
Probabilistic forecasting analysis of geomagnetic indices for southward IMF events

Geomagnetic disturbances that drive space weather impacts such as ground-induced currents and radiation belt enhancements are usually driven by strong southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) intervals. However, current heliospheric models either do not predict or provide low-accuracy forecasts of IMF Bz. Here we examine the probability distribution function of geomagnetic activity indices for southward IMF intervals. We analyze the in situ plasma and magnetic field measurements long-duration large-amplitude southward IMF intervals (called Bs events). The statistical profiles of other solar wind and IMF parameters show significant differences during the periods 1 day before the Bs events for different solar wind transients (such as interplanetary coronal mass ejections and stream interaction regions). As is well known, we find that the solar wind speed is positively correlated with geomagnetic indices and that strong southward IMF is the key in storm triggering but not necessarily for substorms. We find that the solar wind density weakly affects geomagnetic field activity, but the response depends on the type of solar wind transient that includes the strong Bs events. We also find that magnetospheric ultralow-frequency waves are induced by both strong southward IMF and solar wind dynamic pressure disturbances. We suggest that strong Bs events could be predicted from the preceding characteristics of solar wind and IMF changes and that probabilistic forecasting of geomagnetic activity occurrence is potentially useful in space weather forecasting. We present preliminary analysis to demonstrate the out-of-sample ability to predict IMF Bs events with in situ solar wind data.
Disconnectedness of sublevel sets of some Riemannian functionals

LetM be a compact manifold of dimension greater than four. Denote byRiem(M) the space of Riemannian structures onM (i.e. of isometry classes of Riemannian metrics onM) endowed with the Gromov-Hausdorff metric. LetRieme(M) ⊂Riem(M) be its subset formed by all Riemannian structuresμ such that vol(μ)=1 andinj(μ) ≥e, whereinj(μ) denotes the injectivity radius ofμ.
Phantom sweating: a novel autonomic paresthesia

To describe the biology of phantom sweating, a novel autonomic neuropathy symptom, based on a description of a patient with a small fiber and autonomic neuropathy. Clinical and laboratory assessments. Evidence of a generalized small fiber and autonomic neuropathy. Phantom sweating occurs frequently after sympathectomy but has not been reported previously in patients with a somatosensory or autonomic neuropathy. We suggest that this symptom is an autonomic paresthesia.
A sensor network for high frequency estimation of water quality constituent fluxes using surrogates

Characterizing spatial and temporal variability in the fluxes and stores of water and water borne constituents is important in understanding the mechanisms and flow paths that carry constituents to a stream and through a watershed. High frequency data collected at multiple sites can be used to more effectively quantify spatial and temporal variability in water quality constituent fluxes than through the use of low frequency water quality grab sampling. However, for many constituents (e.g., sediment and phosphorus) in-situ sensor technology does not currently exist for making high frequency measurements of constituent concentrations. In this paper we describe how water quality measures such as turbidity or specific conductance, which can be measured in-situ with high frequency, can be used as surrogates for other water quality constituents that cannot economically be measured with high frequency to provide continuous time series of water quality constituent concentrations and fluxes. We describe the observing infrastructure required to make high frequency estimates of water quality constituent fluxes based on surrogate data at multiple sites within a sensor network supporting an environmental observatory. This includes the supporting sensor, communication, data management, and data storage and processing infrastructure. We then provide a case study implementation in the Little Bear River watershed of northern Utah, USA, where a wireless sensor network has been developed for estimating total phosphorus and total suspended solids fluxes using turbidity as a surrogate.
Outcomes of Nonsurgical Retreatment and Endodontic Surgery: A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this systematic review was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of nonsurgical retreatment with those of endodontic surgery to determine which modality offers more favorable outcomes. Methods The study began with targeted electronic searches of MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases, followed with exhaustive hand searching and citation mining for all articles reporting clinical and/or radiographic outcomes for at least a mean follow-up of 2 years for these procedures. Pooled and weighted success rates were determined from a meta-analysis of the data abstracted from the articles. Results A significantly higher success rate was found for endodontic surgery at 2–4 years (77.8%) compared with nonsurgical retreatment for the same follow-up period (70.9%; P P P P P Conclusions On the basis of these results it appears that endodontic surgery offers more favorable initial success, but nonsurgical retreatment offers a more favorable long-term outcome.
A REAPPRAISAL OF COST INCENTIVES IN DEFENSE CONTRACTS

Abstract : It is suggested that the introduction of cost-sharing necessitates a payment for risk-bearing which in recent years has exceeded any savings which are obtained from increased efficiency, and that calculations of increased efficiency are themselves likely to be overly optimistic. This skepticism, of course, reflects the assumption that the government is not in the market for insurance, and that contractor absorption of risk is of no particular value to the buyer, at least not in relation to its cost. The popularity of incentive contracts is much more easily explained in terms of 'sub-optimizing' behavior of individual procurement officers than it is in terms of the objectives of the organization as a whole. This conclusion is further strengthened by substantial evidence to the effect that 'target costs' are strongly influenced by other features of the contract. Insofar as target costs are raised as sharing ratios are raised, efficiency in contract performance is overstated, even after taking into account the cost of insurance.
The collisional flow of vibrational energy into surrounding vibrational fields within S1 benzene

Vapor phase fluorescence spectra are used to determine the absolute rate constants for the collisional transfer of vibrational energy from initial single vibronic levels of S1 benzene into the surrounding S1 vibronic field. 11 initial levels are probed with vibrational energies ranging to 2368 cm−1 where the level density is about 10 per cm−1. CO, isopentane, and S0 benzene are the collision partners. Benzene rate constants are three to four times gas kinetic for all levels, and electronic energy switching between the initial S1 molecule and the S0 collision partner probably makes important contributions. Isopentane efficiencies range from one to two times gas kinetic. Most of the transfer from low S1 levels occurs with excitation of vibrational energy within isopentane. These V–V contributions decline to only about 10% for the high transfer. CO‐induced transfer is by V‐T,R processes for all levels. The CO efficiency rises from about 0.1 for low regions to about unity for levels above 1500 cm−1. The CO ef...
Convective Heat Transfer by Impingement of Circular Liquid Jets

The impingement of circular, liquid jets provides a convenient method of cooling surfaces. Here, jet impingement cooling of uniformly heated surfaces is investigated analytically and experimentally for stable, unsubmerged, uniform velocity laminar jets in the absence of phase change. Analytical and numerical predictions are developed for a laminar radial film flow. Experiments using undisturbed laminar jets were performed to determine local Nusselt numbers from the stagnation point to radii of up to 40 diameters. Turbulent transition in the film flow is observed experimentally at a certain radius. Beyond this transition radius, a separate turbulent analysis is constructed. Integral method results are compared to numerical results, and Prandtl number effects are investigated. The predictions are found to agree well with the measurements for both laminar and turbulent flow. Predictive formulae are recommended for the entire range of radii.
Acceptance- Versus Change-Based Pain Management: The Role of Psychological Acceptance

This study compared two theoretically opposed strategies for acute pain management: an acceptance-based and a change-based approach. These two strategies were compared in a within-subjects design using the cold pressor test as an acute pain induction method. Participants completed a baseline pain tolerance assessment followed by one of the two interventions and another pain tolerance test. The alternate strategy was presented in a separate, but otherwise identical, experimental session. On average, both interventions significantly increased pain tolerance relative to baseline, with no significant difference between the two intervention conditions. Baseline psychological acceptance emerged as a significant moderator of intervention efficacy; individuals with a high level of acceptance benefited significantly more from the acceptance intervention, whereas those with a low level of acceptance benefited more from the change-based intervention. Implications for increasing the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic treatments based on individual differences are discussed.
Brain activation and sexual arousal in healthy, heterosexual males

Despite the brain's central role in sexual function, little is known about relationships between brain activation and sexual response. In this study, we employed functional MRI (fMRI) to examine relationships between brain activation and sexual arousal in a group of young, healthy, heterosexual males. Each subject was exposed to two sequences of video material consisting of explicitly erotic (E), relaxing (R) and sports (S) segments in an unpredictable order. Data on penile turgidity was collected using a custom-built pneumatic pressure cuff. Both traditional block analyses using contrasts between sexually arousing and non-arousing video clips and a regression using penile turgidity as the covariate of interest were performed. In both types of analyses, contrast images were computed for each subject and these images were subsequently used in a random effects analysis. Strong activations specifically associated with penile turgidity were observed in the right subinsular region including the claustrum, left caudate and putamen, right middle occipital/ middle temporal gyri, bilateral cingulate gyrus and right sensorimotor and pre-motor regions. Smaller, but significant activation was observed in the right hypothalamus. Few significant activations were found in the block analyses. Implications of the findings are discussed. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of examining brain activation/sexual response relationships in an fMRI environment and reveals a number of brain structures whose activation is time-locked to sexual arousal.
Error correction of microchip synthesized genes using Surveyor nuclease

The development of economical and highthroughput gene synthesis technology has been hampered by the high occurrence of errors in the synthesized products, which requires expensive labor and time to correct. Here, we describe an error correction reaction (ECR), which employs Surveyor, a mismatch-specific DNA endonuclease, to remove errors from synthetic genes. In ECR reactions, errors are revealed as mismatches by re-annealing of the synthetic gene products. Mismatches are recognized and excised by a combination of mismatch-specific endonuclease and 3 0 !5 0 exonuclease activities in the reaction mixture. Finally, overlap extension polymerase chain reaction (OE-PCR) re-assembles the resulting fragments into intact genes. The process can be iterated for increased fidelity. With two iterations, we were able to reduce errors in synthetic genes by >16-fold, yielding a final error rate of � 1 in 8700bp.