cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overriding role of parent over daughter vessel dimension in size ratio detection performance of bifurcation aneurysms ruptured status.

Objective: Aneurysm-to-vessel size ratio (SR) predicts rupture status based on the premise that large aneurysms on small vessels are more likely to rupture compared to small aneurysms on larger vessels. While simpler for sidewall-type (function of proximal vessel [PV] only), SR methodology for bifurcation aneurysms requires the overhead of daughter vessels measurement. This study sets to evaluate SR performance on bifurcation aneurysms, and determine the added value of including daughters’ measurements. Methods: Catheter 3D-rotational angiograms of 154 bifurcation aneurysms (54 ruptured) were available. Aneurysms were evaluated for height (H) and maximal size (Dmax). Vessel size was evaluated as PV, daughter vessels average (DV), and parent and daughter vessels average (PDV). First, SR was evaluated as SR1PDV = H/PDV and SR2PDV = Dmax/PDV. Second, SR function of the parent vessel only was evaluated as SR1PV = H/PV and SR2PV = Dmax/PV. Statistical significance was assumed for P < 0·05. Area under t...
Temperature-variation study of neutral solute and electrolyte fractionation through cellulose acetate and polyamide membranes

Abstract To help elucidate the mechanisms for solute transport in polyamide (PA) and cellulose acetate (CA) reverse-osmosis membranes, we have conducted temperature-variation permeation experiments with aqueous solutions containing NaCl and 3- and 4-carbon solutes that possess different numbers of hydroxyl groups. Mass transport metrics were calculated using the solution–diffusion model and the Eyring equation. The molar volume of the neutral (organic) solute is less important than the number of hydroxyl groups in determining solute permeance. For both membrane materials, the neutral solutes with higher permeance also have higher activation enthalpies for permeation, and higher predicted solubilities in the polymer based on Hansen solubility parameters. The higher activation enthalpies may be associated with lower mobility due to more favorable polymer–penetrant interactions. The solution–diffusion permeance coefficients provide a reasonable estimate of permeate composition at different pressures with a new set of membranes. At elevated temperatures of ~320 K, we found negative rejections of n-propanol and n-butanol in the CA membrane, while maintaining relatively high electrolyte and glycerol rejections. Using these results, we suggest a strategy to efficiently harvest n-butanol produced by Clostridium pasteurianum while retaining its glycerol carbon source and nutrient electrolytes.
Radiation therapy of pathologically confirmed newly diagnosed glioblastoma in adults

Hypo-fractionated radiation schemes may be used for patients with a poor prognosis and limited survival without compromising response. Hyper-fractionation and accelerated fractionation have not been shown to be superior to conventional fractionation and are not recommended. Brachytherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery as a boost to external beam radiotherapy have not been shown to be beneficial and are not recommended in the routine management of newly diagnosed malignant glioma.
Exercise and diet-induced weight loss attenuates oxidative stress related-coronary vasoconstriction in obese adolescents

Obesity is a disease of oxidative stress (OS). Acute hyperoxia (breathing 100 % O(2)) can evoke coronary vasoconstriction by the oxidative quenching of nitric oxide (NO). To examine if weight loss would alter the hyperoxia-related coronary constriction seen in obese adolescents, we measured the coronary blood flow velocity (CBV) response to hyperoxia using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography before and after a 4-week diet and exercise regimen in 6 obese male adolescents (age 13-17 years, BMI 36.5 ± 2.3 kg/m(2)). Six controls of similar age and BMI were also studied. The intervention group lost 9 ± 1 % body weight, which was associated with a reduced resting heart rate (HR), reduced diastolic blood pressure (BP), and reduced RPP (all P < 0.05). Before weight loss, hyperoxia reduced CBV by 33 ± 3 %. After weight loss, CBV only fell by 15 ± 3 % (P < 0.05). In the control group, CBV responses to hyperoxia were unchanged during the two trials. Thus weight loss: (1) reduces HR, BP, and RPP; and (2) attenuates the OS-related coronary constrictor response seen in obese adolescents. We postulate that: (1) the high RPP before weight loss led to higher myocardial O(2) consumption, higher coronary flow and greater NO production, and in turn a large constrictor response to hyperoxia; and (2) weight loss decreased myocardial oxygen demand and NO levels. Under these circumstances, hyperoxia-induced vasoconstriction was attenuated.
Paleoenvironmental analyses of an organic deposit from an erosional landscape remnant, Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska

Abstract The dominant landscape process on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska is the formation and drainage of thaw lakes. Lakes and drained thaw-lake basins account for approximately 75% of the modern surface expression of the Barrow Peninsula. The thaw-lake cycle usually obliterates lacustrine or peat sediments from previous cycles, which could otherwise be used for paleoecological reconstruction of long-term landscape and vegetation changes. Several possible erosional remnants of a former topographic surface that predates the formation of the thaw lakes have been tentatively identified. These remnants are characterized by a higher elevation, a thick organic layer with very high ground ice content in the upper permafrost and a plant community somewhat atypical of the region. Ten soil cores were collected from one site, and one core was intensively sampled for soil organic carbon content, pollen analysis and 14C dating. The lowest level of the organic sediments represents the earliest phase of plant growth and dates to ca. 9000 cal BP. Palynological evidence indicates the presence of mesic shrub tundra (including sedge, birch, willow and heath vegetation), and microfossil indicators point to wetter eutrophic conditions during this period. Carbon accumulation was rapid due to high net primary productivity in a relatively nutrient-rich environment. These results are interpreted as the local response to ameliorating climate during the early Holocene. The middle Holocene portion of the record contains an unconformity, indicating that between 8200 and 4200 cal BP sediments were eroded from the site, presumably in response to wind activity during a drier period centered around 4500 cal BP. The modern vegetation community of the erosional remnant was established after 4200 cal BP and peat growth resumed. During the late Holocene, carbon accumulation rates (CARs) were greatly reduced in response to the combined effects of declining productivity associated with climatic cooling, and increased nutrient stress as paludification and permafrost aggradation sequestered mineral nutrients.
Timber harvesting as ongoing disturbance in a landscape of diverse ownership

Abstract Although the northeastern US includes extensive areas of aggrading forest, uncertainty regarding the intensity and pattern of forest harvesting hampers an understanding of important ecological processes and characteristics such as carbon and nitrogen storage, habitat quality, and forest dynamics, and impedes regional conservation and management planning. Due to the complex ownership pattern dominated by thousands of non-industrial private forest (NIPF) owners and the difficulty of detecting selective logging using remote sensing, details of the harvesting regime remain largely unknown to the scientific and policy communities. To examine the value of statewide regulatory data for Massachusetts as a unique source of this critical information, we analyzed 17 years of timber harvest data gathered for regulatory purposes for a 168,000 ha forested landscape in Massachusetts that is the focus of concerted conservation planning and intensive study of landscape and ecosystem pattern and process. The North Quabbin Region is heavily wooded with a complicated ownership pattern dominated by over 2500 NIPF owners, three state agencies, and diverse conservation and municipal holdings. The extent and intensity of harvesting were surprising, with an annual disturbance rate of 1.5% and a mean intensity of 44.7 m3 ha−1 (approximately one-fourth of average stand volume). The predominant form of harvesting was selective removal of commercially valuable tree sizes, grades and species (e.g., Quercus rubra and Pinus strobus). The spatial pattern of logging was random with regards to major physical, biological, or cultural factors. However, logging was strongly related to landowner class. NIPF owners control 60% of the forest area and were responsible for 64.1% of harvest area, but the highest logging intensity (volume per area harvested; 69.3 m3 ha−1) among major landowners was conducted by the state agency responsible for managing southern New England’s largest conservation property, the watershed of Boston’s drinking reservoir. This regime of chronic disturbance is occurring over the entire landscape and exerting a major influence on forest composition, dynamics, and habitat quality. However, dispersed selective harvesting is largely unnoticed by residents, is routinely overlooked by ecologists and conservationists, and would remain unrecognized in the absence of this previously unused regulatory data. These results identify the value of regional regulatory spatial information to estimate ecological trends and to assist in conservation planning. Given similarities among ownership and forest patterns for much of the northeastern US, we expect that the broad findings of this study to have regional application.
Time-resolved thermal transport in compositionally modulated metal films.

We report on investigations of one-dimensional thermal transport in compositionally modulated metal films produced with a systematic variation in atomic lattice mismatch. In the case of Ni-Cu, Ni-Mo, Ni-Ti, and Ni-Zr, we observe the relative effects of interfacial disorder on thermal diffusion. Our observations demonstrate the thermal impedance of a single metal-metal interface and indicate that thermal diffusion in a bilayer film is strongly influenced by the interface between contacting metal pairs. This study is made possible by picosecond time-resolved thermoreflectance measurements which probe thermal transport perpendicular to the film plane. This technique can impact on our understanding of electron scattering and transport across metallic boundaries, and it provides a means of inferring electrical transport properties.
Refined approximations for the distortion visibility function and μ-type spectral distortions

The physical processes affecting the thermalization of cosmic microwave background spectral distortions are very simple and well understood. This allows us to make precise predictions for the distortions signals caused by various energy releas e scenarios, where the theoretical uncertainty is largely dominated by the physical ingredients that are used for the calculation. Here, we revisit various approximations for the distortion visibility function ‐ defined using the fraction of the released energy that does not thermalize ‐ and earlyµ-type distortions. Our approach is based on a perturbative expansion, which allows us to identify and clarify the origin of different improvements over earlier approximations. It provides a better than ≃ 0.1%− 1% description of our numerical results over a wide range of parameters. In particular, we are able to capture the high-frequency part of theµ-distortion, which directly depends on the time derivative of the electron temperature. We also include lowest order double Compton and Compton scattering relativistic corrections, findi ng that because of cancelation they increase the thermalization effi ciency in the tail of the distortion visibility function by o nly ≃ 10% (at z≃ 6× 10 6 ), although individually their effect can reach≃ 20%− 40%.
Generalized local approximation to the exchange potential.

A new method to obtain a local parametrization for the exchange term in the many-body electronic problem is presented. The approach amounts to the introduction of a coordinate dependent electron effective mass. Numerical results for metallic clusters in the jellium model are compared with other standard methods.
COMPETITION OF HASTENS

Groups of rabbits were injected with either bovine serum albumin, sheep red cell stroma, or keyhole limpet hemocyanin to which 2,4-dinitrophenyl and/or p-azophenyl arsonate groups had been coupled. Groups of animals received either doubly coupled antigen or an equivalent mixture of singly coupled antigens. Materials were injected intravenously as a solution or subcutaneously and intramuscularly in complete Freund's adjuvant. The presence of dinitrophenyl groups on the immunizing antigen could suppress, partially or completely, the antibody response to p-azophenyl arsonate when this hapten was located on the same molecule. Suppression was dependent on the ratio of haptenic groups on the molecule, appeared to be greatly affected by the method of immunization, and could be demonstrated in all three antigen systems. Partial suppression was manifested in decreased frequency and delayed appearance of the response as well as decreased maximal antibody titers. These findings appear irreconcilable with the possibility of direct clonal selection of antibody-producing cells by unprocessed antigen.
Low levels of cadmium chloride damage the corneal endothelium.

The effect of cadmium chloride on the integrity of the endothelium of isolated bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) corneas was examined by spectrophotometric analysis of corneal uptake of the vital stain Janus green and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The uptake of Janus green by the endothelium was dose related between 1.0 and 100.0 μM CdCl2. The effect of cadmium was significantly attenuated by the calcium channel blocker SKF 96365 and was augmented by the calcium ionophore A23187, indicating that cadmium influx through calcium channels is an important determinant of its cellular effect. The effect of cadmium was not altered by changes in the external calcium concentration, indicating that the mechanism does not involve competitive inhibition by calcium. SEM demonstrated significant structural damage to the corneal endothelium exposed to cadmium chloride, including focal disruption and denuding of the apical endothelial membrane.
Smart Materials and Technologies

(2005). Smart Materials and Technologies. Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 59, No. 2, pp. 62-63.
Inhibition of human chorionic gonadotropin-induced progesterone synthesis by estradiol in isolated human luteal cells

The purpose of this study was to determine whether estrogens exerted a direct inhibitory effect on progesterone synthesis in isolated human luteal cells in vitro. It was found that hCG stimulated progesterone synthesis by luteal cells, obtained from corpora lutea of the menstrual cycle, whereas cells isolated from corpora lutea of pregnancy were unresponsive to exogenous hCG. Estradiol markedly inhibited (P less than 0.001) this hCG effect in luteal cells of the menstrual cycle, and this inhibition was dose dependent. Estradiol did not block the stimulation of cAMP accumulated by hCG in the luteal cells of the cycle but did inhibit the stimulatory effect of dibutyryl cAMP on progesterone synthesis. These data suggest that estrogens may directly cause functional luteolysis in the human and that its site of action may be after the accumulation of cAMP.
Monte Carlo evaluation of Compton scatter subtraction in single photon emission computed tomography

In single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT),Compton scattering produces a background that degrades the image quality and contributes erroneously to quantitative measurements. A clinically implementable compensation algorithm has previously been reported that subtracts a Compton scatterimage, acquired in an energy window set below the energy of the photopeak, from the primary image acquired in the photopeak window. We present an evaluation and justification of the assumptions made in the previous empirical development of the subtraction algorithm. A Monte Carlo model of the SPECT system in which the Compton scattered events may be followed independently of the nonscattered events was used to evaluate this subtraction technique. Simulation shows that the assumptions made in the experimental application of this algorithm were valid. Specifically (1) the ‘‘scatter’’ energy window used in the experiment (91–125 keV for imaging Tc‐99m) contains only scattered events, (2) the shape of the line spread function (LSF) for the events in the scatter window is a reasonable approximation to the shape of the scatter in the photopeak window, and (3) the ratio of the number of scattered events in the photopeak window to the number of events in the scatter window is 0.57, close to the value of 0.5 derived heuristically. Thus, Monte Carlo simulation validates the basic assumptions underlying the empirical implementation of the scatter subtraction algorithm.
Mean field equilibria of multi armed bandit games

Much of the classical work on algorithms for multi-armed bandits focuses on rewards that are stationary over time. By contrast, we study multiarmed bandit (MAB) games, where the rewards obtained by an agent also depend on how many other agents choose the same arm. When agents interact in this way, the overall system can no longer be analyzed through the eyes of a single agent; rather, we view the agents' interactions as a dynamic game, that we call a multiarmed bandit (MAB) game. We introduce a general model of MAB games, and study a notion of equilibrium inspired by a large system approximation known as mean field equilibrium. In such an equilibrium, the proportion of agents playing the various arms, called the population profile, is assumed stationary over time; the equilibrium requires a consistency check that this stationary profile arises from the policies chosen by the agents. Our main results are as follows. 1) Existence of MFE for MAB games. In the model we consider, we assume that agents play a fixed policy; for example, this may be a regret-optimal policy for the classical (stationary) MAB setting. We establish existence of MFE for this model. Note that though we fix the policy agents use, this approach seems sensible for MAB games; for example, if agents use a regret-minimizing policy (such as UCB), we can show that it is approximately optimal for an MAB game. 2) Uniqueness and convergence. We identify a contraction condition on the arm rewards that ensures the MFE is unique, and that starting from any initial state, agents' will converge to this MFE (in the sense that eventually the population profile becomes constant). The contraction condition requires that the agent population is sufficiently mixing and that the sensitivity of the reward function to the population profile is low enough. We demonstrate via numerical experiments that in fact this result seems to hold well outside of the regime studied analytically: in fact, for a wide range of parameter choices, dynamics are observed to converge despite violation of the contraction condition. 3) Approximation. Under the same contraction condition used to establish uniqueness, we show an approximation result that justifies our use of MFE. In particular, we establish that if the number of agents grows large, then the dynamics of the finite agent system converge to the dynamics of the mean field model. 4) Congestion externalities. By congestion externalities, we refer to the case where the reward function strictly decreases as a function of the population profile component. We establish that having congestion externalities is sufficient to guarantee uniqueness of the Mean Field Equilibrium, provided that the agents adopt a policy satisfies a positive sensitivity to arm rewards. This condition on the policy formalizes a natural expectation that the probability of choosing any given arm should increase strictly monotone with the reward probability associated with the arm.
Effect of Nutrition Intervention on Length of Hospital Stay in Severely Obese Elderly Patients

Abstract Data were collected at 11 acute care facilities for analysis of the relationship between LOS and nutritional status in Medicare patients (≥65y) admitted with diagnoses of pneumonia, lung disease, heart failure and hip fracture. The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of nutrition intervention on LOS in patients assessed at four levels of nutritional risk: 1) at-risk (R), 2) potential risk (PR), 3) severe obesity (O) and 4) not at risk (NR). A total of 562 patients with DRG admission codes 88, 89, 127 and 210 were included in the study Patients were identified at PR if one of the following criteria was present: albumin >2.5g/dl but 2.5 g/dl but 130. Nutrition intervention consisted primarily of oral supplements and snacks, but also included some enteral and parenteral nutrition support. 20% (n=163) of patients were identified at R, 38% (n=219) were identified at PR and 13% were identified as O (n=73). Mean LOS for R patients in the intervention group (n=137) was 8.1 d; this was significantly shorter (p
Performance degradation due to extrinsic base encroachment in advanced narrow-emitter bipolar circuits. I. Basic inverter

It is shown that, depending on the circuit families used, the extrinsic base encroachment results in distinct effects on the operation and performance of the circuits. The design considerations and scaling implications, using a basic inverter as an example for a saturating circuit, are discussed. It is shown that while the extrinsic base encroachment causes increases in the delay time, fall time, and risetime of a basic bipolar junction transistor inverter, the saturation time of the inverter actually decreases, since the transistor is driven less deeply into saturation due to reduced collector current (reduced current gain). The decrease in the saturation time, however, is accompanied by the reduced noise margin, especially for narrow emitter stripes. Cases for nonsaturating circuits are discussed in Part II using nonthreshold logic as an example. >
Band dispersion, photoemission satellites, and Fermi liquid behavior at T ⪢ TK in 5f heavy fermion systems☆

Abstract We present UV photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) data on the alloy system UPd 3− x Pt x . In the double hexagonal phase ( x E F and a satellite at≈−1.0 to −1.5 eV). This satellite structure carries over into the itinerant phase ( x > 2.4) except that the low-binding energy features are now locked in at E F and show evidence for energy dispersion already at room temperature. This is consistent with well-defined bands. It would appear that Fermi liquid behavior already exists at room temperature. There is evidence for satellite formation even in well-behaved narrow band systems (USn 3 ), so that apart from satellite intensity they are spectroscopically indistinguishable from heavy fermions.
What's Law Got to Do with It?: The Bosnia v. Serbia Decision's Impact on Reconciliation

During the twentieth century a particular ideology inspired specific efforts to utilize the power of the law to redress episodes of mass atrocity – in particular genocide. The idea has been that accountability and reparations are necessary for moving beyond a past marred with crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity. Trials are often claimed to aid this process on the grounds that they create an irrefutable historic record, punish the perpetrators for the sake of justice and deterrence, and promote peace and reconciliation. This Article interrogates the stated goals of accountability, in particular the goal of reconciliation, for such crimes against the impact, within Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) of the February 26, 2007 Bosnia v. Serbia decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This Article illustrates the shortcomings of international justice when measured against the proponents’ claims and highlights that exaggerated claims made by proponents of international justice are not mere hyperbole; they have actual and dangerous consequences within and without of the BiH context. They are dangerous to the legitimacy of international courts; dangerous for the victims who are meant to be served by international justice; dangerous because by exaggerating what international justice does, we conceal the fact that actual prevention is not done; and dangerous because a great deal of financial and human resources are spent on international tribunals – resources that arguably are better utilized elsewhere. The article argues that a realistic appreciation of what international justice can achieve will assist international policymaker redress mass atrocities. A balance, however, can only properly be struck between different mechanisms utilized to achieve reconciliation and human rights protections if we start critically to challenge some of the basic assumptions upon which international justice stands.
California pignolia: Seeds of pinus sabiniana

The pignolia nut or seed of the Italian stone pine (Pinus pinea) is. well-known as a food item, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. By contrast, the seed of Pinus sabiniana, a species of pine found only in California and once much utilized by the aboriginal population, is little-known commercially. When examined in terms of nutritional value, shell-to-kernel ratio, and kernel weight, the seeds of these 2 species appear to be similar. It would seem that the difference between them for commercial purposes is the 2000-yr cultivation of P. pinea in Europe as opposed to the general neglect of the California species, at least since the Euro-american domination of the area.
Role of Trade in Satisfying U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Demand

Increases in U.S. consumer incomes result in an increase in imports' share of U.S. consumption. Although U.S. consumers reduce the quantity demanded in response to higher import prices, the reduction is sufficiently inelastic that exporter revenue increases. U.S. Free Trade Agreements have made fresh fruits and vegetables available throughout the year and may also have broadened the U.S. marketing window for imports. Now U.S. food safety regulations favor large operations that can absorb the fixed and seasonal food safety related costs. Therefore, the brunt of the increased import competition is borne by small and medium-size producers.
Bilateral laryngeal paralysis in the horse

Four two-year-old Thoroughbreds suffered an acute gastrointestinal illness shortly after dosing with mineral oil which was thought to have been contaminated with an organophosphate compound. Three weeks later all four were noted to be dyspnoeic and endoscopic examination showed that they had developed bilateral laryngeal paralysis. Two of the horses died during severe bouts of dyspnoea six and eight months later and the third was killed shortly thereafter. Examination of the left and right recurrent laryngeal nerves from these horses showed a severe loss of myelinated fibres distally, especially in the left nerve. A similar but less severe lesion was seen in other long peripheral nerves, including the phrenic and digital nerves of the third horse. The spinal cord in two horses showed evidence of mild axonal degeneration which was not related to a particular tract or location. The fourth horse had bilateral laryngeal paralysis two years later. The acute clinical signs and delayed neurological sequelae seen in these horses were strongly suggestive of accidental organophosphate toxicity.
Application of synchrotron radiation to high resolution powder diffraction and rietveld refinement

Abstract X-ray powder diffractometer techniques have been used at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) to investigate the application of synchrotron radiation to high resolution powder diffraction, with particular emphasis on the Rietveld method for structure analysis. The resolution characteristics have been explored for a configuration consisting of a double crystal Si(220) monochromator scattering in the vertical plane and a Philips diffractometer modified to accept a Si(111) analyzer which is mounted before the detector and acts as a high angular resolution slit. With 1.54 A X-rays, the resolution is roughly 2–4 times better than that of a conventional focusing diffractometer using Cu K α radiation, and is dominated by the vertical divergence of the beam (≈ 0.1 mrad). Data have been collected from several reference materials, including Si, CeO2 and Bi2O3. Analysis of the peaks revealed that these were neither Gaussian nor Lorentzian in shape. As in the case of conventional sources, a convolution of the two functions provided a much better fit. Rietveld refinement of the structure of Bi2O3, which has a monoclinic cell with a number of closely overlapping reflections and fifteen positional parameters, was successfully accomplished.
The contribution of frictional contacts to the shear strength of coarse glass bead powders and slurries

This paper investigates the use of the shear vane technique as a means of determining frictional and cohesive interparticle force contributions to the shear strength of coarse glass bead powders and slurries. To this end, the shear strength of 203-μm glass beads in air and slurried in water and kaolinite suspensions was determined as a function of vane immersion depth, vane geometry, and container size. Both vane immersion depth and container diameter are found to significantly impact the shear strength measured using the vane technique. An equation describing interparticle frictional and cohesive contributions to shear vane measurements was derived in an effort to describe the experimental results. A Janssen stress distribution model for granular materials forms the basis for this equation and appears to explain the behavior of shear strength measurements at varying immersion depths. The presence of the Janssen stress distribution can affect the interpretation of shear vane results. Rather than shear strength being a material property, as is the case with flocculated colloid slurries and polymer solutions, shear strength becomes a process property where vane depth, container size, and container material can result in significant measurement variations. Such parameters should be considered before using the shear vane results on applications involving granular material components.
Carol L. Jenkins (Ed.), (2003). Widows and Divorcees in Later Life: on their own again

Carol L. Jenkins (Ed.), (2003). Widows and Divorcees in Later Life: on their own again, New York, The Haworth Press, 2003. ISBN 0-7890-2192-7 (pbk), pp. 202. Price: US$24.95. This book simultaneous...
Genetic improvement of corn for tolerance to high pH soils

Abstract Iron deficiency chlorosis (FeDC) is a major problem for many crop and ornamental plants in Nebraska. The most severe conditions are in river valleys where soil pH may range from pH 5.0 or less, to areas with pH values over 10. The problem of FeDC in various degrees affects nearly 500,000 ha of corn (Zea mays L.) in Nebraska. On a global scale, millions of hectares are affected. Soils in most fields are not homogeneous, thus high pH areas, where crop chlorosis prevails, are intermixed with areas of excellent soils that are capable of producing high yields. Corn breeding germplasms and experimental and commercial corn hybrids were grown on four sites of Cozad silt loam, saline‐sodic (Typic Haplustolls) with pH ranges from 7.4 to 8.6. Marked differences in response to the pH 8.6 site resulted in no surviving plants in some genotypes to relatively normal appearing growth in others. No hybrids were found that yielded as well on the pH 8.6 soils as they did on better soils. However, several that did be...
New results for the analysis of linear systems with time‐invariant delays

This paper presents a comparison system approach for the analysis of stability and ℋ∞ performance of linear time-invariant systems with unknown delays. The comparison system is developed by replacing the delay elements with certain parameter-dependent Pade approximations. It is shown using the special properties of the Pade approximation to e−s that the value sets of these approximations provide outer and inner coverings for that of each delay element and that the robust stability of the outer covering system is a sufficient condition for the stability of the original time delay system. The inner covering system, in turn, is used to provide an upper bound on the degree of conservatism of the delay margin established by the sufficient condition. This upper bound is dependent only upon the Pade approximation order and may be made arbitrarily small. In the single delay case, the delay margin can be calculated explicitly without incurring any additional conservatism. In the general case, this condition can be reduced with some (typically small) conservatism to finite-dimensional LMIs. Finally, this approach is also extended to the analysis of ℋ∞ performance for linear time-delay systems with an exogenous disturbance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Merging minds on membrane merger.

Recent progress in understanding membrane fusion was discussed at a conference held amidst the autumn foliage in historic Kyoto, Japan'. The meeting, which brought together scientists from Japan, the USA, Israel and Europe, was timely and lively, as the field is now witnessing a con- vergence of thought from the sub- disciplines of liposome, viral and cell fusion. Appropriately, the opening lecture was presented by Y. Okada (Sen-ri Life Science Foundation, Toyo- naka, Japan), the first to observe and characterize virus-induced syncytium formation (cell-cell fusion). Okada's studies have been a guiding light for investigations of the molecular mech- anism of virus-cell fusion. D. Papa- hadjopoulos (University of California, San Francisco, USA) set the tone for the meeting by emphasizing the need to clarify whether specific pro- teins or factors promote membrane adhesion or fusion, or whether they act as regulators of the overall fusion process.
Precautionary savings and the governance of nonprofit organizations

Abstract We present a model of nonprofit governance built on two assumptions: (1) organizations wish to hold precautionary savings in order to smooth expenditures; and (2) it is relatively easy for managers to divert these funds for personal use. Hence, donors face a trade off between expenditure smoothing and donation dissipation. We examine the model's predictions using panel data on U.S. nonprofits. We show that organizations in states with poor government oversight have managerial compensation that is more highly correlated with inflows of donations and allocate a smaller percentage of donations to the endowment for future expenditures relative to organizations in strong oversight states.
Peer Review and the Social Construction of Knowledge in the Management Discipline

Prior research on the peer-review process has almost exclusively focused on its surface features--its impartiality, validity, and reliability. What has received relatively less attention is the influence of the social component that shapes the content of the discipline's published record and, in turn, determines its scientific progress. As the product of social processes, all knowledge-claims are socially constituted rather than the products of an absolute truth. Taking a sociology-of-knowledge perspective, I argue that the social processes underlying the peer-review process warrant closer scrutiny. In doing so, I contend that there must be a balancing of the inevitable author-editor-referee tensions operating throughout the editorial process so as to ensure that a clear authorial voice is preserved. I offer suggestions for assuring the integrity of the scientific enterprise, while respecting the prerogatives and ethics of authorship.
Gustav Freytag, the Reichsgründung, and the National Liberal Origins of the Sonderweg

In the opening passage of his memoirs, Gustav Freytag (1816–95) mused that the secret of his literary success came down to the fact that his life “on the whole, resembles the life experience (Bildungsgang) of thousands of my contemporaries.” A century of scholarship on the Kaiserreich has validated Freytag's claim to serve as crown witness for the mentalite of his generation.
Influence of tricaine methane sulfonate anesthesia on fluid and salt metabolism of the toad, Bufo marinus

Abstract 1. 1. Tricaine methane sulfonate (Sandoz, MS 222) is an immersion anesthetic commonly employed in work of amphibians. 2. 2. Twenty-four hours after anesthetization with this drug Bufo marinus toads have lost an average of 8·2 per cent of their body weight with a concomitant increase of the plasma sodium concentration by about 8 per cent. 3. 3. Plasma sodium concentration begins to return to normal after 2–3 days after 7 days no consistent change is found. 4. 4. These changes seem to involve water balance primarily and it is unnecessary to hypothesize alterations in sodium balance caused by this drugs.
Gauge-invariant Green functions of Dirac fermions coupled to gauge fields

We develop a unified approach to both infrared and ultraviolet asymptotics of the fermion Green functions in the condensed-matter systems that allow for an effective description in the framework of quantum electrodynamics. By applying a path-integral representation to the previously suggested form of the physical electron propagator we demonstrate that in the massless case this gauge-invariant function features a ``stronger-than-a-pole'' branch-cut singularity instead of the conjectured Luttinger-like behavior. The obtained results alert one to the possibility that construction of physically relevant amplitudes in the effective gauge theories might prove more complex than previously thought.
Charged-Particle Emission and Self-Biasing of a Piezoelectric Transformer Plasma Source

The piezoelectric transformer (PT) plasma source (PTPS) is a compact radio-frequency-driven plasma source developed for near-space and microspacecraft propulsion. The PTPS utilizes the PT effect to aid in plasma production and acceleration of charged particles to create thrust. Charged-particle emission measured with a Faraday cup and a retarding potential analyzer is presented. Low emitted ion energies are explained by self-bias of the PT output due to charged-particle transfer from the plasma to the PT surface. Finally, self-neutralization of the PTPS was investigated for a PTPS isolated from the vacuum chamber ground.
Koba--Nielsen--Olesen scaling and eikonal (tower-graph) approximations

A prediction of the possible failure of Koba-Nielsen-Olesen (KNO) scaling at CERN ISR energies is given on the basis of the eikonal tower-graph approximation. For high multiplicities, the simplest Cheng-Wu impact-parameter forms yield approximate KNO scaling quantities in agreement with the NAL data. A formula for the calculation of all inclusive moments, from the knowledge of the elastic absorptive eikonal, is written for a wide class of dynamical approximations, of which the simplest is the tower-graph eikonal approximation.
Cerium chloride as a histochemical marker of hydrogen peroxide in reperfused ischemic hearts.

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been implicated in cardiac damage due to ischemia and reperfusion. We adapted an electron microscopic, histochemical method for demonstrating H2O2 produced by isolated cells to isolated, buffer-perfused rabbit hearts. The method involves formation of an electron-dense precipitate when H2O2 reacts with cerium chloride (CeCl3). We perfused hearts retrograde via the aorta with well-oxygenated bicarbonate-buffered solution, followed by one in which bicarbonate was replaced with imidazole (IPSS) to prevent precipitation of bicarbonate and CeCl3. Some hearts were made globally ischemic (30 min, 37°C), reperfused 5 min with well-oxygenated IPSS containing 1 m m CeCl3, then processed for electron microscopy. Others were perfused with IPSS containing catalase (300 U/ml) or albumin before ischemia and upon reperfusion, followed by CeCl3 administration. Nonischemic control hearts perfused with IPSS (± catalase) were also studied. Electron micrographs were assessed visually and by computer for precipitate localization and amount. There was abundant precipitate on the luminal face of the coronary vascular endothelium in ischemic-reperfused, cerium-treated hearts, including those treated with albumin. There was significantly less in reperfused catalase-treated or nonischemic control hearts. X-ray microbeam analysis of the endothelial precipitate indicated the presence of Ce. This appears to be the first visual demonstration of a CeCl3-H2O2-dependent reaction product in intact isolated ischemic hearts. The data indicate that at the time of reperfusion some H2O2 is accessible to the vascular space, and that its amount can be reduced by perfused catalase. Further modifications this technique may be useful for assessing the sites and pathways by which H2O2 is generated by hearts or other buffer-perfused organs subjected to stresses such as ischemia or hypoxia.
Safe Insulin Use in the Hospital Setting

Inpatients have a high rate of diabetes (12%-26%) and hyperglycemia (~38%). All patients should have their glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) checked on admission to help differentiate between long-term and new-onset hyperglycemia. Good glycemic control throughout the hospital stay is associated with decreases in short- and long-term risk of mortality, inpatient complications, length of hospital stay, and health care costs. Insulin is first-line therapy for hyperglycemia; patients with hyperglycemia should be managed using either intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) insulin algorithms. A hypoglycemia management protocol should be in place at the hospital for safety purposes. For successful glycemic control, insulin algorithms should have dynamic scales, require frequent glucose monitoring, and be simple and easy to use. The algorithm should address transitioning patients from IV to SC insulin and a discharge plan. Insulin analogues are preferred for basal, mealtime, and correction doses instead of human insulins (regular and NPH) because analogues have a more predictable absorption and action profile and less pharmacokinetic fluctuation. Institutions can increase safe insulin use by utilizing insulin algorithms, preprinted order sets, and hypoglycemia protocols; by supporting patient and health care provider education; and by implementing needle-stick prevention techniques.
Development of nondestructive testing/evaluation methodology for MEMS

Development of MEMS constitutes one of the most challenging tasks in today's micromechanics. In addition to design, analysis, and fabrication capabilities, this task also requires advanced test methodologies for determination of functional characteristics of MEMS to enable refinement and optimization of their designs as well as for demonstration of their reliability. Until recently, this characterization was hindered by lack of a readily available methodology. However, using recent advances in photonics, electronics, and computer technology, it was possible to develop a NonDestructive Testing (NDT) methodology suitable for evaluation of MEMS. In this paper, an optoelectronic methodology for NDT of MEMS is described and its application is illustrated with representative examples; this description represents work in progress and the results are preliminary. This methodology provides quantitative full-field-of-view measurements in near real-time with high spatial resolution and nanometer accuracy. By quantitatively characterizing performance of MEMS, under different vibration, thermal, and other operating conditions, specific suggestions for their improvements can be made. Then, using the methodology, we can verify the effects of these improvements. In this way, we can develop better understanding of functional characteristics of MEMS, which will ensure that they are operated at optimum performance, are durable, and are reliable.
Vicks VapoRub induces mucin secretion, decreases ciliary beat frequency, and increases tracheal mucus transport in the ferret trachea.

Background Vicks VapoRub (VVR) [Proctor and Gamble; Cincinnati, OH] is often used to relieve symptoms of chest congestion. We cared for a toddler in whom severe respiratory distress developed after VVR was applied directly under her nose. We hypothesized that VVR induced inflammation and adversely affected mucociliary function, and tested this hypothesis in an animal model of airway inflammation. Methods [1] Trachea specimens excised from 15 healthy ferrets were incubated in culture plates lined with 200 mg of VVR, and the mucin secretion was compared to those from controls without VVR. Tracheal mucociliary transport velocity (MCTV) was measured by timing the movement of 4 μL of mucus across the trachea. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was measured using video microscopy. [2] Anesthetized and intubated ferrets inhaled a placebo or VVR that was placed at the proximal end of the endotracheal tube. We evaluated both healthy ferrets and animals in which we first induced tracheal inflammation with bacterial endotoxin (a lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). Mucin secretion was measured using an enzyme-linked lectin assay, and lung water was measured by wet/dry weight ratios. Results [1] Mucin secretion was increased by 63% over the controls in the VVR in vitro group (p Conclusions VVR stimulates mucin secretion and MCTV in the LPS-inflamed ferret airway. This set of findings is similar to the acute inflammatory stimulation observed with exposure to irritants, and may lead to mucus obstruction of small airways and increased nasal resistance.
Construction of the discrete geometric conservation law for high-order time-accurate simulations on dynamic meshes

The formulation and implementation of higher-order accurate temporal schemes for dynamic unstructured mesh problems which satisfy the discrete conservation law are presented. The general approach consists of writing the spatially-discretized equations for an arbitrary-Lagrange-Eulerian system (ALE) as a non-homogeneous coupled set of ODE's where the dependent variables consist of the product of the flow variables with the control volume. Standard application of backwards difference (BDF) and implicit Runge-Kutta (IRK) schemes to these ODE's, when grid coordinates and velocities are known smooth functions of time, results in the design temporal accuracy of these schemes. However, in general, these schemes do not satisfy the GCL and are therefore not conservative. Using a suitable approximation of the grid velocities evaluated at the locations in time prescribed by the specific ODE time integrator, a GCL compliant scheme can be constructed which retains the design temporal accuracy of the underlying ODE time integrator. This constitutes a practical approach, since the grid velocities are seldom known as continuous functions in time. Numerical examples demonstrating design accuracy and conservation are given for one, two, and three-dimensional inviscid flow problems.
Parenting Behaviors: A Content Analysis of Situational Comedies Based on TV Fictional Families

This study focused on parenting behaviors portrayed by characters on 15 series of situational comedies based on fictional families on television. Three series identified by Zoglin in 1990 as antifa...