cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reinventing Military Science in Higher Education: Using Service Learning and Cloud Computing to Develop Future Leaders

An ROTC instructor at a large, public research institution in the Southwest collaborated with an instructional designer at a new branch campus of a small, private, Catholic institution in a neighboring community. As part of the newly established ROTC program at the smaller school, the ROTC instructor used Cloud technology to create a collaborative learning environment for the military science courses at the two universities. To help train the students in leadership, personal development, officership, values and ethics, and teamwork, the instructor utilized service learning as the method for exploring the content. Two massive service-learning projects were conceived, organized, and executed by over 50 ROTC cadets at both institutions. Design strategies, lessons learned, and implemented revisions to the program are discussed.
Direct Visualization of the Binding of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 with Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein via High-Resolution Atomic Force Microscopy

This work reports the first direct observations of binding and complex formation between transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) using high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM). Each COMP molecule consists of pentamers whose five identical monomeric units bundle at N-termini. From this central point, the five monomers' flexible arms extend outward with C-terminal domains at the distal ends, forming a bouquet-like structure. In commonly used buffer solutions, TGF-β1 molecules typically form homodimers (majority), double dimers (minority), and aggregates (trace amount). Mixing TGF-β1 and COMP leads to rapid binding and complex formation. The TGF-β1/COMP complexes contain one to three COMP and multiple TGF-β1 molecules. For complexes with one COMP, the structure is more compact and less flexible than that of COMP alone. For complexes with two or more COMP molecules, the conformation varies to a large degree from one complex to another. This is attributed to the presence of double dimers or aggregates of TGF-β1 molecules, whose size and multiple binding sites enable binding to more than one COMP. The number and location of individual TGF-β1 dimers are also clearly visible in all complexes. This molecular-level information provides a new insight into the mechanism of chondrogenesis enhancement by TGF-β1/COMP complexes, i.e., simultaneous and multivalent presentation of growth factors. These presentations help explain the high efficacy in sustained activation of the signaling pathway to augment chondrogenesis.
Faster R-CNN based Automatic Parking Space Detection

In this paper, we present a Faster R-CNN based object detection scheme to automatically map the parking spaces in a parking lot, instead of manually mapping them. The work addresses an important gap in the recent computer vision based artificial intelligence techniques to build smart parking systems. Our results show that our approach decreases the human effort needed by upto a compelling 86%. We show that the percentage of the available parking spots that are automatically detected through our approach accumulates over time and, in theory, can approach a 100%, on a day when all the parking spots are fully occupied. In other words, the approach is designed to have its highest performance over a busy parking lot during the busiest time.
Soil Salinity Has Species-Specific Effects on the Growth and Nutrient Quality of Four Texas Grasses

Abstract Irrigation of farmlands in xeric areas can increase soil salinity, reducing their suitability for food and fiber crops. One way to repurpose these lands is to convert them for use in grazing. To choose the best forage species, it is important to understand the impact of soil salinity on the growth and nutritional quality of potential forage grasses. Here, we grew four perennial C4 grasses: blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) in soil treated with four different concentrations (0, 8, 16, and 24 dS/m) of sodium chloride salt (NaCl). We then determined the effects of soil salinity on germination, biomass production, and plant tissue nitrogen content (an indicator of nutritional quality). We found a high degree of variability in salinity responses among species. S. scoparium performed poorly relative to the other species across all metrics. C. dactylon showed high biomass and low sensitivity to soil salinity for each index but had the lowest shoot nitrogen concentration of all species tested. This indicated a tradeoff of tissue quality for quantity. On the other hand, the two Bouteloua species showed opposite results, falling on the shoot quality end of the quantity-quality spectrum and even showing increased nitrogen concentration with increasing soil salinity. Given their complimentary traits, C. dactylon and Bouteloua spp. may be good candidates for interseeding on saline lands. These results indicate that species choice can help mitigate negative impacts of soil salinity on forage production and quality and should be carefully considered by land managers.
X-Ray Methods for Studying the Surface of Powder Obtained by Electroerosion Dispersion of the Waste of W–Ni–Fe 95 Pseudoalloy in Kerosene

Currently, heavy tungsten alloys are widely used in many areas of industry, the most common of them is the alloy W–Ni–Fe 95. This alloy has a very high density and wear resistance, which makes it difficult to process and reuse it. The urgency of recycling this alloy is associated with the presence of expensive alloying components, such as W and Ni, in its composition. One of the most promising methods of grinding any conductive material, regardless of its hardness and other properties, not used in industry is the method of electroerosion dispersion. However, the composition, structure and properties of the particles dispersed by the electroerosion of W–Ni–Fealloy have not been practically studied. To perform the planned studies, the electroerosion dispersion of pseudoalloy chips of W–Ni–Fe95 is performed, for which an electroerosion installation is used to produce metal and alloy powders (RF Patent no. 2 449 859). The waste is placed in the reactor of an electroerosion dispersion installation filled with kerosene. According to the results of experimental studies aimed at carrying out X-ray studies of the surface of the powder obtained by electroerosion dispersion of the waste of pseudoalloy W–Ni–Fe 95 in kerosine, it is established that: the studied powder consists of particles of regular spherical or elliptical shape and irregular shape (agglomerates); the main elements on the surface of the dispersed electroerosion dispersed particles are W, Ni and Fe; the main phases in the electroerosion dispersed particles are W2C, Ni and Fe.
MIS slow-wave structures over a wide range of parameters

The authors study lossy multilayer, multiconductor microstrip structures using the spectral domain approach. The modal attenuation and propagation constants of these structures are given over an extremely wide range of substrate parameters and frequencies, covering all three regions: low loss, slow wave, and skin effect. The modal attenuation and propagation constants are presented for two and four conductor structures as a function of the substrate loss tangent. Single conductor structures are characterized with contour plots showing the complex effective dielectric constant as a function of both frequency and conductivity. >
The Sicovam and Current Accounts for Securities

On November 21, 1980, Bill No. 108 was placed before the French Senate. If adopted, it will alter the current system of holding securities in France by compelling registration of securities issued by companies listed on the stock exchange and requiring the placement of these securities into the accounts of a centralized depository. After a brief history designed to acquaint the reader with the development of the securities system in France, this article will analyze the aims of the proposed legislation, the changes it will bring about, and its likely effects.
Bilateral thoracic sympathetic block for refractory polymorphic tachycardia

Introduction Extensive evidence has established a link between sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. For this reason, cardiac sympathectomy is often beneficial in the treatment of patients at high risk for ventricular ectopy, although it involves an invasive procedure associated with potential morbidity. We report a case in which we used guided lytic thoracic sympathetic block in a patient with underlying cardiomyopathy and refractory polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
An Indexing Model for Complex Object Hierarchies in Object-Oriented Databases

Recently, many specialized indexing schemes have been proposed for object-oriented database systems. These indexing techniques can be classified as indexing schemes for class hierarchies, for nested object hierarchies, and for complex object hierarchies. There are indexing schemes for complex object hierarchies such as the single class index and the class hierarchy index, but with these indexing schemes, we need traversal to get the result of a query. In this paper, we propose a hybrid indexing technique called a generalized index which can support complex object hierarchies as well as other hierarchical structures without traversal.
Velocity estimation using quantized measurements

This paper compares algorithms for velocity estimation for feedback control using position encoder measurements. Simulations and experiments for position-velocity control of motors using both fixed-time and fixed-displacement algorithms are compared for various operating conditions. While no single approach is optimal for all situations, least-squares fit algorithms are promising in general. Mathematical models are developed to predict the performances of the algorithms. Specifically, upper bounds on absolute and relative errors for each of the algorithms under different constant velocity and constant acceleration conditions are derived. The algorithms are extensively tested in simulation and also on data obtained from an experimental setup consisting of a motor, two encoders with different resolutions, and a real-time feedback control system. The theory and simulations are confirmed by experimental results.
An analog continuous-time programmable neural network

The authors introduce economical, simple, and versatile MOS cells that achieve vector scalar product and are applicable in the MOS implementation of feedback/feedforward neural networks. The vector scalar product of 2 n-tuple vector inputs is achieved by using 2(n+1) MOS transistors, thus offering an economical alternative to VLSI analog neural networks. The analog neural network is realized by interconnecting double inverters to the new vector scalar product circuits. The output voltage is tunable programmable DC control voltages. Experimental results are presented. >
Abstract 592: HOXD10 suppresses mammary tumor growth and metastasis coincident with decreased CD11b+Gr1+ leukocyte infiltration and angiogenesis

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The tumor suppressor gene HOXD10 is frequently lost in breast cancer, and we have previously shown that restoring expression of this master transcriptional regulator can revert mammary tumor cells to a normal, polarized phenotype and inhibit their growth in nude mice (Carrio et al., Cancer Res., 2005). In addition, we showed that restoring HOXD10 also reduced VEGFA expression and decreased endothelial cell migration in vitro (Chen et al., Cancer Res., 2009). Considering the critical role of the immune system in mammary tumor progression and metastasis, we investigated whether Hoxd10 could also prevent breast tumor progression in an immunocompetent model. Metastatic 4T1 cell lines were transduced with Hoxd10 and were either orthotopically or intravenously injected into four to eight week old, female Balb/c mice. We observed a significant reduction in tumor burden at both primary at metastatic sites in tumors expressing Hoxd10. Immunohistochemical staining for CD31 of primary tumors expressing Hoxd10 revealed decreased angiogenesis. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining also revealed a decrease in infiltrating Cd11b+Gr1+ leukocytes in Hoxd10-expressing tissues. Gene and protein analysis revealed that in addition to decreased VEGFA, HOXD10 also reduced expression of CCL2, a key chemokine linked to recruitment of Cd11B+Gr1+ leukocytes. Using an in vitro migration assay, we confirmed that the HOXD10-mediated reduction in CCL2 expression was directly linked to reduced recruitment of monocytes to tumor cells. Together, these data show that HOXD10 can stabilize the tumor microenvironment by coordinately reducing tumor cell growth, angiogenesis, leukocyte recruitment, and metastasis, and suggest a novel and comprehensive therapeutic approach to treat mammary tumors. Citation Format: Suraj Kachgal, Amy Chen, Mazen Sidani, Shahrzad Afghani, Nancy J. Boudreau. HOXD10 suppresses mammary tumor growth and metastasis coincident with decreased CD11b+Gr1+ leukocyte infiltration and angiogenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 592. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-592
RPCA-KFE: Key Frame Extraction for Consumer Video based Robust Principal Component Analysis

Key frame extraction algorithms consider the prob- lem of selecting a subset of the most informative frames from a video to summarize its content. Several applications such as video summarization, search, indexing and prints from video can benefit from extracted key frames of the video under consideration. Most approaches in this class of algorithms work directly with the input video dataset, without considering the underlying low rank structure of the dataset. Other algorithms exploit the low rank component only; ignoring the other key information in the video. In this paper, a novel key frame extraction framework based on Robust Principal Component Analysis (RPCA) is proposed. Furthermore, we target the chal- lenging application of extracting key frames from unstructured consumer videos. The proposed framework is motivated by the observation that RPCA decomposes an input data into (a) a low rank component that reveals the systematic information across the elements of the dataset and (b) a set of sparse components each of which containing distinct information about each element in the same dataset. The two information types are combined into a single '1-norm based non-convex optimization problem to extract the desired number of key frames. Moreover, we develop a novel iterative algorithm to solve this optimization problem. The proposed RPCA-based framework does not require shot(s) detection, segmentation, or semantic understanding of the underlying video. Finally, experiments are performed on a variety of consumer videos. A comparison of the results obtained by our method with the ground truth and related state-of-the-art algorithms clearly indicates the viability of the proposed RPCA- based framework.
Fundamental Cognitive Concepts of Space (and Time): Using Cross-Linguistic, Crowdsourced Data to Cognitively Calibrate Modes of Overlap

This article makes several contributions to research on fundamental spatial and temporal concepts: First, we set out to render the notion of fundamental concepts of space and time more precise. Second, we introduce an efficient approach for collecting behavioral data combining crowdsourcing technology, efficient experimental software tools, and an effective and comprehensive analysis methodology. Third, we present behavioral studies that allow for identifying and calibrating potential candidates of fundamental spatial concepts from a cognitive perspective. Fourth, one prominent topic in the area of spatio-temporal cognition is the influence of language on how humans conceptualize their dynamic spatial environments. We used the aforementioned framework to collect data not only from English speaking participants but also from native Chinese and Korean speakers. Our application domain are the modes of overlap proposed by Galton [13]. We are able to show that the originally proposed spatial relations of the region connection calculus and intersection models are capturing cognitively fundamental distinctions that humans make with respect to modes of overlap. While finer distinctions are formally possible, they should not be considered fundamental conceptualizations in either Chinese, Korean, or English. The results show that our framework allows for efficiently answering questions about fundamental concepts of space, time, and space-time essential for theories of spatial information.
Automating component integration for web-based data analysis

In this paper, we describe a component-based infrastructure for Web-based data analysis applications that reduces the need for custom integration programming; Our vision is that, to construct an application, scientists will give a specification of three kinds of components: the desired data source, a data analysis filter, and a visualization device. From this specification, our infrastructure will automatically generate the desired application. To support this vision, the infrastructure contains an intelligent component integration system (iCIS) that automates component retrieval, adaptation, and integration. Within iCIS, component knowledge is represented using formal mathematical specifications, to provide a common framework for reasoning about problem decomposition, component retrieval and adapter generation. Our current focus is on integration of data analysis filters with online data archives described using XML-based languages. We also discuss how iCIS is integrated with a 3-tier client/server application architecture to support in a heterogeneous and distributed computing environment.
BET 1: use of a procalcitonin algorithm to guide antimicrobial therapy in COPD exacerbations can reduce antibiotic consumption with no increase in rates of treatment failure or mortality

A shortcut review was carried out to establish whether a procalcitonin-guided algorithm could safely reduce antibiotic consumption for patients with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attending the emergency department. Four randomised controlled trials were found directly relevant to the three-part question, combined within a later systematic review and meta-analysis. A further prospective cohort study was also found relevant to the three-part question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that a procalcitonin algorithm appears to be a useful strategy to guide initiation and duration of antibiotics and can reduce consumption without conferring additional risk. However, no cost effectiveness data are available as yet and further validation studies are required prior to widespread recommendation.
Compiling HPF for Distributed Memory MIMD Computers

This paper describes the design of a High Performance Fortran (HPF/Fortran 90D) compiler, a source-to-source translator for distributed memory systems. HPF is a data parallel language with compiler directives that enable users to specify data alignment and distribution. This paper presents a systematic methodology to process HPF. Furthermore, techniques for data and computation partitioning, communication detection and generation, and the run-time support for the compiler are discussed. Finally, initial performance results for the compiler are presented which show that the code produced by the compiler is portable, yet efficient. We believe that the methodology used to process data distribution, computation partitioning, communication system design and the overall compiler design can also be used by other HPF compiler implementors.
The measurement of income inequality under inflation: Correction formulae for three inequality measures

Abstract Inflation which occurs during the period of time in which a survey is taken will affect measures of inequality of the distribution of incomes or expenditures recorded in such a survey. This paper examines the effect of inflation on three commonly used measures of income inequality: the variance of the logarithm of incomes and Theil's two entropy measures. It is shown that inflation always exaggerates the actual degree of inequality if the sample is drawn from the entire population at each point in time. When the sample is drawn from different regions of a country at different times, underestimation of inequality is possible. Correction formulae are derived for all three inequality measures and for the entire class of generalized entropy measures which include the two Theil measures.
Clinical quality is independently associated with favorable bond ratings

The relation between clinical quality and bond rating for nonprofit hospitals has been proposed but never fully studied. We analyzed the relation between bond rating, clinical quality measures (The Joint Commission/Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [CMS] core measures), and balance sheet and income statement financial measures of 236 hospitals across the United States that are rated by Moody's Investors Service and that reported clinical quality measures to CMS during the study period. We found a statistically significant relation between higher quality measures and more favorable bond ratings. This association remained significant after controlling for traditional financial parameters.
Use of i–t polarographic curves for the calculation of the rate constant of the intermediate chemical reaction of an ECE mechanism

A method is proposed for the calculation of the rate constant of the intermediate chemical stage of an ECE mechanism, taking as a basis the study of the i–t curves obtained by dc polarography. This method has been applied to the electrochemical reduction of nitrophenols. The data obtained are in agreement with those determined by other techniques, thus showing the usefulness of dc polarography for this purpose.
The convoy system for insolvent banks: how it originally worked and why it failed in the 1990s

Abstract The paper examines how the Ministry of Finance (MOF) used regulatory rewards to encourage healthy banks to assist or acquire insolvent banks. Several case studies from the period before the 1980s show that the “convoy system” worked reasonably well. The paper also argues that the convoy system of dealing with bank failures became less effective as the financial deregulation in the 1980s started to diminish the regulatory rewards that the MOF could provide to banks that were willing to help failed banks. The claim is confirmed by a regression analysis and several case studies from the 1990s. The expansion of the financial assistance by the Deposit Insurance Corporation (DIC) in the 1990s is understood to be an attempt by the government to provide an incentive for banks to assist other banks, when the regulatory rewards are not sufficient. The paper argues that such expansion of the DIC has created a serious moral hazard problem.
Microwave occlusion of the rabbit uterine horn

A microwave applicator was developed and tested in a rabbit model, with the goal of developing a system to sterilize a human female through a transvaginal-transcervical- transuterine retrograde technique. The clinical procedure wold create an occluding lesion in the isthmic portion of the human fallopian tube in an out-patient procedure. The microwave applicator consisted of a flexible coaxial cable from which the inner conductor was extended to form a resonant monopole antenna. The coaxial cable and monopole were placed within a sealed teflon catheter of 3 mm diameter. A second parallel catheter of 1 mm diameter was secured to the first to provide guidance for a microwave- immune thermometry probe. Following laparotomy exposure, the applicator was placed with a transvaginal-transcervical retrograde technique in each uterine horn in succession. The temperature was elevated to 65 degree(s)C for 5 minutes. Thirty days following treatment, there was marked constriction and discoloration of the treated site as well as significant architectural effacement of the tissue composing the uterine wall. In some cases, the uterine lumen was completely occluded. Future experiments will assess the tissue response to smaller thermal doses.
Maternal recognition of pregnancy: Comparative aspects

Summary The transition from recurring estrous cycles to pregnancy requires precisely orchestrated interactions between the conceptus, uterus and ovaries. All mammalian pregnancies require the continued actions of progesterone on maternal physiology. Strategies to accomplish this range from direct conceptus support of luteal function (luteotropic) in primates (hCG) to conceptus-mediated signals to abrogate the uterine luteolytic mechanism (antiluteolytic) in domestic ruminants, horses and pigs. Ensuring a source of progesterone is only part of the mechanism, because progesterone also suppresses expression of its own receptor to permit luteolysis and recurring estrous cycles in many species. Therefore, the conceptus must alter uterine gene expression to maintain a progestational uterus. In ruminants, conceptus IFNτ blocks expression of ER and OTR to prevent luteolysis. Effects of the conceptus on uterine gene expression are only beginning to be unraveled. This area of research should prove to be quite exciting as advances provide us with a clearer understanding of communication between the peri-implantation conceptus and the uterus, as well as between stromal and epithelial cells that mediate effects of progesterone in the female reproductive tract during pregnancy.
Characterization of Silica-Supported Molybdenum and Tungsten Phosphide Hydroprocessing Catalysts by 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Abstract Silica-supported molybdenum phosphide, MoP/SiO 2 , and tungsten phosphide, WP/SiO 2 , were prepared and characterized for their catalytic activity in hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) and hydrodesulfurization (HDS). The silica-supported phosphides were tested in the simultaneous hydroprocessing of quinoline and dibenzothiophene at 3.1 MPa and 643 K and were compared to a MoS 2 /SiO 2 sample. The supported phosphides had superior HDN and lower HDS activity compared to the sulfide under these conditions. The conversion levels of MoP/SiO 2 were similar to those of bulk MoP, while the WP/SiO 2 was somewhat less active than its bulk WP counterpart. However, when compared on a CO uptake basis, the bulk materials had a clear performance advantage. Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance measurements indicated 31 P shifts from 85% H 3 PO 4 of 255 ppm for WP and 214 ppm for MoP. Comparison of freshly prepared and passivated samples indicated that the supported phosphides were susceptible to surface oxidation on exposure to the atmosphere as a result of their small particle size.
An approximate algorithm for multidimensional zero-one knapsack problems

A new approximate algorithm for multidimensional zero-one knapsack problems with all positive coefficients is presented. The procedure is controlled by three parameters which affect the tradeoff between solution quality and computation time and whose values are set by the users. For 48 test problems with 5 to 20 constraints and 6 to 500 variables, the solution found was on the average within 0.34% of the optimum and the computation time was the shortest compared with three other well-known heuristics.
Evaluation of 3DTV Service using Asymmetric View Coding Based on MPEG-2

This paper presents the results of the 3DTV quality evaluation on autostereoscopic displays using asymmetric view coding. Asymmetric view coding encodes the stereo views with different quality. It has been shown that the human visual system is able to compensate for this asymmetric view quality and present a good quality 3D video. Asymmetric video coding can be exploited to reduce the bandwidth requirements for 3DTV services. The key factors that affect the asymmetric video coding are the compression algorithms, the human visual system, and the 3D display. We conducted a subjective evaluation of 3D video with asymmetric view quality and encoded using MPEG-2. We also studied the impact of eye dominance on the perceived quality. We show that asymmetric view coding can be used to reduce the bandwidth requirements of 3DTV services based on MPEG-2 view coding.
Green's and Dirichlet spaces associated with fine Markov processes☆

This is the second paper in a series devoted to Green's and Dirichlet spaces. In the first paper, we have investigated Green's space K and the Dirichlet space H associated with a symmetric Markov transition function pt(x, B). Now we assume that p is a transition function of a fine Markov process X and we prove that: (a) the space H can be built from functions which are right continuous along almost all paths; (b) the positive cone K+ in K can be identified with a cone M of measures on the state space; (c) the positive cone H+ in H can be interpreted as the cone of Green's potentials of measures μ ϵ M. To every measurable set B in the state space E there correspond a subspace K(B) of K and a subspace H(B) of H. The orthogonal projections of K onto K and of H onto H(B) can be expressed in terms of the hitting probabilities of B by the Markov process X. As the main tool, we use additive functionals of X corresponding to measures μ ϵ M.
When Bad Mothers Lose Good Babies: Understanding Fetal and Infant Mortality Case Reviews

This article examines how the practices of the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review-Case Review Team (FIMR CRT) in "Florida City" constructs particular types of maternal and fetal subjects and how these narratives about fetal and infant death reflect particular discourses about "bad mothers" and "good babies." I argue that the very methods of the Florida City FIMR committee structure the types of conversations and, in effect, judgments that can be made about women who experience a fetal or neonatal death. In addition, I examine how many of these ideas resonate with the discourses around fetal rights that pervade contemporary abortion politics in the United States.
Formation of twinned L12 type γ′ in alloys derived from the B2 β-NiAl structure

Abstract This paper discusses the precipitation of elongated, internally micro-twinned L1 2 type γ′ in B2 β-NiAl. Evidence is presented indicating that the formation of elongated, internally micro-twinned γ′ occurs independently of both Ni 5 Al 3 and L1 0 martensite, contrary to a previous investigation.
Sympathetic ingrowth to the trigeminal ganglion following intracerebroventricular infusion of nerve growth factor.

The objective of the present study was to examine the remodeling of uninjured sympathetic axons in the adult rat trigeminal ganglion following a 2-week in vivo intracerebroventricular infusion of NGF. The accumulation of infused NGF in the trigeminal was assessed using ELISA and sympathetic fibers were localized immunohistochemically with an antibody to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). In addition, high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) allowed for biochemical measurements of the catecholamines norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA). Increased NGF protein in the trigeminal ganglion was paralleled by a significant increase in sympathetic fibers and pericellular plexuses (i.e. baskets) in the cell body regions. Some ganglia showed elevated NE following NGF infusion, yet the 88% increase in mean NE did not reach significance. Following bilateral removal of the sympathetic superior cervical ganglia (SCG), a significant reduction was observed in overall NE levels and in TH-immunoreactive (-ir) fibers in the cell body regions and peripheral branches, suggesting the SCG as the origin of the sympathetic ingrowth. However, mean DA levels as well as TH-ir fibers within the trigeminal central branch were unaffected by NGF infusion or removal of the SCG and likely resulted from intrinsic dopaminergic cell bodies. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that the increased availability of NGF in the young adult rat trigeminal ganglion observed following in vivo NGF infusion enhanced sympathetic associations with the sensory neurons in the trigeminal, supporting a role for NGF in the regulation of sympathosensory interactions.
The phase problem of ultraflat unimodular polynomials: The resolution of the conjecture of Saffari

where e > 0 is an absolute constant (independent of n). Yet, combining some probabilistic lemmas from Korner’s paper [Ko] with some constuctive methods (Gauss polynomials, etc.), which were completely unrelated to the deterministic part of Korner’s paper, Kahane [Ka] proved that there exists a sequence (Pn) with Pn ∈ Kn which is (en)-ultraflat, where en = O ( n−1/17 √ log n ) . Thus the Erdos conjecture was disproved for the classes Kn. In this paper we study ultraflat sequences (Pn) of unimodular polynomials Pn ∈ Kn in general, not necessarily those produced by Kahane in his paper [Ka].
Blood Pressure Response to Sodium Restriction and Potassium Supplementation in Healthy Normotensive Children

To examine the effects of dietary sodium on blood pressure 149 healthy, normotensive children (64 males, 85 females) participated in a study to restrict sodium intake to 60 mEq/day or half of the usual intake for 3 months. Sodium excretion was significantly decreased during the study period (100.6 +/- 3.4 mEq vs 46.5 +/- 2.0 mEq, P less than .001). As a group there was no significant change in systolic and a small decrease in diastolic blood pressure (54.2 +/- 0.8 mmHg vs 53.0 +/- 0.7 mmHg, p less than .03, one tailed). Adjustment of blood pressure for weight and age and analysis of residuals yielded significant decreases in both mean arterial (p less than .05) and diastolic blood pressure (p less than .05). In the potassium supplement study, comparison of supplementation to post-supplement periods in 31 children (13 male, 18 female) showed a significantly lower (p less than .05) systolic blood pressure during supplementation (101.3 +/- 2.1 mmHg vs 103.3 +/- 20 mmHg). Analyses of diastolic pressures, sodium excretion and weight were not significant. These studies show heterogeneity in the blood pressure response to sodium restriction and suggest that sodium restriction and potassium supplementation have different effects on blood pressure in children.
Bringing blood to life

Since ancient times, the heart and blood have been inextricably linked as fundamental elements to the process of life. William Harvey was the first to provide a plausible mechanism for blood circulation when in 1628 he defined the circulatory system to comprise a cardiac pump, intact vascular system
Simplifying Ranking Tasks in Survey Research: A Method and Example

In many situations in survey research ranking objects or choices is desired. Ranking often presents many difficulties for respondents so data are incomplete. This paper demonstrates that use of paired comparisons may overcome many such difficulties. The paper also describes the simple computations involved in its use.
Two Cycles of Recurrent Maternal Half-Sib Selection Reduce Foliar Late Blight in a Diploid Hybrid Solanum phureja-S. stenotomum Population by Two-thirds

Foliar late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is an important disease problem worldwide. Foliar resistance to late blight was found in a hybrid population of the cultivated diploid species Solanum phureja-S. stenotomum (phu-stn). The objective of this study was to determine if resistance to late blight could be improved by recurrent maternal half-sib selection in the phu-stn population. Four clones from each of 72 maternal half-sib families plus the check cultivar ‘Atlantic’ were evaluated for late blight resistance in replicated field trials in Pennsylvania. The most late blight resistant clone from each of the 72 families was randomly intermated to advance the population. The cycle 1, 2, and 3 populations were evaluated in 1996–1997, 2003–2004, and 2009–2010, respectively. Percent infected foliage was recorded several times towards the end of the growing season and used to compute area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). Mean AUDPC was 652 (cycle 1), 556 (cycle 2), and 276 (cycle 3), whereas the mean AUDPC of ‘Atlantic’ ranged from 775 to 863 each cycle. Narrow-sense heritability for resistance was estimated as 0.78, 0.77, and 0.80 in cycles 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Recurrent maternal half-sib selection continues to improve the levels of resistance to late blight in this diploid population with no adverse effect on the amount of additive genetic variance. Additional improvements for late blight resistance are likely to occur if this approach is continued.
Separable-expansion method for potential scattering and the off-shell T matrix

The closed-form, separable-expansion expression of Belyaev, Wrzecionko, and Irgaziev for the two-body T matrix is studied numerically for the case of a Yukawa potential. The method shows good convergence for the elastic scattering amplitude at intermediate energies, yielding results almost identical to Glauber's eikonal method.
Effects of Column Length, Particle Size, Flow Rate, and Pressure Programming Rate on Resolution in Pressure-Programmed Supercritical Fluid Chromatography

In pressure-programmed supercritical fluid chromatography, particle diameters in the range of 122 ..mu..m to 205 ..mu..m were found to yield maximum resolution of oligomers of 800 molecular weight polystyrene when 5% isopropanol in pentane was employed as a mobile phase at 240/sup 0/C. The ability of a given column to achieve maximum resolution was found to depend on the ratio of the pressure-programming rate to the average flow rate of the mobile phase. Resolution could be increased while analysis time decreased, when a fast pressure-programming rate was used in conjunction with a high flow rate. In addition, due to the unusual thermophysical properties of the super-critical mobile phase, operation at linear velocities that are generally considered to be in the region of turbulent flow were found to be necessary for maximum resolution.
Effect of removal of the cytolytic factor of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis on mosquito toxicity.

Solubilized crystal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis was fractionated by affinity chromotography using a monoclonal antibody directed against the crystal's 28 kDa peptide. The 28 kDa peptide was found to be relatively nontoxic to mosquito larvae although it does contain the hemolytic activity of the crystals. The crystal protein fraction depleted of the 28 kDa peptide was found to be nonhemolytic and to retain nearly full toxicity to mosquito larvae. These results suggest that the 28 kDa peptide is not required for the toxicity of solubilized crystal protein.
Excess disability during morning care in nursing home residents with dementia

Excess disability was examined in 17 nursing home residents with dementia by comparing their performance of morning care tasks under two activities of daily living (ADL) caregiving approaches-a dependence-supportive one under usual care and an independence-supportive one under functional rehabilitation. The results suggest that excess disability in severely cognitively impaired and functionally disabled residents can be reduced by increasing opportunities for independent activity, and substituting nondirective and directive verbal assists for physical assists. Further, the findings indicate that increased independence in ADL can be achieved without increasing disruptive behaviors and can foster appropriate requests for task-related help during caregiving. Functional rehabilitation, however, requires more time than usual care.
What can US city price data tell us about purchasing power parity

Abstract We study the dispersion of absolute price levels for US cities since 1918. By absolute price levels, we mean price indices that measure the cost of a given consumption basket at each point in time. We find strong evidence that city price levels converge over time and that the dispersion of price levels is lower for US cities than between OECD countries. We argue that price level convergence for US cities will produce bilateral real exchange rate nonstationarity. In this case, however, nonstationarity is not evidence against Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), rather it is the consequence of improved market integration.
Prior Knowledge Driven Causality Analysis in Gene Regulatory Network Discovery

Previous researches focus on applying the Granger causality (GC) model to time-series DNA microarray data to infer gene regulatory networks. However, in biological datasets, the number of available time points is usually much smaller than the number of target genes. Therefore, people widely used a bivariate GC model, which might lead to a significant amount of false discoveries in the causality analysis. In this study, we proposed a new framework to resolve the problem by incorporating the prior biological knowledge. These prior knowledge helps us to use/build a gene association network and cluster the candidate gene set into smaller groups. Within each small group, the more precise multivariate GC model is applied to discover causalities. We validated this new framework to a yeast metabolic cycle dataset and initial analysis revealed the potentials of our approach in discovering meaningful regulatory networks.
Time dependent theory for vesicular transport across vascular endothelium.

Abstract The steady-state hydro-electrodynamic model of Weinbaum & Caro (1976) for the vesicular transport of macromolecules across endothelial cell layers is extended to unsteady quasi one-dimensional vesicle diffusion and applied to existing time-dependent vesicle labelling studies. The model accounts for the spatially varying hydrodynamic and van der Waals force interaction between the vesicle and the boundary plasmalemma membranes of the endothelial cell. The present study also shows how Rubin's (1977) combined diffusion-reaction kinetics model for steady state permeability can be generalized to include an arbitrary spatial variation of the diffusion coefficient for a variable hydrodynamic resistance law in the cell interior. Approximate time-dependent solutions, valid for all times, are obtained using a novel integral solution technique for a multilayered media with variable diffusivity. Dimensionless time-dependent concentration profiles and flux ratios and dimensionless steady state permeability coefficients are generated independent of the cytoplasmic viscosity. When the time-dependent tracer data of Casley-Smith and Chin (1971) is used, the cytoplasmic viscosity is estimated to be 8·95 P.
Inhibition of galactose-induced alterations in ocular lens with sorbinil

Lens ultrastructure and Na- K-ATPase activity in the lenses of rats fed galactose and a galactose + sorbinil diet (aldose reductase inhibitor) were studied. Lenses of rats on the galactose diet exhibited development of peripheral opacity within 3-4 days. This opacity progressed with the continuation of the galactose feeding, and by 20 days mature cataracts were observed in these animals. The formation of vacuoles, cysts, membrane disruption in the epithelium and fibers, and swelling of fibers accompanied the development of opacity. With the progression of opacity there was a considerable drop in lens Na- K-ATPase activity in the galactose-fed animals. However, the lenses of rats that were treated with sorbinil did not show any of the alterations in the ultrastructure of the epithelium and fibers that accompany galactose cataractogenesis. The level of Na-K-ATPase activity in the sorbinil-treated animals was similar to that found in lenses from the laboratory chow-fed group of rats. These observations further substantiate the role of aldose reductase in sugar-cataract development.
Introduction: Performing Andean Identities

This introduction situates the work of contributors to this volume with respect to the Andeanist literature on fiestas and celebrations, anthropological performances and representation, and discussions of identity, hybridity and power in Latin America. The articles contribute to the anthropological understanding of the processes of constructing identities and historical memories. It is suggested that close attention to the relations between performance text and social context is essential to understanding the performative articulation of identity. The political implications of performancebased approaches to identity are also addressed
New Conformations and Binding Modes in Halogen-Bonded and Ionic Complexes of 2,3,5,6-Tetra(2‘-pyridyl)pyrazine

The enormous potential of 2,3,5,6-tetra(2‘-pyridyl)pyrazine (tppz) as a versatile multisite component for the design and construction of complex structures is demonstrated by the preparation of several new complexes that possess previously unobserved binding modes and conformations. tppz forms halogen-bonded complexes with diiodine and organoiodides and forms ionic compounds in which tppz is either di- or tetraprotonated. We have prepared two new halogen-bonded complexes of tppz with diiodine and with tetraiodoethylene (TIE). Both possess extended chain structures of alternating donors and acceptors, with the tppz donors in the diiodine complex linked by two neutral -I2·I2·I2- chains. Two new polyiodide complexes of tppz have also been prepared, one of which has di- and the other tetraprotonated cations. A bromide salt of the tetraprotonated tppz cation has also been prepared and found to be isomorphous with the known chloride salt. In the diiodine complex, tppz·6I2, the conformation of tppz is similar to...
Morphological features of the retinal pigment epithelium in the toad, Bufo marinus.

Background The toad's (Bufo marinus) retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been used in many studies as a model for understanding its role and interaction with the neural retina (NR). In this study, the fine structure of the RPE is described. Methods In vitro RPE-chorion preparations from the toad were studied after separation from the NR. Tissues were processed for light and electron microscopy. Results The RPE consists of a single layer of cells joined by a series of tight junctions forming part of the blood–retina barrier. These cells had minimal infolding of the basal membrane and numerous microvillous processes extending from the apical surface and surrounding photoreceptor outer segments. Internally, RPE cells display a large nucleus, numerous mitochondria located at the basal membrane, extensive smooth endoplasmic reticulum, myeloid bodies, phagosomes, scattered polysomes, large lipid droplets and melanin granules. Rough endoplasmic reticulum is relatively scarce within these cells. The choriocapillaris consists of large blood vessels facing Bruch's membrane. Bruch's membrane is typical of other vertebrates, being pentalaminate over the whole retina. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris facing Bruch's membrane is typically very thin but shows few fenestrations. Conclusions Due to the ultrastructural similarities of toad RPE with that of mammals, it can serve as an excellent model for the study of retinal detachment/reattachment and their cellular and molecular mechanisms. Anat. Rec. 249:128–134, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Nurse Practitioner in Home Care

Since 1889, when the role of the nurse anesthetist as an advanced practice nurse was first recognized in the United States, the roles and utilization of the advanced practice nurse in general and that of the nurse practitioner in particular have expanded significantly. Nurse practitioners are moving into the home health care setting and practice in a variety of specialties within home care. This article discusses the need for the nurse practitioner role in home care, the benefits of the role, and the potential for the role in home care for the future.